bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercooled Barium Boric Oxide Melts: X‐Ray Diffraction Measurements and Glass Formation
Authors: Matsumura Seiichi , Watanabe Masahito , Mizuno Akitoshi , Kohara Shinji
Published: February 2007

It is well‐known that oxide melts easily form a glass state from a supercooled state; however, it is difficult for some oxides to transform to the glass state from the corresponding supercooled state. β‐BaB2O4 (β‐BBO) crystals are important materials for laser applications. The β‐BBO crystal easily grows from the supercooled melt, and it is therefore difficult to form the BBO glass state. We attempted to make BBO glass by a containerless technique using the conical nozzle gas‐jet levitation (CNL) method. We were successful in making BBO glass with a diameter of 2 mm from a highly supercooled melt without rapid quenching. In order to clarify the phase selection mechanism of the BBO melt, we performed high‐energy X‐ray (113.6 keV) diffraction experiments on the glassy and supercooled liquid BBO using the CNL technique at the BL04B2 beamline of SPring‐8. From these experiments, the structure factor S(Q) of BBO glasses and supercooled melts were found to have almost the same features. From these S(Q), we obtained the radial distribution function T(r)=4πrg(r). The analysis also showed that BBO glass and the BBO‐supercooled melt have the same short‐range distances. For phase selection between crystalline and glassy phases, we discuss a structure model of the BBO melt, including medium range structure based on the short‐range structure obtained in this experiment.
Determinants of millet diversity at the household‐farm and village‐community levels in the drylands of India: the role of local seed systems
Authors: Nagarajan Latha , Smale Melinda , Glewwe Paul
Published: February 2007

This research characterizes the biological diversity of millet crops in the semiarid regions of India at the household and village‐community ( panchayat) scales of analysis, placing that evidence in the context of local seed systems. A set of seed system parameters that span formal and informal exchange and can be measured empirically are proposed. The analysis is based on data collected through sample surveys of farmers and traders in selected sites of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, combined with cultivar taxonomies developed with geneticists and applied to seed samples. Findings demonstrate that millet crop diversity levels at both scales of analysis are significantly influenced by seed system parameters, factors which related studies have omitted. In particular, the presence of active local (formal and informal) seed markets enhances millet richness among and within farming communities. Crop improvement strategies oriented toward local seed markets could provide important benefits and incentives to farm households living in these marginal environments. There is a need, however, for an enhanced theoretical understanding of local seed markets in analyzing crop variety choices and the diversity of materials grown in less favored environments.
Accounting for agricultural decline with economic growth in Taiwan
Authors: Sun Ling , Fulginiti Lilyan E. , Wesley E. , Peterson F.
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we develop an empirical model to decompose the evolution of the agricultural share of GDP into three components: price changes, factor endowment changes and technological change. Our results suggest that relative prices have a positive but small influence on the share of agriculture in GDP in both the long‐run and the short‐run. An increase in capital per unit of labor, on the other hand, is associated with a smaller agricultural share. Technical change has been biased in favor of the agricultural sector but this effect has been swamped by the magnitude of the input effects, in particular, the changes in the capital‐labor ratio.
Agricultural growth and poverty in an archetypical middle income country: Chile 1987–2003
Authors: Anríquez Gustavo , López Ramón
Published: February 2007

Is a reduced share of agriculture in the economy an obstacle for the agricultural sector to play an important role in poverty alleviation? What is the key channel, if any, by which agriculture is benefiting the poor in Chile that would be worthwhile to promote in other countries? By answering these questions we expand the literature on poverty and composition of growth by proposing a methodology that allows to disentangle the mechanisms by which agricultural growth can be poverty reducing. We find that in Chile agriculture plays a large role in reducing poverty, and most of this effect is channeled through the labor market.
Morphine analgesia as an alternative to general anaesthesia during laser treatment of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Kirwan Caitriona , O'Keefe Michael , Prendergast Michael , Twomey Ann , Murphy John
Published: February 2007

Purpose:
  To determine the feasibility and efficacy of morphine sedation/analgesia in the laser treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:  A retrospective study was carried out on all infants who underwent laser treatment for ROP over a 7 year period. Morphine infusion commenced 6 hrs prior to treatment at a rate of 10 µg/kg/hr. This rate increased to 20 µg/kg/hr at the start of laser treatment. Subsequent infusion rate was titrated according to tolerance of the laser and cardio and respiratory system changes and evidence of infant distress (truncal and limb movements) up to a maximum rate of 40 µg/kg/hr. Following treatment, morphine was weaned over 6 hrs. Infant ventilation status was recorded prior to and during morphine infusion and during laser treatment. The incidences of adverse cardiac or respiratory events occurring during laser treatment were determined.

