bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the skill of precipitation forecasts on seasonal time scales over East Africa from a Climate Forecast System model
Authors: Bosire Emily , Opijah Franklin , Gitau Wilson
Published: May 2016

It is becoming increasingly important to be able to verify the skill of precipitation forecasts, especially with the advent of high-resolution numerical weather prediction models. This study focused on assessing the skill of climate forecast system (CFS) model in predicting rainfall on seasonal time scales over East Africa region for the period January 1981 to December 2009. The rainfall seasons considered were March to May (MAM) and October to December (OND). The data used in the study included the observed seasonal rainfall totals from January 1981 to December 2009 and CFS model forecast data for the same period. The model had 15 Runs. The measure of skill employed was the categorical skill scores and included Heidke skill scores, bias, probability of detection and false alarm ratio. The results from the categorical skill scores confirmed relatively higher skills during OND season as compared to MAM. When compared with individual Runs, the mean of all the 15 Runs depicted relatively higher accuracy during OND season. Some individual Runs – 1, 7, 9 and 10 – also performed better during OND season. During MAM season, the mean of all the 15 Runs showed relatively lower accuracy in predicting rainfall. Some individual Runs – 5, 10, 12 and 14 – performed better than the mean of all the 15 Runs. The prediction of seasonal rainfall over East Africa region using CFS model depends on the season considered. During MAM, the prediction of seasonal rainfall is better as Runs are fewer, which showed relatively higher averaged skills; on the other hand, during OND the prediction of seasonal rainfall is better when using the mean of all the 15 Runs.
The public health and economic consequences of unintended pregnancies in South Africa
Authors: Le Hoa H. , Connolly Mark P. , Yu Jingbo , Pinchevsky Yacob , Steyn Petrus S.
Published: May 2016

Unintended pregnancy (UIP) poses considerable humanistic and economic burden in both developed and developing countries. In the analysis described here, we evaluate the costs of unintended pregnancies based on estimates in South Africa. To estimate the burden of UIP, a decision-analytic model was developed using probabilities for pregnancy related outcomes related to UIPs in a single year, which included miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, abortion and live birth. Costs to the public health system were estimated for each birth outcome. We estimated 636,040 annual unintended pregnancies. The annual maternal deaths were estimated to be 1134 of which 219 (19.3%) are attributed to abortions and 915 (80.7%) attributed to complications from miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and deliveries. The costs attributed to UIP birth outcomes accounted for 3.42 billion Rand annually. Annual costs of UIP live births were estimated to be 82.8% of the total costs with abortion and miscarriage accountable for 8.3% and 8.4% of costs, respectively. In conclusion, despite weaknesses of modelling approaches in healthcare, we believe that our findings here will support further preventative initiatives in South Africa and more broadly to improve access to affordable and effective contraception.
Recurrent Syncope and Cardiac Arrest in a Patient with Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis Treated with Bortezomib
Authors: Jaipaul Navin , Pi Alexander , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: May 2016

About 10–15% of patients with multiple myeloma develop light chain (AL) amyloidosis. AL amyloidosis is a systemic disease that may involve multiple organs, often including the heart. It may present clinically with bradyarrhythmia and syncope. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has been used with clinical efficacy in treating patients with AL amyloidosis but also implicated as a possible cause of cardiomyocyte injury. We report a case of a 48-year-old man with AL amyloidosis and increased frequency of syncope and cardiac arrest after starting bortezomib. The biologic and clinical plausibility of a heightened risk for cardiac arrest in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis and history of syncope being treated with bortezomib is a possibility that is not well documented in the medical literature and warrants further investigation.
Risk assessment terminology: risk communication part 2
Authors: Liuzzo Gaetano , Bentley Stefano , Giacometti Federica , Piva Silvia , Serraino Andrea
Published: May 2016

The paper describes the terminology of risk communication in the view of food safety: different aspects of risk perception (perceived risk, media triggers, the psychometric paradigm, fright factors and cultural determinants of risk perception) are described. The risk profile elements are illustrated in the manuscript: hazard-food commodity combination(s) of concern; description of the public health problem; food production, processing, distribution and consumption; needs and questions for the risk assessors; available information and major knowledge gaps and other risk profile elements.
In memory of a Maestro
Authors: Bodria Luigi
Published: May 2016

Seldom the qualification of Maestro may find more appropriate use that in the case of Giuseppe Pellizzi, Emeritus Professor at the University of Milano, died suddenly last summer.
His contribution of enthusiasm and intelligence, his strong personality and commitment has deeply influenced at national and international level the agricultural engineering community and is death has left a gap that cannot be filled in all whose who have had the chance and the privilege of working alongside.
Thanks to his uncommon ability to attract and motivate young people, fascinating them with his intellectual dynamism and making them feel important and vital part of the Institute and its projects, he was a master of great charisma who led the training and scientific growth of numerous young researchers...
Induced pluripotent stem cells: the long-expected revolution in medical science and practice?
Authors: Sorrentino Antonio
Published: May 2016

