bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of Infection by Carbapenem-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Producing the Carbapenemase OXA-58 in Belgium
Authors: Bogaerts Pierre , Naas Thierry , Wybo Ingrid , Bauraing Caroline , Soetens Oriane , Piérard Denis , Nordmann Patrice , Glupczynski Youri 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates were obtained from 17 patients between September 2004 and August 2005 at the Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. These multidrug-resistant isolates, which belonged to a single clone, remained susceptible to colistin and tigecycline only and produced the carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase OXA-58. This study highlights the importance of the intercountry spread of this β-lactamase-mediated resistance mechanism and its epidemic evolution.
Molecular Characterization of Disease-Associated Streptococci of the Mitis Group That Are Optochin Susceptible
Authors: Balsalobre Luz , Hernández-Madrid Antonia , Llull Daniel , Martín-Galiano Antonio J. , García Ernesto , Fenoll Asunción , de la Campa Adela G. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Eight optochin-susceptible (Opt
s
) alpha-hemolytic (viridans) streptococcus isolates were characterized at the molecular level. These isolates showed phenotypic characteristics typical of both viridans streptococci and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. Comparison of the sequence of housekeeping genes from these isolates with those of
S. pneumoniae
,
Streptococcus mitis
,
Streptococcus oralis
, and
Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae
suggested that the Opt
s
isolates corresponded to streptococci of the mitis group. Besides, the Opt
s
streptococci were negative by a Gen-Probe AccuProbe pneumococcus test and hybridized with specific pneumococcal probes (
lytA
and
ply
) but also with
ant
, a gene not present in most
S. pneumoniae
strains. Moreover, the isolates were insoluble in 1% sodium deoxycholate but completely dissolved in 0.1% deoxycholate. Sequence analysis of the
lytA
gene revealed that the Opt
s
streptococci carried
lytA
alleles characteristic of those present in nonpneumococcal streptococci of the mitis group. The determination of the partial nucleotide sequence embracing the
atp
operon encoding the F
o
F
1
H
+
-ATPase indicated that the optochin susceptibility of the isolates was due to the acquisition of
atpC
,
atpA
, and part of
atpB
from
S. pneumoniae
by horizontal gene transfer.
Mixed Pulmonary Infection with
Strongyloides stercoralis
and
Blastomyces dermatitidis
Authors: Sciortino Carmen , Omar Rawhi , De La Cruz Rafael 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

We report the first case of mixed pulmonary infection with
Strongyloides stercoralis
and
Blastomyces dermatitidis
. Histopathology from the lung biopsy showed structures consistent with
B. dermatitidis
and
S. stercoralis
. A parasitology exam from a bronchi alveolar lavage yielded an immature rhabditiform larva and female worm. Fungal cultures grew
B. dermatitidis
.
Molecular Analysis of Clinical Isolates of
Mycobacterium bovis
Recovered from Humans in Italy
Authors: Lari Nicoletta , Rindi Laura , Bonanni Daniela , Tortoli Enrico , Garzelli Carlo 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

In order to achieve a better knowledge of
Mycobacterium bovis
epidemiology in Italy, 42 clinical isolates from humans were genotyped. Predominant molecular patterns were found in one cluster of 15 isolates sharing spoligotype (ST482), variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR), and IS
6110
-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (one 1.9-kb band) profiles and in two clusters of 6 and 3
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG isolates differing by one VNTR character. The remaining 18 isolates yielded unique profiles. Our results confirm the potential utility of spoligotyping and VNTR typing as a major typing system of
M. bovis
isolates.
Multiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for Determination of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes
Authors: Cook Linda , Sullivan KaWing , Krantz Elizabeth M. , Bagabag Arthur , Jerome Keith R. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

A variety of methods have been used to determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes. Because therapeutic decisions for chronic HCV-related hepatitis are made on the basis of genotype, it is important that genotype be accurately determined by clinical laboratories. Existing methods are often subjective, inaccurate, manual, time-consuming, and contamination prone. We therefore evaluated real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) reagents that have recently become commercially available (Abbott HCV Genotype ASR). The assay developed by our laboratory starts with purified RNA and can be performed in 4 to 5 h. An initial evaluation of 479 samples was done with a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method and the RT-PCR assay, and discrepant samples were sequenced. An additional 1,200 samples were then tested, and data from all assays were used to evaluate the efficiency and specificity of each genotype-specific reaction. Good correlation between results by the two methods was seen. Discrepant samples included those indeterminate by the RT-PCR assay (
n
= 110) and a subset that were incorrectly called 2a by the RFLP method (
n
= 75). The real-time RT-PCR assay performed well with genotype 1, 2, and 3 samples. Inadequate numbers of samples were available to evaluate fully genotypes 4, 5, and 6. Analysis of each primer-probe set demonstrated that weak cross-reactive amplifications were common but usually did not interfere with the genotype determination. However, in about 1% of samples, two or more genotypes amplified at roughly equivalent amounts. Further studies are necessary to determine whether these mixed-genotype samples are true mixtures or a reflection of occasional cross-reactive amplifications.
Pilot Study of a Commercialized Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotyping Assay: Comparison of HPV Risk Group to Cytology and Histology
Authors: Castle Philip E. , Sadorra Mark , Garcia Francisco , Holladay E. Blair , Kornegay Janet 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

We evaluated a commercialized PCR assay, Linear Array, that detects 37 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, using a sample of liquid cytology specimens (
n
= 534). We found a strong association of an increasing level of HPV risk (HPV type 16 [HPV16] > HPV18 > other carcinogenic types > noncarcinogenic types > negative specimens) with increasing severities of cytologic interpretations (
P
Trend
< 0.0005) and histologic diagnoses (
P
Trend
< 0.0005).
Analysis and Application of Sheppard’s Airflow Model to Predict Mechanical Orographic Lifting and the Occurrence of Mountain Clouds
Authors: Kleissl Jan , Honrath Richard E. , Henriques Diamantino V. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Mechanically driven orographic lifting is important for air pollution dispersion and weather prediction, but the small dimensions of mountain peaks often prevent numerical weather models from producing detailed forecasts. Mechanical lifting in stratified flow over mountains and associated thermodynamic processes were quantified and evaluated using Sheppard’s model to estimate the dividing-streamline height zt. The model was based on numerical weather model profile data and was evaluated using ground-based measurements on a tall, axisymmetric mountaintop for which the nondimensional mountain height hND = hN/U∞ is frequently between 1 and 10 (here h is mountain height, N is Brunt–Väisälä frequency, and U∞ is upstream horizontal wind speed). Sheppard’s formula was successful in predicting water vapor saturation at the mountaintop, with a false-prediction rate of 14.5%. Wind speed was found to be strongly related to the likelihood of forecast errors, and wind direction, season, and stratification did not play significant roles. The potential temperature (water vapor mixing ratio) at zt in the sounding was found to be slightly smaller (larger) than at the mountaintop, on average, indicating less lifting than predicted and/or turbulent mixing with higher-altitude air during parcel ascent. Detailed analysis revealed that this difference is a result of less lifting than predicted for small U∞/(Nh), whereas Sheppard’s model predicts the relative increase in uplift with increasing U∞/(Nh) correctly for U∞/(Nh) &gt; 0.2.
Indication of Successful Crystallization of Dry Gel into *BEA-type Zeolite
Authors: Inagaki Satoshi , Nakatsuyama Kei , Saka Yuji , Kikuchi Eiichi , Kohara Shinji , Matsukata Masahiko 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Tetraethylammonium (TEA+)-containing silicate dry gels exhibiting a maximum in the reflection peak at 2θ = 28° in an XRD pattern using Cu Kα radiation are always transformed into *BEA-type zeolite with steam-assisted crystallization.
Solid Phase Extraction and Spectrophotometric Determination of Trace Amounts of Thiocyanate in Real Samples
Authors: Ghaedi Mehrorang , Parham Hooshang , Moghadam Majid , Mortazavi Kianosh , Soylak Mustafa 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA simple, selective and rapid method for solid phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of thiocyanate using a manganese (III) tetrakis (p‐sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin, [Mn (TPPS) OAC] bound to Amberlite IR‐400 has been developed. The influence of pH, amount of solid phase, sample matrix, type and amount of eluting agent and flow rates i.e. variables affecting the efficiency of the extraction system were evaluated and conditions of the sample, eluting solution and active phase were optimized. The maximal capacity was found to be as 1.16 μg mL‐1 for 1200 mL. Thiocyanate ions can be eluted quantitatively with 8 mL 0.3 M ferric chloride. The enrichment factor was 150. The linear range of the determination is between 0.4‐2.0 μg mL‐1 for preconcentration method with a limit of detection of 2.8 ng mL‐1. The method has been successfully applied for determination of trace amounts of thiocyanate in tap water, saliva sample and a synthetic mixture.
