bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boganmeldelser
Authors: . NTfK
Published: March 2020

Reviews from David W. M. Sorensen, Annika Suominen, Hanns von Hofer, Anette Storgaard and Linda Gröning,
The symposium: Fundamentals of Criminal Law
Authors: Anfinsen Anne Marie , Gröning Linda , Jacobsen Jørn , Suominen Annika
Published: March 2020

See abstract in article.
"Rechtsgut" as a Finnish Concept - Some Observations
Authors: Frände Dan
Published: March 2020

See abstract in article.
Towards a Theory of the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Gröning Linda
Published: March 2020

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Kompetansebehov hos nytilsatt politi
Authors: Hove Kjersti
Published: March 2020

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Tal vid Kriminalistföreningens 100-årsjubiléum 10/11-11
Authors: Tham Henrik
Published: March 2020

Digt
Politikerna och kriminalpolitiken
Authors: Freivalds Laila
Published: March 2020

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Avvägningen mellan yttrandefriheten och skyddet för privatliv i EMD:s praxis - lotteri eller enhetlig verksamhet?
Authors: Tiilikka Päivi
Published: March 2020

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Virker ART i svenske fengsler?
Authors: Svartdal Frode , Gundersen Knut
Published: March 2020

See abstract in article.
Regulering - en innledning
Authors: Larsson Paul
Published: March 2020

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Organiserad brottslighet, ekonomisk brottslighet och terrorism - hänger de samman?
Authors: Träskman Per Ole
Published: March 2020

See abstract in article.
Beredskap og kontroll av maritim transport
Authors: Christophersen Jan Georg
Published: March 2020

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Records in contexts : vers un nouveau niveau dans la description archivistique ?
Authors: Popovici Bogdan Florin , Zeller Jean-Daniel
Published: March 2020

Cet article se concentre sur les grands courants de pensée de la profession des archivistes qui ont amené le Conseil international des archives (ICA) à s’orienter vers une amélioration de ses quatre normes descriptives. L’auteur passe en revue les manifestations de la provenance, de l’ordre original et des approches basées sur le fonds, en indiquant de nombreuses positions exprimées dans la littérature professionnelle. La deuxième partie offre quelques aperçus du nouveau modèle conceptuel proposé par l’ICA pour la description archivistique, appeléRecords in Contexts(Note du traducteur : les travaux à ce sujet s’étant effectués en anglais et le projet étant encore en consultation auprès de la communauté archivistique, il n’y a pas de traduction officielle du concept « Records in Contexts ». On a maintenu le terme anglophone qui équivaut à « Documents en contextes »).
Transcriptome profiling of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) under plumbic stress conditions implies the involvement of NAC transcription factors regulating reactive oxygen species-dependent programmed cell death
Authors: An Xia , Chen Jie , Jin Guanrong
Published: March 2020

Heavy metal contamination of soils has become a serious global issue, and bioremediation has been proposed as a potential solution. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinusL.) is a fast growing, non-woody multipurpose annual plant that is suitable for removing excess heavy metals from soils. However, there has been relatively little research on the kenaf molecular mechanisms induced in response to an exposure to heavy metal stress. Thus, whole kenaf seedlings grown under control (normal) and stress (plumbic treatment) conditions were sampled for transcriptome sequencing. Unigenes generated through thede novoassembly of clean reads were functionally annotated based on seven databases. Transcription factor (TF)-coding genes were predicted and the physiological traits of the seedlings were analyzed. A total of 44.57 Gb high-quality sequencing data were obtained, which were assembled into 136,854 unigenes. These unigenes included 1,697 that were regarded as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A GO enrichment analysis of the DEGs indicated that many of them are related to catalytic activities. Moreover, the DEGs appeared to suggest that numerous KEGG pathways are suppressed (e.g., the photosynthesis-involving pathways) or enhanced (like the flavonoid metabolism pathways) in response to Pb stress. Of the 2,066 predicted TF-coding genes, only 55 were differentially expressed between the control and stressed samples. Further analyses suggested that the plumbic stress treatment induced reactive oxygen species-dependent programmed cell death in the kenaf plants via a process that may be regulated by the differentially expressed NAC TF genes.
Optimizing alfalfa productivity and persistence versus greenhouse gases fluxes in a continental arid region
Authors: Ning Jiao , He Xiong Z. , Hou Fujiang , Lou Shanning , Chen Xianjiang , Chang Shenghua , Zhang Cheng , Zhu Wanhe
Published: March 2020

