Aladağlar Mountain Range: A Landscape-Shaped by the Interplay of Glacial, Karstic, and Fluvial Erosion

The Aladağlar Mountain Range (AMR) is a large massif mainly composed of carbonate rocks hosting beautiful examples of glacial, karstic, and fluvial erosion. Extreme variations in climate and topography as well as the multitude of diverse geochemical conditions since the early Paleocene allowed development of huge hypogenic and epigenic karst systems. The interplay between the surface and karst drainage systems resulted in an attractive fluvial morphology with large karst springs, travertine bridges, gorges, and valleys. All of the karst valleys spreading from the heights of the AMR-hosted valley glaciers that once flowed down to 1100 m elevation. With its diverse landscape, the AMR is a promising land for tourists, backpackers, trekkers, and mountaineers. Large hanging karst springs, long rafting routes along gorges, travertine bridges, U-shaped glacial valleys and lakes, and challenging peaks are the major landscape attractions. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.National Science Foundation, NSF 112Y087 Mount Allison University, MTA --Acknowledgements The authors thank the following institutions for their support/funding through various projects: General Directorate of Mineral Resources of Turkey (MTA), Hacettepe University Research Fund, The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK project 112Y087), National Science Foundation (USA) and Ukrainian Speleological Association. -

Hydrology in the Sea of Marmara during the last 23 ka : implications for timing of Black Sea connections and sapropel deposition

Author Posting. © American Geophysical Union, 2010. This article is posted here by permission of American Geophysical Union for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Paleoceanography 25 (2010): PA1205, doi:10.1029/2009PA001735.Sediments deposited under lacustrine and marine conditions in the Sea of Marmara hold a Late Quaternary record for water exchange between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Here we report a multiproxy data set based on oxygen and strontium isotope results obtained from carbonate shells, major and trace elements, and specific organic biomarker measurements, as well as a micropaleontological study from a 14C-dated sediment core retrieved from the Sea of Marmara. Pronounced changes occurred in δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr values at the fresh and marine water transition, providing additional information in relation to micropaleontological data. Organic biomarker concentrations documented the marine origin of the sapropelic layer while changes in n-alkane concentrations clearly indicated an enhanced contribution for organic matter of terrestrial origin before and after the event. When compared with the Black Sea record, the results suggest that the Black Sea was outflowing to the Sea of Marmara from the Last Glacial Maximum until the warmer Bølling-Allerød. The first marine incursion in the Sea of Marmara occurred at 14.7 cal ka B.P. However, salinification of the basin was gradual, indicating that Black Sea freshwaters were still contributing to the Marmara seawater budget. After the Younger Dryas (which is associated with a high input of organic matter of terrestrial origin) both basins were disconnected, resulting in a salinity increase in the Sea of Marmara. The deposition of organic-rich sapropel that followed was mainly related to enhanced primary productivity characterized by a reorganization of the phytoplankton population.We acknowledge support from INSU and the French Polar Institute IPEV

Characterization of the association between 8q24 and colon cancer: gene-environment exploration and meta-analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Genome-wide association studies and subsequent replication studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chromosomal region 8q24 are associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined 11 SNP markers in the 8q24 region between 128.47 and 128.54 Mb, using a total of 1,987 colon cases and 2,339 controls who self-reported as white from two independent, well-characterized study populations. Analysis was performed separately within each study, and combined using random effects meta-analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and to test for effect modification by known colon cancer risk factors. We also performed a meta-analysis combining our results with previous studies.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We observed evidence of association for four SNPs in low to high linkage disequilibrium (r²ranging from 0.18 to 0.93) localized in a 16.2 kb region defined by rs10505477 and rs1056368. The combined results for our two studies of colon cancer showed an OR of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01-1.20, P_trend= 0.023), and a meta-analysis of our results with previously reported studies of colon and colorectal cancer strongly support the association for this SNP (combined OR for rs6983267 = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.18-1.24, p = 5.5 × 10^-44). We did not observe any notable evidence of effect modification by known colon cancer risk factors, and risk did not differ significantly by tumor site or stage.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study confirms the association between polymorphisms on chromosome 8q24 and colon cancer risk and suggests that the susceptibility locus in region 8q24 is not strongly modified by various lifestyle, environmental, and demographic risk factors for colon cancer.</p

Karstic Landscapes and Landforms in Turkey

Approximately, 40% of Turkey’s landmass consists of soluble rocks (limestone, dolomite, and gypsum) highly suitable for karstification. While presenting different lithological composition, lithostratigraphic and structural characteristics, these rocks reach in some places up to 4000 m in elevation. Tectonic movements since the middle Miocene have played, together with climate, a major role in the processes of karst development. Several factors intervene in the formation processes and history of the karstic landscapes of Turkey: structural dynamics (mainly extensional tectonics and block faulting) and its spatial distribution, relief rejuvenation responding to the combination of uplift intensity and sea-level changes and the stratigraphic/lithologic context. Resulting from the various combinations possible, there are large-scale differences in the evolution of the karstic landscape within short distances. Consequently, six karstic regions and eleven distinct sub-karstic areas can be identified on the basis of their different morphogenetic and morphometric characteristics. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Economic Performance of Pre-Crops in a Three-Year Rotation Program for Organic Vegetable Production

