Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE TOXIC CYANOBACTERIUM MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA ACROSS NUTRIENT GRADIENTS By Geoffrey Horst A DISSERTATION Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Fisheries and Wildlife – Doctor of Philosophy Ecology, Evolutionary Biology 

ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE TOXIC CYANOBACTERIUM MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA ACROSS NUTRIENT GRADIENTS By Geoffrey Horst Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant and growing problem worldwide in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. In many freshwater systems, cyanbacteria blooms can cause significant risks to public health due to the production of potent toxins. An important objective in managing harmful phytoplankton blooms is determining what factors influence the toxicity of bloom-forming species. In this dissertation, I combined lab and field experiments along with field measurements in Lake Erie to determine whether the production of microcystin (a potent liver toxin) by the cyanobacterium Microcystis is strongly affected by nutrient limitation. The field and lab experiments demonstrated that nitrogen-limited conditions led to significantly reduced microcystin quota relative to phosphorus-limited or nitrogen and phosphorus saturated conditions. Results an extensive seasonal survey in the western basin of Lake Erie revealed a similar influence of nitrogen availability on microcystin quota, indicating that nitrogen limitation appears to have a robust influence on the toxin quota of Microcystis. These results are consistent with stoichiometric considerations in that production of nitrogen-rich secondary metabolites, such as microcystins, should be reduced disproportionately under nitrogen limitation. The results of this work may be used to inform public decision making about managing nitrogen and phosphorus inputs into freshwater lakes.
Proxy measures of premortem cognitive aptitude in postmortem subjects with schizophrenia

Abstract Background Postmortem human brain studies provide the molecular, cellular, and circuitry levels of resolution essential for the development of mechanistically-novel interventions for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, the absence of measures of premortem cognitive aptitude in postmortem subjects has presented a major challenge to interpreting the relationship between the severity of neural alterations and cognitive deficits within the same subjects. Methods To begin addressing this challenge, proxy measures of cognitive aptitude were evaluated in postmortem subjects (N = 507) meeting criteria for schizophrenia, major depressive or bipolar disorder, and unaffected comparison subjects. Specifically, highest levels of educational and occupational attainment of the decedent and their parents were obtained during postmortem psychological autopsies. Results Consistent with prior findings in living subjects, subjects with schizophrenia had the lowest educational and occupational attainment relative to all other subject groups, and they also failed to show the generational improvement in attainment observed in all other subject groups. Conclusions Educational and occupational attainment data obtained during postmortem psychological autopsies can be used as proxy measures of premortem cognitive function to interrogate the neural substrate of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Microglial Progranulin: Involvement in Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease have proven resistant to new treatments. The complexity of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms can be highlighted by accumulating evidence for a role for a growth factor, progranulin (PGRN). PGRN is a glycoprotein encoded by the GRN/Grn gene with multiple cellular functions, including neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory and lysosome regulatory properties. Mutations in the GRN gene can lead to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a cause of dementia, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), a lysosomal storage disease. Both diseases are associated with loss of PGRN function resulting, amongst other features, in enhanced microglial neuroinflammation and lysosomal dysfunction. PGRN has also been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Unlike FTLD, increased expression of PGRN occurs in brains of human AD cases and AD model mice, particularly in activated microglia. How microglial PGRN might be involved in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed. A unifying feature of PGRN in diseases might be its modulation of lysosomal function in neurons and microglia. Many experimental models have focused on consequences of PGRN gene deletion: however, possible outcomes of increasing PGRN on microglial inflammation and neurodegeneration will be discussed. We will also suggest directions for future studies on PGRN and microglia in relation to neurodegenerative diseases.
Prey availability and temporal partitioning modulate felid coexistence in Neotropical forests

