bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of accounting regulation in the GCC
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Abdulla K.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To create an all‐round picture of the accounting and auditing requirements in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a range of related articles on the commercial laws of each state, and the announcements and publications of the Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA), which aim at providing a general background about the development of accounting in GCC countries.

Findings

The related issues in financial and accounting reporting in GCC countries are incorporated in the auditing profession through the codes of commercial law.

Research limitations/implications

The methods of collecting information were restricted to accounting laws and source documents. Interviews would have been useful in bringing to the surface the function of accounting in GCC countries, given that they are based on interactions.

Practical implications

The paper recognises the effect of the interest groups in the regulation of accounting in GCC countries and that accounting is a social and a political phenomenon.

Originality/value

The paper provides convenient comparisons about accounting and auditing between GGC countries.
An exploratory study of auditors’ responsibility for fraud detection in Barbados
Authors: Alleyne Philmore , Howard Michael
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Recently, fraud has been brought to the forefront with the scandals of Enron and Worldcom. Fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets served to undermine investors’ confidence in audited financial statements. This study investigates how auditors and users perceive the auditors’ responsibility for uncovering fraud, the nature and extent of fraud in Barbados, and audit procedures utilised in Barbados since Enron.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 43 respondents (19 auditors and 24 users) were surveyed regarding their perceptions and experiences on fraud, using qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Findings

Indicates that the expectation gap is wide, as auditors felt that the detection of fraud is management's responsibility, while users and management disagreed. Also finds that fraud is not a major issue in Barbados and that companies who have internal auditors, sound internal controls and effective audit committees are better equipped to deal with fraud prevention and detection.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is relatively small and it is not intended nor claimed that those interviewed comprise a representative sample.

Practical implications

This research fills a void in research in this area in a small country like Barbados. These findings have important implications for users of Barbadian accounts, especially investors, auditors and regulators.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a resource need for academics and practitioners, and makes an interesting contribution to our understanding of fraud in Barbados.
Leadership excellence
Authors: Reichwald Ralf , Siebert Jörg , Möslein Kathrin
Published: April 2005

Purpose

From an exploratory study of 37 large multinationals, this paper aims to report key findings, derive learnings for the design of corporate leadership systems and identify future research issues for a better understanding of individual leadership in corporate leadership systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reported builds on ten years of ongoing research on the nature of leadership, leadership communication, and institutional support structures in large multinationals. As such, it is part of ongoing longitudinal leadership research, following a hermeneutic approach.

Findings

From a qualitative as well as quantitative perspective the paper reviews the implementation and usage of corporate leadership instruments and discusses current practices of large corporations trying to select, support, measure, motivate and develop very large numbers of leaders around the world. A conceptual leadership system is presented as a basic frame of reference.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory research approach has its strength in framing the field of corporate leadership systems. Further in‐depth research is needed on the nature of each the four key fields of the conceptual framework described.

Practical implications

Those who are responsible to design and revise corporate leadership systems will find a valuable frame of reference and selected benchmark data as a basis for the assessment and further development of the corporate leadership landscape.

Originality/value

This paper presents original findings in a highly relevant, but under‐researched field of corporate leadership practice.
Leadership practices in German and UK organisations
Authors: McCarthy Grace
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The aim of this research was to determine whether leadership practices vary between German and UK organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used self‐assessment documents submitted by German and UK organisations to the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), to identify leadership practices in both countries. A survey was used to determine whether these practices were commonly used and whether they were regarded as good practice.

Findings

The research found similarities but also differences, e.g. feedback, recognition and communication. Many of the approaches described as good practice by UK organisations, were not described as usual practice. Where modern leadership practices had been adopted in Germany, they appeared to be more consistently deployed.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings indicate changes are happening in Germany, for instance with strategic management more common than found by previous researchers. A longitudinal study could track the adoption of new approaches in both countries. The study does not evaluate the effectiveness of the approaches identified.

Practical implications

Recommendations are made for how the findings may be used in training.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its use of self‐assessment documents to identify leadership practices in two European countries. The findings reflect current differences and may be helpful to people working with German and UK colleagues, either in mergers and acquisitions, collaborative research, supply chain or other forms of cooperation, by making them aware of some of the different perceptions they may encounter.
Product support strategy: conventional versus functional products
Authors: Markeset Tore , Kumar Uday
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Most advanced durable industrial products need some kind of support to compensate for weaknesses in design or in product exploitation. Aims to examine different scenarios for product support and discusses approaches for development of product support strategy for conventional and functional products.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a case study of a manufacturer of advanced durable industrial production systems.

