bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive or Cognitive-Motor Executive Function Tasks? Evaluating Verbal Fluency Measures in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Barbosa Alessandra Ferreira , Voos Mariana Callil , Chen Janini , Francato Debora Cristina Valente , Souza Carolina de Oliveira , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Chien Hsin Fen , Mansur Letícia Lessa
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Executive function deficits are observed in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) from early stages and have great impact on daily living activities. Verbal fluency and oral diadochokinesia involve phonarticulatory coordination, response inhibition, and phonological processing and may also be affected in people with PD. This study aimed to describe the performance of PD patients and an age- and education-matched control group on executive function, verbal fluency, and oral diadochokinesia tests and to investigate possible relationships between them. Methods. Forty people with PD and forty controls were evaluated with Trail Making Test (TMT, executive function) and phonemic/semantic verbal fluency and oral diadochokinesia (/pataka/) tests. Groups were compared by ANOVA and relationships were investigated by Pearson tests. Results. People with PD showed longer times in parts A and B of TMT. They also said fewer words in phonemic/semantic verbal fluency tests and less syllables in the diadochokinesia test. Oral diadochokinesia strongly correlated to parts A and B of TMT and to phonemic verbal fluency. Conclusion. Oral diadochokinesia was correlated to executive function and verbal fluency. The cognitive-motor interaction in verbal fluency and oral diadochokinesia must be considered not to overestimate the cognitive or motor impairments in people with PD.
Medically Important Parasites Carried by Cockroaches in Melong Subdivision, Littoral, Cameroon
Authors: Atiokeng Tatang R. J. , Tsila H. G. , Wabo Poné J.
Published: August 2017

Cockroaches have been recognized as mechanical vectors of pathogens that can infest humans or animals. A total of 844 adult cockroaches (436 males and 408 females) were caught. In the laboratory, cockroaches were first washed in saturated salt solution to remove ectoparasites and then rinsed with 70% alcohol, dried, and dissected for endoparasites. An overall transport rate of 47.39% was recorded. Six genera of parasites were identified. These were Ascaris (33.76%), Trichuris (11.97%), Capillaria (6.16%), Toxocara (4.86%), Hook Worm (4.86%), and Eimeria (2.73%). The parasites were more recorded on the external surface (54.27%) of cockroaches than in the internal surface (GIT, 38.51%). The same tendency was obtained between sexes with female cockroaches having a higher transport rate (36.69%). Cockroaches caught in toilets carried more parasites (31.99%) as compared to those from kitchens (22.63%) and houses (11.14%). Almost all encountered parasites were recognized as responsible of zoonosis and they can be consequently released in nature by hosts and easily disseminated by cockroaches as mechanical vectors. Sanitary education, reenforcement of worms’ eradication programs, and the fight against these insects remain a necessity in the Mélong Subdivision.
Consensus Based Platoon Algorithm for Velocity-Measurement-Absent Vehicles with Actuator Saturation
Authors: Yan Maode , Tang Ye , Yang Panpan , Zuo Lei
Published: August 2017

We investigate the vehicle platoon problems, where the actuator saturation and absent velocity measurement are taken into consideration. Firstly, a novel algorithm, where a smooth function is introduced to deal with the sharp corner of the input signals, is proposed for a group of vehicles with actuator saturation by using the consensus theory. Secondly, by applying an auxiliary system for the followers to estimate the velocities, a control strategy for the vehicle platoon with actuator saturation and absent velocity measurement is designed via the adaptive control approach. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Optimization of Dimensions of Cylindrical Piezoceramics as Radio-Clean Low Frequency Acoustic Sensors
Authors: Ardid M. , Felis I. , Martínez-Mora J. A. , Otero J.
Published: August 2017

Circular piezoelectric transducers with axial polarization are proposed as low frequency acoustic sensors for dark matter bubble chamber detectors. The axial vibration behaviour of the transducer is studied by three different methods: analytical models, FEM simulation, and experimental setup. To optimize disk geometry for this application, the dependence of the vibrational modes in function of the diameter-to-thickness ratio from 0.5 (a tall cylinder) to 20.0 (a thin disk) has been studied. Resonant and antiresonant frequencies for each of the lowest modes are determined and electromechanical coupling coefficients are calculated. From this analysis, due to the requirements of radiopurity and little volume, optimal diameter-to-thickness ratios for good transducer performance are discussed.
Evaluation of the Bacterial Diversity in the Human Tongue Coating Based on Genus-Specific Primers for 16S rRNA Sequencing
Authors: Sun Beili , Zhou Dongrui , Tu Jing , Lu Zuhong
Published: August 2017

The characteristics of tongue coating are very important symbols for disease diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. As a habitat of oral microbiota, bacteria on the tongue dorsum have been proved to be the cause of many oral diseases. The high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have been widely applied in the analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We developed a methodology based on genus-specific multiprimer amplification and ligation-based sequencing for microbiota analysis. In order to validate the efficiency of the approach, we thoroughly analyzed six tongue coating samples from lung cancer patients with different TCM types, and more than 600 genera of bacteria were detected by this platform. The results showed that ligation-based parallel sequencing combined with enzyme digestion and multiamplification could expand the effective length of sequencing reads and could be applied in the microbiota analysis.
Comparison of the Perioperative and Postoperative Effects of Levobupivacaine and of Levobupivacaine + Adrenaline in Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Study
Authors: Cicekci Faruk , Sizer Cigdem , Atici Sait Selcuk , Arican Sule , Karaibrahimoglu Adnan , Kara Inci
Published: August 2017

