bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Leading to Self-Disclosure of a Positive HIV Diagnosis in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Neville Miller Ann , Rubin Donald L.
Published: May 2007

Understanding why, how, and to whom people living with HIV/AIDS disclose their diagnosis to others is a critical issue for HIV prevention and care efforts, but previous investigations of those issues in sub-Saharan Africa have been limited to one or two questions included in quantitative studies of social support or stigma. Instruments and findings on serostatus disclosure based on U.S. populations are likely to be at best only partially relevant because of Africa's primarily heterosexual transmission vectors and highly communalistic social structures. This qualitative analysis of two male and two female focus groups comprised of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in Nairobi, Kenya, revealed several HIVstatus disclosure patterns that appear distinctive to Africa. These include (a) intermediaries as vehicles for disclosure to family, (b) indirectness as a communication strategy, and (c) church pastors as common targets for disclosure.
Governmental and Industry Roles and Responsibilities With Regard to International Marriage Brokers
Authors: Orloff Leslye E. , Sarangapani Hema
Published: May 2007

The unregulated nature of the international marriage broker (IMB) industry endangers women by denying them information necessary to make informed choices with respect to their intended U.S.-based citizen spouses. This article (a) provides an overview of the contemporary IMB industry, including a discussion of reasons underlying women's choices to use IMB agencies to meet and marry U.S.-based spouses, (b) discusses how this industry's marketing of marriages potentially endangers many women recruits, and (c) offers an update and analysis of new provisions under U.S. immigration law that strengthen protections available for women who immigrate as fiancés and spouses of U.S. citizens, including those in marriages arranged by IMBs.
Sexual Violence Against Adolescent Girls
Authors: Decker Michele R. , Raj Anita , Silverman Jay G.
Published: May 2007

This study investigates associations between immigration and acculturation with sexual assault among a large, representative sample of high school girls. The analysis utilized data from the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys conducted in 1999, 2001, and 2003 ( N = 5,919). Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted among the full sample and a sexually active subsample. Being an immigrant was associated with recurring sexual assault victimization; this effect was not consistent across age and racial/ethnic groups. Immigrant status conferred risk among adolescent girls aged 15 and younger, Black adolescent girls, and sexually active Hispanic girls. No differences were detected in sexual assault victimization based on acculturation.
Wife Battery in Islam
Authors: Ammar Nawal H.
Published: May 2007

This article presents a comprehensive discussion of Islamic interpretations of wife beating. Four schools with varying Islamic perspectives on the issue of wife beating are explored. The schools are classified based on the severity of the patriarchal values reflected in the structural relationship between men (husbands) and women (wives) within the family and the general society. Literal, patriarchal, and feminist interpretations of the Qur'anic text are provided. This review of the range of Islamic interpretations regarding wife beating provides an educational tool for advocates, attorneys, and service providers working with immigrant Muslim women in the United States.
Health Care Technology Adoption and Diffusion in a Social Context
Authors: Coyte Peter C. , Holmes Dave
Published: April 2007

This article highlights mechanisms that may further sustainable technological development for the 21st century. The distributional effects associated with the adoption and diffusion of health care technologies are addressed wherein the capacity to capitalize on the health gains from the adoption of technology varies in society. These effects are caused by the actions of individuals as they segment themselves into distinct social groups. The circumstances under which social institutions are further segmented are explored and may motivate public sector limits on the funding for and diffusion of health care technologies. Safety and efficacy benchmarks are necessary but insufficient conditions for sustainability as product advantage on grounds of cost-effectiveness must also be demonstrated. Furthermore, given the substantial role played by public sector decision makers in purchasing health care technologies, the distributional consequences associated with the uptake and diffusion of technology need to be gauged by product designers and those responsible for marketing.
Male Diagnosis of the Female Pen in Late Victorian Britain: Private Assessments ofSupernatural Religion
Authors: Cadwallader Alan H.
Published: May 2007

Anonymity is a feature of the explosion of publications in nineteenthcentury England. Its motivations were variegated just as efforts to expose an anonymous author were also driven by a variety of agendas. One of the longest retentions of anonymity attached to a work that profoundly disturbed Victorian religiosity was the threevolume book titledSupernatural Religion. The Dublin Divinity Professor, George Salmon's private correspondence with Bishop J.B. Lightfoot near the end of Lightfoot's life posited the author as a woman, Mrs Humphry Ward. An analysis of Salmon's letters is set into the context of the private and public writings of key protagonists in the debates, and reveals deep-seated attitudes about gender, learning, writing, national identity, morality and anonymity in some elite intellectual circles of the society and church of the time.
Novel c-CBL and CBL-b ubiquitin ligase mutations in human acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Caligiuri Michael A. , Briesewitz Roger , Yu Jianhua , Wang Lisheng , Wei Min , Arnoczky Kristy J. , Marburger Trent B. , Wen Jing , Perrotti Danilo , Bloomfield Clara D. , Whitman Susan P.
Published: May 2007

