bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional aspects of titanosaur osteoderms
Authors: Marinho Thiago 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThough titanosaur osteoderms are not common findings, these elements are recorded widely in Gondwana and part of Laurasia. This assembly known by the date offers few resources for studies on the ecology of this group of dinosaurs. Recently, some eggs bearing titanosaur embryos with preserved skin, from Patagonia, Argentina, may shed some light on the function and disposition pattern of these dermic bones. Some of the skin patches associated with the titanosaur embryos show two distinct patterns of tuberosities: a longitudinal row and rosettes, both composed of closely attached tuberosities. These tuberosities do not seem to be ossified, but this might be due to the ontogenetic stage of the titanosaurs. Here we propose that these tuberosities might have been ossified in later ontogenetic stages, and then turning into real osteoderms providing physical defence for the juvenile titanosaurs. Amongst the remains of large titanosaurs like Mendozasaurus neguyelap some osteoderms were recovered, but it is contrasting small to the animal when compared to other dinosaurs. These bones would not provide real defensive advantage to an adult titanosaur as they are small and also have a very spongy internal structure. This apparent fragility also may be the reason that few titanosaur osteoderms have been preserved. In comparison, the tuberosity of a young titanosaur is much larger than an adult osteoderm and its body armor would be much more effective against small predators like notosuchian crocodyliforms and small theropods. And if the titanosaur osteoderms are originated from the embryo’s tuberosities, the disposition of these elements in an adult animal would be very distant to each other. The calcium reserve may be considered as functional for an adult titanosaur though.
Nerve Globins in Invertebrates
Authors: Geuens E. , Dewilde S. , Hoogewijs D. , Pesce A. , Nienhaus K. , Nienhaus GU , Olson J. , Vanfleteren J. , Bolognesi M. , Moens L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe expression of nerve hemoglobins in invertebrates is a well‐established fact, but this occurrence is uncommon. In the species where nerve globins occur, they probably function as an oxygen store for sustaining activity of the nerves during anoxic conditions. Although invertebrate nerve globins are functionally similar with respect to O2 affinity, they are by no means uniform in structure and can differ in size, cellular localization and heme‐coordination. The best‐studied nerve globin is the mini‐globin of Cerebratulus lacteus, which belongs to a class of globins containing the polar TyrB10/GlnE7 pair in the distal pocket. The amide and phenol side chains normally cause low rates of O2 dissociation and ultra‐high O2 affinity by forming strong hydrogen bonds with bound ligands. Cerebratulus hemoglobin, however, has a moderate O2 affinity, due to the presence of a third polar amino‐acid in its active site, ThrE11, which inhibits hydrogen bonding to bound oxygen by the B10 tyrosine side chain.
IUBMB Life, 56: 653‐656, 2004
Mutations that mimic phosphorylation of the HIV‐1 matrix protein do not perturb the myristyl switch
Authors: Saad Jamil S. , Kim Andrew , Ghanam Ruba H. , Dalton Amanda K. , Vogt Volker M. , Wu Zhibin , Lu Wuyuan , Summers Michael F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRecent studies indicate that the matrix domain (MA) of the HIV‐1 Gag polyprotein directs Gag to the plasma membrane for virus assembly via a phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2)–dependent myristyl switch mechanism. MA also has been reported to direct nuclear trafficking via nuclear import and export functions, and some studies suggest that nuclear targeting may be regulated by MA phosphorylation (although this proposal remains controversial). We have prepared and studied a series of HIV‐1 MA mutants containing Ser‐to‐Asp substitutions designed to mimic phosphorylation, including substitutions in regions of the protein involved in protein–protein interactions and known to influence the myristyl switch (S6D, S9D, S67D, S72D, S6D/S9D, and S67D/S72D). We were particularly interested in substitutions at residue 6, since conservative mutations adjacent to this site strongly perturb the myristyl switch equilibrium, and this site had not been genetically tested due to its involvement in post‐translational myristylation. Our studies reveal that none of these mutations, including S6D, influences the PIP2‐ or concentration‐dependent myristyl switch equilibrium. In addition, all of the mutants bind liposomes with affinities that are only slightly reduced in comparison with the native protein. In contrast, the myristylated mutants bind liposomes with substantially greater affinity than that of the native, unmyristylated protein. These findings support the hypothesis that phosphorylation is unlikely to significantly influence membrane‐mediated intracellular trafficking.
The phylogeny and evolution of Figitidae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea)
Authors: Buffington Matthew L. , Nylander Johan A. A. , Heraty John M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA phylogeny of the Figitidae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea) is presented based on combined analysis of molecular (28S‐D2 and D3, COI and 18S‐E17‐35), morphological and life‐history data. Data are analyzed by parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. Taxon sampling was held at a premium, and the resulting matrix contained 168 terminal taxa representing eight of nine subfamilies (Pycnostigminae not included) and all major subgroups of each subfamily. Alignment of the 28S D2 + D3 gene fragment based on a structural model resulted in the most defendable and least conflicting alignment tested.Melanips, previously classified in Figitinae, was consistently found to be the sister group of the Aspicerinae;Euceroptres, historically classified in Thrasorinae, frequently rendered that subfamily paraphyletic in these analyses. The general evolutionary trend is for early figitids to be parasitoids of gall inducing insects, with later host shifts occurring to exposed hosts associated with aphids.© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
An exploration of patients’ memories and experiences of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a multiplace chamber
Authors: Chalmers Andy , Mitchell Chris , Rosenthal Mark , Elliott Doug 
Published: July 2007

