bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Upcoming Events Occurring in the Space Surrounding the Hand
Authors: Rangel Maria L. , Souza Lidiane , Rodrigues Erika C. , Oliveira José M. , Miranda Michelle F. , Galves Antonio , Vargas Claudia D.
Published: February 2021

Predicting upcoming sensorimotor events means creating forward estimates of the body and the surrounding world. This ability is a fundamental aspect of skilled motor behavior and requires an accurate and constantly updated representation of the body and the environment. To test whether these prediction mechanisms could be affected by a peripheral injury, we employed an action observation and electroencephalogram (EEG) paradigm to assess the occurrence of prediction markers in anticipation of observed sensorimotor events in healthy and brachial plexus injury (BPI) participants. Nine healthy subjects and six BPI patients watched a series of video clips showing an actor’s hand and a colored ball in an egocentric perspective. The color of the ball indicated whether the hand would grasp it (hand movement), or the ball would roll toward the hand and touch it (ball movement), or no event would occur (no movement). In healthy participants, we expected to find distinct electroencephalographic activation patterns (EEG signatures) specific to the prediction of the occurrence of each of these situations. Cluster analysis from EEG signals recorded from electrodes placed over the sensorimotor cortex of control participants showed that predicting either an upcoming hand movement or the occurrence of a tactile event yielded specific neural signatures. In BPI participants, the EEG signals from the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the dominant hand in the hand movement condition were different compared to the other conditions. Furthermore, there were no differences between ball movement and no movement conditions in the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the dominant hand, suggesting that BPI blurred specifically the ability to predict upcoming tactile events for the dominant hand. These results highlight the role of the sensorimotor cortex in creating estimates of both actions and tactile interactions in the space around the body and suggest plastic effects on prediction coding following peripheral sensorimotor loss.
Glial Cell‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Functions as a Potential Candidate Gene in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Based on a Combination of Bioinformatics and Targeted Capture Sequencing Analyses
Authors: Cao Yuanyuan , Zhu Qing , Cai Xintian , Wu Ting , Aierken Xiayire , Ahmat Ayguzal , Liu Shasha , Li Nanfang
Published: February 2021

Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent chronic disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders, resulting in a considerable socioeconomic burden. The present study was aimed at identifying potential key genes influencing the mechanisms and consequences of OSA. Methods. Gene expression profiles associated with OSA were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in subcutaneous adipose tissues from patients with OSA and normal tissues were screened using R software, followed by gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses. Subsequently, a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and hub genes were extracted using Cytoscape plugins. The intersected core genes derived from different topological algorithms were considered hub genes, and the potential candidate gene was selected from them for further analyses of expression variations using another GEO dataset and targeted capture sequencing in 100 subjects (50 with severe OSA and 50 without OSA). Results. A total of 373 DEGs were identified in OSA samples relative to normal controls, which were primarily associated with olfactory transduction and neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction. Upon analyses of nine topological algorithms and available literature, we finally focused on glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as the candidate gene and validated its low expression in OSA samples. Two rare nonsynonymous variants (p.D56N and p.R93Q) were identified among the 100 cases through targeted sequencing of GDNF, which could be potentially deleterious based on pathogenicity prediction programs; however, no significant association was detected in single nucleotide polymorphisms. Conclusion. The present study identified GDNF as a promising candidate gene for OSA and its two rare and potentially deleterious mutations through a combination of bioinformatics and targeted capture sequencing analyses.
Situation of Rabies in Ethiopia: A Five-Year Retrospective Study of Human Rabies in Addis Ababa and the Surrounding Regions
Authors: Aklilu Mesfin , Tadele Wogayehu , Alemu Amelework , Abdela Sintayehu , Getahun Garuma , Hailemariam Alemnesh , Tadesse Yirgalem , Kitila Gutu , Birhanu Endalkachew , Fli Ibsa , Getachew Abebe , Mulugeta Yimer
Published: February 2021

Objective. The study objective was to estimate the burden of human rabies in Ethiopia from 2015–2019. Study Design. A descriptive study design was applied to measure the size of the problem. Method. Retrospective data were used from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute rabies case record book that was registered between 2015 to 2019. Result. Eighty-seven (87) cases of human rabies were diagnosed clinically in the Ethiopian Public Health Institute over the period of five years (2015–2019) with 100% case fatality. Of these, 83 (95.4%) cases were attributed to dog bites, whereas 1 (1.1%) to a cat and 3 (3.4%) to wild animals. The fatalities were from Oromia (n = 51 (58.6%), 13 (14.9%) were from Amhara, 15 (17.2%) were from Addis Ababa, and 8 (9.2%) from the Southern region. All referred cases had no record of immunization against rabies except eight. Ineffective postexposure treatment was the reason for 5 (5.7%) deaths. Out of 1,652 brain samples of different animals, mainly dogs, submitted for examination, 1,122 (68%) were found to be positive for rabies by the FAT. Dog bites were more common among males than females. The number of dog bite victims who had visited the EPHI counseling office and recommended to take postexposure prophylaxis against rabies both from Addis Ababa and the surrounding areas were 9,592 and 4,192, respectively. Out of these, 5,708 were males and 3,884 females for the capital Addis Ababa. Similarly, 2,439 males and 1,753 females account for areas surrounding Addis Ababa. Among those exposed from Addis Ababa, 1,079 (11.2%) were in the age group less than five, 1696 (17.7%) were in the age group 6–13, and 6,817 (71.1%) in the age group 14 and greater. Victims from outside of the capital Addis Ababa account for 644 (15.4%) for the age group less than 5 years, 964 (23%) for the age group 6–13 and, 2,584 (61.6%) for the age group 14 and greater. Conclusion. Mechanisms must be sought to reduce the cost of PEP and means of obtaining funds so as to initiate timely treatment for rabies exposed individuals of low socioeconomic status. Besides prevention, strategies should focus on public education and strict dog population control.
Decision-Making Behavior of Fertilizer Application of Grain Growers in Heilongjiang Province from the Perspective of Risk Preference and Risk Perception
Authors: Li Xin , Shang Jie
Published: February 2021

