bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial and Autonomic Dysfunction at Early Stages of Glucose Intolerance and in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Dimova Rumyana , Tankova Tsvetalina , Kirilov Georgi , Chakarova Nevena , Grozeva Greta , Dakovska Lilia 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study evaluated sE-selectin, Endothelin-1, and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) at early stages of glucose intolerance and in metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 87 subjects – 39 males, of mean age 45.7±11.6 years and mean BMI 31.4±6.6 kg/m2, divided according to glucose tolerance and the presence of MetS were enrolled. Glucose tolerance was studied during OGTT. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, hsCRP, sE-selectin, Endothelin-1, and immunoreactive insulin were measured. Body composition was assessed by a bioimpedance method (InBody 720, BioSpace). Tissue AGEs accumulation was evaluated by skin autofluorescence (AGE-Reader, DiagnOpticsTM). CAN was assessed by ANX-3.0 technology. In the groups, according to glucose tolerance, the prevalence of CAN was 5.7% in normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 8.6% in prediabetes, and 23.5% in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (NDD). In the groups, according to the presence of MetS, the prevalence of CAN was 12.3% in those with MetS and 4.8% in those without MetS. Parasympathetic activity was diminished at rest (p=0.048, 0.015, respectively) in NDD as compared to prediabetes and NGT; and there was a numerically elevated heart rate at rest in NDD in comparison to NGT. There was a negative correlation between parasympathetic tone and waist circumference, BMI, and visceral and total fat. There was no difference in the measured endothelial function markers in the groups according to glucose tolerance and MetS. sE-selectin correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.275, p=0.048). No association between Endothelin-1 levels and assessed metabolic parameters was observed. There is a high prevalence of CAN at early stages of glucose intolerance and in MetS, due to decreased parasympathetic activity. Slight elevation of glycemia and MetS probably do not affect endothelial function, since sE-selectin seems to be related to insulin resistance.
Brucella-Induced Ruptured Infrarenal Dissecting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Ramachandran Nair Harishankar , Goura Prakash , Pitchai Shivanesan , Madathipat Unnikrishnan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMycotic aneurysms, often saccular, accounting for approximately 2.5% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms, possess increased risk of rupture, uncontrolled sepsis, and protracted hospital stay and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The authors report the case of a 49-year-old female with no known comorbidities who presented with free rupture of an infrarenal dissecting mycotic aneurysm and underwent emergent open repair successfully. The etiological agent, Brucella melitensis, a Gram-negative zoonotic coccobacillus, is rarely reported to cause mycotic aneurysm.
Association Between Features of Spontaneous Late Preterm Labor and Late Preterm Birth
Authors: Glover Angelica V. , Battarbee Ashley N. , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia , Boggess Kim A. , Sandoval Grecio , Blackwell Sean C. , Tita Alan T. N. , Reddy Uma M. , Jain Lucky , Saade George R. , Rouse Dwight J. , Iams Jay D. , Clark Erin A. S. , Chien Edward K. , Peaceman Alan M. , Gibbs Ronald S. , Swamy Geeta K. , Norton Mary E. , Casey Brian M. , Caritis Steve N. , Tolosa Jorge E. , Sorokin Yoram , Manuck Tracy A. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinical and examination features at admission and late preterm birth.
Study Design The present study is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial of singleton pregnancies at 340/7 to 365/7 weeks' gestation. We included women in spontaneous preterm labor with intact membranes and compared them by gestational age at delivery (preterm vs. term). We calculated a statistical cut-point optimizing the sensitivity and specificity of initial cervical dilation and effacement at predicting preterm birth and used multivariable regression to identify factors associated with late preterm delivery.
Results A total of 431 out of 732 (59%) women delivered preterm. Cervical dilation ≥ 4 cm was 60% sensitive and 68% specific for late preterm birth. Cervical effacement ≥ 75% was 59% sensitive and 65% specific for late preterm birth. Earlier gestational age at randomization, nulliparity, and fetal malpresentation were associated with late preterm birth. The final regression model including clinical and examination features significantly improved late preterm birth prediction (81% sensitivity, 48% specificity, area under the curve = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.75, and p-value < 0.01).
Conclusion Four in 10 women in late-preterm labor subsequently delivered at term. Combination of examination and clinical features (including parity and gestational age) improved late-preterm birth prediction.
Does Prepregnancy Weight or Maternal BMI at Betamethasone Administration Impact Late Preterm Respiratory Morbidity?
Authors: Bicocca Matthew J. , Blackwell Sean C. , Sibai Baha M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective We sought to determine if maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for neonatal respiratory morbidity and to determine if increasing BMI decreased the efficacy of betamethasone (BMZ).
Study Design This was a secondary analysis of the Antenatal Late Preterm Steroids trial, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 2,831 women between 340/7 and 365/7 weeks who received BMZ or a matching placebo. We compared the rate of neonatal respiratory morbidity among prepregnancy BMI classes in both the placebo and treatment groups. We also stratified the treatment effect by maternal BMI at the time of delivery.
Results A total of 2,822 women were identified with maternal weight recorded at delivery; 2,740 women also had self-reported prepregnancy weight available. When stratified by prepregnancy BMI class, there was no difference in neonatal respiratory morbidity in the BMZ or in placebo groups. When analyzed by BMI at delivery, there was no difference in the rate of neonatal respiratory morbidity, and BMI was not a predictor of treatment response (odds ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.99–1.02).
Conclusion Maternal prepregnancy BMI is not associated with late preterm neonatal respiratory morbidity. Maternal obesity does not decrease the efficacy of BMZ for preventing late preterm neonatal respiratory morbidity.
Risk Factors for Maternal Readmission with Sepsis
Authors: Foeller Megan E. , Sie Lillian , Foeller Timothy M. , Girsen Anna I. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Lyell Deirdre J. , Lee Henry C. , Gibbs Ronald S. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective Our primary objective was to identify risk factors for maternal readmission with sepsis. Our secondary objectives were to (1) assess diagnoses and infecting organisms at readmission and (2) compare early (<6 weeks) and late (6 weeks to 9 months postpartum) maternal readmission with sepsis.
Study Design We identified our cohort using linked hospital discharge data and birth certificates for California deliveries from 2008 to 2011. Consistent with the 2016 sepsis classification, we defined sepsis as septicemia plus acute organ dysfunction. We compared women with early or late readmission with sepsis to women without readmission with sepsis.
Results Among 1,880,264 women, 494 (0.03%) were readmitted with sepsis, 61% after 6 weeks. Risk factors for readmission with sepsis included preterm birth, hemorrhage, obesity, government-provided insurance, and primary cesarean. For both early and late sepsis readmissions, the most common diagnoses were urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis, and the most frequently identified infecting organism was gram-negative bacteria. Women with early compared with late readmission with sepsis shared similar obstetric characteristics.
Conclusion Maternal risk factors for both early and late readmission with sepsis included demographic characteristics, cesarean, hemorrhage, and preterm birth. Risks for sepsis after delivery persist beyond the traditional postpartum period of 6 weeks.
Trends in the Management Paradigms of Intracranial Meningioma
Authors: Aljuboori Zaid , Alhourani Ahmad , Woo Shiao , Hattab Eyas , Yusuf Mehran , Nelson Megan , Andaluz Norberto , Ding Dale , Savage Jesse , Williams Brian 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective Intracranial meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor. Treatment paradigms have evolved over time. There are limited number of population-based studies that examine this modern evolution. Here, we describe the trends of management of intracranial meningiomas using a national database.
Methods The data were obtained from the National Cancer Database for the years 2004 to 2015, the collected variables included: patients' age, gender, insurance type, income, comorbidity score, the tumor size and grade, and treatment modality (observation, surgery, radiotherapy, or combination therapy). We performed statistical analyses to detect association between unique variables and outcomes. In addition, we performed mortality analyses for various treatment modalities.
Results A total of 199,096 patients with a diagnosis of intracranial meningioma were included, the majority of patients were white females, mean age of 61 years, and half of the tumors were ≤ 3 cm. Observation was the most commonly used management modality followed by surgical resection, radiotherapy, and combination therapy. For the entire time period, there was an increased use of observation as a primary management method. Predictors of mortality included increased age, larger tumor size, higher tumor grade, treatment at a community hospital, and higher comorbidity scores.
Conclusion Population-based studies of intracranial meningiomas are uncommon; our study is one of the few reports that examine the changes in the modern management paradigms of meningioma in the United States over time. Additionally, we shed light on the factors that affected survival of patients with this condition.
Building more accurate decision trees with the additive tree
Authors: Luna José Marcio , Gennatas Efstathios D. , Ungar Lyle H. , Eaton Eric , Diffenderfer Eric S. , Jensen Shane T. , Simone Charles B. , Friedman Jerome H. , Solberg Timothy D. , Valdes Gilmer 
Published: September 2019

Significance
As machine learning applications expand to high-stakes areas such as criminal justice, finance, and medicine, legitimate concerns emerge about high-impact effects of individual mispredictions on people’s lives. As a result, there has been increasing interest in understanding general machine learning models to overcome possible serious risks. Current decision trees, such as Classification and Regression Trees (CART), have played a predominant role in fields such as medicine, due to their simplicity and intuitive interpretation. However, such trees suffer from intrinsic limitations in predictive power. We developed the additive tree, a theoretical approach to generate a more accurate and interpretable decision tree, which reveals connections between CART and gradient boosting. The additive tree exhibits superior predictive performance to CART, as validated on 83 classification tasks.
Monitoring of switches in heterochromatin-induced silencing shows incomplete establishment and developmental instabilities
Authors: Bughio Farah , Huckell Gary R. , Maggert Keith A. 
Published: September 2019

Significance
The genetic properties of heterochromatin can create strikingly random patterns of inherited gene-expression states in otherwise identical cells. The origin of these patterns of clonal expression variation are not understood: How and when in development it is determined how many cells will express, how expression states are inherited through DNA replication, and how often instabilities arise. We developed genetic, mathematical, and molecular–genetic approaches to investigate these questions. Our results indicate that these characteristics are predetermined before chromatin structure is set, and the inheritance displays remarkable instability through development.
The role of atypical constellations in the grammaticalization
of German and English passives
Authors: Smirnova Elena , Mailhammer Robert , Flach Susanne 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In this paper we propose an alternative scenario for the
grammaticalization of passive constructions in German and English. According to
the received view, the development starts with the frequent combinations of
copula verbs with past participles, which then increasingly gain in frequency
during the grammaticalization process. In contrast to the received view, we
argue that marginal – i.e., atypical and infrequent – constellations of
constructions play an important role in the grammaticalization process. These
constellations are ambiguous in their interpretation, and consequently have an
inherent potential to trigger semantic reinterpretation and syntactic
reanalysis. The alternative scenario is more consistent with theoretical
considerations and the patterns in corpus data of German and English between
1050 and 1350. Our paper supports the hypothesis that the grammaticalization of
the passive in German started from constellations of the become copula
with past participles of atelic verbs, i.e., activities and semelfactives. By
contrast, no such change can be observed in the corresponding construction in
English. We discuss the implications of our findings for constructional change
and grammaticalization in general.
Making the most of an early start to L2 instruction
Authors: Pfenninger Simone E. , Singleton David 
Published: September 2019

AbstractResearch over more than forty years has shown consistently that earlier L2 starters do not in the long term maintain the linguistic advantage of an early start over older starters. What, then, in the light of the widespread setting aside of the evidence regarding the apparent uselessness of an early start, is one to advise in respect of early L2 instruction? In this paper we discuss four factors which emerge as perhaps having relevance in this regard: the role of (bi)literacy skills, the role of language learning motivation, the role of factors relating to the transition from primary to secondary school, and the role of intensity of L2 instruction. We suggest that there are a number of broader macro-institutional factors, such as the impact of classroom experiences, that may impede the goal sought by the offering of numerous years of continued FL instruction.
