bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Full separation of oligomers in block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
Authors: Malik Muhammad Imran , Trathnigg Bernd 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn this study di‐ and triblock copolymers of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) are analyzed by using CAP for one block and adsorption for the other block. This gives a complete picture of EO‐ and PO‐based block copolymer with respect to the oligomers of both blocks. A full resolution of the individual oligomers can be achieved for both blocks up to an average molecular weight of 1000–1500 of each block.
Teaching program for the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Nutt John G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Chmura Teresa A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) has been introduced as a comprehensive rating tool for the evaluation of dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease (PD). To enhance a uniform application, we developed a DVD‐based training program with instructions, patient examples, and a certification exercise. For training on the objective assessment of dyskinesia, seventy PD patients spanning the gamut of dyskinesias (none to severe) were videotaped during four tasks of daily living (speaking, drinking from a cup, putting on a coat, and walking). Dyskinesia severity in seven body parts was rated by 20 international movement disorder specialists using the UDysRS for impairment. Each task was also rated for disability. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed with generalized weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. For the teaching program, examples of each severity level and each body part were selected based on the criterion that they received a uniform rating (± 1 point) by at least 75% of the raters. For the certification exercise, four cases were selected to represent the four quartiles of overall objective UDysRS scores to reflect slight, mild, moderate, and severe dyskinesia. Each selection was based on the highest inter‐rater reliability score for that quartile (minimum kappa or intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.6). UDysRS ranges for certification were calculated based on the 95% confidence interval. The teaching program lasts 41 min, and the certification exercise requires 10 min (total 51 min). This training program, based on visual examples of dyskinesia and anchored in scores generated by movement disorder experts is aimed at increasing homogeneity of ratings among and within raters and centers. Large‐scale multicenter randomized clinical trials of dyskinesia treatment are strengthened by a uniform standard of scale application. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Homocysteine levels after acute levodopa intake in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Müller Thomas , Kuhn Wilfried 
Published: May 2009

AbstractLevodopa (L‐dopa) administered with a dopadecarboxylase inhibitor (DDI) increases homocysteine plasma levels. This may support the onset of atherosclerosis‐related disorders and neuropsychiatric complications in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This homocysteine elevation is considered as long‐term effect of chronic L‐dopa/DDI treatment. Little is known about the acute effects of L‐dopa/DDI intake on homocysteine generation. The objective of this trial was to investigate the relations between L‐dopa and homocysteine after acute L‐dopa/DDI administration in PD patients with different L‐dopa metabolism. Thirty PD patients were divided into groups with superior (I) and less (II) L‐dopa absorption after standardized intake of 125 mg L‐dopa/benserazide with determination of L‐dopa, 3‐O‐methyl‐dopa (3‐OMD) and homocysteine in plasma at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. There was a homocysteine increase in Group I (F = 5; P = 0.005) and a moderate decrease in Group II (F = 4.27; P = 0.01). A rise of 3‐OMD (F = 10.51; P < 0.0001) appeared in Group I, but not in Group II (F = 0.91; P = 0.44), accordingly L‐dopa accumulation was better in Group I than in Group II. Thus, in conclusion, L‐dopa metabolism is an important component for homocysteine elevation after one time L‐dopa/DDI administration in PD patients. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
The relationship between quality of life and swallowing in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Plowman‐Prine Emily K. , Sapienza Christine M. , Okun Michael S. , Pollock Stephenie L. , Jacobson Charles , Wu Sam S. , Rosenbek John C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFew studies exist in the literature investigating the impact of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (IPD) on swallow‐related quality of life. We therefore aimed in this project to: (1) evaluate swallow‐specific quality of life in IPD; (2) delineate potential relationships between IPD duration and severity with swallow‐specific quality of life; (3) investigate relationships between swallow‐specific quality of life and general health‐related quality of life; and (4) investigate relationships between swallow‐specific quality of life and depression. Thirty‐six patients diagnosed with IPD with and without dysphagia filled out self‐report assessments of the SWAL‐QOL, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 (PDQ‐39), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). A series of Mann Whitney U tests were performed between non‐dysphagic and dysphagic groups for the total SWAL‐QOL score and the 10 SWAL‐QOL domains. Spearman's Rho correlation analyses were performed between the SWAL‐QOL and (1) PDQ‐39; (2) Hoehn and Yahr stage; (3) PD disease duration; (4) UPDRS “on” score; and (5) the BDI. The dysphagia swallowing group reported significant reductions compared to the non‐dysphagic group for the total SWAL‐QOL score (P = 0.02), mental health domain score (P = 0.002) and social domain score (P = 0.002). No relationships existed between swallow‐specific quality of life and disease duration or severity. Significant relationships existed between swallow‐specific quality of life and general health‐related quality of life (rs =−0.56, P = 0.000) and depression (rs = −0.48, P = 0.003). These exploratory data highlight the psychosocial sequelae that swallowing impairment can have in those with IPD and suggest a possible association between swallowing, social function, and depression. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Opinions and clinical practices related to diagnosing and managing patients with psychogenic movement disorders: An international survey of movement disorder society members
