bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A light and transmission electron microscope study of some cells and tissues associated with the tymbal muscle of a periodical cicada (Homoptera, Cicadidae)
Authors: Chapman George B.
Published: December 2005

Abstract. A light and transmission electron microscope study of sections of cells of—and of cells and tissues of—and of cells, associated with the previously undescribed tymbal muscle of a periodical cicada (Brood X of the 17‐year cicada) was undertaken to (i) compare their features with similar features described for other cicada tymbal muscles, (ii) use that information to try to determine cytologically whether the muscle should be considered synchronous or asynchronous, and (iii) seek information about ultrastructural features not previously described for any cicada. In cross section the myofibrils are slightly angular and have an abundance of sarcoplasmic reticulum and T tubules. Longitudinal sections show a pair of T tubules, one of each pair located midway between the Z line and the center (H level) of each sarcomere. These cytological features are consistently found in the tymbal muscles of the majority of other cicada genera and species, which are designated synchronous muscles, and all of which are termed fast muscles. The amount of sarcoplasmic reticulum increases at the Z lines. The largest mitochondria occur in the largest axons, but the smallest axons have more neurotubules per cross‐section area. Axon diameters range 0.14–20 μm. Multinucleate adipocytes, with vacuoles that appear either empty or content‐containing, and tracheocytes, which could either be binucleate or have a lobate or U‐shaped nucleus, are located at the periphery of the muscle. Large numbers of microtubules occur in the interface glia. The diameters of microtubules and neurotubules (∼27 nm) agree closely with the averages usually cited. This study indicates that the tymbal muscles of this cicada should be designated as synchronous, and it describes ultrastructural features that are typical and others that are unusual.
Fine structure of the epistome in Phoronis ovalis: significance for the coelomic organization in Phoronida
Authors: Gruhl Alexander , Grobe Peter , Bartolomaeus Thomas
Published: December 2005

Abstract. The hypothesis of a common ancestry of the lophophorate taxa Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, Phoronida, and the Deuterostomia can be traced back to the late 19th century when Masterman recognized a tripartite organization of the body consisting of pro‐, meso‐, and metasome, along with coelomic body cavities in each compartment, as characteristic for Echinodermata, Pterobranchia, Phoronida, and Brachiopoda. This idea became quite popular under the name “archicoelomate” concept. The organization of the phoronids, and especially of their transparent actinotroch larva, has for a long time been used as a touchstone for the validity of this concept. As a coelomic lining can reliably be recognized only on the ultrastructural level, this technique has been applied for adults of Phoronis ovalis, which is assumed to be a sister species to all other phoronids. Phoronis ovalis contains only two coelomic compartments, a posterior coelom inside the trunk (metasoma), occupying the space between the trunk epidermis and the digestive epithelium, and an anterior lophophoral coelom inside and basal to the tentacular crown (mesosoma). There is no coelomic cavity inside the epistome (prosoma). This part of the body is filled with myoepithelial cells, which are continuous with the epithelial lining of the lophophore cavity. These cells form a lumenless bilayer and possess long, tiny myofilamentous processes, which are completely embedded in an extracellular matrix. A comparison with data on P. muelleri shows that there is no need to assume three different coelomic cavities in Phoronida, in contrast to the predictions of the archicoelomate concept. At least for this taxon, a correspondence to the situation in deuterostomes can hardly be found.
Morphological and molecular concordance of Rhynchozoon clades (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata) from Alaska
Authors: Dick Matthew H. , Mawatari Shunsuke F.
Published: December 2005

Abstract. Alpha‐level taxonomy in the bryozoan order Cheilostomata relies almost exclusively on hard‐part morphology. Geographical, ecophenotypic, and intracolony variation often make it difficult to distinguish intra‐ from interspecific variation and to recognize taxonomically informative characters. DNA sequences provide a source of data independent of morphology by which to gauge the relative reliability of various morphological characters for taxonomy. We present a case study involving a limited number of specimens of Rhynchozoon sp. from Ketchikan, Alaska to show the utility of DNA data in identifying genetic lineages for subsequent morphological analysis. The study illustrates that the use of genetic data need not involve massive, broad‐scale phylogenetic studies to address problems in invertebrate α‐level taxonomy. Phylogeny reconstruction with a 430‐bp fragment of the 16S mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene showed two moderately diverged clades, here termed Rhynchozoon clades A and B, separated by an average genetic distance of 2.38% (K2P+Γ). Comparison of voucher specimens by scanning electron microscopy showed two congruent, morphologically distinct forms (forms A and B, respectively) distinguishable by a polythetic suite of characters including degree of frontal costation, range of spine number, number of beads on the primary orifice, number of areolar pores, and peri‐orificial sculpturing. Orifice shape and ovicell form proved not to be good diagnostic characters. The status of the two forms as biological species is unclear, although maintenance of distinct suites of morphological characters in the two mitochondrial lineages suggests they may be reproductively isolated from one another. For Rhynchozoon form B, which tends to have a highly costate frontal wall, we suggest a resurrection of the name Rhynchozoon tumulosum, which had been previously synonymized with R. rostratum. Rhynchozoon form A may be conspecific with “Rhynchozoon sp. A” previously reported from Washington state.
Cell types, microsymbionts, and pyridoacridine distribution in the tunic of three color morphs of the genus Cystodytes (Ascidiacea, Polycitoridae)
Authors: Turon Xavier , López‐Legentil Susanna , Banaigs Bernard
Published: December 2005

