bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mineral Mix and Concentrate Feeds on Milk Revenue of Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Kapseret Sub County, Kenya
Authors: Bett J. K. , Munyiri S. W. , Nkari I. M.
Published: March 2021

Dairy farming contributes about eight percent of National Gross Domestic Product with an annual milk production of 3.43 billion litres in Kenya. It supports the livelihood of approximately four million Kenyans through food provision, income generation and employment. However, milk production per individual animal in Kenya, averaging six to seven (6-7) litres/cow/day, is low compared to the world’s best at 10,133 litres/cow/year (28 litres/cow/day) mainly due to factors including poor feeding. This means that Kenya produces an average of 20 litres of milk less per cow per day compared to the world’s best. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mineral mix and concentrate feeds on milk revenue of smallholder dairy farmers in Kapseret sub County. The study was conducted between the months of January-March, 2020. Primary data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires. Spearman’s Rank correlation was used to show the strength of the relationship between the variables. Multiple regression model was employed to assess the effect of supplementation on milk revenue. Results were presented in tables, and descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between the variables (concentrate feeds and mineral mix) and milk revenue at (r=0.41, p=0.001) and (r=0.30, p=0.001), respectively. The relationship between mineral mix and concentrate feeds was positive and statistically significant (r=0.92, p=0.001). Subsequent feeding of homemade or commercial concentrates and mineral mix to dairy animals influenced milk revenue. The study concluded that mineral mix and concentrate feeds increased milk revenue of smallholder dairy farmers in Kapseret sub County. The study recommended the use of mineral mix and commercial concentrates or quality homemade concentrates in order to increase milk produce which affects farmers’ milk revenue.
Effects of Different Rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) under Mechanized and Traditional Cultivation
Authors: Hashami Sayed Ziauddin , Poyesh Torabaz
Published: March 2021

In the present study, half of the land was cultivated mechanically by tractor using a two-bladed mould board plough and nine tine harrow. The other half was cultivated by a local farmer who used a bullock and wooden plough. A single seed variety (Marabel) was sown across the entire trial site. Four separate identical fertilizer treatments were used across both the mechanized and traditionally cultivated sites. Phosphorous was applied in the form of diammonium phosphate. Nitrogen was applied in the form of Urea. FAO’s recommended rates for phosphorus (220kg/ha) and nitrogen (330kg/ha) were applied. In addition, additional rates below and above the FAO’s recommendations were also applied, with phosphorous being applied at 0 kg/ha, 110 kg/ha (50% of recommendation) and 440 kg/ha (200% of recommendation). Nitrogen was applied at 0 kg/ha, 165 kg/ha (50% of recommendation) and 660 kg/ha (200% of recommendation). Results on average revealed that across all four fertilizer rates, mechanized cultivation produced 60% higher crop yields (average 32.83mt/ha) compared with traditional cultivation (average 20.5 mt/ha) which resulted in an average of 12.33mt/ha higher yield for mechanized cultivation over traditional cultivation. This yield difference was highly statistically significant (P =0.99(. Additionally, the average gross margin per hectare was 74% higher across the mechanized plots (US$6,552/ha or 373,464AFN/ha) compared with the traditional plots (US$3,772/ha or 215,004 AFN/ha). These figures confirm that use of mechanized cultivation and the application of phosphorus at 440 kg/ha and nitrogen at 660 kg/ha will increase the potato yield and produce a higher cash value and a higher gross margin per hectare.
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Gastro-Esophageal and Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Shaband Nora , Abo-Touk Niveen , Elawadi Mohamed , Ta-Ema Saleh
Published: March 2021

Aims: To assess the safety and efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy before radical surgery in locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Study Design: This was a prospective phase Ⅱ single arm study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt, between May 2017 and June 2019.

Methodology: Patients with pathologically proven gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma are included. They received one cycle of induction chemotherapy paclitaxel-carboplatin, [paclitaxel dose of 175 mg/m2, carboplatin dose of (AUC: 5)], followed by CCRT [RT 45 Gy over 25 fractions over 5 weeks concurrent with weekly paclitaxel at a dose of 50 mg/m2, carboplatin at a dose of (AUC: 2)], followed by surgery and 2 cycles of paclitaxel-carboplatin for responders.

Results: The study included 24 patients. Most of the patients were diagnosed at stage III (83.3%). There were no major side effects of the induction chemotherapy cycle. There were no reported grade 3 or 4 toxicities for the CCRT. Only two patients suffered from late radiation toxicities (distal esophageal stenosis). Pathological complete response was achieved in seven patients (31.8%). Twenty-two patients had surgical resection with a 95% resection margin zero. The median follow-up time was 22.5 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 23, 23.5 months, respectively.

Conclusion: The preliminary data suggested good efficacy of the studied treatment design with acceptable adverse-event rates, however a larger multicentric phase 3 trial with a longer follow-up duration is recommended.
O USO DE VÍDEOS NA INTERNET COMO BRECHAS PARA PENSAR O DESCOMPASSO E O DESTEMPO NA COMUNICAÇÃO E EDUCAÇÃO: A EXPERIÊNCIA DOS ALUNOS DO COLÉGIO ESTADUAL DO PARANÁ // THE USE OF ONLINE VIDEOS AS GAPS TO THINK THE MISMATCHES AND ‘DESTEMPO’ AT COMMUNICATION
Authors: Melo Patricia Goedert , De Lima Myrian Del Vecchio , Ribeiro Regiane Regina
Published: March 2021

