bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of a light–dark profile and the pineal gland on the hypnotic activity of melatonin in mice and rats
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Jing Cai , Wu Chun Fu , Yang Jing Yu , Zhang Ruo Ming , Chai Hui Fang 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
We have investigated the influences of the light–dark cycle and the pineal gland on the hypnotic activity of melatonin in rats and mice. The results showed that melatonin significantly shortened time to sleep onset and wakefulness time, increased slow wave sleep, paradoxical sleep, and total sleep time in rats during the light phase of a 12-h light: 12-h dark cycle, by electroencephalogram recording. However, during the dark phase it had almost no significant sleep-promoting effect except shortened time to sleep onset. Melatonin exhibited more potent sleep-promoting effect in rats exposed to constant light compared with rats exposed to 12:12-h light:dark at 2000 h. Melatonin markedly prolonged sleeping time in the mice exposed to constant illumination. It was found that pinealectomy was an important factor that influenced the hypnotic activity of melatonin. When melatonin was administered to pinealectomized mice, the hypnotic activity of melatonin was more intense compared with sham-operated mice. These results demonstrated that the hypnotic activity of melatonin displayed a light-dependence manner. These results suggested that light exposure and the functional state of the pineal gland could substantially impact the hypnotic activity of melatonin at pharmacological dosage.
Enhancement of radiation-induced apoptosis by Podophyllum hexandrum
Authors: Kumar I Prem , Rana S V S , Samanta N , Goel H C 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
The aqueous extract of Podophyllum hexandrum (RP-1), which has been recently reported to manifest radioprotective and anti-tumour properties, has been investigated for its mode of action. RP-1, under in-vitro conditions dose-dependently chelated metal ions, inhibited radiation or metal ion-induced hydroxyl radicals and lipid peroxidation and scavenged superoxide anions. Intraperitoneal administration of RP-1 to mice pre-irradiation (10 Gy) induced more DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation in thymocytes maximally at 4 and 8 h, respectively, in comparison with RP-1 treatment or irradiation. Flow-cytometric quantification of sub-diploid peak, oligonucleosomal cleavage assay (ladder) and depletion of total thiols also corroborated the ability of RP-1 to enhance radiation-induced apoptosis. RP-1 in presence of 100 μM CuSO4 induced strand breaks in plasmid DNA and addition of metal chelators (EDTA and deferoxamine) inhibited the strand scission. Treatment with a major constituent of RP-1, podophyllin, did not cause strand breaks, but isolated constituents of RP-1, quercetin or podophyllotoxin, induced strand breaks. Depending on its concentration in the milieu, RP-1 acted as a pro- or antioxidant modifying the radiation-induced apoptosis and therefore could be exploited for cancer management.
A new chloroquinolinyl chalcone derivative as inhibitor of inflammatory and immune response in mice and rats
Authors: De León E J , Alcaraz M J , Dominguez J N , Charris J , Terencio M C 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
The synthetic chalcone derivative 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(3-(6,7-dimethoxy-2-chloroquinolinyl))-2-propen-1-one (CIDQ) was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunomodulatory efficacy in-vitro and in-vivo. CIDQ concentration-dependently inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) (IC50 4.3 μM) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (IC50 1.8 μM) in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Human mononuclear cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by 10 μM CIDQ. Oral administration of CIDQ (10–30 mg kg−1) in the 24-h zymosan-stimulated mouse air-pouch model produced a dose-dependent reduction of cell migration as well as NO and PGE2 levels in exudates. CIDQ (20 mg kg−1, p.o.) inhibited ear swelling and leucocyte infiltration in the delayed-type hypersensitivity response to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene in mice. In the rat adjuvant-arthritis model, this compound reduced joint inflammation as well as PGE2 and cytokine levels. In addition, CIDQ displayed analgesic effects in the phenylbenzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction model in mice and in the late phase of the nociceptive response to formalin. Our findings indicated the potential interest of CIDQ in the modulation of some immune and inflammatory conditions.
Priority-setting and hospital strategic planning: a qualitative case study
Authors: Martin Douglas , Shulman Ken , Santiago-Sorrell Patricia , Singer Peter 
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To describe and evaluate the priority-setting element of a hospital's strategic planning process. Methods: Qualitative case study and evaluation against the conditions of 'accountability for reasonableness' of a strategic planning process at a large urban university-affiliated hospital. Results: The hospital's strategic planning process met the conditions of 'accountability for reasonableness' in large part. Specifically: the hospital based its decisions on reasons (both information and criteria) that the participants felt were relevant to the hospital; the number and type of participants were very extensive; the process, decisions and reasons were well communicated throughout the organization, using multiple communication vehicles; and the process included an ethical framework linked to an effort to evaluate and improve the process. However, there were opportunities to improve the process, particularly by giving participants more time to absorb the information relevant to priority-setting decisions, more time to take difficult decisions and some means to appeal or revise decisions. Conclusion: A case study linked to an evaluation using 'accountability for reasonableness' can serve to improve priority-setting in the context of hospital strategic planning.
