Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assembly Mechanisms in Aquatic Bacterial Communities

Berga Quintana, M. 2013. Assembly Mechanisms in Aquatic Bacterial Communities: The Role of Disturbances, Dispersal and History. Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 1071. 56 pp. Uppsala. ISBN 978-91-554-8749-2. Environmental conditions, biotic interactions, dispersal and history have been suggested to be important processes influencing the spatial distribution of organisms and thus to affect community assembly. Understanding how these processes influence community assembly is important, particularly because community diversity and composition are suggested to be relevant for ecosystem functioning. Moreover, bacteria are strongly contributing to nutrient and carbon cycle. Bacteria are highly abundant and ubiquitous, and thus it is relevant to study how they are assembled. This thesis aims to gain insight on the role of these processes on aquatic bacterial community assembly, diversity and functioning. The studies included in this thesis involve transplant and microcosm experiments performed in the lab as well as manipulation experiments and field surveys in a natural rock pool systems. Bacterial community composition was addressed by analysis of 16S rRNA gene and community functioning by measuring bacterial production, community respiration and the ability to use different carbon substrates. This thesis highlights that species sorting is a very important assembly mechanism for bacterial communities, but also finds that other processes such as dispersal and history contribute to the patterns observed. Dispersal caused rescuing effects compensating for losses of diversity; at the same time it increased the similarity between communities. Moreover, bacteria have shown a high level of functional plasticity when colonizing a new locality. Interestingly, past environmental conditions explained the structure of bacterial communities better than present-day environmental conditions. Disturbances and biotic interactions are also important in the assembly of communities. Disturbance caused temporary shifts in bacterial function and changes in composition, the magnitude of which depended on the intensity and the frequency of the disturbance. However, natural aquatic bacterial communities showed quite high resilience capacities. Competition can shift the proportion of generalists and specialists species whereas predation or trophic interactions have been found to decrease diversity and to modify the importance of stochasticity. Both caused alterations of community functioning. Finally, this thesis shows that the diversity-functioning relationship is context dependent. Further research should be directed to understanding the intensity and direction of changes in composition and how this affects the functionality of bacterial communities
Nitrate Reduction, Sulfate Reduction and Methanogenesis Interrelation in Fixed and Suspended Bed Batch Reactors

This study was focused on the interrelation among nitrate reduction, sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in fixed bed and suspended reactors. Dried stems of the cactus Opuntia imbricata were used as substratum for biofilm growth. Three anaerobic treatment systems: Biofilm and Macerated Anaerobic Sludge (BMAS), Biofilm formed by macerated anaerobic sludge (B) and Macerated Anaerobic Sludge (MAS) were studied. Experiments were carried out in batch reactors containing 250 mL of synthetic wastewater (0.5, 1.2 and 7.6 g/L of nitrate, sulfate and acetate, respectively). The nitrate reducing rate was of 6.0, 5.9 and 3.29 g NO3G lG 1 dG 1 ×10G 1 for BMAS, B and MAS systems, respectively. The sulfate reducing rate was two times higher for BMAS and B systems (11.5 and 11.3 g SO4 2 G lG 1 dG 1 ×10G 2 , respectively) than MAS system (4.8 g SO4 2 G lG 1 dG 1 ×10G 2 ). Methanogenic rate was 1.5 times higher for BMAS and B systems (4.2 and 3.8 g CH4 lG 1 dG 1 ×10G 1 , respectively) than MAS system (2.15 g CH4 lG 1 dG 1 ×10G 1 ). In MAS system, the processes were not simultaneous but in stages, contrary to observed in the removal of nitrate, sulfate and organic matter in the biofilm containing systems. Biofilm containing systems carried out nitrate reduction, sulfate reduction and methanogenesis processes more efficiently than MAS system.
Phenotyping of Selected Kenyan Passiflora edulis Varieties and Their Hybrids Based on Quantitative Morpho-agronomic Traits

The passion fruit was introduced to Kenya through Europe in the 1920s, and only gained significant economic importance in the 1990s. Several species of the genus Passiflora present potential superior characteristics for genetic breeding of the passion fruit germplasm. Quantitative morpho-agronomic traits are important in passion fruit breeding since they allow for discrimination of varieties for important parameters that are useful in selection of fruit for market. The present study aimed at evaluating existing phenotypic variation between the Purple and Brazil varieties as well as their hybrids, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Seven quantitative morpho-agronomic traits were targeted with replication per plant and variety. Principal component technique and cluster analysis statistical tools of Minitab 17.0 software were used to discriminate the accessions under study based on the morpho-agronomic traits. Both the dendrogram and scatter plot clustered accessions based on their respective varieties, an indication of phenotypic relatedness within varieties. The results of this study will supplement the current body of knowledge on Kenyan passion fruit breeding.
Yield and disease reactions of quality protein maize varieties in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecology of Nigeria

Experiments were conducted on six newly developed quality protein maize (QPM) lines and two check entries for three years (2009-2011). The objective was to assess their yield potentials and disease tolerance/ resistance in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecology of Nigeria. Genotype and year of evaluation were significant for (P<0.01 and <0.05) for grain yield, harvest moisture and lodging characteristics. Variety x year interactive effect for grain yield revealed different genotypic performance of the varieties tested with two checks (Oba-Super 1 and DMR-LSR-Y) being responsible for the significant differences obtained in the three years of evaluation. Average grain yield was significantly higher in the year 2011 compared to 2009 and 2010. All the genotypes tested were moderately tolerant to the five diseases. Four QPM lines (ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB, TZPB-OB and ART98-SW6-OB) were superior for grain yield with yield advantage of 28% over the best OPV check. They were also compared favourably with the hybrid check for grain yield. These QPM varieties can therefore serve as useful replacement to existing cultivars and also as source of genes for future maize breeding activities in the development of superior maize varieties with high protein contents for the savanna agro-ecology. This could also be a panacea to solving food insecurity in Nigeria.
The Prevalence And Management Of Pain In Gynaecological Malignancy Within The Outpatient Setting

Objectives: Despite pain being a common symptom in gynaecological malignancies there is limited literature on accurate rates of prevalence or current management. Our aim was to investigate these issues to establish integrated pain pathways with our oncology colleagues. This information would also be considered in future research for the development of cancer specific pain pathways.Method: We recorded pain scores from those attending gynaecology outpatient clinics in our tertiary cancer referral hospital. The characteristics of the pain and its management were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, the self-assessed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale and the Pain Management Index. We also investigated associated risk factors (age, tumor site, cancer treatment types) in presence and severity of pain.Results: Of all patients investigated, 38% were in pain from any cause with 80% of these patients scoring their pain as moderate to severe. Background pain lasted for more than three months in 75% of patients with pain whilst 42% complained of breakthrough pains of similar duration. Just under half of patients in pain suffered from neuropathic involvement. A negative PMI signifying under-treatment was seen in 63% of patients with pain. Surprisingly the most common cause of pain was from non-cancer causes. Over half of patients in pain accepted post-study assistance when offered. We could not identify any associated risk factors.Conclusions: Patients with gynaecological malignancies in the outpatient setting commonly experience pain which is chronic and undertreated. Many also have complicating neuropathies which would benefit from specialist input. We recommend that all patients attending gynaecological cancer outpatient clinics should be routinely assessed for pain to improve cancer management. This information is to be incorporated in future cancer specific pain pathways. Grant: The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Global estimates of plasmaspheric losses during moderate disturbance intervals

Abstract. For a set of five moderate disturbance events, we calculate the total number of He + ions removed the plasmasphere using calibrated global EUV images. In each of the events, between ~0.6 and 2.2×10 30 He + ions are removed from a region of the inner magnetosphere from L =1.5 to 5.5. This loss constitutes between 20% and 42% of the initial He + distribution. The lost percentage is correlated with the number of hours of strongly positive solar wind electric field ( E y >2.5 mV/m). Also, the total amount of material removed from the plasmasphere is estimated by using several values of the He + to H + number density ratio. The total mass lost is found to be in the range of 20 to 80 metric tons although for each individual case the estimate can vary by over 50% depending on assumed density ratio. We also attempt to distinguish between losses to the ionosphere and losses to the dayside boundary layers by estimating losses interior and exterior to the newly formed plasmapause boundary. For the events studied, losses inside the new plasmapause constitute between 24% to 54% of the total number of He + ions lost.
Frame-web-choice experiments with stingless bees support the prey-attraction hypothesis for silk decorations in Argiope savignyi

Abstract There is controversy about the function of silk stabilimenta, also called silk decorations, on spiders' webs. Most of the proposed hypotheses have been tested using indirect methods. Protection against predators, advertisement for vertebrates to avoid web damage, and increasing prey attraction are the most popular hypotheses. In this study, I tested the prey attraction hypothesis on the silk decorations of the araneid Argiope savignyi using a trial tunnel built in the field, in which I exposed stingless bees Tetragonisca angustula to decorated and undecorated webs placed on wooden frames. I carried out two experiments: 1) a three-frame choice, consisting of a frame bearing a decorated web, one bearing an undecorated web and a control frame without web and spider; 2) a two-frame choice, in which the bees were exposed to only two frames consisting of “decorated web vs. control,” “decorated web vs. undecorated web,” and “undecorated web vs. control”. In favor of the prey attraction function, I found that decorated webs intercepted more bees than webs deprived of the decoration or controls with no webs. Argiope savignyi's decorations might lure prey to the web by UV-reflectance as it has been suggested for other Argiope species.
Clinical efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (prp) in treatment of perianal fistulas in a german shepherd dog

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from whole blood, is characterized by platelet concentrations above baseline in a small volume of plasma (20) that can accelerate the healing process (1). PRP provides increased concentration of platelet-derived growth factors (30) which can stimulate cell proliferation angiogenesis, wound healing, production of fibroblasts, collagen, osteoblasts, and decrease the inflammatory reaction. In human medicine the regenerative features of autologous PRP are used predominantly in orthopaedic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, medicine, cosmetic surgery and in dermatology (19). Most studies of the use of PRP in animals report the animal treatment as a model for human medicine (4,12). Studies of the use of PRP in veterinary medicine have concentrated on the therapeutic use of PRP in musculoskeletal, tendon and soft tissue injuries in horses (2,35). There are few reports of the therapeutic use of PRP in dogs (17,28). Canine perianal fistula disease (PAF) is a chronic and painful disease of the anus, perianal skin, anal sacs, and adjacent tissues (22) The disease affects mediumto large-breed dogs—predominantly German shepherd dogs (3). However, other breeds can be affected including Labrador retrievers, Irish setters, Old English sheepdogs, Bulldogs, and Collies. (6) PAF is characterized by inflammation and ulcerations with draining fistulous tracts around the anal region, occasionally SUMMARY Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from whole blood is characterized by platelet concentrations above baseline in a small volume of plasma and can stimulate cell proliferation accelerating the healing process. Canine perianal fistula disease (PAF) is a chronic and painful disease of the anus, perianal skin, anal sacs, and adjacent tissues that affects predominantly German shepherd dogs. This report describes the clinical efficacy of autologous PRP obtained with an in-house double centrifugation validated method in the treatment of multiple perianal fistulas in an eleven year old German Shepherd dog. Autologous PRP (0.5ml) was obtained from a citrated blood sample of 8 ml by in-house double centrifugation and administered directly into fistulas by 3 injections at weekly intervals. Complete healing of the lesions occurred one month after the first treatment with PRP without the use of any drugs. No recurrences were observed in a one year follow up period. This case report demonstrates that autologous PRP obtained with an in-house double centrifugation method could be an effective, minimally invasive and easy to perform topical therapy in the treatment of canine perianal fistulas.
Hindsight bias and investment performance 1

Once they have observed information, hindsight biased agents fail to remember how ignorant they were initially. This bias has been amply documented by the psychological literature. To study its economic consequences, we formulate a theoretical model of the hindsight bias, providing a foundation for previous empirical measures. We show theoretically that hindsight biased agents overreact to information signals, conduct incorrect learning about volatility, and engage in suboptimal investment decisions. To test empirically the hypothesis that the hindsight bias reduces performance in important economic situations, we collect psychometric and performance data from a sample of investment bankers in London and Frankfurt. We find strong evidence that these agents are hindsight biased, and that more biased agents have lower performance. These findings are robust to differences in location, information and experience. Many thanks for thoughtful comments to participants in the Toulouse and Amsterdam Universities seminars, the Warwick Conference on Behavioral Finance (2006) and the Munich Summer School on Economics and Psychology (2006), in particular Denis Hilton, Luis Garicano, Robin Hogarth, Florencio Lopez de Silanes, Thomas Mariotti, Paola sapienza, Jean Tirole and Luigi Zingales.
Kinetics of Intracellular, Extracellular and Production of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide- Stimulated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Purpose: To determine the detailed time course of intracellular, extracellular and production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8) in normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods: PBMC were isolated from human whole blood, stimulated by 0.1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and incubated at 37oC, 5% CO2. Samples were harvested at different time intervals (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h) after stimulation. ELISA was employed for the measurement of the extracellular and intracellular cytokine levels of the samples. Results: The release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 on LPS-stimulated PBMC were significantly higher with concentrations in the range of 3161 ± 162.5 to 4027 ± 361.5 pg/ml (p < 0.001), 3921.5 ± 879.3 to 11628.3 ± 2647.3 pg/ml (p ≤ 0.030), and 4122.0 ± 382.9 to 5898.6±115.8 pg/ml (p ≤ 0.049), respectively compared to intracellular levels that were very low (TNF-α, 23.5 ± 5.0 to 69.5 ± 13.8 pg/ml; IL-6, 22.5 ± 16.5 to 96.5 ± 9.6 pg/ml; and IL-8, 501.1 ± 221.0 to 1452.5 ± 415.7 pg/ml) and remained unchanged during 24 h. In contrast, both IL-1α and IL-1β were secreted gradually. Secretion and production of IL-6 was significantly higher at 8 h (9394.4 ± 846.3 pg/ml; p = 0.002) and at 20 h (11628.3 ± 2647.3 pg/ml; p = 0.014) than other cytokines. Conclusion: The differences in the characteristic kinetics of cytokines may be caused by different mechanisms of secretion and function. IL-1, TNF-α and IL-8 play a role as proinflammatory cytokines, whereas IL-6 consecutively plays a dual role as pro-inflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory.
Growth of young-ofthe-year European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus , L . ) in the Bay of Biscay NAROA ALDANONDO , UNAI COTANO and EGOITZ ETXEBESTE

Otolith daily increment analysis was used to describe the first growth season of young-of-the-year anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) in the Bay of Biscay. Anchovy larvae and juveniles were sampled during their growth season over a three year period (2004, 2005 and 2006). A logistic curve was fitted to the length at age data. At the end of the first year of growth, length was 168.3 mm, with a maximum growth rate of 1.85 mm day-1 for 73 days after hatching. Moreover, a Gompertz growth model was applied to estimate otolith growth parameters. At the end of the first year the otolith radius was 1759 μm, with a maximum growth increment of 22.19 μm day-1 observed 56 days after hatching. Standard length and otolith radius were closely related; however, this relationship showed a characteristic change from exponential in the larval stage to linear in the juvenile stage.
Asymptotic properties of the maximum in a stationary Gaussian process.

and their behavior as t -> 00. In §2, the form of the asymptotic distribution of Z(t) is given for all a. This generalizes the result of [6] wherein a = 1, and the result of Cramer [4] and Volkonski and Rozanov [9], wherein a = 2. In §3, the almost sure asymptotic behaviour of Z(t) is investigated for all a. For the case a = 2, the result extends that of Shur [8]. The results of this work depend heavily upon some of the results involving upcrossings given in [7]. They are valid for smallest as well as for largest values, provided appropriate but obvious modifications are made.
Financial Attributes and Investor Risk Tolerance at the Nairobi Securities Exchange - A Kenyan Perspective

The inclination for optimizing returns by taking maximum risk has implications for both individual investors, as well as fund managers. For the former, risk tolerance will determine the appropriate composition of assets in a portfolio, which is optimal in terms of risk and returns relative to the needs of the individual. For fund managers, the inability to effectively determine investor risk tolerance may lead to homogeneity among investment funds. This paper investigates the extent to which financial attributes affect individual investor risk tolerance at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya. Financial attributes in this study were measured in two main aspects: individual monthly earnings income and home ownership. A sample of 500 Central Depository System (CDS) account holders was selected from a population of 932,510 investors at the NSE. Single independent variable cross tabulation on risk tolerance as well as paired cross tabulation on the dependent variable was performed. Analysis of variance was also used to determine how each group of the independent variable affects the dependent variable. Ordinal logistic regression model (OLRM) was employed to establish the contribution of financial attributes on risk tolerance. Single independent variable cross tabulation revealed that home owners were more risk tolerant than non owners. However, one way Analysis of Variance revealed that the variable had a P value of 0.710, hence not significantly affecting risk tolerance. The result of ANOVA on income was significant at a P value of 0.014 individual earnings, hence influences risk tolerance. Risk tolerance increased with earnings up to very high, except for those who earned more than 120,000 per month. OLMR fitted well with a significance level of 0.027 less than ? =5%, although it showed that home ownership is not a significant determinant at a P value of 0.761. For every single unit of home ownership for those with homes to those without, the expected log of odds increased by 0.060 as the threshold of risk tolerance increased, holding other factors constant. Income levels for those earning 90,000-120,000 per month showed a P value of 0.006, hence income was a major determinant of risk tolerance. For every single unit increase of investors earning 90,000-120,000, the expected ordered log of odds of risk tolerance reduced by 1.077 as the threshold of risk tolerance increased, holding other factors constant. Therefore fund managers, investment advisors and individual investors should consider the contribution of financial attributes in financial decision making.
Metformin Use and Vitamin B 12 Deficiency in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Metformin is commonly used oral hypoglycaemic agent in the treatment of type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). One of the important side effect of long term metformin therapy is malabsorption of vitamin B 12 which could lead to megaloblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathy. Therefore annual screening of serum vitamin B 12 level or serum methylmalonic acid (MMA)/serum homocysteine level should be done in cases taking metformin for more than four to five years with average dose of >1g per day, even in the absence of haematological or neurological abnormalities. However, as the incidence of type-2 DM is increasing, cost of annual measurement of vitamin B 12 level also increases. Considering cost factor for annual screening, vitamin B 12 supplementation appears to be more cost effective approach rather than annual screening for routine prophylaxis. Routine vitamin preparations available in the market may contain less amount of B 12 and hence are not of much therapeutic use in treatment of B 12 deficiency due to Metformin. Hence there is a need to look for higher doses of approximately 500-2000μg/day.