bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life Risk Analysis in Residential Building Fires
Authors: Lin Yuan-Shang 
Published: October 2004

This study focuses on the life risk investigations in residential building fires. A total of 419 cases in residential building fires during 1998-2000 in some area of Taiwan are examined. Contexts of investigations include possible influencing variables or factors related to the activities of pre-fire as well as during fire and the resulting life casualties. Possible influencing variables or factors are measured by two questionnaires that include both fire departments and the households who owned or lived in the fire-hit residential buildings. The resultant fire life risk (the dependent variable) in this study is a dichotomous variable with two categories, casualties and non-casualties. Factors such as fire-fighting situations, degree of difficulty of fire escape, and disabled people in the building are mostly significant to estimate the life risk. That disabled people exist in the building in case of a fire has the strongest effect on life risk. A statistical interpretation is given of the model-developed estimates in terms of the odds ratio. Given that particular identified characteristics considered in residential buildings exist or not, the changes of the probabilities of causing casualties in case of a fire are predicted. The findings show that logistic regression used in this research provides good meaningful interpretations that can be used for future safety improvements.
Physico-mechanical Properties of Paper Sludge-Thermoplastic Polymer Composites
Authors: Son Jungil , Yang Han-Seung , Kim Hyun-Joong 
Published: October 2004

This study investigates the effect of paper sludge’s mixing ratio and the types and concentrations of coupling agents on the physical and mechanical properties of paper sludge-thermoplastic polymer composites. In the experiment, four levels of mixing ratios of paper sludge to thermoplastic polymer (10: 90, 20: 80, 30: 70 and 40: 60) and three levels of coupling agent (Epolene G-3003TM) content (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were designed to discuss the physical and mechanical properties of composite. Composite density, as expected, increased but melt flow index decreased when the paper sludge content increased. Thickness swelling and water absorption of composites was slightly improved by the addition of paper sludge compared with control specimens. Tensile properties of composites significantly increased as the mixing ratio of paper sludge increased. Especially, tensile modulus improved with the increase of paper sludge content. Flexural strength and modulus showed similar trends to that of the tensile properties. Notched and unnotched Izod impact strengths lowered by the addition of paper sludge. With the addition of coupling agent, G-3003TM, tensile and flexural properties improved considerably compared with control specimens (without any coupling agent). Epolene G-3003TM, with high molecular weight, was effective in the improvement of the composites’ tensile and flexural properties.
Optimization of a Cantilever Microswitch with Piezoelectric Actuation
Authors: Chen X. , Fox C. H. J. , Mcwilliam S. 
Published: October 2004

This paper considers MEMS microswitches with piezoelectric-film actuation. A mathematical actuator model is established that accounts for normal stress at the piezo-substrate interface, in addition to shear stress. This model gives more accurate predictions for relatively thicker piezoelectric layers. Maintaining adequate contact force between switch electrodes is important in ohmiccontact switches, but parallel contact geometry is also important in switches that provide capacitive coupling between the signal lines. Furthermore, ‘off-state’ isolation is governed by electrode gap when open. The presented mathematical model demonstrates the relationships between these factors and the switch geometry. Optimum conditions are derived.
’About a Girl’
Authors: Hartley John , Rennie Ellie 
Published: October 2004

