bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy without intravenous sedation: patients’ versus endoscopist’s perception with special reference to older patients
Authors: Thanvi B R , Munshi S K , Vijayakumar N , Taub N , Lo T C N 
Published: December 2003

Abstract

Background
Unsedated oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is considered by most endoscopists to be a quick, safe, and well tolerated procedure. Older patients are said to tolerate it better than younger patients. However, patients’ perception of the discomfort for the unsedated OGD has not been well studied.

Objective
This study was undertaken to compare (1) patients’ perception of discomfort with the endoscopist’s perception of patients’ discomfort for the unsedated OGD, (2) tolerability between older (⩾75 years) and younger (&lt;75 years) patients.

Design and subjects
A total of 130 consecutive patients attending a day case endoscopy unit were recruited for the study. The patients and endoscopist recorded their assessment using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The results were analysed using non-parametric tests. Thirty patients were excluded from the study based on exclusion criteria. Sixty three (57%) patients were aged ⩾75 years and 37 (43%) were &lt;75 years.

Results
A significant difference was noted between patients’ perception of the discomfort and the endoscopist’s assessment of the patient’s discomfort as suggested by the overall higher VAS scores for patients (median 4.9, SD 2.6) than those of the endoscopist (median 2.2, SD 1.2), giving a significant difference in median VAS score of 3.4 (p&lt;0.001). Older and younger patients had similar scores, with median (SD) VAS scores of 4.8 (2.5) for ⩾75 years and 4.9 (2.8) for &lt;75 years. The endoscopist’s median scores for these two groups were 2.2 (1.2) and 2.1 (1.3), respectively.

