bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type-2 among patients attending the Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Agabi Yusuf A. , Banwat Edmund B. , Mawak John D , Lar Patricia M , Dashe Nanma , Dashen Michael M , Adoga Moses P , Agabi Felicia Y , Zakari Hashimu
Published: November 2010

Background: Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of genital herpes and the most common cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide.  There is little information on the prevalence of HSV-2 in Nigeria.        Methodology: Specimens were collected from 162 volunteers attending Jos University Teaching Hospital and tested for HSV-2 antibodies using HSV-2 Type specific IgG EIA test kit (Globalemed LLC Alexandria VA, USA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. numbr Results: Out of the 162 individuals tested, 141 (87.0%) were HSV-2 positive. Infected individuals were more likely to be male than female (92.8% versus 86.4%; P > 0.05). There were high rates of infection in all age groups, and the prevalence increased with age. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HSV-2 prevalence was not significantly associated with increasing age, sex, marital status, occupation, educational status, and number of sex partners (P > 0.05).   Conclusions: The results highlight the potential public health impact of HSV-2 in Nigeria where anti-HSV-2 testing is not generally performed in all populations, especially considering the risk of neonatal transmission and the attendant complications at birth.
Distribution of pathogenicity islands among Colombian isolates of Salmonella
Authors: Sánchez-Jiménez Miryan Margot , Cardona-Castro Nora María , Canu Nunzia , Uzzau Sergio , Rubino Salvatore
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) are regions scattered along the bacterial chromosome, with an acknowledged pivotal role during gastrointestinal and systemic infection. The distribution of SPIs has been investigated in reference strains. However, there is a lack of studies on their presence and/or assortment within the genomes of Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) serovars that circulate in different geographical regions. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the presence of genes of the pathogenicity islands 1 to 5 (SPI-1 to 5), in Salmonella clinical isolates from Colombian patients with systemic and enteric outcomes. Methodology: A total of 125 strains of S. enterica belonging to different serovars were isolated from various clinical samples. Strains were identified and screened for the presence of various genes located in pathogenicity islands. The genes tested were selected according to the attributed pathogenic function and detected by PCR for the SPI-1 hilA and invA; for SPI-2 spiC and ttrC; for SPI-3 misL and mgtC; for SPI-4 orfL and SPI-4R; and for SPI-5 pipD and sopB. Results: Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 to 5 were detected in isolates from patients with systemic and gastrointestinal infection. All the systemic isolates possessed all the genes tested; in contrast, 16 isolates from stool samples lacked one or more sequences encoded by the SPI-3 and SPI-4 (p < 0.000001). Conclusions: These results describe the heterogeneous distribution of SPIs-encoded sequences within the genomes of Colombian clinical isolates, and reveal important differences among systemic and stool sample isolates.
Prevalence of shigellosis diarrhoea in a paediatrics population: hospital based survey in Bangui, Central African Republic
Authors: Manirakiza Alexandre , Megne-Boudjeka Prisca , Bobossi-Serengbe Gustave , Bercion Raymond , Le Faou Alain
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Shigellosis is still a major public health problem in sub-Saharan countries, especially among children. Methodology: The prevalence of shigellosis in children presenting with diarrhoea in the Complexe Pédiatrique de Bangui, Central African Republic, was determined. Stools were analyzed in the bacteriology laboratory of the Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Central African Republic, where identification of Shigella species and analysis of antibiotics susceptibility were performed. Results: A total of 15 strains of Shigella were isolated from 156 stools; Shigella flexneri was the only species found. Two infected children died of dehydration. Most strains were resistant to antibiotics except quinolones, which were active on all of these strains. Conclusions: The control of Shigella infections should be reinforced in Bangui, and accurate, affordable and rapid methods of diagnosis would be helpful.
Evaluation of bacterial multiplication in cleaning cloths containing different quantities of organic matter
Authors: Bartz Sabrina , Ritter Ana Carolina , Tondo Eduardo Cesar
Published: November 2010

Introduction: To determine a proper length of time for cleaning cloth usage, the present work aimed to evaluate bacterial multiplication in artificially contaminated cleaning cloths containing different amounts of organic matter. Methodology: Cloths containing 1%, 5%, and 10% of bovine albumin were contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis 3091/05, Escherichia coli ATCC 25972, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Shigella sonnei CC07. They were incubated for different time periods at 30°C. Microbial multiplication was evaluated by bacterial counts and the ATP bioluminescence increase was monitored at sampling points. An ampicillin-resistant recombinant HSα E. coli strain was used as a pathogen surrogate to investigate the potential of microbial cloth dispersion. Results: None of the strains showed expressive growth up to two hours of incubation. At three hours, the microorganisms demonstrated a slight increase, with E. coli ATCC 25972 showing a significant increase in cells (p < 0.05).  The ATP bioluminescence did not increase during the incubation period and confirmed the microbial count results, demonstrating that the amounts of organic matter tested did not interfere with bacterial multiplication during the first three to four hours of incubation. The dispersion experiment indicated that a cleaning cloth contaminated with 104 CFU/cm2 was able to spread 102 CFU/cm2 of recombinant E. coli onto a stainless steel surface. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest that an appropriate period of time for using disinfected cleaning cloths is around two hours, not exceeding three hours of usage.
Bovine immunodeficiency virus and bovine leukemia virus and their mixed infection in Iranian Holstein cattle
Authors: Nikbakht Brujeni Gholamreza , Taghi Poorbazargani Taghi , Nadin-Davis Susan , Tolooie Mohammad , Barjesteh Neda
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV) have worldwide distributions, but their prevalences in Iran are unknown. We investigated the presence of infections in Iranian Holstein cattle and determined changes in hematological values for infected animals. Methodology: Nested PCR was used on blood samples from 143 animals Holstein cattle to detect proviral BIV and BLV gag sequences. Flow cytometric analysis was performed using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CD4, CD8, and CD21 bovine T lymphocyte subsets. Results: Proviral BIV and BLV gag sequences were detected in 20.3% and 17% of the animals, respectively. BIV-BLV confection was also detected in 4.2% of the study population but this was not statistically significant. Flow cytometric analysis showed that both BIV-infected cows and non-infected ones had CD4/CD8 ratios of 2.45 and 1.43, respectively, and this difference was significant. BLV infected and non-infected animals had no significant differences in their CD4/CD8 ratio. In comparison to non-infected cattle, those with both BIV and BLV had a significant decrease in their CD4/CD8 ratios (1.5 % vs. 2.3; P = 0.01). Conclusion: This is the first report of BIV and BLV infections in Iran. We found no evidence that infection with one agent predisposed an animal to infection with the other. BIV infection may have a role in decreasing T CD8 counts, but this may depend on the genetics of the cattle and virus strains involved.
Disseminated cryptococcosis and fluconazole resistant oral candidiasis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Authors: Kothavade Rajendra J , Oberai Chetan M , Valand Arvind G , Panthaki Mehroo H
Published: November 2010

Disseminated cryptococcosis and recurrent oral candidiasis was presented in a-heterosexual AIDS patient. Candida tropicalis (C.tropicalis) was isolated from the oral pseudomembranous plaques and Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) was isolated from maculopapular lesions on body parts (face, hands and chest) and body fluids (urine, expectorated sputum, and cerebrospinal fluid). In vitro drug susceptibility testing on the yeast isolates demonstrated resistance to fluconazole acquired by C. tropicalis which was a suggestive possible root cause of recurrent oral candidiasis in this patient.
Chronic hepatitis B infection in a hepatology clinic at a university hospital in Jeddah
Authors: Fallatah Hind , Akbar Hisham
Published: November 2010

Introduction: The outcome of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in a cohort of CHB patients at the hepatology clinics of King Abdul Aziz University Hospital in Jeddah was studied. Methodology: The results of a complete blood count, prothrombin time, liver function test and hepatitis B virus polymerase chain reaction (HBV-PCR) performed over the previous two to five years of follow-up were reviewed.   Results of abdominal ultrasound performed within the last year and the data on the treatment type, duration and resistance were also obtained. Results:  The majority of the 109 patients studied were Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg-negative; 87.2%).  Male patients had higher serum ALT values compared to females at follow-up.  HBeAg-positive patients had higher HBV-PCR levels at diagnosis compared to HBeAg-negative patients. Patients below 40 years of age had higher HBV-PCR compared to those above 40 years. Ultrasound showed liver cirrhosis in 11% of patients.  Cirrhotic patients had higher GGT levels compared to non cirrhotic patients. Drug resistance developed in 25% of the 20 Lamivudine-treated patients. The mean duration of treatment was 2.5 ± .47 years. Conclusion: CHB was predominantly HBeAg negative, with a benign long-term outcome in most patients.  Therapy may need to be individualized for patients with high risk of progression.
Evidence-based public health and prospects for malaria control in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Marcelo Urbano , Da Silva-Nunes Monica
Published: November 2010

Despite intensive control efforts over the past decades, Brazil still accounts for more than 50% of the malaria burden in the Americas and the Caribbean, with 458,041 slide-confirmed cases reported countrywide in 2007. The reason malaria has proved so difficult to control in this middle-income country with a reasonable health infrastructure remains unclear. Here we examine whether four strategies that were largely successful in other countries (aggressive active case detection, improved anti-relapse therapy for P. vivax infections, distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, and selective house spraying with residual insecticides) are likely to work in Brazil. We review evidence from field and laboratory studies and identify gaps in our knowledge that require further investigation with well-designed large-scale trials.
Acute hepatitis: a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
Authors: Uluğ Mehmet , Çelen Mustafa Kemal , Ayaz Celal , Geyik Mehmet Faruk , Hoşoğlu Salih
Published: November 2010

