bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Memantine for Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kishi Taro , Matsunaga Shinji , Oya Kazuto , Nomura Ikuo , Ikuta Toshikazu , Iwata Nakao 
Published: September 2017

Background: The clinical benefit of memantine for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains inconclusive. Objective: We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy/safety of memantine in AD. Methods: We included randomized trials of memantine for AD patients. Cognitive function scores (CF), behavioral disturbances scores (BD), and all-cause discontinuation were used as primary measures. Effect size based on a random-effects model was evaluated in the meta-analyses. Results: Thirty studies ( n = 7,567; memantine versus placebo: N = 11, n = 3,298; memantine + cholinesterase inhibitors (M+ChEIs) versus ChEIs: N = 17, n = 4,175) were identified. Memantine showed a significant improvement in CF [standardized mean difference (SMD) = –0.24, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) = –0.34, –0.15, p < 0.00001, I2 = 35% ] and BD (SMD = –0.16, 95% CIs = –0.29, –0.04, p = 0.01, I2 = 52%) compared with placebo. In the sensitivity analysis including only patients with moderate–severe AD, memantine was superior to the placebo in reducing BD without considerable heterogeneity (SMD = –0.20, 95% CIs = –0.34, –0.07, p = 0.003, I2 = 36%). Compared with ChEIs, M+ChEIs showed a greater reduction in BD (SMD = –0.20, 95% CIs = –0.36, –0.03, p = 0.02, I2 = 77%) and a trend of CF improvement (SMD = –0.11, 95% CIs = –0.22, 0.01, p = 0.06, I2 = 56%). However, in the sensitivity analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies only, M+ChEIs showed a significant reduction in BD compared with ChEIs without considerable heterogeneity (SMD = –0.11, 95% CIs = –0.21, –0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 40%). When performing the sensitivity analysis of donepezil studies only, M+ChEIs was superior to ChEIs in improving CF without considerable heterogeneity (SMD = –0.18, 95% CIs = –0.31, –0.05, p = 0.006, I2 = 49%). No differences were detected in all-cause discontinuation between the groups. Conclusions: The meta-analyses suggest the credible efficacy and safety of memantine in treating AD when used alone or in combination with ChEIs.
Genetic Divergence among Inbred Lines of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex Poir)
Authors: Ahmed B. , Masud M. A. T. , Zakaria M. , Hossain M. M. , Mian M. A. K. 
Published: September 2017

Genetic divergence among nineteen inbred lines of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex Poir) was estimated through principal component analysis and Mohalanobiss D2 analysis. Inbred lines were grouped into five clusters. Cluster I, II, III, IV and V were composed of five, three, four, six and one inbred lines respectively. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between the cluster III and V (72.69) followed by the cluster I and V (63.33). Minimum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and IV (10.64). The mean value of cluster III indicated the importance of days to first male and female flower open, node order to 1st female flower open and TSS. Cluster IV showed the importance of days to first female flower open, fruit diameter, cavity diameter, flesh thickness and average fruit weight. Similarly, cluster V indicated the importance of yield per plant, fruits per plant and fruit length. Days to first male and female flower open, fruit length and cavity length had the highest contribution towards divergence among the inbred lines. Considering the magnitude of cluster distance, cluster means for different characters and contribution of characters towards divergence, the inbred lines from clusters I, III and IV could be selected as parent for hybridization program.
