bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Réimaginer la scène Zoom en tant qu’espace crip
Authors: Renihan Colleen , Brook Julia 
Published: November 2024

L’intérêt croissant porté à la question de l’espace dans les études sur le théâtre et la performance a montré que ce même espace est inhéremment politique. Comme nous le rappelle Kim Solga, « il organise nos relations ; il structure nos relations de pouvoir (économique, politique, genré, etc.) » (2019 : 2). L’âge et les capacités ne sont pas mentionnés ici, bien qu’ils soient profondément et de manière critique affectés par la dynamique des espaces, les espaces de performance en particulier. Dans cet article, nous nous concentrons sur les besoins complexes et variés des personnes âgées – une population hétérogène qui ne reçoit souvent pas la considération nuancée qu’elle mérite. Cela est particulièrement vrai en ce qui concerne leur représentation et les possibilités qui leur sont offertes dans les espaces de spectacle. Le spectacle, en particulier dans des genres comme le théâtre musical et l’opéra où les artistes pratiquent plusieurs formes d’art à la fois (chanter et danser, chanter et jouer, etc.), peut être particulièrement excluant pour les corps et les esprits handicapés. En nous appuyant sur des recherches récentes dans le domaine des études sur le handicap et de la voix, nous présentons une approche potentielle pour « décadrer » la scène, en nous basant sur une vaste étude canadienne pluriannuelle qui explore un programme de musique et de théâtre en ligne (basé sur Zoom) pour les adultes plus âgés. En utilisant notre étude de cas, nous examinons cet espace hybride (en direct et hors site) à travers le prisme de l’esthétique du handicap et nous examinons comment ce programme de théâtre musical en ligne pour les adultes plus âgés nous a permis de reconsidérer l’espace handicapé qu’est la performance musicale d’une manière qui a facilité l’accès aux opportunités de création et de performance pour les personnes âgées.
Uncovering the Anthropogenic Influences on Water Quality: A Case of Lake Victoria Shores, Entebbe, Uganda
Authors: Nur Mustafe Said , Nabukonde Ameria , Barakagira Alex 
Published: November 2024

Lakes serve as vital ecosystems, providing freshwater resources and habitats for diverse species. However, human activities, particularly around lakeshores, have led to significant environmental degradation, including heavy metal contamination. Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake globally, has been severely impacted by pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. This research aims at examining the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the water quality of Lake Victoria. Specifically, the study tried to determine the activities undertaken at the Lake shores of Lake Victoria; determined the physico-chemical parameters of the water from the shores and the heavy metal concentration in the water samples obtained from the shores of Lake Victoria. This study utilized a cross-sectional and experimental research designs to assess water quality and anthropogenic influences around Lake Victoria. A total of 150 residents from selected communities were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather demographic information, perceptions of water quality and the activities carried out within the shores of Lake Victoria. Water samples were collected from multiple sites along the lake shores for analysis of heavy metals using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Water quality parameters were determined In-situ using a multi-parameter water testing kit and Hanna instrument. Results showed that the anthropogenic activities that could have contributed to water degradation include: fishing, transport, agriculture and construction among others. Apart from pH which was outside the permissible limits, all the other water parameters were within the WHO permissible limits. Considering the heavy metal concentration, all the sampled sites apart from one inlet, had the concentrations above the WHO permissible levels an indication of significant heavy metal contamination in the Lake Victoria shores. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted pollution control measures and regular monitoring to mitigate further environmental degradation. Effective interventions, including stricter regulations and sustainable land use practices within the Victoria shores are essential for safeguarding the lake's ecosystem and the health of surrounding communities.
Assessing the Effects of Climate Change on Human Security: Case of Nyahururu Sub-county, Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: Serem Rebecca Chemutai , Naburi Namenya Daniel , Mugendi David 
Published: November 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to human security by exacerbating societal challenges, potentially leading to widespread despair. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of climate change on human security in Nyahururu Sub-County. The study adopted a concurrent triangulation research design. The study targeted the residents (household heads) of Nyahururu Sub-County, including farmers, pastoralists, ranchers and traders, who were distributed across the 4 locations/administrative units: Gituamba, Marmanet, Ngarua and Nyahururu. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nyahururu Sub-County had an estimated population of approximately 154,704 individuals and a total of 44,073 households as of the 2019 census. The study was conducted between 2021 and 2024. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection involved questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, with stratified random sampling for household heads and purposive sampling for key informants. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and thematic analysis. The study found that Nyahururu Sub- County experiences fluctuations in both temperature and precipitation levels from 1989 to 2023, with mean daily maximum temperatures ranging from 22.8°C to 24.4°C and total annual precipitation varying between 665.1 mm and 771.7 mm. These trends indicate climate variability rather than a consistent long-term change in either temperature or precipitation. The study recommends targeted interventions to enhance community capacity, strengthen governance structures and promote sustainable livelihoods to mitigate the impacts of climate change on human security.
Vaccines:
DNA
Authors: Tiriveedhi Venkataswarup 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

