bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2‐Substituted thienotetrahydropyridine derivatives: Allosteric ectonucleotidase inhibitors
Authors: Schäkel Laura , Mirza Salahuddin , Pietsch Markus , Lee Sang‐Yong , Keuler Tim , Sylvester Katharina , Pelletier Julie , Sévigny Jean , Pillaiyar Thanigaimalai , Namasivayam Vigneshwaran , Gütschow Michael , Müller Christa E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe antithrombotic prodrugs ticlopidine and clopidogrel are thienotetrahydro‐pyridine derivatives that are metabolized in the liver to produce thiols that irreversibly block adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐activated P2Y12 receptors on thrombocytes. In their native, nonmetabolized form, both drugs were reported to act as inhibitors of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase‐1 (NTPDase1, CD39). CD39 catalyzes the extracellular hydrolysis of nucleoside tri‐ and diphosphates, mainly adenosine 5ʹ‐triphosphate (ATP) and ADP, yielding adenosine monophosphate, which is further hydrolyzed by ecto‐5ʹ‐nucleotidase (CD73) to produce adenosine. While ATP has proinflammatory effects, adenosine is a potent anti‐inflammatory, immunosuppressive agent. Inhibitors of CD39 and CD73 have potential as novel checkpoint inhibitors for the immunotherapy of cancer and infection. In the present study, we investigated 2‐substituted thienotetrahydropyridine derivatives, structurally related to ticlopidine, as CD39 inhibitors. Due to their substituent on the 2‐position, they will not be metabolically transformed into reactive thiols and can, therefore, be expected to be devoid of P2Y12 receptor‐antagonistic activity in vivo. Several of the investigated 2‐substituted thienotetrahydropyridine derivatives showed concentration‐dependent inhibition of CD39. The most potent derivative, 32, showed similar CD39‐inhibitory potency to ticlopidine, both acting as allosteric inhibitors. Compound 32 showed an improved selectivity profile: While ticlopidine blocked several NTPDase isoenzymes, 32 was characterized as a novel dual inhibitor of CD39 and CD73.
A comparative mixed methods study on health information seeking among US‐born/US‐dwelling, Korean‐born/US‐dwelling, and Korean‐born/Korean‐dwelling mothers
Authors: Lee Hanseul Stephanie , Smith Catherine Arnott 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMore knowledge and a better understanding of health information seeking are necessary, especially in these unprecedented times due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using Sonnenwald's theoretical concept of information horizons, this study aimed to uncover patterns in mothers' source preferences related to their children's health. Online surveys were completed by 851 mothers (255 US‐born/US‐dwelling, 300 Korean‐born/US‐dwelling, and 296 Korean‐born/Korean‐dwelling), and supplementary in‐depth interviews with 24 mothers were conducted and analyzed. Results indicate that there were remarkable differences between the mothers' information source preference and their actual source use. Moreover, there were many similarities between the two Korean‐born groups concerning health information‐seeking behavior. For instance, those two groups sought health information more frequently than US‐born/US‐dwelling mothers. Their sources frequently included blogs or online forums as well as friends with children, whereas US‐born/US‐dwelling mothers frequently used doctors or nurses as information sources. Mothers in the two Korean‐born samples preferred the World Wide Web most as their health information source, while the US‐born/US‐dwelling mothers preferred doctors the most. Based on these findings, information professionals should guide mothers of specific ethnicities and nationalities to trustworthy sources considering both their usage and preferences.
Concurrent Polyvalent Interaction and Electrocatalysis to Improve Lithium‐Sulfur Battery Performance
Authors: Kumar Subramani , Krishnamoorthy Kothandam 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBatteries with improved efficiency are desired. Li−S batteries are attractive due to their high specific capacity and energy density. However, sluggish sulfur redox reaction and polysulfide dissolution are significant challenges in Li−S batteries. In this work, we report graphene with doped layer to electrocatalyze the sluggish sulfur redox reaction. The doped layer comprises heteroatoms such as either N or N and S. The doped layer also comprises cations of Ni. We have chosen a “doped layer on graphene” over “doped graphene” to avoid defects in the basal plane of graphene. We found the doped layer comprising graphene (DLC−G) to electrocatalyze the polysulfide redox reaction. However, the interaction between the doped layer and polysulfide is still weak, hence the dissolution is not suppressed. To circumvent the polysulfide dissolution, graphene with cationic layer was prepared. We found that cations in the layer electrostatically attract the polysulfides due to the polyvalent interaction. Thus, the dissolution is suppressed. While using this material in the Li−S batteries, the specific capacity, energy density and power density were found to be 1345 mAh g−1, 782 Wh kg−1 and 4437 W kg−1, respectively.
