bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Music and Images in New Babylon between Literature and Visual Arts
Authors: Seminara Graziella
Published: February 2021

This article discusses New Babylon (Novyi Vavilon), a silent film in eight parts by Grigory Kozintsev and Leonid Trauberg with music by Dmitri Shostakovich, produced in 1929 by Sovkino, the state film studio of the USSR. It reconstructs the genesis of New Babylon in the context of the artistic avant-garde of the Soviet Union in the 1920s and engages with the recent debate on the different versions of the film, siding with those who believe that the “official” version of New Babylon was the result of a conscious re-editing of the movie.

To support this position, the author proposes a structural and aesthetic analysis of New Babylon that focuses on the literary and visual sources of the film and their relationship to sound. Shostakovich found compositional solutions that matched the choices of the directors perfectly, both in terms of musical quotes (corresponding to figurative references) and techniques. On the one hand, the composer employed strategies and topoi of the European musical tradition (such as the so-called figure of death), and on the other hand, he applied to his music the humour and grotesque style typical of literary works by the likes of Dostoevsky, Chekhov, and Gogol. The influence of Russian formalism on the filmic and musical language of New Babylon is also considered in some depth, especially in light of the formalistic concept of “estrangement.” The film is then compared with Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, which helps to explain the original interplay between the arduous musical language and the complex configuration of the images. Finally, the formalistic approach of the authors of New Babylon—Kozinčev, Trauberg, and Shostakovich—is further analyzed by examining two sequences that exemplify the metatextual conception of the film, intended as a “symbolic form” that both generates processes of referring and requires an exegetical commitment.
Music, Form, and Crooked Time in Felix van Groeningen’s The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012)
Authors: Nachtergaele Shanti
Published: February 2021

This article explores the connections between musical and narrative crookedness in The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012). I propose a definition of narrative tactus to account for the increasingly disruptive impact of the film’s nonlinear structure and consider how the soundtrack both accentuates and counteracts the resulting sense of disjunction.

Trigger warning: This article discusses the suicide of one of the film’s protagonists.
Antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and hepatomodulatory effects of aqueous extracts of Petiveria alliacea root and leaf on growing pullets
Authors: Oyeleke Adetola M. , Adeyemi Olajide A. , Egbeyale Lawrence T. , Sobayo Richard A.
Published: February 2021

Aim of study: To evaluate antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and hepatomodulatory effects of aqueous extracts of Petiveria alliacea L. (Guinea hen weed) root and leaf on growing pullets.Area of study: Abeokuta, Nigeria.Material and methods: Two hundred and eighty eight eight-weeks-old Isa-brown pullets were divided into eight treatments which consisted in birds administered root extracts or leaf extracts at four different concentrations (0, 15, 30 and 45 ɡ/L). Each treatment was replicated three times with 12 pullets per replicate.Main results: Oocyst counts was lower (p<0.05) in pullets administered root extract (78.42 opɡ) compared with leaf extract (103.58 opɡ). Oocyst counts was lower (p<0.05) in pullets administered 30 and 45 ɡ/L root or leaf extract compared with other treatments. Bacteria counts reduced (p<0.05) in pullets administered root extract compared with leaf extract. Pullets administered 45 ɡ/L root extract recorded lowest (p<0.05) bacteria count. Bursa and thymus weights increased in pullets administered root or leaf extract compared with the control. Pullets administered 30 and 45 ɡ/L root or leaf extract had highest (p<0.05) antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccine 8.80, 8.86, 8.74 and 8.80 (log2) respectively. There was fatty infiltration in liver of control birds, while hepatocytes appeared normal in liver of pullets administered P. alliacea extracts.Research highlights: P. alliacea root and leaf extracts at 45 ɡ/L performed best as antimicrobial, immune-stimulating and hepato-protective agent in pullets. This study highlights P. allicaea as a valuable antimicrobial and immunostimulating agent in poultry production.
University Students’ Attitudes toward the Formal Integration of Facebook in their Education: Investigation Guided by Rogers' Attributes of Innovation
Authors: Almohtadi Reham Mohammad , Aldarabah Intisar Turki
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to examine students’ attitudes toward the formal integration of Facebook in their education at Al- Hussein Bin Talal University and to examine the relationship between their attitudes and their perceptions of Facebook’s attributes. The investigation was guided by Rogers' (2003) attributes of innovation. A descriptive method was adopted in which a questionnaire was used to collect data from 99 undergraduate university students from the college of education. The results show that the students have positive and high attitudes toward the formal integration of Facebook in their teaching. In addition, the students have positive perceptions of Facebook in terms of its relative advantage, ease of use, compatibility, trialability, and observability. Furthermore, Regression analysis showed that 46% of the variance of the students’ attitudes toward the formal integration of Facebook in their education can be accounted for by its linear relationship with the five independent variables: relative advantage, ease of use, compatibility, trialability, and observability. Based on the results, set of recommendations were provided.
Staged Approach for Stent-Assisted Coiling of Cerebral Aneurysms after Failure of Initial Intra-Saccular Catheterization
Authors: Al-Abdulwahhab Abdulrahman Hamad , Lee Deok Hee , Song Yunsun , Suh Dae Chul
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Microcatheter navigation into an aneurysm sac can present difficulties through negative interactions between the deployed stent mesh and microcatheter. We hypothesized that endothelialization of the stent mesh would minimize these interactions. We aimed to assess the feasibility of staged coiling after stenting by reviewing our experiences with unavoidably staged embolization cases.Materials and Methods: Between 2011 and 2019, 7 patients (mean age 57.2 years, range 49–76 years) including 5 females, experienced 9 unruptured aneurysms treated with staged stenting and coiling due to unstable microcatheter navigation into the aneurysm after stent placement. The aneurysms were in the paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) (n=3), ophthalmic origin ICA (n=1), superior cerebellar artery origin (n=2), basilar tip (n=2), and the middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n=1). The stents used were the Neuroform Atlas (n=4), Neuroform EZ (n=2), and Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Blue (n=1).Results: The mean interval between stenting and coiling was 15 weeks (range, 12–21 weeks). The average navigation time between the first roadmap imaging and microcatheter insertion in the sac was 14 minutes (range, 8–20 minutes). One aneurysm was occluded without further coiling on follow-up. Staged coiling successfully treated the remaining aneurysms (n=8). No complications were identified.Conclusion: In cases of difficult intra-saccular catheterization, intentional staged coiling may be a feasible option for stent-assisted coiling of the cerebral aneurysms.
A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Longitudinal Study on the Effects of a Plant-based Dietary Supplement on Nitric Oxide and Mitochondrial Metabolic Activity
Authors: Nemzer Boris V. , Centner Christoph , Wiessler Noemi , Pietrzkowski Zb , Hunter John M. , Fink Bruno , König Daniel
Published: February 2021

