bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineralogy, nucleation and growth of dolomite in the laboratory and sedimentary environment: A review
Authors: Gregg Jay M. , Bish David L. , Kaczmarek Stephen E. , Machel Hans G.
Published: March 2015

Dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] forms in numerous geological settings, usually as a diagenetic replacement of limestone, and is an important component of petroleum reservoir rocks, rocks hosting base metal deposits and fresh water aquifers. Dolomite is a rhombohedral carbonate with a structure consisting of an ordered arrangement of alternating layers of Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations interspersed with anion layers normal to the c‐axis. Dolomite has symmetry, lower than the (CaCO3) symmetry of calcite primarily due to Ca–Mg ordering. High‐magnesium calcite also has symmetry and differs from dolomite in that Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions are not ordered. High‐magnesium calcite with near‐dolomite stoichiometry (≈50 mol% MgCO3) has been observed both in nature and in laboratory products and is referred to in the literature as protodolomite or very high‐magnesium calcite. Many dolomites display some degree of cation disorder (Ca2+ on Mg2+ sites and vice versa), which is detectable using transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. Laboratory syntheses at high temperature and pressure, as well as studies of natural dolomites show that factors affecting dolomite ordering, stoichiometry, nucleation and growth include temperature, alkalinity, pH, concentration of Mg and Ca, Mg to Ca ratio, fluid to rock ratio, mineralogy of the carbonate being replaced, and surface area available for nucleation. In spite of numerous attempts, dolomite has not been synthesized in the laboratory under near‐surface conditions. Examination of published X‐ray diffraction data demonstrates that assertions of dolomite synthesis in the laboratory under near‐ambient conditions by microbial mediation are unsubstantiated. These laboratory products show no evidence of cation ordering and appear to be very high‐magnesium calcite. Elevated‐temperature and elevated‐pressure experiments demonstrate that dolomite nucleation and growth always are preceded by very high‐magnesium calcite formation. It remains to be demonstrated whether microbial‐mediated growth of very high‐magnesium calcite in nature provides a precursor to dolomite nucleation and growth analogous to reaction paths in high‐temperature experiments.
Evaluating sustainability of community endeavours in an Indian floodplain wetland using multi‐criteria decision analysis
Authors: Datta Debajit , Kumar Ghosh Proshanta
Published: March 2015

The floodplain wetlands of Ganga‐Ichamati interfluves in India have become severely degraded due to incessant, unsustainable utilization practices and lack of community awareness. In spite of the wetlands being the prime source of livelihood for millions, no comprehensive management strategy to accommodate the diverse aspirations and priorities of different users has been implemented for the wetlands to date. In this paper, the authors applied a framework of criteria and indicators to evaluate the status of sustainability achieved by community endeavours in one such wetland. The priorities, consumption patterns and contributions towards wetland conservation of major user groups functioning in that area were assessed by the framework developed through participatory multi‐criteria decision analysis. Results show the deteriorating status of the wetland at present regarding biodiversity conservation and livelihood generation. Fishing activities were identified as the dominant utilization option here followed by agriculture. The paper further explored the preferred alternative utilization strategies for achieving sustainability. Effectiveness of the developed framework in evaluating the extent of sustainability achieved in community endeavours was also highlighted in this context.
Marital Discord and Suicidal Outcomes in a National Sample of Married Individuals
Authors: Robustelli Briana L. , Trytko Anne C. , Li Angela , Whisman Mark A.
Published: March 2015

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, with an average of 105 suicides committed daily. The association between marital discord and 12‐month prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt was studied in a population‐based sample of married adults (N = 1,384). Marital discord was significantly and positively associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, and these associations remained significant when controlling for demographics and 12‐month prevalence of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Results suggest that marital discord is an important correlate of suicidal outcomes and may be important to target in preventing and treating suicide.
Social Science Discourse and the Biopolitics of Terrorism
Authors: Blain Michael
Published: March 2015

This article weaves social science discourse into the fabric of a genealogy of terrorism. The power struggles associated with the US lead global war on terrorism are producing many new objects of knowledge and possible lines of research (e.g., Islamic terrorists, jihadists, suicide bombers, experts on counterterrorism, and ISIS). This process is modeled as a cycle involving power struggles and power elite orchestrated political victimage rituals and a biopolitics of knowledge. This dynamic is explored in terms of social science discourse and the biopolitics of terrorism. The limits of current thinking in “counterterrorism” and the possibilities of future research are highlighted.
Popular Punitivism: Finding a Balance Between the Politics, Presentation, and Fear of Crime
Authors: Campbell Christopher M.
Published: March 2015

This paper aims to take stock on what we know about popular punitivism and how it manifests across time and social atmosphere. To do this, the recent history and literature of popular punitivism is explored beginning with its tumultuous birth during the 1960s. Specific focus is then given to how debates regarding the punitive turn have become theories of popular punitivism. Recognizing popular punitivism as an important factor in many crime control policies, the paper explains how popular punitivism has acted as a catalyst to current justice practices, associated problems, and the study of crime. Additionally, emphasizing the adaptability of popular punitivism, the paper explains its influence in other contexts and cultures comparatively, especially in a post‐9/11 world. From such contexts I explain the widespread pattern of controlling minority groups in all places where popular punitivism is present. The paper concludes by mapping the areas of future research.
Measuring Social Status and Social Behavior with Peer and Teacher Nomination Methods
Authors: van den Berg Yvonne H. M. , Lansu Tessa A. M. , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: March 2015

