bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochastic model of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus control strategies on a swine farm in the United States
Authors: Jeong Jaewoon , Aly Sharif S. , Cano Jean Paul , Polson Dale , Kass Philip H. , Perez Andres M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Objective—To use mathematical modeling to assess the effectiveness of control strategies for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus on a swine farm.
Sample—A hypothetical small, medium, or large farrow-to-weaning swine farm in the Midwestern United States.
Procedures—Stochastic models were formulated to simulate an outbreak of PRRS on a farm. Control strategies assessed in those models included none (baseline) and various combinations of mass immunization, herd closure, and gilt acclimatization. Nine different models resulting from the combination of low, moderate, or high PRRS virus virulence and small, medium, or large herd size were simulated. A stabilized status, the outcome of interest, was defined as the absence of positive PCR assay results for PRRS virus in 3-week-old piglets. For each scenario, the percentage of simulations with a stabilized status was used as a proxy for the probability of disease control.
Results—Increasing PRRS virus virulence and herd size were negatively associated with the probability of achieving a stabilized status. Repeated mass immunization with herd closure or gilt acclimitization was a better alternative than was single mass immunization for disease control within a farm.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Repeated mass immunization with a PRRS modified-live virus vaccine with herd closure or gilt acclimitization was the scenario most likely to achieve a stabilized status. Estimation of the cost of various PRRS control strategies is necessary.
Effects of weather variables on thermoregulation of calves during periods of extreme heat
Authors: Theurer Miles E. , Anderson David E. , White Brad J. , Miesner Matt D. , Larson Robert L. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Objective—To determine effects of ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, relative barometric pressure, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures in cattle during extreme summer conditions.
Animals—20 black crossbred beef heifers (mean body weight, 217.8 kg).
Procedures—Nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures were monitored every 2 hours for 24 hours on 3 nonconsecutive days when ambient temperature was forecasted to exceed 32.2°C. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and relative barometric pressure were continuously monitored at a remote weather station located at the research facility. The THI was calculated and used in the livestock weather safety index (LWSI). Relationships between nasal submucosal or rectal temperature and weather variables were evaluated.
Results—Nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures were related to all weather variables monitored. A positive relationship was determined for ambient temperature and THI with both nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures. A negative relationship was evident for nasal submucosal and rectal temperature with relative humidity, wind speed, and relative barometric pressure. Nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures increased with increasing severity of LWSI category.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Effects of environmental conditions on thermoregulation in calves exposed to extreme heat were detected. The positive relationship between nasal submucosal temperature and ambient temperature and THI raised concerns about the efficacy of intranasal administration of temperature-sensitive modified-live virus vaccines during periods of extreme heat. Environmental conditions must be considered when rectal temperature is used as a diagnostic tool for identifying morbid cattle.
Effect of body position on intra-abdominal pressures and abdominal perfusion pressures measured at three sites in horses anesthetized with short-term total intravenous anesthesia
Authors: Scott Victoria H. , Williams Jarred M. , Mudge Margaret C. , Hurcombe Samuel D. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Objective—To assess effects of body position on direct measurements of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) in horses anesthetized with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA).
Animals—9 healthy adult horses.
Procedures—Instrumentation in unsedated standing horses involved insertion of an arterial catheter for blood pressure measurements and 3 intraperitoneal cannulas (left flank, right flank, and ventral abdomen) for IAP measurements. Baseline values were measured for heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), diastolic arterial blood pressure, and IAP. Horses were medicated with xylazine, and pressures were measured again. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine-diazepam and maintained with a ketamine-guaifenesin infusion. Horses were positioned twice into left lateral recumbency, right lateral recumbency, or dorsal recumbency. Hemodynamic pressures and accessible abdominal pressures were measured for each recumbency position. The APP was calculated as MAP – IAP. Differences in IAP, MAP, APP and sedation (standing horses) or body position (anesthetized horses) were compared by means of repeated-measures ANOVA or paired t tests.
Results—Baseline hemodynamic and IAPs were not different after xylazine administration. Ventral abdomen IAP and MAP were lower for horses in dorsal recumbency than in right or left lateral recumbency. Ventral abdomen APP remained unchanged. For lateral recumbencies, flank IAP was lower and APP was higher than pressure measurements at the same sites during dorsal recumbency.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Body position affected IAP and APP in healthy anesthetized horses. These effects should be considered when developing IAP acquisition methods for use in horses with abdominal disease.