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Goldenhar Linda M. , Voon Valerie , Schrag Anette , Burton Noël , Lang Anthony E. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFive hundred and nineteen members of the Movement Disorder Society completed a 22‐item questionnaire probing diagnostic and management issues in psychogenic movement disorders (PMD). When patients showed definite evidence of PMD with no other unexplained clinical features, approximately 20% said they informed patients of the diagnosis and requested no further neurological testing. The 51% who reported conducting standard neurological investigations to rule out organic causes before presenting the diagnosis to such patients had fewer years of fellowship training and fewer PMD patients seen per month. A non‐PMD diagnosis was correlated with patients' normal social or personal functioning, little or no employment disruption, lack of non‐physiologic findings, and lack of psychiatric history. Ongoing litigation was more predictive of the PMD diagnosis for US compared to non‐US respondents. Two thirds of respondents, more commonly younger and academic clinician researchers, refer PMD patients to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist while also providing personal follow up. Physician reimbursement, insurability of PMD patients, and ongoing litigation interfered with managing PMD patients to a greater extent in the US compared to non‐US countries. Acceptance of the diagnosis by the patient and identification and management of psychological stressors and concurrent psychiatric disorders were considered most important for predicting a favorable prognosis. These findings suggest that expert opinions and practices related to diagnosing and managing PMD patients differ among movement disorders neurologists. Some of the discrepancies may be accounted for by factors such as training, type of practice, volume of patients, and country of practice, but may also reflect absence of practice guidelines. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Reproductive factors, exogenous estrogen use, and risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Simon Kelly Claire , Chen Honglei , Gao Xiang , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Ascherio Alberto 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTo determine if reproductive factors or exogenous estrogen are associated with risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), we conducted a prospective study with 22 years of follow‐up among postmenopausal participants in the Nurses' Health Study. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PD were estimated from a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for potential confounders. Risk of PD was not significantly associated with any of the reproductive factors measured or exogenous estrogen use. Use of postmenopausal hormones, however, may modify the associations of smoking and caffeine intake with PD risk. The inverse relation between smoking and PD risk was attenuated among ever users of postmenopausal hormones (P for interaction = 0.05). Similar results were obtained for caffeine (P for interaction = 0.09). In exploratory analyses, women using progestin‐only hormones were found to have an increased PD risk, but this result was based on a very small number of cases (n = 4). In this large longitudinal study, we found no evidence of a beneficial effect of exogenous or endogenous estrogens on risk of PD. The use of postmenopausal hormone use may interact with other risk factors, but findings are preliminary and need confirmation in other populations. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Determinants of sleep problems in patients with spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Da Costa Deborah , Zummer Michel , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective: To characterize sleep complaints and identify biopsychosocial factors associated with sleep problems in patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA).Methods: The sample comprised 125 patients with SpA. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing depressed mood, perceived stress, leisure time physical activity, functional disability and disease activity. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were computed to examine the determinants of the following sleep parameters: quality, latency, duration and efficiency.Results: The mean global PSQI score was 8.7 (SD = 5.0), with 69% of the sample classified as poor sleepers (PSQI global score >5). Worse functional status was associated with poorer sleep quality (p = 0.006), longer sleep latency (p = 0.004), shorter sleep duration (p = 0.001) and poorer sleep efficiency (p = 0.004). Higher depressed mood scores emerged in the multivariate analyses as a significant determinant of poorer sleep quality (p = 0.010), shorter sleep duration (p = 0.007) and poorer sleep efficiency (p = 0.006). Higher perceived stress was an independent contributor of poorer sleep quality (p = 0.033). The relationships between worse functional status and poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration were more pronounced for participants who completed the questionnaires in the English language.Conclusions: Sleep problems are prevalent among patients with SpA. Our findings suggest that multiple factors are associated with sleep complaints in persons with SpA with functional status, depressed mood and stress differentially contributing to specific sleep parameters. Multimodal interventions, which include non‐pharmacological methods targeting these biopsychosocial factors, require evaluation to optimize the management of sleep disruptions in SpA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smooth, second order, non‐negative meshfree approximants selected by maximum entropy