Sociometric nomination methods are used extensively to measure social status and social behaviors among children and adolescents. In the current study, the correspondence between teacher and peer nomination methods for the identification of preference and popularity was examined. Participants were 733 children in grade 5/6 (M age = 12.05 years, SD = .64; 53.3 percent boys) and their 29 teachers. Children and teachers completed nomination questions for preference, popularity, and 12 social behaviors. Results showed moderate overlap between teacher and peer nominations of social status; teachers and peers agreed on students’ preference and popularity levels in 62.7 percent and 69 percent of the cases, respectively. Secondly, we examined the social behaviors (prosocial behaviors, overt and relational aggression, victimization) that teachers and peers ascribe to children at different levels of preference and popularity. Both teachers and peers made clear behavioral distinctions between low, average, and highly preferred or popular children. For preference, the behavioral profiles did not differ between teachers and peers. For popularity, no differences between teachers and peers were found in the behavioral descriptions of unpopular and average children. However, teachers and peers differed in their behavioral descriptions of popular children. Implications and directions for further research are discussed.
When Values and Behavior Conflict: Moral Pluralism and Intrapersonal Moral Hypocrisy
Authors: Graham Jesse , Meindl Peter , Koleva Spassena , Iyer Ravi , Johnson Kate M.
Published: March 2015

The authors review the various ways moral hypocrisy has been defined and operationalized by social psychologists, concentrating on three general types: moral duplicity, moral double standards, and moral weakness. While most approaches have treated moral hypocrisy as an interpersonal phenomenon, requiring public claims, preaching (versus practicing), or judgments of others (versus oneself), this paper also considers intrapersonal moral hypocrisy – that is, conflicts between values and behavior that may exist even in the absence of public pronouncements or judgments. Current attempts to understand and combat intrapersonal moral hypocrisy are aided by moral pluralism, the idea that there are many different moral values, which may come into conflict both between and within individuals. Examples are given to illustrate how taking into account individual differences in values can help to reduce moral hypocrisy. The authors close by considering the possibility that in a pluralistic world, reducing intrapersonal moral hypocrisy might not always be a normatively desired end goal.
Got Pain? Racial Bias in Perceptions of Pain
Authors: Trawalter Sophie , Hoffman Kelly M.
Published: March 2015

In the days of slavery, White people assumed that Black people felt less pain than did White people. This belief was used to justify slavery; it was also used to justify the inhumane treatment of Black men and women in medical research. Today, White Americans continue to believe that Black people feel less pain than do White people although this belief has changed from its historical, explicitly racist form. Racial attitudes do not moderate the bias, suggesting that racial bias in perceptions of others' pain is not rooted (solely) in racial prejudice. Moreover, Black Americans too believe that Black people feel less pain than do White people, suggesting that the bias is no longer grounded in intergroup dynamics. Rather, contemporary forms of this bias stem from assumptions that Black people face more hardship and “thus” can withstand more pain and assumptions that Black people's bodies are not only different but also superhuman. Although this new instantiation of the pain perception bias is decidedly more “benevolent”, it can nonetheless lead to negative outcomes. Here, we consider how racial bias in perceptions of others' pain may affect racial disparities in health care and intergroup relations more generally. We also discuss potential avenues for interventions aimed at preventing this bias among children and reducing this bias among adults.
Who Acquires Whom? The Role of Geographical Proximity and Industrial Relatedness in Dutch Domestic M&As between 2002 and 2008
Authors: Ellwanger Nils , Boschma Ron
Published: March 2015

In economic geography, geographical proximity has been identified as a key driver of M&A activity. In this context, little attention has yet been drawn to the effect of industrial relatedness, which refers to the similarity and complementarity of business activities. We examine 1,855 domestic M&A deals announced between 2002 and 2008 in the Netherlands, and we assess the extent to which geographical proximity and industrial relatedness affect M&A partnering. Our study shows that geographical proximity drives domestic M&A deals, even at very detailed spatial scales like the municipality level. We also found evidence that companies that share the same or complementary industries are more likely to engage in an M&A deal. Logistic regressions show that the effect of industrial relatedness is stronger than the effect of geographical proximity and that the effect of geographical proximity is stronger in unrelated than related target selection.
Parity, Preference and Puzzlement
Authors: Gert Joshua
Published: March 2015

