bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Copula-GP model for analyzing multidimensional neuronal and behavioral relationships
Authors: Kudryashova Nina , Amvrosiadis Theoklitos , Dupuy Nathalie , Rochefort Nathalie , Onken Arno
Published: January 2022

One of the main goals of current systems neuroscience is to understand how neuronal populations integrate sensory information to inform behavior. However, estimating stimulus or behavioral information that is encoded in high-dimensional neuronal populations is challenging. We propose a method based on parametric copulas which allows modeling joint distributions of neuronal and behavioral variables characterized by different statistics and timescales. To account for temporal or spatial changes in dependencies between variables, we model varying copula parameters by means of Gaussian Processes (GP). We validate the resulting Copula-GP framework on synthetic data and on neuronal and behavioral recordings obtained in awake mice. We show that the use of a parametric description of the high-dimensional dependence structure in our method provides better accuracy in mutual information estimation in higher dimensions compared to other non-parametric methods. Moreover, by quantifying the redundancy between neuronal and behavioral variables, our model exposed the location of the reward zone in an unsupervised manner (i.e., without using any explicit cues about the task structure). These results demonstrate that the Copula-GP framework is particularly useful for the analysis of complex multidimensional relationships between neuronal, sensory and behavioral variables.
Adhesion-regulated junction slippage controls cell intercalation dynamics in an Apposed-Cortex Adhesion Model
Authors: Nestor-Bergmann Alexander , Blanchard Guy B. , Hervieux Nathan , Fletcher Alexander G. , Étienne Jocelyn , Sanson Bénédicte
Published: January 2022

Cell intercalation is a key cell behaviour of morphogenesis and wound healing, where local cell neighbour exchanges can cause dramatic tissue deformations such as body axis extension. Substantial experimental work has identified the key molecular players facilitating intercalation, but there remains a lack of consensus and understanding of their physical roles. Existing biophysical models that represent cell-cell contacts with single edges cannot study cell neighbour exchange as a continuous process, where neighbouring cell cortices must uncouple. Here, we develop an Apposed-Cortex Adhesion Model (ACAM) to understand active cell intercalation behaviours in the context of a 2D epithelial tissue. The junctional actomyosin cortex of every cell is modelled as a continuous viscoelastic rope-loop, explicitly representing cortices facing each other at bicellular junctions and the adhesion molecules that couple them. The model parameters relate directly to the properties of the key subcellular players that drive dynamics, providing a multi-scale understanding of cell behaviours. We show that active cell neighbour exchanges can be driven by purely junctional mechanisms. Active contractility and cortical turnover in a single bicellular junction are sufficient to shrink and remove a junction. Next, a new, orthogonal junction extends passively. The ACAM reveals how the turnover of adhesion molecules regulates tension transmission and junction deformation rates by controlling slippage between apposed cell cortices. The model additionally predicts that rosettes, which form when a vertex becomes common to many cells, are more likely to occur in actively intercalating tissues with strong friction from adhesion molecules.
Kinesin-3 mediated axonal delivery of presynaptic neurexin stabilizes dendritic spines and postsynaptic components
Authors: Oliver Devyn , Ramachandran Shankar , Philbrook Alison , Lambert Christopher M. , Nguyen Ken C. Q. , Hall David H. , Francis Michael M.
Published: January 2022

The functional properties of neural circuits are defined by the patterns of synaptic connections between their partnering neurons, but the mechanisms that stabilize circuit connectivity are poorly understood. We systemically examined this question at synapses onto newly characterized dendritic spines ofC.elegansGABAergic motor neurons. We show that the presynaptic adhesion protein neurexin/NRX-1 is required for stabilization of postsynaptic structure. We find that early postsynaptic developmental events proceed without a strict requirement for synaptic activity and are not disrupted by deletion of neurexin/nrx-1. However, in the absence of presynaptic NRX-1, dendritic spines and receptor clusters become destabilized and collapse prior to adulthood. We demonstrate that NRX-1 delivery to presynaptic terminals is dependent on kinesin-3/UNC-104 and show that ongoing UNC-104 function is required for postsynaptic maintenance in mature animals. By defining the dynamics and temporal order of synapse formation and maintenance eventsin vivo, we describe a mechanism for stabilizing mature circuit connectivity through neurexin-based adhesion.
Simulating the effect of evaluation unit size on eligibility to stop mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Haiti
Authors: Kostandova Natalya , Desir Luccene , Direny Abdel , Knipes Alaine , Lemoine Jean Frantz , Fayette Carl Renand , Kirby Amy , Gass Katherine
Published: January 2022

Background

The Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) is a decision-making tool to determine when transmission of lymphatic filariasis is presumed to have reached a level low enough that it cannot be sustained even in the absence of mass drug administration. The survey is applied over geographic areas, called evaluation units (EUs); existing World Health Organization guidelines limit EU size to a population of no more than 2 million people.

Methodology/Principal findings

In 2015, TASs were conducted in 14 small EUs in Haiti. Simulations, using the observed TAS results, were performed to understand the potential programmatic impact had Haiti chosen to form larger EUs. Nine “combination-EUs” were formed by grouping adjacent EUs, and bootstrapping was used to simulate the expected TAS results.

