bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Model of a Pressurized SOFC/Gas Turbine Hybrid Power Plant for the Development of Control Concepts
Authors: Wächter Christian , Lunderstädt Reinhart , Joos Franz 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
In a situation where fossil energy resources globally run short and the greenhouse effect increases, the interest in new technologies of energy conversion to reduce the demand of primary energy and emission of pollutants grows. The use of high temperature fuel cells like solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), especially in combination with gas turbines (GTs), promises remarkable room for improvement in the areas mentioned, compared to other state-of-the-art technologies. But design and handling of such complex plants require efficient control strategies to promote safe and reliable operation. The development of powerful control algorithms is based on an exact knowledge of the operating behavior, which can be obtained using dynamic system models. In this paper a nonlinear model with bulk parameters and 19 dynamic states is presented; the main assumptions and the underlying equations are given. The simulated system consists of a compressor, a SOFC, a turbine, a recuperator, an ejector with a diffusor, a reformer, and a load. Additionally, from the nonlinear model a linear one in state-space representation is derived at nominal conditions. The results of both models are compared. The agreement of the dynamic behavior and of steady state final values is satisfactory. Thus in future studies, methods of linear control theory could be used with the linear model to develop efficient control strategies.
Validation of a Mathematical Model Using an Industrial MCFC Plant
Authors: Gundermann M. , Heidebrecht P. , Sundmacher K. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The parameter identification of a mathematical model of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is presented. The model is spatially distributed in two dimensions and describes the strongly non-linear coupling of the temperature field and reactions inside a MCFC. It contains a high number of unknown parameters that need to be validated by experimental means. Therefore, measurements from an industrial 250kW fuel cell power plant are used. This validation approach requires an elaborate strategy, which is presented in detail. The resulting set of parameters can predict the behavior of the MCFC over a broad operating range with a very good precision. The validated model is an important basis for further process optimization and for control system design.
Typing of Human Adenoviruses in Specimens from Immunosuppressed Patients by PCR-Fragment Length Analysis and Real-Time Quantitative PCR
Authors: Ebner Karin , Rauch Margit , Preuner Sandra , Lion Thomas 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTCurrently, 51 human adenovirus (AdV) serotypes, which are divided into six species (A to F), are known. AdV infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed individuals, particularly in allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. Any AdV species may cause life-threatening disease, but little information is available on the clinical relevance of individual serotypes. The use of serological testing for serotype identification is limited due to the impaired immune response during the posttransplant period. A new molecular approach to serotype identification is presented here that exploits variable regions within the hexon gene. All serotypes belonging to the species A, B, C, E, and F can be determined by fragment length analysis of a single PCR product. For species C, which is the most prevalent in many geographic regions, an alternative technique based on serotype-specific real-time quantitative PCR was established. Of 135 consecutive pediatric patients screened for AdV infections after allogeneic SCT, 40 tested positive. Detailed analysis revealed the presence of 10 different serotypes; serotypes 1 and 2 from species C (C01 and C02) showed the highest prevalence, accounting for 77% of the AdV-positive cases. Representatives of other species were observed less commonly: serotype A12 in 6.5%; serotype A31 in 4.5%; and B03, B16, C05, C06, D19, and F41 in 2%. The approach to rapid molecular serotype analysis presented here provides a basis for detailed studies on adenovirus epidemiology and on the transmission of nosocomial infections. Moreover, in view of the increasing importance of tailored therapy approaches, serotype identification may in the future have implications for the selection of the most appropriate antiviral treatment.
Asymptomatic Norovirus Infection in Mexican Children
Authors: García Coralith , DuPont Herbert L. , Long Kurt Z. , Santos Jose I. , Ko GwangPyo 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT
Sixty-three children in periurban Mexico City were examined for the occurrence of asymptomatic norovirus (NoV) infection from June to August 1998. NoV was detected in 48 of 161 stool specimens (29.8%), with 31 children (49.2%) having at least one positive stool. Asymptomatic NoV infection occurred commonly during summertime in a Mexican pediatric population.
Evaluation of the GenoType Mycobacteria Direct Assay for Detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex and Four Atypical Mycobacterial Species in Clinical Samples
Authors: Franco-Álvarez de Luna F. , Ruiz P. , Gutiérrez J. , Casal M. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

We evaluated GenoType Mycobacteria Direct (GTMD), a novel commercial assay based on nucleic acid sequence-based amplification technology, for the detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex,
M. avium
,
M. intracellulare
,
M. kansasii
, and
M. malmoense
directly from clinical specimens. A total of 134 respiratory and extrapulmonary samples from 65 patients were processed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values for GTMD were 92, 100, 100, and 77%, respectively. The GMTD technique is useful, reliable, and rapid when used during the normal routine of a clinical laboratory.