Conclusions
Patients’ discomfort during OGD performed without sedation was greatly underestimated by the endoscopist. There was no significant difference in acceptability between old and the young patients.
Cooperation and control: the Tobacco Institute of Australia
Authors: Carter S M 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To describe the history of the Tobacco Institute of Australia (TIA), particularly regarding connections between local and international cigarette manufacturers and tobacco organisations.Design:Analysis of 4541 industry documents from the world wide web.Results:From 1978 to 1983 the TIA built strong international networks via ICOSI/INFOTAB and the US Tobacco Institute, and defended existing industry freedoms. 1983 to 1989 was the TIA’s aggressive heyday, led primarily by John Dollisson. From 1989 to 1994, following the decision in Australian Federation of Consumer Organisations vs TIA, local and international industry lawyers assumed control. Between 1994 and 1997 a brief revival led into decline and then dissolution, as previously common ground became commercially competitive issues for the manufacturers. The TIA facilitated interconnectedness: between local manufacturers; via individuals who played multiple roles; to international tobacco organisations; through the industry’s local and international counsel; and by acting as a conduit for information.Conclusion:The local tobacco industry was comprehensively informed on issues including smoking and health, and connected to the international industry, via the TIA. The manufacturers were closely involved in the TIA’s activities, and cooperated through the TIA in a manner detrimental to Australian consumers. The TIA’s conduct was the responsibility of local and international manufacturers and their counsel.
The Australian cigarette brand as product, person, and symbol
Authors: Carter S M 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To examine, for dominant Australian cigarette brands, brand identity (overriding brand vision), brand positioning (brand identity elements communicated to the consumer), brand image (consumers’ brand perceptions) and brand equity (financial value).Design:Tobacco industry documents, articles from retail trade publications since 1990, and current brand advertising from retail trade publications were searched for information about Australian brands.Results:Cigarette manufacturers benefit from their competitors’ brand equity as well as their own. The industry sees Australian smokers as far less brand loyal and strongly oriented to “low tar”. A few predominantly local brands dominate the market, with variation by state. Successful Australian brands exist in one of three categories: premium, mainstream, and supervalue. Their brand identity essence is as follows. Premium: quality. Mainstream: a good humoured “fair go” for ordinary Australians. Supervalue: value for money. All supervalue brand identities also include freedom, escape, mildness, an aspirational attitude, blue tones, and waterside scenes. Brand image and brand identity is frequently congruent, even when marketing is restricted, and brand image is generally more positive for a smoker’s own brand.Conclusions:Tobacco control activities have undermined cigarette brand equity. Further research is needed regarding brand loyalty, low tar, and brand categories. Smokers may respond more positively to tobacco control messages consistent with the identities of their chosen brand, and brand-as-organisation elements may assist. Further marketing restrictions should consider all elements of brand identity, and aim to undermine brand categories.
New frontier, new power: the retail environment in Australia’s dark market
Authors: Carter S M 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To investigate the role of the retail environment in cigarette marketing in Australia, one of the “darkest” markets in the world.Design:Analysis of 172 tobacco industry documents; and articles and advertisements found by hand searching Australia’s three leading retail trade journals.Results:As Australian cigarette marketing was increasingly restricted, the retail environment became the primary communication vehicle for building cigarette brands. When retail marketing was restricted, the industry conceded only incrementally and under duress, and at times continues to break the law. The tobacco industry targets retailers via trade promotional expenditure, financial and practical assistance with point of sale marketing, alliance building, brand advertising, and distribution. Cigarette brand advertising in retail magazines are designed to build brand identities. Philip Morris and British American Tobacco are now competing to control distribution of all products to retailers, placing themselves at the heart of retail business.Conclusions:Cigarette companies prize retail marketing in Australia’s dark market. Stringent point of sale marketing restrictions should be included in any comprehensive tobacco control measures. Relationships between retailers and the industry will be more difficult to regulate. Retail press advertising and trade promotional expenditure could be banned. In-store marketing assistance, retail–tobacco industry alliance building, and new electronic retail distribution systems may be less amenable to regulation. Alliances between the health and retail sectors and financial support for a move away from retail dependence on tobacco may be necessary to effect cultural change.
Effects of motivational interviewing on smoking cessation in adolescents with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Brown R A , Ramsey S E , Strong D R , Myers M G , Kahler C W , Lejuez C W , Niaura R , Pallonen U E , Kazura A N , Goldstein M G , Abrams D B 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To test the hypothesis that among adolescent smokers hospitalised for psychiatric and substance use disorders, motivational interviewing (MI) would lead to more and longer quit attempts, reduced smoking, and more abstinence from smoking over a 12 month follow up.Design:Randomised control trial of MI versus brief advice (BA) for smoking cessation, with pre- and post-intervention assessment of self efficacy and intentions to change, and smoking outcome variables assessed at one, three, six, nine, and 12 month follow ups.Setting:A private, university affiliated psychiatric hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.Patients or other participants:Consecutive sample (n = 191) of 13–17 year olds, admitted for psychiatric hospitalisation, who smoked at least one cigarette per week for the past four weeks, had access to a telephone, and did not meet DSM-IV criteria for current psychotic disorder.Interventions:MI versus BA. MI consisted of two, 45 minute individual sessions, while BA consisted of 5–10 minutes of advice and information on how to quit smoking. Eligible participants in both conditions were offered an eight week regimen of transdermal nicotine patch upon hospital discharge.Main outcome measures:Point prevalence abstinence, quit attempts, changes in smoking rate and longest quit attempt. Proximal outcomes included intent to change smoking behaviour (upon hospital discharge), and self efficacy for smoking cessation.Results:MI did not lead to better smoking outcomes compared to BA. MI was more effective than BA for increasing self efficacy regarding ability to quit smoking. A significant interaction of treatment with baseline intention to quit smoking was also found. MI was more effective than BA for adolescents with little or no intention to change their smoking, but was actually less effective for adolescents with pre-existing intention to cut down or quit smoking. However, the effects on these variables were relatively modest and only moderately related to outcome. Adolescents with comorbid substance use disorders smoked more during follow up while those with anxiety disorders smoked less and were more likely to be abstinent.Conclusions:The positive effect of MI on self efficacy for quitting and the increase in intention to change in those with initially low levels of intentions suggest the benefits of such an intervention. However, the effects on these variables were relatively modest and only moderately related to outcome. The lack of overall effect of MI on smoking cessation outcomes suggests the need to further enhance and intensify this type of treatment approach for adolescent smokers with psychiatric comorbidity.
TWO-LOOP WORLDSHEET EFFECTIVE ACTION
Authors: FAZIO A. R. , SAVVIDY G. K. 
Published: December 2003

