bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expandable and reversible copy number amplification drives rapid adaptation to antifungal drugs
Authors: Todd Robert T , Selmecki Anna
Published: July 2020

Previously, we identified long repeat sequences that are frequently associated with genome rearrangements, including copy number variation (CNV), in many diverse isolates of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans (Todd et al., 2019). Here, we describe the rapid acquisition of novel, high copy number CNVs during adaptation to azole antifungal drugs. Single-cell karyotype analysis indicates that these CNVs appear to arise via a dicentric chromosome intermediate and breakage-fusion-bridge cycles that are repaired using multiple distinct long inverted repeat sequences. Subsequent removal of the antifungal drug can lead to a dramatic loss of the CNV and reversion to the progenitor genotype and drug susceptibility phenotype. These findings support a novel mechanism for the rapid acquisition of antifungal drug resistance and provide genomic evidence for the heterogeneity frequently observed in clinical settings.
S-phase-independent silencing establishment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Goodnight Davis , Rine Jasper
Published: July 2020

The establishment of silent chromatin, a heterochromatin-like structure atHMLandHMRinSaccharomyces cerevisiae, depends on progression through S phase of the cell cycle, but the molecular nature of this requirement has remained elusive despite intensive study. Using high-resolution chromatin immunoprecipitation and single-molecule RNA analysis, we found that silencing establishment proceeded via gradual repression of transcription in individual cells over several cell cycles, and that the cell-cycle-regulated step was downstream of Sir protein recruitment. In contrast to prior results,HMLandHMRhad identical cell-cycle requirements for silencing establishment, with no apparent contribution from a tRNA gene adjacent toHMR. We identified the cause of the S-phase requirement for silencing establishment: removal of transcription-favoring histone modifications deposited by Dot1, Sas2, and Rtt109. These results revealed that silencing establishment was absolutely dependent on the cell-cycle-regulated interplay between euchromatic and heterochromatic histone modifications.
The timing mega-study: comparing a range of experiment generators, both lab-based and online
Authors: Bridges David , Pitiot Alain , MacAskill Michael R. , Peirce Jonathan W.
Published: July 2020

Many researchers in the behavioral sciences depend on research software that presents stimuli, and records response times, with sub-millisecond precision. There are a large number of software packages with which to conduct these behavioral experiments and measure response times and performance of participants. Very little information is available, however, on what timing performance they achieve in practice. Here we report a wide-ranging study looking at the precision and accuracy of visual and auditory stimulus timing and response times, measured with a Black Box Toolkit. We compared a range of popular packages: PsychoPy, E-Prime®, NBS Presentation®, Psychophysics Toolbox, OpenSesame, Expyriment, Gorilla, jsPsych, Lab.js and Testable. Where possible, the packages were tested on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, and in a range of browsers for the online studies, to try to identify common patterns in performance. Among the lab-based experiments, Psychtoolbox, PsychoPy, Presentation and E-Prime provided the best timing, all with mean precision under 1 millisecond across the visual, audio and response measures. OpenSesame had slightly less precision across the board, but most notably in audio stimuli and Expyriment had rather poor precision. Across operating systems, the pattern was that precision was generally very slightly better under Ubuntu than Windows, and that macOS was the worst, at least for visual stimuli, for all packages. Online studies did not deliver the same level of precision as lab-based systems, with slightly more variability in all measurements. That said, PsychoPy and Gorilla, broadly the best performers, were achieving very close to millisecond precision on several browser/operating system combinations. For response times (measured using a high-performance button box), most of the packages achieved precision at least under 10 ms in all browsers, with PsychoPy achieving a precision under 3.5 ms in all. There was considerable variability between OS/browser combinations, especially in audio-visual synchrony which is the least precise aspect of the browser-based experiments. Nonetheless, the data indicate that online methods can be suitable for a wide range of studies, with due thought about the sources of variability that result. The results, from over 110,000 trials, highlight the wide range of timing qualities that can occur even in these dedicated software packages for the task. We stress the importance of scientists making their own timing validation measurements for their own stimuli and computer configuration.
Search Ferments from Microorganisms Isolated from the Sap of the Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis)
Authors: Detto Karamoko , Aboya Moroh Jean-Luc , Philomène Kokora Aya , Yogonin Tiba Zogbé , Marcellin Dje Koffi
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is the search for ferments from microorganisms isolated from the sap of the oil palm. It consisted in determining, before and after 24 hours of fermentation, the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of palm wine using standard methods. The pH, the rate of reducing sugars and the dry matter levels decrease while the acidity, vitamin C and the water content increase after 24 hours of fermentation. The pH decreases from 3.56±0.01 to 3.24±0.01 in Dura palm wines with the Pisi Sab S10 microorganism, while in Pisifera wine this pH increases from 3.93±0.01 to 3.82±0.01 with Pisi Sab 30S3. The titrable acidities increase from 0.71%±0.01 to 0.79%±0.01 in the sap of the Dura palm with the Pisi Sab S10 microorganism, while in the wine of Pisifera the rate increases from 0.67%±0.01 to 0.76%±0.01 with the microorganism Pisi Sab 30S3. Reducing the levels of sugar decrease to minimum values. They increase from 86.34±0.02 to 42.05±0.01 mg/mL in the sap of the Dura palm with the Pisi Sab S10 microorganism, whereas in that of the Pisifera wine, the rate increases from 32.07±0.02 to 14.53±0.02 mg/mL with the Pisi Sab 30S3 microorganism. The level of alcohol increases to reach maximum values of 4.24%±0.01 with the Pisi Sab S10 microorganism in Dura palm sap and 4.29%±0.01 in Pisifera sap with the Pisi Sab microorganism. 30S3. The microorganism giving the best organoleptic qualities in the sap of the Dura palm is Pisi Sab S10 while that of Pisifera is Pisi Sab 30S3. These microorganisms thanks to their efficiencies could be used as ferments in the agro-food industries.
Organochlorine Residues Levels in Some Selected Kolanuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl.) in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Viviane Deigna-Mockey , Henri Biego , Yves Nyamien , Ysidor Konan , Adama Coulibaly , Assi Ake , Daouda Sidibe
Published: July 2020

