bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza vaccines provide diminished protection but are cost‐saving in older adults
Authors: Deans G. D. , Stiver H. G. , McElhaney J. E. 
Published: November 2009

Deans GD, Stiver HG, McElhaney JE (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada). Influenza vaccines provide diminished protection but are cost‐saving in older adults (Foresight). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 220–227.Abstract.  Influenza is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in adults aged over 65 years. Although vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing influenza and its sequellae, current vaccination strategies provide less protection to older adults than to younger persons. Influenza vaccination in community‐dwelling older adults is cost‐effective, though there is room for improvement. Newer vaccine strategies considered for use in older adults include alternate routes of administration (intradermal or intranasal), addition of adjuvant, and novel methods of antigen presentation. Measuring cell‐mediated immune response to new vaccines in addition to antibody response may correlate better with vaccine efficacy in this population. Whilst pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) has largely spared older adults, the impact of pH1N1 vaccination has yet to be determined.
The genetics of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Matarin M. , Singleton A. , Hardy J. , Meschia J. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  Matarin M, Singleton A, Hardy J, Meschia J (Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Bethesda, MD, USA; UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA). The genetics of ischaemic stroke (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 139–155.In this review, we discuss the genetic factors in both the aetiology and treatment of ischaemic stroke. We discuss candidate gene association studies, family linkage studies and the more recent whole genome association studies and whole genome expression studies. We also briefly discuss genetic testing for stroke risk and genetic analysis of treatment complications.
Introduction: Stockholm stroke symposium – from genes to acute care
Authors: Wester P. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract.  Wester P (Umeå University, Sweden). Introduction: Stockholm stroke symposium – from genes to acute care. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 136–138.The acute stroke research field is dynamic and exciting with several clinical breakthroughs, which give reason for optimism. There is gradually a broader understanding of the genetic linkage with different aspects of stroke. As a majority of stroke cases are caused by thrombo‐embolism with blocking of one or more of the cerebral arteries, the obvious acute treatment strategy is to remove the occluded vessel and thereby restore the aerobic metabolism provided that neuroimaging analyses reveal the presence of rescuable ischaemic tissue. On January 28–29, 2009, the Journal of Internal Medicine arranged a 2‐day symposium entitled Stockholm stroke symposium – from genes to acute care. In this issue of JIM, five comprehensive reviews from this symposium are presented. These include the genetic factors in the aetiology and treatment of ischaemic stroke, the interplay between microvessels, neurons and glia (i.e., the microvascular unit) in the setting of acute stroke, a critical review of various neuroimaging techniques to visualize ischaemic tissue that is still viable (the ischaemic penumbra), recanalization strategies by means of intravenous thrombolysis as well as future recanalization techniques by, for example, intra‐arterial or mechanical thrombolysis and sonothrombolysis by a transcranial approach.
HRTEM studies of amorphous ZrNiTiCu nanocrystalline composites
Authors: DUTKIEWICZ J. , LITYŃSKA‐DOBRZYŃSKA L. , KOVAČOVA A. , MOLNAROVA M. , ROGAL Ł. , MAZIARZ W. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBall milling of easy glass forming Ti25Zr17Ni29Cu29 alloys lead to the formation of an amorphous structure accompanied by a substantial increase of powder microhardness. The powders show clear glass transition effect and a few stage crystallization starting above 500°C. High‐resolution transmission electron microscope technique allowed identifying nanocrystalline inclusions as Cu12NiTi7 within the amorphous powder. The amorphous powders mixed with nanocrystalline iron or silver powders were hot pressed to form composites. A narrow 200 nm broad intermediate single‐phase layer at the amorphous‐phase/iron interface containing all elements present in the composite was identified using transmission electron microscope and high‐angle annular dark field detector techniques. scanning transmission electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy line profile showed gradual change of composition within the intermediate zone. Amorphous phase contains small nanocrystals of size close to 10 nm identified using High‐resolution transmission electron microscope as Cu12NiTi7. Compression tests have shown better plasticity of composites than in the case of pure hot‐pressed amorphous powder; furthermore, high elastic limit of composites and the ultimate compression stress of about 1800 MPa for composites containing 20% Fe and near 700 MPa for those with 20% Ag.