Objectives. We aimed to assess the effects of levobupivacaine and of levobupivacaine + adrenaline administered during pediatric tonsillectomy on the postoperative period. Methods. A total of 90 patients between the ages of five and twelve were divided randomly into two groups before tonsillectomy: levobupivacaine only (0.5%) 0.4 mg·kg−1 or levobupivacaine (0.5%) 0.4 mg·kg−1 + adrenaline (1 : 200.000) administered by means of peritonsillar infiltration. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain scores recorded at various intervals until 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time to first oral intake, time to the first administration of analgesics and total consumption of analgesics, and the amount of bleeding for all children. Results. In both groups, patients had the same postoperative pain scores and PONV rates, and equal amounts of analgesics were consumed up to 24 hours postoperatively. The two groups also had the same time until first oral intake, recovery time and time to the first analgesic request, and amount of bleeding. Conclusions. Perioperative levobupivacaine infiltration on its own is a valid alternative to the combination of levobupivacaine + adrenaline for perioperative and postoperative effectiveness in pediatric tonsillectomy. This trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN: ACTRN12617001167358.
RAPD Profiling, DNA Fragmentation, and Histomorphometric Examination in Brains of Wistar Rats Exposed to Indoor 2.5 Ghz Wi-Fi Devices Radiation
Authors: Ibitayo A. O. , Afolabi O. B. , Akinyemi A. J. , Ojiezeh T. I. , Adekoya K. O. , Ojewunmi O. O.
Published: August 2017

The advent of Wi-Fi connected high technology devices in executing day-to-day activities is fast evolving especially in developing countries of the world and hence the need to assess its safety among others. The present study was conducted to investigate the injurious effect of radiofrequency emissions from installed Wi-Fi devices in brains of young male rats. Animals were divided into four equal groups; group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to 2.5 Ghz at intervals of 30, 45, and 60 consecutive days with free access to food and water ad libitum. Alterations in harvested brain tissues were confirmed by histopathological analyses which showed vascular congestion and DNA damage in the brain was assayed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Histomorphometry analyses of their brain tissues showed perivascular congestion and tissue damage as well.
Diversity of Aerobic Bacteria Isolated from Oral and Cloacal Cavities from Free-Living Snakes Species in Costa Rica Rainforest
Authors: Artavia-León Allan , Romero-Guerrero Ariel , Sancho-Blanco Carolina , Rojas Norman , Umaña-Castro Rodolfo
Published: August 2017

Costa Rica has a significant number of snakebites per year and bacterial infections are often complications in these animal bites. Hereby, this study aims to identify, characterize, and report the diversity of the bacterial community in the oral and cloacal cavities of venomous and nonvenomous snakes found in wildlife in Costa Rica. The snakes where captured by casual encounter search between August and November of 2014 in the Quebrada González sector, in Braulio Carrillo National Park. A total of 120 swabs, oral and cloacal, were taken from 16 individuals of the Viperidae and Colubridae families. Samples were cultured on four different media at room temperature. Once isolated in pure culture, colonies were identified with the VITEK® 2C platform (bioMérieux). In order to test the identification provided on environmental isolates, molecular analyses were conducted on 27 isolates of different bacterial species. Specific 16S rDNA PCR-mediated amplification for bacterial taxonomy was performed, then sequenced, and compared with sequences of Ribosomal Database Project (RDP). From 90 bacterial isolates, 40 different bacterial species were identified from both oral and cloacal swabs. These results indicate the diversity of opportunistic pathogens present and their potential to generate infections and zoonosis in humans.
Gentamicin Released from Porous Scaffolds Fabricated by Stereolithography
Authors: Channasanon Somruethai , Udomkusonsri Pareeya , Chantaweroad Surapol , Tesavibul Passakorn , Tanodekaew Siriporn
Published: August 2017

Porous oligolactide-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds were obtained by stereolithographic fabrication. Gentamicin was then coated on the scaffolds afterwards, to achieve antimicrobial delivery ability to treat bone infection. The scaffolds examined by stereomicroscope, SEM, and μCT-scan showed a well-ordered pore structure with uniform pore distribution and pore interconnectivity. The physical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated. It was shown that not only porosity but also scaffold structure played a critical role in governing the strength of scaffolds. A good scaffold design could create proper orientation of pores in a way to strengthen the scaffold structure. The drug delivery profile of the porous scaffolds was also analyzed using microbiological assay. The release rates of gentamicin from the scaffolds showed prolonged drug release at the levels higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations for S. aureus and E. coli over a 2-week period. It indicated a potential of the scaffolds to serve as local antibiotic delivery to prevent bacterial infection.
An Effective Cell Coculture Platform Based on the Electrospun Microtube Array Membrane for Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Tseng V. Chia-Hsuan , Chew Chee Ho , Huang Wan-Ting , Wang Yang-Kao , Chen Ko-Shao , Chou Szu-Yi , Chen Chien-Chung
Published: August 2017