There is still no evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 laboratory origin: Response to Segreto and Deigin (10.1002/bies.202100137)
Authors: Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Panchin Alexander Y. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe causative agent of COVID‐19 SARS‐CoV‐2 has led to over 4 million deaths worldwide. Understanding the origin of this coronavirus is important for the prevention of future outbreaks. The dominant point of view that the virus transferred to humans either directly from bats or through an intermediate mammalian host has been challenged by Segreto and Deigin, who claim that the genome of SARS‐CoV‐2 has certain features suggestive of its artificial creation. Following their response to our commentary, here we continue the discussion of the proposed arguments for this hypothesis. We show that neither the existence of a furin cleavage site in SARS‐CoV‐2, nor the presence of specific sequences within the nucleotide insertion encoding that site are evidence for intelligent design. We also explain why existing genetic data, viral diversity and past human history suggest that a natural origin of the virus is the most likely scenario. Genetic evidence suggesting otherwise is yet to be presented.
Varying the Directionality of Protein Catalysts for Aldol and Retro‐Aldol Reactions
Authors: Fujioka Toshifumi , Numoto Nobutaka , Akama Hiroyuki , Shilpa Kola , Oka Michiko , Roy Prodip K. , Krishna Yarkali , Ito Nobutoshi , Baker David , Oda Masayuki , Tanaka Fujie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNatural aldolase enzymes and created retro‐aldolase protein catalysts often catalyze both aldol and retro‐aldol reactions depending on the concentrations of the reactants and the products. Here, we report that the directionality of protein catalysts can be altered by replacing one amino acid. The protein catalyst derived from a scaffold of a previously reported retro‐aldolase catalyst, catalyzed aldol reactions more efficiently than the previously reported retro‐aldolase catalyst. The retro‐aldolase catalyst efficiently catalyzed the retro‐aldol reaction but was less efficient in catalyzing the aldol reaction. The results indicate that protein catalysts with varying levels of directionality in usually reversibly catalyzed aldol and retro‐aldol reactions can be generated from the same protein scaffold.
Effects of acid treatment on the physicochemical and functional properties of wheat bran insoluble dietary fiber
Authors: Wang Lei , Tian Yingpeng , Chen Yixuan , Chen Jie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWheat bran is a by‐product of the wheat milling industry but most are used as animal fodder or discarded. To extend the applications of wheat bran, the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of sulfuric acid‐modified wheat bran insoluble fibers (WBIDF) produced using 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% H2SO4 and 1.5% potassium hydroxide were investigated.FindingsDue to cell wall disintegration, 1.0% and 2.0% H2SO4 treatments increased the concentration of soluble dietary fiber. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that acid treatment disrupted WBIDF structure, removed starch granules from the surface, and significantly reduced starch content. Higher H2SO4 concentrations increased WBIDF crystallinity due to hydrolysis of hemicellulose and amorphous cellulose. Acid treatment below 2% not only enhanced the water holding, water swelling, oil binding, and cation exchange capacities of WBIDF, but also increased cholesterol, sodium cholate, and glucose adsorption capacities and α‐amylase inhibition activity.ConclusionsAcid‐modified WBIDF has potential as a functional food ingredient.Significance and noveltyAcid treatment can be used to disrupt the microstructure of wheat bran to improve its functional properties. These findings can be utilized to improve the technological functionality of wheat bran as a high fiber ingredient for food applications.
