bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between concurrent psychotropic medications and self‐reported adherence with taking a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bauer Michael , Glenn Tasha , Grof Paul , Marsh Wendy , Sagduyu Kemal , Alda Martin , Murray Greg , Lewitzka Ute , Schmid Rita , Haack Sara , Whybrow Peter C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveMultiple psychotropic medications are routinely prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, creating complex medication regimens. This study investigated whether the daily number of psychotropic medications or the daily number of pills were associated with self‐reported adherence with taking a mood stabilizer.MethodsPatients self‐reported their mood and medications taken daily for about 6 months. Adherence was defined as taking at least one pill of any mood stabilizer daily. Univariate general linear models (GLMs) were used to estimate if adherence was associated with the number of daily medications and the number of pills, controlling for age. The association between mean daily dosage of mood stabilizer and adherence was also estimated using a GLM.ResultsThree hundred and twelve patients (mean age 38.4 ± 10.9 years) returned 58,106 days of data and took a mean of 3.1 ± 1.6 psychotropic medications daily (7.0 ± 4.2 pills). No significant association was found between either the daily number of medications or the daily number of pills and adherence. For most mood stabilizers, patients with lower adherence took a significantly smaller mean daily dosage.ConclusionsThe number of concurrent psychotropic medications may not be associated with adherence in bipolar disorder. Patients with lower adherence may be taking smaller dosages of mood stabilizers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous absorption and exposure assessment of pesticides
Authors: Ngo Mai A. , O'Malley Michael , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDermal exposure to a diverse range of chemicals may result from various uses. In order to assess exposure and estimate potential risks, accurate quantitative data on absorption are required. Various factors will influence the final results and interpretations of studies designed to assess the ability of compounds to penetrate the skin. This overview will discuss skin penetration by pesticides, emphasizing key parameters to be considered from the perspective of exposure assessment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basic ingredients of free energy calculations: A review
Authors: Christ Clara D. , Mark Alan E. , van Gunsteren Wilfred F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMethods to compute free energy differences between different states of a molecular system are reviewed with the aim of identifying their basic ingredients and their utility when applied in practice to biomolecular systems. A free energy calculation is comprised of three basic components: (i) a suitable model or Hamiltonian, (ii) a sampling protocol with which one can generate a representative ensemble of molecular configurations, and (iii) an estimator of the free energy difference itself. Alternative sampling protocols can be distinguished according to whether one or more states are to be sampled. In cases where only a single state is considered, six alternative techniques could be distinguished: (i) changing the dynamics, (ii) deforming the energy surface, (iii) extending the dimensionality, (iv) perturbing the forces, (v) reducing the number of degrees of freedom, and (vi) multi‐copy approaches. In cases where multiple states are to be sampled, the three primary techniques are staging, importance sampling, and adiabatic decoupling. Estimators of the free energy can be classified as global methods that either count the number of times a given state is sampled or use energy differences. Or, they can be classified as local methods that either make use of the force or are based on transition probabilities. Finally, this overview of the available techniques and how they can be best used in a practical context is aimed at helping the reader choose the most appropriate combination of approaches for the biomolecular system, Hamiltonian and free energy difference of interest. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Skin peptides of different life stages of Ewing's tree frog
Authors: Schadich Ermin , Cole Anthony L.J. , Squire Marie , Mason Drusilla 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn frogs, an important mechanism of skin innate immunity against invading microbial pathogens is secretion of antimicrobial peptides from the specialized granular glands. Since these glands develop fully in skin dermis after completion of metamorphosis, they are small and immature in skin of larvae (tadpoles). Skin secretions vary among different life stages. Antimicrobial activity and peptide composition of natural mixture of skin peptides of three different life stages of New Zealand Ewing's Tree Frog (Litoria ewingii), tadpoles, metamorphs and adults were analyzed. The peptide mixtures were collected from skin secretions and analyzed for activity against the standard reference bacterium, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Their peptide components were analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). The peptide mixture from adults and metamorphs contained the species‐specific antimicrobial peptide uperin 7.1 and inhibited the growth of E. coli (ATCC 25922). In contrast, the peptide mixture of tadpoles did not inhibit the growth of E. coli (ATCC 25922). This peptide mixture did not contain uperin 7.1 but had peptides whose molecular masses did not correspond to molecular masses of any known frog antimicrobial peptides. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:532–537, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental test of body volume constraint on female reproductive output
