bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modification of sperm quality after sexual abstinence in Seba's short-tailed bat,Carollia perspicillata
Authors: Wesseling Charlotte , Fasel Nicolas , Richner Heinz , Helfenstein Fabrice 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIn polygynous mating systems, few males have stable access to sexual mates. With an expected higher copulation rate, harem males may deplete seminal fluids or increase epididymal sperm maturation, generating poor sperm quality. In a first study, we reported a higher sperm quality in sneaker males of Carollia perspicillata. To test whether the lower sperm quality observed in harem males was generated by an elevated copulation rate, we temporarily removed males of both social statuses from the colony. We thus assessed status-related changes of sperm quality resulting from sexual abstinence. Moreover, released from territory and female guarding, harem males were expected to show a reduction in somatic costs. On the basis of sperm competition models, we predicted a higher resource investment in the ejaculate with the reduction of pre-copulatory efforts. In line with our predictions, sperm quality of harem males improved significantly in contrast to sneaker males, whose sperm quality did not change. Without an increase in ejaculate lipid peroxidation, our results also provide evidence that the duration of sexual abstinence was not sufficient to generate sperm oxidative damage through senescence. Harem males did not show a reduction in blood lipid peroxidation or in the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione. In line with the maintenance of these somatic costs, harem males did not invest more superoxide dismutase to the ejaculate to maintain sperm quality. Our results suggest that a difference in copulation rate rather than an adaptation to sperm competition provides sneaker males with higher sperm quality in C. perspicillata.
Correlation and Factor Analysis of Grain Yield and Some Important Component Characters in Spring Bread Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Ebrahimnejad S. , Rameeh V. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In order to evaluate several agro-morphological traits in 21 spring bread wheat genotypes, an experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out in two locations during three years (2008-2011). The traits including grain yield (GY), biological yield (BY), spike weight (SW), grain weight per spike(GWS), harvest index (HI), spike length (SL), spikelet per spike (SPS), number of grain per spike (NGS), number of spike per square meter (SPM), 1000-grain weight (GW), plant height (PH), stem straw weight (SSW), spike straw weight (SRW) were evaluated. The result of combined analysis of variance revealed that years, genotypes and their interaction effects were significant for all the traits. Location had significant difference for all the traits except SL and SPS. GY was significant correlated with BY (0.72**), SW (0.75**), GWS (0.69**), NGS (0.59**), SSW (0.62**) and SRW (0.66**). Factor analysis was used for understanding the data structure and trait relations. The factor analysis divided the thirteen traits into three factors. The cumulative variation for these factors was 0.76 and also it’s portions for factor one to three were 0.59, 0.16 and 0.06, respectively. In the first factor, the traits including GY, BY, SW, GWS, SPS, NGS and SSW had high factor loadings. The traits compromise HI, SSW and SRW had high factor loadings in second factor and also SPM, GW and PH had high values of factor loadings in third factor. The genotypes including Morvarid, N-80-19 and N-85-14 had high mean values of grain yield. The genotypes had high genetic coefficient variation for SRW, BY, SW and GY, therefore the efficiency of selection of the genotypes for improving these traits will be high.
