bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Cytometric Detection of Gamma Interferon Can Effectively DiscriminateMycobacterium bovisBCG-Vaccinated Cattle fromM. bovis-Infected Cattle
Authors: Sopp P. , Howard C. J. , Hope J. C.
Published: December 2006

Mycobacterium bovisis the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, a disease that is increasing in incidence in United Kingdom cattle herds. In addition to increasing economic losses, the rise in bovine tuberculosis poses a human health risk. There is an urgent requirement for effective strategies for disease eradication; this will likely involve vaccination in conjunction with current test and slaughter policies. A policy involving vaccination would require an accurate diagnosis ofM. bovis-infected animals and the potential to distinguish these animals from vaccinates. Currently used diagnostic tests, the skin test and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) blood test, have a sensitivity of up to 95%. A further complication is thatM. bovisBCG-vaccinated animals are also scored positive by these tests. We tested the hypothesis that the quantification of IFN-γ-producing lymphocytes by flow cytometric analysis of intracellular IFN-γ expression would provide a more accurate discrimination ofM. bovis-infected animals from BCG vaccinates. Significant numbers of IFN-γ-expressing CD4+T cells were detected following culture of heparinized blood fromM. bovis-infected animals, but not from BCG vaccinates, with purified protein derived fromM. bovis(PPD-B) or live mycobacteria. Only 1 of 17 BCG-vaccinated animals had a significant number of CD4+T lymphocytes expressing IFN-γ, compared with 21/22M. bovis-infected animals. This assay could allow an accurate diagnosis ofM. bovisand allow the discrimination of BCG-vaccinated cattle from infected cattle.
Genotyping of Clinical Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Isolates by Use of Restriction Enzymes
Authors: Norberg Peter , Bergström Tomas , Liljeqvist Jan-Åke
Published: December 2006

Recently, three distinct genotypes of clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) isolates were identified based on DNA sequence information and phylogenetic analysis of clinical isolates and laboratory strains. We utilized single-nucleotide polymorphism within the genes coding for glycoproteins G and I for rapid genotype classification by PCR and restriction enzyme cleavage. The method is suitable for high-scale genotyping of clinical HSV-1 isolates and for the detection of recombinants.
Establishing Clonal Relationships between VIM-1-Like Metallo-β-Lactamase-ProducingPseudomonas aeruginosaStrains from Four European Countries by Multilocus Sequence Typing
Authors: Giske Christian G. , Libisch Balázs , Colinon Céline , Scoulica Effie , Pagani Laura , Füzi Miklós , Kronvall Göran , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: December 2006

Ten multidrug-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosastrains producing VIM-1-like acquired metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), isolated from four European countries (Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Sweden), were analyzed for genetic relatedness by several methodologies, includingfliCsequence analysis, macrorestriction profiling of genomic DNA by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The four approaches yielded consistent results overall but showed different resolution powers in establishing relatedness between isolates (PFGE > RAPD > MLST >fliCtyping) and could usefully complement each other to address issues in the molecular epidemiology ofP. aeruginosastrains producing acquired MBLs. In particular, the recently developed MLST approach was useful in revealing clonal relatedness between isolates when this was not readily apparent using RAPD and PFGE, and it suggested a common ancestry for some of the VIM-1-like MBL-positiveP. aeruginosastrains currently spreading in Europe. The MBL producers belonged in three clonal complexes/burst groups (BGs). Of these, one corresponded to the previously described BG4 and included serotype O12 strains from Hungary and Sweden, while the other two were novel and included serotype O11 or nonserotypable strains from Greece, Sweden, and/or Italy. Comparison of the integrons carryingblaVIM-1-like cassettes of various isolates revealed a remarkable structural heterogeneity, suggesting the possibility that multiple independent events of acquisition of differentblaVIM-containing integrons had occurred in members of the same clonal lineage, although a contribution of integrase-mediated cassette shuffling or other recombination mechanisms during the evolution of similar strains could also have played a role in determining this variability.
Presence of NewmecAandmph(C) Variants Conferring Antibiotic Resistance inStaphylococcusspp. Isolated from the Skin of Horses before and after Clinic Admission
Authors: Schnellmann Christina , Gerber Vinzenz , Rossano Alexandra , Jaquier Valentine , Panchaud Yann , Doherr Marcus G. , Thomann Andreas , Straub Reto , Perreten Vincent
Published: December 2006