When the combination-EUs were comprised of at least one “passing” and one “failing” EU, the majority of these combination-EU would pass the TAS 79% - 100% of the time. Even in the case when both component EUs had failed, the combination-EU was expected to “pass” 11% of the time.

Simulations of mini-TAS, a strategy with smaller power and hence smaller sample size than TAS, resulted in more conservative “passing” and “failing” when implemented in original EUs.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results demonstrate the high potential for misclassification when the average prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in the combined areas differs with regards to the TAS threshold. Of particular concern is the risk of “passing” larger EUs that include focal areas where prevalence is high enough to be potentially self-sustaining. Our results reaffirm the approach that Haiti took in forming smaller EUs. Where baseline or monitoring data show a high or heterogeneous prevalence, programs should leverage alternative strategies like mini-TAS in smaller EUs, or consider gathering additional data through spot check sites to advise EU formation.
Carriage of antibiotic resistant bacteria in endangered and declining Australian pinniped pups
Authors: Fulham Mariel , McDougall Fiona , Power Michelle , McIntosh Rebecca R. , Gray Rachael
Published: January 2022

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern for wildlife and ecosystem health globally. Genetic determinants of AMR have become indicators of anthropogenic pollution due to their greater association with humans and rarer presence in environments less affected by humans. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution and frequency of the class 1 integron, a genetic determinant of AMR, in both the faecal microbiome and inEscherichia coliisolated from neonates of three pinniped species. Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and long-nosed fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) pups from eight breeding colonies along the Southern Australian coast were sampled between 2016–2019. DNA from faecal samples (n= 309) and fromE.coli(n= 795) isolated from 884 faecal samples were analysed for class 1 integrons using PCRs targeting the conserved integrase gene (intI) and the gene cassette array. Class 1 integrons were detected inA.p.doriferusandN.cinereapups sampled at seven of the eight breeding colonies investigated in 4.85% of faecal samples (n= 15) and 4.52% ofE.coliisolates (n= 36). Integrons were not detected in anyA.forsterisamples. DNA sequencing of the class 1 integron gene cassette array identified diverse genes conferring resistance to four antibiotic classes. The relationship between class 1 integron carriage and the concentration of five trace elements and heavy metals was also investigated, finding no significant association. The results of this study add to the growing evidence of the extent to which antimicrobial resistant bacteria are polluting the marine environment. As AMR determinants are frequently associated with bacterial pathogens, their occurrence suggests that these pinniped species are vulnerable to potential health risks. The implications for individual and population health as a consequence of AMR carriage is a critical component of ongoing health investigations.
Understanding contributors to racial and ethnic inequities in COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates
Authors: Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Reidhead Mat , Grotzinger Joshua , McBride Timothy , Mody Aaloke , Nagasako Elna , Ross Will , Steensma Joseph T. , Barker Abigail R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Racial inequities in Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported over the course of the pandemic, with Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Native American individuals suffering higher case rates and more fatalities than their White counterparts.

Methods

We used a unique statewide dataset of confirmed COVID-19 cases across Missouri, linked with historical statewide hospital data. We examined differences by race and ethnicity in raw population-based case and mortality rates. We used patient-level regression analyses to calculate the odds of mortality based on race and ethnicity, controlling for comorbidities and other risk factors.

Results

As of September 10, 2020 there were 73,635 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the State of Missouri. Among the 64,526 case records (87.7% of all cases) that merged with prior demographic and health care utilization data, 12,946 (20.1%) were Non-Hispanic (NH) Black, 44,550 (69.0%) were NH White, 3,822 (5.9%) were NH Other/Unknown race, and 3,208 (5.0%) were Hispanic. Raw cumulative case rates for NH Black individuals were 1,713 per 100,000 population, compared with 2,095 for NH Other/Unknown, 903 for NH White, and 1,218 for Hispanic. Cumulative COVID-19-related death rates for NH Black individuals were 58.3 per 100,000 population, compared with 38.9 for NH Other/Unknown, 19.4 for NH White, and 14.8 for Hispanic. In a model that included insurance source, history of a social determinant billing code in the patient’s claims, census block travel change, population density, Area Deprivation Index, and clinical comorbidities, NH Black race (OR 1.75, 1.51–2.04, p<0.001) and NH Other/Unknown race (OR 1.83, 1.36–2.46, p<0.001) remained strongly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

In Missouri, COVID-19 case rates and mortality rates were markedly higher among NH Black and NH Other/Unknown race than among NH White residents, even after accounting for social and clinical risk, population density, and travel patterns during COVID-19.
Diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Sabah primary health clinics–Addressing the underlying factors
Authors: Naserrudin Nurul Athirah , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Kaur Nirmal , Syed Abdul Rahim Syed Sharizman , Ibrahim Mohd Yusof
Published: January 2022