Variation in unit costs of hospitals in the English National Health Service
Authors: Jacobs Rowena , Dawson Diane 
Published: September 2003

Objectives: In England, the Department of Health places high priority on reducing the variation in unit costs of National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. Efficiency targets are set for hospitals to create incentives for relatively high cost hospitals to reduce their costs and shift performance closer to that of their lower cost counterparts. We examine empirically the dispersion in unit costs to assess the extent of variation in the productivity of hospitals and trends over time. Methods: We use econometric panel data techniques on data from 235 NHS acute hospital trusts over a six-year period, 1994/95 to 1999/00, supplemented with information from semi-structured interviews with key individuals in hospitals and purchasing bodies. Results: There appears to have been no reduction in variation during this period. Relative unit costs for individual trusts also appear stable, with little movement from relatively high cost to low cost. Judging from limited quantitative evidence outside health care, the variation in costs between NHS hospitals may be comparatively low. Conclusions: Given all the other aspects of hospital performance that government is seeking to change, reduction in the dispersion of unit costs per se should not be a major policy objective. It is far more important to examine variation in quality-adjusted unit costs.
Conspicuous consumption: characterizing high users of physician services in one Canadian province
Authors: Reid Robert , Evans Robert , Barer Morris , Sheps Samuel , Kerluke Kerry , McGrail Kimberlyn , Hertzman Clyde , Pagliccia Nino 
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To examine medical care use and costs, patterns of morbidity and co-morbidity, and other patient characteristics of high users of physician services in British Columbia. Methods: This population-based study uses physician claims, hospital discharge summaries and vital statistics data linked at the level of the individual to compare characteristics of high users, other users and non-users of physician services in the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The study included all enrolled adults in the universal health care plan during fiscal year 1996/97. High users were defined as the most costly 5% of users of fee-reimbursed services. Key variables included age, sex, an ecological socio-economic status indicator and a comprehensive set of morbidity indicators, derived from the diagnoses recorded on the utilization records. Results: The top 5% of users consumed a disproportionate 30% of spending on physician services. High users were overwhelmingly characterized by a significant burden of morbidity. Over 80% had at least six different types of morbidity during the study year compared with fewer than 20% of other users. High users were also much more likely to have major diagnoses that were both acute and chronic in nature. Co-morbidity involving psychosocial and chronic medical conditions was also very common. Conclusions: High users of physician services are overwhelmingly characterized by multiple and complex health problems. Policy tools based on a philosophy of deterrence such as cost-sharing are unlikely to have much impact on their costs and will likely do considerable harm.
Beyond demographic change in human resources planning: an extended framework and application to nursing
Authors: Birch Stephen , O'Brien-Pallas Linda , Alksnis Chris , Tomblin Murphy Gail , Thomson Donna 
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To introduce health care production functions into human resources planning and to apply the approach to analysing the need for registered nurses in Ontario during a period of major reduction in inpatient capacity. Methods: Measurement of changes in services delivered by acute care hospitals in Ontario between 1994/95 and 1998/99, and comparison with changes in the mix of human resources, non-human resources and patient needs. Results: Inpatient episodes per nurse fell by almost 2%. At the same time the number of beds was cut by over 20%. As a result, the number of patients per bed increased by 12%. Allowing for severity, there was a 20% reduction in beds per episode and a 3.7% reduction in nurses per episode. Conclusions: The demands on nurses in acute care hospitals have increased as an increasing number of severity-adjusted episodes are served using fewer beds by a reduced number of nurses. Human resources planning traditionally only considers the effects of demographic change on the need for and supply of health care. Failure to recognize the variable and endogenous nature of other health care inputs leads to false impressions about the adequacy of existing supplies of human resources. Consideration of human resources in the context of the production function for health services provides a meaningful way of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of human resources planning.
Efficiency and productivity change in the English National Health Service: can data envelopment analysis provide a robust and useful measure?