Investigation of turbulence characteristics in a gas cyclone by stereoscopic PIV
Authors: Liu Zhengliang , Jiao Jinyu , Zheng Ying , Zhang Qikai , Jia Lufei 
Published: November 2006

AbstractStereoscopic particle image velocimetry (Stereo‐PIV) was used as the tool to observe the turbulence characteristics in a gas cyclone. In the cylindrical and conical parts of the cyclone, intensive fluctuation occurs in the inner quasi‐forced vortex, especially in its core where the precessing vortex core dominates. In the dust hopper, strong turbulence is observed at the interface between the downward flow and the upward flow, as well as in the centerline of the cyclone. Turbulence intensity in the tangential, axial, and radial directions and the Reynolds stresses are seen to be anisotropic: this anisotropy provides the evidence of more appropriateness of the Reynolds stress model (RSM) than the standard k‐ε model, and the renormalization‐group k‐ε model for numerical simulations in gas cyclones. Due to flow instability and back‐mixing caused by the turbulence, separated particles could disperse into and be re‐entrained by the upward flow from the bin to degrade the separation efficiency of the cyclone. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between two quantum dots with immunocomplexes of antigen and antibody as a bridge
Authors: Li Yabing , Ma Qiang , Wang Xinyan , Su Xingguang 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn this study, 573 nm quantum dots (QDs)‐rabbit IgG–goat anti‐rabbit IgG–638 nm QDs immunocomplexes were prepared, utilizing antigen–antibody interaction. 573 nm‐emitting QDs were conjugated to antigen (rabbit IgG) and 638 nm‐emitting QDs were conjugated to antibody (goat anti‐rabbit IgG) via electrostatic/hydrophilic self‐assembly, respectively. The mutual affinity of the antigen and antibody brought two kinds of QDs close enough to result in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between them; the luminescence emission of 573 nm QDs was quenched, while that of 638 nm QDs was enhanced. The luminescence emission of 573 nm QDs could be recovered when the immunocomplexes were exposed to the unlabelled rabbit IgG antigen. The FRET efficiency (E) and the distance between the donor and the acceptor were calculated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Singlet oxygen generation from lophine hydroperoxides
Authors: Kimura M. , Lu G. H. , Nishigawa H. , Zhang Z. Q. , Hu Z. Z. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSinglet oxygen was detected from the reaction of lophine hydroperoxides 2 in the presence of 1,3‐diphenyl‐isobenzofuran as a singlet oxygen detector. In order to examine the substituent effect on the formation of 1O2, 2‐(p‐substituted phenyl) lophine peroxides 2a–c were tested. It was found that an electron‐attracting group contributed to the efficient formation of 1O2 (80% for a NO2 group), while an electron‐donating group enhanced the efficiency of chemiluminescence. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequence‐specific purification of DNA oligomers in hydrophobic interaction chromatography using peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles: Extended dynamic range
Authors: Savard Jeffrey M. , Schneider James W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe present improvements on a previously reported method (Vernille JP, Schneider JW. 2004. Biotechnol Prog 20(6):1776–1782) to purify DNA oligomers by attachment of peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles (PNAA) to particular sequences on the oligomers, followed by their separation from unbound oligomers using hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). Use of alkyl‐modified HIC media (butyl and octyl sepharose) over phenyl‐modified media (phenyl sepharose) reduced the elution time of unbound DNA while not affecting the elution time of the PNAA/DNA complex. Modifying the alkane tail length for PNAA from C12 to C18 increased slightly the retention of PNAA/DNA duplexes. By combining these two refinements, we show that sequence‐specific purifications of DNA oligomers 60 bases in length or more can be achieved with high resolution, even when the PNAA alkane is attached to the center of the target strand. The insensitivity of the PNAA/DNA duplex binding to choice of HIC media appears to be due to a surface‐induced aggregation phenomenon that does not occur in the case of untagged DNA. We also report on the use of batch HIC as an adequate predictor of elution profiles in linear gradient HIC, and its potential to considerably reduce purification times by applying step gradients. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 367–376. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fusion to a pull‐down domain: a novel approach of producing Trigonopsis variabilisD‐amino acid oxidase as insoluble enzyme aggregates