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the level of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in some selected kolanuts in Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: Kolanuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in 3 regions, in particular western, southwestern and eastern of Côte d’Ivoire.

Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2017-2018.

Methodology: A total of 225 samples were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector.

Results: Data showed that all 17 pesticides analyzed were detected in kolanuts samples. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in OCPs sub-group used by farmers and traders in all producing region. The mean levels of HCHs, DDTs and cyclodienes were ranged from 0.07± 0.01– 0.91± 0.05 mg/kg, 0.15±0.01 – 0.61±0.12 mg/kg and 0.12±0.03 - 0.84±0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Otherwise, farmer’s levels of OCPs were lower than those detected in kolanuts from collectors and urban stores samples. Thus, compared to the MRL set by the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, the farmer’s samples are lower than limits fixed, unlike the contents registered with collectors and urban stores.

Conclusion: There is the need to keep monitoring ecotoxicological chemical substances in kolanuts produced in Côte d’Ivoire and take steps that ensure health safety of end users. Care should be taken since residues could pose chronic health risk for adults and children.
The Amount of the Selected Metals in Soils and River Water of Gopalgonj, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Matiar , Pinky Tamanna
Published: July 2020

The contaminations and exposures of some metals recognized as a risk to human health owing to consumption of components through water and atmosphere. Nine composite samples consist of five completely different waters and four soils were collected from the various places of Gopalgonj, Bangladesh. These were digestible and examined, during this study. Quantifications of various metals from the composite specimens were created by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer strategies (AAS) against commonplace activity plot. The frequency of metals were determined within the order of soil > waters. Concentration of the following metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca and Mg for soil samples is more than that of water samples. With increasing concentrations of Co, Ni, Na and K were determined in waters compared to soils. Very low concentrations of metals were found from water samples. The Fe, Cr, Ni, Na and Mn concentrations exceeded the approved permissible levels in soils specimens and rests were among permissible limit.
Morphological Characterization of 22 Accessions of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.]
Authors: Adegboyegun Kemi , Okpanachi Fidelis Etuh , Akpanikot Kufre Ededet
Published: July 2020

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan [L] Millsp.) is a multipurpose legume crop that provides food fodder and wood for small scale farmers. However, it remains one of the underutilised crops with limited research done so far for the crop diversification and improvement. In this study, the phenotypic diversity of 22 accessions of pigeon pea was evaluated. The Seeds were collected from ICRISAT Niamey, Niger. The study was carried out at the biological garden and at the central research laboratory of the University of Lagos. Viability test was done on the collected seeds before planting in a polythene pot. The phenotypic traits measured include both the quantitative and qualitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among accessions for all quantitative traits, except the seed length, seed breadth, seed thickness and the number of germinated seeds per pot. For qualitative traits, seed colour pattern and primary seed colour were diverse, other qualitative traits measured in this study showed moderate level of variation. The results for cluster analysis for both qualitative and quantitative traits grouped the accessions into two major clusters. In all the dendrograms, accessions ISC 147, ISC 24, ISC 157 and ISC 185 were varied and showed good performance for morphological traits analysed as well. The result of the phenotypic diversity observed in this study can help in parental selection for subsequent plant breeding.
Assessment of Grasscutter Domestication for Income Generation in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Okeke A. N. , Oruh E. K.
Published: July 2020

Grasscutter, (Thryonomys swinderianus) locally known as ‘Nchi’ can generate additional income for farmers and families but its domestication in some Nigeria is still preliminary. This study was carried out in four private Grasscutter farms within four communities; Awgbu, Nanka, Oko, and Omogho in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, to determine the level of profitability of each farm. Sixty structured questionnaires were administered to the members of the household, fifteen in each farm but only fifty-one (85%) were retrieved and used while nine (15%) were not used. Results shows that 29% of the farmers were men while 22% were female. The largest participants (27.5%) fall within the age bracket 31-40 years, the age of responsibility. The farm in Awgbu community has the highest number of animals (24) while the farms at Nanka, Oko and Omogho, have 11, 15 and 22 respectively. The total income each farm generated during the years (2012, 2013 and 2014) were ₦330,000, ₦200,000, ₦125,000, and ₦89,000 respectively. The feed given to these animals include cassava (Manihot esculenta), maize (Zea mays), pawpaw (Carica papaya), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). The farmers indicated that their main challenges include bad roads, shortage of funds, insufficient space and lack of governmental incentives. These setbacks can be solved by the provision of developmental grants, supply of pipe-borne water, land, feeds and good roads. These can motivate farmers to increase their production to a commercial level, which will yield them more income instead of subsistence domestication.
Microorganisms and Physico-chemical Profile of Aquatic Ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Atoyebi B. , Ekpo M. A.
Published: July 2020

