bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects for Using Big Data in Financial Analysis
Authors: Sadyrin Igor , Syrovatskay Olga , Leonova Olga
Published: June 2021

The ongoing digital transformation of the national economy inevitably sets the task of introducing digital technologies and tools into the practice of economic activities of organizations and enterprises. One of the areas of digitalization is Big Data technology, which in many ways is already being used in the field of finance. However, for the effective use of big data in the practice of financial analysis of economic activity, it is necessary to solve a variety of significant problems. The article discusses the promising directions of using big data in financial analysis procedures, which, being integrated into the system of forming various management decisions, can significantly increase their efficiency. The necessary elements of the financial analysis system, which, first of all, should be focused on the use of big data, are considered, as well as aspects that, when using digital technologies, can provide the maximum effect.
Artificial Intelligence as Effective Digital Transformation Legal Means of Business, Management, Economy and Technology
Authors: Sushkova Olga V. , Sazonova Irina V. , Tyulin Aleksandr V. , Ruzhentseva Marina S.
Published: June 2021

Currently, entrepreneurial and professional activities are being transformed towards digital business, management, economics and technology, which are viewed through the prism of four new technological areas: artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud technologies and data analytics. Therefore, we will use multidisciplinary approaches that show how digital tools affect all areas of business processes, management and economics.

Purpose of the study: to determine the role and importance of artificial intelligence for building an effective model of business, management, economy and technology transformation, business and professional activities in the context of law and society digital transformation.

Methods: The methodological basis of this work was general scientific methods of cognition of legal phenomena, such as synthesis, the method of analogy, formal logic and others, as well as specific scientific methods for studying the category of artificial intelligence in the field of entrepreneurial and professional activity.

Results and novelty: To achieve the goals of using AI, it can be described as follows: the first step is to use big data, the second is to apply analytics, and the third is forecasting. AI is used to collect and store data for analysis and further forecasting. Companies in IT, marketing, finance, accounting and sales are using AI to become more competitive and efficient.
Development of an Information and Analytical System for Predicting Price Fluctuations and Long-Term Trends Using Generative-Adversarial Neural Networks
Authors: Filippova Lyudmila , Sazonova Anna , Leonov Yuriy , Shatova Polina
Published: June 2021

Deep learning methods (DML) have been widely used in financial fields recently, such as stock market forecasting, balance the portfolio, financial information processing, and transaction execution strategies. Stock market forecasting and effective trading strategy construction, when using deep learning, are the most popular ways of applying DML in the field of finance. Against the background of the general development of the Russian stock market, the study and investigation of its price dynamics is a highly promising direction for analyzing and forecasting the value of financial assets in which it is planned to invest money. In this study, a new architecture of a conditional generative-adversarial neural network (GAN) with a multi-level perceptron (MLP) as a discriminator and a long short-term memory (LSTM) as a generator for determining trends is proposed. The Box-Jenkins method (ARIMA) is used to determine the confidence interval.
Digitalization management system of Russia’s federal cities focused on prospective application throughout the country
Authors: Kelesh Yulia V. , Bessonova Elena A.
Published: June 2021

The spread of digital technology around the world is accompanied by the uneven development of digitalization processes on the territory of different countries. Russia is no exception. The problem of digitalization management in the Russian Federation must be solved by building an effective system of its management. In order to implement digitalization management throughout the country, it is necessary, first of all, to establish this process on the territory of federal cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol. Federal cities have all opportunities for building an effective system of digitalization management which in the future could be applied in other Russia’s regions without any serious failures and significant losses. The review and assessment of trends in the current development of digitalization in Russia’s cities of federal importance, the identification of priority digital technologies and priority areas of digitalization in them, the evaluation of their digital life level indicates the unresolved issues of digitalization management in the cities under consideration. A competent organization of digitalization management in federal cities based on the proposed directions will ensure the successful development of digital transformation processes within their territories, and other Russia’s regions will be able to adopt their experience in the future.
Mobilität und Sturzprävention im Alter
Authors: Freiberger Ellen , Sieber Cornel C. , Singler Katrin
Published: June 2021

Mobilität ist ein wesentlicher Faktor im Selbstständigkeitserhalt und für das „gesunde“ Altern. Mit zunehmendem Alter steigt das Risiko einer Mobilitätseinschränkung. Auch Stürze stellen für den älteren Menschen ein einschneidendes Erlebnis dar und können nicht nur physische Konsequenzen wie Verletzungen haben, sondern auch psychische Konsequenzen wie Sturzangst, die wiederum negative Verhaltensanpassungen bewirken, z. B. sich weniger zu bewegen.
Protection of Beta Boswellic Acid against Streptozotocin-induced Alzheimerʼs Model by Reduction of Tau Phosphorylation Level and Enhancement of Reelin Expression
Authors: Shasaltaneh Marzieh Dehghan , Naghdi Nasser , Ramezani Sadrollah , Alizadeh Leila , Riazi Gholam Hossein
Published: June 2021

