bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amyloid-beta transporter expression at the blood-CSF barrier is age-dependent
Authors: Pascale Crissey L , Miller Miles C , Chiu Catherine , Boylan Matthew , Caralopoulos Ilias N , Gonzalez Liliana , Johanson Conrad E , Silverberg Gerald D 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Age is the major risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is an accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides (Aβ) in both the AD brain and the normal aging brain. Clearance of Aβ from the brain occurs via active transport at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). With increasing age, the expression of the Aβ efflux transporters is decreased and the Aβ influx transporter expression is increased at the BBB, adding to the amyloid burden in the brain. Expression of the Aβ transporters at the choroid plexus (CP) epithelium as a function of aging was the subject of this study.

Methods
This project investigated the changes in expression of the Aβ transporters, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), LRP-2 (megalin) and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) at the BCSFB in Brown-Norway/Fischer rats at ages 3, 6, 9, 12, 20, 30 and 36 months, using real time RT-PCR to measure transporter mRNA expression, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to measure transporter protein in isolated rat CP.

Results
There was an increase in the transcription of the Aβ efflux transporters, LRP-1 and P-gp, no change in RAGE expression and a decrease in LRP-2, the CP epithelium influx transporter, at the BCSFB with aging. Decreased Aβ42 concentration in the CP, as measured by quantitative IHC, was associated with these Aβ transporter alterations.

Conclusions
Age-dependent alterations in the CP Aβ transporters are associated with a decrease in Aβ42 accumulation in the CP, and are reciprocal to the changes seen in these transporters at the BBB, suggesting a possible compensatory role for the BCSFB in Aβ clearance in aging.
Kinematic and dynamic gait compensations in a rat model of lumbar radiculopathy and the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonism
Authors: Allen Kyle D , Shamji Mohammed F , Mata Brian A , Gabr Mostafa A , Sinclair S Michael , Schmitt Daniel O , Richardson William J , Setton Lori A 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) has received significant attention as a mediator of lumbar radiculopathy, with interest in TNF antagonism to treat radiculopathy. Prior studies have demonstrated that TNF antagonists can attenuate heightened nociception resulting from lumbar radiculopathy in the preclinical model. Less is known about the potential impact of TNF antagonism on gait compensations, despite being of clinical relevance. In this study, we expand on previous descriptions of gait compensations resulting from lumbar radiculopathy in the rat and describe the ability of local TNF antagonism to prevent the development of gait compensations, altered weight bearing, and heightened nociception.

Methods
Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated for mechanical sensitivity, weight-bearing, and gait pre- and post-operatively. For surgery, tail nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue was collected and the right L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was exposed (Day 0). In sham animals, NP tissue was discarded (n = 6); for experimental animals, autologous NP was placed on the DRG with or without 20 μg of soluble TNF receptor type II (sTNFRII, n = 6 per group). Spatiotemporal gait characteristics (open arena) and mechanical sensitivity (von Frey filaments) were assessed on post-operative Day 5; gait dynamics (force plate arena) and weight-bearing (incapacitance meter) were assessed on post-operative Day 6.

Results
High-speed gait characterization revealed animals with NP alone had a 5% decrease in stance time on their affected limbs on Day 5 (P ≤0.032). Ground reaction force analysis on Day 6 aligned with temporal changes observed on Day 5, with vertical impulse reduced in the affected limb of animals with NP alone (area under the vertical force-time curve, P <0.02). Concordant with gait, animals with NP alone also had some evidence of affected limb mechanical allodynia on Day 5 (P = 0.08) and reduced weight-bearing on the affected limb on Day 6 (P <0.05). Delivery of sTNFRII at the time of NP placement ameliorated signs of mechanical hypersensitivity, imbalanced weight distribution, and gait compensations (P <0.1).