Carnivores have long been used as model organisms to examine mechanisms that allow coexistence among ecologically similar species. Interactions between carnivores, including competition and predation, comprise important processes regulating local community structure and diversity. We use data from an intensive camera-trapping monitoring program across eight Neotropical forest sites to describe the patterns of spatiotemporal organization of a guild of five sympatric cat species: jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) and margay (Leopardus wiedii). For the three largest cat species, we developed multi-stage occupancy models accounting for habitat characteristics (landscape complexity and prey availability) and models accounting for species interactions (occupancy estimates of potential competitor cat species). Patterns of habitat-use were best explained by prey availability, rather than habitat structure or species interactions, with no evidence of negative associations of jaguar on puma and ocelot occupancy or puma on ocelot occupancy. We further explore temporal activity patterns and overlap of all five felid species. We observed a moderate temporal overlap between jaguar, puma and ocelot, with differences in their activity peaks, whereas higher temporal partitioning was observed between jaguarundi and both ocelot and margay. Lastly, we conducted temporal overlap analysis and calculated species activity levels across study sites to explore if shifts in daily activity within species can be explained by varying levels of local competition pressure. Activity patterns of ocelots, jaguarundis and margays were similarly bimodal across sites, but pumas exhibited irregular activity patterns, most likely as a response to jaguar activity. Activity levels were similar among sites and observed differences were unrelated to competition or intraguild killing risk. Our study reveals apparent spatial and temporal partitioning for most of the species pairs analyzed, with prey abundance being more important than species interactions in governing the local occurrence and spatial distribution of Neotropical forest felids.
Impact of a complementary feeding intervention and mother's perceptions of child weight status in infants.

Introduction Introduction: if complementary feeding is not introduced at six months or if it is inadequate, the child's growth will be affected. Objective: to evaluate the impact of a complementary feeding intervention and the mothers' perceptions of child weight status (MPCW) on growth indicators. Method: this was a quasi-experimental intervention in 19 mother-child dyads with seven workshops given to the intervention group (IG). Mothers were asked when, why, and how food groups should be introduced according to their beliefs and experience. Growth indicators were Z-scores for length-for-age (ZLA) and weight-for-length (ZWL). MPCW was measured using the question: "do you think your child is: 'a little underweight or underweight', 'more or less at a normal weight', 'a little overweight' or 'definitely overweight'? " Number of breastfed times, number of feeding times and minimal dietary diversity was determined by two 24-hour dietary recalls. Results: mothers believed that children could eat all foods by two years of age in 52.6% of cases. In the IG, a significant change was observed in its own growth in both indicators. The average ZLA was from -0.05 ± 0.5 to -0.73 ±1.0 Z-score (p < 0.03), and the average ZWL was from 0.74 ± 0.9 to 0.29 ± 0.5 (p < 0.05). For the indicator classification weight-for-length, in the final measurement 90.0% of children from the IG were classified at a normal weight and 10.0% at overweight, while in the control group (CG) 55.6% were classified at a normal weight and 44.4% at overweight (p < 0.08). Adequate MPCW was 80.0% in the IG and 33.3% in the CG (p < 0.04). Inadequate MPCW in the IG from underestimation was 20.0% and in the CG 55.6%. Conclusion: knowledge about introducing food and having an adequate MPCW has a positive impact on growth in children.
The Antecedents of Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions at Sporting Events: The Case of South Korea

Mega-sporting events can bring diverse benefits to the hosting areas, such as job creation and image improvement. However, only a handful of studies have explored the antecedents of destination image—which plays a crucial role in eliciting certain tourist behaviors—and personal involvement. To fill this gap, this study evaluates the relationships among personal involvement, destination image, place attachment, and behavioral intentions in the context of sporting event tourism to provide destination managers useful information for sustainable sports tourism development. We gathered information from 374 international tourists at the FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation—International Swimming Federation) World Masters Championships Gwangju 2019 in South Korea. We used structural equation modeling was used along with maximum likelihood estimation to examine the predicted relationships. The findings show the positive impacts of (a) personal involvement on destination image, (b) destination image on place attachment, and (c) place attachment on behavioral intentions. Furthermore, (d) place attachment dictated the relationship between destination image and behavioral intentions. The findings confirm the significant role personal involvement plays in the improvement of a destination’s image. To ensure sustainable sports tourism, destination managers are advised to pay close attention to research findings on destination image in the development of their plans.
A randomised controlled trial of glutamine-enriched neonatal parenteral nutrition in Malaysia

Introduction: The addition of glutamine to parenteral nutrition (PN) in neonates has not shown significant benefits as compared to adults thus far. This study aimed to determine the potential benefits of the addition of glutamine to neonatal PN in a tertiary hospital in a middle -income country. Methods: This was a double -blinded randomised controlled trial. Babies who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and who required PN were eligible for inclusion in the study. The subjects were randomised to receive either glutamine-added PN (intervention) or standard PN (control). The most important outcomes included time to full enteral nutrition, incidence of sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), clinical or culture -proven sepsis. Results: Out of 270 subjects, 132 were randomised to the intervention group and 138, to the control group. Baseline data were comparable in both groups. The median time taken to reach full enteral nutrition was similar for both intervention and control groups (six days in each group, p -value is 0.52). The incidences of NEC, clinical sepsis and culture -proven sepsis did not differ significantly in the intervention and control groups (5.8 vs. 7.1 percent, p -value is 0.68; 15.7 percent vs. 10.2 percent, p -value is 0.21 and 16.5 percent vs. 15.7 percent, p -value is 0.38, respectively). Other outcomes such as duration of ventilation, duration of NICU stay and a subgroup analysis for preterm and term babies also showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Addition of glutamine to neonatal PN was not shown to improve outcome.
Antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from dogs with otitis