From their initial discovery, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) vaccines have evolved considerably in the past three decades to become a viable alternative to the traditional active and live attenuated vaccines. While the safety profile of DNA vaccines is highly promising, there still seem to be some looming challenges with their efficiency. A range of modifications have been made to optimise the immunogenicity and functional efficiency of DNA vaccines including plasmid backbone optimisation, delivery methodology, formulation and therapeutic regimen adaptation. Although most of these changes have provided iterative benefits, a more thorough understanding is needed for lasting success.

Key Concepts

DNA vaccines offer a novel viable immunisation against infectious diseases and cancers.

Plasmid design and adjuvant formulation enhances the DNA vaccine outcomes.

Efficient activation of cellular and humoral response dictates the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.

Categorisation of various factors which affect DNA vaccination strategy into ‘five immune forces’.

Next‐generation sequencing and mutanome analysis seem to offer promising future prospects to DNA vaccination.
Autoimmune Disease: Treatment
Authors: Elkhalifa Shuayb , Anwar Siddiq , Karim Yousuf 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

In the past decade, there have been significant advances in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Biologic therapies (BT), which are targeted at cells and molecules involved in the mechanisms of autoimmunity, provided an exciting era of much promise, which resulted in amelioration of morbidity and mortality in these diseases.
The armoury of conventional immunotherapeutic agents, such as corticosteroids, azathioprine (AZA) and methotrexate (MTX), has been progressively improved by the addition of targeted BT, which may possess less toxicity and undesirable side effects. Many researchers are seeking to identify and trial novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Important examples include therapies aimed at influencing immune cells (e.g. B cells) and molecules (e.g. costimulatory molecules and cytokines) which are thought to be important in disease pathogenesis.
On the other hand, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has showed exciting outcome when used as a nontargeted treatment for severe and therapy‐refractory autoimmune diseases.
Overall, various immunotherapeutic strategies are used to treat autoimmune diseases; these have included conventional immunosuppressive drugs and targeted biologic agents. Clinical use, mechanism of actions and common side effects are important to understand.

Key Concepts

Autoimmunity is an immune response directed against an antigen within the body of the host. Not all autoimmunity is deleterious.

Autoimmune disease occurs when autoimmunity results in tissue damage or organ dysfunction.

There is emphasis on avoiding chronic corticosteroid therapy wherever possible, but acute treatment with corticosteroids remains essential in acute severe presentations of several autoimmune diseases.

Conventional immunosuppressive therapy remains both clinically efficacious and cost‐effective in many autoimmune diseases.

Biologic therapies are now well established in the current treatment of several autoimmune diseases. It is likely that currently unknown side effects of biologics will emerge, especially with prolonged uses. Biologic therapies are now recognised to cause secondary immunodeficiency in a minority of patients, for example hypogammaglobulinaemia.

Many new targeted biologic therapies with potentially less toxicities are in development, and will emerge into routine clinical practice over the next few years.
Mouse Knockouts: Modifying the Mouse Genome by Using Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Mansouri Ahmed 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the early embryo. They are pluripotent and can be genetically manipulatedin vitro. This allows the modification of the mouse genome by gene targeting through homologous recombination and by gene trapping approaches. Thus, mouse mutants with any desired mutation can be created and represent a valuable tool to give new insights into normal and pathological processes, providing animal models for human genetic diseases. However, until recently such a genetic manipulation was limited to the mouse. New insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling pluripotency have led to the derivation of ES cells from different species, as well as from somatic cells (iPS). In addition, the discovery of designer nucleases has opened new avenues to edit the genome and generate any knockout/knockin animal for the gene of interest. Moreover, these custom nucleases are used to introduce mutations without the requirement of ES cells.Key ConceptsEmbryonic stem cells represent inner cell mass (ICM) cells that are maintained at the ground state of pluripotency.The repair machinery of induced double‐strand breaks is the driving mechanism allowing the design of specific mutations for the gene of interest.Homologous recombination allows the design of any desired genome editing.Double‐strand breaks enhance the frequency of homologous recombination events.The CRISPRs/Cas9 system can be used to modify the genome of any organism and therefore its application may touch some ethical and environmental issues.
An Introduction toX‐Ray Crystallography
Authors: Wilson Keith S 
Published: June 2018