The CBL ubiquitin ligase targets a variety of activated tyrosine kinases (TKs) for degradation. Many TKs are mutationally or autocrine activated and/or often overexpressed at the mRNA and protein levels in acute leukemias. We hypothesized that CBL is mutated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Four of 12 patients and the MOLM-13 cell line harbored c-CBL mutations, either RNA splicing mutations, missense mutations, or a nucleotide insertion. Additionally, 1 of the 12 patients harbored a missense mutation in the related CBL-b gene. Each c-CBL mutation involves the structurally important α-helix within the linker region, while the mutation in CBL-b was located in the Ub-E2 protein-binding RING finger. Short-interfering RNA knockdown of mutant c-CBL present in MOLM-13 cells was growth inhibitory. In summary, novel mutations in c-CBL and CBL-b have been identified in human AML and may represent potential targets for novel therapeutics.
Concordant but not discordant bone marrow involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma predicts a poor clinical outcome independent of the International Prognostic Index
Authors: Chung Randy , Lai Raymond , Wei Peter , Lee Jason , Hanson John , Belch Andrew R. , Turner A. Robert , Reiman Tony
Published: May 2007

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), previous studies have suggested that, while concordant bone marrow (BM) involvement confers a poor prognosis, discordant BM involvement does not. Whether this correlation is independent of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma International Prognostic Index (IPI) was previously unknown. We reviewed all DLBCL case histories from 1986 to 1997 at our center with complete staging, IPI data, and follow-up. A total of 55 (11.2%) of 489 patients had BM involvement, including 29 with concordant involvement and 26 with discordant involvement. The 55 patients with BM involvement had a poor prognosis compared with the uninvolved BM group (5-year overall survival [OS], 34.5% versus 46.9%; log-rank P = .019). However, concordant involvement portended a very poor prognosis (5-year OS, 10.3%; P < .001), whereas discordant involvement did not (5-year OS, 61.5%, P value nonsignificant). Compared with the discordant subset, the concordant subset patients were older, had a higher serum lactate dehydrogenase level, and a significantly higher IPI. However, the poor survival associated with concordant BM involvement was independent of the IPI score (P = .002, Cox regression). We conclude that in patients with DLBCL, concordant but not discordant BM involvement confers a very poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, concordant BM involvement is an independent adverse prognostic factor.
Worse outcome and more chronic GVHD with peripheral blood progenitor cells than bone marrow in HLA-matched sibling donor transplants for young patients with severe acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Schrezenmeier Hubert , Passweg Jakob R. , Marsh Judith C. W. , Bacigalupo Andrea , Bredeson Christopher N. , Bullorsky Eduardo , Camitta Bruce M. , Champlin Richard E. , Gale Robert Peter , Fuhrer Monika , Klein John P. , Locasciulli Anna , Oneto Rosi , Schattenberg Antonius V. M. B. , Socie Gerard , Eapen Mary
Published: May 2007

We analyzed the outcome of 692 patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) receiving transplants from HLA-matched siblings. A total of 134 grafts were peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) grafts, and 558 were bone marrow (BM) grafts. Rates of hematopoietic recovery and grades 2 to 4 chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were similar after PBPC and BM transplantations regardless of age at transplantation. In patients older than 20 years, chronic GVHD and overall mortality rates were similar after PBPC and BM transplantations. In patients younger than 20 years, rates of chronic GVHD (relative risk [RR] 2.82; P = .002) and overall mortality (RR 2.04; P = .024) were higher after transplantation of PBPCs than after transplantation of BM. In younger patients, the 5-year probabilities of overall survival were 73% and 85% after PBPC and BM transplantations, respectively. Corresponding probabilities for older patients were 52% and 64%. These data indicate that BM grafts are preferred to PBPC grafts in young patients undergoing HLA-matched sibling donor transplantation for SAA.
Recursive Cluster Elimination (RCE) for classification and feature selection from gene expression data
Authors: Yousef Malik , Jung Segun , Showe Louise C , Showe Michael K
Published: May 2007

Background

Classification studies using gene expression datasets are usually based on small numbers of samples and tens of thousands of genes. The selection of those genes that are important for distinguishing the different sample classes being compared, poses a challenging problem in high dimensional data analysis. We describe a new procedure for selecting significant genes as recursive cluster elimination (RCE) rather than recursive feature elimination (RFE). We have tested this algorithm on six datasets and compared its performance with that of two related classification procedures with RFE.

Results

We have developed a novel method for selecting significant genes in comparative gene expression studies. This method, which we refer to as SVM-RCE, combines K-means, a clustering method, to identify correlated gene clusters, and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), a supervised machine learning classification method, to identify and score (rank) those gene clusters for the purpose of classification. K-means is used initially to group genes into clusters. Recursive cluster elimination (RCE) is then applied to iteratively remove those clusters of genes that contribute the least to the classification performance. SVM-RCE identifies the clusters of correlated genes that are most significantly differentially expressed between the sample classes. Utilization of gene clusters, rather than individual genes, enhances the supervised classification accuracy of the same data as compared to the accuracy when either SVM or Penalized Discriminant Analysis (PDA) with recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE and PDA-RFE) are used to remove genes based on their individual discriminant weights.

