bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverse and distinct modulation of tau‐dependent neurodegeneration by presenilin 1 and amyloid‐β in cultured cortical neurons: evidence that tau phosphorylation is the limiting factor in amyloid‐β‐induced cell death
Authors: Leschik Julia , Welzel Alfred , Weissmann Carina , Eckert Anne , Brandt Roland 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by massive neuron loss in distinct brain regions, extracellular accumulations of the amyloid precursor protein‐fragment amyloid‐β (Aβ) and intracellular tau fibrils containing hyperphosphorylated tau. Experimental evidence suggests a relation between presenilin (PS) mutations, Aβ formation, and tau phosphorylation in triggering cell death; however, how Aβ and PS affect tau‐dependent degeneration is unknown. Using herpes simplex virus 1‐mediated gene‐transfer of fluorescent‐tagged tau constructs in primary cortical neurons, we demonstrate that tau expression exerts a neurotoxic effect that is increased with a construct mimicking disease‐like hyperphosphorylation [pseudohyperphosphorylated (PHP) tau]. Live imaging revealed that PHP tau expression is associated with increased perikarya suggesting the development of a ‘ballooned’ phenotype as a specific feature of tau‐mediated cell death. Transgenic expression of PS1 suppressed tau‐induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, Aβ amplified degeneration in the presence of wt tau but not of PHP tau. The data indicate that PS1 and Aβ inversely modulate tau‐dependent neurodegeneration at distinct steps. They indicate that the mode by which PHP tau causes neurotoxicity is downstream of Aβ and that tau phosphorylation is the limiting factor in Aβ‐induced cell death. Suppression of tau expression or inhibition of tau phosphorylation at disease‐relevant sites may provide an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.
Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus Ointment Monotherapy in Chinese Children With Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Chi Keung Yeung , Kwok Chiu Ma , Henry Hin Lee Chan 
Published: February 2007

Objective: To assess the efficacy and patients' tolerance of topical tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in Chinese children during hot and humid seasons.
Methods: Tacrolimus ointment at a concentration of 0.03% was applied for up to 4 weeks. Patients were assessed at weekly intervals for adverse events and efficacy.
Results: Thirty‐four patients completed the study. Twenty‐seven percent of patients showed greater than 75% improvement according to the investigators' Global Evaluation of Clinical Response from Week 1 onward. The mean patients' assessment of treatment effects and Eczema Area Severity Index decreased by 60% after treatment for 4 weeks ( p<0.001), and the mean score for patients' assessment of pruritus decreased by 41% at Week 4 ( p<0.001). Pruritus and burning sensation were the two main adverse events reported.
Conclusions: The short‐term monotherapy of childhood atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment is well tolerated and effective during the hot and humid seasons in Hong Kong.
Primary Palmoplantar Kaposi's Sarcoma: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Al Zolibani Abdullateef A. , Al Robaee Ahmad A. 
Published: February 2007