AbstractX‐ray crystallography is the prime technique for determining the 3D structure of chemical and biochemical compounds, providing the conformation of the molecules in the crystal in addition to their configuration. The use of X‐rays with wavelengths around 1 Å means that the positions of individual atoms in the molecule can be defined. However, the technique needs a crystal to amplify the signal from a single molecule, and crystal growth requires the compound under study to be homogenous and that all the molecules take up a single stable conformation in the crystal, which restricts crystallography to the study of long‐lived states. In small molecule structures, the molecules are closely packed with few solvent molecules present. In contrast, crystals of macromolecules contain on average roughly 50% aqueous solvent and as result are less well ordered, with the resolution of the experimental X‐ray data being less than atomic. Thus, while for small molecule structures there are sufficient experimental observations to provide accurate atomic positions, the more limited resolution of macromolecular structures means that the X‐ray observations must be supplemented by stereochemical restraints.Key ConceptsIt is vital to visualise molecules in 3D at the atomic level to fully understand their function.X‐rays allow us to see such atomic structures, but require crystals to produce an amplified view of the structure.The crystal works as an amplifier, producing an averaged view of many millions of similarly oriented molecules.It is the electrons around the atoms which scatter X‐rays and thus provide an image of the electron density.Crystallography reveals not only the configurations but in addition the 3D conformations of molecules.
Genetics of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Jiao Xue , Chen Zi‐Jiang 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterised by loss of ovarian function before the age of 40, and accounts for one major cause of female infertility. POI is highly heterogeneous in phenotype and aetiology. It has a strong genetic component, but aetiology in most cases remains idiopathic. Chromosomal abnormalities have long been recognised as a frequent cause of POI. On the basis of the candidate gene studies, single‐gene perturbations with a deleterious effect have been found in a few genes. Recent application in next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and whole‐exome approaches to familial POI have identified new causative genes responsible for POI. In the future, NGS studies will give more insight into the complex gene network involved in POI.

Key Concepts

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterised by marked heterogeneity, but with a significant genetic contribution.

Chromosomal abnormalities, especially the X chromosome aberrations, have long been recognised as a frequent cause of POI.

No single underlying dominant gene deficiency could explain the disorder further supports the genetic heterogeneity of POI aetiology.

Family‐based whole‐exome and whole‐genome sequencing appear to be the most promising approaches for detecting potential genes responsible for POI.

Most genes identified by whole‐exome sequencing in POI pedigrees were involved in meiosis, DNA repair and chromosomal instability.
Freshwater Fungi
Authors: Raja Huzefa A , Shearer Carol A , Tsui Clement K‐M 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The shift from terrestrial to freshwater ecosystems is accompanied by a dramatic shift in the decomposer fungal assemblages. The life cycle of freshwater fungi complicates our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in this group. The freshwater ascomycetes (teleomorphs) often have asexual states (referred to as anamorphs or mitosporic states) in their life cycles. The asexual states of freshwater ascomycetes are often adapted to aquatic life by producing spores (conidia) that are long and filamentous or branched; this facilitates their attachment to substrates in moving water. Some species have conidia that are tightly coiled to trap air or are hydrophobic and hollow; these adaptations allow them to float on the surface of water until they attach to a new substrate. The main ecological functions of freshwater fungi involve the breakdown of leaves, conifer needles, wood and other sources of coarse‐particulate organic matter. Training students in this field of fungi is imperative given the increase in global transportation of microbes, the rapid loss of healthy freshwater habitats due to human perturbation and global warming, the serious problem of antibiotic resistance and the rarity of trained taxonomists and molecular systematists in the field of mycology.

Key Concepts

Freshwater fungi are an ecological group of fungi and comprise both the meiosporic and mitosporic ascomycetes.

They are important decomposers in freshwater habitats as they produce different types of enzymes to breakdown organic matter.

The meiosporic ascomycetes are adapted to fresh water as their ascospores are equipped with gelatinous appendages or sheaths that are thought to help them attach to substrates in flowing or moving water. The mitosporic ascomycetes are adapted to freshwater habitats as they produce conidia, which are branched or long and filamentous, or have conidia which trap air for buoyancy and/or are hydrophobic.

Freshwater fungi are understudied source of novel secondary metabolites.

