bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of diethylamine thermal ionization mass spectrum on NaAux intermetallide
Authors: Knatko Mikhail V. , Lapushkin Mikhail N.
Published: June 2021

Rationale

The mass spectra of amine thermal ionization on intermetallic NaAux emitters differ significantly from those of the same compounds on the surfaces of transition metals and their oxides. The factors underlying these differences are determined through studying the processes taking place on intermetallic surfaces, which give rise to the corresponding mass spectra.

Methods

The dependence of mass spectral composition and individual line intensity of diethylamine thermal ionization on intermetallic NaAux surface on diethylamine pressure, oxygen, sodium atom current and emitter temperature was studied using a magnet sector mass spectrometer.

Results

Diethylamine mass spectral composition is determined by the reaction between the molecules adsorbed on the NaAux surface. Oxygen and sodium concentration on the surface does not affect the mass spectral composition. Mass line intensity depends on diethylamine pressure and emitter temperature affecting the reaction efficiency on the surface.

Conclusions

Intermetallic NaAux is an ionic semiconductor that can provide sufficient lifetime for adsorbed molecules to efficiently interact with each other and with their decomposition products. This creates unique conditions for the formation of various compounds on the surface with their mass exceeding by 2.5 times that of diethylamine.
Docetaxel‐induced interstitial lung disease among patients with breast cancer: a case series and review of literature
Authors: Hettiarachchi Sanjeewa Malinda , Thilakaratne Dilanka , Dharmasena Dawpadee , Rathnapala Amila , Abeysinghe Prasad , Perera Eshanth
Published: June 2021

Taxane‐induced pneumotoxicity is rare. However, 1–5% of patients taking docetaxel may develop severe pneumotoxicity. This has been limited to case reports in the literature. We report seven breast cancer patients who developed docetaxel‐induced diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) of an organizing pneumonia pattern on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The patients presented with progressive breathlessness within four weeks of the final dose. All had an organizing pneumonia pattern on their HRCTs, without other evidence of infection. Restrictive lung disease with low carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was noted, with desaturation on a 6‐min walk test (6MWT). They were started on prednisolone. Repeated HRCT after four to eight weeks from the commencement of steroid treatment showed marked improvement. The clinical and functional improvement were also significant. One patient succumbed to the illness as a result of severe lung involvement. Docetaxel‐induced DPLD is a fatal adverse effect, which can be managed by the cessation of the drug and starting on steroids in adequate doses.
A comparative study of 100 major Japanese rivers: Multi‐objective evaluations and environmental flow practices
Authors: Shinozaki Yui , Shirakawa Naoki
Published: June 2021

Environmental flow (e‐flow) practices were investigated for 100 class A rivers in Japan, which are managed by the central government. We examined how much e‐flow requirements (EFRs) are allocated for each river, and investigated the seasonally variable flow components, objectives, and target organisms. The EFRs of the 100 rivers ranged from 5 to 51% as a percentage of the mean annual discharge (MAD). Protecting physical habitat was an e‐flow objective for all target rivers. Protecting water quality and cultural scenery, preventing salt damage, and maintaining groundwater levels were also common objectives. However, the minimum flow required for the migration and spawning of 12 representative fish species was the most influential factor. The Japanese e‐flow framework is a holistic approach that takes not only individual species but also multiple aspects of ecosystem services, including its social and cultural value, into account. E‐flows for all target rivers were given as a form of minimum flow. Eighty‐six percent of the rivers considered seasonally variable flow targets, while 14% designed constant minimum flow throughout a year. The reason why the EFRs do not consider natural flow variability is that the storage and control capacity of Japanese dams is minimal, and that problems associated with the modified flow regime is not critical at present. The Japanese e‐flow framework has been successfully implemented, and it has been institutionally integrated into river management for 30 years. However, it will require adaptive management and adjustment in the future as social structure, climate, and hydro‐ecological characteristics change.
Propensity‐score‐based meta‐analytic predictive prior for incorporating real‐world and historical data
Authors: Liu Meizi , Bunn Veronica , Hupf Bradley , Lin Junjing , Lin Jianchang
Published: June 2021

As the availability of real‐world data sources (eg, EHRs, claims data, registries) and historical data has rapidly surged in recent years, there is an increasing interest and need from investigators and health authorities to leverage all available information to reduce patient burden and accelerate both drug development and regulatory decision making. Bayesian meta‐analytic approaches are a popular historical borrowing method that has been developed to leverage such data using robust hierarchical models. The model structure accounts for various degrees of between‐trial heterogeneity, resulting in adaptively discounting the external information in the case of data conflict. In this article, we propose to integrate the propensity score method and Bayesian meta‐analytic‐predictive (MAP) prior to leverage external real‐world and historical data. The propensity score methodology is applied to select a subset of patients from external data that are similar to those in the current study with regards to key baseline covariates and to stratify the selected patients together with those in the current study into more homogeneous strata. The MAP prior approach is used to obtain stratum‐specific MAP prior and derive the overall propensity score integrated meta‐analytic predictive (PS‐MAP) prior. Additionally, we allow for tuning the prior effective sample size for the proposed PS‐MAP prior, which quantifies the amount of information borrowed from external data. We evaluate the performance of the proposed PS‐MAP prior by comparing it to the existing propensity score‐integrated power prior approach in a simulation study and illustrate its implementation with an example of a single‐arm phase II trial.
A Green CeO2−WO3/TiO2 Medium‐Low Temperature de‐NOx Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Fu Zihao , Zhang Guodong , Tang Zhicheng , Zhang Haitao
Published: June 2021