Conclusion

SVM-RCE provides improved classification accuracy with complex microarray data sets when it is compared to the classification accuracy of the same datasets using either SVM-RFE or PDA-RFE. SVM-RCE identifies clusters of correlated genes that when considered together provide greater insight into the structure of the microarray data. Clustering genes for classification appears to result in some concomitant clustering of samples into subgroups.

Our present implementation of SVM-RCE groups genes using the correlation metric. The success of the SVM-RCE method in classification suggests that gene interaction networks or other biologically relevant metrics that group genes based on functional parameters might also be useful.
Robust imputation method for missing values in microarray data
Authors: Yoon Dankyu , Lee Eun-Kyung , Park Taesung
Published: May 2007

Background

When analyzing microarray gene expression data, missing values are often encountered. Most multivariate statistical methods proposed for microarray data analysis cannot be applied when the data have missing values. Numerous imputation algorithms have been proposed to estimate the missing values. In this study, we develop a robust least squares estimation with principal components (RLSP) method by extending the local least square imputation (LLSimpute) method. The basic idea of our method is to employ quantile regression to estimate the missing values, using the estimated principal components of a selected set of similar genes.

Results

Using the normalized root mean squares error, the performance of the proposed method was evaluated and compared with other previously proposed imputation methods. The proposed RLSP method clearly outperformed the weighted k-nearest neighbors imputation (kNNimpute) method and LLSimpute method, and showed competitive results with Bayesian principal component analysis (BPCA) method.

Conclusion

Adapting the principal components of the selected genes and employing the quantile regression model improved the robustness and accuracy of missing value imputation. Thus, the proposed RLSP method is, according to our empirical studies, more robust and accurate than the widely used kNNimpute and LLSimpute methods.
Immunomodulation by maternal autoantibodies of the fetal serotoninergic 5-HT4receptor and its consequences in early BALB/c mouse embryonic development
Authors: Kamel Rehab , Garcia Simone , Lezoualc'h Frank , Fischmeister Rodolphe , Muller Sylviane , Hoebeke Johan , Eftekhari Pierre
Published: April 2007

Background

The presence of functional 5-HT4receptors in human and its involvement in neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) have prompted us to study the receptor expression and role during embryogenesis. Earlier we managed to demonstrate that female BALB/c mice immunized against the second extracellular loop (SEL) of the 5-HT4receptor gave birth to pups with heart block. To explain this phenomenon we investigated the expression of 5-HT4receptors during mouse embryogenesis. At the same time we looked whether the consequence of 5-HT4receptor immunomodulation observed earlier is in relation to receptor expression.

We studied the expression of 5-HT4receptor at the mRNA level and its two isoforms 5-HT4(a)and 5-HT4(d)at the protein level in embryos from BALB/c mice, at 8th, 12th, 18thgestation days (GD) and 1 day post natal (DPN). Simultaneously the receptor activity was inhibited by rising antibodies, in female mice against SEL of the receptor. The mice were mated and embryos were collected at 8th, 12th, 18thGD and 1 DPN.

Results

5-HT4receptor mRNA increased in brain from 12thGD to 1 DPN. Its expression gradually decreased in heart and disappeared at birth. This was consistent with expression of the receptor isoforms 5-HT4(a) and (d). Abnormalities like decreased number of embryos, growth delay, spina bifida and sinus arrhythmia from 12thGD were documented in pups of mice showing anti-5-HT4receptor antibodies.

Conclusion

serotoninergic 5-HT4receptor plays an important role in mouse foetal development. In BALB/c mice there is a direct relation between the expression of receptor and the deleterious effect of maternal anti-5-HT4receptor autoantibodies in early embryogenesis.
Chloroplast His-to-Asp signal transduction: a potential mechanism for plastid gene regulation in Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)
Authors: Duplessis Melinda R , Karol Kenneth G , Adman Elinor T , Choi Lauren YS , Jacobs Michael A , Cattolico Rose Ann
Published: May 2007

