bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Capacity‐building” in global Internet governance: The long‐term outcomes of “multistakeholderism”
Authors: Antonova Slavka
Published: August 2011

“Capacity building” is a catch phrase from the UN development discourse. In recent years, it has entered the global Internet governance (IG) arena. At World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS 2003), “capacity building” was identified as a key public policy issue. It is proposed in this study that ‘capacity building’ be defined in a different manner – as the principal outcome of the experimental multistakeholder (MSH) process in global IG. The open and inclusive process of stakeholder deliberation leads to accumulation of intellectual capital, development of relational infrastructure for the domain (epistemic community), and emergence of common global consciousness. When cast as a capacity‐building process, MSH collaboration at global Internet governance arenas exhibits long‐term and large‐scale intangible outcomes. This study contributes to the understanding of the capacity‐building potential of MSH collaboration in IG. By employing concepts from International Relations and Organizational Learning, the author develops a model of tangible and intangible outcomes of MSH collaboration. This unique model can be used for studying the effects in other stakeholder venues of governing global resources and processes.
Primer design and transcript quantification of a highly multiplexed RT‐PCR for a nonmodel avian species
Authors: BALENGER SUSAN L. , McCLURE CHRISTOPHER J. W. , HILL GEOFFREY E.
Published: August 2011

Multiplexed qRT‐PCR assays are currently lacking for nearly all species without genome or transcriptome resources. Here, we present a strategy for primer design of highly multiplexed qRT‐PCR assays, evaluate Beckman Coulter’s Quant Tool gene expression quantification software and provide details of our assay for the North American songbird Carpodacus mexicanus (house finch), for which only small sections of genome sequence are available. We combined Beckman Coulter’s eXpress Designer module for creating custom multiplex primers with the free, online program Amplify 3 to design and evaluate primers computationally before testing them empirically. We also generated a standard curve for each gene included in the final multiplex. We compared models using cubic and quadratic polynomial estimators that did and did not force the intercept through zero. Ultimately, we used the sequences available for 316 clones differentially expressed in cDNA macroarray and microarray comparisons, and from these sequences, we were able to generate a set of transcript‐specific primers for use with the GeXP analyser for 20 house finch genes.
La Crosse Encephalitis Surveillance using Single Versus Paired Serologic Testing
Authors: Murphree R. , Dunn J. R. , Schaffner W. , Jones T. F.
Published: August 2011

We evaluated the validity of single versus paired serologic testing for La Crosse virus (LACV) encephalitis surveillance. Compared with paired serology, a single positive IgG or IgM immunoflourescent antibody titre appears useful for LACV encephalitis surveillance with sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 98%; positive predictive value, 95%; and overall test efficiency 92%.
Following a Tick Bite: Double Infections by Tick‐Borne Encephalitis Virus and the Spirochete Borrelia and Other Potential Multiple Infections
Authors: Bröker M.
Published: August 2011

In Central Europe and large parts of Asia, tick‐borne‐encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis caused by the spirochetal bacterium of the genus Borrelia are among the most common diseases transmitted by the bite of a tick. When in regions with overlapping TBE virus and Borrelia endemicity, a tick bite causes the victim to become ill, it is important that appropriate serological and other laboratory investigations form part of the differential diagnosis. Account must always be taken of the fact that a tick bite may be followed by a double infection with the TBE virus and Borrelia. For this reason, a comprehensive diagnostic work‐up aimed at detecting co‐infection by both pathogens, even when the tick bite occurs in an endemic region for both pathogens but the initial clinical symptoms suggest an infection with only one of the two pathogens. The present article discusses a number of published cases of a co‐infection with TBE virus and Borrelia and other potential multiple infections.
Method to Estimate Thermal Shrinkage Behavior of Glasses
Authors: Tandon Pushkar , Tomozawa Minoru , Gross Timothy M. , Lee Jong‐Won , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: August 2011

We present a method to estimate the effect of heat treatment on the shrinkage behavior of glasses. As a pre‐requisite, sensitivity of the glass density as a function of glass fictive temperature is measured using the sink–float method and the slope of the relationship is used to determine the linear thermal strain proportionality factor. Evolution of the fictive temperature for different temperature–time history is measured using the infrared spectroscopy method and the results are used to estimate the structural relaxation parameters in the temperature range of interest. The overall shrinkage behavior is predicted using the linear thermal strain factor and estimated change in fictive temperature due to the thermal treatment. The predicted shrinkage behavior is observed to be in good agreement with the independent dimensional change measurements performed on large glass sheets that have undergone similar thermal treatments.
A Prospective for New Mid‐Infrared Medical Endoscopy Using Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Seddon Angela B.
Published: August 2011

