bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biometric approach applied to soybean genotypes cultivated in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Peter Márcio , Demari Gustavo Henrique , Hutra Danieli Jacoboski , Conte Giordano Gelain , Zimmermann Christian Szambelam , Silva José Gonzalez da , Sangiovo Jaqueline Piesanti
Published: April 2021

The study had the purpose to evidence the agronomic performance, inter-relations of characters and the multivariate differentiation of soybean genotypes cultivated in the preferential season, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In the crops season of 2017/2018, The experimental design was the completely randomized blocks, being 25 genotypes with three replicates. The data obtained was submitted to presuppositions based on normality and homogeneity of residual variances, variance analysis, Tocher method, Euclidian algorithm, linear correlations, relative contribution of characters by Singh and artificial neural networks. The agronomic performance of the genotypes presents superior seeds yield per plant through the elevated magnitude of reproductive nodes, legumes and seeds per plant. The plant height of the soybean is positively associated with the number of total nodes and reproductive nodes in the main stem and branches, where they are directly linked with the soybean productive potential. The most polymorphic characters correspond to the number and mass of thousand seeds, being possible to differentiate in a multivariate way the soybean genotypes though the similarity profiles.
Maize breeding for abiotic stress tolerance: An alternative to face climate changes
Authors: Rosa Tiago Corazza da , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Hutra Danieli Jacoboski , Bradebon Leonardo Cesar , Sarturi Marlon Vinícius da Rosa , Rosa José Antonio Gonzalez da , Szareski Vinícius Jardel
Published: April 2021

Maize breeding faces several challenges when the matter is abiotic stresses. For many years, the focus was to develop genotypes adapted to optimal environmental conditions, however, the need to ensure yields under unsuitable and unstable conditions of a climate-changing world is undeniable. Therefore, this review is addressed to the main abiotic stresses that jeopardize maize production worldwide, presenting an overview regarding losses and impacts imposed by them, stating what has been achieved through conventional and molecular plant breeding techniques, and the future prospects on this subject. The conventional breeding added to molecular techniques bring great expectations for developing abiotic stresses tolerant maize genotypes. Universities and research companies worldwide have contributed to expand and spread basic and essential knowledge, however, the entrance of large multinational companies might revolutionize the field. Genetic modified hybrids and projects of continental coverage will introduce many innovations and alternatives to ensure food security for the increasingly growing world population.
How reliable is the habitat suitability index as a predictor
of great crested newt presence or absence?
Authors: Buxton Andrew S.
Published: April 2021

The application of a habitat suitability index (HSI) assessment to predict the use of ponds by great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) is commonly used in association with distribution and monitoring projects. Such projects are often used to inform development and planning decision making. However, this type of assessment is frequently misused, and misinterpreted. We used a large, commercially collected environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for great crested newt pond occupancy (489 ponds) to; (1) assess whether it is appropriate to use low HSI scores to rule out occupancy, (2) discuss the use of high HSI scores to identify ponds of high importance for the species and, (3) explore the eDNA detection method. We conclude that there is no evidence to support ruling out pond occupancy based on low HSI scores. However, the conventional view that ponds with HSI scores above 0.7 are of high importance to great crested newts is somewhat supported by the data. Both eDNA and direct observational survey methodologies suffer from sampling error and these need to be acknowledged in the analysis of large data sets.
Influence of the presence of invasive mosquitofish and
submerged vegetation on oviposition site selection by gray
treefrogs (Hyla versicolor)
Authors: Smith Geoffrey R.
Published: April 2021

Amphibians often select oviposition sites based on a variety of cues that indicate the level of risk in the oviposition habitat. Surprisingly, the role of aquatic vegetation or habitat structure/complexity in anuran oviposition site selection has not been extensively studied even though it might affect perceived risk. We examined the effects of free-ranging invasive western
mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and artificial vegetation/habitat structure on colonisation of experimental pools by gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). Hyla versicolor avoided ovipositing in mesocosms with G. affinis. The presence of artificial vegetation/habitat structure had no effect on oviposition site selection by H. versicolor, whether alone or in interaction
with G. affinis. Our experiment provides evidence for the avoidance of fish, and more specifically G. affinis, by ovipositing H. versicolor; but provides no evidence for a role of vegetation/habitat structure.
DIVORCE AMONG THE KANDYAN MUSLIMS IN SRI LANKA
Authors: J.M. RIZWAN  , N. GAFOORDEEN
Published: April 2021

Divorce is the legal dissolution of marriage. The occurrence of divorce has been increased among Muslims in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted to find out the divorce trend, causes of divorce, and its impacts on divorced women and men among the Muslim community in Udunuwara Divisional Secretariat region in Kandy, Sri Lanka. A mixed method research design approach was used. Interview and observation were applied for collecting data. Finding of this study revealed many important factors related to divorce. Within last ten year period, highest number of divorce were registered as Faskh by women and Talak my men in this region. Such trend becomes a serious social issue among them and negative impacts are severe than positive impacts among effected women. Immediate actions are compulsory to address this social issue to reduce the divorce rate and preserve the sanctity of the family institutions and society for next generation.
CHINA’S VISION OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY, ECONOMIC CORRIDOR AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR BANGLADESH
Authors: AKKAS AHAMED  , NUR HOSSAIN  , MOHAMMED AMINUR RAHAMAN
Published: April 2021

