bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Level Expression of Truncated Surface Antigen P50 of
Babesia gibsoni
in Insect Cells by Baculovirus and Evaluation of Its Immunogenicity and Antigenicity
Authors: Fukumoto Shinya , Xuan Xuenan , Kadota Kimie , Igarashi Ikuo , Sugimoto Chihiro , Fujisaki Kozo , Nagasawa Hideyuki , Mikami Takeshi , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: July 2003

Previously, we identified an immunodominant antigen, P50 of
Babesia gibsoni.
In the present study, the gene encoding the truncated P50 (rP50t) without a C-terminal hydrophobic region (29 amino acids [aa]) was expressed in insect cells by a recombinant baculovirus. The highly hydrophobic C-terminal 20-aa regions seems to be a transmembrane region, which was evidenced by the fact that rP50t was effectively secreted into the supernatant of insect cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of rP50t indicated that N-terminal 19 aa function as a signal peptide. The expression level of rP50t reached up to 2 mg per 10
8
cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus. The immunogenic property of rP50t was evaluated by an immunization test in mice. Mice immunized with rP50t induced a high-level antibody titer against the
B. gibsoni
merozoite. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to rP50t were produced in mice to determine the immunogenic regions of P50. The epitope(s) recognized by all five MAbs were located between aa 190 and 273, suggesting that the central part of P50 is a highly immunogenic region. The diagnostic potential of rP50t was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA was able to differentiate clearly (
P
< 0.0001) between
B. gibsoni
-infected dog serum and
B. canis
-infected dog serum or noninfected dog serum. Our results indicated that the rP50t may provide a useful potential immunogenic reagent for use in diagnosis and as a subunit vaccine to control
B. gibsoni
infection in dogs.
Infection by Gram-Negative Organisms via the Biliary Route Results in Greater Mortality than Portal Venous Infection
Authors: Jeyarajah D. Rohan , Kielar Mariusz L. , Frantz Nicole , Lindberg Guy , Lu Christopher Y.
Published: July 2003

Cholangitis requires bile duct obstruction and infection. Patients with cholangitis are often more affected than those with infections that reach the liver through the portal vein. We will attempt to study the influences of (i) route of entry and (ii) presence of bile duct obstruction on hepatic infection. C57BL/6 mice received injections ofEscherichia colior lipopolysaccharide into the obstructed bile duct or portal vein and were monitored for survival. Livers were assayed for bacteria, and cytokine mRNA was measured. In order to examine the effect of biliary obstruction on hepatic infection, animals were subjected to bile duct ligation 1 day prior to portal vein injection and were monitored for survival. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) forE. coliinjected into the bile duct was 50 CFU/animal; the LD50forE. coliinjected into the portal vein was 5 × 107CFU/animal. Initial hepatic delivery of bacteria was equivalent 1 h after injection into the bile duct or portal vein. However, by 24 h, a significantly greater amount of bacteria was recovered from the livers of the bile duct-injected group. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-1RA mRNA was expressed at greater levels in the bile duct-injected group. Prior bile duct ligation followed by portal vein injection resulted in a higher incidence of death than when sham operation was performed prior to portal vein injection. Our data suggest that the increased mortality from cholangitis, compared with that from other hepatic infections, is related to the different route of delivery of pathogen and the maladaptive response (possibly involving IL-10 and IL-1RA) to biliary obstruction itself.
Production and Characterization of a Human Recombinant Monoclonal Fab Fragment Specific for Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Desogus Alessandra , Burioni Roberto , Ingianni Angela , Bugli Francesca , Pompei Raffaello , Fadda Giovanni
Published: July 2003

A human recombinant monoclonal Fab fragment that specifically recognizes all the influenza A virus strains tested was produced in transformed
Escherichia coli
using the phage display technique. No strain of influenza B virus reacted with it. It was purified after four cycles of panning and by a single passage through an immunoaffinity column. About 1 mg of pure monoclonal antibody was obtained from 1 liter of culture medium in 3 working days. The Fab fragment reacted with a viral 27-kDa protein, which could reasonably be a matrix protein. Indirect immunofluorescence tests performed on virus-infected MDCK cells showed that this Fab fragment was at least equally efficient as other commercial monoclonal antibody-based systems in detecting influenza A viral infections. The potential advantages of human recombinant Fabs on murine monoclonal antibodies are discussed.
Changes in Avidity and Level of Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Sera of Patients Undergoing Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Pereira Arias-Bouda Lenka M. , Kuijper Sjoukje , Van Der Werf Anouk , Nguyen Lan N. , Jansen Henk M. , Kolk Arend H. J.
Published: July 2003