Abstract. The tunic of colonial ascidians of the genus Cystodytes is a dynamic and complex system where a variety of cell types and microsymbionts are found. The tunic is also the site where pyridoacridine alkaloids involved in chemical defense are found. We wanted to explore the composition of symbionts and tunic cell types and their relationship with localization of alkaloids in three color morphs (usually attributed to the species Cystodytes dellechiajei). Tunic morphology was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis was performed for indirect localization of the bioactive alkaloids produced by these morphotypes. The main cell types identified are bladder cells, pigment cells, amebocytes, phagocytes, and morula cells. Amebocytes include several subtypes that may correspond to a sequence of ontogenetic stages; these cells also seem to give rise to other cell types. In the three morphotypes, the morphology of the tunic and tunic cells is basically the same. The alkaloids are localized in the pigment cells. At least three types of bacteria are present in the tunic, but they are scarce and do not store the targeted bioactive alkaloids. Our results indicate that, although pyridoacridine alkaloids are present in these ascidians, as in a variety of animal phyla, their wide taxonomic range is not necessarily the result of production by common microsymbionts, but rather of the convergent evolution of a successful biosynthetic pathway.
Successional Patterns of Microfungi in Fallen Leaves of Ficus pleurocarpa (Moraceae) in an Australian Tropical Rain Forest1
Authors: Paulus Barbara , Gadek Paul , Hyde Kevin
Published: December 2005

Successional patterns of microfungi on decaying leaves of Ficus pleurocarpa were assessed as part of a study to enumerate microfungi in tropical rain forest leaf litter. Leaves degraded into fragments over a period of 3 mo. Two methods were applied, a direct observational method and a particle filtration protocol. Using a direct method, 104 species were observed, while 53 sporulating taxa and 100 sterile morphotaxa were isolated by particle filtration. Overall patterns of succession were confirmed by both methods, but the relative abundance of species detected differed between the two methods. Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling identified at least four successional stages and suggested that microfungal communities increased in similarity with advancing decay. Data collected by the direct method indicated a slow but steady decline of diversity with advancing decay, whereas an increase in diversity was detected by particle filtration. Synecological succession studies provide a useful tool to identify patterns and generate hypotheses. Understanding the underlying causes of successional patterns will require further autecological studies.
Nectarivory by Endemic Malagasy Fruit Bats During the Dry Season1
Authors: Andriafidison Daudet , Andrianaivoarivelo Radosoa A. , Ramilijaona Olga R. , Razanahoera Marlène R. , MacKinnon James , Jenkins Richard K. B. , Racey Paul A.
Published: December 2005

Madagascar has a distinctive fruit bat community consisting ofPteropus rufus,Eidolon dupreanum, andRousettus madagascariensis. In this study, we observed fruit bat visits to flowering baobabs (Adansonia suarezensisandAdansonia grandidieri) and kapok trees (Ceiba pentandra) during the austral winter.Eidolon dupreanumwas recorded feeding on the nectar of baobabs and kapok,P. rufuswas observed feeding on kapok only and noR. madagascariensiswere seen. Three mammals species, two small lemurs (Phaner furciferandMirza coquereli) andE. dupreanum, made nondestructive visits to floweringA. grandidieriand are therefore all potential pollinators of this endangered baobab. This is the first evidence to show thatA. grandidieriis bat‐pollinated and further demonstrates the close link between fruit bats and some of Madagascar's endemic plants.Eidolon dupreanumwas the only mammal species recorded visitingA. suarezensisand visits peaked at the reported times of maximum nectar concentration.Pteropus rufusvisited kapok mostly before midnight when most nectar was available, butE. dupreanumvisited later in the night. These differences in timing of foraging on kapok can be explained either by differing distances from the roost sites of each species or by resource partitioning. We advocate increased levels of protection, education awareness, and applied research on both mammal‐pollinated baobab species and fruit bats, and suggest that both baobabs and bats are candidate “flagship species” for the threatened dry forests of Madagascar.
Rapid Assessment of Lepidoptera Predation Rates in Neotropical Forest Fragments1
Authors: Koh Lian Pin , Menge Duncan N. L.
Published: December 2005

The mechanisms underlying responses of invertebrates to forest edges remain poorly understood. Here, we use an experimental approach to investigate the predation rates on butterflies in two neotropical forest fragments. Neither distance from forest edge nor degree of forest openness affected predation rates on artificial caterpillars. The mean predation rate of artificial caterpillars on Barro Colorado Island (1500 ha) was significantly higher than that on Peninsula Gigante (2600 ha) likely due to density‐dependent effects. Our study demonstrates the utility of artificial predation experiments for rapid assessment of relative lepidoptera predation rates in tropical forests.
Remediation of DNAPL Source Zones with Granular Iron: Laboratory and Field Tests
Authors: Wadley Sharon L. S. , Gillham Robert W. , Gui Lai
Published: December 2005

