bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICT and Growth: The Role of Rates of Return and Capital Prices
Authors: Niebel Thomas , Saam Marianne
Published: January 2015

We revisit the widely discussed contribution of investment in ICT to economic growth, focusing on differences in productivity and quality of ICT across countries and time. In a growth accounting approach, we look at the way rates of return and rates of asset price decline measure these aspects. Conducting a sensitivity analysis with data from the EU KLEMS database for the years 1990–2007, we introduce a constant rate of return and a constant rate of ICT price decline. Both alternative measurements somewhat downplay the role investment played relative to growth in multifactor productivity in the U.K. and the U.S. during 1995–2000. Moreover, we show that more than half of the ICT contribution to labor productivity growth results from changes in capital quality and composition rather than from quantity.
Secretariat Influence on Overlap Management Politics in North America: NAFTA and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Authors: Jinnah Sikina , Lindsay Abby
Published: January 2015

This paper examines how overlap between trade and environmental issues are managed under the North American Free Trade Agreement, and specifically the role that the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) Secretariat plays in this process. We demonstrate how the CEC Secretariat has influenced trade–environment politics, primarily through knowledge brokering in ways that build state capacity to collaborate across borders on trade‐environment issues. Specifically, we demonstrate how the Secretariat has influenced decisions related to budget allocations, cooperative activities between member states, the creation of new institutions, and evaluating allegations of parties' failures to enforce environmental laws. Moreover, we argue that this case raises important questions concerning the appropriate role of secretariats in international politics and has important policy implications with several new secretariats currently being set up under the burgeoning number of regional trade agreements under negotiation by the United States and many others.
Interagency Trust and Communication in the Transboundary Governance of Pacific Salmon Fisheries
Authors: Temby Owen , Rastogi Archi , Sandall Jean , Cooksey Ray , Hickey Gordon M.
Published: January 2015

The transboundary governance of Pacific salmon fisheries requires interactions between institutions that can enable collective action, collaboration, and continuous learning. However, relatively little is known concerning how civil servants in different institutions and jurisdictions interact with each other within transboundary policy settings. In this paper, we explore the interactions of civil servants from agencies in five jurisdictions: United States (federal), Canada (federal), British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska, to assess the extent to which they interact within the Pacific salmon policy network and also the social capital (i.e., formal and informal communication and trust) present among these working relationships. Our results reveal patchy patterns of interagency communication, and relatively low levels of interagency trust between jurisdictions, suggesting the potential for improved collaboration on Pacific salmon governance. Our analysis also revealed that the binational Pacific Salmon Commission had the highest levels of trust within the network, suggesting it is likely well placed to foster collaboration.
The Evolution of Natural Resource Conservation Capacity on the U.S.–Mexico Border: Bilateral and Trilateral Environmental Agreements since La Paz
Authors: Mumme Stephen P.
Published: January 2015

This article traces the development of natural resources conservation policy capacity along the U.S.–Mexico border with emphasis on the post‐La Paz Agreement period. The study focuses on the content of bilateral and multilateral agreements affecting natural resources management along the U.S.–Mexico border, what Janicke (2002) identifies as the structural/contextual dimension of environmental capacity consisting of institutional context, informational context, and economic context for policy implementation. Using this approach, it is evident that considerable progress was made in strengthening binational natural resources management capacity after the La Paz Agreement was signed, boosted further by institutional gains following the North American Free Trade Agreement. While most of these gains endure, efforts to strengthen binational capacity for sustainable management of natural resources have faltered since 2001 in the face of changing government priorities, diminished financial support for border programs, and the new challenge presented by heightened attention to border security.
Assessing Intergovernmental Institutions and Transnational Policy Networks in North American Resource Management: Concluding Remarks
Authors: Olive Andrea
Published: January 2015

What is the role of intergovernmental institutions and transnational policy networks in the management of North American natural resources? The articles presented in this special volume provide some answers to this question and contribute to an ongoing discussion about bilateral and trilateral resource management. This concluding article pulls together the major themes, questions, answers, and avenues for further research presented in the special volume. There is broad consensus that post‐bureaucratic interactive agencies are developing in bi‐ and trilateral resource management but notable policy outcomes are lagging. Climate change is hypothesized to be a test of Northern American governance because already we see this formidable issue further cementing fragmented bilateralism.
The Social Psychology of False Confessions
Authors: Kassin Saul M.
Published: January 2015

Inspired by DNA exoneration cases and other wrongful convictions of innocent people who had confessed to crimes they did not commit, and drawing from basic principles of social perception and social influence, a vast body of research has focused on the social psychology of confessions. In particular, this article describes laboratory and field studies on the “Milgramesque” processes of police interviewing an interrogation, the methods by which innocent people are judged deceptive and induced into confession, and the rippling effects of these confessions on judges, juries, lay and expert witnesses, and the truth‐seeking process itself. This article concludes with a discussion of social and policy implications—including a call for the mandatory video recording of entire interrogations, blind testing in forensic science labs, and the admissibility of confession experts in court.
Inclusive Victim Consciousness in Advocacy, Social Movements, and Intergroup Relations: Promises and Pitfalls
Authors: Vollhardt Johanna Ray
Published: January 2015