Alfalfa in China is mostly planted in the semi-arid or arid Northwest inland regions due to its ability to take up water from deep in the soil and to fix atmospheric N2 which reduces N fertilizer application. However, perennial alfalfa may deplete soil water due to uptake and thus aggravate soil desiccation. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the alfalfa forage yield, soil property (soil temperature (ST), soil water content (SWC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN)) and greenhouse gas (GHG: methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2)) emissions affected by alfalfa stand age and growing season, (2) to investigate the effects of soil property on GHG emissions, and (3) to optimize the alfalfa stand age by integrating the two standard criteria, the forage yield and water use efficiency, and the total GHG efflux (CO2-eq). This study was performed in alfalfa fields of different ages (2, 3, 5 and 7 year old) during the growing season (from April to October) in a typical salinized meadow with temperate continental arid climate in the Northwest inland regions, China. Despite its higher total GHG efflux (CO2-eq), the greater forage yield and water use efficiency with lower GEIhay and high CH4uptake in the 5-year alfalfa stand suggested an optimal alfalfa stand age of 5 years. Results show that ST, SOC and RBM alone had positive effects (except RBM had no significant effect on CH4effluxes), but SWC and STN alone had negative effects on GHG fluxes. Furthermore, results demonstrate that in arid regions SWC superseded ST, SOC, STN and RBM as a key factor regulating GHG fluxes, and soil water stress may have led to a net uptake of CH4by soils and a reduction of N2O and CO2effluxes from alfalfa fields. Our study has provided insights into the determination of alfalfa stand age and the understanding of mechanisms regulating GHG fluxes in alfalfa fields in the continental arid regions. This knowledge is essential to decide the alfalfa retention time by considering the hay yield, water use efficiency as well as GHG emission.
Response of Sunflower to the Residual Toxicity of Herbicides Used in Wheat under Strip Tillage System
Authors: Baki M. A. , Azad M. A. K. , Shamim M. S. , Hossain M. N. , Paran S. , Haque M. K.
Published: March 2020

The residual effect of eight herbicides (Pendimethalin, Pretilachlor, TriasulfuronEthoxysulfuron, Pyrazosulfuron Ethyl, Carfentrazone – ethyl, Carfentrazone – ethyl+ Isoproteuron, 2, 4 –D) used in wheat of Agronomy Field Laboratory during March to June 2014 was evaluated for the sunflower. The eighteen herbicide treatment combinations of the eight herbicides used in wheat. The experiment was conducted in Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The effect of herbicide residues on the sunflower was evaluated in terms of germination, the seedling root and shoot length, leaf chlorophyll content and seeding dry matter. The result showed that the seedling establishment of sunflower was not adversely affected by the herbicides applied to the previous wheat crop.
Effect of Three Different Drying Methods (Oven, Solar and Sun) on the Mineral Composition of Ethiopian Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica)
Authors: Mamudu Baba , Kumah Patrick , Lartey Emmanuel Nunoo
Published: March 2020

The effect of oven, solar and sun drying methods on the mineral properties of the Ethiopian Pepper was determined by conducting a study at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The mineral properties analyzed were, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Solar dried Ethiopian pepper, had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) calcium (0.38%) as compared to that of oven and sun-dried Ethiopian pepper. Iron level (68 mg/kg) was relatively highest in solar dried Ethiopian pepper whiles magnesium content was highest in oven dried Ethiopian pepper (0.25%). Sodium (1.50%), and zinc (41.75 mg/kg) were recorded for oven dried Ethiopian pepper. Ethiopian pepper dried under oven and solar drying methods retained higher levels minerals.
Primary School Teachers’ Perception: A Study on Assessment Components and Its Effects
Authors: Campbell-Phillips Sharon , Halder Deb Proshad , Campbell Serlange , Phillips Daneil
Published: March 2020

This study documented teachers’ perceptions concerning the implementation of the Continuous Assessment Component of the Secondary Entrance Examination, and its effectiveness in the teaching and learning process. Specifically, the study sought to gain an understanding of the extent to which teachers are aware of what continuous assessment entails, the challenges that they encounter in its implementation and its importance to both the teaching and learning processes. The participants in this study were six female and two male teachers who varied at different levels of experience and preparation. Through interviews and questionnaires, the researcher guided the study to determine: a) what are the attitudes and perceptions of selected primary school teachers at my school, concerning the effectiveness of the continuous assessment program as a tool for assessing students, b) what do selected primary school teachers at my school consider to be the challenges that they will encounter in implementing the continuous assessment programme in their respective classes, c) how has continuous assessment affected teacher performance at my school as a result of this process, and d) what support systems do these teachers have that will assist them in the delivery of the program. The study conducted a Mixed Methods study and used the questionnaire and interview instruments to guide the collection of data for analysis. The perceived challenges that emerged were discussed according to the following headings: Benefits of continuous assessment; teachers’ perception concerning continuous assessment; attitude towards assessment; curricular challenges; instructional challenges; adequate resources and curriculum reform and effective implementation.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Studies of Some Hemi-parasitic West African Plants
Authors: Oriola A. O. , Aladesanmi A. J. , Akinkunmi E. O. , Olawuni I. J.
Published: March 2020

