bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutation ofOryza sativa CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1b(OsCOI1b) delays leaf senescence
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hwa , Sakuraba Yasuhito , Lee Taeyoung , Kim Kyu‐Won , An Gynheung , Lee Han Yong , Paek Nam‐Chon 
Published: August 2014

AbstractJasmonic acid (JA) functions in plant development, including senescence and immunity.Arabidopsis thaliana CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1encodes a JA receptor and functions in the JA‐responsive signaling pathway. TheArabidopsisgenome harbors a singleCOIgene, but the rice (Oryza sativa) genome harbors threeCOIhomologs,OsCOI1a,OsCOI1b, andOsCOI2. Thus, it remains unclear whether eachOsCOIhas distinct, additive, synergistic, or redundant functions in development. Here, we use theoscoi1b‐1knockout mutants to show thatOsCOI1bmainly affects leaf senescence under senescence‐promoting conditions.oscoi1b‐1mutants stayed green during dark‐induced and natural senescence, with substantial retention of chlorophylls and photosynthetic capacity. Furthermore, several senescence‐associated genes were downregulated inoscoi1b‐1mutants, including homologs ofArabidopsis thaliana ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3andORESARA 1, important regulators of leaf senescence. These results suggest that crosstalk between JA signaling and ethylene signaling affects leaf senescence. TheArabidopsis coi1‐1plants containing35S:OsCOI1aor35S:OsCOI1brescued the delayed leaf senescence during dark incubation, suggesting that bothOsCOI1aandOsCOI1bare required for promoting leaf senescence in rice.oscoi1b‐1mutants showed significant decreases in spikelet fertility and grain weight, leading to severe reduction of grain yield, indicating thatOsCOI1‐mediated JA signaling affects spikelet fertility and grain filling.
Epidermal fatty acid‐binding protein protects nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC12 cells from lipotoxic injury
Authors: Liu Jo‐Wen , Montero Manuel , Bu Liming , De Leon Marino 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEpidermal fatty acid‐binding protein (E‐FABP/FABP5/DA11) binds and transport long‐chain fatty acids in the cytoplasm and may play a protecting role during neuronal injury. We examined whether E‐FABP protects nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC12 cells (NGFDPC12 cells) from lipotoxic injury observed after palmitic acid (C16:0; PAM) overload. NGFDPC12 cells cultures treated with PAM/bovine serum albumin at 0.3 mM/0.15 mM show PAM‐induced lipotoxicity (PAM‐LTx) and apoptosis. The apoptosis was preceded by a cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher levels of E‐FABP. Antioxidants MCI‐186 and N‐acetyl cysteine prevented E‐FABP's induction in expression by PAM‐LTx, while tert‐butyl hydroperoxide increased ROS and E‐FABP expression. Non‐metabolized methyl ester of PAM, methyl palmitic acid (mPAM), failed to increase cellular ROS, E‐FABP gene expression, or trigger apoptosis. Treatment of NGFDPC12 cultures with siE‐FABP showed reduced E‐FABP levels correlating with higher accumulation of ROS and cell death after exposure to PAM. In contrast, increasing E‐FABP cellular levels by pre‐loading the cells with recombinant E‐FABP diminished the PAM‐induced ROS and cell death. Finally, agonists for PPARβ (GW0742) or PPARγ (GW1929) increased E‐FABP expression and enhanced the resistance of NGFDPC12 cells to PAM‐LTx. We conclude that E‐FABP protects NGFDPC12 cells from lipotoxic injury through mechanisms that involve reduction of ROS.
image
Epidermal fatty acid‐binding protein (E‐FABP) may protect nerve cells from the damaging exposure to high levels of free fatty acids (FA). We show that E‐FABP can neutralize the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the high levels of FA in the cell and protect PC12 cells from lipotoxic injuries common in Type 2 diabetes neuropathy. Potentially, E‐FABP gene up‐regulation may be mediated through the NFkB pathway and future studies are needed to further evaluate this proposition.
