bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On The Exchange of Hostility With Supervisors: An Examination of Self‐Enhancing and Self‐Defeating Perspectives
Authors: Tepper Bennett J. , Mitchell Marie S. , Haggard Dana L. , Kwan Ho Kwong , Park Hee‐man
Published: November 2014

We invoke competing theoretical perspectives to examine the consequences for subordinates of involvement in relationships that vary in terms of downward hostility (i.e., hostility enacted by supervisors against direct reports) and upward hostility (i.e., hostility enacted by subordinates against immediate supervisors). Consistent with the perspective that targets of downward hostility are less likely to see themselves as victims when they perform acts of upward hostility, analysis of 2‐wave data from a sample of supervised employees suggested that upward hostility weakens the deleterious effects of downward hostility on subordinates’ job satisfaction, affective commitment, and psychological distress. Study 2 directly examined the presumed mechanism that underlies the effects observed in Study 1. In a 3‐wave sample, support was found for a moderated‐indirect effect framework in which the indirect effects of downward hostility on subordinates’ attitudes and psychological distress (through victim identity) were weaker when upward hostility was higher. Study 2 results also suggested that the enhancing effect of upward hostility generalizes to subjective indicators of career satisfaction and future career expectations.
Value of serum cystatin C in estimating renal function in children with non‐renal solid organ transplantation
Authors: Gowrishankar Manjula , VanderPluym Christina , Robert Cheri , Bamforth Fiona , Gilmour Susan , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan
Published: November 2014

Children with non‐renal solid organ transplants are surviving longer, but outcome is complicated by CKD. Accurate and frequent renal function monitoring is imperative to recognize and institute measures early to reverse, prevent, or arrest progression. This study of 59 children determined the accuracy (P30), bias, sensitivity and specificity between measured renal function by NM‐GFR, and estimated GFR by three formulas: Filler (serum cystatin C), mSchwartz (serum creatinine), and CKiD (serum cystatin C, creatinine, urea, and height). Mean GFR by all formulas differed significantly from NM‐GFR. Filler and mSchwartz formulas significantly increased the proportion of patients with GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stage 1) while decreasing those with GFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stage 2). All formulas overestimated GFR. CKiD showed the highest P30 and lowest bias (79.7%; 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) followed by Filler (67.7%; 19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) and Schwartz (57.6%; 26.8 mL/min/1.73 m2) for all GFR values. All formulas performed best with GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, but CKiD was the only formula to achieve 91.1% accuracy. All formulas showed high sensitivities, but low specificities at NM‐GFR cutoff at 90. Thus, GFR estimated by CKiD followed by Filler formula is an adequate method to monitor renal function closely and frequently in these children.
Colour
Authors: Gow Laura
Published: November 2014

The view that physical objects do not, in fact, possess colour properties is certainly the dominant position amongst scientists working on colour vision. It is also a reasonably popular view amongst philosophers. However, the recent philosophical debate about the metaphysical status of colour properties seems to have taken a more realist turn. In this article, I review the main philosophical views – eliminativism, physicalism, dispositionalism and primitivism – and describe the problems they face. I also examine how these views have been classified and suggest that there may be less disparity between some of these positions than previously thought.
Prioritarianism
Authors: Weber Michael
Published: November 2014

Prioritarianism can usefully be seen as a corrective to both egalitarianism and utilitarianism. It allegedly corrects for egalitarianism insofar as it tends toward equality but seems immune to the Leveling Down Objection. It allegedly corrects for utilitarianism insofar as it emphasizes improving peoples' lives but is distribution‐sensitive, favoring benefiting those who are worse off over those who are better off, other things equal. The best way to understand the view and assess its prospects is to see whether on closer examination it can indeed avoid the pitfalls of the two more traditional views it might replace. What emerges from such a closer examination is that prioritarianism must be very carefully specified to avoid the Leveling Down Objection. More significantly, to clearly avoid problems associated with utilitarianism, prioritarianism must be formulated in deontic rather than telic terms. It is not clear, however, that such a deontic prioritarianism has any advantages over deontic egalitarianism.
Development of Effective Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention in Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Authors: Lambert W. Clark , Lambert Muriel W.
Published: November 2014

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare, recessively transmitted genetic disease characterized by increasingly marked dyspigmentation and xerosis (dryness) of sun‐exposed tissues, especially skin. Skin cancers characteristically develop in sun‐exposed sites at very much earlier ages than in the general population; these are often multiple and hundreds or even thousands may develop. Eight complementation groups have been identified. Seven groups, XP‐A…G, are associated with defective genes encoding proteins involved in the nucleotide excision DNA repair (NER) pathway that recognizes and excises mutagenic changes induced in DNA by sunlight; the eighth group, XP‐V, is associated with defective translesion synthesis (TLS) bypassing such alterations. The dyspigmentation, xerosis and eventually carcinogenesis in XP patients appear to be due to their cells’ failure to respond properly to these mutagenic DNA alterations, leading to mutations in skin cells. A subset of cases, especially those in some complementation groups, may develop neurological degeneration, which may be severe. However, in most XP patients, in the past the multiple skin cancers have led to death at an early age due to either metastases or sepsis. Using either topical 5‐fluorouracil or imiquimod, we have developed a protocol that effectively prevents most skin cancer development in XP patients.
Psoriasis and daily low‐emission phototherapy: effects on disease and vitamin D level
Authors: Franken Sylvie Mireille , Witte Birgit , Pavel Stan , Rustemeyer Thomas
Published: November 2014

