bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS‐CoV‐2 N Protein Induces Acute Kidney Injury via Smad3‐Dependent G1 Cell Cycle Arrest Mechanism
Authors: Wang Wenbiao , Chen Junzhe , Hu Dingwen , Pan Pan , Liang Liying , Wu Wenjing , Tang Ying , Huang Xiao R. , Yu Xueqing , Wu Jianguo , Lan Hui Y. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCOVID‐19 is infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and can cause severe multiple organ injury and death. Kidney is one of major target organs of COVID‐19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. However, mechanisms through which COVID‐19 causes AKI remain largely unknown and treatment remains unspecific and ineffective. Here, the authors report that normal kidney‐specifically overexpressing SARS‐CoV‐2 N develops AKI, which worsens in mice under ischemic condition. Mechanistically, it is uncovered that SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐induced AKI is Smad3‐dependent as SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein can interact with Smad3 and enhance TGF‐β/Smad3 signaling to cause tubular epithelial cell death and AKI via the G1 cell cycle arrest mechanism. This is further confirmed in Smad3 knockout mice and cells in which deletion of Smad3 protects against SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein‐induced cell death and AKI in vivo and in vitro. Most significantly, it is also found that targeting Smad3 with a Smad3 pharmacological inhibitor is able to inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐induced AKI. In conclusion, the authors identify that SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein is a key mediator for AKI and induces AKI via the Smad3‐dependent G1 cell cycle arrest mechanism. Targeting Smad3 may represent as a novel therapy for COVID‐19‐asscoaited AKI.
Synthesis of Stable Nonaromatic Fluorenonephyrin Macrocycle
Authors: Giri Deeksha , Yadav Bharti , Sinha Avisikta , Ravikanth Mangalampalli 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA new derivative of our recently reported nonaromatic fluorenophyrin 5 named fluorenonephyrin 6 was synthesized over a sequence of six steps starting with commercially available fluorene as precursor. Our attempts to direct oxidation of 5 to 6 were not successful. Hence, we synthesized 2,7‐bis(phenyl(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methyl)‐9‐fluorenone (fluorenone tripyrrane) in five simple steps from fluorene, and condensed it with pentafluorobenzaldehyde under mild acidic conditions in CH2Cl2 followed by oxidation with DDQ and chromatographic purification to afford fluorenonephyrin (9%). 6 was characterized and studied by HR‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, absorption, electrochemical and DFT/TD‐DFT techniques. The DFT studies revealed that 6 was more distorted than 5 and that introduction of C=O in the macrocyclic core remarkably distorts the pyrrole rings of the dipyrrin unit from the mean plane of macrocyclic framework. The macrocycle showed a band at around 390 nm and a broad band at around 650 nm. The redox properties indicated that the macrocycle was highly electron‐deficient in nature. TD‐DFT studies were in accordance with the experimental observations.
Where do we stand with the covariation framework in primate societies?
Authors: Thierry Bernard 
Published: November 2021

AbstractComparative study of the social systems of macaques has revealed correlated variations between species in multiple social traits such as the asymmetry of dominance relationships, preferential treatment of kin, patterns of aggression and reconciliation, modes of socialization, and access to food resources. Macaques can be classified on a scale of four categories of social styles, ranging from the least to the most tolerant species. This led to the development of the covariation framework, which addresses the constraints responsible for the linkages between social traits, and their consequences on the evolution of primate social systems. Decades of research have provided a wealth of information that supports, complements, expands, or challenges the covariation framework. In this article, I review this body of knowledge and consider covariation in its two aspects, that is, as a pattern and as a hypothesis. I first consider the extent to which social styles can be invariant, the strength of correlations between traits, and the possible extension of the framework to nonhuman primates other than macaques. I then discuss how to formulate hypotheses, identify sources of linkage between traits, make predictions about the effects of social constraints, assess the tolerance dimension of social styles, and consider the breaking of linkages between traits. Whereas socioecological studies aim to understand how adaptation to the ecological environment determines the shape of social systems, the covariation framework is a complementary research program that seeks to unravel the internal processes that restrict or channel change in social behavior.
