bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation between executive functions and polymorphisms in COMT, MAO-A, HTTLPR, SLC1A1 and HT2A in a sample of children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Avila Campos Jorge Enrique , Pinto Dussan María Cristina , Polanco Barreto Ángela María , Guerrero Esneyder Manuel , Vásquez Rojas Rafael Antonio , Granados Humberto Arboleda 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has a complex etiology related to multiple neuropsychological factors. OCD is associated with several candidate genes but results are discordant. The objective was to explore the association between five polymorphisms related to neurotransmitters, the risk of an OCD diagnosis and the performance in four executive functions tests done with Colombian patients diagnosed with this condition.Methods63 patients and 65 controls matched by gender and age were genetically analyzed. For the study of the relation between cognitive function and phenotypes, a subsample of 33 patients and 31 controls was used. The Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Tower of London and Trail Making Test (TMT) for executive function assessment were applied and the SNPs analyzed were: COMT (rs4680), MAO-A (rs6323), HTTLPR (rs25531), HT2A (rs6315) and SLC1A1 (rs301434).ResultsDifferences in the conceptualization of the WCST test (p = 0.023) and Stroop interference score (p = 0.041) between cases and controls were obtained. After analyzing the relationship between genotypes and sub-scores of the tests, associations between the presence of MAO-A, SLAC1A1, HTTLPR and HT2A alleles and tests sub-scores were found.DiscussionThis characterization of children with OCD is a new field of work in Colombia and one of the first works performed in Latin America. The sample size and the number of polymorphisms analyzed in this population should be increased.
A Haploid Genetic Screening Method for Proteins Influencing Mammalian Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay Activity
Authors: Popp Maximilian W. , Maquat Lynne E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDespite a long appreciation for the role of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in the destruction of faulty, disease-causing mRNAs, as well as its role in the maintenance of normal, endogenous transcript abundance, systematic unbiased methods for uncovering modifiers of NMD activity in mammalian cells remain scant. Here we present and validate a haploid genetic screening method for identifying proteins and processes that stimulate NMD activity involving a 3′-untranslated region exon-junction complex. This reporterbased screening method can be adapted for interrogating other pathways whose output can be measured by the intracellular production of fluorescent proteins.
Measuring mobility in chromatin by intensity sorted FCS
Authors: Di Bona M. , Mancini M. A , Mazza D. , Vicidomini G. , Diaspro A. , Lanzanò L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe architectural organization of chromatin can play an important role in genome regulation by affecting the mobility of molecules within its surroundings via binding interactions and molecular crowding. The diffusion of molecules at specific locations in the nucleus can be studied by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), a well-established technique based on the analysis of fluorescence intensity fluctuations detected in a confocal observation volume. However, detecting subtle variations of mobility between different chromatin regions remains challenging with currently-available FCS methods.Here we introduce a method that samples multiple positions by slowly scanning the FCS observation volume across the nucleus. Analyzing the data in short time segments, we preserve the high temporal resolution of single-point FCS while probing different nuclear regions in the same cell. Using the intensity level of the probe (or a DNA marker) as a reference, we efficiently sort the FCS segments into different populations and obtain average correlation functions that are associated to different chromatin regions. This sorting and averaging strategy renders the method statistically robust while preserving the observation of intranuclear variations of mobility.Using this approach, we quantified diffusion of monomeric GFP in high versus low chromatin density regions. We found that GFP mobility was reduced in heterochromatin, especially within perinucleolar heterochromatin. Moreover, we found that modulation of chromatin compaction by ATP depletion, or treatment with solution of different osmolarity, differentially-affected the ratio of diffusion in both regions. Then, we used the approach to probe the mobility of estrogen receptor-α (ER) in the vicinity of an integrated multicopy prolactin gene array. Finally, we discussed the coupling of this method with stimulated emission depletion (STED)-FCS, for performing FCS at sub-diffraction spatial scales.
The Heterotaxy Gene CCDC11 is Essential for Cytokinesis and Cell-Cell Adhesion via RhoA Regulation
Authors: Kulkarni Saurabh , Stephenson Rachel E. , Amalraj Sarah , Betleja Ewelina , Moresco James J. , Yates John R. , Mahjoub Moe R. , Miller Ann L. , Khokha Mustafa K. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYMutations in CCDC11 have been identified in multiple patients with heterotaxy (Htx), a disorder of left-right (LR) patterning of the internal organs. In Xenopus, depletion of Ccdc11 causes defects in LR patterning, recapitulating the patient phenotype. Upon Ccdc11 depletion, normally monociliated cells of the Left-Right Organizer (LRO) exhibit multiple cilia per cell. Unexpectedly, we found that Ccdc11 is necessary for successful cytokinesis, and the multiciliation observed in Ccdc11-depleted cells was due to failed cytokinesis. Furthermore, CCDC11 depletion alters cell-cell adhesion with reduction in junctional localization of adhesion molecules. The small GTPase RhoA is critical for cytokinesis and cell-cell adhesion. Because the CCDC11 depletion phenotypes are reminiscent of RhoA loss of function, we investigated a possible connection to regulation of RhoA signaling. We demonstrate that CCDC11 is localized to the cytokinetic contractile ring overlapping with RhoA during cytokinesis and regulates total RhoA protein levels. Our results suggest that CCDC11 connects cytokinesis and LR patterning via RhoA regulation, providing a potential mechanism for heterotaxy disease pathogenesis.
