bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of current and investigational treatments for active ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Deodhar A. , Chakravarty S. D. , Cameron C. , Peterson S. , Hensman R. , Fogarty S. , Spin P. , Kafka S. , Nair S. , Gensler L. S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the relative efficacy of current and investigational biologic and oral small molecule (OSM) treatments for active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify all phase 2/3 randomized trials of interest in patients with AS. Outcomes assessed were ≥ 20% improvement in the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society Criteria (ASAS20) and change from baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) at weeks 12–16. Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes using a random effects model. Baseline-risk adjustment was also conducted to account for differences in placebo response across studies. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA) values are reported, reflecting the relative probability that intervention was the best of all interventions.ResultsThe investigational agent tofacitinib 5 mg was the top-ranked treatment (SUCRA, 93%) for ASAS20 response, followed by intravenous (IV) golimumab 2 mg/kg (90%). Golimumab IV 2 mg/kg and infliximab 5 mg/kg were the top two ranked treatments for change from baseline in BASFI (golimumab IV, 81%; infliximab, 80%) and change from baseline in CRP (infliximab, 90%; golimumab IV, 82%).ConclusionsTwo approved therapies (golimumab IV, infliximab) and one investigational product ranked highest for efficacy in AS.Key Points• Although golimumab IV, infliximab, and tofacitinib ranked highest for efficacy in AS, differences in efficacy between approved and investigational therapies were not statistically significant.
Is the whole larger than the sum of its parts? Impact of missing data imputation in economic evaluation conducted alongside randomized controlled trials
Authors: Michalowsky Bernhard , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Kennedy Kevin , Xie Feng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOutcomes in economic evaluations, such as health utilities and costs, are products of multiple variables, often requiring complete item responses to questionnaires. Therefore, missing data are very common in cost-effectiveness analyses. Multiple imputations (MI) are predominately recommended and could be made either for individual items or at the aggregate level. We, therefore, aimed to assess the precision of both MI approaches (the item imputation vs. aggregate imputation) on the cost-effectiveness results. The original data set came from a cluster-randomized, controlled trial and was used to describe the missing data pattern and compare the differences in the cost-effectiveness results between the two imputation approaches. A simulation study with different missing data scenarios generated based on a complete data set was used to assess the precision of both imputation approaches. For health utility and cost, patients more often had a partial (9% vs. 23%, respectively) rather than complete missing (4% vs. 0%). The imputation approaches differed in the cost-effectiveness results (the item imputation: − 61,079€/QALY vs. the aggregate imputation: 15,399€/QALY). Within the simulation study mean relative bias (< 5% vs. < 10%) and range of bias (< 38% vs. < 83%) to the true incremental cost and incremental QALYs were lower for the item imputation compared to the aggregate imputation. Even when 40% of data were missing, relative bias to true cost-effectiveness curves was less than 16% using the item imputation, but up to 39% for the aggregate imputation. Thus, the imputation strategies could have a significant impact on the cost-effectiveness conclusions when more than 20% of data are missing. The item imputation approach has better precision than the imputation at the aggregate level.
Wachsende Ungleichheit lässt Ökonomen kalt
Authors: Butterwegge Christoph 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungSeit geraumer Zeit ist die wachsende Ungleichheit das Kardinalproblem unserer Gesellschaft, wenn nicht der gesamten Menschheit. Während daraus im globalen Maßstab Krisen und Kriege resultieren, die wiederum größere Migrationsbewegungen nach sich ziehen, sind hierzulande sozialer Zusammenhalt und repräsentative Demokratie bedroht. Gleichwohl haben sich die meisten deutschen Ökonomen nie ernsthaft mit dem Problem der Ungleichheit auseinandergesetzt und nach Möglichkeiten für eine Lösung gesucht. Stattdessen haben sie das Problem ignoriert oder seine Bedeutung negiert bzw. relativiert.
Deutschland hat Nachholbedarf in einigen Zukunftsindustrien
Authors: Brühl Volker 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der deutschen Wirtschaft steht vor gewaltigen Herausforderungen. Traditionell starke Sektoren wie die Automobilindustrie oder der Maschinenbau befinden sich angesichts disruptiver Veränderungen durch neue Technologien, den Kampf gegen den Klimawandel und veränderte regulatorische Rahmenbedingungen in einer Umbruchphase. Zahlreiche Industriezweige wandeln sich durch den Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz zu „Smart Industries“. Gleichzeitig gewinnt die Kompetenz in Querschnittstechnologien wie Cloud Computing oder Cyber Security an Bedeutung, da diese den effektiven Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz erst ermöglichen. Eine Analyse der Wettbewerbsposition der deutschen Wirtschaft zeigt auf, dass in manchen Zukunftsfeldern ein erheblicher Nachholbedarf besteht.