Microbiological and physicochemical profiles of water samples collected from three aquatic ecosystems in Akwa Ibom State were determined using standard microbiological and chemical techniques. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion technique. Physicochemical parameters of the water samples were also carried out using standard chemical methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts and total coliform counts of the water samples ranged from 2.0x107±0.17 to 2.6x107±0.44 CFU/ml and 1.8x105±0.38 to 3.3x105±0.3 CFU/ml, respectively. The total fungal and total vibrio counts ranged from 1.2x105±0.07 to 1.7x105±0.49 CFU/ml and 5.2x104±2.31 to 1.8x105±0.19 CFU/ml, respectively. The faecal coliform and total salmonella-shigella counts of the water ranged from 6.8x104±0.3 to 2.3x105±0.38 CFU/ml and 1.2x105±2.58 to 3.8x105±0.24 CFU/ml, respectively. Nine bacterial genera comprising Bacillus, Salmonella, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Vibrio, Proteus and Streptococcus species were isolated from the samples, while the fungal isolates were Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillum, Rhizopus and Candida species. The bacterial isolates were highly resistant to Amoxicillin/Clavulanates and Cefuroxime, while high sensitivities to Gentamicin were observed among E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Analysis of variance showed that there was a high significant difference (p<0.05) between total viable counts obtained in the three sample locations while the correlation coefficient showed positive relationship between the total viable counts and some of the physicochemical parameters studied. The aquatic ecosystem studied, based on the bacteriological and physicochemical parameters revealed that the human, animal and agricultural activities plays significant role in the contamination of the water source. Consequently, the water should be properly processed before use.
High Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Escherichia coli Serotype O157: H7 among Pastoral Communities in Rural Uganda
Authors: Walusansa Abdul , Iramiot Jacob S. , Najjuka Christine F. , Aruhomukama Dickson , Mukasa Hussein Kafeero , Kajumbula Henry , Asiimwe Benon B.
Published: July 2020

Background: Non-prescribed use of antimicrobials in Agriculture incurs a transfer risk of resistant pathogens to humans, complicating treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of Zoonotic E. coli to serve as drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among animals and humans in pastoralist communities in Kasese district, so as to protect the community.

Materials and Methods: A laboratory based cross-sectional study was done using archived E. coli isolates previously obtained from humans in pastoralist communities of Kasese district, Uganda. Recovery of the isolates was done by conventional culture, and Identification by biochemical methods, serotyping and PCR. Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was adopted for AMR profiling. Isolates were screened for resistance mechanisms including Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), Carbapenemases and AmpC production using disc diffusion based methods.

Results: The prevalence of Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) was 16% (28/180). These EHEC isolates belonged to phylogroups; B1 (94%, 26/28), B2 (3%, 1/28) and A (3%, 1/28). All the 28 EHEC isolates possessed the virulence gene stx1, 26 of the 28 EHEC isolates contained the virulence gene stx2e, but none of the 28 possessed the virulence gene stx2. Highest resistance was seen to Cotrimoxazole (89%, 25/28), Tetracycline (71%, 20/28), Ampicillin (65%, 18/28) and Nitrofurantoin (28%, 8/28), these are the most commonly used antimicrobials in the agricultural sector in Uganda. Minimal resistance was observed to the antimicrobials that are commonly used in human medicine especially β-lactams, β-lactam+inhibitors and Carbapenems. Of the 28 zoonotic E. coli isolates, 17%, (5/28) were ESBL positive and among these 1 (3%, 1/28) was a Carbapenemase producer.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of highly pathogenic, drug resistant E. coli O157:H7 among humans in pastoralist communities in Uganda. We suspect that these were acquired from animals because they mostly contained vero toxin gene vt2e which is animal specific, predominantly swine. Also majority of these EHEC isolates belonged to phylo-group B1 which has been documented to inhabit domestic animals. We recommend future studies to investigate relatedness of drug resistant isolates from humans and animals to ascertain the zoonotic spread of resistant enterohemorrhagic E. coli in pastoralist communities.
Study of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials and Some Heavy Metals from Intake of Some Nuts and Seeds in South-Western, Nigeria
Authors: Ademola Augustine Kolapo , Morakinyo Ruth Omoseeke
Published: July 2020

