bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Copper ion altered association network among multi-genes and enzyme activity of laccase in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Kang Xincong , Chen Yuewen , Yan Sien , Zeng Luman , Liu Xuehui , Hu Yongquan , Wei Yunlin , Ji Xiuling , Liu Dongbo 
Published: June 2018

Background: Laccases, copper-based polyphenol oxidases, played vital roles in lignin and humus degradation as well as fruiting body formation and stress response. Sixteen putative laccase genes (Lacc1-Lacc16) were reported in the genome of white-rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Members in this multi-gene family usually had close inter-relationships and may vary in the roles contributing to functions. Identifying the interactions among multiple genes and thus the conjoined consequence to an activity was essential for systematically unraveling the molecular mechanisms of laccase and improving laccase activity.
Methods: In this study, multivariate statistical analysis was applied to track the relationship between thetranscriptional level of laccase genes and the total enzymatic activities. We outlined and compared the interaction networks among the transcriptional levels of 16 laccase genes and associations with the total enzymatic activities with or without copper ion (Cu 2+ ).
Results: A multi-gene interaction network among the sixteen genes and laccase activity was constructed to figure out the changes induced by Cu 2+ . The interaction network showed that the enzyme activity was the result of interactions among genes, and these interactions might vary with the presence of Cu 2+ , subsequently leading to the alteration of enzyme activity. Some genes always kept relation with enzyme activity (positive or negative, Lacc13, Lacc10), some were irrelevant (Lacc1, Lacc6), while another some were inconsistent (Lacc3, Lacc8, Lacc14 and Lacc15).
Discussion: Network-based methods were applied to identify key functional genes and to outline associations among genes and phenotype in laccase multi-gene family. This is an exploratory strategy to describe the transcriptional complexity of laccase and its relevant responses to Cu 2+ stress. The identified key functional genes associated with laccase activity (e.g. Lacc10, Lacc13) and the associations among genes and activity will benefit for the regulation of enzyme activity.
Shift in VEGFA isoform balance towards more angiogenic variants is associated with tumor stage and differentiation of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chesnokov Mikhail S. , Khesina Polina A. , Shavochkina Darya A. , Kustova Inna F. , Dyakov Leonid M. , Morozova Olga V. , Mugue Nikolai S. , Kudashkin Nikolay E. , Moroz Ekaterina A. , Patyutko Yuri I. , Lazarevich Natalia L. 
Published: June 2018

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and aggressive type of malignant liver tumor. HCC progression depends significantly on its vascularization and formation of new blood vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a crucial regulator of tumor vascularization and components of VEGF-induced cell signaling pathways are important targets of therapeutical drugs that demonstrated the highest efficiency in case of advanced HCC (sorafenib and regorafenib). VEGFA is expressed as a set of isoforms with different functional properties, thus VEGFA isoform expression pattern may affect tumor sensitivity to anti-angiogenic drugs. However, information about VEGFA isoforms expression in HCC is still incomplete and contradictory. The present study aims to quantitatively investigate VEGFA isoform expression aberrations in HCC tissue.

Methods
A total of 50 pairs of HCC and non-tumor tissue samples were used to evaluate the VEGFA isoform spectrum using RT-PCR and quantitatively estimate changes in isoform expression using RT-qPCR. Correlations between these changes and tumor clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.

Results
We identified VEGFA-189, VEGFA-165, and VEGFA-121 as predominant isoforms in liver tissue. Anti-angiogenic VEGFA-xxxb variants constituted no more than 5% of all mature VEGFA transcripts detected and their expression was not changed significantly in HCC tissue. We demonstrated for the first time that the least active variant VEGFA-189 is frequently repressed in HCC (p < 0.001), while no uniform changes were detected for potent angiogenesis stimulators VEGFA-165 and VEGFA-121. Isoform balance in HCC shifts from VEGFA-189 towards VEGFA-165 or VEGFA-121 in the majority of cases (p < 0.001). Changes in fractions, but not expression levels, of VEGFA-189 (decrease) and VEGFA-121 (increase) correlated with advanced Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) tumor stages (p < 0.05), VEGFA-189 fraction reduction was also associated with poor tumor differentiation (p < 0.05).

