bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition Metal‐Free Regioselective Remote C−H Bond 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethoxylation of 8‐Aminoquinoline Derivatives at the C5 Position
Authors: Ruyet Louise , Poisson Thomas , Besset Tatiana
Published: May 2021

The regioselective 2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxylation at the C5 position of amides derived from the 8‐aminoquinoline has been developed. In the presence of PIDA, an unprecedented and undirected transition metal‐free transformation was achieved using the readily available and appealing 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol as the fluorinated source. The selective distal 2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxylation of an array of amides was achieved in moderate to good yields (12 examples, up to 61 % yield). This approach provided efficient access to high‐value added fluorinated quinoline derivatives, key building blocks for bulk and fine chemical industry.
Au/In2O3 Nanocubes Based Label‐free Aptasensor for Ultrasensitive and Rapid Recognition of Cardiac Troponin I
Authors: Xu Weijia , Liu Tao , Wang Yiqing , Zhang Wei , Yao Xiaoyue , Hou Bailing , Xie Ying , Chu Zhenyu , Jin Wanqin
Published: May 2021

Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) is a preferred biomarker to diagnose acute myocardial infarction which is one of the leading risks to health globally due to its short term. However, clinical analyzers are difficult to achieve its on‐site quantitative detection. A novel label‐free aptasensor was constructed to realize ultrasensitive and rapid recognition of cTnI. A nanocubic AuNPs/In2O3 composite was designed to provide synergistic effects of abundant active sites and signal magnification for aptamers grafting. Relying on a conductance‐dependence strategy, this aptasensor can achieve the quantitative detection within 10 min, which is much faster than state‐of‐the‐art analyzers, as well as exhibiting an ultrawide linear range of 0.1–1000 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 0.06 ng/mL with an excellent selectivity in the analysis of human serum.
Tumor‐stroma ratio is associated with Miller‐Payne score and pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2‐negative early breast cancer
Authors: Hagenaars Sophie C. , de Groot Stefanie , Cohen Danielle , Dekker Tim J. A. , Charehbili Ayoub , Meershoek‐Klein Kranenbarg Elma , Duijm‐de Carpentier Marjolijn , Pijl Hanno , Putter Hein , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Kroep Judith R. , Mesker Wilma E. ,   Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG)
Published: May 2021

The tumor‐stroma ratio (TSR) has proven to be a strong prognostic factor in breast cancer, demonstrating better survival for patients with stroma‐low tumors. Since the role of the TSR as a predictive marker for neoadjuvant chemotherapy outcome is yet unknown, this association was evaluated for HER2‐negative breast cancer in the prospective DIRECT and NEOZOTAC trials. The TSR was assessed on 375 hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of pre‐treatment biopsies. Associations between the TSR and chemotherapy response according to the Miller‐Payne (MP) grading system, and between the TSR and pathological response were examined using Pearson's chi‐square, Cochran‐Armitage test for trend and regression analyses. A stroma‐low tumor prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly associated with a higher MP score (P = .005). This relationship remained significant in the estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative subgroup (P = .047). The univariable odds ratio (OR) of a stroma‐low tumor on pathological complete response (pCR) was 2.46 (95% CI 1.34‐4.51, P = .004), which attenuated to 1.90 (95% CI 0.85‐4.25, P = .119) after adjustment for relevant prognostic factors. Subgroup analyses revealed an OR of 5.91 in univariable analyses for ER‐negativity (95% CI 1.19‐29.48, P = .030) and 1.48 for ER‐positivity (95% CI 0.73‐3.01, P = .281). In conclusion, a low amount of stroma on pre‐treatment biopsies is associated with a higher MP score and pCR rate. Therefore, the TSR is a promising biomarker in predicting neoadjuvant treatment outcome. Incorporating this parameter in routine pathological diagnostics could be worthwhile to prevent overtreatment and undertreatment.
Promoting endogenous repair of skeletal muscle using regenerative biomaterials
Authors: Carleton Miranda M. , Sefton Michael V.
Published: May 2021

Skeletal muscles normally have a remarkable ability to repair themselves; however, large muscle injuries and several myopathies diminish this ability leading to permanent loss of function. No clinical therapy yet exists that reliably restores muscle integrity and function following severe injury. Consequently, numerous tissue engineering techniques, both acellular and with cells, are being investigated to enhance muscle regeneration. Biomaterials are an essential part of these techniques as they can present physical and biochemical signals that augment the repair process. Successful tissue engineering strategies require regenerative biomaterials that either actively promote endogenous muscle repair or create an environment supportive of regeneration. This review will discuss several acellular biomaterial strategies for skeletal muscle regeneration with a focus on those under investigation in vivo. This includes materials that release bioactive molecules, biomimetic materials and immunomodulatory materials.
Mucosal defect closure after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection using the reopenable‐clip over the line method
Authors: Nomura Tatsuma , Sugimoto Shinya , Tsuda Nobuyuki , Matsushima Ryutaro , Oyamada Jun , Kamei Akira
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Closure of mucosal defects after duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is important to prevent postoperative adverse events. Previously, we devised an underwater reopenable‐clip closure method for effective closure of mucosal defects under endoscopic guidance within the field of view. Recently, the usefulness of a method using a clip with a line passing through an accessory channel to close a mucosal defect has been reported. We also described a reopenable‐clip over the line method (ROLM) to completely close margin and the muscular layers of mucosal defects using a clip line.

Case Report

Our patient was a 70‐year‐old woman with a 40‐mm duodenal tumor in the descending portion of the duodenum. The lesion was completely resected using ESD . In the result, the mucosal defect size was approximately 50 mm, representing about 3/4 of the duodenal circumference. A clip‐line closure was performed using ROLM to close the mucosal defect's margins completely. An additional clip was applied to close the mucosal defect after ESD completely. Subsequently, the line was fixed with a modified locking‐clip technique, closed, and cut with endoscopic scissors. The patient was discharged without any adverse events 9 days after the duodenal ESD.

Discussion

Mucosal defect closure after duodenal ESD using ROLM is a novel method that can reliably close mucosal defects.
Periodontal ligament stem cells in the periodontitis niche: inseparable interactions and mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Deng Mengting , Hao Meng , Tang Jianxia
Published: May 2021

Periodontitis is characterized by the periodontium's pathologic destruction due to the host's overwhelmed inflammation to the dental plaque. The bacterial infections and subsequent host immune responses have shaped a distinct microenvironment, which generally affects resident periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Interestingly, recent studies have revealed that impaired PDLSCs may also contribute to the disturbance of periodontal homeostasis. The putative vicious circle underlying the interesting “positive feedback” of PDLSCs in the periodontitis niche remains a hot research topic, whereas the inseparable interactions between resident PDLSCs and the periodontitis niche are still not fully understood. This review provides a microscopic view on the periodontitis progression, especially the quick but delicate immune responses to oral dysbacterial infections. We also summarize the interesting crosstalk of the resident PDLSCs with their surrounding periodontitis niche and potential mechanisms. Particularly, the microenvironment reduces the osteogenic properties of resident PDLSCs, which are closely related to their reparative activity. Reciprocally, these impaired PDLSCs may disrupt the microenvironment by aggravating the host immune responses, promoting aberrant angiogenesis, and facilitating the osteoclastic activity. We further recommend that more in-depth studies are required to elucidate the interactions of PDLSCs with the periodontal microenvironment and provide novel interventions for periodontitis.
Prior immunosuppressive therapy is associated with mortality in COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective study of 835 patients
Authors: Akama‐Garren Elliot H. , Li Jonathan X.
Published: May 2021

Though it is widely believed that chronic immunosuppressive medications increase the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) illness, there is little data to support this. We performed a retrospective study of COVID‐19 positive patients diagnosed at a single academic medical center between March 10, 2020 and October 13, 2020. A total of 835 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 by polymerase chain reaction were included (median age 64 years; 52% female). Of these, 46 (5.5%) had a prescription for an immunosuppressive therapy before diagnosis, most commonly oral steroids (20, 43%), mycophenolate (12, 26%), or tacrolimus (11, 24%). Patients on immunosuppressive therapy with COVID‐19 had increased mortality (30% vs. 17%, p = 0.036; odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.11–4.04), which remained significant (p = 0.040) after performing multivariate logistic regression controlling for gender, age, race, and comorbidity status. Laboratory markers of inflammation were uniformly elevated in both patients on or not on immunosuppressive therapies who died, but lymphocytes and neutrophils were decreased in both COVID‐19 patients on immunosuppressive therapies who died and who remained alive. These findings demonstrate that COVID‐19 disease is more severe in patients taking prior immunosuppressive medications. This finding emphasizes the need for aggressive monitoring and supportive care for immunosuppressed patients who are diagnosed with COVID‐19.
Preparation of two amide‐bonded stationary phases and comparative evaluation under mixed‐mode chromatography
Authors: Hosseini Elham Sadat , Tabar Heydar Kourosh
Published: May 2021

