bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Velocity and orbital characteristics of micrometeors observed by the Arecibo 430 MHz incoherent scatter radar
Authors: Li Yanlin , Zhou Qihou 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
Using the Arecibo 430 MHz incoherent scatter radar located in Puerto Rico, we report the characteristics of the smallest meteors observed by any ground-based instruments. Coupled with an efficient pulse coding technique, the radar detects over 40 meteors min−1 in the dawn hours. The typical mass of these meteors is estimated to be 10−13 kg and the corresponding radius is about 2 μm. The velocity of the meteors is concentrated within a narrow range at a given time from mid-night to noon. Numerical simulations show that such a characteristic is most consistent with meteoroids having circular orbits in inclined planes. The orbital evolution of these meteoroids is most significantly affected by Poynting–Robertson and solar wind drags. They are captured by the Earth on their way to spiral into the Sun. At the mass range where drag forces dominate, Earth-crossing meteoroids are mostly expected to be in quasi-circular orbits because they can be produced anywhere outside the Earth's orbit. Our observation demonstrates this is indeed the case for retrograde meteoroids.
Orbital decay of short-period gas giants under evolving tides
Authors: Alvarado-Montes Jaime A , García-Carmona Carolina 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The discovery of many giant planets in close-in orbits and the effect of planetary and stellar tides in their subsequent orbital decay have been extensively studied in the context of planetary formation and evolution theories. Planets orbiting close to their host stars undergo close encounters, atmospheric photoevaporation, orbital evolution, and tidal interactions. In many of these theoretical studies, it is assumed that the interior properties of gas giants remain static during orbital evolution. Here, we present a model that allows for changes in the planetary radius as well as variations in the planetary and stellar dissipation parameters, caused by the planet’s contraction and change of rotational rates from the strong tidal fields. In this semi-analytical model, giant planets experience a much slower tidal-induced circularization compared to models that do not consider these instantaneous changes. We predict that the eccentricity damping time-scale increases about an order of magnitude in the most extreme case for too inflated planets, large eccentricities, and when the planet’s tidal properties are calculated according to its interior structural composition. This finding potentially has significant implications on interpreting the period–eccentricity distribution of known giant planets as it may naturally explain the large number of non-circularized, close period currently known. Additionally, this work may help to constrain some models of planetary interiors, and contribute to a better insight about how tides affect the orbital evolution of extrasolar systems.
Analysis of basal chromosome instability in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Palmitelli Micaela , Stanganelli Carmen , Stella Flavia , Krzywinski Andrea , Bezares Raimundo , González Cid Marcela , Slavutsky Irma 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGenomic instability is a hallmark of cancer, contributing to tumour development and transformation, being chromosome instability (CIN) the most common form in human cancer. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most frequent adult leukaemia in the Western world. In this study, we have evaluated basal CIN in untreated patients with CLL by measuring chromosome aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) frequency and their association with different prognostic factors. Seventy-two patients and 21 normal controls were analysed. Cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) studies were performed. IGHV (immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region) mutational status was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. An increased number of CA in patients compared with controls (P = 0.0001) was observed. Cases with abnormal karyotypes showed increased CA rate than those with normal karyotypes (P = 0.0026), with a particularly highest frequency in cases with complex karyotypes. Among FISH risk groups, a significant low frequency of CA was found in patients with no FISH alterations compared to those with del13q14 and ≥2 FISH alterations (P = 0.0074). When mean CA value (6.7%) was considered, significant differences in the distribution of low and high CA frequency between cases with normal and abnormal karyotypes (P = 0.002) were observed. By MN analysis, higher frequency in patients compared to controls (P = 0.0001) was also found, as well as between cases with ≥2 FISH abnormalities and those with no FISH alterations (P = 0.026). Similarly, significant differences were observed when patients were divided according to mean MN frequency (2.2%; P ≤ 0.04). Interestingly, patients with high MN frequency had shorter time to first treatment than those with low frequency (P = 0.024). Cases with mutated and unmutated IGHV status showed increased CA and MN frequencies compared to controls (P ≤ 0.0007), but no differences between both groups were found. Our results support the strong interaction between CIN and genomic complexity as well as their influence on poor outcome in this pathology.