Discussion
A distinct shift in VEGFA isoform balance towards more pro-angiogenic variants occurs in HCC tissue and may modulate overall impact of VEGFA signaling. We suppose that the ratio between VEGFA isoforms is an important parameter governing HCC angiogenesis that may affect HCC progression and be used for optimizing the strategy of HCC therapy by predicting the response to anti-angiogenic drugs.
Spatial-temporal variation and impacts of drought in Xinjiang (Northwest China) during 1961–2015
Authors: Yao Junqiang , Zhao Yong , Yu Xiaojing 
Published: June 2018

Observations indicate that temperature and precipitation patterns changed dramatically in Xinjiang, northwestern China, between 1961 and 2015. Dramatic changes in climatic conditions can bring about adverse effects. Specifically, meteorological drought severity based on the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) showed a decreasing trend in Xinjiang prior to 1997, after which the trend reversed. SPEI-based drought severity shows a much stronger change during 1997–2015 than the SPI, which is independent of the effect of evaporative demand. Meteorological drought severity has been aggravated by a significant rise in temperature (1.1 °C) over the last two decades that has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in precipitation. As a result, the evaporative demand in Xinjiang has risen. An examination of a large spatio-temporal extent has made the aggravated drought conditions more evident. Our results indicate that increased meteorological drought severity has had a direct effect on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and river discharge. The NDVI exhibited a significant decrease during the period 1998–2013 compared to 1982–1997, a decrease that was found to be caused by increased soil moisture loss. A positive relationship was recorded between evaporative demand and the runoff coefficients of the 68 inland river catchments in northwestern China. In the future, meteorological drought severity will likely increase in arid and semiarid regions as global warming continues.
A survey of chiropractic intern experiences learning and using an electronic health record system
Authors: Funk Matthew F. 
Published: June 2018

Objective:
Previous research has discussed various challenges to introducing an electronic health record (EHR) to first-time health professional students. Chiropractic interns face similar challenges. Interns' perceptions about learning and using an EHR were assessed.

Methods:
An anonymous electronic survey was sent to interns of our outpatient chiropractic clinic requesting their relative agreement or disagreement to statements in nine domains. Since perceptions of EHR have been shown to change with increased time spent using an EHR, the survey also sought to compare more experienced users (8th semester) to novices (7th semester). Data were analyzed for relative agreement to statements related to learning the use of the EHR. Interns also provided other written comments.

Results:
There was a 51% overall response rate, evenly divided between 7th and 8th semester interns. Interns generally concurred that they were adept at using the current EHR and those with more experience responded they were more adept than those with less EHR familiarity. Interns strongly agreed that the EHR facilitated gathering information about patients through the ability to review previous clinical notes, tests, and medication lists. Experienced interns were more likely to enter data after the encounter was over and novice users more commonly entered data during the encounter.

Conclusion:
This information regarding interns' EHR experiences may provide strategies that lead to improvements in intern EHR education. Having insight into learners' experiences can provide important input to the EHR features that should be considered carefully by institutions and individual purchasers alike.
Phenyl Selenosulfides as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Cui Yi , Ackerson Joseph D. , Ma Ying , Bhargav Amruth , Karty Jonathan A. , Guo Wei , Zhu Likun , Fu Yongzhu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe SeSe bond in an organo‐diselenide (RSeSeR, R is an organic group) can break in a 2e− reduction reaction, but it has limited capacity as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. To increase its capacity, redox active species (e.g., sulfur) can be added in the middle of the selenium atoms. Herein, phenyl diselenide (PDSe, PhSeSePh) is mixed with sulfur to form two hybrid compounds with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios, which almost double and triple the capacity of PDSe, respectively. Theoretical calculations suggest that phenyl selenosulfide (PDSe‐S, PhSe‐S‐SePh) and phenyl selenodisulfide (PDSe‐S2, PhSe‐SS‐SePh) can form via addition reactions, which is supported by mass spectrometry analysis. The hybrid materials exhibit three highly reversible redox plateaus and enhanced cycling stability due to the reduced solubility of the discharge products. PDSe‐S and PDSe‐S2 show initial capacities of 252 and 330 mAh g−1, respectively, followed by stable cycling performance with a capacity retention of >73% after 200 cycles at C/5 rate. In addition, they show steady rate capabilities. This study reports a novel strategy to increase the electrochemical performance of organo‐diselenide by addition of sulfur.
Robust Rare‐Earth‐Containing Superhydrophobic Coatings for Strong Protection of Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Liu Lei , Lei Jinglei , Li Lingjie , Zhang Jie , Shang Bo , He Jianxin , Li Nianbing , Pan Fusheng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe robust rare‐earth‐containing superhydrophobic coatings are fabricated by a simple and scalable method, which includes spraying the lanthanum hydroxide sol onto metallic substrates (AZ61 Mg and 2024 Al) and then modifying the surfaces with stearic acid. The as‐prepared coatings on AZ61 Mg and 2024 Al have identical morphology and composition. Both are composed of fiber‐like La(OH)3 nanowires that cross‐link and form a network structure, which are pivotal for inducing surface superhydrophobicity with water contact angles (WCAs) as high as ≈157°. The superhydrophobic coatings demonstrate remarkable corrosion resistance as well as high chemical and mechanical stabilities. The theoretical simulation based on molecular mechanics suggests that the high stabilities mainly arise from the strong bonding between La2O3 and stearic acid molecules. The fabrication approach proposed here is hopeful to extend for large‐scale preparation of robust superhydrophobic metallic materials widely applied.
Wafer‐Scale Epitaxial 1T′, 1T′–2H Mixed, and 2H Phases MoTe2 Thin Films Grown by Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kim TaeWan , Park Hyeji , Joung DaeHwa , Kim DongHwan , Lee Rochelle , Shin Chae Ho , Diware Mangesh , Chegal Won , Jeong Soo Hwan , Shin Jae Cheol , Park Jonghoo , Kang Sang‐Woo 
Published: June 2018

