bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INSTITUTIONAL, IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL INFLUENCES ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING: EVIDENCE FROM ENGLAND
Authors: ALONSO JOSE MANUEL , ANDREWS RHYS , HODGKINSON IAN R.
Published: October 2015

Theories of contracting out offer contrasting perspectives on the noneconomic determinants of local government contracting. Some suggest that ideological motives predominate, with contracting decisions reflecting the ideology of ruling parties. Others emphasize political motives, with governments responding to local preferences. In this article, we draw on ideas about isomorphic pressures within organizational fields to examine whether institutional influences might also affect contracting behaviour. Using a spatial auto‐regressive probit model, we evaluate whether mimetic pressures as well as ideological and political motives shape the decision to contract out service provision in English local governments. In addition, we analyse whether those factors also determine whether contracting local governments decide to contract with a commercial firm or a not‐for‐profit provider. The statistical results suggest that the decision to contract out is spatially dependent, and hence reflective of institutional forces. By contrast, political motives and market size considerations shape with whom local governments contract.
Finding your Soulmate: Homosexual and heterosexual age preferences in online dating
Authors: CONWAY JANE R. , NOË NYALA , STULP GERT , POLLET THOMAS V.
Published: October 2015

Heterosexual age preferences have been extensively studied by evolutionary psychologists, social psychologists, and demographers. Much less is known about such preferences in homosexual men and women. Around two decades ago, D. T. Kenrick, R. C. Keefe, A. Bryan, A. Barr, and S. Brown (1995) examined heterosexual and homosexual mating preferences for age in men and women. Our study aimed to replicate these findings by examining age preferences in a largerUKonline dating sample. Dating advertisements of 996 male and female heterosexuals and homosexuals were coded. Age preferences were assessed via generalized linear models with robust standard errors and bootstrapping. Results showed that the relation between own age and preferred age differed substantially between the groups. With increasing age, heterosexual men preferred younger partners. Older heterosexual men (> 50 years) exclusively sought (much) younger women than themselves, whereas younger heterosexual men sought both older and younger women. Male and female homosexuals followed this general trend of preferring increasingly younger mates with increasing age. However, they displayed a higher upper age tolerance and greater range of acceptable ages than both heterosexual men and women. Female heterosexuals' age preferences were distinct from the other groups, in that they displayed a male older norm with no substantial interest expressed in males younger than themselves. Our findings thus largely corroborate those of Kenrick et al. with some exceptions, such as a larger tolerance of age ranges in homosexual men and women compared to heterosexual men and women. Results are discussed with reference to the current literature on similarities and differences in heterosexual and homosexual mate preferences.
Assessment of positive and negative relationship adjustment in marriage
Authors: WHISMAN MARK A. , LI ANGELA
Published: October 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate, in a probability sample of married individuals (N = 2,071), the psychometric properties of a measure of positive and negative relationship adjustment, based on perceived frequency of positive and negative partner exchanges or interactions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses support the presence of two correlated factors, and multigroup confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence for configural and metric invariance for gender, racial/ethnic, and age groups. The measure demonstrated good convergent validity in its association with another measure of relationship adjustment. Results support the use of this brief and easily administered measure to assess positive and negative aspects of relationship adjustment, particularly in situations in which the correlates of relationship adjustment are to be compared across demographic groups.
Microstructural white matter changes mediate age‐related cognitive decline on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Authors: Jolly Todd A. D. , Cooper Patrick S. , Wan Ahmadul Badwi Syarifah Azizah , Phillips Natalie A. , Rennie Jaime L. , Levi Christopher R. , Drysdale Karen A. , Parsons Mark W. , Michie Patricia T. , Karayanidis Frini
Published: October 2015

Although the relationship between aging and cognitive decline is well established, there is substantial individual variability in the degree of cognitive decline in older adults. The present study investigates whether variability in cognitive performance in community‐dwelling older adults is related to the presence of whole brain or tract‐specific changes in white matter microstructure. Specifically, we examine whether age‐related decline in performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a cognitive screening tool, is mediated by the white matter microstructural decline. We also examine if this relationship is driven by the presence of cardiovascular risk factors or variability in cerebral arterial pulsatility, an index of cardiovascular risk. Sixty‐nine participants (aged 43–87) completed behavioral and MRI testing including T1 structural, T2‐weighted FLAIR, and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) sequences. Measures of white matter microstructure were calculated using diffusion tensor imaging analyses on the DWI sequence. Multiple linear regression revealed that MoCA scores were predicted by radial diffusivity (RaD) of white matter beyond age or other cerebral measures. While increasing age and arterial pulsatility were associated with increasing RaD, these factors did not mediate the relationship between total white matter RaD and MoCA. Further, the relationship between MoCA and RaD was specific to participants who reported at least one cardiovascular risk factor. These findings highlight the importance of cardiovascular risk factors in the presentation of cognitive decline in old age. Further work is needed to establish whether medical or lifestyle management of these risk factors can prevent or reverse cognitive decline in old age.
The management of nanotechnology: analysis of technology linkages and the regional nanotechnology competencies
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Ozcan Sercan
Published: October 2015