Results:  One hundred and nine infants treated from 1998 to 2005 were involved in the study. One hundred and thirty‐six treatments were performed and mean gestational age at the time of treatment was 36 weeks. In 130 treatments, respiratory status remained stable and was not adversely affected. Infants were mechanically ventilated because of morphine‐induced apnoea during three treatments, because of poor laser tolerance during two treatments and because of post‐procedure apnoea in one case. In 65 treatments, minor alterations in oxygen saturation (< 90%), bradycardia or tachycardia occurred.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that morphine analgesia can be used as an alternative to general anaesthesia.
Assessment of disseminated adenovirus infections using quantitative plasma PCR in adult allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients receiving reduced intensity or myeloablative conditioning
Authors: Kalpoe Jayant S. , Van Der Heiden Pim L. J. , Barge Renee M. Y. , Houtzager Sabine , Lankester Arjan C. , Van Tol Maarten J. D. , Kroes Aloys C. M.
Published: February 2007

Objectives:  Disseminated adenovirus (AdV) infections following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) are increasingly recognised, particularly in children. This study evaluated the clinical relevance of disseminated AdV infections in adult allo‐SCT recipients, after different conditioning regimens.

Methods:  In a cohort of 107 adult allo‐SCT recipients, receiving either reduced intensity conditioning (RIC, n = 48) or myeloablative conditioning (MAC, n = 59), AdV DNA levels in plasma were determined retrospectively at 1, 3 and 6 months following transplantation. Results of this screening regimen were compared with a cohort of 58 paediatric allo‐SCT recipients, in whom AdV DNA load was monitored prospectively, as part of a pre‐emptive treatment strategy. In positive cases, the course of AdV DNA load and clinical outcome were assessed.

Results:  AdV DNA levels ≥1000 copies/mL were detected in five adults (4.7%) and eight children (13.8%). Screening for AdV viraemia at 1, 3 and 6 months would have detected seven of eight paediatric patients. One adult, receiving MAC, died with disseminated AdV disease and in four (three RIC and one MAC) AdV viraemia was transient without clinical symptoms specifically attributable to AdV. Seven paediatric patients with AdV viraemia were pre‐emptively treated with ribavirin or cidofovir and in three of them disseminated AdV infection was related to a fatal outcome.

Conclusions:  Disseminated AdV infections following allo‐SCT was a rare event in the adults and cause morbidity in a minority of these patients. In four of five adult patients, spontaneous clearance of AdV viraemia occurred. Results did not differ between the conditioning regimens that were applied in the adult cohort.
Optimization of multidrug resistance 1 gene transfer confers chemoprotection to human hematopoietic cells engrafted in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Zhang Hualing , Wen Zeqing , Tan Shougang , Li Changzhong , Lan Shoumin , Li Jianfeng
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To investigate whether an optimization of MDR1 gene transfer protocol would result in stable hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment and myeloprotection in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice after paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Methods:  We transplanted freshly isolated CD34+ cells or MDR1‐transduced CD34+ cells derived from human umbilical cord blood (UCB) into sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID mice. Twenty‐eight days after transplantation, mice received paclitaxel chemotherapy and peripheral blood (PB) was collected for analysis of WBC, RBC and PLT counts once every week.

Results:  We found that MDR1‐transduced human hematopoietic cells could facilitate hematopoietic recovery and completely reconstitute hematopoiesis in mice as well as freshly isolated CD34+ cells. Mice transplanted with MDR1‐transduced human hematopoietic cells were protected from paclitaxel chemotherapy with higher survival rate and higher level of WBC counts and RBC counts compared with mice transplanted with untransduced HSCs. We also demonstrated that hematopoietic cells transduced with MDR1 gene were enriched in vivo after paclitaxel chemotherapy determined by the higher percentage of human Rh‐123dull CD45+ cells in bone marrow of mice.

Conclusion:  Our results demonstrated successful chemoprotection against myelosuppression in mice by MDR1‐transduced repopulating human hematopoietic cells with an optimized transduction protocol.
Fatal hemophagocytic syndrome related to active human herpesvirus‐8/Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection in human immunodeficiency virus‐negative, non‐transplant patients without related malignancies
Authors: Re A. , Facchetti F. , Borlenghi E. , Cattaneo C. , Capucci M. A. , Ungari M. , Barozzi P. , Vallerini D. , Potenza L. , Torelli G. , Rossi G. , Luppi M.
Published: February 2007

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) may occur as a consequence of herpes viral infections. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8)/Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus has so far been recognized as a trigger of HS only in immunosuppressed subjects or in patients with Kaposi sarcoma and/or HHV‐8‐related lymphoproliferative diseases. We report two Italian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative elderly men who developed an HS with a rapidly fatal course, following treatment with corticosteroids for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. An overwhelming active infection with HHV‐8 was unequivocally documented by molecular and immunohistochemical methods, in the absence of HHV‐8‐related tumors. The occurrence of HHV‐8‐associated HS, although rare, may be considered, even out of the HIV or the transplantation settings, at least in areas endemic for HHV‐8 infection.
Treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: the patients’ perspective
Authors: Matzdorff Axel , Arnold Gabriele
Published: February 2007

Background:  The 1996 ASH guidelines recommend glucocorticoids and splenectomy as standard treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We sought to find out how many German ITP‐patients were treated according to these guidelines and whether high‐cost treatments were offered to the patients.

Methods:  We handed out a questionnaire at two self‐help group meetings in 2004 and 2005 and to all patients who contacted the ITP self‐help group until the end of 2005.

