bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conserved chromosomal clustering of genes governed by chromatin regulators in Drosophila
Authors: Blanco Enrique , Pignatelli Miguel , Beltran Sergi , Punset Adrià , Pérez-Lluch Silvia , Serras Florenci , Guigó Roderic , Corominas Montserrat 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Background
The trithorax group (trxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are responsible for the maintenance of stable transcriptional patterns of many developmental regulators. They bind to specific regions of DNA and direct the post-translational modifications of histones, playing a role in the dynamics of chromatin structure.

Results
We have performed genome-wide expression studies of trx and ash2 mutants in Drosophila melanogaster. Using computational analysis of our microarray data, we have identified 25 clusters of genes potentially regulated by TRX. Most of these clusters consist of genes that encode structural proteins involved in cuticle formation. This organization appears to be a distinctive feature of the regulatory networks of TRX and other chromatin regulators, since we have observed the same arrangement in clusters after experiments performed with ASH2, as well as in experiments performed by others with NURF, dMyc, and ASH1. We have also found many of these clusters to be significantly conserved in D. simulans, D. yakuba, D. pseudoobscura and partially in Anopheles gambiae.

Conclusion
The analysis of genes governed by chromatin regulators has led to the identification of clusters of functionally related genes conserved in other insect species, suggesting this chromosomal organization is biologically important. Moreover, our results indicate that TRX and other chromatin regulators may act globally on chromatin domains that contain transcriptionally co-regulated genes.
Characterization of taxonomically restricted genes in a phylum-restricted cell type
Authors: Milde Sabine , Hemmrich Georg , Anton-Erxleben Friederike , Khalturin Konstantin , Wittlieb Jörg , Bosch Thomas CG 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Background
Despite decades of research, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the evolution of morphological diversity remain poorly understood. While current models assume that species-specific morphologies are governed by differential use of conserved genetic regulatory circuits, it is debated whether non-conserved taxonomically restricted genes are also involved in making taxonomically relevant structures. The genomic resources available in Hydra, a member of the early branching animal phylum Cnidaria, provide a unique opportunity to study the molecular evolution of morphological novelties such as the nematocyte, a cell type characteristic of, and unique to, Cnidaria.

Results
We have identified nematocyte-specific genes by suppression subtractive hybridization and find that a considerable portion has no homologues to any sequences in animals outside Hydra. By analyzing the transcripts of these taxonomically restricted genes and mining of the Hydra magnipapillata genome, we find unexpected complexity in gene structure and transcript processing. Transgenic Hydra expressing the green fluorescent protein reporter under control of one of the taxonomically restricted gene promoters recapitulate faithfully the described expression pattern, indicating that promoters of taxonomically restricted genes contain all elements essential for spatial and temporal control mechanisms. Surprisingly, phylogenetic footprinting of this promoter did not reveal any conserved cis-regulatory elements.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that taxonomically restricted genes are involved in the evolution of morphological novelties such as the cnidarian nematocyte. The transcriptional regulatory network controlling taxonomically restricted gene expression may contain not yet characterized transcription factors or cis-regulatory elements.
Beyond Diversity: Women, Scarification, and Yoruba Identity
Authors: Ojo Olatunji 
Published: July 2012

On 18 March 1898 Okolu, an Ijesa man, accused Otunba of Italemo ward, Ondo of seizing and enslaving his sister Osun and his niece. Both mother and daughter, enslaved by the Ikale in 1894, had fled from their master in 1895, but as they headed toward Ilesa, the accused seized them. Osun claimed the accused forced her to become his wife, “hoe a farm,” and marked her daughter's face with one deep, bold line on each cheek. Otunba denied the slavery charge, claiming he only “rescued [Osun] from Soba who was taking her away [and] took her for wife.” Itoyimaki, a defense witness, supported the claim that Osun was not Otunba's slave. In his decision, Albert Erharhdt, the presiding British Commissioner, freed the captives and ordered the accused to pay a fine of two pounds. In addition to integrating Osun through marriage, the mark conferred on her daughter a standard feature of Ondo identity. Although this case came up late in the nineteenth century, it represents a trend in precolonial Yorubaland whereby marriages and esthetics served the purpose of ethnic incorporation.Studies on the roots of African ethnic identity consciousness have concentrated mostly on the activities of outsiders, usually Euro-American Christian missions, repatriated ex-slaves, and Muslims, whose ideas of nations as geocultural entities were applied to various African groups during the era of the slave trade and, more intensely, under colonialism. For instance, prior to the late nineteenth century, the people now called Yoruba were divided into multiple opposing ethnicities. Ethnic wars displaced millions of people, including about a million Yoruba-speakers deported as slaves to the Americas, Sierra Leone, and the central Sudan, mostly between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The Role of N.C. Ejituwu in the Development of Niger Delta Historiography
Authors: Enemugwem John H. , Okere Darlington K. 
Published: July 2012

