bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaphylaxis during Anesthesia in Norway
Authors: Harboe Torkel , Guttormsen Anne Berit , Irgens Aagot , Dybendal Turid , Florvaag Erik 
Published: April 2005

Background
Several studies have recognized neuromuscular blocking agents as the most common cause of anaphylaxis during general anesthesia, but the reported frequencies vary considerably between countries. In Norway, the issue has raised special concern because of reports from the Norwegian Medicines Agency that suggest a high prevalence. This article presents the results from a standardized allergy follow-up examination of 83 anaphylactic reactions related to general anesthesia performed at one allergy center in Bergen, Norway.

Methods
Eighty-three cases were examined during the 6-yr period of 1996-2001. The diagnostic protocol consisted of case history, serum tryptase measurements, specific immunoassays, and skin tests.

Results
Immunoglobulin E-mediated anaphylaxis was established in 71.1% of the cases, and neuromuscular blocking agents were by far the most frequent allergen (93.2%). Suxamethonium was the most frequently involved substance, followed by rocuronium and vecuronium. The few reactions in which other allergies could be detected were mainly linked to latex (3.6%).

Conclusions
Neuromuscular blocking agents were the dominating antigens causing immunoglobulin E-mediated anaphylaxis in this study. The data could not be used for estimation of the incidence of allergy toward neuromuscular blocking agents in Norway. Larger patient samples, standardization of reporting, and diagnostic protocols should be pursued by network formation to produce data more suitable for epidemiologic research.
Influence of Hypovolemia on the Electroencephalographic Effect of Isoflurane in a Swine Model
Authors: Kurita Tadayoshi , Morita Koji , Fukuda Kazushige , Uraoka Masahiro , Takata Kotaro , Sanjo Yoshimitsu , Sato Shigehito 
Published: April 2005

Background
Hypovolemia alters the effect of several intravenous anesthetics by influencing pharmacokinetics and end-organ sensitivity. The authors investigated the influence of hypovolemia on the effect of an inhalation anesthetic, isoflurane, in a swine hemorrhage model.

Methods
Eleven swine were studied. After animal preparation with inhalation of 2% isoflurane anesthesia, the inhalation concentration was decreased to 0.5% and maintained at this level for 25 min before being returned to 2% (control). After 25 min, hypovolemia was induced by removing 14 ml/kg of the initial blood volume via an arterial catheter. After a 25-min stabilization period, the inhalation concentration was decreased to 0.5%, maintained at this level for 25 min, and then returned to 2% (20% bleeding). After another 25 min, a further 7 ml/kg blood was collected, and the inhalation concentration was altered as before (30% bleeding). End-tidal isoflurane concentrations and an electroencephalogram were recorded throughout the study. Spectral edge frequency was used as a measure of the isoflurane effect, and pharmacodynamics were characterized using a sigmoidal inhibitory maximal effect model for the spectral edge frequency versus end-tidal concentration.

Results
There was no significant difference in the effect of isoflurane among the conditions used. Hypovolemia did not shift the concentration-effect relation (the effect site concentration that produced 50% of the maximal effect was 1.2 +/- 0.2% under control conditions, 1.2 +/- 0.2% with 20% bleeding, and 1.1 +/- 0.2% with 30% bleeding).

Conclusions
Hypovolemia does not alter the electroencephalographic effect of isoflurane, in contrast to several intravenous anesthetics.
Effect of Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine on Exocytotic Norepinephrine Release from Rat Atria
Authors: Joseph Antony , Montiague Raul , Effendi Ali R. , Urbanska Renata A. , Vogel Stephen , Winnie Alon P. , Rabito Sara F. 
Published: April 2005

Background
The cardiotoxic mechanism of local anesthetics may include interruption of cardiac sympathetic reflexes. The authors undertook this investigation to determine if clinically relevant concentrations of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine interfere with exocytotic norepinephrine release from cardiac sympathetic nerve endings.