In this work, the conventional reactions were used to functionalize the silica surface with amide and hydrocarbon chain groups affording two different mixed‐mode stationary phases (Sil‐amide‐C11 and Sil‐C12‐amide). The prepared stationary phases were analyzed by elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The retention of benzene, phenol, pyridine, and aniline was investigated and compared with synthesized and commercial columns, and this led to prove the existence of different interactions on the synthesized stationary phases. The mixed‐mode stationary phases showed multiple interactions, and different chromatography modes were found under distinct chromatographic conditions. According to the type of amide group (either free or within the hydrocarbon chain), different interactions can be made on the columns. The alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as nonpolar hydrocarbons, were chromatographed under reversed‐phase liquid chromatography modes, in which amide groups on the silica could efficiently separate polar analytes under hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mode in both prepared stationary phases. The performance of the columns was compared by the separation of the carboxylic acid group and biological samples. The bonding method and the type of amide group showed different interactions leading to different separation and performance.
Soaking plasma processed chickpea (Cicer arientinum) cultivars
Authors: Pathan Fayaj L. , Deshmukh Rajendra R. , Annapure Uday S.
Published: May 2021

Cold plasma processing has been marched toward becoming one of the proven techno alternatives to thermal food preservation. It was found effective to cause positive alterations in the surface properties of food by etching. The effect of low‐pressure cold plasma on the percent moisture absorption of six chickpea cultivars, namely, Kripa, Virat, Vishal, Vijay, Digvijay, and Rajas, was studied. For plasma treatment, low‐pressure glow discharge plasma with bell‐jar symmetry was employed. The samples were treated with plasma at 40, 50, and 60 W each for 10, 15, and 20 min. These were soaked in distilled water and 1% sodium bicarbonate solution at room temperature for 8 h. The percent moisture absorption changed significantly (p < 0.05) with an increase in plasma power and treatment time. Kripa had the highest percent moisture absorption (102.07 ± 0.28) and (103.31 ± 0.68) at 60 W 20‐min treatment while Rajas had the lowest percent moisture absorption (78.57 ± 0.81) and (79.44 ± 0.26) at 40 W and 10‐min treatment in distilled water and 1% sodium bicarbonate solution soaking, respectively. The samples treated for 20 min with power 60 W showed higher moisture absorption for all the chickpea cultivars. The percent moisture absorption in control samples soaked in 1% sodium bicarbonate solution was higher than in distilled water. The same pattern did not repeat in the plasma‐treated samples. The findings in this research will be useful for designing the soaking process for different cultivars of plasma‐treated legumes.
A new representation of the extendedk‐gamma function with applications
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa
Published: May 2021

In this study, a new series representation of the extendedk‐gamma function is investigated. A new representation expresses this function as an infinite sum of delta functions. Several researchers have examined this family of functions, but no study has been conducted dealing with the fractional kinetic equation. A new representation proves useful to solve the fractional kinetic equation involving an extendedk‐gamma function. Particular cases involving the original gamma function are discussed as corollaries. Such an application of the gamma function is not possible by using known representations; nevertheless, using this representation, new fractional transform formulae are evaluated. A new representation is also worthwhile to compute new integrals of products of the extendedk‐gamma functions, proving to be reliable with known identities. Several distributional properties of the extendedk‐gamma function are also discussed using Fourier transform.
On a nonlinear fractional Rayleigh–Stokes equation associated with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Long Le Dinh , O'Regan Donal , Luc Nguyen Hoang
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study a fractional nonlinear Rayleigh–Stokes problem with nonlocal conditions. Existence, uniqueness, and regularity of the mild solution of the problem are investigated in some appropriate spaces. Furthermore, when the parameter goes to zero, we consider the convergence of the mild solution. Our analysis relies on Banach's fixed point theorem.
Incorporating Batch Mark–Recapture Data into an Integrated Population Model of Brown Trout
Authors: Doll Jason C. , Wood Chris J. , Goodfred David W. , Rash Jacob M.
Published: May 2021

Brown Trout Salmo trutta are a popular sport fish, and numerous populations that are unable to successfully reproduce are maintained with supplemental stockings in waters with habitat that can support individual survival (e.g., appropriate thermal refuge). Long-term management of these populations requires understanding of their population dynamics to determine harvest restrictions and stocking rates. The objective of this research was to describe population dynamics of a tailrace Brown Trout fishery using an integrated population model (IPM) that incorporates monitoring data and low-cost batch mark–recapture data. Further, we evaluated the relationship between water temperature and survival. We hypothesized that annual survival would be lower at high water temperature. Additionally, we used the IPM to project the Brown Trout population based on two different management scenarios (no minimum length limit with seven-fish bag limit and 356-mm-TL minimum length limit with two-fish bag limit). Management outcomes explored include total population size, age frequencies, and length indices. The results of this study suggested that recreational harvest and water temperature were the two main factors influencing the Brown Trout population. Water temperature was found to be a major factor in determining survival of Brown Trout. Simulations under various minimum length limits indicated the minimum length limit of 356 mm TL and a two-fish bag limit will substantially increase the population size but with a reduction in length indices. Integrated population models have been applied historically to large systems with significant amounts of data. Estimates of survival and detection are important components of an IPM; to our knowledge, the IPM used here is the first to integrate batch mark–recapture data to estimate these key parameters. The data and modeling approach used here demonstrate the value of using novel statistical methods to make the most efficient use of low-cost survey data.
N‐alkoxyamine‐containing macromolecular intumescent flame‐retardant‐decorated ZrP nanosheet and their synergism in flame‐retarding polypropylene
Authors: Chen Yishen , Li Jiaxin , Lai Xuejun , Li Hongqiang , Zeng Xingrong
Published: May 2021

