bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant perception of object unity in static displays
Authors: Kavšek Michael
Published: September 2004

The present study examined infants’ capability of extracting object unity in a stationary twodimensional rod-and-box display. The infants were habituated to a centre-occluded rod and were afterwards tested with both a broken rod and a complete rod. The looking pattern of both female and male participants aged 8 months did not reveal the ability to amodally complete the partly hidden rod. Nine-month-old females, however, looked reliably longer at the broken test stimulus than at the solid test display, implying that they had perceived the partially occluded rod presented in the habituation period as a connected whole. Their male counterparts, on the other hand, did not differentiate between the test patterns. These findings suggest that the capability of perceiving object unity in displays in which the relative depth ordering of surfaces is specified solely by the pictorial depth cue of interposition emerges after about 8 months of age. Furthermore, the results argue for a differential perspective including sex as a moderator variable.
Nonequilibrium work theorem for a system strongly coupled to a thermal environment
Authors: Chris Jarzynski
Published: September 2004

In a recent paper (2004 J. Stat. Mech.: Theor. Exp. P07006), Cohen and Mauzerall (CM) have
argued that the derivation of the nonequilibrium work relation given in a previous work of
Jarzynski (1997 Phys. Rev. Lett. 78 2690) is flawed. Here I attempt to answer their
criticisms, both by presenting a detailed version of that derivation and by addressing
specific objections raised by CM. The derivation presented here is in fact somewhat
stronger than the one I gave in 1997, as it does not rely on the assumption of a weak
coupling term connecting the system of interest and its thermal environment.
On the evaluation of generalized Watson integrals
Authors: Joyce G. , Zucker I.
Published: September 2004

The triple integrals
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper W 1 left-parenthesis z 1 right-parenthesis equals StartFraction 1 Over pi cubed EndFraction integral Subscript 0 Superscript pi Baseline integral Subscript 0 Superscript pi Baseline integral Subscript 0 Superscript pi Baseline StartStartFraction normal d theta 1 normal d theta 2 normal d theta 3 OverOver 1 minus StartFraction z 1 Over 3 EndFraction left-parenthesis cosine theta 1 cosine theta 2 plus cosine theta 2 cosine theta 3 plus cosine theta 3 cosine theta 1 right-parenthesis EndEndFraction">

W
1

(

z
1

)
=

1

π
3

∫
0
π

∫
0
π

∫
0
π

d

θ
1

d

θ
2

d

θ
3

1
−

z
1

3

(
cos
⁡

θ
1

cos
⁡

θ
2

+
cos
⁡

θ
2

cos
⁡

θ
3

+
cos
⁡

θ
3

cos
⁡

θ
1

)

W_1(z_1)=\frac {1}{\pi ^3}\int _0^\pi \int _0^\pi \int _0^\pi \frac {\mathrm {d}\theta _1\mathrm {d}\theta _2\mathrm {d}\theta _3}{1-\frac {z_1}{3} (\cos \theta _1\cos \theta _2+\cos \theta _2\cos \theta _3+\cos \theta _3\cos \theta _1)}

\]
and
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper W 2 left-parenthesis z 2 right-parenthesis equals StartFraction 1 Over pi cubed EndFraction integral Subscript 0 Superscript pi Baseline integral Subscript 0 Superscript pi Baseline integral Subscript 0 Superscript pi Baseline StartStartFraction normal d theta 1 normal d theta 2 normal d theta 3 OverOver 1 minus StartFraction z 2 Over 3 EndFraction left-parenthesis cosine theta 1 plus cosine theta 2 plus cosine theta 3 right-parenthesis EndEndFraction comma">

W
2

(

z
2

)
=

1

π
3

∫
0
π

∫
0
π

∫
0
π

d

θ
1

d

θ
2

d

θ
3

1
−

z
2

3

(
cos
⁡

θ
1

+
cos
⁡

θ
2

+
cos
⁡

θ
3

)

,

W_2(z_2)=\frac {1}{\pi ^3}\int _0^\pi \int _0^\pi \int _0^\pi \frac {\mathrm {d}\theta _1\mathrm {d}\theta _2\mathrm {d}\theta _3}{1-\frac {z_2}{3}(\cos \theta _1+\cos \theta _2+ \cos \theta _3)},

\]
where

z
1

z_1

and

z
2

z_2

are complex variables in suitably defined cut planes, were first evaluated by Watson in 1939 for the special cases

z
1

=
1

z_1=1

and

z
2

=
1

z_2=1

, respectively. In the present paper simple direct methods are used to prove that

{

W
j

(

z
j

)
:
j
=
1
,
2
}

\{W_j(z_j)\colon j=1,2\}

can be expressed in terms of squares of complete elliptic integrals of the first kind for general values of

z
1

z_1

and

z
2

z_2

. It is also shown that

W
1

(

z
1

)

W_1(z_1)

and

W
2

(

z
2

)

W_2(z_2)

are related by the transformation formula
\[

W
2

(

z
2

)
=
(
1
−

z
1

)

1

/

2

W
1

(

z
1

)
,

W_2(z_2)=(1-z_1)^{1/2}W_1(z_1),

\]
where
\[

z
2
2

=
−

z
1

(

3
+

z
1

1
−

z
1

)

.

z_2^2=-z_1\left (\frac {3+z_1}{1-z_1}\right ).

