Publications by authors named "W A Barber"

Background: Alcohol use in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is under-researched. Previous reviews have explored substance use as a whole, but this neglects individual characteristics unique to different substances. Alcohol use in non-clinical samples is associated with diverse responses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Predicting phenotypes from a combination of genetic and environmental factors is a grand challenge of modern biology. Slight improvements in this area have the potential to save lives, improve food and fuel security, permit better care of the planet, and create other positive outcomes. In 2022 and 2023 the first open-to-the-public Genomes to Fields (G2F) initiative Genotype by Environment (GxE) prediction competition was held using a large dataset including genomic variation, phenotype and weather measurements and field management notes, gathered by the project over nine years.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - Predicting how genetic and environmental factors influence traits (phenotypes) is a critical challenge in biology, with potential benefits like improved health, food security, and environmental care.
  • - The Genomes to Fields (G2F) initiative hosted a competition in 2022 and 2023, inviting global participants from various disciplines to develop models using a comprehensive dataset gathered over nine years, including genetic and environmental data.
  • - Winning methods combined machine learning with traditional breeding techniques, showcasing a variety of approaches such as quantitative genetics and deep learning, indicating that no single strategy was universally superior in predicting phenotypes in this context.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: To evaluate employee burnout, work conditions, resilience, and mindfulness at an academic medical center in a US medically underserved region during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: We surveyed employees from August 7, 2020 to January 17, 2021. Respondents completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Areas of Worklife Survey, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) and answered a question about intention to stay in the present job until retirement.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Amylose is a linear polymer chain of α-d-glucose units connected through α(1 → 4) glycosidic bonds. Experimental studies show that in non-polar solvents, single amylose chains form helical structures containing precise H-bond patterns. However, both experimental and computational studies indicate that these perfectly H-bonded helices are not stable in pure water.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF