bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective evaluation of the time to peak effect of propofol to target the effect site in children
Authors: MUÑOZ H. R. , LEÓN P. J. , FUENTES R. S. , ECHEVARRÍA G. C. , CORTÍNEZ L. I. 
Published: June 2009

Background: The plasma‐effect site equilibration rate constant (ke0) of propofol has been determined in children with the use of the time to maximum effect (tpeak), however, it has not been validated. The objective was to measure the tpeak; of propofol with two depths of anesthesia monitors in children and to evaluate these measurements with a target‐controlled infusion (TCI) system.Methods: Unpremedicated, ASA I children from 3 to 11 years were studied. In Part 1, children were monitored simultaneously with the bispectral index (BIS) and the A‐Line ARX‐index (AAI) from the Alaris A‐Line auditory‐evoked potential monitor/2. The tpeak after a bolus dose of propofol was measured. In Part 2, the tpeak measured was used to target the effect site with a TCI system. The median (MD) and the absolute median (MDA) difference between the predicted time of peak concentration at the effect site (Ce) and the measured time of peak effect in the index of depth of anesthesia (terror) was used to evaluate the performance of the system.Results: The BIS recordings were of a better quality than the AAI. The mean ± standard deviation tpeak was 65 ± 14 s with the BIS (n=25) and 201 ± 74 s with the AAI (n=10)(P<0.001). Validation was only performed with the BIS monitor in 40 children, yielding an MD terror of −9.5 s and an MDA terror of 10.0 s.Conclusions: The small delay between the evolution of Ce of propofol and the observed effect suggests that this can be a useful model to target the effect site in children.
The incidence of intra‐operative awareness during general anesthesia in China: a multi‐center observational study
Authors: XU L. , WU A.‐S. , YUE Y. 
Published: June 2009

Background: The incidence of awareness in patients undergoing general anesthesia is 0.1–0.2% in Western countries. The medical literatures about awareness during general anesthesia are still rare in China, but some previous studies have reported a higher incidence (1.4–6%) of intra‐operative awareness. To find out the reason why the incidence reported in China is much higher than that in Western countries, we performed a prospective, multicenter, non‐randomized observational study to determine the true incidence of intra‐operative awareness in China.Methods: This is a prospective, non‐randomized descriptive cohort study that was conducted at 25 academic medical centers in China. Eleven thousand one hundred and eighty‐five patients were interviewed by research staff for evaluation of awareness at the first and fourth day after general anesthesia with muscle relaxation. An independent blinded committee evaluated the responses and determined whether awareness occurred. Necessary data were collected for a binary logistic regression analysis.Results: Data from 11,101 patients were presented. Forty‐six cases (0.41%) were reported as definite awareness and 47 additional cases (0.41%) as possible awareness. Three hundred and fifty‐five patients (3.19%) had dreams during general anesthesia. Awareness was associated with increased American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, a previous anesthesia, and anesthesia methods of total intravenous anesthesia.Conclusion: The incidence of intra‐operative awareness in China is approximately 0.41%, two to three times higher than that widely cited in Western countries. Inappropriately light anesthesia, and the population proportion of surgery and general anesthesia in China may account for the difference. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00693875.)
Prognostic factors and outcome after drowning in an adult population
Authors: BALLESTEROS M. Á. , GUTIÉRREZ‐CUADRA M. , MUÑOZ P. , MIÑAMBRES E. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Drowning remains an actual problem. Although medical assistance has improved, it still has high rates of morbidity and mortality. We set out to explore the clinical characteristics and outcome of drowning patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary‐care university hospital.Methods: We designed a retrospective observational study to analyse all drowning patients admitted to our ICU after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The study was conducted during 1 January 1992–31 December 2005. There was no exclusion. We used a univariate analysis to evaluate the effect on patient and management characteristics on survival.Results: There were 43 patients (five children and 38 adults), with male predominance. Fifteen patients, all adults (34.9%), died. Submersion time, age, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), pupillary reactivity and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) at ICU admission were related to mortality. Non‐survivors presented a higher glycaemia level at ICU admission than survivors (P=0.005).Conclusions: The outcome is closely related to the patient's clinical status on arrival to the hospital. We have found that submersion time, age, GCS, pupillary reactivity and APACHE II at ICU admission were related to mortality. Further research in prospective studies is needed.