Recently, a novel substrate known as an electrospun polylactic acid (PLLA) microtube array membrane (MTAM) was successfully developed as a cell coculture platform. Structurally, this substrate is made up of one-to-one connected, ultrathin, submicron scale fibers that are arranged in an arrayed formation. Its unique structure confers several key advantages which are beneficial in a cell coculture system. In this study, the interaction between rat fetal neural stem cells (NSC) and astrocytes was examined by comparing the outcome of a typical Transwell-based coculture system and that of an electrospun PLLA MTAM-based coculture system. Compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) and Transwell coculture inserts, a superior cell viability of NSC was observed when cultured in lumens of electrospun PLLA MTAM (with supportive immunostaining images). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed a strong interaction between astrocytes and NSC through a higher expression of doublecortin and a lower expression of nestin. These data demonstrate that MTAM is clearly a better coculture platform than the traditional Transwell system.
Prolonged, Uninterrupted Sedentary Behavior and Glycemic Biomarkers Among US Hispanic/Latino Adults
Authors: Diaz Keith M. , Goldsmith Jeff , Greenlee Heather , Strizich Garrett , Qi Qibin , Mossavar-Rahmani Yasmin , Vidot Denise C. , Buelna Christina , Brintz Carrie E. , Elfassy Tali , Gallo Linda C. , Daviglus Martha L. , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Kaplan Robert C.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Excessive sedentary time is ubiquitous in developed nations and is associated with deleterious health outcomes. Few studies have examined whether the manner in which sedentary time is accrued (in short or long bouts) carries any clinical relevance. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of prolonged, uninterrupted sedentary behavior with glycemic biomarkers in a cohort of US Hispanic/Latino adults.

Methods:

We studied 12 083 participants from the HCHS/SOL (Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos), a population-based study of Hispanic/Latino adults 18 to 74 years of age. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured from a fasting blood sample, and 2-hour glucose was measured after an oral glucose tolerance test. Sedentary time was objectively measured with a hip-mounted accelerometer. Prolonged, uninterrupted sedentariness was expressed as mean sedentary bout length.

Results:

After adjustment for potential confounders and moderate to vigorous physical activity, longer sedentary bout duration was dose-dependently associated with increased homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (
P
for trend<0.001) and 2-hour glucose levels (
P
for trend=0.015). These associations were not independent of total sedentary time; however, a significant interaction between sedentary bout duration and total sedentary time was observed. Evaluation of the joint association of total sedentary time and sedentary bout duration showed that participants in the upper quartile for both sedentary characteristics (ie, high total sedentary time and high sedentary bout duration) had the highest levels of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (
P
<0.001 versus low group for both sedentary characteristics) and 2-hour glucose (
P
=0.002 versus low group for both sedentary characteristics). High total sedentary time or high sedentary bout duration alone were not associated with differences in any glycemic biomarkers.

Conclusions:

Accruing sedentary time in prolonged, uninterrupted bouts may be deleteriously associated with biomarkers of glucose regulation.
Analysis of Rain Types and Their Z–R Relationships at Different Locations in the High Andes of Southern Ecuador
Authors: Orellana-Alvear Johanna , Célleri Rolando , Rollenbeck Rütger , Bendix Jörg
Published: August 2017

Information on the spatiotemporal rainfall occurrence, its microphysical characteristics, and its reflectivity–rainfall (Z–R) relations required to provide rainfall mapping based on rain radar data is limited for tropical high mountains. Therefore, this study aims to analyze rainfall types in the Andes cordillera to derive different rain-type Z–R relations using disdrometer observations at three study sites representative for different geographic positions and elevations (2610, 3626, and 3773 m MSL). Rain categorization based on mean drop volume diameter (Dm) thresholds [0.1 < Dm (mm) ≤ 0.5; 0.5 < Dm (mm) ≤ 1.0; 1.0 < Dm (mm) ≤ 2.0] was performed using drop size distribution data at a 5-min time step over an approximate 2-yr period at each location. The findings are as follows: (i) Rain observations characterized by higher (lower) Dm and rain rates are more frequent at the lower (higher) site. (ii) Because of its geographic position, very light rain (drizzle) is more common at higher altitudes with longer-duration events, whereas rainfall is more convective at the lower range. (iii) The specific spatial exposition regarding cloud and rain formation seems to play an important role for derivation of the local Z–R relationship. (iv) Low A coefficients (≤60) for the first rain type resemble typical characteristics of orographic precipitation. (v) Greater values of A (lowest and highest stations for Dm > 1.0 mm) are attributed to transitional rainfall as found in other studies. (vi) Rain-type Z–R relations show a better adjustment in comparison with site-specific Z–R relationships. This study is the first contribution of Z–R relations for tropical rainfall in the high Andes.
An advanced geometrical model for laminated woven fabrics using Lamé exponents with enhanced accuracy
Authors: Mühlstädt Mike , Seifert Wolfgang , Arras Matthias ML , Maenz Stefan , Jandt Klaus D , Bossert Jörg
Published: August 2017

