bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermacentor variabilis is the Predominant Dermacentor spp. (Acari: Ixodidae) Feeding on Dogs and Cats Throughout the United States
Authors: Duncan Kathryn T , Saleh Meriam N , Sundstrom Kellee D , Little Susan E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Throughout North America, Dermacentor spp. ticks are often found feeding on animals and humans, and are known to transmit pathogens, including the Rocky Mountain spotted fever agent. To better define the identity and distribution of Dermacentor spp. removed from dogs and cats in the United States, ticks submitted from 1,457 dogs (n = 2,924 ticks) and 137 cats (n = 209 ticks) from veterinary practices in 44/50 states from February 2018-January 2020 were identified morphologically (n = 3,133); the identity of ticks from regions where Dermacentor andersoni (Stiles) have been reported, and a subset of ticks from other regions, were confirmed molecularly through amplification and sequencing of the ITS2 region and a 16S rRNA gene fragment. Of the ticks submitted, 99.3% (3,112/3,133) were Dermacentor variabilis (Say), 0.4% (12/3,133) were D. andersoni, and 0.3% (9/3,133) were Dermacentor albipictus (Packard). While translocation of pets prior to tick removal cannot be discounted, the majority (106/122; 87%) of Dermacentor spp. ticks removed from dogs and cats in six Rocky Mountain states (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado) were D. variabilis, suggesting this species may be more widespread in the western United States than is currently recognized, or that D. andersoni, if still common in the region, preferentially feeds on hosts other than dogs and cats. Together, these data support the interpretation that D. variabilis is the predominant Dermacentor species found on pets throughout the United States, a finding that may reflect recent shifts in tick distribution.
Understanding Mosquito Surveillance Data for Analytic Efforts: A Case Study
Authors: Brown Heidi E , Sedda Luigi , Sumner Chris , Stefanakos Elene , Ruberto Irene , Roach Matthew 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mosquito surveillance data can be used for predicting mosquito distribution and dynamics as they relate to human disease. Often these data are collected by independent agencies and aggregated to state and national level portals to characterize broad spatial and temporal dynamics. These larger repositories may also share the data for use in mosquito and/or disease prediction and forecasting models. Assumed, but not always confirmed, is consistency of data across agencies. Subtle differences in reporting may be important for development and the eventual interpretation of predictive models. Using mosquito vector surveillance data from Arizona as a case study, we found differences among agencies in how trapping practices were reported. Inconsistencies in reporting may interfere with quantitative comparisons if the user has only cursory familiarity with mosquito surveillance data. Some inconsistencies can be overcome if they are explicit in the metadata while others may yield biased estimates if they are not changed in how data are recorded. Sharing of metadata and collaboration between modelers and vector control agencies is necessary for improving the quality of the estimations. Efforts to improve sharing, displaying, and comparing vector data from multiple agencies are underway, but existing data must be used with caution.
An efficient approach to reliability-based topology optimization for the structural lightweight design of planar continuum structures
Authors: Yin Fangfang , Dang Kaifang , Yang Weimin , Ding Yumei , Xie Pengcheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to solve the application restrictions of deterministic-based topology optimization methods arising from the omission of uncertainty factors in practice, and to realize the calculation cost control of reliability-based topology optimization. In consideration of the current reliability-based topology optimization methods of continuum structures mainly based on performance indexes model with a power filter function. An efficient probabilistic reliability-based topology optimization model that regards mass and displacement as an objective function and constraint is established based on the first-order reliability method and a modified economic indexes model with a composite exponential filter function in this study. The topology optimization results obtained by different models are discussed in relation to optimal structure and convergence efficiency. Through numerical examples, it can be seen that the optimal layouts obtained by reliability-based models have an increased amount of material and more support structures, which reveals the necessity of considering uncertainty in lightweight design. In addition, the reliability-based modified model not only can obtain lighter optimal structures compared with traditional economic indexes models in most circumstances, but also has a significant advantage in convergence efficiency, with an average increase of 44.59% and 64.76% compared with the other two reliability-based models. Furthermore, the impact of the reliability index on the results is explored, which verifies the validity of the established model. This study provides a theoretical reference for lightweight or innovative feature-integrated design in engineering applications.
Biotic homogenization or riparian refugia? Urban and wild land snail assemblages along a subtropical precipitation gradient
Authors: Perez Kathryn E , Najev Briante S Lewis , Christoffersen Bradley , Nekola Jeffrey C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A noted impact of urbanization is the tendency for biotic homogenization, or the increase of similarity of geographically disparate communities. On the other hand, some urban habitats harbor biodiversity native to their region, a role potentially important in xeric landscapes, with irrigation increasing the coverage and availability of mesic habitats in an otherwise water-limited landscape. We assessed the relative importance of urban yards as agents of biotic homogenization or riparian refugia by characterizing community composition of Tamaulipan thornforest land snail assemblages across a pronounced precipitation gradient in far south Texas, USA. We quantified α- and β-diversity and assessed whether the land snail fauna of urban yards are more similar to each other across a precipitation gradient than they are to their wild counterparts, as well as determined the significance of moisture in driving Tamaulipan thornforest β-diversity, both in terms of turnover (changing species composition) and nestedness (species loss). Sites with both the wild and wet conditions had the highest values of species richness and abundance. Urban land snail communities were significantly homogenized, outweighing the influence of the precipitation gradient. We did not find urban yards served as a refuge for native, moisture-dependent, riparian snails. Our analyses find that turnover, not nestedness, is the largest contributor to β-diversity in these assemblages. Studies of urbanization should address regional spatial scales to quantify how urbanization modifies regional biodiversity arising from background environmental gradients. Such an approach could lead to improved understanding of how large metroplex areas could be used to maintain and even promote biodiversity.
Preoperative Psychological Assessment and Weight Loss Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients at a Military Treatment Facility: A Retrospective Profile Analysis
Authors: Walter Fawn A , Hoyt Tim , Martinez Heidi , Dziura Joanna 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Research on effectiveness of preoperative psychological measures as predictors of weight loss success and weight regain following bariatric surgery has been inconsistent. Despite mixed findings, preoperative psychological assessment instruments are used routinely, including in military medical facilities. Health concerns associated with obesity potentially impact military family readiness, with accompanying utilization of medical resources. Examining psychological factors associated with successful bariatric surgery outcomes may help to optimize care.

