bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood transfusion increases radical promoting non-transferrin bound iron in preterm infants
Authors: Hirano K , Morinobu T , Kim H , Hiroi M , Ban R , Ogawa S , Ogihara H , Tamai H , Ogihara T 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDBlood transfusion has been recognised as a risk factor for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants, but the precise mechanism involved is not understood.AIMTo investigate the level of non-transferrin bound “free” iron, which has the potential to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species, and its redox status in the plasma of preterm infants immediately before and after blood transfusion.METHODSTwenty one preterm infants with a median gestational age and birth weight of 27 weeks and 1021 g respectively were prospectively enrolled in the study. Sixteen of the 21 infants developed ROP and/or CLD. The infants were transfused with concentrated red blood cells at a median age of 32 days. The plasma concentration of total bleomycin detectable iron (BDI) was measured and also the ferrous iron (Fe2+) activity by bleomycin-iron complex dependent degradation of DNA.RESULTSEven before blood transfusion, BDI was detectable in one third of the blood samples, and all but one sample had ferrous iron activity. After transfusion, both BDI and ferrous iron activity were significantly increased, in contrast with the situation in full term infants. Plasma ascorbic acid (AA) concentration was significantly decreased after blood transfusion, whereas the level of its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), and the DHAA/AA ratio were significantly increased compared with before the transfusion. The activity of plasma ferroxidase, which converts iron from the ferrous to the ferric state, was appreciably decreased in preterm infants, as expected from their very low plasma caeruloplasmin concentration.CONCLUSIONSPlasma non-transferrin bound iron was significantly increased in preterm infants after blood transfusion and existed partly in the ferrous form, because of the low ferroxidase activity and the reduction of ferric iron (Fe3+) by ascorbic acid. This finding was specific to preterm infants and was not observed in full term infants after blood transfusion. Non-transferrin bound “free” iron may catalyse the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may be responsible for the clinical association of blood transfusion with ROP and CLD.Key messagesPlasma non-transferrin bound iron was significantly increased in preterm infants after blood transfusion and existed partly in the ferrous pro-oxidant formThe increase in plasma non-transferrin bound iron after blood transfusion was not observed in full term infants
An ethical paradox: the effect of unethical conduct on medical students' values
Authors: Satterwhite Robert C , Satterwhite William M , Enarson Cam 
Published: July 2002

Objective—To report the ethical development of medical students across four years of education at one medical school.Design and setting—A questionnaire was distributed to all four classes at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine during the Spring of 1996.Participants—Three hundred and three students provided demographic information as well as information concerning their ethical development both as current medical students and future interns.Main measurements—Results were analyzed using cross-tabulations, correlations, and analysis of variance.Results—Results suggested that the observation of and participation in unethical conduct1may have disparaging effects on medical students' codes of ethics with 35% of the total sample (24% of first years rising to 55% of fourth years) stating that derogatory comments made by residents/attendings, either in the patient's presence or absence, were “sometimes” or “often” appropriate. However, approximately 70% of the sample contended that their personal code of ethics had not changed since beginning medical school and would not change as a resident.Conclusions—Results may represent an internal struggle that detracts from the medical school experience, both as a person and as a doctor. Our goal as educators is to alter the educational environment so that acceptance of such behaviour is not considered part of becoming a physician.
Sunlight and mortality from breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and non-melanoma skin cancer: a composite death certificate based case-control study
Authors: Freedman D M , Dosemeci M , McGlynn K 
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To explore whether mortality from female breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer were negatively associated with exposure to sunlight.Methods:A death certificate based case-control study of mortality was conducted into five cancers: female breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and non-melanoma skin cancer (as a positive control) to examine associations with residential and occupational exposure to sunlight. Cases were all deaths from these cancers between 1984 and 1995 in 24 states of the United States. Controls, which were age frequency matched to a series of cases, excluded deaths from cancer and certain neurological diseases. Multiple logistic regression was used in a model that included age, sex, race, residential exposure to sunlight (based on region), and socioeconomic status, occupational exposure to sunlight, and physical activity (the last three based on usual occupation).Results: Residential exposure to sunlight was negatively and significantly associated with mortality from female breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancer. Only female breast and colon cancer, however, also showed significant negative associations with jobs with the highest occupational exposure to sunlight (odds ratio (OR) 0.82 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.70 to 0.97) for female breast cancer; OR 0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.94) for colon cancer). For both cancers, the negative association with occupational sunlight was greatest in the geographical region of highest exposure to sunlight and was independent of physical activity on the job. Non-melanoma skin cancer, as expected, was positively associated with both residential and occupational sunlight.Conclusions: In this exploratory study, unlike mortality from non-melanoma skin cancer, mortality from female breast cancer and colon cancer were negatively associated with both residential and occupational sunlight.
Job stress, fatigue, and job dissatisfaction in Dutch lorry drivers: towards an occupation specific model of job demands and control
Authors: de Croon E M , Blonk R W B , de Zwart B C H , Frings-Dresen M H W , Broersen J P J 
Published: July 2002