Much is known about specific antibodies and their titers in patients with tuberculosis. However, little is known about the avidity of these antibodies or whether changes in avidity occur during the progression of the disease or during treatment. The aims of this study were to determine the avidity of antibodies to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, to explore the value of avidity determination for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, and to study changes in levels of antibodies and their avidity during treatment. Antibody avidity was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with thiocyanate elution. Avidity indices and serum levels of immunoglobulin G to
M
.
tuberculosis
were determined for 22 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before and during treatment and for 24 patients with other pulmonary diseases. Antibody levels and avidity were both significantly higher in untreated tuberculosis patients than in the controls. Avidity determination had more diagnostic potential than determination of the antibody levels. Tuberculosis patients with a long duration of symptoms had higher antibody avidity than those with a recent onset of symptoms, indicating affinity maturation of specific antibodies during active disease. In the early phase of treatment, a decrease in antibody avidity was observed for 73% of all tuberculosis patients, accompanied by an initial increase in antibody levels in 36% of these patients. These phenomena could be explained by an intense stimulation of the humoral response by antigens released from killed bacteria, reflecting early bactericidal activity of antituberculous drugs leading to the production of low-affinity antibodies against these released antigens.
Beyond the Food Web Connections to a Deeper Industrial Ecology
Authors: Spiegelman Jonah
Published: July 2003

Industrial ecology is a school of thought based, in part, upon a simple analogy between industrial systems and ecological systems in terms of their material and energy flows. This article argues for a more sophisticated connection between these diverse systems based on the fact that they are all complex self‐organizing systems, operating far from thermodynamic equilibrium. As such, industrial and ecological systems have in common certain constraints and dynamic properties that move beyond the central metaphor of industrial ecology and could align these systems under a more comprehensive analytical framework. If incorporated at a fundamental level, the complex systems framework could add depth and sophistication to the field of industrial ecology.
The Biomass Metabolism of the Food System: A Model‐Based Survey of the Global and Regional Turnover of Food Biomass
Authors: Wirsenius Stefan
Published: July 2003

The food and agriculture system is among the largest anthropogenic activities in terms of appropriation of land and biological primary production, as well as alteration of the grand biogeochemical cycles of carbon, water, and nitrogen. Despite its importance in these respects, physically coherent descriptions and analyses of the food and agriculture system regarding the total turnover of fundamental flows (such as biomass) and resource use and efficiency of critical processes (such as animal food production) are relatively scarce.

This article presents a survey of the current flows of biomass in the food and agriculture system. The survey gives a mass‐ and energy‐balanced description of biomass from its production on cropland and grassland through its transformations into animal and vegetable food products to its final conversion into respiratory heat, feces, and other residues. This assessment was carried out by means of a physical model that, for eight world regions, calculates the necessary production of crops and other phytomass (plant biomass) from a prescribed end use of food, efficiency in food production and processing, and use of system‐internal by‐products and residues as feed, feedstock, and food.

The global appropriation of terrestrial phytomass production by the food system was estimated to be some 13 Pg (1.43 × 1010 short tons) dry matter, or 230 EJ (2.18 × 1017 Btu) gross energy (higher heating value), per year in 1992‐1994. Of this phytomass, about 8% ended up in food commodities eaten. Animal food systems accounted for roughly two‐thirds of the total appropriation of phytomass, whereas their contribution to the human diet was about 13% (both on a gross energy basis). The ruminant meat systems were found to have a far greater influence than any other subsystem on the food system's biomass metabolism, primarily because of the lower feed‐conversion efficiency (calculated as carcass produced by total feed intake, including pasture and other human‐inedible feedstuffs) of those systems.
Emerging Markets for Ecosystem Services: Individuals, Cases, and Analytical Frameworks
Authors: Gentry Bradford S.
Published: July 2003

The New Economy of Nature: The Quest to Make Conservation Profitable, by G. C. Daily and K. Ellison
Corrected TOGA COARE Sounding Humidity Data: Impact on Diagnosed Properties of Convection and Climate over the Warm Pool
Authors: Ciesielski Paul E. , Johnson Richard H. , Haertel Patrick T. , Wang Junhong
Published: July 2003

This study reports on the humidity corrections in the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) upper-air sounding dataset and their impact on diagnosed properties of convection and climate over the warm pool. During COARE, sounding data were collected from 29 sites with Vaisala-manufactured systems and 13 sites with VIZ-manufactured systems. A recent publication has documented the characteristics of the humidity errors at the Vaisala sites and a procedure to correct them. This study extends that work by describing the nature of the VIZ humidity errors and their correction scheme. The corrections, which are largest in lower-tropospheric levels, generally increase the moisture in the Vaisala sondes and decrease it in the VIZ sondes.

Use of the corrected humidity data gives a much different perspective on the characteristics of convection during COARE. For example, application of a simple cloud model shows that the peak in convective mass flux shifts from about 8°N with the uncorrected data to just south of the equator with corrected data, which agrees better with the diagnosed vertical motion and observed rainfall. Also, with uncorrected data the difference in mean convective available potential energy (CAPE) between Vaisala and VIZ sites is over 700 J kg−1; with the correction, both CAPEs are around ∼1300 J kg−1, which is consistent with a generally uniform warm pool SST field. These results suggest that the intensity and location of convection would differ significantly in model simulations with humidity-corrected data, and that the difficulties which the reanalysis products had in reproducing the observed rainfall during COARE may be due to the sonde humidity biases.

