bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood obesity: the impact on long-term risk of metabolic and CVD is not necessarily inevitable
Authors: McMullen Sarah 
Published: July 2014

The worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult population is estimated to be 35 %. These trends are reflected in childhood obesity prevalence, and the potential impact of early-onset obesity is of great concern. The aim of this review was to investigate the long-term implications of childhood obesity for metabolic and cardiovascular health, focusing on the independent contribution of childhood obesity to adult disease risk, as distinct from associations mediated by tracking of obesity across the lifespan. The data systematically reviewed provide little evidence to suggest that childhood overweight and obesity are independent risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular risk during adulthood. Instead, the data demonstrate that the relationships observed are dependent on tracking of BMI between childhood and adulthood, alongside persistence of dietary patterns and physical activity. Adjustment for adult BMI uncovers unexpected negative associations between childhood BMI and adult disease, suggesting a protective effect of childhood obesity at any given level of adult BMI. Further work is required to explain these findings, both in terms of pathways and statistical artefacts. To conclude, it must be stressed that it is not suggested that childhood obesity is without negative consequence. Childhood obesity is clearly associated with a range of adverse physical and psychological outcomes. However, the data are important in supporting a positive message that the long-term consequences of childhood obesity are avoidable; and that there remains opportunity for intervention across the lifespan. This nuance in understanding long-term risk is important when considering the effectiveness of interventions at different stages of the lifespan.
Interspecific jatropha hybrid as a new promising source of woody biomass
Authors: Muakrong Narathid , One Khin Thida , Tanya Patcharin , Srinives Peerasak 
Published: July 2014

An interspecific hybrid Jatropha curcas (Jc) × Jatropha integerrima (Ji) was developed between jatropha (Jc) from Mexico and Ji from Thailand. Jc is a large canopy plant with soft wood, while Ji is a tall plant with semi-hard wood. The F1 hybrid and their parents were grown under field conditions at a spacing of 1 m × 1.5 m. One-year-old plants were harvested and determined for biomass yield, calorific value and chemical composition of wood, as well as for heterosis (hybrid vigour) of these characters. The F1 plants gave an average fresh wood weight of 18.07 kg/plant, a moisture content of 46.56%, a dry wood weight of 9.56 kg/plant and a wood density of 0.62 g/cm3. The F1 hybrid had less ash (2.60%) than Jc (6.93%), but a higher heat value of wood (18.73 MJ/kg) than Jc (17.77 MJ/kg). Heterosis over mid-parent was very high and positive in dry wood weight, fresh wood weight and number of secondary branches at 542, 310 and 450%, respectively, while negative heterosis was found in moisture content ( − 24.86%). The desirable traits found in the F1 hybrid can be fixed by cutting propagation of the selected plants.
Multiple genes confer resistance to soybean mosaic virus in the soybean cultivar Hwangkeum
Authors: Jeong Namhee , Jeong Soon-Chun 
Published: July 2014

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from a cross between a cultivated species and its wild progenitor species serve as important germplasm for introgressing valuable genes from a wild species to a cultivated species. During this breeding process, it is equally important to prevent the loss of agronomically important genes in the cultivated species. In an effort to establish an efficient selection system for the single Rsv1 gene conferring durable resistance to soybean mosaic virus (SMV) in the soybean cultivar Hwangkeum (also known as Suweon 97), which is a parent of a RIL population from Hwangkeum (cultivated soybean) × IT182932 (wild soybean), in the present study, we unexpectedly identified an additional necrosis-conditioning gene unmasked by a recombination in the middle of the Rsv1-containing nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat gene cluster region and the Rsv3 gene in Hwangkeum. Thus, Hwangkeum contains at least three SMV resistance genes consisting of two tightly linked genes at the Rsv1 locus and the Rsv3 locus. The results of this study provide additional important information for use of the Hwangkeum genome in soybean breeding programmes.
Potential of thermal image analysis for screening salt stress-tolerant soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Kim Jin-Won , Lee Tae-Young , Nah Gyoungju , Kim Do-Soon 
Published: July 2014