Authors: Hollingsworth Bruce , Parkin David 
Published: September 2003

Objective: Several tools are available to health care organisations in England to measure efficiency, but these are widely reported to be unpopular and unusable. Moreover, they do not have a sound conceptual basis. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a user-friendly tool that organisations can use to measure their efficiency, based on the technique of data envelopment analysis (DEA), which has a firm basis in economic theory. Methods: Routine data from 57 providers and 14 purchasing organisations in one region of the English National Health Service (NHS) for 1994-1996 were used to create information on efficiency based on DEA. This was presented to them using guides that explained the information and how it was to be used. They were surveyed to elicit their views on current measures of efficiency and on the potential use of the DEA-based information. Results: The DEA measure demonstrated considerable scope for improvements in health service efficiency. There was a very small improvement over time with larger changes in some hospitals than others. Overall, 80% of those surveyed gave high scores for the potential usefulness of the DEA-based measures compared with 9-45% for existing methods. The quality of presentation of the information was also consistently high. Conclusions: There is dissatisfaction with efficiency information currently available to the NHS. DEA produces potentially useful information, which is easy to use and can be easily explained to and understood by potential users. The next step would be the implementation, on a developmental basis, of a routine DEA-based information system.
Estradiol in Severe Asthma with Premenstrual Worsening
Authors: Ensom Mary HH , Chong Gina , Beaudin Bev , Bai Tony R 
Published: October 2003

OBJECTIVE: To describe the beneficial effects of estradiol in a severely asthmatic woman with premenstrual worsening of asthma. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old white woman, with a 14-year history of severe steroid-dependent asthma and monthly premenstrual worsening of asthma, was randomized to receive estradiol 2 mg or placebo for 6 days during the late luteal phase (days 23–28) of 2 successive menstrual cycles. Despite greater prednisone and inhaled β-agonist use during the late luteal phase of the placebo cycle, the patient exhibited improved asthma symptoms, pulmonary function, and peak expiratory flows, as well as lower values for biomarkers of airway inflammation during the same time period of the estradiol cycle. DISCUSSION: This subject's response to estradiol was in contrast to results of a randomized, controlled trial involving patients with predominantly mild asthma under excellent control. The discrepant observations for this case versus the majority of subjects in the randomized, controlled study suggest that premenstrual asthma (PMA) and a beneficial response to estradiol may be more likely in women with severe asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of estradiol during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle to a woman with severe asthma with PMA was associated with improved asthma symptoms, pulmonary function, and peak expiratory flows, and lower serum eosinophil protein X and urinary leukotriene E4 biomarker concentrations. Thus, estradiol's potential role in women with severe asthma and PMA may warrant further exploration in this subgroup.
Revisiting emulsion polymerization to produce stable, translucent, nanolatex of partially water‐soluble monomers, ethylacrylate–methylmethacrylate
Authors: Bhawal Sumit , Dhoble Deepa , Devi Surekha 
Published: September 2003

AbstractStable, translucent nanolatex with monomer weight % as high as 25 was obtained through emulsion copolymerization of partially water‐soluble monomers, ethyl acrylate and methylmethacrylate. The kinetics of reaction, studied at monomer/surfactant (M/S) ratio 10 and 50 showed two intervals and higher rate of particle nucleation for KPS initiated systems. However, AIBN initiated system showed phase separation. The copolymer composition was determined through 1H‐NMR studies and copolymers showed two glass transition temperatures. Dynamic light scattering studies indicated bimodal distribution of polymer particle size. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2593–2603, 2003
Mechanical properties and structures of dicyanate–clay nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Dae Su , Lee Kyung Min 
Published: September 2003

AbstractDicyanate–clay nanocomposites comprising a dicyanate resin and a type of organically modified clay were prepared and characterized, and their thermomechanical properties were investigated. The organically modified clay had silicate layers of nanometer size intercalated with an organic modifier, which improved the compatibility between the clay and organic materials, such as dicyanate resins. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to investigate the thermomechanical properties of the dicyanate–clay nanocomposites containing various amounts of the clay. The storage modulus of the nanocomposites below their glass‐transition temperatures slightly increased with increasing clay content. The glass‐transition temperature of the dicyanate–clay nanocomposites increased with increasing clay content. The nanostructures of the dicyanate–clay nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2629–2633, 2003
Synthesis and characterization of conducting homopolymers and copolymers of o‐anisidine and o‐toluidine in inorganic and organic supporting electrolytes