During the past two decades, metabolic dysfunction and concomitant reduction-oxidation reaction (redox) imbalances (i.e., oxidative stress) have been suggested to be associated with numerous age-related chronic diseases. One profound result of metabolic imbalances is endothelial dysfunction, a pathophysiological condition that increases risk of downstream chronic disease consequences. Healthy endothelial function has been positively associated with elevated levels of circulating nitric oxide (NO). Consequently, a natural, plant-based material that may safely increase endogenous NO levels, reduce redox imbalance, and promote improved metabolic response could be of significant interest and benefit. In this first study of its kind, we conducted a longitudinal, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of S7, a proprietary polyphenol-rich fruit, vegetable, and herb-based material previously reported to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to increase NO. Specifically, we measured changes in real-time cellular generation of ROS and changes in levels of bioavailable NO (measured as circulating NOHb) in 42 overweight or slightly obese individuals who were recruited into one of three groups: placebo, 25mg of S7, and 50mg of S7. Results suggest that after 90 days of once-daily supplementation, the 25mg and 50mg S7 groups exhibited diminished mitochondrial ROS generation (~54% and ~75%, respectively) compared to placebo, which exhibited a slight increase (>12%) (p = 0.049). Furthermore, circulating NOHb levels significantly increased in the 25mg and 50mg S7 groups (33.87% and 53.43%, respectively) compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Together, these results suggest that long-term daily supplementation of S7 may provide potential benefits related to healthy endothelial function and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction.
Spinal cord stimulation in the management of neuropathic pain in cancer patients: case report
Authors: Quintero-Carreño Valeria , Margarita-Molina Bilena , Rodríguez-Martínez Carlos Hernán
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is present in up to 40 % of all cancer patients. A considerable number of patients fail to achieve enough pain relief with conventional treatment, which is why therapeutic alternatives such as spinal cord stimulation should be considered.
Case description and results: This is the case of a female patient with chronic neuropathic pain secondary to a partial femoral nerve injury sustained during resection and lymph node dissection surgery with curative intent for a large stage II cell squamous cell carcinoma T2N0M0, localized in the right popliteal fossa. The patient presented with difficult to manage chronic neuropathic pain, despite receiving multiple oral analgesics and nerve blocks. A medullary neurostimulator was implanted that relieved the patient’s pain intensity in up to 80%, in addition to improved function and quality of life.
Conclusions: spinal cord stimulation is considered an effective neuromodulatory intervention which has shown satisfactory results in the treatment of various types of refractory chronic pain in cancer patients, including neuropathic pain.
Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change: From Concepts to Reality Report on a symposium held at Carrefour Forêts 2019
Authors: Thiffault Nelson , Raymond Patricia , Lussier Jean-Martin , Aubin Isabelle , Royer-Tardif Samuel , D’Amato Anthony W. , Doyon Frédérik , Lafleur Benoit , Perron Martin , Bousquet Jean , Isabel Nathalie , Carles Sylvie , Lupien Patrick , Malenfant Annie
Published: February 2021

As part of the Carrefour Forêts 2019 Conference, the forest research branch of Quebec’s Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs and the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre of Natural Resources Canada organized jointly the symposium “Adaptive silviculture to climate change: from concepts to reality”. The symposium brought together a hundred actors from the forest sector including engineers, biologists, technicians, private woodlot owners, professors, researchers and students. Speakers from different regions of Quebec and Vermont shared current knowledge related to adaptive silviculture in order to nurture reflexion and dialogue about actions that can be taken today to help forests to adapt with the anticipated changes. The symposium covered the theoretical framework of adaptive silviculture, then offered case studies of different ecosystems, innovative tools or research initiatives. The symposium also included presentations by practitioners who described the challenges and opportunities offered by adaptive silviculture in their professional practice. Based on an interactive discussion, participants identified increased drought events, partial cuttings and mixed-species plantations as important topics on which researchers and practitioners should interact in years to come.
LOGICA. Bacalaureat 2021. Ghid complet.
Authors: Sofronie Valeriu
Published: February 2021

