bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
مناهج تأويل أحاديث الفتن بين الاعتدال والتطرف: تحليل لبعض التأويلات السياسية لأحاديث الفتنة
Authors: Hussein Abdul Rahman , Oziev Gapur
Published: March 2021

It is well known and agreed upon, that many of Hadiths related to the preceding events of the Day of Judgment could be interpreted in a way that is consistent with a sectarian circumstances or spatiotemporal facts. For instance, Hadith that narrated by Bukhary: “Day of Judgment will not rise until tow sects, off one claim, have fought” was interpreted with deferent approaches, that complicated the issue and created confusion among younger generation who were quickly driven by ostensible interpretation, and their hopes and dreams were attached to a fanciful Islamic caliphate created by political interests. Today, Islamic countries from far east to north of Africa, are facing a great ordeal. This ordeal is not derived from individuals or Islamic groups and its methods of Da’wah, but is relevant to an approach interprets the prophetic traditions In order to conform with the foundations of some organizations. We have to expose the falsehood of these interpretations and to show their delusions, as al-Gazali did in his book (Fadha’h al-Batiniyyah) and al-Fakhr al-Razi in his book :Asas al-Taqdis).
Effect of Total Mixed Ration Based Complete Pellet Feed on the Performances of Stall Fed Native Sheep
Authors: Ahmed S , Rakib MRH , Hemayet MA
Published: March 2021

A complete pellet feed was developed using 40 % roughage (Rice straw) and 60 % concentrate (Rice polish 50 %, Maize crush 16 %, Soybean meal 20 %, Molasses 10 %, Salt 2 %, DCP 1 %, Vitaminmineral premix 0.5 %, Pellet binder 0.5 %) for commercial sheep production under stall feeding system. To know the effect of complete pellet feed on animal performances, both on-station and on-farm trials were conducted in growing sheep. The results of the experiment demonstrated that in the traditional system of rearing; only 22.42 g daily weight gain was observed. While, feeding of complete pellet feed achieved 84.98 g, and 100.67 g daily weight gain at on-farm and on-station condition respectively suggesting that pelleting enhanced the efficiency of utilization of feed. However, no differences were observed for the feed cost per kg weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) among the pellet feeding group and other group. But results suggest that complete pellet feed would be more economical for commercial sheep production under the stall-fed condition and farmers would be more benefited using complete pellet feed compared to conventional grass or urea molasses straw (UMS) and concentrate based feeding system. No disease or clinical symptoms were observed in the animals during the experimental period, suggesting that pellet feeds are well accepted by the sheep and results in better growth rate.

SAARC J. Agri., 18(2): 157-166 (2020)
The Judgement for Development of Virtual Surgical Planning and Three-Dimensional Bio-Printing for Superior Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect by Fibular Graft on Head-Neck Cancer
Authors: Shuborna Nadia Sultana , Bhattarai Bishwa Prakash , Chaiyasamut Teeranut , Kiattavornchareon Sirichai , Wongsirichat Natthamet
Published: March 2021

Oncological resection followed by reconstruction with a free fibular graft is still considered to be the gold standard treatment for functional and prosthetic rehabilitation of oral cancer patients. But this tedious traditional process is challenging for surgeons, as they have to deal with associated curve anatomy, surrounding innervations, and maintenance of functional and aesthetical acceptability. Such manual and operator’s skill dependent surgery can commonly demand a longer treatment duration; leading to an increased risk for prolonging the period of ischemia with increased morbidity, which frequently ends with an uncertain, unsatisfactory outcome. Technological advancements in the 20th and 21st centuries present a revolutionary improvement in the field of reconstructive surgery. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and threedimensional (3D) bio-printing incorporating computer-aided design and computer-aided modeling is a promising tech in modern head and neck reconstruction. This recent innovation is more polished regarding initiation of patient-customized models, pre-bent plates, and osteotomy guides which further increase surgical precision, improve operative efficiency, ensure proper wound healing, shorten operative time, reduce operative cost, and decrease morbidities. This review focuses on the virtual surgical planning and 3D bio-printing technologies to evaluate their efficiency of qualitative and quantitative outcomes of resection and reconstruction of mandible in head-neck cancer using fibular graft.
Design and Experimental Verification of a Single-Phase Asymmetric Hybrid Multi-level Inverter
Authors: VURAL Ahmet Mete , ARSLAN Ali Osman , DENİZ Mustafa
Published: March 2021

In recent years, multi-level inverters have emerged as a feasible power conversion solution for medium and high power applications due to better harmonic performance and ability to operate at high voltage/power when compared to traditional two-level inverters. Since the output level of the multi-level inverters depends on the number of the switching elements, as more levels are required, more switching elements are used. This situation makes the circuit and the control design complex and the losses to upsurge. To overcome these limitations and produce low harmonic content at the output, reduced switch count topologies are popular. In this study, a single-phase asymmetric hybrid multi-level inverter is proposed by combining diode clamped and cascaded H-bridge topologies. The inputs of the proposed inverter are selected as two unequal DC voltage sources. In this regard, fewer switching elements are used to obtain the same number of voltage levels at the output when compared to traditional multi-level inverters. The efficiency and the harmonic performance of the proposed topology is both verified by simulation and experimental studies. The gating signals of the semiconductor switches are produced by phase disposition pulse width modulation with carriers’ frequency of 4 kHz. It is shown by the experiments that a maximum efficiency of 94 % and a total harmonic distortion of 29 % are attained in the case studies.
Risk factors for childhood pneumonia: a case-control study in a high prevalence area in Indonesia
Authors: Sutriana Vivi Ninda , Sitaresmi Mei Neni , Wahab Abdul
Published: March 2021