Synthesis and characterization of 1,3‐butadiene‐containing hyperbranched conjugated polymers as a selective chemosensors for Fe3+ ions
Authors: Chen Qi , Luo Chuxin , Ma Qi , Yan Xueyang , Cai Xuediao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHyperbranched conjugated polymers (P1, P2 and P3) containing different aryl groups appended with carboxylic ester groups were synthesized by metal‐free catalyzed polymerization via A2 + B3 type monomers. These as‐prepared polymers can be dissolved well in common organic solvents and have good thermal stability. These polymers were investigated as fluorescence chemosensor for the detection of biologically important metal ion Fe3+. The corresponding Stern‐Volmer constants (Ksv) of P1, P2 and P3 were 3.99 × 104 M−1, 5.15 × 104 M−1 and 3.99 × 104 M−1, respectively. The detection limits of 1.203 × 10−7 M for P1, 8.487 × 10−7 M for P2 and 7.158 × 10−6 M for P3 were achieved. In addition, the water‐soluble hyperbranched conjugated polymers were obtained by hydrolysis of neutral polymer P1, P2 and P3. The ability of water‐soluble polymers to detect Fe3+ ion in an aqueous solution was investigated in this work. The results demonstrated that the different aryl moieties in backbone of hyperbranched polymers mainly affected their energy band instead of their selective detection of Fe3+ ions. All the polymers were highly sensitive and selective toward Fe3+ ions in organic solvents and aqueous solution, indicating that these polymers could be used as fluorescence chemosensor for Fe3+ ions in real time.
Distributed liquid crystal reflectivity control device network for momentum wheel unloading
Authors: Ji Haoran , Huang Di , Yang Zhibo , Li Zhihui 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMomentum wheels are widely used in spacecraft attitude control. However, in the space far‐away from the Earth, it is difficult for the wheels to realize unloading to maintain their control ability because of the dependance of fuel. Reflectivity control devices (RCDs) become a possible solution for fuel‐free space attitude control by generating controllable solar radiation pressure (SRP) torque. However, the control ability of RCDs is limited because the torques they produce are rather small. To combine the advantages of both the momentum wheels and the RCDs, in this paper, an attitude control scheme utilizing momentum wheels as actuators and an RCD network for unloading is proposed. Firstly, the physical composition, force model, torque model, and principles of the distributed RCD network are given. After that, a stable and reliable unloading control method based on the envelope analysis is provided. Also, a three‐axis stabilized solar sail is utilized as an example to show to control system design. Numerical simulation proved that the momentum unloading for wheels can be realized safely and efficiently.
Performance limits of network delay systems based on bandwidth and packet loss constraints
Authors: Hu Xiao , Zhan Xisheng , Wu Jie , Yan Huaicheng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this work, we study the error limits of the network delay systems in terms of bandwidth and packet loss. The tracking error index of networked delay systems is identified by the tracking error energy. The error limits of the network delay systems are achieved by the spectral decomposition and partial decomposition techniques. The results of this work show that the tracking error limits are relevant to the inherent characteristics of the provided object (non‐minimum phase zero, time delay, and unstable pole). In addition, the packet loss, channel noise, and bandwidth also determine the error limits of the network delay systems. The simulation results show that the theory presented is valid.