Within the matter of a few years, development of the somatic reprogramming technology to generate induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has contributed enormously to the stem cell research field. We learned that differentiated adult cells possess an unrestricted plasticity that allows them to be driven back to their embryonic or pluripotent state, but owing to the juvenile nature of this novel science chapter, there are many unanswered questions and dilemmas. It is indisputable, however, that iPS cells potentially could represent the jack-of-all-trades remedy in areas of medicine ranging from toxicology screening to regenerative medicine. In this review I will summarize the current strategies employed to reprogram somatic cells and the major promises and hurdles for the future of iPS cells.
Survival of the fittest or best adapted: HLA-dependent tumor development
Authors: Masucci Giuseppe V. , Andersson Emilia , Villabona Lisa , Helgadottir Hildur , Bergfeldt Kjell , Cavallo Federica , Forni Guido , Ferrone Soldano , Choudhury Aniruddha , Seliger Barbara , Kiessling Rolf
Published: May 2016

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) comprises a set of genes that are critical to immunity and surveillance against neoplastic transformation. There is increasing evidence that the MHC antigens not only regulate antitumor immune responses in experimental animal models but directly correlate with survival and prognosis of patients with diverse types of cancers. MHC antigens may in the future function as potential biomarkers for prognosis and allow selection of cancer patients for intensive therapy.
Molecular markers for prediction of risk of radiation-related injury to normal tissue
Authors: Ghilotti Marco , Pierotti Marco Alessandro , Gariboldi Manuela
Published: May 2016

Radiotherapy is one of the most effective methods for the treatment of cancer, but occurrence of adverse reactions developing in the co-irradiated normal tissue can be a threat for patients. Identification of individuals at risk of severe reaction is very difficult and considerable efforts have been made to correlate normal tissue toxicity with cellular responses to ionizing radiation. Genetic markers enabling to identify hyper-sensitive patients prior to treatment would considerably improve its outcome. Gene association studies should help to identify such markers. Expression levels of specific transcripts could be putative markers; in fact different studies found associations between gene expression profiles in normal cells and the reaction of normal tissues to radiation therapy. The finding that ionizing radiation induces the deregulation of a high number of genes suggests that also microRNAs that affect the expression of a large number of target genes may be involved. This review briefly introduces the mechanisms of radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity and summarizes clinical research focused on the evaluation of molecular biomarkers for predicting risk of injury to normal tissue, mainly describing gene transcripts alterations.
MicroRNAs, SNPs and Cancer
Authors: Vitale Angela V. , Tan Huiping , Jin Peng
Published: May 2016

MiRNAs are probable regulators of cell events such as differentiation, propagation and apoptosis. These cellular phenomena are also associated with benign and malignant tumor cells, therefore, it is presumed that miRNAs act as natural oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Whether a particular miRNA serves as either could almost be moot when the additional problems of SNPs enter the fray. A miRNA involved with SNPs (miR-SNPs) on any regulatory level, whether naturally cancerinducing or not, could easily undergo an oncogenic transformation. This work reviews targets of miRNAs and the miRNAs themselves frequently containing SNPs reflecting different risks and markers of cancer with emphasis on familial groups and populations of shared heredity.
GyrB versus 16s rRna sequencing for the identification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari
Authors: Gunther IV Nereus William , Almond Jonnee , Yan Xianghe , Needleman David S
Published: May 2016

Species of the genus Campylobacter are responsible for the largest number of bacterial food-borne illness cases occurring yearly in the developed world. The majority of disease is caused by three of the thermotolerant Campylobacter species: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari. An inability to differentiate these three species using the commonly employed 16S rRNA sequencing procedure has led to the development of alternative methods to identify these bacteria. Some of these methods include the utilization of the gyrB gene. A reliable method was developed for the differentiation of C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari employing the gyrB gene. It involves amplification and sequencing of a species-variable region of the gene with a single pair of DNA primers. The method works well for the separation and organization of the three Campylobacter strains as well as satisfying the suggested guidelines for sequence based identification for most strains investigated.
Computational prediction of candidate miRNAs and their targets from the completed Linum ussitatissimum genome and EST database
Authors: Moss Tiffanie Y. , Cullis Christopher A.
Published: May 2016