Fate Decision Between Group 3 Innate Lymphoid and Conventional NK Cell Lineages by Notch Signaling in Human Circulating Hematopoietic Progenitors
Authors: Kyoizumi Seishi , Kubo Yoshiko , Kajimura Junko , Yoshida Kengo , Hayashi Tomonori , Nakachi Kei , Moore Malcolm A. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Kusunoki Yoichiro 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The role of Notch signaling in human innate lymphoid cell (ILC) differentiation is unclear, although IL-7 and IL-15 promote differentiation of natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) NKp44+ group 3 ILCs (NCR+ILC3s) and conventional NK (cNK) cells from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) ex vivo. In this study, we analyzed the functions of Notch in the differentiation of NCR+ILC3s and cNK cells from human HPC subpopulations circulating in peripheral blood by limiting dilution and clonal assays using high-throughput flow cytometry. We demonstrated that Notch signaling in combination with IL-7 induced NCR+ILC3 differentiation, but conversely suppressed IL-15–dependent cNK cell generation in CD45RA+Flt-3−c-Kitlow, a novel innate lymphocyte-committed HPC subpopulation. In contrast, Notch signaling induced CD45RA−Flt-3+c-Kithigh multipotent HPCs to generate CD34+CD7+CD62Lhigh, the earliest thymic progenitor–like cells, which preserved high cNK/T cell potential, but lost NCR+ILC3 potential. These findings implicate the countervailing functions of Notch signaling in the fate decision between NCR+ILC3 and cNK cell lineages at different maturational stages of human HPCs. Inhibition of Notch functions by Abs specific for either the Notch1 or Notch2 negative regulatory region suggested that both Notch1 and Notch2 signals were involved in the fate decision of innate lymphocyte-committed HPCs and in the generation of earliest thymic progenitor–like cells from multipotent HPCs. Furthermore, the synergistic interaction between Notch and IL-7 in NCR+ILC3 commitment was primarily explicable by the induction of IL-7 receptor expression in the innate lymphocyte–committed HPCs by Notch stimulation, suggesting the pivotal role of Notch in the transcriptional control required for human NCR+ILC3 commitment.
Cutting Edge: Genetic Association between IFI16 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Resistance to Genital Herpes Correlates with IFI16 Expression Levels and HSV-2–Induced IFN-β Expression
Authors: Eriksson Kristina , Svensson Alexandra , Hait Alon S. , Schlüter Kerstin , Tunbäck Petra , Nordström Inger , Padyukov Leonid , Liljeqvist Jan-Åke , Mogensen Trine H. , Paludan Søren R. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
IFN-γ–inducible protein 16 (IFI16) is an immunological DNA sensor proposed to act in the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase–stimulator of IFN genes pathway. Because mice do not have a clear ortholog of IFI16, this system is not suitable for genetic studies of IFI16. In this study, we have compared the dependency on IFI16, cyclic GMP–AMP synthase, and stimulator of IFN genes for type I IFN induction by a panel of pathogenic bacteria and DNA viruses. The IFN response induced by HSV-2 was particularly dependent on IFI16. In a cohort of patients with genital herpes and healthy controls, the minor G allele of the IFI16 single nucleotide polymorphism rs2276404 was associated with resistance to infection. Furthermore, the combination of this allele with the C allele of rs1417806 was significantly overrepresented in uninfected individuals. Cells from individuals with the protective GC haplotype expressed higher levels of IFI16 and induced more IFN-β upon HSV-2 infection. These data provide genetic evidence for a role for IFI16 in protection against genital herpes.
Inventory and ethnobotanical assessment of plant species in Lagos State University, Ojo campus, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adu Abosede A. , Sharaibi Olubunmi J. , Aderinola Olutoyin J. 
Published: September 2017

Inventory and ethnobotanical assessment of plant species growing on Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo main campus, Lagos State, Nigeria, were carried out. The aim was to document the vegetation composition and ethnobotanical uses of plants in the study area with a view to developing strategies for their conservation. Plant species with their frequency of occurrence were compiled and their representatives were collected for proper identification. Ethnobotanical assessment was carried out through oral interviews of herbalists, herb sellers and others with experience in traditional medicine. A total of 35 plant species belonging to 25 families were recorded from the survey. Poaceae has the highest number of species; Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Asparagaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae and Moraceae were all represented with two species each while the remaining 17 families were represented with one species each. Murraya paniculata recorded the highest frequency of occurrence within the study area with 165 individual plants followed by Ficus benjamina with 134 plants, then Ixora coccinea with 121 plants and Terminalia ivorensis with 103 plants. Anarcardium occidentale, Araucaria heterophylla and Ficus carica recorded the lowest frequency of occurrence with two plants each. The trees were the dominant plant habit (46%) followed by the shrubs (23%), grasses (17%) and herbs (14%). The plant species identified are of significant ethnobotanical uses ranging from food to medicine and ornamental. Effective conservation strategies for these plants include enacting laws against indiscriminate tree cutting, encouraging afforestation, proper maintenance of the parks and gardens and establishment of medicinal plant farms.
