bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Study of the NCCLS and Flow Cytometry Methods for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of
Candida albicans
Authors: Chaturvedi Vishnu , Ramani Rama , Pfaller Michael A. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

One hundred clinical isolates of
Candida albicans
were tested for amphotericin B and fluconazole susceptibilities by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) broth microdilution test at center 1 (C1). The same isolates were tested blinded at center 2 (C2) by NCCLS and flow cytometry (FC) methods. The agreement between NCCLS and FC methods ranged from 96 to 99%.
Collaborative Study of Antibiotic Medium 3 and Flow Cytometry for Identification of Amphotericin B-Resistant
Candida
Isolates
Authors: Chaturvedi Vishnu , Ramani Rama , Rex John H. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Center 1 used the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M27-A2 method and antibiotic medium 3 (AM3) test to determine amphotericin B resistance in 5 of 30
Candida
isolates. These isolates were tested at center 2 by AM3 test and flow cytometry (FC). The agreements (C1-C2) were 90% for AM3 test and FC and 73% for the AM3 tests.
Validated 5′ Nuclease PCR Assay for Rapid Identification of the Genus
Brucella
Authors: Bogdanovich T. , Skurnik M. , Lübeck P. S. , Ahrens P. , Hoorfar J. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

A real-time, genus-specific 5′ nuclease PCR assay for amplification of a 322-bp fragment of the
per
gene was developed for rapid (<2 h) identification of
Brucella
spp. from agar plates. The assay, including an internal amplification control (116 bp), identified
Brucella
strains (
n
= 23) and did not detect non-
Brucella
strains (
n
= 174), indicating its usefulness, particularly for laboratories with stringent quality assurance programs.
Use of the Vitek-1 and Vitek-2 Systems for Detection of Constitutive and Inducible Macrolide Resistance in Group B Streptococci
Authors: Tang Patrick , Ng Peter , Lum Ming , Skulnick Martin , Small Glen W. , Low Donald E. , Sarabia Alicia , Mazzulli Tony , Wong Katherine , Simor Andrew E. , Willey Barbara M. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
A prospective study of erythromycin and clindamycin resistance was performed with 304 consecutive group B streptococci (GBS) isolates. According to two automated susceptibility testing systems, Vitek-1 and Vitek-2, and double-disk agar diffusion, 79.9% were susceptible to both erythromycin and clindamycin. However, for macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B-inducible isolates, the accuracies of the Vitek-1 and Vitek-2 systems were 5.6 and 94.4%. In light of these results, we recommend that GBS be routinely tested using the double-disk diffusion method.
Molecular Evidence of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
in
Ixodes ricinus
Ticks and Wild Animals in Austria
Authors: Polin Helene , Hufnagl Peter , Haunschmid Reinhard , Gruber Florian , Ladurner Gunther 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Real-time PCR analysis of a
groESL
heat shock operon segment showed the presence of two genetic lineages of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
in
Ixodes ricinus
ticks as well as one variant in wild red and roe deer, the latter supposedly representing the natural reservoir of one variant of
A. phagocytophilum.
AFMP2
Encodes a Novel Immunogenic Protein of the Antigenic Mannoprotein Superfamily in
Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Chong Ken T. K. , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Huang Yi , Yuen Kwok-yung 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

We cloned the
Aspergillus fumigatus
mannoprotein 2 (
AFMP2
) gene, which encodes a novel immunogenic protein (Afmp2p) of the antigenic mannoprotein superfamily, in
A. fumigatus
. Sequence analysis revealed that Afmp2p has 510 amino acid residues, with a predicted molecular mass of 51.5 kDa. Afmp2p has a putative N-terminal signal peptide, a putative C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane attachment signal sequence, and an upstream GAA cleavage site commonly used for cytoplasmic membrane attachment and implicated in fungal cell wall assembly. Upstream of the GAA cleavage site, Afmp2p contains a 302-amino-acid serine- and threonine-rich region as a site for potential O-glycosylation. Within this serine- and threonine-rich region, 13 repeats of ETSTPCE(T)

n

were observed. Western blot analysis of Afmp2p in
A. fumigatus
fungal cell lysate and culture supernatant and immunogold staining and electron microscopy showed that Afmp2p is predominantly secreted into the culture supernatant, whereas only minimal amounts can be detected in the cell lysate and cell wall. Finally, it was observed that patients with aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis due to
A. fumigatus
develop a specific antibody response against recombinant Afmp2p. The abundance of Afmp2p in secreted form, its minimal cross-reactivity with Afmp1p, and the presence of an antibody response against Afmp2p in patients with
A. fumigatus
infections suggest that Afmp2p is a good candidate for complementing Afmp1p in serodiagnosis of
A. fumigatus
infections.
