bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of the predicted air temperature change on incubation temperature, incubation duration, sex ratio and hatching success of loggerhead turtles
Authors: Özdemir Adem , Ilgaz Çetin , Durmuş Salih Hakan , Güçlü Özgür 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Marine turtles are sensitive to temperature changes and thus are likely to be impacted by the predicted climate change. This study assesses the effect of the predicted air temperature change on incubation temperature, incubation duration, sex ratio and hatching success of the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta at the Mediterranean nesting sites of Dalyan and Fethiye, Turkey. We recorded sand temperatures and used air temperatures at two nesting sites to estimate the sex ratio of hatchlings. The data showed that hatchling production was 59.1% and 77.7% at Dalyan in 2004 and 2009, respectively, and 72.2% and 72.3% at Fethiye at 2008 and 2009, respectively. Incubation temperature was positively correlated with both air temperature and distance to sea. Sex ratio estimation and incubation duration between the years 1993 and 2009 in Fethiye show polynomic trend lines. The best predictors of hatching success were distance to vegetation and wet depth of nest. We modelled the effects of incremental increases in the future air temperature of up to 10°C. We suggest that clutch death is not likely to begin until 3°C of warming, increasing from 5.3% to 100.0% with warming between 4°C and 10°C.
Diet preferences of a Western giant's (Lord Derby's) eland group in a Sahelian dry habitat
Authors: Galat Gérard , Galat-Luong Anh , Nizinski Jerzy J. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The diet of the critically endangered Western giant eland (Tragelaphus derbianus derbianus Gray, 1847) has never been studied. We studied the food preferences of a Western giant eland group translocated from its native Sudanian habitat to a wildlife reserve in a Sahelian area in relation to the abundance of food in the new habitat. The study generated the first qualitative and quantitative data on this eland subspecies' diet. The translocated group fed only on 33 different plant species available in its new habitat. Isoberlinia doka, and Julbernadia sp., two species eaten by the other eland subspecies did not occur here. The food preference for most ligneous species did correspond to their high availability in the translocation area (like Acacia seyal, 32.56% versus 28.26% abundance in the new habitat, Acacia ataxacantha, 19.7% versus 17.03%, and Azadirachta indica, 7.11% versus 4.71%; only Grewia bicolor, 7.48% versus 10.14% did not). In contrast, the food preference for many herbaceous species did not, as some were preferred (like Merremia pentaphylla, 35.41% versus 11.01%, and Peristrophe bicalyculata, 2.58% versus 0.00%), and others avoided (like Corchorus tridens, 1.72% versus 2.20%, Cucumis melo, 0.43% versus 5.73%, and Abutilon ramosum, 0.21% versus 7.05%). The most eaten Cassia tora (42.7%) was also the most abundant (36.56%). Our data will provide conservation managers with information on how to protect the species' natural environment and to make appropriate management decisions with respect to the proclamation of protected areas or the identification of core zones, mainly for future (re)introduction of satellite populations.
Adolescents’ Values and Value Based Reasoning in Intercultural Dilemma Situations
Authors: Brodbeck Kathrin , Peng Aristide , Christl Taylor , Zehnder Sabine , Käppler Christoph , Morgenthaler Christoph 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Values and religious orientations are traditionally considered as fostering guidelines for individual life perspectives and choices. The present paper attempts to find out whether this is still true for Swiss adolescents. Hedonism, benevolence, self-direction and universalism are their preferred values, as data from a survey of 748 adolescents (aged 12-16) shows, tradition and conformity the least important. 25 of the surveyed adolescents were selected for an interview and confronted with the story of a young Muslim woman who has to decide whether she wants to wear a headscarf at school or not. The adolescents activate general knowledge about comparable situations in order to find a solution for the dilemma and they also refer to value-oriented rationales. Only five of ten possible values were used (universalism, benevolence, self-direction, tradition, conformity), self-direction being the most important value. Although the dilemma could be understood as a religious dilemma, adolescents rarely refer to religious concepts when discussing it.
Adaptive evolution of the matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein in mammals
Authors: Machado João Paulo , Johnson Warren E , O'Brien Stephen J , Vasconcelos Vítor , Antunes Agostinho 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) belongs to a family of small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) that play a key role in skeleton development, particularly in mineralization, phosphate regulation and osteogenesis. MEPE associated disorders cause various physiological effects, such as loss of bone mass, tumors and disruption of renal function (hypophosphatemia). The study of this developmental gene from an evolutionary perspective could provide valuable insights on the adaptive diversification of morphological phenotypes in vertebrates.

