bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Center Collaborative Evaluation of Performance of the BD Phoenix Automated Microbiology System for Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Menozzi Maria Grazia , Eigner Ulrich , Covan Silvia , Rossi Sabina , Somenzi Pietro , Dettori Giuseppe , Chezzi Carlo , Fahr Anne-Marie
Published: November 2006

The performance of the BD Phoenix Automated Microbiology System (BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD) was assessed for identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of the majority of clinically encountered bacterial isolates in a European collaborative two-center trial. A total of 494 bacterial isolates including various species of the
Enterobacteriaceae
and 110 nonfermentative gram-negative bacteria were investigated: of these, 385 were single patient isolates, and 109 were challenge strains tested at one center. The performance of the Phoenix extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) test was also evaluated for 203 strains of
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Klebsiella oxytoca
included in the study. Forty-two antimicrobial drugs were tested, including members of the following drug classes: aminoglycosides, β-lactam antibiotics, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors, carbapenems, cephems, monobactams, folate antagonists, quinolones, and others. Phoenix system ID results were compared to those of the laboratories' routine ID systems (API 20E and API CHE, ATB ID32E, ID32GN, and VITEK 2 [bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France]); Phoenix AST results were compared to those of frozen standard broth microdilution (SBM) panels according to NCCLS (now CLSI) guidelines (NCCLS document M100-S9, approved standard M7-A4). Discrepant results were repeated in duplicate. Concordant IDs of 98.4 and 99.1% were observed for the
Enterobacteriaceae
and the nonfermentative group, respectively. For AST results, the overall essential agreement was 94.2%; the category agreement was 97.3%; and the very major error rate, major error rate, and minor error rate were 1.6, 0.6, and 1.9%, respectively. In terms of ESBL detection, Phoenix results were 98.5% concordant with those of the reference system, with 98.0% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity. In conclusion, the Phoenix ID results showed high agreement with results of the systems to which they were being compared: the AST performance was highly equivalent to that of the SBM reference method, and the system proved to be very accurate for the detection of ESBL producers.
Use of the BACTEC Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube 960 Automated System for Recovery of Mycobacteria from 9,558 Extrapulmonary Specimens, Including Urine Samples
Authors: Hillemann Doris , Richter Elvira , Rüsch-Gerdes Sabine
Published: November 2006

The BACTEC Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube 960 (MGIT 960) system was applied for recovery of mycobacteria from extrapulmonary specimens and compared with solid media (Löwenstein-Jensen and Stonebrink). A total of 9,558 specimens were investigated, comprising 3,074 body fluids, 1,878 tissues, and 2,069 urine samples, from which the recovery of mycobacteria was not yet established for MGIT 960. In total, the MGIT 960 was able to detect 446 (90.3%) of the 494 isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) and 223 (86.0%) out of the 259 isolates of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In comparison to this, culture on solid medium revealed 358 (72.6%) MTBC isolates and 164 (66.8%) NTM isolates. While 136 (27.6%) of the MTBC isolates and 95 (19.2%) of the NTM isolates were recovered from the MGIT 960 only, 48 (9.7%) of the MTBC isolates and 36 (13.9%) NTM isolates grew only on solid media. Thus, the overall sensitivities for the recovery of mycobacteria from extrapulmonary specimens with MGIT 960 and solid media were 88.8% and 69.3%, respectively. However, the efficiency of the MGIT 960 system can be maximized with additional culture on solid media.
Use of a Combination of Brushing Technique and the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method as a Novel, Rapid, and Safe System for Detection of
Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Ohta Michio , Ohkura Teruko , Ando Takafumi , Torii Keizo , Hasegawa Tadao , Goto Hidemi
Published: November 2006

Gastric mucosal biopsy is widely used in the detection of
Helicobacter pylori
but is associated with a number of problems, including false-negative results due to sampling error and massive bleeding after biopsy. Given the extended period required to culture
H. pylori
, detection would be further improved by the use of rapid detection methods such as PCR. Here, we developed a rapid, safe, and convenient method for collecting
H. pylori
which combines endoscopic brushing with the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. The specificity and sensitivity of LAMP were examined using nine urease-generating non-
H. pylori
bacterial species,
Escherichia coli
,
Clostridium perfringens
,
Campylobacter jejuni
,
Helicobacter hepaticus
, and 51
H. pylori
strains. Results showed that
H. pylori
-specific LAMP primers amplified
H. pylori
DNA only and that the lowest detection limit of the LAMP reaction was 10
2
CFU. Brushing and biopsy samples taken from 200 patients with peptic ulcer at Nagoya University Hospital and a regional health care center were subjected to both LAMP and culturing. No adverse effects such as severe bleeding or penetration occurred during the procedure. By LAMP assay, 123 patients were confirmed as
H. pylori
positive when brushing technique samples were assayed, whereas only 100 were positive when biopsy samples were assayed. Culture assay detected
H. pylori
in 117 patients when it was combined with the brushing technique and in 96 when it was combined with biopsy. Combination of the endoscopic brushing technique with LAMP is considered a useful and safe system for identifying
H. pylori
infection.
Isolation and Characterization of Novel H3N1 Swine Influenza Viruses from Pigs with Respiratory Diseases in Korea
Authors: Shin Jin-Young , Song Min-Suk , Lee Eun Ho , Lee Young-Min , Kim Seok-Yong , Kim Hyong Kyu , Choi Joong-Kook , Kim Chul-Joong , Webby Richard J. , Choi Young-Ki
Published: November 2006