Non-destructive high-throughput phenotyping based on phenomics is an emerging technology for assessing the genetic diversity of various traits and screening in breeding programmes. In this study, non-destructive measurements of leaf temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence were conducted to investigate the physiological responses of soybean (Glycine max) to salt stress so as to set up a non-destructive screening method. Two-week-old seedlings of soybean in the V2 stage were treated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl to induce salt stress. Three parameters, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence, decreased significantly, while soybean leaf temperature increased by exhibiting a positive correlation with NaCl concentration (P< 0.001). Soybean leaf temperature increased significantly at 50 mM NaCl when compared with the untreated control, although no visual symptom was observed. We selected leaf temperature as a major physiological parameter of salt stress as its measurement is much easier, faster and cheaper than that of other physiological parameters. Therefore, leaf temperature can be used for evaluating the responses to salt stress in soybean as a non-destructive and phenomic parameter. The results of this study suggest that non-destructive parameters such as chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf temperature are useful tools for assessing the genetic diversity of soybean with regard to salt stress tolerance and to screen salt stress-tolerant soybean for breeding.
QTL mapping for the number of branches and pods using wild chromosome segment substitution lines in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: He Qingyuan , Yang Hongyan , Xiang Shihua , Wang Wubing , Xing Guangnan , Zhao Tuanjie , Gai Junyi 
Published: July 2014

