bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning models of cognitive processes constrained by human brain connectomes
Authors: Zhang Yu , Farrugia Nicolas , Bellec Pierre
Published: October 2021

Decoding cognitive processes from recordings of brain activity has been an active topic in neuroscience research for decades. Traditional decoding studies focused on pattern classification in specific regions of interest and averaging brain activity over many trials. Recently, brain decoding with graph neural networks has been shown to scale at fine temporal resolution and on the full brain, achieving state-of-the-art performance on the human connectome project benchmark. The reason behind this success is likely the strong inductive connectome prior that enables the integration of distributed patterns of brain activity. Yet, the nature of such inductive bias is still poorly understood. In this work, we investigate the impact of the inclusion of multiple path lengths (through high-order graph convolution), the homogeneity of brain parcels (graph nodes), and the type of interactions (graph edges). We evaluate the decoding models on a large population of 1200 participants, under 21 different experimental conditions, acquired from the Human Connectome Project database. Our findings reveal that the optimal choice for large-scale cognitive decoding is to propagate neural dynamics within empirical functional connectomes and integrate brain dynamics using high-order graph convolutions. In this setting, the model exhibits high decoding accuracy and robustness against adversarial attacks on the graph architecture, including randomization in functional connectomes and lesions in targeted brain regions and networks. The trained model relies on biologically meaningful features for the prediction of cognitive states and generates task-specific graph representations resembling task-evoked activation maps. These results demonstrate that a full-brain integrative model is critical for the large-scale brain decoding. Our study establishes principles of how to effectively leverage human connectome constraints in deep graph neural networks, providing new avenues to study the neural substrates of human cognition at scale.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals expression profiles of Trypanosoma brucei sexual stages
Authors: Howick Virginia M. , Peacock Lori , Kay Chris , Collett Clare , Gibson Wendy , Lawniczak Mara K.N.
Published: October 2021

Early diverging lineages such as trypanosomes can provide clues to the evolution of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. In Trypanosoma brucei, the pathogen that causes Human African Trypanosomiasis, sexual reproduction occurs in the salivary glands of the insect host, but analysis of the molecular signatures that define these sexual forms is complicated because they mingle with more numerous, mitotically-dividing developmental stages. We used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) to profile 388 individual trypanosomes from midgut, proventriculus, and salivary glands of infected tsetse flies allowing us to identify tissue-specific cell types. Further investigation of salivary gland parasite transcriptomes revealed fine-scale changes in gene expression over a developmental progression from putative sexual forms through metacyclics expressing variant surface glycoprotein genes. The cluster of cells potentially containing sexual forms was characterized by high level transcription of the gamete fusion protein HAP2, together with an array of surface proteins and several genes of unknown function. We linked these expression patterns to distinct morphological forms using immunofluorescence assays and reporter gene expression to demonstrate that the kinetoplastid-conserved gene Tb927.10.12080 is exclusively expressed at high levels by meiotic intermediates and gametes. We speculate that this protein, currently of unknown function, plays a role in gamete formation and/or fusion.
Making Genomic Surveillance Deliver: A Lineage Classification and Nomenclature System to Inform Rabies Elimination
Authors: Campbell K. , Gifford R.J. , Singer J. , Hill V. , O’Toole A. , Rambaut A. , Hampson K. , Brunker K.
Published: October 2021

The availability of pathogen sequence data and use of genomic surveillance is rapidly increasing. Genomic tools and classification systems need updating to reflect this. Here, rabies virus is used as an example to showcase the potential value of updated genomic tools to enhance surveillance to better understand epidemiological dynamics and improve disease control. Previous studies have described the evolutionary history of rabies virus; however, the resulting taxonomy lacks the definition necessary to identify incursions, lineage turnover and transmission routes at high resolution. Here we propose a lineage classification system based on the dynamic nomenclature used for SARS-CoV-2, defining a lineage by phylogenetic methods, for tracking virus spread and comparing sequences across geographic areas. We demonstrate this system through application to the globally distributed Cosmopolitan clade of rabies virus, defining 73 total lineages within the clade, beyond the 22 previously reported. We further show how integration of this tool with a new rabies virus sequence data resource (RABV-GLUE) enables rapid application, for example, highlighting lineage dynamics relevant to control and elimination programmes, such as identifying importations and their sources, and areas of persistence and transmission, including transboundary incursions. This system and the tools developed should be useful for coordinating and targeting control programmes and monitoring progress as we work towards eliminating dog-mediated rabies, as well as having potential for broad application to the surveillance of other viruses.