A proposta deste artigo é analisar como as tecnologias digitais contribuíram para ressignificar identidades e para potencializar a representatividade dos alunos do Colégio Estadual do Paraná que participaram das manifestações dos professores da rede estadual de ensino durante a greve desta categoria, em 2015. O recorte da investigação teve como foco a apropriação da linguagem audiovisual pelos estudantes e sua interface com o universo tecnológico e com a escola. O estudo utilizou como recurso metodológico uma entrevista semiestruturada com um grupo de alunos e a base teórica tensionou conceitos de Martín-Barbero (2004 e 2014), Orozco Gómez (2006) e Stuart Hall (2014), como comunicação e educação, descompasso, destempo, reconhecimento e identidade. As considerações finais apontam a tecnologia como uma das trilhas para os novos modos de sentir e de aprender, potencializando, assim, a ressignificação das identidades desses jovens e suas representatividades por meio do reconhecimento, do pertencimento e das novas formas de relação professor e aluno.

Abstract

The proposal of this paper is to analyse how the digital techonologies contributed to resignify identities and potentialize the representativity of the students of Colégio Estadual do Paraná who participated at the manifestations of teachers of the State teaching system during the strike of the category, in 2015. The research focused on the appropriation of audiovisual language by the students and its interface with the techonological universe and the school. The study used as methodological resource a semi-structured interview with a group of students and the theoretical basis brought together concepts from Martín-Barbero (2004 e 2014), Orozco Gómez (2006) e Stuart Hall (2014), such as communication and education, mismatches, destempo, recognition and identity. The final considerations point technology as one of the tracks to the new ways of feeling and learning, potentiating, therefore, the resignifying of identities of these young men and women and their representativities through recognition, belonging and new possibilites for the relation teacher-student.
NOTÍCIAS DA AMAZÔNIA: A CULTURA JORNALÍSTICA DAS TELEVISÕES BRASILEIRA E PORTUGUESA // NEWS FROM AMAZON: THE JOURNALISTIC CULTURE OF BRAZILIAN AND PORTUGUESE TELEVISIONS
Authors: Pereira Lúcia Helena Mendes
Published: March 2021

Essa investigação identifica e procura os fatores políticos e culturais que impedem ou promovem a prática democrática do Jornalismo hegemônico nas televisões portuguesa e brasileira sobre o território brasileiro conhecido como “Amazônia Legal” – conceito político-estratégico com fins econômicos, forjado pelo governo do Brasil. O foco desse estudo são os critérios de noticiabilidade proferidos pelas comunidades interpretativas da Televisão e Rádio de Portugal – TV RTP – e pela Rede Globo de Televisão – TV Globo, entre os anos de 2005 e 2011, como importantes fatores, tanto para a manutenção do exercício da colonialidade de poder (QUIJANO, 1991, 1993, 1994) como para a evocação de práticas democratizantes no imaginário social sobre o debate da crise ambiental. Trata-se assim, de uma reflexão crítica assentada na Teoria Pós-colonial, dos Estudos Culturais, dos valores ético-culturais da produção jornalístico-televisiva generalista de quatro jornais diários na televisão portuguesa e um jornal diário da televisão brasileira. O método seguido foi o Estudo de Caso Extendido (BURAWOY, 1998) combinado com a Etnografia Multi-Situada (MARCUS, 1998). Como resultado, apresenta os fatores hegemônicos atuantes nas notícias de ambas as televisões e as insurgências contra-hegemônicas apreendidas.
INOVAÇÃO NO JORNAL ZERO HORA (ZH): OS PROCESSOS DE CONVERGÊNCIA JORNALÍSTICA E A EDITORIA DE VÍDEO // INNOVATION IN THE NEWSPAPER ZERO HORA (ZH): THE PROCESSES OF JOURNALISTIC CONVERGENCE AND THE VIDEO DEPARTMENT
Authors: Gruszynski Ana , Lindemann Cristiane , Sanseverino Gabriela
Published: March 2021

O artigo tem como objeto empírico o jornal Zero Hora (ZH), editado pelo Grupo Rede Brasil Sul de Comunicação (RBS). A partir da observação de iniciativas da publicação, com foco na caracterização e avaliação da editoria de vídeos, debate-se acerca dos elementos de inovação presentes nos processos de convergência jornalística. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados são a pesquisa bibliográfica, a documental e a técnica da entrevista semiestruturada. Observa-se que o caráter econômico ancora os processos de inovação de ZH, sobretudo pelo forte investimento tecnológico, mas que é perceptível também nas mudanças no âmbito da cultura profissional e no produto multiplataforma gerado, que está identificado com a quinta geração do ciberjornalismo. Percebe-se a constituição de uma nova identidade profissional em que o domínio técnico se sobrepõe a outros valores de reconhecimento da atividade, relacionado à formação de novos quadros dentro da própria empresa e a partir de seus valores e metas.
GAMBIARRA E VIDEOGAMES: UMA VISÃO COGNITIVA DAS TECNOLOGIAS DE ENTRETENIMENTO EM WORLD OF WARCRAFT // GAMBIARRA QUICK FIX AND VIDEO GAMES: A COGNITIVE VIEW ON ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES IN WORLD OF WARCRAFT
Authors: Messias José
Published: March 2021