This study maps the linkage of nanotechnologies and their clusters, identifies emerging and mature technologies and links to their application fields, and examines the profiles of the regional nanotechnology competencies. A model is proposed to assist with the analyses. The patent data were retrieved from theThomsonInnovation database, which were subsequently analysed with theThomsonDataAnalyser. The results show technological linkages using the proposed linkage model, for example, the linkage between the cluster of nanotubes‐nanowires‐polymers and the cluster of nanowires‐semiconductors‐optical identifies a nanoelectronics domain. In theTechno‐EconomicNetwork framework, the result shows that theUnitedStates maintains its position in the Science and Technology poles, revealing its strong competitiveness, while the nanotechnological competencies inJapan have lost strength significantly in recent years.Asian giants such asSouthKorea andChina appear to be the most likely contenders for catching up with theUnitedStates. The theoretical contribution of this study is the theoretical framework that has been adapted and tested in this research. Practical contributions consist of descriptive and analytical findings based on actors' performances and the regions' competencies. The research offers a useful insight for academic and research practitioners on how an emerging field such as nanotechnology can be analysed, and a way forward for materialising science and technology policies in this field.
Predictors of prolonged stay in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia and complicated parapneumonic effusion
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Park Jong Sun , Cho Young‐Jae , Yoon Ho Il , Lee Jae Ho , Lee Choon‐Taek , Lim Hyo‐Jeong , Kim Deog Kyeom
Published: October 2015

Background and objective

Development of CPE in CAP is associated with prolonged hospital stay and it may increase the morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify microbiological and clinical factors that predicate a prolonged hospital admission in patients treated with a tube thoracostomy to control CPE.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included patients with CPE requiring chest tube drainage in a tertiary referral Korean hospital from 1 January 2004 to 30 July 2012. After dichotomous grouping according to the mean duration of hospital stay, clinical, laboratory and microbiological parameters were compared.

Results

The final analysis included 158 patients with CPE. The majority were male (130, 85.0%), and the mean age was 62.8 years. The mean duration of hospital stay was 17.7 (±10.2) days. The mean duration of chest tube drainage was 9.6 (±6.7) days. Streptococcus viridans (48.4%) was the most common pathogen. Intrapleural fibrinolysis was performed in 85 (53.8%); additional tube insertion was needed in 40 (25.3%) patients. In the multivariate analysis after adjusting for covariates, a prolonged hospital stay was associated with fever (aOR: 3.42, P = 0.02), lower PaO2 (aOR: 4.89, P = 0.007) and haemoglobin (aOR: 4.90, P = 0.003) levels, and an increased blood neutrophil fraction (aOR: 3.83, P = 0.01) on admission as well as the identification of microbes in CPE (aOR: 4.14, P = 0.03), and ineffective pleural drainage (aOR: 3.28, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This study suggests that physicians should note the clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of severe infection and effectiveness of pleural drainage to predicate which patients with a CAP needing thoracostomy for CPE will have a prolonged hospital stay.
Suicide and Suicidal Attempts in the United States: Costs and Policy Implications
Authors: Shepard Donald S. , Gurewich Deborah , Lwin Aung K. , Reed Gerald A. , Silverman Morton M.
Published: October 2015

The national cost of suicides and suicide attempts in the United States in 2013 was $58.4 billion based on reported numbers alone. Lost productivity (termed indirect costs) represents most (97.1%) of this cost. Adjustment for under‐reporting increased the total cost to $93.5 billion or $298 per capita, 2.1–2.8 times that of previous studies. Previous research suggests that improved continuity of care would likely reduce the number of subsequent suicidal attempts following a previous nonfatal attempt. We estimate a highly favorable benefit–cost ratio of 6 to 1 for investments in additional medical, counseling, and linkage services for such patients.
The value of work and ‘common discourse’ in the joint management of Kakadu National Park
Authors: Haynes Chris
Published: October 2015

Joint management at Kakadu National Park has been marked by conflict and discontent among the major actors, its Traditional Aboriginal Owners and the White rangers (and other staff) of the state. Despite such conflict, and structured differences between these groups of actors, the park continues to function. In this article I argue that the structures and actions perpetuating difference and conflict are usually more or less balanced by opposing structures and actions that draw the two groups of actors together. I further argue that the most important of such cohering structures and actions, what I call ‘common discourse’, derives from the work that both Aboriginal and White rangers perform in the field. This form of under‐recognised discourse acts against the corrosive discourses of the separate groups that tend to perpetuate separateness.
The Relationship Between Geometrical Complexity and Process Capability
Authors: Lépine Marc Jr. , Tahan Antoine S.
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a new method to estimate the process capability for a profile geometric tolerance as defined by the ASME Y14.5 standard. The novelty of the method is that it uses the known process capability of a given geometry to predict, using the order statistics theorem, new capabilities for different geometries of higher or lower complexity. By considering the geometrical complexity of mechanical parts, a manufacturing process may be capable (e.g., Cpk > 1.5) for parts with simple geometry and incapable (e.g., Cpk < 1) for parts with complex geometry. In the proposed model, the process capability becomes a mathematical function of both the statistical behavior of the process (e.g., expectation and variance) and the geometric complexity of manufactured surfaces. Three experimental case studies are presented to illustrate the usefulness and the validity of the developed model.
Facilitating Deployable Mechanisms and Structures Via Developable Lamina Emergent Arrays
Authors: Nelson Todd G. , Lang Robert J. , Pehrson Nathan A. , Magleby Spencer P. , Howell Larry L.
Published: October 2015