\]
Thus both of Watson’s results for

{

W
j

(
1
)
:
j
=
1
,
2
}

\{W_j(1)\colon j=1,2\}

are contained within a single formula for

W
1

(

z
1

)

W_1(z_1)

.
A Lipschitz estimate for Berezin’s operator calculus
Authors: Coburn L.
Published: September 2004

F. A. Berezin introduced a general “symbol calculus” for linear operators on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces. For the particular Hilbert space of Gaussian square-integrable entire functions on complex

n
n

-space,

C

n

\mathbf {C}^{n}

, we obtain Lipschitz estimates for the Berezin symbols of arbitrary bounded operators. Additional properties of the Berezin symbol and extensions to more general reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces are discussed.
On inequalities for zeros of entire functions
Authors: Gil′ M.
Published: September 2004

We derive inequalities for zeros of an entire function of finite order in terms of the coefficients of its Taylor series. Our results are new even for polynomials.
Evaluation fibrations and topology of symplectomorphisms
Authors: Kȩdra Jarosław
Published: September 2004

There are two main results. The first states that isotropy subgroups of groups acting transitively on rationally hyperbolic spaces have infinitely generated rational cohomology algebra. Using this fact, we prove that the analogous statement holds for groups of symplectomorphisms of certain blowups.
Blocks of central 𝑝-group extensions
Authors: Koshitani Shigeo , Kunugi Naoko
Published: September 2004

Let

G
G

and

G
′

G’

be finite groups that have a common central

p
p

-subgroup

Z
Z

for a prime number

p
p

, and let

A
¯

{\overline {A}}

and

A
′

¯

{\overline {A’}}

respectively be

p
p

-blocks of

G

/

Z

G/Z

and

G
′

/

Z

G’/Z

induced by

p
p

-blocks

A
A

and

A
′

A’

respectively of

G
G

and

G
′

G’

, both of which have the same defect group. We prove that if

A
¯

{\overline {A}}

and

A
′

¯

{\overline {A’}}

are Morita equivalent via a certain special

(

A
¯

,

A
′

¯

)

({\overline {A}}, {\overline {A’}})

-bimodule, then such a Morita equivalence lifts to a Morita equivalence between

A
A

and

A
′

A’

.
Krylov-Bogolyubov averaging of asymptotically autonomous differential equations
Authors: Samoilenko Anatoliy , Pinto Manuel , Trofimchuk Sergei
Published: September 2004

We apply the Krylov and Bogolyubov asymptotic integration procedure to asymptotically autonomous systems. First, we consider linear systems with quasi-periodic coefficient matrix multiplied by a scalar factor vanishing at infinity. Next, we study the asymptotically autonomous Van-der-Pol oscillator.
On restricted weak type (1,1): The continuous case
Authors: Hagelstein Paul , Jones Roger
Published: September 2004

Let

T

\mathbb {T}

denote the unit circle. An example of a sublinear translation-invariant operator

T
T

acting on

L

1

(

T

)

L^{1}\left (\mathbb {T}\right )

is given such that

T
T

is of restricted weak type

(
1
,
1
)

(1,1)

but not of weak type

(
1
,
1
)

(1,1)

.
Nonpositivity: Curvature vs. curvature operator
Authors: Aravinda C. , Farrell F.
Published: September 2004

It is shown that there exist closed Riemannian manifolds

M
M

all of whose sectional curvatures are negative, but

M
M

does not admit any metric with nonpositive curvature operator.
Norms on earthquake measures and Zygmund functions
Authors: Hu Jun
Published: September 2004

The infinitesimal earthquake theorem gives a one-to-one correspondence between Thurston bounded earthquake measures and normalized Zygmund bounded functions. In this paper, we provide an intrinsic proof of a theorem given in an earlier paper by the author; that is, we show that the cross-ratio norm of a Zygmund bounded function is equivalent to the Thurston norm of the earthquake measure in the correspondence.
Partially isometric dilations of noncommuting 𝑁-tuples of operators
Authors: Jury Michael , Kribs David
Published: September 2004

Given a row contraction of operators on a Hilbert space and a family of projections on the space that stabilizes the operators, we show there is a unique minimal joint dilation to a row contraction of partial isometries that satisfy natural relations. For a fixed row contraction the set of all dilations forms a partially ordered set with a largest and smallest element. A key technical device in our analysis is a connection with directed graphs. We use a Wold decomposition for partial isometries to describe the models for these dilations, and we discuss how the basic properties of a dilation depend on the row contraction.
Finite 𝑠-arc transitive Cayley graphs and flag-transitive projective planes
Authors: Li Cai
Published: September 2004

In this paper, a characterisation is given of finite

s
s

-arc transitive Cayley graphs with

s
≥
2

s\ge 2

. In particular, it is shown that, for any given integer

k
k

with

k
≥
3

k\ge 3

and

k
≠
7

k\not =7

, there exists a finite set (maybe empty) of

s
s

-transitive Cayley graphs with

s
∈
{
3
,
4
,
5
,
7
}

s\in \{3,4,5,7\}

such that all

s
s

-transitive Cayley graphs of valency

k
k

are their normal covers. This indicates that

s
s

-arc transitive Cayley graphs with

s
≥
3

s\ge 3

are very rare. However, it is proved that there exist 4-arc transitive Cayley graphs for each admissible valency (a prime power plus one). It is then shown that the existence of a flag-transitive non-Desarguesian projective plane is equivalent to the existence of a very special arc transitive normal Cayley graph of a dihedral group.
Bounded and completely bounded local derivations from certain commutative semisimple Banach algebras
Authors: Samei Ebrahim
Published: September 2004

