bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early experience with endoscopic revision of lumbar spinal fusions
Authors: McGrath Lynn B. , Madhavan Karthik , Chieng Lee Onn , Wang Michael Y. , Hofstetter Christoph P. 
Published: February 2016

Approximately half a million spinal fusion procedures are performed annually in the US. It is estimated that up to one-third of arthrodesis constructs require revision surgeries. In this study the authors present endoscopic treatment strategies targeting 3 types of complications following arthrodesis surgery: 1) adjacent-level foraminal stenosis; 2) foraminal stenosis at an arthrodesis segment; and 3) stenosis caused by a displaced interbody cage.
A retrospective chart review of 11 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 15 years was performed (continuous variables are shown as the mean ± SEM). All patients had a history of lumbar arthrodesis surgery and suffered from unilateral radiculopathy. Endoscopic revision surgeries were done as outpatient procedures, and there were no intraoperative or perioperative complications. The cohort included 3 patients with foraminal stenosis at the level of previous arthrodesis. They presented with unilateral radicular leg pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score: 7.3 ± 2.1) and were severely disabled, as evidenced by an Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of 46 ± 4.9. Transforaminal endoscopic foraminotomies were performed, and at a mean follow-up time of 9.0 ± 2.5 months VAS was reduced by an average of 6.3. The cohort also includes 7 patients suffering unilateral radiculopathy due to adjacent-level foraminal stenosis. Preoperative VAS for leg pain of the symptomatic side was 6.0 ± 1.6, VAS for back pain was 5.2 ± 1.7, and ODI was 40 ± 6.33. Endoscopic decompression led to reduction of the ipsilateral leg VAS score by an average of 5, resulting in leg pain of 1 ± 0.5 at an average of 8 months of follow-up. The severity of back pain remained stable (VAS 4.2 ± 1.4). Two of these patients required revision surgery for recurrent symptoms. Finally, this study includes 1 patient who presented with weakness and pain due to retropulsion of an L5/S1 interbody spacer. The patient underwent an endoscopic interlaminar approach with partial resection of the interbody cage, which resulted in complete resolution of her radicular symptoms.
Endoscopic surgery may be a useful adjunct for management of certain arthrodesis-related complications. Endoscopic foraminal decompression of previously fused segments and resection of displaced interbody cages appears to have excellent outcomes, whereas decompression of adjacent segments remains challenging and requires further investigation.
Indirect decompression and vertebral body endplate strength after lateral interbody spacer impaction: cadaveric and foam-block models
Authors: Kwon Anthony J. , Hunter William D. , Moldavsky Mark , Salloum Kanaan , Bucklen Brandon 
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE
The lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine is a well-defined procedure for the management of discogenic spinal pathology necessitating surgical intervention. Intervertebral device subsidence is a postoperative clinical risk that can lead to recurrence of symptomatic pathology and the need for surgical reintervention. The current study was designed to investigate static versus expandable lateral intervertebral spacers in indirect decompression for preserving vertebral body endplate strength.

METHODS
Using a cadaveric biomechanical study and a foam-block vertebral body model, researchers compared vertebral body endplate strength and distraction potential. Fourteen lumbar motion segments (7 L2–3 and 7 L4–5 specimens) were distributed evenly between static and expandable spacer groups. In each specimen discectomy was followed by trialing and spacer impaction. Motion segments were axially sectioned through the disc, and a metal stamp was used to apply a compressive load to superior and inferior vertebral bodies to quantify endplate strength. A paired, 2-sample for means t-test was performed to determine statistically significant differences between groups (p ≤ 0.05). A foam-block endplate model was used to control simulated disc tension when a spacer with 2- and 3-mm desired distraction was inserted. One-way ANOVA and a post hoc Student Newman-Keuls test were performed (p ≤ 0.05) to determine differences in distraction.