Flax is an important agronomic crop grown for its fiber (linen) and oil (linseed oil). In spite of many thousands of years of breeding some fiber varieties have been shown to rapidly respond to environmental stress with heritable changes to its genome. Many miRNAs appear to be induced by abiotic or biotic conditions experienced through the plant life cycle. Computational miRNA analysis of the flax genome provides a foundation for subsequent research on miRNA function in Linum usitatissimum and may also provide novel insight into any regulatory role the RNAi pathway may play in generating adaptive structural variation in response to environmental stress. Here a bioinformatics approach is used to screen for miRNAs previously identified in other plant species, as well as to predict putative miRNAs unique to a particular species which may not have been identified as they are less abundant or dependent upon a specific set of environmental conditions. Twelve miRNA genes were identified in flax on the basis of unique pre-miRNA positions with structural homology to plant pre-miRNAs and complete sequence homology to published plant miRNAs. These miRNAs were found to belong to 7 miRNA families, with an additional 2 matches corresponding to as yet unnamed poplar miRNAs and a parologous miRNA with partial sequence homology to mtr-miR4414b. An additional 649 novel and distinct flax miRNA genes were identified to form from canonical hairpin structures and to have putative targets among the ~30,000 flax Unigenes.
The quality of life in girls with Rett syndrome
Authors: Parisi Lucia , Di Filippo Teresa , Roccella Michele
Published: May 2016

Nowadays, quality of life is receiving an increasing attention in all scientific areas. Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurological development, affecting mainly females. The congenital disease affects the central nervous system, and is one of the most common causes of severe intellectual disability. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of RTT on the quality of life of people who are affected. Both parents of 18 subjects, all female, diagnosed with RTT, took part in the research. Quality of life was assessed using the Italian version of the Impact of Childhood Illness Scale. This scale consists of 30 questions that investigate the effect of illness on children, parents and families. For each question, the parent was asked to rate two variables: frequency and importance. Another questionnaire was administered to obtain medical history, diagnostic and therapeutic data of the persons with RTT. Our data show that RTT has a considerable impact on both the child’s development and the entire family. Parents’ answers demonstrated that their child’s illness had consequences for the child and how the family coped with it. For this reason, attention should be directed at psychological and social aspects, as well as attitudes, manners, reactions and effects such disturbances can have on the entire family.
Risks and benefits of rapid clozapine titration
Authors: Lochhead Jeannie D. , Nelson Michele A. , Schneider Alan L.
Published: May 2016

Clozapine is often considered the gold standard for the treatment of schizophrenia. Clinical guidelines suggest a gradual titration over 2 weeks to reduce the risks of adverse events such as seizures, hypotension, agranulocytosis, and myocarditis. The slow titration often delays time to therapeutic response. This raises the question of whether, in some patients, it may be safe to use a more rapid clozapine titration. The following case illustrates the potential risks associated with the use of multiple antipsychotics and rapid clozapine titration. We present the case of a young man with schizophrenia who developed life threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) during rapid clozapine titration and treatment with multiple antipsychotics. We were unable to find another case in the literature of NMS associated with rapid clozapine titration. This case is meant to urge clinicians to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of rapid clozapine titration, and to encourage researchers to further evaluate the safety of rapid clozapine titration. Rapid clozapine titration has implications for decreasing health care costs associated with prolonged hospitalizations, and decreasing the emotional suffering associated with uncontrolled symptoms of psychosis. Clozapine is considered the most effective antipsychotic available thus efforts should focus on developing strategies that would allow for safest and most efficient use of clozapine to encourage its utilization for treatment resistance schizophrenia.
Suspected chromosomally integrated human herpes virus 6 in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Todisco Anna , Landi Maria , Festa Beatrice Paola , Santoro Lidia , Storti Gabriella , Campanini Giulia , Ariola Raffaele , Romeo Franca , Violano Generoso
Published: May 2016

Background and aims: We report a case of a 27-year-old male affected by acute myeloid leukaemia MLL-PTD positive. After autologous stem cell transplantation, he was monitored based on cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) DNA quantification in blood. Relapse occurred one year after transplantation; then the patient underwent to allogenic bone marrow transplantation using genotypically HLA-identical donor (sister). HHV-6 DNAemia was positive and persistently elevated, either after autologous either after allogenic transplant suggesting the occurrence of HHV-6 chromosomally integration. The work aim is to prove the occurrence of chromosomally integrated-HHV-6 (ci-HHV-6).
Materials and Methods: HHV-6 DNA extraction was performed by automated extractor and DNA was amplified-quantified by Real Time polymerase chain reaction. Species identification was performed by sequencing HHV6-U100 glycoprotein using automated sequencer and sequencing products were analysed using the Blast program.
Results: After autologous transplantation HHV6-DNAemia was 5.4 log copies/mL setting to 3.9 log copies/mL for a long period post allogenic transplantation. The patient’s hair follicles were tested for HHV- 6 DNA having positive results. Sequences of both strains of HHV6 extracts from blood and hair follicles resulted species B. HHV6 viral load decreased significantly after Lymphocyte Infusion by ci-HHV6 negative donor (sister), having steady viral load during the following six months of monitoring. One year later, patient is in complete haematological remission.
Conclusions: Detection of HHV-6 in hair follicles and HHV-6 DNAemia persistently elevated before allogenic transplant, confirm the occurrence of ci-HHV-6. The observed important decreasing viral load is potentially due to the successful engraftment of ci-HHV-6-negative donor marrow after allogeneic transplant.
Performance study of the automated immunoassay test anti-hepatitis C virus VIDAS® for the qualitative detection of antibodies anti-hepatitis C virus
Authors: Salvetti Sara , Lavinia Federica , Montenora Iolanda
Published: May 2016