Clinical manifestations of nocardiosis: Study of risk factors and outcomes in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Wadhwa Teena , Baveja Usha , Kumar Navin , Govil Deepak , Sengupta Sharmila 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the predisposing risk factors, clinical presentations, laboratory parameters, and treatments taken and outcomes in patients of nocardiosis in the span of 5 years in a tertiary care hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients whose specimens showed Nocardia like organism in Gram-staining, Kinyoun staining and characteristic colonies in culture were included in the retrospective analysis study. Retrospective analysis of associated risk factors, clinical presentations, and radiological findings was performed.RESULTS: Of the thirteen patients, 11 (76.9%) had immunosuppressive pathologies including solid organ transplantation, autoimmune disease, use of steroids, and immunosuppressive drugs as important risk factors. Four types of clinical manifestations were observed, pulmonary (46.1%), cutaneous (23.07%), cerebral (15.3%), and bacteremia (15.3%). The most common presentation was pulmonary with steroid therapy as a significant risk factor. Consolidation and pleural effusion were the common radiological findings in these cases. In eight of the nine patients anti-nocrdial drugs were given. Cotrimoxazole as monotherapy was given in four cases (44.44%), cotrimoxazole in combination with meropenem in two cases (22.22%); minocycline and linezolid were given in one case each. The overall mortality was 36.36% and was seen in patients with pulmonary nocardiosis.CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that Nocardial infections are re-emerging on account of an increase in numbers of immunocompromised patients due to increased organ transplants, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, and use of immunosuppressive drugs and steroids. The diagnosis is often missed/not suspected and delayed because of the clinical resemblance to many other infections. Nocardial infection should be suspected and assessed particularly in immunocompromised patients not responding to treatment/improving clinically.
Care bundle approach to reduce device-associated infections in a tertiary care teaching hospital, South India
Authors: Prakash Suman Susan , Rajshekar Deepashree , Cherian Anusha , Sastry Apurba Sankar 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
CONTEXT: The care bundle approach is a set of evidence-based practices that when performed collectively and reliably have been shown to improve the patient outcome.
AIMS: To evaluate the impact of the bundle care approach on reducing device-associated infections (DAIs).
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, South India. The study period was from January 2016 to September 2016 which was divided into three phases, each comprising 3 months.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the implementation phase, bundle care forms were implemented in all Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and the ICU staff were given a basic education on the importance of bundle care approach. The DAI rates (ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP] rates, central line-associated bloodstream infection [CLABSI] rate, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI] rate) were calculated throughout the study period.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19 software.
RESULTS: During preimplementation phase, the VAP rate, CLABSI rate, and CAUTI rate were 14.79, 4.98, and 4.86 per 1000 device days, respectively. Rates were reduced to 13.03, 3.98, and 3.39 per 1000 device days, respectively, during the implementation phase and further reduced into 11.91, 3.49, and 2.36 per 1000 device days during the postimplementation phase. The month-wise decreasing trend of DAI rates was significant for medical ICUs as compared to surgical and pediatric ICUs.
CONCLUSION: The month-wise decreasing trend of VAP rate, CLABSI rate, and CAUTI rate was noted, which signifies that the use of care bundle approach has a great impact on reducing DAIs.
Sparse Recovery via ℓq-Minimization for Polynomial Chaos Expansions
Authors: Guo Ling , Liu Yongle , Yan Liang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper we consider the algorithm for recovering sparse orthogonal polynomials using stochastic collocation via ℓq minimization. The main results include: 1) By using the norm inequality between ℓq and ℓ2 and the square root lifting inequality, we present several theoretical estimates regarding the recoverability for both sparse and non-sparse signals via ℓq minimization; 2) We then combine this method with the stochastic collocation to identify the coefficients of sparse orthogonal polynomial expansions, stemming from the field of uncertainty quantification. We obtain recoverability results for both sparse polynomial functions and general non-sparse functions. We also present various numerical experiments to show the performance of the ℓq algorithm. We first present some benchmark tests to demonstrate the ability of ℓq minimization to recover exactly sparse signals, and then consider three classical analytical functions to show the advantage of this method over the standard ℓ1 and reweighted ℓ1 minimization. All the numerical results indicate that the ℓq method performs better than standard ℓ1 and reweighted ℓ1 minimization.