Findings

Traditionally, the customer buys, operates, and maintains equipment used in production systems. Alternatively, the customer can buy the performance, instead of the physical product. In such cases, the manufacturer is responsible for operating, maintaining, and supporting the product in addition to designing and making it. Thus, the long‐term profit for both user and manufacturer will depend on the product's designed‐in life cycle costs, RAMS (reliability, availability, maintainability and supportability) characteristics, as well as on the effectiveness and efficiency of the product exploitation and support processes. In general, product support is a source of income for the manufacturer. In a functional product scenario, the need for product support is a liability and a cost driver for the manufacturer. Hence, delivery of performance requires a fundamentally different approach for product support strategy.

Originality/value

An examination of different scenarios and different approaches for manufacturers' product support strategies.
Values in the care for young persons with Prader–Willi syndrome: creating a meaningful life together
Authors: van Hooren R. H. , Widdershoven G. A. M. , van der Bruggen H. , van den Borne H. W. , Curfs L. M. G.
Published: April 2005

Background Caregivers sometimes feel frustrated by present emphasis on self‐determination in the care for individuals with an intellectual disability. They are confronted with situations in which there is a conflict between providing high quality care and respecting the client's autonomy. Such conflicts are prominent in the care for people with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). This condition is characterized by overeating behaviour which frequently leads to serious obesity. The central question in the present study is how persons involved, parents and professional caregivers, deal with the problems of the prevention of obesity in young individuals with PWS in everyday life.

Method In‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 parents and 14 professional caregivers of 18 persons with PWS. The interview data were analysed using the constant comparative method as described in grounded theory.

Results On the basis of analysis of the interviews four values emerge that parents and professional caregivers indicate as relevant and directive to their acting towards the child or the client: physical health, well‐being, freedom and responsibility, and a liveable life. Furthermore, caregivers mentioned several enabling and limiting conditions that influence these values. And they named several interventions they used to realize the values.

Conclusion Of importance is the question how to create life in such a way that it is acceptable and meaningful for everybody involved. By building up a relationship to which acceptance and trust are central, a certain amount of independence and responsibility can be promoted. By creating trust it is possible to deal with rules in a less rigid way and to look where there is room for choices.
Parents’ causal attributions about attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: the effect of child and parent sex
Authors: Maniadaki Katerina , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund , Kakouros Efthymios
Published: April 2005

Background  Boys with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) demonstrate disruptive behaviour at significantly higher rates compared to girls. Disruptive behaviour often develops as a result of negative interaction patterns within the caregiving relationship. Given the importance of parental cognitions as mediators of parental behaviour, the consideration of parent and child sex in the investigation of causal attributions regarding AD/HD may, at least partially, explain sex differences in the prevalence of disruptive behaviour among children with AD/HD.

Aim  To examine the effect of parent and child sex on parental causal attributions and reactions about AD/HD and to investigate the interrelationships between these variables.

Sample  Three hundred and seventeen mothers and 317 fathers of boys and girls aged 4–6 years and enrolled in kindergartens in Athens.

Method  A Greek version of the Parental Account of the Causes of Childhood Problems Questionnaire was used, which followed a vignette about a hypothetical child displaying symptoms of AD/HD. Half of the participants received a male and another half received a female version of the vignette.

Results  The child's sex greatly influenced parents’ causal attributions about AD/HD. Higher ratings of intentionality were conferred to boys with AD/HD than girls and these attributions were related to stricter responses towards boys. In contrast, parents who considered biological dysfunction as underlying AD/HD, they mostly did so in the case of girls. Minimal effect of parent sex on causal attributions was found.

Conclusions  Because causal attributions of intentionality relate to the response of more strictness and such attributions are more prevalent for boys than girls, then these perceptions about the aetiology of AD/HD in boys may be at the basis of negative interaction patterns. The increase of such interaction patterns may place boys at a more vulnerable position towards the development of secondary behaviour problems.
Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome in infants: improving diagnosis
Authors: Pastorino L. , Cusano R. , Baldo C. , Forzano F. , Nasti S. , Di Rocco M. , Carta M. , Bricarelli F. Dagna , Faravelli F. , Scarrà G. Bianchi
Published: April 2005

Background  Diagnosis of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS) in infants may pose significant challenges to clinicians owing to its variable expressivity and age‐related manifestations.

Methods  We report two paediatric cases of NBCCS who presented initially with a non‐specific phenotype.

Results  In case 1, a diagnosis of NBCCS was possible only after the father was interviewed and found to present with two major criteria for the disease. Subsequent molecular testing confirmed the diagnosis. In case 2, molecular testing of the infant and his father had diagnostic value as neither satisfied fully the current diagnostic criteria for NBCCS.

