bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Ebola epidemics in West Africa 2014
Authors: Evans Robin J. , Mammadov Musa 
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the dynamics of Ebola virus transmission in West Africa during 2014. The reproduction numbers for the total period of epidemic and for different consequent time intervals are estimated based on a simple linear model. It contains one major parameter - the average infectious period that defines the dynamics of epidemics.Numerical implementations are carried out on data collected from three countries Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia as well as the total data collected worldwide. Predictions are provided by considering different scenarios involving the average times of infectiousness for the next few months and the end of the current epidemic is estimated according to each scenario.
Caregiver Strain and Sensory Features in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Kirby Anne V. , White Tamira J. , Baranek Grace T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCaring for children with disabilities contributes to increased levels of parent stress or caregiver strain. However, the potential relationship of sensory features to strain among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) is unknown. Sensory features include overreactions, underreactions, and unusual interests in sensations, which may negatively impact family functioning. This descriptive study confirmed three caregiver strain types (i.e., objective, subjective internalized, subjective externalized) and explored differences among ASD (n  =  71) and DD (n  =  36) groups, with the ASD group reporting higher levels. Furthermore, this study explored the contribution of sensory features to caregiver strain, finding differential contributions to strain in the ASD group and covariate contributions (i.e., child cognition, mother's education) in the DD group.
Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Down Syndrome: Effects of the Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene
Authors: Mason Gina Marie , Spanó Goffredina , Edgin Jamie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study examined individual differences in ADHD symptoms and executive function (EF) in children with Down syndrome (DS) in relation to the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene, a gene often linked to ADHD in people without DS. Participants included 68 individuals with DS (7-21 years), assessed through laboratory tasks, caregiver reports, and experimenter ratings. Saliva samples were collected from the DS group and 66 children without DS to compare DRD4 allele distribution, showing no difference between the groups. When the sample with DS was stratified for ethnicity (n  =  32), the DRD4 7-repeat allele significantly related to parent and experimenter ratings, but not to laboratory assessments. These results suggest that nontrisomy genetic factors may contribute to individual differences in ADHD symptoms in persons with DS.
Diversifying clearcuts with green-tree retention and woody debris structures: conservation of mammals across forest ecological zones
Authors: Sullivan Thomas , Sullivan Druscilla 
Published: December 2014

We tested the hypotheses (H) that on newly clearcut-harvested sites, (H1) abundance and species diversity of the forest-floor small mammal community, and (H2) abundance, reproduction, and recruitment of red-backed voles ( Vigors), would increase with higher levels of structural retention via green-tree retention (GTR) and woody debris (dispersed and constructed into windrows). Study areas were located in three forest ecological zones in southern British Columbia, Canada. For H1, mean total abundance did generally increase with the gradient of retained habitat structure. Mean species richness and diversity were similar among treatment sites but did show an increasing gradient with structural compexity. For H2, mean abundance, reproduction, and recruitment of were higher in GTR and windrow sites than those without retained structures. There was a positive relationship between mean abundance of and total volume of woody debris across treatments. This study is the first investigation of the responses of forest-floor small mammals to an increasing gradient of retained habitat structure via GTR and woody debris on clearcuts. Our assessment of a combination of these two interventions suggested a potentially strong additive effect that could be cautiously extrapolated across three forest ecological zones. With the advent of low levels of GTR on clearcuts, woody debris structures should help provide some habitat to conserve forest mammals on harvest openings.Myodes gapperiM. gapperiM.Â gapperi