The history of history-writing in the Niger Delta was first developed by E.J. Alagoa. However, his work, which covers the periods from 1508 to 1988, does not go into the twenty-first century. This is the case as well for N.C. Ejituwu, who extended the Delta historiography to 1999 but without including his own innovations. For this reason, this paper discusses the innovations brought by Ejituwu's role in the development of Niger Delta historiography. These are his contributions to the training of historians, the introduction of feminist history, biographical writing, and history concourse. Others include his reconstruction of the settlement histories of many Eastern and Central Niger Delta groups. Its impact on the development of the Delta historiography, analyzed here, furthered historical research in the region. Although largely a study of the work of N.C.Ejituwu, this paper is also intended as an overview of Niger Delta regional history of history writing.According to Ake, development concerns human creativity, socially or economically. N.C. Ejituwu has demonstrated his creativity in historical writing on aspects of the Niger Delta, a region of some 75,000 square kilometers stretching from the Mahin estuary in the west to the Cross River estuary in the east. This most southerly region of Nigeria has about fifty linguistic groups located on its islands and peninsulas. Historical writing in the Delta concerns these fifty clans of the Ijo ethnic nationality. Their settlement histories have been documented by Alagoa, Cookey, and Ejituwu.
Changes in erythrocyte membrane permeability induced by verapamil, chlorpromazine, and their combinations with amphotericin B
Authors: Knopik-Skrocka Agnieszka , Bielawski Józef , Chowański Szymon , Walkowiak Paulina 
Published: July 2012

Changes in erythrocyte membrane permeability induced by verapamil, chlorpromazine, and their combinations with amphotericin B
Hemolysis induced by 2 amphipathic agents, verapamil and chlorpromazine, was investigated in various incubation conditions. Changes in absorbance of erythrocyte suspension were monitored by absorption spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 590 nm. The hemolysis induced by verapamil or chlorpromazine is of the permeability type. The resistance of erythrocytes to verapamil is much higher than their resistance to chlorpromazine. No evident difference is found between human and pig erythrocytes in their resistance to verapamil. Only a small decrease in the rate of hemolysis induced by verapamil is observed in isotonic CaCl2, MgCl2 or K2SO4 solutions, compared to 160 mM KCl (the standard incubation medium). The changes in hemolytic activity of chlorpromazine in the presence of the divalent cations and anions are less evident. No decrease in hemolytic activity of chlorpromazine and verapamil is observed in the sucrose medium. The hemolytic activity of both the agents increases when they act in combination with polyene antibiotic amphotericin B. The results indicate a strong synergy between amphotericin B and verapamil or chlorpromazine. By contrast, a combined effect of verapamil and chlorpromazine on erythrocytes leads to a decrease in their hemolytic activity. This indicates antagonism between verapamil and chlorpromazine.
Reconstruction of the Main Cylinder of Carding Machine-Optimization of Dimensions with the Use of the Finite Element Method
Authors: Danielczyk Piotr , Stadnicki Jacek 
Published: July 2012

Reconstruction of the Main Cylinder of Carding Machine-Optimization of Dimensions with the Use of the Finite Element MethodThe following paper presents the solution to the problem of searching the best shape - structural form of the bottoms and optimal dimensions of the main cylinder of the carding machine with consideration to the criterion of minimal deflection amplitude. The ANSYS package of the Finite Element Method has been used for the analysis. Polak-Ribery conjugate gradient method has been applied for searching the optimal solution, basing on the parametric model of the cylinder written with the use ofAnsys Parametric Design Language.As a result of the performed analyses, reduction of maximum deflection value at approximately 80% has been obtained. Optimal cylinder dimensions enable application of a new textile technology - microfibre carding and improvement in the quality of traditional carding technology of woollen and wool-like fibres.
Estimating density, population size and dynamics of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in the West Carpathian region by a new method
Authors: Šotnár Karol , Topercer Ján 
Published: July 2012

