bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening and Synthesis of Tetrazole Derivatives that Inhibit the Growth of Cryptococcus Species
Authors: Nakada Nana , Miyazaki Taiga , Mizuta Satoshi , Hirayama Tatsuro , Nakamichi Seiko , Takeda Kohsuke , Mukae Hiroshi , Kohno Shigeru , Tanaka Yoshimasa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCryptococcosis has become a major health problem worldwide and caused morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, especially those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite the global distribution of cryptococcosis, the number and types of the available antifungals are limited, and the treatment outcomes in HIV patients are generally poor. In this study, we screened a compound library and identified one tetrazole derivative as an efficient inhibitor of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. We further designed and synthesized a series of tetrazole derivatives and determined their structure‐activity relationship, demonstrating that tetrazole backbone‐containing compounds could be developed as novel antifungal drugs with distinct mechanisms against Cryptococcus spp. Our findings provide a starting point for novel target identification and structural optimization to develop a distinct class of therapeutics for patients with cryptococcosis.
Disparities in prostate cancer screening, diagnoses, management, and outcomes between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous men in a universal health care system
Authors: Kiciak Alex , Clark Wayne , Uhlich Maxwell , Letendre Angeline , Littlechild Randy , Lightning Patrick , Vasquez Catalina , Singh Raja , Broomfield Stacey , Martin Anais Medina , Huang Guocheng , Fairey Adrian , Kolinsky Michael , Wallis Christopher J. D. , Fung Christopher , Hyndman Eric , Yip Steven , Bismar Tarek A. , Lewis John , Ghosh Sunita , Kinnaird Adam 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundIndigenous Peoples have higher morbidity rates and lower life expectancies than non‐Indigenous Canadians. Identification of disparities between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous men regarding prostate cancer (PCa) screening, diagnoses, management, and outcomes was sought.MethodsAn observational cohort of men diagnosed with PCa between June 2014 and October 2022 was studied. Men were prospectively enrolled in the province‐wide Alberta Prostate Cancer Research Initiative. The primary outcomes were tumor characteristics (stage, grade, and prostate‐specific antigen [PSA]) at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were PSA testing rates, time from diagnosis to treatment, treatment modality, and metastasis‐free, cancer‐specific, and overall survivals.ResultsExamination of 1,444,974 men for whom aggregate PSA testing data were available was performed. Men in Indigenous communities were less likely to have PSA testing performed than men outside of Indigenous communities (32 vs. 46 PSA tests per 100 men [aged 50–70 years] within 1 year; p < .001). Among 6049 men diagnosed with PCa, Indigenous men had higher risk disease characteristics: a higher proportion of Indigenous men had PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL (48% vs. 30%; p < .01), TNM stage ≥ T2 (65% vs. 47%; p < .01), and Gleason grade group ≥ 2 (79% vs. 64%; p < .01) compared to non‐Indigenous men. With a median follow‐up of 40 months (interquartile range, 25–65 months), Indigenous men were at higher risk of developing PCa metastases (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2–4.2; p < .01) than non‐Indigenous men.ConclusionsDespite receiving care in a universal health care system, Indigenous men were less likely to receive PSA testing and more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive tumors and develop PCa metastases than non‐Indigenous men.
Organization of descending neurons in the brain of the desert locust
Authors: Staudacher Erich M. , Cigan Michel‐Leon , Wenz Felix , Pollun Aleksandra , Beck Sascha , Beck Marius , Reh Fabienne , Haas Judith , Homberg Uwe 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn most animals, multiple external and internal signals are integrated by the brain, transformed and, finally, transmitted as commands to motor centers. In insects, the central complex is a motor control center in the brain, involved in decision‐making and goal‐directed navigation. In desert locusts, it encodes celestial cues in a compass‐like fashion indicating a role in sky‐compass navigation. While several descending brain neurons (DBNs) including two neurons transmitting sky compass signals have been identified in the locust, a complete analysis of DBNs and their relationship to the central complex is still lacking. As a basis for further studies, we used Neurobiotin tracer injections into a neck connective to map the organization of DBNs in the brain. Cell counts revealed a maximum of 324 bilateral pairs of DBNs with somata distributed in 14 ipsilateral and nine contralateral groups. These neurons invaded most brain neuropils, especially the posterior slope, posterior and ventro‐lateral protocerebrum, the antennal mechanosensory and motor center, but less densely the lateral accessory lobes that are targeted by central‐complex outputs. No arborizations were found in the central complex and only few processes in the mushroom body, antennal lobe, lobula, medulla, and superior protocerebrum. Double label experiments provide evidence for the presence of GABA, dopamine, tyramine, but not serotonin, in small sets of DBNs. The data show that some DBNs may be targeted directly by central‐complex outputs, but many others are likely only indirectly influenced by central‐complex networks, in addition to input from multiple other brain areas.