Geopolitically South Asia is very important for China’s vision of regional connectivity, trade and development cooperation. In terms of Sino-South Asian geopolitical and economic relations, it might be said that the Bay of Bengal is very important, because it is connected with Andaman Sea, Malacca Straits, which has direct link with South Asia and South East Asia. Both China and India are very interested in the Bay of Bengal for mineral resources which has an easy link with Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indian Ocean. Through the Bay of Bengal, China wants direct regional connectivity between China and Indian Ocean through either South East Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar) or Rakhine state of Myanmar for the expansion of its trade and development cooperation. This study has dealt with the importance of South Asia in light of the China’s geopolitical desire, trade and investment, oil and gas, development cooperation and regional connectivity in South Asia including Bangladesh. It is a qualitative study in nature, which is based on primary and secondary data. Many geopolitical issues of China, South Asia and Bangladesh have been discussed in this study. The finding is that the relationship Between China and South Asia in light of the China’s vision of trade and investment, economic corridor, and development cooperation is, of course, pivotal for both regions.
KRITIKAN TERHADAP HIPOTESIS PENGEKSPLISITAN: PENELITIAN HIPOTESIS BLUM-KULKA DALAM TERJEMAHAN [CRITICISM OF THE EXPLICITATION HYPOTHESIS: OBSERVATIONS ON BLUM-KULKA'S HYPOTHESIS IN TRANSLATION]
Authors: ROSLI MUKHLIS , ABDULLAH NASIMAH , ABD RAHMAN LUBNA
Published: April 2021

Explicitation like any other field in translation studies has its own level of development. The explicitation was first introduced indirectly by Vinay & Darbelnet which was later developed into a systematic study by Blum-Kulka through observations on the level of cohesion in the translated text. Blum-Kulka has proposed an explicitation hypothesis that assumes that the process of interpretations might lead to a target text which is more redundant than the source text regardless of the increase traceable to differences between the two linguistic and textual systems involved. This hypothesis appears to have a significant impact on the domain of explicitation. However, Blum-Kulka's study especially her hypothesis has received a lot of support and questions. Several scholars have approached the matter directly and have various points of view in this regard. In order to present a thorough finding on the problems of this hypothesis, the research aims to conduct a comprehensive research of the critique of the Blum-Kulka explicitation hypothesis. The study focused on descriptive analysis with concentrating on the explicitation hypothesis Blum-Kulka and other related studies. The research process and the critical analysis of views will be drawn to the conclusion of the study. The overall findings of the discussion showed that the Blum-Kulka explicitation hypothesis was exposed to three serious shortcomings. Even so, this hypothesis has an undeniable part in shaping and enhancing the discourse of explicitation these days.
DETECT THE SIMILARITY OF DIGITAL IMAGES USING THE EIGENFACE METHOD
Authors: Fau Alwin , Waruwu Fince Tinus
Published: April 2021

Abstract: In today's technological developments, digital images are a medium that is often used to store a person's identity. Digital images are currently widely used for data security needs. On the other hand, images can also be used as a medium for tapping data. Today's digital media provide many things in manipulating and changing the information contained in these images. In this study, the authors conducted a study to examine similarities in digital images so that it could be seen whether the information was authentic or not. detecting image similarities can help find out information whether the image is the same as the original object or not. The method used in this research is the Eigen Face method. The face eigen method is a method that can be used to check and match the similarities of an image. With the eigenface value, Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, it can be determined that with other eigenface values can be determined based on the eigenface matrix values obtained from each image. Based on the values obtained from Figures 1, 2, and 3, it can be concluded that the eigenface method is able to present facial similarities with a presentation value of 80%.            Keywords: Eigenface; Face Recognation; Images; Images Processing  Abstrak: Dalam perkembangan teknologi saat ini, gambar digital merupakan media yang sering digunakan untuk menyimpan identitas seseorang. Gambar digital saat ini banyak digunakan untuk kebutuhan keamanan data. di sisi lain, gambar juga dapat digunakan sebagai media penyadapan data. Media digital saat ini menyediakan banyak hal dalam memanipulasi dan mengubah informasi yang terdapat pada gambar tersebut. Dalam penelitian ini penulis melakukan penelitian untuk menelaah kemiripan pada citra digital sehingga dapat diketahui apakah informasi tersebut otentik atau tidak. Mendeteksi kemiripan citra dapat membantu mengetahui informasi apakah citra tersebut sama dengan objek aslinya atau tidak. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode Eigen Face. Metode eigen wajah merupakan metode yang dapat digunakan untuk mengecek dan mencocokkan kemiripan suatu citra. Dengan nilai eigenface, Gambar 1, Gambar 2, Gambar 3, dapat ditentukan bahwa dengan nilai eigenface lainnya dapat ditentukan berdasarkan nilai matriks eigenface yang diperoleh dari masing-masing citra. Berdasarkan nilai yang diperoleh dari Gambar 1, 2, dan 3, dapat disimpulkan bahwa metode eigenface mampu menghadirkan kemiripan wajah dengan nilai presentasi 80%.. Kata kunci: Citra; Eigenface; Pengolahan Citra Digital; Pengenalan Wajah
Yksilön toimijuudesta yhteiseksi käytännöksi
Authors: Saari Eveliina , Kurki Anna-Leena , Mattila-Holappa Pauliina
Published: April 2021

