bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using mental models to understand soil management
Authors: Prager K. , Curfs M.
Published: January 2016

Soil degradation continues to be a serious issue. This is partially due to the specific characteristics of soil and degradation, many of which are linked to how humans perceive their environment. How a person perceives soil degradation will influence how they interpret this phenomenon, what attitude they adopt towards it, and how they will ultimately decide to act. Mental models are understood as constructed by the human mind as a result of perception, experience, attitudes and knowledge, and the comprehension of discourse. Applying the concept of mental models allows an understanding of land manager decision‐making with regard to soil management, linking perceptions, attitudes and beliefs with behaviour. We show how mental models can help identify consistencies and differences of perceptions of different soil‐related stakeholders, such as farmers, scientists, administrators, advisors and policy makers. In a practical test of the concept, a diagram‐based representation of mental models was applied in south‐western Spain. We found that the occurrences of overlap in the mental model of soil‐related stakeholders are the areas where communication should focus. It is in these areas where strategies to address the problem of soil degradation can be developed.
Redefining the structural motifs that determine RNA binding and RNA editing by pentatricopeptide repeat proteins in land plants
Authors: Cheng Shifeng , Gutmann Bernard , Zhong Xiao , Ye Yongtao , Fisher Mark F. , Bai Fengqi , Castleden Ian , Song Yue , Song Bo , Huang Jiaying , Liu Xin , Xu Xun , Lim Boon L. , Bond Charles S. , Yiu Siu‐Ming , Small Ian
Published: January 2016

The pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins form one of the largest protein families in land plants. They are characterised by tandem 30–40 amino acid motifs that form an extended binding surface capable of sequence‐specific recognition of RNA strands. Almost all of them are post‐translationally targeted to plastids and mitochondria, where they play important roles in post‐transcriptional processes including splicing, RNA editing and the initiation of translation. A code describing how PPR proteins recognise their RNA targets promises to accelerate research on these proteins, but making use of this code requires accurate definition and annotation of all of the various nucleotide‐binding motifs in each protein. We have used a structural modelling approach to define 10 different variants of the PPR motif found in plant proteins, in addition to the putative deaminase motif that is found at the C‐terminus of many RNA‐editing factors. We show that the super‐helical RNA‐binding surface of RNA‐editing factors is potentially longer than previously recognised. We used the redefined motifs to develop accurate and consistent annotations of PPR sequences from 109 genomes. We report a high error rate in PPR gene models in many public plant proteomes, due to gene fusions and insertions of spurious introns. These consistently annotated datasets across a wide range of species are valuable resources for future comparative genomics studies, and an essential pre‐requisite for accurate large‐scale computational predictions of PPR targets. We have created a web portal (http://www.plantppr.com) that provides open access to these resources for the community.
OUTCOME OF DOGS WITH INTRANASAL LYMPHOMA TREATED WITH VARIOUS RADIATION AND CHEMOTHERAPY PROTOCOLS: 24 CASES
Authors: George Rebecca , Smith Annette , Schleis Stephanie , Brawner William , Almond Gregory , Kent Michael , Wypij Jackie , Borrego Juan , Moore Antony , Keyerleber Michele , Kraiza Sarah
Published: January 2016

Tumors of the nasal cavity comprise approximately 1% of all neoplasms in dogs. Canine intranasal lymphoma is rare and reports evaluating the outcome of treatment are lacking. The goal of this observational, descriptive, multi‐institutional study was to evaluate the overall median survival times (MSTs) in a group of dogs with intranasal lymphoma that were treated with irradiation and/or chemotherapy. Dogs meeting these inclusion criteria were retrospectively recruited from medical archives at multiple institutions. Eighteen cases of intermediate to high grade intranasal lymphoma and six cases of low‐grade intranasal lymphoma were identified. The date of diagnosis, method of diagnosis, treatment received (radiation and/or chemotherapy protocols), and date of death were recorded. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed on the intermediate to high grade group to calculate overall MST. Log‐rank tests were performed to compare effects of treatment with radiation therapy ± chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed separately on the low‐grade group. The overall MST was 375 days for the intermediate to high grade group. Cases treated with radiation ± chemotherapy had an MST of 455 days (n= 12) and those treated with chemotherapy alone (n= 6) had an MST of 157 days in the intermediate to high grade group. The MST was 823 days for the low‐grade group. Results support the use of radiation therapy for treatment of canine intranasal lymphoma, however a randomized, controlled, clinical trial would be needed for more definitive recommendations. The role of adjunctive chemotherapy also may require further investigation.
COMPARISON BETWEEN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIDDLE EAR IN NONBRACHYCEPHALIC AND BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY SYNDROME
Authors: Salgüero Raquel , Herrtage Michael , Holmes Mark , Mannion Paddy , Ladlow Jane
Published: January 2016