The study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of some West African hemi-parasitic plants, which comprised Tapinanthus bangwensis (TB), Tapinanthus globiferus (TG) and Globimetula braunii (GB), used in Nigerian ethnomedicine for the management of skin and other microbial infections. This was with a view to determining the most active plant extract and fraction. The leaf and stem of each plant was separately air-dried, powdered and macerated in ethanol-H20 (8:2). The extracts were subjected to in vitro antioxidant tests such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Fe2+ chelating ability (FIC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays, with L-ascorbic acid, quercetin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as positive controls. The antimicrobial test was carried out using micro-broth dilution method against reference strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, where ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole were the positive controls. An activity-guided fractionation approach was adopted in the study. The most active GB leaf extract was fractionated to obtain n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions, and were subsequently tested. The results showed that the extract of GB leaf demonstrated the highest bioactivities with inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DPPH at 31.21±1.11 µg/mL, FRAP value of 109.30±0.76 mg AAE/g, TAC value of 178.15±3.54 mg AAE/g and MIC of 5.0 – 10.0 mg/mL. The Ethylacetate fraction of GB leaf demonstrated the highest bioactivities, which were four-times, thrice and twice better than its GB leaf extract in the DPPH, TAC and antimicrobial studies respectively. The EtOAc fraction (IC50 = 8.58±1.39 µg/mL) was comparable (P > 0.05) in antioxidant activity with quercetin (IC50 = 7.72±0.88 µg/mL). The EtOAc fraction also exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with inhibitory concentration of 1.25 mg/mL against MRSA and C. albicans. In conclusion, the extract of G. braunii leaf demonstrated considerable bioactivities and the moderately polar EtOAc fraction was the most active fraction; hence, validates the folkloric use G. braunii leaf as a remedy for microbial infections.
Characterization of Indigenous Rhizobia Strains Associated to Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in Benin
Authors: Zoundji M. C. C. , Houngnandan P. , Boko F. , Toukourou F.
Published: March 2020

Legumes such as soybean establish symbiotic relation with nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Rhizobia. Nitrogen fixation via legume-rhizobium symbiosis is the most important source of Nitrogen in agro-ecosystems. But environmental stresses are important limiting factors for this process. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate the physiological characteristics and Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) properties of soybean rhizobia. A total of 28 Rhizobia strains obtained from soybean root nodules collected in from three Agro-Ecological Zones (zones 3, 4 and 5) producers of soybean in Benin were used. The physiological characteristics include utilization of carbon source, tolerance to temperature, salinity and pH, resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals. The PGP properties were relative to production of indole, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia and catalase test. The results revealed that, irrespective of their geographical regions, the 28 isolates were grouped into five Clusters. Most of them tolerated neutral to alkaline pH and high salt stress and 17% of them could grow at 40°C. Most of them showed resistance to heavy metal and antibiotics. These isolates tested were able to use a broad range of carbohydrates as sole source of carbon. Production of indole, hydrogen cyanide and ammoniac were respectively found on 56%, 41% and 44% of isolates but all isolates gave positive reaction to catalase test. These rhizobial isolates showing best physiological and PGP properties could be good candidates to establish a successful symbiosis with soybean under the variation of environmental conditions that prevail in Benin.
Evaluate the Equivalency of Some Insecticides Pesticides Containing Diazinon and Diazinox, with Emphasis to Their Content of Impurities and Degradation
Authors: Selim Nahed M. M. , Ibrahim Hala M.
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study has investigated the degradation of diazinox 5% and five different concentration of diazinon (diazinon 95%, diazinon 15%, diazole 50%, diazit 60% and octadat 60%) before and after storage at 54 +2°C for 0, 7, 14 days. Besides, the effects of storage on the formation of its toxic impurities (sulfotep, monothiono-tepp, and water) were studied. The data showed that diazinox 5%, was less stable than different concentrations of diazinon, whereas the percentage loss 38.5% while, diazinon 95% was more stable for storage which has percentage loss is 1.14% after 14 days of storage at 54+2oC. For results, diazinon 15%, diazole 50%, diazit 60% and octadat 60% show it’s relatively moderate in its stability compared with other tests which have a percentage loss ranged from 1.33 to 27.2% after 14 days of storage at the same conditions.

Moreover, the monothiono-tepp impurity (O, S- TEPP) in diazinon 95%, diazinox 5% and diazit 60% was more than the maximum permissible concentration of impurity recommended by FAO specifications before and after storage. But diazinon 15%, diazole 50% and octadat 60% was This level are allowed to limit according to FAO before and after storage. While sulfotep impurity in diazinon 95% was more than the maximum permissible concentration of impurity recommended by FAO specifications before and after storage. On the other hand, diazinon 15%, diazinox 5%, diazole 50%, diazit 60% and octadat 60% were This levels are allowed to limit according to FAO before and after storage. 

Finally, GC – MS analysis gives the same separation before storage whereas it gives a new separation peak after storage and results showed that of the breakdown of the 2-Isopropyl-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4-ol main product in diazinon and diazinox. Also, IR analysis showed that the % match of all tested was more than 90 before and after storage.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Research of Thermal Spring and Mountain Spring Waters in the District of Sliven, Bulgaria
Authors: Valcheva Nedyalka , Ignatov Ignat , Dinkov Georgi
Published: March 2020

Defined are the physicochemical properties of four healing non-thermal and thermal spring waters in the area of Sliven District, Bulgaria. The spring waters from the given four water sources are characterized by microbiological indicators and the pathogenic micro-organisms in the samples from the springs water sources mentioned above are determined by the membrane method.

It is shown that according to 18 controlled parameters included in the study, the non-thermal healing spring “Hadji Dimitar” in the area of “Hot water” in the town of Shivachevo with water temperature 22.5ºC and the non-thermal spring “Gunchov spring” with water temperature 21.5ºC correspond to all controlled parameters according to Ordinance NO 9/2001, Official State Gazette, issue 30 and decree NO 178/23.07.2004 about the quality of water, intended for drinking purposes.

