bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excavation unloading‐induced fracturing of hard rock containing different shapes of central holes affected by unloading rates and in situ stresses
Authors: Feng Fan , Chen Shaojie , Li Diyuan , Huang Wanpeng , Peng Kang , Zang Chuanwei
Published: September 2019

Slabbing failure and strain rock burst are the main failure patterns during the excavation and construction phases of deep tunnels in hard and brittle rock, which cause unexpected equipment damage and casualties. This study presents a numerical simulation with an unloading central hole within a hard rock specimen in the laboratory scale. A combined finite element/discrete element method (FEM/DEM) reproduces the crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence around the central hole during the entire failure process. The influence of sectional shapes, unloading rates of holes, and in situ stresses on the failure characteristics and mechanical response of typical hard and brittle rocks were investigated by analysis of the failure pattern, displacement distribution (average velocity) of monitoring elements, and released strain energy value. The numerical results indicate that the sectional shapes, unloading rates, and in situ stresses have a significant impact on the severity of destruction and failure range in hard rock under the excavation unloading conditions. Slabbing failure (stable failure) is always the dominant failure pattern around a circular hole, which shows higher bearing capacities and self‐stabilization. With the increase in unloading rates, more visible cracks are generated around the holes, and the displacement and average velocity of discrete blocks are further raised. This is particularly evident in rock specimens with holes having vertical walls, leading to intense unstable failure (strain rock burst) accompanied by a large amount of strain energy released. In situ stresses affect considerably the stability of the surrounding rock during the excavation unloading process. With constant in situ stress, the order of destruction severity around the central hole according to its sectional shape is cube > trapezoid > U‐shape > ellipse > circle. The destruction intensity is further aggravated with the increase in lateral pressure coefficient, and the failure regions are always observed in the roof and floor of the central hole. This study confirms that strain rock burst tends to be induced in hard and brittle rock tunnels with polygonal roadway section under high unloading rates and lateral pressure coefficients.
Media reporting of summer drowning: A partial picture, useful for advocacy
Authors: Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C. , Willcox‐Pidgeon Stacey
Published: September 2019

Issue addressed

Media reporting of drowning deaths can be used for multiple purposes, including advocacy, enhancing data on drowning and supporting policy development. Accurate, current and comprehensive data help ensure the development of effective prevention programs as well as being a tool for advocacy. Advocacy for drowning prevention through the media can create behaviour change aligned to the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods

This study compares media reports of fatal unintentional drowning across the 2017/18 Australian summer (1‐December‐2017 to 28‐February‐2018) with drowning cases in the National Coronial Information System (NCIS).

Results

Media monitoring identified 84 cases, of which nine (11%), were deaths but not drowning. There were 104 NCIS deaths during this time of which 75 were reported in the media (72% capture). Media captured 100% of drowning incidents involving people 0‐24 years and in ocean/harbour locations. Drowning incidents among older people (75+ years; 36% capture), in bathtubs (0% capture), swimming pools (33% capture) and with an unknown activity (27% capture) were poorly reported.

Conclusions

Where there are a lack of timely data on drowning, the use of media can help capture deaths, with limitations. Transmission of messages about drowning risk factors and prevention strategies, during summer, may lead to behaviour change at a time when drowning risk is highest.

So what?

Working with the media to help enhance advocacy efforts, in particular the development and use of effective drowning prevention messages, is key to informing the public about risk factors in the HBM to achieve behaviour change.
Long non‐coding RNA KDM5B anti‐sense RNA 1 enhances tumor progression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lou Baisong , Wei Dongwei , Zhou Xin , Chen Hong
Published: September 2019

Background

The long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown as a novel class of transcripts with no protein coding functions. LncRNAs can play diverse roles in cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, metastasis, and apoptosis. However, the exact contributions of lncRNA KDM5B anti‐sense RNA 1 (KDM5BAS1) to non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood.

Methods

In current study, we have unraveled a novel function of KDM5BAS1 in NSCLC.

Results

We found that KDM5BAS1 was significantly overexpressed in tumor specimens and selected cancerous cell lines. Meanwhile, higher KDM5BAS1 expression predicted poor overall survival. Increased KDM5BAS1 expression can promote proliferation or migration and inhibit apoptosis in H1838 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, knocking down of KDM5BAS1 levels can also reduce tumor growth in in vivo implantation experiments. Overexpression of KDM5BAS1 also decreased the caspase‐3 immunostaining but enhanced Ki‐67 staining.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings indicated that KDM5BAS1 might play an oncogenic role in NSCLC and provided clues into pharmacological intervention targeting KDM5BAS1.
Recurrence of common bile duct stones following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: a multicenter study
Authors: Park Sun Young , Hong Tae Ho , Lee Sang Kuon , Park Il Young , Kim Tae Hyeon , Kim Sung Geun
Published: September 2019

Background

Recurrence of common bile duct stone (CBDS) is not common after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of recurrence of CBDS after LCBDE.

Methods

Patients who underwent LCBDE between January 2001 and December 2018 in four teaching hospitals of The Catholic University of Korea were included. The operation, fluoroscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography records were investigated retrospectively. The primary outcome of this study was the independent risk factors for recurrence of CBDS.