Ruth Chang has argued for the existence of a fourth positive value relation, distinct from betterness, worseness and equality, which she calls “parity.” In an earlier article I seemed to criticize Chang's suggestion by offering an interval model for the values of items that I claimed could accommodate all the phenomena characteristic of parity. Wlodek Rabinowicz, offering his own model of value relations, endorsed one central feature of my proposal: the need to distinguish permissible preferences from required ones. But he, along with Chang, correctly pointed out that my own model suffered from serious formal problems. The present article offers an improved interval model, but the main point is not the model itself. Rather, it is the derivation of the model from a response‐dependent account of practical rationality. This derivation helps explain why we have a concept for which Rabinowicz's model is appropriate, and therefore supplements Chang's existence arguments. My conclusion is that we can take Chang's view, Rabinowicz's and mine as providing a reinforcing set of views.
Bartonella henselae infection‐associated vasculitis and crescentic glomerulonephritis leading to renal allograft loss
Authors: Chaudhry A.R. , Chaudhry M.R. , Papadimitriou J.C. , Drachenberg C.B.
Published: March 2015

Bartonella henselae (BH) is the main cause of cat scratch disease (CSD), which more typically presents as a self‐limited localized suppurative lymphadenopathy in immunocompetent individuals. In contrast, immunocompromised patients commonly have systemic disease with life‐threatening complications. In addition to the angioproliferative lesions, such as bacillary angiomatosis, an increasing number of immune post‐infectious complications are being recognized with BH infections, including glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, hemophagocytic syndrome, and neurological problems. We report the case of a renal transplant recipient who developed CSD in the second year post transplantation. In addition to prolonged fever and generalized lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly requiring differentiation from a post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, the course was complicated by the development of dermal leukocytoclastic vasculitis and pauci‐immune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis, which led to failure of the renal graft. Glomerulonephritis as a complication of CSD has never been described in a kidney allograft, to our knowledge. Awareness of the diverse clinical symptoms associated with BH, including granulomatous/suppurative lesions and other less common complications can lead to more rapid and accurate diagnosis. Also, as recommended by the current guidelines, a thorough history of pet ownership should be part of the clinical evaluation before and after transplantation for all transplant recipients.
Reliability-Based Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Using Subset Simulation Analysis and Its Application in the Hydraulic Transmission Mechanism Design
Authors: Meng Debiao , Li Yan-Feng , Huang Hong-Zhong , Wang Zhonglai , Liu Yu
Published: March 2015

The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) can provide high reliability evaluation accuracy. However, the efficiency of the crude MCS is quite low, in large part because it is computationally expensive to evaluate a very small failure probability. In this paper, a subset simulation-based reliability analysis (SSRA) approach is combined with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to improve the computational efficiency in reliability-based MDO (RBMDO) problems. Furthermore, the sequential optimization and reliability assessment (SORA) approach is utilized to decouple an RBMDO problem into a sequential of deterministic MDO and reliability evaluation problems. The formula of MDO with SSRA within the framework of SORA is proposed to solve a design optimization problem of a hydraulic transmission mechanism.
Stationary Response of a Class of Nonlinear Stochastic Systems Undergoing Markovian Jumps
Authors: Huan Rong-Hua , Zhu Wei-qiu , Ma Fai , Ying Zu-guang
Published: March 2015

Systems whose specifications change abruptly and statistically, referred to as Markovian-jump systems, are considered in this paper. An approximate method is presented to assess the stationary response of multidegree, nonlinear, Markovian-jump, quasi-nonintegrable Hamiltonian systems subjected to stochastic excitation. Using stochastic averaging, the quasi-nonintegrable Hamiltonian equations are first reduced to a one-dimensional Itô equation governing the energy envelope. The associated Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equation is then set up, from which approximate stationary probabilities of the original system are obtained for different jump rules. The validity of this technique is demonstrated by using a nonlinear two-degree oscillator that is stochastically driven and capable of Markovian jumps.
Singularity-Free Workspace Aimed Optimal Design of a 2T2R Parallel Mechanism for Automated Fiber Placement
Authors: Gan Dongming , Dai Jian S. , Dias Jorge , Umer Rehan , Seneviratne Lakmal
Published: March 2015

This paper introduces a new concept of applying a parallel mechanism in automated fiber placement (AFP) for aerospace part manufacturing. By investigating the system requirements, a 4DOF parallel mechanism consisting of two revolute–prismatic–spherical joints (2RPS) and two universal–prismatic–spherical joints (2UPS) limbs with two rotational (2R) and two translational (2T) motions is proposed. Both inverse and forward kinematics models are obtained and solved analytically. Based on the overall Jacobian matrix in screw theory, singularity loci are presented and the singularity-free workspace is correspondingly illustrated. To maximize the singularity-free workspace, locations of the 2UPS limbs with the platform and base sizes are used in the optimization which gives a new design of a 4DOF parallel mechanism. A dimensionless Jacobian matrix is also defined and its condition number is used for optimizing the kinematics performance in the optimization process. A numerical example is presented with physical constraint considerations of a test bed design for AFP.
On the Modified Monotonic Loading Concept for the Calculation of the Cyclic J-Integral
Authors: Beesley Ross , Chen Haofeng , Hughes Martin
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates an approach for calculating the cyclic J-integral through a new industrial application. A previously proposed method is investigated further with the extension of this technique through a new application of a practical three-dimensional (3D) notched component containing a semi-elliptical surface crack. Current methods of calculating the cyclic J-integral are identified and their limitations discussed. A modified monotonic loading (MML) concept is adapted to calculate the cyclic J-integral of this 3D semi-elliptical surface crack under cyclic loading conditions. Both the finite element method (FEM) and the extended finite element method (XFEM) are discussed as possible methods of calculating the cyclic J-integral in this investigation. Different loading conditions including uniaxial tension and out-of-plane shear are applied, and the relationships between the applied loads and the cyclic J-integral are established. In addition, the variations of the cyclic J-integral along the crack front are investigated. This allows the determination of the critical load that can be applied before crack propagation occurs, as well as the identification of the critical crack direction once propagation does occur. These calculations display the applicability of the method to practical examples and illustrate an accurate method of estimating the cyclic J-integral.
Evaluation of a Pipe–Flange Connection Method Based on Cold Work
Authors: Barsoum I. , Khalaf A. M.
Published: March 2015

