bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast sequence-based microsatellite genotyping development workflow
Authors: Lepais Olivier , Chancerel Emilie , Boury Christophe , Salin Franck , Manicki Aurélie , Taillebois Laura , Dutech Cyril , Aissi Abdeldjalil , Bacles Cecile F.E. , Daverat Françoise , Launey Sophie , Guichoux Erwan
Published: May 2020

Application of high-throughput sequencing technologies to microsatellite genotyping (SSRseq) has been shown to remove many of the limitations of electrophoresis-based methods and to refine inference of population genetic diversity and structure. We present here a streamlined SSRseq development workflow that includes microsatellite development, multiplexed marker amplification and sequencing, and automated bioinformatics data analysis. We illustrate its application to five groups of species across phyla (fungi, plant, insect and fish) with different levels of genomic resource availability. We found that relying on previously developed microsatellite assay is not optimal and leads to a resulting low number of reliable locus being genotyped. In contrast, de novo ad hoc primer designs gives highly multiplexed microsatellite assays that can be sequenced to produce high quality genotypes for 20–40 loci. We highlight critical upfront development factors to consider for effective SSRseq setup in a wide range of situations. Sequence analysis accounting for all linked polymorphisms along the sequence quickly generates a powerful multi-allelic haplotype-based genotypic dataset, calling to new theoretical and analytical frameworks to extract more information from multi-nucleotide polymorphism marker systems.
Multimode ultrasonic technique is recommended for the differential diagnosis of thyroid cancer
Authors: Wang Juan , He Xin , Ma Li , Li Miao , Sun Lei , Jiang Jue , Zhou Qi
Published: May 2020

Background

B-mode ultrasound is one of the most commonly used imaging techniques for evaluating thyroid nodules due to its noninvasive property and excellent performance in terms of discriminating between benign and malignant nodules. However, the accuracy of differential diagnosis strongly depends on the experience of ultrasonographers. In addition to B-mode ultrasound, the elastic mode and contrast-enhanced mode have shown complimentary value in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The combination of multiple modes in ultrasonic techniques may effectively undermine diagnostic subjectiveness and improve accuracy. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of combining the three ultrasonic modes for differentiating thyroid cancers.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed a total of 196 thyroid nodules with suspected malignancies from 185 patients who gave informed consent. Xi’an Jiaotong University granted ethical approval (No. 2018200) to carry out the study within its facilities. All the patients received ultrasonic examinations with the B mode, elastic mode and contrast-enhanced mode, followed by histopathological confirmation by fine-need aspiration or surgery. A predictive multivariate logistic regression model was selected to integrate the variety of data obtained from the three modes.

Results

The combination of three ultrasonic techniques for differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules showed the highest diagnostic accuracy of 0.985 compared to the B mode alone (0.841) and the two-mode combination. The accuracy of the B mode combined with the elastic technique was 0.954, and the accuracy of the B mode combined with the contrast-enhanced technique was 0.960.

Discussion

Multimode ultrasonic techniques should be recommended to patients with suspected malignant thyroid nodules in routine clinical practice.
Geospatial Mapping and Assessment of Flood-prone Communities in the Core Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Wizor Collins H. , Week D. A.
Published: May 2020

The study identified and assessed flood-prone communities in the core Niger Delta region of Nigeria using GIS (Geographic Information Science). Data for the study was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was generated from the information obtained from the respondents through the administration of the questionnaire and the use of GPS to generate coordinates for the flood-prone communities in the core Niger Delta. The population of the study comprised of people in both rural and urban communities prone or ravaged by flood in the core Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers. Random sampling technique (using blindfold) was used in the selection of 5 flood-prone communities from each of the 3 states. Random sampling technique was also used in the selection of 50 respondents from each of the 5 selected communities spread across each of the 3 selected states. This gave a sample of 250 per state totalling 750 in the 3 selected states. Furthermore, the geographic coordinates (i.e. Northings, Eastings, and Elevation) of the identified fifteen (15) flood-prone communities were taken at specific locations across the core Niger Delta. The result shows three (3) geo-referenced maps of flood-prone communities in the core Niger Delta. Further evidence from the study revealed that the respondents’ major source of livelihood was farming occupation (34.7%) and fishing occupation (21.0%), while respondents with low socioeconomic status dominated (53.0%) in the study area which implies that in the event of a flood disaster, coping with the flood disaster becomes a challenge due to the low socioeconomic status of the residents. Finally, the findings of the study reveal that the yearly occurrence of flood in the core Niger Delta region has led to the devastation or destruction of a large expanse of land including cultivated farmlands, crop yield before the flood occurrence was average (48.2%) and high (35.1%) while crop yield after the flood was very low (50.8%) and low (33.2%). The study, therefore, recommended the development or building of resilience to reduce the devastation of flood menace across communities in the core Niger Delta area and construction of structural measures like dams, culverts, drainages, and ditches to accommodate and reduce the runoff or overflow of floodwaters which causes severe social, economic and infrastructural damages or impacts in the flood-prone communities.
Effects of Aqueous Colocasia esculenta Extracts on Selected Biochemical Parameters in Phenyl Hydrazine Induced Male Anemic Albino Rats
Authors: Samuel Olaitan Nugboton , Ayoade Adekunle Abiodun , David Seyi Adebayo , Ogunware Adedayo Emmanuel , Odekunle Ifeoluwa Israel
Published: May 2020

Aims: In this study, the effect of Colocasia esculenta a hematinic plant on biochemical parameters levels (Direct, Total and unconjugated bilirubin, creatinine, total protein, serum albumin and urea) was assessed to determine if the plant extract can reverse the abnormality in the values of these parameter.