The humidity-corrected data appear to have a beneficial impact on budget-derived estimates of rainfall and radiative heating rate, such that revised estimates show better agreement with those from independent sources.
The Role of Information and Communications Technology Inputs
Authors: O'Mahony Mary
Published: July 2003

The impact of recent advances in information technology on output and productivity growth has been one of the key research questions in the past few years. A consensus has emerged that the use of information and communications technology (ICT) capital has had a significant impact on aggregate economy-wide labour productivity growth through the capital deepening channel in the United States in the 1990s (see the discussion and references in the papers below). Evidence is also emerging of a delayed but nonetheless significant impact in European and other OECD economies. These findings have stimulated additional research using microeconomic data focusing on both the industry or company level.
Evaluation of the HiFocus® electrode array with positioner in human temporal bones
Authors: Aschendorff Antje , Klenzner Thomas , Richter Bernhard , Kubalek Ralf , Nagursky Heiner , Laszig Roland
Published: July 2003

The aim of the study presented was to assess the insertion mode and possible intracochlear trauma after implantation of the HiFocus® electrode with positioner in human temporal bones. The study was performed in five freshly frozen temporal bones. The position of electrodes was evaluated using conventional X-ray analysis, rotational tomography and histomorphological analysis. Insertion of the HiFocus® electrode with positioner resulted in considerable trauma to fine cochlear structures including fracture of the osseous spiral lamina, dislocation of the electrode array from the scala tympani into the scala vestibuli and fracture of the modiolus close to the cochleostomy. The implication of the results regarding clinical outcome will be discussed.
Kinetics of Metallic Electrochemical Impregnation of Porous Anodic Oxidation Layer of 1050 and 2024 Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Arurault L. , Bes R.S.
Published: July 2003

Logarithmic growth kinetics with a rate law similar to the Elovich law account for metallic alternating‐current electrochemical impregnation of the porous part of the anodised layer on aluminum alloys 1050A and 2024T3. The relation is based on the assumption that the rate of the limiting step decreases as a function of the amount of metal already deposited, which exerts a hindering effect on the reduction of aquatized metal cations; it is valid independent of the structure of the porous layer (columnar or spongy) and the deposited metal (Ni or Zn).
Titanium and Titanium Alloys—From Raw Material to Semi‐finished Products
Authors: Sibum H.
Published: July 2003

With a total of 0.6 %, titanium ranks fourth among metals, behind iron, aluminum, and magnesium, and ninth among all elements in the Earth’s crust. However, even today it has not yet lost the air of an exotic and expensive material. The majority of titanium is used as oxide (about 95 %) in the paint industry as whitener or filler material. Not many people are aware of the fact that titanium as oxide is part of everyday life, e.g., in toothpaste, white paint, sun blockers, etc. The main reason behind the late use of titanium as a metal is the difficult and costly reduction of oxide to metal.
Titanium Alloys for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Peters M. , Kumpfert J. , Ward C.H. , Leyens C.
Published: July 2003

There is probably no other material more closely related to aerospace than titanium and its alloys. With a density of 4.5g/cm3, titanium alloys are only about half as heavy as steel or Ni‐based superalloys, yielding an excellent strength‐to‐weight ratio. Furthermore, they have exceptional corrosion resistance. The use of titanium alloys in the aerospace sector will be highlighted including airframe, engine, helicopter, and space applications.
A Method To Detect Viable Helicobacter pylori Bacteria in Groundwater
Authors: Flanigan Debbie , Rodgers Mark
Published: July 2003

The inability to detect the presence of viable Helicobacter pylori bacteria in environmental waters has hindered the public health community in assessing the role water may play in the transmission of this pathogen. This work describes a cultural enrichment method coupled with an H. pylori‐specific PCR to identify these bacteria in water. While far from perfected at the present time, this represents an exciting new approach to studying the significance of water as a transmission mechanism for H. pylori. Evidence is presented that indicates culturable H. pylori bacteria were found using this enrichment/PCR method in a local groundwater source.
Stady‐state and Dynamical Simulation of an Autothermal Gasoline Reformer
Authors: Springmann S. , Bohnet M. , Sommer M. , Himmen M. , Eigenberger G.
Published: July 2003

Detailed numerical simulation is an important tool for the analysis, development and optimization of new reactor systems. In this contribution results of steady‐state and dynamic simulations of a hydrogen production system for mobile applications based on gasoline are presented. The system consists of an autothermal reformer, a high temperature shift reactor and a countercurrent heat exchanger for heat integration. The simulations are based on 1‐D, multiphase, dynamic models, which are solved with the simulation tool PDEX‐Pack. Firstly steady‐state and dynamic simulations of the autothermal reformer alone are presented. Concentration and temperature profiles in the reformer under different operation conditions are discussed and possibilities to improve the performance are assessed. Dynamic simulations of load change and cold start show the fast dynamic response of the reformer due to its low thermal mass. Simulations of the coupled system underline the impact of the heat exchanger design for the system performance, especially under dynamic conditions. Finally dynamic simulations of a possible cold start strategy for the system are discussed.
Selective Hydrogenation of 1‐Butene Rich Cuts: the Impact of the Intraparticle Diffusion Limitations on the Selectivity
Authors: Bressa S.P. , Alves J.A. , Martínez O.M. , Barreto G.F.
Published: July 2003

