bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A “convective” flow biofilter for the biofiltration of contaminants at sub‐low concentrations
Authors: Fang Yuanxiang , Govind Rakesh 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBiofiltration of contaminants at concentrations below a certain level (sub‐low concentrations) is not as effective as at higher concentrations, which leads to incomplete removal of the contaminants, because of diffusive mass transfer of the contaminants inside the biofilm and insufficient carbon and energy sources to sustain biomass growth and maintenance. To overcome the limitation of diffusion, this article proposes the concept of convective flow biofilm in which contaminated air flows through the porous biofilm and thus carries the carbon and energy sources to the biomass. The innovative concept of convective flow biofilm was implemented in a convective flow biofilter (CFB), which was built from activated carbon‐coated ceramic monoliths by selectively blocking the channel openings. The CFB was tested for 11 weeks for the biofiltration of toluene at inlet concentrations below 100 ppmv. The CFB performed consistently better than the conventional diffusive flow biofilter (DFB), as indicated by the higher removal efficiencies and the higher CO2 productions. The CFB demonstrated up to 30 percent higher removal efficiency and an up to 100 percent higher elimination capacity than the DFB. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical Investigation of Quantum Confinement in PbSe Nanocrystals at Different Points in the Brillouin Zone
Authors: Koole Rolf , Allan Guy , Delerue Christophe , Meijerink Andries , Vanmaekelbergh Daniël , Houtepen Arjan J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe present detailed investigations on the optical properties of PbSe nanocrystals. The absorption spectra of monodisperse, quasispherical nanocrystals exhibit sharp features as a result of distinct optical transitions. To study the size dependence, absorption spectra of nanocrystals ranging from 3.4 to 10.9 nm in diameter are analysed and a total of 11 distinct optical transitions are identified. The assignment of the various optical transitions is discussed and compared to theoretically calculated transition energies. By plotting all transitions as a function of nanocrystal size (D) we find that the energy (E) changes with the following relationship E∝︁D−1.5 for the lowest energy transitions. The transition energy extrapolates to approximately 0.3 eV for infinite crystal size, in agreement with the bandgap of bulk PbSe at the L‐point in the Brillouin zone. In addition, high‐energy transitions are observed, which extrapolate to 1.6 eV for infinite crystal size, which is in good agreement with the bulk bandgap of PbSe at the Σ‐point in the Brillouin zone. Tight‐binding calculations confirm that the high‐energy transitions originate from the Σ‐point in the Brillouin zone. The Σ‐character of the high‐energy transitions may be of importance to explain the mechanism behind multiple exciton generation in PbSe nanocrystals.
Integrating knowledge, skills, and values into the curriculum development process at the University of Guelph‐Humber
Authors: Evers Frederick , Wolstenholme Janet 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis chapter describes and critiques the curriculum development process for the original six programs at the University of Guelph‐Humber, a new institution developed by the University of Guelph and the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Theory of Raman Scattering by Phonons in Germanium Nanostructures
Authors: Alfaro-Calderón Pedro , Cruz-Irisson Miguel , Wang-Chen Chumin 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Within the linear response theory, a local bond-polarization model based on the displacement–displacement Green’s function and the Born potential including central and non-central interatomic forces is used to investigate the Raman response and the phonon band structure of Ge nanostructures. In particular, a supercell model is employed, in which along the [001] direction empty-column pores and nanowires are constructed preserving the crystalline Ge atomic structure. An advantage of this model is the interconnection between Ge nanocrystals in porous Ge and then, all the phonon states are delocalized. The results of both porous Ge and nanowires show a shift of the highest-energy Raman peak toward lower frequencies with respect to the Raman response of bulk crystalline Ge. This fact could be related to the confinement of phonons and is in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, a detailed discussion of the dynamical matrix is given in the appendix section.