The concentration of NORMs and some toxic heavy metals in some nuts and seeds commonly consumed in the south-western states of Nigeria were investigated. The analysis was done with NaI(TI) spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) respectively. The concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the samples was found to be below the world average. The mean values are 6.6±1.8, 3.6±1.0 and 98.2±13.5 Bq/kg, in nuts and 8.4±2.6, 2.6±1.3 and 97.6±15.0 Bq/kg in seeds respectively. The effective dose in nuts was calculated to be 13.99 and 12.0 µSv in seeds. The fatal and hereditary cancer risk estimated from the consumption of the nuts and seeds are lower than 1.0 x 10-6 which is the lowest limit. Concentration of metals in the samples descend as Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr. The Hazard Indices of heavy metals are lower than 1 except for in Cocoa which is higher than 1 due to the high concentration of Cu and Fe. Therefore, the nuts and seeds analyzed in this study are contaminated with Cu and Fe and so must be taken with care so that consumers will not be exposed to excessive concentration of these metals which may have undesirable effects.
The Role of Total Number of Floors under Age Influencing Residential Price Utilizing the Mediation Analysis
Authors: Yang Ho-Wen , Hsieh Hsien-Chi
Published: July 2020

We examine here how does age and total number of ﬂoors affect residential prices in Taichung City Taiwan. In recent years, with the increase in land prices and the improvement of construction technology, number of ﬂoors in multi-family residential towers has also increased in Taiwan. There are many factors that affect the transaction price of multi-family residential towers. The research object of this study is 2,500 transaction data of 22 multi-families residential towers in the most densely populated area near Zhongke Shopping Plaza in Xitun District, Taichung City April 2012 to March 2019. First, this study uses the hedonic pricing model explore the signiﬁcance of factors that affect the transaction price of multi-family residential towers with residential prices as the dependent variables, number of ﬂoors, age, land transfer area, building transfer area, story as independent variables. Then this study uses causal steps and bootstrapping to check the intermediary effect of number of ﬂoors between age and residential price. The statistical results found that number of ﬂoors, age, land transfer area, and building transfer area all signiﬁcantly affect residential price. This study found that age affects residential price through number of ﬂoor height that represent number of ﬂoors playing the role of full mediation between age and residential price.
Distribution of the deaths from childhood and adolescent cancer across the regional health agencies from the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Silva Aline Cerqueira Santos Santana da , Silva Bianka Queiroz da , Valente Rayssa Goulart , Knupp Virginia Maria de Azevedo Oliveira , Bárcia Leila Leontina do Couto , Regazzi Isabel Cristina Ribeiro
Published: July 2020

Objective: The study’s main purpose has been to analyze the spatial distribution of deaths from malignant neoplasms in patients aged up to 19 years old across the regional health agencies of Rio de Janeiro State. Methods: This ecological study analyzed the spatial distribution of deaths from January to December 2015 through data of the Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) [Mortality Information System]. The data were tabulated in Tabnet and analyzed using the R statistical software. Results: Considering the 101 deaths observed, 24 (23.8%) were from central nervous system cancer. The Metropolitan I regional health agency had the highest death rates (63.3%), and Baixada Litorânea had the highest proportion of deaths from leukemia (27.9%). Conclusion: Identifying the most frequent deaths from malignant neoplasms makes it possible to formulate public policies aimed at prevention, diagnostics, and treatment consistent with the local reality.
Marks of violence among elderly people
Authors: Pereira Jéssica Barreto , Pimenta Cláudia Jeane Lopes , Carmo Andressa Pereira do , Filgueiras Thaynara Ferreira , Pereira Maisa Galdino , Castro Anúbes Pereira de
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: identificar os sinais de maus tratos vividos por esse grupo etário. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado no município de Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brasil. A coleta de dados compreendeu dois grupos a serem investigados: idosos que participavam de grupos de convivência e pessoas idosas residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência. Resultados: Por meio da análise das falas dos idosos, emergiu a categoria “Vestígios de violência contra a pessoa idosa” e suas respectivas subcategorias: “Violência intrafamiliar”, “Conflitos de vizinhança” e “Violência Urbana”. Conclusão: percebe-se que os idosos são vulneráveis à violência, em que as características relacionadas a esta variam de acordo com o local no qual esses indivíduos estão inseridos.
Palliative care and its relationship with the nursing diagnoses of NANDA-I and NIC taxonomies
Authors: Silva Daniel Espirito Santo da , Pacheco Patrícia Quintans Cundines , Souza Sônia Regina de
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: identificar quais diagnósticos de enfermagem da taxonomia da North American Nursing Diagnosis Association Internacional (NANDA-I) descritos ou indicados nas produções cientificas, possuem relação com os pacientes em cuidados paliativos e quais são as intervenções de enfermagem mais adequadas segundo a Classificação das Intervenções de Enfermagem (NIC). Método: revisão integrativa da literatura, que consiste na construção de uma análise ampla da literatura tendo como propósito inicial obter entendimento de um determinado fenômeno baseando-se em estudos anteriores. Resultados: realizou-se um levantamento sobre os estudos relacionados ao tema em fontes bibliográficas através de três sistemas informatizados. Dos artigos encontrados, apenas dez tornavam possível a identificação de Diagnósticos de Enfermagem, ou sua inferência. Estes diagnósticos foram contabilizados e relacionados as Intervenções mais adequadas de acordo com a literatura. Conclusão: foi identificada uma produção científica pouco expressiva, mas ainda assim foi possível identificar diagnósticos e inferências diagnósticas que permitiram determinar quais intervenções de enfermagem seriam as mais adequadas.
The knowledge of the nursing team on transfusion of hemocomponents: an integrated review
Authors: Vieira Camila Mariana de Araújo Silva , Santos Kelli Borges
Published: July 2020