Acesta este un ghid practic. Asa cum o spune definiția termenului, „practic” trebuie sa insemne ceva care se intemeiaza pe „simțul realitații” iar „realitate” inseamna aici testul la examenul de Bacalaureat. Exista pe piața acestor produse didactice doua direcții de indepartare de realitate. Prima, cea mai la indemana, este excesul de teorie, fara finalitați aplicative precise. Ghidurile de felul acesta, in cel mai bun caz, expliciteaza teoria din manual. Dar ele nu ajuta efectiv candidatul, ci doar ii dubleaza efortul de invațare. La sfarsitul lor, acesta se regaseste la fel de timid, de neajutorat, cum era la inceput, nestiind CUM sa faca ceea ce i se cere sa faca. A doua indepartare de realitatea de pe teren a examenului este ghidul cu multe teste, dar cu indicații de soluții la fel de sumare, precum cele intalnite in baremurile de evaluare de la subiectele examenelor naționale. Nici acestea nu ajuta prea mult, neavand un rol calauzitor-corector. Daca a gresit, candidatul nu ințelege unde a gresit; daca a raspuns corect, nu stie de ce a fost corect! Asadar, era necesara cea de-a treia cale: de la ce se cere la ce trebuie sa stiu pentru a rezolva. Motiv pentru care am recurs la teorie numai din necesitați minimale, conducand-o de fiecare data spre finalitați practice: rezolvarea testului. Nu am vizat teoria ca teorie, ci teoria ca o cale spre aplicație. Mai mult, am prezentat teoria in modalitați aplicative.
Unearthing the Missions of Spanish Florida
Authors: Peres Tanya M. , Marrinan Rochelle A.
Published: February 2021

These compositions reconstruct the sonic environment of the seventeenth-century Mission San Luis de Talimali. These “soundscapes” draw on musicology, geography, archaeological data, historical research, and field recordings to help Mission San Luis’s visitors and scholars better understand the lived, sensory experiences of the Apalachee and Spanish people at La Florida’s paramount mission community.
Mokymosi strategijos ir mokinių pasiekimų sąsajos
Authors: Augustinienė Aldona , Simonaitienė Berita
Published: February 2021

Monografijoje keliamas probleminis klausimas: kaip mokymosi strategijos susijusios su mokinių pasiekimais? Taip pat išryškinamas mokytojo veiklos svarbumas suteikiant mokiniams žinių apie mokymosi strategijas ir kuriant tokį ugdymo procesą, kuriame būtų pusiausvyra tarp mokymo ir mokymosi. Autorės pristato mokymosi strategijų sampratą ir pagrindžia jų paskirtį ugdant savarankišką besimokantįjį: atskleidžiama mokymosi strategijų vieta mokytojų kuriamuose ugdymo ar pamokų scenarijuose, parodoma, kaip mokytojai ugdo ir stiprina mokinių savarankišką mokymąsi ir gebėjimą mokytis, kaip mokiniai išmoksta taikyti šias strategijas ir kokias iš jų renkasi savo veikloje. Knyga skirta esamiems ir būsimiems mokytojams, taip pat leidėjams, kaip tinkamai parengti vadovėlius, kitas mokymosi priemones ir metodinę medžiagą mokytojams ir taip prisidėti prie mokymosi proceso.
Enfrentamento da COVID-19 e as possibilidades para promover a saúde: diálogos com professores
Authors: Souza Jeane Barros , Heidemann Ivonete Teresinha Schülter Buss , Bitencourt Julia Valeria Oliveira Vargas , Aguiar Denise Consuelo Moser , Vendruscolo Carine , Vitalle Maria Sylvia Souza
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: compreender a vivência do enfrentamento da COVID-19 e as possibilidades para promover a saúde, na percepção dos professores do ensino fundamental. Método: estudo qualitativo, tipo ação participante, tendo como guia metodológico o Itinerário de Pesquisa de Paulo Freire, que integra três etapas: Investigação Temática; Codificação e Descodificação; Desvelamento Crítico. Participaram do Círculo de Cultura 14 professoras do ensino fundamental, atuantes em escolas particulares e públicas de diferentes estados brasileiros. Resultados: dialogaram sobre dois temas geradores: 1) Desafios no enfrentamento da COVID-19; 2) Possibilidades para promover saúde em tempos de COVID-19. Conclusão: a situação pandêmica repercutiu na necessidade de os professores trabalharem em casa, gerando intenso trabalho, estresse, ansiedade, medos, preocupações, insegurança, saudades da escola e dos estudantes.  Para promover saúde, as professoras buscam apoio da família, organizando tempo para cuidar de si e aliviar a ansiedade por meio de leitura de livros, filmes e prática de exercícios físicos.
Méditation et dévotion dans la tradition Radhasoami
Authors: Dimitrova Diana
Published: February 2021