Eye gaze as a biomarker in the recognition of autism spectrum disorder using virtual reality and machine learning: A proof of concept for diagnosis
Authors: Alcañiz Mariano , Chicchi‐Giglioli Irene Alice , Carrasco‐Ribelles Lucía A. , Marín‐Morales Javier , Minissi Maria Eleonora , Teruel‐García Gonzalo , Sirera Marian , Abad Luis 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) mainly relate to social communication and interactions. ASD assessment involves expert observations in neutral settings, which introduces limitations and biases related to lack of objectivity and does not capture performance in real‐world settings. To overcome these limitations, advances in technologies (e.g., virtual reality) and sensors (e.g., eye‐tracking tools) have been used to create realistic simulated environments and track eye movements, enriching assessments with more objective data than can be obtained via traditional measures. This study aimed to distinguish between autistic and typically developing children using visual attention behaviors through an eye‐tracking paradigm in a virtual environment as a measure of attunement to and extraction of socially relevant information. The 55 children participated. Autistic children presented a higher number of frames, both overall and per scenario, and showed higher visual preferences for adults over children, as well as specific preferences for adults' rather than children's faces on which looked more at bodies. A set of multivariate supervised machine learning models were developed using recursive feature selection to recognize ASD based on extracted eye gaze features. The models achieved up to 86% accuracy (sensitivity = 91%) in recognizing autistic children. Our results should be taken as preliminary due to the relatively small sample size and the lack of an external replication dataset. However, to our knowledge, this constitutes a first proof of concept in the combined use of virtual reality, eye‐tracking tools, and machine learning for ASD recognition.Lay SummaryCore symptoms in children with ASD involve social communication and interaction. ASD assessment includes expert observations in neutral settings, which show limitations and biases related to lack of objectivity and do not capture performance in real settings. To overcome these limitations, this work aimed to distinguish between autistic and typically developing children in visual attention behaviors through an eye‐tracking paradigm in a virtual environment as a measure of attunement to, and extraction of, socially relevant information.
Synthesis and characterisation of quantum dots coupled to mycolic acids as a water‐soluble fluorescent probe for potential lateral flow detection of antibodies and diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Kabwe Kapambwe P. , Nsibande Sifiso A. , Lemmer Yolandy , Pilcher Lynne A. , Forbes Patricia B. C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis work explores the potential use of cadmium‐based quantum dots (QDs) coupled to mycolic acids (MAs) as a fluorescent probe to detect anti‐MA antibodies which are biomarkers for tuberculosis (TB). The use of free MAs as antigens for the serodiagnosis of TB is known but has not been developed into a point of care test. This study focuses on the synthesis, solubility, and lateral flow of QDs coupled to MAs. Water‐soluble CdSe/ZnS QDs capped with l‐cysteine were synthesised and covalently coupled to MAs via amide linkages to form a water‐soluble fluorescent probe: MA‐CdSe/ZnS QDs. The MA‐CdSe/ZnS QDs showed broad absorption bands and coupling, confirmed by the presence of amide bonds in the Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, resulting in a blue shift in fluorescence. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a shift and increase in the number of peaks for MA‐CdSe/ZnS QDs relative to the L‐cys‐CdSe/ZnS QDs, suggesting that coupling changed the crystal structure. The average particle size of MA‐CdSe/ZnS QDs was ~3.0 nm. Visual paper‐based lateral flow of MA‐CdSe/ZnS QDs was achieved on strips of nitrocellulose membrane with both water and membrane blocking solution eluents. The highly fluorescent MA‐CdSe/ZnS QDs showed good water solubility and lateral flow, which are important properties for fluorescence sensing applications.
Real‐world prognostic factors for survival among treated patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Kenneth H. , Ozer Muhammet , Cockrum Paul , Surinach Andy , Wang Shu , Chu Bong Chul 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany real‐world studies of patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) are restricted to single centers, limiting the generalizability of their insights. This study aimed to identify important population‐based predictors for survival in patients diagnosed with mPDAC in a broader setting.MethodsData between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 were extracted from the Flatiron Health EHR database. Treatment‐specific predictive models were generated for patients treated with first‐line gemcitabine+nab­paclitaxel (GNP), FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine monotherapy (gem‐mono), and second‐line liposomal irinotecan‐based regimens. The holdout method was used for cross‐validation. Age at diagnosis, sex, BMI, smoking status, and ECOG performance score were included in all models with additional demographic, clinical characteristics, and hematological function assessed for inclusion.ResultsOf the 3625 patients, 43% received GNP, 26% received FOLFIRINOX, 7% received gem‐mono, and 23% received other regimens; 40% (n = 1448) advanced to the second line. Among all first‐line patients, the following were included in the final model: prior surgery, white blood cell (WBC) counts, serum albumin (SA), liver function tests (LFTs), serum bilirubin, serum carbohydrate antigen 19–9, and ascites. Models for patients receiving specific therapies differed from the overall model, GNP (ascites removed), FOLFIRINOX (stage at initial diagnosis added), and gem‐mono (LFTs omitted). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), SA, and WBC counts were important predictors of survival among patients treated with second‐line liposomal irinotecan. Across all regimens, the strongest predictors of survival were ECOG score, SA, and ALP.ConclusionsIn this real‐world study of patients with mPDAC, important population prognostic factors of survival were identified in a large cohort of patients receiving systemic treatment.
