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Microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (mHVSR) are frequency-dependent ratios of Fourier amplitude spectra of the horizontal to vertical components of a 3-component recording of ambient ground motions from microtremors. Results from mHVSR tests can identify the frequencies associated with site resonances at sites with large impedance contrasts, and hence have potential to provide useful parameters for predicting seismic site response. Site measurements are made by recording ground vibrations either from a temporarily deployed seismometer, typically recording for a relatively short period of time (~1-2 hrs.), or from a permanently-installed broadband seismometer. In this paper, we discuss ongoing work investigating the reliability of low frequency (< ∼0.1 Hz) mHVSR ordinates. Such low frequency ordinates are potentially useful for sites that are known to have deep basins (e.g., LA Basin, Imperial Valley, Great Salt Lake basin), where fundamental frequencies may fall in this range and direct measurements of depth to bedrock are difficult to make. We have found that low-frequency mHVSR ordinates (< ∼0.1-0.2 Hz) are for practical purposes not reliable in most cases, even when measured by high-quality temporary or permanent broadband sensors. In this paper, we discuss sensor drift and its limited impact on the reliability of mHVSR ordinates. We document the low frequency problem for multiple sites, although we do not have a solution as of this writing for how to improve the reliability of low-frequency results.

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating the effects of the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of a biological silage meal made of tambaqui waste on dietary nutrient apparent digestibility and energy metabolism of commercial layer diets. Seventy-two 61-week-old Hisex White hens were assigned according to a completely randomized experimental design in two treatments: control diet and diet with 5% tambaqui waste biological silage meal (TWBSM), with six replicates of six birds each. The ensiled biomass presented grey brown color, acid aroma, viscous texture, 5.27±0.016pH, 96.28% dry matter (DM), 33.29% crude protein (CP), 33.65% ether extract (EE), 14.37% ashes, 13.63% non-nitrogen extract (NNE), 65.16 g.kg-1 calcium (Ca), 22.90 g.kg-1 phosphorus (P), and 5,666.07 kcal.kg-1 gross energy (GE). Higher (p>0.05) coefficients of apparent digestibility of DM, crude fiber, EE, and ash, and higher coefficient of GE metabolizability were obtained in the diet with 5% TWBSM. Due to its high CP content (33.29% on DM basis), TWBSM may be considered a protein feedstuff. Although no differences in CP digestibility (p>0.05) were detected, TWBSM presented high CP digestibility than the control diet due to proteins hydrolysis as a result of lactic fermentation by microorganisms during the ensilage process, yielding autolysed proteins of high biological value. Our results indicate that the biological silage meal produced from the residual biomass of tambaqui can be included up to 5% in commercial layer diets as it has good nutrient digestibility, and therefore, may potentially be used as a dietary energy and protein source.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to determine the most suitable probe diameter and egg position to perform the eggshell breaking strength test using a texturometer, as well as the most reliable parameter to estimate eggshell quality when no electronic devices are available. Eggshell quality (eggshell breaking strength, eggshell weight, eggshell percentage, eggshell thickness, shell weight per unit surface area) was evaluated as a function of texturometer probe diameter (2, 10, and 75mm), egg type (white and brown) and egg position (horizontal and vertical). In the experiment, 2520 eggs from 60-week-old commercial layers were separated by specific gravity measured by flotation method in saline solution (1.070 to 1.100 g/cm3 with intervals of 0.005 g/cm3).Data were submitted to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design, and means were compared by Tukey’s test (p

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine ideal levels of available phosphorus for muscovy ducks in housing. Two hundred and forty muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments consisting of six nutritional plans that included the initial, growth and termination phases and differed in relation to available phosphorus levels, and four replicates of 10 muscovy ducks each. The birds had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, eight birds (four males and four females) in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Data collected were subjected to Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences were not observed (p>0.05) in performance. Higher available phosphorus levels presented a positive influence (p

Tracing the flow of nutrients from aquaculture operations to the surrounding biota is important for environmental monitoring and developing integrated aquaculture practices. A novel approach in this context, compound specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) was used to trace fatty acid (FA) carbon in benthic invertebrates from multiple aquaculture sites in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada, up to 2500 m away from each site. We found that the carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of certain FA in mussels and limpets were gradually 13C-enriched with increasing distance away from the site, suggesting that the farm contributed to more depleted isotopic signatures among organisms within the vicinity of the site. In mussels, the δ13C of 16:2n-4, 16:3n-4, 20:1n-9, 22:6n-3, saturated FA, the bacterial FA marker, and the overall weighted mean of FA became significantly more 13C-enriched with increasing distance from the farm (r2 > 0.28, p < 0.05). In limpets, the δ13C of 17:0, 18:4n-3, 20:4n-3 and the zooplankton FA marker became more enriched with distance away from the farm (r2 > 0.37, p < 0.05). The δ13C of mussels was also influenced by location of the farm, regardless of distance from the site. Non-indigenous isotopic signatures, as a result of feed inputs, physical properties of the farm location, and other anthropogenic influences, likely contributed to the depleted signature of mussels and limpets within the vicinity of the farm. This study was the first to use CSIA to determine the uptake and movement of organic nutrients from aquaculture outputs to the surrounding ecosystem.

The aim of this study was to immunolocalise type VI collagen and perlecan and determine their interactive properties in the intervertebral disc (IVD). Confocal laser scanning microscopy co-localised perlecan with type VI collagen as pericellular components of IVD cells and translamellar cross-bridges in ovine and murine IVDs. These cross-bridges were significantly less abundant in the heparin sulphate deficient Hspg2 exon 3 null mouse IVD than in wild type. This association of type VI collagen with elastic components provides clues as to its roles in conveying elastic recoil properties to annular tissues. Perlecan and type VI collagen were highly interactive in plasmon resonance studies. Pericellular colocalisation of perlecan and type VI collagen provides matrix stabilisation and cell-matrix communication which allows IVD cells to perceive and respond to perturbations in their biomechanical microenvironment. Perlecan, at the cell surface, provides an adhesive interface between the cell and its surrounding extracellular matrix. Elastic microfibrillar structures regulate tensional connective tissue development and function. The 2010 Global Burden of Disease study examined 291 disorders and identified disc degeneration and associated low back pain as the leading global musculoskeletal disorder emphasising its massive socioeconomic impact and the need for more effective treatment strategies. A greater understanding of how the IVD achieves its unique biomechanical functional properties is of great importance in the development of such therapeutic measures.