Use of a Panfungal PCR Assay for Detection of Fungal Pathogens in a Commercial Blood Culture System
Authors: Iwen Peter C. , Freifeld Alison G. , Bruening Tricia A. , Hinrichs Steven H. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
A panfungal PCR assay was used to evaluate the ability of the ESP blood culture system to detect fungemia. The results showed that the ESP system is reliable for the detection of fungi and showed the applicability of using a molecular-based assay as a potential rapid and reliable method for the identification of fungi.
Culture-Independent Species Typing of Neotropical
Leishmania
for Clinical Validation of a PCR-Based Assay Targeting Heat Shock Protein 70 Genes
Authors: Garcia Lineth , Kindt Ann , Bermudez Hernan , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , De Doncker Simonne , Arevalo Jorge , Quispe Tintaya Kelly Wilber , Dujardin Jean-Claude 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of heat shock protein 70 genes discriminates most neotropical
Leishmania
species, as well as
Trypanosoma cruzi.
The assay, combined with capillary electrophoresis in a microchip device, may be applied directly on clinical samples with a high sensitivity, hence supporting clinical and epidemiological monitoring of leishmaniasis.
Use of the
omp50
Gene for Identification of
Campylobacter
Species by PCR
Authors: Dedieu Luc , Pagès Jean-Marie , Bolla Jean-Michel 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

We studied the prevalence of the
omp50
gene and the Omp50 protein in
Campylobacter
strains. Immunodetection assays and DNA-DNA hybridizations showed that most
C. coli
strains tested were negative and most
C. jejuni
and
C. lari
strains tested were positive. A PCR assay was developed, using the
omp50
gene as a species-specific target. We propose a combination of a hippurate test and an
omp50
assay to perform identification of
Campylobacter
species.
Detection of Specific Antibodies to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Protein for Serodiagnosis of SARS Coronavirus Pneumonia
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Wong Beatrice H. L. , Tsoi Hoi-wah , Fung Ami M. Y. , Chan Kwok-hung , Tam Victoria K. P. , Peiris J. S. Malik , Yuen Kwok-yung 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
We report the evaluation of recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based antibody tests for serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV pneumonia and compare the sensitivities and specificities of this ELISA for detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, and their combinations with serum samples from 149 healthy blood donors who donated blood 3 years ago as controls and 106 SARS-CoV pneumonia patients in Hong Kong. The specificities of the ELISA for IgG, IgM, and IgA detection were 95.3, 96.6, and 96.6%, respectively, with corresponding sensitivities of 94.3, 59.4, and 60.4%, respectively. The present ELISA appears to be a sensitive test for serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV pneumonia, is much more economical and less labor-intensive than the indirect immunofluorescence assay, and does not require cultivation of SARS-CoV.
First Serologic Evidence of Human Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis in Korea
Authors: Jang Won-Jong , Kim Jong-Hyun , Choi Yeon-Joo , Jung Kwang-Don , Kim Yang-Gyu , Lee Seung-Hyun , Choi Myung-Sik , Kim Ik-Sang , Walker David H. , Park Kyung-Hee 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

To investigate the prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsioses in Korea, a serosurvey of Japanese spotted fever rickettsiosis in patients with acute febrile illness was conducted with an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Overall, 19.88% of the patients were found to have polyvalent antibody against
Rickettsia japonica
. This study is the first documentation of spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Korea.
Brain Abscess Due to
Gemella haemolysans
Authors: Lee Mi Ra , Lee Sang-Oh , Kim Sue-Yun , Yang Sun Mee , Seo Yiel-Hae , Cho Yong Kyun 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

We present a case of brain abscess due to
Gemella haemolysans
and
Bacteroides
species in a 60-year-old-immunocompetent man who underwent dental procedures. The patient completely recovered following intravenous therapy with ampicillin and metronidazole for 6 weeks.
Clinical Case of Endocarditis due toTrichosporon inkinand Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of the Organism
Authors: Ramos Jose M. , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel , Gutierrez Felix , Elia Matilde , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan L. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTA fatal case ofTrichosporon inkinprosthetic endocarditis is reported. The isolation sites and susceptibility profiles of 10 other isolates are also reviewed. Four strains were recovered from cutaneous or subcutaneous samples, four were recovered from urine, one was recovered from peritoneal liquid, and one was recovered from bone. Voriconazole and amphotericin B had the most potent activities in vitro against the isolates, with MIC geometric means of 0.11 and 0.30 μg/ml, respectively.