Methodology: The experimental animals were divided into four groups as follows; group 1(non-anemic control), group 2 (anemic untreated), group 3 (anemic treated with low dose of plant extract 100 mg/ml), group 4 (anemic treated with high dose of plant extract 500 mg/ml). Anemia was induced in group 1, group 2 and group 3 with 60 mg/kg of phenyl hydrazine for 2 days. After induction of anemia group 2 and group 3 was treated with 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of plant extract for 7 days. After 7-day blood sample was collected through heart puncture and centrifuged for serum. Then, Bilirubin, creatinine, total protein, serum albumin and urea test were carried out.

Results: The anemic untreated group had the highest bilirubin, creatinine and urea value of 1.3 mg/dl, 3.97 mg/dl and 71.78 g/l respectively compared to the non-anemic control (bilirubin-0.4 mg/dl, creatinine-3.13 mg/dl and urea 60.35 mg/dl), anemic treated with low dose (bilirubin-0.37 mg/dl,creatinine-1.40 mg/dl and urea-41.82), and anemic treated with high dose (bilirubin-0.25 mg/dl, creatinine-0.86 mg/dl, and urea-48.66 mg/dl) with significant increase in phenyl hydrazine value at p<0.05 .The anemic nontreated group experienced a reduced value of total protein and albumin of 49.78 g/l and 24.46 g/l respectively compared to the non-anemic control (total protein-66.2 g/l and albumin-37.67 g/l) ,anemic treated with low dose (total protein-67.5 g/l and albumin-19.2 g/l), and anemic treated with high dose (total protein-21.9 g/l and albumin-81.6 g/l).

Conclusion: The obtained results from this study revealed the anti-anemia potentials of aqueous extracts of Colocasia esculenta.
Assessment of Acoustical Performance of Residential Buildings for Sustainable Liveability and Satisfaction in Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
Authors: Okoye Peter Uchenna , Ngwu Chukwuemeka , Ohaedeghasi Christian Ifeanyi
Published: May 2020

This study assessed the acoustical performance of residential buildings in Awka, Anambra State to determine the level of satisfactions of the occupants. The study surveyed the residential buildings and distributed questionnaires to the users and occupiers of different classes of residential buildings. The results of the survey were analysed using Means Satisfaction Index (MSI) and Relative Performance Index (RPI) to assess the level of satisfaction of the occupants of the buildings and the acoustical performance of the buildings respectively based on 12 selected acoustic performance criteria. It further used Pearson Product Moment Correlation to establish the relationship between occupants’ level of satisfaction and acoustic performance of the buildings. The study found that the overall acoustic performance of the buildings was grossly poor and unsatisfactory with average RPI of 0.35. It also found that the residents were very dissatisfied with the acoustic performance of the buildings in which they live (average MSI =1.74). The study further found that there was significant positive relationship between the occupants’ level of satisfaction and acoustic performance of the buildings with a Coefficient Correlation (r) of 0.875 and a computed t-test value of 5.708 which is greater than the critical t- value (2.228) tested at 5% significance level. The Coefficient of Determination (R2 = 0.7567) then suggested that about 75.69% level of satisfaction of the occupants of the residential buildings in Awka could be triggered by the acoustic performance of the buildings in which they live. On this evidence, the study craves for the enforcement of the provisions of the National Building Code as regards to sound control in buildings. In addition, there is need for adoption of different strategies for improving acoustics performance of buildings such as absorption, mechanical decoupling, mechanical damping, blocking, covering, etc., so as to promote good acoustic practices that would improve sustainable performance of our buildings and decline the resulting consequences of sounds in our residential buildings.
Diversity and Distribution of Macro Fungi in Some Selected Parks and Gardens of Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Tanni J. F. , Aminuzzaman F. M. , Ahmed M. , Rahaman M.
Published: May 2020

A survey was conducted during June to November, 2017 in five selected parks and gardens of Dhaka city, Bangladesh namely National Botanical Garden, National Zoo, Romna Park, Dhanmondi Lake and Boldha Garden. The investigation was done to analyze the morphology, diversity and distribution of macro fungi A total of 44 macro fungi samples were collected and identified to 32 species under 18 genera and 18 families. The most frequent collected genera were Ganoderma sp., Daedeleopsis sp., Ramariopsis sp., Crepidotus sp. and Daldinia sp. The maximum frequency of identified species was exhibited by Ganoderma lucidum (9.46%), followed by Ganoderma applanatum (8.1%), Volvariella volvacea (5.41%), Agaricus bisporus (5.41%) Daedaleopsis confragosa (4.05%), Trametes versicolor (4.05%) and Ganoderma boninense (4.05%). The maximum density of occurrence among collected samples was exhibited by Ramariopsis kunzei (11.3%), Ganoderma lucidum (9.9%), Crepidotus variabilis (5.3%) and Daedaleopsis confragosa (3.76%). The predominant species found in National Botanical Garden is Ganoderma applanatum, in Ramna Park is Ganoderma lucidum, in Dhanmondi Lake is Ramariopsis kunzei, in Boldha Garden is Ganoderma lucidum and in National zoo is Amanita bisporigera. The collected specimens were deposited to the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Herbarium of Macro Fungi (SHMF).
Effect of Type and Permeability Behaviour of Packaging Material on the Quality Characteristics of Dried Carrot Roundels during Storage
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Thakur N. S. , Sharma K. D. , . Hamid , Thakur Abhimanyu
Published: May 2020