Results

A total of 230 patients were included in this study. Thirty‐one patients had recurrence of CBDS. In univariate analysis, CBDS size (>9 mm) (P = 0.003), multiple stones (≥2) (P = 0.031), stone size (≥1.5 cm) (P = 0.041), CBD diameter (≥12 mm) (P = 0.005), CBD dilatation (≥10 mm) (P = 0.02), prior history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P = 0.002) were associated with recurrence. After multivariable logistic regression, CBDS size (>9 mm) (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.35–16.18, P = 0.011), CBD dilatation (≥10 mm) (OR 5.66, 95% CI 1.47–21.82, P = 0.012), and prior history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (AOR 3. 90, 95% CI 1.34–11.37, P = 0.013) were associated with recurrence.

Conclusions

Stone size >9 mm, CBD diameter ≥10 mm, and prior history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were risk factors for recurrence of CBDS after LCBDE.
Hospital volume and mortality in liver resections for colorectal metastasis using population‐based administrative data
Authors: Hunger Richard , Mantke Anne , Herrmann Christian , Grimm Alexis Leonhard , Ludwig Juliane , Mantke René
Published: September 2019

Background

Approximately one‐quarter of patients with colorectal carcinoma develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Surgical treatment with curative intent by hepatic resection is the standard medical care. While some studies with small sample sizes have investigated the relationship between hospital procedure volume and in‐hospital mortality for this diagnosis, no population‐based study has been conducted. The present study was aimed at closing this gap.

Methods

Based on administrative population‐based hospital discharge data (Diagnosis Related Group Statistic), patients diagnosed with CRLM and treated with hepatic resection from 2011 to 2015 were identified. The hospital operation‐volume effect on risk‐adjusted in‐hospital mortality was examined by logistic regression models.

Results

During the study period, 5900 patients with CRLM were treated with hepatic resection, of whom 189 (3.2%) died before hospital discharge. Hospitals of different operation‐volume quartiles did not differ in terms of mortality rates. Sensitivity analysis investigating the volume–mortality relationship separately for every resection procedure showed no clear result. Procedure frequencies vary among hospitals of different volume quartiles, with low‐volume hospitals performing systematically more low‐risk procedures (in terms of reduced mortality rate), than high‐volume hospitals.

Conclusion

Based on almost complete German hospital discharge data, the results did not confirm unconditional volume–outcome relationship for CRLM patients.
Novel single‐layer continuous suture of pancreaticojejunostomy for robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liu Qu , Zhao Zhiming , Gao Yuanxing , Zhao Guodong , Tan Xianglong , Wang Chihyuan , Liu Rong
Published: September 2019

Background

The best technique for pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains controversial, and the procedure for robotic PD (RPD) has not been previously reported. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel technique of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) for RPD.

Methods

The demographics and perioperative outcomes of a consecutive series of RPD patients who underwent single‐layer continuous suture (SCS) for PJ between September 2018 and November 2018 were analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients were included in the study. Twenty patients had a soft pancreas, and 15 patients had a small main pancreatic duct (MPD) (<3 mm). The mean operative time was 234.1 min, the mean duration of PJ was 14.9 min, and the median estimated blood loss was 100.0 ml. No patients required conversion to laparotomy. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) included seven cases of Grade A and two cases of Grade B. No case of Grade C POPF occurred. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 12.3 days. No 90‐day readmission or mortality was observed. Neither pancreatic texture nor MPD size affected the perioperative outcomes.

Conclusions

Single‐layer continuous suture is easy to perform and is associated with favorable clinical outcomes, regardless of the pancreatic duct size and texture.
Effects of a toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan on periodontal parameters of subjects enrolled in a regular maintenance program: A secondary analysis of a 2‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Stewart Bernal , Shibli Jamil Awad , Araujo Mauricio , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Panagakos Fotinos , Matarazzo Flavia , Mairink Renata , Onuma Tatiana , Faveri Marcelo , Retamal‐Valdes Belén , Feres Magda
Published: September 2019

Background

The triclosan‐containing dentifrices are effective in controlling biofilm formation and maintaining gingival health; however, there is limited information on their effects during the periodontal maintenance phase. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of a toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan on the periodontal parameters of subjects that have been treated for peri‐implantitis and were enrolled in a regular maintenance program.

Methods

Subjects presenting at least one implant with peri‐implantitis and received surgical anti‐infective therapy were selected. Sixty days post‐surgery (baseline), subjects were randomized into two groups: (1) toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan + 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer + 1450 ppm fluoride (test) or (2) toothpaste containing 1450 ppm fluoride (control), and were instructed to brush with the assigned toothpaste twice/day for 2 years. They received clinical monitoring at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and professional maintenance every 3 months.

Results

Eighty‐eight subjects with natural teeth were enrolled in the study (Test, n = 39; Control, n = 49). The test group showed a greater reduction in the percentage of sites exhibiting bleeding on probing (primary outcome) and lower levels of plaque in comparison with the control group after 24 months (P < 0.05). The mean percentage of sites with probing depth ≥5 mm was reduced over the course of the study only in the test group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan was more effective than a regular fluoride toothpaste in improving the periodontal clinical condition around natural teeth of periodontally healthy subjects enrolled in a regular maintenance program for 2 years.
Subepithelial connective tissue graft with or without enamel matrix derivative for the treatment of multiple Class III‐IV recessions in lower anterior teeth: A 3‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mercado Faustino , Hamlet Stephen , Ivanovski Saso
Published: September 2019

Background

This study compared clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) with and without enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in the treatment of multiple Class III‐IV Miller periodontal recession (REC) defects on mandibular anterior teeth.

