bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The morphology and soluble protein electrophoresis of Heterodera avenae pathotypes
Authors: STONE A. R. , WILLIAMS T. D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA detailed examination of the larvae, females and cysts of pathotypes 1 and 2 of Heterodera avenae failed to reveal any consistent differences that could be used to distinguish them, nor were usable differences in the soluble proteins revealed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. Evidently pathotypes 1 and 2 are of subspecific rank.
Investigations into the cytokinin‐like properties of benzimidazole ‐derived fungicides
Authors: THOMAS T. H. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYOf seven systemic benzimidazole fungicides tested, four showed cytokinin activity in a modified Amaranthus betacyanin bioassay. In the presence of the gibberellins A4 and A7, in the dark at 25°C, the four active compounds stimulated the germination of seeds of two celery cultivars dependent on cytokinin for germination under these conditions. One cytokinin‐active fungicide was methyl benzimidazol‐2‐yl carbamate (MBC) and the other three break down into this compound in solution. The three inactive fungicides do not. However, the hormonal properties of the cytokinin‐active fungicides may not be due to the MBC moiety alone because sometimes they were more cytokinin‐active than pure MBC.
High-Temperature Air Combustion Phenomena and Its
Thermodynamics
Authors: Rafidi Nabil , Blasiak Wlodzimierz , Gupta Ashwani K. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The fundamentals and thermodynamic analysis of high-temperature air combustion (HiTAC) technology is presented. The HiTAC is characterized by high temperature of combustion air having low oxygen concentration. This study provides a theoretical analysis of HiTAC process from the thermodynamic point of view. The results demonstrate the possibilities of reducing thermodynamic irreversibility of combustion by considering an oxygen-deficient combustion process that utilizes both gas and heat recirculations. HiTAC conditions reduce irreversibility. Furthermore, combustion with the use of oxygen (in place of air) is also analyzed. The results showed that a system, which utilizes oxygen as an oxidizer, results in higher first and second law efficiencies as compared to the case with air as the oxidizer. The entropy generation for an adiabatic combustion process is reduced by more than 60% due to the effect of either preheating or oxygen enrichment. This study is aimed at providing technical guidance to further improve efficiency of a combustion process, which shows very small temperature increases due to mild chemical reactions.
Effect of Piston Friction on the Performance of SI Engine: A New
Thermodynamic Approach
Authors: Abu-Nada E. , Al-Hinti I. , Al-Sarkhi A. , Akash B. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This paper presents thermodynamic analysis of piston friction in spark-ignition internal combustion engines. The general effect of piston friction on engine performance was examined during cold starting and normal working conditions. Considerations were made using temperature-dependent specific heat model in order to make the analysis more realistic. A parametric study was performed covering wide range of dependent variables such as engine speed, taking into consideration piston friction combined with the variation of the specific heat with temperature, and heat loss from the cylinder. The results are presented for skirt friction only, and then for total piston friction (skirt and rings). The effect of oil viscosity is investigated over a wide range of engine speeds and oil temperatures. In general, it is found that oils with higher viscosities result in lower efficiency values. Using high viscosity oil can reduce the efficiency by more than 50% at cold oil temperatures. The efficiency maps for SAE 10, SAE 30, and SAE 50 are reported. The results of this model can be practically utilized to obtain optimized efficiency results either by selecting the optimum operating speed for a given oil type (viscosity) and temperature or by selecting the optimum oil type for a given operating speed and temperature. The effect of different piston ring configurations on the efficiency is also presented. Finally, the oil film thickness on the engine performance is studied in this paper.
Improved Performance of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays and the Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection on the Serologic Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Gamiel Jordyn L. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Laeyendecker Oliver B. , Reynolds Steven J. , Morrow Rhoda Ashley , Serwadda David , Gray Ronald H. , Quinn Thomas C. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Ugandan subjects (820) were tested by Focus HerpeSelect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Kalon herpes simplex virus type 2 ELISA, and BioKit rapid test, and the results were compared to those of Western blotting. Higher-than-standard-index cutoff values gave optimal sensitivity and specificity. Kalon ELISA was the optimal assay when an index value of 1.5 was used (sensitivity, 91.7%; specificity, 92.4%).