A series of CeO2−WO3/TiO2 catalysts were synthesized by the co‐precipitation method and used for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3 under medium‐low temperature conditions with metatitanic acid as Ti source. A more reasonable weight ratio of CeO2 and WO3 was explored. The catalytic activity enhanced with the increase of cerium content, but the catalytic activity changed slightly in the temperature range of 240 °C to 400 °C when the cerium content exceeded 15 %. Tungsten could enhance the sulfur resistance by adjusting the degree of crystallization, acidity in the SCR process. When the weight ratio of CeO2 to WO3 was 15: 8, the conversion rate of NO was more than 90 % in the temperature range of 240 °C to 440 °C. For 15 %CeO2‐8 %WO3/TiO2 catalyst, the NO conversion was maintained around 84 % when the mixed gas was introduced SO2. At the same time, we have optimized the selection of carriers, metatitanic acid as a carrier was better than titanium dioxide.
Preparation of Superhydrophobic Fabric Based on the SiO2@PDFMA Nanocomposites by an Emulsion Graft Polymerization and a Hot‐Pressing Process
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Gu Youcai , Mi Tengfei , Zhao Yuehua , Wang Xiaomei , Zhang Xu
Published: June 2021

We report a facile method to fabricate superhydrophobic fabric based on the silica@poly (dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate) (SiO2@PDFMA) nanocomposites by emulsion graft polymerization and hot‐pressing process. The coated fabric without using resin adhesive demonstrated robust abrasion resistance, UV resistance, eﬃciently repel various liquids, excellent waterproof property, and good self‐cleaning performance. Intriguingly, the superhydrophobic coating has a little adverse effect on the important textile physical properties, such as the fabric color, air permeability, and color fastness. The robust superhydrophobicity was considered to be related to the following reasons. First, the Nano‐SiO2 and fibers provide micro‐nanoscale roughness, and PDFMA has excellent chemical/ultraviolet resistance and low surface energy. Their combination endows the fabric superhydrophobicity. Moreover, by the mean of hot‐pressing (at 120 °C under 0.2 MPa), the SiO2@PDFMA nanocomposites were firmly riveted to fibers. These results demonstrate a process particularly suitable for fabrics, and the coatings are expected to be practically applied in the textile industry.
A Scale of Atomic Electronegativity Based on Floating Spherical Gaussian Orbital Approach
Authors: Tandon Hiteshi , Labarca Martín , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: June 2021

Electronegativity (χ) is an old yet valuable concept having multidisciplinary applications. To advance the understanding of this concept, an electronegativity model has been proposed based on polarizability within the context of Floating Spherical Gaussian Orbital (FSGO) approach. The model provides atomic electronegativity scale for 120 elements. The calculated electronegativity presents marked periodicity and relates well with other electronegativity scales. Further, Electronegativity Equalization Principle is validated by the computed electronegativity data. The proposed scale has also been successfully applied to compute Fermi energy for some metal oxides. In accordance with the literature, this is the first FSGO‐polarizability based model of electronegativity.
A Synergetic Organoselenium Catalytic System for Constructing 4‐Chromanone Derivatives via a Tandem Process under Visible Light Radiation
Authors: Zhou Jie , Huang Manna , Liang Yaowen , Wan Yiqian
Published: June 2021

A novel visible light‐promoted synergetic organoselenium catalytic system that catalyzed a straightforward and efficient tandem reaction for the direct construction of spiroepoxy chroman‐4‐ones with relatively broad functionality tolerance under mild reaction conditions has been developed. In our protocol, aqueous tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) instead of TBHP in organic solvents makes it greener and safer especially when applied in industry. The discovery of a synergetic organoselenium catalytic system benefits new research on visible light‐promoted radical cyclization and catalytic epoxidation with peroxidation.
Facile preparation of antibacterial MOF‐fabric systems for functional protective wearables
Authors: Teo Wei Liang , Liu Jiawei , Zhou Weiqiang , Zhao Yanli
Published: June 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown numerous potentials as promising materials to address real‐world problems. However, their practical utilization in commercial products was largely limited by the lack of downstream processing methodologies to transform MOF powders into functional products. In this study, a commercially viable solution for the general synthesis of MOF‐fabric composites was introduced. On account of coordination bonding between poly(acrylic acid) and MOF substrates, MOF powders securely adhered onto the surface of fabric materials via a drip cast method to give MOF‐fabric composites easily. This strategy can be applied to different MOF types, as well as a wide variety of fabric materials. The prepared materials showed excellent bacterial killing efficacy attributed to the embedded HKUST‐1 MOF. In light of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, this methodology could enable the large‐scale fabrication of essential MOF‐based personal protective wearables (e.g., clothing and masks) for use by healthcare professionals.
An empirical comparison of validation methods for software prediction models
Authors: Ali Asad , Gravino Carmine
Published: June 2021