Alzheimerʼs disease is a growing general health concern with huge implications for individuals and society. Beta boswellic acid, a major compound of the Boswellia serrata plant, has long been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The exact mechanism of beta boswellic acid action in Alzheimerʼs disease pathogenesis remains unclear. In the current study, the protective effect of beta boswellic acid on streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimerʼs disease was surveyed. Alzheimerʼs disease model was induced using streptozotocin followed by an assessment of the treatment effects of beta boswellic acid in the presence of streptozotocin. The prevention effect of beta boswellic acid on Alzheimerʼs disease induction by streptozotocin was evaluated. Behavioral activities in the treated rats were evaluated. Histological analysis was performed. Phosphorylation of tau protein at residues Ser396 and Ser404 and the expression of reelin protein were determined. Glial fibrillary acidic protein immunofluorescence staining was applied in the hippocampus regions. Our findings indicated that beta boswellic acid decreased traveled distance and escape latency in the prevention (beta boswellic acid + streptozotocin) and treatment (streptozotocin + beta boswellic acid) groups compared to control during the acquisition test. It increased “time spent” (%) in the target quadrant. Reelin level was enhanced in rats treated with beta boswellic acid. Tau hyperphosphorylation (p-tau404) and glial fibrillary acidic protein were decreased in the prevention group while the expression of reelin protein in both groups was increased. We could suggest that the anti-inflammatory property of beta boswellic acid is one of the main factors involving in the improvement of learning and memory in rats. Therefore the antineurodegenerative effect of beta boswellic acid may be due to its ability to reactivate reelin protein.
Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review
Authors: Borrás Silvia , Martínez-Solís Isabel , Ríos José Luis
Published: June 2021

Sleep disorders are common among the general population and can generate health problems such as insomnia and anxiety. In addition to standard drugs and psychological interventions, there are different complementary plant-based therapies used to treat insomnia and anxiety. This review aimed to find and examine the most recent research on the use of herbal medicines for treating anxiety and insomnia as compiled from clinical trials, as well as to assess the safety and efficacy of these medicines and to elucidate their possible mechanisms of action. The process entailed a search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases from 2010 to 2020. The search terms included “sleep disorder”, “insomnia”, “sedative”, “hypnotic”, “anxiety”, “anxiolytic”, and “clinical trial”, combined with the search terms “herbs” and “medicinal plants”, in addition to individual herbal medicines by both their common and scientific names. This updated review, which focuses mainly on
clinical trials, includes research on 23 medicinal plants and their combinations. Essential oils and their associations have also been reviewed. The efficacy of medicinal plants depends on treatment duration, types of study subjects, administration route, and treatment method. More clinical trials with an adequate, standardized design are necessary, as are more preclinical studies to continue studying the mechanisms of action. As a result of our work, we can conclude that the 3 plants with the most potential are valerian, passionflower, and ashwagandha, with the combination of valerian with hops and passionflower giving the best results in the clinical tests.
Low-Cost Customized Cranioplasty with Polymethyl Methacrylate Using 3D Printer Generated Mold: An Institutional Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Chaudhary Ankit , Sinha Virendra Deo , Chopra Sanjeev , Shekhawat Jitendra , Jain Gaurav
Published: June 2021

Background Cranioplasty is performed to repair skull defects and to restore normal skull anatomy. Optimal reconstruction remains a topic of debate. Autologous bone flap is the standard option but it may not be available due to traumatic bone fractures, bone infection, and resorption. In this article, the authors presented their experience with prefabrication of precise and low-cost polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) mold using three-dimensional (3D) digital printing.

Materials and Methods A total of 30 patients underwent cranioplasty between March 2017 and September 2019 at Sawai Man Singh Medical College Jaipur, India. Preoperative data included diagnosis for which decompressive craniectomy was done and Glasgow coma scale score. Intraoperative data included operating time. Postoperative data included cosmetic outcome in the form of cranial contour and margins, complications such as infection, seroma, implant failure, wound dehiscence, and hematoma.

Results Patient age at cranioplasty ranged from 12 to 63 years with a mean age of 36.7 years. The mean operating time was 151.6 minutes (range 130–190 minutes). The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 6–13 months). Postoperative wound dehiscence developed in one case (3.3%). Cranial contour and approximation of the margins were excellent and aesthetic appearance improved in all patients.

Conclusion Low-cost PMMA implant made by digital 3D printer mold is associated with reconstruction of the deformed skull contour giving satisfactory results to the patient and his family members, at a low cost compared with other commercially available implants. This technique could be a breakthrough in cranioplasty.
Aberrant Expression of PTPN-14 and Wilms’ Tumor 1 as Putative Biomarker for Locoregional Recurrence in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nayak Seema , Bhatt Madan Lal Brahma , Goel Madhu Mati , Gupta Seema , Mehrotra Divya , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Mishra Anupam
Published: June 2021

Objective Locoregional recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major concern that leads to metastasis. Its detection at earliest stage is very important to increase the overall survival of the patient. There is no any biomarker for locoregional recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was to find a biomarker for locoregional recurrence in tissue and serum at gene and protein level.

