| 1. |
- Belova, Lyubov M., et al.
(author)
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Rapid electron beam assisted patterning of pure cobalt at elevated temperatures via seeded growth
- 2011
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In: Nanotechnology. - : IOP Publishing. - 0957-4484 .- 1361-6528. ; 22:14, s. 145305-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A new method of direct, rapid nano- to micro-scale patterning of high purity cobalt is presented. The method utilizes a combination of electron beam induced deposition (EBID) and seeded growth at elevated temperatures below the temperature of spontaneous thermal decomposition. Dicobalt octacarbonyl Co-2(CO)(8) is used as the precursor and carbon as a seed layer. Seeded deposition is carried out in the substrate temperature range from 55 to 75 degrees C. Deposition yield is significantly higher than conventional EBID and magnetotransport measurements indicate that resistivity, 22 mu Omega cm, and saturation magnetization, 1.55 T, are much closer to the corresponding values for bulk Co than those for standard EBID.
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| 2. |
- Belova, Liubov M., et al.
(author)
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Rapid preparation of electron beam induced deposition Co magnetic force microscopy tips with 10 nm spatial resolution
- 2012
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In: Review of Scientific Instruments. - : AIP Publishing. - 0034-6748 .- 1089-7623. ; 83:9, s. 093711-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Magnetic force microscope Co spike tips with lateral magnetic resolution of 10 nm have been prepared. The Co spikes are grown by electron beam induced deposition of Co from Co-2(CO)(8) gas precursor. The high resolution Co spikes are fabricated at the spot of a tightly focused electron beam on the tip of commercial atomic force microscope cantilevers. Qualitative investigations indicate that a spike grown on a planar base of Co improves the signal to noise.
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| 3. |
- Boström, Elisabeth Almer, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Resistin and insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling in rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2011
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In: Arthritis and rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 1529-0131 .- 0004-3591. ; 63:10, s. 2894-904
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human resistin has proinflammatory properties that activate NF-κB-dependent pathways, whereas its murine counterpart is associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to examine potential cross-talk between resistin and insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
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| 4. |
- Brackmann, Christian, 1973, et al.
(author)
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Non-linear microscopy of smooth muscle cells in artificial extracellular matrices made of cellulose
- 2012
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In: Journal of Biophotonics. - : Wiley. - 1864-063X. ; 5:5-6, s. 404-414
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Non-linear microscopy has been used to characterize bovine smooth muscle cells and their proliferation, migration, and differentiation in hydrogel cellulose scaffolds, toward the development of fully functional blood vessel implants. The extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of cellulose and endogenous collagen fibers was imaged using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy and the cell morphology by Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy. Images prove that cells adhere on the cellulose scaffold without additional surface modification and that both contractile and proliferating phenotypes are developed. This work shows that non-linear microscopy contributes with unique insights in cell interactions with (artificial) ECM components and has the potential to become an established characterization method in tissue engineering.
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| 5. |
- Callaghan, Terry, et al.
(author)
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Multi-Decadal Changes in Tundra Environments and Ecosystems : Synthesis of the International Polar Year-Back to the Future Project (IPY-BTF)
- 2011
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In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 40:6, s. 705-716
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Understanding the responses of tundra systemsto global change has global implications. Most tundraregions lack sustained environmental monitoring and oneof the only ways to document multi-decadal change is toresample historic research sites. The International PolarYear (IPY) provided a unique opportunity for such researchthrough the Back to the Future (BTF) project (IPY project#512). This article synthesizes the results from 13 paperswithin this Ambio Special Issue. Abiotic changes includeglacial recession in the Altai Mountains, Russia; increasedsnow depth and hardness, permafrost warming, andincreased growing season length in sub-arctic Sweden;drying of ponds in Greenland; increased nutrient availabilityin Alaskan tundra ponds, and warming at mostlocations studied. Biotic changes ranged from relativelyminor plant community change at two sites in Greenland tomoderate change in the Yukon, and to dramatic increasesin shrub and tree density on Herschel Island, and in subarcticSweden. The population of geese tripled at one sitein northeast Greenland where biomass in non-grazed plotsdoubled. A model parameterized using results from a BTFstudy forecasts substantial declines in all snowbeds andincreases in shrub tundra on Niwot Ridge, Colorado overthe next century. In general, results support and provideimproved capacities for validating experimental manipulation,remote sensing, and modeling studies.