Heilongjiang Province, as a major grain-planting province in China, under the condition of limited production level and cognitive level, the food and agriculture industry often adopts the “high input-high output” production model to achieve grain yield and increase production. As one of the important material input elements in agricultural production, chemical fertilizer plays an irreplaceable role in increasing crop output and farmers’ income. The reduced application of chemical fertilizer can improve the soil and water source, improve the production environment from the internal agricultural production, and ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products from the source, which is beneficial to the sustainable development of agriculture in China. In this paper, Probit model is used to analyze the risk preference and risk perception of grain farmers in Heilongjiang Province. The results showed that high degree of risk preference had a negative effect on decision behavior of fertilizer application, while high natural risk perception had a positive effect on fertilizer application behavior of grain farmers. At the same time, the results showed that the cultivated land area owned by farmers, the total income of agricultural production, the training of fertilizer technology, and the cognition of the impact of fertilizer on the environment all had significant effects on the chemical fertilizer application behavior of grain farmers. Finally, according to the results of this study, some feasible suggestions are put forward.
The Identification and Validation of a Robust Immune-Associated Gene Signature in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Song Le-Bin , Luan Jiao-Chen , Zhang Qi-Jie , Chen Lin , Wang Hao-Yang , Cao Xue-Chen , Song Ning-Hong , Lu Yan
Published: February 2021

Background. Cutaneous melanoma is defined as one of the most aggressive skin tumors in the world. An increasing body of evidence suggested an indispensable association between immune-associated gene (IAG) signature and melanoma. This article is aimed at formulating an IAG signature to estimate prognosis of melanoma. Methods. 434 melanoma patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and 1811 IAGs were downloaded from the ImmPort database in our retrospective study. The Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis were utilized to establish a prognostic IAG signature. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis was performed, and the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was further applied to assess the predictive value. Besides, the propensity score algorithm was utilized to balance the confounding clinical factors between the high- and low-risk groups. Results. A total of six prognostic IAGs comprising of INHA, NDRG1, IFITM1, LHB, GBP2, and CCL8 were eventually filtered out. According to the KM survival analysis, the results displayed a shorter overall survival (OS) in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group. In the multivariate Cox model, the gene signature was testified as a remarkable prognostic factor (

HR
=
45.423

,

P
<
0.001

). Additionally, the ROC curve analyses were performed which demonstrated our IAG signature was superior to four known biomarkers mentioned in the study. Moreover, the IAG signature was significantly related to immunotherapy-related biomarkers. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that the six IAG signature played a critical role in the prognosis and immunotherapy of melanoma, which might help clinicians predict patients’ survival and provide individualized treatment.
Antituberculosis Drugs (Rifampicin and Isoniazid) Induce Liver Injury by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasomes
Authors: Su Qiang , Kuang Wei , Hao Weiyi , Liang Jing , Wu Liang , Tang Chunmei , Wang Yali , Liu Tao
Published: February 2021

Patients being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis often suffer liver injury due to the effects of anti-TB drugs, and the underlying mechanisms for those injuries need to be clarified. In this study, rats and hepatic cells were administrated isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RIF) and then treated with NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitors (INF39 and CP-456773) or NLRP3 siRNA. Histopathological changes that occurred in liver tissue were examined by H&E staining. Additionally, the levels IL-33, IL-18, IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved-caspase 1 expression in the liver tissues were also determined. NAT2 and CYP2E1 expression were identified by QRT-PCR analysis. Finally, in vitro assays were performed to examine the effects of siRNA targeting NLRP3. Treatment with the antituberculosis drugs caused significant liver injuries, induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress (OS), activated NLRP3 inflammasomes, reduced the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes, and altered the antioxidant defense system in rats and hepatic cells. The NLRP3 inflammasome was required for INH- and RIF-induced liver injuries that were produced by inflammatory responses, OS, the antioxidant defense system, and drug-metabolizing enzymes. This study indicated that the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in antituberculosis drug-induced liver injuries (ATLIs) and suggests NLRP3 as a potential target for attenuating the inflammation response in ATLIs.
Development of an Autophagy-Related Gene Prognostic Model and Nomogram for Estimating Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Survival
Authors: Wang Ying , Yao Yinhui , Zhao Jingyi , Cai Chunhua , Hu Junhui , Zhao Yanwu
Published: February 2021