It is established that that thermal healing spring Sliven mineral baths with water temperature 48ºC, healing spring Banya village with water temperature 37ºС meet the standard requirements. Non-thermal spring "Gunchov Spring", Sliven district with water temperature 21.5ºC does not meet the required microbiological parameters in regards to coli bacteria levels.
Evapotranspiration and Dual Crop Coefficient of Maize Second Season Intercropped with Crotalaria
Authors: Daniel Diego Fernando , Dallacort Rivanildo , Barbieri João Danilo , Carvalho Marco Antônio Camillo de , Júnior Santino Seabra , Fenner William
Published: March 2020

The objective of this work was to determine the dual coefficient of culture (Kc) of maize in monoculture and intercropping systems, as well as to evaluate the influence of intercropping on evapotranspiration and productive characteristics of maize second season. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT in 2018, with three treatments: T1 - maize monoculture; T2 - Crotalaria monoculture and T3 - maize + Crotalaria. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of maize, Crotalaria, and maize + Crotalaria intercropping was determined daily by weight variation of weighing lysimeters, converted into mm day-1. The methodology used was that of dual Kc - FAO 56, dividing the crop coefficient (Kc), in soil evaporation coefficient (Ke), determined in microlysimeters, and basal crop coefficient (Kcb), determined in weighing lysimeters. The phenological phases of the maize crop were observed to determine the coefficients in the different developmental stages, being the Kc, Kcb, Ke in the phases: Initial (I), Development (II), Intermediate (III) and Final (IV). The accumulated culture evapotranspiration was 312.00; 436.16 and 422.38 mm and daily averages of 2.86; 4.00- and 3.88-mm d-1, respectively for monoculture maize, for Crotalaria and for intercropping. The Kc values for each phase of maize development in intercropping with crotalaria were: I (1.46); II (1.48); III (1.59) and IV (0.94). For maize monoculture, dual Kc values were: I (1.24), II (1.30), III (1.00) and IV (1.11) and for Crotalaria monoculture were: I (1.77), II (1.59), III (1.56) and IV (1.05).
Critical Insights in the Application of Convection and Pressure Curing in Eliminating DAF Voids
Authors: Bacquian Bryan Christian S. , Rodriguez Rennier , Graycochea Edwin M.
Published: March 2020

The absent of reliable production controls for Die Attach Film (DAF) voids detection allowed defect escapee for Ball Grid Array (BGA) devices using non-conductive film material leading to gross assembly rejection and customer complaints. This paper presents the evaluation of pressure curing as an alternative to the convection curing in die attach process with additional capability to eliminate the DAF voids on non-conductive films. Through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis, green peeling test, Scanning Acoustic Microscope (SAM), cross section analysis and reliability test performed between samples arrives to the conclusion that pressure oven has a significant impact in die shear strength improvement and DAF voids elimination with positive response in reliability requirement. The result of the study improves the assembly flow and production control of BGA devices through the transition of convection to pressure curing technology.
Effect of Endophytic Bacteria Burkholderia cepacia on Growth, Cocoon Characters and Enzyme Activity of Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Gunasekhar V. , Somayaji Arpitha
Published: March 2020

Microorganisms have always been of scientific prominence and their indulgence in industrial and research facets cannot be denied. Several microorganisms have been employed as research tool to amend various parameters of industrial prominence. The current research article is from the context of significance emphasizing on the silk industry. The research article has focused on the impact of Burkholderia cepacia which is an endophytic bacterium on the silk worm and the affirmative aspects were recorded. The research work included the inoculation of the bacterium with the silk worm which has resulted in enhanced production of silk from the inoculated lot. In addition, the research has also demonstrated higher activity of protease and amylase in inoculated lot when compared to control population. The results obtained have substantiated the practical aspect of the research.
Inter-laboratory comparison of pulmonary lesions induced by intratracheal instillation of NiO nanoparticle in rats: Histopathological examination results
Authors: Senoh Hideki , Kano Hirokazu , Suzuki Masaaki , Fukushima Shoji , Oshima Yutaka , Kobayashi Toshio , Morimoto Yasuo , Izumi Hiroto , Ota Yasufumi , Takehara Hiroshi , Numano Takamasa , Kawabe Mayumi , Gamo Masashi , Takeshita Jun-ichi
Published: March 2020

Objective

In this study, in order to investigate the usefulness of intratracheal instillation in assessing the pulmonary toxicity of nanomaterials, intratracheal instillation of nickel oxide-nanoparticles (NiO-NP) was performed.

Methods

In this study, rats were administered test materials by intratracheal instillation at five different research institutions in order to assess the validity of using intratracheal instillation for hazard identification of nanomaterials. Eight-week-old male SD rats were administered NiO-NP dispersed in deionized water by a single intratracheal instillation at doses of 0 (vehicle control), 0.2, 0.67, and 2 mg/kg BW. Three days after instillation, histopathological examination of the lungs was performed.

Results

NiO-NP was distributed in the vicinity of hilus of the lung and in the alveoli around the bronchioles. Histopathological changes such as degeneration/necrosis of macrophages, inflammation, and proliferation of type II pneumocyte in the lung were observed, and their severity corresponded with increasing dose. The histopathological observations of pulmonary toxicity were almost similar at each institution.

