bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Population Pharmacokinetic Model for Parecoxib and Its Active Metabolite Valdecoxib after Parenteral Parecoxib Administration in Children
Authors: Hullett Bruce , Salman Sam , O'Halloran Sean J. , Peirce Deborah , Davies Kylie , Ilett Kenneth F. 
Published: March 2012

Background
Parecoxib is a cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor used in management of postoperative pain in adults. This study aimed to provide pediatric pharmacokinetic information for parecoxib and its active metabolite valdecoxib.

Methods
Thirty-eight children undergoing surgery received parecoxib (1 mg/kg IV to a maximum of 40 mg) at induction of anesthesia, and plasma samples were collected for drug measurement. Population pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Area under the valdecoxib concentration-time curve and time above cyclooxygenase-2 in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration for free valdecoxib were simulated.

Results
A three-compartment model best represented parecoxib disposition, whereas one compartment was adequate for valdecoxib. Age was linearly correlated with parecoxib clearance (5.0% increase/yr). There was a sigmoid relationship between age and both valdecoxib clearance and distribution volume. Time to 50% maturation was 87 weeks postmenstrual age for both. In simulations using allometric-based doses the 90% prediction interval of valdecoxib concentration-time curve in children 2-12.7 yr included the mean for adults given 40 mg parecoxib IV. Simulated free valdecoxib plasma concentration remained above the in vitro 50% inhibitory concentrations for more than 12 h. In children younger than 2 yr, a dose reduction is likely required due to ongoing metabolic maturation.

Conclusions
The final pharmacokinetic model gave a robust representation of parecoxib and valdecoxib disposition. Area under the valdecoxib concentration-time curve was similar to that in adults (40 mg), and simulated free valdecoxib concentration was above the cyclooxygenase-2 in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration for free valdecoxib for at least 12 h.
High Tidal Volumes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Increase Organ Dysfunction after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Lellouche François , Dionne Stéphanie , Simard Serge , Bussières Jean , Dagenais François 
Published: March 2012

Background
High tidal volumes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury lead to ventilator-induced lung injury and increased mortality. We evaluated the impact of tidal volumes on cardiac surgery outcomes.

Methods
We examined prospectively recorded data from 3,434 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Three groups of patients were defined based on the tidal volume delivered on arrival at the intensive care unit: (1) low: below 10, (2) traditional: 10-12, and (3) high: more than 12 ml/kg of predicted body weight. We assessed risk factors for three types of organ failure (prolonged mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic instability, and renal failure) and a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit.

Results
The mean tidal volume/actual weight was 9.2 ml/kg, and the tidal volume/predicted body weight was 11.5 ml/kg. Low, traditional, and high tidal volumes were used in 724 (21.1%), 1567 (45.6%), and 1,143 patients (33.3%), respectively. Independent risks factors for high tidal volumes were body mass index of 30 or more (odds ratio [OR] 6.25; CI: 5.26-7.42; P < 0.001) and female sex (OR 4.33; CI: 3.64-5.15; P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, high and traditional tidal volumes were independent risk factors for organ failure, multiple organ failure, and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. Organ failures were associated with increased intensive care unit stay, hospital mortality, and long-term mortality.