Interactions between molten aluminum and Y2O3 studied with TEM techniques
Authors: WOJEWODA‐BUDKA J. , SOBCZAK N. , MORGIEL J. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryComplementary structural characterization of the reaction product region formed due to high‐temperature interaction (1273 K) between molten aluminum and dense polycrystalline yttria substrate was performed. The reaction product region extending up to 1 mm into the oxide substrate was characterized by a wavy shape morphology and multilayer structure consisted of three‐layered zones. The application of transmission electron microscopy coupled with focused ion beam preparation technique allowed the detailed structural examination of reactively formed compounds and interfaces between different zones and phases. Fine crystalline precipitates of Al5Y3O12 (YAG) phase surrounded by the Al3Y were detected within the first zone. The second layer consisted of much bigger AlYO3 (YAP) crystals and the third one, which was the widest zone, revealed a typical C4 microstructure where elongated YAP precipitates accompanied the Al2Y metallic channels.
The effect of TMCP parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–Nb microalloyed steel
Authors: NOWOTNIK A. , SIWECKI T. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe aim of this work was to study the influence of thermo‐mechanical controlled process parameters on the refinement of microstructure during processing as well as the final microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb microalloyed steel. The steel was investigated and thermo‐mechanical controlled process simulations were carried out using the material testing system 810. The effect of deformation sequences with constant finish rolling temperature and accelerated controlled cooling rate were studied with regard to strength and microstructure of heavy plate. The optimized thermo‐mechanical controlled process parameters will be discussed in relation to the microstructure and precipitate evolution, as well as the mechanical properties of high‐strength steel, microalloyed with Nb and Ti. The best results for strength were obtained for accelerated controlled cooling rates >5°C s−1 in the present cases where the finishing temperature was 850°C, for both light and heavy reductions.
EBSD studies of microstructure and texture in Ni–Ti–Co shape memory strip and ribbon
Authors: GORYCZKA T. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe electron back scattered diffraction method was applied for carrying out detailed surface studies of the ternary Ni–Ti–Co alloy produced using melt‐spinning and twin roll casting techniques. The samples were studied in the as‐cast state without grinding or polishing. It was found that in the melt‐spun ribbon apart from fine narrow columnar grains, that extended along the ribbon thickness, wider columnar grains parallel to the ribbon surface were also observed. These grains were textured along the {100}〈011〉 orientation. The twin roll cast strip revealed more complex and inhomogeneous morphology of its surface. Mainly, the axes of the grains were oriented along two textural components: 〈100〉 for the fine grains and {100}〈011〉 for the columnar grains parallel to the surface. In addition to the results obtained from the X‐ray diffraction, the electron back scattered diffraction technique revealed the 〈111〉 fibre texture in the sample.
Microstructure characterization of erosion resistant coatings on carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites
Authors: MOSKALEWICZ T. , SMEACETTO F. , SALVO M. , BOCCACCINI A.R. , CZYRSKA‐FILEMONOWICZ A. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe microstructure of as received and surface treated carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites has been examined by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure of the as received material consists of a bonded together layered carbon fiber network, identified as graphitic carbon (hexagonal close packed). To improve the erosion resistance of the carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites composite, the SiC and silicate glass–ceramic coatings from the system SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 were produced on carbon‐bonded carbon fibre composites composites by a low‐cost slurry technique. Transmission electron microscopy investigations of cross‐section thin foils allowed for detailed analysis of the coatings microstructure. It was found that the SiC coating was consisting mainly of a nanocrystalline SiC (fcc). The multilayered glass–ceramic coating showed a complex microstructure consisting of an external SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 layer and an intermediate nanocrystalline SiC layer. The SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 layer was composed of SiO2 (fcc), Y2Si2O7 (op) and Al4.644Si1.357O9.68 (op).