Pigs can play an important role in the genetic reassortment of influenza viruses and as a reservoir for another lineage of influenza viruses that have the ability to reassort and be transmitted between species. In March and April 2006, novel H3N1 influenza A viruses were isolated from pigs with respiratory diseases at two different commercial swine farms in Korea. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of all eight viral RNA segments showed that the novel H3N1 swine influenza viruses were reassortants that acquired the hemagglutinin gene from an H3 human-like virus and other genes from swine influenza viruses that are currently circulating in Korea. Serologic and virologic tests in the infected farms suggested that pig-to-pig and farm-to-farm transmissions occurred. Clinical signs in pigs and experimentally infected mice suggest the potential to transmit the virus between swine and other mammalian hosts. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of the swine H3N1 subtype from domestic pigs under field conditions in Korea. Further surveillance will be needed to determine whether this novel subtype will continue to circulate in the swine population.
Detection of
Brugia
Parasite DNA in Human Blood by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Rao Ramakrishna U. , Weil Gary J. , Fischer Kerstin , Supali Taniawati , Fischer Peter
Published: November 2006

Brugian filariasis (caused by the nematodes
Brugia malayi
and
B. timori
) is an important cause of disability in Southeast Asia. Improved diagnostic tests are needed for filariasis elimination programs (to identify areas of endemicity and to monitor progress) and for diagnosis of the disease in infected individuals. We have developed and evaluated two real-time PCR assays for detecting
Brugia
DNA in human blood and compared the results of these assays to those of “gold standard” assays. One assay uses a TaqMan probe (TaqM) to amplifiy a 320-bp “HhaI repeat” DNA sequence. The other assay uses a minor groove binding probe (MGB) and modified nucleotides in primers (Eclipse MGB) to amplify a 120-bp fragment of the HhaI repeat. This assay detects 22 copies of the target sequence, and it is more sensitive than the TaqM assay. Both assays were evaluated with human blood samples from two different areas of endemicity. The MGB assay was as sensitive as membrane filtration and microscopy for the detection of
B. malayi
infection in 57 blood samples recovered at night from patients in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The MGB assay also detected parasite DNA in 17 of 31 (55%) of microfilaria-negative day blood samples from these subjects. This test was more sensitive than the conventional and the TaqM PCRs (and was almost as sensitive as night blood membrane filtration) for the detection of infection in 52 blood samples recovered at night from individuals in an area of
B. timori
endemicity on Alor Island, Indonesia, where microfilaria-positive individuals had low densities after mass treatment. Thus, the Eclipse MGB real-time PCR assay is a sensitive means of detecting
Brugia
parasite DNA in human blood.
Listeria monocytogenes
Subgroups IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC Delineate Genetically Distinct Populations with Varied Pathogenic Potential
Authors: Liu Dongyou , Lawrence Mark L. , Wiedmann Martin , Gorski Lisa , Mandrell Robert E. , Ainsworth A. Jerald , Austin Frank W.
Published: November 2006

Listeria monocytogenes
lineage III strains belonging to subgroups IIIA (
n
= 8), IIIB (
n
= 5), and IIIC (
n
= 6) were examined along with other known serotype strains (
n
= 11) by PCR and Southern hybridization using several recently described species-, virulence-, and serotype-specific primers and probes. The virulence of seven representative lineage III strains was then evaluated in mice via the intraperitoneal route. The results suggest that subgroup IIIA consists of typical rhamnose-positive avirulent serotype 4a and virulent serotype 4c strains, subgroup IIIC consists of atypical rhamnose-negative virulent serotype 4c strains, and subgroup IIIB consists of atypical rhamnose-negative virulent non-serotype 4a and non-serotype 4c strains, some of which may be related to serotype 7. It is possible that subgroup IIIB (including serotype 7) may represent a novel subspecies within
L. monocytogenes
.
Population-Based Study of Deletions in Five Different Genomic Regions ofMycobacterium tuberculosisand Possible Clinical Relevance of the Deletions
Authors: Kong Y. , Cave M. D. , Zhang L. , Foxman B. , Marrs C. F. , Bates J. H. , Yang Z. H.
Published: November 2006