Authors: Nahalka Jozef , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: November 2006

AbstractInsoluble protein particles showing high specific enzyme activity are potentially useful biocatalysts. The commercialized crosslinked enzyme crystals and aggregates have the disadvantage that their preparation requires isolation of the protein before the critical precipitation step. We introduce a novel concept of controlled precipitation in vivo in which the target enzyme is fused to the cellulose‐binding domain (CBD) of Clostridium cellulovorans, and expression in Escherichia coli is performed under conditions that induce selective pull down of the folded chimeric protein via intermolecular self‐aggregation of the CBD. The case of D‐amino acid oxidase from Trigonopsis variabilis shows that upon fusion of the CBD to its N‐terminus, the otherwise mainly soluble recombinant enzyme was quantitatively precipitated in protein particles, which displayed 40% of the specific activity of the highly purified oxidase. By contrast, inclusion bodies derived from an enzyme chimera, which harbored a C‐terminal peptide tag, showed only little oxidase activity (≤ 10%). The aggregated CBD retained the ability to bind microcrystalline cellulose and flocculated polysaccharide particles upon attachment to them. The cellulose‐bound oxidase was stabilized about 36 times against inactivation of the soluble enzyme during conversion of D‐methionine and bubble aeration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 454–461. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of Exocytosis in Chromaffin Cells by Trans‐Insertion of Lysophosphatidylcholine and Arachidonic Acid into the Outer Leaflet of the Cell Membrane
Authors: Amatore Christian , Arbault Stéphane , Bouret Yann , Guille Manon , Lemaître Frédéric , Verchier Yann 
Published: November 2006

AbstractVesicular exocytosis is an important complex process in the communication between cells in organisms. It controls the release of chemical and biochemical messengers stored in an emitting cell. In this report, exocytosis is studied amperometrically (at carbon fiber ultramicroelectrodes) at adrenal chromaffin cells, which release catecholamines after appropriate stimulation, while testing the effects due to trans‐insertion of two exogenous compounds (lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and arachidonic acid (AA)) on the kinetics of exocytotic events. Amperometric analyses showed that, under the present conditions (short incubation times and micromolar LPC or AA solutions), LPC favors catecholamine release (rate, event frequency, charge released) while AA disfavors the exocytotic processes. The observed kinetic features are rationalized quantitatively by considering a stalk model, for the fusion pore formation, and the physical constraints applied to the cell membrane by the presence of small fractions of LPC and AA diluted in its external leaflet (trans‐insertion). We also observed that the detected amount of neurotransmitters in the presence of LPC was larger than under control conditions, while the opposite trend is observed with AA.
Exploring the Dynamics of Calix[4]pyrrole: Effect of Solvent and Fluorine Substitution
Authors: Blas J. Ramón , López‐Bes Jose Maria , Márquez Manuel , Sessler Jonathan L. , Luque F. Javier , Orozco Modesto 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMolecular dynamics simulations show that calix[4]pyrrole (CP) and octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole (8F‐CP) are extremely flexible molecules. CP mainly adopts the 1,3‐alternate conformation in all the solvents, although the percentage of alternative conformations increases in polar solvents, especially those with good hydrogen‐bonding acceptor properties. However, in the case of 8F‐CP, the cone conformation is the most populated in some solvents. Transitions between conformers are common and fast, and both CP and 8F‐CP can adopt the cone conformation needed for optimum interaction with anions more easily than would be predicted on the basis of previous gas‐phase calculations. Furthermore, the present studies show that when a fluoride anion is specifically placed initially in close proximity to CP and 8F‐CP in their respective 1,3‐alternate conformations, an extremely fast change to the cone conformation is observed in both cases. The results suggest that preorganization does not represent a major impediment to anion‐binding for either CP or 8F‐CP, and that ion‐induced conformational changes can follow different mechanisms depending on the solvent and the chemical substituents present on the calix[4]pyrrole beta‐pyrrolic positions.
