bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of posters and displays on the use of alcohol gel
Authors: Grice John E , Roushdi Ibraham , Ricketts David M
Published: September 2008

Introduction: Hand cleansing with alcohol gel is important in reducing health care associated infection (HCAI). HCAI affects 8% of acute hospital admissions in the UK costing the NHS an estimated ®1 billion per annum1. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of posters and placement of alcohol dispensers on use of alcohol dispensers by staff and visitors passing through hospital foyers.

Method: We noted the use of alcohol gel for hand cleansing in pedestrians entering through the hospital foyers. Three scenarios were noted:

■ Display 1. Poster and gel dispenser in the centre of the foyer.

■ Display 2. Poster and gel dispenser on the wall of the foyer.

■ Display 3. No poster with a gel dispenser on the wall of the foyer.

Results: For display 1 uptake of alcohol gel was 38.4%, for display 2 it was 8.6% and for display 3 it was 2.7%. There was a significant increase in uptake of alcohol hand cleansing when a display was used (p > 0.001). Regarding gender, males were better users of alcohol hand gel overall. Employment group: the highest use was amongst female visitors with display 1 (51.6%). Displays had least influence on male doctors (44% with display 1, 10% with display 3).

Conclusion: We recommend the use of prominently placed posters and gel dispensers in hospital foyers.
A survey of MRSA awareness and knowledge among the general public and patients' visitors
Authors: McLaughlin Anne Marie , Canavan James B , Adams Emma J , McDonagh Ruth , Brar Harpreet , Fitzpatrick Gerard J , Donnelly Maria B
Published: September 2008

Our aim was to assess, for the first time, the know-ledge and perception of meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among the general public and a group of hospital visitors.

Five hundred and forty five participants completed the survey, 24 (4.4%) had not heard of MRSA and were excluded from further analysis; 345 members of the public and 176 hospital visitors remained. Twenty four (4.4%) of the public and two of the hospital visitors had a personal history of MRSA and thus formed a discrete group. The majority of participants thought that MRSA transmission could be reduced by hand washing. MRSA evoked a strong emotive response, 61% agreeing they would be angry and 80.9% agreeing that they would feel fearful if diagnosed with MRSA.

The public are generally knowledgeable about MRSA but most agreed that they would feel angry and afraid by its diagnosis. Future public education campaigns on MRSA should be aware of this response.
Swing Phase Resistance Enhances Flexor Muscle Activity During Treadmill Locomotion in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lam Tania , Wirz Markus , Lünenburger Lars , Dietz Volker
Published: September 2008

Background. This study investigated whether loading the legs during the swing phase of walking enhances flexor muscle activity in ambulatory patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods. Nine patients had surface electromyography (EMG) and joint kinematics recorded from the lower extremities during treadmill walking. Swing phase loading of the legs was achieved by weights (1-3 kg) attached to each lower extremity or by a velocity-dependent resistance applied by the Lokomat robotic gait orthosis. Results. When patients walked with the weights, there was a consistent increase in the activity of the knee flexors and sometimes of hip or ankle flexor activity during swing. Similarly, when the robot applied the velocity-dependent resistance during walking, swing phase flexor EMG activity tended to be greater. Enhanced knee flexion was observed in all patients after the weights or the robot-generated resistance was removed. Conclusions. Flexor muscle activity during swing can be enhanced through additional proprioceptive input in patients with incomplete SCI with brief aftereffects. Further testing of this strategy is necessary to determine if it can improve the gait of ambulatory patients.
Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Promote Neurite Extension in Organotypic Spinal Cord Slice: Significance for Cell Transplantation Therapy
Authors: Shichinohe Hideo , Kuroda Satoshi , Tsuji Sachiko , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Yano Shunsuke , Lee Jang-Bo , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Seiji , Hida Kazutoshi , Iwasaki Yoshinobu
Published: September 2008

Objective. Recent reports have indicated that bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have the potential to improve neurological function when transplanted into models of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including traumatic spinal cord injury. In this study, the authors aimed to clarify the underlying mechanism through which BMSCs supported CNS regeneration in the spinal cord. Methods. The authors topically applied mouse BMSCs expressing green fluorescence protein (0.4-4 × 104 cells) on the organotypic spinal cord slice culture prepared from 6-day-old rat pups (n = 17). They were co-cultured for 3 weeks after the slice culture started, and the behavior of the applied BMSCs was serially observed using a fluorescence bioimaging technique. The authors completed a histological analysis at the end of the co-cultures and evaluated the profiles of the cultured BMSCs using microarray and immunocytochemistry techniques. Results. The fluorescence bioimaging showed that the BMSCs survived and made a cluster on the slice during the experiments. They also induced a morphological change in the slice within 48 hours of co-culture. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the BMSCs promoted a marked neurite extension toward their cluster and some of the BMSCs expressed Tuj-1, an early neuronal marker. Analysis by microarray and immunocytochemistry revealed that BMSCs highly expressed the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), stromal cell—derived factor-1, and its specific receptor CXCR4. Conclusions . These findings suggest that the donor BMSCs can support CNS regeneration due to their acquisition of a suitable environment for differentiation and promotion of neurite extension via MMPs and chemokines.
Motor Imagery to Enhance Recovery After Subcortical Stroke: Who Might Benefit, Daily Dose, and Potential Effects
Authors: Simmons Lucy , Sharma Nikhil , Baron Jean-Claude , Pomeroy Valerie M.
Published: September 2008