Integrated stratigraphy and palaeoecology of the Lower and Middle Miocene of the Porcupine Basin
Authors: LOUWYE STEPHEN , FOUBERT ANNELEEN , MERTENS KENNETH , VAN ROOIJ DAVID ,   THE IODP EXPEDITION 307 SCIENTIFIC PARTY
Published: December 2007

AbstractA high-resolution palynological analysis and a detailed palaeomagnetic study of a marine sequence recovered during IODP Expedition Leg 307 in the Porcupine Basin southwest of Ireland provide new insights into the regional depositional history and palaeoenvironmental evolution during Early Neogene times. The Hole 1318B studied was drilled on the upper slope of the continental margin in a water depth of 409 m, upslope from a province of carbonate mounds (the Belgica mound province). The diverse and well-preserved dinoflagellate cyst associations consist typically of deep neritic and oceanic species, mixed with a neritic component transported from the shelf, reflecting the deep depositional setting at the continental margin. The palaeomagnetic record together with the ranges of key dinoflagellate cyst species constrain the age of the studied sequence between 16.7 Ma and 12.01 Ma, that is, between the late Burdigalian and late Serravallian. The distinct unconformity terminating the Miocene sequence correlates to the global sequence boundary Ser4/Tor1 dated at 10.5 Ma, and represents, according to previous extensive seismic studies, a basin-wide erosional event. The overlying sediments are of Middle Pleistocene or younger age. Downslope from IODP Site 1318, carbonate mounds root on the erosional surface. The dinoflagellate cyst associations from the Porcupine Basin distinctly mirror the global cooling phase following the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum. Cooling phase Mi3, a short-lived glaciation, is particularly well expressed and here dated at 13.6 Ma. The palynomorph record furthermore indicates a reduction of the productivity and an increase of oceanic oligotrophic species after 14 Ma, suggesting a reduction or perhaps even a shutdown of the upwelling.
The association between consumption of breakfast cereals and BMI in schoolchildren aged 12–17 years: The VYRONAS study
Authors: Kosti Rena I , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B , Zampelas Antonis , Mihas Costas , Alevizos Alevizos , Leonard Clare , Tountas Yannis , Mariolis Anargiros 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether consumption of breakfast cereals is associated with BMI in a sample of Greek adolescents.DesignA cross-sectional health and nutrition survey.Setting and subjectsDuring 2004–5, 2008 schoolchildren aged 12–17 years were selected from twelve schools located in Vyronas region (Athens metropolitan area). Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. A semi-quantitative FFQ was applied and multiple logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsOverall, 4·7 % of boys and 1·7 % of girls were obese, whereas 19·4 % of boys and 13·2 % of girls were overweight. Only 20·7 % of boys and 15·5 % of girls reported that they consume cereals as a first choice for breakfast. Consumption of breakfast cereals was associated with lower BMI in boys (P= 0·08) and girls (P= 0·019), irrespective of age and physical activity status. More prominent results were observed for daily cereal consumption or for more than two daily servings of cereals consumed for breakfast. Consumption of pre-sweetened breakfast cereals was associated with lower BMI compared with non-pre-sweetened or no intake of cereals, in both genders (P< 0·001). Consumption of breakfast cereals was associated with 33 % (95 % CI 14 %, 48 %) lower likelihood of overweight/obesity, irrespective of age, sex and physical activity status.ConclusionsConsumption of breakfast cereals was associated with lower BMI levels and a lower likelihood of overweight/obesity in both genders; thus a solid basis for public health professionals could be built when issuing advice on weight management.
Market Power and Market Failure The Decline of the European Fertilizer Industry and the Expansion of Norsk Hydro
Authors: Lie Einar 
Published: December 2007

During the 1980s, the fertilizer industry in Western Europe underwent some radical changes. Reduced profitability and overcapacity forced a number of smaller producers to close down, and most of the major firms in the business either withdrew from the market or reduced their capacity. The exception was the Norwegian industrial conglomerate Norsk Hydro, which expanded rapidly and established itself as the largest producer in Europe and later globally.The article discusses the strategy behind Hydro's expansion in relation to the changing structure of the fertilizer market, which historically was characterized by tacit and explicit agreements on prices and market shares between the major producers. Hydro's strategy and growth are analyzed in relation to some theoretical contributions from the study of transnationalisation of enterprises. A main argument is that Hydro's expansion was not driven by advantages in cost structure or organizational capabilities, nor did the expansion create such advantages. The Norwegian company expanded in foreignmarkets partly because it had less to lose from a counterattack than competitors in largermarkets and partly because of strategic disadvantages. Contrary to most of its large European competitors, Hydro failed to identify the long term threats to the stability and profitability of the Western European market.
