bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Parametric and Non-Parametric Methods Applied to a Likert Scale
Authors: Mircioiu Constantin , Atkinson Jeffrey
Published: May 2017

A trenchant and passionate dispute over the use of parametric versus non-parametric methods for the analysis of Likert scale ordinal data has raged for the past eight decades. The answer is not a simple “yes” or “no” but is related to hypotheses, objectives, risks, and paradigms. In this paper, we took a pragmatic approach. We applied both types of methods to the analysis of actual Likert data on responses from different professional subgroups of European pharmacists regarding competencies for practice. Results obtained show that with “large” (>15) numbers of responses and similar (but clearly not normal) distributions from different subgroups, parametric and non-parametric analyses give in almost all cases the same significant or non-significant results for inter-subgroup comparisons. Parametric methods were more discriminant in the cases of non-similar conclusions. Considering that the largest differences in opinions occurred in the upper part of the 4-point Likert scale (ranks 3 “very important” and 4 “essential”), a “score analysis” based on this part of the data was undertaken. This transformation of the ordinal Likert data into binary scores produced a graphical representation that was visually easier to understand as differences were accentuated. In conclusion, in this case of Likert ordinal data with high response rates, restraining the analysis to non-parametric methods leads to a loss of information. The addition of parametric methods, graphical analysis, analysis of subsets, and transformation of data leads to more in-depth analyses.
Influence of Rest on Players’ Performance and Physiological Responses during Basketball Play
Authors: Crowther Robert , Leicht Anthony , Pohlmann Jessica , Shakespear-Druery Jane
Published: May 2017

Pre-match warm-ups are standard in many sports but the focus has excluded the substitute players. The aim of this research was to investigate the result of inactivity on physiological and performance responses in substitute basketball players during competition. Two basketball players from the second tier of the State League of Queensland, Australia volunteered for this study and were assessed for performance (countermovement jump—CMJ) and physiological (core temperature via ingestible pill; skin temperature at the arm, chest, calf and thigh; heart rate—HR) responses prior to and following a 20-min warm-up, and during the first half of a competitive basketball match (2 × 20-min real time quarters). Warm up resulted in increases in CMJ (~7%), HR (~100 bpm) and core (~0.8 °C) and skin (~1.0 °C) temperatures. Following the warm up and during inactivity, substitute players exhibited a decrease in all responses including CMJ (~13%), HR (~100 bpm), and core (~0.5 °C) and skin (~2.0 °C) temperatures. Rest resulted in reductions in key performance and physiological responses during a competitive match that poses a risk for match strategies. Coaches should consider implementing a warm up to enhance core/skin temperature for substitute players immediately before they engage with competition to optimise player performance.
Urban Traffic Congestion Evaluation Based on Kernel the Semi-Supervised Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Shen Qing , Ban Xiaojuan , Guo Chong
Published: May 2017

There is always an asymmetric phenomenon between traffic data quantity and unit information content. Labeled data is more effective but scarce, while unlabeled data is large but weaker in sample information. In an urban transportation assessment system, semi-supervised extreme learning machine (SSELM) can unite manual observed data and extensively collected data cooperatively to build connection between congestion condition and road information. In our method, semi-supervised learning can integrate both small-scale labeled data and large-scale unlabeled data, so that they can play their respective advantages, while the ELM can process large scale data at high speed. Optimized by kernel function, Kernel-SSELM can achieve higher classification accuracy and robustness than original SSELM. Both the experiment and the real-time application show that the evaluation system can precisely reflect the traffic condition.
Extensive Exposure Mapping in Urban Areas through Deep Analysis of Street-Level Pictures for Floor Count Determination
Authors: Iannelli Gianni , Dell’Acqua Fabio
Published: May 2017

In order for a risk assessment to deliver sensible results, exposure in the concerned area must be known or at least estimated in a reliable manner. Exposure estimation, though, may be tricky, especially in urban areas, where large-scale surveying is generally expensive and impractical; yet, it is in urban areas that most assets are at stake when a disaster strikes. Authoritative sources such as cadastral data and business records may not be readily accessible to private stakeholders such as insurance companies; airborne and especially satellite-based Earth-Observation data obviously cannot retrieve all relevant pieces of information. Recently, a growing interest is recorded in the exploitation of street-level pictures, procured either through crowdsourcing or through specialized services like Google Street View. Pictures of building facades convey a great amount of information, but their interpretation is complex. Recently, however, smarter image analysis methods based on deep learning started appearing in literature, made possible by the increasing availability of computational power. In this paper, we leverage such methods to design a system for large-scale, systematic scanning of street-level pictures intended to map floor numbers in urban buildings. Although quite simple, this piece of information is a relevant exposure proxy in risk assessment. In the proposed system, a series of georeferenced images are automatically retrieved from the repository where they sit. A tailored deep learning net is first trained on sample images tagged through visual interpretation, and then systematically applied to the entire retrieved dataset. A specific algorithm allows attaching “number of floors” tags to the correct building in a dedicated GIS (Geographic Information System) layer, which is finally output by the system as an “exposure proxy” layer.
Micro-RNA-21 Regulates Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Mediated Drug Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Lulin , Yao Jun , Li Wenyao , Zhang Ce
Published: May 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths due to its highly aggressive biological nature and resistance to chemotherapy. Previous studies indicate that miR-21 is an important regulator in the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
However, whether miR-21 in CAFs would regulate PDAC’s tumor microenvironment and lead to drug resistance remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between CAF activation, miR-21 expression, and drug resistance using tumor samples from PDAC patients. We changed the
miR-21 expression level in CAFs and tested its roles in regulating the function of CAFs. In addition, we explored the roles of miR-21 in CAFs in the development of PDAC using an animal model. We found that PDAC patients who were resistant to gemcitabine treatment tended to have higher miR-21
expression and more activated CAFs. An in vitro study showed that CAFs with high miR-21 expression had elevated MMP-3, MMP-9, PDGF, and CCL-7 expression and promoted the invasion of PDAC cell lines. miR-21 overexpression also contributed to the activation of CAFs by regulating the PDCD4 gene.
The in vivo study showed that upregulating miR-21 in CAFs promoted PDAC desmoplasia and increased its drug resistance to gemcitabine treatment, but downregulating miR-21 in CAFs suppressed desmoplasia and enhanced the effect of gemcitabine. We concluded that miR-21 promoted the activation
of CAFs and contributed to the drug resistance of PDAC.
Quand les filles donnent le ton. Migrations adolescentes au Mali
Authors: Lesclingand Marie , Hertrich Véronique
Published: May 2017

