bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal patterns and spatial variation of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) infections in Ixodes ricinus in the Netherlands
Authors: Hartemink Nienke , van Vliet Arnold J. H. , Gort Gerrit , Gassner Fedor , Jacobs Frans , Fonville Manoj , Takken Willem , Sprong Hein 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The incidence of Lyme borreliosis varies over time and space through as yet incompletely understood mechanisms. In Europe, Lyme borreliosis is caused by infection with a Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) genospecies, which is primarily transmitted by a bite of Ixodes ricinus nymphs. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in nymphal infection prevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (NIP), density of questing nymphs (DON) and the resulting density of infected nymphs (DIN).

Methods
We investigated the infection rates in I. ricinus nymphs that were collected monthly between 2009 and 2016 in 12 locations in the Netherlands. Using generalized linear mixed models, we explored how the NIP, DON and DIN varied during the seasons, between years and between locations. We also determined the genospecies of the Borrelia infections and investigated whether the genospecies composition differed between locations.

Results
The overall NIP was 14.7%. A seasonal pattern in infection prevalence was observed, with higher estimated prevalences in the summer than in the spring and autumn. This, combined with higher nymphal densities in summer, resulted in a pronounced summer peak in the estimated DIN. Over the 7.5-year study period, a significant decrease in infection prevalence was found, as well as a significant increase in nymphal density. These two effects appear to cancel each other out; the density of infected nymphs, which is the product of NIP × DON, showed no significant trend over years. Mean infection prevalence (NIP, averaged over all years and all months) varied considerably between locations, ranging from 5 to 26%. Borrelia genospecies composition differed between locations: in some locations almost all infections consisted of B. afzelii, whereas other locations had more diverse genospecies compositions.

Conclusion
In the Netherlands, the summer peak in DIN is a result of peaks in both NIP and DON. No significant trend in DIN was observed over the years of the study, and variations in DIN between locations were mostly a result of the variation in DON. There were considerable differences in acarological risk between areas in terms of infection prevalence and densities of ticks as well as in Borrelia genospecies composition.

