The zwitterion effect in high-conductivity polyelectrolyte materials.

The future of lithium metal batteries as a widespread, safe and reliable form of high-energy-density rechargeable battery depends on a significant advancement in the electrolyte material used in these devices. Molecular solvent-based electrolytes have been superceded by polymer electrolytes in some prototype devices, primarily in a drive to overcome leakage and flammability problems, but these often exhibit low ionic conductivity and prohibitively poor lithium-ion transport. To overcome this, it is necessary to encourage dissociation of the lithium ion from the anionic polymer backbone, ideally without the introduction of competing, mobile ionic species.

Promoter analysis of Helicobacter pylori genes with enhanced expression at low pH.

To identify Helicobacter pylori genes with expression that is enhanced under low pH conditions, we used subtractive hybridization methodology. We identified 28 acid-induced genes, of which 18 have known or putative functions. Six pairs of genes were co-transcribed.

Heterometallic CeIII-FeIII-salicylate networks: models for corrosion mitigation of steel surfaces by the 'green' inhibitor, Ce(salicylate)3.

The syntheses and structures of the novel Ce-Fe bimetallic complexes [[Fe(sal)2(bpy)]2Ce(NO3)(H2O)3].EtOH and [[Fe(sal)2(bpy)]4Ce2(H2O)11][salH]2.EtOH.

Rinderpest virus lineage differentiation using RT-PCR and SNAP-ELISA.

An RT-PCR/ELISA system has been developed that detects and differentiates Rinderpest virus (RPV) from the other closely related morbillivirus of ruminants, Peste des petits Ruminants virus (PPRV). In addition, using lineage specific probes, it is possible to determine whether the virus sample is wild-type or vaccine, and the likely origin of the outbreak if it is wild-type. It involves carrying out a RT-PCR with one digoxygenin (Dig)-labelled primer followed by a hybridisation step with a virus-specific, biotin-labelled, probe.

Genome-wide transcriptional profiling in a histidine kinase mutant of Helicobacter pylori identifies members of a regulon.

To identify putative members of a regulon controlled by the H. pylori sensory histidine kinase HP0164 (HK0164), we constructed HK0164 null mutant H. pylori strains and analyzed bacterial gene transcription using DNA arrays.

Use of ionic liquids for pi-conjugated polymer electrochemical devices.

pi-Conjugated polymers that are electrochemically cycled in ionic liquids have enhanced lifetimes without failure (up to 1 million cycles) and fast cycle switching speeds (100 ms). We report results for electrochemical mechanical actuators, electrochromic windows, and numeric displays made from three types of pi-conjugated polymers: polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene. Experiments were performed under ambient conditions, yet the polymers showed negligible loss in electroactivity.

Development of reverse transcription-PCR (oligonucleotide probing) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for diagnosis and preliminary typing of foot-and-mouth disease: a new system using simple and aqueous-phase hybridization.

A reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system that detects a relatively conserved region within the RNA genome of all seven serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been developed. The high specificity of the assay is achieved by including a rapid hybridization step with a biotin-labeled internal oligonucleotide. The assay is highly sensitive, fast, and easy to perform.

Mass die-Off of Caspian seals caused by canine distemper virus.

Thousands of Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) died in the Caspian Sea from April to August 2000. Lesions characteristic of morbillivirus infection were found in tissue specimens from dead seals. Canine distemper virus infection was identified by serologic examination, reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of selected P gene fragments.

Photosensitization of pancreatic tumour cells by delta-aminolaevulinic acid esters.

A series of straight chain, branched and cyclo-delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) esters have been synthesized and their photosensitizing properties analysed using an in vitro system of rat pancreatoma cells. Structurally favourable ALA esters not only induced the formation of more of the endogenous photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), but they did so at a faster rate than ALA itself. This action was reflected in a substantial increase in photocytotoxicity of some 270 times, using the more potent ALA esters.

Intercellular communication in Helicobacter pylori: luxS is essential for the production of an extracellular signaling molecule.

Individual bacteria of numerous species can communicate and coordinate their actions via the production, release, and detection of extracellular signaling molecules. In this study, we used the Vibrio harveyi luminescence bioassay to determine whether Helicobacter pylori produces such a factor. Cell-free conditioned media from H.

Helicobacter pylori strain-specific genotypes and modulation of the gastric epithelial cell cycle.