Objetivos: identificar estudos relativos ao conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem brasileira no processo transfusional; observar qual grau de conhecimento da equipe referente à hemotransfusão; identificar medidas que promovam o aprimoramento desse conhecimento. Método: revisão integrativa realizada através de busca de estudos com emprego dos descritores controlados blood transfusion AND nursing team OR nursing AND knowledge. Os critérios para inclusão foram: estudos brasileiros, cujo objeto era o conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem em transfusão de hemocomponentes, publicados entre 2014 e 2018, nos idiomas português, inglês ou espanhol. Instrumento validado foi utilizado para a coleta dos dados. Resultados: oito estudos atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, sendo sete artigos e uma dissertação. Os estudos destacaram que há necessidade de aprimoramento do conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem na prática transfusional. Conclusão: os treinamentos periódicos foram apontados como instrumento fundamental para a melhoria da segurança transfusional.
Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bomprezzi Roberto
Published: July 2020

Multiple sclerosis is considered an autoimmune disease that affects young individuals, predominantly women, and is one of the leading causes of neurological disability in the United States and Europe.

Intense research carried over the last four decades has unveiled mechanisms underlying the disease process and although some questions remain unanswered, the role of the immune system in initiating a deregulated immune response and contributing to degenerative phenomena within the central nervous system has been elucidated.

Advances in molecular and radiological techniques have refined diagnostic accuracies and have helped define how the disease progresses. Then, in parallel with the improved understanding of the disease pathogenesis, a growing number of therapies have been developed that are capable of obtaining control of the inflammatory component of the disease and they are rewriting its natural history. Arresting neuronal degeneration, promoting remyelination, repairing tissue damage and reversing neurological deficits are the ongoing challenges for the medical science in the field.

Key Concepts

MS is the leading cause of neurological disability in young women in North America and Europe.

As for other multifactorial diseases, MS results from the interplay of a genetic background with small contribution from many different genes and environmental factors acting as triggers.

Although classified as a demyelinating disease, MS is a disorder of the central nervous system where there are inflammatory and degenerative phenomena. Both the myelin and the grey matter are involved, causing demyelination, axonal injury, neuronal loss and brain atrophy.

The pathogenesis of MS entails an aberrant autoimmune response that sees the mobilisation of both the adaptive and the innate immune systems.

The variability of the expression of the disease depends on lesion locations, vulnerability of oligodendrocytes, neurons and axons, as well as secondary metabolic derangements and finally the intrinsic abilities to repair and re‐myelinate.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has fundamentally changed our understanding of the disease and its activity. It has better defined the diagnostic criteria and has helped to characterise the disease courses.

As further advances of MRI techniques are offering new opportunities to visualise tissue changes
in vivo
, greater attention has been paid to the involvement of the cerebral cortex and the grey matter atrophy. These are strongly correlated with cognitive impairment and functional disability.

As a result of the better definition of the pathogenesis of MS, new and better disease‐modifying therapies continue to be made available.

Neurodegeneration seems to be both a direct consequence of the activity of the immune system and an indirect effect linked to neurotoxicity, neuronal injury and impaired survival of neurons. Its treatment is the ongoing challenge the neurology field is confronted with.
Visual System
Authors: Stacy Andrea K , Nelson Sacha B , Van Hooser Stephen D
Published: July 2020

In the human visual system, signals travel from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) to the primary visual cortex. In the retina, photoreceptors transduce light into electrical signals that are processed by the local neurons of the retina, which in turn provide input to the retinal ganglion cells, the output neurons of the retina. There are many types of retinal ganglion cells, including those sensitive to colour and form and motion and change, and retinal ganglion cells generally have receptive fields with a centre‐surround organisation. The LGN acts as a relay station between the retina and primary visual cortex. In the cortex, the luminance sensitive simple and complex cells respond to oriented bars or edges. Simple cells respond to properly oriented bars of light at particular locations, while complex cells respond to properly oriented bars at any location within their receptive fields. Double opponent cells in primary visual cortex allow the visual system to sense colour contrasts. Primary visual cortex has a complex horizontal organisation with overlapping maps of visual topography, ocular dominance and orientation tuning.

Key Concepts

A receptive field refers to the region of visual space in which stimuli elicit a response from the cell.

The retina is a laminated structure at the back of the eye that transmits visual information to the brain.

The retina contains two types of photoreceptors, called rods and cones, that are responsible for converting light into electrical signals.

Retinal ganglion cells are the output cells of the retina that send information to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus.

The lateral geniculate nucleus is a laminated structure divided into layers based on eye of origin and cellular properties.