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs), especially pneumonia, remain a major cause of infant mortality worldwide. In Indonesia, pneumonia is the second most common cause of infant and toddler deaths. Exclusive breastfeeding and basic immunization can protect infants and children from contracting pneumonia.Purpose: Our goal was to assess the risk factors for childhood pneumonia in regions with a high prevalence of pneumonia in Indonesia.Methods: This case-control study was conducted between March and April 2019. A total of 176 infants and toddlers aged 10–59 months were enrolled and selected from among patients who visited the community health center. Cases of pneumonia were diagnosed clinically based on the World Health Organization guidelines, and the control was nonpneumonia.Results: The risk factors for the diagnosis of pneumonia included no or nonexclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR], 7.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.52–17.94), incomplete basic immunizations (OR, 4.47; 95% CI, 2.22–8.99), indoor air pollution (OR, 7.12; 95% CI, 3.03–16.70), low birth weight (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.19–8.92), and a high degree of wasting (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.06–7.17). Other variables such as nutritional status (height-for-age z score), age, sex, and educational status of the mother were not risk factors for pneumonia.Conclusion: No or nonexclusive breastfeeding, incomplete basic immunizations, indoor air pollution, a history of low birth weight, and severe malnutrition were risk factors for childhood pneumonia. Breastfeeding was the dominant factor, while sex modified the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of pneumonia.
The nexus of climate change, sustainable agriculture and farm livelihood: contextualizing climate smart agriculture
Authors: Das U , Ansari MA
Published: March 2021

Climate change is an inherent and indispensable component of global development and deliberations on food security and sustainable farm livelihoods. This article attempts to highlight the key issues with regards to climate change, and propounds an approach to upscale holistic and appropriate Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). The review addresses the climate change impact on, and intricacies of, farm livelihoods, vulnerability and adaptation strategies. Preordained holistic strategies such as CSA can curtail widespread detrimental effects of climate change on farm households, farm productivity and farm profitability through adaptation strategies. Consequently, the agricultural sector of developing countries like India is being restructured, reformed and realigned to contextualize the climate change-sustainable agriculture-farm livelihood nexus. Our exhaustive literature review exhorts a framework of how various types of CSA interventions (scientific technologies, indigenous technical knowledge, institutional innovations and information and communication technologies) can help to promote sustainable livelihood outcomes. The implementation of this approach is driven by the livelihood status of various strata of farmers, along with their vulnerability profile, resilience capacity and climate knowledge with regards to contrasting rationales of climatic vagaries. Climate change is a global process with local visibility; in countries that are dependent on an agrarian economy, a balanced mix of adaptation mechanisms to de-risk the vulnerable farm livelihoods and re-route them towards smart interventions can be important for climate-proofing agriculture. The above mentioned framework provides a robust future course of action for circumventing adverse climatic impacts.
Hawksbill sea turtle life-stage durations, somatic growth patterns, and age at maturation
Authors: Avens L , Ramirez MD , Goshe LR , Clark JM , Meylan AB , Teas W , Shaver DJ , Godfrey MH , Howell L
Published: March 2021

Sea turtles exhibit complex life histories, encompassing intermittent use of multiple spatially separated habitats throughout long lifespans. This broad scope presents challenges for collecting comprehensive biological and ecological data, yet absence of such information complicates evaluation of management strategies for populations at risk of extinction. Hawksbill sea turtles Eretmochelys imbricata are endangered worldwide, primarily due to long-term, directed harvest. However, available information regarding life stage durations, somatic growth patterns, and maturation attributes to enhance understanding of anthropogenic impacts and recovery potential remains constrained. To address these data gaps in the western North Atlantic, we conducted skeletochronological analysis for hawksbills stranded along US coastlines to generate straight-line carapace length (SCL)-at-age and somatic growth data. Generalized additive mixed models and bootstrapped von Bertalanffy growth curves were used to characterize age at maturation and covariate influence on somatic growth. For a subset of turtles, annual bone growth increment-specific stable isotope and trace element analyses were incorporated to evaluate habitat use relative to age. Integration of these data sources indicated that juveniles transitioned from oceanic to neritic habitat at 1-3 yr old and mean SCLs of 23-24 cm (range 15.7-35.0 cm). Initial ages at maturation for this population at minimum nesting female SCLs were estimated at 15-25 yr. Somatic growth varied significantly relative to size, age, and stranding location, while no association with sex or calendar year was observed. Our results demonstrate the utility of these complementary analytical approaches for generating baseline data fundamental to characterizing hawksbill sea turtle population attributes.
ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN LAYANAN VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM TERHADAP KESELAMATAN PELAYARAN DI ALUR PELAYARAN BARAT SURABAYA PELINDO 3
Authors: Mudiyanto Mudiyanto , Febriana Elva
Published: March 2021