Objectives:Building on Karasek's model of job demands and control (JD-C model), this study examined the effects of job control, quantitative workload, and two occupation specific job demands (physical demands and supervisor demands) on fatigue and job dissatisfaction in Dutch lorry drivers.Methods:From 1181 lorry drivers (adjusted response 63%) self reported information was gathered by questionnaire on the independent variables (job control, quantitative workload, physical demands, and supervisor demands) and the dependent variables (fatigue and job dissatisfaction). Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the main effects of job demands and job control and the interaction effect between job control and job demands on fatigue and job dissatisfaction.Results:The inclusion of physical and supervisor demands in the JD-C model explained a significant amount of variance in fatigue (3%) and job dissatisfaction (7%) over and above job control and quantitative workload. Moreover, in accordance with Karasek's interaction hypothesis, job control buffered the positive relation between quantitative workload and job dissatisfaction.Conclusions:Despite methodological limitations, the results suggest that the inclusion of (occupation) specific job control and job demand measures is a fruitful elaboration of the JD-C model. The occupation specific JD-C model gives occupational stress researchers better insight into the relation between the psychosocial work environment and wellbeing. Moreover, the occupation specific JD-C model may give practitioners more concrete and useful information about risk factors in the psychosocial work environment. Therefore, this model may provide points of departure for effective stress reducing interventions at work.
Chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly
Authors: Adhiyaman V , Asghar M , Ganeshram K N , Bhowmick B K 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
Chronic subdural haematoma is predominantly a disease of the elderly. It usually follows a minor trauma. A history of direct trauma to the head is absent in up to half the cases. The common manifestations are altered mental state and focal neurological deficit. Neurological state at the time of diagnosis is the most important prognostic factor. Morbidity and mortality is higher in the elderly but outcome is good in patients who undergo neurosurgical intervention.
Favourite movie stars, their tobacco use in contemporary movies, and its association with adolescent smoking
Authors: Tickle Jennifer J , Sargent James D , Dalton Madeline A , Beach Michael L , Heatherton Todd F 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo assess the relation between adolescents' favourite movie stars, the portrayal of tobacco use by those stars in contemporary motion pictures, and adolescent smoking.DESIGN AND SETTING632 students (sixth to 12th grade, ages 10–19 years) from five rural New England public schools completed a voluntary, self administered survey in October 1996. The survey assessed tobacco use, other variables associated with adolescent smoking, and favourite movie star. In addition, tobacco use by 43 selected movie stars was measured in films between 1994 and 1996.OUTCOME MEASURESStudents were categorised into an ordinal five point index (tobacco status) based on their smoking behaviour and their smoking susceptibility: non-susceptible never smokers, susceptible never smokers, non-current experimenters, current experimenters, and smokers. We determined the adjusted cumulative odds of having advanced smoking status based on the amount of on-screen tobacco use by their favourite film star.RESULTSOf the 43 stars, 65% used tobacco at least once, and 42% portrayed smoking as an essential character trait in one or more films. Stars who smoked more than twice in a film were considered smokers. For adolescents whose favourite stars smoked in only one film, the odds of being higher on the smoking index was 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 1.15). For adolescents whose favourite stars smoked in two films, the odds of being higher on the smoking index was 1.5 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.32). For adolescents whose favourite stars smoked in three or more films (Leonardo DiCaprio, Sharon Stone, John Travolta), the odds of being higher on the smoking index was 3.1 (95% CI 1.34 to 7.12). Among never smokers (n = 281), those who chose stars who were smokers in three or more films were much more likely to have favourable attitudes toward smoking (adjusted odds ratio 16.2, 95% CI 2.3 to 112).CONCLUSIONSAdolescents who choose movie stars who use tobacco on-screen are significantly more likely to have an advanced smoking status and more favourable attitudes toward smoking than adolescents who choose non-smoking stars. This finding supports the proposition that the portrayal of tobacco use in contemporary motion pictures, particularly by stars who are admired by adolescents, contributes to adolescent smoking.
The association of smoking and the cost of military training
Authors: Klesges Robert C , Haddock C Keith , Chang Cyril F , Talcott G Wayne , Lando Harry A 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo determine if premature discharge from the US Air Force was associated with the smoking status of recruits.DESIGN AND SETTINGA total of 29 044 US Air Force personnel recruited from August 1995 to August 1996 were administered baseline behavioural risk assessment surveys during basic military training. They were tracked over a 12 month period to determine those who were prematurely discharged.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESExcess training costs as a result of premature discharge.RESULTSIn this 12 month period, 14.0% of those entering the US Air Force were discharged at a one year follow up. In both univariate and multivariate models, the best single predictor of early discharge was smoking status. Overall, 11.8% of non-smokers versus 19.4% of smokers were prematurely discharged (relative risk 1.795).CONCLUSIONSUsing US Department of Defense data on the cost of military training, recruits who smoke in the US Air Force are associated with $18 million per year in excess training costs. Applied to all service branches, smoking status, which represents a constellation of underlying behaviours and attitudes that can contribute to early discharge, is associated with over $130 million per year in excess training costs.
Science in regulatory policy making: case studies in the development of workplace smoking restrictions
Authors: Bero Lisa A , Montini Theresa , Bryan-Jones Katherine , Mangurian Christina 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo study the role of science related and other arguments in the development of workplace smoking regulations.DESIGNCase study, content analysisSUBJECTSWritten commentaries and hearing transcripts on proposed indoor air regulations in Maryland and Washington.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESWe coded each written commentary and hearing testimony for position toward the regulation, affiliation of the person submitting it, criteria used to evaluate science and scientific, ideological, economic, political, engineering and procedural arguments.RESULTSIn both states, opposition to the regulations came primarily from the tobacco industry, small businesses, and business organisations and appeared to be coordinated. There was little coordination of public health support for the regulations. Arguments about science were used more often by those opposed to the regulations than by those in favour. Supporters emphasised the quantity of the evidence, while opponents criticised its reliability, validity, and quality. Arguments not related to science (61% of total arguments; 459/751), were more common than scientific arguments (39% of total arguments; 292/751). Economic and ideological arguments were used to a similar extent by regulation supporters and opponents.CONCLUSIONSAdvocates can support health related regulations by submitting commentary emphasising the sound research base for regulation and countering criticisms of research. National coordination of these efforts could avoid duplication of effort and make more efficient use of limited public health resources.
Web sites selling cigarettes: how many are there in the USA and what are their sales practices?
Authors: Ribisl Kurt M , Kim Annice E , Williams Rebecca S 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo estimate the number and geographic location of web sites selling cigarettes in the USA, and to examine their sales and marketing practices.METHODSComprehensive searches were conducted using four keyword terms and five popular internet search engines, supplemented by sites identified in a news article. Over 1800 sites were examined to identify 88 internet cigarette vendors.MEASURESTrained raters examined the content of each site using a standardised coding instrument to assess geographic location, presence of warnings, products sold, and promotional strategies.SETTINGUSA.RESULTSInternet cigarette vendors were located in 23 states. Nearly half (n = 43) were located in New York state, and many were in tobacco producing states with low cigarette excise taxes. Indian reservations housed 49 of the 88 sites. Only 28.4% of sites featured the US Surgeon General's health warnings and 81.8% featured minimum age of sale warnings. Nearly all sites (96.6%) sold premium or value brand cigarettes, 21.6% sold duty-free Marlboros, and 8.0% sold bidis. Approximately one third featured special promotional programmes.CONCLUSIONSInternet cigarette vendors present new regulatory and enforcement challenges for tobacco control advocates because of the difficulty in regulating internet content and because many vendors are on Indian reservations.
MULTIPLE BASE SUBSTITUTION CORRECTIONS IN DNA SEQUENCE EVOLUTION
Authors: KOWALCZUK M. , MACKIEWICZ P. , SZCZEPANIK D. , NOWICKA A. , DUDKIEWICZ M. , DUDEK M. R. , CEBRAT S. 
Published: July 2002

We discuss the Jukes and Cantor's one-parameter model and Kimura's two-parameter model unability to describe evolution of asymmetric DNA molecules. The standard distance measure between two DNA sequences, which is the number of substitutions per site, should include the effect of multiple base substitutions separately for each type of the base. Otherwise, the respective tables of substitutions cannot reconstruct the asymmetric DNA molecule with respect to the composition. Basing on Kimura's neutral theory, we have derived a linear law for the correlation of the mean survival time of nucleotides under constant mutation pressure and their fraction in the genome. According to the law, the corrections to Kimura's theory have been discussed to describe evolution of genomes with asymmetric nucleotide composition.We consider the particular case of the strongly asymmetric Borrelia burgdorferi genome and we discuss in detail the corrections, which should be introduced into the distance measure between two DNA sequences to include multiple base substitutions.
AUTOMATIC DETECTION AND VERIFICATION OF TEXT REGIONS IN NEWS VIDEO FRAMES
Authors: HU JIANMING , XI JIE , WU LIDE 
Published: July 2002

Textual information in a video is very useful for video indexing and retrieving. Detecting text blocks in video frames is the first important procedure for extracting the textual information. Automatic text location is a very difficult problem due to the large variety of character styles and the complex backgrounds. In this paper, we describe the various steps of the proposed text detection algorithm. First, the gray scale edges are detected and smoothed horizontally. Second, the edge image is binarized, and run length analysis is applied to find candidate text blocks. Finally, each detected block is verified by an improved logical level technique (ILLT). Experiments show this method is not sensitive to color/texture changes of the characters, and can be used to detect text lines in news videos effectively.
A survey of image registration techniques
Authors: Brown Lisa Gottesfeld 
Published: July 2002

Registration is a fundamental task in image processing used to match two or more pictures taken, for example, at different times, from different sensors, or from different viewpoints. Virtually all large systems which evaluate images require the registration of images, or a closely related operation, as an intermediate step. Specific examples of systems where image registration is a significant component include matching a target with a real-time image of a scene for target recognition, monitoring global land usage using satellite images, matching stereo images to recover shape for autonomous navigation, and aligning images from different medical modalities for diagnosis.
Over the years, a broad range of techniques has been developed for various types of data and problems. These techniques have been independently studied for several different applications, resulting in a large body of research. This paper organizes this material by establishing the relationship between the variations in the images and the type of registration techniques which can most appropriately be applied. Three major types of variations are distinguished. The first type are the variations due to the differences in acquisition which cause the images to be misaligned. To register images, a spatial transformation is found which will remove these variations. The class of transformations which must be searched to find the optimal transformation is determined by knowledge about the variations of this type. The transformation class in turn influences the general technique that should be taken. The second type of variations are those which are also due to differences in acquisition, but cannot be modeled easily such as lighting and atmospheric conditions. This type usually effects intensity values, but they may also be spatial, such as perspective distortions. The third type of variations are differences in the images that are of interest such as object movements, growths, or other scene changes. Variations of the second and third type are not directly removed by registration, but they make registration more difficult since an exact match is no longer possible. In particular, it is critical that variations of the third type are not removed. Knowledge about the characteristics of each type of variation effect the choice of feature space, similarity measure, search space, and search strategy which will make up the final technique. All registration techniques can be viewed as different combinations of these choices. This framework is useful for understanding the merits and relationships between the wide variety of existing techniques and for assisting in the selection of the most suitable technique for a specific problem.
Modeling formalisms for dynamic structure systems
Authors: Barros Fernando J. 
Published: July 2002

We present a new concept for a system network to represent systems that are able to undergo structural change. Change in structure is defined in general terms, and includes the addition and deletion of systems and the modification of the relations among components. The structure of a system network is stored in the network executive. Any change in structure-related information is mapped into modifications in the network structure.
Based on these concepts, we derive three new system specifications that provide a shorthand notation to specify classes of dynamic structure systems. These new formalisms are: dynamic structure discrete time system, dynamic structure differential equation specified systems, and dynamic structure discrete event system specification. We demonstrate that these formalisms are closed under coupling, making hierarchical model construction possible. formalisms are described using set theoretic notation and general systems theory concepts.
A simple automatic derivative evaluation program
Authors: Wengert R. E. 
Published: July 2002

A procedure for automatic evaluation of total/partial derivatives of arbitrary algebraic functions is presented. The technique permits computation of numerical values of derivatives without developing analytical expressions for the derivatives. The key to the method is the decomposition of the given function, by introduction of intermediate variables, into a series of elementary functional steps. A library of elementary function subroutines is provided for the automatic evaluation and differentiation of these new variables. The final step in this process produces the desired function's derivative.
The main feature of this approach is its simplicity. It can be used as a quick-reaction tool where the derivation of analytical derivatives is laborious and also as a debugging tool for programs which contain derivatives.
CHARGED DUST DYNAMICS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Authors: Horányi Mihály 
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  In most space environments, dust particles are exposed to plasmas and UV radiation and, consequently, carry electrostatic charges. Their motion is influenced by electric and magnetic fields in addition to gravity, drag, and radiation pressure. On the surface of the Moon, in planetary rings, or at comets, for example, electromagnetic forces can shape the spatial and size distribution of micron-sized charged dust particles. The dynamics of small charged dust particles can be surprisingly complex, leading to levitation, rapid transport, energization and ejection, capture, and the formation of new planetary rings.This review briefly discusses the most important processes that determine the charge state of dust particles immersed in plasmas and the resulting dynamics on exposed dusty surfaces and in planetary magnetospheres.