This study investigated the ameliorative effect of the ethanol extract of leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum on the ovaries and reproductive hormones of lead-exposed female Wistar albino rats. Lead has no physiological role in the body but exerts many deleterious effects on various organs and systems in humans including the reproductive system; this it achieves mainly by the production of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. A total number of forty-two rats (160-180g) were divided into seven groups; group 1 served as the normal control group, group 2 rats were administered 200mgkg-1 of lead and left untreated (negative control group) while groups 3,4,5,6 and 7 were administered lead (200mgkg-1) and 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250mgkg-1 body weight of the ethanol extract of the studied plant respectively. All groups received feed and water ad libitum for 30days. A significant (p≤0.05) increase was observed in FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone levels in C. albidum treated groups compared to the negative control group. The histology of the negative control group showed the presence of cysts with no ovarian follicle whereas treated groups showed normal histology of the ovaries with oocytes except for groups 6 and 7.This ameliorative ability of C. albidum observed in the present study may be attributed to its high antioxidant properties. Further studies on C. albidum could lead to the development of new and highly affordable drugs for the treatment of female infertility. Keywords: Chrysophyllum albidum; reproductive hormones; follicle stimulating hormone; progesterone

In order to estimate the potential soil erosion hazard of an area, erosion prediction models are needed. Various models have been used by researchers, which ranges from mathematical and conceptual simple approaches to complex models that try to include the complexities of the real world. Six (6) models are reviewed in relation to their suitability for use. The KINEROS, CORINE and EUROSEM were best suited for water erosion risk prediction in cultivated soils. On the other hand, the KINEROS, PESERA, CORINE and EUROSEM were found to be applicable in all sectors (Agronomy, water resources management and road construction) highlighted. The GLASOD had the least applicability with respect to this study. Keywords: Water Erosion, sediment transport models, Model structure and suitability for use

The study focused primarily on evaluating the ameliorative potential of biocharcoal on sodium azide toxicity (35 ppm) in African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst. Ex. A. Rich) Harms. A field experiment was conducted using river sand and mixtures of biocharcoal from Pentaclethra macrophylla, represented by 0 (100 % river sand, control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 % biocharcoal added to ameliorate the toxic effects of sodium azide on African yam bean. Morphological parameters measured include germination percentage, number of leaves and secondary roots, percentage seedling emergence, shoot height, number of branches and number of leaves were recorded. The effect of biocharcoal on the toxicity of sodium azide to soil pH, conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium contents and microbial community were also recorded. The growth of African yam bean was significantly improved by the application of the biocharcoal as higher plant height, number of leaves, percentage seedling emergence and number of branches were observed when compared with control. Soil conductivity, potassium and phosphorus were significantly higher in the treatments with biocharcoal. No positive effect on soil nitrogen content was observed. Biocharcoal addition adversely affected soil microbial community. Biocharcoal proved to have ameliorative potential however more work is needed to understand the mechanism by which it operates.

The impacts of organic wastes contamination on water quality of Woji creek in Port Harcourt Rivers State were studied for two years. Surface water samples were collected monthly for the duration of two years at five sampling points using standard methods. The samples were subjected to physicochemical analyses based on temperature, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, conductivity, total dissolved solid, total suspended solid, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, total organic carbon. Temperature range was found to be significantly higher in the dry season (27.92±0.21oC) than in the wet season (25.81±0.21oC). Conductivity measurement indicated significantly higher level in the dry season (20596.20±1737.37μs/cm) than in the wet season (9880.14±2878.49μs/cm). The findings of this study indicate that organic wastes are the major factors responsible for deterioration of the water quality of Woji creek.

The findings from a series of studies on patients with damage to the prefrontal cortex, as well as experiments with functional neuroimaging on normal subjects, have highlighted the specialized role of the ventral part of the lateral prefrontal cortex BACKGROUND: Pharmacoresistant patients with major depression (MDD) and electroconvulsive therapy referral (ECT) may present distinct neuropsychological profiles from drug-respondent patients. Such differences could help identify MDD subtypes, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying differential treatment response. The sensitivity of distinct neuropsychological deficits to clinically effective ECT could extend such insights. METHOD: Depressed patients with (1) ECT referral (ECTs), (2) no ECT referral (NECTs) and (3) controls (matched groups, n=15) were assessed with Hamilton Depression, Hamilton Anxiety and Mini-Mental State Examination scales and five memory and executive function tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). ECT candidates were reassessed at the end of ECT (post-ECT) and 2 months thereafter (follow-up). RESULTS: ECTs scored significantly lower than NECTs in the MMSE (p=0.01). NECTs performed worse than Controls in Paired Associates Learning (PAL) task (p

Composite structures with desire mechanical properties can be tailored to embed microstrip antenna in aerospace systems for reducing aerodynamic disturbance. The performance of a rectangular microstrip antenna in composite structures is analyzed in spectral domain in this work. Analysis shows that the electromagnetics of antenna in spectral domain is similar to the mechanics of composite structure in space domain. The electrical field, the immittance (impedance or admittance), and the current density are equivalent to the stress, strain, and stiffness in mechanics of composite structures. The governing equations, though may be of different dimensions, are also similar. It shall be expected that the performance of a microstrip antenna on composite structures is different from that on isotropic structures; just as the mechanics of the former is so different from that of the latter. Analysis confirms that antenna performance depends on the structure’s electromagnetic properties; similar to the mechanics of composite structures depends on the laminate layers’ ply angle and stacking sequence.