The impact of intraparticle diffusion limitations on the selectivity of an industrial reactor for selective hydrogenation of 1‐butyne and 1,3‐butadiene contained in 1‐butene rich cuts was evaluated. To this end, a simple model of a trickle‐bed reactor was employed and actual process operating conditions were chosen. A kinetic model was chosen whose parameters correspond to a commercial catalyst. These parameters were calculated from experiments conducted under industrial operating conditions. The complex diffusion and reaction phenomena occurring inside catalyst pellets placed at different depths of the reactor are comprehensively described. 1‐Butene losses in the range 20–30 %, which are usual in commercial plants, were predicted. It was concluded that the operating pressure is crucial for enhancing process selectivity.
The Droplet Population Balance Model – Estimation of Breakage and Coalescence
Authors: Simon M. , Schmidt S.A. , Bart H.‐J.
Published: July 2003

A droplet population balance model is employed in order to describe the hydrodynamic behavior of solvent extraction columns. This model describes the axial change of local column holdup and local droplet size distributions due to the basic phenomena, like droplet rising, axial dispersion, droplet breakage and coalescence. In order to reduce experimental efforts, single and swarm droplet experiments in small lab‐scale devices were performed. For this, a rotating disc contactor (RDC) with one compartment and a Venturi tube were used to investigate droplet breakage and droplet coalescence. In case of breakage the experiments were made for different droplet sizes at different rotor speeds for the EFCE system toluene/water, whereas the investigations of the coalescence phenomena depending on droplet size and holdup were done with the EFCE system n‐butylacetate/water.
Metallobiliverdin Radicals—DFT Studies
Authors: Szterenberg Ludmiła , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław , Wojaczyński Jacek
Published: July 2003

Several aspects of the molecular and electronic structure of biliverdin derivatives have been studied using density functional theory (DFT). The calculations have been performed for complexes of trianion (BvO2)3− and dianion [BvO(OH)]2−, derived from two tautomeric forms of biliverdin, BvO2H3 and [BvO(OH)]H2, with redox innocent metal ions: lithium(I), zinc(II), and gallium(III). One‐electron‐oxidized and ‐reduced forms of each complex (cation and anion radicals) have been also considered. The molecular structures of all species investigated are characterized by a helical arrangement of tetrapyrrolic ligands with the metal ion lying in the plane formed by the two central pyrrole rings. The spin density distribution in four types of metallobiliverdin radicals—[(BvO2.)Mn+]n‐2, [{BvO(OH).}Mn+]n‐1 (cation radicals), [(BvO2.)Mn+]n‐4, [{BvO(OH).}Mn+]n‐3 (anion radicals)—has been investigated. In general, the absolute values of spin density on meso carbon atoms were larger than for the β‐carbon atoms. Sign alteration of spin density has been found for meso positions, and also for the β‐carbon atoms of at least two pyrrole rings. The calculated spin density maps accounted for the essential NMR spectroscopic features of iron biliverdin derivatives, including the considerable isotropic shifts detected for the meso resonances and shift alteration at the meso and β‐positions.
Cover Picture: Role of Temperature in Controlling Performance of Photorefractive Organic Glasses (ChemPhysChem 7/2003)
Authors: Ostroverkhova Oksana , He Meng , Twieg Robert J. , Moerner W. E.
Published: July 2003

The cover picture shows the underlying mechanism and one of the applications of the photorefractive effect, which produces a spatial modulation of the refractive index of a material under nonuniform illumination. As illustrated on the right side, the photorefractive effect begins with light and dark fringes produced by intersecting laser beams, which, in the presence of an applied electric field E0, produce charge separation. The mobile charges (primarily holes) move and eventually trap in dark regions, leading to a space–charge electric field (green). This field produces a refractive index change, that is, a hologram that can diffract light. A key feature of the effect is that it leads to asymmetric energy transfer between the two beams incident on the material. An application of this effect is image amplification, which is demonstrated on the top left side of the picture where the image of the number 5, carried by a weak beam, is amplified in the presence of a strong beam. Among the best photorefractive materials developed thus far are organic, amorphous glasses, the properties of which depend critically on the glass transition temperature (Tg) and photoconductivity (σph), as well as polarizability anisotropy (Δα) and hyperpolarizability (β) of the molecules. The picture shows the structure of the photoconductive, nonlinear optical chromophore DCDHF‐6 that forms a high‐performance low‐molecular weight photorefractive glass. The detailed properties of several photorefractive glasses containing DCDHF derivatives are described in the article by Ostroverkhova et al. on page 732.
The Electrochemically Initiated Reaction of Sulfide with N,N‐Diethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine in Dimethylformamide. Part II: Implications for Sensing Strategies
Authors: Giovanelli Debora , Lawrence Nathan S. , Klymenko Oleksiy V. , Jiang Li , Jones Timothy G. J. , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2003