Degradation of dissolved chlorinated solvents using granular iron is an established in situ technology. This paper reports on investigations into mixing iron and bentonite with contaminated soil for in situ containment and degradation of dense nonaqueous phase liquid source zones. In the laboratory, hypovials containing soil, water, bentonite, iron, and free‐phase trichloroethene (TCE) were assembled. Periodic measurement of TCE, chloride, and degradation products showed progressive degradation of TCE to nondetectable levels. Subsequently, a demonstration was conducted at Canadian Forces Base Borden near Alliston, Ontario, Canada, where, in 1991, a portion of the surficial aquifer was isolated and free‐phase tetrachloroethene (PCE) was introduced. Using a drill rig equipped with large‐diameter mixing blades, three mixed zones were prepared containing 0%, 5%, and 10% granular iron by volume. The bentonite was added to serve as a lubricant to facilitate injection of the iron and to isolate the contaminated zone. Analysis of core samples showed reasonably uniform distributions of iron through the mixed zones. Monitoring over a 13‐month period following installation showed, relative to the control, a decline in PCE concentrations to virtually nondetectable values. Reaction rates in the laboratory tests were similar to those reported in the literature, while the rate in the field test was substantially lower. The lower rate may be a consequence of mass transfer limitations under the static conditions of the field test. Results indicate that mixing iron and bentonite into source zones may be an effective means of source‐zone remediation, with the particular advantage of being relatively immune to effects of geologic heterogeneity.
Direct‐Push Hydrostratigraphic Profiling: Coupling Electrical Logging and Slug Tests
Authors: Sellwood Stephen M. , Healey John M. , Birk Steffen , Butler James J.
Published: December 2005

Spatial variations in hydraulic conductivity (K) can significantly affect the transport of contaminants in ground water. Conventional field methods, however, rarely provide a description of these variations at the level of detail necessary for reliable transport predictions and effective remediation designs. A direct‐push (DP) method, hydrostrati‐graphic profiling, has been developed to characterize the spatial variability of both electrical conductivity (EC) and hydraulic conductivity in unconsolidated formations in a cost‐effective manner. This method couples a dual‐rod approach for performing slug tests in DP equipment with high‐resolution EC logging. The method was evaluated at an extensively studied site in the Kansas River floodplain. A series of profiles was performed on a surface grid, resulting in a detailed depiction of the three‐dimensional distribution of EC and K. Good agreement was found between K estimates obtained from this approach and those obtained using other methods. The results of the field evaluation indicate that DP hydrostratigraphic profiling is a promising method for obtaining detailed information about spatial variations in subsurface properties without the need for permanent wells.
Matrix Diffusion‐Derived Plume Attenuation in Fractured Bedrock
Authors: Lipson David S. , Kueper Bernard H. , Gefell Michael J.
Published: December 2005

Matrix diffusion can attenuate the rate of plume migration in fractured bedrock relative to the rate of ground water flow for both conservative and nonconservative solutes of interest. In a system of parallel, equally spaced constant aperture fractures subject to steady‐state ground water flow and an infinite source width, the degree of plume attenuation increases with time and travel distance, eventually reaching an asymptotic level. The asymptotic degree of plume attenuation in the absence of degradation can be predicted by a plume attenuation factor, β, which is readily estimated as R′ (φm/φf), where R′ is the retardation factor in the matrix, φm is the matrix porosity, and φf, is the fracture porosity. This dual‐porosity relationship can also be thought of as the ratio of primary to secondary porosity. β represents the rate of ground water flow in fractures relative to the rate of plume advance. For the conditions examined in this study, β increases with greater matrix porosity, greater matrix fraction organic carbon, larger fracture spacing, and smaller fracture aperture. These concepts are illustrated using a case study where dense nonaqueous phase liquid in fractured sandstone produced a dissolved‐phase trichloroethylene (TCE) plume ∼300 m in length. Transport parameters such as matrix porosity, fracture porosity, hydraulic gradient, and the matrix retardation factor were characterized at the site through field investigations. In the fractured sandstone bedrock examined in this study, the asymptotic plume attenuation factors (β values) for conservative and nonconservative solutes (i.e., chloride and TCE) were predicted to be ∼800 and 12,210, respectively. Quantitative analyses demonstrate that a porous media (single‐porosity) solute transport model is not appropriate for simulating contaminant transport in fractured sandstone where matrix diffusion occurs. Rather, simulations need to be conducted with either a discrete fracture model that explicitly incorporates matrix diffusion, or a dual‐continuum model that accounts for mass transfer between mobile and immobile zones. Simulations also demonstrate that back diffusion from the matrix to fractures will likely be the time‐limiting factor in reaching ground water cleanup goals in some fractured bedrock environments.
A Closed Form Slug Test Theory for High Permeability Aquifers
Authors: Ostendorf David W. , DeGroot Don J. , Dunaj Philip J. , Jakubowski Joseph
Published: December 2005

We incorporate a linear estimate of casing friction into the analytical slug test theory of Springer and Gelhar (1991) for high permeability aquifers. The modified theory elucidates the influence of inertia and casing friction on consistent, closed form equations for the free surface, pressure, and velocity fluctuations for overdamped and under‐damped conditions. A consistent, but small, correction for kinetic energy is included as well. A characteristic velocity linearizes the turbulent casing shear stress so that an analytical solution for attenuated, phase shifted pressure fluctuations fits a single parameter (damping frequency) to transducer data from any depth in the casing. Underdamped slug tests of 0.3, 0.6, and 1 m amplitudes at five transducer depths in a 5.1 cm diameter PVC well 21 m deep in the Plymouth‐Carver Aquifer yield a consistent hydraulic conductivity of 1.5 × 10−3 m/s. The Springer and Gelhar (1991) model underestimates the hydraulic conductivity for these tests by as muchas 25% by improperly ascribing smooth turbulent casing friction to the aquifer. The match point normalization of Butler (1998) agrees with our fitted hydraulic conductivity, however, when friction is included in the damping frequency. Zurbuchen et al. (2002) use a numerical model to establish a similar sensitivity of hydraulic conductivity to nonlinear casing friction.
Effects of Gas Generation and Precipitates on Performance of Fe° PRBs
Authors: Zhang Yousheng , Gillham Robert W.
Published: December 2005

Long‐term reactivity and permeability are critical factors in the performance of granular iron permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). Thus it is a topic of great practical importance, as well as scientific interest. In this study, four types of source solutions (distilled H2O, 10 mg/L TCE, 300 mg/L CaCO3, and 10 mg/L TCE + 300 mg/L CaCO3) were supplied to four columns containing a commercial granular iron material. In all four columns, gases accumulated to ∼ 10% of the initial porosity and resulted in declines in permeability of ∼ 50% to 80%. In the columns receiving CaCO3, carbonate precipitates accumulated to ∼ 7% of the initial porosity, with no apparent decline in permeability. The data indicate that precipitates formed initially at the influent ends of the columns, reducing the reactivity of the iron in this region. As a consequence of the reduced reactivity, calcium and bicarbonate migrated further into the column, to precipitate in a region where the reactivity remained high. Thus precipitation occurred as a moving front through the columns. The results suggest improved methods for PRB design and rehabilitation, and also suggest improvements that are needed in the mathematical models developed for predicting long‐term performance.
A Passive‐Discrete Water Sampler for Monitoring Seepage
Authors: Salve Rohit
Published: December 2005

This paper presents the design of the passive‐discrete water sampler (PDWS) which has been developed to facilitate investigations of flow partitioning in fractured rocks. The PDWS continuously isolates seeping water into discrete samples while monitoring the seepage rate. The PDWS was used in a flow and transport experiment that investigated fracture‐matrix interactions. During the experiment, a mix of conservative tracers with significantly different diffusion coefficients (lithium bromide [LiBr] and pentafluorobenzoic acid [PFBA]) was introduced along a fault located in fractured tuffs, and water seeping through the lower end of the fault was collected by the PDWS and analyzed for tracer concentrations. Preliminary results from this investigation show that samples of effluent captured by the PDWS effectively retained temporal changes in the chemical signature, while providing seepage rates.
Expression of Interleukin-8 Receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) in Premenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Smithson Alex , Sarrias Maria Rosa , Barcelo Juanjo , Suarez Belen , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Soto Sara Maria , Soriano Alex , Vila Jordi , Martinez Jose Antonio , Vives Jordi , Mensa Jose , Lozano Francisco
Published: December 2005

The migration of neutrophils through infected tissues is mediated by the CXC chemokines and its receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2). It has been proposed that a CXCR1 deficiency could confer susceptibility to acute pyelonephritis in children. The objective of the study is to assess the surface expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 and the existence of polymorphisms in theCXCR1gene in premenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections. The study included 20 premenopausal women with recurrent urinary infections, with normal urinary tracts, and without diseases potentially associated with relapsing urinary infections and 30 controls without previous urinary infections. The levels of CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression on neutrophils were measured and analyzed by flow cytometry by measuring the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) channel. The promoter and coding regions of theCXCR1gene were analyzed for the presence of polymorphisms by a sequence-based typing method. Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections exhibited median levels of CXCR1 expression, determined from MFI values, similar to those of the controls. The analysis of CXCR2 showed that patients with recurrent urinary infections had lower median levels of expression, determined from the MFI values, than the controls (P= 0.002, Mann-Whitney U test). No polymorphisms were detected at the promoter or at the exon 1 region of theCXCR1gene either in the patients or in the controls. Polymorphisms were detected at the exon 2 ofCXCR1, but their frequencies did not differ between patients and controls. We have found a low level of CXCR2 expression in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. These results suggest that a low level of CXCR2 expression may increase the susceptibilities of premenopausal women to urinary tract infections.
Mycoplasma alligatorisInfection Promotes CD95 (FasR) Expression and Apoptosis of Primary Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Hunt M. E. , Brown D. R.
Published: December 2005