Prevalence of subclinical middle ear lesions in dogs that undergo computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging of the head has been reported up to 41%. A predisposition in brachycephalics has been suggested, however evidence‐based studies are lacking. Aims of this retrospective cross‐sectional study were to compare CT characteristics of the middle ear in groups of nonbrachycephalic and brachycephalic dogs that underwent CT of the head for conditions unrelated to ear disease, and test associations between thickness of the soft palate and presence of subclinical middle ear lesions. One observer recorded CT findings for each dog without knowledge of group status. A total of 65 dogs met inclusion criteria (25 brachycephalic, 40 nonbrachycephalic). Brachycephalic dogs had a significantly thicker bulla wall (P = 2.38 × 10−26) and smaller luminal volume (P = 5.74 × 10−20), when compared to nonbrachycephalic dogs. Soft palate thickness was significantly greater in the brachycephalic group (P = 2.76 × 10−9). Nine of 25 brachycephalic dogs had material in the lumen of the tympanic cavity, compared to zero of 45 of nonbrachycephalics. Within the brachycephalic group, a significant difference in mean soft palate thickness was identified for dogs with material in the middle ear (12.2 mm) vs. air‐filled bullae (9 mm; P = 0.016). Findings from the current study supported previous theories that brachycephalic dogs have a greater prevalence of subclinical middle ear effusion and smaller bulla luminal size than nonbrachycephalic dogs. Authors recommend that the bulla lumen volume formula previously developed for mesaticephalic dogs, (−0.612 + 0.757 [lnBW]) be adjusted to 1/3(−0.612 + 0.757 [lnBW]) for brachycephalic breeds.
Leading-order cross term correction of three-dimensional parabolic equation models
Authors: Sturm Frédéric
Published: January 2016

The issue of handling a leading-order cross-multiplied term in three-dimensional (3D) parabolic equation (PE) based models is addressed. In particular, numerical results obtained incorporating a leading-order cross-term correction in an existing 3D PE model, written in cylindrical coordinates, based on higher-order Padé approximations in both depth and azimuth, and a splitting operator technique are reported. Note that the numerical algorithm proposed in this paper could be used in the future to update any 3D PE codes that neglect cross terms and use a splitting numerical technique. The 3D penetrable wedge benchmark problem is chosen to illustrate the accuracy of the now-fully wide-angle enhanced 3D PE model. The comparisons with a 3D reference solution based on the image source clearly show that handling the leading-order cross term in the 3D PE computation is sufficient to remove the phase errors inherent to any 3D PE models that neglect cross terms in their formulations.
Varying irrelevant phonetic features hinders learning of the feature being trained
Authors: Antoniou Mark , Wong Patrick C. M.
Published: January 2016

Learning to distinguish nonnative words that differ in a critical phonetic feature can be difficult. Speech training studies typically employ methods that explicitly direct the learner's attention to the relevant nonnative feature to be learned. However, studies on vision have demonstrated that perceptual learning may occur implicitly, by exposing learners to stimulus features, even if they are irrelevant to the task, and it has recently been suggested that this task-irrelevant perceptual learning framework also applies to speech. In this study, subjects took part in a seven-day training regimen to learn to distinguish one of two nonnative features, namely, voice onset time or lexical tone, using explicit training methods consistent with most speech training studies. Critically, half of the subjects were exposed to stimuli that varied not only in the relevant feature, but in the irrelevant feature as well. The results showed that subjects who were trained with stimuli that varied in the relevant feature and held the irrelevant feature constant achieved the best learning outcomes. Varying both features hindered learning and generalization to new stimuli.
Human Movement Variability and Aging
Authors: Stergiou Nicholas , Kent Jenny A. , McGrath Denise
Published: January 2016

An optimal level of variability enables us to interact adaptively and safely to a continuously changing environment, where often our movements must be adjusted in a matter of milliseconds. A large body of research exists that demonstrates natural variability in healthy gait (along with variability in other, healthy biological signals such as heart rate) and a loss of this variability in aging and injury, as well as in a variety of neurodegenerative and physiological disorders. We submit that this field of research is now in pressing need of an innovative “next step” that goes beyond the many descriptive studies that characterize levels of variability in various patient populations. We need to devise novel therapies that will harness the existing knowledge on biological variability and create new possibilities for those in the grip of disease. We also propose that the nature of the specific physiological limitation present in the neuromuscular apparatus may be less important in the physiological complexity framework than the control mechanisms adopted by the older individual in the coordination of the available degrees of freedom. The theoretical underpinnings of this framework suggest that interventions designed to restore healthy system dynamics may optimize functional improvements in older adults. We submit that interventions based on the restoration of optimal variability and movement complexity could potentially be applied across a range of diseases or dysfunctions as it addresses the adaptability and coordination of available degrees of freedom, regardless of the internal constraints of the individual.
Social Influence in Promoting Change Among Older Adults: Group-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
Authors: Brawley L.R. , Flora P.K. , Locke S.R. , Gierc M.S.H.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we argue that the social influence of the group is a supportive medium for older adult thriving. To promote the physical well-being aspect of thriving, we discuss groups as one means of offering social support. We present a specific model of physical activity intervention (i.e., group-mediated cognitive behavioral intervention) that uses deliberately-formed interactive groups to help motivate older adults to engage in and sustain physical activity. Our article includes four sections that concern the GMCB intervention model. The first serves as background as to why groups can be powerful behavior change agents and describes the basic model of group motivated intervention. The second section provides a generic description of the intervention structure and how the GMCB intervention is conducted. The third section presents a meta-analytic summary of results of older adult GMCB physical activity interventions across three levels of outcomes: adherence to physical activity, functional and physiological, and social cognitive. The fourth section concludes with commentary about the translational perspective for the GMCB in the future.
I Am Woman, See Me (Sweat)!: Older Women and Sport
Authors: Smith Maureen M.
Published: January 2016