Regions of difference (RDs) have been described in clinical isolates ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, but the potential epidemiological and clinical relevance of the genotypes of these RDs remains to be investigated. We screened a population-based sample of 648 isolates for the deletion of five RDs, designated RD105, RD181, RD142, RD150, and RD239, using microarray-based hybridization, PCR, and DNA sequencing and assessed the associations between the RD deletions and the clinical characteristics of the patients using chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression model. Of the 648 isolates, 18 (2.8%) had the RD239 deletion and 39 (6.0%) had the RD105 deletion. The deletions of RD142, RD150, and RD181 subdivided the isolates with the RD105 deletion into four groups comprising a group with concurrent deletions of RD105, RD181, and RD142 (n= 13); a group with concurrent deletions of RD105, RD181, and RD150 (n= 5); a group with concurrent deletions of RD105 and RD181 (n= 13); and a group with a deletion of RD105 only (n= 8). Extrathoracic tuberculosis is statistically significantly associated with infection with the isolates with concurrent deletions of RD105, RD181, and RD142 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58, 5.90) and the isolates with concurrent deletions of RD105, RD181, and RD150 (adjusted OR = 11.09; 95% CI = 4.27, 28.80), after controlling for the previously identified risk factors for extrathoracic tuberculosis (human immunodeficiency virus serostatus, race, gender, and the genotype of theplcDgene). These two combinations of RD deletions have the potential for predicting the clinical presentation ofM. tuberculosisinfection in the human host.
Group A Streptococci from Invasive-Disease Episodes in Poland Are Remarkably Divergent at the Molecular Level
Authors: Szczypa Katarzyna , Sadowy Ewa , Izdebski Radoslaw , Strakova Lenka , Hryniewicz Waleria
Published: November 2006

Forty-one clinical isolates of group A streptococcus (GAS) were recovered in Poland from patients with severe invasive infections and were analyzed by phenotypic and genotypic techniques. All isolates were characterized by determining their susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents and by determining their types by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing,
emm
typing, and the detection of five streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin genes (
speA
,
speB
,
speC
,
speF
,
ssa
). The isolates studied were fully susceptible to penicillin G, levofloxacin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, and linezolid. Resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin was detected in 46.3, 12.1, and 9.8% of the isolates, respectively. A total of 23 different
emm
sequence types were identified, of which
emm1
and
emm12
(19.5% each) were the most common, followed by
emm81
,
emm44/61
, and
emm85
. All the
emm1
isolates had the
speA2
allele. Twenty-three unrelated sequence types (STs) were identified, with the most frequent STs, ST28 and ST36, corresponding to
emm1
and
emm12
, respectively. Six newly found STs (STs 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, and 385) corresponded to
emm
types 74, 102, 77, 76, 84 and 63, respectively. The
emm1
type and the presence of
speA2
gene were associated with the severity of GAS infections. This work presents the first molecular study on Polish invasive GAS isolates.
Beijing Genotype of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Is Significantly Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Multidrug Resistance in Cases of Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Caws Maxine , Thwaites Guy , Stepniewska Kasia , Lan Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Duyen Nguyen Thi Hong , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Huyen Mai Nguyet Thu , Duy Phan Minh , Loc Tran Huu , Chau Tran Thi Hong , van Soolingen Dick , Kremer Kristin , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Chinh Nguyen Tran , Farrar Jeremy
Published: November 2006

Multidrug-resistant tuberculous meningitis is fatal without rapid diagnosis and use of second-line therapy. It is more common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Beijing genotype strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
are associated with drug resistance, particularly multidrug resistance, and their prevalence is increasing worldwide. The prevalence of Beijing genotype strains among
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates from the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-positive (
n
= 35) and HIV-negative (
n
= 187) patients in Ho Chi Minh City was determined. The Beijing genotype was significantly associated with HIV status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.95 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.38 to 6.44];
P
= 0.016), resistance to any drug (OR = 3.34 [95% CI, 1.87 to 5.95];
P
< 0.001) and multidrug resistance (Fisher's exact test;
P
= 0.001). The association of the Beijing genotype with drug resistance was independent of HIV status. This is the first report of Beijing genotype association with HIV status, which may be an association unique to tuberculous meningitis.
Molecular Characterization of Novel G5 Bovine Rotavirus Strains
Authors: Park Sung-Hee , Saif Linda J. , Jeong Cheol , Lim Guem-Ki , Park Sang-Ik , Kim Ha-Hyun , Park Su-Jin , Kim You-Jung , Jeong Jae-Ho , Kang Mun-Il , Cho Kyoung-Oh
Published: November 2006

Group A rotaviruses are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children as well as many domestic animals. The rotavirus genome is composed of 11 segments of double-stranded RNA and can undergo genetic reassortment during mixed infections, leading to progeny viruses with novel or atypical phenotypes. The aim of this study was to determine if the bovine group A rotavirus strains KJ44 and KJ75, isolated from clinically infected calves, share genetic features with viruses obtained from heterologous species. All 11 genes sequences of the KJ44 and KJ75 strains were sequenced and analyzed. The KJ44 VP4 had 91.7% to 96.3% deduced amino acid identity to the bovine related P[1] strain, whereas the KJ75 strain was most closely related to the bovine related P[5] strain (91.9% to 96.9% amino acid identity). Both KJ44 and KJ75 strains also contained the bovine related VP3 gene. The remaining 9 segments were closely related to porcine group A rotaviruses. The KJ44 and KJ75 strains showed high amino acid identity to the G5 rotaviruses, sharing 90.4% to 99.0% identity. In addition, these strains belonged to the NSP4 genotype B, which is typical of porcine rotaviruses and subgroup I, with the closest relationship to the porcine JL-94 strain. These results strongly suggest that bovine rotavirus strains with the G5 genotype occur in nature as a novel G genotype in cattle as a result of a natural reassortment between bovine and porcine strains.
Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Stool Specimens by Commercially Available Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assays
Authors: Louie L. , Simor A. E. , Chong S. , Luinstra K. , Petrich A. , Mahony J. , Smieja M. , Johnson G. , Gharabaghi F. , Tellier R. , Willey B. M. , Poutanen S. , Mazzulli T. , Broukhanski G. , Jamieson F. , Louie M. , Richardson S. ,   Ontario Laboratory Working Group for the Rapid Diagnosis of Emerging Pathogens
Published: November 2006

