bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal and non-thermal X-rays from the Galactic supernova remnant G348.5+0.1
Authors: Yamauchi Shigeo , Minami Sari , Ota Naomi , Koyama Katsuji 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We report on Suzaku results of the two distinct regions in the Galactic supernova remnant G348.5+0.1: extended thermal X-rays (“soft diffuse”) at the north-east region and non-thermal X-rays (CXOU J171419.8−383023) at the north-west region. The X-ray spectrum of the soft diffuse X-rays can be fitted with neither an ionization equilibrium nor a non-equilibrium (ionizing) plasma model, leaving saw- tooth residuals in the 1.5–3 keV energy band. The residual structures can be produced when free electrons are recombined to the K-shells of highly ionized Mg and Si ions. In fact, the X-ray spectrum is nicely fitted with a recombination-dominant plasma model. We propose a scenario whereby the plasma in a nearly fully ionized state at high temperature quickly changed to a recombining phase due to selective cooling of electrons to a lower temperature of ∼ 0.5 keV. The spectrum of CXOU J171419.8−383023 is well explained by a simple power-law model with a photon index of 1.9, nearly equal to the typical value for pulsar wind nebulae. Since the distance is estimated to be the same as that of the soft diffuse radiation, we infer that both the soft diffuse X-rays and CXOU J171419.8−383023 are associated with the same object, SNR G348.5+0.1.
Confirmation and revision on the orbital period change of the possible type Ia supernova progenitor V617 Sagittarii
Authors: Shi Guang , Qian Sheng-Bang , Fernández Lajús Eduardo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This work reports new photometric results of eclipsing cataclysmic variable V617 Sagittarii (V617 Sgr). We analyzed the orbital period change of V617 Sgr by employing three new (since 2010) CCD eclipse timings along with all the available data from the literature. It was found that the orbital period of V617 Sgr undergoes an obvious long-term increase, which confirms the result revealed by Steiner et al. (2006). The rate of orbital period increase was calculated to be ${\dot{P}}$ = +2.14(0.05) × 10−7 d yr−1. This suggests the lifetime of the secondary star will end in a timescale of 0.97 × 106 yr faster than that predicted previously. In particular, a cyclic variation with a period of 4.5 yr and an amplitude of 2.3 min may appear in the O − C diagram. Dominated by the wind-accretion mechanism, high mass transfer from the low mass secondary to the white dwarf is expected to continue in the V Sge-type star V617 Sgr during its long-term evolution. The mass transfer rate $|\skew4\dot{M}_{ \, {\rm tr}}|$ was estimated to be in the range of about 2.2 × 10−7 to 5.2 × 10−7 M⊙ yr−1. Accordingly, the already massive (≥ 1.2 M⊙) white dwarf primary will process stable nuclear burning, accrete a fraction of the mass from its companion to reach the standard Chandrasekhar mass limit (≃ 1.38 M⊙), and ultimately produce a type Ia supernova (SN Ia) within about 4–8 × 105 yr or earlier.
Iliac Crest Regeneration
Authors: Christodoulou Anastasios , Boutsiadis Achilleas , Christodoulou Evangellos , Antonarakos Petros , Givissis Panagiotis , Hatzokos Ippokratis 
Published: February 2014

Study Design:
This is a retrospective study analysis.

Objective:
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the healing process of the ilium after being used as a bone graft donor site in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Summary of Background Data:
Iliac crest bone grafts have been proven to be the most reliable means for solid fusion in spine surgery. Nevertheless, few reports in the literature describe the ability of the iliac crest to regenerate.

Methods:
Thirty-one patients with a mean age of 15.1 years had undergone posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. An autogenous bone graft was harvested from the right posterior iliac crest in all cases. Computed tomography scans of the pelvis were performed preoperatively and shortly after operation to evaluate the presence of any deformity and the size of the defect formed during surgery, respectively. All patients were reexamined 14 years postoperatively, and computed tomography scans were performed to evaluate the status of ossification at the donor site.