Effect of Different Nitrogen Sources on Vegetative Traits, Grain Yield and Essential Oil Yield of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Authors: Abdollahi F. , Salehi A. , Shahabi R. , Rahimi A. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the medicinal plants that its essential oil yield has abundance medicinal and food value. One of the main concepts in the production of medicinal plants is to increase of yield by biofertilizers. In order to evaluate the separate and combined effect of nitrogen and biofertilizer Nitroxin (mixture of bacteria Azotobacter and Azospirillum) fertilizer on vegetative traits, grain yield and essential oil yield of coriander, an experiment was conducted as a factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the field research of Islamic Azad University, Jiroft, Iran. The experiment factors were consisted of three levels of nitrogen (0, 75 and 150 kg·ha−1) and three levels of Nitroxin biofertilizer (0, 2 and 4 L·ha−1). The results showed that application of 150 kg·ha−1 N significantly increased height and stem diameter, number of lateral branches and shoot dry weight, compared with control and application of 75 kg·ha−1 N. Nitroxin biofertilizer significantly improved vegetative traits of coriander when compared with control, so that application of 4 L·ha−1 of Nitroxin caused increase the mean of traits compared to control. In the most evaluated growth traits, the highest means were obtained with combining of 150 kg·ha−1 N with 4 L·ha−1 of Nitroxin. Application of 150 kg·ha−1 N increased the number of umbels per plant, 1000 seeds weigh, seed yield and essential oil yield, 29.9, 33.0, 72.9, 40.7, 147.4 and 177.1 percent, compared with the control, respectively. In the presence of Nitroxin, yield and yield component and essential oil yield of coriander increased significantly. Maximum average of these traits obtained when 4 L·ha−1 of Nitroxin was applied. Integrated of nitrogen and Nitroxin increased yield and yield component and essential oil yield significantly, when compare with application separately of them. So that the maximum mean of these traits obtained with combined application of 150 kg·ha−1 nitrogen and 4 L·ha−1 of Nitroxin. The results of this research was showed that application Nitroxin biofertilizer have an important role in increase of quantity and quality yield of coriander medicinal plant and can be used as an alternative of nitrogen fertilizer in sustainable agriculture.
Effect of Gibberellic and Salicylic Acids Pre-Soaking on Seed Germination Attributes of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Induced Salt Stress
Authors: Al Sahil A. A. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Saline stress is one of the most deleterious abiotic stress determining a considerable reduction in agricultural production. Seed germination is the primitive plant growth stage and considered as vulnerable to saline stress. However, the exogenous application of natural plant growth regulators has been reported as one of the mitigation strategies. A Petri dish experiment under controlled conditions was conducted at King Saud University. The aim was to quantify the negative impact of induced saline stress (NaCl) on seed germination attributes and role of gibberellic acid (GA3) and salicylic acid (SA) to reduce the inhibitory effect of saline stress on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds. The treatments consist of two sets as: seed pre-soaking solution and NaCl stress. Five pre-soaking solutions were prepared as: H2O (control), GA3 (100 ppm), GA3 (200 ppm), SA (0.5 ppm) and SA (1.0 ppm). While saline stress was imposed by NaCl at three levels such as: no stress (distilled water, control), mild stress (NaCl, 50 mM) and higher stress (NaCl, 100 mM). Results depicted that NaCl induced stress has significantly affected the all studied germinations attributes. The maximum NaCl stress (100 mM) stood highest in inhibiting seed germination percentage, seedling length, and seedling fresh and dry weights, followed by mild stress and control, respectively. Seed pre-soaking treatments were recorded non-significant for seedling length, fresh and dry weights while significant for germination percentage and number of seeds germinated over period of time. The interaction between seed pre-soaking treatments and induced saline stress was recorded significant. Overall, GA3 at the rate of 100 ppm solution performed a contributory role to mitigate the negative effect of saline stress.
Sodium chloride-induced conformational change in tRNA as measured by circular dichroism
Authors: Sarbak Szymon , Kujawa Melania , Jurga-Nowak Hanna , Dobek Andrzej 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The effect of 0.01-1 M sodium ions on the conformation of the folded brewer’s yeast tRNAPhe was examined by circular dichroism method in the region 200-350 nm. The minimum peak at about 210 nm for tRNA solution with 50 mM sodium chloride showed a decrease in magnitude by 26-30% in comparison to that recorded for the solution of higher NaCl content. The depths of the peaks at 225 nm and 233 nm for two solutions with the lowest sodium chloride concentrations (cNaCl = 10mM, cNaCl = 50mM) were changed by 3-10% relative to the those in the spectra of other samples, for the 260 nm maximum peak a decrease in height was 21-25%. In the region 300-350 nm no significant difference was observed. The results point to a strong relationship between concentration of sodium ions and stabilization process of secondary and tertiary tRNA structure, which indicates the influence of sodium ions on stacking and base-pairing interactions.