High‐efficiency macromolecular intumescent flame retardant (MIFR) is urgently demanded but of great challenge. In this work, a novel N‐alkoxyamine‐containing MIFR‐decorated zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanosheet (denoted as RQMIFR‐ZrP) was synthesized and combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to endowed polypropylene (PP) with excellent flame retardancy. With the addition of 6.3 wt% RQMIFR‐ZrP and 18.7 wt% APP, PP classed a UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a high LOI value of 39.5%. Moreover, the peak heat release rate, the total heat release, the peak of CO production, and the peak of CO2 production of PP/RQMIFR‐ZrP/APP decreased by 94.0%, 83.2%, 91.3%, and 91.7%, respectively. It revealed that RQMIFR‐ZrP not only generated nitroxyl radicals (NO•) to suppress the chain degradation of PP but also promoted to form high‐quality intumescent char layers with the catalytic carbonization and layered barrier effect of ZrP nanosheet, which effectively prevented PP from burning. This work provides a new approach to preparing high‐performance flame‐retardant polymer.
Polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/cellulose nanocrystal ternary blend nanocomposites: Effects of different parameters on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Faraj Nejad Shaghayegh , Jafari Maryam , Paydayesh Azin
Published: May 2021

In the present study, the effect of dynamic vulcanization, mixing sequence, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) content on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer (PP/EPDM/CNC) ternary blend‐nanocomposites was investigated. Significant reduction in tensile and yield strengths occurred for the un‐vulcanized PP/EPDM blend compared to PP. Vulcanization and adding CNC have compensated for the decrease in tensile and yield strengths of the un‐vulcanized blend. The tensile and yield strengths of the vulcanized samples had almost a slight uptrend by adding CNC. Elongation at break for both nanocomposites types had slight changes compared to that of PP/EPDM‐thermoplastic vulcanizates and all of them were approximately in the range of 600%–700%. Adding CNC before or after vulcanization had the same effect on the trend of Young's modulus and the higher the amount of CNC, the greater the increase in Young's modulus. Incorporating and increasing the amount of CNC improved the impact strength of all samples, especially when added after vulcanization. Rheological measurements showed that vulcanization of PP/EPDM resulted in frequency independence of storage modulus and a more sharp increment in Complex viscosity. Also, the more CNC content, the more dramatic changes occurred in complex viscosity, especially in DV‐CNC nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that all samples had higher crystallinity which was more significant for Dynamic vulcanization (DV)‐CNC nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscope images also indicated that the addition of CNC increased fracture surface roughness for all samples ignoring their preparation sequence.
Pediatric pulmonology year in review 2020: Physiology
Authors: Delecaris Angela O. , Averill Samantha H. , Krasinkiewicz Jonathan , Saunders Jessica L. , Ren Clement L.
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary physiology is a core element of pediatric pulmonology care and research. This article reviews some of the notable publications in physiology that were published in Pediatric Pulmonology in 2020.
Successful development and implementation of a practical proactive resistance management plan for Bt cotton in Australia
Authors: Knight Kristen M , Head Graham P , Rogers D John
Published: May 2021

This article describes the design and > 20 years of effective implementation of a proactive resistance‐management plan for transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton that targets Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) in Australia, considering pest biology and ecology, insights from resistance‐evolution modelling, and the importance of the human component to effective implementation. This is placed in the context of processes associated with adaptive resource management. Bt cotton has provided Australian cotton growers with technology to manage Helicoverpa species that previously challenged the industry's viability, while at the same time resulting in no detectable changes in the resistance allele frequency in field populations of either Helicoverpa species in eastern Australia. This is the most long‐lived and successful global example of a proactive resistance management plan for an insect pest. Six key learnings important to the successful development and implementation of a proactive transgenic‐crop resistance management plan are: the programme has to have a strong science base; there has to be broad stakeholder support at all levels; there has to be a strong implementation programme; the plan needs to be supported by auditing and enforced remediation of deviations from the mandated resistance management plan; A programme of rigorous and on‐going resistance allele monitoring; an attitude of continuous improvement for all aspects of the resistance management plan. The lessons learnt from the deployment of Bt cotton in Australia are relevant globally and provide important guidelines for the deployment of transgenic crops for insect control wherever they are grown. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
TheHydroEcoSedimentarytool: An integrated approach to characterise interstitial hydro‐sedimentary and associated ecological processes
Authors: Casas‐Mulet Roser , Pander Joachim , Prietzel Maximilian , Geist Juergen
Published: May 2021