Methods

This randomized clinical study evaluated 41 patients at 3 years follow‐up. One hundred and fifty‐six teeth were divided into two groups: test (CTG‐EMD, 79 teeth) and control (CTG only, 77 teeth). Clinical REC, keratinized tissue (KT) width, percentage of root coverage, patient‐centered outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

At 36 months follow‐up, patient level analysis showed that REC in the test group reduced significantly (5.71 ± 0.58 mm to 1.57 ± 0.85 mm) compared with the control group (5.94 ± 0.46 mm to 2.51 ± 0.62 mm) (P < 0.001), while KT width increased in the test group (1.51 ± 0.26 mm to 4.18 ± 0.34 mm) and was significantly greater than the control group (1.65 ± 0.21 mm to 2.90 ± 0.20 mm) (P < 0.001). At 36 months, tooth level analysis (Class III and Class IV groups) found less residual REC and increased KT in the test group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Significantly less pain was reported at 2, 7, and 14 days follow‐up post‐surgery in the test group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The addition of EMD to CTG results in improved root coverage outcomes and higher amounts of KT width 36 months after treatment of Class III‐IV REC on mandibular anterior teeth. The adjunctive use of EMD also resulted in significantly reduced pain 14 days post‐surgery.
The effect of radical cystectomy on survival in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Luzzago Stefano , Palumbo Carlotta , Rosiello Giuseppe , Pecoraro Angela , Deuker Marina , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , de Cobelli Ottavio , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2019

Background

To test the effect of radical cystectomy (RC) with chemotherapy vs only chemotherapy on overall mortality (OM) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (mUCUB).

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (2004–2016), we identified patients with mUCUB. Stratification was made according to treatment: RC with chemotherapy vs only chemotherapy. Kaplan‐Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression models were used before and after 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

Of 2414 patients with mUCUB, 500 (21.0%) vs 1914 (79.0%) were treated with RC with chemotherapy vs only chemotherapy, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models, RC with chemotherapy was associated with lower OM in the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; P < .001), after 1:1 PS matching (HR, 0.5; P < .001), after IPTW (HR, 0.5; P < .001) and after accounting for number and location of metastases (HR, 0.5; P < .001). However, higher overall survival after RC with chemotherapy was only observed in patients with one metastatic site (21 vs 16 months; P = .001).

Conclusion

In contemporary patients with mUCUB, RC with chemotherapy is associated with lower OM rates, relative to chemotherapy alone, but only in patients with a single metastatic site. These individuals accounted for the vast majority of patients in whom an RC was performed, despite the presence of metastatic disease.
Facile enantioseparation and recognition of mandelic acid and its derivatives in self‐assembly interaction with chiral ionic liquids
Authors: Cai Pengfei , Gao Zhan , Yin Xinchi , Luo Yuanqing , Zhao Xiaoyong , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: September 2019

Mandelic acid and its derivatives are important medical intermediates in the pharmaceutical industry. Different stereoisomers exhibited distinct biological properties to human bodies. Given that, enantioselective recognition and separation of mandelic acid are of great importance. In this study, four novel different types of chiral ionic liquids bearing designed functional groups were synthesized and successful enantioselective precipitation with mandelic acid and its derivatives. That is, (R, R)‐chiral ionic liquid 1 can coprecipitated with S‐mandelic acid and its derivatives was observed. In addition, good correlation coefficient is achieved by using electrospray mass spectrum at negative ion pattern for quick analysis of the enantioselective precipitation, which could be served as a method of enantioselective recognition. The possible intermolecular interactions are established after systematical studies by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Biliary Complications After Liver Transplantation From Uncontrolled Donors After Circulatory Death: Incidence, Management, and Outcome
Authors: Jiménez‐Romero Carlos , Manrique Alejandro , García‐Conde María , Nutu Anisa , Calvo Jorge , Caso Óscar , Marcacuzco Alberto , García‐Sesma Álvaro , Álvaro Edurne , Villar Roberto , Aguado José María , Conde María , Justo Iago
Published: September 2019