The age and growth of the Critically Endangered Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara of equatorial French Guiana was determined by a non-lethal aging method using dorsal fin rays. Goliath grouper deposit 1 complete annulus per year, with the translucent zone of the annulus laid down at the beginning of the dry season (July). Two readers independently applied the method; there was full agreement between the two for 52% of the fish, and agreement of ± 1 yr for 82%. Comparison of ages derived from paired samples of otoliths and fin rays were identical (n = 6). The mean age of goliath grouper was 4.2 yr (range = 1 to 17 yr; n = 229); 82% of the individuals were under the size/age of sexual maturity. Goliath grouper in French Guiana are larger at a given age and reach their asymptotic length (L× = 192.3 cm) faster (k = 0.20 yr-1) than goliath grouper from the west coast of Florida, USA (L× = 200.6 cm, k = 0.126). Total mortality, estimated from a catch curve of the age distribution, was about 0.65 both in the Grand Connetable Island marine protected area in French Guiana (where fishing is prohibited) and outside of the reserve, suggesting that the reserve does not protect goliath grouper from illegal fishing. However, the estimates of total mortality in both fished and protected sites likely includes emigration, because goliath grouper may use rocky sites in French Guiana as a nursery habitat and may not remain there once they mature.

The aim of this study is to investigate the scholarly impact of knowledge generated as part of doctoral studies in the field of education in South Africa. The transition rate of the 97 doctoral theses completed in the various fields of education in South Africa in 2008 into peer-reviewed articles and chapters in scholarly books, as well as the citation impact of these theses, were studied. It was found that the transition rates of these theses to journal articles and book chapters were low, as was their citation impact. Eighty three of the 97 theses did not transfer into any kind of publication, 70 out of the 97 made no citation impact, and 65 theses neither transferred to an article/a book chapter, nor did they receive any citation. The low scholarly impact of doctoral research in education in South Africa is related to a number of contextual and field-specific factors, identified in the survey of literature. The main recommendation made is the mapping of fields of education scholarship, making possible the identification of lacuna for research with high impact potential.

The ecology, particularly the trophic ecology, of the Critically Endangered goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein 1822) in French Guiana (France) is relatively unknown. Such information would provide a better understanding of the role that goliath groupers play in the marine ecosystem of French Guiana. This study focused on the feeding ecology of the goliath grouper through stomach-content and stable-isotope analyses of captured specimens. The dietary composition of goliath groupers in French Guiana was similar to that of goliath groupers from other areas of the species’ range. However, in French Guiana, goliath groupers exhibited an ontogenetic shift in diet that has not been demonstrated elsewhere. Crustaceans, primarily crabs, were dominant in the diet of smaller individuals (

This study aimed at evaluating bacterial shedding, as detected in swabs, feces, and eggs of quails submitted to forced molting by feed fasting and experimentally infected with a Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) strain. In the experiment, 84 40-week-old Italian female quails were distributed in the following groups: FI (quails induced to molt by fasting and inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis - SE); CI (quails fed with a laying diet and inoculated with SE); FNI (quails induced to molt by fasting and not inoculated with SE); and CNI (quails fed with a laying feed and not inoculated with SE). Feces, cloacal swabs, and eggs were collected on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-inoculation (dpi) and submitted to bacteriological analyses. All samples obtained from cloacal swabs were negative for SE. None of the quails of the non-inoculated groups (FNI and CNI) were positive for SE in the fecal samples. Among the inoculated quails, the FI group presented significantly higher (p< 0.05) SE shedding in the feces on 1 dpi than the CI group. On 4 dpi, no significant difference was observed (p< 0.05) in SE shedding between the inoculated quail groups. On 7 dpi, only the FI group shed SE in the feces, whereas on 14 dpi, none of the groups shed SE. According to the results, we concluded that quails submitted to molting by fasting have higher possibility of shedding SE in the feces.

The science of mountainous hydrology spans the atmosphere through the bedrock and inherently crosses physical and disciplinary boundaries: land–atmosphere interactions in complex terrain enhance clouds and precipitation, while watersheds retain and release water over a large range of spatial and temporal scales. Limited observations in complex terrain challenge efforts to improve predictive models of the hydrology in the face of rapid changes. The Upper Colorado River exemplifies these challenges, especially with ongoing mismatches between precipitation, snowpack, and discharge. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility has deployed an observatory to the East River Watershed near Crested Butte, Colorado, between September 2021 and June 2023 to measure the main atmospheric drivers of water resources, including precipitation, clouds, winds, aerosols, radiation, temperature, and humidity. This effort, called the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL), is also working in tandem with DOE-sponsored surface and subsurface hydrologists and other federal, state, and local partners. SAIL data can be benchmarks for model development by producing a wide range of observational information on precipitation and its associated processes, including those processes that impact snowpack sublimation and redistribution, aerosol direct radiative effects in the atmosphere and in the snowpack, aerosol impacts on clouds and precipitation, and processes controlling surface fluxes of energy and mass. Preliminary data from SAIL’s first year showcase the rich information content in SAIL’s many datastreams and support testing hypotheses that will ultimately improve scientific understanding and predictability of Upper Colorado River hydrology in 2023 and beyond.

Maturation schedules shape the age structure of a population and influence productivity and exposure to fishing. Fish cultivated and raised in artificial environments such as hatcheries may mature at different ages compared to their natural-origin counterparts. We evaluated whether endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha produced in a conservation hatchery had different maturation schedules compared to naturalorigin fish, and how any differences affected their exposure to, and impact from, the ocean salmon fishery. Using coded-wire tags collected from hatchery fish in the ocean and in-river fisheries and on the spawning grounds, and scales collected from natural-origin spawner carcasses, we reconstructed the life history of hatchery and natural-origin cohorts from 2002-2015 brood years. Hatchery fish had similar age-2 maturation rates but higher age-3 maturation rates compared to natural-origin fish, resulting in fewer age-4 individuals and an overall more truncated age structure. Because natural-origin winter-run Chinook salmon were more likely to remain at sea until age 4, they were exposed to fishing for an additional year and experienced greater reduction in escapement. Compared to natural-origin males, hatchery-origin males were much less likely to return at an older age, possibly because sexual selection that is occurring on the spawning grounds is not occurring to the same extent in the hatchery. Identifying how reproductive maturation differs across sources, sex, and life histories is critical to understanding how fisheries can disproportionately impact subsets of a population and affect its long-term population dynamics and sustainability.

