Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in intestinal helminth infestation of the helmeted guineafowl

Intestinal tracts from 206 helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) shot during June and July of 1974 and 1975 from two discrete habitat types were examined for helminths. Six species (three cestodes, two nematodes and one acanthocephalan) were identified. Helminths were found in all but one of the tracts. Nematodes were found only in the caeci, cestodes and acanthocephalans in the intestinal lumen. Using a volumetric index of level of infestation, juvenile guineafowl had higher levels of infestation by cestodes and acanthocephalans than did adults. The highest levels of helminth infestation of adult guineafowl were found in specimens collected in July 1975. In savanna habitat, adults had higher levels of nematode infestation in June 1974 than in June 1975. In July 1975, adult guineafowl in riverine habitat had higher levels of helminth infestation than those in savanna habitat. In June 1975, in riverine habitat, adult males had higher levels of nematode infestation than females. High levels of infestation in juvenile guineafowl are presumed to be the result of a greater intake of intermediate hosts and a lower resistance to infection. High levels of infestation in adult guineafowl are attributed to an interaction between high population density and soil moisture content at the time of infection. None of the guineafowl showed any signs of gross pathological condition. Therefore observed infestation is presumed to be at a tolerable level
Seroprevalence of paratuberculosis in sheep of Nayarit, Mexico.

Paratuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). In domestic ruminants, MAP infection is largely sub-clinical, but can result in chronic diarrhea leading to emaciation and death. A survey of MAP was carried out in a non-vaccinated sheep population from Nayarit, Mexico to estimate seroprevalence and histopathological findings. The aim was also to estimate the intra-herd correlation (re) and design effect (D) of MAP seropositivity and to determine the association of the disease with some animal-level risk factors. Serum samples from 368 sheep older than 2 years in 38 herds were evaluated using an indirect ELISA assay. Eleven of the 38 herds had at least one seropositive animal and 19 animals with a total of 368 tested positive for MAP (5.6%). The histological alterations found were characterized by enteritis and granulomatous lymphadenitis indicating that the death of the animal was caused by MAP infection.
Predators and genetic fitness: key threatening factors for the conservation of a bettong species

Globally, many wildlife species are declining and an increasing number are threatened by extinction or are extinct. Active management is generally required to mitigate these trends and population viability analysis (PVA) enables different scenarios to be evaluated and informs management decisions. Based on population parameters obtained from a threatened bettong, the woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi), we developed and validated a PVA model. We identified the demographic and genetic responses to different threatening factors and developed a general framework that would facilitate similar work in other bettong species. The two main threatening processes are predation by introduced animals and its interaction with reduced fitness (e.g. due to inbreeding depression or a disease). Although predation alone can drive a decline in certain circumstances (e.g. when predation success is independent from prey population density), synergistically, predation and reduced fitness can be particularly relevant, especially for small populations. The minimum viable population size was estimated at 1000–2000 individuals. In addition, the models identified that research into age-specific mortality rates and predation rates by introduced animals should be the focus of future work. The PVA model created here provides a basis to investigate threatening processes and management strategies in woylie populations and other extant bettong species, given the ecological and physiological similarities among these threatened species.
SEED GERMINATION OF RHODODENDRON CALOPHYTUM PLANCH. IN RESPONSE TO TEMPERATURE, LIGHT, AND GA3©

INTRODUCTION Rhododendron calophytum Planch. , commonly named large leaf Rhododendron or meili Rhododendron is in the Ericaceae family, Rhododendron genera. It is an endemic evergreen plant with beautiful flowers, found in high mountains at altitudes of 1,300 to 4,000 m in south-west China (Ran et al., 2010). This includes the Qinling Mountains, where the species is beneficial for helping to maintain the stability of the ecosystem. Rhododendron calophytum germplasm is endangered because of excessive excavation activities. Additionally, few cultivars are cultivated and utilized in modern city landscape. In order to protect R. calophytum from extinction, help maintain its diversity, and utilization of its multiple-color landscape cultivars, it is necessary to develop propagation systems for R. calophytum. Seed propagation can be used to protect germplasm and enrich genetic diversity of the species (Zhang et al., 2010). More importantly, for wild resources, seedlings of diverse populations are more easily adapted to new environments than seedlings collected and transplanted from the mountains. External factors such as light and temperature are known to affect seed germination. Studies of how environmental factors affect seed germination in Rhododendron genus have provided various results. Some species need higher temperatures to germinate (Antonidaki-Giatromanolaki et al., 2008; Sajad et al., 2012; Fan et al., 2011). Conversely, lower temperatures are favorable for germination of other species (Vologdina, 2006; Zhang et al., 2007). Phytohormones can be used for breaking seed dormancy. Germination requirements of many Rhododendron species indicate that the seeds have a non-deep, simple, morphophysiological dormancy, but gibberellic acid (GA3) application can increase seed germination of selected Rhododendron species (Tiwari and Chauhan, 2007; Gao et al., 2010; Su et al., 2011). There are studies on R. calophytum using tissue culture (Luo et al., 2007), chemical analysis (Tian et al., 2010) and cultivation management (Si et al., 2012), but few on seed propagation. The objective of the present study was to develop seed propagation systems for germinating R. calophytum by manipulating photoperiod, temperature, and GA3 treatments. Establishing standard germination procedures is important for conservation strategies, including providing future breeding material of R. calophytum.
Effect of bovine serum albumin in extender on post-thaw quality and in vivo fertility of buffalo bull semen.

Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species during cryopreservation can overwhelm the antioxidant defense mechanisms of semen. The present study determined the effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as antioxidant in Tris citric acid (TCA) extender on post thaw quality and in vivo fertility of buffalo semen. Suitable ejaculates from Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (n=3) were split-pooled, extended in TCA containing 0.0 (control), 0.5 or 1.0% BSA and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen vapours. Post thaw progressive motility, integrity of plasmalemma and acrosome of spermatozoa in 0.5% BSA was better than that in 1.0% BSA (P<0.05). Acrosome integrity of spermatozoa frozen in 0.5% BSA was also better than that in control semen (P<0.05). In vivo fertility did not differ (P = 0.12) between 0.5% BSA and control although it was higher in the group inseminated with semen containing 0.5% BSA (78.3%) than that with control semen (56.5%). In conclusion, 0.5% BSA seemed to be beneficial for inclusion in TCA-based buffalo semen extender.
The Advantages of Using Multiplex PCR for the Simultaneous Detection of Six Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infections. Their clini - cal identification is difficult because STDs are often asymptomatic. Untreated infections with these pathogens can in time lead to serious consequences. It is documented that isolation of some of these bacteria from cultures is very difficult. Because there is a large number of STD pathogens which can generate coinfections, their simultaneous detection in a unique sample is very important. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an advanced method of molecular biology which allows for simultaneous detection of mul - tiple pathogens in the same sample. The advantages of the multiplex PCR method were assessed by various researchers by comparing the diagnosis results obtained with differ - ent other conventional methods. The sensitivity and specificity of these methods were analyzed on different specimens in comparison to traditional methods, such as culture media or direct microscopic examination. These studies demonstrated beyond any doubt that the multiplex PCR system is highly effective in the detection of each of multiple STD pathogens depicted from a single specimen and argued for multiplex PCR superiority in terms of sensitivity and rapidity. medium including fetal bovine serum, streptomycin, penicillin G and amphotericin B and a wet mount was prepared for its detection by direct microscopic examination. The samples were incubated at 37°C in carbon dioxide atmosphere and observed for a week under a light microscope. The presence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum was assessed by culture detection using the Mycoplasma Duo kit (Sanofi Diagnostic). A number of different primer sets were synthesized, PCR amplifications and ethidium bromide detections in 1% agarose gels were performed for a multiplex PCR to be designed for the simultaneous detection of T. vaginalis, M. hominis and U. urealyticum . Results were then favorably compared to more conven tional methods for the detection of T. vaginalis, M. hominis and U. urealyticum . When tested on vaginal swabs, the multiplex PCR correctly detected 14 out of 14 T. vaginalis ‐positives, 95 of 98 U. urealyticum ‐positives and 22 out of 22 M. hominis ‐positive samples. In contrast, the microscopic detection of T. vaginalis exhibited a 28.6% sensitivity, whereas culture methods identified 71.4% of the trichomonad infections documented with multiplex PCR. While the kit's sensitivity in the detection of U. urealyticum was 96.9%, a value comparable to culture test sensitivity (91.8%), identification of M. hominis was greatly improved (100 vs. 36.3% sen -sitivity). The study argued for multiplex PCR superiority in terms of sensitivity and rapidity (hours vs. days/weeks). that the integrated STD6B ACE system is highly effective in the detection of each of the six STD pathogens depicted from a single specimen. of imens and 201 endocervical swabs) symptomatic patients 532 asymptomatic five diagnostic methods as The
The effects of norepinephrine microinjections into the central nucleus of the amygdala on serotonergic activity in the dorsal