Materials and Methods
This retrospective, observational study sought to identify characteristic elevations on two recommended preoperative psychological assessment instruments for bariatric surgery candidates: the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD). Additionally, profile analysis was performed on assessment scales based on groupings of whether or not patients (N = 194) met their ideal BMI over a 60-month period. The Institutional Review Board at Madigan Army Medical Center approved this study protocol.

Results
Means and standard deviations for PAI and the MBMD are presented for this sample of benefits-eligible patients in the military health system. Measures between bariatric outcome groups were not significantly different, but characteristic elevations for bariatric surgery candidates overall were identified.

Conclusion
The average elevations of scales were not above clinical cutoff, but still indicate characteristic trends in patients undergoing surgery at an MTF. These scales may be important to attend to with bariatric surgery candidates, especially scales which are related to psychopathology, treatment prognosis, and treatment management. Study results about scale elevations on preoperative psychological assessment instruments may help patients better manage bariatric surgery and can lead to enhanced warfighter readiness and decreased utilization of healthcare resources. Future work should examine postoperative behavioral and psychological factors, as the adjustment to lifestyle limitations of bariatric surgery is substantial.
The completed SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: 1000 multi-tracer mock catalogues with redshift evolution and systematics for galaxies and quasars of the final data release
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Chuang Chia-Hsun , Bautista Julian , de Mattia Arnaud , Raichoor Anand , Ross Ashley J , Hou Jiamin , Neveux Richard , Tao Charling , Burtin Etienne , Dawson Kyle S , de la Torre Sylvain , Gil-Marín Héctor , Kneib Jean-Paul , Percival Will J , Rossi Graziano , Tamone Amélie , Tinker Jeremy L , Zhao Gong-Bo , Alam Shadab , Mueller Eva-Maria 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
We produce 1000 realizations of synthetic clustering catalogues for each type of the tracers used for the baryon acoustic oscillation and redshift space distortion analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys-iv extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey final data release (eBOSS DR16), covering the redshift range from 0.6 to 2.2, to provide reliable estimates of covariance matrices and test the robustness of the analysis pipeline with respect to observational systematics. By extending the Zel’dovich approximation density field with an effective tracer bias model calibrated with the clustering measurements from the observational data, we accurately reproduce the two- and three-point clustering statistics of the eBOSS DR16 tracers, including their cross-correlations in redshift space with very low computational costs. In addition, we include the gravitational evolution of structures and sample selection biases at different redshifts, as well as various photometric and spectroscopic systematic effects. The agreements on the auto-clustering statistics between the data and mocks are generally within $1\, \sigma$ variances inferred from the mocks, for scales down to a few $h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$ in configuration space, and up to $0.3\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$ in Fourier space. For the cross correlations between different tracers, the same level of consistency presents in configuration space, while there are only discrepancies in Fourier space for scales above $0.15\, h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$. The accurate reproduction of the data clustering statistics permits reliable covariances for multi-tracer analysis.
The influence of photo-induced processes and charge transfer on carbon and oxygen in the lower solar atmosphere
Authors: Dufresne R P , Del Zanna G , Badnell N R 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
To predict line emission in the solar atmosphere requires models that are fundamentally different depending on whether the emission is from the chromosphere or the corona. At some point between the two regions, there must be a change between the two modelling regimes. Recent extensions to the coronal modelling for carbon and oxygen lines in the solar transition region have shown improvements in the emission of singly and doubly charged ions, along with Li-like ions. However, discrepancies still remain, particularly for singly charged ions and intercombination lines. The aim of this work is to explore additional atomic processes that could further alter the charge-state distribution and the level populations within ions, in order to resolve some of the discrepancies. To this end, excitation and ionization caused by both the radiation field and by atom–ion collisions have been included, along with recombination through charge transfer. The modelling is carried out using conditions which would be present in the quiet Sun. This allows an assessment of the part atomic processes play in changing coronal modelling, separately from dynamic and transient events taking place in the plasma. The effect the processes have on the fractional ion populations are presented, as well as the change in level populations brought about by the new excitation mechanisms. Contribution functions of selected lines from low-charge states are also shown, to demonstrate the extent to which line emission in the lower atmosphere could be affected by the new modelling.
DNA methylation-based signatures classify sporadic pituitary tumors according to clinicopathological features