Every person diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is at risk of developing Diabetic retinopathy (DR). Thus, DR is one of the major chronic microvascular complications of T2DM. However, in Malaysia, research about DR is still scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DR among diabetic patients across 46 primary healthcare clinics in Sabah, Malaysia. Secondly, it purported to identify the factors influencing the development of DR. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 22,345 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in the Sabah Diabetic Registry from 2008 to 2015. Of the 22,345 T2DM patients, 13.5% (n = 3,029) of them were diagnosed with DR. Multiple logistic regression revealed seven major risk factors of DR, i.e. patients with diabetic foot ulcer [aOR: 95% CI 3.08 (1.96–4.85)], patients with diabetic nephropathy [aOR: 95% CI 2.47 (2.13–2.86)], hypertension [aOR: 95% CI 1.63 (1.43–1.87)], dyslipidaemia [aOR: 95% CI 1.30 (1.17–1.44)], glycated haemoglobin [(HbA1c) > 6.5 (aOR: 95% CI 1.25 (1.14–1.38)], duration of diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [aOR: 95% CI 1.06 (1.05–1.07)] and age of patient [aOR: 95% CI 1.01 (1.00–1.02)] respectively. DR is a preventable complication. The effective glycaemic control is crucial in preventing DR. In minimizing the prevalence of DR, the healthcare authorities should institute programmes to induce awareness on the management of DR’s risk factors among patient and practitioner.
Intra-cardiac transfer of fatty acids from capillary to cardiomyocyte
Authors: van der Vusse Ger J. , Arts Theo , Bassingthwaighte James B. , Reneman Robert S.
Published: January 2022

Blood-borne fatty acids (Fa) are important substrates for energy conversion in the mammalian heart. After release from plasma albumin, Fa traverse the endothelium and the interstitial compartment to cross the sarcolemma prior to oxidation in the cardiomyocytal mitochondria. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the site with lowest Fa permeability (i.e., highest Fa resistance) in the overall Fa trajectory from capillary to cardiomyocyte and the relative contribution of unbound Fa (detach pathway, characterized by the dissociation time constant τAlbFa) and albumin-bound Fa (contact pathway, characterized by the membrane reaction rate parameter dAlb) in delivering Fa to the cellular membranes. In this study, an extensive set of 34 multiple indicator dilution experiments with radiolabeled albumin and palmitate on isolated rabbit hearts was analysed by means of a previously developed mathematical model of Fa transfer dynamics. In these experiments, the ratio of the concentration of palmitate to albumin was set at 0.91. The analysis shows that total cardiac Fa permeability, Ptot, is indeed related to the albumin concentration in the extracellular compartment as predicted by the mathematical model. The analysis also reveals that the lowest permeability may reside in the boundary zones containing albumin in the microvascular and interstitial compartment. However, the permeability of the endothelial cytoplasm, Pec, may influence overall Fa permeability, Ptot, as well. The model analysis predicts that the most likely value of τAlbFa ranges from about 200 to 400 ms. In case τAlbFa is fast, i.e., about 200 ms, the extracellular contact pathway appears to be of minor importance in delivering Fa to the cell membrane. If Fa dissociation from albumin is slower, e.g. τAlbFa equals 400 ms, the contribution of the contact pathway may vary from minimal (dAlb≤5 nm) to substantial (dAlb about 100 nm). In the latter case, the permeability of the endothelial cytoplasm varies from infinite (no hindrance) to low (substantial hindrance) to keep the overall Fa flux at a fixed level. Definitive estimation of the impact of endothelial permeability on Ptot and the precise contribution of the contact pathway to overall transfer of Fa in boundary zones containing albumin requires adequate physicochemical experimentation to delineate the true value of, among others, τAlbFa, under physiologically relevant circumstances. Our analysis also implies that concentration differences of unbound Fa are the driving force of intra-cardiac Fa transfer; an active, energy requiring transport mechanism is not necessarily involved. Membrane-associated proteins may facilitate Fa transfer in the boundary zones containing albumin by modulating the membrane reaction rate parameter, dAlb, and, hence, the contribution of the contact pathway to intra-cardiac Fa transfer.
The methylome in females with adolescent Conduct Disorder: Neural pathomechanisms and environmental risk factors
Authors: Chiocchetti Andreas G. , Yousaf Afsheen , Waltes Regina , Bernhard Anka , Martinelli Anne , Ackermann Katharina , Haslinger Denise , Rotter Björn , Krezdorn Nico , Konrad Kerstin , Kohls Gregor , Vetro Agnes , Hervas Amaia , Fernández-Rivas Aranzazu , Freitag Christine M.
Published: January 2022