Methods
Rat atria were prepared for measurements of twitch contractile force and [H]-norepinephrine release. After nerve endings were loaded with [H]-norepinephrine, the tissue was electrically stimulated in 5-min episodes during 10 10-min sampling periods. After each period, a sample of bath fluid was analyzed for radioactivity and [H]-norepinephrine release was expressed as a fraction of tissue counts. Atria were exposed to buffer alone during sampling periods 1 and 2 (S1 and S2). Control atria received saline (100 microl each, n = 6 atria) in S3-S10. Experimental groups (n = 6 per group) received either bupivacaine or levobupivacaine at concentrations (in microM) of 5 (S3-S4), 10 (S5-S6), 30 (S7-S8), and 100 (S9-S10).

Results
Bupivacaine and levobupivacaine decreased stimulation-evoked fractional [H]-norepinephrine release with inhibitory concentration 50% values of 5.1 +/- 0.5 and 6.1 +/- 1.3 microM. The inhibitory effect of both local anesthetics (approximately 70%) approached that of tetrodotoxin. Local anesthetics abolished the twitch contractions of atria with inhibitory concentration 50% values of 12.6 +/- 5.0 microM (bupivacaine) and 15.7 +/- 3.9 microM (levobupivacaine). In separate experiments, tetrodotoxin inhibited twitch contractile force by only 30%.

Conclusions
The results indicate that clinically relevant cardiotoxic concentrations of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine markedly depress cardiac sympathetic neurotransmission. A possible mechanism of local anesthetics in reducing evoked norepinephrine release from sympathetic endings is blockade of tetrodotoxin-sensitive fast sodium channels.
Intravenous versus Nebulized Ceftazidime in Ventilated Piglets with and without Experimental Bronchopneumonia
Authors: Tonnellier Marc , Ferrari Fabio , Goldstein Ivan , Sartorius Alfonso , Marquette Charles-Hugo , Rouby Jean-Jacques 
Published: April 2005

Background
Lung deposition of intravenous cephalosporins is low. The lung deposition of equivalent doses of ceftazidime administered either intravenously or by ultrasonic nebulization using either nitrogen-oxygen or helium-oxygen as the carrying gas of the aerosol was compared in ventilated piglets with and without experimental bronchopneumonia.

Methods
Five piglets with noninfected lungs and 5 piglets with Pseudomonas aeruginosa experimental bronchopneumonia received 33 mg/kg ceftazidime intravenously. Ten piglets with noninfected lungs and 10 others with experimental P. aeruginosa bronchopneumonia received 50 mg/kg ceftazidime by ultrasonic nebulization. In each group, the ventilator was operated in half of the animals with a 65%/35% helium-oxygen or nitrogen-oxygen mixture. Animals were killed, and multiple lung specimens were sampled for measuring ceftazidime lung tissue concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results
As compared with intravenous administration, nebulization of ceftazidime significantly increased lung tissue concentrations (17 +/- 13 vs. 383 +/- 84 microg/g in noninfected piglets and 10 +/- 3 vs. 129 +/- 108 microg/g in piglets with experimental bronchopneumonia; P < 0.001). The use of a 65%/35% helium-oxygen mixture induced a 33% additional increase in lung tissue concentrations in noninfected piglets (576 +/- 141 microg/g; P < 0.001) and no significant change in infected piglets (111 +/- 104 microg/g).