The conventional joining method of a pipe and a flange uses welding. However, welded pipe–flange joints have the drawback with the inherent distortions and residual stresses resulting from the welding process, which can affect the mechanical integrity and performance of the flange significantly. In this study, a novel pipe–flange connection method based on cold work is evaluated using the finite element method. A weld neck flange is modified by manufacturing circumferential grooves at its internal surface and the pipe is cold worked into the grooves using a hydraulic expansion tool. The finite element model incorporates a pressure dependent friction model for the contact interaction between the tool–pipe–flange and a strain-based ductile failure locus for the pipe material accounting for ductile damage initiation during the cold work process utilizing a continuum damage mechanics approach. The finite element results show that a high load carrying capacity can be achieved for the cold work pipe–flange connection and has good potential for replacing the conventional welded joint.
Racial Differences in Weight Loss Among Adults in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention: Role of Diet and Physical Activity
Authors: Davis Kelliann K. , Tate Deborah F. , Lang Wei , Neiberg Rebecca H. , Polzien Kristen , Rickman Amy D. , Erickson Karen , Jakicic John M.
Published: March 2015

Background:

African-Americans lose less weight during a behavioral intervention compared with Whites, which may be from differences in dietary intake or physical activity.

Methods:

Subjects (30% African American, 70% White; n = 346; 42.4 ± 9.0 yrs.; BMI = 33.0 ± 3.7 kg/m2) in an 18-month weight loss intervention were randomized to a standard behavioral (SBWI) or a stepped-care (STEP) intervention. Weight, dietary intake, self-report and objective physical activity, and fitness were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months.

Results:

Weight loss at 18 months was greater in Whites (–8.74 kg with 95% CI [–10.10, –7.35]) compared with African Americans (–5.62 kg with 95% CI [–7.86, –3.37]) (P = .03) in the SBWI group and the STEP group (White: –7.48 kg with 95% CI [–8.80, –6.17] vs. African American: –4.41kg with 95% CI [–6.41, –2.42]) (P = .01). Patterns of change in dietary intake were not different between groups. Objective physical activity (PA) changed over time (P < .0001) and was higher in Whites when compared with African Americans (P = .01).

Conclusions:

Whites lost more weight (3.10 kg) than African American adults. Although there were no differences in dietary intake, Whites had higher levels of objective PA and fitness. Thus, the discrepancy in weight loss may be due to differences in PA rather than dietary intake. However, the precise role of these factors warrants further investigation.
Periodic Change in Sufficient Physical Activity: A 2-Year Study of a Multi-Ethnic Cohort
Authors: Dishman Rod K. , Nigg Claudio
Published: March 2015

Background:

Measuring the way people vary across time in meeting recommended levels of physical activity is a prerequisite to quantifying exposure in outcome studies or identifying determinants of sufficient physical activity. The study determined whether distinct patterns of change in sufficient physical activity could be identified in a population.

Methods:

A cohort (N = 497) from a random, multiethnic sample of adults living in Hawaii was assessed every 6 months for 2 years beginning spring 2004. Latent transition analysis classified people as sufficiently or insufficiently active each time.

Results:

In the total cohort, odds that people would move from insufficient to sufficient activity (45% to 59%) at each 6-month transition were higher than odds they would move from sufficient to insufficient activity (8% to 13%). However, those odds, as well as types and amounts of physical activity, differed widely among and within 3 of 4 transition classes that represented 21% of the cohort.

Conclusions:

Point-prevalence of sufficient physical activity in the total cohort was similar to contemporary U.S. estimates. However, physical activity varied between and within subgroups of the cohort. Further research is needed using self-report and objective measures to determine patterns of change in sufficient physical activity in other representative cohorts.
Intensity- and Domain-Specific Levels of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in 10- to 14-Year-Old Children
Authors: De Baere Stijn , Seghers Jan , Philippaerts Renaat , De Martelaer Kristine , Lefevre Johan
Published: March 2015

Background:

to investigate levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in 10- to 14-year-olds and to determine PA differences between week-weekend days, genders and school stages.

Methods:

241 children were recruited from 15 primary and 15 secondary schools. PA was assessed for 7 days using the SenseWear Mini Armband and an electronic diary. Week-weekend and gender differences were determined using 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Combined intensity- and domain-specific PA differences between genders and school stages were examined using 2-way ANOVA.