Results:
In 21 cases (67.74%), bone deficits were fully restored (mean volume 12.053 cm3), whereas partial regeneration was present in the remaining 10 cases (mean volume 8.766 cm3). Hounsfield units (HUs) revealed that cancellous bone quality had been restored in 21 cases, whereas cysts with sclerotic bone margins were present in the remaining 10 cases. Immature patients [Risser sign (RS) 3, 4] have greater ability in restoring bone stock compared with patients with almost complete growth (RS 5; P<0.001). In addition, the gluteus maximus muscle preserved its volume and quality in cases with complete bone restoration (volume 51.3 cm3, HU 55.9) compared with cases with partial regeneration (volume 43.43 cm3, HU 38.35; P<0.001).

Conclusions:
The iliac wing of skeletally immature patients has considerable ability to fully regenerate and could probably be used as a graft donor site again.
En Bloc Cervical Laminoplasty Using Translaminar Screws (T-laminoplasty)
Authors: Lee Soo Eon , Jahng Tae-Ahn , Kim Hyun-Jib 
Published: February 2014

Study Design:
Prospectively maintained and retrospectively analyzed study.

Objective:
The authors have newly developed an en bloc cervical laminoplasty using translaminar screws (T-laminoplasty) to preserve the posterior midline structures so as to maintain spinal stability and prevent postoperative axial pain and deformity.

Summary of Background Data:
Cervical laminoplasty is a popular surgical procedure for patients with multilevel compressive cervical lesions. However, several reports have noted its limitations and shortcomings.

Methods:
After exposure of the posterior cervical spine with preservation of the midline ligamentous structure, en bloc laminotomy was performed and made a laminectomized block. While the laminotomized block was being lifted, the translaminar trajectory from the lamina to the contralateral lateral mass was prepared. Then a translaminar screw was inserted with suspension of the laminotomized block to expand the spinal canal, passed through the laminar spacer, and finally fixed in the contralateral lateral mass. Next, another screw was inserted into the adjacent segment from the opposite side, and further screw fixations were made in this alternating manner.

Results:
Twenty patients underwent T-laminoplasty and 83 segments were operated upon. Clinical outcomes were statistically improved during the mean follow-up period of 19.7 months. Radiologic outcomes of cervical lordosis and range of motion were preserved with the expansion of the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. In addition, no restenosis or laminar settlement was observed at the last follow-up.

Conclusions:
T-laminoplasty can be one of the surgical options for multilevel compressive cervical lesions. With midline ligamentous structures preserving the procedure, it was possible to get enough canal decompression and foraminal decompression, while obtaining good clinical and radiologic outcomes.
Is Brace Treatment Appropriate for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Refusing Surgery With Cobb Angle Between 40 and 50 Degrees
Authors: Zhu Zezhang , Xu Leilei , Jiang Long , Sun Xu , Qiao Jun , Qian Bang-Ping , Mao Saihu , Qiu Yong 
Published: February 2014

Study Design:
A retrospective study to determine whether brace treatment is appropriate for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Cobb angle between 40 and 50 degrees who utterly refuse surgery.

Objective:
To investigate whether it is possible to halt the curve progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Cobb angle between 40 and 50 degrees through bracing, and to identify factors that could influence the effectiveness of brace treatment in such patients.

Summary of Background Data:
Despite of the great achievements in treating patients with mild curve, bracing has been considered to be inappropriate for those with curves of >40 degrees. However, in clinical practice surgeons could encounter a series of patients who utterly refused surgery and insisted on wearing brace despite having a curve >40 degrees.

Methods:
A cohort of 54 patients with Cobb angle between 40 and 50 degrees were reviewed in the current study. All the patients refused surgery at their first visit and insisted on receiving brace treatment. Each patient was followed up at an interval of 3–6 months. Variants such as initial Risser sign, initial age, sex, curve pattern, and initial curve magnitude were compared between patients with and without curve progression. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of the curve progression.

Results:
On the whole, the curve progressed in 35 patients, remained stable in 12 patients, and improved in the else 7 patients. All the patients with curve progression finally received surgical intervention. The mean grade of initial Risser sign in patients with curve progression was significantly lower than that in patients with stable or improved curve (0.3±0.8 vs. 1.2±1.4, P=0.02). In terms of sex, age, curve pattern, and curve magnitude, there were no significant differences between the 2 categories. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that initial Risser sign of grade 0 or 1 had significant associations with the curve progression of patients with curves >40 degrees (odds ratio, 7.51, 95% confidence intervak, 1.27–24.43, P=0.02).

