bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic and modeling study of the human inorganic pyrophosphatase 1: A potential anti‐cancer drug target
Authors: Niu Haiying , Zhu Jiang , Qu Quanxin , Zhou Xia , Huang Xiaolan , Du Zhihua 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInorganic pyrophosphatases (PPases) catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate to phosphates. PPases play essential roles in growth and development, and are found in all kingdoms of life. Human possess two PPases, PPA1 and PPA2. PPA1 is present in all tissues, acting largely as a housekeeping enzyme. Besides pyrophosphate hydrolysis, PPA1 can also directly dephosphorylate phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases 1 (JNK1). Upregulated expression of PPA1 has been linked to many human malignant tumors. PPA1 knockdown induces apoptosis and decreases proliferation. PPA1 is emerging as a potential prognostic biomarker and target for anti‐cancer drug development. In spite of the biological and physiopathological importance of PPA1, there is no detailed study on the structure and catalytic mechanisms of mammalian origin PPases. Here we report the crystal structure of human PPA1 at a resolution of 2.4 Å. We also carried out modeling studies of PPA1 in complex with JNK1 derived phosphor‐peptides. The monomeric protein fold of PPA1 is similar to those found in other family I PPases. PPA1 forms a dimeric structure that should be conserved in animal and fungal PPases. Analysis of the PPA1 structure and comparison with available structures of PPases from lower organisms suggest that PPA1 has a largely pre‐organized and relatively rigid active site for pyrophosphate hydrolysis. Results from the modeling study indicate the active site of PPA1 has the potential to accommodate double‐phosphorylated peptides from JNK1. In short, results from the study provides new insights into the mechanisms of human PPA1 and basis for structure‐based anti‐cancer drug developments using PPA1 as the target.
Moving past postcolonial hybrid spaces: How Buddhist monks make meaning of biology
Authors: Balgopal Meena M. , Gerardo Nicole M. , Topden Jampa , Gyatso Kalden 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn formal learning spaces, students must navigate making meaning of both new knowledge and potentially new worldviews. In this qualitative grounded theory study, we examined how adult Buddhist monastic students learned about and described the origin of biodiversity in an introductory biology course. The study was conducted at a Tibetan settlement in south India during an 8‐day class that was offered as part of joint program between an American university and the Tibetan Buddhist monastic community. Informed by hybridity theory, we describe four findings regarding how the monks made meaning (i.e., deciding what to learn, framing what to learn, why they should learn, and how they could learn). The monks (1) integrated the new knowledge about physical diversity into their worldview of “mental diversity;” (2) found similarities between their worldview and academic science; (3) were both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated to learn about biology; and (4) valued opportunities to engage in dialectical discourse to assist in meaning making. We conclude that the monks navigated different epistemologies demonstrating secured collateral learning. We encourage researchers to consider using a decolonized perspective when conducting studies of learning in hybrid or third spaces.
Benefits and obstacles to cell therapy in neonates: The INCuBAToR (Innovative Neonatal Cellular Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Accelerating Translation of Research)
Authors: Thébaud Bernard , Lalu Manoj , Renesme Laurent , Katwyk Sasha , Presseau Justin , Thavorn Kednapa , Cobey Kelly D. , Hutton Brian , Moher David , Soll Roger F. , Fergusson Dean 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cell-based therapies hold promise to substantially curb complications from extreme preterm birth, the main cause of death in children below the age of 5 years. Exciting preclinical studies in experimental neonatal lung injury have provided the impetus for the initiation of early phase clinical trials in extreme preterm infants at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Clinical translation of promising therapies, however, is slow and often fails. In the adult population, results of clinical trials so far have not matched the enticing preclinical data. The neonatal field has experienced many hard-earned lessons with the implementation of oxygen therapy or postnatal steroids. Here we briefly summarize the preclinical data that have permitted the initiation of early phase clinical trials of cell-based therapies in extreme preterm infants and describe the INCuBAToR concept (Innovative Neonatal Cellular Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Accelerating Translation of Research), an evidence-based approach to mitigate the risk of translating advanced therapies into this vulnerable patient population. The INCuBAToR addresses several of the shortcomings at the preclinical and the clinical stage that usually contribute to the failure of clinical translation through (a) systematic reviews of preclinical and clinical studies, (b) integrated knowledge transfer through engaging important stakeholders early on, (c) early economic evaluation to determine if a novel therapy is viable, and (d) retrospective and prospective studies to define and test ideal eligibility criteria to optimize clinical trial design. The INCuBAToR concept can be applied to any novel therapy in order to enhance the likelihood of success of clinical translation in a timely, transparent, rigorous, and evidence-based fashion.