A 65‐year‐old diabetic Saudi Arabian man taking glibenclamide for 9 years presented with painful reddish patches and plaques involving the palms and soles of 6 months' duration. These lesions started as small faint purple‐red macules and gradually increased in number and size. The patient did not seek any medical advice other than for these painful lesions. His medical history was insignificant. On examination, the patient had multiple, discrete, dull red‐to‐violaceous and tender patches and plaques of variable sizes on both palms and soles (Figure 1 and xFigure 2). His mucous membranes, scalp, and nails were normal. A systemic clinical examination was unremarkable other than an amputation of the distal phalanx of the left index. Result of routine laboratory investigations including complete blood cell count, liver and renal function tests, and chest x‐ray were normal. An HIV test was negative. A punch skin biopsy taken from the left palm showed acanthosis and spongiosis in the epidennis. The dennis showed a large number of dilated, medium‐sized capillaries with scanty extravasated red blood cells, marked infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes, and a few plasma cells (Figure 3 and Figure 4). Immunohistochemistry results were positive for CD34 and CD68. Polymerase chain reaction for human herpesvirus 8 was also positive. The treatment options, including cryotherapy and intralesional chemotherapy, were discussed with the patient but, unfortunately, he did not return for follow‐up. Multiple, discrete, dull red‐to‐violaceous patches and plaques on both hands image The right foot showing multiple, discrete, dull red‐to‐violaceous patches and plaques image Punch skin biopsy from the left palm showing a large number of dilated mediumsized capillaries with scanty extravasated red blood cells, marked infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes, and a few plasma cells (hemotoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification ×20) image A close‐up view of the dermis showing a large number of dilated medium‐sized capillaries with scanty extravasated red blood cells, marked infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes, and a few plasma cells (hemotoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification ×40) image
Timed stance performances reflect differences in age, prevalence of comorbidities, medication use, fall history and activity level: Early screening for balance loss is indicated
Authors: Choy Nancy L Low , Brauer Sandra G , Nitz Jennifer C 
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To determine if 10‐second trials of bilateral and one‐legged stance measures detected balance loss and influence of known risk factors for falls in women aged 20–80 years. Methods: 456 healthy adult women attempted 10‐second trials of bilateral stance (firm and foam surfaces) and one‐legged stance, with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Data for age, co‐morbidities, medication use, fall history and activity level were compared for three categories of stability: (i) stable: all trials completed; (ii) unsteady: completed/failed one to two trials; and (iii) failed all trials. Results: Bilateral stance on foam (EC) and one‐legged stance (EO) yielded low failure rates for women older than 50 years (up to 15% categorised as unsteady and 6% as unstable). Compared to stable women, the unsteady and unstable women were older (P < 0.001) reported more co‐morbidities, using more medications (P < 0.001), more falls (P < 0.05) and less activity (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Women older than 50 years who fail 10‐second trials of bilateral stance (foam EC) and one‐legged stance (EO) should be referred for education and fall prevention intervention.
Characterization of a novel HLA‐DRB1*04 allele (DRB1*0460) in the Italian population
Authors: Frison S. , Rinaldini C. , Pagoda M. , Brambilla C. , Poli F. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryWe report the identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1*04, officially named DRB1*0460. It was detected during performing HLA‐DRB1 high resolution typing by DNA sequencing‐based method. The exon 2 nucleotide sequence of DRB1*0460 is identical to that of DRB1*040301 except at codon 63 (AGC→AAC), changing the encoded serine to asparagine.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTED SYNTHESIS
Authors: SCHEWE SVEN , FINKBEINER BERND 
Published: February 2007

We propose a sound and complete compositional proof rule for distributed synthesis. Applying our proof rule only requires the manual strengthening of the specification into a conjunction of formulas that can be guaranteed by individual black-box processes. All premises of the proof rule can be checked automatically. For this purpose, we give an automata-theoretic synthesis algorithm for single processes in distributed architectures. The behavior of the local environment of a process is unknown in the process of synthesis and cannot be assumed to be maximal. We therefore consider reactive environments that have the power to disable some of their own actions, and provide methods for synthesis (and realizability checking) in this setting. We establish upper bounds for CTL (2EXPTIME) and CTL* (3EXPTIME) synthesis with incomplete information, matching the known lower bounds for these problems, and provide matching upper and lower bounds for μ-calculus synthesis (2EXPTIME) with complete or incomplete information. Synthesis in reactive environments is harder than synthesis in maximal environments, where CTL, CTL* and μ-calculus synthesis are EXPTIME, 2EXPTIME and EXPTIME complete, respectively.
Vacancy-Induced Plastic Deformation in Electrodeposited Copper Films
Authors: Buckley D. N. , Nakahara Shohei , Ahmed Shafaat , Ahmed Tanjim T. 
Published: February 2007

A tensile stress developed in polycrystalline copper films during room-temperature aging was computed using a diffusion equation for excess vacancies migrating to the grain boundaries. This theory is based on an assumption that a free volume created by the arrival of excess vacancies at the grain boundaries of thin copper films is instantly eliminated and this action introduces a biaxial tensile stress over the film plane.	The tensile stress was calculated as a function of aging time, grain size, and excess vacancy concentration. It was found that the tensile stress could exceed the yield stress of copper. This result suggests that a plastic deformation could occur in electrodeposited copper films during room- temperature aging, consistent with experimental observations.
Electrochemistry of Ta in Aqueous HF
Authors: Suni Ian 
Published: February 2007

