bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Experience and Outcomes of Implantation of the ZSI 100 FtM Malleable Penile Implant in Transgender Men After Phalloplasty
Authors: Pigot Garry L.S. , Sigurjónsson Hannes , Ronkes Brechje , Al-Tamimi Muhammed , van der Sluis Wouter B. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
After free or pedicled flap phalloplasty, many transgender men need penile prosthesis implantation to successfully engage in penetrative sexual intercourse. Postoperative complications occur frequently. There is a choice between inflatable and malleable penile prostheses. Until recently, no prostheses were designed specifically for this population.

Aim
The aim of this study was to describe our preliminary experience with, and surgical outcomes of, implantation of the ZSI 100 FtM Malleable Penile Implant after phalloplasty in transgender men.

Methods
A retrospective chart study was conducted on surgical characteristics and postoperative complications after implantation of the ZSI Malleable Penile Implant in transgender men in 3 European centers for genital transgender surgery in Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavik.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcomes measures were surgical outcome, complications, and reason of implant failure.

Results
25 patients were retrospectively identified, with a mean age of 36 ± 9 years at implantation. The mean time between prosthesis implantation and phalloplasty was 3.6 ± 2.5 years. 10 patients previously underwent free radial forearm flap phalloplasty, 6 patients had anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty, 2 patients had superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator phalloplasty, 1 patient had groin flap phalloplasty, and 6 patients underwent combination flap phalloplasty. With a mean follow-up of 6.3 months, prosthesis explantation because of complications was performed in 8 patients (32%), because of infection (n = 3), protrusion (n = 4), or pubic pain (n = 1). In an additional 3 patients, the prosthesis was explanted due to difficulty living with the malleable prosthesis. Of those with the prosthesis in place, 13 of 14 patients (93%) were able to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse.

Clinical Implications
The current article provides advantages and disadvantages of this medical device.

Strength & Limitations
This is the first study on the ZSI Malleable Penile Implant prostheses in this patient group. It also provides information on the use of malleable prostheses; whereas current literature predominantly focusses on inflatable devices. Limitations comprise the small patient population, short follow-up time, and retrospective nature of the study.

Conclusion
Complication rates of the ZSI Malleable Penile Implant prosthesis seem high at the start of the learning curve. Although designed specifically for the transgender community, not all transgender patients will be eligible for this type of prosthesis. Patients need to be well counseled on specific (dis)advantages of the prosthesis.
Age and Sex Are Strongly Correlated to the Rate and Type of Mountain Injuries Requiring Search and Rescue Missions
Authors: Amarowicz Jaroslaw , Kumorek Anna , Boczon Kamila 
Published: November 2019

Introduction Because of the growing popularity of mountain tourism, the number of injuries related to mountain activities has increased rapidly. The regional volunteer search and rescue team (Tatra mountain rescue team [MRT], Poland) anticipates future increases in injuries and accidents. Methods An analysis was performed on Tatra MRT incident reports for the years 2012 through 2013. These reports include information on the mechanism of injury, weather conditions, and demographic data of the injured tourists. The data were provided by the operation supervisor of each search and rescue mission. The study group consisted of 844 reports (median age 37 y, range 18–90 y). The analysis was designed to determine whether features such as age and sex of the injured tourist were correlated to the injury mechanisms (as identified by the rescuers) or their National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics − International Committee for Alpine Rescue (NACA ICAR) score. Results Our study of the Tatra MRT data revealed that age and sex are risk factors for the rate and severity of injuries in the mountain environment. Injured men were more likely to require resource-intensive search and rescue missions and usually had a worse NACA ICAR score ( P = 0.041). The age analysis showed that older people are more likely to sustain a serious injury (3–7 NACA ICAR score). However, the most common rescue scenario involved younger males (20–40 y) at a higher altitude (>1500 m, P < 0.001). Conclusions Sex and age are associated with the mechanisms and severity of injuries in the mountain environment. They should be considered in the development of appropriate prevention and response programs. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.
How graph technology can map patterns to mitigate money-laundering risk
Authors: Eifrem Emil 
Published: November 2019

The estimated amount of money laundered illegally worldwide is a staggering $800bn-$2tr. This equates to as much as 5% of global GDP, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 1 And the problem is growing thanks to digitisation, which has made it easier and faster to move money around. Money laundering is a growing problem. Criminals are getting more sophisticated, making eradicating this issue ever-more complex and challenging. The problem is that most tools for dealing with money laundering focus on discrete data. This makes it difficult to spot the shared characteristics that are typical of money-laundering networks. But graph technology has the power to mine the truth from data to help you quickly pinpoint potential areas of concern, explains Neo4j's Emil Eifrem.
Could SOAR save skills-short SOCs?
Authors: Brewer Ross 
Published: November 2019