Aims and objectives.  To examine patients’ memories and experiences of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a multiplace chamber of a hyperbaric medicine unit in Australia.Background.  There is minimal literature available documenting patients’ feelings and memories of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly in a multiplace chamber.Design.  Exploratory.Methods.  A convenience sample of seven non‐emergency patients was interviewed separately at the conclusion of their multi‐session therapy. A semi‐structured approach elicited in‐depth information regarding their experiences and memories of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Interviews were 30–45 minutes long and audiotaped for transcription and analysis. Field notes were also used to note non‐verbal cues and other observations not evident from the audio material. Data collection ceased when data saturation was evident from the interviews. Interview transcripts were examined using a content analysis approach, with textual coding and thematic development.Results.  Issues derived from the data included: the uncertainty of the treatment; the noise and cold of the chamber; the discomfort of the mask or hood; and the boredom. Participant responses to the therapy related to previous noxious experiences and the individual's personality.Conclusions.  This information was used to examine ways of reducing any negative feelings and experiences associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, thus improving the service provided to patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  Identification of these stressors and related issues may also enable subsequent development of a risk‐stratification instrument to predict patients who do not complete treatment.
Aquaporin‐mediated changes in hydraulic conductivity of deep tree roots accessed via caves
Authors: MCELRONE ANDREW J. , BICHLER JUSTIN , POCKMAN WILLIAM T. , ADDINGTON ROBERT N. , LINDER C. RANDAL , JACKSON ROBERT B. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAlthough deep roots can contribute substantially to whole‐tree water use, little is known about deep root functioning because of limited access for in situ measurements. We used a cave system on the Edwards Plateau of central Texas to investigate the physiology of water transport in roots at 18–20 m depth for two common tree species, Quercus fusiformis and Bumelia lanuginosa. Using sap flow and water potential measurements on deep roots, we found that calculated root hydraulic conductivity (RHC) fluctuated diurnally for both species and decreased under shading for B. lanuginosa. To assess whether these dynamic changes in RHC were regulated during initial water absorption by fine roots, we used an ultra‐low flowmeter and hydroxyl radical inhibition to measure in situ fine root hydraulic conductivity (FRHC) and aquaporin contribution to FRHC (AQPC), respectively. During the summer, FRHC and AQPC were found to cycle diurnally in both species, with peaks corresponding to the period of highest transpirational demand at midday. During whole‐tree shade treatments, B. lanuginosa FRHC ceased diurnal cycling and decreased by 75 and 35% at midday and midnight, respectively, while AQPC decreased by 41 and 30% during both time periods. A controlled growth‐chamber study using hydroponically grown saplings confirmed daily cycling and shade‐induced reductions in FRHC and AQPC. Winter measurements showed that the evergreen Q. fusiformis maintained high FRHC and AQPC throughout the year, while the deciduous B. lanuginosa ceased diurnal cycling and exhibited its lowest annual values for both parameters in winter. Adjustments in FRHC and AQPC to changing canopy water demands may help the trees maintain the use of reliable water resources from depth and contribute to the success of these species in this semi‐arid environment.