Background and aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major worldwide public health problem requiring global action for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this infection. HCV is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, including chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma and it is responsible for about 350,000 deaths yearly. Anti-HCV assays remain the first choice for screening HCV infection in most clinical laboratories. The anti-HCV VIDAS® (bioMérieux, Marcy L’Etoile, France) test has been recently launched and we aimed to evaluate its performance compared with other widely used methods.
Materials and methods: Routine anti-HCV screening of clinical samples was carried out on the ARCHITECT® i2000SR platform (Abbot Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA); out of 8876 samples tested from October 2012 to May 2013, 70 sera with low positive anti-HCV results (1≤S/CO<8) were collected. These samples were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies using anti-HCV VIDAS® and INNO-LIATM HCV score assays (Innogenetics NV, Ghent, Belgium).
Results and conclusions: Positive anti-HCV results were obtained in 61.4% and 41.4% of sera tested with VIDAS® and INNO-LIATM, respectively. Concordance between methods was 63.2% for ARCHITECT® and VIDAS®, 42.6% for ARCHITECT® and INNO-LIATM, and 79.4% for VIDAS® and INNO-LIATM. Anti-HCV VIDAS® demonstrated superior specificity compared to the anti-HCV test ARCHITECT®; therefore, this assay has been introduced in our routine analysis as a second level screening test to select samples to be subjected to confirmatory anti- HCV immunoblot.
Blood glucose and liver function in dogs administered a xylitol drinking water additive at zero, one and five times dosage rates
Authors: Anthony James M.G. , Weber Lynn P. , Alkemade Stan
Published: May 2016

A study was designed to determine the safety of a drinking water additive that reduces plaque and calculus in dogs, and contains xylitol as an active ingredient. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 15 crossbred dogs that were randomly divided into three groups and had their drinking water treated for 14 days with either: i) a commercial health care product (BreathaLyser Plus) at the recommended dosage, ii) an experimental health care product (BreathaLyser Plus containing five times the amount of xylitol), or iii) a placebo of purified water with a colour additive. Results demonstrated that the continuous administration of a commercial, drinking water, oral health product containing xylitol, at one and five times the normal inclusion rate, does not cause hypoglycemia or alter liver function in dogs.
Stress and its effects on horses reproduction
Authors: AboEl-Maaty Amal M.
Published: May 2016

A total of 90 mares and horses were subjected to blood sampling for determining the effect of management (farm), reproductive condition, sex, age, breed and month of the year during breeding on circulating levels of cortisol and sex hormones. Blood samples were collected from December to the following June from four farms. Blood sera underwent testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol assaying using ELISA kits. Cortisol levels were significantly low in lactating mares during their foal heat but significantly high levels were recorded in both repeat breeder mares and horses used for racing. High and significant testosterone and estradiol levels were recorded in both stallions used for breeding especially after semen collection and early pregnant mares. Similar testosterone levels were recorded in both early pregnant mares and racing horses but high levels were recorded in stallions. Estradiol was high in both early pregnant and mares with endometritis but the highest levels were observed in stallions. Horses held in private farms had high cortisol levels compared to those of governmental farms. In contrast to mares, horses had low cortisol and high estradiol levels. Cortisol levels were high from April to June (Spring and early summer) compared to its levels from December to March (Winter). Arab horses had low cortisol compared to native and imported foreign breeds. In conclusion, environmental condition, exercise, breed, management and the purpose of raising horses all are affecting its cortisol levels.
Estimation of the prevalence at animal level of paratuberculosis in female cattle of Saxony-Anhalt (Germany)
Authors: Denzin Nicolai , Gehrmann Bernd , Ewert Benno , Rohde Holger
Published: May 2016

Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) is a chronic, untreatable disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. It leads to economic losses in livestock production but is also suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease in humans. In 2007/2008 a study was conducted to estimate the prevalence at animal level of paratuberculosis among the female cattle of Saxony-Anhalt (Germany). In order to keep study costs low and participating farms confidential, no farms were visited to actively draw samples. Instead, animals were pre-selected in a formal random sampling process and additionally tested by ELISA for paratuberculosis when samples suitable for serology were routinely submitted to the State Office of Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt for any diagnostics. Out of 896 samples, 38 tested positive, giving an apparent prevalence of 4.2%. Based on the test quality traits of the ELISA employed in the study (POURQUIER® ELISA Paratuberculosis) the true prevalence was estimated to 6.7% (95% CI, 3.0-10.4%). No spatial clustering of positive results was detected by a scan statistic. Prevalence estimates for age strata tended to show an incline to a maximum at age class of 5 years and a subsequent decline with higher age classes. Estimates tended to show an incline with herd size.
Bacterial enteritis in an oriental white backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and its successful management
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Dhar Prasenjit , Sharma Mandeep , Raj Anshu
Published: May 2016

