bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pentingnya Kepercayaan Memediasi Pengaruh Keamanan Bertransaksi dan Kepuasan Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen
Authors: Wulandari Anna , Prakosa Adinewa Surya , Anhari Fatimatul Zahro , Pamungkas Baskoro Ashar , Suryanti Rensi
Published: September 2021

Tujuan penelitian untuk menguji model penelitian yang menyatakan bahwa kepuasan dan kepercayaan memediasi pengaruh keamanan bertransaksi terhadap minat beli konsumen. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif, dengan sampel penelitian sebanyak 152 orang konsumen Shopee. Analisis penelitian yang digunakan adalah model struktural diolah software SMART-PLS 3.0. Penelitian menunjukkan kepuasan konsumen tidak memediasi keamanan bertransaksi terhadap minat beli sedangkan kepercayaan konsumen memediasi. Kemanan bertransaksi mempengaruhi kepuasan konsumen dan berdampak pada meningkatnya kepercayaan yang akhirnya mendorong minat beli konsumen.The purpose of the study to test the research model that states that satisfaction and trust mediate the influence of security transactions intercepted consumer buying interests. This research method uses quantitative approach, with a research sample of 152 Shopee consumers. The research analysis used is a structural model processed smart-pls 3.0 software. The results showed that consumer satisfaction does not mediate the security of transacting against buying interests while consumer confidence mediates. Transaction security affects consumer satisfaction and has an impact on increased trust that ultimately drives consumer buying interest.
Makna Qiradah dalam Kisah Bani Israil
Authors: Kumalasari Aidah Mega
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses the meaning of qiradah contained in QS. Al-Baqarah [2]:65. The meaning of qiradah has been interpreted by the community as monkeys. Even though the word qiradah is not only interpreted in an essential way. This study aims to find various meanings of qiradah with several verses using a semiotic approach. In this study, the author uses Roland Barthes' semiotic approach, namely denotation and connotation to reveal the meaning of qiradah. To achieve this goal, this research uses qualitative methods. The results of this study conclude that: First, in the linguistic system or the denotative meaning of the word qiradah, it does not only mean monkeys, but monkeys that have no shame. Second, the system of mythology or connotative meaning. The word qiradah in this system shows not the physical meaning, but the disgraceful nature that positions a person in humiliation. the interpretation of the verses of the Qur'an related to animals needs to be developed in order to expand the study of the science of interpretation of the Qur'an in order to prove the dynamic elements of the Qur'an.
Kesesuaian Fatwa DSN-MUI No 106 Dengan Praktik Wakaf Polis Di Lembaga Wakaf Al-Azhar Jakarta
Authors: Hendra  Kholid  , Maulida  Rahmawati
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis mekanisme wakaf polis di Lembaga Wakaf Al-Azhar sehingga respon masyarakat begitu baik dan mengalami peningkatan jumlah peserta wakaf polis dengan pesat sehingga mencapai 200 polis. Dan bagaimana kesesuaian mekanisme tersebut dengan Fatwa Dewan Syariah Nasional No l06/DSN-MUI/IXl2016 Tentang Wakaf Manfaat Asuransi dan Manfaat Investasi pada Asuransi Jiwa Syariah (wakaf polis). Mekanisme pelaksanaan wakaf polis yang dilakukan oleh Lembaga Wakaf Al-Azhar memiliki ketentuan umum dan ketentuan khusus yaitu; Ketentuan umum yaitu wakif harus akil baligh, memiliki hak secara penuh atas harta yang akan diwakafkan, mengikuti ketentuan di perusahaan asuransi syariah, melakukan ikrar wakaf yang disaksikan oleh saksi-saksi, dan ikrar wakaf di legalisir notaris; Ketentuan khusus yaitu wakif diberi keleluasaan untuk memilih objek wakaf diantaranya untuk pembangunan masjid, pembangunan pesantren, wakaf produktif, lembaga-lembaga Islam, lembaga-lembaga social charity, badan usaha milik Wakaf Al-Azhar, atau objek wakaf bisa diberikan ke lembaga lain yang berbadan hukum. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mekanisme pelaksanaan wakaf polis di Lembaga Wakaf Al-Azhar dianggap telah sesuai dengan fatwa DSN-MUI No.106/DSN-MUI/IX2016 tentang wakaf  manfaat asuransi dan  manfaat investasi pada asuransi jiwa syariah.
Pendayagunaan Dana ZIS Pada Program Mahasiswa Cerdas Baznas (BAZIS) Provinsi DKI Jakarta
Authors: Sultan Antus Nasruddin Mohammad  , Febriani Eka Maulida
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengelolaan pendayagunaan ZIS untuk meningkatkan pendidikan dan menganalisis mekanisme pendayagunaan dana ZIS di BAZNAS (Bazis) Provinsi DKI Jakarta pada Program Mahasiswa Cerdas. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Pendayagunaan ZIS untuk meningkatkan pendidikan di BAZNAS (Bazis) Provinsi DKI Jakarta telah dilakukan dengan baik dan optimal sesuai dengan standar pendayagunaa zakat, yaitu penyaluran diberikan kepada asnaf sabilillah khusus dalam bidang keagamaan dan dhuafa/miskin yaitu kalangan masyarakat yang kurang mampu dengan mendahulukan orang yang tidak berdaya memenuhi kebutuhan dasar terlebih dahulu lalu memberikan bantuan pada pendidikannya. Selain itu, mekanisme Pendayagunaan ZIS di BAZNAS (Bazis) Provinsi DKI Jakarta pada Program Mahasiswa Cerdas dilaksanakan dengan baik dan wajar sesuai dengan standar pendayagunaan zakat di Indonesia.
Pengelolaan Dana Wakaf Produktif Melalui Investasi Syariah Perspektif Hukum Islam
Authors: Ziyad  Ulhaq  , Firda  Anidiyah
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis Strategi pengelolaan dana wakaf produktif melalui investasi syariah yang dipraktekkan di Global Wakaf ACT (Aksi Cepat Tanggap) dan menganalisis apakah mekanisme pengelolaan dana wakaf produktif Global Wakaf ACT (Aksi Cepat Tanggap) dalam investasi syariah sudah sesuai hukum Islam. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Praktek pengelolaan dan pendayagunaan dana wakaf produktif ACT-GWF dinyatakan sudah susuai dengan perspektif hukum Islam dapat dilihat dari segi pengelolaan yang terhindar dari riba, dan pendayagunaannya sudah sesuai dengan hukum Islam yaitu mampu mendistribusikan kemanfatannya kepada kepentingan umum khususnya bidang kemanusian dan pendidikan.
Tinjauan Yuridis Perkara Pembatalan Hibah (Studi Kasus Putusan Nomor 467 K/Ag2017)
Authors: Robiah  Awaliyah  , Nadjematul  Faizah
Published: September 2021