Three-dimensional stiffness tensors of laminated woven fabrics used in high-performance composites need precise prediction. To enhance the accuracy in three-dimensional stiffness tensor prediction, the fabric’s architecture must be precisely modeled. We tested the hypotheses that: (i) an advanced geometrical model describes the meso-level structure of different fabrics with a precision higher than established models, (ii) the deviation between predicted and experimentally determined mean fiber-volume fraction ( cf) of laminates is below 5%. Laminates of different cf and fabrics were manufactured by resin transfer molding. The laminates’ meso-level structure was determined by analyzing scanning electron microscopy images. The prediction of the laminates’ cf was improved by up to 5.1 vol% ([Formula: see text]%) compared to established models. The effect of the advanced geometrical model on the prediction of the laminate’s in-plane stiffness was shown by applying a simple mechanical model. Applying an advanced geometrical model may lead to more accurate simulations of parts for example in automotive and aircraft.
Something to Celebrate (or not): The Differing Impact of Promotion to Manager on the Job Satisfaction of Women and Men
Authors: Lup Daniela
Published: August 2017

The literatures on gender status stereotyping and the ‘glass-ceiling’ have shown that women managers have more difficult job experiences than men, but whether these experiences result in lower job satisfaction is still an open question. Using fixed-effects models in a longitudinal national sample, this study examines differences in job satisfaction between women and men promoted into lower and higher-level management, after controlling for key determinants of job satisfaction. Results indicate that promotions to management are accompanied by an increase in job satisfaction for men but not for women, and that the differing effect lasts beyond the promotion year. Moreover, following promotion, the job satisfaction of women promoted to higher-level management even starts declining. The type of promotion (internal or lateral) does not modify this effect. By clarifying the relationship between gender, promotion to managerial position and job satisfaction, the study contributes to the literature on the gender gap in managerial representation.
Free response of a continuous vibrational system with attachments and/or discontinuities using segmented operational Tau method
Authors: Akbarzadeh H. , Sadeghi Morteza H. , Talati F. , Shahmorad S.
Published: August 2017

It has been widely known that for complicated beam-like structures with various types of attachments and/or discontinuities analytical techniques are not always applicable. In this paper, a very efficient numerical method based on the Tau method is proposed to tackle the mentioned problem. A general form of the linear vibrational eigen-equation, based on the Euler–Bernoulli bending theory, together with its boundary conditions and continuity equations is considered. The problem is then formulated using a segmented form of the operational Tau method which is called the segmented operational Tau method. To investigate the reliability and accuracy of the proposed method some vibrational problems are solved and compared with the analytical solutions providing the exact frequencies and mode shapes. For a complicated case of a non-uniform beam with various types of attachments, since there was no analytical solution, results are validated with the finite element method. This paper has provided a platform for solving free vibrational problems of many complicated constrained systems through a very simple, highly accurate technique.
Localization of multiple jamming attackers in vehicular ad hoc network
Authors: Pang Liang , Chen Xiao , Shi Yong , Xue Zhi , Khatoun Rida
Published: August 2017

In vehicular ad hoc network, wireless jamming attacks are easy to be launched in the control channel and can cause serious influence on the network performance which may cause further safety accidents. In order to address the issue of wireless jamming attacks, a new technique which localizes the jamming attackers and prevents vehicles from jamming through human intervention is proposed. In this article, we propose a range-free approach to localize the source of the attacker and determine the number of jamming attackers. The data set is the locating information and the jamming detection information associated with each vehicle. Then, we formulate the problem of determining the number of attackers as a multiclass detection problem. We define the incorrectly classified area and use it to measure the distance between samples and centroids in fuzzy c-means algorithm. We further determine the number of jamming attackers through the coverage rate of beaconing circles and utilize weight-based fuzzy c-means to classify the data set. When the data set is classified as acceptable, we further explore the means of using particle swarm optimization algorithm to calculate the positional coordinates of each attacker. We simulate our techniques in MATLAB, and both urban traffic area and open area are considered in our simulation. The experimental results suggest that the proposed algorithm can achieve high precision when determining the number of attackers while the result of the classified performance is always satisfying. Our localization results lead to higher accuracy than other existing solutions. Also, when the data set is limited, the chances of taking accurate localization are higher than other measures.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of a 2-Suture Anchor Repair Technique for Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries
Authors: Gil Joseph A. , Chambers Alison , Shah Kalpit N. , Crisco Joseph J. , Got Christopher , Akelman Edward
Published: August 2017

Background: A complete thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repaired with 1-suture anchor has been demonstrated to be significantly weaker compared with the intact UCL. The objective of this study is to test the biomechanical strength of a 2-anchor thumb UCL repair. Methods: Nine paired fresh-frozen hands were used for this biomechanical analysis. One thumb from each pair was randomized to the control group and one to the repair group. In the control group, the UCL was loaded to failure in tension. In the repair group, the UCL was dissected off of the proximal phalanx, subsequently repaired with a 2-anchor technique, and then tested to failure. Results: The mean yield load was 342 N (95% confidence interval [CI], 215-470 N) in the control group and 68 N (95% CI, 45-91 N) in the repair group. The mean maximum load at failure was 379 N (95% CI, 246-513 N) in the control group and 84 N (95% CI, 62-105 N) in the repair group. The mean stiffness was 72 N/m (95% CI, 48-96 N/m) in the control group and 17 N/m (95% CI, 13-21 N) in the repair group. The mean displacement at failure was 7.8 mm (95% CI, 7-9 mm) in the control group and 7.8 mm (95% CI, 7-9 mm) in the repair group. Conclusions: The 2-anchor repair technique we tested does not acutely reestablish the strength of the insertion of the native insertion of the UCL with this technique.
Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) of colorectal neoplasms with the Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD): Clinical experience from two tertiary referral centers in Switzerland
Authors: Aepli Patrick , Criblez Dominique , Baumeler Stephan , Borovicka Jan , Frei Remus
Published: August 2017