The utilization of livers from donation after uncontrolled circulatory death (uDCD) increases the availability of liver grafts, but it is associated with a higher incidence of biliary complications (BCs) and lower graft survival than those organs donated after brain death. From January 2006 to December 2016, we performed 75 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) using uDCD livers. To investigate the relationship of BCs with the use of uDCD OLT, we compared patients who developed BCs (23 patients) with those who did not (non‐BC group, 43 patients) after excluding cases of hepatic artery thrombosis (a known cause of BC) and primary nonfunction. The groups had similar uDCD donor maintenance, donor and recipient characteristics, and perioperative morbidity/mortality rates, but we observed a higher rate of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis C virus in the non‐BC group. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary dilation, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography dilation, Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ), a T‐tube, and retransplantation were used for BC management. In the BC group, 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient survival rates were 91.3%, 69.6%, and 65.2%, respectively, versus 77.8%, 72.9%, and 72.9%, respectively, in the non‐BC group (P = 0.89). However, 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival rates were 78.3%, 60.9%, and 56.5%, respectively, in the BC group versus 77.8%, 72.9%, and 72.9%, respectively, in the non‐BC group (P = 0.38). Multivariate analysis did not indicate independent risk factors for BC development. In conclusion, patient and graft survival rates were generally lower in patients who developed BCs but not significantly so. These complications were managed in the majority of patients through radiological dilation, endoscopic dilation, or Roux‐en‐Y HJ. Retransplantation is necessary in rare cases after the failure of biliary dilation or surgical procedures.
Natural History of Recurrent Alcohol‐Related Cirrhosis After Liver Transplantation: Fast and Furious
Authors: Erard‐Poinsot Domitille , Dharancy Sébastien , Hilleret Marie‐Noëlle , Faure Stéphanie , Lamblin Géraldine , Chambon‐Augoyard Christine , Donnadieu‐Rigole Hélène , Lassailly Guillaume , Boillot Olivier , Ursic‐Bedoya José , Guillaud Olivier , Leroy Vincent , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: September 2019

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is one of the main indications for liver transplantation (LT). Severe alcohol relapse can rapidly lead to recurrent alcohol‐related cirrhosis (RAC) for the graft. The aim of this study was to describe the natural history of RAC and the overall survival after LT and after an RAC diagnosis. From 1992 to 2012, 812 patients underwent primary LT for ALD in 5 French transplant centers. All patients with severe alcohol relapse and an RAC diagnosis on the graft were included. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on the analysis of liver biopsy or on the association of clinical, biological, radiological, and/or endoscopic features of cirrhosis. RAC was diagnosed in 57/162 patients (35.2%) with severe alcohol relapse, and 31 (54.4%) of those patients had at least 1 episode of liver decompensation. The main types of decompensation were ascites (70.9%), jaundice (58.0%), and hepatic encephalopathy (9.6%). The cumulative probability of decompensation was 23.8% at 5 years, 50.1% at 10 years, and 69.9% at 15 years after LT. During the follow‐up, 36 (63.2%) patients died, the main cause of death being liver failure (61.1%). After diagnosis of cirrhosis, the survival rate was 66.3% at 1 year, 37.8% at 5 years, and 20.6% at 10 years. In conclusion, RAC is associated with a high risk of liver decompensation and a poor prognosis. Prevention of severe alcohol relapse after LT is a major goal to improve patient survival.
Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy: Combination of whole‐genome sequencing and genome‐wide homozygosity mapping identifies a large deletion in CDH3 initially undetected by whole‐exome sequencing—A lesson from next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Saeidian Amir Hossein , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Youssefian Leila , Sotudeh Soheila , Sargazi Meisam , Zeinali Sirous , Uitto Jouni
Published: September 2019

Background

Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy (HJMD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal growth of scalp hair and juvenile macular degeneration leading to blindness. We have explored the genetic basis of HJMD in a large consanguineous family with 12 affected patients, 1–76 years of age, with characteristic phenotypes.

Methods

We first applied genome‐wide homozygosity mapping to 10 affected individuals for linkage analysis to identify the genomic region of the defective gene. All affected individuals shared a 7.2 Mb region of homozygosity on chromosome 16q21‐22.3, which harbored 298 genes, including CDH3, previously associated with HJMD. However, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) failed to identify the causative mutation in CDH3.

Results

Further investigation revealed a missense variant in a gene closely linked to CDH3 (1.4 Mb distance: FHOD1: c.1306A>G, p.Arg436Gly). This variant was homozygous in all affected individuals and heterozygous in 18 out of 19 obligate carriers. While this variant was found by bioinformatics predictions to be likely pathogenic, a knock‐in mouse for this variant, made by the CRISPR/Cas, showed no disease phenotype. However, using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS), we were able to identify a novel Alu recombination‐mediated deletion in CDH3:c.del161‐811_246 + 1,044.

Conclusion

WGS was able to identify a deep intronic deletion mutation, not detected by WES.
Novel ELN mutation in a Japanese family with a severe form of supravalvular aortic stenosis
Authors: Sugiyama Kaori , Horigome Hitoshi , Lin Lisheng , Murakami Takashi , Shiono Junko , Yamashiro Yoshito , Matsuura Hiroyuki , Yoda Hitoshi , Yanagisawa Hiromi
Published: September 2019

Background

Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is one of the congenital cardiovascular diseases characterized by stenosis of the aorta. The stenotic lesions occur anywhere above the aortic valve in the aortic tree as well as pulmonary arteries and eventually leads to circulatory failure. The disease gene has been identified on the elastin gene (ELN) and two types of SVAS have been categorized; a familial type and an isolated type with the de novo mutation.

Methods

Fluorescent In situ hybridization (FISH) analysis and gene sequencing were performed in a two‐generation family in which severe form of SVAS was diagnosed.