O presente texto apresenta parte da pesquisa realizada com os servidores privados (também chamados de piratas) do jogo World of Warcraft. Através da descrição e análise de seu modo de funcionamento espera-se demonstrar ações e práticas que engendram a promoção de habilidades cognitivas, modos de letramento e formas de ação política...mesmo que não ideológica. Este processo, abordado aqui em suas imbricações sociotécnicas e através da cognição corporificada de Varela et al (2001) e Kastrup (2007), aponta a centralidade do entretenimento digital na produção e manutenção desses vínculos afetivos que mobilizam diferentes níveis de apropriação tecnológica e ação biopolítica.
O ÁLBUM SANDINISTA!: AGENCIAMENTOS E FRONTEIRAS MUSICAIS DO GRUPO THE CLASH // THE SANDINISTA! ALBUM: AGENCEMENTS AND MUSICAL BOUNDARIES OF THE BAND THE CLASH
Authors: Vargas Herom , Carvalho Nilton
Published: March 2021

O movimento punk inglês produziu rompimentos com o rock mainstream da indústria fonográfica, mas após algum tempo, sua estética se estabeleceu como fórmula cristalizada. No álbum Sandinista! (1980), a banda inglesa The Clash se afasta dessa rigidez musical ao movimentar-se para as fronteiras, em contato com outras culturas e seus agenciamentos textuais. Essa mudança é um aspecto fundamental na construção da linguagem híbrida do disco que difere dos moldes identitários do punk rock. Com base nos Estudos Culturais e na Semiótica da Cultura, este artigo visa demonstrar como o grupo propôs uma arte de fronteira musical e política com o chamado Terceiro Mundo, usando textos (dub, jazz, soul, hip hop, calypso) geradores de uma semiótica que difere do regime significante (DELEUZE; GUATTARI, 1995) do punk britânico.
JORNALISMO GUIADO POR DADOS COMO INOVAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E SEUS DESAFIOS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO // DATA-DRIVEN JOURNALISM AS PROFESSIONAL INNOVATION AND ITS CHALLENGES FOR EDUCATION
Authors: Mielniczuk Luciana , Träsel Marcelo
Published: March 2021

O Jornalismo Guiado por Dados (JGD) é posicionado como uma inovação em termos de prática profissional, pois baseia os processos de apuração em bases de dados públicas e fontes não-humanas, requer alto nível de alfabetização digital e provoca mudanças nas funções e rotinas produtivas. Acredita-se que o ensino é o espaço de reprodução de valores e crenças profissionais, além de ser um espaço para a difusão de novas práticas. São apresentadas experiências do ensino formal e informal sobre a profissionalização de jornalistas em JGD. Mostramos exemplos de como o JGD vem sendo difundido entre estudantes e profissionais e apontamos alguns desafios e oportunidades encontrados para melhor ensinar JGD.
Performatividades das novas pornografias: análise dos filmes do cineasta Antonio da Silva // New pornographies and their performativities: ananysis of filmmaker Antonio da Silva's films
Authors: De Sousa Emerson Da Cunha , De Oliveira Junior Antonio Wellington
Published: March 2021

O presente artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa sobre os novos produtos pornográficos contemporâneos. Tomando por base a noção de performatividade de Judith Butler (1988, 1997, 2003), analisamos filmes do cineasta português Antonio da Silva, a saber, Bankers (2011), Mates (2012), Gingers (2013) e Daddies (2014), nos utilizando para tal análise da escrita performativa (BEIGUI, 2011). Nosso objetivo foi identificar de que modos esses filmes incorporam características históricas do pornográfico no audiovisual e na literatura, assim como dialogam com as produções amadoras da internet, criando novos caminhos para o pornográfico.
A ciência comunicada pelo figurino em “2001: Uma Odisseia no Espaço”: a semiologia de Barthes como ferramenta interpretativa // Science depicted by the "2001: A Space Odyssey" clothes: Barthes' semiology as an interpretative instrument
Authors: Piassi Luis Paulo De Carvalho , Santos Caynnã De Camargo
Published: March 2021

Embora muitos considerem desatualizada a contribuição de Barthes para a análise da significação do vestuário, acreditamos que situar sua perspectiva em relação ao contexto da linguística e operacionalizar algumas de suas propostas em análises concretas figuram como formas de aproveitar os aspectos mais relevantes dos desenvolvimentos desse teórico francês. A partir da revisão dos trabalhos de diversos teóricos dos estudos da linguagem, o presente artigo objetiva articular a noção barthesiana de “sistema” com a semântica lexical de Pottier, de modo a, mediante a análise de alguns elementos do figurino do filme “2001: Uma Odisseia no Espaço”, propor um ferramental interpretativo que reconhece as particularidades do discurso fílmico, em detrimento da tendência largamente difundida que transpõe mecanicamente os modelos de análise de textos verbais para o cinema. Concluímos que do diálogo teórico entre Barthes e Pottier emerge uma perspectiva analítica que pode iluminar as relações estabelecidas entre sistema e sintagma.
Mídia, mobilidade e cidadania no contexto do capitalismo global: reflexões a partir da trajetória de um refugiado sírio // Media, mobility and citizenship in global capitalism: reflextions based on the trajectory of a Syrian refugee
Authors: Zanforlin Sofia Cavalcanti , Cogo Denise Maria
Published: March 2021

O artigo reconstitui a trajetória do refugiado sírio Talal Al-Tinawi na cidade de São Paulo para refletir sobre as possibilidades dos migrantes internacionais constituírem espaços de cidadania condicionados pelos enquadramentos impostos às experiências de mobilidade por três dos pilares que fundamentam o capitalismo global: o controle e criminalização das migrações; a individualização do social e um regime de visualidades ancorado na centralidade das mídias. Em termos teóricos, articulamos noções conceituais sobre capitalismo, mídia, cidadania e migração. A metodologia abrange mapeamento e coleta de materiais midiáticos digitais e realização de entrevistas semidirigidas. Os resultados apontam para negociações de espaços de cidadania possível por A-Tinawi, no marco de narrativas midiáticas que articulam elementos relacionados à condição de refugiado, ao pertencimento nacional e ao empreendedorismo social para a construção de um imigrante ideal, próximo e não ameaçador.
A voz e o microfone: uma análise de Partido alto, documentário de Leon Hirszman // The voice and the microphone: an analysis of Partido Alto, a documentary by Leon Hirszman
Authors: Puccini Sérgio
Published: March 2021

