bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of Illness and Satisfaction With Care Among Patients With Headache Seen in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Harpole Linda H. , Samsa Gregory P. , Matchar David B. , Silberstein Stephen D. , Blumenfeld Andrew , Jurgelski Annette E. 
Published: August 2005

Objective.—To assess the current level of headache burden and the headache management needs at three diverse clinical sites.Background.—Headache is a common disabling disorder that is costly for the patient and a management challenge for physicians. The determination of whether and how to intervene to improve headache management depends on both the burden of disease and the characteristics of patients that would likely be targeted.Methods.—Patients from three healthcare organizations were identified by administrative records as having either migraine or tension‐type headache and then mailed a survey that addressed demographics, headache type, headache‐related disability, depression and anxiety, satisfaction with care, general health, worry about headache, problems with headache management, and healthcare utilization. Comparisons were made across sites and between patients with more and less severe headache‐related impairments.Results.—Of the 789 patients contacted, 385 (50%) returned a survey. While the socio‐demographic characteristics of the patients were diverse, headache‐related characteristics were similar. These patients have significant problems with headache management, disability, pain, worry, and dissatisfaction with care. Patients who described higher headache‐related impairment experienced significantly greater problems in these areas, perceived themselves to be in worse general health, and had significantly greater use of medical services than those with lower headache severity.Conclusions.—Despite various elements of heterogeneity, we observed across the sites a consistent need for improvement in headache management. Future efforts should be directed at developing and evaluating methods for effectively improving headache management.
Treatment of Cluster Headache Attacks With Less Than 6 mg Subcutaneous Sumatriptan
Authors: Gregor Nora , Schlesiger Christian , Akova‐Öztürk Esra , Kraemer Christoffer , Husstedt Ingo‐Wilhelm , Evers Stefan 
Published: August 2005

Background.—Subcutaneous (SQ) sumatriptan 6 mg is effective in the treatment of acute cluster headache attacks. However, patients sometimes benefit from a dose less than 6 mg.Objective.—Therefore, we designed a prospective open study to evaluate how many patients benefit from a dose less than 6 mg SQ sumatriptan.Methods.—We enrolled 81 consecutive patients with cluster headache and recorded their use of SQ sumatriptan and oxygen. Patients regularly using SQ sumatriptan 6 mg were advised to treat attacks with doses less than 6 mg and with oxygen. Efficacy and side effects of the different treatment options (6 mg, 3 mg, 2 mg, and oxygen) were evaluated.Results.—As a result, 74% of the patients using SQ sumatriptan 3 mg showed efficacy and 89% reported efficacy after 2 mg. Seventy‐nine percent reported side effects after the use of SQ sumatriptan 6 mg (29% severe side effects). After the use of 2 mg SQ sumatriptan, only 50% of the patients reported side effects, none of these were classified as severe. Patients' preference was 41% for 6 mg sumatriptan, 28% for doses less than 6 mg, and 31% for oxygen.Conclusions.—We conclude that sumatriptan in doses less than 6 mg can be effective in the acute treatment of cluster headache attacks. We suggest that patients should have experience in their individual efficacy of sumatriptan doses less than 6 mg.
Moral Hazard in Reinsurance Markets
Authors: Doherty Neil , Smetters Kent 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article attempts to identify moral hazard in the traditional reinsurance market. We build a multiperiod principal–agent model of the reinsurance transaction from which we derive predictions on premium design, monitoring, loss control, and insurer risk retention. We then use panel data on U.S. property liability reinsurance to test the model. The empirical results are consistent with the model's predictions. In particular, we find evidence for the use of loss‐sensitive premiums when the insurer and reinsurer are not affiliates (i.e., not part of the same financial group), but little or no use of monitoring. In contrast, we find evidence for the extensive use of monitoring when the insurer and reinsurer are affiliates, where monitoring costs are lower.
Financial Intermediary Versus Production Approach to Efficiency of Marketing Distribution Systems and Organizational Structure of Insurance Companies
Authors: Brockett Patrick L. , Cooper William W. , Golden Linda L. , Rousseau John J. , Wang Yuying 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAn examination of the efficiency of the marketing distribution channel and organizational structure for insurance companies is presented from a framework that views the insurer as a financial intermediary rather than as a “production entity” which produces “value added” through loss payments. Within this financial intermediary approach, solvency can be a primary concern for regulators of insurance companies, claims‐paying ability can be a primary concern for policyholders, and return on investment can be a primary concern for investors. These three variables (solvency, financial return, and claims‐paying ability) are considered as outputs of the insurance firm. The financial intermediary approach acknowledges that interests potentially conflict, and the strategic decision makers for the firm must balance one concern versus another when managing the insurance company. Accordingly, we investigate the efficiency of insurance companies using data envelopment analysis (DEA) having as insurer output an appropriately selected (for the firm under investigation) combination of solvency, claims‐paying ability, and return on investment as outputs. These efficiency evaluations are further examined to study stock versus mutual form of organizational structure and agency versus direct marketing arrangements, which are examined separately and in combination. Comparisons with the “value‐added” or “production” approach to insurer efficiency are presented. A new DEA approach and interpretation is also presented.