Methods This work studied the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 14 (PTPN-14) and Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT-1) in patients and correlated their expression with locoregional recurrence and survival. Tissue expression was observed in formalin fixed tissue biopsies of 96 OSCC and 32 healthy controls by immunohistochemistry using antibody against PTPN-14 and WT-1 and serum level was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy samples. mRNA expression was determined by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patients were followed for 3 years for locoregional recurrence.

Results Expression of PTPN-14 and WT-1 in OSCC was upregulated (aberrant) in tissue and sera in both gene and protein level as compared with healthy controls. Locoregional recurrence was observed in 10 (23.80%) patients and significantly associated with PTPN-14 (p < 0.047) and WT-1 expression (p < 0.031).

Conclusion PTPN-14 and WT-1 may be used as biomarker to identify patients for higher risk of locoregional recurrence. This study drove molecular aspect and phenotypic level to derive new emergent strategies in future for recurrent OSCC.
On a class of gl(n) ⊗ gl(n)-valued classical r-matrices and separation of variables
Authors: Skrypnyk T.
Published: June 2021

We consider a problem of separation of variables for the Lax-integrable Hamiltonian systems governed by gl(n) ⊗ gl(n)-valued classical r-matrices r(u, v). We report on a class of classical non-skew-symmetric non-dynamical gl(n) ⊗ gl(n)-valued r-matrices rJ(u, v) labeled by arbitrary anisoropy matrix J ∈ gl(n) for which the “magic recipe” of Sklyanin [Prog. Theor. Phys., 118, 35 (1995)] in the theory of variable separation is applicable. An example of n = 3 corresponding to gl(3) ⊗ gl(3)-valued r-matrices is elaborated in detail. For the case of the r-matrices rJ(u, v) and n = 3, the coordinates of separation, the reconstruction formulas, and the Abel-type equations are explicitly written for the different types of matrices J.
Experiment investigation on pulsed gamma-ray fluence rate effect on Yb-doped yttrium aluminum garnet scintillator
Authors: Zhang Kan , Hu Huasi , Song Zhaohui , Han Hetong , Guan Xingyin , Lu Yi , Chen Xiang , Yi Yicheng
Published: June 2021

As an ultrafast inorganic scintillator, Yb-doped Y3Al5O12 [yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)] crystals have potential applications in various fields, such as ultrafast radiation detection, solar neutrino detection, pulsed radiation imaging, and nuclear reaction kinetics diagnosis. In this work, the fluence rate effect of pulsed γ rays on the Yb:YAG scintillation crystal was investigated at the “QiangGuang-I” facility. The experiment results show that the fluence rate linear response upper limit of the Yb:YAG crystal is about 9.1 × 1018 MeV cm−2 s−1. The Yb:YAG crystal changed from colorless to yellow, and the relative light output decreased to 63% of its initial value after the irradiations, which were attributed to the radiation induced damage. It is deduced that oxygen vacancies and divalent Yb cations were generated after the irradiations.
Study on the nonreciprocal absorption properties of cylindrical photonic crystals embedded in graphene cascaded by periodic and Rudin–Shapiro sequences at large incident angles
Authors: Wang Qian-Yu , Wang Peng-Xiang , Wan Bao-Fei , Ma Yu , Zhang Hai-Feng
Published: June 2021

Using the transfer matrix method, the absorption, reflection, and nonreciprocity of the cylindrical photonic crystals (CPCs) consisting of graphene and two layers of ordinary medium cascaded by a periodic sequence and a Rudin–Shapiro quasiperiodic sequence are investigated under a large incidence angle of electromagnetic wave. By comparing the cascade of two periodic structures and the case of a single periodic structure, it is concluded that the structure proposed in this paper has better nonreciprocal phenomena and wider relative absorption bandwidth at a large incidence angle, reaching 162.2%, which is also much higher than the general planar photonic crystals. The absorption performance of this structure in TE and TM modes is compared at different angles and it is found that TM mode has a wider absorption bandwidth and has an ideal bandwidth in a large range of incident angle from 20° to 80°. Meanwhile, the optimum parameters of chemical potential and medium thickness are discussed, which can meet the requirements of large absorption bandwidth and significant nonreciprocity at a large incident angle. The CPCs embedded in graphene adopted in this paper are structures that have never been studied before. The electrical conductivity of graphene can be adjusted by the chemical potential, which can more conveniently realize many optical phenomena and provide reference and application values for optical sensing, optical filtering, and optical detection.
Optimized diamond inverted nanocones for enhanced color center to fiber coupling
Authors: Torun Cem Güney , Schneider Philipp-Immanuel , Hammerschmidt Martin , Burger Sven , Munns Joseph H. D. , Schröder Tim
Published: June 2021