Background. Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a fatal malignancy of the urinary system. Autophagy is implicated in KIRC occurrence and development. Here, we evaluated the prognostic value of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods. We analyzed RNA sequencing and clinical KIRC patient data obtained from TCGA and ICGC to develop an ARG prognostic signature. Differentially expressed ARGs were further evaluated by functional assessment and bioinformatic analysis. Next, ARG score was determined in 215 KIRC patients using univariable Cox and LASSO regression analyses. An ARG nomogram was built based on multivariable Cox analysis. The prognosis nomogram model based on the ARG signatures and clinicopathological information was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. Results. A total of 47 differentially expressed ARGs were identified. Of these, 8 candidates that significantly correlated with KIRC overall survival were subjected to LASSO analysis and an ARG score built. Functional enrichment and bioinformatic analysis were used to reveal the differentially expressed ARGs in cancer-related biological processes and pathways. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to integrate the ARG nomogram with the ARG signature and clinicopathological information. The nomogram exhibited proper calibration and discrimination (C-index = 0.75, AUC = >0.7). Decision curve analysis also showed that the nomogram was clinically useful. Conclusions. KIRC patients and doctors could benefit from ARG nomogram use in clinical practice.
Computational Methods for Calculating Multimodal Multiclass Traffic Network Equilibrium: Simulation Benchmark on a Large-Scale Test Case
Authors: Ameli Mostafa , Lebacque Jean-Patrick , Leclercq Ludovic
Published: February 2021

This study reviews existing computational methods to calculate simulation-based dynamic network equilibrium. We consider a trip-based multimodal approach for the dynamic network loading. Mode and path choices are carried out at the same level; therefore, travel times depend on the travel path and the mode attributes of travelers. This study develops a multiclass model with several parameters per class. Two different categories of algorithms (heuristic and metaheuristic) are considered in order to solve the discrete dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) problem. Finally, we analyze the equilibrium in a large-scale multimodal DTA test case (Lyon 6th + Villeurbanne) in order to investigate the performance of different optimization approaches to solve trip-based DTA. The results show that, in a multimodal and heterogeneous setting, the metaheuristic methods provide better solutions than the heuristic methods in terms of optimality and computation time. These improvements are even more significant than in a homogeneous setting.
What Factors Contribute to Higher Travel Happiness? Evidence from Beijing, China
Authors: Fan Aihua , Chen Xumei , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: February 2021

Travel happiness has drawn increasing attention in recent years. However, the empirical research in developing countries’ context is very limited, and few studies consider both cognitive and affective evaluations during traveling. This study uses web-based survey data collected in Beijing, China, and applies multiple regression analysis to examine impacts of sociodemographic attributes, travel characteristics, residential environment, mode consonance, self-evaluation, and health conditions, on travel happiness. Satisfaction with Travel Scale (STS) is used to measure travel happiness. Results show that for trips using active travel modes, traveling by walking has higher travel happiness than by nonmotor vehicles. For those trips traveling by motor vehicles, company shuttle bus trips have the highest travel happiness ratings, followed by automobile trips and public transport trips. Transport mode consonance is significantly positively correlated with travel happiness. Residential environment, self-reported optimism, and daily happiness have great positive impacts on travel happiness. Living in suburban areas is more satisfying for walking and car trips, but travel frequency, travel duration, and perceived travel time length have significant negative effects on travel happiness. Public transport use with friends is enjoyable, but unpleasant with work partners. More happiness when listening to music/radio or reading during traveling is demonstrated. Finally, policy implications and potential extended research topics are recommended.
Produção científica sobre eventos
Authors: José Maria Carolina de Andrade , Ribeiro Giliard Sousa
Published: February 2021

Buscando sistematizar o conhecimento científico sobre o setor de eventos, o presente artigo apresenta pesquisa bibliométrica realizada em vinte periódicos na área do Turismo, considerando artigos publicados em português e espanhol, publicados entre 2000 e 2019. Na década de 2000, a investigação científica sobre o tema obteve intenso crescimento internacional. Porém, no contexto nacional, a produção acadêmica sobre eventos ainda é considerada escassa e voltada para gestão de eventos. Nos vinte periódicos investigados, foram encontrados 324 artigos sobre eventos. Sendo a maioria sobre eventos culturais e megaeventos esportivos. A quantidade de artigos identificados teve crescimento progressivo anual desde 2013. Porém, apenas 4,9% do total da amostra de artigos publicados pelas revistas abordavam a temática. Assim, considera-se que a publicação de estudos sobre eventos ainda é ínfima na área de Turismo e Hospitalidade. A pesquisa apresentou o início de um processo de diversificação da produção científica sobre eventos, porém há um lapso entre a produção acadêmica e o desenvolvimento do mercado de eventos, especialmente em relação ao tipo de evento que precisa ser investigado. Os eventos comerciais e sociais foram ignorados pelo conhecimento científico da área, até então.
Jornalistas de Quebrada: A Periferia em Movimento enquanto espaço de construção de sujeitos comunicacionais
Authors: Borges Thiago de Souza , Silva Aline Rodrigues da , Costa Laís Diogo , Cerqueira Camila Lima
Published: February 2021