Flow cytometry for rapid detection of Salmonella spp. in seed sprouts
Authors: Bisha Bledar , Brehm-Stecher Byron F. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Seed sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean, radish, etc.) have been implicated in several recent national and international outbreaks of salmonellosis. Conditions used for sprouting are also conducive to the growth of Salmonella. As a result, this pathogen can quickly grow to very high cell densities during sprouting without any detectable organoleptic impact. Seed sprouts typically also support heavy growth (~108 CFU g−1) of a heterogeneous microbiota consisting of various bacterial, yeast, and mold species, often dominated by non-pathogenic members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. This heavy background may present challenges to the detection of Salmonella, especially if this pathogen is present in relatively low numbers. We combined DNA-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with flow cytometry (FCM) for the rapid molecular detection of Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium in artificially contaminated alfalfa and other seed sprouts. Components of the assay included a set of cooperatively binding probes, a chemical blocking treatment intended to reduce non-specific background, and sample concentration via tangential flow filtration (TFF). We were able to detect S. Typhimurium in sprout wash at levels as low as 103 CFU ml−1 sprout wash (104 CFU g−1 sprouts) against high microbial backgrounds (~108 CFU g−1 sprouts). Hybridization times were typically 30 min, with additional washing, but we ultimately found that S. Typhimurium could be readily detected using hybridization times as short as 2 min, without a wash step. These results clearly demonstrate the potential of combined DNA-FISH and FCM for rapid detection of Salmonella in this challenging food matrix and provide industry with a useful tool for compliance with sprout production standards proposed in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Coordinate measurement uncertainty: Models and standards
Authors: Płowucha Wojciech , Jakubiec Władysław 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the
measurement models for the evaluation of measurement uncertainty included in
ISO 15530-3. Critical remarks to
ISO 15530-3:2011 are
given. A model for an analytical method developed by the
authors is presented. Finally,
a numerical example for the simplified version of the method is
given.
Caveolin‐1 deficiency induces a MEK‐ERK1/2‐Snail‐1‐dependent epithelial–mesenchymal transition and fibrosis during peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Strippoli Raffaele , Loureiro Jesús , Moreno Vanessa , Benedicto Ignacio , Pérez Lozano María Luisa , Barreiro Olga , Pellinen Teijo , Minguet Susana , Foronda Miguel , Osteso Maria Teresa , Calvo Enrique , Vázquez Jesús , López Cabrera Manuel , del Pozo Miguel Angel 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPeritoneal dialysis (PD) is a form of renal replacement therapy whose repeated use can alter dialytic function through induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis, eventually leading to PD discontinuation. The peritoneum from Cav1−/− mice showed increased EMT, thickness, and fibrosis. Exposure of Cav1−/− mice to PD fluids further increased peritoneal membrane thickness, altered permeability, and increased the number of FSP‐1/cytokeratin‐positive cells invading the sub‐mesothelial stroma. High‐throughput quantitative proteomics revealed increased abundance of collagens, FN, and laminin, as well as proteins related to TGF‐β activity in matrices derived from Cav1−/− cells. Lack of Cav1 was associated with hyperactivation of a MEK‐ERK1/2‐Snail‐1 pathway that regulated the Smad2‐3/Smad1‐5‐8 balance. Pharmacological blockade of MEK rescued E‐cadherin and ZO‐1 inter‐cellular junction localization, reduced fibrosis, and restored peritoneal function in Cav1−/− mice. Moreover, treatment of human PD‐patient‐derived MCs with drugs increasing Cav1 levels, as well as ectopic Cav1 expression, induced re‐acquisition of epithelial features. This study demonstrates a pivotal role of Cav1 in the balance of epithelial versus mesenchymal state and suggests targets for the prevention of fibrosis during PD.
Investigating the zoonotic origin of the West African Ebola epidemic
Authors: Marí Saéz Almudena , Weiss Sabrina , Nowak Kathrin , Lapeyre Vincent , Zimmermann Fee , Düx Ariane , Kühl Hjalmar S , Kaba Moussa , Regnaut Sebastien , Merkel Kevin , Sachse Andreas , Thiesen Ulla , Villányi Lili , Boesch Christophe , Dabrowski Piotr W , Radonić Aleksandar , Nitsche Andreas , Leendertz Siv Aina J , Petterson Stefan , Becker Stephan , Krähling Verena , Couacy‐Hymann Emmanuel , Akoua‐Koffi Chantal , Weber Natalie , Schaade Lars , Fahr Jakob , Borchert Matthias , Gogarten Jan F , Calvignac‐Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian H 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe severe Ebola virus disease epidemic occurring in West Africa stems from a single zoonotic transmission event to a 2‐year‐old boy in Meliandou, Guinea. We investigated the zoonotic origins of the epidemic using wildlife surveys, interviews, and molecular analyses of bat and environmental samples. We found no evidence for a concurrent outbreak in larger wildlife. Exposure to fruit bats is common in the region, but the index case may have been infected by playing in a hollow tree housing a colony of insectivorous free‐tailed bats (Mops condylurus). Bats in this family have previously been discussed as potential sources for Ebola virus outbreaks, and experimental data have shown that this species can survive experimental infection. These analyses expand the range of possible Ebola virus sources to include insectivorous bats and reiterate the importance of broader sampling efforts for understanding Ebola virus ecology.
Prostatic hyperplasia in acromegaly, a myth or reality: a case–control study
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Yadav Ram Niwas , Gupta Prakamya , Gaspar Balan Louis , Kakkar Nandita , Verma Alka , Parthan Girish , Bhansali Anil , Mukherjee K K , Korbonits Márta , Dutta Pinaki 
Published: December 2014

ContextDisorders of the prostate gland are more prevalent in patients with acromegaly. GH–insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) axis plays an additive role in prostatic growth and development.ObjectiveTo correlate the structural and histopathological changes of the prostate and prostatic symptoms with GH/IGF1 in patients with acromegaly.DesignCase–control study, from January 2012 to November 2013.SettingTertiary referral centre university hospital in Northern India.PatientsFifty-three men with acromegaly and 50 healthy men matched for age and BMI.Main outcome measuresInternational Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, dimensions of the prostate on trans-rectal ultrasonography, parameters on uroflowmetry, and immunopositivity with anti-IGF1 antibody in prostatic tissue biopsies.ResultsDespite low serum testosterone levels (8.9 nmol/l vs 14.3 nmol/l, acromegaly vs control), patients with acromegaly had marginally higher IPSS, PSA levels, and grades of enlarged prostate and obstructive features on uroflowmetry compared with controls. Dimensions of the prostate on ultrasonography were also significantly higher in patients. These changes were present irrespective of age, current gonadal status, and disease activity. Evidence of prostatic hyperplasia on biopsy was seen in six of 14 patients (42.8%) who underwent prostatic biopsy while it was absent in the controls. Immunohistochemistry with anti-IGF1 antibody showed moderate positivity in all the 14 patients who underwent biopsy with benign prostatic hyperplasia, compared with mild positivity in 21% of controls. Similarly, 14 control patients with prostatic malignancies showed variable positivity, four patients had strong, two each had mild and moderate positivity, while six were negative.ConclusionsIn patients with acromegaly, there is a higher frequency of structural changes in the prostate, along with greater prostatic volume and obstructive features, compared with healthy controls, irrespective of age, gonadal status, and disease activity.
Bayesian Estimation of Genotypes Means, Precision, and Genetic Gain Due to Selection from Routinely Used Barley Trials
Authors: Singh Murari , Al‐Yassin Adnan , Omer Siraj Osman 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBlock designs are normally used in evaluation of crop varieties. The responses or yield data arising from designed trials in a crop variety improvement program are generally analyzed using linear mixed models under the frequentist paradigm. Such analysis ignores information on the genotypic parameters available from previous similar trials. Another approach with a relatively wider inferential framework is Bayesian, which integrates the prior information with the likelihood of current data. While the Bayesian approach has been implemented in numerous situations, stepwise presentation of its application in routine crop variety trials is not available. Illustrated with a dataset from a resolvable incomplete block design, this study provides a working tool for Bayesian analysis based on priors available from a series of crop variety trials. The posterior estimates of predicted values of mean of genotypes and precision, coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic gain due to selection were obtained. The a posteriori mean of experimental error variance, coefficient of variation, and genotypic variance were lower for the Bayesian than the frequentist approach. The precision of a posteriori means was higher than that of predicted means under the frequentist approach. Accounting for incomplete blocks, rather than ignoring them, using a Bayesian approach showed a large reduction in estimates of error variance components and large increases in heritability and genetic gain. The current a posteriori distributions also serve as updated priors for future analysis. The step‐by‐step procedure presented here is recommended for routine analysis of variety trials.