Background. Motor imagery may enhance motor recovery after stroke. Objectives. To estimate the proportion of patients able to perform motor imagery, the feasibility of delivery of motor imagery training (MIT), and the effects of MIT on motor recovery in an exploratory study. Methods. An immediate pretreatment and posttreatment single-group design was used to study 10 patients after subcortical stroke with neuromuscular weakness in the upper limb. MIT that included upper limb activities reflecting everyday tasks was provided for 10 consecutive working days. Measures included assessment of chaotic motor imagery, patient report of tolerability of MIT, Motricity Index (MI), Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and quality of movement (MAL-QOM). MIT dose was changed in response to patient feedback. Graphed motor function scores were inspected visually for clinically important changes. Results. Four of the 10 patients were unable to perform motor imagery. Patient opinion was positive about the content and shaped daily dose of MIT given in two 20-minute periods separated by a 10-minute rest. Clinically important changes in motor scores were found. Four patients increased MI score (range 8-16), 3 patients increased 9HPT score (range 0.02-0.04 pegs/second), and 4 patients increased MAL-QOM score (range 0.63-1.29). Conclusions. MIT was received positively by patients, but 40% were unable to perform imagery and interindividual variations were found on motor function.
Rehabilitation of Balance After Stroke With Multisensorial Training: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Yelnik Alain P. , Le Breton Frederique , Colle Florence M. , Bonan Isabelle V. , Hugeron Caroline , Egal Véronique , Lebomin Elizabeth , Regnaux Jean-Philippe , Pérennou Dominic , Vicaut Eric
Published: September 2008

Objective. To compare 2 rehabilitation strategies to improve balance after stroke: (1) a multisensorial approach based on higher intensity of balance tasks and exercise during visual deprivation and (2) a conventional neurodevelopmentaltheory-based treatment (NDT) that used a general approach for sensorimotor rehabilitation. Methods . This prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group study measured outcomes with blinded assessors. Sixty-eight patients able to walk without human assistance were entered from 3 to 15 months (mean, 7 months) after a first hemispheric stroke. They received 20 sessions in 4 weeks of NDT or multisensorial rehabilitation. On day 0, day 30, and day 90, assessment included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), posturography, gait (velocity, double stance phase, climbing 10 steps, amount of walking per day), the Functional Independence Measure, and the Nottingham Health Profile. Results. All subjects improved significantly in balance and walking parameters. Regarding the main dependent variable (BBS on day 30), no difference between groups was found. Analysis of secondary outcomes suggested small differences in favor of the experimental group, but the differences are not likely to be clinically relevant. Conclusion. No evidence was found for the superiority of a multisensorial rehabilitation program in ambulatory patients with impairments beyond the time of inpatient therapy. Additional studies are recommended.
The EXCITE Trial: Predicting a Clinically Meaningful Motor Activity Log Outcome
Authors: Park Si-Woon , Wolf Steven L. , Blanton Sarah , Winstein Carolee , Nichols-Larsen Deborah S.
Published: September 2008

Background and Objective . This study determined which baseline clinical measurements best predicted a predefined clinically meaningful outcome on the Motor Activity Log (MAL) and developed a predictive multivariate model to determine outcome after 2 weeks of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and 12 months later using the database from participants in the Extremity Constraint Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) Trial. Methods. A clinically meaningful CIMT outcome was defined as achieving higher than 3 on the MAL Quality of Movement (QOM) scale. Predictive variables included baseline MAL, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the sensory and motor portion of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), spasticity, visual perception, age, gender, type of stroke, concordance, and time after stroke. Significant predictors identified by univariate analysis were used to develop the multivariate model. Predictive equations were generated and odds ratios for predictors were calculated from the multivariate model. Results. Pretreatment motor function measured by MAL QOM, WMFT, and FMA were significantly associated with outcome immediately after CIMT. Pretreatment MAL QOM, WMFT, proprioception, and age were significantly associated with outcome after 12 months. Each unit of higher pretreatment MAL QOM score and each unit of faster pretreatment WMFT log mean time improved the probability of achieving a clinically meaningful outcome by 7 and 3 times at posttreatment, and 5 and 2 times after 12 months, respectively. Patients with impaired proprioception had a 20% probability of achieving a clinically meaningful outcome compared with those with intact proprioception. Conclusions. Baseline clinical measures of motor and sensory function can be used to predict a clinically meaningful outcome after CIMT.
Functional Outcomes Can Vary by Dose: Learning-Based Sensorimotor Training for Patients Stable Poststroke
Authors: Byl Nancy N. , Pitsch Erica A. , Abrams Gary M.
Published: September 2008

Objective. This study aimed to determine whether the dose of learning-based sensorimotor training (LBSMT) significantly enhances gains in upper limb function in patients stable post stroke. Methods. A total of 45 subjects stable poststroke participated in a 6-8-week LBSMT program of varied dosage: group I (n = 18; 1×/week, 1.5 hours/visit); group II (n = 19, 3×/week, 0.75 hours/visit); and group III (n = 8; 4×/week, 3 hours/visit). All subjects reinforced their training with home-based practice. The primary outcome measures were functional independence, strength, sensory discrimination, and fine motor skills. Results. Across all individual subjects, significant gains were measured on the 4 dependent variables (improvement ranging from 9.0% to 38.9%; P < .001). Group III made greater gains than groups I and II on functional independence, sensory discrimination, and fine motor skills, with a significant linear trend by dose for functional independence ( P < .001). Only 2-3 subjects in groups I and II, respectively, would need to be treated at the high dosage of group III for one more subject to achieve >50% gain in functional independence. Conclusions. Learning-based sensorimotor training based on the principles of neuroplasticity was associated with improved function in patients stable poststroke. The gains were dose specific with the greatest change measured in subjects participating in the high-intensity treatment group.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Results in Increased Motor Map Area in Subjects 3 to 9 Months After Stroke
Authors: Sawaki Lumy , Butler Andrew J. , Xiaoyan Leng  , Wassenaar Peter A. , Mohammad Yousef M. , Blanton Sarah , Sathian K. , Nichols-Larsen Deborah S. , Wolf Steven L. , Good David C. , Wittenberg George F.
Published: September 2008

Background. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has received considerable attention as an intervention to enhance motor recovery and cortical reorganization after stroke. Objective. The present study represents the first multi-center effort to measure cortical reorganization induced by CIMT in subjects who are in the subacute stage of recovery. Methods. A total of 30 stroke subjects in the subacute phase (>3 and <9 months poststroke) were recruited and randomized into experimental (receiving CIMT immediately after baseline evaluation) and control (receiving CIMT after 4 months) groups. Each subject was evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at baseline, 2 weeks after baseline, and at 4-month follow-up (ie, after CIMT in the experimental groups and before CIMT in the control groups). The primary clinical outcome measure was the Wolf Motor Function Test. Results. Both experimental and control groups demonstrated improved hand motor function 2 weeks after baseline. The experimental group showed significantly greater improvement in grip force after the intervention and at follow-up ( P = .049). After adjusting for the baseline measures, the experimental group had an increase in the TMS motor map area compared with the control group over a 4-month period; this increase was of borderline significance ( P = .053). Conclusions. Among subjects who had a stroke within the previous 3 to 9 months, CIMT produced statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in arm motor function that persisted for at least 4 months. The corresponding enlargement of TMS motor maps, similar to that found in earlier studies of chronic stroke subjects, appears to play an important role in CIMT-dependent plasticity.
Reassessing Benefits and Risks of Hormone Therapy
Authors: Gass Margery L. S. , Bassuk Shari S. , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: September 2008

Recent randomized clinical trials of postmenopausal hormone therapy have informed clinical decision making and provided insights that help identify appropriate candidates for treatment. A decline in the use of hormone therapy began precipitously in 2002 with publication of data from the Women's Health Initiative. This review examines the scientific literature surrounding this major change in practice and comments on the equilibrating process now taking place. Notably, the incidence of most of the medical conditions adversely affected by hormone therapy increases with age. As a result, recently menopausal women—those most interested in using hormone therapy—are at lower absolute risk of adverse events than older women. A critical mass of data now suggests that age and time since menopause may also modify relative risks of selected outcomes with use of hormone therapy, but this warrants further study. Duration of hormone therapy use also appears to influence risk, with the occurrence of certain outcomes (such as venous thrombosis) being highest in the first 1 or 2 years of hormone therapy use and others (such as breast cancer) increasing with longer duration of hormone therapy use. The conflicting results for some outcomes from the estrogen arm and the estrogen-progestin arm of the Women's Health Initiative suggest that progestins influence risk of several diseases, particularly breast cancer. Quantifying the benefits and risks of estrogen and estrogen-progestin by age group makes it possible to discuss pros and cons of hormone therapy in a more clinically relevant manner with patients. Hormone therapy remains a viable short-term option for the management of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms in recently menopausal women who are in generally good health. However, due to known risks, it should not be initiated or continued for the express purpose of preventing cardiovascular disease or other chronic diseases.
Influence of microstructure and weld size on the mechanical behaviour of dissimilar AHSS resistance spot welds
Authors: Hernandez Baltazar V. H. , Kuntz M. L. , Khan M. I. , Zhou Y.
Published: September 2008

Resistance spot welds were produced in dissimilar combinations of advanced high strength steels. A 600 MPa dual phase (DP) steel was welded to a high strength low alloy, a 780 MPa DP, and a 780 MPa transformation induced plasticity steel. The microstructure and mechanical properties were characterised using metallurgical techniques and lap shear and cross-tension testing. The results show that a pullout failure mode with improved mechanical properties is obtained when DP600 is paired with other advanced high strength steels, compared to the DP600 welded to itself, which is prone to interfacial failure and poor mechanical properties, given the same weld size. An in depth comparison of the interfacial to pullout failure transition in similar DP600 and DP780 and dissimilar DP600–DP780 welds was performed. The results show that the interfacial to pullout transition for the DP600–DP780 welds is significantly lower than with DP600 welded to itself. Increased fusion zone strength through dilution with the DP780 promotes button pullout at smaller weld sizes. Furthermore, it was observed that softening in the heat affected zone of DP780 promoted a pullout failure mode in that material.
Interfacial structure and mechanical properties of hot roll bonded joints between titanium alloy and stainless steel using copper interlayer
Authors: Zhao D. S. , Yan J. C. , Wang C. W. , Wang Y. , Yang S. Q.
Published: September 2008