Results

None of the patients tested showed microdeletion of ELN, LIMK1, and D7S613. A novel nonsense mutation of ELN (c.160G>T (p.(Gly54*)), RNA not analyzed) was found in exon 3 in three members; two of them died suddenly due to rapid progression of SVAS with possible arrhythmia in early infancy. A point mutation in the 5’ untranslated region, which was previously suggested to be associated with SVAS, did not co‐segregate with the SVAS phenotype and found to be SNPs.

Conclusion

Our report shows a broad spectrum of clinical features in family members sharing the identical mutations, suggesting a potential contribution of modifier gene(s) or interactions with environmental factors.
Bariatric Surgery Among Medicare Subgroups: Short‐ and Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Walker Elizaveta , Elman Miriam , Takemoto Erin E. , Fennern Erin , Mitchell James E. , Pories Walter J. , Ahmed Bestoun , Pomp Alfons , Wolfe Bruce M.
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study sought to examine weight change, postoperative adverse events, and related outcomes of interest among age‐qualified (AQ) and disability‐qualified (DQ) Medicare recipients compared with non‐Medicare (NM) patients undergoing an initial bariatric procedure.

Methods

The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS‐2) is an observational cohort study of 2,458 adults who underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) bariatric surgery. Weight, percentage body fat, functional status, and comorbidities, as well as postoperative adverse events, were assessed at baseline and annually for 5 years. The 1,943 participants who reported insurance type were categorized into the following groups: AQ, DQ, or NM.

Results

The median preoperative BMI ranged from 45 to 48 kg/m2 across groups. For RYGB, 5‐year BMI loss was approximately 30% for all groups, and for LAGB, BMI loss was 12% to 15%. Diabetes remission after 5 years was also similar across groups within procedure types (RYGB: 33%‐40%; LAGB: 13%‐19%). The frequency of adverse events after RYGB ranged from 4.1% for NM participants to 6.7% for DQ participants. After LAGB, there were no adverse events for the AQ group, whereas 3% of DQ participants and 1.8% of NM participants had at least one adverse event.

Conclusions

Medicare participants experienced substantial BMI loss and diabetes remission, with a frequency of adverse events similar to that of NM participants.
Revelation of Dislocations in β‐Ga2O3 Substrates Grown by Edge‐Defined Film‐Fed Growth
Authors: Yao Yongzhao , Ishikawa Yukari , Sugawara Yoshihiro
Published: September 2019

Chemical etching and synchrotron X‐ray topography (XRT) are used to reveal dislocations in commercial edge‐defined film‐fed growth (EFG) β‐Ga2O3 substrates with the (010)‐oriented or the (−201)‐oriented surface. Different etchants and etching temperatures are compared, and the optimal condition is found to be etching in a eutectic KOH + NaOH solution at 200 °C for 2 min. By counting the surface features formed by etching, dislocation density is estimated to be in the range of 6 × 104–1 × 106 cm−2, viewed from the (010) surface, and 8 × 104 cm−2, viewed from the (−201) surface. A comparison of dislocation contrast observed by XRT and etch pits has confirmed that the above chemical etching is capable of revealing dislocations accurately.
Structural and Magnetic Characteristics of Ferrum Nanotubes Obtained at Different Potentials of Electrodeposition
Authors: Kaniukov Egor , Shumskaya Alena , Kozlovskiy Artem , Fadeev Maxim , Rusakov Vyacheslav , Zdorovets Maksim
Published: September 2019

Fe nanotubes (NTs) are successfully fabricated into the pores of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ion‐track membranes by potentiostatic electrochemical deposition technique at different voltages. Morphological peculiarities and main structural parameters at different deposition modes are analyzed. NTs have a body‐centered cubic (BCC) lattice with spatial singony Im‐3m(229) typical for the iron phase and selected crystalline direction [110] along the main axis of the 1D nanostructure (NS). The possibility of changing the NT wall thickness by changing the deposition potential is shown. Micro‐ and macromagnetic characteristics of Fe NTs are analyzed and their relationship with morphological and structural features is discussed. The inner diameter, structural and magnetic characteristics of NSs may be simply modulated by controlling the deposition conditions. The results provide a useful method for fabricating low‐cost and a simply scalable route for the design of both separate 1D hollow metal NSs and 2D anisotropic ferromagnetic structural materials on the base of flexible polymer film, which are important for applications in modern nanoelectronics.
Anti‐Stokes Photoluminescence of Monolayer WS2
Authors: Pierret Aurélie , Tornatzky Hans , Maultzsch Janina
Published: September 2019

Anti‐Stokes photoluminescence excitation of a WS2 monolayer flake between 10 and 300 K is reported herein. Even with continuous‐wave lasers at low power, the emission of the exciton at excitation 100 meV below its emission energy at room temperature is observed. A mechanism which involves the trions as the intermediate state is proposed, leading to an efficient up‐conversion process. In addition, it is demonstrated that phonons are the source of the additional energy needed by the system. Overall, the results provide evidence that anti‐Stokes luminescence in transition metal dichalcogenides is very efficient.
Extensive Fermi‐Level Engineering for Graphene through the Interaction with Aluminum Nitrides and Oxides
Authors: Sciuto Alberto , La Magna Antonino , Angilella Giuseppe G. N. , Pucci Renato , Greco Giuseppe , Roccaforte Fabrizio , Giannazzo Filippo , Deretzis Ioannis
Published: September 2019

