bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic expression of transcortin in neural cells of the mouse brain: a histochemical and molecular study
Authors: Sivukhina Elena , Helbling Jean-Christophe , Minni Amandine M. , Schäfer Hendrick H. , Pallet Veronique , Jirikowski Gustav F. , Moisan Marie-Pierre 
Published: September 2012

Summary
Corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG, transcortin) has been shown to be expressed in the brain of rat and human species. In this study we examined the CBG brain expression and cDNA structure in mice, comparing wild-type (Cbg+/+) and Cbg knockout mice (Cbg-/-, obtained by genetic disruption of the SerpinA6 alias Cbg gene). We used double immunofluorescence labelling with specific neuronal and glial markers to analyze the cellular localization of CBG in various regions of the mouse brain. In wild-type (Cbg+/+) mice we found CBG immunoreactivity in neuronal perikarya of the magnocellular hypothalamic nuclei, amygdala, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum and pituitary. A portion of glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes) contained CBG immunoreactivity, including some of the ependymal cells and choroid plexus cells. No CBG immunoreactivity was detected in Cbg-/- brain tissues. We showed by RT-PCR that the full-length Cbg mRNA is present in those regions, indicating an intrinsic expression of the steroid-binding globulin. Furthermore, we found by sequencing analysis that Cbg cDNA obtained from the mouse hypothalamus was homologous to Cbg cDNA obtained from the liver. Finally, we have evaluated the relative levels of CBG expression by quantitative PCR in various brain regions and in the liver. We found that brain levels of Cbg mRNA are low compared to the liver but significantly higher than in CBG-deficient mice. Although derived from the same gene than liver CBG, brain CBG protein may play a specific or complementary role that requires the production and analysis of brain-specific Cbg knockout models.
Direct Measurement of Interaction Forces between Adsorbed Polymer Layers
Authors: Tadros Tharwat 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The interaction forces between adsorbed layers of two graft copolymers were directly measured using surface force apparatus and atomic force microscopy. Two types of graft copolymers that were adsorbed on hydrophobic surfaces were used: (i) a graft copolymer consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methacrylic acid) backbone (the B chain) on which several poly(ethylene oxide) chains are grafted (to be referred to as PMMA/PEOn) and (ii) a graft copolymer consisting of inulin (linear polyfructose with degree of polymerization greater than 23) (the A chain) on which several C12 chains are grafted (INUTEC SP1). In the first case, adsorbed layers of the graft copolymer were obtained on mica sheets and the interaction forces were measured using the surface force apparatus. In the second case, the interaction forces were measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). For this purpose, a hydrophobically modified glass sphere was attached to the tip of the cantilever of the AFM and the glass plate was also made hydrophobic. Both the sphere and the glass plate contained an adsorbed layer of INUTEC SP1. The curves of energy E(D) versus distance D for the graft copolymer of PMMA/PEOn between mica surfaces bearing the graft copolymer could be used to estimate the interaction energy between flat surfaces, by using Derjaguin approximation for cross cylinders. The results were compared with the theoretical calculations using de Gennes scaling theory. The agreement between experimental results and theoretical calculations was satisfactory. The same graft copolymer was used in latex dispersions, and the high frequency modulus G′∝ was measured as a function of the volume fraction φ of the dispersion. This high-frequency modulus could be related to the potential of mean force. In this way, one could compare the results obtained from rheology and those obtained from direct measurement of interaction forces. In the AFM method, the interaction forces are measured in the contact area between two surfaces, i.e., the surfaces of a spherical glass particle and a glass plate. The glass spheres and plates were hydrophobized using dichlorodimethylsilane. Results were obtained for adsorbed layers of INUTEC SP1 in water and in the presence of various concentrations of Na2SO4 (0.3, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.5 mol dm−3). All results showed a rapid increase in force with a decrease in the separation distance, and the forces were repulsive up to the highest Na2SO4 concentration. This explains the high stability of dispersions when using INUTEC SP1 as the stabilizer.