Mycoplasma alligatoriscauses acute lethal primary infection of susceptible hosts. A genome survey implicated sialidase and hyaluronidase, potential promoters of CD95-mediated eukaryotic cell death, as virulence factors ofM. alligatoris. We used immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry to examine the effects ofM. alligatorisinfection in vitro on CD95 expression and apoptosis by alligator cardiac fibroblasts, a major cell type of a target organ ofM. alligatorisinfection in vivo. A uniform distribution of CD95 in primary cultured cardiac, skeletal muscle, and embryonic fibroblasts was demonstrated by using polyclonal antibodies against the N or C terminus of mouse or human CD95. Anti-CD95 antibodies reacted on Western blots of fibroblast lysates with a band with the predicted apparent molecular weight of CD95, but soluble CD95 was not detected in plasma from control orM. alligatoris-infected alligators. The proportion of CD95-gated cardiac fibroblasts increased threefold (P< 0.01) 48 h after inoculation withM. alligatoris. Infection induced morphological changes in cardiac fibroblasts, including translocation of CD95 characteristic of apoptosis and an eightfold increase (P< 0.16) in 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation measured in a terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end-labeling apoptosis assay. The proportion of BrdU-gated controls activated with agonistic immunoglobulin M against human CD95 also increased threefold (P< 0.03 for muscle). Heat-inactivatedM. alligatorisand sterileM. alligatoris-conditioned culture supernatant had no effect. This is the first report of a CD95 homolog in the class Reptilia and establishes a new model that can be used to test the direct bacterial interaction with upstream components of the CD95 signal transduction pathway.
Lactobacillus johnsoniiLa1 AttenuatesHelicobacter pylori-Associated Gastritis and Reduces Levels of Proinflammatory Chemokines in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Sgouras Dionyssios N. , Panayotopoulou Effrosini G. , Martinez-Gonzalez Beatriz , Petraki Kalliopi , Michopoulos Spyros , Mentis Αndreas
Published: December 2005

In clinical settings,Lactobacillus johnsoniiLa1 administration has been reported to have a favorable effect onHelicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, although the mechanism remains unclear. We administered, continuously through the water supply, live La1 toH. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice and followed colonization, the development ofH. pylori-associated gastritis in the lamina propria, and the levels of proinflammatory chemokinesmacrophageinflammatoryprotein 2 (MIP-2) andkeratinocyte-derivedcytokine (KC) in the serum and gastric tissue over a period of 3 months. We documented a significant attenuation in both lymphocytic (P= 0.038) and neutrophilic (P= 0.003) inflammatory infiltration in the lamina propria as well as in the circulating levels of anti-H. pyloriimmunoglobulin G antibodies (P= 0.003), although we did not observe a suppressive effect of La1 onH. pyloricolonizing numbers. Other lactobacilli, such asL. amylovorusDCE 471 andL. acidophilusIBB 801, did not attenuateH. pylori-associated gastritis to the same extent. MIP-2 serum levels were distinctly reduced during the early stages ofH. pyloriinfection in the La1-treated animals, as were gastric mucosal levels of MIP-2 and KC. Finally, we also observed a significant reduction (P= 0.046) inH. pylori-induced interleukin-8 secretion by human adenocarcinoma AGS cells in vitro in the presence of neutralized (pH 6.8) La1 spent culture supernatants, without concomitant loss ofH. pyloriviability. These observations suggest that during the early infection stages, administration of La1 can attenuateH. pylori-induced gastritis in vivo, possibly by reducing proinflammatory chemotactic signals responsible for the recruitment of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the lamina propria.
Modulation of Antibody-Mediated Immune Response by Probiotics in Chickens
Authors: Haghighi Hamid R. , Gong Jianhua , Gyles Carlton L. , Hayes M. Anthony , Sanei Babak , Parvizi Payvand , Gisavi Haris , Chambers James R. , Sharif Shayan
Published: December 2005

Probiotic bacteria, including
Lactobacillus acidophilus
and
Bifidobacterium bifidum
, have been shown to enhance antibody responses in mammals. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a probiotic product containing the above bacteria in addition to
Streptococcus faecalis
on the induction of the chicken antibody response to various antigens, both systemically and in the gut. The birds received probiotics via oral gavage and subsequently were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to evaluate antibody responses in serum or with tetanus toxoid (TT) to measure the mucosal antibody response in gut contents. Control groups received phosphate-buffered saline. Overall, BSA and SRBC induced a detectable antibody response as early as week 1 postimmunization (p.i.), which lasted until week 3 p.i. Probiotic-treated birds had significantly (
P
≤ 0.001) more serum antibody (predominantly immunoglobulin M [IgM]) to SRBC than the birds that were not treated with probiotics. However, treatment with probiotics did not enhance the serum IgM and IgG antibody responses to BSA. Immunization with TT resulted in the presence of specific IgA and IgG antibody responses in the gut. Again, treatment with probiotics did not change the level or duration of the antibody response in the gut. In conclusion, probiotics enhance the systemic antibody response to some antigens in chickens, but it remains to be seen whether probiotics have an effect on the generation of the mucosal antibody response.
Local and Systemic Immune and Inflammatory Responses to
Helicobacter pylori
Strains
Authors: Bhat Niranjan , Gaensbauer James , Peek Richard M. , Bloch Karen , Tham Kyi-Toe , Blaser Martin J. , Perez-Perez Guillermo
Published: December 2005