Solving Constrained TV2L1-L2 MRI Signal Reconstruction via an Efficient Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers
Authors: Wu Tingting , Wang David Z. W. , Jin Zhengmeng , Zhang Jun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHigh order total variation (TV2) andℓ1based (TV2L1) model has its advantage over the TVL1 for its ability in avoiding the staircase; and a constrained model has the advantage over its unconstrained counterpart for simplicity in estimating the parameters. In this paper, we consider solving the TV2L1 based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal reconstruction problem by an efficient alternating direction method of multipliers. By sufficiently utilizing the problem's special structure, we manage to make all subproblems either possess closed-form solutions or can be solved via Fast Fourier Transforms, which makes the cost per iteration very low. Experimental results for MRI reconstruction are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the new model and algorithm. Comparisons with its recent unconstrained counterpart are also reported.
Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of stem barks of <em>Englerina gabonensis</em> Engler and <em>Sterculia tragacantha</em> Lindl from Gabon
Authors: SIMA OBIANG Cédric , Ngoua-Meye-Misso Rick-Léonid , Ndong-Atome Guy-Roger , Ondo Joseph-Privat , Obame-Engonga Louis-Clément , Nsi-Emvo Edouard 
Published: September 2017

<p>Aim of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of water-acetone, water-ethanol and water extracts of <em>Englerina gabonensis</em> and <em>Sterculia tragacantha</em>.Presence of phenols was evaluated to estimate the effects of plants on microbial diseases. Water-acetone, water-ethanol and water extracts were examined for antioxidant activities. All plant extracts were tested against six reference strains, eleven clinical isolates and two fungal strains.</p><p>Phenolic content were highest in the water-acetone and water-ethanol extracts from <em>Englerinagabonensis</em> in comparison with <em>Sterculia tragacantha</em>.The AAI (Antioxidant Activity Index)of water-acetone and water-ethanol extracts of <em>Englerina gabunensis</em> are superiors with 2. Plant extracts of <em>Sterculia tragacantha</em> show weak antioxidant activity (AAI &lt; 0.5).The aqueous extract of <em>Englerina gabonensis </em>has a bactericidal effect on <em>Salmonella Spp</em>. Water-ethanol extract is bactericidal on <em>Bacillus cereus </em>LMG 13569 BHI, <em>Salmonella Spp</em>and <em>Neisseria meningitides. </em>Water-acetone extract presents a bactericidal activity on <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em>103907 CIP, <em>Escherichi coli</em>, <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em>and <em>Neisseria meningitides.</em></p><p>Our results suggest that <em>Englerina gabonensis</em> extracts contain greater antioxidant and antimicrobial properties than <em>Sterculia tragacantha </em>extracts.</p>
Atmospheric processes affecting the separation of volcanic ash and SO2 in volcanic eruptions: inferences from the May 2011 Grímsvötn eruption
Authors: Prata Fred , Woodhouse Mark , Huppert Herbert E. , Prata Andrew , Thordarson Thor , Carn Simon 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The separation of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas is sometimes observed during volcanic eruptions. The exact conditions under which separation occurs are not fully understood but the phenomenon is of importance because of the effects volcanic emissions have on aviation, on the environment, and on the earth's radiation balance. The eruption of Grímsvötn, a subglacial volcano under the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland during 21–28 May 2011 produced one of the most spectacular examples of ash and SO2 separation, which led to errors in the forecasting of ash in the atmosphere over northern Europe. Satellite data from several sources coupled with meteorological wind data and photographic evidence suggest that the eruption column was unable to sustain itself, resulting in a large deposition of ash, which left a low-level ash-rich atmospheric plume moving southwards and then eastwards towards the southern Scandinavian coast and a high-level predominantly SO2 plume travelling northwards and then spreading eastwards and westwards. Here we provide observational and modelling perspectives on the separation of ash and SO2 and present quantitative estimates of the masses of ash and SO2 that erupted, the directions of transport, and the likely impacts. We hypothesise that a partial column collapse or sloughing fed with ash from pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) occurred during the early stage of the eruption, leading to an ash-laden gravity intrusion that was swept southwards, separated from the main column. Our model suggests that water-mediated aggregation caused enhanced ash removal because of the plentiful supply of source water from melted glacial ice and from entrained atmospheric water. The analysis also suggests that ash and SO2 should be treated with separate source terms, leading to improvements in forecasting the movement of both types of emissions.