Vessel Traffic System  (VTS)  merupakan sistem komunikasi yang dapat memberikan informasi dan pesan bagi kapal. fasilitas yang terdapat dalam VTS yaitu menyediakan layanan traffic organization service yaitu layanan yang memberikan pengaturan pergerakan lalu lintas kapal didalam wilayah Alur Pelayaran Barat Surabaya (APBS) Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Implementasi aturan penggunaan layanan VTS terhadap keselamatan pelayaran di alur pelayaran Surabaya. Manfaat penelitian Penelitian yang akan menghasilkan analisis penggunaaan layanan VTS terhadap keselamatan pelayaran. Metodologi penelitian ini adalah dengan metode kuantitatif jumlah responden 109 dengan hasil penelitian nilai R berganda 0.944 bahwa layanan INS dan alat penunjang navigasi berpengaruh sangat kuat terhadap keselamatan pelayaran.
Kata Kunci: Vessel Traffic System, Keselamatan Pelayaran
Comunicação como ritual (James Carey) e folkcomunicação (Luiz Beltrão): modelos teóricos na interface com a cultura
Authors: Gushiken Yuji
Published: March 2021

O artigo apresenta uma interpretação de dois modelos teóricos na emergência do campo científico comunicacional: a visão ritual da comunicação, do americano James Carey, e a folkcomunicação, do brasileiro Luiz Beltrão. Os dois modelos são construídos tendo como condição histórica as nuances dos campos culturais nos EUA e no Brasil na segunda metade do século XX.
A hipótese de trabalho é que os modelos demandam renegociações epistemológicas no campo científico da comunicação, na medida em que sugerem um distanciamento do paradigma tecnológico constituído pela moderna comunicação massiva e do modelo da comunicação como difusão de informações. As práticas interdisciplinares de pesquisa promoveram uma abertura para abordagens teóricas ligadas ao campo da cultura, enquadrando objetos e temas de pesquisa segundo distintas dinâmicas culturais nos EUA e no Brasil.
O estudo comparado dos modelos de James Carey e Luiz Beltrão fornece pistas para discussões sobre as constantes mudanças em processos comunicacionais na modernização capitalista, os conceitos de mídia segundo padrões de desenvolvimento socioeconômico, a abrangência do campo comunicacional e as virtualidades da pesquisa interdisciplinar entre comunicação e cultura.
COMPARAÇÃO DOS RESULTADOS DOS ENSAIOS DE TRAÇÃO E IMPACTO CHARPY EM METAL DE SOLDA DE JUNTAS DE AÇO ESTRUTURAL TEMPERADO E REVENIDO, SOLDADAS PELO PROCESSO A ARCO ELÉTRICO COM PROTEÇÃO GASOSA (GMAW), EM MODO CONVENCIONAL E PULSADO, UTILIZANDO ELETRODO DE ALMA METÁLICA (METAL CORED)
Authors: Sarni Mírian Isabel Junqueira , Sarni Edmilson Antônio
Published: March 2021

Este trabalho apresenta uma avaliação comparativa dos resultados dos ensaios de tração e impacto Charpy em metal de solda de juntas de aço estrutural temperado e revenido, soldadas pelo processo a arco elétrico com proteção gasosa (GMAW) em modo convencional e pulsado, utilizando eletrodo de alma metálica (metal cored). As soldas foram realizadas em dois passes; cada um por lado de juntas preparadas com chanfro duplo “V” 60°. Foi constatada maior resistência mecânica para os metais de solda obtidos em modo convencional. A expectativa desta contribuição é que se disponibilizem maiores informações em metalurgia da soldagem para atender principalmente ao segmento de fabricação de equipamentos e sistemas mecânicos aplicados a serviços.
ESTRATÉGIAS GENÉRICAS DO VAREJO DE ALIMENTOS
Authors: Degrande Matheus Fereira Sousa , Tamashiro Helenita Rodrigues da Silva , Merlo Edgard Monforte , Pocai Juliana Clemente
Published: March 2021

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar estratégias genéricas, sob a perspectiva de qualidade percebida do consumidor, dos supermercados Pão de Açúcar, Carrefour e Wal-Mart e suas respectivas marcas próprias Qualitá, Viver e Great Value. Este objetivo foi alcançado a partir da aplicação de um questionário de qualidade percebida avaliando variáveis de influência na satisfação do consumidor, variável dependente. Através de regressão linear múltipla, constatou-se que a satisfação do consumidor em relação aos supermercados Wal-Mart e ao Pão de Açúcar estão relacionadas a aspectos de diferenciação competitiva e que a satisfação do consumidor perante as marcas próprias Qualitá, Viver e supermercado Carrefour é composta de variáveis relativas a preços competitivos aliados a qualidade superior em relação a concorrência. A satisfação do consumidor perante a marca Viver, por sua vez, apresentou aspectos centrados na liderança de custos. O estudo é relevante para expandir oportunidades de pesquisas futuras sobre estratégias a partir de qualidade percebida do consumidor e pesquisas referentes a marcas próprias, temas pouco abordados pelos estudos brasileiros.
DOMÓTICA
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel Flávio , Alves Marcelo Caetano Oliveira
Published: March 2021