Abstract2D materials beyond molybdenum disulfide such as molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) have attracted increasing attention because of their distinctive properties, such as phase‐engineered, relatively narrow direct bandgap of 1.0–1.1 eV and superior carrier transport. However, a wafer‐scale synthesis process is required for achieving practical applications in next‐generation electronic devices using MoTe2 thin films. Herein, the direct growth of atomically thin 1T′, 1T′–2H mixed, and 2H phases MoTe2 films on a 4 in. SiO2/Si wafer with high spatial uniformity (≈96%) via metal–organic vapor phase deposition is reported. Furthermore, the wafer‐scale phase engineering of few‐layer MoTe2 film is investigated by controlling the H2 molar flow rate. While the use of a low H2 molar flow rate results in 1T′ and 1T′–2H mixed phase MoTe2 films, 2H phase MoTe2 films are obtained at a high H2 molar flow rate. Field‐effect transistors fabricated with the prepared 2H and 1T′ phases MoTe2 channels reveal p‐type semiconductor and semimetal properties, respectively. This work demonstrates the potential for reliable wafer‐scale production of 1T′ and 2H phases MoTe2 thin films employing the H2 molar flow rate‐controlled phase tunable method for practical applications in next‐generation electronic devices as a p‐type semiconductor and Wyle semimetal.
Self‐Triggered Apoptosis Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (STAEPT): Enhancing Targeted Therapies via Recurrent Bystander Killing Effect by Exploiting Caspase‐Cleavable Linker
Authors: Chung Seung Woo , Choi Jeong Uk , Cho Young Seok , Kim Ha Rin , Won Tae Hyung , Dimitrion Peter , Jeon Ok‐Cheol , Kim Seong Who , Kim In‐San , Kim Sang Yoon , Byun Youngro 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTumor heterogeneity is associated with the therapeutic failures of targeted therapies. To overcome such heterogeneity, a novel targeted therapy is proposed that could kill tumor populations with diverse phenotypes by delivering nonselective cytotoxins to target‐positive cells as well as to the surrounding tumor cells via a recurrent bystander killing effect. A representative prodrug is prepared that targets integrin αvβ3 and releases cytotoxins upon entering cells or by caspase‐3. This allows the prodrug to kill integrin αvβ3‐positive cells and upregulate caspase‐3, which in turn, activates the prodrug to release a cytotoxin that could subsequently diffuse into and kill the neighboring tumor cells. Apoptotic cells further upregulate and release caspase‐3, which activate more prodrugs leading to another round of adjacent cell death and caspase‐3 release. Thus, the bystander killing effect could occur repeatedly, leading to augmented and widespread anticancer activity. This strategy provides an avenue that could advance the current targeted therapy.
Gold‐Catalyzed C–S Aryl‐Group Transfer in Zinc Finger Proteins
Authors: de Paiva Raphael E. F. , Du Zhifeng , Nakahata Douglas H. , Lima Frederico A. , Corbi Pedro P. , Farrell Nicholas P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractReaction of the Au–C N chelate [Au(bnpy)Cl2] with the full‐length zinc finger (ZnF; ZnCys3His) of HIV nucleocapsid protein NCp7 results in C–S aryl transfer from the AuIII organometallic species to a cysteine of the ZnF. The reaction is general and occurs even for finger 3 of the transcription factor Sp1, containing a ZnCys2His2 coordination sphere. This reaction is the first demonstration of group transfer from a coordination compound to biologically important zinc fingers, and is especially noteworthy for the ZnCys2His2 transcription factors. The work expands the corpus of organometallic species which can efficiently modify biomolecules through C‐atom transfer. The electronic features of the gold compound leading to this unexpected reaction were explored by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy.
Improving the Frying Performance and Oxidative Stability of Refined Soybean Oil by Tocotrienol‐Rich Unsaponifiable Matters of Kolkhoung (Pistacia khinjuk) Hull Oil
Authors: Tavakoli Javad , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Barba Francisco J. , Amorati Riccardo , Esmaeilzadeh Kenari Reza , Amarowicz Ryszard 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIncreasing consumer awareness for all natural products has quickly led to growing research on new resources of potent and profitable natural antioxidants. In this context, for the first time, the Kolkhoung hull oil (KHO) (Pistacia khinjuk)‐unsaponifiable matters (USM) (UHO) (100, 200, and 400 mg kg−1) were incorporated into refined soybean oil (RSO) and the oxidative stability of prepared oils was measured during 32 hours of frying. Then, the obtained results (oxidative stability) were compared to the samples containing tert‐butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) (100 mg kg−1) as a common synthetic antioxidant. According to the results of oxidative stability assays of acid values, conjugated diene values and carbonyl values, and total polar compounds, the incorporation of UHO, particularly at a concentration of 200 mg kg−1, was more efficient in improving the oxidative stability compared to TBHQ. The tocol content of KHO (2043.4 mg kg−1) was higher than the reported amounts of other conventional edible oils. Furthermore, by incorporation of UHO into RSO, as compared with TBHQ, a better protection of naturally occurring antioxidants (tocopherols and sterols) was found after adding UHO to RSO. This fact was mainly attributed to the UHO's tocotrienol fraction. Hence, the USM of KHO can be used as a potent antioxidant to improve the oxidative stability of frying oils.
Detection of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adulteration With Edible Oils Using Front‐Face Fluorescence and Visible Spectroscopies
Authors: Tan Jin , Li Rong , Jiang Zi‐Tao , Shi Meng , Xiao Yi‐Qian , Jia Bin , Lu Tian‐Xiang , Wang Hao 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSynchronous front‐face fluorescence and visible spectroscopies are utilized for the simple, rapid, and nondestructive quantification of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) adulteration with corn, soybean, and sunflower oils. For each adulterant, 42 adulterated EVOO samples in the adulterant amount in the range 1.0–50 g/100 g were prepared. The partial‐least‐squares regression was executed for quantification. Both full (leave‐one‐out) cross‐validation and external validation were performed to evaluate the predictive ability. The plots of observed vs. predicted values exhibit high linearity. The coefficient of determination (R2) values are larger than 0.99. The root mean square errors of both cross‐validation and prediction are no more than 2%. The detection limits for the three seed oils using fluorescence and visible spectroscopies are in the range of 1.5–2.2% and 1.8–2.4%, respectively. The merit of this method is that both the front‐face fluorescence and visible spectroscopies are recorded toward neat oils, avoiding any sample pretreatment including dilution.
Complete plastome sequences from Bertholletia excelsa and 23 related species yield informative markers for Lecythidaceae
Authors: Thomson Ashley M. , Vargas Oscar M. , Dick Christopher W. 
Published: June 2018

