bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bose–Einstein condensation of dilute alpha clusters above the four-α threshold in 16O in the field theoretical superfluid cluster model
Authors: Takahashi J , Yamanaka Y , Ohkubo S 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObserved well-developed $\alpha$ cluster states in $^{16}$O located above the four-$\alpha$ threshold are investigated from the viewpoint of Bose–Einstein condensation of $\alpha$ clusters by using a field-theoretical superfluid cluster model in which the order parameter is defined. The experimental energy levels are reproduced well for the first time by calculation. In particular, the observed 16.7 MeV $0_7^+$ and 18.8 MeV $0_8^+$ states with low-excitation energies from the threshold are found to be understood as a manifestation of the states of the Nambu–Goldstone zero-mode operators, associated with the spontaneous symmetry-breaking of the global phase, which is caused by the Bose–Einstein condensation of the vacuum 15.1 MeV $0^+_6$ state with a dilute well-developed $\alpha$ cluster structure just above the threshold. This gives evidence of the existence of the Bose–Einstein condensate of $\alpha$ clusters in $^{16}$O. It is found that the emergence of the energy level structure with a well-developed $\alpha$ cluster structure above the threshold is robust, almost independently of the condensation rate of $\alpha$ clusters under significant condensation rate. The finding of the mechanism that causes the level structure that is similar to $^{12}$C to emerge above the four-$\alpha$ threshold in $^{16}$O reinforces the concept of Bose–Einstein condensation of $\alpha$ clusters in addition to $^{12}$C.
Does Borrower and Broker Race Affect the Cost of Mortgage Credit?
Authors: Ambrose Brent W , Conklin James N , Lopez Luis A 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe test for pricing disparities in mortgage contracts using a novel data set that allows us to observe the race and ethnicity of both parties to the loan. We find that minorities pay between 3% and 5% more in fees than similarly qualified whites when obtaining a loan through the same white broker. Critically, we find that the premium paid by minorities depends on the race of the broker. We also examine recent policy changes around broker compensation rules that may not only reduce these price disparities but may also limit access to credit for minorities.
Systemic autoimmune disease as a cause of death: mortality burden and comorbidities
Authors: Mitratza Marianna , Klijs Bart , Hak A Elisabeth , Kardaun Jan W P F , Kunst Anton E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDs) have chronic trajectories and share characteristics of self-directed inflammation, as well as aspects of clinical expression. Nonetheless, burden-of-disease studies rarely investigate them as a distinct category. This study aims to assess the mortality rate of SAIDs as a group and to evaluate co-occurring causes of death.

Methods
We used death certificate data in the Netherlands, 2013–2017 (N = 711 247), and constructed a SAIDs list at the fourth-position ICD-10 level. The mortality rate of SAIDs as underlying cause of death (CoD), non-underlying CoD, and any-mention CoD was calculated. We estimated age-sex-standardized observed/expected (O/E) ratios to assess comorbidities in deaths with SAID relative to the general deceased population.

Results
We observed 3335 deaths with SAID on their death certificate (0.47% of all deaths). The mortality rate of SAID was 14.6 per million population as underlying CoD, 28.0 as non-underlying CoD, and 39.7 as any-mention CoD. The mortality rate was higher for females and increased exponentially with age. SAID-related deaths were positively associated with all comorbidities except for solid neoplasms and mental conditions. Particularly strong was the association with diseases of the musculoskeletal system (O/E = 3.38; 95% CI: 2.98, 3.82), other diseases of the genitourinary system (O/E = 2.73; 95% CI: 2.18, 3.38), influenza (O/E = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.74, 4.03), blood diseases (O/E = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.70, 2.39), skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases (O/E = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.54, 2.45), and infectious diseases (O/E = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.70, 2.01).