Results:  Eighty‐five questionnaires were evaluated. Age (median 34 yr) and gender distribution (38% male, 62% female) were similar to other surveys. Median duration of disease was 5.2 yr. Seventy‐five percent had platelets <20 000/μL at the time of diagnosis. Twenty‐four percent still had <20 000 platelets/μL at the time of this survey. Forty‐two percent had oropharyngeal mucosal bleeds, 28% gastrointestinal or urological bleeds, 11% bleedings in the eye with visual impairment or intracerebral bleeds. 96% had received a trial of glucocorticoid therapy. Seventy‐five percent of the patients treated with glucocorticoids perceived this treatment as particularly bothersome. Seventy‐five percent of the patients with low platelet count still had their spleen. Complementary and alternative medical treatments had been used by 46% of the patients. Only 33% of the patients had ever heard of rituximab.

Conclusion:  Despite literature suggesting that patients wish to be well informed this survey shows that chronic ITP patients know little about their disease and the various treatment modalities. This and the frequent use of complementary and alternative medicines reflects inadequate communication between doctors and ITP patients.
Seasonal differences in the adaptability of herbage species to environmental variations in a long‐term grazing experiment
Authors: Yiruhan  , Shiyomi Masae , Takahashi Shigeo , Okubo Tadakatsu , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Koyama Nobuaki , Tsuiki Mikinori
Published: February 2007

Mixtures of orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, redtop, Kentucky bluegrass, and white clover were sown in autumn 1973. Two 8‐year grazing experiments were conducted at the National Grassland Research Institute (Nasushiobara, Japan) to determine the effects of grazing intensity and nitrogen levels on pasture ecosystems. These experiments involved two different grazing intensities (1974–1981) and two different nitrogen levels (1982–1989). Large spatiotemporal variations in phytomass due to environmental variations were observed in both experiments. Finlay–Wilkinson analysis was applied to clarify seasonal (monthly) differences in the adaptability of the herbage species, as measured by phytomass, to environmental variations by year and treatments in the two experiments. Seasonality in the adaptability to environments differed greatly among species. In this paper, we examined from livestock farmers’ standpoint whether seasonality in adaptability of herbage species in the grazing pasture could be satisfied. A significantly high adaptability was shown for: orchardgrass from May to July and November; tall fescue in April, June and July, and November; redtop and Kentucky bluegrass in April; and Zoysia japonica in September and October. In contrast, perennial ryegrass and white clover exhibited very low adaptability in any season. Z. japonica and weeds such as Pennisetum alopecuroides, Eragrostis ferruginea and Digitaria adscendens, which had invaded from surrounding areas, showed low adaptability, except in autumn, when they showed moderate adaptability.
Fermentation quality and nutritive value of green soybean stover silage
Authors: Horiguchi Ken‐ichi , Takahashi Toshiyoshi
Published: February 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) on fermentation quality and nutritive value of green soybean stover silage. Green soybean stover was cut and packed in drum silos without or with 5% (volume/weight) FJLB. Four sheep were fed a basal diet of 40% reed canarygrass hay and 60% commercial concentrate (dry matter basis) and assigned to two treatments: green soybean stover silage preserved without FJLB or with FJLB. Crude protein and neutral detergent fiber contents of green soybean stover silage (dry matter basis) were 16.4% and 45.2% for the silage without FJLB, and 15.8% and 47.1% for the silage with FJLB, respectively. Lactic acid content of the fresh green soybean stover silage was 1.41% for the silage without FJLB and 1.63% for the silage with FJLB. The butyric acid content of the fresh green soybean stover silage with FJLB was substantially lower than that of the silage without FJLB. There was no effect of FJLB added for silage making on the nutrient content, nitrogen retention or ruminal fermentation of the diets. It was estimated that total digestible nutrients content and digestible crude protein content of green soybean stover silage were 64.2% and 11.2% of dry matter, respectively.
Assessment of forage biomass and quality parameters of bermudagrass using proximal sensing of pasture canopy reflectance
Authors: Zhao Duli , Starks Patrick J. , Brown Michael A. , Phillips William A. , Coleman Samuel W.
Published: February 2007

Assessments of forage productivity and quality during the growing season can help livestock managers make decisions for adjusting stocking rate and managing pastures. Traditional laboratory methods of forage quality determination are usually time consuming and costly. Remote sensing may provide a rapid and inexpensive means of estimating forage biomass and quality variables. Canopy reflectance measurements were made, using a spectroradiometer, in five warm season grass pastures during the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons to develop and validate algorithms to predict above‐ground biomass, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) concentrations and CP availability (i.e. CP concentration × biomass yield) of the pastures. Forage biomass correlated (r2 = 0.36, P < 0.0001) with a ratio of reflectance at 1145 and 1205 nm wavebands (R1145/R1205). Crude protein concentration and CP availability correlated linearly with R1695/R605 and R875/R735 (r2 = 0.61 and 0.47, P < 0.0001), respectively. Although NDF and ADF correlated significantly (P < 0.0001) with the reflectance ratios, the best reflectance ratios only explained 13–35% of ADF and NDF variations. Multiple regression (MAXR) models with a total of 10‐waveband entrances improved the relationships between forage quality and canopy reflectance values (r2 = 0.27 − 0.74, P < 0.0001). Validation of developed equations indicated that forage biomass, CP concentration, and CP availability could be predicted using either the reflectances at 10 wavebands or the two‐band reflectance ratios. Pasture NDF could also be predicted using the 10‐band MAXR equation (r2 = 0.58). Our results suggest that biomass and major quality parameters of warm season grass pastures can be rapidly and nondestructively predicted using canopy reflectance data.
Pumping‐Induced Drawdown and Stream Depletion in a Leaky Aquifer System
Authors: Butler James J. , Zhan Xiaoyong , Zlotnik Vitaly A.
Published: March 2007