Authors: Mosella Maritza S , Sabedot Thais S , Silva Tiago C , Malta Tathiane M , Dezem Felipe Segato , Asmaro Karam P , Wells Michael , Mukherjee Abir , Poisson Laila M , Snyder James , deCarvalho Ana C , Walbert Tobias , Aho Todd , Kalkanis Steven , Elias Paula C , Antonini Sonir R , Rock Jack , Noushmehr Houtan , Castro Margaret , Castro Ana Valeria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundDistinct genome-wide methylation patterns cluster pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) into molecular groups associated with specific clinicopathological features. Here we aim to identify, characterize, and validate methylation signatures that objectively classify PitNET into clinicopathological groups.MethodsCombining in-house and publicly available data, we conducted an analysis of the methylome profile of a comprehensive cohort of 177 tumors (Panpit cohort) and 20 nontumor specimens from the pituitary gland. We also retrieved methylome data from an independent PitNET cohort (N = 86) to validate our findings.ResultsWe identified three methylation clusters associated with adenohypophyseal cell lineages and functional status using an unsupervised approach. Differentially methylated probes (DMP) significantly distinguished the Panpit clusters and accurately assigned the samples of the validation cohort to their corresponding lineage and functional subtypes memberships. The DMPs were annotated in regulatory regions enriched with enhancer elements, associated with pathways and genes involved in pituitary cell identity, function, tumorigenesis, and invasiveness. Some DMPs correlated with genes with prognostic and therapeutic values in other intra- or extracranial tumors.ConclusionsWe identified and validated methylation signatures, mainly annotated in enhancer regions that distinguished PitNETs by distinct adenohypophyseal cell lineages and functional status. These signatures provide the groundwork to develop an unbiased approach to classifying PitNETs according to the most recent classification recommended by the 2017 WHO and to explore their biological and clinical relevance in these tumors.
COVID-19 Mitigation With Appropriate Safety Measures in an Essential Workplace: Lessons for Opening Work Settings in the United States During COVID-19
Authors: Haigh Karen Z , Gandhi Monica 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundNonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Essential workplaces remained open during COVID-19, but few US-based settings detail outcomes.MethodsMercury Systems is a US-based manufacturing company that remained open during COVID-19. NPIs—distancing, masking, hand hygiene, ventilation—were successively deployed from March to August 2020. The company expanded sick leave, asked employees to report work outages from illness, and administered employee satisfaction surveys. Three sites in Arizona, Southern California, and New Hampshire administered testing campaigns via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasal swabs in late July to early August for all employees at work or at home self-isolating due to symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarized findings.ResultsAmong 586 employees at 3 sites, only 1.5% employees developed severe illness over the study duration. Testing campaigns revealed 44 with positive PCR results at a cycle threshold (CT) &lt;37 (likely infectious) and 61 with a CT ≥37 (low-level viral load). True positivity rates were consistent with community prevalence at the time: 1.1% in New Hampshire, 6.2% in California, 12.9% in Arizona. Of all employees with positive tests, 99% were asymptomatic. Employee surveys showed high satisfaction.ConclusionsIn a multisite US company that instituted NPIs for COVID-19 mitigation, the proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections on surveillance testing was high (99%). Although surges in community transmission were seen in 2 sites during the study, employee prevalence reflected community prevalence, despite daily workplace presence. This study demonstrates that NPIs likely mitigate severe COVID-19 illness, that PCR tests should incorporate CT values, and that expanded sick leave likely encourages self-isolation, suggesting strategies for work re-openings.
Challenging Biased Hiring Algorithms
Authors: Kelly-Lyth Aislinn 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Many employers now use complex algorithms to assess job applications. These algorithms can have discriminatory effects for women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and other legally protected groups. This article evaluates the application of UK law to the use of such algorithms, and finds that equality and data protection laws seek to balance the harms of these tools against the benefits of their use. The article then considers the application of these laws in practice, and finds that the opacity of automated hiring poses a significant challenge to enforcement. The article suggests that a ‘transparent recruitment scheme’ should therefore be introduced, which would incentivise the publication of equality metrics contained in employers’ data protection impact assessments. This scheme should be a collaborative effort between the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Vascularized Bone Grafts for Spinal Fusion—Part 1: The Iliac Crest
Authors: Reece Edward M , Davis Matthew J , Wagner Ryan D , Abu-Ghname Amjed , Cruz Alex , Kaung Geoffrey , Verla Terence , Winocour Sebastian , Ropper Alexander E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Iliac crest autograft has been the gold standard for harvest of fusion materials in spine surgery. The benefits of a vascularized version of this bone graft—including delivery of stem cells, ability to deliver antibiotics to the fusion bed, and relative ease of harvest—make this technique superior to free bone transfer in the achievement of augmented spinal fusion.