An oriental white backed vulture weighing about 8 kg was rescued from a farmer’s field in a moribund condition. The vulture was showing signs of drooping feathers and wings, anorexia, unable to stand, and severe enteritis with dehydration. Bacterial culture from the cloaca of the bird revealed association of hemolytic E. coli that was sensitive to enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. The bird was treated successfully with injectable enrofloxacin and oral rehydration solution. No parasitic eggs/protozoal oocysts or hemoprotozoan parasites could be detected in the bird. The bird recovered uneventfully and started taking feed and water normally.
Castration of piglets under general anaesthesia: a possible approach
Authors: Nussbaumer Iwan
Published: May 2016

Since January 2010 the castration of piglets without pain relief has been forbidden in Switzerland. Swiss pig farmers now have two choices, either vet-performed anaesthesia and analgesia by intramuscular injection or farmer-administered isofluran anaesthesia by an inhalation device. Many smaller pig producers, with less than 60 sows, have chosen injected anaesthesia for economic, user safety and environmental reasons.
Necrotizing leptomeningeal vasculitis associated with a compressive meningioma in a cat: a rare paraneoplastic syndrome
Authors: Gabor Les J. , Walther Ines , Mullins Kathleen , Gabor Melinda , Borque Andrea
Published: May 2016

A 17 year old cat with a compressive meningioma was found to have an intradural, severe necrotizing vasculitis, spatially un associated with the neoplasm. Paraneoplastic vasculitis has been reported in two cases in the human literature associated with meningiomas. This is the first report of such an association in a domestic species.
The influence of separation distance during the preconditioning period of the male effect approach on reproductive performance in sheep
Authors: Caldas Eduardo Luiz Cavalcanti , Freitas Neto Leopoldo Mayer , Almeida-Irmão José Monteiro , Ferreira-Silva José Carlos , Silva Priscila Germany Corrêa , Veloso Neto Humberto Fernandes , Neves Jairo Pereira , Moura Marcelo Tigre , Lima Paulo Fernandes , Oliveira Marcos Antônio Lemos
Published: May 2016

The study was aimed to test the effect of the separation distance between males and females during the preconditioning period on the reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes after the male effect. Santa Inês ewes were kept at distances of 3000 m (T1), 3 m (T2), and 300 m (T3) from rams for 60 days before starting 45-day mating seasons during the dry period (DP) and rainy periods (RP). Mating events were observed daily at 6:00 h and 16:00 h by trained personnel for one hour intervals. Estrous were scored as synchronized when observed until day 5 after breeding season start. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography. In the DP, the first estrous averaged at 15.45±10.36 (T1), 9.25±6.41 (T2) and 13.05±10.24 (T3) days and in RP was 8.73±5.84 (T1), 9.30±5.62 (T2) and 6.10±5.66 (T3) days. All females cycled during both DP and RP. Estrous synchronization occurred in 20% of the females during DP (T1: 30%, T2: 15%, and T3: 15%). In the RP, estrous synchronization occurred in 40% of all females (T1: 30%, T2: 35%, and T3: 45%). The pregnancy rates in DP and RP were T1: 85%, T2: 80%, and T3: 75%. The results show that the male effect can be obtained simply by avoiding physical contact between males and females throughout the year under tropical conditions.
Evaluation of blood chemical, lipids profile and immune response on broiler chicks fed with milk thistle (Silybum mari- anum L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) seeds in south-eastern Iran
Authors: Ansari Nik Hossein , Fani Makki Omid , Ebrahimzadeh Ahmad , Omidi Arash
Published: May 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of milk thistle seeds (MTS) and thyme seeds (TS) on blood chemical, lipid profile and immune response in broiler chicks. In this study, 160 one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to four treatments with four replicates based on a completely randomized design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The treatment groups were (A) basal control diet, (B) basal diet with 0.2 g/kg of MTS, (C) basal diet with 0.2 g/kg of TS and (D) basal diet with 0.2 g/kg of MTS and 0.2 g/kg of TS. Birds fed the (D) supplemented treatment (MTS plus TS) had the greatest levels of total protein, 4.26±0.27 g/L; albumin, 2.21±0.02 g/L; globulin 2.28±0.23 g/L; and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, 152.18±4.46 U/L than the control birds [group (A)] (P<0.05). MTS alone or in combination with TS reduced the cholesterol in the serum of the broilers (P<0.05), and this effect was more pronounced for the (C) treatment (TS alone) (P<0.05). Treatment consumption with MTS plus TS [group (D)] significantly increased the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), 90.32±2.28 mmol/L, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 10.44±0.07 mmol/L, and triglyceride concentrations, 60.75±2.65 mmol/L, were decreased compared to control (P<0.05). However, none of the immunity parameters and liver enzymes differed significantly in MTS or TS groups. The present research indicated that supplements of MTS and TS have a protective influence on the lipids profile, total protein, globulin, albumin and AST levels in broiler chicks.
Ground thermal data collection along the Alaska Highway corridor (KP1559-1895), Yukon, summer 2015
Authors: Smith S L , Ednie M , Chartrand J
Published: May 2016