Le présent article étudie la notion de méditation et de dévotion dans la tradition Radhasoami des xixe, xxe et xxie siècles, tradition de réforme qui interroge et transcende l’hindouisme traditionnel de multiples façons. Nous analysons ici plusieurs textes et pratiques rituelles de la tradition Radhasoami, entre autres à travers la méditation élaborée appelée surat śabda yoga (yoga du son du courant intérieur). Notre objectif est d’explorer les interactions complexes entre la méditation et la dévotion chez les adeptes de cette tradition. Par ailleurs, nous souhaitons aborder le yoga, la méditation et la dévotion tels qu’ils apparaissent concrètement dans cette tradition, comme la méditation collective lors du satsaṅg.
Rien ne nous émeut moins que ce qui nous émouvait hier : un commentaire linéaire de la préface auctoriale de la première édition allemande du Capital (1867)
Authors: Lainé Mathieu J.
Published: February 2021

La préface auctoriale de la première édition allemande du Capital nous renseigne aujourd’hui sur les desseins de son auteur — Marx —, en plus de nous fournir de précieuses indications sur la manière dont ce dernier espérait être compris de ses lecteurs. Cette préface suggère une lecture du Capital qui n’est pas du tout celle que suggère la postface de la seconde édition de l’ouvrage, à laquelle la tradition commentatoriale s’est surtout intéressée jusqu’ici. Et pour cause : ces deux productions paratextuelles (Genette) assurent des fonctions littéraires différentes. Le commentaire linéaire que l’on s’apprête à lire porte sur les fonctions de la préface auctoriale de la première édition allemande du Capital, et sur la lecture qu’elle suggère de cet ouvrage, c’est-à-dire une lecture éthique.
Jaume Ripoll: ''En Filmin creemos que es necesaria la distribución de películas en lenguas minoritarias''
Authors: Clares Gavilán Judith , Barreiro González María Soliña
Published: February 2021

Judith Clares (JC) y María Soliña Barreiro (MSB): ¿Por qué Filmin decide crear el portal filmin.cat?
Jaume Ripoll (JR): Decidimos crear el portal filmin.cat porque creíamos que era una necesidad dar cobertura a la producción propia rodada aquí en Cataluña o rodada en catalán y también a todos aquellos contenidos, series y películas, largometrajes o cortometrajes, que se han doblado o subtitulado en catalán. En filmin.cat además tenemos la responsabilidad de estrenar contenidos exclusivos, series y películas. Y también la responsabilidad de recuperar títulos clásicos, cuyos doblajes y subtitulados se habían realizado para televisión o para la proyección cinematográfica, y que, gracias a la colaboración, y al apoyo económico de la Generalitat de Catalunya y del Departament de Política Lingüística, podemos rescatar.
Más razones y menos prejuicios con los videojuegos
Authors: Aranda Dani
Published: February 2021

Creo que estaríamos de acuerdo en que la opinión pública, publicada, televisada o tuiteada está plagada de argumentos a favor y en contra de una industria y un pasatiempo cultural altamente generalizado en nuestra sociedad como son los videojuegos.
Cine, ciencia y futuro
Authors: Sánchez-Navarro Jordi
Published: February 2021

A lo largo de todo el mes de noviembre, la sala Phenomena, la UOC y Biocat han llevado a cabo el ciclo de proyecciones y debates científicos «Cine, ciencia y futuro», una actividad destinada a, por un lado, sacar la ciencia de las universidades y los centros de investigación y llevarla a espacios en los que no suele entrar de manera explícita, y, por otro lado, a reivindicar el cine como vehículo para el pensamiento y el debate.
Reutilización de la información: retos y oportunidades
Authors: Garcia Alsina Montserrat
Published: February 2021

La información pública y los datos abiertos son recursos para empresas, ciudadanía y administración pública. La reutilización de información y los datos abiertos son fuente de beneficios y abren oportunidades de desarrollo económico y optimización de recursos. Sin embargo, el acceso y la obtención de datos, su explotación para elaborar más datos y crear productos, su análisis y generación de productos y servicios de valor añadido presentan retos que deben ser resueltos para impulsar el potencial de la reutilización de información pública (sector infomediario).
Mechanobiology and Adaptive Plasticity Theory as a Potential Confounding Factor in Predicting Musculoskeletal Foot Function
Authors: Quinn Greg
Published: February 2021

There are many theoretical models that attempt to accurately and consistently link kinematic and kinetic information to musculoskeletal pain and deformity of the foot. Biomechanical theory of the foot lacks a consensual model: clinicians are enticed to draw from numerous paradigms, each having different levels of supportive evidence and contrasting methods of evaluation, in order to engage in clinical deduction and treatment planning. Contriving to find a link between form and function lies at the heart of most of these competing theories and the physical nature of the discipline has prompted an engineering approach. Physics is of great importance in biology and helps us to model the forces that the foot has to deal with in order for it to work effectively. However, the tissues of the body have complex processes that are in place to protect them and they are variable between individuals. Research is uncovering why these differences exist and how these processes are governed. The emerging explanations for adaptability of foot structure and musculoskeletal homeostasis offer new insights into how clinical variation in outcomes and treatment effects might arise. These biological processes underlie how variation in the performance and use of common traits, even within apparently similar subgroups, make anatomical distinction less meaningful and are likely to undermine the justification of a “foot type.” Furthermore, mechanobiology introduces a probabilistic element to morphology based on genetic and epigenetic factors.
Toxins, mutations and adaptations
Authors: De Jong Maarten , Alto Neal M
Published: February 2021

The toxins that some bacteria secrete to kill off rival species can also generate mutations that help toxin-resistant populations adapt to new environments.
MeteoMex: open infrastructure for networked environmental monitoring and agriculture 4.0
Authors: Winkler Robert
Published: February 2021