Subsidization and Choice in the Group Health Insurance Market
Authors: Ma Yu‐Luen , Browne Mark 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of group health insurance plan choice on insurance unit price. The empirical findings suggest that the unit price of insurance, as measured by the ratio of the premium to expected indemnity benefits, is lower in group plans that offer employees a choice of different insurance options and require a premium contribution than it is in plans lacking at least one of these two features. The analyses suggest that lower unit prices are related to an increase in indemnity benefits and that the reduction in the unit price is greater for lower risks. The findings indicate that although subsidization of high risks by low risks occurs with group health insurance, the degree of subsidization is less when employees are offered a choice of health insurance plans.
Estimating the Cost of Equity Capital for Property‐Liability Insurers
Authors: Cummins J. David , Phillips Richard D. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article presents new evidence on the cost of equity capital by line of insurance for the property‐liability insurance industry. To do so we obtain firm beta estimates and then use the full‐information industry beta (FIB) methodology to decompose the cost of capital by line. We obtain full‐information beta estimates using the standard one‐factor capital asset pricing model and extend the FIB methodology to incorporate the Fama–French three‐factor cost of capital model. The analysis suggests the cost of capital for insurers using the Fama–French model is significantly higher than the estimates based upon the CAPM. In addition, we find evidence of significant differences in the cost of equity capital across lines.
The Simple Analytics of a Pooled Annuity Fund
Authors: Piggott John , Valdez Emiliano A. , Detzel Bettina 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article provides a formal analysis of payout adjustments from a longevity risk‐pooling fund, an arrangement we refer to as group self‐annuitization (GSA). The distinguishing risk diffusion characteristic of GSAs in the family of longevity insurance instruments is that the annuitants bear their systematic risk, but the pool shares idiosyncratic risk. This obviates the need for an insurance company, although such instruments could be sold through a corporate insurer. We begin by deriving the payout adjustment for a single entry group with a single annuity factor and constant expectations. We then show that under weak requirements a unique solution to payout paths exists when multiple cohorts combine into a single pool. This relies on the harmonic mean of the ratio of realized to expected survivorship rates across cohorts. The case of evolving expectations is also analyzed. In all cases, we demonstrate that the periodic‐benefit payment in a pooled annuity fund is determined based on the previous payment adjusted for any deviations in mortality and interest from expectations. GSA may have considerable appeal in countries which have adopted national defined contribution schemes and/or in which the life insurance industry is noncompetitive or poorly developed.
Does mother really know best? Oviposition preference reduces reproductive performance in the generalist parasitoid Aphidius ervi
Authors: Henry Lee M. , Gillespie David R. , Roitberg Bernard D. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe reproductive success of female parasitoids is dependent on their ability to accurately assess the suitability of a host for larval development. For generalist parasitoids, which utilize a broad range of species and instars as hosts, a set of assessment criteria determines whether a host is accepted or rejected. The suitability of a host, however, can only be imperfectly assessed by the female parasitoid, which can result in the selection of lesser quality hosts for oviposition. In this study we explored the disparity between host quality and host preference using the generalist koinobiotic parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) and the host Aulacorthum solani (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae), the foxglove aphid. The second instar hosts produced the highest level of reproductive success, while third and fourth instars resulted in a substantially reduced reproductive performance. When given a choice of host instars, parasitoids preferred the older hosts for oviposition disregarding their reduced suitability for larval development. Results are discussed in context of mechanisms involved in A. ervi host selection and biases in the criteria used to assess hosts that may arise when parasitoids transfer host species between generations.
An improved method to determine the biological activity (LC50) of the granulovirus PoGV in its host Phthorimaea operculella
Authors: Sporleder Marc , Kroschel Jürgen , Huber Jürg , Lagnaoui Aziz 
Published: August 2005

AbstractGranulovirus (PoGV) is a promising candidate to substitute for chemical insecticides in integrated pest management (IPM) of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). A procedure to assess pathogenicity (LC50) and its standardization is crucial for research into the use of pathogens as biocontrol agents. In the present study, an egg‐dip bioassay method was developed and its precision tested in a series of six bioassays over a time period of 18 months. Bioassays were carried out at 25 °C incubation temperature. The probit model as a statistical analysis method for the interpretation of concentration responses proved better than the exponential model. LC50 values ranged from 2.3 × 106 to 107 granules ml−1 with a mean of 5 × 106 granules ml−1 and regression slopes varied between 0.73 and 1.05 with a mean of 0.84. LC50 values and slopes displayed no significant differences according to their 95% confidence limits. The rate of harvested infected larvae showed a linear increase with increasing concentration on a log‐log scale. The mean natural mortality was 15% (SE ± 1.8%) and can be considered as a main factor producing variability among bioassays. The advantages of this bioassay method and its application in PoGV research are discussed.
