bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are data on the uptake of disability benefits a useful addition to census data in describing population health care needs?
Authors: O'Reilly Dermot , Stevenson Mike 
Published: July 2004

Objective: To determine if administrative data relating to the uptake of disability benefits held by government departments in Northern Ireland are fair and unbiased indicators of relative need for health care and therefore a useful addition to census data. Method: This is an ecological study of the 566 electoral wards in Northern Ireland. The variation in uptake of a health-related benefit (Disability Living Allowance) was regressed against three other indicators of health (limiting long-term illness, mortality and the numbers of patients admitted to hospital). All the indicators had been indirectly standardised by age and sex. The unstandardised residuals from this model were regressed against the social and geographical factors, namely area deprivation score, religious denominational composition and urban/rural dwelling to see if they influenced benefit uptake above and beyond any association with ill health. Results: The health factors alone explained 77.2% of the variation in benefit uptake, with limiting long-term illness being the major determinant; however, even after controlling for differences in health status, benefit uptake was shown to be higher in more urban areas and in areas that had a greater proportion of Catholics. Area deprivation was not associated with benefit uptake once health differences had been controlled for. Conclusion: Administrative data on disability benefits can undoubtedly provide useful additional information for describing the levels of relative disadvantage or ill health of areas. However, because they also reflect variations in uptake, which appears to be confounded by social and geographical factors, we would urge caution when they are used to identify priority areas or to allocate resources.
'Questerviews': using questionnaires in qualitative interviews as a method of integrating qualitative and quantitative health services research
Authors: Adamson Joy , Gooberman-Hill Rachael , Woolhead Gillian , Donovan Jenny 
Published: July 2004

Objectives: Multi-method approaches are increasingly advocated in health services research (HSR). This paper examines the use of standardised self-completion questionnaires and questions, during in-depth interviews, a technique termed 'questerviews'. Methods: 'Questerview' techniques were used in four empirical studies of health perceptions conducted by the authors. The studies included both standardised self-completion questions or questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Respondents were tape-recorded while they completed the standardised questionnaires and were encouraged to discuss their definitions of terms and responses to items in-depth. In all studies, 'questerviews' were fully transcribed and data analysis involved the scrutinising of transcripts to identify emergent themes. Results: Responses to the standardised items led to rich sources of qualitative data. They proved to be useful triggers as respondents discussed their understanding and definitions of terms, often explaining their responses with stories from their own experiences. The items triggered detailed exploration of the complex factors that comprise health, illness and healthcare seeking, and gave considerable insight into the ways in which people respond to standardised questions. Apparently simple questions and response categories conceal considerable complexity. Conclusions: Inclusion of standardised survey questions in qualitative interviews can provide an easy and fruitful method to explore research issues and provide triggers to difficult or contested topics. Well designed and validated questionnaires produce data of immense value to HSR, and this value could be further enhanced by their use within a qualitative interview. We suggest that the technique of 'questerviews' is a tangible and pragmatic way of doing this.
Influencing prescribing in English primary care: the views of primary care organisations
Authors: Mason Anne , Drummond Michael , Towse Adrian , Cooke Jonathan 
Published: July 2004

Objective: The rapid rise of prescribing expenditure is a concern in many industrialised countries and methods to manage medicines are widely employed. The purpose of this study was to identify the approaches to improve primary care prescribing by primary care organisations (PCOs) in the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Methods: A questionnaire (Management of Medicines, MANMED) was mailed to prescribing advisers and prescribing leads in 332 PCOs. Results: A response rate of 66% (220/332) was achieved. Most PCOs report the improvement of the quality of prescribing as their top priority, followed by budget adherence at both practice and PCO levels. Prescribing advisers typically offer several forms of support: practice visits, prescribing reviews, indicators of prescribing, prescribing newsletters, hands-on support, seminars and local formularies. PCOs are pursuing a wide range of prescribing initiatives, covering, on average, seven different therapeutic areas. National targets are the main driver for prescribing initiatives but other key influences include inappropriate prescribing and clinical governance. Although cost considerations are important, improving the quality of prescribing is perceived as the overriding principle on which PCO prescribing strategy is based. Multifaceted prescribing support is widespread and national targets are the largest single factor influencing choice of therapeutic area for prescribing initiatives. Conclusions: Diversity in approaches presents the opportunity to improve the evidence base for medicines management. Not only could such research inform PCOs in their central aim of improving the quality of prescribing within the NHS, but it may also offer insights of relevance to other countries if the influence of process and context upon the effectiveness of medicines management is systematically explored.