As women age, society assigns stereotypes that suggest that older women are no longer capable of being competent athletes. In considering the experiences of older women in sport from a sociological perspective, this article provides a short summary of works examining older women in masters sport settings, as well as three brief case studies of older women engaged in sport and movement. As American women age, more of them will have experienced organized high school sport (after the passage of Title IX), suggesting that the experiences of older women in sport will take on new dimensions and meanings worthy of exploration.
Inhibition of diacylglycerol kinase α restores restimulation-induced cell death and reduces immunopathology in XLP-1
Authors: Ruffo Elisa , Malacarne Valeria , Larsen Sasha E. , Das Rupali , Patrussi Laura , Wülfing Christoph , Biskup Christoph , Kapnick Senta M. , Verbist Katherine , Tedrick Paige , Schwartzberg Pamela L. , Baldari Cosima T. , Rubio Ignacio , Nichols Kim E. , Snow Andrew L. , Baldanzi Gianluca , Graziani Andrea
Published: January 2016

DGKα inhibition restores apoptosis in SAP-deficient lymphocytes, decreasing immunopathology in XLP-1 patients.
Clinical trials for neurodevelopmental disorders: At a therapeutic frontier
Authors: Jeste Shafali S. , Geschwind Daniel H.
Published: January 2016

A well-powered clinical trial that failed to replicate promising results in animal models of fragile X syndrome yields important lessons for clinical trial design (Berry-Kravis
et al
., this issue).
Cancer care looks ROSEy
Authors: Henriques-Forsythe Marshaleen
Published: January 2016

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) potentially enhances bronchoscopic methods for lung cancer genotyping.
Noncoding RNA plugs into a proinflammatory circuit
Authors: Marson Alexander
Published: January 2016

Rmrp
, a long noncoding RNA, and DDX5, an RNA helicase, are potential therapeutic targets for autoimmunity.
Identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by the Bruker Biotyper Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System Is Improved by a Database Extension
Authors: Schweitzer Valentijn A. , van Dam Alje P. , Hananta I Putu Yuda , Schuurman Rob , Kusters Johannes G. , Rentenaar Rob J.
Published: January 2016

Identification of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
by the Bruker matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization−time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system may be affected by “B consistency categorization.” A supplementary database of 17
N. gonorrhoeae
main spectra was constructed. Twelve of 64
N. gonorrhoeae
identifications were categorized with B consistency, which disappeared using the supplementary database. Database extension did not result in misidentification of
Neisseria meningitidis
.
Field Evaluation of Four Rapid Tests for Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Panama
Authors: Juarez Sandra I. , Nuñez Aurelio E. , Aranda Margginna M. , Mojica Dalis , Kim Andrea A. , Parekh Bharat
Published: January 2016

Four HIV rapid tests were subjected to field validation in Panama and compared to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/Multispot-based testing algorithm. The sensitivities of Determine, Uni-Gold, SD Bioline, and INSTI were 99.8%. The specificities of Determine, SD-Bioline, and Uni-Gold were 100%, and the specificity of INSTI was 99.8%. On the basis of these data, we determined that these rapid tests can be used in an appropriate algorithm to diagnose HIV infection and are suitable for use in testing and counseling settings in Panama.
Infectivity and Transmissibility of Avian H9N2 Influenza Viruses in Pigs
Authors: Wang Jia , Wu Maocai , Hong Wenshan , Fan Xiaohui , Chen Rirong , Zheng Zuoyi , Zeng Yu , Huang Ren , Zhang Yu , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Smith David K. , Zhu Huachen , Guan Yi
Published: January 2016

The H9N2 influenza viruses that are enzootic in terrestrial poultry in China pose a persistent pandemic threat to humans. To investigate whether the continuous circulation and adaptation of these viruses in terrestrial poultry increased their infectivity to pigs, we conducted a serological survey in pig herds with H9N2 viruses selected from the aquatic avian gene pool (Y439 lineage) and the enzootic terrestrial poultry viruses (G1 and Y280 lineages). We also compared the infectivity and transmissibility of these viruses in pigs. It was found that more than 15% of the pigs sampled from 2010 to 2012 in southern China were seropositive to either G1 or Y280 lineage viruses, but none of the sera were positive to the H9 viruses from the Y439 lineage. Viruses of the G1 and Y280 lineages were able to infect experimental pigs, with detectable nasal shedding of the viruses and seroconversion, whereas viruses of the Y439 lineage did not cause a productive infection in pigs. Thus, adaptation and prevalence in terrestrial poultry could lead to interspecies transmission of H9N2 viruses from birds to pigs. Although H9N2 viruses do not appear to be continuously transmissible among pigs, repeated introductions of H9 viruses to pigs naturally increase the risk of generating mammalian-adapted or reassorted variants that are potentially infectious to humans. This study highlights the importance of monitoring the activity of H9N2 viruses in terrestrial poultry and pigs.

