bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing γ-ray emissions from dark matter annihilations in 45 Milky Way satellite galaxies and in extragalactic sources with particle dark matter models
Authors: Halder Ashadul , Banerjee Shibaji , Pandey Madhurima , Majumdar Debasish 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
The mass-to-luminosity ratio of the dwarf satellite galaxies in the Milky Way suggests that these dwarf galaxies may contain substantial dark matter. The dark matter at the dense region such as within or at the vicinity of the centres of these dwarf galaxies may undergo the process of self-annihilation and produce γ-rays as the end product. The satellite borne γ-ray telescope such as Fermi-LAT reported the detection of γ-rays from around 45 Dwarf Spheroidals (dSphs) of Milky Way. In this work, we consider particle dark matter models described in the literature and after studying their phenomenologies, we calculate the γ-ray fluxes from the self-annihilation of the dark matter within the framework of these models in case of each of these 45 dSphs. We then compare the computed results with the observational upper bounds for γ-ray flux reported by Fermi-LAT and Dark Energy Survey for each of the 45 dSphs. The fluxes are calculated by adopting different dark matter density profiles. We then extend similar analysis for the observational upper bounds given by Fermi-LAT for the continuum γ-ray fluxes originating from extragalactic sources.
On the lifetime of bioinformatics web services
Authors: Kern Fabian , Fehlmann Tobias , Keller Andreas 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Web services are used through all disciplines in life sciences and the online landscape is growing by hundreds of novel servers annually. However, availability varies, and maintenance practices are largely inconsistent. We screened the availability of 2396 web tools published during the past 10 years. All servers were accessed over 133 days and 318 668 index files were stored in a local database. The number of accessible tools almost linearly increases in time with highest availability for 2019 and 2020 (∼90%) and lowest for tools published in 2010 (∼50%). In a 133-day test frame, 31% of tools were always working, 48.4% occasionally and 20.6% never. Consecutive downtimes were typically below 5 days with a median of 1 day, and unevenly distributed over the weekdays. A rescue experiment on 47 tools that were published from 2019 onwards but never accessible showed that 51.1% of the tools could be restored in due time. We found a positive association between the number of citations and the probability of a web server being reachable. We then determined common challenges and formulated categorical recommendations for researchers planning to develop web-based resources. As implication of our study, we propose to develop a repository for automatic API testing and sustainability indexing.
Trustworthiness, Stability and Productivity of Minority Governments in Australia
Authors: Brenton Scott , Pickering Heath 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this study, we question commonly held negative perceptions of minority governments and determine whether they can be trusted to deliver on the promises contained in governance agreements, whether they are stable in being able to govern over full terms of parliament, and whether they are productive in being able to successfully pass legislation. We examine eight minority government agreements and the following eight majority government opening parliamentary agendas in Australian national and state governments from 1989 to 2018 and compare their performance using legislative data. The main differences are not how long they last or how much legislation they pass, but rather that majority governments generally make more commitments, particularly more policy-focused commitments. They are also more successful in fulfilling their promises, albeit not completely. We theorise that major parties faced with having to form a minority government agreement will overpromise in order to secure power but can underdeliver due to the risks for minor parties and independents in forcing elections over breaches.
Three Letters on the Foundations of Mathematics by Frank Plumpton Ramsey†
Authors: Mancosu Paolo 
Published: November 2020