Over the past year or so it's becoming clear that, when it comes to a cyber breach, it's no longer a matter of if it will happen, but when. With threats coming in thick and fast, organisations, and the cyber security professionals in their employ, are increasingly struggling to resist each and every threat; and they know it. A 2018 CyberEdge survey revealed that 77% of respondent organisations were compromised during the 12 months ahead of the study. 1 With a skills shortage and working with tight budgets, security operations centres (SOCs) are struggling with limited resources. The problems faced by SOCs need a solution, and embedded security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) promises to be just that. A SOAR approach automates a lot of the mundane tasks usually undertaken by SOCs. By reducing the day-to-day workload through improved intelligence and reporting, streamlined workflows and playbooks for automated response actions, SOAR can enable cyber security professionals to put their talents and knowledge to better use, explains Ross Brewer of LogRhythm.
Brivaracetam: First Canadian Experience in an Intractable Epilepsy Population
Authors: Lafortune Jeanne , Deacon Charles , Clément Jean-François 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT:Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) in a refractory epilepsy population in an outpatient clinical setting.Methods:Retrospective medical information system review and self-report questionnaire for all patients treated with BRV until the end of 2017.Results:Thirty-eight patients were included, 73.7% female and mean age 36.2. The mean number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for previous use was 8.9, and for current use was 2.5. Mean seizure frequency in the last 3 months was 12 per month. At 3, 6, 12, and 15 months, the 50% responder rates were 36.1%, 32%, 41.2%, and 45.5%, respectively. Patients took BRV for a median duration of 8.25 months, ranging from 7 days to 60 months. Retention rate was 75.0%, 72.0%, 59.2%, and 47.9% at 3, 6, 12, and 15 months, respectively. Overall, the main reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (AEs) (52.3%), lack of efficacy (35.3%), or both (11.8%). The rate of total AEs was 60.5% according to medical records and 85.7% according to questionnaire, including mostly tiredness, psychiatric, and memory complaints. Psychiatric side effects occurred in 31.6% according to medical records and 47.4% according to questionnaire results, which is higher than previously reported and persisted throughout the study period.Conclusions:BRV appears to be a useful and safe add-on treatment, even in a very refractory group of patients. In this real-life clinical setting, psychiatric AEs were found at a higher rate than previously published.
Matrix Diffusion in Fractured Media: New Insights Into Power Law Scaling of Breakthrough Curves
Authors: Hyman Jeffrey D. , Rajaram Harihar , Srinivasan Shriram , Makedonska Nataliia , Karra Satish , Viswanathan Hari , Srinivasan Gowri 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe develop a theoretical model for power law tailing behavior of transport in fractured rock based on the relative dominance of the decay rate of the advective travel time distribution, modeled using a Pareto distribution (with tail decaying as ∼ time−(1+α)), versus matrix diffusion, modeled using a Lévy distribution. The theory predicts that when the advective travel time distribution decays sufficiently slowly (α<1), the late‐time decay rate of the breakthrough curve is −(1+α/2) rather than the classical −3/2. However, if α>1, the −3/2 decay rate is recovered. For weak matrix diffusion or short advective first breakthrough times, we identify an early‐time regime where the breakthrough curve follows the Pareto distribution, before transitioning to the late‐time decay rate. The theoretical predictions are validated against particle tracking simulations in the three‐dimensional discrete fracture network simulator dfnWorks, where matrix diffusion is incorporated using a time domain random walk.
The role of mechanotransduction versus hypoxia during simulated orthodontic compressive strain—an in vitro study of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Ullrich Niklas , Schröder Agnes , Jantsch Jonathan , Spanier Gerrit , Proff Peter , Kirschneck Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDuring orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) mechanical forces trigger pseudo-inflammatory, osteoclastogenic and remodelling processes in the periodontal ligament (PDL) that are mediated by PDL fibroblasts via the expression of various signalling molecules. Thus far, it is unknown whether these processes are mainly induced by mechanical cellular deformation (mechanotransduction) or by concomitant hypoxic conditions via the compression of periodontal blood vessels. Human primary PDL fibroblasts were randomly seeded in conventional six-well cell culture plates with O2-impermeable polystyrene membranes and in special plates with gas-permeable membranes (Lumox®, Sarstedt), enabling the experimental separation of mechanotransducive and hypoxic effects that occur concomitantly during OTM. To simulate physiological orthodontic compressive forces, PDL fibroblasts were stimulated mechanically at 2 g·cm−2for 48 h after 24 h of pre-incubation. We quantified the cell viability by MTT assay, gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and protein expression by western blot/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In addition, PDL-fibroblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis (TRAP+cells) was measured in a 72-h coculture with RAW264.7 cells. The expression of HIF-1α, COX-2, PGE2, VEGF, COL1A2, collagen and ALPL, and the RANKL/OPG ratios at the mRNA/protein levels during PDL-fibroblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis were significantly elevated by mechanical loading irrespective of the oxygen supply, whereas hypoxic conditions had no significant additional effects. The cellular–molecular mediation of OTM by PDL fibroblasts via the expression of various signalling molecules is expected to be predominantly controlled by the application of force (mechanotransduction), whereas hypoxic effects seem to play only a minor role. In the context of OTM, the hypoxic marker HIF-1α does not appear to be primarily stabilized by a reduced O2supply but is rather stabilised mechanically.