While researchers and policy makers often focus their attention on the detrimental consequences of collective victimhood, it has been posited that these negative outcomes are linked to particular construals of the ingroup's victimization: namely those that focus on the uniqueness of these experiences (exclusive victim consciousness). In contrast, perceived similarities across victim groups (inclusive victim consciousness) may be associated with more positive outcomes, including victim groups assisting and advocating for each other or engaging in joint collective action. Drawing on social psychological research and real‐world cases, this review provides examples of inclusive victim consciousness in several policy‐relevant domains. A distinction is made between conflict‐specific and general inclusive victim consciousness. Additionally, motivations for expressing inclusive victim consciousness are discussed that vary in their degree of ingroup‐ versus outgroup‐concern. Factors are suggested that may promote or decrease inclusive victim consciousness, including steps that can be taken by policy makers and practitioners. Finally, potential challenges and risks involved in attempts to promote inclusive victim consciousness are discussed.
A Developmental Science Approach to Reducing Prejudice and Social Exclusion: Intergroup Processes, Social‐Cognitive Development, and Moral Reasoning
Authors: Rutland Adam , Killen Melanie
Published: January 2015

This article presents a developmental science approach to changing attitudes and rectifying prejudice and discrimination. This is crucial because stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes are deeply entrenched by adulthood; the time for intervention is before biases are fully formed in adulthood. Adults as well as children are both the recipients and the perpetrators of prejudice as reflected by social exclusion based on group membership. Determining the factors that inhibit or reduce the negative outcomes of prejudice and exclusion is of paramount importance. Research reveals that young children are aware of in‐group and out‐group differences very early but what becomes full‐fledged prejudice, in fact, emerges slowly during childhood and adolescence. At the same time, morality, an understanding of fairness and equality, emerges during this same time period. On the positive side, evidence reveals that in certain contexts, children understand the unfairness of prejudicial attitudes and social exclusion designed to inflict harm on others. On the negative side, prejudicial attitudes, even when not intentional, have detrimental consequences for children as targets of biased attitudes. This article describes research on social reasoning, moral judgments, group identity, group norms, and intergroup contact in childhood to shed light on the catalysts and obstacles that exist for the goal of promoting the development of positive intergroup attitudes from early childhood to adulthood. Implications for policy and intervention are provided.
Community Organizing: Practice, Research, and Policy Implications
Authors: Christens Brian D. , Speer Paul W.
Published: January 2015

Community organizing—a field of practice in which residents collaboratively investigate and undertake sustained collective action regarding social issues of mutual concern—has often proven an effective method for achieving changes in policies and systems at local, regional, and even national scales. The field is dynamic. It has expanded and has undergone numerous changes over recent decades. Research from a variety of disciplines has documented, evaluated, and informed many of these changes. This article scrutinizes the evolving field of community organizing, with a particular focus on the current state of social and psychological research on broad‐based community organizing processes and outcomes. These findings include not only the effects of community organizing efforts on policies and systems, but also the influences of community organizing on psychological changes among the people and groups who participate. These findings are incorporated into recommendations for policies, practices, and future research.
An improved method for evaluating ideal standards in self‐perception and mate preferences
Authors: Katsena Lasma , Dimdins Girts
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study was to improve the methodology for measuring ideals of self‐perception and mate preferences. The Ideal Standards Model (ISM; Fletcher, Simpson, Thomas & Giles, 1999) was used as a basis for development of the scale. It was further modified by adding a number of items from previous studies. Data were collected from 223 participants, aged 19 to 27 years. The results suggested that a modified five‐factor version of the ISM is an appropriate method for evaluation of ideal characteristics. The five factors are warmth/ trustworthiness, status/ resources, intelligence, social skills and physical attractiveness.
Drinking cholera: salinity levels and palatability of drinking water in coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Grant Stephen Lawrence , Tamason Charlotte Crim , Hoque Bilqis Amin , Jensen Peter Kjær Mackie
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To measure the salinity levels of common water sources in coastal Bangladesh and explore perceptions of water palatability among the local population to investigate the plausibility of linking cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh with ingestion of saline‐rich cholera‐infected river water.

Methods

Hundred participants took part in a taste‐testing experiment of water with varying levels of salinity. Salinity measurements were taken of both drinking and non‐drinking water sources. Informal group discussions were conducted to gain an in‐depth understanding of water sources and water uses.

