bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio‐inspired Underwater Super‐Oil‐Wettability for Controlling Platelet Adhesion
Authors: Parbat Dibyangana , Bhunia Bibhas K. , Mandal Biman B. , Manna Uttam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractControl promotion and prevention of platelet adhesion are important for various biomedical applications. In the past, surface topography and chemical modifications have been commonly utilized for tailoring the promotion and prevention of platelet adhesion. Recently, lotus‐leaf‐inspired superhydrophobicity has appeared as an efficient avenue to prevent platelet adhesion. However, such extreme water repellent interfaces fail to perform upon prolonged and continuous exposure to aqueous phase. In this communication, the strategic use of a catalyst‐free 1,4‐conjugate addition reaction between amine and acrylate allowed us to investigate the impact of two distinct underwater oil‐wettability on platelet adhesion activity. While underwater superoleophobicity inhibited platelet‐adhesion, a highly aggregated fibrous network of adhered platelets was observed on underwater superoleophilic coating. Further, this biocompatible and haemocompatible underwater superoleophobic multilayer coating was deposited on a commercially available catheter tube to examine its potential towards the prevention of platelet attachment.
Functional Material Systems Based on Soft Cages
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Yihe , An Qi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDiscrete molecular soft cages integrate multiple functionalities in one molecule. They express their functions from the confined space in their cavity, functional groups in the cavity interior wall and exterior wall, and the chelating nodes in many chelating cages. Such functional integrity render cage molecules special applications in material engineering. Increasing applications of cage molecules in material design have been reported in recent years. Compared with other cavity‐rich molecular structures such as metal‐organic framework (MOF) or covalent organic frameworks (COF), discrete soft cages present the unique advantage of material design flexibility, that they can easily composite with nanoparticles or polymers and exist in materials of various forms. We document the development of cage‐based materials in recent years and expect to further inspire materials engineering to integrate contribution from the functionality specificity of cage molecules and ultimately promote the development of functional materials and thus human life qualities.
Predictors of adaptive functioning in preschool aged children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hodge Marie Antoinette , Boulton Kelsie A. , Sutherland Rebecca , Barnett Diana , Bennett Beverley , Chan Esther , Cramsie Jane , Drevensek Suzi , Eapen Valsamma , Ganesalingam Kalaichelvi , Masi Anne , Ong Natalie , Williamsz Marcia , Guastella Adam J. , Silove Natalie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDifficulties in adaptive functioning are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and contribute to negative outcomes across the lifespan. Research indicates that cognitive ability is related to degree of adaptive functioning impairments, particularly in young children with ASD. However, the extent to which other factors, such as socioeconomic status (SES) and ASD symptom severity, predict impairments in adaptive functioning remains unclear. The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which SES, ASD symptom severity, and cognitive ability contribute to variability in domain‐specific and global components of adaptive functioning in preschool‐aged children with ASD. Participants were 99 preschool‐aged children (2–6 years) with ASD who attended a tertiary diagnostic service. Results demonstrate that cognitive ability accounted for a significant proportion of variance in domain‐specific and global components of adaptive functioning, with higher cognitive ability predicting better adaptive functioning. Results also demonstrate that SES accounted for some variability in domain‐specific communication skills and global adaptive functioning when compared to basic demographic factors alone (age and gender). By contrast, ASD symptom severity did not predict variability in domain‐specific or global components of adaptive functioning. These findings provide support for a relationship between cognitive ability and adaptive functioning in preschool‐aged children with ASD and help to explain specific contributions of verbal and nonverbal ability to adaptive functioning; from this, we can better understand which children are likely to show the greatest degree of impairments across components of adaptive functioning early in development.Lay SummaryPeople with autism often have difficulties with everyday communication, daily living, and social skills, which are also called adaptive functioning skills. This study investigated factors that might be related to these difficulties in preschoolers with autism. We found that better cognitive ability, but not autism symptoms, were associated with better adaptive functioning. This suggests that interventions for young children with autism should take into account cognitive ability to better understand which children are likely to have difficulties with adaptive functioning.