Results:

Weekdays were more active compared with weekend days. Physical activity level (PAL) of boys was higher compared with girls. Boys showed more moderate (+15 min/day) and vigorous PA (+9 min/day), no differences were found for SB and light PA. Secondary school children showed more SB (+111 min/day), moderate (+8 min/day) and vigorous (+9 min/day) PA and less light PA (-66 min/day) compared with primary school children. No difference was found for PAL. The results of the combined intensity- and domain-specific parameters revealed more nuanced differences between genders and school stages.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate the complexity of PA and SB behavior of children, indicating the need for a multidimensional and differentiated approach in PA promotion.
Effect of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program on School Day Step Counts in Children
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A. , Hannon James C.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming (CSPAP) has the potential to increase physical activity (PA) in children over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of CSPAP on school day step counts in children.

Methods:

Participants were 327 fourth and fifth grade children recruited from 4 elementary schools. The study was conducted within an Interrupted Time-Series Design framework. School day step counts were collected for 5 days across preintervention and postintervention time-points (10 days total) using NL-1000 piezoelectric pedometers. Robust piecewise regression examined pre- and postintervention intercepts and slopes, and the change in these parameters using postestimation statistics.

Results:

The slope coefficient was statistically significant across preintervention (β = –105.23, P < .001) but not postintervention time-points (β = –63.23, P = .347), suggesting decreases in steps counts across preintervention and stability of step counts across postintervention school days. Postestimation statistics yielded increases in school day step counts from the end of preintervention (day 5) to the start of postintervention (day 6; t(319) = –4.72, P < .001, Cohen’s d = 4.72).

Conclusions:

The CSPAP intervention increased average school day step counts and attenuated decreases in step counts throughout the school week in children.
The fastest unbound star in our Galaxy ejected by a thermonuclear supernova
Authors: Geier S. , Fürst F. , Ziegerer E. , Kupfer T. , Heber U. , Irrgang A. , Wang B. , Liu Z. , Han Z. , Sesar B. , Levitan D. , Kotak R. , Magnier E. , Smith K. , Burgett W. S. , Chambers K. , Flewelling H. , Kaiser N. , Wainscoat R. , Waters C.
Published: March 2015

Stars that blow up and bug out

When stars move at speeds that will launch them out of our Galaxy, eyes often turn to our core supermassive black hole as the slingshot responsible. For at least one hypervelocity star, however, the galactic center remains innocent. Geier
et al.
traced back the trajectory of a compact helium star, US 708, and deduced a different origin in a binary. In this scenario, US 708 acted as the mass donor in a type Ia supernova pair, which spun US708 to the point of ejection. By knowing this star's exotic past, we learn both about its specific history and about the nature of all type Ia supernovae.

Science
, this issue p.
1126
Evolutionary changes in promoter and enhancer activity during human corticogenesis
Authors: Reilly Steven K. , Yin Jun , Ayoub Albert E. , Emera Deena , Leng Jing , Cotney Justin , Sarro Richard , Rakic Pasko , Noonan James P.
Published: March 2015

Of mice, men, and macaque brains

The human brain represents a unique evolutionary trajectory. To better understand how the human brain came to be, Reillyet al.sought to identify changes in gene expression between mice, macaques, and humans. They compared epigenetic marks in the embryonic cortex, which revealed changes in gene regulation in biological pathways associated with cortical development.

Science, this issue p.1155
The dark lab
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: March 2015

To put general relativity to the acid test, researchers are looking inward—toward the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
Robust self-cleaning surfaces that function when exposed to either air or oil
Authors: Lu Yao , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Song Jinlong , Crick Colin R. , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: March 2015

A robust paintlike repellent coating

Superhydrophobic materials often depend on a particular surface patterning or an applied coating. However, these surfaces can be damaged by wear or fouled by oily materials. Lu
et al.
devised a suspension of coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles that can be spray-painted or dipcoated onto a range of hard and soft surfaces, including paper, cloth, and glass. The coatings resisted rubbing, scratching, and surface contamination.

Science
, this issue p.
1132
Multiple images of a highly magnified supernova formed by an early-type cluster galaxy lens
Authors: Kelly Patrick L. , Rodney Steven A. , Treu Tommaso , Foley Ryan J. , Brammer Gabriel , Schmidt Kasper B. , Zitrin Adi , Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Strolger Louis-Gregory , Graur Or , Filippenko Alexei V. , Jha Saurabh W. , Riess Adam G. , Bradac Marusa , Weiner Benjamin J. , Scolnic Daniel , Malkan Matthew A. , von der Linden Anja , Trenti Michele , Hjorth Jens , Gavazzi Raphael , Fontana Adriano , Merten Julian C. , McCully Curtis , Jones Tucker , Postman Marc , Dressler Alan , Patel Brandon , Cenko S. Bradley , Graham Melissa L. , Tucker Bradley E.
Published: March 2015

Finding four for the light of one

Seeing double may cause concern for some, but seeing quadruple? It's just what astronomers have been hoping for. Kelly
et al.
have now detected four images of the same distant supernova with the sharp eye of a space telescope. The supernova shines brightly from the arm of a spiral galaxy that lies far beyond another galaxy between it and us. This intervening galaxy is massive enough to bend the light from the supernova and its host galaxy into multiple images. This behavior relies on the curvature of spacetime and will provide insight into the luminous and dark matter in the lensing galaxy.