We show that for a locally compact group

G
G

, every completely bounded local derivation from the Fourier algebra

A
(
G
)

A(G)

into a symmetric operator

A
(
G
)

A(G)

-module or the operator dual of an essential

A
(
G
)

A(G)

-bimodule is a derivation. Moreover, for amenable

G
G

we show that the result is true for all operator

A
(
G
)

A(G)

-bimodules. In particular, we derive a new proof to a result of N. Spronk that

A
(
G
)

A(G)

is always operator weakly amenable.
A B.A.I. proof of the non-Arens regularity of 𝐿¹(𝒢)
Authors: Graham Colin
Published: September 2004

The non-Arens regularity of

L
1

(

G

)

L^1(\mathcal G)

is proved for all non-discrete groups and all amenable groups. The proof uses bounded approximate identities in an elementary way.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for quasilinear elliptic systems
Authors: Hai D.
Published: September 2004

We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions for a class of sublinear Dirichlet quasilinear elliptic systems.
Decomposability of graph 𝐶*-algebras
Authors: Hong Jeong
Published: September 2004

We give conditions on an arbitrary directed graph

E
E

for the associated Cuntz-Krieger algebra

C
∗

(
E
)

C^*(E)

to be decomposable as a direct sum. We describe the direct summands as certain graph algebras.
A new geometric proof of Jung’s theorem on factorisation of automorphisms of ℂ²
Authors: de Bobadilla Javier
Published: September 2004

Building up on the classical theory of algebraic surfaces and their birational transformations we prove Jung’s theorem on factorisation of automorphisms of

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

reducing it to a simple combinatorial argument.
On the upper semicontinuity of the Wu metric
Authors: Jarnicki Marek , Pflug Peter
Published: September 2004

We discuss continuity and upper semicontinuity of the Wu pseudometric.
Positively curved surfaces with no tangent support plane
Authors: McCuan John
Published: September 2004

We discuss a characterization of positively curved surfaces

M
M

with the property that, at each point, the tangent plane to

M
M

is not a support plane for the entire surface. Such positively curved surfaces with no tangent support plane necessarily have non-empty boundary, and any portion

B
⊂
∂
M

B\subset \partial M

which has convex hull equal to the convex hull of

∂
M

\partial M

we call a generating set. This set plays a key role in constructing examples. We give various examples among which there is an embedded topological disk with smallest possible generating set.
On nearly abelian polynomial semigroups
Authors: Wang Xiantao , Huang Zhigang
Published: September 2004

Let

G
G

be a polynomial semigroup containing an element with degree at least 2 with the semigroup operation being functional composition. We prove that

G
G

is nearly abelian if and only if the smallest

G
−

G-

completely invariant closed subset of the Riemann sphere is not equal to the Riemann sphere. We also give a positive answer to Conjecture 7.1 in Hinkkanen and Martin’s paper on the dynamics of semigroups of rational functions.
Information Loss over Time Defines the Memory Defect of Propofol
Authors: Veselis Robert A. , Reinsel Ruth A. , Feshchenko Vladimir A. , Johnson Ray
Published: September 2004

Background

Sedative-hypnotic drugs impair memory, but details regarding the nature of this effect are unknown. The influences of propofol, thiopental, and dexmedetomidine on the performance of a task that isolates specific components of episodic memory function were measured.

Methods

Working (1 intervening item, 6 s) and long-term memory (10 intervening items, 33 s) were tested using auditory words in a continuous recognition task before and during drug administration. Eighty-three volunteer participants were randomly assigned to receive a constant target concentration of drug or placebo, producing sedative effects from imperceptible to unresponsiveness. Responsive participants were categorized as high or low performers, using a median split of long-term memory performance during drug administration. Recognition of words at the end of the study day was assessed.

Results

High performers had acquisition of material into long-term memory when drug was present at the same level as placebo. Retention of this material at 225 min was significantly less for propofol (39 +/- 23% loss of material) than for other drugs (17-23% loss; P < 0.01). Greater sedation in low performers was evident in multiple measures. Memory for words presented before drug was no different from that associated with placebo for all groups.

Conclusions

Lack of retention of material acquired into long-term memory during propofol administration, associated with minimal sedation, seems to define drug-induced amnesia. Sedation seems to impair the acquisition or encoding of material into long-term memory. Therefore, the putative targets of drug-induced amnesia by propofol are processes associated with retention of material in long-term memory.
Application of Bispectral Index® and Narcotrend® Index to the Measurement of the Electroencephalographic Effects of Isoflurane with and without Burst Suppression
Authors: Kreuer Sascha , Bruhn Jörgen , Larsen Reinhard , Grundmann Ulrich , Shafer Steven L. , Wilhelm Wolfram
Published: September 2004

Background

The Narcotrend monitor (MonitorTechnik, Bad Bramstedt, Germany) has recently been introduced as an intraoperative monitor of anesthetic state, based on a classification scheme originally developed for visual assessment of the electroencephalogram. The authors compared the performance of the Narcotrend index (software version 4.0) to the Bispectral Index (BIS, version XP; Aspect Medical Systems, Natick, MA) as electroencephalographic measures of isoflurane drug effect during general anesthesia.