PLXNA2 and LRRC40 as candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Pijuan Jordi , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Darío , Ortiz Juan , Alcalá Adrián , Calvo María José , Cubells Mariona , Hernando‐Davalillo Cristina , Palau Francesc , Hoenicka Janet 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability with high heritability yet the genetic etiology remains elusive. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate new genotype–phenotype relationships for ASD to improve both the etiological knowledge and diagnosis. In this work, a copy‐number variant and whole‐exome sequencing analysis were performed in an ASD patient with a complex neurobehavioral phenotype with epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We identified rare recessive single nucleotide variants in the two genes, PLXNA2 encoding Plexin A2 that participates in neurodevelopment, and LRRC40, which encodes Leucine‐rich repeat containing protein 40, a protein of unknown function. PLXNA2 showed the heterozygous missense variants c.614G>A (p.Arg205Gln) and c.4904G>A (p.Arg1635Gln) while LRRC40 presented the homozygous missense variant c.1461G>T (p.Leu487Phe). In silico analysis predicted that these variants could be pathogenic. We studied PLXNA2 and LRRC40 mRNA and proteins in fibroblasts from the patient and controls. We observed a significant PlxnA2 subcellular delocalization and very low levels of LRRC40 in the patient. Moreover, we found a novel interaction between PlxnA2 and LRRC40 suggesting that participate in a common neural pathway. This interaction was significant decreased in the patient's fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results identified PLXNA2 and LRRC40 genes as candidates in ASD providing novel clues for the pathogenesis. Further attention to these genes is warranted in genetic studies of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD.Lay SummaryGenomics is improving the knowledge and diagnosis of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet the genetic etiology remains elusive. Here, using genomic analysis together with experimental functional studies, we identified in an ASD complex patient the PLXNA2 and LRRC40 recessive genes as ASD candidates. Furthermore, we found that the proteins of these genes interact in a common neural network. Therefore, more attention to these genes is warranted in genetic studies of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons residues and the carcinogenic risk assessment to pregnant women in Nantong, China using QuEChERS method and HPLC—A pilot case study
Authors: Guo Xinying , Shi Yukun , Gu Jun , Chen Feng , Xu Haiyan , He Zhimin , Yang Qinghua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA high‐performance liquid chromatographic method with a modified QuEChERS extraction for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in blood serum was developed to investigate the internal exposure level and the carcinogentic toxicity contribution rate of PAHs for pregnant women in Nantong, China. Venous blood (n = 48) was collected in the local hospital and the internal exposure level of 16 PAHs and the contribution rate of carcinogenicity to pregnant women were analyzed. Among all of the detected PAHs, the detection rate of pyrene (77.08%) was the highest, followed by naphthalene (64.58%) and benzo[a]anthracene (BaA, 45.83%). The carcinogenicity contribution rate of BaA (37.37%) was the highest, followed by fluorene (32.96%) and acenaphthylene (22.01%). The results showed that many kinds of carcinogenic PAHs can be detected in the serum of pregnant women in Nantong city, among which BaA should be paid most attention because of its high internal exposure level and carcinogenic risk. Meanwhile, the origins of general PAHs in serum samples were analyzed using the characteristic ratio analysis method. The PAH pollution level of air samples (n = 42) during the collection time of blood samples was also analyzed to compare the possible correlations between the two different results.
Primary care and pulmonary physicians’ knowledge and practice concerning screening for lung cancer in Lebanon, a middle‐income country
Authors: Bou Akl Imad , K. Zgheib Nathalie , Matar Maroun , Mukherji Deborah , Bardus Marco , Nasr Rihab 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundScreening for lung cancer with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) was shown to reduce lung cancer incidence and overall mortality, and it has been recently included in international guidelines. Despite the rising burden of lung cancer in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) such as Lebanon, little is known about what primary care physicians or pulmonologists know and think about LDCT as a screening procedure for lung cancer, and if they recommend it.ObjectivesEvaluate the knowledge about LDCT and implementation of international guidelines for lung cancer screening among Lebanese primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonary specialists.MethodologyPCPs and PUs based in Lebanon were surveyed concerning knowledge and practices related to lung cancer screening by self‐administered paper questionnaires.Results73.8% of PCPs and 60.7% of pulmonary specialists recognized LDCT as an effective tool for lung cancer screening, with 63.6% of PCPs and 71% of pulmonary specialists having used it for screening. However, only 23.4% of PCPs and 14.5% of pulmonary specialists recognized the eligibility criteria for screening. Chest X‐ray was recognized as ineffective by only 55.8% of PCPs and 40.7% of pulmonary specialists; indeed, 30.2% of PCPs and 46% of pulmonary specialists continue using it for screening. The majority have initiated a discussion about the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening.ConclusionPCPs and pulmonary specialists are initiating discussions and ordering LDCT for lung cancer screening. However, a significant proportion of both specialties are still using a non‐recommended screening tool (chest x‐ray); only few PCPs and pulmonary specialists recognized the population at risk for which screening is recommended. Targeted provider education is needed to close the knowledge gap and promote proper implementation of guidelines for lung cancer screening.