That chalcogenide glasses potentially provide a solution for mid‐infrared medical endoscopy is discussed in detail for the first time. It is shown that chalcogenide glass fiber optics could underpin new mid‐infrared medical endoscopic systems for real‐time molecular sensing, imaging, and analysis of tissue and for fiber laser surgery at new mid‐infrared wavelengths. Moreover, chalcogenide glass fiber optic and waveguide devices and systems could provide the key to new mid‐infrared communications for molecular sensing to inform decision‐taking in other sectors as diverse as manufacturing, energy, the environment, and security. The development and deployment of chalcogenide glasses for mid‐infrared photonics over the next decade or so could mirror the complexity and versatility of silica fiber optics developed in the 20th century for near‐infrared photonics. These ideas are developed in this article and the current status of chalcogenide glass photonics is briefly surveyed.
Haematuria in two geldings caused by osteochondroma of theos pubis: Case reports and anatomic study of theos pubisin 41 cadaveric pelvises
Authors: Rebsamen E. , Geyer H. , Fürst A. , Eser M. Wehrli , Koch C. , Kummer M.
Published: August 2011

Exostosis of theos pubiscausing haematuria, and potentially cystorrhexis, in horses has not been described in the literature. In this study, 2 geldings that suffered from exercise‐induced haematuria caused by an osteochondroma of theos pubis, and the assessment of 41 cadaveric pubic bones are reported on. The anatomy of theos pubisis highly variable. The prevalence of exostosis in theos pubisappears to be higher in male horses. Palpation and ultrasonography of the pelvisper rectumand cystoscopy are valuable diagnostic tools. Depending on the extent of changes in the bladder wall, surgical removal of the exostosis should be considered in order to prevent cystorrhexis. In horses that present with haematuria, closer assessment of theos pubisfor the presence of an exostosis is warranted.
Injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon in 19 horses
Authors: WRIGHT I. M. , MINSHALL G. J.
Published: August 2011

Reasons for performing study: Injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon and their relationship to displacement of the tendon from the calcaneus have not previously been reported.

Objectives: To describe findings made on clinical cases with disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) including observations on their role in horses with unstable subluxation of the tendon. To describe novel surgical techniques and the results of treatment.

Hypotheses: Disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT is associated with lameness and distension of the calcaneal bursa. Unstable displacement of the SDFT from the calcaneus is a more complex injury than incomplete disruption of one of its calcaneal insertions.

Methods: The case records and diagnostic images of horses with lesions involving the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT, which were confirmed by endoscopic evaluation of calcaneal bursa between 2005 and 2009, were reviewed.

Results: Nineteen horses were identified including 7 that had unstable displacement of the tendon from the calcaneus. Following endoscopic surgery, 9 of 12 horses with stable tendons and 6 of 7 horses with unstable displaced SDFTs returned to work.

Conclusion: Tearing of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT is associated with lameness and distension of the calcaneal bursa; endoscopic removal of the torn tissue carries a good prognosis. Horses with unstable displacement of the tendon have also disruption of the tendon fibrocartilage cap. Removal of this results in stable subluxation and can return horses to athletic activity. Both lesions can be detected by preoperative ultrasonography.

Potential relevance: Tearing of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT should be included in the differential diagnoses of lame horses with distended calcaneal bursae. Tearing of the tendon fibrocartilage cap in horses with unstable displacement of the SDFT is a plausible explanation of the clinical features of the injury and explains previously unreliable results of reconstructive surgeries. Subtotal resection is a technically demanding technique but appears to offer an improved prognosis.
Use of a radiofrequency probe for tenoscopic‐guided annular ligament desmotomy
Authors: MCCOY A. M. , GOODRICH L. R.
Published: August 2011

Reasons for performing study: Annular ligament desmotomy is commonly performed in horses with chronic tenosynovitis. Previously reported tenoscopic techniques have limitations related to haemorrhage and awkward instrumentation. Radiofrequency (RF) energy affords precision and excellent haemostasis and may be a good alternative to sharp transection of the annular ligament in horses.

Objective: To describe a technique for using a RF probe for tenoscopic‐guided annular ligament desmotomy and to report the clinical outcome of horses in which it was performed.

Methods: Cadaver specimens (n = 14) and live horses undergoing unrelated terminal procedures (n = 2) were used to optimise the tenoscopic‐guided RF annular ligament desmotomy technique. Records were examined for all horses undergoing annular ligament desmotomy with an RF probe from 2003 to 2008 for which follow‐up of >1 year post operatively was available.

Results: The annular ligament was successfully transected in the cadaver and live horse model limbs using 2 different commercially available RF probes. Complete transection was achieved with practice and confirmed on gross dissection. Histopathology did not reveal any collateral damage to surrounding tissue. Follow‐up of >1 year was available for 6 of 7 clinical cases. Four of 6 horses returned to work. Owners were satisfied with the outcome in all cases.

Conclusions: Desmotomy using a RF probe allows precise tissue transection under tenoscopic guidance without damage to surrounding structures or haemorrhage. With experience, it is an easily performed technique. In clinical patients, an acceptable outcome may be expected.