Authors: Du Wei‐Guo , Lü Dan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe body volume constraint hypothesis is a widely accepted notion that explains proximate limitation of female reproductive output, but lacks empirical support. To examine how body volume determines reproductive output, we experimentally manipulated the body volume of female lacertid lizard (Takydromus septentrionalis), to examine whether a reduction in body volume caused a reduction in reproductive output. Clutch size and mass decreased with a reduction in body volume. Reproductive output (residual clutch mass, RCM) was negatively related to body volume reduction (BVR) (RCM=−0.008BVR+0.225). In contrast, neither egg size nor offspring size was affected by the manipulation. Relative clutch mass was lower in manipulated females than in control females, but the actual physical burden (egg plus pearls) carried by manipulated females was much bigger than that of the control females. A normal clutch of eggs only filled 55% of maternal body volume, whereas manipulated females used 75% of body volume to contain eggs and pearls. Therefore, females are capable of carrying more eggs than a normal clutch. Our observations provide unequivocal empirical support for the maternal body volume constraint hypothesis. In addition, these results suggest that female T. septentrionalis may produce a clutch of eggs that fill the available abdomen space to an optimal level rather than the physical limit. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:123–128, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traditional ELISA methods for antibody affinity determination fail to reveal the presence of low affinity antibodies in antisera: an alternative approach
Authors: Bobrovnik Sergei A. , Demchenko Miroslava , Komisarenko Sergei , Stevens Fred 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTraditionally used methods of antibody affinity determination either by ELISA or by the surface plasmon resonance technique do not allow detection of the presence of low‐affinity antibodies in samples of high‐affinity antibodies. In this paper we demonstrate the possibility to reveal their presence and to determine the affinities of both categories of antibodies as well as the ratio of their concentrations. This is especially important since by using traditional methods for antibody affinity evaluation the admixture of low‐affinity antibodies in a sample diminishes the accuracy in determination of specific antibody affinity. In addition, the presence of an admixture of low‐affinity antibodies may be an important biological characteristic of the system under study; their revelation and the evaluation of their binding parameters may be valuable in many cases for obtaining a more complete characterization of the binding properties of the multiple antibodies generated in an immune response. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of drying and storage on the degradation of total carotenoids in orange‐fleshed sweetpotato cultivars
Authors: Bechoff Aurélie , Westby Andrew , Owori Constance , Menya Geoffrey , Dhuique‐Mayer Claudie , Dufour Dominique , Tomlins Keith 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) can be used to tackle vitamin A deficiency, a major public health problem in most developing countries. In East Africa, common ways of using sweetpotato include drying and subsequent storage. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of drying and storage on the total carotenoid retention (as an estimate of provitamin A retention) from OFSP.RESULTS: Losses of total carotenoid during drying were generally low (15% or less). Total carotenoid retention in OFSP was not dependent on the type of dryer (solar or sun). Sweetpotato cultivar (Ejumula, Kakamega, SPK004/1, SPK004/1/1, SPK004/6 or SPK004/6/6) had a significant effect on retention in drying (P < 0.05). High percentage losses of total carotenoids were, however, correlated with high moisture content and high carotenoid content in fresh sweetpotato roots. After 4 months' storage at room temperature in Uganda, losses of total carotenoid in dried sweetpotato chips were high (about 70%) and this was not dependent on the use of opaque or transparent packaging.CONCLUSION: Losses of carotenoids during storage were considered to be more of a nutritional constraint to the utilisation of dried sweetpotato than losses occurring during drying. The relationship between characteristics of the cultivars and losses of carotenoids during drying should be taken into account in selection of cultivars for processing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Oil palm: future prospects for yield and quality improvements
Authors: Murphy Denis J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractOil palm is now the major global oil crop in terms of production. However, the crop still faces formidable challenges in terms of its overall yield per hectare, the quality of its oil, and the perceived sustainability of some aspects of plantation development and management. Thanks to recent progress in crop breeding and genomics, plus an emerging recognition of the importance of improved management practices across the industry, prospects are good for the capacity of the oil palm sector to confront these challenges.