Background/Purpose

Hospital‐based phototherapy is a widely accepted treatment modality in psoriasis patients. It, however, requires several hospital visits weekly, interfering with (school)work. Home ultraviolet (UV) treatment has been proven effective before but is only available in certain countries, and safety aspects play a part in reluctancy to prescribe this treatment. Patients, however, are usually keen on the use of phototherapy as it is effective and gives them the possibility of reducing the amount of topical treatment needed. In this study, we assess the effectivity of a low‐emission UV device used daily.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients were treated for 6 months either with daily low‐emission UV treatment and mometasone ointment 0.1% or with mometasone ointment 0.1% alone. Psoriasis severity scores, quality of life, vitamin D level, and blood pressure were monitored every 2 months during the study.

Results

Patients treated with daily low‐emission UV treatment showed a significant improvement in psoriasis severity, quality of life, amount of steroid ointment used, and vitamin D levels.

Conclusion

Daily low‐emission UV therapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis patients, diminishing the amount of steroid ointment needed and improving disease activity, quality of life, and vitamin D scores. Further investigation, however, is necessary.
Differential effects of type and quantity of leaf damage on growth, reproduction and defence of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
Authors: Blue E. , Kay J. , Younginger B.S. , Ballhorn D. J.
Published: November 2014

Folivores are major plant antagonists in most terrestrial ecosystems. However, the quantitative effects of leaf area loss on multiple interacting plant traits are still little understood. We sought to contribute to filling this lack of understanding by applying different types of leaf area removal (complete leaflets versus leaflet parts) and degrees of leaf damage (0, 33 and 66%) to lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) plants. We quantified various growth and fitness parameters including above‐ and belowground biomass as well as the production of reproductive structures (fruits, seeds). In addition, we measured plant cyanogenic potential (HCNp; direct chemical defence) and production of extrafloral nectar (EFN; indirect defence). Leaf damage reduced above‐ and belowground biomass production in general, but neither variation in quantity nor type of damage resulted in different biomass. Similarly, the number of fruits and seeds was significantly reduced in all damaged plants without significant differences between treatment groups. Seed mass, however, was affected by both type and quantity of leaf damage. Leaf area loss had no impact on HCNp, whereas production of EFN decreased with increasing damage. While EFN production was quantitatively affected by leaf area removal, the type of damage had no effect. Our study provides a thorough analysis of the quantitative and qualitative effects of defoliation on multiple productivity‐related and defensive plant traits and shows strong differences in plant response depending on trait. Quantifying such plant responses is vital to our understanding of the impact of herbivory on plant fitness and productivity in natural and agricultural ecosystems.
The Psychology of Quick and Slow Answers: Issue Importance in the 2011 Swiss Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Marquis Lionel
Published: November 2014

Attitude importance is a key variable in most models seeking to explain evaluations of political parties and leaders. Unlike attitudes on less central issues, attitudes about aspects of politics which citizens deem personally important are expected to influence their political judgments. In this article, we propose to conceptualize the importance of attitudes as their accessibility in memory and measure it by the time survey respondents take to answer an attitude question. We apply this framework to the way in which issue attitudes (opinions on Europe, immigration, etc.) influence party evaluations in the context of the 2011 Swiss parliamentary elections. As expected, quicker responses tend to be associated with stronger relationships between issue opinions and party evaluations. Promises and limits of this approach to conceptualizing attitude importance are discussed.
Structure and Dynamics of Rotating Turbulence: A Review of Recent Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Godeferd Fabien S. , Moisy Frédéric
Published: November 2014