Annual wild soybean characterized with more number of branches and pods may contain favourable exotic genes/alleles for improving the yield potential of cultivated soybeans. To evaluate the wild alleles/segments, the chromosome segment substitution line population SojaCSSLP3 comprising 158 lines with N24852 (wild) as the donor and NN1138-2 (cultivated) as the recurrent parent was tested under three environments. The phenotypic data along with 198 simple sequence repeat markers were analysed for qualitative trait loci (QTL)/segments associated with the number of branches on the main stem (BN) and number of pods per plant (PN) using the inclusive composite interval mapping procedure (RSTEP-LRT-ADD model) of ICIM version 3.0. The analysis was carried out for individual environments due to a significant G × E interaction. A total of eight QTL/segments associated with BN and eight QTL/segments associated with PN were detected under the three environments, with all the wild segments having positive effects. Among these, two QTL/segments for each of the two traits could be detected under two or three environments and three QTL/segments could be detected for both traits. Four QTL/segments associated with BN and one QTL/segment associated with PN were identified only in SojaCSSLP3, not reported for cultivated crosses in the literature. The detected wild segments may provide materials for further characterization, cloning and pyramiding of the alleles conferring the two traits.
Engineering light-inducible nuclear localization signals for precise spatiotemporal control of protein dynamics in living cells
Authors: Niopek Dominik , Benzinger Dirk , Roensch Julia , Draebing Thomas , Wehler Pierre , Eils Roland , Di Ventura Barbara 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe function of many eukaryotic proteins is regulated by highly dynamic changes in their nucleocytoplasmic distribution. The ability to precisely and reversibly control nuclear translocation would, therefore, allow dissecting and engineering cellular networks. Here we develop a genetically encoded, light-inducible nuclear localization signal (LINuS) based on the LOV2 domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1. LINuS is a small, versatile tag, customizable for different proteins and cell types. LINuS-mediated nuclear import is fast and reversible, and can be tuned at different levels, for instance, by introducing mutations that alter AsLOV2 domain photo-caging properties or by selecting nuclear localization signals (NLSs) of various strengths. We demonstrate the utility of LINuS in mammalian cells by controlling gene expression and entry into mitosis with blue light.
Rewiring neural circuits by the insertion of ectopic electrical synapses in transgenic C. elegans
Authors: Rabinowitch Ithai , Chatzigeorgiou Marios , Zhao Buyun , Treinin Millet , Schafer William R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNeural circuits are functional ensembles of neurons that are selectively interconnected by chemical or electrical synapses. Here we describe a synthetic biology approach to the study of neural circuits, whereby new electrical synapses can be introduced in novel sites in the neuronal circuitry to reprogram behaviour. We added electrical synapses composed of the vertebrate gap junction protein Cx36 between Caenorhabditis elegans chemosensory neurons with opposite intrinsic responses to salt. Connecting these neurons by an ectopic electrical synapse led to a loss of lateral asymmetry and altered chemotaxis behaviour. In a second example, introducing Cx36 into an inhibitory chemical synapse between an olfactory receptor neuron and an interneuron changed the sign of the connection from negative to positive, and abolished the animal’s behavioural response to benzaldehyde. These data demonstrate a synthetic strategy to rewire behavioural circuits by engineering synaptic connectivity in C. elegans.
Accumulation of humic-like fluorescent dissolved organic matter in the Japan Sea
Authors: Tanaka Kazuki , Kuma Kenshi , Hamasaki Koji , Yamashita Youhei 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMajor fraction of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is biologically recalcitrant, however, the accumulation mechanism of recalcitrant DOM has not been fully understood. Here, we examine the distributions of humic-like fluorescent DOM, factions of recalcitrant DOM and the level of apparent oxygen utilization in the Japan Sea. We find linear relationships between these parameters for the deep water (>200 m) of the Japan Sea, suggesting that fluorescent DOM is produced in situ in the Japan Sea. Furthermore, we find that the amount of fluorescent DOM at a given apparent oxygen utilization is greater in the deep water of the Japan Sea than it is in the North Pacific, where the highest level of fluorescent DOM in the open ocean was previously observed. We conclude that the repeated renewal of the deep water contributes to the accumulation of fluorescent DOM in the interior of the Japan Sea.
The role of endogenous and exogenous mechanisms in the formation of R&D networks
