bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical determination of depth‐distance corrections for mb and Mw from global seismograph network stations
Authors: Nolet Guust , Krueger Steve , Clouser Robert M. 
Published: February 2004

Using P wave amplitudes from 52 deep earthquakes, recorded by the Global Seismograph Network (GSN) between 1991 and 1996, we empirically determined depth‐distance corrections for body wave magnitude mb and moment magnitude Mw. After correcting vertical, broadband records from stations of the GSN for instrument response and source radiation factors, P wave amplitudes from velocity records were read for the case of mb and the surface area under the displacement pulse of the P wave for Mw. Amplitudes were then normalized to a scalar moment M0=1018 Nm, or mb=5.7, Mw=5.9. Using the generic logarithmic relationship for each magnitude, correction factors Q(Δ, h) were determined.A total of 973 observed values of Q in the plane of distance Δ vs. depth h were smoothed by local averaging, as well as fitted by a parameterized smooth surface. These empirical Q(Δ, h) surfaces differ in important detail from those historically established by Gutenberg and Richter, and markedly from the theoretical curves predicted by Veith and Clawson (1971). We present a first empirical correction factor for the determination of Mw from P wave displacements.
Case study on the influence of inhomogeneous surface albedo on UV irradiance
Authors: Degünther M. , Meerkötter R. , Albold A. , Seckmeyer G. 
Published: February 2004

The influence of inhomogeneous surface albedo on UV irradiance is investigated for cloud free conditions using a recently developed 3‐dimensional radiative transfer model. From the calculations the relative enhancement of UV irradiance due to (partial) snow coverage as well as an 1‐dimensional effective albedo is derived. This 1d‐albedo is a quantity allowing to account for effects of inhomogeneous surface albedo in 1‐dimensional radiative transfer models. The results indicate that the surface albedo must be known on an area with considerable size: even if surface albedo is specified on an area with 40km radius around the measuring site the influence of areas outside this range on UV irradiance can be still up to 3%.Although we already found encouraging agreement between modeled and measured spectral irradiance for clear skies and low surface albedo, the general evaluation of the 3‐dimensional model remains an open issue.
Health services research: what is it and what does it offer?
Authors: Scott I. , Campbell D. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Over the last 20 years, clinical medicine has witnessed rapid expansion in its underlying evidence base, greater demand for accountability in clinicians’ use of limited resources and increasing societal expectation for health care that confers proven benefit at reasonable cost to all eligible recipients.Health services research, also referred to as the clinical evaluative sciences, has grown in response to the need for objective empirical analysis of the modern health system’s ability to deliver effective, efficient, equitable and safe care and to further the health and well‐being of whole populations. In this article we provide an overview of the aims, methods and outputs of this burgeoning new discipline. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 91–99)
Resection of residual pulmonary masses after chemotherapy in patients with metastatic non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours
Authors: Horvath L. G. , McCaughan B. C. , Stockler M. , Boyer M. J. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Background: Resection of residual post‐chemotherapy pulmonary masses in patients with non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours gives therapeutic benefit and prognostic information. Aim: This study was undertaken to review the experience of this intervention in a single teaching hospital. Methods: The Germ Cell Database of the Sydney Cancer Centre was searched for all patients who had undergone excision of pulmonary metastases. These patient records were subsequently reviewed. Results: Between 1976 and 1999, 15 patients underwent a combined total of 19 thoracotomies for resection of residual tumour mass after cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. The primary tumour histology included mature teratoma in 47% (7 of 15) of patients. Prior to chemotherapy, 73% (11 of 15) of patients had elevated serum levels of alpha‐fetoprotein (median 180 ng/mL) and 60% (9 of 15) of patients had elevated beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (median 672 IU/L). The median length of hospital stay related to thoracotomy was 7 days. There were two surgical complications, a prolonged air leak and a residual pleural effusion. Pathology of residual pulmonary masses revealed necrosis alone in 37% (7 of 19) of procedures, mature teratoma alone in 32% (6 of 19) of procedures and viable tumour in 32% (6 of 19) of procedures. Of those with viable tumour, three achieved long‐term complete response (CR), two died of progressive disease (PD) and one is alive with PD. Of those with teratoma, two achieved CR and one relapsed. The long‐term CR rate was 80% (12 of 15 patients). The median follow up was 10 years (range 0.75–17.5 years). Four patients died, two of PD and two of cardiovascular disease while in CR. Conclusion: At this institution, thoracotomy for residual pulmonary masses was well tolerated, with a high cure rate. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 79–83)
Calculation of Three-Body Ionic Recombination Rate
Authors: Landon Stephen A. , Keck James C. 
