bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Aloperine as an anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein inhibitor in glioma cells
Authors: Xu Zhijie , Wang Xiang , Chen Xi , Zeng Shuangshuang , Qian Long , Wei Jie , Gong Zhicheng , Yan Yuanliang 
Published: September 2019

Objective
Aloperine (ALO), an alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Sophora alopecuroides, has been suggested to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties and is traditionally used to treat various human diseases, including cancer. However, limited information is available about the mechanisms that determine the anti-tumor activities of ALO.

Methods
Herein, through comprehensive bioinformatics methods and in vitro functional analyses, we evaluated the detailed anti-tumor mechanisms of ALO.

Results
Using the databases Bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine and PubChem Project, we identified the potential targets of ALO. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to determine the relationship among these probable targets. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that ALO is potentially involved in the induction of apoptosis. In addition, molecular docking demonstrated that ALO expectedly docks into the active pocket of the Bcl2 protein, suggesting Bcl2 as a direct target of ALO. Moreover, western blot and qPCR analysis showed that ALO downregulated Bcl2 expression in human glioma cell lines, SK-N-AS and U118. Using flow cytometry methods, we further confirmed that ALO significantly promotes apoptosis in SK-N-AS and U118 cell lines, similar to the effect induced by ABT-737, a well-known Bcl2 inhibitor. In addition, Bcl-2 overexpression could rescue ALO-induced Bcl-2 inhibition and suppress pro-apoptotic effects in glioma cells.

Conclusion
Taken together, these findings suggest that the natural agent ALO effectively enhances apoptosis by acting as a potential Bcl2 inhibitor in human glioma cells.
Determinants of Loan Repayment among Small-scale Cassava Farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Kuye O. O. , Edem T. O. 
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the determinants of loan repayment among small-scale cassava farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 160 randomly selected farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, multiple regression and likert scale. Results showed that males were dominant (56.6%) in cassava production and majority (37.5%) were between 41-50 years. About 50% had farm income of less than N100,000.00 while about 46.3% had less than N50,000.00 as their off-farm income. Also, the results found that majority (44.4%) obtained loans from informal sources. Factors that significantly affected loan repayment include off-farm income and interest rate (p ≤ 0.05) and farm income (p ≤ 0.05). The major causes of loan diversion were seasonal activities in the agricultural sector (66.9%) and inadequate sustainable income (65.6%) among others. The major constraints faced by the farmers in terms of loan repayment were high interest rate and short period of repayment among others. Government should encourage the formal loan sources to open branches in the rural areas for easy loan accessibility by farmers and to obtain loan with moderate interest rate.
The Influence of Farmers' Gender on Factors Affecting Maize Production among Small Scale Farmers in the Agricultural Reform Era: The Case of Western Region of Kenya
Authors: Ali-Olubandwa Adijah M. 
Published: September 2019