Authors: Tomasello Mario V. , Perra Nicola , Tessone Claudio J. , Karsai Márton , Schweitzer Frank 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe develop an agent-based model of strategic link formation in Research and Development (R&D) networks. Empirical evidence has shown that the growth of these networks is driven by mechanisms which are both endogenous to the system (that is, depending on existing alliances patterns) and exogenous (that is, driven by an exploratory search for newcomer firms). Extant research to date has not investigated both mechanisms simultaneously in a comparative manner. To overcome this limitation, we develop a general modeling framework to shed light on the relative importance of these two mechanisms. We test our model against a comprehensive dataset, listing cross-country and cross-sectoral R&D alliances from 1984 to 2009. Our results show that by fitting only three macroscopic properties of the network topology, this framework is able to reproduce a number of micro-level measures, including the distributions of degree, local clustering, path length and component size and the emergence of network clusters. Furthermore, by estimating the link probabilities towards newcomers and established firms from the data, we find that endogenous mechanisms are predominant over the exogenous ones in the network formation, thus quantifying the importance of existing structures in selecting partner firms.
Hearing the Shape of the Ising Model with a Programmable Superconducting-Flux Annealer
Authors: Vinci Walter , Markström Klas , Boixo Sergio , Roy Aidan , Spedalieri Federico M. , Warburton Paul A. , Severini Simone 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTwo objects can be distinguished if they have different measurable properties. Thus, distinguishability depends on the Physics of the objects. In considering graphs, we revisit the Ising model as a framework to define physically meaningful spectral invariants. In this context, we introduce a family of refinements of the classical spectrum and consider the quantum partition function. We demonstrate that the energy spectrum of the quantum Ising Hamiltonian is a stronger invariant than the classical one without refinements. For the purpose of implementing the related physical systems, we perform experiments on a programmable annealer with superconducting flux technology. Departing from the paradigm of adiabatic computation, we take advantage of a noisy evolution of the device to generate statistics of low energy states. The graphs considered in the experiments have the same classical partition functions, but different quantum spectra. The data obtained from the annealer distinguish non-isomorphic graphs via information contained in the classical refinements of the functions but not via the differences in the quantum spectra.
Highly efficient targeted mutagenesis in one-cell mouse embryos mediated by the TALEN and CRISPR/Cas systems
Authors: Yasue Akihiro , Mitsui Silvia Naomi , Watanabe Takahito , Sakuma Tetsushi , Oyadomari Seiichi , Yamamoto Takashi , Noji Sumihare , Mito Taro , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSince the establishment of embryonic stem (ES) cell lines, the combined use of gene targeting with homologous recombination has aided in elucidating the functions of various genes. However, the ES cell technique is inefficient and time-consuming. Recently, two new gene-targeting technologies have been developed: the transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) system and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system. In addition to aiding researchers in solving conventional problems, these technologies can be used to induce site-specific mutations in various species for which ES cells have not been established. Here, by targeting the Fgf10 gene through RNA microinjection in one-cell mouse embryos with the TALEN and CRISPR/Cas systems, we produced the known limb-defect phenotypes of Fgf10-deficient embryos at the F0 generation. Compared to the TALEN system, the CRISPR/Cas system induced the limb-defect phenotypes with a strikingly higher efficiency. Our results demonstrate that although both gene-targeting technologies are useful, the CRISPR/Cas system more effectively elicits single-step biallelic mutations in mice.
Assessing the role of spatial correlations during collective cell spreading
Authors: Treloar Katrina K. , Simpson Matthew J. , Binder Benjamin J. , McElwain D. L. Sean , Baker Ruth E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSpreading cell fronts are essential features of development, repair and disease processes. Many mathematical models used to describe the motion of cell fronts, such as Fisher's equation, invoke a mean–field assumption which implies that there is no spatial structure, such as cell clustering, present. Here, we examine the presence of spatial structure using a combination ofin vitrocircular barrier assays, discrete random walk simulations and pair correlation functions. In particular, we analyse discrete simulation data using pair correlation functions to show that spatial structure can form in a spreading population of cells either through sufficiently strong cell–to–cell adhesion or sufficiently rapid cell proliferation. We analyse images from a circular barrier assay describing the spreading of a population of MM127 melanoma cells using the same pair correlation functions. Our results indicate that the spreading melanoma cell populations remain very close to spatially uniform, suggesting that the strength of cell–to–cell adhesion and the rate of cell proliferation are both sufficiently small so as not to induce any spatial patterning in the spreading populations.
CUL4A-DDB1-Rbx1 E3 ligase controls the quality of the PTS2 receptor Pex7p
Authors: Miyauchi-Nanri Yasuhiro , Mukai Satoru , Kuroda Kosuke , Fujiki Yukio 
Published: July 2014