Studi ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pertimbangan hukum hakim dalam memutus perkara pembatalan hibah atas harta bersama yang diberikan oleh orang tua kepada anak sebagai syarat terjadinya perceraian dalam putusan Nomor 467 K/Ag2017. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan perundang-undangan (statue approach) dan pendekatan kasus (case approach) dengan menggunakan penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Sumber data Primer dalam penelitian ini adalah berkas putusan Nomor 467 K/Ag2017. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan dasar pertimbangan dalam memutus perkara pembatalan hibah atas harta bersama. Hakim Pengadilan Agama Surabaya berpendapat bahwa pemberian hibah yang dilakukan Penggugat terhadap Para Tergugat ialah tidak berdasarkan hukum. Sehingga gugatan Penggugat terkait pembatalan hibah tidak dikabulkan oleh Hakim Pengadilan Agama Surabaya. Hakim Pengadilan Agama Surabaya merujuk pada Pasal 1678 KUH Perdata yang menyatakan bahwa penghibahan antara suami istri selama pekawinan mereka masih berlangsung, dilarang. Sedangkan Hakim Pengadilan Tinggi Agama Surabaya dan Mahkamah Agung berpendapat bahwa pemberian hibah yang dilakukan Penggugat terhadap Para Tergugat ialah berdasarkan hukum. Karena Penggugat dan Tergugat telah setuju melakukan penghibahan atas harta bersama yang diberikan kepada anak-anaknya kala itu. Namun gugatan terkait pembatalan hibah dari tingkat pertama hingga kasasi tetap tidak dikabulkan oleh Hakim. Jika dilihat pada Pasal 212 KHI yang menyatakan bahwa hibah tidak dapat ditarik kembali kecuali hibah orang tua kepada anaknya, maka gugatan terkait pembatalan hibah tersebut dapat dipertimbangkan untuk dikabulkan sebagian.
Nilai-nilai Tauhid dalam Mata Pelajaran Biologi (Telaah pada Mata Pelajaran Biologi)
Authors: Yudril Basith
Published: September 2021

This study aims to find the values of tauhid (religion) in biology (science) subjects. This type of research is a qualitative study using an interpretive approach. The main source of the research is the biology textbook for SMA / MA students written by Slamet Prawirohartono. The conclusion of this research is that someone who studies biology will be able to get an understanding of monotheism (religion). This can be seen from the value of monotheism contained in the subject of biology, which is tawhid rububiyah that mean the god is the only one can control and creator universe. Someone can develop his potention to maintain and preserve the universe as a form of worship to God. Second, uluhiyah, this is in the form of the tasbih of the universe in the form of the order and balance of the universe that Allah created for every creature, three Asma 'wa sifah, this is the form of Allah's affection for every creature that He has created. This can be seen from biological materials such as material on scientific methods that recommend utilizing the five senses in studying ancient verses, biodiversity as a gift of God's beauty, ecology which is the unity and harmony of God's creation in order to maintain the balance of the environment (ecosystem)
Diversified pastures at the front line of climate change in Northland: farmers experiences, new directions and wider implications for other parts of the country
Authors: McCahon Kieran , McCahon Allister , Ussher Gavin
Published: September 2021

