bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allowing for Asymmetric Distributions When Comparing Auditory Processing Test Percentage Scores with Normative Data
Authors: Tomlin Dani , Dillon Harvey , Kelly Andrea S.
Published: October 2014

Background:Raw percentage scores can be transformed to age-specific Z scores, despite the asymmetric distribution of normative data using a process that is applicable to any percentage (or proportion)-based result.Purpose:Normative values are generated for the commonly
used dichotic digit and frequency pattern behavioral tests of auditory processing.Study Sample:A total of 180 normal-hearing children aged 7 yr 0 mo to 12 yr 2 mo took part in this study.Research Design:A transformation and regression method is incorporated that allows for the
asymmetric distribution of normative results and the development of the response across the 7‐12-yr-age range.Data Collection and Analysis:Percentage correct scores were determined for each ear in the dichotic digit and frequency pattern tests, delivered at 50 dB HL. The scores
were arcsine transformed, then regressed against using an exponential equation, providing an age specific estimated mean score. The residual error of the regression was then used to estimate age specific variance.Results and Conclusions:The ability to express results along an age continuum
(while accounting for the asymmetric distribution and significant developmental influences) as a standard unit across all ages enables a simplified expression of performance ability on a task.
The Role of Spectral Resolution, Working Memory, and Audibility in Explaining Variance in Susceptibility to Temporal Envelope Distortion
Authors: Davies-Venn Evelyn , Souza Pamela
Published: October 2014

Background:Several studies have shown that hearing thresholds alone cannot adequately predict listeners’ success with hearing-aid amplification. Furthermore, previous studies have shown marked differences in listeners’ susceptibility to distortions introduced by certain
nonlinear amplification parameters.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the role of spectral resolution, working memory, and audibility in explaining perceptual susceptibility to temporal envelope and other hearing-aid compression-induced distortions for listeners with mild
to moderate and moderate to severe hearing loss.Research Design:A between-subjects repeated-measures design was used to compare speech recognition scores with linear versus compression amplification, for listeners with mild to moderate and moderate to severe hearing loss.Study Sample:The
study included 15 adult listeners with mild to moderate hearing loss and 13 adults with moderate to severe hearing loss.Data Collection/Analysis:Speech recognition scores were measured for vowel-consonant-vowel syllables processed with linear, moderate compression, and extreme compression
amplification. Perceptual susceptibility to compression-induced temporal envelope distortion was defined as the difference in scores between linear and compression amplification. Both overall scores and consonant feature scores (i.e., place, manner, and voicing) were analyzed. Narrowband spectral
resolution was measured using individual measures of auditory filter bandwidth at 2000 Hz. Working memory was measured using the reading span test. Signal audibility was quantified using the Aided Audibility Index. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictive role of spectral
resolution, working memory, and audibility benefit on listeners’ susceptibility to compression-induced distortions.Results:For all listeners, spectral resolution, working memory, and audibility benefit were significant predictors of overall distortion scores. For listeners with
moderate to severe hearing loss, spectral resolution and audibility benefit predicted distortion scores for consonant place and manner of articulation features, and audibility benefit predicted distortion scores for consonant voicing features. For listeners with mild to moderate
hearing loss, the model did not predict distortion scores for overall or consonant feature scores.Conclusions:The results from this study suggest that when audibility is adequately controlled, measures of spectral resolution may identify the listeners who are most susceptible to compression-induced
distortions. Working memory appears to modulate the negative effect of these distortions for listeners with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Barriers to the Development of Creative Industries in Culturally Diverse Region
Authors: Klimczuk Andrzej
Published: October 2014