Influence of crop species and edaphic factors on the distribution and abundance of trichoderma in alfisol soils of southern India
Authors: Muniappan Vellaisamy , Muthukumar Thangavelu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The effect of crop species and edaphic factors on the distribution of Trichoderma species in Alfisol soil under different agrosystems was evaluated. Each soil sample was assayed for nine abiotic factors and culturable microfungal populations. Fungal abundance was determined by dilution plate technique, and the identification of fungi was based on morphological characteristics. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship of association between these factors and the presence and abundance of Trichoderma species in each soil type. The abundance of soil fungi ranged between 7.0 × 103 and 13.6 × 103 colony forming units (cfus) per gram of dry soil. The population densities of the two Trichoderma species (T. koningii and T. viride) isolated in the present study varied significantly with crop species and their abundance (varied from 0.6 to 3.6 × 103 cfus g-1 dry soil). Twenty-two other colony-forming fungal types with an abundance ranging between 7.0 × 103 and 13.6 × 103 cfus g-1 dry soil were also isolated in the present study. As soil pH negatively influenced relative abundance of T. koningii, soil P and relative abundance of T. viride were significantly and positively correlated to each other. Further, relative abundance of T. koningii was significantly and positively correlated to relative abundance of Aspergillus fumigatus but negatively correlated to relative abundance of Stachybotrys atra. Likewise, a significant negative correlation existed between relative abundance of T. viride and Absidia glauca.
Transitions between community complexes: a case study analysing gradients through mountain ridges in south Hungary
Authors: Erdős László , Zalatnai Márta , Bátori Zoltán , Körmöczi László 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe study of boundaries is a recurring theme in ecology. However, boundaries have been examined mainly on fine scales (between communities) and on coarse scales (between biomes), while boundaries of intermediate scales (e.g. between community complexes) are quite neglected. In this study, we analysed boundaries between mesic and xeric community complexes in a sub-Mediterranean karst area of South Hungary. We applied the moving split window (MSW) technique for boundary analysis. First, since the behaviour ofMSWconcerning complex vegetation patterns is not fully understood, we prepared artificial datasets (simulated communities) to test its capacities. Second, we established north-south oriented belt transects across mountain ridges of the Villány Mts, and investigated the transition between the community complexes of differently exposed slopes. UsingMSW, we were able clearly to distinguish between transitional zones and zones that do not represent real transitions: peaks in the Z-score profile of MSW merge only in the case of transitional zones. Moreover, we found that peaks merge depending on the independence (distinctness) of the transitional zone: when it is distinct, peaks merge only at the largest window widths. In the Villány Mts, transitions seem to occur mostly in the grasslands north of the ridges. We demonstrated that these grasslands can be regarded as boundaries between mesic and xeric complexes or as zones in their own right, with their own two boundaries. Interpretation depends upon the scale of observation.
Anew sesleria juncifolia association from south-eastern Italy and its position in the amphi-adriatic biogeographical context
Authors: di Pietro Romeo , Wagensommer Robert P. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The Sesleria juncifolia calcareous grasslands in the Apulia region (southern Italy) were studied on the basis of 24 phytosociological relevés. According to UPGMA cluster analysis division and NMDS ordination the relevés were classified into four major groups which gave rise to three sub-associations (Gargano) and a geographically impoverished variant (Alta Murgia). The new association Stipo austroitalicae-Seslerietum juncifoliae ass. nova was proposed. Due to the relict and scattered distribution of Sesleria juncifolia in Apulia region, the variances in species composition amongst the different subassociations are mainly influenced by local factors. The community Stipo-Seslerietum should be included in the south-eastern Italian alliance Hippocrepido-Stipion austroitalicae while at the rank of order it exhibits intermediate coenological features between the Central-South Apennine endemic suborder Festuco-Seslerienalia nitidae and the North-West Balkan order Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia.
Responses of trifoliate orange (poncirus trifoliata (l.) raf.) to continuously and gradually increasing nacl concentration
Authors: Chatzissavvidis Christos , Antonopoulou Chrysovalantou , Therios Ioannis , Dimassi Kortessa 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The effect of continuous or gradual stress due to NaCl on in vitro growth, proline and sugar accumulation and nutrient acquisition of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) explants was studied. Apical shoot tips obtained from previous subculture were transferred to a Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium for proliferation and were exposed to continuous or gradual salinity stress for 42 days. The salt used to induce salinity was NaCl added in six concentrations: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mM. Gradual salinization was achieved by transferring the explants sequentially every week to the above mentioned NaCl concentrations. Most salt treatments had a negative effect on the growth parameters of explants. Sodium concentration of explants increased in all NaCl treatments compared to control and it was higher in the treatments with gradual exposure to salinity. Potassium concentration was reduced, mostly in the treatments with continuous exposure. Calcium andMg concentrations increased in all saline treatments. In general, the high salinity level in the substrate enhanced the proline and sugar concentrations of the studied explants. In conclusion, salinity had significant impacts on the growth and chemical status of P. trifoliata.