Author Summary

The importance of the ability to track the diversity and spread of viruses in a universal way that can be clearly communicated has been highlighted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This, accompanied with the increase in the availability and use of pathogen sequence data, means the development of new genomic tools and classification systems can strengthen outbreak response and disease control. Here, we present an easy-to-use objective and transferable classification tool for tracking viruses at high resolution. We use rabies virus, a neglected zoonotic disease that causes around 59,000 human deaths each year, as an example use case of this tool. Applying our tool to a global clade of rabies virus, we find an over 200% increase in the definition at which we can classify the virus, allowing us to identify areas of persistence and transmission that were not previously apparent, and patterns of virus spread. Insights from the application of this tool should prove valuable in targeting vaccination campaigns and improving surveillance as countries work towards the elimination of dog-mediated rabies.
Co-cultivation is a powerful approach to produce a robust functionally designed synthetic consortium as a live biotherapeutic product (LBP)
Authors: Kurt Fabienne , Leventhal Gabriel E. , Spalinger Marianne R. , Anthamatten Laura , von Bieberstein Philipp Rogalla , Rogler Gerhard , Lacroix Christophe , de Wouters Tomas
Published: October 2021

The successes of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) have provided the necessary proof-of-concept for microbiome therapeutics. Because of the many risks and uncertainties associated with feces-based therapies, defined microbial consortia that modify the microbiome in a targeted manner have emerged as a promising safer alternative to FMT. The development of such live biotherapeutic products has important challenges, including the selection of appropriate strains and the production of the consortia at scale. Here, we report on an ecology and biotechnology-based approach to microbial consortium design that overcomes these issues. We designed a nine-strain consortium that emulates the central metabolic pathways of carbohydrate fermentation in the healthy human gut microbiota. We show that continuous co-culturing the bacteria produce a stable consortium whose activity is distinct from an equivalent mix of individually cultured strains. Further, we showed that our function-based consortium is as effective as FMT in counteracting dysbiosis in a dextran sodium sulfate mouse model of acute colitis. We propose that combining a bottom-up functional design with continuous co-cultivation is a powerful strategy to produce robust, functionally designed synthetic consortia for therapeutic use.
scINSIGHT for interpreting single-cell gene expression from biologically heterogeneous data
Authors: Qian Kun , Fu Shiwei , Li Hongwei , Li Wei Vivian
Published: October 2021

The increasing number of scRNA-seq data emphasizes the need for integrative analysis to interpret similarities and differences between single-cell samples. Even though different batch effect removal methods have been developed, none of the existing methods is suitable for het-erogeneous single-cell samples coming from multiple biological conditions. To address this challenge, we propose a method named scINSIGHT to learn coordinated gene expression patterns that are common among or specific to different biological conditions, offering a unique chance to identify cellular identities and key biological processes across single-cell samples. We have evaluated scINSIGHT in comparison with state-of-the-art methods using simulated and real data, which consistently demonstrate its improved performance. In addition, our results show the applicability of scINSIGHT in diverse biomedical and clinical problems.
In vivo mitochondrial matrix proteome profiling reveals RTN4IP1/OPA10 as an antioxidant NADPH oxidoreductase
Authors: Park Isaac , Kim Kwang-eun , Kim Jeesoo , Bae Subin , Jung Minkyo , Choi Jinhyuk , Kwak Chulhwan , Kang Myeong-Gyun , Yoo Chang-Mo , Mun Ji Young , Liu Kwang-Hyeon , Kim Jong-Seo , Suh Jae Myoung , Rhee Hyun-Woo
Published: October 2021

Targeting proximity labeling enzymes to specific cellular locations is a viable strategy for profiling subcellular proteomes. Here, we generated transgenic mice expressing a mitochondrial matrix-targeted ascorbate peroxidase (MAX-Tg) to analyze tissue-specific matrix proteomes. Desthiobiotin-phenol labeling of muscle tissues from MAX-Tg mice allowed for efficient profiling of mitochondrial-localized proteins in these tissues. Comparative analysis of matrix proteomes from MAX-Tg muscle tissues revealed differential enrichment of mitochondrial proteins related to energy production in between different muscle groups. Reticulon 4 interacting protein 1 (RTN4IP1), also known as Optic Atrophy-10 (OPA10), was highly enriched in the cardiac and soleus muscles and was found to localize to the mitochondrial matrix via a strong mitochondrial targeting sequence at its N-terminus. Protein structure analysis revealed that RTN4IP1 is an NADPH oxidoreductase with structural homology to bacterial quinone oxidoreductase. Enzymatic activity assays, interactome analysis, and metabolite profiling confirmed a function for RTN4IP1 in coenzyme Q (CoQ) biosynthesis. Rtn4ip1-knockout C2C12 cells had reduced CoQ9 levels, were vulnerable to oxidative stress, and had decreased oxygen consumption rates and ATP production. Collectively, RTN4IP1 is a mitochondrial antioxidant NADPH oxidoreductase supporting oxidative phosphorylation activity in muscle tissue.
Solvability of nonlinear fractional integro-differential equation with nonlocal condition
Authors: Aicha Sakhri , Merad Ahcene
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study describes the applicability of the a priori estimate method on a nonlocal nonlinear fractional differential equation for which the weak solution's existence and uniqueness are proved. The authors divide the proof into two sections for the linear associated problem; the authors derive the a priori bound and demonstrate the operator range density that is generated. The authors solve the nonlinear problem by introducing an iterative process depending on the preceding results.