Background

Endoscopic full thickness resection (EFTR) by the Full Thickness Resection Device (FTRD) has recently been introduced as a method to allow resection of certain lesions such as adenomatous polyps that would not be resectable by standard polypectomy techniques. We report our clinical experience with FTRD procedures, assessing technical success, completeness of resection (R0 status), rate of histologically proven FTR and safety.

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 33 consecutive patients with colonic polyps treated with FTRD from May 2015 to November 2016.

Results

Indications mainly were adenoma recurrence or residual adenoma with nonlifting sign after previous polypectomy. In the 31 cases amenable to EFTR, resection was en bloc and histologically complete (R0) in 87.9% (29/33) of patients. Histologically confirmed complete full thickness resection (FTR) was achieved in 80.6% (25/31). Three post-procedure bleedings and one perforation were seen.

Conclusion

FTRD offers an additional endoscopic approach to treat nonlifting colorectal lesions. EFTR by FTRD appears to be feasible and efficacious in the resection of benign neoplasms of up to 30 mm in diameter and may be an alternative to surgery in selected patients. Given a significant rate of complications, safety is a concern and needs to be assessed in larger prospective studies.
Safety and Antitumor Activity of Pembrolizumab in Patients With Programmed Death-Ligand 1–Positive Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Results of the KEYNOTE-028 Study
Authors: Hsu Chiun , Lee Se-Hoon , Ejadi Samuel , Even Caroline , Cohen Roger B. , Le Tourneau Christophe , Mehnert Janice M. , Algazi Alain , van Brummelen Emilie M.J. , Saraf Sanatan , Thanigaimani Pradeep , Cheng Jonathan D. , Hansen Aaron R.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To establish the safety profile and antitumor activity of the anti–programmed death 1 receptor monoclonal antibody, pembrolizumab, in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC) that expressed programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).

Patients and Methods

KEYNOTE-028 (NCT02054806) is a nonrandomized, multicohort, phase Ib trial of pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1–positive advanced solid tumors. Key eligibility criteria for the NPC cohort included unresectable or metastatic disease, failure on prior standard therapy, and PD-L1 expression in 1% or more of tumor cells or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Patients received pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks up to 2 years or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per investigator review. Tumor response was assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; version 1.1) every 8 weeks for the first 6 months and every 12 weeks thereafter.

Results

Twenty-seven patients received pembrolizumab. Median age was 52.0 years (range, 18 to 68 years); 92.6% received prior therapies for RM-NPC; 70.4% had received three or more therapies. Partial response and stable disease were observed in seven and 14 patients, respectively, for an ORR of 25.9% (95% CI, 11.1 to 46.3) over a median follow-up of 20 months. ORR by central review was similar (26.3%). Drug-related adverse events that occurred in 15% or more of patients included rash (25.9%), pruritus (25.9%), pain (22.2%), hypothyroidism (18.5%), and fatigue (18.5%). Grade ≥ 3 drug-related adverse events occurred in eight patients (29.6%), and there was one drug-related death (sepsis). As of the data cutoff (June 20, 2016), two patients remained on pembrolizumab treatment.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with RM-NPC.
A framework for Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) studies in Malawi: Report of a Wellcome Trust workshop on CHIM in Low Income Countries held in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Gordon Stephen B , Rylance Jamie , Luck Amy , Jambo Kondwani C. , Ferreira Daniela M , Manda-Taylor Lucinda , Bejon Philip , Ngwira Bagrey , Littler Katherine , Seager Zoe , Gibani Malick , Gmeiner Markus , Roestenberg Meta , Mlombe Yohannie ,   Wellcome Trust CHIM workshop participants
Published: August 2017

Controlled human infection model (CHIM) studies have pivotal importance in vaccine development, being useful for proof of concept, pathogenesis, down-selection and immunogenicity studies.  To date, however, they have seldom been carried out in low and middle income countries (LMIC), which is where the greatest burden of vaccine preventable illness is found.  This workshop discussed the benefits and barriers to CHIM studies in Malawi.  Benefits include improved vaccine effectiveness and host country capacity development in clinical, laboratory and governance domains.  Barriers include acceptability, safety and regulatory issues. The report suggests a framework by which ethical, laboratory, scientific and governance issues may be addressed by investigators considering or planning CHIM in LMIC.
Typification of the name Abies nebrodensis (Pinaceae)
Authors: Gristina Emilio Di , Domina Gianniantonio , Raimondo Francesco M. , Scafidi Filippo
Published: August 2017

