Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI FROM SHEEP, GOATS AND THEIR HANDLERS

Title of thesis : Studies on Isolation and Characterization of Escherichia coli from sheep, goats and their handlers Name of Student : Irfan Ashraf Registration No. : J-14-MV-378 Major Subject : Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology Name and Designation of : Dr. Mohd Rashid Major Advisor Associate Professor, Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, F.V. Sc & A.H. , R.S. Pura, Jammu. Degree to be Awarded : M.V. Sc (Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology) Year of Award of Degree : 2016 Name of University : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-Jammu (J&K) A total of 170 samples comprising of 30 faecal samples and 30 rectal swabs of each sheep and goats, 25 stool samples and 25 hand swabs of their handlers were collected from in and around Jammu district and processed for the isolation of E. coli. Sixty five biochemically confirmed isolates including 27 of sheep, 26 of goats and 12 of their handlers were obtained. In vitro virulence characterization of isolates exhibited that 55.5% of isolates of sheep and 50% isolates of goats took colour of Congo red dye, similarly 25.9% and 34.6% isolates of sheep and goats respectively were haemolytic on blood agar, but none of human isolate was found pathogenic on both of the in vitro pathogenicity assays. Target specific primers of mPCR for stx1, stx2, eaeA and hlyA detected STEC in 28 isolates, with prevalence rate of 55.5%, 50%, and 0% in sheep, goats and their nomadic handlers respectively. All the isolates of handlers were negative for all genes and none of the sheep and goat isolate was found positive for eaeA gene. The antibiogram screening showed differential susceptibility pattern among E. coli isolates. Norfloxacin was found most potent drug with 84.6% sensitivity followed by Chloramphenicol (80%), Co-trimoxazole (75.3%) and Nalidixic acid (70.7%). However 60% of E. coli isolates were resistant to Ampicillin and Amikacin.
Ammonia Volatilization, Rice Yield, and Nitrogen Uptake Responses to Simulated Rainfall and Urease Inhibitor

The effect of rainfall between urea application and flood establishment on rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield has not been studied. We compared the effects of simulated rainfall amount and N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) urease inhibitor rate on NH₃ volatilization and rice growth. Three field experiments were conducted and NH₃ volatilization was measured in two trials for 11 d after urea application (DAA). Untreated urea (Urea) or NBPT-treated urea (NBPT-Urea) was subjected to six simulated rainfall amounts (0–25.4 mm) applied 5 to 15 h after fertilizer application and flooded 7 to 12 DAA. Cumulative NH₃ loss from Urea accounted for 8.6% of the applied N (112–118 kg N ha–¹) with no simulated rainfall and decreased quadratically to 0.6% with 25.4 mm of simulated rainfall. Cumulative NH₃ loss from NBPT-Urea decreased quadratically as simulated rainfall amount increased but loss was 0.2 to 2.0% of the applied N. Depending on the site, yields of rice fertilized with Urea decreased linearly or nonlinearly as simulated rainfall increased with the greatest yield produced by rice receiving no simulated rainfall. The yields of rice fertilized with NBPT-Urea were not affected by simulated rainfall amount in two trials. In the third trial, the yields of rice receiving NBPT-Urea decreased nonlinearly as simulated rainfall amount increased but were 8.9 to 18.1% (746–1376 kg ha–¹) greater than the yields of Urea-fertilized rice. Rainfall following urea application reduces NH₃ loss but appears to increase N loss via denitrification. Based on yield results, total N loss was reduced when urea was treated with NBPT.
A study on some population parameters of mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis L., 1758) in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea)