Conclusions
Our data indicate gait characterization has value for describing early limb dysfunctions in pre-clinical models of lumbar radiculopathy. Furthermore, TNF antagonism prevented the development of gait compensations subsequent to lumbar radiculopathy in our model.
Admissions to intensive care unit of HIV-infected patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: etiology and prognostic factors
Authors: Chiang Hou-Hsien , Hung Chien-Ching , Lee Chang-Min , Chen Hsuan-Yu , Chen Mao-Yuan , Sheng Wang-Huei , Hsieh Szu-Min , Sun Hsin-Yun , Ho Chao-Chi , Yu Chong-Jen 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Although access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has prolonged survival and improved life quality, HIV-infected patients with severe immunosuppression or comorbidities may develop complications that require critical care support in intensive care units (ICU). This study aimed to describe the etiology and analyze the prognostic factors of HIV-infected Taiwanese patients in the HAART era.

Methods
Medical records of all HIV-infected adults who were admitted to ICU at a university hospital in Taiwan from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed to record information on patient demographics, receipt of HAART, and reason for ICU admission. Factors associated with hospital mortality were analyzed.

Results
During the 10-year study period, there were 145 ICU admissions for 135 patients, with respiratory failure being the most common cause (44.4%), followed by sepsis (33.3%) and neurological disease (11.9%). Receipt of HAART was not associated with survival. However, CD4 count was independently predictive of hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], per-10 cells/mm3 decrease, 1.036; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003 to 1.069). Admission diagnosis of sepsis was independently associated with hospital mortality (AOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.11 to 7.62). A hospital-to-ICU interval of more than 24 hours and serum albumin level (per 1-g/dl decrease) were associated with increased hospital mortality, but did not reach statistical significance in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions
Respiratory failure was the leading cause of ICU admissions among HIV-infected patients in Taiwan. Outcome during the ICU stay was associated with CD4 count and the diagnosis of sepsis, but was not associated with HAART in this study.
Second-Order and Advanced Analysis of Structures Allowing for Load and Construction Sequences
Authors: Liu Y.P. , Chan S.L. 
Published: August 2011

The advantage of second-order nonlinear analysis lies on its capacity to model actual structural response instead of making assumption on the structural behavior such as the arbitrary assumption of effective length factor. Considering the construction process of a structure, it may become a sway frame from a non-sway frame when a story is added or, on the contrary, to convert to a non-sway frame from a sway frame when bracings or infill walls are constructed and this makes the first-order linear analysis extremely inconvenient to use. Further, the deformation and load distributions of the structures considering the construction sequence can be much different from those obtained by assuming all structural elements share loads simultaneously. This paper proposes an advanced simulation-based design using an improved second-order analysis for structures accounting for both local and global imperfections, sequential loads and construction process. The technique for such an analysis is described and the error for ignoring the effects of sequential loads and construction procedure is quantified. Both the elastic and the plastic second-order analyses are used for comparison.
Measuring the Lifetime Value of Customers Acquired from Google Search Advertising
Authors: Chan Tat Y. , Wu Chunhua , Xie Ying 
Published: August 2011