Settling velocity is an important parameter used in modeling solid-liquid flow operations and for evaluating tank volumes in water treatment technology. In the present study, series of bench-scale batch-wise precipitation and settling tests were performed to evaluate the effect of some physical variables such as precipitate concentration, temperature and stirring on settling velocity of tricalcium diphosphate (TCDP) and tristrontium diphosphate (TSDP) in mother solution. Various amounts of TCDP and TSDP precipitates were generated in reaction mixtures, by mixing sub-saturated equi-molar solutions (0.1M) of the respective ions in various metal to phosphate (M/P) volume ratios (10:90ml; 20:80ml; 30:70ml; 40:60ml; 50:50ml; 60:40ml; 70:30ml; 80:20ml; 90:10ml). Settling velocity diagrams of TCDP and TSDP were obtained as functions of M/P volume ratio, temperature, and repeat stirring. The results showed that whereas temperature and stirring variables had a linear relationship with precipitate settling velocity, a non-linear relationship was observed between the precipitate concentration variable and settling velocity. When the temperature of the mixtures were raised from 30oC to 50oC, 0.76- and 0.45- fold increases in settling rate were recorded for TCDP and TSDP, respectively. On the other hand, with repeated stirring of TSDP precipitate, 83% increase in settling velocity was recorded between the first and third stirrings. The results may be employed in settling tank designs for the removal of phosphates in water treatment process. Keywords: settling velocity, mother solution, batch-wise precipitation, temperature, amount of precipitates, Ca3(PO4)2, Sr3(PO4)2.

Seventy-eight chickens from a very high poultry density (approximately eight million) region and twelve backyard chickens from neighboring areas were analyzed by histopathology and additional techniques for the presence of the infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The virus distribution was determined in different tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The disease was histopathologically diagnosed in 41.0% (32/78) of the commercial layers. Lesions were mainly characterized by syncytial cells with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion body formed from the hyperplastic epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, primary and secondary bronchi, and conjunctiva. IHC showed 70% (21/30) positive signal in the larynx/trachea and, 53.8% (14/26) in the lungs, either in epithelial cells or syncytia. In the turbinates and paranasal sinuses, 29.6% (8/27) of samples showed positive signal. PCR detected the following gallid herpesvirus 1-positive percentages: conjunctiva 63.2% (31/49), lungs 57.6% (30/52), turbinates and paranasal sinuses 56% (28/50), and larynx/trachea 50% (39/78). IHC showed to be a useful additional tool for definitive ILT diagnosis, especially during the subacute phase of the disease when syncytial cells with intranuclear inclusion bodies are no longer observed. PCR using specific primers from ICP4 gene, generating a product of 237 base pairs, was sensitive for ILT diagnosis, and very useful for rapid detection of GaHV-1 in chickens. Fixed tissues allowing histopatological examination and detection of GaHV-1 by PCR, are a good option in areas where farms are located several hundred kilometers away from a diagnostic center, reducing problems with conservation of fresh samples and the risk of virus spread.

This paper examines the effect of South Africa’s economic fundamentals on net direct investment and net portfolio investment. The results suggest that the main determinants of investment in South Africa are resource prices, input productivity and the economic performance of the domestic economy. The results illustrate that net direct investment and net portfolio investment are close but not perfect substitutes. In addition, we find that an increase in labour input costs reduces both net direct investment and net portfolio investment. Further, an increase in fixed capital productivity increases net direct investment. Further, also the results illustrate that subsidies increase both net direct investment and net portfolio investment. Moreover, an increase in exports increases both net direct investment and net portfolio investment. Policy recommendations are thus proposed that may increase foreign direct investment in South Africa.

An experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) values of corn, soybean meal (SBM), soybean oil (SO) and sugarcane yeast (SY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). A metabolism trial was performed with 120 Dekalb White laying hens at 65 weeks of age, using the method of total excreta collection. Birds were housed in metabolism cages and distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with, six replicates of four birds each. The experimental period consisted of four days of adaptation and four days of excreta collection. The experimental diets included: a reference diet based on corn and SBM and four test diets containing 40% corn, 30% SBM, 10% SO or 30 % SY. The chemical compositions of the tested ingredients, expressed on "as-is" basis were: 86.9, 87.29, 87.32 and 99.5% dry matter; and 3.51, 2.08, 99.31 and 0.03 ether extract for corn, SBM, SO and SY, respectively. Corn, SBM, and SO presented 7.33, 43.61 and 24.64% crude protein, and 0.58, 5.07 and 6.77% ash, respectively; and crude fiber contents of corn and SBM were, respectively, 2.24% and 3.56%. The following AME and AMEn (kcal/kg dry matter) values were obtained: 3,801 and 3,760 kcal/kg for corn, 2,640 and 2,557 kcal/kg for SBM, 8,952 and 8,866 kcal/kg for SO, and 1,023 and 925 kcal/kg for sugarcane yeast, respectively.

The population of humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis that resides in the eastern Taiwan Strait (ETS) is geographically and genetically isolated from populations inhabiting the coastal waters of mainland China and appears to be facing unsustainable levels of human threats. Using VORTEX 9.99b, we modeled the viability of this Critically Endangered population under the present conditions as well as under realistic additional threat scenarios. We examined 6 different levels of bycatch mortality, 3 scenarios of habitat loss/degradation, and scenarios in which these threats were experienced together. Under the baseline (present) scenario, the population exhibited a decreasing growth rate and was predicted to be smaller than the initial population size in more than 76% of all model runs. In all scenarios with additional threats, the proportion of model runs in which population size was smaller than the initial size varied from 77.1 to 92.6%. Over the short term, fisheries-related mortality appears to have a more obvious impact on the population’s trajectory than habitat loss/degradation. Even minimal increases in mortality from the current baseline levels will increase the probability of extinction of this population. Due to the fragile situation of ETS humpback dolphins, mitigation actions to reduce the current threats to this population are needed immediately.

