bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of Pullorum Disease (PD) in Chickens by Local Isolate of Salmonella pullorum in Bangladesh
Authors: Haider MG , Chowdhury EH , Sharif SMK , Hossain MM 
Published: March 2014

Pullorum disease is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. Chickens are the natural host of this pathogen. In the present study experimental pathogenesis was studied. Twenty pullets (Salmonella pullorum seronegative) of Isa Brown breed of 18 weeks and 10 cocks (Salmonella pullorum seronegative) of RIR breed of 26 weeks of age were experimentally infected orally with 2 x107 (CFU) dose of Salmonella Pullorum organisms and in control group no bacteria was given. Birds were observed for clinical signs, gross pathology, and reisolation of S. Pullorum from different organs and blood, histopathological study, detection of antibody levels and detection of S. Pullorum by PCR at different time intervals of experimental period. Four hens and one cock were randomly selected and sacrificed on 6 hr before inoculation and 1 wk, 2, 3 and 4 wks of post infection (PI). Samples were collected for bacteriological, serology and histopathological examinations. Liver, lungs, ovarian follicles and testis were also collected in 50% buffered- glycerol and preserved in - 80&edeg;C for PCR. The clinical signs of infected hens were found at 72 hrs of PI, which continued up to 4 wks. 15.81% reduction in egg production was observed. The highest mean CFU ml-1 of Salmonella Pullorum from blood was 13.55x 103 at 1 wk PI and the lowest was 13x 102 at 4 wk PI. Gross lesions were variable in different birds at different time interval. The highest gross lesion was 93.75% as swollen and congested spleen and the lowest lesion was 43.75% as pericarditis and necrotic foci/ nodules in the heart. Microscopically, the liver showed congestion; hepatitis with infiltration of inflammatory cells, and focal necrosis with nodule formation. The antibody titre increased gradually and the highest titer was at 4 wks PI in hens (4712±1851) than that of cock (3059±903). S. Pullorum was detected by PCR in all liver and lung samples from 1 wk to 4 wks PI. S. Pullorum was reisolated from male and female reproductive organs after experimental infection. S. Pullorum was detected by PCR at 1 wk to 3 wks PI from testicular tissues. S. Pullorum was also reisolated from 50% eggs of experimentally infected birds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18398 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 1-16 (2013)
Effect of Integrated Disease Management Packages on Diseases Incidence and Bulb Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Gupta RC , Gupta RP 
Published: March 2014

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different integrated disease management (IDM) packages on severity of basal rot (Fusarium oxysporum), white rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) and stemphylium blight (S. vesicarium) diseases, and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Agrifound Light Red. Nine IDM packages consisting of NPK fertilizers, farm yard manure, biocontrol agents and spray of fungicides starting from 30 days of transplanting at 15 days interval were applied. The incidence of basal rot and white rot of onion bulbs ranged from 0.98- 4.31% and 0.00-0.96%, respectively. The highest incidence of basal rot (4.31%) and white rot (0.96) was recorded in bulbs harvested from untreated control. The lowest incidence of basal rot (0.98%) was found in bulbs harvested from the IDM package consisting of NPK @ 100:50:50 kg ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 + Ps. fluorescens @ 5 kg ha-1 + copper oxychloride @ 0.3%). White rot did not appear under this package. The lowest Stemphylium blight intensity (3.87%) was achieved with the package having four foliar sprays of propiconazole @ 0.1% followed by mancozeb @ 0.25% and copper oxychloride @ 0.3%. The IDM package increased the bulbs yield over standard check by 25.54% and over untreated control by 109.42%. The average highest bulb diameter (54.15 mm) and bulb size index (23.27 cm2) and lowest incidence (0.98%) of basal rot disease in onion bulbs was also obtained with IDM package consisting of NPK @ 100:50:50 kg ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 + Ps. fluorescens @ 5 kg ha-1 + copper oxychloride @ 0.3%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18401 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 49-59 (2013)
Modulation of T Cell and Innate Immune Responses by Retinoic Acid
Authors: Raverdeau Mathilde , Mills Kingston H. G. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is produced by a number of cell types, including macrophages and dendritic cells, which express retinal dehydrogenases that convert vitamin A to its main biologically active metabolite, all-trans RA. All-trans RA binds to its nuclear retinoic acid receptors that are expressed in lymphoid cells and act as transcription factors to regulate cell homing and differentiation. RA production by CD103+ dendritic cells and alveolar macrophages functions with TGF-β to promote conversion of naive T cells into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and, thereby, maintain mucosal tolerance. Furthermore, RA inhibits the differentiation of naive T cells into Th17 cells. However, Th1 and Th17 responses are constrained during vitamin A deficiency and in nuclear RA receptor α–defective mice. Furthermore, RA promotes effector T cell responses during infection or autoimmune diseases. Thus, RA plays a role in immune homeostasis in the steady-state but activates pathogenic T cells in conditions of inflammation.
Knowing Where Organic Markets Move Next – An Analysis of Developing Countries in the Pineapple Market
Authors: Kleemann Linda 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
As consumers’ demand for organic products grows, selling organic products potentially opens up profitable market participation options for farmers in developing countries. This paper studies two aspects of profitability for the producers. It uses hedonic demand theory and empirical analysis to examine the relation between conventional and organic markets using the strongly growing pineapple market as an example. The analysis confirms a nonlinear dependence of the organic market on the conventional one and a non-declining premium. The author concludes that there is a larger potential of the organic market and hence the number of farmers in developing countries who can potentially benefit from growing organic products.
Jane's Brains:
Authors: Nelles William 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe successful and increasingly widespread development of cognitive-evolutionary concepts, particularly theory of mind and metarepresentation, in academic criticism of Austen's work over the past fifteen years has laid a strong foundation for classroom teachers interested in alternatives to the standard cultural studies approaches. Cognitive theory is especially valuable in providing a close fit between theory and text: Austen's own model of cognition proves exceptionally consistent and congruent with evolutionary theory, so much so that Alan Richardson has argued that Austen's representations of cognition “invite us to consider Austen herself as an early theorist of what is now called Theory of Mind.”
Cognitive Phenology:
Authors: Irvine Colin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAs indicated by its title, this article discusses how the author's research in narrative theory, cognition, and evolution have shaped his pedagogy in general and his course in environmental literature in particular. Built around a semester-long assignment involving several relatively unorthodox assignments—referred to as “challenges”—the environmental literature course at the center of the article invites and enables students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds to think differently about core subjects and common texts. The article addresses the ways that the course—because of its reliance on methods and readings associated with cognitive studies—provides the students and the teacher with important opportunities to chart as phenologists might the changes in their thinking that result from reading the shared literary texts and engaging the various intellectual and physical challenges.
Preliminary Outcomes of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's 3-Year Primary Care Scholar Pathway in Osteopathic Predoctoral Education
Authors: Raymond Richard M. , Madden Michael M. , Ferretti Silvia M. , Ferretti John M. , Ortoski Richard A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Context: In 2007, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine initiated its Primary Care Scholar Pathway (PCSP), a 3-year osteopathic predoctoral education curriculum.

Objective: To assess preliminary outcomes of the PCSP curriculum.

Methods: Scores for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) Levels 1 and 2-Cognitive Evaluation (CE) and pass rates for Level 2-Performance Evaluation (PE) were obtained for individuals who graduated from the PCSP program in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Scores for Levels 1 and 2-CE were compared with national mean scores. Acceptance rates for residency programs were also recorded.

Results: Nineteen PCSP graduates were included in the study: 3 graduated in 2010, 6 graduated in 2011, and 10 graduated in 2012. Scores for PCSP students were not significantly different than national average scores for COMLEX-USA Levels 1 and 2-CE (P>.05). All 19 PCSP graduates passed the COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE on the first attempt, and all graduates were accepted into primary care residency programs.

Conclusion: The COMLEX-USA scores of PCSP graduates were similar to national mean scores, suggesting that it is possible for osteopathic medical students to attain the same level of education as students of 4-year programs in less time. A 3-year osteopathic predoctoral education curriculum would allow students to complete their education at a reduced cost. This potential reduction in debt burden could encourage more students to pursue a primary care career and thus could help address the shortage of primary care physicians in the United States.
Relationship Between COMLEX-USA Scores and Performance on the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine Part I Certifying Examination
Authors: Li Feiming , Gimpel John R, , Arenson Ethan , Song Hao , Bates Bruce P. , Ludwin Fredric 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Context: Few studies have investigated how well scores from the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA (COMLEX-USA) series predict resident outcomes, such as performance on board certification examinations.

Objectives: To determine how well COMLEX-USA predicts performance on the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM) Part I certification examination.

Methods: The target study population was first-time examinees who took AOBEM Part I in 2011 and 2012 with matched performances on COMLEX-USA Level 1, Level 2-Cognitive Evaluation (CE), and Level 3. Pearson correlations were computed between AOBEM Part I first-attempt scores and COMLEX-USA performances to measure the association between these examinations. Stepwise linear regression analysis was conducted to predict AOBEM Part I scores by the 3 COMLEX-USA scores. An independent t test was conducted to compare mean COMLEX-USA performances between candidates who passed and who failed AOBEM Part I, and a stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to predict the log-odds of passing AOBEM Part I on the basis of COMLEX-USA scores.