Helicobacter pylori cag+ strains enhance gastric epithelial cell proliferation and attenuate apoptosis in vivo, which may partially explain the increased risk of gastric cancer associated with these strains. The goals of this study were to identify specific H. pylori genes that regulate epithelial cell cycle events and determine whether these effects were dependent upon p53-mediated pathways.

Localization of foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA by in situ hybridization within bovine tissues.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious disease of cloven hooved animals. In cattle, both acute and long-term persistent infections occur. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a picornavirus, has been shown, using virus isolation procedures, to replicate in the pharynx and soft palate of cattle.

Mutational analysis of the vacA promoter provides insight into gene transcription in Helicobacter pylori.

Analysis of 12 Helicobacter pylori promoters indicates the existence of a consensus -10 hexamer (TAtaaT) but little conservation of -35 sequences. In this study, mutations in either the H. pylori vacA -10 region or the -35 region resulted in decreased vacA transcription and suggested that an extended -10 motif is utilized.

Molecular and biochemical analysis of a 105 kDa Mycoplasma gallisepticum cytadhesin (GapA).

The identification of a gene (gapA) from Mycoplasma gallisepticum with homology to the P1 cytadherence gene of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is reported. The gapA gene is a 2895 bp ORF encoding a protein with a molecular mass of 105 kDa. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the gapA gene revealed 45% homology to the M.

Antibody to the nonstructural proteins of foot-and-mouth disease virus in vaccinated animals exposed to infection.

Cattle which have been infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus can be differentiated from those that have been vaccinated on the basis of the detection of antibody to one or more of the non-structural (NS) proteins of the virus. Cattle which have been protected by vaccination can become persistently infected with FMD virus (FMDV) without ever showing clinical signs. Vaccinated, protected cattle which are persistently infected cannot be distinguished from animals that merely have been vaccinated on the basis of serological tests for antibody to the structural proteins of FMDV.

Heterogeneity in levels of vacuolating cytotoxin gene (vacA) transcription among Helicobacter pylori strains.

Broth culture supernatants from Tox+ Helicobacter pylori strains induce vacuolation of HeLa cells in vitro and contain VacA in concentrations that are higher than those found in supernatants from Tox- H. pylori strains. To investigate the basis for this phenomenon, we analyzed the transcription of the vacuolating cytotoxin gene (vacA) in eight Tox+ strains (each with a type s1/m1 vacA genotype) and nine Tox- strains (each with a type s2/m2 vacA genotype).

Extracellular release of antigenic proteins by Helicobacter pylori.

Screening a Helicobacter pylori genomic library with antisera raised against H. pylori broth culture supernatant resulted in the identification of six antigens: urease, HspB, Lpp20, DnaK, MsrA, and a cysteine-rich 28-kDa protein (designated HcpA). H.

Comparison of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and virus isolation for the routine diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease.

A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was compared with virus isolation in cell culture and the antigen detection ELISA for the primary diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on 166 clinical samples from the field. Eighty samples were positive by virus isolation/ELISA and 78 by RT-PCR. The RT-PCR detected FMD viral RNA in 11 of the 86 samples assessed as negative by virus isolation/ELISA but conversely failed to diagnose 13 samples identified as positive by the latter procedures.

Differentiating infection from vaccination in foot-and-mouth disease using a panel of recombinant, non-structural proteins in ELISA.

A profiling ELISA was developed to detect antibody to the non-structural (NS) proteins Lb, 2C, 3A, 3D, and the polyprotein 3ABC, of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The assay was used to examine panels of sera from naive cattle, and from experimentally infected or vaccinated animals. All sera from cattle experimentally infected with any of the seven serotypes of FMDV were positive for antibody to 2C, 3A, 3D and 3ABC, and the majority were positive for Lb.

Characterization of Helicobacter pylori dapE and construction of a conditionally lethal dapE mutant.

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human gastric mucosa and causes gastritis, ulceration, or gastric cancer. A previously uncharacterized region of the H. pylori genome was identified and sequenced.

Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis in a European starling.

Bilateral conjunctivitis and episcleritis were identified in an adult European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). A novel mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma sturni, was isolated in pure culture from the conjunctiva of both eyes. The clinical presentation was similar to that of conjunctivitis in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum.