Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A review of various biological parameters for fish from the Greek Seas

The global increase of information exchange through the World Wide Web has mediated the development of various online databases, with FishBase (Froese & Pauly, 2005; www.fishbase.org) being the largest one for fish. FishBase, along with other ecological tools also available online (e.g. Ecopath with Ecosim: www.ecopath.org), has greatly contributed to the fisheries science. This is because (i) it transforms available information into knowledge (Stergiou & Karpouzi, 2002), and (ii) it allows testing life history theories and provides the opportunity to obtain preliminary estimates of various parameters from other already available ones (Froese & Binohlan, 2000, 2003). For instance, the von Bertalanffy (1938) K and L∞ growth parameters as well as the maximum reported length and age, Lmax and tmax, respectively, being essential for the development of a variety of fisheries models and the management of fisheries resources, can also be used for the indirect estimation of other parameters using existing empirical equations (Froese & Pauly, 2000; Froese & Binohlan, 2000, 2003). Examples of indirectly estimated parameters include: (i) natural mortality from growth parameters (Pauly, 1980) or from tmax (Hoenig, 1983), (ii) length at first maturity from L∞ and/or K (Froese & Binohlan, 2000), (iii) age at first maturity from tmax (Froese & Binohlan, 2000), (iv) optimum exploitation length from L∞ or length at first maturity (Froese & Binohlan, 2000), (v) trophic level from Lmax (Stergiou & Karpouzi, 2002; Froese & Pauly, 2005), (vi) mouth size from Lmax (Karpouzi & Stergiou, 2003), and (vii) tail area from Lmax (Karachle & Stergiou, 2005). In particular, Lmax, which is the most important demographic parameter, being related with almost every other parameter of the species (e.g. weight, fecundity, girth, mouth area, swimming speed), is known for the vast majority of fish species (Froese & Binohlan, 2003; Froese & Pauly, 2005). In contrast, the von Bertalanffy growth parameters and tmax are available for a small percentage of the so far known fish species (Binohlan & Pauly, 2000). Yet, Lmax varies greatly both spatially and temporally, with the latter mainly reflecting the effect of increased fishing Journal of Biological Research 6: 199 – 211, 2006
Cost-Effective Diagnostic Checklists for Meningitis in Resource-Limited Settings

Background:Checklists can standardize patient care, reduce errors, and improve health outcomes. For meningitis in resource-limited settings, with high patient loads and limited financial resources, central nervous system diagnostic algorithms may be useful to guide diagnosis and treatment. However, the cost effectiveness of such algorithms is unknown. Methods:We used decision analysis methodology to evaluate the costs, diagnostic yield, and cost effectiveness of diagnostic strategies for adults with suspected meningitis in resource-limited settings with moderate/high HIV prevalence. We considered 3 strategies: (1) comprehensive “shotgun” approach of utilizing all routine tests; (2) “stepwise” strategy with tests performed in a specific order with additional tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics; (3) “minimalist” strategy of sequential ordering of high-yield tests only. Each strategy resulted in 1 of 4 meningitis diagnoses: bacterial (4%), cryptococcal (59%), TB (8%), or other (aseptic) meningitis (29%). In model development, we utilized prevalence data from 2 Ugandan sites and published data on test performance. We validated the strategies with data from Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Results:The current comprehensive testing strategy resulted in 93.3% correct meningitis diagnoses costing $32.00 per patient. A stepwise strategy had 93.8% correct diagnoses costing an average of $9.72 per patient, and a minimalist strategy had 91.1% correct diagnoses costing an average of $6.17 per patient. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $133 per additional correct diagnosis for the stepwise over minimalist strategy. Conclusions:Through strategically choosing the order and type of testing coupled with disease prevalence rates, algorithms can deliver more care more efficiently. The algorithms presented herein are generalizable to East Africa and Southern Africa.
Sonic Hedgehog-induced Proliferation Requires Specific Gα Inhibitory Proteins*

