bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Symptoms of Depression Predict Mortality in Community‐Dwelling Elders?
Authors: Blazer Dan G. , Hybels Celia F. 
Published: November 2004

Objectives:To determine which symptoms of depression are most likely to increase the risk of mortality in a biracial sample of older adults.Design:Cross‐sectional and longitudinal study.Setting:Baseline and mortality follow‐up in urban and rural North Carolina.Participants:Four thousand one hundred sixty‐two African‐American and white elders aged 65 to 105 at baseline (mean age 73).Measurements:Sociodemographic and health factors and four subscales of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (negative affect, positive affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal function) were determined at baseline (1986–87). Mortality was assessed over 10 years of follow‐up (through 1996).Results:Fifty‐one percent of the sample died over the 10‐year follow‐up. In controlled Cox proportional hazards modeling, those who scored lower on the positive affect scale were significantly more likely to die over the 10‐year follow‐up (hazard ratio=1.12, 95% confidence interval=1.05–1.18). For those who scored higher on the negative affect scale, the somatic scale, and the interpersonal scale, there was no increased risk for mortality in controlled analyses.Conclusion:These findings suggest that subjective views of well‐being may be more important predictors of mortality in older adults than the classic symptoms of depression, such as negative affect and somatic symptoms.
A HYBRID LEARNING RULE FOR A FEEDFORWARD NETWORK
Authors: LIPPE W.-M. , FEURING TH. , TENHAGEN A. 
Published: November 2004

In feedforward networks trained by the classic backpropagation algorithm, as introduced by Rumelhart et al., the weights are modified according to the method of steepest descent. The goal of this weight modification is to minimise the error in network-outputs for a given training set. Basing upon Jacobs’ work, we point out drawbacks of steepest descent and suggest improvements on it. These yield a feedforward network, which adjusts its weights according to a (globally convergent) parallel coordinate descent method. Then we combine this parallel coordinate descent with a hybrid learning rule from [Formula: see text]-rule and momentum version. For adjusting the parameters of this rule we use a Sugeno/Tagaki fuzzy controller. We only need four rules for the controlling process. Because of using the Sugeno/Takagi controller, no defuzzification has to be performed and the controller works faster than the familiar one. We conclude that this algorithm is very suitable for fast training and global convergence.
RISK MODELING IN ROBOT COST EVALUATIONS
Authors: WONG T.T. 
Published: November 2004

Many engineering attempts have been developed to predict major cost components of robot systems. Aggregations of cost estimates for various types of robots have been collected in so-called Life Cycle Cost (LCC) models. These models virtually all treat LCC estimates as “most likely” predictions of what actual costs will be in the future. Actual costs will vary, however, from the “most likely” estimates because some cost estimates are subjective in nature and these are in fact subject to considerable uncertainty. This paper examines the elicitation of subjective estimates and the modeling of LCC uncertainties. A new technique for dealing with subjective robot cost uncertainty is defined and explained. Specifically a conceptual device is introduced as the measuring instrument for subjective cost uncertainty in terms of probabilities and an analytical risk modeling procedure is described which uses the beta probability distribution.
Religious Belief, Scientific Expertise, and Folk Ecology
Authors: Poling Devereaux , Evans E. Margaret 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
In the United States, lay-adults with a range of educational backgrounds often conceptualize species change within a non-Darwinian adaptationist framework, or reject such ideas altogether, opting instead for creationist accounts in which species are viewed as immutable. In this study, such findings were investigated further by examining the relationship between religious belief, scientific expertise, and ecological reasoning in 132 college-educated adults from 6 religious backgrounds in a Midwestern city. Fundamentalist and non-fundamentalist religious beliefs were differentially related to concepts of evolution, adaptation, and extinction. Biological expertise (r = .28) and creationism (r = –.46) were significantly and differentially related to the endorsement of the Darwinian concept of common descent. Yet, creationists were more likely to reject macroevolutionary than microevolutionary concepts. Overall, the greater the taxonomic distance between species, the less likely were participants to agree that species-pairs had common ancestors. It is argued that lay adults from contemporary industrialized societies adopt a view of evolution in which species adapt to novel environments, but remain the same "kind" despite changes. Therefore, extinction is considered unlikely and the relations between micro- and macroevolution misconstrued. Lay-adults' species concepts appear to be an amalgam of a common-sense understanding of species and of evolutionary ideas, modified but not transformed by religious and scientific beliefs. Finally, it is argued that the development of scientific expertise does not involve the radical transformation of ingrained worldviews. Rather, scientists select specializations that are compatible with their existing philosophies, then consciously apply the constructs of their disciplines in order to transcend their common-sense folk beliefs.