Neurons in the primary visual cortex exhibit selectivity for stimulus orientation.

Double‐opponent cells in the primary visual cortex respond to colour patterns and contribute to colour perception.

The mammalian visual pathway is organised retinotopically so that spatial representation of the visual field is preserved.

The primary visual cortex contributes to the initial processing of all visual information that is essential for visual perception.
Combining automatic plan integrity check (APIC) with standard plan document and checklist method to reduce errors in treatment planning
Authors: Xia Ping , LaHurd Danielle , Qi Peng , Mastroianni Anthony , Lee Daesung , Magnelli Anthony , Murray Eric , Kolar Matt , Guo Bingqi , Meier Tim , Chao Samual T. , Suh John H. , Yu Naichang
Published: July 2020

Purpose/objectives

To report our experience of combining three approaches of an automatic plan integrity check (APIC), a standard plan documentation, and checklist methods to minimize errors in the treatment planning process.

Materials/methods

We developed APIC program and standardized plan documentation via scripting in the treatment planning system, with an enforce function of APIC usage. We used a checklist method to check for communication errors in patient charts (referred to as chart errors). Any errors in the plans and charts (referred to as the planning errors) discovered during the initial chart check by the therapists were reported to our institutional Workflow Enhancement (WE) system. Clinical Implementation of these three methods is a progressive process while the APIC was the major progress among the three methods. Thus, we chose to compared the total number of planning errors before (including data from 2013 to 2014) and after (including data from 2015 to 2018) APIC implementation. We assigned the severity of these errors into five categories: serious (S), near miss with safety net (NM), clinical interruption (CLI), minor impediment (MI), and bookkeeping (BK). The Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 253 planning error forms, containing 272 errors, were submitted during the study period, representing an error rate of 3.8%, 3.1%, 2.1%, 0.8%, 1.9% and 1.3% of total number of plans in these years respectively. A marked reduction of planning error rate in the S and NM categories was statistically significant (P < 0.01): from 0.6% before APIC to 0.1% after APIC. The error rate for all categories was also significantly reduced (P < 0.01), from 3.4% before APIC and 1.5% per plan after APIC.

Conclusion

With three combined methods, we reduced both the number and the severity of errors significantly in the process of treatment planning.
Phase Formation and Densification Peculiarities of Hf–C–N Solid Solution Ceramics during Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zavjalov Alexey P. , Nikiforov Pavel A. , Kosyanov Denis Y. , Zakharenko Alexander M. , Trukhin Viacheslav O. , Talskikh Kristina Y. , Shichalin Oleg O. , Papynov Evgeniy K.
Published: July 2020

Herein, phase formation and sintering of hafnium carbonitride ceramics from a 4HfC–3HfN powder mixture using reactive spark plasma sintering are studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data show that the mutual heterodiffusion of carbon C and nitrogen N increases with sintering temperature within the studied temperature range 1500–2100 °C. 4HfC–3HfN powder sintering at 1900 °C for 5 min under 60 MPa pressure yields HfCxN1−x solid solution ceramics. The ceramic sample prepared under optimal conditions (2100 °C, 5 min, 60 MPa) is characterized by an average grain size of 10 μm, microhardness of 19.6–22.5 GPa, and relative density above ≈97%.
Quantitative Photoacoustic Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Inflammation In Vivo Using Activatable Theranostic Nanoprobe
Authors: Ye Jiamin , Li Zhi , Fu Qinrui , Li Qingqing , Zhang Xuan , Su Lichao , Yang Huanghao , Song Jibin
Published: July 2020

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species such as H2O2 is the pathological basis of chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as bacterial infection‐induced inflammation. Therefore, the in situ H2O2 level is a reliable biomarker of inflammatory responses, and its real‐time measurement can monitor disease progression and improve therapeutic outcomes in inflammation‐linked diseases. However, the currently used strategies for the diagnosis of inflammation is mainly through routine blood test, which are limited in determining the inflammation status and cannot provide comprehensive quantitative information. In this work, a novel H2O2‐responsive theranostic nanoplatform comprising Ag shell coated Pd‐tipped gold nanorods (Au–Pd@Ag NR) is developed. The etching and oxidation of the Ag shell by H2O2 release the Ag ions, which effectively kill bacteria in vivo and trigger their absorption variation at 700 and 1260 nm. The ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) imaging at 1260 and 700 nm (PA1260/PA700) accurately quantifies H2O2 in a mice model of bacterial infection and abdomen inflammation, even in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis. The H2O2 activated second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) PA images of the probe can further precisely differentiate the inflammation region and normal tissue. This nanoplatform not only can quantify H2O2 during inflammation but also act as a potent antibacterial agent.
Calcium Phosphate Mineralized Black Phosphorous with Enhanced Functionality and Anticancer Bioactivity
Authors: Pan Ting , Fu Wen , Xin Hongbao , Geng Shengyong , Li Zhibin , Cui Haodong , Zhang Yanli , Chu Paul K. , Zhou Wenhua , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: July 2020