tbx5 and tbx15 mediate zebrafish posterior lateral line migration and development via a negative feedback loop
Authors: Whitehurst Heather R. , Gallardo Viviana E. , Burgess Shawn 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe zebrafish posterior lateral line (pLL) is a mechanosensory organ enabling detection of movement in the aqueous environment. Evidence suggests that two T-box transcription factors,tbx5andtbx15, participate in pLL migration and development. Lateral line migration and deposition defects are observed followingtbx5ortbx15morpholino knockdown. Additional studies demonstrate that thetbx5phenotype is partially rescued whentbx15is also knocked down. pLL defects similar to those oftbx5are noted following knockdown ofcamKII-ß2, a known downstream target of Tbx5, suggesting a potential mechanistic pathway. Ectopic expression of humanCamKII-∂Cpartially rescues thetbx5phenotype but exacerbates thetbx15phenotype. These results, combined with in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR profiling, indicate a negative feedback loop controlling multiple primordium patterning markers, includingcxcr4b, cxcr7b, fgf10aandnotch3, which ultimately affects pLL neuromast migration and deposition.
Kinesin-5 forms a stable bipolar spindle in a fast, irreversible snap
Authors: Leary Allen , Nazarova Elena , Sim Shannon , Shulist Kristy , Francois Paul , Vogel Jackie 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYGRAPHICAL ABSTRACTSeparation of duplicated spindle poles is the first step in forming the mitotic spindle. Kinesin-5 crosslinks and slides anti-parallel microtubules, but it is unclear how these two activities contribute to the first steps in spindle formation. In this study we report that in monopolar spindles, the duplicated spindle poles snap apart in a fast and irreversible step that produces a nascent bipolar spindle. Using mutations in Kinesin-5 that inhibit microtubule sliding, we show crosslinking alone drives the fast, irreversible pole separation. Electron tomography revealed microtubule pairs in monopolar spindles have short overlaps that intersect at high angles and are unsuited for ensemble Kinesin-5 sliding. However, maximal extension of a subset of microtubule pairs approaches the length of nascent bipolar spindles and is consistent with a Kinesin-5 crosslinking driven transition. Finally, stochastic microtubule sliding by Kinesin-5 stabilizes the nascent spindle and sets a stereotyped equilibrium length.
A survey of fishes of Hombolo Lake, Dodoma, Tanzania, with evidence for local extinction of a native tilapia as a consequence of stocking
Authors: Turner George F. , Ngatunga Benjamin P. , Genner Martin J 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe fish community of the Hombolo Lake, an impoundment on the Wami catchment near Dodoma, Tanzania, was surveyed in 2014 and 2017. The lake contains a relatively low diversity community dominated by two Oreochromis species introduced from outside the Wami catchment, O. niloticus and O. esculentus. Evidence from historical collections suggests that the native O. urolepis was formerly present, and its current absence is likely to be the result of competitive exclusion or genetic swamping by non-native species introduced for fishery enhancement. Four other fish species were also recorded.
cTAGE5 acts as a Sar1 GTPase regulator for collagen export
Authors: Sasaki Norito , Shiraiwa Masano , Maeda Miharu , Yorimitsu Tomohiro , Sato Ken , Katada Toshiaki , Saito Kota 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSecretory proteins synthesized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are exported via coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles. The formation of the COPII-coated vesicles is initiated by activation of the small GTPase, Sar1. cTAGE5 directly interacts with a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), Sec12, and a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) of Sar1, Sec23. We have previously shown that cTAGE5 recruits Sec12 to the ER exit sites for efficient production of activated Sar1 for collagen secretion. However, the functional significance of the interaction between cTAGE5 and Sec23 has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that cTAGE5 enhances the GAP activity of Sec23 toward Sar1. In addition, the interaction of cTAGE5 with Sec23 is necessary for collagen exit from the ER. Our data suggests that cTAGE5 acts as a Sar1 GTPase regulator for collagen secretion.
Interplay between substrate recognition, 5’ end tRNA processing and methylation activity of human mitochondrial RNase P