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| 6. |
- Costanzi, Barry N., et al.
(author)
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In situ manufacture of magnetic tunnel junctions by a direct-write process
- 2014
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In: Applied Physics Letters. - : AIP Publishing. - 0003-6951 .- 1077-3118. ; 104:22, s. 222401-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In situ construction of Co/SiO2/Co magnetic tunnel junctions using direct-write electron-beam-induced deposition is described. Proof-of-concept devices were built layer by layer depositing the specific components one at a time, allowing device manufacture using a strictly additive process. The devices exhibit a magnetic tunneling signature which agrees qualitatively with the Slonczewski model of magnetic tunneling.
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| 7. |
- Crona, Filip, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Gene regulation by the lysine demethylase KDM4A in Drosophila
- 2013
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In: Developmental Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0012-1606 .- 1095-564X. ; 373:2, s. 453-463
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lysine methylation of histones is associated with both transcriptionally active chromatin and with silent chromatin, depending on what residue is modified. Histone methyltransferases and demethylases ensure that histone methylations are dynamic and can vary depending on cell cycle- or developmental stage. KDM4A demethylates H3K36me3, a modification enriched in the 3' end of active genes. The genomic targets and the role of KDM4 proteins in development remain largely unknown. We therefore generated KDM4A mutant Drosophila, and identified 99 mis-regulated genes in first instar larvae. Around half of these genes were down-regulated and the other half up-regulated in dKDM4A mutants. Although heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a) can stimulate dKDM4A demethylase activity in vitro, we find that they antagonize each other in control of dKDM4A-regulated genes. Appropriate expression levels for some dKDM4A-regulated genes rely on the demethylase activity of dKDM4A, whereas others do not. Surprisingly, although highly expressed, many demethylase-dependent and independent genes are devoid of H3K36me3 in wild-type as well as in dKDM4A mutant larvae, suggesting that some of the most strongly affected genes in dKDM4A mutant animals are not regulated by H3K36 methylation. By contrast, dKDM4A over-expression results in a global decrease in H3K36me3 levels and male lethality, which might be caused by impaired dosage compensation. Our results show that a modest increase in global H3K36me3 levels is compatible with viability, fertility, and the expression of most genes, whereas decreased H3K36me3 levels are detrimental in males.
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| 8. |
- Dahlberg, Carin I. M., et al.
(author)
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A Novel Mouse Model for the Hyper-IgM Syndrome : A Spontaneous Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase Mutation Leading to Complete Loss of Ig Class Switching and Reduced Somatic Hypermutation
- 2014
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In: Journal of Immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 193:9, s. 4732-4738
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe a spontaneously derived mouse line that completely failed to induce Ig class switching in vitro and in vivo. The mice inherited abolished IgG serum titers in a recessive manner caused by a spontaneous G -> A transition mutation in codon 112 of the aicda gene, leading to an arginine to histidine replacement (AID(R112H)). Ig class switching was completely reconstituted by expressing wild-type AID. Mice homozygous for AID(R112H) had peripheral B cell hyperplasia and large germinal centers in the absence of Ag challenge. Immunization with SRBCs elicited an Ag-specific IgG1 response in wild-type mice, whereas AID(R112H) mice failed to produce IgG1 and had reduced somatic hypermutation. The phenotype recapitulates the human hyper-IgM (HIGM) syndrome that is caused by point mutations in the orthologous gene in humans, and the AID(R112H) mutation is frequently found in HIGM patients. The AID(R112H) mouse model for HIGM provides a powerful and more precise tool than conventional knockout strategies.
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| 9. |
- Ellery, W. N., et al.