Mate availability contributes to maintain the mixed‐mating system in a scolytid beetle
Authors: GOTTLIEB D. , HOLZMAN J. P. , LUBIN Y. , BOUSKILA A. , KELLEY S. T. , HARARI A. R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe investigated the mating system and population genetic structure of the beetle, Coccotrypes dactyliperda, with life history characteristics that suggest the presence of a stable mixed‐mating system. We examined the genetic structure of seven populations in Israel and found significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and an excess of homozygosity. Inbreeding coefficients were highly variable across populations, suggesting that low levels of outbreeding occur in nature. Experiments were conducted to determine whether the observed high inbreeding in these populations is the result of a reproductive assurance strategy. Females reared in the laboratory took longer to mate with males from the same population (inbreeding) than with males from a different population (outbreeding). These results suggest that females delayed inbreeding, and were more inclined to outbreed when possible. Thus inbreeding, which predominates in most populations, may be due to a shortage of mates for outbreeding rather than a preference for inbreeding. We conclude that C. dactyliperda has a mixed‐mating system that may be maintained by a reproductive assurance strategy.
Efficacy of preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin administration for reducing transfusion requirements in patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture repair. An observational cohort study
Authors: García‐Erce J. A. , Cuenca J. , Haman‐Alcober S. , Martínez A. A. , Herrera A. , Muñoz M. 
Published: June 2009

Background  Preoperative anaemia is a major risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing hip fracture repair. We investigated the efficacy of preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) administration for reducing ABT requirements in a series of consecutive hip fracture patients presenting with haemoglobin (Hb) between 10 g/dl and 13 g/dl.Methods  The blood conservation protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dl) and the perioperative administration of intravenous iron sucrose (3 × 200 mg/48 h) (group 1, n = 115). Additionally, some patients received preoperative rHuEPO (40 000 IU sc) on admission to the orthopaedic ward (group 2, n = 81).Results  Overall, 103 of 196 patients (52·5%) received at least one ABT unit (2·1 ± 1·0 U/patient). However, there were significant differences in perioperative ABT rates between groups (60% vs. 42%, for groups 1 and 2, respectively; P = 0·013). Postoperative Hb on postoperative days 7 and 30 was higher in group 2 than in group 1. In addition, in group 2, Hb levels were higher on postoperative day 30 than on admission (12·7 ± 1·0 g/dl vs. 11·9 ± 0·8 g/dl, respectively; P = 0·030). Administration of rHuEPO did not increase postoperative complications or 30‐day mortality rate. Only three mild intravenous iron adverse effects were witnessed.Conclusions  In anaemic hip fracture patients managed with perioperative intravenous iron and restrictive transfusion protocol, preoperative administration of rHuEPO is associated with reduced ABT requirements. However, appropriate training, education and awareness are needed to avoid protocol violations and to limit further exposure to ABT and ABT‐related risks.
Large‐scale Input Matching by Urban Feral Pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Morand‐Ferron Julie , Lalande Émilie , Giraldeau Luc‐Alain 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIdeal Free Distribution (IFD) theory predicts the number of animals choosing habitats of differing quality. Most experimental tests of the IFD have been conducted at small spatial scales (i.e. smaller than maximum daily movement of animals) by comparing the number of animals foraging at adjacent food patches of different quality. Urban pigeons (Columba livia) feed in large, open aggregations, and can distribute according to predictions of the IFD at alternative food patches. In this study, we test IFD predictions over a much larger spatial scale by comparing the abundance of urban feral pigeons at four sites spread over the city centre of Montréal, Québec, Canada, to the amount of anthropogenically provided food in each site. We found that the pigeons’ distribution among the four sites qualitatively matched that of resources available at these sites. After controlling for the effect of stochastic variation in food resources, two pair‐wise comparisons between sites indicated undermatching, one indicated matching and three indicated overmatching of consumers to resources. These results suggest that the pigeons inhabiting the downtown area of Montréal may behave as a single population that distributes qualitatively among foraging sites in proportion to the quantity of food offered, and that deviations from expectations cannot be attributed simply to stochastic variation in the food levels at the sites.
Evaluation of Juglans species for resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi: differences in isolate virulence and response to fosetyl‐Al
Authors: Belisario A. , Galli M. , Wajnberg E. 
Published: June 2009

Summary Phytophthora is considered as an important pathogen on walnut, and severe losses are reported in European as well as in American walnut stands. Though several Phytophthora spp. are known to attack walnut, P. cinnamomi is considered the most virulent and widespread in southern Europe. Up to now, no walnut species or hybrid is known to have a high resistance level towards P. cinnamomi. Efforts are addressed in finding rootstock material graft compatible with English walnut and resistant/tolerant to P. cinnamomi. The extension of P. cinnamomi lesions on five Juglans species was studied to find out sources of resistance/tolerance to this pathogen. Walnut species clustered into two main groups, J. hindsii, J. nigra, and J. mandshurica were the less susceptible to the colonization of P. cinnamomi, while J. regia and J. sieboldiana were the most susceptible. On this account, J. mandshurica represents the best alternative as rootstock because its employment overcomes the risk of the occurrence of black line disease, it has good level of resistance to Agrobacterium temefaciens and Brenneria nigrifluens, and it is tolerant to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis. J. mandshurica is also compatible in cross‐pollinations with J. regia and J. nigra. Differences in virulence of P. cinnamomi isolates was assessed and a marked interaction between species and isolate emerged. Treatment with fosetyl‐Al by dipping was mainly efficient in reducing the length P. cinnamomi lesions, and an interaction between species and treatment was evident with the highest efficacy on J. regia and J. sieboldiana.