Design/methodology/approach

The functional analysis method is the a priori estimate method or energy inequality method.

Findings

The results show the efficiency of a priori estimate method in the case of time-fractional order differential equations with nonlocal conditions. Our results also illustrate the existence and uniqueness of the continuous dependence of solutions on fractional order differential equations with nonlocal conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ work can be considered a contribution to the development of the functional analysis method that is used to prove well-positioned problems with fractional order.

Originality/value

The authors confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere, nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.
New success factors for construction projects: a systematic review of post-2004 literature
Authors: Charles Shawn H. , Chang-Richards Alice , Yiu (Kenneth) Tak Wing
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to elicit the success factors from empirical evidence, as construction industry requires an improved understanding of factors for managing projects to positive outcomes. Increased stakeholder involvement, including the new technologies, achieving sustainability and safeguarding health and safety, whilst at the same time facing uncertainties, it is crucial to examine whether there are new factors that drive construction projects to succeed, especially from a value-driven perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic review approach, this research reviewed 172 studies published after 2004. When compared to a comprehensive project success factor framework presented by Chan et al. in 2004, 19 factors are considered new since 2004.

Findings

Though several scholarly outputs highlighted significant improvements to project operations and innovations in equipment and techniques, there has not been a comprehensive oversight since Chan’s et al. (2004) conceptual framework. This paper investigates 16 years of industry changes and identified two new success factors categories (innovation and sustainability) and 19 new factors that add to Chan’s et al. (2004) study. Consequently, a new framework of factors affecting project success was developed.

Originality/value

This paper was very specific in its attempt to find the new and additional success factors for managing construction projects. A new conceptual framework, which includes the newly identified factors, was then developed that will create a greater awareness of stakeholders’ concerns and ultimately contribute to significant improvement in developing project objectives and defining success measures.
Could CSR improve the financial performance of developing countries’ firms? Analyses of mediating effect of intangible resources
Authors: Hamdoun Mohamed , Achabou Mohamed Akli , Dekhili Sihem
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance in the context of developing countries. More specifically, the mediating role of a firm’s competitive advantage and intangible resources, namely, human capital and reputation are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considered a sample of 100 Tunisian firms. The analysis makes use of the structural equation modelling method to explore the relationship between CSR and financial performance, by including mediator variables.

Findings

The results confirm that CSR has no significant direct effect on financial performance. In particular, they indicate that the social dimension of CSR has a negative impact on performance. However, CSR does have a positive impact on competitive advantage via the two intangible resources considered, human capital and company reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The research fills a gap that occurred in the previous literature. In effect, previous studies focussed only on the direct link between CSR and financial performance. In addition, it enriches the limited literature on CSR strategies in the context of developing countries. However, further studies should explore the opposite relationship, i.e. the impact of financial performance on CSR strategy. In addition, the authors believe that amongst other potential research avenues, it would be interesting to study the moderating role of the activity sector.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, this study suggests new applications with respect to the link between CSR and financial performance. To enhance their company’s financial performance, managers need to ensure that intangible resources are managed efficiently.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by examining how a firm’s intangible resources mediate between CSR and competitive advantage and how competitive advantage mediates between intangible resources and financial performance. Second originality is related to the study of the link between CSR and the financial performance of business organisations in the context of a developing country.
Understanding coaching efficacy in education through activity systems: privileging the nuances of provision
Authors: Lofthouse Rachel M. , Rose Anthea , Whiteside Ruth
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The research demonstrates the role of activity systems based in Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a means of analysing characteristics and efficacy of specific provisions of coaching in education.

Design/methodology/approach

Three examples of coaching in education were selected, involving 51 schools in England. The three examples were re-analysed using activity systems. This drew on existing evaluation evidence, gathered through interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and recordings of coaching.

Findings

In each example, the object of the coaching was to address a specific challenge to secure the desired quality of education. Using activity systems it is possible to demonstrate that coaching has a range of functions (both intended and consequential). The individual examples illustrate the potential of coaching to support change in complex and diverse education settings.

Research limitations/implications

The use of existing data from evaluations means that direct comparisons between examples are not made. While data were collected throughout the duration of each coaching programme no follow-up data was available.

