bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Exonuclease Activity of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 UL12 Is Required for Production of Viral DNA That Can Be Packaged To Produce Infectious Virus
Authors: Grady Lorry M. , Szczepaniak Renata , Murelli Ryan P. , Masaoka Takeshi , Le Grice Stuart F. J. , Wright Dennis L. , Weller Sandra K.
Published: September 2017

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I alkaline nuclease, UL12, has 5′-to-3′ exonuclease activity and shares homology with nucleases from other members of the
Herpesviridae
family. We previously reported that a UL12-null virus exhibits a severe defect in viral growth. To determine whether the growth defect was a result of loss of nuclease activity or another function of UL12, we introduced an exonuclease-inactivating mutation into the viral genome. The recombinant virus, UL12 D340E (the D340E mutant), behaved identically to the null virus (AN-1) in virus yield experiments, exhibiting a 4-log decrease in the production of infectious virus. Furthermore, both viruses were severely defective in cell-to-cell spread and produced fewer DNA-containing capsids and more empty capsids than wild-type virus. In addition, DNA packaged by the viral mutants was aberrant, as determined by infectivity assays and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We conclude that UL12 exonuclease activity is essential for the production of viral DNA that can be packaged to produce infectious virus. This conclusion was bolstered by experiments showing that a series of natural and synthetic α-hydroxytropolones recently reported to inhibit HSV replication also inhibit the nuclease activity of UL12. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the exonuclease activity of UL12 is essential for the production of infectious virus and may be considered a target for development of antiviral agents.

IMPORTANCE
Herpes simplex virus is a major pathogen, and although nucleoside analogs such as acyclovir are highly effective in controlling HSV-1 or -2 infections in immunocompetent individuals, their use in immunocompromised patients is complicated by the development of resistance. Identification of additional proteins essential for viral replication is necessary to develop improved therapies. In this communication, we confirm that the exonuclease activity of UL12 is essential for viral replication through the analysis of a nuclease-deficient viral mutant. We demonstrate that the exonuclease activity of UL12 is essential for the production of viral progeny and thus provides an attractive, druggable enzymatic target.
Genome-Wide Mutagenesis of Dengue Virus Reveals Plasticity of the NS1 Protein and Enables Generation of Infectious Tagged Reporter Viruses
Authors: Eyre Nicholas S. , Johnson Stephen M. , Eltahla Auda A. , Aloi Maria , Aloia Amanda L. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Bull Rowena A. , Beard Michael R.
Published: September 2017

Dengue virus (DENV) is a major global pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. An improved understanding of the regions within the DENV genome and its encoded proteins that are required for the virus replication cycle will expedite the development of urgently required therapeutics and vaccines. We subjected an infectious DENV genome to unbiased insertional mutagenesis and used next-generation sequencing to identify sites that tolerate 15-nucleotide insertions during the virus replication cycle in hepatic cell culture. This revealed that the regions within capsid, NS1, and the 3′ untranslated region were the most tolerant of insertions. In contrast, prM- and NS2A-encoding regions were largely intolerant of insertions. Notably, the multifunctional NS1 protein readily tolerated insertions in regions within the
Wing
,
connector
, and β-
ladder
domains with minimal effects on viral RNA replication and infectious virus production. Using this information, we generated infectious reporter viruses, including a variant encoding the APEX2 electron microscopy tag in NS1 that uniquely enabled high-resolution imaging of its localization to the surface and interior of viral replication vesicles. In addition, we generated a tagged virus bearing an mScarlet fluorescent protein insertion in NS1 that, despite an impact on fitness, enabled live cell imaging of NS1 localization and traffic in infected cells. Overall, this genome-wide profile of DENV genome flexibility may be further dissected and exploited in reporter virus generation and antiviral strategies.

IMPORTANCE
Regions of genetic flexibility in viral genomes can be exploited in the generation of reporter virus tools and should arguably be avoided in antiviral drug and vaccine design. Here, we subjected the DENV genome to high-throughput insertional mutagenesis to identify regions of genetic flexibility and enable tagged reporter virus generation. In particular, the viral NS1 protein displayed remarkable tolerance of small insertions. This genetic flexibility enabled generation of several novel NS1-tagged reporter viruses, including an APEX2-tagged virus that we used in high-resolution imaging of NS1 localization in infected cells by electron microscopy. For the first time, this analysis revealed the localization of NS1 within viral replication factories known as “vesicle packets” (VPs), in addition to its acknowledged localization to the luminal surface of these VPs. Together, this genetic profile of DENV may be further refined and exploited in the identification of antiviral targets and the generation of reporter virus tools.
Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Community Composition and Structure in Clinically Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Central Venous Catheters
Authors: Stressmann Franziska A. , Couve-Deacon Elodie , Chainier Delphine , Chauhan Ashwini , Wessel Aimee , Durand-Fontanier Sylvaine , Escande Marie-Christine , Kriegel Irène , Francois Bruno , Ploy Marie-Cécile , Beloin Christophe , Ghigo Jean-Marc
Published: September 2017