Potential relevance: Tenoscopic‐guided RF annular ligament desmotomy offers advantages, including reliable haemostasis and precise tissue transection, over previously reported techniques and is a viable surgical alternative for treating horses with annular ligament desmitis and other complex pathology within the tendon sheath.
Plasma-Assisted Atomic Layer Deposition: Basics, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Profijt H. B. , Potts S. E. , van de Sanden M. C. M. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: August 2011

Plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an energy-enhanced method for the synthesis of ultra-thin films with Å-level resolution in which a plasma is employed during one step of the cyclic deposition process. The use of plasma species as reactants allows for more freedom in processing conditions and for a wider range of material properties compared with the conventional thermally-driven ALD method. Due to the continuous miniaturization in the microelectronics industry and the increasing relevance of ultra-thin films in many other applications, the deposition method has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, as is apparent from the increased number of articles published on the topic and plasma-assisted ALD reactors installed. To address the main differences between plasma-assisted ALD and thermal ALD, some basic aspects related to processing plasmas are presented in this review article. The plasma species and their role in the surface chemistry are addressed and different equipment configurations, including radical-enhanced ALD, direct plasma ALD, and remote plasma ALD, are described. The benefits and challenges provided by the use of a plasma step are presented and it is shown that the use of a plasma leads to a wider choice in material properties, substrate temperature, choice of precursors, and processing conditions, but that the processing can also be compromised by reduced film conformality and plasma damage. Finally, several reported emerging applications of plasma-assisted ALD are reviewed. It is expected that the merits offered by plasma-assisted ALD will further increase the interest of equipment manufacturers for developing industrial-scale deposition configurations such that the method will find its use in several manufacturing applications.
Compositional study of vacuum annealed Al doped ZnO thin films obtained by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Shantheyanda B. P. , Todi V. O. , Sundaram K. B. , Vijayakumar A. , Oladeji I.
Published: August 2011

Aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were obtained by RF magnetron sputtering. The effects of deposition parameters such as power, gas flow conditions, and substrate heating have been studied. Deposited and annealed films were characterized for composition as well as microstructure using x ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x ray diffraction. Films produced were polycrystalline in nature. Surface imaging and roughness studies were carried out using SEM and AFM, respectively. Columnar grain growth was predominantly observed. Optical and electrical properties were evaluated for transparent conducting oxide applications. Processing conditions were optimized to obtain highly transparent AZO films with a low resistivity value of 6.67 × 10−4 Ω cm.
Influence of substrate temperature and bias voltage on properties of chromium nitride thin films deposited by cylindrical cathodic arc deposition
Authors: Valleti Krishna , Jyothirmayi A. , Ramakrishna M. , Joshi S. V.
Published: August 2011

Chromium nitride (CrN) thin films have been deposited on high speed steel (HSS) substrates using rotating cylindrical cathodic arc deposition technique and the influence of substrate temperature (TSub) and bias voltage (VSub) on the physical/mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of the films comprehensively investigated. An increase in TSub was found to significantly influence the phase composition of films, which changed from a mixture of Cr + CrxN + CrN to predominantly CrN. This was also accompanied by an increase in droplet formation and columnar grain size. With increase in TSub over the range investigated (230 °C to 500 °C), an increase in adhesion strength by nearly 30% was observed. In contrast, change in VSub from −50 to −150 V resulted in the growth of highly dense (111) oriented CrN thin films but with relatively little change in phase constitution, adhesion strength or microdroplet formation. A change in TSub from 230 °C to 500 °C was accompanied by a nearly 50% fall in corrosion resistance, plausibly due to the concomitant decrease in pure Cr phase content and increase in macroscopic defect concentration with increase in TSub. In view of the above, CrN thin films deposited using cylindrical cathodic arc deposition technique yield better corrosion resistance and mechanical properties when grown at low TSub.
Mutational Inactivation of
STAG2
Causes Aneuploidy in Human Cancer
Authors: Solomon David A. , Kim Taeyeon , Diaz-Martinez Laura A. , Fair Joshlean , Elkahloun Abdel G. , Harris Brent T. , Toretsky Jeffrey A. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Shukla Neerav , Ladanyi Marc , Samuels Yardena , James C. David , Yu Hongtao , Kim Jung-Sik , Waldman Todd
Published: August 2011

Tumors harbor mutations that disrupt chromatid separation during cell division, leading to chromosomal abnormalities.
Teachers’ Language Practices and Academic Outcomes of Preschool Children
Authors: Dickinson David K.
Published: August 2011

Early childhood programs have long been known to be beneficial to children from low-income backgrounds, but recent studies have cast doubt on their ability to substantially increase the rate of children’s academic achievement. This Review examines research on the role of language in later reading, describes home and classroom factors that foster early language growth, and reviews research on preschool interventions. It argues that one reason interventions are not having as great an impact as desired is because they fail to substantially change the capacity of teachers to support children’s language and associated conceptual knowledge.
Educational Interventions to Advance Children’s Scientific Thinking
Authors: Klahr David , Zimmerman Corinne , Jirout Jamie
Published: August 2011

The goal of science education interventions is to nurture, enrich, and sustain children’s natural and spontaneous interest in scientific knowledge and procedures. We present taxonomy for classifying different types of research on scientific thinking from the perspective of cognitive development and associated attempts to teach science. We summarize the literature on the early—unschooled—development of scientific thinking, and then focus on recent research on how best to teach science to children from preschool to middle school. We summarize some of the current disagreements in the field of science education and offer some suggestions on ways to continue to advance the science of science instruction.
Protecting Brains, Not Simply Stimulating Minds
Authors: Shonkoff Jack P.
Published: August 2011