Model validation methods (e.g., k‐fold cross‐validation) use historical data to predict how well an estimation technique (e.g., random forest) performs on the current (or future) data. Studies in the contexts of software development effort estimation (SDEE) and software fault prediction (SFP) have used and investigated different model validation methods. However, no conclusive indications to suggest which model validation method has a major impact on the prediction accuracy and stability of estimation techniques. Some studies have investigated model validation methods specific to data about either SDEE or SFP. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in the literature, which has employed different validation methods both with SDEE and SFP data. The aim of this paper is to consider different methods (10) from the family of cross‐validation (CV) and bootstrap validation methods to identify which one contributes to obtaining a better prediction accuracy for both types of data. We also evaluate which model validation methods allow the estimation techniques to provide stable performances (i.e., with lower variance). To this aim, we present an empirical study involving six datasets from the domain of SDEE and six datasets from the SFP domain. The results reveal that repeated 10‐fold CV with SDEE and optimistic boot with SFP data are the model validation methods that provide a better prediction accuracy in a greater number of experiments than the other model validation methods. Furthermore, a model validation method can improve the prediction accuracy up to 60% with SDEE data and up to 36% when employing SFP data. The analysis also reveals that repeated fivefold CV produces more stable performances when the experiments are repeated on the same data.
Determination of free carrier protein in glycoconjugate vaccines by size exclusion chromatography–high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector
Authors: Rajendar Burki , Reddy MVN Janardhan , Suresh Ch NV , Bheemaraju Sreekanth , Matur Ramesh V.
Published: June 2021

Polysaccharide‐protein conjugates elicit a protective immune response in children below 2 years. The conjugated antigens using different carrier proteins generate T‐cell dependent antibody response in children and increased antibody titers in adults than unconjugated polysaccharide vaccines. Different marketed conjugate vaccines, contain carrier proteins such as cross‐reactive material, Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria toxoid and Protein D (derived from non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae). Quantification of unconjugated polysaccharide (free poly) and protein (free protein) in the purified conjugates (drug substance) and formulated drug product are important quality control parameters. In addition, the bulk conjugates are monitored for free protein as stability indicating parameter. Since the purified conjugates contain low amounts of free protein, highly sensitive methods are needed. We developed a method using size‐exclusion chromatography with high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for free protein quantification and validated. The method can be used for quantifying the free carrier protein in Pneumococcal, Typhoid and Hib polysaccharides conjugated with different carrier proteins such as cross‐reactive material, Tetanus Toxoid and pneumococcal surface adhesin A. The method we report is sensitive, accurate, and precise with a linear range of 0.625 to 40 μg/mL and the limit of quantification is 0.12, 1.74, and 13.2 μg/mL for CRM197, PsaA, and Tetanus Toxoid, respectively. Spike recoveries were between 80 and 120% for all the conjugates using different carrier proteins. Reported method is simple, direct and can be used for quantitative determination of any free carrier protein in polysaccharide conjugates with greater application in polysaccharide‐protein conjugate manufacturing and release in the vaccine industry.
Thin layer chromatographic method for separation and estimation of anticancer drug Ibrutinib in presence of its degradants
Authors: Shah Dimal A. , Patel Jesheeka M. , Mahajan Ashok , Chhalotiya Usmangani
Published: June 2021

A precise, accurate, and sensitive thin‐layer chromatographic method was developed for the estimation of anticancer drug Ibrutinib in synthetic mixture. The developed method uses precoated silica gel 60 F254 aluminum plates as stationary phase and Methanol: Ethyl acetate: Ammonia (2: 8: 0.2, v/v/v) as mobile phase. The densitometric analysis was carried out at the 286 nm under the reflectance mode and Rf was found to be 0.60 under optimized chromatographic condition. The linearity of the method was observed in the range of 100–500 ng/band. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guideline for the parameters like linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and specificity. As a part of specificity, a forced degradation study was carried out to know the possible amount of degradation under the various stress conditions such as acid, base hydrolysis, and oxidative stress degradation where the drug and the degradants band were well resolved from each other. The proposed method was successfully used for the estimation of IBR in a synthetic mixture.
Electroactive polyacrylamide/chitosan/polypyrrole hydrogel for captopril release controlled by electricity
Authors: Ovando‐Medina Víctor M. , Reyes‐Palacios Guadalupe Abigail , García‐Montejano Luis A. , Antonio‐Carmona Iveth D. , Martínez‐Gutiérrez Hugo
Published: June 2021