Because of the frequency of multiple antibiotic resistance,Staphylococcusspecies often represent a challenge in incisional infections of horses undergoing colic surgery. To investigate the evolution of antibiotic resistance patterns before and after preventative peri- and postoperative penicillin treatment, staphylococci were isolated from skin and wound samples at different times during hospitalization. Most staphylococci were normal skin commensals and belonged to the common coagulase-negative group. In some cases they turned out to be opportunistic pathogens present in wound infections. MICs were determined for 12 antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes were detected by microarray. At hospital admission, horses harbored staphylococci that were susceptible to antibiotics or resistant to one group of drugs, mainly due to the presence of new variants of the methicillin and macrolide resistance genesmecAandmph(C), respectively. After 3 days, the percentage ofStaphylococcusisolates displaying antibiotic resistance, as well as the number of resistance genes per isolate, increased moderately in hospitalized horses without surgery or penicillin treatment but dramatically in hospitalized horses after colic surgery as well as penicillin treatment.Staphylococcusspecies displaying multiple resistance were found to harbor mainly genes conferring resistance to β-lactams (mecAandblaZ), aminoglycosides [strandaac(6′)-Ie-aph(2′)-Ia], and trimethoprim [dfr(A) anddfr(D)]. Additional genes conferring resistance to macrolides [mph(C),erm(C), anderm(B)], tetracycline [tet(K) andtet(M)], chloramphenicol [cat(pC221) andcat(pC223)], and streptothricin (sat4) appeared in several strains. Hospitalization and preventive penicillin use were shown to act as selection agents for multidrug-resistant commensal staphylococcal flora.
Use of Noninvasive Markers To Detect
Leishmania
Infection in Asymptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: García-García José A. , Martín-Sánchez Joaquina , Gállego Montserrat , Rivero-Román Antonio , Camacho Angela , Riera Cristina , Morillas-Márquez Francisco , Vergara Salvador , Macías Juan , Pineda Juan A.
Published: December 2006

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by
Leishmania infantum
is a common disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people in the Mediterranean basin. However, most such cases are asymptomatic, and little information about the prevalence of these infections in HIV-infected individuals is available. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of subclinical infection and the relationship between several
Leishmania
infection markers by noninvasive methods in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients from Southern Spain. Ninety-two HIV-infected patients, who were consecutively attended at the participant hospitals in 2004, were invited to participate in this study. These patients were asymptomatic and without any history of cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis.
Leishmania
kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was amplified from peripheral blood samples from 28 (30.4%) of these HIV-infected subjects. Sera from three (3.5%) patients tested positive for
Leishmania
by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Two patients (2.4%) showed a specific 16-kDa band by Western blotting. In contrast, none of the patients showed a positive agglutination of urine. The leishmanin skin test was positive for four (4.3%) patients. None of the patients with a PCR-positive result showed a positive reaction by enzyme-linked immunoassay or by specific bands in Western blotting or had a positive leishmanin skin test. In conclusion,
L. infantum
kDNA was detected in a large proportion of asymptomatic HIV-infected patients, although a demonstrable cellular or humoral immune response to this parasite was not shown. Conversely,
Leishmania
antigen in urine was not detected in these patients.
Effect of Endocervical-Specimen Adequacy on Detection of
Chlamydia trachomatis
by the APTIMA COMBO 2 Assay
Authors: Rogers C. K. , Wood B. J. , Rizzo P. , Gaydos C. A.
Published: December 2006

Six hundred one endocervical specimens were analyzed for
Chlamydia trachomatis
by the APTIMA Combo 2 assay and evaluated for columnar epithelial cell adequacy by direct fluorescent-antibody staining. With 5.5% positive adequate and 7.8% positive inadequate specimens (
P
= 0.27), the study suggested no difference in positivity rates due to specimen adequacy when this amplified technology was used.
Evidence Supporting Zoonotic Transmission of
Cryptosporidium
spp. in Wisconsin
Authors: Feltus Dawn C. , Giddings Catherine W. , Schneck Brianna L. , Monson Timothy , Warshauer David , McEvoy John M.
Published: December 2006

Cryptosporidium hominis
and
Cryptosporidium parvum
are the primary species of
Cryptosporidium
that infect humans.
C. hominis
has an anthroponotic transmission cycle, while
C. parvum
is zoonotic, infecting cattle and other ruminants, in addition to humans. Most cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in the United States have been caused by
C. hominis
, and this species is often reported as the primary cause of cryptosporidiosis in this country. However, outbreaks account for only 10% of the overall cryptosporidiosis cases, and there are few data on the species that cause sporadic cases. The present study identified the species/genotypes and subgenotypes of
Cryptosporidium
in 49 cases of sporadic cryptosporidiosis in Wisconsin during the period from 2003 to 2005. The species/genotype of isolates was determined by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 18S rRNA and
Cryptosporidium
oocyst wall protein genes. The
C. parvum
and
C. hominis
isolates were subgenotyped by sequence analysis of the GP60 gene. Forty-four of 49 isolates were identified as
C. parvum
, and 1 was identified as
C. hominis
. Of the remaining isolates, one was identified as being of the cervine genotype, one was identified as being a cervine genotype variant, and two were identified as being of a novel human genotype, previously reported as W17. Nine different subgenotypes were identified within the
C. parvum
species, and two of these were responsible for 60% of the cases. In this study we found that most sporadic cases of cryptosporidiosis in Wisconsin are caused by zoonotic
Cryptosporidium
species, indicating that zoonotic transmission could be more frequently associated with sporadic cases in the United States.
Longitudinal Study of the Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
at a University Hospital
Authors: Petersdorf Sabine , Oberdorfer Klaus , Wendt Constanze
Published: December 2006

