bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting galaxy–filament alignments in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III
Authors: Chen Yen-Chi , Ho Shirley , Blazek Jonathan , He Siyu , Mandelbaum Rachel , Melchior Peter , Singh Sukhdeep 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Previous studies have shown the filamentary structures in the cosmic web influence the alignments of nearby galaxies. We study this effect in the LOWZ sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey using the ‘Cosmic Web Reconstruction' filament catalogue. We find that LOWZ galaxies exhibit a small but statistically significant alignment in the direction parallel to the orientation of nearby filaments. This effect is detectable even in the absence of nearby galaxy clusters, which suggests it is an effect from the matter distribution in the filament. A non-parametric regression model suggests that the alignment effect with filaments extends over separations of 30–40 Mpc. We find that galaxies that are bright and early-forming align more strongly with the directions of nearby filaments than those that are faint and late-forming; however, trends with stellar mass are less statistically significant, within the narrow range of stellar mass of this sample.
On the iron ionization balance of cool stars
Authors: Tsantaki M , Santos N C , Sousa S G , Delgado-Mena E , Adibekyan V , Andreasen D T 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
High-resolution spectroscopic studies of solar-type stars have revealed higher iron abundances derived from singly ionized species compared to neutral, violating the ionization equilibrium under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium. In this work, we investigate the overabundances of Fe ii lines reported in our previous work for a sample of 451 solar-type HARPS stars in the solar neighborhood. The spectroscopic surface gravities of this sample, which emerge from the ionization balance, appear underestimated for the K-type stars. In order to understand this behaviour, we search our Fe ii line list for unresolved blends and outliers. First, we use the Vienna Atomic Line Database to identify possible unresolved blends around our lines and calculate which ones are strong enough to cause overestimations in the equivalent width measurements. Second, for our sample we use reference parameters (effective temperature and metallicity) and the Gaia DR2 parallaxes to derive surface gravities (trigonometric gravities) and calculate the Fe i and Fe ii abundances from different line lists. We exclude the Fe ii lines which produce overabundances above 0.10 dex. The derived surface gravities from the clean line list are now in agreement with the trigonometric. Moreover, the difference between Fe i and Fe ii abundance does not show now a correlation with the effective temperature. Finally, we show that the ionization balance of Ti can provide better estimates of surface gravities than iron. With this analysis, we provide a solution to the ionization balance problem observed in the atmospheres of cool dwarfs.
Concurrent Alcohol Use and Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: Smoking Topography, Toxicant Exposure, and Abuse Liability
Authors: Leavens Eleanor L S , Morgan Taylor L , Brett Emma I , Patzkowsky Kelsey , Son Jessica , Molina Neil , Eissenberg Thomas , Shihadeh Alan , Leffingwell Thad R , Wagener Theodore L 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Relative to non-waterpipe (WP) smokers, WP smokers are more than twice as likely to use alcohol and frequently consume alcohol before or during smoking sessions. Co-use of alcohol and WP may result in greater toxicant exposure compared to WP smoking alone. To date, no study systematically has investigated the impact of acute alcohol intoxication on WP smoking topography, exposure to tobacco-related toxicants, or abuse liability.

Methods
Dyads of current WP smokers and drinkers (N = 42; age = 21–32 years) completed two in-laboratory ad libitum smoking sessions (≤2 hours) following 12-hour nicotine abstinence in a double-blind, randomized crossover design in which they consumed a placebo versus active drink (sustained breath alcohol concentration = .08). Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) and plasma nicotine concentration were assessed. Questionnaires assessed smoking experience and smoking urge. Smoking topography was measured continuously throughout each smoking session.

Results
The alcohol session was associated with increased inhaled volume, flow rate, and WP session duration compared to placebo. Compared to placebo, participants reported a more positive overall smoking experience following the alcohol session and greater smoking urges pre- and post-smoking session. Although both sessions resulted in significant increases in eCO and plasma nicotine, no significant differences emerged in eCO or nicotine exposure between the active and placebo sessions.

Conclusions
Co-use of alcohol and WP may contribute to the maintenance of WP smoking through enhanced smoking experiences, increased urge to smoke, and significant exposure to addictive nicotine. Regulations may be necessary to limit the sale of alcohol in WP smoking lounges and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

Implications
The findings suggest co-use of alcohol and WP tobacco likely maintain WP use and dependence by enhancing the smoking experience and increasing urges to smoke. These findings have implications for regulations aimed at limiting co-use of alcohol and WP tobacco in WP lounges and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke.

Clinical trials registration
NCT03096860
Cecco d’Ascoli (Francesco Stabili)
Authors: Hannam James 
Published: February 2019

Cecco d’Ascoli (c. 1269–1327) was the diminutive used by the writer and poet Francesco Stabili, from the commune of Ascoli Piceno in central Italy. He was a lecturer on astrology at the University of Bologna, best known for being burnt at the stake as a relapsed heretic. He was first convicted of heresy in Bologna in 1324 by the inquisitor Lambert of Cingoli (fl. 1316–1324), who stripped him of his lectureship and forbade him to practice astrology. Cecco moved to Florence where he became the court astrologer of Duke Charles of Calabria (1298–1328), then ruler of the city. However, he was quickly caught up in the politics of the ducal court. His rivalry with Duke Charles’s chancellor, the Bishop of Aversa, led to the Inquisition’s file on him being reopened. In 1327, following an investigation by the Florentine inquisitor, Accursius, Cecco was found to have relapsed into heresy and was burnt outside the Church of Santa Croce. It is likely that Cecco earned a master of the arts degree at Bologna before being appointed to teach astrology in about 1315. Astrology was then considered an essential adjunct to the practice of medicine and physicians were expected to be competent in casting horoscopes. Material from his lectures is preserved in his Latin commentaries, including one on the Sphere of John Sacrobosco (d. c. 1250). The Commentary on the Sphere was specifically condemned to be burned in 1327 at the same time as Cecco. Cecco also composed a long poem in Italian on the nature of the universe, with a focus on astrology and magic, called l’Acerba. This was also condemned by the Inquisition at the time of his execution. The poem of 4,867 lines is in five books, the last of which was left unfinished at the time of his death. L’Acerba covers the constitution of the heavens (Book 1), virtues and vices (Book 2), the magical properties of minerals and a bestiary (Book 3), questions of natural philosophy (Book 4), and an incomplete theology (Book 5). It is widely interpreted as a criticism of the natural philosophy of Dante Alighieri. It enjoyed some popularity in the early modern period, most likely because of the notoriety of its author. During the 19th century, Cecco’s fate at the hands of the Inquisition led to a revival of his reputation as a potential “martyr of science.” Since then, it has become clear that Cecco’s interests were not “scientific” in the modern sense and most scholarly attention has consequently been focused on l’Acerba.
Increased risk of coronary heart disease among patients with idiopathic inflammatory myositis: a nationwide population study in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Meng-Yu , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng , Kao Yang Yea-Huei 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) among patients with DM and PM in a general population context.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database containing records covering the years from 2000 to 2010. DM and PM were confined for the purposes of this study to those aged ⩾18 years who were eligible for the Taiwan catastrophic illness certificate. The diagnoses, CHD outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors were identified from electronic claims data. We conducted two cohort analyses: CHD and DM, and CHD and PM, excluding for each analysis individuals with CHD already identified at baseline. Data for the comparison group was obtained from the Longitudinal Health Insurance database, comprising 1 million persons randomly sampled from the total beneficiaries during 2000. We estimated hazard ratios comparing myositis with comparison cohorts, adjusting for potential cardiovascular risk factors.

