bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nighttime Vagal Cardiac Control and Plasma Fibrinogen Levels in a Population of Working Men and Women
Authors: Von Känel Roland , Thayer Julian F. , Fischer Joachim E. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels have prospectively been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease in different populations. Plasma fibrinogen is a measure of systemic inflammation crucially involved in atherosclerosis. The vagus nerve curtails inflammation via a cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway. We hypothesized that lower vagal control of the heart relates to higher plasma fibrinogen levels. Methods: Study participants were 559 employees (age 17–63 years; 89% men) of an airplane manufacturing plant in southern Germany. All subjects underwent medical examination, blood sampling, and 24‐hour ambulatory heart rate recording while kept on their work routine. The root mean square of successive differences in RR intervals during the night period (nighttime RMSSD) was computed as the heart rate variability index of vagal function. Results: After controlling for demographic, lifestyle, and medical factors, nighttime RMSSD explained 1.7% (P = 0.001), 0.8% (P = 0.033), and 7.8% (P = 0.007), respectively, of the variance in fibrinogen levels in all subjects, men, and women. Nighttime RMSSD and fibrinogen levels were stronger correlated in women than in men. In all workers, men, and women, respectively, there was a mean ± SEM increase of 0.41 ± 0.13 mg/dL, 0.28 ± 0.13 mg/dL, and 1.16 ± 0.41 mg/dL fibrinogen for each millisecond decrease in nighttime RMSSD. Conclusions: Reduced vagal outflow to the heart correlated with elevated plasma fibrinogen levels independent of the established cardiovascular risk factors. This relationship seemed comparably stronger in women than men. Such an autonomic mechanism might contribute to the atherosclerotic process and its thrombotic complications.
Managing economic risk in value‐based marketing of fed cattle
Authors: Harri Ardian , Riley John Michael , Anderson John D. , Coble Keith H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis research investigates optimal price risk management strategies for fed cattle producers engaged in grid pricing. Stochastic simulation is used to determine optimal hedge ratios for fed cattle priced on a live weight basis or on a series of grids that vary in terms of premium/discount structure as well as base price. Results indicate that the optimal hedging strategy is greatly affected by the base price used in a particular grid. This has significant implications for pricing efficiency in the cattle market. Base prices that are linked more closely with downstream markets offer the potential to improve pricing efficiency; however, the risk associated with these prices is difficult to manage effectively with existing futures instruments.
Modeling preference heterogeneity in stated choice data: an analysis for public goods generated by agriculture
Authors: Colombo Sergio , Hanley Nick , Louviere Jordan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractStated choice models based on the random utility framework are becoming increasingly popular in the applied economics literature. The need to account for respondents’ preference heterogeneity in such models has motivated researchers in agricultural, environmental, health, and transport economics to apply random parameter logit and latent class models. In most of the published literature these models incorporate heterogeneity in preferences through the systematic component of utility. An alternative approach is to investigate heterogeneity through the random component of utility, and covariance heterogeneity models are one means of doing this. In this article we compare these alternative ways of incorporating preference heterogeneity in stated choice models and evaluate the sensitivity of estimated welfare measures to which approach is selected. We find that a latent class approach fits our data best, but all the models perform well in terms of out‐of‐sample predictions. Finally, we discuss what criteria a researcher can use to decide which approach is most appropriate for a given data set.
Spatial integration at multiple scales: rice markets in Madagascar
Authors: Moser Christine , Barrett Christopher , Minten Bart 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe dramatic increase in the price of rice and other commodities over the past year has generated new interest in how these markets work and how they can be improved. This article uses an exceptionally rich data set to test the extent to which markets in Madagascar are integrated across space at different scales of analysis and to explain some of the factors that limit spatial arbitrage and price equalization within a single country. We use rice price data across four quarters of 2000–2001 along with data on transportation costs and infrastructure availability for nearly 1,400 communes in Madagascar to examine the extent of market integration at three different spatial scales—subregional, regional, and national—and to determine whether non‐integration is due to high transfer costs or lack of competition. The results indicate that markets are fairly well integrated at the subregional level and that factors such as high crime rates, remoteness, and lack of information are among the factors limiting competition.
District‐level total factor productivity in agriculture: Western Cape Province, South Africa, 1952–2002
Authors: Conradie Beatrice , Piesse Jenifer , Thirtle Colin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article measures total factor productivity (TFP) growth in Western Cape agriculture for 31 magisterial districts from 1952 to 2002 to illustrate the benefits of disaggregation compared with national TFPs. There is negative or low growth in the eastern districts and rapid growth in the western districts. The regions with substantial chicken, pigs, dairy, and, especially, export fruit production grew rapidly, whereas the sheep‐dominated Karoo had negative growth. Productivity growth correlates mostly with output mix, which in turn depends on irrigation investment. A similar program will be needed at the national level if prosperity is to be extended to black smallholders who currently lack access to water and other modern infrastructure.