Ground temperature data were acquired in July 2015 from 13 boreholes along the northwestern section of the Alaska Highway corridor between kilometre post (KP) 1559 and KP 1895 near the Alaska border. Mean annual ground temperatures, determined at or near the zero
annual amplitude depth, indicate that permafrost temperature in this section of the corridor is generally above -1°C with colder conditions near the Alaska border where permafrost can be as cold as -3°C. Temperatures measured in the upper 1-2 m indicate that permafrost exists at some sites
where surface temperatures are above 0°C and where a sufficient thermal offset exists. Although mean annual air temperature in 2014-15 was higher than in 2013-14, there was no significant difference in the ground temperatures between the two years. The information obtained helps characterize
regional permafrost conditions in the southern Yukon and informs climate change impact assessments and adaptation planning.
Feeding practices and nutritional status of HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed infants in the Western Cape
Authors: Rossouw Magdel E. , Cornell Morna , Cotton Mark F. , Esser Monika M.
Published: May 2016

Background: Optimal infant- and young child–feeding practices are crucial for nutritional status, growth, development, health and, ultimately, survival. Human breast milk is optimal nutrition for all infants. Complementary food introduced at the correct age is part of optimal feeding practices. In South Africa, widespread access to antiretrovirals and a programme to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV have reduced HIV infection in infants and increased the number of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants. However, little is known about the feeding practices and nutritional status of HEU and HIV-unexposed (HU) infants.Objective: To assess the feeding practices and nutritional status of HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed (HU) infants in the Western Cape.Design: Prospective substudy on feeding practices nested in a pilot study investigating the innate immune abnormalities in HEU infants compared to HU infants. The main study commenced at week 2 of life with the nutrition component added from 6 months. Information on children’s dietary intake was obtained at each visit from the caregiver, mainly the mother. Head circumference, weight and length were recorded at each visit. Data were obtained from 6-, 12- and 18-month visits. World Health Organization feeding practice indicators and nutrition indicators were utilised.Setting: Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Western Cape. Mothers were recruited from the postnatal wards.Subjects: Forty-seven mother–infant pairs, 25 HEU and 22 HU infants, participated in this nutritional substudy. Eight (17%) infants, one HU and seven HEU, were lost to follow-up over the next 12 months. The HEU children were mainly Xhosa (76%) and HU were mainly mixed race (77%).Results: The participants were from poor socio-economic backgrounds. In both groups, adherence to breastfeeding recommendations was low with suboptimal dietary diversity. We noted a high rate of sugar- and salt-containing snacks given from a young age. The HU group had poorer anthropometric and nutritional indicators not explained by nutritional factors alone. However, alcohol and tobacco use was much higher amongst the HU mothers.Conclusion: Adherence to breastfeeding recommendations was low. Ethnicity and cultural milieu may have influenced feeding choices and growth. Further research is needed to understand possible reasons for the poorer nutritional and anthropometric indicators in the HU group.Keywords: Feeding practices; Nutritional status; HIV-exposed
Recommendations for the management of indeterminate HIV PCR results within South Africa’s early infant diagnosis programme
Authors: Haeri Mazanderani Ahmad , Technau Karl-Günter , Hsiao Nei-yuan , Maritz Jean , Carmona Sergio , Sherman Gayle G.
Published: May 2016

Indeterminate HIV PCR results represent missed diagnostic opportunities within South Africa's early infant diagnosis (EID) programme. These results not only delay diagnosis and appropriate management but are also a source of confusion and apprehension amongst clinicians and caregivers. We describe the extent of indeterminate HIV PCR results within South Africa's EID programme and provide recommendations for the management of these cases, both in terms of laboratory practice and the clinical care of the infants.Keywords: EID; HIV PCR; Indeterminate
Association between androgen receptor gene polymorphisms and testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: Qin Jiaxuan , Cui Ni , Hou Ruida , Liu Tie , Sun Hongyan , Liu Yi , Wang Lei , Ni Jinsong , Gu Xinquan
Published: May 2016

Objective:

To estimate association between androgen receptor (AR) gene polymorphisms and testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) susceptibility.

Materials and Methods:

Systematic search of studies on the association between AR gene polymorphisms and TGCT susceptibility was conducted. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to pool effect size.