Practical implications

The analysis of the examples of coaching using activity systems provides evidence of the efficacy of specific coaching provision in achieving individually defined objectives related to sustaining and improving specific educational practices.

Originality/value

The research offers insights into how coaching in education might be better tuned to the specific needs of contexts and the challenges experienced by the individuals working in them. In addition, it demonstrates the value of activity systems as an analytical tool to make sense of coaching efficacy.
What differentiates angel investors in pre-seed versus seed-stage investments? Evidence from India
Authors: Annamalaisami A. Niroopa Rani
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Angel investments are increasingly getting specialized. In recent years, start-ups are raising pre-seed funding before seed-stage funding. Investors in pre-seed and seed-stage companies commonly are angel investors. The purpose of this paper is to understand the differences between these two groups of angel investors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study obtained from angel funding deals from the sources such as Venture Intelligence, VCCEdge, Keiretsu Forum, Dealcurry and The Chennai Angels. A total of 732 angel investments made by 405 investors during 2014–18 were used in the analysis. Non-parametric tests and regression estimations were used to identify the differences between angel investors investing in pre-seed and seed-stage ventures. An index was developed to measure the extent of syndication in angel investments and used as an independent variable in the regression.

Findings

There are significant differences between angel investors investing in pre-seed and seed-stage ventures. The results show that angels with more industry-specific experience make a higher proportion of investment in seed-stage ventures. Seed-stage ventures attract investors from Tier-1 cities, whereas the pre-seed stage has higher investors from smaller cities. Though the investment size is smaller, the extent of syndication is greater in pre-seed stage investments.

Originality/value

To differentiate the angel investments between pre-seed and seed-stage funding, this study uses data from Indian start-ups. Further, this study develops a composite syndication index to measure the extent of syndication in angel investments and assesses its impact on an angel investor’s choice of pre-seed stage investments.
A composite tourism index for the competitiveness of marginal areas: a pilot application in a Southern Italy province
Authors: Moretto Valentino , Elia Gianluca , Ghiani Gianpaolo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Differently from traditional approaches that rely on the analysis of single dimensions of the tourism phenomenon, this study aims to experiment a systemic approach based on structured and unstructured data sources to elaborate a composite index to measure the tourist competitiveness of marginal areas, with the final aim to design and plan proper socio-economic development strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted to carry out the study follows a four-step process and relies on indicators that are both relevant and accessible. The first step concerns the analysis of the literature about the existing approaches to calculate a tourism index. The second step concerns the definition of the indicators and the collection of data by using both structured and unstructured sources. The third step focuses on the population of the data set. Finally, the fourth step aims at calculating the tourism index through a composite-based methodology and using it for a pilot application in a Southern Italy province.

Findings

The study calculates a synthetic tourism index for each of the 97 municipalities of the Province of Lecce (a city located in the southeast of Italy). The proposed index combines administrative, institutional and open data sources to derive a single indicator for each municipality, thus supporting decision-makers in understanding the complex reality and competitiveness level of territories in the tourism industry.

Originality/value

The main elements of originality of the study are the breadth and typology of data sources considered to calculate the composite indicator of tourism competitiveness (both structured and unstructured); and the use of weighting and aggregation procedures in the methodological issues.
Locomotive syndrome is associated with insufficient nutrient intake in young and middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ohtsuki Makoto , Nishimura Akinobu , Kato  Toshihiro , Wakasugi Yusuke , Nagao-Nishiwaki Rie , Komada Ai , Sudos Akihiro
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between locomotive syndrome (LS) and insufficient nutrient intake in young and middle-aged adults, independent of energy intake.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of a non-random sample of 219 adults aged 18 to 64 (175 men and 44 women) working in two companies in Japan, between December 2018 and March 2019. LS Stage 0 was classified as No-LS while Stages 1 and 2 were classified as LS. Nutrient intake was assessed using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire and adjusted to the required energy intake for each participant. The criteria for sufficient intake of 22 nutrients were based on the Dietary Reference Intake for Japanese. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between LS and insufficient nutrient intake.

Findings

In total, 234 employees participated in the LS examinations while 219 of them completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 93.6%. LS Stages 1 or 2 were present in both men and women in all the age-stratified groups except for the women in their 60s. There was a significant association between LS status and insufficient intake of Vitamin K (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 16.0 [range: 1.1–407]; p = 0.01) in women, but not in men.

Research limitations/implications

The result suggests that attention should be paid to adequate Vitamin K intake in young and middle-aged women with LS. Future studies should be conducted using a larger and more diverse sample.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present paper is the first study to show an association between LS in young and middle-aged adults and nutrients that are independent of energy intake.
Metrics, metrics, metrics: the emergence of technological universities in Ireland
Authors: Stephens Simon , Gallagher Padraig
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the experiences, attitudes and expectations of higher education managers in relation to the increased use of metrics. Specifically, the authors examine a system of metrics which was introduced as part of the process for establishing Technological Universities in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 12 managers were interviewed. The authors present data from the interviews in which the authors explore: the previous use of metrics; the impacts of the introduction of metrics; and the future use of metrics. A mix of narrative structuring and thematic analysis is used.