Methods

The authors observed 15 adult patients scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy with a combined epidural-isoflurane general anesthesia technique. At least 45 min after induction of general anesthesia, during a phase of constant surgical stimulation, end-tidal isoflurane concentrations were varied between 0.5 and 2.0 multiples of minimum alveolar concentration, and the BIS and the Narcotrend index were recorded. The prediction probability (PK) was calculated for the BIS and the Narcotrend index to predict isoflurane effect compartment concentration for each measure. The correlation analysis of the BIS and the Narcotrend index with the isoflurane effect compartment concentration was obtained by pharmacodynamic modeling based on two sigmoidal curves to account for the discontinuity in both indices with the onset of burst suppression.

Results

The prediction probabilities were indistinguishable (BIS PK = 0.72 +/- 0.07 (mean +/- SD); range, 0.61-0.84; Narcotrend index PK = 0.72 +/- 0.10; range, 0.51-0.87), as were the correlations between the electroencephalographic measures and isoflurane effect compartment concentrations (BIS R = 0.82 +/- 0.12; Narcotrend index R = 0.85 +/- 0.09). The pharmacodynamic models for the BIS and the Narcotrend index yielded nearly identical results.

Conclusions

The BIS and the Narcotrend index detected the electroencephalographic effects of isoflurane equally. Combining two fractional sigmoid Emax models adequately described the data before and after the onset of burst suppression.
Do Indomethacin and Propofol Cause Cerebral Ischemic Damage?
Authors: Rasmussen Mads , Østergaard Leif , Juul Niels , Gyldensted Carsten , Poulsen Peter V. , Cold Georg E.
Published: September 2004

Background

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine whether indomethacin and propofol induce cerebral ischemic damage in patients undergoing craniotomy for cerebral tumors. As a secondary aim, the authors investigated whether low jugular bulb oxygen saturation values were associated with brain parenchymal damage as evaluated by diffusion-weighted imaging.

Methods

Nine patients subjected to craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumors in propofol-fentanyl anesthesia were studied. Magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion- and perfusion-weighted and structural sequences were performed (1) on the day before surgery, (2) before and (3) 20 min after administration of indomethacin (bolus of 0.2 mg/kg followed by infusion of 0.2 mg.kg.h) in the propofol-fentanyl-anesthetized patient, and (4) 2 days after surgery. Apparent diffusion coefficient maps were calculated. Jugular bulb oxygen saturation, arteriovenous oxygen difference, mean arterial blood pressure, and arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions were measured simultaneously with the magnetic resonance examinations performed during anesthesia.

Results

No ischemic lesions were detected in the diffusion-weighted or apparent diffusion coefficient images. A nonsignificant decrease in jugular bulb oxygen saturation from 51% (range, 40-61%) to 43% (range, 37-63%) and increase in arteriovenous oxygen difference from 4.4 mm (range, 2.7-4.6 mm) to 4.7 mm (range, 2.9-5.2 mm) was observed after indomethacin administration.

Conclusion

Administration of indomethacin during propofol anesthesia is not associated with evidence of ischemic damage in patients with brain tumors, as evaluated by diffusion-weighted imaging.
Comparative Effects of Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine on Intracellular Calcium Transients and Tension in Ferret Ventricular Muscle
Authors: Mio Yasushi , Fukuda Norio , Kusakari Yoichiro , Amaki Yoshikiyo , Tanifuji Yasumasa , Kurihara Satoshi
Published: September 2004

Background

Recent evidence suggests that ropivacaine exerts markedly less cardiotoxicity compared with bupivacaine; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood at the molecular level.

Methods

Isolated ferret ventricular papillary muscles were microinjected with the Ca-binding photoprotein aequorin, and intracellular Ca transients and tension were simultaneously measured during twitch in the absence and presence of bupivacaine or ropivacaine.

Results

Bupivacaine and ropivacaine (10, 30, and 100 microm) reduced peak systolic [Ca]i and tension in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects were significantly greater for bupivacaine, particularly on tension (approximately twofold). The percentage reduction of tension was linearly correlated with that of [Ca]i for both anesthetics, with the slope of the relationship being approximately equal to 1.0 for ropivacaine and approximately equal to 1.3 for bupivacaine (slope difference, P < 0.05), suggesting that the cardiodepressant effect of ropivacaine results predominantly from inhibition of Ca transients, whereas bupivacaine suppresses Ca transients and the reaction beyond Ca transients, i.e., myofibrillar activation, as well. BAY K 8644, a Ca channel opener, abolished the inhibitory effects of ropivacaine on Ca transients and tension, whereas BAY K 8644 only partially inhibited the effects of bupivacaine, particularly the effects on tension.