Controlled Change of Mechanical Properties during Hydrolytic Degradation of Polyester Urethane Networks
Authors: Neffe Axel Thomas , Tronci Giuseppe , Alteheld Armin , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPolyester urethane networks are versatile polymer systems as it is possible to tailor their mechanical properties and their hydrolytic degradation profile. For biomedical applications, the biodegradability as well as the thermomechanical properties of the polymer networks during the course of degradation is of importance. Therefore, we investigated the change of thermomechanical properties of networks based on star‐shaped precursors of rac‐dilactide and diglycolide, ε‐caprolactone, or p‐dioxanone, respectively, during hydrolytic degradation. Degradation rate and mechanical properties of the polymer networks were tailored by crosslink density, comonomers, and by changing the glass transition temperature. Most importantly, the degradation of the networks led to a controlled, step‐by‐step change of the mechanical properties of the networks.magnified image
Amphiphilic Copolymer Membranes Promote NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Activity: Towards an Electron‐Transfer Nanodevice
Authors: Graff Alexandra , Fraysse‐Ailhas Caroline , Palivan Cornelia G. , Grzelakowski Mariusz , Friedrich Thorsten , Vebert Corinne , Gescheidt Georg , Meier Wolfgang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNanoscale devices for energy conversion require the transfer of electrons from one compartment to another. The enzyme complex I, which in vivo mediates electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone, is an intriguing candidate for this role in nanodevices. However, complex I normally requires the presence of lipids to remain active, potentially limiting its application. Here we demonstrate for the first time that complex I can be actively reconstituted in the synthetic membrane of amphiphilic triblock copolymer vesicles. The functionality of the reconstituted protein was characterized by EPR and activity assays. Its activity is strongly influenced by the molar mass and the block length of the membrane‐forming polymers, and increases with increasing membrane thickness.magnified image
Weighted Markov‐type inequalities, norms of Volterra operators, and zeros of Bessel functions
Authors: Böttcher Albrecht , Dörfler Peter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe first term of the asymptotics of the best constants in Markov‐type inequalities for higher derivatives of polynomials is determined in the two cases where the underlying norm is the L2 norm with Laguerre weight or the L2 norm with Gegenbauer weight. The coefficient in this term is shown to be the norm of a certain Volterra integral operator which depends on the weight and the order of the derivative. For first order derivatives, the norms of the Volterra operators are expressed in terms of the zeros of Bessel functions. The asymptotic behavior of the coefficients is studied and tight bounds for them are given (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the stabiity of collocation methods for Cauchy singular integral equations in weighted Lp spaces
Authors: Junghanns Peter , Mastroianni Giuseppe , Seidel Markus 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNecessary and sufficient conditions for the stability of certain collocation methods applied to Cauchy singular integral equations on an interval are presented for weighted L' norms. Moreover, the behavior of the approximation numbers, in particular their so‐called k ‐splitting property, of the respective sequence of discretized operators is discussed (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel Spectrally Stable Saturated Blue‐Light‐Emitting Poly[(fluorene)‐co‐(dioctyldibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide)]s
Authors: Liu Jie , Hu Sujun , Zhao Wei , Zou Qinghua , Luo Wen , Yang Wei , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNovel poly[(fluorene)‐co‐(2,8‐dioctyldibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide‐3,7‐diyl)]s were synthesized. The octyl group on the 2,8‐dioctyldibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide (DOSO) unit improved the solubility of the polymers and broadened the optical band gap from 2.95 to 3.20 eV as the content of DOSO unit increases. The electroluminescence (EL) spectra of polymers show CIE coordinates around (0.16, 0.07) independent of the ratio of DOSO units in the polymers, owing to the ICT and steric hindrance dual‐function. A high efficiency of 3.1 cd · A−1 (EQE = 3.9%) was obtained with the configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/Ba/Al. The results indicate that PF‐3,7DOSOs could be a promising candidate for saturated blue‐emitting polymers with spectral stability and high efficiency.magnified image
Complexation of Syndiotactic Polystyrene with 12‐Crown‐4
Authors: Kaneko Fumitoshi , Kashihara Natsuko , Tsuchida Tsuyoshi , Okuyama Kenji 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSolid‐state complexation of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) with a crown ether compound, 1,4,7,10‐tetraoxa‐cyclododecane (12‐crown‐4), took place when a film of sPS/chloroform clathrate was subjected to a guest exchange procedure assisted with a plasticizing agent. The new guest 12‐crown‐4 molecules were incorporated into the crystalline region of the sPS film, without causing a large conformational change of host sPS helices. X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric investigations showed that sPS/12‐crown‐4 complex had a clathrate complex structure which contained four 12‐crown‐4 molecules per unit cell. IR and Raman data suggested that 12‐crown‐4 took a Ci‐type conformation in the sPS complex phase.magnified image
The structure of mental disorders re‐examined: Is it developmentally stable and robust against additions?
Authors: Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Beesdo‐Baum Katja , Gloster Andrew T. , Höfler Michael , Klotsche Jens , Lieb Roselind , Beauducel André , Bühner Markus , Kessler Ronald C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPrevious research suggests that patterns of comorbidity of a limited number of anxiety, depressive, substance use and antisocial personality (ASP) disorders among adults are best reflected by a hierarchical three‐factor structure with two correlated factors (‘anxious‐misery’ and ‘fear’) that are summarized in a second‐order ‘internalizing’ factor and one ‘externalizing’ factor. It has not been examined whether this structure is developmentally stable and robust against additions of more diagnoses. Using data from a prospective‐longitudinal community study of adolescents and young adults we re‐evaluate the three‐factor model originally proposed by Krueger (Archives of General Psychiatry, 1999; 56, 921–926). Using confirmatory factor analysis with identical conventions as in Krueger's original work we found that the three factor model did not fit robustly across age or a wider range of diagnoses. Using explanatory factor analysis we examined alternative structures. We found various clinically meaningful patterns with good fit that go substantially beyond the original three‐factor structure. However, again, there is little consistency in findings when different age groups or different diagnoses are considered. Our findings suggest that psychopathology cannot be reduced to any simple structure. Copyright © 2009 American Psychiatric Association. This article is being copublished by the International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research and the American Psychiatric Association.