Multielement Profiling Analyses of Biological, Geochemical, and Environmental Samples as Studied by Analytical Atomic Spectrometry
Authors: Haraguchi Hiroki 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The progress of modern analytical atomic spectrometry is briefly reviewed with emphasis on ICP-AES and ICP-MS; these provide some excellent analytical features such as high sensitivity, wide linear dynamic range, and multielement detection capability. Thus, the multielement determination of the major-to-ultratrace elements from % to sub-ppt (1 ppt = 10−12 g ml−1) level is possible for the biological, geochemical, and environmental samples. The standard or certified reference materials of plant, human blood serum, and the other biological samples were analyzed to establish the reliable analytical methods for the multielement determination by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. The modern analytical methods were applied to: (i) the correlation analysis of the elements in human blood serum, and (ii) the determination of rare earth elements in human blood serum on a personal basis. The speciation of trace elements in natural water was also carried out by the SEC (size exclusion chromatography)/UV absorption detection/ICP-MS combined system after ultrafiltration of the water samples. The SEC chromatograms indicated that most of trace elements in natural water existed as large organic molecule–metal complexes with the molecular weight of &gt; 300000 and 10000—50000. In addition, trace elements in man and in the sea were discussed from the viewpoints of the geochemical classification of the elements on the earth, the Lewis’s acid-base theory, and the principle of HSAB (hard and soft acids and bases). Such multielement information allows the multielement profiling analyses of various samples to elucidate the elemental distributions, physicochemical characteristics, and behaviors of the major-to-ultratrace elements in relation with the biological functions or with the geochemical and environmental phenomena.
Thermodynamic Interactions in Binary Mixtures of Styrene with n-Alkanes at 298.15 K
Authors: Aminabhavi Tejraj M , Patil Virupakshagouda B , Banerjee Kamalika , Balundgi Ramachandra H 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Thermodynamic interactions in binary mixtures of styrene with n-alkanes have been studied in terms of excess quantities using the experimental results of density, viscosity, and speed of sound at 298.15 K. Flory as well as Prigogine–Flory–Patterson equations were used to calculate the excess molar volume in addition to enthalpy, entropy, and free-energy mixing functions. The viscosity results were analysed using Bloomfield and Dewan theory to predict viscosity deviations, while the speed-of-sound results were analysed by Benson and Kiyohara theory to predict the deviations in isentropic compressibility. The Prigogine–Saraga theory was used to calculate the deviations in internal pressure of liquids and liquid mixtures. Furthermore, isothermal compressibility values were predicted from the Flory equation of state and compared with the experimentally obtained values. Overall, the computed and experimental results are discussed in terms of thermodynamic interactions between the mixing components.
Side Chain Dynamics in Poly(ethyl acrylate) Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroaki , Seki Kazuhiko , Kuwajima Satoru , Okui Norimasa 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A molecular dynamics (MD) trajectory of 1.0 ns duration has been computed for a methyl-terminated atactic poly(ethyl acrylate) using force field parameters which we determined by ab initio molecular-orbital calculations for small molecules (RHF/6-31G level). Local side chain motions were clarified by analyses of the MD trajectory. The torsional angle autocorrelation functions (TACF) were calculated for each dihedral angle in the side chain. All of the TACF were strongly non-exponential. The entire side chain rotation was an asymmetric 180° jump motion with a rapid torsional oscillation within stable and metastable conformations, while ethyl group motion around the O(non-carbonyl)–CH2 bond in the side chain was characterized by rapid torsional motion in the angle range from 60 to 300°involving an obscure three-site jump motion.
High-Resolution Frequency Analysis by the Use of Derivatives of the Fourier Transform: Application to Fluorescence Quantum Beats
Authors: Kono Hirohiko , Kawata Isao , Ohta Nobuhiro 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The v th frequency derivative of the Fourier spectrum obtained by the use of tv-windows is proposed with some applications to practical examples. Derivative power spectra have higher resolution and lower base lines than conventional spectra (e.g., v = 0), and are insensitive to the choice of the beginning of the acquisition duration. For extremely large v, the spectrum is not resolved well. The optimal value of v is determined so that the main body of the product of the window tv and the signal is accommodated in the range where the S/N ratio is relatively high. This criterion is successfully applied to a signal generated from a known spectrum and to fluorescence quantum beats in pyrimidine at zero and nonzero magnetic fields.