The impact of water conservation and intensification technologies: empirical evidence for rice farmers in Ghana
Authors: Faltermeier Liane , Abdulai Awudu 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study employs the propensity score matching model to examine the impact of the adoption of water conservation and intensification technologies on farm output and income among small‐scale lowland rice farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana. The matching was conducted based on the Mahalanobis distance combined with the propensity score. Balancing tests by checking the mean standardized absolute bias in the matched sample were conducted as well as a sensitivity analysis was conducted to check for hidden bias due to unobservable selection. The empirical results show a positive and significant impact of the adoption of bunds technology on input demand as well as a positive but insignificant impact on output supply and net returns. Adopters of the dibbling technology were found to have higher output supply, whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the incomes of adopters and nonadopters of dibbling seed method. The results, however, reveal a positive and significant effect on output and net returns when the dibbling method is combined with intensified weeding. The estimates were found to be relatively insensitive to hidden bias.
Factors influencing the profitability of fertilizer use on maize in Zambia
Authors: Xu Zhiying , Guan Zhengfei , Jayne T.S. , Black Roy 
Published: April 2009

AbstractFertilizer use remains very low in most of Africa despite widespread agreement that much higher use rates are required for sustained agricultural productivity growth. This study uses longitudinal farm survey data to estimate maize yield response functions in a relatively high‐potential zone of Zambia to determine the profitability of fertilizer use under a range of small‐farm conditions found within this zone. The theoretical framework used in this study incorporates agronomic principles of the crop growth process. We generalize the asymmetric production models and define a concept of yield scaling factors. The model distinguishes different roles of inputs and non‐input factors in crop production. We estimate the effects of conventional production inputs as well as of household characteristics and government programs on maize yield. The results indicate that recommended fertilizer application rates in the two specific years were often unprofitable, given observed price conditions and the yield response to fertilizer. However, there was substantial variability in yield response to fertilizer based upon the rate of application, the timeliness of fertilizer availability, the use of animal draught power during land preparation, and whether the household incurred the death of an adult member in the past three years. These modifying factors, as well as variations in input and output prices due to proximity to roads and markets, substantially affected the profitability of fertilizer use on maize.
Glucose infusions into peripheral veins in the management of neonatal hypoglycemia – 20% instead of 15%?
Authors: Vanhatalo T , Tammela O 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim: To establish whether peripheral intravenous 20% glucose solutions would cause less local irritation, fewer cannulation changes and less weight gain than 15% glucose in newborn infants.Methods: A total of 121 newborn infants with hypoglycemia were randomized to receive either 20% (group 20%, 60 infants) or 15% (group 15%, 61 infants) glucose infusions, which were initiated at 8 mg/kg/min rates and tapered according to the blood glucose levels. When the cannulation site had to be changed, signs of phlebitis at the previous cannulation site were scored (0–3). Number of cannulation site changes, durations of infusions and the infants’ daily weights were recorded.Results: The median durations of infusions in groups 20 and 15% were 4 (range 2–7) days versus 4 (range 2–8) days and the median number of cannulation site changes were 1 (range 0–6) versus 1 (range 0–5), respectively. Thirty‐six infants in group 20% and 37 in group 15% developed some phlebitis, median severity scores being 1 (range 0–7) versus 15% 1 (range 0–8). The weights during the treatment were also similar.Conclusion:  20% and 15% glucose solutions can be infused equally safely into peripheral veins in neonates.
A comparative study of sanitary napkins and absorbent nappy pads for urine output measurement in neonates
Authors: Dutta Sourabh , Saini Shiv Sajan , Narang Anil 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim: To compare sanitary napkins and absorbent nappy pads (ANP) for urine output (UO) measurement.Methods: Phase 1: Freshly passed neonatal urine (5, 10 and 15 mL) was poured onto preweighed sanitary napkins or ANP, which were juxtaposed to the genital area of manikins placed in incubators/warmers and weighed at ½, 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 hr. Outcome was percentage weight change from baseline. Phase 2: Five very low birth weight boys in incubators had UO measurement by test tubes. A sanitary napkin or ANP was co‐applied with the test tube for 4 h each. Urine collected in the test tube was measured and poured on the device, which was reapplied. Weight and wetness were checked.Results: Phase 1: Mean urine loss was 8.35, 13.8, 20.1, 25.2, 33.1, 38.7 and 42.6% at ½, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h, respectively (repeated measures ANOVA [RM‐ANOVA], p < 0.001). Loss was higher with ANP than sanitary napkins (32.1% vs. 13.4%, two‐way RM‐ANOVA, p = 0.001). There was less loss in incubators versus radiant warmers at 6 h (p = 0.09). Phase 2: There was 12.1 and 26% deficit with sanitary napkin and ANP, respectively. Wetness was felt in one and four cases, respectively.Conclusion: Urinary losses are less from sanitary napkins than ANPs.
