Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vaccine-mediated protection against Campylobacter-associated enteric disease

We describe a novel vaccine that provides protection against Campylobacter-associated diarrhea in a natural exposure model. Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni are responsible for 400 million to 500 million cases of enteric disease each year and represent the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Despite its global importance, Campylobacter vaccine development has been hampered by the lack of animal models that recapitulate human disease pathogenesis. Here, we describe a naturally occurring Campylobacter-associated diarrhea model in outdoor-housed rhesus macaques. Using this model, we developed novel next-generation H2O2-based Campylobacter vaccines that induced strong antibacterial antibodies to multiple Campylobacter proteins including flagellin and provided up to 83% protection against severe C. coli–associated diarrhea. Whole-genome sequencing of circulating Campylobacter strains revealed little to no homology within lipooligosaccharide or capsular polysaccharide loci with the Campylobacter vaccine strains used in these studies, indicating that vaccine-mediated immunity was not restricted to a single homologous serotype. Together, these results demonstrate an important advance in vaccine development and a new approach to reducing Campylobacter-associated enteric disease.
Determination of ecotourism potential in national parks: Kure Mountains National Park, Kastamonu-Bartin, Turkey

Ecotourism is an important instrument used for contribution to preservation of the natural landscape and offers a solution to the poverty problem commonplace in underdeveloped regions. In addition, it produces a structure utility for the economic development and political progress of the local population, providing a resource for training of the visitors and for preservation. For the last five years, there have been significant initiatives concerning sustainable and environmentally sensitive tourism in Turkey. The National Tourism Strategy is one of these initiatives and its primary objective is to ensure the integration of ecotourism within protected areas. As part of this strategic plan, the Western Black Sea Region is designated as a notable area wherein ecotourism is to be expanded. The Kastamonu-Bartin Kure Mountains National Park (KMNP) stands in the foreground of this region, being one of the major focuses of the strategy. The goal of this discussion is to assess the ecotourism potential of Kastamonu-Bartin KMNP and additionally to provide an orientation for ecotourism activities to be developed for the region. In this regard, the "KMNP Buffer Zone-Ulus Region Ecotourism Development Framework" has been produced as a recommendation following the results of the study conducted by means of the Ecotourism Opportunity Spectrum (ECOS) method in which the ecotourism potential of twenty (20) villages was evaluated. The study area was divided into two regions in the framework. As a result of employing ECOS, centers of ecotourism were described and identified strong and weak, with weak centers found to be dependent upon strong centers. The results of this study contribute significantly to the assessment of the ecotourism potential for the region studied, and they apply especially to the protected areas and their appropriate development. Key words: Rural landscape planning, Ecotourism.
Designing a Sustainable Agroecosystem for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production

A two year study was conducted in Alborz province, Iran, to evaluate the effect of chemical, biological and organic sources of nutrients on wheat. The experimental design was factorial in the form of a randomized complete block design. Treatments of the first experiment were phosphorus, Mycorrhiza (Glomus sp.) and Streptomyces (Streptomyces sp.), in the second experiment were nitrogen, Azospirillum (Azospirillum brasilense) and Streptomyces, and in the third experiment were Azospirillum, Mycorrhiza, Streptomyces and animal manure. Results indicated that P and N fertilizers significantly affected most of the measured traits. Among the biofertilizers, Azospirillum and Mycorrhiza significantly affected most of the measured traits, but Streptomyces had no effect. Finally, results represented that application of animal manure synergistically affected activity of the microorganisms and improved wheat yield component; increasing grain yield by 9.1%.
Genetic markers in clinically well defined patients with ulcerative colitis (UC)

Results of genetic association studies in UC are conflicting. We propose that the power of candidate gene studies will increase when disease heterogeneity is taken into account. Phenotype frequencies of molecularly defined HLA‐DR alleles, polymorphisms in the tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), lymphotoxin‐alpha (LT‐α), IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) and IL‐1β genes were determined in 98 clinically well characterized UC patients with a mean period of follow up of 10 years, and ethnically matched healthy controls (HC). The alleles HLA‐DRB1*0103 (phenotype frequency 6% versus 0.2%; P = 0.0002; odds ratio (OR) 27.6) and DRB1*15 (41% versus 26%; P = 0.001; OR = 2.0, compared with HC) were associated with overall disease susceptibility. Subgroup analysis revealed that DRB1*15 was only increased in females (53% versus 24%; P < 0.0001; OR = 3.5), but not in males. With regard to disease localization, all DRB1*0103+ patients had extensive disease (P < 0.002; OR = 33.5), and DRB1*15 was found in 59% of females with extensive colitis (P < 0.0001; OR = 4.4). DRB1*0103 was significantly increased in patients undergoing colectomy (P < 0.0002; OR = 84). No association between overall disease susceptibility and the cytokine gene polymorphisms were found. Subgroup analysis revealed several significant associations, but most did not retain significance when corrected for multiple comparisons. However, a noticeable finding was that haplotype TNF‐C was significantly associated with progression in extent of disease (P = 0.003, OR = 20.4). This study provides additional evidence for the role of DRB1 alleles in the susceptibility to UC, and supports the hypothesis that these alleles may determine the severity of the disease. The cytokine gene polymorphisms evaluated in this study do not seem to be strong risk factors for the overall disease susceptibility in UC, but may be involved in determining the severity of the disease.
Habitat‐specific normal and reverse diel vertical migration in the plankton‐feeding basking shark