The hot roll bonding was carried out in vacuum condition between titanium alloy and stainless steel using copper interlayer. The stainless steel/Cu can not be bonded if the bonding temperature is lower than or equal to 730°C, and the Cu–Ti alloy can not be bonded if the bonding temperature is higher than or equal to 880°C. The testing results show that the total thickness of intermetallic layers at the interface between copper and titanium alloy increases with the bonding temperature, and the tensile strength of bonded joints decreases with increasing bonding temperature. The maximum strength of 343 MPa was obtained at the bonding temperature of 780°C, the reduction of 20% and the rolling speed of 38 mm s–1.
Characterisation of plasma induced during high power fibre laser welding of stainless steel
Authors: Kawahito Y. , Matsumoto N. , Mizutani M. , Katayama S.
Published: September 2008

The objective of this research is to obtain a fundamental knowledge of generation behaviour and ionised state of a plume or plasma induced during bead on plate welding of a 20 mm thick type 304 stainless steel plate with a 10 kW fibre laser beam of 0˙9 MW mm–2 power density, on the basis of 10 000 to 40 000 flames s–1 high speed video observation and spectroscopic analysis. The high power fibre laser produced a partial penetration weld of 12 mm in depth at 50 mm s–1 welding speed. According to the high speed observation pictures, the laser induced plume was repeatedly generated from a keyhole at the interval of about 0&dot5 ms period to reach 12 mm in maximum height. The spectroscopy indicated the line spectra of neutral atoms of alloying elements of type 304 such as iron (Fe), chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn). However, ionised spectra of alloying elements and line spectra of argon (Ar) neutral atom were not apparently detected under these welding conditions. Furthermore, the temperature and the ionisation degree of the laser induced plume were calculated to be approximately 6000 K and 0&dot02 respectively, by the Bolzman plots and Saha's equation. Consequently, the plume induced with the 10 kW fibre laser beam of the ultra high power density was judged to be weakly ionised plasma from these experimental results.
Mechanical and fatigue behaviour of laser and resistance spot welds in advanced high strength steels
Authors: Daneshpour S. , Riekehr S. , Koçak M. , Gerritsen C. H. J.
Published: September 2008

A study was carried out on laser and resistance spot welds in overlapped sheets of dual phase advanced high strength steel (DP780) and deep drawing steel (DC04) of 2˙0 mm in thickness. The aim of the study was to investigate the fatigue performance of these joints under tensile shear loading as well as the monotonic performance for applications in the automotive industry. The mechanical properties, failure behaviour and fatigue life analyses of spot welds in similar and dissimilar joints were investigated by experimental and numerical methods. The structural stress concept was used to describe the fatigue lives of spot welded specimens. The results revealed different failure types with different fatigue behaviours for laser and resistance spot welds under the application of cyclic loads at ‘high load’ and ‘low load’ levels.
Numerical simulation of transient welding angular distortion with external restraints
Authors: Liu C. , Zhang J. X.
Published: September 2008

A multibody coupling finite element model, in which worktable, clamping strip, welding plate and fixture are included, is built to simulate the welding transient distortions under restraining forces. Overlaying welding experiments are also carried out to measure transient welding distortions and dynamic restraining forces to validate the model. The effects of the restraining force location and magnitude, release of restraining force and restraining moment on welding distortion are discussed. Results show that the variation of the restraining force is similar to that of the welding angular distortion during welding, and the minimum initial restraining force for a specified restraining location and the appropriate restraining distance from welding centreline for a specified restraining force to restrain the welding angular distortion can be optimised using the model. However, the welding plate would spring back to some extent after the restraining force release. The restraining moment plays an important role in controlling the welding angular distortion under the same welding parameters, the angular distortion almost the same with the same restraining moment no matter the location and magnitude of the restraining force, the angular distortion decreases rapidly with increasing restraining moment, the distortion before restraining force release can be fully restrained and the values of spring back keep almost the same when the restraining moment is larger than a threshold.
Joining of two materials by powder injection moulding
Authors: Zhang S. X. , Li T. , Li Q. F. , Pook S. F. , Goh C. W. , Hu Q. J.
Published: September 2008

Joining of components of cylindrical shape made of two materials chosen from Fe2Ni, 316L and M2 steels and manufactured by powder injection moulding (PIM) are studied in this paper. In general, joining of PIM cylindrical components requires that the to be joined outer part has a bigger shrinkage than the inner part during sintering. The sintered composite part consisting of Fe2Ni as outer layer and 316L as inner layer is a good example satisfying the above condition. Although the shrinkage of 316L and M2 are less than that of Fe2Ni, the composite parts with Fe2Ni as inner layer and 316L or M2 as outer layer can be successfully produced when different pretreatments are applied to Fe2Ni. Perfect diffusion joining without detectable pores in the vicinity of the bonding area is formed in Fe2Ni-1(or Fe2Ni-2)/316L(or M2) components. Diffusion of Cr and Ni elements has been verified by EDX analysis and it is shown that the diffusion accounts for the hardness of the transition zone.
Effect of weakly ionised plasma on penetration of stainless steel weld produced with ultra high power density fibre laser
Authors: Kawahito Y. , Kinoshita K. , Matsumoto N. , Mizutani M. , Katayama S.
Published: September 2008