Air, water, and soil are essential for terrestrial life, but pollution, overexploitation, and climate change jeopardize the availability of these primary resources. Thus, assuring human health and food production requires efficient strategies and technologies for environmental protection. Knowing key parameters such as soil moisture, air, and water quality is essential for smart farming and urban development. The MeteoMex project aims to build simple hardware kits and their integration into current Internet-of-Things (IoT) platforms. This paper shows the use of low-end Wemos D1 mini boards to connect environmental sensors to the open-source platform ThingsBoard. Two printed circuit boards (PCB) were designed for mounting components. Analog, digital and I2C sensors are supported. The Wemos ESP8266 microchip provides WiFi capability and can be programed with the Arduino IDE. Application examples for the MeteoMex aeria and terra kits demonstrate their functionality for air quality, soil, and climate monitoring. Further, a prototype for monitoring wastewater treatment is shown, which exemplifies the capabilities of the Wemos board for signal processing. The data are stored in a PostgreSQL database, which enables data mining. The MeteoMex IoT system is highly scalable and of low cost, which makes it suitable for deployment in agriculture 4.0, industries, and public areas. Circuit drawings, PCB layouts, and code examples are free to download from https://github.com/robert-winkler/MeteoMex.
Comparison between cultured and wild Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) vitellogenesis: next-generation sequencing and relative expression of genes directly and indirectly related to reproduction
Authors: Montes-Dominguez Araceli Lorena , Avena-Soto Jesus Arian , Lizarraga-Rodriguez Jorge Luis , Perez-Gala Rodrigo de Jesus , Jimenez-Gutierrez Stephanie , Sotelo-Falomir Jesus Alberto , Pinzon-Miranda Fernando Marino , Martinez-Perez Francisco , Muñoz-Rubi Horacio Alberto , Chavez-Herrera Dario , Jimenez-Gutierrez Laura Rebeca
Published: February 2021

Shrimp fisheries are among the most important fisheries worldwide, and shrimp culture has increased considerably in recent years. Most current studies on reproduction-related genes have been conducted on cultured shrimp. However, gene expression is intimately linked to physiological and environmental conditions, and therefore an organism’s growth environment has a great influence on reproduction. Thus, gene expression profiling, should be applied in fisheries studies. Here, we identified the expression patterns of 76 reproduction-related genes in P. vannamei via the analysis of pooled transcriptomes from a time-series experiment encompassing a full circadian cycle. The expression patterns of genes associated both directly (Vtg, ODP, and ProR) and indirectly (FAMet, CruA1, and CruC1) with reproduction were evaluated, as these genes could be used as molecular markers of previtellogenic and vitellogenic maturation stages. The evaluated genes were prominently upregulated during vitellogenic stages, with specific expression patterns depending on the organism’s environment, diet, and season. Vtg, ProR, ODP, and FaMet could serve as molecular markers for both wild and cultured organisms.
Knee replacement outcome predicted by physiotherapists: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Henriksen Marius , Mukriyani Hiwa , Juhl Carsten
Published: February 2021

Background

Knee arthroplasty (KA) is commonly used for osteoarthritis of the knee joint and it is a highly successful procedure. Still, KA leaves 20% of patients dissatisfied with their outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine if a prognosis made by physiotherapists at the orthopaedic wards during the first post-operative days could predict the 6- and 12-months outcome of KA.

Methods

Physiotherapists at two orthopaedic wards in Denmark were asked to predict the 6- and 12-months outcome of the KA patients they have treated post-operatively on a 0–10 scale (10 representing the best prognosis). At 6 and 12 months post-operatively the patients answered the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), EuroQol 5D-3L and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the prediction of PASS and treatment success. We assessed predictive performance by examining measures of calibration and discrimination.

Results

A total of 361 patients were included. The models for PASS and Treatment Success showed poor to acceptable discriminative values (OR between 1.47 and 1.92 and areas under the curves of 0.62–0.73), however the calibration plots indicated significant uncertainties in the prediction.

Conclusion

Physiotherapists prognoses of recovery after KA are associated with 6- and 12-months patient reported outcomes and satisfaction but have weak predictive value. This study suggests that physiotherapists’ prognoses may be useful as an additional source of information when identifying patients in need of additional post-operative care.
Identification of the hub gene BUB1B in hepatocellular carcinoma via bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experiments
Authors: Fu Jie , Zhang Xiao , Yan Likun , Shao Yaoli , Liu Xinxu , Chu Yuan , Xu Ge , Xu Xundi
Published: February 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Although the treatment of HCC has made great progress in recent years, the therapeutic effects on HCC are still unsatisfactory due to difficulty in early diagnosis, chemoresistance and high recurrence rate post-surgery.

Methods

In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE45267, GSE98383, GSE101685 and GSE112790) between HCC and normal hepatic tissues. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established to identify the central nodes associated with HCC. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of the central nodes were conducted to find the hub genes. The expression levels of the hub genes were validated based on the ONCOMINE and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. Additionally, the genetic alterations of the hub genes were evaluated by cBioPortal. The role of the hub genes on the overall survival (OS) and relapse survival (RFS) of HCC patients was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier plotter. At last, the mechanistic role of the hub genes was illustrated by in vitro experiments.