Authors: Borole D. D. , Kapadi U. R. , Mahulikar P. P. , Hundiwale D. G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe influence of inorganic and organic supporting electrolytes on the electrochemical, optical, and conducting properties of poly(o‐anisidine), poly(o‐toluidine), and poly(o‐anisidine‐co‐o‐toluidine) thin films was investigated. Homopolymer and copolymer thin films were synthesized electrochemically, under cyclic voltammetry conditions, in aqueous solutions of inorganic acids (H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, H3PO4, and HClO4) and organic acids (benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, and adipic acid) at room temperature. The films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements with a four‐probe technique. The ultraviolet–visible spectra were obtained ex situ in dimethyl sulfoxide. The optical absorption spectra indicated that the formation of the conducting emeraldine salt (ES) phase took place in all the inorganic electrolytes used, whereas in organic acid supporting electrolytes, ES formed only with oxalic acid. Moreover, the current density and conductivity of the thin films was greatly affected by the nature and size of the anion present in the electrolyte. For the copolymer, the conductivity lay between the conductivity of the homopolymers, regardless of the supporting electrolyte used. The formation of the copolymer was also confirmed with differential scanning colorimetry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2634–2642, 2003
Evolution of properties with increasing cure of a thermosetting epoxy/aromatic amine system: Physical ageing
Authors: Lee Jong Keun , Gillham John K. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractIsothermal physical ageing below the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of a high‐Tg thermosetting difunctional epoxy/tetrafunctional aromatic amine system was investigated at different ageing temperatures (Ta) and chemical conversions (monitored by the Tg) using the torsional braid analysis freely oscillating torsion pendulum technique. In the absence of chemical reaction during an isothermal ageing process, the rate of isothermal physical ageing passes through a minimum with increasing conversion. The minimum is related to the minimum in mechanical loss between the secondary relaxation in the glassy state (Tβ) and the glass‐transition relaxation (Tg) (the temperatures of both of which increase with increasing conversion). If isothermal ageing rates for all conversions (beyond gelation) would have been measured directly from temperatures below Tβ to above Tg, it is concluded that two maxima in isothermal ageing rate would have been observed corresponding to the two relaxation processes. There exists a superposition in isothermal ageing rate versus Tg − Ta [by shifting horizontally (and vertically)], which implies that the ageing rate is independent of the details of the changing chemical structure attributed to cure. Controlling mechanisms during physical ageing are segmental mobility associated with the Tg region and more localized motion associated with the glassy‐state relaxation Tβ. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2665–2675, 2003
Influence of the nature and the content of carbon fiber on properties of thermoplastic polyurethane‐carbon fiber composites
Authors: Sánchez‐Adsuar M. S. , Linares‐Solano A. , Cazorla‐Amorós D. , Ibarra‐Rueda L. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThree carbon fibers (CF) of different characteristics and properties were used to determine the most suitable characteristics for a carbon fiber to reinforce a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) matrix. The TPU was synthesized with a moderate amount of hard segments to bring polarity to the matrix without losing flexibility. On the other hand, the CF were chosen with respect to their different mechanical properties, diameter, and length to study the influence of those parameters on the TPU matrix. Additionally, the fibers were used in different amounts as well as after different oxidation treatments (i.e., different polarity). The mechanical properties and surface characteristics of the composites were analyzed using several experimental techniques (SEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile tests). The results obtained showed that the surface polarity, diameter, and length of the CFs are related to the reinforcement of a medial polar TPU matrix, whereas the mechanical properties of the CF do not influence those of the composite. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2676–2683, 2003
Polymer supported synthesis of mixed ligand complexes
Authors: Chacko Sheela , Mathew Tessymol , Kuriakose Sunny 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA series of novel polymer‐supported mixed ligand complexes were synthesized and studied. Two percent divinyl benzene (DVB)‐crosslinked polystyrene supports were synthesized by the suspension copolymerization technique. An ethylene diamine group was anchored onto the support and the corresponding copper complexes were prepared. The ligating functions like phthalate, acetate, and oxalate groups were introduced, and mixed ligands complexes were synthesized. The resultant polymer supported mixed ligand complexes were characterized by UV‐Vis, IR, and EPR methods. The stability constants dictate the formation of these complexes on polymer support. Spectral results gave information about the structure, stability, and geometry of the mixed ligand complexes. These factors were discussed in detail. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2684–2690, 2003
Affect of dope additives on finishing behavior of carbon fiber precursors
Authors: Hou Chen , Wang Cheng‐Guo , Ying Liang , Cai Hua‐Su 
Published: September 2003

AbstractFinishing kinetics of acrylic precursor fibers was studied by using a new CGB finish. Effects of dope additives including polyvinyl pyrrolidone, glycerol, and polyvinyl acetate on finishing behavior of acrylic precursors were contrastively discussed. Diffusion coefficients for the finish were calculated from the Crank's equation. It is shown that the precursor fibers applied with the CGB finish do not give fluffs, broken, and adhered precursors. The increase of the finish uptake values is greater around the glass transition temperature, and the changes of uptake become less prominent as the finish bath temperature above the glass transition temperature. By use of the dope additives, the finish uptake values are enhanced; the diffusion coefficient for the finish is higher; the activation energy required for the finish is lower; the extent being greatest for the fibers containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The properties of the finished precursor fibers containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone are the best. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2752–2755, 2003