Criada em 2009 a partir do trabalho de conclusão de curso de jovens jornalistas que moram em periferias da zona Sul da cidade de São Paulo (SP), a Periferia em Movimento completa mais de uma década de atuação produzindo conteúdo jornalístico sobre garantia de direitos elaborando novas narrativas possíveis a partir das ações sociais, culturais e políticas das margens da capital paulista. E, para além de repensar o fazer jornalístico em si, tem formado e transformado os próprios “Jornalistas de Quebrada” como os autores e integrantes da iniciativa demonstram neste relato de experiência.
A força solidária do jornalismo das periferias
Authors: Pereira Ethel Shiraishi
Published: February 2021

Para melhor compreender quem são os jornalistas que atuam em veículo de comunicação cujas pautas estão centradas nos bairros periféricos das cidades da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Mara Rovida pesquisa o universo desses jornalistas e produz seu mais recente livro, “Jornalismo das periferias: o diálogo social solidário nas bordas urbanas”. Entre referenciais teóricos e relatos extraídos de seu diário de campo, produzido ao longo de 3 anos, o leitor é convidado a conhecer o jornalismo praticado nas bordas urbanas, desde a descoberta do tema de pesquisa, passando pela caracterização da periferia pelos periféricos; discutindo o jornalismo das periferias; conhecendo os jornalistas das periferias; até seu ponto de chegada.
Jornalismo ético, liberdade de expressão e credibilidade: dilemas do profissional de jornalismo nas mídias sociais
Authors: Costa Edwaldo , Simas Marcos
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo analisa o impacto da postura adotada pelo profissional de jornalismo nas mídias sociais sobre a credibilidade desse profissional, dos veículos de comunicação e, numa visão mais ampla, da própria atividade de jornalismo, abordando aspectos como a ética da profissão e a liberdade de expressão. Nesse sentido, o objetivo geral é analisar, sob o ponto de vista do profissional de jornalismo, como declarações públicas de cunho político ou ideológico, principalmente nas mídias sociais, podem comprometer a própria imagem e a credibilidade do veículo em que trabalha. Conclui-se que, nos tempos atuais, a conduta do jornalista nas mídias sociais, principalmente no que tange a posicionamentos pessoais políticos ou ideológicos, tem potencial para comprometer sua credibilidade profissional.
No Clima da Copa: um boletim de rádio e seus ambientes comunicacionais
Authors: Padovez Elcio Cassola , Menezes José Eugenio de Oliveira
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho problematiza como o boletim No Clima da Copa, desenvolvido pelo jornalista Elcio Padovez durante a Copa do Mundo da Rússia e veiculado pela emissora paulistana Rádio Gazeta entre junho e julho de 2018, foi gerado e compartilhado em ambientes comunicacionais. A partir das noções de ambiente comunicacional (Baitello Jr.), etnografia (Winkin) e cultura (Bystrina; Gebauer), mostra indícios de que o boletim, marcado pela postura etnográfica do repórter, envolveu os ouvintes em um ambiente comunicacional e mostrou as potencialidades das pesquisas acadêmicas e das produções jornalísticas quando gestadas no diálogo entre antropologia (postura etnográfica) e comunicação.
BGS – Brasil Game Show: mais uma versão do maior legado dos eventos de games da América Latina
Authors: Amaral Carlos Cesar Domingos do
Published: February 2021

O livro de 2019 da BGS – Brasil Game Show mostra em suas primeiras páginas dados importantes que formam o legado desse evento. São mais de 2,1 milhões de pessoas que desde 2009 visitam a feira que começou em um churrasco, depois se tornou em RGS – Rio Game Show. O mesmo tomou tanta proporção que veio para São Paulo para atingir mais pessoas, principalmente os patrocinadores. O capítulo dois fala da vida de Marcelo Tavares. O terceiro trata todas as edições da BGS. Para finalizar o quarto capítulo mostra números dessa história e evolução do logo.
Jornalismo impresso e as fontes: uma análise sobre o jornal Diário Popular
Authors: Kurz Lucas Casarin , Negrini Michele
Published: February 2021

Este estudo analisa as fontes presentes na página 3, de conteúdo especial, do  jornal impresso Diário Popular de Pelotas, no Rio Grande do Sul. A partir de dez edições, todas do ano de 2019, realiza o mapeamento dos agentes presentes no texto, identificando seus papéis enquanto fonte de informação e traçando uma análise sobre qual o perfil do entrevistado pelo jornal neste espaço. A escolha do veículo se deu pela sua inserção na comunidade pelotense, possuindo grande relevância social e histórica na Zona Sul do Estado. A pesquisa tem como objetivo entender quais são as figuras presentes, sob hipóteses de questões como rotinização, padronização do uso de fontes e equilíbrio ou não da presença destes no texto.
Diários de Emergência Covid19: literatura para enfrentar o confinamento
Authors: Peregrino Miriane da Costa
Published: February 2021