Nanostructures can be used for boosting the light outcoupling of color centers in diamond; however, the fiber coupling performance of these nanostructures is rarely investigated. Here, we use a finite element method for computing the emission from color centers in inverted nanocones and the overlap of this emission with the propagation mode in a single-mode fiber. Using different figures of merit, the inverted nanocone parameters are optimized to obtain maximal fiber coupling efficiency, free-space collection efficiency, or rate enhancement. The optimized inverted nanocone designs show promising results with 66% fiber coupling or 83% free-space coupling efficiency at the tin-vacancy center zero-phonon line wavelength of 619 nm. Moreover, when evaluated for broadband performance, the optimized designs show 55% and 76% for fiber coupling and free-space efficiencies, respectively, for collecting the full tin-vacancy emission spectrum at room temperature. An analysis of fabrication insensitivity indicates that these nanostructures are robust against imperfections. For maximum emission rate into a fiber mode, a design with a Purcell factor of 2.34 is identified. Finally, possible improvements offered by a hybrid inverted nanocone, formed by patterning into two different materials, are investigated and increase the achievable fiber coupling efficiency to 71%.
Investigation on the piezo-ceramic discoloration during the DC electrical degradation process
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zheng De Yi , Zhang Chong , Luo Shun
Published: June 2021

The electrical degradation of piezoelectric ceramics occurs during the working process, whose features are the decrease in resistance, the increase in leakage current, and the formation of discoloration areas. During the process of electrical degradation, many times, the occurrence of electrical breakdown events leads to the production and growth of discoloration areas. In this paper, the high-voltage impact test of piezoelectric ceramics is carried out and the obtained discoloration areas are compared with the electrical degradation discoloration areas. It is found that the discoloration areas produced by the high-voltage impact test are the same as those obtained by the electrical degradation test, which shows that the grain arrangement is disordered and the grain boundary is fuzzy. The phase structure of the discoloration areas obtained by the two methods is consistent with that of the piezoelectric ceramic matrix, and it has been discovered that the formation of discoloration areas in the process of electrical degradation is a physical change process. The formation of discoloration areas is caused by the change in the local structure of piezoelectric ceramics, which leads to a decrease in light transmittance, and it is a direct cause. The formation of these discoloration areas will lead to a reduction in dielectric loss but has no effect on the piezoelectric constant, capacitance, and Curie temperature. The resistance of the ceramic sample decreases with the increase in load voltage.
Structural, ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and dielectric study of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 ceramics synthesized with precursors obtained by the sol–gel method and doped with lanthanum
Authors: Serralta-Macías J. J. , Calderón-Piñar F. , García Zaldivar O. , Olguín D. , Yáñez-Limón J. M.
Published: June 2021

This study examines the ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and dielectric properties of La-doped bismuth sodium titanate ceramics Bi0.5Na0.51−xLaxTiO3 (BNLT), using amounts of 0–6.7 at. % La. The precursor powders used to make dense BNLT ceramics were obtained via the sol–gel method using the acetic acid route. All samples were calcined at 700 °C for 1 h and sintered at 1150 °C for 30 min in an encapsulated crucible to avoid Na and Bi volatilization yielding relative densities equal to or higher than 94%. The obtained x-ray diffraction patterns, typical of the perovskite structure, confirm the incorporation of lanthanum into the lattice, which evolved from a rhombohedral phase to a mixture of rhombohedral and cubic structures at higher concentrations. The thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that the crystallization of precursor powders of BNT takes place between 500 and 700 °C. In addition, the scanning electron microscopy micrographs reveal a decrease in grain size from 4.5 to 0.5 µm with increasing La content. The ferroelectric hysteresis curves show that the best ferroelectric properties were obtained for BNT 1.3% La, where the obtained values of remnant polarization and coercive field were Pr = 29 µC/cm2 and Ec = 39 kV/cm, respectively. At this concentration, the pyroelectric response shows a higher value, four times higher than the pyroelectric signal of pure BNT.
Caldesmon ablation in mice causes umbilical herniation and alters contractility of fetal urinary bladder smooth muscle
Authors: Pütz Sandra , Barthel Lisa Sophie , Frohn Marina , Metzler Doris , Barham Mohammed , Pryymachuk Galyna , Trunschke Oliver , Lubomirov Lubomir T. , Hescheler Jürgen , Chalovich Joseph M. , Neiss Wolfram F. , Koch Manuel , Schroeter Mechthild M. , Pfitzer Gabriele
Published: June 2021

