bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast orbital decays of black hole X-ray binaries: XTE J1118+480 and A0620–00
Authors: González Hernández J. I. , Rebolo R. , Casares J. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We present new 10.4 m-GTC/OSIRIS spectroscopic observations of the black hole X-ray binary XTE J1118+480 that confirm the orbital period decay at $\dot{P}=-1.90\pm 0.57$ ms yr−1. This corresponds to a period change of −0.88 ± 0.27 μs per orbital cycle. We have also collected observations of the black hole X-ray binary A0620–00 to derive an orbital period derivative of $\dot{P}=-0.60\pm 0.08$ ms yr−1 (−0.53 ± 0.07 μs/cycle). Angular momentum losses due to gravitational radiation are unable to explain these large orbital decays in these two short-period black hole binaries. The orbital period decay measured in A0620–00 is very marginally consistent with the predictions of conventional models including magnetic braking, although significant mass-loss ($\dot{M}_{\rm BH} / \dot{M}_2 \le 20$ per cent) from the system is required. The fast spiral-in of the star in XTE J1118+480, however, does not fit any standard model and may be driven by magnetic braking under extremely high magnetic fields and/or may require an unknown process or non-standard theories of gravity. This result may suggest an evolutionary sequence in which the orbital period decay begins to speed up as the orbital period decreases. This scenario may have an impact on the evolution and lifetime of black hole X-ray binaries.
Method for site-specific detection of m6A nucleoside presence in RNA based on high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis
Authors: Golovina Anna Y. , Dzama Margarita M. , Petriukov Kirill S. , Zatsepin Timofei S. , Sergiev Petr V. , Bogdanov Alexey A. , Dontsova Olga A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChemical landscape of natural RNA species is decorated with the large number of modified nucleosides. Some of those could easily be detected by reverse transcription, while others permit only high-performance liquid chromatography or mass-spectrometry detection. Presence of m6A nucleoside at a particular position of long RNA molecule is challenging to observe. Here we report an easy and high-throughput method for detection of m6A nucleosides in RNA based on high-resolution melting analysis. The method relies on the previous knowledge of the modified nucleoside position at a particular place of RNA and allows rapid screening for conditions or genes necessary for formation of that modification.
The chromatin remodeller CHD8 is required for E2F-dependent transcription activation of S-phase genes
Authors: Subtil-Rodríguez Alicia , Vázquez-Chávez Elena , Ceballos-Chávez María , Rodríguez-Paredes Manuel , Martín-Subero José I. , Esteller Manel , Reyes José C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe precise regulation of S-phase–specific genes is critical for cell proliferation. How the repressive chromatin configuration mediated by the retinoblastoma protein and repressor E2F factors changes at the G1/S transition to allow transcription activation is unclear. Here we show ChIP-on-chip studies that reveal that the chromatin remodeller CHD8 binds ∼2000 transcriptionally active promoters. The spectrum of CHD8 target genes was enriched in E2F-dependent genes. We found that CHD8 binds E2F-dependent promoters at the G1/S transition but not in quiescent cells. Consistently, CHD8 was required for G1/S-specific expression of these genes and for cell cycle re-entry on serum stimulation of quiescent cells. We also show that CHD8 interacts with E2F1 and, importantly, loading of E2F1 and E2F3, but not E2F4, onto S-specific promoters, requires CHD8. However, CHD8 recruiting is independent of these factors. Recruiting of MLL histone methyltransferase complexes to S-specific promoters was also severely impaired in the absence of CHD8. Furthermore, depletion of CHD8 abolished E2F1 overexpression-dependent S-phase stimulation of serum-starved cells, highlighting the essential role of CHD8 in E2F-dependent transcription activation.
Do Postoperative Biomechanical Changes Induce Heterotopic Ossification After Cervical Arthroplasty?
Authors: Kim Keun Su , Heo Dong Hwa 
Published: November 2013

Study Design:
Prospective clinical study.

Objective:
To evaluate the factors that would predispose a patient to heterotopic ossification (HO) formation after cervical arthroplasty.

Summary of Background Data:
HO after arthroplasty is one of the complications of cervical total disk replacement (TDR). However, the predisposing factors and pathophysiology of HO have not been precisely described.