An international comparison analysis of CO2 emissions in the construction industry
Authors: Chen Jindao , Wang Yuhong , Shi Qian , Peng Xu , Zheng Juhuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGlobal warming is an increasingly serious issue faced by human beings. As one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions, the construction industry plays a significant role in combating global warming and achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to compare the CO2 emissions in the construction industry around the world and analyze the drivers of the differences in construction emission intensities between regions in 2009 using the multiregional input–output model and structural decomposition analysis model, respectively. The results show that China, India, the USA, Russia, and Japan were the largest five construction CO2 emitters. The above five regions, especially China and Russia, had much greater construction emission intensities than the UK, which had the smallest intensity. The findings also demonstrate that the production structure effect was the largest driver enlarging the intensity differences between China and the UK, between India and the UK, between Russia and the UK, and between Japan and the UK, contributing 93.1%, 96.6%, 65.6%, and 85.3% of the differences, respectively. The energy intensity effect dominated the emission intensity difference between the USA and the UK, representing 101.6% of the difference. The top three contributors to the above effects were domestic industries except the production structure effect on the difference between Japan and the UK. This study can help policymakers better understand the disparities of CO2 emissions in the construction industry around the world and thus formulate effective policies to mitigate the emissions.
Hybrid TiO2/Graphite/Nanodiamond Anode for Realizing High Performance Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Chen , Sun Xiaochen , Li Huiling , Liu Junsong , Cheng Shaoheng , Li Hongdong , Yuan Xiaoxi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this work, the commercial detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) are introduced to the anodes of lithium ion battery (LIBs) consisting of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) and synthesized graphite by a microwave treatment process. The compound TiO2/DND/graphite anodes are favorable for improving the LIB performance, where the LIBs have lithium storage capacities of 540 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C after 100 cycles and 300 mA h g−1 at 5 C after 1000 cycles, which are greatly higher than the theoretical data (168 mA h g−1) from TiO2 anode alone. The high capacity, as well as excellent cycling performance and stability of the LIBs, are attributed to the synergistic effect of DND (larger surface area, low expansion, high lithium adsorption capacity, chemical inertness), TiO2 (high Li+ insertion/extraction voltage, robust structural stability, lower volumetric expansion) and the improved ionic conductivity of the anode with additional fabricated graphitic powders.
Development and Characterization of Montmorillonite‐Based Hybrid Materials for pH‐Responsive Drug Delivery
Authors: Obireddy Sreekanth Reddy , Subbarao Subha Marata Chinna , Venkata Krishna Rao Kummari Subba , Lai Wing‐Fu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study reports the development of montmorillonite (MMT)‐based hybrid systems for pH‐responsive drug delivery. During fabrication, MMT is first modified with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol (MeOH), with the generated hybrid materials being designated as MMTDMSO and MMTMeOH, respectively. The hybrid materials are then intercalated with DOX for drug delivery purposes. Results of XRD and DSC reveal that DOX is successfully intercalated into the MMT interlayers. In vitrodrug release studies of the DOX‐loaded hybrid materials are investigated at pH 4.5 and 7.4 at 37 °C. The cytotoxicity of the materials is studied in vitro by using human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) as a model. Results suggest that our hybrid materials are carriers enabling effective, sustained and controlled drug release.
Operando XAS/SAXS: Guiding Design of Single‐Atom and Subnanocluster Catalysts
Authors: Fang Lingzhe , Seifert Soenke , Winans Randall E. , Li Tao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSingle‐atom and subnanocluster catalysts (SSCs) represent a highly promising class of low‐cost materials with high catalytic activity and high atom‐utilization efficiency. However, SSCs are susceptible to undergo restructuring during the reactions. Exploring the active sites of catalysts through in situ characterization techniques plays a critical role in studying reaction mechanism and guiding the design of optimum catalysts. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (XAS/SAXS) is promising and widely used for monitoring electronic structure, atomic configuration, and size changes of SSCs during real‐time working conditions. Unfortunately, there is no detailed summary of XAS/SAXS characterization results of SSCs. The recent advances in applying in situ XAS/SAXS to SSCs are thoroughly summarized in this review, including the atomic structure and oxidation state variations under open circuit and realistic reaction conditions. Furthermore, the reversible transformation of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) to subnanoclusters/nanoparticles and the application of in situ XAS/SAXS in subnanoclusters are discussed. Finally, the outlooks in modulating the SSCs and developing operando XAS/SAXS for SSCs are highlighted.
Molecular phylogeny of the Mammilloid clade (Cactaceae) resolves the monophyly of Mammillaria
Authors: Breslin Peter B. , Wojciechowski Martin F. , Majure Lucas C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo resolve more than 150 years of taxonomic confusion regarding the genus Mammillaria, the molecular phylogeny of the Mammilloid clade, including the genera Cochemiea, Coryphantha, Cumarinia, Escobaria, Mammillaria, Neolloydia, and Ortegocactus, is reconstructed. We included broad sampling of genera as well as a regionally nearly complete taxon sampling of Mammillaria and Cochemiea from the Baja California region. Employing the large single‐copy region of the plastid genome as sequence data, we conducted maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny of the clade. The molecular phylogenetic topology was further supported by reconstructing the ancestral states of 10 characters, from which three traditionally taxonomically important characters for the sampled taxa were selected. Results from our analyses clarify the evolutionary relationships of these closely related taxa, providing high resolution with strongly supported clades and subclades. The genus Mammillaria as currently circumscribed is non‐monophyletic, and thus, we propose a recircumscription of the Mammilloid clade yielding three monophyletic genera, Mammillaria s.str., Cochemiea s.l. and Coryphantha. We herein make appropriate combinations to accommodate our circumscription of these genera.
Development of Dipolarophiles for Catalytic Asymmetric Cycloadditions through Pd‐π‐Allyl Zwitterions
Authors: Yang Cun , Yang Zhi‐Xiong , Ding Chang‐Hua , Xu Bin , Hou Xue‐Long 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe development of new and efficient methodology for the construction of optically active molecules is of great interest in both synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry fields. To this end, the personal account summarizes our studies on the development of electron‐deficient alkenes, allenes, and alkynes containing single activator as new dipolarophiles for Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions. These new dipolarophiles can participate in Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions through Pd‐π‐allyl 1,3‐ and 1,4‐zwitterions in‐situ generated by the reaction of Pd(0) catalyst with vinyl aziridines, vinyl epoxides, vinyl cyclopropanes, 4‐vinyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐ones, and vinyl benzoxazinanones. These [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions provide efficient approaches to a wide range of enantiomerically enriched five‐ and six‐membered ring compounds containing contiguous chiral centers with high to excellent chemo‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivities. The utilities of these protocols are demonstrated by transformation of the cycloadducts into other useful chiral building blocks. DFT calculations reveal the dissimilar reactivity of different electron deficient alkenes and rationalize the mechanism and stereo‐control of the reaction. A Pd‐catalyzed inverse [3+2] cycloaddition is disclosed.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Addition/Cyclization Reactions of the C−N Multiple Bonds Containing Species
Authors: Hsieh Jen‐Chieh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article describes our research work for the past decade, which involves the transition‐metal‐catalyzed cyclization reactions of the C−N multiple bonds containing species and their synthetic applications to access various heterocyclic compounds. The concepts of reactions including four types of coupling with a subsequent cyclization are (1) the transition‐metal performs as a Lewis acid to activate a nitrile and accelerate the nucleophilic addition, (2) the transition‐metal‐catalyzed 1,2‐insertion reaction of nitrile, (3) the Cu‐catalyzed C−N coupling reaction of imine, and (4) the Co‐catalyzed addition/cyclization reaction of imine. These methods can be used to synthesize various N‐containing aromatic heterocycles with higher efficiency, and can be applied to the synthesis of relevent natural alkaloids, their derivatives as well as biologically active compounds.
Real‐time ultrasound virtual navigation in 3D PET/CT volumes for superficial lymph‐node evaluation: innovative fusion examination
Authors: Garganese G. , Bove S. , Fragomeni S. , Moro F. , Triumbari E. K. A. , Collarino A. , Verri D. , Gentileschi S. , Sperduti I. , Scambia G. , Rufini V. , Testa A. C. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and clinical application of fusion imaging with virtual navigation, combining 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with real‐time ultrasound imaging, in assessing superficial lymph nodes in breast‐cancer and gynecological‐cancer patients.MethodsThis was a pilot study of breast‐ and gynecological‐cancer patients with abnormal uptake of 18F‐FDG by axillary or groin lymph nodes on PET/CT scan, examined at our institution between January 2017 and May 2019. Fusion imaging was performed, uploading preacquired PET/CT DICOM images onto the ultrasound machine and synchronizing them with real‐time ultrasound scanning performed at the lymph‐node site. In the first phase, we assessed the feasibility and reliability of fusion imaging in a series of 10 patients with suspicious lymph nodes on both PET/CT and ultrasound, and with full correspondence between both techniques in terms of size, shape and morphology of the lymph nodes (Group A). In the second phase, we included 20 patients with non‐corresponding findings between PET/CT and ultrasound: 10 patients with lymph nodes that were suspicious or pathological on PET/CT scan but not suspicious on ultrasound assessment (Group B), and 10 patients with suspicious or pathological lymph nodes on both PET/CT and ultrasound but with no correspondence between the two techniques in terms of number of affected lymph nodes (Group C).ResultsIn the 30 selected patients, fusion imaging was assessed at 30 