Totally implanted venous access ports (TIVAPs) are commonly used implants for the management of acute or chronic pathologies. Although their use improves the patient’s health care and quality of life, they are associated with a risk of infection and subsequent clinical complications, often leading to implant removal. While all TIVAPs appear to be colonized, only a fraction become infected, and the relationship between nonpathogenic organisms colonizing TIVAPs and the potential risk of infection is unknown. We explored bacteria present on TIVAPs implanted in patients with or without signs of TIVAP infection and identified differences in phylum composition and community structure. Our data suggest that the microbial ecology of intravascular devices could be predictive of TIVAP infection status and that ultimately a microbial ecological signature could be identified as a tool to predict TIVAP infection susceptibility and improve clinical management.
Transcriptomic Signatures of Tacaribe Virus-Infected Jamaican Fruit Bats
Authors: Gerrard Diana L. , Hawkinson Ann , Sherman Tyler , Modahl Cassandra M. , Hume Gretchen , Campbell Corey L. , Schountz Tony , Frietze Seth
Published: September 2017

As reservoir hosts of viruses associated with human disease, little is known about the interactions between bats and viruses. Using Jamaican fruit bats infected with Tacaribe virus (TCRV) as a model, we characterized the gene expression responses to infection in different tissues and identified pathways involved with the response to infection. This report is the most detailed gene discovery work in the species to date and the first to describe immune gene expression responses in bats during a pathogenic viral infection.
Mii-vitaliSe: a pilot randomised controlled trial of a home gaming system (Nintendo Wii) to increase activity levels, vitality and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Thomas Sarah , Fazakarley Louise , Thomas Peter W , Collyer Sarah , Brenton Sarah , Perring Steve , Scott Rebecca , Thomas Fern , Thomas Charlotte , Jones Kelly , Hickson Jo , Hillier Charles
Published: September 2017

Objectives

While the health and well-being benefits of physical activity are recognised, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face greater barriers than the general population. The Nintendo Wii potentially offers a fun, convenient way of overcoming some of these. The aim was to test the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Mii-vitaliSe; a home-based, physiotherapist-supported Nintendo Wii intervention.

Design

A single-centre wait-list randomised controlled study.

Setting

MS service in secondary care.

Participants

Ambulatory, relatively inactive people with clinically confirmed MS.

Intervention

Thirty participants were randomised to receive Mii-vitaliSe either immediately (for 12 months) or after a 6-month wait (for 6 months). Mii-vitaliSe consisted of two supervised Nintendo Wii familiarisation sessions in the hospital followed by home use (Wii Sports, Sports Resort and Fit Plus software) with physiotherapist support and personalised resources.

Outcomes

Included self-reported physical activity levels, quality of life, mood, self-efficacy, fatigue and assessments of balance, gait, mobility and hand dexterity at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Interviews (n=25) explored participants’ experiences and, at study end, the two Mii-vitaliSe facilitators’ experiences of intervention delivery (main qualitative findings reported separately).

Results

Mean (SD) age was 49.3 (8.7) years, 90% female, with 47% diagnosed with MS <6 years ago and 60% new to active gaming. The recruitment rate was 31% (95% CI 20% to 44%). Outcome data were available for 29 (97%) at 6 months and 28 (93%) at 12 months. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Qualitative data indicated that Mii-vitaliSe was well-received. Mean Wii use across both groups over the initial 6-month intervention period was twice a week for 27 min/day. Mean cost of delivering Mii-vitaliSe was £684 per person.

Discussion

Mii-vitaliSe appears acceptable and a future trial feasible and warranted. These findings will inform its design.

Trial registration

ISRCTN49286846
Man with leg rash
Authors: Hwang Michael Huynh , Khesbak Ziyad , Liu Yiju Teresa
Published: September 2017

Clinical introduction

A 51-year-old male presented to the ED with a rash to his left thigh (figure 1) with erythema, swelling and pain. He endorsed paraesthesias, pruritus, fevers, vomiting and diarrhoea. Initial vitals were unremarkable. He was well appearing with an 8×8 cm violaceous patch on his left medial thigh with vesicles, surrounding erythema and induration with a second, smaller lesion on the right thigh. Both rashes were extremely tender.

Figure 1

Erythematosus and vesicular rash in bilateral legs.

A bedside ultrasound image of the rash was obtained (figure 2).

Figure 2

Bedside ultrasound of rash.

Question

What is the most likely cause of the patient’s rash?

A. Herpes zoster

B. Cellulitis

C. Necrotising fasciitis

D. Bullous pemphigoid
PP10 Does the use of a post-rosc checklist improve paramedic adherence to local clinical guidance? a mannequin-based pilot randomised controlled study
Authors: Williams David , Clarke Rachel
Published: September 2017

Aims a Background

The primary aim of this pilot study was to identify whether the use of a checklist could improve paramedic adherence to a clinical guideline during the management of a simulated cardiac arrest patient with the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Increasingly checklists have been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity across a variety of healthcare settings. However there is currently no literature looking at the potential benefits of checklists on UK out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) management.