Results

We found the following seven hub genes: BUB1B, CCNB1, CCNB2, CDC20, CDK1, MAD2L1 and RRM2 using integrated bioinformatics analysis. All of the hub genes were significantly upregulated in HCC tissues. And the seven hub genes were associated with the OS and RFS of HCC patients. Finally, in vitro experiments indicated that BUB1B played roles in HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle by partially affecting mitochondrial functions.

Conclusions

In summary, we identified seven hub genes that were associated with the expression and prognosis of HCC. The mechanistic oncogenic role of BUB1B in HCC was first illustrated. BUB1B might play an important role in HCC and could be potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
Demographic Profile of Patients with Bilateral Mature Cataract: A Cross-sectional Study from Central India
Authors: Chakrabarty Lipi
Published: February 2021

Introduction: In India, cataract is responsible for 50-80% of the bilateral blindness in the country. With government funded and private hospitals offering cataract surgeries, patients still report late with advanced bilateral cataract. There is scarcity of local data about the profile of late presenters of cataract and its associated factors. Aim: To study the socio-demographic profile of patients with bilateral mature and hypermature cataracts and to evaluate reasons for delayed presentation at the Ophthalmology Department of a medical college hospital in rural Chhattisgarh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out at Durg, Chhattisgarh, India over a period of 12 months from October 2018 to September 2019. The study comprised 48 consecutive and consenting adult patients of bilateral mature and hypermature cataracts reporting to the Outpatient Ophthalmology Department of a medical college included by convenience sampling. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking and ocular examination. Socio-demographic details and reasons for delay in reporting were obtained with a face-to-face interview. Descriptive data analysis was conducted and reported as mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentage. Results: The mean age of patients was 68.45±7.4 years. About 29 (60.42%) patients were females, 70.83% patients were unemployed or retired. About 87.5% patients stated having systemic co-morbidities. Lack of awareness, old age, systemic ailments, want of assistance and fear of surgery were the prime factors revealed for the delayed presentation to the hospital. Conclusion: Female sex, rural territory, low socio-economic status and lower literacy rates were associated with patients seeking delayed medical attention for cataract. Educational efforts and improvement in accessibility to health centres appear vital to overcome the hurdles in the way of timely presentation of cataract.
Design and Fabrication of Automated Sieve Machine Using Scotch-Yoke Mechanism
Authors: Srimath N. , Venkatesh R. Tarun , Kumar R. Vasanth , Srihari R.
Published: February 2021

As technology increases rapidly in a far better way, there is a need for automation in every field for better future. The growth in construction field in our country has seen extreme levels over the decade. So, to improve further, we need to reduce the manual work. A sand sieving machine has the function to sieve sand and stone that is mixed together. It gives sand with different grade at higher efficiency than manual work. Using machine mechanism driven by electricity power, we can reduce the time to sieve.
Identifying the Activity Origin of a Cobalt Single‐Atom Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Using Supervised Learning
Authors: Liu Xinghui , Zheng Lirong , Han Chenxu , Zong Hongxiang , Yang Guang , Lin Shiru , Kumar Ashwani , Jadhav Amol R. , Tran Ngoc Quang , Hwang Yosep , Lee Jinsun , Vasimalla Suresh , Chen Zhongfang , Kim Seong‐Gon , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: February 2021

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have become the forefront of energy conversion studies, but unfortunately, the origin of their activity and the interpretation of the synchrotron spectrograms of these materials remain ambiguous. Here, systematic density functional theory computations reveal that the edge sites—zigzag and armchair—are responsible for the activity of the graphene‐based Co (cobalt) SACs toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Then, edge‐rich (E)‐Co single atoms (SAs) were rationally synthesized guided by theoretical results. Supervised learning techniques are applied to interpret the measured synchrotron spectrum of E‐Co SAs. The obtained local environments of Co SAs, 65.49% of Co‐4N‐plane, 13.64% in Co‐2N‐armchair, and 20.86% in Co‐2N‐zigzag, are consistent with Athena fitting. Remarkably, E‐Co SAs show even better HER electrocatalytic performance than commercial Pt/C at high current density. Using the joint effort of theoretical modeling, thorough characterization of the catalysts aided by supervised learning, and catalytic performance evaluations, this study not only uncovers the activity origin of Co SACs for HER but also lays the cornerstone for the rational design and structural analysis of nanocatalysts.
Silk‐Inspired In Situ Hydrogel with Anti‐Tumor Immunity Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy for Melanoma and Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Tang Xiaoxuan , Chen Xiaoli , Zhang Siming , Gu Xinyi , Wu Ronghua , Huang Tingting , Zhou Zhihao , Sun Cheng , Ling Jue , Liu Mei , Yang Yumin
Published: February 2021

Easy cancer recurrence and wound infections have been clinical challenges after surgical treatment of melanoma. Herein, a silk‐inspired in situ gelation system containing methacrylated silk fibroin (SF) and chlorine e6 for improved cancer therapy with enhanced wound healing is developed. Favored by the macrophage recruitment capacity of the SF hydrogel, promising antitumor immune responses can be turned “on” via near infrared irradiation in a controllable manner to achieve combination therapy with photodynamic therapy to significantly suppress melanoma recurrence. Moreover, the effective photodynamic antibacterial activity of this bioactive system with the capacity of light‐controllable modulating macrophage phenotype promotes remarkable tissue ingrowth with hair follicle regeneration for Staphylococcus aureus infected wound healing. Thus, this multifunctional silk‐based hydrogel system, as a desirable wound dressing, provides a new platform for promising melanoma therapy and skin regeneration.
An Affinity‐Based, Cysteine‐Specific ATP Analog for Kinase‐Catalyzed Crosslinking
Authors: Fouda Ahmed E. , Gamage Aparni K. , Pflum Mary Kay H.
Published: February 2021