Published: February 2004

The three-body ionic recombination rate at low densities is calculated for a slightly ionized gas by considering that the relaxation of the energy of molecules occurs by a “diffusion” process. The effective conductivity in the equivalent diffusion equation is the second moment of the energy transfer.
The moments are derived in closed form using classical mechanics and enable the recombination rate constant to be obtained. The agreement of the results with experimental data is good and suggests that the approach is useful even where relatively large energy transfers are involved.
Reptation of a Polymer Chain in the Presence of Fixed Obstacles
Authors: de Gennes P. G. 
Published: February 2004

We discuss possible motions for one polymer molecule P (of mass M) performing wormlike displacements inside a strongly cross-linked polymeric gel G. The topological requirement that P cannot intersect any of the chains of G is taken into account by a rigorous procedure: The only motions allowed for the chain are associated with the displacement of certain “defects” along the chain. The main conclusions derived from this model are the following:
(a) There are two characteristic times for the chain motion: One of them (Td) is the equilibration time for the defect concentration, and is proportional to M2. The other time (Tr) is the time required for complete renewal of the chain conformation, and is proportional to M3.
(b) The over-all mobility and diffusion coefficients of the chain P are proportional to M−2.
(c) At times t &lt; Tr the mean square displacement of one monomer of P increases only like 〈(rt − r0)2〉 = const t1/4.
These results may also turn out to be useful for the (more difficult) problem of entanglement effects in unlinked molten polymers.
Effective Hand Function Assessment After Burn Injuries
Authors: Umraw Nisha , Chan Yvonne , Gomez Manuel , Cartotto Robert C. , Fish Joel S. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
This study compared two methods of hand function assessment, the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Test d'Evaluation des Membres Supérieurs des Personnes Agées (TEMPA) in 20 patients discharged from a regional adult burn center (1995–1999). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis was used to compare the MHQ and TEMPA scores, with P &lt; .05 considered significant. The MHQ revealed that 68% of patients reported hand function deterioration, mainly with the nondominant hand (65%). Activities of daily living (76%) and work (59%) were the most affected. According to the MHQ, patient satisfaction correlated with work performance (r = .66, P = .002), aesthetics (r = .64, P = .003), pain (r = .59, P = .008), and activities of daily living (r = .54, P = .017). The MHQ indicated more hand function deterioration than the TEMPA. There was a significant correlation between the MHQ and TEMPA total scores (r = .68, P = .001). This study supports using the MHQ to determine which patients would benefit from the more resource-consuming TEMPA.
Self-Reported Quality of Life After Electrical and Thermal Injury
Authors: Cochran Amalia , Edelman Linda S. , Saffle Jeffrey R. , Morris Stephen E. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Electrical injury patients (EI) often require more procedures and longer hospital stays than their thermal injury counterparts. We hypothesized that postinjury quality of life might be better in thermal injury patients (TIs) than in EI. Each EI recorded in our institution's TRACS™/ABA registry between 1995 and 2000 was matched with a TI for age and TBSA involvement. We compared SF-36 scores of EI and TIs to evaluate quality of life. Age and TBSA injury were similar between groups. SF-36 results demonstrated no significant differences in self-reported quality of life indices. Return to full-time employment did not differ significantly between groups. EI and TIs do not differ significantly in quality of life after their burn injuries. Self-evaluated function for EI and TIs is comparable. Quality of life in both EI and TIs are above population means on many dimensions.
Blood Transfusion in Burns: What Do We Do?