Results

Salinity levels of non‐drinking water sources suggest that the conditions for Vibrio cholerae survival exist 7–8 days within the local aquatic environment. However, 96% of participants in the taste‐testing experiment reported that they would never drink water with salinity levels that would be conducive to V. cholerae survival. Furthermore, salinity levels of participant's drinking water sources were all well below the levels required for optimal survival of V. cholerae. Respondents explained that they preferred less salty and more aesthetically pleasing drinking water.

Conclusion

Theoretically, V. cholerae can survive in the river systems in Bangladesh; however, water sources which have been contaminated with river water are avoided as potential drinking water sources. Furthermore, there are no physical connecting points between the river system and drinking water sources among the study population, indicating that the primary driver for cholera cases in Bangladesh is likely not through the contamination of saline‐rich river water into drinking water sources.
Seizures, cysticercosis and rural‐to‐urban migration: the PERU MIGRANT study
Authors: Gonzales Isidro , Miranda J. Jaime , Rodriguez Silvia , Vargas Victor , Cjuno Alfredo , Smeeth Liam , Gonzalez Armando E. , Tsang Victor C. W. , Gilman Robert H. , Garcia Hector H. ,   The Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of seizures, epilepsy and seropositivity to cysticercosis in rural villagers (cysticercosis‐endemic setting), rural‐to‐urban migrants into a non‐endemic urban shanty town and urban inhabitants of the same non‐endemic shanty town.

Methods

Three Peruvian populations (n = 985) originally recruited into a study about chronic diseases and migration were studied. These groups included rural inhabitants from an endemic region (n = 200), long‐term rural‐to‐urban migrants (n = 589) and individuals living in the same urban setting (n = 196). Seizure disorders were detected by a survey, and a neurologist examined positive respondents. Serum samples from 981/985 individuals were processed for cysticercosis antibodies on immunoblot.

Results

Epilepsy prevalence (per 1000 people) was 15.3 in the urban group, 35.6 in migrants and 25 in rural inhabitants. A gradient in cysticercosis antibody seroprevalence was observed: urban 2%, migrant 13.5% and rural group 18% (P < 0.05). A similarly increasing pattern of higher seroprevalence was observed among migrants by age at migration. In rural villagers, there was strong evidence of an association between positive serology and having seizures (P = 0.011) but such an association was not observed in long‐term migrants or in urban residents. In the entire study population, compared with seronegative participants, those with strong antibody reactions (≥ 4 antibody bands) were more likely to have epilepsy (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

It is not only international migration that affects cysticercosis endemicity; internal migration can also affect patterns of endemicity within an endemic country. The neurological consequences of cysticercosis infection likely outlast the antibody response for years after rural‐to‐urban migration.
Insulin therapy and fetoplacental vascular function in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sobrevia Luis , Salsoso Rocío , Sáez Tamara , Sanhueza Carlos , Pardo Fabián , Leiva Andrea
Published: January 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review focuses on the effects of insulin therapy on fetoplacental vasculature in gestational diabetes mellitus and the potentiating effects of adenosine on this therapy.

What advances does it highlight?

This review highlights recent studies exploring a potential functional link between insulin receptors and their dependence on adenosine receptor activation (insulin–adenosine axis) to restore placental endothelial function in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease that occurs during pregnancy and is associated with maternal and fetal hyperglycaemia. Women with GDM are treated via diet to control their glycaemia; however, a proportion of these patients do not achieve the recommended values of glycaemia and are subjected to insulin therapy until delivery. Even if a diet‐treated GDM pregnancy leads to normal maternal and newborn glucose levels, fetoplacental vascular dysfunction remains evident. Thus, control of glycaemia via diet does not prevent GDM‐associated fetoplacental vascular and metabolic alterations. We review the available information regarding insulin therapy in the context of its potential consequences for fetoplacental vascular function in GDM. We propose the possibility that insulin therapy to produce normoglycaemia in the mother and newborn may require additional therapeutic measures to restore the normal metabolic condition of the vascular network in GDM. A role for A1 and A2A adenosine receptors and insulin receptors A and B as well as a potential functional link in the cell signalling associated with the activation of these receptors is proposed. This possibility could be helpful for the planning of strategies, including adenosine receptor‐improved insulin therapy, for the treatment of GDM patients, thereby promoting the wellbeing of the growing fetus, newborn and mother.
Bifurcation Transition and Nonlinear Response in a Fractional-Order System
Authors: Yang J. H. , Sanjuán M. A. F. , Liu H. G. , Cheng G.
Published: January 2015