Convenient Immobilization of α‐L‐Rhamnosidase on Cerium‐based Metal‐Organic Frameworks Nanoparticles for Enhanced Enzymatic Activity and Recyclability
Authors: Peng Lingling , Tan Wansen , Lu Yuting , Yao Ayan , Zheng Dayuan , Li Le , Xiao Jingran , Li Lijun , Li Qingbiao , Zhou Shu‐feng , Zhan Guowu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe α‐L‐Rhamnosidase (Rha) is a useful glycoside hydrolase for selectively hydrolyzing the terminal L‐rhamnose residues in flavonoids, being vital to food and pharmaceutical industries. However, Rha suffers from low recyclability and poor stability in harsh environments. Herein, we explored five typical metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as porous carriers to immobilize Rha, and the activities of the resultant Rha@MOF composites were compared with the free enzyme. The locations of the enzyme in MOFs were proved by a series of characterization techniques. It was found that Rha@Ce‐BTC (with enzyme immobilization efficiency of 23 % and enzyme loading content of 8.8 %) showed the highest enzymatic activity. The immobilized Rha@Ce‐BTC showed 80 % residual activity after five consecutive cycles, suggesting a limited leaching effect. Also, Rha@Ce‐BTC manifested markedly enhanced enzyme‐substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency compared to free Rha, as supported by Michaelis‐Menten kinetic studies. Accordingly, the Ce‐BTC would be an appealing carrier for enzyme immobilization, and the as‐designed enzyme/Ce‐BTC composites are promising candidates for industrial use with remarkably high activity, recyclability, and storage stability.
Linear childhood discoid lupus erythematosus along a Blaschko's line of the arm
Authors: Toyama Tetsuo , Miyagawa Takuya , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLinear childhood discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a rare variant of DLE with a linear distribution that preferentially occurs on the face and scalp of children. We report a rare case of linear childhood DLE on the Blaschko's line of his left upper arm of a 7‐year‐old Japanese boy with 4‐year history of the disease. He was positive for anti‐single‐stranded DNA antibodies, but still showed no systemic symptoms during the 3‐year follow‐up period. We reviewed previous reports on linear childhood DLE and found that patients with nonfacial/nonscalp skin lesions are significantly more likely to be positive for autoantibodies.
Effect of Activation Process on the Performance of ZIF‐8 Membrane for Propylene/Propane Separation
Authors: Ma Qiang , Wang Xu , Feng Shengwei , Jin Hua , Mo Kai , Li Yanshuo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFine‐tuning the interior structure of porous materials is desirable for altering the gas transport characteristic. An activation‐induced structure manipulation strategy is reported here to act on ZIF‐8 membranes for C3H6/C3H8 separation. Notably, after treatment with methanol, acetonitrile and chloroform, the amount of embedded N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) molecules within ZIF‐8 cavity is about 0.8, 1.2 and 3.8 molecules per cage, respectively. The increased amount of DMAc results in enhanced thermodynamic adsorption selectivity of ZIF‐8 for C3H6/C3H8, which is highly constructive to the separation ability of corresponding ZIF‐8 membranes. Typically, the ZIF‐8 membranes activated with methanol, acetonitrile and chloroform demonstrate C3H6 permeance of 1.5 · 10−8, 8.5 · 10−9 and 4.3 · 10−9 mol m−2s−1Pa−1, and C3H6/C3H8 separation factors of 52, 92 and 192, respectively.
Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis‐assisted Fabrication of Ultrathin CuWO4 Films with Improved Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Duan Xiaoyu , Xu Chong , El Nahrawy Amany M. , Chen Jing , Zhu Zhiqiang , Wang Jianmin , Liang Qinghua , Cao Feng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCuWO4 is a promising n‐type oxide semiconductor for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications due to the suitable band gap and good photochemical stability. An easy and large‐scale fabrication of ultrathin CuWO4 films with improved PEC performance is highly desired for future practical application but still challenging. Considering that the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis approach is a low‐cost and scalable technique for fabricating films with controllable thickness, we here report the controllable fabrication of ultrathin CuWO4 films with improved PEC performance by an automatic ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The effects of different tungsten sources and film thickness on the PEC performance of the resultant CuWO4 film were studied in detail. We find that the ultrathin CuWO4 film prepared from the ammonium metatungstate with a thickness of 2.16 μm shows the best PEC performance of 41 μA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs.RHE for water oxidation under visible light irradiation. We also explored the different charge transfer mechanism and PEC performance of the resultant CuWO4 films under back and front illumination.
Outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia treatment in Western Kenya
Authors: van Weelderen Romy E. , Njuguna Festus , Klein Kim , Mostert Saskia , Langat Sandra , Vik Terry A. , Olbara Gilbert , Kipng'etich Martha , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundPediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a challenging disease to treat in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Literature suggests that survival in LMICs is poorer compared with survival in high‐income countries (HICs).AimsThis study evaluates the outcomes of Kenyan children with AML and the impact of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on outcome.Methods and ResultsA retrospective medical records study was performed at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya, between January 2010 and December 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes were evaluated. Chemotherapy included two “3 + 7” induction courses with doxorubicin and cytarabine and two “3 + 5” consolidation courses with etoposide and cytarabine. Supportive care included antimicrobial prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole and fluconazole, and blood products, if available. Seventy‐three children with AML were included. The median duration of symptoms before admission at MTRH was 1 month. The median time from admission at MTRH to diagnosis was 6 days and to the start of AML treatment 16 days. Out of the 55 children who were started on chemotherapy, 18 (33%) achieved complete remission, of whom 10 (56%) relapsed. The abandonment rate was 22% and the early death rate was 46%. The 2‐year probabilities of event‐free survival and overall survival were 4% and 7%, respectively. None of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were significantly associated with outcome.ConclusionSurvival of Kenyan children with AML is dismal and considerably lower compared with survival in HICs. Strategies to improve survival should be put in place including better supportive care, optimization of the treatment protocol, and reduction of the abandonment rate and time lag to diagnosis with sooner start of treatment.
Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetic Interaction and Safety of Ubrogepant Coadministered With Esomeprazole Magnesium
Authors: Boinpally Ramesh , Lu Kaifeng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUbrogepant is a calcitonin gene–related peptide receptor antagonist for the acute treatment of migraine. Esomeprazole magnesium increases intragastric pH, which may affect oral ubrogepant absorption. This open‐label, nonrandomized, crossover trial evaluated esomeprazole magnesium's impact on the pharmacokinetics and safety of coadministered ubrogepant in healthy adults. Participants received ubrogepant 100 mg on day 1, esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg on days 9 to 13, and ubrogepant 100 mg with esomeprazole magnesium 40 mg on day 14. No effect on ubrogepant pharmacokinetics was concluded if 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratios were within 80% to 125% for comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters between ubrogepant + esomeprazole magnesium versus ubrogepant alone. Thirty participants enrolled (mean age, 31.7 years; 53.3% males). Ubrogepant peak plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased 23%, time to Cmax increased by 1.5 hours, and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve was reduced by ≈10% when coadministered with esomeprazole magnesium versus ubrogepant alone. The 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio for Cmax did not fall within the 80% to 125% equivalence range, but the decrease was not considered clinically meaningful. Esomeprazole magnesium coadministered with ubrogepant did not increase the incidence rate of treatment‐emergent adverse events, and interactions between the medications are likely to have limited clinical relevance.