bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Lop-sided Spiral Galaxy NGC 247: Clues to a Possible Interaction with NGC 253
Authors: Davidge T. J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Observations that span a broad range of wavelengths are used to examine asymmetries in the disk of the nearby late-type spiral galaxy NGC 247. The northern spiral arm is over-luminous at all wavelengths when compared with other parts of the galaxy at similar galactocentric radii, while the density of very luminous red stars in the void that is immediately south of this arm matches that in other parts of the disk at the same galactocentric radius. Two bubbles with spatial extents of many kiloparsecs are identified in the disk, and many of the young stars in the southern disk of NGC 247 are located in the walls of these structures. Dynamical age estimates of these bubbles coincide with the last large-scale star formation event in the nucleus, suggesting that there was large-scale star formation throughout the disk of NGC 247 a few hundred megayears in the past. Morphological similarities are seen with the classical lop-sided galaxy NGC 4027, and it is concluded that NGC 247 is a significantly lop-sided spiral galaxy. The void in the northern disk is then the area between the main body of the disk and the northern arm viewed in projection. The implications of a lop-sided morphology for NGC 247 in the context of interactions with its nearby starburst galaxy companion NGC 253 are discussed.
AGN Triality of Triple Mergers: Multiwavelength Classifications
Authors: Foord Adi , Gültekin Kayhan , Runnoe Jessie C. , Koss Michael J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We present results from a multiwavelength analysis searching for multiple active galactic nucleus (AGN) systems in nearby (z < 0.077) triple galaxy mergers. Combining archival Chandra, Sloan Digital Data Survey (SDSS), Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), and Very Large Array observations, we quantify the rate of nearby triple AGNs, as well as investigate possible connections between supermassive black hole accretion and merger environments. Analyzing the multiwavelength observations of seven triple galaxy mergers, we find that one triple merger has a single AGN (NGC 3341); we discover, for the first time, four likely dual AGNs (SDSS J1027+1749, SDSS J1631+2352, SDSS J1708+2153, and SDSS J2356−1016); we confirm one triple-AGN system, SDSS J0849+1114; and one triple merger in our sample remains ambiguous (SDSS J0858+1822). Analyzing the WISE data, we find a trend of increasing N
H (associated with the primary AGN) as a function of increasing W1 – W2 color, reflecting that the motions of gas and dust are coupled in merging environments, where large amounts of both can be funneled into the active central region during mergers. Additionally, we find that the one triple-AGN system in our sample has the highest levels of N
H and W1 – W2 color, while the dual-AGN candidates all have lower levels; these results are consistent with theoretical merger simulations that suggest that higher levels of nuclear gas are more likely to activate AGNs in mergers.
Cosmological Parameter Estimation from the Two-dimensional Genus Topology—Measuring the Expansion History Using the Genus Amplitude as a Standard Ruler
Authors: Appleby Stephen , Park Changbom , Hong 홍 Sungwook E. 성 욱 , Hwang Ho Seong , Kim Juhan , Tonegawa Motonari 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We measure the genus of the galaxy distribution in two-dimensional slices of the SDSS-III BOSS catalog to constrain the cosmological parameters governing the expansion history of the universe. The BOSS catalogs are divided into 12 concentric shells over the redshift range 0.25 < z < 0.6, and we repeatedly measure the genus from the two-dimensional galaxy density fields, each time varying the cosmological parameters used to infer the distance–redshift relation to the shells. We also indirectly reconstruct the two-dimensional genus amplitude using the three-dimensional genus measured from SDSS Main Galaxy Sample with galaxies at low redshift z < 0.12. We combine the low- and high-redshift measurements, finding the cosmological model that minimizes the redshift evolution of the genus amplitude, using the fact that this quantity should be conserved. Being a distance measure, the test is sensitive to the matter density parameter (Ωm) and equation of state of dark energy (w
de). We find a constraint of