Graphical Abstract
Spatio-temporal impacts of aerial adulticide applications on populations of West Nile virus vector mosquitoes
Authors: Holcomb Karen M. , Reiner Robert C. , Barker Christopher M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAerial applications of insecticides that target adult mosquitoes are widely used to reduce transmission of West Nile virus to humans during periods of epidemic risk. However, estimates of the reduction in abundance following these treatments typically focus on single events, rely on pre-defined, untreated control sites and can vary widely due to stochastic variation in population dynamics and trapping success unrelated to the treatment.MethodsTo overcome these limitations, we developed generalized additive models fitted to mosquito surveillance data collected from CO2-baited traps in Sacramento and Yolo counties, California from 2006 to 2017. The models accounted for the expected spatial and temporal trends in the abundance of adult femaleCulex(Cx.)tarsalisandCx. pipiensin the absence of aerial spraying. Estimates for the magnitude of deviation from baseline abundance following aerial spray events were obtained from the models.ResultsAt 1-week post-treatment with full spatial coverage of the trapping area by pyrethroid or pyrethrin products,Cx. pipiensabundance was reduced by a mean of 52.4% (95% confidence intrval [CI] − 65.6, − 36.5%) while the use of at least one organophosphate pesticide resulted in a mean reduction of 76.2% (95% CI − 82.8, − 67.9%). ForCx. tarsalis, at 1-week post-treatment with full coverage there was a reduction in abundance of 30.7% (95% CI − 54.5, 2.5%). Pesticide class was not a significant factor contributing to the reduction. In comparison, repetition of spraying over three to four consecutive weeks resulted in similar estimates forCx. pipiensand estimates of somewhat smaller magnitude forCx. tarsalis.ConclusionsAerial adulticides are effective for achieving a rapid short-term reduction of the abundance of the primary West Nile virus vectors,Cx. tarsalisandCx. pipiens. A larger magnitude of reduction was estimated inCx. pipiens, possibly due to the species’ focal distribution. Effects of aerial sprays onCx. tarsalispopulations are likely modulated by the species’ large dispersal ability, population sizes and vast productive larval habitat present in the study area. Our modeling approach provides a new way to estimate effects of public health pesticides on vector populations using routinely collected observational data and accounting for spatio-temporal trends and contextual factors like weather and habitat. This approach does not require pre-selected control sites and expands upon past studies that have focused on the effects of individual aerial treatment events.Graphical Abstract
Systemic cross-talk between brain, gut, and peripheral tissues in glucose homeostasis: effects of exercise training (CROSSYS). Exercise training intervention in monozygotic twins discordant for body weight
Authors: Heiskanen Marja A. , Honkala Sanna M. , Hentilä Jaakko , Ojala Ronja , Lautamäki Riikka , Koskensalo Kalle , Lietzén Martin S. , Saunavaara Virva , Saunavaara Jani , Helmiö Mika , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Nummenmaa Lauri , Collado Maria C. , Malm Tarja , Lahti Leo , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kaprio Jaakko , Rinne Juha O. , Hannukainen Jarna C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundObesity and physical inactivity are major global public health concerns, both of which increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Regulation of glucose homeostasis involves cross-talk between the central nervous system, peripheral tissues, and gut microbiota, and is affected by genetics.Systemic cross-talk between brain, gut, and peripheral tissues in glucose homeostasis: effects of exercise training (CROSSYS)aims to gain new systems-level understanding of the central metabolism in human body, and how exercise training affects this cross-talk.MethodsCROSSYS is an exercise training intervention, in which participants are monozygotic twins from pairs discordant for body mass index (BMI) and within a pair at least the other is overweight. Twins are recruited from three population-based longitudinal Finnish twin studies, including twins born in 1983–1987, 1975–1979, and 1945–1958. The participants undergo 6-month-long exercise intervention period, exercising four times a week (including endurance, strength, and high-intensity training). Before and after the exercise intervention, comprehensive measurements are performed in Turku PET Centre, Turku, Finland. The measurements include: two positron emission tomography studies (insulin-stimulated whole-body and tissue-specific glucose uptake and neuroinflammation), magnetic resonance imaging (brain morphology and function, quantification of body fat masses and organ volumes), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (quantification of fat within heart, pancreas, liver and tibialis anterior muscle), echocardiography, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue biopsies, a neuropsychological test battery as well as biosamples from blood, urine and stool. The participants also perform a maximal exercise capacity test and tests of muscular strength.DiscussionThis study addresses the major public health problems related to modern lifestyle, obesity, and physical inactivity. An eminent strength of this project is the possibility to study monozygotic twin pairs that share the genome at the sequence level but are discordant for BMI that is a risk factor for metabolic impairments such as insulin resistance. Thus, this exercise training intervention elucidates the effects of obesity on metabolism and whether regular exercise training is able to reverse obesity-related impairments in metabolism in the absence of the confounding effects of genetic factors.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03730610. Prospectively registered 5 November 2018.
An overview of touchless 2D fingerprint recognition
Authors: Priesnitz Jannis , Rathgeb Christian , Buchmann Nicolas , Busch Christoph , Margraf Marian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTouchless fingerprint recognition represents a rapidly growing field of research which has been studied for more than a decade. Through a touchless acquisition process, many issues of touch-based systems are circumvented, e.g., the presence of latent fingerprints or distortions caused by pressing fingers on a sensor surface. However, touchless fingerprint recognition systems reveal new challenges. In particular, a reliable detection and focusing of a presented finger as well as an appropriate preprocessing of the acquired finger image represent the most crucial tasks. Also, further issues, e.g., interoperability between touchless and touch-based fingerprints or presentation attack detection, are currently investigated by different research groups. Many works have been proposed so far to put touchless fingerprint recognition into practice. Published approaches range from self identification scenarios with commodity devices, e.g., smartphones, to high performance on-the-move deployments paving the way for new fingerprint recognition application scenarios.This work summarizes the state-of-the-art in the field of touchless 2D fingerprint recognition at each stage of the recognition process. Additionally, technical considerations and trade-offs of the presented methods are discussed along with open issues and challenges. An overview of available research resources completes the work.
Core components of infection prevention and control programs at the facility level in Georgia: key challenges and opportunities
Authors: Deryabina Anna , Lyman Meghan , Yee Daiva , Gelieshvilli Marika , Sanodze Lia , Madzgarashvili Lali , Weiss Jamine , Kilpatrick Claire , Rabkin Miriam , Skaggs Beth , Kolwaite Amy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The Georgia Ministry of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs is working to strengthen its Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program, but until recently has lacked an assessment of performance gaps and implementation challenges faced by hospital staff.

Methods
In 2018, health care hospitals were assessed using a World Health Organization (WHO) adapted tool aimed at implementing the WHO’s IPC Core Components. The study included site assessments at 41 of Georgia’s 273 hospitals, followed by structured interviews with 109 hospital staff, validation observations of IPC practices, and follow up document reviews.

Results
IPC programs for all hospitals were not comprehensive, with many lacking defined objectives, workplans, targets, and budget. All hospitals had at least one dedicated IPC staff member, 66% of hospitals had IPC staff with some formal IPC training; 78% of hospitals had IPC guidelines; and 55% had facility-specific standard operating procedures. None of the hospitals conducted structured monitoring of IPC compliance and only 44% of hospitals used IPC monitoring results to make unit/facility-specific IPC improvement plans. 54% of hospitals had clearly defined priority healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), standard case definitions and data collection methods in their HAI surveillance systems. 85% hospitals had access to a microbiology laboratory. All reported having posters or other tools to promote hand hygiene, 29% had them for injection safety. 68% of hospitals had functioning hand-hygiene stations available at all points of care. 88% had single patient isolation rooms; 15% also had rooms for cohorting patients. 71% reported having appropriate waste management system.