Kinases mediate cell signaling pathways by catalyzing protein phosphorylation. Irregularities in kinase activity are directly associated with disease conditions. Therefore, methods to identify substrates of a particular kinase are needed to understand signaling cascades in normal and diseased states. Photocrosslinking ATP analogs provide powerful tools to study kinases by covalently linking kinases with substrates. However, the involvement of UV light and nonspecific reactivity of current ATP‐photocrosslinkers challenge kinase–substrate identification. We report here an affinity‐based crosslinking ATP analog, ATP‐methylacrylamide (ATP‐MAc), that contains a cysteine‐reactive acrylamide crosslinking group, which avoids the UV irradiation and non‐specific reactivity of prior analogs. Using in vitro kinase assays, ATP‐MAc acts as a kinase co‐substrate and covalently crosslinks only kinases containing cysteines in the active site. ATP‐MAc was also able to crosslink cellular proteins in lysates, documenting compatibility with cell‐based studies.
Steric Hindrance in Metal Coordination Drives the Separation of Pyridine Regioisomers Using Rhodium(II)‐Based Metal–Organic Polyhedra
Authors: Hernández‐López Laura , Martínez‐Esaín Jordi , Carné‐Sánchez Arnau , Grancha Thais , Faraudo Jordi , Maspoch Daniel
Published: February 2021

The physicochemical similarity of isomers makes their chemical separation through conventional techniques energy intensive. Herein, we report that, instead of using traditional encapsulation‐driven processes, steric hindrance in metal coordination on the outer surface of RhII‐based metal–organic polyhedra (Rh‐MOPs) can be used to separate pyridine‐based regioisomers via liquid–liquid extraction. Through molecular dynamics simulations and wet experiments, we discovered that the capacity of pyridines to coordinatively bind to Rh‐MOPs is determined by the positions of the pyridine substituents relative to the pyridine nitrogen and is influenced by steric hindrance. Thus, we exploited the differential solubility of bound and non‐bound pyridine regioisomers to engineer liquid–liquid self‐sorting systems. As a proof of concept, we separated four different equimolecular mixtures of regioisomers, including a mixture of the industrially relevant compounds 2‐chloropyridine and 3‐chloropyridine, isolating highly pure compounds in all cases.
ITQ‐69: A Germanium‐Containing Zeolite and its Synthesis, Structure Determination, and Adsorption Properties
Authors: Sala Andrés , Pérez‐Botella Eduardo , Jordá Jose L. , Cantín Angel , Rey Fernando , Valencia Susana
Published: February 2021

In this work, a new zeolite named as ITQ‐69, has been synthesized, characterized and its application as selective adsorbent for industrially relevant light olefins/paraffins separations has been assessed. This material has been obtained as pure germania as well as silica‐germania zeolites with different Si/Ge ratios using a diquaternary ammonium cation as organic structure directing agent. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐Ray diffraction showing a triclinic unit cell forming a tridirectional small pore channel system (8×8×8R). Also, it has been found that Si preferentially occupies some special T sites of the structure as deduced from Rietveld analysis of the powder X‐ray diffraction patterns. In addition, the new zeolite ITQ‐69 has been found to be stable upon calcination and thus, its adsorption properties were evaluated, showing a promising kinetic selectivity for light olefin separations in the C3 fraction.
Doubling the Stakes: The Promise of Halide Double Perovskites
Authors: Wolf Nathan R. , Connor Bridget A. , Slavney Adam H. , Karunadasa Hemamala I.
Published: February 2021

When the stakes are doubled in a wager, a player must correctly place two consecutive bets to win, but the payout is larger. Similarly, two B sites in combination dictate the properties of A2BB′X6 (A=monocation, X=halide) double perovskites. Correctly picking two B sites is more challenging than picking just one, as in the AIBIIX3 single perovskites, but the options are greater and, we believe, the rewards are higher when the stakes are doubled. In this Minireview, we emphasize fundamental aspects of halide double perovskites to provide a foundation for interested readers to explore this extraordinary class of materials. In particular, we highlight the differences and similarities between double and single perovskites and describe how the double perovskite structure potentially offers greater control over photophysical properties.
Metavalent Bonding in GeSe Leads to High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Sarkar Debattam , Roychowdhury Subhajit , Arora Raagya , Ghosh Tanmoy , Vasdev Aastha , Joseph Boby , Sheet Goutam , Waghmare Umesh V. , Biswas Kanishka
Published: February 2021