Sandwich Fibrous PEG Encapsulations for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Xiuling , Venkataraman Mohanapriya , Wiener Jakub , Tan Xiaodong , Zhu Guocheng , Yao Juming , Militky Jiri 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPhase change materials (PCMs) textiles have been developed for personal thermal management (PTM) while limited loading amount of PCMs in textiles reduced thermal buffering effect. In this work, we proposed a sandwich fibrous encapsulation to store polyethylene glycol (PEG) with PEG loading amount of 45 wt %, which consisted of polyester (PET) fabrics with hydrophobic coating as protection layers, polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membranes as barrier layers and PEG‐loaded viscose fabric as a PCM‐loaded layer. The leakage was totally avoided by controlling weak interfacial adhesion between protection layer and melting PEG. The sandwich fibrous PEG encapsulations had an overall melting enthalpy value ranging from 50 J/g to 78 J/g and melting points ranging from 20 °C to 63 °C by using different PEGs. Besides, introduction of Fe microparticles in PCM‐loaded layer enhanced thermal energy storage efficiency. We believe that the sandwich fibrous PEG encapsulation has a great potential in various fields.
Presence of the cloud cover and elevation angle of the sun affect measurements of eggshell coloration and patterning obtained from calibrated digital images
Authors: Szala Klaudia , Tobolka Marcin , Surmacki Adrian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCalibrated digital photography is frequently used in studies focusing on avian eggshell appearance to measure colour and pattern features. Photographs are often taken in natural light conditions, yet little is known to what extent the normalisation process is able to control for varied light. Here, we photographed 36 blown eggs of the Japanese quail Coturnix japonica at five different elevation angles of the sun on both sunny and uniformly overcast days alongside grey standards. We normalised and processed the photographs in the MICA Toolbox software and checked how much noise was introduced by different natural light conditions to the colour and pattern measurements of the same set of eggs. Our results indicate that natural variation of light conditions affects eggshell colour and pattern measurements obtained by means of calibrated digital photography. Depending on a trait, the elevation angle of the sun had similar or even greater effect on the measurement than the presence of the cloud cover. Furthermore, measurements taken in cloudy conditions were more repeatable than those taken in sunny conditions. Based on the results, we propose practical guidelines regarding measuring colour and pattern of eggshells using calibrated digital photography in outdoor conditions.
Species‐specific responses to white‐nose syndrome in the Great Lakes region
Authors: Mallinger Elyse C. , Goodwin Katy R. , Kirschbaum Alan , Shen Yunyi , Gillam Erin H. , Olson Erik R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWhite‐nose syndrome is a fungal disease that is threatening bat populations across North America. The disease primarily affects cave‐hibernating bats by depleting fat reserves during hibernation and causing a range of other physiological consequences when immune responses are suppressed. Since it was first detected in 2006, the disease has killed millions of bats and is responsible for extensive local extinctions. To better understand the effects of white‐nose syndrome on various bat species, we analyzed summer acoustic survey data collected from 2016 to 2020 at nine US National Parks within the Great Lakes region. We examined the effect that white‐nose syndrome, time of the year relative to pup volancy, habitat type, and regional variation (i.e., park) have on the acoustic abundance (i.e., mean call abundance) of six bat species. As expected, little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and northern long‐eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), both hibernating species, experienced a significant decline in acoustic abundance following white‐nose syndrome detection. We observed a significant increase in acoustic abundance as white‐nose syndrome progressed for hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), both migratory species that are not impacted by the disease. Contrary to our predictions, we observed an increase in big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus; hibernating) acoustic abundance and a decrease in eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis; migratory) acoustic abundance following the detection of white‐nose syndrome. We did not observe any significant changes after the onset of white‐nose syndrome in the seasonal patterns of acoustic activity related to pup volancy, suggesting that production or recruitment of young may not be affected by the disease. Our results suggest that white‐nose syndrome is affecting the acoustic abundance of certain species; however, these changes may not be a result of reduced reproductive success caused by the disease. In addition, species population dynamics may be indirectly affected by white‐nose syndrome as a result of reduced competition or a foraging niche release. We also found that for parks located at higher latitudes, little brown bat and northern long‐eared bat were more likely to experience greater declines in acoustic abundance as a result of white‐nose syndrome. Our work provides insight into species‐specific responses to white‐nose syndrome at a regional scale and examines factors that may facilitate resistance or resiliency to the disease.