The introduction of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) and trade liberalisation resulted in agricultural reforms in Kenya and other developing countries. Hence the Kenya government no longer gives incentives to small scale farmers. Therefore, the small scale farmers, extension service and the government at large have to look for all ways to increase maize production in the country, hence the study. Men and women both make significant contributions in maize-based farming systems and livelihoods, although gender roles in maize cultivation vary greatly across and within regions. Their contribution to agricultural work varies even more widely, depending on the specific crop and activity. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of Farmers' Gender on Factors Affecting Maize production among Small Scale Farmers in the Agricultural Reform Era: The Case of Western Region of Kenya. This is because maize is the main staple for most of the Kenyan population and Western Region is the food basket. The study used Ex-post facto research design via cross sectional survey. Busia, Bungoma, Mt. Elgon and Lugari Counties were purposively selected to represent the Western Region of Kenya. Two sub-counties from each of the four Counties were selected by simple random sampling. For uniformity purposes 200 small scale farmers were selected from focal areas through systematic random sampling hence ensuring that they all had been exposed to extension staff. Four key informants were sampled purposefully based on their positions of authority. In addition, 52 extension staffs were sampled through systematic random sampling. The small scale farmers were interviewed with the help of interview schedule containing open and closed ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the multiple regression illustrated that there was a statistically significant relationship between factors affecting maize production among small scale farmers (adoption of improved agricultural practices, attitude towards maize farming attitude towards farmer organizations and attitude towards opinion leaders) and farmers’ gender. The results showed that the adjusted R2=0.090, F=3.830 at p <0.01 and df=8. The study recommended that the Kenya government, extension service and researchers should pay more attention to the women small scale farmers, who form a large percentage of the small scale farmers in the western region, yet produce less bags of maize in order for Kenya to be food secure. There was therefore need for further research to find ways of motivating women small scale farmers to increase maize production in the Western Region of Kenya.
Biochemical characterization of Plasmodium falciparum parasite specific helicase 1 (PfPSH1)
Authors: Chauhan Manish , Sourabh Suman , Yasmin Rahena , Pahuja Isha , Tuteja Renu 
Published: August 2019

Malaria, a disease caused by infection with parasites of the genus Plasmodium, causes millions of deaths worldwide annually. Of the five Plasmodium species that can infect humans, Plasmodium falciparum causes the most serious parasitic infection. The emergence of drug resistance and the ineffectiveness of old therapeutic regimes against malaria mean there is an urgent need to better understand the basic biology of the malaria parasite. Previously, we have reported the presence of parasite‐specific helicases identified through genome‐wide analysis of the P. falciparum (3D7) strain. Helicases are involved in various biological pathways in addition to nucleic acid metabolism, making them an important target of study. Here, we report the detailed biochemical characterization of P. falciparum parasite‐specific helicase 1 (PfPSH1) and the effect of phosphorylation on its biochemical activities. The C‐terminal of PfPSH1 (PfPSH1C) containing all conserved domains was used for biochemical characterization. PfPSH1C exhibits DNA‐ or ribonucleic acid (RNA)‐stimulated ATPase activity, and it can unwind DNA and RNA duplex substrates. It shows bipolar directionality because it can translocate in both (3′–5′ and 5′–3′) directions. PfPSH1 is mainly localized to the cytoplasm during early stages (including ring and trophozoite stages of intraerythrocytic development), but at late stages, it is partially located in the cytoplasm. The biochemical activities of PfPSH1 are upregulated after phosphorylation with PKC. The detailed biochemical characterization of PfPSH1 will help us understand its functional role in the parasite and pave the way for future studies.
Endosperm Development
Authors: Tonosaki Kaoru , Kinoshita Tetsu 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Endosperm is a tissue in the seeds of many plants and supports embryonic and seedling growth by providing nutrients stored in its cells. As the stored products, starches, proteins and oils are valuable to humans for nutrition and as industrial materials, endosperm development has been well documented, particularly in cereal plants such as maize, barley and rice. Molecular genetics and genomics analyses have also been widely applied to the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
. Although the structures and amounts of endosperm within mature seeds vary considerably among plant species, most of the developmental events, such as genetic and epigenetic controls, are conserved.

Key Concepts

The programme of endosperm development varies among plant species.

In most angiosperm species, seeds have three genetically distinct tissues: maternal diploid seed coat, fertilised diploid embryo and triploid endosperm.

Endosperm consists of differentiated tissues that have distinct roles.

Roles of parental genomes in the endosperm (2 maternal and 1 paternal) are not equivalent owing to asymmetric epigenetic modifications, similar to those in the mammalian placenta.