Transmission electron microscopy characterization of Au/Pt/Ti/Pt/GaAs ohmic contacts for high power GaAs/InGaAs semiconductor lasers
Authors: ŁASZCZ A. , CZERWINSKI A. , RATAJCZAK J. , SZERLING A. , PHILLIPP F. , VAN AKEN P.A. , KĄTCKI J. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryWe report on transmission electron microscopy studies of Au/Pt/Ti/Pt(10–30 nm) contact structures for high power GaAs/InGaAs semiconductor lasers. The studies showed that annealing at 450°C of contact structures causes the reaction of whole Pt with substrate components (Ga and As) and the formation of Pt‐GaAs interlayers with smooth interfaces as required for such structures. Annealing of the structures at 470 and 490°C unfavourably affects the contact structure. At this condition, the strong downward diffusion of Au and Pt from the top layers causes a formation of Au‐Pt pits, which break the Ti barrier. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that Au/Pt/Ti/Pt(10–30 nm) system annealed at 450°C is appropriate for practical applications. The EDS technique used to identify the phase composition in the Pt(30nm)/GaAs structure (specially produced for the EDS analysis) annealed at 450°C showed that two layers were formed as a result of the reaction of the whole Pt layer with GaAs, and they consist of Ga, Pt and As. The top layer has the highest concentration of Ga. However, the bottom layer, which is close to the substrate, has the highest concentration of As.
Three new RelE‐homologous mRNA interferases of Escherichia coli differentially induced by environmental stresses
Authors: Christensen‐Dalsgaard Mikkel , Jørgensen Mikkel Girke , Gerdes Kenn 
Published: November 2009

SummaryProkaryotic toxin – antitoxin (TA) loci encode mRNA interferases that inhibit translation, either by cleaving mRNA codons at the ribosomal A site or by cleaving any RNA site‐specifically. So far, seven mRNA interferases of Escherichia coli have been identified, four of which cleave mRNA by a translation‐dependent mechanism. Here, we experimentally confirmed the presence of three novel TA loci in E. coli. We found that the yafNO, higBA (ygjNM) and ygiUT loci encode mRNA interferases related to RelE. YafO and HigB cleaved translated mRNA only, while YgiU cleaved RNA site‐specifically at GC[A/U], independently of translation. Thus, YgiU is the first RelE‐related mRNA interferase that cleaves mRNA independently of translation, in vivo. All three loci were induced by amino acid starvation, and inhibition of translation although to different degrees. Carbon starvation induced only two of the loci. The yafNO locus was induced by DNA damage, but the transcription originated from the dinB promoter. Thus, our results showed that the different TA loci responded differentially to environmental stresses. Induction of the three loci depended on Lon protease that may sense the environmental stresses and activate TA loci by cleavage of the antitoxins. Transcription of the three TA operons was autoregulated by the antitoxins.
Who is the BosR around here anyway?
Authors: Samuels D. Scott , Radolf Justin D. 
Published: November 2009

Summary Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a novel DNA‐binding protein in the Fur/PerR family of transcriptional regulators termed BosR (BB0647). This issue of Molecular Microbiology contains two molecular genetic studies that help to clarify the function of BB0647 and resolve longstanding controversies. Loss of BB0647 appears to have a pronounced effect on borrelial gene expression and, in one study, caused significant in vitro growth defects. BB0647 was also found to be essential for infection of the mammalian host but not the tick vector. Both Ouyang et al. and Hyde et al. also demonstrate, quite unexpectedly, that BB0647 is required for induction of RpoS, an alternative sigma factor that controls a cadre of B. burgdorferi genes, most notably ospC, which enable the spirochetes to establish mammalian infection following tick inoculation. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the precise physiological role of BB0647, the most important of which relate to its homologues Fur and PerR: to what extent does it regulate either the response to oxidative stress and/or transition metal uptake? The mechanism(s) whereby BB0647 interfaces with the Rrp2‐RpoN‐RpoS pathway also remains to be discerned. However, these two seminal papers establish BB0647 (BosR) as a central player in the molecular biology and physiology of B. burgdorferi as well as the pathogenesis of Lyme disease.