Findings

The introduction of metrics evokes a mixed reaction from the managers. The metrics allow performance in a range of activities to be measured, assessed and benchmarked. However, there are both direct and indirect impacts of the transition to a metric-based system, which the authors explore using six themes.

Originality/value

The authors apply the Academics Responding to Change model proposed by Trowler (1998) as the theoretical lens. This helps to capture the complex mix of direct and indirect effects that metrics can have on activities both at an individual and institutional level.
Commentary on “Including people with intellectual disabilities in the development of their own positive behaviour support plans”
Authors: Lee Steven , Stewart Kitty
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the discussion on some of the barriers and solutions for co-production in positive behaviour support (PBS) planning as identified in the paper “Including people with intellectual disabilities in the development of their own Positive Behaviour Support Plans”.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the literature associated with co-production in PBS planning, this commentary will reflect on the wider systems and culture needed to enable successful implementation of this way of working.

Findings

Co-production in PBS planning is recommended as part of best practice guidelines. However, there is limited research in the area of co-production with regards to PBS and use of augmentative and alternative communication methods. Collaboration among speech and language therapy and PBS practitioners is an important factor for co-production to achieve the best outcomes for people with learning disabilities who display behaviours of concern. Along with identifying a range of communication tools/strategies needed for PBS assessment/planning, it also requires a whole systems approach and culture shift to ensure the necessary foundations are in place.

Originality/value

Co-production in PBS planning remains an under practiced way of working. This commentary builds on the barriers and solutions identified for co-production and provides further insight into what might be needed to achieve this in health and social care settings.
Victim or master of HRM implementation: the frontline manager conundrum
Authors: Townsend Keith , Dundon Tony , Cafferkey Kenneth , Kilroy Jennifer
Published: October 2021

This article reflects on the evolution of the frontline manager as an important anchor in the exploration and debate of human resource management. An earlier theoretical lens presented in the Asia‐Pacific region is given fresh influence through a review of recent literature. Ultimately, the review extends the contribution of the frontline management ‘master and victim’ conundrum to an explanatory framework of human resource adoption at the frontline. While it is well recognised that the manager is often squeezed between the aspirations of a HR system and the realities of frontline worker dynamics, the specific influencing factors are often overlooked. This article addresses that gap by providing an explicit framework to highlight the critical role that agency and policy enactment play in determining the stylistic preferences of frontline management. Ultimately, four distinct manifestations of frontline management are explored and recommended for further human resource management research in the region.
Indocyanine green fluorescence‐guided laparoscopic deroofing of a liver cyst: A case report
Authors: Tanioka Nobuhisa , Maeda Hiromichi , Shimizu Shigeto , Munekage Masaya , Uemura Sunao , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

In performing laparoscopic deroofing (LD) of liver cysts, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent imaging is particularly useful for delineating adequate margins for the procedure and for avoiding duct injuries. However, the optimal timing of ICG injection has not yet been clarified. Herein, we describe a patient who had a large liver cyst, in whom safe and efficient LD was performed under sharp fluorescent imaging obtained by intravenous injection of ICG 1 hour before cyst fenestration.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 is the most important enzyme for hepatic metabolism of the metamizole metabolite 4‐methylaminoantipyrine
Authors: Bachmann Fabio , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. , Duthaler Urs , Krähenbühl Stephan
Published: October 2021

Aims

Metamizole (dipyrone) is a prodrug not detectable in serum or urine after oral ingestion. The primary metabolite, 4‐methylaminoantipyrine (4‐MAA), can be N‐demethylated to 4‐aminoantipyrine (4‐AA) or oxidized to 4‐formylaminoantipyrine (4‐FAA) by cytochrome P450 (CYP)‐dependent reactions. We aimed to identify the CYPs involved in 4‐MAA metabolism and to quantify the effect of CYP inhibition on 4‐MAA metabolism.

Methods

We investigated the metabolism of 4‐MAA in vitro using CYP expressing supersomes and the pharmacokinetics of metamizole in the presence of CYP inhibitors in male subjects.