We extend a typical system that possesses a transcritical bifurcation to a fractional-order version. The bifurcation and the resonance phenomenon in the considered system are investigated by both analytical and numerical methods. In the absence of external excitations or simply considering only one low-frequency excitation, the system parameter induces a continuous transcritical bifurcation. When both low- and high-frequency forces are acting, the high-frequency force has a biasing effect and it makes the continuous transcritical bifurcation transit to a discontinuous saddle-node bifurcation. For this case, the system parameter, the high-frequency force, and the fractional-order have effects on the saddle-node bifurcation. The system parameter induces twice a saddle-node bifurcation. The amplitude of the high-frequency force and the fractional-order induce only once a saddle-node bifurcation in the subcritical and the supercritical case, respectively. The system presents a nonlinear response to the low-frequency force. The system parameter and the low-frequency can induce a resonance-like behavior, though the high-frequency force and the fractional-order cannot induce it. We believe that the results of this paper might contribute to a better understanding of the bifurcation and resonance in the excited fractional-order system.
Sensitivity Analysis in Quantified Interval Constraint Satisfaction Problems
Authors: Hu Jie , Wang Yan , Cheng Aiguo , Zhong Zhihua
Published: January 2015

Interval is an alternative to probability distribution in quantifying uncertainty for sensitivity analysis (SA) when there is a lack of data to fit a distribution with good confidence. It only requires the information of lower and upper bounds. Analytical relations among design parameters, design variables, and target performances under uncertainty can be modeled as interval-valued constraints. By incorporating logic quantifiers, quantified constraint satisfaction problems (QCSPs) can integrate semantics and engineering intent in mathematical relations for engineering design. In this paper, a global sensitivity analysis (GSA) method is developed for feasible design space searching problems that are formulated as QCSPs, where the effects of value variations and quantifier changes for design parameters on target performances are analyzed based on several proposed metrics, including the indeterminacy of target performances, information gain of parameter variations, and infeasibility of constraints. Three examples are used to demonstrate the proposed approach.
Cross-Section Influence on Monte Carlo-Based Burn-Up Codes Applied to a GFR-Like Configuration
Authors: Chersola Davide , Lomonaco Guglielmo , Mazzini Guido
Published: January 2015

This paper reports the results of a comparison among JEFF and ENDF/B data sets when used by SERPENT and MONTEBURNS codes on a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR)-like configuration. Particularly, it shows a comparison between the two Monte Carlo-based codes, each one adopting three different cross-section data sets, namely, JEFF-3.1, JEFF-3.1.2, and ENDF/B-VII.1. Calculations have been carried out on the Allegro reactor, i.e., an experimental GFR-like facility that could be built in the European Union as a GFR demonstration. Results include nuclear parameters, such as the effective multiplication factor and fluxes, as well as the atomic densities for some important nuclides versus burn-up.
Longitudinal Wave Velocity in Auxetic Rods
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng
Published: January 2015

This short brief develops a model for the velocity of longitudinal wave propagation in auxetic rods. Due to the large density change in auxetic solids and significant lateral deformation for Poisson's ratio between −1 and −0.5, this note takes into consideration density correction and lateral inertia. Results show that deviation from the elementary wave propagation model becomes more significant the more the Poisson's ratio of the rod material deviates from 1/4, in which the deviation of wave velocity is insignificant for Poisson's ratio in the positive range, but significant in the negative range. Specifically, the tensile and compressive wave velocity increases and decreases, respectively, for Poisson's ratio less than 1/4, but this trend reverses for Poisson's ratio greater than 1/4. In addition to showing that the elementary wave propagation model is invalid for describing the longitudinal wave velocity in auxetic rods, the results also suggest that auxetic materials are useful for applications that require slowing down and speeding up of compressive and tensile wave propagations, respectively.
Drag Reduction on the 25-deg Ahmed Model Using Fluidic Oscillators
Authors: Metka Matthew , Gregory James W.
Published: January 2015

Transportation of goods and people involves moving objects through air, which leads to a force opposing motion. This drag force can account for more than 60% of power consumed by a ground vehicle, such as a car or truck, at highway speeds. This paper studies drag reduction on the 25-deg Ahmed generic vehicle model with quasi-steady blowing at the roof–slant interface using a spanwise array of fluidic oscillators. A fluidic oscillator is a simple device that converts a steady pressure input into a spatially oscillating jet. Drag reduction near 7% was attributed to separation control on the rear slant surface. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and pressure taps were used to characterize the flow structure changes behind the model. Oil flow visualization was used to understand the mechanism behind oscillator effectiveness. An energy analysis suggests that this method may be viable from a flow energy perspective.
Elastic Contact Between a Geometrically Anisotropic Bisinusoidal Surface and a Rigid Base
Authors: Xu Yang , Rostami Amir , Jackson Robert L.
Published: January 2015

In the current study, a semi-analytical model for contact between a homogeneous, isotropic, linear elastic half-space with a geometrically anisotropic (wavelengths are different in the two principal directions) bisinusoidal surface on the boundary and a rigid base is developed. Two asymptotic loads to area relations for early and almost complete contact are derived. The Hertz elliptic contact theory is applied to approximate the load to area relation in the early contact. The noncontact regions occur in the almost complete contact are treated as mode-I cracks. Since those cracks are in compression, an approximate relation between the load and noncontact area can be obtained by setting the corresponding stress intensity factor (SIF) to zero. These two asymptotic solutions are validated by two different numerical models, namely, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) model and the finite element (FE) model. A piecewise equation is fit to the numerical solutions to bridge these two asymptotic solutions.
Performance Enhancement of Partially Shaded Solar Photovoltaic Array Using Grouping Technique
Authors: Malathy S. , Ramaprabha R.
Published: January 2015