Comparative effectiveness of different antihypertensive agents in kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pisano Anna , Bolignano Davide , Mallamaci Francesca , D’Arrigo Graziella , Halimi Jean-Michel , Persu Alexandre , Wuerzner Gregoire , Sarafidis Pantelis , Watschinger Bruno , Burnier Michel , Zoccali Carmine 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare benefits and harms of different antihypertensive drug classes in kidney transplant recipients, as post-transplant hypertension (HTN) associates with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality.MethodsThe Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing all main antihypertensive agents versus placebo/no treatment, routine treatment.ResultsThe search identified 71 RCTs. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (26 trials) reduced the risk for graft loss {risk ratio [RR] 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.89]}, increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [mean difference (MD) 3.08 mL/min (95% CI 0.38–5.78)] and reduced blood pressure (BP). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (13 trials) reduced the risk for graft loss [RR 0.62 (95% CI 0.40–0.96)] but decreased renal function and increased the risk for hyperkalaemia. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (10 trials) did not modify the risk of death, graft loss and non-fatal CV events and increased the risk for hyperkalaemia. When pooling ACEI and ARB data, the risk for graft failure was lower in renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade as compared with control treatments. In direct comparison with ACEIs or ARBs (11 trials), CCBs increased GFR [MD 11.07 mL/min (95% CI 6.04–16.09)] and reduced potassium levels but were not more effective in reducing BP. There are few available data on mortality, graft loss and rejection. Very few studies performed comparisons with other active drugs.ConclusionsCCBs could be the preferred first-step antihypertensive agents in kidney transplant patients, as they improve graft function and reduce graft loss. No definite patient or graft survival benefits were associated with RAS inhibitor use over conventional treatment.
Scalable volumetric imaging for ultrahigh-speed brain mapping at synaptic resolution
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Qingyuan , Ding Lufeng , Shen Yan , Yang Chao-Yu , Xu Fang , Shu Chang , Guo Yujie , Xiong Zhiwei , Shan Qinghong , Jia Fan , Su Peng , Yang Qian-Ru , Li Bing , Cheng Yuxiao , He Xiaobin , Chen Xi , Wu Feng , Zhou Jiang-Ning , Xu Fuqiang , Han Hua , Lau Pak-Ming , Bi Guo-Qiang 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The speed of high-resolution optical imaging has been a rate-limiting factor for meso-scale mapping of brain structures and functional circuits, which is of fundamental importance for neuroscience research. Here, we describe a new microscopy method of Volumetric Imaging with Synchronized on-the-fly-scan and Readout (VISoR) for high-throughput, high-quality brain mapping. Combining synchronized scanning beam illumination and oblique imaging over cleared tissue sections in smooth motion, the VISoR system effectively eliminates motion blur to obtain undistorted images. By continuously imaging moving samples without stopping, the system achieves high-speed 3D image acquisition of an entire mouse brain within 1.5 hours, at a resolution capable of visualizing synaptic spines. A pipeline is developed for sample preparation, imaging, 3D image reconstruction and quantification. Our approach is compatible with immunofluorescence methods, enabling flexible cell-type specific brain mapping and is readily scalable for large biological samples such as primate brains. Using this system, we examined behaviorally relevant whole-brain neuronal activation in 16 c-Fos-shEGFP mice under resting or forced swimming conditions. Our results indicate the involvement of multiple subcortical areas in stress response. Intriguingly, neuronal activation in these areas exhibits striking individual variability among different animals, suggesting the necessity of sufficient cohort size for such studies.
Trends and Efficacy of Interferon-Free Anti–hepatitis C Virus Therapy in the Region of High Prevalence of Elderly Patients, Cirrhosis, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Real-World, Nationwide, Multicenter Study of 10 688 Patients in Japan
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Atsukawa Masanori , Uojima Haruki , Nozaki Akito , Tamai Hideyuki , Takaguchi Koichi , Fujioka Shinichi , Nakamuta Makoto , Tada Toshifumi , Yasuda Satoshi , Chuma Makoto , Senoh Tomonori , Tsutsui Akemi , Yamashita Naoki , Hiraoka Atsushi , Michitaka Kojiro , Shima Toshihide , Akahane Takehiro , Itobayashi Ei , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Ikeda Hiroki , Iio Etsuko , Fukunishi Shinya , Asano Toru , Tachi Yoshihiko , Ikegami Tadashi , Tsuji Kunihiko , Abe Hiroshi , Kato Keizo , Mikami Shigeru , Okubo Hironao , Shimada Noritomo , Ishikawa Toru , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Itokawa Norio , Arai Taeang , Tsubota Akihito , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kumada Takashi 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
We investigated changes in patient characteristics, rate of sustained virologic response (SVR), and factors associated with SVR after anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens in real-world practice in Japan, where patients with HCV are characterized by older age and high prevalence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
Changes in patient characteristics and SVR rates were evaluated from medical records among 10 688 patients who started interferon (IFN)-free DAA therapy between September 2014 and June 2018 in a nationwide, multicenter study. Factors associated with failure of SVR were analyzed. In particular, effects of cirrhosis or history of HCC on SVR were assessed by exact matching.