Conduct Disorder (CD) is an impairing psychiatric disorder of childhood and adolescence characterized by aggressive and dissocial behavior. Environmental factors such as maternal smoking during pregnancy, socio-economic status, trauma, or early life stress are associated with CD. Although the number of females with CD is rising in Western societies, CD is under-researched in female cohorts. We aimed at exploring the epigenetic signature of females with CD and its relation to psychosocial and environmental risk factors. We performed HpaII sensitive genome-wide methylation sequencing of 49 CD girls and 50 matched typically developing controls and linear regression models to identify differentially methylated CpG loci (tags) and regions. Significant tags and regions were mapped to the respective genes and tested for enrichment in pathways and brain developmental processes. Finally, epigenetic signatures were tested as mediators for CD-associated risk factors. We identified a 12% increased methylation 5’ of the neurite modulator SLITRK5 (FDR = 0.0046) in cases within a glucocorticoid receptor binding site. Functionally, methylation positively correlated with gene expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines. At systems-level, genes (uncorr. P < 0.01) were associated with development of neurons, neurite outgrowth or neuronal developmental processes. At gene expression level, the associated gene-networks are activated perinatally and during early childhood in neocortical regions, thalamus and striatum, and expressed in amygdala and hippocampus. Specifically, the epigenetic signatures of the gene network activated in the thalamus during early childhood correlated with the effect of parental education on CD status possibly mediating its protective effect. The differential methylation patterns identified in females with CD are likely to affect genes that are expressed in brain regions previously indicated in CD. We provide suggestive evidence that protective effects are likely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms impairing specific brain developmental networks and therefore exerting a long-term effect on neural functions in CD. Our results are exploratory and thus, further replication is needed.
Model-based cost-effectiveness analyses comparing combinations of urate lowering therapy and anti-inflammatory treatment in gout patients
Authors: van de Laar Celine Johanna , Janssen Carly A. , Janssen Matthijs , Oude Voshaar Martijn A. H. , AL Maiwenn J. , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To assess the cost-effectiveness of various combinations of urate lowering therapy (ULT) and anti-inflammatory treatment in the management of newly diagnosed gout patients, from the Dutch societal perspective.

Methods

A probabilistic patient-level simulation estimating costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) comparing gout and hyperuricemia treatment strategies was performed. ULT options febuxostat, allopurinol and no ULT were considered. Flare treatments naproxen, colchicine, prednisone, and anakinra were considered. A Markov Model was constructed to simulate gout disease. Health states were no flare, and severe pain, mild pain, moderate pain, or no pain in the presence of a flare. Model input was derived from patient level clinical trial data, meta-analyses or from previously published health-economic evaluations. The results of probabilistic sensitivity analyses were presented using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and summarized using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs). Scenario analyses were performed.

Results

The ICER for allopurinol versus no ULT was €1,381, when combined with naproxen. Febuxostat yielded the highest utility, but also the highest costs (€4,385 vs. €4,063 for allopurinol), resulting in an ICER of €25,173 when compared to allopurinol. No ULT was not cost-effective, yielding the lowest utility. For the gout flare medications, comparable effects on utility were achieved. Combined with febuxostat, naproxen was the cheapest option (€4,404), and anakinra the most expensive (€4,651). The ICER of anakinra compared to naproxen was €818,504. Colchicine and prednisone were dominated by naproxen.

Conclusion

Allopurinol and febuxostat were both cost-effective compared to No ULT. Febuxostat was cost-effective in comparison with allopurinol at higher willingness-to-pay thresholds. For treating gout flares, colchicine, naproxen and prednisone offered comparable health economic implications, although naproxen was the favoured option.
A cross-sectional study design to determine the prevalence of knowledge, attitude, and the preventive practice of food poisoning and its factors among postgraduate students in a public university in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Mshelia Arhyel Buba , Osman Malina , Binti Misni Norashiqin
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study is designed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of food poisoning and its factors among postgraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 respondents who were selected through simple random sampling. Data was generated using a validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The majority of the respondents are male, aged less than 35 years old, non-Malaysian, single, first-degree holders, not working, received a monthly income of less than 3264 Malaysian Ringgit, aware of food poisoning outbreak and the sources of their information of the food poisoning outbreak were television, the internet, newspaper, Online journals, friends, Facebook, community, nurse, drinking raw milk for the second time, information from their parents, relatives, restaurant, and radio. Majority had previous history of food poisoning illness but didn’t correctly confirm the causes of their food poisoning illness. Majority had poor knowledge, acceptable attitude, and good practice of food poisoning. A significant association was observed for citizen, marital status, awareness of food poisoning outbreak, and previous history of food poisoning illness with knowledge. Gender and awareness of food poisoning outbreak were significantly associated with attitude. Attitude and practice were significantly associated. Logistic regression revealed that being married, awareness of food poisoning outbreak, and previous history of food poisoning illness are predictors for good knowledge. Female respondents and awareness of food poisoning outbreak are predictors for acceptable attitude.