Ginsenoside Rg1 and Aluminum Hydroxide Synergistically Promote Immune Responses to Ovalbumin in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Sun Jianhua , Song Xiaoming , Hu Songhua 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThe combined adjuvant effect of ginsenoside Rg1 and aluminum hydroxide (alum) on immune responses to ovalbumin (OVA) in mice was investigated. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) inoculated twice with OVA alone or in combination with Rg1, alum, or Rg1 plus alum. Samples were collected 2 weeks after the boosting for the measurement of anti-OVA immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes in sera and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) produced in singular splenocyte cultures. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were measured in mice immunized as described above. After 10 days, the mice were injected s.c. with OVA at the footpads. Thereafter, the thickness of the footpads was measured once daily for 5 days. The results indicated that alum enhanced mainly Th2 (IgG1 and IL-5) responses (P< 0.05), while Rg1 enhanced both Th1 (IgG1 and IL-5) and Th2 (IgG2a, IFN-γ, and DTH) responses (P< 0.05). The highest immune responses were found in the mice injected with OVA solution containing both alum and Rg1. In addition, the hemolytic activity of Rg1 was much lower than that of Quil A. Therefore, Rg1 deserves further studies in order to tailor desired immune responses when a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response is needed.
Rapid Detection and Molecular Serotyping of Adenovirus by Use of PCR Followed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Blyn Lawrence B. , Hall Thomas A. , Libby Brian , Ranken Raymond , Sampath Rangarajan , Rudnick Karl , Moradi Emily , Desai Anjali , Metzgar David , Russell Kevin L. , Freed Nikki E. , Balansay Melinda , Broderick Michael P. , Osuna Miguel A. , Hofstadler Steven A. , Ecker David J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
We have developed a PCR/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) assay for the rapid detection, identification, and serotyping of human adenoviruses. The assay employs a high-performance mass spectrometer to “weigh” the amplicons obtained from PCR using primers designed to amplify known human adenoviruses. Masses are converted to base compositions and, by comparison against a database of the genetic sequences, the serotype present in a sample is determined. The performance of the assay was demonstrated with quantified viral standards and environmental and human clinical samples collected from a military training facility. Over 500 samples per day can be analyzed with sensitivities greater than 100 genomes per reaction. This approach can be applied to many other families of infectious agents for rapid and sensitive analysis.
Utility of Real-Time PCR for Diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Diederen Bram M. W. , Kluytmans Jan A. J. W. , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. , Peeters Marcel F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

The main aim of our study was to determine the added value of PCR for the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) in routine clinical practice. The specimens were samples submitted for routine diagnosis of pneumonia from December 2002 to November 2005. Patients were evaluated if, in addition to PCR, the results of at least one of the following diagnostic tests were available: (i) culture for
Legionella
spp. on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar or (ii) detection of
Legionella pneumophila
antigen in urine specimens. Of the 151 evaluated patients, 37 (25%) fulfilled the European Working Group on Legionella Infections criteria for a confirmed case of LD (the “gold standard”). An estimated sensitivity, specificity, and overall percent agreement of 86% (32 of 37; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 72 to 95%), 95% (107 of 112; 95% CI = 90 to 98%), and 93% (139 of 149), respectively, were found for 16S rRNA-based PCR, and corresponding values of 92% (34 of 37; 95% CI = 78 to 98%), 98% (110 of 112; 95% CI = 93 to 100%), and 97% (144 of 149), respectively, were found for the
mip
gene-based PCR. A total of 35 patients were diagnosed by using the urinary antigen test, and 34 were diagnosed by the 16S rRNA-based PCR. With the
mip
gene PCR one more case of LD (
n
= 36; not significant) was detected. By combining urinary antigen test and the
mip
gene PCR, LD was diagnosed in an additional 4 (11%) patients versus the use of the urinary antigen test alone. The addition of a
L. pneumophila
-specific
mip
gene PCR to a urinary antigen test is useful in patients with suspected LD who produce sputum and might allow the early detection of a significant number of additional patients.