Proliferation of cerebellar granular neuronal precursors (CGNPs) is mediated by Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), which activates the Patched and Smoothened (Smo) receptor complex. Although its protein sequence suggests that Smo is a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), the evidence that this receptor utilizes heterotrimeric G proteins as downstream effectors is controversial. In Drosophila, Gαi is required for Hedgehog (Hh) activity, but the involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in vertebrate Shh signaling has not yet been established. Here, we show that Shh-induced proliferation of rat CGNPs is enhanced strongly by the expression of the active forms of Gαi/o proteins (Gαi1, Gαi2, Gαi3, and Gαo) but not by members of another class (Gα12) of heterotrimeric G proteins. Additionally, the mRNAs of these different Gαi members display specific expression patterns in the developing cerebellum; only Gαi2 and Gαi3 are substantially expressed in the outer external granular layer, where CGNPs proliferate. Consistent with this, Shh-induced proliferation of CGNPs is reduced significantly by knockdowns of Gαi2 and Gαi3 but not by silencing of other members of the Gαi/o class. Finally, our results demonstrate that Gαi2 and Gαi3 locate to the primary cilium when expressed in CGNP cultures. In summary, we conclude that the proliferative effects of Shh on CGNPs are mediated by the combined activity of Gαi2 and Gαi3 proteins.
The effect of immersion different dietary media on the stretched clear elas-tic chains: An in vitro study

Discoloration of clear elastic modules and chains remains an issue which concerns both orthodontics and patients when the increasing demand on esthetic orthodontic appliances. This study was conducted for evaluating the effect of exposing stretched clear elastic chains to three types of dietary media (turmeric, tea and coffee) from six different companies (Ortho Technology, Opal, Ortho Organizer, American Orthodontics, Ormco and G&H). The short type elastomeric chains were cutting about 960 of its lengths from six different companies; 160 pieces from each brand. The specimens were stretched 50%, placed on plastic boards, and incubating at (37°C) in water for (1) day, (7) days, (14) days and (28) days. Once a day, the cutting pieces were immersed in the dietary testing media for ten minutes, washed and then returned to the water container. Color measurements were made before and after incubation of the specimens. The data were statistically analysed using ANOVA and LSD tests. Elastic chains from Ormco, Ortho Organizers and Ortho Technology had the least prone to discoloration, and AO, Opal and G&H companies had the most brands prone to discoloration. Tea, coffee and turmeric solutions discolored elastomeric chains from all companies in a variable degree. However, turmeric caused significantly more discoloration, followed by tea and least by coffee. Most of the discoloration caused by turmeric is in the first day and reaches a plateau at a week, while the amount of discoloration caused by tea and coffee increases gradually to peak at (28) days. Consumption of certain dietary media such as tea, turmeric and coffee caused discoloration of clear elastomeric chains. The range of discoloration increased over time.
Hear our stories: an examination of the external factors and motivating forces that help underprepared students succeed

Increasing the success rates of underprepared students remains a pressing concern in higher education - and rightly so. Bettinger and Long (2009) noted many students enter college unprepared to think critically and handle rigorous college-level work. Most of these students are members of historically underserved and underrepresented populations, which make the problem even more disturbing and difficult to tackle. At some institutions, nearly two thirds of African American and Hispanic students fail to graduate within six years (Carey, 2008). Other marginalized student groups such as Native Americans, first-generation college attendees, and those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds also disproportionately fail to complete college because of poor preparation, inadequate secondary schools, and limited financial resources (Cabrera, 2008; Guillory & Wolverton, 2008). This occurs despite ongoing efforts to eliminate the issue. One way colleges and universities have sought to improve retention and persistence of these students is through summer bridge programs. Although bridge programs vary from institution, many provide academic enrichment and intensive remediation for “high-risk” students the summer prior to their first year in college. Proponents of the programs believe they help raise student achievement and improve educational outcomes. However, what do summer bridge participants have to say? To what extent, if any, do they feel their participation in the program enhanced their educational abilities? This research project will utilize case study methodology to uncover the external factors bridge participants believed helped them to succeed in college.
A Comparison of Methods of Sensor Spectral Sensitivity Estimation