Abstract Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in dogs can be transmitted to humans and close contact between dogs and people might foster dissemination of resistance determinants. The aim of our study was to describe the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern of the major causative agents of canine otitis – one of the most common diseases in dogs – isolated in France. Data collected between 2012 and 2016 by the French national surveillance network for AMR, referred to as RESAPATH, were analysed. Resistance trends were investigated using non-linear analysis (generalised additive models). A total of 7021 antibiograms were analysed. The four major causative agents of canine otitis in France were coagulase-positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and streptococci. Since 2013, resistance to fluoroquinolones has been on the decrease in both P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates. For P. aeruginosa, 19.4% of isolates were resistant to both enrofloxacin and gentamicin. The levels of multidrug resistance (acquired resistance to at least one antibiotic in three or more antibiotic classes) ranged between 11.9% for P. mirabilis and 16.0% for S. pseudintermedius. These results are essential to guide prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. They will also help in designing efficient control strategies and in measuring their effectiveness.
TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETITION IN THE PACKAGING MARKET

This paper analyses the dynamic features of the innovation process by examining technological competition in the drinks packaging market in Spain over a 20-year period. Specifically the study compares the two properties that, according to the evolutionist approach, characterise the process of dissemination and competition among alternative technologies performing one and the same function. As a result, the paper shows that in this market the process of innovation is (1) pathdependent and (2) partially irreversible.
GABAA Receptor Subtypes and the Abuse‐Related Effects of Ethanol in Rhesus Monkeys: Experiments with Selective Positive Allosteric Modulators

BACKGROUND Previous studies have investigated α1GABAA and α5GABAA receptor mechanisms in the behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH) in monkeys. However, genetic studies in humans and preclinical studies with mutant mice suggest a role for α2GABAA and/or α3GABAA receptors in the effects of EtOH. The development of novel positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) with functional selectivity (i.e., selective efficacy) at α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptors allows for probing of these subtypes in preclinical models of the discriminative stimulus and reinforcing effects of EtOH in rhesus macaques. METHODS In discrimination studies, subjects were trained to discriminate EtOH (2 g/kg, intragastrically) from water under a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule of food delivery. In oral self-administration studies, subjects were trained to self-administer EtOH (2% w/v) or sucrose (0.3 to 1% w/v) under an FR schedule of solution availability. RESULTS In discrimination studies, functionally selective PAMs at α2GABAA and α3GABAA (HZ-166) or α3GABAA (YT-III-31) receptors substituted fully (maximum percentage of EtOH-lever responding ≥80%) for the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH without altering response rates. Full substitution for EtOH also was engendered by a nonselective PAM (triazolam), an α5GABAA -preferring PAM (QH-ii-066) and a PAM at α2GABAA , α3GABAA , and α5GABAA receptors (L-838417). A partial (MRK-696) or an α1GABAA -preferring (zolpidem) PAM only engendered partial substitution (i.e., ~50 to 60% EtOH-lever responding). In self-administration studies, pretreatments with the functionally selective PAMs at α2GABAA and α3GABAA (XHe-II-053 and HZ-166) or α3GABAA (YT-III-31 and YT-III-271) receptors increased EtOH, but not sucrose, drinking at doses that had few, or no, observable sedative-motor effects. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm prior findings regarding the respective roles of α1GABAA and α5GABAA receptors in the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH and, further, suggest a key facilitatory role for α3GABAA and potentially α2GABAA receptors in several abuse-related effects of EtOH in monkeys. Moreover, they reveal a potential role for these latter subtypes in EtOH's sedative effects.
Predictors of Long-Term HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence After Study Participation in Men Who Have Sex With Men