Results
A total of 1145 patients with idiopathic myositis were identified, along with 732 723 control patients aged ⩾18 years. The incidence rates of CHD were 15.1 in DM and 30.1 in PM per 1000 person-years, vs 8.4 and 10.5 per 1000 person-years in the comparison cohort. The adjusted hazard ratios for CHD in patients with idiopathic myositis were 2.21 (95% CI 1.64, 2.99) for DM and 3.73 (95% CI 2.83, 4.90) for PM.

Conclusion
Results of this general population-based cohort study suggest that DM and PM are associated with an increased risk of CHD.
Plate Fixation of Expansive Open-Door Laminoplasty Decreases the Incidence of Postoperative C5 Palsy
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiomi , Matsumaru Satoshi , Kuramoto Tetsuya , Nagoshi Narihito , Iwanami Akio , Tsuji Osahiko , Okada Eijiro , Fujita Nobuyuki , Yagi Mitsuru , Tsuji Takashi , Ogawa Jun , Nakamura Masaya , Masumoto Morio , Ishii Ken , Watanabe Kota 
Published: February 2019

Study Design:
Retrospective study.

Objective:
To compare outcomes for plate fixation versus suture suspension in expansive open-door laminoplasty (ELAP) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Summary of Background Data:
C5 palsy and laminar closure have been reported to occur after ELAP when suture suspension is used to anchor the opened lamina.

Materials and Methods:
We assessed 174 patients with CSM who were treated by ELAP using either suture suspension (114 patients, mean age 63.3 y, 83 men and 31 women, mean follow-up 12.0 mo) or laminoplasty plate (60 patients, mean age 65.6 y, 45 men and 15 women, mean follow-up 12.6 mo) to maintain the position of the opened laminae. We compared clinical outcomes, radiographic findings, and complications between the 2 groups.

Results:
Mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores had improved significantly for both groups at the final follow-up (P<0.001), with similar recovery rates: scores improved from 10.8±2.8 to 13.4±2.8 points in the suture-suspension (SS) group and from 11.3±2.7 to 13.6±2.2 points in the laminoplasty plate (LP) group. The incidence of C5 palsy was significantly higher in the SS group (7.9%) than in the LP group (1.7%; P<0.05). Computed tomography (CT) showed larger mean angles of the opened laminae in the SS group compared with the LP group (P<0.01). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the mean anterior spinal-cord space at the C5 level was larger in the SS group than in the LP group (P<0.01).

Conclusions:
Plate fixation in ELAP produced comparable clinical outcomes and significantly lowered the incidence of C5 palsy compared with suture suspension. CT and MRI findings indicated that laminoplasty plate fixation prevented excessive opening of the lamina and decreased dorsal spinal-cord shift, which might explain the lower incidence of C5 palsy.
Long-term impacts of prenatal and infant exposure to fine particulate matter on wheezing and asthma
Authors: Shao Jingyi , Wheeler Amanda J. , Zosky Graeme R. , Johnston Fay H. 
Published: February 2019

Background:
This systematic review aimed to summarize epidemiologic evidence regarding long-term effects of prenatal and infant particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) exposure on wheezing and asthma.

Methods:
Epidemiologic data investigating the associations between ambient PM2.5 exposures during prenatal or the first 2 years of life and wheezing or asthma throughout life were extracted from five databases. All included studies were assessed according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. We performed meta-analyses if ≥2 studies estimated the effects of continuous PM2.5.

Results:
Nine of 18 eligible studies were suitable for meta-analyses. For prenatal PM2.5 exposure and asthma by 10 years of age (n = 4), the overall risk estimate per 10-unit increase (95% confidence interval) was 1.12 (1.00, 1.26). Although meta-analysis of prenatal exposure and wheezing by 4 years of age (n = 5) was not possible due to inconsistent exposure and outcome assessments, four studies found strong positive associations with wheeze by 2 years of age. The overall risk of developing asthma (n = 5) and wheezing (n = 3) by 8 years of age for infant PM2.5 exposure was 1.14 (0.96, 1.35) and 1.49 (0.99, 2.26), respectively. One large high-quality study reporting risk differences not suitable for meta-analysis demonstrated significant associations between prenatal or infant PM2.5 exposure and childhood asthma. High heterogeneity was present among studies of prenatal exposures and asthma, whereas studies of other associations showed low heterogeneity. There was insufficient evidence about susceptible subgroups.