Ammatillisen koulutuksen uudistus edellyttää työpaikoilta yhä aktiivisempaa roolia työelämässä oppimisen onnistumiseksi. Ammatillisten opettajien haaste on siirtyä oppilaitoskeskeisestä opetustyöstä kohti verkostotoimijuutta, jossa koulutuksen ja työpaikkojen yhteistyö luo mahdollisuuksia tulevaisuuden osaamiselle ja yhteiselle oppimiselle. Toteutimme yhteistyön kehittämiseksi vähittäiskaupan alalla kehittävän työntutkimuksen teoriaan ja metodologiaan perustuvan muutospajaintervention, johon osallistui ammatillisen oppilaitoksen kouluttajia, opiskelijoita ja työpaikkojen johtoa sekä henkilöstöhallinnon edustajia. Käytimme sosiokulttuurisessa lähestymistavassa kehitettyä kehittämistoimijuuden käsitettä, joka jäsentää ihmisen toimijuutta yhteisöllisenä ja yksilöllisenä ilmiönä. Tutkimme, millaista kehittämistoimijuutta muutospajan aikana ja seurauksena syntyi. Analysoimme erityisesti yhden kokeilun kehittymistä ideasta käytäntöön ja yhden kouluttajan toimijuutta uuden käytännön edistäjänä. Analyysimme osoitti kouluttajan yksilöllisen toimijuuden olennaiseksi verkostomaisessa kontekstissa toteutetussa interventiossa. Työpaikkojen kiire toistui muutospajojen diskurssissa yhteistyötä estävänä tekijänä, mistä tulisi käydä oppilaitosten ja työpaikkojen välistä arvokeskustelua. Uuden yhteistyökäytännön kehittymiseen ja vakiintumiseen ei riitä yhden toimijan aloitteellisuus, vaan tarvitaan kaikkien verkoston osapuolien toimijuutta. Verkostomaisten interventioiden osallistujien sitoutumiseen ja kokeilujen juurruttamiseen interventioiden jälkeen on panostettava nykyistä enemmän.
Vuoden 2020 tiedeartikkeli valaisee oppimista palvelualan luottamustehtävissä
Authors: Kouvo Terhi
Published: April 2021

Työelämätutkija Ville Kainulainen avaa tutkimuksellaan monipuolisen näkymän vähän tutkittuihin ammattiyhdistystoimijoiden elämänkulkuihin ja työuriin.
Vertaisvuorovaikutusta vahvistavaa pedagogiikkaa varhais(erityis)kasvatuksessa
Authors: Syrjämäki Marja
Published: April 2021

Lectio praecursoria kasvatustieteen väitöskirjaan Leikkien, havainnoiden, kannatellen – vertaisvuorovaikutusta vahvistavaa pedagogiikkaa varhaiserityiskasvatuksen toimintaympäristössä, Helsingin yliopistossa 8.11.2019.

 

Väitöstutkimukseni lähtökohtana on ajatus yhteen liittymisestä ja joukkoon kuulumisen tunteesta ihmisen myötäsyntyisinä tarpeina. Yhteisössä ja joukossa lapsi kokee osallisuutta, kehittyy, oppii, kukoistaa ja voi hyvin. Vuorovaikutus omassa vertaisryhmässä on lapsen elämän tärkeää sisältöä.

Yhteen kuulumisen tunne on keskeistä myös inklusiivisessa kasvatuksessa. Inkluusiolla ei tarkoiteta pelkästään tukea tarvitsevien lasten sijoittamista lähipäiväkotiin, eikä edes riittävän osaamisen ja resurssien varmistamista tarvittavan tuen toteuttamiseksi. Oleellista on kokemus osallisuudesta yhteisössä. (ks. esim. Kriscler, Powell & Pit-ten Cate 2019; Koster, Nakken, Pijl & van Houten 2009.) Yhteiseen leikkiin liittyminen ja yhdessä toimiminen on kuitenkin joillekin lapsille mutkikkaampaa kuin suuremmalle osalla ikätovereita tai päiväkodin lapsiryhmän jäseniä. Lapsen piirteet ja persoona, tai esimerkiksi vaikeus ilmaista itseään tai säädellä omaa toimintaansa haastavat vuorovaikutusta lapsiryhmässä. Silloin aikuisen, varhaiskasvatuksen ammattilaisen, rooli korostuu (Suhonen 2009, 90; Laaksonen 2012, 32; Kalliala 2008, 50–51.)   Sosiokulttuurisen teorian käsittein ilmaistuna: lapsi omaksuu yhteisönsä kulttuurisia tapoja ja kanssakäymistä aikuisen ohjaamana, sekä havainnoidessaan että aktiivisesti osallistuessaan. Aikuisen on toimittava siltana, tukien yhteiseen toimintaan liittymistä, ja kannateltava ehkäpä hitaastikin rakentuvaa vuorovaikutusta lasten välillä. (Rogoff 2003, 284–285; 2008.)
La Medicina Fra Intelligenza Artificiale e Necessità di un Nuovo Umanesimo
Authors: Barracca Antonio , Ledda Stefano , Mancosu Gianmaria , Melis Walter , Rinaldi Maria Rosa , Patricelli Patrizia Francesca
Published: April 2021

Abstract non disponibile (Clinical_Management)
Aplicação de metodologias científicas e interdisciplinares nas aulas de botânica no ensino fundamental
Authors: Farias William Grilo , Carneiro Cláudia Elena
Published: April 2021