The demand for the development of new therapies and devices for controlled drug release has been continuously increasing, especially those based on materials sensitives to external stimuli, such as electricity. Therefore, in this work, acrylamide was polymerized in the presence of chitosan (CS), using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as cross‐linking, followed by immersion in pyrrole aqueous solution and chemical polymerization to obtain an electroactive hydrogel of polyacrylamide/CS/polypyrrole (PA/CS/PPy) (67.5/7.5/25% wt.); this electroactive hydrogel was later used in drug delivery controlled by electricity studies. The synthesized PA/CS/PPy hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. It was observed that the hydrogel presented pores in the range of 50–200 μm with CS and PPy well incorporated to the cross‐linked PA. The hydrogel swelling percentage (S) was determined at different pHs. It was observed that S was independent of pH, with S = 700% and a swelling kinetics described by the Fickian diffusion mechanism at alkaline pH. PA/CS/PPy hydrogel was used to absorb captopril (a drug for hypertension control), and its kinetics release at different applied potentials and pH was studied. Release kinetics were described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, while release mechanism was a Case‐II transport without current at alkaline pH; under electrical stimuli, the mechanism presented an anomalous transport with ON–OFF profile, increasing the release rate with the applied voltage showing its electroactivity in the captopril release.
Remodeling tumor microenvironment with nanomedicines
Authors: Martin John D. , Miyazaki Takuya , Cabral Horacio
Published: June 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as a major contributor to cancer malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Thus, strategies directed to re‐engineer the TME are emerging as promising approaches for improving the efficacy of antitumor therapies by enhancing tumor perfusion and drug delivery, as well as alleviating the immunosuppressive TME. In this regard, nanomedicine has shown great potential for developing effective treatments capable of re‐modeling the TME by controlling drug action in a spatiotemporal manner and allowing long‐lasting modulatory effects on the TME. Herein, we review recent progress on TME re‐engineering by using nanomedicine, particularly focusing on formulations controlling TME characteristics through targeted interaction with cellular components of the TME. Importantly, the TME should be re‐engineering to a quiescent phenotype rather than be destroyed. Finally, immediate challenges and future perspectives of TME‐re‐engineering nanomedicines are discussed, anticipating further innovation in this growing field.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Facial vs. Meridional Coordination Modes in ReI Tricarbonyl Complexes with a Carbodiphosphorane‐based Tridentate Ligand
Authors: Maser Leon , Vogt Matthias , Langer Robert
Published: June 2021

The reactivity of the novel cationic ligand precursor [(dppm)2CH](PF6) (1) with a weakly coordinating anion and [ReBr(CO)5] is reported. The initial coordination results in the formation of the facially coordinated dicationic complex fac‐[({dppm}2CH)Re(CO)3]X2 (fac‐2, X=Br, PF6). The facial coordination mode is retained in fac‐[({dppm}2C)Re(CO)3](PF6) (fac‐3) upon deprotonation of the central cationic donor group. Quantum chemical investigations indicate that for both complexes, 2 and 3, the meridional coordination mode is thermodynamically favored. In line with these findings, the isomerization of the facially coordinated complex fac‐3 to the meridionally coordinated complex mer‐[({dppm}2C)Re(CO)3](PF6) (mer‐3) is observed under irradiation with UV‐light.
A modified diet to support conservation of the Atala hairstreak butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey)
Authors: Braatz Elizabeth , Sincage Jamie , Gezon Zachariah J. , Maynard Lily T. , Ardente Amanda , Savage Anne , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Livingston Shannon , Valdes Eduardo V.
Published: June 2021

Raising insects in a laboratory for release into the wild is a common conservation practice, but maintaining breeding colonies year‐round can be limited by seasonal food availability. Food availability is particularly challenging for insects which depend on specific host plants. For example, our early efforts to rear the imperiled Atala hairstreak butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey) resulted in colony failure during winter due to lack of food. To overcome this barrier, we developed a modified freeze‐dried host plant diet to support the colony. The diet consisted of reconstituted freeze‐dried leaves and stems from fresh‐growth coontie (Zamia integrifolia), the host plant for the Atala butterflies. We fed larvae less than 9 mm on this freeze‐dried diet and transferred them to live coontie plants after they were more than 9 mm. We reared a colony of Atala butterflies using these methods for 859 days, resulting in more than 3400 animals released into the wild. Comparing colony counts during that time period to the 548 days we reared them without modified freeze‐dried diet showed a clear benefit in using freeze‐dried diet. A growth trial (N = 40) of larvae fed on only freeze‐dried diet compared to larvae fed on fresh coontie cuttings found no significant difference in larval or pupal development between groups (p  =  0.71 and p  =  0.47, respectively). We, therefore, conclude that the freeze‐dried diet provided an appropriate alternative for Atala colonies when fresh growth from the host plant is unavailable, and we recommend use of this technique for raising other host plant‐dependent insect species of conservation concern.
Security Risk Estimation and Management in Autonomous Driving Vehicles
Authors: Affia Abasi-amefon O. , Matulevičius Raimundas , Tõnisson Rando
Published: June 2021

Autonomous vehicles (AV) are intelligent information systems that perceive, collect, generate and disseminate information to improve knowledge to act autonomously and provide its required services of mobility, safety, and comfort to humans. This paper combines the security risk management (ISSRM) and operationally critical threat, asset, and vulnerability evaluation (OCTAVE allegro) methods to define and assess the AV protected assets, security risks, and countermeasures.
Higher rank Clifford indices of curves on a K3 surface
Authors: Feyzbakhsh Soheyla , Li Chunyi
Published: June 2021