IMPORTANCE
H9N2 subtype of influenza viruses has repeatedly been introduced into mammalian hosts, including humans and pigs, so awareness of their activity and evolution is important for influenza pandemic preparedness. However, since H9N2 viruses usually cause mild or even asymptomatic infections in mammalian hosts, they may be overlooked in influenza surveillance. Here, we found that the H9N2 viruses established in terrestrial poultry had higher infectivity in pigs than those from aquatic birds, which suggests that adaptation of the H9N2 viruses in terrestrial poultry might have increased the infectivity of the virus to mammals. Therefore, monitoring the prevalence and evolution of H9 viruses prevalent in terrestrial birds and conducting risk assessment of their threat to mammals are critical for evaluating the pandemic potential of this virus.
Involvement of the N-Terminal Deubiquitinating Protease Domain of Human Cytomegalovirus UL48 Tegument Protein in Autoubiquitination, Virion Stability, and Virus Entry
Authors: Kim Young-Eui , Oh Se Eun , Kwon Ki Mun , Lee Chan Hee , Ahn Jin-Hyun
Published: January 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) protein pUL48 is closely associated with the capsid and has a deubiquitinating protease (DUB) activity in its N-terminal region. Although this DUB activity moderately increases virus replication in cultured fibroblast cells, the requirements of the N-terminal region of pUL48 in the viral replication cycle are not fully understood. In this study, we characterized the recombinant viruses encoding UL48(ΔDUB/NLS), which lacks the DUB domain and the adjacent nuclear localization signal (NLS), UL48(ΔDUB), which lacks only the DUB, and UL48(Δ360–1200), which lacks the internal region (amino acids 360 to 1200) downstream of the DUB/NLS. While ΔDUB/NLS and Δ360–1200 mutant viruses did not grow in fibroblasts, the ΔDUB virus replicated to titers 100-fold lower than those for wild-type virus and showed substantially reduced viral gene expression at low multiplicities of infection. The DUB domain contained ubiquitination sites, and DUB activity reduced its own proteasomal degradation in
trans
. Deletion of the DUB domain did not affect the nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of pUL48, whereas the internal region (360–1200) was necessary for cytoplasmic distribution. In coimmunoprecipitation assays, pUL48 interacted with three tegument proteins (pUL47, pUL45, and pUL88) and two capsid proteins (pUL77 and pUL85) but the DUB domain contributed to only pUL85 binding. Furthermore, we found that the ΔDUB virus showed reduced virion stability and less efficiently delivered its genome into the cell than the wild-type virus. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the N-terminal DUB domain of pUL48 contributes to efficient viral growth by regulating its own stability and promoting virion stabilization and virus entry.

IMPORTANCE
HCMV pUL48 and its herpesvirus homologs play key roles in virus entry, regulation of immune signaling pathways, and virion assembly. The N terminus of pUL48 contains the DUB domain, which is well conserved among all herpesviruses. Although studies using the active-site mutant viruses revealed that the DUB activity promotes viral growth, the exact role of this region in the viral life cycle is not fully understood. In this study, using the mutant virus lacking the entire DUB domain, we demonstrate that the DUB domain of pUL48 contributes to viral growth by regulating its own stability via autodeubiquitination and promoting virion stability and virus entry. This report is the first to demonstrate the characteristics of the mutant virus with the entire DUB domain deleted, which, along with information on the functions of this region, is useful in dissecting the functions associated with pUL48.
Influenza A Viruses Expressing Intra- or Intergroup Chimeric Hemagglutinins
Authors: Chen Chi-Jene , Ermler Megan E. , Tan Gene S. , Krammer Florian , Palese Peter , Hai Rong
Published: January 2016

A panel of influenza A viruses expressing chimeric hemagglutinins (cHA) with intragroup or intergroup head/stalk combinations was generated. Viruses were characterized for growth kinetics and preservation of stalk epitopes. With a few notable exceptions, cHA viruses behaved similarly to wild-type viruses and maintained stalk epitopes, which indicated their potential as vaccine candidates to induce stalk-specific antibodies.
Conformational Epitope-Specific Broadly Neutralizing Plasma Antibodies Obtained from an HIV-1 Clade C-Infected Elite Neutralizer Mediate Autologous Virus Escape through Mutations in the V1 Loop
Authors: Patil Shilpa , Kumar Rajesh , Deshpande Suprit , Samal Sweety , Shrivastava Tripti , Boliar Saikat , Bansal Manish , Chaudhary Nakul Kumar , Srikrishnan Aylur K. , Murugavel Kailapuri G. , Solomon Suniti , Simek Melissa , Koff Wayne C. , Goyal Rajat , Chakrabarti Bimal K. , Bhattacharya Jayanta
Published: January 2016