Our main objective in this paper is to measure the value of customers acquired from Google search advertising accounting for two factors that have been overlooked in the conventional method widely adopted in the industry: (1) the spillover effect of search advertising on customer acquisition and sales in off-line channels and (2) the lifetime value of acquired customers. By merging Web traffic and sales data from a small-sized U.S. firm, we create an individual customer-level panel that tracks all repeated purchases, both online and off-line, and tracks whether or not these purchases were referred from Google search advertising. To estimate the customer lifetime value, we apply the methodology in the customer relationship management literature by developing an integrated model of customer lifetime, transaction rate, and gross profit margin, allowing for individual heterogeneity and a full correlation of the three processes. Results show that customers acquired through Google search advertising in our data have a higher transaction rate than customers acquired from other channels. After accounting for future purchases and spillover to off-line channels, the calculated value of new customers using our approach is much higher than the value obtained using conventional method. The approach used in our study provides a practical framework for firms to evaluate the long-term profit impact of their search advertising investment in a multichannel setting.
Microstructures and electrical properties of CaCu3Ti4O12thin films on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Lee Sung-Yun , Choi Soon-Mi , Kim Mi-Young , Yoo Sang-Im , Hye Lee Ji , Jo William , Kim Young-Hwan , Choi Kyoung Jin 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Disparities in Underserved White Populations: The Case of Cancer-Related Disparities in Appalachia
Authors: Paskett Electra D. , Fisher James L. , Lengerich Eugene J. , Schoenberg Nancy E. , Kennedy Stephenie K. , Conn Mary Ellen , Roberto Karen A. , Dwyer Sharon K. , Fickle Darla , Dignan Mark 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
There are meaningful cancer-related disparities in the Appalachian region of the U.S. To address these disparities, the Appalachia Community Cancer Network (ACCN), a collaboration of investigators and community partners in five states (Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia), is involved in increasing cancer education and awareness, conducting community-based participatory research (CBPR), and creating mentorship and training opportunities. The primary objective of this paper is to describe cancer-related disparities in the Appalachian region of the U.S. as an example of the disparities experienced by underserved, predominantly white, rural populations, and to describe ACCN activities designed to intervene regarding these disparities. An ACCN overview/history and the diverse activities of ACCN-participating states are presented in an effort to suggest potential useful strategies for working to reduce health-related disparities in underserved white populations. Strengths that have emerged from the ACCN approach (e.g., innovative collaborations, long-standing established networks) and remaining challenges (e.g., difficulties with continually changing communities, scarce resources) are described. Important recommendations that have emerged from the ACCN are also presented, including the value of allowing communities to lead CBPR efforts. Characteristics of the community-based work of the ACCN provide a framework for reducing health-related disparities in Appalachia and in other underserved white and rural populations.
Photo-induced chemical reduction of silver bromide to silver nanoparticles
Authors: Król-Gracz Agnieszka , Michalak Ewa , Nowak Piotr , Dyonizy Agnieszka 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper discusses the experimental results of the production of nanocolloidal silver using photoreduction method. Ultrafine crystalline gelatine-stabilised aqueous suspensions of silver bromide were used as a substrate for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The influences of the reductant to substrate molar ratio, the medium’s pH, the type of the source of actinic radiation and the time of exposure to the efficient production of the Ag NPs were studied. A typical reaction was suggested, which involves the photo-induced reduction of silver bromide nanocrystals in the presence of ascorbic acid under specified physicochemical conditions. The properties of resultant silver particles were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). In addition, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used for imaging the silver nanoparticle suspensions.
Ruthenium(II)-bis(4′-(4-ethynylphenyl)-2,2′:6′, 2″-terpyridine) — A versatile synthon in supramolecular chemistry. Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Siebert Ronald , Schlütter Florian , Winter Andreas , Presselt Martin , Görls Helmar , Schubert Ulrich , Dietzek Benjamin , Popp Jürgen 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA homoleptic ethynyl-substituted ruthenium(II)-bisterpyridine complex representing a versatile synthon in supramolecular chemistry was synthesized and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffractometry. Furthermore, its photophysical properties were detailed by UV/Vis absorption, emission and resonance Raman spectroscopy. In order to place the results obtained in the context of the vast family of ruthenium coordination compounds, two structurally related complexes were investigated accordingly. These reference compounds bear either no or an increased chromophore in the 4′-position. The spectroscopic investigations reveal a systematic bathochromic shift of the absorption and emission maximum upon increasing chromophore size. This bathochromic shift of the steady state spectra occurs hand in hand with increasing resonance Raman intensities upon excitation of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition. The latter feature is accompanied by an increased excitation delocalization over the chromophore in the 4′-position of the terpyridine. Thus, the results presented allow for a detailed investigation of the electronic effects of the ethynyl substituent on the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer states in the synthon for click reactions leading to coordination polymers.
A B3LYP/6-31G(d) study of Diels-Alder reactions between cyclopentadiene and (E)-2-arylnitroethenes
Authors: Jasiński Radomir , Koifman Oskar , Barański Andrzej 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe B3LYP/6-31G(d) simulations of competing CDA and HDA reactions between cyclopentadiene and (E)-2-arylnitroethenes prove that regardless of the medium polarity, the processes leading to respective 5-nitro-6-aryl-bicyclo-[2,2,0]-hept-2-enes 3,4 (paths A and B) should be most favoured, and the more electrophilic (E)-2-(p-nitrophenyl)-nitroethene should be more reactive than the less electrophilic (E)-2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-nitroethene. Asymmetry of the transition complexes on the favoured pathways increases with increase of medium polarity, but not sufficiently to enforce the zwitterionic mechanism. Analysis of competing pathways leading to HDA adducts proves that not all these compounds can be formed directly from the adducts. In particular, on the path C, the initially formed 5-nitro-6-aryl-bicyclo-[2,2,0]-hept-2-enes 3 is converted to 2-phenyl-4-aza-5-oxy-bicyclo-[3,4,0]-nona-3,7-diene N-oxides 5 as a result of a [3.3]-sigmatropic shift. On the paths D–F leading to 2-phenyl-4-aza-5-oxy-bicyclo-[3,4,0]-nonadienes N-oxides 6–8, the reaction proceeds according to a one-step mechanism.
High Stokes shift long-wavelength energy gap regulated fluorescence in the series of nitro/dimethylamino-substituted ortho-analogs of POPOP
Authors: Iliashenko Rodion , Zozulia Olexiy , Doroshenko Andrey 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA series of novel nitro-substituted ortho-analogs of POPOP was synthesized. Like the most of the other known compounds of this class, the synthesized molecules demonstrate high Stokes shift fluorescence emission owing to the planarization of their molecules at electronic excitation. Significant fluorescence quenching in polar solvents was described as the “energy gap law” action rather than the specific effect of the dialkylamino group excited state twisting.
DFT calculations on the Friedel-Crafts benzylation of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene using ZnCl2 impregnated montmorillonite K10 — inversion of relative selectivities and reactivities of aryl halides
Authors: Waterlot Christophe , Couturier Daniel , Rigo Benoît , Ghinet Alina , Backer Marc 
Published: August 2011