Conclusion

The similarity of the histopathological changes observed by five independent groups indicates that intratracheal instillation can be a useful screening method to detect the pulmonary toxicity of nanomaterials.
Strategies used by Leptospira spirochetes to evade the host complement system
Authors: Barbosa Angela Silva , Isaac Lourdes
Published: March 2020

Leptospires are highly invasive spirochetes equipped with efficient strategies for dissemination in the host. The Leptospira genus currently comprises 64 species divided into two major clades: the saprophytes composed of nonpathogenic, free‐living organisms, and the pathogens encompassing all the species that cause mild or severe infections in humans and animals. While saprophytes are highly susceptible to the lytic action of the complement system, pathogenic (virulent) strains have evolved virulence strategies that allow efficient colonization of a variety of hosts and target organs, including mechanisms to circumvent hosts' innate and acquired immune responses. Pathogenic Leptospira avoid complement‐mediated killing by recruiting host complement regulatory proteins and by targeting complement proteins using own and host‐expressed proteases. This review outlines the role of complement in eradicating saprophytic Leptospira and the stratagems adopted by pathogenic Leptospira to maneuver the host complement system for their benefit.
Microglia
Authors: Fischer Tracy
Published: March 2020

As the resident macrophage (MΦ) of the brain, microglia play a crucial role in launching an appropriate immunological response to pathogens and other insults to the brain. Similar to other tissue MΦs, microglia express a large repertoire of receptors that recognise pathogen‐ and damage‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs) and immunoglobulins that render them able participants in innate immunity. Consistent with this role, microglia promote adaptive immunity in the brain through antigen presentation and cytokine and chemokine production and assist in tissue repair and restoration. In addition to their immunological role, microglia participate in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) and support brain homeostasis through constant surveillance of their environment and bi‐directional communication with neurons and other glia. The significance of appropriate microglial function in CNS health is evidenced by the detrimental effect unresolved or chronic immune microglial activation has in promoting and/or advancing neuropathogenesis through microglial‐derived neurotoxic factors, as well as impaired or loss of functions that support brain homeostasis.

Key Concepts

Microglia are long‐lived resident macrophages within the brain parenchyma that initiate and promote immune responses in the brain to help protect it from foreign entities and/or pathological events.

Microglia are key players in brain development and homeostasis.

Bi‐directional neuron–microglia communication informs microglial activation.

Chronic immune activation of microglia promotes and/or contributes to the pathogenesis of many, if not all, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

Impaired and/or loss of microglial function negatively impacts CNS homeostasis and neuronal health and function.
Magnocellular Neurons of the Hypothalamus
Authors: Lemos José R
Published: March 2020

Magnocellular neurons are neuroendocrine cells located in the hypothalamus; they are among the largest cells in the brain, and synthesise the hormones arginine vasopressin and oxytocin. These neuropeptides are secreted from Magnocellular neuron terminals in the neurohypophysis. It is this hypothalamic–neurohypophysial system which allowed the original formulation of the calcium hypothesis for stimulus–secretion coupling. Vasopressin is a vasoconstrictor and an antidiuretic and, thus, is involved in fluid homeostasis and osmoregulation. Oxytocin has recognised functions in parturition and lactation and has an emerging role as a natriuretic agent. Both hormones may also be central neurotransmitters and have been implicated in stress, social behaviours, learning and memory processes, as well as the development and maintenance of tolerance to ethanol and other drugs of abuse. Furthermore, oxytocin has possible therapeutic applications for social disorders.

Key Concepts

Magnocellular neurons in the hypothalamus synthesise the peptide hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin.

These neuropeptides are secreted from Magnocellular neuron nerve terminals in the hypothalamic–neurohypophysial system.

It is this hypothalamic–neurohypophysial system which allowed the original formulation of the calcium hypothesis for stimulus–secretion coupling.

Arginine vasopressin is a vasoconstrictor and an antidiuretic and, thus, is involved in fluid homeostasis and osmoregulation.

Oxytocin has recognised functions in parturition and lactation and has an emerging role as a natriuretic agent.

Both hormones may also be central neurotransmitters and have been implicated in stress, learning and memory processes, social behaviours, as well as the development and maintenance of tolerance to ethanol and other drugs of abuse.

Oxytocin has possible therapeutic applications for social disorders such as autism.
Bacterial Pili and Fimbriae
Authors: Ramirez Nicholas A , Ton‐That Hung
Published: March 2020

Bacterial proteinaceous filaments termed pili or fimbriae are nonflagellar, hair‐like structures protruding from the cell surface that are critical for bacterial virulence and fitness. Present in both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, pili are involved in many processes such as conjugation, adherence, twitching motility, biofilm formation and immunomodulation. Considerably diverse and complex, Gram‐negative pili are formed by noncovalent polymerisation of various pilin subunits; many of these pili require chaperones and usher proteins for their assembly. In contrast, fewer pilus systems have been described for the Gram‐positive counterparts; notably well studied are the heterotrimeric or ‐dimeric pili that are covalently assembled by a transpeptidase enzyme called sortase. Furthermore, type IV pili have been identified in several Gram‐positive bacteria, especially in clostridia.

