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2062431
Ecological and Anthropogenic Drivers of Hairtail Catch Distribution: A Spatial Analysis of the Southern Coastal Waters of South Korea.
Simple Summary: Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) is a commercially important fish species in South Korea, serving as both a vital food source and a major contributor to the local fishing industry. However, catch rates vary spatially and temporally in response to oceanographic conditions, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, salinity, and food availability. In this study, we investigated the spatial and seasonal distribution of hairtail catches across the southern coastal waters of South Korea. We applied a spatial analytical approach that accounts for both site-specific conditions and the interactions among neighboring areas. Our results indicated that hairtail abundance was positively associated with areas of higher salinity and lower oxygen concentrations. Furthermore, regions with elevated phytoplankton biomass, an essential food source for smaller marine organisms, were found to enhance hairtail presence in adjacent waters. These findings advance our understanding of the species' habitat preferences and environmental responses, providing insights that can inform more effective and sustainable fisheries management strategies. By integrating spatial mapping and environmental data, this research offers critical information for shaping future fishing policies and conserving key fishery resources such as hairtail. This study examined the spatial distribution and environmental determinants of hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) catch volumes in the southern coastal waters of South Korea, employing a Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) based on grid-level data collected from 2020 to 2022. Key explanatory variables included chlorophyll-a concentration, dissolved oxygen, salinity, sea surface temperature, and fishing effort. Spatial autocorrelation was confirmed through Moran's I test, justifying the application of a spatial econometric framework. Among the environmental factors, salinity exhibited the strongest positive direct effect on catch volumes, whereas dissolved oxygen consistently showed a negative effect. Chlorophyll-a concentration exhibited significant positive effects both within local grids and in neighboring areas. Sea surface temperature also had a modest but significant direct effect on catch volumes. Additionally, higher fishing effort was associated with increased catch volumes, emphasizing the spatial impact of human activities on fishery resources. These findings reveal that hairtail tend to aggregate in high-salinity, low-oxygen environments and respond to seasonal oceanographic variations. Overall, the results highlight the value of spatial econometric models in fisheries research by revealing how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence fish catch through both direct and indirect effects. The spatial framework offers deeper insight into the mechanisms driving hairtail distribution, particularly in ecologically complex regions like the Jeju Strait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Cord Blood Exosomal miRNAs from Small-for-Gestational-Age Newborns: Association with Measures of Postnatal Catch-Up Growth and Insulin Resistance.
Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants who experience a marked postnatal catch-up, mainly in weight, are at risk for developing metabolic disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms are imprecise. Exosomes and their cargo (including miRNAs) mediate intercellular communication and may contribute to altered crosstalk among tissues. We assessed the miRNA profile in cord blood-derived exosomes from 10 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 10 SGA infants by small RNA sequencing; differentially expressed miRNAs with a fold change ≥2.4 were validated by RT-qPCR in 40 AGA and 35 SGA infants and correlated with anthropometric, body composition (DXA) and endocrine–metabolic parameters at 4 and 12 mo. miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p and miR-206 were down-regulated, whereas miR-372-3p, miR-519d-3p and miR-1299 were up-regulated in SGA infants. The target genes of these miRNAs related to insulin, RAP1, TGF beta and neurotrophin signaling. Receiver operating characteristic analysis disclosed that these miRNAs predicted with accuracy the 0–12 mo changes in body mass index and in total and abdominal fat and lean mass. In conclusion, the exosomal miRNA profile at birth differs between AGA and SGA infants and associates with measures of catch-up growth, insulin resistance and body composition through late infancy. Further follow-up of this population will disclose whether these associations persist into childhood, puberty and adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Association of weekend catch-up sleep ratio with depressive risk: insights from NHANES 2021–2023.
