bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depth determination from a non‐stationary magnetic profile for scaling geology
Authors: Bansal A.R. , Dimri V.P. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTThe conventional spectral analysis method for interpretation of magnetic data assumes stationary spatial series and a white‐noise source distribution. However, long magnetic profiles may not be stationary in nature and source distributions are not white. Long non‐stationary magnetic profiles can be divided into stationary subprofiles following Wiener filter theory. A least‐squares inverse method is used to calculate the scaling exponents and depth values of magnetic interfaces from the power spectrum. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated on non‐stationary synthetic and field magnetic data collected along the Nagaur–Jhalawar transect, western India. The stationarity of the whole profile and the subprofiles of the synthetic and field data is tested. The variation of the mean and standard deviations of the subprofiles is significantly reduced compared with the whole profile. The depth values found from the synthetic model are in close agreement with the assumed depth values, whereas for the field data these are in close agreement with estimates from seismic, magnetotelluric and gravity data.
On the electrical reflectivity tensor in d.c. electric field modelling
Authors: Sun J. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTWe use the integral equation for a d.c. electric field, published in the literature, to introduce the concept of the electrical reflectivity tensor into d.c. electric field modelling. It is shown that in d.c. electric field modelling, the electric reflectivity tensor can be obtained in exactly the same way as in electromagnetic modelling. As a result, for a d.c. electric field, the quasi‐linear and the quasi‐analytical approximations, as well as the quasi‐analytical series, can be constructed in exactly the same way as in electromagnetic modelling. If the primary field is uniform, and if the anomalous body is a uniform circular cylinder or a uniform sphere, the reflectivity tensor is zero order (constant), relating to the free surface charge density. Thus, for some homogeneous bodies that have simple shapes and are embedded in a uniform primary field, the electrical reflectivity tensor is not only a mathematical mechanism for obtaining approximate solutions, but also a physical reality. Indeed, the free surface charge density is defined as the change of the electric displacement vector across the boundary surface under consideration. If the primary field is caused by a point source, and if the anomalous body is a uniform sphere, the reflectivity tensor is second order, varying slowly within the sphere. The relationship to the free surface charge density can be established only when both the reflectivity tensor and the free surface charge density are approximated by the first terms of their series solutions. If the point source is far from the centre of the sphere, the corresponding reflectivity tensor reduces to zero order, and is independent of the observation position within the sphere, i.e. it is a constant. Therefore, the basic idea of the quasi‐analytical approximation, i.e. taking the reflectivity tensor outside the integral operator, is justified in the case considered here.
A randomised controlled trial of biopsy forceps and cannula aspiration for transcervical chorionic villus sampling
Authors: Von Dadelszen Peter , Sermer Mathew , Hillier Joan , Allen Lynn C. , Fernandes Bernie J.J. , Johnson Jo‐Ann M. , Shime Jerry , Winsor Elizabeth J.T. , Ryan Greg 
Published: April 2005

Objective  This trial compared two instruments for transcervical chorionic villus sampling (CVS).Design  Randomised controlled trial.Setting  Regional university prenatal diagnosis and treatment centre.Population  Two hundred women were randomised at 10+0–12+6 weeks of gestation to transcervical CVS using cannula aspiration (CA) or biopsy forceps (BF).Methods  Women undergoing indicated CVS signed informed consent. Randomisation after decision to perform transcervical CVS.Main outcome measures  Primary outcome: the rise in maternal serum α‐fetoprotein (α‐FP). Secondary outcomes: (i) placental trauma (fetomaternal haemorrhage [FMH]); (ii) laboratory, procedure, and cytogenetic results and pregnancy outcomes; (iii) patient and operator satisfaction; and (iv) economic analyses. Analyses were performed by intention to treat.Results  The ‐FP rise did not differ between groups; there was no other evidence of placental trauma. BF were better tolerated by women, provided culturable tissue, after fewer instrument passes, with greater ease and in less time. BF were associated with cost savings.Conclusions  Unlike ‐FP, other markers of FMH were unaltered, questioning the reliability of α‐FP as an indicator of FMH. Compared with CA, transcervical BF caused comparable placental trauma, appeared to be similarly effective and safe and were preferred by operators and patients.