False-Positive Urine Opiate Screening Associated with Fluoroquinolone Use
Authors: Zacher Jennifer L , Givone Donna M 
Published: July 2004

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding false-positive urine opiate screens associated with the use of fluoroquinolones. DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified using MEDLINE (1966—February 2004), EMBASE, and all EBM Reviews with the terms quinolones, substance abuse detection, opiates, cross-reactions, false-positive reactions, and each fluoroquinolone. Article references were also reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Various settings utilize the practice of screening for drugs of abuse, such as opiates. These screening procedures can impact aspects of one's life, such as employment; therefore, accuracy is of the utmost importance. Two clinical trials were evaluated which showed that certain fluoroquinolone antibiotics cross-react with some of the commonly used urine opiate screening immunoassays. This suggests the importance of verifying positive results in instances where one's livelihood can be affected. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroquinolones can cause false-positive urine opiate screens. Clinicians should be aware of this potential interaction and may need to verify positive results.
The Effect of Clarithromycin on Inflammatory Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Preliminary Data
Authors: Basyigit Ilknur , Yildiz Fusun , Ozkara Sevgiye Kacar , Yildirim Elif , Boyaci Hasim , Ilgazli Ahmet 
Published: July 2004

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin is an antimicrobial agent that can be used for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations with bronchodilator therapy. However, it has also been shown that clarithromycin has antiinflammatory effects by the inhibition of cytokine production. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antiinflammatory effect of clarithromycin on serum and sputum interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and leukotriene B4 levels in patients with COPD. METHODS: Thirty men with mild to moderate COPD were enrolled in this prospective, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. None of the patients was receiving systemic or inhaled corticosteroids during the study. Subjects received either clarithromycin or placebo for 14 days. Before and after this treatment period, spirometric tests and arterial blood gas analysis were performed, blood was drawn for measurement of serum inflammatory markers, and sputum was induced. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in baseline clinical or laboratory parameters between the groups. After the treatment, the induced sputum total cell counts, and IL-8 and TNF-α levels decreased significantly in the clarithromycin group compared with pretreatment levels (mean ± SD IL-8 1606 ± 367.3 vs 882 ± 143.6 pg/mL, p = 0.001; TNF-α 638.2 ± 287.5 vs 390 ± 235 pg/mL, p = 0.001). Similarly, decreases in serum inflammatory markers were found in the clarithromycin group while there was no significant change in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the decrease in IL-8 and TNF-α levels might be related to the antiinflammatory effect of clarithromycin. Thus, we suggest that the use of clarithromycin in COPD exacerbations may either treat the infection or help control the inflammation. Future studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
Clonazepam for Treatment of Sleep Disturbances Associated with Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Cates Marshall E , Bishop Melanie H , Davis Lori L , Lowe Joette S , Woolley Thomas W 
Published: July 2004

BACKGROUND: Clonazepam is widely used for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—related sleep disturbances despite very limited published data supporting its use for this indication. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a pilot-controlled trial to provide more data on this clinical practice and lay the foundation for more definitive studies. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized, single-blind (ie, patient only), placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial involving administration of clonazepam 1 mg at bedtime for one week followed by 2 mg at bedtime for one week. The following week served as a washout period before the alternate treatment was begun. Patients completed sleep diaries each morning upon awakening throughout the study. Parameters included quantity of sleep, quality of sleep, frequency and intensity of difficulty falling or staying asleep, and frequency and intensity of recurrent distressing dreams. RESULTS: Six patients with combat-related PTSD participated in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between clonazepam and placebo for any measure, although clonazepam therapy resulted in mild to moderate numeric improvements in difficulty falling or staying asleep. Adverse effects of clonazepam were generally mild and essentially indiscernible from those attributed to placebo. Only one patient elected to receive further treatment with clonazepam at the conclusion of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Clonazepam therapy was largely ineffective in improving sleep disturbances, particularly nightmares, associated with combat-related PTSD. The small sample size was a significant limitation of this study, but the prospective design and single-blind, placebo-control parameters were strengths. Further studies are needed to further define the role of this widespread clinical practice.
