Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Composition, distribution and abundance of ichthyoplankton in the Sundays River estuary

The species composition, distribution and seasonal abundance of ichthyoplankton in the Sundays River estuary was investigated at five stations from March 1986 to March 1987. Two estuarine taxa, the clupeid Gilchristella aestuaria and gobies Caffrogobius spp. , accounted for 86% of the ichthyoplankton community, while the marine Mugilidae and sparid Rhabdosargus holubi together comprised 12% of the total catch. Ichthyoplankton densities were highest in the middle and upper reaches of the estuary where zooplankton stocks were greatest. Juvenile G. aestuaria predominated in the bottom waters throughout the system but the larvae were more evenly distributed (vertically) within the water column. In contrast, the mugilids were concentrated in surface waters throughout the estuary. Larvae were most abundant during spring and summer months, coinciding with the documented spawning period of most species and the peak in zooplankton biomass.
Caverns, compressed air and crustacean connectivity: Insights into Hawaiian spiny lobster populations

Since the arrival of the first Polynesian voyagers to the Hawaiian archipelago spiny lobsters have proved to be valuable fisheries species in Hawai‘i. However, the combination of long-term commercial and recreational fisheries for this species, and changing environmental conditions, have led to declining catch rates since the 1950s. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), established in 2006, now provides an extensive harvest refuge area for lobster species in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). This study aims to investigate the potential for the PMNM to rejuvenate lobster populations and fisheries in the Main Hawaiian Islands by using mitochondrial DNA markers to examine how lobster populations are related throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. State and federal agencies, dive shops and recreational and commercial lobster fishermen all collaborated to obtain genetic samples across the ~2,500 km stretch of ocean spanned by the State of Hawai‘i. Over 1,249 samples from 15 islands, atolls, reefs and banks throughout the archipelago were collected prior to 2011. In the process of collecting samples for genetic analysis, we observed a significant shift in species abundance between the MHI and the NWHI. Panulirus marginatus is the most abundant spiny lobster (73%) in the NWHI catch while P. penicillatus (88%) dominates the MHI catch (Fisher’s exact test, P << 0.001). We also observed P. marginatus living at shallower depths in the NWHI where they would not be found in the NWHI. This could be due to thermal regime, habitat availability, species competition, or fishing effects.
Physiology of Plethodontid Salamanders: A Call for Increased Efforts

Studies of plethodontid physiology were quite common in the 1960s, 1970s, and into the early part of the 1980s. Since this time, studies of other aspects of plethodontid biology flourished, while physiological studies lagged behind. Organismal physiology is enjoying a resurgence of interest as researchers attempt to understand threats to biodiversity. In this paper, I outline our current understanding of plethodontid physiology, focusing primarily on energetics, water loss, and endocrine physiology and close by suggesting several avenues for future research. Although we have a good understanding of metabolic physiology in plethodontids, we have considerably fewer data concerning other aspects of plethodontid physiology. I urge researchers to revisit hypotheses and patterns suggested by early studies and expand the breadth of inquiry to multiple levels of ecological organization (individual, population, and species levels). Finally, there is a paucity of data concerning spatial and temporal patterns of physiological variation. Baseline data such as these are critical for formulating and testing broader hypotheses and for developing biologically grounded predictions of responses to anthropogenic stressors.
Major parameters of zinc (Zn) homeostasis in adult women with a wide range of habitual zinc intake

A clear understanding of optimal public health strategies to prevent human Zn deficiency depends on improved understanding of human Zn homeostasis. Adequate Zn nutrition is of special importance in all women of child‐bearing age. The objective of this study was to measure major parameters of Zn homeostasis in healthy young free‐living adult women with a wide range of total dietary Zn (TDZ, mg Zn/d) and phytate (TDP) based on habitual intake. Methodology included administration of two Zn stable isotopes (67Zn & 68Zn) intravenously at different times to measure fractional absorption of Zn (FAZ) and endogenous fecal Zn (EFZ, mg Zn/d). A third tracer, 70Zn, and dysprosium were administered orally with all meals for 6 consecutive days to 24 healthy women. Zn and phytate were measured in duplicate meals, and Zn & Zn isotope ratios in feces and urine. Mean ± SD results included: TDZ 11.7 ± 7.2 mg Zn/d (5.5 – 29 mg Zn/d); FAZ 0.30 ± 0.10; total absorbed Zn (TAZ) 3.0 ± 1.1 mg Zn/d; EFZ 2.7 ± 0.8 mg Zn/d. The slope of linear regression of endogenous zinc in feces + urine vs TAZ = 0.31, r2 = 0.15, p = 0.081. Fitting TAZ data with a saturation response model gave an Amax = 5.5 mg Zn/d, r2 = 0.60. Calculations from these factorial data were consistent with current EAR for Zn for adult women.
Community Patterns in Urban Moth Assemblages