w

de

=
−

1.05

−
0.12

+
0.13

, Ωm = 0.303 ± 0.036 after combining the high- and low-redshift measurements and combining with Planck CMB data. Higher-redshift data and combining data sets at low redshift will allow for stronger constraints.
Cluster Analysis of Presolar Silicon Carbide Grains: Evaluation of Their Classification and Astrophysical Implications
Authors: Boujibar Asmaa , Howell Samantha , Zhang Shuang , Hystad Grethe , Prabhu Anirudh , Liu Nan , Stephan Thomas , Narkar Shweta , Eleish Ahmed , Morrison Shaunna M. , Hazen Robert M. , Nittler Larry R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cluster analysis of presolar silicon carbide grains based on literature data for 12C/13C, 14N/15N, δ
30Si/28Si, and δ
29Si/28Si including or not inferred initial 26Al/27Al data, reveals nine clusters agreeing with previously defined grain types but also highlighting new divisions. Mainstream grains reside in three clusters probably representing different parent star metallicities. One of these clusters has a compact core, with a narrow range of composition, pointing to an enhanced production of SiC grains in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars with a narrow range of masses and metallicities. The addition of 26Al/27Al data highlights a cluster of mainstream grains, enriched in 15N and 26Al, which cannot be explained by current AGB models. We defined two AB grain clusters, one with 15N and 26Al excesses, and the other with 14N and smaller 26Al excesses, in agreement with recent studies. Their definition does not use the solar N isotopic ratio as a divider, and the contour of the 26Al-rich AB cluster identified in this study is in better agreement with core-collapse supernova models. We also found a cluster with a mixture of putative nova and AB grains, which may have formed in supernova or nova environments. X grains make up two clusters, having either strongly correlated Si isotopic ratios or deviating from the 2/3 slope line in the Si 3-isotope plot. Finally, most Y and Z grains are jointly clustered, suggesting that the previous use of 12C/13C = 100 as a divider for Y grains was arbitrary. Our results show that cluster analysis is a powerful tool to interpret the data in light of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis modeling and highlight the need of more multi-element isotopic data for better classification.
Rapidly Spinning Compact Stars with Deconfinement Phase Transition
Authors: Demircik Tuna , Ecker Christian , Järvinen Matti 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We study rapidly spinning compact stars with equations of state featuring a first-order phase transition between strongly coupled nuclear matter and deconfined quark matter by employing the gauge/gravity duality. We consider a family of models that allow purely hadronic uniformly rotating stars with masses up to approximately 2.9 M
⊙, and are therefore compatible with the interpretation that the secondary component (

) in GW190814 is a neutron star. These stars have central densities that are several times the nuclear saturation density, so that strong coupling and non-perturbative effects become crucial. We construct models where the maximal mass of static (rotating) stars M
TOV (M
max) is either determined by the secular instability or a phase-transition induced collapse. We find the largest values for M
max/M
TOV in cases where the phase transition determines M
max, which shifts our fit result to