An experiment is described to obtain estimates of the spectral sensitivities of a digital image capture device by photographing a wide range of input color signals. Given the red, green, and blue signals from the device and the spectral power distributions of the color signals, we apply the methods of simple linear regression, rankdeficient pseudo-inverse, and Wiener estimation. Nominal data and the results obtained by the methods are presented and compared.
The Impact of Parliamentary Specialisation on Cosponsorship

This study seeks to establish the effect of parliamentary specialisation on cosponsorship of parliamentary proposals in parliamentary systems with high levels of party unity. Existing studies on presidential systems suggest that cosponsorship is mainly related to legislators’ policy preferences. It is proposed that in parliamentary systems cosponsorship is, in the first place, structured by the division of labour in parliamentary party groups: MPs who do not have overlapping policy portfolios will not cosponsor proposals. Other explanations, such as policy distance and the government–opposition divide, only come into play when MPs are specialised in the same field. This expectation is tested using data from the Netherlands, a parliamentary system with a clear division of labour between MPs. It is found that specialisation has a very large impact on cosponsorship.
Influence of different veneering techniques and thermal tempering on flexural strength of ceramic veneered yttria partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline restoration

Background Different technique for ceramic veneering and thermal tempering process are expected to be a reason for alteration in strength of ceramic veneered zirconia. This study evaluates the effect of different veneering technique and varied thermal tempering process on flexural strength of ceramic veneered zirconia. Material and Methods Ceramic veneered zirconia bars (25 mm length, 4 mm width, 0.7&1.0mm of zirconia & ceramic thickness) were prepared from zirconia block (e.max® ZirCAD), sintered at 1500°C for 4 hours, and veneered with ceramics with different techniques including CAD-fused using e.max CAD® (C), Pressed-on using e.max® Zirpress (P), and layering using e.max® ceram (L), with different tempering process through fast (F), medium (M), and slow (L) cooling (n=15). The specimens were determined for flexural strength on a universal testing machine. ANOVA and Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons were used to determine for significant difference (α=0.05). Weibull analysis was applied for survival probability, Weibull modulus (m), and characteristics strength (σc). The interfaces were microscopically examined. The phase transformation of zirconia was determined using X ray diffraction. Results The mean±sd (MPa), m, σc of flexural strength were 922.06±83.45, 12.78, 958.32 for CF, 924.26±74.64, 14.28, 959.62 for CM, 930.25±92.42, 11.83, 970.83 for CS, 518.29±59.97, 10.11, 542.97 for PF, 516.50±67.51, 8.75, 539.17 for PM, and 520.51±42.38, 14.59, 544.51 for PS, 604.36±64.09, 11.28, 630.67 for LF, 583.81±56.95, 11.67, 609.81 for LM, 547.33±52.23, 12.19, 569.36 for LS. The flexural strength was significantly affected by veneering technique (p<0.05). No significant effect on flexural strength upon tempering process was evidenced (P >0.05). Phase transformation from t→m related with veneering and tempering procedure. Conclusions Strength of ceramic veneered zirconia associated with different veneering techniques, but not directly related with tempering process. CAD-on ceramic veneering zirconia is benefit for enhancing the strength of ceramic bilayer and was recommended as a method for ceramic veneering zirconia. Key words:CAD-CAM, cooling process, flexural strength, thermal tempering, zirconia.
Ethnic Discrimination in Private Rental Housing Markets in Australia