Conclusions
Among the recommended WHO IPC core components, existing programs, infrastructure, IPC staffing, workload and supplies present within Georgian healthcare hospitals should allow for implementation of effective IPC. Development and dissemination of IPC Guidelines, implementation of an effective IPC training system and systematic monitoring of IPC practices will be an important first step towards implementing targeted IPC improvement plans in hospitals.
An empirical Bayesian approach to incorporate directional movement information from a forage fish into the Arnason-Schwarz mark-recapture model
Authors: Bishop Mary A. , Bernard Jordan W. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Over the past two decades, various species of forage fish have been successfully implanted with miniaturized acoustic transmitters and subsequently monitored using stationary acoustic receivers. When acoustic receivers are configured in an array, information related to fish direction can potentially be determined, depending upon the number and relative orientation of the acoustic receivers. However, it can be difficult to incorporate directional information into frequentist mark-recapture methods. Here we show how an empirical Bayesian approach can be used to develop a model that incorporates directional movement information into the Arnason-Schwarz modeling framework to describe survival and migration patterns of a Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) population in coastal Alaska, USA.

Methods
We acoustic-tagged 326 adult Pacific herring during April 2017 and 2018 while on their spawning grounds in Prince William Sound Alaska, USA. To monitor their movements, stationary acoustic receivers were deployed at strategic locations throughout the Sound. Receivers located at the major entrances to the Gulf of Alaska were arranged in parallel arrays to determine the directional movements of the fish. Informative priors were used to incorporate the directional information recorded at the entrance arrays into the model.

Results
A seasonal migratory pattern was found at one of Prince William Sound’s major entrances to the Gulf of Alaska. At this entrance, fish tended to enter the Gulf of Alaska during spring and summer after spawning and return to Prince William Sound during the fall and winter. Fish mortality was higher during spring and summer than fall and winter in both Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska.

Conclusions
An empirical Bayesian modeling approach can be used to extend the Arnason-Schwarz modeling framework to incorporate directional information from acoustic arrays to estimate survival and characterize the timing and direction of migratory movements of forage fish.
Using process data to understand problem-solving strategies and processes for drag-and-drop items in a large-scale mathematics assessment
Authors: Jiang Yang , Gong Tao , Saldivia Luis E. , Cayton-Hodges Gabrielle , Agard Christopher 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn 2017, the mathematics assessments that are part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) program underwent a transformation shifting the administration from paper-and-pencil formats to digitally-based assessments (DBA). This shift introduced new interactive item types that bring rich process data and tremendous opportunities to study the cognitive and behavioral processes that underlie test-takers’ performances in ways that are not otherwise possible with the response data alone. In this exploratory study, we investigated the problem-solving processes and strategies applied by the nation’s fourth and eighth graders by analyzing the process data collected during their interactions with two technology-enhanced drag-and-drop items (one item for each grade) included in the first digital operational administration of the NAEP’s mathematics assessments. Results from this research revealed how test-takers who achieved different levels of accuracy on the items engaged in various cognitive and metacognitive processes (e.g., in terms of their time allocation, answer change behaviors, and problem-solving strategies), providing insights into the common mathematical misconceptions that fourth- and eighth-grade students held and the steps where they may have struggled during their solution process. Implications of the findings for educational assessment design and limitations of this research are also discussed.
Mass fractionation of Rb and Sr isotopes during laser ablation-multicollector-ICPMS: in situ observation and correction
Authors: Yim Sung-Gyun , Jung Min-Ji , Jeong Youn-Joong , Kim Yeongmin , Cheong Albert Chang-sik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
One of the most critical issues concerning in situ mass spectrometry lies in accounting for elements and molecules that overlap target isotopes of analytical interest in a sample. This study traced the instrumental mass fractionation of Rb and Sr isotopes during laser ablation-multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) to obtain reliable 87Sr/86Sr ratios for high-Rb/Sr samples.