The persistence of both perennial ryegrass and white clover is challenged under summer-dry conditions. Future climate change projections indicate greater incidence and severity of summer moisture stress for many regions in New Zealand, and therefore, greater pressure on our traditional pasture base. The ‘Northland Diversified Forages Project’ aimed to identify alternative pasture species that provide an advantage in terms of dry matter yield, quality and/or timing of growth within a summer-dry environment, with a particular focus on legumes. A series of mown-plot trial and paddock demonstrations were established across a range of soil types to assess the potential of a wide variety of forage species. Perennial ryegrass and white clover both failed to persist, comprising less than 25% of the sward within 3 years of establishment. Cocksfoot demonstrated potential as a more persistent alternative to perennial ryegrass. However, whilst a range of legumes were successful at increasing the proportion of legume in the sward and total yield in the first year, significant challenges were identified in maintaining functional legumes across multiple years. This raises questions around whether we currently have the right species in New Zealand to adapt to a changing climate.
PERSONALITY STRUCTURE IN THE NOVEL CLEANING CONSCIENCE BY ARIO MUHAMMAD (STUDY OF LITERATURE PSYCHOLOGY)
Authors: Afiva Rizky Pratiwi
Published: September 2021

The research of the novel Membersihkan Nurani by Ario Muhammad can be used as a reference in understanding a person’s personality and behavior. With the personality structure that occurs in the main character, it is presented in a very interesting discussion topic to study. This study aims to better understanding the personality structure experienced by the main character. The approach in this study uses the study of literary psychology. The data collection technique is done by means of semiotic analysis. This study uses analytical techniques by reading the next repeatedly by giving a sign it can be easily understood. The personality structure described in this discussion uses the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud’s analysis. The result showed that the main character in the novel was dominated by using the super ego personality. It can be stated that my character has the strongest dominance related ti personility and emotions.
INQUIRY METHOD ANALYSIS IN PROCESS LEARNING OF PEOPLE'S POETRY
Authors: Citra Amelia Sudiyati
Published: September 2021

In an education, learning is supported by various methods, media, and learning models to improve the quality of learning. In this article, the author only focuses on one example of the method used to assist the teaching and learning process. The method is a way whose function is as a tool to achieve a goal. The better the method, the more effective the attainment of the goal. This writing aims to describe the inquiry method regarding the strengths and weaknesses in the process of learning folk poetry and the reconstruction of the inquiry method in the process of learning folk poetry. This writing is a non-research scientific article, where only the author's ideas are expressed. Compiled from several theories such as learning folk poetry, learning methods, learning methods in the 2013 curriculum, and related to inquiry learning methods. The results of this paper are found the weaknesses and strengths of the inquiry method in learning poetry and the weaknesses are reconstructed to make it better or more effective.
JAVANESE SPEECH HOST IN WEDDING IN THE SIDOARJO REGION
Authors: Suwito
Published: September 2021

This study describes the Javanese language used by the presenters when bringing a wedding ceremony in the Sidoarjo area. Organizers have many variations of the language used at weddings with Javanese customs. The research method uses a qualitative research method approach where this research is in the Tambak Kemerakan village area, Krian sub-district, Sidoarjo district. The time of the research was carried out from May to July 2021. The data collection techniques in the study were in the form of documents, interviews and observations. The research instrument used a mobile phone and a list of questions to the presenters. The results of the study show that the use of language includes language variations, language variations based on lecturing functions, language variations in terms of formality using official language. Code switching in this study is an analysis of the language used when hosting weddings. And the occurrence of language code mixing in the form of Javanese krama alus switching to Indonesian and language interference in its morphological and phonological use.
Creative Writing Among Chinese Teachers: An Overview of Phenomenological Psychology
Authors: Anas Ahmadi
Published: September 2021