Les migrations de travail se sont imposées comme des composantes de la vie adolescente dans de nombreuses sociétés ouest-africaines. Ancien pour les hommes, le phénomène s’est étendu plus récemment aux jeunes femmes, au point d’apparaître comme un élément moteur des changements sociodémographiques du milieu rural. Cet article analyse l’articulation entre les migrations de travail des jeunes femmes et des jeunes hommes dans une population rurale du Mali. Il s’appuie sur des données biographiques longitudinales pour retracer l’histoire des migrations sur une période de 50 ans (1960-2009) et en étudier les déterminants en fonction du contexte socioéconomique et des rationalités familiales. Trois principales périodes sont distinguées, en termes de temporalités, d’enjeux familiaux et de rapports de genre : la première (1960-1979) marquée par l’essor des migrations masculines en étroite articulation avec l’économie familiale, la deuxième (1980-1989), avec une généralisation rapide de la mobilité féminine, et enfin la période récente (1990-2009) où la convergence entre les sexes recule. Les analyses mettent en évidence la dynamique du phénomène et l’influence des migrations féminines sur les pratiques migratoires masculines contemporaines dans un contexte où la famille ne privilégie plus forcément la mobilité des hommes.
La coopération dans les réseaux de santé en gérontologie
Authors: Bertezene Sandra , Dubrion Benjamin
Published: May 2017

En France, les réseaux de santé se sont rapidement développés mais leur bilan est très contrasté. Appliqué au cas des réseaux de santé en gérontologie, l’objet de cet article est de questionner les limites que rencontrent dans leur fonctionnement les réseaux de santé en matière de coordination de leurs membres. À partir de l’étude de sept réseaux gérontologiques, nous montrons que trois grands domaines posent question : l’insuffisance de pouvoir de direction et dans certains cas de légitimité des coordonnateurs de réseau, des problèmes de communication au sein du réseau, et des problèmes de participation de certains acteurs. Ces problèmes sont éclairés et discutés à la lumière des travaux de H. Simon centrés sur la coopération intra-organisationnelle. Ce cadre théorique offre des éléments de réflexion alimentant certaines voies d’atténuation des problèmes repérés.
Je suis celui qui creuse dans la mémoire des choses enfouies
Authors: Olivier Laurent
Published: May 2017

Résumé Nous ne pouvons pas retourner au passé, ni l’évoquer à partir de ce qu’il en reste. Dans le présent autour de nous il n’en demeure rien de directement reconnaissable, si ce n’est une carcasse vide où nous seuls savons que « cela a été ». Ce qui reste est enfoui, à l’état de loques et d’épaves, sous la surface de la conscience, dans les profondeurs du rêve ou dans l’épaisseur du sol. Il n’y a rien d’autre, de sorte que le rêve devient pour nous la seule expérience du passé – sa véritable survivance en temps réel – dans la mesure où le présent est le lieu où le passé subsiste, à l’état de ruine enfouie. Ce n’est qu’avec ces débris souillés ou desséchés, scellés dans les ruines englouties du passé, que nous pouvons conserver un contact avec notre passé disparu. Mais cette identité « originelle » du passé est perdue, ou plutôt elle n’existe plus qu’ensevelie et défaite. Elle est irrémédiablement changée avec le temps, qui nous la rend toujours plus inaccessible et incommunicable. Des lieux abandonnés, jonchés de loques et de débris, dont la présence n’en finit pas de travailler notre présent : l’archéologie n’a pas d’autre place que celle-là.
Current Concepts of Transition of Care in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Patel Ajanta , Dowell Maria , Giles B. Louise
Published: May 2017