The electrochemically initiated reaction of p‐phenylenediamines with sulfide in aqueous media is well documented. We now report the adaptation of this chemistry into nonaqueous media. This is critically appraised as a means of detecting sulfide. The electrochemically initiated reaction of N,N‐diethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine with sulfide is shown at both macro‐ and platinum microdisk electrodes with quantitative detection of sulfide produced by means of the enhanced currents observed upon its addition. The linear detection range for sulfide is dependent on the concentration of N,N‐diethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine present with a linear range from 28–3290 μM and a limit of detection of 22 μM achievable. This represents a large increase compared to that found previously in aqueous media and offers the prospect of more ready applications in high temperature systems.
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Impedance Study of Glucose Oxidation on a Nickel Hydroxide Modified Au Electrode in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Xiang CanHui , Xie QingJi , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: July 2003

The electrochemical quartz crystal impedance (EQCI) technique has been applied to investigate glucose oxidation on bare and Ni(OH)2‐modified Au electrodes in 0.2 mol L−1 KOH aqueous solution. The EQCI responses suggest different contributions of H+‐release and OH−‐incorporation reactions of the Ni(OH)2‐film redox process in 0.2 mol L−1 aqueous KOH at different potentials. Glucose adsorption on the Ni(OH)2‐modified Au electrode was studied. A mechanism for potential cyclic redox process of glucose at Ni(OH)2‐modified Au electrode is suggested, mainly based on a comparative EQCI analysis with direct glucose oxidation on bare gold and glucose ad‐/desorption on Ni(OH)2 film.
Quantitative capillary zone electrophoresis of inorganic anions
Authors: Paull Brett , King Marion
Published: July 2003

Despite the availability of commercial capillary electrophoresis systems for over ten years, where quantitative analysis is required, capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) has often failed to replace ion chromatography as the method of choice for a large number of analytes, not least inorganic anions. To investigate the reasons for this apparent failing, a review is presented of work that has been carried out to‐date involving the quantitative application of CZE to the determination of inorganic anions in industrial and environmental samples. This review summarizes work both investigating and improving the quantitative aspects of the CZE of inorganic anions. A complete survey of how CZE has been applied to the determination of inorganic anions in real samples is given, including what, if any, analytical performance parameters were investigated and quoted, and if quality assurance data and validation methods were briefly considered, thoroughly investigated or simply ignored.
Capillary electrophoresis determinations of trace concentrations of inorganic ions in large excess of chloride: Soft modelling using artificial neural networks for optimisation of electrolyte composition
Authors: Muzikárcaron; Martin , Havel Josef , Macka Miroslav
Published: July 2003

In this work, using a combination of experimental design (ED) and artificial neural networks (ANN), the composition of a triethanolamine‐buffered chromate electrolyte was optimised for determination of sulphate anions in the presence of high chloride excess. The optimal electrolyte, allowing a baseline‐resolved separation of sulphate from chloride present in a 1500 multiple excess in less than 170 s, consists of 10 mmol/L CrO3, 2 mmol/L hexamethonium hydroxide, 10% methanol, and triethanolamine added to adjust the pH to 8.0. The method is suitable to a wide concentration range of chloride (4–1757 mg/L) and sulphate (4–590 mg/L) with linear calibration plots (R2 = 0.9937–0.9999). Relative standard deviations are less than 2.0% for both anions for migration times and peak areas. The detection limits (hydrodynamic injection of 1 s) were 0.6 mg/L for sulphate and 0.5 mg/L for chloride. The method was successfully applied to determination of sulphate in mineral waters containing a high chloride concentration and to determination of sulphate traces in an anticancer drug injection preparation containing a physiological level of chloride. It was shown that α‐cyclodextrin as an electrolyte additive has a significant potential for further increasing the separation selectivity for inorganic anions.
Tailoring the separation selectivity of metal complexes and organometallic compounds resolved by capillary electrophoresis using auxiliary separation processes
Authors: Boyce Mary C. , Haddad Paul R.
Published: July 2003

The use of auxiliary separation mechanisms to manipulate the separation selectivity of metal complexes and organometallic species is reviewed. Auxiliary separation mechanisms included in the review are micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography, ion‐pairing and ion‐exchange electrokinetic chromatography. This paper discusses how these secondary mechanisms can be effectively employed to tailor separation selectivity.
Analysis of inorganic and small organic ions with the capillary electrophoresis microchip
Authors: Willauer Heather D. , Collins Greg E.
Published: July 2003

Capillary electrophoresis microchip devices are receiving considerable attention due to their versatility, portability, and sample handling capabilities. This article is a comprehensive review of the analysis of inorganic and small, charged organic species on microchip platforms. The application of conductivity, amperometry, laser‐induced fluorescence, absorbance, and chemiluminescence detection methods are discussed. The potential utilization of these devices for miniaturized analytical systems is described.
Enhancement of detection sensitivity for indirect photometric detection of anions and cations in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Johns Cameron , Macka Miroslav , Haddad Paul R.
Published: July 2003