Results:

For CAG repeat, no evidence was found for association between (>25 vs. ≤25), (>25 vs. 21–25), (<21 vs. 21–25), (others vs. 21–25), (>23 vs. ≤23), (<21 vs. ≥21), (<21 vs. ≥21)'s some subgroups and TGCT susceptibility, which showed stability. In (>24 vs. ≤24), (>24 vs. 21–24), (<21 vs. 21–24), and (others vs. 21–24) and almost all of their subgroups, increased TGCT risk was found without sensitivity analysis. For GGN, no statistical change of TGCT risk was found in (<23 vs. ≥23), (<23 vs. 23), which showed stability. For single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6152 G > A, rs1204038 G > A and rs2361634 A > G, no statistical change was found without sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions:

GGN repeat number <23 may not be associated with TGCTs susceptibility. However, there was insufficient data to fully confirm association in GGN repeat number >23, CAG repeat number, SNP rs6152, rs1204038, and rs2361634.
Quality of Life in Patients with Substance Use Disorders Admitted to Detoxification Compared with those Admitted to Hospitals for Medical Disorders: Follow-Up Results
Authors: Vederhus John-Kåre , Pripp Are Hugo , Clausen Thomas
Published: May 2016

Quality of life (QoL) in patients admitted to a general hospital was compared with those admitted to a detoxification unit for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD). This study combines data from two separate data collections: a cross-sectional study in a general hospital unit (somatic sample, N = 519) and a follow-up study in a detoxification unit (SUD sample, N = 140). A total of 659 patients recruited during 2008–2013 were included in this study. All patients completed a generic QoL questionnaire at inclusion, and the SUD sample also completed it at the six-month follow-up. SUD patients experienced comparably low physical QoL and had significantly lower psychological, social, and existential QoL domain scores when compared with the somatic sample. Mental distress and having a SUD were the major factors explaining variations in QoL, with both influencing QoL negatively. In the SUD sample, QoL improved moderately at the six-month follow-up with less improvement for the domain relationship to a partner. To facilitate the recovery of SUD patients, clinicians must view their patients' situation holistically and invest efforts into the different life domains affected by poor QoL.
Optimization of hybrid system (wind-solar energy) for pumping water
Authors: Laamari S. , Zghal W. , Kchaou H.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an optimization method for a hybrid (wind-solar) autonomous system designed for pumping water. This method is based on mathematical models demonstrated for the analysis and control of the performance of the various components of the hybrid system. These models provide an estimate of recoverable solar energy depending on the climatic conditions of a given area and a determination of the energy produced by a solar panel. These models also show evaluation of the electrical energy produced by the wind generator. Moreover, this optimization method is based on minimizing of the factor lack of energy to generate (LEG) by variation of the duration of pumping and the angel of inclination of panels. To validate this method, a case study was performed on an installed system in the region of "Sidi Makhlouf" in southern Tunisia. The results confirm that it is technically advantageous to use renewable energy for pumping water.Keywords: Renewable energy; pumping water; technical optimization; autonomous system.
Smart grid implementation in India – A case study of Puducherry pilot project
Authors: Kappagantu Ramakrishna , Senn Subir , Mahesh M , Arul Daniel S.
Published: May 2016

The basis of the smart grid concept is the extension of information and communication technologies to the existing energy infrastructure. The improved communication between different parts of the energy system is expected to increase the quality, reliability and efficiency of the overall system in smart grid. This paper presents the implementation and analysis of load management by using the platform of Smart Grids for residential consumer setup, a pilot project of utility in Puducherry under open collaboration. The analysis is done with the data outcome of smart meters installed in the utility, which have features of two way communication, polling interval & data measurement, storage and display of consumption data to consumers, support for variable tariff and micro generation. The practical issues of concern faced in the implementation of Smart Grid in distribution system are also highlighted.Keywords: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Peak Load Management (PLM), Outage Management System (OMS) and Power Quality Management (PQM)
Energy efficient approach for transient fault recovery in real time systems
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Alam Bashir
Published: May 2016

Due to increase in complexity of systems, failure rate is increasing in real time systems. A failure in a system can occurs due to presence of fault. A fault can be transient, intermittent or permanent. In this paper we propose a novel approach for transient fault recovery with energy minimization. A faulty system may cause a failure. Fault tolerance approach is used to correct functioning in the presence of fault. DVS (Dynamic Voltage Scaling) is responsible for energy minimization in a system by adjusting the voltage level and clock speed dynamically. Efficiency of DVS depends upon available slack time. Experimental result shows that proposed algorithm is more suitable for transient fault recovery with energy minimization.Keywords: DVS, Fault tolerance, Real Time System, Transient Fault
Smart earphone: Controlling tasks by earphone in smart phone by gesture of the user
Authors: Jain Ankur , Tiwari Prabhakar , Agrawal Amit
Published: May 2016