Sentinel Atlantic salmon, held in cages, were used to estimate the monthly infestation pressure of sea lice at 3 locations along a salmonid migration route in Loch Shieldaig, a Scottish west coast sea loch. The study lasted 30 mo, covering an entire production cycle and fallow period at nearby fish farms. A total of 5007 sea lice were sampled from 3097 sentinel fish, with over 99% of these being Lepeophtheirus salmonis. Infestation pressure was higher in cages nearer the head of the loch and the River Shieldaig estuary. Copepodids were the main infective life cycle stage, but a few (0.5% of total lice sampled) mobile pre-adult and adult stages were also found on the sentinel fish. Infestation pressure on the sentinel fish was correlated with gravid L. salmonis counts from nearby farms. However, there was no evidence that particular events, such as treatments, at the farms led directly to changes in infestation pressure. These findings suggest that, although aquaculture is a contributor of sea lice larvae into the Torridon system, further work is required to determine factors influencing the relationship between farm sea lice levels and infestation pressure in the wider environment.

Abstract: Objective: We aimed to determine the longitudinal distribution of hand function skills in individuals with classic Rett syndrome (RTT), an X‐linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder, and correlate with MECP2 variants. Method: We conducted a longitudinal study of 946 girls and young women with typical RTT seen between 2006 and 2021 in the US Natural History Study (NHS) featuring a structured clinical evaluation to assess the level of hand function skills. The specific focus of this study was to assess longitudinal variation of hand skills from age 2 through age 18 years in relation to specific MECP2 variant groups. Results: Following the initial regression period, hand function continues to decline across the age spectrum in individuals with RTT. Specific differences are noted with steeper declines in hand function among those with milder variants (Group A: R133C, R294X, R306C, and C‐terminal truncations) compared with groups composed of individuals with more severe variants. Conclusions: These temporal variations in hand use represent specific considerations that could influence the design of clinical trials that test therapies aiming to ameliorate specific functional limitations in individuals with RTT. Furthermore, the distinct impact of specific MECP2 variants on clinical severity, especially related to hand use, should be considered in such interventional trials.

Climate change is causing fish stocks to shift, upending the social-ecological systems that rely on the historic distributions of these stocks and creating or exacerbating fisheries conflicts. The movements of internationally shared stocks between Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) or between EEZs and the high seas are especially concerning because they bring into play a variety of geopolitical factors and equity issues surrounding missing or conflicting regulations of jurisdictional boundary zones. Though many studies have explored the responses to and repercussions of shifting stocks on fisheries management, there is a dearth of interdisciplinary case studies that provide insight into the complexity of conflict formation in shifting transboundary fisheries, and that highlight the initial response stages where inclusion of proactive and cooperative measures can greatly improve a system's resilience to conflict. Our study helps to fill this gap by drawing on the knowledge of a diverse group of experts to analyze four case studies where transboundary stock shifts, geopolitical or governance tensions, and uncertainty regarding the future of the marine environment collide. Through synthesis of case study findings, we create a causal model of fishery conflict, within which we highlight factors that may heighten or mitigate the risk of conflict over shifting resources such as complex histories of power imbalance, unequal access to resources, or a lack of consistent and transparent data collection. Cooperation and equitable decision-making processes are recognized as vital components of internationally shared stock management which can promote lasting, effective, and conflict-resilient fisheries.

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in annual area burned in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. This rise in fire activity has prompted the need to understand how historical forest management practices affect fuel composition and emissions. Here we examined the total carbon (TC) concentration and radiocarbon abundance (Δ14C) of particulate matter (PM) emitted by the KNP Complex Fire, which occurred during California's 2021 wildfire season and affected several groves of giant sequoia trees in the southern Sierra Nevada. During a 26 h sampling period, we measured concentrations of fine airborne PM (PM2.5), as well as dry air mole fractions of carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4), using a ground-based mobile laboratory. We also collected filter samples of PM2.5 for analysis of TC concentration and Δ14C. High correlation among PM2.5, CO, and CH4 time series confirmed that our PM2.5 measurements captured variability in wildfire emissions. Using a Keeling plot approach, we determined that the mean Δ14C of PM2.5 was 111.6 ± 7.7‰ (n = 12), which was considerably enriched relative to atmospheric carbon dioxide in the northern hemisphere in 2021 (-3.2 ± 1.4‰). Combining these Δ14C data with a steady-state one-box ecosystem model, we estimated that the mean age of fuels combusted in the KNP Complex Fire was 40 years, with a range of 29-57 years. These results provide evidence for emissions originating from woody biomass, larger-diameter fine fuels, and coarse woody debris that have accumulated over multiple decades. This is consistent with independent field observations that indicate high fire intensity contributed to widespread giant sequoia mortality. With the expanded use of prescribed fires planned over the next decade in California to mitigate wildfire impacts, our measurement approach has the potential to provide regionally-integrated estimates of the effectiveness of fuel treatment programs.

The objective of this study was to trace the inclusion of bovine meat and bone meal (BMBM) in the diet of Japanese quails by analyzing eggs and egg fractions (yolk and albumen) by the technique of carbon-13 (13C) and nitrogen-15 (15N) stable isotopes. In the trial, 120 Japanese quails were distributed in six treatments with four replicates of five birds each. The following treatments were applied: feed based on corn and soybean meal, containing graded BMBM inclusions (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5%). After 42 days, 20 eggs per treatment were randomly collected for three consecutive days. Ten eggs were used for yolk and albumen sample collection, and ten for total egg sample collection. It was possible to detect the dietary inclusion of 1% BMBM in the egg and its fractions. Therefore, the technique of isotopes 13C and 15N is able of tracing since 1% inclusion level of BMBM in the diet of Japanese quails in eggs and their fractions.