A partition of unity‐based ‘FE–Meshfree’ QUAD4 element for geometric non‐linear analysis
Authors: Rajendran S. , Zhang B. R. , Liew K. M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe recently published ‘FE–Meshfree’ QUAD4 element is extended to geometrical non‐linear analysis. The shape functions for this element are obtained by combining meshfree and finite element shape functions. The concept of partition of unity (PU) is employed for the purpose. The new shape functions inherit their higher order completeness properties from the meshfree shape functions and the mesh‐distortion tolerant compatibility properties from the finite element (FE) shape functions. Updated Lagrangian formulation is adopted for the non‐linear solution. Several numerical example problems are solved and the performance of the element is compared with that of the well‐known Q4, QM6 and Q8 elements. The results show that, for regular meshes, the performance of the element is comparable to that of QM6 and Q8 elements, and superior to that of Q4 element. For distorted meshes, the present element has better mesh‐distortion tolerance than Q4, QM6 and Q8 elements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the self‐regulation guidelines of the US Beer Code reduce the number of content violations reported in TV advertisements
Authors: Babor Thomas F. , Xuan Ziming , Damon Donna 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

From a public health perspective, alcohol advertising should not be directed at vulnerable groups, nor should it portray excessive drinking or other objectionable content such as illegal activity. To promote the responsible advertising of alcoholic beverages, alcohol industry groups have developed self‐regulation guidelines that describe which types of content (and exposure markets) are unacceptable. In 2006 the US Beer Institute revised the content guidelines of the 1997 Beer Code. This study was designed to determine whether these changes made the revised Code more or less likely for expert judges to report guideline violations, and for alcohol advertisements to include otherwise inappropriate content from a public health perspective.

Six alcohol advertisements known or suspected to have multiple content violations were rated by 139 experts selected on the basis of their expertise in public health, mental health, alcohol research and marketing. The ads were rated on two occasions with feedback about other viewers' ratings provided at the second rating. The data were collected by means of a computer‐based rating program that used multiple items to evaluate the eight major content guidelines of the US Beer Code. The ratings were scored according to both the 1997 and the 2006 versions of the Beer Code.

According to the 1997 criteria, raters identified an average of 26 guideline violations across the six ads; the number of violations was reduced to 18 when the 2006 criteria were applied. The difference was statistically significant and was primarily attributable to changes in guidelines dealing with the portrayal of illegal activity, humorous situations and the act of drinking.

By removing or revising commonly violated guidelines, the 2006 Beer Code revision permits portrayal of previously objectionable ad content and increases the likelihood that risky drinking behaviours will be portrayed in US beer advertisements.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wurmerkrankungen. Zu Unrecht vernachlässigt
Authors: Müller Andreas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTrotz der Verfügbarkeit gut verträglicher und preiswerter Medikamente für die meisten der global bedeutsamen Wurminfektionen ist die durch diese Parasiten verursachte Krankheitslast enorm. Die Hauptlast dieser Erkrankungen tragen die Menschen, die unter ungünstigen hygienischen und ökonomischen Bedingungen leben, vornehmlich in den so genannten Entwicklungsländern der Erde. Die gegenwärtigen Kontrollprogramme haben das Ziel, durch Massentherapie von Hochrisikogruppen Morbidität und Mortalität zu senken.
Marine Schwämme: Füllhorne der Meere. Suche nach neuen Wirkstoffen aus der Natur
Authors: Hentschel Ute , Bringmann Gerhard 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDas Phylum Schwämme und die mit ihnen assoziierten mikrobiellen Konsortien sind eine reichhaltige Quelle an neuartigen Wirkstoffen. Insbesondere die Naturstoffdiversität der Schwamm‐assoziierten mikrobiellen Konsortien ist noch wenig untersucht. Methoden wie die klassische Kultivierung und die Metagenomik sind vielversprechende Ansätze zur umweltschonenden und nachhaltigen Gewinnung von neuen, bioaktiven Wirkstoffen aus Mikroorganismen. Insbesondere angesichts des vermehrten Auftretens von Antibiotika‐resistenten Keimen sowie der ständigen Konfrontation mit neuen Infektionskrankheiten ist die Suche nach neuen Antibiotika/Antiinfektiva weiterhin dringend geboten.