Female genital appearance: ‘normality’ unfolds
Authors: Lloyd Jillian , Crouch Naomi S. , Minto Catherine L. , Liao Lih‐Mei , Creighton Sarah M. 
Published: April 2005

Objective  To describe variations in genital dimensions of normal women.Design  Observational cross‐sectional study.Setting  Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, University College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.Population  Fifty premenopausal women having gynaecological procedures not involving the external genitalia under general anaesthetic.Methods  A cross sectional study using digital photography and measurements of the external genitalia.Main outcome measures  Clitoral size, labial length and width, colour and rugosity, vaginal length, distance from clitoris to urethral orifice, distance from posterior fourchette to anterior anal margin.Results  A wide range of values were noted for each measurement. There was no statistically significant association with age, parity, ethnicity, hormonal use or history of sexual activity.Conclusion  Women vary widely in genital dimensions. This information should be made available to women when considering surgical procedures on the genitals, decisions for which must be carefully considered between surgeon and woman.
Prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel to treat dystocia in spontaneous labour: a multicentre randomised placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Oppenheimer Lawrence W. , Labrecque Michel , Wells George , Bland Elaine S. , Fraser William D. , Eason Erica , Brisson‐Carroll Gisele , Yetisir Elizabeth ,   Dylate Study Group
Published: April 2005

Objective  To test the safety and efficacy of prostaglandin E2 (PgE2) as a treatment for dystocia in spontaneous labour.Design  Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.Setting  Multicentre study in nine university‐affiliated hospitals in Canada.Population  Three hundred and thiry‐two nulliparous women with spontaneous labour at term.Methods  Women who had progressed <2 cm of cervical dilation in the 4 hours following the diagnosis of labour were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of either 1 mg (n= 112) or 2 mg (n= 111) PgE2 vaginal gel or placebo gel (n= 109).Main outcome measures  The primary outcome was resolution of dystocia, defined as a change in cervical dilatation of >0.5 cm per hour in the 6 hours following gel administration. Secondary outcomes were progress of labour, uterine hyperstimulation (more than five contractions in 10 minutes or a contraction lasting more than 2 minutes), use of oxytocin, method of delivery, maternal and neonatal morbidity.Results  Dystocia resolved more often after PgE2 1 mg (49%), RR 1.53 (95% CI 1.1, 2.1) and PgE2 2 mg (49%), RR 1.5 (CI 1.1, 2.1), compared with placebo (32%). Hyperstimulation was increased after PgE2 2 mg treatment (15%), RR 5.6 (95% CI 1.7, 18), but not after PgE2 1 mg (5.4%), RR 1.9 (CI 0.50, 7.6) when compared with placebo (2.8%). There was an increase in caesarean sections performed in the second stage of labour in the PgE2 groups versus placebo. There were no differences in measures of maternal or neonatal morbidity.Conclusion  A single 1‐mg dose of PgE2 vaginal gel is more effective than placebo in resolving dystocia, without increasing uterine hyperstimulation, but may be associated with an increase in the incidence of second stage caesarean section.
How much variation in CS rates can be explained by case mix differences?
Authors: Paranjothy S. , Frost C. , Thomas J. 
