bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex dielectric function of AlGaN/GaN/InGaN heterojunction structures
Authors: Jogai B. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTheoretical calculations of the complex dielectric function of AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field‐effect transistor (HFETs) structures and InGaN/GaN single quantum wells (SQWs) are presented. The model is based on a self‐consistent calculation of the band structure, taking into account the spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations and the presence of a two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface. The calculated results show that the large built‐in electric field at the heterojunction smears out any fine structures in the dielectric function that would ordinarily be expected from transitions between the valence band edge and the confined electron states. For HFET structures, two broad features are seen in the calculated spectra, one due to the GaN layer and the other to the AlGaN barrier. There are no features due to the confined states in the 2DEG. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The surface band structure of W(112)
Authors: Losovyj Ya. B. , Yakovkin I. N. , Jeong Hae‐Kyung , Dowben P. A. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBoth the experimental and theoretical band structure of the W(112) surface are presented, with the theoretical band structure calculated by the film–LAPW (linearized augmented plane waves) method. The results permit one to compare the W(112) and Mo(112) band structures and illuminate the similarities. It is found that for the W(112) surface the main photoemission features combine contributions from both the surface and bulk, as has been previously noted for Mo(112). The main differences between the electronic structures of the furrowed W(112) and Mo(112) surfaces are seen in the width of occupied bands. The differences are attributed to the extent of localization of valence 4d and 5s electrons in Mo and 5d and 6s electrons in W. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Whey protein isolate coating on LDPE film as a novel oxygen barrier in the composite structure
Authors: Hong Seok‐In , Krochta John M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTo examine the feasibility of whey protein isolate (WPI) coating as an alternative oxygen barrier for food packaging, heat‐denatured aqueous solutions of WPI with various levels of glycerol as a plasticizer were applied on corona‐discharge‐treated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The resulting WPI‐coated LDPE films showed good appearance, flexibility and adhesion between the coating and the base film, when an appropriate amount of plasticizer was added to the coating formulations. WPI‐coated LDPE films showed significant decrease in oxygen permeability (OP) at low to intermediate relative humidity, with an Arrhenius behaviour and an activation energy of 50.26 kJ/mol. The OP of the coated films increased significantly with increasing relative humidity, showing an exponential function. Although the coated films showed a tendency to have less oxygen barrier and more glossy surfaces with increasing plasticizer content, differences in the OP and gloss values were not significant. Haze index and colour of the coated films were also little influenced by WPI coating and plasticizer content. The results suggest that whey protein isolate coating could work successfully as an oxygen barrier and have potential for replacing synthetic plastic oxygen‐barrier layers in many laminated food packaging structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health‐related quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: Long‐term results
Authors: Scarpa Marco , Angriman Imerio , Ruffolo Cesare , Ferronato Antonio , Polese Lino , Barollo Michela , Martin Alessandro , Sturniolo Giacomo C. , D’Amico Davide F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRestorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is the favorite operation for ulcerative colitis, but it may influence health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Our aims were to determine the long‐term HRQL of patients and its modifications after a 5‐year follow‐up and to identify any risk factor for a worse outcome. We enrolled 36 patients submitted to RPC (mean followup 8.4 ± 4.7 years), 36 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and 36 healthy subjects. We used a previously validated questionnaire that explored bowel symptoms, systemic symptoms, emotional function, and social function. A series of 17 patients had completed the same questionnaire 5 years earlier. Clinical and surgical factors were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed with Student’s t‐test, Wilcoxon matched‐pairs test, and Fisher’s exact test. The scores of the RPC patients were significantly better than those of moderate or severe UC patients, similar to those with remission/ mild UC, and higher than those of the controls. The scores of patients interviewed 5 years earlier did not change in the present study, except for patients during the first postoperative year, in whom the scores were now significantly better. The analysis of RPC patients in subgroups showed that the use of drugs, high stool frequency, pouchitis, pelvic complications, and younger age at UC diagnosis worsened the HRQL outcome. We concluded that RPC patients, after a long‐term follow‐up, had an HRQL similar to that of the remission/mild UC patients. Recently operated patients improved their quality of life mainly because of improved emotional function, and patients who had been operated on for a longer time maintained their HRQL. HRQL is influenced by drugs, stool frequency, pouchitis, postoperative pelvic complications, and age at diagnosis.