We are studying quantum corrections in the earlier proposed string theory based on worldsheet action which measures the linear sizes of the surfaces. At classical level the string tension is equal to zero and as it was demonstrated in the previous studies one loop correction to the classical worldsheet action generates Nambu–Goto area term, that is nonzero string tension. We extend this analysis computing the worldsheet effective action in the second order of the loop expansion. We are studying quantum corrections in the earlier proposed string theory based on worldsheet action which measures the perimeter of the surface. At the classical level the string tension is equal to zero and we demonstrate that one and two-loop corrections to the classical worldsheet action generates Nambu–Goto area term, that is nonzero string tension.
TESTS OF PERTURBATIVE QCD AND JET PHYSICS
Authors: WOMERSLEY JOHN 
Published: December 2003

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is a vast domain. In the past twelve months, no fewer than 473 papers with "QCD" in the title were submitted to the hep–ph archive (admittedly, this includes such titles as "Cosmological QCD Phase Transition and Dark Matter"). More relevant, perhaps, is to note that 93 QCD-related abstracts were submitted to the 1999 Europhysics Conference on High Energy Physics (EPS99). I shall therefore have to be selective, and will organize this presentation by final state: jets, photons, weak bosons, and heavy flavor. I would like to thank everyone who helped me put this presentation together, and extend my apologies to all those whose work had to be omitted or brutally summarized. I also ask the audience's indulgence for any biases from my particular background as a Tevatron experimenter.
Effects of biological variations on platelet count in healthy subjects in China
Authors: Yang Jing , Lu Xiaojun , Okada Tokuhiro , Kondo Tamiaki , Ruan Changgeng , Wu Yun , Xin Xiaomin , Peng Liming 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe effects of biological variations on platelet counts were investigated in 694 healthy subjects aged 18 to 60 years living in three cities including Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Suzhou (Jiangsu Province) and Harbin (Heilongjang Province) in China. Platelet counts in healthy subjects were significantly lower in Chengdu (52∼202 X 109/L) and Suzhou (60∼259 X 109/L) than in Harbin (154∼348 X 109/L)(p <0.0001), but the mean platelet volume (MPV) determined concurrently was negatively correlated with platelet count, the MPV values were significantly higher in Chengdu (11.8∼15.6 fl) and Suzhou (10.9∼15.8 fl) than in Harbin (9.5∼12.9 fl) (p < 0.0001). Platelet counts were significantly higher in summer (73∼289 X 109/L) than in winter (52∼202 X 109/L) (p <0.0001), but the MPV values were lower in summer (11.2∼14.7 fl) than in winter (11.8∼15.6 fl) (p <0.05) in Chengdu. Platelet associated immunoglobulin (PA-IgG) in Chengdu was revealed to be significantly higher in the low platelet count group (<150 X 109/L, 13.5 ± 7.1 ng/107 PLT) than in the normal platelet count group (≥150 X 109/L, 8.3 ± 2.7 ng/107 PLT)(p <0.0001). Similar results were observed in Suzhou for the reticulated platelet ratio, which was significantly higher in the low platelet count group (19.5 ± 7.1%) than in the normal platelet count group (11.6 ± 2.7%)(p <0.01). The bleeding time in Chengdu showed a significantly longer time in the low platelet count group (8.6 ± 2.3 min) than in the normal platelet count group (6.0 ± 1.2 min)(p <0.01). With regard to the effects of lipids on platelet counts, the HDL values were significantly higher in the normal platelet count group (1.60 ± 0.76 mmol/L) than the low platelet count group (1.23 ± 0.31 mmol/L) (p <0.01); but no significant differences in cholesterol and triglycerides values between the normal and low platelet count groups (p >0.05) were recorded. These findings suggest that the platelet counts could be greatly influenced in healthy subjects by biological variations such as geographical, seasonal, and lipid variations.
Sequence of the rat factor VIII cDNA
Authors: Geisen Christof , Seifried Erhard , Oldenburg Johannes , Watzka Matthias 
Published: December 2003