Method

The study took a convenience sample of nine paramedics from one NHS ambulance service trust. Participants were randomised to one of two groups. Group A, the intervention group, was asked to utilise the checklist on attaining ROSC. Group B, the control group, were asked to manage the ROSC patient in line with standard clinical practice. The results from each participant were recorded on a marking grid, scored out of a possible twenty four points by two individual markers.

Results

Five participants were randomised to group A achieving a median score of twenty three. The other four clinicians were randomised to group B achieving a median score of fourteen. Results were analysed using SPSS software using the Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data, producing a p-value of 0.014. This statistical value demonstrates a statistically significant difference within the data.

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between paramedics who utilise and those who do not utilise a checklist for the management of the post-ROSC patient, suggesting that those who do have a greater adherence to clinical guidance. However, the results from this small-scale pilot study cannot imply that the use of a checklist will improve the number of patients that survive to hospital discharge following an OOHCA. Further research is required to identify if there is a clinical significance in using checklists within UK paramedic practice.
PP28 Exploring ‘hear and treat’ practices in three ambulance service trusts
Authors: Bishop-Edwards Lindsey , Knowles Emma , Ahmed Nisar , O’Cathain Alicia
Published: September 2017

Background

‘Hear and treat’ generally refers to the scenario when 999 calls are provided with a response that does not involve dispatch of an ambulance vehicle. Ambulance Quality Indicators available in England show variation across organisations in the amount of ‘hear and treat’ and in the amount of re-contact in 24 hours. However, little is known about variation in the process of ‘hear and treat’. The aim of this qualitative research was to understand more about organisational variation in ‘hear and treat’.

Methods

Three ambulance services with deviance from the average amount of ‘hear and treat’ and re-contact in 24 hours were recruited. Non-participant observation was conducted to explore the process involved in both initial call assessment and enhanced clinical assessment. This entailed 40 hours of observation in each organisation (total n=20 call-handlers and 27 clinicians) and semi-structured interviews with call-handlers (n=7), clinicians (n=7) and managers (n=3). A framework approach and NVIVO qualitative data analysis software were used in analysis of the data.

Findings

The findings identified variation around skill mix, role, environment and processes across the three ambulance services that may be factors contributing to variation in the amount of ‘hear and treat’. Commonalties were identified in relation to decision criteria, barriers and frustrations around delivery of appropriate hear and treat responses, for example, patient expectations, communication, information and access to services. Apparent facilitators were also identified, for example, specialist clinicians in mental health.

Conclusions

This research contributes to understanding the nature of ‘hear and treat’ in different ambulance service contexts and the potential reasons for variation in ‘hear and treat’ rates and re-contact rates. This knowledge is important to inform service delivery and management of the increasing demand for urgent and emergency care.
04 Paramedic perspectives towards gp referral schemes in north west england: a qualitative-observational study
Authors: Blodgett Joanna , Robertson Duncan , Ratcliffe David , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: September 2017

Background

An innovative policy developed and implemented by a UK Ambulance Service allows paramedics to refer patients to the GP Acute Visiting Service scheme. Initial evidence suggests that using this alternate route of care can decrease hospital admission rates, increase bed availability, decrease wait time in A and Es and provide substantial savings for the NHS. However, there are many unrecognised barriers to referral that have not been captured by the quantitative analysis. The goal of this qualitative-observational study was to gain insight into the GP referral scheme from a paramedic’s perspective.

Methods

We observed eight paramedics throughout full shifts of 8–12 hours. Data was collected using participant demographics, researcher observations and informal semi-structured interviews. All notes were transcribed, coded and analysed using a Grounded Theory approach to identify emerging themes.

Results

Paramedics expressed a wide range of frustrations with the scheme, identifying the waiting time, the process and a lack of confidence, experience and training as the three major barriers to referrals. They described how they approached patients with the GP referral scheme in mind, identified common characteristics of referrals, described how the triage tool shaped their decision making and shared how they involved the patient in the decision making. They shared too their frustrations with some GP decision making, which they admitted then influenced their future decision making. Finally, they described what motivated them to refer and discussed the lack of awareness and understanding of the scheme’s impact and aims.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable insight into the paramedic’s perspective of the GP referral scheme. Maximising understanding of the scheme, investigating the GP’s perspective in decision making and ensuring knowledge and accountability of paramedics, GPs and the public were identified as solutions to strengthen and increase referral rates and scheme success.
05 Exploring why ‘primary care’ problems end up receiving ambulance treatment: early findings from a pre-hospital ethnographic study
Authors: Brooker Mathew , Barnes Rebecca , Heawood Alison , Purdy Sarah
Published: September 2017

Background

An increasing part of the Ambulance Service workload can more accurately be described as ‘urgent care’ cases, many of which could potentially be managed by timely contact with Primary Care. Previous work by this team and others has sought to define what constitutes a ‘primary care sensitive’ contact with Ambulance Services. The complex reasons driving the increase in such contacts remain unclear.