The aim of this article is to describe the general conditions for the development of creative industries in Podlaskie Voivodship from Poland. This region on the background of the country is characterized by the highest level of cultural diversity and multiculturalism policy. However, there are a number of barriers for the creative industries. First article discusses the regional characteristics and then the basic theoretical approaches and conclusions of the author’s own research. The following sections discuss the conclusions and recommendations for regional policy and management of cultural sector entities that may be relevant also for other culturally diverse regions.
Occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in fish and water from a reservoir and a neighboring channel in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Traoré Oumar , Martikainen Outi , Siitonen Anja , Traoré Alfred S , Barro Nicolas , Haukka Kaisa
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Vibrio cholerae is a human pathogen and natural inhabitant of aquatic environments. In this study, we surveyed the occurrence of V. cholerae in fish harvested from a reservoir that receives discharges from the population in Ouagadougou through several channels. Methodology: A total of 238 fish and 80 water samples were analyzed for the presence of V. cholerae. Results: Altogether, 13 V. cholerae strains were isolated. They were all identified as non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae without the ctxA gene. The strains were mostly susceptible to the antimicrobials tested. Conclusion: Although no strains of epidemic V. cholerae serotypes were encountered, it is important to monitor the microbiological quality of this extensively used water resource and its fish.
Prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies in Serbian blood donors
Authors: Petrović Tamaš , Lupulović Diana , Jiménez de Oya Nereida , Vojvodić Svetlana , Blázquez Ana-Belén , Escribano-Romero Estela , Martín-Acebes Miguel A , Potkonjak Aleksandar , Milošević Vesna , Lazić Sava , Saiz Juan-Carlos
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is rarely reported in industrialized countries, but recent studies have revealed quite variable seroprevalence rates among European populations, including blood donors. In Serbia, very limited data about HEV seroprevalence are available. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies and HEV RNA in the sera of volunteer blood donors in Serbia. Methodology: Serum samples from 200 volunteer blood donors were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using ORF-2 HEV genotype 3 recombinant proteins as antigen, and for the presence of HEV RNA by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, 15% of the volunteer blood donors were seropositive. The prevalence increased with age; 21.5%, 14.2%, and 5.4% HEV seroprevalence rates were found in individuals older than 51 years, between 31 and 50 years, and in those younger than 30 years of age, respectively. However, no HEV RNA was detected in any of the individuals analyzed. Conclusions: The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG among blood donors as representatives of the general population is quite high in Serbia compared to data from many European countries. One of the reasons for this could be the high prevalence of HEV among Serbian pigs and the traditional consumption of piglet meat in the country. The relatively high HEV seroprevalence found among Serbian blood donors indicates the need for further investigation.
Spondylodiscitis: evaluation of patients in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Kaya Safak , Ercan Serdar , Kaya Sehmuz , Aktas Ulas , Kamasak Kagan , Ozalp Hakan , Cinar Kadir , Duymus Recai , Boyaci Mehmet Gazi , Akkoyun Nesrin , Eskazan Ahmet Emre , Temiz Hakan
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Spondylodiscitis (SD) is an uncommon but important infection. The aim of this work was to study the risk factors, bacteriological features, clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of SD, and to shed light on the initial treatment. Methodology: A total of 107 patients who underwent treatment for SD were evaluated. The diagnosis of SD was defined by clinical findings, complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum tube agglutination (STA) test, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, culture, histopathology, and radiological methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: Of the 107 cases, ranging between 17 to 83 years of age, 64 (59.8%) were male. Twenty-seven (25.2%) patients had diabetes mellitus. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated CRP in 70 (65%) patients, elevated ESR in 65 (61%) patients, and elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts in 41 (38.3%) patients. Thirty-six (33.6%) patients were identified as having brucellar SD, and 5 (4.7%) patients were identified as having tuberculous SD. A total of 66 (61.6%) patients were determined to have pyogenic SD. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic therapy was given intravenously to all pyogenic SD patients. Conclusions: The incidence of SD has increased as a result of the higher life expectancy of older patients with chronic debilitating diseases and the increase of spinal surgical procedures. In patients with low back pain, SD should be considered as a diagnosis. For effective treatment, it is important to determine the etiology of the disease.
Detection of Brucella melitensis in bovine milk and milk products from apparently healthy animals in Egypt by real-time PCR
Authors: Wareth Gamal , Melzer Falk , Elschner Mandy C , Neubauer Heinrich , Roesler Uwe
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Brucellosis in Egypt is an endemic disease among animals and humans. In endemic developing countries, dairy products produced from untreated milk are a potential threat to public health. The aim of this study was to detect brucellae in milk and milk products produced from apparently healthy animals to estimate the prevalence of contamination. Methodology: Two hundred and fifteen unpasteurized milk samples were collected from apparently healthy cattle (n = 72) and buffaloes (n = 128) reared on small farms, and from milk shops (n = 15) producing dairy products for human consumption. All milk samples were examined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) to detect Brucella antibodies and Brucella-specific DNA, respectively. Results: Using iELISA, anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 34 samples (16%), while RT-PCR amplified Brucella-specific DNA from 17 milk samples (7.9%). Species-specific IS711 RT-PCR identified 16 of the RT-PCR-positive samples as containing B. melitensis DNA; 1 RT-PCR-positive sample was identified as containing B. abortus DNA. Conclusions: The detection of Brucella DNA in milk or milk products sold for human consumption, especially the highly pathogenic species B. melitensis, is of obvious concern. The shedding of Brucella spp. in milk poses an increasing threat to consumers in Egypt. Consumption of dairy products produced from non-pasteurized milk by individual farmers operating under poor hygienic conditions represents an unacceptable risk to public health.
Situations de soins à domicile : discontinuité des trajectoires
Authors: Anchisi Annick , Kuhne Nicolas , Debons Jérôme , Follonier Marie-Christine
Published: October 2014