A weakly ionised plasma can be generated in stainless steel welding with a 10 kW fibre laser beam at the ultra high power density of ∼1 MW mm–2 in Ar shielding gas. The objectives of this study are to obtain a fundamental knowledge of optical interaction between a fibre laser beam and the weakly ionised plasma, and to evaluate effects of the plasma on weld penetration. The optical interaction was investigated by the high speed video observation or the power meter measurement of another probe fibre laser beam, which passed horizontally through the weakly ionised plasma induced during bead on plate welding of a 20 mm thick type 304 plate with a 10 kW fibre laser beam of 0˙9 MW mm–2 in power density. The probe laser observed was refracted at 0˙6 mrad angle in average, which was much lower than the 90 mrad divergence of the focused fibre laser beam. The attenuation of the probe laser was measured to be ∼4%, which was not mainly caused by Inverse Bremsstrahlung but by Rayleigh scattering. Moreover, a stable laser welding process could be produced at such ultra high power density that 11˙5 mm deep penetration was obtained even if the laser peak power was modulated 1 ms periodically from 10 to 8˙5 kW. It was consequently considered that the optical interaction between the 10 kW fibre laser beam and the weakly ionised plasma was too small to exert the reduction in weld penetration.
Numerical modelling and experimental investigation of diffusion brazing SS304/BNi-2/SS304 joint
Authors: Chen H. , Gong J.-M. , Tu S.-T.
Published: September 2008

The kinetics of dissolution and isothermal solidification at the bonding temperature during diffusion brazing SS304/BNi-2/SS304 has been studied through a combination of analytical modelling and experimental investigations. The modelling is based on the diffusion theory and the consideration of transient motion of liquid/solid interface. A set of coupled finite differential equations has been programmed to track the motion of liquid/solid interface during the isothermal solidification of liquid filler. Four parameters can be mathematically determined from the analytical modelling including the evolution of solute concentration profile, the maximum diffusion distance, and the maximum liquid thickness as well as the time to complete the isothermal solidification. These analyses are helpful to understanding the joining mechanism during diffusion brazing. The temperature dependent diffusion coefficient used in the modelling is derived together with the experimental data from brazing the wedge shaped joint specimen of SS304/BNi-2/SS304. The effects of bonding temperature and initial joint thickness on the joining process have also been investigated.
Ternary alloy Ni–W–P nanoparticles electroless deposited within alumina nanopores
Authors: Zhou J. H. , He J. P. , He P. , Zhang H. X. , Tang M. , Ji Y. J. , Liu X. L. , Dang W. J.
Published: September 2008

A high yield of Ni–W–P nanoparticles with uniform size was prepared by electroless deposition within the nanopores of anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template. The resulting Ni–W–P nanoparticles were amorphous and the Ni3P phase was appeared in the sample annealed at 623 K. The crystallisation temperature of the nanoparticles is 579 K, which is 100 K lower than that of the Ni–W–P film. The nanoparticles possess a low coercivity at room temperature as the film, showing soft magnetic characteristics.
Microstructure evolution of conventionally cast nickel base superalloy
Authors: Zhao K. , Ma Y. H. , Lou L. H. , Hu Z. Q.
Published: September 2008

The microstructure evolution of a conventionally cast nickel base superalloy has been investigated during aging treatment at 900°C. It shows that two kinds of γ′ particles existed in the as heat specimens. The finer spherical γ′ ones became notably coarsening. The coarsening kinetics can be approximated by a linear volumetric growth as predicted by LSW theory. The larger cubic γ′ ones sphericised and grew at the expense of finer ones. The primary MC decomposition course was shown in detail, which occurred by the formation of γ′ films, Cr rich M23C6 and Mo rich M6C.
Microstructure transformation of Sn base solders under isothermal aging and thermal shearing cycling conditions
Authors: Qi L. H. , Huang J. H. , Zhao X. K. , Zhang H.
Published: September 2008

The diffusion of atoms and the growth behaviour of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at both Sn–3·5Ag–0·5Cu/Cu and 63Sn–37Pb/Cu interfaces under isothermal aging and thermal shearing cycling conditions have been investigated. The results show that a Cu6Sn5 IMC layer is formed at both the Sn–Ag–Cu/Cu and Sn–Pb/Cu interfaces, and the morphology of Cu6Sn5 changes gradually from scallop structure to plate-like structure with increasing number of thermal shearing cycling, while two IMCs, Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn, are formed at the Sn–Ag–Cu/Cu and Sn–Pb/Cu interfaces after isothermal aging for 100 h. The IMC growth follows parabola growth kinetics, implying that the IMC growth is controlled by the diffusion of Cu atoms. In Sn–Ag–Cu solder, Ag3Sn, forming uniform particles after reflowing, congregates gradually to be chunk-like.
Resolution-phase macrophages possess a unique inflammatory phenotype that is controlled by cAMP
Authors: Bystrom Jonas , Evans Ian , Newson Justine , Stables Melanie , Toor Iqbal , van Rooijen Nico , Crawford Mark , Colville-Nash Paul , Farrow Stuart , Gilroy Derek W.
Published: September 2008