Key Concepts

Noncovalent pilus polymerisation is a general mechanism of pilus assembly in Gram‐negative bacteria, including the chaperone/usher assembly pathway and type IV pilus pathway, which generates noncovalent pilus polymers.

Sortase‐mediated pilus assembly is a general mechanism of pilus assembly in Gram‐positive bacteria that involves a transpeptidase enzyme named sortase, which cleaves pilin precursors at sorting signals between threonine and glycine residues and utilises the side‐chain amino groups of pilin motif sequences to generate covalent links between pilin subunits.

The sorting signal consists of an LPXTG motif followed by a hydrophobic domain and a positively charged tail.

The pilin motif is an 11 amino acid sequence of WxxxVxVYPKN located near the
N
‐terminus of major pilin subunits, in which the electron‐donating lysine residue forms an isopeptide bond with the threonine residue generated from the cleavage of the LPXTG motif of adjacent pilin subunits.

Tissue tropism is referred to as the ability of a pathogen to adhere specifically to some particular epithelial cells.

Phase variation involves switching of surface antigens such as pili that allows a pathogen to evade the host immune system.

Immunomodulation is a process of changing the host's immune system by certain molecules known as immunomodulators including pili that can activate or suppress immune cells.

Dental plaque is one of the most complex bacterial biofilms that is formed by sequential colonisation of initial colonisers such as
Actinomyces
spp. and oral streptococci and late colonisers; this process involves
Actinomyces
fimbriae.

Twitching motility mediated by pili allows translocation between mucosal surfaces, colonisation of host tissues and establishment of biofilms by a pathogen.
Ultramicrobacteria
Authors: Duda Vitaly I , Suzina Natalia E , Boronin Alexander M
Published: March 2020

Ultramicrobacteria (UMB) are characterised by the following properties:

UMB are species of prokaryotic organisms belonging to the domain Bacteria.

UMB cells possess extremely small size; their volume is ≤0.1 μm
3
irrespective of growth conditions and development cycle.

UMB feature a very small size of genome (mainly from 3.2 to 0.58 Mb).

An obligate capability of self‐reproduction.

UMB feature a combination of such determining characters as ultrasmall size of proliferating cells, small size of genome and capability of self‐reproduction. As a synonym for UMB, some authors use the term ‘nanobacteria’ (NB).

Several dozens of UMB species have been isolated from various habitats, such as aquatic and soil environments, sediments, silts, Greenland ice, permafrost, human intestines and insects; and are cultured under laboratory conditions on various nutritive media. The term ‘nan(n)obacteria’ is also used to designate ultrasmall bacterium‐like particles occurring in rocks, sands, soils, in deep subsurface, meteorite and clinical samples. UMB include species of free‐living and parasitic (predatory) bacteria. Their cells divide by constriction, septation or budding. Unique processes UMB perform are dehalorespiration and epibiont obligate and facultative parasitism. UMB have been found among organisms of six large phylogenetic branches of prokaryotes.

Key Concepts

Formation of a minimal self‐reproducing microbial cell is the prerogative of the prokaryotes.

Ultrasmall size of cells enables parasitism (predation) of UMB on ‘large‐cell’ species of prokaryotes.

UMB are important model objects for studies of genome evolution in prokaryotes.

UMB studies are of vital importance for solving issues of the origin and evolution of primeval living objects.

UMB research opens new trends in biotechnology.

Use of UMB representatives, mycoplasms, played a crucial role in pioneering works by J. C. Venter and collaborators for experimentally creating a new living being (cells with chemically synthesised genome) and a new bacterial species.

Description of new UMB cell structures expands the diversity pattern of the ultrastructural and molecular organisation of the prokaryotic cell.

Gram‐negative, Gram‐positive or archaeal type of cell organisation is not the prohibitive factors for UMB or ultramicroarchaea to form.
TheSLAC1Anion Channel
Authors: Hõrak Hanna
Published: March 2020

The balance between CO2uptake for photosynthesis and water loss through transpiration determines plant growth and productivity. Guard cells form stomatal pores in plant epidermis that adjust this balance via volume changes that control stomatal aperture. Guard cell volume is regulated by fluxes of ions and water across the membrane via various ion channels. The slow anion channel 1 (SLAC1) is essential for efficient stomatal regulation, as it is the major mediator of the efflux of anions from guard cells during stomatal closure. The activation of SLAC1 requires phosphorylation and is the end point of signalling pathways initiated by abiotic and biotic triggers that cause stomata to close, such as the phytohormone abscisic acid, elevated CO2levels, darkness, low air humidity, ozone; and pathogen and damage‐associated molecular patterns and hormones. SLAC1 is conserved in evolution, but SLACs in different plant groups have different mechanisms of regulation.

Key Concepts

SLAC1 is the major guard cell slow‐type anion channel that needs to be activated by phosphorylation in theN‐ andC‐terminal regions for stomatal closure in response to endogenous and environmental stimuli.

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) triggers SLAC1 activation through a signalling pathway that involves ABA receptors and PP2C phosphatases, which regulate the Ca2+‐independent kinase OST1 and several Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases that phosphorylate SLAC1. The same pathway is involved in SLAC1 activation in response to darkness, CO2, ozone and low air humidity.