This research is a descriptive study that wants to explore creative writing among Chinese teachers through the perspective of phenomenological psychology. The method used in this research is qualitative. The respondents of this study were 19 teachers who came from formal school teachers and LBB teachers. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of questionnaires, documentation, and interviews. Data analysis technique is done by identification, classification, and reduction. The researcher also carried out data validity so that the data was maintained scientifically. The results of the study show the following. First, most Chinese teachers do not write creatively because they are more concerned with the field of Mandarin. Second, from the aspect of the cause of the lack of creative writing in Chinese teachers who occupy the highest position is the environment because in the opinion of respondents, the environment is very influential because in their daily life they live in an environment.
Knockdown of Genes Involved in Transcription and Splicing Reveals Novel RNAi Targets for Pest Control
Authors: Knorr Eileen , Billion Andre , Fishilevich Elane , Tenbusch Linda , Frey Meghan L. F. , Rangasamy Murugesan , Gandra Premchand , Arora Kanika , Lo Wendy , Geng Chaoxian , Vilcinskas Andreas , Narva Kenneth E.
Published: September 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising next generation technology for the development of species-specific pest management. The key to successful RNAi based-plant protection is dependent in part on data-driven target gene selection, a challenging task due to the absence of laboratory strains and the seasonality of most pest species. In this study, we aimed to identify novel target genes by performing a knowledge-based approach in order to expand the spectrum of known potent RNAi targets. Recently, the protein-coding genes ncm, Rop, RPII-140, and dre4 have been identified as sensitive RNAi targets for pest control. Based on these potent RNAi targets, we constructed an interaction network and analyzed a selection of 30 genes in the model beetle Tribolium castaneum via injection of dsRNA synthesized by in vitro transcription. Nineteen of these targets induced significant mortality of over 70%, including six that caused 100% lethality. Orthologs of active T. castaneum RNAi targets were verified in the economically important coleopteran pests Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and Brassicogethes aeneus. Knockdown of D. v. virgifera genes coding for transcription factor Spt5, Spt6, and RNA polymerase II subunit RPII-33 caused over 90% mortality in larval feeding assays. Injection of dsRNA constructs targeting RPII-215 or the pre-mRNA-processing factor Prp19 into adult B. aeneus resulted in high lethality rates of 93 and 87%, respectively. In summary, the demonstrated knowledge-based approaches increased the probability of identifying novel lethal RNAi target genes from 2% (whole genome) to 36% (transcription- and splicing-related genes). In addition, performing RNAi pre-screening in a model insect increased also the probability of the identification essential genes in the difficult-to-work-with pest species D. v. virgifera and B. aeneus.
Combining the Seed Endophytic Bacteria and the Back to the Future Approaches for Plant Holonbiont Breeding
Authors: L'Hoir Maïwenn , Duponnois Robin
Published: September 2021

Given the limits of intensive agriculture (pollution, degradation of biodiversity, or soil desertification), it is necessary to develop sustainable alternatives to respond to future agricultural demand. Among these sustainable alternatives is the use of microbial biostimulants. Despite convincing scientific studies on them, their agricultural use remains minor. This can be explained by the lack of efficiency and reliability of their use. This review proposes to develop efficient microbial biostimulants based on the combination of two approaches, namely that of endophytic bacteria from seeds and the Back to the Future approach. Seed endophytic bacteria have a major agroindustrial potential insofar as they stand out from other microbial agents by their resistance, competitiveness, efficiency, and vertical transmission. Contrary to modern cultivars, non-domesticated plants harbor microbiomes which have not been impacted by the processes of domestication and agriculture intensification. The Back to the Future suggests therefore to use interesting microorganisms isolated from non-domesticated plants and to integrate them into modern cultivars. This could result in the rehabilitation of modern microbiomes and lead to make crop cultures more resistant and resilient. The idea consisting in the combination of both approaches aims at obtaining optimized microbiomes. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating these innovative microbiomes into variety breeding programs. Indeed, given the importance of plant-microorganism interactions, particularly from an agronomic point of view, taking the hologenome into account as a unit of selection in breeding programs is essential. This integrative and unprecedented approach to designing breeding programs is promising with a view to reconciling productivity and preservation of agroecosystems.
Mycorrhizal Symbioses Enhance Competitive Weed Growth in Biochar and Nutrient-Amended Soils
Authors: O'Neil Chase M. , Nash Jake , Tiemann Lisa K. , Miesel Jessica R.
Published: September 2021

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is a highly competitive weed in agroecosystems that is well-studied for its efficient nitrogen (N) acquisition, yet research on its phosphorus (P) uptake is lacking. One pathway may be through symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) which increase nutrient acquisition. These AMF benefits can be further enhanced by soil amendment with biochar, although effects may vary with different biochar production characteristics. We implemented a fully factorial nutrient and biochar addition experiment in a greenhouse for six months to determine how AMF nutrient uptake impacts plant growth and how these effects vary between two biochar types. We measured total above- and belowground biomass, plant tissue concentration (N and P), AMF colonization and activity rates, and soil media N and P availability. Overall, we observed few statistically significant results, however AMF N uptake may have been more beneficial to velvetleaf than AMF P uptake as evidenced by increased biomass and tissue N concentrations in treatments where N was only accessible by AMF. Additionally, by maintaining root to shoot ratios biochar may have provided plants with N and P (through sorption of nutrients to surfaces or its inherent properties) when nutrients were more difficult to access. We also found variable plant responses across the two biochar types used. Understanding how nutrient and biochar additions can influence weed competition is important for anticipating potential undesirable consequences of novel soil amendments such as biochar.
Intensity Estimation for Poisson Process With Compositional Noise
Authors: Schluck Glenna , Wu Wei , Srivastava Anuj
Published: September 2021