No que tange ao ensino de botânica, vários discursos vêm sendo pontuados, caracterizando-o como teórico e descontextualizado. Em contrapartida, os assuntos em educação ambiental recebem grande ênfase no ambiente escolar e em espaços não-formais de educação, como por exemplo, os parques ecológicos. Tendo como estratégia metodológica a pesquisa-ação, objetivou-se refletir com os estudantes a importância da preservação das plantas para o equilíbrio ambiental, através da interdisciplinaridade entre botânica e educação ambiental. Como resultado, as atividades realizadas estimularam cada um deles na tomada de decisões e a pensarem estratégias para o desenvolvimento sustentável. E, nesse contexto, a adoção de uma postura ativa e responsável torna-se fundamental numa sociedade em que medidas mitigatórias ainda não são colocadas em prática.
Morfologia polínica e visitantes florais de duas espécies simpátricas de Malpighiaceae Juss. no Parque da Cidade em Santarém, Pará
Authors: Sousa Leilla Cristina Figueiredo de , Araújo Natalia Moura de , Sousa Lucas Fonseca de , Lira Ádria Giselle dos Santos , Abreu Vanessa Holanda Righetti de
Published: April 2021

Objetivou-se identificar e analisar a morfologia polínica das espécies simpátricas de Malpighiaceae que ocorrem no Parque da Cidade em Santarém, bem como identificar os visitantes florais dessas espécies. As visitas florais foram registradas em campo através de observações diretas. Quanto à palinologia, foi utilizado o método de acetólise. Foram identificadas duas espécies: Byrsonima basiloba A. Juss. e Lophanthera lactescens Ducke. A morfologia polínica apresentou grãos de pólen mônades, isopolares, 3-colporados e a sexina variou de reticulada a microrreticulada. Na interação inseto-planta, foram observados 358 indivíduos, distribuídos em oito gêneros (Apis, Bombus, Centris, Epicharis, Melipona, Tetrapedia, Trigona e Xylocopa) e duas espécies de vespas. As espécies de Malpighiaceae apresentaram diferenças quanto aos visitantes florais, sendo Centris sp. o polinizador mais frequente.
Analisis Usaha Kacang Hijau dalam Meningkatkan Pendapatan Petani di Desa Gunung Sari
Authors: Wulandari Desi , Syahrun M. , Besin Yohanes Emanuel
Published: April 2021

Kacang hijau adalah tanaman sejenis palawija yang dikenal luas di daerah tropis, produksi kacang hijau sebagai bahan olahan bahan pangan berprotein nabati tinggi dan berperan dalam menumbuh kembangkan industri kecil maupun menengah. Desa Gunung Sari Kecamatan Alok Kabupaten Sikka, rata-rata petani menggunakan lahan pertanian sendiri untuk usaha kacang hijau. Adapun penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran dan upaya petani usaha kacang hijau, dan juga mengetahui besarnya pendapatan bersih para petani di Desa Gunung Sari Kecamatan Alok Kabupaten Sikka  dari hasil pengeluaran di kurangi dengan penerimaan kotor petani, serta mengetahui kelayakan usahatani kacang hijau. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif, penelitian ini dilakukan selama satu bulan terhitung mulai tanggal 27 Desember 2019 sampai dengan 26 Januari 2020. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, besarnya pendapatan usaha tani kacang hijau Rp244.738.000 dengan rata-rata Rp6.118.450 dari hasil pengeluaran petani sebesar Rp14.292.000 dengan rata-rata Rp357.300 dikurangi dengan penerimaan kotor sebesar Rp259.050.00 dengan rata-rata Rp6.476.250. Nilai rata-rata R/C ratio dari usahatani kacang hijau senilai 18.12. Dari nilai R/C ratio yang di peroleh maka usahatani kacang hijau di Desa Gunung ari Kecamatan Alok sangat menguntungkan dan layak untuk di usahakan.
Yön Dergisi Ekseninde Türk Düşüncesinde İslamiyet ve Sosyalizm Tartışmalarının Bir Değerlendirmesi
Authors: TÜRKİSLAMOĞLU Elif
Published: April 2021

Türk düşüncesinde 1960’lı yıllarda Fransız düşünür Roger Garaudy’ye ait Sosyalizm ve İslamiyet başlıklı kitabın Yön dergisi yazarlarından Doğan Avcıoğlu ve E. Tüfekçi (Mihri Belli) tarafından Türkçe’ye çevrilmesiyle bir tartışma başlamıştır. Söz konusu tartışmanın ekseni sosyalizmin İslam dini açısından uygun bir toplumsal düzen olup olmadığı üzerinedir. İslam dini ile bir toplumsal düzen kuramı olarak sosyalizmi bağdaştırma fikrinin geçmişi esasen İslam dünyasında 20. yüzyılın başlarına kadar uzanmaktadır. Türkiye’de de sosyalist hareketin ilk ortaya çıkışıyla birlikte İslamiyet’in çeşitli unsurları sosyalizme bir dayanak olarak öne sürülmüştür. Yön dergisindeki tartışmalar ise esas olarak bu fikri savunan E. Tüfekçi ile İslamiyet’in öne sürüldüğü gibi sosyalizme yatkın bir din olmadığını savunan Niyazi Berkes arasında gelişmiştir. Tartışma daha sonra Yön dışındaki çevrelerde de devam etmiştir. Bu çalışmada, Yön dergisinde sosyalizm ve İslamiyet üzerine 1965-1966 yılları arasında ortaya çıkan tartışma temel alınarak, söz konusu fikrin gerek Türk düşüncesindeki gerekse Türkiye dışındaki İslam düşüncesindeki yansımaları tarihsel bir perspektif içinde bir
değerlendirmesinin yapılması amaçlanmaktadır.
Resilience, Psychological Well-being, and Emotional Regulation: A Comparative Study of Military Personnel Vs. Civilian Population
Authors: Sohail Marva , Ahmad Gulzar
Published: April 2021