Real-Time Quantitative Broad-Range PCR Assay for Detection of the 16S rRNA Gene Followed by Sequencing for Species Identification
Authors: Zucol Franziska , Ammann Roland A. , Berger Christoph , Aebi Christoph , Altwegg Martin , Niggli Felix K. , Nadal David 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Here we determined the analytical sensitivities of broad-range real-time PCR-based assays employing one of three different genomic DNA extraction protocols in combination with one of three different primer pairs targeting the 16S rRNA gene to detect a panel of 22 bacterial species. DNA extraction protocol III, using lysozyme, lysostaphin, and proteinase K, followed by PCR with the primer pair Bak11W/Bak2, giving amplicons of 796 bp in length, showed the best overall sensitivity, detecting DNA of 82% of the strains investigated at concentrations of ≤10
2
CFU in water per reaction. DNA extraction protocols I and II, using less enzyme treatment, combined with other primer pairs giving shorter amplicons of 466 bp and 342 or 346 bp, respectively, were slightly more sensitive for the detection of gram-negative but less sensitive for the detection of gram-positive bacteria. The obstacle of detecting background DNA in blood samples spiked with bacteria was circumvented by introducing a broad-range hybridization probe, and this preserved the minimal detection limits observed in samples devoid of blood. Finally, sequencing of the amplicons generated using the primer pair Bak11W/Bak2 allowed species identification of the detected bacterial DNA. Thus, broad-spectrum PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene in the quantitative real-time format can achieve an analytical sensitivity of 1 to 10 CFU per reaction in water, avoid detection of background DNA with the introduction of a broad-range probe, and generate amplicons that allow species identification of the detected bacterial DNA by sequencing. These prerequisites are important for its application to blood-containing patient samples.
Experimental Evaluation of the FluChip Diagnostic Microarray for Influenza Virus Surveillance
Authors: Townsend Michael B. , Dawson Erica D. , Mehlmann Martin , Smagala James A. , Dankbar Daniela M. , Moore Chad L. , Smith Catherine B. , Cox Nancy J. , Kuchta Robert D. , Rowlen Kathy L. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT
Global surveillance of influenza is critical for improvements in disease management and is especially important for early detection, rapid intervention, and a possible reduction of the impact of an influenza pandemic. Enhanced surveillance requires rapid, robust, and inexpensive analytical techniques capable of providing a detailed analysis of influenza virus strains. Low-density oligonucleotide microarrays with highly multiplexed “signatures” for influenza viruses offer many of the desired characteristics. However, the high mutability of the influenza virus represents a design challenge. In order for an influenza virus microarray to be of utility, it must provide information for a wide range of viral strains and lineages. The design and characterization of an influenza microarray, the FluChip-55 microarray, for the relatively rapid identification of influenza A virus subtypes H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1 are described here. In this work, a small set of sequences was carefully selected to exhibit broad coverage for the influenza A and B viruses currently circulating in the human population as well as the avian A/H5N1 virus that has become enzootic in poultry in Southeast Asia and that has recently spread to Europe. A complete assay involving extraction and amplification of the viral RNA was developed and tested. In a blind study of 72 influenza virus isolates, RNA from a wide range of influenza A and B viruses was amplified, hybridized, labeled with a fluorophore, and imaged. The entire analysis time was less than 12 h. The combined results for two assays provided the absolutely correct types and subtypes for an average of 72% of the isolates, the correct type and partially correct subtype information for 13% of the isolates, the correct type only for 10% of the isolates, false-negative signals for 4% of the isolates, and false-positive signals for 1% of the isolates. In the overwhelming majority of cases in which incomplete subtyping was observed, the failure was due to the nucleic acid amplification step rather than limitations in the microarray.
Robust Sequence Selection Method Used To Develop the FluChip Diagnostic Microarray for Influenza Virus
Authors: Mehlmann Martin , Dawson Erica D. , Townsend Michael B. , Smagala James A. , Moore Chad L. , Smith Catherine B. , Cox Nancy J. , Kuchta Robert D. , Rowlen Kathy L. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

DNA microarrays have proven to be powerful tools for gene expression analyses and are becoming increasingly attractive for diagnostic applications, e.g., for virus identification and subtyping. The selection of appropriate sequences for use on a microarray poses a challenge, particularly for highly mutable organisms such as influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses, and hepatitis C viruses. The goal of this work was to develop an efficient method for mining large databases in order to identify regions of conservation in the influenza virus genome. From these regions of conservation, capture and label sequences capable of discriminating between different viral types and subtypes were selected. The salient features of the method were the use of phylogenetic trees for data reduction and the selection of a relatively small number of capture and label sequences capable of identifying a broad spectrum of influenza viruses. A detailed experimental evaluation of the selected sequences is described in a companion paper. The software is freely available under the General Public License at
http://www.colorado.edu/chemistry/RGHP/software/
.