Conclusion
Nebulization of ceftazidime induced a 5- to 30-fold increase in lung tissue concentrations as compared with intravenous administration. Using a helium-oxygen mixture as the carrying gas of the aerosol induced a substantial additional increase in lung deposition in noninfected piglets but not in piglets with experimental bronchopneumonia.
The development of electronic journals in the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Authors: Dualeh Abdulla Ali 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis case study seeks to reflect upon the short history and rapid development of electronic journals (e‐journals) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). It describes the scope of the journal migration project and its impact on library operations. UAEU (with over 16,000 students) is the flagship university in the UAE, and much farther along in the transition to electronic‐only access to journal literature than most libraries in the Arab world.Design/methodology/approachThe article begins with background information on UAE and its academic institutions, then discusses the development of e‐journals at UAEU starting with the rationale and decision to cancel print journals and move to an all‐e‐journal collection.FindingsThe author shows that e‐journals have added enormous resources to the collection, improved service, enhanced access to journal literature, increased its usage, and decreased the demand for document delivery of single articles. The author also indicates the challenges of offering e‐journals as “bundled” packages and UAEU's concern about the library's inability to remove irrelevant titles, control cost, and retain the freedom to make changes on its journal collection.Originality/valueSince there has been little or no discussion in the library literature on the impact that the increasing use of e‐journals has on academic institutions in developing countries, this case study of the UAEU experience should be useful to others in the Gulf region and in other parts of developing countries, as well as the library community in general.
Report on the 6th International Conference on Grey Literature
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo report on the 6th International Conference on Grey Literature held December 6 and 7, 2004, at the New York Academy of Medicine in New York City.Design/methodology/approachA summary of the main points of the conference.FindingsGrey literature has been affected by the trends in the field of information and publishing that include more electronic information, information as a commodity and not as a public good, publishers who want more security for their information, the hypertexualization of information, the lack of infrastructures for the information community, the ability to search information, the currency of information online, and the researchability of digital information.Originality/valueThis report is of interest to library and information management professionals and those interested in how grey literature had been transformed in recent years.
The importance of marketing
Authors: Leventhal Richard C. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo gain insight into what marketing entails and how a marketer can begin to employ the basic fundamentals in order to become more customer focused.Design/methodology/approachProvides guidelines to enhancing and strengthening your marketing efforts.FindingsPosits that a more successful and innovative marketing strategy can be attained by following the guidelines outlined in this paper.Originality/valueHelps a marketer to understand the keys to developing a more successful and innovative marketing strategy and respond to the challenges that they face.
High‐speed cameras and laser Doppler vibrometers
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo present two non‐contact methods of measuring vibrations and impact events.Design/methodology/approachThe paper concentrates on the practical capabilities and underlying technology of commercial high‐speed CMOS cameras and laser Doppler vibrometers.FindingsThe instruments are used to analyse modes of failure and to test quality in a very wide range of products. They are also used to develop safety and protective devices, and to study natural phenomena.Originality/valueA practical guide to the tools available, with some example applications of interest to production engineers.
Chance discovery of terahertz waveguides by US research group
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper describes the discovery of waveguides capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Until now this has not been possible, despite extensive research.Design/methodology/approachThe discovery was made by a research group at Rice University whilst working on apertureless, near‐field THz microscopy. By chance, the group found that bare metal wires are capable of transmitting THz radiation to and from remote samples with virtually no dispersion and little attenuation.FindingsThis discovery allows THz waves to be taken directly to and from the source and detector and eliminates the need for objects to be positioned directly in the THz beam. It also overcomes problems associated with shock and vibration. Subsequently, the group used this phenomenon to develop the world's first prototype THz‐frequency endoscope, which was used to examine a glass flask.Originality/valueThe availability of THz waveguides will allow many new applications to be realised. A major use is expected to be security, where systems could be used for checking passengers and baggage at airports, etc. for concealed weapons, drugs and explosives. Uses in product quality control and healthcare are also anticipated.
Metallic resonant strain gauges with high overload capability