Let (X, H) be a polarized K3 surface with $$\mathrm {Pic}(X) = \mathbb {Z}H$$

Pic
(
X
)
=
Z
H

, and let $$C\in |H|$$

C
∈
|
H
|

be a smooth curve of genus g. We give an upper bound on the dimension of global sections of a semistable vector bundle on C. This allows us to compute the higher rank Clifford indices of C with high genus. In particular, when $$g\ge r^2\ge 4$$

g
≥

r
2

≥
4

, the rank r Clifford index of C can be computed by the restriction of Lazarsfeld–Mukai bundles on X corresponding to line bundles on the curve C. This is a generalization of the result by Green and Lazarsfeld for curves on K3 surfaces to higher rank vector bundles. We also apply the same method to the projective plane and show that the rank r Clifford index of a degree $$d(\ge 5)$$

d
(
≥
5
)

smooth plane curve is $$d-4$$

d
-
4

, which is the same as the Clifford index of the curve.
Developing and evaluating strategies to increase the material utilisation rate of hardwoods: a hybrid policy Delphi-SWOT analysis
Authors: Auer Veronika , Rauch Peter
Published: June 2021

The indigenous hardwoods in German forests have a substantial ability to store carbon, and forestry reconstruction measures are anticipated to result in an increase in availability of hardwood on the wood market. Despite this, its material usage is declining with over two thirds of the harvested quantity being used for energy production. This study aims to identify policy measures and promising strategies for increasing hardwood utilisation using a combined policy Delphi-SWOT approach with literature review undertaken to identify the barriers and driving factors for an increase in its material use. The results were then ranked by a panel of experts and used as basis for the SWOT analysis, which was then applied to an extended SWOT approach. The resulting strategies were then discussed by the panel and ranked further in the 2nd and 3rd Delphi round. After three Delphi rounds, three strategies and associated policy recommendations were ranked as most effective by the experts: innovative hardwood products including manufacturing processes, research transfer and lobbying. This study provides both strategic analyses and effective strategies to stimulate the production of hardwood-based products and ends with a concise description of these strategies and policy recommendations, which are benchmarked against current literature and best practise examples.
Correction to: Alternative estimation approaches for the factor augmented panel data model with small T
Authors: Breitung Jörg , Hansen Philipp
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00181-021-02074-8
Comparison of the diagnostic yield of routine versus indicated flowmetry, ultrasound and cystoscopy in women with recurrent urinary tract infections
Authors: Pat Jorik J. , Steffens Martijn G. , Witte Lambertus P. W. , Marcelissen Tom A. T. , Blanker Marco H.
Published: June 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

To quantify and compare the outcomes of routine vs. urologist-requested diagnostic testing for recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with rUTI referred to a large non-academic teaching hospital between 2016 and 2018 (Hospital A) and a university hospital between 2014 and 2016 (Hospital B). Electronic medical records were reviewed for baseline and diagnostic data. Women underwent the following assessments routinely: urinalysis, voiding diary, flowmetry in Hospital A and urinalysis, voiding diary, flowmetry, ultrasound, abdominal x-ray and cystoscopy in Hospital B. All other diagnostics were performed by indication in each hospital.

Results

We included 295 women from Hospital A and 298 from Hospital B, among whom the mean age (57.6 years) and mean UTI frequency (5.6/year) were comparable, though more were postmenopausal in Hospital A. We identified abnormalities by flowmetry or post-void residual volumes in 134 patients (Hospital A: 79; Hospital B: 55), cystoscopy in 14 patients (Hospital A: 6; Hospital B: 8) and ultrasound in 42 patients (Hospital A: 16; Hospital B: 26), but these differences were not significant. Diagnostics altered treatment in 117 patients (e.g., pelvic floor muscle training, referral to another specialist, surgical intervention), mostly due to flowmetry and post-void residual volume measurement. The retrospective design and absence of follow-up data limit these results.

Conclusions

The routine use of cystoscopy and ultrasound in female patients with rUTIs should not be recommended as they yield few abnormalities and lead to additional costs.
The interaction of Akkermansia muciniphila with host-derived substances, bacteria and diets
Authors: Hagi Tatsuro , Belzer Clara
Published: June 2021

Trillions of microbes inhabit the human gut and build extremely complex communities. Gut microbes contribute to host metabolisms for better or worse and are widely studied and associated with health and disease. Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut microbiota member, which uses mucin as both carbon and nitrogen sources. Many studies on A. muciniphila have been conducted since this unique bacterium was first described in 2004. A. muciniphila can play an important role in our health because of its beneficial effects, such as improving type II diabetes and obesity and anti-inflammation. A. muciniphila establishes its position as a next-generation probiotic. Besides the effect of A. muciniphila on host health, a technique for boosting has been investigated. In this review, we show what factors can modulate the abundance of A. muciniphila focusing on the interaction with host-derived substances, other bacteria and diets. This review also refers to the possibility of the interaction between medicine and A. muciniphila; this will open up future treatment strategies that can increase A. muciniphila abundance in the gut.

Key points

• Host-derived substances such as bile, microRNA and melatonin as well as mucin have beneficial effects on A. muciniphila.

• Gut and probiotic bacteria and diet ingredients such as carbohydrates and phytochemicals could boost the abundance of A. muciniphila.