Over the past 6 decades, advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis and management have extended the life expectancy of patients far beyond childhood; therefore, all pediatric CF patients must prepare for transition to adult care. Readiness assessment, knowledge and skill education, and support structures are all elements of ideal transition. Transition should begin early in life with teaching skills and knowledge for disease care, and in adolescence the readiness to transition should be addressed. Transition is a gradual process of increasing responsibilities in self-care and disease management, an improvement in the understanding of CF, and an iterative process of self-assessment with knowledge acquisition. Communication and collaboration between pediatric and adult providers is necessary to ensure a smooth and successful transition with minimum effect on outcomes. Although there is increased knowledge of successful transition practices, this area presents many opportunities for advancement of care for the patient with CF.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2017;46(5):e188–e192.]
Foxed intra- and interspecific differentiation in Leptogorgia (Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae). A description of a new species based on multiple sources of evidence
Authors: Soler-Hurtado M. Mar , Megina César , Machordom Annie , López-González Pablo J.
Published: May 2017

The challenges of delimiting and identifying marine invertebrate species impede estimations of true biodiversity. This is particularly true in the case of gorgonian diversity, in which only classical morphological characters (e.g. branching pattern, size and colouration of the colony and sclerites, etc.), which can be homoplastic and continuous, have been used. In this study, using an integrative taxonomic approach, we analysed two morphs initially considered as two eco-typical variants of Leptogorgia alba Duchassaing and Michelotti, 1864, living sympatrically in the littoral area of Ecuador. We explored the use of classical morphological and morphometric characters to delimit species in combination with the analyses of molecular markers (mtMutS, CoxII-Igr-CoxI, ITSs, and 28S rRNA) to infer phylogenetic relationships. Based on our results, two species should be considered, L. alba and a new species, L. manabiensis n. sp., which showed distinguishing morphological features that cannot be attributed to phenotypic plasticity. Both species also showed significant differences in morphometric, non-correlated characters in all size classes. The phylogenetic analyses showed a polyphyletic L. alba - L. manabiensis n. sp. species complex, and ancestral polymorphism and incomplete lineage sorting as possible evolutionary processes leading to this pattern. In conclusion, the combination of morphological and morphometric evidences provides the best support for the identification and delimitation of these challenging species. In addition, molecular analyses, mainly supported by nuclear markers, allow fundamental aspects of the evolutionary history of these organisms to be discerned.
Feeding habits and dietary overlap during the larval development of two sandperches (Pisces: Pinguipedidae)
Authors: Vera-Duarte Javier A. , Landaeta Mauricio F.
Published: May 2017

Two species of sandperch (Pinguipedidae: Perciformes), Prolatilus jugularis and Pinguipes chilensis, inhabit the coastal waters of the South Pacific. Both species have pelagic larvae with similar morphology, but their diet preferences are unknown. Diet composition, feeding success, trophic niche breadth and dietary overlap were described during larval stages for both species. In the austral spring, larval P. jugularis (3.83-10.80 mm standard length [SL]) and P. chilensis (3.49-7.71 mm SL) during their first month of life had a high feeding incidence ( > 70%) and fed mostly on copepod nauplii ( > 80% IRI), Rhincalanus nasutus metanauplii and Paracalanus indicus copepodites. The number of prey ingested was low (mean: 4-5 prey per gut) and independent of larval size; total prey volume and maximum prey width increased as larvae grew. Mouth opening and ingested prey were greater in larval P. jugularis than in P. chilensis, leading to significant differences in prey composition among larval species, in terms of prey number and volume. Pearre’s trophic niche breadth was narrow for both species (0.159±0.07 for P. jugularis; 0.156±0.03 for P. chilensis) and independent of larval size. Dietary overlap was high inter- and intra-species in larvae with a mouth gape < 900 μm. These results suggest the relative importance of both larval species as primary consumers of the pelagic web in nearshore environments of rocky temperate areas.
Comparison of anisakid infection levels between two species of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber colias and S. scombrus) off the Atlantic Portuguese coast
Authors: Santos Maria João , Castro Ricardo , Cavaleiro Francisca , Rangel Luis , Palm Harry Wilhelm
Published: May 2017