Conclusion

Documentation of the identified poor knowledge and factors affecting knowledge, attitude, and practice provides essential information on the baseline indicators towards the risk of food poisoning among the respondents. A relevant interventional program is highly recommended to prevent the potential risks of food poisoning outbreak among them.
Understanding the role of village fund and administrative capacity in stunting reduction: Empirical evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Indra Jul , Khoirunurrofik Khoirunurrofik
Published: January 2022

The Indonesian government launched various programs to handle stunting cases, including village funds. This paper examined the effects of village fund programs and village apparatuses’ capacities to combat stunting based on aggregate data at the district level in Indonesia. Using descriptive data analysis and fixed effect panel regression, we observed that village fund programs could significantly reduce Indonesia’s stunting prevalence, especially outside Java. It also revealed that the increasing education of regional leaders does not necessarily positively impact leaders’ skills in handling stunting. At the same time, the number of village officials has a statistically significant influence on reducing stunting prevalence. It advised that the village budget fund can support national priorities in tackling the prevalence of stunting. Furthermore, it is essential to build the capacity of the village head for increasing awareness of health activities, especially early prevention of stunting, in addition to an adequate number of officials.
A randomized controlled trial on the effects of blue-blocking glasses compared to partial blue-blockers on sleep outcomes in the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Liset Randi , Grønli Janne , Henriksen Roger E. , Henriksen Tone E. G. , Nilsen Roy M. , Pallesen Ståle
Published: January 2022

Objective

Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy. Blocking blue light has been shown to improve sleep and may be a suitable intervention for sleep problems during pregnancy. The present study investigated the effects of blue light blocking in the evening and during nocturnal awakenings among pregnant women on primary sleep outcomes in terms of total sleep time, sleep efficiency and mid-point of sleep.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 60 healthy nulliparous pregnant women in the beginning of the third trimester were included. They were randomized, using a random number generator, either to a blue-blocking glass intervention (n = 30) or to a control glass condition constituting partial blue-blocking effect (n = 30). Baseline data were recorded for one week and outcomes were recorded in the last of two intervention/control weeks. Sleep was measured by actigraphy, sleep diaries, the Bergen Insomnia Scale, the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale.

Results

The results on the primary outcomes showed no significant mean difference between the groups at posttreatment, neither when assessed with sleep diary; total sleep time (difference = .78[min], 95%CI = -19.7, 21.3), midpoint of sleep (difference = -8.9[min], 95%CI = -23.7, 5.9), sleep efficiency (difference = -.06[%], 95%CI = -1.9, 1.8) and daytime functioning (difference = -.05[score points], 95%CI = -.33, .22), nor by actigraphy; total sleep time (difference = 13.0[min], 95%CI = -9.5, 35.5), midpoint of sleep (difference = 2.1[min], 95%CI = -11.6, 15.8) and sleep efficiency (difference = 1.7[%], 95%CI = -.4, 3.7). On the secondary outcomes, the Bergen Insomnia Scale, the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and the Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale the blue-blocking glasses no statistically significant difference between the groups were found. Transient side-effects were reported in both groups (n = 3).

Conclusions

The use of blue-blocking glasses compared to partially blue-blocking glasses in a group of healthy pregnant participants did not show statistically significant effects on sleep outcomes. Research on the effects of blue-blocking glasses for pregnant women with sleep-problems or circadian disturbances is warranted.

Trial registration

The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03114072).
Construction of computer model for enterprise green innovation by PSO-BPNN algorithm and its impact on economic performance
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Tang Zhuosi
Published: January 2022

The present work aims to analyze the elements that affect corporate green technology innovation and investigate a method suitable for predicting and evaluating corporate performance. First, the elements of green technology innovation and their relationships are analyzed and explained. Then, the Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory is introduced. On this basis, a computer model for the driving mechanism system of corporate green technology innovation is constructed on the Recursive Porus Agent Simulation (Repast) platform. Finally, the Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) model is optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), constituting the PSO-BPNN algorithm to evaluate corporate performance. The results of network training and simulation demonstrate that compared with traditional BPNN, PSO-BPNN achieve a faster convergence speed and fewer errors. Besides, the actual output value has a tiny difference from the expected value, showing the application potential of this algorithm in corporate performance prediction. Moreover, the driving factors of green technology innovation greatly affect the profitability and performance of enterprises. Given insufficient corporate profit margin, continuous technological innovation activities can ensure the normal operation of enterprises. A smaller corporate tax rate can shorten the time for the system to reach equilibrium. When the corporate tax rate is above 0.2, the system takes longer to reach equilibrium. In addition, the public opinion coefficient directly affects the time needed for the system to attain equilibrium. When the public opinion coefficient is within 50,00 ~ 6,000 interval, the time that the system takes to reach equilibrium changes significantly. Furthermore, corporate internal and external driving factors have a direct effect on corporate green technology innovation and performance. The research findings indicate that the PSO-BPNN algorithm is of vital practical value to corporate performance evaluation.
Metformin exposure, maternal PCOS status and fetal venous liver circulation: A randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Grindheim Sindre , Ebbing Cathrine , Karlsen Henriette Odland , Skulstad Svein Magne , Real Francisco Gómez , Lønnebotn Marianne , Løvvik Tone , Vanky Eszter , Kessler Jørg
Published: January 2022

Background

Metformin is prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to prevent pregnancy complications. Children exposed to metformin vs. placebo in utero, have increased head circumference at birth and are more overweight and obese at 8 years of age. Also, maternal PCOS-status seems to alter the long-term cardio-metabolic health of offspring. We hypothesized that the long-term effects of metformin-exposure and/or maternal PCOS may be mediated by circulatory adaptations during fetal life.