Broadly neutralizing antibodies isolated from infected patients who are elite neutralizers have identified targets on HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein that are vulnerable to antibody neutralization; however, it is not known whether infection established by the majority of the circulating clade C strains in Indian patients elicit neutralizing antibody responses against any of the known targets. In the present study, we examined the specificity of a broad and potent cross-neutralizing plasma obtained from an Indian elite neutralizer infected with HIV-1 clade C. This plasma neutralized 53/57 (93%) HIV pseudoviruses prepared with Env from distinct HIV clades of different geographical origins. Mapping studies using gp120 core protein, single-residue knockout mutants, and chimeric viruses revealed that G37080 broadly cross-neutralizing (BCN) plasma lacks specificities to the CD4 binding site, gp41 membrane-proximal external region, N160 and N332 glycans, and R166 and K169 in the V1-V3 region and are known predominant targets for BCN antibodies. Depletion of G37080 plasma with soluble trimeric BG505-SOSIP.664 Env (but with neither monomeric gp120 nor clade C membrane-proximal external region peptides) resulted in significant reduction of virus neutralization, suggesting that G37080 BCN antibodies mainly target epitopes on cleaved trimeric Env. Further examination of autologous circulating Envs revealed the association of mutation of residues in the V1 loop that contributed to neutralization resistance. In summary, we report the identification of plasma antibodies from a clade C-infected elite neutralizer that mediate neutralization breadth via epitopes on trimeric gp120 not yet reported and confer autologous neutralization escape via mutation of residues in the V1 loop.

IMPORTANCE
A preventive vaccine to protect against HIV-1 is urgently needed. HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins are targets of neutralizing antibodies and represent a key component for immunogen design. The mapping of epitopes on viral envelopes vulnerable to immune evasion will aid in defining targets of vaccine immunogens. We identified novel conformational epitopes on the viral envelope targeted by broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies elicited in natural infection in an elite neutralizer infected with HIV-1 clade C. Our data extend our knowledge on neutralizing epitopes associated with virus escape and potentially contribute to immunogen design and antibody-based prophylactic therapy.
Pericatheter encrustations: an unusual cause of a retained Foley catheter
Authors: Rath Satyajit , Mishra Tushar Subhadarshan , Sasmal Prakash Kumar , Meher Susanta
Published: January 2016

Urethral catheterisation is a common bedside procedure in hospitals. After they have served their purpose, indwelling Foley catheters can be removed by deflating their balloon. The incidence of a retained Foley catheter, however, is not uncommon, failure to deflate the intravesicular balloon being the most common reason. Causes of retained Foley catheters are many and the method to deal with each varies with the inciting cause. Pericatheter concretion or encrustation, an unusual cause of difficulty in removal of the catheter, is often difficult to recognise and hence is prone to faulty management. We report a case of a patient with a retained Foley catheter due to pericatheter encrustations; multiple attempts to remove it were made before the patient presented to our hospital. The case is being reported for the unusual location of retention, and the associated diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.
HaNDL syndrome in a 14-year-old girl
Authors: Rivero-Sanz Elena , Pias-Peleteiro Leticia , Gonzalez-Alvarez Veronica
Published: January 2016

Transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL syndrome) consists of recurrent headaches with focal neurological signs, which can include motor, sensory and aphasic symptoms. Although considered rare, it is becoming increasingly recognised in clinical practice due to the accumulation of case reports. The pathophysiology remains unclear although changes in the neurovascular resemble those found in migraine, which are thought to be triggered by an infectious process. HaNDL can mimic various serious, including life-threatening, diseases, such as stroke and meningoencephalitis, which is why vigorous tests should be sought before this diagnosis of exclusion can be reached. Treatment is symptomatic and the prognosis is excellent. A literature review of the topic is discussed. We report an adolescent girl who presented with recurrent expressive dysphasia and right-sided hypoaesthesia and moderate occipital headaches who was diagnosed with HaNDL syndrome.
Postpartum emergencies in cows
Authors: Rees Gwen
Published: January 2016

Postpartum emergencies in cattle are an important element of mixed or farm animal practice in the UK and, for many veterinarians, a call to such a situation can elevate the heart rate in anticipation of what might be to come. Swift and confident decision making is essential to ensure the best outcome for the animal; this often needs to be achieved with little support (due to the isolated nature of rural practice), in a highly charged situation and frequently after hours. This article considers three of the more challenging postpartum emergencies that veterinarians have to treat: uterine prolapse, haemorrhage and postcalving paralysis. It gives a brief outline of the prevalence, risk factors, first aid, treatment and prognosis for these conditions, and presents the latest research available in each area.
Equine back disorders 2. Treatment options
Authors: Findley Judith , Singer Ellen
Published: January 2016

This is the second article in a two‐part series that aims to describe the principles of investigating and treating common back pathologies in riding horses. The first article (Findley and others 2015) discussed the various diagnostic techniques available to aid the clinician in diagnosing back pain of the thoracolumbar and sacroiliac regions. The strengths and limitations associated with each technique and the challenges involved with reaching a specific diagnosis were outlined. This second article focuses on the techniques, indications and evidence available for both conservative and surgical treatment options following a diagnosis of equine back pain.
The influence of a school-based intervention programme regarding adherence to a healthy diet in children and adolescents from disadvantaged areas in Greece: the DIATROFI study
Authors: Kastorini Christina Maria , Lykou Anastasia , Yannakoulia Mary , Petralias Athanassios , Riza Elena , Linos Athena
Published: January 2016

Background

To evaluate the effects, via a cohort study, of a food aid and promotion of healthy nutrition programme, implemented in areas of low socioeconomic status (SES) in Greece, on students’ diet quality.