The actin-, myosin-, and calmodulin-binding protein caldesmon (CaD) is expressed in two splice isoforms: h-CaD, which is an integral part of the actomyosin domain of smooth muscle cells, and l-CaD, which is widely expressed and is involved in many cellular functions. Despite extensive research for many years, CaD's in vivo function has remained elusive. To explore the role of CaD in smooth muscle contraction in vivo, we generated a mutant allele that ablates both isoforms. Heterozygous animals were viable and had a normal life span, but homozygous mutants died perinatally, likely because of a persistent umbilical hernia. The herniation was associated with hypoplastic and dysmorphic abdominal wall muscles. We assessed mechanical parameters in isometrically mounted longitudinal strips of E18.5 urinary bladders and in ring preparations from abdominal aorta using wire myography. Ca2+ sensitivity was higher and relaxation rate was slower in Cald1−/− compared with Cald1+/+ skinned bladder strips. However, we observed no change in the content and phosphorylation of regulatory proteins of the contractile apparatus and myosin isoforms known to affect these contractile parameters. Intact fibers showed no difference in actin and myosin content, regardless of genotype, although KCl-induced force tended to be lower in homozygous and higher in heterozygous mutants than in WTs. Conversely, in skinned fibers, myosin content and maximal force were significantly lower in Cald1−/− than in WTs. In KO abdominal aortas, resting and U46619 elicited force were lower than in WTs. Our results are consistent with the notion that CaD impacts smooth muscle function dually by (1) acting as a molecular brake on contraction and (2) maintaining the structural integrity of the contractile machinery. Most importantly, CaD is essential for resolution of the physiological umbilical hernia and ventral body wall closure.
Few-electron atoms with linear Bohr–Sommerfeld electron paths
Authors: Persson Rasmus A X
Published: June 2021

With a pedagogical aim suited for the upper-division undergraduate, we apply the old quantum theory (pre-Schrödinger) to the study of many-electron atomic species. We eschew the typical picture with circular atomic Bohr orbits of non-zero angular momentum and instead consider the electrons to be ‘bouncing’ along straight lines on the nucleus. Abandoning the circular orbits of Bohr comes at the cost of a meanfield approximation but at the gain of a physically correct (vanishing) electron angular momentum for the first four elements. The Bohr–Sommerfeld meanfield (or perturbation) calculations, of which we present a variety of increasing numerical complexity, generally give results accurate to within a few percent. For He, also excited states are calculated and these results quickly converge on the exact values already for the first excited state. The main source of error in the semiclassical calculation with respect to the exact results is traced to the neglect of the Pauli principle, since it is virtually present only for the singlet ground-state but not the lowest triplet state.
Characteristics of parametric spin waves in rectangular magnonic blocks
Authors: Hwang S , Yoon Seungha , Kim B R , Han S H , Cho B K
Published: June 2021

The characteristics of parametric spin-wave pumping are investigated in three rectangular permalloy blocks with in-plane aspect ratios of 12, 6, and 4. Micro-Brillouin light scattering (BLS) spectroscopy is utilized to detect the intrinsic properties of excited spin waves under various excitation conditions of an external magnetic field and microwave power. Based on the theoretical dispersion relation and BLS intensity and its spatial profile, the parametric spin wave with a frequency of

f

sw

=

5

.6 GHz

is found to be excited in fundamental mode in a block of largest aspect ratio while the other block have higher-order or edge-localized modes along the width direction. The data shows that the nature of spin waves is quite sensitive on the conditions of sample geometry, applied field and microwave power. Thus, with the appropriate combination of the three parameters, it would be possible to control the nature of spin wave in each block simultaneously, which increase the blocks’ potential in magnonic applications, such as spin-logic and interferometer.
Experimental signature of quantum turbulence in velocity spectra?
Authors: Salort J , Chillà F , Rusaouën E , Roche P-E , Gibert M , Moukharski I , Braslau A , Daviaud F , Gallet B , Saw E-W , Dubrulle B , Diribarne P , Rousset B , Mardion M Bon , Moro J-P , Girard A , Baudet C , L’vov V , Golov A , Nazarenko S
Published: June 2021

Velocity measurements in turbulent superfluid helium between co-rotating propellers are reported. The parameters are chosen such that the flow is fully turbulent, and its dissipative scales are partly resolved by the velocity sensors. This allows for the first experimental comparison of spectra in quantum versus classical turbulence where dissipative scales are resolved. In some specific conditions, differences are observed, with an excess of energy at small scales in the quantum case compared to the classical one. This difference is consistent with the prediction of a pileup of superfluid kinetic energy at the bottom of the inertial cascade of turbulence due to a specific dissipation mechanism.
Flavonoids and saponins in plant rhizospheres: roles, dynamics, and the potential for agriculture
Authors: Sugiyama Akifumi
Published: June 2021

Plants are in constant interaction with a myriad of soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere, an area of soil in close contact with plant roots. Recent research has highlighted the importance of plant-specialized metabolites (PSMs) in shaping and modulating the rhizosphere microbiota; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and function of the microbiota mostly remain unaddressed. Flavonoids and saponins are a group of PSMs whose biosynthetic pathways have largely been revealed. Although these PSMs are abundantly secreted into the rhizosphere and exert various functions, the secretion mechanisms have not been clarified. This review summarizes the roles of flavonoids and saponins in the rhizosphere with a special focus on interactions between plants and the rhizosphere microbiota. Furthermore, this review introduces recent advancements in the dynamics of these metabolites in the rhizosphere and indicates potential applications of PSMs for crop production and discusses perspectives in this emerging research field.
A Bayesian nonparametric model for classification of longitudinal profiles
Authors: Gaskins Jeremy T , Fuentes Claudio , De La Cruz Rolando
Published: June 2021