• Several medicines could affect the growth of A. muciniphila.
Deciphering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in ALK- and EGFR-positive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Budczies Jan , Kirchner Martina , Kluck Klaus , Kazdal Daniel , Glade Julia , Allgäuer Michael , Kriegsmann Mark , Heußel Claus-Peter , Herth Felix J. , Winter Hauke , Meister Michael , Muley Thomas , Goldmann Torsten , Fröhling Stefan , Wermke Martin , Waller Cornelius F. , Tufman Amanda , Reck Martin , Peters Solange , Schirmacher Peter , Thomas Michael , Christopoulos Petros , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The advent of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has led to significantly improved disease outcome in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), but response of ALK/EGFR-positive tumors to immune therapy is limited. The underlying immune biology is incompletely understood.

Methods

We performed comparative mRNA expression profiling of 31 ALK-positive, 40 EGFR-positive and 43 ALK/EGFR-negative lung ADC focused on immune gene expression. The presence and levels of tumor infiltration lymphocytes (TILs) as well as fourteen specific immune cell populations were estimated from the gene expression profiles.

Results

While total TILs were not lower in ALK-positive and EGFR-positive tumors compared to ALK/EGFR-negative tumors, specific immunosuppressive characteristics were detected in both subgroups: In ALK-positive tumors, regulatory T cells were significantly higher compared to EGFR-positive (fold change: FC = 1.9,p = 0.0013) and ALK/EGFR-negative tumors (FC = 2.1,p = 0.00047). In EGFR-positive tumors, cytotoxic cells were significantly lower compared to ALK-positive (FC =  − 1.7,p = 0.016) and to ALK/EGFR-negative tumors (FC =  − 2.1,p = 2.0E-05). A total number of 289 genes, 40 part of cytokine–cytokine receptor signaling, were differentially expressed between the three subgroups. Among the latter, five genes were differently expressed in both ALK-positive and EGFR-positive tumors, while twelve genes showed differential expression solely in ALK-positive tumors and eleven genes solely in EGFR-positive tumors.

Conclusion

Targeted gene expression profiling is a promising tool to read out tumor microenvironment characteristics from routine diagnostic lung cancer biopsies. Significant immune reactivity including specific immunosuppressive characteristics in ALK- and EGFR-positive lung ADC, but not a total absence of immune infiltration supports further clinical evaluation of immune-modulators as partners of ICB in such tumors.
The contact system in liver injury
Authors: Rangaswamy Chandini , Mailer Reiner K. , Englert Hanna , Konrath Sandra , Renné Thomas
Published: June 2021

Coagulation is controlled by a delicate balance of prothrombotic and antithrombotic mechanisms, to prevent both excessive blood loss from injured vessels and pathologic thrombosis. The liver plays a pivotal role in hemostasis through the synthesis of plasma coagulation factors and their inhibitors that, in addition to thrombosis and hemostasis, orchestrates an array of inflammatory responses. As a result, impaired liver function has been linked with both hypercoagulability and bleeding disorders due to a pathologic balance of pro- and anticoagulant plasma factors. At sites of vascular injury, thrombus propagation that finally may occlude the blood vessel depends on negatively charged biopolymers, such as polyphosphates and extracellular DNA, that provide a physiological surface for contact activation of coagulation factor XII (FXII). FXII initiates the contact system that drives both the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, and formation of the inflammatory mediator bradykinin by the kallikrein–kinin system. Moreover, FXII facilitates receptor-mediated signalling, thereby promoting mitogenic activities, angiogenesis, and neutrophil stimulation with implications for liver diseases. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the FXII-driven contact system in liver diseases and review therapeutic approaches to target its activities during impaired liver function.
Modeling elongational viscosity and brittle fracture of polystyrene solutions
Authors: Wagner Manfred H. , Narimissa Esmaeil , Poh Leslie , Shahid Taisir
Published: June 2021

Elongational viscosity data of well-characterized solutions of 3–50% weight fraction of monodisperse polystyrene PS-820k (molar mass of 820,000 g/mol) dissolved in oligomeric styrene OS8.8 (molar mass of 8800 g/mol) as reported by André et al. (Macromolecules 54:2797–2810, 2021) are analyzed by the Extended Interchain Pressure (EIP) model including the effects of finite chain extensibility. Excellent agreement between experimental data and model predictions is obtained, based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization of the polymer solutions. The data were obtained by a filament stretching rheometer, and at high strain rates and lower polymer concentrations, the stretched filaments fail by rupture before reaching the steady-state elongational viscosity. Filament rupture is predicted by a criterion for brittle fracture of entangled polymer liquids, which assumes that fracture is caused by scission of primary C-C bonds of polymer chains when the strain energy reaches the bond-dissociation energy of the covalent bond (Wagner et al., J. Rheology 65:311–324, 2021).
Structure of Tau filaments in Prion protein amyloidoses
Authors: Hallinan Grace I. , Hoq Md Rejaul , Ghosh Manali , Vago Frank S. , Fernandez Anllely , Garringer Holly J. , Vidal Ruben , Jiang Wen , Ghetti Bernardino
Published: June 2021