Conclusions:
The effectiveness of brace treatment significantly decreases when applied to patients with curve magnitude between 40 and 50 degrees. Although a majority of these patients will inevitably undergo a surgical intervention, and thus wearing a brace may not be the best alternative to surgical intervention; there are patients who will stabilize with the brace until skeletal maturity thus warranting this option for those patients refusing surgical intervention with curves between 40 and 50 degrees.
An In Vitro Biomechanical Study Evaluating Cervical Extension Plates for Stabilizing Degenerated Adjacent Levels
Authors: Majid Kamran , Moldavsky Mark , Khalil Saif , Gudipally Manasa 
Published: February 2014

Study Design:
To evaluate the biomechanical stability of 2 extender plates in a human cervical cadaveric model.

Objectives:
To evaluate 2 extender plates, placed adjacent to initially implanted plates and to compare their biomechanical stability with traditional techniques.

Summary of Background Data:
Traditionally, adjacent level degeneration is surgically treated by removing the previously implanted plate and extending the instrumentation to the new degenerated level. The exposure needed to remove the previously implanted plate may be extensive. To overcome these complications, cervical extension plates, which add-on to the initially implanted plate, were developed.

Materials and Methods:
Fourteen fresh-frozen human cadaver cervical spines (C2–C7) were divided into 2 groups of 7 for a series of constructs to be tested. In group 1, an extender plate, which attaches to its own primary plate, was tested. In group 2, a universal extender plate, which can be placed adjacent to any previously implanted plate, was tested. The specimens prepared were mounted on a 6-degree-of-freedom spine simulator and were sequentially tested in the following order: (1) intact; (2) single-level plate; (3) single-level plate with extender plates; and (4) 2-level plate. An unconstrained pure moment of ±1.5 N m was used in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation.

Results:
All instrumented constructs significantly reduced the range of motion compared with the intact condition. In both the groups, single-level plates with adjacent extender plates demonstrated stability comparable to their respective 2-level plates in all loading modes.