Results
Patient age was becoming younger and baseline liver fibrosis was becoming milder over time. Overall SVR rate was 95.4%. The SVR rates increased over time in patients without a history of IFN-free DAA therapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that cirrhosis was unfavorably associated with achievement of SVR in both patients with genotype 1 (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–2.21) and genotype 2 (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.01–2.78). Comparisons after exact matching showed that the SVR rate was significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than without it, whereas patients with and without a history of HCC had similar SVR rates.

Conclusions
Background characteristics of patients who undergo IFN-free DAA therapy are changing in Japan. Patients without a history of IFN-free DAA therapy have high SVR rates. Exact matching confirmed that cirrhosis significantly influences the achievement of SVR in real-world settings.
Invasive Meningococcal Disease due to Nongroupable Neisseria meningitidis—Active Bacterial Core Surveillance Sites, 2011–2016
Authors: McNamara Lucy A , Potts Caelin C , Blain Amy , Topaz Nadav , Apostol Mirasol , Alden Nisha B , Petit Susan , Farley Monica M , Harrison Lee H , Triden Lori , Muse Alison , Poissant Tasha , Wang Xin , MacNeil Jessica R 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We characterized 22 meningococcal disease cases due to nongroupable Neisseria meningitidis, a rare cause of invasive disease. Disease presentation and severity were similar to those for serogroupable meningococcal disease. However, 7 (32%) patients had complement deficiency or abnormal complement testing results, highlighting the importance of complement testing for nongroupable cases.
The Hyper Suprime-Cam SSP transient survey in COSMOS: Overview
Authors: Yasuda Naoki , Tanaka Masaomi , Tominaga Nozomu , Jiang Ji-an , Moriya Takashi J , Morokuma Tomoki , Suzuki Nao , Takahashi Ichiro , Yamaguchi Masaki S , Maeda Keiichi , Sako Masao , Ikeda Shiro , Kimura Akisato , Morii Mikio , Ueda Naonori , Yoshida Naoki , Lee Chien-Hsiu , Suyu Sherry H , Komiyama Yutaka , Regnault Nicolas , Rubin David 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We present an overview of a deep transient survey of the COSMOS field with the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC). The survey was performed for the 1.77 deg2 ultra-deep layer and 5.78 deg2 deep layer in the Subaru Strategic Program over six- and four-month periods from 2016 to 2017, respectively. The ultra-deep layer reaches a median depth per epoch of 26.4, 26.3, 26.0, 25.6, and 24.6 mag in g, r, i, z, and y bands, respectively; the deep layer is ∼0.6 mag shallower. In total, 1824 supernova candidates were identified. Based on light-curve fitting and derived light-curve shape parameter, we classified 433 objects as Type Ia supernovae (SNe); among these candidates, 129 objects have spectroscopic or COSMOS2015 photometric redshifts and 58 objects are located at z &gt; 1. Our unique data set doubles the number of Type Ia SNe at z &gt; 1 and enables various time-domain analyses of Type II SNe, high-redshift superluminous SNe, variable stars, and active galactic nuclei.
The stellar halo of the Milky Way traced by blue horizontal-branch stars in the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam Survey
Authors: Fukushima Tetsuya , Chiba Masashi , Tanaka Mikito , Hayashi Kohei , Homma Daisuke , Okamoto Sakurako , Komiyama Yutaka , Tanaka Masayuki , Arimoto Nobuo , Matsuno Tadafumi 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We report on the global structure of the Milky Way (MW) stellar halo up to its outer boundary based on the analysis of blue horizontal-branch stars (BHBs). These halo tracers are extracted from the (g, r, i, z)-band multi-photometry in the internal data release of the ongoing Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP) surveyed over a ∼550 deg2 area. In order to select the most likely BHBs by removing blue straggler stars (BSs) and other contamination in a statistically significant manner, we have developed and applied an extensive Bayesian method, instead of the simple color cuts adopted in our previous work, where each of the template BHBs and non-BHBs obtained from the available catalogs are represented as a mixture of multiple Gaussian distributions in the color–color diagrams. We found from the candidate BHBs in the range of 18.5 &lt; g &lt; 23.5 mag that the radial density distribution over a Galactocentric radius of r = 36–360 kpc can be approximated as a single power-law profile with an index of $\alpha =3.74^{+0.21}_{-0.22}$ or a broken power-law profile with an index of $\alpha _{\rm in}=2.92^{+0.33}_{-0.33}$ at r below a broken radius of $r_{\rm b}=160^{+18}_{-19}\:$kpc and a very steep slope of $\alpha _{\rm out}=15.0^{+3.7}_{-4.5}$ at r &gt; rb. The latter profile with a prolate shape having an axial ratio of $q=1.72^{+0.44}_{-0.28}$ is most likely and this halo may hold a rather sharp boundary at r ≃ 160 kpc. The slopes of the halo density profiles are compared with those from the suite of hydrodynamical simulations for the formation of stellar halos. This comparison suggests that the MW stellar halo may consist of the two overlapping components: the in situ inner halo as probed by RR Lyrae stars showing a relatively steep radial density profile and the ex situ outer halo with a shallow profile probed by BHBs here, which is made by accretion of small stellar systems.
An update on the New Hampshire Foundation Act
Authors: Mayo Todd D 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
On 1 October 2017, the New Hampshire Foundation Act became effective. In 2018, New Hampshire amended the Foundation Act, making several technical corrections. The amendments clarified: that a founder’s contribution of property does not affect the founder’s reserved powers; the statutes governing a protector’s duty of loyalty; a protector’s duty of impartiality and the grounds for removing a protector; and that an individual foundation official’s term ends upon his or her incapacity; they also defined the term ‘principal office’. Those amendments became effective on 8 June 2018.
Normalization of Spinal Cord Displacement With the Straight Leg Raise and Resolution of Sciatica in Patients With Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation
Authors: Pesonen Janne , Rade Marinko , Könönen Mervi , Marttila Jarkko , Shacklock Michael , Vanninen Ritva , Kankaanpää Markku , Airaksinen Olavi 
Published: April 2019