Conclusions  Presence of the few clinical manifestations of NBCCS that appear in infants, typically congenital malformations and skeletal abnormalities, should prompt clinicians to conduct in‐person interviews with both parents. In general, paediatricians should refer both parents of infants who are suspected of having an inherited condition to clinical geneticists for expert examination, given the potential unreliability of reported medical history.
Anti‐immunoglobulin E treatment with omalizumab in allergic diseases: an update on anti‐inflammatory activity and clinical efficacy
Authors: Holgate S. T. , Djukanović R. , Casale T. , Bousquet J.
Published: April 2005

Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody developed for the treatment of allergic disease, with established efficacy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe allergic asthma and in patients with intermittent (seasonal) and persistent (perennial) allergic rhinitis (AR). Omalizumab is known to result in a marked reduction in serum levels of free IgE and down‐regulation of IgE receptors on circulating basophils. Recent work has shed further light on its mechanism of action, showing significant and profound reductions in tissue (nasal and bronchial) eosinophils and in bronchial IgE+ cells (mast cells), as well as T cells and B cells. Omalizumab treatment was also shown to be associated with down‐regulation of IgE receptors on circulating (precursor) dendritic cells, suggesting that blocking IgE may inhibit more chronic aspects of allergic inflammation involving T cell activation. Further work with omalizumab demonstrated it to have important benefits in patients with poorly controlled asthma despite high‐dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy, and analysis of clinical data suggests that the patients who are the best ‘responders’ to anti‐IgE treatment are those with asthma at the more severe end of the spectrum. Notably, systemic anti‐IgE therapy with omalizumab has been shown to improve symptoms, quality of life and disease control (asthma exacerbations) in patients with concomitant asthma and persistent AR. These impressive clinical data and the studies elucidating the anti‐inflammatory profile of omalizumab also serve to emphasize the fundamental importance of IgE in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.
Educational intervention to control cockroach allergen exposure in the homes of hispanic children in Los Angeles: results of the La Casa study
Authors: McConnell R. , Milam J. , Richardson J. , Galvan J. , Jones C. , Thorne P. S. , Berhane K.
Published: April 2005

Background
Cockroach allergy is common among inner city children with asthma, and exposure to cockroach allergen is associated with more severe disease. However, there has been little evaluation of educational approaches for controlling cockroach infestations and reducing allergen exposure.

Objective
An educational intervention to reduce cockroach allergen exposure in the homes of Hispanic children in Los Angeles was implemented and evaluated.

Methods
Caretakers of 150 children with asthma were randomly assigned to an in‐home intervention or comparison group. In the intervention group, peer health educators trained the caretaker to control cockroaches by reducing harbourage and access to food and by applying boric acid, and to reduce allergen exposure by cleaning. Allergen impermeable covers were placed on the child's mattress and pillows. Knowledge, reported and observed behaviour, cockroach counts, and cockroach allergen (Bla g 1) in dust samples from the kitchen and the child's bedding were assessed at study entry and at follow‐up 4 months later.

Results
There was improvement in knowledge and in observed and reported behaviour hypothesized to be associated with cockroach control. The geometric mean cockroach number in the intervention homes at the follow‐up visit was 60% lower than in the non‐intervention homes (95% confidence interval (CI) 14%, 81%). Geometric mean total cockroach allergen collected from the child's bedding was 64% lower in the intervention group (95% CI 12%, 85%). In homes with heavier initial cockroach infestation, there was a larger reduction in total kitchen dust allergen and concentration associated with the intervention than in homes with fewer initial cockroaches.

Conclusions
We conclude that reduction in number of cockroaches and in total allergen in bedding dust can be achieved by caretakers of asthmatic children following a single home educational intervention by peer educators.
Nasal polyps in patients with and without cystic fibrosis: a differentiation by innate markers and inflammatory mediators
Authors: Claeys S. , Van Hoecke H. , Holtappels G. , Gevaert P. , De Belder T. , Verhasselt B. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Bachert C.
Published: April 2005

Background
The dysfunction of the mucosal interface of the upper respiratory tract in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is clinically visible by the development of nasal polyps (NP) at a young age. Innate defence markers and inflammatory mediators in NP from patients with CF were compared with non‐cystic fibrosis nasal polyps (non‐CF‐NP) to determine a possible different immunological background in macroscopically similar tissue.

Methods
Surgical samples were obtained from patients with non‐CF‐NP, cystic fibrosis patients with nasal polyps (CF‐NP) and control patients (CO). With real time PCR, the mRNA expression of human β defensins (HBD) 2 and 3, toll‐like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 and the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) were measured. On homogenates of the surgical samples eotaxin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL‐5 and IL‐8 protein content was measured using commercial ELISA kits; IgE and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were measured by the Unicap system.