The energy yield of the photovoltaic (PV) system is reduced to a greater extent under shaded conditions. Reconfiguration and repositioning techniques demand more number of sensors, switches, and an efficient control algorithm and are well suited for rapidly changing shade conditions. However, for fixed shading that is common in urban rooftop installations, where the shading is partial and usually caused by nearby structures, a simple, yet effective technique is necessary. This paper addresses the issue by grouping the panels based on shade intensity and the merits of asymmetrical multilevel inverter (AMLI) are utilized as the working voltage of each group is different.
A Circuit-Based Approach to Simulate the Characteristics of a Silicon Photovoltaic Module With Aging
Authors: Doumane R. , Balistrou M. , Logerais P. O. , Riou O. , Durastanti J. F. , Charki A.
Published: January 2015

The aging of photovoltaic modules results inevitably in a decrease of their efficiency all through their lifetime utilization. An approach to simulate the evolution of electrical characteristics of a photovoltaic module with aging is presented. The photovoltaic module is modeled by an equivalent electrical circuit whose components have time-dependent characteristics determined under accelerated tests. By entering sun irradiance and temperature, I–V and P–V curves as well as efficiency evolution can be simulated over years assuming equivalent time. The methodology is applied for the case of a monocrystalline photovoltaic module modeled by a one-diode circuit and aging laws are determined with experimental results of damp heat (DH) tests 85 °C/85% RH performed by Hulkoff (2009, “Usage of Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) in Solar Module Aging Procedures,” M.S. thesis, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden). A power degradation rate of 0.53%/yr is found. A parametric study shows that the rundown of optical transmittance of the upper layers with aging has the most important impact by reducing the initial efficiency by 11.5% over a 25-year exposure contrary to electrical degradations which cause a decrease of 1.85% of the initial efficiency.
Direct inhibitors of InhA are active against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Manjunatha Ujjini H. , S. Rao Srinivasa P. , Kondreddi Ravinder Reddy , Noble Christian G. , Camacho Luis R. , Tan Bee H. , Ng Seow H. , Ng Pearly Shuyi , Ma Ng L. , Lakshminarayana Suresh B. , Herve Maxime , Barnes Susan W. , Yu Weixuan , Kuhen Kelli , Blasco Francesca , Beer David , Walker John R. , Tonge Peter J. , Glynne Richard , Smith Paul W. , Diagana Thierry T.
Published: January 2015

4-Hydroxy-2-pyridones, direct inhibitors of the mycobacterial protein InhA, are active against multidrug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
A Thousand Off-Target Effects of Targeted COX-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Kolandaivelu Kumaran
Published: January 2015

The cardiovascular side effects of COX-2 inhibitors may be a result of accelerated production of endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitors from the kidney.
Journey to the Center of the Cause
Authors: Mefford Heather C.
Published: January 2015

Combined genome-wide screening identifies causative mutations in children with developmental delay.
Quenching the Fire Fueling Cancer in the Gut
Authors: Round June L.
Published: January 2015

Blocking the inflammatory cytokine IL-17 in the gut can reduce colorectal cancer.
Early Detection of Dengue Virus by Use of Reverse Transcription-Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
Authors: Teoh Boon-Teong , Sam Sing-Sin , Tan Kim-Kee , Danlami Mohammed Bashar , Shu Meng-Hooi , Johari Jefree , Hooi Poh-Sim , Brooks David , Piepenburg Olaf , Nentwich Oliver , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Franco Leticia , Tenorio Antonio , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: January 2015

A method for the rapid diagnosis of early dengue virus (DENV) infection is highly needed. Here, a prototype reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay was developed. The assay detected DENV RNA in <20 min without the need for thermocycling amplification. The assay enabled the detection of as few as 10 copies of DENV RNA. The designed RT-RPA primers andexoprobe detected the DENV genome of at least 12 genotypes of DENV circulating globally without cross-reacting with other arboviruses. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the RT-RPA assay for the detection of DENV RNA in 203 serum samples of patients with clinically suspected dengue. The sera were simultaneously tested for DENV using a reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and IgM- and IgG-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Acute DENV infection was confirmed in 130 samples and 61 of the samples (46.9%) were classified as viremic with qRT-PCR. The RT-RPA assay showed good concordance (κ of ≥0.723) with the RT-LAMP and qRT-PCR assays in detecting the dengue viremic samples. When used in combination with ELISA, both the RT-RPA and RT-LAMP assays increased the detection of acute DENV infection to ≥95.7% (≥45/47) in samples obtained within 5 days of illness. The results from the study suggest that the RT-RPA assay is the most rapid molecular diagnostic tool available for the detection of DENV. Hence, it is possible to use the RT-RPA assay in a laboratory to complement routine serology testing for dengue.
Four Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Caused by a New Type of Enterotoxin-Producing Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Monma Chie , Hatakeyama Kaoru , Obata Hiromi , Yokoyama Keiko , Konishi Noriko , Itoh Takeshi , Kai Akemi
Published: January 2015