Synthesis of ZnO and ZnO2 Nanoparticles by the Oil-in-water Microemulsion Reaction Method
Authors: Pemartin Kelly , Solans Conxita , Vidal-Lopez German , Sanchez-Dominguez Margarita 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Crystalline ZnO and ZnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in one-pot oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion media at room temperature by adding an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (followed by H2O2 in the case of synthesis of ZnO2) to the O/W microemulsion containing a Zn(II) organometallic precursor dissolved in the oil phase. After calcination of ZnO2 NPs, ZnO NPs were also obtained, and their characteristics were compared with those of ZnO NPs prepared directly in O/W microemulsion. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
A New Device for Simultaneous Measurements of Dynamic Interfacial Tension and Electrical Potential Difference
Authors: Wojciechowski Kamil 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
A new device for simultaneous time-resolved measurements of electromotive force (EMF) and interfacial tension (IT) at liquid–liquid interfaces is described. Two examples of applications are presented: 1) measurement of the variations in IT during simulated EMF measurements in model membrane-based ion-selective electrodes, and 2) measurements of transient changes in EMF in a system displaying IT oscillations without any chemical reaction.
Encapsulation of Water-soluble Vitamins by Gold Nanoparticles in Hydrophobic Media
Authors: Zhao Pengxiang , Ruiz Jaime , Salmon Lionel , Astruc Didier 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Thiolate-mPEG ligand-protected gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are shown to encapsulate the water-soluble vitamins C (ascorbic acid), B3 (nicotinic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), and B9 (folic acid) in a hydrophobic medium, i.e., between 1000 and 3000 vitamin molecules per 6-nm-core AuNP (overall size: 19.2 ± 2 nm) in dichloromethane solution.
Perseveration in the Connected Speech of Boys with Fragile X Syndrome with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Martin Gary E. , Roberts Joanne E. , Helm-Estabrooks Nancy , Sideris John , Vanderbilt Jacqueline , Moskowitz Lauren 
Published: September 2012

AbstractVerbal perseveration is a frequently reported language characteristic of males with Fragile X syndrome and may be a defining feature or hallmark of the syndrome. We compared the verbal perseveration of boys with Fragile X syndrome with (n  =  29) and without (n  =  30) autism spectrum disorder, boys with Down syndrome (n  =  27), and typically developing boys (n  =  25) at similar nonverbal mental ages. During a social interaction, boys with both Fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder produced significantly more topic perseveration than all other groups. In social interaction as compared to narration, boys with Fragile X syndrome (regardless of autism status) produced significantly more topic perseveration. These findings suggest that autism status, as well as language sampling context, affect perseveration in boys with Fragile X syndrome.
Financial Well-being of Single, Working-age Mothers of Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Parish Susan L. , Rose Roderick A. , Swaine Jamie G. , Dababnah Sarah , Mayra Ellen Tracy 
Published: September 2012

AbstractUnderstanding the financial well-being of single mothers who care for children with developmental disabilities is important to ensure that public policies can be effectively targeted to support these vulnerable families. The authors analyze data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to describe income poverty, asset poverty, income, net worth, and liquid assets of U.S. single, working-age mothers (n  =  242) of children and adult children with developmental disabilities. The well-being of these mothers was compared to the situation of married mothers of children with developmental disabilities (n  =  345) and of single mothers who did not have children with developmental disabilities (n  =  6,547). Compared with both married mothers of children with developmental disabilities and single mothers without children with developmental disabilities, single mothers of children with developmental disabilities had markedly worse financial well-being across a range of income- and asset-based measures. Single mothers caring for children with developmental disabilities face adverse financial well-being as compared with other mothers. Policy makers should consider targeted measures to improve the financial well-being of these parents.
Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Oxysterols, Plant Sterols, and Cholesterol Precursors
Authors: Matysik S , Klünemann HH , Schmitz G 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND
Cholesterol precursors and plant sterols have considerable potential as plasma biomarkers in several disorders of sterol metabolism and intestinal sterol absorption. Oxysterols are associated with atherogenesis, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. We developed a GC-MS method for the simultaneous analysis of these species in human plasma, including 24-, 25-, 27-hydroxycholesterol; 7-ketocholesterol; lanosterol; lathosterol; 7-dehydrocholesterol; desmosterol; stigmasterol; sitosterol; and campesterol.

METHODS
Sterols were hydrolyzed with ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution, extracted by liquid/liquid extraction with n-hexane, and derivatized with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl-trifluoracetamide. Positive chemical ionization with ammonia, as reagent gas, was applied to generate high abundant precursor ions.

RESULTS
The definition of highly sensitive precursor/product ion transitions, especially for coeluting substances, allowed fast gas chromatography run times of under 8.5 min. Using the multiple reaction monitoring mode, detection limits in the picogram per milliliter range could be achieved for most compounds. The method was validated for precision and recovery. Intraassay and interassay CVs were mostly &lt;15% for serum and plasma samples. The recoveries of supplemented plasma samples in different concentrations were 88%–117%. The method was applied to stratification of patients with disorders in cholesterol biosynthesis and/or cholesterol absorption in hypercholesterolemia. The method revealed associations of sterol species with thyroid dysfunction and type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS
This method allows high-throughput sterol profiling in various diseases.
Reference Dependence and Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Davis Brennan , Currim Imran S. , Sarin Rakesh K. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Although there is enormous evidence that reference levels influence preferences, conjoint models, one of the most successful marketing research tools, assume that preferences depend on the absolute levels of attributes. In this paper we investigate the relevance of reference effects in two settings, compositional or self-explicated models in experimental studies 1 and 2, and decompositional or choice-based models in experimental study 3. In particular, we introduce a simple modification of the traditional self-explicated conjoint model which permits dependence of preference on reference levels. By eliciting gains and losses from expectations the model is adaptable to changes in respondents' reference points, which the traditional model is incapable of. Reference options are found to clearly affect subject choices in studies 1 and 2. In addition, the reference dependent self-explicated model is found to offer useful predictions when reference points are manipulated in study 1, and improve on predictions of its traditional counterpart when reference points are measured in study 2. In contrast, in study 3, the choice-based model’s diagnostics and predictions are found to be robust to reference point manipulations. Taken together, these results suggest that the self-explicated model is more suited than the choice-based model to understanding and predicting how respondents make judgments relative to reference points because reference points and gains and losses from reference levels are more salient in the self-explicated model. We discuss implications for managers constructing conjoint models in product-market settings wherein reference points are changing due to new product introductions or marketing efforts.
Comparison of tribological performance of PEEK, UHMWPE, glass fiber reinforced PTFE and PTFE reinforced PEI composite materials under dry and lubricated conditions
Authors: Unal Huseyin , Mimaroglu Abdullah 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In this study, the tribological performance of poly-ether-ketone (PEEK), ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), glass fiber reinforced poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE) and PTFE reinforced poly-ether-imide (PEI) composite materials, under dry and lubricated conditions, were compared and evaluated. Wear tests were carried out on a pin-disc arrangement and under 50, 100 and 150 N applied loads and 0.5 m/s sliding speed conditions. The results show that the coefficient of friction and specific wear rates for these materials decreases with the increase in applied load values. Finally, the wear rates for PEEK, UHMWPE polymers, PTFE+20% glass fiber reinforced (GFR) and PEI+10% PTFE composites under dry and lubricated conditions are in the order of 10-14 and 10-15, respectively. The results suggested that it is convenient to use PTFE+20% GFR composites for machine components with low processing and product costs.