Authors: Palmieri Tina L. , Greenhalgh David G. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Over 11 million units of blood are transfused yearly in the United States. Although blood transfusion is common in burns, data are lacking on appropriate transfusion thresholds. The purpose of the study was to identify current burn center physician blood transfusion practices. A 30-question survey of blood transfusion practices was developed and sent to burn center directors. The survey assessed demographics, burn experience, and blood transfusion thresholds. Physicians were asked to list factors affecting their blood transfusion thresholds and then to give their blood transfusion threshold for patients based on age and percent burn. The final section presents three case scenarios with alterations in one physiological parameter to assess the effect on transfusion thresholds. A total of 55 of the 180 surveys (31%) were returned. Mean number of burn beds was 15.7 ± 1.4, with 264 ± 25 burn admissions per year. The respondents had been in burn care for 15.9 ± 1.4 years. Their mean hemoglobin transfusion threshold was 8.12 ± 1.7g/dl. The most frequent reasons for transfusion were ongoing blood loss (22%), anemia (20%), hypoxia (13%), and cardiac disease (12%). Inhalation injury influenced the decision to transfuse blood in 34%. The hemoglobin level below which respondents would transfuse blood increased with increasing TBSA burn, history of cardiac disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and age. Blood transfusion thresholds in burns vary based on burn percentage, age, and presence of cardiac disease. To date, no standard of care exists for blood transfusions in burns. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the appropriate use of blood in burns.
Procalcitonin in Pediatric Burn Patients: An Early Indicator of Sepsis?
Authors: Neely Alice N. , Fowler Laura A. , Kagan Richard J. , Warden Glenn D. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
To determine whether changes in procalcitonin (PCT) could be used to predict the onset of sepsis, daily PCT levels were monitored in 20 burned children. Analysis indicated a PCT rise of 5 ng/ml or greater as the best indication of sepsis. We compared the surgeons' determination of sepsis, which was based on changes in platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other clinical manifestations, with the prediction of sepsis from PCT. There were 26 septic episodes and 36 nonseptic episodes in the 20 patients. PCT results were classified as to true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives. As an indicator of sepsis, the PCT assay had a sensitivity of 42%, a specificity of 67%, and an efficiency of 57%. Even when the assay correctly identified sepsis, the determination was made an average of 0.8 days after the surgeon had already made the diagnosis based on CRP and/or platelet count. We conclude that PCT is not as effective as CRP and/or platelet count in the early detection of sepsis in burned children.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Does Immunoglobulin Make a Difference?
Authors: Brown K. M. , Silver G. M. , Halerz M. , Walaszek P. , Sandroni A. , Gamelli Richard L. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Experimental evidence implicates Fas ligand–mediated keratinocyte apoptosis as an underlying mechanism of toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TEN). In vitro studies indicate a potential role for immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy in blocking Fas ligand signaling, thus reducing the severity of TEN. Anecdotal reports have described successful treatment of TEN patients with Ig; however, no study to date has analyzed outcome data in a large series of patients treated with Ig using institutional controls. The SCORTEN severity-of-illness score ranks severity and predicts prognosis in TEN patients using age, heart rate, TBSA slough, history of malignancy, and admission blood urea nitrogen, serum bicarbonate, and glucose levels. A retrospective chart review was performed that included all patients treated for TEN at our burn center since 1997. Ig therapy was instituted for all patients with biopsy-proven TEN beginning in January 2000. Twenty-one TEN patients were treated before Ig (no-Ig group), and 24 patients have been treated with Ig. SCORTEN data were collected, as well as length of stay (LOS) and status upon discharge. Each patient was given a SCORTEN of 0 to 6, with 1 point each for age greater than 40, TBSA slough greater than 10%, history of malignancy, admission BUN greater than 28 mg/dl, HCO3 less than 20 mg/dl, and glucose greater then 252 mg/dl. Outcome was compared between patients treated with Ig and without Ig. Overall mortality for patients treated before Ig was 28.6% (6/21), and with Ig, mortality was 41.7%% (10/24). There was no significant difference in age or TBSA slough. The average SCORTEN between the groups was equivalent (2.2 in no-Ig group vs 2.7 in Ig group, P = 0.3), and no group of patients with any SCORTEN score showed a significant benefit from Ig therapy. Overall LOS as well as LOS for survivors was longer in the Ig group. This series represents the largest single-institution analysis of TEN patient outcome after institution of Ig therapy. Our data do not show a significant improvement in mortality for TEN patients treated with Ig at any level of severity and may indicate a potential detriment in using Ig. Ig should not be given to TEN patients outside of a clinical trial. A multicenter, prospective, double-blinded randomized trial is necessary and urgently indicated to determine whether Ig therapy is beneficial or harmful in the care of TEN patients.