SummaryFactorVIII acts as an essential compound of the tenase complex of the coagulation system. Herein we report the cDNA of the rat factor VIII. The rat cDNA comprises 6777 nucleotides and encodes a protein of 2258 amino acids, 61 amino acids less than mouse and 92 amino acids less than human factor VIII. The overall identity compared to human cDNA is 61% on the cDNA and 51% on the amino acid level. In cDNA, highest levels of sequence identity can be observed in the A and C domains (ranging between 68% and 73%), whereas B domain and the small acidic regions are more divergent (34%-49%). Compared to mouse and human most sites for posttranslational modifications such as sulfatation and glycosylation as well as thrombin and protein C cleavage sites are conserved in rat. Alternative transcripts lacking exon 17 and/or comprising additional 26 bp due to alternative splicing of exon 20 were found. Furthermore, 13 polymorphisms (seven in exon 14, one in exon 20, 23, 24, and 25, two in the 3’UTR) three of which lead to an amino acid exchange could be detected. Our findings might provide new insights into the structure-function analysis of the factor VIII protein and might prove useful for future animal models addressing the function of factor VIII.
Use of pharmacogenetics and clinical factors to predict the maintenance dose of warfarin
Authors: Eby Charles , Milligan Paul , Banet Gerald , Duncan Jill , McLeod Howard , Gage Brian 
Published: December 2003

SummaryKnowledge of pharmacogenetics may help clinicians predict their patients’ therapeutic dose of warfarin, thereby decreasing the risk of bleeding during warfarin initiation. Our goal was to use pharmacogenetics to develop an algorithm that uses genetic, clinical, and demographic factors to estimate the warfarin dose a priori. We collected a blood sample, demographic variables, laboratory values, smoking status, names of medications, and dietary history from 369 patients who were taking a maintenance dose of warfarin. Using polymerase chain reaction, we genotyped each participant for the presence of 8 polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 2C9 system. Using multiple regression, we quantified the association between warfarin dose and all factors. Advanced age, lower body surface area (BSA), and the presence of cytochrome P450 2C9 *2 or *3 single nucleotide polymorphisms were strongly associated (P < 0.001) with lower warfarin dose: the maintenance dose decreased by 8% per decade of age, by 13% per standard deviation decrease in BSA, by 19% per 2C9*2 allele, and by 30% per 2C9*3 allele. Warfarin doses were 29% lower in patients who took amiodarone, 12% lower in patients who took simvastatin, 21% lower in patients whose target INR was 2.5 rather than 3.0, and 11% lower in white rather than African-American participants (P < 0.05 for these comparisons). An algorithm that included these factors and one of borderline significance (sex), explained 39% of the variance in the maintenance warfarin dose. Use of this pharmacogenetic model had potential to prevent patients from being overdosed when initiating warfarin: we estimate that only 24 (6.5%) patients would have been overdosed by >2 mg/day with pharmacogenetic dosing compared to 59 (16%) patients who would have been overdosed if they had been prescribed the empirical dose of 5 mg/day (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the maintenance warfarin dose can be estimated from demographic, clinical, and pharmacogenetic factors that can be obtained at the time of warfarin initiation.
Plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) translocates to filopodia during platelet activation
Authors: Whiteheart Sidney , Dean William 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) plays an essential role in maintaining low cytosolic Ca2+ in platelets. Recently we demonstrated that PMCA is recruited to the cytoskeleton by interacting with PDZ domains. In the present study we determined the subcellular localization of PMCA using immunofluorescence microscopy. In resting platelets PMCA was distributed over the entire plasma membrane. Upon activation with thrombin, PMCA was found in filopodia adjacent to the actin cytoskeleton. PMCA translocation to filopodia was prevented by a peptide containing the last 10 residues of PMCA4b, the predominate isoform of PMCA in platelets, which contains a known PDZ domain-binding motif and was previously shown to block association of PMCA with the cytoskeleton. Incorporation of the PMCA C-terminal peptide did not affect the rate or extent of platelet aggregation, but significantly enhanced the rate of clot retraction. These results show that PMCA association with the cytoskeleton during platelet activation results in translocation of this Ca2+-pump to filopodia and that this association may affect later stages of platelet activation. The consequence of PMCA translocation to filopodia is likely a reduction in the local concentration of free Ca2+ in these structures resulting in regulation of the rate of clot retraction.
A Rapid and Efficient Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Substituted 3-Phenylpropionic Acids from Benzaldehydes in Minutes
Authors: Sharma Anuj , Joshi Bhupendra P , Sinha Arun K 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
A convenient, inexpensive, and efficient synthesis of 3-phenylpropionic acids (1a–1f) by reacting benzaldehyde (2a–2f) and malonic acid in acetic acid and piperidine into cinnamic acid (3a–3f) in 77 to 89% followed by its reduction with PdCl2 in the biphase of formic acid and aqueous sodium hydroxide is reported under microwave irradiation which utilizes short reaction time ranging 5 to 7 min to provide 1a–1f in moderate to high yield (69–86%) depending upon methoxy, methylenedioxy, and hydroxy groups present at the phenyl ring.
Combined Multiple Claisen Rearrangement and Ring-closing Metathesis as a Route to Naphthalene, Anthracene, and Anthracycline Ring Systems
Authors: Chattopadhyay Shital K , Pal Benoy K , Maity Susama 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
A new route involving double Claisen rearrangement of a suitable 1,4-diallyloxyarene system followed by ring-closing metathesis of the resulting diene has been developed for the synthesis of various benzannulated cyclohexenes. An important demonstration of this methodology is the construction of the tetracyclic quinophenolic ring system of the clinically important anthracyclines.
A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of α-Imidostyrenes from Styrenes and Imides via Diphenylstyrylsulfonium Salts
Authors: Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Styrenes having a hydrogen atom at the α-position reacted with diphenyl(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)sulfonium triflate (1) to form diphenylstyrylsulfonium triflates 2 that were in turn converted into the corresponding α-imidostyrenes on treatment with sodium or potassium salts of cyclic imides.
Effects of Surface Passivation on Silicon Nanoparticle Photoluminescence
Authors: Harwell David E , Croney John C , Qin Wenjie , Thornton John T , Day Jason H , Hajime Evan K , Jameson David M 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Silicon nanoparticles were produced by a relatively low temperature (164 °C), solution-phase synthesis. The particles exhibit UV to blue photoluminescence (PL) which varied with excitation wavelength. The average lifetimes, excited at 300 nm, ranged from 4.4 to 5.9 ns. The mean particle diameter, determined by atomic force microscopy, was ≈1.08 nm. The PL spectra of particles passivated with methoxy or butyl groups were blue-shifted with respect to those passivated with hydroxy groups.
A tele-otology course for primary care providers
Authors: Eikelboom Robert H , Weber Susanna , Atlas Marcus D , Dinh Quan , Mbao Mathew N , Gallop Mark A 
Published: December 2003