Published: April 2005

Objective  To quantify the amount of variation in caesarean section (CS) rates between maternity units explained by case mix differences.Design  Cross‐sectional study.Setting  All 216 maternity units in England and Wales.Population  Women giving birth at these maternity units between May and July 2000.Methods  Logistic regression models were developed to investigate the relationship between case mix characteristics, and odds of (i) CS before labour, (ii) CS in labour. Using these results, overall CS rates standardised for case mix were calculated for each maternity unit. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to examine heterogeneity between maternity units.Main outcome measures  CS before labour and CS during labour.Results  Adjustment for case mix differences between maternity units explained 34% of the variance in CS rates. Odds of CS (before and in labour) increased with maternal age. Women from ethnic minority groups had lower odds of CS before labour, and increased odds of CS in labour. Women with a previous vaginal delivery had lower odds of CS, although the magnitude of this for CS before and in labour is markedly different.Conclusions  Case mix adjustment is important to enable understanding of the factors that influence the CS rate. These include organisational and staffing levels as well as women's preferences for childbirth and clinician's attitudes. An understanding of how these factors influence the CS rate is essential for evaluation of quality and appropriateness of obstetric care provided to women.
Clostridium difficileToxins: Mechanism of Action and Role in Disease
Authors: Voth Daniel E. , Ballard Jimmy D. 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYAs the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea,Clostridium difficilecolonizes the large bowel of patients undergoing antibiotic therapy and produces two toxins, which cause notable disease pathologies. These two toxins, TcdA and TcdB, are encoded on a pathogenicity locus along with negative and positive regulators of their expression. Following expression and release from the bacterium, TcdA and TcdB translocate to the cytosol of target cells and inactivate small GTP-binding proteins, which include Rho, Rac, and Cdc42. Inactivation of these substrates occurs through monoglucosylation of a single reactive threonine, which lies within the effector-binding loop and coordinates a divalent cation critical to binding GTP. By glucosylating small GTPases, TcdA and TcdB cause actin condensation and cell rounding, which is followed by death of the cell. TcdA elicits effects primarily within the intestinal epithelium, while TcdB has a broader cell tropism. Important advances in the study of these toxins have been made in the past 15 years, and these are detailed in this review. The domains, subdomains, and residues of these toxins important for receptor binding and enzymatic activity have been elegantly studied and are highlighted herein. Furthermore, there have been major advances in defining the role of these toxins in modulating the inflammatory events involving the disruption of cell junctions, neuronal activation, cytokine production, and infiltration by polymorphonuclear cells. Collectively, the present review provides a comprehensive update on TcdA and TcdB's mechanism of action as well as the role of these toxins in disease.
Subversion Mechanisms by WhichLeishmaniaParasites Can Escape the Host Immune Response: a Signaling Point of View
Authors: Olivier Martin , Gregory David J. , Forget Geneviève 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYThe obligate intracellular parasiteLeishmaniamust survive the antimicrobial activities of its host cell, the macrophage, and prevent activation of an effective immune response. In order to do this, it has developed numerous highly successful strategies for manipulating activities, including antigen presentation, nitric oxide and oxygen radical generation, and cytokine production. This is generally the result of interactions betweenLeishmaniacell surface molecules, particularly gp63 and LPG, and less well identified macrophage surface receptors, causing the distortion of specific intracellular signaling cascades. We describe some of the signaling pathways and intermediates that are repressed in infected cells, including JAK/STAT, Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (especially ERK1/2), and proteasome-mediated transcription factor degradation. We also discuss protein tyrosine phosphatases (particularly SHP-1), intracellular Ca2+, Ca2+-independent PKC, ceramide, and the suppressors of cytokine signaling family of repressors, which are all reported to be activated following infection, and the role of parasite-secreted cysteine proteases.
Molecular Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, and Clinical Manifestations of Respiratory Infections Due toBordetella pertussisand OtherBordetellaSubspecies
Authors: Mattoo Seema , Cherry James D. 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYBordetellarespiratory infections are common in people (B. pertussis) and in animals (B. bronchiseptica). During the last two decades, much has been learned about the virulence determinants, pathogenesis, and immunity ofBordetella. Clinically, the full spectrum of disease due toB. pertussisinfection is now understood, and infections in adolescents and adults are recognized as the reservoir for cyclic outbreaks of disease. DTaP vaccines, which are less reactogenic than DTP vaccines, are now in general use in many developed countries, and it is expected that the expansion of their use to adolescents and adults will have a significant impact on reducing pertussis and perhaps decrease the circulation ofB. pertussis. Future studies should seek to determine the cause of the unique cough which is associated withBordetellarespiratory infections. It is also hoped that data gathered from molecularBordetellaresearch will lead to a new generation of DTaP vaccines which provide greater efficacy than is provided by today's vaccines.