The present study aims to assess the effects of cigarette smoke inhalation and/or coffee consumption on bone formation and osseous integration of a dense hydroxyapatite (DHA) implant in rats. For this study, 20 male rats were divided into four groups (n = 5): CT (control) group, CE (coffee) group, CI (cigarette) group and CC (coffee + cigarette) group. During 16 weeks, animals in the CI group were exposed to cigarette smoke inhalation equivalent to 6 cigarettes per day; specimens in the CE group drank coffee as liquid diet; and rats in the CC group were submitted to both substances. In the 6th week a 5 mm slit in the parietal bone and a 4 mm slit in the tibia were performed on the left side: the former was left open while the latter received a DHA implant. As soon as surgeries were finished, the animals returned to their original protocols and after 10 weeks of exposure they were euthanised (ethically sacrificed) and the mentioned bones collected for histological processing. Data showed that exposure to cigarette smoke inhalation and coffee consumption did not interfere in weight gain and that solid and liquid diet consumption was satisfactory. Rats in the CC group showed a decrease in bone neoformation around the tibial DHA implant (31.8 ± 2.8) as well as in bone formation in the parietal slit (28.6 ± 2.2). On their own, cigarette smoke inhalation or coffee consumption also led to diminished bone neoformation around the implant and delayed the bone repair process in relation to the CT group. However, reduction in the bone repair process was accentuated with exposure to both cigarette smoke inhalation and coffee consumption in this study.O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do tabagismo e do consumo de café, isolada ou concomitantemente, sobre a formação óssea e a osseointegração de implantes hidroxiapatita densa. Foram utilizados 20 ratos machos, divididos em quatro grupos (n = 5): grupo CT (controle); grupo CA (café); grupo CI (cigarro), e grupo CC (cigarro + café). Durante 16 semanas, os animais do grupo CI foram expostos à fumaça de seis cigarros/dia; os animais do grupo CA consumiram café como dieta líquida, e os animais do grupo CC, ambas as substâncias. Após seis semanas de exposição, uma falha óssea de 5 mm foi produzida no osso parietal esquerdo e de 4 mm, na tíbia esquerda dos animais. A falha do parietal foi mantida aberta, enquanto na tíbia corpos cerâmicos de hidroxiapatita densa (HAD) foram implantados em cavidade produzida cirurgicamente. Após as cirurgias, os animais retornaram aos protocolos experimentais e, ao término de dez semanas, foram eutanasiados, sendo as tíbias e os parietais coletados para processamento histológico. A exposição à fumaça do cigarro e o consumo de café não interferiram no ganho de peso dos animais, e os consumos de dieta líquida e sólida foram satisfatórios entre os grupos. Os animais do grupo CC apresentaram menor volume de osso neoformado ao redor do implante de HAD na tíbia (31,8 ± 2,8) e menor osteogênese na falha produzida no osso parietal (28,6 ± 2,2). O café e o cigarro consumidos isoladamente provocam a diminuição do volume de osso ao redor do implante e o atraso no processo de reparação óssea. Observou-se que o consumo de café associado à exposição à fumaça do cigarro reduziu de forma acentuada o processo de reparação óssea, no presente estudo.

This study aimed at evaluating the alternative method of zinc oxide and fasting to induce molt in Japanese quails. A total number of 190 48-week-old quails was used. They were at end of laying cycle, and presented low egg production. Quails molted by zinc oxide (Z) were fed a diet containing 25,000 ppm of zinc oxide, and received water ad libitum. Quails treated by fasting (F) received no feed and a day of water restriction. The treatment period was determined by the experimental level of body weight loss (BWL). Birds were submitted to different levels of BWL in order to analyze reproductive system regression (ovary + oviduct), and livability. The following groups were established according to their BWL: Control (untreated quails); F25 (25% BWL by F); F35 (35% BWL by F); Z25 (25% BWL by Z), and Z35 (35% BWL by Z). Z25, Z35, and F35 presented no significant differences in reproductive system weights after molting; however, their weights were lower than F. Z, Z, and F presented the following livability: 97.5, 72.5, and 90%. Japanese quails treated by the alternative method of zinc oxide, presenting body weight loss of 25%, showed low mortality rate, and adequate regression of the reproductive organs.

Lumbar discectomy is the surgical procedure most frequently performed for patients suffering from low back pain and sciatica. Disc herniation as a consequence of degenerative or traumatic processes is commonly encountered as the underlying cause for the painful condition. While discectomy provides favourable outcome in a majority of cases, there are conditions where unmet requirements exist in terms of treatment, such as large disc protrusions with minimal disc degeneration; in these cases, the high rate of recurrent disc herniation after discectomy is a prevalent problem. An effective biological annular repair could improve the surgical outcome in patients with contained disc herniations but otherwise minor degenerative changes. An attractive approach is a tissue-engineered implant that will enable/stimulate the repair of the ruptured annulus. The strategy is to develop three-dimensional scaffolds and activate them by seeding cells or by incorporating molecular signals that enable new matrix synthesis at the defect site, while the biomaterial provides immediate closure of the defect and maintains the mechanical properties of the disc. This review is structured into (1) introduction, (2) clinical problems, current treatment options and needs, (3) biomechanical demands, (4) cellular and extracellular components, (5) biomaterials for delivery, scaffolding and support, (6) pre-clinical models for evaluation of newly developed cell- and material-based therapies, and (7) conclusions. This article highlights that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for successful development of new clinical methods for annulus fibrosus repair. This will benefit from a close collaboration between research groups with expertise in all areas addressed in this review.