The impact of ground water pumping on nearby streams is often estimated using analytic models of the interconnected stream‐aquifer system. A common assumption of these models is that the pumped aquifer is underlain by an impermeable formation. A new semianalytic solution for drawdown and stream depletion has been developed that does not require this assumption. This solution shows that pumping‐induced flow (leakage) through an underlying aquitard can be an important recharge mechanism in many stream‐aquifer systems. The relative importance of this source of recharge increases with the distance between the pumping well and the stream. The distance at which leakage becomes the primary component of the pumping‐induced recharge depends on the specific properties of the aquifer, aquitard, and streambed. Even when the aquitard is orders of magnitude less transmissive than the aquifer, leakage can be an important recharge mechanism because of the large surface area over which it occurs. Failure to consider aquitard leakage can lead to large overestimations of both the drawdown produced by pumping and the contribution of stream depletion to the pumping‐induced recharge. The ramifications for water resources management and water rights adjudication can be significant. A hypothetical example helps illustrate these points and demonstrates that more attention should be given to estimating the properties of aquitards underlying stream‐aquifer systems. The solution presented here should serve as a relatively simple but versatile tool for practical assessments of pumping‐induced stream‐aquifer interactions. However, this solution should not be used for such assessments without site‐specific data that indicate pumping has induced leakage through the aquitard.
Southeast Asia: A Community of Diversity
Authors: Kingsbury Damien
Published: February 2007

The region known as the Southeast provides the basis for a broad political community characterized by cultural and ethnic diversity, disparities in economic performance, and differences in regime and constitutional foundations. In recent years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) group of nations has made strides toward building a community based on respect for these differences. Despite a growing acceptance for democratic processes and human rights, the influence of these values over existing institutions and state behavior remains incomplete. The future development of the ASEAN region, and the nations that comprise it, is likely to be based on the strength and character of the relationships these states forge with one another and with more powerful external actors.
The “ASEAN Way” and Asian Regional Security1
Authors: Nishikawa Yukiko
Published: February 2007

This article considers a security community in Asia through looking at the “ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] way.” It examines the ASEAN way through dispute management tactics in Southeast Asia and argues that from the member‐states’ perceptions and attitudes toward disputes, ASEAN’s approach is explained as a conflict management rather than resolution style. The approach involves limitations on ASEAN’s readiness to resolve disputes in practice as a collective regional body. ASEAN’s approach suggests the need for international relations theorists to consider ASEAN’s style without being conditioned by assumptions arising out of existing theories, recognizing the usefulness of a mode of security cooperation that reflects the region’s particular character.
Integration of one hand‐reared Cherry‐crowned mangabeyCercocebus torquatus torquatusand two hand‐reared DrillsMandrillus leucophaeusinto their respective family groups at Barcelona Zoo
Authors: ABELLÓ M. T. , COLELL M. , MARTÍN M.
Published: February 2007

Hand‐reared cercopithecids may develop inappropriate behaviours and have lower breeding rates. Generally, hand‐rearing cercopithecids is not advisable, but when a species in this family is threatened in the wild and its breeding rate in captivity is not enough to ensure a self‐sustaining population, hand‐rearing could be helpful. In such cases, to proceed with an early integration of the hand‐reared infant to its social group is advisable in order to allow the infant to grow up with the chance of observing and developing species‐specific and social behaviours, and avoiding the appearance of inappropriate behaviours. Three cercopithecids from two species, Cherry‐crowned mangabeyCercocebus torquatus torquatusand DrillMandrillus leucophaeus, were introduced to their respective family groups after a short period of hand‐rearing, when still being considered as infants. The procedures and results are given in this paper.
Beyond threatened species and reintroduction: establishing priorities for conservation and breeding programmes for European rodents in zoos
Authors: GIPPOLITI S. , AMORI G.
Published: February 2007

Conservation resources and interest are disproportionately directed towards large charismatic mammals, both in zoos andin situ. The order Rodentia representsc. 40% of known mammalian species, and rodents (and other small mammals) could be viewed by zoos as tools to demonstrate their commitment to conservation through local captive‐breeding and reintroduction programmes. However, it is necessary to identify the true degree of threat to species before investing the limited resources available to conservation efforts. Population declines at the local or regional level do not necessarily indicate a threat to species survival at the global level, and interest in small mammals and the location of the majority of zoos do not appear to overlap with hotspots of endemicity for rodents. Education, especially if coupled with habitat‐improvement activities, is essential to increasing public participation and support for biodiversity conservation. In this article we present the general principles that should be considered when establishing conservation priorities for small mammals, specifically in Europe but which apply equally across the globe.
Hereditary Frontotemporal Dementia Caused by Tau Gene Mutations
Authors: Van Swieten John , Spillantini Maria Grazia
Published: February 2007