How monster storms shape fringing reefs: Observations from the 2020 Middle East Cyclone
Authors: Oron Shai , Akkaynak Derya , Goodman Tchernov Beverly N. , Shaked Yonathan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn March 2020, an unusually intense storm system struck the Gulf of Aqaba‐Eilat, resulting in severe shoreline damage. This brief account examines post‐storm observations of inconsistent damage patterns and structural changes along a specific coastal stretch located at the south beach of Eilat. Certain sections of the coastline experienced direct impact from extreme waves on the south‐southeast‐facing shallow reef, resulting in areas where rocks were completely stripped of corals due to sediment backwash. Conversely, areas characterized by ridges and deep troughs saw the loss of branching corals and some massive colonies, while many small corals survived. A neighboring area with a well‐developed fringing reef suffered lesser damage. Between the severely affected shallow reef and the robust fringing reef lies an unconsolidated slope that migrated eastward by at least 2 m following the storm, incorporating numerous coral colonies dislodged by the event. We propose that this slope advances with each major storm occurrence, influencing the characteristics of nearby shores and coral reefs. This case demonstrates how storm events, in conjunction with geomorphology, have a cumulative and significant impact not only on the structure of coral communities but also on the fundamental shape of coral reefs themselves. As climate change amplifies the range, intensity, and frequency of storms, comprehending these processes becomes increasingly crucial.
Species diversity of forest floor biota in non‐native Douglas‐fir stands is similar to that of native stands
Authors: Glatthorn Jonas , Appleby Scott , Balkenhol Niko , Kriegel Peter , Likulunga Likulunga Emmanuel , Lu Jing‐Zhong , Matevski Dragan , Polle Andrea , Riebl Hannes , Rivera Pérez Carmen Alicia , Scheu Stefan , Seinsche Alexander , Schall Peter , Schuldt Andreas , Wingender Severin , Ammer Christian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCultivation of non‐native tree species is a promising option to adapt managed forests to climate change. However, consequences of non‐native tree species on flora, fauna, and microorganisms that occur in forest ecosystems (forest associates) need to be considered when managing forests. We lack a solid understanding of how cultivating non‐native tree species in pure stands and in mixture with native tree species impacts abundance and species diversity of forest associates. We compared abundance, alpha‐, beta‐ and gamma‐diversity of eight forest‐floor‐associated taxa that are relevant for ecosystem functioning (including fungi, plants, arthropods, and small mammals) between different forest ecosystems. We addressed pure stands of non‐native coniferous Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and two native species, broad‐leaved European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and coniferous Norway spruce (Picea abies), as well as mixed stands of European beech with each conifer in two regions with differing site conditions in temperate Northwest Germany. Diversity indices revealed differences among species groups. Gamma‐diversity and alpha‐diversity of forest associates in Douglas‐fir and spruce stands were usually higher than in beech stands. Estimates of species diversity of mixed stands are intermediate between estimates for the respective pure stands. Differences in the diversity between the two study regions were highly taxon specific with no clear support for a general trend toward a higher or lower species diversity of forest associates depending on site quality. Abundance values show a pattern similar to our diversity estimates, but with a higher statistical uncertainty. Non‐native Douglas‐fir stands provided habitats to support associated species communities of equally high or higher diversity than stands of native beech or spruce. Mixed stands of non‐native and native tree species may be a management option to achieve different goals, that is, to provide habitats for species that are strictly associated with beech and to increase resilience to climate change. However, the overall diversity of forest‐floor‐associated biota is not improved by cultivating Douglas‐fir or spruce in mixture with beech.
Paleometagenomics reveals environmental microbiome response to vegetation changes in northern Siberia over the millennia
Authors: Perfumo Amedea , Çabuk Uğur , Schulte Luise , Courtin Jérémy , Harms Lars , Stoof‐Leichsenring Kathleen R. , Herzschuh Ulrike 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe study of environmental ancient DNA provides us with the unique opportunity to link environmental with ecosystem change over a millennial timescale. Paleorecords such as lake sediments contain genetic pools of past living organisms that are a valuable source of information to reconstruct how ecosystems were and how they changed in response to climate in the past. Here, we report on paleometagenomics of a sedimentary record in northern Siberia covering the past 6700 years. We integrated taxonomic with functional gene analysis, which enabled to shed light not only on community compositions but also on eco‐physiological adaptations and ecosystem functioning. We reconstructed the presence of an open boreal forest 6700 years ago that over time was gradually replaced by tundra. This vegetation change had major consequences on the environmental microbiome, primarily enriching bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizers (e.g., Nitrospira, Nitrosopumilus, and Ca. Nitrosocosmicus) in the tundra ecosystem. We identified a core microbiome conserved through time and largely consisting of heterotrophic bacteria of the Bacteroidetes phylum (e.g., Mucilaginibacter) harboring numerous functional genes for degradation of plant‐biomass and abiotic and biotic stress resistance. Archaea were also a key functional guild, involved in nitrogen and carbon cycling, not only methanogenesis but possibly also degradation of plant material via enzymes such as cellulases and amylases. Overall, the paleo‐perspective offered by our study can have a profound impact on modern climate change biology, by helping to explain and predict the ecological interplay among multiple ecosystem levels based on past experiences.
