bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Local Living Arrangements: Approaches to Quantification in German Language Official Statistics and Surveys
Authors: Dittrich‐Wesbuer Andrea , Kramer Caroline , Duchêne‐Lacroix Cédric , Rumpolt Peter 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTQuantification of multi‐local forms of living has been an urgent need expressed by science, planning, and politics. In the present paper, this aim is pursued by analysing sources of official statistics in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The available data sources turn out to differ in the three countries as regards content‐related accuracy and depth as well as spatio‐temporal differentiation. This forms the frame for discussing conceptual and methodological implications for future survey and evaluation practices and for pointing out both the problems and the prospects of quantifying this phenomenon.
Consequences of severe obstetric complications on women's health in Morocco: please, listen to me!
Authors: Assarag Bouchra , Dujardin Bruno , Essolbi Amina , Cherkaoui Imad , De Brouwere Vincent 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveIn Morocco, medical care for women with severe obstetric complications (near‐miss cases) ends at discharge from the hospital. Little information exists regarding what happens after returning home. The aim of the study was to assess the physical and mental health consequences of near‐miss events on Moroccan women 8 months after childbirth.MethodsA prospective cohort study of 76 near‐miss women was conducted in three hospitals. For every case, we recruited at least two women from the same hospital who had uncomplicated deliveries (n = 169). We used a mixed‐methods approach. For the quantitative part, we analysed sociodemographic characteristics collected via a questionnaire and medical complications extracted from the medical records during a medical consultation at 8 months post‐partum. Forty in‐depth interviews were also conducted with 20 near‐miss cases and 20 women with uncomplicated deliveries.ResultsThe near‐miss women were poorer and less educated than those who had uncomplicated deliveries. The proportion of physical consequences (serious illness) was higher among near‐miss cases (22%) than uncomplicated deliveries (6%, P = 0.001). The risk of depression was significantly higher among near‐miss cases with perinatal death (OR = 7.16; [95% CI: 2.85–17.98]) than among those who had an uncomplicated delivery. Interviews revealed that the economic burden of near‐miss care contributed to social problems among the women and their households.ConclusionA near‐miss event has consequences that go beyond the first days after delivery. Developing new mechanisms for maternal and newborn health follow‐up is essential and should address the mother's physical and mental health problems and involve husbands and family members.
The Quest for Robust Counterfeit and Piracy Figures: Custom Agencies as Statistical Decision‐makers and Recent Evidence Based on German Imports
Authors: Cuntz Alexander 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBased on unique custom seizure data, we extrapolate robust figures on the amount of counterfeit and piracy in German imports. We therefore outline a simple model which explores estimation biases in counterfeit statistics provided by utility‐maximising custom agencies. Our empirical strategy sets out to (i) provide evidence on bias and, (ii) guided by theory, identify an unbiased subsample of the data. Upper bound population estimates (counterfeit shares) for 2010–11 suggest that around 17 per cent of all German imports are counterfeit. In addition, we highlight differences in counterfeit trade by commodity and distribution channel, and conclude with policy advice.
PGC‐1α gene transfer improves muscle function in dystrophic muscle following prolonged disease progress
Authors: Hollinger Katrin , Selsby Joshua T. 
Published: August 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) gene transfer as a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is efficacious even with advanced disease.

What is the main finding and its importance?
PGC‐1α pathway activation strategies may be most effective when initiated at the earliest possible time.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive and fatal muscle wasting disease caused by a dystrophin deficiency. We previously found that gene transfer of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) increased abundance of utrophin and increased mitochondrial biogenesis using prevention and rescue treatment protocols. Our purpose in this investigation was to determine the extent to which PGC‐1α gene transfer would rescue dystrophic muscle following prolonged disease progression. One‐year‐old mdx mice from our colony were injected in one hindlimb with a virus driving expression of PGC‐1α, while the contralateral limb was injected with empty capsid. Three months after viral gene transfer, PGC‐1α expression was 40‐fold greater than in contralateral limbs. Specific tension was increased by ∼60% (P < 0.05), and force produced during the final contraction of a fatigue protocol was 60% greater in treated soleus muscles compared with contralateral control muscles (P < 0.05). Histopathology was not improved by PGC‐1α overexpression. Also, while there were numerous differences in gene expression between healthy and dystrophic muscle, there were relatively few differences between PGC‐1α‐treated limbs and contralateral control limbs. These data indicate that PGC‐1α pathway activation may interrupt the disease process even if initiated within the context of advanced disease; however, the mechanism that underlies this functional correction is not apparent.