Earphones are widely used to listen to audible sound. Various researches to improve sound quality are in process like noise reduction etc. But in this invention earphone has capacitive touch sensors which can detect the skin of the user, and from the various combinations of output coming out of the sensors many task can be operated in the host device. Authors propose that in this invention various tasks of the host devices can be controlled by the earphone on movement of the speaker of earphone, on touching the speaker of the earphone by finger, on plugging the speaker of the earphone in the ears, on plugging out the speaker of the earphone in the ears. Using this technique Authors have implemented that a smart earphone system can be used to make the earphone from task oriented to multitasking by different gestures of the user.Keywords: Android app, ATMEGA 8, Capacitive touch Sensor, Microcontroller, Smart phone
Multi-objective optimization of distributed generation with voltage step constraint
Authors: Payasi R.P. , Singh Asheesh K. , Singh Devender , Singh Navneet K.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the multi-objective optimization for high penetration of different type of distributed generations (DGs) considering voltage step constraint. In most of the studies in literature, the commonly used constraints are bus voltage limits and line power capacity limit. In this paper, it is analyzed that voltage step constraint affects the location, size and power factor of DG in distribution network. The studies are carried out for 17-bus, 38-bus and 76-bus distribution systems.Keywords: Distributed generation, distribution system, distributed generation planning, genetic algorithm
Integrated tuning of PID-derivative load frequency controller for two area interconnected system
Authors: Sonkar Preeti , Chandel Ashwani , Rahi O.P.
Published: May 2016

PID-derivative filter has been considered better than the normal PID control when it comes for the stability analysis of a power system. This paper presents a PID-derivative filter load frequency controller for the two thermal-thermal and hydrothermal interconnected areas. The proposed controller has been based on cascading of derivative filter with PID controller. The Ziegler- Nichols (Z-N) tuning method has been used for tuning the controllers. Results of the proposed derivative controller have been compared with conventional proportional integral derivative controller in time domain analysis. A remarkable improvement in stability of the system has been observed with PID-derivative filter controller justifying its applicability. Simulated results given in the paper show the feasibility of the proposed PID-derivative filter controller.Keywords: controller; derivative filter; tie line; two area
Power factor correction (PFC) converters feeding brushless DC motor drive
Authors: Singh Bhim , Bist Vashist
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive study of power factor correction (PFC) converters for feeding brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive. This work explores various configurations of PFC converters which are classified into five different categories of non-isolated, bridgeless (BL) non-isolated, isolated, BL-isolated PFC converters and integrated and high quality rectifiersfor feeding BLDC motor drive. A comprehensive study of these PFC convertersis presented with focus on application potential, design and control aspects, components selection, cost of overall system, efficiency issues, power quality and the future trends. The proposed converters have been designed for achieving an improved power quality operation with low amount of total harmonic distortion (THD) of supply current at AC mains for a wide range of speed control at varying supply voltages.Keywords: Brushless DC (BLDC)Motor, Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), Power Factor Correction (PFC), Power Quality, Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)
Temperature affects the morphology and calcification of Emiliania huxleyi strains
Authors: Rosas-Navarro Anaid , Langer Gerald , Ziveri Patrizia
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The global warming debate has sparked an unprecedented interest in temperature effects on coccolithophores. The calcification response to temperature changes reported in the literature, however, is ambiguous. The two main sources of this ambiguity are putatively differences in experimental setup and strain specificity. In this study we therefore compare three strains isolated in the North Pacific under identical experimental conditions. Three strains of Emiliania huxleyi type A were grown under non-limiting nutrient and light conditions, at 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C. All three strains displayed similar growth rate versus temperature relationships, with an optimum at 20–25 °C. Elemental production (particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), particulate organic carbon (POC), total particulate nitrogen (TPN)), coccolith mass, coccolith size, and width of the tube element cycle were positively correlated with temperature over the sub-optimum to optimum temperature range. The correlation between PIC production and coccolith mass/size supports the notion that coccolith mass can be used as a proxy for PIC production in sediment samples. Increasing PIC production was significantly positively correlated with the percentage of incomplete coccoliths in one strain only. Generally, coccoliths were heavier when PIC production was higher. This shows that incompleteness of coccoliths is not due to time shortage at high PIC production. Sub-optimal growth temperatures lead to an increase in the percentage of malformed coccoliths in a strain-specific fashion. Since in total only six strains have been tested thus far, it is presently difficult to say whether sub-optimal temperature is an important factor causing malformations in the field. The most important parameter in biogeochemical terms, the PIC : POC ratio, shows a minimum at optimum growth temperature in all investigated strains. This clarifies the ambiguous picture featuring in the literature, i.e. discrepancies between PIC : POC–temperature relationships reported in different studies using different strains and different experimental setups. In summary, global warming might cause a decline in coccolithophore's PIC contribution to the rain ratio, as well as improved fitness in some genotypes due to fewer coccolith malformations.