RESULTS
Both static and expandable spacers restored intact neural foramen and disc heights after device implantation (p > 0.05). Maximum peak loads at endplate failure for static and expandable spacers were 1764 N (± 966 N) and 2284 N (± 949 N), respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The expandable spacer consistently produced greater desired distraction than was created by the static spacer in the foam-block model (p ≤ 0.05). Distraction created by fully expanding the spacer was significantly greater than the predetermined goals of 2 mm and 3 mm (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
The current investigation shows that increased trialing required for a static spacer may lead to additional iatrogenic endplate damage, resulting in less distraction and increased propensity for postoperative implant subsidence secondary to endplate disruption.
Randomized clinical trial of acetazolamide administration and/or prone positioning in mitigating wound complications following untethering surgeries
Authors: Shahjouei Shima , Hanaei Sara , Habibi Zohreh , Hoseini Mostafa , Ansari Saeed , Nejat Farideh 
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE
No evidence-based guideline has been approved for the postoperative management of pediatric patients with tethered cord syndrome (TCS). The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of prone positioning and acetazolamide administration on complication rates following spinal cord untethering surgeries.

METHODS
From October 2012 to February 2015, patients with a primary diagnosis of TCS who were admitted to the Children's Medical Center Hospital of Iran were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 intervention modality groups postoperatively: 1) Group A, acetazolamide administration for 10 days; 2) Group B, prone positioning for 10 days; 3) Group C, acetazolamide administration and prone positioning for 10 days; and 4) Group D, no intervention. CSF leakage, CSF collection, wound dehiscence, operative site infection, and secondary surgical wound repair were considered failure.

RESULTS
A total of 161 patients were enrolled in this study (Group A, n = 39 [24.2%]; Group B, n = 41 [25.5%]; Group C, n = 39 [24.2%]; and Group D, n = 42 [26.1%]). The overall failure rate was 12.42% (20 patients). Complication rates through pooled analyses were as follows: CSF leakage (n = 9, 5.6%), CSF collection (n = 12, 7.5%), wound dehiscence (n = 2, 1.2%), and infection of operation site (n = 3, 1.9%). Two patients (1.2%) required surgical secondary wound repair due to complications. CSF leakage and collection rates were significantly lower in patients who underwent prone positioning (p = 0.042 and 0.036, respectively). The administration of acetazolamide, either isolated or in combination with prone positioning, not only could not significantly lower the complication rates, but also added the burden of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS
The current study demonstrates the possible role of prone positioning in mitigating the complication rates subsequent to untethering surgeries.
Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01867268 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Water uptake of Alaskan tundra evergreens during the winter–spring transition
Authors: Moser Jonathan G. , Oberbauer Steven F. , Sternberg Leonel da S. L. , Ellsworth Patrick Z. , Starr Gregory , Mortazavi Behzad , Olivas Paulo C. 
Published: January 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:The cold season in the Arctic extends over 8 to 9 mo, yet little is known about vascular plant physiology during this period. Evergreen species photosynthesize under the snow, implying that they are exchanging water with the atmosphere. However, liquid water available for plant uptake may be limited at this time. The study objective was to determine whether evergreen plants are actively taking up water while under snow and/or immediately following snowmelt during spring thaw.METHODS:In two in situ experiments, one at the plot level and another at the individual species level,2H‐labeled water was used as a tracer injected beneath the snow, after which plant stems and leaves were tested for the presence of the label. In separate experiments, excised shoots of evergreen species were exposed to2H‐labeled water for ∼5 s or 60 min and tested for foliar uptake of the label.KEY RESULTS:In both the plot‐level and the species‐level experiments, some2H‐labeled water was found in leaves and stems. Additionally, excised individual plant shoots exposed to labeled water for 60 min took up significantly more2H‐label than shoots exposed ∼5 s.CONCLUSIONS:Evergreen tundra plants take up water under snow cover, some via roots, but also likely by foliar uptake. The ability to take up water in the subnivean environment allows evergreen tundra plants to take advantage of mild spring conditions under the snow and replenish carbon lost by winter respiration.
VARIABILITY OF KEPLER SOLAR-LIKE STARS HARBORING SMALL EXOPLANETS
Authors: Howell Steve B. , Ciardi David R. , Giampapa Mark S. , Everett Mark E. , Silva David R. , Szkody Paula 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
We examine Kepler light-curve variability on habitable zone transit timescales for a large uniform sample of spectroscopically studied Kepler exoplanet host stars. The stars, taken from Everett et al., are solar-like in their properties and each harbors at least one exoplanet (or candidate) of radius ≤2.5