Elevated CO2activates SLAC1 via bicarbonate, which directly enhances ion channel activity. The Raf‐type kinase HT1 and mitogen‐activated protein kinases MPK12 and MPK4 regulate SLAC1 activation in response to CO2, but not ABA, contributing to a CO2‐specific branch of SLAC1 activation.

Pathogen‐associated molecules trigger the activation of SLAC1 and its homologue SLAH3 that contributes to guard cell anion currents. SLAH3 is the key anion channel in stomatal response to fungal chitin, whereas SLAC1, SLAH3 and OST1 contribute to bacterial flagellin‐induced stomatal closure.

SLAC1 and OST1 are conserved in early land plants, such as mosses, lycophytes and ferns, but their role in these plants needs further study. The regulation of SLAC1 anion channel differs among plant groups – for example, the monocot SLACs, unlike Arabidopsis SLAC1, require external nitrate for activation.
Endoderm Formation in Vertebrates
Authors: Wardle Fiona C
Published: March 2020

During vertebrate embryogenesis, endoderm, the inner‐most germ layer, will form the gut and associated organs, including liver and pancreas. Studies in the zebrafish,Xenopusand mouse have shown that the signalling pathways and transcription factors that regulate endodermal cell fate in the early embryo are largely conserved in vertebrates. Evidence from these model systems indicates Nodal signalling induces endoderm, in combination with the activity of transcription factors from the Mix, Gata, Sox and T‐box families. Other signalling pathways, such as Fgf, Bmp and Wnt, ensure the correct balance of mesoderm and endoderm is formed during gastrulation.

Key Concepts

Endoderm formation is initiated during mid‐blastula stages in zebrafish andXenopus.

High levels of Nodal signalling induce endoderm formation.

A conserved set of transcription factors, of the Sox, Mix, Gata and T‐box families, act in a network with Nodal to establish endodermal fate during gastrulation.

The role of these factors and pathways downstream of Nodal signalling in early endoderm formation is mostly conserved; however, there are some species‐specific differences.

Other signalling pathways, notably the Fgf, Bmp and Wnt pathways, regulate the amount of endoderm that forms versus other germ layers.
Plant Endophytes
Authors: Jørgensen Hans J Lyngs , Collinge David B , Rojas Edward C , Latz Meike A C , Manzotti Andrea , Ntana Fani , Jensen Birgit
Published: March 2020

Endophytes are defined as microorganisms colonising the interior of plants without causing disease. They comprise mainly fungi and bacteria, and their lifestyle range from merely receiving shelter and nutrients from the host to interactions benefitting both themselves and the host plant. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in understanding the communities of organisms inside plants; how they influence the host and how they can be utilised to benefit plants and humans. Therefore, the transmission and recruitment of endophytes, as well as methods to study the composition of endophytic communities, are important issues for successful exploitation. Beneficial effects include protection against biotic stress caused by pests and pathogens as well as against abiotic stress, for instance, drought, salinity and temperature. Furthermore, endophytes can promote growth by production of plant hormones and nutrient acquisition and some endophytes can be used for bioremediation and production of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Key Concepts

Endophytes are organisms living inside plants without causing disease.

Most endophytes are commensalistic, but some are mutualistic.

Most endophytes are bacteria and fungi.

Endophyte communities can be studied by culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods.

Recruitment of endophytes can be from environment or from mother plants.

Endophytes can protect plants from biotic and abiotic stress.

Endophytes can help in nutrient acquisition for the plant and cause growth promotion.

Endophytes can help in bioremediation and participate in the production of specialised metabolites with industrial application.
Cover crop impact on irrigated cotton yield and net return in the southern Great Plains
Authors: DeLaune P.B. , Mubvumba P. , Fan Y. , Bevers S.
Published: March 2020

Cover crops have the potential to increase ecosystem services of cropping systems, although mixed results have been found throughout the U.S. Great Plains. Crop performance and economic returns are often used by producers to gauge the feasibility of adoption. In addition, soil moisture use by cover crops is a concern in semiarid environments. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of cover crops on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and economic return compared with conventional practices in pivot irrigated systems of the southern Great Plains. A 6‐yr study was conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Chillicothe Research Station evaluating the following treatments: (i) conventional till (CT); (ii) no‐till (NT); (iii) NT with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop (NT‐W); and (iv) NT with a multi‐species cover crop mixture (NT‐M). Cotton yields, expenses, and returns were determined over a 6‐yr period (2013–2018). No significant treatment effect was determined for crop yield. Compared to NT, lint yields were increased 9.5% by NT‐M and 9.4% by NT‐W. Cover crop treatments significantly increased total costs compared to NT. However, net returns were 12% greater for NT‐W and 8% greater for NT‐M compared to NT. Over the 6‐yr study, NT‐M did not provide an agronomic or economic advantage over NT‐W. Under irrigated conditions in the southern Great Plains, cover crops were implemented without negatively affecting lint yield or net returns in continuous cotton systems at seeding rates of 34 kg ha–1.
Modeling the impacts of climate, soil, and cultivar on optimal irrigation amount of winter wheat in the North China Plain
Authors: Zheng Junqing , Wang Jing , Ren Wei , Tang Jianzhao , He Di , Huang Mingxia , Bai Huiqing , Wu Bingjie
Published: March 2020