Three commercially available real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assays (the Artus RealArt HPA coronavirus LightCycler, the Artus RealArt HPA coronavirus Rotor-Gene, and the EraGen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus POL assay) and three RNA extraction methodologies were evaluated for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus RNA from 91 stool specimens. The assays' sensitivities were highest (58% to 75%) for specimens obtained 8 to 21 days after symptom onset. The assays were less sensitive when specimens were obtained less than 8 days or more than 21 days after the onset of symptoms. All assays were 100% specific.
Differentiation of Mycobacterial Species by
hsp65
Duplex PCR Followed by Duplex-PCR-Based Restriction Analysis and Direct Sequencing
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ju , Mun Ho-Suk , Kim Hong , Oh Eun-Ju , Ha Youngju , Bai Gill-Han , Park Young-Gil , Cha Chang-Yong , Kook Yoon-Hoh , Kim Bum-Joon
Published: November 2006

Here we describe a novel duplex PCR method which can differentiate
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) strains by amplifying
hsp65
DNAs of different sizes (195 and 515 bp, respectively). The devised technique was applied to 54 reference and 170 clinical isolates and differentiated all strains into their respective groups with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, a duplex PCR-restriction analysis (duplex PRA) and a direct sequencing protocol were developed to differentiate NTM strains at the species and subspecies levels based on previously reported
hsp65
DNA sequences (H. Kim et al., Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 55:1649-1656, 2005) and then applied to 105 NTM clinical isolates. All NTM isolates were clearly differentiated at the species and subspecies levels by subsequent procedures (PRA or direct sequencing) targeting 515-bp NTM duplex PCR amplicons. Our results suggest that novel duplex PCR-based methods are sensitive and specific for identifying mycobacterial culture isolates at the species level.
Cholera Due to Altered El Tor Strains of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 in Bangladesh
Authors: Nair G. Balakrish , Qadri Firdausi , Holmgren Jan , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Safa Ashrafus , Bhuiyan Nurul A. , Ahmad Q. Shafi , Faruque Shah M. , Faruque A. S. G. , Takeda Yoshifumi , Sack David A.
Published: November 2006

We determined the types of cholera toxin (CT) produced by a collection of 185
Vibrio cholerae
O1 strains isolated in Bangladesh over the past 45 years. All of the El Tor strains of
V. cholerae
O1 isolated since 2001 produced CT of the classical biotype, while those isolated before 2001 produced CT of the El Tor biotype.
First Reported Case of Dialysis-Related Peritonitis Due to
Escherichia vulneris
Authors: Senanayake Sanjaya N. , Jadeer Assad , Talaulikar Girish S. , Roy Jhumur
Published: November 2006

Escherichia vulneris
is a recently identified environmental organism that can colonize humans and animals. To date, very few infections with
E. vulneris
have been reported. This is the first reported case of peritonitis due to
E. vulneris
in the setting of peritoneal dialysis.
Comparison between the Gen-Probe Transcription-Mediated Amplification
Trichomonas vaginalis
Research Assay and Real-Time PCR for
Trichomonas vaginalis
Detection Using a Roche LightCycler Instrument with Female Self-Obtained Vaginal Swab Samples and Male Urine Samples
Authors: Hardick Andrew , Hardick Justin , Wood Billie Jo , Gaydos Charlotte
Published: November 2006

This study compared two assays for
Trichomonas vaginalis
detection, Gen-Probe's transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay for
Trichomonas vaginalis
and BTUB FRET PCR, using self-obtained clinical samples from 611 patients. Infection status was defined as two positive results by two different tests. The initial TMA assay sensitivity was 96.7%; specificity was 97.5%. The TMA assay was comparable to BTUB FRET PCR.
Identification of a
Streptococcus agalactiae
Serotype III Subtype 4 Clone in Association with Adult Invasive Disease in Hong Kong
Authors: Ip Margaret , Cheuk Edmund S. C. , Tsui Michelle H. Y. , Kong Fanrong , Leung T. N. , Gilbert Gwendolyn L.
Published: November 2006

Characterization of
Streptococcus agalactiae
serotype III isolates revealed a subtype 4 clone that has an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern and possesses a C-α protein, IS
1381
, and a novel sequence type (ST), ST 283, by multilocus sequence tagging. This clone was significantly associated with diseases caused by invasive strains from nonpregnant adults (
P
≤ 0.01, chi-square test) and was not present in the genital tracts of pregnant mothers.
Integrons Containing the VIM-2 Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene among Imipenem-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Strains from Different Chinese Hospitals
Authors: Yu Yun-Song , Qu Ting-Ting , Zhou Jian-Ying , Wang Jie , Li Hong-Yang , Walsh Timothy R.
Published: November 2006