summary The shortage of otolaryngologists and the high incidence of ear disease in remote areas are major problems in Australia. We have developed a multimedia course for primary care providers that incorporates material about ear anatomy and physiology, ear disease, video-otoscopy and telemedicine software. The computer-based course was followed by a practical one-day course. A multiple-choice test was given to participants before and at the end of the course and a form was used to record feedback. The course was conducted with 30 aboriginal health workers. The participants were able to obtain images of reasonable to good quality after a short period of training. There was an average improvement of about 25% in the test scores, and the feedback regarding the course was extremely positive. The CD-ROM and the Website provide a valuable resource to assist primary care providers in their care of patients with ear disorders.
Organizational readiness for telemedicine: Implications for success and failure
Authors: Jennett Penny , Yeo Maryann , Pauls Monica , Graham Jennifer 
Published: December 2003

summary The use of telemedicine brings about change in health-care organizations and opens up new possibilities for service delivery. The organizational environment is often crucial in determining whether or not telemedicine applications will be successful. To examine the concept of ‘organizational readiness for telemedicine’ as a factor to explain why telemedicine initiatives succeed or fail, the results were used of interviews with key informants, conducted in two studies: the Alliance for Building Capacity project and the National Initiative for Telehealth guidelines project. The data indicate that organizational readiness for telemedicine is a multifaceted concept that is related to planning and the workplace environment. A greater understanding of the factors within organizational readiness could help to avoid costly implementation errors. ‘Readiness’ needs to be systematically assessed and is important for long-term success.