I See What You Are Saying: Action as Cognition in fMRI Brain Mapping Practice
Authors: Alač Morana , Hutchins Edwin 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn cognitive neuroscience, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to produce images of brain functions. These images play a central role in the practice of neuroscience. In this paper we are interested in how these brain images become understandable and meaningful for scientists. In order to explore this problem we observe how scientists use such semiotic resources as gesture, language, and material structure present in the socially and culturally constituted environment. A micro-analysis of video records of scientists interacting with each other and with fMRI images reveals action as cognition, that is, actions that constitute thinking for the scientists.
Spatial distribution, mobility, gregariousness, and defensive behaviour in a Brazilian cave harvestman Goniosoma albiscriptum (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae)
Authors: Willemart Rodrigo , Gnaspini Pedro 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
This study provides information on population dynamics and behaviour (gregariousness and defensive tactics) of the Brazilian cave harvestman Goniosoma albiscriptum (Goniosomatinae). Through a mark-recapture study, we observed that this species regularly uses the cave during the day, leaving it to forage on the vegetation after dusk (i. e., a trogloxene species). There were nine groups within the cave, composed of females and males, the latter being the only sex that moved from one group to another (although rarely). Distinct groups used distinct openings of the cave to leave the shelter after dusk. Goniosoma albiscriptum showed a variety of mechanical defensive behaviours, and also exuded scent gland secretions. During dryer and colder months (between April and August), adult and subadult harvestmen aggregated on the cave walls. The individuals that composed the aggregations were not always the same ones. Reproductive activity (detected by the presence of egg batches) was negatively correlated with formation of aggregations. We suggest that intolerance towards conspecifics during the reproductive period may inhibit the formation of aggregations.
Study of salinity and temperature tolerance limits regarding four crustacean species in a temporary salt water swamp (Lake Zima, Morocco)
Authors: Rokneddine Aïcha , Chentoufi Mohamed 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Tolerance boundaries of four crustacean species (Phallocryotus spinosa, Moina salina, Arctodiaptomus salinus and Ctenodaphnia mediterranea) to salinity and temperature were evaluated by studying the species in their natural environment (salted temporary swamp of Lake Zima near Marrakech, Morocco) and in the laboratory. The seasonal density evolution over the year for the four species in their natural environment reveals three phases (youth, maturity and old). The dwell time of each species depends on the environmental factor values as well as on their rate of change. Laboratory study revealed high euryhaline and eurithermal ability for the four species, with a difference in the optimal salinity range from species to species. The ranges are situated between 5 and 25% for C. mediterranea, 15 and 30% for A. salinus, 15 and 60% for M. Salina and 30 and 90% for P. spinosa. Such a range difference, measured under controlled conditions (laboratory), may well explain the variability in the behaviour of the four species in their natural environment. The tolerance range difference from species to species, together with the instability of the environmental conditions of the milieu, seem to be responsible for the quantitative and qualitative changes of the host fauna, which occur within the year and from year to year.
AIDS-defining illnesses among patients with HIV in Singapore, 1985 to 2001: results from the Singapore HIV Observational Cohort Study (SHOCS)
Authors: Bellamy Richard , Sangeetha S , Paton Nicholas I 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
The objective was to describe the causes of initial and overall AIDS-defining disease episodes among HIV patients in Singapore.