Methods

This study is utilising complementary qualitative methods to explore exemplar ‘primary care sensitive’ cases, identified by a GP accompanying front-line ambulance crews to calls across a range of shifts in a typical NHS Ambulance Trust. The study is on track to complete 160 hours of observation and recruit 50 cases. Detailed ethnographic field notes and reflexive diaries supplement semi-structured interviews with patients, carers and ‘in-the-moment’ purposful conversations with ambulance staff. Analysis of call recordings associated with each case, Document Analysis of Primary Care records and interviews with patients’ GPs provide additional triangulation.

Results

Data collection and analysis are ongoing, but initial findings indicate that the process of seeking help on behalf of someone else can change the way uncertainty is handled and projected. There appears to be an emerging typology of ‘triggers’ that prompt contact with ambulance services for Primary Care problems. Some aspects of ambulance care are highly valued by patients and carers. These valued aspects may offset the practical limitations that the ambulance service faces in fully resolving the clinial situation. Both ambulance clinicians and Primary Care clinicians use similar strategies to manage expectations.

Conclusions

We discuss possible implications for both Primary Care and Ambulance providers in the ways patients and their carers can be supported to access services. As urgent care is increasingly being delivered in a range of settings, patients may be viewing their ‘route in’ to acute services as less important than the eventual outcome.
OP06 Multi-method development of new ambulance service quality and performance measures
Authors: Coster Joanne , Siriwardena A Niroshan , Turner Janette , Jacques Richard , Crum Annabel , Nicholl Jon
Published: September 2017

Background

The scope to measure the quality and performance of ambulance service care is limited by poor access to follow up patient information and lack of consensus about what to measure. The Prehospital Outcomes for Evidence Based Evaluation (PhOEBE) research programme aims to address these research gaps by identifying potentially important prehospital quality measures and testing these using a prehospital/linked subsequent health service dataset.

Methods

We undertook systematic reviews of published and aspirational measures, together with interviews with ambulance service users to identify potential measures. Measures identified from reviews and interviews were prioritised using a multi-stakeholder consensus conference. Measures identified as high priority were further refined and ranked through an expert Delphi method and a service user/patient public involvement workshop. High ranking measures were further assessed against criteria for good outcome measures, including feasibility, importance and relevance, to create a shortlist of measures.

Results

Eight high-ranking measures were shortlisted following assessment against criteria for good outcome measures. These were:

Mean reduction in pain score

Proportion of serious emergency conditions correctly identified

Average response time (mean/median)

Proportion of non-conveyance decisions which resulted in admission or death within 3 days (hear and treat and see and treat)

Proportion of patients with a low risk of death, who subsequently die within 3 days of an ambulance contact

Proportion of ambulance patients with a serious emergency condition who survive to admission, and to 7 days post-admission

Proportion of unnecessary transports to ED

Proportion of cases with a specific condition treated in accordance with established protocols and guidelines, e.g. stroke, diabetes, falls

Conclusion

These measures can be used to assess the impact of care provided by the ambulance service and to support quality improvement through monitoring, audit and service evaluation. Some measures are based on ambulance service data only whereas others require additional linked hospital data.
Prevalence and Predictors of Us Medical Graduates’ Federal F32, Mentored-K, and R01 Awards: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Jeffe Donna B , Andriole Dorothy A
Published: September 2017

The size and diversity of the physician-scientist workforce are issues of national concern. In this retrospective, national cohort study of US medical school matriculants who graduated in 1997-2004, we describe the prevalence and predictors of federal F32, mentored-K, and R01 awards among physicians. In multivariable logistic regression models, we identified demographic, educational, and professional development variables independently associated with each award through August 2014, reporting adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (AOR (95% CI)). Among 117,119 graduates with complete data (97.7% of 119,906 graduates in 1997-2004), 509 (0.4%) received F32, 1740 (1.5%) received mentored-K, and 597 (0.5%) received R01 awards. Adjusting for all variables except US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores, black (vs white) graduates were less likely to receive F32 (0.48 (0.28-0.82)), mentored-K (0.56 (0.43-0.72)), and R01 (0.48 (0.28-0.82)) awards; Hispanic graduates were less likely to receive mentored-K awards (0.68 (0.52-0.88)), and women less likely to receive F32 (0.81 (0.67-0.98)) and R01 (0.59 (0.49-0.71)) awards. After adding Step 1 scores, these race/ethnicity effects were not significant, but women (0.62 (0.51-0.75)) were still less likely to receive R01 awards. Graduates reporting both (vs neither) medical school research elective and authorship were more likely to receive F32 (1.89 (1.45-2.48)), mentored-K (2.48 (2.13-2.88)), and R01 (2.00 (1.54-2.60)) awards. Prior F32 (2.17 (1.46-3.21)) and mentored-K (28.08 (22.94-34.38)) awardees more likely received R01 awards. Findings highlight the need for research-experiential interventions along the medical education continuum to promote greater participation and diversity of US medical graduates in the federally funded, biomedical research workforce.
Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Insulin Resistance: Review of Mechanisms Mediating Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Pahlavani Mandana , Ramalho Theresa , Koboziev Iurii , LeMieux Monique J , Jayarathne Shasika , Ramalingam Latha , Filgueiras Luciano R , Moustaid-Moussa Naima
Published: September 2017