Preparation and characterization of antibacterial silver loaded montmorillonite under microwave irradiation
Authors: Li Tian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Song Zhiyong , Wu Hongtao , Li Shuhao 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSilver loaded montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) was prepared by ion exchange reaction under microwave irradiation. The effects of microwave irradiation time, AgNO3 concentration, and microwave power on the silver content of Ag-MMT were investigated using the Volhard method. The time of ion exchange reaction was found to be greatly shortened under microwave irradiation. The most suitable reaction condition was in 0.2 m AgNO3 under 100% microwave power irradiation for 4 min, and the silver content was determined and was found to be 1.23 wt%. The results of the Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and Ag+ release tests confirmed the successful loading of silver and its good slow-release property. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra proved the existence of metallic Ag nanoparticles. The Ag-MMT showing a large inhibition zone, high inhibition ratio, and low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6535 presented a very good antibacterial property.
Determining Performance of Marble Finished Products on Their Usage Areas by a New Impact-Resistance Test Method
Authors: Sariisik Gencay 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This study determined the performances of marble finished products, in accordance with their applications within the construction sector, using a new, experimental impact-resistance test. Eight different kinds of marbles, which were categorized according to their commonly used formations, were subjected to a range of characterization tests (mineralogical and petrographic characteristics, chemical properties, and physical and mechanical properties) and their impact-resistance characteristics were determined. The results were analyzed statistically to determine the relationship between physical and mechanical properties of the marbles and their impact-resistance characteristics. The breaking potential of the marbles were categorized according to the number of impacts and impact-resistance values. The performance of the marble types within their areas of application were determined by taking into consideration the Turkish Standards Institution (TS EN) guidance and statistical analysis results, and classifying the marbles based on their physical and mechanical properties and impact resistances.
Glucocorticoid sensitivity in Behçet's disease
Authors: Quax R A M , Laar J A M van , Heerebeek R van , Greiner K , Ben-Chetrit E , Stanford M , Wallace G R , Fortune F , Ghabra M , Soylu M , Hazes J M W , Lamberts S W J , Kappen J H , Hagen P M van , Koper J W , Feelders R A 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveGlucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity is highly variable among individuals and has been associated with susceptibility to develop (auto-)inflammatory disorders. The purpose of the study was to assess GC sensitivity in Behçet's disease (BD) by studying the distribution of four GC receptor (GR) gene polymorphisms and by measuring in vitro cellular GC sensitivity.MethodsHealthy controls and patients with BD in three independent cohorts were genotyped for four functional GR gene polymorphisms. To gain insight into functional differences in in vitro GC sensitivity, 19 patients with BD were studied using two bioassays and a whole-cell dexamethasone-binding assay. Finally, mRNA expression levels of GR splice variants (GR-α and GR-β) were measured.ResultsHealthy controls and BD patients in the three separate cohorts had similar distributions of the four GR polymorphisms. The Bcll and 9β minor alleles frequency differed significantly between Caucasians and Mideast and Turkish individuals.At the functional level, a decreased in vitro cellular GC sensitivity was observed. GR number in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in BD compared with controls. The ratio of GR-α/GR-β mRNA expression levels was significantly lower in BD.ConclusionsPolymorphisms in the GR gene are not associated with susceptibility to BD. However, in vitro cellular GC sensitivity is decreased in BD, possibly mediated by a relative higher expression of the dominant negative GR-β splice variant. This decreased in vitro GC sensitivity might play an as yet unidentified role in the pathophysiology of BD.