Analysis of
secA1
Gene Sequences for Identification of
Nocardia
Species
Authors: Conville Patricia S. , Zelazny Adrian M. , Witebsky Frank G. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Molecular methodologies, especially 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, have allowed the recognition of many new species of
Nocardia
and to date have been the most precise methods for identifying isolates reliably to the species level. We describe here a novel method for identifying
Nocardia
isolates by using sequence analysis of a portion of the
secA1
gene. A region of the
secA1
gene of 30 type or reference strains of
Nocardia
species was amplified using
secA1-
specific primers. Sequence analysis of 468 bp allowed clear differentiation of all species, with a range of interspecies similarity of 85.0% to 98.7%. Corresponding 16S rRNA gene sequences of a 1,285-bp region for the same isolates showed a range of interspecies similarity of 94.4 to 99.8%. In addition to the type and reference strains, a 468-bp fragment of the
secA1
gene was sequenced from 40 clinical isolates of 12
Nocardia
species previously identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The
secA1
gene sequences of most isolates showed >99.0% similarity to the
secA1
sequences of the type or reference strain to which their identification corresponded, with a range of 95.3 to 100%. Comparison of the deduced 156 amino acid sequences of the SecA1 proteins of the clinical isolates showed between zero and two amino acid residue differences compared to that of the corresponding type or reference strain. Sequencing of the
secA1
gene, and using deduced amino acid sequences of the SecA1 protein, may provide a more discriminative and precise method for the identification of
Nocardia
isolates than 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Genetic Diversity of PspA Types among Nasopharyngeal Isolates Collected during an Ongoing Surveillance Study of Children in Brazil
Authors: Pimenta Fabiana Cristina , Ribeiro-Dias Fátima , Brandileone Maria Cristina C. , Miyaji Eliane N. , Leite Luciana C. C. , Sgambatti de Andrade Ana Lúcia S. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) has been considered a potential candidate for human vaccines because of its serotype-independent protective immunity. Nasopharyngeal (NP) pneumococcal colonization is highly prevalent in infants and precedes the invasive disease. Thus, prevention of NP colonization may reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease in children. Scarce information focusing on PspA from pneumococcal carriage in humans is available. We examined the genetic diversity of PspA from NP isolates obtained during an ongoing pneumococcal surveillance study with children. PspA families and clades of 183 community-acquired
Streptococcus pneumoniae
NP isolates from healthy children (
n
= 97) and children with respiratory tract infections (
n
= 48), pneumonia (
n
= 33), or meningitis (
n
= 5) were investigated. Overall, 79.8% (
n
= 146) of the pneumococcal isolates were classified as PspA family 1 (35.5%) and family 2 (44.3%), whereas 20.2% of the isolates could not be typed. The distribution of PspA families and clades did not differ significantly according to the clinical status of the children. A dendrogram comparing the genetic relationship between the amino acid sequences of the clade-defining region of PspA from NP strains together with 24 invasive reference strains (GenBank) closely reproduced the profile of the families and clades previously reported for pneumococcal invasive strains. These findings strengthen the idea that the use of PspA as a vaccine antigen may protect children against carriage as well as invasive pneumococcal disease.
Strain-Specific Differences in Two Large
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Genotype Clusters in Isolates Collected from Homeless Patients in New York City from 2001 to 2004
Authors: Macaraig Michelle , Agerton Tracy , Driver Cynthia R. , Munsiff Sonal S. , Abdelwahab Jalaa' , Park Julie , Kreiswirth Barry , Driscoll Jeffrey , Zhao Benyang 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

We studied two large
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
genotype clusters associated with recent outbreaks in homeless persons to determine factors associated with these tuberculosis (TB) strains. Isolates from all culture-positive TB cases diagnosed from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2004 were genotyped. Patients whose isolates had identical restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns and spoligotypes were considered clustered. Health department records were reviewed and reinterviews attempted for clustered cases. Patients with the Cs30 and BEs75 strains were compared to other genotypically clustered cases and to each other. The two largest genotype clusters among homeless persons were the Cs30 strain (
n
= 105) and the BEs75 strain (
n
= 47). Fifty-one (49%) patients with the Cs30 strain and 28 (60%) with the BEs75 strain were homeless. Compared to patients with the BEs75 strain, patients with the Cs30 strain were less likely to be respiratory acid-fast bacillus smear positive (51% versus 72%). Furthermore, patients with the BEs75 strain were more likely to be HIV infected (74% versus 42%), which suggests that most patients with this strain advanced to disease after recent infection. Cases in clusters of strains that have been circulating in the community over a long time period, such as the Cs30 strain, require additional investigation to determine whether clustering is a result of recent transmission or reactivation of remote infection.