Science
, this issue p.
1123
New World monkey origins
Authors: Kay Richard F.
Published: March 2015

Fossils in Peru raise questions about the early evolution of monkeys in South America
High-Level Association of Bovine Digital Dermatitis Treponema spp. with Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis Lesions and Presence of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus
Authors: Sullivan L. E. , Clegg S. R. , Angell J. W. , Newbrook K. , Blowey R. W. , Carter S. D. , Bell J. , Duncan J. S. , Grove-White D. H. , Murray R. D. , Evans N. J.
Published: March 2015

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an important foot disease in sheep, with significant animal welfare and economic implications. It is thought that CODD emerged from bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) via treponemal bacteria. With wildlife species such as elk now suffering a CODD-like disease, it is imperative to clarify these disease etiologies. A large investigation into treponemal association with CODD is warranted. CODD lesions (
n
= 58) and healthy sheep foot tissues (
n
= 56) were analyzed by PCR for the three BDD-associated
Treponema
phylogroups and two other lameness-associated bacteria,
Dichelobacter nodosus
and
Fusobacterium necrophorum
. Spirochete culture was also attempted on CODD lesions. “
Treponema medium
/
Treponema vincentii
-like,” “
Treponema phagedenis
-like,” and
Treponema pedis
spirochetes were identified in 39/58 (67%), 49/58 (85%), and 41/58 (71%) of CODD lesions, respectively. One or more BDD-associated
Treponema
phylogroups were detected in 100% of CODD lesions. Healthy foot tissues did not amplify BDD-associated
Treponema
phylogroup DNA.
D. nodosus
and
F. necrophorum
were present in 34/58 (59%) and 41/58 (71%) of CODD lesions and 22/56 (39%) and 5/56 (9%) of healthy foot tissues, respectively. Thirty-two spirochetes were isolated from CODD lesions, with representatives clustering with, and indistinguishable from, each of the three BDD-associated
Treponema
phylogroups based on 16S rRNA gene comparisons. This study for the first time demonstrates a high-level association for BDD treponeme phylogroups in CODD and their absence from healthy tissues, supporting the hypothesis that BDD treponemes play a primary causative role in CODD and confirming that the specific PCR assays are an effective differential diagnostic tool for CODD.
Impact of Introduction of the BD Kiestra InoqulA on Urine Culture Results in a Hospital Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Authors: Strauss Sharon , Bourbeau Paul P.
Published: March 2015

This study compared results from plating urine specimens with the BD InoqulA instrument using a 10-μl inoculum with results from cultures plated manually with a 1-μl loop for comparable 2-month periods. The positivity rates, turnaround times for positive cultures, and BD Phoenix identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test results were comparable for both time periods. We experienced no problems with culture interpretation as the result of moving to the 10-μl inoculum.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Liat HIV Quant (IQuum) Whole-Blood and Plasma HIV-1 Viral Load Assays for Point-of-Care Testing in South Africa
Authors: Scott Lesley , Gous Natasha , Carmona Sergio , Stevens Wendy
Published: March 2015

Point-of-care (POC) HIV viral load (VL) testing offers the potential to reduce turnaround times for antiretroviral therapy monitoring, offer near-patient acute HIV diagnosis in adults, extend existing centralized VL services, screen women in labor, and prompt pediatrics to early treatment. The Liat HIV Quant plasma and whole-blood assays, prerelease version, were evaluated in South Africa. The precision, accuracy, linearity, and agreement of the Liat HIV Quant whole-blood and plasma assays were compared to those of reference technologies (Roche CAP CTMv2.0 and Abbott RealTime HIV-1) on an HIV verification plasma panel (
n
= 42) and HIV clinical specimens (
n
= 163). HIV Quant plasma assay showed good performance, with a 2.7% similarity coefficient of variation (CV) compared to the Abbott assay and a 1.8% similarity CV compared to the Roche test on the verification panel, and 100% specificity. HIV Quant plasma had substantial agreement (

p
c

[concordance correlation] = 0.96) with Roche on clinical specimens and increased variability (

p
c

= 0.73) in the range of <3.0 log copies/ml range with the HIV Quant whole-blood assay. HIV Quant plasma assay had good linearity (2.0 to 5.0 log copies/ml;
R
2
= 0.99). Clinical sensitivity at a viral load of 1,000 copies/ml of the HIV Quant plasma and whole-blood assays compared to that of the Roche assay (
n
= 94) was 100% (confidence interval [CI], 95.3% to 100%). The specificity of HIV Quant plasma was 88.2% (CI, 63.6% to 98.5%), and that for whole blood was 41.2% (CI, 18.4% to 67.1%). No virological failure (downward misclassification) was missed. Liat HIV Quant plasma assay can be interchanged with existing VL technology in South Africa. Liat HIV Quant whole-blood assay would be advantageous for POC early infant diagnosis at birth and adult adherence monitoring and needs to be evaluated further in this clinical context. LIAT cartridges currently require cold storage, but the technology is user-friendly and robust. Clinical cost and implementation modeling is required.
DNA Sequencing for Confirmation of Rifampin Resistance Detected by Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF Assay
Authors: McAlister Allison J. , Driscoll Jeffrey , Metchock Beverly
Published: March 2015

