Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mucosally associated bacterial flora of the human colon: quantitative and species specific differences between normal and inflamed colonic biopsies

This study quantified and characterised changes to a species level for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from colonic biopsies of acute ulcerative colitis (UC) comparing them with that of a normal control group. Fresh endoscopic biopsies of the recto–sigmoid region were obtained during flexible sigmoidoscopy from 10 patients suffering an acute attack of UC and a similar number of healthy controls. Quantitative estimation was carried out on selective media for total aerobic, anaerobic, Bacteroides , Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. (Miles–Misra). Species identification involved gram stain, indole, catalase tests and commercially validated anaerobic, gram-positive and non-enteric fermenting enzyme hydrolysis kits. There was a significant quantitative decrease in growth of Lactobacillus spp. in colitic biopsies (p<0.05). Total aerobic speciation revealed 32 different sub-species with 18 of these found only in UC biopsies. Anaerobic speciation revealed 41 different sub-species with a mean 6.7 species in normal and 4.7 in UC patients. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron was isolated in significantly increased frequency in UC biopsies (8:10) in comparison with normal (4:10). Our data are consistent with the possibility that a reduction in mucosally associated Lactobacillus bacteria in UC permits proliferation of a large number of potentially pathogenic aerobic species and anaerobic predominance of B. thetaiotaomicron . Keywords: ulcerative colitis, intestinal flora, Lactobacillus , B. thetaiotaomicron .
High Frequency of Multiple Paternity in Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii)

Abstract Multiple paternity is widespread among reptiles in general and turtles specifically. However, its frequency is highly variable even among closely related species. Paternity is an important component of the genetic mating system of a species, and it can provide insight into the social mating system of the species. I investigated the occurrence and frequency of multiple paternity in a population of Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), a rare freshwater species. A high frequency of multiple paternity was detected in this population, with 13 of 16 (81%) clutches showing evidence of siring by multiple males at one locus and nine of 16 (56%) at two or more loci. Multiply sired clutches received approximately equal contributions by both, and rarely three, sires. Therefore, polyandry appears to be the most common reproductive strategy for females in this population. Evidence was also found to suggest that sperm storage between years may occur in this species. The high frequency of multiple paternity observed here suggests that multiple mating may be beneficial to females and/or their offspring. Further research is needed to determine whether this is the case and, if so, how females may benefit from multiple matings.
Factors associated with health-related quality of life among adults with tetralogy of Fallot

Background Due to improved care, the numbers of patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) are increasing. However, long-term morbidity and need for reinterventions are concerns and also address issues of quality of life (QoL). Methods Patients with ToF and valid EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) were identified in the national Swedish register on congenital heart disease. EQ-5Dindex was calculated and dichotomised into best possible health-related QoL (EQ-5Dindex=1) or differed from 1. Results 288 patients met the criteria and were analysed. Univariate logistic regression showed a positive association between New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I (OR 8.32, 95% CI 3.80 to 18.21), physical activity >3 h/week (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.67 to 6.66) and a better right ventricular function (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.09 to 6.02). A negative association between symptoms (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.42), cardiovascular medication (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.53), age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) and EQ-5Dindex was observed. In multivariate logistic regression, NYHA I (OR 7.28, 95% CI 3.29 to 16.12) and physical activity >3 h/week (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.84) remained associated with best possible health-related QoL. Replacing NYHA with symptoms in the model yielded similar results. Conclusion In this registry study, self-reported physical activity, staff-reported NYHA class and absence of symptoms were strongly associated with best possible health-related QoL measured by EQ-5D. Physical activity level is a potential target for intervention to improve QoL in this population but randomised trials are needed to test such a hypothesis.
Venous Valves in the Giraffe, Okapi, Camel and Ostrich.

Summary. The jugular and the limb veins of the Giraffe, Okapi, Camel and Ostrich have been examined. Certain arrangements of valve cusps at the orifices of the larger tributaries of these veins have been found in the Giraffe, Okapi and Camel, the cusps being arranged in various ways one above the other along the axis of the main vessel. The term Bicuspid or Tricuspid SERIED Valves is suggested to describe these. Experiments have shown that these valves are efficient in preventing backflow of blood into the tributaries when a sudden rise of pressure occurs in the main vein, unless the pressure in both is very low to start with. Once closed, the valves will withstand high pressures, even with negative pressure in the tributary. Seried Valves are not found at the mouths of small tributaries. Thus they are absent from the jugular vein of the Giraffe which receives only small vessels.
Temporal separation between jaguar and puma in the dry forests of southern Bolivia