Present research aimed to know the difference between military personnel with endurance training and civilian population (with no endurance training), with respect to resilience, psychological well-being, and emotional regulation. Correlation and comparative design was used for this study. A sample of 180 participants with age range of 20-55 years was taken from different walks of military units and civilian population by using snowball sampling, and purposive sampling strategies respectively. The Adult Resilience Measure (Ungar & Liebenberg, 2011), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (Hills & Argyle, 2002), and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (Gross & John, 2003) were used to assess variables. The results indicated that the military personnel with endurance training were significantly higher on psychological well-being than the civilian population (with no endurance training); while, the civilian population was significantly higher on expressive suppression facet of emotional regulation than the military personnel. There was a significant positive relationship of resilience with psychological well-being and emotional regulation in each group. Additionally, resilience predicted psychological well-being and emotional regulation in both groups, after controlling the effect of demographic characteristics. This research gives an insight into resilience, psychological well-being, and emotional regulation in military personnel with endurance training and the civilian populations with no endurance training. This research also adds to the body of literature in counselling and clinical psychology especially, in Pakistani perspective.
HIV Neuroinflammation: The Role of Exosomes in Cell Signaling, Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers and Drug Delivery
Authors: Mahajan Supriya D. , Ordain Nigel Smith , Kutscher Hilliard , Karki Shanta , Reynolds Jessica L.
Published: April 2021

Fifty to sixty percent of HIV-1 positive patients experience HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) likely due to persistent inflammation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. The role that microglia and astrocytes play in HAND pathogenesis has been well delineated; however, the role of exosomes in HIV neuroinflammation and neuropathogenesis is unclear. Exosomes are 50–150 nm phospholipid bilayer membrane vesicles that are responsible for cell-to-cell communication, cellular signal transduction, and cellular transport. Due to their diverse intracellular content, exosomes, are well poised to provide insight into HIV neuroinflammation as well as provide for diagnostic and predictive information that will greatly enhance the development of new therapeutic interventions for neuroinflammation. Exosomes are also uniquely positioned to be vehicles to delivery therapeutics across the BBB to modulate HIV neuroinflammation. This mini-review will briefly discuss what is known about exosome signaling in the context of HIV in the central nervous system (CNS), their potential for biomarkers as well as their potential for vehicles to deliver various therapeutics to treat HIV neuroinflammation.
Krüppel-Like Factor 15 Modulates CXCL1/CXCR2 Signaling-Mediated Inflammatory Response Contributing to Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: He Shun , Lu Yuanyuan , Guo Yuetong , Li Shijin , Lu Xiao , Shao Shuai , Zhou Handan , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Jiguang , Gao Pingjin , Li Xiaodong
Published: April 2021

Inflammation is involved in cardiac remodeling. In response to pathological stimuli, activated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) secreting inflammatory cytokines and chemokines play an important role in monocyte/macrophage recruitment. However, the precise mechanism of CF-mediated inflammatory response in hypertension-induced cardiac remodeling remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) in this process. We found that KLF15 expression decreased while chemokine CXCL1 and its receptor CXCR2 expression increased in the hearts of angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused mice. Compared to the wild-type mice, KLF15 knockout (KO) mice aggravated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Deficiency of KLF15 promoted macrophage accumulation, increase of CXCL1 and CXCR2 expression, and mTOR, ERK1/2, NF-κB-p65 signaling activation in the hearts. Mechanistically, Ang II dose- dependently decreased KLF15 expression and increased CXCL1 secretion from cardiac fibroblasts but not cardiac myoblasts. Loss- or gain-of-function studies have shown that KLF15 negatively regulated CXCL1 expression through its transactivation domain (TAD). Intriguingly, the adenovirus-mediated full length of KLF15—but not KLF15 with TAD deletion overexpression—markedly prevented pathological change in Ang II-infused mice. Notably, the administration of CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610 reversed KLF15 knockout-mediated aggravation of cardiac dysfunction, remodeling, and inflammation induced by Ang II. In conclusion, our study identifies that KLF15 in cardiac fibroblasts negatively regulates CXCL1/CXCR2 axis-mediated inflammatory response and subsequent cardiac remodeling in hypertension.
Dynamic Histone H3 Modifications Regulate Meiosis Initiation via Respiration
Authors: Shi Jian , Ma Yanjie , Hua Hui , Liu Yujiao , Li Wei , Yu Hongxiu , Liu Chao
Published: April 2021

Meiosis is essential for genetic stability and diversity during sexual reproduction in most eukaryotes. Chromatin structure and gene expression are drastically changed during meiosis, and various histone modifications have been reported to participate in this unique process. However, the dynamic of histone modifications during meiosis is still not well investigated. Here, by using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) based LC-MS/MS, we detected dynamic changes of histone H3 lysine post-translational modifications (PTMs). We firstly quantified the precise percentage of H3 modifications on different lysine sites during mouse and yeast meiosis, and found H3 acetylation and methylation were dramatically changed. To further study the potential functions of H3 acetylation and methylation in meiosis, we performed histone H3 lysine mutant screening in yeast, and found that yeast strains lacking H3K18 acetylation (H3K18ac) failed to initiate meiosis due to insufficient IME1 expression. Further studies showed that the absence of H3K18ac impaired respiration, leading to the reduction of Rim101p, which further upregulated a negative regulator of IME1 transcription, Smp1p. Together, our studies reveal a novel meiosis initiation pathway mediated by histone H3 modifications.
Advances in the Role of Leucine-Sensing in the Regulation of Protein Synthesis in Aging Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Zhao Yan , Cholewa Jason , Shang Huayu , Yang Yueqin , Ding Xiaomin , Wang Qianjin , Su Quansheng , Zanchi Nelo Eidy , Xia Zhi
Published: April 2021