Conclusion

The cardiodepressant effect of bupivacaine is approximately twofold greater than that of ropivacaine. Bupivacaine suppresses Ca transients more markedly than does ropivacaine and reduces myofibrillar activation, which may at least in part underlie the greater inhibitory effect of bupivacaine on cardiac contractions. These results suggest that ropivacaine has a more favorable profile as a local anesthetic in the clinical settings.
Local Anesthetics Reduce Mortality and Protect against Renal and Hepatic Dysfunction in Murine Septic Peritonitis
Authors: Gallos George , Jones Dean R. , Nasr Samih H. , Emala Charles W. , Lee H Thomas
Published: September 2004

Background

Mortality from sepsis frequently results from multiple organ injury and dysfunction. Cecal ligation and puncture is an established murine model of septic peritonitis that produces septic shock characterized by an initial hyperinflammatory response. In addition to their anesthetic properties, local anesthetics have been shown to attenuate inflammatory responses both in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, the ability of local anesthetic infusions to protect against sepsis-induced mortality, as well as renal and hepatic dysfunction after cecal ligation and puncture, was investigated.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice received mini-osmotic pumps containing saline (vehicle), 10% lidocaine, or 1% bupivacaine and were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. Twenty-four hours after cecal ligation and puncture, renal and hepatic functions were assessed as well as markers of inflammation (proinflammatory cytokine protein and mRNA concentrations and myeloperoxidase activity). Renal apoptosis and 7-day survival was also assessed.

Results

Mice treated with lidocaine or bupivacaine infusion showed improved survival and had significantly lower plasma creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations compared with mice receiving vehicle alone. Significant reduction in plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha and keratinocyte-derived chemokine, as well as reductions in myeloperoxidase activity, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 protein expression, mRNA concentrations of proinflammatory markers, and apoptosis were observed in renal cortices from both local anesthetic groups.

Conclusions

The current data demonstrate that local anesthetic infusions confer a protective effect in mice from septic peritonitis by attenuating the hyperacute inflammatory response. This suppression resulted in improved mortality and less progression to acute kidney and liver injury and dysfunction.
Effect of Bupivacaine on the Isolated Rabbit Heart
Authors: Simon Lionel , Kariya Nobutaka , Edouard Alain , Benhamou Dan , Mazoit Jean-Xavier
Published: September 2004

Background

Newborns and infants seem to be at greater risk of bupivacaine cardiotoxicity than adults do. Few experiments have studied the effects of local anesthetics on myocardium associated with developmental changes, and their conclusions are conflicting. The authors compared the effects of bupivacaine on an isolated heart preparation in newborn and adult rabbits.

Methods

The authors used a constant-flow, nonrecirculating Langendorff preparation paced atrially. Adult and newborn rabbit hearts were exposed to step-increasing concentrations of bupivacaine. For each concentration, heart rate was modified with pacing from 180 to 360 beats/min by increments of 30 beats/min. QRS complex duration (index of ventricular conduction) and the first derivative of left ventricular pressure (index of contractility) were measured. The two groups were compared using an Emax model.

Results

In newborn and adult rabbits, QRS complex duration increased with increasing bupivacaine concentration. No difference was observed between neonatal and adult hearts. Contractility decreased with increasing bupivacaine concentration. Newborn rabbits were approximately three times more sensitive than adult rabbits to the effects of bupivacaine. However, the concentration leading to 50% decrease in the first derivative of left ventricular pressure was much higher than the concentration leading to half maximum increase in QRS complex duration.

Conclusions

In conclusion, using a whole organ preparation, the authors demonstrated that bupivacaine induces similar impairment in ventricular conduction in newborn and adult rabbits. In particular, the tonic and the phasic blocks were of similar intensity in both groups. Conversely, the effect of bupivacaine on contractility was markedly higher in newborn rabbits than in adult rabbits. Also, contractility was less impaired than ventricular conduction in both groups.
Popliteal Sciatic Perineural Local Anesthetic Infusion
Authors: Ilfeld Brian M. , Thannikary Lisa J. , Morey Timothy E. , Vander Griend Robert A. , Enneking F Kayser
Published: September 2004

Background

This randomized, double-blind study investigated the efficacy of continuous and patient-controlled ropivacaine infusion via a popliteal sciatic perineural catheter in ambulatory patients undergoing moderately painful orthopedic surgery of the foot or ankle.

Methods

Preoperatively, patients (n = 30) received a posterior popliteal sciatic perineural catheter and nerve block. Postoperatively, patients were discharged home with a portable infusion pump delivering 0.2% ropivacaine (500 ml) in one of three dosing regimens: the basal group (12-ml/h basal rate, 0.05-ml patient-controlled bolus dose), the basal-bolus group (8-ml/h basal rate, 4-ml bolus dose), or the bolus group (0.3-ml/h basal rate, 9.9-ml bolus dose).

Results

The bolus group experienced an increase in baseline pain, breakthrough pain incidence and intensity, and sleep disturbances compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Compared with the basal-bolus group, the basal group experienced an increase in these outcome measures only after local anesthetic reservoir exhaustion, which occurred earlier than in the other two groups (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Satisfaction scores did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that when providing analgesia with 0.2% ropivacaine via a popliteal sciatic perineural catheter after moderately painful surgery of the foot or ankle, a continuous infusion is required to optimize infusion benefits. Furthermore, adding patient-controlled bolus doses allows for a lower continuous basal rate and decreased local anesthetic consumption and thereby increases the duration of infusion benefits when in an ambulatory environment with a limited local anesthetic reservoir.
Contribution of Interaction between Nitric Oxide and Cyclooxygenases to the Production of Prostaglandins in Carrageenan-induced Inflammation
Authors: Toriyabe Masaki , Omote Keiichi , Kawamata Tomoyuki , Namiki Akiyoshi
Published: September 2004

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) are crucial mediators contributing to generation of inflammatory responses and pain. This study was designed to investigate the effects of peripherally released NO on cyclooxygenase (COX) expression/activation and production of PGs in carrageenan-induced inflammation.