The epidemiological and bacteriological investigations on four foodborne outbreaks caused by a new type of enterotoxin-producingClostridium perfringensare described.C. perfringensisolated from patients of these outbreaks did not produce any known enterotoxin and did not carry theC. perfringensenterotoxin gene. However, the culture filtrates of these isolates induced the accumulation of fluid in rabbit ileal loop tests. The molecular weight of the new enterotoxin may be between 50,000 and 100,000, although the knownC. perfringensenterotoxin is ca. 35,000. This new enterotoxin was heat labile, and its biological activities were inactivated by heating for 5 min at 60°C. The new enterotoxin was sensitive to pH values higher than 11.0 and protease treatment but was resistant to trypsin treatment. These results suggest that the new enterotoxin may be a protein. AlthoughC. perfringensenterotoxin induced morphological changes in Vero cells, the changes induced by the new enterotoxin differed from those by the knownC. perfringensenterotoxin. The new enterotoxin also induced morphological changes in L929 cells, whereas the knownC. perfringensenterotoxin did not, because L929 cells lacked an appropriate enterotoxin receptor. AlthoughC. perfringensenterotoxin is recognized as the only diarrheagenic toxin responsible forC. perfringensfoodborne outbreaks, the results of the present study indicate thatC. perfringensisolated from these four outbreaks produced a new type of enterotoxin.
First Case of Disseminated Infection with Nocardia cerradoensis in a Human
Authors: Piau Caroline , Kerjouan Mallorie , Le Mouel Marc , Patrat-Delon Solene , Henaux Pierre-Louis , Brun Vanessa , Morin Marie-Pascale , Gautier Philippe , Rodriguez-Nava Veronica , Kayal Samer
Published: January 2015

Here we report in a human, a renal transplant patient, the first disseminated infection with
Nocardia cerradoensis
, isolated after a brain biopsy. Species identification was based on 16S rRNA,
gyrB
, and
hsp65
gene analyses. Antibiotic treatment was successful by combining carbapenems and aminoglycosides and then switching to oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus argenteus Infections in Thailand
Authors: Thaipadungpanit Janjira , Amornchai Premjit , Nickerson Emma K. , Wongsuvan Gumphol , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Peacock Sharon J.
Published: January 2015

Molecular typing of 246
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates from unselected patients in Thailand showed that 10 (4.1%) were actually
Staphylococcus argenteus
. Contrary to the suggestion that
S. argenteus
is less virulent than
S. aureus
, we demonstrated comparable rates of morbidity, death, and health care-associated infection in patients infected with either of these two species.
Candida fermentati as a Cause of Persistent Fungemia in a Preterm Neonate Successfully Treated by Combination Therapy with Amphotericin B and Caspofungin
Authors: Al-Sweih Noura , Ahmad Suhail , Joseph Leena , Khan Seema , Vayalil Sandhya , Chandy Rachel , Khan Ziauddin
Published: January 2015

A case of persistent candidemia in a preterm neonate caused byCandida fermentati, identified by sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), is described. The neonate was treated for 30 days by combination therapy with amphotericin B (AmBisome) and caspofungin with a successful outcome, and no drug-related side effects were observed.
Conserved Motifs in a Tombusvirus Polymerase Modulate Genome Replication, Subgenomic Transcription, and Amplification of Defective Interfering RNAs
Authors: Gunawardene Chaminda D. , Jaluba Karolina , White K. Andrew
Published: January 2015

The replication of plus-strand RNA virus genomes is mediated by virally encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps). We have investigated the role of the C-proximal region in the RdRp of tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) in mediating viral RNA synthesis. TBSV is the prototype species in the genus
Tombusvirus
, family
Tombusviridae
, and its RdRp is responsible for replicating the viral genome, transcribing two subgenomic mRNAs, and supporting replication of defective interfering RNAs. Comparative sequence analysis of the RdRps of tombusvirids identified three highly conserved motifs in their C-proximal regions, and these sequences were subsequently targeted for mutational analysis in TBSV. The results revealed that these motifs are important for (i) synthesizing viral genomic RNA and subgenomic mRNAs, (ii) facilitating plus- and/or minus-strand synthesis, and (iii) modulating
trans
-replication of a defective interfering RNA. These motifs were also found to be conserved in other plant viruses as well as in a fungal and insect virus. The collective findings are discussed in relation to viral RNA synthesis and taxonomy.