, a value slightly above the Breu–Rezzolla bound

inferred from models without phase transition.
The New Magnetar SGR J1830−0645 in Outburst
Authors: Zelati F. Coti , Borghese A. , Israel G. L. , Rea N. , Esposito P. , Pilia M. , Burgay M. , Possenti A. , Corongiu A. , Ridolfi A. , Dehman C. , Viganò D. , Turolla R. , Zane S. , Tiengo A. , Keane E. F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The detection of a short hard X-ray burst and an associated bright soft X-ray source by the Swift satellite in 2020 October heralded a new magnetar in outburst, SGR J1830−0645. Pulsations at a period of ∼10.4 s were detected in prompt follow-up X-ray observations. We present here the analysis of the Swift/Burst Alert Telescope burst, of XMM-Newton and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array observations performed at the outburst peak, and of a Swift/X-ray Telescope monitoring campaign over the subsequent month. The burst was single-peaked, lasted ∼6 ms, and released a fluence of ≈5 × 10−9 erg cm−2 (15–50 keV). The spectrum of the X-ray source at the outburst peak was well described by an absorbed double-blackbody model plus a power-law component detectable up to ∼25 keV. The unabsorbed X-ray flux decreased from ∼5 × 10−11 to ∼2.5 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1 one month later (0.3–10 keV). Based on our timing analysis, we estimate a dipolar magnetic field ≈5.5 × 1014 G at pole, a spin-down luminosity ≈2.4 × 1032 erg s−1, and a characteristic age ≈24 kyr. The spin modulation pattern appears highly pulsed in the soft X-ray band, and becomes smoother at higher energies. Several short X-ray bursts were detected during our campaign. No evidence for periodic or single-pulse emission was found at radio frequencies in observations performed with the Sardinia Radio Telescope and Parkes. According to magneto-thermal evolutionary models, the real age of SGR J1830−0645 is close to the characteristic age, and the dipolar magnetic field at birth was slightly larger, ∼1015 G.
Safety and Efficacy of Filgotinib: Up to 4-year Results From an Open-label Extension Study of Phase II Rheumatoid Arthritis Programs
Authors: Kavanaugh Arthur , Westhovens Rene R. , Winthrop Kevin L. , Lee Susan J. , Tan YingMeei , An Di , Ye Lei , Sundy John S. , Besuyen Robin , Meuleners Luc , Stanislavchuk Mykola , Spindler Alberto J. , Greenwald Maria , Alten Rieke , Genovese Mark C. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe long-term safety and efficacy of filgotinib (from phase II studies), with or without methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was assessed in DARWIN 3, a long-term, open-label extension study (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02065700).MethodsEligible patients completing the 24-week DARWIN 1 (filgotinib + MTX) and DARWIN 2 (filgotinib monotherapy) studies entered DARWIN 3, where they received filgotinib 200 mg/day, except for 15 men who received filgotinib 100 mg/day. Safety analyses were performed using the safety analysis set and the exposure-adjusted incidence rate (EAIR) of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was calculated. Efficacy was assessed from baseline in the parent studies.ResultsOf 790 patients completing the phase II parent studies, 739 enrolled in the study. Through April 2019, 59.5% of patients had received ≥ 4 years of the study drug. Mean (SD) exposure to filgotinib was 3.55 (1.57) years in the filgotinib + MTX group and 3.38 (1.59) years in the filgotinib monotherapy group. EAIR per 100 patient-years of exposure for TEAEs was 24.6 in the filgotinib + MTX group and 25.8 in the filgotinib monotherapy group, and for serious TEAEs, the EAIR was 3.1 and 4.3, respectively. American College of Rheumatology 20/50/70 responses among patients remaining in the study could be maintained through 4 years, with 89.3%/69.6%/49.1% of the filgotinib + MTX group and 91.8%/69.4%/44.4% of the monotherapy group maintaining ACR20/50/70 responses, respectively, based on observed data.ConclusionFilgotinib was well tolerated with a 4-year safety profile comparable to that of the parent trials, both in patients receiving combination therapy with MTX or as monotherapy.
Clinical Bedside Tools to Assess Systemic Sclerosis Vasculopathy: Can Digital Thermal Monitoring and Sublingual Microscopy Identify Patients With Digital Ulcers?
Authors: Frech Tracy M. , Ou Zhining , Presson Angela P. 
Published: February 2021

Objective.Sublingual microscopy assesses systemic sclerosis (SSc) vasculopathy. Digital thermal monitoring (DTM) may identify patients at risk for digital ulcer (DU). The purpose of this analysis was to assess sublingual microscopy and DTM in SSc patients with and without previous DU in order to determine the utility of these clinical tools.Methods.SSc registry patients with clinical data who had both DTM and sublingual microscopy on the same day were included in this cross-sectional analysis. DTM quantifies vascular reactivity index (VRI). Sublingual microscopy measures longitudinal red blood cell fraction (RBCfract) and perfused boundary region (PBR). We evaluated the pairwise association between VRI, RBCfract, and PBR in a monotonic relationship using Spearman rank correlation in the DU subset. Correlation coefficients (rs) and their 95% CIs were reported.Results.Ninety patients were included; 29 had digital pits and/or active DU and 61 never had a DU. The only significant clinical feature associated with DU was modified Rodnan skin score (P = 0.003) with DU being higher. The VRI was lower in patients with DU (P = 0.01). The higher the RBCfract, the lower PBR (rs = –0.71, 95% CI –0.86 to –0.47, P < 0.001). VRI was not associated with RBCfract or PBR (P = 0.24 or 0.55, respectively) in the patients with DU.Conclusion.DTM is a useful tool for assessing SSc-DU. While sublingual microscopy measurements did not significantly correlate to VRI in patients with SSc-DU, a longitudinal study may be more helpful in capturing vasculopathy activity prior to possible irreversible damage.
ANCA-associated Vasculitis Management in the United States: Data From the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) Registry
Authors: Wallace Zachary S. , Yun Huifeng , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Chen Lang , Stone John H. , Choi Hyon K. 
Published: February 2021