Three (and more) component regulatory systems – auxiliary regulators of bacterial histidine kinases
Authors: Buelow Daelynn R. , Raivio Tracy L. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryTwo‐component signal transduction (TCST) is the most prevalent mechanism employed by microbes to sense and respond to environmental changes. It is characterized by the signal‐induced transfer of phosphate from a sensor histidine kinase (HK) to a response regulator (RR), resulting in a cellular response. An emerging theme in the field of TCST signalling is the discovery of auxiliary factors, distinct from the HK and RR, which are capable of influencing phosphotransfer. One group of TCST auxiliary proteins accomplishes this task by acting on HKs. Auxiliary regulators of HKs are widespread and have been identified in all cellular compartments, where they can influence HK activity through interactions with the sensing, transmembrane or enzymatic domains of the HK. The effects of an auxiliary regulator are controlled by its regulated expression, modification and/or through ligand binding. Ultimately, auxiliary regulators can connect a given TCST system to other regulatory networks in the cell or result in regulation of the TCST system in response to an expanded range of stimuli. The studies highlighted in this review draw attention to an emerging view of bacterial TCST systems as core signalling units upon which auxiliary factors act.
Septins enforce morphogenetic events during sexual reproduction and contribute to virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Kozubowski Lukasz , Heitman Joseph 
Published: November 2009

SummarySeptins are conserved, cytoskeletal GTPases that contribute to cytokinesis, exocytosis, cell surface organization and vesicle fusion by mechanisms that are poorly understood. Roles of septins in morphogenesis and virulence of a human pathogen and basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus neoformans were investigated. In contrast to a well‐established paradigm in S. cerevisiae, Cdc3 and Cdc12 septin homologues are dispensable for growth in C. neoformans yeast cells at 24°C but are essential at 37°C. In a bilateral cross between septin mutants, cells fuse but the resulting hyphae exhibit morphological abnormalities, including lack of properly fused specialized clamp cells and failure to produce spores. Interestingly, post‐mating hyphae of the septin mutants have a defect in nuclear distribution. Thus, septins are essential for the development of spores, clamp cell fusion and also play a specific role in nuclear dynamics in hyphae. In the post‐mating hyphae the septins localize to discrete sites in clamp connections, to the septa and the bases of the initial emerging spores. Strains lacking CDC3 or CDC12 exhibit significantly reduced virulence in a Galleria mellonella model of infection. Thus, C. neoformans septins are vital to morphology of the hyphae and contribute to virulence.
Autonomous plasmid‐like replication of a conjugative transposon
Authors: Lee Catherine A. , Babic Ana , Grossman Alan D. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryIntegrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), a.k.a. conjugative transposons, are mobile genetic elements involved in many biological processes, including pathogenesis, symbiosis and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Unlike conjugative plasmids that are extra‐chromosomal and replicate autonomously, ICEs are integrated in the chromosome and replicate passively during chromosomal replication. It is generally thought that ICEs do not replicate autonomously. We found that when induced, Bacillus subtilis ICEBs1 undergoes autonomous plasmid‐like replication. Replication was unidirectional, initiated from the ICEBs1 origin of transfer, oriT, and required the ICEBs1‐encoded relaxase NicK. Replication also required several host proteins needed for chromosomal replication, but did not require the replicative helicase DnaC or the helicase loader protein DnaB. Rather, replication of ICEBs1 required the helicase PcrA that is required for rolling circle replication of many plasmids. Transfer of ICEBs1 from the donor required PcrA, but did not require replication, indicating that PcrA, and not DNA replication, facilitates unwinding of ICEBs1 DNA for horizontal transfer. Although not needed for horizontal transfer, replication of ICEBs1 was needed for stability of the element. We propose that autonomous plasmid‐like replication is a common property of ICEs and contributes to the stability and maintenance of these mobile genetic elements in bacterial populations.