Results: Scores from AOBEM Part I had the highest correlation with COMLEX-USA Level 3 scores (.57) and slightly lower correlation with COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE scores (.53). The lowest correlation was between AOBEM Part I and COMLEX-USA Level 1 scores (.47). According to the stepwise regression model, COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE scores, which residency programs often use as selection criteria, together explained 30% of variance in AOBEM Part I scores. Adding Level 3 scores explained 37% of variance. The independent t test indicated that the 397 examinees passing AOBEM Part I performed significantly better than the 54 examinees failing AOBEM Part I in all 3 COMLEX-USA levels (P<.001 for all 3 levels). The logistic regression model showed that COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 3 scores predicted the log-odds of passing AOBEM Part I (P=.03 and P<.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The present study empirically supported the predictive and discriminant validities of the COMLEX-USA series in relation to the AOBEM Part I certification examination. Although residency programs may use COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE scores as partial criteria in selecting residents, Level 3 scores, though typically not available at the time of application, are actually the most statistically related to performances on AOBEM Part I.
Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging on Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography
Authors: Zhang Yi-Feng , He Yong , Xu Hui-Xiong , Xu Xiao-Hong , Liu Chang , Guo Le-Hang , Liu Lin-Na , Xu Jun-Mei 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesAcoustic radiation force impulse elastography is a newly developed ultrasound elasticity imaging technique that included both Virtual Touch tissue quantification and Virtual Touch tissue imaging (VTI; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of VTI in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules.MethodsThis study included 192 consecutive patients with thyroid nodules (n = 219) who underwent surgery for compressive symptoms or suspicion of malignancy. Tissue stiffness on VTI elastography was scored from 1 (soft) to 6 (hard). The VTI scores between malignant and benign thyroid nodules were compared. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement for VTI elastography was also assessed.ResultsOn VTI elastography: score 1 was found in 84 nodules (all benign); score 2 in 37 nodules (3 papillary carcinomas and 34 benign nodules); score 3 in 25 nodules (1 medullary carcinoma, 6 papillary carcinomas, and 18 benign nodules); score 4 in 53 nodules (50 papillary carcinomas and 3 benign nodules); score 5 in 17 nodules (14 papillary carcinomas and 3 benign nodules); and score 6 in 3 nodules (all papillary carcinomas). A VTI elasticity score of 4 or greater was highly predictive of malignancy (P< .01), and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 87.0% (67 of 77), 95.8% (136 of 142), 91.8% (67 of 73), 93.1% (136 of 146), and 92.7% (203 of 219), respectively. The κ values were 0.69 for intraobserver agreement and 0.85 for interobserver agreement.ConclusionsVirtual Touch tissue elasticity imaging has great potential as an adjunctive tool combined with conventional sonography for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant thyroid nodules.
A Novel Approach for Quantification and Analysis of the Color Doppler Twinkling Artifact With Application in Noninvasive Surface Roughness Characterization
Authors: Jamzad Amoon , Setarehdan Seyed Kamaledin 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesThe twinkling artifact is an undesired phenomenon within color Doppler sonograms that usually appears at the site of internal calcifications. Since the appearance of the twinkling artifact is correlated with the roughness of the calculi, noninvasive roughness estimation of the internal stones may be considered as a potential twinkling artifact application. This article proposes a novel quantitative approach for measurement and analysis of twinkling artifact data for roughness estimation.MethodsA phantom was developed with 7 quantified levels of roughness. The Doppler system was initially calibrated by the proposed procedure to facilitate the analysis. A total of 1050 twinkling artifact images were acquired from the phantom, and 32 novel numerical measures were introduced and computed for each image. The measures were then ranked on the basis of roughness quantification ability using different methods. The performance of the proposed twinkling artifact–based surface roughness quantification method was finally investigated for different combinations of features and classifiers.ResultsEleven features were shown to be the most efficient numerical twinkling artifact measures in roughness characterization. The linear classifier outperformed other methods for twinkling artifact classification. The pixel count measures produced better results among the other categories. The sequential selection method showed higher accuracy than other individual rankings. The best roughness recognition average accuracy of 98.33% was obtained by the first 5 principle components and the linear classifier.ConclusionsThe proposed twinkling artifact analysis method could recognize the phantom surface roughness with average accuracy of 98.33%. This method may also be applicable for noninvasive calculi characterization in treatment management.