O artigo apresenta uma análise do curta metragem Partido alto, de Leon Hirszman, abordando aspectos ligados a sua construção discursiva e, em especial, o uso da voz. O documentário possui sua estrutura marcada por apenas duas situações de filmagem, as rodas de samba de Candeia e Manacéa. Como opção de montagem prevalecem longos planos-sequência com respeito quase total à sincronia entre som e imagem. Ao mesmo tempo, o documentário faz uso de uma locução fora de campo que, embora ocupe um pequeno trecho, possui importância decisiva para a construção estilística do filme.
A paisagem potencializando a atmosfera filmica em Viajo porque preciso, volto porque te amo // The landscape enhancing the filmic atmosphere in Viajo porque preciso, volto porque te amo
Authors: Martins India Mara
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre a representação da paisagem no cinema contemporâneo brasileiro e sua capacidade de potencializar determinadas atmosferas. O cinema contemporâneo brasileiro, de ficção e não ficção, tem apostado na representação de paisagens muito diversas, do sertão nordestino às grandes cidade. Neste artigo retomamos os principais estudos sobre a representação do espaço no cinema e algumas noções sobre paisagem e atmosfera fílmica, que serão os aspetos analisados em Viajo porque preciso, volto porque te amo (2009), de Karim Ainouz e Marcelo Gomes.
A narração do nacional em El Bonaerense (2002) e em Cidade de Deus (2002) // The nationhood narration in El Bonaerense (2002) and Cidade de Deus (2002)
Authors: Dias Fonseca Eduardo
Published: March 2021

O presente texto busca refletir a relação entre a narração da nação e dois textos fílmicos, El bonaerense (Argentina, 2002), dirigido por Pablo Trapero e Cidade de Deus (Brasil, 2002) dirigido por Katia Lund e Fernando Meirelles. Através de elementos analisados nos filmes buscamos apresentar a relação entre a pedagogia e a performance do nacional presente nos mesmos. As diferentes estratégias de articulação da imagem-nação e imagem-povo colocam em evidência os procedimentos para a construção da narração do nacional.
Rogério Sganzerla e Edgardo Cozarinsky: confluências e sintonias entre a atividade crítica e a realização cinematográfica // Rogério Sganzerla and Edgardo Cozarinsky: confluences and sintonies between critical activity and cinematographical achievement
Authors: Garcia Estevão De Pinho
Published: March 2021

O brasileiro Rogério Sganzerla e o argentino Edgardo Cozarinsky, o primeiro em São Paulo, o segundo em Buenos Aires, vivenciaram no inicio dos anos 1960 o contexto cosmopolita da cinefilia, marcada pela leitura de revistas especializadas estrangeiras e pela assiduidade em cinemas, cineclubes e cinematecas. Tanto o brasileiro quanto o argentino se inserem na tríade composta por cinefilia/ crítica/ realização e a seguem passo a passo. O segundo estágio desse percurso, a atividade crítica em jornais e revistas, foi caracterizado, para ambos, por uma intensa admiração ao cinema moderno. Porém, quando passam para a realização cinematográfica no final da década de 1960 o cinema moderno, mundialmente, já estava em seu momento de crise e redefinição. O paradigma dos cinemas novos é então questionado. O “novo” transfere-se à categoria de “antigo”. Sganzerla, no Brasil, gradualmente aumenta as suas ressalvas ao Cinema Novo, seu anterior objeto de elogio. Cozarinsky, na Argentina, ao dirigir seu primeiro filme, colocará de maneira clara suas oposições ao grupo Cine Liberación. Nosso objetivo se configura em, por meio do exame de materiais publicados na imprensa entre 1968 e 1973, rastrear a origem da oposição de Sganzerla ao Cinema Novo e a origem das divergências de Cozarinsky ao Cine Liberación no momento em que ambos transitam da crítica para a realização de filmes.
El terror en el cine argentino y brasileño en los años cincuenta. Relecturas de monstruos importados y violencia sexual: entre la ley, el psicoanálisis y la mandinga // Horror in Argentinian and Brazilian cinema in the fifties. Readings of imported monste
Authors: Marino Cecilia Gil
Published: March 2021

Durante el período denominado clásico, en Argentina y Brasil, el terror se expresó a través y en hibridez con otros géneros más populares en la época, configurándose versiones vernáculas de suma particularidad del policial, del noir, del melodrama fantástico, del gótico, entre otros, y así, articularon un repertorio de miedos, ansiedades, represiones y fascinaciones que dialogaban con los discursos sociales civilizatorios. El asesino serial, el pedófilo y el monstruo, por un lado, constituirían la figura de la alteridad frente al ciudadano civilizado. Por el otro, su naturaleza “anómala” manifestaba las represiones y frustraciones masculinas en un orden patriarcal rigurosamente establecido.