Vasoregulatory peptides pro-endothelin-1 and pro-adrenomedullin are associated with metabolic syndrome in the population-based KORA F4 study
Authors: Seissler Jochen , Feghelm Nina , Then Cornelia , Meisinger Christa , Herder Christian , Koenig Wolfgang , Peters Annette , Roden Michael , Lechner Andreas , Kowall Bernd , Rathmann Wolfgang 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundMetabolic alterations and endothelial dysfunction are interrelated processes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) that often develop in parallel. We assessed the association of vasoactive precursor peptides (VPPs) with MetS and T2D.Design and methodsPlasma levels of C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 (CT-proET-1) and midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) were measured by novel sensitive assays in 1590 participants of the population-based KORA F4 study. The association of the VPPs with T2D, MetS defined by IDF criteria, the components of MetS, and insulin resistance (IR) was assessed in logistic regression models.ResultsElevated levels of CT-proET-1 and MR-proADM were associated with T2D, MetS, and IR in age- and sex-adjusted models. After adjustment for age, sex, former vascular complications, lifestyle factors, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and serum creatinine, significant associations with MetS were found for MR-proADM (OR=5.94, 95% CI 3.78–9.33) and CT-proET-1 (OR=5.18, 95% CI 3.48–7.71) (top quartile vs bottom quartile). CT-proET-1 and MR-proADM were strongly associated with all components of MetS as defined by IDF criteria. After multivariable adjustment, association of CT-proET-1 and MR-proADM with pathological glucose tolerance and T2D disappeared and a borderline association with IR was found only for CT-proET-1 (OR=1.34, 95% CI 0.96–1.87).ConclusionsWe here demonstrate for the first time that plasma levels of both MR-proADM and CT-proET-1 levels are related to MetS and its components, thus suggesting that they possibly have a role as a surrogate biomarker for the disease and its complications.
Long-Term and Short-Term Evolutionary Impacts of Transposable Elements onDrosophila
Authors: Lee Yuh Chwen G , Langley Charles H 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTransposable elements (TEs) are considered to be genomic parasites and their interactions with their hosts have been likened to the coevolution between host and other nongenomic, horizontally transferred pathogens. TE families, however, are vertically inherited as integral segments of the nuclear genome. This transmission strategy has been suggested to weaken the selective benefits of host alleles repressing the transposition of specific TE variants. On the other hand, the elevated rates of TE transposition and high incidences of deleterious mutations observed during the rare cases of horizontal transfers of TE families between species could create at least a transient process analogous to the influence of horizontally transmitted pathogens. Here, we formally address this analogy, using empirical and theoretical analysis to specify the mechanism of how host–TE interactions may drive the evolution of host genes. We found that host TE-interacting genes actually have more pervasive evidence of adaptive evolution than immunity genes that interact with nongenomic pathogens in Drosophila. Yet, both our theoretical modeling and empirical observations comparing Drosophila melanogaster populations before and after the horizontal transfer of P elements, which invaded D. melanogaster early last century, demonstrated that horizontally transferred TEs have only a limited influence on host TE-interacting genes. We propose that the more prevalent and constant interaction with multiple vertically transmitted TE families may instead be the main force driving the fast evolution of TE-interacting genes, which is fundamentally different from the gene-for-gene interaction of host–pathogen coevolution.
Electrochemical Performance and Safety of Lithium Ion Battery Anodes Incorporating Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ganter Matthew J. , DiLeo Roberta A. , Doucett Amanda , Schauerman Christopher M. , Rogers Reginald E. , Gaustad Gabrielle , Landi Brian J. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTSingle wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were incorporated into lithium ion battery anodes as conductive additives in mesocarbon microbead (MCMB) composites and as a free-standing support for silicon active materials. In the traditional MCMB composite, 0.5% w/w SWCNTs were used to replace 0.5% w/w SuperP conductive additives. The composite with 0.5% SWCNTs had nearly three times the conductivity which leads to improved electrochemical performance at higher discharge rates with a 20% increase in capacity at greater than a C/2 rate. The thermal stability and safety was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and a 35% reduction in exothermic energy released was measured using the highly thermally conductive SWCNTs as an additive. Alternatively, free-standing SWCNT papers were coated with increasing amounts of silicon using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition technique and a silane precursor. Increasing the amount of silicon deposited led to a significant increase in specific capacity (>2000 mAh/g) and coulombic efficiency (>90%). At the highest silicon loading, the surface area of the electrode was reduced by over an order of magnitude which leads to lower solid electrolyte interface formation and improved safety as measured by DSC.