Abies nebrodensis, endemic to the Madonie mountains (central‐north Sicily), was originally described by Lojacono Pojero as A. pectinata var. nebrodensis and later raised to the rank of species. The species is considered to be critically endangered and was thought to be extinct until an extant population was rediscovered in 1957. The name is here lectotypified on a specimen preserved at NAP.
A molecular phylogeny of the Sematophyllaceae s.l. (Hypnales) based on plastid, mitochondrial and nuclear markers, and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Carvalho-Silva Micheline , Stech Michael , Helena Soares-Silva Lucia , Buck William R. , Wickett Norman J. , Liu Yang , Câmara Paulo E.A.S.
Published: August 2017

The Sematophyllaceae s.l. (Sematophyllaceae+Pylaisiadelphaceae) is a family of pleurocarpous mosses that is widely distributed throughout the globe, with centers of diversity in tropical forests. The circumscriptions of the family and its genera have been unstable, due to reductions in morphological complexity and alternative weightings of discrete morphological traits. Based on a sample spanning much of the generic diversity of the family, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships within the Sematophyllaceae s.l. from the variation in eight molecular markers from all three genomes (nuclear, mitochondrial, chloroplast). The Sematophyllaceae s.l. was resolved as monophyletic, as was the Sematophyllaceae s.str.; whereas the Pylaisiadelphaceae was found to be paraphyletic, although its monophyly could not be rejected. The morphological definition of the Pylaisiadelphaceae remains dubious, in the absence of unambiguous synapomorphies. The relationships of the clades of Pylaisiadelphaceae and Sematophyllaceae are discussed with respect to the circumscription of morphogenera, with a focus on the Sematophyllaceae crown clade (Aptychopsis, Chionostomum, Colobodontium, Donnellia, Macrohymenium, Paranapiacabaea, Pterogoniopsis, Rhaphidorrhynchium, Schroeterella, Sematophyllum, Warburgiella). Most genera of Sematophyllaceae were resolved as polyphyletic (e.g., Acroporium, Donnellia, Schroeterella, Sematophyllum, Trichosteleum) indicative of severe homoplasy in their putative diagnostic traits. We propose 4 new genera (Brittonodoxa, Microcalpe, Pocsia, Vitalia) and 19 new combinations (Aptychopsis cylindrothecia, A. estrellae, A. tequendamensis, Brittonodoxa allinckxiorum, B. cataractae, B. lithophila, B. squarrosa, B. steyermarkii, B. subpinnata, Microcalpe subsimplex, Pocsia matutina, Pterogoniopsis paulista, Schroeterella exigua, Trichosteleum amnigenum, T. lonchophyllum, Vitalia caespitosa, V. cuspidifera, V. esmeraldica, V. galipensis)
A three‐genome five‐gene comprehensive phylogeny of the bulbous genus Narcissus (Amaryllidaceae) challenges current classifications and reveals multiple hybridization events
Authors: Marques Isabel , Fuertes Aguilar Javier , Martins-Louçao Maria Amélia , Moharrek Farideh , Nieto Feliner Gonzalo
Published: August 2017

Besides being one of the most popular ornamental bulbs in western horticulture, the Mediterranean genus Narcissus has been the subject of numerous studies focusing on a wide scope of topics, including cytogenetics, hybridization and the evolution of polymorphic sexual systems. Phylogenetic hypotheses based on chloroplast data have provided a backbone for the genus but a detailed phylogenetic framework is still lacking. To fill this gap, we present a phylogenetic study of the genus using five markers from three genomes: ndhF and matK (chloroplast DNA), cob and atpA (mitochondrial DNA), and ITS (nuclear ribosomal DNA). In addition, we use chromosome counts from 89 populations representing 69 taxa. All analyses confirm that Narcissus is monophyletic with two main lineages largely corresponding to subg. Hermione and subg. Narcissus, but with incongruences between organellar and nuclear ribosomal phylogenies. At the infrageneric levels, our phylogenetic results challenge well‐established taxonomic groups, such as sect. Jonquillae, sect. Bulbocodii and sect. Pseudonarcissi, each of which contains at least two distinct lineages that do not constitute monophyletic groups, and highlight the influence of allopolyploid species in the monophyly of sections within subg. Hermione. The type of the genus and its section is also nested within sect. Pseudonarcissi supporting new nomenclatural changes. Our results also confirm the intersubgeneric hybrid nature of several hybrids including allopolyploids (e.g., N. dubius, N. tortifolius, N. miniatus). Morphological and cytogenetic evidence independently support the hypothesis that some of the incongruence can be attributed to hybridization, such as the splits of sect. Bulbocodii and sect. Pseudonarcissi or the disparate phylogenetic placements of sect. Aurelia and sect. Ganymedes. Together, this indicates a significant role for reticulate evolution in shaping the diversity of this genus. A Bayesian divergence time analysis suggests that the major diversification events took place during the Neogene and provides younger estimates for the main nodes than previous studies, which fit paleoclimatic and paleotectonic reconstructions of the western Mediterranean during this period.
Unravelling the phylogeny of the root‐hemiparasitic genus Odontites (tribe Rhinantheae, Orobanchaceae): Evidence for five main lineages
Authors: Pinto-Carrasco Daniel , Scheunert Agnes , Heubl Günther , Rico Enrique , Martínez-Ortegai M. Montserrat
Published: August 2017