Material and methods

This is a sub-study of a larger double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, where women with PCOS were randomized to metformin (2g/day) or placebo in pregnancy, a total of 487 women. A sub-group of participants (N = 58) took part in this sub-study and had an extended ultrasound examination at gestational week 32, including blood flow velocity and diameter measurements of the umbilical vein (UV), the ductus venosus (DV) and the portal vein (PV). Blood flow volume was calculated and adjusted for estimated fetal weight (EFW) (normalized flow). Metformin exposed fetuses were compared to placebo exposed fetuses. Fetuses of mothers with PCOS (metformin [n = 30] and placebo [n = 28]) were compared to a low-risk reference population (N = 160) by z-score statistics.

Results

There was no difference in fetal liver flow between metformin vs. placebo-exposed fetuses. Fetuses of mothers with PCOS had higher EFW (0.63 [95% CI 0.44–0.83] p<0.001), lower normalized UV, DV, PV, and lower total venous liver blood flows than the reference population.

Conclusion

Metformin during pregnancy did not affect fetal liver blood-flow. In our population, maternal PCOS-status was associated with reduced total venous liver blood-flow, which may explain altered growth and metabolism later in life.
An integrated model to study varietal diversity in traditional agroecosystems
Authors: Hirata Sanches Vitor , Adams Cristina , Ferreira Fernando Fagundes
Published: January 2022

Agricultural diversity is one of the bases of traditional agroecosystems, having great environmental and cultural importance. The current loss of agricultural diversity is causing serious concern, mainly because of its essential role in supporting global and local food security. Stopping this loss requires a better understanding of how diversity is managed locally and what mechanisms sustain agricultural diversity. Here we propose a generalist agent-based model that couples biological, cultural, and social dynamics to obtain varietal diversity as an emergent phenomenon at the community level. With a mechanistic approach, we explore how four of the model dynamics can shape systems diversity. To validate the model, we performed a bibliographic review on Manihot esculenta and Zea mays case studies. The model yielded compatible results for manioc and maize varietal richness at both community and household levels.
Identification of pharmacogenetic variants from large scale next generation sequencing data in the Saudi population
Authors: Goljan Ewa , Abouelhoda Mohammed , ElKalioby Mohamed M. , Jabaan Amjad , Alghithi Nada , Meyer Brian F. , Monies Dorota
Published: January 2022

It is well documented that drug responses are related to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) characteristics of individual patients. Several studies have identified genetic variability in pharmacogenes, that are either directly responsible for or are associated with ADME, giving rise to individualized treatments. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive overview of pharmacogenetic variation in the Saudi population. We mined next generation sequencing (NGS) data from 11,889 unrelated Saudi nationals, to determine the presence and frequencies of known functional SNP variants in 8 clinically relevant pharmacogenes (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A5, CYP4F2, VKORC1, DPYD, TPMT and NUDT15), recommended by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), and collectively identified 82 such star alleles. Functionally significant pharmacogenetic variants were prevalent especially in CYP genes (excluding CYP3A5), with 10–44.4% of variants predicted to be inactive or to have decreased activity. In CYP3A5, inactive alleles (87.5%) were the most common. Only 1.8%, 0.7% and 0.7% of NUDT15, TPMT and DPYD variants respectively, were predicted to affect gene activity. In contrast, VKORC1 was found functionally, to be highly polymorphic with 53.7% of Saudi individuals harboring variants predicted to result in decreased activity and 31.3% having variants leading to increased metabolic activity. Furthermore, among the 8 pharmacogenes studied, we detected six rare variants with an aggregated frequency of 1.1%, that among several other ethnicities, were uniquely found in Saudi population. Similarly, within our cohort, the 8 pharmacogenes yielded forty-six novel variants predicted to be deleterious. Based upon our findings, 99.2% of individuals from the Saudi population carry at least one actionable pharmacogenetic variant.
Comprehensive profiling of bioactive compounds in germinated black soybeans via UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and their anti-Alzheimer’s activity
Authors: Shabbir Umair , Tyagi Akanksha , Ham Hun Ju , Oh Deog-Hwan
Published: January 2022

Black soybeans contain several bioactive compounds and commonly consumed due to their health-related activities but rarely cultivated as edible sprouts. The present study investigated the changes that occurred during germination in two new genotypes black soybeans. Raw and germinated seeds were tested against in vitro Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, including oxidative stress, inflammatory factors and cholinesterase enzymes as well as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. Sprouts significantly inhibited the cholinesterase enzymes and inflammatory factors (protein denaturation, proteinase and lipoxygenase) than seeds. An increase in phenolic, flavonoid and GABA (10-folds) content and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) was observed in germinated seeds. However, anthocyanin content was decreased in sprouts. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS2 metabolites profiling approach identified 22 compounds including amino acids, peptides, fatty acids, and polyphenols. Among identified compounds, daidzein, genistein, gallic acid, spermidine, L-asparagine, and L-lysine exhibited the highest increase after germination. The current study reveals that germination of black soybeans have promising potential to inhibit/prevent AD and can be used to develop functional foods.
Conspiracy endorsement and its associations with personality functioning, anxiety, loneliness, and sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic in a representative sample of the German population
Authors: Hettich Nora , Beutel Manfred E. , Ernst Mareike , Schliessler Clara , Kampling Hanna , Kruse Johannes , Braehler Elmar
Published: January 2022

Background

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have been found to endorse conspiracy beliefs. Socio-demographic variables, personality functioning, anxiety, and loneliness could be risk factors for this endorsement.