Background

Maintenance of homeostasis requires that an organism perceive selected physical and chemical signals within an informationally dense environment. Functionally, an organism uses a variety of signal transduction arrays to amplify and convert these perceived signals into appropriate gene transcriptional responses. These changes in gene expression serve to modify selective metabolic processes and thus optimize reproductive success. Here we analyze a chloroplast-encoded His-to-Asp signal transduction circuit in the stramenopile Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada ex Y. Hara et Chihara [syn. H. carterae (Hulburt) F.J.R. Taylor]. The presence, structure and putative function of this protein pair are discussed in the context of their evolutionary homologues.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis of the Heterosigma akashiwo chloroplast genome sequence revealed the presence of a single two-component His-to-Asp (designated Tsg1/Trg1) pair in this stramenopile (golden-brown alga). These data represent the first documentation of a His-to-Asp array in stramenopiles and counter previous reports suggesting that such regulatory proteins are lacking in this taxonomic cluster. Comparison of the 43 kDa H. akashiwo Tsg1 with bacterial sensor kinases showed that the algal protein exhibits a moderately maintained PAS motif in the sensor kinase domain as well as highly conserved H, N, G1 and F motifs within the histidine kinase ATP binding site. Molecular modelling of the 27 kDa H. akashiwo Trg1 regulator protein was consistent with a winged helix-turn-helix identity – a class of proteins that is known to impact gene expression at the level of transcription. The occurrence of Trg1 protein in actively growing H. akashiwo cells was verified by Western analysis. The presence of a PhoB-like RNA polymerase loop in Trg1 and its homologues in the red-algal lineage support the hypothesis that Trg1 and its homologues interact with a sigma 70 (σ70) subunit (encoded by rpoD) of a eubacterial type polymerase. Sequence analysis of H. akashiwo rpoD showed this nuclear-encoded gene has a well-defined 4.2 domain, a region that augments RNA polymerase interaction with transcriptional regulatory proteins and also serves in -35 promoter recognition. The presence/loss of the His-to-Asp pairs in primary and secondary chloroplast lineages is assessed.

Conclusion

His-to-Asp signal transduction components are found in most rhodophytic chloroplasts, as well as in their putative cyanobacterial progenitors. The evolutionary conservation of these proteins argues that they are important for the maintenance of chloroplast homeostasis. Our data suggest that chloroplast gene transcription may be impacted by the interaction of the His-to-Asp regulator protein (which is less frequently lost than the sensor protein) with the RNA polymerase σ70 subunit.
Practice development plans to improve the primary care management of acute asthma: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Foster Juliet M , Hoskins Gaylor , Smith Barbara , Lee Amanda J , Price David , Pinnock Hilary
Published: April 2007

Background

Our professional development plan aimed to improve the primary care management of acute asthma, which is known to be suboptimal.

Methods

We invited 59 general practices in Grampian, Scotland to participate. Consenting practices were randomised to early and delayed intervention groups. Practices undertook audits of their management of all acute attacks (excluding children under 5 years) occurring in the 3 months preceding baseline, 6-months and 12-months study time-points. The educational programme [including feedback of audit results, attendance at a multidisciplinary interactive workshop, and formulation of development plan by practice teams] was delivered to the early group at baseline and to the delayed group at 6 months. Primary outcome measure was recording of peak flow compared to best/predicted at 6 months. Analyses are presented both with, and without adjustment for clustering.

Results

23 consenting practices were randomised: 11 to early intervention. Baseline practice demography was similar. Six early intervention practices withdraw before completing the baseline audit. There was no significant improvement in our primary outcome measure (the proportion with peak flow compared to best/predicted) at either the 6 or 12 month time points after adjustment for baseline and practice effects. However, the between group difference in the adjusted combined assessment score, whilst non-significant at 6 months (Early: 2.48 (SE 0.43) vs. Delayed 2.26 (SE 0.33) p = 0.69) reached significance at 12 m (Early:3.60 (SE 0.35) vs. Delayed 2.30 (SE 0.28) p = 0.02).

Conclusion

We demonstrated no significant benefit at the a priori 6-month assessment point, though improvement in the objective assessment of attacks was shown after 12 months. Our practice development programme, incorporating audit, feedback and a workshop, successfully engaged the healthcare team of participating practices, though future randomised trials of educational interventions need to recognise that effecting change in primary care practices takes time. Monitoring of the assessment of acute attacks proved to be a feasible and responsive indicator of quality care.
Quality of life assessment in women with breast cancer: benefits, acceptability and utilization
Authors: Perry Sheila , Kowalski Theresa L , Chang Chih-Hung
Published: May 2007

In 2006, breast cancer was the third leading cause of death in American women; however, more women survive breast cancer than any other type of cancer. As the disease progresses, it is important to know how one's health-related quality of life (QOL) is affected for those who receive treatment, those who survive, and those who remain disease-free. The purpose of this study was to summarize the benefits, challenges, and barriers of QOL measurement for female breast cancer patients. A PubMed literature search was conducted using the terms "quality of life" and "breast cancer." The search was then refined with terms related to QOL assessment instruments. The research team reviewed over 100 of the 2,090 articles identified.

From the results, a detailed outline of QOL instruments is presented, and the effectiveness of QOL instruments is discussed. In the current literature review, both generic and breast cancer specific QOL instruments, examining computerized and paper-and-pencil versions, are explained as well as the advantages, acceptability, and problems of these assessments. Potential barriers to implementation are also discussed. The implementation of QOL assessment tools in breast cancer clinical practice is discussed, with evidence detailing how such tools would benefit patients.
Desert ants do not acquire and use a three-dimensional global vector
Authors: Grah Gunnar , Wehner Rüdiger , Ronacher Bernhard
Published: May 2007

Background

Desert ants (Cataglyphis fortis) are central place foragers that navigate by means of path integration. This mechanism remains accurate even on three-dimensional itineraries. In this study, we tested three hypotheses concerning the underlying principles of Cataglyphis' orientation in 3-D: (1) Do the ants employ a strictly two-dimensional representation of their itineraries, (2) do they link additional information about ascents and descents to their 2-D home vector, or (3) do they use true 3-D vector navigation?