THE EFFECTS OF PENSION FUNDS ON MARKETS PERFORMANCE: A REVIEW
Authors: Thomas Ashok , Spataro Luca 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe worldwide reforming process of pension systems triggered by the demographic transition and globalization has led several countries to implement multi‐pillar pension systems and enhance pension funds. For this reason the studies on the effects that pension funds exert on markets performance have been flourishing in the last decades. In this paper, we provide an updated review of the empirical advances in this field of study, with particular focus on the effects that pension funds produce on labour markets, financial markets and economic growth.
Jaw movements in patients with a history of pain: an exploratory study
Authors: Bhaskaracharya M. , Memon S. M. , Whittle T. , Murray G. M. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe aims were to determine whether individuals with a past history of pain exhibit (i) altered jaw movement (e.g. reduced amplitude, increased jaw movement variability) in comparison with matched asymptomatic controls, and (ii) correlations between psychological measures (e.g. catastrophising) and altered jaw movement variables. Sixteen participants with a history of trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) and 15 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls had jaw movements recorded during open/close, free gum chewing and chewing at standardised rates. All completed the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Velocity and amplitude for open/close and chewing, as well as variability, bias and mean square error for open/close jaw movements were compared between groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to relate kinematic variables with psychological variables. Statistical significance: P < 0·05. There were no significant differences in mean jaw velocity and amplitude between the TNP and control groups during the open/close jaw movements or free or standardised chewing. In comparison with control, the TNP participants exhibited significantly greater variability, bias and/or mean square error during slow and/or fast opening, and significantly greater variance in velocity and/or amplitude during free and standardised chewing. There were significant negative correlations between PCS scores and velocity and/or amplitude of free and/or standardised chewing. This exploratory study suggests that individuals with a history of pain have altered patterns of jaw movements in comparison with asymptomatic control participants and that catastrophising may play a role in the manifestation of these altered jaw movements.
Talking in class: a study of socio‐economic difference in the primary school classroom
Authors: Manison Shore Laura 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, I consider the relationship between socio‐economic background and the school experience of two groups of children. I seek to establish whether or not there are identifiable differences in the language of primary school children living in two demographically contrasting geographical areas and, if there are differences, how these differences might impact upon a child's capacity to access learning. In investigating these relationships, I conducted semi‐structured interviews with the two groups using the work of Bernstein as a starting point. I found that while the children in the first school, located in a largely less affluent area of Bristol, appeared to lack confidence, extended vocabulary and often clarity in their speech, the children in the second school, located in a middle class, affluent area of the city appeared articulate, self‐ confident and in possession of a varied and extended vocabulary. While it is not appropriate to generalise from this small scale study, these findings raise questions about the language children experience from an early age both in the home environment and at school and suggest that there is a significant part for schools to play in ensuring that they are not excluding some groups of children from participation.
Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination I: Identification of tracks in aerogel
Authors: Westphal Andrew J. , Anderson David , Butterworth Anna L. , Frank David R. , Lettieri Robert , Marchant William , Von Korff Joshua , Zevin Daniel , Ardizzone Augusto , Campanile Antonella , Capraro Michael , Courtney Kevin , Criswell Mitchell N. , Crumpler Dixon , Cwik Robert , Gray Fred Jacob , Hudson Bruce , Imada Guy , Karr Joel , Wah Lily Lau Wan , Mazzucato Michele , Motta Pier Giorgio , Rigamonti Carlo , Spencer Ronald C. , Woodrough Stephens B. , Santoni Irene Cimmino , Sperry Gerry , Terry Jean‐Noel , Wordsworth Naomi , Yahnke Tom , Allen Carlton , Ansari Asna , Bajt Saša , Bastien Ron K. , Bassim Nabil , Bechtel Hans A. , Borg Janet , Brenker Frank E. , Bridges John , Brownlee Donald E. , Burchell Mark , Burghammer Manfred , Changela Hitesh , Cloetens Peter , Davis Andrew M. , Doll Ryan , Floss Christine , Flynn George , Gainsforth Zack , Grün Eberhard , Heck Philipp R. , Hillier Jon K. , Hoppe Peter , Huth Joachim , Hvide Brit , Kearsley Anton , King Ashley J. , Lai Barry , Leitner Jan , Lemelle Laurence , Leroux Hugues , Leonard Ariel , Nittler Larry R. , Ogliore Ryan , Ong Wei Ja , Postberg Frank , Price Mark C. , Sandford Scott A. , Tresseras Juan‐Angel Sans , Schmitz Sylvia , Schoonjans Tom , Silversmit Geert , Simionovici Alexandre S. , Solé Vicente A. , Srama Ralf , Stephan Thomas , Sterken Veerle J. , Stodolna Julien , Stroud Rhonda M. , Sutton Steven , Trieloff Mario , Tsou Peter , Tsuchiyama Akira , Tyliszczak Tolek , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Zolensky Michael E. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHere, we report the identification of 69 tracks in approximately 250 cm2 of aerogel collectors of the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector. We identified these tracks through Stardust@home, a distributed internet‐based virtual microscope and search engine, in which > 30,000 amateur scientists collectively performed >9 × 107 searches on approximately 106 fields of view. Using calibration images, we measured individual detection efficiency, and found that the individual detection efficiency for tracks > 2.5 μm in diameter was >0.6, and was >0.75 for tracks >3 μm in diameter. Because most fields of view were searched >30 times, these results could be combined to yield a theoretical detection efficiency near unity. The initial expectation was that interstellar dust would be captured at very high speed. The actual tracks discovered in the Stardust collector, however, were due to low‐speed impacts, and were morphologically strongly distinct from the calibration images. As a result, the detection efficiency of these tracks was lower than detection efficiency of calibrations presented in training, testing, and ongoing calibration. Nevertheless, as calibration images based on low‐speed impacts were added later in the project, detection efficiencies for low‐speed tracks rose dramatically. We conclude that a massively distributed, calibrated search, with amateur collaborators, is an effective approach to the challenging problem of identification of tracks of hypervelocity projectiles captured in aerogel.
Dominant negative mutant of Plasmodium Rad51 causes reduced parasite burden in host by abrogating DNA double‐strand break repair
Authors: Roy Nabamita , Bhattacharyya Sunanda , Chakrabarty Swati , Laskar Shyamasree , Babu Somepalli Mastan , Bhattacharyya Mrinal Kanti 
Published: August 2014

SummaryMalaria parasites survive through repairing a plethora of DNA double‐stranded breaks (DSBs) experienced during their asexual growth. In Plasmodium Rad51 mediated homologous recombination (HR) mechanism and homology‐independent alternative end‐joining mechanism have been identified. Here we address whether loss of HR activity can be compensated by other DSB repair mechanisms. Creating a transgenic Plasmodium line defective in HR function, we demonstrate that HR is the most important DSB repair pathway in malarial parasite. Using mouse malaria model we have characterized the dominant negative effect of PfRad51K143R mutant on Plasmodium DSB repair and host–parasite interaction. Our work illustrates that Plasmodium berghei harbouring the mutant protein (PfRad51K143R) failed to repair DSBs as evidenced by hypersensitivity to DNA‐damaging agent. Mice infected with mutant parasites lived significantly longer with markedly reduced parasite burden. To better understand the effect of mutant PfRad51K143R on HR, we used yeast as a surrogate model and established that the presence of PfRad51K143R completely inhibited DNA repair, gene conversion and gene targeting. Biochemical experiment confirmed that very low level of mutant protein was sufficient for complete disruption of wild‐type PfRad51 activity. Hence our work provides evidence that HR pathway of Plasmodium could be efficiently targeted to curb malaria.