Intensity estimation for Poisson processes is a classical problem and has been extensively studied over the past few decades. Practical observations, however, often contain compositional noise, i.e., a non-linear shift along the time axis, which makes standard methods not directly applicable. The key challenge is that these observations are not “aligned,” and registration procedures are required for successful estimation. In this paper, we propose an alignment-based framework for positive intensity estimation. We first show that the intensity function is area-preserved with respect to compositional noise. Such a property implies that the time warping is only encoded in the normalized intensity, or density, function. Then, we decompose the estimation of the intensity by the product of the estimated total intensity and estimated density. The estimation of the density relies on a metric which measures the phase difference between two density functions. An asymptotic study shows that the proposed estimation algorithm provides a consistent estimator for the normalized intensity. We then extend the framework to estimating non-negative intensity functions. The success of the proposed estimation algorithms is illustrated using two simulations. Finally, we apply the new framework in a real data set of neural spike trains, and find that the newly estimated intensities provide better classification accuracy than previous methods.
Applications of Bioadhesives: A Mini Review
Authors: Duan Wanglin , Bian Xiangbing , Bu Yazhong
Published: September 2021

Bioadhesives have demonstrated their superiority in clinical applications as tissue adhesives, hemostats, and tissue sealants. Because of the intrinsic stickiness, the applications have been expanded to various areas, such as functional wound dressing, factor delivery vehicles, and even medical device fixation. While many literature works discussed the mechanism of bioadhesives, few of them specifically summarized the applications of bioadhesives. To fill in the blanks, this review covers recent research articles and focuses precisely on the applications of bioadhesives which can be generally classified as follows: 1) wound closure, 2) sealing leakage, and 3) immobilization, including those already in the clinic and those showing great potential in the clinic. It is expected that this article will provide a whole picture on bioadhesives’ applications and lead to innovations in the application of bioadhesives in new fields.
Regenerative Medicine in South Korea: Bridging the Gap Between Authorization and Reimbursement
Authors: Kim Dong-Sook , Lee Geunwoo , Cho Hyungyung , Bae SeungJin
Published: September 2021

Regenerative medicine (RM) has considerable potential to address the needs of aging-related and uncurable diseases. However, its incorporation into reimbursement of health insurance benefits poses many challenges, including uncertain evidence and insufficient investment. This paper examines the wide gap between manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and health technology bodies regarding reimbursements for RMs focused cell therapy products. In this mixed-methods study, we first analyzed the sales of RMs approved in South Korea. In addition to exploring beliefs related to the market value of RMs, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 experts (17 from bio-industries, two from the regulatory body, three from a health technology assessment (HTA) body, and two from the Pharmaceutical Benefit Coverage Assessment Committee [PBCAC]). Lastly, we surveyed PBCAC members about the market value of RMs. In total, 15 of the 20 developed cell therapy products are on the market in South Korea, and amounted to 0.24% of total pharmaceutical expenditures in 2018. We identified a wide gap between stakeholders and regulators regarding the market value and pricing of RMs. The interviewees from the pharmaceutical manufacturer association raised the issue of rising manufacturing costs and proposed a specific pricing policy for RMs. To bridge the gap between approval and reimbursement, stakeholders demand an alternative framework of value-based pricing. Conditional health insurance reimbursement may be an alternative to the traditional process in order to generate evidence of the effects of RMs using “risk-based” or “outcome-based” approaches.
Mechano-Hypoxia Conditioning of Engineered Human Meniscus
Authors: Szojka Alexander R. A. , Li David Xinzheyang , Sopcak Malou E. J. , Ma Zhiyao , Kunze Melanie , Mulet-Sierra Aillette , Adeeb Samer M. , Westover Lindsey , Jomha Nadr M. , Adesida Adetola B.
Published: September 2021

Meniscus fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) experience simultaneous hypoxia and mechanical loading in the knee joint. Experimental conditions based on these aspects of the native MFC environment may have promising applications in human meniscus tissue engineering. We hypothesized that in vitro “mechano-hypoxia conditioning” with mechanical loading such as dynamic compression (DC) and cyclic hydrostatic pressure (CHP) would enhance development of human meniscus fibrocartilage extracellular matrix in vitro. MFCs from inner human meniscus surgical discards were pre-cultured on porous type I collagen scaffolds with TGF-β3 supplementation to form baseline tissues with newly formed matrix that were used in a series of experiments. First, baseline tissues were treated with DC or CHP under hypoxia (HYP, 3% O2) for 5 days. DC was the more effective load regime in inducing gene expression changes, and combined HYP/DC enhanced gene expression of fibrocartilage precursors. The individual treatments of DC and HYP regulated thousands of genes, such as chondrogenic markers SOX5/6, in an overwhelmingly additive rather than synergistic manner. Similar baseline tissues were then treated with a short course of DC (5 vs 60 min, 10–20% vs 30–40% strain) with different pre-culture duration (3 vs 6 weeks). The longer course of loading (60 min) had diminishing returns in regulating mechano-sensitive and inflammatory genes such as c-FOS and PTGS2, suggesting that as few as 5 min of DC was adequate. There was a dose-effect in gene regulation by higher DC strains, whereas outcomes were inconsistent for different MFC donors in pre-culture durations. A final set of baseline tissues was then cultured for 3 weeks with mechano-hypoxia conditioning to assess mechanical and protein-level outcomes. There were 1.8–5.1-fold gains in the dynamic modulus relative to baseline in HYP/DC, but matrix outcomes were equal or inferior to static controls. Long-term mechano-hypoxia conditioning was effective in suppressing hypertrophic markers (e.g., COL10A1 10-fold suppression vs static/normoxia). Taken together, these results indicate that appropriately applied mechano-hypoxia conditioning can support meniscus fibrocartilage development in vitro and may be useful as a strategy for developing non-hypertrophic articular cartilage using mesenchymal stem cells.
Using Real-Time Tracking of Materials and Labor for Kit-Based Logistics Management in Construction
Authors: Zhao Jianyu , Zheng Yuan , Seppänen Olli , Tetik Müge , Peltokorpi Antti
Published: September 2021