Background: Depression is a common global mental health issue, affecting around 3.8% of the population. It significantly impacts quality of life and social functioning, posing a major public health challenge. Sleep is a key factor influencing depression, with both sleep quality and quantity linked to mental health. However, sleep deprivation is widespread, and many people compensate by "weekend sleep recovery." The effects of sleep deprivation and weekend recovery on depression risk are unclear, as irregular sleep patterns may worsen depressive symptoms. This study introduces the "Weekend Catch-up Sleep Ratio" (CUS ratio) to better understand the relationship between sleep patterns and depression. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from individuals who participated in the 2021–2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and had complete data on CUS and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the potential independent association between depression and the CUS ratio. Additionally, smoothing curve fitting, threshold effect analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were conducted. Results: A total of 4,656 individuals were analyzed, categorized by depression symptoms (PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher), with an overall depression risk of 12.4%. In the adjusted model, the CUS ratio was significantly positively associated with depression risk (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25–2.45), exhibiting a nonlinear threshold effect (inflection point at 1.11). When the CUS ratio ≤ 1.11, an increase in the ratio was associated with a reduced depression risk (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.89), whereas when the CUS ratio > 1.11, each unit increase in the ratio significantly increased depression risk by 187% (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.84–4.50). Individuals with education levels of less than 9th grade, some college or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, those who are overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30), and those without diabetes appeared more sensitive to fluctuations in sleep patterns. In the adjusted model for the severity of depressive symptoms, the CUS ratio was significantly positively associated with depression severity (Aβ = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09–0.28), also exhibiting a nonlinear threshold effect (inflection point at 1.11). When the CUS ratio ≤ 1.11, an increase in the ratio was associated with a reduction in depression severity (Aβ = -0.35, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.09), whereas when the CUS ratio > 1.11, each unit increase in the ratio significantly increased depression severity (Aβ = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.24–0.49). In particular, individuals without diabetes appeared more sensitive to fluctuations in sleep patterns. Conclusions: This study suggests that maintaining a balanced sleep pattern, with a CUS ratio between 1 and 1.11, may help reduce depression risk and promote better mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Improving Survey Methods for the Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae): Influence of Collection Device, Tree Host, and Lure on Trap Catch and Detection.
Since its introduction into the USA, the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) has spread across the landscape relatively unchecked. With a wide host range, it is considered a serious pest of native forest species, as well as agricultural crops. Circle traps placed on Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) are passive traps collecting SLF as they walk up and down the tree trunk. These traps are successful at detecting new populations of SLF, but this can be challenging to implement at a large scale due to costs and host availability. To improve and facilitate SLF trapping practices, we investigated three key trapping components: improved collection containers, placement on alternative hosts, and lure (methyl salicylate) impact. In initial trials comparing collection jars to removable plastic bags, the adult SLF catch was four times higher using the bag design. In a multi-state survey at varying population densities, the bag traps were comparable to the jar traps but were significantly more effective than BugBarrier® tree bands, especially during the adult stage. Catch and detection in circle traps placed on alternative hosts, Acer spp. L. (Sapindales: Sapindalaceae) and Juglans nigra L. (Fagales: Juglandaceae), were comparable to those placed on the preferred host A. altissima, especially in the earlier life stages. Additionally, detection rates of methyl salicylate-baited traps on all three hosts were comparable to those on non-baited traps. These results suggest that circle traps fitted with bags provide higher trap catch and an improvement in sample quality. In addition, circle traps were equally effective when placed on maple and black walnut, while methyl salicylate lures do not enhance trap catch or detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Ground testing and calibration of focal plane detector flight model on board the first pathfinder of CATCH
CATCH-1, as the first satellite of Chasing All Transients Constellation Hunters (CATCH) space mission, was successfully launched into its expected orbit on June 22, 2024. The flight model underwent environmental tests before launch, including thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, and mechanical evaluations. The CATCH-1 detector system is equipped with a 4-pixel Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) array. To ensure the reliability and redundancy of the CATCH-1 detector system, two sets of data acquisition systems were independently designed and calibrated. Our focus is on presenting the ground calibration results of CATCH-1, which demonstrate a strong linear correlation between energy and channel. The main data acquisition system achieves an energy resolution of ∼≤∼4μs≤10μs 120 eV@4 keV, while the backup data acquisition system has a slightly lower energy resolution of around 150 eV@4 keV, both meeting the design requirement of ∼≤∼4μs≤10μs 160 eV@4 keV. Additionally, the time resolution is ∼≤∼4μs≤10μs, complying with the design requirement of ∼≤∼4μs≤10μs. The calibration database now includes the ground calibration results of CATCH-1, establishing a dependable basis for future data analysis. The development experience, calibration, and test results of this detector system will also provide a solid foundation for subsequent tasks such as CATCH-2.