Results

The experiments in supersomes revealed CYP1A2 as the major CYP for 4‐MAA N‐demethylation and 4‐FAA formation with CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 contributing to N‐demethylation. In the clinical study, we investigated the influence of ciprofloxacin (CYP1A2 inhibitor), fluconazole (CYP2C19 inhibitor) and the combination ciprofloxacin/fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of metamizole in n = 12 male subjects in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. The geometric mean ratios for the area under the concentration–time curve of 4‐MAA after/before treatment were 1.17 (90% CI 1.09–1.25) for fluconazole, 1.51 (90% CI 1.42–1.60) for ciprofloxacin and 1.92 (90% CI 1.81–2.03) for ciprofloxacin/fluconazole. Fluconazole increased the half‐life of 4‐MAA from 3.22 hours by 0.47 hours (95% CI 0.13–0.81, P < .05), ciprofloxacin by 0.69 hours (95% CI 0.44–0.94, P < .001) and fluconazole/ciprofloxacin by 2.85 hours (95% CI 2.48–3.22, P < .001).

Conclusion

CYP1A2 is the major CYP for the conversion of 4‐MAA to 4‐AA and 4‐FAA. The increase in 4‐MAA exposure by the inhibition of CYP1A2 and by the combination CYP1A2/CYP2C19 may be relevant for dose‐dependent adverse reactions of 4‐MAA.
Language not auditory experience is related to parent‐reported executive functioning in preschool‐aged deaf and hard‐of‐hearing children
Authors: Goodwin Corina , Carrigan Emily , Walker Kristin , Coppola Marie
Published: October 2021

Much research has found disrupted executive functioning (EF) in deaf and hard‐of‐hearing (DHH) children; while some theories emphasize the role of auditory deprivation, others posit delayed language experience as the primary cause. This study investigated the role of language and auditory experience in parent‐reported EF for 123 preschool‐aged children (Mage = 60.1 months, 53.7% female, 84.6% White). Comparisons between DHH and typically hearing children exposed to language from birth (spoken or signed) showed no significant differences in EF despite drastic differences in auditory input. Linear models demonstrated that earlier language exposure predicted better EF (β = .061–.341), while earlier auditory exposure did not. Few participants exhibited clinically significant executive dysfunction. Results support theories positing that language, not auditory experience, scaffolds EF development.
Cross‐sectional cohort study on the use of mouthguards by children playing Gaelic football in Ireland
Authors: Shore Elaine , O'Connell Anne C.
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

Up to 40% of dental injuries in children occur during sports and may be prevented by using mouthguards (MG). The use of mouthguards is mandatory in some sporting organizations. Knowledge of the benefits of protection does not always result in mouthguard use. The aim of this observational cross‐sectional cohort study was to measure and compare knowledge of 9–16‐year‐old Gaelic football players and their parents on MG use and compliance with MG rules.

Materials and Methods

A convenience sample of players and their parents was identified and were assessed at their sports facility. Parents completed a questionnaire while children were asked standardized questions and MG type was verified by a dentist. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis for comparison.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐one children with 118 parents participated in the study. According to players, MG use during competition (N = 119, 99.2%) was greater than during training (N = 97, 80.8%). As age increased, children were less likely to comply with MG rules during training (OR =0.18, p < .001). Children played a median of 2 contact sports (IQR = 1). Only 32 parents (27.1%) and 17 children (14%) reported that the child wore a MG for all sports. Only four children (3.8%) had a custom MG even though most parents (N = 87, 73.7%) believed that they provided superior protection. Knowledge of players and their parents on how to care for the MG was variable.

Conclusion

Compliance with the Gaelic Atheletic Association's MG rules was lower during training than competition. Children were less likely to comply with MG rules during training as they grew older. Most parents believed a custom MG would best protect their child's teeth, yet few children had a custom MG. Players and parents had variable knowledge in relation to MG hygiene.
Post hoc analysis of a phase 3, multicenter, open‐label study of cenobamate for treatment of uncontrolled focal seizures: Effects of dose adjustments of concomitant antiseizure medications
Authors: Rosenfeld William E. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Aboumatar Sami , Bhatia Perminder , Biton Victor , Krauss Gregory L. , Sperling Michael R. , Vossler David G. , Klein Pavel , Wechsler Robert
Published: October 2021

Objective

To report post hoc results on how adjustments to baseline antiseizure medications (ASMs) in a subset of study sites (10 US sites) from a long‐term, open‐label phase 3 study of adjunctive cenobamate affected tolerability, efficacy, and retention.

Methods

Patients with uncontrolled focal seizures taking stable doses of one to three ASMs were administered increasing doses of cenobamate (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 mg/day) over 12 weeks at 2‐week intervals (target dose = 200 mg/day). Further increases to 400 mg/day by 50 mg/day biweekly increments were allowed during maintenance phase. Dose adjustments of cenobamate and concomitant ASMs were allowed. Data were assessed until last visit, at data cut‐off, on or after September 1, 2019.