Estimating density, population size and dynamics of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in the West Carpathian region by a new method
In the Hornr Ponitrie Region (central Slovakia) during 1991-2001 we conducted a regular survey of Common Buzzard nests. In 2002-2006 our sampling effort increased and within the selected areas we studied buzzard dispersion/distribution, density and population dynamics using a new method of large-scale thorough search for nests with multiple nest check. The method is designed to estimate the dispersion/distribution, density and population size of target species (particularly raptors) at an absolute scale of abundance in large tracts of heterogeneous landscapes for studies of population fluctuations, trophic dynamics, reproductive success, habitat selection and use. It consists of systematic search for nests with extent of several tens of km2 and grain of c. 3000 m2, identifying and positioning the nests, and subsequent 1-3 nest checks during the each of three or more consecutive breeding periods. Further essential features include correct record of nest positions and other variables, combination of nest checks with ringing and marking, proportional sampling in apparently suitable and less suitable areas and proper timing and spacing of nest visits. In 2007 the sampling focused on DSF (Databank of Slovak Fauna) grid square 7377 covering c. 135 km2. We searched 71 km2 in total and estimated the density at 129 pairs/100 km2. Within the district of Prievidza (959 km2) we found 150 active buzzard nests. In 2008 we sampled the grid square 7377 more extensively, including higher altitudes (800-1200 m a. s. l.). Sampling of 82 km2 in total yielded the density estimate of 93 pairs/100 km2. Within the district of Prievidza we found 110 active buzzard nests. The reproductive success over four year period averaged 1.2 fledgling per active nest (n = 310 nests). Our sample enabled us to estimate the minimum population size in the whole grid square 7377 at 130 breeding pairs, i.e. 96 pairs/100 km2. Minimum population size for the whole district of Prievidza can be estimated approximately at 500 breeding pairs (52 pairs/100 km2), c. 350 of which breed in mountain forests, c. 80 in agricultural woodlots, and c. 70 in riparian vegetation. Rough estimate of minimum breeding population in the whole Slovakia is c. 15 000 pairs, i.e. on average 31 pairs/100 km2.
Feeding ecology of a nesting population of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in the Upper Nitra Region, Central Slovakia
Authors: Šotnár Karol , Obuch Ján 
Published: July 2012

Feeding ecology of a nesting population of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in the Upper Nitra Region, Central Slovakia
During routine checks of the nests of the Common Buzzard in the Upper Nitra region (Central Slovakia) we collected food remains and recorded all prey given to the nestlings. We present results from the period 2006-2008. 606 food items were determined, comprising mainly mammals (67%). Birds were also frequent (17%), less so amphibians and reptiles (7%) and invertebrates (10%). During the rodent population peak in 2007, Buzzard pairs nesting in the valley preyed mainly on Microtus arvalis, whereas pairs living at the rim of the valley fed on Myodes glareolus and Talpa europaea, and higher in the Vtáčnik Mts birds fed on Apodemus flavicollis. After a massive decline in the rodent population in the following year 2008, the survival rate of the nestlings was very low and the proportion of invertebrates in their diet increased. Birds that were most frequently preyed upon included juvenile Turdus philomelos and Garrulus glandarius, prey identified from amphibian was mainly Bufo bufo, and from reptile prey was largely Anguis fragilis.
The Food of the White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) at Lake Baikal, East Siberia
Authors: Mlíkovský Jiří 
Published: July 2012

The Food of the White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) at Lake Baikal, East Siberia
A long-term study (1991-2001) of the food of White-tailed Sea Eagles in the Svâtoj Nos wetlands at Lake Baikal, Northeastern Russia, revealed that these eagles feed predominantly on water birds, mainly ducks. Anecdotal data from the Selenga Delta in Southeastern Lake Baikal indicate that White-tailed Sea Eagles generally prefer birds as their prey in the Lake Baikal area.
Discovering Subgroups Using Descriptive Models of Adverse Outcomes in Medical Care
Authors: Kokol P. , Stiglic G. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryObjectives: Hospital discharge databases store hundreds of thousands of patients. These datasets are usually used by health insurance companies to process claims from hospitals, but they also represent a rich source of information about the patterns of medical care. The proposed subgroup discovery method aims to improve the efficiency of detecting interpretable subgroups in data.Methods: Supervised descriptive rule discovery techniques can prove inefficient in cases when target class samples represent only an extremely small amount of all available samples. Our approach aims to balance the number of samples in target and control groups prior to subgroup discovery process. Additionally, we introduce some improvements to an existing subgroup discovery algorithm enhancing the user experience and making the descriptive data mining process and visualization of rules more user friendly.Results: Instance-based subspace subgroup discovery introduced in this paper is demonstrated on hospital discharge data with focus on medical errors. In general, the number of patients with a recorded diagnosis related to a medical error is relatively small in comparison to patients where medical errors did not occur. The ability to produce comprehensible and simple models with high degree of confidence, support, and predictive power using the proposed method is demonstrated.Conclusions: This paper introduces a subspace subgroup discovery process that can be applied in all settings where a large number of samples with relatively small number of target class samples are present. The proposed method is implemented in Weka machine learning environment and is available at http://ri.fzv.uni-mb.si/ssd.
Media and Information Literacy in South Africa: Goals and Tools
Authors: Saleh Ibrahim 
Published: July 2012