Relato da produção dos Diários de Emergência Covid-19, uma edição especial do Jornal Literatura Comunica! de difusão cultural e popular. A edição especial foi inspirada nos diários de Anne Frank, Lima Barreto e Carolina de Jesus em tempos de confinamento e/ou segregação. A edição foi dividida em três séries: Brasileiros no Exterior; Brasil, Norte a Sul e Rio de Janeiro, procurando registrar narrativas de e sobre o isolamento em diferentes contextos dentro e fora do Brasil.
A expansão linguística espanhola na China e no Brasil: convergências, deslocamentos e assimetrias
Authors: Ponte Andrea Silva
Published: February 2021

Em 2018 a imprensa dedicou uma atenção bastante significativa à promoção do espanhol na China. Com aproximadamente 1,4 bilhões de habitantes, este país asiático é o mais recente objetivo estratégico da expansão do espanhol como língua estrangeira executada pelo Estado espanhol. Eventos como a criação de um convênio entre a Real Academia de la Lengua española (RAE) e a Universidade de Estudos Internacionais de Shangai (SISU), e a inclusão da língua espanhola no currículo da Educação Básica do país tiveram um entusiasmado destaque na imprensa e também no foro de notícias da própria RAE. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma análise comparativa – tratando de detectar convergências e divergências – entre a atual promoção do espanhol na China e a promoção do espanhol no Brasil, que teve seu auge nos anos 90 e na primeira década dos anos 2000. Adotando o enfoque glotopolítico (ARNOUX, 2000) como pressuposto teórico, tratamos de detectar ideologemas que surgem na promoção discursiva do espanhol em cada caso, o que consequentemente revela aspectos importantes destes processos de planificação linguística relacionados aos campos político, econômico e ideológico.
Epica Relevante: la Cultura Legal Argentina y las Escenas Judiciales del Martín Fierro
Authors: Dorfman Daniela
Published: February 2021

Este artículo investiga los modos en que la literatura argentina del siglo XIX articula las relaciones de los habitantes con el Estado y con la ley. Interroga las maneras en que la literatura argentina representó e intervino en lo que Lawrence Friedman llama la “cultura legal”: el conjunto de opiniones, expectativas, valoraciones, y actitudes de la sociedad hacia la ley. A partir del estudio de las escenas judiciales en el Martín Fierro, de José Hernández (1872, 1879), y la disputa que entabla con las nociones estatales de criminalidad y de justicia, mi argumento es que el texto fija una posición de la literatura respecto de la ley y de la justicia estatal que disloca el lugar simbólico de la criminalidad en la sociedad, y así fundan un lugar de enunciación específico de la literatura argentina que continúa vigente hasta hoy.
La Malinche sob a visão de José Limón
Authors: Giacomolli Dóris Helena Soares da Silva
Published: February 2021

Esse artigo pretende analisar um livro biográfico sobre José Limón, um coreógrafo de uma dança com o tema mexicano altamente complexo: a personagem histórica Malinche. José Limón and La Malinche:The dancer and the Dance de Patrícia Seed contém artigos de vários acadêmicos voltados para cenário, figurinos, música, notas coreográficas e conteúdo histórico sobre a peça musical que tem como protagonista a indígena que esteve ao lado de Hernán Cortés durante a captura do México e que, desde então, se destaca em trabalhos historiográficos, acadêmicos e literários, não só no México, mas em diversas partes do mundo.
Saer en París: un modernista camina las calles de Mayo del ‘68
Authors: Maranguello Carolina Vanesa
Published: February 2021

En 1968 Juan José Saer viaja a Europa con una beca del gobierno francés para estudiar el nouveau roman y la estadía en principio acotada se prolonga por el resto de su vida. El propósito de este trabajo será indagar qué figuración construye Saer en el extranjero y cómo va modelando esa distancia a través del tiempo. Como se verá, ante la demanda política de la época que exigía del escritor definiciones urgentes y afirmaciones, Saer se inscribirá en Francia a través de sutiles anacronismos y demoras. El escritor conjura los primeros años de su experiencia francesa a partir de la escritura de poesías cuyo tema es el viaje. En su gran mayoría, estos poemas ponen en escena a un sujeto lírico que se desplaza por París y que se desdobla en una serie de escritores-viajeros, (fundamentalmente Rubén Darío), a partir de los cuales el escritor se posiciona en la línea del “desencanto” de París. La versión iconoclasta, desinteresada y crítica del viaje, que apela en este sentido al desencanto modernista, le permite desarticular y oponerse al París de los sesenta y resistir otras imágenes cristalizadas de su contemporaneidad: la del intelectual comprometido y la del escritor exitoso pero asimilado que adopta la lengua extranjera.
Ficção e filosofia em Las Conversaciones de César Aira
Authors: Azevedo Luciene
Published: February 2021

A teorização sobre a mímesis, e também o que mais tarde viríamos a chamar de literatura, nasce sob o signo da desconfiança do olhar do filósofo. Assim, tomando como ponto de partida uma breve reflexão sobre a noção de verossimilhança a partir de passagens dos clássicos como A República de Platão e Poética de Aristóteles, o ensaio comenta o romance Las conversaciones (2007) de César Aira com o objetivo de analisar por meio da obra do autor argentino a continuação do diálogo entre a ficção e a filosofia. Apostamos, então, que se a remissão metaficcional, presente em muitas das obras do autor argentino, e muito comum à sua assinatura como escritor, pode constituir parte de um projeto literário, também é oportunidade para a reflexão mais ampla sobre o modo de funcionamento da literatura, sobre as relações com o realismo e o elogio dos mundos imaginados pela ficção.
Silencio y el Ruido: Dos Modos de Habitar el Mundo Contemporáneo en la Cuentística de Roberto Bolaño.
Authors: Leal Mariela Fuentes
Published: February 2021