A partir del análisis de tres películas de la época, este trabajo busca indagar sobre las imágenes de la violencia sexual y los femicidas en los primeros años de la década de 1950 en clave comparativa entre el cine argentino y brasileño para pensar las imágenes de los monstruos sociales y los modos de lidiar con ella a través de la ley y de las interpretaciones psicoanalíticas y místico-religiosas en las explicaciones de las anomalías del orden. Estos filmes son Caiçara (Adolfo Celi, 1950), Vampiro negro (Vignoly, 1953) y Si muero antes de despertar (Carlos Hugo Christensen, 1952).
Editorial
Authors: Revista de Comunicacao e Cultura Contemporanea
Published: March 2021

Editorial
Hipertexto no jornalismo: uma proposta de caracterização do hipertexto jornalístico // Hypertext in jornalism: a proposal to characterize journalistic hypertext
Authors: Baccin Alciane Nolibos
Published: March 2021

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma proposta de aplicação da Teoria do Hipertexto (LANDOW, 1987, 1995, 1997, 2009), com base na literatura, ao campo do jornalismo. Essa proposta surgiu da identificação de adequação dessa Teoria aos estudos de jornalismo digital, a partir da análise feita de produtos jornalísticos digitais. Com forte inspiração na Teoria do Hipertexto, nossa proposta defini como características do hipertexto jornalístico a tipologia dos links, a multivocalidade e a estrutura de navegação. A intenção com este trabalho é contribuir para os estudos das especificidades das narrativas jornalísticas hipermídia.

Abstract: This article aims to present a proposal of application of Hypertext Theory (LANDOW, 1987, 1995, 1997, 2009), based on the literature, to the field of Journalism . This proposal arose from the identification of adequacy of this Theory to the studies of digital journalism, from the analysis made of digital journalistic products. With a strong inspiration in the Hypertext Theory, our proposal defines the characteristics of journalistic hypertext as the type of links, the multivocality and the navigation structure. The intention with this paper is to contribute to the studies of the specificities of hypermedia journalistic narratives.
Editorial
Authors: Revista de Comunicacao e Cultura Contemporanea
Published: March 2021

editorial v.18 n.01
editorial
Authors: Revista de Comunicacao e Cultura Contemporanea
Published: March 2021

editorial
Bacterial Growth Inhibition Screen (BGIS): harnessing recombinant protein toxicity for rapid and unbiased interrogation of protein function
Authors: Guo Haihong , Xu Nengwei , Prell Malte , Königs Hiltrud , Hermanns‐Sachweh Benita , Lüscher Bernhard , Kappes Ferdinand
Published: March 2021

In two proof‐of‐concept studies, we established and validated the Bacterial Growth Inhibition Screen (BGIS), which explores recombinant protein toxicity inEscherichia colias a largely overlooked and alternative means for basic characterization of functional eukaryotic protein domains. By applying BGIS, we identified an unrecognized RNA‐interacting domain in the DEK oncoprotein (this study) and successfully combined BGIS with random mutagenesis as a screening tool for loss‐of‐function mutants of the DNA modulating domain of DEK [1]. Collectively, our findings shed new light on the phenomenon of recombinant protein toxicity inE. coli. Given the easy and rapid implementation and wide applicability, BGIS will extend the repertoire of basic methods for the identification, analysis and unbiased manipulation of proteins.
A novel cell‐free DNA methylation‐based model improves the early detection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Xianrui , Zhang Yunfeng , Hu Tuo , He Xiaowen , Zou Yifeng , Deng Qiling , Ke Jia , Lian Lei , He Xiaosheng , Zhao Dezhi , Cai Xuyu , Chen Zhiwei , Wu Xiaojian , Fan Jian‐Bing , Gao Feng , Lan Ping
Published: March 2021

Screening for early‐stage disease is vital for reducing colorectal cancer (CRC)‐related mortality. Methylation of circulating tumor DNA has been previously used for various types of cancer screening. A novel cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) methylation‐based model which can improve the early detection of CRC is warranted. For our study, we collected 313 tissue and 577 plasma samples from patients with CRC, advanced adenoma (AA), non‐AA and healthy controls. After quality control, 187 tissue DNA samples (91 non‐malignant tissue from CRC patients, 26 AA and 70 CRC) and 489 plasma cfDNA samples were selected for targeted DNA methylation sequencing. We further developed a cfDNA methylation model based on 11 methylation biomarkers for CRC detection in the training cohort (area under curve [AUC] = 0.90 (0.85–0.94]) and verified the model in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.92 [0.88–0.96]). The cfDNA methylation model robustly detected patients pre‐diagnosed with early‐stage CRC (AUC = 0.90 [0.86–0.95]) or AA (AUC = 0.85 [0.78–0.91]). Here we established and validated a non‐invasive cfDNA methylation model based on 11 DNA methylation biomarkers for the detection of early‐stage CRC and AA. The utilization of the model in clinical practice may contribute to the early diagnosis of CRC.
Ultra‐Wide Range Pressure Sensor Based on a Microstructured Conductive Nanocomposite for Wearable Workout Monitoring
Authors: Jeong Yongrok , Gu Jimin , Byun Jaiyeul , Ahn Junseong , Byun Jaebum , Kim Kyuyoung , Park Jaeho , Ko Jiwoo , Jeong Jun‐ho , Amjadi Morteza , Park Inkyu
Published: March 2021