Burn Injury in Patients With Early-Onset Neurological Impairments
Authors: Alden N. E. , Rabbitts A. , Rolls J. A. , Bessey P. Q. , Yurt R. W. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Many patients suffer from sensorimotor deficits that may contribute to burn injury. This retrospective study examines burn injuries in the subgroup of patients that suffer from the early onset neurological impairments of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, and attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder. Fifty-one patients who suffered from the above-mentioned early-onset neurological impairments were admitted to our burn center during a 4-year period. The average TBSA burned was 8.9% yet resulted in prolonged hospitalizations. This study describes our burn center's experience in treating patients admitted with early-onset neurological impairments.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Blocks Dexamethasone-Induced Protein Degradation in Cultured Myotubes by Inhibiting Multiple Proteolytic Pathways
Authors: Li Bing-Guo , Hasselgren Per-Olof , Fang Cheng-Hui , Warden Glenn D. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
In previous studies, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) inhibited glucocorticoid-induced muscle protein breakdown, but the intracellular mechanisms of this effect of IGF-I are not well understood. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that IGF-I inhibits multiple proteolytic pathways in dexamethasone-treated cultured L6 myotubes. Myotubes were treated with 1 μM dexamethasone for 6 hours in the absence or presence of 0.1 μg/ml of IGF-I. Protein degradation was determined by measuring the release of trichloroacetic acid–soluble radioactivity from proteins prelabeled with 3H-tyrosine. The contribution of lysosomal, proteasomal-dependent, and calpain-dependent proteolysis to the inhibitory effect of IGF-I on protein degradation was assessed by using inhibitors of the individual proteolytic pathways (methylamine, β-lactone, and E64, respectively). In addition, the influence of IGF-I on cathepsin B, proteasome, and calpain activities was determined. Treatment of L6 myotubes with dexamethasone resulted in an approximately 20% increase in protein degradation. This effect of dexamethasone was completely blocked by IGF-I. When the different protease inhibitors were used, results showed that IGF-I inhibited lysosomal, proteasomal-dependent, and calpain-dependent proteolysis by 70, 44, and 41%, respectively. Additionally, IGF-I blocked the dexamethasone-induced increase in cathepsin B, proteasome, and calpain activities. The present results suggest that IGF-I inhibits glucocorticoid-induced muscle proteolysis by blocking multiple proteolytic pathways.
Aquacel Ag® in the Management of Partial-Thickness Burns: Results of a Clinical Trial
Authors: Caruso Daniel M. , Foster Kevin N. , Hermans Michel H.E. , Rick Christina 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Aquacel® Hydrofiber® is a moisture retentive topical dressing that has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious for the management of partial-thickness burns, showing parity for most dressing related aspects to cadaver skin for this indication. Recently, 1.2% w/w silver has been added to the Aquacel ® Hydrofiber®, to create Aquacel Ag®. This new material releases silver within the dressing for up to two weeks, and it is this duration that differentiates it from other sustained release silver delivery products indicated for burn management. The dressing was tested in a phase II noncomparative trial in superficial, mid dermal, and mixed partial-thickness burns. Percentage and speed of reepithelialization were satisfactory and appear to be similar at least to results noted with silver sulfadiazine, although, no direct comparisons were performed in this study. Pain reduction between baseline and postburn day number three and five was statistically significant. Conformability, general ease of use and other functional dressing properties were rated very positively. Overall, Aquacel Ag® combines several properties known to be beneficial for the management of partial-thickness burns and is a very good choice for superficial and mid-thickness burn injuries.