Materials and Methods:
We prospectively enrolled and followed up 23 patients, who received single-level arthroplasty with ProDisc-C, for 5 years after the operation. The patients who developed grade 3 or 4 HO were classified into the “high-grade HO group,” whereas the patients with grade 0, 1, or 2 HO were classified into the “low-grade HO group.” We compared the postoperative changes in the range of motion (ROM) and height of the functional segmental unit (FSU) of the implantation segments between the 2 groups.

Results:
The mean differences in height and ROM of the FSU were 2.59±1.42 mm and 6.7±3.2 degrees in the high-grade HO group, and 0.87±0.72 mm and 3.1±2.8 degrees in the low-grade HO group. The mean differences in height and ROM of the FSU were significantly higher in the high-grade HO group than in the low-grade HO group (P<0.05). After cervical arthroplasty, the height of the FSU and ROM of the implantation segments were significantly increased in the high-grade HO group compared with the low-grade HO group.

Conclusions:
Overcorrection of the height of the FSU and increase in the ROM of the implantation segment may influence the formation of HOs after cervical arthroplasty.
‘Give Me a Laboratory and I Will Lower Your Carbon Footprint!’ — Urban Laboratories and the Governance of Low‐Carbon Futures
Authors: Evans James , Karvonen Andrew 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe increasing threat of climate change has created a pressing need for cities to lower their carbon footprints. Urban laboratories are emerging in numerous cities around the world as a strategy for local governments to partner with public and private property owners to reduce carbon emissions, while simultaneously stimulating economic growth. In this article, we use insights from laboratory studies to analyse the notion of urban laboratories as they relate to experimental governance, the carbonization agenda and the transition to low‐carbon economies. We present a case study of the Oxford Road corridor in Manchester in the UK that is emerging as a low‐carbon urban laboratory, with important policy implications for the city's future. The corridor is a bounded space where a public‐private partnership comprised of the City Council, two universities and other large property owners is redeveloping the physical infrastructure and installing monitoring equipment to create a recursive feedback loop intended to facilitate adaptive learning. This low‐carbon urban laboratory represents a classic sustainable development formula for coupling environmental protection with economic growth, using innovation and partnership as principal drivers. However, it also has significant implications in reworking the interplay of knowledge production and local governance, while reinforcing spatial differentiation and uneven participation in urban development.
Do societal wealth, family affluence and gender account for trends in adolescent cannabis use? A 30 country cross‐national study
Authors: ter Bogt Tom F. M. , de Looze Margreet , Molcho Michal , Godeau Emmanuelle , Hublet Anne , Kokkevi Anna , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse , Franelic Iva Pejnovic , Simons‐Morton Bruce , Sznitman Sharon , Vieno Alessio , Vollebergh Wilma , Pickett William 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimsTo examine cross‐national changes in frequent adolescent cannabis use (40+ times consumed over life‐time at age 15) over time and relate these trends to societal wealth, family affluence and gender.DesignData from three cycles (2002, 2006, 2010) of the Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) Study were used for cross‐sectional and trend analyses of adolescent cannabis use.SettingRepresentative surveys in 30 European and North American countries.ParticipantsA total of 160 606 15‐year‐old students.MeasurementsRespondents' life‐time cannabis use, demographics, family affluence (FAS) and frequency of peer contacts were measured individually. Indicators of wealth (gross domestic product per capita, GDP) and perceived availability of cannabis were obtained from national public data bases.FindingsThe frequency of life‐time cannabis use decreased over time among adolescents in Europe and North America, particularly in western European countries and the United States (relative risk (RR) = 0.86: confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.93). This trend was not observed consistently in rapidly developing countries in eastern, central and southern Europe. Over time (2002–10), cannabis use became: (i) less characteristic of high GDP countries in contrast to lower GDP countries (RR = 0.74: CI 0.57–0.95); (ii) less characteristic of youth from high FAS families in contrast to youth from low FAS families (RR = 0.83: CI 0.72–0.96); and (iii) characterized by an increasing gender gap, i.e. consumption was higher among males (RR 1.26: CI 1.04–1.53). Perceived availability of cannabis and peer contacts remained strong predictors of frequent cannabis use.ConclusionsAmong 30 European and North American countries, cannabis use appears to have ‘trickled down’ over time, with developing countries taking on the former (heavier) use pattern of richer countries, and less affluent youth taking on the former (heavier) use pattern of more affluent youth. Cannabis use continues to be more common among adolescent males than females.