Corinne’s friend Rose is sprawled on an old couch in Corinne’s flat in London. Surrounding Rose on the beer-stained carpet are a few mugs, an ashtray and a telephone cord. The photo is a record of Corinne Day’s reality from a time when she was still on the dole and partying hard. Her bleak but intimate photography became famous in the fashion pages of magazines like The Face and Vogue, where her early photographs of an unknown young model called Kate Moss created the visual style known as ‘dirty realism’ or ‘grunge’. As she describes it, ‘There we were struggling to pay the rent, living in a dump, surrounded by glamorous magazines that were so far away from our own level of living... Fashion magazines had been selling sex and glamour for far too long. I wanted to instill some reality into a world of fantasy’ (Cotton, 2000). Concentrating on British photographer Corinne Day’s work, this article explores the interface between photojournalism and fashion. Day’s photographs are documents of contemporary life but destined for fashion pages. Beyond its ostensible purpose, contemporary fashion photography in magazines like Vogue can be seen to continue and extend the purposes of photojournalism in the documentary tradition. Furthermore, the compulsion towards art and aesthetics found in photojournalism since the days of Picture Post indicates that the same boundary has been pushed from the other side too, ever since photojournalism’s ascendance. This article therefore traces convergences among some aesthetic, discursive and institutional oppositions that have long been kept carefully separated: ‘reality’ and ‘fantasy’ worlds; national identity and art; journalism and fashion.
Early postoperative hyperglycaemia is not a risk factor for infectious complications and prolonged in-hospital stay in patients undergoing oesophagectomy: a retrospective analysis of a prospective trial
Authors: Vriesendorp Titia M , DeVries JHans , Hulscher Jan BF , Holleman Frits , van Lanschot Jan J , Hoekstra Joost BL 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Introduction
Treating hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients has proven to be beneficial, particularly in those with obstructive vascular disease. In a cohort of patients undergoing resection for oesophageal carcinoma (a group of patients with severe surgical stress but a low prevalence of vascular disease), we investigated whether early postoperative hyperglycaemia is associated with increased incidence of infectious complications and prolonged in-hospital stay.

Methods
Postoperative glucose values up to 48 hours after surgery were retrieved for 151 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II who had been previously included in a randomized trial conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. Multivariate regression analysis was used to define the independent contribution of possible risk factors selected by univariate analysis.

Results
In univariate regression analysis, postoperative glucose levels were associated with increased length of in-hospital stay (P < 0.001) but not with infectious complications (P = 0.21). However, postoperative glucose concentration was not found to be an independent risk factor for prolonged in-hospital stay in multivariate analysis (P = 0.20).

Conclusion
Our data indicate that postoperative hyperglycaemia is more likely to be a risk marker than a risk factor in patients undergoing highly invasive surgery for oesophageal cancer. We hypothesize that patients with a low prevalence of vascular disease may benefit less from intensive insulin therapy.
Sound localization in a small passerine bird: discrimination of azimuth as a function of head orientation and sound frequency
Authors: Nelson Brian S. , Suthers Roderick A. 
Published: October 2004

SUMMARYSound localization is critical to communication when signalers are distributed widely in space and when reverberations that accumulate over distance might otherwise degrade temporal patterns in vocalizations. We readdress the accuracy with which a small passerine bird, the eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus L., is able to resolve azimuth in the field. We then report results from two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) experiments in which three of four subjects were able to discriminate an estimated speaker separation angle of approximately 7°. Subjects oriented laterally when discriminating azimuth in the 2AFC task and each subject preferred a different head orientation. Side biases occurred as a function of head orientation and,as a consequence, we conducted a second 2AFC experiment in which subjects were required to discriminate between two closely spaced lights. Subjects oriented similarly in this visual task, however, side biases did not occur as a function of head orientation. Despite side biases in the auditory task,performance generally declined when subjects were played tones with frequencies near ∼3 kHz.
Tuna comparative physiology
Authors: Graham Jeffrey B. , Dickson Kathryn A. 
Published: October 2004