Neste trabalho foram estudados a possibilidade e a viabilidade econômica de se substituir a fiação de uma instalação elétrica convencional com interruptores e cabos descritos por norma por uma com cabos de comando que tem como proposta a automatização da residência, conhecido como domótica. Como sugestão do sistema automatizado, fora trazido um circuito para interfaceamento entre ele e o microcontrolador, além de suas posições numa planta elétrica residencial. Para a avaliação de ambas, houve pesquisa de preços comerciais de fiação e componentes a fim de indicar uma função do valor em relação ao metro para que possa haver dados suficientes para conclusões.
ESTUDO DE CASO DO LEAD TIME DE UM CENTRO DE PRODUÇÃO E DISTRIBUIÇÃO REVERSA DE PALETES DE MADEIRA NA REGIÃO DE BEBEDOURO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Eugênio Cesar Augusto , Bonette Luiz Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo tem como objetivo principal apresentar considerações sobre algumas atividades de produção e distribuição da logística reversa de paletes através do tempo de atividade (lead time). O estudo de caso único foi realizado com base em um Centro de Distribuição (CD) de uma empresa de processamento de alimentos no Brasil. A justificativa se baseia em duas necessidades emergentes, a primeira de oferecer maior competitividade para as organizações e adesão de estratégias corporativas sustentáveis dentro da cadeia de logística reversa de unitizadores, e na segunda necessidade é sobre a otimização de tempo com base em readequação das atividades de produção e distribuição reversa. Considera-se que o mapeamento do lead time dos processos reversos de distribuição e produção indicam que é uma ferramenta disponível às empresas que buscam ganhar diferencial e, no processo produtivo reverso de paletes, para expandir seu monitoramento em processos e tempos de produção e distribuição da matéria prima secundária e reprodução de novos paletes para revenda.
Topological superconductivity and Majorana states in low-dimensional systems
Authors: Val’kov V V , Shustin M S , Aksenov S V , Zlotnikov A O , Fedoseev A D , Mitskan V A , Kagan M Yu
Published: March 2021

We discuss the properties of topologically nontrivial superconducting phases and the conditions for their realization in condensed matter, the criteria for the appearance of elementary Majorana-type excitations in solids, and the corresponding principles and experimental methods for identifying Majorana bound states (MBSs). Along with the well-known Kitaev chain and superconducting nanowire (SW) models with spin–orbit coupling in an external magnetic field, we discuss models of quasi-two-dimensional materials in which MBSs are realized in the presence of noncollinear spin ordering. For finite-length SWs, we demonstrate a cascade of quantum transitions occurring with a change in the magnetic field, accompanied by a change in the fermion parity of the ground state. The corresponding anomalous behavior of the magnetocaloric effect can be used as a tool for identifying MBSs. We devote considerable attention to the analysis of the transport characteristics of devices that contain topologically nontrivial materials. The results of studying the conductance of an Aharonov–Bohm ring whose arms are connected by an SW are discussed in detail. An important feature of this device is the appearance of Fano resonances in the dependence of conductance on the magnetic field when the SW is in a topologically nontrivial phase. We establish a relation between the characteristics of such resonances and the spatial structure of the lowest-energy SW state. The conditions for the occurrence of an MBS in the phase of the coexistence of chiral d + id superconductivity and 120-degree spin ordering are determined in the framework of the
t – J – V
model on a triangular lattice. We take electron–electron interactions into account in discussing the topological invariants of low-dimensional superconducting materials with noncollinear spin ordering. The formation of Majorana modes in regions with an odd value of a topological ℤ invariant is demonstrated. The spatial structure of these excitations in the Hubbard fermion ensemble is determined.
Dimensions of the Audiovisual Representation Competence in Film School
Authors: Ramos-Hernandez Luis Ricardo
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, film schools perform an adequate task to incorporate their graduates into the Mexican film industry with professional practice programs in authentic contexts and facilitate public and private organizations. The construction of this work consists of identifying the characteristics of filmmaking skills and defining them as competencies, identification, elements of the competence, performance criteria, problems, and application range. The audiovisual representation competence helps guide filmmaking courses at the film school. This curricular competence makes up for the lack of description of a film director's work characteristics. Its main characteristic is the ability to translate an abstract story into representation in a two-dimensional spatiality, and it shows what is necessary to communicate through video and film.
Current State and Future Directions of Genetics and Genomics of Endophytic Fungi for Bioprospecting Efforts
Authors: Sagita Rosa , Quax Wim J. , Haslinger Kristina
Published: March 2021