Whey protein aggregates‐alginate composite gel for astaxanthin‐chia oil encapsulation
Authors: Espinaco Brenda Y. , Niizawa Ignacio , Zorrilla Susana E. , Sihufe Guillermo A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChia oil (rich in omega‐3 fatty acids) and astaxanthin are associated with various benefits for human health. However, their low solubility and poor stability reduce their direct use as bioactive compounds. Its encapsulation within the appropriate material can be a solution in this case. This work evaluated the effect of whey protein aggregates (WPA) on the storage stability of chia oil‐astaxanthin blends encapsulated in alginate gel beads. Bead characteristics and the stability of encapsulated bioactive compounds stored at 25°C for 30 days were evaluated. High values of encapsulation efficiency (>85%) were observed in the cases studied. The addition of WPA affected some characteristics of the beads and improved the stability of the bioactive compounds compared to pure alginate beads. After 30 days of storage, higher preservation of astaxanthin and lower content of lipid oxidation products were observed in beads with WPA compared to alginate beads.
Electrochemical determination of sulfaguanidine using COOH‐MWCNT coated GC electrode
Authors: Jabrallah Taha Ben , Amal Chaabani , Tahar Noureddine Belhadj 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of sulfaguanidine was investigated in PBS buffer aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammograms have shown that (1) the Sg provided a well‐defined irreversible oxidation peak (2) the signal‐to‐background current ratio is 3 times higher at COOH‐MWCNT coated GCE than that of bare GCE and (3) the modifying GCE surface by COOH‐MWCNT led to a significant improvement (2.7 folds) of the electrochemical response. It has been shown that Sg oxidizes according to a diffusion‐controlled mechanism. A linear calibration curve was obtained for the oxidation of Sg at 10–70 μM. The COOH‐MWCNT coated GCE has also been successfully used for the determination of Sg in real samples.
Trends and future of agricultural irrigation in Michigan and Indiana
Authors: Dong Younsuk , Christenson Catherine , Kelley Lyndon , Miller Steve 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIrrigation plays a critical role in Michigan and Indiana, USA, supporting various crops such as commercial corn, seed corn, soybeans, potatoes, fruit and vegetables. Irrigated lands in Michigan and Indiana have continuously increased over the last 20 years. As Michigan and Indiana have experienced more erratic precipitation and warmer temperatures, more irrigated lands will be projected. This study focused on understanding the changes in irrigation in Michigan and Indiana using USDA NASS data. The observation of changes from 2002 to 2017 helped to identify the critical considerations for developing future irrigation research and extension programmes in Michigan and Indiana. The study found that continuation of the collaboration with stakeholders, including state regulators, government staff, commodity groups, the irrigation industry and farmers, will be important to disseminate the most up‐to‐date irrigation information effectively to farmers. As more new irrigated lands are expected, outreach programmes for the optimal design of irrigation systems for specific crop types should be developed. Moreover, an easy‐to‐use and affordable irrigation scheduling technology is needed to increase the adoption rate of scheduling tools, ultimately improving irrigation water and energy use efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts.
Intra‐annual snowfall variability in the central United States
Authors: Suriano Zachary J. , Uz Jamie , Loewy Charles 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSnowfall in the central United States has been shown to be highly variable at interannual timescales and subjected to long‐term linear trends. However, limited understanding is available about the intra‐annual variations and trends in snowfall within this region. Using a selection of GHCN daily snowfall observations and statistical analyses, this study develops a monthly climatology of snowfall characteristics in the central United States from 1948 to 2021. Here we find larger magnitude snowfall events have a greater relative frequency to seasonal snowfall late in the snow season, have increased in frequency in the western and northern regions of the basin, and contribute to a bimodal distribution of monthly snowfall in these sub‐regions. While snowfall has significantly increased over time within the northern and western regions of the domain by as much as 83%, snowfall has significantly decreased by much as 46% in the southern and eastern regions. Further, March snowfall totals and event frequencies have declined across the vast majority of the study domain, with maximum decreases in eastern IA of approximately 50%. When coupled with increases in snowfall and snowfall events in February, this suggests a shift in the snowfall season with time in this portion of the study region. Such results may be of particular interest to snow and water resource managers where integration of the nonstationarity of snowfall events and totals with time into management plans may yield better solutions.