Carrot (Daucus carota L) is a carotenoids rich vegetable which is mainly consumed raw, converted to various products and cooked vegetable dishes. Present studies were carried out to study the changes observed in quality characteristics of dried carrot roundels during storage. Steam blanching and KMS dipping of carrot roundels followed by mechanical cabinet drying was found to be the best pretreatment for drying of carrot roundels as discussed earlier. These dried carrot roundels were further packed and stored under refrigerated (4-7°C) and ambient (11.6-26.2°C) storage conditions for 12 months. The dried carrot roundels packed in aluminium laminated pouches and stored under refrigerated conditions showed minimum increase in physico-chemical characteristics like moisture content (11.03%), water activity (0.310), pH (6.04), reducing sugars (21.00%), total sugars (35.36%) and retained highest amounts of titratable acidity (0.73%), carotenoids (29.40mg/100g), total phenols (87.50mg/100g), crude fibres (4.16%), rehydration ratio (7.81), antioxidant activity (52.68%) and SO2 content (174.75 ppm), respectively. The sensory characteristics scores like colour (8.05), texture (7.48), taste (6.88) and overall acceptability (7.54), respectively were also retained highest in the aluminium laminated pouch under refrigerated storage condition.
Global Warming - Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies in Agriculture
Authors: Saini Jhanvi , Bhatt Rajan
Published: May 2020

Global warming - a new global challenge in front of agricultural scientists, affecting almost all the climatic parameters involving air temperature and rainfall intensity and distributions. Elevated levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) viz. carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc. are only because of faulty agricultural practices viz. intensive tilling, burning of crop residues, which further adversely affecting both land and water productivity. As per one projection that global surface air temperatures may increase by 4.0–5.8°C in upcoming few decades which offset the likely benefits of increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide on crop plants. Over space and time, new environmental conditions created which might be responsible for frequent droughts, higher temperatures, flooding, salinity, increased carbon dioxide levels, rise in sea-level, irregular rainfall patterns and shifting of pest dynamics etc. Therefore, global warming cycle needs to break down through forestation, using crop residues on soil as mulch or in soils as biochar instead of burning, and adopting certain agricultural practices or developing new plant cultivars which response to CO2 under higher temperature conditions etc which helps to reduces rather mitigate the adverse effects of the global warming. Further, changes in diets, minimum tillage operations and reductions in food wastage will also serve the purpose. The present review highlighted the crucial reasons for global warming, its impacts on agriculture and finally on mitigation strategies, which helps to improve the agricultural productivity and finally livelihoods of the farmers.
Histopathological Studies on the Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Senna italica Treatment of Rats Infected with Hymenolepis diminuta
Authors: Sani Mansur , Aliyu Mahmuda , Adamu Tukur , Sanda Aminu , Bello Muhammad Bashir
Published: May 2020

Helminths infections are among the major ailments affecting humans and livestock in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world which necessitates the current need for the use of traditional plants in the treatment of parasitic diseases.The aim of this study was to determine the pathological effects of Senna italica leaves extract on Hymenolepis diminuta infection. Plant leaf were collected and processed using cold maceration method. Phytochemical composition of the plant extract was determined. Rats were grouped into five groups of five rats each for the experiment. Albendazole was used for treatment at 7.5 mg/kg as positive control, while different concentrations of 75, 150, 300 and 0.0 mg/kg of the plant extracts were used for treatment of rats in the other groups. Daily worm-egg counts from all the rats for all the groups were recorded for up to 7 days post infection. Histopathology of tissues from representative rats from all groups was conducted to determine any visible change due to the treatments. The findings have shown a significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean egg/gram (EPG) in positive control after three days. Rats in group 2 (75 mg/kg) showed a fluctuating faecal worm-egg count throughout the period of the study, with no significant difference observed. Rats in group 3 (150 mg/kg) showed a slightly decreased mean worm-egg count with no significant difference observed at P<0.05. Rats treated with 300 mg/kg of the extract have shown significant decreased of worm-egg count within three days of the treatment (P<0.05) which was observed to be similar to the treatment with Albendazole. Histopathological studies of intestine, liver and lung tissues of the infected and treated rats have shown that the plant extract has no significant histopathological effects. Leaves of Senna italica have therapeutic effect against Hymenolepis diminuta infection with no observed pathology in an experimental animal model.
The Use of Chicken Feather Waste as an Adsorbent for Crude Oil Clean Up from Polluted Water
Authors: Okoya A. A. , Ochor N. O. , Akinyele A. B. , Olaiya O. O.
Published: May 2020