Background: Efficacy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men is well documented in randomized trials. After trial completion, participants are challenged with acquiring PrEP on their own and remaining adherent. Methods: This was a follow-up study of the TAPIR randomized controlled multicenter PrEP trial. Participants were contacted after their last TAPIR visit (ie, after study-provided PrEP was discontinued) to attend observational posttrial visits 24 and 48 weeks later. Adherence during TAPIR and posttrial visits was estimated by dried blood spot intracellular tenofovir diphosphate levels (adequate adherence defined as tenofovir diphosphate levels >719 fmol/punch). Binary logistic regression analysis assessed predictors of completing posttrial visits and PrEP adherence among participants completing ≥1 visit. Results: Of 395 TAPIR participants who were on PrEP as part of the TAPIR trial for a median of 597 days (range 3–757 days), 122 (31%) completed ≥1 posttrial visit (57% of University of California San Diego participants completed posttrial visits, whereas this was 13% or lower for other study sites). Among participants who completed ≥1 posttrial visit, 57% had adequate adherence posttrial. Significant predictors of adequate adherence posttrial were less problematic substance use, higher risk behavior, and adequate adherence in year 1 of TAPIR. Conclusion: More than half of PrEP users followed after trial completion had successfully acquired PrEP and showed adequate adherence. Additional adherence monitoring and intervention measures may be needed for those with low PrEP adherence and problematic substance use during the first year of trial.
Oscillatory EEG Changes During Arithmetic Learning in Children

ABSTRACT Most studies have investigated brain activation changes after the course of arithmetic learning, and the question remains whether these changes are detectable during the course of learning, i.e., before memory consolidation. Twenty-four fifth graders solved multiplication problems while ongoing electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. The arithmetic training revealed reduced errors together with a power increase in theta (4–7 Hz) but not in lower alpha (8–10 Hz) or upper alpha (10–13 Hz) bands. We conclude that increases in theta power subserved a shift from slow, procedural strategies to more efficient, automated procedural and retrieval strategies, which led to more efficient performance.
A microchip device to enhance free flow electrophoresis using controllable pinched sample injections

Micro free flow electrophoresis (µFFE) is a valuable technique capable of high throughput rapid microscale electrophoretic separation along with mild operating conditions. However, the stream flow separation nature of free flow electrophoresis affects its separation performance with additional stream broadening due to sample stream deflection. To reduce stream broadening and enhance separation performance of µFFE, we presented a simple microfluidic device that enables injection bandwidth control. A pinched injection was formed in the reported µFFE system using operating buffer at sample flow rate ratio (r) setting. Initial bandwidth at the entrance of separation chamber can be shrunk from 800 to 30 µm when r increased from 1 to 256. Stream broadening at the exit of separation chamber can be reduced by about 96% when r increased from 4 to 128, according to both theoretical and experimental results. Moreover, the separation resolution for a dye mixture was enhanced by a factor of 4 when r increased from 16 to 128, which corresponded to an 80% reduction in sample initial bandwidth. Furthermore, a similar enhancement on amino acids separation was obtained by using injection control in the reported µFFE device and readily integrated into online/offline sample preparation and/or downstream analysis procedures.
Performance Evaluation of Pavement Geomaterials Stabilized with Pond Ash and Brick Kiln Dust Using Advanced Cyclic Triaxial Testing

An increase in the generation of industrial waste materials such as pond ash and brick kiln dust represents a serious threat to the earth’s environment. The waste materials have novel characteristics and therefore their physical, chemical, mineralogical, morphological, mechanical, and toxicity characteristics were determined so that these materials can be incorporated as construction materials based on technical and environmental considerations. The purpose of this study is to utilize the wastes in the stabilization of clay geomaterial to outperform existing problems of inadequate strength and stiffness of the subgrade layer in flexible pavements. Mixtures of geomaterials, containing pond ash, brick kiln dust, and their combination were prepared and important engineering characteristics such as the plasticity, compaction, and strength of the mixtures were examined. The measurement of response to dynamic loading is a pre-condition for the accurate characterization of geomaterials used in pavement construction. Using advanced cyclic triaxial testing, this study evaluates the performance of pond ash and brick kiln dust in increasing the stiffness of the geomaterial under cyclic loading. To stimulate the worst field conditions, the stiffness and strength tests were performed under standard and four-day water-soaked conditions. The implementation of several stress-dependent models for the prediction of stiffness was examined. Pond ash and brick kiln dust were found to be effective in increasing the stiffness and strength of the geomaterial. The wastes were the most effectual when added in combination to the geomaterial. The characterization of the wastes was informative in understanding the governing mechanism prevalent in the waste stabilized mixtures. The toxicity characterization study revealed the non-toxic and non-hazardous nature of the waste materials, permitting their use in the construction of pavements. This study recommends the use of wastes in the subgrade of flexible pavements. Further research is needed for performance evaluation of the wastes on silt and sand geomaterials for their wider application.