Anisakiasis is a problematic zoonotic infection associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked fish. Atlantic mackerel (Scomber colias) is of high commercial interest in Portugal and has been reported as a common host of Anisakisspp. In this study, the occurrence of anisakids is evaluated in S. colias and also Scomber scombrus, and the potential zoonotic risk associated with consumption of these two fishes is evaluated according to the recorded infection levels. These were found to be high for both fish species: a mean intensity and prevalence of 21.7 worms/fish and 85% for S. colias, and 16.4 worms/fish and 83.3% for S. scombrus, respectively. No correlation was detected between anisakid intensity and host total length, total weight, condition factor, and hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices for both fish species, but significantly higher intensity values were detected for more mature S. scombrus, i.e. fish recording a higher gonadosomatic index. Molecular tools allowed the identification of two species of Anisakis, A. simplex (s.s.) and A. pegreffii. They differed in their occurrence: in S. colias the prevalence of A. simplex (s.s.) was 18% and that of A. pegreffii was 82%, whereas in S. scombrus the prevalence of A. simplex (s.s.) was 73% and that of A. pegreffii was 27%. Occasionally, worms of Hysterothylacium aduncum were identified for both fish. The different infection levels of the two Anisakisspecies in both hosts off the Portuguese coast raise the hypothesis of a different life cycle at the level of the invertebrate intermediate host. S. colias lives in deeper waters than S. scombrus, and the differences found in infection levels suggest that A. pegreffii main first intermediate host also live in deeper waters, compared with A. simplex (s.s.) main first intermediate host. The higher infection levels of A. simplex (s.s.) (most infectious to humans) in S. scombrus suggest that its consumption when slightly cooked, as in grilled fish (so popular in Portugal), could be more problematic for the development of anisakiasis in humans than the consumption of S. colias and thus be of potential public health concern.
Comparing tagging strategies: Effects of tags on retention rate, mortality rate and growth in hatchery-reared juvenile meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
Authors: Gil María del Mar , Palmer Miquel , Grau Amalia , Massutí Enrique , Pastor Elena
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different tags (T-bar anchor tags, internal anchor tags and visible implant elastomers) implanted into juvenile meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) for a restocking programme conducted in the Balearic Islands. Effectiveness was assessed in terms of tag loss, fish survival and fish growth by means of a tank experiment. The internal anchor tags showed the highest retention rate (100%), but the tagging mortality was also high (40%). The tagging mortality of T-bar tags was negligible. However, another tank experiment with different food rates showed the tag retention rate of the T-bar tag to be highly variable, ranging from 35% to 95%. In contrast with other reported results, the retention rate of visible implant elastomers was low (48%). Finally, none of the tested tags affected growth. In summary, the T-bar anchor tags showed the best trade-off between short-term tag retention and fish mortality, and seem to be the most suitable tagging method for meagre juveniles.
Construire à plusieurs la machine à jouer
Authors: Mervant-Roux Marie-Madeleine
Published: May 2017

Le théâtre est une pratique collective. Ses différentes fonctions (définition d’un espace à part, élaboration d’un matériau textuel, élaboration d’un jeu scénique) sont rarement assumées par une seule personne. La critique génétique, après avoir intégré à côté de l’auteur de l’œuvre dramatique la figure du metteur en scène et pris acte de l’hétérogénéité de toute production, n’a toutefois pas pris en compte l’organisation matérielle de la représentation, la « régie », négligée par les études théâtrales elles-mêmes. Les constructeurs, machinistes, électriciens, techniciens et régisseurs sont appréhendés de façon floue comme un ensemble d’exécutants occupés à une activité foncièrement coopérative. Faisant l’hypothèse que leur fonction n’est pas de simple exécution, nous prendrons aussi de la distance par rapport à une deuxième idée reçue : le caractère « collectif » de leur intervention. Notre exemple sera La Dispute (mise en scène de Patrice Chéreau, 1973). Avec une question de méthode : comment établir ce volet du dossier génétique en l’absence de traces écrites ?
Un voyage au long cours dans l’écriture de Rousseau
Authors: Ferrand Nathalie
Published: May 2017

La plongée dans les manuscrits de Rousseau est un voyage au long cours. Il faut du temps au chercheur pour parcourir et explorer un continent de plus de sept mille pages manuscrites qui restent à bien des égards mal connues – et là est peut-être la chose la plus étonnante. Voyage dépaysant, tant la forme de textualité à laquelle le lecteur se trouve confronté est différente de celle accoutumée. À partir d’une lettre de La Nouvelle Héloïse (IV, 3) qui a pour sujet le voyage autour du monde de St. Preux, on se propose de faire une lecture génétique – c’est-à-dire comprise dans le flux des états successifs connus – et interprétative de quelques pages de ce roman, dont on dispose de cinq états manuscrits. Cette observation en transparence du texte permet-elle de percevoir des significations qui nous échappaient ? On cherchera à montrer l’intérêt de la démarche génétique en termes d’interprétation, de connaissance et de compréhension d’une œuvre apparemment si bien connue.
Jouir dans le cyberespace
Authors: Minh Yann
Published: May 2017

Les praticiens du cybersexe mettent leurs organes sexuels en réseau via le « cyberespace ». L’auteur ne s’interroge pas seulement sur ce phénomène nouveau : il l’expérimente à travers un dispositif de télédildonique couplé à des avatars numériques, où les corps se trouvent impliqués dans une boucle immersive grâce à des casques de réalité virtuelle. Interrogeant la place occupée par l’imaginaire dans l’expérience charnelle, les pratiques de cybersexualité obligent à repenser l’orgasme à la fois comme un mécanisme physiologique et comme un phénomène interactionnel.
Level of Nitrogen Oxide and Indicators of Oxidative-Antioxidative Status in the Gingival Tissues, Blood Plasma in Experimental Chronic Gastritis and Duodenitis and Drug Correction
Authors: Romanenko Y.G.
Published: May 2017