A Multisite Study of Environmental Correlates of Active Commuting to School in Mexican Children
Authors: Jauregui Alejandra , Soltero Erica , Santos-Luna René , Hernández-Barrera Lucia , Barquera Simon , Jáuregui Edtna , Lévesque Lucie , López-Taylor Juan , Ortiz-Hernández Luis , Lee Rebecca 
Published: August 2015

Background:Mexican children often use active commuting to school (ACS). In order to maintain high levels of ACS it is important to understand correlates of ACS in this population. However, most evidence comes from high-income countries (HICs). We examined multilevel correlates of ACS in children attending public schools in 3 Mexican cities.Methods:Information on 1191 children (grades 3 to 5) attending 26 schools was retrieved from questionnaires, neighborhood audits, and geographic information systems data. Multilevel logistic modeling was used to explore individual and environmental correlates of ACS at 400-m and 800-m buffers surrounding schools.Results:Individual positive correlates for ACS included age (6–8 years vs 9–11 years, odds ratio [OR] = 1.5; 6–8 years vs ≥12 years: OR = 2.1) and ≥ 6 adults at home (OR = 2.0). At the 400-m buffer, more ACS was associated with lower walkability (OR = 0.87), presence of posted speed limits (< 6% vs > 12%: OR = 0.36) and crossing aids (< 6% vs 6–20%: OR = 0.25; > 20%: OR = 0.26), as well as higher sidewalk availability (< 70% vs > 90%: OR = 4.5). Similar relationships with speed limits and crossing aids were observed at the 800m buffer.Conclusions:Findings contrast with those reported in HICs, underscoring the importance of considering the local context when developing strategies to promote ACS. Future studies are needed to replicate these relationships and investigate the longitudinal impact of improving active transportation infrastructure and policies.
Associations Between Parental Perceptions of the Neighborhood Environment and Childhood Physical Activity: Results from ISCOLE-Kenya
Authors: Muthuri Stella K. , Wachira Lucy-Joy M. , Onywera Vincent O. , Tremblay Mark S. 
Published: August 2015

Background:A physical activity transition to declining activity levels, even among children, now poses a serious public health concern because of its contribution to a rising prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. Childhood physical activity levels are associated with parental perceptions of the neighborhood; however, these relationships have not been explored in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The objective was to investigate relationships between parental perceptions of the neighborhood and physical activity indicators among Kenyan children.Methods:Data were collected from children 9 to 11 years old in Nairobi as part of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment. Child physical activity was assessed by accelerometry, and information on obtaining sufficient physical activity, active transport, and parental perceptions of the neighborhood collected using questionnaires.Results:Of 563 participating children, 45.7%, 12.6%, and 11.4% used active school transportation, met physical activity guidelines, and were sufficiently active, respectively. Parental perception of positive neighborhood social cohesion, positive environs and connectivity, and negative child safety concerns, were associated with child physical activity outcomes.Conclusions:Aspects of parental perceptions of the neighborhood were associated with child physical activity outcomes and should be further explored to appropriately inform policy and practice in curbing declining physical activity levels among children in SSA.
Nanomaterials in transistors: From high-performance to thin-film applications
Authors: Franklin Aaron D. 