Transcriptome‐wide analysis of trypanosome mRNA decay reveals complex degradation kinetics and suggests a role for co‐transcriptional degradation in determining mRNA levels
Authors: Fadda Abeer , Ryten Mark , Droll Dorothea , Rojas Federico , Färber Valentin , Haanstra Jurgen R. , Merce Clemetine , Bakker Barbara M. , Matthews Keith , Clayton Christine 
Published: August 2014

SummaryAfrican trypanosomes are an excellent system for quantitative modelling of post‐transcriptional mRNA control. Transcription is constitutive and polycistronic; individual mRNAs are excised by trans splicing and polyadenylation. We here measure mRNA decay kinetics in two life cycle stages, bloodstream and procyclic forms, by transcription inhibition and RNASeq. Messenger RNAs with short half‐lives tend to show initial fast degradation, followed by a slower phase; they are often stabilized by depletion of the 5′–3′ exoribonuclease XRNA. Many longer‐lived mRNAs show initial slow degradation followed by rapid destruction: we suggest that the slow phase reflects gradual deadenylation. Developmentally regulated mRNAs often show regulated decay, and switch their decay pattern. Rates of mRNA decay are good predictors of steady state levels for short mRNAs, but mRNAs longer than 3 kb show unexpectedly low abundances. Modelling shows that variations in splicing and polyadenylation rates can contribute to steady‐state mRNA levels, but this is completely dependent on competition between processing and co‐transcriptional mRNA precursor destruction.
Distinct subclades of Aux/IAA genes are direct targets of ARF5/MP transcriptional regulation
Authors: Krogan Naden T. , Yin Xiaojun , Ckurshumova Wenzislava , Berleth Thomas 
Published: August 2014

Summary

The regulatory interactions between AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) and Aux/IAA repressors play a central role in auxin signal transduction. Yet, the systems properties of this regulatory network are not well established.

We generated a steroid‐inducible ARF5/MONOPTEROS (MP) transgenic background to survey the involvement of this factor in the transcriptional regulation of the entire Aux/IAA family in Arabidopsis thaliana. Target genes of ARF5/MP identified by this approach were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, in vitro gel retardation assays and gene expression analyses.

Our study shows that ARF5/MP is indispensable for the correct regulation of nearly one‐half of all Aux/IAA genes, and that these targets coincide with distinct subclades. Further, genetic analyses demonstrate that the protein products of multiple Aux/IAA targets negatively feed back onto ARF5/MP activity.

This work indicates that ARF5/MP broadly influences the expression of the Aux/IAA gene family, and suggests that such regulation involves the activation of specific subsets of redundantly functioning factors. These groups of factors may then act together to control various processes within the plant through negative feedback on ARF5. Similar detailed analyses of other Aux/IAA–ARF regulatory modules will be required to fully understand how auxin signal transduction influences virtually every aspect of plant growth and development.
A proposed approach to monitor private‐sector policies and practices related to food environments, obesity and non‐communicable disease prevention
Authors: Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Kraak V. , Downs S. , Walker C. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , Kumanyika S. , L'Abbé M. , Lee A. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Snowdon W. , Vandevijvere S. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryPrivate‐sector organizations play a critical role in shaping the food environments of individuals and populations. However, there is currently very limited independent monitoring of private‐sector actions related to food environments. This paper reviews previous efforts to monitor the private sector in this area, and outlines a proposed approach to monitor private‐sector policies and practices related to food environments, and their influence on obesity and non‐communicable disease (NCD) prevention. A step‐wise approach to data collection is recommended, in which the first (‘minimal’) step is the collation of publicly available food and nutrition‐related policies of selected private‐sector organizations. The second (‘expanded’) step assesses the nutritional composition of each organization's products, their promotions to children, their labelling practices, and the accessibility, availability and affordability of their products. The third (‘optimal’) step includes data on other commercial activities that may influence food environments, such as political lobbying and corporate philanthropy. The proposed approach will be further developed and piloted in countries of varying size and income levels. There is potential for this approach to enable national and international benchmarking of private‐sector policies and practices, and to inform efforts to hold the private sector to account for their role in obesity and NCD prevention.