A method is presented utilizing networks of lamina emergent joints, known as lamina emergent arrays, to accommodate large-curvature developable structures suited to deployable applications. By exploiting the ruling lines in developable surfaces, this method enables developable structures and mechanisms that can be manufactured with two-dimensional geometry and yet have a greater range of elastic motion than is possible with a solid sheet of material. Aligning the joints to the ruling lines also biases the structure to a specific deployment path. A mathematical model is developed to describe the resulting stiffness of the structure employing the lamina emergent arrays and equations are derived to facilitate stress analysis of the structure. Finite element results show the sensitivity of alignment of the elements in the array to the stress present in the developed structure. A specific technique for creating an array pattern for conical developable surfaces is described. Examples of developable structures and mechanisms, including curved-fold origami models transitioned to thick materials and two origami-inspired mechanisms, are examined.
Metal release from stainless steel in biological environments: A review
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda S. , Odnevall Wallinder Inger
Published: October 2015

Due to its beneficial corrosion resistance, stainless steel is widely used in, e.g., biomedical applications, as surfaces in food contact, and for products intended to come into skin contact. Low levels of metals can be released from the stainless steel surface into solution, even for these highly corrosion resistant alloys. This needs to be considered in risk assessment and management. This review aims to compile the different metal release mechanisms that are relevant for stainless steel when used in different biological settings. These mechanisms include corrosion-induced metal release, dissolution of the surface oxide, friction-induced metal release, and their combinations. The influence of important physicochemical surface properties, different organic species and proteins in solution, and of biofilm formation on corrosion-induced metal release is discussed. Chemical and electrochemical dissolution mechanisms of the surface oxides of stainless steel are presented with a focus on protonation, complexation/ligand-induced dissolution, and reductive dissolution by applying a perspective on surface adsorption of complexing or reducing ligands and proteins. The influence of alloy composition, microstructure, route of manufacture, and surface finish on the metal release process is furthermore discussed as well as the chemical speciation of released metals. Typical metal release patterns are summarized.
Effect of excess Bi2O3 on structure and performance of ZnO-based thin film transistors
Authors: Ye Wei , Ren Wei , Wang Zhao , Shi Peng , Yang Shuming , Jing Weixuan , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: October 2015

High-performance ZnO-based thin film transistors (ZnO-TFTs) were fabricated by radio frequency magnetic sputtering using Bi1.5Zn1.0Nb1.5O7 (BZN) films as the gate dielectrics. BZN films with excess Bi2O3 were compared to traditional BZN films to investigate the effects on ZnO-TFT performance. The results showed that excess Bi2O3 (5 mol. %) can significantly reduce leakage currents and increase dielectric constants in BZN gate dielectrics. The excess Bi2O3 in these films served to compensate for the bismuth loss that typically occurs in BZN films during the deposition process, leading to improved electrical characteristics. At an applied electric field of 250 kV/cm, the leakage current density for the BZN film with excess Bi2O3 was approximately 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of the BZN film without excess Bi2O3. Moreover, the BZN film with 5 mol. % excess Bi2O3 exhibited high capacitance density (233 nF/cm2) and a high dielectric constant (65). The electrical performances of ZnO-TFTs were remarkably enhanced by using BZN films with excess Bi2O3 as the gate insulator, with demonstrated field-effect mobility of 0.25 cm2/Vs, on/off ratio of 1 × 105, and low threshold voltage of 2.3 V.
Extraction of the envelope from impulse responses using pre-processed energy detection for early decay estimation
Authors: De Cesaris Simona , D'Orazio Dario , Morandi Federica , Garai Massimo
Published: October 2015

The Schroeder's backward integration method and its applications have been widely studied in the literature; some papers analyze the performance of the method, some others suggest various enhancement techniques. In spite of these findings, there exist several cases where the energy decay curve extracted using the classical backward integration method and the parameters computed from it seem not always representative of the phenomenon under study. Among them, the cases where the early decay is dependent on strong, distinct reflections occurring just after the direct wave, as in most Italian opera houses. Other cases are measured impulse responses with a very low signal-to-noise ratio or missing the direct wave. In the literature, alternatives to the Schroeder's method have been proposed, ranging from Hilbert transform to non-linear processing techniques. In this work a method for the extraction of the envelope based on pre-processed energy detection for early decay estimation is proposed. It is shown that it returns an envelope well matching the first part of the decay even in non-linear cases, returning detailed information on the first part of the decay. The performance of the proposed method is presented and discussed for some exemplary impulse responses measured in historical opera houses. A preliminary study on the perceptive relevance of the method is finally presented.
Suppression of harmonics in a model of thermoacoustic refrigerator based on an acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Fan Li , Ding Jin , Zhu Jun-jie , Chen Zhe , Zhang Shu-yi , Zhang Hui , Li Xiao-juan
Published: October 2015