A novel output-only subspace identification method is proposed to estimate the structural parameters of a shear-beam building under unknown ground excitation. The unique feature of the method is that both the structural parameters and the ground acceleration can be identified using only the absolute acceleration response, and no displacement and velocity responses are required. The method uses two subspace identification techniques sequentially and iteratively. The first technique extracts modal parameters of the building (natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes) using the absolute acceleration response and assumed or identified ground acceleration. These modal parameters further lead to the estimation of the building’s structural parameters when the mass properties of the building are known. The second technique then estimates the ground acceleration using the absolute acceleration and the obtained structural parameters from the first technique. The two techniques are performed iteratively until the estimated structural parameters converge. A numerical example and a laboratory test are used to illustrate the proposed identification method. Results show that the estimation of structural parameters is fairly robust to the presence of measurement noise while the unknown ground acceleration is not in high frequency range. Factors influencing the performance of the technique are also studied and discussed.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of sediment composition on methane (CH4) dynamics in sediments of different areas in the transition zone between a mangrove and the sea. This research was conducted in a mangrove at Coroa Grande, on the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro. Samples were collected at three stations: (1) region colonised by Rhizophora mangle L. on the edge of the mangrove, (2) region colonised by seagrasses and (3) infra-littoral region without vegetation. Samples were collected from the surface layer of the sediment to determine the concentrations of nutrients (C, N and P) and CH4 concentration and production. We observed that concentrations of CH4 and carbon (C) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in station 1 than station 3. The molar ratios (C:N, C:P and N:P) suggest that the origin of the substrate is mainly autochthonous. Methanogenesis was initially low, possibly due to competition between methanogens and sulfate reducers, and increased significantly (p < 0.05) on the twenty-sixth day in the sediment of station 1, probably due to higher organic matter (OM) availability in this region. Results indicate that methanogenic activity observed herein is not regulated by the amount or quality of OM, but by other factors. The concentration of CH4 in the sea-land ecotone at Mangrove Coroa Grande is a function of available OM suggesting a possible inhibition of methanotrophy by intense oxygen consumption in the soil surface covered by detritus of Rhizophora mangle vegetation.O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a dinâmica do metano (CH4) no sedimento em diferentes áreas na região de transição entre a borda do manguezal e o mar, em função da composição do sedimento. A pesquisa foi realizada no Manguezal de Coroa Grande, no litoral sul do Estado do Rio de janeiro. Foram coletadas amostras em três estações: (1) região colonizada por Rhizophora mangle L. na borda do mangue, (2) região colonizada por macrófitas, e (3) região sem vegetação, permanentemente inundada pelo mar. Foram coletadas amostras da fração superficial do sedimento para determinação da concentração de nutrientes (C, N e P), e da concentração e da produção de CH4. Foi observado que as concentrações de CH4 e carbono (C) foram significativamente maiores (p < 0,05) na estação 1, em relação à estação 3. Com relação às razões molares (C:N, C:P e N:P), estas indicam que a origem da composição do substrato é principalmente autóctone. Quanto à metanogênese, foram observados, inicialmente, baixos valores de CH4 produzido, indicando provável competição entre metanogênicos e sulfatorredutores. Seguiu-se, então, um significativo aumento (p < 0,05) da metanogênese no 26º dia, no sedimento da estação 1, provavelmente em função da maior disponibilidade de matéria orgânica (MO) nessa região. Os resultados mostram que a atividade metanogênica observada pela presente pesquisa não é regulada pela quantidade e a qualidade da MO e sim por outros fatores. A concentração de CH4 no ecótono mar-terra no manguezal de Coroa Grande, ocorre em função da MO disponível, sugerindo possível inibição da metanotrofia, em razão de intenso consumo de oxigênio na superfície do solo coberto pelo detrito da vegetação de Rhizophora mangle.

The entomophatogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces crystal proteins, named Cry proteins which are encoded by the cry genes. This bacterium is used on biological control of important economical pests, as well as in the control of disease´s vectors, such as Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that transmits the dengue viruses. Isolates of this bacterium can be characterized by the content of cry genes and this prediction helps target different insect orders. In this research, we isolated 76 colonies of B. thuringiensis from 30 soil samples that were taken from Ilha Bela (SP, Brazil), a place where simulids are already biologically controlled by B. thuringiensis, to find bacterial isolates that were capable of controlling A. aegypti. The 16S ribosomal subunit genes of the selected isolates were sequenced, and the isolates were molecularly characterized based on their Dipteran-specific cry gene contents. Eight of the 76 isolates (10.52%) contained the cry4Aa, cry4Ba or cry10Aa genes, these isolates were carried out against A. aegypti larvae on bioassay. The presence or absence of specific cry genes was associated with the observed average larval mortalities. From the 76 isolates, seven (9.2%) were potentially able to control A. aegypti larvae. Therefore these are promising isolates for the biological control of A. aegypti larvae.Bacillus thuringiensis é entomopatogênica, por produzir proteínas cristais, denominadas proteínas Cry, as quais são codificadas pelos genes cry. Essa bactéria atua no controle biológico de insetos-praga de culturas economicamente importantes, bem como no controle de insetos vetores causadores de doenças, como o Aedes aegypti, mosquito transmissor do vírus da dengue. Os isolados dessa bactéria podem ser caracterizados pelo conteúdo de genes cry que possuem e, assim, predizer o alvo de controle dos mesmos às diferentes ordens de insetos. Com o objetivo de encontrar isolados eficientes no controle do vetor A. aegypti, o presente trabalho isolou 76 colônias de B. thuringiensis a partir de 30 amostras de solo oriundas de Ilhabela-SP, município que se caracteriza por realizar controle biológico de simulídeos com essa bactéria. Os 76 isolados foram sequenciados na região da subunidade ribossomal 16S e caracterizados molecularmente quanto ao conteúdo de genes cry díptero-específicos. No total, oito isolados (10,52% do total) apresentaram bandas para os genes cry4Aa, cry4Ba e cry10Aa, sendo os mesmos testados contra larvas de A. aegypti por meio de bioensaios. A presença e/ou ausência dos genes cry foi associada à mortalidade média de larvas. Dentre os isolados estudados, sete (9,2% do total) apresentaram elevado potencial de controle às larvas de A. aegypti, sendo assim considerados como promissores para o manejo do controle biológico de larvas de A. aegypti com a bactéria B. thuringiensis.