Methods

A microdialysis probe was implanted subcutaneously into the skin of hind paws of rats. The concentrations of NO metabolites, PGE2, and 6-keto-PGF1alpha (metabolite of PGI2) in the dialysate were measured. Carrageenan was injected into the plantar surface of the hind paw during perfusion of the dialysis catheter with modified Ringer's solution or N-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate. In addition, the effects of the selective COX-1 inhibitor SC-560 and the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 on the production of NO, PGE2, and 6-keto-PGF1alpha were examined. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the skin at the site of the inflammation.

Results

Carrageenan injection resulted in increases in the concentrations of NO, PGE2, and PGI2, and these increases were completely suppressed by N-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate. SC-560 effectively inhibited the increase in PGE2 and PGI2 concentrations for the first 2 h, and NS-398 inhibited 3-6 h after carrageenan. Western blot analysis showed that the concentrations of both COX-1 and COX-2 in the skin increased after carrageenan. The up-regulation of COX-1 in the skin was observed 3 and 6 h after carrageenan and was not suppressed in the rats treated with N-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate. The up-regulation of COX-2 in the skin was also observed 3 and 6 h after carrageenan and was completely suppressed in the rats treated with N-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate.

Conclusion

The results of the current study suggest that NO activates COX-1 in the early phase of carrageenan and up-regulates COX-2 expression in the late phase in the skin, resulting in production of PGE2 and PGI2 at the site of inflammation, which would contribute to exacerbation of the inflammatory process.
Influence of the Type of Anesthesia Provider on Costs of Labor Analgesia to the Texas Medicaid Program
Authors: Abouleish Amr E. , Prough Donald S. , Vadhera Rakesh B.
Published: September 2004

Background

The Texas Medicaid Program (Medicaid) defines billable time for labor analgesia as face-to-face time; therefore, anesthesia providers determine billed time. The authors' goal was to determine the influence of anesthesia providers on labor analgesia costs billed to Medicaid.

Methods

Under the Freedom of Information Act, Medicaid provided data on claims paid for 6 months in 2001 for labor analgesia administered during the course of a vaginal delivery. Claims were either time based (codes 00946 or 00955) or a flat fee (codes 26311 or 26319). Using modifiers, the authors grouped time-based claims as either anesthesiologist group or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) group. The cost to Medicaid was based on the 2001 fee schedule. The conversion factor was 18.21 USD per American Society of Anesthesiologists unit. The flat-fee reimbursement was 152.50 USD. CRNA services were paid at 85% of the fee schedule. Average time per time claim, percent of providers with more than 4 h of billed time, and cost per claim were determined for each group. Providers with more than 120 claims (> 20 claims/month) were considered high-volume.

Results

The database included 21,378 claims (anesthesiologist group: 12,698 claims from 219 providers; CRNA group: 8,680 claims from 117 providers). For time-based claims, the average time per case was significantly higher in the CRNA group (146 min) than in the anesthesiologist group (105 min). The CRNA group cost to Medicaid (225.11 USD) was 19% more per claim than the anesthesiologist group (189.26 USD). The difference in cost per claim was greater among high-volume providers--213.10 USD for the CRNA group versus 168.76 USD for the anesthesiologist group. If a flat-fee program were instituted using the average cost per claim for all groups (203.81 USD), the Texas Medicaid program would save more than 500,000 USD annually.

Conclusions

The costs of labor analgesia billed to Texas Medicaid were 19% to 26% less per patient when provided by anesthesiologists than by CRNAs, despite lower per-unit reimbursement of CRNAs.
Conservation laws of linear elasticity in stress formulations
Authors: Li Shaofan , Gupta Anurag , Markenscoff Xanthippi
Published: September 2004

In this paper, we present new conservation laws of linear elasticity which have been discovered. These newly discovered conservation laws are expressed solely in terms of the Cauchy stress tensor, and they are genuine, non–trivial conservation laws that are intrinsically different from the displacement conservation laws previously known. They represent the variational symmetry conditions of combined Beltrami–Michell compatibility equations and the equilibrium equations.

To derive these conservation laws, Noether's theorem is extended to partial differential equations of a tensorial field with general boundary conditions. By applying the tensorial version of Noether's theorem to Pobedrja's stress formulation of three–dimensional elasticity, a class of new conservation laws in terms of stresses has been obtained.
Natural selection and the elusiveness of happiness
Authors: Nesse Randolph M.
Published: September 2004

The quest for happiness has expanded from a focus on relieving suffering to also considering how to promote happiness. However, both approaches have yet to be conducted in an evolutionary framework based on the situations that shaped the capacities for happiness and sadness. Because of this, the emphasis has almost all been on the disadvantages of negative states and the benefits of positive states, to the nearly total neglect of ‘diagonal psychology’, which also considers the dangers of unwarranted positive states and the benefits of negative emotions in certain situations. The situations that arise in goal pursuit contain adaptive challenges that have shaped domain–general positive and negative emotions that were partially differentiated by natural selection to cope with the more specific situations that arise in the pursuit of different kinds of goals. In cultures where large social groups give rise to specialized and competitive social roles, depression may be common because regulation systems are pushed far beyond the bounds for which they were designed. Research on the evolutionary origins of the capacities for positive and negative emotions is urgently needed to provide a foundation for sensible decisions about the use of new mood–manipulating technologies.
The social context of well–being
Authors: Helliwell John F. , Putnam Robert D.
Published: September 2004

Large samples of data from the World Values Survey, the US Benchmark Survey and a comparable Canadian survey are used to estimate equations designed to explore the social context of subjective evaluations of well–being, of happiness, and of health. Social capital, as measured by the strength of family, neighbourhood, religious and community ties, is found to support both physical health and subjective well–being.