Across several medical fields, developing an approach for disease classification is an important challenge. The usual procedure is to fit a model for the longitudinal response in the healthy population, a different model for the longitudinal response in the diseased population, and then apply Bayes’ theorem to obtain disease probabilities given the responses. Unfortunately, when substantial heterogeneity exists within each population, this type of Bayes classification may perform poorly. In this article, we develop a new approach by fitting a Bayesian nonparametric model for the joint outcome of disease status and longitudinal response, and then we perform classification through the clustering induced by the Dirichlet process. This approach is highly flexible and allows for multiple subpopulations of healthy, diseased, and possibly mixed membership. In addition, we introduce an Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling scheme that facilitates the assessment of the inference and prediction capabilities of our model. Finally, we demonstrate the method by predicting pregnancy outcomes using longitudinal profiles on the human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit hormone levels in a sample of Chilean women being treated with assisted reproductive therapy.
Maternal Age at First Childbirth and Geographical Variation in Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence in Cameroon: Important Role of Mother-to-Child Transmission
Authors: Moutchia Jude , Njouom Richard , Rumpler Eva , Besombes Camille , Texier Gaëtan , Tejiokem Mathurin , Crépey Pascal , Fontanet Arnaud , Shimakawa Yusuke
Published: June 2021

Background

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection varies geographically around the world. Yet, its underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using a nationally representative population-based sample from all 58 administrative divisions in Cameroon, we examined the association between median maternal age at first childbirth in a preceding generation, a proxy for the frequency of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV in a region, and the risk of chronic HBV infection, defined as positive surface antigen (HBsAg), in the index generation.

Methods

We estimated a division-specific median maternal age at first childbirth using Demographic Health Surveys (DHSs) conducted in 1991, 1998, 2004, and 2011. We tested HBsAg in 2011 DHS participants. We used maps to display spatial variation.

Results

In 14 150 participants (median age, 27 years; 51% females), the overall weighted prevalence of HBsAg was 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.0 to 12.8), with a wide geographical variation across the divisions (range, 6.3%–23.7%). After adjusting for confounders and spatial dependency, lower maternal age at first childbirth was significantly associated with positive HBsAg at the division level (β, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.52) and at the individual level (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.39). A similar ecological correlation was observed across other African countries.

Conclusions

The significant association between the maternal age at first childbirth and HBsAg positivity suggests a crucial role of MTCT in maintaining high HBV endemicity in some areas in Cameroon. This underlines an urgent need to effectively prevent MTCT in sub-Saharan Africa.
AIM2-driven inflammasome activation in heart failure
Authors: Onódi Zsófia , Ruppert Mihály , Kucsera Dániel , Sayour Alex Ali , Tóth Viktória E , Koncsos Gábor , Novák Julianna , Brenner Gábor B , Makkos András , Baranyai Tamás , Giricz Zoltán , Görbe Anikó , Leszek Przemyslaw , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Horváth Iván G , Schulz Rainer , Merkely Béla , Ferdinandy Péter , Radovits Tamás , Varga Zoltán V
Published: June 2021

Aims

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is an important pathogenic factor in cardiovascular diseases including chronic heart failure (HF). The CANTOS trial highlighted that inflammasomes as primary sources of IL-1 β are promising new therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we aimed to assess inflammasome activation in failing hearts to identify activation patterns of inflammasome subtypes as sources of IL-1β.

Methods and results

Out of the four major inflammasome sensors tested, expression of the inflammasome protein absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) increased in human HF regardless of the aetiology (ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy), while the NLRP1/NALP1 and NLRP3 (NLR family, pyrin domain containing 1 and 3) inflammasome showed no change in HF samples. AIM2 expression was primarily detected in monocytes/macrophages of failing hearts. Translational animal models of HF (pressure or volume overload, and permanent coronary artery ligation in rat, as well as ischaemia/reperfusion-induced HF in pigs) demonstrated activation pattern of AIM2 similar to that of observed in end-stages of human HF. In vitro AIM2 inflammasome activation in human Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) monocytic cells and human AC16 cells was significantly reduced by pharmacological blockade of pannexin-1 channels by the clinically used uricosuric drug probenecid. Probenecid was also able to reduce pressure overload-induced mortality and restore indices of disease severity in a rat chronic HF model in vivo.

Conclusions

This is the first report showing that AIM2 and NLRC4 inflammasome activation contribute to chronic inflammation in HF and that probenecid alleviates chronic HF by reducing inflammasome activation. The present translational study suggests the possibility of repositioning probenecid for HF indications.
Double/debiased machine learning for logistic partially linear model
Authors: Liu Molei , Zhang Yi , Zhou Doudou
Published: June 2021