Rotating turbulence is a fundamental phenomenon appearing in several geophysical and industrial applications. Its study benefited from major advances in the recent years, but also raised new questions. We review recent results for rotating turbulence, from several numerical and experimental researches, and in relation with theory and models, mostly for homogeneous flows. We observe a convergence in the statistical description of rotating turbulence from the advent of modern experimental techniques and computational power that allows to investigate the structure and dynamics of rotating flows at similar parameters and with similar description levels. The improved picture about the anisotropization mechanisms, however, reveals subtle differences in the flow conditions, including its generation and boundary conditions, which lead to separate points of view about the role of linear mechanisms—the Coriolis force and inertial waves—compared with more complex nonlinear triadic interactions. This is discussed in relation with the most recent diagnostic of dynamical equations in physical and spectral space.
New Insights Into Utilizing Bistability for Energy Harvesting Under White Noise
Authors: He Qifan , Daqaq Mohammed F.
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the response of a bistable energy harvester to random excitations that can be approximated by a white noise process. Statistical linearization (SL), direct numerical integration of the stochastic differential equations, and finite element (FE) solution of the Fokker–Plank–Kolmogorov (FPK) equation are utilized to understand how the shape of the potential energy function influences the mean output power of the harvester. It is observed that, both of the FE solution and the direct numerical integration provide close predictions for the mean power regardless of the shape of the potential energy function. SL, on the other hand, yields nonunique and erroneous predictions unless the potential energy function has shallow potential wells. It is shown that the mean power exhibits a maximum value at an optimal potential shape. This optimal shape is not directly related to the shape that maximizes the mean square displacement even when the time constant ratio, i.e., ratio between the time constants of the mechanical and electrical systems is small. Maximizing the mean square displacement yields a potential shape with a global maximum (unstable potential) for any value of the time constant ratio and any noise intensity, whereas maximizing the average power yields a bistable potential which possesses deeper potential wells for larger noise intensities and vise versa. Away from the optimal shape, the average power drops significantly highlighting the importance of characterizing the noise intensity of the vibration source prior to designing a bistable harvester for the purpose of harnessing energy from white noise excitations. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that, the optimal time constant ratio is not necessarily small which challenges previous conceptions that a bistable harvester provides better output power when the time constant ratio is small. While maximum variation of the mean power with the nonlinearity occurs for smaller values of the time constant ratio, this does not necessarily correspond to the optimal performance of the harvester.
Flow Visualization and Stream Temperature Measurement of Liquid Hydrogen Line Chill Down Experiments
Authors: Styborski Jeremy
Published: November 2014

A thermally representative tank-to-tank transfer line was designed and tested at SMiRF at NASA Glenn to simulate liquid hydrogen transfer from a Low Earth Orbit depot storage tank to a customer receiver tank. The line was equipped with three external skin silicon diode measurements, one internal stream temperature measurement, and a high speed imaging system to view flow profiles as the system chilled down from 250K to LH2 temperatures. Image: Two phase flow video stills correlated with temperature measurements shows the time evolution of chill down. Skin measurements indicate chill down is nearly complete within 20s due to annular flow and liquid layer along wall, but internal stream temperature doesn't bottom out until >140s due to bubbly flow. Majority of chill down is spent in annular and bubbly flow regimes. SD1-3 are successive skin diodes mounted along the transfer line.
Immersive Visualization for Enhanced Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Quam David J. , Gundert Timothy J. , Ellwein Laura , Larkee Christopher E. , Hayden Paul , Migrino Raymond Q. , Otake Hiromasa , LaDisa John F.,
Published: November 2014

Modern biomedical computer simulations produce spatiotemporal results that are often viewed at a single point in time on standard 2D displays. An immersive visualization environment (IVE) with 3D stereoscopic capability can mitigate some shortcomings of 2D displays via improved depth cues and active movement to further appreciate the spatial localization of imaging data with temporal computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results. We present a semi-automatic workflow for the import, processing, rendering, and stereoscopic visualization of high resolution, patient-specific imaging data, and CFD results in an IVE. Versatility of the workflow is highlighted with current clinical sequelae known to be influenced by adverse hemodynamics to illustrate potential clinical utility.
Modeling of Dry-Out Incipience for Flow Boiling in a Circular Microchannel at a Uniform Heat Flux
Authors: Younes Amen , Hassan Ibrahim
Published: November 2014

Dry-out is an essential phenomenon that has been observed experimentally in both slug and annular flow regimes for flow boiling in mini and microchannels. The dry-out leads to a drastic drop in heat transfer coefficient, reversible flow and may cause a serious damage to the microchannel. Consequently, the study and prediction of this phenomenon is an essential objective for flow boiling in microchannels. The aim of this work is to develop an analytical model to predict the critical heat flux (CHF) based on the prediction of liquid film variation in annular flow regime for flow boiling in a horizontal uniformly heated circular microtube. The model is developed by applying one-dimensional (1D) separated flow model for a control volume in annular flow regime for steady, and sable saturated flow boiling. The influence of interfacial shear and inertia force on the liquid film thickness is taken into account. The effects of operating conditions, channel sizes, and working fluids on the CHF have been investigated. The model was compared with 110 CHF data points for flow boiling of various working fluids, (water, LN2, FC-72, and R134a) in single and multiple micro/minichannels with diameter ranges of (0.38≤Dh≤3.04 mm) and heated-length to diameter ratios in the range of (117.7 (117.7≤Lh/D≤470)470). Additionally, three CHF correlations developed for saturated flow boiling in a single microtube have been employed for the model validation. The model showed a good agreement with the experimental CHF data with mean absolute error (MAE) = 19.81%.
Computational Simulation of the Adaptive Capacity of Vein Grafts in Response to Increased Pressure
Authors: Ramachandra Abhay B. , Sankaran Sethuraman , Humphrey Jay D. , Marsden Alison L.
Published: November 2014

Vein maladaptation, leading to poor long-term patency, is a serious clinical problem in patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) or undergoing related clinical procedures that subject veins to elevated blood flow and pressure. We propose a computational model of venous adaptation to altered pressure based on a constrained mixture theory of growth and remodeling (G&R). We identify constitutive parameters that optimally match biaxial data from a mouse vena cava, then numerically subject the vein to altered pressure conditions and quantify the extent of adaptation for a biologically reasonable set of bounds for G&R parameters. We identify conditions under which a vein graft can adapt optimally and explore physiological constraints that lead to maladaptation. Finally, we test the hypothesis that a gradual, rather than a step, change in pressure will reduce maladaptation. Optimization is used to accelerate parameter identification and numerically evaluate hypotheses of vein remodeling.
Vehicle Suspension Identification Via Algorithmic Computation of State and Design Sensitivities
Authors: Callejo Alfonso , de Jalón Javier García
Published: November 2014