The population parameters of mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis Linnaeus, 1758) were studied regarding age composition, sex ratio, growth, survival and mortality rates, and the exploitation rate in the Aegean coasts of Turkey in 2013. We collected 936 specimens by shrimp gillnets along the coasts of Izmir Province from April to October 2013. The mean condition factor was K = 1.02 for both sexes, while the sex ratio was 58.7% for female and 41.3% male. Mean lengths, mean weight and length–weight relationship were calculated as TL = 12.57 ± 0.07 cm, CL = 3.02 ± 0.02 cm, W = 22.14 ± 0.37 g, W = 0.0098 × L3.02. Age determination was based on indirect ageing through length–frequency data using the Bhattacharya method. The age of the population varied from 0+ to 3+. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as TL∞ = 19.69 cm, CL∞ = 4.74, W∞ = 79.41 g, k = 0.50 year−1 and t0 = −0.37 year. Mortality and exploitation rates derived as Z = 1.90, M = 1.16, F = 0.74 and E = 0.39, respectively.
THE CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF BED BUGS ( CIMEX LECTULARIUS , L.) AND THE IMPACT OF A NEUROTOXIC INSECTICIDE ON PHYSIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

OF DISSERTATION THE CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF BED BUGS (CIMEX LECTULARIUS, L.) AND THE IMPACT OF A NEUROTOXIC INSECTICIDE ON PHYSIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR Following a decades-long hiatus in many nations, populations of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have rebounded and are thriving on a global scale posing substantial challenges for pest management professionals. Insecticide resistance to both pyrethroid and neonicotinoid compounds has been identified in many populations, leading to renewed interest in alternative control methods for management of this pest. The objectives of my dissertation research were to study various, typically cryptic, bed bug behaviors in order to improve both conventional and alternative management strategies. Novel behavioral interactions among mother and offspring were characterized. Additionally, changes in behavior and physiology after treatment with a commercial insecticide were explored. In the laboratory, the presence of female bed bugs improved foraging efficacy of first instar nymphs. There is evidence that this interaction is mediated by low-volatility pheromones deposited in the feces by adult females following feeding. This discovery may lead to an improvement in trapping methods for juvenile bed bugs. A novel behavior, egg-marking, by females was characterized. After laying an egg, females rapidly move the abdomen side to side above their egg for 8-41 seconds. Although the function of this behavior is yet to be characterized, some evidence suggests a potential form of maternal care. Finally, laboratory assays indicate numerous detrimental effects of sublethal exposure to the commercial insecticide, Temprid® SC, which could impact management practices in the field. Sublethal exposure to Temprid® SC led to decreases in egg viability, feeding efficacy, locomotion, and mating success. Other behavioral changes were more variable, such as the first and median day of egg laying. Aggregation behavior and eclosion of fifth instars, however, were not impacted by treatment. In this dissertation, I show that i) females benefit offspring by enhancing feeding efficacy of first instars, and ii) sublethal impacts of Temprid® SC affect bed bug behavior and physiology in ways that could impact current management strategies. These results demonstrate that alternative management strategies disrupting motheroffspring interactions are possible for bed bug control. Bed bug behavior, especially in response to insecticide treatment, should also be thoroughly evaluated to enhance conventional control practices for C. lectularius in the field.
Self-assembling properties of lactic acid derivative with several ester linkages in the molecular core

The effect of several polar ester linkage groups incorporated in the molecular core of a chiral lactic acid derivative on self-assembling properties has been investigated by polarizing optical microscopy, small angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and electro--optical studies. The compound possesses the paraelectric smectic A* (SmA*) and ferroelectric smectic C* (SmC*) phases over a broad temperature range. Mesomorphic behaviour, spontaneous polarization, birefringence, optical transmission, dielectric anisotropy and structural properties of the self-assembled chiral material have been determined. The obtained results are discussed and compared with that of other liquid crystalline materials. Experimentally determined spontaneous polarization and tilt angle values are also used to elucidate the nature of SmC* to SmA* phase transition. The effect of polar ester linkages in the molecular core has also been discussed.
Comparison of Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Whole Genome Sequencing in Clostridium difficile Typing