Methods
A retrospective observational cohort study was performed of all adult patients seen at the national HIV referral center between 1985 and 2001. Data were extracted from the patients' records by ten trained healthcare workers. AIDS-defining conditions were established using predefined criteria.

Results
Among 1504 patients, 834 had experienced one or more AIDS-defining diseases. The most frequent causes of the initial AIDS-defining episode were Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (35.7%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (22.7%) and herpes simplex (7.4%). In total 1742 AIDS-defining episodes occurred. The most frequent causes were Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (25.1%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (16.2%) and cytomegalovirus retinitis (9.5%).

Conclusions
The most frequent causes of AIDS-defining illnesses in Singapore are similar to those reported in the West, prior to the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy. Opportunistic infections remain the most frequent AIDS-defining illnesses.
Reduction in CD1d expression on dendritic cells and macrophages by an acute virus infection
Authors: Lin Yinling , Roberts Tonya J , Spence Philip M , Brutkiewicz Randy R 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Mice were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) to determine if changes in CD1d expression occurred during an acute virus infection. It is interesting that a decrease in CD1d expression on splenic dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages (MΦ) was observed for at least 3 months post-LCMV infection, and vaccinia virus and vesicular stomatitis virus induced similar changes in CD1d upon infection with those viruses. The reduction of CD1d cell-surface expression on DC and MΦ was independent of interferon-γ and interleukin-12 expression but partially recovered in transporter associated with antigen processing-1-deficient mice, suggesting that CD8+ T cells may play a role. Thus, one consequence of the induction of a cellular immune response is a change in CD1d expression, which may constitute a key element in regulating antiviral immunity.
The effect of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of verapamil and its major metabolite, norverapamil, in rabbits
Authors: Choi Jun-Shik , Han Hyo-Kyug 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
We have investigated the effect of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of verapamil and its major metabolite, norverapamil, in rabbits. Pharmacokinetic parameters of verapamil and norverapamil were determined after the oral administration of verapamil (10 mg kg−1) to rabbits in the presence and absence of quercetin (5.0 and 15 mg kg−1). While co-administration of quercetin concurrently was not effective to enhance the oral exposure of verapamil, pretreatment of quercetin 30 min before verapamil administration significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of verapamil. Compared with the control group (given verapamil alone), the Cmax and AUC of verapamil increased approximately twofold in the rabbits pretreated with 15 mg kg−1 quercetin. There was no significant change in Tmax and terminal plasma half-life (t½) of verapamil in the presence of quercetin. Consequently, absolute and relative bioavailability values of verapamil in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than those from the control group. Metabolite-parent AUC ratio in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin decreased by twofold compared with the control group, implying that pretreatment of quercetin could be effective to inhibit the CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of verapamil. In conclusion, pretreatment of quercetin significantly enhanced the oral exposure of verapamil. This suggested that concomitant use of quercetin or a quercetin-containing dietary supplement with verapamil requires close monitoring for potential drug interaction.
Does the well-stirred model assess the intestinal first-pass effect well?
Authors: Mizuma Takashi , Tsuji Akira , Hayashi Masahiro 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The pre-systemic intestinal extraction ratio (Eg) has been estimated by an equation based on the well-stirred model, which does not have a term of membrane transport. In this report, we have identified the application limitations of the well-stirred model equation to assess the pre-systemic intestinal extraction ratio. The Eg of metoprolol (CYP2D6 substrate) was assessed by three methods. Intrinsic clearances for metoprolol metabolism in hepatic and gastrointestinal microsomes were from a published report. Method 1 (model-independent method): the Eg of 0.228 was obtained according to the equation, F = Ff × (1 — Eg) × Fh, where F, Ff and Fh were the bioavailability, the fraction entering the intestinal tissue and the hepatic availability, respectively. Method 2: the Eg of 0.0071 was calculated according to the well-stirred model equation, and was much lower than the value of 0.228. Method 3: the Eg of 0.213 was obtained by the transport-metabolism-flow (TMF) model equation, and was much closer to the value of 0.228 obtained by the model-independent method than the Eg of 0.0071 calculated by the well-stirred model equation. Therefore, we propose that the factor of membrane transport process be incorporated into the pharmacokinetic model for the assessment of the pre-systemic intestinal extraction ratio.