Premise of the StudyThe tropical tree family Lecythidaceae has enormous ecological and economic importance in the Amazon basin. Lecythidaceae species can be difficult to identify without molecular data, however, and phylogenetic relationships within and among the most diverse genera are poorly resolved.MethodsTo develop informative genetic markers for Lecythidaceae, we used genome skimming to de novo assemble the full plastome of the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) and 23 other Lecythidaceae species. Indices of nucleotide diversity and phylogenetic signal were used to identify regions suitable for genetic marker development.ResultsThe B. excelsa plastome contained 160,472 bp and was arranged in a quadripartite structure. Using the 24 plastome alignments, we developed primers for 10 coding and non‐coding DNA regions containing exceptional nucleotide diversity and phylogenetic signal. We also developed 19 chloroplast simple sequence repeats for population‐level studies.DiscussionThe coding region ycf1 and the spacer rpl16‐rps3 outperformed plastid DNA markers previously used for barcoding and phylogenetics. Used in a phylogenetic analysis, the matrix of 24 plastomes showed with 100% bootstrap support that Lecythis and Eschweilera are polyphyletic. The plastomes and primers presented in this study will facilitate a broad array of ecological and evolutionary studies in Lecythidaceae.
Microsatellite marker development for the tetraploid Veronica aragonensis (Plantaginaceae) using next‐generation sequencing and high‐resolution melting analyses
Authors: Padilla‐García Nélida , Malvar‐Ferreras Teresa , Lambourdière Josie , Martínez‐Ortega M. Montserrat , Machon Nathalie 
Published: June 2018

