bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competency Status and Desire for Training in Core Public Health Domains: An Analysis by Job Level
Authors: Cunningham James K. 
Published: February 2022

Context:
Although trainings on core public health domains are widely available, and experts concur that competency in multiple core domains (analysis/assessment, leadership, communication, etc) is desirable for public health professionals, many still lack such competency. Employee job level could be a factor, as organizational research indicates that broad skill sets often hold importance mainly for higher-level employees.

Objective:
This study examines whether the association between competency and desire for training in core public health domains depends on job level.

Design:
A training preferences and domain competency survey of public health professionals: nonmanagers (n = 790), middle managers (n = 332), and upper managers (n = 69). The association of competency in domains overall with number of related training topics desired was examined using median tests. The association of competency in individual domains with desire for specific related training topics was assessed using logistic regressions adjusted for education.

Settings:
Public health departments in the US Southwest (2013-2019).

Main Outcome Measures:
Competence in core domains: Financial Planning and Management, Analysis/Assessment, Communication, Cultural Competency, Leadership/Systems Thinking, Policy Development/Program Planning, Public Health Sciences, and Community Dimensions of Practice. Desire for training (yes/no) in 25 domain-related topics.

Results:
Upper managers lacking overall competence in core domains desired more training topics than their competent counterparts (median of 12 topics vs 5, P = .02). In contrast, nonmanagers lacking overall competence desired fewer topics than their competent counterparts (4 vs 6, P < .001). Upper managers with lesser competency in an individual domain often had significantly higher odds of desiring training related to the domain, but the opposite was found for nonmanagers. Among middle managers, little association between competency and training desire was found.

Conclusions:
Ideally, lesser competence in core domains would be accompanied by greater desire for ameliorative training, but only upper managers exhibited this pattern. Efforts are needed to better connect domain competency status and training desire among nonmanagers and middle managers.
The Association of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination Rates in Florida
Authors: Bernet Patrick 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
This study investigates the association of COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates with 2020 presidential election voting preference in Florida counties and the moderating role of age, race, ethnicity, and other community characteristics.

Methods:
Florida county COVID-19 infection and vaccination counts through September 2021 were supplemented with socioeconomic characteristics and 2020 presidential election results. Poisson regression measured the association of infection and vaccination rates with county political preferences, race, ethnicity, and other county demographic and economic characteristics. For models of April through September 2021 infection rates, the same county characteristics were assessed alongside county vaccination levels.

Results:
Each 1% increase in county full vaccination rates was associated with 82.47 fewer infections per 100 000 during the span of April to September 2021. Vaccination rate was the largest and most statistically significant determinant of vaccine era infections. Each 1% increase in the county share of votes for the 2020 Republican presidential candidate was associated with 109.7 more COVID-19 infections per 100 000 through March 2021 and a 0.546% decrease in county vaccination rates through September 2021.

Conclusions:
At the county level, COVID-19 vaccination rates are associated with infection rates, with a higher county population proportion of fully vaccinated associated with fewer infections per 100 000. County political preference in the 2020 presidential election is significantly associated with county-level COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates.
Effect of Adjuvant Steroid Therapy in Type 3 Biliary Atresia
Authors: Lu Xuexin , Jiang Jingying , Shen Zhen , Chen Gong , NP Ying Wu , Xiao Xianmin , Yan Weili , Zheng Shan 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of additional postoperative steroid therapy for type 3 BA versus the current routine care.

Summary Background Data:
Whether steroid therapy post-Kasai portoen-terostomy improves the outcomes of BA remains controversial. Clinical evidence from 2 randomized trials in the UK and USA do not support the routine use of steroid in the treatment of BA.

Methods:
In this open-label randomized controlled trial, patients with type 3 BA were randomized to routine postoperative treatment with or without 10 to 12 weeks of adjuvant steroid treatment. The primary outcome was the postoperative jaundice clearance rate with native liver at 6 months. The secondary outcomes included postoperative jaundice clearance rate at 3, 12, and 24 months, survival with native liver at 12 and 24 months, and SAEs within 3 months.

Results:
Overall, 200 participants were randomized and allocated into either steroid or control group (n = 100/group). The proportion of participants that are jaundice free without liver transplantation was significantly higher in the steroid group than in the control group at 6 months (54.1% vs 31.0%, P = 0.0015). The native liver survival rate was higher postoperatively in the steroid group than in the control group at 12 (66.3% vs 50.0%, P = 0.02) and 24 (57.1% vs 40.0%, P = 0.02) months. The survival time with native liver was significantly longer in the steroid group than in the control group (median survival, steroid vs control: not reached vs 1.21 years, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the mean occurrence of SAEs within 3 months (steroid vs control: 0.63 vs 0.45, P = 0.20).