Labour increases the surface expression of two toll‐like receptors in the cord blood monocytes of healthy term newborns
Authors: Shen Chung‐Min , Lin Shih‐Chang , Niu Dau‐Ming , Kou Yu Ru 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim: Mode of delivery may influence the innate immune system in newborns. We investigated the effect of maternal labour on the expression of two toll‐like receptors, TLR2 and TLR4, in monocytes obtained from healthy full‐term newborns.Methods: Monocytes were obtained from cord blood of 48 newborns that have been vaginally delivered (VD) and 14 newborns delivered by elective caesarean section (CS) without labour. Peripheral blood was also obtained from 17 healthy adults. Surface expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the monocytes was measured by antihuman TLR2 or TLR4 monoclonal antibody and immunofluorescence flow cytometry. TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels were evaluated by real‐time PCR.Results: CS newborns had a significantly lower level of TLR2 and TLR4 surface expression on monocytes than VD newborns. No significant difference was found between the surface expression of VD newborns and healthy adults. TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels in monocytes did not vary among the three study groups.Conclusion: Labour may up‐regulate TLR2 and TLR4 on the cord blood monocytes of newborns at the protein level. Since TLRs are an important part of the innate immune system, our findings suggest that labour may be immunologically beneficial to normal newborns.
Functional aspects of the solution structure and dynamics of PAF – a highly‐stable antifungal protein from Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Batta Gyula , Barna Teréz , Gáspári Zoltán , Sándor Szabolcs , Kövér Katalin E. , Binder Ulrike , Sarg Bettina , Kaiserer Lydia , Chhillar Anil K. , Eigentler Andrea , Leiter Éva , Hegedüs Nikoletta , Pócsi István , Lindner Herbert , Marx Florentine 
Published: April 2009

Penicillium antifungal protein (PAF) is a promising antimycotic without toxic effects on mammalian cells and therefore may represent a drug candidate against the often lethal Aspergillus infections that occur in humans. The pathogenesis of PAF on sensitive fungi involves G‐protein coupled signalling followed by apoptosis. In the present study, the solution structure of this small, cationic, antifungal protein from Penicillium chrysogenum is determined by NMR. We demonstrate that PAF belongs to the structural classification of proteins fold class of its closest homologue antifungal protein from Aspergillus giganteus. PAF comprises five β‐strands forming two orthogonally packed β‐sheets that share a common interface. The ambiguity in the assignment of two disulfide bonds out of three was investigated by NMR dynamics, together with restrained molecular dynamics calculations. The clue could not be resolved: the two ensembles with different disulfide patterns and the one with no S–S bond exhibit essentially the same fold. 15N relaxation dispersion and interference experiments did not reveal disulfide bond rearrangements via slow exchange. The measured order parameters and the 3.0 ns correlation time are appropriate for a compact monomeric protein of this size. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that the highly‐conserved and positively‐charged lysine‐rich surface region enhances the toxicity of PAF. However, the binding capability of the oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide binding fold is reduced in PAF compared to antifungal protein as a result of less solvent‐exposed aromatic regions, thus explaining the absence of chitobiose binding. The present study lends further support to the understanding of the documented substantial differences between the mode of action of two highly homologous antifungal proteins.
Use of ultrasound to facilitate accurate femoral nerve block in the emergency department
Authors: Reid Nicole , Stella Julian , Ryan Matt , Ragg Michael 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective:  To compare the accuracy of ultrasound (US)‐assisted femoral nerve blocks (FNB) with the fascial pop (FP) technique, examining the rates of success and complications.Methods:  This is a prospective unblinded pseudo‐randomized controlled trial of US‐assisted versus FP FNB techniques. The primary outcome measure was nerve block stratified to level of blockade (intact, partial or complete) with FNB assessed by skin sensation. Participants were assessed at 15 and 60 min post nerve block.Results:  Sixty‐seven patients were enrolled. Thirty‐four (50.7% [95% CI 44.7–56.8]) underwent the US‐assisted technique whereas thirty‐three (49.2% [95% CI 43.4–55.2]) underwent the FP technique. At 15 min, FNB using US was intact, partial or complete for 9 (26.5% [95% CI 22.5–30.4]), 15 (44.1% [95% CI 36.8–51.5]) and 10 (29.4% [95% CI 24.9–33.9]) patients, respectively, compared with 14 (42.4% [95% CI 35.3–49.6]), 17 (51.5% [95% CI 42.7–60.3]) and 2 (6.1% [95% CI 5.6–6.6]) patients, respectively (P = 0.038). There was no difference at 60 min. Complete block at 15 min was achieved in 10/34 patients (29% [95% CI 14.1–44.7]) in the US group and 2/33 patients (6% [95% CI −2.1–14.2]) in the FP group (P = 0.029); no difference was seen at 60 min. No complications were recorded in either group.Conclusions:  A more complete blockade is achieved earlier using the US‐assisted technique. The US‐assisted technique will become the technique of choice for FNB in this department.