Methods

From a total of 162 schools participating in the programme during the 2012–2013 school year, we collected 3941 individually linked questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the intervention, recording sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle parameters and dietary habits of the students. For the assessment of diet quality, the KIDMED score was computed, along with food frequency consumption data regarding milk, fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. Pre–post intervention values were compared using non-parametric tests. Generalised estimating equations were used to explore the factors that influence changes in dietary habits.

Results

By the end of the intervention, favourable changes were observed regarding healthy eating; KIDMED increased statistically significantly in adolescent girls (p=0.042), while the consumption frequency of all foods promoted by the intervention, namely, milk, fruits, vegetables and whole grain products, increased for children and adolescents, boys and girls (p≤0.002). Factors indicating lower SES, such as foreign country of birth, lower education level, no income source and high levels of food insecurity, were associated with lower diet quality.

Conclusions

As low SES groups tend to adopt unhealthier dietary choices, it is of the outmost importance to take action for the promotion of healthy eating, directed especially to these at risk populations. School-based nutritional programmes can be considered as an effective policy measure towards this direction.
Reduction of Delay in Detecting Initial Dips from Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Signals Using Vector-Based Phase Analysis
Authors: Hong Keum-Shik , Naseer Noman
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we present a systematic method to reduce the time lag in detecting initial dips using a vector-based phase diagram and an autoregressive moving average with exogenous signals (ARMAX) model-based [Formula: see text]-step-ahead prediction algorithm. With functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), signals related to mental arithmetic and right-hand clenching are acquired from the prefrontal and left primary motor cortices, respectively. The interrelationship between oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin and cerebral oxygen exchange are related to initial dips. Specifically, a threshold value from the resting state hemodynamics is incorporated, as a decision criterion, into the vector-based phase diagram to determine the occurrence of initial dips. To further reduce the time lag, a [Formula: see text]-step-ahead prediction method is applied to predict the occurrence of the dips. A combination of the threshold criterion and the prediction method resulted in the delay time of about 0.9[Formula: see text]s. The results demonstrate that rapid detection of initial dip is possible and therefore can be used for real-time brain–computer interfacing.
Weighted inequalities and uncertainty principles for the (k,a)-generalized Fourier transform
Authors: Johansen Troels Roussau
Published: January 2016

We obtain several versions of the Hausdorff–Young and Hardy–Littlewood inequalities for the [Formula: see text]-generalized Fourier transform recently investigated at length by Ben Saïd, Kobayashi, and Ørsted. We also obtain a number of weighted inequalities — in particular Pitt’s inequality — that have application to uncertainty principles. Specifically we obtain several analogs of the Heisenberg–Pauli–Weyl principle for [Formula: see text]-functions, local Cowling–Price-type inequalities, Donoho–Stark-type inequalities and qualitative extensions. We finally use the Hausdorff–Young inequality as a means to obtain entropic uncertainty inequalities.
Some results on Finsler submanifolds
Authors: Wu B. Y.
Published: January 2016

In this paper we study the submanifold theory in terms of Chern connection. We introduce the notions of the second fundamental form and mean curvature for Finsler submanifolds, and establish the fundamental equations by means of moving frame for the hypersurface case. We provide the estimation of image radius for compact submanifold, and prove that there exists no compact minimal submanifold in any complete noncompact and simply connected Finsler manifold with nonpositive flag curvature. We also characterize the Minkowski hyperplanes, Minkowski hyperspheres and Minkowski cylinders as the only hypersurfaces in Minkowski space with parallel second fundamental form.
Parallel Hardware Stochastic Context-Free Parsers
Authors: Pavlatos Christos , Dimopoulos Alexandros C. , Papakonstantinou George
Published: January 2016

