bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of Natural Resource Conservation Capacity on the U.S.–Mexico Border: Bilateral and Trilateral Environmental Agreements since La Paz
Authors: Mumme Stephen P. 
Published: January 2015

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

AbstractWhat is the role of intergovernmental institutions and transnational policy networks in the management of North American natural resources? The articles presented in this special volume provide some answers to this question and contribute to an ongoing discussion about bilateral and trilateral resource management. This concluding article pulls together the major themes, questions, answers, and avenues for further research presented in the special volume. There is broad consensus that post‐bureaucratic interactive agencies are developing in bi‐ and trilateral resource management but notable policy outcomes are lagging. Climate change is hypothesized to be a test of Northern American governance because already we see this formidable issue further cementing fragmented bilateralism.
An improved method for evaluating ideal standards in self‐perception and mate preferences
Authors: Katsena Lasma , Dimdins Girts 
Published: January 2015

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

AbstractObjectivesTo measure the salinity levels of common water sources in coastal Bangladesh and explore perceptions of water palatability among the local population to investigate the plausibility of linking cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh with ingestion of saline‐rich cholera‐infected river water.MethodsHundred participants took part in a taste‐testing experiment of water with varying levels of salinity. Salinity measurements were taken of both drinking and non‐drinking water sources. Informal group discussions were conducted to gain an in‐depth understanding of water sources and water uses.ResultsSalinity levels of non‐drinking water sources suggest that the conditions for Vibrio cholerae survival exist 7–8 days within the local aquatic environment. However, 96% of participants in the taste‐testing experiment reported that they would never drink water with salinity levels that would be conducive to V. cholerae survival. Furthermore, salinity levels of participant's drinking water sources were all well below the levels required for optimal survival of V. cholerae. Respondents explained that they preferred less salty and more aesthetically pleasing drinking water.ConclusionTheoretically, V. cholerae can survive in the river systems in Bangladesh; however, water sources which have been contaminated with river water are avoided as potential drinking water sources. Furthermore, there are no physical connecting points between the river system and drinking water sources among the study population, indicating that the primary driver for cholera cases in Bangladesh is likely not through the contamination of saline‐rich river water into drinking water sources.
Seizures, cysticercosis and rural‐to‐urban migration: the PERU MIGRANT study
Authors: Gonzales Isidro , Miranda J. Jaime , Rodriguez Silvia , Vargas Victor , Cjuno Alfredo , Smeeth Liam , Gonzalez Armando E. , Tsang Victor C. W. , Gilman Robert H. , Garcia Hector H. ,   The Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the prevalence of seizures, epilepsy and seropositivity to cysticercosis in rural villagers (cysticercosis‐endemic setting), rural‐to‐urban migrants into a non‐endemic urban shanty town and urban inhabitants of the same non‐endemic shanty town.MethodsThree Peruvian populations (n = 985) originally recruited into a study about chronic diseases and migration were studied. These groups included rural inhabitants from an endemic region (n = 200), long‐term rural‐to‐urban migrants (n = 589) and individuals living in the same urban setting (n = 196). Seizure disorders were detected by a survey, and a neurologist examined positive respondents. Serum samples from 981/985 individuals were processed for cysticercosis antibodies on immunoblot.ResultsEpilepsy prevalence (per 1000 people) was 15.3 in the urban group, 35.6 in migrants and 25 in rural inhabitants. A gradient in cysticercosis antibody seroprevalence was observed: urban 2%, migrant 13.5% and rural group 18% (P < 0.05). A similarly increasing pattern of higher seroprevalence was observed among migrants by age at migration. In rural villagers, there was strong evidence of an association between positive serology and having seizures (P = 0.011) but such an association was not observed in long‐term migrants or in urban residents. In the entire study population, compared with seronegative participants, those with strong antibody reactions (≥ 4 antibody bands) were more likely to have epilepsy (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIt is not only international migration that affects cysticercosis endemicity; internal migration can also affect patterns of endemicity within an endemic country. The neurological consequences of cysticercosis infection likely outlast the antibody response for years after rural‐to‐urban migration.
Insulin therapy and fetoplacental vascular function in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sobrevia Luis , Salsoso Rocío , Sáez Tamara , Sanhueza Carlos , Pardo Fabián , Leiva Andrea 
Published: January 2015

New Findings

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

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

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease that occurs during pregnancy and is associated with maternal and fetal hyperglycaemia. Women with GDM are treated via diet to control their glycaemia; however, a proportion of these patients do not achieve the recommended values of glycaemia and are subjected to insulin therapy until delivery. Even if a diet‐treated GDM pregnancy leads to normal maternal and newborn glucose levels, fetoplacental vascular dysfunction remains evident. Thus, control of glycaemia via diet does not prevent GDM‐associated fetoplacental vascular and metabolic alterations. We review the available information regarding insulin therapy in the context of its potential consequences for fetoplacental vascular function in GDM. We propose the possibility that insulin therapy to produce normoglycaemia in the mother and newborn may require additional therapeutic measures to restore the normal metabolic condition of the vascular network in GDM. A role for A1 and A2A adenosine receptors and insulin receptors A and B as well as a potential functional link in the cell signalling associated with the activation of these receptors is proposed. This possibility could be helpful for the planning of strategies, including adenosine receptor‐improved insulin therapy, for the treatment of GDM patients, thereby promoting the wellbeing of the growing fetus, newborn and mother.
Cross-Section Influence on Monte Carlo-Based Burn-Up Codes Applied to a GFR-Like Configuration
Authors: Chersola Davide , Lomonaco Guglielmo , Mazzini Guido 
Published: January 2015

This paper reports the results of a comparison among JEFF and ENDF/B data sets when used by SERPENT and MONTEBURNS codes on a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR)-like configuration. Particularly, it shows a comparison between the two Monte Carlo-based codes, each one adopting three different cross-section data sets, namely, JEFF-3.1, JEFF-3.1.2, and ENDF/B-VII.1. Calculations have been carried out on the Allegro reactor, i.e., an experimental GFR-like facility that could be built in the European Union as a GFR demonstration. Results include nuclear parameters, such as the effective multiplication factor and fluxes, as well as the atomic densities for some important nuclides versus burn-up.
Early Detection of Dengue Virus by Use of Reverse Transcription-Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
Authors: Teoh Boon-Teong , Sam Sing-Sin , Tan Kim-Kee , Danlami Mohammed Bashar , Shu Meng-Hooi , Johari Jefree , Hooi Poh-Sim , Brooks David , Piepenburg Olaf , Nentwich Oliver , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Franco Leticia , Tenorio Antonio , AbuBakar Sazaly 
Published: January 2015

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

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

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

ABSTRACT

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

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

ABSTRACT

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

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

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

IMPORTANCE
KSHV is a human oncogenic virus linked to the development of several malignancies. KSHV-mediated oncogenesis requires both latent and lytic infection. The KSHV ORF57 protein is essential for KSHV lytic replication, as it regulates the expression of viral lytic genes at the posttranscriptional level. This report provides evidence that the structural conformation of the ORF57 protein plays a critical role in regulation of ORF57 stability. Phosphorylation by CKII on the identified serine/threonine residues at the N-terminal unstructured domain of ORF57 prevents its digestion by caspase-7. The C-terminal domain of ORF57, which is rich in α-helices, contributes to homodimerization of ORF57 to prevent proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Elucidation of the ORF57 structure not only enables us to better understand ORF57 stability and functions but also provides an important tool for us to modulate ORF57's activity with the aim to inhibit KSHV lytic replication.