Obesity is an increasingly costly and widespread epidemic, effecting 1 in 10 adults worldwide. It has been causally linked with both the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, both of which are associated with increased chronic inflammation. The exact mechanisms through which inflammation may contribute to both MetS and IR are numerous and their details are still largely unknown. Recently, micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential interventional targets due to their potential preventive roles in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including MetS and obesity. The purpose of this review paper is to discuss some of the known roles of miRNAs as mediators of inflammation-associated obesity and IR and how omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may be used as a nutritional intervention for these disorders.
Risks of smoking and benefits of smoking cessation on hospitalisations for cardiovascular events and respiratory infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Joseph Rebecca M , Movahedi Mohammad , Dixon William G , Symmons Deborah PM
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To investigate the associations between smoking status, smoking cessation and hospitalisations for cardiovascular events (CVE) and respiratory tract infections (RTI) in an inception cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The study was set within UK primary care electronic health records (the Clinical Practice Research Datalink) linked to hospital inpatient data (Hospital Episode Statistics). Patients with RA were followed from diagnosis to hospitalisation with a record of CVE or RTI, leaving their general practice, death, or 10 January 2012, whichever was earliest. Smoking status (never, current, former) was defined using primary care data and could vary over time. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression (first event) and conditional risk set models (multiple RTIs).

Results

5677 patients were included in the cohort: 68% female, median age 61 years. The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted risks of hospitalisation for CVE or RTI were more than twice as high in current vs never smokers (CVE HR (95% CI) 2.19 (1.44 to 3.31); RTI 2.18 (1.71 to 2.78)). The risks for both outcomes were significantly higher in current compared with former smokers (CVE 1.51 (1.04 to 2.19), RTI 1.29 (1.04 to 1.61)). For each additional year of smoking cessation, the risk of first CVE and RTI hospitalisation fell significantly, approximately 25% and 15% respectively in the adjusted models.

Conclusions

Patients with RA who smoke have an increased risk of hospitalisation with CVE or RTI compared with never and former smokers. The risk decreases for each additional year of smoking cessation. Patients with RA who smoke should be advised to stop smoking.
Abomasal hamartoma in a La Mancha wether
Authors: Smith Joseph , Klostermann Cassandra , Harm Tyler , Breuer Ryan , Kovalik David A , Bornkamp Jennifer , Yaeger Michael
Published: September 2017

An 18‐month‐old La Mancha wether was evaluated for progressive anorexia and lethargy of two weeks duration. Previous medical history had included suspected copper toxicity. Radiographs highlighted a distended rumen, and a rumenotomy yielded uniform ingesta devoid of normal stratification. The client elected for euthanasia and on postmortem examination an abomasal obstruction was identified. Histopathology demonstrated the presence of a pyloric hamartoma. This case describes the clinical presentation, clinical pathology, diagnostics and postmortem examination of a partial pyloric outflow obstruction in a goat due to a pyloric hamartoma.
Benchmarking welfare indicators in 73 free‐stall dairy farms in north‐western Spain
Authors: Trillo Yolanda , Quintela Luis Angel , Barrio Mónica , Becerra Juan José , Peña Ana Isabel , Vigo Marcos , Garcia Herradon Pedro
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to describe the status of body condition score (BCS), hock injuries prevalence, locomotion and body hygiene score as animal welfare measures in 73 free‐stall dairy cattle farms in Lugo (Spain). A benchmarking process was established across farms: (1) the animal‐based indicators were ordered from low to high values; (2) The farms were classified into three categories based on the number of indicators within less than the 25th percentile, 25th to 75th percentile and above the 75th percentile. The median prevalence of unsuitable BCS, hock injuries and clinical lameness was (median (range)) 51.7 per cent (13.3 to 89.5 per cent), 40.0 per cent (7.0per cent to 100 per cent) and 9.0 per cent (0per cent to 60.0 per cent) respectively. The dirtiness of the cow's coat had a high prevalence (73.0 per cent (37.5per cent to 100 per cent)). Most farms did not display consistently good or poor animal‐based indicators and each farm had its own set of strong and weak points. Moreover, facilities design and management practices were described to understand source of the observations made of the cows. The incidence of overstocking was 31.5 per cent for stalls and 26.0 per cent for headlocks. The front lunge space was reduced (<90 cm) on most dairies (90.4 per cent). Signs of poor natural ventilation (cobwebs or humidity on the roof) and ammonia odour were observed on 32.8 per cent and 85.0 per cent of the barns totally closed or with a side openingless than 50 per cent of the wall height. The milking parlour was designed with two or more turns more than 90° (9.3 per cent), and failed to allow cows to see the parlour before entering (45.2 per cent). On 52.0 per cent of dairies, more than 15 per cent of the cows had to be forcefully moved into the milking parlour. In conclusion, there was a big variation in the animal welfare levels within and across farms and they could benefit from others by changing management practices related to facilities and herds.
Real world data of a veterinary teaching hospital in Japan: a pilot survey of prescribed medicines
Authors: Tanaka Noriko , Takizawa Tsuyoshi , Miyamoto Nao , Funayama Shinji , Tanaka Ryo , Okano Syozo , Iwasaki Toshio
Published: September 2017