Conclusion
Systemic autoimmune diseases constitute a rare group of causes of death, but contribute to mortality through multiple comorbidities. Classification systems could be adapted to better encompass these diseases as a category.
Sex and gender differences in axial spondyloarthritis: myths and truths
Authors: Rusman Tamara , van Bentum Rianne E , van der Horst-Bruinsma Irene E 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMounting evidence reveals evident sex differences in physiology, disease presentation and response to medication in axial SpA (axSpA). Unfortunately these data are often neglected in clinical practice and research. In this review, myths that still exist on diagnosis, disease manifestation and drug effectiveness were argued against data of the most recent literature. The aim is to increase awareness of sex differences in the clinical aspects of axSpA.
Power and spectral Doppler ultrasound in suspected active sacroiliitis: a comparison with magnetic resonance imaging as gold standard
Authors: Falsetti Paolo , Conticini Edoardo , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Baldi Caterina , Sota Jurgen , Bardelli Marco , Gentileschi Stefano , D’Alessandro Roberto , Al Khayyat Suhel Gabriele , Acciai Caterina , Cantarini Luca , Frediani Bruno 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The objectives of this study were to study with Power Doppler US (PDUS) the SI joints (SIJs) of patients with suspected active sacroiliitis, to describe SIJ flows with spectral wave analysis (SWA) on Doppler US, and to correlate US data with both clinical characteristics and presence of SIJ bone marrow oedema (BME) in subsequent MRI.

Methods
A total of 42 patients (32 females and 10 males, mean age 46.8 years) with recent onset of inflammatory back pain (IBP) were included. Every patient underwent US examination with a convex 1–8 MHz probe [scoring PDUS signals with a three-point scale and describing flows in SWA calculating the mean Resistive Index (RI)] and subsequent MRI of the SIJs.

Results
PDUS signals were detected in 34 patients and 62 SIJs. In 29 patients and 56 SIJs, MRI revealed BME. A definite diagnosis of SpA was made in 32 patients. PDUS signals were more frequent (P &lt; 0.0001) in patients with a final diagnosis of SpA, yielding a higher PDUS score (P = 0.0304). PDUS grading correlated with both BME grading (r = 0.740, P = 0.0001) and AS DAS (ASDAS) (r = 0.6257, P = 0.0004), but not with inflammatory reactants nor anthropometric data. Mean RI were, respectively, 0.60 and 0.73 (P &lt; 0.0001) in patients with or without diagnosis of active sacroiliitis. The most inclusive RI cut-off resulted &lt;0.70 [positive predictive value (PPV) 94%, accuracy 90%, P = 0.0001]. The best Likelihood Ratio (5.471) for RI to detect pathologic cases was obtained with a cut-off of &lt;0.60 (PPV 96%).