Escherichia coli ribonuclease III activity is downregulated by osmotic stress: consequences for the degradation of bdm mRNA in biofilm formation
Authors: Sim Se‐Hoon , Yeom Ji‐Hyun , Shin Choy , Song Woo‐Seok , Shin Eunkyoung , Kim Hong‐Man , Cha Chang‐Jun , Han Seung Hyun , Ha Nam‐Chul , Kim Si Wouk , Hahn Yoonsoo , Bae Jeehyeon , Lee Kangseok 
Published: November 2009

SummaryDuring the course of experiments aimed at identifying genes with ribonuclease III (RNase III)‐dependent expression in Escherichia coli, we found that steady state levels of bdm mRNA were dependent on cellular concentrations of RNase III. The half‐lives of adventitiously overexpressed bdm mRNA and the activities of a transcriptional bdm‘–’cat fusion were observed to be dependent on cellular concentrations of RNase III, indicating the existence of cis‐acting elements in bdm mRNA responsive to RNase III. In vitro and in vivo cleavage analyses of bdm mRNA identified two RNase III cleavage motifs, one in the 5′‐untranslated region and the other in the coding region of bdm mRNA, and indicated that RNase III cleavages in the coding region constitute a rate‐determining step for bdm mRNA degradation. We also discovered that downregulation of the ribonucleolytic activity of RNase III is required for the sustained elevation of RcsB‐induced bdm mRNA levels during osmotic stress and that cells overexpressing bdm form biofilms more efficiently. These findings indicate that the Rcs signalling system has an additional regulatory pathway that functions to modulate bdm expression and consequently, adapt E. coli cells to osmotic stress.
Role of minor determinants of amoxicillin in the diagnosis of immediate allergic reactions to amoxicillin
Authors: Torres M. J. , Ariza A. , Fernández J. , Moreno E. , Laguna J. J. , Montañez M. I. , Ruiz‐Sanchez A. J. , Blanca M. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Torres MJ, Ariza A, Fernández J, Moreno E, Laguna JJ, Montañez MI, Ruiz‐Sanchez AJ, Blanca M. Role of minor determinants of amoxicillin in the diagnosis of immediate allergic reactions to amoxicillin. Allergy 2010; 65: 590–596.AbstractBackground:  Skin testing of subjects with immediate hypersensitivity to amoxicillin is performed using major and minor determinants of benzylpenicillin plus amoxicillin. However, sensitivity is not optimal, and other determinants need to be considered. We assessed the sensitivity of stable, well‐characterized minor determinants of amoxicillin in subjects with immediate allergic reactions to amoxicillin to improve skin test sensitivity.Methods:  Amoxicillin, amoxicilloic acid, and diketopiperazine were prepared and characterized by reverse‐phase HPLC, tested in vivo by skin testing and in vitro by basophil activation test and RAST inhibition assay.Results:  Patients with immediate hypersensitivity to amoxicillin were selected: Group A (n = 32), skin test positive just to amoxicillin; Group B (n = 19), skin test positive to benzylpenicillin determinants; Group C (n = 10), skin test negative and amoxicillin drug provocation test positive. In Group A, 27 subjects (81.8%) were skin test positive to amoxicillin, ten (30.3%) to amoxicilloic acid, two (6.1%) to diketopiperacine, and six (18.2%) negative. In Group B, nine (50%) were positive to amoxicillin, eight (42.1%) to amoxicilloic acid, none to diketopiperacine, and nine (50%) negative. In Group C, skin tests were negative. BAT was positive to amoxicillin in 26 patients (50.9%), to amoxicilloic acid in 15 (29.1%), and diketopiperazine in four (7.8%). RAST inhibition studies showed > 50% inhibition in all sera, with the highest concentration of amoxicillin and amoxicilloic acid.Conclusions:  The combination of minor determinants of amoxicillin, amoxicilloic acid, and diketopiperazine seems to be of no greater value than the use of amoxicillin alone. Further efforts are needed to find new structures to improve sensitivity in the diagnosis of immediate hypersensitivity to betalactams.