Yield Response to Crop/Genotype Rotations and Fungicide Use to Manage Fusarium‐related Diseases
Authors: Marburger David A. , Conley Shawn P. , Esker Paul D. , Lauer Joseph G. , Ané Jean‐Michel 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTCorn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cropping systems of the Midwest have led to increased selection pressure on diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens. A field experiment was conducted from 2010 to 2012 near Arlington, WI, to identify interactions among disease management practices (crop rotation, host resistance, and fungicide use) that increase corn, soybean, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields. For corn grain, significant interactions were primarily driven by crop rotation. Highest corn yields across all 3 yr were observed in the corn–soybean–wheat (CSW) rotation (13.55 Mg ha−1). Corn silage yield was influenced by cultivar rotation, with highest yields displayed by the Fusarium‐susceptible rotations (susceptible followed by susceptible followed by susceptible [SSS] and susceptible followed by susceptible followed by resistant [SSR]). Soybean yields were influenced by interactions involving crop rotation and cultivar rotation. Highest soybean yields were found for crop rotations containing wheat and ranged from 5.1 to 8.4% higher than the corn alternated annually with soybean (CS) rotation. The Fusarium‐resistant (resistant followed by resistant followed by resistant [RRR]) cultivar rotation (4.14 Mg ha−1) yielded 3.0% better than the next highest rotation (SSR). Crop rotation, cultivar selection, and fungicide use were all key drivers for wheat yield. Highest yields on average were observed in the CSW rotation (5.62 Mg ha−1). The Fusarium head blight (FHB)–susceptible cultivar (5.50 Mg ha−1) yielded significantly higher compared to the resistant cultivar (4.89 Mg ha−1), and fungicide use increased yield in the susceptible cultivar 7.2% (5.31 to 5.69 Mg ha−1) but not for the resistant cultivar. Although interactions were not consistent for all three crops, our results suggest growers should begin with combining a high‐yield‐potential cultivar, regardless of its susceptibility or resistance to Fusarium pathogens, in a CSW crop rotation to maximize yield potential when managing Fusarium‐related diseases.
Eberhart and Russel's Bayesian Method in the Selection of Popcorn Cultivars
Authors: Couto Mauricio Farias , Nascimento Moysés , do Amaral Antônio Teixeira , e Silva Fabyano Fonseca , Viana Alexandre Pio , Vivas Marcelo 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe goal of this work was to estimate stability and adaptability parameters using a Bayesian approach to Eberhart and Russel's method and to assess the efficiency of using an a priori distribution. The information from assessing the popping expansion and grain yield of 16 popcorn genotypes was used in randomized block experiments implemented in five environments in the North and Northeast regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Bayesian methodology was implemented using the free software package R with the MCMCregress function of the MCMCpack package. Eberhart and Russel's method using a Bayesian technique was found to be efficient in recommending cultivars to more or less favorable environments. The incorporation of a priori information provided greater accuracy in estimating the stability and adaptability parameters. In the comparison of a priori distributions, the BayesFactor function indicated the informative a priori as the most effective for obtaining reliable estimates.
Increasing Selection Response by Bayesian Modeling of Heterogeneous Environmental Variances
Authors: Edwards Jode W. , Orellana Massiel 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTHeterogeneity of nongenetic variances among genotypes reduces selection response because high‐variance genotypes are more likely to have means in the tail of the distribution and thus more likely to be selected than low‐variance genotypes. The bias towards high‐variance genotypes is difficult to correct in selection programs because nongenetic variances must be estimated for each genotype with small sample size per genotype. We have tested a Bayesian approach to modeling heterogeneous variances among genotypes to test whether the Bayesian approach provides sufficient correction for variance heterogeneity to improve selection response. Data were simulated using a broad range of parameters and analyzed with a heterogeneous‐variance model and homogeneous‐variance model using Bayesian estimation. Selection was performed at intensities of 3.125 and 12.5% on the basis of Bayesian estimates of genotypic values with simulated data. Parameter values for heterogeneity of variances were chosen from previously published analyses of cultivar trials in maize (Zea mays L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) in Iowa. With four to eight replications (i.e., four to eight environments with one replicate per environment) and intense selection, we estimated that modeling of heterogeneous variances with Bayesian estimation could increase selection response by up to 15%.
Pattern of Skin Diseases in Patients Visiting Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH) from the Three Districts of Terai Region in Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Y , Rajbhandari SL 
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION: The pattern of skin disease varies from country to country and in various regions within same country due to differences in socioeconomic and geographic factors. This study aimed to determine the pattern of skin disease from the three districts of Terai region in Nepal. MATERIALAND METHODS: This was retrospective study done from the hospital OPD patient's record of Universal college of Medical Sciences & Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH), from 1st September 2011 to 31st August 2012. Patients from Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu districts were taken. The diagnosis were entered in 15 categories like Acne, Alopecia Areata, Dermatophytosis, Drug reaction, Eczema, Leprosy, Lichen Planus, Melasma, Psoriasis, Pyoderma, Scabies, sexually transmitted diseses (STI), Urticaria, Viral infection and Vitiligo. Any diagnosis not in these categories, was kept at “Other” category. Monthly trend of disease was also analysed.RESULT: Total number of patients from Rupandehi, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi districts were 12446 (89.3%), 661 (4.7%), 836 (6%) respectively. Dermatophytosis was the commonest 2003 (16.1%) in Rupandehi district, it was second in number in Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu. Eczema was the commonest in Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi district with 103 (15.6%) and 136 (16.3%) respectively. Eczema was second in number in Rupandehi district. Acne was third in number in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi but vitiligo was third common dermatosis recorded in Kapilvastu district.CONCLUSION: Dermatophytosis and Eczema are the most common dermatologic disorders in Terai region.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11820 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 3-8
Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs among 12 and 15-year-old Government and Private School Children in Rupandehi District (Bhairahawa) Nepal
Authors: Halwai HK , Bhat PK , Shekhar M , Yadav B 
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION : Good oral health is important and have major impact on peoples daily lives and activities. This study was conducted to assess dental caries, periodontal health, and malocclusion of school children aged 12 and 15 years and to compare them in government and private schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 12- and 15-year-old children in government and private schools was conducted in Rupendehi (Bhairahawa) Nepal. A sample of 1011 school children (both males and females) was selected by a two-stage cluster sampling method. Clinical recordings of dental caries and malocclusion were done according to World Health Organization diagnostic criteria 1997. Periodontal health was assessed by Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index. The data collected was analyzed by SPSS versons 13. The statistical tests used were t-test and Chi-square tests.RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 32.6% and 42.2% at 12 and 15 years of age, respectively. At 12 years of age, the mean decayed, missing, filled teeth were 0.62 ± 1.42 and it was 1.06 ± 2.93 at 15 years of age. Females had higher level of caries than males at both the ages. At both ages, mean of decayed teeth was statistically higher in government schools as compared with private schools. Children in government schools had significantly less number of mean filled teeth at both ages as compared with private schools. The healthy component of gingiva was present in higher percentage of children in private schools as compared with government schools at both the age groups. The prevalence of malocclusion among the 12- year-old (58.1%) was more as compared with that among the 15-year-old (53.5%).CONCLUSION: The caries experience of 12 and 15 years old children was low but the prevalence of gingivitis and malocclusion was quite high. Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health of school children further in Rupendehi District , Bhairahawa, Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11822 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 15-19