Improved productivity and the elimination of waste are key goals for lean methods in construction production control. One such lean method is a kit-based logistics management in which task-based materials are delivered just-in-time and aligned with assembly operations on-site. Digital platforms could enable a situational awareness of work and material flows, potentially increasing the benefit and applicability of kitting. The aim of the current research is to utilize a real-time indoor tracking of material and labor flows to evaluate an assembly kit–based management of construction projects. We propose a linked data framework to connect labor, material, and scheduling information to integrate heterogenous data. The contribution of the study is threefold: first, a feasible method is developed to enable real-time detection of work and material flows inside the building for logistics management purposes. Second, several key performance indicators for effective evaluation of kit-based production flow in construction are provided, which allows management to tackle root causes of problems and to enhance timely and productive logistic solutions. Thirdly, by applying the linked data method, the study introduces a novel approach to integrate heterogenous data from both indoor tracking and schedules.
A Novel CpG Methylation Risk Indicator for Predicting Prognosis in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Guo Yufeng , Yin Jianjian , Dai Yuanheng , Guan Yudong , Chen Pinjin , Chen Yongqiang , Huang Chenzheng , Lu Yong-Jie , Zhang Lirong , Song Dongkui
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. In a large proportion of BLCA patients, disease recurs and/or progress after resection, which remains a major clinical issue in BLCA management. Therefore, it is vital to identify prognostic biomarkers for treatment stratification. We investigated the efficiency of CpG methylation for the potential to be a prognostic biomarker for patients with BLCA.

Patients and Methods

Overall, 357 BLCA patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were randomly separated into the training and internal validation cohorts. Least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were used to select candidate CpGs and build the methylation risk score model, which was validated for its prognostic value in the validation cohort by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Hazard curves were generated to reveal the risk nodes throughout the follow-up. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to reveal the potential biological pathways associated with the methylation model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting were performed to verify the expression level of the methylated genes.

Results

After incorporating the CpGs obtained by the two algorithms, CpG methylation of eight genes corresponding to TNFAIP8L3, KRTDAP, APC, ZC3H3, COL9A2, SLCO4A1, POU3F3, and ADARB2 were prominent candidate predictors in establishing a methylation risk score for BLCA (MRSB), which was used to divide the patients into high- and low-risk progression groups (p < 0.001). The effectiveness of the MRSB was validated in the internal cohort (p < 0.001). In the MRSB high-risk group, the hazard curve exhibited an initial wide, high peak within 10 months after treatment, whereas some gentle peaks around 2 years were noted. Furthermore, a nomogram comprising MRSB, age, sex, and tumor clinical stage was developed to predict the individual progression risk, and it performed well. Survival analysis implicated the effectiveness of MRSB, which remains significant in all the subgroup analysis based on the clinical features. A functional analysis of MRSB and the corresponding genes revealed potential pathways affecting tumor progression. Validation of quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting revealed that TNFAIP8L3 was upregulated in the BLCA tissues.

Conclusion

We developed the MRSB, an eight-gene-based methylation signature, which has great potential to be used to predict the post-surgery progression risk of BLCA.
Aquaporins Are Essential to Maintain Motility and Membrane Lipid Architecture During Mammalian Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Delgado-Bermúdez Ariadna , Recuero Sandra , Llavanera Marc , Mateo-Otero Yentel , Sandu Andra , Barranco Isabel , Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Yeste Marc
Published: September 2021

