Browsing by Subject "Discovery"

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Open Access
Comparative analysis of the domestic cat genome reveals genetic signatures underlying feline biology and domestication
(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2014-12-02) Montague, M. J.; Li, G.; Gandolfi, B.; Khan, R.; Aken, B. L.; Marques Bonet, T.; Alkan C.; Thomas, G. W. C.; Warren, W. C.; Searle, S. M. J.; Minx, M.; Hilliera, LaDeana W.; Koboldt, D. C.; Davis, B. W.; Driscoll, C. A.; Barr, C. S.; Blackistone, K.; Quilez, J.; Lorente-Galdos, B.; Marques Bonet, T.; Hahnj, M. W.; Menotti-Raymond, M.; O’Brien, S. J.; Wilson, R. K.; Lyons, L. A.; Murphy, W. J.
Little is known about the genetic changes that distinguish domestic cat populations from their wild progenitors. Here we describe a high-quality domestic cat reference genome assembly and comparative inferences made with other cat breeds, wildcats, and other mammals. Based upon these comparisons, we identified positively selected genes enriched for genes involved in lipid metabolism that underpin adaptations to a hypercarnivorous diet. We also found positive selection signals within genes underlying sensory processes, especially those affecting vision and hearing in the carnivore lineage. We observed an evolutionary tradeoff between functional olfactory and vomeronasal receptor gene repertoires in the cat and dog genomes, with an expansion of the feline chemosensory system for detecting pheromones at the expense of odorant detection. Genomic regions harboring signatures of natural selection that distinguish domestic cats from their wild congeners are enriched in neural crest-related genes associated with behavior and reward in mouse models, as predicted by the domestication syndrome hypothesis. Our description of a previously unidentified allele for the gloving pigmentation pattern found in the Birman breed supports the hypothesis that cat breeds experienced strong selection on specific mutations drawn from random bred populations. Collectively, these findings provide insight into how the process of domestication altered the ancestral wildcat genome and build a resource for future disease mapping and phylogenomic studies across all members of the Felidae.
Open Access
A survey on the use of vocabulary learning strategies of high school students
(2019-06) Derici, Elif
This study investigates the vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) employed by 556 high school students to identify the most and least frequently used discovery and consolidation strategies. The study further investigates whether there is any difference between VLSs used with respect to gender, grade level, school type and age. To these ends, the researcher collected data through an adapted version of Schmitt‟s (1997) Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire (VLSQ) administering it in different types of schools, Anatolian high school, Private high school and Science high school. The researcher analyzed both discovery and consolidation strategies, including their sub-categories descriptively. The researcher also analyzed the collected data inferentially with reference to gender, grade level, school type and age. The analysis of the data yielded significant results.
Open Access
Whole genome sequencing of Turkish genomes reveals functional private alleles and impact of genetic interactions with Europe, Asia and Africa
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2014-11-07) Alkan C.; Kavak, P.; Somel, M.; Gokcumen, O.; Ugurlu, S.; Saygi, C.; Dal, E.; Bugra, K.; Güngör, T.; Sahinalp, S. C.; Özören, N.; Bekpen, C.
Background: Turkey is a crossroads of major population movements throughout history and has been a hotspot of cultural interactions. Several studies have investigated the complex population history of Turkey through a limited set of genetic markers. However, to date, there have been no studies to assess the genetic variation at the whole genome level using whole genome sequencing. Here, we present whole genome sequences of 16 Turkish individuals resequenced at high coverage (32 × −48×). Results: We show that the genetic variation of the contemporary Turkish population clusters with South European populations, as expected, but also shows signatures of relatively recent contribution from ancestral East Asian populations. In addition, we document a significant enrichment of non-synonymous private alleles, consistent with recent observations in European populations. A number of variants associated with skin color and total cholesterol levels show frequency differentiation between the Turkish populations and European populations. Furthermore, we have analyzed the 17q21.31 inversion polymorphism region (MAPT locus) and found increased allele frequency of 31.25% for H1/H2 inversion polymorphism when compared to European populations that show about 25% of allele frequency. Conclusion: This study provides the first map of common genetic variation from 16 western Asian individuals and thus helps fill an important geographical gap in analyzing natural human variation and human migration. Our data will help develop population-specific experimental designs for studies investigating disease associations and demographic history in Turkey.