Design, Synthesis, and Delivery Properties of Novel Guanidine‐Containing Molecular Transporters Built on Dimeric Inositol Scaffolds
Authors: Maiti Kaustabh K. , Jeon Ock‐Youm , Lee Woo Sirl , Chung Sung‐Kee 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe have developed a novel class of synthetic molecular transporters that contain eight residues of guanidine with an inositol dimer as the scaffold. The dimers were prepared by connecting two units ofmyo‐ orscyllo‐inositol via a carbonate or amide linkage, and the multiple units of the guanidine functionality were constructed on the inositol scaffold by means of peracylation with ω‐aminocarboxylate derivatives of varying length. Bioassays based on confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analyses indicated that these transporters display a varying degree of membrane translocating ability, and the intracellular localization and mouse‐tissue distribution studies strongly suggested that these transporters undergo substantially different mechanistic processes from those of peptide transporters reported to date. It was also shown that doxorubicin, an anticancer antibiotic, can be efficiently delivered into mouse brain by aid of this type of transporter.
Glycosidation–Anomerisation Reactions of 6,1‐Anhydroglucopyranuronic Acid and Anomerisation of β‐D‐Glucopyranosiduronic Acids Promoted by SnCl4
Authors: O'Brien Colin , Poláková Monika , Pitt Nigel , Tosin Manuela , Murphy Paul V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe reaction of silylated nucleophiles with 6,1‐anhydroglucopyranuronic acid (glucuronic acid 6,1‐lactones) catalysed by tin(IV) chloride provides 1,2‐trans or 1,2‐cis (deoxy)glycosides in a manner dependent on the donor structure. The α‐glycoside was obtained for reactions of the donor with the 2‐acyl group and 2‐deoxydonors, whereas the 2‐deoxy‐2‐iodo donor gave the β‐glycoside. Experimental evidence shows that when 1,2‐cis‐glycoside formation occurs, the anomerisation of initially formed 1,2‐trans‐glycosides catalysed by SnCl4 is possible. The anomerisation of β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acids was found to be faster, in some cases, than anomerisation of related β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acid esters and β‐D‐glucopyranoside derivatives and the rates are dependent on the structure of the aglycon. Moreover, the rates of anomerisation of β‐D‐glucopyranuronic acid derivatives can be qualitatively correlated with rates of hydrolysis of β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acids. Mechanistic possibilities for the reactions are considered.
Density functional theory calculations of optical rotation: Employment of ADZP and its comparison with other basis sets
Authors: Neto Antônio Canal , Jorge Francisco E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDensity function theory calculations of frequency dependent optical rotations ([α]ω) for 30 rigid chiral molecules are reported. Calculations have been carried out at the sodium D line frequency, using the augmented double zeta valence quality plus polarization functions (ADZP) basis set and the BP86 nonhybrid and B3LYP hybrid functionals. Gauge‐invariant atomic orbitals were used to guarantee origin‐independent values of [α]D. Comparison between corresponding results obtained with nonhybrid and hybrid functionals as well as with theoretical optical rotations reported in the literature is done. Excited electronic states of three molecules are also discussed in light of circular dichroism spectra and B3LYP and BP86 calculated excitation energies and rotatory strengths. One verifies that the B3LYP/ADZP results are in better agreement with experiment. Chirality, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct Experimental Observation of CS2OH
Authors: de Petris Giulia , Rosi Marzio , Troiani Anna 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe first experimental detection of CS2OH is reported. CS2OH was observed for about one microsecond after its formation, as an intact isolated species in the gas phase. It was generated by electron transfer to the CS2OH+ ion, prepared in the source of a multisector mass spectrometer by suitable ion–molecule reactions. The vertical formation process allowed characterization of CS2OH by structural analysis of CS2OH+. Theoretical calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p) and CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ//B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p) levels of theory. The computed structure and stability of CS2OH and CS2OH+ as well as the energetics of the involved processes satisfactorily fit with the experimental results.