DNA sequencing of
rpoB
and culture-based drug susceptibility results were evaluated for samples referred for confirmation of rifampin resistance detected by the Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Silent mutations and mutations associated with low-level resistance were found in the study population. These data support CDC recommendations to confirm Xpert rifampin resistance results.
Multicenter Evaluation of the BD Max Enteric Bacterial Panel PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp. (C. jejuni and C. coli), and Shiga Toxin 1 and 2 Genes
Authors: Harrington S. M. , Buchan B. W. , Doern C. , Fader R. , Ferraro M. J. , Pillai D. R. , Rychert J. , Doyle L. , Lainesse A. , Karchmer T. , Mortensen J. E.
Published: March 2015

Diarrhea due to enteric bacterial pathogens causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. However, bacterial pathogens may be infrequently identified. Currently, culture and enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) are the primary methods used by clinical laboratories to detect enteric bacterial pathogens. We conducted a multicenter evaluation of the BD Max enteric bacterial panel (EBP) PCR assay in comparison to culture for the detection of
Salmonella
spp.,
Shigella
spp.,
Campylobacter jejuni
, and
Campylobacter coli
and an EIA for Shiga toxins 1 and 2. A total of 4,242 preserved or unpreserved stool specimens, including 3,457 specimens collected prospectively and 785 frozen, retrospective samples, were evaluated. Compared to culture or EIA, the positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) values for the BD Max EBP assay for all specimens combined were as follows: 97.1% and 99.2% for
Salmonella
spp., 99.1% and 99.7% for
Shigella
spp., 97.2% and 98.4% for
C. jejuni
and
C. coli
, and 97.4% and 99.3% for Shiga toxins, respectively. Discrepant results for prospective samples were resolved with alternate PCR assays and bidirectional sequencing of amplicons. Following discrepant analysis, PPA and NPA values were as follows: 97.3% and 99.8% for
Salmonella
spp., 99.2% and 100% for
Shigella
spp., 97.5% and 99.0% for
C. jejuni
and
C. coli
, and 100% and 99.7% for Shiga toxins, respectively. No differences in detection were observed for samples preserved in Cary-Blair medium and unpreserved samples. In this large, multicenter study, the BD Max EBP assay showed superior sensitivity compared to conventional methods and excellent specificity for the detection of enteric bacterial pathogens in stool specimens.
Culture-Independent Genome Sequencing of Clinical Samples Reveals an Unexpected Heterogeneity of Infections by Chlamydia pecorum
Authors: Bachmann Nathan L. , Sullivan Mitchell J. , Jelocnik Martina , Myers Garry S. A. , Timms Peter , Polkinghorne Adam
Published: March 2015

Chlamydia pecorum
is an important global pathogen of livestock, and it is also a significant threat to the long-term survival of Australia's koala populations. This study employed a culture-independent DNA capture approach to sequence
C. pecorum
genomes directly from clinical swab samples collected from koalas with chlamydial disease as well as from sheep with arthritis and conjunctivitis. Investigations into single-nucleotide polymorphisms within each of the swab samples revealed that a portion of the reads in each sample belonged to separate
C. pecorum
strains, suggesting that all of the clinical samples analyzed contained mixed populations of genetically distinct
C. pecorum
isolates. This observation was independent of the anatomical site sampled and the host species. Using the genomes of strains identified in each of these samples, whole-genome phylogenetic analysis revealed that a clade containing a bovine and a koala isolate is distinct from other clades comprised of livestock or koala
C. pecorum
strains. Providing additional evidence to support exposure of koalas to Australian livestock strains, two minor strains assembled from the koala swab samples clustered with livestock strains rather than koala strains. Culture-independent probe-based genome capture and sequencing of clinical samples provides the strongest evidence yet to suggest that naturally occurring chlamydial infections are comprised of multiple genetically distinct strains.
Comparison of Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II with Versant Line Probe Assay 2.0 for Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Liang Cheng-Chao , Liu Chun-Jen , Lin Chih-Lin , Su Tung-Hung , Yang Hung-Chih , Chen Pei-Jer , Chen Ding-Shinn , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: March 2015

Genotyping and subtyping of 225 samples with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, 2, 3, or 6 infection were done with Versant LiPA 2.0 and Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype (GT) II by using direct sequencing of the NS5B and 5′ untranslated regions as the reference standards. The concordance rates were >99.2% for genotypes and 96.1% for subtypes 1a and 1b. Both the Abbott RealTime and Versant LiPA assays can accurately determine hepatitis C virus genotypes. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00979979.)
Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. silvaticum by Duplex High-Resolution Melt Analysis and Subspecies-Specific Real-Time PCR
Authors: Rónai Zsuzsanna , Csivincsik Ágnes , Dán Ádám
Published: March 2015