Introduction : Le vieillissement de la population dans les pays d’Europe occidentale a engendré un développement considérable de l’aide et de soins à domicile. La production effective de ces prestations, simples en principe mais complexes à mettre en œuvre, reste mal connue. Objectif : L’objectif de cette étude sociologique qualitative est de comprendre le déroulement du travail d’aide et de soins à domicile, et son inscription dans un contexte local, au travers de l’analyse de trajectoires et des arcs de travail. Méthode : Huit situations de soins ont été suivies sur une durée de trois mois, dans trois services différents d’un même canton de Suisse romande. Le corpus analysé comprend des entretiens semi-directifs et informels, des documents de travail, la documentation de référence ainsi que des observations de l’activité des professionnels. Résultats : L’analyse des données montre que la standardisation des procédures d’évaluation et un référentiel de travail essentiellement administratif rendent la problématisation des situations de soins difficile. Le fractionnement des prestations fait obstacle à la complexité des soins, qui sont par ailleurs représentatifs d’une organisation du travail marquée du sceau de la mise en conformité. Conclusion : La pression à la standardisation est un défi au maintien d’une approche des soins individualisée et inscrite dans la communauté.
Coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae Negatively Modulates the Size and Composition of the Ongoing Influenza-Specific CD8+ T Cell Response
Authors: Blevins Lance K. , Wren John T. , Holbrook Beth C. , Hayward Sarah L. , Swords W. Edward , Parks Griffith D. , Alexander-Miller Martha A.
Published: October 2014

Infection with influenza A virus can lead to increased susceptibility to subsequent bacterial infection, often with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Given the substantial modification of the lung environment that occurs following pathogen infection, there is significant potential for modulation of immune responses. In this study, we show that infection of mice with influenza virus, followed by the noninvasive EF3030 strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae, leads to a significant decrease in the virus-specific CD8+ T cell response in the lung. Adoptive-transfer studies suggest that this reduction contributes to disease in coinfected animals. The reduced number of lung effector cells in coinfected animals was associated with increased death, as well as a reduction in cytokine production in surviving cells. Further, cells that retained the ability to produce IFN-γ exhibited a decreased potential for coproduction of TNF-α. Reduced cytokine production was directly correlated with a decrease in the level of mRNA. Negative regulation of cells in the mediastinal lymph node was minimal compared with that present in the lung, supporting a model of selective regulation in the tissue harboring high pathogen burden. These results show that entry of a coinfecting pathogen can have profound immunoregulatory effects on an ongoing immune response. Together, these findings reveal a novel dynamic interplay between concurrently infecting pathogens and the adaptive immune system.
The Hazel Grouse, Bonasa bonasia, in two sample areas in the Carnic Alps (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, north-eastern Italy)
Authors: Rassati Gianluca
Published: October 2014

A study on the Hazel Grouse, Bonasa bonasia, was carried out in the Carnic Alps in the period 2008-2010. The aims were to determine some parameters related to breeding activity and territoriality and to identify conservation actions in favour of the species. The results show a reduction of the area where the species is established compared to the past and a distribution concentrated in favourable zones. Bonasa bonasia is losing territory especially in low mountain areas, in the outermost Alpine river valleys and in the Prealps. Abandonment of traditional agricultural, silvicultural and pastoral activities, habitat fragmentation and anthropization are among the main causes of this situation. Finally, some measures aimed at reversing the tendency to rarefaction and the related problems are reported.
Green Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos Linnaeus 1758, feeding in an urban site in Pantelleria.
Authors: La Mantia Tommaso
Published: October 2014

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The Black-headed Gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus, again breeding in Friuli Venezia Giulia (North East Italy).
Authors: Cosolo Mauro
Published: October 2014

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A very large nesting colony of Delichon urbica and relative mobbing on Corvus monedula and Passer domesticus, with helpers, in Venosa town (Potenza province, south Italy).
Authors: Soccini Christiana , Ferro Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

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Forest management effects on birds in the Regional Park of Bracciano and Martignano (Lazio, Italy)
Authors: Scarfò Fabio
Published: October 2014

A point count preliminary study was carried out in different aged woods in order to analyse the forest management effects on birds.
Habitat characterization of the Carso Triestino on ornithological and floristic-vegetational bases
Authors: Altobelli Alfredo , Benussi Enrico , Bressan Enrico , Toselli Elvio , Toselli Valerio
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between nesting bird species richness in different natural habitats of the Triestine Carso and the corresponding floristic and vegetational types.
Impact of inaccessible spaces on community participation of people with mobility limitations in Zambia
Authors: Banda-Chalwe Martha , Nitz Jennifer C. , De Jonge Desleigh
Published: October 2014