Precision in sex allocation is influenced by mate choice in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: FULLER B. A. , MOUSSEAU T. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTheory predicts that a 1 : 1 sex ratio is favoured in the absence of countervailing selection pressures. In an experiment with Drosophila melanogaster, we found significantly greater variation in the offspring sex ratios of freely mated flies than would be expected by the binomial distribution. In a surprise result, control flies given no mate choice exhibited significant under‐dispersal in their sex ratio variation, possibly from sperm limitation. Both treatments, however, produced populations with a 1 : 1 sex ratio. This supports the hypothesis that sexually antagonistic selection for reproductive success in sons, and fecundity in daughters, may overcome selection for an equal sex ratio. Such precision in sex allocation may allow for the maintenance of genetic variation underlying trade‐offs between male and female reproductive success.
Intact Plant, Callus and Field Grain Yield Responses of Tepary Bean to Drought
Authors: Mohamed M. F. , Tawfik A. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn a field trial involving four tepary lines (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), NE#8A and NE#19 produced higher grain yield than NE#5 and NE#7 under both well watered and drought conditions. However, NE#8A is considered more resistant than NE#19 in terms of drought sensitivity index. Greenhouse investigations on intact plants indicated no differences among the four lines in leaf and stem dry mass, and leaf area. Root depth did not strictly differentiate lower‐yielding from higher‐yielding lines. In contrast to lower‐yielding lines, however, plants of higher‐yielding ones allocated greater dry matter (DM) in roots in response to imposed water stress. Distinctly, NE#19 had the greatest root : shoot (R : S) while NE#8A characterized by high net photosynthesis. Both NE#8A and NE#19 showed reduced leaf area : root dry mass ratio, stomata conductance and transpiration rate. Consequently, these two lines showed no significant changes in leaf relative water content while photosynthetic water‐use‐efficiency increased in response to water stress. Calli derived from leaf and root tissues of higher‐yielding lines exhibited low initial osmotic potential (ψs). These calli did not show alterations in ψs, DM% and relative growth rate (RGR) when subjected to water stress. Although leaf‐ and root‐derived calli of lower‐yielding lines exhibited osmotic adjustment, they suffered water stress in terms of elevated DM and reduced RGR. Overall, results suggest that dehydration‐avoidance mechanisms conditioned by increased root mass and stomata resistance accompanied with low initial cellular ψs sustained high grain yield of tepary under limited water supply.
The management of dyslipidaemias in antiretroviral‐treated HIV infection: a systematic review
Authors: McGoldrick C , Leen CLS 
Published: July 2007