Increased deposition of fine sediments in rivers and streams affects a range of key ecosystem processes across the sediment–water interface, and it is a critical aspect of river habitat degradation and restoration. Understanding the mechanisms leading to fine sediment accumulation along and across streambeds and their effect on ecological processes is essential for comprehending human impacts on river ecosystems and informing river restoration. Here, we introduce the HydroEcoSedimentary tool (HEST) as an integrated approach to assess hydro‐sedimentary and ecologically relevant processes together. The HEST integrates the estimation of sedimentary processes in the interstitial zone, as well as hydraulic, geochemical and ecological assessments, with a focus on brown trout early life stages. Compared to other methods, the HEST expands the possibilities to monitor and quantify fine sediment deposition in streambeds by differentiating between vertical, lateral and longitudinal infiltration pathways, and distinguishing between the depth (upper vs. lower layers) at which interstitial processes occur within the sediment column. By testing the method in two rivers with different degrees of morphological degradation, we detail the possible measurements and uses of the HEST, demonstrate its feasibility and discuss its reliability.
Sustainable urban development: Can the balanced scorecard contribute to the strategic management of sustainable cities?
Authors: da Silva Neiva Samara , Prasath Ramaswamy Arun , de Amorim Wellyngton Silva , de Andrade Lima Mauricio , Barbosa Samuel Borges , Ribeiro João Marcelo Pereira , Ceci Flávio , Schneider Jonas , Deggau André Borchardt , de Andrade Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório
Published: May 2021

This article aims to present, adapt, and propose the use of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a tool to support strategic management for sustainable cities. To achieve this goal, publications and 27 sustainable cities projects were also consulted, through project reports and programs from the cities themselves on the topic were consulted. A text mining analysis was applied to the results obtained in this literature review to find the main factors related to sustainable cities. To evaluate the findings of this first stage, consultations with specialists were carried out, specifically to assess the main factors. Based on the previous steps, and based on the original BSC, an adaptation of the tool was proposed, where its structure was changed to meet the needs of the strategic management of sustainable cities. It was concluded that creating a sustainable city requires understanding the difficulties faced by urban center managers with the implementation and management of institutional sustainable development practices. The BSC for sustainable cities can assist as a viable management strategic tool to more efficient use of resources in order to develop sustainable cities.
Beyond the “Core”: Preparing Art Educators to Meet the Needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
Authors: Tigert Johanna M. , Leider Christine Montecillo
Published: May 2021

Classrooms in English‐dominant countries are increasingly multilingual spaces, and research has called for teacher preparation to focus more specifically on the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners. Indeed, efforts have been made to better train pre‐ and in‐service teachers of math, social science, English language arts, and sciences to work with CLD learners. However, we argue that concentrating efforts only in the core content areas is too limited an approach. Specifically, we take the stance that this narrow focus ignores issues of CLD students’ access to arts education (e.g., art, music, dance, theatre, etc.) and also diminishes the value and depth of both the content and language of the arts. In this article, we discuss the need for all teachers to be prepared to support CLD students, describe culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy as a framework for developing art teacher competence, and offer suggestions for policy and practice in pre‐ and in‐service art teacher education.
EDXRF, FTIR, and XRD characterization of low calcium oxalate urinary stones collected from arid area
Authors: Shaltout Abdallah A. , Dabi Maram M. , Said Doaa A. , Allam Mousa A. , Ahmed Sameh I.
Published: May 2021

Low calcium oxalate urinary stones from the kidney, bladder, and ureter have been collected from the arid area (Taif, Saudi Arabia). After careful washing and drying of the collected stones, the samples were converted into a contamination‐free homogenous fine powder with a particles' size smaller than 50 μm. The processed urinary stone powders were studied using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), laboratory setup and synchrotron radiation X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The activated function groups, quantitative phase analysis, and the semi‐quantitative elemental analysis of the present urinary stones were identified. Seventeen elements were measured in most of the urinary stone samples. The significant elements are Ca, P, S, Cl, Zn, K, Fe, and Cu, whereas other elements were found alternatively in a few number of urinary stone samples. It was recognized that Ca exists with low concentration, which indicates the presence of different calcium phases even with low percentages. In 33% of the urinary stones, the phosphorus (P) was not measured, but there were high concentrations of sulfur (S) and low concentrations of Ca up to 2.15 ± 0.05%. The ATR‐FTIR results indicate that the most compounds of the present urinary stones were urea and cystine combined with low ratios of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate compounds. The quantitative phase analysis of the XRD of selected samples proves the presence of the cystine, urea, and calcium oxalate phases with different weight percent.
The Weyl double copy from twistor space
Authors: Chacón Erick , Nagy Silvia , White Chris D.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