Conclusions:
Postoperative adjuvant steroid intervention improved bile drainage and survival with native liver in type 3 BA patients, without increasing early-stage SAEs.
A deep learning model trained on only eight whole-slide images accurately segments tumors: wise data use versus big data
Authors: Perennec T. , Bourgade R. , Henno Sébastien , Sagan Christine , Toquet Claire , Rioux-Leclercq N. , Kammerer-Jacquet Solène-Florence , Loussouarn D. , Griebel M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractComputer-assisted pathology is one of the biggest challenges in the medicine of the future. However, artificial intelligence is struggling to gain acceptance in the broader medical community due to data security issues, lack of trust in the machine, and poor data availability. Here, we develop a tumor delineation algorithm with only eight whole slide images of ovarian cancer to demonstrate the feasibility of an artificial intelligence application created from only a few data, finely annotated and with optimal processing. We test the model on seventeen other slides from the same hospital. The predictions are similar to the ground truth annotations made by an expert pathologist, with a mean DICE score of 0.90 [0.85 - 0.93]. The results on slides from another hospital are consistent, suggesting that the model is generalizable and that its performance does not suffer from different data acquisition. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a contouring algorithm based on a reduced dataset well optimized, going against the commonly accepted idea that a phenomenal amount of data is paramount. This study paves the way for other medical applications, especially for rare pathologies with limited available data.
Non-invasive stimulation with Temporal Interference: Optimization of the electric field deep in the brain with the use of a genetic algorithm
Authors: Stoupis D. , Samaras T. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveSince the introduction of transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS), there has been an ever-growing interest in this novel method, as it theoretically allows non-invasive stimulation of deep brain target regions. To date, attempts have been made to optimize the electrode montages and injected current to achieve personalized area targeting using two electrode pairs. Most of these methods use exhaustive search to find the best match, but faster and, at the same time, reliable solutions are required. In this study, the aforementioned stimulation settings were optimized using a genetic algorithm.MethodsSimulations were performed on head models from the Population Head Model (PHM) repository. First, each model was fitted with an electrode array based on the 10-10 international EEG electrode placement system. Following electrode placement, the models were meshed and solved for all single-pair electrode combinations using an electrode on the left mastoid as a reference (ground). At the optimization stage, different electrode pairs and injection currents were tested using a genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal combination for each model.ResultsGreater focality was achieved with optimization, specifically for the right hippocampus (region of interest), with a significant decrease in the surrounding electric field intensity. In the non-optimized case, the brain volumes stimulated above 0.2V/m were 99.9% in the region of interest (ROI), and 76.4% in the rest of the gray matter. In contrast, the stimulated volumes were 91.4% and 29.6% for the best optimization case. Additionally, the maximum electric field intensity inside the region of interest was consistently higher than that outside the ROI for all optimized cases.SignificanceGiven that the accomplishment of a globally optimal solution requires a brute-force approach, the use of a genetic algorithm can significantly decrease the optimization time and provide usable results. Although the method is promising and the indications are becoming more robust, such that optimal solutions can be achieved at the individual level, there are limitations on what can be achieved using only two electrode pairs.
Duration reproduction under memory pressure: Modeling the roles of visual memory load in duration encoding and reproduction
Authors: Zang Xuelian , Zhu Xiuna , Allenmark Fredrik , Wu Jiao , Müller Hermann J. , Glasauer Stefan , Shi Zhuanghua 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDuration estimates are often biased by the sampled statistical context, yielding the classical central-tendency effect, i.e., short durations are over- and long duration underestimated. Most studies of the central-tendency bias have primarily focused on the integration of the sensory measure and the prior information, without considering any cognitive limits. Here, we investigated the impact of cognitive (visual working-memory) load on duration estimation in the duration encoding and reproduction stages. In four experiments, observers had to perform a dual, attention-sharing task: reproducing a given duration (primary) and memorizing a variable set of color patches (secondary). We found an increase in memory load (i.e., set size) during the duration-encoding stage to increase the central-tendency bias, while shortening the reproduced duration in general; in contrast, increasing the load during the reproduction stage prolonged the reproduced duration, without influencing the central tendency. By integrating an attentional-sharing account into a hierarchical Bayesian model, we were able to predict both the general over- and underestimation and the central-tendency effects observed in all four experiments. The model suggests that memory pressure during the encoding stage increases the sensory noise, which elevates the central-tendency effect. In contrast, memory pressure during the reproduction stage only influences the monitoring of elapsed time, leading to a general duration over-reproduction without impacting the central tendency.