Background: The study investigated the perspective of people with mobility limitations (PWML) in Zambia, firstly of their accessibility to public buildings and spaces, and secondly of how their capacity to participate in a preferred lifestyle has been affected.Objectives: Firstly to provide insight into the participation experiences of PWML in the social, cultural, economic, political and civic life areas and the relationship of these with disability in Zambia. Secondly to establish how the Zambian disability context shape the experiences of participation by PWML.Method: A qualitative design was used to gather data from 75 PWML in five of the nine provinces of Zambia. Focus group discussions and personal interviews were used to examine the accessibility of the built environment and how this impacted on the whole family’s participation experiences. The nominal group technique was utilised to rank inaccessible buildings and facilities which posed barriers to opportunities in life areas and how this interfered with the whole family’s lifestyle.Results: Inaccessibility of education institutions, workplaces and spaces have contributed to reduced participation with negative implications for personal, family, social and economic aspects of the lives of participants. Government buildings, service buildings, and transportation were universally identified as most important but least accessible.Conclusion: Zambians with mobility limitations have been disadvantaged in accessing services and facilities provided to the public, depriving them and their dependants of full and equitable life participation because of reduced economic capacity. This study will assist in informing government of the need to improve environmental access to enable equal rights for all citizens.
Geïntegreerde, kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe beroepsvoorligting en beroepskonstruksie vir ’n aandagafleibare seun met tegniese belangstelling en aanleg lei tot positiewe resultate
Authors: Maree Jacobus G.
Published: October 2014

Integrated, qualitative and quantitative career counselling and career construction with a learner with a technical interest and aptitude who presents with attention deficit leads to positive results. This article describes the value of career construction based on an integrating qualitative and quantitative approach for a learner with a technical interest and aptitude who presents with attention deficit. The qualitative research design entails an intrinsic, instrumental case study aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of the participant in his natural context. The participant was a 17 year old young man who was assessed with a view to career counselling. Hence both purpose and convenience sampling were used. Assessment was repeated after a 2-year interval with feedback following each assessment. Data was gathered by means of qualitative, as well as quantitative techniques (quantitative: the Jung Personality Questionnaire, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Differential Aptitude Tests and the Rothwell-Miller Interest Blank, the Maree Career Matrix; qualitative: a collage, the Career Interest Profile, life line, early memories, as well as the life story techniques). In the second assessment his interests remained largely stable; his aptitudes were generally the same as before and his study orientation seemed to have improved. Furthermore, his tendency towards introversion had changed to a relatively strong tendency towards extroversion. Qualitative assessment was done largely on the basis of reflexivity, or repeated reflection about his own reflection, and revealed a dormant willingness to work harder and to participate more actively in his self-construction and in the writing down of his emerging career life story. Some recommendations were made to enable him to demonstrate this willingness in practice. The results cannot be generalised, but it seems that career construction based on a qualitative and quantitative approach for a learner with an attention deficit and a strong technical aptitude may potentially contribute to substantial changes in the learner’s life. Comprehensive research in a group context is necessary.
Smoking trends among women in India: Analysis of nationally representative surveys (1993–2009)
Authors: Goel Sonu , Tripathy Jaya Prasad , Singh Rana J. , Lal Pranay
Published: October 2014

Background: There is growing concern among policy makers with respect to alarming growth in smoking prevalence among women in the developing countries. Methods: Using disaggregated data from five nationally representative surveys: Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2010, National Family Health Survey-III (NFHS-III) 2004-2005, NFHS-II 1998-1999, National Sample Survey (NSS) 52 nd Round 1995-1996, NSS 50 th Round 1993-1994 we analysed female smoking trend from 1993-2009. Tobacco use among females was monitored for almost two decades focusing on gender, literacy, and state-specific trends among respondents aged >15 years. Results: Smoking use among women has doubled from 1.4% to 2.9% (P < 0.001) during the period 2005-2010. The prevalence of smoking increased with decrease in per capita State Gross Domestic Product and literacy status for both men and women. Conclusion: As the overall smoking prevalence grows, female smoking is growing at a faster rate than smoking among males, which is an emerging concern for tobacco control in India and requires the attention of policymakers.
Is aspiration as detected on pretreatment video fluorography, a harbinger of poor quality of life and early mortality in cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract treated with radiotherapy?
Authors: Lal Punita , Nautiyal Vipul , Chaudhuri Tamojit , Verma Mranalini , Das Koilpillai Joseph Maria , Kumar Shaleen
Published: October 2014

Background: Patients with cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (head and neck cancer (HNC)) tend to aspirate, either due to disease or treatment. The association of aspiration (documented on video fluorography (VFG)) with quality of life (QOL) and unexpected mortality was studied prospectively in patients treated with simultaneous integrated boost technique of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT). Materials and Methods: Moderately advanced (stage III/IV) HNC were treated by SIB-IMRT delivering 66 Gy/30 fr, 60 Gy/30 fr, and 54 Gy/30 fr to high, intermediate, and low risk volumes, respectively. They underwent serial VFG and QOL assessments (Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 ( QLQ-C30) and head and neck-35 (HN35) European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tools) at 0, 3, and 6 months. Pharyngeal musculature (PM) was additionally delineated on planning computed tomography (CT) scans as potential organs at risk (OARs). Results: Between November 2009 and May 2011, 20 HNC were treated as per protocol. All patients were fit (Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥ 80). Based on VFG findings, seven patients (4/9 oropharynx and 3/11 laryngopharynx) were grouped as aspirators (A) and remaining 13 as non-aspirators (NA). The QOL study showed that pretreatment coughing and swallowing difficulties were greater in group A versus NA and remained persistently higher. In group A, deaths attributable to aspiration were seen in 3/7 patients, while none occurred in the NA group (Fisher′s exact P = 0.03). The mean PM dose was 60 Gy in both the groups and mean V60 was similar at 69 and 67% in A and NA groups, respectively. Conclusions: VFG helps identify patients who aspirate and are at risk of premature death due to its complications, alerting caregivers to direct attention appropriately.
Pediatric oncology services in Nepal
Authors: Sah Kailash Prasad , Arora Ramandeep Singh , Sapkota Sulav , Poudel Yamuna , Pizer Barry
Published: October 2014