The Weyl double copy is a procedure for relating exact solutions in biadjoint scalar, gauge and gravity theories, and relates fields in spacetime directly. Where this procedure comes from, and how general it is, have until recently remained mysterious. In this paper, we show how the current form and scope of the Weyl double copy can be derived from a certain procedure in twistor space. The new formalism shows that the Weyl double copy is more general than previously thought, applying in particular to gravity solutions with arbitrary Petrov types. We comment on how to obtain anti-self-dual as well as self-dual fields, and clarify some conceptual issues in the twistor approach.
From the culture broth to the erythritol crystals: an opportunity for circular economy
Authors: Daza-Serna Laura , Serna-Loaiza Sebastián , Masi Audrey , Mach Robert Ludwig , Mach-Aigner Astrid Rosa , Friedl Anton
Published: May 2021

The reduction of sugar intake by adults has been stated by the World Health Organization as an important strategy to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol that is considered as a highly suitable substitution for sucrose. This review article covers approaches for the separate stages of the biotechnological production of erythritol from cultivation to the downstream section. The first part focuses on the cultivation stage and compares the yields of erythritol and arising by-products achieved with different types of substrates (commercial versus alternative ones). The reported numbers obtained with the most prominently used microorganisms in different cultivation methods (batch, fed-batch or continuous) are presented. The second part focuses on the downstream section and covers the applied technologies for cell removal, recovery, purification and concentration of erythritol crystals, namely centrifugation, membrane separation, ion and preparative chromatography, crystallization and drying. The final composition of the culture broth and the preparative chromatography separation performance were identified as critical points in the production of a high-purity erythritol fraction with a minimum amount of losses. During the review, the challenges for a biotechnological production of erythritol in a circular economy context are discussed, in particular regarding the usage of sustainable resources and minimizing waste streams.

Key points

• Substitution of sucrose by erythritol can be a step towards a healthier society

• Biotechnological production of erythritol should follow a circular economy concept

• Culture broth composition and preparative chromatography are keys for downstreaming

• Substrate, mother liquor and nutrients are challenges for circular economy
Exploring the capabilities of active grids
Authors: Neuhaus Lars , Berger Frederik , Peinke Joachim , Hölling Michael
Published: May 2021

Active grids are commonly used in wind tunnels to generate turbulence with different characteristic features. In contrast to the common objective to generate turbulence with a very high Reynolds number, this work focuses on a method of blockage induced flow design for the generation of special flow structures. Particularly, we aim to investigate the underlying constraints of this excitation method. For this purpose, the scale dependency of the excitation is studied by clearly defined structures such as periodic sinusoidal velocity variations, velocity steps, and single gusts. It is shown that the generation process is limited by the reduced frequency of the active grid motion. For low values of reduced frequencies the imprinted flow structures remain undamped, whereas for higher reduced frequencies they are damped. This insight leads to the constraint that the active grid motion needs to be modified to compensate for the underlying dynamic damping effects. Thus, the inserted energy has to be increased for the corresponding reduced frequencies. This finding can be transferred to the generation of turbulent flows, for which an exemplary adaption is shown .

Graphic abstract
Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on outcomes after left atrial appendage closure: lessons from the prospective LAARGE registry
Authors: Kany Shinwan , Brachmann Johannes , Lewalter Thorsten , Akin Ibrahim , Sievert Horst , Zeymer Uwe , Ledwoch Jakob , Ince Hüseyin , Thomas Dierk , Hochadel Matthias , Senges Jochen , Kirchhof Paulus , Rillig Andreas
Published: May 2021

Background

Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death.

Methods

Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF) against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC (LAARGE).

Results

A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), while HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was comparable. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77). In the three-month echo follow-up, LA thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak > 5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p = 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality.

Graphic abstract
Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors to combat aggressive ependymoma
Authors: Lötsch Daniela , Kirchhofer Dominik , Englinger Bernhard , Jiang Li , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Senfter Daniel , Laemmerer Anna , Gabler Lisa , Pirker Christine , Donson Andrew M. , Bannauer Peter , Korbel Pia , Jaunecker Carola N. , Hübner Jens-Martin , Mayr Lisa , Madlener Sibylle , Schmook Maria T. , Ricken Gerda , Maaß Kendra , Grusch Michael , Holzmann Klaus , Grasl-Kraupp Bettina , Spiegl-Kreinecker Sabine , Hsu Jennifer , Dorfer Christian , Rössler Karl , Azizi Amedeo A. , Foreman Nicholas K. , Peyrl Andreas , Haberler Christine , Czech Thomas , Slavc Irene , Filbin Mariella G. , Pajtler Kristian W. , Kool Marcel , Berger Walter , Gojo Johannes
Published: May 2021