Results
In CF‐NP we found a statistically significant higher mRNA expression of HBD 2 compared with non‐CF‐NP and CO and of TLR 2 compared with non‐CF‐NP. In the non‐CF‐NP group, MMR mRNA expression was significantly elevated compared with CO and CF‐NP. For TLR 4 mRNA expression no statistically significant differences were found between groups. IL‐5 was below detection level in all CO and CF‐NP, but was measurable in 80% of the non‐CF‐NP. MPO and IL‐8 concentrations were significantly higher in CF‐NP compared with CO and non‐CF‐NP, whereas ECP, eotaxin and IgE were significantly higher in the non‐CF‐NP group.

Conclusions
We here demonstrate that CF‐NP and non‐CF‐NP not only differ in terms of inflammatory mediator profile, but also in terms of innate markers.
Oral administration of recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing bovine β‐lactoglobulin partially prevents mice from sensitization
Authors: Adel‐Patient K. , Ah‐Leung S. , Creminon C. , Nouaille S. , Chatel J.‐M. , Langella P. , Wal J.‐M.
Published: April 2005

Background
The use of probiotics such as Lactococcus lactis and other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been proposed for the management of food allergy. However, no experimental study has clearly demonstrated any preventive or therapeutic inhibition of an allergen‐specific IgE response.

Objective
We aimed to study the immunomodulatory effect of recombinant L. lactis expressing bovine β‐lactoglobulin (BLG), a major cow's milk allergen, in a validated mouse model of allergy.

Methods
Six‐week‐old female Balb/c mice received five repeated doses of BLG, of L. lactis plus BLG, or of recombinant L. lactis by gavage. Different recombinant strains were inoculated, which corresponded to BLG doses ranging from 4 to 70 μg/mice. Mice were then sensitized by intra‐peritoneal injection of BLG emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant to induce high IgE concentrations.

Results
Pre‐treatment with natural L. lactis plus BLG allowed induction of BLG‐specific T‐helper type 1 (Th1) response, and abrogated the oral tolerance induced by BLG alone, demonstrating the adjuvant effect of this non‐colonizing LAB. Moreover, pre‐treatment with some of the recombinant strains favoured the development of a Th1 response inhibiting the Th2 one: it induced a significant decrease of specific IgE response, and an intense increase of specific IgG2a and IFN‐γ productions. The most efficient strains that inhibited the IgE response were those producing the highest amounts of the BLG protein.

Conclusion
Oral administration of some recombinant L. lactis was demonstrated to induce a specific Th1 response down‐regulating a further Th2 one. Prophylaxis protocols will thus be evaluated using the most efficient strains.
Caring for older patients at an emergency department – emergency nurses’ reasoning
Authors: Kihlgren Annica Larsson , Nilsson Margaretha , Sørlie Venke
Published: April 2005

Aim. The aim of the study was to use the experiences of emergency nurses to illuminate what constitutes good nursing care for patients 75 years or older transferred to emergency departments.

Background. Emergency departments have a medical technical character and the number of visits there increases dramatically as people age. Older patients require increased healthcare services in terms of nursing care, interventions and hospitalizations due to an increased complexity of their problems. For these reasons it is important to study what good nursing care of the older patients consists of at an emergency department from the emergency nurses’ point of view.

Method. Ten emergency nurses from a university hospital emergency department in Sweden were interviewed. A thematic content analysis was performed.

Results. The study showed that it was necessary to be knowledgeable, to be understanding of the older patients’ situation and to take responsibility for them in order to be able to provide good nursing care. The emergency nurses shifted focus from describing the central aspect of good nursing care to describing what hinders the provision of it. Their experience was that prioritizing medical procedures, everyday tasks and routines threatens good nursing care of older patients in emergency departments. The emergency nurses held that the older patient is often sent to an emergency department where the level of care is not appropriate to their needs.

Conclusions. The result can be seen as a challenge for the organization and the nurses in the future; to prioritize differently, thereby maintaining a balance between good nursing and medical/technical tasks when treating older patients.

Relevance to clinical practice. The present day healthcare system is not organized to appropriately meet the needs of the older patients. Nurses themselves hold they can better serve the older patient. By sharing their experiences, both can be accomplished.
Elevated serum IgG titer and avidity to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype c in Japanese periodontitis patients
Authors: Wang D. , Kawashima Y. , Nagasawa T. , Takeuchi Y. , Kojima T. , Umeda M. , Oda S. , Ishikawa I.
Published: April 2005

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to characterize serum antibody responses to different serotypes of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains in various forms of periodontitis and to determine whether any specific type of A. actinomycetemcomitans was associated with any specific form of periodontitis in a Japanese population.

Methods:  Sonicated whole cell and autoclaved serotype antigens of A. actinomycetemcomitans were used. Serum IgG titer and avidity to A. actinomycetemcomitans were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) and ammonium thiocyanate‐dissociation ELISA, respectively, in 46 aggressive periodontitis patients (8 localized, 38 generalized), 28 chronic periodontitis patients, and 18 periodontally healthy subjects. The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in plaque and saliva samples was determined using polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Generalized aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients exhibited significantly higher IgG titers than healthy subjects to both sonicated and autoclaved antigens of serotype c strains, while IgG titer to serotype b (Y4) was significantly higher in localized aggressive periodontitis patients compared to healthy subjects. No A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in localized aggressive periodontitis patients. A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive patients exhibited significantly higher IgG titer and avidity to serotype c than A. actinomycetemcomitans‐negative patients. In A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive patients, a significantly positive correlation was observed between antibody titer and avidity to serotype c. A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis showed lower IgG avidities to serotype c than those with chronic periodontitis, though no statistically significant difference was found.

Conclusion:  A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype c may play a significant role in chronic and generalized aggressive periodontitis, while A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b may be associated with localized aggressive periodontitis in a Japanese population.
MEDICAL HAEMOSTASIS IN ACUTE HEPATOCYTE INJURY AND EXPERIMENTAL LIVER TRAUMA
Authors: Cihan Alper , Yılmaz Erdal , Yenidünya Sibel , Uçan Bülent H.
Published: April 2005

Background:  The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of aprotinin to reduce bleeding in liver resection of guinea pigs with acutely injured hepatocyte using intraperitoneal d(+)Galactosamine.

Methods:  Thirty‐two guinea pigs were divided equally into four groups. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 received intraperitoneal D(+)galactosamine. Group 3 received intraperitoneal d(+)galactosamine prior to a standard liver resection. Group 4 received 10.000 KIU/kg aprotinin infusion via jugular catheter in 10 min prior to standard liver resection in pretreated animals with d(+)galactosamine. All of the measurements and surgical interventions were made 24 h after the administration of d(+)galactosamine. Bleeding amounts were recorded in groups 3 and 4 for 1 h by weighing the sponges placed into the abdomen. Liver function tests, histologic, haematologic and fibrinolytic parameters were measured.

Results:  Hepatocyte injury and hyperfibrinolysis were seen at the end of 24 h after application of d(+)galactosamine in groups 2, 3, and 4. Statistically significant amounts of bleeding from the resected livers were observed in group 3 and 4. In group 4, the bleeding was reduced (P < 0.05) and fibrinolytic parameters were normalized (P < 0.05) with aprotinin infusion.

Conclusions:  Significant bleeding diathesis and hyperfibrinolysis occurred in groups 2, 3, and 4, which had hepatocyte injury proved with histopathologic and haematologic tests. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in groups 3 and 4 were fivefold higher than that in the control group (P = 0.0001). The bleeding tendency according to high PT and aPTT levels were continued with application of aprotinin while reduction of bleeding was seen. Parenchymatous organ haemorrhage in acute liver failure or hyperfibrinolytic conditions could be reduced significantly with aprotinin without procoagulant effect.
Ultrasound assessment of caudal catheter position in infants
Authors: ROBERTS STEPHEN A. , GALVEZ IGNACIO
Published: April 2005

The positioning of caudally inserted epidural catheters is crucial to their effectiveness. However, level assessment can be difficult and time consuming. We report the use of ultrasound to assess the catheter position in three patients aged between 1 and 10 months. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed in relation to other methods of assessing caudal catheter placement.
The correlation of the Narcotrend® Index and classical electroencephalographic parameters with endtidal desflurane concentrations and hemodynamic parameters in different age groups
Authors: WEBER FRANK , GRUBER MICHAEL , TAEGER KAI
Published: April 2005

Background : The Narcotrend® Index (NI) for assessment of depth of anesthesia by analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG), is potentially a pharmacodynamic measure of the effects of desflurane on the brain.

Methods : In this prospective study of 30 pediatric and adult patients (group 1: 3–6 years, n = 10; group 2: > 6 < 12 years; group 3: 12–40 years), undergoing ophthalmological surgery, we investigated the pharmacodynamic relationship between nonsteady state endtidal desflurane concentrations (eTDes), NI, classical EEG parameters (cEEG), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). The performance of the Narcotrend for differentiation between consciousness and unconsciousness was evaluated using prediction probability (PK).