It is common in mechanical simulation to not know the value of key system parameters. When the simulation is very sensitive to those design parameters and practical or budget limitations prevent the user from measuring the real values, parameter identification methods become essential. Kalman filter methods and optimization methods are the most widespread approaches for the identification of unknown parameters in multibody systems. A novel gradient-based optimization method, based on sensitivity analyses for the computation of machine-precision gradients, is presented in this paper. The direct differentiation approach, together with the algorithmic differentiation of derivative terms, is employed to compute state and design sensitivities. This results in an automated, general-purpose and robust method for the identification of parameters. The method is applied to the identification of a real-life vehicle suspension system (namely of five stiffness coefficients) where both smooth and noisy reference responses are considered. The identified values are very close to the reference ones, and everything is carried out with limited user intervention and no manual computation of derivatives.
Built-in lens mask lithography (challenge for high-definition lens-less lithography)
Authors: Ueda Naoki , Sasago Masaru , Kikuta Hisao , Kawata Hiroaki , Hirai Yoshihiko
Published: November 2014

A novel technique of photolithography using a proximity exposure system—named built-in lens mask lithography—is proposed. The built-in lens mask having complex optical transmittance emulates the optical propagation plane in the focusing of an image having an arbitrary pattern. The complex transmittance of the built-in lens mask is computationally obtained for an arbitrarily designed pattern and the transmittance and phase shift are binarized, which is easily achieved using conventional phase mask technology. The performance of built-in lens mask lithography is numerically studied and experimentally confirmed using a conventional proximity exposure system. The results of the numerical study and experiments agree and confirm the enhancement of the critical resolved feature size to 3.0 μm at a focal length of 55 μm using the built-in lens mask.
Lift-off with solvent for negative resist using low energy electron beam exposure
Authors: Dey Ripon Kumar , Cui Bo
Published: November 2014

Lift-off and direct etch are the two most popular pattern transfer methods for electron beam lithography. For some applications negative resist would offer significantly less exposure time than positive one. Unfortunately, lift-off using negative resist is very challenging because the resist profile is typically positively tapered due to electron forward scattering, and upon exposure, negative resist is cross-linked and thus insoluble in solvents. Here, the authors will show that low energy exposure can circumvent both issues simultaneously, and the authors achieved liftoff of Cr with polystyrene resist using a solvent xylene. Moreover, low energy exposure offers proportionally higher resist sensitivity. Lastly, since low energy electrons are mostly stopped inside the resist layer, radiation damage to the sublayer is greatly reduced. Thus, the current method may be employed to fabricate metal nanostructures on top of an organic conducting layer.
Do Titles Matter in Sport Psychology? Performer Attitudes Toward Professional Titles and the Effect of a Brief Intervention
Authors: Woolway Toby , Harwood Chris
Published: November 2014

Understanding the practitioner attributes that influence consumers’ preferences is of vital importance to licensing organizations and individual practitioners in the field of sport psychology (Hamberger & Iso-Ahola, 2006; Van Raalte, Brewer, Matheson & Brewer, 1996). This study examined consumer preferences toward three professional titles (sport psychologist, life coach, and neuro-linguistic programming practitioner) and a range of other practitioner characteristics, as well as the extent to which a brief intervention impacted these preferences. Following an assessment of current preferences among athletes (N = 229), researchers presented brief, educational vignettes formed of enhanced information regarding the three professions. Conjoint analysis was used to determine the relative importance of practitioner attributes pre- and postintervention. Interpersonal skills emerged as the most important attribute before intervention. Several significant, postintervention changes emerged in consumer preferences for practitioners, including an increased salience of professional title. The findings are discussed with an emphasis on implications for the training, professional development, and marketing of practitioners to potential clients.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clostridium botulinum Group II (Nonproteolytic) Type B Strains (DB-2 and KAPB-3)
Authors: Petronella Nicholas , Kenwell Robyn , Pagotto Franco , Pightling Arthur W.
Published: November 2014

Clostridium botulinum
is important for food safety and studies of neurotoxins associated with human botulism. We present the draft genome sequences of two strains belonging to group II type B: one collected from Pacific Ocean sediments (DB-2) and another obtained during a botulism outbreak (KAPB-3).
Draft Genome Sequence of Lysinimicrobium mangrovi NBRC 105856
T
, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of a Mangrove
Authors: Hamada Moriyuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Oguchi Akio , Fujita Nobuyuki
Published: November 2014

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the only species of the genus
Lysinimicrobium
,
Lysinimicrobium mangrovi
NBRC 105856
T
, isolated from the rhizosphere of a mangrove. The first genomic sequence of this genus and species presented here will facilitate taxonomical, ecological, and functional studies of this rare actinobacterial group.
Metagenomics of the Mucosal Microbiota of European Eels
Authors: Carda-Diéguez Miguel , Ghai Rohit , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco , Amaro Carmen
Published: November 2014

European eels are an economically important and threatened species that are prone to rapid collapse in farm conditions. Using metagenomics, we show that the eel mucosal microbiota has specific features distinguishing it from the surrounding aquatic community. This is a first step in dissecting the resident microbiota of this critical barrier that may have implications for maintenance of healthy eel populations.
Genomic Sequence of the Yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus CCT 7735 (UFV-3), a Highly Lactose-Fermenting Yeast Isolated from the Brazilian Dairy Industry
Authors: Silveira Wendel B. , Diniz Raphael H. S. , Cerdán M. Esperanza , González-Siso María I. , Souza Robson de A , Vidigal Pedro M. P. , Brustolini Otávio J. B. , de Almeida Prata Emille R. B. , Medeiros Alexsandra C. , Paiva Lílian C. , Nascimento Moysés , Ferreira Éder G. , dos Santos Valdilene C. , Bragança Caio R. S. , Fernandes Tatiana A. R. , Colombo Lívia T. , Passos Flávia M. L.
Published: November 2014

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Kluyveromyces marxianus
CCT 7735 (UFV-3), including the eight chromosomes and the mitochondrial genomic sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Emerging Genotype of Tobacco Streak Virus in the United States
Authors: Padmanabhan Chellappan , Gao Shan , Li Rugang , Zhang Shouan , Fei Zhangjun , Ling Kai-Shu
Published: November 2014

We report here the complete genome sequence of an emerging genotype of tobacco streak virus (TSV) infecting zucchini squash in Florida (TSV_FL13-07), obtained using deep sequencing of short RNAs (sRNAs) and validation by Sanger sequencing. TSV_FL13-07 shares only <90% sequence identity in all three genomic RNAs to several known U.S. isolates.
Genome Sequence of Borrelia crocidurae Strain 03-02, a Clinical Isolate from Senegal
Authors: Fotso Fotso Aurélien , Mediannikov Oleg , Padmanabhan Roshan , Robert Catherine , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: November 2014

The draft genome sequence of
Borrelia crocidurae
strain 03-02, a blood isolate from a febrile Senegalese patient, comprises a 920,021-bp linear chromosome (27.7% G+C content), 32 tRNAs, 818 open reading frames, and one cluster of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Its genotype differs from that of the Achema reference strain.
Evaluating the Auto-MODS Assay, a Novel Tool for Tuberculosis Diagnosis for Use in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Wang Linwei , Mohammad Sohaib H. , Chaiyasirinroje Boonchai , Li Qiaozhi , Rienthong Somsak , Rienthong Dhanida , Nedsuwan Supalert , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Yasui Yutaka
Published: November 2014

There is an urgent need for simple, rapid, and affordable diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) to combat the great burden of the disease in developing countries. The microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay (MODS) is a promising tool to fill this need, but it is not widely used due to concerns regarding its biosafety and efficiency. This study evaluated the automated MODS (Auto-MODS), which operates on principles similar to those of MODS but with several key modifications, making it an appealing alternative to MODS in resource-limited settings. In the operational setting of Chiang Rai, Thailand, we compared the performance of Auto-MODS with the gold standard liquid culture method in Thailand, mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 plus the SD Bioline TB Ag MPT64 test, in terms of accuracy and efficiency in differentiating TB and non-TB samples as well as distinguishing TB and multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB samples. Sputum samples from clinically diagnosed TB and non-TB subjects across 17 hospitals in Chiang Rai were consecutively collected from May 2011 to September 2012. A total of 360 samples were available for evaluation, of which 221 (61.4%) were positive and 139 (38.6%) were negative for mycobacterial cultures according to MGIT 960. Of the 221 true-positive samples, Auto-MODS identified 212 as positive and 9 as negative (sensitivity, 95.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 92.4% to 98.1%). Of the 139 true-negative samples, Auto-MODS identified 135 as negative and 4 as positive (specificity, 97.1%; 95% CI, 92.8% to 99.2%). The median time to culture positivity was 10 days, with an interquartile range of 8 to 13 days for Auto-MODS. Auto-MODS is an effective and cost-sensitive alternative diagnostic tool for TB diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
Clinical Isolates of Salmonella enterica Serovar Agona Producing NDM-1 Metallo-β-Lactamase: First Report from Pakistan
Authors: Irfan Seema , Khan Erum , Jabeen Kauser , Bhawan Pushpa , Hopkins Katie L. , Day Martin , Nasir Amna , Meunier Daniele , Woodford Neil
Published: November 2014

We report two cases of infantile diarrhea due to multidrug-resistant, NDM-1 metallo-β-lactamase-producing
Salmonella enterica
serovar Agona from Pakistan. This study alerts toward possible risk of NDM-1 transmission to enteric fever pathogens and encourages microbiologists to consider active screening of carbapenem resistance in nontyphoidal
Salmonella
isolates.
Laboratory Evaluation of a Dual Rapid Immunodiagnostic Test for HIV and Syphilis Infection
Authors: Bristow Claire C. , Leon Segundo R. , Ramos Lourdes B. , Vargas Silver K. , Flores Juan A. , Konda Kelika A. , Caceres Carlos F. , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2014