Modelling of Selective NO
x
Reduction on Ce/In-Promoted Sulfated Zirconia Catalysts
Authors: Schädlich E. Karoline , Suprun Wladimir , Schädlich H. Kuno , Papp Helmut 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Various pseudohomogeneous models for the selective catalytic reduction of NO
x
by methane were developed by considering reaction schemes and kinetic mechanism. The models were applied to predict the performance of Ce/In-promoted sulfated zirconia catalysts in a wide temperature range from 300 to 700 °C in a fixed bed reactor assuming plug-flow. A nonlinear kinetic model fits the experimental data better than a simple linear model. The mass balance differential equations were solved numerically. The model parameters were estimated by the Simplex-method of Nelder–Mead with a fourth order Runge–Kutta–Merson-method. The finally chosen model is better suited for the prediction of the In-free catalysts than for the mixed oxide catalysts or the Ce-free catalysts. The model suggests that CO formed in the process plays no role in the reduction of NO by CH4. This was confirmed by experimental evidence. The investigated Ce/In zirconia system was better suited for NO reduction by CH4 than those published previously.
CO Oxidation on a Pd/Fe3O4(111) Model Catalyst
Authors: Meyer R. , Shaikhutdinov Sh. K. , Freund H.-J. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Adsorption of CO and O2 on Pd particles deposited on a well-ordered Fe3O4(111) film was studied by temperature programmed desorption. Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to provide structural information. The results show that CO adsorbed on Pd particles reacts with oxygen of the oxide support and forms CO2. The reaction occurs at the particle/oxide interface and exhibits a particle size effect such that the smaller particles produce more CO2. Oxidation of Pd/Fe3O4 alters the oxide structure due to Pd catalyzed oxygen migration into the film and results in formation of an oxygen reservoir, which favors CO oxidation reaction.
The Surface Geometry of Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen Co-adsorbed on Ni{111}
Authors: Braun Wolfgang , Steinrück Hans-Peter , Held Georg 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) structure determinations have been performed for the p(2×2) structures of pure oxygen and oxygen co-adsorbed with CO on Ni{111}. Optimisation of the non-geometric parameters led to very good agreement between experimental and theoretical IV-curves and hence to a high accuracy in the structural parameters. In agreement with earlier work atomic oxygen is found to adsorb on fcc sites in both structures. In the co-adsorbed phase CO occupies atop sites. The positions of the substrate atoms are almost identical, within 0.02 Å, in both structures, implying that the interaction with oxygen dominates the arrangement of Ni atoms at the surface.
A Statistical Mechanical Model of Polymer Brushes: Equilibrium and Growth
Authors: Livadaru Lucian , Kreuzer Hans Juergen 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
We construct a statistical mechanical model for a polymer brush in θ-solvent. The model is exactly solvable for realistic polymer models (e.g. the freely rotating chain and the rotational isomeric state models) and it readily accounts for inhomogeneities of the brush with respect to the plane parallel to the grafting surface. The interactions between neighboring chains is mimicked by the presence of a confinement potential centered on the grafting point of each chain. We explore the model to calculate the equilibrium and kinetic properties of the polymer brush. We find that the variations of the brush free energy and height with the coverage depend strongly on the stiffness of the polymer chain (bond angle) and on the severity of the chain confinement. The results for the growth kinetics of the brush are compared with recent measurements on the formation of a PEG2000 brush from solution.
Physisorption of Small Molecules on Single Crystal Alkali Halide Surfaces: CO and N2 Adsorbed on KCl(100)
Authors: Vogt J. , Weiss Helmut 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
The adsorption of CO and N2 on KCl(100) single crystal cleavage planes has been investigated by means of low energy electron diffraction (LEED) at primary currents in the nA range as well as polarization infrared spectroscopy (PIRS) in transmittance geometry. These isoelectronic adsorbates behave very similarly, and three different adsorption phases can be distinguished as a function of surface coverage for both of them. Initially a (1×1) structure is observed and assigned to a commensurate monolayer with one molecule per KCl ion pair. The CO infrared spectrum of this ‘phase I’ is characterized by a doublet absorption of the CO stretching vibration, which is discussed in the context of a correlation field splitting. The lack of superstructure diffraction peaks is attributed to a high degree of orientational disorder in this phase. From LEED adsorption isotherms the isosteric heat of adsorption of N2 has been determined to be 11±3 kJ mol−1. Upon increase in coverage by 50% ‘phase II’ is formed which exhibits a large number of additional diffraction spots. It is assigned to a bilayer in which the second layer is only half filled. Based on the LEED experiments a structure model is proposed in which the second layer is characterized by growth in rows along the [210] direction and a high degree of roughness in the perpendicular direction. This model can explain all experimentally observed main features. Finally upon further exposure formation of three-dimensional solid is observed, which proceeds via Stransky–Krastanov growth of crystalline 3D clusters with the structure of the low-temperature cubic α-phase. A simulation of the CO cluster infrared spectra within the dipole–dipole coupling approach can reproduce all major observed vibrational features.