Methods

In a representative sample of the German population (N = 2,503) measures of conspiracy mentality, conspiracy-related beliefs toward COVID-19, personality functioning (OPD-SQS), anxiety (HADS), and loneliness (UCLA) were assessed. Pearson product-moment correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Conspiracy mentality and conspiracy-related beliefs toward COVID-19 were strongly correlated. Regression analyses found younger age, male gender, lower education, and lower income to be associated with conspiracy mentality. The subscales relationship model and self-perception of the OPD-SQS were positively related to conspiracy mentality whereas interpersonal contact was negatively associated. Higher levels of anxiety were statistically predictive for conspiracy mentality.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a contribution of personality functioning to the understanding of conspiracy mentality and thus to the advancement of interventions during the pandemic.
Validation of a deep learning-based image analysis system to diagnose subclinical endometritis in dairy cows
Authors: Sadeghi Hafez , Braun Hannah-Sophie , Panti Berner , Opsomer Geert , Bogado Pascottini Osvaldo
Published: January 2022

The assessment of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) proportions (%) of endometrial samples is the hallmark for subclinical endometritis (SCE) diagnosis. Yet, a non-biased, automated diagnostic method for assessing PMN% in endometrial cytology slides has not been validated so far. We aimed to validate a computer vision software based on deep machine learning to quantify the PMN% in endometrial cytology slides. Uterine cytobrush samples were collected from 116 postpartum Holstein cows. After sampling, each cytobrush was rolled onto three different slides. One slide was stained using Diff-Quick, while a second was stained using Naphthol (golden standard to stain PMN). One single observer evaluated the slides twice at different days under light microscopy. The last slide was stained with a fluorescent dye, and the PMN% were assessed twice by using a fluorescence microscope connected to a smartphone. Fluorescent images were analyzed via the Oculyze Monitoring Uterine Health (MUH) system, which uses a deep learning-based algorithm to identify PMN. Substantial intra-method repeatabilities (via Spearman correlation) were found for Diff-Quick, Naphthol, and Oculyze MUH (r = 0.67 to 0.76). The intra-method agreements (via Kappa value) at ≥1% PMN (κ = 0.44 to 0.47) were lower than at >5 (κ = 0.69 to 0.78) or >10% (κ = 0.67 to 0.85) PMN cut-offs. The inter-method repeatabilities (via Lin’s correlation) were also substantial, and values between Diff-Quick and Oculyze MUH, Naphthol and Diff-Quick, and Naphthol and Oculyze MUH were 0.68, 0.69, and 0.77, respectively. The agreements among evaluation methods at ≥1% PMN were weak (κ = 0.06 to 0.28), while it increased at >5 (κ = 0.48 to 0.81) or >10% (κ = 0.50 to 0.65) PMN cut-offs. To conclude, deep learning-based algorithms in endometrial cytology are reliable and useful for simplifying and reducing the diagnosis bias of SCE in dairy cows.
‘We [mostly] carry guns for the internet’: Visibility labour, social hacking and chasing digital clout by Black male youth in Chicago’s drill rap scene
Authors: Evans Jabari
Published: January 2022

Much negative attention has been given to the ‘drill’ music genre, a subgenre of gangsta rap that was born in Chicago’s underground hip hop scene in early 2010s. Previous scholarship has highlighted how social media has shifted how gang-affiliated youth in Chicago carefully manage their street reputations, communicate with peers and fuel gang rivalries through platformed creation. Yet still, in the context of drill, I argue that social media self-branding practices also provide these youth a way out of containment and sequestration to gain visibility in the music industry and empower their neighbourhoods. Based on interviews with drill recording artists and their support workers, I explore the content and character of their work, the centrality of work ethic to their racial identity construction and the way they use social media work to build and maintain status, authenticity and cultivate connections with fans, friends and other cultural producers. Bridging traditional theories of urban sociology with emerging new media scholarship, I suggest this group of artists is a representative case of how the digital practices of disadvantaged Black youth have typically gone mischaracterized in the literature. This study offers new insights into ‘capping’ as an important tenet to hip hop’s visibility labour on social media and how the ‘always on’ nature of digital labour adds another dimension to the typical utilization of street authenticity in narratives of hip hop music. This article concludes by illuminating the many deep contradictions and misconceptions about technological ingenuity, Black youth agency, hip hop culture and street credibility in urban communities.
Representing Islam: Hip-Hop of the September 11 Generation, Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir (2020)
Authors: Jouili Jeanette S.
Published: January 2022

Review of: Representing Islam: Hip-Hop of the September 11 Generation, Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir (2020)

Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 222 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-25305-304-6, p/bk, GBP £23.32
British policy towards the Iraqi Shiites during the First World War
Authors: Cole Juan
Published: January 2022