In Situ Polymerized Polydopamine Nanoparticles as Enhanced Polymer Composite Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Biyun , Huang Hong , Wang Yuan , Shen Zhangfeng , Li Lifen , Wang Yan , Wang Xiaoqiang , Li Xi , Wang Yangang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPolyethylene oxide (PEO) is considered to be an important polymer matrix for solid polymer electrolytes, owing to its excellent lithium salt solubility and low cost, but PEO suffers from many disadvantages such as low ion conductivity at room temperature, poor mechanical property, and flammability. This paper presents the fabrication of a novel composite electrolyte composed of polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles and PEO through a facile in situ polymerization method. The PDA nanoparticles homogeneously disperse in the PEO matrix and substantially suppress the crystallization of PEO, thus significantly improving the ionic conductivity of PEO electrolyte. Meanwhile, tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimeter characterizations demonstrate the improved mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame resistance of the PEO electrolyte. In addition, the PDA/PEO electrolyte shows an expanded electrochemical window, and the all‐solid‐state lithium battery assembled from PDA/PEO electrolyte exhibits better rate performance and cycling stability as compared to the battery made from neat PEO electrolyte. This work provides a simple strategy for safe and high‐performance all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries.
Graphene‐Mercury‐Graphene Sandwich Electrode for Electroanalysis
Authors: Grosser Tobias , Wehrhold Michel , Neubert Tilmann J. , Balasubramanian Kannan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe present a new class of hybrid 2D electrodes, where mercury is incorporated between two graphene monolayers, prepared by bottom‐up assembly. First, the bottom graphene layer is electrochemically modified leading to the creation of fine mercury nanodroplets of variable size on the graphene surface. Although such electrodes show good sensitivity to heavy metal ions, their stability is limited due to the outgassing of mercury over time. After coverage with a top monolayer, the graphene surface is rendered with the favorable properties of mercury such as the high overpotential for hydrogen evolution, the ability to work at a broader cathodic potential range and higher sensitivity towards heavy metal ions such as Cd2+ and Pb2+. Most importantly, the outgassing of mercury is completely hindered by the top layer, which yields a stable mercury‐like electrode but with a carbonaceous non‐toxic interface. We attribute the favorable properties of the sandwich electrode to the subsurface mercury present below the top graphene sheet, which renders it with new electrochemical properties.
Promoting Ethylene (co)Polymerization in Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvents Using tert‐Butyl Substituted Nickel Catalysts
Authors: Chen Ao , Liao Daohong , Chen Changle 
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive SummaryIn the past few decades, the development of high‐performance catalysts has been a key driving force and a center of research efforts in the field of olefin polymerization. However, a major discrepancy exists between industrial researches which utilize aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, and academic researches which predominantly focus the catalytic properties in aromatic solvents. In this contribution, a novel diaryl‐methyl aniline bearing eight tert‐butyl groups was prepared and subsequently transformed to four different kinds of imine‐type ligands. The corresponding nickel complexes as well as their counterparts derived from diphenyl‐methyl aniline without the tert‐butyl groups were prepared and investigated in ethylene polymerization. The multiple tert‐butyl groups enable great solubility of the metal complexes in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, leading to similar polymerization properties comparing with aromatic solvents. In contrast, their counterparts without tert‐butyl groups demonstrate significant solvent effect. Moreover, the ligand electronic and steric effects induced by the tert‐butyl groups lead to nickel catalysts with great thermal stability (up to 140 oC) and capabilities of generating high molecular weight polymer and copolymer products. This tert‐butyl strategy can be potentially applied to many different polymerization catalyst systems and help to bridge academic studies with practical applications.
Plasmonic Core‐Shell Nanostructures Enhanced Spectroscopies
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wei Di‐Ye , Zhang Yu‐Jin , Zhang Hua , Li Jian‐Feng 
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive SummaryCore‐shell nanostructures constituted by a plasmonic core and an ultrathin shell have drawn enormous attentions in enhanced spectroscopies, catalysis, energy, and other fields because of their splendid properties such as multifunctionality, stability, and adjustability. In this article, we summarized the endeavors made by our group in the past decade about the core‐shell nanostructures in the shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) and plasmon‐enhanced spectroscopies. Meanwhile, the potential challenges and perspectives about core‐shell nanostructures in spectroscopies have also been proposed. Thus, we believe this article would provide an avenue for a comprehensive understanding of enhanced spectroscopies with core‐shell nanostructures.