Fluorescence and FTIR Studies on the pH-Dependent Conformational Change of Poly(methacrylic acid) in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Nakashima Kenichi , Fujimoto Yoshinori , Anzai Takayuki , Dong Jian , Sato Hidetoshi , Ozaki Yukihiro 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy have been used to investigate the pH-dependent conformational change of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) in aqueous solutions. Fluorescence intensity and lifetime, and other fluorescence parameters of the 1-pyrenemethanol probe were measured as a function of pH in PMA aqueous solutions. The fluorescence data obtained show that PMA undergoes a sharp coiling ↔ uncoiling change around pH 5. FTIR spectra of PMA were successfully observed by an attenuated total reflection technique. The FTIR data show that the carboxyl groups of PMA are ionized progressively over the wide pH range from 3 to 8, and that PMA takes an expanded conformation under basic conditions. These results make it clear that although the ionization of the carboxyl groups takes place progressively, the conformational change of PMA is brought about abruptly.
Hydrophobic Interaction of mer-Tris(α-amino acidato)cobalt(III) with Tetrabutylammonium Ion
Authors: Yoshimura Yasuki 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
An interaction of NaBr, NH4Br, Me4NBr, Et4NBr, Pr4NBr, Bu4NBr, and NaBPh4 with mer-(+)-tris(l-alaninato)cobalt(III) (mer-(+)-[Co(l-ala)3]) was examined by estimating the standard enthalpy (ΔHtr°) and entropy of transfer (ΔStr°) of mer-(+)-[Co(l-ala)3] from water to the salt solutions on the basis of the temperature dependence of solubility. A difference in correlation between ΔHtr° and TΔStr° demonstrated that while NaBr and NH4NBr increase the solubility of mer-(+)-[Co(l-ala)3] by hydrophilic interaction, Pr4NBr, Bu4NBr, and NaBPh4 increase the solubility of mer-(+)-[Co(l-ala)3] by hydrophobic interaction. On the basis of this finding, ΔHtr° and TΔStr° of the transfer from water to aqueous Bu4NBr solution for the mer-tris(aniono)cobalt(III) of glycine (glyH), l-alanine (alaH), l-serine (serH), Dl-2-aminobutylic acid (abaH), Dl-norvaline (nvalH), l-valine (valH), and l-leucine (leuH) led to the conclusion that hydrophobicity of the amino acids increases in the order of glyH &lt; serH &lt; alaH &lt; abaH &lt; nvalH &lt; valH &lt; leuH. This conclusion is compared with the hydrophobicity order reported in the literature.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Oxidation of [Fe(CN)6]4− to [Fe(CN)6]3−, Induced by the Reaction between Cu2+ and I− in Aqueous Solution. Oxidation Reaction by a Radical Anion I2−·
Authors: Kimura Masaru , Shiota Yuko , Kishi Shinobu , Tsukahara Keiichi 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The hexacyanoferrate(II) ion ([Fe(CN)6]4−) was rapidly oxidized to [Fe(CN)6]3− by a radical anion, I2−·, which was formed by a reaction between the copper(II) ion and the iodide ion. The oxidation reaction was accelerated by increasing the pH. Under the conditions of lower pH’s, the [Fe(CN)6]3− acted as a retarder to the oxidation reaction. The mechanisms for such reactions are discussed in terms of accounting for the obtained results.
Artificial Control of Enzyme Reactions by the Photoexcitation of Hematoporphyrin Adsorbed on Living Yeast Cells
Authors: Noda Hiroyuki , Ohya Hiroaki , Kamada Hitoshi 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The objective of our research was to establish control of biological functions by the illumination of a photosensitizer of hematoporphyrin that was externally provided in a biological system. We found using an ESR method that the reduction of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPOL), as a reduction probe, caused by enzyme reactions can be controlled through the photoexcitation of hematoporphyrin adsorbed on the living yeast cells (HP/Yeast system). On the basis of the effects of some electron-transfer blockers through its reduction rate, it has been postulated that the reduction of TEMPOL is mainly conducted through ferredoxin (ferredoxin-NAD(P)+ reductase), which could be controlled through the illumination of HP connected with a mitochondrial electron-transfer system. A possible mechanism for controlling the reduction of TEMPOL is discussed in connection with the energy levels of HP and the redox potentials of the components in yeast cell participating in this phenomenon.