The antioxidative effect of icariin in human erythrocytes against free-radical-induced haemolysis
Authors: Liu Zai-Qun , Luo Xu-Yang , Sun Yun-Xiu , Wu Wei , Liu Chun-Ming , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Liu Shu-Ying 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Icariin (2-(4′-methoxyl phenyl)-3-rhamnosido-5-hydroxyl-7-glucosido-8-(3′-methyl-2-butylenyl)-4-chromanone) is the major component in Herba Epimedii used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis. This work focuses on the antioxidative effect of icariin on free-radical-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes, in which the initial free radical derives from the decomposition of 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) at physiological temperature. To reveal the structure-activity relationship of icariin, the antioxidant effects of two structural analogues of icariin, acacetin (2-(4′-methoxylphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxylchromone) and norwogonin (2-phenyl-5,7,8-trihydroxylchromone), on the same experimental system were examined as well. It was found that all these chromone derivatives (Chm-OHs) dose-dependently protected human erythrocytes against free-radical-induced haemolysis. The order of antioxidative activity was norwogonin&gt;acacetin&gt;icariin by the analysis of the relationship between the concentration of Chm-OHs and the prolongation percentage of the lag time of haemolysis (PP%). It was also proved that the phenyl hydroxyl group attached to the chromone ring at 7-position cannot trap the free radical. On the contrary, phenyl hydroxyl groups at the 5- and 8-position in norwogonin made it a significant antioxidant in AAPH-induced haemolysis. The more hydroxyl groups attached to the chromone ring, the higher the antioxidative activity in protecting erythrocytes against free-radical-induced peroxidation.
Determination of diffusion coefficients of peptides and prediction of permeability through a porous membrane
Authors: Hosoya Osamu , Chono Sumio , Saso Yuko , Juni Kazuhiko , Morimoto Kazuhiro , Seki Toshinobu 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The diffusion coefficient (D) of peptide and protein drugs needs to be determined to examine the permeability through biological barriers and to optimize delivery systems. In this study, the D values of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled dextrans (FDs) and peptides were determined and the permeability through a porous membrane was discussed. The observed D values of FDs and peptides, except in the case of insulin, were similar to those calculated based on a relationship previously reported between the molecular weight and D of lower-molecular-weight compounds, although the molecular weight range was completely different. The observed D value of insulin was between the calculated values for the insulin monomer and hexamer. The permeability of poly-lysine and insulin through the membrane was determined and the observed values were compared with predicted values by using the relationship between molecular weight and D and an equation based on the Renkin function. The observed permeability of insulin through the membrane was between that of the predicted permeability for the insulin monomer and hexamer. For the permeation of insulin, the determination of D was useful for estimating the permeability because of the irregular relationship between molecular weight and D. The methodology used in this study will be useful for a more quantitative evaluation of the absorption of peptide and protein drugs applied to mucous membranes.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral DA-8159, a new erectogenic, in rats with protein-calorie malnutrition
Authors: Shim Hyun J , Kim Yu C , Lee Joo H , Ahn Byung O , Kwon Jong W , Kim Won B , Lee Inchul , Lee Myung G 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Influence of dietary protein deficiency on the pharmacokinetics of DA-8159 and one of its metabolites, DA-8164, was investigated after intravenous and oral administration of DA-8159 at a dose of 30 mg kg−1 to male Sprague-Dawley rats allowed free access to a 23% (control) or 5% (protein-calorie malnutrition, PCM) casein diet for 4 weeks. The total area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) values of DA-8164 were significantly smaller after both intravenous (87.0 vs 162 μg min mL−1) and oral (144 vs 319 μg min mL−1) administration of DA-8159 to PCM rats. This could be due to the decrease in CYP3A1/2 (50–60%) in the rats because DA-8164 was mainly formed via CYP3A1/ 2 in rats. This could be supported by significantly slower in-vitro CLint (2.04 ± 0.646 vs 3.15 ± 0.693 μL min−1 (mg protein)−1) for the formation of DA-8164 in hepatic microsomal fraction of PCM rats. After intravenous administration of DA-8159, the AUC values of DA-8159 were not significantly different between the two groups of rats although the AUC of DA-8164 was significantly smaller in PCM rats, and this may be due to the minor metabolic pathway of DA-8164 in rats. However, after oral administration of DA-8159, the AUC of DA-8159 was significantly greater in PCM rats (194 vs 122 μg min mL−1). This was not due to enhanced absorption of DA-8159 from the gastrointestinal tract in the rats but may be due to a decreased intestinal first-pass effect of DA-8159 in the rat.