New dual tests for HIV and syphilis have been developed. Our study aimed to evaluate the laboratory performance of a dual rapid immunodiagnostic test for HIV and syphilis. Our evaluation showed high performance of this dual rapid test, which should be considered for implementation to increase screening coverage and efficiency.
Evidence of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) in Domestic Mice in Gabon: Risk of Emergence of LCMV Encephalitis in Central Africa
Authors: N′Dilimabaka Nadine , Berthet Nicolas , Rougeron Virginie , Mangombi Joa Braïthe , Durand Patrick , Maganga Gael D. , Bouchier Christiane , Schneider Bradley S. , Fair Joseph , Renaud François , Leroy Eric M.
Published: November 2014

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can cause acute fatal disease on all continents but was never detected in Africa. We report the first detection of LCMV RNA in a common European house mouse (
Mus musculus
domesticus
) in Africa. Phylogenetic analyses show a close relationship with North American strains. These findings suggest that there is a risk of the appearance of LCMV acute encephalitis cases. This is a perfect example of virus dissemination by its natural host that may have dramatic public health consequences.
MicroRNA miR-21 Attenuates Human Cytomegalovirus Replication in Neural Cells by Targeting Cdc25a
Authors: Fu Ya-Ru , Liu Xi-Juan , Li Xiao-Jun , Shen Zhang-zhou , Yang Bo , Wu Cong-Cong , Li Jia-Fu , Miao Ling-Feng , Ye Han-Qing , Qiao Guan-Hua , Rayner Simon , Chavanas Stéphane , Davrinche Christian , Britt William J. , Tang Qiyi , McVoy Michael , Mocarski Edward , Luo Min-Hua
Published: November 2014

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a leading cause of birth defects, primarily manifesting as neurological disorders. HCMV infection alters expression of cellular microRNAs (miRs) and induces cell cycle arrest, which in turn modifies the cellular environment to favor virus replication. Previous observations found that HCMV infection reduces miR-21 expression in neural progenitor/stem cells (NPCs). Here, we show that infection of NPCs and U-251MG cells represses miR-21 while increasing the levels of Cdc25a, a cell cycle regulator and known target of miR-21. These opposing responses to infection prompted an investigation of the relationship between miR-21, Cdc25a, and viral replication. Overexpression of miR-21 in NPCs and U-251MG cells inhibited viral gene expression, genome replication, and production of infectious progeny, while shRNA-knockdown of miR-21 in U-251MG cells increased viral gene expression. In contrast, overexpression of Cdc25a in U-251MG cells increased viral gene expression and production of infectious progeny and overcame the inhibitory effects of miR-21 overexpression. Three viral gene products—IE1, pp71, and UL26—were shown to inhibit miR-21 expression at the transcriptional level. These results suggest that Cdc25a promotes HCMV replication and elevation of Cdc25a levels after HCMV infection are due in part to HCMV-mediated repression of miR-21. Thus, miR-21 is an intrinsic antiviral factor that is modulated by HCMV infection. This suggests a role for miR-21 downregulation in the neuropathogenesis of HCMV infection of the developing CNS.

IMPORTANCEHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen and has very high prevalence among population, especially in China, and congenital HCMV infection is a major cause for birth defects. Elucidating virus-host interactions that govern HCMV replication in neuronal cells is critical to understanding the neuropathogenesis of birth defects resulting from congenital infection. In this study, we confirm that HCMV infection downregulates miR-21 but upregulates Cdc25a. Further determined the negative effects of cellular miRNA miR-21 on HCMV replication in neural progenitor/stem cells and U-251MG glioblastoma/astrocytoma cells. More importantly, our results provide the first evidence that miR-21 negatively regulates HCMV replication by targeting Cdc25a, a vital cell cycle regulator. We further found that viral gene products of IE1, pp71, and UL26 play roles in inhibiting miR-21 expression, which in turn causes increases in Cdc25a and benefits HCMV replication. Thus, miR-21 appears to be an intrinsic antiviral factor that represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Short Conserved Sequences of HIV-1 Are Highly Immunogenic and Shift Immunodominance
Authors: Yang Otto O. , Ali Ayub , Kasahara Noriyuki , Faure-Kumar Emmanuelle , Bae Jin Young , Picker Louis J. , Park Haesun
Published: November 2014