Phylogenetic studies on freshwater ascomycetes have shown that some species cluster with terrestrial ascomycete lineages while others belong in exclusive aquatic lineages.

Distributional patterns of freshwater ascomycetes show distinct latitudinal and elevational structuring, but additional comparative studies are required to better predict distribution patterns of freshwater fungi.

Species composition varies between lentic and lotic habitats, but more studies are warranted.

Some species are distributed worldwide in similar habitats – A pantropical distribution of freshwater ascomycetes exists.

As threats to freshwater biodiversity escalate, there is an urgent need to survey, collect and isolate freshwater fungal species, especially the poorly known but important taxa from the remaining high‐quality habitats.

The knowledge of this group is essential to our understanding of ascomycete systematics in general as well as the systematics of freshwater ascomycete fungi.
HSP40
/
DNAJ
Chaperones
Authors: Musskopf Maiara K , de Mattos Eduardo P , Bergink Steven , Kampinga Harm H 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Members of the HSP40/DNAJ family comprise one of the largest groups of molecular chaperones, and are present in all living organisms from bacteria to humans. The hallmark of DNAJs is the presence of a J‐domain, which is crucial for interaction with HSP70. DNAJs can be seen as the workforce that steers HSP70 machines, regulating client input and specificity. The different DNAJs are involved in processes such as (re)folding, intracellular transport across membranes, protein modifications, remodelling of protein complexes and protein degradation. In particular, different DNAJs are able to suppress aggregate formation of several amyloidogenic proteins linked to human diseases. On the other hand, mutations in many DNAJs give rise to a wide range of pathologies, attesting to their fundamental role in cellular homeostasis and general protein quality control.

Key Concepts

Chaperome is the interconnected network of chaperones and cochaperones that works cooperatively to maintain protein homeostasis (Brehme and Voisine, 2016).

Molecular chaperone is a protein that assists folding, refolding, disaggregation and/or assembly of macromolecular complexes, but is not a permanent component of the final, native, functional structure. Chaperones can act as substrate ‘foldases’ in an ATP‐dependent manner or as ‘holdases’ in an ATP‐independent manner.

Folding is the formation of an energetically stable three‐dimensional conformation specific to a given protein sequence, also known as the native, functional conformation. On the other hand, misfolding happens when the protein does not reach its native conformation on a biologically relevant timescale.

Amyloidogenic proteins are proteins with a high tendency of folding into energetically favourable aggregates, which catalyse the formation of protein fibrils and plaques, and are associated to cellular toxicity and degeneration.

Protein disaggregation is the disentangling of protein aggregates through their resolubilization by chaperones, followed by their refolding or degradation.
Glucosinolates
Authors: Jeschke Verena , Burow Meike 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Plants resist herbivorous insects and pathogens by employing specialised metabolites as chemical defences. In the case of constitutively present activated defences, an inactive precursor is stored and activated upon damage or attack by biotic stressors releasing high amounts of toxic and bioactive products. Glucosinolates are a group of defence compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. They consist of a nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐containing core structure and an amino acid‐derived, variable side chain. Enzymatic activation of glucosinolates further amplifies their chemical diversity, as one glucosinolate can generate different bioactive metabolites. These serve diverse functions in plant–insect and plant–pathogen interactions. Insects, however, have evolved many creative adaptations to avoid toxic glucosinolate‐derived metabolites. For humans, glucosinolates and their activation products have many beneficial health effects and promising applications in sustainable agriculture.

Key Concepts

Plants of the Brassicales order store nontoxic glucosinolates as precursors of bioactive compounds to defend themselves against herbivores and pathogens.

Glucosinolate composition varies across and within plant species as well as between tissues, developmental stages and environmental conditions.

Upon attack, enzymatic activation of glucosinolates initiated by myrosinase enzymes further amplifies their structural diversity, which is pivotal for the plants' resistance against a wide range of biotic enemies.

Against harmful bacteria and fungi, activation of particularly indolic glucosinolates in intact plant tissue can also occur through atypical myrosinases.

Glucosinolate‐derived bioactive compounds function in both direct and indirect defence against insect herbivores.

Many herbivores have adapted towards feeding on glucosinolate‐containing plants and have developed creative counteradaptations against the glucosinolate–myrosinase system, while nonadapted herbivores rely on detoxification of glucosinolate‐derived active compounds.

Apart from their defensive functions, glucosinolates serve as molecular signal to feedback regulate plant metabolism, growth and defence.

The chemical diversity of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products provides benefits for human health and promising applications for sustainable agriculture.