ABSTRACT. In order to gain a better understanding of the effects of urbanization on insect biodiversity we compared moth assemblages between residential yards and urban woodlots in East Lansing, Michigan. We surveyed 36 sites over six trapping nights, for a total of 24 hours of nighttime light-trapping at each site. We captured over 2700 macromoth individuals and over 4000 micromoth individuals; more than 97% of macromoth individuals were identified to species. We analyzed differences in life history traits such as body size and feeding guild between residential moths and urban woodlot moths. Urban woodlots had a higher overall abundance of moths and higher species richness than residential yards. Residential yards were found to have a high proportion of “tourist species. ” Urban woodlot moth species were significantly larger than residential moth species, leading us to hypothesize that larger moths may be more prone to predation in open habitats. The woodlot moth assemblage was also characterized by a higher percentage of tree generalist species; the residential moth assemblage had a higher percentage of grass/herb generalist species.
Reference ranges for serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and IgG subclass levels in healthy children

Background/aim The serum immunoglobulin levels are used routinely in clinical practice because they provide key information on the humoral immune status. This study aimed to determine the age-related reference values of serum immunoglobulin levels in healthy children. Materials and methods A total of 330 healthy children, aged between 0 and 18 years, were included in this study. The serum immunoglobulin levels were measured using a nephelometric method in a total of 11 groups, each group consisting of 30 individuals, and IgG subclasses in 6 groups of children aged more than 2 years. Results The serum IgG levels were high during the newborn period, decreased until the sixth month, and again increased to a maximum level at the age of 18 years. The level of IgA was found to be extremely low in the newborn period and then increased with age. While the lowest value was in the newborn period for serum IgM level, the highest value was in the 16- to 18-year-old period. The IgG subclasses varied depending on the age groups. Conclusion The updated reference intervals of immunoglobulin levels in children may be used for the accurate diagnosis of immune deficiencies.
SIGNAL POLYMORPHISM IN THE WEB‐DECORATING SPIDER ARGIOPE ARGENTATA IS CORRELATED WITH REDUCED SURVIVORSHIP AND THE PRESENCE OF STINGLESS BEES, ITS PRIMARY PREY

Abstract. — Many spiders, and in particular those in the genus Argiope, spin highly visible web decorations whose function and significance are the subject of spirited debate. In this work, we present data to address two of the competing hypotheses that fuel this controversy. In particular, we examine the relationship between the presence of web decorations and spider survivorship (predator‐protection hypothesis) and the relationship between the presence of prey and spider decorating behavior (the prey‐attraction hypothesis). Our laboratory studies reveal that the decorating behavior of the spider A. argentata has a genetic component but that the expression of decorating behavior tends to be elicited only when a spider is well fed. Furthermore, our field studies show that in the presence of abundant stingless bees, spider decorating behavior is induced. Nevertheless, our field surveys also suggest that spiders that decorate their webs show reduced survivorship. We propose that the high correlation between web decorating in the presence of stingless bees supports the hypothesis that A. argentata engage in decorating behavior when attracting or targeting specific prey types. However, we also propose that web decorations attract the predators of A. argentata because high‐frequency decorators suffer lower survivorship than spiders that decorate moderately or rarely. These findings suggest that spider web decorating behavior is affected by conflicting selection pressures: the positive effect of prey attraction versus the negative effect of predator attraction. Due to the heritable component of decorating behavior, web decorating among A. argentata is likely to be particularly sensitive to the spider's local ecology as well as local patterns of gene flow.
Low Level Laser and Plasma Rich Platelets in Treatment of Hamstrings Strain

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to compare between the effect of low level laser therapy and plasma rich platelets on recovery of hamstrings strain. Subjects: Thirty male athletes diagnosed as grade I and II hamstrings strain. Methods: Patients were distributed randomly into three groups. The first group (A) consisted of 10 patients who received plasma rich platelets. The second group (B) consisted of 15 patients who received laser treatment. The third group (C) consisted of 10 patients who received both treatments at the same time. Treatment was given as follow; group (A) PRP was injected second day after injury, group (B) laser was applied 3 times/week starting from second day after injury for 2 weeks, group (C) PRP was injected and laser applied from second day after injury. Patients were evaluated pre-treatment and post-treatment for pain severity, intramuscular edema measurement, muscle healing and function, and angle of peak torque of both hamstrings post treatment. Results: there was no significant difference between all groups while there was a significant difference within each group. Conclusion: No significant differences between low level laser therapy and plasma rich platelets on recovery of hamstrings strain.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Components of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids at Jimma, Western Ethiopia