Conventional flexible pressure sensors are not suitable for high‐pressure applications due to their low saturation pressure. In this study, an ultra‐wide range pressure sensor is designed based on the optimized microstructure of the polyimide/carbon nanotubes (PI/CNT) nanocomposite film. The sensing range of the pressure sensor is expanded by adopting polyimide (PI) with a high elastic modulus as a matrix material and its sensitivity is improved through functional sensing film with tip‐flattened microdome arrays. As a result, the pressure sensor can measure a wide pressure range (≈ 0–3000 kPa) and possesses the sensitivity of ≈ 5.66 × 10−3–0.23 × 10−3 kPa−1 with high reliability and durability up to 1000 cycles. The proposed sensor is integrated into the hand and foot pressure monitoring systems for workout monitoring. The representative values of the pressure distribution in the hands and feet during the powerlifting are acquired and analyzed through Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC). The analyzed results suggest that the pressure sensor can provide useful real‐time information for healthcare and sports performance monitoring.
Rapid Formation of Self‐Supporting Polydimethylsiloxane Sheets with Periodic Clusters of Embedded Nickel Nanoparticles
Authors: Rega Romina , Muñoz Martinez Juan Francisco , Pagliarulo Vito , Longo Angela , Palomba Mariano , Carotenuto Gianfranco , Ferraro Pietro , Grilli Simonetta
Published: March 2021

The direct and rapid formation of a precise pattern of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) supported and/or embedded in a flexible polymeric substrate is not easy to achive. However, the development of simpler and more reliable procedures is still highly desirable. This paper presents an innovative technique, simple, cheap, and robust, for producing a self‐supported sheet of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) embedding periodic arrays of clusters of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs). The method uses the pyroelectric effect in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal for producing a surface charge template able to address the patterning of the NPs by applying a simple thermal stimulation. The key advantages are rapidity, single‐step, and electrode‐free operation. The reliability of the technique is demonstrated for different geometries that are called here “dots” and “grid” and for three different periods 50, 200, and 400 µm. The resulting sheets are attractive for both their flexibility and magnetic properties that can be used for detection, entrapment, and/or patterning of micro‐ and nanoparticles in various fields such as microfluidics and biomedicine.
Identification of Excitons and Biexcitons in Sb2Se3 under High Photoluminescence Excitation Density
Authors: Krustok Jüri , Kondrotas Rokas , Nedzinskas Ramunas , Timmo Kristi , Kaupmees Reelika , Mikli Valdek , Grossberg Maarja
Published: March 2021

The near‐band‐edge emission of Sb2Se3 microcrystals is studied in detail under high photoluminescence excitation density using a pulsed UV laser (λ = 266 nm, pulse width 0.6 ns). Based on the peak energy positions and the excitation power density and temperature dependencies (T = 3–110 K) of the photoluminescence spectra, the emission is interpreted as a recombination of two pairs (A and B) of free excitons and biexcitons appearing because of valence band splitting. The magnitude of the valence band splitting due to the crystal field (Δcr = 20–22 meV) is estimated in the Brillouin zone center. At T = 3 K, the A and B biexciton emission at 1.302 and 1.322 eV, respectively, and the A and B free exciton emission at 1.311 and 1.333 eV, respectively, are observed. The binding energy of A and B biexcitons is 9 and 11 meV, respectively, and the binding energy of A free exciton is 6 meV. The activation energy of thermal quenching for all observed peaks is 20 meV.
Utilizing Oxygen Redox in Layered Cathode Materials from Multiscale Perspective
Authors: Lee Gi‐Hyeok , Lau Vincent Wing‐hei , Yang Wanli , Kang Yong‐Mook
Published: March 2021

In high‐capacity layered oxide cathode materials, utilization of lattice oxygen as a redox center is considered to be one of the most promising approaches to overcome the capacity limitation set by conventional transition metal redox centers. However, rapid material degradation is often associated with oxygen oxidation, leading to formidable challenges in utilizing oxygen redox. Further mechanistic understanding of the oxygen activities thus becomes critical to better control oxygen redox reactions. This review summarizes recent advances for investigating oxygen redox reactions in cathode materials from a multiscale perspective, i.e., from the atomistic level to the microstructure regime. First the mechanistic aspects of oxygen redox and the consequences of this reaction on various electrode degradation pathways during battery operation (e.g., oxygen loss, transition metal migration, irreversible phase transition), relating structural changes at the crystallographic scale to those at the macro scale, are discussed. Then recent developments based on atomic and microstructure modifications that are promising for improving the reversibility of oxygen redox reaction or mitigating the harmful processes arising from oxidation of the oxygen centers under high operating voltage are recounted. The analysis is concluded with a commentary on further research directions toward optimizing the oxygen activity for high‐capacity charge storage.
Construction and Application of Materials Knowledge Graph Based on Author Disambiguation: Revisiting the Evolution of LiFePO4
Authors: Nie Zhiwei , Liu Yuanji , Yang Luyi , Li Shunning , Pan Feng
Published: March 2021

Due to the recent innovations in computer technology, the emerging field of materials informatics has now become a catalyst for a revolution of the research paradigm in materials science. Knowledge graphs, which provide support for knowledge management, are able to collectively capture the scientific knowledge from the vast collection of research articles and accomplish the automatic recognition of the relationships between entities. In this work, a materials knowledge graph, named MatKG, is constructed, which establishes a unique correspondence between subjects and objects in the materials science area. An emphasis is placed on the disambiguation of authors, addressed by a deduplication model based on machine learning and matching dependencies algorithms. Specifically, MatKG is applied to perform tracking on research trends in the study of LiFePO4 and to automatically chronicle the milestones achieved so far. It is believed that MatKG can serve as a versatile research platform for amalgamating and refining the scientific knowledge of materials in a variety of subfields and intersectional domains.
Earthworm differences among mound positions in native prairies in the Ozark Highlands
Authors: Hensley Carlee D. , Brye Kristofor R. , Savin Mary C. , Wood Lisa S. , Gbur Edward E.
Published: March 2021

Mounded, tallgrass prairie ecosystems are a unique, endangered ecosystem due to severe disturbance for agricultural production and/or urban expansion. Limited research exists on earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) dynamics in mounded, tallgrass prairies, particularly in the Ozark Highlands region of northwestern Arkansas. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of soil moisture regime (SMR), landscape position (LP), and sample date on earthworm densities in the top 20 cm of soil in two mounded, native prairies in the Ozark Highlands region of northwestern Arkansas. Juvenile and total earthworm densities were five times greater (P < .05) in the udic‐ and aquic‐inter‐mound combinations than any other SMR‐LP combination in October 2018 and May 2019, respectively. Adult earthworm densities were two times greater (P < .05) in the aquic‐inter‐mound at Searles Prairie than any other SMR‐LP combination in either mounded prairie. Juvenile earthworm densities were three times greater (P < .05) in May 2019 than in May 2018 at Chesney Prairie, but adult and total earthworm density did not change over the same period of time. Combined across all data, juvenile and total earthworm densities were positively correlated (P < .05) with moisture (r = .33 and .34, respectively), Ca (r = .20 and .21, respectively), and Fe (r = .53 and .52, respectively), but negatively correlated (P < .05) with Mn (r = –.34 and –.32, respectively). Results of this study extended overall understanding of earthworm population distributions and dynamics in mounded prairie systems.
Clinical and genetic characterization of PYROXD1‐related myopathy patients from Turkey
Authors: Daimagüler Hülya‐Sevcan , Akpulat Ugur , Özdemir Özkan , Yis Uluc , Güngör Serdal , Talim Beril , Diniz Gülden , Baydan Figen , Thiele Holger , Altmüller Janine , Nürnberg Peter , Cirak Sebahattin
Published: March 2021

Congenital myopathies (CMs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited muscle disorders characterized by muscle weakness at birth, while limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) have a later onset and slower disease progression. Thus, detailed clinical phenotyping of genetically defined disease entities are required for the full understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations. A recently defined myopathic genetic disease entity is caused by bi‐allelic variants in a gene coding for pyridine nucleotide‐disulfide oxidoreductase domain 1 (PYROXD1) with unknown substrates. Here, we present three patients from two consanguineous Turkish families with mild LGMD, facial weakness, normal CK levels, and slow progress. Genomic analyses revealed a homozygous known pathogenic missense variant (c.464A>G, p.Asn155Ser) in family 1 with two affected females. In the affected male of family 2, we found this variant in a compound heterozygous state together with a novel frameshift variant (c.329_332delTCTG, p.Leu112Valfs*8), which is the second frameshift variant known so far in PYROXD1. We have been able to define a large homozygous region in family 1 sharing a common haplotype with family 2 in the critical region. Our data suggest that c.464A>G is a Turkish founder mutation. To gain deeper insights, we performed a systematic review of all published PYROXD1‐related myopathy cases. Our analysis showed that the c.464A > G variant was found in 87% (20/23) of the patients and that it may cause either a childhood‐ or adult‐onset phenotype, irrespective of its presence in a homozygous or compound heterozygous state. Interestingly, only four patients had elevated CK levels (up to 1000 U/L), and cardiac involvement was found in few compound heterozygous cases.
Changes in percutaneous coronary intervention practice in Japan during the COVID‐19 outbreak: LIFE Study
Authors: Maeda Megumi , Fukuda Haruhisa , Kiyohara Kosuke , Miki Ryusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa
Published: March 2021

Aim

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has had widespread effects on clinical practice, and is reportedly associated with reduced percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rates in the US and Italy. This study aimed to ascertain the influence of the COVID‐19 outbreak on PCI practice in Japan.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of claims data from National Health Insurance and Later‐Stage Elderly Healthcare System enrollees in Kobe City, Japan, we examined the changes in PCI incidence before and during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Percutaneous coronary intervention incidence during the COVID‐19 outbreak in 2020 was compared with that of the same (pre‐outbreak) period in 2019 using a Poisson regression analysis with the monthly number of PCIs as the dependent variable.

Results

A total of 639 patients underwent PCI in Kobe City between February and May 2020. The results showed a 19% reduction in all PCI procedures during the outbreak relative to the pre‐outbreak period (P = 0.001). There were no significant changes in non‐elective PCIs for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases, but a 25% reduction in elective PCIs for non‐ACS cases (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 outbreak was associated with a decline in elective PCIs for non‐ACS cases, but did not appear to influence non‐elective PCIs for ACS cases in Japan.
Hierarchically Porous Organic Cages
Authors: Hua Mingming , Wang Shuping , Gong Yanjun , Wei Jingjing , Yang Zhijie , Sun Jian‐Ke
Published: March 2021

Imparting mesopores to organic cages of an intrinsic microporous nature to build up hierarchically porous cage soft materials is a grand challenge and will reshape the property and application scope of traditional organic cage molecules. Herein, we discovered how to engineer mesopores into microporous organic cages via their host–guest interactions with long chain ionic surfactants. Equally important, the ionic head of surfactants equips the supramolecularly assembled porous structures with charge‐selective uptake and release function in solution. Interestingly, such hierarchically porous organic cage can serve as a nanoreactor once trapping enzymes within the cavity, which show 5‐fold enhanced activity of enzymatic catalysis when compared with the free enzymes.
The compressive property of a fiber‐reinforced resin beetle elytron plate and its influence mechanism
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Du Shengchen , Pan Longcheng , Hao Ning , Zhang Xiaoming , Fu Yaqin
Published: March 2021