IMPORTANCE
Little is currently known about the structure and function of the viral polymerases that replicate the genomes of RNA plant viruses. Tombusviruses, the prototype of the tombusvirids, have been used as model plus-strand RNA plant viruses for understanding many of the steps in the infectious process; however, their polymerases remain poorly characterized. To help address this issue, the function of the C-terminal region of the polymerase of a tombusvirus was investigated. Three conserved motifs were identified and targeted for mutational analysis. The results revealed that these polymerase motifs are important for determining what type of viral RNA is produced, facilitating different steps in viral RNA production, and amplifying subgenomic RNA replicons. Accordingly, the C-terminal region of the tombusvirus polymerase is needed for a variety of fundamental activities. Furthermore, as these motifs are also present in distantly related viruses, the significance of these results extends beyond tombusvirids.
Identification and Characterization of the Binding Site of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Phosphoprotein to RNA-Free Nucleoprotein
Authors: Galloux Marie , Gabiane Gaëlle , Sourimant Julien , Richard Charles-Adrien , England Patrick , Moudjou Mohammed , Aumont-Nicaise Magali , Fix Jenna , Rameix-Welti Marie-Anne , Eléouët Jean-François
Published: January 2015

The RNA genome of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is constitutively encapsidated by the viral nucleoprotein N, thus forming a helical nucleocapsid. Polymerization of N along the genomic and antigenomic RNAs is concomitant to replication and requires the preservation of an unassembled monomeric nucleoprotein pool. To this end, and by analogy with
Paramyxoviridae
and
Rhabdoviridae
, it is expected that the viral phosphoprotein P acts as a chaperone protein, forming a soluble complex with the RNA-free form of N (N
0
-P complex). Here, we have engineered a mutant form of N that is monomeric, is unable to bind RNA, still interacts with P, and could thus mimic the N
0
monomer. We used this N mutant, designated N
mono
, as a substitute for N
0
in order to characterize the P regions involved in the N
0
-P complex formation. Using a series of P fragments, we determined by glutathione
S
-transferase (GST) pulldown assays that the N and C termini of P are able to interact with N
mono
. We analyzed the functional role of amino-terminal residues of P by site-directed mutagenesis, using an RSV polymerase activity assay based on a human RSV minireplicon, and found that several residues were critical for viral RNA synthesis. Using GST pulldown and surface plasmon resonance assays, we showed that these critical residues are involved in the interaction between P[1-40] peptide and N
mono
in vitro
. Finally, we showed that overexpression of the peptide P[1-29] can inhibit the polymerase activity in the context of the RSV minireplicon, thus demonstrating that targeting the N
0
-P interaction could constitute a potential antiviral strategy.

IMPORTANCE
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract illness in infants. Since no vaccine or efficient antiviral treatment is available against RSV, it is essential to better understand how the viral machinery functions in order to develop new antiviral strategies. RSV phosphoprotein P, the main RNA polymerase cofactor, is believed to function as a chaperon protein, maintaining N as a nonassembled, RNA-free protein (N
0
) competent for RNA encapsidation. In this paper, we provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that the N terminus of P contains a domain that binds specifically to this RNA-free form of N. We further show that overexpression of a small peptide spanning this region of P can inhibit viral RNA synthesis. These findings extend our understanding of the function of RSV RNA polymerase and point to a new target for the development of drugs against this virus.
Stability of Structured Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF57 Protein Is Regulated by Protein Phosphorylation and Homodimerization
Authors: Majerciak Vladimir , Pripuzova Natalia , Chan Calvin , Temkin Nicholas , Specht Suzanne I. , Zheng Zhi-Ming
Published: January 2015

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF57 plays an essential role in KSHV lytic infection by promoting viral gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Using bioinformatic and biochemical approaches, we determined that ORF57 contains two structurally and functionally distinct domains: a disordered nonstructural N-terminal domain (amino acids [aa] 1 to 152) and a structured α-helix-rich C-terminal domain (aa 153 to 455). The N-terminal domain mediates ORF57 interaction with several RNA-protein complexes essential for ORF57 to function. The N-terminal phosphorylation by cellular casein kinase II (CKII) at S21, T32, and S43, and other cellular kinases at S95 and S97 residues in proximity of the caspase-7 cleavage site, 30-DETD-33, inhibits caspase-7 digestion of ORF57. The structured C-terminal domain mediates homodimerization of ORF57, and the critical region for this function was mapped carefully to α-helices 7 to 9. Introduction of point mutations into α-helix 7 at ORF57 aa 280 to 299, a region highly conserved among ORF57 homologues from other herpesviruses, inhibited ORF57 homodimerization and led to proteasome-mediated degradation of ORF57 protein. Thus, homodimerization of ORF57 via its C terminus prevents ORF57 from degrading and allows two structure-free N termini of the dimerized ORF57 to work coordinately for host factor interactions, leading to productive KSHV lytic infection and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
KSHV is a human oncogenic virus linked to the development of several malignancies. KSHV-mediated oncogenesis requires both latent and lytic infection. The KSHV ORF57 protein is essential for KSHV lytic replication, as it regulates the expression of viral lytic genes at the posttranscriptional level. This report provides evidence that the structural conformation of the ORF57 protein plays a critical role in regulation of ORF57 stability. Phosphorylation by CKII on the identified serine/threonine residues at the N-terminal unstructured domain of ORF57 prevents its digestion by caspase-7. The C-terminal domain of ORF57, which is rich in α-helices, contributes to homodimerization of ORF57 to prevent proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Elucidation of the ORF57 structure not only enables us to better understand ORF57 stability and functions but also provides an important tool for us to modulate ORF57's activity with the aim to inhibit KSHV lytic replication.
Unilateral persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous: intensive management approach with excellent outcome beyond visual maturation
Authors: Yusuf Imran H , Patel Chetan Kantibhai , Salmon John F
Published: January 2015