Skeletal muscle anabolic resistance (i.e., the decrease in muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in response to anabolic stimuli such as amino acids and exercise) has been identified as a major cause of age-related sarcopenia, to which blunted nutrition-sensing contributes. In recent years, it has been suggested that a leucine sensor may function as a rate-limiting factor in skeletal MPS via small-molecule GTPase. Leucine-sensing and response may therefore have important therapeutic potential in the steady regulation of protein metabolism in aging skeletal muscle. This paper systematically summarizes the three critical processes involved in the leucine-sensing and response process: (1) How the coincidence detector mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 localizes on the surface of lysosome and how its crucial upstream regulators Rheb and RagB/RagD interact to modulate the leucine response; (2) how complexes such as Ragulator, GATOR, FLCN, and TSC control the nucleotide loading state of Rheb and RagB/RagD to modulate their functional activity; and (3) how the identified leucine sensor leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS) and stress response protein 2 (Sestrin2) participate in the leucine-sensing process and the activation of RagB/RagD. Finally, we discuss the potential mechanistic role of exercise and its interactions with leucine-sensing and anabolic responses.
Ferroptosis Is a Potential Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target for Patients With Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhai Zhenyu , Zou Pengtao , Liu Fuxiang , Xia Zirong , Li Juxiang
Published: April 2021

Cardiomyocyte death is a fundamental progress in cardiomyopathy. However, the mechanism of triggering the death of myocardial cells remains unclear. Ferroptosis, which is the nonapoptotic, iron-dependent, and peroxidation-driven programmed cell death pathway, that is abundant and readily accessible, was not discovered until recently with a pharmacological approach. New researches have demonstrated the close relationship between ferroptosis and the development of many cardiovascular diseases, and several ferroptosis inhibitors, iron chelators, and small antioxidant molecules can relieve myocardial injury by blocking the ferroptosis pathways. Notably, ferroptosis is gradually being considered as an important cell death mechanism in the animal models with multiple cardiomyopathies. In this review, we will discuss the mechanism of ferroptosis and the important role of ferroptosis in cardiomyopathy with a special emphasis on the value of ferroptosis as a potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for patients suffering from cardiomyopathy in the future.
M-Cadherin Is a PAX3 Target During Myotome Patterning
Authors: Esteves de Lima Joana , Bou Akar Reem , Mansour Myriam , Rocancourt Didier , Buckingham Margaret , Relaix Frédéric
Published: April 2021

PAX3 belongs to the paired-homeobox family of transcription factors and plays a key role as an upstream regulator of muscle progenitor cells during embryonic development. Pax3-mutant embryos display impaired somite development, yet the consequences for myotome formation have not been characterized. The early myotome is formed by PAX3-expressing myogenic cells that delaminate from the dermomyotomal lips and migrate between the dermomyotome and sclerotome where they terminally differentiate. Here we show that in Pax3-mutant embryos, myotome formation is impaired, displays a defective basal lamina and the regionalization of the structural protein Desmin is lost. In addition, this phenotype is more severe in embryos combining Pax3-null and Pax3 dominant-negative alleles. We identify the adhesion molecule M-Cadherin as a PAX3 target gene, the expression of which is modulated in the myotome according to Pax3 gain- and loss-of-function alleles analyzed. Taken together, we identify M-Cadherin as a PAX3-target linked to the formation of the myotome.
Titanium Nanotube Modified With Silver Cross-Linked Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Improves Osteoblastic Activities of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Antibacterial Effect
Authors: Albashari Abdullkhaleg Ali , He Yan , Albaadani Mohammed A. , Xiang Yangfan , Ali Jihea , Hu Fengting , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Keke , Luo Lihua , Wang Jianming , Ye Qingsong
Published: April 2021

Titanium modifications with different silver loading methods demonstrate excellent antibacterial properties. Yet pure silver nanoparticles with limited bioactive properties may delay regeneration of bone surrounding the dental implant. Therefore, loading silver with bioactive drugs on titanium surfaces seems to be a very promising strategy. Herein, we designed a silver (Ag) step-by-step cross-linking with the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by polydopamine (PDA) and heparin on titanium nanotube (TNT) as its cargo (TNT/PDA/Ag/bFGF) to improve the implant surface. Our results showed that TNT/PDA/Ag/bFGF significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). It also showed an excellent effect in bacterial inhibition and a reduction of pro-inflammatory factors through inhibition of M1 macrophage activity. These results showed that bFGF cross-linked silver coating on TNTs presented good osteogenic differentiation and early anti-infiammatory and antibacterial properties. Together, this novel design on titanium provides a promising therapeutic for dental implants.
Smyd1 Orchestrates Early Heart Development Through Positive and Negative Gene Regulation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Schwartz Robert J. , Liu Jing , Sun Fei , Li Qi , Ma Yanlin
Published: April 2021