The bioprospecting of secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi received great attention in the 1990s and 2000s, when the controversy around taxol production from Taxus spp. endophytes was at its height. Since then, hundreds of reports have described the isolation and characterization of putative secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi. However, only very few studies also report the genetic basis for these phenotypic observations. With low sequencing cost and fast sample turnaround, genetics- and genomics-based approaches have risen to become comprehensive approaches to study natural products from a wide-range of organisms, especially to elucidate underlying biosynthetic pathways. However, in the field of fungal endophyte biology, elucidation of biosynthetic pathways is still a major challenge. As a relatively poorly investigated group of microorganisms, even in the light of recent efforts to sequence more fungal genomes, such as the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI), the basis for bioprospecting of enzymes and pathways from endophytic fungi is still rather slim. In this review we want to discuss the current approaches and tools used to associate phenotype and genotype to elucidate biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites in endophytic fungi through the lens of bioprospecting. This review will point out the reported successes and shortcomings, and discuss future directions in sampling, and genetics and genomics of endophytic fungi. Identifying responsible biosynthetic genes for the numerous secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi opens the opportunity to explore the genetic potential of producer strains to discover novel secondary metabolites and enhance secondary metabolite production by metabolic engineering resulting in novel and more affordable medicines and food additives.
De-Ubiquitinating Enzymes USP21 Regulate MAPK1 Expression by Binding to Transcription Factor GATA3 to Regulate Tumor Growth and Cell Stemness of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Guo Qingqu , Shi Dike , Lin Lele , Li Hongbo , Wei Yunhai , Li Baozhong , Wu Dan
Published: March 2021

USP21 is a kind of deubiquitinating enzymes involved in the malignant progression of various cancers, while its role in gastric cancer (GC) and the specific molecular mechanism are still unclear. This study probed into the function of USP21 in vitro and in vivo, and discussed the regulatory mechanism of USP21 in GC in vitro. We reported that USP21 promoted GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness in vitro, and regulated GC tumor growth and cell stemness in mice in vivo. USP21 stabilized the expression of GATA3 by binding to GATA3. Besides, GATA3 also regulated the expression of MAPK1 at the transcriptional level. A series of in vitro experiments testified that USP21 regulated the expression of MAPK1 by binding to transcription factor GATA3, thereby regulating the tumor growth and cell stemness of GC. Overall, this study identified a new USP21/GATA3/MAPK1 axis, which plays a pivotal role in promoting the malignant progression of GC and might provide a potential target for treatment.
Study on the Reparative Effect of PEGylated Growth Hormone on Ovarian Parameters and Mitochondrial Function of Oocytes From Rats With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Feng Penghui , Xie Qiu , Liu Zhe , Guo Zaixin , Tang Ruiyi , Yu Qi
Published: March 2021

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous disorder and lacks effective interventions in clinical applications. This research aimed to elucidate the potential effects of recombinant human PEGylated growth hormone (rhGH) on follicular development and mitochondrial function in oocytes as well as ovarian parameters in POI rats induced by the chemotherapeutic agent. The impacts of rhGH on ovarian function before superovulation on follicles, estrous cycle, and sex hormones were evaluated. Oocytes were retrieved to determine oocyte quality and oxidative stress parameters. Single-cell sequencing was applied to investigate the latent regulatory network. This study provides new evidence that a high dosage of rhGH increased the number of retrieved oocytes even though it did not completely restore the disturbed estrous cycle and sex hormones. rhGH attenuated the apoptosis of granulosa cells and oxidative stress response caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial superoxide. Additionally, rhGH modulated the energy metabolism of oocytes concerning the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content but not mtDNA copy numbers. Based on single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we found that rhGH directly or indirectly promoted the balance of oxidative stress and cellular oxidant detoxification. Four hub genes, Pxmp4, Ehbp1, Mt-cyb, and Enpp6, were identified to be closely related to the repair process in oocytes as potential targets for POI treatment.
Human MUS81: A Fence-Sitter in Cancer
Authors: Chen Sisi , Geng Xinwei , Syeda Madiha Zahra , Huang Zhengming , Zhang Chao , Ying Songmin
Published: March 2021

MUS81 complex, exhibiting endonuclease activity on specific DNA structures, plays an influential part in DNA repair. Research has proved that MUS81 is dispensable for embryonic development and cell viability in mammals. However, an intricate picture has emerged from studies in which discrepant gene mutations completely alter the role of MUS81 in human cancers. Here, we review the recent understanding of how MUS81 functions in tumors with distinct genetic backgrounds and discuss the potential therapeutic strategies targeting MUS81 in cancer.
Simple-Structured OLEDs Incorporating Undoped Phosphorescent Emitters Within Non-Exciplex Forming Interfaces: Towards Ultraslow Efficiency Roll-Off and Low Driving Voltage for Indoor R/G/B Illumination
Authors: Xu Ting , Yi Ruichen , Zhu Chunqin , Lin Mingquan
Published: March 2021