Results
Here we studied the adaptive evolution of the MEPE gene in 26 Eutherian mammals and three birds. The comparative genomic analyses revealed a high degree of evolutionary conservation of some coding and non-coding regions of the MEPE gene across mammals indicating a possible regulatory or functional role likely related with mineralization and/or phosphate regulation. However, the majority of the coding region had a fast evolutionary rate, particularly within the largest exon (1467 bp). Rodentia and Scandentia had distinct substitution rates with an increased accumulation of both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations compared with other mammalian lineages. Characteristics of the gene (e.g. biochemical, evolutionary rate, and intronic conservation) differed greatly among lineages of the eight mammalian orders. We identified 20 sites with significant positive selection signatures (codon and protein level) outside the main regulatory motifs (dentonin and ASARM) suggestive of an adaptive role. Conversely, we find three sites under selection in the signal peptide and one in the ASARM motif that were supported by at least one selection model. The MEPE protein tends to accumulate amino acids promoting disorder and potential phosphorylation targets.

Conclusion
MEPE shows a high number of selection signatures, revealing the crucial role of positive selection in the evolution of this SIBLING member. The selection signatures were found mainly outside the functional motifs, reinforcing the idea that other regions outside the dentonin and the ASARM might be crucial for the function of the protein and future studies should be undertaken to understand its importance.
Absence of mutations in four genes encoding for congenital cataract and expressed in the human brain in Tunisian families with cataract and mental retardation
Authors: Chograni Manèl , Chaabouni Myriam , Mâazoul Faouzi , Bouzid Hedi , Kraiem Abdelhafid , Chaabouni Habiba B Bouhamed 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
To identify the genetic defect associated with autosomal recessive congenital cataract (ARCC), mental retardation (MR) and ARCC, MR and microcephaly present in most patients in four Tunisian consanguineous families.

Methods
We screened four genes implicated in congenital cataract by direct sequencing in two groups of patients; those affected by ARCC associated to MR and those who presented also microcephaly. Among its three genes PAX6, PITX3 and HSF4 are expressed in human brain and one gene LIM2 encodes for the protein MP20 that interact with the protein galectin-3 expressed in human brain and plays a crucial role in its development. All genes were screened by direct sequencing in two groups of patients; those affected by ARCC associated to MR and those who presented also microcephaly.

Results
We report no mutation in the four genes of congenital cataract and its flanking regions. Only variations that did not segregate with the studied phenotypes (ARCC associated to MR, ARCC associated with MR and microcephaly) are reported. We detected three intronic variations in PAX6 gene: IVS4 -274insG (intron 4), IVS12 -174G>A (intron12) in the four studied families and IVS4 -195G>A (intron 4) in two families. Two substitutions polymorphisms in PITX3 gene: c.439 C>T (exon 3) and c.930 C>A (exon4) in one family. One intronic variation in HSF4 gene: IVS7 +93C>T (intron 7) identified in one family. And three intronic substitutions in LIM2 gene identified in all four studied families: IVS2 -24A>G (intron 2), IVS4 +32C>T (intron 4) and c.*15A>C (3'-downstream sequence).