Psychometric Properties of the General Organizational Index (GOI): A Measure of Individualization and Quality Improvement to Complement Program Fidelity
Authors: Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik , Egeland Karina Myhren , Landers Matthew , Ruud Torleif , Joa Inge , Drake Robert E. , Bond Gary R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo assess the implementation of effective practices, mental health programs need standardized measures. The General Organizational Index (GOI), although widely used for this purpose, has received minimal psychometric research. For this study, we assessed psychometric properties of the GOI scale administered four times over 18 months during the implementation of a new program in 11 sites. The GOI scale demonstrated high levels of interrater reliability (.97), agreement between assessors on item ratings (86% overall), internal consistency (.77–.80 at three time points), sensitivity to change, and feasibility. We conclude that the GOI scale has acceptable psychometric properties, and its use may enhance implementation and research on evidence-based mental health practices.Trial registration: REK2015/2169. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03271242
Sulfonated Phosphine Ligands in the Ruthenium Catalyzed Biphasic Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Authors: Császár Zsófia , Bakos József , Farkas Gergely 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe hydrogenation of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by ruthenium catalysts has been investigated in the presence of sulfonated monophosphine ligands with different stereoelectronic properties under biphasic conditions. The effects of (i) the number of sulfonate groups, (ii) the steric demand of the ligand and (iii) the σ-donor ability of the phosphorus atom have been investigated in the catalytic reactions. The TEM analysis of the catalytically active systems revealed that in situ formed soluble ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs) are responsible for the catalytic turnover. The Ru/sulfonated phosphine system with the properly tuned ligand exhibited high activity (8800 h−1) and selectivity in the hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexane. Furthermore, the aqueous phase containing RuNPs could be recycled four times without a considerable loss of activity.Graphic Abstract
Probabilistic data association: the orbit set
Authors: Pirovano Laura , Santeramo Daniele A. , Armellin Roberto , Di Lizia Pierluigi , Wittig Alexander 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a novel method to obtain the solution to the initial orbit determination problem for optical observations as a continuum of orbits—namely the orbit set—that fits the set of acquired observations within a prescribed accuracy. Differential algebra is exploited to analytically link the uncertainty in the observations to the state of the orbiting body with truncated power series, thus allowing for a compact analytical description of the orbit set. The automatic domain splitting tool controls the truncation error of the polynomial approximation by patching the uncertainty domain with different polynomial expansions, effectively creating a mesh. The algorithm is tested for different observing strategies to understand the working boundaries, thus defining the region for which the admissible region is necessary to extract meaningful information from observations and highlight where the new method can achieve a smaller uncertainty region, effectively showing that for some observing strategies it is possible to extract more information from a tracklet than the attributable. Consequently, the method enables comparison of orbit sets avoiding sampling when looking for correlation of different observations. Linear regression is also implemented to improve the uncertainty estimation and study the influence of the confidence level on the orbit set size. This is shown both for simulated and real observations obtained from the TFRM observatory.
Characterization of urinary concentrations of heavy metals among socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women
Authors: Han Inkyu , Whitworth Kristina W. , Zhang Xueying , Afshar Masoud , Berens Pamela D. , Symanski Elaine 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to characterize exposures to metals using biological samples collected on socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women. We obtained 131 anonymous urine samples provided by black pregnant women visiting a Medicaid-serving prenatal clinic in Houston, TX, from March 27, 2017 to April 11, 2017. We analyzed urine samples for 15 metals including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) and for creatinine and cotinine. We found that median concentrations of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and aluminum (Al) among black pregnant women in this study were 1.5 to 3 times higher than levels reported among a cohort of well-educated non-Hispanic white pregnancy planners. We also observed elevated levels of urinary Cd and antimony (Sb) as compared with those reported for a nationally representative sample of adult women in the USA. Based on the results of an exploratory factor analysis, potential sources of metal exposures in this population may arise in home environments or be due to diet, industrial and natural sources, or traffic.
Does Spiritual Intelligence (SI) Exist? A Theoretical Investigation of a Tool Useful for Finding the Meaning of Life
Authors: Skrzypińska Katarzyna 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFor years, spirituality and finding the meaning of life have been considered essential phenomena in the context of human existence. Zohar introduced the termspiritual intelligence(SI) in 1997, and since that time researchers have been seeking to clarify the concept. Emmons (The psychology of ultimate concerns. Guilford Press, New York, 1999) suggested that SI serves as a potentially significant construct to expand our understanding of the psychological determinants of human functioning. In recent years, several efforts to conceptualize and measure this construct have joined the body of related literature, of which King (Brighter paths to wellbeing: an integrative model of human intelligence and health. Trent University Centre for Health Studies Showcase, pp 12–13, 2008) serves as one notable example. Following, evaluating, and summarizing the theoretical debate regarding the validity of a concept, as it is presented in the literature, has long been understood as a helpful way of extending scholarly dialogue. In this project, I review psychological literature relevant to the debate on the validity of SI as a psychological construct. The literature offers many examples that demonstrate a relation between SI and other phenomena that are important for human functioning—well-being in this. Results of the analysis support theoretical considerations for viewing SI as facilitating the ability to search for the meaning of life and provide directions for future study.