Surveillance for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) at the University Hospital of Heidelberg revealed an increase in the numbers of newly detected MRSA isolates in recent years. We conducted a study to assess the dynamics of the changes in the MRSA population. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing of MRSA isolates from all patients at the University Hospital of Heidelberg collected between 1993 and 2004 was performed. The microbiology database contained 1,807 entries for newly detected MRSA isolates from 1,301 patients. A total of 1,252 isolates were available for PFGE typing. The isolates could be classified into 109 different PFGE types. Most PFGE types (
n
= 70) were detected less than five times and showed no evidence of transmission (sporadic strains). They accounted for 8.7% of all isolates, with few variations in frequency over the time. Thirty-seven PFGE types were clustered by time of detection, and transmission of the strains was likely (local epidemic strains). A total of 37.3% of the isolates belonged to this group of strains. The remaining 54.0% of the isolates belonged to only two further PFGE types (endemic strains). One endemic strain accounted for 5.0% of all isolates in 1994 and 68.2% in 2004. A second endemic strain was detected in 1.1% of all isolates in 1998 but in 12.4% in 2004. Statistical analysis of the associations between the kind of strain (sporadic, local epidemic, or endemic) and the patients' characteristics revealed a significant association for age and mode of acquisition. The remarkable increase in the rate of MRSA detection at the University Hospital of Heidelberg is mainly due to the dissemination of two different strains. Infection control measures seemed sufficient to prevent further transmission of some but not all of the strains.
Molecular Method for Identification ofRickettsiaSpecies in Clinical and Environmental Samples
Authors: Jado Isabel , Escudero Raquel , Gil Horacio , Jiménez-Alonso María Isabel , Sousa Rita , García-Pérez Ana L. , Rodríguez-Vargas Manuela , Lobo Bruno , Anda Pedro
Published: December 2006

We present a PCR method targeting the 23S-5S internal transcribed spacer coupled with reverse line blotting that allowsRickettsiaspecies detection and identification in a single step. The method is highly sensitive and specific in identifyingRickettsiaspecies from both patient and environmental samples. The generic approach used allowed us to identify new pathogens.
Relationship between Prevalent Oral and Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive and -Negative Women
Authors: Fakhry Carole , D'souza Gypsyamber , Sugar Elizabeth , Weber Kathleen , Goshu Eleni , Minkoff Howard , Wright Rodney , Seaberg Eric , Gillison Maura
Published: December 2006

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an etiologic agent for both oropharyngeal and cervical cancers, yet little is known about the interrelationship between oral and cervical HPV infections. Therefore, we compared the prevalences and type distributions of oral and cervical HPV infections and evaluated infection concordance in a cross-sectional study within the Women's Interagency HIV Study cohort. Oral rinse and cervical-vaginal lavage samples were concurrently collected from a convenience sample of 172 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and 86 HIV-negative women. HPV genomic DNA was detected by PGMY09/11 L1 consensus primer PCR and type specified by reverse line blot hybridization for 37 HPV types and β-globin. Only 26 of the 35 HPV types found to infect the cervix were also found within the oral cavity, and the type distribution for oral HPV infections appeared distinct from that for cervical infections (P< 0.001). Oral HPV infections were less common than cervical infections for both HIV-positive (25.2% versus 76.9%,P< 0.001) and HIV-negative (9.0% versus 44.9%,P< 0.001) women. Oral HPV infections were more common among women with a cervical HPV infection than those without a cervical HPV infection (25.5% versus 7.9%,P= 0.002). The majority of women (207; 93.7%) did not have simultaneous oral and cervical infections by the same HPV type; however, the number of women who did (14; 6.3%) was significantly greater than would be expected by chance (P= 0.0002). Therefore, the oral and cervical reservoirs for HPV infection are likely not entirely independent of one another.
Proposal for Standardization of Optimized Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit-Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Typing ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Supply Philip , Allix Caroline , Lesjean Sarah , Cardoso-Oelemann Mara , Rüsch-Gerdes Sabine , Willery Eve , Savine Evgueni , de Haas Petra , van Deutekom Henk , Roring Solvig , Bifani Pablo , Kurepina Natalia , Kreiswirth Barry , Sola Christophe , Rastogi Nalin , Vatin Vincent , Gutierrez Maria Cristina , Fauville Maryse , Niemann Stefan , Skuce Robin , Kremer Kristin , Locht Camille , van Soolingen Dick
Published: December 2006

Molecular typing based on 12 loci containing variable numbers of tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTRs) has been adopted in combination with spoligotyping as the basis for large-scale, high-throughput genotyping ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. However, even the combination of these two methods is still less discriminatory than IS6110fingerprinting. Here, we define an optimized set of MIRU-VNTR loci with a significantly higher discriminatory power. The resolution and the stability/robustness of 29 loci were analyzed, using a total of 824 tubercle bacillus isolates, including representatives of the main lineages identified worldwide so far. Five loci were excluded for lack of robustness and/or stability in serial isolates or isolates from epidemiologically linked patients. The use of the 24 remaining loci increased the number of types by 40%—and by 23% in combination with spoligotyping—among isolates from cosmopolitan origins, compared to those obtained with the original set of 12 loci. Consequently, the clustering rate was decreased by fourfold—by threefold in combination with spoligotyping—under the same conditions. A discriminatory subset of 15 loci with the highest evolutionary rates was then defined that concentrated 96% of the total resolution obtained with the full 24-locus set. Its predictive value for evaluatingM. tuberculosistransmission was found to be equal to that of IS6110restriction fragment length polymorphism typing, as shown in a companion population-based study. This 15-locus system is therefore proposed as the new standard for routine epidemiological discrimination ofM. tuberculosisisolates and the 24-locus system as a high-resolution tool for phylogenetic studies.
Phenotypic Detection of Methicillin Resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
by Disk Diffusion Testing and Etest on Mueller-Hinton Agar
Authors: Skov R. , Smyth R. , Larsen A. R. , Bolmstrôm A. , Karlsson A. , Mills K. , Frimodt-Moller N. , Kahlmeter G.
Published: December 2006