SET and MYND domain-containing protein 1 (Smyd1) is a striated muscle-specific histone methyltransferase. Our previous work demonstrated that deletion of Smyd1 in either cardiomyocytes or the outflow tract (OFT) resulted in embryonic lethality at E9.5, with cardiac structural defects such as truncation of the OFT and right ventricle and impaired expansion and proliferation of the second heart field (SHF). The cardiac phenotype was accompanied by the downregulation of ISL LIM Homeobox 1 (Isl1) and upregulation of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). However, the mechanisms of Smyd1 regulating Isl1 and ANF during embryonic heart development remain to be elucidated. Here, we employed various biochemical and molecular biological approaches including chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-PCR), pGL3 fluorescence reporter system, and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and found that Smyd1 interacted with absent small homeotic-2-like protein (ASH2L) and activated the promoter of Isl1 by trimethylating H3K4. We also found that Smyd1 associated with HDAC to repress ANF expression using trichostatin A (TSA), a deacetylase inhibitor. In conclusion, Smyd1 participates in early heart development by upregulating the expression of Isl1 and downregulating the expression of ANF.
Integrative Analysis of DNA Methylation Data and Transcriptome Data Identified a DNA Methylation-Dysregulated Four-LncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qiuxu , Yang Weiwei , Peng Wei , Qian Xuemei , Zhang Minghui , Wang Tianzhen
Published: April 2021

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the crosstalk between DNA epigenetic alterations and aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during carcinogenesis. However, epigenetically dysregulated lncRNAs and their functional and clinical roles in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) are still not explored. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis of DNA methylation data and transcriptome data and identified a DNA methylation-dysregulated four-lncRNA signature (DNAMeFourLncSig) from 596 DNA methylation-dysregulated lncRNAs using a machine-learning-based feature selection method, which classified the patients of the discovery cohort into two risk groups with significantly different survival including overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. Then the DNAMeFourLncSig was implemented to another two HNSCC patient cohorts and showed similar prognostic values in both. Results from multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the DNAMeFourLncSig might be an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, the DNAMeFourLncSig was substantially correlated with the complete response rate of chemotherapy and may predict chemotherapy response. Functional in silico analysis found that DNAMeFourLncSig-related mRNAs were mainly enriched in cell differentiation, tissue development and immune-related pathways. Overall, our study will improve our understanding of underlying transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms in HNSCC carcinogenesis and provided a new potential biomarker for the prognosis of patients with HNSCC.
Accelerated Solvent Extraction of Terpenes in Cannabis Coupled With Various Injection Techniques for GC-MS Analysis
Authors: Myers Colton , Herrington Jason S. , Hamrah Paul , Anderson Kelsey
Published: April 2021

The cannabis market is expanding exponentially in the United States. As state-wide legalization increases, so do demands for analytical testing methodologies. One of the main tests conducted on cannabis products is the analysis for terpenes. This research focused on implementation of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), utilizing surrogate matrix matching, and evaluation of traditional vs. more modern sample introduction techniques for analyzing terpenes via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Introduction techniques included Headspace-Syringe (HS-Syringe), HS-Solid Phase Microextraction Arrow (HS-SPME Arrow), Direct Immersion-SPME Arrow (DI-SPME Arrow), and Liquid Injection-Syringe (LI-Syringe). The LI-Syringe approach was deemed the most straightforward and robust method with terpene working ranges of 0.04–5.12 μg/mL; r2 values of 0.988–0.996 (0.993 average); limit of quantitation values of 0.017–0.129 μg/mL (0.047 average); analytical precisions of 2.58–9.64% RSD (1.56 average); overall ASE-LI-Syringe-GC-MS method precisions of 1.73–14.6% RSD (4.97 average); and % recoveries of 84.6–98.9% (90.2 average) for the 23 terpenes of interest. Sample workflows and results are discussed, with an evaluation of the advantages/limitations of each approach and opportunities for future work.
Managing Wildlife Habitat: Complex Interactions With Biotic and Abiotic Disturbances
Authors: Leclerc Marc-Antoine F. , Daniels Lori D. , Carroll Allan L.
Published: April 2021

Sustainable forest management strategies include emulating historical disturbance regimes to achieve multiple objectives. Partial-harvesting strategies are used to overcome conflicts between timber production and wildlife habitat conservation; however, the potential impacts on complex disturbance interactions and ecological functions remain largely unknown. In 1984, a controlled experiment was initiated in the dry forests of central British Columbia, Canada, to test partial harvesting intended to enhance mule deer habitat while allowing timber extraction. To determine the short- and long-term impacts on complex disturbance regimes, we quantified changes in forest structure and susceptibility to western spruce budworm, Douglas-fir beetle, and wildfire. We compared structural attributes in 2014 (30 years after the first harvest) and 2015 (1 year after the second harvest) in treated forests, and contrasted them with control forests that were measured in 2015. In the short term (1 year post-harvest), partial harvesting altered forest structure by reducing total canopy cover, subcanopy tree density and basal area, and increasing the abundance of large woody surface fuels. In the long term (30 years post-harvest), the forest canopy attributes did not differ between the treatment and control areas, partly due to increased growth of subcanopy trees. Harvesting had little impact on forest susceptibility to western spruce budworm. Susceptibility to Douglas-fir beetle was lower in the short term due to fewer available mature host trees, but increased to levels similar to the control forest over the long term. Reduced canopy fuels and increased canopy base height decreased the likelihood of crown fire in favor of surface fire. In the long term, canopy fuels and likelihood of crown fire recovered, but woody fuel loads remained low after 30 years. Harvesting to enhance mule deer habitat interacts with biotic and abiotic disturbances in the short and long term. Potential cascading affects depended more on the decision to remove harvesting residuals to mitigate potential Douglas-fir beetle infestations and wildfire than on time since treatment. Provided partial harvesting occurs at intervals ≤ 30 years and residuals are immediately removed, timber extraction and mule deer habitat can be compatible with complex disturbance regimes and sustainable forest management.
A Mendelian Randomization Study of Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Liu Weishi , Zhang Luyang , Li Shen , Liu Chen , Tong Ying , Fang Hui , Zhang Rui , Song Bo , Xia Zongping , Xu Yuming
Published: April 2021