Augmentation of soil detritus affects the spider community and herbivory in a soybean agroecosystem
Authors: Rypstra Ann L. , Marshall Samuel D. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIf soil detritivores provide a significant prey source for predators in the vegetation, then augmentation of the soil community could affect the grazing food web. Specifically, increases in predator density could enhance any top‐down effects and reduce herbivory. We tested this hypothesis by providing detrital subsidies in the form of composted vegetable matter to 36 m2plots in soybean,Glycine max(L.) Merr. (Fabales: Fabaceae), fields that were managed using either conventional or conservation tillage practices. The foliage‐dwelling spiders, insect predators, and leaf‐chewing insects were censused and the body size of one large spider species,Argiope trifasciata(Forskål) (Araneae: Araneidae), was measured. In addition, the density and size of the plants were assessed and leaf damage was quantified. Any effects of treatments on the palatability of soybean plants to herbivores were determined in two laboratory experiments. Compost increased the density of foliage dwelling spiders and the abdomen size ofA. trifasciata. We uncovered no treatment effects on insect predators, herbivorous insects, or plant characteristics except that compost addition reduced leaf damage. In addition, there was a negative correlation across plots between spider abundance and soybean leaf damage and abdomen width ofA. trifasciataand weed herbivory levels across plots. These results suggest a connection between the soil community and the foliage food web, but the spiders appear to have exerted a top‐down effect without a shift in herbivore abundance. Further study of the specific seasonality of the herbivores and their behavior in the presence of spiders are needed to uncover the underlying mechanism. Nevertheless, these results provide evidence for complex linkage between the soil and grazing food webs that may be important to biological control.
Host‐plant preference of Brachypterolus pulicarius, an inadvertently introduced biological control insect of toadflaxes
Authors: MacKinnon Daniel K. , Hufbauer Ruth A. , Norton Andrew P. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract Brachypterolus pulicarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Kateridae) is an inadvertently introduced biological control agent that can reduce seed set in two North American invasive species, yellow (Linaria vulgaris P. Mill.) (Scrophulariaceae) and Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria genistifolia (L.) P. Mill. ssp. dalmatica). The beetles are more common on yellow toadflax than on Dalmatian toadflax. To understand their distribution on the two host plants, we investigated whether they prefer one host to the other and whether individuals aggregate toward conspecifics. In field and laboratory experiments where beetles were presented with a choice of both toadflax species, B. pulicarius sampled from both host plants preferred yellow toadflax. However, in the laboratory experiment, beetles collected from Dalmatian toadflax showed a weaker preference for yellow toadflax than beetles collected from yellow toadflax. In the field experiment, all beetle populations sampled showed similar preferences. When given a choice between yellow toadflax plants with and without trapped adult B. pulicarius, beetles preferred plants with conspecifics, suggesting aggregation toward beetle pheromones or host‐plant volatiles induced by beetle activity. These results do not support the current practice of redistributing North American B. pulicarius onto Dalmatian toadflax because of their preference for yellow toadflax.
Grasshoppers efficiently process C4 grass leaf tissues: implications for patterns of host‐plant utilization
Authors: Barbehenn Raymond V. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractLeaf‐chewing insects are commonly believed to be unable to crush the nutrient‐rich bundle sheath cells (BSC) of C4 grasses. This physical constraint on digestion is thought to reduce the nutritional quality of these grasses substantially. However, recent evidence suggests that BSC are digested by grasshoppers. To directly assess the ability of grasshoppers to digest C4 grass BSC, leaf particles of Bouteloua curtipendula (Poaceae) were examined from the digestive tracts of two grasshopper species: Camnula pellucida (Scudder) (primarily a grass feeder) and Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabricius) (a forb and grass generalist) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Transmission electron microscopy was used to make the first observations of BSC crushing by herbivorous insects. Camnula pellucida and M. sanguinipes crushed over 58% and 24%, respectively, of the BSC in ingested leaf tissues. In addition, chloroplast and cell membranes were commonly disrupted in uncrushed BSC, permitting soluble nutrients to be extracted, even when BSC walls remain intact. The greater efficiency with which C. pellucida crushes BSC is consistent with the idea that grass‐feeding species are better adapted for handling grass leaf tissues than are generalist species. By demonstrating the effectiveness with which the BSC of B. curtipendula can be crushed and extracted by both species of grasshoppers, this study suggests one reason why C4 grasses are not generally avoided by grasshoppers: at least some C4 grasses can be more easily digested than has been hypothesized.