Clinical Characteristics Associated with Isolation of Small-Colony Variants of
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
from Respiratory Secretions of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Schneider Michael , Mühlemann Kathrin , Droz Sara , Couzinet Sabine , Casaulta Carmen , Zimmerli Stefan 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

During a 3-month period, small-colony variant phenotypes of both
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were isolated from respiratory secretions of 8.2% and 9.2%, respectively, of 98 patients with cystic fibrosis, particularly those with advanced pulmonary disease and prolonged antibiotic exposure.
Metallo-β-Lactamase Detection: Comparative Evaluation of Double-Disk Synergy versus Combined Disk Tests for IMP-, GIM-, SIM-, SPM-, or VIM-Producing Isolates
Authors: Picão Renata C. , Andrade Soraya S. , Nicoletti Adriana Gianinni , Campana Eloiza H. , Moraes Gabriela C. , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Gales Ana C. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

The emergence of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates is a challenge to routine microbiology laboratories, since there are no standardized methods for detecting such isolates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of different phenotypic methods to detect MBL production among
Pseudomonas
spp.,
Acinetobacter
spp., and enterobacterial isolates, including GIM, IMP, SIM, SPM, and VIM variants. A total of 46 genetically unrelated
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Pseudomonas putida
,
Acinetobacter
sp., and enterobacterial strains producing distinct MBLs were tested. Nineteen strains were included as negative controls. The inhibition of bacterial growth and β-lactam hydrolysis caused by MBL inhibitors (IMBL) also were evaluated. The isolates were tested for MBL production by both a double-disk synergy test (DDST) and a combined disk assay (CD) using imipenem and ceftazidime as substrates in combination with distinct IMBL. One hundred percent sensitivity and specificity were achieved by DDST using 2-mercaptopropionic acid in combination with ceftazidime and imipenem for the detection of MBL production among
P. aeruginosa
and
Acinetobacter
species isolates, respectively. The CD test showed the same results for detecting MBL-producing enterobacteria by combining imipenem and EDTA, with a 5.0-mm-breakpoint increase in the size of the inhibition zone. Our results indicate that both phenotypic methods to detect MBL-producing isolates should be based on the genera to be tested, regardless of the enzyme produced by such isolates, as well as on the local prevalence of MBL producers.
Evaluation of the NanoChip 400 System for Detection of Influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncytial, and Parainfluenza Viruses
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi , Norman Sylvia A. , Mather Elizabeth L. , Patterson Bruce K. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
The NanoChip400 system uses multiplex PCR chemistry and electronic microarray detection of influenza A and B viruses; respiratory syncytial viruses A and B; and human parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3. The results obtained with the NanoChip 400 system were compared with those obtained by direct fluorescent-antibody staining (DFA) and real-time PCR with 122 and 130 specimens, respectively. Concordance between DFA and NanoChip 400 system was obtained for 106 of 122 (86.9%) specimens. On the basis of discrepancy analysis with specimens available for confirmatory real-time PCR testing, the sensitivity and specificity of the NanoChip 400 were 98.6% and 100%, respectively. With respect to specimens previously tested by real-time PCR, the NanoChip 400 system demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.1% and a specificity of 100%. The NanoChip 400 system provides clinical laboratories with a practical, rapid, and sensitive method for the detection of common respiratory viruses.