Results : Spearman correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations (P < 0.001) between eTDes and NI (group 1: r = −0.93, group 2: r = −0.86, group 3: r = −0.66). Correlations between eTDes and MAP or HR were either only weak negative (r < −0.5) or not significant. Desflurane EC50 (eTDes with half maximal effect on NI) was 7.18% for group 1, 7.34% for group 2, and 4.15% for group 3 (P < 0.001 Vs groups 1 and 2). Overall awake NI values (96.7 ± 1.4) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than at the moment of loss of consciousness (58.3 ± 17.5), with no overlap (PK 1.0), whereas PK values for cEEG, MAP and HR were all <0.85.

Conclusions : The pharmacodynamic relationship between eTDes and NI is age dependent with a significantly higher EC50 in children than in adolescents and adults. The NI appears to be superior to cEEG, MAP and HR in differentiating consciousness from unconsciousness.
Correcting for On‐Site Sampling in Random Utility Models
Authors: Moeltner Klaus , Shonkwiler J. Scott
Published: April 2005

This study demonstrates how the joint distribution of a set of conditional trip counts to a system of recreation‐sites can be adjusted for on‐site sampling. An econometric approach is proposed that addresses both the size‐biased distribution of the sampled visits and the weighted distribution of reported visits to ancillary destinations in a multivariate random utility framework. Estimation results indicate that uncorrected models produce biased estimates of trip counts and welfare measures. The empirical application examines jet skiing in the Lake Tahoe region.
Process Innovation Activity in a Mixed Oligopoly: The Role of Cooperatives
Authors: Giannakas Konstantinos , Fulton Murray
Published: April 2005

This article develops a sequential game‐theoretic model of heterogeneous producers to examine the market and welfare effects of cooperative involvement in process innovation activity in the agricultural sector. The analysis examines an open‐membership, input‐supplying cooperative (co‐op) that maximizes member welfare and finances its innovation activity through retained earnings. Analytical results show that the presence of the co‐op can increase the arrival rate of innovations while reducing the price of agricultural inputs. Cooperative involvement in innovation activity can thus be welfare enhancing and socially desirable with its effectiveness being determined by the degree of producer heterogeneity and the size of innovation costs.
To Poison or to Trap? The Ecologisation of ‘Pest’ Control
Authors: Mougenot Catherine , Roussel Laurence
Published: April 2005

Actions that are intended to be more nature and environment friendly currently appear to be on the increase and seem to work towards clearly defined and deliberately applied objectives. In France, the refusal to use poisoning as a means to combat the proliferation of some species of animals (coypus and muskrats) may be seen as part of this recent trend. The priority that has just been given to trapping actually aims at a better protection of threatened species and the environment in general. The implementation, and indeed the interpretation, of this new emphasis on trapping is, however, far from obvious. In order to better understand it, we have chosen to examine is as a process of “ecologisation”, i.e. as a form of recomposition and reforming of the ties between society, nature and technology. In doing so, we propose to enrich the concept by highlighting a process that stems from peculiar and unforeseeable stories, which is neither simple nor natural and which is underpinned by material objects playing the role of concrete vehicles for change. This article is based on documentary research and on 70 interviews conducted with the persons responsible for the new collective structures that have been taking shape in France to combat the proliferation of the coypu and muskrat.
Impairment of Left Ventricular Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Evaluated by Measuring Myocardial Performance Index with Tissue Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Cacciapuoti Federico , Galzerano Domenico , Capogrosso Paolo , Arciello Alessandro , Liberti Domenico , Cacciapuoti Fulvio , Lama Diana
Published: April 2005

In 44 patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without any clinical signs of heart disease (group I) the myocardial performance index (MPI) was calculated to investigate left ventricular function. The index, as the sum of isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) divided by ejection time (ET), was measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE). Results achieved show a prolonged MPI with respect to the values recorded in healthy controls (group II). Its prolongation is due to a significant increase of IRT, whereas ICT and ET were within the normal limits. In patients with SLE without an evident cardiac engagement, this outcome seems to depend on a prevalent diastolic left ventricular dysfunction, perhaps due to a subclinical myocarditis. TDE is more precise than the conventional Doppler method in evaluating MPI and single time intervals, because their measurements are accomplished in concomitance of left ventricular wall motion rather than the flow movement.
Role of Echocardiography in Assessing the Mechanism and Effect of Ramipril on Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vijayalakshmi I.B. , Yavagal S.T. , Prabhudev N.
Published: April 2005