Our new evidence confirms that social capital is strongly linked to subjective well–being through many independent channels and in several different forms. Marriage and family, ties to friends and neighbours, workplace ties, civic engagement (both individually and collectively), trustworthiness and trust: all appear independently and robustly related to happiness and life satisfaction, both directly and through their impact on health.
The internationalization of MARC
Authors: Kokabi Mortaza
Published: September 2004

Among the problems associated with the requirements and the
prospects for international standards for the exchange of bibliographic
records in machine‐readable form are the various roles of national
bibliographies and national libraries; a lack of international
cataloguing standards; a lack of an international subject control
system; language difficulties; character sets and codes; and non‐roman
alphabets. These problems lie behind the development of various MARC
formats out of UNIMARC. In this final part of a four‐part article
describes the formats for South Africa, Taiwan, Japan, Croatia and
Germany and indicates the points of difference and local requirements.
Global careers: Work‐life issues and the adjustment of women international managers
Authors: Harris Hilary
Published: September 2004

This paper argues that both the impact of gender and work‐family conflict itself are likely to increase in international working scenarios, which may involve the physical relocation of the entire family. In such cases, the boundaries between work and home become blurred due to the involvement of the whole family and there is often disruption of traditional family roles, causing increasing stress. Work demands are also likely to increase for the female expatriate due to the combined effect of role and culture novelty, thus enhancing the possibility of work‐family conflict. The impact of gender role theory is apparent in three key areas: work, partner and family.
Global career as dual dependency between the organization and the individual
Authors: Holt Larsen Henrik
Published: September 2004

Modern global career implies not only an interaction between an organization and an individual but also – and increasingly – a mutual dependency between the two parties. Whereas the traditional career concept presupposes that the individual employee to a high extent has to adhere to the conditions and opportunities provided by the organization, organizations increasingly have to accept and match the expectations and demands of the employee. In particular, this is found in knowledge intensive organizations providing immaterial “products” like know‐how, complex problem solving, consultancy service, etc. This kind of immaterial “production” not only requires highly skilled and professional employees but also means that the employees possess the core competence of the company – and can carry it out of the organization if they choose to resign. The paper analyzes the dual dependency in global careers and discusses this interdependency from the viewpoints of both individual and organization. In addition, the paper outlines the implications for practitioners and future research.
Going beyond the individual
Authors: Mayrhofer Wolfgang , Iellatchitch Alexandre , Meyer Michael , Steyrer Johannes , Schiffinger Michael , Strunk Guido
Published: September 2004

New forms of organising and new forms of individuals private and professional life concepts have affected organisations as well as careers. The resulting new forms of careers are characterised by two major elements: organisations are no longer the primary arena for professional careers and the diversity of careers and career paths is sharply increasing. At the level of global careers similar developments can be observed. In addition, two specifics can be mentioned: a number of additional forms of working internationally supplement expatriation in its classic sense and there seems to be an increasing pressure on the speed and diversity of international assignments. There is comparatively little theoretical insight into these developments. Departing from a sociological perspective and using the theoretical framework of late French Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, this paper takes a career field and habitus perspective of careers. Based on that, it tries to identify areas of contribution for the global career discussion that can emerge from such an approach.
WebJunction.org: where minds meet to support public access computing
Authors: Roy Loriene , Hallmark Beth , Traviss Amanda
Published: September 2004

Describes the current version of WebJunction and highlights its forthcoming WebJunction.org, an online community. Provides content in the form of feature articles, monthly newsletters, assessment tools, and online courses and also provides opportunities for those involved in public access computing to communicate with each other and share success stories, best practice and solutions.
Retrospective conversion in a Nigerian research library: migrating from TINMAN/TINLIB to CDS/ISIS
Authors: Olu Adeyoyin Samuel , Akinyosoye H.I.T.
Published: September 2004

This article describes a project of retrospective conversion in a Nigerian research library where the migration from one software program TINMAN/TINLIB to another – the newly acquired CDS/ISIS was carried out. The paper analyses the step‐by‐step approach taken in carrying out the migration successfully. Reasons for the retroconversion and the method of acquisition of the new software are discussed. Also, the problems emanating from the peculiarities of the software and the practical approach used in solving such problems are discussed in detail. The treatment given to accession numbers, reference materials, books with multiple authors and gifts and donations to the library is highlighted. Also, the benefits of the project to the Development Policy Centre (DPC) and other libraries were discussed. The paper concludes that with the successful migration project of the DPC library, the conditions are favourable for a wider usage of the software in Nigerian libraries.
Database‐driven Web sites: a case study with software in biotechnology and bioengineering
Authors: Rao Shivarama
Published: September 2004