The prescription data from a digital accounting system of a veterinary teaching hospital collected between 2008 and 2011 in Japan were downloaded, stored in a database and analysed using a statistical analysis software, SAS. Seventy‐six per cent of all prescriptions were drugs approved for human beings. The most frequently prescribed category was ‘Agents against pathogenic organisms’, such as antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents, followed by ‘Cardiovascular agents’. Seventy‐five per cent of prescribed oral formulations in the category ‘Agents against pathogenic organisms’ were drugs approved for human beings, while 78 per cent of the injectable prescriptions were those for veterinary. A total of 36 oral antipathogenic products were prescribed, and among them amoxicillin was prescribed the most, followed by cephalexin for human beings and enrofloxacin for veterinary. The pattern of cyclosporin prescription, which is the most prescribed product other than ‘Agents against pathogenic organisms’, was surveyed. The capsule formulation was primarily used for dogs, while oral solutions were preferably used for cats. This pilot study is the first analytical data of real prescription in hospitals in Japan and one of the longest surveys in veterinary world.
Serum levels of chemerin, apelin, vaspin, and omentin-1 in obese type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients with coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Motawi Tarek M.K. , Mahdy Soliman G. , El-Sawalhi Maha M. , Ali Eman N. , El-Telbany Rania Farag A.
Published: September 2017

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the diabetic population. Obesity is a serious problem that has been linked with CVD and diabetes via a variety of adipokines. The aims of this study were to evaluate and correlate circulating chemerin, apelin, vaspin, and omentin-1 levels in obese type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients with coronary artery stenosis (CAS), and to assess their usefulness as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers. Chemerin, apelin, vaspin, and omentin-1 levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay in coronary artery disease (CAD) I patients (45 non-obese, nondiabetic with CAS), CAD II patients (45 obese, diabetic with CAS), and 30 controls. Patients in CAD I and CAD II groups exhibited higher levels of chemerin and apelin together with lower levels of vaspin and omentin-1 than in controls. These alterations were more significant in CAD II than in CAD I patients. Additionally, adipokine levels were individually correlated with each other and with certain biochemical variables. Moreover, chemerin and vaspin levels could differentiate CAD II patients from CAD I and controls. Alterations of these adipokines may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CAS in obese type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients. Chemerin and vaspin could be used as markers to support diagnosis of CAS.
SAE for the prediction of road traffic status from taxicab operating data and bus smart card data
Authors: Zhengfeng Huang , Pengjun Zheng , Wenjun Xu , Gang Ren
Published: September 2017

Road traffic status is significant for trip decision and traffic management, and thus should be predicted accurately. A contribution is that we consider multi-modal data for traffic status prediction than only using single source data. With the substantial data from Ningbo Passenger Transport Management Sector (NPTMS), we wished to determine whether it was possible to develop Stacked Autoencoders (SAEs) for accurately predicting road traffic status from taxicab operating data and bus smart card data. We show that SAE performed better than linear regression model and Back Propagation (BP) neural network for determining the relationship between road traffic status and those factors. In a 26-month data experiment using SAE, we show that it is possible to develop highly accurate predictions (91% test accuracy) of road traffic status from daily taxicab operating data and bus smart card data.
Direct Arrhythmia Classification from Compressive ECG Signals in Wearable Health Monitoring System
Authors: Hua Jing , Zhang Hua , Liu Jizhong , Xu Yilu , Guo Fumin
Published: September 2017