Biodegradable inorganic nanomaterials have opened new perspectives for cancer therapy due to their inherent anticancer activity. Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPs) with their unique bioactivity have recently been identified as promising cancer therapeutic agents but their application is hampered by the difficulty in surface functionalization. Herein, an in situ calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization strategy is described to enhance the anticancer activity of BPs. By using BPs as the phosphate sources and growth templates, the synthesized CaP‐mineralized BPs (CaBPs) retain the intrinsic properties of BPs and at the same time have high loading capacities for various fluorophores to enable effective bioimaging and tracing. Compared to BPs, CaBPs exhibit enhanced and selective anticancer bioactivity due to the improved pH‐responsive degradation behavior and intracellular Ca2+ overloading in cancer cells. Furthermore, CaBPs specifically target mitochondria and cause structural damage, thus leading to mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. After intravenous injection, CaBPs target orthotopic breast cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth without giving rise to adverse effects or toxicity. The results demonstrate the great potential of CaBPs as targeted anticancer agents and the CaP mineralization approach provides a versatile surface functionalization strategy for nanotherapeutic agents.
Perovskite‐Type Solid Solution Nano‐Electrocatalysts Enable Simultaneously Enhanced Activity and Stability for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liang Xiao , Shi Lei , Cao Rui , Wan Gang , Yan Wensheng , Chen Hui , Liu Yipu , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: July 2020

A trade‐off between catalytic activity and structural stability generally exists in oxygen evolution electrocatalysis, especially in acidic environment. This dilemma limits the development of higher‐performance electrocatalysts that are required by next‐generation electrochemical technologies. Here it is demonstrated that the inverse catalytic activity–structural stability relation can be broken by alloying catalytically inert strontium zirconate with the other catalytically active perovskite, strontium iridate. This strategy results in an alloyed perovskite electrocatalyst with simultaneously improved iridium mass activity and structural stability, by about five times, for the oxygen evolution reaction under acidic conditions. The experimental and theoretical results suggest that the alloying strategy generates multiple positive effects, mainly including the reduction of catalyst size, the decrease of catalyst covalency, and the weakening of surface oxygen‐binding ability. The synergistic optimization of bulk and surface properties, as a result, enhances the intrinsic activity and availability of surface iridium sites, whilst significantly inhibiting the surface cation corrosion during electrocatalysis.
Low‐Cost Fabrication Method for Thin, Flexible, and Transparent Touch Screen Sensors
Authors: Kim Seong‐jun , Phung Thanh Huy , Kim Seora , Rahman Md. Khalilur , Kwon Kye‐Si
Published: July 2020

This study presents a new fabrication method for touch screen sensors using inexpensive, flexible, and transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. In the proposed method, a transparent capacitive touch sensor array is implemented with two independent axes of invisible electrodes consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO) patterns and bridge electrodes. A low‐cost implementation of the bridge electrodes is achieved by using near‐field electrospinning (NFES) method for the conductive lines with linewidth of 3–5 µm. Then, the printed bridge electrode is sintered using green laser without damaging the PET film. It is demonstrated that two transparent electrodes deposited on a single sheet of PET film can detect the touch location by scanning the driving signal while simultaneously measuring the capacitances from the sensing lines connected via bridge electrodes.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Amines to Benzothiazoles via Cross Coupling of Amines and Arene Thiolation Sequence
Authors: Kim Jihyeon , Oh Kyungsoo
Published: July 2020

A one‐pot three‐component synthesis of benzothiazoles has been developed using the copper‐catalyzed aerobic cross coupling of amines followed by arene thiolation using elemental sulfur. The dual roles of elemental sulfur and CuCl(OH)‐TMEDA in the aerobic amine oxidation and the aniline thiolation enable the facile access to benzothiazole derivatives from readily available starting materials. The operational simplicity of the current promiscuous catalyst system suggests the high synthetic potential in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds.

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Bipolar Electrodes for Next‐Generation Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Liu Tiefeng , Yuan Yifei , Tao Xinyong , Lin Zhan , Lu Jun
Published: July 2020

The development of advanced rechargeable batteries provides a great opportunity for basic and applied researchers to collectively overcome challenging scientific and technological barriers that directly address a critical need for energy storage. In addition to novel battery chemistries often scientifically reviewed, advanced battery structures via technological innovations that boost battery performance are also worthy of attention. In this context, bipolar electrodes (BEs) are capable of improving the specific power, simplifying cell components, and reducing manufacturing costs for rechargeable batteries. By focusing on the fundamentals and applications of BEs in rechargeable batteries, the rational utilization of BEs from an academic perspective is considered. The progress and challenges of BEs are discussed and summarized in detail. Key techniques and materials for enabling BEs are highlighted and an outlook for the future directions of BEs that involve emerging concepts, such as wearable devices, all‐solid‐state batteries, fast spraying fabrication, and recyclable secondary batteries, is also presented.
Complementary Type Ferroelectric Memory Transistor Circuits with P‐ and N‐Channel MoTe2
Authors: Hong Sungjae , Kim Kang Lib , Cho Yongjae , Cho Hyunmin , Park Ji Hoon , Park Cheolmin , Im Seongil
Published: July 2020