Cefoxitin is increasingly recommended for detection of methicillin resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) when using disk diffusion testing. In this study, 95
mecA-
negative
S. aureus
isolates and a highly genetically diverse collection of
mecA
-positive
S. aureus
types (
n
= 50) were used to investigate the influence of technical factors such as disk potency, incubation time, and temperature on Mueller-Hinton agar. The use of cefoxitin MIC testing by Etest for the same purpose was investigated under similar conditions. For disk diffusion, the accuracy was high at both 35°C and 36°C using overnight incubation, while incubation at 30°C or 37°C was associated with slightly lower accuracy. Increasing incubation times from 18 to 24 h did not improve accuracy at either temperature. Cefoxitin Etest MICs for
mecA
-positive strains were 6 mg/liter or higher, while cefoxitin Etest MICs for
mecA
-negative strains were ≤4 mg/liter. Our findings suggest that the current CLSI zone diameter breakpoints should be adjusted from resistance (R) ≤ 19 mm to R ≤ 21 mm. In conclusion, cefoxitin disk diffusion testing and Etest MIC testing can accurately predict the presence of the
mecA
gene in
S. aureus
. Testing can be reliably performed using incubation temperatures of 35 to 36°C and incubation times of 18 to 22 h. We suggest MRSA interpretive criteria of susceptible (S) ≤ 4 mg/liter and R > 4 mg/liter, corresponding to S ≥ 22 mm and R ≤ 21 mm for the 30-μg disk and S ≥ 17 mm and R ≤ 16 mm for the 10-μg cefoxitin disk. These criteria resulted in only one
mecA-
positive isolate being misclassified as susceptible.
Two Patients Coinfected withMycobacterium lepraeand Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Naïve for Antiretroviral Therapy Who Exhibited Type 1 Leprosy Reactions Mimicking the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Trindade M. A. B. , Valente N. Y. S. , Manini M. I. P. , Takahashi M. D. F. , Anjos C. F. D. , Benard G. , Naafs B.
Published: December 2006

Two case reports of patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection who developed leprosy are presented. Both developed type 1 leprosy reactions in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. Reactions have been described for a number of HIV-1- andMycobacterium leprae-coinfected patients and have been considered to be part of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) since the reactions were usually linked to the administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy. The reports of our two patients suggest that the type 1 reactions in patients with leprosy and HIV may not always be an IRIS manifestation but may be akin to the classical reactional state described for the natural course of leprosy infection, which occurs in leprosy patients due to the fluctuations of the antimycobacterial immune response, whether they are coinfected with HIV or not.
Combined Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antigen-Antibody Detection Assay Does Not Improve Diagnosis for Seronegative Individuals with Occult HCV Infection
Authors: Quiroga Juan A. , Castillo Inmaculada , Pardo Margarita , Rodríguez-Iñigo Elena , Carreño Vicente
Published: December 2006

A combined hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen-antibody assay was evaluated for 115 seronegative individuals with occult HCV infection. The assay was reactive in one patient and negative to weakly reactive in three others (all four gave indeterminate results by supplemental assay) but failed to detect HCV in the remaining patients. Despite increased sensitivity the combined assay does not improve serodiagnosis of occult HCV infection.
CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-15 Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Isolates of
Escherichia coli
from a Hospital in Algiers, Algeria
Authors: Ramdani-Bouguessa Nadjia , Mendonça Nuno , Leitão Joana , Ferreira Eugénia , Tazir Mohamed , Caniça Manuela
Published: December 2006

Sixteen strains of
Escherichia coli
isolated between January and June 2005 in a hospital in Algiers carry the IS
Ecp1
element and the TEM and either CTX-M-3 (
n
= 3) or CTX-M-15 (
n
= 13) β-lactamases. Fourteen of the isolates are multidrug resistant. Five isolates from the neonatal ward were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
First Case of Bacteremia and Multifocal Cellulitis Due to
Helicobacter canis
in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Leemann Corinne , Gambillara Eleonora , Prod'hom Guy , Jaton Katia , Panizzon Renato , Bille Jacques , Francioli Patrick , Greub Gilbert , Laffitte Emmanuel , Tarr Philip E.
Published: December 2006

Bacteremia due to
Helicobacter canis
has been reported in a patient with X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia. Here we report on the first human case of
H. canis
bacteremia in an immunocompetent host. Identification of the organism was made by genetic and phylogenetic analyses of the complete 16S rRNA sequence.
On Stokes' problem for the flow of a third-grade fluid induced bya variable shear stress
Authors: Asghar S , Mohyuddin M R , Ariel P D , Hayat T
Published: December 2006