Conclusion
Although the role of the four studied genes: PAX6, PITX3, HSF4 and LIM2 in both ocular and central nervous system development, we report the absence of mutations in all studied genes in four families with phenotypes associating cataract, MR and microcephaly.
Expression, purification of herpes simplex virus type 1 US11 Protein, and production of US11 polyclonal antibody
Authors: Huang Yizhong , Wuyunerdeni  , Yao Shanglong 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The US11 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a small, highly basic phosphoprotein expressed at late times during infection. To date, the function of US11 protein in cell culture and animal models is poorly understood. To further investigate the function of the US11 protein, this study was undertaken to express the US11 protein and raise a polyclonal antibody.

Results
The US11 gene was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a (+) to express His-tagged US11 protein in Escherichia coli. After purification by nickel affinity chromatography and refolding, the recombinant protein was used to raise the anti-US11 polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the US11 protein was specifically recognized by the polyclonal antibody, and immunofluorescent assay also showed that the antibody was able to probe the US11 protein in the cells infected with HSV-1.

Conclusions
In the present study, we obtained a high-level expression of the recombinant US11 protein as well as high titers of rabbit polyclonal antibody specially against US11 protein in HSV-1 infected cells. This special polyclonal antibody provides a good tool for further studying structural and functional characterization of HSV-1 US11 protein.
Determining novel functions of Arabidopsis14-3-3 proteins in central metabolic processes
Authors: Diaz Celine , Kusano Miyako , Sulpice Ronan , Araki Mitsutaka , Redestig Henning , Saito Kazuki , Stitt Mark , Shin Ryoung 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
14-3-3 proteins are considered master regulators of many signal transduction cascades in eukaryotes. In plants, 14-3-3 proteins have major roles as regulators of nitrogen and carbon metabolism, conclusions based on the studies of a few specific 14-3-3 targets.

Results
In this study, extensive novel roles of 14-3-3 proteins in plant metabolism were determined through combining the parallel analyses of metabolites and enzyme activities in 14-3-3 overexpression and knockout plants with studies of protein-protein interactions. Decreases in the levels of sugars and nitrogen-containing-compounds and in the activities of known 14-3-3-interacting-enzymes were observed in 14-3-3 overexpression plants. Plants overexpressing 14-3-3 proteins also contained decreased levels of malate and citrate, which are intermediate compounds of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These modifications were related to the reduced activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, which are key enzymes of TCA cycle. In addition, we demonstrated that 14-3-3 proteins interacted with one isocitrate dehydrogenase and two malate dehydrogenases. There were also changes in the levels of aromatic compounds and the activities of shikimate dehydrogenase, which participates in the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds.

Conclusion
Taken together, our findings indicate that 14-3-3 proteins play roles as crucial tuners of multiple primary metabolic processes including TCA cycle and the shikimate pathway.
DNA aneuploidy as a topographic malignant transformation pattern in a pleomorphic adenoma of long-term evolution: a case report
Authors: Gallego Lorena , Junquera Luis , Hernando Josué , Fresno Manuel F , Salas Ana , Cutilli Tommaso 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction
We present a case of long-term evolution of a submandibular pleomorphic adenoma. There is little information about topographic malignant transformation patterns of pleomorphic adenomas.

Case presentation
We extensively analyze a giant submandibular mixed tumor of 25-year evolution in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was evaluated in different superficial and deep areas using flow cytometry analysis and correlated with pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Superficial areas exhibited a typical histological pleomorphic adenoma pattern and were deoxyribonucleic acid diploid. Deep samples showed deoxyribonucleic acid aneuploidy, atypical histological benign features and expression of markers involved at an early-stage of malignant transformation, such as tumor protein 53 and antigen Ki67.