LUA CAMBARÁ: UM EXERCÍCIO POÉTICO DE CRIAÇÃO CÊNICA
Authors: Barros de Santana Inácia Rita Maria Larissa 
Published: September 2017

Este artigo trata de uma investigação em processo sobre a construção da personagem Lua Cambará. O contexto do conto Lua Cambará, de Ronaldo Correia Brito, surge como material para a composição de cenas, em que a personagem central, Lua Cambará, ainda em latência e desejo, vem sendo esboçada a partir da noção de arquétipo em Jung; compreendendo arquétipo enquanto estímulo imagético e de ação para a criação cênica, de modo a utilizar estímulos extraídos do próprio conto para a criação. A partir de três exercícios: laboratório, oficina e passeio, como pontapé inicial, algumas reflexões estão surgindo sobre a personagem, cujas camadas estão sendo compreendidas como um aspecto tríplice que encarna qualidades dos arquétipos de Oxum, Yansã e Nanã. Este artigo, portanto é um primeiro exercício de análise sobre a personagem Lua Cambará e o modo de criação que situa esta numa abordagem arquetípica.
The Impact of Stock Dividends and Stock Splits on Shares’ Prices: Evidence from Egypt
Authors: El Ansary Osama Abd ElKhalek , El-Azab Mervat Hussien 
Published: September 2017

This research aims to examine the effect of two types of corporate actions,“Stock Split” and “Stock Dividends”, on the shares’ prices, liquidity changes, and price volatility; and to investigate the efficiency of the Egyptian stock market in response to the announcement of the corporate actions. The research provides the investors with a scientific tool to predict and explain changes in stock prices in response to announced corporate actions and to improve their investment decision-making process.The objective is to investigate whether the two actions collectively or independently have a positive impact on the prices of the related stocks listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), and assess the similarities and dissimilarities between their individual impacts.We applied the “Event Study” approach to measure the impact of the stock splits and stock dividends announcement on the stock prices through measuring the cumulated average abnormal return (CAAR) resulted from events to assess their impact on the stock performance around the announcement day (for a period of 30 prior and 30 days post announcement) as applied before by Terhi (2011). The analysis concluded that the announcement of both of stock split and stock dividend has a positive impact on stock prices. This positive impact drove the authors to test the efficiency of EGX in respect of the impact of the announcement the corporate actions to the public investors. A correlation analysis is performed to reflect this impact.
Horizontal Drilling of Crude Oil: A Challenge to the Norms of Property Rights
Authors: Kingston Kato Gogo , Kaniye-Ebeku Charity Olunma 
Published: September 2017

Two altitudinal relationships propel current crude oil exploration jurisprudence and litigation namely: Surface land ownership and sub-surface rights (including mineral ownership). In the United States, the conflicts between the surface and mineral owners has theatrically increased in the last decade. Elsewhere, notably Nigeria, conflicts over land rights and the ownership of sub-surface minerals is yet to be fully resolved. Our goal herein is to explore the interaction between the law of property and the tort of trespass as applicable to the surface and subsurface exploration and extraction of crude oil and natural gas with specific focus on the scientific advances in horizontal drilling techniques widely used by the oil corporations in the various oil reservoirs across the world. Horizontal drilling is described in this paper, as the exercise of drilling for liquid and gaseous mineral resources by other means other than sinking vertical wells. We argue that, horizontal drilling is one of the easiest means by which governments could lawfully capture crude oil and gas from reservoirs of neighbouring nations to the extent that joint development agreement becomes unnecessary. Also, we opined that nations such as Nigeria could easily resolve issues of resources allocation by reducing the spread of surface wells. This could be achieved through the establishment of very few centralised drilling sites where slant or horizontal drilling can tap into various reservoirs thereby, eliminating the contestation of local agitators.