Orthorhombic GeSe is a promising thermoelectric material. However, large band gap and strong covalent bonding result in a low thermoelectric figure of merit, zT≈0.2. Here, we demonstrate a maximum zT≈1.35 at 627 K in p‐type polycrystalline rhombohedral (GeSe)0.9(AgBiTe2)0.1 , which is the highest value reported among GeSe based materials. The rhombohedral phase is stable in ambient conditions for x=0.8–0.29 in (GeSe)1−x(AgBiTe2)x . The structural transformation accompanies change from covalent bonding in orthorhombic GeSe to metavalent bonding in rhombohedral (GeSe)1−x(AgBiTe2)x . (GeSe)0.9(AgBiTe2)0.1 has closely lying primary and secondary valence bands (within 0.25–0.30 eV), which results in high power factor 12.8 μW cm−1 K−2 at 627 K. It also exhibits intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity (0.38 Wm−1 K−1 at 578 K). Theoretical phonon dispersion calculations reveal vicinity of a ferroelectric instability, with large anomalous Born effective charges and high optical dielectric constant, which, in concurrence with high effective coordination number, low band gap and moderate electrical conductivity, corroborate metavalent bonding in (GeSe)0.9(AgBiTe2)0.1. We confirmed the presence of low energy phonon modes and local ferroelectric domains using heat capacity measurement (3–30 K) and switching spectroscopy in piezoresponse force microscopy, respectively.
Cage‐Like Porous Materials with Simultaneous High C2H2Storage and Excellent C2H2/CO2Separation Performance
Authors: Di Zhengyi , Liu Caiping , Pang Jiandong , Chen Cheng , Hu Falu , Yuan Daqiang , Wu Mingyan , Hong Maochun
Published: February 2021

Adsorption‐based separation is an important technology for C2H2purification due to the environmentally friendly and energy‐efficient advantage. In addition to the high selectivity of C2H2/CO2, the high uptake of C2H2also plays an important role in the separation progress. However, the trade‐off between adsorption capacity and separation performance is still in a dilemma. Herein, we report a series of cage‐like porous materials named FJI‐H8‐R (R=Me, Et,nPr andiPr) which all have high C2H2uptakes at 1 bar and 298 K. Dynamic breakthrough studies show that they all exhibit excellent C2H2/CO2separation performance. Particularly, FJI‐H8‐Me possesses a long breakthrough time up to 90 min g−1. Additionally, Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation reveals that the suitable pore space and geometry contribute much to the excellent separation performance.
Developmental timetables and gradients of neurogenesis in cerebellar Purkinje cells and deep glutamatergic neurons: A comparative study between the mouse and the rat
Authors: Martí‐Clúa Joaquín
Published: February 2021

The aim of this report is to determine whether the times of neuron origin and neurogenetic gradients of PCs and Deep cerebellar nucli (DCN) glutamatergic neurons are different between mice and rats. Purkinje cells (PCs) were analyzed in each compartment of the cerebellar cortex (vermis, paravermis, medial, and lateral hemispheres), and deep glutamatergic neurons at the level of the medialis, interpositus, and lateralis nuclei. Tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR) autoradiography was applied on sections. The experimental rodents were the offspring of pregnant dams injected with [3H]TdR on embryonic days (E) 11–12, E12–13, E13–14, E14–15, E15–16, and E16–17. Our results indicate that systematic differences exist in the pattern of neurogenesis and the spatial location of cerebellar PCs and deep glutamatergic neurons between mice and rats. In mice, PCs and deep glutamatergic neurons neurogenesis extend from E10 to E14, with a predominance of neurogenesis on E12 for PCs, and on E12, E11, and E10 for the medialis, interpositus, and lateralis neurons, respectively. When neurogenesis in rats was considered, the data reveal that PCs and deep glutamatergic neurons production extends from E12 to E16, with a peak of production on E14 for PCs, and on E14, E13, and E12 for the medialis, interpositus, and lateralis neurons, respectively. Current data also indicate that, both in mice and rats, both types of macroneurons are generated according to a lateral‐to‐medial gradient. Thus, the lateral hemisphere and the lateralis nucleus present more early‐generated neurons than the vermis and the medialis nucleus, which in their turn have more late‐produced neurons.
A Hierarchically Porous ZIF@LDH Core‐Shell Structure for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Zhimin , Duan Huiyu , Pang Huan , Zhu Rongmei
Published: February 2021

Designing nanocomposites with good electrochemical properties is one of the challenges in constructing supercapacitors. Adjustable metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have potential research value in improving charge storage and transfer due to their multi‐porosity. Moreover, MOFs can serve as a precursor to various derivatives. Herein, a series of core‐shell structures with macro‐microporous ZIF‐67 (M‐ZIF‐67) as the core and layered double hydroxide (LDH) as the shell were synthesized based on polystyrene spheres (PSs) template via a simple ion etching method. As a result, the sample of M‐ZIF‐67@LDH4 shows a specific capacitance of 597.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a high rate retention of 92% at 3 A g−1.
Through the Maze of Multivalent‐Ion Batteries: A Critical Review on the Status of the Research on Cathode Materials for Mg2+ and Ca2+ Ions Insertion
Authors: Maroni Fabio , Dongmo Saustin , Gauckler Cornelius , Marinaro Mario , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: February 2021

This review aims to address the status of transition metal‐based cathode materials for Mg2+ and Ca2+‐based multivalent‐ion batteries on a critical standpoint, providing a comprehensive overview. Multivalent‐based ions battery (MIB) technologies are among the most promising post‐lithium electrochemical energy storage devices currently studied, but they still fall short in several aspects due to their early stage of research. In addition, difficult experimental conditions related to the electrolyte systems and the cathode materials require an additional quote of care when performing experiments. In this review, a global approach is undertaken, from an introduction to electrolytes to the studied insertion parameters that allow a fast (de)insertion of multivalent ions. Then, the currently studied structural classes of cathode materials and a critical comment on data reporting, which are among the focal points of the actual state‐of‐the‐art research, are thoroughly discussed.