Published: August 2015

Improving transistors with nanomaterials
High-performance silicon transistors and thin-film transistors used in display technologies are fundamentally limited to miniaturization. Incorporating nanomaterials—such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and related two-dimensional materials like molybdenum disulfide—into these devices as gate materials may circumvent some of these limitations. Franklin reviews the opportunities and challenges for incorporating nanomaterials into transistors to improve performance. Because high-performance transistors are distinct from thin-film transistors, incorporating them into flexible or transparent platforms raises new challenges.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.aab2750
Comparison between Flow Cytometry, Microscopy, and Lactate Dehydrogenase-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Plasmodium falciparum Drug Susceptibility Testing under Field Conditions
Authors: Woodrow Charles J. , Wangsing Chirapat , Sriprawat Kanlaya , Christensen Peter R. , Nosten Francois , Rénia Laurent , Russell Bruce , Malleret Benoît 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Flow cytometry is an objective method for conducting
in vitro
antimalarial sensitivity assays with increasing potential for application in field sites. We examined
in vitro
susceptibility to seven anti-malarial drugs for 40 fresh
P. falciparum
field isolates via a flow cytometry method (FCM), a colorimetric LDH-based ELISA
(
DELI), and standard microscopic slide analysis of growth. For FCM, 184/280 (66%) assays met analytical acceptance criteria, compared to 166/280 (59%) for DELI. There was good agreement between FCM and microscopy, while DELI tended to produce higher half-maximal inhibition constants (IC
50
s) than FCM, with an overall bias of 2.2-fold (Bland-Altman comparison). Values for artesunate and dihydroartemisinin were most affected. Paradoxical increases in signal at very high concentrations of mefloquine and related compounds were more marked with the DELI assay, suggesting that off-target effects on LDH production may be responsible. Loss of FCM signal due to reinvasion or slow growth was observed in a small number of samples. These results extend previous work on use of flow cytometry to determine antimalarial susceptibility in terms of the number of samples, range of drugs, and comparison with other methods.
Characterization of Foodborne Outbreaks of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis with Whole-Genome Sequencing Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Analysis for Surveillance and Outbreak Detection
Authors: Taylor Angela J. , Lappi Victoria , Wolfgang William J. , Lapierre Pascal , Palumbo Michael J. , Medus Carlota , Boxrud David 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis is a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness in the United States; however, current molecular subtyping methods lack resolution for this highly clonal serovar. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have made it possible to examine whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as a potential molecular subtyping tool for outbreak detection and source trace back. Here, we conducted a retrospective analysis of
S
. Enteritidis isolates from seven epidemiologically confirmed foodborne outbreaks and sporadic isolates (not epidemiologically linked) to determine the utility of WGS to identify outbreaks. A collection of 55 epidemiologically characterized clinical and environmental
S
. Enteritidis isolates were sequenced. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based cluster analysis of the
S
. Enteritidis genomes revealed well supported clades, with less than four-SNP pairwise diversity, that were concordant with epidemiologically defined outbreaks. Sporadic isolates were an average of 42.5 SNPs distant from the outbreak clusters. Isolates collected from the same patient over several weeks differed by only two SNPs. Our findings show that WGS provided greater resolution between outbreak, sporadic, and suspect isolates than the current gold standard subtyping method, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Furthermore, results could be obtained in a time frame suitable for surveillance activities, supporting the use of WGS as an outbreak detection and characterization method for
S
. Enteritidis.
Flexibility of NS5 Methyltransferase-Polymerase Linker Region Is Essential for Dengue Virus Replication
Authors: Zhao Yongqian , Soh Tingjin Sherryl , Chan Kitti Wing Ki , Fung Sarah Suet Yin , Swaminathan Kunchithapadam , Lim Siew Pheng , Shi Pei-Yong , Huber Thomas , Lescar Julien , Luo Dahai , Vasudevan Subhash G. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
We examined the function of the conserved Val/Ile residue within the dengue virus NS5 interdomain linker (residues 263 to 272) by site-directed mutagenesis. Gly substitution or Gly/Pro insertion after the conserved residue increased the linker flexibility and created slightly attenuated viruses. In contrast, Pro substitution abolished virus replication by imposing rigidity in the linker and restricting NS5's conformational plasticity. Our biochemical and reverse genetics experiments demonstrate that NS5 utilizes conformational regulation to achieve optimum viral replication.