Despite the recent publication of several phylogenies focused on Rhinantheae, which has been expanded to include three Asian endemic genera, few studies so far have dealt with particular genera within the tribe. Here, we focus on Odontites and related genera because of the high morphological variability of the group and its unclear generic boundaries. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for nrDNA (ITS) and cpDNA (trnK region and rps16 intron) datasets, using Bayesian and Parsimony analyses. Our results cast doubt on the inclusion of Pterygiella and related genera within the Rhinantheae and support the para‐ phyly of Phtheirospermum, making it necessary to propose three new combinations to avoid it. Odontites is recircumscribed to include Bartsiella, Bornmuellerantha, and Macrosyringion, but not Odontitella. Within Odontites, five distinct lineages are identified. These are distinguishable either by morphological synapomorphies or by a combination of several character states. Most of the Odontites species are regarded as monophyletic. In the O. vernus and O. luteus complexes, some taxonomic changes are made to avoid paraphyly, which results in three new combinations.
Mode of Antimicrobial Action of Origanum Vulgare Essential Oil Against Clinical Pathogens
Authors: Alexopoulos Athanasios , Plessas Stavros , Kimbaris Athanasios , Varvatou Maria , Mantzourani Ioanna , Fournomiti Maria , Tzouti Vasiliki , Nerantzaki Alexandra , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia
Published: August 2017

Oregano essential oil (EO) was extracted via hydro-distillation from Origanum vulgare aromatic plant and tested for its mode of action against 16 clinically isolated strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (Methicillin resistant and non-methicillin resistant). Initially, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were estimated by the broth micro-dilution method. Additionally, the extracellular concentrations of total proteins were measured in bacterial suspensions with the presence of EOs near the MIC concentrations and without the presence of EOs by using the Bradford protein assay. Ampicillin was used as a positive control. Most of S. aureus and almost half of E. coli strains exhibited relatively low MIC values when tested with the EO of oregano. Based on the protein assay a 65% of E. coli strains but over 80% of S. aureus strains exhibited a clear dose-response curve indicating that the mode of action was the disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall. Differences in sensitivities of Gram(-) and Gram (+) bacteria on the action of EOs are known with the later been more sensitive than Gram (-). However, MRSA strains were proven resistant to the EOs when compared with their non-MRSA counterparts.
The enhanced principal rank characteristic sequence over a field of characteristic 2
Authors: Martínez-Rivera Xavier
Published: August 2017

The enhanced principal rank characteristic sequence (epr-sequence) of an $n \times n$ symmetric matrix over a field $\F$ was recently defined as $\ell_1 \ell_2 \cdots \ell_n$, where $\ell_k$ is either $\tt A$, $\tt S$, or $\tt N$ based on whether all, some (but not all), or none of the order-$k$ principal minors of the matrix are nonzero. Here, a complete characterization of the epr-sequences that are attainable by symmetric matrices over the field $\Z_2$, the integers modulo $2$, is established. Contrary to the attainable epr-sequences over a field of characteristic $0$, this characterization reveals that the attainable epr-sequences over $\Z_2$ possess very special structures. For more general fields of characteristic $2$, some restrictions on attainable epr-sequences are obtained.
Angiogenic conditioning of peripheral blood mononuclear cells promotes fracture healing
Authors: Mifuji K. , Ishikawa M. , Kamei N. , Tanaka R. , Arita K. , Mizuno H. , Asahara T. , Adachi N. , Ochi M.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) treated with quality and quantity control culture (QQ-culture) to expand and fortify angiogenic cells on the acceleration of fracture healing.

Methods

Human PBMNCs were cultured for seven days with the QQ-culture method using a serum-free medium containing five specific cytokines and growth factors. The QQ-cultured PBMNCs (QQMNCs) obtained were counted and characterised by flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Angiogenic and osteo-inductive potentials were evaluated using tube formation assays and co-culture with mesenchymal stem cells with osteo-inductive medium in vitro. In order to evaluate the therapeutic potential of QQMNCs, cells were transplanted into an immunodeficient rat femur nonunion model. The rats were randomised into three groups: control; PBMNCs; and QQMNCs. The fracture healing was evaluated radiographically and histologically.

Results

The total number of PBMNCs was decreased after QQ-culture, however, the number of CD34+ and CD206+ cells were found to have increased as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, gene expression of angiogenic factors was upregulated in QQMNCs. In the animal model, the rate of bone union was higher in the QQMNC group than in the other groups. Radiographic scores and bone volume were significantly associated with the enhancement of angiogenesis in the QQMNC group.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that QQMNCs have superior potential to accelerate fracture healing compared with PBMNCs. The QQMNCs could be a promising option for fracture nonunion. Cite this article: K. Mifuji, M. Ishikawa, N. Kamei, R. Tanaka, K. Arita, H. Mizuno, T. Asahara, N. Adachi, M. Ochi. Angiogenic conditioning of peripheral blood mononuclear cells promotes fracture healing. Bone Joint Res 2017;6: 489–498. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2016-0338.R1.
An examination of the potential links between ICT technology transfer and sustainable development
Authors: Mulamula George , Amadi-Echendu Joe
Published: August 2017