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) is a toxic amino acid and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was reported to be associated with both cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. Our aim was to assess the causal link between plasma Hcy level and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases through a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods: A two-sample MR study was performed to infer the causal link. We extracted the genetic variants (SNPs) associated with plasma Hcy level from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis. The main MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance-weighted method. Additional analyses were further performed using MR-Egger intercept and Cochran’s Q statistic to detect the heterogeneity or pleiotropy of our findings.

Results: Thirteen Hcy-associated SNPs were selected as instrumental variables. The results showed evidence of a causal link between plasma Hcy level and ischemic stroke (IS) caused by small artery occlusion (SAS, OR = 1.329, 95% CI 1.047–1.612, p = 0.048). Meanwhile, there was no evidence of association between plasma Hcy level and other types of IS, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or neurodegenerative disease. The MR-Egger intercept test indicated no evidence of directional pleiotropy. Results of additional MR analysis indicated that blood pressure (BP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) serve as influencers in the association.

Conclusion: The MR study found a little causal link between plasma Hcy level and SAS. The link is likely to be influenced by other risk factors like BP and T2DM.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated α-ENaC Knockout in a Murine Pancreatic β-Cell Line
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhao Lihua , Jin Runbing , Li Min , Li Mei-Shuang , Li Rongfeng , Liang Xiubin
Published: April 2021

Many ion channels participate in controlling insulin synthesis and secretion of pancreatic β-cells. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) expressed in human pancreatic tissue, but the biological role of ENaC in pancreatic β-cells is still unclear. Here, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique to knockout α-ENaC gene in a murine pancreatic β-cell line (MIN6 cell). Four single-guide RNA (sgRNA) sites were designed for the exons of α-ENaC. The sgRNA1 and sgRNA3 with the higher activity were constructed and co-transfected into MIN6 cells. Through processing a series of experiment flow included drug screening, cloning, and sequencing, the α-ENaC gene-knockout (α-ENaC−/−) in MIN6 cells were obtained. Compared with the wild-type MIN6 cells, the cell viability and insulin content were significantly increased in α-ENaC−/− MIN6 cells. Therefore, α-ENaC−/− MIN6 cells generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology added an effective tool to study the biological function of α-ENaC in pancreatic β-cells.
Low-Dose IL-2 Therapy in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Graßhoff Hanna , Comdühr Sara , Monne Luisa R. , Müller Antje , Lamprecht Peter , Riemekasten Gabriela , Humrich Jens Y.
Published: April 2021

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and for the control of ongoing inflammation and autoimmunity. The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) is essentially required for the growth and survival of Treg in the peripheral lymphatic tissues and thus plays a vital role in the biology of Treg. Most autoimmune and rheumatic diseases exhibit disturbances in Treg biology either at a numerical or functional level resulting in an imbalance between protective and pathogenic immune cells. In addition, in some autoimmune diseases, a relative deficiency of IL-2 develops during disease pathogenesis leading to a disturbance of Treg homeostasis, which further amplifies the vicious cycle of tolerance breach and chronic inflammation. Low-dose IL-2 therapy aims either to compensate for this IL-2 deficiency to restore a physiological state or to strengthen the Treg population in order to be more effective in counter-regulating inflammation while avoiding global immunosuppression. Here we highlight key findings and summarize recent advances in the clinical translation of low-dose IL-2 therapy for the treatment of autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
Immunomodulation in Administration of rAAV: Preclinical and Clinical Adjuvant Pharmacotherapies
Authors: Chu Wing Sum , Ng Joanne
Published: April 2021

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has attracted a significant research focus for delivering genetic therapies to target cells. This non-enveloped virus has been trialed in many clinical-stage therapeutic strategies but important obstacle in clinical translation is the activation of both innate and adaptive immune response to the protein capsid, vector genome and transgene product. In addition, the normal population has pre-existing neutralizing antibodies against wild-type AAV, and cross-reactivity is observed between different rAAV serotypes. While extent of response can be influenced by dosing, administration route and target organ(s), these pose concerns over reduction or complete loss of efficacy, options for re-administration, and other unwanted immunological sequalae such as local tissue damage. To reduce said immunological risks, patients are excluded if they harbor anti-AAV antibodies or have received gene therapy previously. Studies have incorporated immunomodulating or suppressive regimens to block cellular and humoral immune responses such as systemic corticosteroids pre- and post-administration of Luxturna® and Zolgensma®, the two rAAV products with licensed regulatory approval in Europe and the United States. In this review, we will introduce the current pharmacological strategies to immunosuppress or immunomodulate the host immune response to rAAV gene therapy.