Results

A total of 240 patients meeting eligibility criteria were assessed (median [max] exposure 30.2 [43.0] months), with 177 patients continuing cenobamate at data cut‐off. Most common baseline concomitant ASMs were lacosamide, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, zonisamide, and clobazam. For most baseline concomitant ASMs, ~70% of patients taking that ASM were continuing cenobamate at data cut‐off. Patients continuing cenobamate had greater mean ASM dose reductions and percent dose changes from baseline vs those who discontinued. Of patients continuing cenobamate, 24.6% discontinued one or more concomitant ASMs completely. Dose decreases for all concomitant ASMs generally occurred during titration or early maintenance phases and were mostly due to central nervous system (CNS)–related adverse events such as somnolence, dizziness, unsteady gait, and fatigue. Responder rates from ≥50% through 100% for patients continuing cenobamate were generally similar regardless of concomitant ASMs (of those most commonly taken), with ~81% being ≥50% responders and ~12% achieving 100% seizure reduction in the maintenance phase, which lasted up to 40.2 (median = 29.5) months.

Significance

Concomitant ASM dose reductions were associated with more patients remaining on cenobamate. This is likely due to efficacy and improved tolerability, with overall reduced concomitant drug burden in patients with uncontrolled seizures despite taking one to three baseline concomitant ASMs.
Analysing stable feature selection through an augmented marine predator algorithm based on opposition‐based learning
Authors: Balakrishnan Kulanthaivel , Dhanalakshmi Ramasamy , Mahadeo Khaire Utkarsh
Published: October 2021

Retrieving the relevant information from the high‐dimensional dataset enhances the classification accuracy of a predictive model. This research critique has devised an improved marine predator algorithm based on opposition learning for stable feature selection to overcome the problem of high‐dimensionality. Marine predator algorithm is a population‐based meta‐heuristics optimization algorithm that works on the ‘survival‐of‐the‐fittest’ theory. Classical marine predator algorithm explores the search space merely in one direction, affecting its converging capacity while being responsible for stagnation at local minima. The proposed opposition‐based learning nuances enhance the exploration capacity of marine predator algorithm and productively converges the model to global optima. The proposed OBL‐based marine predator algorithm selects stable, substantial elements from six different high‐dimensional microarray datasets. The performance of the proposed method is investigated using five predominantly used classifiers. From the result, it is understood that the proposed approach outperforms other conventional feature selection techniques in terms of converging capability, classification accuracy, and stable feature selection.
Actualistic approaches to interpreting the role of biological decomposition in microbial preservation
Authors: Manning‐Berg Ashley , Selly Tara , Bartley Julie K.
Published: October 2021

Taphonomic processes, especially post‐mortem biological decomposition, act as crucial controls on the microbial fossil record. Information loss during the fossilization process obscures interpretation of ancient microbial ecology and limits our view of preserved ecosystems. Conversely, taphonomic information can itself provide insight into fossilization pathways and processes. This information‐gain approach requires specific attention to taphonomic patterns in ancient assemblages and robust modern analogue data to serve as points of reference. In this study, we combine experimental taphonomy with decomposition models in order to constrain taphonomic hypotheses regarding Proterozoic microfossil assemblages. Several filamentous and coccoidal prokaryotic and eukaryotic phototrophs were evaluated for taphonomic pattern over the course of a short (~100 days) decomposition experiment. In parallel, simple numerical models were constructed to explain potential taphonomic pathways. These analogue data were then compared to two Mesoproterozoic fossil assemblages, the ~1.5 Ga Kotuikan Formation, Siberia, and the ~1 Ga Angmaat Formation, Canada. Concordant with previous experiments and observations, our results suggest that sheath morphology is more persistent than cell/trichome morphology during early stages of decomposition. These experiments also suggest that taphonomic change in cell morphology may follow one of several trajectories, resulting in distinct taphonomic endpoints. Model output suggests two categories of underlying mechanism and resultant taphonomic trajectory: (1) uniform decomposition, resulting in a low overall taphonomic grade and poor preservation, and (2) faster decomposition of structurally compromised individuals, producing a final population with better overall preservation of very few individuals. In this experiment, cells of coccoidal organisms exhibit the first pattern and trichomes of filamentous organisms and some sheaths exhibit the second. Comparison with preserved microfossil assemblages suggests that differences in taphonomic pattern between parts of an assemblage could be useful in assessing taphonomic processes or degree of taphonomic loss in an entire assemblage.
Digestion and assimilation of benthic biofilm by the Sábalo, Prochilodus lineatus
Authors: Bowen Stephen H.
Published: October 2021