Infectious Mononucleosis (IM), a benign lymphoproliferative disease, is the best known clinical syndrome caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). It usually resolves over a period of weeks or months without sequelae but may occasionally be complicated by a wide variety of neurologic, hematologic, hepatic, respiratory, and psychological complications. In this report we describe a patient with acute hepatitis following EBV-IM in a previously healthy woman. A 26-year-old woman who presented with fever, generalized weakness, nausea, sore throat, yellowing of skin, and a generalized skin rash was admitted to our clinic. Tonsillar enlargement, pharyngeal erythema, palatal petechiae, lymphadenopathy, and jaundice were noted. Significant atypical lymphocytes ( > 10%) were seen on the peripheral blood smear. Liver function tests such as ALT: 303 U/L, AST: 172 U/L, ALP: 193 U/L and total bilirubin: 7.3 mg/dl were elevated. Serological tests for EBV infection were consistent with acute infection (EBV virus capsid antigen was reactive with IgM and IgG antibodies). The Monospot test was also positive. On the seventh day, liver function tests and bilirubin had risen to peak level and platelets were decreased. The patient was managed supportively and her critical condition improved and was finally stabilized. Although the prognosis for IM is very favorable, a variety of acute complications may occur.
Comparison of immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction for detection of West Nile virus in naturally infected dead birds
Authors: Sandhu Tejbir S , Sidhu Dalbinder S , Dhillon Major S , Fang Ying
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Credible vector-borne disease surveillance programs, especially in developing countries with limited resources, must include diagnostic tests that are efficient, inexpensive and simple and safe to administer while maintaining high levels of sensitivity and specificity. Since immunohistochemistry (IHC) includes most of these features, its sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value (PPV) and predictive negative value (PNV) for West Nile virus (WNv) screening were compared to those of the gold standard, RT-PCR testing of kidney tissue in dead birds. Methodology: IHC and RT-PCR were performed for WNv antigen on 41 dead birds (belonging to five orders) collected from the northwest region of the Riverside County of California. Fixed tissue sections were screened by IHC using polyclonal antibodies, and frozen kidney tissues were tested with RT-PCR. Results: Kidney screening with IHC showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 95.45%, 73.68%, 80.77% and 93.33%, respectively. Based on WNv screening of kidney tissue, IHC and RT-PCR were in agreement with 95.45% (21/22) for positive dead birds and were in 100% (22/22) agreement when multi-organ screening by IHC was performed. Conclusions: The present study showed that IHC is as equally effective as RT-PCR in screening for WNv in dead birds. Therefore, IHC can effectively serve as a competent screening technique for those disease surveillance agencies that lack expensive RT-PCR technology while promoting safer biohazardous conditions, except at the initial stage of tissue collection.
Multiple-Clones of Streptococcus agalactiae harbouring lnuB gene
Authors: Faccone Diego , Lalonardi Florencia , Abel Sofia , Machain Monica , Errecalde Laura , Littvik Ana , Kauffman Sara , Galas Marcelo , WHONET-Argentina Group , Corso Alejandra
Published: November 2010

Six S. agalactiae displaying an L-phenotype were recovered from recto-vaginal screening culture from 3 hospitals. S. agalactiae isolates showed susceptible MICs to erythromycin, MIC≤0.12mg/L, and azithromycin, MIC≤0.25mg/L, but resistant MICs to clindamycin, MIC=4mg/L, and lincomycin, MIC=64-128mg/L. Isolates were PCR positive for lnuB gene. Four clones were discriminated by ApaI-PFGE (n): A (3), B (1), C (1) and D (1). Here we describe for the first time the polyclonal emergence of S. agalactiae harboring the lnuB gene in Latin-America.
Influence of Childhood Scleroderma on Physical Function and Quality of Life
Authors: BAILDAM EILEEN M. , ENNIS HOLLY , FOSTER HELEN E. , SHAW LINDSAY , CHIENG ALICE S.E. , KELLY JANE , HERRICK ARIANE L. , RICHARDS HELEN L.
Published: November 2010

Objective.

There have been few studies of quality of life in childhood scleroderma and these focused predominantly on self-perception and the influence of skin lesions. Our cross-sectional study aimed to describe the influence of childhood scleroderma on physical function and quality of life in relation to clinical and demographic measures.

Methods.

Children with either localized scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) attending pediatric rheumatology clinics, together with their parents or guardians, were asked to complete a set of 4 validated measures. Clinical and demographic data were provided by consultant pediatric rheumatologists.

Results.

In total, 28 children and their parents/guardians participated in the study (68% female, median age 13 yrs; 86% localized scleroderma, 14% SSc). The median Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) score was 0.1 (range 0–3, 0 indicating no impairment), the median Child Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) score was 5 (range 0–30, 0 indicating no impairment), and the median Child Quality of Life Questionnaire (CQOL) function score was 26 (range 0–105, 0 indicating no impairment). Family activity, measured by the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-PF50), was also moderately impaired by scleroderma, with a median score of 83 (0–100, 100 indicating no impairment).

Conclusion.