Early responses to Avery et al.'s paper on DNA as hereditary material
Authors: DEICHMANN UTE 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT:
Avery's et al.'s 1944 paper provides the first direct evidence of DNA having gene-like properties and marks the beginning of a new phase in early molecular genetics (with a strong focus on chemistry and DNA). The study of its reception shows that on the whole, Avery's results were immediately appreciated and motivated new research on transformation, the chemical nature of DNA's biological specificity and bacteria genetics. It shows, too, that initial problems of transferring transformation to other systems and prominent criticism of its results nurtured skepticism. Avery's experiment was downplayed and neglected particularly by many of those scientists who worked in the new fields of biochemical and biophysical genetics, genetic phage, and TMV research. This was not due to the fact that the implications of the paper could not be connected to generally accepted knowledge. Contrary to a widespread belief, the assumed uniformity of DNA as opposed to proteins was not used as an argument against the validity of Avery's et al.'s finding. The indifference rather reflected, among other things, the disciplinary gap between the chemically oriented microbiologists and the old and new geneticists who remained committed to genetic and physical methods (in particular x-ray studies) and clung to the assumption that proteins were the sole carriers of biological specificity. The responses to Avery's et al.'s paper show how different research interests in the areas between microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry interacted with the prejudices, dogmas, individual farsightedness or short-sightedness, and scientific authority during a pivotal period of early molecular biology.
Scientific discovery in statu nascendi: The case of Dmitrii Mendeleev's Periodic Law
Authors: DMITRIEV IGOR S. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT:
The history of Mendeleev's famous discovery has long been a matter of lively debate among experts. This essay proposes a new reading of this story, which differs from the well-known reconstructions made by Kedrov, Bensaude-Vincent, Graham and others. Particular attention is paid to the context of a Mendelevian thought and the analysis of the surviving outlines of his first variants of the Periodic Table. By considering Mendeleev's discovery of the Periodic Law one can identify the three principal stages in his work: 1) the composition of the “first attempt”(pervaia proba) of the system of chemical elements and the discovery of the periodic character in dependence of the elements, properties on their atomic weights (late 1868-early 1869); 2) the composition of Attempt at a system of elements based on their atomic weights and chemical similarity as a temporary version of the Periodic Table (February 1869); 3) the composition of the Natural system of elements (November 1870).
Mendeleevian work on Attempt revealed a lack of clear chemical criteria for unifying elements of different classes—the “natural families” and “transitional metals”—into a general taxomonical scheme that forced him to reject the ideal structure of the system of elements that he had formed earlier (1868). It was only by November of 1870 that Mendeleev finally solved the “unification problem,” formulating the basic principles of his system. This article also discusses how Mendeleev's views on the structure of the Periodic System were mediated by his convictions regarding the constitution of organic compounds.
Project Vista, Caltech, and the dilemmas of Lee DuBridge
Authors: McCRAY W. PATRICK 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT:
In the summer of 1951, more than one hundred scientists and other academics participated in Project Vista, a secret study hosted by the California Institute of Technology. Its purpose was to determine how existing technologies as well as ones soon to be available—tactical nuclear weapons, in particular—could offset NATO's weaker conventional forces and repel a massive Soviet invasion of Europe many perceived as likely if not imminent. Despite the best efforts of scientists like William Fowler, Lee DuBridge, and J. Robert Oppenheimer, Vista's recommendations were eventually suppressed by the Air Force. This article examines the history of Project Vista as a circumstance of the early Cold War period. By focusing primarily on the local level, the article presents a detailed examination of how people were recruited to Project Vista, how their work was organized and managed, and the relations between Caltech's administration and trustees. Finally, this article considers the history of postwar universities as they struggled to adapt to the Cold War environment and scientists' efforts to provide counsel to the U.S. government and military.
The SIRIO satellite, 1968–1977: Between scientific engagement and managerial inexperience
Authors: ORLANDO LUCIA 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT:
The story of the first Italian communications satellite, SIRIO, started in 1968, after the failure of the European project for the vector ELDO-PAS. The story up to the launch in 1977 involved the encumbering legacy of the San Marco satellite's success in the 1960s, political uncertainty in Italy, international economic crises of the 1970s, an overtly complex management system, and an inexperienced aerospace industry. Despite these handicaps, SIRIO won the race with its nearest competitor, the European satellite OTS, which had a similar research aim in the super high frequency band. In addition to collecting a large amount of useful data, SIRIO catalyzed the process for developing an improved organizational structure for Italian space research.