The flow of an incompressible third-grade fluid over an infinite wall is considered. The flow is due to a variable shear stress. Both the series and the numerical solutions of the nonlinear partial-differential equation resulting from the momentum equation are obtained. Effects of non-Newtonian parameters on the flow phenomena are analyzed. It is found that with an increase in second-grade parameter and third-grade parameter, the velocity decreases and thus, the boundary-layer thickness increases.PACS No.: 47.15.cb
Étude des propriétés électriques de l'interface La0,80 Sr0,20 MnO3±δ – Y0,08 Zr0,92 O1,96 nanométrique
Authors: Touati A , Madani A , Hammou A , Boussetta H
Published: December 2006

Conductivity of perovskite-type oxide LSM20 was measured in air for different temperatures (375–1273 °K) using the 4 point method. LSM20 was prepared by solid-state reaction starting from mixtures of La2O3, MnCO3, and SrCO3 and sintered at 1673 °K. The results show that conductivity obeys the following law: σ = AT 3/2 exp(–(Ea/kT)), which is representative of an activated jump mechanism between Mn3+ and Mn4+ sites. The LSM20–n (nanometric)YZ8 interface was characterized by impedance spectroscopy. Symmetrical cells with two LSM20 electrodes were used. The electrolyte conductivity values are very close to those obtained with silver electrodes (Ag–nYZ8) showing that the electrolyte response is independent of the nature of the electrode material. The study of the electrode conductivity versus temperature shows an activation energy equal to 1.67 eV slightly lower than that observed by other authors. The nanometric grain size of the electrolyte could be at the origin of this difference. The variation of the electrode conductivity versus oxygen partial pressure is described by the following law σ = σ0 Po21/2, suggesting that the limiting step of the electrode reaction is the dissociative adsorption of O2 on the electrode material.
Theoretical study with rovibrational and electronic transitionmoment calculation of the ion LiCs+
Authors: Korek M , Moghrabi A M , Allouche A R , Frécon M Aubert
Published: December 2006

For the molecular ion LiCs+ the potential energy are calculated for the 39 lowest molecular states of symmetries 2Σ+, 2Π, 2Δ, and Ω = 1/2, 3/2, 5/2. Using an ab initio method, the calculation is based on nonempirical pseudopotentials and parameterized [Formula: see text]-dependent polarization potentials. Gaussian basis sets are used for both atoms and spin-orbit effects are taken into account. The spectroscopic constants for 20 states are calculated by fitting the calculated energy values to a polynomial in terms of the internuclear distance r. Through the canonical functions approach, the eigenvalue Ev, the abscissas of the corresponding turning points (rmin and rmax), and the rotational constants Bv are calculated for up to 44 vibrational levels for four bound states. Using the same approach the dipole moment functions, the corresponding matrix elements, and the transition dipole moments are calculated for the bound states (1)2Σ+, (2)2Σ+, and (1)2Π. The comparison of the present results with those available in literature for the ground state shows a very good agreement. Extensive tables of energy values versus internuclear distance are displayed at the following address: http://lasim.univ-lyon1.fr/allouche/licsso.html.PACS Nos.: 31.15.Ar, 31.25.–v, 31.25.Nj
Energy-dependent point interaction: Self-adjointness
Authors: Coutinho F AB , Nogami Y , Tomio L , Toyama F M
Published: December 2006

Recently, we constructed an energy-dependent point interaction (EDPI) in its most general form in one-dimensional quantum mechanics. In this paper, we show that stationary solutions of the Schrodinger equation with the EDPI form a complete set. Then any nonstationary solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation can be expressed as a linear combination of stationary solutions. This, however, does not necessarily mean that the EDPI is self-adjoint and the time-development of the nonstationary state is unitary. The EDPI is self-adjoint provided that the stationary solutions are all orthogonal to one another. We illustrate situations in which this orthogonality condition is not satisfied.PACS Nos.: 03.65.–w, 03.65.Nk, 03.65.Ge
INDUSTRIAL POLICY IN A GLOBALIZED AGE — LESSONS FROM EAST ASIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: WAN HENRY , TUNG AN-CHI
Published: December 2006

Not only the wealth, but also the independence and security of a country appear to be materially connected with the prosperity of manufactures. Every nation, with a view to these great objects, ought to endeavor to possess within itself all the essentials of national supply.