Scleroderma had only a moderate effect on quality of life and physical function as measured by the 4 validated instruments. Although a small number of children reported greater impairment, this is an encouraging finding, given its potential disfiguring and debilitating effects.
Effect of Atorvastatin on Inflammation and Modification of Vascular Risk Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: EL-BARBARY AMAL M. , HUSSEIN MANAL S. , RAGEH ELSAYED M. , HAMOUDA HALA E. , WAGIH AYMAN A. , ISMAIL RAGHDA G.
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To investigate the effect of atorvastatin therapy on inflammation, disease activity, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

This study included 30 patients with early RA, randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 15) received methotrexate (MTX; 0.2 mg/kg/week; mean (15.5 ± SD 1.3) plus prednisone (10 mg/day). Group 2 (n = 15) received MTX and prednisone with the same previous doses plus atorvastatin therapy (40 mg/day). Ten healthy individuals of similar age and sex served as controls. Disease activity, lipid profile, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), resistin, adiponectin, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were measured before and after 6 months of treatment.

Results.

Atorvastatin combined with MTX therapy significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001). Disease activity variables, serum MDA, TNF-α, resistin, adiponectin, and FMD were significantly improved by the drug combinations (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Atorvastatin therapy in patients with RA reduced disease activity and conventional and novel vascular risk factors that promote the atheromatous lesion. Therapy was also associated with concomitant improvement in endothelial function.
Thrombin-cleaved Osteopontin Levels in Synovial Fluid Correlate with Disease Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: HASEGAWA MASAHIRO , SEGAWA TATSUYA , MAEDA MASAHIRO , YOSHIDA TOSHIMICHI , SUDO AKIHIRO
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Although osteoarthritis (OA) is generally assessed using standard radiographic images in clinical practice, biochemical markers can be used to detect the disease and determine its severity. Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is a potential inflammatory cytokine. Presence of the thrombin-cleaved form of OPN is well correlated with various inflammatory diseases. We examined whether thrombin-cleaved OPN in synovial fluid (SF) and synovium could be associated with the severity of knee OA.

Methods.

SF samples were obtained from 139 knees with OA. Thrombin-cleaved OPN product was determined using Western blotting. Levels of thrombin-cleaved and full-length OPN in SF were determined by ELISA. Synovium samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using an antibody specific to the thrombin-cleaved form.

Results.

Western blotting showed the presence of thrombin-cleaved OPN in SF from patients with advanced OA. Concentrations of OPN full-length in OA knees were not statistically different from those in controls (p = 0.134). In contrast, levels of OPN N-half were significantly higher in OA knees than in controls (p = 0.042). Statistically significant correlation was found between thrombin-cleaved OPN and disease severity by Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 (R = 0.274, p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry of the synovium showed stronger reactivity in samples from subjects with advanced OA.

Conclusion.

Local generation of thrombin-cleaved OPN was increased with greater OA severity.
Genetic Studies of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Koreans Confirm Associations with ERAP1 and 2p15 Reported in White Patients
Authors: BANG SO-YOUNG , KIM TAE-HWAN , LEE BITNARA , KWON EUNJI , CHOI SANG HYUN , LEE KI SOO , SHIM SEUNG CHEOL , POPE ANGELA , RAHMAN PROTON , REVEILLE JOHN D. , INMAN ROBERT D.
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Investigators from the Australo-Anglo-American Spondyloarthritis Consortium have reported additional genes associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility including IL1R2, ANTXR2, and gene deserts at 2p15 and 21q22. We evaluated these new candidate genes in a large cohort of Korean patients with AS.

Methods.

A group of 1164 patients with AS and 752 healthy controls were enrolled for our study. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were analyzed to define genetic association with AS by MassARRAY system.

Results.

Significant positive associations of AS with endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 SNP, rs27037 (p = 1.31 × 10−4), and rs27434 (p = 4.59 × 10−6), were observed. The rs10865331 of gene desert at 2p15 also showed a significant association with AS (p = 4.63 × 10−5).

Conclusion.

This is the first confirmation in a nonwhite population that genetic polymorphisms of rs27037, rs27434, and rs10865331 are associated with AS, implicating common pathogenetic mechanisms in Korean and white patients with AS.
Beware of Antibodies to Dietary Proteins in “Antigen-specific” Immunoassays! Falsely Positive Anticytokine Antibody Tests Due to Reactivity with Bovine Serum Albumin in Rheumatoid Arthritis (The Swedish TIRA Project)
Authors: SJÖWALL CHRISTOPHER , KASTBOM ALF , ALMROTH GUNNEL , WETTERÖ JONAS , SKOGH THOMAS
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To evaluate (1) to what extent sera from healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contain antibodies to bovine serum albumin (BSA); and (2) if anti-BSA antibodies interfere with results of enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) containing BSA.

Methods.

The ELISA used was a previously developed in-house assay of autoantibodies to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Anti-TNF and anti-BSA antibodies were analyzed by ELISA in 189 patients with early RA and 186 healthy blood donors. TNF preparations containing either BSA or human serum albumin (HSA) as carrier proteins were used as antigens in the anti-TNF assay. The presence and levels of antibodies were analyzed in relation to disease course and to the presence/absence of rheumatoid factor (RF).