28th International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC) / International Symposium on Organic Horticulture - Productivity and Sustainability -- AUG 22-27, 2010 -- Lisbon, PORTUGALWOS: 000314777600041A four year experiment is being carried out, at Ege University Department of Horticulture, in which three different pre-crops are tested under an organic management system as compared to fallow. The aim of the experiment is to identify the most suitable rotation program for organic vegetable production in Turkey. Vicia sativa (common vetch), Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), Vicia faba 'Sevilla' (faba bean) and fallow are tested as preceding (winter) crops. During the experiment carried out between 2007 and 2009, the main crops were tomato (2007), zucchini (2008) and pepper (2009). Broccoli represented the farmers' choice as a winter vegetable. Vetch (incorporated) and faba bean (partially harvested and incorporated) were selected as legumes well adapted to the regional conditions. Soil fertility was maintained by incorporation of the crop residues at the end of both cycles and addition of organic-certified commercial compost (Bioaktif) and compost tea during the main cycle. All the management, including disease and pest management, was carried out according to the organic regulations valid in Turkey and the EU. During the production seasons, all variable costs and revenue, during both the pre-crop and main crop cycles, were recorded and gross margin calculated for each treatment. Economic analysis showed that broccoli as a pre-crop required the highest variable costs followed by faba bean, vetch and fallow, in all three years. Total revenue was the highest in plots where broccoli was the pre-crop. It is followed by faba bean plots mostly because higher yields were obtained in main crop plots following faba bean. The least profitable was fallow - main crop rotation. Broccoli plants also have some extra benefits like adding a high amount of biomass to soil and suppressing weed growth due to shading and allelopathic effects.Int Soc Hort Sci (ISHS

Designed antimicrobial peptides for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment

CITATION: Woodburn, K. W., et al. 2019. Designed antimicrobial peptides for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 63(11):e02690-18, doi:10.1128/AAC.02690-18.The original publication is available at https://aac.asm.orgRecurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a widespread chronic infection that has a substantial negative impact on work and quality of life. The development of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation are speculated to contribute to Candida pathogenicity and treatment ineffectiveness. Designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs) are chemically modified from endogenous antimicrobial peptides that provide the first line of defense against pathogens. The goal here is to identify a dAMP for the topical treatment of RVVC. The dAMP MICs were determined for 46 fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. clinical isolates. The possibility of inducing dAMP drug resistance and comparison of dAMP and fluconazole activity against preformed Candida biofilm and biofilm formation were evaluated. Assessment of mammalian cell viability was determined using bioluminescent human keratinocytes. The dAMP effect on fungus was probed via scanning electron microscopy, and topically applied dAMP activity was evaluated in a rodent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) infection model. dAMPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against common causative clinical Candida isolates, reduced preformed biofilm, and inhibited biofilm formation. An evaluated dAMP did not induce resistance after repeated exposure of Candida tropicalis. The dAMPs were selective for Candida cells with limited mammalian cytotoxicity with substantial activity in a rodent VVC model. dAMPs are described as having potent antifungal and antibiofilm activity, likely direct membrane action with selectivity for Candida cells, with limited resistance development. Combined with activity in a rodent VVC model, the data support clinical evaluation of dAMPs for topical treatment of VCC and recurrent VVC infections.https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/AAC.02690-18Publisher's versio

Groundwater

About 18% of the total water resources potential of Turkey is made up of groundwater resources. Significant portion of the streamflow of major rivers is supplied by groundwater through springs and baseflow. In 1960s and early 1970s, the financial capacity of Turkey did not allow construction of large dams for irrigation. Development of groundwater resources in alluvial plain aquifers where the agriculture was concentrated has been a priority. In 1990s, the building of large dams has been boosted and irrigation by surface waters preferred due to the lower operational cost. From 1990s, not enough funds have been allocated to explore and develop groundwater resources. In spite of its strategic significance, much more has been invested to investigate and develop the "visible" resource. This unbalanced policy of water resources management has reflected also in the organizational and institutional structure of Turkey. Groundwater resources of Turkey mainly occur in alluvial and karstic aquifers. Large coastal plains and deltas, grabens and pull-apart basins constitute the major alluvial aquifers. The thick and extensive carbonate rocks along the Taurus mountain belt favor formation of productive karst aquifers. The fractured rock aquifers are either low yield or of local importance. Igneous rocks have no permeability and they have very limited outcrops. Groundwater occurs in younger volcanic rocks with limited extension. However, volcanic rock aquifers at foothills of volcanoes, such as Erciyes and Nemrut, may supply a great amount of groundwater where they are recharged by snowmelt. Metamorphic rocks are hydrogeological barriers, in general. They may bear very little amounts of groundwater that might support aquatic ecosystems. Turkey has faced some water mismanagement problems whose consequences are observable in terms of the decline of groundwater levels, reduced spring and streamflows, desiccation of lakes and wetlands and loss of ecosystems. These consequences resulting mainly from managing surface waters and groundwater resources separately, ignoring that they are interacting subsystems of the same and single source, are becoming more frequent and severe. Implementation of the EU-Water Framework Directive has helped, to a certain extent, to maintain the "good status" and to "recover" the degraded water resources and the ecosystems. The "safe yield" approach that has been used in groundwater management needs to be changed to a "sustainable yield" approach which considers also the ecological water needs. This can only be achieved by competent persons who are educated in hydrogeological characterization, conceptualization and modelling of groundwater systems