Results

We trained ants to walk routes within channels that included ascents and descents. In choice tests, ants walked on ramps more frequently and at greater lengths if their preceding journey also included vertical components. However, the sequence of ascents and descents, as well as their distance from nest and feeder, were not retraced. Importantly, the animals did not compensate for an enforced vertical deviation from the home vector.

Conclusion

We conclude that Cataglyphis fortis essentially represents its environment in a simplified, two-dimensional fashion, with information about vertical path segments being learnt, but independently from their congruence with the actual three-dimensional configuration of the environment. Our findings render the existence of a path integration mechanism that is functional in all three dimensions highly unlikely.
Pharmacological Isolation of Postsynaptic Currents Mediated by NR2A- and NR2B-Containing NMDA Receptors in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Wu Long-Jun , Xu Hui , Ren Ming , Cao Xiaoyan , Zhuo Min
Published: April 2007

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are involved in excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity associated with a variety of brain functions, from memory formation to chronic pain. Subunit-selective antagonists for NMDARs provide powerful tools to dissect NMDAR functions in neuronal activities. Recently developed antagonist for NR2A-containing receptors, NVP-AAM007, triggered debates on its selectivity and involvement of the NMDAR subunits in bi-directional synaptic plasticity. Here, we re-examined the pharmacological properties of NMDARs in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using NVP-AAM007 as well as ifenprodil, a selective antagonist for NR2B-containing NMDARs. By alternating sequence of drug application and examining different concentrations of NVP-AAM007, we found that the presence of NVP-AAM007 did not significantly affect the effect of ifenprodil on NMDAR-mediated EPSCs. These results suggest that NVP-AAM007 shows great preference for NR2A subunit and could be used as a selective antagonist for NR2A-containing NMDARs in the ACC.
Effectiveness of polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column in sepsis: a systematic review
Authors: Cruz Dinna N , Perazella Mark A , Bellomo Rinaldo , de Cal Massimo , Polanco Natalia , Corradi Valentina , Lentini Paolo , Nalesso Federico , Ueno Takuya , Ranieri V Marco , Ronco Claudio
Published: April 2007

Introduction

Severe sepsis and septic shock are common problems in the intensive care unit and carry a high mortality. Endotoxin, one of the principal components on the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, is considered important to their pathogenesis. Polymyxin B bound and immobilized to polystyrene fibers (PMX-F) is a medical device that aims to remove circulating endotoxin by adsorption, theoretically preventing the progression of the biological cascade of sepsis. We performed a systematic review to describe the effect in septic patients of direct hemoperfusion with PMX-F on outcomes of blood pressure, use of vasoactive drugs, oxygenation, and mortality reported in published studies.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Collaboration Database, and bibliographies of retrieved articles and consulted with experts to identify relevant studies. Prospective and retrospective observational studies, pre- and post-intervention design, and randomized controlled trials were included. Three authors reviewed all citations. We identified a total of 28 publications – 9 randomized controlled trials, 7 non-randomized parallel studies, and 12 pre-post design studies – that reported at least one of the specified outcome measures (pooled sample size, 1,425 patients: 978 PMX-F and 447 conventional medical therapy).

Results

Overall, mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased by 19 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 15 to 22 mm Hg; p < 0.001), representing a 26% mean increase in MAP (range, 14% to 42%), whereas dopamine/dobutamine dose decreased by 1.8 μg/kg per minute (95% CI, 0.4 to 3.3 μg/kg per minute; p = 0.01) after PMX-F. There was significant intertrial heterogeneity for these outcomes (p < 0.001), which became non-significant when analysis was stratified for baseline MAP. The mean arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio increased by 32 units (95% CI, 23 to 41 units; p < 0.001). PMX-F therapy was associated with significantly lower mortality risk (risk ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.65). The trials assessed had suboptimal method quality.

Conclusion

Based on this critical review of the published literature, direct hemoperfusion with PMX-F appears to have favorable effects on MAP, dopamine use, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and mortality. However, publication bias and lack of blinding need to be considered. These findings support the need for further rigorous study of this therapy.
Monocyte subpopulations and their differentiation patterns during infection
Authors: Strauss-Ayali Dalit , Conrad Sean M , Mosser David M
Published: May 2007

The term “monocyte” implies a single, homogenous population of cells with uniform physiology. Recent evidence from a number of laboratories indicates that it is likely that blood monocytes may consist of several subpopulations of cells, which differ in size, nuclear morphology, granularity, and functionality. The aim of this review is to give a summary of the new findings in the emerging field of monocyte heterogeneity. We provide a short description of the differentiation patterns of blood monocyte subpopulations, with an emphasis on how these subpopulations can be influenced by infection. We provide a comparison among the main monocyte subpopulations in humans, mice, and rats and illustrate some of the common features of these cells and some of the important interspecies distinctions. We will also discuss the bone marrow precursors of these cells and the differentiation patterns of these subsets in different tissues in response to infection. Most of the data about monocyte trafficking during infection are necessarily derived from murine models, and comparisons between mouse and man must be made with caution. However, these models may provide interesting springboards to permit us to speculate about the topic of monocyte heterogeneity in humans.
TGF-β1 modulates Foxp3 expression and regulatory activity in distinct CD4+ T cell subsets
Authors: Pyzik M , Piccirillo C A
Published: May 2007