Results.

In patients with RA, anti-TNF/BSA levels strongly correlated with anti-BSA levels (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), whereas anti-TNF/HSA did not (r = −0.09). Neither the presence nor the levels of anti-BSA in RA patients were associated with disease progression, and antibody levels were not significantly altered compared to controls (p = 0.11). IgG reactivity with TNF/HSA was neglible. In paired sera, preincubation with BSA abolished the anti-TNF/BSA reactivity. There were no indications of RF interference with anti-BSA or anti-TNF reactivity.

Conclusion.

Antibodies to BSA are common in patients with RA as well as in healthy individuals. Their presence does not seem to be associated with RA disease activity or disease course, but may severely interfere with ELISA containing BSA. The use of BSA as a “blocking agent” or carrier protein in immunoassays should therefore be avoided.
Multiagents System applied on a Cyberbullying Model for a Social Network
Authors: Ochoa Alberto , Ponce Julio , Hernández Alberto , Padilla Felipe
Published: November 2010

The contribution of this chapter is to present a novel approach to explain the performance of a novel Cyberbullying model applied on a Social Network using Multiagents to improve the understanding of this social behavior. This approach will be useful to answer diverse queries after gathering general information about abusive behavior. These mistreated people will be characterized by following each one of their tracks on the Web and simulated with agents to obtain information to make decisions to improve their life’s and reduce their vulnerability in different locations on a social network and to prevent its retort in others.
Examining Race Hate Crime with Students using a Cross Cultural International Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Authors: Buchanan Julian , Wilson Steve , Gopal Nirmala
Published: November 2010

This chapter explores the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to bring together students in criminology and social work from three universities across the globe (the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa; the University of Washington in the United States of America; and Glyndwr University in Wales, United Kingdom), to examine the issue of racism and hate crime. The chapter provides a detailed case study of an online learning environment constructed to facilitate a four week international student conference. The chapter draws strongly upon the student experience and voice, extracted from the anonymous completion of online questionnaires at the end of the conference. The student narrative is supplemented by the experiences of the three authors who facilitated and managed the online learning process. The chapter explores the educational opportunities and limitations in respect of: online learning generally; the cross cultural shared experience; and in terms of engaging students in investigating global social issues.
“Ethics” and “Social Responsibility” in Financial Crises as Parameters of the Financial Environment
Authors: Stefan Alex , Ursutiu Doru , Samoila Cornel
Published: November 2010

The world financial crisis and the economic recession have introduced major ethical issues to our international banking institutions. Employees perform unethical acts primarily to maintain job security and to ensure a competitive advantage in the job market. Increased hacking has also caused damage to client confidence, resulting in a customer base decline and increased litigation. These problems are further complicated when bank steering committees decide to outsource IT and help desk departments to IBM1. The legal implications of bank hacking issues are included in the Computer Misuse Act, the Evidence Act, and different state and federal laws that define the contractual relationship between the bank and its clients. To ensure financial systems are secure, banks must vigorously apply policies and controls. Unscrupulous persons both from within and outside of investment banks seek to gain profit by employing, at best, very questionable practices. Banks must implement a business continuity plan to integrate previous records and financial statements, as well as back up transactions and provide proper receipts. This is a case study that can be used for students of Computer Security or Computer Science.
Law, Deviation and Paradigmatic Change
Authors: Larsson Stefan , Hydén Håkan
Published: November 2010

Drawing on debates in Sweden about Internet freedom, particularly those connected to copyright and file-sharing, and on the European legislative trend of amending copyright, this chapter analyses metaphors and conceptions in terms of a societal paradigmatic shift and the collision of mentalities. Kuhnian paradigms are wedded with the mentalities of the French Annales school of historic research. The chapter argues that the “building blocks” of these mentalities and paradigms can be studied in metaphors, in public debates or in legislation, which may reveal the conceptions they emanate from. This chapter touches upon ethical, moral and legal issues related to the digitisation of society. The relevancy of this chapter in relation to the theme of the book is found in the problematisation of “deviancy”. One has to ask from what perspective or paradigm the judgment of the behaviour takes place, and in what historical context it is made.
The Case of “Illicit Appropriation” in the Use of Technology
Authors: Gámez Eduardo H. Calvillo , Nieto-Gómez Rodrigo
Published: November 2010

In this chapter, the authors play the devil‘s advocate to those who favor strict government supervision over technology itself. The authors’ argument is that technology is a “neutral” mean to an end, and that the use of technology to detract social deviations is dependent on public policy and social behavior. To elaborate their argument they propose the concept of “illicit appropriation”, based on the Human Computer Interaction concept of appropriation. The authors argue that sometimes appropriation can be geared towards activities that can be considered as illicit, and in some cases criminal. They illustrate the use of illicit appropriation through a series of case studies of current events, in which they show that either a state or the individual can rely on illicit appropriation. The authors’ final conclusion is that the use of technology to combat social deviations is not a technological problem, but a public policy issue, where a delicate balance has to be found between the enforcement of the law by technological means (approved by legislation), the user experience, the civil liberties of the individual and the checks and balances to the power of the state. This chapter is written from the expertise of the authors on Human Computer Interaction and Security Studies.
Digital Technology
Authors: Houle Philip A.
Published: November 2010

Digital technologies are at the heart of all modern communication and information systems. The technologies have evolved from expensive component devices to current inexpensive systems used by everyone. This chapter examines digital technology in terms of its capabilities and limitations. It attempts to answer the following questions: What is digital technology? How does digital technology represent characters, symbols, and language? How does digital technology represent sound, images, and video? How does digital technology store and transmit these types of information? Finally, this chapter explores limitations of digital technology.
Pricing in the Digital Age
Authors: Miller Chip E.
Published: November 2010

Consumers have greater ability than ever to compare prices on products using the Internet. Also, information goods can be sold at much lower prices because of greatly reduced or almost non-existent costs of production. However, because of the ease of pirating information goods, company pricing strategy must take steps to offset losses from unauthorized copies of digital goods. An overview of traditional pricing strategy is presented, followed with research findings of specific actions to undertake for optimal pricing strategy in various scenarios. Discussions of versioning, windowing, bundling and unbundling, with recommendations for use of each, follow. This chapter explores the pressures placed on prices, the strategies companies use when setting price, and provides examples and discussion of sales methods on the Internet for both physical and digital goods.
Accounting for Digital Products
Authors: Karaibrahimoglu Yasemin Zengin
Published: November 2010

Digital products are “content” goods such as software, books, music, or movies which can be digitized and traded on a digital market place. With the increase in trade and ownership of digital products, several important management issues have arisen. Accounting treatment for digital products is one important management issue. It is argued that digital products require regulations in terms of recognition, measurement, valuation, reporting and taxation. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss the accounting problems that arise as a result of the growing importance of digital products in the business environment and to propose suggestions based on the accounting concepts and standards. For this purpose, first, the increasing importance of digital products is briefly explained. Then, the challenge created as a result of expanding trading volume of digital products are discussed in terms of accounting with suggestions for the appropriate accounting for digital products.
Digital Convergence and Horizontal Integration Strategies
Authors: Strader Troy J.
Published: November 2010

Digital technology is unique in that it enables convergence of access devices and content as well as convergence of industry participant operations and strategy. This digital convergence creates opportunities, and threats, for developing new business models and unique growth strategies for digital product companies. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss examples where digital product companies have taken advantage of digital convergence through horizontal integration strategies that enable them to create unique mixes of products/services and reach larger markets. Actual horizontal integration strategy examples are discussed for several industries where products are in a digital form. In addition, potential cross-industry integration strategies and online intermediary (cybermediary) strategies are identified along with tactical level strategies for mass customization and use of interactivity tools and social networking. Strategic alternatives for introduction, growth, and maturity lifecycle stages are also discussed. The rationale for these strategies and implications for managers of digital product companies are discussed along with directions for future research.
The Role of the Internet in the Decline and Future of Regional Newspapers
Authors: Graham Gary
Published: November 2010

Digital technology has had a significant impact on the newspaper industry in many different areas of the world. The Internet and digital content technologies enable online newspapers to reach a wide audience and to reduce many of the costs associated with print newspapers, but there have also been some negative impacts including a loss of readers and advertising revenue for traditional printed newspapers. In this chapter, focus groups and interviews are used to investigate the following issues: (1) the role of the Internet in the decline of the social/business influence of regional newspapers, and (2) the impact of developments such as Web 2.0 on the future of regional news supply. The chapter concludes with a discussion of managerial implications for the future.
Software as a Service and the Pricing Strategy for Vendors
Authors: Abdat Nizar , Spruit Marco , Bos Menne
Published: November 2010

Software as a Service (SaaS) has been a dominant information technology (IT) news topic over the last few years. It is a new phenomenon where software as a digital product, instead of being locally installed and delivered as a product, has been shifted to being installed in data centers and delivered as a service. The users do not need to worry about the installation and maintenance of their software since these tasks have now become the responsibility of the vendor. In reality, many people are still puzzled about SaaS with other new technologies. Next to that, there are numerous enterprise users who hesitate to adopt SaaS solutions because of the idea of storing data outside their company. This chapter elaborates on the state-of-the-art of SaaS from both scientific and business perspectives to help readers better understand this technology.
The Private Copy Issue
Authors: Pina Pedro
Published: November 2010

Digital copyrights involve a combination of technology and law that seek to provide full control of the work by the rightholder. Managing rights over digital copyrighted contents through the use of consumers’ technological protection measures may however jeopardize some freedoms that copyright law has traditionally recognized, such as the private copy. In the present chapter, the author describes the conflict between the exclusive right to the exploitation of the work and the private copy issue; how modern copyright obstructs private copying and recent proposals regarding the conciliation between rightholders’ and consumers’ interests.
Service Systems as Digital Products
Authors: Chang Hsin-Lu , Shaw Michael J. , Lai Feipei
Published: November 2010

In this research, the authors study service systems and assess one emerging service innovation model: services as digital products. The focused area of application is to make the remote healthcare platform developed at National Taiwan University Hospital (the U-Health Service System) a comprehensive and effective “Service System as a Digital product”—made possible by new technology but in need of service designs and innovations. In addition to studying service delivery and innovation for the U-Health Service System, our research aims to stimulate attention toward the promising research opportunities for information systems scholars in several domains: (1) the development of service systems as digital products, (2) the development of service value models based on service processes, service delivery, service metrics and service outcomes, (3) the development of service metrics and the fit between service models, perceived value, and service metrics, and (4) the management of service systems and how to make them sustainable operationally and economically.
Digital Media
Authors: Hendrickson Anthony , Wachner Trent , Mathews Brook
Published: November 2010

Few would argue that digital technology has impacted nearly every industry, especially media and related firms. Media’s initial reaction to digital technology was reactive in nature: How can we convert traditional processes to fit digital technologies, mostly in the form of distribution (e.g., traditional newspapers making content available online)? In this chapter the authors argue that digital technologies have now permeated virtually every aspect of the value chain and are forcing traditional firms to rethink long held business models. The authors identify five areas of potential inquiry: (1) What is a resource in the digital age and why does this matter? (2) Where does value creation fit in today’s horizontal business models? (3) What is the demarcation between consuming content and creating content (e.g., user-generated content)? (4) What mechanisms can be used to assess quality in a world where anyone can publish? (5) What is the role of regulation and changing business models in the world of digital technology? They do not claim to have the answers, but they hope to at least create dialogue that encourages future research.
Digital Technology in the 21st Century
Authors: Strader Troy J.
Published: November 2010

Have digital technologies reached their full potential? It seems pretty clear that the answer is no. ?All aspects of digital technology continue to evolve as scientists make discoveries, managers incorporate these discoveries into their products and services, government agencies utilize new technologies to improve service provision and information management, and social scientists investigate the impact these new technologies may have on social interaction, the global economy, and society as a whole. This chapter describes recent developments in a range of digital technology areas including input devices, output methods, storage technology, process technology, and various applications including enhancement of the sensory rich environment enabled by digital technology, deep Web search, online language translation, improved security methods, automated payment systems, and interplanetary Internet. Impacts on broader societal institutions such as healthcare, government services, higher education, political campaigns, cybercrime law enforcement, and life at home are also identified. Digital technology trends and implications for digital product managers are discussed as well as directions for future research.
Ceramide and Ceramide 1-Phosphate Are Negative Regulators of TNF-α Production Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Józefowski Szczepan , Czerkies Maciej , Łukasik Anna , Bielawska Alicja , Bielawski Jacek , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna , Sobota Andrzej
Published: November 2010

LPS is a constituent of cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria that, acting through the CD14/TLR4 receptor complex, causes strong proinflammatory activation of macrophages. In murine peritoneal macrophages and J774 cells, LPS at 1–2 ng/ml induced maximal TNF-α and MIP-2 release, and higher LPS concentrations were less effective, which suggested a negative control of LPS action. While studying the mechanism of this negative regulation, we found that in J774 cells, LPS activated both acid sphingomyelinase and neutral sphingomyelinase and moderately elevated ceramide, ceramide 1-phosphate, and sphingosine levels. Lowering of the acid sphingomyelinase and neutral sphingomyelinase activities using inhibitors or gene silencing upregulated TNF-α and MIP-2 production in J774 cells and macrophages. Accordingly, treatment of those cells with exogenous C8-ceramide diminished TNF-α and MIP-2 production after LPS stimulation. Exposure of J774 cells to bacterial sphingomyelinase or interference with ceramide hydrolysis using inhibitors of ceramidases also lowered the LPS-induced TNF-α production. The latter result indicates that ceramide rather than sphingosine suppresses TNF-α and MIP-2 production. Of these two cytokines, only TNF-α was negatively regulated by ceramide 1-phosphate as was indicated by upregulated TNF-α production after silencing of ceramide kinase gene expression. None of the above treatments diminished NO or RANTES production induced by LPS. Together the data indicate that ceramide negatively regulates production of TNF-α and MIP-2 in response to LPS with the former being sensitive to ceramide 1-phosphate as well. We hypothesize that the ceramide-mediated anti-inflammatory pathway may play a role in preventing endotoxic shock and in limiting inflammation.
Blockade of Programmed Death-1 in Young (New Zealand Black × New Zealand White)F1 Mice Promotes the Activity of Suppressive CD8+ T Cells That Protect from Lupus-Like Disease
Authors: Wong Maida , La Cava Antonio , Singh Ram P. , Hahn Bevra H.
Published: November 2010

The programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway regulates both stimulatory and inhibitory signals. In some conditions, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibits T and B cell activation, induces anergy, and reduces cytotoxicity in CD8+ T cells. In other conditions, PD-l/PD-L1 has costimulatory effects on T cells. We recently showed that induction of suppressive CD8+Foxp3+ T cells by immune tolerance of lupus-prone (New Zealand black × New Zealand white)F1 (BWF1) mice with the anti-DNA Ig-based peptide pConsensus (pCons) is associated with significantly reduced PD-1 expression on those cells. In this study, we tested directly the role of PD-1 by administering in vivo neutralizing Ab to PD-1 to premorbid BWF1 and healthy control mice. Anti–PD-1–treated mice were protected from the onset of lupus nephritis for 10 wk, with significantly improved survival. Although the numbers of T cells declined in aging control mice, they were maintained in anti–PD-1–treated mice, including CD8+Foxp3+ T cells that suppressed syngeneic CD4+CD25− T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production, reduced production of IgG and anti-dsDNA IgG, induced apoptosis in syngeneic B cells, and increased IL-2 and TGF-β production. The administration of anti–PD-1 Ab to BWF1 mice after induction of tolerance with pCons abrogated tolerance; mice developed autoantibodies and nephritis at the same time as control mice, being unable to induce CD8+Foxp3+ T suppressor cells. These data suggest that tightly regulated PD-1 expression is essential for the maintenance of immune tolerance mediated by those CD8+Foxp3+ T cells that suppress both Th cells and pathogenic B cells. PD-1 regulation could represent a target to preserve tolerance and prevent autoimmunity.
CTL Induction of Tumoricidal Nitric Oxide Production by Intratumoral Macrophages Is Critical for Tumor Elimination
Authors: Miguel Rodolfo D. Vicetti , Cherpes Thomas L. , Watson Leah J. , McKenna Kyle C.
Published: November 2010

To characterize mechanisms of CTL inhibition within an ocular tumor microenvironment, tumor-specific CTLs were transferred into mice with tumors developing within the anterior chamber of the eye or skin. Ocular tumors were resistant to CTL transfer therapy whereas skin tumors were sensitive. CTLs infiltrated ocular tumors at higher CTL/tumor ratios than in skin tumors and demonstrated comparable ex vivo effector function to CTLs within skin tumors indicating that ocular tumor progression was not due to decreased CTL accumulation or inhibited CTL function within the eye. CD11b+Gr-1+F4/80− cells predominated within ocular tumors, whereas skin tumors were primarily infiltrated by CD11b+Gr-1−F4/80+ macrophages (Mϕs), suggesting that myeloid derived suppressor cells may contribute to ocular tumor growth. However, CD11b+ myeloid cells isolated from either tumor site suppressed CTL activity in vitro via NO production. Paradoxically, the regression of skin tumors by CTL transfer therapy required NO production by intratumoral Mϕs indicating that NO-producing intratumoral myeloid cells did not suppress the effector phase of CTL. Upon CTL transfer, tumoricidal concentrations of NO were only produced by skin tumor-associated Mϕs though ocular tumor-associated Mϕs demonstrated comparable expression of inducible NO synthase protein suggesting that NO synthase enzymatic activity was compromised within the eye. Correspondingly, in vitro-activated Mϕs limited tumor growth when co-injected with tumor cells in the skin but not in the eye. In conclusion, the decreased capacity of Mϕs to produce NO within the ocular microenvironment limits CTL tumoricidal activity allowing ocular tumors to progress.
CIITA Enhances HIV-1 Attachment to CD4+ T Cells Leading to Enhanced Infection and Cell Depletion
Authors: Porter Kristen A. , Kelley Lauren N. , Nekorchuk Michael D. , Jones James H. , Hahn Amy B. , de Noronha Carlos M. C. , Harton Jonathan A. , Duus Karen M.
Published: November 2010

Activated CD4+ T cells are more susceptible to HIV infection than resting T cells; the reason for this remains unresolved. Induction of CIITA and subsequent expression of the MHC class II isotype HLA-DR are hallmarks of CD4+ T cell activation; therefore, we investigated the role of CIITA expression in T cells during HIV infection. CIITA-expressing SupT1 cells display enhanced virion attachment in a gp160/CD4-dependent manner, which results in increased HIV infection, virus release, and T cell depletion. Although increased attachment and infection of T cells correlated with HLA-DR surface expression, Ab blocking, transient expression of HLA-DR without CIITA, and short hairpin RNA knockdown demonstrate that HLA-DR does not directly enhance susceptibility of CIITA-expressing cells to HIV infection. Further analysis of the remaining MHC class II isotypes, HLA-DP and HLA-DQ, MHC class I isotypes, HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C, and the class II Ag presentation genes, invariant chain and HLA-DM, demonstrate that these proteins likely do not contribute to CIITA enhancement of HIV infection. Finally, we demonstrate that in activated primary CD4+ T cells as HLA-DR/CIITA expression increases there is a corresponding increase in virion attachment. Overall, this work suggests that induction of CIITA expression upon CD4+ T cell activation contributes to enhanced attachment, infection, virus release, and cell death through an undefined CIITA transcription product that may serve as a new antiviral target.