• C. difficile strain relatedness assessment correlated between PFGE and WGS, but the higher resolution of WGS showed that PFGE classified a significant portion of genomically distinct isolates as related. • The Simpson’s index shows that WGS has higher discriminatory power, with 2 strains chosen at random having 97.3% probability of belonging to 2 different types • WGS can further refine molecular links in the epidemiology of C. difficile infection transmission. Background Comparison of Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Whole Genome Sequencing in Clostridium difficile Typing L. Y. Kong1, D. Eyre2, A. S. Walker3, J. Corbeil4, M. Wilcox5, A. -M. Bourgault1,6, A. Dascal7, M. Oughton7, S. Michaud8, B. Toye9, E. Frost8, L. Poirier10, P. Brassard1, N. Turgeon11, R. Gilca12, V. G. Loo1 1McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada 2University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, 3NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK, 4Centre de recherche CHUQ-CHUL, SainteFoy, Canada, 5University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, 6Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada 7Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Canada 8Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada, 9Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, 10Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Canada, 11Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, Canada, 12Quebec Institute of Public Health, Quebec, Canada 59123
Molecular xenomonitoring of trypanosomes in tsetse flies

Monitoring trypanosomes infections in wild-caught tsetse flies in a given area, is important in prediction of epidemic outbreaks and spread of disease, and could help focus control programs for areas requiring immediate attention in order to limit disease transmission and spread. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the recently developed RIME LAMP and PanTryp LAMP for screening large numbers of tsetse flies for trypanosomes and to assess their sensitivities and specificities for trypanosomes in endemic areas. Wild-caught tsetse flies were dissected and the mid-guts examined by microscopy. The mid-guts were pooled in fives (including one infected gut where applicable), homogenised and DNA extracted by Quiagen kits. TBR- and ITS-PCRs were carried out and examined under ethidium bromide-stained agarose gels while RIMELAMP and PanTryp LAMP were carried out and stained with SYBR green and also observed under ethidium bromide stained agarose gels. A total of 14912 tsetse flies identified as Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, Glossina. pallidipes, Glossina morsitans, Glossina. swynnertoni, Glossina fuscipes quazensis were trapped from the six different countries. Of these, 8789 were dissected. Both males and female tsetse flies had equal infection rates (12.2%) although overall infection rates varied with country. The highest number of infected tsetse flies was obtained by PanTryp LAMP followed by RIME LAMP, ITS-PCR, TBR-PCR and microscopy respectively. PanTryp LAMP was the most sensitive method followed by ITS-PCR, RIME LAMP and TBR-PCR respectively. However, ITS-PCR was the most specific followed by TBR-PCR, RIME LAMP and PanTryp LAMP respectively. Carrying out LAMP tests in the field provides the simplest and quickest means to estimate trypanosome infection rates in the vector tsetse flies. Key words: Xenomonitoring, trypanosome, tsetse fly, LAMP.
Chronicles of Restoration

We have almost lost one of the richest landscapes on the continent. The tallgrass savanna, once called barrens, oak openings or prairie grove, a characteristic natural landscape of the Midwest, now survives only as scattered and degraded fragments on the verge of extinction. Savanna is a classic example of a community whose continued existence depends almost entirely on a program of active restoration. Ten years of work to restore oak savanna in the Chicago area has led to some success in rejuvenating a number of degraded, remnant savannas. Equally important, this work has led to some insights into the nature of savanna, insights that had eluded earlier, more purely descriptive studies and that seem likely to be crucial to efforts to restore and manage--and so to conserve--this community over the long term. Altogether, this experience has clearly demonstrated the value of restoration, not only as a conservation technique, but as a way of gaining a clearer understanding of the community or ecosystem being restored--even, as in this case, one that has virtually disappeared. Specifically, we have learned six things about oak savannas in the course of this work*: (1) The standard conception of the savanna as a "prairie with trees" is profoundly misleading. In many ways the savanna is as different from prairie and forest as these communities are from each other. (2) If the old oaks survive, savanna restoration, though it takes some work, is both easier and faster than prairie restoration. (3) Even low intensity burning (with flame heights as low as six inches (15 cm) can be dramatically effective at removing invading alien shrubs and herbs from a savanna woodland. (4) In contrast with the results of earlier studies, savannas do include a considerable number of distinctive species-that is, species that predominate in savannas but not in prairies or oak forests. It has become clear that a complement of these herbaceous species must be present if the
Syllids inhabiting holdfasts of Lessonia spicata in Central Chile: diversity, systematics, and description of three new species