Authors: Cyron C. J. , Arroyo M. , Ortiz M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe present a family of approximation schemes, which we refer to as second‐order maximum‐entropy (max‐ent) approximation schemes, that extends the first‐order local max‐ent approximation schemes to second‐order consistency. This method retains the fundamental properties of first‐order max‐ent schemes, namely the shape functions are smooth, non‐negative, and satisfy a weak Kronecker‐delta property at the boundary. This last property makes the imposition of essential boundary conditions in the numerical solution of partial differential equations trivial. The evaluation of the shape functions is not explicit, but it is very efficient and robust. To our knowledge, the proposed method is the first higher‐order scheme for function approximation from unstructured data in arbitrary dimensions with non‐negative shape functions. As a consequence, the approximants exhibit variation diminishing properties, as well as an excellent behavior in structural vibrations problems as compared with the Lagrange finite elements, MLS‐based meshfree methods and even B‐Spline approximations, as shown through numerical experiments. When compared with usual MLS‐based second‐order meshfree methods, the shape functions presented here are much easier to integrate in a Galerkin approach, as illustrated by the standard benchmark problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved stability and stabilization approach to linear interconnected time‐delay systems
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the problems of delay‐dependent analysis and state‐feedback synthesis for a class of linear continuous‐time interconnected systems with time‐varying delays. An augmented Lyapunov functional is properly constructed for the individual subsystems and an improved free‐weighting method is deployed to exhibit the delay‐dependent dynamics. Delay‐dependent stability analysis is then performed to develop linear matrix inequalities (LMIs)‐based conditions under which the family of linear delay subsystems is asymptotically stable with a γ‐level ℒ︁2‐gain for the nominal model. Extension to systems with convex bounded parameter uncertainties in all system matrices is also provided. All the required numerical computations are performed on the subsystem level. By delay‐dependent stabilization, we design a family of local state‐feedback schemes to guarantee that the closed‐loop subsystem enjoys the delay‐dependent asymptotic stability with a prescribed γ‐level ℒ︁2‐gain. The developed results are tested on a representative example to illustrate the theoretical developments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a human estrogen receptor α‐derived antiestrogenic peptide that adopts a polyproline II conformation
Authors: Kapitán Josef , Gallo Dominique , Goasdoué Nicole , Nicaise Magali , Desmadril Michel , Hecht Lutz , Leclercq Guy , Barron Laurence D. , Jacquot Yves 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPolyproline II (PPII) helix is an extended secondary structure present in a number of proteins. PPII‐containing sequences mediate specific protein–protein interactions with partners containing appropriate cognate domains called PPII‐recognizing domains (PRDs) and are involved in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Thus, the identification of PPII structures in proteins is of great interest, not only to explore molecular and physiological mechanisms, but also to elaborate new potential drugs. By revisiting X‐ray crystal structures of liganded α‐type human estrogen receptor (ERα), we have identified an 11‐residue PPII‐helical sequence (D321AEPPILYSEY331) in the ligand‐binding domain of the receptor. The data recorded by far‐ultraviolet circular dichroism (far‐UV CD), vibrational Raman optical activity (ROA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) show that the corresponding peptide (Ac‐DAEPPILYSEY‐NH2) is particularly well structured in PPII, with the same proportion of PPII as observed from X‐ray structures (∼85%). In addition, studies carried out on ERα‐negative Evsa‐T breast cancer cells transiently co‐transfected with a pcDNA3‐ERα plasmid and a Vit‐tk‐Luc reporter gene revealed that the peptide antagonizes the estradiol‐induced transcription providing perspectives for researching new molecules with antagonistic properties. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential population development in the regions of Finland
Authors: Heikkilä Elli , Pikkarainen Maria 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper considers regional population development in Finland. The paper focuses in particular on the role of inter‐regional migration in reshaping the regional population distribution, and suggests that this has contributed to regional development inequalities. The paper questions whether policies to counter this trend following a Floridian approach can ever be effective. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and transition of charged excitons