To meet the requirement of indoor R/G/B monochrome illumination a simplified OLEDs structure and fabrication process must occur. Herein, a design philosophy of low efficiency roll-off and simple-structure OLEDs incorporating R/G/B phosphorescent ultrathin non-doped emissive layers (EMLs) within non-exciplex forming interfaces a luminescent system by a direct charge trapping mechanism has been reported, which uses bis(2-methyldibenzo[f,h]-quinoxaline)(acetylacetonate)iridium(III) (MDQ)2Ir(acac), bis(3-phenylpyridin-e)iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3), and bis(3,5-difluoro-2 -(2-pyridyl)phenyl-(2-carboxypyridyl) iridiumII) (Firpic) as R/G/B luminescent dyes, respectively. Although the recombination zone is narrow in the designed OLEDs, the efficiency roll-off of the designed OLEDs are unexpectedly slow, due to stable charge trapping of the emitters and are refrained from concentration quenching in relatively low current density, but the luminance meets the requirement of indoor lighting. With a low threshold voltage of 2.9/2.9/3.5 V, the designed R/G/B phosphorescent OLEDs show an efficiency roll-off as low as 7.6/3.2/4.3% for indoor luminance from 10 cd/m2 to 1,000 cd/m2, respectively. The perspective of R/G/B luminescent dyes on luminous efficiency, chromaticity coordinate drifts, efficiency roll-off, and direct charge trapping has been thoroughly studied. Therefore, our research may help to further develop ideal indoor lighting using a simplified undoped R/G/B OLEDs structure with simultaneous ultraslow efficiency roll-off, low threshold voltage, simplified fabrication process, low reagent consumption, and cost.
Aptamer Turn-On SERS/RRS/Fluorescence Tri-mode Platform for Ultra-trace Urea Determination Using Fe/N-Doped Carbon Dots
Authors: Li Chongning , Li Jiao , Liang Aihui , Wen Guiqing , Jiang Zhiliang
Published: March 2021

Sensitive and selective methods for the determination of urea in samples such as dairy products are important for quality control and health applications. Using ammonium ferric citrate as a precursor, Fe/N-codoped carbon dots (CDFeN) were prepared by a hydrothermal procedure and characterized in detail. CDFeN strongly catalyzes the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2 to turn on an indicator molecular reaction, forming an oxidized tetramethylbenzidine (TMBox) probe with surface-enhanced Raman scattering, resonance Rayleigh scattering, and fluorescence (SERS, RRS, and FL) signals at 1,598 cm−1, 370 nm, and 405 nm, respectively. The urea aptamer (Apt) can turn off the indicator reaction to reduce the tri-signals, and the addition of urea turns on the indicator reaction to linearly enhance the SERS/RRS/FL intensity. Thus, a novel Apt turn-on tri-mode method was developed for the assay determination of ultra-trace urea with high sensitivity, good selectivity, and accuracy. Trace adenosine triphosphate and estradiol can also be determined by the Apt-CDFeN catalytic analytical platform.
Perspectives and Challenges in the Fight Against COVID-19: The Role of Genetic Variability
Authors: Guilger-Casagrande Mariana , de Barros Cecilia T. , Antunes Vitória A. N. , de Araujo Daniele R. , Lima Renata
Published: March 2021

In the last year, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new consideration for the multidisciplinary sciences. The unknown mechanisms of infection used by SARS-CoV-2 and the absence of effective antiviral pharmacological therapy, diagnosis methods, and vaccines evoked scientific efforts on the COVID-19 outcome. In general, COVID-19 clinical features are a result of local and systemic inflammatory processes that are enhanced by some preexistent comorbidities, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases, and biological factors, like gender and age. However, the discrepancies in COVID-19 clinical signs observed among those patients lead to investigations about the critical factors that deeply influence disease severity and death. Herein, we present the viral infection mechanisms and its consequences after blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) axis in different tissues and the progression of inflammatory and immunological reactions, especially the influence of genetic features on those differential clinical responses. Furthermore, we discuss the role of genotype as an essential indicator of COVID-19 susceptibility, considering the expression profiles, polymorphisms, gene identification, and epigenetic modifications of viral entry factors and their recognition, as well as the infection effects on cell signaling molecule expression, which amplifies disease severity.
Disseminated Talaromyces marneffei Infection in a Non-HIV Infant With a Homozygous Private Variant of RELB
Authors: Ding Xiaofang , Huang Han , Zhong Lili , Chen Min , Peng Fang , Zhang Bing , Cui Xinyu , Yang Xiu-An
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study presents a relatively rare case of disseminated Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infection in an HIV-negative patient.

Methods

An 8-month-old girl was hospitalized because of uncontrollable fever and cough for 6 days. Routine laboratory tests, biochemical detection, immunological tests, pathogenic examination, and imaging inspection were performed. Genetic tests of trio whole genome sequencing (Trio-WES), trio copy number sequencing (Trio-CNVseq), and Sanger sequencing were conducted to identify pathogenic variants. In silico analysis of the sequence alignment and structural modeling results was carried out to study the possible pathogenicity of the identified variant. Western blotting was performed to investigate the expression of the identified gene at the protein level.