The diversity of syllid polychaetes inhabiting holdfasts of the brown algae Lessonia spicata in Central Chile was investigated. We found 12 species, belonging to the genera Syllis, Amblyosyllis, Proceraea and Salvatoria within the internal cavities of 14 holdfasts collected from the intertidal and subtidal zones of exposed rocky shores. This is the first record of syllid polychaetes living in association with the kelp L. spicata. In addition, we provide the descriptions of three new species, Syllis albae sp. nov., Syllis tamarae sp. nov. and Syllis tripantu sp. nov. discovered from the holdfast faunal assemblage. We describe their phylogenetic position and evolutionary relationships with other species within the genus Syllis, which were evaluated by phylogenetic analyses. Additionally, we provide new biogeographic information and ecological data, including updated distribution limits and habitat preferences for all identified species. This study highlights the importance of kelp holdfasts as hotspots of syllid diversity and suggests the potential use of associated Syllidae assemblages as tools for monitoring changes in the marine ecosystem that affect species distribution. http://zoobank.org/References/EE82D79E-1C24-4807-BBC7-C3BCBE343A47http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:93832177-4F4D-4BF1-925D-AC6DD7EE72CDhttp://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:74E5DCF6-6D4E-4B00-ABF9-EA4E82408A26http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7CAB9F72-7577-4C8F-AE03-093874603F67
Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil by immobilized lipase on superparamagnetic Fe3O4 hollow sub-microspheres

Abstract Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 hollow sub-microspheres (FHSM) with strong response to an external magnet were prepared via a solvothermal method, followed by acid etching. Lipase from Candida sp. 99–125 was directly immobilized onto the amino-functional FHSM by simple adsorption, without glutaraldehyde linkage. The immobilized lipase was used to catalyze the esterification/transesterification of waste cooking oil with methanol to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), a major source of biodiesel. FAME yield exceeded 93.4% over a wide range of temperatures from 10 to 40 °C. Notably, stability was clearly improved at the lower temperatures, in particular, giving a FAME yield of 89.6% after eight cycles of use at 10 °C.
Marine micro-phytoplankton of Singapore, with a review of harmful microalgae in the region

A survey of marine phytoplankton in the Singapore Strait was carried out between May and June 2013, as part of an effort to determine the diversity of phytoplankton in Singapore’s coastal waters. A total of 34 microalgal samples were collected using a 20 μm-mesh plankton net and from coastal sediments. Living samples and preserved samples in Lugol’s solution were identified to species as far as possible under the microscope. A checklist of marine micro-phytoplankton was updated to encompass 270 taxa, including 49 new records from Singapore waters. Some 37 species from 15 families were dinoflagellates, and 233 species from 50 families were diatoms. Harmful microalgae, categorized as biotoxin-producers and fish killers, were also found in this survey. These were in the genera Alexandrium, Amphidinium, Ceratium, Cochlodinium, Coolia, Dinophysis, Gambierdiscus, Karenia, Karlodinium, Ostreopsis, Prorocentrum, Nitzschia, and Pseudo-nitzschia.
Palatability trials on Merker grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Venezuela grass (Paspalum fasciculatum), and plantain pseudostalks (Musa paradisiaca).