The South African government has emphasized the need to expand the role of media education to promote equal access, with a level of quality and relevance that will empower disadvantaged groups. However, it is a challenging, time-consuming process, as well as requiring considerable and consistent expenditure and partnerships between many donor agencies. There is little research on the causes behind unequal access to technology, or comparative studies of the barriers that impede the diffusion and adoption of media and information literacy in South Africa. It is thus not surprising that the media and information literacy component is still missing from the agenda that lists Africa’s myriad problems, as well as the absence of qualified teachers, training for the trainers and the presence of IT literacy in the curricula, all of which are essential elements for any future development. The UNESCO model of curricula could help close the digital divide and promote social inclusion. As a contribution to that goal, this study investigates some of the pertinent issues related to media and information literacy via a sample of students at the University of Cape Town. This research offers some practical solutions on how to help raise the levels of media and information literacy among the disadvantaged, in the case in South Africa.
El gobierno de Sudáfrica ha realizado recientemente un enorme esfuerzo en la expansión del papel de la educación en medios, con el objeto de ofrecer un acceso equitativo y de calidad a toda la población, especialmente hacia los grupos desfavorecidos. Sin embargo, este proceso requiere tiempo y recursos ingentes y constantes, además de la necesaria colaboración de otras instituciones. Actualmente, existe en Sudáfrica escasa investigación sobre las causas de las desigualdades de acceso a la tecnología o los obstáculos que existen para la difusión y puesta en marcha de la alfabetización mediática en Sudáfrica. No es sorprendente, por ello, que entre los múltiples problemas que existen hoy en África todavía la alfabetización mediática e informacional no sea una prioridad. Siguen existiendo muchos maestros con escasos conocimientos en esta materia, la capacitación de formadores es muy pobre y su incorporación en programas de alfabetización muy anecdótica. El Currículum UNESCO MIL de Alfabetización Mediática es un reto para ayudar a superar esta brecha digital y promover la inclusión social. Con este objetivo, este estudio analiza algunas cuestiones relacionadas con la alfabetización mediática a partir de una muestra de estudiantes de la Universidad de Cape Town, proponiendo algunas soluciones prácticas sobre cómo ayudar a mejorar los niveles de alfabetización mediática e informacional en las sociedades menos favorecidas, como es el caso de Sudáfrica.
Young People’s Interaction with Media in Egypt, India, Finland, Argentina and Kenya
Authors: Tayie Sami , Pathak-Shelat Manisha , Hirsjärvi Irma 
Published: July 2012

In contemporary information society, finding, evaluating and using information is a key survival skill. Conventional and new media such as libraries, archives, mass media and the Internet serve an important function in society as the sources of information. This chapter will focus on findings from research that was carried out in Egypt, India, Finland, Argentina and Kenya. Based on empirical research, it gives an overview of how young people today use a variety of sources for information seeking and describes the implications of these findings for media literacy programs. The chapter specifically explores young people’s use of new digital and conventional media for information seeking and disseminating. Media diaries were collected from 175 children in Argentina, 100 in Egypt, 160 in India and 144 in Finland by the project researchers. With the help of the Nokia Research Centre we also managed to obtain 48 completed diaries from Kenya. All diaries were collected in the first half of 2010. Some light will also be shed on efforts led by international organizations, especially UNESCO, to foster teacher training in media and information literacy and create worldwide awareness of this competence.En la actual sociedad de la información, encontrar, valorar y utilizar la comunicación es una estrategia fundamental de supervivencia. Los medios tradicionales y nuevos como las bibliotecas, archivos, medios de masas o Internet tienen una función crucial para las sociedades como fuentes de información. Este trabajo presenta los resultados de un estudio llevado a cabo en Egipto, India, Finlandia, Argentina y Kenia. Basado en una investigación empírica, ofrece una visión general de cómo los jóvenes de hoy en día utilizan diversas fuentes para la búsqueda de información y cuáles son sus implicaciones para los programas de alfabetización mediática. En concreto se explora cómo los jóvenes utilizan los medios digitales (nuevos y convencionales) tanto para buscar información como para difundirla. Los investigadores del proyecto recogieron los diarios de medios de comunicación de 175 niños de Argentina, 100 de Egipto, 160 de la India y 144 de Finlandia. Con la ayuda del Nokia Research Centre también pudimos obtener 48 diarios completos de Kenia. Todos los diarios fueron recogidos durante el primer semestre de 2010. Los hallazgos giran en torno a los esfuerzos internacionales, especialmente de la UNESCO, de fomentar la formación docente en alfabetización mediática, creando una conciencia mundial sobre este tipo de alfabetización en los profesores.