Non‐invasive algorithm of enhanced liver fibrosis and liver stiffness measurement with transient elastography for advanced liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wong G. L.‐H. , Chan H. L.‐Y. , Choi P. C.‐L. , Chan A. W.‐H. , Yu Z. , Lai J. W.‐Y. , Chan H.‐Y. , Wong V. W.‐S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe accuracy of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF; ADVIA Centaur, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY, USA) in assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to be determined.AimTo derive and validate a combined ELF‐liver stiffness measurement (LSM) algorithm to predict advanced fibrosis in CHB patients.MethodsUsing the data of a previously reported cohort of 238 CHB patients, an ALT‐based LSM algorithm for liver fibrosis was used as a training cohort to evaluate the performance of ELF against liver histology. The best combined ELF‐LSM algorithm was then validated in new cohort of 85 CHB patients not previously reported.ResultsIn the training cohort, LSM has better performance of diagnosing advanced (≥F3) fibrosis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUROC] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.76–0.91] than ELF (AUROC 0.69, 95% CI 0.63–0.75). The optimal cut‐off values of ELF were 8.4 to exclude advanced fibrosis, and 10.8 to confirm advanced fibrosis. In the training cohort, an ELF ≤ 8.4 had a sensitivity of 95% to exclude advanced fibrosis; an ELF > 10.8 had a specificity of 92% to confirm advanced fibrosis. In the combined algorithm, low ELF or low LSM could be used to exclude advanced fibrosis as both of them had high sensitivity (≥90%). To confirm advanced fibrosis, agreement between high ELF and high LSM could improve the negative predictive value specificity (from 65% and 74% to 80%).ConclusionsAn Enhanced Liver Fibrosis ‐ liver stiffness measurement algorithm could improve the accuracy of prediction of either ELF or LSM alone. Liver biopsy could be correctly avoided in approximately 60% of patients.
Gender, caponization and exogenous estrogen effects on lipids, bone and blood characteristics in Taiwan country chickens
Authors: Chen Shih Yi , Li Tsung Yu , Tsai Chih Heng , Lo Dan Yuan , Chen Kuo Lung 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study investigated gender, caponization and exogenous estrogen effects on lipids, bone and blood characteristics in Taiwan country chickens. Thirty male chickens were caponized at 8 weeks (capons); 15 capons were injected with estrogen (5 mg/bird estradiol 3‐benzoate) every 2 weeks from 8 to 28 weeks, and 15 sham‐operated male (shams) chickens and 15 females were selected for this trial. The results showed that the shams had lower relative abdominal and chest subcutaneous fat than females (P < 0.05). The estrogen‐treated capons had greater relative abdominal and chest subcutaneous fat than shams and capons (P < 0.05), which might result from higher blood very low‐density lipoproteins and triacylglycerol concentrations (P < 0.05). Caponization could dramatically increase relative abdominal fat (506%; P < 0.05). The shams had higher tibia weight and biomechanical properties, such as maximum bone strength and bending moment values than the capons (P < 0.05). Tibia biomechanical properties were reduced by estrogen treatment (P < 0.05). The females obtained the lowest biomechanical value in all treatments (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed cavity formation in the cortical bone of estrogen‐treated capons and female chickens, which suggested that estrogen reduced bone biomechanical properties by destroying its structural integrity.