The present study aims to evaluate the use of chicken feather waste (CFW) as an absorbent for the removal of crude oil from crude oil polluted water (CPW) in comparison with commercial activated carbon (CAC) ) in Nigeria. Oil pollution, can be as a result of natural disaster like earthquake, volcanic eruption, hurricane etc., or as a result of man’s interference for example terrorism, oil bunkering, tanker and oil rig accidents. CAC have been use as adsorbent for crude oil removal from the water environment but very expensive, hence the need to develop cheaper and environment friendly adsorbents from some agricultural waste which could constitute nuisance in the environment. The pulverized chicken feathers were characterized using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometer (RBS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for elemental composition and the determination of surface morphology, respectively. The agricultural wastes used for this study was chicken feathers. The CFW was sourced from a local market at Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria, while commercial activated carbon was purchased from Uche-El Water Limited Company. The pulverized CFW was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Particle-induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Elemental composition of the CFW showed the presence of Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zr, Cd, Sn, Pb and Si within the range 12.8 - 22566.3 ppm with agglomeration of particle. The results of the scanning electron microscope clearly showed the surface texture and morphological characteristics of CFW. The efficiencies of adsorption increased with increasing initial concentration for the two adsorbents except initial concentration of 20/30 which decreased in the case of CAC. The adsorption efficiencies for all the initial concentrations for the adsorbents is significantly different (F=16.114; P=0.000) at confidence interval of 0.05. CFW showed greater adsorption efficiency of 99.95%, followed by CAC which showed an adsorption potential of 95.08% (P=0.577 > C.I=0.05). The adsorption efficiencies obtained for the chicken feather compare very well with the activated carbon and even better as the dosages of the chicken feather increased. The result of the study shows that chicken feathers is an efficient sorbent for the mopping of crude oil spill in water.
Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Passiflora edulis on Anxiety Induced by Sub-acute Immobilization Stress
Authors: Espoir Ayissi Mbomo Rigobert , Antoine Kandeda Kavaye , Clarisse Moto Okomolo Fleur , Didier Nanga Léopold , Linda Djangou Siebatcheu Sandrine , Théophile Dimo
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study was carried out to assess the anxiolytic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. edulis.

Place and Duration of Study:  Animal Physiology Laboratory of the Higher Teachers’ Training College, Animal Physiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Sciences , University of Yaoundé I, from November 2017 to August 2018.

Methodology: Anxiety was induced to mice by the sub-acute immobilization stress. After 11 days treatment, behavioural parameters were assessed using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Open Field (OF), then biochemical parameters (MDA, GSH, SOD, catalase, GABA, GABA-T and 5-HT) were estimated.

Results: The results show that treatment with P. edulis at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly increased open arms entries and time, while reducing closed arms entries and time in the EPM test. Lines crossed as well as passages through the centre and the centre time were significantly increased in the OF test. It is suggested that P. edulis would protect against anxiety and this effect probably linked to its ability to fight oxidative stress and counteract hyperexcitability by potentiating the GABA action. The more effective dose, 100 mg/kg significantly (P<0.01) increased to 4.44 ± 0.24 µmol/g the activity of GSH. In mice treated with dose 100 mg/kg, the extract induced a significant decrease of three oxidative stress markers including MDA, catalase and SOD to 0.22 ± 0.01 µmol/g, 1.05± 0.15 mmol H2O2/min/g; and 19.46±0.00 unit/min/mg respectively when compared to the negative control. Animals treated with P. edulis 100 mg/kg presented a significant increase level (P<0.001) of GABA and 5-HT up to 4.62 ± 0.28 and µg/g and 31.47 ± 1.58 ng/ml respectively. GABA-T activity was also impacted by the treatment with P. edulis, since the value of GABA-T activity of 1.27 ± 0.10 in the negative control significantly (P<0.001) decreased to 0.37± 0.00 in the group treated with dose 100 mg/kg.

Conclusion: The beneficial effects of this extract observed in this study justify the empirical use of P. edulis in the treatment of head ache and insomnia.
Classification of 4448 Diseases in Siddha System of Medicine – A Review
Authors: Raveendran Rakulini
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Siddha Medicine is a system of Traditional Medicine originating in ancient Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in South India. Traditionally, it is taught the siddhars laid the foundation for this system of Medication. Agastyar is considered the first Siddhar and the guru of all siddhars. Siddha system considers the human body as a collection of tri-humors & seven basic elements. Vatham, Pitham & Kapham are the tri-humors which are the life constituents of the human body. The equilibrium of humors is consider as health & its disturbance or imbalance leads to disease.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to identify the 4448 diseases according to the Siddha Literatures.

Results and Discussion: 4448 diseases are mentioned in Agasthiyar 2000, Angathipatham, Noi Naadal Noi Muthal Naadal part I and Theriyar vaakadam. Siddhar Aruvai Maruthuvam book stated that Head and neck diseases are 1008. Diseases are classified according to anatomical structures of body parts, tri humors and diseases. Totally, 93 diseases are explained in all five books. In Noi Naadal Noi Muthal Naadal Part II, 51 diseases and its types and In Yugi Vaiththiya Sinthamani, 27 diseases and its types are explained in the books. Totally, 544 and 431 Number of diseases are explained in the text Noi Naadal Noi Muthal Naadal Part II and Yugi Vaiththiya Sinthamani respectively.