Understanding of aqueous Ta electrochemistry is important due to the development of electrochemical methods for Cu seed layer deposition and the development of low-stress electrochemical methods for Ta/TaN removal. Because Ta is a highly active metal, Ta electrochemistry in aqueous electrolytes has been largely unknown.	We have studied the use of HF for dissolution of the native oxide, Ta2O5. Voltammetry and impedance studies of Ta discs, Ta/Si wafers, and TaN/Si wafers are reported here. Although the native oxide can be dissolved, Ta remains covered by an ultrathin film at most potentials in 2.5 M HF. Thus although Cu electrodeposition easily occurs from 2.5 M HF, adhesion is poor. Only galvanic displacement followed by electroless Cu deposition was successful in forming an adherent Cu film on a Ta rod electrode. On the other hand, despite the presence of this interfacial film, electrochemical dissolution of both Ta and TaN is easily demonstrated.
Synthesis of Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Zhang Hongwang , Yong Ken-Tye , Swihart M. T. 
Published: February 2007

Zinc sulfide is a II-VI semiconductor with a direct band gap in the near-UV region.	Here, we demonstrate the preparation of ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) by spray pyrolysis using zinc diethyldithiocarbamate as a single-source precursor. Solutions of this precursor in toluene are dispersed into fine droplets by an atomizer, and then carried into a tube furnace where they evaporate fully. ZnS NPs then nucleate from the vapor phase. The NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and optical spectroscopies. The NPs are about 3 - 20 nm in diameter and are crystalline, as indicated by the presence of lattice fringes in HRTEM, and by selective-area electron diffraction. Their XRD pattern shows a single peak, indexed to the (111) plane of the cubic zinc blende lattice. The UV absorption spectrum shows peaks in the range of 330-380 nm, and the NP's exhibit bright blue photoluminescent emission under UV illumination.
Analysis of Discolored and Corroded Components
Authors: Suess Steven J. 
Published: February 2007

Discoloration and corrosion of components can lead to a wide variety of problems, ranging from poor cosmetic appearance to complete deterioration. Whether a component undergoes superficial surface discoloration or severe corrosion, a systematic approach is needed in order to properly identify the cause of the problem so that proper corrective measures can be taken.	Many different analysis techniques are available for characterizing surface discoloration and corrosion deposits, and the proper use of the appropriate techniques will greatly increase the likelihood of correctly identifying the physical cause of the problem. This article details an effective failure analysis process for evaluating discolored and corroded parts.
Heat Transfer Nanolubricant and Nanogrease Based On Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Hong Haiping , Wensel Jesse , Roy Walter 
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we report the effort to prepare a stable and homogeneous heat transfer nanolubricant and nanogrease in the oils (e.g. DURASYN® 166) with the motivation of enhancing its properties such as thermal conductivity and lubricity.	The process of making these fluids involves the dispersion of carbon nanoparticles into the oil through intermittent sonication and the use of additives such as surfactants.
Nickel Cathode Passivation in Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Kirk Donald W. , Thorpe Steven 
Published: February 2007

During water electrolysis in alkaline electrolytes, nickel cathodes deactivate over time. The presence of soluble iron species in the alkaline electrolyte mitigates the deactivation. Congruently, iron deposits are observed on the Ni electrodes.	The role of the iron deposits in preventing deactivation is explored in this work. Nickel deactivation has been proposed to be due to the formation of a surface Ni hydride phase. A complete coating of metallic iron is known to prevent nickel electrode deactivation. In industrial electrolysis, however, there is never complete coverage of the Ni electrode by iron deposition. In this work, we focused on determining the extent of iron surface coverage required to prevent nickel deactivation. A metallic grid placed over the nickel electrodes during iron vacuum sputtering was used to achieve iron coverages ranging from 20 to 100%.
SAXS/DSC Study of Polymer Electrolyte for Zn Rechargeable Nanostructured Galvanic Cells
Authors: Turkovic Aleksandra , Pavlovic Mladen , Dubcek Pavo , Lucic-Lavcevic Magdy , Etlinger Bozidar , Bernstorff Sigrid 
Published: February 2007