Abstract: Despite the potential importance of temporal separation for the coexistence of competing species, no study has found significant segregation at the circadian level between jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) in sympatry. Using data from camera trap surveys (wet and dry seasons), we have evaluated the activity patterns of both species and their potential prey at four areas in the dry forest of the Bolivian Chaco. We tested if temporal separation existed between these two species, and if their activity was related to that of a particular prey. At most sites, activity patterns of jaguar and puma did not vary significantly between seasons, except for puma at one site. There were no differences between sexes for any cat species at any site. At three sites we found statistically significant differences in the activity patterns of jaguar and puma, as they showed a clear temporal segregation. None of them followed the activity patterns of any particular prey species across sites. The latter suggests that segregation is influenced by avoidance behaviour between the two felid species. Therefore, temporal separation may be an important behavioural factor promoting the coexistence of jaguar and puma in some areas of this dry forest.
Liquidity, Capital Adequacy and Operating Efficiency of Commercial Banks in Kenya

This study aimed at examining the effect of liquidity and capital adequacy on the operating efficiency of commercial banks in Kenya. Specifically, we sought to establish the effect of bank specific liquidity ratios (Interbank ratio, loan ratio, net loans to total deposits, liquid assets to short term liabilities ratio) and capital adequacy ratios (core capital ratio, risk based capital ratio, total capital ratio, equity capital to total asset ratio) on their operating efficiency. The findings of the study indicate that the previous year operational efficiency ratio, liquid assets to short-term liabilities ratio and total capital ratio positively and significantly affect the bank operating efficiency. The study adopted an explanatory research design and analysed the data using Fixed Effects Regression. From the regression results, the overall R 2 of 0.4108 was derived meaning that 41.08% of banks operational efficiency is as a result of the study variables. This implies that the history of a firm’s performance will definitely influence how a firm moves forward in an effort to streamline its operational strategies. Therefore, banks should seek on mechanisms to improve their liquid assets to deposits ratio and total capital ratio in readiness to improve operating efficiency and remain competitive in the market. Keywords : Commercial Banks, Operating Efficiency, Liquidity, Capital Adequacy
Bigfoot, Goldilocks, and Moonshots. A Report from the Frontiers of Personalized Learning.

By Josh Jarrett ore than four years ago, a report from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and Public Agenda noted: “In the view of many college and university presidents, the three main factors in higher education—cost, quality, and access—exist in what we call an iron triangle. These factors are linked in an unbreakable reciprocal relationship, such that any change in one will inevitably impact the others. ”1 In other words, every positive improvement comes with an equal, but negative, trade-off. Unfortunately, that “iron triangle” remains strong, encapsulating a challenge that continues to face higher education today. Bigfoot, Goldilocks, and Moonshots
Seasonal patterns in white crappies' consumption and growth: Influences of varying water temperatures and prey availability

Abstract Crappies Pomoxis spp. are popular sport fishes but often fail to achieve sizes that are acceptable to anglers. While many factors may contribute to episodes of suboptimal growth in crappies, insufficient densities of prey fish and high summer water temperatures (>27°C) have been considered to be key underlying causes. We examined the influences of prey fish size, prey availability, and water temperature on the consumption and growth of white crappies P. annularis (ages 1–3) in three Missouri reservoirs over five successive years. Monthly growth rates were estimated using aging analyses, while consumption was estimated using a bioenergetics model. All age-groups grew fastest in the reservoir that was warmest but in which prey fish availability was the highest. Diet analyses coupled with bioenergetics modeling suggested that white crappies were able to maintain positive growth rates at temperatures exceeding 27°C by maximizing consumption rates when adequate prey fish resources were available. When.
Hidden Mediterranean biodiversity: molecular evidence for a cryptic species complex within the reef building vermetid gastropod Dendropoma petraeum (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda)

The reef building vermetid gastropod Dendropoma petraeum inhabits the warmest waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is considered a threatened marine species. The aim of this study was to characterize its genetic structure throughout its whole distribution range using mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data. Because of its sessile adult lifestyle and lack of a pelagic larval stage, we expected a markedly subdivided population structure with limited levels of gene flow. Fragments of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA (16S), were sequenced, along with the nuclear ribosomal cluster (internal transcribed spacer; ITS) in specimens from 18 localities. Our analyses identified four highly distinct phylogroups separated by a mean divergence of > 14% according to the COI sequence data or > 9% according to 16S, but differing only slightly in morphology. The nuclear data (ITS) indicated a lower substitution rate (divergence among groups of around 1%). These large genetic distances among the four lineages clearly point to the existence of a cryptic species complex within D. petraeum comprising at least four species. Differences in the characteristics of intracapsular larval development and protoconch were also detected among these lineages. The allopatric distribution of these cryptic species supports a predominantly vicariant-based cladogenetic pattern for the genus Dendropoma in the Mediterranean. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 898–912.
Corn and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Interactions with Nitrogen in Dryland and Irrigated Environments