SUMMARYThunniform swimming, the capacity to conserve metabolic heat in red muscle and other body regions (regional endothermy), an elevated metabolic rate and other physiological rate functions, and a frequency-modulated cardiac output distinguish tunas from most other fishes. These specializations support continuous, relatively fast swimming by tunas and minimize thermal barriers to habitat exploitation, permitting niche expansion into high latitudes and to ocean depths heretofore regarded as beyond their range.
The Clinical Usefulness of the Measurement of Cytokines
Authors: Bienvenu Jacques , Monneret Guillaume , Fabien Nicole , Revillard Jean Pierre 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe utilization of accurate and sensitive methods for the measurement of cytokines in body fluids is prerequisite for the proper use of these mediators in clinical practice. Many factors contribute to the complexity of cytokine quantitation. Bioassays historically preceded immunoassays, which are now very popular, but there is a need for standardization. Nevertheless, due to the local effects of cytokines, the study of their blood levels is of limited value for an understanding of the pathophysiology of these mediators. This explains the development of alternative approaches to assess the ability of cells to produce cytokines. These include the Enzyme-Linked Immuno Spot Assay (ELISPOT), the measurement of cell-associated cytokines by flow cytometry, and the study of cytokine secretion by isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells or by whole blood test. All these techniques, associated with a local detection of cytokines by immunohistochemistry orin situhybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, appear to be complementary tools for a better understanding of the biology of cytokines. Selected examples of possible clinical applications related to infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, allergy, transplantation and preclinical evaluation of drugs and biotechnology products are given.
Macro Lactate Dehydrogenase in a Patient with Myocarditis
Authors: Liu Ze-Jun , Zhang Yong 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Elevated level of plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity in a patient with myocarditis was found to be due to the presence of lactate dehydrogenase-immunoglobulin complexes in circulation. The complexes were demonstrated by counter-immunoelectrophoresis. In this case, three immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) and two types of light chains (λ and κ) combined with lactate dehydrogenase
Elimination of Serum Complexed Prostate-Specific Antigen after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Jung Klaus , Brux Brigitte , Lein Michael , Sinha Pranav , Schnorr Dietmar , Loening Stefan A. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and complexed PSA were determined in venous blood from 12 patients with prostate cancer before and after radical prostatectomy by using Immuno 1 PSA assays. The elimination kinetics of complexed PSA were compared with that of total PSA. Nearly constant concentrations of complexed PSA were found during the first six hours after surgery, in contrast to the rapid elimination of free PSA and the significant decrease of total PSA. From day one to ten there was a continuous and nearly identical decrease of complexed PSA compared to total PSA. Our findings suggest that the initial rapid decrease of free PSA immediately after operation could be caused by formation of new PSA-complex.
Evaluation of the ADVIA® Centaur™ TSH-3 Assay
Authors: Vogeser Michael , Weigand Michael , Fraunberger Peter , Fischer Heike , Cremer Peter 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
An analytical evaluation of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH-3) assay on the Bayer ADVIA® CentaurTM immunoassay system was performed. General analytical requirements (linearity, resistance to typical interferences, absence of a carry-over effect) were fulfilled and reproducibility was satisfactory. Inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of a human serum pool with a concentration of 0.014 mU/l was 22.3%; at concentrations between 0.26 and 83 mU/l CV was below 6%. Method comparison study demonstrated close agreement of TSH results compared to those obtained with the Roche Elecsys® 2010 TSH assay (ADVIA Centaur = 1.08 × Elecsys−0.18 mU/l; r=0.987; n=324). Handling and practicability of the ADVIA Centaur system proved to be convenient with a very high sample throughput. We conclude that the ADVIA Centaur TSH-3 assay meets requirements for clinical use.
Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of Troponin I Determination on Dimension RXL-HM