Maize is one of the most important staple food crops in many parts of Ethiopia. However, it is not used extensively due to its poor nutritional quality and low productivity. It lacks two essential amino acids, namely, lysine and tryptophan. Knowledge of the interrelationships of grain yield and its various causal (contributory) components is very helpful to improve the efficiency of breeding programs using appropriate selection indices. This article reports the findings of a study conducted to determine the nature of relationships of grain yield and its contributing components and to identify those components with significant effects on yield with the intention of using them as selection criteria using path coefficient analysis (PCA). Therefore, PCA has shown that yield per hectare had a significant and positive phenotypic correlation with plant height, ear height, number of kernels per row, and 100-grain weight. Moreover, PCA had a significant and positive genotypic correlation with days to 50% tasseling, plant height, ear height, and 100-grain weight. The highest direct positive effect on yield per hectare was exhibited by ear height. The findings of this study showed that most genotypes are early maturing and are suitable for areas with short rainy seasons and prone to drought.
OCCURRENCE OF EARLY JUVENILES OF THE RIBBONFISH, TRICHIURUS LEPTURUS LINN. IN THE KAKINADA AREA WITH NOTES ON THEIR FOOD

The occurrence of 425 juveniles of Trichiurus lepturus, measuring 37-120 mm, during March 1966 to October 1970 off Kakinada is reported. Food analysis of 153 juveniles revealed that in the smaller juveniles calanoid copepods predominated while the larger juveniles preferred fish larvae, prawn larvae and a variety of crustaceans. The spawning period appears to be prolonged from January to September with peak activity in February-June in the offshore waters beyond the 30 metre line. Ic is inferred that the juveniles are pelagic in habitat.
IDENTIFICATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM KATYK, GOAT'S MILK AND CHEESE

Summary Eighteen lactic acid bacterial strains were isolated from home made katyk, goat’s milk and cheese. Nine of them belonged to lactic acid cocci and others were referred to genus Lactobacillus. Five strains were identified to species by determination of morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics - Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus plantarum.
Epidemiology of the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli from canine and feline clinical isolates.

ii Acknowledgments . vi List of Tables . x List of Figures . xi List of Abbreviations . xii CHAPTER 1 LITERATURE REVIEW . 1 1.1 The evolution of pathogenic Escherichia coli . 1 1.2 Virulence factors and virulence . 2 1.2. 1 Phylogenetic distribution of VFs . 2 1.2. 2 Phylogenetic analysis of E. coli . 3 1.2. 3 E. coli pathotypes . 5 1.2. 4 Phylogenetic distribution of pathogenic E. coli . 6 1.2. 5 Pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by E. coli. 7 1.2. 6 Virulence factors of uropathogenic E. coli . 9 1.3 The link between virulence and resistance . 15 1.4 Antimicrobial resistance . 16 1.4. 1 Acquisitions of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance . 17 1.4. 2 Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli . 17 1.4. 3 Definitions of MDR, XDR and PDR . 20 1.5 Antimicrobial resistance risk assessment . 22 1.5. 1 Methodological considerations of ARRA . 23
FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ECONOMICS

The objective of this study is the analysis of movie success mechanisms in a genre-specific context. Instead of the examination of all time box office champions, we focus on the two film genres of computer animated and comic book based films. By introducing the concept of the motion-picture marketing mix, which represents a set of tactical marketing tools in order to strengthen a company’s strategic customer orientation, we are able to systematically identify key movie success factors. We conduct a cross-sectional empirical analysis across regional distinctions based on dataset that covers a time horizon of more than 30 years. We find empirical evidence that actors with ex ante popularity, award nominations and the production budget represent key movie success mechanisms and significantly influence a movie’s commercial appeal. Additionally, word-of-mouth creates reputation effects that also significantly affects box office gross.
DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG CHINESE PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

There is limited evidence on theory-based research conducted in China and little is known about the relationships of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors, self-management behaviors, glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), especially among those who live in suburban areas. Using Social Cognitive Theory this cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with T2DM recruited from an outpatient clinic in a suburban area of Beijing, China. The aims of the study were to describe patient characteristics in selected personal, behavioral and environmental factors, self-management behaviors, and health outcomes; examine the association and impact of modifiable study variables on self-management behaviors and health outcomes (HbA1c and existence of metabolic syndrome); and explore the mediation role of self-management behaviors among study variables and glycemic control. A convenience sample of 207 patients provided informed consent; self-reported questionnaires were completed during a patient’s clinic appointment. A clinic nurse retrieved clinical information from the medical record. The results showed that 40.1% had optimal glycemic control, 16.4% had an adequate level in performing self-management behaviors, and 89.4% were identified to have metabolic syndrome. Compared to men, women in this sample demonstrated poorer health literacy and problem-solving, received less social support and had more depressive symptoms (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that self-efficacy was a significant correlate of all self-management behaviors (p<0.05). Social support was related to overall self-management, diabetes knowledge was related to diet, and depressive symptoms was related to self-monitoring (p<0.05). Problem-solving, self-management behaviors related to medication and diet were significant correlates for glycemic control (p<0.05). Health literacy (OR =0.77) and self-management behaviors related to physical activity (OR=0.84) were protective factors for metabolic syndrome (p<0.05). There was no mediation of self-management behaviors between the study variables and glycemic control. Patients’ overall glycemic control and self-management behaviors were suboptimal and a large proportion were at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Gender differences should be considered when targeting strategies to improve health outcomes. Findings suggest that future research needs to consider designing and testing an intervention using a multifactorial approach to improve health outcomes among Chinese patients with T2DM.
Caractéristiques du système immunitaire du fœtus bovin et du veau nouveau-né. Implications dans la prévention et le diagnostic des infections d’origine virale