Cellular immunity is pivotal in HIV-1 pathogenesis but is hampered by viral sequence diversity. An approach to minimize this diversity is to focus immunity on conserved proteome sequences; therefore, we selected four relatively conserved regions (Gag amino acids 148 to 214 and 250 to 335, Env amino acids 521 to 606, and Nef amino acids 106 to 148), each created in three mosaics, to provide better coverage of M-group HIV-1 sequences. A conserved-region vaccine (CRV) delivering genes for these four regions as equal mixtures of three mosaics each (each region at a separate injection site) was compared to a whole-protein vaccine (WPV) delivering equimolar amounts of genes for whole Gag, Env, and Nef as clade B consensus sequences (separate injection sites). Three rhesus macaques were vaccinated via three DNA primes and a recombinant adenovirus type 5 boost (weeks 0, 4, 8, and 24, respectively). Although CRV inserts were about one-fifth that of WPV, the CRV generated comparable-magnitude blood CD4
+
and CD8
+
T lymphocyte responses against Gag, Env, and Nef. WPV responses preferentially targeted proteome areas outside the selected conserved regions in direct proportion to sequence lengths, indicating similar immunogenicities for the conserved regions and the outside regions. The CRV yielded a conserved-region targeting density that was approximately 5-fold higher than that of the WPV. A similar pattern was seen for bronchoalveolar lymphocytes, but with quadruple the magnitudes seen in blood. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the selected conserved regions are highly immunogenic and that anatomically isolated vaccinations with these regions focus immunodominance compared to the case for full-length protein vaccination.

IMPORTANCE
HIV-1 sequence diversity is a major barrier limiting the capability of cellular immunity to contain infection and the ability of vaccines to match circulating viral sequences. To date, vaccines tested in humans have delivered whole proteins or genes for whole proteins, and it is unclear whether including only conserved sequences would yield sufficient cellular immunogenicity. We tested a vaccine delivering genes for four small conserved HIV-1 regions compared to a control vaccine with genes for whole Gag, Env, and Nef. Although the conserved regions ranged from 43 to 86 amino acids and comprised less than one-fifth of the whole Gag/Env/Nef sequence, the vaccines elicited equivalent total magnitudes of both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T lymphocyte responses. These data demonstrate the immunogenicity of these small conserved regions and the potential for a vaccine to steer immunodominance toward conserved epitopes.
Complete Genome Characterization of Recent and Ancient Belgian Pig Group A Rotaviruses and Assessment of Their Evolutionary Relationship with Human Rotaviruses
Authors: Theuns Sebastiaan , Heylen Elisabeth , Zeller Mark , Roukaerts Inge D. M. , Desmarets Lowiese M. B. , Van Ranst Marc , Nauwynck Hans J. , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: November 2014

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are an important cause of diarrhea in young pigs and children. An evolutionary relationship has been suggested to exist between pig and human RVAs. This hypothesis was further investigated by phylogenetic analysis of the complete genomes of six recent (G2P[27], G3P[6], G4P[7], G5P[7], G9P[13], and G9P[23]) and one historic (G1P[7]) Belgian pig RVA strains and of all completely characterized pig RVAs from around the globe. In contrast to the large diversity of genotypes found for the outer capsid proteins VP4 and VP7, a relatively conserved genotype constellation (I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1) was found for the other 9 genes in most pig RVA strains. VP1, VP2, VP3, NSP2, NSP4, and NSP5 genes of porcine RVAs belonged to genotype 1, which is shared with human Wa-like RVAs. However, for most of these gene segments, pig strains clustered distantly from human Wa-like RVAs, indicating that viruses from both species have entered different evolutionary paths. However, VP1, VP2, and NSP3 genes of some archival human strains were moderately related to pig strains. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP6, NSP1, and NSP3 genes, as well as amino acid analysis of the antigenic regions of VP7, further confirmed this evolutionary segregation. The present results also indicate that the species barrier is less strict for pig P[6] strains but that chances for successful spread of these strains in the human population are hampered by the better adaptation of pig RVAs to pig enterocytes. However, future surveillance of pig and human RVA strains is warranted.

IMPORTANCE
Rotaviruses are an important cause of diarrhea in many species, including pigs and humans. Our understanding of the evolutionary relationship between rotaviruses from both species is limited by the lack of genomic data on pig strains. In this study, recent and ancient Belgian pig rotavirus isolates were sequenced, and their evolutionary relationship with human Wa-like strains was investigated. Our data show that Wa-like human and pig strains have entered different evolutionary paths. Our data indicate that pig P[6] strains form the most considerable risk for interspecies transmission to humans. However, efficient spread of pig strains in the human population is most likely hampered by the adaptation of some crucial viral proteins to the cellular machinery of pig enterocytes. These data allow a better understanding of the risk for direct interspecies transmission events and the emergence of pig rotaviruses or pig-human reassortants in the human population.
Mutations in HIV-1 Envelope That Enhance Entry with the Macaque CD4 Receptor Alter Antibody Recognition by Disrupting Quaternary Interactions within the Trimer
Authors: Boyd David F. , Peterson Dylan , Haggarty Beth S. , Jordan Andrea P. O. , Hogan Michael J. , Goo Leslie , Hoxie James A. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: November 2014