Over the last two decades new and significant demographic, economic, social and environmental changes and challenges have shaped the production and consumption of housing in Australia and the policy settings that attempt to guide these processes. These changes and challenges, as outlined in this book, are many and varied. While these issues are new they raise timeless questions around affordability, access, density, quantity, type and location of housing needed in Australian towns and cities. The studies presented in this text also provide a unique insight into a range of housing production, consumption and policy issues that, while based in Australia, have implications that go beyond this national context. For instance how do suburban-based societies adjust to the realities of aging populations, anthropogenic climate change and the significant implications such change has for housing? How has policy been translated and assembled in specific national contexts? Similarly, what are the significantly different policy settings the production and consumption of housing in a post-Global Financial Crisis period require? Framed in this way this book accounts for and responds to some of the key housing issues of the 21st century.
“Attached” or “Unattached”: With Whom do Men and Women Prefer to Mate, and Why?

A mate poacher is an individual who has sexual relations with someone whom the poacher knows is already in a nominally exclusive, long-term relationship. This article reviews research in which participants were asked to rate the likelihood that benefits and costs exclusively associated with poaching would motivate them to attract, respectively, an attached or an unattached individual, assuming that the potential mates are equally attractive. The results indicated that for men and women to be motivated to poach, the attached individual must be perceived as being more attractive than the unattached individual. Discussion suggests that mate poaching may sometimes be pursued as an alternative to coercive mating strategies, by individuals who are unable to secure unattached mates of acceptable attractiveness. We further hypothesize that individuals may pursue a hierarchy of conditional mating strategies from attracting unattached individuals, through poaching, to coercion. Additional findings of sex differences in perceptions of benefits and costs exclusive to poaching also are discussed.
Epidemiology and microbiology of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli other than serogroup O157 in England, 2009-2013.

The implementation of direct testing of clinical faecal specimens for gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens by PCR offers a sensitive and comprehensive approach for the detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The introduction of a commercial PCR assay, known as GI PCR, for the detection of GI pathogens at three frontline hospital laboratories in England between December 2012 and December 2013 led to a significant increase in detection of STEC other than serogroup O157 (non-O157 STEC). In 2013, 47 isolates were detected in England, compared with 57 in the preceding 4 years (2009-2012). The most common non-O157 STEC serogroup detected was O26 (23.2 %). A total of 47 (47.5 %) STEC isolates had stx2 only, 28 (28.3 %) carried stx1 and stx2, and the remaining 24 (24.2 %) had stx1 only. Stx2a (64.0 %) was the most frequently detected Stx2 subtype. The eae (intimin) gene was detected in 52 (52.5 %) non-O157 STEC isolates. Six strains of STEC O104 had aggR, but this gene was not detected in any other STEC serogroups in this study. Haemolytic ureamic syndrome was significantly associated with STEC strains possessing eae [odds ratio (OR) 5.845, P = 0.0235] and/or stx2a (OR 9.56, P = 0.0034) subtypes. A matched case-control analysis indicated an association between non-O157 STEC cases and contact with farm animals. Widespread implementation of the PCR approach in England will determine the true incidence of non-O157 STEC infection, highlight the burden in terms of morbidity and mortality, and facilitate the examination of risk factors to indicate whether there are niche risk exposures for particular strains.
Topical Cyclosporine (0.05%) for Management of Dry Eyes in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery-A Comparative Study