Foreign Direct Investment Impact on Economic Indicators of the Baltic Countries
Authors: Barkauskaite Aida , Naraskeviciute Violeta 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The foreign direct investment movement is becoming increasingly important nowadays. Various studies are conducted to determine the influence of foreign direct investments on certain countries. That is why it is important and useful to evaluate and compare how foreign direct investments affect the economic indicators of the Baltic countries - countries having similar economies. Methods used in the analysis are: logical comparative and generalization methods, systematic literature analysis and methods of mathematical statistics. The results have showed that foreign direct investments have positive influence on economies through gross domestic product and labour productivity growth in all Baltic countries, though foreign direct investments do not influence the unemployment rate in all Baltic countries
Latvian Potential in the Trade with the EU Countries
Authors: Pančenko Ērika , Ivanova Tatjana 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The importance of international trade for the economic development of any country, on the one hand, and the decreasing rates of goods turnover within the EU countries in recent years, on the other hand, reveal the relevance of the research on the assessment of Latvia’s trade potential with the EU countries.
The aim of this study is to measure and assess Latvia’s export potential with the European Union countries based on the gravity model.
Since the development of trade relations is influenced by various factors, the article provides an overview of empirical studies that analyse various factors determining the level of trade among the countries.
Possible volume of exports from Latvia to the EU countries was calculated on the basis of gravity model; calculations were conditioned by several factors included in the model, such as GDP, geographical distance and the degree of country’s economic freedom. The article also provides an assessment of Latvia’s export potential realisation extent.
The method described in this article allowed applying the gravity model for the assessment of cooperation between Latvia and the EU countries, and was suitable for the quantitative evaluation of the extent to which export potential was realised in other countries
The Efficiency of Regional Innovation Systems in New Member States of the European Union: A Nonparametric DEA Approach
Authors: Dzemydaitė Giedrė , Dzemyda Ignas , Galinienė Birutė 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This paper evaluates the Eastern and Central EU regions according to the efficiency level of innovation systems by application of nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA). The most technologically inefficient NUTS2 regions of Central and Eastern EU are identified. The governmental institutions in these regions should enforce a higher level of regional innovative activity, as regional potential to create a higher value to the economy with current resources has not been reached yet.
Motivation in foreign language learning: a look at type of school environment as a contextual variable
Authors: Pavičić Takać Višnja , Berka Nives 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Impelled by the observation that motivation might be one of the most important factors within the affective domain influencing foreign language learning (FLL), the field of second language acquisition (SLA) has seen an intense worldwide interest in empirical research in motivational issues. The studies have been rooted in different theories and methodologies, (most notably those advanced by Gardner and Dörnyei and their respective associates) that have given precedence to a number of variables assumed to play an important role in understanding the phenomenon of FLL motivation. The present study is set between the macroperspective of the social-psychological period–by giving a general view of second language motivation–and the situation-specific period–by taking into consideration the immediate learning context. It focuses on exploring the nature of FLL motivation in Croatia at secondary education level where FLL is part of core curriculum. In particular, it explores the role of one specific contextual variable that has been largely ignored in SLA motivational research, i.e. type of school environment, and its interaction with gender and success in FLL.
Using authentic materials for students of tourism in Slovenia: English language acquisition for students of the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Maribor
Authors: Potočnik Topler Jasna 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The article examines the process of teaching English for specific purposes at the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Maribor, Slovenia using coursebooks and authentic supplementary materials. The survey has shown that the students of the Faculty of Tourism prefer supplementary authentic materials to coursebooks because they find them sufficiently interesting or challenging. Specially designed classroom materials that are put into the Moodle by the teacher also offer opportunities for various activities in lesson planning for teaching, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Another important aspect of supplementary materials is that they facilitate the teacher’s creativity. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to using only coursebooks or only specially prepared classroom materials, and both - coursebooks and supplementary materials - should be used only after careful consideration. Although authentic materials may contain complex grammatical structures and difficult vocabulary, they bring real-life situations into classrooms, and students therefore find them very motivating, the survey has shown.
