Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Poultry colonization with Campylobacter and its control at the primary production level.

The handling and consumption of poultry is an important source of human campylobacteriosis. It is widely assumed that the control of Campylobacter in meat-producing poultry, with the aim of reducing the numbers of Campylobacter on poultry meat at the retail level, will reduce the public health burden of human campylobacteriosis. This chapter updates the knowledge of poultry infections and their control at the farm level and extends it to include the interface between the farm and the slaughterhouse. The focus of the chapter remains on the control of Campylobacter in primary production because in this food chain, the gut of living poultry is the only amplification point for Campylobacter. Epidemiological and exposure studies have implicated the handling and consumption of poultry meat as an important source for human campylobacteriosis. Colonization is largely in the ceca and is primarily confined to the intestinal mucous layer over the intestinal crypts of the villi. Reducing human campylobacteriosis is an important public health goal in most industrialized countries. Multispecies farming is a clear risk factor for Campylobacter-positive poultry flocks on the same site. The separation of Campylobacter-positive and -negative flocks and decontamination of the meat from positive flocks is an alternative strategy to reducing the risk of campylobacteriosis in humans. One practical control strategy that can be implemented at the farm-slaughterhouse interface is to separate colonized and noncolonized flocks during processing, and to subsequently treat the meat from Campylobacter-positive flocks.
Bioenergetics : a practical approach

1. : Oxygen, proton, and phosphate fluxes and stoichiometries. 2. : Membrane permeability and transport. 3. : The protonmotive force. 4. : Reconstitution of bioenergetic proteins and the uses of proteoliposomes. 5. : Redox states and potentials. 6. : Control and regulation in bioenergetics. 7. : Patch clamping of bioenergetic membranes and proteoliposomes. 8. : Studies of cellular energetics using 31P-NMR. 9. : Isolation and characterization of photosynthetic reaction centres from eukaryotic organisms
Is Cost of Locomotion the Reason for Prolonged Nesting Forays of Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina ?

Prolonged nesting forays were observed in five gravid Snapping Turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ), in 1999 and 2001. For all observations, the females began exploratory nest excavations but failed to oviposit. Subsequently, all five females sought refuge either by burying themselves in substrate, or by seeking shade under vegetation, presumably to wait until the following day to resume nesting activities. By contrast, most observations of failed nesting resulted in the females abandoning the nesting site and returning immediately to water. Although prolonged nesting attempts in other turtle species (i.e. kinosternids) likely are associated with rainfall or predation risk, we speculate that these prolonged nesting attempts in Snapping Turtles reduced the cost of terrestrial travel.
Biocontrol of root-knot nematode by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Luffa cylindrica.

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus spp. and Gigaspora spp.) as bioprotectant against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. ), mycorrhizal plant of family Cucurbitaceae. All parameters were estimated in roots, shoot and leaves of mycorrhizal and non mycorrhizal plants. Physical/biochemical and carbon profile were taken into account. Comparative study clearly indicates the significant variations in all parameters. Leaf area and plant height were increased in mycorrhizal plants than non-mycorrhizal, while it showed a sharp decrease in nematode infected plants, same plants also showed less water content due to xylem vessels damage. However, in mycorrhizal plants, roots had large amount of carbohydrates indicating transfer of photosynthates to fungal partner. Nematode infected roots have least amount of carbohydrates showing a great sink of carbon to rhizosphere.
The house mouse: a model and motor for evolutionary understanding

Commensal house mice have spread from their probable origin in north India, differentiating into a number of forms described variously as species, semispecies or subspecies. The different taxa can breed together and exchange genes but they retain their distinctiveness (although Mus (musculus) molossinus of Japan seems to be the result of a complete fusion between M. (m.) musculus and M. (m.) castaneus). The most widespread form is M. (m.) domesticus, which has successfully colonized every continent as a commensal, albeit with varying contributions from other Mus genomes. It has also been domesticated as the laboratory mouse. This means that the same genome is exposed to a wide variety of environments and gives tremendous opportunities for exploring the operation of different evolutionary mechanisms. Mice have accompanied evolutionary understanding from early Darwinian days - confirming Mendelian ratios and showing they applied in mammals, providing data on rates of evolution, and representing examples of dominance modification, differential survival, competition and other indicators of a struggle for existence. However, they have an unfulfilled potential to drive as well as to illuminate evolutionary theory - by revealing more about, for example, the interactions between gene flow and social determinants, constraints on introgression and physiological adjustments. This potential can be explored through our ever-deepening knowledge of the genome and molecular mechanisms, and by the application of new techniques, but its most effective agent will always be the cross-disciplinary synergy of visionary scientists like Julian Huxley, Charles Elton and Louis Thaler.
Genomic synteny and comparison of recombination between Apis mellifera (the European honey bee) and Apis florea (the red dwarf honey bee)