Iron(II)-Assisted Assembly of Trivalent GalNAc Clusters and Their Interactions with GalNAc-Specific Lectins
Authors: Sakai Shin , Shigemasa Yoshihiro , Sasaki Tomikazu 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A novel metal-assisted assembly of mulitivalent carbohydrate ligands is described. A bipyridine-modified N-acetylgalactosamine (bipy-GalNAc) undergoes Fe(II)-induced self-association to form a trimeric GalNAc ligand (FeII(bipy-GalNAc)3). The synthetic GalNAc cluster strongly binds to Vicia villosa B4 lectin and Glycin Max lectin, which recognizes multiple GalNAc residues. The trimeric GalNAc ligand is formed as a mixture of four diastereomeric isomers: Δ-fac, Λ-fac, Δ-mer, and Λ-mer. These stereoisomers are in a dynamic equilibrium at room temperature. The equilibrium allows the spatial arrangement of the three GalNAc residues to change in order to fit into a multivalent carbohydrate binding site of the lectins. Detailed analysis of the kinetic and thermodynamic data for the isomerization can provide structural information of the carbohydrate binding site of the lectins.
Effects of Metal Salts on the Structure and Activity of α-Chymotrypsin in Ethanol/Water
Authors: Sasaki Toshiya , Kise Hideo 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The catalytic activity and circular dichroic (CD) spectra of α-chymotrypsin (CT) were measured in ethanol/water (95/5, v/v) solution containing small amounts of metal salts. Although the catalytic activity of CT increased upon the addition of all the metal salts used, the magnitude of activity increase was different for different metal salts. Especially, calcium acetate accelerated the transesterification of amino acid up to 6 fold at 100 μM. The secondary and tertiary structures of CT were also changed by metal salts, as studied by CD measurements. The effects of metal salts on the stability of CT in ethanol/water were also studied, and it was found that the residual activity of CT after 7 days in ethanol/water in the presence of Ca(OCOCH3)2 was about 20% of the initial activity. The change in activity was closely correlated with the change in the mean residue ellipticity of CT at 208 or 230 nm.
Preparation and Properties of Stabilized Thioxophosphine Sulfides Bearing the 4-t-Butyl-2,6-bis(dialkylaminomethyl)phenyl or the 2,4-Di-t-butyl-6-(dialkylaminomethyl)phenyl Substituents
Authors: Kamijo Kazunori , Otoguro Akihiko , Toyota Kozo , Yoshifuji Masaaki 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Stabilized thioxophosphine sulfides bearing the 4-t-butyl-2,6-bis(dialkylaminomethyl)phenyl or the 2,4-di-t-butyl-6-(dialkylaminomethyl)phenyl group, as well as their 15N labeled analogs, were prepared. Intramolecular interaction between the nitrogen and the phosphorus atoms was investigated, mainly by means of 31P NMR and 1H NMR spectroscopic studies.
Re-investigation of the Coupling Reaction of 2-Aryl-1,1-dibromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropenes. Preparation of Perfluoroalkylated [3]Cumulenes
Authors: Uno Hidemitsu , Nibu Nobumasa , Misobe Noboru 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The coupling reaction of perfluoroalkylated 2-aryl-1,1-dibromoalkenes using zinc and copper(I) bromide gave stereoisomeric mixtures of [3]cumulenes and [4]radialenes. The ratio of [3]cumulenes and [4]radialenes mainly depended upon the reaction temperature and the electronic character of the aryl group. When the coupling reaction was carried out at −40 °C, (E)- and (Z)-[3]cumulenes were obtained in good selectivity and only trace amounts of [4]radialenes were detected by a 19F NMR analysis. On the other hand, a similar reaction at −60 °C afforded a considerable amount of [4]radialene isomers. When the cis-[3]cumulenes were heated at an appropriate temperature, selective isomerization to trans-[3]cumulenes occurred.
A Divergent Synthesis of Lipid A and Its Chemically Stable Unnatural Analogues
Authors: Liu Wen-Chi , Oikawa Masato , Fukase Koichi , Suda Yasuo , Kusumoto Shoichi 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Lipid A and its two chemically stable analogues, wherein the glycosidic phosphoryl groups in lipid A is replaced with 2-(phosphonooxy)ethyl or carboxymethyl groups, have been synthesized by an improved and divergent route via a common allyl glycoside intermediate in which the 4-hydroxy group was protected as a benzyl ether. The total yields were more than 20% for 11 or 12 steps starting from allyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-2-deoxy-2-(trichloroethoxycarbonylamino)-d-glucopyranoside. These synthetic chemically stable analogues induce interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α in human peripheral whole blood cells with potencies comparable to those by natural-type synthetic lipid A. The Limulus activities of both analogues were found to be even stronger than the activity of the natural-type one.