. The variability timescale examined is typical for habitable zone planets orbiting solar-like stars and we note that the discovery of the smallest exoplanets (≤1.2

) with corresponding transit depths of less than ∼0.18 mmag occur for the brightest and photometrically quietest stars. Thus, these detections are quite rare in Kepler observations. Some brighter and more evolved stars (subgiants), the latter of which often show large radial velocity jitter, are found to be among the photometrically quietest solar-like stars in our sample and the most likely small planet transit hunting grounds. The Sun is discussed as a solar-like star proxy to provide insight into the nature and cause of photometric variability. It is shown that Kepler’s broad, visible light observations are insensitive to variability caused by chromospheric activity that may be present in the observed stars.
CONNECTING CO INTENSITY MAPPING TO MOLECULAR GAS AND STAR FORMATION IN THE EPOCH OF GALAXY ASSEMBLY
Authors: Li Tony Y. , Wechsler Risa H. , Devaraj Kiruthika , Church Sarah E. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT
Intensity mapping, which images a single spectral line from unresolved galaxies across cosmological volumes, is a promising technique for probing the early universe. Here we present predictions for the intensity map and power spectrum of the CO(1–0) line from galaxies at

–2.8, based on a parameterized model for the galaxy–halo connection, and demonstrate the extent to which properties of high-redshift galaxies can be directly inferred from such observations. We find that our fiducial prediction should be detectable by a realistic experiment. Motivated by significant modeling uncertainties, we demonstrate the effect on the power spectrum of varying each parameter in our model. Using simulated observations, we infer constraints on our model parameter space with an MCMC procedure, and show corresponding constraints on the

–

relation and the CO luminosity function. These constraints would be complementary to current high-redshift galaxy observations, which can detect the brightest galaxies but not complete samples from the faint end of the luminosity function. By probing these populations in aggregate, CO intensity mapping could be a valuable tool for probing molecular gas and its relation to star formation in high-redshift galaxies.
MC2: MAPPING THE DARK MATTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE “TOOTHBRUSH” CLUSTER RX J0603.3+4214 WITH HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE AND SUBARU WEAK LENSING*
Authors: Jee M. James , Dawson William A. , Stroe Andra , Wittman David , van Weeren Reinout J. , Brüggen Marcus , Bradač Maruša , Röttgering Huub 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
The galaxy cluster RX J0603.3+4214 at z = 0.225 is one of the rarest clusters boasting an extremely large (∼2 Mpc) radio relic. Because of the remarkable morphology of the relic, the cluster is nicknamed the “Toothbrush Cluster.” Although the cluster's underlying mass distribution is one of the critical pieces of information needed to reconstruct the merger scenario responsible for the puzzling radio relic morphology, its proximity to the Galactic plane b ∼ 10° has imposed significant observational challenges. We present a high-resolution weak-lensing study of the cluster with Subaru/Suprime Cam and Hubble Space Telescope imaging data. Our mass reconstruction reveals that the cluster is composed of complicated dark matter substructures closely tracing the galaxy distribution, in contrast, however, with the relatively simple binary X-ray morphology. Nevertheless, we find that the cluster mass is still dominated by the two most massive clumps aligned north–south with a ∼3:1 mass ratio (