Hybridisation barrier can be seen in the endosperm.
Sulfur Metabolism in Plants
Authors: Jobe Timothy O , Kopriva Stanislav 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Sulfur is an essential element found in plants in a variety of compounds with many different functions. The sulfur‐containing amino acids cysteine and methionine are essential components of proteins. Sulfur is the active component of many coenzymes, such as iron–sulfur centres, lipoic acid or coenzyme A, and metabolites important for plant defence against biotic and abiotic stress, for example glutathione or glucosinolates. In addition, the sulfur‐containing natural compounds glucosinolates and alliins are important for human food and health. Sulfur is taken up as inorganic sulfate from the soil, reduced to sulfide and incorporated into amino acid cysteine, which serves as a donor of reduced sulfur for other metabolites. Sulfate uptake and assimilation are highly regulated by sulfur supply and demand. Research into plant sulfur nutrition has been boosted by the growing appearance of sulfur‐deficiency syndromes in crops, which lowers grain quality and increases disease susceptibility, caused by a reduction in atmospheric sulfur dioxide emissions.

Key Concepts

Sulfur is an essential nutrient for all organisms, and a large portion of sulfur in nature exists in bioorganic compounds.

Sulfur is a very mobile element moving between oceans, atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems often undergoing transformations of its chemical state in the biosphere.

In the sulfate assimilation pathway, sulfate taken up by sulfate transporters, is reduced to sulfide and incorporated into bioorganic compounds, forming the amino acid cysteine.

The sulfate assimilation pathway is present in bacteria, fungi, plants and algae but not in metazoans or in most parasitic microorganisms.

Sulfate assimilation is a highly regulated process requiring coordination with carbon and nitrogen metabolism across a range of tissues and in multiple subcellular organelles.

Sulfate assimilation is regulated in a demand‐driven manner through a robust transcriptional network, but also includes post‐transcriptional and post‐translational regulation.

In Arabidopsis, Sulfur LIMitation 1 (SLIM1) is a transcriptional activator of many sulfate transporters and genes involved in the sulfur starvation response.

The sulfur‐containing tripeptide glutathione is important as redox buffer, acts as a storage and transport form of reduced sulfur and regulates the cell cycle and protein translation.