Biology of Mastrus ridibundus (Gravenhorst), a potential biological control agent for area‐wide management of Cydia pomonella (Linneaus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Devotto L. , Del Valle C. , Ceballos R. , Gerding M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a serious pest of pome fruit crops. A natural enemy of codling moth, the larval ectoparasitoid Mastrus ridibundus (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) has been imported into South America from the USA but little is known about the biology and ecology of the wasp, knowledge that is needed to design an efficient strategy of release and establishment. Experiments were carried out to assess important traits of the biology of the parasitoid in relation to its possible use as a biocontrol agent for codling moth. When M. ridibundus females were offered larvae ranging in weight from 37 to 78 mg, they oviposited more eggs on heavier hosts. In another study, the adult wasps were offered honey, diluted honey (10%) or pollen in paired choice tests and both males and females preferred honey over the other two foods. Females preferred 10% honey over pollen, while the males showed the opposite preference. Honey‐fed females lived longer than starved females. Adults died rapidly at 35°C, while they lived 20 days at 25°C and 12–17 days at 15°C. Female wasps had on average 25 ± 14 and 18 ± 11 progeny at 15 and 25°C, respectively, but they did not had progeny at 35°C. The development time (egg to adult emergence) was on average 44 ± 7 and 24 ± 2 days at 15 and 25°C respectively. Immature insects did not reach the adult stage at 35°C.
Population genetic structure of Cydia pomonella: a review and case study comparing spatiotemporal variation
Authors: Franck P. , Timm A. E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAnalysis of population genetic structure is a key aspect to understand insect pest population dynamics in agricultural scenarios. Here the role of geography, hosts and time on the population genetic structure of codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lep., Tortricidae) populations is described. Temporal variation was examined in two French orchards among each of three adult flights during two successive years. Analyses were conducted using two insecticide resistance markers (variation at the sodium channel gene and enzymatic activity of cytochrome P450 oxidases) and three microsatellite loci. Levels of genetic variation among temporal populations were not significant based on variation in the sodium channel gene and microsatellite loci. However, P450 oxidase activity differed significantly during both flights and years, decreasing during the three flights of the first year and increasing during the second. These results suggest that phytosanitary measures are among the factors shaping the genetic structure of C. pomonella populations over temporal and geographical scales. We discuss the relative importance of natural and passive dispersal related to anthropogenic activities affecting C. pomonella population genetics and highlight population genetic research needs in order to design more efficient pest management practices.
Genetic location and evaluation of chromosomal segments for drought tolerance at flowering stage in maize using selected backcross populations
Authors: Li Y. , Liu C. , Shi Y. , Song Y. , Wang T. , Li Y. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDevelopment and evaluation of introgression lines have become one of the promising approaches to understanding genetic mechanisms of important traits in crops. In this study, three sets of drought tolerance (DT) selected backcross populations in maize, including two BC2S1 populations and one BC3S1 population, from a cross of Qi319 and Huangzaosi (recurrent parent) were developed by selecting for short anthesis‐silking interval (ASI) under the condition of serious water stress at flowering stage. The introgression of chromosome segments was identified using microsatellite markers. The results showed that the marker allele introgression frequencies in the three DT populations significantly increased compared with the expected value under no selection. There was a notable increase of introgression frequency for the most of these markers which were located on all chromosomes except chromosome 8, but most concentrated on some chromosomes, especially on chromosomes 4 and 5. For example, chromosome 4 harboured the largest number of introgression regions, on which five segments were detected. The ASI in the DT populations significantly shortened compared with the initial BC2 population.
‘Seeing’ the learning community: An exploration of the development of a resource for monitoring online student networking
Authors: Dawson Shane 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe trend to adopt more online technologies continues unabated in the higher education sector. This paper elaborates the means by which such technologies can be employed for pedagogical purposes beyond simply providing virtual spaces for bringing learners together. It shows how data about student ‘movement’ within and across a learning community can be captured and analysed for the purposes of making strategic interventions in the learning of ‘at risk’ students in particular, through the application of social network analysis to the engagement data. The study that is set out in the paper indicates that online technologies bring with them an unprecedented opportunity for educators to visualise changes in student behaviour and their learning network composition, including the interventions teachers make in those networks over time. To date, these evaluative opportunities have been beyond the reach of the everyday practitioner—they can now be integrated into every teaching and learning plan.
e‐Learning programs as loyalty investments for financial corporations
Authors: Arvanitis Spyridon 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAlthough e‐learning has been thoroughly presented and analysed in recent years, this paper aims to present a new concept, about web‐based learning used as a tool to provide ‘products' education’ for customers, and the ways enterprises of the financial sector, may use it in order to promote their brand name and services by affecting crucial factors like customer's trust and loyalty.