Aquaporins are a family of ubiquitous transmembrane proteins that allow the transport of water and small molecules across the cell plasma membrane. The different members of this family present a characteristic distribution across different cell types, which is species-specific. In mammalian sperm, different AQPs, including AQP3, AQP7, and AQP11, have been identified; their main roles are related to osmoadaptation and sperm motility activation after ejaculation. Capacitation, which is a post-ejaculatory process that sperm must undergo to achieve fertilizing ability, is triggered by pH changes and different extracellular ions that are present in the female reproductive tract. Considering the function of AQPs and their influence on pH through the regulation of water flow, this study aimed to elucidate the potential role of different AQPs during in vitro sperm capacitation using three different transition metal compounds as AQP inhibitors. Cooper sulfate, a specific inhibitor of AQP3, caused a drastic increase in peroxide intracellular levels compared to the control. Mercury chloride, an unspecific inhibitor of all AQPs except AQP7 produced an increase in membrane lipid disorder and led to a decrease in sperm motility and kinetics parameters. Finally, the addition of silver sulfadiazine, an unspecific inhibitor of all AQPs, generated the same effects than mercury chloride, decreased the intracellular pH and altered tyrosine phosphorylation levels after the induction of the acrosome reaction. In the light of the aforementioned, (a) the permeability of AQP3 to peroxides does not seem to be crucial for sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction; (b) AQPs have a key role in preserving sperm motility during that process; and (c) AQPs as a whole seem to contribute to the maintenance of lipid membrane architecture during capacitation and may be related to the intracellular signaling pathways involved in the acrosome reaction. Hence, further research aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the involvement of AQPs in mammalian sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction is warranted.
Knockin’ on Egg’s Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species
Authors: Rojas Japhet , Hinostroza Fernando , Vergara Sebastián , Pinto-Borguero Ingrid , Aguilera Felipe , Fuentes Ricardo , Carvacho Ingrid
Published: September 2021

Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
Human Embryos, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, and Organoids: Models to Assess the Effects of Environmental Plastic Pollution
Authors: Miloradovic Dragana , Pavlovic Dragica , Jankovic Marina Gazdic , Nikolic Sandra , Papic Milos , Milivojevic Nevena , Stojkovic Miodrag , Ljujic Biljana
Published: September 2021

For a long time, animal models were used to mimic human biology and diseases. However, animal models are not an ideal solution due to numerous interspecies differences between humans and animals. New technologies, such as human-induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional (3D) cultures such as organoids, represent promising solutions for replacing, refining, and reducing animal models. The capacity of organoids to differentiate, self-organize, and form specific, complex, biologically suitable structures makes them excellent in vitro models of development and disease pathogenesis, as well as drug-screening platforms. Despite significant potential health advantages, further studies and considerable nuances are necessary before their clinical use. This article summarizes the definition of embryoids, gastruloids, and organoids and clarifies their appliance as models for early development, diseases, environmental pollution, drug screening, and bioinformatics.
Lipid Metabolism Was Associated With Oocyte in vitro Maturation in Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing Unstimulated Natural Cycle
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Dongming , Song Xueling , Qu Jiangxue , Zheng Xiaoying , Li Jia , Yang Rui , Yang Shuo , Zhang Xi , Wang Haiyan , Yan Liying , Ma Caihong , Li Rong , Yan Jie , Qiao Jie
Published: September 2021

Objective

Hyperlipidemia are common polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-related metabolic dysfunctions and can adversely affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between lipid metabolism and ART outcomes in unstimulated natural cycles without the utilization of ovarian induction drugs, which is still uncertain.

Methods

This retrospective study included infertile women with PCOS between 21 and 40 years old undergoing unstimulated natural cycles from January 01, 2006 to December 31, 2019. Lipid metabolism was measured by body mass index (BMI) and serum biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C). ART outcomes were measured by number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturation quality and developmental potential, clinical pregnancy and live birth.

Results

A total of 586 patients were included in this study. Multivariate Poisson log-linear analysis showed that high TC (≥5.18 mmol/L), triglycerides (TG) (≥1.76 mmol/L), LDL-C (≥3.37 mmol/L) levelsand low HDL-C levels (≤1.04 mmol/L) were significantly (PTC = 0.001, PTG < 0.001, PHDL–C < 0.001, PLDL–C < 0.001) associated with increased number of oocytes retrieved. BMI was significantly negatively associated with maturation rate (P < 0.001), fertilization rate (P < 0.001) and transferrable embryo rate (P = 0.002). High TG levels and low HDL-C levels were also associated with decreased maturation rate (PTG < 0.001, PHDL–C = 0.026). Logistic regression analysis showed statistically significant association between obesity (≥28.0 kg/m2) and decreased live birth rate (P = 0.004) as well as cumulative live birth rate (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

This is the first study that focused on the relationship between basal lipid metabolism and ART outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing unstimulated natural cycles. The results showed that high levels of lipid metabolic parameters were associated with increased number of oocytes retrieved and obesity was closely associated with impaired oocyte maturation quality and developmental potential as well as poor live birth outcomes.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Greater Epithelial Ridge Cells Degeneration During Postnatal Development of Cochlea in Rats
Authors: Chen Jianyong , Gao Dekun , Chen Junmin , Hou Shule , He Baihui , Li Yue , Li Shuna , Zhang Fan , Sun Xiayu , Mammano Fabio , Sun Lianhua , Yang Jun , Zheng Guiliang
Published: September 2021