Relaparotomy for suspected intraperitoneal sepsis after abdominal surgery
Authors: Hutchins Robert R. , Gunning M. Paul , Lucas D. Nuala , Allen‐Mersh Timothy G. , Soni Neil C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRelaparotomy may be beneficial in patients developing intraperitoneal sepsis after abdominal procedures. We determined whether joint clinical assessment by intensivist and surgeon (clinician assessment) identified patients with surgically correctable intraperitoneal sepsis. We also assessed the effect of patient age and sex, disease presentation and severity, interval to relaparotomy, and the number of relaparotomies on survival after relaparotomy. Data on clinical, laboratory, and radiologic abnormalities prior to relaparotomy, relaparotomy findings, and in‐hospital survival were prospectively collected on a general hospital intensive care unit (ICU) database between January 1997 and January 2002. Altogether, 65 of 1482 (4.4%) patients admitted to the ICU after abdominal surgery underwent relaparotomy at a median of 5 days after the initial procedure. There was an 83% probability of identifying surgically treatable sepsis and 43% in‐hospital mortality. Abdominal imaging contributed accurate information in 50% of cases where clinician assessment was uncertain. Patient age and multiorgan failure prior to relaparotomy—but not urgency of initial laparotomy or the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score prior to relaparotomy, interval to relaparotomy, or number of relaparotomies—affected the outcome. Clinician assessment after abdominal surgery had a high probability of predicting intraperitoneal sepsis at relaparotomy. The 43% mortality after relaparotomy was unlikely to be greater than with nonoperative treatment of intraabdominal sepsis, but the 78% mortality after relaparotomy in patients older than 75 years of age raised doubts about this approach in the elderly. The identification of intraperitoneal sepsis and performance of relaparotomy earlier after the initial abdominal surgery might reduce the high rate (60%) of multiorgan failure prior to relaparotomy and improve survival after it.
Technical performance: Relation between surgical dexterity and technical knowledge
Authors: Bann Simon , Khan Mansoor S. , Datta Vivek K. , Darzi Ara W. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTechnical performance consists of surgical knowledge, judgment, and dexterity. Although assessment of surgical dexterity is now possible, assessing technical knowledge and its relation to dexterity has not been elucidated. Surgeons of varying experience were recruited to the skills laboratory to undertake three assessments: simple surgical dexterity (at 14 stations scored by motion analysis), an operating room equipment examination, and a novel error analysis. The scores were correlated, and p < 0.05 was deemed to be significant. Thirty surgeons were recruited; and construct validity was exhibited in all areas. Correlations were shown to exist between the two knowledge examinations (Spearman’s rho = 039). Correlations existed between all dexterity task parameters and the equipment examination, whereas they existed for only 15 of the 28 parameters of the error examination and were always weaker. The stronger correlations between dexterity and instrument and operating room (OR) equipment reflect greater surgical experience and time spent in the OR. The weaker correlations between the error analysis and dexterity suggest that these skills are learned at different times. The identification of common surgical errors should be more formally taught to ensure greater uniformity.
After school activities, overweight, and obesity among inner city youth
Authors: Elkins Whitney L , Cohen Deborah A , Koralewicz Lisa M , Taylor Stephanie N 
Published: February 2004

AbstractWe examined the association of adolescent obesity with participation in sports among 5489 low‐income, inner city public high school students. Among inner city youth 28.5% of males and 33.7% of females were overweight and 15.9% of boys and 16.4% of girls were obese. For both males and females, participation in an increasing number of athletic activities was associated with lower (body mass index) BMI after controlling for age, grade, and playing football. While youth with lower BMI might be more likely to participate in sports, after school sports are a potential opportunity for prevention of obesity in adolescents.
Multifocal cardiac Purkinje cell tumor in infancy
Authors: Ottaviani Giulia , Matturri Luigi , Rossi Lino , Lavezzi Anna M. , James Thomas N. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Cot death is the commonest form of death among babies in the first year of life. The authors report the unusual case of a 2-month-old female infant dying suddenly and unexpectedly in whom a postmortem histological examination demonstrated a cardiac multifocal Purkinje cell tumor. Necroscopy studies of sudden infant death should always include an accurate histological examination of the cardiac conduction system and brainstem using serial sections.
Radioiodine ablation of the thyroid to prevent recurrence of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis in patients with resistant tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Hermida Jean-Sylvain , Tcheng Emmanuel , Jarry Genevieve , Moullart Veronique , Arlot Sylvie , Rey Jean-Luc , Delonca Jean , Schvartz Claire 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a common complication of amiodarone therapy. Although permanent withdrawal of amiodarone is recommended due notably to the risk of worsening of tachyarrhythmias, some patients may require the reintroduction of amiodarone several months after normalizing their thyroid function. We, retrospectively, assessed the effects of 131I therapy to prevent recurrence of AIT in euthyroid patients requiring reintroduction of amiodarone.

Subjects and methods
Amiodarone was required in 10 cases of recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and in 5 cases of ventricular tachycardia (VT) (M=12, F=3, mean age: 63±14 years). The underlying heart disease was dilated cardiomyopathy (n=4), ischaemic heart disease (n=4), hypertensive heart disease (n=2), arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (n=2) and valvulopathy (n=1). Two patients had idiopathic paroxysmal AF.