Chimeric simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (SHIV) infection of macaques is commonly used to model HIV type 1 (HIV-1) transmission and pathogenesis in humans. Despite the fact that SHIVs encode SIV antagonists of the known macaque host restriction factors, these viruses require additional adaptation for replication in macaques to establish a persistent infection. Additional adaptation may be required in part because macaque CD4 (mCD4) is a suboptimal receptor for most HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) variants. This requirement raises the possibility that adaptation of HIV-1 Env to the macaque host leads to selection of variants that lack important biological and antigenic properties of the viruses responsible for the HIV-1 pandemic in humans. Here, we investigated whether this adaptation process leads to changes in the antigenicity and structure of HIV-1 Env. For this purpose, we examined how two independent mutations that enhance mCD4-mediated entry, A204E and G312V, impact antibody recognition in the context of seven different parental HIV-1 Env proteins from diverse subtypes. We also examined HIV-1 Env variants from three SHIVs that had been adapted for increased replication in macaques. Our results indicate that these different macaque-adapted variants had features in common, including resistance to antibodies directed to quaternary epitopes and sensitivity to antibodies directed to epitopes in the variable domains (V2 and V3) that are buried in the parental, unadapted Env proteins. Collectively, these findings suggest that adaptation to mCD4 results in conformational changes that expose epitopes in the variable domains and disrupt quaternary epitopes in the native Env trimer.

IMPORTANCEThese findings indicate the antigenic consequences of adapting HIV-1 Env to mCD4. They also suggest that to best mimic HIV-1 infection in humans when using the SHIV/macaque model, HIV-1 Env proteins should be identified that use mCD4 as a functional receptor and preserve quaternary epitopes characteristic of HIV-1 Env.
Two Classes of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies within a Single Lineage Directed to the High-Mannose Patch of HIV Envelope
Authors: Doores Katie J. , Kong Leopold , Krumm Stefanie A. , Le Khoa M. , Sok Devin , Laserson Uri , Garces Fernando , Poignard Pascal , Wilson Ian A. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: November 2014

The high-mannose patch of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope (Env) elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) during natural infection relatively frequently, and consequently, this region has become a major target of vaccine design. However, it has also become clear that antibody recognition of the region is complex due, at least in part, to variability in neighboring loops and glycans critical to the epitopes. bnAbs against this region have some shared features and some distinguishing features that are crucial to understand in order to design optimal immunogens that can induce different classes of bnAbs against this region. Here, we compare two branches of a single antibody lineage, in which all members recognize the high-mannose patch. One branch (prototype bnAb PGT128) has a 6-amino-acid insertion in CDRH2 that is crucial for broad neutralization. Antibodies in this branch appear to favor a glycan site at N332 on gp120, and somatic hypermutation is required to accommodate the neighboring V1 loop glycans and glycan heterogeneity. The other branch (prototype bnAb PGT130) lacks the CDRH2 insertion. Antibodies in this branch are noticeably effective at neutralizing viruses with an alternate N334 glycan site but are less able to accommodate glycan heterogeneity. We identify a new somatic variant within this branch that is predominantly dependent on N334. The crystal structure of PGT130 offers insight into differences from PGT128. We conclude that different immunogens may be required to elicit bnAbs that have the optimal characteristics of the two branches of the lineage described.

IMPORTANCE
Development of an HIV vaccine is of vital importance for prevention of new infections, and it is thought that elicitation of HIV bnAbs will be an important component of an effective vaccine. Increasingly, bnAbs that bind to the cluster of high-mannose glycans on the HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp120, are being highlighted as important templates for vaccine design. In particular, bnAbs from IAVI donor 36 (PGT125 to PGT131) have been shown to be extremely broad and potent. Combination of these bnAbs enhanced neutralization breadth considerably, suggesting that an optimal immunogen should elicit several antibodies from this family. Here we study the evolution of this antibody family to inform immunogen design. We identify two classes of bnAbs that differ in their recognition of the high-mannose patch and show that different immunogens may be required to elicit these different classes.
Physician user satisfaction with an electronic medical records system in primary healthcare centres in Al Ain: a qualitative study
Authors: Al Alawi Shamma , Al Dhaheri Aysha , Al Baloushi Durra , Al Dhaheri Mouza , Prinsloo Engela A M
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To explore physician satisfaction with an electronic medical records (EMR) system, to identify and explore the main limitations of the system and finally to submit recommendations to address these limitations.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study that entailed three focus group interviews was performed among physicians using open-ended questions. The interviews were audiotaped, documented and transcribed verbatim. The themes were explored and analysed in different categories.

Setting

The study was conducted in primary healthcare centres (PHC) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Participants

A total of 23 physicians, all using the same EMR system, attended one of three focus groups held in PHC in Al Ain Medical District. Each focus group consisted of 7–9 physicians working in PHC as family medicine specialists, residents or general practitioners.

Primary outcome measure

Physician satisfaction with the EMR system.

Results

Key themes emerged and were categorised as physician-dependent, patient-related and system-related factors. In general, physicians were satisfied with the EMR system in spite of initial difficulties with implementation. Most participants identified that the long time required to do the documentation affected their practice and patient communication. Many physicians expressed satisfaction with the orders and results of laboratory and radiology functions and they emphasised that this was the strongest point in the EMR. They were also satisfied with the electronic prescription function, stating that it reduced errors and saved time.

Conclusions

Physicians are satisfied with the EMR and have a positive perception regarding the application of the system. Several themes emerged during this study that need to be considered to enhance the EMR system. Further studies need to be conducted among other healthcare practitioners and patients to explore their attitude and perception about the EMR.