RNA polymerase redistribution and increased gene dosage support growth in E. coli strains with a minimal number of ribosomal RNA operons
Authors: Fan Jun , El Sayyed Hafez , Pambos Oliver J. , Stracy Mathew , Kyropoulos Jingwen , Kapanidis Achillefs N. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTBacterial transcription by RNA polymerase (RNAP) is spatially organised. RNAPs transcribing highly expressed genes locate in the nucleoid periphery, and form clusters in rich media, with several studies linking RNAP clustering and transcription of ribosomal RNA (rrn). However, the nature of RNAP clusters and their association with rrn transcription remains unclear. Here we address these questions by using single-molecule tracking to monitor the subcellular distribution of mobile and immobile RNAP in strains with a heavily reduced number of chromosomal rrn operons (Δrrn strains). Strikingly, we find that the fraction of chromosome-associated RNAP (which is mainly engaged in transcription) is robust to deleting 5 or 6 of the 7 chromosomal rrn operons. Spatial analysis in Δrrn strains showed substantial RNAP redistribution during moderate growth, with clustering increasing at the cell end-caps, where the remaining rrn operons reside. These results support a model where RNAPs in Δrrn strains relocate to copies of the remaining rrn operons. We also show that Δrrn strains experience increased rrn gene dosage in rich media, minimising growth defects due to rrn deletions. Our study further links RNAP clusters and rrn transcription, and offers insight on how bacteria maintain growth in the presence of only 1-2 rrn operons.
How nutrition and energy needs affect bumble bee pollination services: A mathematical model
Authors: Capera-Aragones Pau , Foxall Eric , Tyson Rebecca C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe balance between nutrition and energy needs has an important impact on the spatial distribution of foraging animals. In the present paper, we focus on the case of bumble bees moving around a landscape in search of pollen (to meet nutritional needs) and nectar (to meet energy needs). Depending on the colony demands, bumble bees can concentrate their foraging effort towards either pollen rich flower species or nectar rich flower species. This behaviour allows us to establish a strategy – a spatial landscape design – which can maximize the pollination services of crops that are nutritionally deficient for pollinators by adding nutritionally rich wildflower patches. To do this, we formulate a mathematical partial integro-differential equation model to predict the spatial distribution of foraging bumble bees. We use our model to predict the location, composition and quantity of the wildflower patches adjacent to crop fields that will be most beneficial for crop pollination services. Our results show that relatively small quantities of wildflowers in specific locations with respect to the nest sites and the crop can have a positive impact on pollination services when the composition (i.e., pollen to nectar ratio) of the added wildflowers is significantly different from the composition of the existing crop flowers.
Spatial patterns from a dispersal limitation perspective: revealing biotic interactions
Authors: Kalyuzhny Michael , Lake Jeffrey K. , Ostling Annette M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLocal spatial distributions of populations are often studied in comparison to Complete Spatial Randomness (CSR) and are found to be ubiquitously aggregated, likely due to dispersal limitation. Here we theoretically examine the advantages of comparing observed distributions to simulated populations subject only to drift and Dispersal Limitation (DL). Compared to this DL null, local competition produces overdispersion out to surprisingly large scales—much larger than the scale of competitive interactions. Furthermore, strong overdispersion provides a hallmark that a key requirement of stable coexistence is met, as it can only be observed if intraspecific competition is substantially stronger than interspecific competition. Dispersion compared to CSR is insensitive to competition and as a result unreflective of its presence. Hence, we suggest DL as a complement to CSR since the former focuses on biologically relevant spatial scales and has the potential to detect biotic interactions and habitat specificity.
Optimal routing to cerebellum-like structures
Authors: Muscinelli Samuel , Wagner Mark , Litwin-Kumar Ashok 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe vast expansion from mossy fibers to cerebellar granule cells produces a neural representation that supports functions including associative and internal model learning. This motif is shared by other cerebellum-like structures, including the insect mushroom body, electrosensory lobe of electric fish, and mammalian dorsal cochlear nucleus, and has inspired numerous theoretical models of its functional role. Less attention has been paid to structures immediately presynaptic to granule cell layers, whose architecture can be described as a “bottleneck” and whose functional role is not understood. We therefore develop a general theory of cerebellum-like structures in conjunction with their afferent pathways. This theory predicts the role of the pontine relay to cerebellar cortex and the glomerular organization of the insect antennal lobe. It also reconciles theories of nonlinear mixing with recent observations of correlated granule cell activity. More generally, it shows that structured compression followed by random expansion is an efficient architecture for flexible computation.
Gait stability in ambulant children with cerebral palsy during dual tasks