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) is an ocular developmental disorder resulting from incomplete apoptosis of the embryonic hyaloid vasculature. Unilateral PHPV is traditionally associated with a poor prognosis because of the challenges associated with managing progressive anisometropic amblyopia. We report a child with unilateral PHPV who underwent cataract extraction, primary posterior capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy and intraocular lens implantation followed by combined trabeculectomy/trabeculotomy within the first 8 weeks of life. Intensive optometric and orthoptic input was required for many years to manage the increasing anisometropic amblyopia with final visual acuity of 20/40 unaided in the affected eye and without evidence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. This case illustrates the excellent visual outcome possible in a child with complex, unilateral PHPV using an intensive management approach comprising: early surgical intervention for congenital cataract and secondary glaucoma, meticulous monitoring of refraction, visual acuity and intraocular pressure and motivated parents who engaged in the management.
Intrauterine tamponade balloon use in the treatment of uterine inversion
Authors: Haeri Sina , Rais Sheliza , Monks Brian
Published: January 2015

Uterine inversion is a rare but life-threatening obstetrical emergency that occurs when the fundus of the uterus prolapses through the cervix, hence turning the uterus inside out. In this case report, we present our experience using an intrauterine tamponade balloon for management of uterine inversion, and a review of the literature. The utility of an intrauterine tamponade balloon in cases of uterine inversion, especially when maternal medical conditions preclude the use of uterotonics, or reinversion is observed should be kept in mind.
Role of susceptibility-weighted imaging in demonstration of cerebral fat embolism
Authors: Yeap Pheyming , Kanodia Avinash Kumar , Main Gavin , Yong Aiwain
Published: January 2015

Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of long bone fractures. Many cases of CFE occur as subclinical events and remain undiagnosed. We report a case of a 22-year-old man, with multiple long bone fractures from a road traffic accident, who subsequently developed hypoxia, neurological abnormality and petechial rash. CT of the head was normal. MRI of the head confirmed the diagnosis with lesions markedly conspicuous and most widespread on susceptibility-weighted imaging as compared to all other sequences including diffusion-weighted imaging.
Salzmann nodular degeneration associated with epithelial ingrowth after LASIK treated with superficial keratectomy
Authors: Stem Maxwell S , Hood Christopher Thomas
Published: January 2015

A 41-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated LASIK and two subsequent flap lifts for epithelial ingrowth of the right eye became progressively symptomatic with blurred vision, photophobia and foreign body sensation over the ensuing 5 years. Clinical examination of the right eye demonstrated extensive epithelial ingrowth around the flap periphery with overlying Salzmann nodules in the same distribution. Similar findings were not present in the left eye. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography demonstrated subclinical flap elevation in the areas of epithelial ingrowth, which may have predisposed to nodule development due to a dellen effect. The patient underwent superficial keratectomy with significant improvement of her symptoms.
Health benefits of different sport disciplines for adults: systematic review of observational and intervention studies with meta-analysis
Authors: Oja Pekka , Titze Sylvia , Kokko Sami , Kujala Urho M , Heinonen Ari , Kelly Paul , Koski Pasi , Foster Charlie
Published: January 2015

The aim was to assess the quality and strength of evidence for the health benefits of specific sport disciplines. Electronic search yielded 2194 records and the selection resulted in 69 eligible studies (47 cross-sectional, 9 cohort, 13 intervention studies). 105 comparisons between participation and non-participation groups in 26 different sport disciplines were reported. Moderately strong evidence showed that both running and football improve aerobic fitness and cardiovascular function at rest, and football reduces adiposity. Conditional evidence showed that running benefits metabolic fitness, adiposity and postural balance, and football improves metabolic fitness, muscular performance, postural balance, and cardiac function. Evidence for health benefits of other sport disciplines was either inconclusive or tenuous. The evidence base for the health benefits of specific sports disciplines is generally compromised by weak study design and quality. Future research should address the health effects of different sport disciplines using rigorous research designs.