Although forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) expression is restricted to naturally occurring CD4+ regulatory T cells (TREG), little is known about the various signals that regulate it in T cells. As TGF-β has been reported to modulate Foxp3 expression in T cells, we investigated its effects on the induction or maintenance of regulatory functions in different CD4+ T cell subsets. TGF-β1 priming was able to promote differentiation of TREG cells from nonregulatory CD4+CD25– T cells in a concentration-dependent manner through Foxp3 induction. As CD4+CD25– T cells remain a highly heterogeneous population with variable degrees of antigen experience, we then examined the effect of TGF-β1 on naive CD4+CD25–CD45RBHIGH T cells. Freshly isolated or TGF-β1-treated CD4+CD25–CD45RBHIGH T cells never displayed any regulatory functions or significant Foxp3 expression following TCR activation. In stark contrast, freshly isolated CD4+CD25–CD45RBLOW cells, albeit expressing low levels of Foxp3 mRNA and protein, were unable to suppress CD4+ effector T cell proliferation but acquired regulatory activity and de novo Foxp3 expression following TGF-β1 exposure. Furthermore, suppression was IL-10-dependent, as anti-IL-10 receptor antibody treatment abrogated this suppression completely, consistent with the ability of TGF-β1-treated CD4+CD25–CD45RBLOW to synthesize IL-10 upon restimulation in vitro. Last, we show that TGF-β1 treatment or blockade did not lead to enhanced expansion or function of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ TREG cells, although it maintained Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression. Altogether, TGF-β1 promotes the induction of IL-10-secreting CD4+ TREG cells from CD4+CD25–CD45RBLOW precursors through de novo Foxp3 production and maintains natural TREG cell peripheral homeostasis by sustaining Foxp3 expression.
A breath of pragmatism
Authors: Bullock Roger
Published: April 2007

What cardiovascular screening is needed before prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors in the memory clinic has led to much debate and contradictory advice – especially concerning the need for electrocardiograms (ECGs). Having looked at the current evidence base Rowland et al have produced simple and pragmatic advice that should be adopted immediately across the many memory clinics currently in operation. It is rare to have simple protocols these days – it is a relief to have such a breath of pragmatism.
Target groups for the prevention of late-life anxiety
Authors: Smit Filip , Comijs Hannie , Schoevers Robert , Cuijpers Pim , Deeg Dorly , Beekman Aartjan
Published: April 2007

Background

Anxiety disorders in older people are highly prevalent, yet there is little evidence to guide targeted prevention strategies.

Aims

To identify subgroups at increased risk of developing anxiety in later life.

Method

Anxiety was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression anxiety sub-scale in 1931 people aged 55–85 years followed over 3 years. Risk factors were identified that had a high combined attributable fraction, indicative of substantial health gains when the adverse effect of the risk factors can be contained.

Results

Factors significantly associated with increased risk of developing anxiety included sub-threshold anxiety depression, two or more chronic illnesses, poor sense of mastery, poor self-rated health and low educational level.

Conclusions

The identified risk groups are small, thus providing prevention with a narrow focus, and health gains are likely to be more substantial than in groups not exposed to these risk factors. Nevertheless, more research is needed to produce evidence on target groups where prevention has optimal impacts.
Randomized Trial of Exercise Therapy in Women Treated for Breast Cancer
Authors: Daley Amanda J. , Crank Helen , Saxton John M. , Mutrie Nanette , Coleman Robert , Roalfe Andrea
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To examine the effects of aerobic exercise therapy on quality of life (QoL) and associated outcomes in women treated for breast cancer. Evidence suggests that exercise may be beneficial, but no trial has included an exercise-placebo and a usual-care group to control for the attention effects that might be associated with aerobic exercise interventions in cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 108 women who had been treated for breast cancer 12 to 36 months previously were randomly assigned to supervised aerobic exercise therapy (n = 34), exercise-placebo (body conditioning; n = 36), or usual care (n = 38). Exercise therapy and exercise-placebo sessions took place three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcomes included QoL, depression, exercise behavior, aerobic fitness; outcomes were assessed at baseline and at the 8- and 24-week follow-up.

Results

Analyses of covariance revealed a significant mean difference of 9.8 units in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (primary outcome) favoring aerobic exercise therapy at 8 weeks, relative to usual care. Significant differences that favored aerobic exercise therapy relative to usual care were recorded for Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast, social/family well-being, functional well-being, and breast cancer subscale scores at 8-week follow-up. Psychological health outcomes improved modestly for both intervention groups; these improvements were sustained for several end points.