Accurate identification of mycobacterial species and subspecies is essential to evaluate their significance and to perform epidemiological studies. The subspecies of
Mycobacterium avium
have different attributes but coincide in their zoonotic potential. Our knowledge about
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
is limited, since its identification is uncertain.
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
avium
and
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
can be discriminated from each other based only on phenotypic characteristics, as they have almost identical genome sequences. Here we describe the development of a diagnostic method which enables the molecular identification of
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
and discrimination from
M. avium
subsp.
avium
based on genomic differences in a duplex high-resolution melt and
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
-specific mismatch real-time PCR. The developed assay was tested on reference strains and 199 field isolates, which were analyzed by phenotypic methods previously. This assay not only identified all 63
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
and 138
M. avium
subsp.
avium
strains correctly but also enabled the detection of mixed
M. avium
subsp.
avium
-
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
cultures. This is the first time that such a large panel of strains has been analyzed, and we also report the first isolation of
M. avium
subsp.
silvaticum
from red fox, red deer, wild boar, cattle, and badger. This assay is reliable, rapid, simple, inexpensive, and robust. It eliminates the long-existing problem of ambiguous phenotypic identification and opens up the possibility for detailed and comprehensive strain studies.
Serologic Cross-Reactions between Nucleocapsid Proteins of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Zhang Yange , Pohl Jan , Brooks W. Abdullah , Erdman Dean D.
Published: March 2015

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) share virologic and epidemiologic features and cause clinically similar respiratory illness predominantly in young children. In a previous study of acute febrile respiratory illness in Bangladesh, we tested paired serum specimens from 852 children presenting fever and cough for diagnostic increases in titers of antibody to hRSV and hMPV by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Unexpectedly, of 93 serum pairs that showed a ≥4-fold increase in titers of antibody to hRSV, 24 (25.8%) showed a concurrent increase in titers of antibody to hMPV; of 91 pairs showing an increase to hMPV, 13 (14.3%) showed a concurrent increase to hRSV. We speculated that common antigens shared by these viruses explain this finding. Since the nucleocapsid (N) proteins of these viruses show the greatest sequence homology, we tested hyperimmune antisera prepared for each virus against baculovirus-expressed recombinant N (recN) proteins for potential cross-reactivity. The antisera were reciprocally reactive with both proteins. To localize common antigenic regions, we first expressed the carboxy domain of the hMPV N protein that was the most highly conserved region within the hRSV N protein. Although reciprocally reactive with antisera by Western blotting, this truncated protein did not react with hMPV IgG-positive human sera by EIA. Using 5 synthetic peptides that spanned the amino-terminal portion of the hMPV N protein, we identified a single peptide that was cross-reactive with human sera positive for either virus. Antiserum prepared for this peptide was reactive with recN proteins of both viruses, indicating that a common immunoreactive site exists in this region.
Improved Diagnosis of Orthopedic Implant-Associated Infection by Inoculation of Sonication Fluid into Blood Culture Bottles
Authors: Portillo María Eugenia , Salvadó Margarita , Trampuz Andrej , Siverio Ana , Alier Albert , Sorli Lluisa , Martínez Santos , Pérez-Prieto Daniel , Horcajada Juan P. , Puig-Verdie Lluis
Published: March 2015

Sonication improved the diagnosis of orthopedic implant-associated infections (OIAI). We investigated the diagnostic performance of sonication fluid inoculated into blood culture bottles in comparison with that of intraoperative tissue and sonication fluid cultures. Consecutive patients with removed orthopedic hardware were prospectively included and classified as having OIAI or aseptic failure (AF) according to standardized criteria. The diagnostic procedure included the collection of five intraoperative tissue cultures and sonication of the removed device, followed by conventional culture of the sonication fluid. Cultures were incubated for 7 days (aerobic) or 14 days (anaerobic). In addition, 10 ml of sonication fluid was inoculated into each aerobic and anaerobic BacT/Alert FAN blood culture bottle and incubated in the automated blood culture system for 5 days. Of 75 included patients, 39 had OIAI and 36 AF. The sensitivity of sonication fluid inoculated into blood culture bottles (100%) was higher than that of conventional sonication fluid (87%;
P
= 0.05) or intraoperative tissue cultures (59%;
P
< 0.01). Previous antibiotic therapy reduced the culture sensitivity of conventional sonication fluid to 77% and that of intraoperative tissue to 55%, while it remained 100% for blood culture-inoculated sonication fluid. The time to positivity was shorter in blood culture-inoculated sonication fluid, with detection of 72% of microorganisms after 1 day of incubation, than for intraoperative tissue and conventional sonication fluid cultures, with detection of 18% and 28% of microorganisms, respectively. In conclusion, compared to conventional sonication fluid and intraoperative tissue cultures, sonication fluid inoculated into blood culture bottles improved the diagnosis of OIAI and considerably reduced the time to culture positivity.