Abstract Palmer amaranth influences selection of crop production practices such as irrigation, nitrogen (N) application, and weed control. The objectives of this research were to determine if Palmer amaranth was more responsive to applied N than corn and if this differed under dryland and irrigated conditions in Kansas. Field experiments were conducted near Manhattan, KS, in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate the influence of N rate and Palmer amaranth densities when grown with corn in two soil moisture environments. A very drought-stressed environment and a well-watered environment occurred in 2006, while both environments in 2005 were intermediate. Dryland weed-free corn yields were 46.5% of irrigated corn yields at the high N rate across years. Irrigated corn yields responded to increasing N rates. In the presence of Palmer amaranth, parameter estimates I and A for the yield loss relationship were not different across N rates for each environment and year except 2006 where 100% yield loss was estimated in dryland compared to 62.5% loss in irrigated environment at high N rates. In three of four environment-years, N rate did not affect the corn yield loss relationship with weed density. In 2006 irrigated environment, greater N rates had less corn yield loss caused by Palmer amaranth. By corn anthesis, weed-free corn biomass was 167.5% greater in irrigated than dryland environments in 2006. Palmer amaranth with no corn increased its biomass by 373 and 361% as N rate increased in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Nitrogen concentrations in plant tissues of corn or weed increased similarly as N rates increased from 0 to 224 kg N ha−1, thus highlighting that both corn and Palmer amaranth responded similarly to increasing N. In general, soil moisture environment was most critical when determining potential corn yield, followed by Palmer amaranth density and N rate. Nomenclature: Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA; corn, Zea mays L. “DKC60-19RR”.
Más allá del discurso económico liberal. Por una política industrial para el siglo XXI en México

espanolEl presente trabajo somete a escrutinio el discurso que se configuro en Mexico y en el mundo en las ultimas decadas en torno al llamado "sector" de las micro, pequenas, medianas y grandes empresas (mipymes), en tanto una de las expresiones mas tangibles del nuevo liberalismo que se instalo como la ideologia dominante doctrina desde principios de los anos ochenta. Aqui se sostiene que es inaplazable trascender dicho discurso y formular de nuevo una verdadera politica industrial que permita atender de una manera planeada y selectiva, la problematica y las necesidades de las industrias en funcion de las prioridades sociales y economicas de las comunidades y regiones del pais. Argumenta que esa politica debe nutrirse de la amplia experiencia que acumulo el Estado mexicano en el siglo pasado, y que alanzo su punto culminante en las politicas que instrumentaron en esa materia los gobiernos de Luis Echeverria y Jose Lopez Portillo en los anos setenta. En esencia, se trata de que el Estado mexicano asuma de nuevo un papel activo en la direccion de la economia nacional y reasuma el papel que le corresponde en la planeacion y el fomento de las actividades economicas, algo que el mercado por si solo no puede hacer. EnglishThe present paper scrutinizes the discourse that prevailed in Mexico and in the world in the last few decades in respect of the so-called micro, small, medium-sized and large companies "sector", insofar as it is one of the most tangible expresions of the new liberalism that has been enthroned as the dominating ideology and doctrine since the early 1980's. The view is held here that said discourse must be trascended and a new veritable industrial policy must be formulated, one that allows for the needs and problems of the industries to be addressed selectively and in a planned manner for the sake of the social and economic priorities of the different communities and regions in the country. It is argued that this policy must be nurtured from the great experience accummulated by the Mexican State during the 20th Century whose peak was reached in the policies implemented in this sense by the Luis Echeverria and the Jose Lopez Portillo administrations in the 1970's. Essentially, the idea would be for the Mexican State to assume again an active role in managing the national economy, for it to resume its corresponding role planning and promoting economic activities, something the market cannot do on its own.
Aerosakkonema funiforme gen. et sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales), a new gas-vacuolated oscillatorioid cyanobacterium isolated from a mesotrophic reservoir

Nanda Kyaw Thu, Tanabe Y. , Yoshida M. , Matsuura H. and Watanabe M.M. 2012. Aerosakkonema funiforme gen. et sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales), a new gas-vacuolated oscillatorioid cyanobacterium isolated from a mesotrophic reservoir. Phycologia 51: 672–683. DOI: 10.2216/11-130.1 A novel gas-vacuolated oscillatorioid cyanobacterium was isolated from the Nam Ngum Reservoir, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Five strains were tentatively assigned to this new cyanobacterium because they showed morphological characteristics different from previously described freshwater species of gas-vacuolated oscillatorioids. Their trichomes were solitary, blue-green or olive-green, 11.7–16.6 μm wide, without sheaths, and were either not or slightly constricted at the cross walls. Notably, trichomes were sometimes twisted into a rope and contained gas vacuoles smaller than those of any known freshwater species of gas-vacuolated oscillatorioids. The occurrence of gas vacuoles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and polymerase chain reaction detection of the gas vesicle gene (gvp). TEM observations also indicated an irregular arrangement of thylakoids. Phycobiliprotein analyses revealed that all strains contained two different biliproteins, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin. The cellular fatty acid compositions of these strains were 14:0, 16:0, 16:1c, 18:0, 18:1c, 18:1c, 18:2, and 18:3α, among which palmitic acid (16:0) was predominant. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that all five strains had identical sequences and were only distantly related to other oscillatorioid cyanobacteria with gas vacuoles (e.g. Planktothrix and Planktothricoides). Instead, they showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to a non–gas-vacuolated oscillatorioid cyanobacterial strain, Phormidium sp. KS (93.8%). Based on their distinct morphological characteristics and the substantial sequence divergence of the 16S rRNA genes of these strains compared to other cyanobacteria, including oscillatorioids, we proposed a new genus, Aerosakkonema, which accommodated all five strains. The type species was Aerosakkonema funiforme and the type strain was NIES2861 (= Lao26).
DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FLAVORED PROBIOTIC ACIDOPHILUS MILK