OBJECTIVE
To present a brief summary of similar existing concepts before describing the novel technique of this vascularized posterior iliac crest bone graft.

METHODS
Vascularized posterior iliac crest bone graft can be harvested from the same midline lumbar incision used for thoracolumbar spinal fusion, through lateral dissection around the paraspinals to the iliac crest. Recipient sites in the posterolateral bony spinal gutters may be as rostral as T12 and caudal as the sacrum. The ability to cover multiple lumbar levels can be achieved with desired lengths of the donor iliac crest.

RESULTS
Over 14 vascularized iliac crest bone grafts have been performed to augment lumbar fusion for salvage after pseudoarthrosis. Operative time and bleeding are reduced compared to free flap procedures, and no patients have experienced any complications related to these grafts. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been utilized in a novel way to ensure the vascularity of the bone graft prior to arthrodesis.

CONCLUSION
While long-term follow-up will be required to fully characterize fusion rates and patient morbidity, this innovative surgical option augments spinal fusion in patients with, or at increased risk for, pseudoarthrosis.
Improvement of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase thermostability by introducing a disulfide bridge in the ribonuclease H region
Authors: Narukawa Yutaro , Kandabashi Mako , Li Tongyang , Baba Misato , Hara Haruka , Kojima Kenji , Iida Kei , Hiyama Takayoshi , Yokoe Sho , Yamazaki Tomomi , Takita Teisuke , Yasukawa Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase (RT) is widely used in research and clinical diagnosis. Improvement of MMLV RT thermostability has been an important topic of research for increasing the efficiency of cDNA synthesis. In this study, we attempted to increase MMLV RT thermostability by introducing a disulfide bridge in its RNase H region using site-directed mutagenesis. Five variants were designed, focusing on the distance between the two residues to be mutated into cysteine. The variants were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. A551C/T662C was determined to be the most thermostable variant.
Renormalization group theory of the generalized multi-vertex sine-Gordon model
Authors: Yanagisawa Takashi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We investigate the renormalization group theory of the generalized multi-vertex sine-Gordon model by employing the dimensional regularization method and also the Wilson renormalization group method. The vertex interaction is given by $\cos(k_j\cdot \phi)$, where $k_j$ ($j=1,2,\ldots,M$) are momentum vectors and $\phi$ is an $N$-component scalar field. The beta functions are calculated for the sine-Gordon model with multiple cosine interactions. The second-order correction in the renormalization procedure is given by the two-point scattering amplitude for tachyon scattering. We show that new vertex interaction with the momentum vector $k_{\ell}$ is generated from two vertex interactions with vectors $k_i$ and $k_j$ when $k_i$ and $k_j$ meet the condition $k_{\ell}=k_i\pm k_j$, called the triangle condition. A further condition $k_i\cdot k_j=\pm 1/2$ is required within the dimensional regularization method. The renormalization group equations form a set of closed equations when $\{k_j\}$ form an equilateral triangle for $N=2$ or a regular tetrahedron for $N=3$. The Wilsonian renormalization group method gives qualitatively the same result for beta functions.