Authors: Ge Li , George Thomas F. , Sun Xin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn a polymer, a positive polaron p+ attracts a negative polaron p– to form an exciton, which is neutral and has spin s = 0 (singlet, emissive) or s = 1 (triplet, non‐emissive). However, in non‐degenerate polymers, bipolarons (B) which are doubly charged and spinless are also carriers, such that B2+ (B2–) attracts p– (p+) to form a new kind of exciton – the charged exciton. Since the charged exciton has spin s = 1/2, the triplet state does not appear and is emissive. The structure and transition probability of the charged exciton are presented in this paper. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low dimensional nanostructured InGaN multi‐quantum wells by selective area heteroepitaxy
Authors: Keyan Zang , Yadong Wang , Jin Chua Soo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractInGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) nanostructures were demonstrated on high density GaN nanorod arrays with controllable size by using template‐assisted selective area heteroepitaxial growth. The nanostructures with average diameter of ∼60 nm were selectively grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on a nano‐patterned SiO2/GaN template. The nanoporous SiO2 on GaN surface was created by inductively coupled plasma etching (ICP) using anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template as an etching mask. The nanostructured InGaN MQWs demonstrates low defect density, confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. More importantly, InGaN MQWs nanostructures demonstrate a higher photoluminescence in intensity, compared to that of a planar GaN. This is contributed to the improvement of light extraction due to the faceted nanostructures and the improvement in crystal quality. In addition, more Indium incorporation has been demonstrated compared to the control InGaN MQWs due to strain‐relaxation in GaN nanorods. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced device performance of GaInN‐based deep green light emitting diodes with V‐defect‐free active region
Authors: Detchprohm T. , Zhu M. , Zhao W. , Wang Y. , Li Y. , Xia Y. , Wetzel C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe have performed the epitaxial growth of GaInN based deep green (540–570 nm) light emitting diodes (LEDs) by introducing processes to avoid the formation of V‐defects in the active region of the GaInN/GaN multiple quantum wells. For 541 and 559 nm LED wafers, the light output power (LOP) at 90 A/cm2 reaches as high as 14 and 8 mW, respectively. These values are 4 times larger than those of typical deep green LED wafers with average V‐defect density of 2–5 × 108cm–2. Under pulsed operation (pulse width of 50 μs, duty cycle 1%), the external quantum efficiency exhibits a maximum of 39% at 16 A/cm2 in 558 nm LED die of size (350 μm)2. This type of V‐defect‐free LED die also shows excellent lifetime behaviour. In 168 hr stress test of 30 mA at 80 °C, LOP declines less than 5%. Apparently, eliminating V‐defects from the active region significantly enhances the reliability of deep green LEDs. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ab initio calculation for an initial growth process of GaN on (0001) and (000$ \bar 1 $) surfaces by vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Suzuki Hikari , Togashi Rie , Murakami Hisashi , Kumagai Yoshinao , Koukitu Akinori 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe adsorption processes of group‐III and group‐V sources used in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) were investigated using ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) to understand the initial growth process of GaN on GaN(0001) and (000$ \bar 1 $) substrates. In order to understand the influence from the decomposition of ammonia, NH2, NH and N were considered as adsorption species. We assume group‐V source preflow in the case of GaN(0001) and group‐III preflow in the case of GaN(000$ \bar 1 $). From the calculations, the initial GaN growth process in the vapor phase epitaxy is clarified. When GaN is grown on the GaN(0001) substrate, NH3 molecules adsorb to the on‐top site or NH2 molecules adsorb to the bridge site. Also, it was found that the surface structures with both NH2 and NH3 are stable under a hydrogen atmosphere. When GaN is grown on the GaN(000$ \bar 1 $) substrate, Ga atoms adsorb to the H3 site in the case of MOVPE and GaCl molecules adsorb to the H3 site with the Ga atom facing the surface in the case of HVPE. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anomalous time variation of photocurrent in GaN during photoelectrochemical reaction for H2 gas generation in NaOH aqueous solution
Authors: Sato Keiichi , Fujii Katsushi , Koike Kayo , Goto Takenari , Yao Takafumi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe investigated the time variation of photocurrent in GaN during photoelectrochemical reaction without bias. The time variation of photocurrent showed a “w”‐shape behaviour. The surface morphology and photoluminescence spectra of GaN after the reaction with different treatment times were also evaluated in order to clarify the “w”‐shape time variation. The roughened and chemically changed surface of the GaN caused the “w”‐shape time variation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photon‐assisted tunneling in GaN nanowire white light emitting diodes
Authors: Yeh P.‐C. , Hwa M.‐C. , Yu J.‐W. , Wu H.‐M. , Tsai H.‐L. , Lai C.‐M. , Huang J.‐J. , Yang J.‐R. , Peng L.‐H. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe reported intensive greenish white light electroluminescence, accompanied with 364 nm bandedge emission from GaN nanowires/p‐GaN light emitting diode operated in the high‐field forward bias regime. Strong bandedge emission, dominant over visible luminescence from bandgap state transitions, was also observed in the reverse bias regime. These observations were ascribed to a formation of n+‐p tunnel junction in the high‐field regime and emission mechanism due to photon‐assisted tunneling process. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)