A total of 140 nonrepetitive strains of imipenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were isolated from five different Chinese hospitals. Fourteen isolates were confirmed to contain the VIM-2 metallo-β-lactamase gene. Twelve isolates harbored two kinds of class 1 integron, containing both VIM-2- and aminoglycoside-resistant genes.
Simultaneous Amplification and Identification of 25 Human Papillomavirus Types with Templex Technology
Authors: Han Jian , Swan David C. , Smith Sharon J. , Lum Shanjuan H. , Sefers Susan E. , Unger Elizabeth R. , Tang Yi-Wei
Published: November 2006

The majority of existing human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping assays are based on multiplex PCR using consensus or degenerate primers. We developed a Templex HPV assay that simultaneously detects and identifies 25 common HPV genotypes in a single-tube reaction using type-specific primers for the HPV-specific E6 and E7 genes. The analytical sensitivities of the Templex assay for HPV type 16 (HPV-16), -18, and -56 were 20, 100, and 20 copies per reaction mixture, respectively. The Templex assay provides semiquantitative information on each type when multiple HPV types coexist in one reaction. We tested 109 clinical cervical specimens previously evaluated with the Digene HC2 high-risk HPV DNA test and found 95.4% concordance between the assay results. The Templex assay provided type-specific results and found multiple types in 29.2% (14 of 48) of high-risk HPV-positive samples. The entire Templex procedure, including DNA extraction, can be completed within 5 hours, providing a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool for HPV detection and typing that is amenable to automation.
LEPTON NUMBER VIOLATION VIA INTERMEDIATE BLACK HOLE PROCESSES
Authors: DOUKAS JASON , RAI CHOUDHURY S. , JOSHI G. C.
Published: November 2006

Black holes at the TeV scale are investigated in the extra large dimension scenario. We interpret the lightest black hole excitation as a singlet scalar field, and show how interaction terms can be appended to the standard model at the dimension five non-renormalizable level. Lepton family number violation is natural in this model. Muon magnetic moment, and neutrino masses are investigated. We also present a quantization scheme in n dimensions.
STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY (SOFIA)
Authors: BECKLIN E. E. , TIELENS A. G. G. M. , CALLIS H. H. S.
Published: November 2006

The joint U.S. and German SOFIA project to develop and operate a 2.5-meter infrared airborne telescope in a Boeing 747-SP is now in its final stages of development. Flying in the stratosphere, SOFIA allows observations through the infrared and submillimeter region, with an average transmission of ≳ 80%. SOFIA is characterized by a wide instrument complement ranging from broadband imagers, through moderate resolution spectrographs capable of resolving broad features due to dust and large molecules, to high resolution spectrometers suitable for kinematic studies of molecular and atomic gas lines at km/s resolution. This broad range in instruments will enable SOFIA to make unique contributions to a broad array of science topics. First science flights will begin in 2009 and the observatory is expected to operate for over 20 years. The sensitivity, characteristics, science instrument complement, and examples of first light science are discussed.
COHERENT PAIR PRODUCTION IN DEFORMED CRYSTALS WITH A COMPLEX BASE
Authors: MKRTCHYAN A. R. , SAHARIAN A. A. , PARAZIAN V. V.
Published: November 2006

We investigate the coherent electron–positron pair creation by high-energy photons in a periodically deformed single crystal with a complex base. The formula for the corresponding differential cross-section is derived for an arbitrary deformation field. The conditions are specified under which the influence of the deformation is considerable. The case is considered in detail when the photon enters into the crystal at small angles with respect to a crystallographic axis. The results of the numerical calculations are presented for SiO 2 single crystal and Moliere parametrization of the screened atomic potentials in the case of the deformation field generated by the acoustic wave of S type. In dependence of the parameters, the presence of deformation can either enhance or reduce the pair creation cross-section. This can be used to control the parameters of the positron sources for storage rings and colliders.
SENSITIVE VERSUS CLASSICAL SINGULAR PERTURBATION PROBLEM VIA FOURIER TRANSFORM
Authors: MEUNIER N. , SANCHEZ-PALENCIA E.
Published: November 2006

We consider a class of singular perturbation elliptic boundary value problems depending on a parameter ε which are classical for ε > 0 but highly ill-posed for ε = 0 as the boundary condition does not satisfy the Shapiro–Lopatinskii condition. This kind of problems is motivated by certain situations in thin shell theory, but we only deal here with model problems and geometries allowing a Fourier transform treatment. We consider more general loadings and more singular perturbation terms than in previous works on the subject. The asymptotic process exhibits a complexification phenomenon: in some sense, the solution becomes more and more complicated as ε decreases, and the limit does not exist in classical distribution theory (it may only be described in spaces of analytical functionals not enjoying localization properties). This phenomenon is associated with the emergence of the new characteristic parameter |log ε|. Numerical experiments based on a formal asymptotics are presented, exhibiting features which are unusual in classical elliptic equations theory. We also give a Fourier transform treatment of classical singular perturbations in order to exhibit the drastic differences with the present situation.
Attitudes of US Obstetricians Toward a Combined Tetanus‐Diphtheria‐Acellular Pertussis Vaccine for Adults
Authors: Clark Sarah J. , Adolphe Soukaina , Davis Matthew M. , Cowan Anne E. , Kretsinger Katrina
Published: November 2006