In this paper a platform is presented, that given a stochastic context-free grammar (SCFG), automatically outputs the description of the parser in synthesizable hardware description language (HDL) which can be downloaded in an Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) board. Initially, according to our methodology the SCFG is augmented with attributes which store the probability values and can be evaluated through corresponding stack actions. The architecture of the produced system is based on a proposed extension of Earley’s parallel algorithm, which given an input string, generates the parse trees in the form of an AND-Or parse tree. This AND-or parse tree is then traversed using a proposed tree traversal technique in order to execute the corresponding actions in the correct order, so as to compute the necessary probabilities. The platform is suitable for embedded systems applications where a natural language interface is required or in pattern recognition tasks. The parser generated by the presented platform has been tested for various SCFGs and compared to software approaches. The performance comparison is one to two orders of magnitude in favor of the presented hardware, compared to previous software approaches, depending on the application, the input string length and the number of produced trees.
Optimization of Structural Element in Froth Image Denoising of Coal Flotation
Authors: Tian Mu-Ling , Yang Jie-Ming
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an improved genetic algorithm for the optimization of the structure element used in morphological open and closed filtering. Considering that the evaluation of the froth images of coal flotation is categorized as a no-reference image evaluation, in the optimization of the structural element, a denoising evaluation index of an improved information capacity was used as the adaptation degree function. In addition, this paper proposes the determination method of chromosome length in the structure element optimization algorithm. In the improved genetic algorithm, based on adaptive variation, the variation regulation factor and the mechanism of concentration adjustment are introduced. When compared to an optimization process of the structural element in froth image denoising using the genetic algorithm, the adaptive genetic algorithm, the improved genetic algorithm improves the efficiency and accuracy of the optimization process. It has been proven that optimizing the structural element by the improved genetic algorithm increases fitness and reduces noise when using morphological open and closed reconstruction filters.
On Diffeomorphisms of Compact 2-Manifolds with All Nonwandering Points Being Periodic
Authors: Boyd Suzanne , Guirao Juan L. G. , Hero Michael
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present paper is to study conditions under which all the nonwandering points are periodic points, for a discrete dynamical system of two variables defined on a compact manifold. We include a survey of known results in all dimensions, and study the remaining open question in dimension two. We present two results, one negative and one positive. The negative result: we construct a Kupka–Smale diffeomorphism in [Formula: see text] (which can be extended to a diffeomorphism of the sphere) with a closed set of periodic points that differs from the set of nonwandering points. The positive result: we present a condition on the widely studied Hénon family which guarantees that all nonwandering points are periodic. Finally, we close by describing what future work may be needed to resolve our broad goals.
Well-Posedness and Asymptotic Behavior of a Nonclassical Nonautonomous Diffusion Equation with Delay
Authors: Caraballo Tomás , Márquez-Durán Antonio M. , Rivero Felipe
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a nonclassical nonautonomous diffusion equation with delay is analyzed. First, the well-posedness and the existence of a local solution is proved by using a fixed point theorem. Then, the existence of solutions defined globally in future is ensured. The asymptotic behavior of solutions is analyzed within the framework of pullback attractors as it has revealed a powerful theory to describe the dynamics of nonautonomous dynamical systems. One difficulty in the case of delays concerns the phase space that one needs to construct the evolution process. This yields the necessity of using a version of the Ascoli–Arzelà theorem to prove the compactness.
Testing the Self-Similarity Exponent to Feature Extraction in Motor Imagery Based Brain Computer Interface Systems
Authors: Rodríguez-Bermúdez Germán , Sánchez-Granero Miguel Ángel , García-Laencina Pedro J. , Fernández-Martínez Manuel , Serna José , Roca-Dorda Joaquín
Published: January 2016

A Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system is a tool not requiring any muscle action to transmit information. Acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction (FE), and classification of electroencephalograph (EEG) signals constitute the main steps of a motor imagery BCI. Among them, FE becomes crucial for BCI, since the underlying EEG knowledge must be properly extracted into a feature vector. Linear approaches have been widely applied to FE in BCI, whereas nonlinear tools are not so common in literature. Thus, the main goal of this paper is to check whether some Hurst exponent and fractal dimension based estimators become valid indicators to FE in motor imagery BCI. The final results obtained were not optimal as expected, which may be due to the fact that the nature of the analyzed EEG signals in these motor imagery tasks were not self-similar enough.
Periodic Orbits of the Anisotropic Kepler Problem with Quasihomogeneous Potentials
Authors: López Miguel A. , Martínez Raquel , Vera Juan A.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we analyze the periodic structure of the anisotropic Kepler problem with the same type of perturbations using symplectic Delaunay coordinates and averaging theory. Moreover, sufficient conditions for existence and kind of stability of this class of perturbed Kepler problems are given.
A First Order Automated Lie Transform
Authors: Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Mostafa A. , Guirao Juan L. G.
Published: January 2016

The objective of the present paper is to focus on the problem of the normalization of a Hamiltonian system via the elimination of angle variables involved using the Lie transform technique. The algorithm that we construct assumes that the Hamiltonian is periodic in [Formula: see text] angle variables, with two rates: fast and slow. If the angle variables have the same rate only one transformation is required. The equations needed to evaluate the elements of each transformation and the secular perturbations are constructed.
Establishing a Dynamic Self-Adaptation Learning Algorithm of the BP Neural Network and Its Applications
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Xiang Suying , Zhu Pengfei , Wu Min
Published: January 2016