Authors: Karasik Agnes , Fierke Carol A. , Koutmos Markos 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTHuman mitochondrial ribonuclease P (mtRNase P) is an essential three protein complex that catalyzes the 5’ end maturation of mitochondrial precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs). MRPP3 (Mitochondrial RNase P Protein 3), a protein-only RNase P (PRORP), is the nuclease component of the mtRNase P complex and requires a two-protein S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase MRPP1/2 sub-complex to function. Dysfunction of mtRNase P is linked to several human mitochondrial diseases, such as mitochondrial myopathies. Despite its central role in mitochondrial RNA processing, little is known about how the protein subunits of mtRNase P function synergistically. Here we use purified mtRNase P to demonstrate that mtRNase P recognizes, cleaves, and methylates some, but not all, mitochondrial pre-tRNAsin vitro. Additionally, mtRNase P does not process all mitochondrial pre-tRNAs uniformly, suggesting the possibility that some pre-tRNAs require additional factors to be cleavedin vivo. Consistent with this, we found that addition of the MRPP1 co-factor SAM enhances the ability of mtRNase P to bind and cleave some mitochondrial pre-tRNAs. Furthermore, the presence of MRPP3 can enhance the methylation activity of MRPP1/2. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the subunits of mtRNase P work together to efficiently recognize, process and methylate human mitochondrial pre-tRNAs.
Ethnobotanical and nutritional study ofquelitessold in two traditional markets of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Manzanero-Medina G.I. , Pérez-Herrera A. , Lustre-Sánchez H. , Vásquez-Dávila M.A. , Santos-Sánchez N.F. , Sánchez-Medina M.A. 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYBackground.In Mexico, it is calledquelitesto certain edible vegetables (young plants, germ, shoots or flowers). Since pre-Hispanic times,queliteshave been eaten as a source of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Now, its traditional and healthy consumption has decreased. We studied thequelitesof two traditional markets in the Valles Centrales of Oaxaca state, Mexico using an ethnobotanical and nutritional approach.MethodsFrom July 2017 to July 2018, weekly ethnobotanical interviews were conducted with 26 collectors-sellers of the Zimatlán market and 36 in the Zaachila market. The vegetal supply was acquired, herborized and identified by through dichotomous keys. There were determined the proximal composition, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and mineral content of the floral structures of twoquelites’types. The statistical analysis was performed through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of Tukey HSD.ResultsIn two sampled markets, 23 species belonging to 11 botanical families were registered, from which leaves, branches, stems, flowers and fruits are eaten. The flowers of the speciesDiphysa americana(Q1) andPhaseolus coccineus(Q2) are the most used for human consumption of the communities involved in the sale of the sampledquelites. Both flowers had important amounts of proteins (2.66-3.29%) and fiber (1.66-2.43%). Q1 had higher content of phenols and flavonoids and therefore higher antioxidant capacity than Q2 (p <0.05). When we talk about Q2 minerals, it presented a greater amount of Zn, Ca and Mg in comparison to Q1 (p> 0.05).ConclusionsIn local markets of the state of Oaxaca, a wide variety ofquelitesare usually found, where their botanical structures, such as flowers, are widely eaten. The flowers of Q1 and Q2 proved to be a rich source of proteins and bioactive compounds, as well as minerals. Showing thus to be a food alternative to enrich the human diet.
Hypothalamic transcriptome analysis reveals the neuroendocrine mechanisms in controlling broodiness of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)
Authors: Ye Pengfei , Li Min , Liao Wang , Ge Kai , Jin Sihua , Zhang Cheng , Chen Xingyong , Geng Zhaoyu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBroodiness, one of the maternal behaviors and instincts for natural breeding in birds, is an interesting topic in reproductive biology. Broodiness in poultry is characterized by persistent nesting, usually associated with cessation of egg laying. The study of avian broodiness is essential for bird conservation breeding and commercial poultry industry. In this study, we examined the hypothalamus transcriptome of Muscovy duck in three reproductive stages, including egg-laying anaphase (LA), brooding prophase (BP) and brooding metaphase (BM). Differences in gene expression during the transition from egg-laying to broodiness were examined, and 155, 379, 292 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by pairwise comparisons of LA-vs-BP, LA-vs-BM and BP-vs-BM, respectively (fold change≥ 1.5, P < 0.05). Gene Ontology Term (GO) enrichment analysis suggested a possible role of oxidative stress in the hypothalamus might invoke reproductive costs that potentially change genes expression. KEGG analysis revealed glutamatergic synapse, dopaminergic synapse, serotonergic synapse and GABAergic synapse pathway were significantly enriched, and regulator genes were identified. Eight gene expression patterns were illustrated by trend analysis and further clustered into three clusters. Additional six hub genes were identified through combining trend analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Our results suggested that the cyclical mechanisms of reproductive function conversion include effects of oxidative stress, biosynthesis of neurotransmitters or their receptors, and interactions between glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones and regulatory genes. These candidate genes and biological pathways may be used as targets for artificial manipulation and marker-assisted breeding in the reproductive behavior.
Do prestigious Spanish scholarly book publishers have more teaching impact?
Authors: Mas-Bleda Amalia , Thelwall Mike 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the educational value of prestigious and productive Spanish scholarly publishers based on mentions of their books in online scholarly syllabi.