Summary 1. Megaplanktivores such as filter-feeding sharks and baleen whales are at the apex of a short food chain (phytoplankton‐zooplankton‐vertebrate) and are sensitive indicators of sea-surface plankton availability. Even though they spend the majority of their time below the surface it is still not known how most of these species utilize vertical habitat and adapt to short-term changes in food availability. 2. A key factor likely to control vertical habitat selection by planktivorous sharks is the diel vertical migration (DVM) of zooplankton; however, no study has determined whether specific ocean-habitat type influences their behavioural strategy. Based on the first high-resolution dive data collected for a plankton-feeding fish species we show that DVM patterns of the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus reflect habitat type and zooplankton behaviour. 3. In deep, well-stratified waters sharks exhibited normal DVM (dusk ascent‐dawn descent) by tracking migrating sound-scattering layers characterized by Calanus and euphausiids. Sharks occupying shallow, inner-shelf areas near thermal fronts conducted reverse DVM (dusk descent‐dawn ascent) possibly due to zooplankton predator‐prey interactions that resulted in reverse DVM of Calanus . 4. These opposite DVM patterns resulted in the probability of daytime-surface sighting differing between these habitats by as much as two orders of magnitude. Ship-borne surveys undertaken at the same time as trackings reflected these behavioural differences. 5. The tendency of basking sharks to feed or rest for long periods at the surface has made them vulnerable to harpoon fisheries. Ship-borne and aerial surveys also use surface occurrence to assess distribution and abundance for conservation purposes. Our study indicates that without bias reduction for habitat-specific DVM patterns, current surveys could under- or overestimate shark abundance by at least 10-fold.
Effects of mite age, mite density, and host quality on aerial dispersal behavior in the twospotted spider mite

Mite age, population density, and host leaf quality affect various life history traits in spider mites. We investigated the effects of these factors on the aerial dispersal behavior of adult female twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). The proportion of adult females exhibiting the dispersal behavior dropped significantly with age following adult emergence, particularly in the first 3 days. Sixty to eighty percent of female mites 2‐days old or younger displayed the behavior under test conditions, whereas less than 20% of female mites older than 3‐days‐old showed the behavior. Younger adult females also exhibited shorter latency for the behavior, although this trend was not as clear. Leaf quality experienced during deutonymph development had no effect on the behavior adults subsequently displayed. On the other hand, adult females that fed on poor quality leaves after emergence were twice as likely to display the behavior (90% vs. 45%), and with shorter latency (37 vs. 77 min), than those that fed on high quality leaves. When newly emerged adult females encountered high mite density and dry leaves, the incidence of the behavior increased (69% vs. 47%) and latency decreased (69 vs. 93 min) compared to mites that encountered low density on well watered leaves. Our results suggest that both starvation and desiccation of adult females may enhance their dispersal behavior.
Tau Suppression in a Neurodegenerative Mouse Model Improves Memory Function

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the most common intraneuronal inclusion in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and have been implicated in mediating neuronal death and cognitive deficits. Here, we found that mice expressing a repressible human tau variant developed progressive age-related NFTs, neuronal loss, and behavioral impairments. After the suppression of transgenic tau, memory function recovered, and neuron numbers stabilized, but to our surprise, NFTs continued to accumulate. Thus, NFTs are not sufficient to cause cognitive decline or neuronal death in this model of tauopathy.
The effects of long-term in situ CO2 enrichment on tropical seagrass communities at volcanic vents