Novel thiocyanato complexes with potent cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Hossain M Shamim , Easmin Sabina , Islam M Saidul , Rashid Mamunur 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of seven new thiocyanato complexes: Ni(C9H11N2O)(SCN), Cu(C9H11N2O)(SCN), Pd(C9H11N2O)(SCN), Pt(C9H11N2O) (SCN), K[Ti(C9H11N2O)(SCN)3], Au(C9H11N2O)(SCN), and K[V(O)(C9H11N2O)(SCN)] (T1-T7, respectively). All the complexes showed toxicity against brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia salina L.). The titanium-based complex, T5, exhibited potent toxicity, with a lethal concentration 50% (the concentration of test compound that kills 50% of A. salina) value of 1.59 μg mL−1. These new complexes also exhibited promising antibacterial and antifungal properties. A macrodilution technique was used to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the seven bioactive complexes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were found to be 8–64 μg mL−1 against the tested bacterial species.
Enhancement of natural killer cell activity of aged mice by modified arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran)
Authors: Ghoneum Mamdooh , Abedi Sarah 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The present study is aimed to examine the possibility of enhancement of natural killer (NK) cell activity in aged C57BL/6 and C3H mice using MGN-3, a modified arabinoxylan from rice bran. Intraperitoneal injection of MGN-3 (10 mg kg−1 per day) caused a remarkable increase in the peritoneal NK activity as early as 2 days (35.2 lytic units), and the level remained elevated through day 14. The control aged mice had a level of 5.8 lytic units. Enhancement in NK activity was associated with an increase in both the binding capacity of NK cells to tumour targets and in the granular content as measured by BLT-esterase activity. Treatment did not alter the percentage of peritoneal NK cells. Data showed that peritoneal macrophages inhibit NK activity. In conclusion, MGN-3 enhances murine NK activity of aged mice and may be useful for enhancing NK function in aged humans.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs
Authors: Hu LianDong , Tang Xing , Cui FuDe 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The purpose of this work was to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by incorporation into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was used as a poorly soluble model drug. Different formulations of SLNs loaded with ATRA were successfully prepared by a high-pressure homogenization method and using Compritol 888 ATO as lipid matrix. The particle size and distribution, drug loading capacity, drug entrapment efficiency (EE %), zeta potential, and long-term physical stability of the SLNs were investigated in detail. Drug release from two sorts of ATRA-SLN was studied and compared with the diffusion from ATRA solution in 0.1 M HCl, distilled water and phosphate buffer (pH 7.40), using a dialysis bag method. A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in male rats after oral administration of 8 mg kg−1 ATRA in different formulations and it was found that the relative bioavailability of ATRA in SLNs was significantly increased compared with that of an ATRA solution. The amount of surfactant also had a marked effect on the oral absorption of ATRA with SLN formulations. Although an emulsion formulation also increased ATRA absorption, it was too unstable for use in clinical situations. The absorption mechanism of the SLN formulations was discussed. These results indicate that ATRA absorption is enhanced significantly by employing SLN formulations. SLNs offer a new approach to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.