Tau protein is involved in microtubule assembly and stabilization. Filamentous deposits made of tau constitute a defining characteristic of several neurodegenerative diseases. The relevance of tau dysfunction for neurodegeneration has been clarified through the identification of mutations in the Tau gene in cases with frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17). Although the mechanisms by which these mutations lead to nerve cell death are only incompletely understood, it is clear that they cause the formation of tau filaments with distinct morphologies and isoform compositions. The range of tau pathology identified in FTDP‐17 recapitulates that in sporadic tauopathies, indicating a major role for tau dysfunction in these diseases.
Early intervention for post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Bryant Richard A.
Published: February 2007

Aims:  The potentially debilitating effect of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has created much interest in early intervention strategies that can reduce PTSD. This review critiques the evidence for psychological debriefing approaches and alternate early intervention strategies.

Methods:  The review critiques the randomized controlled trials of psychological debriefing, and early provision of cognitive behavior therapy. The latter approach involves therapy attention on acutely traumatized individuals who are high risk for PTSD development, and particularly in people with acute stress disorder (ASD).

Results:  Psychological debriefing does not prevent PTSD. Cognitive behaviour therapy strategies have proven efficacy in reducing subsequent PTSD in ASD populations.

Conclusions:  Despite the promising evidence for early provision of CBT, many people do not benefit from CBT. This review concludes with consideration of major challenges facing early intervention approaches in the context of terrorist attacks and mass disasters.
Substance abuse and first‐episode schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders. The Danish OPUS trial
Authors: Petersen Lone , Jeppesen Pia , Thorup Anne , Øhlenschlæger Johan , Krarup Gertrud , Østergård Torben , Jørgensen Per , Nordentoft Merete
Published: February 2007

Aim:  To evaluate whether integrated treatment (given by OPUS), in comparison with standard treatment, significantly reduced the number of patients with substance abuse and improved clinical and social outcome in the group of substance abusers after 2 years.

Methods:  A total of 547 patients with first‐episode schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders were included in the study, 275 randomly assigned to OPUS treatment and 272 to standard treatment. OPUS treatment consisted of assertive community treatment with family involvement and social skills training. Standard treatment offered contact with a community mental health centre. Main outcome measure was reduction in comorbid substance abuse.

Results:  At 2‐year follow up, 42 (17.3%) patients from OPUS and 40 (20.7%) patients from standard treatment met criteria for substance abuse (odds ratio=0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.3–1.0). OPUS treatment compared with standard treatment significantly reduced negative and disorganized symptoms in the substance abuser group. Patients with substance abuse in the OPUS treatment spent significantly fewer days in hospital during the 2‐year period than patients given standard treatment (109 days vs. 167 days) and adhered to treatment significantly more often.

Conclusions:  Results from this trial indicate that integrated treatment given by OPUS reduced substance abuse and improved clinical outcome in the substance abuser group. Supplementing the OPUS treatment with therapeutic programmes for patients with a comorbid substance abuse would probably further improve outcome.
A New Thermoeconomic Method for the Location of Causes of Malfunctions in Energy Systems
Authors: Toffolo Andrea , Lazzaretto Andrea
Published: February 2007

Diagnosis procedures primarily aim at locating the control volumes where anomalies occurred. This is not a simple task since the effects of anomalies generally propagate through the whole system and affect the behavior of several components. Some components may therefore present a reduced efficiency, although they are not sources of operation anomalies, due to nonflat efficiency curves. These induced effects are a big obstacle in the use of thermoeconomic techniques for the search of the origin of the anomalies. On the other hand, the real cause of the alteration of component behavior is the modification of its characteristic curve, due to degradation or failures. According to this concept, a new approach, based on an indicator measuring the alteration of the characteristic curve of the component affected by the operation anomaly, is proposed and applied to a test case power plant.
Solid-State Combustion of Metallic Nanoparticles: New Possibilities for an Alternative Energy Carrier
Authors: Beach D. B. , Rondinone A. J. , Sumpter B. G. , Labinov S. D. , Richards R. K.
Published: February 2007

As an alternative to conventional methods of conveying and delivering energy in mobile applications or to remote locations, we have examined the combustion of nanostructured metal particles assembled into metal clusters. Clusters containing iron nanoparticles (∼50nm in diameter) were found to combust entirely in the solid state due to the high surface-to-volume ratio typical of nanoparticles. Optical temperature measurements indicated that combustion was rapid (∼500ms), and occurred at relatively low peak combustion temperatures (1000-1200K). Combustion produces a mixture of Fe(III) oxides. X-ray diffraction and gravimetric analysis indicated that combustion was nearly complete (93–95% oxidation). Oxide nanoparticles could be readily reduced at temperatures between 673K and 773K using hydrogen at 1atm pressure, and then passivated by the growth of a thin oxide layer. The nanostructuring of the particles is retained throughout the combustion–regeneration cycle. Modeling of the combustion process is in good agreement with observed combustion characteristics.
Activities of Amodiaquine, Artesunate, and Artesunate-Amodiaquine against Asexual- and Sexual-Stage Parasites in Falciparum Malaria in Children
Authors: Sowunmi Akintunde , Balogun Tunde , Gbotosho Grace O. , Happi Christian T. , Adedeji Ahmed A. , Fehintola Fatai A.
Published: February 2007