Objective. To describe obstetricians′ perspectives related to tetanus‐diphtheria‐acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination of mothers and other adults in close contact with infants. Methods. Mail survey of national random sample of 400 obstetricians . Results. Response rate was 54%. Most respondents would likely recommend Tdap for women during the postpartum hospital stay (78%) or during pregnancy (69%) if a national recommendation was issued. Expected barriers were knowing the date of patients′ most recent Td booster (74%) and patient resistance (46%). Most felt that obstetricians have a role in promoting and administering Tdap vaccine to adults other than mothers likely to come in close contact with infants. Conclusion. Obstetricians are likely to agree with the recent provisional US recommendation to administer Tdap to postpartum mothers and other adults expected to come in close contact with infants. Obstetricians would also be likely to support a potential recommendation to administer Tdap during pregnancy. Barriers to adoption of new Tdap vaccine recommendations should be monitored.
Variable Weighted Ordered Subset Image Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Pan Jinxiao , Zhou Tie , Han Yan , Jiang Ming
Published: November 2006

We propose two variable weighted iterative reconstruction algorithms (VW‐ART and VW‐OS‐SART) to improve the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) and establish their convergence. In the two algorithms, the weighting varies with the geometrical direction of the ray. Experimental results with both numerical simulation and real CT data demonstrate that the VW‐ART has a significant improvement in the quality of reconstructed images over ART and OS‐SART. Moreover, both VW‐ART and VW‐OS‐SART are more promising in convergence speed than the ART and SART, respectively.
Minimal closed sets and maximal closed sets
Authors: Nakaoka Fumie , Oda Nobuyuki
Published: November 2006

Some properties of minimal closed sets and maximal closed sets are
obtained, which are dual concepts of maximal open sets and minimal open sets, respectively. Common properties of minimal closed sets and minimal open sets are
clarified; similarly, common properties of maximal closed sets and maximal
open sets are obtained. Moreover, interrelations of these four concepts are
studied.
Effect of time delay on a detritus‐based ecosystem
Authors: Gazi Nurul Huda , Bandyopadhyay Malay
Published: November 2006

Models of detritus‐based ecosystems with delay have received a
great deal of attention for the last few decades. This paper deals
with the dynamical analysis of a nonlinear model of a
detritus‐based ecosystem involving detritivores and predator of
detritivores. We have obtained the criteria for local stability of
various equilibrium points and persistence of the model system.
Next, we have introduced discrete time delay due to recycling of
dead organic matters and gestation of nutrients to the growth
equations of various trophic levels. With delay differential
equation model system we have studied the effect of time delay on
the stability behaviour. Next, we have obtained an estimate for
the length of time delay to preserve the stability of the model
system. Finally, the existence of Hopf‐bifurcating small amplitude
periodic solutions is derived by considering time delay as a
bifurcation parameter.
On the convergence of a Newton‐like method in ℝn and the use of Berinde′s exit criterion
Authors: Sen Rabindranath , Mukherjee Sulekha , Patra Rajesh
Published: November 2006

Berinde has shown that Newton′s method for a scalar
equation f(x) = 0 converges under some conditions involving only f and f′ and
not f″ when a generalized stopping inequality is valid. Later
Sen et al. have extended Berinde′s theorem to the case where the
condition that f′(x) ≠ 0 need not necessarily be true. In this
paper we have extended Berinde′s theorem to the class of
n‐dimensional equations, F(x) = 0, where
F : ℝn → ℝn,
ℝn
denotes the n‐dimensional Euclidean space. We have also assumed
that F′(x) has an inverse not necessarily at every point in the
domain of definition of F.
On the stability of generalized d′Alembert and Jensen functional equations
Authors: Kim Gwang Hui , Dragomir Sever S.
Published: November 2006

The aim of this paper is to study the stability problem of the generalized d′Alembert, Wilson, and Jensen functional equations.
A simplification functor for coalgebras
Authors: Kianpi Maurice , Jugnia Celestin Nkuimi
Published: November 2006

For an arbitrary‐type functor F, the notion of split coalgebras, that is, coalgebras for which the canonical projections onto the simple factor split, generalizes the well‐known notion of
simple coalgebras. In case F weakly preserves kernels, the passage from a coalgebra to its simple factor is functorial. This is the simplification functor. It is left adjoint to the
inclusion of the subcategory of simple coalgebras into the category of F‐coalgebras, making it an epireflective one. If a product of split coalgebras exists, then this is split and preserved by the simplification functor. In
particular, if a product of simple coalgebras exists, this is simple too.
Convergence theorems for I‐nonexpansive mapping
Authors: Rhoades B. E. , Temir Seyit
Published: November 2006

We establish the weak convergence of a sequence of Mann iterates
of an I‐nonexpansive map
in a Banach space which satisfies Opial′s condition.
Generalized affine transformation monoids on Galois rings
Authors: Cao Yonglin
Published: November 2006

Let A be a ring with identity. The generalized affine transformation
monoid Gaff(A) is defined as the set of all
transformations on A of the form x ↦ xu + a
(for all x ∈ A), where u, a ∈ A. We study the algebraic
structure of the monoid Gaff(A) on a finite Galois ring A. The following results are obtained: an explicit description
of Green′s relations on Gaff(A); and an explicit description of the Schützenberger group of every ‐class, which is shown to be isomorphic to the affine
transformation group for a smaller Galois ring.
Internal Lifshitz tails for discrete Schrödinger operators
Authors: Najar Hatem
Published: November 2006