Authors: Hafner Gerd , Peetz Dirk , Dati Francesco , Post Felix , Blankenberg Stefan , Peivandi Ali A. , Sucké Bernd , Rupprecht Hans-Jürgen , Dahm Manfred , Kleist Reiner von , Prellwitz Winfried 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The evaluation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) on the Dimension RxL®-HM analyzer is presented. The one-step enzyme immunoassay is based on two cTnI specific monoclonal antibodies. Performed on a separate module of the analyzer, assay-time is 17 minutes. Using as criterion a between-run impression CV <20% the functional limit of detection was set at 0.1 μg/l. Cutoff level for minor myocardial damage of 0.1 μg/l was found. In Duchenne's dystrophy, patients showed increased cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) but no increased cTnI. In patients with a history of coronary heart disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis, cTnT and cTnI were increased. In different patients with submassive pulmonary embolism, increased cTnI was determined. In coronary artery bypass surgery without perioperative myocardial infarction, patients with extracorporeal circulation showed significantly higher cTnI at 24 h after surgery than those with minimal cardiac surgery. In patients with unstable angina, increased cTnI was found more often than on Stratus analyzer. In conclusion, the new assay is a very sensitive cTnI assay, fast and easy to perform in parallel to enzyme and substrate assays.
Use of Ion-Selective Electrodes for Blood-Electrolyte Analysis. Recommendations for Nomenclature, Definitions and Conventions
Authors: Burnett Robert W. , Covington Arthur K. , Fogh-Andersen Nils , Külpmann Wolf R. , Lewenstam Andrzej , Maas Anton H.J. , Müller-Plathe Oswald , VanKessel Antonius L. , Zijlstra Willem G. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
This paper will familiarize the reader with the terms used to describe the behavior of ion-selective electrodes, particularly in relation to their use in clinical chemistry for determination of blood electrolyte cations. It serves as an introduction to a series of papers dealing with important cations in blood, namely calcium, sodium, and potassium. The detailed relationships between the ion activity determined by means of ion-selective electrode potentiometry in undiluted specimens, and the total substance concentration measured by flame atomic-emission spectrometry are described by flow chart and equations. Adoption of a convention for reporting results is recommended.
The Working Group on Selective Electrodes has taken into account recent revisions of IUPAC recommendations on nomenclature and selectivity coefficient determinations for ion-selective electrodes, and benefited from the experience of a member of the WG, who was also involved in the IUPAC discussions. Nomenclature for determined quantities follows previous IUPAC/IFCC joint recommendations.
Red Blood Cell Osmotic Fragility Confidence Intervals: a Definition by Application of a Mathematical Model
Authors: Fernández-Alberti Alejandra , Fink Nilda E. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The red blood cell osmotic fragility test is based on the measure of the resistance of red blood cells to lysis as a function of decreasing NaCl concentration. Up to now, several methods have been used for recording these data, but for the first time, the human red blood cell osmotic fragility confidence interval using the Orcutt mathematical model was determined. The absorbance of the hemoglobin measured at 540 nm, released by the red blood cells of 40 healthy adult individuals, was fitted to the equation Absorbance=p3 erfc ([NaCl] − p1/p2); p3 measures one half the absorbance produced by maximum red blood cell hemolysis, p1 is the [NaCl] producing 50% red blood cell hemolysis, and p2 is the dispersion in [NaCl] producing red blood cell hemolysis. Confidence intervals (mean±SD) for the three parameters were as follows: p1=4.2718±0.1848; p2= 0.1947±0.0391, and p3=0.5568+0.0426. The usefulness of this osmotic fragility data analysis method using two pathological samples (β-thalassemia minor and hereditary spherocytosis) was demonstrated. Parameters of the fitted data were compared with those obtained by the conventional recording method of Beutler.
Assessment of CA 15.3, CEA and TPA Concentrations during Monitoring of Breast Cancer
Authors: Sölétormos György , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Dombernowsky Per 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe variability of the tumor markers cancer antigen (CA) 15.3, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) during steady state concentrations and the rate of increase during progression is described. One hundred and ninety-two patients were monitored during first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer and during follow-up. Blood specimens were sampled approximately every four weeks. Steady state concentrations were registered for 77 (CA 15.3), 96 (CEA), and 127 (TPA) patients with below cutoff level values and for 28 (CA 15.3), 25 (CEA), and 11 (TPA ) patients with above cutoff level values. Clinical and marker progression was registered for 75 (CA 15.3), 62 (CEA), and 57 (TPA) patients. The coefficients of total variation of steady state concentrations (comprising the intra- and interassay analytical imprecision and the within subject biological variation) were higher below (14.9% CA 15.3, 15.4% CEA, 25.9% TPA) than above cutoffs (9.6% CA 15.3, 6.0% CEA, 19.9% TPA). The variability was similar for CA 15.3 and CEA but higher for TPA. During progression the rates of increase in concentrations were similar for CA 15.3 (0.0257) and CEA (0.0214) and lower than for TPA (0.0346). Our data indicate that criteria for assessment of sequential tumor marker concentrations should consider the marker in question, the steady state variability, the cutoff value, and the rate of increase during disease progression.