Design/methodology/approach
Syllabus mentions of 15,117 books from 27 publishers were searched for, manually checked and compared with Microsoft Academic (MA) citations.

Findings
Most books published by Ariel, Síntesis, Tecnos and Cátedra have been mentioned in at least one online syllabus, indicating that their books have consistently high educational value. In contrast, few books published by the most productive publishers were mentioned in online syllabi. Prestigious publishers have both the highest educational impact based on syllabus mentions and the highest research impact based on MA citations.

Research limitations/implications
The results might be different for other publishers. The online syllabus mentions found may be a small fraction of the syllabus mentions of the sampled books.

Practical implications
Authors of Spanish-language social sciences and humanities books should consider general prestige when selecting a publisher if they want educational uptake for their work.

Originality/value
This is the first study assessing book publishers based on syllabus mentions.
A tool to benchmark the food safety management systems in Greece
Authors: Souliotis Andreas , Giazitzi Katerina , Boskou George 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and implement methods to benchmark the food safety and hygiene of different companies, regardless the management systems applied.

Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using a balanced questionnaire which was based on the fishbone model of Ishikawa. The questionnaire includes general questions about the company and 25 questions about personnel, machinery, materials, methods and environment. It was applied to 202 food industries, 42 food retail businesses and 49 food service companies. The data were collected from interviews of industry people related to food safety and from audits of business facilities. The benchmarking methods were descriptive statistics, radar charts, cluster analysis and association rules.

Findings
The radar charts were used to benchmark food companies on safety and hygiene. Food companies can be evaluated with this benchmarking tool with a balanced score of maximum 100 points.

Originality/value
This benchmarking tool could be useful for food control authorities, clusters of companies and certification bodies.
Investigation on firm efficiency: evidence from selected Asia-Pacific countries
Authors: Tan Khar Mang , Kamarudin Fakarudin , Bany-Ariffin Amin Noordin , Rahim Norhuda Abdul 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the firm efficiency or technical efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE) in the selected developed and developing Asia-Pacific countries.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample consists of a sum of 700 firms in selected developed and developing Asia-Pacific countries over the period from 2009 to 2015. The non-parametric data envelopment analysis under the production approach is used to investigate firm efficiency.

Findings
On average, this paper discovers that the firms in selected Asia-Pacific countries are moderately efficient. Scale inefficiency (SIE) is found to be the dominant source of firms’ technical inefficiency. The analysis of return to scale shows that the large firms tend to operate at decreasing return to scale level, while the small firms tend to operate at increasing return to scale level.

Practical implications
The findings from this paper provide significant insights to the policy makers and firm managers in promoting the efficient firms of Asia-Pacific countries.

Originality/value
The present paper conducts a critical analysis on return to scale in the firms sector of Asia-Pacific context, which is ignored by the past studies on firm efficiency since the analysis of return to scale is mostly emphasized on banking sector. The precise nature of SIE is important for a firm to be efficient in achieving the firm’s primary goals of profit maximization and sustaining market competitiveness.
Supplier relations impact within the UK automotive industry
Authors: Demirbas Dilek , Wilkinson Lauren , Bennett David 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of the recent recession on both the automotive manufacturer as well as their suppliers. The research aims to identify if the impact has been the same at each of the organizations, or if there has been a difference.Design/methodology/approachThis paper carries out a case study research, into the need for suppliers to increase their responsiveness following recession and the impact this has had on supplier relations. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were carried out at the vehicle manufacturer with two members of production control staff from VMUK plus seven production control staff at seven tier 1 suppliers to VMUK.FindingsSupply chains have been enhanced through an increased level of responsiveness, following the economic downturn and supplier relations have had a positive impact post-recession.Research limitations/implicationsLiterature argues that competitive advantage can be achieved through responsiveness, and that responsiveness is critical during a period of volatility and market uncertainty. Furthermore, literature also argues that competitive advantage can be achieved through positive supplier relations. This study investigates both of these arguments.Originality/valueThis study concludes that the positive supplier relations offer a competitive advantage when there is no cost advantage to be found elsewhere. Furthermore, this study concludes that as a direct impact of the recession, supplier relations have improved within the case studies investigated.