Objective.The management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) has evolved substantially over the last 2 decades. We sought to characterize AAV treatment patterns in the United States.Methods.We identified patients with AAV in the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry who had at least 2 rheumatology clinician visits between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. Demographics, medications, laboratory test results, and billing codes were extracted from the medical record. Demographic and prescription trends were assessed overall and across US regions.Results.We identified 1462 patients with AAV, 259 (18%) with new or relapsing AAV. The majority were classified as having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (75%). The mean age was 59.8 years and 59% were female. The majority of patients were in the South (45%) followed by the Mid-West (32%), West (12%), and Northeast (8%). Patients had a median of 3 visits and follow-up of 579 days. The most commonly prescribed medications during the study period were glucocorticoids (86%) followed by rituximab (45%), methotrexate (33%), azathioprine (32%), and mycophenolate mofetil (18%); cyclophosphamide (CYC) was rarely used (7%). At the most recent visits in RISE, 47% of patients were on glucocorticoids. Prescription trends were similar across regions.Conclusion.To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the demographics and management of AAV by rheumatologists outside of major referral centers. Management strategies vary widely, but CYC is rarely used. These observations can be used to inform future research priorities. Additional studies are needed to characterize AAV severity in RISE as well as patient and provider treatment preferences.
Dexmedetomidine and Iatrogenic Withdrawal Syndrome in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Geven Barbara M. , Maaskant Jolanda M. , Ward Catherine S. , van Woensel Job B.M. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIatrogenic withdrawal syndrome is a well-known adverse effect of sedatives and analgesics commonly used in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit, with an incidence of up to 64.6%. When standard sedative and analgesic treatment is inadequate, dexmedetomidine may be added. The effect of supplemental dexmedetomidine on iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome is unclear.ObjectiveTo explore the potentially preventive effect of dexmedetomidine, used as a supplement to standard morphine and midazolam regimens, on the development of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit.MethodsThis retrospective observational study used data from patients on a 10-bed general pediatric intensive care unit. Iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome was measured using the Sophia Observation withdrawal Symptoms-scale.ResultsIn a sample of 102 patients, the cumulative dose of dexmedetomidine had no preventive effect on the development of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (P = .19). After correction for the imbalance in the baseline characteristics between patients who did and did not receive dexmedetomidine, the cumulative dose of midazolam was found to be a significant risk factor for iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (P &lt; .03).ConclusionIn this study, supplemental dexmedetomidine had no preventive effect on iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome in patients receiving sedative treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit. The cumulative dose of midazolam was a significant risk factor for iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome.
Antioxidant and Antitumor Properties of Wild Blueberry (Sideroxylon mascatense)
Authors: Al Hasani Shaima , Al-Attabi Zahir Humaid , Waly Mostafa , Rahman Mohammad Shafiur , Tamimi Yahya 
Published: February 2021

Background:

Sideroxylon mascatense is a wild blueberry plant that traditionally known as “boot” in Oman. Studies on health beneficial effects of this fruit are very limited.

Aims and Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antitumor properties of Sideroxylon mascatense under different drying methods.

Materials and Methods:
Freeze (−20°C) and air drying (60 and 90°C) methods were used. The antioxidant potential properties were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assay. Moreover, the antitumor activities of blueberry extracts were determined using Alamar blue assay.