Results
A mean 131I dose of 579±183 MBq was administered 34±37 months after the episode of AIT. Amiodarone was reintroduced in 14 of 15 patients after a mean interval of 103±261 d. Fourteen patients developed definite hypothyroidism necessitating l-thyroxine but we observed no late recurrence of AIT. After a mean follow-up of 22±16 months, tachyarrhythmias were controlled in 12 of 14 patients.

Conclusion
131I therapy appears to be an effective and safe approach to prevent the recurrence of AIT in a patient requiring the reintroduction of amiodarone for tachyarrhythmias.
Computerized high-density mapping of the pulmonary veins: new insights into their electrical activation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: De Ponti Roberto , Tritto Massimo , Lanzotti Marcelo E. , Spadacini Giammario , Marazzi Raffaella , Moretti Paolo , Salerno-Uriarte Jorge A. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Aim
To report the method and findings of computerized high-density mapping of pulmonary veins (PVs) in patients undergoing their electrical isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results
In 17 consecutive patients (8 M, age 55±11 years), a 64 electrode basket catheter was placed in the target PVs and 56 bipolar electrograms were recorded, analyzed and isochronal maps were generated. PVs were mapped during sinus rhythm, left-sided pacing and ectopic activity. The sites of earliest activation at the veno-atrial junction were defined as the atrium to vein conduction breakthroughs. PV activation pattern was classified as predominantly longitudinal or transverse, according to the direction of the impulse from the breakthroughs. The ectopic pattern was defined as multifocal, when distant areas in the PV had activation times within 10 ms. Thirty-one PVs were mapped. The activation pattern was predominantly longitudinal in 13 PVs and transverse in 18 PVs. Two breakthroughs were identified in 22 PVs and three in nine. All the breakthroughs were evident simultaneously in sinus rhythm and left-sided pacing changed only the predominance of the breakthrough. Ectopies were mapped in 10 PVs: eight showed a multifocal and two a monofocal pattern; six ectopies originated from the proximal tract of the PV.

Conclusion
High-density mapping of PV identifies a typical activation pattern. Multiple and discrete breakthroughs are simultaneously identified in sinus rhythm. The majority of the mapped ectopies has a multifocal pattern and proximal origin.
ECT response after relapse during continuation repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. A case report
Authors: Conca A. , Hrubos W. , Di Pauli J. , König P. , Hausmann A. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractResearch on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) indicates that the treatment of non-psychotic depression is comparable to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in terms of short-term outcome. We report on a woman who exerted a recurrent moderate major depressive episode, 6 months after discontinuation of maintenance ECT. She responded to acute rTMS treatment which was followed by the rTMS maintenance-protocol. Within 2 months of continuation rTMS she relapsed suffering from a severe non psychotic depressive episode and had to be switched to a successful ECT. In this patient rTMS had a good clinical impact as an acute treatment strategy, but failed to prevent relapse as the continuation ECT previously did in the same patient.
Novelty seekers and impulsive subjects are low in morningness
Authors: Caci Hervé , Robert Philippe , Boyer Patrice 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe bipolar dimension of morningness–eveningness refers to the preferred times of day for achieving various activities (i.e. the phase of the circadian clock). It is validated from a biological point of view, associated with at least one gene and heritable through an epistatic mechanism. It has been used as a proxy to study the relationships between the circadian system, personality and psychopathology: there is a correlation between the evening orientation and depression, extraversion and, probably, impulsivity. Furthermore, there is a possible relationship with temperament in children as theorized by Thomas and Chess. In this paper, we expanded on the hypothesis that impulsive subjects are low in morningness by performing a factor analysis of the Composite Scale of Morningness, Cloninger’s temperament and character inventory, and Spielberger’s trait anxiety inventory in a sample of 129 males. The results can probably be extended to women. Morningness is negatively correlated with novelty seeking (which includes an impulsivity facet), positively correlated with persistence, and independent of character dimensions and trait anxiety. Future research may focus in the involvement of the circadian system in these personality dimensions and facets, and the benefits of adding chronotherapic manipulations in the treatment of the personality disorders.
The relationship between cannabis use and schizotypal symptoms
Authors: Bailey Elizabeth L. , Swallow Brian L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractTo test the relationship between schizotypal symptoms and cannabis use in a non-clinical population, cannabis users and non-users were asked to complete the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Significant differences in scores between the groups were observed. There may be a developmental process in the relationship between cannabis use and schizotypal symptoms.
Female genital mutilation in Nigeria
Authors: Mandara M.U. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectives: To determine the prevalence and distribution of female genital mutilation (FGM) procedures in a Nigerian population. Methods: Five hundred consecutive women were evaluated for evidence of FGM. The WHO classification system was utilized. Demographic and sociocultural information was collected. Results: Thirty‐four percent of women were found to have some type of FGM. Type I and Type II procedures were the most common. Fifty‐five percent of women were unaware they had FGM and 62% with FGM did not know the reason. Twenty‐one percent of women said they were going to have FGM on their daughters. Conclusions: FGM is still broadly practiced among ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria. Educational efforts need to be directed at eliminating this practice.