What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group??Core‐shell nanostructure enhanced Raman spectroscopy for surface analysis.How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers??I started the studies on Raman spectroscopy since I was a Ph.D. candidate. I think most researchers should concentrate on specific fields, especially those that can hardly be solved by others, and make constant research on them.How do you supervise your students??First, give highly challenging or unique topics to students. Then, make detailed plans for them and supervise them to execute the plans.What is the most important personality for scientific research??Insistence and diligence.What are your hobbies? What's your favorite book(s)?Playing computer games. My favorite book is State of Divinity (笑傲江湖), by Louis Cha.What is your favorite journal(s)?The journals report systematic and pioneer works on chemistry, materials, or energy, etc.
A non‐isolated quasi‐Z‐source‐based high‐gain DC–DC converter
Authors: Mahmood Arshad , Zaid Mohammad , Khan Shahrukh , Siddique Marif Daula , Iqbal Atif , Sarwer Zeeshan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTo overcome the problems associated with Z‐source‐based DC–DC converters, a quasi‐Z‐source (QZS)‐based high‐gain DC–DC boost converter with switched capacitors is proposed in this work. Z‐source‐based DC–DC converters have problems like low‐voltage gain, discontinuous input current, and high‐voltage stress on the active and passive components. The proposed converter can produce a high‐voltage gain of more than 10 times for a duty cycle of less than 0.5. The converter has other desirable features like reduced voltage stress across the switching components and continuous input current (CIC). It comprises a QZS cell made up of switched inductors and a voltage multiplier cell (VMC) made up of switched capacitors. The power loss analysis is done using PLECS software by incorporating the real parameters of switches and diodes from the datasheet. A hardware prototype of 200 W is developed in the laboratory to verify the working of the converter. In experimental results for an output power of 200 W, the converter is operated with a source voltage of 33 V at a duty ratio of 0.4 providing an output voltage of 395 V. The converter performance is good in open‐loop conditions and is verified through experimental results.
SLAMF8 expression predicts the efficacy of anti‐PD1 immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Zhang Qun , Cheng Lei , Qin Yanmei , Kong Linghui , Shi Xiao , Hu Jing , Li Li , Ding Zhou , Wang Ting , Shen Jie , Yang Yang , Yu Lixia , Liu Baorui , Liu Chenchen , Qian Xiaoping 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with a better response to anti‐PD1 immunotherapy. We hypothesised that genetic alterations induced by EBV infection are responsible for the activation of key immune responses and hence are predictive of anti‐PD1 efficacy.MethodsWith transcriptome data of gastric cancer (GC), we explored differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific for EBV infection and performed coexpression network analysis using the DEGs to identify the consistent coexpression genes (CCGs) between EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative GC tissues. We selected the tag genes of the CCGs and validated them using RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. We established murine models and collected tissues from clinical patients to test the value of SLAMF8 in predicting anti‐PD1 treatment. The location and expression of SLAMF8 were characterised by multiplex immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR. Moreover, exogenous overexpression and RNA‐sequencing analysis were used to test the potential function of SLAMF8.ResultsWe identified 290 CCGs and validated the tag gene SLAMF8 in transcriptome data of gastrointestinal cancer (GI). We observed that the T‐cell activation pathway was significantly enriched in high‐expression SLAMF8 GI cancers. Higher SLAMF8 expression was positively associated with CD8 expression and a better response to anti‐PD1 treatment. We further observed dynamically increased expression of SLAMF8 in murine models relatively sensitive to anti‐PD1 treatment. SLAMF8 was mainly expressed on the surface of macrophages. Exogenous overexpression of SLAMF8 in macrophages resulted in enrichment of positive regulation of multiple immune‐related pathways.ConclusionHigher SLAMF8 expression may predict better anti‐PD1 immunotherapy efficacy in GI cancer.