The activities of amodiaquine, artesunate, and artesunate-amodiaquine against asexual- and sexual-stage parasites were evaluated in 360 Nigerian children with uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria randomized to the standard dose regimens of the three drugs/combination. Clinical recovery from illness occurred in all children. There were no significant differences in fever clearance times. Patients treated with artesunate or artesunate-amodiaquine had significantly shorter parasite clearance times (1.4 ± 0.5 days or 1.4 ± 0.6 days versus 3.2 ± 2.3 days,
P
= 0.0001) and lower gametocyte carriage rates (3.3 or 1.7% versus 11.7%,
P
= 0.001) than those treated with amodiaquine alone. Gametocytemia was detected in 62 patients (11.7% before treatment and 5.6% after treatment). The pretreatment gametocyte sex ratio, which was female biased, increased significantly during the course of treatment with amodiaquine but not with artesunate and artesunate-amodiaquine. These results suggest that artesunate and artesunate-amodiaquine reduce gametocyte carriage and may reduce transmissibility in
P. falciparum
malaria by accelerating asexual clearance and influencing gametocyte sex ratio.
Selective Phosphorylation of Antiviral Drugs by Vaccinia Virus Thymidine Kinase
Authors: Prichard Mark N. , Keith Kathy A. , Johnson Mary P. , Harden Emma A. , McBrayer Alexis , Luo Ming , Qiu Shihong , Chattopadhyay Debasish , Fan Xuesen , Torrence Paul F. , Kern Earl R.
Published: February 2007

The antiviral activity of a new series of thymidine analogs was determined against vaccinia virus (VV), cowpox virus (CV), herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus. Several compounds were identified that had good activity against each of the viruses, including a set of novel 5-substituted deoxyuridine analogs. To investigate the possibility that these drugs might be phosphorylated preferentially by the viral thymidine kinase (TK) homologs, the antiviral activities of these compounds were also assessed using TK-deficient strains of some of these viruses. Some of these compounds were shown to be much less effective in the absence of a functional TK gene in CV, which was unexpected given the high degree of amino acid identity between this enzyme and its cellular homolog. This unanticipated result suggested that the CV TK was important in the mechanism of action of these compounds and also that it might phosphorylate a wider variety of substrates than other type II enzymes. To confirm these data, we expressed the VV TK and human TK1 in bacteria and isolated the purified enzymes. Enzymatic assays demonstrated that the viral TK could efficiently phosphorylate many of these compounds, whereas most of the compounds were very poor substrates for the cellular kinase, TK1. Thus, the specific phosphorylation of these compounds by the viral kinase may be sufficient to explain the TK dependence. This unexpected result suggests that selective phosphorylation by the viral kinase may be a promising new approach in the discovery of highly selective inhibitors of orthopoxvirus replication.
Kinetics of the Human Antibody Response against
Salmonella enterica
Serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium Determined by Lipopolysaccharide Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Strid Mette A. , Dalby Tine , Mølbak Kåre , Krogfelt Karen A.
Published: March 2007

Two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were employed to measure levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA antibodies against
Salmonella
in sera from 303 Danish patients diagnosed by fecal culture with either
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis or
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium infections. The ELISAs were based on serovar Enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and serovar Typhimurium LPS. The antibody levels were assessed approximately 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the onset of salmonellosis. Sera from 164 healthy blood donors were analyzed to establish cutoff values for each analysis. One month after the onset of symptoms, the sensitivities of the assays were 95% for patients recovering from a serovar Enteritidis infection and 89% for patients recovering from a serovar Typhimurium infection. Three months after the onset of symptoms, these values had decreased to 85% and 55%. At 6 months they were 62% and 40%, and at 12 months they were 40% and 16%, respectively. The specificities of the assays were 97% for the serovar Enteritidis LPS ELISA and 94% for the serovar Typhimurium LPS ELISA. The high values for both sensitivity and specificity make these two ELISAs useful for serodiagnoses of
Salmonella
infection shortly after the acute phase of the infection and of
Salmonella
-associated reactive arthritis, as well as for seroepidemiological studies. A mixed ELISA consisting of both antigens, i.e., serovar Enteritidis and serovar Typhimurium LPS, was developed as a diagnostic tool with very high values for both specificity and sensitivity.
Preclinical Evaluation of Microneedle Technology for Intradermal Delivery of Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Alarcon Jason B. , Hartley Andrea Waterston , Harvey Noel G. , Mikszta John A.
Published: March 2007