Greater epithelial ridge cells, a transient neonatal cell group in the cochlear duct, which plays a crucial role in the functional maturation of hair cell, structural development of tectorial membrane, and refinement of audio localization before hearing. Greater epithelial ridge cells are methodologically homogeneous, while whether different cell subtypes are existence in this intriguing region and the degeneration mechanism during postnatal cochlear development are poorly understood. In the present study, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on the cochlear duct of postnatal rats at day 1 (P1) and day 7 (P7) to identify subsets of greater epithelial ridge cell and progression. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were used to examine genes enriched biological processes in these clusters. We identified a total of 26 clusters at P1 and P7 rats and found that the cell number of five cell clusters decreased significantly, while four clusters had similar gene expression patterns and biological properties. The genes of these four cell populations were mainly enriched in Ribosome and P13K-Akt signal pathway. Among them, Rps16, Rpsa, Col4a2, Col6a2, Ctsk, and Jun are particularly interesting as their expression might contribute to the greater epithelial ridge cells degeneration. In conclusion, our study provides an important reference resource of greater epithelial ridge cells landscape and mechanism insights for further understanding greater epithelial ridge cells degeneration during postnatal rat cochlear development.
The Role of the Glycocalyx in the Pathophysiology of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Delayed Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Schenck Hanna , Netti Eliisa , Teernstra Onno , De Ridder Inger , Dings Jim , Niemelä Mika , Temel Yasin , Hoogland Govert , Haeren Roel
Published: September 2021

The glycocalyx is an important constituent of blood vessels located between the bloodstream and the endothelium. It plays a pivotal role in intercellular interactions in neuroinflammation, reduction of vascular oxidative stress, and provides a barrier regulating vascular permeability. In the brain, the glycocalyx is closely related to functions of the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit, both responsible for adequate neurovascular responses to potential threats to cerebral homeostasis. An aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) occurs following rupture of an intracranial aneurysm and leads to immediate brain damage (early brain injury). In some cases, this can result in secondary brain damage, also known as delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). DCI is a life-threatening condition that affects up to 30% of all aSAH patients. As such, it is associated with substantial societal and healthcare-related costs. Causes of DCI are multifactorial and thought to involve neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, thrombosis, and neurovascular uncoupling. To date, prediction of DCI is limited, and preventive and effective treatment strategies of DCI are scarce. There is increasing evidence that the glycocalyx is disrupted following an aSAH, and that glycocalyx disruption could precipitate or aggravate DCI. This review explores the potential role of the glycocalyx in the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to DCI following aSAH. Understanding the role of the glycocalyx in DCI could advance the development of improved methods to predict DCI or identify patients at risk for DCI. This knowledge may also alter the methods and timing of preventive and treatment strategies of DCI. To this end, we review the potential and limitations of methods currently used to evaluate the glycocalyx, and strategies to restore or prevent glycocalyx shedding.
High-Survival Rate After Microinjection of Mouse Oocytes and Early Embryos With mRNA by Combining a Tip Pipette and Piezoelectric-Assisted Micromanipulator
Authors: Chen Lei-Ning , Fan Xiao-Yan , Liu Yi-Tong , Chen Shao-Qing , Xie Feng-Yun , Zeng Li , Wen Juan , Li Jin , Ma Jun-Yu , Ou Xiang-Hong , Luo Shi-Ming , Guo Lei
Published: September 2021

Utilizing microinjection to introduce biological molecules such as DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and proteins into the cell is well established to study oocyte maturation and early embryo development in vitro. However, microinjection is an empirical technology. The cellular survival after microinjection is mainly dependent on the operator, and an experienced operator should be trained for a long time, from several months to years. Optimizing the microinjection to be highly efficient and quickly learned should be helpful for new operators and some newly established laboratories. Here, we combined the tip pipette and piezo-assisted micromanipulator to microinject the oocyte and early embryos at different stages of mouse. The results showed that the survival rate after microinjection was more than 85% for cumulus–oocyte complex, germinal vesicle oocyte, two-cell, and four-cell embryos, and close to 100% for MII oocyte and zygotes. The high-rate survival of microinjection can save many experimental samples. Thus, it should be helpful in studying some rare animal models such as aging and conditional gene knockout mice. Furthermore, our protocol is much easier to learn for new operators, who can usually master the method proficiently after several training times. Therefore, we would like to publicly share this experience, which will help some novices master microinjection skillfully and save many laboratory animals.
Therapeutic Effects of Natural Compounds and Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gao Xun , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. So far, the pathogenesis of AD has not been fully understood. Research have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) participate in the occurrence and development of AD. Furthermore, various studies, bothin vivoandin vitro, have shown that targeting ER stress and ER stress-mediated apoptosis contribute to the recovery of AD. Thus, targeting ER stress and ER stress-mediated apoptosis may be effective for treating AD. In this review, the molecular mechanism of ER stress and ER stress-mediated apoptosis, as well as the therapeutic effects of some natural compounds and small molecule inhibitors targeting ER stress and ER stress-mediated apoptosis in AD will be introduced.