Results

Enhanced CT and MRI scanning demonstrated thymic dysplasia, diffuse pulmonary and liver nodules, and many balloon-like air sacs in both lungs. The white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil ratio were normal or elevated. The patient was HIV-negative and bone marrow and blood culture showed T. marneffei infection. Total lymphocyte count, CD3+ T lymphocyte count, CD3+CD4+ T lymphocyte count, CD3+CD8+ T lymphocyte count, and NK cell count decreased, while the number of CD19 positive B cells increased. However, the ratio of CD3+CD4+:CD3+CD8+ T cells increased. Trio-WES identified a homozygous private variant of NM_006509: c.400_c.401insAGC/p.Lys134 delinsLysGln in RELB and Sanger sequencing validated the result. Structural modeling indicated that the variant may be pathogenic. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of RelB in the patient was lower than that in the healthy controls at mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusion

This is the first report on disseminated T. marneffei infection in a patient with a homozygous private variant of RELB.
Tuberculosis Drug Discovery: A Decade of Hit Assessment for Defined Targets
Authors: Oh Sangmi , Trifonov Lena , Yadav Veena D. , Barry Clifton E. , Boshoff Helena I.
Published: March 2021

More than two decades have elapsed since the publication of the first genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) which, shortly thereafter, enabled methods to determine gene essentiality in the pathogen. Despite this, target-based approaches have not yielded drugs that have progressed to clinical testing. Whole-cell screening followed by elucidation of mechanism of action has to date been the most fruitful approach to progressing inhibitors into the tuberculosis drug discovery pipeline although target-based approaches are gaining momentum. This review discusses scaffolds that have been identified over the last decade from screens of small molecule libraries against Mtb or defined targets where mechanism of action investigation has defined target-hit couples and structure-activity relationship studies have described the pharmacophore.
Probing the “Dark Matter” of the Human Gut Phageome: Culture Assisted Metagenomics Enables Rapid Discovery and Host-Linking for Novel Bacteriophages
Authors: Fitzgerald C. Brian , Shkoporov Andrey N. , Upadrasta Aditya , Khokhlova Ekaterina V. , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin
Published: March 2021

Recent years have been marked by the growing interest towards virulent and temperate bacteriophage populations inhabiting the human lower gastrointestinal tract – the gut phageome. A number of studies demonstrated high levels of specificity and temporal stability of individual gut phageomes, as well as their specific alterations in disease cohorts, in parallel with changes in the bacteriome. It has been speculated that phages might have an active role in shaping the taxonomic composition and functional properties of the human gut bacteriome. An overwhelming majority of gut bacteriophages, however, remain uncultured, unclassified, and their specific hosts and infection strategies are still unknown. They are often referred to as “the viral dark matter”. A possible breakthrough in understanding of the phageome can only become possible when a significant proportion of the “the viral dark matter” is identified and linked to bacterial hosts. Here, we describe a method that enables rapid discovery and host-linking of novel bacteriophages in the gut via a combination of serial enrichment cultures and shotgun metagenomics of viral DNA. Using this approach dozens of novel and previously known bacteriophages were detected, including the ones infecting difficult-to-culture anaerobic bacteria. The majority of phages failed to produce lysis and propagate on host cultures in traditional assays. The newly identified phages include representatives of Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, Podoviridae, and crAss-like viruses, infecting diverse bacterial taxa of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria phyla. The proposed new method has a potential for high-throughput screening applications for mass discovery of new phages in different environments.
Aptamer Detection of Mycobaterium tuberculosis Mannose-Capped Lipoarabinomannan in Lesion Tissues for Tuberculosis Diagnosis
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Xiong Huan , Chen Rong , Wan Lixia , Kong Ying , Rao Jianwei , Xie Yan , Huang Chaolin , Zhang Xiao-Lian
Published: March 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide. However, the diagnosis of TB, especially extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) diagnosis from lesion tissues, remains a challenge. Nucleic acid aptamers are analogous to antibodies and have advantages of easier modification, high specificity, and affinity. Mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) is a unique surface lipoglycan component or constantly released from mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) cell wall, which makes it a perfect candidate biomarker for TB diagnosis. Our present study aims to establish M.tb ManLAM aptamer-based immunohistochemistry (IHC) method for TB diagnosis. We performed TB diagnosis using 263 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples including 213 TB samples (pulmonary TB (PTB) and EPTB), and 8 samples from latent TB infection (LTBI) high risk subjects, and 42 samples from other non-TB patients with ManLAM aptamer-based IHC and routine laboratory TB diagnostic methods parallelly. The sensitivity and specificity of the ManLAM aptamer-based IHC were 86.38% and 92.86%, with much higher sensitivity than those of mycobacterial culture (9.66%) and acid-fast staining (AFS) (43.01%) and comparability to Interferon-gamma Release Assay (IGRA) (84.38%) and GeneXpert (79.31%). High agreement between ManLAM based-IHC and IGRA or GeneXpert for TB diagnosis were observed. Furthermore, ManLAM aptamer-based IHC combination with other routine TB laboratory diagnostic methods significantly increased the sensitivity up to 88.64%–97.92%. As our knowledge, this is the first report about aptamer-based IHC for disease diagnosis. Thus, ManLAM aptamer-based IHC has potentials for TB diagnosis, including PTB, and EPTB, and assists the diagnosis of LTBI with high effectiveness, feasibility, and easy production.
Common Dysregulation of Innate Immunity Pathways in Human Primary Astrocytes Infected With Chikungunya, Mayaro, Oropouche, and Zika Viruses
Authors: Geddes Victor Emmanuel Viana , Brustolini Otávio José Bernardes , Cavalcante Liliane Tavares de Faria , Moreira Filipe Romero Rebello , de Castro Fernando Luz , Guimarães Ana Paula de Campos , Gerber Alexandra Lehmkuhl , Figueiredo Camila Menezes , Diniz Luan Pereira , Neto Eurico de Arruda , Tanuri Amilcar , Souza Renan Pedra , Assunção-Miranda Iranaia , Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira , Romão Luciana Ferreira , de Souza Jorge Paes Barreto Marcondes , de Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro , de Aguiar Renato Santana
Published: March 2021