Conclusion: This study has given quite evidence about 4448 diseases. These collected information are helpful for further studies in types of diseases.
Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Ready-to-Eat Shellfish (Corbiculid heterodont) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Egege Seighazi Regina , Akani Nedie Patience , Nwankwo Chidiebele Emmanuel Ikechukwu
Published: May 2020

Aims/Objective: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dominant cause of severe healthcare-associated (HA) infections but has recently emerged as Community-Associated (CA-MRSA) and Livestock-Associated MRSA (LA-MRSA). This study was carried out to detect the presence of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Corbiculid heterodont in Bayelsa state, Nigeria.

Place of Study: This study was conducted in Yenagoa, Southern Ijaw and Sagbama Local Government Areas, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Fifty-three samples (dried, fried and stewed) of the RTE C. heterodont were collected and subjected to standard microbiological procedures.

Results: Seventy Staphylococcus spp. were isolated, consisting of 65 (92.86%) S. aureus and 5 (7.14%) coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS). Out of the 65 S. aureus isolates, 53.8% were MRSA. Susceptibility pattern of MRSA showed a decreasing trend of resistance in the order: Amoxacillin, Ampicillin-Cloxacillin, Cefoxitin, and Oxacillin (100%) > Streptomycin (82.9%) >Ceftriaxone (40%) >Cefuroxime (31.4%), > Ciprofloxacin and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (17.1%) > Gentamycin and Pefloxacin (8.6%) > Erythromycin (2.9%).Out of the 65 S. aureus isolates, 62 (95.4%) had Multidrug Resistance Index > 0.2 while 3 (4.6%) had 0.2 as their Multidrug Resistance Index. The MRSA isolates were 100% Multidrug Resistant (MDR) while the Methicillin-Sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) were 90% MDR. Molecular characterization of ten S. aureus isolates confirmed 80% S. aureus isolates and 20% CONS (S. sciuri and S. warneri).  Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Agarose gel-electrophoresis were used to detect the presence of mecA gene, a gene that confers methicillin resistance. The mecA gene with size 500bp was identified in 50% of MRSA. This study reported presence of MRSA and MDR S. aureus in C. heterodont sold in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. This could be the avenue for the spread of MRSA. Public health awareness campaigns should be advocated to enhance hygienic practices in the handling and distribution of food.
Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) Uptake Potential and Surface Properties of Aeromonas spp. Isolated from Soil of Local Mining Site
Authors: Ibrahim U. B. , Yahaya S. , Yusuf I. , Kawo A. H.
Published: May 2020

Aim: In this study, Aeromonas spp. isolated from soil of local mining sites were assessed for their tolerance to some heavy metals and their capability for its uptake.

Materials and Methods: The bacteria were isolated from soil of local mining site in Bagega District of Zamfara State in Nigeria. Maximum Tolerable Concentration (MTC) was employed to screen for metal tolerance of the bacteria to Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) via Agar Plate Method technique. DNA Extraction and 16sRNA Gene Sequence Analysis was carried out to identify the isolates and sequences were compared to those in NCBI database using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST).

Results: Similarly, isolates identified were further characterized and validated by subjecting them to 16sRNA gene sequence analysis. Similarity search indicated a close genetic relatedness to Aeromonas spp. in NCBI database. The Aeromonas spp. Identified showed maximum tolerance to Pb at 27ppm and Cadmium at 24ppm. Bioaccumulation assay carried out revealed Aeromonas sp. BDL2 to take up Pb by as high as 70%. Biosorption capacity of their respective dried biomass assayed showed higher Pb uptake at 95.9% for Aeromonas sp. BDL2. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P≤0.05) between the isolates and their respective biomass in the uptake Pb and Cd. Surface examination different bands indicated the presence of carboxyl, amine, amides, sulfates and other aromatic groups and significant shifts of surface molecules.

Conclusion: Aeromonas sp. BDL2 identified in this study exhibited higher tolerance to Pb. Surface molecules and their positional properties revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine and amide group ligands with significant shifts after accumulation and biosorption experiment suggesting interaction between these surface molecules and heavy metal ions.
In Search of Equivalent Social Participation: What do Caregivers of Children with Disabilities Desire Regarding Inclusive Recreational Facilities and Playgrounds?
Authors: Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Schmidt Eric L.
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the current study was to examine what caregivers with children who have disabilities desire regarding inclusive recreational facilities and playgrounds for their children, the constraints that affect their recreational opportunities for the family as a whole, and the dream recreational facilities and playgrounds that would support families in overcoming social participation constraints. This study involved 491 caregivers. Results showed that caregivers (a) take their families to recreational facilities and visit them often, (b) indicated that their child with a disability could not fully participate in the facility's offerings, (c) felt that recreational facilities and playgrounds were not appropriate for their child with a disability, and (d) dreamed of a recreational facility and playground that met the needs of all family members. Results and implications are discussed by disability category.
Pre-service Teachers' Willingness to Engage in Inclusive Teaching: An Explanatory Model
Authors: Gilor Orit , Katz Michael
Published: May 2020

In this article, we report on a study that sought to examine the willingness of pre-service teachers to apply the inclusion policy for students with disability. The study considered the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985, 1991) as a means to explain the willingness of pre-service teachers in general and of the subgroups to engage in inclusive teaching. Participants were 580 pre-service teachers enrolled in various types of programs in three different teacher education colleges in Israel. They completed a paper copy questionnaire with 55 items. It was constructed according to Theory of Planned Behavior (TBP) guidelines. It was found that the model, based on the TPB, explains the degree of willingness of pre-service teachers to engage in inclusive teaching. It emerges that attitudes toward inclusion, perceptions of social norms regarding inclusion, and a sense of the competence of pre-service teachers to teach inclusive classes explain most of the variance in the willingness to engage in inclusive teaching and serves as leading factors manifesting this willingness. The discussion is focused on the need to increase pre-service teachers' willingness by using this model.
Personalized setting of plan parameters using feasibility dose volume histogram for auto‐planning in Pinnacle system
Authors: Xia Wenlong , Han Fei , Chen Jiayun , Miao Junjie , Dai Jianrong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The personalized setting of plan parameters in the Auto‐Planning module of the Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS) using the PlanIQ feasibility tool was evaluated for lung cancer conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT).