lymph‐node sites (22 inguinal and eight axillary nodes). In the first phase (Group A), the fusion technique was shown to be feasible in all 10 lymph‐node sites evaluated. In the second phase, fusion imaging was completed successfully in nine of 10 cases in Group B and in all 10 cases in Group C. In all groups, fusion imaging was able to identify the target lymph node, guiding the examiner to perform a core‐needle aspiration biopsy or to inject radiotracer for selective surgical nodal excision, according to the radio‐guided occult lesion localization technique.ConclusionFusion imaging with virtual navigation, combining PET/CT and real‐time ultrasound imaging, is technically feasible and able to detect target lymph nodes even when PET/CT and ultrasound findings are inconsistent. Fusion imaging can also be used to guide the performance of core‐needle aspiration biopsy, avoiding further surgical diagnostic procedures, or the injection of radiotracer for selective surgical nodal excision, enabling more sparing, selective surgery. This innovative technique could open up multiple diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in breast and gynecological oncology. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Nanoparticle‐mediated siRNA delivery systems for cancer therapy
Authors: Gao Han , Cheng Ruoyu , A. Santos Hélder 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐based therapeutics have raised great attention since the first RNA interference (RNAi)‐derived drug, patisiran, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which represented a landmark in the field of gene therapy. Given the properties of interfering disease‐associated gene expression, RNAi machinery is regarded as an essential factor for preparing precise medicine. However, over the past few years, siRNA drugs are undergoing a period of clinical translation, in which the major hurdle is the limited efficient delivery strategies. Therefore, this mini‐review mainly focuses on describing the state‐of‐the‐art of the nanoscale platforms for delivering siRNA payloads, also addressing their applications in cancer therapy. Finally, the status of siRNA drugs under clinical trials is discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding on the field of oligonucleotide‐mediated therapeutics.
Recent advances of noble metal aerogels in biosensing
Authors: Gao Wei , Wen Dan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNoble metal aerogels were first reported in the late 2000s and developed rapidly over the past 10 years. With the structure advantages of ultralow density, high porosity, large specific surface area and hierarchical structure like traditional aerogels, noble metal aerogels with good conductivity and specific chemical properties have attracted great research interests and application potentials in various fields, including biological applications. Here, in this perspective, recent advances about the preparation and application of noble metal aerogels in biosensing are summarized and highlighted. As mimics of bio‐active “nanozymes” and as supports of natural enzymes, noble metal aerogel‐based biological sensors exhibited much better activity and sensitivity towards the detection of various substrates compared to their counterparts of nanostructured materials. Moreover, the main challenges and perspectives of noble metal aerogels about their biocompatibility, types, surface properties, selectivity, and potential in wearable applications for biosensing are also emphasized and addressed. Overall, as a novel branch of aerogels, noble metal aerogels hold great promises for biological sensing applications and still have many problems to overcome for better utilizations.
Temporal and spatial distributions of animal and human rabies cases during 2012 and 2018, in Tunisia
Authors: Kalthoum Sana , Guesmi Kaouther , Gharbi Raja , Baccar Mohamed Naceur , Seghaier Chedia , Zrelli Malek , Bahloul Chokri 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRabies is one of the most important zoonosis in Tunisia. In the last 6 years, a dramatic increase in the number of cases in animals had raised concern about the transmission dynamics of rabies and the effectiveness of established control measures. For a better understanding of the epidemiological features of rabies in Tunisia, data on animal and human rabies cases and post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol, for the period from 2012 to 2018, were analysed to describe the spatial and the temporal distributions of the disease and to guide targeted rabies control measures. Thus, the analysed data have shown that 2,642 animal and 25 human rabies cases were recorded between 2012 and 2018; only few case numbers were reported in wildlife. Time‐related distribution showed that the incidence of dog rabies increases over the period of study, from 24,8/100,000 dog population in 2012 to 35,2/100,000 dog population in 2018. Dog seems to be the main reservoir of rabies as it accounted for more than 59% of the animal confirmed cases and the source for more than 80% of the human confirmed cases. Geographical distribution of animal rabies cases revealed the presence of clusters in the North and the Center of Tunisia; only a little number of animal cases were reported in the South. In contrast, the overall human rabies incidence was 0.03 per 100,000 population, during the period of the study. We have found that the incidence of human rabies increases by 13.6% from 2012 to 2015 and drops steadily by 23.41% over the second period (2015 to 2018). A high number of PEP was recorded during the 7‐year period, with an average of 360 PEP per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Spatial analysis revealed the presence of clusters of PEP in the Northern and Central governorates. The present study pointed out the need to review the control strategy of rabies in Tunisia and conduct further studies on dog population to provide the basis for a new and efficacious policy of interventions and control program for rabies.