model of chronic gastritis and duodenitis was conducted in 48 immature Wistar rats both gender by intragastric injection of medical bile. Control group consisted of 10 animals. After approximation model of the gastritis and duodenitis rats were divided into five subgroups: the 1st subgroup (before treatment, 9 rats), subgroup 2 (10 animals) received the antioxidant, subgroup 3 (11 animals) – received NO donator, subgroup 4 (10 animals) - received an antioxidant and NO donator, subgroup 5 (8 animals) – received the antioxidant, NO donator and calcium carbonate. In rats with gastritis and duodenitis was observed redistribution of stable metabolites of nitric oxide: decreasing level in the gingival homogenates and increasing in the blood plasma. Level of malondialdehyde and aldehyddehydrogenase in the gingival tissue increased, and in the blood plasma decreased, on a background of catalase activation; content of ketone phenilhydrazone remained in the level of control group. Decreasing markers of oxidation lipids and proteins in the blood plasma, on a background of increasing levels of catalase and nitric oxide metabolites (in 14 times), indicates about a key role of NO in the antioxidant protection of organism in a case of disease.Application of antioxidant could not impact on the indicators of oxidation lipids and proteins. It had been shown decreasing content of the nitric oxide metabolites in the gingival tissues and blood plasma. Drug correction with donator of nitric oxide have to increase markers of oxidation lipids and proteins in the gingival tissues, on a background of high catalase activity and low levels of nitric oxide metabolites. In the blood plasma content of nitric oxide metabolites was higher, which indicated about an active inflammatory process in the stomach and duodenum mucosa. Indicators of the protein molecules fragmentation and malondialdehyde were not differ from those before treatment. Level of catalase was in two times higher, than in the control group, but level of superoxide dismutase was decreased. Complex of antioxidant and donator of nitric oxide helped to stabilise the indicators of oxidation lipids and proteins, although level of nitric oxide metabolites in the gingiva was significantly decreased. Application complex from the antioxidant, donator of nitric oxide and calcium carbonate at the treatment of chronic gastritis and duodenitis restored an oxidative-antioxidative status in the blood plasma and gingival tissues, increasing the production of nitric oxide to a level in the control group.
Numerical Simulation of the Mechanical Behaviour of the Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Sakharova Nataliya A. , Pereira André , Antunes Jorge M. , Fernandes José Valdemar
Published: May 2017

The mechanical behaviour of non-chiral multi-walled carbon nanotubes under tensile and bending loading conditions was investigated. For this purpose, a simplified finite element model of armchair and zigzag multi-walled carbon nanotubes, which does not take into account the van der Waals forces acting between layers, was tested in order to evaluate their tensile and bending rigidities, as well as the Young’s modulus. The current numerical simulation results are compared with data reported in the literature. The robustness of the simplified model for evaluation of the Young’s modulus of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is discussed.
Simulations of Graphene Sheets Based on the Finite Element Method and Density Functional Theory: Comparison of the Geometry Modeling under the Influence of Defects
Authors: Yengejeh Sadegh Imani , Kazemi Seyedeh Alieh , Ivasenko Oleksandr , Öchsner Andreas
Published: May 2017

In the present research, imperfect graphene sheets were generated and their vibrational property was studied via finite element analysis. The effect of vacant sites in the arrangement of these nano-structures was examined. The fundamental frequency of the defect free and imperfect nano-sheets was acquired based on two different approaches. The first approach was a pure finite element simulation. The second approach for comparison purpose was a recently reported refined finite element simulation at which the vicinity of a defect was first evaluated according to the density functional theory (DFT) and then the refined geometry was implemented into a finite element model. The findings of this research show that the fundamental frequency of graphene sheets decreases by presenting microscopic imperfection to the formation of these nano-materials. In addition, it was pointed out that the geometry based on the more precise DFT simulations gives a higher decrease in the fundamental frequency of the sheets for all considered cases.
Study of the Ball Milling Device for Synthesizing Nanocrystalline Powder
Authors: Djilali Zidane , Bergheul S.
Published: May 2017

This study is a kinematic model of a mechanical mill that works with a single ball in motion, and which is operated by a crank and connecting rod system for producing nanocrystalline powders by the process of ball milling. The geometric and dynamic parameters play an important role on the variation of forces created upon impact of the ball with the inside wall of the vial, which caused energy transfer required for the mechanical alloying process. The determination of these forces enables us to know their specific magnitudes on the intensity and milling efficiency, with the advantage of low operating power consumption of the mill and absence of the contamination problem. In addition, we have defined a model for calculating the temperature of the powder trapped between the ball and the wall of the vial of the mechanical mill whose start-up is provided by an electric motor.
Building blocks of competitive intelligence – marketing intelligence
Authors: Muller Marié-Luce
Published: May 2017

No abstract available
Comparisons of microfilaria density in blood sampled by finger-prick, venipuncture, and ingestion by mosquitoes
Authors: Gubler Duane J. , Inui Thomas S. , Black Henry R. , Bhattacharya N. C.
Published: May 2017

The microfilaria density of periodic Wuchereria bancrofti was compared in venous blood, finger-prick blood and blood ingested by Culex fatigans. Blood samples were taken by venipuncture and finger-prick over a 24-hour period, and fully engorged female mosquitoes were collected from each of two carriers for 15 minutes before and after each blood sample was taken during the night. There was no difference between the microfilaria density in venous and finger-prick blood during the study period. Moreover, rates of increase and decrease in microfilaremia were the same in the two types of blood. The data suggest that there was no obstruction of the microfilariae by the capillary beds and therefore no backlog of microfilariae on the arteriole side. Mosquitoes feeding on the carrier with a high microfilaremia ingested, on the average, fewer microfilariae than expected whereas those females feeding on the carrier with a lower density ingested, on the average, about the expected numbers of microfilariae.
An epidemic of dengue on Tahiti associated with hemorrhagic manifestations
Authors: Moreau Jean-Paul , Rosen Leon , Saugrain Jacques , Lagraulet Jean
Published: May 2017