(PEO)8ZnCl2 polymer electrolytes and nano-composites were prepared using PEO g-irradiated to selected dose of 309 KGy and TiO2 nanograins. The influence of added nanosize TiO2 grains to polymer electrolytes and the effect of	g-radiation from a Co- 60 source were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) simultaneously recorded with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at synchrotron ELETTRA. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) was also performed. Above-mentioned treatments largely enhanced the conductivity of polymer electrolyte. Room temperature conductivity increase up to two orders of magnitude was achieved. Addition of nanograins increased conductivity more than can be ascribed to crystallinity possibly because of interactions of anion with nanograins.
The Quest for Electrodes Coated with Vitamin B12 Derivatives
Authors: Keese Reinhart , Siegenthaler Hans , Luginbühl Reto , Rashid Abdur M. , Schnippering Mathias 
Published: February 2007

The electrochemical control of the redox reactions of vitamin B12 and derivatives thereof plays an important role for the in vivo investigations of	the B12 dependent biological transformations. While most of these studies were performed in solution, electrodes coated with appropriate B12 derivatives are of more recent interest. A survey of our results in preparing electrodes bearing B12 derivatives is given. Structural features of the surface coating are discussed. Some of the electrodes show catalytic activity for the reduction of oxygen.
Search for a One-Electron Reduction of the Cation Radical of an	Extended Viologen , p-Phenylene-bis-4,4'-(1-Aryl-2,6-Diphenylpyridinium)
Authors: Pospíšil Lubomír , Hromadová Magdaléna , Fiedler Jan , Gál Miroslav , Valášek M. , Pecka J. , Michl Josef 
Published: February 2007

Electrochemical one-electron reduction of the extended viologen dication 1^2+ proceeds reversibly at -0.64 V (vs. Ag|AgCl electrode) to yield the red cation radical 1^+. , which readily produces a dark blue dimer hindering the observation of a second one-electron reduction of 1^+.. Conventional electrochemical methods suggest that the only second reduction step occurs at -1.4 V.	Fast cyclic voltammetry at scan rates up to kV/s and voltammetry at micromolar concentrations eliminate the coupled bimolecular chemical reactions and permit the determination of the reduction potential of the cation radical 1^+. .
Composite Cathode Structure/Property Relationships
Authors: Babinec Susan J. , Tang Houxiang , Meyers Greg , Hughes Stephanie , Talik Andrew 
Published: February 2007

Battery active materials are routinely evaluated via the electrochemical performance of their composite electrodes which are prepared with standard formulations and routine processing conditions.	The relationship between electrochemical responses and these experimental variables are not commonly explored.	Mechanical properties and their relationship to durability are almost never considered. We therefore offer some quite basic studies of the effects of formulation on these properties. Electrochemical and mechanical properties of composites across a broad formulation range are provided for the most common Li-Ion chemistry - LiCoO2 electroactive particles with PVDF binders. Mechanical characterizations include evaluations of both the constituent materials and the porous electrode structures.	We will show that composite electrode designs which optimize mechanical durability and ruggedness will degrade electrochemical performance for these LiCoO2/PVDF binder- based systems.
Nanoparticles and Nanoceramics of Y-doped CeO2
Authors: Ruiz-Trejo Enrique , Benítez-Rico Adriana , Gómez-Reynoso Silvia , Angeles-Rosas Melisa 
Published: February 2007