Metastatic tumors to the pancreas, a 12‐year single institution review
Authors: Novotny Aaron , Sell Evan , Mehrotra Sanjana 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundTumors of the pancreas are often primary in nature, but are occasionally proven to be secondary. We report a 12‐year review of all pancreatic tumors shown to be metastatic at the University of Colorado.MethodThe electronic pathology database was searched between 2008 and 2020, for all pancreatic fine‐needle aspiration cases at the University of Colorado to identify and review metastatic tumors to the pancreas. Additional data points to include age, sex, radiographic features, and clinical management were analyzed.ResultsOur data retrieval identified 39 metastatic tumors to the pancreas comprised of 12 (31%) renal cell carcinomas, 6 (15%) lung carcinomas, and 5 (13%) melanomas with the remainder of tumors originating from a variety of other sites. The most common location of these metastases within the pancreas was the pancreatic head (49%) followed by the body (20%). Eighty‐five percentage of cases presented with a single radiographically identified mass.ConclusionWhile the majority of pancreatic tumors represent primary processes, metastatic tumors to the pancreas represent a possible pitfall. The most common tumors to metastasize to the pancreas in this series were renal cell carcinoma, lung carcinoma, and melanoma. General awareness of the most frequent tumors to metastasize to the pancreas is practical when faced with a pancreatic lesion that could represent a metastasis, or in the absence of clinical history.
Malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor in pleural effusion: Deceitful cytology with significant repercussions
Authors: Jackson Christopher , Linos Konstantinos , Liu Xiaoying 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMalignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor (MMNST) is an exceedingly rare and aggressive neoplasm of Schwann cell origin that has seldom been described in the cytopathology literature. Herein we present a case of a 60‐year‐old female with a 3.8 cm presacral mass that was diagnosed as a MMNST. A molecular workup demonstrated TERT promoter ‐124C > T and TET2 Q891* gene mutations. Within 2 years of her initial diagnosis, she had developed widespread metastasis and pleural effusions. A cytologic workup of the pleural fluid revealed clusters of vacuolated epithelioid cells with enlarged nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and occasional multinucleation. The lesional cells were positive for SOX10, S100‐protein, Melan‐A, and HMB45, while negative for Calretinin, MOC31, and monoclonal CEA. In this clinicopathologic context, a diagnosis of metastatic MMNST was rendered. Awareness of this entity and its clinical presentation, along with a critical understanding of its molecular findings and that of imitators, is crucial in achieving an accurate diagnosis.
Mammal road‐type associations in Kruger National Park, South Africa: Common mammals do not avoid tar roads more than dirt roads
Authors: Malherbe Misha , McIntyre Trevor , Hattingh Tarryn V. , Leresche Paige M. , Haussmann Natalie S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe majority of Africa's parks and conservation areas have a vast road network, facilitating motorized vehicle game viewing. These roads have an influence that is both road type‐ and species‐specific, on the surrounding ecosystem. Due to their higher traffic volumes, we hypothesized that tar roads and their immediate surrounds within the Kruger National Park, South Africa, are avoided to a greater extent by medium‐to‐large mammals than comparable dirt roads in the park. We systematically recorded the presence of medium‐to‐large mammal species from our vehicle, recording data at 401 tar and 369 dirt road stops in the Kruger National Park. In addition to species presence, we also estimated the proximity of animals to the road, as well as herd sizes. Our results indicate an equal likelihood of viewing the commonly recorded medium‐to‐large mammal species from both road types. The likelihood of observing larger herd sizes was also similar between tar and dirt roads for the three most commonly observed species, African elephant (Loxodonta africana), impala (Aepyceros melampus), and plains zebra (Equus quagga), and the likelihood of viewing impala and zebra close to the road also did not differ between tar and dirt roads. However, elephant was observed more often close to tar roads, compared to dirt roads. We interpreted this as the result of potentially increased woody cover associated with more water runoff in close proximity to tar roads compared with dirt roads. Our results not only have ecological significance, supporting the notion that many of the park's species are habituated to human infrastructure, but also management implications, informing park officials about the influence of road traffic and road type on wildlife distributions.