Improving winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity and water use efficiency (WUE) in the North China Plain (NCP) is critical to maintain grain security and ease the water shortage in this region. This study was conducted to examine the optimal irrigation amount (OI) for winter wheat across the NCP and analyze its responses to the climate, soil, and cultivar. We applied a novel approach with the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) during 1961–2010 to estimate the OI by considering the trade‐off between yield and WUE. Our results suggested that the optimum irrigation amount determined by climate (OIc) ranged from 3–342 mm for simulation experiments considering climate impacts alone. When soil conditions were additionally considered, the optimal irrigation amount (OIcs) showed an average decrease of 45 mm across 19 sites in the northern NCP but an average increase of 42 mm across 29 sites in the southern NCP. When all three factors were included, the estimated optimal irrigation amount (OIcsc) fell within the range of 3–286 mm across the NCP, lower than OIc and OIcs. Climate, soil, and cultivar explained 54, 27, and 19% of the spatial variation in the optimal irrigation amount, respectively. Further analysis indicated relatively higher optimal irrigation amounts for late‐maturing cultivars, but their inter‐annual variations and decadal changing rates were lower relative to the early‐ and medium‐maturing cultivars. Our study demonstrated the incorporation of the genotypes and environmental factors, and recommended the optimal irrigation amount of 3–286 mm for winter wheat in the NCP.
Synthesis of Highly Enantioenriched Bis‐spirooxindole Pyrrolizidine/Pyrrolidines through Asymmetric [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Shahrestani Naeimeh , Tovfighmadar Kolsoum , Eskandari Mehdi , Jadidi Khosrow , Notash Behrouz , Mirzaei Peiman
Published: March 2020

Synthesis of highly enantioenriched bis‐spirooxindole pyrrolizidine scaffold was established using 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of isatin‐derived azomethine ylides by (E)‐2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene acetyl sultam with four contiguous and two quaternary stereogenic centers in generally high yields (up to 96%) and diastereoselectivities (up to 99 : 1). In addition, highly enantioenriched bis‐spirooxindole pyrrolidines were generated in high yields and highly regio‐ and ‐diastereoselectivities (up to 99 : 1) by utilizing this chiral auxiliary controlled method. The obtained cycloadducts underwent retro‐Mannich ring‐opening cyclization and produced new diastereoisomers of bis‐spirooxindole pyrrolizidine/pyrrolidines skeleton that could not be accessed by direct 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition.
Noncovalent Chalcogen‐Bonding Catalysis Using ppm‐Level Catalyst Loading to Achieve Cyanosilylation of Ketones
Authors: Bao Lintao , Kong Xiangjin , Wang Yao
Published: March 2020

As noncovalent chalcogen‐bonding interaction is comparatively weak, it remains a true challenge to implement chalcogen‐bonding catalysis in an efficient manner. We herein show that a chalcogen‐bonding catalysis approach to cyanosilylation of a broad range of ketones can be achieved even using as low as parts per million (ppm) level catalyst loading while the reactions were completed within several minutes at room temperature. Considering the nature of weak noncovalent forces, this chalcogen‐bonding catalysis approach is remarkable as it can give up to 106/h turnover frequency numbers.
Raman Optical Activity (ROA) as a New Tool to Elucidate the Helical Structure of Poly(phenylacetylene)s
Authors: Palomo Luis , Rodríguez Rafael , Medina Samara , Quiñoá Emilio , Casado Juan , Freire Félix , Ramírez Francisco J.
Published: March 2020

Poly(phenylacetylene)s are a family of helical polymers constituted by conjugated double bonds. Raman spectra of these polymers show a structural fingerprint of the polyene backbone which, in combination with its helical orientation, makes them good candidates to be studied by Raman optical activity (ROA). Four different well‐known poly(phenylacetylene)s adopting different scaffolds and ten different helical senses have been prepared. Raman and ROA spectra were recorded and allowed to establish ROA‐spectrum/helical‐sense relationships: a left/right‐handed orientation of the polyene backbone (Mhelix/Phelix) produces a triplet of positive/negative ROA bands. Raman and ROA spectra of each polymer exhibited the same profile, and the sign of the ROA spectrum was opposite to the lowest‐energy electronic circular dichroism (ECD) band, indicating a resonance effect. Resonance ROA appears then as an indicator of the helical sense of poly(phenylacetylene)s, especially for those with an extra Cotton band in the ECD spectrum, where a wrong helical sense is assigned based on ECD, while ROA alerts of this misassignment.
Enantioselective Twofold C−H Annulation of Formamides and Alkynes without Built‐in Chelating Groups
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Yin‐Xia , Luan Yu‐Xin , Ye Mengchun
Published: March 2020

Twofold C−H annulation of readily available formamides and alkynes without built‐in chelating groups was achieved. Ni−Al bimetallic catalysis enabled by a bulky BINOL‐derived chiral secondary phosphine oxide (SPO) ligand proved to be critical for high reactivity and high selectivity. This reaction uses readily available formamides as starting materials and provides a concise synthetic pathway to a broad range of chiral ferrocenes in 40–98 % yield and 93–99 % ee.