We propose double/debiased machine learning approaches to infer a parametric component of a logistic partially linear model. Our framework is based on a Neyman orthogonal score equation consisting of two nuisance models for the nonparametric component of the logistic model and conditional mean of the exposure with the control group. To estimate the nuisance models, we separately consider the use of high dimensional (HD) sparse regression and (nonparametric) machine learning (ML) methods. In the HD case, we derive certain moment equations to calibrate the first order bias of the nuisance models, which preserves the model double robustness property. In the ML case, we handle the nonlinearity of the logit link through a novel and easy-to-implement ‘full model refitting’ procedure. We evaluate our methods through simulation and apply them in assessing the effect of the emergency contraceptive pill on early gestation and new births based on a 2008 policy reform in Chile.
Assessing the methodology used to study the ascending aorta haemodynamics in bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Edlin Joy , Nowell Justin , Arthurs Christopher , Figueroa Alberto , Jahangiri Marjan
Published: June 2021

Aims 

Modern imaging techniques provide evermore-detailed anatomical and physiological information for use in computational fluid dynamics to predict the behaviour of physiological phenomena. Computer modelling can help plan suitable interventions. Our group used magnetic resonance imaging and computational fluid dynamics to study the haemodynamic variables in the ascending aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve before and after isolated tissue aortic valve replacement. Computer modelling requires turning a physiological model into a mathematical one, solvable by equations that undergo multiple iterations in four dimensions. Creating these models involves several steps with manual inputs, making the process prone to errors and limiting its inter- and intra-operator reproducibility. Despite these challenges, we created computational models for each patient to study ascending aorta blood flow before and after surgery.

Methods and results 

Magnetic resonance imaging provided the anatomical and velocity data required for the blood flow simulation. Patient-specific in- and outflow boundary conditions were used for the computational fluid dynamics analysis. Haemodynamic variables pertaining to blood flow pattern and derived from the magnetic resonance imaging data were calculated. However, we encountered problems in our multi-step methodology, most notably processing the flow data. This meant that other variables requiring computation with computational fluid dynamics could not be calculated.

Conclusion 

Creating a model for computational fluid dynamics analysis is as complex as the physiology under scrutiny. We discuss some of the difficulties associated with creating such models, along with suggestions for improvements in order to yield reliable and beneficial results.
Molecular population genetics of Sex-lethal (Sxl) in the Drosophila melanogaster species group: a locus that genetically interacts with Wolbachia pipientis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bauer DuMont Vanessa L , White Simone L , Zinshteyn Daniel , Aquadro Charles F
Published: June 2021

Sex-lethal (Sxl) is the sex determination switch in Drosophila, and also plays a critical role in germ-line stem cell daughter differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster. Three female-sterile alleles at Sxl in D. melanogaster were previously shown to genetically interact to varying degrees with the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Given this genetic interaction and W. pipientis’ ability to manipulate reproduction in Drosophila, we carried out a careful study of both the population genetics (within four Drosophila species) and molecular evolutionary analysis (across 20 Drosophila species) of Sxl. Consistent with earlier studies, we find that selective constraint has played a prominent role in Sxl’s molecular evolution within Drosophila, but we also observe patterns that suggest both episodic bursts of protein evolution and recent positive selection at Sxl. The episodic nature of Sxl’s protein evolution is discussed in light of its genetic interaction with W. pipientis.
Experimental investigation of a ground-source heat pump system for greenhouse heating–cooling
Authors: Harjunowibowo Dewanto , Omer Siddig A , Riffat Saffa B
Published: June 2021

One of the important heating criteria of a greenhouse in the Northern hemisphere countries is heat availability, particularly in the winter season. Among other heat storage types, seasonal soil-based energy storage performance is auspicious. However, the performance is affected by the length and depth of borehole pipes used, which are very expensive for growers. Therefore, this study investigates the performance of a shallow seasonal soil-based energy storage heat pump, in a greenhouse. Thick insulations were installed to reduce soil heat loss. The soil thermal imbalance ratio was calculated to know the thermal recovery resulted. Based on the results, the heat pump’s seasonal coefficient of performance (COP) heating and cooling varied between 1.48–2.97 and 1.20–3.45, respectively. The COPsys heating and cooling were observed to be 1.51 and 1.55, respectively. However, the system successfully maintained indoor temperature >16°C in other seasons, except for winter. Due to low brine input in winter, the average indoor temperature dropped to 11°C, indicating a thermal soil property problem. Moreover, the proposed system achieved soil thermal imbalance ratio of 32.76%.
Methadone, Buprenorphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl and Tramadol in Multiple Postmortem Matrices
Authors: Havig Stine Marie , Vindenes Vigdis , Øiestad Åse Marit Leere , Rogde Sidsel , Thaulow Cecilie Hasselø
Published: June 2021