Conclusions
PDUS and SWA of SIJs demonstrate good diagnostic accuracy for active sacroiliitis compared with MRI.
Banking structure, economic resilience and unemployment trajectories in US counties during the great recession
Authors: Schneiberg Marc , Parmentier Eleanor 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHow might the structure of banking affect economic resilience? We address this question by analyzing how the organizational structures of banks and banking markets were associated with unemployment trajectories in local economies during the Great Recession. Two county-level analyses yield convergent results. Increasing branch densities of giant derivative holding banks within local economies were associated with greater surges in unemployment, weaker employment recoveries and stronger recession effects on unemployment from 2007 through 2016. Increasing branch densities of community banks and credit unions and localism in banking were associated with lower unemployment spikes, stronger recoveries and dampened crisis effects. These findings advance sociological studies of finance by providing new quantitative evidence for links between the social structures of banking and economic performance. They also confound arguments that decentralized systems of small, locally based financial institutions are inherently fragile by design, suggesting instead that alternatives to ‘too-big-to-fail’ banking can enhance local economies’ capacities to adapt proactively, withstand crisis and sustain employment during recessions.
2,4,6-Tribromophenol Disposition and Kinetics in Pregnant and Nursing Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Knudsen Gabriel A , Chapman Margaret , Trexler Andrew W , Juberg Christopher T , Birnbaum Linda S 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
2,4,6-Tribromophenol (TBP, CAS no. 118-79-6) is a brominated chemical used as a precursor, flame retardant, and wood antifungal agent. TBP is detected in environmental matrices and biota, including human breast milk, placenta, and serum. To address reports of TBP accumulation in human placenta and breast milk, studies were conducted to characterize TBP disposition and toxicokinetics in timed-pregnant or nursing Sprague Dawley rats following a single oral dose to the dam. Animals were administered [14C]-TBP (10 μmol/kg, 25 µCi/kg, 4 ml/kg) by gavage on gestation day 12 and 20, or postnatal day 12 and serially euthanized between 15 min and 24 h for collection of blood and tissues from the dam and fetuses/pups. Observed plasma TBP Cmax (3 and 7 nmol/ml) occurred at 15 min in both GD12 and GD20 dams while Cmax (3 nmol/ml) was observed at 30 min for PND12 dams. Concentrations in tissues followed plasma concentrations, with kidneys containing the highest concentrations at 30 min. GD12 litters contained a sustained 0.2%–0.3% of the dose (5–9 nmol/litter) between 15 min and 6 h while GD20 fetuses (2%–3%) and placentas (0.3%–0.5%) had sustained levels between 30 min and 12 h. The stomach contents (approx. 1 nmol-eq/g, 6–12 h), livers (0.04–0.1 nmol-eq/g) and kidneys (0.1–0.2 nmol-eq/g) of PND12 pups increased over time, indicating sustained exposure via milk. Systemic exposure to TBP and its metabolites occurs in both the directly exposed mother and the indirectly exposed offspring and is rapid and persistent after a single dose in pregnant and nursing rats.
The neglected role of Faith-based Organizations in prevention and control of COVID-19 in Africa
Authors: Vilakati Phesheya Ndumiso , Villa Simone , Alagna Riccardo , Khumalo Bongani , Tshuma Sarah , Quaresima Virginia , Nieman Nicole Rose , Cirillo Daniela Maria , Raviglione Mario Carlo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed health system weaknesses of economically wealthy countries with advanced technologies. COVID-19 is now moving fast across Africa where small outbreaks have been reported so far. There is a concern that with the winter transmission will grow rapidly. Despite efforts of African Governments to promptly establish mitigating measures, rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, risk being neglected. In those settings, faith-based and other non-governmental organizations, if properly equipped and supported, can play a crucial role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We describe our experience in two rural health facilities in eSwatini and Ethiopia highlighting the struggle towards preparedness and the urgency of international support to help prevent a major public health disaster.
Developing and validating a clinical algorithm for the diagnosis of podoconiosis
Authors: Deribe Kebede , Florence Lyndsey , Kelemework Abebe , Getaneh Tigist , Tsegay Girmay , Cano Jorge , Giorgi Emanuele , Newport Melanie J , Davey Gail 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Difficulties in reliably diagnosing podoconiosis have severely limited the scale-up and uptake of the World Health Organization–recommended morbidity management and disability prevention interventions for affected people. We aimed to identify a set of clinical features that, combined into an algorithm, allow for diagnosis of podoconiosis.

Methods
We identified 372 people with lymphoedema and administered a structured questionnaire on signs and symptoms associated with podoconiosis and other potential causes of lymphoedema in northern Ethiopia. All individuals were tested for Wuchereria bancrofti–specific immunoglobulin G4 in the field using Wb123.

Results
Based on expert diagnosis, 344 (92.5%) of the 372 participants had podoconiosis. The rest had lymphoedema due to other aetiologies. The best-performing set of symptoms and signs was the presence of moss on the lower legs and a family history of leg swelling, plus the absence of current or previous leprosy, plus the absence of swelling in the groin, plus the absence of chronic illness (such as diabetes mellitus or heart or kidney diseases). The overall sensitivity of the algorithm was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.6 to 94.4) and specificity was 95% (95% CI 85.45 to 100).