COMMODITY CONTENT IN A GENERAL INPUT–OUTPUT MODEL
Authors: Fujimoto Takao , Opocher Arrigo 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThis technical paper provides a definition of ‘commodity content’ in extended von Neumann–Morishima models of production. Our definition admits as special cases the classical definition of ‘labour values’ in Leontief models, as well as Morishima's definition of ‘optimal values’ in a von Neumann model. Proper joint production, heterogeneous labour, durable consumption goods, household activities and disposal processes are all allowed for. We also propose a tentative mathematical criterion for defining bads and for distinguishing between unskilled and skilled labour.
Does Skill Content Explain Total Trade and Intra‐Industry Trade?*
Authors: Cabral Manuel , Falvey Rod , Milner Chris 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis study compares the results of skill content tests for types of trade flows under alternative assumptions about the technologies used to produce imports and exports. For trade between high‐ and middle‐income countries, we show that the match between the actual skill content of trade and that predicted by endowments in a Heckscher–Ohlin–Vanek framework improves substantially if technological heterogeneity across countries is allowed for and if the factor content of intra‐industry trade is included with that of inter‐industry trade. Endowment differences are important in explaining net trade and vertical intra‐industry trade, but not horizontal intra‐industry trade.
Competitive IPOs
Authors: Jenkinson Tim , Jones Howard 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Competition between investment banks for lead underwriter mandates in IPOs is fierce, but having committed to a particular bank, the power of the issuer is greatly reduced. Although information revelation theories justify giving the underwriters influence over pricing and allocation, this creates the potential for conflicts of interest. In this clinical paper we analyse an interesting innovation that has been used in recent European IPOs whereby issuers separate the preparation and distribution roles of investment banks, and keep competitive pressure on the banks throughout the issue process. These ‘competitive IPOs’ allow the issuer greater control and facilitate more contingent fee structures that help to mitigate against ‘bait and switch.’ But unlike more radical departures from traditional bookbuilding – such as auctions – the competitive IPO is an incremental market‐based response to potential conflicts of interest that retains many of the advantages of investment banks’ active involvement in issues.
Determinants of Capital Structure for Japanese Multinational and Domestic Corporations*
Authors: Akhtar Shumi , Oliver Barry 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTOur study examines whether there are systematic differences in standard leverage determinants for a sample of Japanese multinational (MNCs) and domestic corporations (DCs). We find that on a univariate basis Japanese MNCs differ significantly on most variables relative to Japanese DCs. These variables include leverage, age, collateral value of assets, free cash flows, foreign exchange risks, growth, non‐debt tax shields, political risks, profitability and size. Business risks are not found to be significantly different between the two groups of organizations. When modeling capital structure and the determinants of capital structure we find that Japanese multinationals have significantly less leverage than Japanese DCs, and that multinationality is an important aspect of leverage for Japanese firms. We find that business risks are not significant for modeling capital structure of domestic firms but they are for multinationals and foreign exchange risks are not significant for multinationals but are significant for domestic firms. Business risks are negatively related to leverage for multinationals and we document that significant positive leverage effects of foreign exchange risks and size are subsumed by the negative effect of business risks to explain the lower leverage experienced by Japanese multinationals relative to Japanese DCs. The lack of significance of foreign exchange risks for DCs can be explained by economies of scale in risk management, such as derivatives. Domestic firms seem to manage increased foreign exchange risks through lower leverage rather than derivative use. On the other hand, the larger multinationals can take advantage of economies of scale in risk management. Consequently, foreign exchange risks of multinationals can be managed through derivatives and other risk management operations and not reduced leverage.
Deal or No Deal, That is the Question: The Impact of Increasing Stakes and Framing Effects on Decision‐Making under Risk
Authors: BROOKS ROBERT , FAFF ROBERT , MULINO DANIEL , SCHEELINGS RICHARD 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we utilize data from the Australian version of the TV game show, ‘Deal or No Deal’, to explore risk aversion in a high real stakes setting. An attractive feature of this version of the game is that supplementary rounds may occur which switch the decision frame of players. There are four main findings. First, we observe that the degree of risk aversion generally increases with stakes. Second, we observe considerable heterogeneity in people's willingness to bear risk – even at very high stakes. Third, we find that age and gender are statistically significant determinants of risk aversion, while wealth is not. Fourth, we find that the reversal of framing does have a significant impact on people's willingness to bear risk.