Neutralizing injurious stimuli, proinflammatory mediator catabolism, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) clearance are determinants of inflammatory resolution. To this, we recently added innate-type lymphocyte repopulation as being central for restoring postinflammation tissue homeostasis with a role in controlling innate immune–mediated responses to secondary infection. However, although macrophages dominate resolution, their phenotype and role in restoring tissue physiology once inflammation abates are unknown. Therefore, we isolated macrophages from the resolving phase of acute inflammation and found that compared with classically activated proinflammatory M1 cells, resolution-phase macrophages (rMs) possess weaker bactericidal properties and express an alternatively activated phenotype but with elevated markers of M1 cells including inducible cyclooxygenase (COX 2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). This phenotype is controlled by cAMP, which, when inhibited, transforms rM to M1 cells. Conversely, elevating cAMP in M1 cells transforms them to rMs, with implications for cAMP in the resolution of systemic inflammation. It transpires that although rMs are dispensable for clearing PMNs during self-limiting inflammation, they are essential for signaling postresolution lymphocyte repopulation via COX 2 lipids. Thus, rM macrophages are neither classically nor alternatively activated but a hybrid of both, with a role in mediating postresolution innate-lymphocyte repopulation and restoring tissue homeostasis.
Altered expression of the receptor-ligand pair CXCR5/CXCL13 in B cells during chronic HIV-1 infection
Authors: Cagigi Alberto , Mowafi Frida , Phuong Dang Linh V. , Tenner-Racz Klara , Atlas Ann , Grutzmeier Sven , Racz Paul , Chiodi Francesca , Nilsson Anna
Published: September 2008

HIV-1 infection is associated with B-cell abnormalities, such as hypergammaglobulinemia, poor immunization responses, and loss of serologic memory. To determine whether altered expression of chemokine receptors and their ligands may play a role in B-cell dysfunctions during HIV-1 infection, the expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), CXCR5, and CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and their respective ligands on CD19+ B cells were examined in HIV-1–infected patients and controls. We report a decreased CXCR5 expression on B cells from patients (P < .05), a phenomenon associated with a low CD4 T-cell count (< 350 cells/μL). Interestingly, an increased expression of CXC chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), the ligand for CXCR5, was found in peripheral B cells from HIV-1–infected patients. Moreover, on B-cell activation in vitro, CXCL13 was secreted in culture. CXCL13+ B cells were also found in the lymph nodes of HIV-1–infected patients, but not in control tissue. B-cell migration toward CXCL13, CXCL12, and CC chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21), ligands for CXCR5, CXCR4, and CCR7 was also evaluated. In patients with a low CD4 T-cell count, migration toward all ligands was increased. Our findings indicate that altered expression of the chemokine receptor-ligand pair, CXCR5/CXCL13, may participate in the establishment of B-cell dysfunctions during HIV-1 infection.
Natural killer T-cell autoreactivity leads to a specialized activation state
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Chen Xiuxu , Rodenkirch Lance , Simonson William , Wernimont Sarah , Ndonye Rachel M. , Veerapen Natacha , Gibson Darren , Howell Amy R. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Painter Gavin F. , Huttenlocher Anna , Gumperz Jenny E.
Published: September 2008

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate-like T cells that recognize specific microbial antigens and also display autoreactivity to self-antigens. The nature of NKT-cell autoreactive activation remains poorly understood. We show here that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is operative during human NKT-cell autoreactive activation, but calcium signaling is severely impaired. This results in a response that is biased toward granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secretion because this cytokine requires extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling but is not highly calcium dependent, whereas interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)–4, and IL-2 production are minimal. Autoreactive activation was associated with reduced migration velocity but did not induce arrest; thus, NKT cells retained the ability to survey antigen presenting cells (APCs). IL-12 and IL-18 stimulated autoreactively activated NKT cells to secrete IFN-γ, and this was mediated by Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT)–dependent signaling without induction of calcium flux. This pathway did not require concurrent contact with CD1d+ APCs but was strictly dependent on preceding autoreactive stimulation that induced ERK activation. In contrast, NKT-cell responses to the glycolipid antigen α-galactosyl ceramide (α-GalCer) were dampened by prior autoreactive activation. These results show that NKT-cell autoreactivity induces restricted cytokine secretion and leads to altered basal activation that potentiates innate responsiveness to costimulatory cytokines while modulating sensitivity to foreign antigens.
The protein and the gene encoding the receptor for the cellular uptake of transcobalamin-bound cobalamin
Authors: Quadros Edward V. , Nakayama Yasumi , Sequeira Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2008