Materials and method

We reviewed the records of ten patients with lung cancer who were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Three plans were designed for each patient: the clinically accepted manual plan (MP) and two automatic plans including one generated using the generic plan parameters in technique script (AP1) and the other generated using personalized plan parameters derived based on feasibility dose volume histogram (FDVH) in PlanIQ (AP2). The plans were assessed according to the dosimetric parameters, monitor units, and planning time. A plan quality metric (PQM) was defined according to the clinical requirements for plan assessment.

Results

AP2 achieved better lung sparing than AP1 and MP. The PQM value of AP2 (52.5 ± 14.3) was higher than those of AP1 (49.2 ± 16.2) and MP (44.8 ± 16.9) with P < 0.05. The monitor units of AP2 (585.9 ± 142.9 MU) was higher than that of AP1 (511.1 ± 136.5 MU) and lower than that of MP (632.8 ± 143.8 MU) with p < 0.05. The planning time of AP2 (33.2 ± 4.8 min) was slightly higher than that of AP1 (28.2 ± 4.0 min) and substantially lower than that of MP (72.9 ± 28.5 min) with P < 0.05.

Conclusions

The Auto‐Planning module of the Pinnacle system using personalized plan parameters suggested by the PlanIQ Feasibility tool provides superior quality for lung cancer plans, especially in terms of lung sparing. The time consumption of Auto‐Planning was slightly higher with the personalized parameters compared to that with the generic parameters, but significantly lower than that for the manual plan.
VRK1 (Y213H) homozygous mutant impairs Cajal bodies in a hereditary case of distal motor neuropathy
Authors: Marcos Ana T. , Martín‐Doncel Elena , Morejón‐García Patricia , Marcos‐Alcalde Iñigo , Gómez‐Puertas Paulino , Segura‐Puimedon María , Armengol Lluis , Navarro‐Pando José M. , Lazo Pedro A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Distal motor neuropathies with a genetic origin have a heterogeneous clinical presentation with overlapping features affecting distal nerves and including spinal muscular atrophies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This indicates that their genetic background is heterogeneous.

Patient and methods

In this work, we have identified and characterized the genetic and molecular base of a patient with a distal sensorimotor neuropathy of unknown origin. For this study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing, molecular modelling, cloning and expression of mutant gene, and biochemical and cell biology analysis of the mutant protein.

Results

A novel homozygous recessive mutation in the human VRK1 gene, coding for a chromatin kinase, causing a substitution (c.637T > C; p.Tyr213His) in exon 8, was detected in a patient presenting since childhood a progressive distal sensorimotor neuropathy and spinal muscular atrophy syndrome, with normal intellectual development. Molecular modelling predicted this mutant VRK1 has altered the kinase activation loop by disrupting its interaction with the C‐terminal regulatory region. The p.Y213H mutant protein has a reduced kinase activity with different substrates, including histones H3 and H2AX, proteins involved in DNA damage responses, such as p53 and 53BP1, and coilin, the scaffold for Cajal bodies. The mutant VRK1(Y213H) protein is unable to rescue the formation of Cajal bodies assembled on coilin, in the absence of wild‐type VRK1.

Conclusion

The VRK1(Y213H) mutant protein alters the activation loop, impairs the kinase activity of VRK1 causing a functional insufficiency that impairs the formation of Cajal bodies assembled on coilin, a protein that regulates SMN1 and Cajal body formation.
Zwitterionic Polymer Coating Suppresses Microglial Encapsulation to Neural Implants In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Yang Qianru , Wu Bingchen , Eles James R. , Vazquez Alberto L. , Kozai Takashi D. Y. , Cui X. Tracy
Published: May 2020

For brain computer interfaces (BCI), the immune response to implanted electrodes is a major biological cause of device failure. Bioactive coatings such as neural adhesion molecule L1 have been shown to improve the biocompatibility, but are difficult to handle or produce in batches. Here, a synthetic zwitterionic polymer coating, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) is developed for neural implants with the goal of reducing the inflammatory host response. In tests in vitro, the zwitterionic coating inhibits protein adsorption and the attachment of fibroblasts and microglia, and remains stable for at least 4 weeks. In vivo two‐photon microscopy on CX3CR1‐GFP mice shows that the zwitterionic coating significantly suppresses the microglial encapsulation of neural microelectrodes over a 6 h observation period. Furthermore, the lower microglial encapsulation on zwitterionic polymer‐coated microelectrodes is revealed to originate from a reduction in the size but not the number of microglial end feet. This work provides a facile method for coating neural implants with zwitterionic polymers and illustrates the initial interaction between microglia and coated surface at high temporal and spatial resolution.
Unveiling the Structural Descriptor of A3B2X9 Perovskite Derivatives toward X‐Ray Detectors with Low Detection Limit and High Stability
Authors: Xia Mengling , Yuan Jun‐Hui , Niu Guangda , Du Xinyuan , Yin Lixiao , Pan Weicheng , Luo Jiajun , Li Zhigang , Zhao Hongtao , Xue Kan‐Hao , Miao Xiangshui , Tang Jiang
Published: May 2020

Metal halide perovskites and derivatives exhibit a high sensitivity and low detection limit as direct X‐ray detectors. Inorganic 2D bismuth halide perovskites are promising for X‐ray detections, but have not been reported. Moreover, the quantitative relationship between the structural dimensionality of A3B2X9 perovskites and their compositions has never been investigated, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, the key structural descriptors for 2D A3B2X9 perovskite derivatives are reported: i) octahedral factor μ, 0.377 < μ < 0895; ii) tolerance factor t, 0.8 < t < 1.06; iii) (rA‐0.55)/t < 1.48 Å. Accordingly, a new 2D A3B2X9 perovskite derivative, Rb3Bi2I9, with high X‐ray attenuation coefficients is found. The assembled X‐ray detector exhibits a high μτ product of 2.51 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, good sensitivity for 159.7 μC Gyair−1 cm−2, and a record low detection limit of 8.32 nGyair s−1 among all direct and indirect perovskite X‐ray detectors. The device also exhibits good stability toward external bias and continuous gamma ray radiations (480 000 Gy). This work provides crystal structural insights to rationally design 2D perovskites for new types of radiation detectors.
InSe Schottky Diodes Based on Van Der Waals Contacts
Authors: Zhao Qinghua , Jie Wanqi , Wang Tao , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres , Frisenda Riccardo
Published: May 2020

2D semiconductors are excellent candidates for next‐generation electronics and optoelectronics thanks to their electrical properties and strong light‐matter interaction. To fabricate devices with optimal electrical properties, it is crucial to have both high‐quality semiconducting crystals and ideal contacts at metal‐semiconductor interfaces. Thanks to the mechanical exfoliation of van der Waals crystals, atomically thin high‐quality single‐crystals can easily be obtained in a laboratory. However, conventional metal deposition techniques can introduce chemical disorder and metal‐induced mid‐gap states that induce Fermi level pinning and can degrade the metal‐semiconductor interfaces, resulting in poorly performing devices. In this article, the electrical contact characteristics of Au–InSe and graphite–InSe van der Waals contacts, obtained by stacking mechanically exfoliated InSe flakes onto pre‐patterned Au or graphite electrodes without the need for lithography or metal deposition is explored. The high quality of the metal‐semiconductor interfaces obtained by van der Waals contact allows to fabricate high‐quality Schottky diodes based on the Au–InSe Schottky barrier. The experimental observation indicates that the contact barrier at the graphite–InSe interface is negligible due to the similar electron affinity of InSe and graphite, while the Au–InSe interfaces are dominated by a large Schottky barrier.
Molecule Charge Transfer Doping for p‐Channel Solution‐Processed Copper Oxide Transistors
Authors: Liu Ao , Zhu Huihui , Noh Yong‐Young
Published: May 2020

The doping of semiconductors plays a critical role in improving the performance of modern electronic devices by precisely controlling the charge carrier density. However, the absence of a stable doping method for p‐type oxide semiconductors has severely restricted the development of metal oxide‐based transparent p–n junctions and complementary circuits. Here, an efficient and stable doping process for p‐type oxide semiconductors by using molecule charge transfer doping with tetrafluoro‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) is reported. The selections of a suitable dopant and geometry play a crucial role in the charge‐transfer doping effect. The insertion of a F4TCNQ thin dopant film (2–7 nm) between a Au source‐drain electrode and solution‐processed p‐type copper oxide (CuxO) film in bottom‐gate top‐contact thin‐film transistors (TFTs) provides a mobility enhancement of over 20‐fold with the desired threshold voltage adjustment. By combining doped p‐type CuxO and n‐type indium gallium zinc oxide TFTs, a solution‐processed transparent complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor inverter is demonstrated with a high gain voltage of 50. This novel p‐doping method is expected to accelerate the development of high‐performance and reliable p‐channel oxide transistors and has the potential for widespread applications.
Tuning the Anode–Electrolyte Interface Chemistry for Garnet‐Based Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Tao , Ji Xiao , Zhao Yang , Cao Longsheng , Li Shuang , Hwang Sooyeon , Luo Chao , Wang Pengfei , Jia Haiping , Fan Xiulin , Lu Xiaochuan , Su Dong , Sun Xueliang , Wang Chunsheng , Zhang Ji‐Guang
Published: May 2020