Performance of organic vegetable rotations under Mediterranean experimental and on-farm conditions

International Symposium on Innovation in Integrated and Organic Horticulture (INNOHORT) -- JUN 08, 2015 -- Avignon, FRANCEWOS: 000385238100011Vegetables are generally grown as intensive systems on small plots, and their economic significance is of utmost importance in the Mediterranean countries. Even if organic management became widespread around the Mediterranean basin starting in the 1980s, long-term rotations based mainly on vegetables are quite rare. The performance of organic farming systems relies on economic, technical and ecological outputs. A four-year experiment was carried out between 2006 and 2010 at the Ege University experimental site (Izmir/Turkey), in cooperation with the CIHEAM Mediterranean Institute of Bari. Recommended practices were tested in commercial farming conditions during the fifth year. The four-year rotation program was designed as follows: in winter months, experimental plots had broccoli, broad bean, vetch or fallow (natural vegetation), followed by a main crop that changed yearly in the following order: tomato, zucchini, pepper and eggplant. Broccoli represented the farmer's choice as a winter vegetable and vetch and broad bean as green manure. Additionally, organic-certified commercial compost was added during the summer cycles as a standard amendment. The effect of pre-crops and main crops on soil organic matter, primary nutrients, weed abundance and yield, were assessed for each main crop cycle. Soil N, P and K contents of the experimental plot were kept at rich or sufficient levels for four years, and yields obtained for the summer vegetables were within the regional averages. Based on the economic and technical outputs, best practices, identified as vetch or broccoli + zucchini and vetch or broccoli + tomato, were tested under farm conditions. This paper summarizes the major results on soil fertility and yield and quality of tested crops obtained under experimental and onfarm conditions. Based on five-year results, broccoli and vetch are recommended as the two successful pre-crops for winter where summer vegetables are the main crops.Int Soc Horticultural Sc

Efficacy and Associated Drug Exposures of Isavuconazole and Fluconazole in an Experimental Model of Coccidioidomycosis.

Coccidioides spp. are important pathogens in regions where they are endemic, and new treatment options are needed. Here, isavuconazonium sulfate (ISAVUSULF) and fluconazole (FLU) were evaluated in experimental disseminated coccidioidomycosis to characterize drug exposures associated with efficacy. Broth macrodilution was performed on Coccidioides isolates to measure minimal effective concentrations (MEC) and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFC). Mice were inoculated with Coccidioides posadasii (Silveira strain). Treatment started 4 days postinoculation. In model 1, mice were treated for 19 days, followed by 30 days of off-therapy observation, measuring survival through day 49 and residual fungal burden. Treatments included ISAVUSULF (prodrug; 186, 279, or 372 mg/kg twice daily), FLU (20 or 100 mg/kg once daily), and no treatment. Model 2 included 7-day treatment with ISAVUSULF (prodrug; 74.4, 111.6, or 148.8 mg/kg twice daily), FLU (20 or 100 mg/kg once daily), and no treatment. Serial plasma and tissues samples were obtained for pharmacokinetics (PK) and fungal burden measurement, respectively. Fifty percent minimal effective concentration (MEC50) values were 0.39 mg/liter (isavuconazole [ISAV]) and 12.5 mg/liter (FLU). Treatment with ISAVUSULF186 or with either FLU dose resulted in higher survival compared to that in the untreated group. Treatment with ISAVUSULF186 or ISAVUSULF279 twice daily or FLU100 reduced fungal burden in all organs (model 1). In model 2, a >1 log10 CFU/organ reduction was demonstrated, with ISAV area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values achieved with 111.6 mg/kg twice daily (56.8 mg · h/liter) in the spleen and liver. FLU AUC values of 100 and 500 mg·h/liter for 20 and 100 mg/kg doses, respectively, resulted in a >1 log10 CFU/organ mean reduction in all organs. ISAVUSULF and FLU improved survival and reduced fungal burden. Increasing plasma drug exposures resulted in decreases in fungal burden