High Incidence of ActivatingTERTPromoter Mutations in Meningiomas Undergoing Malignant Progression
Authors: Goutagny Stéphane , Nault Jean C. , Mallet Maxime , Henin Dominique , Rossi Jessica Z. , Kalamarides Michel 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMeningiomas are common central nervous system tumors. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines three grades, predictive of the risk of recurrence. These tumors can relapse frequently and sometimes undergo malignant transformation. Maintenance of telomere length is a key process in malignant progression, and mutations inTERTpromoter have recently been identified in various types of cancer. We sequenced theTERTpromoter in 85 meningiomas from 73 patients. We found a high incidence ofTERTpromoter mutations in patients with meningiomas undergoing malignant histological progression (28%, n = 5/18 patients). In this subset of patients with histological progression,TERTpromoter mutations were found in both the lowest and the highest grade tumors, and in bothNF2‐mutated and nonmutated samples. In contrast, one mutation was identified in 35 meningiomas without recurrence or progression, belonging to various histological grades. This sample was an aggressive meningioma in a patient who died shortly after surgery. Interestingly, tumors showing relapse without histological progression were not mutated forTERTpromoter (n = 20). Finally,TERTpromoter mutations were associated with a marked increase inTERTexpression. Thus,TERTpromoter mutations are pivotal genetic alterations involved in malignant progression of meningiomas and could be used as a biomarker to identify meningiomas at risk of malignant transformation.
Metformin and male reproduction: effects on Sertoli cell metabolism
Authors: Alves M G , Martins A D , Vaz C V , Correia S , Moreira P I , Oliveira P F , Socorro S 
Published: November 2013

Background and PurposeMetformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). While new clinical applications have been ascribed to metformin, including treatment of anovulatory infertility, its effects on male reproduction have not been investigated. The Sertoli cell (SC) is crucial for germ cell development, exerting metabolic control of spermatogenesis, therefore, we investigated the effects of metformin on SC metabolism.Experimental ApproachRat SCs were cultured in the absence and presence of metformin (5, 50 and 500 μM). mRNA and protein levels of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK 1), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) were determined by quantitative PCR and Western blot respectively. LDH activity was assessed and metabolite production/consumption determined by 1H‐NMR.Key ResultsMetformin (50 μM) decreased mRNA and protein levels of GLUT1, GLUT3, MCT4 and PFK 1 but did not affect LDH mRNA or protein levels. However, although glucose consumption was maintained in metformin‐treated cells, LDH activity, lactate and alanine production were increased, indicating an enhanced glycolytic flux. No metabolic cytotoxicity was detected in SCs exposed to supra‐pharmacological concentration of metformin.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results indicate that metformin: (i) decreases mRNA and protein levels of glycolysis‐related transporters in SCs but increases their activity; and (ii) stimulates alanine production, which induces antioxidant activity and maintains the NADH/NAD+ equilibrium. The increased lactate in metformin‐treated SCs provides nutritional support and has an anti‐apoptotic effect in developing germ cells. Thus, metformin can be considered as a suitable antidiabetic drug for male patients of reproductive age with T2D.
The evolution of Bab paralog expression and abdominal pigmentation among Sophophora fruit fly species
Authors: Salomone Joseph R. , Rogers William A. , Rebeiz Mark , Williams Thomas M. 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYThe evolution of gene networks lies at the heart of understanding trait divergence. Intrinsic to development is the dimension of time: a network must be altered during the correct phase of development to generate the appropriate phenotype. One model of developmental network evolution is the origination of dimorphic (male‐specific) abdomen pigmentation in the fruit fly subgenus Sophophora. In Drosophila (D.) melanogaster, dimorphic pigmentation is controlled by the dimorphic expression of the paralogous Bab1 and Bab2 transcription factors that repress pigmentation. These expression patterns are thought to have evolved from a monomorphic ancestral state. Here we show that the spatial domain and contrast in dimorphic Bab expression increases during the latter half of pupal development, and this late pupal expression is necessary and sufficient to suppress pigmentation. Late pupal Bab expression was monomorphic for species from basal clades exhibiting monomorphic pigmentation, though dimorphic expression was observed in D. pseudoobscura that represents an intermediate‐branching monomorphic clade. Among species from the dimorphic Sophophora clades, Bab expression was dimorphic, but a poor correlation was found between the domains of expression and male pigmentation. Lastly, while Bab paralog co‐expression was generally observed, an instance of paralog‐specific expression was found, indicating more complex regulatory mechanisms and mutational effects have shaped the evolution of the bab locus. These results highlight the importance of the time and place of Bab expression for pigmentation development and evolution, and suggest that dimorphism evolved early in Sophophora, but diversity in male pigmentation was not further shaped by alterations in Bab expression.