(author)
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Peat formation in the context of the development of the Mkuze floodplain on the coastal plain of Maputaland, South Africa
- 2012
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In: Geomorphology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-555X .- 1872-695X. ; 141, s. 11-20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper examines the geomorphological and sedimentological development of blocked-valley lakes in the Mkuze floodplain on the coastal plain of Maputaland, northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Blocked tributary valley lakes north of the floodplain become progressively shorter, broader, and less linear toward the eastern (downstream) end of the east-west oriented Mkuze floodplain. Clastic sediment forms surface sedimentary fill in tributary valleys in the west, while peat predominates tributary valley fill in the east. Two contrasting adjacent tributary valleys were examined, the more western Yengweni dominated by clastic sediment at the surface, and the more eastern Totweni with peat. The Mkuze floodplain is characterised by silt with a low organic content. Surface sediments fine downstream and with distance from the main channel. Tributary sediment south of the lakes (adjacent to the floodplain) contains little organic material at the surface, but increases with depth. North (upstream) of Yengweni lake, the tributary valley contains peat up to 1.5 m thick, with organic contents up to 30% (generally 10 to 20%). In contrast, north (upstream) of Mpanza lake, peat up to 7 m thick is extensive with high organic contents (typically >60% at the surface but decreasing with depth). The thickness and width of the peat deposits increase longitudinally from the head of the tributary valley toward Mpanza lake. The distribution of clastic and organic sediments illustrates that as aggradation of the Mkuze floodplain progresses, tributary valleys initially fill with sediment from the local tributary catchment, lakes form, there is a phase of peat formation and finally, peat is buried by sediment from the Mkuze floodplain. We hypothesise that peat formation in subtropical and tropical settings through these processes is likely to be an important long-term sink for carbon.
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| 10. |
- Enejder, Annika, 1969, et al.
(author)
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CARS and SHG microscopy of artificial bioengineered tissues
- 2010
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In: Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE. - : SPIE. - 1605-7422. - 9780819479655 ; 7569
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Major efforts are presently made to develop artificial replacement tissues with optimal architectural and material characteristics, mimicking those of their natural correspondents. Encouraged by the readiness with which cellulose fibers woven by the bacteria Acetobacter xylinum can be formed into organ-like macroscopic shapes and with different microscopic textures, it emerges as an interesting material within tissue engineering. We have developed a protocol employing simultaneous CARS and SHG microscopy for monitoring the cellulose network characteristics and its impact on the integration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for functionalized artificial tissues. CARS and SHG overlay images of the cells and the cellulose fibers reveal an immediate interaction irrespective of scaffold morphology and that the SMCs attach to the cellulose fibers already during the first cultivation day without cell-adhesive coatings. During the subsequent 28 days, SMCs were found to readily proliferate and differentiate on the cellulose scaffold without the need for exogenous growth factors. However, the efficiency with which this occurred depended on the topography of the cellulose constructs, benefited by porous and less compact matrices. This brings forward the need for in-depth studies on how the microstructure of tissue scaffolds influences and can be optimized for native cell integration and proliferation, studies where the benefits of multi-modal non-linear microscopy can be fully exploited. © 2010 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.
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| 11. |
- Gilhooly, M. L., et al.
(author)
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Vibrating underpants, smell sensors and hospital continence services : tools and technologies for improving the lives of people with incontinence
- 2012
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In: The Gerontologist. - : Oxford University Press. - 0016-9013 .- 1758-5341. ; 52:s1, s. 185-185
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Social isolation, loss of self esteem and depression are often a consequence of incontinence. The overall aim of this interdisciplinary project was to reduce the impact of continence difficulties and, thus, assist older people in maintaining a positive identity and good quality of life. The TACT3 project was comprised of three research work packages:Assistive technology development:Vibrating underpants: A washable fabric underwear wetness sensor and alert mechanism has been developed to alert continence pad users of leakage. In addition, a colour change odour indicating formula has been developed to indicate the presence of the odour of urine at a just imperceptible level.Challenging environmental barriers to continence: Two sets of stakeholders were involved, older people with continence difficulties and toilet providers. Focus groups, workshops, interviews and photographic diaries were conducted to identify key issues. A web based map locating toilets in London was developed which is called the Great British Toilet Map.Improving continence interventions and services: 140 patients and their carers were interviewed twice within a 12 month interval from a specialist continence clinic for older people and generic continence clinic. Twenty health and social care managers and 200 practitioners were also be interviewed. Care outcomes are being analysed from each clinic and a cost benefit analysis will be carried out.Key findings from this three year interdisciplinary project are highlighted. Prototypes of the vibrating underpants and the odour sensor will be on display. This research was funded by the UK New Dynamics of Ageing Programme.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Rezaei, E, et al.