Immunoglobulin G Responses to a Panel of
Candida albicans
Antigens as Accurate and Early Markers for the Presence of Systemic Candidiasis
Authors: Clancy Cornelius J. , Nguyen Minh-Ly , Cheng Shaoji , Huang Hong , Fan Guixiang , Jaber Reia A. , Wingard John R. , Cline Christina , Nguyen M. Hong 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Despite shortcomings, cultures of blood and sterile sites remain the “gold standard” for diagnosing systemic candidiasis. Alternative diagnostic markers, including antibody detection, have been developed, but none are widely accepted. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure serum antibody responses against 15 recombinant
Candida albicans
antigens among 60 patients with systemic candidiasis due to various
Candida
spp. and 24 uninfected controls. Mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses against all 15 antigens were significantly higher among patients with systemic candidiasis than among controls, whereas IgM responses were higher against only seven antigens. Using discriminant analysis that included IgG responses against the 15 antigens, we derived a mathematical prediction model that identified patients with systemic candidiasis with an error rate of 3.7%, a sensitivity of 96.6%, and a specificity of 95.6%. Furthermore, a prediction model using a subset of four antigens (SET1, ENO1, PGK1-2, and MUC1-2) identified through backward elimination and canonical correlation analyses performed as accurately as the full panel. Using the simplified model, we predicted systemic candidiasis in a separate test sample of 32 patients and controls with 100% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity. We also demonstrated that IgG titers against each of the four antigens included in the prediction model were significantly higher in convalescent-phase sera than in paired acute-phase sera. Taken together, our findings suggest that IgG responses against a panel of candidal antigens might represent an accurate and early marker of systemic candidiasis, a hypothesis that should be tested in future trials.
Alternative Algorithms for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Diagnosis Using Tests That Are Licensed in the United States
Authors: Owen S. M. , Yang C. , Spira T. , Ou C. Y. , Pau C. P. , Parekh B. S. , Candal D. , Kuehl D. , Kennedy M. S. , Rudolph D. , Luo W. , Delatorre N. , Masciotra S. , Kalish M. L. , Cowart F. , Barnett T. , Lal R. , McDougal J. S. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Serodiagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States has traditionally relied on a sequential two-test algorithm: an initial screen with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and reflex testing of EIA-reactive specimens with a more specific supplemental test such as Western blotting or immunofluorescence. The supplemental tests are tedious, subjective, and expensive. In addition, there have been major improvements in the performance and accuracy of the EIA tests as well as the introduction of rapid serologic tests (RT) and HIV nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Related to these improvements is the possibility that alternative algorithms using combinations of currently approved HIV tests may function as well as if not better than the current algorithm, with more flexibility, improved accuracy, and lower cost. To this end, we evaluated the performance of 12 currently licensed tests and 1 in-house HIV test (6 EIA, 4 RT, and 3 NAAT) on panels of plasma samples from HIV-infected (
n
= 621 HIV type 1 [HIV-1] and 34 HIV-2) and uninfected (
n
= 513) people and of sequential specimens from people early in seroconversion (183 specimens from 15 patients). Test combinations were analyzed in two dual-test (sensitivity-optimized and specificity-optimized) algorithms and in a three-test (tie-breaking) algorithm, and performance was compared to the conventional algorithm. The results indicate that alternative algorithm strategies with currently licensed tests compare favorably with the conventional algorithm in detecting and confirming established HIV infection. Furthermore, there was a lower frequency of discordant or indeterminate results that require follow-up testing, and there was improved detection of early infection.