The central nucleus of the amygdala (CE) projects to target areas that elicit autonomic and behavioral symptoms of fear. It has been shown that in stressful or fearful paradigms, endogenous norepinephrine (NE) is released into the CE. Microinjections of NE into the CE could activate fear circuits in the brain and lead to fear-like behavior. The CE projects to an area of the brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), specifically the dorsal raphe nucleus, ventrolateral part (DRVL) and the adjacent ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG). We hypothesize that NE binds to adrenergic receptors in the CE to stimulate corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) projections to the DR, where CRF binds to CRF type 2 receptors (CRFR2), which can elicit freezing behavior through serotonergic projections to a multisynaptic circuit controlling somatomotor neurons in the spinal cord. To test this hypothesis, we gave bilateral microinjections of NE (250 nmoles in 0.2 μL per side) into the CE and then immediately measured freezing behavior using the open-field test paradigm. Norepinephrine microinjections into the CE increased both the frequency and duration of freezing behavior. As the project is currently in the process of completion, we hope to also show that serotonergic neurons in the DR were activated in projection areas associated with previously established fear circuitry. This study was conducted to gain insight into control of serotonergic pathways that could lead to advancement of our understanding of stress-related mental illnesses.
Effect of Flavonoid-mediated Free IAA Regulation on Growth and Development of in Vitro-Grown Tobacoo Seedlings.

The role of exogenously applied two flavonoids, quercetin and epicatechin, was assessed on plant growth and development. For this, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seedlings were supplemented with 50 and 100 μM epicatechin and quercetin individually and their shoot and root parts were analyzed for total flavonoids content, transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, morphological and anatomical responses. Exogenous application of these two flavonoids increased the level of total flavonoids in the shoot and decreased it in the root. Similarly the transcript expression of genes encoding key regulatory enzymes of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was increased in the shoot and decreased or not affected in the root. Interestingly, chalcone synthase (CHS) expression decreased in the shoot and increased in the root. Seedlings exposed to flavonoids were observed for the following changes: inhibition of lateral and adventitious roots, reduced plant growth and leaf expansion. Further, flavonoids increased the number of parallel vascular strands in the central and petiolar region of the leaf and decreased the cell size of various regions in the leaf. These observations were similar to the responses produced by synthetic auxin transport inhibitors. Therefore, free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content was estimated in tobacco seedlings. Exposure to flavonoids enhanced the endogenous free IAA content in tobacco shoots. In tobacco roots, exposure to only 50 μM epicatechin and quercetin enhanced the free IAA content, while 100 μM exposure decreased the free IAA content. Results suggest that recorded changes could be the consequence of decreased basipetal free IAA transport due to higher flavonoid content in tobacco seedlings. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A New Approach of Hybrid Architecture Imitating for Human Intelligence

A new approach of hybrid architecture is proposed in this paper which applies various soft computing techniques which imitates human analytical knowledge i.e., it solves problems in human approach. Hybrid intelligence systems deal with the synergistic integration of two or more of the technologies. The combined use of technologies has resulted in effective problem solving in comparison with each technology used individually and exclusively. Real time problems are not single dimensional. It needs to be analyzed in various aspects. Problem solving involves spotting the problem area, decision making, convergence towards the solution. The architecture is designed based on the idea utilizing the divide and conquer strategy. Hybridization exhibits high degree of intelligence and high efficiency is got from divide and conquer strategy. This architecture accurately imitates the human biological decision making.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO FLORÍSTICA DA VEGETAÇÃO LENHOSA DE UM FRAGMENTO URBANO DE FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA MISTA ALTO MONTANA, CAMPOS DO JORDÃO, SP

A floristic survey was conducted of woody species occurring in a 1.14ha forest fragment located in Campos do Jordao, SP, which were classified according to dispersion syndrome and ecological succession. Fifty-four woody species pertaining to 43 genera and 33 families were recorded, occurring on the edge, the interior, and in both habitats in the forest fragment. Zoochory was the most frequent species (31.37%), followed by anemochory (23.5%) and autochory (3.9%). The successional classification indicated the predominance of secondary species (44%) followed by pioneers (18%), as well as diverse species without characterization (38%) due to the lack of information regarding their regeneration strategies. Negative impacts of the fragmentation process acting in the region were probably determining factors in the floristic impoverishment and damage in the tropical montane forest fragment in intermediate of phase of regeneration. Despite the low number of species recorded, this fragment can be of great importance for the sustainability of the surrounding forest fragments if its role in the functional connectivity of the landscape is proven. In this forest fragment, woody species common to this kind mountain forests formation can still be found, demonstrating its function in the maintenance of threatened regional biodiversity.
SHARD: Fine-Grained Kernel Specialization with Context-Aware Hardening