Results:
The results of this study revealed that a blueberry extract at 20 mg powder/mL provided the maximum amount of vitamin C, reaching a value of 19.45 mg/100 g dry-basis in the flesh dried at 60°C and 14.24 mg/100 g dry-basis in seed dried at 90°C. The freeze-dried blueberry exhibited the highest percentage of free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) from both fruit flesh (50.8%) and seeds (39.4%) at a concentration of 20 mg/mL indicating a higher antioxidant activity. There was no significant difference in the ability of blueberry extracts to scavenge radical cations (ABTS+) at various concentrations of extracts. However, there was a 40% reduction of ABTS+ radical formation in blueberry flesh extracts obtained from freeze-dried berry at a concentration of 20 mg/mL. On the other hand, blueberry seeds showed variation in the scavenging activity of the ABTS+ radical of 38% after different processing methods. Breast MCF7 and ovarian Ov2008 tumor cell lines were the most sensitive to the dried blueberry. The 50% growth inhibition (IC50) of the freeze-dried blueberry extract at both cell lines was 64 and 69 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:
Our findings indicated a potent antioxidant activity of Sideroxylon mascatense, but further research is required to isolate the active compounds in the fruit and test their effects in an experimental animal model.
Hepatitis B virus infection-related knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices among market traders in Lagos, Nigeria - A cross sectional study
Authors: Adejimi Adebola A. , Bakare Adeyinka A. , Ogunyemi Adedoyin O. , Adewole Ajoke M. 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Prevention of HBV infection can be achieved through safe practices and immunization. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices for HBV infection among market traders in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 417 market traders in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State selected by multistage sampling technique was conducted. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Chi-square statistics was used to test the association between variables, and the level of significance was set at 5%.

Results:
The mean age of the respondents was 39.2 ± 12.5 years. About 64% were female, 69.8% were married, and only 15.6% had tertiary education. Majority (97.6%) were aware of HBV infection. Overall, about 80% of the respondents had good knowledge of HBV infection, while 51.8% had good attitude toward HBV prevention, but only 18.5% of them had good preventive practices toward HBV infection. Only 5% of the respondents had completed the three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Knowledge and preventive practices of the respondents about HBV infection were significantly associated with the level of education and marital status, while attitude to the preventive practices was associated with gender. Respondents' knowledge and attitude were significantly associated with the preventive practices for HBV infection.

Conclusion:
There is a need to target the traders in the markets and create appropriate awareness, screening, and vaccination programs for the prevention of HBV infection.
Estimating the Fraction of Severe Malaria among Malaria-Positive Children: Analysis of Household Surveys in 19 Malaria-Endemic Countries in Africa
Authors: Taylor Cameron , Namaste Sorrel M. L. , Lowell Joanna , Useem Johanna , Yé Yazoumé 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTTo date, the only robust estimates of severe malaria cases include children who present to the formal healthcare system. It is a challenge to use these data because of varying age ranges of reporting, different diagnosis techniques, surveillance methods, and healthcare utilization. This analysis examined data from 37 Demographic and Health Surveys and Malaria Indicator Surveys across 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa collected between 2011 and 2018. The outcome of interest is a proxy indicator for severe malaria, defined as a proportion of children aged 6–59 months with at least one self-reported symptom of severe illness including loss of consciousness, rapid breathing, seizures, or severe anemia (hemoglobin < 5 g/dL) among those who were positive for malaria. The study includes a weighted descriptive, country-level analysis and a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model to assess the determinants of severe malaria. Among children positive for malaria across all surveys, 4.5% (95% CI: 4.1–4.8) had at least one sign or symptom of severe malaria, which was significantly associated with age, residence, wealth, and year of survey fieldwork at a P-value less than 0.05. This analysis presents a novel and an alternative approach of estimating the fraction of severe malaria cases among malaria-positive children younger than 5 years in malaria-endemic countries. Estimating severe malaria cases through population-based surveys allows countries to estimate severe malaria across time and to compare with other countries. Having a population-level estimate of severe malaria cases helps further our understanding of the burden and epidemiology of severe malaria.