and

for the northern and southern clumps, respectively). The southern mass peak is ∼2′ offset toward the south with respect to the corresponding X-ray peak, which has a “bullet”-like morphology pointing south. Comparison of the current weak-lensing result with the X-ray, galaxy, and radio relic suggests that perhaps the dominant mechanism responsible for the observed relic may be a high-speed collision of the two most massive subclusters, although the peculiarity of the morphology necessitates involvement of additional subclusters. Careful numerical simulations should follow in order to obtain more complete understanding of the merger scenario utilizing all existing observations.
SURFACE ALBEDO AND SPECTRAL VARIABILITY OF CERES
Authors: Li (李荐扬) Jian-Yang , Reddy Vishnu , Nathues Andreas , Corre Lucille Le , Izawa Matthew R. M. , Cloutis Edward A. , Sykes Mark V. , Carsenty Uri , Castillo-Rogez Julie C. , Hoffmann Martin , Jaumann Ralf , Krohn Katrin , Mottola Stefano , Prettyman Thomas H. , Schaefer Michael , Schenk Paul , Schröder Stefan E. , Williams David A. , Smith David E. , Zuber Maria T. , Konopliv Alexander S. , Park Ryan S. , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT
Previous observations suggested that Ceres has active, but possibly sporadic, water outgassing as well as possibly varying spectral characteristics over a timescale of months. We used all available data of Ceres collected in the past three decades from the ground and the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as the newly acquired images by the Dawn  Framing Camera, to search for spectral and albedo variability on Ceres, on both a global scale and in local regions, particularly the bright spots inside the Occator crater, over timescales of a few months to decades. Our analysis has placed an upper limit on the possible temporal albedo variation on Ceres. Sporadic water vapor venting, or any possibly ongoing activity on Ceres, is not significant enough to change the albedo or the area of the bright features in the Occator crater by >15%, or the global albedo by >3% over the various timescales that we searched. Recently reported spectral slope variations can be explained by changing Sun–Ceres–Earth geometry. The active area on Ceres is less than 1 km2, too small to cause global albedo and spectral variations detectable in our data. Impact ejecta due to impacting projectiles of tens of meters in size like those known to cause observable changes to the surface albedo on Asteroid Scheila cannot cause detectable albedo change on Ceres due to its relatively large size and strong gravity. The water vapor activity on Ceres is independent of Ceres’ heliocentric distance, ruling out the possibility of the comet-like sublimation process as a possible mechanism driving the activity.
Assessment of the New 2012 EULAR/ACR Clinical Classification Criteria for Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Ozen Gulsen , Inanc Nevsun , Unal Ali Ugur , Bas Seda , Kimyon Gezmis , Kisacik Bunyamin , Onat Ahmet Mesut , Murat Sadiye , Keskin Havva , Can Meryem , Mengi Alperen , Cakir Necati , Balkarli Ayse , Cobankara Veli , Yilmaz Neslihan , Yazici Ayten , Dogru Atalay , Sahin Mehmet , Sahin Ali , Gok Kevser , Senel Soner , Pamuk Omer Nuri , Yilmaz Sema , Bayindir Ozun , Aksu Kenan , Cagatay Yonca , Akyol Lutfi , Sayarlioglu Mehmet , Yildirim-Cetin Gozde , Yasar-Bilge Sule , Yagci Ilker , Aydin Sibel Zehra , Alibaz-Oner Fatma , Atagunduz Pamir , Direskeneli Haner 
Published: February 2016