Despite its structural and chemical stability, graphene is often subjected to n‐ or p‐type doping when interacting with substrates, gate oxides, or environmental molecules. Such interaction shifts the Fermi level of the system away from the Dirac point and alters the intrinsic electronic and transport characteristics of the graphene sheet. The density functional theory is used herein to show that the Fermi level of a graphene/AlN or graphene/Al2O3 heterostructure can be extensively tuned through the polarity and surface reconstruction of either the nitride or the oxide layer. Hence, Fermi‐level engineering through the manipulation of confining materials can become a viable route for enhancing the selectivity and optimizing the properties of graphene‐based devices.
Gamma‐Ray Irradiation Effect on Ferroelectric Devices with Hafnium Aluminum Oxides
Authors: Liu Chien , Tung Yi-Chun , Wu Tian-Li , Cheng Chun-Hu , Tseng Chih-Yang , Chen Hsuan-Han , Chen Hsi-Han , Ma Jun , Lin Chien-Liang , Zheng Zhi-Wei , Chou Wu-Ching , Hsu Hsiao-Hsuan
Published: September 2019

Herein, the gamma‐ray irradiation effect on ferroelectric HfAlOx capacitors for biomedical and space applications is investigated. The experimental results focus on the observation of ferroelectric polarization characteristics in support of different defect mechanisms induced by annealing, endurance cycling, and gamma‐ray irradiation. It is found that the HfAlOx with low Al doping of 6.5% become more vulnerable to radiation exposure, but a remarkable improvement in 9%‐Al‐doped HfAlOx due to less oxygen vacancies is demonstrated. In addition, the results also confirm that the fatigue property of ferroelectric HfAlOx capacitor is determined by the electric‐stress‐induced defect during endurance cycling, not mainly contributed by irradiation damage, which shows the potential for memory applications in rigorous irradiation environment.
Cubic SiC Photoanode Coupling with Ni:FeOOH Oxygen‐Evolution Cocatalyst for Sustainable Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Jian Jingxin , Shi Yuchen , Syväjärvi Mikael , Yakimova Rositsa , Sun Jianwu
Published: September 2019

As an efficient water oxidation cocatalyst, the Earth‐abundant nickel‐iron oxyhydroxide (Ni:FeOOH) is introduced to coat on the cubic silicon carbide (3C‐SiC) photoanode surface for improving the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation performance. The FeOOH is prepared on the 3C‐SiC photoanode surface by hydrothermal deposition, followed by a photoassisted electrodeposition of NiOOH. It is shown that the Ni:FeOOH layer is composed of the β‐FeOOH nanorods with a conformal coating of the amorphous NiOOH. Under AM1.5G 100 mW cm−2 illumination, the 3C‐SiC/Ni:FeOOH photoanode exhibits a very low onset potential of 0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE) and a high photocurrent density of 1.15 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE, distinctly outperforming the 3C‐SiC and the 3C‐SiC/FeOOH counterparts. Open‐circuit potential and impedance spectroscopy results demonstrate that the nanostructured Ni:FeOOH layer on the 3C‐SiC surface increases the photovoltage and promotes the charge transfer toward the electrolyte, thus significantly improving the PEC water‐splitting performance. These results provide new insights for the development of photoanodes toward efficient solar‐fuel generation.
Synapse impairment associated with enhanced apoptosis in post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Chen Xinzhao , Jiang Yifan , Wang Jiayu , Liu Yishu , Xiao Menglei , Song Congshan , Bai Yu , Yinuo Han Nancy , Han Fang
Published: September 2019

Synapse impairment is associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by enhanced apoptosis in the hippocampus, amygdala, and other brain regions. However, there are no detailed studies on the relationship between apoptosis and synaptic connectivity in PTSD. In this review, we discuss results from various studies describing the synaptic changes observed in the PTSD brain. A decreased number of dendrites/spines or increased number of immature spines in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and other brain regions has been reported. Studies on axon guidance, myelination, and the cytoskeleton suggest that PTSD may involve axon overgrowth and overbranching. Apoptosis affects synapse formation; low levels of caspase maintain the balance between growth cone attraction and repulsion and inhibit axon elongation. PTSD enhances neuronal apoptosis through caspase activation, which disrupts the balance between growth cone attraction and repulsion and alters growth cone trajectory, leading to axon mistargeting. Meanwhile, caspase activation induces dendritic pruning and dendrite degeneration. These events contribute to the formation of fewer and aberrant synapses, which is associated with enhanced apoptosis in PTSD.
Recent advances in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Khellaf Abdelhakim , Khan Danyal Zaman , Helmy Adel
Published: September 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in those aged under 40 years in the UK. Higher rates of morbidity and mortality are seen in low-income and middle-income countries making it a global health challenge. There has been a secular trend towards reduced incidence of severe TBI in the first world, driven by public health interventions such as seatbelt legislation, helmet use, and workplace health and safety regulations. This has paralleled improved outcomes following TBI delivered in a large part by the widespread establishment of specialised neurointensive care. This update will focus on three key areas of advances in TBI management and research in moderate and severe TBI: refining neurointensive care protocolized therapies, the recent evidence base for decompressive craniectomy and novel pharmacological therapies. In each section, we review the developing evidence base as well as exploring future trajectories of TBI research.
Erythropoietic responses to a series of repeated maximal dynamic and static apnoeas in elite and non-breath-hold divers
Authors: Elia Antonis , Barlow Matthew J. , Deighton Kevin , Wilson Oliver J. , O’Hara John P.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Serum erythropoietin (EPO) concentration is increased following static apnoea-induced hypoxia. However, the acute erythropoietic responses to a series of dynamic apnoeas in non-divers (ND) or elite breath-hold divers (EBHD) are unknown.