During the course of an outbreak of dengue type 2 on the island of Tahiti, French Polynesia, severe hemorrhagic disease was observed in an unusual number of patients shortly after the onset of a febrile illness. In at least 33 instances, these hemorrhages were severe enough to require hospitalization and 3 patients died. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common type of severe hemorrhage observed and gross hematuria was next most common. The available data suggested that most of the hemorrhagic episodes were etiologically related to dengue virus.
Intraocular Taenia crassiceps (Cestoda): Part II. The parasite
Authors: Freeman Reino S. , Fallis A. Murray , Shea Michael , Maberley Alan L. , Walters John
Published: May 2017

A cysticercus of Taenia crassiceps (Zeder), with an evaginated scolex on one pole and numerous buds on the other, was removed from the retina of a 17-year-old white female Canadian, 6 March 1972. The cysticercus was 5.8 mm in length and had characteristic rostellar hooks. A strain from this cysticercus is now established in laboratory mice. The patient, who lives in a rural community, apparently was infected by ingesting eggs shed by the family dog. The dog lived in intimate association with the patient, giving ample opportunity for infection to occur. This is the first positive record of this species of cestode from man, and apparently the first natural infection reported from a dog in North America. It is suggested that similar infections may occur in areas with heavy rodent and fox populations and where pet dogs run free.
Passive immunity for arbovirus infection: I. Artificially Induced Prophylaxis in man and mouse for Japanese (B) encephalitis
Authors: Hammon William McD. , Sather Gladys E.
Published: May 2017

In an attempt to determine quantitatively the amount of specific human immune serum or human gamma globulin needed to protect man against infection by an arbovirus a series of experiments was carried out in mice and in men. As a model, Japanese (B) encephalitis was employed. Consideration was given to buth post- and pre-exposure types of usage. Related literature on arbovirus passive prophylaxis was reviewed. In the mouse, using hyperimmune mouse serum given subcutaneously and challenge 1 day later with virus by a “peripheral” (intraperitoneal) route, results agreed with those previously published by Sabin for western equine encephalitis virus in that a serum antibody level just detectable by the intracerebral mouse neutralization test offered significant protection. However, the antibody appeared to be released very slowly into the blood stream. The half-life calculated for the antibody under these circumstances was about 3.5 days. In man, a gamma globulin prepared from hyperimmunized Japanese with a log10 neutralization index (LNI) of 4.1 at a 1:10 dilution was given to three normal volunteers, then to five laboratory workers following potential accidental exposure from inoculation of highly virulent, high titered low passage virus. This was given intramuscularly in a volume of less than 20 ml, calculated to be between 0.07 and 0.2 ml/kg body weight. In all but the lowest dosage LNTs of 2.1 to 3.4 were detected in the recipients' serum, usually peaking several days to 1 or 2 weeks after administration and a detectable titer persisted for from 1 to 5 weeks. No disease occurred and none had developed antibody 5 to 12 weeks later. Titers of gamma globulin prepared from plasma or placentas from nationals of several Asian countries, where the disease is endemic, are presented. One high-titered human serum was given directly to four volunteers in dosages of 5 to 20 ml and serum antibody levels were followed. Methods of performing neutralization tests to titer antibody of gamma globulin without “accessory substance(s),” and of fresh or frozen human immune serum are compared and discussed. Recommendations are made regarding practical usage of both substances for post-exposure prophylaxis, and a basis for tentative conclusions is given in respect to pre-exposure (seasonal) prophylaxis.
Passive immunity for arbovirus infection: II. Quantitative aspects of naturally and artificially acquired protection in mice for Japanese (B) encephalitis virus
Authors: Lubiniecki Anthony S. , Cypess Raymond H. , Hammon William McD.
Published: May 2017

In an effort to obtain quantitative data applicable to man which could not reasonably be obtained directly, a series of experiments was carried out in mice. Progeny mice, whose mothers were immunized with various combinations of live and inactivated Japanese encephalitis (JBE) virus vaccines, were resistant to intraperitoneal challenge with JBE virus, relative to control mice. The basis of protection appeared to be maternal antibody, which by indirect evidence was of the IgG class. Protection and serum antibody levels in the progeny declined as the mice increased in size and age. Protection was directly proportional to the level of neutralizing antibody. This relationship could be duplicated by inoculating normal weanling mice with immune serum from other vaccinated mother mice. The presence of naturally or artificially acquired maternal antibody in progeny, in addition to protecting them against JBE virus challenge, also reduced the amount of new antibody they synthesized following injection of JBE virus. The amount of the reduction was a function of neutralizing antibody concentration at the time of challenge. When maternal antibody was nearly depleted, the antibody response in JBE-challenged progeny of immune mothers approached that of progeny of non-immunized mothers. By the methods employed, no major reproducible sex differences were observed either in sensitivity to virus or antibody response. The applicability of these results to man is discussed
Annually recurrent epidemic polyarthritis and Ross River virus activity in a coastal area of New South Wales: I. Occurrence of the disease
Authors: Clarke J. Alan , Marshall Ian D. , Gard Geoff
Published: May 2017