In human neurodegenerative diseases associated with the intracellular aggregation of Tau protein, the ordered cores of Tau filaments adopt distinct folds. Here, we analyze Tau filaments isolated from the brain of individuals affected by Prion-Protein cerebral amyloid angiopathy (PrP-CAA) with a nonsense mutation in the PRNP gene that leads to early termination of translation of PrP (Q160Ter or Q160X), and Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker (GSS) disease, with a missense mutation in the PRNP gene that leads to an amino acid substitution at residue 198 (F198S) of PrP. The clinical and neuropathologic phenotypes associated with these two mutations in PRNP are different; however, the neuropathologic analyses of these two genetic variants have consistently shown the presence of numerous neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) made of filamentous Tau aggregates in neurons. We report that Tau filaments in PrP-CAA (Q160X) and GSS (F198S) are composed of 3-repeat and 4-repeat Tau isoforms, having a striking similarity to NFTs in Alzheimer disease (AD). In PrP-CAA (Q160X), Tau filaments are made of both paired helical filaments (PHFs) and straight filaments (SFs), while in GSS (F198S), only PHFs were found. Mass spectrometry analyses of Tau filaments extracted from PrP-CAA (Q160X) and GSS (F198S) brains show the presence of post-translational modifications that are comparable to those seen in Tau aggregates from AD. Cryo-EM analysis reveals that the atomic models of the Tau filaments obtained from PrP-CAA (Q160X) and GSS (F198S) are identical to those of the Tau filaments from AD, and are therefore distinct from those of Pick disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and corticobasal degeneration. Our data support the hypothesis that in the presence of extracellular amyloid deposits and regardless of the primary amino acid sequence of the amyloid protein, similar molecular mechanisms are at play in the formation of identical Tau filaments.
Estimating the Reach of a Manifold via its Convexity Defect Function
Authors: Berenfeld Clément , Harvey John , Hoffmann Marc , Shankar Krishnan
Published: June 2021

The reach of a submanifold is a crucial regularity parameter for manifold learning and geometric inference from point clouds. This paper relates the reach of a submanifold to its convexity defect function. Using the stability properties of convexity defect functions, along with some new bounds and the recent submanifold estimator of Aamari and Levrard (Ann. Statist. 47(1), 177–204 (2019)), an estimator for the reach is given. A uniform expected loss bound over a $${\mathscr {C}}^k$$

C

k

model is found. Lower bounds for the minimax rate for estimating the reach over these models are also provided. The estimator almost achieves these rates in the $${\mathscr {C}}^3$$

C

3

and $${\mathscr {C}}^4$$

C

4

cases, with a gap given by a logarithmic factor.
Diagnostic accuracy of an interdisciplinary tertiary center evaluation in children referred for suspected congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract on fetal ultrasound - a retrospective outcome analysis
Authors: Schürch Barbara , Manegold-Brauer Gwendolin , Schönberger Heidrun , Büchel Johanna , Lapaire Olav , Butenschön Annkathrin , Huhn Evelyn A. , Huang Dorothy , Evers Katrina S. , Goischke Alexandra , Frech-Dörfler Martina , Rudin Christoph
Published: June 2021

Background

Fetal ultrasound organ screening has become a standard of care in most high-income countries. This has resulted in increased detection of congenital abnormalities, which may lead to major uncertainty and anxiety in expectant parents, even though many of them are of minor relevance. In order to optimize prenatal counselling, we introduced an interdisciplinary approach for all pregnant women referred to our center by private obstetricians for a co-assessment of suspected relevant fetal abnormalities of the kidney or urinary tract, involving both experienced prenatal ultrasound specialists and a pediatric nephrologist or urologist.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, we evaluated reports of intrauterine evaluation and postnatal follow-up in order to assess accuracy of explicit intrauterine diagnoses and outcome of hydronephroses according to their severity in this setting.

Results

A total of 175 fetuses were examined between 2012 and 2019 and followed postnatally at our Pediatric Nephrology or Urology Department. There was a high concordance (85.9%) between explicit intrauterine and final diagnoses. Resolution rate of hydronephrosis was higher in patients with intrauterine low-grade than high-grade hydronephrosis (61.8% versus 11.9%). An etiological diagnosis was found in 62.5%, 52.0%, and 11.1% of patients with intrauterine bilateral high-grade, unilateral high-grade, and unilateral high-grade with contralateral low-grade hydronephrosis, respectively, but in none of the patients with intrauterine low-grade hydronephrosis.

Conclusions

The results of our study demonstrate that, through interdisciplinary teamwork, intrauterine assessment of the fetal kidneys and urinary tract is highly accurate and allows a good discrimination between relevant and transient/physiological hydronephroses.

Graphical abstract
Returning to dialysis after kidney allograft failure: the experience of the Italian Registry of Paediatric Chronic Dialysis
Authors: La Porta Edoardo , Conversano Ester , Zugna Daniela , Camilla Roberta , Labbadia Raffaella , Paglialonga Fabio , Parolin Mattia , Vidal Enrico , Verrina Enrico ,   on behalf of the Italian Registry of Paediatric Chronic Dialysis
Published: June 2021

Background

The need for dialysis after kidney allograft failure (DAGF) is among the top five reasons for dialysis initiation, making this an important topic in clinical nephrology. However, data are scarce on dialysis choice after transplantation and clinical outcomes for DAGF in children.

Methods

Patients receiving chronic dialysis < 18 years were recorded from January 1991 to January 2019 by the Italian Registry of Pediatric Chronic Dialysis (IRPCD). We investigated factors influencing choice of dialysis modality, patient outcome in terms of mortality, switching dialysis modality, and kidney transplantation.