En este artículo, proponemos los cuentos “Sensini” y “Una aventura literaria” de Llamadas telefónicas de Roberto Bolaño como dos modos de habitar el mundo contemporáneo: el silencio como mecanismo de resistencia frente al mercado y el ruido como eco de una violencia de aquel, expresados en literaturas a la intemperie y mercantilizada, respectivamente, en una sociedad articulada por el horror, transfigurado en su perpetuidad y ligado a la figura de Frank Kafka.
Lectura(s) en la Obra de Manuel Vicent: Biografía Literaria e Imagen de Autor
Authors: Bonino Sofía
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo busca realizar una reconstrucción de la biografía literaria de Manuel Vicent a partir de dos novelas: Verás el cielo abierto y Tranvía a la Malvarrosa y de una selección de artículos periodísticos que tematizan la lectura y vuelven a aquellos autores o géneros que han sido pilares en la formación literaria del autor.  Tanto los textos ficcionales como los artículos periodísticos que incluyen el tema de la lectura y de la formación literaria confluyen en la conformación de una imagen de escritor cuyas huellas se pueden rastrear en su estilo y trayectoria. En la biografía literaria de Manuel Vicent coinciden las obras clásicas (canónicas) con géneros que tradicionalmente han sido colocados al margen. La elección de definirse como hombre de las letras y como escritor desde el periodismo va en sintonía con la imagen de autor que va creando desde sus novelas autobiográficas y sus artículos de opinión.

Desde el punto de vista biográfico la lectura se identifica con la rebeldía frente al mandato familiar; a su vez, también se vincula con el descubrimiento de los placeres de la vida; por último, puede relacionarse con despertar político del escritor y con la paulatina comprensión del contexto histórico de su infancia y adolescencia.
Virtue, Body, Mind and Spirit in the Shijing: New Perspectives on Pre-Warring States Conceptions of Personhood and Virtue
Authors: Raphals Lisa
Published: February 2021

This paper addresses the location of virtue within a virtuous person. It examines the relations of body (shen 身, ti 體, xing 形, gong 躬), mind (xin 心) and spirit (shen 神) in the Shijing 詩經, which describes virtue (de 德) in terms of the bodies and minds of virtuous agents. I argue that virtue is attributed to outward behavior, rather than inner state, and that that behavior is described via the performance of the shen or gong body.
Egypt’s COVID-19 Response through a Gender Lens
Authors: Salem Nora
Published: February 2021

Across every sphere of life—health, economy, social security, livelihood and education—the impacts of COVID-19 are exacerbated for women due to persisting gender inequalities. Women are not only more likely to contract COVID-19, but also lockdowns have affected women’s economic and social security disproportionately due to increased unpaid care work at home, women’s high representation in vulnerable employment or employment in the informal labour sector. Upon the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020, the Egyptian Government adopted a variety of public health measures to contain the widespread of the virus on 14 March 2020, accompanied by certain mitigation measures to reduce disproportionate impacts on women. Against this backdrop, this article examines the existence and scope of an international obligation to adopt mitigation measures to reduce disproportionate impacts on women and analyzes Egypt’s COVID-19 response against such obligation.
Pursuing Accountability and Protection for the Uighur and Muslim Minorities in China
Authors: Jacob Cecilia , Gallagher Adrian , Hunt Charles T.
Published: February 2021

This short article introduces the forum on the Uighur population in China and R2P. It provides context to demonstrate why it is important to analyse the current situation in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China through an R2P lens and states the objectives of the forum. It then provides a brief summary of the contributions in the forum that take into account the domestic context, legal arguments and analysis of the international political context in which R2P is operationalised.
Writing-Mediated Interaction Face-to-Face: Sinitic Brushtalk (漢文筆談) as an Age-Old Lingua-Cultural Practice in Premodern East Asian Cross-Border Communication
Authors: Li David C. S.
Published: February 2021

In Western societies, speaking is construed as an interactive social activity while writing is widely perceived as a solo or private endeavor. Such a functional dichotomy did not apply to the “Sinographic Cosmopolis” in premodern East Asia, however. Based on selected documented examples of writing-mediated cross-border communication spanning over a thousand years from the Sui dynasty to the late Ming dynasty, this paper demonstrates that Hanzi 漢字, a morphographic, non-phonographic script, was commonly used by literati of classical Chinese or Literary Sinitic to engage in “silent conversation” as a substitute for speech. Except for a “drifting” record co-constructed by Korean maritime officials and Chinese “boat people,” all the other examples featured Chinese–Japanese interaction. While synchronous cross-border communication in written Chinese has been reported in scholarly works in East Asian studies (published more commonly in East Asian languages than in English or other Western languages), to our knowledge no attempt has been made to examine such writing-mediated interaction from a linguistic or discourse-pragmatic point of view. Writing-mediated interaction enacted through Sinitic brushtalk (漢文筆談) is compatible with transactional and interactional language functions as in speech. In premodern and early modern East Asia, it was most commonly conducted using brush, ink, and paper, but it could also take place using a pointed object and a flat surface covered with a fluid substance like sand, finger-drawing using water or tea on a table, and so forth. Such an interactional pattern appears to be unparalleled in other regional lingua francas written with a phonographic script such as Latin and Arabic. To facilitate research into the extent to which this interactional pattern is script-specific to morphographic sinograms, a “morphographic hypothesis” is proposed. The theoretical significance of writing-mediated interaction as a third or even fourth known modality of synchronous communication—after speech and (tactile) sign language—will be briefly discussed.
School librarians supporting students’ reading for pleasure: A job description analysis
Authors: Merga Margaret K , Ferguson Catherine
Published: February 2021