Summary
This article presents three hitherto unpublished letters by Frank Plumpton Ramsey on the foundations of mathematics with commentary. One of the letters was sent to Abraham Fraenkel and the other two letters to Heinrich Behmann. The transcription of the letters is preceded by an account that details the extent of Ramsey's known contacts with mathematical logicians on the Continent.
Interior of the horizon of the Bañados-Teitelboim-Zanelli black hole
Authors: Nakayama Ryuichi , Shiohara Kenji 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A quantum scalar field inside the horizon of the non-rotating BTZ black hole is studied. Not only the near-horizon modes but also the normal modes deep inside the horizon are obtained. It is shown that the matching condition for the normal modes of a scalar field at the horizon does not uniquely determine the normal-mode expansion of a scalar field inside the horizon. By choosing a certain appropriate prescription for removing this ambiguity, an integral form of a new scalar propagator for points on both sides of the horizon are obtained. A similar problem may arise in higher-dimensional black holes.
Quantitative MRI adds to neuropsychiatric lupus diagnostics
Authors: Ramirez Giuseppe A , Rocca Maria A , Preziosa Paolo , Bozzolo Enrica P , Pagani Elisabetta , Canti Valentina , Moiola Lucia , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Manfredi Angelo A , Filippi Massimo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective
Attributing neuropsychiatric manifestations to SLE is often challenging. Brain white matter lesions are frequent in SLE at MRI, but their diagnostic role is unclear. Here, we assessed whether white matter lesions count, volume and distribution measurement can help in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).

Methods
Brain dual-echo and 3D T1-weighted sequences were acquired from 32 patients with SLE and 32 healthy controls with a 3 T-scanner and employed to derive T2-hyperintense lesion volume (T2LV), number (T2LN) and probability maps (LPM) using a semi-automatic local thresholding segmentation technique. NPSLE was classified as per the ACR nomenclature, the Italian Society for Rheumatology algorithm and by clinical impression. Clinical descriptors including the SLE International Collaborating Clinics/ACR damage index (SDI) were also recorded.

Results
Higher T2LV were observed in SLE vs healthy controls (P &lt; 0.001) and in NPSLE vs other SLE (P =0.006). Patients with NPSLE also had higher T2LN (P =0.003) compared with other SLE. In SLE, T2LPM revealed a high prevalence of lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum, right superior longitudinal fasciculus and right corona radiata. T2LV and T2LN correlated with SLE duration (rho = 0.606; P &lt;0.001 and rho = 0.483; P =0.005, respectively) and age (rho = 0.478; P =0.006 and rho = 0.362; P = 0.042, respectively). T2LV also correlated with SDI (rho = 0.352; P =0.048). SLE patients with fatigue had lower T2LN (P =0.038) compared with patients without fatigue. Thresholds of T2LV ≥ 0.423 cm3 or of T2LN ≥ 12 were associated with definite NPSLE and improved the classification of patients with possible NPSLE per clinical impression.

Conclusion
Brain white matter lesions (WML) quantitation adds to NPSLE diagnostics.
Towards a comprehensive research and development plan to support the control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Mabey David , Agler Ellen , Amuasi John H , Hernandez Leda , Hollingsworth T Déirdre , Hotez Peter J , Lammie Patrick J , Malecela Mwelecele N , Matendechero Sultani H , Ottesen Eric , Phillips Richard O , Reeder John C , Szwarcwald Célia Landmann , Shott Joseph P , Solomon Anthony W , Steer Andrew , Swaminathan Soumya 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTo maximise the likelihood of success, global health programmes need repeated, honest appraisal of their own weaknesses, with research undertaken to address any identified gaps. There is still much to be learned to optimise work against neglected tropical diseases. To facilitate that learning, a comprehensive research and development plan is required. Here, we discuss how such a plan might be developed.
Characterization of mutations in the reverse transcriptase region of hepatitis B virus in treated and untreated chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Zou Weihua , Qian Fuchu , Jin Fang , Li Dongli , Chen Jing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the target of antiviral treatment. However, the discrepancy in RT mutations between nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-treated and -untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is un clear.

Methods
Serum samples were collected from 119 NA-treated and 135 NA-untreated patients. The sampling time was decided by the clinician. Full-length HBV RT regions were amplified using nest polymerase chain reaction. The mutations within the RT region were analysed by direct sequencing.

Results
The incidence of RT mutations in treated patients was higher than that in untreated patients (p&lt;0.05). The classic drug-resistant mutations were detected in 44.5% (53/119) of treated patients, which was significantly higher than in untreated patients (6.7% [9/135]) (p&lt;0.05). The non-classical mutations showed their complexity and diversity in both patient groups. Multiple mutations (three or more) were more frequent in treated patients than in untreated patients (p&lt;0.05). Several novel mutations might be related to NA resistance.

Conclusions
The selection pressures of NAs accelerated the development of RT mutations, especially within the functional domain. Mutations in the RT region occurred not only at classical sites, but also at other non-classical sites, which might be related to drug resistance and/or viral replication. The biological function and fitness of HBV isolates harbouring these novel mutations need further in vitro and in vivo verification experiments.
Standard versus sequential anti-tubercular treatment in patients with tuberculous meningitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Misra Usha Kant , Kumar Mritunjai , Kalita Jayantee 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
To compare the safety and efficacy of sequential anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) regimen with the standard regimen in tuberculous meningitis (TBM).

Methods
This single-centre, open-label, parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2017 to June 2019 in India. Treatment-naïve patients with TBM fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized to four drug ATT regimens (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide) administered either simultaneously (standard arm) or one after another (sequential arm) in a 1 : 1 ratio. The primary endpoint was drug-induced hepatitis (DIH) and the secondary endpoints were in-hospital death and disability at 3 and 6 months using a modified Rankin Scale.

Results
A total of 97 patients with TBM were recruited; 15 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 2 refused to participate. The median age of the patients was 26 y (range 15–75) and 37 (46.2%) were males. The patients in the sequential arm had fewer cases of DIH (20% vs 42.5%; p=0.03). The patients in the sequential arm had lower in-hospital mortality (2.5% vs 17.5%; p=0.025) and better 6-month outcomes (25.0% vs 50.0%; p=0.02) compared with the standard arm.

Conclusions
Sequential ATT was associated with a lower frequency of DIH, lower in-hospital mortality and better 6-month outcome.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials Registry of India (ctri.nic.in) identifier: REF/2016/09/012214/CTRI/2017/10/010072.
Provider Continuity in the Prescribing of Buprenorphine/Naloxone Within Medicare Part D
Authors: Strickland Justin C. , Huhn Andrew S. , Bergeria Cecilia L. , Strain Eric C. , Dunn Kelly E. 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:
Efforts to improve buprenorphine access for opioid use disorder have focused on increasing the number of waivered providers. However, it is unknown how efforts to increase initial prescribing result in a sustained pool of prescribers. We examine the prevalence of year-to-year provider-level buprenorphine prescribing, and provider- and state-level factors associated with provider continuity.

Methods:
Providers prescribing buprenorphine/naloxone within the Medicare Part D claims database were evaluated from 2013 to 2017 with prescriber continuity measured as prescriptions made in consecutive years from the same provider (N = 14,222 unique providers; 6670 in 2013).

Results:
The number of providers prescribing buprenorphine/naloxone within Medicare Part D increased from 2013 to 2017. The majority of providers prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone to 10 or fewer beneficiaries. Approximately 84% of providers prescribing buprenorphine/naloxone in 1 year prescribed it in the following year. Continuous prescribing from 2013 to 2017 was 59.4%, which was 86% the rate of a comparator chronic health medication (ie, lisinopril). Survival analyses indicated that female providers (adjusted hazard ratios [AHR] = 1.30, P < 0.001) and clinical neuroscience specialties such as psychiatry (AHR = 1.21, P < 0.001) exhibited greater discontinuation rates, whereas those with higher buprenorphine/naloxone beneficiary loads (AHR = 0.50, P < 0.001) and in states with a greater increase in overdose mortality rates (AHR = 0.88, P < 0.05) showed lower discontinuation rates.

Conclusions:
These data support evidence that providers who begin prescribing buprenorphine continue prescribing, although short of maximum capacity. Efforts to help providers become waivered, understand the impact of overdose fatalities in their area, and prescribe to multiple patients are likely to generate an enduring positive contribution to the number of treated patients.
The Impacts of COVID-19 on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Overdose Concerns of People Who Use Drugs in Rural Communities
Authors: Stack Erin , Leichtling Gillian , Larsen Jessica E. , Gray Mary , Pope Justine , Leahy Judith M. , Gelberg Lillian , Seaman Andrew , Korthuis Philip Todd 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, substance use, and overdose concerns among people who use drugs (PWUDs) in rural communities to explore reasons for changes and ways to mitigate COVID-19 impact in the future.

Methods:
We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with PWUDs in 5 rural Oregon counties with high overdose rates. Participants were identified through participant-driven sampling along with flyer and text advertising (n = 36). Research staff conducted audio-recorded in-depth interviews via telephone, assessing COVID-19 effects on substance use, mental health, and overdose risk. Transcribed interviewers were coded for themes using a semantic approach.

Results:
Participants reported various mental health symptoms and experiences due to COVID-19, including increased feelings of boredom, loneliness, and depression; increased worry and stress; and increased suicidal ideation. Participants described varying impacts of COVID-19 on substance use. Overall, participants who used only methamphetamine reported decreased use and people who used only heroin or heroin with methamphetamine reported increased use. Most participants reported that they were not concerned about overdose and that COVID-19 did not impact their concerns about overdose, despite increases in risky use and suicidal ideations.

Conclusions:
As rural communities respond to the evolving impacts of COVID-19, there is increasing need to identify strategies to address PWUD's mental, physical, and social health needs during COVID-19.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Accelerate Sensorimotor Recovery Following Experimental Disc Herniation
Authors: Chan Andrew K. , Ballatori Alexander , Nyayapati Priya , Mummaneni Nikhil V. , Coughlin Dezba , Liebenberg Ellen , Külling Fabrice A. , Zhang Nianli , Waldorff Erik I. , Ryaby James T. , Lotz Jeffrey C. 
Published: November 2020

Study Design.
An experimental animal study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on recovery of sensorimotor function in a rodent model of disc herniation (DH).

Summary of Background Data.
Radiculopathy associated with DH is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. Although we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of PEMF on various tissues, we have not investigated the potential therapeutic effect of PEMF on radiculopathy resulting from DH.

Methods.
Nineteen rats were divided into three groups: positive control (PC; left L4 nerve ligation) (n = 6), DH alone (DH; exposure of left L4 dorsal root ganglion [DRG] to harvested nucleus pulposus and DRG displacement) (n = 6), and DH + PEMF (n = 7). Rodents from the DH + PEMF group were exposed to PEMF immediately postoperatively and for 3 hours/day until the end of the study. Sensory function was assessed via paw withdrawal thresholds to non-noxious stimuli preoperatively and 1 and 3 days postoperatively, and every 7 days thereafter until 7 weeks after surgery. Motor function was assessed via DigiGait treadmill analysis preoperatively and weekly starting 7 days following surgery until 7 weeks following surgery.

Results.
All groups demonstrated marked increases in the left hindlimb response threshold postoperatively. However, 1 week following surgery, there was a significant effect of condition on left hindlimb withdrawal thresholds (one-way analysis of variance: F = 3.82, df = 2, P = 0.044) where a more rapid recovery to baseline threshold was evident for DH + PEMF compared to PC and DH alone. All groups demonstrated gait disturbance postoperatively. However, DH + PEMF rodents were able to regain baseline gait speeds before DH and PC rodents. When comparing gait parameters, DH + PEMF showed consistently less impairment postoperatively suggesting that PEMF treatment was associated with less severe gait disturbance.

Conclusion.
These data demonstrate that PEMF accelerates sensorimotor recovery in a rodent model of DH, suggesting that PEMF may be reasonable to evaluate for the clinical management of patients with herniation-associated radiculopathy.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Semitendinosus Tendon Augmentation for Prevention of Proximal Junctional Failure
Authors: Alluri Ram , Kim Andrew , Ton Andy , Kang Hyunwoo , Acosta Frank , Hah Raymond 
Published: November 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), proximal junctional failure (PJF), and clinical outcomes of patients who did and did not receive posterior ligament complex (PLC) augmentation using a semitendinosus allograft when undergoing long-segment posterior spinal fusion for adult spinal deformity.

Summary of Background Data.
Clinical research on the augmentation of the PLC to prevent PJK and PJF has been limited to small case series without a comparable control group.

Methods.
From 2014 to 2019, a consecutive series of patients with adult spinal deformity who underwent posterior long-segment spinal fusion with semitendinosus allograft to augment the PLC (allograft) or without PLC augmentation (control) were identified. Preoperative and postoperative spinopelvic parameters were measured. PJK, PJF, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were recorded and compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results.
Forty-nine patients in the allograft group and 34 patients in the control group were identified. There were no significant differences in demographic variables or operative characteristics between the allograft and control group. Preoperative and postoperative spinopelvic parameters were also similar between the two groups. PJK was present in 33% of patients in the allograft group and 32% of patients in the control group (P = 0.31). PJF did not occur in the allograft group, whereas six patients (18%) in the control group developed PJF (P = 0.01). Postoperative absolute ODI was significantly better in the allograft group (P = 0.007).

Conclusion.
The utilization of semitendinosus allograft tendon to augment the PLC at the upper instrumented vertebrae in patients undergoing long-segment posterior spinal fusion for adult deformity resulted in a significant decrease in PJF incidence and improved functional outcomes when compared to a cohort with similar risk of developing PJK and PJF

Level of Evidence: 3
Concordance Between Patients’ and Surgeons’ Expectations of Lumbar Surgery
Authors: Mancuso Carol A. , Duculan Roland , Cammisa Frank P. , Sama Andrew A. , Hughes Alexander P. , Lebl Darren R. , Yang Jingyan , Ghomrawi Hassan M.K. , Girardi Federico P. 
Published: November 2020

Study Design.
Longitudinal cohort.

Objective.
The aims of this study were to measure concordance between patients’ and surgeons’ preoperative expectations of lumbar surgery, and determine which member of the dyad more closely predicted fulfillment of expectations, defined as patient-reported status postoperatively.

Summary of Background Data.
Concordant patient–surgeon expectations reflect effective communication and should foster better outcomes.

Methods.
Preoperatively patients and surgeons completed identical surveys measuring expectations for improvement in symptoms and physical/psychosocial function. Responses ranged from “complete improvement” to “do not have this expectation”; scores for each survey ranged from 0 to 100 (greatest expectations). Concordance between pairs of patient–surgeon scores was measured with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Postoperatively, fulfillment of expectations was measured from patient-reported amount of improvement received and was calculated as the proportion of patient-reported postoperative score relative to patient-reported preoperative score, and surgeon-reported preoperative score (range 0 [no expectations fulfilled] to >1.2 [expectations surpassed]). Clinical measures included patient-reported spine-related disability.

Results.
For 402 patient–surgeon pairs, mean survey scores were 73 ± 19 (patients) and 57 ± 16 (surgeons); 84% of patients had higher scores than surgeons, mainly due to expecting complete improvement, whereas surgeons expected a lot/moderate/little improvement. The ICC for the entire sample was .31 (fair agreement); for subgroups, the greatest difference in ICC was for patients with more spine-related disability (ICC = .10, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.00–0.23) versus less disability (ICC = .46, 95% CI: 0.34–0.56). 96% of patients were contacted ≥2.0 years postoperatively. Proportions of expectations fulfilled were 0.79 (0–3.00) (patients) and 1.01 (0–2.29) (surgeons). Thus patients were less likely to anticipate subsequent postoperative status (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.25–0.45) versus surgeons who were more likely to anticipate patient-reported postoperative status (OR 2.98, 95% CI: 2.22–4.00).

Conclusion.
Concordance between patients’ and surgeons’ expectations was fair; due mostly to patients expecting complete improvement whereas surgeons expected a lot/moderate/little improvement. Compared to patients’ expectations, surgeons’ expectations more closely coincided with patient-reported fulfillment of expectations 2 years postoperatively.

Level of Evidence: 1