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the currently available evidence concerning the management of dyslipidaemias in HIV‐infected individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy.MethodsRandomized trials, published within the 5 years preceding 5 October 2005, were identified in PubMed Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were then included or excluded, dependent on their meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. The evidence obtained in the studies that were included was assessed using methods employed by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).ResultsThirteen relevant trials were identified, concerning the use of statins, fibrates, antiretroviral drug switches and insulin‐sensitizing drugs. Most contained small numbers of trial participants.ConclusionsMost studies suggested beneficial effects and satisfactory safety profiles for the interventions studied. However, the insulin‐sensitizing drug rosiglitazone appeared to have some detrimental effects on lipid profiles. With the small numbers of participants in the majority of studies, these studies were likely to have been inadequately powered to assess the effects of the interventions examined. Larger trials are therefore necessary.
MOISTURE MEASUREMENTS OF EVERYDAY MATERIALS*
Authors: FLANNERY A. B. 
Published: July 2007

The relative humidity of the air inside a house has an important effect on people's comfort and behaviour; in particular it affects the need for ventilation, and consequently the heating energy use. The actual level of r.h. in a house is affected primarily by the relative rate of production and loss of moisture. However, the process is a dynamic one, and the r.h. in the non‐steady state is affected by moisture uptake and release by building and furnishing materials.Published data on moisture absorption is inadequate, and measurements were made at ECRC of the behaviour of some common materials.
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES—FOR THE BENEFIT OF CONSUMERS OR PRODUCERS?
Authors: ASSUM TERJE , DAHL ROLF 
Published: July 2007

Two hypotheses are presented on the basis of the consumerist and private enterprise points of view of technical development of household appliances: H1: maintaining or increasing sales of household appliances by product development can be done regardless of, or even conflicting with, consumer needs. H2: maintaining or increasing sales of household appliances can only be done by developing products that satisfy consumer needs.To test these hypotheses the concept of utility has to be defined operationally. Assuming that household appliances are bought to be used according to their functions, utility is defined as use frequency and way of using.Using data from a Norwegian survey on the purchase and use of electric ranges and sewing machines, it is shown that all equipment studied is used frequently and correctly by too many respondents to declare them generally without utility. But for each device there was quite a large share of the respondents who did not use it. The hypothesis that products cannot be sold to consumers who do not need them, is thus rejected.The causes of the problem as well as possible means of solving it are discussed.
PRODUCTIVE TIME OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS
Authors: SCHNITTGRUND KAREN P. 
Published: July 2007

This study is an analysis of the utility value of time. Time is viewed on a productivity continuum with activities that result in measurable products such as income or home sewing at one extreme of the continuum and activities such as sleep at the other extreme.The use of time by unemployed and employed heads of households was the basis for this analysis. Four measures of time were constructed to determine the amount of time spent in market, household, leisure and personal activities.Unemployed heads of households spent more time in household and leisure activities than employed heads. Assuming that household activities have productive value, time spent in child care, shopping, house cleaning, etc., were viewed as having utility value for the household. Thus, reallocated time had utility value for the household. In addition, it was found that a significant relationship existed between employment status and use of time, regardless of position on the productivity continuum.From this study comes a better understanding of how time is reallocated during unemployment so that the economic loss for the household as well as the economy can be minimized.
THE DIFFUSION OF SALT INTO POTATOES DURING BOILING AND CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR VARIOUS FINAL SALT CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: BENNETT RODERICK , HAMILTON MORAG 
Published: July 2007

This paper describes an investigation of the diffusion of salt into potatoes, which are boiled in salt water, and the perception by and preferences of the consumer for various final salt concentrations.Potatoes were cooked in boiling salted water and tested by untrained taste panels. It was established that:

Salt only penetrates the outermost layers of the potato during cooking.
Despite this fact the cooked potato is perceived as ‘salted’.
Mashing the potatoes gives a final internal salt concentration of about 0.05 M.
The internal salt concentration preferred by most people is 0.1–0.15 M.
CLOTHING, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND COMFORT – I
Authors: IRVING R. J. , OKUKUBO A. , SAKAI T. 
Published: July 2007