The sterile insect technique and the Mediterranean fruit fly: assessing the utility of aromatherapy in large field enclosures
Authors: Shelly Todd E. , McInnis Donald O. , Rendon Pedro 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used in integrated programs against tephritid fruit flies, particularly the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae). Unfortunately, the mass‐rearing procedures inherent to the SIT often lead to a reduction in the male mating competitiveness. One potential solution involves the prerelease exposure of males to particular attractants. In particular, male exposure to ginger root oil [Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae); hereafter GRO], has been shown to increase mating success dramatically in field cage trials. To evaluate more rigorously the effectiveness of GRO exposure, we here describe two projects that compared levels of egg sterility or pupal yield, respectively, following the release of wild flies and either GRO‐exposed (treated) sterile males or GRO‐deprived (control) sterile males in large field enclosures. In both projects, sterile males from a genetic sexing strain were exposed as adults to GRO for 24 h while held in large storage boxes. In Hawaii, we dissected eggs from fruits to determine the percentage of egg hatch at four overflooding ratios, ranging from 5 : 1 to 60 : 1 (sterile : wild males), and found that, at all four ratios, the proportion of unhatched (sterile) eggs was significantly greater in enclosures containing GRO‐exposed males than control males. In Guatemala, we allowed larvae to develop in fruits and counted the number of pupae produced. At the only overflooding ratio tested (25 : 1), pupal yield was approximately 25% lower for enclosures containing GRO‐exposed males than control males, although this difference was not statistically significant. An explanation for the differing outcomes is proposed, and the implications of these findings for the SIT are discussed.
Partial characterization of the proteolytic enzymes in the gut of the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, and effects of soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor on larval performance
Authors: Montesdeoca M. , Lobo M. G. , Casañas N. , Carnero A. , Castañera P. , Ortego F. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe proteolytic enzymes in the gut of the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have been characterized. Both larvae and adults rely on a complex proteolytic system based on at least cathepsin D‐, cathepsin B‐, trypsin‐, chymotrypsin‐, leucine aminopeptidase‐, carboxypeptidase A‐, and carboxypeptidase B‐like activities. All endoproteolytic activities were higher in the anterior section of the gut, whereas the exopeptidases were evenly distributed in the anterior and middle sections, and almost no activity was detected in the posterior section. Gelatin‐containing gels confirmed the spatial organization of the proteolytic digestive process. According to this proteolytic profile, the STI (soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor) was tested in vivo to establish its potential as a resistance factor against C. sordidus. Newly hatched larvae fed on diets containing 0.2% (w/w) STI experience lower survival rates and display significant reductions in larval growth. Biochemical analysis carried out on guts of larvae reared on STI‐treated diet showed a reduction of trypsin‐like activity compared to that from larvae fed on control diet. This decrease was compensated with an induction of cathepsin B, whereas cathepsin D, chymotrypsin, and leucine aminopeptidase were not affected. These results are discussed as a basis for selecting appropriate inhibitors to obtain transgenic banana and plantain plants with enhanced resistance to this pest.
Formation of melanin‐based wing patterns is influenced by condition and immune challenge in Pieris brassicae
Authors: Freitak Dalial , Vanatoa Alo , Ots Indrek , Rantala Markus J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAccording to life‐history theory, trade‐offs emerge because organisms possess a limited amount of resources that they have to allocate between different bodily functions. Here, we tested whether there is a trade‐off between melanin‐based immune response and dark melanized wing patterning in the large white butterfly, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), by activating the immune system of pupae and measuring the wing pigmentation of freshly emerged adults. In contrast to expectations, we did not find any negative associations between immune challenge and wing patterning. Furthermore, implanted and punctured male pupae tended to have larger and darker forewing tips as adults compared to controls. Both in females and males, different wing spots were affected by condition‐reflecting traits (e.g., pupal mass, brood), which suggest that formation of wing patterns may be a condition‐dependent process and/or heritable.
An inverse demand analysis with introduction of quality effects: an application to Spanish consumption of fruit and vegetables
Authors: Galdeano Emilio 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article analyzes consumer preference for fruit and vegetables when, by using time series with socioeconomic characteristics of households, there can be seemingly unobserved quality effects, which are increased by aggregation. The changes in Spanish demand for fresh and processed fruit and vegetables over the period 1987–2000 are discussed. Following previous tests and analyses, quantities are taken as predetermined and prices as matching the offer conditions. Thus, quality effects (based on the nutritional and/or health value of the product) are estimated from the error terms associated with the functions of the unit values. Quality variables are introduced as taste shifters in the inverse demand system (Laitinen–Theil model). The results show the positive effects of quality differences on the normalized price for the group of products through own‐quality flexibilities, and the negative effects between fresh and processed products through cross‐quality flexibilities.