A Case‐Control Study of High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Combined With Sonographically Guided Intratumoral Ethanol Injection in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Yang Zhiwei , Zhang Yibin , Zhang Rui , Zhang Hongyu , Ma Jijiang , Chen Jinyu , Wang Jinfeng , Jiang Kaihui , Mu Danmei , Yu Yingjiao , Yang Haishan 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of high‐intensity focused ultrasound combined with sonographically guided intratumoral ethanol injection in the treatment of uterine fibroids and to compare its therapeutic effects and potential side effects with those of simple high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment.MethodsForty patients with uterine fibroids from the Department of Ultrasonography in our hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups of the same size: group H, which only underwent high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment; and group H + A, which underwent sonographically guided intratumoral ethanol injection therapy first and then high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment the following day. The treatment times, treatment doses, pain scores, side effects, and therapeutic effect rates of the groups were then recorded and compared.ResultsBoth the treatment time and dose of group H + A were significantly less than those of group H, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). A lower pain score and fewer side effects were achieved in group H + A, also with statistically significant differences (P < .05). The therapeutic effect rate of group H + A was also higher than that of group H, and the difference was also statistically significant (P < .05).ConclusionsIn the treatment of uterine fibroids, high‐intensity focused ultrasound combined with sonographically guided intratumoral ethanol injection requires less treatment time and a lower dose than simple high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment and significantly reduces the pain and side effects commonly experienced by patients. High‐intensity focused ultrasound combined with sonographically guided intratumoral ethanol injection is a feasible, safe, and more effective way to treat patients with uterine fibroids.
On modeling the paleohydrologic response of closed‐basin lakes to fluctuations in climate: Methods, applications, and implications
Authors: Liu Ganming , Schwartz Franklin W. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractClimate reconstructions using tree rings and lake sediments have contributed significantly to the understanding of Holocene climates. Approaches focused specifically on reconstructing the temporal water‐level response of lakes, however, are much less developed. This paper describes a statistical correlation approach based on time series with Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) values derived from instrumental records or tree rings as a basis for reconstructing stage hydrographs for closed‐basin lakes. We use a distributed lag correlation model to calculate a variable, ωt that represents the water level of a lake at any time t as a result of integrated climatic forcing from preceding years. The method was validated using both synthetic and measured lake‐stage data and the study found that a lake's “memory” of climate fades as time passes, following an exponential‐decay function at rates determined by the correlation time lag. Calculated trends in ωt for Moon Lake, Rice Lake, and Lake Mina from A.D. 1401 to 1860 compared well with the established chronologies (salinity, moisture, and Mg/Ca ratios) reconstructed from sediments. This method provides an independent approach for developing high‐resolution information on lake behaviors in preinstrumental times and has been able to identify problems of climate signal deterioration in sediment‐based climate reconstructions in lakes with a long time lag.
Salinity effects on cracking morphology and dynamics in 3‐D desiccating clays
Authors: DeCarlo Keita F. , Shokri Nima 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSaline conditions induce not only chemical but physical changes in swelling clays, and have a significant influence on the crack dynamics and morphology of desiccating clays. In this study, we used X‐ray microtomography to experimentally investigate the effects of sodium chloride on the morphology and dynamics of desiccation cracks in three‐dimensional mixtures of sand‐bentonite slurry under varying rheological conditions. Rectangular glass containers were packed with slurries of different salt concentrations, with the top boundary exposed to air for evaporation. The growth and propagation of the cracking network that subsequently formed was visualized in 3‐D at multiple intervals. The characterization of cracking and branching behavior shows a high extent of localized surficial crack networks at low salinity, with a transition to less extensive but more centralized crack networks with increased salinity. The observed behavior was described in the context of the physicochemical properties of the montmorillonite clay, where shifts from an “entangled” (large platelet spacing, small pore structure) to a “stacked” (small platelet spacing, open pore structure) network influence fluid distribution and thus extent of cracking and branching behavior. This is further corroborated by vertical profiles of water distribution, which shows localized desiccation fronts that shift to uniform desaturation with increasing salt concentration. Our results provide new insights regarding the formation, dynamics, and patterns of desiccation cracks formed during evaporation from 3‐D saline clay structures, which will be useful in hydrological applications including water management, land surface evaporation, and subsurface contaminant transport.
Theory of transient streaming potentials in coupled unconfined aquifer‐unsaturated zone flow to a well
Authors: Malama Bwalya 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA semianalytical solution is presented for transient streaming potentials associated with flow to a pumping well in an unconfined aquifer, taking into account the effect of flow in the unsaturated zone above the water table. Flow in the unsaturated zone is modeled with a linearized form of Richards' equation using an exponential model for soil moisture retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Archie's law is invoked for unsaturated electrical conductivity. The unsaturated electrokinetic coupling coefficient is modeled with a decaying exponential, where the maximum value is at and below the water table. The coupled flow and electrokinetic problem is solved using Laplace and Hankel transforms. The results of the model predicted behavior are presented and compared to that observed in laboratory simulations of pumping tests. The early time polarity reversal predicted the model is observable in the experiments. Other nonmonotonic streaming potential behaviors predicted by the model are also evident in experimental measurements. The model is used to estimate hydraulic parameters from SP data and these compare well to those obtained from drawdown data. For example, a hydraulic conductivity of 3.6 × 10−4 m/s is obtained from SP data compared to 3.4 × 10−4 m/s from drawdown data.