Conclusion
Tidal volumes of more than 10 ml/kg are risk factors for organ failure and prolonged intensive care unit stay after cardiac surgery. Women and obese patients are particularly at risk of being ventilated with injurious tidal volumes.
Service specialization and operational performance in hospitals
Authors: Capkun Vedran , Messner Martin , Rissbacher Clemens 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the link between service specialization and operational performance in hospitals. Existing literature has mostly been concerned with the performance effects of operational focus, which can be seen as an extreme form of specialization. It is not clear, however, whether an effect similar to the focus effect can be observed also in cases where specialization takes on less extreme forms. The authors analyze this effect up to and above the effects of volume, learning and patient selection.Design/methodology/approachOrdinary least squares (OLS) and two‐stage regression models were used to analyze patient data from 142 Austrian hospitals over the 2002‐2006 period. The sample contains 322,193 patient groups (841,687 patient group‐year observations).FindingsThe authors find that increased specialization in a service leads to a more efficient provision of this service in terms of shorter length of stay. The analysis shows that this effect holds even after controlling for volume, learning, and patient selection effects. The authors suggest that the pure specialization effect is due to the increased administrative and medical attention that is given to a service when the relative importance of that service increases.Practical implicationsThe paper's results indicate hospital managers should pay attention to the impact of specialization when making service‐mix decisions. If two services have the same or a similar level of operational performance, then this does not mean that hospital managers should be indifferent as to the relative volume of these services.Originality/valueThe paper provides additional insights into the impact of service‐level specialization not examined in prior literature.
Web 2.0 in library and information science education: the Greek case
Authors: Garoufallou Emmanouel , Charitopoulou Vassiliki 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find out what the Greek library and information science (LIS) students want from their studies concerning the use of Web 2.0 in education. Based on the results of this study, this paper will seek to identify problems and propose solutions that will tackle students' needs and improve the quality of their studies.Design/methodology/approachA web‐based questionnaire was distributed to students of the Library Science and Information Systems (LSIS) Department of ATEI of Thessaloniki, Greece. Students had to answer 61 questions, divided into ten sections about Web 2.0 tools. First, they were asked to state the knowledge and personal experience on Web 2.0 tools and then to express their views for the LIS curriculum and the use of Web 2.0. Interviews with four members of staff from the LSIS Department were followed in order to review the research findings and express their views concerning Web 2.0 and LIS education.FindingsThis research revealed that most of the students are aware of the majority of Web 2.0 tools. Thus, they are willing to attend training concerning Web 2.0 because they believe this will enrich their knowledge on the subject. Blogs and wikis are the first choices of the tools they would like to learn about. Students believe that computer scientists are more qualified to teach Web 2.0 tools, while some respond that cooperation between librarians and computer scientists will be to the benefit of the profession. As advantages of using Web 2.0 they name acquiring new knowledge and facilitation with the assignments. The faculty staff have positive views introducing Web 2.0 tools in classes as a way of communicating with students but they feel that it is too early for these tools to play a learning role in LIS teaching.Originality/valueThe implementation of Web 2.0 in schools, especially LIS departments, is very important nowadays. There are only a few studies about Web 2.0 in Greece. This study will help LIS faculty to understand students' needs about Web 2.0 in order to improve their units and LIS curriculum and adopt Web 2.0 applications to their classes. On the other hand this research records for the first time the views of the Greek faculty members concerning Web 2.0 and social networks.
Access to library materials:a global fundamental service
Authors: Massis Bruce E. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of recognition for libraries and librarians as the providers of a “fundamental” service in society.Design/methodology/approachThe article comprises a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.FindingsIt is imperative that there is recognition that the library fulfills the need that a community is not considered whole unless a library is in place.Originality/valueThe value in addressing this issue is to recognize the importance of the library as an institution serving one of the fundamental needs of a society.
Augmentation of heat transfer in wall‐rooted‐fins systems
Authors: Khaled A.‐R.A. , Alqadi I. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to consider heat transfer inside wall‐rooted‐fins systems.Design/methodology/approachThe coupled two‐dimensional heat diffusion equations are nondimensionlaized and solved numerically using an iterative finite volume method. Approximate fine analytical solutions for various augmentation indicators are derived. Excellent agreement is obtained between the numerical and the analytical results. A parametric study including all of the involved dimensionless parameters is conducted and presented graphically. Accurate correlations are generated.FindingsIt is found that fin‐roots with large root lengths experience bi‐directional heat transfer rates. Moreover, the wall‐rooted‐fins system is found to possess an effectiveness that can be more than 60 percent above that with rootless fins at wall Biot numbers of unity order. This value is found to increase as the Biot number increases or as the wall‐to‐fin thermal conductivities and volumes ratios decrease. In addition, heat transfer rates through wall‐rooted‐fins systems can be more than 100 percent above those having uniform thermal conductivities. Eventually, the heat transfer coefficient between the fin‐roots and wall are derived, which is found to be independent on the wall thickness.Originality/valueFinally, this work paves a way for an effective passive method for augmenting heat transfer inside wall‐fins systems.
The moderating effect of uncertainty‐avoidance on overall perceived value of a service purchased online
Authors: Sabiote Carmen M. , Frías Dolores M. , Castañeda J. Alberto 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe aim of this study is to analyze differences in the overall perceived value of a service purchased online, and the consequences for international consumer behavior, taking consumers' uncertainty avoidance as a moderating variable.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was administered to 300 international consumers (150 British and 150 Spanish) who had purchased a service via the internet. SEM was chosen to analyze the effect of uncertainty avoidance on the formation of overall perceived value.FindingsThe results reveal that in the formation of overall perceived value – which embraces both the online purchase and also enjoyment of the service – uncertainty avoidance has a moderating effect.Research limitations/implicationsIn this study just two cultures were to analyze the moderating effect of uncertainty avoidance on an overall perceived value model.Practical implicationsThe paper helps in understanding the role played by uncertainty avoidance in interactions with web‐based businesses.Originality/valueThis paper represents an advance in the study of overall perceived value. It explores how overall perceived value is formed when the entire purchasing process is taken into account, and the variations that occur in this process depending on whether it relates to Spanish or British consumers.
Charting collective knowledge: supporting self‐regulated learning in the workplace
Authors: Littlejohn Allison , Milligan Colin , Margaryan Anoush 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis study aims to outline an approach to improving the effectiveness of work‐based learning through knowledge creation and enhancing self‐regulated learning. The paper presents a case example of a novel approach to learning through knowledge creation in the workplace. This case example is based on empirical data collected through a study of the learning practices of knowledge workers employed within a large, multinational organization.Design/methodology/approachThe case example presented in this article is based on a study of the learning practices of knowledge workers employed within a large, multinational organization. Participants were members of a number of global, online knowledge sharing networks focused around the core technical and commercial disciplines of the company. Membership of each network ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand professionals at various stages of their career. The survey is available online at: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6017514/survey.pdf The case study reported in this paper is based on 462 survey respondents, including 211 (45.7 per cent) experts, 128 (27.7 per cent) mid‐career professionals and 123 (26.6 per cent) novices, and 29 interviews were conducted with nine novices, and 20 experts.FindingsThe study proposes a mechanism to enhance goal actuation processes for self‐regulated learning in the workplace. The authors term this mechanism “charting” and provide a scenario illustrating how it might work in practice. Drawing upon social cognitive theory of self‐regulated learning, they argue that individualised conceptualisations of self‐regulated learning should be re‐examined. These contradict the interactional and collaborative nature of the workplace where goal actuation is socially mediated, structured by and closely integrated within work tasks.Research limitations/implicationsThe case example is based on a previous study. It is not a real‐life example because this paper aims to predict a likely case example to enhance learning performance in the workplace, based on empirical evidence. The study on which this case example is based is limited in scope, examining a small group of workers in one multinational organization. Quantitative studies, as well as studies in related contexts, would complement and validate these findings.Originality/valueThis article extends understanding of the relationship between the individual learner and the collective knowledge and how this relationship can be enhanced through self‐regulated learning in the workplace.
Analysis of metallurgical and mechanical properties of laser welded super austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Sathiya Paulraj , Abdul Jaleel M.Y. , Shanmugarajan B. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeLaser welding under high power, high degree of automation and high production rate is extremely advantageous in automotive application. Super austenitic stainless steel is the preferable material for high corrosion resistance requirements. These steels are relatively cheaper than austenitic stainless steel and it is expensive than nickel base super alloys for such applications. The main purpose of this paper is to present the investigations of the microstructure and mechanical properties of super austenitic stainless steel butt joints made by 3.5 kW cooled slab CO2 laser welding using different shielding gases such as argon, nitrogen and helium.Design/methodology/approachThe tensile and impact tests were performed and the fractured surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The hardness across the joint zone was measured. The X‐ray diffraction technique was used to analyze the phase composition. The microstructure of the laser welds were analyzed through optical microscopy.FindingsThe tensile sample fractures indicate that the specimen fails in a ductile manner under the action of tensile loading. The impact fracture surfaces of the different shielding gas laser welded joints show mixed mode fractures, that is, ductile and cleavage fractures. The hardness values of the Helium shielded laser joints in the weld metal regions are much higher than the others.Research limitations/implicationsThere is no limitation, except for the availability of the high beam power laser welding machine.Practical implicationsThe only practical implication is the laser welding shop hazard during the experiment.Social implicationsSocial implication is limited. The only hazard during the laser welding is that it may affect human body tissues.Originality/valueThe research work described in the paper is original.
Differential effects of fear‐eliciting DTCA on elaboration, perceived endorser credibility, and attitudes
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Lee Chunsik 
Published: March 2012