Conclusions:
Extender plates give surgeons the opportunity to treat adjacent levels without removing the primary implants, which may reduce the overall risk of damage to vital neurovascular structures. From this cadaveric biomechanical model, both types of extender plates prove to be viable options for treating adjacent level degeneration.
SNP-guided identification of monoallelic DNA-methylation events from enrichment-based sequencing data
Authors: Steyaert Sandra , Van Criekinge Wim , De Paepe Ayla , Denil Simon , Mensaert Klaas , Vandepitte Katrien , Berghe Wim Vanden , Trooskens Geert , De Meyer Tim 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTMonoallelic gene expression is typically initiated early in the development of an organism. Dysregulation of monoallelic gene expression has already been linked to several non-Mendelian inherited genetic disorders. In humans, DNA-methylation is deemed to be an important regulator of monoallelic gene expression, but only few examples are known. One important reason is that current, cost-affordable truly genome-wide methods to assess DNA-methylation are based on sequencing post enrichment. Here, we present a new methodology that combines methylomic data from MethylCap-seq with associated SNP profiles to identify monoallelically methylated loci. Using the Hardy-Weinberg theorem for each SNP locus, it could be established whether the observed frequency of samples featured by biallelic methylation was lower than randomly expected. Applied on 334 MethylCap-seq samples of very diverse origin, this resulted in the identification of 80 genomic regions featured by monoallelic DNA-methylation. Of these 80 loci, 49 are located in genic regions of which 25 have already been linked to imprinting. Further analysis revealed statistically significant enrichment of these loci in promoter regions, further establishing the relevance and usefulness of the method. Additional validation of the found loci was done using 14 whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data sets. Importantly, the developed approach can be easily applied to other enrichment-based sequencing technologies, such as the ChIP-seq-based identification of monoallelic histone modifications.
Polarity of Water Transport across Epidermal Cell Membranes in Tradescantia virginiana
Authors: Wada Hiroshi , Fei Jiong , Knipfer Thorsten , Matthews Mark A. , Gambetta Greg , Shackel Kenneth 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Using the automated cell pressure probe, small and highly reproducible hydrostatic pressure clamp (PC) and pressure relaxation (PR) tests (typically, applied step change in pressure = 0.02 MPa and overall change in volume = 30 pL, respectively) were applied to individual Tradescantia virginiana epidermal cells to determine both exosmotic and endosmotic hydraulic conductivity (L p OUT and L p IN, respectively). Within-cell reproducibility of measured hydraulic parameters depended on the method used, with the PR method giving a lower average coefficient of variation (15.2%, 5.8%, and 19.0% for half-time, cell volume [V o], and hydraulic conductivity [L p], respectively) than the PC method (25.4%, 22.0%, and 24.2%, respectively). V o as determined from PC and PR tests was 1.1 to 2.7 nL and in the range of optically estimated V o values of 1.5 to 4.9 nL. For the same cell, V o and L p estimates were significantly lower (about 15% and 30%, respectively) when determined by PC compared with PR. Both methods, however, showed significantly higher L p OUT than L p IN (L p OUT/L p IN ≅ 1.20). Because these results were obtained using small and reversible hydrostatically driven flows in the same cell, the 20% outward biased polarity of water transport is most likely not due to artifacts associated with unstirred layers or to direct effects of externally applied osmotica on the membrane, as has been suggested in previous studies. The rapid reversibility of applied flow direction, particularly for the PR method, and the lack of a clear increase in L p OUT/L p IN over a wide range of L p values suggest that the observed polarity is an intrinsic biophysical property of the intact membrane/protein complex.
Habitat degradation is threatening reef replenishment by making fish fearless
Authors: Lönnstedt Oona M. , McCormick Mark I. , Chivers Douglas P. , Ferrari Maud C. O. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Habitat degradation is one of the ‘Big Five’ drivers of biodiversity loss. However, the mechanisms responsible for this progressive loss of biodiversity are poorly understood. In marine ecosystems, corals play the role of ecosystem engineers, providing essential habitat for hundreds of thousands of species and hence their health is crucial to the stability of the whole ecosystem.

Climate change is causing coral bleaching and degradation, and while this has been known for a while, little do we know about the cascading consequences of these events on the complex interrelationships between predators and their prey. The goal of our study was to investigate, under completely natural conditions, the effect of coral degradation on predator–prey interactions.

Settlement stage ambon damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis), a common tropical fish, were released on patches of healthy or dead corals, and their behaviours in situ were measured, along with their response to injured conspecific cues, a common risk indicator. This study also explored the effect of habitat degradation on natural levels of mortality at a critical life‐history transition.

We found that juveniles in dead corals displayed risk‐prone behaviours, sitting further away and higher up on the reef patch, and failed to respond to predation cues, compared to those on live coral patches. In addition, in situ survival experiments over 48 h indicated that juveniles on dead coral habitats had a 75% increase in predation‐related mortality, compared to fish released on live, healthy coral habitats.

Our results provide the first of many potential mechanisms through which habitat degradation can impact the relationship between prey and predators in the coral reef ecosystem. As the proportion of dead coral increases, the recruitment and replenishment of coral reef fishes will be threatened, and so will the level of diversity in these biodiversity hot spots.
The genesis of craniofacial biology as a health science discipline
Authors: Sperber GH , Sperber SM 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe craniofacial complex encapsulates the brain and contains the organs for key functions of the body, including sight, hearing and balance, smell, taste, respiration and mastication. All these systems are intimately integrated within the head. The combination of these diverse systems into a new field was dictated by the dental profession's desire for a research branch of basic science devoted and attuned to its specific needs. The traditional subjects of genetics, embryology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, dental materials, odontology, molecular biology and palaeoanthropology pertaining to dentistry have been drawn together by many newly emerging technologies. These new technologies include gene sequencing, CAT scanning, MRI imaging, laser scanning, image analysis, ultrasonography, spectroscopy and visualosonics. A vibrant unitary discipline of investigation, craniofacial biology, has emerged that builds on the original concept of ‘oral biology’ that began in the 1960s. This paper reviews some of the developments that have led to the genesis of craniofacial biology as a fully‐fledged health science discipline of significance in the advancement of clinical dental practice. Some of the key figures and milestones in craniofacial biology are identified.
Perceived Discrimination Among African American Adolescents and Allostatic Load: A Longitudinal Analysis With Buffering Effects
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Lei Man‐Kit , Chae David H. , Yu Tianyi , Kogan Steven M. , Beach Steven R. H. 
Published: February 2014