AbstractZinc was bound on montmorillonite K10 by cation exchange to obtain a catalyst named clayzic. In the Friedel-Crafts benzylation of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, this catalyst was used for the synthesis of substituted diphenylmethanes using 4-chlorobenzyl chloride and 4-bromobenzyl bromide. During the reaction, sub-products from a second benzylation reaction process were observed. For a better understanding of their formation, reactions were carried out at different times to obtain data on the progress of benzylation and the relative ratio of each product was calculated using two different analytical methods. It was shown that the selectivity and reactivity of both aryl halides were reversed under these experimental conditions contrary to those obtained using the more conventional catalyst, zinc dichloride. These results were explained by geometrical and electronic considerations. It was found that the formation of transition states and Wheland intermediates from aryl bromide and chloride in the presence of clayzic can be explained in terms of preferential absorption. Moreover, the high percentage of 4-chlorobenzyl chloride conversion was attributed to its covalent radius, which is smaller than that of Br. At the same time it was shown that the presence of a Brönsted acid, due to the liberation of HCl during the benzylation, is responsible for the poisoning of the clayzic catalyst. Moreover, poisoning effect of the bromine anion could not be excluded.
Role of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Obese Asian Indians with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Shivakumar Nirupama , Kumar Meghanaa , Aswathanarayan Manasa , Venkatesh Maanasa , Sheshadri Manasa , Deshmukh Shreehari , Srinivasan Pranav , Dharmalingam Mala , Marcus Sara 
Published: August 2011