PROCALCITONIN AS A BIOMARKER OF BACTERIAL INFECTION IN SICKLE CELL VASO-OCCLUSIVE CRISIS.
Authors: Patel Dilip Kumar , Mohapatra Manoj Kumar , Thomas Ancil George , Patel Siris , Purohit Prasanta 
Published: February 2014

Bacterial infection is an important trigger of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). SCA Patients with VOC have signs of inflammation and it is difficult to diagnose bacterial infection in them. This study was undertaken to evaluate serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker of bacterial infection in acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis. Hundred SCA patients were studied at Sickle Cell Clinic and Molecular Biology Laboratory, V.S.S. Medical College, Burla, Odisha, India. SCA was diagnosed by haemoglobin electrophoresis, HPLC and molecular analysis. Patients were divided into 3categories namely Category-A (VOC/ACS with fever but without evidence of bacterial infection-66 patients); Category-B (VOC with fever and documentedbacterial infection-24 patients); and Category-C (Patients in steady statewithout VOC/ACS or fever-10 patients). Investigations like complete blood count, C-reactive protein estimation and PCT measurement was done in all the cases. There was no significant difference in total leucocytes count and C-reactiveprotein values between category A and B. In category A the PCT level was <0.5ng/mL in 83.3% and 0.5-2ng/mL in 16.7% of cases. In category B all the cases had PCT value >0.5ng/mL with 87.5% of cases having >2ng/mL. In category C, PCT value was <0.5ng/mL. The PCTvalue differed significantly (p<0.0001) in three categories. PCT had a highsensitivity (100%) and negative predictive value (100%) for bacterial infection at a cut-off value of 0.5ng/mL; whereas the specificity is excellent at a cutoff value of 2ng/mL. SCA patients with VOC/ACS with fever presenting with a PCT level of <0.5ng/mL do not have bacterial infection. In patients with VOC/ACS and fever, PCT value of >2ng/mL is indicative of bacterial infection necessitating antimicrobial therapy. Patients with indeterminate PCT value of0.5-2ng/mL, need a repeat PCT estimation or an empirical antibiotic therapyawaiting the availability of microbiological report as deemed necessary.
Sociodemographic characteristics of persons committing suicide in Durban, South Africa: 2006–2007
Authors: Naidoo Soornarain S. , Schlebusch Lourens 
Published: February 2014

Background: Suicidal behaviour is a leading contributor to the burden of disease worldwide and varies widely between countries. South African figures are amongst the highest in the world, with recent trends indicating a disturbing rise, especially amongst the younger age groups, across all races.Aim: This study analysed sociodemographic characteristics and trends relating to suicides committed in Durban, South Africa during the period of 2006–2007.Method: A retrospective analysis of suicidal deaths (during 2006–2007), extracted from autopsy registers at all three government-run mortuaries in Durban, was conducted.Results: The total number of suicides in Durban increased by 6.68% from 2006 to 2007. Suicide accounted for an average of 8.8% of all non-natural deaths per year of the study. The overall suicide rates of 14.53 (2006) and 15.53 (2007) per 100 000 population are comparable with national and global figures. The majority of suicides occurred in single unemployed persons, men and younger age groups. The largest number of suicides per year was recorded in black people, followed by Indian, white and mixed-race people. Hanging was the preferred method in the majority of victims, followed by self-poisoning, shooting and jumping.Conclusions: The findings indicate a disturbingly high suicide rate amongst the various population and age groups in Durban. The dominant methods used may be influenced by ease of access. The reported trends may worsen unless there is a swift and decisive public health response and cohesive community-based programmes which include a supportive multidisciplinary network.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Iraqi Women with Recurrent Mid-Trimester Abortions
Authors: Al-Samarrai Amel AA , Hilmi Ferial A , Al-Allawi Nasir AS , Murad Amal F 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
Purpose: Antiphospholipid antibodies are often associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, and although many studies have addressed this association in Western countries, such studies are not so frequent from developing countries. The current study aims to determine the frequency of Antiphospholipid antibodies (Anticardiolipin antibodies and Lupus anticoagulant) among Iraqi women with recurrent mid-trimester abortions and to evaluate various tests used for their detection.