Evaluation of CDC-Recommended Approaches for Confirmatory Testing of Positive
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Results
Authors: Moncada Jeanne , Donegan Elizabeth , Schachter Julius 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

We evaluated three of the CDC approaches for confirming
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(gonococcus [GC])-positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) results: (i) repeating the original test on the original specimen, (ii) testing the original specimen with a different test, and (iii) performing a different test on a duplicate specimen collected at the same visit. For the first approach, clinical specimens were initially tested by Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) (Gen-Probe Inc., San Diego, CA), ProbeTec (strand displacement amplification [SDA]) (Becton Dickinson Co., Sparks, MD), and Amplicor (PCR) (Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, NJ). The original GC-positive specimens were then retested by the same NAAT for confirmation. For the second approach, specimens initially positive by AC2, SDA, or PCR were retested by different NAATs (SDA, PCR, AC2, and Aptima
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
assay [AGC]; Gen-Probe Inc.). For the third approach, duplicate urethral swabs and first-catch urine (FCU) samples from men and duplicate cervical swabs and FCU samples from women were each tested by SDA, AC2, and AGC in parallel. We found that 89 to 96% of samples positive by SDA, PCR, and AC2 were confirmed by repeat testing and that 85 to 98% of SDA, PCR, and AC2 results were confirmed by using different NAATs on the original specimen. For FCU samples from men, any NAAT can be used for confirmation. However, for all other specimen types, some NAATs cannot be used to confirm positive results from other NAATs. Thus, a single repeat test appears to be a reliable method for confirmation, but by doing more extensive testing, an additional 5% were confirmed. With >90% of all GC-positive NAATs being confirmed, our results show that confirmatory testing is not warranted for these genital specimens.
Inability of Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assay To Detect Subtype H7 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Wild Birds
Authors: Xing Zheng , Cardona Carol , Dao Phuong , Crossley Beate , Hietala Sharon , Boyce Walter 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
We report a failure of the real-time reverse transcriptase PCR H7 subtyping protocol currently used in national avian influenza surveillance programs. Significant substitutions in primer and probe target sequences were identified, especially in wild bird viruses. The protocol, originally designed for detecting H7 influenza viruses in poultry, is not reliable for wild bird surveillance.
Pilot Study of Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Israeli Jewish Women Referred for Colposcopic Examination
Authors: Grisaru Dan , Avidor Boaz , Niv Jacob , Marmor Silvia , Almog Benjamin , Leibowitz Cecilia , Graidy Merav , Giladi Michael 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in a group of Israeli Jewish women referred for colposcopic examination. Scrape specimens were prospectively collected from 84 women referred for colposcopic examination. All the women underwent Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and colposcopies, and some also underwent cervical or loop electrosurgical excision procedure biopsy. HR HPV was detected in scrape specimens (Amplicor HPV test; Roche Molecular Systems), and the individual genotypes in these specimens were identified (HPV GenoArray test kit; Hybribio Ltd., Hong Kong). Forty-one (49%) specimens were positive by the Amplicor HPV test. Sixty-four samples (41 positive and 23 negative by the Amplicor HPV test) were also assayed by use of the HPV GenoArray kit. The overall level of agreement between the two assays was 93.8% (Cohen's kappa = 0.98). HR genotypes were found in 37/41 (90%) HPV-positive samples. The prevalences of the HR HPV genotypes in the 37 HPV-positive samples were 41% of patients for HPV type 16 (HPV-16), 22% for HPV-39, 19% for HPV-52, and 14% for HPV-18. Forty-one percent of these patients were infected with a single HR genotype, whereas 59% were infected with mixtures of HR genotypes. The presence of a relatively high percentage of HPV types 39 and 52 and the relatively high incidence of infections with mixtures of genotypes may be one of the reasons for the low rate of conversion from high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to invasive carcinoma in Israeli women. Larger and more comprehensive studies are warranted to investigate this issue in greater detail.
Nucleolin Is Required for an Efficient Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection
Authors: Callé Aleth , Ugrinova Iva , Epstein Alberto L. , Bouvet Philippe , Diaz Jean-Jacques , Greco Anna 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Productive infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which occurs in the host cell nucleus, is accompanied by dramatic modifications of the nuclear architecture, including profound alterations of nucleolar morphology. Here, we show that the three most abundant nucleolar proteins—nucleolin, B23, and fibrillarin—are redistributed out of the nucleoli as a consequence of HSV-1 infection. We show that the amount of nucleolin increases progressively during the course of infection. We demonstrate for the first time that a nucleolar protein, i.e., nucleolin, colocalizes with ICP8 in the viral replication compartments, at the time when viral replication is effective, suggesting an involvement of nucleolin in the HSV-1 DNA replication process. At later times of infection, a granular form of nucleolin localizes to the cytoplasm, in structures that display the characteristic features of aggresomes, indicating that this form of nucleolin is very probably destined for degradation. The delocalization of nucleolin from the nucleoli requires the viral ICP4 protein or a factor(s) whose expression involves ICP4. Using small interfering RNA technology, we show that viral replication requires a high level of nucleolin expression, demonstrating for the first time a direct role for a nucleolar protein in herpes simplex virus biology.