(author)
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Dynamic behaviour of an in situ partially supported concrete railway sleeper
- 2011
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In: Proceedings of the Institution of mechanical engineers. Part F, journal of rail and rapid transit. - : Professional Engineering Publishing (Institution of Mechanical Engineers). - 0954-4097 .- 2041-3017. ; 225:F5, s. 501-508
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Analytical and finite-element solutions to the problem of a vibrating beam, fully or partly supported by an elastic foundation, are presented. An application example is the vertical (transverse) vibration of a concrete railway sleeper embedded in an elastic medium (the ballast). The sleeper is also elastically connected to the rails. Eigenfrequencies are calculated and vibration modes are discussed. The beam (sleeper) is divided into sections where each section may or may not be supported by the elastic foundation. Outside the voids (the non-supported parts of the sleeper) the sleeper is assumed fully attached to the support. Some conclusions are that the foundation stiffness influences the (almost) rigid-body vibration modes of the sleeper the most, whereas the lowest bending-mode eigenfrequencies are just slightly influenced by the foundation stiffness; higher eigenfrequencies are affected very little by the foundation. The influence of railpad (and rail) stiffness on the sleeper bending-mode eigenfrequencies is negligible.
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| 14. |
- Rolfson, Ola, 1973, et al.
(author)
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Patient-reported outcomes in the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register: results of a nationwide prospective observational study.
- 2011
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In: The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume. - 0301-620X. ; 93:7, s. 867-75
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the development and results of a nationwide, prospective, observational follow-up programme including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. The programme started in 2002 and has gradually expanded to include all units performing total hip replacement in Sweden. The self-administered PROMs protocol comprises the EQ-5D instrument, the Charnley class categorisation and visual analogue scales for pain and satisfaction. These current analyses include 34 960 total hip replacements with complete pre- and one-year post-operative questionnaires. Patients eligible for total hip replacement generally report low health-related quality of life and suffer from pain. One year post-operatively the mean EQ-5D index increased to above the level of an age- and gender-matched population, with a considerable reduction of pain (p < 0.001). Females, younger patients and those with Charnley category C reported a lower EQ-5D index pre-operatively than males, older patients and Charnley category A or B, respectively (all p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression analysis Charnley category C, male gender and higher age were associated with less improvement in health-related quality of life (p < 0.001). Nationwide implementation of a PROMs programme requires a structured organisation and effective data capture. Patients' response rates to the Registry are good. The continuous collection of PROMs permits local and national improvement work and allows for further health-economic evaluation.
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| 15. |
- van Es, Michael A, et al.
(author)
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Angiogenin variants in Parkinson disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- 2011
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In: Annals of Neurology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0364-5134 .- 1531-8249. ; 70:6, s. 964-973
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Several studies have suggested an increased frequency of variants in the gene encoding angiogenin (ANG) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Interestingly, a few ALS patients carrying ANG variants also showed signs of Parkinson disease (PD). Furthermore, relatives of ALS patients have an increased risk to develop PD, and the prevalence of concomitant motor neuron disease in PD is higher than expected based on chance occurrence. We therefore investigated whether ANG variants could predispose to both ALS and PD.METHODS: We reviewed all previous studies on ANG in ALS and performed sequence experiments on additional samples, which allowed us to analyze data from 6,471 ALS patients and 7,668 controls from 15 centers (13 from Europe and 2 from the USA). We sequenced DNA samples from 3,146 PD patients from 6 centers (5 from Europe and 1 from the USA). Statistical analysis was performed using the variable threshold test, and the Mantel-Haenszel procedure was used to estimate odds ratios.RESULTS: Analysis of sequence data from 17,258 individuals demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of ANG variants in both ALS and PD patients compared to control subjects (p = 9.3 × 10(-6) for ALS and p = 4.3 × 10(-5) for PD). The odds ratio for any ANG variant in patients versus controls was 9.2 for ALS and 6.7 for PD.INTERPRETATION: The data from this multicenter study demonstrate that there is a strong association between PD, ALS, and ANG variants. ANG is a genetic link between ALS and PD.
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