Study Design.
A controlled radiologic follow-up study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to ascertain whether changes in cord excursion with straight leg raise test (SLR) at 1.5-year follow-up time accompany changes in clinical symptoms.

Summary of Background Data.
Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH) is known to be a key cause of sciatica. Previously, we found that a significant limitation of neural displacement (66.6%) was evident with the SLR on the symptomatic side of patients with subacute single level posterolateral LIDH.

Methods.
Fourteen patients with significant sciatic symptoms due to a subacute single-level posterolateral LIDH were reassessed clinically and radiologically at 1.5 years follow-up with a 1.5T MRI scanner. Displacement of the conus medullaris during the unilateral and bilateral SLR was quantified reliably with a randomized procedure and compared between SLRs and to data from baseline. Multivariate regression models and backward variable selection method were employed to identify variables more strongly associated with a decrease in low back pain (LBP) and radicular symptoms.

Results.
Compared with previously presented baseline values, the data showed a significant increase in neural sliding in all the quantified maneuvers (P ≤ 0.01), and particularly of 2.52 mm (P ≤ 0.001) with the symptomatic SLR.
Increase in neural sliding correlated significantly with decrease of both radicular symptoms (Pearson = -0.719, P ≤ 0.001) and LBP (Pearson = -0.693, P ≤ 0.001). Multivariate regression models and backward variable selection method confirmed the improvement of neural sliding effects (P ≤ 0.004) as the main variable being associated with improvement of self-reported clinical symptoms.