With growing hardware complexity and ever-evolving user requirements, the kernel is increasingly bloated which increases its attack surface. Despite its large size, for speciﬁc applications and workloads, only a small subset of the kernel code is actually required. Kernel specialization approaches exploit this observation to either harden the kernel or restrict access to its code (debloating) on a per-application basis. However, existing approaches suffer from coarse specialization granularity and lack strict enforcement which limits their effectiveness. This paper presents S HARD , a practical framework to enforce ﬁne-grain kernel specialization. S HARD specializes at both the application and system call levels to signiﬁcantly restrict the kernel code exposed to attackers. Furthermore, S HARD introduces context-aware hardening to dynamically enable code hardening during suspicious execution contexts. S HARD implements an instance of a context-aware hardening scheme using control-ﬂow integrity (CFI), which provides near-native performance for non-hardened executions and strong security guarantees. Our analysis of the kernel attack surface reduction with S HARD as well as concrete attacks shows that S HARD exposes 181 × less kernel code than the native kernel, an order of magnitude better than existing work, and prevents 90% of the evaluated attacks. Our evaluation shows that the average performance overhead of S HARD on real-world applications is moderate—10% to 36% on NG-INX, 3% to 10% on Redis, and 0% to 2.7% on the SPEC CPU 2006 benchmarks.
An Outbreak of Multi-drug Resistant Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Infection among Infants in a City of Southwest China, 2012

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) diarrheagenic Escherichia coli has rapidly spread worldwide and represents the most serious threat to management of diarrhea in developing countries. We investigated an outbreak of severe diarrhea in a neonatal ward during 1 Apr-30 Jul 2012, where 60 suspected cases were found. To identify possible sources of infection, we conducted a case-control study through which we identified the increased infection risk of 4.6 fold for each liter of bottle milk feeding (OR = 4.6, 95%CI = 1.50-14.70). E. coli serotype O128:H45 with virulence gene stIb was found in 14 out of 18 stool or diaper swab samples and were MDR. This was a neonatal diarrhea outbreak caused by multi-drug resistant E. coli while bottle milk feeding was the possible vehicle in facilitating the transmission. This outbreak reinforces that enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) should be considered when the clinical picture is consistent and common gastrointestinal pathogens are not found.
Expressão gênica diferencial relacionada ao conteúdo de ferro no músculo em animais nelore

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for cellular homeostasis. Structural component of proteins or enzyme cofactor, Fe has participation in important metabolic pathways that include oxidative metabolism, oxygen transport, cell proliferation and immune system function. Despite of its essentiality, Fe has a toxic potential to cells when in excess. So, a sophisticated system is needed to coordinate the process of absorption, recycling, use and storage. Mutations in genes related to homeostasis of this mineral may potentially alter the cellular distribution and storage. Furthermore, the Fe levels affect biological pathways such as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Iron content in cattle muscle has been associated with many sensory and technological parameters of meat quality. However, to date, studies that evaluate how the iron levels in the muscle can alter gene expression and the consequences for the metabolism in cattle are still absent. Therefore, this study aims to identify differentially expressed genes, metabolic pathways, gene interactions and potential regulatory biological mechanisms of physiological processes related to meat quality parameters. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were collected at slaughter for total RNA extraction and determination of CFe by optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Eight Nelore steers, who are representatives of extreme value for Genetic Genomic Estimate (GEBV) for iron content (CFe), were selected from a reference population of 373 animals. The sequencing of the total mRNA of extreme animals was carried out from the next generation Illumina technology, which resulted in average l9.13 million of reads per sample after quality control and trimming. Data analysis carried out by Tuxedo Suite pipeline identified 49 annotated and differentially expressed genes (DE) (FDR <0.05) between groups of extremes for GEBV value for CFe. From the DE genes, 18 genes were up-regulated and 31 down-regulated for animals of low GEBV for CFe. Candidate genes for meat quality traits were identified in this study and they are related to transport and lipid metabolism. Other pathways identified through functional enrichment analysis include cell growth and development, function of the hematological system, among others. Canonical signaling pathways (interferon signaling, thyroid receptor activation (TR/RXR) and complement system) and canonical metabolic pathways (biosynthesis of stearate, fatty acid biosynthesis and palmitate biosynthesis) were also identified. Although this study did not identify genes with direct role in the regulation of Fe content, our results suggest biological pathways influenced by this mineral and contribute with information to the understanding of their participation in processes affecting quality of meat. This information will be useful in developing strategies that contribute to the production of better quality meat, healthy and nutritionally rich. In addition, this information may help in understanding of metabolic disorders in other species, including humans.