With the British attack on Ottoman Iraq during the First World War, London and New Delhi focused on the country’s Shiites, imagining that they could incorporate the Shiite centres of authority into British India. The Iraqi Shiites were an object of competition between the Sunni Ottomans and the Christian British. During the war, 1914–18, British generals and administrators deployed a series of images of Iraqi Shiite Muslims, from pragmatic and likely willing to cooperate with a powerful and triumphant empire, to hopelessly irredentist. During the war I argue that officials deployed a set of images of Iraqi Shiites for purposes of their own and the metropolitan public’s morale as well as for propaganda among the colonized. Sometimes British Orientalist beliefs that the Shiites could be wooed from the Sunni Ottomans led them into disaster.
Quagmire in Civil War, Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl (2020)
Authors: Blumi Isa
Published: January 2022

Review of: Quagmire in Civil War, Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl (2020)

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 340 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-10848-676-7, h/bk, £74.99

ISBN 978-1-10870-826-5, p/bk, £24.99
The archives of Saddam Hussein’s regime between historical sources and subjects
Authors: Brill Michael
Published: January 2022

Review of: The Seizure of Saddam Hussein’s Archive of Atrocity, Bruce P. Montgomery (2019)

Maryland, MD: Lexington Books, 258 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-49855-697-2, h/bk, $95

ISBN 978-1-49855-698-9, e/bk, $90

State of Repression: Iraq under Saddam Hussein, Lisa Blaydes (2018)

Princeton, NJ and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 376 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-69118-027-4, h/bk, $35

ISBN 978-0-69121-175-6, p/bk, $24.95

Compulsion in Religion: Saddam Hussein, Islam, and the Roots of Insurgencies in Iraq, Samuel Helfont (2018)

New York: Oxford University Press, 304 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-19084-331-1, h/bk, $38.95

ISBN 978-0-19084-331-4, e/bk, $38.95
Groundwater recharge in phreatic aquifers, a case study: modeling unsaturated zone and recharge rates of the Rio Claro Aquifer using Hydrus-1D
Authors: Nogueira Guilherme E. H. , Gonçalves Roger D.
Published: January 2022

The hydrological process in which water infiltrates from the soil surface to the top of saturated zone of an aquifer is called groundwater recharge. A better understanding of this process is one of the keys for a proper management of an aquifer system, especially in places where water supply relies solely on groundwater. This study presents the applicability of the one-dimensional mathematical model HYDRUS-1D® to simulate the unsaturated zone of the Rio Claro Aquifer, southeastern Brazil, in order to interpret the behavior of the aquifer recharge over time and under different rainfall regimes. Deriving out of simulations, the influence of different precipitation rates, as well as the effect of different land use on the recharge zones was assessed. Results enabled us to observe the variation of distinct properties of the soil profile, such as the spatio-temporal changes in hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content at different soil horizons and depths due to flow and rainfall dynamics. Moreover, the average infiltration time from the soil surface to the top of saturated zone was estimated to be between 85-90 days. The precipitation/recharge ratio was at 20-30% intervals, presenting higher values in periods of greater precipitation. Likewise, changes in land use such as the increase in paved areas led to a nearly virtual zero recharge emphasizing the importance of uncovered areas for natural aquifer recharge processes.
A dinâmica de ocupação e povoamento de Porto Novo: uma colônia étnica e religiosamente homogênea no extremo oeste de Santa Catarina
Authors: Mayer Leandro , Neumann Rosane Marcia
Published: January 2022

Este artigo trata do projeto de colonização étnica e confessional de Porto Novo - atual município de Itapiranga-SC -, implantado em 1926 no Extremo Oeste de Santa Catarina, pela Volksverein – Sociedade União Popular. Para manter os princípios do germanismo manteve-se, na execução do projeto, uma homogeneidade étnica alemã e religiosa, pois concentrava significativo número de imigrantes e se tratava de uma colônia católica. Como recorte teórico-metodológico, discute-se a temática sob a perspectiva da história regional e da micro história.
Perspectiva Psicológica das Experiências Homoafetivas em Heterossexuais Masculinos: Uma Revisão Bibliográfica / Psychological Perspective of Homoaffective Experiences in Male Heterosexuals: A Literature Review
Authors: Souza Cleverson Pereira
Published: January 2022

Esta pesquisa parte de uma revisão da literatura para discorrer sobre os aspectos psicológicos acerca das experiências homoafetivas em heterossexuais masculinos. Buscou-se explorar como as experiências homoafetivas-homossexuais podem gerar impactos psicológicos no desenvolvimento sexual desses jovens e o que estaria ligado a esses impactos. O objetivo foi compreender, pelas perspectivas psicológicas, o impacto das experiências homoafetivas em heterossexuais masculinos. Levantou-se por meio de material bibliográfico, artigos que apresentavam em suas pesquisas relevância para o tema, de modo a considerar diversas plataformas confiáveis como fonte. Os resultados aqui encontrados, expõe a fragilidade da vivência da sexualidade masculina e apontam para novas questões, visto que o impacto de expressar a sexualidade vai além dos aspectos psicológicos.