Melioidosis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management
Authors: Cheng Allen C. , Currie Bart J. 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYMelioidosis, caused by the gram-negative saprophyteBurkholderia pseudomallei, is a disease of public health importance in southeast Asia and northern Australia that is associated with high case-fatality rates in animals and humans. It has the potential for epidemic spread to areas where it is not endemic, and sporadic case reports elsewhere in the world suggest that as-yet-unrecognized foci of infection may exist. Environmental determinants of this infection, apart from a close association with rainfall, are yet to be elucidated. The sequencing of the genome of a strain ofB. pseudomalleihas recently been completed and will help in the further identification of virulence factors. The presence of specific risk factors for infection, such as diabetes, suggests that functional neutrophil defects are important in the pathogenesis of melioidosis; other studies have defined virulence factors (including a type III secretion system) that allow evasion of killing mechanisms by phagocytes. There is a possible role for cell-mediated immunity, but repeated environmental exposure does not elicit protective humoral or cellular immunity. A vaccine is under development, but economic constraints may make vaccination an unrealistic option for many regions of endemicity. Disease manifestations are protean, and no inexpensive, practical, and accurate rapid diagnostic tests are commercially available; diagnosis relies on culture of the organism. Despite the introduction of ceftazidime- and carbapenem-based intravenous treatments, melioidosis is still associated with a significant mortality attributable to severe sepsis and its complications. A long course of oral eradication therapy is required to prevent relapse. Studies exploring the role of preventative measures, earlier clinical identification, and better management of severe sepsis are required to reduce the burden of this disease.
Trends in smoking behaviour between 1985 and 2000 in nine European countries by education
Authors: Giskes K , Kunst A E , Benach J , Borrell C , Costa G , Dahl E , Dalstra J A A , Federico B , Helmert U , Judge K , Lahelma E , Moussa K , Ostergren P O , Platt S , Prattala R , Rasmussen N K , Mackenbach J P 
Published: April 2005

Objective:To examine whether trends in smoking behaviour in Western Europe between 1985 and 2000 differed by education group.Design:Data of smoking behaviour and education level were obtained from national cross sectional surveys conducted between 1985 and 2000 (a period characterised by intense tobacco control policies) and analysed for countries combined and each country separately. Annual trends in smoking prevalence and the quantity of cigarettes consumed by smokers were summarised for each education level. Education inequalities in smoking were examined at four time points.Setting:Data were obtained from nine European countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain.Participants:451 386 non-institutionalised men and women 25–79 years old.Main outcome measures:Smoking status, daily quantity of cigarettes consumed by smokers.Results:Combined country analyses showed greater declines in smoking and tobacco consumption among tertiary educated men and women compared with their less educated counterparts. In country specific analyses, elementary educated British men and women, and elementary educated Italian men showed greater declines in smoking than their more educated counterparts. Among Swedish, Finnish, Danish, German, Italian, and Spanish women, greater declines were seen among more educated groups.Conclusions:Widening education inequalities in smoking related diseases may be seen in several European countries in the future. More insight into effective strategies specifically targeting the smoking behaviour of low educated groups may be gained from examining the tobacco control policies of the UK and Italy over this period.