Increased Immune Response Variability during Simultaneous Viral Coinfection Leads to Unpredictability in CD8 T Cell Immunity and Pathogenesis
Authors: Kenney Laurie L. , Cornberg Markus , Chen Alex T. , Emonet Sebastien , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Selin Liisa K. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTT cell memory is usually studied in the context of infection with a single pathogen in naive mice, but how memory develops during a coinfection with two pathogens, as frequently occurs in nature or after vaccination, is far less studied. Here, we questioned how the competition between immune responses to two viruses in the same naive host would influence the development of CD8 T cell memory and subsequent disease outcome upon challenge. Using two different models of coinfection, including the well-studied lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) and Pichinde (PICV) viruses, several differences were observed within the CD8 T cell responses to either virus. Compared to single-virus infection, coinfection resulted in substantial variation among mice in the size of epitope-specific T cell responses to each virus. Some mice had an overall reduced number of virus-specific cells to either one of the viruses, and other mice developed an immunodominant response to a normally subdominant, cross-reactive epitope (nucleoprotein residues 205 to 212, or NP205). These changes led to decreased protective immunity and enhanced pathology in some mice upon challenge with either of the original coinfecting viruses. In mice with PICV-dominant responses, during a high-dose challenge with LCMV clone 13, increased immunopathology was associated with a reduced number of LCMV-specific effector memory CD8 T cells. In mice with dominant cross-reactive memory responses, during challenge with PICV increased immunopathology was directly associated with these cross-reactive NP205-specific CD8 memory cells. In conclusion, the inherent competition between two simultaneous immune responses results in significant alterations in T cell immunity and subsequent disease outcome upon reexposure.IMPORTANCECombination vaccines and simultaneous administration of vaccines are necessary to accommodate required immunizations and maintain vaccination rates. Antibody responses generally correlate with protection and vaccine efficacy. However, live attenuated vaccines also induce strong CD8 T cell responses, and the impact of these cells on subsequent immunity, whether beneficial or detrimental, has seldom been studied, in part due to the lack of known T cell epitopes to vaccine viruses. We questioned if the inherent increased competition and stochasticity between two immune responses during a simultaneous coinfection would significantly alter CD8 T cell memory in a mouse model where CD8 T cell epitopes are clearly defined. We show that some of the coinfected mice have sufficiently altered memory T cell responses that they have decreased protection and enhanced immunopathology when reexposed to one of the two viruses. These data suggest that a better understanding of human T cell responses to vaccines is needed to optimize immunization strategies.
Encapsidation of Host RNAs by Cucumber Necrosis Virus Coat Protein during both Agroinfiltration and Infection
Authors: Ghoshal Kankana , Theilmann Jane , Reade Ron , Maghodia Ajay , Rochon D'Ann 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
Next-generation sequence analysis of virus-like particles (VLPs) produced during agroinfiltration of cucumber necrosis virus (CNV) coat protein (CP) and of authentic CNV virions was conducted to assess if host RNAs can be encapsidated by CNV CP. VLPs containing host RNAs were found to be produced during agroinfiltration, accumulating to approximately 1/60 the level that CNV virions accumulated during infection. VLPs contained a variety of host RNA species, including the major rRNAs as well as cytoplasmic, chloroplast, and mitochondrial mRNAs. The most predominant host RNA species encapsidated in VLPs were chloroplast encoded, consistent with the efficient targeting of CNV CP to chloroplasts during agroinfiltration. Interestingly, droplet digital PCR analysis showed that the CNV CP mRNA expressed during agroinfiltration was the most efficiently encapsidated mRNA, suggesting that the CNV CP open reading frame may contain a high-affinity site or sites for CP binding and thus contribute to the specificity of CNV RNA encapsidation. Approximately 0.09% to 0.7% of the RNA derived from authentic CNV virions contained host RNA, with chloroplast RNA again being the most prominent species. This is consistent with our previous finding that a small proportion of CNV CP enters chloroplasts during the infection process and highlights the possibility that chloroplast targeting is a significant aspect of CNV infection. Remarkably, 6 to 8 of the top 10 most efficiently encapsidated nucleus-encoded RNAs in CNV virions correspond to retrotransposon or retrotransposon-like RNA sequences. Thus, CNV could potentially serve as a vehicle for horizontal transmission of retrotransposons to new hosts and thereby significantly influence genome evolution.