Colonization with
Helicobacter pylori
eventuates in varied clinical outcomes, which relate to both bacterial and host factors. Here we examine the relationships between
cagA
status, serum and gastric juice antibody responses, and gastric inflammation in dyspeptic patients. Serum, gastric juice, and gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from 89 patients undergoing endoscopy.
H. pylori
colonization and
cagA
status were determined by histology, culture, and PCR methods, and acute inflammation and chronic inflammation in the gastric mucosa were scored by a single pathologist. Serum and gastric juice antibodies to
H. pylori
whole-cell and CagA antigens were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relationships between variables were sequentially analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Of the 89 subjects, 62 were colonized by
H. pylori
. By univariate analyses, levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA and gastric juice IgA antibodies against whole-cell and CagA antigens each were significantly higher in the
H. pylori-
positive group than in the
H. pylori
-negative group (
P
< 0.001).
H. pylori
and CagA seropositivities were both significantly associated with enhanced inflammation in gastric antrum and body (
P
< 0.02). The presence of gastric juice antibodies to
H. pylori
antigens was associated with more severe gastric inflammation. However, in multivariate analyses, only the presence of serum antibodies against CagA and, to a lesser extent, whole-cell antigens remained significantly associated with acute and chronic inflammation in antrum and body (
P
< 0.05). Thus, serum antibody response to CagA correlates with severity of gastric inflammation. Furthermore, given the relationships demonstrated by multivariate analysis, determination of gastric juice antibodies may provide a better representation of serum, rather than secretory, immune response.
Immunoglobulin G1 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Johne's Disease in Red Deer (
Cervus elaphus
)
Authors: Griffin J. Frank T. , Spittle Evelyn , Rodgers Christie R. , Liggett Simon , Cooper Marc , Bakker Douwe , Bannantine John P.
Published: December 2005

This study was designed to develop a customized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serodiagnosis of Johne's disease (JD) in farmed deer. Two antigens were selected on the basis of their superior diagnostic readouts: denatured purified protein derivative (PPDj) and undenatured protoplasmic antigen (PpAg). ELISA development was based on the antigen reactivity of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) isotype, which is a highly specific marker for mycobacterial disease seroreactivity in deer. Sensitivity estimates and test parameters were established using 102
Mycobacterium paratuberculosis
-infected animals from more than 10 deer herds, and specificity estimates were determined using 508 uninfected animals from 5 known disease-free herds. A receiver-operated characteristic analysis determined that at a cut point of 50 ELISA units, there was a specificity of 99.5% and sensitivities of 84.0% with PPDj antigen, 88.0% with PpAg, and 91.0% when the antigens were used serially in a composite test. Estimated sensitivity was further improved using recombinant protein antigens unique for
M. paratuberculosis
, which identified infected animals that were unreactive to PPDj or PpAg. While 80% of animals that were seropositive in the IgG1 ELISA had detectable histopathology, the assay could also detect animals with subclinical disease. The test was significantly less sensitive (75%) for animals that were culture positive for
M. paratuberculosis
but with no detectable pathology than for those with pathological evidence of JD (>90%). When the IgG1 ELISA was used annually over a 4-year period in a deer herd with high levels of clinical JD, it eliminated clinical disease, increased production levels, and reduced JD-related mortality.
Application of an Improved Method for the Recombinant K39 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay To Detect Visceral Leishmaniasis Disease and Infection in Bangladesh
Authors: Kurkjian K. M. , Vaz L. E. , Haque R. , Cetre-Sossah C. , Akhter S. , Roy S. , Steurer F. , Amann J. , Ali M. , Chowdhury R. , Wagatsuma Y. , Williamson J. , Crawford S. , Breiman R. F. , Maguire J. H. , Bern C. , Secor W. E.
Published: December 2005

Several serology-based immunoassays are used to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a chronic protozoan parasitic disease caused by the
Leishmania donovani
complex. These tests are primarily designed to diagnose the most severe clinical form of VL, known as kala-azar. However, leishmanial infection is frequently asymptomatic and may manifest only as a positive serologic response or positive leishmanin skin test. We modified a previously described enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects patient antibodies reactive with the recombinant
Leishmania
protein K39 (rK39) to confirm suspected kala-azar and to detect asymptomatic infection in a community study in Bangladesh. With the inclusion of a standard curve on each ELISA plate, the rK39 ELISA was more repeatable (kappa coefficient of agreement = 0.970) and more reliable compared to the original method (kappa = 0.587,
P
< 0.001). The cutoff point for a positive antibody response was chosen based on the 99th percentile of the ELISA distribution for the negative-control sera. However, we found that sera from all patients with active kala-azar yielded values more than twice the magnitude of this cutoff. Using receiver-operator characteristic curves, we determined a second cutoff value predictive of kala-azar. Using these criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of the modified ELISA for kala-azar were 97.0% and 98.9%, respectively, for sera from our study population. We hypothesize that individuals with antibody levels greater than the 99th percentile of the negative controls but less than the cutoff point for kala-azar have asymptomatic leishmanial infections.
Evaluation of a New Single-Parameter Volumetric Flow Cytometer (CyFlow
green
) for Enumeration of Absolute CD4
+
T Lymphocytes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Thai Patients
Authors: Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Lerdwana Surada , Noulsri Egarit , Chaowanachan Thanyanan , Wasinrapee Punneeporn , Sakulploy Natthaga , Pobkeeree Vallerut , Suksripanich Orapin , Thanprasertsuk Sombat , Spira Thomas J. , Tappero Jordan W. , Levine William C.
Published: December 2005