It is widely recognized that information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a role in the sustainable development (SD) of a nation. Some argue that these technologies are a prerequisite for least developing countries (LDCs), and implicit assumptions are often made regarding the transfer of ICTs and SD. Based on a proposition that technology transfer positively influences SD, this article examines the relationship between technology transfer and SD, and provides information for policy improvement in two case studies of developing countries.
Emerging sectors and entrepreneurial players: The case for Internet of Things technologies
Authors: Feola Rosangela , Parente Roberto , Rassega Valter
Published: August 2017

Academic debate on the role of new and established firms in the development of new technologies and sectors has a very long track record. In line with Schumpeter, the dominant paradigm is that new entrepreneurial ventures will act as vehicles for introducing new technology and in the long run will replace incumbent firms that have grown thanks to mature technologies. More recent studies show, however, that in some cases there is a positive but specific role for both new and established companies with a leading role played, in the perspective of the Open innovation philosophy, by networking initiatives between technology start-ups and established firms. Our research is explorative in nature and focuses on the dynamics of interaction and co-evolution among entrepreneurial players (incumbents and newcomers) in the emerging context of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Furthermore, it illustrates for the first time the diverse but positive roles played by start-up and incumbent firms in the emerging sector of IoT.
University–industry relationships in developing countries: Opportunities and challenges in Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia and India
Authors: Saad Mohammed , Datta Surja , Razak Azley Abd
Published: August 2017

This article is aimed at investigating the various opportunities as well as the challenges faced by National Systems of Higher Education in aligning themselves with the requirement of National and Regional Innovation Systems in developing countries. It achieves this by comparing various practices of university–industry relationship across four different countries, investigating the links of these universities with regional and/or national systems of innovation and their position within the three-stage evolutionary process (statist, laissez-faire and hybrid) of the Triple Helix system. The article argues that a healthy balance of diverse types of higher education institutions (HEIs) across regional and national levels in a country might be necessary for better national innovation performance.
Can Degrowth rescue Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Qafa Mikel F.
Published: August 2017

Our planet has for long now shown signs that it has reached the exploitation stage where it cannot regenerate itself at the same rate at which it is being consumed. Sub-Saharan Africa now finds itself between two paradigms: the unachievable ‘sustainable economic growth’ and the Degrowth framework. Crisis always presents the best opportunities and this can be the time for the Global North to help Africa rectify poverty rates and inequalities that imperative growth could not. While growth becomes incompatible with environment protection, Degrowth seems to provide this forced compatibility. Understanding the truth behind ’growth’ semantics and income stratification can help address global problems without the need for economic growth.
Pembelajaran Luas Daerah Persegi Panjang Berdasarkan Standar Pengajaran National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Siswa Kelas III SDN Dinoyo I Malang
Authors: Sulistiani Ika Ratih
Published: August 2017

This research is analyzing the problem that faced by students of SD Negeri 1 Dinoyo Malang in  difficulty of understanding rectangle area. According to the discussion with their teacher, it is found that the learning still not gives more chance to the students to find out the concept of rectangle area with their own ways. Moreover, some students are difficult in solving daily problem containing model of rectangle area. Therefore it needs great effort to build students understanding on the concept of rectangle area. One of effort that teacher can do is trying to apply the learning based on process standard NCTM. The aim of this research is to describe the learning of rectangle area based on process standard NCTM that believed can help student understanding. The learning process is done through five phases that each using Student Worksheet. The research yields: (1) the increasing of student activities quality from 85% (in the first cycle) to 90% (in the second cycle), (2) the raising of student understanding from 73.5% (in the first cycle) to 82.5% (in the second cycle), and (3) good response from students.
Keteramatan Sistem Deskriptor Kontinu
Authors: Musthofa Muhammad Wakhid , Suparwanto Ari
Published: August 2017

In this paper the observability of continuous descriptor system of the form Ex(t)= Ax(t) Bu(t), x(0)=x0 will be studied, where  E,A, and B are constant matrices that may be singular and u(t) is piecewise continuous function which is differentiated (m-1) times, where m is the degree of nilpotency system. Two definitions about observability of descriptor systems  along with their characterizations given by Dai and Yip will be both discussed, then further the relationship and comparison between these characterizations will be presented.
Analisis Portofolio Optimum Saham Syariah Menggunakan Liquidity Adjusted Capital Asset Pricing Model (LCAPM)
Authors: Cahyati Nila
Published: August 2017

Investasi mempunyai karakteristik antara return dan resiko. Pembentukan portofolio optimal digunakan untuk memaksimalkan keuntungan dan meminimumkan resiko. Liquidity Adjusted Capital Asset Pricing Model (LCAPM) merupakan metode pengembangan baru dari CAPM yang dipengaruhi likuiditas. Indikator likuiditas apabila digabungkan dengan metode CAPM dapat membantu memaksimalkan return dan meminimumkan resiko. Tujuan penelitian adalah membandingkan expected retun dan resiko saham serta mengetahui proporsi pada portofolio optimal. Sampel yang digunakan merupakan saham JII (Jakarta Islamic Index)  periode Januari 2013 – November 2014. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa expected return portofolio LCAPM sebesar 0,0956 dengan resiko 0,0043 yang membentuk proporsi saham AALI (55,19%) dan saham PGAS (44,81%).