In order to avoid the inherent deficiencies of the traditional BP neural network, such as slow convergence speed, that easily leading to local minima, poor generalization ability and difficulty in determining the network structure, the dynamic self-adaptive learning algorithm of the BP neural network is put forward to improve the function of the BP neural network. The new algorithm combines the merit of principal component analysis, particle swarm optimization, correlation analysis and self-adaptive model, hence can effectively solve the problems of selecting structural parameters, initial connection weights and thresholds and learning rates of the BP neural network. This new algorithm not only reduces the human intervention, optimizes the topological structures of BP neural networks and improves the network generalization ability, but also accelerates the convergence speed of a network, avoids trapping into local minima, and enhances network adaptation ability and prediction ability. The dynamic self-adaptive learning algorithm of the BP neural network is used to forecast the total retail sale of consumer goods of Sichuan Province, China. Empirical results indicate that the new algorithm is superior to the traditional BP network algorithm in predicting accuracy and time consumption, which shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the new algorithm.
Evaluation of Supply Chain Efficiency Based on a Novel Network of Data Envelopment Analysis Model
Authors: Fu Li Fang , Meng Jun , Liu Ying
Published: January 2016

Performance evaluation of supply chain (SC) is a vital topic in SC management and inherently complex problems with multilayered internal linkages and activities of multiple entities. Recently, various Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) models, which opened the “black box” of conventional DEA, were developed and applied to evaluate the complex SC with a multilayer network structure. However, most of them are input or output oriented models which cannot take into consideration the nonproportional changes of inputs and outputs simultaneously. This paper extends the Slack-based measure (SBM) model to a nonradial, nonoriented network model named as U-NSBM with the presence of undesirable outputs in the SC. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the model in quantifying the efficiency and ranking the supply chain performance. By comparing with the CCR and U-SBM models, it is shown that the proposed model has higher distinguishing ability and gives feasible solution in the presence of undesirable outputs. Meanwhile, it provides more insights for decision makers about the source of inefficiency as well as the guidance to improve the SC performance.
Measuring Algorithm for the Distance to a Preceding Vehicle on Curve Road Using On-Board Monocular Camera
Authors: Yu Guizhen , Zhou Bin , Wang Yunpeng , Wun Xinkai , Wang Pengcheng
Published: January 2016

Due to more severe challenges of traffic safety problems, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has received widespread attention. Measuring the distance to a preceding vehicle is important for ADAS. However, the existing algorithm focuses more on straight road sections than on curve measurements. In this paper, we present a novel measuring algorithm for the distance to a preceding vehicle on a curve road using on-board monocular camera. Firstly, the characteristics of driving on the curve road is analyzed and the recognition of the preceding vehicle road area is proposed. Then, the vehicle detection and distance measuring algorithms are investigated. We have verified these algorithms on real road driving. The experimental results show that this method proposed in the paper can detect the preceding vehicle on curve roads and accurately calculate the longitudinal distance and horizontal distance to the preceding vehicle.
On the width of verbal subgroups of the groups of triangular matrices over a field of arbitrary characteristic
Authors: Sosnovskiy Yury Vasilevich
Published: January 2016

The width [Formula: see text] of the verbal subgroup [Formula: see text] of a group [Formula: see text] defined by a collection of group words [Formula: see text] is the smallest number [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] such that every element of [Formula: see text] is the product of at most [Formula: see text] words in [Formula: see text] evaluated on [Formula: see text] and their inverses. Well known that every verbal subgroup of the group [Formula: see text] of triangular matrices over an arbitrary field [Formula: see text] can be defined by just one word: an outer commutator word or a power word. We prove that [Formula: see text] for every outer commutator word [Formula: see text] and that [Formula: see text] except for two cases, when it is equal to 2. For finitary triangular groups, the situation is similar.
Algebraic functions in Łukasiewicz implication algebras
Authors: Campercholi Miguel , Castaño Diego , Díaz Varela José Patricio
Published: January 2016

In this article we study algebraic functions in [Formula: see text]-subreducts of MV-algebras, also known as Łukasiewicz implication algebras. A function is algebraic on an algebra [Formula: see text] if it is definable by a conjunction of equations on [Formula: see text]. We fully characterize algebraic functions on every Łukasiewicz implication algebra belonging to a finitely generated variety. The main tool to accomplish this is a factorization result describing algebraic functions in a subproduct in terms of the algebraic functions of the factors. We prove a global representation theorem for finite Łukasiewicz implication algebras which extends a similar one already known for Tarski algebras. This result together with the knowledge of algebraic functions allowed us to give a partial description of the lattice of classes axiomatized by sentences of the form [Formula: see text] within the variety generated by the 3-element chain.
Historical highlights of non-cyclic knot theory
Authors: Perko Kenneth A.
Published: January 2016

This paper illustrates some classical non-cyclic milestones in mathematical knot theory.
On a triply graded Khovanov homology
Authors: Putyra Krzysztof K.
Published: January 2016

Cobordisms are naturally bigraded and we show that this grading extends to Khovanov homology, making it a triply graded theory. Although the new grading does not make the homology a stronger invariant, it can be used to show that odd Khovanov homology is multiplicative with respect to disjoint unions and connected sums of links; same results hold for the generalized Khovanov homology defined by the author in his previous work. We also examine the module structure on both odd and even Khovanov homology, in particular computing the effect of sliding a basepoint through a crossing on the integral homology.