Identification of an individualized RNA binding protein‐based prognostic signature for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Xie Yongzhi , Luo Ximei , He Haiqing , Pan Tao , He Yizi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRNA binding proteins (RBPs) are increasingly appreciated as being essential for normal hematopoiesis and have a critical role in the progression of hematological malignancies. However, their functional consequences and clinical significance in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remain unknown. Here, we conducted a systematic analysis to identify RBP‐related genes affecting DLBCL prognosis based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database. By univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression (CPHR) methods, six RBPs‐related genes (CMSS1, MAEL, THOC5, PSIP1, SNIP1, and ZCCHC7) were identified closely related to the overall survival (OS) of DLBCL patients. The RBPs signature could efficiently distinguished low‐risk from high‐risk patients and could serve as an independent and reliable factor for predicting OS. Moreover, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed 17 significantly enriched pathways between high‐ versus low‐risk group, including the regulation of autophagy, chronic myeloid leukemia, NOTCH signaling pathway, and B cell receptor signaling pathway. Then we developed an RBP‐based nomogram combining other clinical risk factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated high prognostic predictive efficiency of this model with the area under the curve values were 0.820 and 0.780, respectively, in the primary set and entire set. In summary, our RBP‐based model could be a novel prognostic predictor and had the potential for developing treatment targets for DLBCL.
In‐stent repeated thrombosis secondary to coronary artery aneurysms percutaneous coronary intervention in Behchet’s Disease: A Case report
Authors: Gong Minglian , Mao Yi , Liu Jinghua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCoronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare and poor prognostic manifestation of Behcet’s disease （BD）. Percutaneous treatment approaches frequently failed to ameliorate acute coronary system (ACS). Long‐term follow‐up is recommended as the prognosis of coronary involvement and the risk of further disease progression with percutaneous intervention in BD are unknown. long‐term anticoagulant and antiaggregant therapies should be considered to prevent further thrombosis and/or embolism.
Diagnostic challenge of a cystic solid pseudopapillary tumor in pancreas: A case report
Authors: Makhoul Ebrahim , Alabbas Zeina , Adra Ali , Youssef Alexey , Ayoub Emad , Issa Rana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA solid pseudopapillary tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis of every pancreatic cystic lesion. A constellation of microscopic morphology and immunohistochemistry, in addition to the clinical history, aids in reaching the correct diagnosis.
An experimental and numerical investigation of the three‐phase flow in the washing chamber of an entrained flow gasifier
Authors: Pan Hui , Wu Xuan , Liu Peng , Wei Nan , Bo Yuxuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study established a cold experimental platform and a mathematical model to examine the gas–liquid–solid three‐phase flow in the washing process of the gas–solid flow as it passes through a liquid pool in an entrained flow coal gasifier. It visualized the three‐phase flow process and separation of the solid particles, including the bubble motion and particle separation processes. The concentration distribution and separation efficiency of the particles were quantitatively analyzed considering various major influencing factors. The particle separation mechanism was analyzed based on the characteristics of the three‐phase flow, and the results confirm that a multi‐peak distribution of particle concentration exists in the liquid pool along the axial and radial directions. There is considerable variation in peak particle concentration points with different particle sizes; as particle size increases, the particle separation efficiency also rises. Based on the calculation conditions in this study, the separation efficiencies obtained with particle diameters of 50, 20, and 10 μm were 96.98%, 94.48%, and 87.31%, respectively.
Protecting‐Group‐Free Total Synthesis of (–)‐Pallambins A—D
Authors: Zhang Xiwu , Wang Yuan , Chen Peng , Cai Xinxian , Jia Yanxing 
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusionA full account of the total synthesis of (–)‐pallambins A—D (1—6) is described. The strategy was devised by simulating their biosynthetic pathway. The left‐part bicyclo[3.2.1]octane system of pallambins C and D was efficiently constructed via a palladium‐ catalyzed oxidative cyclization. For construction of the right‐part tetrahydrofuran/γ‐lactone moiety (C/D rings), initial attempts to synthesize the allylic alcohol 15 for an one‐step Pd‐mediated alkoxycarbonylation have failed. However, during the course of this work, an unprecedented CH3Li‐mediated method for conversion of bromoisoxazoline to the corresponding β‐hydroxy nitrile has been discovered. Furthermore, a stepwise protocol was designed, namely an Eschenmoser‐Claisen rearrangement/Lactonization to generate the C ring, and a non‐classical Wittig reaction to form the D ring. During the course of this work, a palladium‐catalyzed method for dehydrobromination of bromide ketone was developed. Finally, an individual transformation of pallambins C (3) and D (4) generated pallambins A (5) and B (6) under mild UV irradiation. Thus, the first enantioselective total syntheses of (–)‐pallambins A—D have been achieved in 15 or 16 steps from the known chiral cyclohexenone 8. The described synthesis avoids protecting‐group manipulations by designing highly chemo‐ and stereoselective transformations.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of transient blood flow in arterial geometries using a regularised, viscoplastic and shear‐thinning fluid