Ferroelectric nonvolatile memory (FeNVM) field effect transistors (FETs) are reported using p‐channel MoTe2 and P(VDF‐TrFE) ferroelectric polymer, and furthermore a complementary type memory cell is demonstrated coupling p‐ and n‐channel MoTe2 FETs. A top‐gate p‐FET with P(VDF‐TrFE) and a bottom‐gate n‐FET with Al2O3 dielectric are integrated as one cell. Such a complementary type cell is more desirable research path in respect of power consumption but rare to find in 2D‐based memory reports. Among many 2D semiconductors MoTe2 is selected, because p‐type MoTe2‐based FeNVM is not reported yet, and also because it is relatively easy to obtain both p‐ and n‐channel from the homogeneous MoTe2. The integrated device also operates as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor inverter in a small voltage range from 0 to ≈2.5 V, but primarily works as a FeNVM circuit when p‐channel with top P(VDF‐TrFE) is biased with high voltages over the coercive electric field (Ec) of the polymer. The bottom gate n‐channel transistor operates as a switching device in the FeNVM cell, allowing voltage output signals during device operations. It is concluded that the complementary type FeNVM cell is practical and novel enough to report as a first time demonstration based on 2D MoTe2.
Soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition jointly affect crop yield
Authors: Chen Meiqi , Xu Jisheng , Li Zengqiang , Zhao Bingzi , Zhang Jiabao
Published: July 2020

Balanced fertilization with N, P, and K fertilizers (NPK) is usually recommended to increase crop yield, while little is known on whether the effectiveness differs in soils with different fertilization histories. A greenhouse experiment grown with winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and fertilized with NPK was conducted using soils that had been under five fertilization histories, including NPK, unbalanced fertilizers without one of the major elements (NP, PK, and NK), and an unfertilized treatment (Nil), for 18 yr. Wheat biomass and nutrient uptake from the PK treatment was 23–114% higher, from the NP was similar (except for N uptake), and from the NK and Nil was 14–58% lower, relative to the NPK treatment. Network analysis revealed positive associations of wheat biomass with available P (AvaP) and some specific taxa (i.e.,FlavisolibacterandPontibacterenriched in PK treatment andMicrobacteriumandNocardioidesdepleted in NK and Nil treatments), besides positive associations between AvaP andMicrobacteriumandNocardioidesabundances. GenusBaccillusenriched in PK treatment was identified as the keystone taxa. These results suggest that significantly induced crop yield in PK treatment by a single season application of balanced fertilizers may be associated with higher AvaP and stimulation of microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and crop growth promotion, while lower yield observed in NK treatment may be related to lower AvaP and suppression of microorganisms involved in soil P availability. Our findings implied that besides balanced fertilization, more strategies are required for quickly improving crop yield according to soil nature.
Machine‐Driven Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Glycopeptide
Authors: Zhang Jiabin , Liu Ding , Saikam Varma , Gadi Madhusudhan R. , Gibbons Christopher , Fu Xuan , Song Heliang , Yu Jin , Kondengaden Shukkoor M. , Wang Peng G. , Wen Liuqing
Published: July 2020

Historically, researchers have put considerable effort into developing automation systems to prepare natural biopolymers such as peptides and oligonucleotides. The availability of such mature systems has significantly advanced the development of natural science. Over the past twenty years, breakthroughs in automated synthesis of oligosaccharides have also been achieved. A machine‐driven platform for glycopeptide synthesis by a reconstructed peptide synthesizer is described. The designed platform is based on the use of an amine‐functionalized silica resin to facilitate the chemical synthesis of peptides in organic solvent as well as the enzymatic synthesis of glycan epitopes in the aqueous phase in a single reaction vessel. Both syntheses were performed by a peptide synthesizer in a semiautomated manner.
Biosynthesis of Indole Diterpene Lolitrems: Radical‐Induced Cyclization of an Epoxyalcohol Affording a Characteristic Lolitremane Skeleton
Authors: Jiang Yulu , Ozaki Taro , Harada Mei , Miyasaka Tadachika , Sato Hajime , Miyamoto Kazunori , Kanazawa Junichiro , Liu Chengwei , Maruyama Jun‐ichi , Adachi Masaatsu , Nakazaki Atsuo , Nishikawa Toshio , Uchiyama Masanobu , Minami Atsushi , Oikawa Hideaki
Published: July 2020

Lolitrems are tremorgenic indole diterpenes that exhibit a unique 5/6 bicyclic system of the indole moiety. Although genetic analysis has indicated that the prenyltransferase LtmE and the cytochrome P450 LtmJ are involved in the construction of this unique structure, the detailed mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report the reconstitution of the biosynthetic pathway for lolitrems employing a recently established genome‐editing technique for the expression host Aspergillus oryzae. Heterologous expression and bioconversion of the various intermediates revealed that LtmJ catalyzes multistep oxidation to furnish the lolitrem core. We also isolated the key reaction intermediate with an epoxyalcohol moiety. This observation allowed us to establish the mechanism of radical‐induced cyclization, which was firmly supported by density functional theory calculations and a model experiment with a synthetic analogue.