Objective.To assess the performance of the new 2012 provisional European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) clinical classification criteria in discriminating PMR from other mimicking conditions compared with the previous 5 diagnostic criteria in a multicenter prospective study.Methods.Patients older than 50 years, presenting with new-onset bilateral shoulder pain with elevated acute-phase reactants (APR), were assessed for the fulfillment of the new and old classification/diagnostic criteria sets for PMR. At the end of the 1-year followup, 133 patients were diagnosed with PMR (expert opinion) and 142 with non-PMR conditions [69 rheumatoid arthritis (RA)]. Discriminating capacity, sensitivity, and specificity of the criteria sets were estimated.Results.Discriminating capacity of the new clinical criteria for PMR from non-PMR conditions and RA as estimated by area under the curve (AUC) were good with AUC of 0.736 and 0.781, respectively. The new criteria had a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 57.7% when tested against all non-PMR cases. When tested against all RA, seropositive RA, seronegative RA, and non-RA control patients, specificity changed to 66.7%, 100%, 20.7%, and 49.3%, respectively. Except for the Bird criteria, the 4 previous criteria had lower sensitivity and higher specificity (ranging from 83%–93%) compared with the new clinical criteria in discriminating PMR from all other controls.Conclusion.The new 2012 EULAR/ACR clinical classification criteria for PMR is highly sensitive; however, its ability to discriminate PMR from other inflammatory/noninflammatory shoulder conditions, especially from seronegative RA, is not adequate. Imaging and other modifications such as cutoff values for APR might increase the specificity of the criteria.
Dynamics of the Formation of the Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Diamond
Authors: Silverman Amihai , Adler Joan , Kalish Rafi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe present results of simulations of the energetics and dynamics involved in the realization of the NV (nitrogen-vacancy) center in diamond. We use the self-consistent charge-density functional tight-binding approximation and show that when the nitrogen resides on a single substitutional site, it fails to attract a vacancy, hence no NV center can be formed. However, if it occupies a split interstitial site and two vacancies reside on the second or third neighbor sites, an NV center will form following annealing at temperatures as low as 300°C and 650°C, respectively. These results provide guidelines to experimentalists on how to increase the efficiency of NV formation in diamond.
Relations between environmental gradients and diversity indices of benthic invertebrates in lotic systems of northern Italy
Authors: Aschonitis V. G. , Castaldelli G. , Fano E. A. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The relations between environmental gradients, as measured by 19 independent variables, and traditional diversity indices (taxonomic richness, diversity and evenness) of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the lotic systems of northern Italy were analyzed. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to describe the response of taxa to environmental gradients. Diversity indices were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs) with explanatory variables the first two major RDA axes. The results from RDA showed that taxa variance is mostly explained by altitude/latitude and combined pollution gradients. Taxonomic richness and diversity was higher in the low polluted upland sites (LPUs) in comparison to high polluted lowland sites (HPLs), suggesting that headwater streams have higher taxonomic richness than downstream reaches. On the other hand, evenness was lower in LPUs, probably due to the dominance of some taxa (e.g., Plecoptera) that are more tolerant of colder conditions.
MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT FOR LOWERING ROLLING RESISTANCE OF TIRES
Authors: Zhang Ping , Morris Michael , Doshi Dhaval 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
Many countries are implementing regulatory programs to promote the use of transportation technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel economy of vehicles. These regulatory programs create a need for more durable and fuel-efficient tires. The increased cost of fuel for motor vehicles creates another driving force for improving the fuel economy of vehicles. Commercial vehicle operators recognize that fuel cost is a major driver of the total operating cost; therefore, they increasingly demand tires that are optimized for reducing the fuel cost of a trucking fleet. Rolling resistance of truck tires accounts for about one-third of the power required to move a heavy-duty truck and is the second most important contributor, after engine loss, to the total energy loss of heavy-duty trucks. Other than tire designs, rubber compound hysteresis contributes to the rolling resistance of tires, which affects vehicle fuel economy. There is a significant market demand, due to governmental regulations, concerns for the environment, and cost savings to the consumers, for developing tread compounds or tread compound systems that can reduce tire rolling resistance while maintaining the treadwear and durability of truck tires. This paper reviews materials technologies developed for reducing the hysteresis loss of rubber compounds at high temperatures, hence lowering the rolling resistance of tires. Compounding approaches that can be used to lower the hysteresis loss of rubber compounds and to reduce rolling resistance of tires also are discussed. Developments in elastomers and reinforcing materials, including nanoparticles, are highlighted, with focus on the benefits of those polymers and particles in reducing the hysteresis loss at high temperatures of rubber compounds.
Multiorganism, Drug-Resistant Keratitis Treated by Corneal Crosslinking
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Kouroupaki Anna I. , Liakopoulos Dimitrios A. , Arandjelovic Ivana R. , Tsoulnaras Konstantinos I. 
Published: February 2016

Purpose To describe a case of multiorganism, drug-resistant keratitis that responded well to corneal crosslinking (CXL) treatment. Methods A 52-year-old man presented to our institute with a 2-month ocular history of infectious keratitis in his right eye, on topical antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoan treatment, and complained of increase in pain, discomfort, and visual deterioration. Slit-lamp examination revealed advanced infectious keratitis (extensive deep corneal infiltrate with perineuritis). Cultural and molecular analysis of obtained corneal specimens demonstrated combined fungal and Acanthamoeba infection; confocal microscopy confirmed Acanthamoeba infection. Intense targeted topical antifungal and antiprotozoan treatment was initiated immediately and 1 month later CXL was performed due to drug resistance of the infection. Results Two weeks after CXL treatment, the corneal findings had deteriorated, while a corneal abscess was formed and extended at almost half of the cornea. This was gradually limited and the corneal infiltrate and abscess were eventually decreased. In addition, the symptoms improved. Conclusions Corneal crosslinking could be an effective therapy in the management of advanced infectious keratitis unresponsive to conventional medical treatment.