In all sexually reproducing organisms meiotic recombination increases genetic diversity among offspring and creates new genomes through chromosomal reconfiguration. The rate at which recombination occurs varies among and within species. Recombination rates are exceptionally high in social insect species and the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) has the highest recombination rate known in multi-cellular eukaryotes. To explain this, three major, non-exclusive hypotheses have been proposed. High recombination may be the result of strong selection during domestication of the honey bee (1). Alternatively, it may benefit division of labor (2) or disease resistance (3) by increasing the genetic diversity among colony members. Therefore, I compared the genomic recombination rate in Apis mellifera to that of A. florea (the red dwarf honey bee). This species is undomesticated, has a relatively low degree of pathogen pressure and a complex division of labor. I screened 684 microsatellite markers from the A. mellifera genome for polymorphism in A. florea; 37 polymorphic markers were identified and genotyped in a mapping population of 96 A. florea drones. Pairwise recombinational distances were calculated using MapMaker3.0. I examined genomic synteny over two chromosomes, finding marker order conserved in both. Overall recombination distances are comparable between the species, though I found one interval of significantly higher recombinational distances in A. florea and no intervals of significantly lower distances. I conclude that the high recombination rate in A. mellifera is not a result of domestication and provide further support for the link between complex division of labor and high recombination rate.
An analysis of the molecular regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in human mast cells

The objective of this study was to analyze the molecular regulation of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) gene expression in human cells. Allergic diseases (e.g., asthma) comprise one of the most prominent medical problems in Canada, and their incidence and severity are on the increase here as in most industrialized countries. Allergic responses are initiated by contact of allergens with specific IgE antibodies on mast cells, leading to cellular activation. Such activation induces mast cells to release very large amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF -a which, by itself, mediates much of the cellular recruitment associated with the allergic late phase response (LPR). Most of the pathology of allergic diseases is directly attributable to the LPR. The molecular mechanism regulating TNF -a expression in mast cells, as opposed to that in macrophages (which can also produce an abundance ofTNF-a) is poorly understood. My hypothesis is that if TNF -a were differentially regulated in mast cells, it might be possible to therapeutically manipulate its highly pathogenic contributions to allergic diseases without affecting the other roles of this cytokine in the body. I examined the kinetics of TNF -a gene transcription and protein expression in mast cell-differentiated KU812 cells which I stimulated with phorbol-12, 13-myristate acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMA and A23187 effectively mimic F cERI stimulation of mast cells). RT-PCR and ELISA methods were used to detect TNF-a mRNA and protein, respectively. My results indicate that low levels of TNF-a is stored in the unstimulated cells (but not in the supernatant fluids), high levels of TNFa were secreted into the culture supernatants within 2 hr after stimulation. The critical regulatory elements in the human TNF -a promoter were studied. A human TNF -a gene promoter fragment ( -625 to
DNA Sequence of Cutinase Gene Isolated from Spilocaea oleagina as determined by PCR

In this study, partial cutinase genes were cloned from Spilocaea oleagina and four different formae specials of Fusarium oxysporum (lycopersici, melonis, spinaciae and fragariae) by using PCR method. The reported amino acid sequences were aligned with DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ), and highly conserved amino acid regions were selected to construct specific primers of cutinase genes. Chromosomal DNA of S. oleagina was isolated and used for template of PCR to amplify cutinase
REGULATION OF THE L-TYPE PYRUVATE KINASE GENE BY GLUCOSE AND cAMP IN ISLET BETA CELLS