Results

Among 118 patients receiving DAGF, 41 (35%) were treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 77 (65%) with haemodialysis (HD). Significant predictors for treatment with PD were younger age at dialysis start (OR 0.85 per year increase [95%CI 0.72–1.00]) and PD use before kidney transplantation (OR 8.20 [95%CI 1.82–37.01]). Patients entering DAGF in more recent eras (OR 0.87 per year increase [95%CI 0.80–0.94]) and with more than one dialysis modality before kidney transplantation (OR 0.56 for being treated with PD [0.12–2.59]) were more likely to be initiated on HD. As compared to patients on HD, those treated with PD exhibited increased but non-significant mortality risk (HR 2.15 [95%CI 0.54–8.6]; p = 0.28) and higher prevalence of dialysis-related complications during DAGF (p = 0.002)

Conclusions

Patients entering DAGF in more recent years are more likely to be initiated on HD. In this specific population of children, use of PD seems associated with a more complicated course.

Graphical abstract

A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information
A unified framework for robust modelling of financial markets in discrete time
Authors: Obłój Jan , Wiesel Johannes
Published: June 2021

We unify and establish equivalence between the pathwise and the quasi-sure approaches to robust modelling of financial markets in finite discrete time. In particular, we prove a fundamental theorem of asset pricing and a superhedging theorem which encompass the formulations of Bouchard and Nutz [12] and Burzoni et al. [13]. In bringing the two streams of literature together, we examine and compare their many different notions of arbitrage. We also clarify the relation between robust and classical ℙ-specific results. Furthermore, we prove when a superhedging property with respect to the set of martingale measures supported on a set $\Omega $
Ω
of paths may be extended to a pathwise superhedging on $\Omega $
Ω
without changing the superhedging price.
Root canal pre-treatment and adhesive system affect bond strength durability of fiber posts ex vivo
Authors: Kosan Esra , Prates-Soares Ana , Blunck Uwe , Neumann Konrad , Bitter Kerstin
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effect of different pre-treatments on the long-term bond strength of fiberglass posts luted either with dual-curing self-etch adhesives and core build-up composites or with a self-adhesive resin (SAR) cement.

Materials and methods

In total, 180 human root-filled teeth received post-space preparations and three different dentin pre-treatments (PTs): PT1, ethanol (99%); PT2, ethanol-tertiary-butanol-water-solution (AH Plus Cleaner, Dentsply Sirona; York, USA); and PT3, distilled water (control). Five luting systems were used: FU, Futurabond U (Voco; Cuxhaven, Germany); CL, Clearfil DC Bond (Kuraray Noritake; Okayama, Japan); GR, Gradia Core SE Bond (GC Europe NV; Leuven, Belgium); LU, LuxaBond Universal (DMG; Hamburg, Germany); and RX, RelyX Unicem 2 (3M; Minnesota, USA). Roots were cut into six slices (1 mm thick). From each root canal region, three slices were submitted to immediate and three to post-storage push-out testing. The latter were subjected to thermocycling (5–55°C, 6.000 cycles) and stored for six months in saline solution (0.9%, 37°C). Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and chi-square tests (MV±SD).

Results

Bond strength was significantly affected by material (p<0.0005), pre-treatment (p=0.016), and storage (p<0.0005; repeated-measures ANOVA). LU (18.8±8.1MPa) revealed significantly higher bond strength than RX (16.08±6.4MPa), GR (15.1±4.6MPa), CL (13.95±5.2MPa), and FU (13.7±6.3MPa). PT1 (16.5±6.9MPa) revealed significantly higher bond strength than PT3 (14.5±5.7MPa).

Conclusions

A universal adhesive in self-etch mode combined with a core build-up material revealed higher bond strength than a SAR cement, both interacted positively with Ethanol pre-treatment.

Clinical relevance statement

Ethanol (99%) rinsing can be recommended as part of post and core pre-treatment for the investigated luting systems.
Using discrete choice experiments to explore how bioecological attributes of sites drive birders’ preferences and willingness to travel
Authors: De Salvo Maria , Cucuzza Giuseppe , Signorello Giovanni
Published: June 2021

A study based on discrete choice experiments is conducted to investigate how bioecological attributes of birding sites enter the utility functions of specialized birders and affect their travel intentions. Estimates are based on generalized multinomial and scales-adjusted latent class models. We find that the probability of observing a rare or a new bird species, and the numerosity of species significantly affect birders’ choice destination. We also find that individual preferences among attributes are correlated and affected by scale and taste heterogeneity. We identify two latent classes of birders. In the first class fall birders attaching a strong interest in qualitative aspects of sites and low importance on distance from home. Class 2 groups birders addicted both on all qualitative and quantitative bioecological attributes of sites as well as on the distance. In general, we assess that the majority of birders prefer to travel short distances, also when the goal is viewing rare or new birds. Finally, we estimate marginal welfare changes in biological attributes of sites in terms of willingness to travel.
Correction to: Twisting and constriction of a HeartMate II driveline in the area of a repair site
Authors: Maier Sven , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Benk Christoph
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10047-021-01280-6