The Eighty Five Percent Rule for optimal learning
Authors: Wilson Robert C. , Shenhav Amitai , Straccia Mark , Cohen Jonathan D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractResearchers and educators have long wrestled with the question of how best to teach their clients be they humans, non-human animals or machines. Here, we examine the role of a single variable, the difficulty of training, on the rate of learning. In many situations we find that there is a sweet spot in which training is neither too easy nor too hard, and where learning progresses most quickly. We derive conditions for this sweet spot for a broad class of learning algorithms in the context of binary classification tasks. For all of these stochastic gradient-descent based learning algorithms, we find that the optimal error rate for training is around 15.87% or, conversely, that the optimal training accuracy is about 85%. We demonstrate the efficacy of this ‘Eighty Five Percent Rule’ for artificial neural networks used in AI and biologically plausible neural networks thought to describe animal learning.
Factors influencing quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Xiaomeng , van Galen Louise Sandra , Koh Mark Jean Aan , Bajpai Ram , Thng Steven , Yew Yik Weng , Ho Valerie Pui Yoong , Alagappan Uma , Järbrink Krister Sven Ake , Car Josip 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBetter understanding of atopic dermatitis’ effect on quality of life could enhance current management and therapeutic strategies. Studies investigating factors related to the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers are limited. This cross-sectional study included 559 children (<16 years) with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers. Disease severity was associated with infants’ HRQOL (moderate: IRR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.20–1.67; severe: IRR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.32–2.24). Age and disease severity were associated with children’s HRQOL (age: IRR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00; moderate: IRR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14). Quality of life subdomains itching/scratching, emotional distress and sleep disturbance were most reported and increased with higher disease severity. Both caregivers’ mental and physical health were negatively affected by children’s HRQOL (physical: IRR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00; mental: IRR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99). Sociodemographic characteristics (gender, ethnicity, educational attainment of carers, number of children) did not demonstrate significance in children’s HRQOL model. In conclusion, current atopic dermatitis diagnostics and treatment have to be extended to the factors influencing both children’ as their caregivers’ quality of life and adapting management accordingly. Itching/scratching, emotional distress and sleep disturbance deserve attention. Sociodemographic characteristics in children’s HRQOL models also merit attention in further research.
Evaluation of Tellurium as a Fuel Additive in Neodymium-Containing U-Zr Metallic Fuel
Authors: Jerred Nathan D. , Khanal Rabi , Benson Michael T. , Perez Emmanuel , King James A. , Dubey Megha , Burns Jatuporn , Charit Indrajit , Choudhury Samrat , Mariani Robert D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPhase-stability in a U-Zr-Te-Nd multi-component metallic fuel for advanced nuclear reactors is systematically investigated by taking into account binary, ternary and quaternary interactions between elements involved. Historically, the onset of fuel-cladding chemical interactions (FCCI) greatly limits the burnup potential of U-Zr fuels primarily due to interactions between lanthanide fission products and cladding constituents. Tellurium (Te) is evaluated as a potential additive for U-Zr fuels to bind with lanthanide fission products, e.g. neodymium (Nd), negating or mitigating the FCCI effect. Potential fresh fuel alloy compositions with the Te additive, U-Zr-Te, are characterized. Te is found to completely bind with Zr within the U-Zr matrix. Alloys simulating the formation of the lanthanide element Nd within U-Zr-Te are also evaluated, where the Te-Nd binary interaction dominates and NdTe is found to form as a high temperature stable compound. The experimental observations agree well with the trends obtained from density functional theory calculations. According to the calculated enthalpy of mixing, Zr-Te compound formation is favored in the U-Zr-Te alloy whereas NdTe compound formation is favored in the U-Zr-Te-Nd alloy. Further, the calculated charge density distribution and density of states provide sound understanding of the mutual chemical interactions between elements and phase-stability within the multi-component fuel.
Using Machine Learning to Uncover Hidden Heterogeneities in Survey Data