Role of Metapneumovirus in Viral Respiratory Infections in Young Children
Authors: Ordás José , Boga José Antonio , Alvarez-Argüelles Marta , Villa Laura , Rodríguez-Dehli Cristina , de Oña María , Rodríguez Julián , Melón Santiago 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT
The contribution of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) relative to that of other respiratory viruses as a cause of respiratory infections in children less than 1 year old has been evaluated. From October 2003 to April 2004, nasopharyngeal samples from 211 children less than 1 year old were analyzed to detect respiratory viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the predominant virus isolated (96 children [45.5%]), followed by influenza A virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus type 1, which were only occasionally detected. From January 2004 to April 2004, a nested retrotranscription-PCR, using in-house primers directed to the matrix protein gene of hMPV, was carried out on samples in which no other viruses were detected. hMPV was detected in 18 (16.2%) children, indicating that this virus was the second-most-frequent cause of viral respiratory infections in children less than 1 year old. The rate of hospitalization for RSV- and hMPV-infected children was higher than 75%. While RSV had a peak from December to February, hMPV was increasingly detected from January to April. The mean age of hMPV-infected children (6.44 ± 3.64 [mean ± standard deviation] months) was significantly higher than that of RSV-infected children (3.99 ± 2.96 [mean ± standard deviation] months). On the other hand, 64.3% of the RSV-infected children and 12.5% of the hMPV-infected children showed high levels of C-reactive protein. Although several authors have reported that clinical symptoms of hMPV-positive patients mirrored those of RSV-positive patients, differences between the two viruses can be found.
Prevalence of Antibodies against Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 in Children and Young People in an Urban Region in Tanzania
Authors: Kasubi Mabula Joseph , Nilsen Arvid , Marsden Howard S. , Bergström Tomas , Langeland Nina , Haarr Lars 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is transmitted by close contact, both sexual and nonsexual, and infections are acquired during childhood and adolescence. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), however, is thought to be transmitted mainly by sexual contact. Most HSV-2 infections are consequently expected to occur after the onset of sexual activity. Recent reports indicate an increasing prevalence of HSV-2 on the African continent, but most studies have been performed on adult cohorts. In the present study, we collected sera from Tanzanian children and young persons from 1 to 20 years old, with at least 100 individuals in each age group. Antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected by an in-house Western blot method which was shown to perform well in comparison with a commercial Western blot assay. Type-specific antibodies were also analyzed by two noncommercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods based upon the antigenicities of branched synthetic oligopeptides corresponding to epitopes in glycoprotein G of HSV-1 or HSV-2. The prevalence of HSV-1 antibodies increased gradually from 73% for the age group of 1 to 4 years to 92% for the age group of 17 to 20 years. The prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies was unexpectedly high, as 15% of the children were infected by the age of 8 years, with the incidence increasing gradually to 40% in the age group of 17 to 20 years. The reason for this unexpectedly high frequency is not clear but could suggest that nonsexual transmission of HSV-2 is more common than previously thought. There was no statistically significant association between seropositivities for HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus.
Nucleotide Sequencing for Diagnosis of Sinusal Infection by
Schizophyllum commune
, an Uncommon Pathogenic Fungus
Authors: Baron Olivier , Cassaing Sophie , Percodani Josiane , Berry Antoine , Linas Marie-Denise , Fabre Richard , Serrano Elie , Magnaval Jean François 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Schizophyllum commune
, a basidiomycete fungus, is a rare cause of mycotic disease. We report here a case of sinusitis in a 35-year-old woman that underscores the value of molecular biology for the diagnosis of this fungal infection.
Comparative Study Using Various Methods for Identification of
Staphylococcus
Species in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Layer F. , Ghebremedhin B. , Moder K.-A. , König W. , König B. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) play a predominant role in nosocomial infections. Rapid, reliable identification of these organisms is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt effective treatment of these infections. Quite recently, the VITEK 2 g-positive (gram-positive [GP]) identification card (bioMérieux) has been redesigned for greater accuracy in the identification of gram-positive cocci. We compared the BD Phoenix (Becton Dickinson) and VITEK 2 (bioMérieux) automated microbiology systems, using their respective update version cards, and the API ID32 STAPH test. The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (
gap
) gene-based T-RFLP (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) method was used for verifying the results. In total, 86 clinical isolates of CNS and 27 reference strains were analyzed. The results show that for identification of CNS, the automated identification methods using the newest VITEK 2 and BD Phoenix identification cards are comparable. However, API ID32 STAPH revealed more correct results compared to both automated microbiology systems. Despite the increased performance of the phenotypic automated identification systems compared to the former versions, molecular methods, e.g., the
gap
-based T-RFLP method, still show superior accuracy in identifying
Staphylococcus
species other than
Staphylococcus aureus
.