Hypertrophic muscle changes and sprint performance enhancement during a sprint‐based training macrocycle in national‐level sprinters
Authors: Nuell Sergi , Illera‐Domínguez Víctor. R. , Carmona Gerard , Alomar Xavier , Padullés Josep Maria , Lloret Mario , Cadefau Joan Aureli 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to analyse changes in sprint performance, muscle volumes (MVs) and sprint mechanical parameters (SMPs) in national‐level sprinters performing a 5‐month indoor sprint‐based training macrocycle (SBTM). Twelve well‐trained sprinters were tested on three different occasions throughout the SBTM. Testing procedures included: sprint performance over 10m, 40m, 80m, 150m, and 300m; MRI of thighs, to compute MVs of quadriceps, hamstrings and adductors; and a 40m sprint using a radar gun to assess SMPs such as theoretical maximal horizontal force, theoretical maximal horizontal velocity (V0), maximal power and index of force application (DRF). Improvements in sprint performance of between 4% and 7% (ES = 0.46–1.11, P < 0.01) were accompanied by increments in: quadriceps of 6% (ES = 0.41, P < 0.01), hamstrings of 10% (ES = 0.62, P < 0.01), adductors of 12% (ES = 0.87, P < 0.01), V0 of 5% (ES = 0.40, P < 0.01) and DRF of 7% (ES = 0.91, P < 0.01). In conclusion, during the SBTM after the off‐season, moderate hypertrophic changes occur in sprinters. Moreover, the greater increase in hamstrings and adductors, compared with quadriceps, might be related to the prominent role of these muscle groups in sprinting. Furthermore, the SBTM was likely effective at developing sprint performance in sprinters, thereby endorsing the idea that sprint‐specific training is crucial for highly trained individuals. Finally, our results support the notion that V0 or the “velocity‐oriented” force–velocity profile is determinant of performance in sprinters.
DXA‐derived estimates of energy balance and its relationship with changes in body composition across a season in team sport athletes
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan D. , Hatfield Malcolm , Parker Ben B. , Roberts Llion A. , Minahan Clare , Morton James P. , Thornton Heidi R. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐derived estimates of energy balance (EB) and changes in body composition across various seasonal phases in team sport athletes. Forty‐five Australian rules footballers underwent six DXA scans across a 12‐month period (off‐season [OS, Week 0–13], early [PS1, Week 13–22] and late pre‐season [PS2, Week 22–31] and early [IS1, Week 3–42] and late in‐season [IS2, Week 42–51]). EB (kcal·day−1) was estimated from changes in fat free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) and fat mass (FM) between scans according to a validated formula. An EB threshold of ± 123 kcal·day−1 for >60 days demonstrated a very likely (>95% probability) change in FFSTM (>1.0 kg) and FM (>0.7 kg). There were small to almost perfect relationships between EB and changes in FM (r = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.96–0.98), FFSTM (r = −0.41, −0.92 to −0.52) and body mass (r = 0.27, 0.14–0.40). EB was lowest during PS1 compared to all other phases (range, −265 to −142 kcal·day−1), with no other changes at any time. Increases in FFSTM were higher during OS compared to PS2 (1.6 ± 0.4 kg), and higher during PS1 compared to PS2, IS1, and IS2 (range, 1.6–2.1 kg). There were no changes during in‐season (−0.1–0.05 kg). FM decreased only in PS1 compared to all other seasonal phases (−1.8 to −1.0 kg). Assessments of body composition can be used as a tool to estimate EB, which practically can be used to indicate athlete's training and nutrition behaviours/practices.
Information scan of quantum states based on entropy-power uncertainty relations
Authors: Jizba P , Hayes A , Dunningham JA 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We use Rényi-entropy-power-based uncertainty relations to show how the information probability distribution associated with a quantum state can be reconstructed in a process that is analogous to quantum-state tomography. We illustrate our point with the so-called “cat states”, which are of both fundamental interest and practical use in schemes such as quantum metrology, but are not well described by standard variance-based approaches.
On a soliton-type spacetime defect
Authors: Klinkhamer F R 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We review the construction of a particular soliton-type solution of the classical Einstein and matter-field equations. This localized finite-energy static classical solution can be interpreted as a single spacetime defect embedded in Minkowski spacetime and may give rise to several new effects. For a Skyrme-type theory with small enough matter-field energy scale compared to the Planck energy scale and for a sufficiently small defect length scale, the existence of a globally regular solution requires a negative active gravitational mass, so that the defect repels a distant test particle (“antigravity”). There also exist “stealth defects” which have a vanishing asymptotic gravitational mass. These stealth defects are, however, not entirely invisible as they bring about a new type of gravitational lensing.
Nonlinear deterministic-chaotic collapse model - preliminaries, philosophy, locality
Authors: Geszti Tamás 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This is an extended discussion of Ref. [1], presenting a nonlinear dynamical model of quantum collapse, with randomness emerging from self-generated noise. Here we focus on a few issues: 1) the way chaos theory explains “deterministic but unpredictable” as a generic feature of nonlinear dynamics; 2) a new argument about why Bell-CHSH and GHZ experiments confirm quantum mechanics; 3) a discussion of why the heating effect predicted by CSL-type theories is not expected to happen according to our approach; 4) in looking for direct-product solutions of our nonlinear Von Neumann equation, we use a parametrization different from that used in Ref. [1], allowing better insight to the locality issue.
Heuristic derivation of the Casimir effect from Generalized Uncertainty Principle
Authors: Blasone M , Lambiase G , Luciano G G , Petruzziello L , Scardigli F 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
After a short introduction to the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP), we discuss heuristic derivations of the Casimir effect, first from the usual Heisenberg uncertainty principle (HUP), and then from GUP. Results are compared with those obtained from more standard calculations in Quantum Field Theory (QFT).
VIP2 in LNGS - Testing the Pauli Exclusion Principle for electrons with high sensitivity
Authors: Marton J. , Pichler A. , Amirkhani A. , Bartalucci S. , Bazzi M. , Bertolucci S. , Bragadireanu M. , Cargnelli M. , Clozza A. , Curceanu C. , Del Grande R. , De Paolis L. , Egger J.-P. , Fiorini C. , Guaraldo C. , Iliescu M. , Laubenstein M. , Milotti E. , Milucci M. , Pietreanu D. , Piscicchia K. , Scordo A. , Shi H. , Sirghi D. , Sirghi F. , Sperandio L. , Vazquez-Doce O. , Zmeskal J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The VIP2 (VIolation of the Pauli Exclusion Principle) experiment at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) is searching for possible violations of standard quantum mechanics predictions in atoms at very high sensitivity. We investigate atomic transitions with precision X-ray spectroscopy in order to test the Pauli Exclusion Principle (PEP) and therefore the related spin-statistics theorem. We will present our experimental method for the search for “anomalous” (i.e. Pauli-forbidden) X-ray transitions in copper atoms, produced by “new” electrons, which could have tiny probability to undergo Pauli-forbidden transition to the ground state already occupied by two electrons. We will describe the VIP2 experimental setup, which is taking data at LNGS presently. The goal of VIP2 is to test the PEP for electrons with unprecedented accuracy, down to a limit in the probability that PEP is violated at the level of 10−31. We will present current experimental results and discuss implications of a possible violation.
Cosmic strings, deformed lattices and spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Flachi Antonino , Vitagliano Vincenzo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
External conditions have a dramatic impact on the way dynamical symmetry breaking occurs. In a curved background, the natural expectation is that curvature works toward the restoration of the internal symmetry. We show instead that, for topological defects, the competing action of the locally induced curvature and boundary conditions generated by the non-trivial topology allows configurations where symmetries can be spontaneously broken close to the core. Inspired by the effect of geometrical deformations on 2D lattices, we then propose a novel mechanism to induce a superconducting phase by triggering condensation along cosmic strings.
Spekkens’ Toy Model, Finite Field Quantum Mechanics, and the Role of Linearity
Authors: Chang Lay Nam , Minic Djordje , Takeuchi Tatsu 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We map Spekkens’ toy model to a quantum mechanics defined over the finite field

F
5

. This allows us to define arbitrary linear combinations of the epistemic states in the model. For Spekkens’ elementary system with only 22 = 4 ontic states, the mapping is exact and the two models agree completely. However, for a pair of elementary systems there exist interesting differences between the entangled states of the two models.