Reading for pleasure is an undervalued but highly beneficial practice conferring a range of educative and socio-emotional advantages. School librarians may play a key role in supporting reading for pleasure and associated literature advocacy; however, relatively little is known about how reading for pleasure may be valued within the job description of contemporary school librarians. It cannot be assumed that reading for pleasure is positioned as a valued aspect of the school librarians’ educative role in the United States and Australia, given factors such as evolving demands placed on the profession. Through hybrid content analysis of job description documents, this article explores which aspects of the current school librarian role are related to supporting reading for pleasure, comparing expectations between nations. While there are some similarities in the nature of the reading for pleasure role in the United States and Australia, Australian school librarians are far more likely to be expected to foster reading for pleasure.
Effect of Metatarsus Adductus on Hallux Valgus Treated With Proximal Reverse Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy
Authors: Choi Seung-Myung , Lee Jong-Soo , Lim Jung-Won , Im Je-Min , Kho Duk-Hwan , Jung Hong-Geun
Published: February 2021

Background:

This study aimed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes and recurrence rates after reverse proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO) for patients with hallux valgus (HV) with or without metatarsus adductus (MA). We hypothesized that patients with MA would have poorer outcomes and a higher radiographic recurrence rate than those without MA.

Methods:

This retrospective single-surgeon series comprised 144 patients (173 feet) with moderate to severe HV, treated with PCMO and Akin osteotomy without lesser metatarsal procedures, who were grouped according to the presence (MA group) or absence of MA (non-MA group). Clinical assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, pain visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction rating. Radiographic assessments included metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), HV angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA).

Results:

The prevalence of the MA was 24.2%. The mean MAA was 23.1 ± 3.3 degrees in the MA group. There were no differences in the mean AOFAS score and pain VAS score at the final follow-up between the 2 groups (all P > .05). The patient satisfaction rate was 73.8% in the MA group vs 90.1% in the non-MA group ( P = .017). The mean postoperative HVA and IMA significantly improved at the final follow-up in both groups, respectively (all P < .001). Preoperative and postoperative HVA were larger in the MA group vs non-MA group. However, no significant difference was found in the improvement of HVA and IMA after surgery between the 2 groups (all P > .05). The recurrence rate was 28.6% in the MA group and 6.1% in the non-MA group ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

HV patients associated with the MA had a higher degree of preoperative HV, lower correction of the HVA, higher radiographic recurrence rate, and poorer patient satisfaction than those without MA post-PCMO without lesser metatarsal procedures. Therefore, a more extensive HV correction procedure or the addition of a lesser metatarsal realignment procedure may need to be considered.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Prognostic restaging after treatment initiation in patients with AL amyloidosis
Authors: Abdallah Nadine , Dispenzieri Angela , Muchtar Eli , Buadi Francis K. , Kapoor Prashant , Lacy Martha Q. , Hwa Yi L. , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam A. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Leung Nelson , Dingli David , Lust John A. , Go Ronald S. , Lin Yi , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Gertz Morie A. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: February 2021

The utility of systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis staging systems has been validated for newly diagnosed patients, but their role in restaging after treatment has not been explored. We designed this study to evaluate whether the currently used systems are of prognostic value at 3 and 6 months of starting first-line treatment, and whether stage migration from diagnosis impacts survival. This is a retrospective study including Mayo Clinic patients with AL amyloidosis diagnosed between 1 January 2006 and 30 June 2019; 536 and 204 patients had restaging data for at least 1 system at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Using modified Mayo 2004 staging at 3 months, median overall survival (OSs) were 11.8, 10.8, 4.6, and 1.1 years for stage I, II, IIIa, and IIIb, respectively. Using Mayo 2012, median OSs were 11.8, 9.0, 5.2, and 0.8 years for stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Using modified Mayo 2004 staging at 6 months, median OSs were not reached (NR), NR, 5.4, and 0.9 years for stage I, II, IIIa, and IIIb, respectively. Using Mayo 2012, OSs were NR, NR, 4.6, and 0.9 years for stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Worsening stage at 3 or 6 months was associated with worse survival than retaining baseline stage. In conclusion, the current staging systems can be used for restaging at 3 and 6 months from treatment initiation. Migration to higher stage predicts poor prognosis.
Grouping of genomic markers in populations with family structure
Authors: Wittenburg Dörte , Doschoris Michael , Klosa Jan
Published: February 2021

Background

Linkage and linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genome regions cause dependencies among genomic markers. Due to family stratification in populations with non-random mating in livestock or crop, the standard measures of population LD such as $$r^2$$

r
2

may be biased. Grouping of markers according to their interdependence needs to account for the actual population structure in order to allow proper inference in genome-based evaluations.