Materials and Methods: Two hundred women with recurrent mid-trimester abortions were randomly enrolled from a main referral center in Baghdad-Iraq. The enrollees had their IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies assayed by ELISA, and Lupus anticoagulant by a combination of the following screening tests: Activated Partial Thromboplastine Time (APTT), and Partial Thromboplastine Time-LA (PTT-LA), Kaolin Clotting Time (KCT) and confirmation was made by Hexagonal phospholipid neutralization test.
Results: The women were aged between 19 and 45 years (median 30 years). Fifty three (26.5%) had one or both anticardiolipin antibodies present, while 27 (13.5%) were positive for lupus anticoagulant. The KCT and KCT index appeared to be the most sensitive tests, while the KCT index and APTT were the most specific for Lupus anticoagulant. Patients with antiphospholipid antibodies had higher rates of history of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and family history of recurrent abortion (P = 0.0009, 0.0056 and 0.0003 respectively).
Conclusions: Antiphospholipid antibodies constitute an important cause of recurrent mid-trimester abortion in Iraqi women, with frequencies intermediate between Western and Indian reports. While thrombocytopenia and thrombosis are well documented associations of antiphospholipid antibodies, the significant association with family history of recurrent fetal loss is intriguing and requires further scrutiny.
Detection of Methicillin Resistance in Staphylococcus Aureus by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Conventional Methods: A Comparative Study
Authors: Pillai Manju M , Latha Ragunathan , Sarkar Gautam 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen worldwide, which has emerged over the past 30 years as a leading cause of both nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Accurate and rapid identification of MRSA in clinical specimens is essential for timely decision on effective antimicrobial chemotherapy. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare two conventional phenotypic methods, oxacillin disk diffusion (ODD)
Aim: The present study was conducted to compare two conventional phenotypic methods, oxacillin disk diffusion (ODD) method and mannitol salt agar (MSA) with oxacillin, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for mecA gene (as standard).
Materials and Methods: A total of 165 consecutive clinical isolates of S. aureus received at the Department of Microbiology in our tertiary care teaching hospital were included in the study. All the isolates were subjected to ODD (1 μg) method, culture in MSA with oxacillin, and PCR for mecA gene.
Results: The sensitivity and specificity of ODD test were found to be 93.5% (86.4-97.3%) and 83.5% (79.2-85.8%), respectively, and that of MSA with oxacillin were found to be 87.1% (79.5-92.3%) and 89.3% (84.8-92.5%), respectively. The time taken for diagnosing MRSA by conventional methods is 48-72 h, which is more as compared to PCR which takes 18-24 h.
Conclusion: This study recommends advocating PCR for mecA gene on a regular basis for detecting methicillin resistance in S. aureus isolates isolated from sterile body fluids or from special units such as intensive care units.
Rapid Identification and Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Standard Operating Procedure for Non-Commercial Assays: Part 1: Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility Assay v2.4.12
Authors: Singh Sarman , Kumar Parveen , Sharma Shreya , Mumbowa Francis , Martin Anandi , Durier Nicolas 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTMultidrug-resistant tuberculosis is an increasing public health concern in many parts of the world, especially in low-income countries, where most cases occur. Traditional mycobacteria culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) is either time-consuming or expensive and for that reason uptake of these technologies has remained limited in many resource-constrained settings. However, several non-commercial culture and DST methods that do not require sophisticated infrastructure and techniques have been developed. One such method is the microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay (MODS). In this method microcolonies that form in the liquid culture medium after specimen inoculation to drug-free and drug-containing micro-wells are detected by visual observation with a simple inverted microscope. The identification and drug susceptibility results can be obtained in 7-15 days. This standard operating procedure document has been developed through the culture and DST subgroup of the STOP TB Partnership, New Diagnostic Working Group. It is intended for laboratories that would want to use or already using this rapid non-commercial method for culture identification and DST of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, notably in resource-constraint settings in Asia and Africa.
Toric Degenerations, Tropical Curve, and Gromov–Witten Invariants of Fano Manifolds
Authors: Nishinou Takeo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we give a tropical method for computing Gromov–Witten type invariants
of Fano manifolds of special type. This method applies to those Fano manifolds that admit toric
degenerations to toric Fano varieties with singularities allowing small resolutions. Examples include
(generalized) flag manifolds of type A and some moduli space of rank two bundles on a genus two
curve.