Guinean landing surveys of Bentfin devil rays add insight into threatened elasmobranch catch.
Populations of many elasmobranchs have decreased globally, with over a third of species threatened with an elevated risk of extinction, largely due to fishing pressure. In West Africa, a general lack of species-specific catch data limits the ability to implement effective management, despite significant elasmobranch catch. The aim of this study was to (1) assess landings of mobulid rays, along with other elasmobranch species, recorded opportunistically in fisheries from Guinean waters, (2) provide information on the value and trade of these species, and (3) discuss management implications. Elasmobranchs were photographed and identified during market surveys over a ten-month period in 2014 and 2015, at four local Guinean fish markets: Bonfi, Boulbinet, Kassa, and Kamsar. A total of 1954 specimens, comprising 17 different elasmobranch species, were recorded across all markets. Of these species, 94% are assessed as threatened (vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered) and 6% are assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. The only mobulid species recorded was Mobula thurstoni, with significantly larger specimens recorded in Boulbinet, while in Bonfi fishing grounds overlapped with young-of-the-year specimens. When considering all elasmobranch landings, Bonfi and Boulbinet had similar species compositions, although when considering daily data, species composition tended to differ. Indicator Species Analysis indicated that Carcharhinus falciformis, Carcharhinus leucas, and Mustelus mustelus were top indicator species for Bonfi (with high specificity and fidelity), while Paragaleus pectoralis and Gymnura sereti were key indicator species for Boulbinet. Records of selling price at Bonfi were higher for various stingray species than larger shark species, suggesting meat as a primary driver of the fishery. This study adds insight into the species composition of elasmobranch catch in West Africa and highlights specific fishing sectors contributing to elasmobranch exploitation locally; information which is needed to understand the effects on regional stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Reconstructing historical catch trends of threatened sharks and rays based on fisher ecological knowledge.
Small‐scale fisheries often lack historical shark and ray catch information, hampering their management. We reconstructed historical catch trends and current fishing pressure by combining local ecological knowledge, satellite‐based vessel counts, and a short‐term landing‐site survey. To test the effectiveness of this method, we focused on the Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa), where historical fisheries data are lacking. Benthic rays (stingrays [Dasyatidae] and butterfly rays [Gymnura spp.]), benthopelagic rays (duckbill eagle rays [Aetomylaeus bovinus] and cownose rays [Rhinoptera marginata]), guitarfish (Glaucostegus and Rhinobatos spp.), requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae), and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.) declined in abundance by 81.5–96.7% (species dependent) from 1960 to 2020. Fishing effort increased annually: fishing trip duration by 42.0% (SE 3.4), numbers of fishing vessels at sea as perceived by fishers by 36.3% (1.0) (1960–2020), and number of vessels by 12.0% (1.1) (2007–2022). We estimated that in 2020, fishing vessels collectively captured 61–264 sharks and 522–2194 rays per day in the archipelago, depending on the proportion of the fishing fleet that was active (i.e., low fleet activity of 18% and high fleet activity of 80%). We advocate for reducing shark and ray catches by regulating fleet size, reinforcing boundaries of protected areas, and collecting fisher‐dependent information on shark and ray landings to safeguard these vulnerable species and coastal livelihoods. We demonstrated the effectiveness of using this 3‐pronged approach to provide baseline data on shark fisheries, a common challenge in areas with small‐scale fisheries and limited research capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]