Alexander Hamilton, Report on Manufactures, December 5, 1791.
DOES CHINA SAVE TOO MUCH?
Authors: LU LAN , McDONALD IAN M.
Published: December 2006

This paper, through simulating an open economy model of China, investigates whether the current rate of saving in China is excessive. The model incorporates the major factors that influence optimal saving, namely demographic change, the catch-up of total factor productivity in China to the level of high-income OECD countries, and an endogenous world rate of interest. The paper finds that the rate of time preference that would imply the current rate of saving is optimal is very low; in fact, it is negative. Thus, to justify China's current rate of saving, the social planner would have to put a higher weight on the economic welfare of future generations relative to the current generation, indeed up to 19 times the weight. This suggests that the current rate of saving in China is excessive.
IS APEC SUITABLE FOR CURRENCY UNION?
Authors: KURIHARA YUTAKA
Published: December 2006

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989. APEC member countries are remarkably different from each other in many respects. The traditional optimum currency area (OCA) theory may not be suitable for application to APEC. This paper stresses business cycles and trade intensity, which are included in OCA theory, and considers whether or not the "currency union" is suitable. The paper develops a procedure for applying OCA theory to APEC and examines these criteria while taking into account the endogeneity of these criteria. The result indicates that adopting the dollar for currency union is much more reasonable than adopting the yen.
IDENTIFICATION OF OPTOCOUPLER DEVICES WITH RTS NOISE
Authors: KONCZAKOWSKA A. , CICHOSZ J. , SZEWCZYK A. , STAWARZ B.
Published: December 2006

The results of noise measurements in low frequency range for CNY 17 type optocouplers are presented. The research were carried out on devices with different values of Current Transfer Ratio (CTR). The methods for identification of Random Telegraph Signal (RTS) in noise signal of optocouplers were proposed. It was found that the Noise Scattering Pattern method (NSP method) enables to identify RTS noise as non-Gaussian component of noise signal of the optocoupler. The NSP method proves to be very fast and simple.
Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Service Utilization for Mood Disorders in the United States at the Beginning of the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Kessler Ronald C. , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Wang Philip S.
Published: December 2006

The results of recent community epidemiological research are reviewed, documenting that major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent, persistent, and often seriously impairing disorder, and that bipolar disorder (BPD) is less prevalent but more persistent and more impairing than MDD. The higher persistence and severity of BPD results in a substantial proportion of all seriously impairing depressive episodes being due to threshold or subthreshold BPD rather than to MDD. Although the percentage of people with mood disorders in treatment has increased substantially since the early 1990s, a majority of cases remain either untreated or undertreated. An especially serious concern is the misdiagnosis of depressive episodes due to BPD as due to MDD because the majority of depression treatment involves medication provided by primary care doctors in the absence of psychotherapy. The article closes with a discussion of future directions for research.
A Meta-Analytic Review of Eating Disorder Prevention Programs: Encouraging Findings
Authors: Stice Eric , Shaw Heather , Marti C. Nathan
Published: December 2006

This meta-analytic review found that 51% of eating disorder prevention programs reduced eating disorder risk factors and 29% reduced current or future eating pathology. Larger effects occurred for programs that were selected (versus universal), interactive (versus didactic), multisession (versus single session), solely offered to females (versus both sexes), offered to participants over 15 years of age (versus younger ones), and delivered by professional interventionists (versus endogenous providers). Programs with body acceptance and dissonance-induction content and without psychoeducational content and programs evaluated in trials using validated measures and a shorter follow-up period also produced larger effects. Results identify promising programs and delineate sample, format, and design features associated with larger effects, which may inform the design of more effective prevention programs in the future.
How Can We Increase Translation of Research into Practice? Types of Evidence Needed
Authors: Glasgow Russell E. , Emmons Karen M.
Published: December 2006

This review summarizes key factors that have interfered with translation of research to practice and what public health researchers can do to hasten such transfer, focusing on characteristics of interventions, target settings, and research designs. The need to address context and to utilize research, review, and reporting practices that address external validity issues—such as designs that focus on replication, and practical clinical and behavioral trials—are emphasized.

Although there has been increased emphasis on social-ecological interventions that go beyond the individual level, interventions often address each component as if it were an independent intervention. Greater attention is needed to connectedness across program levels and components. Finally, examples are provided of evaluation models and current programs that can help accelerate translation of research to practice and policy.
Oxytocin-induced phasic and tonic contractions are modulated by the contractile machinery rather than the quantity of oxytocin receptor
Authors: Kawamata Masaki , Tonomura Yutaka , Kimura Tadashi , Sugimoto Yukihiko , Yanagisawa Teruyuki , Nishimori Katsuhiko
Published: December 2006

To investigate the relationship between the oxytocin (OT) receptor (OTR) quantity and the contractile features systematically, we measured the mRNA expression levels of OTR and L-type Ca2+channel α1C-subunit ( α1C) and examined the regulatory mechanisms of OT-induced phasic or tonic contractions of the longitudinal smooth muscles in mouse uteri. The mRNA expression of OTR in 19.0 G (19.0 days of gestation) was greater than those in nonpregnant phases, and that of α1Cin estrus and 19.0 G was higher than in diestrus. OT-induced contractions sparsely occurred in diestrus. The OT-induced all-or-none-type phasic contractions at low concentrations were abolished by verapamil in both estrus and 19.0 G. OT-induced tonic contractions had similar pD2values in both estrus and 19.0 G. However, the magnitude in 19.0 G was much greater than that in estrus. The large tonic contractions also occurred in PGF2αreceptor (FP) knockout mice in 19.0 G despite a small amount of OTR. Verapamil and Y-27632 partially inhibited the tonic contractions in 19.0 G. Cyclopiazonic acid-induced tonic contractions were reciprocally decreased with the increase in the OT-induced ones in 19.0 G. These results indicate that the phasic contractions are dependent on α1C. The tonic contractions in 19.0 G are dependent on both Ca2+influxes via L-type Ca2+channels and store-operated Ca2+channels, and the force is augmented by the Rho signal pathway, which increases the Ca2+sensitivity. Thus the uterine contractions are mainly controlled by the modification of contractile signal machinery rather than simply by the OTR quantity.
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Antiepileptic Effects of Low- and High-Frequency Electrical Stimulation in Acute Epilepsy in Neocortical Brain Slices In Vitro
Authors: Schiller Yitzhak , Bankirer Yael
Published: December 2006