Les particularites du systeme immunitaire du foetus bovin et du veau nouveau-ne sont presentees dans cette synthese. Ces particularites ont des implications importantes dans la prevention et le diagnostic des infections d'origine virale. Trois exemples sont presentes: l'infection du foetus bovin par le virus de la diarrhee virale bovine et ses consequences directes et indirectes ainsi que les lignes directrices de la prevention et du diagnostic de cette infection virale; l'infection du veau nouveau-ne par le rotavirus bovin, ou l'immunite d'origine colostrale joue un role important dans la prevention de cette pathologie; et l'infection du veau nouveau-ne par l'herpesvirus bovin 1 ou l'infection neonatale en presence d'anticorps colostraux n'empeche pas l'installation de l'herpesvirus a l'etat latent et de plus peut conduire a la production de veaux seronegatifs porteurs latents lorsque l'immunite colostrale a disparu.
Efecto del potencial hídrico del suelo en el crecimiento y contenido de polisacáridos estructurales de nopalito (Opuntia spp.)

Los nopalitos son los cladodios jovenes de la planta de nopal (Opuntia spp.) y son fuente natural de polisacaridos estructurales abundantes, principalmente los que conforman la fibra soluble; se ha demostrado que repercuten positivamente en la fisiologia de los humanos que los consumen, pero se desconoce el efecto de los cambios de la humedad del suelo en el desarrollo y composicion de los nopalitos. Se evaluo el efecto de la disminucion del potencial de agua (ΨA ) del suelo durante 63 d (de -0,14 a -3,5 MPa) en el crecimiento y contenido de mucilago de los nopalitos de los cultivares Copena, Moradaza y Solferino y una recolecta silvestre de O. streptacantha en condiciones de invernadero. Se utilizo un dise- no completamente al azar, con una planta como unidad experimental y seis repeticiones por tratamiento. En Moradaza se cuantificaron tambien pectinas, hemicelulosa y celulosa. La disminucion de humedad del suelo incremento la biomasa (5 a 25%), pero disminuyo el espesor y la longitud de los nopalitos tanto de los cultivares como del tipo silvestre, e incremento (3%) el contenido de muci- lago y hemicelulosa (8 a 16% en el tejido seco) en Moradaza, pero las pectinas y celulosa fluctuaron irregularmente. Con humedad limitada en el suelo se incrementa significativamente la proporcion de biomasa de los nopalitos, ese incremento no es proporcional a la estabilidad del crecimiento, ni a los cambios en el contenido de los polisacaridos estructurales; ademas, estas estructuras vegetativas jovenes, toleran largos periodos, mayores a los dos meses, con humedad edafica limitada y sus tejidos continuan vivos.
Adults of European ant‐like stone beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae) Scydmaenus tarsatus Müller & Kunze and Scydmaenus hellwigii (Herbst) prey on soft‐bodied arthropods

Scydmaenine beetles are commonly described as predators specialized in capturing and feeding on armored mites of the order Oribatida, and documented cases of feeding on other live arthropods have not been known. Based on laboratory observations and a broad choice of Acari (armored and soft‐bodied) and other soil arthropods, food preferences and associated behavior of two scydmaenine species are clarified and described. Adults of Scydmaenus tarsatus ignored oribatid and mesostigmatan mites, but readily attacked and fed on a soft‐bodied Rhizoglyphus sp. (Acaridae), and on small springtails, especially on Ceratophysella denticulata (Hypogastruridae). A water drinking behavior was observed for this species, not reported previously in any Staphylinidae. Scydmaenus hellwigii ignored all tested Acari (including Rhizoglyphus) and scavenged on dead neanurine collembolans or freshly cut pieces of large springtails; a long term culture was maintained by feeding beetles with isotomid springtails. Previously reported strict specialization of Scydmaenus as a predator on Oribatida was not confirmed and it is concluded that the studied species feed on live soft‐bodied organisms and scavenge on dead arthropods.