Sulfur‐containing natural compounds glucosinolates and alliins are responsible for the smell and taste of cruciferous and allium family vegetables and for the benefits of these vegetables for human health.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Oxides in Ionic Liquids: Ozone‐Mediated Formation of Co3O4 Nanoparticles Monitored by In Situ Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bauer Tanja , Agel Friederike , Blaumeiser Dominik , Maisel Sven , Görling Andreas , Wasserscheid Peter , Libuda Jörg 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFor most functional oxides, structure‐selective synthesis is the key for the task‐specific production of nanomaterials. Herein, the low‐temperature synthesis in ionic liquids (ILs) is an attractive strategy to produce nanomaterials which are not accessible otherwise is described. In this study, a bench‐scale synthesis route toward Co3O4 by applying O3 on the molecular precursor Co2(CO)8 in IL medium is reported. The Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This protocol yields Co3O4 with good crystallinity and narrow size distribution. In addition to conventional materials characterization, a new experimental approach is described in which the material synthesis in situ by IR reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) (in situ IRAS) is followed. The in situ approach provides additional information on the growth mechanisms and kinetics and confirms that O3 treatment of Co2(CO)8 in IL exclusively yields pure Co3O4 without the formation of byproducts or intermediates.
Conductive Copper Niobate: Superior Li+‐Storage Capability and Novel Li+‐Transport Mechanism
Authors: Yang Liting , Zhu Xiangzhen , Li Xiaohui , Zhao Xuebing , Pei Ke , You Wenbin , Li Xiao , Chen Yongjun , Lin Chunfu , Che Renchao 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNiobates with shear ReO3 crystal structures are remarkably promising anode materials for Li+ batteries due to their large capacities, inherent safety, and high cycling stability. However, they generally suffer from limited rate capabilities rooted in their insufficient electronic and Li+ conductivities. Here, micrometer‐sized copper niobate (Cu2Nb34O87) bulk as a new anode material having a high electronic conductivity of 2.1 × 10−5 S cm−1 and an impressive average Li+ diffusion coefficient of ≈3.5 × 10−13 cm2 s−1 is exploited, which synergistically leads to an excellent rate capability (184 mAh g−1 at 10 C) while remaining a large reversible capacity and superior cycling stability. Moreover, the fast Li+ transport pathways of grain boundary (micrometer scale) → lattice deformation area (nanometer scale) → (010) crystallographic plane (angstrom scale) are demonstrated in Cu2Nb34O87. Therefore, these results could pave the way for practical application of Cu2Nb34O87 in high‐performance Li+ batteries.
Concurrent Optimization of Organic Donor–Acceptor Pairs through Machine Learning
Authors: Padula Daniele , Troisi Alessandro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this work an instance of the general problem occurring when optimizing multicomponent materials is treated: can components be optimized separately or the optimization should occur simultaneously? This problem is investigated from a computational perspective in the domain of donor–acceptor pairs for organic photovoltaics, since most experimental research reports optimization of each component separately. A collection of organic donors and acceptors recently analyzed is used to train nonlinear machine learning models of different families to predict the power conversion efficiency of donor–acceptor pairs, considering computed electronic and structural parameters of both components. The trained models are then used to predict photovoltaic performance for donor–acceptor combinations for which experimental data are not available in the data set. Data structure, and the usefulness of the trained models are critically assessed by predicting some donor–acceptor pairs that recently appeared in the literature, and the best combinations are proposed as worth investigating experimentally.
Efficient capture of CO2from flue gas at high temperature by tunable polyamine‐based hybrid ionic liquids
Authors: Shi Guiling , Zhao Hongqin , Chen Kaihong , Lin Wenjun , Li Haoran , Wang Congmin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFor an ideal absorbent for CO2capture from flue gas, there are some key features including easy preparation, high stability, low absorption enthalpy, high capacity at high temperature and excellent reversibility. Herein, several polyamine‐functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) were easily prepared from cheap polyamines and lithium salts, which exhibited significantly improved stability due to the presence of multisite coordinating interactions. The viscosity was reduced by introducing polyalcohol‐based ILs, leading to polyamine‐based hybrid ILs. Interestingly, these polyamine‐based hybrid ILs exhibited high CO2capacity (4.09 mmol/g, 0.1 bar) at high temperature (80°C) and excellent reversibility in the presence of H2O and O2, which is superior to many other good absorbents. Moreover, these ILs also showed good performance for CO2capture from stimulated air (2.10 mmol/g, 380 ppm). We believe that this method with easy preparation, low cost, high efficiency and excellent reversibility has a great potential in the industrial capture of CO2from flue gas.
The biology of human hair: A multidisciplinary review
Authors: Koch Sandra L. , Tridico Silvana R. , Bernard Bruno A. , Shriver Mark D. , Jablonski Nina G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn the last century, human scalp hair morphology has been studied from multiple, and sometimes mutually exclusive, perspectives by anthropologists, biologists, geneticists, forensic scientists, and cosmetic scientists. Here, we review and synthesize historical and current research on hair to better understand the scientific basis and biological implications of hair microstructure and morphology. We revisit the origins of existing nomenclature regarding hair morphology and classifications, discuss the currently recognized limitations to hair analysis within the varied scientific disciplines studying hair, point out aspects of hair biology that remain unknown, and the great potential for integrating these diverse perspectives and expertise in future scientific investigations, while highlighting the benefits of combining nondestructive microscopical analysis with chemical and genomic analyses for explicating hair biology. Further, we propose consensus terminology for root growth stages through descriptions and images that will aid in the morphological and microscopical analysis of human scalp hair, thereby reducing confusion and the promulgation of inaccurate information that is presently in the literature.
Applications of Bifunctional Organocatalysts on ortho‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Soumendranath , Gharui Chandan , Pan Subhas Chandra 
Published: August 2019