Authors: Ramirez Christina M. , Abrajano Marisa A. , Alvarez R. Michael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSurvey responses in public health surveys are heterogeneous. The quality of a respondent’s answers depends on many factors, including cognitive abilities, interview context, and whether the interview is in person or self-administered. A largely unexplored issue is how the language used for public health survey interviews is associated with the survey response. We introduce a machine learning approach, Fuzzy Forests, which we use for model selection. We use the 2013 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) as our training sample and the 2014 CHIS as the test sample. We found that non-English language survey responses differ substantially from English responses in reported health outcomes. We also found heterogeneity among the Asian languages suggesting that caution should be used when interpreting results that compare across these languages. The 2013 Fuzzy Forests model also correctly predicted 86% of good health outcomes using 2014 data as the test set. We show that the Fuzzy Forests methodology is potentially useful for screening for and understanding other types of survey response heterogeneity. This is especially true in high-dimensional and complex surveys.
The expression and role of TRPV2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kudou Michihiro , Shiozaki Atsushi , Yamazato Yuzo , Katsurahara Keita , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Shoda Katsutoshi , Arita Tomohiro , Konishi Hirotaka , Komatsu Shuhei , Kubota Takeshi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Konishi Eiichi , Marunaka Yoshinori , Otsuji Eigo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackground: Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) was recently shown to be involved in migrant potentials. The present study aimed to investigate its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Knockdown experiments were conducted using TRPV2 siRNA in human ESCC cell lines, and anti-tumor effects were analyzed. The gene expression profiles of cells were analyzed using a microarray method. An immunohistochemical staining was performed on 62 primary tumor samples. Results: TRPV2 overexpression was observed in TE15 and KYSE170 cells. TRPV2 depletion suppressed proliferation, cell cycle progression, and invasion/migration ability, and induced apoptosis. A pathway analysis of microarray data showed that TRPV2 depletion down-regulated WNT/β-catenin signaling-related genes and basal cell carcinoma signaling-related genes. The suppression of tumor functions, such as proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, was predicted in the ontology analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a correlation between strong TRPV2 expression and a poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Conclusion: The present results suggest that TRPV2 regulates cancer progression by affecting WNT/β-catenin or basal cell carcinoma signaling, and that TRPV2 strong expression is associated with a worse prognosis in ESCC patients. These results provide an insight into the role of TRPV2 as a novel therapeutic target or biomarker for ESCC.
Frequency of extreme precipitation increases extensively with event rareness under global warming
Authors: Myhre G. , Alterskjær K. , Stjern C. W. , Hodnebrog Ø. , Marelle L. , Samset B. H. , Sillmann J. , Schaller N. , Fischer E. , Schulz M. , Stohl A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe intensity of the heaviest extreme precipitation events is known to increase with global warming. How often such events occur in a warmer world is however less well established, and the combined effect of changes in frequency and intensity on the total amount of rain falling as extreme precipitation is much less explored, in spite of potentially large societal impacts. Here, we employ observations and climate model simulations to document strong increases in the frequencies of extreme precipitation events occurring on decadal timescales. Based on observations we find that the total precipitation from these intense events almost doubles per degree of warming, mainly due to changes in frequency, while the intensity changes are relatively weak, in accordance to previous studies. This shift towards stronger total precipitation from extreme events is seen in observations and climate models, and increases with the strength – and hence the rareness – of the event. Based on these results, we project that if historical trends continue, the most intense precipitation events observed today are likely to almost double in occurrence for each degree of further global warming. Changes to extreme precipitation of this magnitude are dramatically stronger than the more widely communicated changes to global mean precipitation.
Early evening light mitigates sleep compromising physiological and alerting responses to subsequent late evening light
Authors: te Kulve Marije , Schlangen Luc J. M. , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe widespread use of electric light and electronic devices has resulted in an excessive exposure to light during the late-evening and at night. This late light exposure acutely suppresses melatonin and sleepiness and delays the circadian clock. Here we investigate whether the acute effects of late-evening light exposure on our physiology and sleepiness are reduced when this light exposure is preceded by early evening bright light. Twelve healthy young females were included in a randomised crossover study. All participants underwent three evening (18:30-00:30) sessions during which melatonin, subjective sleepiness, body temperature and skin blood flow were measured under different light conditions: (A) dim light, (B) dim light with a late-evening (22:30-23:30) light exposure of 750 lx, 4000 K, and (C) the same late-evening light exposure, but now preceded by early-evening bright light exposure (18.30-21.00; 1200 lx, 4000 K). Late-evening light exposure reduced melatonin levels and subjective sleepiness and resulted in larger skin temperature gradients as compared to dim. Interestingly, these effects were reduced when the late-evening light was preceded by an early evening 2.5-hour bright light exposure. Thus daytime and early-evening exposure to bright light can mitigate some of the sleep-disruptive consequences of light exposure in the later evening.