Cancer in children is one of the emerging noncommunicable diseases in Nepal with significant morbidity and mortality. Significant efforts are being made at the government and nongovernment level to provide awareness, early diagnosis, and effective treatment to improve the cure rate of children with cancer. The major challenges include: lack of education, late diagnosis, advanced disease at presentation, financial problems, geographical and transportation difficulties, and inconsistent supply of chemotherapy medicines.
Disease Biomarker Query from RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Han Henry , Jiang Xiaoqian
Published: October 2014

As a revolutionary way to unveil transcription, RNA-Seq technologies are challenging bioinformatics for its large data volumes and complexities. A large number of computational models have been proposed for differential expression (DE) analysis and normalization from different standing points. However, there were no studies available yet to conduct disease biomarker discovery for this type of high-resolution digital gene expression data, which will actually be essential to explore its potential in clinical bioinformatics. Although there were many biomarker discovery algorithms available in traditional omics communities, they cannot be applied to RNA-Seq count data to seek biomarkers directly for its special characteristics. In this work, we have presented a biomarker discovery algorithm, SEQ-Marker for RNA-Seq data, which is built on a novel data-driven feature selection algorithm, nonnegative singular value approximation (NSVA), which contributes to the robustness and sensitivity of the following DE analysis by taking advantages of the built-in characteristics of RNA-Seq count data. As a biomarker discovery algorithm built on network marker topology, the proposed SEQ-Marker not only bridges transcriptomics and systems biology but also contributes to clinical diagnostics.
Exploiting Literature-derived Knowledge and Semantics to Identify Potential Prostate Cancer Drugs
Authors: Zhang Rui , Cairelli Michael J. , Fiszman Marcelo , Kilicoglu Halil , Rindflesch Thomas C. , Pakhomov Serguei V. , Melton Genevieve B.
Published: October 2014

In this study, we report on the performance of an automated approach to discovery of potential prostate cancer drugs from the biomedical literature. We used the semantic relationships in SemMedDB, a database of structured knowledge extracted from all MEDLINE citations using SemRep, to extract potential relationships using knowledge of cancer drugs pathways. Two cancer drugs pathway schemas were constructed using these relationships extracted from SemMedDB. Trough both pathway schemas, we found drugs already used for prostate cancer therapy and drugs not currently listed as the prostate cancer medications. Our study demonstrates that the appropriate linking of relevant structured semantic relationships stored in SemMedDB can support the discovery of potential prostate cancer drugs.
Comparison of Point-of-Care Tests for the Rapid Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in East African Patients
Authors: Bezuneh Asrat , Mukhtar Maowia , Abdoun Asim , Teferi Tedla , Takele Yegnasew , Diro Ermias , Jemaneh Asfaw , Shiferaw Welelta , Wondimu Hirut , Bhatia Ajay , Howard Randall F. , Ghalib Hashim , Ireton Gregory C. , Hailu Asrat , Reed Steven G.
Published: October 2014

The development of rK39-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has greatly aided the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, especially in the Indian subcontinent and Brazil, by offering high sensitivity and specificity. However, these tests have been less sensitive and less specific in sub-Saharan Africa. To improve upon the performance of rK39 in Africa, we engineered the fusion molecule rK28, which retained some of the rK39 repeats and combined them with repeat sequences from two additional Leishmania genes. This polyprotein was used in the development of several prototype RDTs by different commercial manufacturers with the goal of assessing relative performance in inexpensive formats. Here, we report field studies showing that the rK28 antigen could be readily adapted to a variety of RDT formats to achieve high sensitivity, generally > 90%, and adequate specificity to aid in the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, Asia, and South America.
Research on Dengue During World War II Revisited
Authors: Snow Grace E. , Haaland Benjamin , Ooi Eng Eong , Gubler Duane J.
Published: October 2014

Much of the basic clinical information about dengue infection comes from experimental human studies conducted in the 1920s and 1940s. Albert Sabin's original laboratory records from one such study were bequeathed to Duane J. Gubler. These records were reviewed and 150 experiments were included in our analyses. Persons were inoculated with dengue virus 1 (DENV-1) and DENV-2. Median fever duration was shorter in primary DENV-2 infections compared with DENV-1, although maximum temperature and severity of illness were comparable. At 1.5–9 months after primary infection, 20 persons were inoculated with the heterologous serotype. Only one person inoculated with a heterologous serotype at < 8 weeks showed development of a clinical infection with a maximum temperature of 38°C, and 7 (88%) of 8 persons inoculated with a heterologous serotype at 4–9 months post-primary infection showed development of fever. On average, persons had a shorter incubation period in secondary infection compared with primary infection.
Diagnostic Testing for Hemorrhagic Fevers in Pakistan: 2007–2013
Authors: Hasan Zahra , Atkinson Barry , Jamil Bushra , Samreen Azra , Altaf Lamia , Hewson Roger
Published: October 2014