Premise of the StudyThe tetraploid Veronica aragonensis (Plantaginaceae) is a narrow endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Specific microsatellite markers were developed to investigate genetic structure and diversity.Methods and ResultsA total of 15 polymorphic markers were characterized on three populations of V. aragonensis, using a microsatellite‐enriched library on an Ion Torrent sequencer and high‐resolution melting (HRM) analyses to rapidly discard nonreliable, multicopy, and/or monomorphic loci. Allele number per locus ranged from one to five, and levels of observed heterozygosity per population varied from 0.142 ± 0.301 to 0.281 ± 0.369. Most primers also amplified in the closely related species V. rosea and in three subspecies of V. tenuifolia.ConclusionsThe species‐specific microsatellite markers developed here represent an essential tool to provide genetic information on the population level for V. aragonensis. The low levels of variation detected highlight the importance of continued efforts to improve conservation of the species.
Finding the pond through the weeds: eDNA reveals underestimated diversity of pondweeds
Authors: Kuzmina Maria L. , Braukmann Thomas W. A. , Zakharov Evgeny V. 
Published: June 2018

Premise of the StudyThe detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) using high‐throughput sequencing has rapidly emerged as a method to detect organisms from environmental samples. However, eDNA studies of aquatic biomes have focused on surveillance of animal species with less emphasis on plants. Pondweeds are important bioindicators of freshwater ecosystems, although their diversity is underestimated due to difficulties in morphological identification and monitoring.MethodsA protocol was developed to detect pondweeds in water samples using atpB‐rbcL and ITS2 markers. The water samples were collected from the Grand River within the rare Charitable Research Reserve, Ontario (RARE). Short fragments were amplified using primers targeting pondweeds, sequenced on an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine, and assigned to the taxonomy using a local DNA reference library and GenBank.ResultsWe detected two species earlier documented at the experimental site during ecological surveys (Potamogeton crispus and Stuckenia pectinata) and three species new to the RARE checklist (P. foliosus, S. filiformis, and Zannichellia palustris).DiscussionOur targeted approach to track the species composition of pondweeds in freshwater ecosystems revealed underestimation of their diversity. This result suggests that eDNA is an effective tool for monitoring plant diversity in aquatic habitats.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular C−H Arylation versus 1,5‐Palladium Migration: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Misawa Nana , Tsuda Tomohiro , Shintani Ryo , Yamashita Koichi , Nozaki Kyoko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTheoretical investigations were carried out to elucidate the origin of chemoselectivity in the palladium‐catalyzed reactions of 2‐(dimethylphenylsilyl)phenyl triflates with or without an amino group at the 3‐position. The selective formation of a 5,10‐dihydrophenazasiline rather than a dibenzosilole from the substrate with an amino group at the 3‐position could be successfully explained by proposing a new 1,5‐palladium migration pathway that involves a neutral diorganopalladium(II) intermediate along with the subsequent formation of a low‐energy amine‐coordinated palladacycle intermediate prior to the C−N bond‐forming process.