Lithium (Li) metal is a promising candidate as the anode for high‐energy‐density solid‐state batteries. However, interface issues, including large interfacial resistance and the generation of Li dendrites, have always frustrated the attempt to commercialize solid‐state Li metal batteries (SSLBs). Here, it is reported that infusing garnet‐type solid electrolytes (GSEs) with the air‐stable electrolyte Li3PO4 (LPO) dramatically reduces the interfacial resistance to ≈1 Ω cm2 and achieves a high critical current density of 2.2 mA cm−2 under ambient conditions due to the enhanced interfacial stability to the Li metal anode. The coated and infused LPO electrolytes not only improve the mechanical strength and Li‐ion conductivity of the grain boundaries, but also form a stable Li‐ion conductive but electron‐insulating LPO‐derived solid‐electrolyte interphase between the Li metal and the GSE. Consequently, the growth of Li dendrites is eliminated and the direct reduction of the GSE by Li metal over a long cycle life is prevented. This interface engineering approach together with grain‐boundary modification on GSEs represents a promising strategy to revolutionize the anode–electrolyte interface chemistry for SSLBs and provides a new design strategy for other types of solid‐state batteries.
A Rational Reconfiguration of Electrolyte for High‐Energy and Long‐Life Lithium–Chalcogen Batteries
Authors: Wang Wen‐Peng , Zhang Juan , Yin Ya‐Xia , Duan Hui , Chou Jia , Li Sheng‐Yi , Yan Min , Xin Sen , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: May 2020

Lithium–chalcogen batteries are an appealing choice for high‐energy‐storage technology. However, the traditional battery that employs liquid electrolytes suffers irreversible loss and shuttle of the soluble intermediates. New batteries that adopt Li+‐conductive polymer electrolytes to mitigate the shuttle problem are hindered by incomplete discharge of sulfur/selenium. To address the trade‐off between energy and cycle life, a new electrolyte is proposed that reconciles the merits of liquid and polymer electrolytes while resolving each of their inferiorities. An in situ interfacial polymerization strategy is developed to create a liquid/polymer hybrid electrolyte between a LiPF6‐coated separator and the cathode. A polymer‐gel electrolyte in situ formed on the separator shows high Li+ transfer number to serve as a chemical barrier against the shuttle effect. Between the gel electrolyte and the cathode surface is a thin gradient solidification layer that enables transformation from gel to liquid so that the liquid electrolyte is maintained inside the cathode for rapid Li+ transport and high utilization of active materials. By addressing the dilemma between the shuttle chemistry and incomplete discharge of S/Se, the new electrolyte configuration demonstrates its feasibility to trigger higher capacity retention of the cathodes. As a result, Li–S and Li–Se cells with high energy and long cycle lives are realized, showing promise for practical use.
Gadolinium–Rose Bengal Coordination Polymer Nanodots for MR‐/Fluorescence‐Image‐Guided Radiation and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Luo Li , Feng Yushuo , Qiu Yuwei , Shi Changrong , Meng Shanshan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Chen Hongmin
Published: May 2020

Combination therapy based on nanomedicine has gained momentum in oncology in recent years, offering superior safety and efficacy over monotherapies. It is critical to design theranostics that are composed of imaging and therapeutic agents already approved. Herein, gadolinium (Gd)–rose bengal coordination polymer nanodots (GRDs) are reported. The GRDs exhibit a unique absorption property and 7.7‐fold luminescence enhancement, as well as a 1.9‐fold increase in singlet oxygen generation efficiency over free rose bengal. Meanwhile, GRDs exhibit a twofold increase in r1 relaxivity over gadopentetic acid (Gd‐DTPA) and have better X‐ray absorption ability than rose bengal alone. These excellent properties of the GRDs are verified both in vitro and in vivo. The combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiation therapy (RT) more significantly inhibits tumor growth than monotherapies (i.e., PDT or RT). This work offers a new route to designing and synthesizing Gd‐based nanotheranostics for image‐guided cancer therapy.
2D Star‐Shaped Non‐Fullerene Electron Acceptors with Modulation of J‐/H‐Type Aggregations: Molecular Design–Morphology–Electrical Property Correlation
Authors: Koh Chang Woo , Cho Hye Won , Rashid Md Al Mamunur , Lee Tack Ho , Park Song Yi , Lee Wonho , Kwak Kyungwon , Kim Jin Young , Woo Han Young
Published: May 2020

Two kinds of A1‐(D‐A2)3‐type (A1, A2: acceptor, D: donor) triazine‐based star‐shaped acceptors, TzTPT‐INCN and TzCDT‐INCN, are reported to show strong face‐on orientation with J‐ to H‐type packing structural transformation with thermal annealing (TA) treatments. TA of the thin films of both acceptors mainly leads to the formation of thermodynamically more stable H‐type packing with enhanced hypsochromic absorption peaks in the UV–vis spectra. The results agree well with calculations based on time‐dependent density‐functional theory. To determine the optimum TA conditions for fabricating organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, in‐depth studies are conducted through in situ grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering to analyze changes in the molecular packing structure with respect to the TA temperature employed. Sequential deposition bilayer OPV devices are fabricated by combining the two acceptors with a donor polymer PBDB‐T. Although the electron mobilities and power conversion efficiencies are improved slightly (PBDB‐T/TzTPT‐INCN: 4.26 to 4.65%, PBDB‐T/TzCDT‐INCN: 6.58 to 7.18%) via transformation from a J‐dominant to H‐dominant morphology, the differences are not significant. Similar charge transport characteristics are observed for both the H‐ and J‐type stacked structures. The study can be used to better understand the modification of molecular packing via the manipulation of molecular design and to determine the correlation between packing structures and electrical properties.