eapGene as Novel Target for Specific Identification ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hussain Muzaffar , von Eiff Christof , Sinha Bhanu , Joost Insa , Herrmann Mathias , Peters Georg , Becker Karsten 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThe cell surface-associated extracellular adherence protein (Eap) mediates adherence ofStaphylococcus aureusto host extracellular matrix components and inhibits inflammation, wound healing, and angiogenesis. A well-characterized collection ofS. aureusand non-S. aureusstaphylococcal isolates (n= 813) was tested for the presence of the Eap-encoding gene (eap) by PCR to investigate the use of theeapgene as a specific diagnostic tool for identification ofS. aureus. Whereas all 597S. aureusisolates wereeappositive, this gene was not detectable in 216 non-S. aureusstaphylococcal isolates comprising 47 different species and subspecies of coagulase-negative staphylococci and non-S. aureuscoagulase-positive or coagulase-variable staphylococci. Furthermore, non-S. aureusisolates did not express Eap homologs, as verified on the transcriptional and protein levels. Based on these data, the sensitivity and specificity of the newly developed PCR targeting theeapgene were both 100%. Thus, the unique occurrence of Eap inS. aureusoffers a promising tool particularly suitable for molecular diagnostics of this pathogen.
Molecular Method for
Bartonella
Species Identification in Clinical and Environmental Samples
Authors: García-Esteban Coral , Gil Horacio , Rodríguez-Vargas Manuela , Gerrikagoitia Xeider , Barandika Jesse , Escudero Raquel , Jado Isabel , García-Amil Cristina , Barral Marta , García-Pérez Ana L. , Bhide Mangesh , Anda Pedro 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

A new, efficient molecular method for detection of
Bartonella
, based on the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer and 16S rRNA amplification by multiplex PCR combined with reverse line blotting, was designed. This assay could simultaneously detect 20 different known species and other
Bartonella
species not described previously.
New mRNAs Are Preferentially Translated during Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infection
Authors: Whitlow Zackary W. , Connor John H. , Lyles Douglas S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
During vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection, host protein synthesis is inhibited, while synthesis of viral proteins increases. VSV infection causes inhibition of host transcription and RNA transport. Therefore, most host mRNAs in the cytoplasm of infected cells were synthesized before infection. However, viral mRNAs are synthesized throughout infection and are newer than preexisting host mRNAs. To determine if the timing of appearance of mRNAs in the cytoplasm affected their translation during VSV infection, we transfected reporter mRNAs into cells at various times relative to the time of infection and measured their rate of translation in mock- and VSV-infected cells. We found that translation of mRNAs transfected during infection was not inhibited but that translation of mRNAs transfected prior to infection was inhibited during VSV infection. Based on these data, we conclude that the timing of viral mRNA appearance in the cytoplasm is responsible, at least in part, for the preferential translation of VSV mRNAs. A time course measuring translation efficiencies of viral and host mRNAs showed that the translation efficiencies of viral mRNAs increased between 4 and 8 h postinfection, while translation efficiencies of host mRNAs decreased. The increased translation efficiency of viral mRNAs occurred in cells infected with an M protein mutant virus that is defective in host shutoff, demonstrating that the enhanced translation of viral mRNA is genetically separable from inhibition of translation of host mRNA.