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and dengue virus (DENV) are endemic to Pakistan. Patients presenting with symptoms of fever, bleeding, and rash cannot be distinguished without appropriate testing. We report data on 354 samples tested for CCHFV at The Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan between 2007 and 2013. All samples were tested for the presence of CCHFV RNA. Some samples were also tested for DENV RNA, NS-1 antigen, and/or reactive immunoglobulin M antibodies. Of 354 clinical specimens screened for CCHFV, 52 specimens were positive, with 24 cases in 2013 alone. Most cases were from Sindh and Baluchistan, which border other CCHFV-endemic regions: Iran and Afghanistan. Among CCHFV-negative samples, 168 samples were tested for DENV, and 36% of these samples were found to be DENV-positive. Rapid differentiation of CCHFV and DENV can prevent nosocomial transmission and result in time and cost savings for patients and healthcare workers.
Comparison of Fast In situ Stratospheric Hygrometer (FISH) measurements of water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) with ECMWF (re)analysis data
Authors: Kunz A. , Spelten N. , Konopka P. , Müller R. , Forbes R. M. , Wernli H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. An evaluation of water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) of the ERA-Interim, the global atmospheric reanalysis produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), is presented. Water vapor measurements are derived from the Fast In situ Stratospheric Hygrometer (FISH) during a large set of airborne measurement campaigns from 2001 to 2011 in the tropics, midlatitudes and polar regions, covering isentropic layers from 300 to 400K (5–18km). The comparison shows around 87% of the reanalysis data are within a factor of 2 of the FISH water vapor measurements and around 30% have a nearly perfect agreement with an over- and underestimation lower than 10%. Nevertheless, strong over- and underestimations can occur both in the UT and LS, in particularly in the extratropical LS and in the tropical UT, where severe over- and underestimations up to 10 times can occur. The analysis data from the evolving ECMWF operational system is also evaluated, and the FISH measurements are divided into time periods representing different cycles of the Integrated Forecast System (IFS). The agreement with FISH improves over the time, in particular when comparing water vapor fields for time periods before 2004 and after 2010. It appears that influences of tropical tropospheric and extratropical UTLS processes, e.g., convective and quasi-isentropic exchange processes, are particularly challenging for the simulation of the UTLS water vapor distribution. Both the reanalysis and operational analysis data show the tendency of an overestimation of low water vapor mixing ratio (⪅10ppmv) in the LS and underestimation of high water vapor mixing ratio (⪆300ppmv) in the UT.
Multi-model ensemble: technique and validation
Authors: Rozante J. R. , Moreira D. S. , Godoy R. C. M. , Fernandes A. A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In this study, a method of numerical weather prediction by ensemble for the South American region is proposed. This method takes into account combinations of the numerical predictions of various models, assigning greater weight to models that exhibit the best performance. Nine operational numerical models were used to perform this study. The main objective of the study is to obtain a weather forecasting product (short-to-medium range) that combines what is best in each of the nine models used in the study, thus producing more reliable predictions. The proposed method was evaluated during austral summer (December 2012, and January and February 2013) and winter (June, July and August 2013). The results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the results provided by the numerical models and consequently has promising potential for operational applications in any weather forecasting center.
Crop physiology calibration in CLM
Authors: Bilionis I. , Drewniak B. A. , Constantinescu E. M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Farming is using more terrestrial ground, as population increases and agriculture is increasingly used for non-nutritional purposes such as biofuel production. This agricultural expansion exerts an increasing impact on the terrestrial carbon cycle. In order to understand the impact of such processes, the Community Land Model (CLM) has been augmented with a CLM-Crop extension that simulates the development of three crop types: maize, soybean, and spring wheat. The CLM-Crop model is a complex system that relies on a suite of parametric inputs that govern plant growth under a given atmospheric forcing and available resources. CLM-Crop development used measurements of gross primary productivity and net ecosystem exchange from AmeriFlux sites to choose parameter values that optimize crop productivity in the model. In this paper we calibrate these parameters for one crop type, soybean, in order to provide a faithful projection in terms of both plant development and net carbon exchange. Calibration is performed in a Bayesian framework by developing a scalable and adaptive scheme based on sequential Monte Carlo (SMC).
Voor niets gaat de zon op!
Authors: Spanjaard J.H.M.
Published: October 2014

Voor niets gaat de zon op!