The Sábalo, Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1837), is one of 270 fish species in the Rio Paraná system, and it comprises >50% of the fish biomass. Its diet is flocculant benthic biofilm comprised of algae, bacteria and non‐living organic matter: a food resource apparently of little value to other fishes. Digestion and assimilation of key nutrients from its biofilm diet by P. lineatus were described and quantified in an attempt to discover how this species is so successful. The fish begin a feeding period with empty digestive tracts, accumulate food during the feeding period and then void the gut content at the end of the feeding period. Early in a feeding period, sand accumulates in the gizzard‐like pyloric stomach where it serves as both a grinding medium and a sieve. After sufficient sand has been acquired, food particles passed from the pyloric stomach to the intestine are dramatically reduced in size to <20 μ maximum dimension, whereas larger particles including mineral matter and plant fibres are retained. Total ash, hydrolysis‐resistant‐ash and hydrolysis‐resistant‐organic‐matter were tested as reference materials against which to measure assimilation and hydrolysis‐resistant‐organic matter best met the assumptions of the technique. Comparison of the first food ingested to food ingested later in the feeding period shows that grinding of food and selective retention of larger particles results in a three‐fold increase in the assimilation of ash‐free‐dry‐mass (to 56%) and hydrolysis‐labile‐organic‐matter (to 67%), and a six‐fold increase in the assimilation of amino acids (AAs; to 74%). When food quality is assessed in terms of g AA assimilated · kJ−1 energy assimilated, the quality of food ingested by P. lineatus ranges from a maintenance level of 5 to 12 mg AA · kJ−1, a level expected to produce near maximum growth. Thus, the processing of food in the pyloric stomach is integral to the success of P. lineatus in establishing large populations on a diet of flocculent benthic biofilm.
Why do they call chickenpox chickenpox?
Authors: Watson D. Ashley R.
Published: October 2021

Have you ever thought about the lay term chickenpox and wondered where it came from? Or what the corresponding terms might be in other languages? Chickenpox has a fascinating etymology that can serve as an entertaining teaching and learning opportunity for busy clinicians and their trainees. Four facts about the term are presented, each of which contributes to an illustration of the history of the disease, but also offers a deeper understanding of the transmission and clinical features of the illness. Etymological and linguistic origins also illustrate how parents and doctors have observed, explained and feared the condition.
The Influence of Victor White and the Blackfriars Dominicans on a young Elizabeth Anscombe: An Essay accompanying the Republication of G.E.M. Anscombe's ‘I am Sadly Theoretical: It is the Effect of Being at Oxford’ (1938)
Authors: Berkman John
Published: October 2021

This essay examines the Dominican influences on the Catholic philosopher G.E.M. Anscombe while an undergraduate at Oxford University between 1937–1941. It focuses on three Thomists who formally instructed Anscombe and how one Dominican, Victor White, likely instructed her on a radically Catholic perspective regarding the morality of warfare, which would not only influence her 1940 co-authored pamphlet, ‘The Justice of the Present War Examined’, but would shape her writings on war and murder for her entire academic career.

This essay accompanies the republication of Anscombe's ‘I am Sadly Theoretical: It is the Effect of Being at Oxford,’ her earliest known published essay. She wrote this article in response to a public invitation from the Catholic Herald for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 25 to make their voices heard by their fellow Catholics. In this teenage apologia, Anscombe outlines the goals for her life, and what it means for her as a Catholic to be a witness.
Bringing animal welfare under the umbrella of sustainable development: A legal analysis
Authors: Verniers Elien
Published: October 2021

The quest of global animal welfare has been the subject of vigorous debate in legal scholarship. However, an entry point which the legal literature has so far failed to consider is sustainable development. To date, the uneasy relationship between sustainable development and animal welfare remains remarkably underexplored, and legal research investigating the interdependence of sustainable development and animal welfare is almost non‐existent. This article proposes a new approach to global animal welfare law through sustainable development by examining four key questions: (i) does sustainable development currently addresses animal welfare; (ii) can sustainable development integrate animal welfare; (iii) if so, how could this be operationalized; and (iv) is sustainable development a suitable vehicle to advance animal welfare? The article shows that sustainable development is both conceptually and substantively an adequate candidate for animal welfare integration. Moreover, the article claims that the sustainable development approach to animal welfare is not only conducive for global animal welfare law but also allows for a strong entrenchment of animal welfare at the national level. In addition, the article argues that such integration is also beneficial for sustainable development itself.
Data-Efficient Machine Learning on 3D Engineering Data
Authors: Herzog Vencia D , Suwelack Stefan
Published: October 2021

Decisions in engineering design are closely tied to the 3D shape of the product. Limited availability of 3D shape data and expensive annotation present key challenges for using Artificial Intelligence in product design and development. In this work we explore transfer learning strategies to improve the data-efficiency of geometric reasoning models based on deep neural networks as used for tasks such as shape retrieval and design synthesis. We address the utilization of problem- related and un-annotated 3D data to compensate for small data volumes. Our experiments show promising results for knowledge transfer on mechanical component benchmarks.