Methods

Participants were stratified into EBHD (n = 8), ND (n = 10) and control (n = 8) groups. On two separate occasions, EBHD and ND performed a series of five maximal dynamic apnoeas (DYN) or two sets of five maximal static apnoeas (STA). Control performed a static eupnoeic (STE) protocol to control against any effects of water immersion and diurnal variation on EPO. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were monitored up to 30 s post each maximal effort. Blood samples were collected at 30, 90, and 180 min after each protocol for EPO, haemoglobin and haematocrit concentrations.

Results

No between group differences were observed at baseline (p > 0.05). For EBHD and ND, mean end-apnoea SpO2 was lower in DYN (EBHD, 62 ± 10%, p = 0.024; ND, 85 ± 6%; p = 0.020) than STA (EBHD, 76 ± 7%; ND, 96 ± 1%) and control (98 ± 1%) protocols. EBHD attained lower end-apnoeic SpO2 during DYN and STA than ND (p < 0.001). Serum EPO increased from baseline following the DYN protocol in EBHD only (EBHD, p < 0.001; ND, p = 0.622). EBHD EPO increased from baseline (6.85 ± 0.9mlU/mL) by 60% at 30 min (10.82 ± 2.5mlU/mL, p = 0.017) and 63% at 180 min (10.87 ± 2.1mlU/mL, p = 0.024). Serum EPO did not change after the STA (EBHD, p = 0.534; ND, p = 0.850) and STE (p = 0.056) protocols. There was a significant negative correlation (r = − 0.49, p = 0.003) between end-apnoeic SpO2 and peak post-apnoeic serum EPO concentrations.

Conclusions

The novel findings demonstrate that circulating EPO is only increased after DYN in EBHD. This may relate to the greater hypoxemia achieved by EBHD during the DYN.
The functional microscopic neuroanatomy of the human subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Alkemade Anneke , de Hollander Gilles , Miletic Steven , Keuken Max C. , Balesar Rawien , de Boer Onno , Swaab Dick F. , Forstmann Birte U.
Published: September 2019

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is successfully used as a surgical target for deep brain stimulation in the treatment of movement disorders. Interestingly, the internal structure of the STN is still incompletely understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate three-dimensional (3D) immunoreactivity patterns for 12 individual protein markers for GABA-ergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic as well as glutamatergic signaling. We analyzed the immunoreactivity using optical densities and created a 3D reconstruction of seven postmortem human STNs. Quantitative modeling of the reconstructed 3D immunoreactivity patterns revealed that the applied protein markers show a gradient distribution in the STN. These gradients were predominantly organized along the ventromedial to dorsolateral axis of the STN. The results are of particular interest in view of the theoretical underpinning for surgical targeting, which is based on a tripartite distribution of cognitive, limbic and motor function in the STN.
Comparative morphology and allometry of select extant cryptodiran turtle kidneys
Authors: Thigpen Christopher , Best Logan , Camarata Troy
Published: September 2019

Reptile, avian, and mammalian species all possess a metanephric kidney to maintain fluid homeostasis. The physiology of the kidney is intimately related to tissue organization and gross morphology, which is dependent upon organ size, animal habitat, and body plan. Reptiles have significant variations in body plan and as a result have differences in visceral organ placement and morphology. One organ that appears to show great morphological variation is the reptilian kidney found in Crocodylia, Testudines, and Squamata (Sauria and Ophidia). However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate and compare kidney morphology in reptiles and more specifically, in turtles. Here we have examined multiple cryptodiran turtle species from the families Chelydridae, Emydidae, Kinosternidae, and Trionychidae. Detailed descriptions of kidney morphology along with comparative allometry are provided. Significant differences in external renal morphology were found between and within turtle families as well as differences in scaling of kidney mass with body mass. Our study provides a foundation for understanding differences in organ development and tissue architecture as well as potential differences in physiology.
Deterministic Dynamic Matching in O(1) Update Time
Authors: Bhattacharya Sayan , Chakrabarty Deeparnab , Henzinger Monika
Published: September 2019