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. Direct electrical stimulation of the epileptogenic zone is a potential new treatment modality for this devastating disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of two electrical stimulation paradigms, sustained low-frequency stimulation and short trains of high-frequency stimulation, on epileptiform discharges in neocortical brain slices treated with either bicuculline or magnesium-free extracellular solution. Sustained low-frequency stimulation (5–30 min of 0.1- to 5-Hz stimulation) prevented both interictal-like discharges and seizure-like events in an intensity-, frequency-, and distance-dependent manner. Short trains of high-frequency stimulation (1–5 s of 25- to 200-Hz stimulation) prematurely terminated seizure-like events in a frequency-, intensity-, and duration-dependent manner. Roughly one half the seizures terminated within the 100-Hz stimulation train ( P < 0.01 compared with control), whereas the remaining seizures were significantly shortened by 53 ± 21% ( P < 0.01). Regarding the cellular mechanisms underlying the antiepileptic effects of electrical stimulation, both low- and high-frequency stimulation markedly depressed excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). The EPSP amplitude decreased by 75 ± 3% after 10-min, 1-Hz stimulation and by 86 ± 6% after 1-s, 100-Hz stimulation. Moreover, partial pharmacological blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors was sufficient to suppress epileptiform discharges and enhance the antiepileptic effects of stimulation. In conclusion, this study showed that both low- and high-frequency electrical stimulation possessed antiepileptic effects in the neocortex in vitro, established the parameters determining the antiepileptic efficacy of both stimulation paradigms, and suggested that the antiepileptic effects of stimulation were mediated mostly by short-term synaptic depression of excitatory neurotransmission.
Bortezomib (PS-341, Velcade) increases the efficacy of trastuzumab (Herceptin) in HER-2–positive breast cancer cells in a synergistic manner
Authors: Cardoso Fatima , Durbecq Virginie , Laes Jean-François , Badran Bassam , Lagneaux Laurence , Bex Françoise , Desmedt Christine , Willard-Gallo Karen , Ross Jeffrey S. , Burny Arsène , Piccart Martine , Sotiriou Christos
Published: December 2006

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (PS341, Velcade) is highly effective when combined with chemotherapeutic agents. The value of trastuzumab (Herceptin) in HER-2–positive (3+ score by immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization positive) breast cancer is also known; however, the response rate is <40% for metastatic breast cancer. These two pharmacologic agents prevent nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and induce nuclear accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1, suggesting that combining bortezomib with trastuzumab could increase trastuzumab efficacy. Methods: Drug cytotoxicity, both individually and together, and drug effects on p27 localization and NF-κB activation were investigated on four breast cancer cell lines: SKBR-3 (HER-2+++), MDA-MB-453 (HER-2++), HER-2–transfected MCF-7 (HER-2+++), and MCF-7 (HER-2−). Results: Bortezomib induced apoptosis in HER-2–positive and HER-2–negative breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Together, these drugs induced apoptosis of HER-2++/+++ cells at low concentrations, which had no effect when used alone, indicating there was a synergistic effect. Sequential treatment (trastuzumab then bortezomib) induced either necrosis or apoptosis, depending on the trastuzumab preincubation time. Susceptibility to bortezomib alone and the drug combination correlated with NF-κB activity and p27 localization. Conclusions: The addition of bortezomib to trastuzumab increases the effect of trastuzumab in HER-2+++/++ cell lines in a synergistic way. This effect likely results from the ability of these two drugs to target the NF-κB and p27 pathways. The potential clinical application of this drug combination is under current evaluation by our group in a phase 1 clinical trial. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(12):3042–51]
Axon Pruning in the Developing Vertebrate Hippocampus
Authors: Faulkner Regina L. , Low Lawrence K. , Cheng Hwai-Jong
Published: December 2006

During early development of the central nervous system (CNS), there is an exuberant outgrowth of projections which later need to be refined to achieve precise connectivity. One widely used strategy for this refinement is axon pruning. Axon pruning has also been suggested to be involved in creating more diverse connection patterns between different species. An understanding of the mechanism of pruning, however, has been elusive in the CNS. Recent studies have focused on a stereotyped pruning event that occurs within the mossy fibers of the developing vertebrate hippocampus. In the following discussion, we will review the cellular and molecular factors that are known to regulate pruning in the hippocampus and highlight some advantages this system presents for future studies on pruning in the developing CNS.
Microarray Analysis of the Fetal Hippocampus in the Emx2 Mutant
Authors: Skutella Thomas , Conrad Sabine , Hooge Jens , Bonin Michael , Alvarez-Bolado Gonzalo
Published: December 2006