Use of the standard dual-platform flow cytometric method for determination of CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts, which needs both a flow cytometer (FCM) and hematological analyzer, would inevitably lead to increased variability. The development of new single-platform (SP) FCMs that provide direct CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts for improved assay precision and accuracy have recently attracted attention. This study evaluated one of those systems, CyFlow
green
(Partec), a single-parameter SP volumetric FCM. The performance of CyFlow
green
was compared with those of two reference standard SP microbead-based technologies of the three-color TruCOUNT tube with the FACScan FCM and a two-color FACSCount system (Becton Dickinson Biosciences). Absolute CD4
+
and CD8
+
T-lymphocyte counts in 200 human immunodeficiency virus type 1-seropositive blood specimens were determined. Statistical analysis for correlation and agreement were performed. A high correlation of absolute CD4 counts was shown when those obtained with CyFlow
green
were compared with those obtained with the bead-based three-color TruCOUNT system (
R
2
= 0.96; mean bias, −69.1 cells/μl; 95% confidence interval [CI], −225.7 to +87.5 cells/μl) and the FACSCount system (
R
2
= 0.97; mean bias, −40.0 cells/μl; 95% CI, −165.1 to +85.1 cells/μl). The correlation of the CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts obtained by the two bead-based systems was high (
R
2
= 0.98). Interestingly, CyFlow
green
yielded CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts that were 21.8 and 7.2 cells/μl lower than those obtained with the TruCOUNT and the FACSCount systems, respectively, when CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts were <250 CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts/μl range or 17.3 and 5.8 cells/μl less, respectively, when CD4
+
T-lymphocyte counts were <200 cells/μl. The single-parameter CyFlow
green
 volumetric technology performed well in comparison with the performance of the standard SP bead-based FCM system. However, a multicenter comparative study is needed before this FCM machine is implemented in resource-limited settings.
Evaluation and Diagnostic Usefulness of Domestic and Imported Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Antibody in India
Authors: Iqbal H. Syed , Solomon Suniti , Murugavel K. G. , Solomon Sunil Suhas , Balakrishnan P.
Published: December 2005

Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is important for patient management and prevention of new infections. The number of test kits available for the detection of HIV antibodies is unprecedented. In order to identify appropriate test kits, we evaluated a variety of commercial kits manufactured abroad as well as in India. The plasma and serum specimens (
n
= 264) were collected from individuals attending the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre at the YRG Centre for AIDS and Education. The specimens were used to evaluate six commercially available HIV test kits: Enzaids HIV 1+2, HIV-CheX, Murex HIV-1.2.0, Genscreen HIV 1/2 version 2, Vironostika HIV Uni-Form II Ag/Ab, and CombAids RS Advantage. High sensitivities and specificities (≥99%) were observed for the Enzaids, Murex, Vironostika, and CombAids assays. HIV-CheX showed the highest number of false-positive and false-negative results. The Genscreen test also gave many false positives. The study indicated that the Enzaids, Murex, and Vironostika enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and the CombAids RS Advantage rapid assay could be used to achieve acceptable results for the detection of HIV antibodies. A combination of two tests is recommended to optimize the efficiency of HIV antibody testing algorithms, especially when evaluation with an HIV Western blot confirmatory test is not possible.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Levels in Subjects Receiving Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Infancy in an Area of Hyperendemicity: Correlation between Radioimmunoassay and Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Wang Ching-Wen , Wang Li-Chieh , Chang Mei-Hwei , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Chen Huey-Ling , Hsu Hong-Yuan , Chen Ding-Shin
Published: December 2005

The aims of the present study were to determine (i) the long-term immunogenicity and the decay rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antibody (anti-HBs) from universal hepatitis B vaccination at infancy for a healthy population in an area of hyperendemicity and (ii) whether the anti-HBs levels measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were closely correlated with those assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) methods during long-term monitoring. A total of 1,337 apparently healthy children (696 boys and 641 girls) who were vaccinated against HBV at infancy and monitored for anti-HBs annually from 7 to 16 years of age entered the study. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-HBs by RIA at 7 to 15 years of age and were also analyzed by EIA at 13 to 16 years of age. Antibody titers were quantified in mIU/ml by EIA as well as by the ratio of the count in the sample to the count for a negative control (S/N) by RIA. In nonboosted children, the average decay of anti-HBs from 7 to 16 years of ages indicated that approximately 20% of the geometric mean titer decays per year. There was a good correlation between serum anti-HBs levels measured by the RIA and the EIA methods (
r
= 0.91;
P
< 0.0001). An equation for RIA to EIA level conversion was established: log EIA titer = −0.12 + (1.31 · log RIA S/N). The anti-HBs titers measured by EIA correlate well with the S/N assayed by RIA. The annual decay rate of the log anti-HBs level may help in planning booster immunizations for hyporesponders or individuals at risk in adolescence.
Longitudinal Analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus-Specific Antibody in SARS Patients
Authors: Chang Shan-Chwen , Wang Jann-Tay , Huang Li-Min , Chen Yee-Chun , Fang Chi-Tai , Sheng Wang-Huei , Wang Jiun-Ling , Yu Chong-Jen , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: December 2005

The serum antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus of 18 SARS patients were checked at 1 month and every 3 months after disease onset. All of them except one, who missed blood sampling at 1 month, tested positive for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody at 1 month. Fifteen out of 17 tested positive for the IgM antibody at 1 month. The serum IgM antibody of most patients became undetectable within 6 months after the onset of SARS. The IgG antibody of all 17 patients, whose serum was checked 1 year after disease onset, remained positive.
FAIR RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN A SIMPLE MULTI-AGENT SETTING: SEARCH ALGORITHMS AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION
Authors: RAFTOPOULOU PARASKEVI , KOUBARAKIS MANOLIS , STERGIOU KOSTAS , TRIANTAFILLOU PETER
Published: December 2005

We study the problem of fair resource allocation in a simple cooperative multi-agent setting where we have k agents and a set of n objects to be allocated to those agents. Each object is associated with a weight represented by a positive integer or real number. We would like to allocate all objects to the agents so that each object is allocated to only one agent and the weight is distributed fairly. We adopt the fairness index popularized by the networking community as our measure of fairness, and study centralized algorithms for fair resource allocation. Based on the relationship between our problem and number partitioning, we devise a greedy algorithm for fair resource allocation that runs in polynomial time but is not guaranteed to find the optimal solution, and a complete anytime algorithm that finds the optimal solution but runs in exponential time. Then we study the phase transition behavior of the complete algorithm. Finally, we demonstrate that the greedy algorithm actually performs very well and returns almost perfectly fair allocations.
A GRAPHEME-TO-PHONEME TRANSLATOR FOR TTS SYNTHESIS IN GREEK
Authors: STATHOPOULOU-ZOIS P.
Published: December 2005

In this paper is presented the algorithm of an automatic grapheme-to-phoneme translator for the Greek language. The proposed algorithm is designed to collaborate with a high quality Text-to-Speech synthesis system in Greek. The algorithm assimilates the full reading process of written text as realized by a Greek speaking person. A detailed study of the Greek language's operation, led us to the implementation of an automatic integrated system which describes its phonetic behaviour in an exact and natural way.

The software that implements the algorithm has the capability to receive written text from any input (keyboard, file, screen reader, OCR system e.t.c.) and transform it to phonetic form. Afterwards the output of the algorithm is directed to the input of a concatenation-based speech synthesizer and the right pronunciation of any written text is achieved in real-time.

During the reading process the software locates and distinguishes Greek written text from any foreign language words, specially written symbols, abbreviations e. t. c… and afterwards manages them in order that the flow of the reading process permits the right perception of the produced spoken messages.

The most important qualification of the algorithm is the possibility to incorporate it in other Text-to-Speech synthesis systems of different technology. Finally experimental measurements indicate the successful operation of the algorithm.
FUZZY LOGIC DERIVATION OF NEURAL NETWORK MODELS WITH TIME DELAYS IN SUBSYSTEMS
Authors: CHEN CHEN-YUAN , HSU JOHN RONG-CHUNG , CHEN CHENG-WU
Published: December 2005

This paper extends the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model representation to analyze the stability of interconnected systems in which there exist time delays in subsystems. A novel stability criterion which can be solved numerically is presented in terms of Lyapunov's theory for fuzzy interconnected models. In this paper, we use linear difference inclusion (LDI) state-space representation to represent the fuzzy model. Then, the linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimization algorithm is employed to find common solution and then guarantee the asymptotic stability.
PREPARATION OF QUANTUM DOT-BASED FLUORESCENT LABELS
Authors: HUANG NING , YANG XIAOTUN , ZHANG YONG
Published: December 2005

This paper reported fluorescent labels which were made by encapsulating quantum dots (QDs) in polystyrene nanoparticles with carboxyl groups and used to stain cells. The fluorescent capsules were characterized by TEM and FTIR and the stained cells were studied under laser scanning confocal microscope.
ENERGETICS OF COPPER NANOWIRES
Authors: JAYABALAN JAYASANKER , JAYAGANTHAN RENGASWAMY , TAY ANDREW A. O. , LEONG OOI BAN
Published: December 2005

The present work calculates the size dependent behaviour of Fermi energy, work function, and the ionization potential of finite copper nanowire by using a free electron model. A uniform conductor of finite length and a square cross section is assumed to model the copper nanowires. The energy spectrum of the wire is determined by solving the one-electron Schrödinger equation with the potential described by a square well potential. The details of size dependence of electronic characteristics of the copper nanowires are illustrated in this present work.
MODELING OF DEEP-SUBMICRON MOSFET DRIVE CURRENT
Authors: FRANCIS BENISTANT
Published: December 2005

With already published MOSFET transistors of 25 nm gate length, the limit of the available current is a critical issue which must be clarified in order to guide the optimization of the transistor architecture. Leburton and Dorda1 showed that the limitation of the drain current comes from the saturation of the electric field at the source, and not from the saturation of the carrier velocity. More recently, Lundstrom2 compared the actual performance of the deep-sub-micron devices with their ballistic limit, and showed that the back-scattering at the source end of the channel is responsible for the limitation of the drain current. In both studies, the electric field, at the source end of the channel, plays a key part on the performances of the transistor. In this paper, we will review quantitatively this limitation, and, in addition, we are going to give a clear link between the drain current equations given by Lundstorm and the usual classical ones. Finally, we will examine the impact of the overshoot velocity on the transistor behavior.