Behavioural Present Value Defined as Fuzzy Number – a New Approach
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof , Siwek Joanna 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The behavioural present value is defined as a fuzzy number assessed under the impact of chosen behavioural factors. The first formal model turned out to be burdened with some formal defects which are finally corrected in the presented article. In this way a new modified formal model of a behavioural present value is obtained. New model of the behavioural present value is used to explain the phenomenon of market equilibrium on the efficient financial market remaining in the state of financial imbalance. These considerations are illustrated by means of extensive numerical case study.
Estimation of Employee Turnover with Competing Risks Models
Authors: Grzenda Wioletta , Buczyński Michał K. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Employee turnover accompanies every business organization, regardless of the industry and size. Nowadays, many companies struggle with problems related to the lack of sufficient information about the nature of employee turnover processes. Therefore, comprehensive analysis of these processes is necessary. This article aims to examine the turnover of employees from a big manufacturing company using competing risks models with covariates and without covariates. This technique allows to incorporate the information about the type of employment contract termination. Moreover, Cox proportional hazard model enables the researcher to analyse simultaneously multiple factors that affect employment duration. One of the major observations is that employee remuneration level differentiates most strongly the risk of job resignation.
Statistical Computing in Information Society
Authors: Domański Czesław , Jędrzejczak Alina 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In the presence of massive data coming with high heterogeneity we need to change our statistical thinking and statistical education in order to adapt both - classical statistics and software developments that address new challenges. Significant developments include open data, big data, data visualisation, and they are changing the nature of the evidence that is available, the ways in which it is presented and the skills needed for its interpretation. The amount of information is not the most important issue – the real challenge is the combination of the amount and the complexity of data. Moreover, a need arises to know how uncertain situations should be dealt with and what decisions should be taken when information is insufficient (which can also be observed for large datasets). In the paper we discuss the idea of computational statistics as a new approach to statistical teaching and we try to answer a question: how we can best prepare the next generation of statisticians.
Procathepsin E is highly abundant but minimally active in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors
Authors: O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Ivry Sam L. , Chaudhury Chaity , Hostetter Daniel R. , Hanahan Douglas , Craik Charles S. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The cathepsin family of lysosomal proteases is increasingly being recognized for their altered expression in cancer and role in facilitating tumor progression. The aspartyl protease cathepsin E is overexpressed in several cancers and has been investigated as a biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we show that cathepsin E expression in mouse PDAC tumors is increased by more than 400-fold when compared to healthy pancreatic tissue. Cathepsin E accumulates over the course of disease progression and accounts for more than 3% of the tumor protein in mice with end-stage disease. Through immunoblot analysis we determined that only procathepsin E exists in mouse PDAC tumors and cell lines derived from these tumors. By decreasing the pH, this procathepsion E is converted to the mature form, resulting in an increase in proteolytic activity. Although active site inhibitors can bind procathepsin E, treatment of PDAC mice with the aspartyl protease inhibitor ritonavir did not decrease tumor burden. Lastly, we used multiplex substrate profiling by mass spectrometry to identify two synthetic peptides that are hydrolyzed by procathepsin E near neutral pH. This work represents a comprehensive analysis of procathepsin E in PDAC and could facilitate the development of improved biomarkers for disease detection.