Role of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Obese Asian Indians with Metabolic SyndromeRetinol-binding protein 4 is an adipocytokine separately implicated in the development of obesity-related insulin resistance and proatherogenic lipid profile, however, its role in humans is unclear. This study was carried out to assess the role of retinol-binding protein 4 as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome in obese Asian Indians (a high-risk population for diabetes). 52 obese (BMI >23 kg/m2) Asian Indians were grouped into those with and without metabolic syndrome based on IDF criteria and compared with healthy controls. The anthropometric and biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, serum insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and retinol-binding protein 4) were estimated. The obese groups had significantly altered adiposity indices, insulin resistance parameters (fasting blood sugar (only in the metabolic syndrome group), serum insulin, HOMA-IR and QUICKI), index of inflammation (C-reactive protein) and proatherogenic dyslipidemic profile (serum triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio). Retinol-binding protein 4 levels were elevated in the obese groups, but were not significant. Retinol-binding protein 4 levels were correlated with anthro-pometric parameters and atherogenic lipids, while C-reactive protein was correlated with anthropometric and insulin resistance parameters in the entire group of subjects. Although these correlations were not observed in the obese groups, in the control group, retinol-binding protein 4 was correlated to the lipid parameters and C-reactive protein to adiposity indices. Thus, the role of retinol-binding protein 4 as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome is limited to the prediction of proatherogenic risk among Asian Indians.
Detection of Macroprolactinemia and Molecular Characterization of Prolactin Isoforms in Blood Samples of Hyperprolactinemic Women
Authors: Chawla Rajinder , Antonios Tibebe , Berhanu Esaiyas , Ayana Gonfa 
Published: August 2011

Detection of Macroprolactinemia and Molecular Characterization of Prolactin Isoforms in Blood Samples of Hyperprolactinemic WomenProlactin (PRL) circulates in the blood in the form of monomeric prolactin, dimeric prolactin and macroprolactin. Macroprolactin is a common cause of hyperprolactinemia. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of macroprolactinemia in hyperprolactinemic women and to undertake the biochemical characterization of macroprolactin. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on one hundred hyperprolactinemic patients. All the sera were subjected to polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and were divided into true hyperprolactinemics (PRL recovery >60%), probable macroprolactinemics (PRL recovery between 40 and 60%) and macroprolactinemics (PRL recovery < 40%). The prevalence of macroprolactinemia was found to be 34%. Sera from each group were further analyzed for isoforms of prolactin by gel filtration chromatography (GFC). The clinical spectrum of presenting complaints in the hyperprolactinemic cohort included oligomenorrhea, galactorrhea and infertility, but the presentation did not differ between macroprolactinemic and truly hyperprolactinemic patients. GFC showed three major PRL isoforms, viz., 23.5 kDa (monomeric), 47 kDa (dimeric) and 150-174.6 kDa (PRL-IgG complexes) along with the medium and heavy weight aggregates of prolactin. The results of the study showed that macroprolactinemia is one of the causes of hyperprolactinemia with high prevalence. It is recommended that all hyperprolactinemic patients be screened for macroprolactinemia.
Parasite community structure of cod from Bear Island (Barents Sea) and Pomeranian Bay (Baltic Sea)
Authors: Sobecka Ewa , Łuczak Ewa , Więcaszek Beata , Antoszek Artur 
Published: August 2011

Parasite community structure of cod from Bear Island (Barents Sea) and Pomeranian Bay (Baltic Sea)
A total of 142 cods: 60 from the South-East Ground of Bear Island and 82 from the Pomeranian Bay (Baltic Sea) were examined for their ecto- and endoparasites. Twenty different parasite species, comprising one Myxosporea, three Cestoda, four Digenea, seven Nematoda, three Acanthocephala and two Crustacea were found. The parasite component communities comprised 1446 individuals (17 species, six higher taxa) from the Bear Island and 6588 individuals (nine species, three higher taxa) from Pomeranian Bay. The observed parasite host specificity was low, and the intensity in a single fish ranged from one to 279 specimens. The eudominant parasite species were Echinorhynchus gadi, Hemiurus levinseni and Contracaecum osculatum. The dominant parasite communities from the Bear Island were nematodes, but acanthocephalans dominated in cod from the Baltic Sea. It appears that one group of parasites, better adapted for the specific conditions of the macrohabitat, has replaced another. The most prevalent parasites were E. gadi, Anisakis simplex, C. osculatum and Hysterothylacium aduncum, and the mean values of crowding were the highest for E. gadi and Pomphorhynchus laevis. The nematode Camallanus lacustris was noted in this host species for the first time. Only six species of parasites were common to cod from both fishing grounds.