Due to the capacity of processing signal with low energy consumption, compressive sensing (CS) has been widely used in wearable health monitoring system for arrhythmia classification of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. However, most existing works focus on compressive sensing reconstruction, in other words, the ECG signals must be reconstructed before use. Hence, these methods have high computational complexity. In this paper, the authors propose a cardiac arrhythmia classification scheme that performs classification task directly in the compressed domain, skipping the reconstruction stage. The proposed scheme first employs the Pan–Tompkins algorithm to preprocess the ECG signals, including denoising and QRS detection, and then compresses the ECG signals by CS to obtain the compressive measurements. The features are extracted directly from these measurements based on principal component analysis (PCA), and are used to classify the ECG signals into different types by the proposed semi-supervised learning algorithm based on support vector machine (SVM). Extensive simulations have been performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Experimental results have shown that the proposed scheme achieves an average accuracy of [Formula: see text] at a sensing rate of 0.7, compared to an accuracy of [Formula: see text] for noncompressive ECG data.
Tensor target spin asymmetries in incoherent π−-photoproduction off the deuteron including rescattering effects
Authors: Darwish E. M. , Abou-Elsebaa H. M. , Sultan E. A. , Hassaneen Kh. S. A.
Published: September 2017

Tensor target spin asymmetries [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]=0,1,2) in the reaction [Formula: see text] are studied for photon energies from [Formula: see text]-threshold up to 1.5[Formula: see text]GeV with inclusion of rescattering effects. It is shown that the influence of rescattering effects on the tensor target spin asymmetries is sizable in the energy region near [Formula: see text]-threshold. At higher energies, much smaller influence of rescattering effects is seen. The sensitivity of the obtained results to the elementary pion photoproduction operator is investigated and a considerable dependence is found, in particular at forward pion angles. In addition, a comparison with results of other theoretical models is also given. The extracted spin asymmetries are compared with available experimental data and a qualitative agreement is obtained. The predictions presented here may be useful to interpret the recent measurements from the VEPP-3 electron storage ring.
Global stability in a nonlocal reaction-diffusion equation
Authors: Finkelshtein Dmitri , Kondratiev Yuri , Molchanov Stanislav , Tkachov Pasha
Published: September 2017

We study stability of stationary solutions for a class of nonlocal semilinear parabolic equations. To this end, we prove the Feynman–Kac formula for a Lévy processes with time-dependent potentials and arbitrary initial condition. We propose sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of the zero solution, and use them to the study of the spatial logistic equation arising in population ecology. For this equation, we find conditions which imply that its positive stationary solution is asymptotically stable. We consider also the case when the initial condition is given by a random field.
Application of the Solution Structure Method in Numerically Solving Poisson’s Equation on the Basis of Atomic Functions
Authors: Kozulić Vedrana , Gotovac Blaž
Published: September 2017

This paper summarizes the main principles of the solution structure method and presents it in combination with atomic basis functions and a collocation technique. The solution of a boundary value problem is expressed in the form of formulae called solution structures, which depend on three components: the first component describes the geometry of the domain exactly in the analytical form, the second describes all boundary conditions exactly, and the third component, that contains information about the differential equation, is the unknown component represented by a linear combination of atomic basis functions. The proposed method is applied to solve the torsion problem.
Radical screen transversal lightlike submanifolds of indefinite Kaehler manifolds admitting a quarter-symmetric non-metric connection
Authors: Gupta Garima , Kumar Rakesh , Nagaich Rakesh Kumar
Published: September 2017

We study radical screen transversal ([Formula: see text])-lightlike submanifolds of an indefinite Kaehler manifold admitting a quarter-symmetric non-metric connection and obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for the screen distribution of a radical [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold to be integrable. We also study totally umbilical radical [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifolds and obtain some characterization theorems for a radical [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold to be a lightlike product manifold. Finally, we establish some results regarding the vanishes of null sectional curvature.
Novel Applications of m-Polar Fuzzy Concept Lattice
Authors: Sarwar Musavarah , Akram Muhammad
Published: September 2017

In this research paper, we introduce certain new concepts, including [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy formal context, [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy concept lattice, discernibility function and discernibility matrix. We discuss interesting applications of [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy concept lattice for the detection of women and child trafficking and abduction suspects. We also present certain algorithms for computing [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy formal concepts and discernibility function.
Magnetic Attapulgite Nanoclay Decorated with Surface Imprinted Polymer Thin Film for Enhanced Selective Recognition and Adsorption of Sulfamethazine
Authors: Dai Jiangdong , Zhu Zhi , Yang Jie , Li Chunxiang
Published: September 2017