Review article: Indications for thoracolumbar imaging in blunt trauma patients: A review of current literature
Authors: O'Connor Enda , Walsham James 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThoracolumbar spine injury is a common complication of blunt multitrauma and up to one third of fractures are associated with spinal cord dysfunction. Delayed fracture diagnosis increases the risk of neurological complications. While validated screening guidelines exist for traumatic c‐spine injury equivalent guidelines for thoracolumbar screening are lacking. We conducted a literature review evaluating studies of thoracolumbar injury in trauma patients to generate indications for thoracolumbar imaging.We performed MEDLINE and Pubmed searches using MeSH terms “Wounds, Nonpenetrating”, “Spinal Fractures”, “Spinal Injuries” and “Diagnostic Errors”, MeSH/subheading terms “Thoracic Vertebrae/injuries” and “Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries” and keyword search terms “thoracolumbar fractures”, “thoracolumbar injuries”, “thoracolumbar trauma”, “missed diagnoses” and “delayed diagnoses”. Limits and inclusion criteria were defined prior to searching.We evaluated 16 articles; 5 prospective observational studies (1 cohort study) and 11 retrospective observational studies. Predictors of TL injury in prospective studies – high‐risk injury mechanism, distracting injury, impaired cognition, symptoms/signs of vertebral fracture and known cervical fracture – were defined and used to construct a decision algorithm, which in a total of 14189 trauma patients from all eligible studies recommended TL screening in 856(99.1%) of 864 patients with TL fractures and would probably have directed TL imaging in the remaining 8 patients.There is limited low level evidence guiding surveillance TL imaging in adult blunt trauma patients. Despite this, we propose and evaluate an algorithm with a high negative predictive value for TL fractures. This should be incorporated into spinal injury assessment protocols.
Lost in translation: Maximizing handover effectiveness between paramedics and receiving staff in the emergency department
Authors: Owen Christine , Hemmings Lynn , Brown Terry 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective:  The purpose of the present study is to investigate perceptions by paramedics and hospital receiving staff about what enables and constrains handover in the ED.Methods:  This is a qualitative study of interviews with 19 paramedics, 15 nurses and 16 doctors (n = 50) from ambulance services and ED in two states of Australia.Results:  Three main themes emerged that were evident at both sites and in the three professional groups. These were: difficulties in creating a shared cognitive picture, tensions between ‘doing’ and ‘listening’ and fragmenting communication.Conclusion:  Recommendations arising from the present study as to how handover could be improved are the need for a common language between paramedics and staff in the ED, for shared experiences and understanding between the members of the team and for the development of a standardized approach to handover from paramedics to ED receiving staff.
The pulsar synchrotron: coherent radio emission
Authors: Contopoulos I. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
We propose a simple physical picture for the generation of coherent radio emission in the axisymmetric pulsar magnetosphere that is quite different from the canonical paradigm of radio emission coming from the magnetic polar caps. In this first paper, we consider only the axisymmetric case of an aligned rotator. Our picture capitalizes on an important element of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) representation of the magnetosphere, namely the separatrix between the corotating closed-line region (the ‘dead zone’) and the open-field lines that originate in the polar caps. Along the separatrix flows the return current that corresponds to the main magnetospheric electric current emanating from the polar caps. Across the separatrix, both the toroidal and poloidal components of the magnetic field change discontinuously. The poloidal component discontinuity requires the presence of a significant annular electric current which has up to now been unaccounted for. We estimate the position and thickness of this annular current at the tip of the closed line region, and show that it consists of electrons (positrons) corotating with Lorentz factors on the order of 105, emitting incoherent synchrotron radiation that peaks in the hard X-rays. These particles stay in the region of highest annular current close to the equator for a path-length of the order of 1 m. We propose that, at wavelengths comparable to that path-length, the particles emit coherent radiation, with radiated power proportional to N2, where Nis the population of particles in the above path-length. We calculate the total radio power in this wavelength regime and its scaling with pulsar period and stellar magnetic field and show that it is consistent with estimates of radio luminosity based on observations.