Conclusion.
To our knowledge, these are the first noninvasive data to objectively support the association between increase in magnitude of neural adaptive movement and resolution of both radicular and LBP symptoms in in vivo and structurally intact human subjects.

Level of Evidence: 2
Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods in Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis
Authors: Lampe Lukas Peter , Schulze Bövingloh Albert , Gosheger Georg , Schulte Tobias L. , Lange Tobias 
Published: April 2019

Study Design.
Case series.

Objective.
To evaluate complications and radiographic parameters after magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) index surgery (IS), during lengthening and following converting surgery (CS) with a minimum of 2-year follow up (FU).

Summary of Background Data.
MCGR are maintaining skeletal growth in treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS). There is no data regarding correction potential after CS available.

Methods.
Twenty-four cases were included. Two patients with rib and pelvic hook fixation instead of pedicle screws and three patients with previous spinal surgery were excluded from radiographic analysis.

Results.
Twenty-one patients received grade 3 or 4 in Classification of Early-Onset-Scoliosis (C-EOS) for main curve severity. The kyphotic modifiers (–) were given to seven and (+) to seven patients. Mean age at IS was 10.5 ± 2.4 years with a mean FU time of 42.3 ± 11.3 months. Deformity correction was only achieved during IS (46%) and CS (36%). During MCGR treatment a 5° loss of correction seen, while 25 mm of T1–S1 length was gained during the lengthening period. An overall average lengthening of 1.6 mm per lengthening procedure was achieved. Possibility to gain length during distractions decreases over time. No major failure of the distraction mechanism was observed, only 16 lengthening procedures failed within a total of 264 lengthening procedures. A total of 19 revision surgeries in 10 patients were observed. Four patients received more than one revision surgery.

Conclusion.
Applying MCGR results in a revision rate of 0.23 per patient and per one FU year, while making further lengthening procedures obsolete compared with conventional growing rod techniques. Correction of major curve is possible during IS und CS. The law of diminishing returns applies during the period of lengthening.

Level of Evidence: 4
Modic Changes Are Not Associated With Long-term Pain and Disability
Authors: Udby Peter Muhareb , Bendix Tom , Ohrt-Nissen Søren , Lassen Michael Ruud , Sørensen Joan Solgaard , Brorson Stig , Carreon Leah Y. , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden 
Published: April 2019

Study Design.
A comparative cohort study with 13-year follow-up.

Objective.
To assess whether Modic changes (MCs) are associated with long-term physical disability, back pain, and sick leave.

Summary of Background Data.
Previous studies have shown a conflicting association of low back pain (LBP) with MCs and disc degeneration. The long-term prognosis of patients with MCs is unclear.

Methods.
In 2004 to 2005, patients aged 18 to 60 with daily LBP were enrolled in an randomized controlled trial study and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Patients completed numeric rating scales (0–10) for LBP and leg pain, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), LBP Rating Scale for activity limitations (RS, 0–30), inflammatory pain pattern and sick leave days due to LBP at baseline and 13 years after the MRI. Patients were stratified based on the presence (+MC) or absence (−MC) of MCs on the MRI.

Results.
Of 204 cases with baseline MRI, 170 (83%) were available for follow-up; 67 (39%) with MCs and 103 (61%) without MCs. Demographics, smoking status, BMI, use of antibiotics, LBP, leg pain, and inflammatory pain pattern scores at baseline and at 13-year follow-up were similar between the two groups. Also, baseline RMDQ was similar between the +MC and −MC groups. At 13 years, the RMDQ score was statistically significant better in the +MC group (7.4) compared with the −MC group (9.6, P = 0.024). Sick leave days due to LBP were similar at baseline but less in the +MC group (9.0) compared with the −MC group (22.9 d, P = 0.003) at 13 years.

Conclusion.
MCs were not found to be negatively associated with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. Rather, the study found that LBP patients with MCs had significantly less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. We encourage further studies to elucidate these findings.

Level of Evidence: 2