Clinical cases of epidemic polyarthritis were observed in residents of the Port Stephens peninsula, New South Wales, during the 7 years 1965 to 1971, and serological confirmation of Ross River virus infection in such patients was obtained in 5 of these 7 years. Infection was most common in late summer and autumn. Although clinical cases were only found on the peninsula, serological surveys indicated that Ross River virus activity is generally prevalent on the central coast of New South Wales.
Onset of espundia after many years of occult infection with Leishmania braziliensis
Authors: Walton Bryce C. , Chinel Luis Valverde , y Eguia Oscar Eguia
Published: May 2017

Four persons with a history of exposure in areas known to be hyperendemic foci of Leishmania braziliensis later continuously resided on the altiplano in Bolivia at altitudes in excess of 3,600 meters where transmission does not occur. After periods of 11, 18, 19, and 24 years, respectively, of completely occult infection, these patients experienced onset of the characteristic mucous lesions of espundia. Generalized debilitation from other causes was common to three cases, and could have triggered this secondary manifestation of leishmaniasis.
The interaction of Brugia malayi and streptococcus in an animal model
Authors: Bosworth Walter , Ewert Adam , Bray Juanita
Published: May 2017

Cats were initially exposed to 50 Brugia malayi larvae on one hind foot. Later they were re-exposed on the same foot to an additional 50 larvae; the contralateral leg was never exposed to filariae. From 3 to 6 months after reinfection they were challenged on both hind legs with a Group G beta hemolytic streptococcus originally isolated from a spontaneous lesion concomitant with a Brugia infection. There was essentially no observable change in limbs not previously exposed to Brugia. In contrast, 9 of 10 Brugia-infected legs showed evidence of lymphangitis and bacterial proliferation causing necrosis, draining abscesses, cellulitis, edema or erythema. This study demonstrates that repeated infections with B. malayi may result in a significant increase in susceptibility of cats to streptococci. Use of this model should enable additional studies to clarify the role of secondary microbial infections in disease generally ascribed to filarial infection.
Schistosoma mansoni: Chemoprophylaxis studies with antipenetration compounds
Authors: Austin Frederick G. , Frappaolo Philip J.
Published: May 2017

Five topical ointments, each with the potential of preventing percutaneous infection by human schistosome cercariae, were tested over an 8-day period on mouse tails exposed to Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. In terms of worm burden reduction compared to controls, ointment CL-28A without carboset resins significantly reduced infection between 61% and 34% for 5 days; ointment CL-28 with carboset resins, between 73% and 23% for at least 6 days; ointment 25% Pterodon pubescens oil extract in ether, between 100% (first 3 days post treatment) and 43% for 6 days; ointment 1 part P. pubescens in 4 parts CL-28A, between 100% (first 2 days post treatment) and 42% for 5 days; and ointment 1 part lapachol in 100 parts CL-28A, between 100% and 33% for 8 days.
Mesocestoides (Cestoda) in a child in New Jersey treated with niclosamide (Yomesan®)
Authors: Gleason N. N. , Kornblum R. , Walzer P.
Published: May 2017

The third case of human infection with Mesocestoides in the United States is reported in a 14-month-old child living in New Jersey. Clinical findings were essentially normal and epidemiologic investigation failed to reveal the source of the infection. Treatment with pyrvinium pamoate, piperazine, and quinacrine failed to rid the child of worms. At age 27 months, the child was given 1 g of niclosamide (Yomesan®). Stool examined 1 week, 3 months, and 5 months later revealed no evidence of parasitism. This is the 13th case of Mesocestoides in man reported in the literature.
Primary cultures of embryonic cells from the snail Biomphalaria glabrata
Authors: Basch Paul F. , DiConza Joseph J.
Published: May 2017

Whole egg masses or separated capsules containing trochophore-stage embryos of Biomphalaria glabrata were axenized in dilute hypochlorite with or without antibiotics. Embryos were extracted in snail saline and teased into fragments which were dissociated (generally with trypsin) and seeded into media. Of numerous formulations used, 4 were equally good: 3 are based upon diluted medium 199 or NCTC-135, with additions, and the other was formulated from analyses of hemolymph and published values; 3 are used under 5% CO2 and the other in air. Osmolalities vary from 116 to 220 mOsm/Kg H20. Fetal bovine serum is added to all and appears necessary to sustain cell growth. Cultures were not enhanced by use of collagen coatings, plasma clots, or adult snail extracts. Snail hemolymph is toxic when fresh and ineffective after heat inactivation. Five cell types were seen: fibroblast-like, principally in the first 2 weeks; epithelial-like, sometimes making sheets or monolayers; attenuated contractile muscle cells which sometimes became broad and binucleate; macrophage-like; and hemocytes. Numerous mitotic figures have been observed in aceto-orcein squash preparations, especially after incubation with colcemid. Cultures were usually healthy until terminated up to 6 weeks old.
Age-Specific Prevalence of Antibody to a Synthetic Peptide of the Circumsporozoite Protein of Plasmodium Falciparum in Children from Three Villages in Kenya
Authors: Campbell Gary H. , Collins Frank H. , Brandling-Bennett A. David , Schwartz Ira K. , Roberts Jacquelin M.
Published: May 2017

The presence of antibody to the repeating epitope of the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum was determined in children 1 month to 10 years old from three villages in western Kenya using the synthetic peptide (PNAN)5 in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The percentage of antibody-positive children increased with age and differed in the three villages. The village with the lowest percentage of antibody-positive children had the lowest percentage of infections as determined by detection of blood stage parasites. The villages also differed in the age at which antibody first appeared. In one village, only 12% of the children had antibody by the age of 5; while in the other two villages, 60% and 73% had antibody by 4 years of age.
Three Monoclonal Antibodies with Specific Binding Activity to the Excretory System of Schistosoma Mansoni: An Immunoelectron Microscopic Study Using the Gold Labeling Technique
Authors: De Water R. , Fransen J. A. M. , Schut D. W. O. A. , Deelder A. M.
Published: May 2017

This study describes three monoclonal antibodies against the excretory system of Schistosoma mansoni. Immunofluorescence revealed antigens forming part of the excretory system of cercariae, adult worms, and miracidia, which were located on the luminal membranes of flame and first tubule cells by immunoelectron microscopy. These antigens are either structural components of the membranes or they derive from excretory fluid and are absorbed during transport and ultrafiltration. Binding specificity of the monoclonal antibodies was tested by immunoelectrophoresis and competitive immunofluorescence; one or two antigens were recognized by each. Reactivity of the antigens after treatment with 7.5% trichloroacetic acid or Rossman's fixative demonstrates at least partial polysaccharide content.
Mathematical models of transmission dynamics and control of schistosomiasis
Authors: Woolhouse M. E. J.
Published: May 2017

Mathematical models are potentially valuable aids to a quantitative understanding of schistosome epidemiology and to the design of control programs. A basic theoretical framework is described that is developed to incorporate the impact of acquired immunity, heterogeneous transmission rates, and the effects of control measures. Models that assume that acquired immunity acts to moderate the rate of human infection make predictions consistent with age-intensity data from different human populations. Models incorporating heterogeneous water contact behavior can be applied to suitable field data and used to predict the potential efficacy of targeted chemotherapy or focal molluscicide application. More complex and detailed models can be used in simulation studies to assist with the design of field trials and in the interpretation of data from these trials. These applications of mathematical models suggest several areas requiring further theoretical development and also indicate areas in which adequate field data are still lacking.
Evaluation of recombinant dengue viral envelope B domain protein antigens for the detection of dengue complex-specific antibodies.
Authors: Simmons M , Porter K R , Escamilla J , Graham R , Watts D M , Eckels K H , Hayes C G
Published: May 2017

To increase the specificity of dengue (DEN) diagnosis based on antibody detection, we have evaluated recombinant proteins as antigens that incorporate most of the B domain of the DEN virus envelope protein fused to the trpE protein of Escherichia coli (trpE-DEN). A pooled antigen consisting of trpE-DEN proteins representing all four serotypes of DEN virus was used in an indirect ELISA for the detection of IgG or IgM antibody. This assay was compared with a standard IgG indirect ELISA and an IgM-capture ELISA using DEN virus-infected cell culture pooled antigens. The results indicated that the trpE-DEN antigens and the cell culture antigens were equally sensitive for detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in convalescent sera from Peru and Indonesia representing virus isolation-confirmed primary and secondary DEN infections, respectively. Fourteen day postinfection IgG antibody-positive sera obtained from individuals infected with DEN-1 virus who had been vaccinated with other flaviviruses were more strongly reactive with the cell culture antigen than with the recombinant antigen, but by day 21 postinfection, a strong antibody response to the trpE-DEN antigens was present. These results suggested that the early antibody response was directed predominantly towards shared flavivirus group antigens that were not detected with the trpE-DEN antigens. Comparison of the trpE-DEN-1 recombinant antigen with a DEN-1 virus-infected cell lysate antigen for the detection of IgG antibody in sera from a cohort of 55 individuals from Peru who seroconverted over a one-year period indicated greater specificity for the recombinant antigens. Also, sera from individuals with no known DEN infections that had been sequentially vaccinated with yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis reacted with the DEN virus cell culture antigen in the IgG ELISA, but did not react with the trpE-DEN pooled antigens. Similarly, YF IgM antibody positive samples that showed cross-reactivity with the DEN virus cell culture antigens, did not react with the trpE-DEN pooled antigens. These results indicated that the trpE-DEN pooled antigen provided a more specific diagnosis of dengue infections than DEN virus-infected cell culture antigen and avoided the biohazards associated with handling live virus during the preparation of diagnostic reagents. The trpE-DEN pooled antigen should permit a better approach to distinguish between past DEN and other flavivirus infections in epidemiologic surveys, and also increase the specificity of serologic diagnosis of acute DEN infections.