The problems with cataloguing and categorising heterogeneous resources on the World Wide Web for retrieving precise information are discussed. By providing a database approach to the Web site, these problems can be solved to some extent. The design is done for software in biotechnology and bioengineering. The data about bio software on the Web are collected and arranged in a generalised standard format. These are loaded on to a MYSQL database and are accessed through Practical Extraction and Reporting Language (PERL) script. An attempt has also been made to study the search and memory allocation performance for the following databases: MYSQL, World Wide Web Integrated Set Of Information System (WWWISIS), and Managing Gigabytes (MG).
Exploring the dynamics of market orientation in turbulent environments: a case study
Authors: Grundvåg Ottesen Geir , Grønhaug Kjell
Published: September 2004

This paper explores whether and how firms and their management are influenced by two types of environmental turbulence which have only been given scant attention in past research on market orientation, i.e. turbulence due to unpredictable supply conditions and turbulence created by frequent and unpredictable interactions with multiple market actors. The paper reports a case study of one successful firm exposed to these types of environmental turbulence. Here, the focus is on central aspects of the firm's environmental contact over time, including who it interacts with and the informational content and direction of interactions. In this way the authors are able to investigate important aspects of how firms keep in touch with, learn about, and are influenced and restricted in a turbulent environment. The study reveals several intriguing findings. For example, external actors initiated the majority of firm‐environment interactions and the firm focuses more on other constituencies than customers. Findings are discussed and implications highlighted.
The interaction of dependence and trust in long‐term industrial relationships
Authors: Camarero Izquierdo Carmen , Gutiérrez Cillán Jesús
Published: September 2004

It has been noted in the literature on inter‐organisational relationships that long‐term cooperation is more effective in a business environment characterised by interdependence, commitment and trust. However, there is not enough knowledge about the effect of interdependence in different trust contexts. This paper draws on several theoretical contributions to examine the interaction of economic and social factors as determinants of industrial buyer‐seller relationships. In order to test the proposed hypotheses information was collected relating to supplier‐manufacturer relationships in the automotive industry. As expected, the empirical results indicate that trust moderates the effect of interdependence on the relational orientation of the exchange in that it enhances the relational orientation perceived by both manufacturer and supplier. A discrepancy was also found between suppliers’ and manufacturers’ relationship perceptions. The theoretical and managerial implications of the results are also discussed.
Mapping the values driving organic food choice
Authors: Baker Susan , Thompson Keith E. , Engelken Julia , Huntley Karen
Published: September 2004

The organic food market is one of the most promising in Europe, although national markets have developed at different rates. In Germany, organics' share of total food turnover is 2.7 per cent compared with 1 per cent in the UK. This study explores the reasons why the behaviour of consumers in the UK and Germany has been so divergent despite both groups of consumers holding similar attitudes about organic foods. This was done by investigating the underlying values driving food choice behaviour using means‐end theory and Laddermap 5.4 software. In both cases the dominant means‐end hierarchies were uncovered and the cognitive process mapped. Although similarities emerged with respect to values concerned with health, wellbeing and the enjoyment of life, product attributes sought in order to achieve these values were different between the groups. A major difference was found in the absence among the UK group of any connection between organic food and the environment.
Competitive advantage through sponsorship
Authors: Fahy John , Farrelly Francis , Quester Pascale
Published: September 2004

The increasingly important role played by sponsorship in the marketing mix has given rise to the view that it should be considered a strategic activity with the potential to generate a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. This paper extends that line of argument through the development of a conceptual model of the sponsorship – competitive advantage relationship. In particular, it argues that two levels of competitive advantage need to be considered, namely the competitive advantage of the sponsorship and competitive advantage in the market. Critical to attaining an advantage in the competitive world of sponsorship is the deployment of a range of organisational resources to support the sponsorship investment. A series of research propositions are advanced showing the relative importance of different organisational resources. Effectively resourced sponsorships generate a competitive advantage in the “market” for sponsorships, which in turns leads to competitive advantage and superior performance in product markets. The implications for research and practice are discussed and conclusions are drawn.
Misusing marketing in misleading voters
Authors: Jevons Colin , Carroll Jane
Published: September 2004

For countless centuries leaders have used external threats as a way of unifying their populations. In these currently troubled times, political marketers can be tempted to take the easy option of following (or even stimulating) uninformed emotion among their voters rather than assuming moral and intellectual leadership. This article describes a recent example of this and highlights the potential pitfalls of such an approach.
Chinese consumer market segments for foreign apparel products
Authors: Dickson Marsha A. , Lennon Sharron J. , Montalto Catherine P. , Shen Dong , Zhang Li
Published: September 2004

A consumer survey of a probability sample of 1,628 married adult consumers residing in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, China was used obtain basic knowledge on market segments of Chinese consumers with the potential to buy foreign apparel. The paper used conjoint analysis to identify the product attributes salient to consumers' apparel purchase intentions. With cluster, multiple regression, and other statistical analyses, six market segments prioritizing similar product attributes were identified and profiled. The six market segments were then described by their demographic and geographic characteristics, apparel expenditures, and perceptions of US‐made pants. Suggestions are provided for apparel marketers wishing to pursue two especially promising market segments with the potential to buy US‐made and US brand apparel.