Conclusions
We developed a clinical algorithm of clinical history and physical examination that could be used in areas suspected or endemic for podoconiosis. Use of this algorithm should enable earlier identification of podoconiosis cases and scale-up of interventions.
Diversity of the Pterasteridae (Asteroidea) in the Southern Ocean: a molecular and morphological approach
Authors: Jossart Quentin , Kochzius Marc , Danis Bruno , Saucède Thomas , Moreau Camille V E 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn integrative approach is crucial in discrimination of species, especially for taxa that are difficult to identify based on morphological characters. In this study, we combine genetics and morphology to assess the diversity of Pterasteridae, a sea star family diversified in deep-sea and polar environments. Because of their derived anatomy and the frequent loss of characters during preservation, Pterasteridae are a suitable case for an integrative study. The molecular identification of 191 specimens (mostly from the Southern Ocean) suggests 26–33 species in three genera (Diplopteraster, Hymenaster and Pteraster), which match the morphological identification in 54–62% of cases. The mismatches are either different molecular units that are morphologically indistinguishable (e.g. Pteraster stellifer units 2 and 4) or, conversely, nominal species that are genetically identical (e.g. Hymenaster coccinatus/densus/praecoquis). Several species are shared between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (e.g. Pteraster jordani/affinis). In conclusion, the taxonomic status of some groups is confirmed, but for others we find the need to re-evaluate the taxonomy at both genus and species levels. This work significantly increases the DNA barcode library of the Southern Ocean species and merges taxonomic information into an identification key that could become a baseline for future studies (pterasteridae-so.identificationkey.org).
Genetic, morphological and acoustic differentiation of African trident bats (Rhinonycteridae:Triaenops)
Authors: Rossoni Daniela M , Demos Terrence C , Goodman Steven M , Yego Richard K , Mohlman Jessica L , Webala Paul W , Patterson Bruce D 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRhinonycteridae (trident bats) are a small Palaeotropical family of insectivorous bats allied to Hipposideridae. Their taxonomy has been in a state of flux. Here, we use mitochondrial and nuclear sequences to evaluate species relationships, confirming the monophyly of both Triaenops and Paratriaenops. Although most Triaenops afer specimens are recovered as a group, mitochondrial analyses strongly support some Kenyan individuals as members of Triaenops persicus. Analyses of four nuclear introns (ACOX2, COPS7A, RODGI and STAT5A) strongly support the mitochondrial topology. Morphometric analysis of the skull, external morphology and echolocation calls confirm that the Triaenops from the Rift Valley in Kenya (Nakuru, Baringo and Pokot counties) are distinct from typical T. afer in coastal (Kilifi and Kwale counties) or interior (Laikipia and Makueni counties) colonies. We interpret these analyses to indicate that two species of Triaenops occur in East Africa: T. afer in coastal regions along the Indian Ocean and in the highlands of central Kenya and Ethiopia, and T. persicus in the Rift Valley of Kenya. Although they appear widely disjunct from Middle Eastern populations, Kenyan T. persicus might be more widely distributed in the Rift Valley; they are somewhat differentiated from Middle Eastern populations in terms of both cranial morphology and vocalizations.
Estimation of Pulmonary Artery Occlusion Pressure Using Doppler Echocardiography in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Brault Clément , Marc Julien , Mercado Pablo , Diouf Momar , Tribouilloy Christophe , Zerbib Yoann , Maizel Julien , Vignon Philippe , Slama Michel 
Published: August 2020

Objectives:
Evaluation of left atrial pressure is frequently required for mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines for assessment of the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (a frequent surrogate of left atrial pressure) in this population.

Design:
A pooled analysis of three prospective cohorts of patients simultaneously assessed with a pulmonary artery catheter and echocardiography.

Settings:
Medical-surgical intensive care department of two university hospitals in France.

Patients:
Mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Of 98 included patients (males: 67%; mean ± sd age: 59 ± 16; and mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score 2: 54 ± 20), 53 (54%) experienced septic shock. Using the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines, the predicted pulmonary artery occlusion pressure was indeterminate in 48 of the 98 patients (49%). Of the 24 patients with an elevated predicted left atrial pressure (grade II/III diastolic dysfunction), only 17 (71%) had a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure greater than or equal to 18 mm Hg. Similarly, 20 of the 26 patients (77%) with a normal predicted left atrial pressure (grade I diastolic dysfunction) had a measured pulmonary artery occlusion pressure less than 18 mm Hg. The sensitivity and specificity of American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines for predicting elevated pulmonary artery occlusion pressure were both 74%. The agreement between echocardiography and the pulmonary artery catheter was moderate (Cohen’s Kappa, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.39–0.70). In a proposed alternative algorithm, the best echocardiographic predictors of a normal pulmonary artery occlusion pressure were a lateral e′-wave greater than 8 (for a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 45%) or an E/A ratio less than or equal to 1.5 (for a left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%).

Conclusions:
The American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines do not accurately assess pulmonary artery occlusion pressure in ventilated critically ill patients. Simple Doppler measurements gave a similar level of diagnostic performance with less uncertainly.
Economic Analysis of Mandated Protocolized Sepsis Care in New York Hospitals*
Authors: Bourne Donald S. , Davis Billie S. , Gigli Kristin H. , Chang Chung-Chou H. , Yabes Jonathan G. , Martsolf Grant R. , Kahn Jeremy M. 
Published: August 2020

Objectives:
Initial evidence suggests that state-level regulatory mandates for sepsis quality improvement are associated with decreased sepsis mortality. However, sepsis mandates require financial investments on the part of hospitals and may lead to increased spending. We evaluated the effects of the 2013 New York State sepsis regulations on the costs of care for patients hospitalized with sepsis.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study using state discharge data from the U.S. Healthcare Costs and Utilization Project and a comparative interrupted time series analytic approach. Costs were calculated from admission-level charge data using hospital-specific cost-to-charge ratios.

Setting:
General, short stay, acute care hospitals in New York, and four control states: Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Patients:
All patients hospitalized with sepsis between January 1, 2011, and September 30, 2015.

Interventions:
The 2013 New York mandate that all hospitals develop and implement protocols for sepsis identification and treatment, educate staff, and report performance data to the state.

Measurements and Main Results:
The analysis included 1,026,664 admissions in 520 hospitals. Mean unadjusted costs per hospitalization in New York State were $42,036 ± $60,940 in the pre-regulation period and $39,719 ± $59,063 in the post-regulation period, compared with $34,642 ± $52,403 pre-regulation and $31,414 ± $48,155 post-regulation in control states. In the comparative interrupted time series analysis, the regulations were not associated with a significant difference in risk-adjusted mean cost per hospitalization (p = 0.12) or risk-adjusted mean cost per hospital day (p = 0.44). For example, in the 10th quarter after implementation of the regulations, risk-adjusted mean cost per hospitalization was $3,627 (95% CI, –$681 to $7,934) more than expected in New York State relative to control states.

Conclusions:
Mandated protocolized sepsis care was not associated with significant changes in hospital costs in patients hospitalized with sepsis in New York State.
Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis of the Risk of Contracting a Bloodstream Infection in 47 Pedigrees Followed for 23 Years Assembled From a Population-Based Cohort (the HUNT Study)*
Authors: Rogne Tormod , Damås Jan Kristian , Solligård Erik , DeWan Andrew Thomas 
Published: August 2020

Objectives:
Bloodstream infection is an important cause of death worldwide. The main objective of this study was to identify genetic loci linked to risk of contracting a bloodstream infection.

Design:
Genome-wide linkage analysis.

Setting:
Population-based, Norwegian cohort, followed between 1995 and 2017.

Subjects:
Among 69,423 genotyped subjects, there were 47 families with two or more second-degree relatives with bloodstream infection in the follow-up period. There were 365 subjects in these families, of which 110 were affected.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
The cohort was genotyped using Illumina HumanCoreExome (Illumina, San Diego, CA) arrays. Before linkage analysis, single-nucleotide polymorphisms were pruned and clumped. In nonparametric linkage analysis using an exponential model, we found three loci with a suggestive linkage to bloodstream infection, all on chromosome 4, at 46.6 centimorgan (logarithm of odds, 2.3), 57.7 centimorgan (logarithm of odds, 3.2), and 70.0 centimorgan (logarithm of odds, 2.1). At the peak of the lead region are three genes: TLR10, TLR1, and TLR6.

Conclusions:
Variations in the TLR10/1/6 locus appear to be linked with the risk of contracting a bloodstream infection.