A model of thermoacoustic refrigerator on the basis of an acoustic metamaterial is presented, in which an array of side pipes is adopted to suppress harmonic waves in the thermoacoustic resonator. The array of side pipes traps the acoustic waves with Fabry-Perot resonant frequencies and induces narrow forbidden bands of transmission. When the resonant frequency of the thermoacoustic refrigerator is chosen as the operating frequency, the harmonic wave can be exactly located in the forbidden band by properly adapting the structural parameters of the system. Therefore, the component of the harmonic wave in the thermoacoustic resonator can be efficiently suppressed.
A Qualitative Investigation of Australian Youth Perceptions to Enhance School Physical Activity: The Environmental Perceptions Investigation of Children’s Physical Activity (EPIC-PA) Study
Authors: Hyndman Brendon
Published: October 2015

Background:

There is more demand than ever for schools to equip children with the necessary skills to be physically active. The purpose of the Environmental Perceptions Investigation of Children’s Physical Activity (EPIC-PA) study was to investigate elementary and secondary school children’s perceptions to enhance the school physical activity environment.

Methods:

Four Australian government schools (2 elementary and 2 secondary) were recruited for the EPIC-PA study. During the study, 78 children were recruited aged 10 to 13 years. The focus group discussions consisted of 54 children (32 elementary and 22 secondary) and the map drawing sessions included 24 children (17 elementary and 7 secondary).

Results:

The findings from the EPIC-PA study revealed insight into uniquely desired features to encourage physical activity such as adventure physical activity facilities (eg, rock climbing walls), recreational physical activity facilities (eg, jumping pillows), physical activity excursions, animal activity programs and teacher-directed activities. In addition to specific features, childrens revealed a host of policies for equipment borrowing, access to sports equipment/areas, music during physical activity time and external physical education lessons.

Conclusions:

Understanding the multiple suggestions from children of features to enhance physical activity can be used by schools and researchers to create environments conducive to physical activity participation.
Neighborhood Walkability and Walking for Transport Among South Asians in the MASALA Study
Authors: Kelley Elizabeth A. , Kandula Namratha R. , Kanaya Alka M. , Yen Irene H.
Published: October 2015

Background:

The neighborhood built environment can have a strong influence on physical activity levels, particularly walking for transport. In examining racial/ethnic differences in physical activity, one important and understudied group is South Asians. This study aims to describe the association between neighborhood walkability and walking for transport among South Asian men and women in the United States in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 using the baseline dataset of the MASALA study (N = 906). Mean age was 55 years old and 54% of the sample was male. Weekly minutes spent walking for transport was assessed using a questionnaire adapted from the Cross-Cultural Activity Participation Study. Neighborhood walkability was measured using Walk Score, a composite index of walkability.

Results:

After adjusting for covariates, with each 10-point increase in Walk Score, South Asian American men engaged in 13 additional minutes per week of walking for transport (P = .008). No association was observed between walkability and walking for transport in South Asian American women.

Conclusions:

Results provide new evidence for how the effects of environmental influences on walking for transport may vary between South Asian men and women.
Process Evaluation Results From an Intergenerational Physical Activity Intervention for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Authors: Young Tiffany , Sharpe Chantelle
Published: October 2015

Background:

Grandparents and the grandchildren they raise may experience stress related to their caregiving relationship that negatively impacts their health. Thus, there is a need to develop intergenerational health promotion interventions for these kinship families.

Methods:

An 8-week intergenerational physical activity intervention for kinship families was developed and implemented. The specific goal was to understand the process of implementing the intervention. Content analysis of observational data provided an in-depth account of the intervention’s process (ie, recruitment, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, and context).

Results:

Community and support service organizations referred more participants to the study than individual stakeholders. Most participants attended approximately 10 classes, and the grandparents were more engaged than the grandchildren during the classes. Intervention fidelity was confirmed with the fidelity checklist and observational notes. Health emerged as a barrier to participation, while the intergenerational nature of the intervention was a facilitator. Lastly, the context domain described how the grandparents’ complex lives affected their ability to participate, while the dedication of the recreation staff helped the intervention to proceed efficiently.

Conclusion:

The distinct details gleaned from this study can provide guidance on how to develop and implement future intergenerational interventions.
Effect of the SPARK Program on Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Endurance, and Motivation in Middle-School Students
Authors: Fu You , Gao Zan , Hannon James C. , Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A.
Published: October 2015

Background:

This study aimed to examine the effect of a 9-week SPARK program on physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory endurance (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run; PACER), and motivation in middle-school students.

Methods:

174 students attended baseline and posttests and change scores computed for each outcome. A MANOVA was employed to examine change score differences using follow-up ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Results:

MANOVA yielded a significant interaction for Grade × Gender × Group (Wilks’s Λ = 0.89, P < .001). ANOVA for PA revealed significant differences between SPARK grades 6 and 7 (Mean Δ = 8.11, P < .01) and Traditional grades 6 and 8 (Mean Δ = –6.96, P < .01). ANOVA also revealed greater PACER change for Traditional boys in grade 8 (P < .01) and SPARK girls in grade 8 (P < .01). There were significant interactions with perceived competence differences between SPARK grades 6 and 8 (Mean Δ = 0.38, P < .05), Enjoyment differences between SPARK grades 6 and 7 (Mean Δ = 0.67, P < .001), and SPARK grades 6 and 8 (Mean Δ = 0.81, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Following the intervention, SPARK displayed greater increases on PA and motivation measures in younger students compared with the Traditional program.
Physical Activity and Exercise: Perspectives of Adults With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: O’Dwyer Tom , McGowan Emer , O’Shea Finbar , Wilson Fiona
Published: October 2015

Background:

Exercise is a key component of the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite numerous benefits, compliance with exercise programs is low. Little attention has been accorded to the experiences of individuals with AS toward physical activity (PA). This study aimed to explore the attitudes toward PA and exercise of adults with AS.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design using thematic analysis was used. Seventeen adults with AS participated in individual, semistructured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and analyzed for themes and subthemes.

Results:

Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) benefits, (2) barriers, (3) motivation, and (4) strategies and enablers. Benefits included amelioration of symptoms, improvements in general health, and enhancement of quality of life. Subthemes of barriers to PA included lack of resources, negative attitudes to exercise, misinformation, and condition-related factors. Motivation to exercise was influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Participants proposed strategies to enhance PA participation and exercise engagement.

Conclusions:

Awareness of the benefits of PA appears insufficient to motivate individuals with AS to exercise; a number of factors influence individual motivation to exercise. Many perceived barriers to PA may be considered modifiable. Individually-tailored interventions, collaboratively developed by the individual and the healthcare professionals, were proposed as strategies for effective PA and exercise prescription.
Europe's Mars rover to target ancient wetland
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: October 2015

Deep-drilling ExoMars mission will probe long-buried clay formation for signs of life.
Proposed study would closely track 10,000 New Yorkers
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: October 2015

Twenty-year household surveillance project aims to gather data first, produce hypotheses later.
Mysterious Antarctic lake will remain out of reach
Authors: Gramling Carolyn
Published: October 2015

Cash-strapped Russian expedition curtails drilling plans as it sets out for the southern continent.
Cradle of life
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: October 2015

Did a biblical-scale flood—or the rise of the Andes—give the Amazon its amazing biodiversity?
Awards honor early-career women in the chemical sciences
Authors: Wren Kathy , Korte Andrea
Published: October 2015

The inaugural AAAS Marion Milligan Mason awards recognized four outstanding chemists and mentors
Geophysical imaging reveals topographic stress control of bedrock weathering
Authors: St. Clair J. , Moon S. , Holbrook W. S. , Perron J. T. , Riebe C. S. , Martel S. J. , Carr B. , Harman C. , Singha K. , Richter D. deB.
Published: October 2015

Bedrock weathering runs to the hills

Fractures in bedrock drive the breakdown of rock into soil. Soil makes observations of bedrock processes challenging. St. Clair
et al.
combined a three-dimensional stress model with geophysical measurements to show that bedrock erosion rates mirror changes in topography (see the Perspective by Anderson). Seismic reflection and electromagnetic profiles allowed mapping of the bedrock fracture density. The profiles mirror changes in surface elevation and thus provide a way to study the critical zone between rock and soil.

Science
, this issue p.
534
; see also p.
506
Response to Comment on “Crystal structures of translocator protein (TSPO) and mutant mimic of a human polymorphism”
Authors: Li Fei , Liu Jian , Zheng Yi , Garavito R. Michael , Ferguson-Miller Shelagh
Published: October 2015

Wang comments that the diffraction data for the structure of the A139T mutant of translocator protein TSPO from
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
should be used to 1.65 instead of 1.8 angstroms and that the density interpreted as porphyrin and monoolein is better fitted as polyethylene glycol. Although different practices of data processing exist, in this case they do not substantially influence the final map. Additional data are presented supporting the fit of a porphyrin and monooleins.
Peer effects on worker output in the laboratory generalize to the field
Authors: Herbst Daniel , Mas Alexandre
Published: October 2015

Comparing lab and field estimates

What do Swiss high-school students and Eastern European seasonal laborers have in common? When the former are tasked with stuffing questionnaires into envelopes in a classroom setting and the latter are employed to pick fruit in the United Kingdom, both work harder in the presence of their peers. Herbst and Mas reanalyzed the results of 35 such studies, either experiments carried out under controlled conditions or empirical studies based on data collected in the field (see the Perspective by Charness and Fehr). Encouragingly, they found that the magnitude of the spillover effect—how much harder a worker works when other workers are alongside—was the same.

Science
, this issue p.
545
; see also p.
512
A Structure-Based Classification of Class A β-Lactamases, a Broadly Diverse Family of Enzymes
Authors: Philippon Alain , Slama Patrick , Dény Paul , Labia Roger
Published: October 2015

For medical biologists, sequencing has become a commonplace technique to support diagnosis. Rapid changes in this field have led to the generation of large amounts of data, which are not always correctly listed in databases. This is particularly true for data concerning class A β-lactamases, a group of key antibiotic resistance enzymes produced by bacteria. Many genomes have been reported to contain putative β-lactamase genes, which can be compared with representative types. We analyzed several hundred amino acid sequences of class A β-lactamase enzymes for phylogenic relationships, the presence of specific residues, and cluster patterns. A clear distinction was first made between dd-peptidases and class A enzymes based on a small number of residues (S70, K73, P107, 130SDN132, G144, E166, 234K/R, 235T/S, and 236G [Ambler numbering]). Other residues clearly separated two main branches, which we named subclasses A1 and A2. Various clusters were identified on the major branch (subclass A1) on the basis of signature residues associated with catalytic properties (e.g., limited-spectrum β-lactamases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and carbapenemases). For subclass A2 enzymes (e.g., CfxA, CIA-1, CME-1, PER-1, and VEB-1), 43 conserved residues were characterized, and several significant insertions were detected. This diversity in the amino acid sequences of β-lactamases must be taken into account to ensure that new enzymes are accurately identified. However, with the exception of PER types, this diversity is poorly represented in existing X-ray crystallographic data.
Display of Antigens on Polyester Inclusions Lowers the Antigen Concentration Required for a Bovine Tuberculosis Skin Test
Authors: Parlane Natalie A. , Chen Shuxiong , Jones Gareth J. , Vordermeier H. Martin , Wedlock D. Neil , Rehm Bernd H. A. , Buddle Bryce M.
Published: October 2015

The tuberculin skin test is the primary screening test for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (TB), and use of this test has been very valuable in the control of this disease in many countries. However, the test lacks specificity when cattle have been exposed to environmental mycobacteria or vaccinated withMycobacterium bovisbacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Recent studies showed that the use of three or four recombinant mycobacterial proteins, including 6-kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT6), 10-kDa culture filtrate protein (CFP10), Rv3615c, and Rv3020c, or a peptide cocktail derived from those proteins, in the skin test greatly enhanced test specificity, with minimal loss of test sensitivity. The proteins are present in members of the pathogenicMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex but are absent in or not expressed by the majority of environmental mycobacteria and the BCG vaccine strain. To produce a low-cost skin test reagent, the proteins were displayed at high density on polyester beads through translational fusion to a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase that mediates the formation of antigen-displaying inclusions in recombinantEscherichia coli. Display of the proteins on the polyester beads greatly increased their immunogenicity, allowing for the use of very low concentrations of proteins (0.1 to 3 μg of mycobacterial protein/inoculum) in the skin test. Polyester beads simultaneously displaying all four proteins were produced in a single fermentation process. The polyester beads displaying three or four mycobacterial proteins were shown to have high sensitivity for detection ofM. bovis-infected cattle and induced minimal responses in animals exposed to environmental mycobacteria or vaccinated with BCG.
Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility Assay for Rapid Diagnosis of Lymph Node Tuberculosis and Detection of Drug Resistance
Authors: Kirwan Daniela E. , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Gilman Robert H. , Caviedes Luz , Rizvi Hasan , Ticona Eduardo , Chavez Gonzalo , Cabrera José Luis , Matos Eduardo D. , Evans Carlton A. , Moore David A. J. , Friedland Jon S.
Published: October 2015

In this study, 132 patients with lymphadenopathy were investigated. Fifty-two (39.4%) were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). The microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay provided rapid (13 days), accurate diagnosis (sensitivity, 65.4%) and reliable drug susceptibility testing (DST). Despite its lower sensitivity than that of other methods, its faster results and simultaneous DST are advantageous in resource-poor settings, supporting the incorporation of MODS into diagnostic algorithms for extrapulmonary TB.
Clinical Utility of Laboratory Detection of Clostridium difficile Strain BI/NAP1/027
Authors: Kociolek Larry K. , Gerding Dale N.
Published: October 2015

Clostridium difficile
strain BI/NAP1/027 is associated with increased
C. difficile
infection (CDI) rates and severity, and the efficacy of some CDI therapies may be strain dependent. Although cultured
C. difficile
isolates can be reliably subtyped by various methods, the long turnaround times, high cost, and limited availability of strain typing preclude their routine use. Nucleic acid amplification tests identify BI/NAP1/027 rapidly from stool, but the emergence of closely related strains compromises test specificity. Although detection of epidemiologically significant pathogens is generally useful for infection control programs, specific data supporting use of rapid detection of BI/NAP1/027 as an infection control tool are still awaited.
Direct Screening of Blood by PCR and Pyrosequencing for a 16S rRNA Gene Target from Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit Patients Being Evaluated for Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Moore M. S. , McCarroll M. G. , McCann C. D. , May L. , Younes N. , Jordan J. A.
Published: October 2015

Here we compared the results of PCR/pyrosequencing to those of culture for detecting bacteria directly from blood. DNA was extracted from 1,130 blood samples from 913 patients suspected of bacteremia (enrollment criteria were physician-ordered blood culture and complete blood count [CBC]), and 102 controls (healthy blood donors). Real-time PCR assays for beta-globin and Universal 16S rRNA gene targets were performed on all 1,232 extracts. Specimens identified by Universal 16S rRNA gene PCR/pyrosequencing as containing staphylococci, streptococci, or enteric Gram-negative rods had target-specific PCR/pyrosequencing performed. Amplifiable beta-globin (melting temperature [

T
m

], 87.2°C ± 0.2°C) occurred in 99.1% (1,120/1,130) of patient extracts and 100% (102/102) of controls. Concordance between PCR/pyrosequencing and culture was 96.9% (1,085/1,120) for Universal 16S rRNA gene targets, with positivity rates of 9.4% (105/1,120) and 11.3% (126/1,120), respectively. Bacteria cultured included staphylococci (59/126, 46.8%), Gram-negative rods (34/126, 27%), streptococci (32/126, 25.4%), and a Gram-positive rod (1/126, 0.8%). All controls screened negative by PCR/pyrosequencing. Clinical performance characteristics (95% confidence interval [CI]) for Universal 16S rRNA gene PCR/pyrosequencing included sensitivity of 77.8% (69.5 to 84.7), specificity of 99.3% (98.6 to 99.7), positive predictive value (PPV) of 93.3% (86.8 to 97.3), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.2% (96.0 to 98.2). Bacteria were accurately identified in 77.8% (98/126) of culture-confirmed sepsis samples with Universal 16S PCR/pyrosequencing and in 76.4% (96/126) with follow-up target-specific PCR/pyrosequencing. The initial PCR/pyrosequencing took ∼5.5 h to complete or ∼7.5 h when including target-specific PCR/pyrosequencing compared to 27.9 ± 13.6 h for Gram stain or 81.6 ± 24.0 h for phenotypic identification. In summary, this molecular approach detected the causative bacteria in over three-quarters of all culture-confirmed cases of bacteremia directly from blood in significantly less time than standard culture but cannot be used to rule out infection.
A Molecular Sensor To Characterize Arenavirus Envelope Glycoprotein Cleavage by Subtilisin Kexin Isozyme 1/Site 1 Protease
Authors: Oppliger Joel , da Palma Joel Ramos , Burri Dominique J. , Bergeron Eric , Khatib Abdel-Majid , Spiropoulou Christina F. , Pasquato Antonella , Kunz Stefan
Published: October 2015

Arenaviruses are emerging viruses including several causative agents of severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans. The advent of next-generation sequencing technology has greatly accelerated the discovery of novel arenavirus species. However, for many of these viruses, only genetic information is available, and their zoonotic disease potential remains unknown. During the arenavirus life cycle, processing of the viral envelope glycoprotein precursor (GPC) by the cellular subtilisin kexin isozyme 1 (SKI-1)/site 1 protease (S1P) is crucial for productive infection. The ability of newly emerging arenaviruses to hijack human SKI-1/S1P appears, therefore, to be a requirement for efficient zoonotic transmission and human disease potential. Here we implement a newly developed cell-based molecular sensor for SKI-1/S1P to characterize the processing of arenavirus GPC-derived target sequences by human SKI-1/S1P in a quantitative manner. We show that only nine amino acids flanking the putative cleavage site are necessary and sufficient to accurately recapitulate the efficiency and subcellular location of arenavirus GPC processing. In a proof of concept, our sensor correctly predicts efficient processing of the GPC of the newly emergent pathogenic Lujo virus by human SKI-1/S1P and defines the exact cleavage site. Lastly, we employed our sensor to show efficient GPC processing of a panel of pathogenic and nonpathogenic New World arenaviruses, suggesting that GPC cleavage represents no barrier for zoonotic transmission of these pathogens. Our SKI-1/S1P sensor thus represents a rapid and robust test system for assessment of the processing of putative cleavage sites derived from the GPCs of newly discovered arenavirus by the SKI-1/S1P of humans or any other species, based solely on sequence information.

IMPORTANCE
Arenaviruses are important emerging human pathogens that can cause severe hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality in humans. A crucial step in productive arenavirus infection of human cells is the processing of the viral envelope glycoprotein by the cellular subtilisin kexin isozyme 1 (SKI-1)/site 1 protease (S1P). In order to break the species barrier during zoonotic transmission and cause severe disease in humans, newly emerging arenaviruses must be able to hijack human SKI-1/S1P efficiently. Here we implement a newly developed cell-based molecular sensor for human SKI-1/S1P to characterize the processing of arenavirus glycoproteins in a quantitative manner. We further use our sensor to correctly predict efficient processing of the glycoprotein of the newly emergent pathogenic Lujo virus by human SKI-1/S1P. Our sensor thus represents a rapid and robust test system with which to assess whether the glycoprotein of any newly emerging arenavirus can be efficiently processed by human SKI-1/S1P, based solely on sequence information.
Modulation of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling by Human Herpesvirus 8 Interferon Regulatory Factor 1
Authors: Hwang Keun Young , Choi Young Bong
Published: October 2015

Mitochondrial lipid raft-like microdomains, experimentally also termed mitochondrial detergent-resistant membrane fractions (mDRM), play a role as platforms for recruiting signaling molecules involved in antiviral responses such as apoptosis and innate immunity. Viruses can modulate mitochondrial functions for their own survival and replication. However, viral regulation of the antiviral responses via mDRM remains incompletely understood. Here, we report that human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) gene product viral interferon regulatory factor 1 (vIRF-1) is targeted to mDRM during virus replication and negatively regulates the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS)-mediated antiviral responses. The N-terminal region of vIRF-1 interacts directly with membrane lipids, including cardiolipin. In addition, a GxRP motif within the N terminus of vIRF-1, conserved in the mDRM-targeting region of mitochondrial proteins, including PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and MAVS, was found to be important for vIRF-1 association with mitochondria. Furthermore, MAVS, which has the potential to promote vIRF-1 targeting to mDRM possibly by inducing cardiolipin exposure on the outer membrane of mitochondria, interacts with vIRF-1, which, in turn, inhibits MAVS-mediated antiviral signaling. Consistent with these results, vIRF-1 targeting to mDRM contributes to promotion of HHV-8 productive replication and inhibition of associated apoptosis. Combined, our results suggest novel molecular mechanisms for negative-feedback regulation of MAVS by vIRF-1 during virus replication.

IMPORTANCESuccessful virus replication is in large part achieved by the ability of viruses to counteract apoptosis and innate immune responses elicited by infection of host cells. Recently, mitochondria have emerged to play a central role in antiviral signaling. In particular, mitochondrial lipid raft-like microdomains appear to function as platforms in cell apoptosis signaling. However, viral regulation of antiviral signaling through the mitochondrial microdomains remains incompletely understood. The present study demonstrates that HHV-8-encoded vIRF-1 targets to the mitochondrial detergent-resistant microdomains via direct interaction with cardiolipin and inhibits MAVS protein-mediated apoptosis and type I interferon gene expression in a negative-feedback manner, thus promoting HHV-8 productive replication. These results suggest that vIRF-1 is the first example of a viral protein to inhibit mitochondrial antiviral signaling through lipid raft-like microdomains.
Hemagglutinin Stalk- and Neuraminidase-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Protect against Lethal H10N8 Influenza Virus Infection in Mice
Authors: Wohlbold Teddy John , Chromikova Veronika , Tan Gene S. , Meade Philip , Amanat Fatima , Comella Phillip , Hirsh Ariana , Krammer Florian
Published: October 2015

Between November 2013 and February 2014, China reported three human cases of H10N8 influenza virus infection in the Jiangxi province, two of which were fatal. Using hybridoma technology, we isolated a panel of H10- and N8-directed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and further characterized the binding reactivity of these antibodies (via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to a range of purified virus and recombinant protein substrates. The H10-directed MAbs displayed functional hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neutralization activity, and the N8-directed antibodies displayed functional neuraminidase inhibition (NI) activity against H10N8. Surprisingly, the HI-reactive H10 antibodies, as well as a previously generated, group 2 hemagglutinin (HA) stalk-reactive antibody, demonstrated NI activity against H10N8 and an H10N7 strain; this phenomenon was absent when virus was treated with detergent, suggesting the anti-HA antibodies inhibited neuraminidase enzymatic activity through steric hindrance. We tested the prophylactic efficacy of one representative H10-reactive, N8-reactive, and group 2 HA stalk-reactive antibody
in vivo
using a BALB/c challenge model. All three antibodies were protective at a high dose (5 mg/kg). At a low dose (0.5 mg/kg), only the anti-N8 antibody prevented weight loss. Together, these data suggest that antibody targets other than the globular head domain of the HA may be efficacious in preventing influenza virus-induced morbidity and mortality.

IMPORTANCE
Avian H10N8 and H10N7 viruses have recently crossed the species barrier, causing morbidity and mortality in humans and other mammals. Although these reports are likely isolated incidents, it is possible that more cases may emerge in future winter seasons, similar to H7N9. Furthermore, regular transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans increases the risk of adaptive mutations and reassortment events, which may result in a novel virus with pandemic potential. Currently, no specific therapeutics or vaccines are available against the H10N8 influenza virus subtype. We generated a panel of H10- and N8-reactive MAbs. Although these antibodies may practically be developed into therapeutic agents, characterizing the protective potential of MAbs that have targets other than the HA globular head domain will provide insight into novel antibody-mediated mechanisms of protection and help to better understand correlates of protection for influenza A virus infection.