Male and female students prefer much the same ambient temperature in their study‐bedrooms but it is noticeable that men wear significantly more clothing than women. The same is true of Japanese students even though the preferred temperature is lower than the English students find comfortable.Overseas students of recent arrival in England tend to keep their rooms at the same temperature as the English students but wear more clothing. After a longer period in England these overseas students wear less clothing but keep their rooms significantly warmer.
Impact of energy audits on home energy consumption
Authors: JUNK VIRGINIA W. , JUNK WILLIAM S. , JONES JOANN C. 
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of energy audits on home energy consumption rate, and to determine factors affecting participation in energy audit/weatherization programmes. Objectives included: (i) developing a linear model for predicting home energy consumption; (ii) examining the role of home energy audits in consumption rate; (iii) determining whether audit participation had increased over a two‐year period; (iv) surveying reasons for non‐participation, and (v) identifying sources of audit/conservation information which were most acceptable to consumers.The model expressed home energy consumption per square foot as a linear function of demographic, attitudinal and structural variables. The three most significant predictors in the model were adequacy of information, housing tenure and income. Eight out of 10 conservation measures studied were significantly more likely to exist in the homes of those who had had an audit. Three of these measures were also significant in the model.Study findings included a 7% increase in audit participation from 1981 to 1983. Lack of money and information were the two major factors inhibiting participation. Consumers indicated a need for conservation information from acceptable sources such as short courses or workshops, county extension agents, or skilled craftspeople.
Husbands' and wives' household work: moving towards egalitarianism?
Authors: DOLAN ELIZABETH M. , SCANNELL ELIZABETH 
Published: July 2007

Whether husbands are increasing their time in household tasks, especially when their wives are employed, has been a topic of debate in recent years. Several studies have found that husbands are participating in more child care now than in the past. But are husbands also doing other tasks now? Is there any relationship between the amounts of time that husbands and wives allocate to various household tasks? Are there any weekday versus weekend differences?A small sample of husbands and wives recorded their time spent in various activities for 7 consecutive days. The findings reveal that wives spent more time in general doing household tasks than did their husbands. Employed wives and their husbands both decreased their total time in household work, compared with full‐time homemakers and their husbands. At weekends, however, both employed wives and homemakers decreased their overall time in household work while the husbands increased theirs. The t‐test revealed that at weekends there were no significant differences in the times allocated to various household tasks by employed wives and their husbands, and significant differences only in time spent in child care and food preparation/clean‐up by homemakers and their spouses.There appears to be a more egalitarian approach by husbands and wives to household tasks at weekends than on weekdays, even when the wives are not employed. Although these findings should not be generalized to the population, they indicate an intriguing possible trend which deserves further investigation.
Comparative study of vegetable intake in Japan and the United Kingdom
Authors: MOTEKI M. , MULLER H. G. 
Published: July 2007

According to published sources, the vegetable consumption in Japan and the U.K. between 1965 and 1985 has remained largely steady. However, in the U.K. the consumption of vegetables other than potatoes, has somewhat increased.A questionnaire was designed to determine the attitude to and utilisation of vegetables in both Japan and the U.K. 750 questionnaires were distributed in Greater Tokyo (76.9% returns) and 400 in Leeds, U.K. (66.8% returns). On a hedonic scale (1–5) an almost identical number of respondents in both countries liked vegetables very much (J — 69.8%, U.K. — 70.0%). Approx. 60% of Japanese ate vegetables with every meal, while only 20% of the British did so. Up to 80% of the Japanese felt that they should eat more vegetables, while almost 60% of the British were satisfied with their level of intake. In both countries vegetables were eaten primarily because of taste and nutritional aspects. A significant number of Japanese used them because of colour.In Japan an important source of information on cooking methods was the media, while in U.K. respondents mainly learned from their mothers. In both countries vegetables were most often obtained from supermarket and green grocer. A total of 31 vegetable varieties were mentioned in Tokyo and 29 in Leeds. Cabbage, carrots and potatoes were at the top of both lists. 46.8% of Japanese preferred raw cabbage, while the British preferred it boiled. Further information on seasoning and vegetable combinations is required.