The transcobalamin (TC, TCII) receptor (TCblR) on the plasma membrane binds TC- cobalamin (Cbl) and internalizes the complex by endocytosis. This receptor was purified from human placental membranes by affinity chromatography. Tryptic digest of the protein extracted from a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gel and subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry identified 4 peptides that matched with a membrane protein in the data bank. TCblR belongs to the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, with 2 low-density lipoprotein receptor type A domains separated by a complement-like cysteine-rich region. The 282-amino acid sequence includes a signal peptide of 31 residues, extracellular domain of 198 residues, a transmembrane region of 21 residues, and a cytoplasmic domain of 32 residues. The binding of TC-Cbl does not require the cytoplasmic domain or its orientation in the plasma membrane because the recombinant extracellular domain binds TC-Cbl with high affinity and specificity. The protein is heavily glycosylated and accounts for the 58-kDa size by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The human gene first identified as 8D6A and more recently as CD 320 encoding TCblR is located at p13.2 on the short arm of chromosome 19, spans a length of 6.224 kb, and is composed of 5 exons and 4 introns.
Expression of Groucho/TLE proteins during pancreas development
Authors: Hoffman Brad G , Zavaglia Bogard , Beach Mike , Helgason Cheryl D
Published: September 2008

Background

The full-length mammalian homologs of groucho, Tle1, 2, 3, and 4, act as transcriptional corepressors and are recruited by transcription factors containing an eh1 or WRPW/Y domain. Many transcription factors critical to pancreas development contain a Gro/TLE interaction domain and several have been shown to require Gro/TLE interactions for proper function during neuronal development. However, a detailed analysis of the expression patterns of the Gro/TLE proteins in pancreas development has not been performed. Moreover, little is known about the ability of Gro/TLE proteins to interact with transcription factors in the pancreas.

Results

We describe the expression of Gro/TLE family members, and of 34 different transcription factors that contain a Gro/TLE interaction motif, in the pancreas utilizing nine SAGE libraries created from the developing and adult pancreas, as well as the GenePaint database. Next, we show the dynamic expression of Tle1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 during pancreas development by qRT-PCR. To further define the cell-type specificity of the expression of these proteins we use immunofluorescence to co-localize them with Pdx1 at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), Ngn3 at E14.5, Pdx1, Nkx2-2, Insulin, Glucagon, Pancreatic polypeptide and Somatostatin at E18.5, as well as Insulin and Glucagon in the adult. We then show that Tle2 can interact with Nkx2-2, Hes1, Arx, and Nkx6-1 which are all critical factors in pancreas development. Finally, we demonstrate that Tle2 modulates the repressive abilities of Arx in a β-cell line.

Conclusion

Although Tle1, 2, 3, and 4 show overlapping expression in pancreatic progenitors and in the adult islet, the expression of these factors is restricted to different cell types during endocrine cell maturation. Of note, Tle2 and Tle3 are co-expressed with Gro/TLE interaction domain containing transcription factors that are essential for endocrine pancreas development. We further demonstrate that Tle2 can interact with several of these factors and that Tle2 modulate Arx's repressive activity. Taken together our studies suggest that Gro/TLE proteins play a role in the repression of target genes during endocrine cell specification.
Altered gene expression in highly purified enterocytes from patients with active coeliac disease
Authors: Bracken Suzanne , Byrne Greg , Kelly Jacinta , Jackson John , Feighery Conleth
Published: September 2008

Background

Coeliac disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disorder of the intestine caused by ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Genes within the HLA-DQ locus are considered to contribute some 40% of the genetic influence on this disease. However, information on other disease causing genes is sparse. Since enterocytes are considered to play a central role in coeliac pathology, the aim of this study was to examine gene expression in a highly purified isolate of these cells taken from patients with active disease. Epithelial cells were isolated from duodenal biopsies taken from five coeliac patients with active disease and five non-coeliac control subjects. Contaminating T cells were removed by magnetic sorting. The gene expression profile of the cells was examined using microarray analysis. Validation of significantly altered genes was performed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Enterocyte suspensions of high purity (98–99%) were isolated from intestinal biopsies. Of the 3,800 genes investigated, 102 genes were found to have significantly altered expression between coeliac disease patients and controls (p < 0.05). Analysis of these altered genes revealed a number of biological processes that are potentially modified in active coeliac disease. These processes include events likely to contibute to coeliac pathology, such as altered cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, structure and transport.

Conclusion

This study provides a profile of the molecular changes that occur in the intestinal epithelium of coeliac patients with active disease. Novel candidate genes were revealed which highlight the contribution of the epithelial cell to the pathogenesis of coeliac disease.
Comparison of prognostic gene expression signatures for breast cancer
Authors: Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Desmedt Christine , Piette Fanny , Buyse Marc , Cardoso Fatima , van't Veer Laura , Piccart Martine , Bontempi Gianluca , Sotiriou Christos
Published: September 2008

Background

During the last years, several groups have identified prognostic gene expression signatures with apparently similar performances. However, signatures were never compared on an independent population of untreated breast cancer patients, where risk assessment was computed using the original algorithms and microarray platforms.