We consider random Schrödinger operators Hω acting on l2(ℤd). We adapt the technique of the periodic approximations used in (2003) for the present model to prove that the integrated density of states of Hω has a Lifshitz behavior at the edges of internal spectral gaps if and only if the integrated density of states of a well‐chosen periodic operator is nondegenerate at the same edges. A possible application of the result to get Anderson localization is given.
Cylindrical aggregates of 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachlorobenzimida‐carbocyanine amphiphilic derivatives: Structure‐related optical properties and exciton dynamics
Authors: Pugzlys A. , Hania P. R. , Augulis R. , Duppen K. , van Loosdrecht P. H. M.
Published: November 2006

The static and time‐resolved optical response of 5, 5′, 6, 6′‐tetrachlorobenzimidacarbocyanine chromophore‐based tubular double‐wall molecular aggregates is studied. The linear dichroism and absorption spectra have the same basic structure for all aggregates investigated essentially showing a set of narrow and highly polarized bands originating from inner and outer wall excitations. The exact positions and strengths of absorption bands are influenced by the choice of side groups and various additives. Time‐resolved fluorescence measurements show a substantial speeding of the fluorescence decay upon aggregation, mainly resulting from collective effects. Pump‐probe experiments evidence slow inner‐to‐outer and fast outer‐to‐inner wall energy transfers between the walls of the tubules.
Dye‐sensitized solar cells and solar module using polymer electrolytes: Stability and performance investigations
Authors: de Freitas Jilian Nei , Nogueira Viviane Carvalho , Ito Bruno Ieiri , Soto-Oviedo Mauro Alfredo , Longo Claudia , De Paoli Marco-Aurelio , Nogueira Ana Flávia
Published: November 2006

We present recent results on solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cell research using a polymer electrolyte based on a poly(ethylene oxide) derivative. The stability and performance of the devices have been improved by a modification in the method of assembly of the cells and by the addition of plasticizers in the electrolyte. After 30 days of solar irradiation (100 mW cm-2) no changes in the cell′s efficiency were observed using this new method. The effect of the active area size on cell performance and the first results obtained for the first solar module composed of 4.5 cm2 solid‐state solar cells are also presented.
Vascular Wall Maturation and Prolonged Angiogenic Effect by Endothelial-Specific Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Expression
Authors: Levanon Keren , Varda-Bloom Nira , Greenberger Shoshana , Barshack Iris , Goldberg Iris , Orenstein Arie , Breitbart Eyal , Shaish Aviv , Harats Dror
Published: November 2006

Background: The implementation of angiogenic gene therapy at clinics is hindered by the transience of the therapeutic effect. Recruiting vascular wall smooth muscle cells, a process termed ‘maturation’, can stabilize newly formed vessels. Objective: To induce angiogenesis followed by vessel maturation in a murine ischemic limb model by endothelial cell-specific promoter regulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Methods: We constructed adenoviral vectors containing angiogenic factors VEGF and PDGF-B regulated by a modified preproendothelin-1 (PPE-1-3x) promoter and investigated their angiogenic effect in a murine ischemic limb model. Results: VEGF gene therapy increased perfusion and the vessel density in the limb shortly after expression with PPE-1-3x promoter or cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter vectors, but only PPE-1-3xVEGF treatment exhibited a sustained effect. Expression of PDGF-B by PPE-1-3x promoter resulted in morphological maturation of the vasculature and further increased the perfusion, while nonspecific expression of PDGF-B with CMV promoter had no therapeutic effect. Regulation of dual therapy with VEGF and PDGF-B by PPE-1-3x promoter resulted in an early-onset, sustained angiogenic effect accompanied by vessel maturation. Conclusions: Systemic gene therapy with the angiogenic factors VEGF and PDGF-B under angiogenic- endothelial cell-specific regulation was effective in inducing functionally and morphologically mature vasculature.
Cognitive Function, Habitual Gait Speed, and Late-Life Disability in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002
Authors: Kuo Hsu-Ko , Leveille Suzanne G. , Yu Yau-Hua , Milberg William P.
Published: November 2006

Background: Both cognitive function and gait speed are important correlates of disability. However, little is known about the combined effect of cognitive function and gait speed on multiple domains of disability as well as about the role of gait speed in the association between cognitive function and late-life disability. Objective: To investigate (1) how cognition and habitual gait speed are related to late-life disability; (2) the role of habitual gait speed in the cognitiondisability association; and (3) the combined effect of cognitive function and habitual gait speed on late-life disability. Method: Participants (>60 years, n = 2,481) were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), and lower extremity mobility (LEM) was obtained by self-report. Cognitive function was measured by a 2-min timed Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), an executive function measure from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test. Habitual gait speed was obtained from a 20-foot timed walk. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between cognitive function and disability. Results: Cognitive function was associated with decreased likelihood for disability in each domain. The odds ratios (ORs) for disability in ADL, IADL, LSA, and LEM for each standard deviation (SD) increase in the DSST score were 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–0.64), 0.53 (95% CI = 0.42–0.67), 0.61 (95% CI = 0.47–0.79), and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.61–0.86), respectively, in the multi-variable models. After additional adjustment for habitual gait speed in the cognition-disability relationship, DSST score was no longer a significant correlate for LSA and LEM disability. The strength of the association between DSST score and disability in ADL/IADL was also diminished. The attenuated association between cognition and disability implies that limitation in gait speed likely mediates the association between cognitive function and disability. We found additive effects of cognition and habitual gait speed on late-life disability. The OR of disability in respective domains were lowest among participants with high-DSST score (high executive function) and with high gait speed. In contrast, the OR tended to be highest among participants with low-DSST score (low executive function) and low gait speed. Conclusion: Cognitive function was associated with multiple domains of disability. There was a joint effect of cognitive function and gait speed on late-life disability. This study also suggested that habitual gait speed partially mediated the inverse association between cognitive function and late-life disability, providing a mechanistic explanation in the context of disablement process.
From Receptive Field Dynamics to the Rate of Transmitted Information: Some Facets of the Thalamocortical Auditory System
Authors: Huetz Chloé , Edeline Jean-Marc
Published: November 2006