Recent clinical studies have suggested that, for certain strains of influenza virus, intradermal (i.d.) delivery may enable protective immune responses using a lower dose of vaccine than required by intramuscular (i.m.) injection. Here, we describe the first preclinical use of microneedle technology for i.d. administration of three different types of influenza vaccines: (i) a whole inactivated influenza virus, (ii) a trivalent split-virion human vaccine, and (iii) a plasmid DNA encoding the influenza virus hemagglutinin. In a rat model, i.d. delivery of the whole inactivated virus provided up to 100-fold dose sparing compared to i.m. injection. In addition, i.d. delivery of the trivalent human vaccine enabled at least 10-fold dose sparing for the H1N1 strain and elicited levels of response across the dose range similar to those of i.m. injection for the H3N2 and B strains. Furthermore, at least fivefold dose sparing from i.d. delivery was evident in animals treated with multiple doses of DNA plasmid vaccine, although such effects were not apparent after the first immunization. Altogether, the results demonstrate that microneedle-based i.d. delivery elicits antibody responses that are at least as strong as via i.m. injection and that, in many cases, dose sparing can be achieved by this new immunization method.
T-Cell Recognition of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
gp43-Derived Peptides in Patients with Paracoccidioidomycosis and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Iwai Leo Kei , Yoshida Márcia , Sadahiro Aya , da Silva Washington Robert , Marin Maria Lucia , Goldberg Anna Carla , Juliano Maria Aparecida , Juliano Luiz , Shikanai-Yasuda Maria Aparecida , Kalil Jorge , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Travassos Luiz R.
Published: March 2007

Vaccines with synthetic peptides induce the immune response to epitopes that bind to several HLA alleles. By using a TEPITOPE algorithm, we selected and analyzed the T-cell responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 29 paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) patients to peptides of the immunodominant gp43 antigen of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
, the causative agent of PCM.
Determination of the Relationship between Group A Streptococcal Genome Content, M Type, and Toxic Shock Syndrome by a Mixed Genome Microarray
Authors: Vlaminckx Bart J. M. , Schuren Frank H. J. , Montijn Roy C. , Caspers Martien P. M. , Fluit Ad C. , Wannet Wim J. B. , Schouls Leo M. , Verhoef Jan , Jansen Wouter T. M.
Published: February 2007

Group A streptococci (GAS), orStreptococcus pyogenes, are associated with a remarkable variety of diseases, ranging from superficial infections to life-threatening diseases such as toxic-shock-like syndrome (TSS). GAS strains belonging to M types M1 and M3 are associated with TSS. This study aims to obtain insight into the gene profiles underlying different M types and disease manifestations. Genomic differences between 76 clinically well characterized GAS strains collected in The Netherlands were examined using a mixed-genome microarray. Inter-M-type genomic differences clearly outweighed intra-M-type genome variation. Phages were major contributors to observed genome diversification. We identified four novel genes, including two genes encoding fibronectin-binding-like proteins, which are highly specific to a subset of M types and thus may contribute to M-type-associated disease manifestations. All M12 strains were characterized by the unique absence of the citrate lyase complex and reduced growth under hypoxic, nutrient-deprived conditions. Furthermore, six virulence factors, including genes encoding a complement-inhibiting protein (sic), an exotoxin (speA), iron(III) binding factor, collagen binding factor (cpa), and fibrinogen binding factor (prt2-like), were unique to M1 and/or M3 strains. These virulence factors may contribute to the potential of these strains to cause TSS. Finally, in contrast to M-type-specific virulence profiles, we did not identify a common virulence profile among strains associated with TSS irrespective of their M type.
Th1 and Th2 Cells Help CD8 T-Cell Responses
Authors: Ekkens Melinda J. , Shedlock Devon J. , Jung EuiHye , Troy Amy , Pearce Erika L. , Shen Hao , Pearce Edward J.
Published: February 2007

Help from CD4 T cells is often important for the establishment of primary and memory CD8 T-cell responses. However, it has yet to be determined whether T helper polarization affects the delivery of help and/or whether responding CD8 T cells helped by Th1 or Th2 cells express distinct effector properties. To address these issues, we compared CD8 T-cell responses in the context of Th1 or Th2 help by injecting dendritic cells copulsed with the major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted OVA peptide plus, respectively, bacterial or helminth antigens. We found that Th2 cells, like Th1 cells, can help primary and long-lived memory CD8 T-cell responses. Experiments in interleukin-12 (IL-12)−/−and IL-4−/−mice, in which polarized Th1 or Th2 responses, respectively, fail to develop, indicate that the underlying basis of CD4 help is independent of attributes acquired as a response to polarization.
A Booster Vaccination with
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG Does Not Increase the Protective Effect of the Vaccine against Experimental
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Infection in Mice
Authors: Tanghe Audrey , Adnet Pierre-Yves , Gartner Tatiana , Huygen Kris
Published: February 2007

Buruli ulcer, caused by
Mycobacterium ulcerans
, is a necrotizing skin disease emerging particularly in West Africa.
M. bovis
BCG vaccine offers only short-term protection against experimental footpad infection of C57BL/6 mice with
M. ulcerans
, and the duration of this protection cannot be prolonged by a booster vaccination.
Surface Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 9 Is Upregulated on Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Response to Pathogenic Bacterial DNA
Authors: Ewaschuk Julia B. , Backer Jody L. , Churchill Thomas A. , Obermeier Florian , Krause Denis O. , Madsen Karen L.
Published: February 2007