p‐Nonylphenol, 4‐tert‐Octylphenol and Bisphenol A Increase the Expression of Progesterone Receptor mRNA in the Frontal Cortex of Adult Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Funabashi T. , Nakamura T. J. , Kimura F. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAlkylphenols, such as p‐nonylphenol (NP) and 4‐tert‐octylphenol (OP) and bisphenol A (BPA) are thought to mimic oestrogens in their action, and are called endocrine disrupters. We examined whether these endocrine disrupters affected progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA expression in the adult female rat neocortex. In one experiment, at 12.00 h, ovariectomized rats were given a subcutaneous injection of 10 mg of NP, 10 mg of OP or 10 mg of BPA, or sesame oil alone as control. Twenty‐four hours after injection, the left side of the frontal cortex, parietal cortex and temporal cortex was collected. In a second experiment to study the time‐course of the effects of BPA on PR mRNA, the ovariectomized rats were given a subcutaneous injection of 10 mg of BPA and killed 0, 6, 12 and 24 h after injection. In addition to the frontal cortex and temporal cortex, the occipital cortex was also collected. Northern blotting revealed that, in the first experiment, injection of NP, OP or BPA significantly increased PR mRNA expression in the frontal cortex but not in the parietal cortex. In the temporal cortex, BPA significantly decreased PR mRNA, but NP and OP produced no significant changes. The second experiment revealed that, in the frontal cortex, BPA induced a significant increase in PR mRNA expression at 6 h after injection, which lasted until 24 h after injection. In the temporal cortex, PR mRNA expression was significantly decreased 6 h after injection of BPA and was still significantly low 24 h after injection. No significant change was observed in the occipital cortex. These results suggest that, even in adult rats, endocrine disrupters alter the neocortical function by affecting the PR system, although the physiological significance of PR in the affected area is unknown.
Regulation of Galanin Receptor GalR1 mRNA Expression by Ovarian Steroids in Oestrogen Receptor Alpha‐Immunoreactive Neurones: Identification of Distinct Populations of Neurones in the Preoptic Area
Authors: Mitchell V. , Lecompte F. , Beauvillain J. C. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study examined whether gonadal steroids are involved in regulating galanin receptor 1 (GalR1) mRNA expression in neurones that contain oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), in three regions of the preoptic area (POA) known to be involved in the control of gonadotropin secretion. Double‐labelling immunohistochemistry using an antibody against the ERα and in situ hybridization experiments using a 35S‐labelled riboprobe specific for GalR1 mRNAs revealed that ERα is expressed in a large proportion of GalR1 mRNA‐expressing neurones of the POA in the ovariectomized (OVX) female rat. Oestradiol (E2) and oestradiol plus progesterone (E2 + P) treatments of OVX rats significantly decreased the proportion of GalR1 mRNA/ERα immunoreactive (ERα‐IR) neurones in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) and medial preoptic area (MPO). The expression of GalR1 mRNA in ERα‐IR neurones varied according the hormonal status of the female animals. In the AVPV, during the oestrous cycle, the hybridization signal significantly increased at oestrus. E2 and E2 + P treatments of OVX rats did not induced significant variation of levels of GalR1 mRNAs in ERα‐IR neurones. In the MPN, E2 treatment of OVX rats resulted in significant increase in GalR1 mRNA expression in ERα‐IR neurones. Similarly, levels of the GalR1 hybridization signal increased during afternoon of proestrus and oestrus. In the MPO, treatment of OVX rats with E2 + P significantly decreased GalR1 mRNA expression in ERα‐IR neurones. The expression of GalR1 mRNA did not change during the oestrous cycle in this area. These findings suggest that the hypothalamic action of galanin on gonadotopin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion may pass through the specific population of GalR1/ERα‐IR neurones of the MPN in mediating the oestrogen action on the GnRH system at the moment of the luteinizing hormone surge.