Curricular enhancements in early childhood education that are guided by the science of learning must be augmented by protective interventions informed by the biology of adversity. The same neuroplasticity that leaves emotional regulation, behavioral adaptation, and executive functioning skills vulnerable to early disruption by stressful environments also enables their successful development through focused interventions during sensitive periods in their maturation. The early childhood field should therefore combine cognitive-linguistic enrichment with greater attention to preventing, reducing, or mitigating the consequences of significant adversity on the developing brain. Guided by this enhanced theory of change, scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers must work together to design, implement, and evaluate innovative strategies to produce substantially greater impacts than those achieved by existing programs.
CNCing Is Believing
Authors: Wray Gregory A.
Published: August 2011

Analysis of conserved noncoding regions reveals macroevolutionary trends in genome function.
The Adjuvant Effects of Antibodies
Authors: Smyth Mark J. , Kershaw Michael H.
Published: August 2011

The positive aspects of a negative immune receptor provide a new understanding of immune-boosting antibodies.
Aneuploidy Drives a Mutator Phenotype in Cancer
Authors: Kolodner Richard D. , Cleveland Don W. , Putnam Christopher D.
Published: August 2011

An abnormal chromosome number alone can induce mutations that may promote cancer initiation or progression.
Weaving a Richer Tapestry in Biomedical Science
Authors: Tabak Lawrence A. , Collins Francis S.
Published: August 2011

NIH leadership discusses the need for renewed efforts to increase diversity in the U.S. biomedical research workforce.
A Minority Viewpoint
Authors: Price Michael
Published: August 2011

Several black biomedical scientists who've served on U.S. National Institutes of Health study sections say they've seen no direct evidence of racial bias in grant reviews.
U.S. Icebreaking Woes Threaten McMurdo Resupply, Research Plans
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: August 2011

Last month, the Swedish government abruptly ended an ongoing agreement with the U.S. National Science Foundation that allowed NSF to lease the icebreaker
Oden
to resupply McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
Into the Stretch for Science's Point Man on Doomsday
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: August 2011

As the scientific community's unofficial defender of reason against the onslaught of "cosmophobia," planetary scientist David Morrison sees a long year or so ahead for him.
A Distant Glimpse of Alien Life?
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: August 2011

As they verge on detecting worlds where organisms might thrive, some astronomers are preparing for the next big step: determining whether E.T. is really there.
Gestational and Fetal Outcomes in B19 Maternal Infection: a Problem of Diagnosis
Authors: Bonvicini Francesca , Puccetti Chiara , Salfi Nunzio C. M. , Guerra Brunella , Gallinella Giorgio , Rizzo Nicola , Zerbini Marialuisa
Published: August 2011

Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy is a potential hazard to the fetus because of the virus' ability to infect fetal erythroid precursor cells and fetal tissues. Fetal complications range from transitory fetal anemia and nonimmune fetal hydrops to miscarriage and intrauterine fetal death. In the present study, 72 pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19 infection were followed up: fetal and neonatal specimens were investigated by serological and/or virological assays to detect fetal/congenital infection, and fetuses and neonates were clinically evaluated to monitor pregnancy outcomes following maternal infection. Analysis of serological and virological maternal B19 markers of infection demonstrated that neither B19 IgM nor B19 DNA detected all maternal infections. IgM serology correctly diagnosed 94.1% of the B19 infections, while DNA testing correctly diagnosed 96.3%. The maximum sensitivity was achieved with the combined detection of both parameters. B19 vertical transmission was observed in 39% of the pregnancies, with an overall 10.2% rate of fetal deaths. The highest rates of congenital infections and B19-related fatal outcomes were observed when maternal infections occurred by the gestational week 20. B19 fetal hydrops occurred in 11.9% of the fetuses, and 28.6% resolved the hydrops with a normal neurodevelopment outcome at 1- to 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, maternal screening based on the concurrent analysis of B19 IgM and DNA should be encouraged to reliably diagnose maternal B19 infection and correctly manage pregnancies at risk.
CASA Chromogenic Medium for Enteric Campylobacter Species
Authors: Le Bars H. , Kayal S. , Bonnaure-Mallet M. , Minet J.
Published: August 2011

We prospectively assessed stool samples from 370 patients for
Campylobacter
species by comparing three selective agar media incubated at two temperatures: 42°C and 37°C. Twenty patients (5.4%) were found positive. The chromogenic medium CASA (AES Chemunex, France) proved highly efficient for
C. jejuni
and
C. coli
recovery, while lessening the workload in the lab.
Inadequacies of Minimum Spanning Trees in Molecular Epidemiology
Authors: Salipante Stephen J. , Hall Barry G.
Published: August 2011

Minimum spanning trees (MSTs) are frequently used in molecular epidemiology research to estimate relationships among individual strains or isolates. Nevertheless, there are significant caveats to MST algorithms that have been largely ignored in molecular epidemiology studies and that have the potential to confound or alter the interpretation of the results of those analyses. Specifically, (i) presenting a single, arbitrarily selected MST illustrates only one of potentially many equally optimal solutions, and (ii) statistical metrics are not used to assess the credibility of MST estimations. Here, we survey published MSTs previously used to infer microbial population structure in order to determine the effect of these factors. We propose a technique to estimate the number of alternative MSTs for a data set and find that multiple MSTs exist for each case in our survey. By implementing a bootstrapping metric to evaluate the reliability of alternative MST solutions, we discover that they encompass a wide range of credibility values. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that current approaches to studying population structure using MSTs are inadequate. We instead propose a systematic approach to MST estimation that bases analyses on the optimal computation of an input distance matrix, provides information about the number and configurations of alternative MSTs, and allows identification of the most credible MST or MSTs by using a bootstrapping metric. It is our hope this algorithm will become the new “gold standard” approach for analyzing MSTs for molecular epidemiology so that this generally useful computational approach can be used informatively and to its full potential.
Sequence Homologies between Mycoplasma and Chlamydia spp. Lead to False-Positive Results in Chlamydial Cell Cultures Tested for Mycoplasma Contamination with a Commercial PCR Assay
Authors: Maass Viola , Kern Jan Marco , Poeckl Matthias , Maass Matthias
Published: August 2011

Mycoplasma contamination is a frequent problem in chlamydial cell culture. After obtaining contradictory contamination results, we compared three commercial PCR kits for mycoplasma detection. One kit signaled contamination in mycoplasma-free
Chlamydia pneumoniae
cultures. Sequencing of cloned PCR products revealed primer homology with the chlamydial genome as the basis of this false-positive result.
Direct Fluorescent-Antibody Testing Followed by Culture for Diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A
Authors: Bakerman Paul , Balasuriya Lilanthi , Fried Ora , Tellez David , Garcia-Filion Pamela , Dalton Heidi
Published: August 2011

During the 2009 H1N1 influenza A outbreak, 773 children were tested for influenza by direct fluorescent-antibody testing with PCR confirmation. Direct fluorescent-antibody testing has a specificity of 99.6% but a sensitivity of only 65.0%. Physicians should recognize diagnostic limitations of direct fluorescent-antibody testing, which missed one-third of infected individuals.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans: Characterization of Strains in Brazilian Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Pereira Rosana H. V. , Carvalho-Assef Ana Paula , Albano Rodolpho M. , Folescu Tania W. , Jones Marcia C. M. F. , Leão Robson S. , Marques Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2011

We investigated the possibility of cross-infection among cystic fibrosis patients in two Brazilian reference centers.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
isolates (
n
= 122) were recovered over a 5-year period from 39 patients. Isolates were genetically heterogeneous, but one genotype was present in 56% of the patients, suggesting that cross-infection may have occurred.
Antimycotic-Antibiotic Amphotericin B Promotes Influenza Virus Replication in Cell Culture
Authors: Roethl Elisabeth , Gassner Manuela , Krenn Brigitte M. , Romanovskaya-Romanko Ekaterina A. , Seper Helena , Romanova Julia , Nakowitsch Sabine , Sturlan Sanda , Wolschek Markus , Sirotkin Alexej , Kiselev Oleg , Muster Thomas , Egorov Andrej
Published: August 2011

In general, antibiotics are not rated as substances that inhibit or support influenza virus replication. We describe here the enhancing effect of the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B (AmB) on influenza virus growth in Vero cells. We show that isolation rates of influenza A and B viruses from clinical samples can be dramatically enhanced by adding AmB to the culture medium. We demonstrate that AmB promotes the viral uptake and endocytic processing of the virus particles. This effect is specific for Vero and human nasal epithelial cells and was not observed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The effect of AmB was subtype specific and more prominent for human seasonal influenza strains but absent for H5N1 human viruses. The AmB-enhancing effect seemed to be solely due to the viral hemagglutinin function. Our results indicate that the use of AmB may facilitate influenza virus isolation and production in Vero cells.
Encephalomyocarditis Virus 2A Protein Is Required for Viral Pathogenesis and Inhibition of Apoptosis
Authors: Carocci M. , Cordonnier N. , Huet H. , Romey A. , Relmy A. , Gorna K. , Blaise-Boisseau S. , Zientara S. , Kassimi L. Bakkali
Published: August 2011

The encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), aPicornaviridaevirus, has a wide host spectrum and can cause various diseases. EMCV virulence factors, however, are as yet ill defined. Here, we demonstrate that the EMCV 2A protein is essential for the pathogenesis of EMCV. Infection of mice with the B279/95 strain of EMCV resulted in acute fatal disease, while the clone C9, derived by serialin vitropassage of the B279/95 strain, was avirulent. C9 harbored a large deletion in the gene encoding the 2A protein. This deletion was incorporated into the cDNA of a pathogenic EMCV1.26 strain. The new virus, EMCV1.26Δ2A, was capable of replicatingin vitro, albeit more slowly than EMCV1.26. Only mice inoculated with EMCV1.26 triggered death within a few days. Mice infected with EMCV1.26Δ2A did not exhibit clinical signs, and histopathological analyses showed no damage in the central nervous system, unlike EMCV1.26-infected mice.In vitro, EMCV1.26Δ2A presented a defect in viral particle release correlating with prolonged cell viability. Unlike EMCV1.26, which induced cytopathic cell death, EMCV1.26Δ2A induced apoptosis via caspase 3 activation. This strongly suggests that the 2A protein is required for inhibition of apoptosis during EMCV infection. All together, our data indicate that the EMCV 2A protein is important for the virus in counteracting host defenses, since Δ2A viruses were no longer pathogenic and were unable to inhibit apoptosisin vitro.
Inactivated or Live-Attenuated Bivalent Vaccines That Confer Protection against Rabies and Ebola Viruses
Authors: Blaney Joseph E. , Wirblich Christoph , Papaneri Amy B. , Johnson Reed F. , Myers Carey J. , Juelich Terry L. , Holbrook Michael R. , Freiberg Alexander N. , Bernbaum John G. , Jahrling Peter B. , Paragas Jason , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: August 2011

The search for a safe and efficacious vaccine for Ebola virus continues, as no current vaccine candidate is nearing licensure. We have developed (i) replication-competent, (ii) replication-deficient, and (iii) chemically inactivated rabies virus (RABV) vaccines expressing Zaire Ebola virus (ZEBOV) glycoprotein (GP) by a reverse genetics system based on the SAD B19 RABV wildlife vaccine. ZEBOV GP is efficiently expressed by these vaccine candidates and is incorporated into virions. The vaccine candidates were avirulent after inoculation of adult mice, and viruses with a deletion in the RABV glycoprotein had greatly reduced neurovirulence after intracerebral inoculation in suckling mice. Immunization with live or inactivated RABV vaccines expressing ZEBOV GP induced humoral immunity against each virus and conferred protection from both lethal RABV and EBOV challenge in mice. The bivalent RABV/ZEBOV vaccines described here have several distinct advantages that may speed the development of inactivated vaccines for use in humans and potentially live or inactivated vaccines for use in nonhuman primates at risk of EBOV infection in endemic areas.
Human Herpesvirus 6 Glycoprotein Complex Formation Is Required for Folding and Trafficking of the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 Complex and Its Cellular Receptor Binding
Authors: Tang Huamin , Hayashi Mayuko , Maeki Takahiro , Yamanishi Koichi , Mori Yasuko
Published: August 2011

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a T-cell-tropic betaherpesvirus. A glycoprotein (g) complex that is unique to HHV-6, gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2, is a viral ligand for its cellular receptor, human CD46. However, whether complex formation or one component of the complex is required for CD46 binding and how the complex is transported in cells are open questions. Furthermore, in HHV-6-infected cells the gQ1 protein modified with N-linked glycans is expressed in two forms with different molecular masses: an 80-kDa form (gQ1-80K) and a 74-kDa form (gQ1-74K). Only gQ1-80K, but not gQ1-74K, forms the complex with gQ2, gH, and gL, and this four-component complex is incorporated into mature virions. Here, we characterized the molecular context leading to the maturation of gQ1 by expressing combinations of the individual gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 components in 293T cells. Surprisingly, only when all four molecules were expressed was a substantial amount of gQ1-80K detected, indicating that all three of the other molecules (gQ2, gH, and gL) were necessary and sufficient for gQ1 maturation. We also found that only the tetrameric complex, and not its subsets, binds to CD46. Finally, a gQ2-null virus constructed in the BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) system could not be reconstituted, indicating that gQ2 is essential for virus growth. These results show that gH, gL, gQ1, and gQ2 are all essential for the trafficking and proper folding of the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex and, thus, for HHV-6 infection.
Polyclonal B Cell Responses to Conserved Neutralization Epitopes in a Subset of HIV-1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Tomaras Georgia D. , Binley James M. , Gray Elin S. , Crooks Emma T. , Osawa Keiko , Moore Penny L. , Tumba Nancy , Tong Tommy , Shen Xiaoying , Yates Nicole L. , Decker Julie , Wibmer Constantinos Kurt , Gao Feng , Alam S. Munir , Easterbrook Philippa , Abdool Karim Salim , Kamanga Gift , Crump John A. , Cohen Myron , Shaw George M. , Mascola John R. , Haynes Barton F. , Montefiori David C. , Morris Lynn
Published: August 2011

A small proportion of HIV-infected individuals generate a neutralizing antibody (NAb) response of exceptional magnitude and breadth. A detailed analysis of the critical epitopes targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies should help to define optimal targets for vaccine design. HIV-1-infected subjects with potent cross-reactive serum neutralizing antibodies were identified by assaying sera from 308 subjects against a multiclade panel of 12 “tier 2” viruses (4 each of subtypes A, B, and C). Various neutralizing epitope specificities were determined for the top 9 neutralizers, including clade A-, clade B-, clade C-, and clade A/C-infected donors, by using a comprehensive set of assays. In some subjects, neutralization breadth was mediated by two or more antibody specificities. Although antibodies to the gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER) were identified in some subjects, the subjects with the greatest neutralization breadth targeted gp120 epitopes, including the CD4 binding site, a glycan-containing quaternary epitope formed by the V2 and V3 loops, or an outer domain epitope containing a glycan at residue N332. The broadly reactive HIV-1 neutralization observed in some subjects is mediated by antibodies targeting several conserved regions on the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein.
A Neonatal Fc Receptor-Targeted Mucosal Vaccine Strategy Effectively Induces HIV-1 Antigen-Specific Immunity to Genital Infection
Authors: Lu Li , Palaniyandi Senthilkumar , Zeng Rongyu , Bai Yu , Liu Xindong , Wang Yunsheng , Pauza C. David , Roopenian Derry C. , Zhu Xiaoping
Published: August 2011

Strategies to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV include vaccines that elicit durable, protective mucosal immune responses. A key to effective mucosal immunity is the capacity for antigens administered locally to cross epithelial barriers. Given the role of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in transferring IgG across polarized epithelial cells which line mucosal surfaces, FcRn might be useful for delivering HIV vaccine antigens across mucosal epithelial barriers to the underlying antigen-presenting cells. Chimeric proteins composed of HIV Gag (p24) fused to the Fc region of IgG (Gag-Fc) bind efficiently to airway mucosa and are transported across this epithelial surface. Mice immunized intranasally with Gag-Fc plus CpG adjuvant developed local and systemic immunity, including durable B and T cell memory. Gag-specific immunity was sufficiently potent to protect against an intravaginal challenge with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the HIV Gag protein. Intranasal administration of a Gag-Fc/CpG vaccine protected at a distal mucosal site. Our data suggest that targeting of FcRn with chimeric immunogens may be an important strategy for mucosal immunization and should be considered a new approach for preventive HIV vaccines.
Antigen-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms of T and B Cell Hyperactivation during Chronic HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Haas Anna , Zimmermann Kathrin , Oxenius Annette
Published: August 2011

Continuous loss of CD4+T lymphocytes and systemic immune activation are hallmarks of untreated chronic HIV-1 infection. Chronic immune activation during HIV-1 infection is characterized by increased expression of activation markers on T cells, elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and B cell hyperactivation together with hypergammaglobulinemia. Importantly, hyperactivation of T cells is one of the best predictive markers for progression toward AIDS, and it is closely linked to CD4+T cell depletion and sustained viral replication. Aberrant activation of T cells is observed mainly for memory CD4+and CD8+T cells and is documented, in addition to increased expression of surface activation markers, by increased cell cycling and apoptosis. Notably, the majority of these activated T cells are neither HIV specific nor HIV infected, and the antigen specificities of hyperactivated T cells are largely unknown, as are the exact mechanisms driving their activation. B cells are also severely affected by HIV-1 infection, which is manifested by major changes in B cell subpopulations, B cell hyperactivation, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Similar to those of T cells, the mechanisms underlying this aberrant B cell activation remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarized current knowledge about proposed antigen-dependent and -independent mechanisms leading to lymphocyte hyperactivation in the context of HIV-1 infection.
Forest fires are associated with elevated mortality in a dense urban setting
Authors: Analitis Antonis , Georgiadis Ioannis , Katsouyanni Klea
Published: August 2011

Objectives

The climate and vegetation of the greater Athens area (population over three million) make forest fires a real threat to the environment during the summer. A few studies have reported the adverse health effects of forest fires, mainly using morbidity outcomes. The authors investigated the short-term effects of forest fires on non-accidental mortality in the population of Athens, Greece, during 1998–2004.

Methods

The authors used generalised additive models to investigate the effect of forest fires on daily mortality, adjusting for time trend and meteorological variables, taking into account air pollution as measured from fixed monitors. Forest fires were classified by size according to the area burnt.

Results

Small fires do not have an effect on mortality. Medium sized fires are associated with an increase of 4.9% (95% CI 0.3% to 9.6%) in the daily total number of deaths, 6.0% (95% CI −0.3% to 12.6%) in the number of cardiovascular deaths and 16.2% (95% CI 1.3% to 33.4%) in the number of respiratory deaths. Cardiovascular effects are larger in those aged <75 years, while respiratory effects are larger in older people. The corresponding effects of the one large fire are: 49.7% (95% CI 37.2% to 63.4%), 60.6% (95% CI 43.1% to 80.3%) and 92.0% (95% CI 47.5% to 150.0%). These effects cannot be completely explained by an increase in ambient particle concentrations.

Conclusion

Forest fires have an immediate effect on mortality, not associated with accidental deaths, which is a significant public health problem, especially if the fire occurs near a densely populated area.
Tobacco retail displays: a comparison of industry arguments and retailers' experiences
Authors: Hoek Janet , Vaudrey Rhonwyn , Gendall Philip , Edwards Richard , Thomson George
Published: August 2011

Background

Tobacco companies have opposed the removal of tobacco retail displays, arguing this would compromise retailers' safety, increase retail crime, reduce retailers' income, impose additional costs and be inconvenient. These arguments have successfully delayed policy development in several jurisdictions.