The evo‐devo of multinucleate cells, tissues, and organisms, and an alternative route to multicellularity
Authors: Niklas Karl J. , Cobb Edward D. , Crawford David R. 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYMultinucleate cells, tissues, or organisms occur in 60 families of land plants and in five otherwise diverse algal lineages (Rhodophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Ulvophyceae, and Charophyceae). Inspection of a morphospace constructed out of eight developmental processes reveals a large number of possible variants of multinucleate cells and organisms that, with two exceptions, are represented by one or more plant species in one or more clades. Thus, most of these permutations of developmental processes exist in nature. Inspection of the morphospace also shows how the siphonous body plan (a multinucleate cell with the capacity for indeterminate growth in size) can theoretically serve as the direct progenitor of a multicellular organism by a process similar to segregative cell division observed in siphonocladean algae. Using molecular phylogenies of algal clades, different evolutionary scenarios are compared to see how the multicellular condition may have evolved from a multinucleate unicellular progenitor. We also show that the siphonous progenitor of a multicellular organism has previously passed through the alignment‐of‐fitness phase (in which genetic similarity among cells/nuclei minimizes internal genomic conflict) and the export‐of‐fitness phase (in which genetically similar cells/nuclei collaborate to achieve a reproductively integrated multicellular organism). All that is theoretically required is the evolutionary acquisition of the capacity to compartmentalize its cytoplasm.
Effect of surface treatments on fracture resistance of root filled teeth with bonded fibre posts
Authors: Feiz Atiyeh , Samimi Pooran , Karami Ali , Badrian Hamid , Goroohi Hossein , Swift Edward J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground/AimThis study examined the effect of several dentin surface treatments on fracture resistance of root filled teeth containing bonded fibre posts.Material and methodsThe roots of 84 single‐canal premolars were instrumented, filled with gutta‐percha and randomly divided into seven groups. The coronal 9 mm of gutta‐percha was removed to create a post space. In the experimental groups, canals were irrigated with distilled water, 37% phosphoric acid, 5% sodium hypochlorite, 17% EDTA, 5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 17% EDTA or 5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 10% ascorbic acid. Fibre posts were cemented using Panavia F2.0 resin cement, and the specimens were mounted in acrylic resin blocks. Following 1‐week storage in an incubator, specimens were thermocycled and their fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine. Data were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsMean fracture resistance values ranged from 465.8 N in specimens treated with sodium hypochlorite and ascorbic acid to 739.1 N for those treated with sodium hypochlorite only. However, differences in fracture resistance were not statistically significant (P = 0.114).ConclusionsNone of the surface treatments improved vertical fracture resistance of root filled teeth containing bonded fibre posts.
Comparison of usability properties of custom‐made and standard self‐adapted mouthguards
Authors: Gawlak Dominika , Mierzwińska‐Nastalska Elżbieta , Mańka‐Malara Katarzyna , Kamiński Tomasz 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundSports‐related injuries, such as those typically incurred during bicycle racing, playing football, basketball, handball, hockey, and while skiing, represent a common problem in dental practice. The use of mouthguards helps prevent such injuries.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to evaluate clinical usability of custom mouthguards made of various polymers with the use of various techniques versus that of the ‘boil‐and‐bite’ mouthguards available on the market.Materials and methodsFive types of custom‐made and three types of ‘boil‐and‐bite’ mouthguards, represented by 168 devices in total, were evaluated in terms of usability with the use of a questionnaire.ResultsThe usability of custom mouthguards, especially the ones molded from Corflex, was rated much higher than that of self‐adapted mouthguards. Thus, it is the custom mouthguards that should be suggested to and fitted in patients prone to orofacial injuries.
The Impact of Quantitative Methods on Hedge Fund Performance
Authors: Chincarini Ludwig 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the last 20 years, the amount of assets managed by quantitative and qualitative hedge funds have grown dramatically. We examine the difference between quantitative and qualitative hedge funds in a variety of ways, including management differences and performance differences. We find that both quantitative and qualitative hedge funds have positive risk‐adjusted returns. We also find that overall, quantitative hedge funds as a group have higher αs than qualitative hedge funds. The outperformance might be as high as 72 bps per year when considering all risk factors. We also suggest that this additional performance may be due to better timing ability.