Conclusions:
The limited and inconsistent evidence is suggestive of an association between early life PM2.5 exposure and wheezing/asthma. Large standardized studies are needed to explore the associations and identify vulnerable populations.
Development and Validation of a Fast Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Fluorescent Method for the Quantification of Hydroxychloroquine and Its Metabolites in Patients With Lupus
Authors: Noé Gaëlle , Amoura Zahir , Combarel David , Lori Lesli , Tissot Nadine , Seycha Aguila , Funck-Brentano Christian , Zahr Noël 
Published: February 2019

Background:
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is approved for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therapeutic drug monitoring of HCQ is necessary to detect nonadherence and to improve treatment efficacy in patients with SLE. Liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–fluorescent methods are currently used to measure whole blood concentrations of HCQ and its 2 main metabolites desethylhydroxychloroquine and desethylchloroquine in patients with SLE. This study reports the development and validation of an ultra-HPLC (U-HPLC) method with fluorescence detection for the simultaneous quantification of HCQ and its metabolites in whole blood.

Methods:
After adding chloroquine (internal standard) to the samples, a single-step protein precipitation and a subsequent filtration were used for blood sample preparation. Analytes were separated under isocratic elution on a U-HPLC RP18 column with a total run time of 7 minutes. The mobile phase consisted of piperazine buffer (46.4 mM, pH = 9.8) and acetonitrile (68:32, vol/vol), which was delivered at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths were 335 and 390 nm, respectively. Assay performance parameters were evaluated per FDA bioanalytical guidelines.

Results:
The calibration curve was linear from 125 to 4000 ng/mL for HCQ. The lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/mL for all analytes. For HCQ, desethylchloroquine, and desethylhydroxychloroquine, accuracies and imprecisions ranged from −7.90% to 7.85% and 1.14% to 8.78%, respectively.

Conclusions:
A sensitive, accurate, and fast U-HPLC–fluorescent method was validated and successfully applied to quantify whole blood concentrations to perform therapeutic drug monitoring of HCQ in pediatric and adult lupus patients.
PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS RANIBIZUMAB FOR PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Bressler Susan B. , Beaulieu Wesley T. , Glassman Adam R. , Gross Jeffrey G. , Melia Michele , Chen Eric , Pavlica Michael R. , Jampol Lee M. ,   for the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network
Published: February 2019

Purpose:
Among eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, identify whether baseline characteristics impact the benefit of ranibizumab over panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in DRCR.net Protocol S.

Methods:
Participants had proliferative diabetic retinopathy, visual acuity of 20/320 or better, and no previous PRP. Eyes were randomized to PRP or intravitreous 0.5-mg ranibizumab.

Results:
Ranibizumab was superior to PRP for change in visual acuity and development of vision-impairing central-involved diabetic macular edema over 2 years (P < 0.001). Among 25 characteristics, there were none in which participants assigned to PRP had superior outcomes relative to ranibizumab-assigned participants. The relative benefit of ranibizumab over PRP for change in visual acuity seemed greater in participants with higher mean arterial pressure (P = 0.03), without previous focal/grid laser (P = 0.03), with neovascularization of the disk and elsewhere on clinical examination (P = 0.04), and with more advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy on photographs (P = 0.02). For development of vision-impairing central-involved diabetic macular edema, the relative benefit of ranibizumab over PRP seemed greater among nonwhite participants (P = 0.01) and those with higher mean arterial pressure (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:
There were no characteristics identified in which outcomes were superior with PRP compared with ranibizumab. These exploratory analyses provide additional support that ranibizumab may be a reasonable alternative to PRP for proliferative diabetic retinopathy over a 2-year period.
Correlation of MRI Findings With Patterns of Visual Field Loss in Patients With Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Kane Emily J. , Ashton David E. , Mews Peter J. , Reid Kate , Neely Andrew , Lueck Christian J. 
Published: February 2019