In this article we discuss the synthesis of nanoparticles and the preparation of dense nanoceramics of Y-doped CeO2. We prepared the nanoparticles by the combustion method and characterised the nanopowders by XRD, SEM and TEM. The good sintering properties of these nanopowders allowed us to obtain very dense ceramics of Y-doped CeO2 and keep the grain size in some cases around 100 nm using	sintering temperatures as low as 1250 {degree sign}C and very short times of 5 to 60 min. The microstructure of these nanoceramics was analysed by AFM and SEM. The most interesting feature of these nanoceramics is that the electrical measurements in N2 carried out by the 4-point dc technique showed a considerable increase in conductivity in comparison with the measurements in air or oxygen in the range 700-900 {degree sign}C. This might be associated with electronic conduction.
Inhibition of PC cell-derived growth factor (PCDGF)/granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) decreased cell proliferation and invasion through downregulation of cyclin D and CDK 4 and inactivation of MMP-2
Authors: Liu Yulan , Xi Ling , Liao Guoning , Wang Wei , Tian Xun , Wang Beibei , Chen Gang , Han Zhiqiang , Wu Mingfu , Wang Shixuan , Zhou Jianfeng , Xu Gang , Lu Yunping , Ma Ding 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
PC cell-derived growth factor (PCDGF), also called epithelin/granulin precursor (GEP), is an 88-kDa secreted glycoprotein with the ability to stimulate cell proliferation in an autocrine fashion. In addition, some studies indicated that PCDGF participated in invasion, metastasis and survival of cancer cells by regulating cell migration, adhesion and proliferation. Yet the effects of PCDGF on proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and the mechanisms by which PCDGF mediates biological behaviors of ovarian cancer have rarely been reported. In the present study we investigated whether and how PCDGF/GEP mediated cell proliferation and invasion in ovarian cancer.

Methods
PCDGF/GEP expression level in three human ovarian cancer cell lines of different invasion potential were detected by RT-PCR and western blot. Effects of inhibition of PCDGF expression on cell proliferation and invasion capability were determined by MTT assay and Boyden chamber assay. Expression levels of cyclin D1 and CDK4 and MMP-2 activity were evaluated in a pilot study.

Results
PCDGF mRNA and protein were expressed at a high level in SW626 and A2780 and at a low level in SKOV3. PCDGF expression level correlated well with malignant phenotype including proliferation and invasion in ovarian cancer cell lines. In addition, the proliferation rate and invasion index decreased after inhibition of PCDGF expression by antisense PCDGF cDNA transfection in SW626 and A2780. Furthermore expression of CyclinD1 and CDK4 were downregulated and MMP-2 was inactivated after PCDGF inhibition in the pilot study.

Conclusion
PCDGF played an important role in stimulating proliferation and promoting invasion in ovarian cancer. Inhibition of PCDGF decreased proliferation and invasion capability through downregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4 and inactivation of MMP-2. PCDGF could serve as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Reliable allele detection using SNP-based PCR primers containing Locked Nucleic Acid: application in genetic mapping
Authors: Nakitandwe Joy , Trognitz Friederike , Trognitz Bodo 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
The diploid, Solanum caripense, a wild relative of potato and tomato, possesses valuable resistance to potato late blight and we are interested in the genetic base of this resistance. Due to extremely low levels of genetic variation within the S. caripense genome it proved impossible to generate a dense genetic map and to assign individual Solanum chromosomes through the use of conventional chromosome-specific SSR, RFLP, AFLP, as well as gene- or locus-specific markers. The ease of detection of DNA polymorphisms depends on both frequency and form of sequence variation. The narrow genetic background of close relatives and inbreds complicates the detection of persisting, reduced polymorphism and is a challenge to the development of reliable molecular markers. Nonetheless, monomorphic DNA fragments representing not directly usable conventional markers can contain considerable variation at the level of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This can be used for the design of allele-specific molecular markers. The reproducible detection of allele-specific markers based on SNPs has been a technical challenge.

Results
We present a fast and cost-effective protocol for the detection of allele-specific SNPs by applying Sequence Polymorphism-Derived (SPD) markers. These markers proved highly efficient for fingerprinting of individuals possessing a homogeneous genetic background. SPD markers are obtained from within non-informative, conventional molecular marker fragments that are screened for SNPs to design allele-specific PCR primers. The method makes use of primers containing a single, 3'-terminal Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) base. We demonstrate the applicability of the technique by successful genetic mapping of allele-specific SNP markers derived from monomorphic Conserved Ortholog Set II (COSII) markers mapped to Solanum chromosomes, in S. caripense. By using SPD markers it was possible for the first time to map the S. caripense alleles of 16 chromosome-specific COSII markers and to assign eight of the twelve linkage groups to consensus Solanum chromosomes.

Conclusion
The method based on individual allelic variants allows for a level-of-magnitude higher resolution of genetic variation than conventional marker techniques. We show that the majority of monomorphic molecular marker fragments from organisms with reduced heterozygosity levels still contain SNPs that are sufficient to trace individual alleles.