Ependymomas (EPN) are central nervous system tumors comprising both aggressive and more benign molecular subtypes. However, therapy of the high-risk subtypes posterior fossa group A (PF-A) and supratentorial RELA-fusion positive (ST-RELA) is limited to gross total resection and radiotherapy, as effective systemic treatment concepts are still lacking. We have recently described fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 3 (FGFR1/FGFR3) as oncogenic drivers of EPN. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and their potential as therapeutic targets have not yet been investigated in detail. Making use of transcriptomic data across 467 EPN tissues, we found that FGFR1 and FGFR3 were both widely expressed across all molecular groups. FGFR3 mRNA levels were enriched in ST-RELA showing the highest expression among EPN as well as other brain tumors. We further identified high expression levels of fibroblast growth factor 1 and 2 (FGF1, FGF2) across all EPN subtypes while FGF9 was elevated in ST-EPN. Interrogation of our EPN single-cell RNA-sequencing data revealed that FGFR3 was further enriched in cycling and progenitor-like cell populations. Corroboratively, we found FGFR3 to be predominantly expressed in radial glia cells in both mouse embryonal and human brain datasets. Moreover, we detected alternative splicing of the FGFR1/3-IIIc variant, which is known to enhance ligand affinity and FGFR signaling. Dominant-negative interruption of FGFR1/3 activation in PF-A and ST-RELA cell models demonstrated inhibition of key oncogenic pathways leading to reduced cell growth and stem cell characteristics. To explore the feasibility of therapeutically targeting FGFR, we tested a panel of FGFR inhibitors in 12 patient-derived EPN cell models revealing sensitivity in the low-micromolar to nano-molar range. Finally, we gain the first clinical evidence for the activity of the FGFR inhibitor nintedanib in the treatment of a patient with recurrent ST-RELA. Together, these preclinical and clinical data suggest FGFR inhibition as a novel and feasible approach to combat aggressive EPN.
Correction to: Factors of sexual quality of life in gynaecological cancers: a systematic literature review
Authors: Roussin Melanie , Lowe John , Hamilton Anita , Martin Lisa
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-021-06101-y
The coracoscapular joint of neornithine birds—extensive homoplasy in a widely neglected articular surface of the avian pectoral girdle and its possible functional correlates
Authors: Mayr Gerald
Published: May 2021

A survey is given of the morphological variation of the coracoscapular joint of neornithine birds. In Mesozoic stem group representatives, the coracoid exhibits a deeply concave cotyla scapularis, which articulates with a globose tuberculum coracoideum of the scapula. This morphology is likely to be functionally related to the development of a powerful supracoracoideus muscle and the formation of a triosseal canal as a pulley for the tendon of this muscle. In neornithine birds, the coracoid articulates with the scapula either via a concave cotyla or a flat facies articularis, with the latter largely restricting movements of the coracoid to the paramedian plane. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that a cotyla scapularis is plesiomorphic for Neornithes and that a flat facies articularis scapularis evolved at least 13 times independently within the clade. For several lineages, the transition to a flat facies articularis scapularis can be traced in the fossil record, and the replacement of a cup-shaped cotyla by a flat articular facet seems to have been due to various functional demands. Often, a flat facies articularis scapularis is associated with reduced shafts of the furcula. A weakly developed furcula enables transverse movements of the coracoid and therefore enables a restriction of the mobility of the coracoscapular joint to the paramedian plane. In taxa with a large crop, a flat facies articularis scapularis is likely to be associated with a reorganization of the pectoral musculature, whereas in procellariiform birds, the transition from a cotyla to a facies articularis appears to have been correlated with the capacity for sustained soaring without wing flapping.
Feasibility of sentinel node navigated surgery in high-risk T1b esophageal adenocarcinoma patients using a hybrid tracer of technetium-99 m and indocyanine green
Authors: Overwater Anouk , Weusten Bas L. A. M. , Ruurda Jelle P. , van Hillegersberg Richard , Bennink Roel J. , de Keizer Bart , Meijer Sybren L. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Pouw Roos E. , Bergman Jacques J. G. H. M. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Gisbertz Suzanne S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Minimally invasive esophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy is standard of care for T1b esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) with a high risk of lymph node metastasis. Sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) is a well-known concept to tailor the extent of lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of SNNS with a hybrid tracer (technetium-99 m/indocyanine green/nanocolloid) for patients with high-risk T1b EAC.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter pilot study, 5 patients with high-risk T1b EAC were included. The tracer was injected endoscopically around the endoscopic resection scar the day before surgery, followed by preoperative imaging (lymphoscintigraphy/SPECT-CT). During surgery, first the SNs were localized and resected based on preoperative imaging and intraoperative gammaprobe- and fluorescence-based detection, followed by esophagectomy. Primary endpoints were the percentage of patients with detectable SNs, concordance between preoperative and intraoperative SN detection, and the additive value of indocyanine green.