In zijn arrest van 13 juni 2014 betreffende de prejudiciële vraag over de aanschaf van een mobiele telefoon heeft de Hoge Raad geoordeeld dat de ‘gratis’ verstrekking van een mobiele telefoon bij een telefoonabonnement kwalificeert als koop op afbetaling en consumentenkrediet. Dit kan ook toepasselijkheid van de wetgeving over consumentenkrediet en financieel toezicht met zich meebrengen. In deze bijdrage wordt het arrest besproken en worden de gevolgen van het arrest belicht.
Semaphorin 5A inhibits synaptogenesis in early postnatal- and adult-born hippocampal dentate granule cells
Authors: Duan Yuntao , Wang Shih-Hsiu , Song Juan , Mironova Yevgeniya , Ming Guo-li , Kolodkin Alex L , Giger Roman J
Published: October 2014

Human SEMAPHORIN 5A (SEMA5A) is an autism susceptibility gene; however, its function in brain development is unknown. In this study, we show that mouse Sema5A negatively regulates synaptogenesis in early, developmentally born, hippocampal dentate granule cells (GCs). Sema5A is strongly expressed by GCs and regulates dendritic spine density in a cell-autonomous manner. In the adult mouse brain, newly born Sema5A−/− GCs show an increase in dendritic spine density and increased AMPA-type synaptic responses. Sema5A signals through PlexinA2 co-expressed by GCs, and the PlexinA2-RasGAP activity is necessary to suppress spinogenesis. Like Sema5A−/− mutants, PlexinA2−/− mice show an increase in GC glutamatergic synapses, and we show that Sema5A and PlexinA2 genetically interact with respect to GC spine phenotypes. Sema5A−/− mice display deficits in social interaction, a hallmark of autism-spectrum-disorders. These experiments identify novel intra-dendritic Sema5A/PlexinA2 interactions that inhibit excitatory synapse formation in developmentally born and adult-born GCs, and they provide support for SEMA5A contributions to autism-spectrum-disorders.
A combined quantitative mass spectrometry and electron microscopy analysis of ribosomal 30S subunit assembly in E. coli
Authors: Sashital Dipali G , Greeman Candacia A , Lyumkis Dmitry , Potter Clinton S , Carragher Bridget , Williamson James R
Published: October 2014

Ribosome assembly is a complex process involving the folding and processing of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), concomitant binding of ribosomal proteins (r-proteins), and participation of numerous accessory cofactors. Here, we use a quantitative mass spectrometry/electron microscopy hybrid approach to determine the r-protein composition and conformation of 30S ribosome assembly intermediates in Escherichia coli. The relative timing of assembly of the 3′ domain and the formation of the central pseudoknot (PK) structure depends on the presence of the assembly factor RimP. The central PK is unstable in the absence of RimP, resulting in the accumulation of intermediates in which the 3′-domain is unanchored and the 5′-domain is depleted for r-proteins S5 and S12 that contact the central PK. Our results reveal the importance of the cofactor RimP in central PK formation, and introduce a broadly applicable method for characterizing macromolecular assembly in cells.
Energy Industry Executives Call for Looser Government Regulations
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2014

The polar vortex blast of Arctic air brought record‐breaking frigid temperatures across parts of the United States last January. It also caused peak electricity loads across parts of the country and almost forced one of the nation's largest electric utilities to shut off power to some customers to keep most of its system running.
AGU Leadership Transition Begins
Authors: McPhaden Mike
Published: October 2014

The election is over, and now we begin AGU's leadership transition! Newly elected leaders will take office on 1 January 2015 and about half of the current Board and Council members will rotate off. In addition, new volunteers will join AGU committees and task forces (http://sites.agu.org/leadership/committees/).
Last interglacial period experienced highly variable climate
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2014

The climate of our planet is naturally variable and experiences cycles spanning decadal to multi‐millennial timescales. Understanding these natural variations is key for assessing how humans affect natural climate variability and how climate might change in the coming centuries.
Room Temperature Ferrimagnetism and Ferroelectricity in Strained, Thin Films of BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3
Authors: Choi Eun‐Mi , Fix Thomas , Kursumovic Ahmed , Kinane Christy J. , Arena Darío , Sahonta Suman‐Lata , Bi Zhenxing , Xiong Jie , Yan Li , Lee Jun‐Sik , Wang Haiyan , Langridge Sean , Kim Young‐Min , Borisevich Albina Y. , MacLaren Ian , Ramasse Quentin M. , Blamire Mark G. , Jia Quanxi , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: October 2014