PurposeIn response to concerns regarding frequent uses of emotional appeals and endorsers in DTCA, this paper aims to investigate the relative effects of fear‐eliciting and non‐fear‐eliciting DTC ads on elaboration and attitude change regarding the drug and health issue, and evaluation of endorser credibility.Design/methodology/approachA between‐subject experiment was conducted with 96 students in a large state university. Fear appeals and endorser credibility were manipulated via stimulus ads. Participants' responses on elaboration, attitudes, and behavior intentions after ad exposure were compared between fear and non‐fear conditions. In addition, the directions of influence among these variables and endorser credibility were examined via path analyses.FindingsFear elicitation had little effect on the type of elaboration generated since the elaboration was dominated by message‐related (vs endorser‐related) thoughts. However, the fear‐eliciting ad affected brand‐related and health‐related outcomes differentially. It had positive influence on attitudes toward the health issue, but negative influence on ad attitudes. Furthermore, ad attitudes had little impact on brand attitudes or brand‐related behavior intentions when fear was elicited in the ad.Originality/valueConsidering a paucity of research on the effects of emotional appeals and endorsers in DTCA, the authors' findings provide important insights for researchers and practitioners about how a specific emotion elicited in the ad has differential impact on brand‐related and health‐related outcomes and how the effectiveness of emotional appeals and endorser credibility can be maximized.
Algorithm fusion to improve detection of lung cancer on chest radiographs
Authors: Orbán Gergely , Horváth Gábor 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show an efficient method for the detection of signs of early lung cancer. Various image processing algorithms are presented for different types of lesions, and a scheme is proposed for the combination of results.Design/methodology/approachA computer aided detection (CAD) scheme was developed for detection of lung cancer. It enables different lesion enhancer algorithms, sensitive to specific lesion subtypes, to be used simultaneously. Three image processing algorithms are presented for the detection of small nodules, large ones, and infiltrated areas. The outputs are merged, the false detection rate is reduced with four separated support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. The classifier input comes from a feature selection algorithm selecting from various textural and geometric features. A total of 761 images were used for testing, including the database of the Japanese Society of Radiological Technology (JSRT).FindingsThe fusion of algorithms reduced false positives on average by 0.6 per image, while the sensitivity remained 80 per cent. On the JSRT database the system managed to find 60.2 per cent of lesions at an average of 2.0 false positives per image. The effect of using different result evaluation criteria was tested and a difference as high as 4 percentage points in sensitivity was measured. The system was compared to other published methods.Originality/valueThe study described in the paper proves the usefulness of lesion enhancement decomposition, while proposing a scheme for the fusion of algorithms. Furthermore, a new algorithm is introduced for the detection of infiltrated areas, possible signs of lung cancer, neglected by previous solutions.
Systematic comparisons of genetically modified organism DNA separation and purification by various functional magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Hao Changlong , Yong Qianqian , Qu Changlong , Chen Wei , Peng Chifang , Kuang Hua , Zhou Huiming , Wang Libing , Xu Chuanlai 
Published: March 2012