Physical functioning in elderly Europeans: 10 year changes in the north and south: the HALE project
Authors: Äijänseppä Sinikka , Notkola Irma-Leena , Tijhuis Marja , van Staveren Wija , Kromhout Daan , Nissinen Aulikki 
Published: April 2005

Objectives:To examine age related changes in physical functioning in elderly men and women.Design:Prospective, population based study.Setting:Population of 15 rural and urban centres in 10 European countries.Participants:Altogether 3496 men and women born between 1900 and 1920 who participated in the baseline survey of the HALE project in 1988–1991. The study population was examined again about five (in 1993–1995) and 10 (in 1999–2001) years after the baseline examination.Main outcome measures:Physical functioning was measured by means of a self administered questionnaire of activities of daily living (ADL). Dichotomised prevalence of disability and need for help in self care and mobility ADL were used as dependent variables in the analyses.Results:Prevalence of disability and need for help tended to be higher in women than in men and in mobility abilities than in self care activities. Disability and need for help increased with advancing age but ameliorated over time from one birth cohort to another. In longitudinal analyses this beneficial time trend was independent of the effect of age, study, and region in self care disability in men and women (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.97 and OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97, respectively) and self care need for help in men (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.96). Mobility disability among men and self care disability among women decreased more in the south than in the north.Conclusion:While European populations are aging, the proportions of elderly people with disability are decreasing. These results suggest that dynamics of functioning may differ across cultures. Future studies are needed to clarify which potentially modifiable and culturally determined factors protect against functional decline.
Titanium dioxide particle – induced goblet cell hyperplasia : association with mast cells and IL-13
Authors: Ahn Mi-Hyun , Kang Chun-Mi , Park Choon-Sik , Park Sang-Jun , Rhim Taiyoun , Yoon Pyeong-Oh , Chang Hun Soo , Kim Soo-Ho , Kyono Hiroko , Kim Kwang Chul 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Inhalation of particles aggravates respiratory symptoms including mucus hypersecretion in patients with chronic airway disease and induces goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) in experimental animal models. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods
To understand this, the numbers of goblet cells, Muc5ac (+) expressing epithelial cells and IL-13 expressing mast cells were measured in the trachea of sham or TiO2 particles – treated rats using periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining. RT-PCR for Muc-1, 2 and 5ac gene transcripts was done using RNA extracted from the trachea. Differential cell count and IL-13 levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. In pretreatment groups, cyclophosphamide (CPA) or dexamethasone (DEX) was given before instillation of TiO2. TiO2 treatment markedly increased Muc5ac mRNA expression, and Muc5ac (+) or PAS (+) epithelial cells 48 h following treatment.

Results
The concentration of IL-13 in BAL fluids was higher in TiO2 treated – rats when compared to those in sham rats (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with cyclophosphamide (CPA) decreased the number of neutrophils and eosinophils in BAL fluid of TiO2 treated – rats (p < 0.05), but affected neither the percentage of PAS (+) cells, nor IL-13 levels in the BAL fluids (p > 0.05). In contrast, pretreatment with dexamethasone (DEX) diminished the percentage of PAS (+) cells and the levels of IL-13 (p < 0.05). TiO2 treatment increased the IL-13 (+) mast cells (p < 0.05) in the trachea, which was suppressed by DEX (p < 0.05), but not by CPA pretreatment (p > 0.05). In addition there were significant correlations of IL-13 (+) rate of mast cells in the trachea with IL-13 concentration in BAL fluid (p < 0.01) and with the percentage of Muc5ac (+) cells in the sham and TiO2 treated rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
In conclusion, TiO2 instillation induces GCH and Muc5ac expression, and this process may be associated with increased production of IL-13 by mast cells.
Good old days?
Authors: Greenberg Charles J 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Alternative models of subsidizing scholarly publishing and dissemination have germinated and gathered momentum in the fertile soil of dissatisfaction. Like the stubborn spring dandelion that needs but a small crack in the sidewalk to flower boldly, the first flowers of Open Access in library literature, including Biomedical Digital Libraries, have sensed their opportunity to change the existing paradigm of giving away our scholarship and intellectual property, only to buy it back for the privilege of knowing it can be read. Will biomedical digital library and informatics researchers understand their role in a new era of Open Access simply by desiring an immediate uninhibited global audience and recognizing the necessity of open access peer-reviewed literature to become self-sufficient?