IMPORTANCE
Viruses predominantly encapsidate their own virus-related RNA species due to the possession of specific sequences and/or structures on viral RNA which serve as high-affinity binding sites for the coat protein. In this study, we show, using next-generation sequence analysis, that CNV also encapsidates host RNA species, which account for ∼0.1% of the RNA packaged in CNV particles. The encapsidated host RNAs predominantly include chloroplast RNAs, reinforcing previous observations that CNV CP enters chloroplasts during infection. Remarkably, the most abundantly encapsidated cytoplasmic mRNAs consisted of retrotransposon-like RNA sequences, similar to findings recently reported for flock house virus (A. Routh, T. Domitrovic, and J. E. Johnson, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 109:1907–1912, 2012). Encapsidation of retrotransposon sequences may contribute to their horizontal transmission should CNV virions carrying retrotransposons infect a new host. Such an event could lead to large-scale genomic changes in a naive plant host, thus facilitating host evolutionary novelty.
Enhanced Influenza Virus-Like Particle Vaccination with a Structurally Optimized RIG-I Agonist as Adjuvant
Authors: Beljanski Vladimir , Chiang Cindy , Kirchenbaum Greg A. , Olagnier David , Bloom Chalise E. , Wong Terianne , Haddad Elias K. , Trautmann Lydie , Ross Ted M. , Hiscott John 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

The molecular interaction between viral RNA and the cytosolic sensor RIG-I represents the initial trigger in the development of an effective immune response against infection with RNA viruses, resulting in innate immune activation and subsequent induction of adaptive responses. In the present study, the adjuvant properties of a sequence-optimized 5′-triphosphate-containing RNA (5′pppRNA) RIG-I agonist (termed M8) were examined in combination with influenza virus-like particles (VLP) (M8-VLP) expressing H5N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) as immunogens. In combination with VLP, M8 increased the antibody response to VLP immunization, provided VLP antigen sparing, and protected mice from a lethal challenge with H5N1 influenza virus. M8-VLP immunization also led to long-term protective responses against influenza virus infection in mice. M8 adjuvantation of VLP increased endpoint and antibody titers and inhibited influenza virus replication in lungs compared with approved or experimental adjuvants alum, AddaVax, and poly(I·C). Uniquely, immunization with M8-VLP stimulated a T
H
1-biased CD4 T cell response, as determined by increased T
H
1 cytokine levels in CD4 T cells and increased IgG2 levels in sera. Collectively, these data demonstrate that a sequence-optimized, RIG-I-specific agonist is a potent adjuvant that can be utilized to increase the efficacy of influenza VLP vaccination and dramatically improve humoral and cellular mediated protective responses against influenza virus challenge.

IMPORTANCE
The development of novel adjuvants to increase vaccine immunogenicity is an important goal that seeks to improve vaccine efficacy and ultimately prevent infections that endanger human health. This proof-of-principle study investigated the adjuvant properties of a sequence-optimized 5′pppRNA agonist (M8) with enhanced capacity to stimulate antiviral and inflammatory gene networks using influenza virus-like particles (VLP) expressing HA and NA as immunogens. Vaccination with VLP in combination with M8 increased anti-influenza virus antibody titers and protected animals from lethal influenza virus challenge, highlighting the potential clinical use of M8 as an adjuvant in vaccine development. Altogether, the results describe a novel immunostimulatory agonist targeted to the cytosolic RIG-I sensor as an attractive vaccine adjuvant candidate that can be used to increase vaccine efficacy, a pressing issue in children and the elderly population.