Peripheral blood (PB) concentrations are generally preferred for postmortem toxicological interpretation, but some autopsy cases may lack blood for sampling due to decomposition or large traumas, etc. In such cases, other tissues or bodily fluids must be sampled; however, limited information exists on postmortem concentrations in matrices other than blood. Pericardial fluid (PF), muscle and vitreous humor (VH) have been suggested as alternatives to blood, but only a few studies have investigated the detection of opioids in these matrices. In this study, we aimed to investigate the detection of methadone, buprenorphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and tramadol in postmortem samples of PF, skeletal muscle and VH, in addition to PB and cardiac blood and if drug concentrations in these alternative matrices were comparable to those in PB and thereby useful for interpretation. In most of the 54 included cases, only one opioid was detected. Methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl and tramadol were detected in all of the alternative matrices in almost all cases, while buprenorphine was detected less often. For methadone, the concentrations in the alternative matrices, except in VH, were relatively similar to those in PB. Larger variations in concentrations were found for buprenorphine, oxycodone and tramadol. Quantitative analyses appeared useful for fentanyl, in all of the alternative matrices, but only four cases were included. Toxicological analyses of opioids in these alternative postmortem matrices can be useful for detection, but quantitative results must be interpreted with caution.
Early science with the Large Millimeter Telescope: a 1.1 mm AzTEC survey of red-Herschel dusty star-forming galaxies
Authors: Montaña A , Zavala J A , Aretxaga I , Hughes D H , Ivison R J , Pope A , Sánchez-Argüelles D , Wilson G W , Yun M , Cantua O A , McCrackan M , Michałowski M J , Valiante E , Arumugam V , Casey C M , Chávez R , Colín-Beltrán E , Dannerbauer H , Dunlop J S , Dunne L , Eales S , Ferrusca D , Gómez-Rivera V , Gómez-Ruiz A I , de la Luz V H , Maddox S J , Narayanan G , Omont A , Rodríguez-Montoya I , Serjeant S , Schloerb F P , Velázquez M , Ventura-González S , van der Werf P , Zeballos M
Published: June 2021

We present Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT)/AzTEC 1.1 mm observations of ∼100 luminous high-redshift dusty star-forming galaxy candidates from the $\sim 600\,$ sq.deg Herschel-ATLAS survey, selected on the basis of their SPIRE red far-infrared colours and with $S_{500\, \mu \rm m}=35-80$ mJy. With an effective $\theta _{\rm FWHM}\approx 9.5\,$arcsec angular resolution, our observations reveal that at least 9 per cent of the targets break into multiple systems with signal-to-noise ratio ≥4 members. The fraction of multiple systems increases to ∼23 per cent (or more) if some non-detected targets are considered multiples, as suggested by the data. Combining the new AzTEC and deblended Herschel photometry, we derive photometric redshifts, infrared luminosities, and star formation rates. While the median redshifts of the multiple and single systems are similar (zmed ≈ 3.6), the redshift distribution of the latter is skewed towards higher redshifts. Of the AzTEC sources, ∼85 per cent lie at zphot > 3 while ∼33 per cent are at zphot > 4. This corresponds to a lower limit on the space density of ultrared sources at 4 < z < 6 of $\sim 3\times 10^{-7}\, \textrm {Mpc}^{-3}$ with a contribution to the obscured star formation of $\gtrsim 8\times 10^{-4}\, \textrm {M}_\odot \, \textrm {yr}^{-1} \, \textrm {Mpc}^{-3}$. Some of the multiple systems have members with photometric redshifts consistent among them suggesting possible physical associations. Given their angular separations, these systems are most likely galaxy over-densities and/or early-stage pre-coalescence mergers. Finally, we present 3 mm LMT/RSR spectroscopic redshifts of six red-Herschel galaxies at zspec = 3.85−6.03, two of them (at z ∼ 4.7) representing new redshift confirmations. Here, we release the AzTEC and deblended Herschel photometry as well as catalogues of the most promising interacting systems and z > 4 galaxies.
No Bread, No Freedom, No Social Justice
Authors: Teti Andrea , Gervasio Gennaro
Published: June 2021

Conventional approaches to democratization in the Middle East take for granted the priority of some civil–political rights (e.g., voting) over others (e.g., rights of association or protest, socioeconomic rights). The discursive structure of these approaches has framed both the promotion of democracy by the European Union and regional governments’ counter-conductive reframing against that effort. But this pas de deux is part of a broader dynamic in which the common ground shared by these two efforts frames democracy so as to deny and delegitimize both the conception of democracy held by Middle Eastern and North African populations themselves and the political and socioeconomic demands of those same populations. Governments, in short, are engaged in “counter-conducting” their own populations. Drawing on critical discourse analysis of key documents, public opinion survey data, and activist interviews, an analysis of the Egyptian case shows that the discursive competition between governments is (also) a dance around democracy which seeks to avoid the more radical, egalitarian demands by populations.
Religion and Politics in Contemporary Turkey
Authors: Altınordu Ateş
Published: June 2021

Religion and secularism have been central threads in Turkish politics throughout the history of the republic. This chapter focuses on three important aspects of the relationship between religion and politics in contemporary Turkey. First, it explores the political functions of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), a government agency that has served as the primary means for the implementation of the religious policies of the Turkish state. Second, it investigates the relations between Islamic communities, political parties, and the state and argues that the distinction between official and unofficial Islam that has informed much of the work on the Turkish religious field must be strongly qualified. Finally, the author focuses on the trajectory of political Islam in Turkey, critically reviewing the literature on the rise, political incorporation, and the authoritarian turn of Islamic parties. The conclusion emphasizes the need for studies investigating the impact of politics on religiosity in Turkish society.