Background:
Compression of the optic chiasm by pituitary tumors typically results in bitemporal hemianopia, implying that nasal retinal fibers are preferentially damaged. The reason for this is not clear. One theory suggests that nasal fibers are selectively vulnerable simply because they cross each other. This study investigated the “crossing theory” by correlating visual field (VF) loss with chiasmal elevation and with the degree of eccentric compression on MRI scans.

Methods:
Our hospital database was searched to identify patients with a) chiasmal compression by a pituitary tumor; b) documented preoperative evidence of VF loss; and c) preoperative MRI scan performed within 1 month of VF testing. Temporality and bitemporality indices were derived from pattern deviation VF plots. Elevations of the central and peripheral parts of the chiasm were obtained from MRI scans, from which the eccentricity of compression was calculated. Temporality indices and hemifield loss were compared with central chiasmal elevation, and nasal hemifield loss in each eye was plotted against eccentricity.

Results:
Eleven patients were suitable for analysis. The degree of bitemporal VF involvement was significantly correlated with elevation of the central chiasm (P = 0.004). However, there was minimal involvement of nasal VFs, and no demonstrable increase in nasal field loss with increasing eccentricity of compression.

Conclusions:
This study provides support for the crossing theory. These findings will inform further finite element models of chiasmal compression. A larger, prospective study is planned.
Developmental plasticity as adaptation: adjusting to the external environment under the imprint of maternal capital
Authors: Wells Jonathan C. K. 
Published: February 2019

Plasticity is assumed to enable beneficial adjustment to the environment. In this context, developmental plasticity is generally approached within a two-stage framework, whereby adjustments to ecological cues in stage 1 are exposed to selection in stage 2. This conceptual approach may have limitations, because in species providing parental investment, particularly placental mammals such as humans, initial adjustments are not to the environment directly, but rather to the niche generated by parental phenotype (in mammals, primarily that of the mother). Only as maternal investment is withdrawn is the developing organism exposed directly to prevailing ecological conditions. A three-stage model may therefore be preferable, where developmental trajectory first adjusts to maternal investment, then to the external environment. Each offspring experiences a trade-off, benefitting from maternal investment during the most vulnerable stages of development, at the cost of exposure to investment strategies that maximize maternal fitness. Maternal life-history trade-offs impact the magnitude and schedule of her investment in her offspring, generating lifelong effects on traits related to health outcomes. Understanding the imprint of maternal capital on offspring is particularly important in species demonstrating social hierarchy. Interventions targeting maternal capital might offer new opportunities to improve health outcomes of both mother and offspring.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Developing differences: early-life effects and evolutionary medicine’.
Developing differences: early-life effects and evolutionary medicine
Authors: Kuijper Bram , Hanson Mark A. , Vitikainen Emma I. K. , Marshall Harry H. , Ozanne Susan E. , Cant Michael A. 
Published: February 2019

Variation in early-life conditions can trigger developmental switches that lead to predictable individual differences in adult behaviour and physiology. Despite evidence for such early-life effects being widespread both in humans and throughout the animal kingdom, the evolutionary causes and consequences of this developmental plasticity remain unclear. The current issue aims to bring together studies of early-life effects from the fields of both evolutionary ecology and biomedicine to synthesise and advance current knowledge of how information is used during development, the mechanisms involved, and how early-life effects evolved. We hope this will stimulate further research into early-life effects, improving our understanding of why individuals differ and how this might influence their susceptibility to disease.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Developing differences: early-life effects and evolutionary medicine’.