This review focuses on the indirect photometric detection of anions and cations by capillary electrophoresis. Special emphasis has been placed on the sensitivity of the technique and approaches taken to enhance detection limits. Theoretical considerations and requirements have been discussed, including buffering, detection sensitivity, separation of cations, and detector linearity. A series of tables detailing highly absorbing probes and the conditions of their use for indirect photometric detection are included.
The importance of capillary electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, and ion chromatography in separations of inorganic ions
Authors: Pacáková Věra , Coufal Pavel , Štulík Karel , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: July 2003

The importance of capillary electrophoresis (CE), capillary electrochromatography (CEC), and ion chromatography (IC) in inorganic ion analyses is outlined. Methods for improving the reliability of the CE measurements are briefly described. Selectivity optimization in CE analyses of inorganic cations and anions is discussed. Using the Peakmaster program, CE system peaks (system zones, eigenmobilites) and some important CE parameters, such as effective mobilities, electromigration dispersion, indirect UV, and direct conductivity signals, are predicted and compared with experimental analyses.
Tumor‐inhibiting platinum(II) complexes with aminoalcohol ligands: Comparison of the mode of action by capillary electrophoresis and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Hartinger Christian G. , Schluga Petra , Galanski Mathea Sophia , Baumgartner Christian , Timerbaev Andrei R. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: July 2003

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was used as an assay for studying the interaction of (SP‐4‐2)‐bis[(R)‐(–)‐2‐aminobutanol)dichloroplatinum(II) (1) and (SP‐4‐2)bis(4‐aminobutanol)dichloroplatinum(II) (2) with guanosine 5'‐monophosphate (GMP). CE kinetic measurements carried out at two physiological pH levels indicated that upon increasing the pH, 1 showed an appreciable change in binding behavior, with the rate of binding increased for more than 10 times as expressed by apparent half‐life values of GMP (6.1 and 62.2 h at pH 6.0 and 7.4, respectively). The rate of GMP binding for 2 remained comparatively less affected by pH (half‐lives of 8.5 and 10.6 h, respectively). Regardless of the nature of platinum complex and pH, the reaction with GMP tends to be decelerated at increased chloride concentrations in solution, this effect being particularly pronounced when changing from 4 mM (intracellular level) to 100 mM (extracellular level). The kinetic differences of platinum complexes were characterized in terms of the respective GMP‐adducts structure, independently identified by means of off‐line electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry. Also addressed was the interpretation of binding behavior as based on the structural features of the intact complexes, namely differing inclination to intramolecular chelation.
Capillary electrophoresis for short‐chain organic acids and inorganic anions in different samples
Authors: Galli Verónica , García Antonia , Saavedra Luis , Barbas Coral
Published: July 2003

This review article is a comprehensive survey of capillary electrophoresis methods developed for the measurement of short‐chain organic acids and inorganic anions in a wide variety of matrices, such as food and beverages, environmental, industry, and other applications, as well as clinical applications in body fluids such as urine, plasma or cerebrospinal fluid. Details of sample pretreatment and of electrophoretic conditions have been collected in tables, arranged by the type of matrix. Strategies employed for method development for the analysis of these compounds by capillary electrophoresis in real samples are discussed.
Biodegradation of the Water‐Soluble Gasoline Components in a Novel Hybrid Bioreactor
Authors: Goméz‐De‐Jesús A. , Lara‐Rodríguez Á. , Santoyo‐Tepole F. , Juárez‐Ramírez C. , Cristiani‐Urbina E. , Ruiz‐Ordaz N. , Galíndez Mayer J.
Published: July 2003

A novel hybrid bioreactor was designed to remove volatile organic compounds from water contaminated with water‐soluble gasoline components, and the performance of this new bioreactor was investigated. It was composed of two biotrickling filter sections and one biofilter section. The liquid phase pollutants were removed by a mixed culture in the biotrickling filter sections and the gas phase pollutants stripped by air injection in the biofilter section. The specific rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal obtained in the reactor were directly proportional to the pollutant‐loading rate. A stable operation of the hybrid bioreactor was attained for long periods of time. The bioreactor had the potential to simultaneously treat a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds, e.g., those present in the water‐soluble fraction of gasoline, as well as the capacity to readily adapt to changing operational conditions, such as an increased contaminant loading, and variations in the airflow rate.
Cognitive therapy for chronic depression
Authors: Riso Lawrence P. , Newman Cory F.
Published: July 2003

Recent literature indicates that there are important clinical differences between chronic and non‐chronic depression. This article considers the implications of these differences when conducting cognitive therapy (CT) with chronically depressed patients. CT with chronic patients requires a greater emphasis on combating hopelessness, helplessness, and perfectionism, addressing early life‐adverse experiences, and modifying maladaptive schemas. In addition, the effectiveness of CT may be enhanced by focusing on patients' poor social skills, ineffective reasoning skills, and their depressive identity. The case example presented illustrates CT with a chronically depressed patient. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
Family therapy and chronic depression
Authors: Keitner Gabor I. , Archambault Richard , Ryan Christine E. , Miller Ivan W.
Published: July 2003