Screening for partner violence during pregnancy
Authors: Shadigian E.M. , Bauer S.T. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectives: An analysis of the international literature on partner violence provides insights for health care providers caring for women. Methods: The current literature on partner violence epidemiology, screening, and interventions was reviewed, focusing on pregnancy. Results: Adolescent girls and pregnant women are at highest risk for partner violence and homicide. Conclusion: Health care providers need to offer clinical screening and interventions to prevent consequences of partner violence, including homicide.
Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids
Authors: Prollius A. , de Vries C. , Loggenberg E. , Nel M. , du Plessis A. , Van Rensburg D.J. , Wessels P.H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to introduce uterine artery embolization (UAE) as an effective and safe treatment option in patients with symptomatic fibroids. Methods: Sixty‐one patients underwent UAE with a 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Results: The procedure was well tolerated in all patients with the following symptoms improving: heavy bleeding [90% (95% CI 80.21%; 95.4%)]; dysmenorrhea [median −4 (95% CI −5; −4)]; feeling of a mass [74% (95% CI 57.9%; 85.8%)]; abdomino‐pelvic discomfort [88% (95% CI 75.5%; 94.9%)]; and deep dyspareunia [90% (95% CI 71.1%; 97.3%)]. Uterine volume decreased by a median difference of 188 cm3 (95% CI 146.5; 236), which related to a median % reduction of 37.7% (95% CI 32.4%; 45%) at 12‐month follow‐up. Most (91%) patients were satisfied with the procedure and only minor complications occurred. Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization can be performed effectively and safely at centers with the necessary expertise and can be used with success in Africa.
Female genital tuberculosis in Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe M , Lakew M , Kidane D , Lakew Z , Kiros K , Harboe M 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectives: To study the occurrence of female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) in Ethiopia and to compare the different methods available for its diagnosis. Methods: Biopsy or curettage samples from 25 clinically suspected cases of FGTB were investigated with histopathology, smear microscopy, TB culture and PCR for mycobacteria. HIV status was determined by ELISA. CD4:CD8 ratio was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: Among the 25 clinically suspected patients investigated, only one was AFB smear positive, three were culture positive, seven were histology positive and 12 were positive by PCR (a total of 16 positives). Samples taken from the fallopian tube were more frequently positive than those from the endometrium. Conclusions: The results showed that FGTB is a significant clinical problem in Ethiopia. A combination of PCR with the other available methods was found to be the best alternative to achieve sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of FGTB in this setting.
Hepatitis E in pregnancy
Authors: Kumar A. , Beniwal M. , Kar P. , Sharma J.B. , Murthy N.S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectives: To study the spectrum and the clinical and biochemical course of viral hepatitis E during pregnancy. Methods: In this prospective study, sera of 62 pregnant women having jaundice in the third trimester of pregnancy were analyzed for markers of hepatitis A, B, C and E viruses. The cord blood samples of hepatitis E virus (HEV)‐positive pregnant women at the time of delivery were tested for IgM anti‐HEV antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and HEV‐RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 62 patients, 45.2% had HEV infection and nine developed fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Eighty‐one percent of FHF cases and 37.25% of acute viral hepatitis cases were caused by HEV. Approximately two‐thirds of the pregnant women with HEV infection had preterm deliveries. The mortality rate among the HEV‐positive pregnant women was 26.9%. Vertical transmission was observed in 33.3% of cases. Conclusions: One‐third of the pregnant women with HEV infection had a severe form of hepatitis in the third trimester of pregnancy, i.e. FHF. Hepatitis E in pregnancy is associated with high rates of preterm labor and mortality.
Towards a theory of supply chain management: the constructs and measurements
Authors: Chen Injazz J , Paulraj Antony 
Published: February 2004

AbstractRising international cooperation, vertical disintegration, along with a focus on core activities have led to the notion that firms are links in a networked supply chain. This novel perspective has created the challenge of designing and managing a network of interdependent relationships developed and fostered through strategic collaboration. Although research interests in supply chain management (SCM) are growing, no research has been directed towards a systematic development of SCM instruments.This study identifies and consolidates various supply chain initiatives and factors to develop key SCM constructs conducive to advancing the field. To this end, we analyzed over 400 articles and synthesized the large, fragmented body of work dispersed across many disciplines. The result of this study, through successive stages of measurement analysis and refinement, is a set of reliable, valid, and unidimensional measurements that can be subsequently used in different contexts to refine or extend conceptualization and measurements or to test various theoretical models, paving the way for theory building in SCM.