The objectives of this article are to determine the possible mechanism of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to know the effect of ramipril on left ventricle (LV) and mitral regurgitation by ECHO. Several postulates are put forth for functional mitral regurgitation in DCM, and mitral annular dilatation is said to be the primary mechanism in the past, but the exact mechanism is not clear. Though angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are known to remodel the LV, their beneficial effect in patients with DCM with functional mitral regurgitation is not known. Various cardiac dimensions and degree of mitral regurgitation were measured by echocardiography in 30 normal control group and in 30 patients with DCM of various etiologies except ischemic, before and after ramipril therapy. There was a significant difference in all parameters especially sphericity of left ventricle and position of papillary muscles (P < 0.0003) in DCM patients, but mitral valve annulus did not show significant change (P < 0.3) compared to control group. In 50% of the patients, the functional mitral regurgitation totally disappeared. In 30% of patients, it came down from grade II to I or became trivial. In 20% of patients, it remained unchanged. There was remarkable improvement in sphericity, LV dimension, volumes, and EF%, which increased from 31 ± 9.81 to 39.3 ± 8.3% (P < 0.0003). It is concluded that echocardiography clearly demonstrates the increased sphericity of LV in DCM. The lateral migration of papillary muscles possibly plays a major role in functional mitral regurgitation. Ramipril significantly reduces not only sphericity but also functional mitral regurgitation.
The effectiveness of psychological treatments for treatment‐resistant depression: a systematic review
Authors: McPherson S. , Cairns P. , Carlyle J. , Shapiro D. A. , Richardson P. , Taylor D.
Published: April 2005

Objective:  A systematic review of all studies (controlled and uncontrolled) to evaluate psychological interventions with treatment‐resistant depression.

Method:  A systematic search to identify studies evaluating a psychological intervention with adults with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who had not responded to at least one course of antidepressant medication.

Results:  Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, of which four were controlled and eight uncontrolled. Treatment effect sizes were computable for four studies and ranged from 1.23 to 3.10 with a number of better quality studies demonstrating some improvements in patients following a psychological intervention.

Conclusion:  Psychological treatments for depression are commonly delivered and often recommended following the failure of medication. The paucity of evidence for their effectiveness in these situations is a significant problem. There is a need for studies with a strong controlled design investigating the effectiveness of psychological treatments for patients with treatment‐resistant depression.
Colour and translucency of opaque‐shades and body‐shades of resin composites
Authors: Ikeda Takatsumi , Sidhu Sharanbir K. , Omata Yo , Fujita Megumi , Sano Hidehiko
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the optical properties – not only the translucency but also the colours – of opaque‐shade resin composites. The CIELAB parameters (L*, a* and b*) of disks of A2 and opaque A2 (OA2) shades of Charisma (Heraeus‐Kulzer), Solare (GC) and Filtek Supreme (3M) were evaluated on backings of black, white and the material itself to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) and the colour differences (ΔE*) between A2 and OA2. A two‐way analysis of variance (anova) for the TP indicated a less statistically significant TP value in the OA2 shade than the A2 shade for all products. As for the products, Charisma showed a statistically greater TP value than the other two products. Regarding the ΔE* between A2 and OA2, all the products revealed clinically perceptible colour differences (ΔE* > 3.3). Hence, we must take the colour differences of opaque‐shade resin composites into consideration, as well as the translucency of the materials, for a clinically acceptable colour match of the restoration.
Changes in the bucco‐lingual thickness of the mandibular alveolar process and skeletal bone mineral density in dentate women: a 5‐yr prospective study
Authors: Jonasson Grethe , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: April 2005

After tooth extraction there is a great interindividual variation in the remodelling pattern of the alveolar process in edentulous areas, with some individuals losing little bone and others undergoing extensive resorption. However, little is known about possible longitudinal changes in the dentate region of the alveolar process of adults and if these are related to alterations in the skeletal bone mineral density (BMD). In a prospective study, on two occasions, 5‐yr apart, the BMD of 117 women was determined in the distal forearm by using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and the bucco‐lingual thickness of the mandibular alveolar process was measured on dental casts by using a dial calliper. A decrease in the mean alveolar thickness, exceeding a cut‐off value of 0.1 mm, was found in 60% of the women and an increase was found in 3% of the individuals. This decrease was 0.22 ± 0.20 mm in the posterior region and 0.16 ± 0.19 mm in the anterior region. The changes in alveolar thickness in the posterior region were significantly correlated to the BMD changes both on the mid‐crestal level site and on the cervical level site. We conclude that the bucco‐lingual thickness decreases with age in the dentate alveolar process, possibly owing to periosteal resorption related to skeletal bone loss.
Premature Ejaculation: Prevalence and Associated Conditions in a Sample of 12,558 Men Attending the Andrology Prevention Week 2001—A Study of the Italian Society of Andrology (SIA)
Authors: Fasolo C. Basile , Mirone V. , Gentile V. , Parazzini F. , Ricci E. ,   on behalf of the Andrology Prevention Week centers
Published: April 2005

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most frequent sexual complaint.