Pex7p is the cytosolic receptor for peroxisomal matrix proteins harbouring PTS2 (peroxisome-targeting signal type-2). Mutations in the PEX7 gene cause RCDP (rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata) type 1, a distinct PTS2-import-defective phenotype of peroxisome biogenesis disorders. The mechanisms by which the protein level and quality of Pex7p are controlled remain largely unknown. In the present study we show that dysfunctional Pex7p, including mutants from RCDP patients, is degraded by a ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal pathway involving the CRL4A (Cullin4A-RING ubiquitin ligase) complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the degradation of dysfunctional Pex7p is essential for maintaining normal PTS2 import, thereby suggesting that CRL4A functions as an E3 ligase in the quality control of Pex7p. Our results define a mechanism underlying Pex7p homoeostasis and highlight its importance for regulating PTS2 import. These findings may lead to a new approach to Pex7p-based therapies for the treatment of peroxisome biogenesis disorders such as RCDP.
Influence of association state and DNA binding on the O2-reactivity of [4Fe-4S] fumarate and nitrate reduction (FNR) regulator
Authors: Crack Jason C. , Stapleton Melanie R. , Green Jeffrey , Thomson Andrew J. , Le Brun Nick E. 
Published: July 2014

The fumarate and nitrate reduction (FNR) regulator is the master switch for the transition between anaerobic and aerobic respiration in Escherichia coli. Reaction of dimeric [4Fe-4S] FNR with O2 results in conversion of the cluster into a [2Fe-2S] form, via a [3Fe-4S] intermediate, leading to the loss of DNA binding through dissociation of the dimer into monomers. In the present paper, we report studies of two previously identified variants of FNR, D154A and I151A, in which the form of the cluster is decoupled from the association state. In vivo studies of permanently dimeric D154A FNR show that DNA binding does not affect the rate of cluster incorporation into the apoprotein or the rate of O2-mediated cluster loss. In vitro studies show that O2-mediated cluster conversion for D154A and the permanent monomer I151A FNR is the same as in wild-type FNR, but with altered kinetics. Decoupling leads to an increase in the rate of the [3Fe-4S]1+ into [2Fe-2S]2+ conversion step, consistent with the suggestion that this step drives association state changes in the wild-type protein. We have also shown that DNA-bound FNR reacts more rapidly with O2 than FNR free in solution, implying that transcriptionally active FNR is the preferred target for reaction with O2.
The Receptive–Expressive Gap in Bilingual Children With and Without Primary Language Impairment
Authors: Gibson Todd A. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M. 
Published: July 2014

PurposeIn this study, the authors examined the magnitude of the discrepancy between standardized measures of receptive and expressive semantic knowledge, known as areceptive–expressive gap,for bilingual children with and without primary language impairment (PLI).MethodSpanish and English measures of semantic knowledge were administered to 37 Spanish–English bilingual 7- to 10-year old children with PLI and to 37 Spanish–English bilingual peers with typical development (TD). Parents and teachers completed questionnaires that yielded day-by-day and hour-by-hour information regarding children's exposure to and use of Spanish and English.ResultsChildren with PLI had significantly larger discrepancies between receptive and expressive semantics standard scores than their bilingual peers with TD. The receptive–expressive gap for children with PLI was predicted by current English experience, whereas the best predictor for children with TD was cumulative English experience.ConclusionsAs a preliminary explanation, underspecified phonological representations due to bilingual children's divided language input as well as differences in their languages' phonological systems may result in a discrepancy between standardized measures of receptive and expressive semantic knowledge. This discrepancy is greater for bilingual children with PLI because of the additional difficulty these children have in processing phonetic information. Future research is required to understand these underlying processes.
Deaf Children With Cochlear Implants Do Not Appear to Use Sentence Context to Help Recognize Spoken Words
Authors: Conway Christopher M. , Deocampo Joanne A. , Walk Anne M. , Anaya Esperanza M. , Pisoni David B. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
The authors investigated the ability of deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs) to use sentence context to facilitate the perception of spoken words.

Method

Deaf children with CIs (
n
= 24) and an age-matched group of children with normal hearing (
n
= 31) were presented with lexically controlled sentences and were asked to repeat each sentence in its entirety. Performance was analyzed at each of 3 word positions of each sentence (first, second, and third key word).

Results
Whereas the children with normal hearing showed robust effects of contextual facilitation—improved speech perception for the final words in a sentence—the deaf children with CIs on average showed no such facilitation. Regression analyses indicated that for the deaf children with CIs, Forward Digit Span scores significantly predicted accuracy scores for all 3 positions, whereas performance on the Stroop Color and Word Test, Children's Version (Golden, Freshwater, & Golden, 2003) predicted how much contextual facilitation was observed at the final word.

Conclusions
The pattern of results suggests that some deaf children with CIs do not use sentence context to improve spoken word recognition. The inability to use sentence context may be due to possible interactions between language experience and cognitive factors that affect the ability to successfully integrate temporal–sequential information in spoken language.