Findings
In the LA-MC-ICPMS analysis, Kr interferences were corrected using Ar and He gas blanks measured without ablating material. Contributions from doubly charged Er and Yb ions were corrected using the intensities of half masses and isotopic compositions reported in the literature. After Kr correction, the calculated 166Er2+ intensity of NIST SRM 610 approached the measured intensity at mass 83, and the 173Yb2+/171Yb2+ ratio agreed with the recommended value within error ranges. Kr- and REE2+-stripped peak intensities were further corrected for Rb interference. Use of the Sr mass bias factor for the calculation of measured 87Rb/85Rb yielded 87Sr/86Sr ratios consistent with the recommended and expected values for low-Rb/Sr materials, such as NIST SRM 616, modern shark teeth, and plagioclase collected from Jeju Island, but failed to account for the 87Rb interference from high-Rb/Sr materials including NIST SRM 610 and SRM 612. We calculated in situ mass bias factor of Rb from the known 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the standards and observed a correlation between Rb and Sr mass fractionation, which allowed inference of the Rb bias from the standard run. Reliable 87Sr/86Sr and 85Rb/86Sr ratios were obtained for SRM 610 and SRM 612 using the inferred mass bias factor of Rb calculated by the standard bracketing method.

Conclusions
This study revealed that Rb and Sr isotopes behave differently during LA-MC-ICPMS and suggests the potential usefulness of the standard bracketing method for measuring the Rb–Sr isotopic compositions of high-Rb/Sr materials.
Analyzing a faculty online learning community as a mechanism for supporting faculty implementation of a guided-inquiry curriculum
Authors: Price Edward , Lau Alexandra C. , Goldberg Fred , Turpen Chandra , Smith P. Sean , Dancy Melissa , Robinson Steve 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Adoption and use of effective, research-based instructional strategies (RBISs) for STEM education is less widespread than hoped. To promote further use of RBISs, the propagation paradigm suggests that developers work with potential adopters during the development process, and provide ongoing support after adoption. This article investigates the impact of a faculty online learning community (FOLC) as a professional development mechanism for supporting faculty adopting a research-based curriculum. A FOLC uses video conference technology and online platforms to connect geographically dispersed faculty with similar backgrounds (e.g., physics faculty) and supports their teaching development. In the context of a specific FOLC, this article seeks to determine the outcomes the FOLC achieves, and how.

Results
Analysis of a FOLC meeting identified opportunities for rich, complex social interaction centered on the research-based curriculum. By functioning as a sounding board for ideas, a space to share experiences, a source of affective support, and a venue for troubleshooting, the FOLC mediates the achievement of a range of outcomes related to implementation of the curriculum. Survey results indicate that members feel a sense of community in the FOLC and that it provides encouragement through teaching challenges. Further results indicate participants’ increased confidence in using the curriculum; familiarity with the curriculum structure and content; increased knowledge of pedagogical techniques; reflection on teaching practices in the curriculum; and use of pedagogical techniques aligned with the curriculum’s core principles. Emerging evidence supports more distal outcomes, including student learning, persistence in using the curriculum, reflection in teaching practice across courses taught, and use of research-based pedagogy in other courses.

Conclusions
The propagation paradigm emphasizes the need for ongoing support for adopters of RBISs. The FOLC model provides participating faculty with ongoing support through participation in a community and is an effective support mechanism for adopters of a research-based curriculum. In this study, FOLC members are increasing their knowledge and use of pedagogical techniques in the curriculum-specific course and beyond. This is facilitated by the opportunities in the FOLC for troubleshooting, idea sharing, and receiving encouragement through challenges. This model has the potential to support adopters of additional educational innovations.
Evaluation of working memory in relation to cochlear implant consonant speech discrimination
Authors: El Ghazaly Mai M. , Mourad Mona I. , Hamouda Nesrine H. , Talaat Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Speech perception in cochlear implants (CI) is affected by frequency resolution, exposure time, and working memory. Frequency discrimination is especially difficult in CI. Working memory is important for speech and language development and is expected to contribute to the vast variability in CI speech reception and expression outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate CI patients’ consonants discrimination that varies in voicing, manner, and place of articulation imparting differences in pitch, time, and intensity, and also to evaluate working memory status and its possible effect on consonant discrimination.

Results
Fifty-five CI patients were included in this study. Their aided thresholds were less than 40 dBHL. Consonant speech discrimination was assessed using Arabic consonant discrimination words. Working memory was assessed using Test of Memory and Learning-2 (TOMAL-2). Subjects were divided according to the onset of hearing loss into prelingual children and postlingual adults and teenagers. Consonant classes studied were fricatives, stops, nasals, and laterals. Performance on the high frequency CVC words was 64.23% ± 17.41 for prelinguals and 61.70% ± 14.47 for postlinguals. These scores were significantly lower than scores on phonetically balanced word list (PBWL) of 79.94% ± 12.69 for prelinguals and 80.80% ± 11.36 for postlinguals. The lowest scores were for the fricatives. Working memory scores were strongly and positively correlated with speech discrimination scores.

Conclusions
Consonant discrimination using high frequency weighted words can provide a realistic tool for assessment of CI speech perception. Working memory skills showed a strong positive relationship with speech discrimination abilities in CI.