Functional foods containing probiotic bacteria (lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria) are getting popularity in the world, due to tremendous health benefits conferred by these bacteria. However, the total viable count of bacteria in the final product and the sensory attributes of the product are of higher importance for its consumer acceptability. In this study, flavored (strawberry, pineapple, and mango) probiotic acidophilus milk (from buffalo) using probiotic starter culture (Lactobacillus acidophilus) was prepared and its microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality studies were carried out up to 6 days of storage. A slight increase in acidity of the milk was observed after 6 days of storage resulting in a decrease of pH (from pH 4.5 to 4.3). Total viable count of L. acidophilus bacteria was decreased after 6 days of storage due to increase in acidity but it was still within acceptable range (>10 6 ). Sensory evaluation data shows that the quality of sensory attributes (color, taste, aroma, appeara nce and overall acceptability) was slightly decreased after 6 days of storage but still had considerable acceptability .
Role of dispersal in the invasion of an exotic tree in an East African submontane forest

Early successional tree species typically attract numerous generalist frugivores, many of which serve as seed dispersers. This study evaluated whether several such dispersers facilitated the invasion of an exotic, early successional tree species, Maesopsis eminii (Rhamnaceae), in submontane forests of the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The primary seed dispersers and their dispersal effectiveness were determined through focal watches at eight trees. Only 3 of 13 frugivores that consumed Maesopsis fruits functioned as seed dispersers (silvery-cheeked hornbill Ceratogymna brevis, Fischer's turaco Tauraco fischeri and blue monkey Cercopithecus mitis). On average, hornbills dispersed >26 times more seeds than monkeys, and >3 times as many seeds as turacos per visit and were thus considered the most important disperser. Seed germination was not affected by gut passage through hornbills. Germination in four microhabitats was experimentally evaluated to determine whether microhabitat influences germination success. Large gaps and forest edges had significantly higher germination rates compared with understorey locations; the germination rate in small gaps was not significantly different from that in the understorey. Expansive Maesopsis invasion in the East Usambaras was likely enhanced in both rapidity and scale by the presence of an extremely effective dispersal agent, the silvery-cheeked hornbill.
Phospholipid Ester-linked Fatty Acid Biomarkers of Acetate-oxidizing Sulphate-reducers and Other Sulphide-forming Bacteria

Summary: The phospholipid ester-linked fatty acids were examined in four Desulfobacter strains (2ac9, AcBa, 3ac10 and 4ac11), a Desulfobacter-like ‘fat vibrio’ (AcKo) and Desulfotomaculum acetoxidans (5575), which are all sulphate-reducing bacteria that oxidize acetate. A thermophilic sulphate reducer, Desulfovibrio thermophilus, and two sulphur-reducing bacteria, Desulfuromonas acetoxidans (11070) and a Campylobacter-like spirillum (5175), were also studied. The Desulfobacter spp. were characterized by significant quantities of 10-methylhexadecanoic acid. Other 10-methyl fatty acids were also detected in Desulfobacter spp. No 10-methyl fatty acids were detected in the other organisms examined, supporting the use of 10-methylhexadecanoic acid as a biomarker for Desulfobacter. High levels of cyclopropyl fatty acids, including two isomers of both methylenehexadecanoic (cy17:0) and methyleneheptadecanoic (cy18:0) acids, were also characteristic of Desulfobacter spp. The influence of the volatile fatty acids (VFA) propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and 2-methylbutyrate on the lipid fatty acid distribution was studied with two Desulfobacter strains (2ac9, AcBa) and Desulfotomaculum acetoxidans. Although these sulphate reducers cannot oxidize the VFA, their presence in the acetate growth medium caused a shift in the fatty acid distribution in favour of odd-numbered and branched chains by apparent direct incorporation into the fatty acids as chain initiators. The Desulfobacter strains were distinguished from other sulphide-forming bacteria by the percentage of unsaturated and the percentage of branched fatty acids.