Monitoring foods and beverages provided and sold in public sector settings
Authors: L'Abbé M. , Schermel A. , Minaker L. , Kelly B. , Lee A. , Vandevijvere S. , Twohig P. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kumanyika S. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Rayner M. , Sacks G. , Sanders D. , Snowdon W. , Swinburn B. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryThis paper outlines a step‐wise framework for monitoring foods and beverages provided or sold in publicly funded institutions. The focus is on foods in schools, but the framework can also be applied to foods provided or sold in other publicly funded institutions. Data collection and evaluation within this monitoring framework will consist of two components. In component I, information on existing food or nutrition policies and/or programmes within settings would be compiled. Currently, nutrition standards and voluntary guidelines associated with such policies/programmes vary widely globally. This paper, which provides a comprehensive review of such standards and guidelines, will facilitate institutional learnings for those jurisdictions that have not yet established them or are undergoing review of existing ones. In component II, the quality of foods provided or sold in public sector settings is evaluated relative to existing national or sub‐national nutrition standards or voluntary guidelines. Where there are no (or only poor) standards or guidelines available, the nutritional quality of foods can be evaluated relative to standards of a similar jurisdiction or other appropriate standards. Measurement indicators are proposed (within ‘minimal’, ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ approaches) that can be used to monitor progress over time in meeting policy objectives, and facilitate comparisons between countries.
Monitoring the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods and non‐alcoholic beverages in community and consumer retail food environments globally
Authors: Ni Mhurchu C. , Vandevijvere S. , Waterlander W. , Thornton L. E. , Kelly B. , Cameron A. J. , Snowdon W. , Swinburn B. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryRetail food environments are increasingly considered influential in determining dietary behaviours and health outcomes. We reviewed the available evidence on associations between community (type, availability and accessibility of food outlets) and consumer (product availability, prices, promotions and nutritional quality within stores) food environments and dietary outcomes in order to develop an evidence‐based framework for monitoring the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods and non‐alcoholic beverages in retail food environments. Current evidence is suggestive of an association between community and consumer food environments and dietary outcomes; however, substantial heterogeneity in study designs, methods and measurement tools makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The use of standardized tools to monitor local food environments within and across countries may help to validate this relationship. We propose a step‐wise framework to monitor and benchmark community and consumer retail food environments that can be used to assess density of healthy and unhealthy food outlets; measure proximity of healthy and unhealthy food outlets to homes/schools; evaluate availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in‐store; compare food environments over time and between regions and countries; evaluate compliance with local policies, guidelines or voluntary codes of practice; and determine the impact of changes to retail food environments on health outcomes, such as obesity.
Monitoring and benchmarking population diet quality globally: a step‐wise approach
Authors: Vandevijvere S. , Monteiro C. , Krebs‐Smith S. M. , Lee A. , Swinburn B. , Kelly B. , Neal B. , Snowdon W. , Sacks G. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryINFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non‐communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) aims to monitor and benchmark the healthiness of food environments globally. In order to assess the impact of food environments on population diets, it is necessary to monitor population diet quality between countries and over time. This paper reviews existing data sources suitable for monitoring population diet quality, and assesses their strengths and limitations. A step‐wise framework is then proposed for monitoring population diet quality. Food balance sheets (FBaS), household budget and expenditure surveys (HBES) and food intake surveys are all suitable methods for assessing population diet quality. In the proposed ‘minimal’ approach, national trends of food and energy availability can be explored usingFBaS. In the ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ approaches, the dietary share of ultra‐processed products is measured as an indicator of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor diets usingHBESand food intake surveys, respectively. In addition, it is proposed that pre‐defined diet quality indices are used to score diets, and some of those have been designed for application within all three monitoring approaches. However, in order to enhance the value of global efforts to monitor diet quality, data collection methods and diet quality indicators need further development work.