Individuals with chronic depression report significant problems in multiple areas of their family functioning, suggesting the importance of combining family therapy with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of their depression. We describe a model of family functioning (the McMaster model) and therapy (the Problem‐Centered Systems Therapy of the Family) and its application in the treatment of a young woman with chronic depression. The key elements of the family treatment are a comprehensive assessment of the family, a systematic progression through defined treatment stages, an open, collaborative stance with the family, and a focus on the family's responsibility for change. Family therapy can aid the amelioration of depressive symptoms and improve the ability of family members to deal more effectively with the depression as well as a wider range of problems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
Effectiveness of psychotherapy and combination treatment for chronic depression
Authors: Arnow Bruce A. , Constantino Michael J.
Published: July 2003

Although considerable research has been conducted on the efficacy of psychotherapy for depression, with and without medication, relatively few studies have focused on chronic forms of depression. Approximately 20% of individuals with depression experience episodes that last for two years or longer. We review the controlled research on the effectiveness of treatments separately for dysthymia and chronic major depression, focusing on the practical implications of the research for clinicians. In trials conducted with dysthymics, medication has been superior to psychotherapy, with limited evidence that combined treatment has advantages over medication or psychotherapy alone. In chronic major depression, combined treatment has demonstrated significant superiority over medication or psychotherapy alone. Possible explanations for the discrepant findings among dysthymics and those with chronic major depression are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
Genetic characterisation of a hantavirus isolated from a laboratory‐acquired infection
Authors: Shi Xiaohong , McCaughey Conall , Elliott Richard M.
Published: July 2003

Seoul (SEO) viruses belong to the Hantavirus genus (family Bunyaviridae), cause the moderate form of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and have been associated with laboratory‐acquired infections in many countries. To investigate the pedigree of an isolate, designated IR461, which was obtained from a laboratory‐acquired infection in a UK research institute, we determined the nucleotide sequences of the small (S) and medium (M) genome segments. In addition, we determined the sequences of the S segments of two Chinese isolates (R22 and L99) and an American isolate (Tchoupitoulas [TCH]). The S segments range within 1769–1785 nucleotides in length and showed identities of >88% in nucleotide sequence and 97% in amino acid sequence to those of published S segment sequences. The M RNA segment of IR461 is 3651 nucleotides long and shows >84% identity at the nucleotide level and >98% at the amino acid level to the M segments of other SEO viruses. These data confirm that SEO viruses show the least diversity within the Hantavirus genus. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences showed geographic clustering of the Chinese SEO viruses, and that IR461 was more closely related to SEO viruses isolated in the New World than to those from the Far East. J. Med. Virol. 71:105–109, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential patterns of human cytomegalovirus gene expression in various T‐cell lines carrying human T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma virus type I: Role of tax‐activated cellular transcription factors
Authors: Beck Zoltán , Bácsi Attila , Liu Xiangdong , Ebbesen Peter , Andirkó István , Csoma Eszter , Kónya József , Nagy Etelka , Tóth Ferenc D.
Published: July 2003

Replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was investigated in various T‐cell lines expressing the tax gene product of human T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma virus type I (HTLV‐I). Differential patterns of HCMV replication were found in HTLV‐I‐carrying cell lines. HCMV gene expression was restricted to the immediate‐early genes in MT‐2 and MT‐4 cells, whereas full replication cycle of the virus was observed in C8166‐45 cells. Productive HCMV infection induced a cytopathic effect resulting in the lysis of infected cells. The results of electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed high levels of NF‐κB‐, CREB/ATF‐1‐, and SRF‐specific DNA binding activity in all Tax‐positive cell lines. In contrast, SP1 activity could be detected only in C8166‐45 cells. Using an inducible system (Jurkat cell line JPX‐9), a dramatic increase in NF‐κB, CREB/ATF‐1, SRF, and SP1 binding activity, as well as productive HCMV infection, were observed upon Tax expression. Overexpression of SP1 in MT‐2 and MT‐4 cells converted HCMV infection from an abortive to a productive one. These data suggest that the stimulatory effect of Tax protein on HCMV in T cells is accomplished through at least five host‐related transcription factor pathways. The results of this study provide possible mechanisms whereby HCMV infections might imply suppression of adult T‐cell leukemia. J. Med. Virol. 71:94–104, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spontaneous elimination of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in chronic HCV carriers: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Watanabe Hisayoshi , Saito Takafumi , Shinzawa Haruhide , Okumoto Kazuo , Hattori Etsuko , Adachi Tohru , Takeda Tadashi , Sugahara Kazuhiko , Ito Jun‐itsu , Saito Koji , Togashi Hitoshi , Suzuki Ryosuke , Hayashi Masahiro , Miyamura Tatsuo , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Kawata Sumio
Published: July 2003

The natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not been fully elucidated. To investigate whether HCV is spontaneously eliminated in chronic carriers, a long‐term population‐based cohort study was conducted on 435 chronic HCV carriers. Individual characteristics, serum HCV RNA, and liver function tests were analyzed, and ultra sonography (US) was performed in all subjects. Subjects were followed up for 7.2 ± 2.4 years (mean ± SD). Serum HCV RNA was spontaneously eliminated in 16/435 (3.7%) individuals during this period; thus, the incidence of spontaneous elimination of serum HCV RNA was 0.5%/year/person. Multivariate analysis revealed that both a low value of ZTT and no US finding of chronic liver disease were associated with spontaneous viral elimination in HCV carriers. Three of these 16 individuals had chronic hepatitis, and 13 of them had normal ALT levels. When the neutralization of binding (NOB) assay that evaluates inhibition of the HCV envelope‐2 protein binding to human cells was examined using sera from these 16 individuals, the NOB antibody was detected in only 3 cases with chronic hepatitis. These results suggest that serum HCV RNA is spontaneously eliminated in chronic HCV carriers in a population, and that the development of NOB antibody is associated with a natural resolution of chronic hepatitis in the minority of them. J. Med. Virol. 71:56–61, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral agents of acute gastroenteritis in German children: Prevalence and molecular diversity
Authors: Oh Djin‐Ye , Gaedicke Gerhard , Schreier Eckart
Published: July 2003

Acute gastroenteritis is a major source of morbidity and mortality among young children in developed and developing countries. Enteropathogenic viruses are regarded as particularly relevant causative agents. Between February 2001 and January 2002, fecal specimens were obtained from German children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis and examined for rotaviruses, Noroviruses, enteric adenoviruses, and astroviruses using (RT‐)PCR methods. Of the 59% (129/217) samples positive for ≥1 viral agent, 79% (102/129) carried rotavirus, whereas Norovirus was detected in 35% (45/129), enteric adenovirus in 14% (18/129), and astrovirus in 4% (5/129). Thirty‐eight specimens contained at least two enteropathogenic viruses, with the majority of coinfections attributable to rotavirus/Norovirus dual infections. Sequence analysis revealed a cocirculation of G1, G3, G4, and G9 type rotavirus with G1 being the most common and G9 the second most common rotavirus G‐type. Emergence of G9 rotaviruses in Germany may have implications for future vaccine development. A variety of Norovirus genotypes, most belonging to GGII, were found. Apart from subgenus F, adenovirus related genetically to subgenera A–C were detected. All astroviruses belonged to genotype 1. This is the first study concerning German children admitted to hospital that assesses the relative importance of these viruses by nested (RT‐) PCR methods. J. Med. Virol. 71:82–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Herpes simplex virus DNA in corneal transplants: Prospective study of 38 recipients
Authors: Robert Pierre‐Yves , Adenis Jean‐Paul , Denis François , Alain Sophie , Ranger‐Rogez Sylvie
Published: July 2003

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the eye can induce epithelial and stromal keratitis and may also lead to postoperative endothelial failure in keratoplasty. Clinical symptoms and/or virus culture of corneal scrapings most frequently provide the basis for diagnosis of ocular HSV infection, and although HSV DNA has been shown to be present in the cornea, its role in success or failure of corneal grafts remains unclear. In this study, a PCR assay was used to detect HSV DNA in corneal buttons of 38 corneal graft recipients and in donor scleral remnants, retaining one‐half of each sample for subsequent viral isolation. Recipients were followed up clinically for a period of 6 months after keratoplasty. All recipients but three were found to be HSV seropositive. Eight recipient corneal buttons contained detectable HSV DNA (7 HSV‐1, 1 HSV‐2, the latter case confirmed by viral culture). Two donor corneas were found positive for HSV‐1 DNA, with negative cultures, and endothelial graft failure occurred in one of the matching recipients after 4 months. One recipient with no history of herpes contracted herpetic keratitis 4 months after keratoplasty, even though the corneal button and donor scleral remnants contained no detectable HSV DNA. The study confirms previous observations of HSV DNA in the corneal tissue of HSV seropositive patients apparently unrelated to any clinical manifestation of herpes infection. However, as demonstrated by culture, HSV remains infectious and may therefore induce donor‐to‐host infection in corneal recipients. J. Med. Virol. 71:69–74, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 6 infection of human epidermal cell line: Pathogenesis of skin manifestations
Authors: Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Goshima Fumi , Akimoto Shiho , Ozaki Takao , Iwasaki Takuya , Kurata Takeshi , Asano Yoshizo , Nishiyama Yukihiro
Published: July 2003

In order to elucidate the pathogenesis of variant B human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) infection in skin tissues, an A431 cell line was inoculated with variant B HHV‐6. HHV‐6 causes abortive infection in the A431 cells, because neither late antigen (OHV‐3 antigen) nor progeny virus is produced. Maximum levels of HHV‐6 antigen (IEA/ex3 antigen)‐positive cells (36.4%) were observed 48 hr after viral infection. Cocultivation of HHV‐6‐infected cord blood mononuclear cells with A431 cells was necessary for the establishment of a sufficient level of viral infection. Cell‐to‐cell contact between the infected cord blood mononuclear cells and A431 cells was crucial for increasing infection efficiency. To determine the biological effect of HHV‐6 infection, flow cytometric analysis was carried out in HHV‐6‐ and mock‐infected A431 cells. Although no alteration was observed in VCAM‐1 and ELAM‐1 expression, that of HLA‐ABC, HLA‐DR, and ICAM‐1 was upregulated after infection with HHV‐6. J. Med. Virol. 71:62–68, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.