Aim

To investigate prevalence of PE and its associated conditions.

Methods

We analyzed information gathered from men attending a free andrologic consultation in 186 Italian medical centers, in the setting of a project focused on andrologic prevention.

Main Outcome Measures

Risk factors for PE.

Results

Five hundred sixty-nine men suffered from lifelong PE; 1,855 had previously normal ejaculation; and 234 had PE not specified. Men with PE were younger than those without, but after adjusting for concomitant erectile dysfunction the risk of PE significantly decreased with aging. Men more educated, or who had experienced a divorce had a slightly increased risk. Also, lifestyle and occupational status affected the risk of PE. Concerning medical history, a decreased risk of PE emerged in men with treated diabetes, and no association was found with hypertension, cardiopathy, hypercholesterolemia, and peripheral or central neuropathy.

Conclusions

The results of the analysis of a large dataset show that subjects with PE who are seeking treatment either have experienced stress-related problems or have a physical condition predisposing to this dysfunction (genital anomalies, prostate inflammation).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation: The Physician's Perspective
Authors: Sharlip Ira
Published: April 2005

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common condition associated with significant adverse effects on the sexual and overall quality of life of men with this condition. Behavioral therapies, such as the “squeeze” and “stop–start” techniques, and psychotherapy, have been the mainstay of PE management for many years. However, evidence of their short-term efficacy is limited while support for their long-term benefit is lacking. There are currently no medications licensed specifically for the treatment of PE. This paucity of pharmacological treatment may, in turn, contribute to the absence of systematic procedures for the identification, evaluation, and treatment of PE patients. Current “off-label” pharmacotherapeutic approaches include topical anesthetics, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Of these, the serotonin reuptake inhibitors show the greatest efficacy and an increasing body of evidence is illuminating their mode of action. Nevertheless, all current “off-label” pharmacotherapeutic approaches fall short of the ideal therapy for PE. In the absence of a cure, such a treatment should be tolerable, inconspicuously used, effective from first dose, rapid in onset of action, and available as a prn-dosing regimen. It is anticipated that agents in development for the specific indication of PE will come closer to this ideal than existing pharmacotherapeutic approaches.
EVALUATION OF FLUORESCENTIN SITUHYBRIDIZATION (FISH) AS A RAPID SCREENING METHOD FOR DETECTION OFSALMONELLAIN TONSILS OF SLAUGHTERED PIGS FOR CONSUMPTION: A COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL CULTURE METHOD
Authors: VIEIRA‐PINTO MADALENA , OLIVEIRA MANUELA , BERNARDO FERNANDO , MARTINS CONCEIÇÃO
Published: April 2005

The pork tonsils are an important carrier ofSalmonella, which could be involved in the contamination of pork products during the slaughter process.

This paper reports a 23S rRNA fluorescentin situhybridization (FISH) method used as a rapid screening tool forSalmonelladetection in tonsils of slaughtered pigs and its comparison with the conventional culture method. As a rapid screening method, the FISH technique would reduce the high volume of negative samples that are routinely analyzed, indicating presumptive positive samples in a real and practical time.

The use of a Sal3 probe allowed the rapid (7 h)Salmonelladetection in 16 (34%) of 47 naturally contaminated tonsils, without pre‐enrichment.Salmonellawas isolated by the culture method in six samples that were also FISH‐positive samples, and FISH failed to identify only one of the culture‐positive samples.

The results indicate the potential of this technique as a rapid screening method for detectingSalmonellain tonsils from pork slaughtered for consumption.
CONTINGENT CAPITAL: INTEGRATING CORPORATE FINANCING AND RISK MANAGEMENT DECISIONS
Authors: Culp Christopher L.
Published: April 2005

Financial executives of companies that face a sharp increase in business or financial risks have two basic ways of protecting the solvency and strategic viability of their organizations: they can transfer those risks using insurance or derivatives; or they can raise additional capital, typically by issuing equity, to cushion the firm against the higher expected volatility. But CFOs now also have a third means of managing risk, known as “contingent capital,” that effectively combines capital raising and risk management.

A contingent capital facility gives a company the right to raise capital after the realization of a loss arising from one or more specified risks, thus ensuring access to capital in potentially difficult times. For example, Swiss Re recently granted Michelin a five‐year right to issue ten‐year subordinated debt at a fixed spread over LIBOR, though only under conditions in which the tire maker expects its own earnings to be down. To the extent that it eliminates the need to keep more capital on the balance sheet, the use of such contingent capital has the potential to increase shareholder value by reducing a company's overall cost of capital. This article provides an introduction to some recent innovations in contingent capital, along with discussion of their role in integrating corporate finance and risk management.