Colonic epithelial cells are constantly exposed to high levels of bacterial DNA in the intestinal lumen and must recognize and respond appropriately to pathogens, while they maintain a tolerance to nonpathogenic commensal bacterial strains. Bacterial DNA is recognized by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). The aim of this study was to investigate TLR9 expression and localization in colonic epithelial cells under basal conditions and in response to bacterial DNA. HT-29 cells were exposed to DNA from various strains of commensal and pathogenic microbes. TLR9 mRNA expression was determined by real-time reverse transcription-PCR, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Localization of TLR9 was determined by flow cytometry in HT-29 cells and by immunofluorescence in HT-29 cells and mouse colonic tissue. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that there was intracellular and surface expression of TLR9 in HT-29 cells under basal conditions. Exposure of cells to DNA from pathogenic strains ofSalmonellaandEscherichia coliresulted in a significant increase in TLR9 mRNA expression.Salmonella entericaserovar Dublin DNA increased surface TLR9 protein and IL-8 secretion. There was no change in mRNA levels or localization of TLR9 in response toBifidobacterium breve. Chloroquine did not block IL-8 secretion in response toS. entericaserovar Dublin DNA. TLR9 was expressed on the colonic apical surface in wild-type mice but not in germfree mice. These results demonstrate that intestinal epithelial cells recognize pathogenic bacterial DNA and respond by increasing surface localization and expression of TLR9, suggesting that the epithelial inflammatory response to pathogenic DNA is mediated at least in part by increased TLR9 expression.
Mechanisms of Decreased Susceptibility to β-Defensins byTreponema denticola
Authors: Brissette Catherine A. , Lukehart Sheila A.
Published: February 2007

Treponema denticola, a periodontal pathogen, is relatively resistant to human beta-defensins, which are small cationic antimicrobial peptides produced by a number of cells, including the gingival epithelium. Using two independent methods, we previously demonstrated thatT. denticolaproteases are not responsible for decreased vulnerability to defensins. In this study, we confirmed that the major outer membrane protease, dentilisin, is not responsible forT. denticolainsensitivity to defensins and examined several other possible mechanisms, including reduced binding to the bacterial surface and efflux pump activity. It has been suggested that some bacteria mask their surfaces with serum proteins.T. denticolagrown in a serum-free medium did not exhibit increased susceptibility to human beta-defensin 2 and 3 (hβD-2 and hβD-3, respectively), suggesting that cloaking of the outer surface with host proteins is not involved in defensin resistance. Nonetheless, we demonstrated thatT. denticolabinds significantly less hβD-2 and -3 than susceptible organisms bind, suggesting that the unusual outer membrane composition ofT. denticolamay discourage cationic peptide binding. Efflux pumps have been shown to mediate resistance to antibiotics and cationic peptides in other bacteria, and their role inT. denticola's relative resistance to β-defensins was investigated. Three inhibitors of bacterial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux pumps had no effect onT. denticola's susceptibility to hβD-2 or -3. In contrast, a proton motive force inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone, increased the susceptibility ofT. denticolato killing by hβD-3, demonstrating a potential role for efflux pumps (other than ABC pumps) in resistance to this peptide. Our data suggest that the combination of decreased defensin binding and efflux of any peptide which enters the cytoplasm may explainT. denticola's relative resistance to human beta-defensins.
Genotyping of
Candida orthopsilosis
Clinical Isolates by Amplification Fragment Length Polymorphism Reveals Genetic Diversity among Independent Isolates and Strain Maintenance within Patients
Authors: Tavanti Arianna , Hensgens Lambert A. M. , Ghelardi Emilia , Campa Mario , Senesi Sonia
Published: March 2007

Candida parapsilosis
former groups II and III have recently been established as independent species named
C. orthopsilosis
and
C. metapsilosis
, respectively. In this report, 400 isolates (290 patients) previously classified as
C. parapsilosis
by conventional laboratory tests were screened by BanI digestion profile analysis of the secondary alcohol dehydrogenase gene fragment and by amplification fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Thirty-three strains collected from 13 patients were identified as
C. orthopsilosis
, thus giving the first retrospective evidence that
C. orthopsilosis
was responsible for 4.5% of the infections/colonization attributed to
C. parapsilosis
. AFLP was proven to unambiguously identify
C. orthopsilosis
at the species level and efficiently delineate intraspecific genetic relatedness. A high percentage of polymorphic AFLP bands was observed for independent isolates collected from each patient. Statistical analysis of the pairwise genetic distances and bootstrapping revealed that clonal reproduction and recombination both contribute to
C. orthopsilosis
genetic population structure. AFLP patterns of sequential isolates obtained from two patients demonstrated that a successful strain colonization within the same patient occurred, as revealed by strain maintenance in various body sites. No association between AFLP markers and drug resistance was observed, and none of the clinical
C. orthopsilosis
isolates were found to produce biofilm in vitro.