Conclusion
These findings revealed that deep tumor compartments may be involved in the initial stages of malignant transformation. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy analysis may provide an additional diagnosis tool and indicate 'uncertain' areas that require careful study to avoid diagnostic errors. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate the usefulness of the technique.
The amount of astrocytic GABA positively correlates with the degree of tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 and cerebellum
Authors: Yoon Bo-Eun , Jo Seonmi , Woo Junsung , Lee Jae-Hoon , Kim Taekeun , Kim Daesoo , Lee C Justin 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
A tonic form of synaptic inhibition occurs in discrete regions of the central nervous system and has an important role in controlling neuronal excitability. Recently, we reported that GABA present in astrocyte is the major source of tonic inhibition in cerebellum and that GABA is released through Bestrophin-1 channel by direct permeation. In this study, we screened for the presence of astrocytic GABA in various brain regions such as hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebellum using immunohistochemistry. We found that astrocytic GABA was present in the regions that were reported to show tonic inhibition. Because the existence of tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 is somewhat controversial, we compared the amount of astrocytic GABA and tonic inhibition between the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer and the cerebellar granule cell layer. Unlike cerebellar glial cells, hippocampal astrocytes did not contain GABA. The tonic inhibition was also much lower in the pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA1 compared to the granule cells of cerebellum. Nevertheless, most of the hippocampal astrocytes expressed Bestrophin-1 channel. These data indicate that the absence of astrocytic GABA results in a low level of tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 region.
Quality of service provision in mobile multimedia - a survey
Authors: Luo Hongli , Shyu Mei-Ling 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe prevalence of multimedia applications has drastically increased the amount of multimedia data. With the drop of the hardware cost, more and more mobile devices with higher capacities are now used. The widely deployed wireless LAN and broadband wireless networks provide the ubiquitous network access for multimedia applications. Provision of Quality of Service (QoS) is challenging in mobile ad hoc networks because of the dynamic characteristics of mobile networks and the limited resources of the mobile devices. The wireless network is not reliable due to node mobility, multi-access channel and multi-hop communication. In this paper, we provide a survey of QoS provision in mobile multimedia, addressing the technologies at different network layers and cross-layer design. This paper focuses on the QoS techniques over IEEE 802.11e networks. We also provide some thoughts about the challenges and directions for future research.
Increased frequency of circulating Th22 in addition to Th17 and Th2 lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis: association with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Truchetet Marie-Elise , Brembilla Nicolò C , Montanari Elisa , Allanore Yannick , Chizzolini Carlo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction

T cell abnormalities have been associated with the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recently, besides T helper (Th)17 cells, the Th22 subset has been identified in humans. Our purpose was to investigate the pattern of cytokines produced and chemokine-receptors expressed by peripheral blood (PB) Th cells in SSc and healthy donors (HD) focusing on cells producing interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22 and to identify specific clinical associations.

Methods

Clinical data and peripheral blood were collected in 33 SSc individuals and 29 HD. IL-17A, IL-22, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4 production, the chemokine receptors CCR4, CCR6, CCR10, CXCR3 expression and the CD161 Th17 cell marker were assessed by multiparametric flow cytometry in PB CD4+ T cells. Intracellular cytokine accumulation was further investigated in CD4+ T cells expanded in vitro for seven days.

Results

The frequency of Th22, Th17, Th2, but not Th1 cells, was significantly increased in SSc individuals compared to HD. The percentage of CD161+CD4+ T cells was increased in SSc and correlated with the percentage of IL-17A producing cells. Moreover, the expression of the skin- and lung-homing chemokine receptor CCR6 correlated with the frequency of IL-22 and IL-17A-producing cells in SSc but not in HD. Finally, SSc interstitial lung disease (ILD) was strongly associated with higher numbers of IL-22 and, to a lesser extent, IL-17A-producing cells.