To develop composite material beetle elytron plates (BEPs), short basalt fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin BEPs with hollow trabeculae and honeycomb walls were fabricated exploratively. Through comparison with honeycomb plates (HPs) with the same wall thickness, the basic mechanical performance, failure mode and influence mechanism were studied via out‐of‐plane compression tests. The results show that compared with HPs, the specific strength and energy consumption per volume of BEPs can be at least 18% and 112% higher, respectively; however, the increase is less than half that of BEPs made of ductile materials. The former is due to the synergistic mechanism of the trabecular‐honeycomb structure in the BEP core layer, which endows the composite BEPs with better ductility than HPs, while the latter is caused by the prominent brittleness of the composite material used in this study. Additionally, the height‐to‐thickness ratio of the plate honeycomb wall in this article is not large enough. Thus, the core has great rigidity and fails to buckle in experiments; instead, shear failure of the core material occurs. This study reveals for the first time the mechanical compression properties and failure mechanism of brittle material BEPs and shows a direction for developing BEPs in similar material types.
IGF2R circular RNA hsa_circ_0131235 expression in the middle temporal cortex is associated with AD pathology
Authors: Bigarré Inès M. , Trombetta Bianca A. , Guo Yan‐jun , Arnold Steven E. , Carlyle Becky C.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To identify circular RNAs as candidates for differential expression in the middle temporal (MT) cortex in a well‐characterized cohort with contrasting Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology and cognition. Top screen candidates were assessed for proof of circularity and then quantified by qPCR in a larger number of samples.

Methods

An initial RNA sequencing screen was performed on n = 20 frozen human tissue samples. Filters were applied to select candidate circular RNAs for further investigation. Frozen human tissue samples were selected for global AD pathology burden and global cognition scores (n = 100). Linear and divergent primers were used to assess circularity using RNaseR digestion. RT‐qPCR was performed to quantify relative hsa_circ_0131235 abundance.

Results

Eleven circular RNAs were selected for further investigation. Four candidates produced circular RNA primers with appropriate efficiencies for qPCR. RNaseR treatment and analysis by both basic PCR and qPCR confirmed hsa_circ_0131235 circularity. There was a significant main effect of AD pathology on hsa_circ_0131235 expression.

Conclusions

Elevated hsa_circ_0131235 expression in the MT cortex was significantly associated with AD pathology.
Intraosseous epidermal cyst of the great toe that was difficult to distinguish from chronic osteomyelitis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Sugimoto Hikaru , Yasue Kensuke , Hara Misako , Takakuma Shoichiro , Yumura Wako , Arai Tomio , Hayakawa Kentaro , Tokimura Fumiaki , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2021

Obtaining a correct intraosseous epidermal cyst diagnosis is difficult due to the extreme rarity of this cyst. Further, the clinical manifestations and radiographic findings are very similar to those of a malignancy or infection. Early histopathological analysis is required for accurate diagnosis and for avoiding unnecessary antibiotic administration and amputation.
Managing a patient with bipolar disorder associated with COVID‐19: A case report from Qatar
Authors: Khatib Mohamad Y. , Mahgoub Omer B. , Elzain Marwa , Ahmed Amna A. , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: March 2021

This case highlights an atypical presentation of a patient with unknown history of mental disease who has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder associated with severe COVID‐19 symptoms. Neuroimaging was only positive for subtle white matter changes; he was treated with antipsychotics and mood‐stabilizing agents until he reached partial remission. The authors urge clinicians to consider the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on patients with mental illness and the urgent need for vigilant monitoring of presenting signs and symptoms.
Development and Application of Efficient Ag‐based Hydrogenation Catalysts Prepared from Rice Husk Waste
Authors: Unglaube Felix , Kreyenschulte Carsten Robert , Mejía Esteban
Published: March 2021

The development of strategies for the sustainable management and valorization of agricultural waste is of outmost importance. With this in mind, we report the use of rice husk (RH) as feedstock for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts for hydrogenation reactions. The catalysts were prepared by impregnating the milled RH with a silver nitrate solution followed by carbothermal reduction. The composition and morphology of the prepared catalysts were fully assessed by IR, AAS, ICP‐MS, XPS, XRD and STEM techniques. This novel bio‐genic silver‐based catalysts showed excellent activity and remarkable selectivity in the hydrogenation of nitro groups in both aromatic and aliphatic substrates, even in the presence of reactive functionalities like halogens, carbonyls, borate esters or nitriles. Recycling experiments showed that the catalysts can be easily recovered and reused multiple times without significant drop in performance and without requiring re‐activation.
Ball‐on‐ring test validation for equibiaxial flexural strength testing of engineered ceramics
Authors: Lupercio Adrianna E. , Moshkelgosha Ehsan , Winters Riley C. , Doyle Cayden , Mamivand Mahmood , Nelson Andrew T. , Jaques Brian J.
Published: March 2021

The validation of a ball‐on‐ring, equibiaxial flexural strength method to obtain the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of right cylindrical ceramic specimens was performed in this study. Validation of the test method was achieved using commercially available engineered high purity alumina disks and finite element (FE) model analysis. The validated fixture was then used to obtain the TRS and Weibull statistical analysis of MgO‐partially stabilized zirconia (MSZ) and Y2O3‐partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic disks. TRS data for alumina, MSZ, and YSZ agreed with the TRS values reported in the literature. A statistically relevant number of samples (N > 30) for each material were tested to allow for a Weibull statistical analysis. Weibull parameters for these materials were within the expected values for engineered ceramics. The characteristic strength for alumina, MSZ, and YSZ were determined to be 289, 786, and 814 MPa, respectively. The Weibull modulus was determined between 10 and 25 for each material, which is typical of engineered ceramics. In addition, FE model results were in close agreement with experimental fracture values for the three ceramic materials tested in this study.