We consider the problems of maintaining an approximate maximum matching and an approximate minimum vertex cover in a dynamic graph undergoing a sequence of edge insertions/deletions. Starting with the seminal work of Onak and Rubinfeld (in: Proceedings of the ACM symposium on theory of computing (STOC), 2010), this problem has received significant attention in recent years. Very recently, extending the framework of Baswana et al. (in: Proceedings of the IEEE symposium on foundations of computer science (FOCS), 2011) , Solomon (in: Proceedings of the IEEE symposium on foundations of computer science (FOCS), 2016) gave a randomized dynamic algorithm for this problem that has an approximation ratio of 2 and an amortized update time of O(1) with high probability. This algorithm requires the assumption of an oblivious adversary, meaning that the future sequence of edge insertions/deletions in the graph cannot depend in any way on the algorithm’s past output. A natural way to remove the assumption on oblivious adversary is to give a deterministic dynamic algorithm for the same problem in O(1) update time. In this paper, we resolve this question. We present a new deterministic fully dynamic algorithm that maintains a O(1)-approximate minimum vertex cover and maximum fractional matching, with an amortized update time of O(1). Previously, the best deterministic algorithm for this problem was due to Bhattacharya et al. (in: Proceedings of the ACM-SIAM symposium on discrete algorithms (SODA), 2015); it had an approximation ratio of $$(2+\varepsilon )$$(2+ε) and an amortized update time of $$O(\log n/\varepsilon ^2)$$O(logn/ε2). Our result can be generalized to give a fully dynamic $$O(f^3)$$O(f3)-approximate algorithm with $$O(f^2)$$O(f2) amortized update time for the hypergraph vertex cover and fractional hypergraph matching problem, where every hyperedge has at most f vertices.
Expansion Speed as a Generic Measure of Spread for Alien Species
Authors: Sandvik Hanno
Published: September 2019

The ecological impact of alien species is a function of the area colonised. Impact assessments of alien species are thus incomplete unless they take the spatial component of invasion processes into account. This paper describes a measure, termed expansion speed, that quantifies the speed with which a species increases its spatial presence in an assessment area. It is based on the area of occupancy (AOO) and can be estimated from grid occupancies. Expansion speed is defined as the yearly increase in the radius of a coherent circle having the same area as the AOO, irrespective of whether the increase is due to natural dispersal or anthropogenic transport. Two methods for estimating expansion speed are presented: one that requires several years of spatio-temporal observation data and explicitly takes detection rates into account; and one that can be used under a situation with sparse data. Using simulations and real-world data from natural history collections, it is shown that the method provides a good fit to observational datasets. Expansion speed has several valuable properties. Being based on AOO, it is an intuitive measure; as it only requires occupancy data, it is comparatively easy to estimate; and because it is a quantitative and generic measure, it increases the testability and comparability of impact assessments of alien species.
The best wildflowers for wild bees
Authors: Nichols Rachel N. , Goulson Dave , Holland John M.
Published: September 2019

Governmental agri-environment schemes (AES) aim to improve pollinator abundance and diversity on farmland by sowing wildflower seed mixes. These often contain high proportions of Fabaceae, particularlyTrifolium(clovers), which are attractive to some bumblebee species, but not to most of the ~ 240 solitary bee species in the UK. Here we identify wildflowers that are attractive to a greater range of wild bee species. Forty-five wildflower species being farmed for commercial seed production on a single farm were surveyed for native bees. Bee walks were conducted through discrete wildflower areas from April until August in 2018. The results indicate that including a range of Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Geraniaceae in seed mixes would cater for a wide diversity of bee species. A total of 14 wildflower species across nine families attracted 37 out of the 40 bee species recorded on the farm, and accounted for 99.7% of all visitations. Only two of these 14 species are included in current AES pollinator mixes. Unexpectedly, few visits were made by bumblebees toTrifoliumspp. (0.5%), despite their being considered an important food source for bumblebees, whileAnthyllis vulnerariaandGeranium pratensewere highly attractive. For solitary bees,Crepis capillaris,Sinapsis arvensis,Convolvulus arvensisandChaerophyllum temulumwere amongst the best performing species, none of which are usually included in sown flower mixes. We suggest that the standard ‘pollinator’ mixes used in AES might be updated to include some of these wildflower species, and trialled as seed mixes on farmland.
Radionuclide extraction with different ionic liquids
Authors: Scheiflinger Florian , Habibi Marzieh , Zeynolabedini Elham , Plessl Christof , Wallner Gabriele
Published: September 2019

10 ionic liquids based on 3 different cations and 5 anions were investigated for radionuclide extraction from aqueous solutions. While uranium and 210Po were extracted with satisfying yields irrespective of the feed solution pH, 234Th, 226Ra and 210Pb extraction yields were rather low. The contact time necessary for near to complete extraction was determined as well as the conditions for successful back-extraction. The loading capacities of the ionic liquids for uranium were very high and depended on the uranyl counter-ion. From the leaching of the ionic liquids into the aqueous phase the predominant extraction mechanisms were derived.
Rhaponticin as an anti-inflammatory component of rhubarb: a minireview of the current state of the art and prospects for future research
Authors: Kolodziejczyk-Czepas Joanna , Czepas Jan
Published: September 2019

Rhaponticin (3,3′,5-trihydroxy-4′-methoxystilbene 3-O-β-d-glucoside; synonym–rhapontin), is a stilbene compound, mainly found in various species of rhubarb (RheumL.). The aglycone, rhapontigenin, is thought to be the biologically active form of rhaponticin. As a component of rhubarb, rhaponticin may be present in the human diet both in foods and dietary supplements. Although promising reports have been published on the various activities of rhaponticin (see: antioxidant, estrogenic, antithrombotic, anticancer and anti-inflammatory actions), no comprehensive review exists of its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to summarize the existing evidence of the anti-inflammatory properties of rhaponticin and provide a prospective insight into research on this stilbenoid.