Deficiency in the transcription factor Emx2 causes a specific alteration of hippocampal development, which has been well analyzed morphologically. We are currently using microarrays and in situ hybridization to characterize gene expression in the Emx2 mutant hippocampus. In this report on our preliminary results for the fetal stage, we identify a group of genes for most of which a putative relation to Emx2 pathways has not been previously recognized. Some candidates are development genes or are involved in functional maturation, and show expression in the hippocampal plate and/or developing dentate gyrus. A second class of candidates label neuronal, glial or vascular structures in the outer marginal zone, and likely represent markers for cell populations specifically absent in the mutant. Our results point at pathways and processes altered in the mutant, particularly the Notch and chemokine pathways, the processes of cell migration, axonal guidance and angiogenesis, and the relation of pia and Cajal-Retzius cells with hippocampal morphogenesis.
Postnatal Development of Entorhinodentate Projection of the Reeler Mutant Mouse
Authors: Muraoka Daisuke , Katsuyama Yu , Kikkawa Satoshi , Terashima Toshio
Published: December 2006

We anterogradely labeled entorhinodentate axons by the injection of biotin dextran amine into the entorhinal cortex of adult wildtype and reeler mice to clarify whether the course and terminal endings of the reeler entorhinal projection are normal or not. We found that in the reeler mouse, biotin dextran amine-labeled entorhinodentate fibers arising from the entorhinal cortex curved around the hippocampal fissure instead of crossing it, whereas in the wildtype mouse, they crossed the fissure as a perforant pathway. Next, we examined carbocyanine dye (DiI) labeling of the immature entorhinodentate projection and the developmental changes of the hippocampal fissure during early postnatal days based on the laminin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry. Injection of DiI into the entorhinal area of the wildtype and reeler mice at postnatal day 1 resulted in anterograde labeling of pioneer axons passing through the hippocampal fissure. However, follower axons could not penetrate through the hippocampal fissure in reeler mice, whereas in the normal controls, many DiI-labeled axons continued to pass through the fissure. GFAP immunohistochemistry demonstrated that GFAP-immunopositive astrocytes were abundant along the hippocampal fissure both in the wildtype and reeler mice at birth. In the wildtype mouse, GFAP-positive neurons nearby the fissure were decreasing in number during the early postnatal days, whereas in the reeler mouse, many GFAP-positive astrocytes were continuing to accumulate there. This barrier made of astrocytes in the reeler mouse may obstruct the ingrowth of the follower axons arising from the entorhinal cortex through the hippocampal fissure, resulting in the abnormal course of the entorhinodentate axons in this mutant.
Granule Cell Dispersion and Aberrant Neurogenesis in the Adult Hippocampus of an LIS1 Mutant Mouse
Authors: Wang Yanling , Baraban Scott C.
Published: December 2006

Human type 1 lissencephaly is a severe brain malformation associated with cognitive dysfunction and intractable epilepsy. Mutant mice with a heterozygous deletion of LIS1 show varying degrees of hippocampal abnormality and enhanced excitability. Whether a reduction of LIS1 function affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and if so, whether aberrant neurogenesis contributes to the generation of a disorganized hippocampus remain unknown. Previous reports indicate the presence of multiple pyramidal cell layers and granule cell dispersion in LIS1 mutant mice. Here we observed disruption of the subgranular zone and glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive radial astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of adult LIS1 mice. Using pulse-chase bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling combined with neuronal and glial antibody staining we provide evidence for ectopic adult neurogenesis in LIS1 mice. A gradually decreased survival rate for these newborn granule cells was also demonstrated in LIS1 mice 7 days after BrdU injection. This reduced survival rate was associated with impaired neuronal differentiation 28 days after BrdU administration. Thus, LIS1 haploinsufficiency can lead to abnormal cell proliferation, migration and differentiation in the adult dentate gyrus.
Citron Kinase Is Required for Postnatal Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus
Authors: Ackman James B. , Ramos Raddy L. , Sarkisian Matthew R. , LoTurco Joseph J.
Published: December 2006

The dentate gyrus is a site of continual neurogenesis in the postnatal mammalian brain. Here we investigated postnatal neurogenesis in the citron kinase (citron-K) null-mutant rat (flathead). The flathead rat has substantial deficits in embryonic neurogenesis that are due to failed cytokinesis and cell death. We report here the loss of citron-K function has an even severer effect on postnatal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Analysis of phosphorylated histone H3 expression in postnatal neurogenic regions of the flathead mutant revealed a complete lack of mitotic cells in the dentate gyrus and a large reduction in the number of dividing cells in the flathead subventricular zone. Examination of 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in the flathead rat revealed that the flathead rat had a 99% reduction in the number of newly generated cells in the dentate gyrus at postnatal day 10. In addition, doublecortin-positive cells were essentially absent from the postnatal flathead dentate gyrus which also lacked the vimentin- and nestin-positive radial glia scaffold that defines the neurogenic niche in the postnatal subgranular zone. Together these results indicate that postnatal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus is eliminated by loss of citron-K function, and suggests that a citron-K-dependent progenitor lineage forms the postnatal neuronal progenitor population in the dentate gyrus.