SummaryDNA extraction is always an important and key step in bioanalytical fields for target nucleic acid detection. Traditional organic solvent‐based extraction methods are toxic and time‐consuming. In this work, we report a systematic study of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as probes for genomic DNA extraction from genetically modified organism (GMO) plants. Different surface‐functionalised MNPs with controllable diameters have been used to extract the genomic DNA directly from GMO plants for detections. Systematic comparison of the results obtained under different extraction conditions has indicated that carboxyl‐modified MNPs with smaller diameters are more suitable for genomic DNA extractions. The successful qualitative detection of GMO and non‐GMO products based on the MNP extracted DNA is also achieved and discussed in this article. In view of the advantages of magnetic extraction, such as nontoxicity, ease of operation, and rapid and high throughput, this systematic research has demonstrated the great potential of the method and provides theoretical guidance for practical MNP applications.
Component analysis and sensory evaluation of Korean black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Mique) wines
Authors: Lim Jae W. , Jeong Jong T. , Shin Chul S. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThree types of Korean black raspberry wines were made from juice, juice‐pulp and juice‐pulp‐seed. Changes in the physicochemical properties and key compounds of the wines during fermentation were determined. The colour intensity was weakened with a 50% decrease in the anthocyanin content, but the colour intensity was strengthened by supplementation with pulp and seeds. Citric acid was the major organic acid (approximately 90%) of the wines, and the amino acid content was lowered to less than 10% by fermentation. The total volatile compound content was increased 5.3 times and nine new compounds were identified. The major components of the wines were isobutanol, n‐propanol and isoamyl acetate. The juice‐pulp‐seed wine contained the highest contents of anthocyanin, polyphenols and proanthocyanin. The anti‐oxidative activity of wines increased with an increasing content of polyphenols. The content of proanthocyanidin, a compound for pucker and bitter tastes, was approximately two to three times greater than in commercial grape wines. In a sensory test, the highest scores for colour, flavour, taste and overall acceptance were awarded to the juice‐pulp‐seed wine.
Mechanochemical‐assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum spores
Authors: Zhu Xingyi , Chen Xiu , Xie Jie , Wang Ping , Su Weike 
Published: March 2012

SummaryMechanochemical‐assisted extraction (MCAE) method was developed to an effective method for polysaccharides extraction from Ganoderma lucidum spores. The MCAE parameters and the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides were investigated. Through response surface methodology design experiments, the processing conditions were optimised as follows: material/solid reagent (Na2CO3) 5 g·g−1, milling time 20 min, solution/material ratio twenty (mL·g−1) and extraction time 130 min. Under these conditions, the yield of polysaccharides was (5.92 ± 0.13)%, which was in close agreement with the predicted value. Compared with the heat‐reflux extraction method, the MCAE method had higher extraction yield, shorter extraction time and lower extraction temperature. In addition, the polysaccharides obtained from MCAE exhibit significant antioxidant activity.