Vaccination of Macaques with Adjuvanted Formalin-Inactivated Influenza A Virus (H5N1) Vaccines: Protection against H5N1 Challenge without Disease Enhancement
Authors: Ruat Caroline , Caillet Catherine , Bidaut Alexandre , Simon James , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
We investigated the ability of adjuvanted, inactivated split-virion influenza A virus (H5N1) vaccines to protect against infection and demonstrated that the disease exacerbation phenomenon seen with adjuvanted formaldehyde-inactivated respiratory syncytial virus and measles virus investigational vaccines did not occur with these H5N1 vaccines. Macaques were vaccinated twice with or without an aluminum hydroxide or oil-in-water emulsion adjuvanted vaccine. Three months later, animals were challenged with homologous wild-type H5N1. No signs of vaccine-induced disease exacerbation were seen. With either adjuvant, vaccination induced functional and cross-reactive antibodies and protected the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Without an adjuvant, the vaccine provided partial protection. Best results were obtained with the emulsion adjuvant.
The Vaccinia Virus B5 Protein Requires A34 for Efficient Intracellular Trafficking from the Endoplasmic Reticulum to the Site of Wrapping and Incorporation into Progeny Virions
Authors: Earley Amalia K. , Chan Winnie M. , Ward Brian M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The glycoproteins encoded by the vaccinia virus A34R and B5R genes are involved in intracellular envelope virus formation and are highly conserved among orthopoxviruses. A recombinant virus that has the A34R gene deleted and the B5R gene replaced with a B5R gene fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein (B5R-GFP) gene was created (vB5R-GFP/ΔA34R) to investigate the role of A34 during virion morphogenesis. Cells infected with vB5R-GFP/ΔA34R displayed GFP fluorescence throughout the cytoplasm, which differed markedly from that seen in cells infected with a normal B5R-GFP-expressing virus (vB5R-GFP). Immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation demonstrated that B5-GFP localizes with the endoplasmic reticulum in the absence of A34. Expression of either full-length A34 or a construct consisting of the lumenal and transmembrane domains restored normal trafficking of B5-GFP to the site of wrapping in the juxtanuclear region. Coimmunoprecipitation studies confirmed that B5 and A34 interact through their luminal domains, and further analysis revealed that in the absence of A34, B5 is not efficiently incorporated into virions released from the cell.
Mechanisms of Zoonotic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Host Range Expansion in Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Sheahan Timothy , Rockx Barry , Donaldson Eric , Sims Amy , Pickles Raymond , Corti Davide , Baric Ralph 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged and caused over 8,000 human cases of infection and more than 700 deaths worldwide. Zoonotic SARS-CoV likely evolved to infect humans by a series of transmission events between humans and animals for sale in China. Using synthetic biology, we engineered the spike protein (S) from a civet strain, SZ16, into our epidemic strain infectious clone, creating the chimeric virus icSZ16-S, which was infectious but yielded progeny viruses incapable of propagating in vitro. After introducing a K479N mutation within the S receptor binding domain (RBD) of SZ16, the recombinant virus (icSZ16-S K479N) replicated in Vero cells but was severely debilitated in growth. The in vitro evolution of icSZ16-S K479N on human airway epithelial (HAE) cells produced two viruses (icSZ16-S K479N D8 and D22) with enhanced growth on HAE cells and on delayed brain tumor cells expressing the SARS-CoV receptor, human angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). The icSZ16-S K479N D8 and D22 virus RBDs contained mutations in ACE2 contact residues, Y442F and L472F, that remodeled S interactions with hACE2. Further, these viruses were neutralized by a human monoclonal antibody (MAb), S230.15, but the parent icSZ16-S K479N strain was eight times more resistant than the mutants. These data suggest that the human adaptation of zoonotic SARS-CoV strains may select for some variants that are highly susceptible to select MAbs that bind to RBDs. The epidemic, icSZ16-S K479N, and icSZ16-S K479N D22 viruses replicate similarly in the BALB/c mouse lung, highlighting the potential use of these zoonotic spike SARS-CoVs to assess vaccine or serotherapy efficacy in vivo.