Conclusion

Exercise therapy had large, clinically meaningful, short-term beneficial effects on QoL in women treated for breast cancer; this finding cannot be attributable to attention, given that the exercise-placebo group did not report similar effects relative to usual care.
Improving Train Maintenance Through Process Modelling and Component-Based System Design and Implementation
Authors: Monfared R P , West A A , Harrison R , Lee S M
Published: April 2007

Improving the UK train services has been the subject of many debates in the last few years particularly after the privatization of the rail network in 1993. Within the network's complex structure, the train maintenance industry plays a major role in keeping trains in safe condition with a high standard of customer service. The results of a research work carried out by Loughborough University to investigate ways of improving the current practice in this industry through the application of business process modelling and component-based system design approaches are documented in the present paper. The method that has been adopted to enable a formal representation of a typical train maintenance process is discussed in detail and a case study based around a major maintenance supplier on the South West Trains network in the UK is described.
A Novel Desktop Computer-Aided Design System for Early form Design Developments
Authors: Prieto P A , Wright D K , Qin S F , Lim S W
Published: April 2007

In this paper a mixed desktop system utilizing computer aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping (RP) technologies to support form design at the early stages of the design process is described. This new system is an image-mapping-based application in which a simple initial CAD model is modelled in a commercial package (Alias StudioTools) and then automatically updated by a software which uses pictures of its sculpted rapid prototyping model (RPM) representation. The automatic updating process is carried out by comparing the images of the primary CAD model and the picture of the sculpted RPM. The latter is taken by a simple digital camera or web-cam using the same coordinate transformations as the CAD model. The use of white and black stripes in the RPM and skinning sections in the CAD model allows the detection of differences between the two representations and hence, the updating of the primary CAD model. The new CAD model is then transferred back into StudioTools for further developments. This new approach is quicker and simpler to use than alternative technologies, such as three-dimensional scanning.
A Microcontroller-Based Milling Process Monitoring and Management System
Authors: Prickett P W , Grosvenor R I
Published: April 2007

This paper introduces an approach to monitoring the milling process using low-cost microcontrollers. The work is based upon a system developed to detect tool breakage. The deployed system continuously monitors the spindle motor drive to acquire, process, and communicate data relating to the work undertaken by an individual cutter. This information is packaged and sent to a central server where it can be managed to provide an accurate record of tool usage. It is proposed that such information can be used more simply than existing tool life calculations to support tool management systems. This has implications for the effective management of cutting tools at the machine tool and factory levels.
The Effect of the Cutting Edge Radius on a Machined Surface in the Nanoscale Ductile Mode Cutting of Silicon Wafer
Authors: Arefin S , Li X P , Cai M B , Rahman M , Liu K , Tay A
Published: April 2007

In this study, the effect of the cutting edge radius on a machined surface and subsurface in the nanoscale ductile mode cutting of silicon wafer is investigated through cutting tests using tools with edge radii ranging from 23 nm to 807 nm. The machined surface is examined using SEM, AFM, and Formtracer, with an etching technique used for SEM observation. The results show that if the cutting edge radius does not exceed a certain upper bound value, and the undeformed chip thickness is less than the cutting edge radius, it is possible to achieve both a surface and a subsurface free of cracks. Based on the molecular dynamics simulation of the nanoscale ductile mode cutting process of monocrystalline silicon wafer, it is found that the critical upper bound for the cutting edge radius in the ductile mode chip formation relates to the stress condition in the cutting region. The shear stress decreases as the tool edge radius is increased. As the cutting edge radius increases beyond the limit, the insufficient shear stress will cause both surface and subsurface damage on the machined workpiece. For the cutting of silicon under the same conditions, the limit for the cutting edge radius was found to be about 807 nm.
Development of a Data Mining System for Continual Process Quality Improvement
Authors: Tsang K F , Lau H C W , Kwok S K
Published: April 2007

Quality issues are important to manufacturers so that they can ensure their products are up to the highest standard. However, due to various causes associated with the operational processes, it is hard to identify all the sources of quality problems in a timely manner. A product's defects may cause a very serious loss in market share and low profit margin in the competitive environment of short product life cycles. In order to address this, a systemized and well-designed approach has been formulated to perform the desired task of problem identification based on the specific process. A data mining system (DMS), which is incorporated into emerging technologies including on-line analytical processing (OLAP) and decision tree-based artificial neural networks (ANNs), is presented. With this DMS, essential support for users who wish to identify the cause and source of problems can be provided so that immediate action can be taken for their rectification. The system prototype has been implemented in the factory of a manufacturer of magnetic heads for hard disk drives (HDDs) in order to validate the workability of the proposed methodology.
The Development of a Simulation Model and the Determination of the Die Control Data for the Free-Bending Technique
Authors: Gantner P , Harrison D K , De Silva A K , Bauer H
Published: April 2007