Epidemiology of hip fractures in Bulgaria: development of a country-specific FRAX model
Authors: Kirilova E. , Johansson H. , Kirilov N. , Vladeva S. , Petranova T. , Kolarov Z. , Liu E. , Lorentzon M. , Vandenput L. , Harvey N. C. , McCloskey E. , Kanis John A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Summary

A retrospective population-based survey was undertaken in a region of Bulgaria to determine the incidence of hip fracture. The estimated number of hip fractures nationwide for 2015 was 9322 and is predicted to increase to 11,398 in 2050. The hip fracture rates were used to create a FRAX model.

Objective
To describe the epidemiology of hip fractures in Bulgaria, which was then used to develop the country-specific fracture prediction FRAX® tool.

Methods
We carried out a retrospective population-based survey in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, representing approximately 4.6% of the country’s population. We identified hip fractures occurring in 2015, 2016 and 2017 from hospital registers and primary care sources held by the regional health insurance agency. Age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture and national mortality rates were incorporated into a FRAX model for Bulgaria. Fracture probabilities were compared with those from neighbouring countries having FRAX models.

Results
The incidence of hip fracture applied nationally suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years for 2015 was 9322 and is predicted to increase to 11,398 in 2050. FRAX-based probabilities were higher in Bulgaria than those in Serbia or Romania, lower than those in Turkey and similar to those in Greece.

Conclusion
The FRAX model should enhance accuracy of determining fracture probability among the Bulgarian population and help guide decisions about treatment.
NMR backbone assignment of the Cε4 domain of immunoglobulin E
Authors: Benjamin Stefi V. , Creeke Paul I. , Henry Alistair J. , McDonnell James M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImmunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in allergic reactions. IgE is a dynamic molecule that is capable of undergoing large conformational changes. X-ray crystal structures of the Fc region of IgE in complex with various ligands have shown that IgE-Fc can exist in extended and various bent conformations. IgE-Fc consists of three domains: Cε2, Cε3 and Cε4. While the complete NMR backbone assignments of the Cε2 and Cε3 domains have been reported previously, the Cε4 domain has not been assigned. Here, we report the complete backbone assignment of the Cε4 homodimer. Cε4 can be used as a model system to study dynamics and allostery in IgE, as both molecules exist as homodimers and exhibit similar binding properties to a number of ligands.
Stability of ALE Ricci-Flat Manifolds Under Ricci Flow
Authors: Deruelle Alix , Kröncke Klaus 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe prove that if an ALE Ricci-flat manifold (M, g) is linearly stable and integrable, it is dynamically stable under Ricci flow, i.e. any Ricci flow starting close togexists for all time and converges modulo diffeomorphism to an ALE Ricci-flat metric close tog. By adapting Tian’s approach in the closed case, we show that integrability holds for ALE Calabi–Yau manifolds which implies that they are dynamically stable.
Impairments in Emotion Recognition and Risk-Taking Behavior After Isolated, Cerebellar Stroke
Authors: van den Berg Nils S. , Huitema Rients B. , Spikman Jacoba M. , Luijckx Gert-Jan , de Haan Edward H. F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn increasing amount of research has shown a cerebellar involvement in higher order cognitive functions, including emotional processing and decision-making. However, it has not been investigated whether impairments in facial emotion recognition, which could be a marker of impaired emotional experiences, are related to risky decision-making in these patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate facial emotion recognition and risky decision-making in these patients as well as to investigate a relationship between these constructs. Thirteen patients with a discrete, isolated, cerebellar lesion as a consequence of a stroke were included in the study. Emotion recognition was assessed with the Facial Expressions of Emotions—Stimuli and Test (FEEST). Risk-taking behavior was assessed with the Action Selection Test (AST). Furthermore, 106 matched healthy controls performed the FEEST and 20 matched healthy controls performed the AST. Compared with healthy controls, patients were significantly worse in the recognition of emotional expressions and they took significantly more risks. In addition, a worse ability to recognize fearful facial expressions was strongly related to an increase in risky decisions in the AST. Therefore, we suggest that tests of emotion recognition should be incorporated into the neuropsychological assessment after cerebellar stroke to boost detection and treatment of these impairments in these patients.
New approach to evaluate the asymptotic distribution of particle systems expressed by probabilistic cellular automata
Authors: Endo Kazushige 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe propose some conjectures on the asymptotic distribution of the probabilistic Burgers cellular automaton (PBCA), which is defined by a simple rule of particle motion with a probabilistic parameter. Asymptotic distribution of configurations converges to a unique steady state for PBCA. We propose a new and widely-applicable approach to analyze probabilistic particle systems and apply it concretely to PBCA and its extensions. We introduce a conjecture on the distribution and derive the asymptotic probability expressed by the GKZ hypergeometric function. If the space size goes into infinity, we can evaluate the relationship between the density and flux of particles for infinite space. Moreover, we propose two extended systems of PBCA and analyze their asymptotic behavior.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of tuberculosis in East Hararge Zone, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebu Aboma Temesgen , Genati Kasahun Takele , Bekalo Daniel Biftu , Deressa Teshome Kebede 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTuberculosis disease burden remains a fundamental global public health concern for decades. The disease may not uniformly distributed with certain geographical areas recording higher notification rate than others. However, the Ethiopian national TB control program does not provide services based on those areas with the greatest notifications but rather on a uniform strategy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and presence of the spatio-temporal clustering of the disease in different geographic settings over 8 years in the East Hararge Zone. A retrospective space-time and spatial analysis were carried out at districts of East Hararghe zone based on a total of 34,564 notified TB cases during the study period. The study identified different case notification rate over districts and clustering effects for the purely spatial and spatiotemporal with different estimated relative risks. The study recommends national tuberculosis control program to give attention to highly observed case notification rates specially Babile, Haramaya and Jarso districs of East Hararge Zone to have effective TB intervention in the study area.
Predictors of participant ‘no-shows’ for intensive behavioral tobacco cessation treatment: recruitment, demographics, and distance
Authors: Sirody Jordin , Munday Stryffeler Michaela , Webb Hooper Monica 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionCognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for tobacco cessation is an evidence-based, yet underutilized intervention. More research is needed to understand why some treatment-seekers are ‘no-shows’ for the initial visit.AimExamine factors associated with participant no-shows among smokers scheduled for group CBT.MethodsTobacco smokers (N= 115) were recruited from the community, screened, and if eligible, scheduled to begin group-based CBT plus nicotine replacement therapy. At the screening, participants reported their recruitment source, demographics, smoking history, and contact information. We computed the distance to the study site using the address provided. Regression analyses tested predictors of participant no-shows for the initial visit.ResultsEligible participants were mostly recruited via flyers (56%), female (58%), African American (61%), middle-aged (Mage= 49 years), averaged 16 cigarettes per day, and resided 8 miles away from the study site. The overall initial visit no-show rate was 56%. Bivariate analyses indicated that respondents who were recruited online, younger, and lived further away from the site were more likely to be no-shows. Younger age significantly predicted failure to attend in the multivariable model.ConclusionsFindings highlight potential barriers to participation in a group-based intervention, and have implications for pre-intervention engagement strategies and modifications that may increase reach and uptake.
Reshaping the reach of the state: the politics of teacher payment reform in the DR Congo
Authors: Brandt Cyril Owen , De Herdt Tom 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe analyse the politics of the reform of teacher payment modalities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in light of the uneven territorial reach of the DRC state. The reform focused on extending this reach by paying all teachers via a bank account, replacing long-standing shared governance arrangements between state and faith-based organisations with a public-private partnership. By using qualitative and quantitative data, we map the political practices accompanying the implementation of the reform. While the reform itself was officially deemed a success, its intended effects were almost completely offset in rural areas. Moreover, governance of teacher payments was not rationalised but instead became even more complex and spatially differentiated. In sum, the reform has rendered governance processes more opaque and deepened the existing unevenness in the geography of statehood.
Feeding habits of the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Campos Laura Busin , Lopes Xênia Moreira , da Silva Ednilson , Santos Marcos César de Oliveira 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study evaluated the feeding habits of the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in south-eastern Brazil. Stomach contents were collected from a total of 145 dead specimens found incidentally caught by fishing vessels or stranded between 2005 and 2015. Fish otoliths, cephalopod beaks and whole non-digested prey were used for prey species identification. A total of 9337 prey items were identified, including 26 species of teleost fishes and three species of cephalopods. The most important prey families were Sciaenidae among fish and Loliginidae among cephalopods. Franciscana dolphins tended to feed on small fish (mean = 5.25 cm) and cephalopods (mean = 8.57 cm). The index of relative importance (IRI) showed thatPellona harroweriandDoryteuthis pleiwere the most important prey for both males and females. The PERMANOVA test confirmed that there is no significant difference between the feeding habits of different sexes, but detected a significant difference among seasons. Overall, our results show that franciscana dolphins are predominantly ichthyophagous and non-selective in relation to the type of prey, feeding on pelagic, demersal and pelagic-demersal prey.