To assess the efficacy of topical cyclosporine 0.05% in the management of cataract surgery induced dry eye. This prospective, comparative, randomized, interventional study included 67 patients undergoing cataract surgery. The patients were randomized into three categories Group A: patients on topical lubricants and cyclosporine 0.05%, Group B: patients on topical lubricants only and Group C: patients not on any dry eye medication. Patients were given the respective treatment 2 weeks prior and 3 months after cataract surgery, along with an identical perioperative regimen of topical steroids, antibiotics and NSAIDs. Dry eye evaluation done 2 weeks pre-op, 1 week post-op and 3 months post-op consisted of a subjective questionnaire, tear osmolarity, Tear Break Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s 1 without and with anaesthesia. Pre-operatively, all the 3 groups were matched in terms of mean age, tear osmolarity, TBUT and Schirmer’s 1 without and with anaesthesia scores. At 3 months, patients treated with both topical lubricants and cyclosporine (0.05%)(Group A) showed improvement subjective questionnaire, tear osmolarity, TBUT and Schirmer’s 1 tests. Patients treated with lubricants only (Group B) showed a significant worsening in TBUT and tear osmolarity at 1 week, however, the values returned to baseline at 3 months.The control group (Group C) had the worst TBUT scores at the end of 3 months and showed the persistence of raised tear osmolarity, suggestive of a prolonged ocular inflammation resulting in patient dissatisfaction. Topical cyclosporine (0.05%) may be a useful adjuvant to prevent and treat cataract surgery associated with dry eye symptoms, especially in patients with pre-existing dry eye disease.
Phylogenomic analysis resolves the relationships among net‐winged beetles (Coleoptera: Lycidae) and reveals the parallel evolution of morphological traits

Net‐winged beetles (Coleoptera: Lycidae) are a diverse group of elateroids known for aposematism and neoteny. Phylogenetic analyses of morphological and molecular data have revealed different results with respect to within‐group relationships. In this study, we recovered a highly supported phylogenomic phylogeny and identified seven subfamilies: Dexorinae stat.n. , Calochrominae stat.n. , Erotinae, Ateliinae, Lycinae, Lyropaeinae stat.n. and Metriorrhynchinae stat.n. Our results suggest that female neoteny evolved multiple times. Therefore, the development of similar morphological modifications in neotenics may be linked and may have produced characteristics such as body miniaturization, structural simplification, i.e. reduction of mouthparts, fewer antennomeres and palpomeres, uniquely shaped terminal palpomeres, shortened elytra, the loss of coadaptation between the elytra and pronotum, and others. Additional traits evolved in parallel due to similarities in biology, function and sexual selection. These characteristics include mimetic similarities, the presence of the rostrum, pronotal carinae and elytral costae, and the structure of male genitalia. By comparing the phylogenomic topology with the evolution of morphological characters, we were able to identify evolutionary trends in lycids and compare them with analogues for other neotenic elateroids. These traits have not been accepted as homoplasies due to the ambiguous phylogenetic signal from Sanger sequencing markers.
Genetic characterization and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine milk in Tunisia

Staphylococcus aureus is a major agent of bovine mastitis in dairy herds, causing economic losses in dairy industry worldwide. In addition, milk and milk‐products contaminated by Staph. aureus can cause harmful human diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize Staph. aureus strains isolated from dairy farms in Tunisia. Bulk tank milk (n = 32) and individual cow milk (n = 130) samples were collected during the period of 2013–2014. Forty‐three Staph. aureus isolates were recovered and typed by spa typing, 16S‐23S rRNA intergenic spacer (RS‐PCR) and multiplex PCRs for 22 virulence genes. Antimicrobial resistance was also investigated with a disc diffusion test. A selected subsample of 22 strains was additionally genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. Seventeen spa types were recovered, and t2421 (n = 10), t521 (n = 6) and t2112 (n = 5) were the most common. Fourteen different RS‐PCR genotypes grouped into 11 clusters were detected in our study, with predominance of the RVI genotype (n = 24). Eight sequence types were identified and Clonal Complex 97, corresponding to RS‐PCR cluster R, was the most common (n = 10), followed by CC1 (n = 4), CC15 (n = 3) and other four accounting for one or two strains. Different combinations of virulence genes were reported, and enterotoxin genes were present in few strains (seh, n = 4; sea, n = 2; sea and seh, n = 2; sec and sel, n = 2). The majority of strains were resistant only to penicillin; only one strain was found to be multiresistant and no methicillin‐resistant Staph. aureus was demonstrated. Our study reported the isolation of CC97 from bovine milk in Tunisia for the first time and confirmed the relevance of this lineage in intramammary infection in cows.