The outcome of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with either external fixation (35 patients) or internal fixation (24 patients) was reviewed. Outcome measures included the Rasmussen score, clinical complications, development of osteoarthritis and the requirement for total knee replacement (TKR). Twenty-two (92%) anatomical reductions were achieved in the internal fixation group compared to 27 (77%) in the external fixation group. Infective complications were more common in the external fixation group (9 patients, 26%) due to pin tract infection. There were no deep infections in the internal fixation group. The mean Rasmussen score was not significantly different (mean score 32 in external fixation and 29 in internal fixation) between the two groups and the incidence of osteoarthritis was the same in both groups. Four patients in the external fixation group underwent a TKR compared to 5 patients in the internal fixation group. Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures have similar outcomes following external or internal fixation.

Cross-neutralization of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom coagulant activity was tested using bivalent horse antivenom against Bothrops alternatus and Bothrops diporus venoms. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that bothropic antivenom neutralizes the thrombin-like activity of crotalic snake venom and this cross-reaction was demonstrated by immunoassays either with whole venom or a purified thrombin-like enzyme. These results suggest common antigenic properties and, consequently, similar molecular structure among venom thrombin-like enzymes. Besides, they provide information that could be further used in the development of new antivenom formulations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of annato (Bixa orellana L.) and turmeric (Turmeric longa L.) in layer feeds on live performance, egg quality, and yolk pigmentation and depigmentation time. A number of 144 layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments with six replicates of six birds each. In the basal diet, sorghum replaced 50% of corn, and was supplemented or not with natural pigments to composse the following treatments: Control (0% pigments), AS (2.0% annato), TR (2% turmeric) and ASTR (1% annato and 1% turmeric). Egg weight (g), egg production (%), egg mass (%), feed intake (g), feed conversion ratio (kg/dz and kg/kg) and mortality were evaluated. The following egg quality parameters were evaluated: specific gravity (SG); yolk, albumen, and eggshell percentages, and yolk color. The treatments did not influence layer performance or egg quality parameters, except for egg production and yolk color. The dietary inclusion of 1% turmeric root and 1% annato seed promoted higher egg production. Diets containing annato resulted in more saturated, more intense, and redder yolk color, with increasing pigment deposition after day 10, with maximum values obtained on day 28. Dried turmeric root did not promote good yolk pigmentation, resulting in higher presence of white in the yolk, which was stabilized on day 4. Three days after pigments were withdrawn from the feeds, yolk color faded in the treatments with annato inclusion.

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of dietary calcium levels and the replacement of calcium sources with different particle size compositions on the performance and egg quality of brown layers in their second egg production cycle. A randomized block experimental design was applied with 12 treatments in a 3x4 factorial arrangement: three calcium levels (2.6, 3.2, 3.8 %) and four combinations of calcium sources (1- 100% fine limestone (FL), 2- 50% FL + 50% coarse limestone (CL), 3- 50% FL and 50% oyster shell (OS), 4- 50% FL and 25% CL+ 25 %OS), with six replicates of eight birds each. Calcium sources were analyzed for geometric mean diameter (GMD) and in-vitro solubility. The following performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated: egg weight (EW, g), egg production (% Eggs), egg mass (EM %), feed intake (FI g), feed conversion ratio (FCR kg/dz and FCR kg/kg), mortality (% Mort.), specific egg gravity (SG), percentages of yolk (Y%), albumen (Alb%) and eggshell (ES%), eggshell thickness (EST), eggshell breaking strength (BS), eggshell weight per surface area (EWSA), Haugh unit (HU), yolk index (YI) and yolk color. Performance and internal egg quality were not affected by the treatments (p>0.05). Blocks had a significant effect on (p

Studies on the relationships between animal nutrition and immunity have sought reliable methodologies to measure responses. Cell-mediated immune response is similarly studied in humans. The cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity test (CBH) is one of the methods to measure that response and consists in the infiltration of inflammatory cells, particularly of lymphocytes and basophils, as result of the application of substances capable of inducing cell proliferation in determined sites, such as wings, wattle, and interdigital space in birds. CBH is considered a simple and fast method and can be applied in birds of different ages. In immunocompetence studies with poultry, phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) is a commonly used substance, despite the variability of the response related to the method of application (intradermal injection) and the antigens used. In the present experiment, PHA-P was used to observe the cell-mediated immune response of 216 chicks fed three dietary levels of vitamin E from 1 to 36 days of age. All birds were immunologically challenged by vaccination against coccidiosis at three days of age and against Newcastle Disease (NCD) at 14 and 30 days of age. At 36 days of age, birds were submitted to the CBH test according to the methodology of Corrier & DeLoach (1990). Birds fed 65mg/kg of vitamin E presented lasting cell reaction (p

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis after 2 weeks of preoperative anti-tuberculosis treatment and to compare PCR to the Löwenstein - Jensen Culture (LJC) and histopathological examination (HPE) methods. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were included in this study. Sixteen patients were diagnosed and treated for spinal tuberculosis based on clinical and radiological evidence. Nine patients were controls. The LJC method and HPE of the specimen were performed according to hospital protocol. PCR was performed using primer encoding insertion of sequences IS6110 for mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Clinical findings and radiological features were the gold standard for comparison. RESULTS: PCR results were 15 positive and one negative. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR was 94% and 100% respectively (with 95% confidence interval [CI] 67% to 99% and 63% to 100%, respectively). HPE results showed 13 were positive and 3 negative in the spinal tuberculosis group; for the control group, all were negative. Sensitivity and specificity value of HPE was 82 % and 100% respectively (with 95% confidence interval [CI] 54% to 95% and 63% to 100%, respectively). Use of LJC showed only one was positive and 15 were negative in the spinal tuberculosis group whole all nine in the control group were negative. Sensitivity and specificity value of LJC was 6% and 100% respectively (with 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3% to 32% and 63% to 100%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is reliable as a method for diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis, even after of 2 weeks of anti-TB treatment, with an overall sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 100%.