Uniocular Anterior Chamber Inoculation of a Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Expressing Recombinant of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Results in More Rapid Destruction and Increased Viral Replication in the Retina of the Uninoculated Eye
Authors: Fields Mark A. , Zheng Mei , Wall Pam , Oberg Scott , Atherton Sally S. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTTumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) has been shown to have a protective role in the eyes and brains of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-infected mice. To determine whether overexpression of TNF-α affected the course of virus infection following uniocular anterior chamber inoculation, a recombinant of HSV-1 that produces TNF-α constitutively (KOSTNF) was constructed. BALB/c mice were injected with the TNF-α recombinant, a recombinant containing the pCI plasmid, a recombinant rescue virus, or the parental virus. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to identify virus-infected cells and to determine the numbers and types of infiltrating inflammatory cells in the uninjected eyes. Virus titers were determined by plaque assay. There were no differences among the groups in virus titers or the route and timing of virus spread in the injected eyes or in the suprachiasmatic nuclei. However, in the uninjected eyes of KOSTNF-infected mice, TNF-α expression was increased and there were more viral antigen-positive cells and immune inflammatory cells. There was earlier microscopic evidence of retinal infection and destruction in these mice, and the titers of virus in the uninjected eyes were significantly increased in KOSTNF-infected mice on day 7 postinfection compared with those of KOSpCI-, KOS6βrescue-, or KOS6β-infected mice. The results suggest that instead of moderating infection and reducing virus spread, overexpression of TNF-α has deleterious effects due to increased inflammation and virus infection that result in earlier destruction of the retina of the uninoculated eye.
Genomic Analysis of Closely Related Astroviruses
Authors: Strain Errol , Kelley Laura A. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Muse Spencer V. , Koci Matthew D. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
To understand astrovirus biology, it is essential to understand factors associated with its evolution. The current study reports the genomic sequences of nine novel turkey astrovirus (TAstV) type 2-like clinical isolates. This represents, to our knowledge, the largest genomic-length data set available for any one astrovirus type. The comparison of these TAstV sequences suggests that the TAstV species contains multiple subtypes and that recombination events have occurred across the astrovirus genome. In addition, the analysis of the capsid gene demonstrated evidence for both site-specific positive selection and purifying selection.
CD63 Is Not Required for Production of Infectious Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Human Macrophages
Authors: Ruiz-Mateos Ezequiel , Pelchen-Matthews Annegret , Deneka Magdalena , Marsh Mark 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
During the assembly of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) particles, the tetraspanin CD63 can be incorporated into the viral membrane. Indeed, cell surface tetraspanin microdomains that include CD63 have been proposed as sites for virus release. In addition, antibodies against CD63 can inhibit HIV infection of macrophages. In this cell type, HIV assembles into intracellularly sequestered plasma membrane domains that contain several other tetraspanins, including CD81, CD9, and CD53. CD63 is recruited to this domain following HIV infection. Together, these observations suggest that CD63 may have some function in the assembly of infectious virus particles and/or the infectivity of assembled virions. Here we have used RNA interference to knock down CD63 expression in monocyte-derived primary macrophages. We show that in the absence of CD63, HIV assembly is quantitatively comparable to that seen in CD63-expressing macrophages and that virus assembly occurs on compartments positive for CD81, CD9, and CD53. Moreover, the infectivity of macrophage-derived virus is unaffected by the loss of CD63. Together, our results indicate that at least in tissue culture, CD63 expression is not required for either the production or the infectivity of HIV-1.