Authors: Wist Sophie , Carcreff Lena , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Allali Gilles , Newman Christopher J. , Fluss Joel , Armand Stéphane 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimThe aim of this prospective cross-sectional study with matched controls was to measure the effect of dual tasks on gait stability in ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to typically developing (TD) children.MethodsThe children of the CP (n= 20) and TD groups (n=20) walked first without a dual task, then while counting and finally while alternatively naming fruits and animals (DTf/a). They then completed the same cognitive exercises while sitting comfortably. We calculated the distance between the foot placement estimator (FPE) and the real foot placement in the anterior direction (DFPEAP) and in the mediolateral direction (DFPEML) as a measure of gait stability, in a gait laboratory using an optoelectronic system. Cognitive scores were computed. Comparisons within and between groups were analysed with linear mixed models.ResultsThe dual task had a significant effect on the CP group in DFPEAP and DFPEML. The CP group was more affected than the TD group during dual task in the DFPEML. Children in both groups showed significant changes in gait stability during dual tasks.InterpretationThe impact of dual task on gait stability is possibly due to the sharing of attention between gait and the cognitive task. All children favoured a ‘posture second’ strategy during the dual task of alternatively naming animals and fruits. Children with CP increased their mediolateral stability during dual task.
An extended SIR model with vaccine dynamics for SARS-CoV-2 adaptation rate
Authors: Horvat R. , Surić T. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic is caused by infection with a SARS-CoV-2 virus, a RNA virus characterized by high mutation and replication rates. From epidemiological perspective, the trajectory in time of viral adaptation is determined by two opposite forces: (a) proportion of the population who has acquired immunity, exerting thereby a selective pressure on the virus and (b) proportion of infected people in the population, measuring the net viral load in the population. We calculate both the number of advantageous mutations in the population that have accumulated by time t and the amount of viral adaptation transmitted to a susceptible compartment, the latter being called the Evolutionary Infectivity Profile (EIP). To this end we employ first a simple compartmental SIR model with a single parameter describing reduction in transmission due to vaccination. Then we switch to a model which actuates the full vaccine dynamics, including vaccination rate and short duration of immunity. In our models we have never come across a situation where vaccination plays a dominant role in driving new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Nevertheless if the vaccination rate is not high enough, the EIP would continuously grow with time, pointing to a fruitful field for proliferation of genetically variable SARS-CoV-2 viruses.
In vivo white matter microstructure in adolescents with early-onset psychosis: a multi-site mega-analysis via the ENIGMA Consortium
Authors: Barth Claudia , Kelly Sinead , Nerland Stener , Jahanshad Neda , Alloza Clara , Ambrogi Sonia , Andreassen Ole A , Andreou Dimitrios , Arango Celso , Baeza Inmaculada , Banaj Nerisa , Bearden Carrie E , Berk Michael , Bohman Hannes , Castro-Fornieles Josefina , Chye Yann , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , de la Serna Elena , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M , Gurholt Tiril P , Hegarty Catherine E , James Anthony , Janssen Joost , Johannessen Cecilie , Jönsson Erik G , Karlsgodt Katherine H , Kochunov Peter , Lois Noemi G , Lundberg Mathias , Myhre Anne M , Pascual-Diaz Saül , Piras Fabrizio , Smelror Runar E , Spalletta Gianfranco , Stokkan Therese S , Sugranyes Gisela , Suo Chao , Thomopoulos Sophia I , Tordesillas-Gutiérrez Diana , Vecchio Daniela , Wedervang-Resell Kirsten , Wortinger Laura A , Thompson Paul M. , Agartz Ingrid 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundEmerging evidence suggests brain white matter alterations in adolescents with early-onset psychosis (EOP; age of onset <18 years). However, as neuroimaging methods vary and sample sizes are modest, results remain inconclusive. Using harmonized data processing protocols and a mega-analytic approach, we compared white matter microstructure in EOP and healthy controls (CTR) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).MethodsOur sample included 321 adolescents with EOP (mean age: 16.3 ± 1.4 years, 46.4% females) and 265 adolescent CTR (mean age: 16.0 ± 1.7 years, 57.7% females) pooled from nine sites. All sites extracted mean fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) for 25 white matter regions of interest per participant. ComBat harmonization was performed for all DTI measures to adjust for scanner differences. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to investigate case-control differences and associations with clinical variables in regional DTI measures.ResultsWe found widespread lower FA in EOP compared to CTR, with the largest effect sizes in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (Cohen’s d = 0.37), posterior corona radiata (d = 0.32), and superior fronto□occipital fasciculus (d = 0.31). We also found widespread higher RD and more localized higher MD and AD. We detected significant effects of diagnostic subgroup, sex, and duration of illness, but not medication status.ConclusionUsing the largest EOP DTI sample to date, our findings suggest a profile of widespread white matter microstructure alterations in adolescents with EOP, most prominently in male patients with early-onset schizophrenia and patients with a shorter duration of illness.