HUWE1 interacts with PCNA to alleviate replication stress
Authors: Choe Katherine N , Nicolae Claudia M , Constantin Daniel , Imamura Kawasawa Yuka , Delgado‐Diaz Maria Rocio , De Subhajyoti , Freire Raimundo , Smits Veronique AJ , Moldovan George‐Lucian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDefects in DNA replication, DNA damage response, and DNA repair compromise genomic stability and promote cancer development. In particular, unrepaired DNA lesions can arrest the progression of the DNA replication machinery during S‐phase, causing replication stress, mutations, and DNA breaks. HUWE1 is a HECT‐type ubiquitin ligase that targets proteins involved in cell fate, survival, and differentiation. Here, we report that HUWE1 is essential for genomic stability, by promoting replication of damaged DNA. We show that HUWE1‐knockout cells are unable to mitigate replication stress, resulting in replication defects and DNA breakage. Importantly, we find that this novel role of HUWE1 requires its interaction with the replication factor PCNA, a master regulator of replication fork restart, at stalled replication forks. Finally, we provide evidence that HUWE1 mono‐ubiquitinates H2AX to promote signaling at stalled forks. Altogether, our work identifies HUWE1 as a novel regulator of the replication stress response.
HUWE1 comes to the rescue at stalled replication forks
Authors: Coleman Kate E , Huang Tony T 
Published: May 2016

HUWE1 is a multi‐faceted E3 ubiquitin ligase of the HECT family with many confirmed substrates, but mechanistic understanding of its functional roles in signaling pathways remains limited. In this issue of EMBO Reports, Choe et al demonstrate a novel function for HUWE1 in promoting DNA damage tolerance mechanisms to bypass DNA lesions during replication stress, thereby preserving genome stability. The authors connect this role for HUWE1 with its function in maintaining H2AX monoubiquitination levels for efficient signaling at stalled replication forks . Thus, this work highlights HUWE1 as a novel player in the replication stress response and prompts further investigation of its regulation during replication and other cellular processes.
The Caenorhabditis elegans Excretory System: A Model for Tubulogenesis, Cell Fate Specification, and Plasticity
Authors: Sundaram Meera V , Buechner Matthew 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The excretory system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a superb model of tubular organogenesis involving a minimum of cells. The system consists of just three unicellular tubes (canal, duct, and pore), a secretory gland, and two associated neurons. Just as in more complex organs, cells of the excretory system must first adopt specific identities and then coordinate diverse processes to form tubes of appropriate topology, shape, connectivity, and physiological function. The unicellular topology of excretory tubes, their varied and sometimes complex shapes, and the dynamic reprogramming of cell identity and remodeling of tube connectivity that occur during larval development are particularly fascinating features of this organ. The physiological roles of the excretory system in osmoregulation and other aspects of the animal’s life cycle are only beginning to be explored. The cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways used to build and shape excretory tubes appear similar to those used in both unicellular and multicellular tubes in more complex organs, such as the vertebrate vascular system and kidney, making this simple organ system a useful model for understanding disease processes.
Efecto del diseño conjunto en la capacidad cognitiva y el rendimiento. Una propuesta de diseño basado en bloques incompletos balanceados
Authors: Huertas-García Rubén , Segura Carolina Consolación , Mas-Machuca Marta , Forgas-Coll Santiago 
Published: May 2016

La utilización del análisis conjunto para estudiar procesos de decisión estratégica se considera un avance respecto a los métodos habituales post-hoc. Pero, dado que los experimentos conjuntos evalúan percepciones sobre perfiles del entorno descritos por frases, en lugar de preferencias, surge el problema de que la carga informativa que generan estos escenarios puede superar la capacidad del entrevistado, dificultando su evaluación y delimitando su uso a pocos factores. Este trabajo investiga cómo el diseño (el número de atributos) afecta a la complejidad de la evaluación y el rendimiento del experimento. Además, se propone un diseño mixto basado en bloques incompletos balanceados y, mediante un experimento, se compara su rendimiento frente a un diseño de bloques estándar. Los resultados muestran que la complejidad derivada del número de atributos tiene un efecto moderado en la variación explicada pero mayor en el peso de los factores, vislumbrando el uso de heurísticas distintas de los encuestados en el proceso de evaluación.