Highly strained films of BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3 (BFMO) grown at very low rates by pulsed laser deposition were demonstrated to exhibit both ferrimagnetism and ferroelectricity at room temperature and above. Magnetisation measurements demonstrated ferrimagnetism (TC ∼ 600K), with a room temperature saturation moment (MS) of up to 90 emu/cc (∼ 0.58 μB/f.u) on high quality (001) SrTiO3. X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism showed that the ferrimagnetism arose from antiferromagnetically coupled Fe3+ and Mn3+. While scanning transmission electron microscope studies showed there was no long range ordering of Fe and Mn, the magnetic properties were found to be strongly dependent on the strain state in the films. The magnetism is explained to arise from one of three possible mechanisms with Bi polarization playing a key role. A signature of room temperature ferroelectricity in the films was measured by piezoresponse force microscopy and was confirmed using angular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The demonstration of strain induced, high temperature multiferroism is a promising development for future spintronic and memory applications at room temperature and above.
Temperature‐Dependent Electrical Transport in Polymer‐Sorted Semiconducting Carbon Nanotube Networks
Authors: Gao Jia , Loo Yueh‐Lin (Lynn)
Published: October 2014

The temperature dependence of the electrical characteristics of field‐effect transistors (FETs) based on polymer‐sorted, large‐diameter semiconducting carbon nanotube networks is investigated. The temperature dependences of both the carrier mobility and the source‐drain current in the range of 78 K to 293 K indicate thermally activated, but non‐Arrhenius, charge transport. The hysteresis in the transfer characteristics of FETs shows a simultaneous reduction with decreasing temperature. The hysteresis appears to stem from screening of charges that are transferred from the carbon nanotubes to traps at the surface of the gate dielectric. The temperature dependence of sheet resistance of the carbon nanotube networks, extracted from FET characteristics at constant carrier concentration, specifies fluctuation‐induced tunneling as the mechanism responsible for charge transport, with an activation energy that is dependent on film thickness. Our study indicates inter‐tube tunneling to be the bottleneck and implicates the role of the polymer coating in influencing charge transport in polymer‐sorted carbon nanotube networks.
A Complete Switch of the Directional Selectivity in the Annulation of 2‐Hydroxybenzaldehydes with Alkynes
Authors: Zeng Huiying , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: October 2014

Controlling reaction selectivity is an eternal pursuit for chemists working in chemical synthesis. As part of this endeavor, our group has been exploring the possibility of constructing different natural product skeletons from the same simple starting materials by using different catalytic systems. In our previous work, an isoflavanone skeleton was obtained from the annulation of a salicylaldehyde and an alkyne when a gold catalyst was employed. In this paper, it is shown that a coumarin skeleton can be efficiently obtained through an annulation reaction with the same starting materials, that is, terminal alkynes and salicylaldehydes, by simply switching to a rhodium catalyst. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed for this new annulation based on isotopic substitution experiments.
Reversible Unfolding–Refolding of Rubredoxin: A Single‐Molecule Force Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Zheng Peng , Wang Yanyan , Li Hongbin
Published: October 2014

In metalloproteins, metal centers serve as active sites for a range of functional purposes and as important structural elements to facilitate protein folding and assembly. It is challenging to observe the reversible unfolding and refolding of metalloproteins because of a loss or decomposition of the metal center. Here, the reversible unfolding–refolding of the iron–sulfur protein rubredoxin was observed directly using single‐molecule force spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the iron can remain attached to the CXXC motif when rubredoxin is unfolded. Upon relaxation, the unfolded rubredoxin can refold into its native holo state with the reconstituted FeS4 center. The possible loss of iron from the unfolded protein prevents rubredoxin from refolding into its native holo state. These results demonstrated that unfolding of rubredoxin is reversible, as long as the iron remains attached, and provide experimental evidence for the iron‐priming mechanism for the folding of rubredoxin.
Organocatalytic and Scalable Synthesis of the Anti‐Influenza Drugs Zanamivir, Laninamivir, and CS‐8958
Authors: Tian Junshan , Zhong Jiankang , Li Yunsheng , Ma Dawei
Published: October 2014

Zanamivir, laninamivir, and CS‐8958 are three neuraminidase inhibitors that have been clinically used to combat influenza. We report herein a novel organocatalytic route for preparing these agents. Only 13 steps are needed for the assembly of zanamivir and laninamivir from inexpensive D‐araboascorbic acid by this synthetic route, which relies heavily on a thiourea‐catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of acetone to tert‐butyl (2‐nitrovinyl)carbamate and an anti‐selective Henry reaction of the resulting Michael adduct with an aldehyde prepared from D‐araboascorbic acid. The synthetic procedures are scalable, as evident from the preparation of more than 3.5 g of zanamivir.
Superhalogens as Building Blocks of Halogen‐Free Electrolytes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Giri Santanab , Behera Swayamprabha , Jena Puru
Published: October 2014

Most electrolytes currently used in Li‐ion batteries contain halogens, which are toxic. In the search for halogen‐free electrolytes, we studied the electronic structure of the current electrolytes using first‐principles theory. The results showed that all current electrolytes are based on superhalogens, i.e., the vertical electron detachment energies of the moieties that make up the negative ions are larger than those of any halogen atom. Realizing that several superhalogens exist that do not contain a single halogen atom, we studied their potential as effective electrolytes by calculating not only the energy needed to remove a Li+ ion but also their affinity towards H2O. Several halogen‐free electrolytes are identified among which Li(CB11H12) is shown to have the greatest potential.