In this article, we first evaluate the literature describing reorganizations of auditory cortex topography after behavioral training. We then review the studies showing that receptive fields of auditory thalamocortical neurons express large dynamics in unanesthetized animals. During the time course of different behavioral training protocols, the frequency tuning curves of thalamocortical neurons can be selectively modified to code for the learned importance of acoustic stimuli. In other circumstances, when the vigilance state shifts from waking to sleep, the functional properties of thalamic and cortical neurons exhibit drastic modifications. Finally, we point out new lines of research. First, investigations describing the responses of neurons to communication signals (e.g. species-specific vocalizations) are important because they reveal how the thalamocortical auditory system processes biologically relevant sounds. Second, we suggest that the spike timing precision can largely increase the amount of information transmitted in the thalamocortical auditory system. This urges for more systematic studies in which the temporal organization of spike trains will be considered at presentation of natural stimuli.
Industry Social Analysis
Authors: Griffin Jennifer J. , Weber James
Published: November 2006

Scholars and practitioners have wondered and debated over the participation of business organizations in the corporate social environment as well as argued over the successes or limitations of such participation. The authors examined six firms' corporate social responsibility activities within the beer industry in an effort to identify and compare these firms' stakeholder relations. The results have implications in our understanding and assessment of corporate social responsibility practices both within and across business industry groups.
Human Rights and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Blanton Shannon Lindsey , Blanton Robert G.
Published: November 2006

The authors analyze the impact of human rights conditions on foreign direct investment (FDI). Extant literature in this area raises conflicting expectations. Although the “conventional wisdom” posits that repression creates a stable, compliant, and relatively inexpensive host for FDI, there are contending arguments that the protection of human rights reduces risk and contributes toward economic efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, the burgeoning “spotlight” regime may also punish firms who locate in repressive regimes. Conceptualizing FDI as a two-part process—the initial decision to invest and the subsequent decision of investment amount—the authors assess human rights as a determinant of FDI. Using a two-stage model, they test their hypotheses across developing countries for the years 1980 to 2003. They find that human rights are a significant determinant of the amount of FDI inflows.
Prison-Based Animal Programs
Authors: Furst Gennifer
Published: November 2006

Although animals appear to be increasingly incorporated into correctional programming, the field has failed to systematically study the phenomenon. The present research is an initial attempt to capture the extent to which these types of programs are being administered in U.S. prisons through a national survey of state correctional systems. The research regarding the potential therapeutic effects of animals and what we know about prison-based animal programs (PAPs) are reviewed. Among the results: The programs are in most states, are most commonly of a community service design that uses dogs, are more likely to involve male than female participants, and most were established after 2000. Livestock care/prison farms emerge as a unique type of PAP.
Setting Aside Criminal Convictions in Canada
Authors: Ruddell Rick , Winfree L. Thomas
Published: November 2006

Expunging a criminal conviction in the United States is a rare event and often limited to persons who committed offenses as juveniles or adult misdemeanants. Criminal convictions in Canada, however, are routinely set aside through pardons after offenders have demonstrated a period of crime-free behavior. Sealing an offender’s criminal record, the practice in Canada, is a significant step in his or her reentry into society and official acknowledgment of society’s forgiveness. This exploratory study of pardons in Canada has two clear findings: First, despite the relatively easy process, few individuals with criminal records make application for pardons. Second, of those who do apply, few applications are ever denied, and a very small percentage of successful applicants reoffend. Although setting aside criminal convictions seems inconsistent with the increasing use of collateral consequences for U.S. offenders, taking this approach might contribute to increased public safety in the long term by easing offender reintegration.
What Have We Acquired and What Should We Acquire in Divestiture Research? A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Brauer Matthias
Published: November 2006

In strategic management research, divestitures have mostly been treated as side aspects or mirror images of even broader phenomena such as corporate restructuring or mergers and acquisitions. The current article “unbundles” portfolio restructuring research by carving out the insights that have been generated on the specific industry and firm-level determinants of divestitures, the financial and organizational implications of divestitures, as well as the divestiture process since the 1980s. Through the consolidation of the dispersed knowledge on divestitures, its critical analysis, and the outline of novel avenues for future research, the article aims to reenergize divestiture research in management science.