A novel bending technique known as free-bending, which is particularly suitable for the bending of profile and tube cross-sections, is investigated. Advantageous characteristics, such as fast bending speed and an almost free definable bending geometry with transitionless bend-in-bends and spline bends, make free-bending highly applicable in the manufacture of car components. This paper gives an introduction to this new technique and presents the development of a finite element analysis (FEA) model for the simulation of this bending technology. Furthermore, a theoretical model for the determination of the bend die's control data is introduced. For the verification of the FEA model the simulation results are compared with the results from bending tests that have been carried out.
Design and Manufacture for Toroidal Drive
Authors: Xu Lizhong , Huang Zhen
Published: April 2007

In this paper, tooth surface contact fatigue strength, lubrication state, and efficiency, etc., are considered and a parameter design of the toroidal drive is provided. Based on an analysis of the drive errors and noise, the structural design of the drive is also provided. The structure can absorb vibration and lighten the impaction between the planet teeth and stator or worm teeth and can achieve an even load distribution and improve the manufacture of the drive. A new manufacturing method for the stator is given. This method has high machining efficiency, high surface accuracy, and it is easy to achieve.
Thin-Film Thermoelectric Cooler: Thermodynamic Modelling and its Temperature—entropy Flux Formulation
Authors: Chakraborty A , Saha B. B. , Koyama S , Ng K. C.
Published: April 2007

Thermodynamic performances of a thin-film thermoelectric cooler are analysed from the point of view of irreversible thermodynamics using the Boltzmann transport equation, which includes the collision effects as well as those accounted for by the Gibbs law. Using this methodology, the article presents unique conservation equations for electrons, holes, and phonons as well as their necessary expressions for entropy generation within the thin films. A temperature-entropy (T-s) diagram is plotted for describing the processes of a thin-film thermoelectric cooler. This diagram demarcates how the energy input to the thin films could be apportioned and utilize in overcoming the dissipative and finite heat transfer losses. The dissi-pative effects of electron-hole collisions at high current densities have been found to be significant, up to 25 per cent of the total power input in a current field exceeding 2 A within the thin films.
Analysis and Design of Profiled Dies for the Polymer Wire Die-Drawing Process
Authors: Mohanraj J , Bonner M. J. , Barton D. C. , Ward I. M.
Published: April 2007

In the standard polymer die-drawing process, using conventional conical dies, the strain and strain rate are maximum at the die exit where the stress state in the material, now oriented, is predominantly tensile in nature. This leads to fracture of the material at the die exit at high drawing speeds. In this paper, the plastic flow of the polymer in profiled dies, where the strain and strain rate are controlled along the die-length, is analysed theoretically and it is shown that the design of profiled dies can be chosen to reduce the strain rate at the die exit.

A coupled thermo-mechanical finite-element model has been developed to study the detailed temperature, strain and strain rate distributions in conical and profiled die-designs and their effect on important processing parameters such as draw load and speed. The performance of conical and profile die designs has also been compared experimentally under identical drawing conditions for the specific case of die drawing of polyoxymethylene wire. Both the analytical and experimental results demonstrate the ability of the profile die designs to significantly increase the processing speed while retaining the high degree of orientation and enhanced properties of the die-drawn product.
Design of a High-Altitude Long-Endurance Solar-Powered Unmanned Air Vehicle for Multi-Payload and Operations
Authors: Romeo G , Frulla G , Cestino E
Published: April 2007

Several researches are being carried out at the Politecnico di Torino with the aim of designing a high altitude very-long endurance/unmanned air vehicle (HAVE/UAV). Being able to fly in the stratosphere (15-20 km) and with an endurance of about 4 months offers an advantage and possibility that is presently not available with conventional aircraft or satellites. A computer program has been developed to design the platform. The change in solar radiation over a period of a year, the altitude, masses, and efficiencies of the solar and fuel cells, as well as the aerodynamic, structural, flight mechanics, and aeroelastic performances have all been taken into account. Extensive use has been made of high modulus graphite/epoxy when designing the structure in order to minimize the airframe weight, but also to guarantee the required stiffness and aeroelastic performance.

A blended wing body (BWB) configuration has been selected for solar HAVE aircraft multi payload and operation (SHAMPO) with eight brushless electric motors, as the result of a preliminary design. The BWB solution has been designed according to the conventional procedures and airworthiness regulations. It seems to be the best compromise between performance, available surfaces for solar cells and volume for multi-payload purposes, compared to conventional design.

Several profiles and wing plans have been analysed and optimized to achieve the best efficiency using the Xfoil and Vsaero computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. A finiteelement method and a classical theoretical analysis was carried out using the Msc/Patran/Nastran code to predict the static and aeroelastic behaviour of the SHAMPO. Aeroelastic analysis has been performed starting with a classical linear flutter analysis and considering an undeformed equilibrium condition. Classical linear flutter speed show as the airworthiness requirements has been achieved in the case of SHAMPO configuration. A preliminary non-linear aeroelastic model is introduced in the design process in order to deal with specific phenomena correlated with high static structural deflections occurring during standard flight conditions. Important flutter speed reduction (i.e. up to 42 per cent in special cases) are possible including such kind of phenomena.