Determination of Plasma Methoxyamines
Authors: Pallant Agnès , Mathian Bruno , Prost Laurent , Theodore Christine , Patricot Marie-Claude 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The determination of plasma methoxyamines is the most informative parameter for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Very good sensitivity and specificity are necessary for this. The measurement of deconjugated (free plus sulfate—conjugated) metanephrines is more useful. Concentrations are 10—fold higher than free metanephrine concentrations. The methodology generally uses a column purification and high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. We have tested six commercial columns used for the purification step. We chose a rapid and reliable method with a mixture of strong cation-exchange and strong anion-exchange groups bonded onto a silica column. This protocol has been validated with samples of plasma from normal subjects, healthy elderly people, renal failure patients and patients with pheochromocytoma.
A Model for Setting Analytical Quality Specifications and Design of Control for Measurements on the Ordinal Scale
Authors: Petersen Per Hyltoft , Sandberg Sverre , Fraser Callum G. , Goldschmidt Henk 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A model for characterization of measurements on the ordinal scale is presented. It is based on transformation of the calculated fractions (fractiles) of positives from measurements on samples with known concentrations to a probit-natural log (probit-ln) scale. Such measurements could be made by other methods on ratio or difference scales but, for convenience (for example for speed or low cost), are measured on the ordinal scale by “simple” methods. The model is examined, and verified, using three examples from published data (haemoglobin, glucose, and leukocytes) and an external quality assessment survey on measurements of streptococcus. We show that it is possible to obtain reliable analytical quality specifications and to establish design of control systems for measurements on the ordinal scale. It is concluded that the presented probit-ln model for the ordinal scale is a tool which can improve and facilitate (i) characterizing methods with measurements on the ordinal scale, (ii) defining analytical quality specifications, (iii) designing external assessment as well as internal control schemes, (iv) validation of methods with measurements on the ordinal scale according to the analytical quality specifications, and further, (v) reduction of the number of samples required for method validation and the number of replicate measurements needed.
Evaluation of the Roche Diagnostics LightCycler-Apo B 3500 Mutation Detection Kit
Authors: Nauck Markus , Wieland Heinrich , März Winfried 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Familial defective apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 is an autosomal codominant disorder associated with hypercholesterolemia and an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Two independent mutations affecting the codon 3500 (Arg3500→Gln and Arg3500→Trp) have been shown to cause ligand-defective apo B-100. Identification of carriers of these mutations is an important step in the risk stratification of individuals and families with hypercholesterolemia.
We evaluated a homogeneous assay for detection of mutations at codon 3500 that combines rapid-cycle PCR with allele-specific fluorescent probe melting profiles for product genotyping. This single-tube analysis is performed on the LightCycler™, a microvolume fluorimeter integrated with a thermal cycler. Continuous acquisition of fluorescence data during a melting curve analysis at completion of PCR allows the detection of mutations, as loss of fluorescence occurs in an allele-specific manner. By plotting melting peaks, the three apo B-100 alleles were readily distinguishable. Using this method, genotyping of 32 samples is completed within 40 min without the need for any post-PCR sample manipulation, thereby eliminating the risks of end-product contamination and sample tracking errors. The specific detection of mutations at codon 3500 of the apo B gene on the LightCycler™ is a rapid and reliable method that is ideally suitable for typing both small and large numbers of samples.