Methods

In-depth interviews conducted with New Zealand retailers who had voluntarily removed tobacco from open display in their stores.

Results

Retailers who had removed tobacco displays did so primarily to reduce their security risk and found their stores had become less vulnerable to retail crime. They did not find removing displays costly or inconvenient nor had this decision significantly reduced their revenue.

Conclusions

Removing in-store tobacco displays may increase rather than decrease store safety. Our findings reveal that retailers' experiences differed in many ways from tobacco companies' predictions and suggest that industry arguments against display removal lack objective support and are self-serving.
Catalytic activity of Co-åkermanite and Co-pyroxene in oxidation reactions
Authors: Mihailova Irena , Mehandjiev Dimitar
Published: August 2011

Two calcium–cobalt silicates were synthesized in which cobalt occupies different structural positions. The crystal phases belong to two main structural silicate types. In the Co-åkermanite structure (Ca2CoSi2O7), cobalt cations take tetrahedral coordination toward oxygen atoms. In the Co-pyroxene structure of CaCoSi2O6, cobalt displays octahedral coordination. Ca2CoSi2O7was prepared by solid-phase synthesis and CaCoSi2O6was prepared by sol–gel method. The synthesis of the phases was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and EPR data. On the basis of the XPS analysis, it can be concluded that Co2+cations exist in the studied silicates. Thus, it is possible to study the catalytic activity of two silicate phases containing Co2+cations in different coordinations: tetrahedral and octahedral. It was found that cobalt silicates with crystal structures corresponding to pyroxene and åkermanite possess catalytic activity in the reactions of complete oxidation of CO and toluene. Co-pyroxene exhibits higher catalytic activity than Co-åkermanite, but the higher cobalt content on the surface of Co-pyroxene should also be taken into account. Then, it turns out that catalytically active complexes with Со2+ions in tetrahedral coordination are more efficient than those with such ions in octahedral coordination when equal concentrations of cobalt were used on the surface of the catalysts.
A theoretical investigation of tetrahydroquinoline dyes with different spacers used for sensitized solar cells
Authors: Xu Jie , Wang Lei , Liu Li , Bai Zikui , Wang Luoxin , Liang Guijie , Shen Xiaolin , Xu Weilin
Published: August 2011

The molecular structures and absorption spectra of three tetrahydroquinoline dyes (C2–1, C1–1, and C1–5) with a tetrahydroquinoline moiety as the electron donor, a cyanoacrylic acid moiety as the electron acceptor, and different thiophene-containing electron spacers were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT). The calculated geometries indicate that a strong conjugation is formed in the dyes and the conjugate length increases with the increase of spacer length. The interfacial charge transfer between the semiconductor electrode and the tetrahydroquinoline dyes are electron-injection processes from the excited dyes to the semiconductor conduction band. The simulated absorption bands are assigned to π–π* transitions, which exhibit appreciable red-shift with respect to the experimental bands owing to the lack of direct solute–solvent interaction and the inherent approximations in TD-DFT. Moreover, the effect of different spacers on the molecular structures, absorption spectra, and photovoltaic performance were comparatively discussed.
Assessing the effect of measurement error in age on dominant height and site index estimates
Authors: Ni Chengcai , Nigh Gordon
Published: August 2011

Stand age is often hard to measure accurately. Measurement error in age affects height estimates when height is projected from one age to another age. In this study, our objective was to derive an estimator for the variance of the component of projection error associated with the error in age. To evaluate the estimator, a simulation approach was employed and the results showed that the estimator worked well in most cases. When the variance of the error in age increases and the projection is forward, however, the estimator might not work as well as in other cases. Another objective was to examine how the error in age behaved under different height–age models and to what extent it affected height and site index estimates. The effect of the error in age depended on its magnitude, the height–age model, initial value of dominant height and age, and projection length. It was also shown that the effect was sometimes negligible, but it could be considerable in other cases. Data from 80 ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) trees in British Columbia, Canada, were used in an illustrative example.
A landscape-level analysis of yellow-cedar decline in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Wooton Claire E. , Klinkenberg Brian
Published: August 2011

Yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis D. Don (Spach)) is currently undergoing a dramatic decline in western North America. Recent research suggests that site factors combined with a shift in climate have predisposed yellow-cedar trees to decline. We conducted the first landscape-level analysis of the decline in coastal British Columbia to assess relations between the decline and topographic variables. We used lasso-penalized logistic regression to model yellow-cedar decline presence and absence with topographic variables derived from a digital elevation model. Model results indicated that low elevation sites close to the coast, which are more exposed and have more variation in elevation, are more likely to show evidence of decline. The logistic model fit the data well (Nagelkerke R2= 0.846) and had high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.98). The topographic variables identified by the model influence degree of soil saturation, temperatures, and snowpack presence in a forest stand, supporting the proposed associations in the current decline hypothesis. The analysis also highlighted the utility of the lasso logistic model for selecting significant variables and mapping areas at high risk for decline. Knowledge of the determinants of the spatial pattern of decline will improve predictability and provide critical information for conservation and management of yellow-cedar.