Results

Given a matrix reflecting the strength of association between markers, groups are built successively using a greedy algorithm; largest groups are built at first. As an option, a representative marker is selected for each group. We provide an implementation of the grouping approach as a new function to the R package . This package enables the calculation of the theoretical covariance between biallelic markers for half- or full-sib families and the derivation of representative markers. In case studies, we have shown that the number of groups comprising dependent markers was smaller and representative SNPs were spread more uniformly over the investigated chromosome region when the family stratification was respected compared to a population-LD approach. In a simulation study, we observed that sensitivity and specificity of a genome-based association study improved if selection of representative markers took family structure into account.

Conclusions

Chromosome segments which frequently recombine in the underlying population can be identified from the matrix of pairwise dependence between markers. Representative markers can be exploited, for instance, for dimension reduction prior to a genome-based association study or the grouping structure itself can be employed in a grouped penalization approach.
Activation of short-chain ketones and isopropanol in sulfate-reducing bacteria
Authors: Frey Jasmin , Kaßner Sophie , Spiteller Dieter , Mergelsberg Mario , Boll Matthias , Schleheck David , Schink Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Background

Degradation of acetone by aerobic and nitrate-reducing bacteria can proceed via carboxylation to acetoacetate and subsequent thiolytic cleavage to two acetyl residues. A different strategy was identified in the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfococcus biacutus that involves formylation of acetone to 2-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA.

Results

Utilization of short-chain ketones (acetone, butanone, 2-pentanone and 3-pentanone) and isopropanol by the sulfate reducer Desulfosarcina cetonica was investigated by differential proteome analyses and enzyme assays. Two-dimensional protein gel electrophoresis indicated that D. cetonica during growth with acetone expresses enzymes homologous to those described for Desulfococcus biacutus: a thiamine diphosphate (TDP)-requiring enzyme, two subunits of a B12-dependent mutase, and a NAD+-dependent dehydrogenase. Total proteomics of cell-free extracts confirmed these results and identified several additional ketone-inducible proteins. Acetone is activated, most likely mediated by the TDP-dependent enzyme, to a branched-chain CoA-ester, 2-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA. This compound is linearized to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA by a coenzyme B12-dependent mutase followed by oxidation to acetoacetyl-CoA by a dehydrogenase. Proteomic analysis of isopropanol- and butanone-grown cells revealed the expression of a set of enzymes identical to that expressed during growth with acetone. Enzyme assays with cell-free extract of isopropanol- and butanone-grown cells support a B12-dependent isomerization. After growth with 2-pentanone or 3-pentanone, similar protein patterns were observed in cell-free extracts as those found after growth with acetone.

Conclusions

According to these results, butanone and isopropanol, as well as the two pentanone isomers, are degraded by the same enzymes that are used also in acetone degradation. Our results indicate that the degradation of several short-chain ketones appears to be initiated by TDP-dependent formylation in sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Genome-wide association of rice response to blast fungus identifies loci for robust resistance under high nitrogen
Authors: Frontini Mathias , Boisnard Arnaud , Frouin Julien , Ouikene Malika , Morel Jean Benoit , Ballini Elsa
Published: February 2021

Background

Nitrogen fertilization is known to increase disease susceptibility, a phenomenon called Nitrogen-Induced Susceptibility (NIS). In rice, this phenomenon has been observed in infections with the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. A previous classical genetic study revealed a locus (NIS1) that enhances susceptibility to rice blast under high nitrogen fertilization. In order to further address the underlying genetics of plasticity in susceptibility to rice blast after fertilization, we analyzed NIS under greenhouse-controlled conditions in a panel of 139 temperate japonica rice strains. A genome-wide association analysis was conducted to identify loci potentially involved in NIS by comparing susceptibility loci identified under high and low nitrogen conditions, an approach allowing for the identification of loci validated across different nitrogen environments. We also used a novel NIS Index to identify loci potentially contributing to plasticity in susceptibility under different nitrogen fertilization regimes.

Results

A global NIS effect was observed in the population, with the density of lesions increasing by 8%, on average, under high nitrogen fertilization. Three new QTL, other than NIS1, were identified. A rare allele of the RRobN1 locus on chromosome 6 provides robust resistance in high and low nitrogen environments. A frequent allele of the NIS2 locus, on chromosome 5, exacerbates blast susceptibility under the high nitrogen condition. Finally, an allele of NIS3, on chromosome 10, buffers the increase of susceptibility arising from nitrogen fertilization but increases global levels of susceptibility. This allele is almost fixed in temperate japonicas, as a probable consequence of genetic hitchhiking with a locus involved in cold stress adaptation.

Conclusions

Our results extend to an entire rice subspecies the initial finding that nitrogen increases rice blast susceptibility. We demonstrate the usefulness of estimating plasticity for the identification of novel loci involved in the response of rice to the blast fungus under different nitrogen regimes.