Results

SNs could be identified and resected in all patients (median 3 SNs per patient, range 2–7). There was a high concordance between preoperative and intraoperative SN detection. In 2 patients additional peritumoral SNs were identified with fluorescence-based detection. None of the resected lymph nodes showed signs of (micro)metastases and no nodal metastases were detected in the surgical resection specimen.

Conclusions

SNNS using technetium-99 m/indocyanine green/nanocolloid seems feasible and safe in patients with high-risk T1b EAC. Indocyanine green fluorescence seems to be of additive value for detection of peritumoral SNs. Whether this approach can optimize selection for esophagectomy needs to be studied in future research.
Mathematical modeling of the magnetoelectric effect of the nano bi-layer L-T mode bar structure in high frequency regime
Authors: Saengow Treetep , Choowitsakunlert Salinee , Silapunt Rardchawadee
Published: May 2021

This paper describes the magnetoelectric (ME) coupling behavior of the nano bi-layer L-T (longitudinal-transverse) mode bar structure through the ME coefficient mathematical model that is developed in high frequency regime. Terfenol-D and Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) are used as ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) layers, respectively. The ME coefficients are determined at different layer thickness ratios and products of the operating frequency (f) and structure length (l). It is found that the ME coefficient and optimal thickness ratio increases and decreases exponentially respectively, with fl. The minimum and maximum peak ME coefficients at fl values of 0.1 and 1,200 respectively, are around 1,756 and 5,617 mV/Oe$$\cdot $$
·
cm with the optimal thickness ratio of 0.43 and 0.19, respectively. The ME coupling behavior depends largely on the magnetostrictive effect in the FM layer that is altered by the applied magnetic field and fl. The demonstration as the read sensor for the hard disk drive (HDD) with 2 Tbit/in2 areal density and 190 Oe/bit applied magnetic field shows the output voltage across the FE layer of around 0.43 mV, which is more than sufficient for the raw signal readback.
Pullout tests on the connection to an existing foundation of a steel warehouse rebuilt after the 2012 Emilia (Italy) earthquakes
Authors: Minghini Fabio , Lippi Francesco , Tullini Nerio , Salvatore Walter
Published: May 2021

The tests described in this paper were aimed at evaluating the tensile capacity of the anchorages connecting an automated pallet warehouse with an existing RC foundation. The warehouse is a new steel structure erected in the place of a previous warehouse collapsed due to the Emilia earthquake, but whose foundation remained undamaged. The investigated fastening consists of 10 post-installed, bonded threaded rods with diameter (d) and embedment depth (hef) of 20 and 500 mm, respectively. Neither anchor arrangement nor embedment depth (hef > 20d) was covered by current standards for fastening design. To reproduce thein-situactual conditions of the fastening, an unconfined test configuration was used. The maximum loads achieved were more than 3 times greater than the seismic demand for the fastening. The tests highlighted the crucial role played by the reinforcing steel which was present in the foundation. Concrete-related failure mechanisms, such as the combined pullout and concrete cone failure mechanism typical of bonded anchors, were not activated. The observed crack patterns rather suggest the onset of a flexural failure mechanism of the concrete slab. This feature is confirmed by analytical calculations showing that, at the maximum loads achieved in the tests, the top reinforcement was likely to be yielded. In six preliminary unconfined tension tests on single anchors, steel rod failure was achieved, associated with limited cracking of the concrete surface in proximity of the anchor.
The impact of economic complexity on embodied carbon emission in trade: new empirical evidence from cross-country panel data
Authors: Qayyum Muhammad , Yu Yuyuan , Li Shijie
Published: May 2021

Establishing a fair platform for allocating carbon emission responsibility worldwide determines the sustainability and efficiency of the world’s climate policy and framework. In the context of global environmental load displacement and CO2 transfer, this paper endeavors to examine the relationship between economic complexity and embodied carbon emissions based on cross-country panel data. Our study utilizes the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to estimate our dynamic models covering 34 OECD countries and 24 non-OECD countries from 1995 to 2015. The empirical results show a heterogeneous impact of economic complexity on embodied carbon emissions in exports (EEE) and imports (EEI). Besides, the scale effect, composition effect, and technology effect are also significant drivers of embodied carbon emissions. The improvement of economic complexity can decrease the marginal effects of export scale and export structure on foreign EEE (but not domestic EEE) significantly, while the marginal positive impacts of technology on EEE can be further enhanced by economic complexity growth. Moreover, there is no strong evidence to prove the significant indirect impacts of economic complexity on foreign carbon emission embodied in imports, while economic complexity has significantly positive indirect impacts on domestic carbon emission embodied in imports only through import scale. In the subsample regressions, we found asymmetric impacts of economic complexity between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries.