bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Cost-Utility Analysis of Switching from Reference to Biosimilar Infliximab Compared to Maintaining Reference Infliximab in Adult Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Hughes Avery , Marshall John K , Moretti Myla E , Ungar Wendy J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background and Aims
Lower-cost biosimilar infliximab may address affordability concerns in the treatment of adults with Crohn’s disease (CD), however, evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of switching from reference to biosimilar is warranted. The aim of this research was to assess the incremental cost of switching from treatment with reference infliximab to biosimilar compared with maintaining reference infliximab in adults with CD per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.

Methods
A probabilistic cohort Markov model with 8-week cycle lengths was constructed to estimate the incremental costs and effects of switching over a 5-year time horizon from a public payer perspective. Base-case clinical inputs were obtained from NOR-SWITCH subgroup analyses and other published trials. Costs were obtained from Canadian sources. A total of 10,000 simulations were run. Sensitivity analysis was used to test the robustness of the results to variations in uncertain parameters.

Results
Switching to biosimilar infliximab was less costly but also less effective with incremental savings of $46,194 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $42,420, $50,455) and a loss in QALYs of −0.13 (95% CI: −0.16, −0.07). Eighty-three per cent of the simulations demonstrated incremental cost savings and an incremental loss of effectiveness. The model was sensitive to differences in rates of disease worsening between reference and biosimilar infliximab.

Conclusions
While biosimilar infliximab is associated with incremental savings for patients on maintenance therapy who are switched from reference infliximab, funding decision makers must decide whether a small loss of effectiveness is justified. Further evidence will help to inform reimbursement policy.
Spinosad and Mixtures of an Entomopathogenic Fungus and Pyrethrins for Control of Sitona lineatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Field Peas
Authors: Shrestha Govinda , Mettupalli Sindhura , Gadi Ramadevi , Miller Debra A , Reddy Gadi V P 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus L., is an important pest of field peas and faba beans in most temperate regions. As no information is currently available on efficacy of biopesticides for S. lineatus control, laboratory bioassays were performed to evaluate the impact of biopesticides (spinosad, Beauveria bassiana strain GHA, pyrethrins, B. bassiana GHA + pyrethrins, and B. bassiana GHA + azadirachtin) against adults of this pest. The concentrations used in this bioassay were 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the lowest labeled application rate of each product. Results were further verified in cage experiments by assessing biopesticide effects on adult mortality and feeding damage in pea plants. The impact of biopesticides on mortality of larvae of two beneficial species, Chrysoperla carnea and Adalia bipunctata, was also tested in laboratory conditions. We found spinosad to be the most promising candidate, causing 100% adult mortality at high and medium concentrations. Beauveria bassiana and its combination with pyrethrins caused 60–62% adult mortality, but only at the highest concentration. In contrast, B. bassiana + azadirachtin and pyrethrins treatments caused only minimal adult mortality at all concentrations. In cage experiments, spinosad and B. bassiana + pyrethrins had significant effects on adult mortality and provided foliage protection from adult feeding. Conversely, the fungus treatment alone showed inconsistent performance. Beauveria bassiana and spinosad were generally harmless to C. carnea and A. bipunctata larvae, but B. bassiana + pyrethrins was toxic toward beneficial species. These results could help to improve integrated pest management programs intended to control S. lineatus.
Changes in carbon storages of Fagus forest ecosystems along an elevational gradient on Mt. Fanjingshan in Southwest China
Authors: Cai Qiong , Ji Chengjun , Zhou Xuli , Bruelheide Helge , Fang Wenjing , Zheng Tianli , Zhu Jiangling , Shi Lei , Li Haibo , Zhu Jianxiao , Fang Jingyun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aims
There are different components of carbon (C) pools in a natural forest ecosystem: biomass, soil, litter and woody debris. We asked how these pools changed with elevation in one of China’s ecologically important forest ecosystem, i.e. beech (Fagus L., Fagaceae) forests, and what were the underlying driving factors of such variation.

Methods
The four C pools in nine beech forests were investigated along an elevational gradient (1095–1930 m) on Mt. Fanjingshan in Guizhou Province, Southwest China. Variance partitioning was used to explore the relative effects of stand age, climate and other factors on C storage. In addition, we compared the four C pools to other beech forests in Guizhou Province and worldwide.

Important Findings
The total C pools of beech forest ecosystems ranged from 190.5 to 504.3 Mg C ha–1, mainly attributed to biomass C (accounting for 33.7–73.9%) and soil C (accounting for 23.9–65.5%). No more than 4% of ecosystem C pools were stored in woody debris (0.05–3.1%) and litter (0.2–0.7%). Ecosystem C storage increased significantly with elevation, where both the biomass and woody debris C pools increased with elevation, while those of litter and soil exhibited no such trend. For the Guizhou beech forests, climate and stand age were found to be key drivers of the elevational patterns of ecosystem and biomass C storage, while for beech forests globally, stand age was the most important predictor. Compared to beech forests worldwide, beech forests in Guizhou Province displayed a relatively higher biomass C accumulation rate, which may be explained by a much higher precipitation in this area. The present study provides basic data for understanding the C budgets of Chinese beech forests and their possible roles in regional C cycling and emphasizes the general importance of stand age and climate on C accumulation.
Uncooled microbolometer arrays for ground-based astronomy
Authors: Rashman M F , Steele I A , Bates S D , Copley D , Longmore S N 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
We describe the design and commissioning of a simple prototype, low-cost 10 μm imaging instrument. The system is built using commercially available components including an uncooled microbolometer array as a detector. The incorporation of adjustable germanium reimaging optics rescale the image to the appropriate plate scale for the 2 m diameter Liverpool Telescope. From observations of bright Solar system and stellar sources, we demonstrate a plate scale of 0.75 arcsec per pixel and confirm the optical design allows diffraction limited imaging. We record a ∼10 $\, {\rm per\, cent}$ photometric stability due to sky variability. We measure a 3σ sensitivity of 7 × 103 Jy for a single, ∼0.11 s exposure. This corresponds to a sensitivity limit of 3 × 102 Jy for a 60 s total integration. We present an example science case from observations of the 2019 January total lunar eclipse and show that the system can detect and measure the anomalous cooling rate associated with the features Bellot and Langrenus during eclipse.
Solar turbulence from sunspot records
Authors: Le Mouël J L , Lopes F , Courtillot V 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTIt is generally assumed that coupling between the turbulent flow and the magnetic field at the top of the Sun's convection zone leads to a Kolmogorov cascade of kinetic to magnetic energy. An inertial range and a slope value close to −5/3 have been recognized in a log–log diagram of power spectral density versus frequency (or period). However, published values of the slope have large uncertainties and the inertial period range is limited to 0.1 s to 2 yr. We have applied an adapted version of the singular spectrum analysis (SSA) method to the series of (quasi-) daily sunspot numbers ISSN (an indirect way of monitoring solar activity) from 1868 to 2019. The log–log diagram of ISSN variance of SSA components versus frequency displays an inertial slope value of −1.66 ± 0.16 and an inertial range from about 4 to 100 yr. This is consistent with the existence of Kolmogorov turbulent behaviour in the Sun's convection zone.
A systematic study of the advection-dominated accretion flow for the origin of the X-ray emission in weakly magnetized low-level accreting neutron stars
Authors: Qiao Erlin , Liu B F 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Observationally, the X-ray spectrum (0.5–10 keV) of low-level accreting neutron stars (NSs) ($L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}\lesssim 10^{36}\ \rm erg \ s^{-1}$) can generally be well fitted by the model with two components, i.e., a thermal soft X-ray component plus a power-law component. Meanwhile, the fractional contribution of the power-law luminosity η ($\eta \equiv L^{\rm power\ law}_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}/L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}$) varies with the X-ray luminosity $L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}$. In this paper, we systematically investigate the origin of such X-ray emission within the framework of the advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) around a weakly magnetized NS, in which the thermal soft X-ray component arises from the surface of the NS and the power-law component arises from the ADAF itself. We test the effects of the viscosity parameter α in the ADAF and thermalized parameter fth (describing the fraction of the ADAF energy released at the surface of the NS as thermal emission) on the relation of η versus $L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}$. It is found that η is nearly a constant (∼zero) with $L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}$ for different α with fth = 1, which is inconsistent with observations. Meanwhile, it is found that a change of fth can significantly change the relation of η versus $L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}$. By comparing with a sample of non-pulsating NS-low mass X-ray binaries probably dominated by low-level accretion on to NSs, it is found that a small value of fth ≲ 0.1 is needed to match the observed range of $\eta \gtrsim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the diagram of η versus $L_{\rm 0.5{-}10\,\rm kev}$. Finally, we argue that the small value of fth ≲ 0.1 implies that the radiative efficiency of NSs with an ADAF accretion may not be as high as the predicted result previously of $\epsilon \sim {\dot{M} GM\over R_{*}}/{\dot{M} c^2}\sim 0.2$ despite the existence of the hard surface.
Circalunar variations of the night sky brightness – an FFT perspective on the impact of light pollution
Authors: Puschnig Johannes , Wallner Stefan , Posch Thomas 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Circa-monthly activity conducted by moonlight is observed in many species on Earth. Given the vast amount of artificial light at night (ALAN) that pollutes large areas around the globe, the synchronization to the circalunar cycle is often strongly perturbed. Using 2-yr data from a network of 23 photometers (Sky Quality Meters; SQM) in Austria (latitude ∼48°), we quantify how light pollution impacts the recognition of the circalunar periodicity. We do so via frequency analysis of nightly mean sky brightnesses using Fast Fourier Transforms. A very tight linear relation between the mean zenithal night sky brightness (NSB) given in $\mathrm {mag_{SQM}\, arcsec^{-2}}$ and the amplitude of the circalunar signal is found, indicating that for sites with a mean zenithal NSB brighter than 16.5 $\mathrm {mag_{SQM}\, arcsec^{-2}}$ the lunar rhythm practically vanishes. This finding implies that the circalunar rhythm is still detectable (within the broad bandpass of the SQM) at most places around the globe, but its amplitude against the light polluted sky is strongly reduced. We find that the circalunar contrast in zenith is reduced compared to ALAN-free sites by factors of $\frac{1}{9}$ in the state capital of Linz (∼200 000 inhabitants) and $\frac{1}{3}$ in small towns, e.g. Freistadt and Mattighofen, with less than 10 000 inhabitants. Only two of our sites, both situated in national parks (Bodinggraben and Zöblboden), show natural circalunar amplitudes. At our urban sites, we further detect a strong seasonal signal that is linked to the amplification of anthropogenic skyglow during the winter months due to climatological conditions.
Galaxy sizes and the galaxy–halo connection – I. The remarkable tightness of the size distributions
Authors: Zanisi Lorenzo , Shankar Francesco , Lapi Andrea , Menci Nicola , Bernardi Mariangela , Duckworth Christopher , Huertas-Company Marc , Grylls Philip , Salucci Paolo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
The mass and structural assembly of galaxies is a matter of intense debate. Current theoretical models predict the existence of a linear relationship between galaxy size (Re) and the host dark matter halo virial radius (Rh). By making use of semi-empirical models compared to the size distributions of central galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we provide robust constraints on the normalization and scatter of the Re−Rh relation. We explore the parameter space of models in which the Re−Rh relation is mediated by either the spin parameter or the concentration of the host halo, or a simple constant the nature of which is in principle unknown. We find that the data require extremely tight relations for both early-type and late-type galaxies (ETGs, LTGs), especially for more massive galaxies. These constraints challenge models based solely on angular momentum conservation, which predict significantly wider distributions of galaxy sizes and no trend with stellar mass, if taken at face value. We discuss physically motivated alterations to the original models that bring the predictions into better agreement with the data. We argue that the measured tight size distributions of SDSS disc galaxies can be reproduced by semi-empirical models in which the Re−Rh connection is mediated by the stellar specific angular momenta jstar. We find that current cosmological models of galaxy formation broadly agree with our constraints for LTGs, and justify the strong link between Re and jstar that we propose, however the tightness of the Re−Rh relation found in such ab initio theoretical models for ETGs is in tension with our semi-empirical findings.
Type IV CRISPR–Cas systems are highly diverse and involved in competition between plasmids
Authors: Pinilla-Redondo Rafael , Mayo-Muñoz David , Russel Jakob , Garrett Roger A , Randau Lennart , Sørensen Søren J , Shah Shiraz A 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCRISPR–Cas systems provide prokaryotes with adaptive immune functions against viruses and other genetic parasites. In contrast to all other types of CRISPR–Cas systems, type IV has remained largely overlooked. Here, we describe a previously uncharted diversity of type IV gene cassettes, primarily encoded by plasmid-like elements from diverse prokaryotic taxa. Remarkably, via a comprehensive analysis of their CRISPR spacer content, these systems were found to exhibit a strong bias towards the targeting of other plasmids. Our data indicate that the functions of type IV systems have diverged from those of other host-related CRISPR–Cas immune systems to adopt a role in mediating conflicts between plasmids. Furthermore, we find evidence for cross-talk between certain type IV and type I CRISPR–Cas systems that co-exist intracellularly, thus providing a simple answer to the enigmatic absence of type IV adaptation modules. Collectively, our results lead to the expansion and reclassification of type IV systems and provide novel insights into the biological function and evolution of these elusive systems.
Kidney transplantation in the extremely elderly from extremely aged deceased donors: a kidney for each age
Authors: Cabrera Jimena , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Trujillo Hernando , González Esther , Molina María , Polanco Natalia , Hernández Eduardo , Morales Enrique , Gutiérrez Eduardo , Rodríguez Mori Juan , Canon Alejandra , Rodríguez-Antolín Alfredo , Praga Manuel , Andrés Amado 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAdvances in life expectancy have led to an increase in the number of elderly people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Scarce information is available on the outcomes of kidney transplantation (KT) in extremely elderly patients based on an allocation policy prioritizing donor–recipient age matching.MethodsWe included recipients ≥75 years that underwent KT from similarly aged deceased donors at our institution between 2002 and 2015. Determinants of death-censored graft and patient survival were assessed by Cox regression.ResultsWe included 138 recipients with a median follow-up of 38.8 months. Median (interquartile range) age of recipients and donors was 77.5 (76.3–79.7) and 77.0 years (74.7–79.0), with 22.5% of donors ≥80 years. Primary graft non-function occurred in 8.0% (11/138) of patients. Cumulative incidence rates for post-transplant infection and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) were 70.3% (97/138) and 15.2% (21/138), respectively. One- and 5-year patient survival were 82.1 and 60.1%, respectively, whereas the corresponding rates for death-censored graft survival were 95.6 and 93.1%. Infection was the leading cause of death (46.0% of fatal cases). The occurrence of BPAR was associated with lower 1-year patient survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64–10.82; P = 0.003]. Diabetic nephropathy was the only factor predicting 5-year death-censored graft survival (HR = 4.82, 95% CI 1.08–21.56; P = 0.040).ConclusionsESRD patients ≥75 years can access KT and remain dialysis free for their remaining lifespan by using grafts from extremely aged deceased donors, yielding encouraging results in terms of recipient and graft survival.
Lumbar 4-5 Laminoplasty for Ligation of Dural Fistula: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The goal of treatment for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas is disconnection of the fistulous point to eliminate venous congestion-associated hypoperfusion and mass effect. The nidus can be surgically excised or disconnected from the arterial feeder just proximal to the dilated venous plexus. This patient had a filus terminale dural arteriovenous fistula. The patient had multiple findings of myelopathy, which prompted the imaging evaluation that revealed prominent flow voids and significant caudal thoracic spinal cord edema. Preoperative digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a fistulous point at the lumbar 4 level. A lumbar 4 and lumbar 5 laminoplasty was performed for spinal canal access. Following achievement of intradural access, exploration was performed, augmented by indocyanine green fluoroscopy. The filum terminale was then transected, and the fistula was then completely excised to achieve surgical cure. Following the procedure, the patient's myelopathy improved, and she regained ambulatory status. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Regulation of Photosynthetic Carbohydrate Metabolism by a Raf-Like Kinase in the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Koide Eri , Suetsugu Noriyuki , Iwano Megumi , Gotoh Eiji , Nomura Yuko , Stolze Sara Christina , Nakagami Hirofumi , Kohchi Takayuki , Nishihama Ryuichi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
To optimize growth and development, plants monitor photosynthetic activities and appropriately regulate various cellular processes. However, signaling mechanisms that coordinate plant growth with photosynthesis remain poorly understood. To identify factors that are involved in signaling related to photosynthetic stimuli, we performed a phosphoproteomic analysis with Marchantia polymorpha, an extant bryophyte species in the basal lineage of land plants. Among proteins whose phosphorylation status changed differentially between dark-treated plants and those after light irradiation but failed to do so in the presence of a photosynthesis inhibitor, we identified a B4-group Raf-like kinase, named PHOTOSYNTHESIS-RELATED RAF (MpPRAF). Biochemical analyses confirmed photosynthesis-activity-dependent changes in the phosphorylation status of MpPRAF. Mutations in the MpPRAF gene resulted in growth retardation. Measurement of carbohydrates demonstrated both hyper-accumulation of starch and reduction of sucrose in Mppraf mutants. Neither inhibition of starch synthesis nor exogenous supply of sucrose alleviated the growth defect, suggesting serious impairment of Mppraf mutants in both the synthesis of sucrose and the repression of its catabolism. As a result of the compromised photosynthate metabolism, photosynthetic electron transport was downregulated in Mppraf mutants. A mutated MpPRAF with a common amino acid substitution for inactivating kinase activity was unable to rescue the Mppraf mutant defects. Our results provide evidence that MpPRAF is a photosynthesis signaling kinase that regulates sucrose metabolism.
Clinical and Ambulatory Gait Speed in Older Adults: Associations With Several Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Health Outcomes
Authors: De la Cámara Miguel Á , Higueras-Fresnillo Sara , Sadarangani Kabir P , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Martinez-Gomez David , Veiga Óscar L 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Although clinical gait speed may indicate health and well-being in older adults, there is a lack of studies comparing clinical tests with ambulatory gait speed with regard to several health outcomes.

Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the associations of clinical gait speed, measured by the 2.44-m walk test and the ambulatory gait speed with several physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults.

Design
A cross-sectional design was used.

Methods
The study population comprised 432 high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults (287 women) aged between 65 and 92 years. Clinical and ambulatory gait speeds were measured using the 2.44-m walk test and a portable gait analysis device, respectively. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the association of clinical and ambulatory gait speeds with several health outcomes (body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, chronic conditions, self-rated health, exhaustion, upper- and lower-body strength, physical and mental health status, cognitive status, and self-rated cognitive status).

Results
The results showed that the average gait speed for clinical and ambulatory measures cannot be directly compared. Clinical gait speed was associated with 7 health outcomes, and the ambulatory gait speed was associated with 6 health outcomes. The significant associations between measures of gait speed and the health outcomes converged in 5 of the 13 health outcomes studied; however, the strength of associations was singly different between measures.

Limitations
The short monitoring time, the inability to distinguish between the ambulatory gait speed inside the home and outdoor gait speed, and the under-representative sample are limitations of the study.

Conclusion
The results indicated differences in the number and strength of associations between clinical and ambulatory gait speed. Both measures have construct validity because they have been associated with physical and health outcomes; however, they may have different predictive validity. Further research should be conducted to compare their predictive validity in longitudinal designs.