Merker grass is the most important soilage grass actually grown in Puerto Rico. Besides its high yield per acre, from 70 to 100 tons, its high palatability is well known to all farmers. Venezuela grass was introduced from Venezuela, South America, to this Station several years ago; that accounts for its name (#). In Venezuela this grass is known as of Chiguirera grass (5, 6) and is a pest in the low wet lands due to its aggressiveness and poor palatability. Cattle eat some of it when it is young and tender, but as soon as it matures they reject it (5). A similar situation was observed at Río Piedras (6) and, because of this, it was decided to perform palatability trials before making any recommendation. Plantain pseudostalks are known to be eaten by cattle, but they are not usually used as forage. Around 29,000 acres were planted to plantains and bananas in 1956-57 (1). It is a common practice in Puerto Rico to cut and throw away the stalks after the fruit bunches are harvested. These stalks weigh around 40 pounds each on the average, and there are 600 plants to the acre. Production per acre is estimated thus as being about 12 tons; a total of 348,000 tons production is estimated for the whole Island. Prolonged dry periods are not uncommon in Puerto Rico. During the year 1955-56 the Island suffered nearly 8 months of drought, and many head of cattle died from hunger. The economic losses due to reductions in weight were incalculable. Every year the northern section of Puerto Rico suffers a 30to 60-day dry period and the south and southwest is dry from 60 to 120 days. Unfortunately, most of the cattle owners do not practice any forage preservation by making hay or silage during the time of luxurious growth of the grass in the summer and, when the dry period arrives, they give cattle whatever they can find: cane tops, tree leaves, etc.
Dynamics of Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus L.) population at Lake Kwiecko (West Pomerania)

Abstract Cypripedium calceolus is considered an endangered species in the territory of Poland. Population of this rare species, situated at Lake Kwiecko (Western Pomerania), was regularly monitored in the years 1986-2013. The studied population has been under the permanent influence of the nearby hydroelectric power plant for almost 45 years. The field observations showed that the power plant had no negative impact on the condition of Cypripedium calceolus population. An indication of its good condition was, among others, an increase in the size - from 150 to 350 specimens within the study period.
Molecular effects of isoflavone supplementation : human intervention studies and quantitative models for risk assessment

Background: Risk assessment can potentially be improved by closely linked experiments in the disciplines of epidemiology and toxicology. This was explored for isoflavones in a case study. For isoflavones potential beneficial health effects have been suggested, but discussions on their safety are ongoing as well. Aims and methods: Effects of isoflavone supplements on gene expression were studied in white blood cells (PBMCs) and adipose tissue, among postmenopausal women in two human intervention studies. To advance risk assessment, the dose response relation between intake and blood levels was studied with a log-linear regression model as well as the comparability of the human gene expression profiles with results from a rat experiment using multivariate analysis. Results: In both PBMCs and adipose tissue, changes in gene expression profiles pointed at effects of isoflavones on energy metabolism, inflammation and cell cycle; these effects were modified by supplement composition and equol-producing phenotype. Hypothesized estrogen-responsive effects were not observed. For the intake range of 0-100mg/day, the plasma concentrations of daidzein, equol, genistein and total isoflavones were quantified, interindividual variation. Expression of estrogen-responsive gene profiles and other biological pathways could be quantitatively compared between PBMCs and adipose tissue, as well as between humans and rats. en nog iets Conclusion: Effects of isoflavone supplementation on gene expression in PBMCs and adipose tissue of postmenopausal women suggest mainly beneficial effects of a dose of ~100mg/day. The absence of a clear estrogen-like response suggested a limited role of the estrogen receptor in isoflavone induced gene expression in postmenopausal women. The trials and quantitative models provide important tools[AG1] that enable further exploration of intertissue and interspecies comparability and advancing the use of transcriptomics in assessing risks and benefits. Modelling data from human and animal studies provide important possibilities for further exploration of intertissue and interspecies similarities and for the use of transcriptomics in improving risk assessment.
Annual rings of perennial forbs and mature oaks show similar effects of climate but inconsistent responses to fire in the North American prairie–forest ecotone

For the prairie–forest ecotone of central North America, research of the effects of climate and fire on the annual growth of nonwoody plant types is currently needed to compliment dendrochronological research used for predicting the stability of this ecotone in the future. Using cores of Quercus stellata Wangenh. and collars of taproots of Asclepias viridis Walter from central Oklahoma, as well as cores from Quercus macrocarpa Michx. and Lespedeza capitata Michx. collars in central Minnesota, we aimed to distinguish the response towards annual precipitation and temperature, as well as fire regime, between these co-existing plant types through patterns in annual ring growth. The effect of spring fire on the annual growth increment was only consistently significant for one of the forbs, with a positive relationship. The strong negative effect of summer temperature was consistent between forbs and Q. stellata, while the positive effect of either growing season precipitation was consistent between plant types.