The effects of long-term exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) on seagrass communities are still poorly understood. This study investigates the tropical subtidal seagrass communities at three shallow volcanic CO2 vents in Papua New Guinea. Seagrass cover and biomass increased threefold and fivefold, respectively, from control to medium and high pCO2 sites (average pH ¼ 7.9, 7.7, and 7.5, respectively). The seagrass community composition differed significantly between the pCO2 sites: Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, and Halodule uninervis were more abundant at high pCO2 sites, whereas Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii, and Syringodium isoetifolium occurred only at low and mid pCO2 sites. Cymodocea rotundata was the only species common among all pCO2 sites and locations. Thed 13 C in its leaves significantly declined with increasing pCO2, indicating that additional CO2 influenced seagrass carbon uptake, and specifically, that there was discrimination against the heavier isotope ( 13 C) when carbon was more abundant. Size-specific leaf growth rates (i.e. leaf turnover) also significantly declined with increasing pCO2; however, leaf growth rates showed no consistent difference in response to elevated pCO2 in two of four surveys. Our study suggests that progressive ocean acidification may lead to higher cover and above- and below-ground biomass, but lower size-specific growth and altered species composition in tropical seagrass communities. The effects of co-limiting factors, such as light and nutrient availability, on early-responding parameters, such as growth rates, require further attention to improve projections.
Breeding biology of two endangered forest birds on the island of Kauai, Hawaii

ABSTRACT Two forest bird species endemic to the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Archipelago were listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2010 due to recent population declines. This research represents the first comprehensive breeding biology study of both species, the ‘Akikiki or Kauai Creeper (Oreomystis bairdi) and ‘Akeke‘e or Akekee (Loxops caeruleirostris). The 2-year study was initiated in 2012 to determine if low nesting success may be a cause of their population declines. We monitored 20 ‘Akikiki and 8 ‘Akeke‘e nests to assess basic nesting biology parameters (e.g., brood size; nest height; length of construction, incubation, and nestling periods) and to derive estimates of nesting success and investigate causes of failure. In general, ‘Akikiki and ‘Akeke‘e breeding biology was similar to other insectivorous Hawaiian honeycreepers. Mean nest height for ‘Akikiki and ‘Akeke‘e was high (9.2 ± 2.3 m SD and 11.1 ± 2.3 m SD, respectively) compared to most Kauai forest birds. Nesting success, calculated using program MARK, was 0.77 ± 0.12 SE for ‘Akikiki and 0.71 ± 0.17 SE for ‘Akeke‘e. Three ‘Akikiki and 2 ‘Akeke‘e nests failed. One ‘Akikiki nest failed due to nest predation and the other 2 to unknown causes. One ‘Akeke‘e nest failed due to poor nest attendance and the other to hatching failure. Nest sample sizes were small and should be considered with caution; however, these results suggest that low nesting success may not be a primary cause of decline in these species. Future research on both species should assess post-fledging, juvenile, and adult survival as potential causes of their populations' declines. Determining which demographic parameters currently have the largest negative impact on these populations is imperative for guiding effective management actions to conserve these species.
The use of Pantoea agglomerans and Flavobacterium sp. to control banana pathogens

Summary Two local isolates of the biocontrol agents Flavobacterium sp. [W5481 (a)] and Pantoea agglomerans (W5482) were tested on ‘Embul’ (Musa, AAB) banana, to determine their effects on crown rot pathogens [Colletotrichum musae and Botryodiplodia theobromae (Lasiodiplodia theobromae)]. Viable cell preparations reduced crown rot on banana hands, with live cells in distilled water more effective than those in spent culture media. Thin layer chromatography-bioassays showed that the antibiotics of Flavobacterium sp. were more potent than those of P. agglomerans, with Rf values from inhibited areas on the plates varying with the test fungus (C. musae, B. theobromae and Cladosporium cladosporioides). Autoclaving partially reduced the activity of cell-free culture medium (CFCM) on pathogen growth. Rot development on peel disks was suppressed by live cells, but not by CFCM. There were no rots with thiabendazole. In spite of the differences in antibiotic production by the antagonists, live cells of P. agglomerans suppressed crown rot to the greatest extent. Antibiosis did not completely explain the antagonism of the bacteria. Bioformulations reduced crown rot development, and were stable after at least 6 months of storage. Although not as effective as thiabendazole, the two local isolates have some potential for the biocontrol of banana pathogens.
A Big World After All?

Thomas Friedman’s book the world is flat has been a bestseller since it appeared in 2005. The remarkable success of the book reflects to a certain extent the present fears with respect to increasing globalization. Using many examples, Friedman argues that distance (however defined) is no longer a dominant characteristic of the world economy, or will cease to be so in the very near future. Competition is thought to be a race to the bottom, with the lowest-wage countries as the big winners. We disagree, and with us many other economists (see, for example, Leamer, 2006). Distance dominates all aspects of international trade and many stylized facts of international trade can only be understood by pointing towards the importance of distance. Furthermore, there is little evidence of income convergence. Using various methods and data sets, we show that many threats of global competition for the position of the traditionally developed (OECD) countries are unwarranted. JEL Code: E00, F00, N00, O00.
THE GENETICS AND PATHOLOGY OF RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI

The objective of this paper is to review the genetical and pathological research on Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn from 1965 to the present. In 1965, a symposium, Rhizoctonia solani: Biology and Pathology, was held at Miami, Florida. At this meeting the characteristics of the imperfect stage were defined (60) and the perfect stage accepted as Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk (79). It was recognized, however, that T. cucumeris was a "collective species" and that its nomenclature was not expected to remain stable (79). The past 15 years have been a productive period of research on the pathogen and on the diseases it causes. A number of disease resistant cultivars have been reported and disease control measures have been recom­ mended. The principle most helpful to plant pathologists during this period has been the anastomosis group (AG) concept. This scheme was first suggested in Germany by Schultz in 1937 (74) and later developed by Richter & Schneider in 1953 (66); in Japan by Watanabe & Matsuda in 1966 (82); and in the United States by Parmeter et al in 1969 (59). According to this scheme fusion occurs only between isolates of the same AG. Parmeter et al proposed four AGs (59); Kuninaga et al (49) have expanded the concept to include six AGs and Ogoshi (55) has proposed two subgroups within both AG 1 and AG 2. I will discuss each anastomosis group separately in this paper.
Hydrocyclone for pre-filtering of irrigation water

The use of water containing suspended sediments causes serious problems to irrigation systems. Choosing the right filtering system type and capacity is essential to avoid increases in operational and maintenance costs of irrigation resulting from the need for cleaning and frequent component replacing. Pre-filters, such as the hydrocyclone, are important for their significant capability of retaining particles suspended in the water. Data on hydrocyclones performance for pre-filtering of irrigation water can be found in the literature, but research data in Brazil are scarce. Therefore, four Rietema type hydrocyclones (50 mm diameter) were constructed, one with circular-end and the other three presenting rectangular-end feeding tubes. The evaluation of hydrocyclones performance was conducted by using suspensions of fine sand and clay soil particles under varied pressure differentials. The comparison criteria were the discharge and the separation capability, given by total efficiency and reduced total efficiency. The hydrocyclone with circular-end feeding tube presented the highest indexes for the adopted criteria, considering sand and soil suspensions.
Soil Fertility under Continuous Cultivation in Northern Nigeria

SUMMARY Soil acidity, incipient potassium deficiency, and a deficiency of one or more trace elements were limiting factors in three trials of long-term soil fertility changes under continuous cultivation in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. The effectiveness of organic manures is explained largely or wholly in terms of these factors, since no evidence has yet been found to suggest that the addition of organic matter as such is of value.
ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THE LEAVES OF " ANNONA SQUAMOSA LINN"

The essential oil from the leaves of Aimona squamosa Linn. has been shown to consist of u-pinene (7%); one unidentified monocyclic terpene (4%); beta;-caryophyllene (50%) and two bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbons giving cadaiene on dehydrogenation (5.0% each).
Electrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the short-necked freshwater turtles of Australia (Testudines: Chelidae)

Abstract A total of 222 specimens from 55 populations of short-necked chelid turtle was collected from drainages in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Two populations were initially considered to belong to different diagnosable taxa if all individuals in one population could be distinguished from all individuals in the other by fixed allozyme differences. When two populations or diagnosable taxa shared allozymes at all presumptive loci, their profiles were combined into a single diagnosable taxon. Comparisons between populations and emerging diagnosable taxa were repeated until no further changes were possible. The species Elseya dentata comprised five clearly diagnosable taxa, differing by between 4 and 19 fixed allozyme differences. The currently recognized El. latisternum and El. novaeguineae were each a single diagnosable taxon, and there were three diagnosable taxa, including a sibling pair, that could not be assigned to a currently described Elseya species. In contrast, all forms of Emydura were very closely related, with no two taxa differing by more than three fixed allozyme differences. There were three diagnosable taxa in the north ( Em. victoriae, Em. subglobosa and one new form), though support for them was marginal. In the south, Em. macquarii, Em. krefftii and Em. signata formed only a single diagnosable taxon, even sharing rare alleles. If the phylogenetic species concept is adopted, there is support for recognition of 16 species of short-necked turtle in Australia, including Pseudemydura umbrina . Currently only 10 are described. Our data also provide evidence of reproductive isolation in some cases (sympatric or parapatric), and comparative evidence ( sensu Mayr) in others, than the traditional biological species concept applies also to these diagnosable taxa.
PROPOSED STEGANOGRAPHY APPROACH USING DNA PROPERTIES

In this research one method has been proposed to hide the secret message in a sequence of DNA. The secret message after it has been encrypted using the RSA algorithm hid in the DNA sequence known using complementary character. The DNA reference sequence can be selected from the different DNA database. One very important DNA database is EBI that provides fundamental genetic information.