Abstractortho‐Quinone methides are important structures, having a cyclohexadiene core bearing an exocyclic alkylidiene and carbonyl functionality at the ortho‐position, and are widely used as essential intermediates in organic synthesis. These reactive intermediates are also used as important building blocks for the construction of a variety of heterocycles by hetero Diels‐Alder, electrocyclization reactions. Moreover, ortho‐quinone methides are a class of electrophiles, serving as Michael acceptors leading to conjugate additions with various nucleophiles. In general, ortho‐Quinone methides have transient existence and are highly reactive in nature. ortho‐Quinone methides have been generated in situ from stable precursors using either Brønsted acids or Brønsted bases. In the last few years, ortho‐quinone methides have been explored as imperative class of substrates in various bifunctional organocatalysts mediated asymmetric conjugate additions, cycloannulation, acyl‐transfer reaction, thiolation and hydrophosphination reactions. This review illustrates recent advancements of asymmetric transformations of ortho‐quinone methides with bifunctional H‐bonding organocatalysts.
Early‐onset twin–twin transfusion syndrome: Case series and systematic review
Authors: Mylrea‐Foley Bronacha , Shaw Caroline J. , Harikumar Nirupama , Legg Sophie , Meher Shireen , Lees Christoph C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionData on the outcomes of early‐onset twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), diagnosed before 18 weeks gestational age (GA), are sparse. We aimed to review the diagnosis, management and outcomes of early‐onset TTTS.Material and methodsPregnancy records at a single referral unit 2010‐6 were reviewed. In early‐onset TTTS cases, data for pregnancy characteristics, interventions and outcomes were collected. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies including pregnant women with early‐onset TTTS. The primary outcome measure was livebirths.ResultsCase series: 58 cases of early‐onset TTTS 2010‐6, with full outcome data in 44. Diagnostic criteria were variable. Median GA at intervention was 17+4 (range 15+0‐28+1); 67% of patients had laser therapy (39/58). Overall survival: 60% (53/88). At least one livebirth: 86% (38/44), Two livebirths: 34% (15/44); No survivors: 14% (6/44). GA at delivery was 32+1.5 (range 16+2‐37+4). Systematic review: 16 studies included (n = 171 pregnancies). Diagnostic criteria varied widely: 79% of studies used Quintero staging. Most offered laser (89%) at median 17+0 weeks (range 16+0‐21+6). GA at delivery was 23+0‐39+5 weeks. Overall survival: 69% (129/186). At least one livebirth: 74% (127/171). Two livebirths: 59% (55/93). No survivors: 26% (44/171).ConclusionsIn comparison with the commonly accepted overall survival for TTTS treated after 18 weeks of 60–90%, outcomes in early‐onset TTTS were at the lower bound of this range. Gestational age at intervention is similar to that of later onset TTTS, indicating a lack of therapeutic options when a diagnosis is made before 18 weeks.
2D Titania–Carbon Superlattices Vertically Encapsulated in 3D Hollow Carbon Nanospheres Embedded with 0D TiO2 Quantum Dots for Exceptional Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Xia Qingbing , Lin Zeheng , Lai Weihong , Wang Yongfei , Ma Cheng , Yan Zichao , Gu Qinfen , Wei Weifeng , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Shi Xue , Chou Shu‐Lei 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) superlattices offer promising technological opportunities in tuning the intercalation chemistry of metal ions. Now, well‐ordered 2D superlattices of monolayer titania and carbon with tunable interlayer‐spacing are synthesized by a molecularly mediated thermally induced approach. The 2D superlattices are vertically encapsulated in hollow carbon nanospheres, which are embedded with TiO2 quantum dots, forming a 0D‐2D‐3D multi‐dimensional architecture. The multi‐dimensional architecture with the 2D superlattices encapsulated inside exhibits a near zero‐strain characteristic and enriched electrochemical reactivity, achieving a highly efficient Na+ storage performance with exceptional rate capability and superior long‐term cyclability.