Conclusions

IL-22 and IL-17A-producing T cells with skin- and lung-homing capabilities are characteristically increased in SSc. These findings support the hypothesis that Th22, in addition to Th17 cells, may be involved in pathological processes leading to SSc. While the association between IL-22 producing cells and ILD needs to be assessed in larger cohorts of patients, the increased frequency of Th22 cells appears to be a useful novel biomarker in SSc.
Predicting the engineering and transport properties of soils using fractal equivalent circuit model: Laboratory experiments
Authors: Boadu Fred Kofi 
Published: November 2011

Frequency-dependent electrical measurements of soils contain useful information about their texture and structure that can be linked to their engineering and transport properties. We performed frequency-dependent electrical measurements on 29 natural soils with wide variability in physical and textural properties in a laboratory environment at a constant stress level and in the frequency range of 0.01 Hz–10 kHz. The engineering and hydraulic properties of these soils, that is, the hydraulic conductivity [Formula: see text], void ratio [Formula: see text], fines content [Formula: see text], intergranular void ratio [Formula: see text] and the dry density [Formula: see text] are concurrently measured. The electrical behaviors of the soils are modeled with an equivalent circuit model, which are described by six circuit parameters. Relationships between the circuit parameters and the soil properties (geotechnical engineering and hydraulic) are investigated. Crossplots of frequency exponent [Formula: see text] and resistivity [Formula: see text] and that of [Formula: see text] and grain percent resistivity [Formula: see text] clusters soils with high and low values of hydraulic conductivity, whereas crossplots of relaxation time [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] clusters soils with high and low intergranular void ratio. Regression models are developed using the parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to predict the hydraulic conductivity with [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to predict the intergranular void ratio with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to predict the dry density with [Formula: see text].
Analysis of the Effect of a Social Problem-Solving Program on the Aggression of Children
Authors: Seçer Zarife , Ogelman Hülya Gülay 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe aim of this research was to establish the effect of a social problem-solving training program for 8th grade students. In the experimental group, 14 students were 14 years old and 1 student was 15 years old. In the control group, 13 students were 14 years old and 2 students were 15 years old. The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) was administered to the students. The students in the experimental group were trained in the Social Problem-Solving program at school. The students in the Social Problem-Solving Training Program had statistically significant lower scores on physical aggression, anger, hostility, indirect aggression and total aggression than the students who did not undertake the program.
Hierarchic self-assembling of silver nanoparticles in solution
Authors: Suber Lorenza , Campi Gaetano 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFacile chemical synthesis and understanding of the formation mechanism of silver nanoparticles, ordered on the microscale on one-dimensional (1D), 2D or in 3D structures of complex forms is challenging for advanced applications, in electronics, optoelectronics, and medicine, to mention a few. Significant results obtained in the comprehension of assembling mechanisms in solutions of silver nanoparticles in 1D, 2D, and 3D organic-inorganic mesostructures are surveyed together with details on their preparation and characterization. Emphasis will be placed on very recent results obtained in our laboratories on self-assembly of silver nanoparticles in 1D microstructures and hierarchic ordering in 3D flower-like mesostructures monitored and studied by in situ and time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements.
Ruins, Refuse, and the Politics of Allegory in The Old Curiosity Shop
Authors: McCann Andrew 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
This essay revisits Theodor Adorno's discussion of allegory in Charles Dickens's The Old Curiosity Shop (1841) in order to retrieve a sense of the radicality of a form that is usually dismissed by contemporary critics as anachronistic and somehow inadequate to the modernity of the nineteenth century. It argues that Dickens's use of allegory organizes a critique of capitalism that is concentrated most emphatically in the novel's images of ruins, which are emblematic of lifeworlds destroyed by industrial progress. In the juxtaposition of industrial spaces defined by alienation and the symbolically charged cultural landscapes of Romanticism, The Old Curiosity Shop attempts to recuperate, or at least make legible, forms of life and identity lost to the movement of history. But if this framework facilitates a certain sort of historical consciousness, then it is also a consciousness defined by blind spots and absences that surface in images of refuse, waste, and formlessness associated with an emerging proletariat. In the movement between ruins and refuse, two different forms of historical obsolescence, the limitations of Dickens's allegorical vision and of the politics its fosters become apparent.