Results

We compared three gene expression signatures, the 70-gene, the 76-gene and the Gene expression Grade Index (GGI) signatures, in terms of predicting distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) for the individual patient. To this end, we used the previously published TRANSBIG independent validation series of node-negative untreated primary breast cancer patients. We observed agreement in prediction for 135 of 198 patients (68%) when considering the three signatures. When comparing the signatures two by two, the agreement in prediction was 71% for the 70- and 76-gene signatures, 76% for the 76-gene signature and the GGI, and 88% for the 70-gene signature and the GGI. The three signatures had similar capabilities of predicting DMFS and added significant prognostic information to that provided by the classical parameters.

Conclusion

Despite the difference in development of these signatures and the limited overlap in gene identity, they showed similar prognostic performance, adding to the growing evidence that these prognostic signatures are of clinical relevance.
Assessing the feasibility of GS FLX Pyrosequencing for sequencing the Atlantic salmon genome
Authors: Quinn Nicole L , Levenkova Natasha , Chow William , Bouffard Pascal , Boroevich Keith A , Knight James R , Jarvie Thomas P , Lubieniecki Krzysztof P , Desany Brian A , Koop Ben F , Harkins Timothy T , Davidson William S
Published: September 2008

Background

With a whole genome duplication event and wealth of biological data, salmonids are excellent model organisms for studying evolutionary processes, fates of duplicated genes and genetic and physiological processes associated with complex behavioral phenotypes. It is surprising therefore, that no salmonid genome has been sequenced. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a good representative salmonid for sequencing given its importance in aquaculture and the genomic resources available. However, the size and complexity of the genome combined with the lack of a sequenced reference genome from a closely related fish makes assembly challenging. Given the cost and time limitations of Sanger sequencing as well as recent improvements to next generation sequencing technologies, we examined the feasibility of using the Genome Sequencer (GS) FLX pyrosequencing system to obtain the sequence of a salmonid genome. Eight pooled BACs belonging to a minimum tiling path covering ~1 Mb of the Atlantic salmon genome were sequenced by GS FLX shotgun and Long Paired End sequencing and compared with a ninth BAC sequenced by Sanger sequencing of a shotgun library.

Results

An initial assembly using only GS FLX shotgun sequences (average read length 248.5 bp) with ~30× coverage allowed gene identification, but was incomplete even when 126 Sanger-generated BAC-end sequences (~0.09× coverage) were incorporated. The addition of paired end sequencing reads (additional ~26× coverage) produced a final assembly comprising 175 contigs assembled into four scaffolds with 171 gaps. Sanger sequencing of the ninth BAC (~10.5× coverage) produced nine contigs and two scaffolds. The number of scaffolds produced by the GS FLX assembly was comparable to Sanger-generated sequencing; however, the number of gaps was much higher in the GS FLX assembly.

Conclusion

These results represent the first use of GS FLX paired end reads for de novo sequence assembly. Our data demonstrated that this improved the GS FLX assemblies; however, with respect to de novo sequencing of complex genomes, the GS FLX technology is limited to gene mining and establishing a set of ordered sequence contigs. Currently, for a salmonid reference sequence, it appears that a substantial portion of sequencing should be done using Sanger technology.
Gene organization, evolution and expression of the microtubule-associated protein ASAP (MAP9)
Authors: Venoux Magali , Delmouly Karine , Milhavet Ollivier , Vidal-Eychenié Sophie , Giorgi Dominique , Rouquier Sylvie
Published: September 2008

Background

ASAP is a newly characterized microtubule-associated protein (MAP) essential for proper cell-cycling. We have previously shown that expression deregulation of human ASAP results in profound defects in mitotic spindle formation and mitotic progression leading to aneuploidy, cytokinesis defects and/or cell death. In the present work we analyze the structure and evolution of the ASAP gene, as well as the domain composition of the encoded protein. Mouse andXenopuscDNAs were cloned, the tissue expression characterized and the overexpression profile analyzed.

Results

Bona fideASAP orthologs are found in vertebrates with more distantly related potential orthologs in invertebrates. This single-copy gene is conserved in mammals where it maps to syntenic chromosomal regions, but is also clearly identified in bird, fish and frog. The human gene is strongly expressed in brain and testis as a 2.6 Kb transcript encoding a ~110 KDa protein. The protein contains MAP, MIT-like and THY domains in the C-terminal part indicative of microtubule interaction, while the N-terminal part is more divergent. ASAP is composed of ~42% alpha helical structures, and two main coiled-coil regions have been identified. Different sequence features may suggest a role in DNA damage response. As with human ASAP, the mouse andXenopusproteins localize to the microtubule network in interphase and to the mitotic spindle during mitosis. Overexpression of the mouse protein induces mitotic defects similar to those observed in human.In situhybridization in testis localized ASAP to the germ cells, whereas in culture neurons ASAP localized to the cell body and growing neurites.

Conclusion

The conservation of ASAP indicated in our results reflects an essential function in vertebrates. We have cloned the ASAP orthologs in mouse andXenopus, two valuable models to study the function of ASAP. Tissue expression of ASAP revealed a high expression in brain and testis, two tissues rich in microtubules. ASAP associates to the mitotic spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules, and represents a key factor of mitosis with possible involvement in other cell cycle processes. It may have a role in spermatogenesis and also represents a potential new target for antitumoral drugs. Possible involvement in neuron dynamics also highlights ASAP as a candidate target in neurodegenerative diseases.