Herein, we presented a simple synthetic strategy for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the surface of attapulgite (ATP), namely the impregnation and pyrolysis method. Subsequently, using magnetic attapulgite as supported core through chemical modification, a novel surface molecularly imprinted nanomaterial (named as MATP/MIPs) was prepared via precipitation polymerization. The obtained MATP/MIPs showed excellent properties by a variety of characterizations including FT-IR, SEM, TEM, VSM, XRD and TGA. Moreover, the adsorption experiments were carried out in aqueous medium at different temperatures, to study the adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics and selective recognition ability of MATP/MIPs toward sulfamethazine (SMZ). The experimental data were fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model better than to the Langmuir model. The equilibrium adsorption capacity for SMZ onto MATP/MIPs is higher than onto MATP/NIPs, demonstrating the existence of imprinted cavities. Due to the advantage of coated nanoshell, the adsorption equilibrium was achieved quickly within 45[Formula: see text]min, and the data were well-described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic mode. Compared with other antibiotics, the MATP/MIPs exhibited excellent selectivity for SMZ. In addition, the imprinted material still showed good regeneration ability after 10 cycles which make it possible for practical application in the recognition and separation of antibiotics.
Qualitative analysis of a free boundary problem for tumor growth under the action of periodic external inhibitors
Authors: Xu Shihe , Bai Meng , Wang Zhong , Zhang Fangwei
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a free boundary problem for a solid avascular tumor growth under the action of periodic external inhibitors with time delays in proliferation is studied. Sufficient conditions for the global stability of tumor-free equilibrium are given. Moreover, if external concentration of nutrients is large, we also prove that the tumor will not disappear and determine the conditions under which there exist periodic solutions to the model. The results show that the periodicity of the inhibitor may imply periodicity of the size of the tumor. More precisely, if [Formula: see text] (the concentration of external nutrients) is greater than [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are two constants; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] is a periodic function which can be interpreted as a treatment and [Formula: see text] is the period of [Formula: see text]. Results are illustrated by computer simulations.
Graphs with cyclomatic number three having panconnected square
Authors: Chia G. L. , Hemakul W. , Singhun S.
Published: September 2017

The square of a graph [Formula: see text] is the graph obtained from [Formula: see text] by adding edges joining those pairs of vertices whose distance from each other in [Formula: see text] is two. If [Formula: see text] is connected, then the cyclomatic number of [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text]. Graphs with cyclomatic number not more than [Formula: see text] whose square are panconnected have been characterized, among other things, in [G. L. Chia, S. H. Ong and L. Y. Tan, On graphs whose square have strong Hamiltonian properties, Discrete Math. 309 (2009) 4608–4613, G. L. Chia, W. Hemakul and S. Singhun, Graphs with cyclomatic number two having panconnected square, Discrete Math. 311 (2011) 850–855]. Here, we show that if [Formula: see text] has cyclomatic number [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is panconnected, then [Formula: see text] is one of the eight families of graphs, [Formula: see text], defined in the paper. Further, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for three larger families of graphs (which contains [Formula: see text] as special cases) whose square are panconnected.
China in Central Asia: Local Perceptions from Future Elites
Authors: Chen Julie Yu-Wen , Jiménez-Tovar Soledad
Published: September 2017

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seems to have exhibited its goodwill by aiming to integrate its neighbors peacefully and cooperatively into joint economic prosperity; nevertheless, there are various concerns about the implications of China’s mounting influence in Central Asia. This article attempts to compare the results of several small-scale surveys conducted among university students in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, so as to get a glimpse of local perceptions in Central Asia on the growing Chinese influence in their countries. Our primary survey analysis shows that Kazakhstani respondents tend to believe China has the biggest influence in Central Asia, while Kyrgyzstani respondents believe that Russia outperforms China in status in the region. However, both Kyrgyzstani and Kazakhstani respondents believe that Russia’s influence will largely decline and be overtaken by China in the next decade. Although our respondents have some awareness of China’s presence in their countries and an understanding of China’s influence, they do not consider the Chinese development model a suitable one for their country. China’s much advocated Belt and Road Initiative has not seemed to reach the radar of the young respondents included in this study.
High variability impairs motor learning regardless of whether it affects task performance
Authors: Cardis Marco , Casadio Maura , Ranganathan Rajiv
Published: September 2017

Motor variability plays an important role in motor learning, although the exact mechanisms of how variability affects learning are not well understood. Recent evidence suggests that motor variability may have different effects on learning in redundant tasks, depending on whether it is present in the task space (where it affects task performance) or in the null space (where it has no effect on task performance). We examined the effect of directly introducing null and task space variability using a manipulandum during the learning of a motor task. Participants learned a bimanual shuffleboard task for 2 days, where their goal was to slide a virtual puck as close as possible toward a target. Critically, the distance traveled by the puck was determined by the sum of the left- and right-hand velocities, which meant that there was redundancy in the task. Participants were divided into five groups, based on both the dimension in which the variability was introduced and the amount of variability that was introduced during training. Results showed that although all groups were able to reduce error with practice, learning was affected more by the amount of variability introduced rather than the dimension in which variability was introduced. Specifically, groups with higher movement variability during practice showed larger errors at the end of practice compared with groups that had low variability during learning. These results suggest that although introducing variability can increase exploration of new solutions, this may adversely affect the ability to retain the learned solution.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined the role of introducing variability during motor learning in a redundant task. The presence of redundancy allows variability to be introduced in different dimensions: the task space (where it affects task performance) or the null space (where it does not affect task performance). We found that introducing variability affected learning adversely, but the amount of variability was more critical than the dimension in which variability was introduced.