Arboviruses pose a major threat throughout the world and represent a great burden in tropical countries of South America. Although generally associated with moderate febrile illness, in more severe cases they can lead to neurological outcomes, such as encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Congenital Syndromes. In this context astrocytes play a central role in production of inflammatory cytokines, regulation of extracellular matrix, and control of glutamate driven neurotoxicity in the central nervous system. Here, we presented a comprehensive genome-wide transcriptome analysis of human primary astrocytes infected with Chikungunya, Mayaro, Oropouche, or Zika viruses. Analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), pathway enrichment, and interactomes have shown that Alphaviruses up-regulated genes related to elastic fiber formation and N-glycosylation of glycoproteins, with down-regulation of cell cycle and DNA stability and chromosome maintenance genes. In contrast, Oropouche virus up-regulated cell cycle and DNA maintenance and condensation pathways while down-regulated extracellular matrix, collagen metabolism, glutamate and ion transporters pathways. Zika virus infection only up-regulated eukaryotic translation machinery while down-regulated interferon pathways. Reactome and integration analysis revealed a common signature in down-regulation of innate immune response, antiviral response, and inflammatory cytokines associated to interferon pathway for all arboviruses tested. Validation of interferon stimulated genes by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) corroborated our transcriptome findings. Altogether, our results showed a co-evolution in the mechanisms involved in the escape of arboviruses to antiviral immune response mediated by the interferon (IFN) pathway.
Evasion of Intracellular DNA Sensing by Human Herpesviruses
Authors: Bhowmik Debipreeta , Zhu Fanxiu
Published: March 2021

Sensing of viral constituents is the first and critical step in the host innate immune defense against viruses. In mammalian cells, there are a variety of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect diverse pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) including viral RNA and DNA. In the past decade, a number of host DNA sensors have been discovered and the underlying sensing mechanisms have been elucidated. Herpesviruses belong to a large family of enveloped DNA viruses. They are successful pathogens whose elaborate immune evasion mechanisms contribute to high prevalence of infection among their hosts. The three subfamilies of herpesviruses have all been found to employ diverse and overlapping strategies to interfere with host DNA sensing. These strategies include masking viral DNA or the DNA sensor, degradation of the DNA sensor, and post-transcriptional modification of the DNA sensor or its adaptor protein. In this review, we will discuss the current state of our knowledge on how human herpesviruses use these strategies to evade DNA-induced immune responses. Comprehensive understanding of herpesvirus immune-evasion mechanisms will aid in the development of vaccines and antivirals for herpesvirus-associated diseases.
Hurricane Scenario Generation for Uncertainty Modeling of Coastal and Inland Flooding
Authors: Kim Kyoung Yoon , Wu Wen-Ying , Kutanoglu Erhan , Hasenbein John J. , Yang Zong-Liang
Published: March 2021

Hurricanes often induce catastrophic flooding due to both storm surge near the coast, and pluvial and fluvial flooding further inland. In an effort to contribute to uncertainty quantification of impending flood events, we propose a probabilistic scenario generation scheme for hurricane flooding using state-of-art hydrological models to forecast both inland and coastal flooding. The hurricane scenario generation scheme incorporates locational uncertainty in hurricane landfall locations. For an impending hurricane, we develop a method to generate multiple scenarios by the predicated landfall location and adjusting corresponding meteorological characteristics such as precipitation. By combining inland and coastal flooding models, we seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of potential flood scenarios for an impending hurricane. To demonstrate the modeling approach, we use real-world data from the Southeast Texas region in our case study.
How to Read Uncommon Names in Present-Day Japan: A Guide for Non-Native Japanese Speakers
Authors: Ogihara Yuji
Published: March 2021

A previous study categorized uncommon names in present-day Japan. However, it was presented in Japanese mainly for native Japanese speakers and thus failed to explain shared knowledge about naming practices, making it difficult for non-native Japanese speakers to understand the study. It is important to share cultural practices not only within but also beyond the culture. Moreover, considering that Japanese names are difficult to read, reducing the risk of failing to read names correctly is helpful especially for non-native Japanese speakers. Therefore, by adding supplementary explanations, this paper systematically describes the characteristics and patterns of uncommon names in present-day Japan. Uncommon names largely take two forms: names with an uncommon reading of Chinese characters and names with uncommon Chinese characters. Regarding the reading, there are three types: 1-1) names that abbreviate the common reading of Chinese characters, 1-2) names that are pronounced as a foreign word, and 1-3) names that are pronounced based on the meaning/image of Chinese characters. Regarding the writing, there are two types: 2-1) names with Chinese characters used infrequently and 2-2) names with silent Chinese characters adding to the semantic meaning without contributing to the pronunciation. Further, a combination of these methods makes names more unique.