Extracellular signals generated during both feeding and fasting coordinately regulate transcription of metabolic enzyme genes that control glucose metabolism in theƒnƒO cell. A post-prandial rise in extracellular glucose levels promotes expression of various genes including the gene encoding the glycolytic enzyme L-type pyruvate kinase (L-PK). Conversely, under conditions of fasting, a rise in hormones that stimulate increased intracellular levels of cAMP results in suppression of glucose-activated genes such as L-PK. The L-PK gene is coordinately regulated by these two opposing stimuli. Therefore, we explored the mechanism of induction and repression of the L-PK gene by glucose and cAMP, respectively, using the 832/13 rat insulinoma cell line.Glucose mediates induction of the L-PK gene by stimulating the recruitment of two primary DNA binding transcription factors, the basic helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper protein Carbohydrate Response Element Binding Protein (ChREBP) and the orphan nuclear receptor, Hepatic Nuclear Factor 4ƒN (HNF4ƒN) to their respective response elements in the proximal L-PK promoter. In addition, glucose stimulates the recruitment of the coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP) to the L-PK gene promoter. Assembly of these three factors on the L-PK gene promoter facilitates alterations in the pattern of acetylation and methylation of histones associated with the promoter and coding region, respectively. These changes in histone modifications correlate with increased occupancy of the RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) holoenzyme on the L-PK promoter. Finally, glucose promotes changes in the phosphorylation state of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of Pol II at serines 5 and 2, which are necessary for the promoter clearance and elongation phases of transcription.cAMP represses the glucose-mediated induction of the L-PK gene by inhibiting the assembly of the ChREBP, HNF4ƒN and CBP-containing complex on the L-PK promoter. The cAMP-dependent decrease in complex assembly on the promoter is associated with alterations in the acetylation and methylation status of histones on both the promoter and coding region. Furthermore, cAMP inhibits the glucose-mediated recruitment and phosphorylation of Pol II CTD, ultimately blocking initiation and elongation of the L-PK gene by Pol II. In summary, these studies provide a detailed insight into the mechanism of regulation of the L-PK gene by glucose and cAMP in islet ƒO cells.
Laboratory studies examining aspects of scent marking, traplining and remote detection of reward in the foraging bumblebee.

Energy from food is essential for the survival of all animals. For decades, bumblebees have been used as model organisms for studying animal foraging strategies. Here, I use bumblebees to examine two foraging strategies: scent marking and traplining. I find that experience and long term memory play an important role in both of these strategies. I show that bees interpret scent marks differently depending on context. They learn to rely on these scent marks to different degrees depending on flower handling time. Bees also learn to associate the same scent marks with high and low rewarding food, which means the same scent promotes and suppresses acceptance of flowers. Contrary to previous speculation, I find that these scent marks are not pheromonal signals specifically evolved to play a role in foraging. Rather they are incidental cues that bees learn to use to improve foraging performance and locate their nesting sites. Experience is also important in developing repeatable stable routes between food sites i. e. traplines. I show that bees required long term spatial memory to gradually form traplines. They reduced their travel distance by linking near neighbour flowers, which did not result in using the shortest routes. Traplining bees were also less likely to revisit emptied flowers and spent less time searching for these flowers. For decades, scientists have used water to control for remote effects of sucrose solution in experiments. I find that bees are able to detect the difference between these two liquids without contact chemoreception. The exact cue they use remains to be determined, but it is not humidity.
Commuting by bicycle in Rotterdam: Encouraging and discouraging factors

With the worldwide increasing demand for urban mobility and urban kilometres travelled, the cities are facing new ecological, social and environmental challenges in transportation system. To cope with these challenges, addressing the root – behaviour of users – and prioritizing sustainable modes of transport would be essential. Bicycle is one of such transportation modes – it is efficient, environmentally friendly and physically beneficial for its user. The Netherlands is world renown for cycling both in terms of existing bicycle culture and in the quality of infrastructure provided. However, one of its largest cities, Rotterdam is lacking behind with a bicycle share lower than the country average, especially for work trips. For this reason, travel behaviour and bicycle use of commuters in Rotterdam was thoroughly investigated in this study. The main objective of this research was to explain the determinants of the current level of bicycle use in Rotterdam, specifically focusing on commuting. To achieve this objective, several groups of factors influencing user’s decision to (not) cycle were examined. The study included not only hard factors, such as factors of built and natural environment, socio-economic and demographic factors, trip characteristics, but it also covered often neglected soft factors – psychological. Survey was used as the main strategy of the research collecting user perspective. It was complemented by interviews with the experts in the field of urban mobility. As a result, both quantitative and qualitative primary data was generated. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and multiple linear regression in SPSS and Excel in order to explain the relationship between the level of bicycle use and a number of travel behaviour factors: built and natural environment, socio-economic and demographic factors, psychological factors and trip characteristics. Based on the concepts of travel behaviour factors, the analysis revealed a number of statistically significant determinants of bicycle use in Rotterdam. The two encouraging factors were bicycle ownership and convenience of cycling to work, while the discouraging factors were the following: long trip distance, positive attitude towards use of other modes of transport for commuting (in particular, car and public transport use), subjective norm (friends and family expectations) towards car use, public transport use and walking to work location. Research findings also indicate the significant share of commuters traveling by train from other cities. It is important to ensure that cycling facilities are well connected with the public transport and commuters-targeted rental programs are available. Additionally, considering the strong influence of subjective norm (especially of friends and family), promotion of cycling among potential target groups could contribute to increasing its share.
Widespread historical presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in African pipid frogs