Authors: Hill Bryce M. , Leonardi Christopher R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a lattice Boltzmann framework for the transient simulation of blood flow using biologically inspired geometries and pressure boundary conditions. The Kuang‐Luo rheological model is used to represent blood as a homogeneous continuum. This model includes the two primary non‐Newtonian characteristics of blood, namely viscoplasticity and pseudoplasticity. This paper makes two contributions. First, the numerical challenges associated with zero strain rates and infinite viscosity, as a consequence of the yield stress in the Kuang‐Luo model, were addressed by regularising the constitutive equation so that the viscosity tends towards a finite value at low strain rates. A two‐relaxation‐time operator, which exhibits improved performance over the single‐relaxation‐time operator and lower computational overhead than the multiple‐relaxation‐time operator, is employed in the collision process. The recursive relationship between the local strain rate and relaxation rate was addressed by use of an implicit solver for these two quantities. The implemented model was benchmarked against analytic solutions for Poiseuille flow between parallel plates in two dimensions and in a cylindrical tube in three dimensions. More importantly, the transient performance of the implemented model was demonstrated by matching the predicted start‐up flow of the Poiseuille flow of a Bingham fluid with the corresponding analytical solution. Second, the numerical developments were applied in the simulation of transient blood flow in complex configurations. The development and implementation of physically inspired pressure profiles highlighted the shortcomings of using a sinusoidal pressure profile in the prediction of velocity and stress distributions. Finally, the simulation of blood flow in a section of a carotid artery indicated a number of flow characteristics that will be of interest to future investigations of clinical problems.
Passive approximations of double‐exponent fractional‐order impedance functions
Authors: Kapoulea Stavroula , Psychalinos Costas , Elwakil Ahmed S. 
Published: March 2021

SummaryDouble‐exponent fractional‐order impedance functions are important for modeling a wide range of biochemical materials and biological tissues. Through appropriate selection of the two exponents (fractional orders), the well‐known Havriliak–Negami, Cole–Cole, Cole–Davidson, and Debye relaxation models can be obtained as special cases. Here we show that an integer‐order Padé‐based approximation of the Havriliak–Negami function is possible to obtain and can be realized using appropriately configured Cauer/Foster resistor‐capacitor (RC) networks. Two application examples are subsequently examined: the emulation of the capacitive behavior in a polycrystalline solid electrolyte and the emulation of the impedance of four “fractal” vegetable types.
Memory CD8+ T cell compartment associated with delayed onset of Plasmodium falciparum infection and better parasite control in sickle‐cell trait children
Authors: Loiseau Claire , Traore Boubacar , Ongoiba Aissata , Kayentao Kassoum , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabe Didier , de Sousa Karina P , Brady Jamie L , Proietti Carla , Crompton Peter D , Doolan Denise L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesStudy of individuals with protection from Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection and clinical malaria, including individuals affected by the sickle‐cell trait (HbAS), offers the potential to identify cellular targets that could be translated for therapeutic development. We previously reported the first involvement of cellular immunity in HbAS‐associated relative protection and identified a novel subset of memory‐activated NK cells that was enriched in HbAS children and associated with parasite control. We hypothesised that other memory cell subsets might distinguish the baseline profile of HbAS children and children with normal haemoglobin (HbAA).MethodsSubsets of memory T cells and NK cells were analysed by flow cytometry in paired samples collected from HbAS and HbAA children, at baseline and during the first malaria episode of the ensuing transmission season. Correlations between cell frequencies and features of HbAS‐mediated protection from malaria were determined.ResultsHbAS children displayed significantly higher frequency of memory CD8+ T cells at baseline than HbAA children. Baseline frequency of memory CD8+ T cells correlated with features of HbAS‐mediated protection from malaria. Exploration of memory CD8+ T cell subsets revealed that central memory CD8+ T cell frequency was higher in HbAS children than in HbAA children.ConclusionThis study shows that HbAS children develop a larger memory CD8+ T cell compartment than HbAA children, and associates this compartment with better control of subsequent onset of infection and parasite density. Our data suggest that central memory CD8+ T cells may play an important role in the relative protection against malaria experienced by HbAS individuals, and further work to investigate this is warranted.
The role of LTBPs in TGF beta signaling
Authors: Rifkin Daniel , Sachan Nalani , Singh Karan , Sauber Elyse , Tellides George , Ramirez Francesco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to discuss the transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) binding proteins (LTBP) with respect to their participation in the activity of TGFB. We first describe pertinent aspects of the biology and cell function of the LTBPs. We then summarize the physiological consequences of LTBP loss in humans and mice. Finally, we consider a number of outstanding questions relating to LTBP function.