This study was designed to examine the prospective relations of perceived racial discrimination with allostatic load (AL), along with a possible buffer of the association. A sample of 331 African Americans in the rural South provided assessments of perceived discrimination from ages 16 to 18 years. When youth were 18 years, caregivers reported parental emotional support and youth assessed peer emotional support. AL and potential confounder variables were assessed when youth were 20. Latent growth mixture modeling identified two perceived discrimination classes: high and stable, and low and increasing. Adolescents in the high and stable class evinced heightened AL even with confounder variables controlled. The racial discrimination to AL link was not significant for young adults who received high emotional support.
Effects of different periods of hypoxic training on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Morishima Takuma , Hasegawa Yuta , Sasaki Hiroto , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Hamaoka Takafumi , Goto Kazushige 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis study examined the effects of different periods of hypoxic training on glucose metabolism. Sedentary subjects underwent hypoxic training (FiO2 = 15·0%) for either 2 weeks (2‐week group; n = 11) or 4 weeks (4‐week group; n = 10). The 2‐week group conducted training sessions on 6 days week−1 for 2 weeks, whereas the 4‐week group conducted training sessions on 3 days week−1 for 4 weeks. Body fat mass or abdominal fat area did not change after training period in either group. VO2max increased in both groups after training period (42 ± 2 versus 43 ± 2 ml min−1 kg−1 in 2‐week group, 41 ± 1 versus 42 ± 2 ml min−1 kg−1 in 4‐week group). Both groups showed a reduction in mean blood pressure after training period (92 ± 3 versus 90 ± 3 mmHg in 2‐week group, 91 ± 2 versus 87 ± 2 mmHg in 4‐week group, P≤0·05). No change was observed in blood glucose response after glucose ingestion after training period. However, area under the curve for serum insulin concentrations after glucose ingestion significantly decreased in only 4‐week group (6910 ± 763 versus 5812 ± 872 μIU ml−1 120 min, P≤0·05). In conclusion, hypoxic training reduced blood pressure with independent on training duration. However, a longer period of hypoxic training led to greater improvements in insulin sensitivity compared with equivalent training over a shorter period, suggesting that hypoxic training programmes for more than 4 weeks might be more beneficial for improving insulin sensitivity.
Fiber‐post bond strength in canals obturated with a cross‐linked gutta‐percha core obturator
Authors: Scotti Nicola , Coero Borga Francesco A. , Alovisi Mario , Bergantin Emanuele , Marchionni Silvia , Pasqualini Damiano , Berutti Elio 
Published: February 2014

The aim of this in‐vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength of fiber posts cemented in a root canal filled using various root‐canal obturation techniques. A total of 33 monoradicular samples, treated endodontically, were randomly assigned to three groups according to the root‐canal obturation technique: group 1, continuous‐wave technique; group 2, plastic‐obturator‐core technique; and group 3, cross‐linked gutta‐percha obturator‐core technique. Fiber posts were luted in each sample and each was sectioned perpendicular to the post axis. The push‐out test was performed using a universal machine and the maximum failure load was recorded in MPa mm−2. Several samples were randomly chosen for scanning electron microscopy evaluation. The mean debris and dentinal tubule‐opening scores were calculated separately in the coronal and apical portions. Bond strength was significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. Debris scores were significantly higher in the apical portion of groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. Within the limitations of this study it can be affirmed that thermoplasticized alpha gutta‐percha seemed to worsen the cleaning of post‐space walls and hence reduced fiber‐post bond strength.