Aim Amphibian chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is associated with global amphibian population declines and species extinctions. Current evidence indicates that the pathogen has recently spread globally from an enzootic focus, with Xenopus spp. (family Pipidae) in South Africa having been identified as a likely source. The aim of this study was to investigate further the likelihood of African Xenopus spp. as the original source of Bd.
Strengthening Public Interest Design Through the Application of Service Learning Pedagogy: A Case Study

INTRODUCTION This paper details the ongoing efforts within the School of Architecture at Clemson University, with a local, non-profit organization called the FEED & SEED. The civic interventions and productive community landscapes described are meant to create both compelling urban spaces that are valued and regarded as shared civic assets. More importantly, from our perspective as educators, active student engagement with the community is essential to the pedagogical mission of preparing students for Public Interest Design. In turn, the design studios detailed here understood and positioned the students as engaged designers who are desperately needed in our communities, town halls and professional offices. However, unlike many Public Interest Design projects within academia that rely on the design/build process resulting in a physical product, we directed the students to focus on the process of design and working with the community to understand specific challenges that become evident when studying something as essential as equitable and healthy food access.
Fluctuating asymmetry, morphological changes and flight muscle ratio in a Vip3A resistant sub-population of Heliothis virescens (WF06).

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral traits is a measure of developmental instability caused by genetic or environment stressors. The value of FA for a trait depends on its functional importance and it has been argued that the wing characters are more closely associated with the fitness due to their role in locomotion. Flight performance can affect the fitness of individual insects by influencing feeding, predation avoidance, dispersal, inter-male fighting outcomes and mate acquisition. Insect wing lengths are mostly used in FA studies due to ease with which they can be measured accurately. In the present study we have estimated the flight muscle ratio (FMR) and FA in 3 morphological traits of Vip3A resistant and susceptible sub populations of tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (L.). The Vip3A resistant sub population showed higher FA value for forewing, hindwing and tibia length than the susceptible sub population. The lower FMR observed in the Vip3A-Sel sub-population of H. virescens provides indirect evidence that Vip3A resistant insects are poorer fliers as compared with susceptible individuals. The observed results have potential consequences for insecticide-resistance evolution and dispersal. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers
La relación entre los síntomas del trastorno de estrés postraumático y las dimensiones de personalidad del modelo de los Cinco Grandes: una revisión sistemática

Se presenta una revision sistematica sobre la relacion entre la sintomatologia del trastorno de estres postraumatico (TEPT) y las dimensiones basicas de la personalidad del modelo de los Cinco Grandes. Varias busquedas en las bases de datos bibliograficas PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PILOTS y Psicodoc y la consulta de las revisiones mas recientes y exhaustivas de la literatura cientifica permitieron localizar 15 estudios sobre la relacion entre los Cinco Grandes y la sintomatologia del TEPT. Los resultados conjuntos de estos estudios indican que: (1) existe una relacion positiva y de tamano medio entre el neuroticismo y la gravedad de los sintomas del TEPT (r media = .37); (2) existe una relacion negativa y pequena entre la gravedad de los sintomas del TEPT y la extraversion (r media = -.11), la amabilidad (r media = -.18) y la responsabilidad (r media = -.18), y (3) no existe ninguna relacion entre la apertura y la gravedad de los sintomas del TEPT (r media = -.01). Los resultados sugieren que el neuroticismo podria ser un factor de riesgo importante para el TEPT, mientras la extraversion, la amabilidad y la responsabilidad podrian ser factores pequenos de proteccion para el TEPT. Estos hallazgos se discuten respecto a la capacidad de los Cinco Grandes para organizar y clarificar constructos psicologicos relacionados y a sus implicaciones en el ambito clinico y forense.