Authors: Yan T. , Jones B.E. , Rakowski R.T. , Tudor M.J. , Beeby S.P. , White N.M. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper reports on a novel load cell and a novel torque transducer having stiffness and potential overload capability some ten times that of existing load cells and torque transducers based on the resistance strain gauges.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the practical capabilities and technology – the design, construction and characterisation.FindingsBoth the load cell and the torque transducer use recently developed metallic triple beam resonators with thick‐film lead zirconate titanate (PZT) drives and pickups. The advantages of this technology are frequency output, high overload capability, high sensitivity, high resolution, and low‐cost manufacture. Both the load cell and torque transducer output large changes in frequency (>500 Hz for relatively low changes in strain level i.e. <200 microstrain for the load cell and <400 microstrain for the torque transducer), providing high sensitivity and high overload capability.Practical implicationsLoad cells and torque transducers employing the new metallic resonators are expected to be far more robust than those using metallic resistance strain gauges.Originality/valueFocuses on an instrument with important features of use in many applications.
On the design and implementation of an instrumented grinding testbed
Authors: Marsh Eric R. , Knapp Byron R. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe need for an instrumented grinding system that addresses the requirements of ductile regime machining of brittle materials is implemented. The static and dynamic stiffness of the structural loop of the grinding system meets or exceeds those of previous researchers. An instrumented spindle is introduced which features capacitance gages embedded in the stator of an air bearing spindle.Design/methodology/approachThe instrumented spindle is demonstrated to provide valuable force feedback for fine grinding and is capable of resolving intra‐revolution force components. Tests are performed to demonstrate the use of the instrumented spindle for ductile grinding of brittle materials with superabrasive wheels.FindingsThe results of the test show that the instrumented spindle is capable of determining intra‐revolution force components for square alumina‐titanium carbide wafers.Originality/valueOutlines some important work developing and building instrumented spindles to aid the precision grinding industry.
Customer size and customer profitability in non‐contractual relationships
Authors: van Triest Sander 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe profitability of individual customers can show substantial variation, both in money amounts and in margins (percentages). The literature suggests that larger customers have a higher customer profitability margin: a dollar in revenue from a large customer generates more profit than a dollar in revenue from a small customer. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between customer size and the customer profitability margin.Design/methodology/approachDraws up a model with five variables (customer size, product margin, exchange efficiency, support, customer profitability margin) and hypothesizes the relationships between the variables. Uses LISREL to test the relationships on a database from a business‐to‐business setting.FindingsThe relationship between customer size and customer profitability margin is not direct, but runs through other variables, mainly exchange efficiency. It is not the result of larger customers paying higher product margins or having fewer customer support demands.Research limitations/implicationsAdds to the empirical literature on customer profitability. Ideally, this would be done using panel data rather than the cross‐sectional data used in this paper.Practical implicationsProfitability data at the level of individual customers provide useful insights. Customer size as such is not a driver of the customer profitability margin. Identify the trade‐offs between customer size, product margins (discounts), support demands, and exchange costs that ultimately lead to customer profitability.Originality/valueAdds to the empirical literature on customer profitability and offers practical implications for managing customer relationships.
Communal deliberation: the art of learning schools
Authors: Schechter Chen 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo illuminate the importance of the communal deliberative process, as a form of collective thinking, in overcoming the growing complexities of schoolwork in uncertain and turbulent environments.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the notion of deliberation as evolved from Dewey's moral theory, the essential phases and elements of deliberative activities and the principal's role in facilitating this communal process.FindingsProvides information on the stepping‐stones towards communal deliberation, while recognizing its major impediments.Originality/valueIn light of structural restructuring efforts that have not yielded significant effects in issues of teaching and learning, this paper offers the rhetorical process of communal deliberation as a means for developing schools that learn.
Evaluation of section heads’ performance at Kuwait secondary schools
Authors: Al‐Hamdan Jasem M. , Al‐Yacoub Ali M. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe study attempts to examine the viewpoints of those involved in evaluating the performance of section heads in Kuwait secondary schools; mainly section heads themselves, supervisors and principals. It sets out to determine the strength and weaknesses in the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.Design/methodology/approachA study was conducted on a sample of section heads, principals, and supervisors at secondary schools, six educational districts in Kuwait via a 15‐item questionnaire.FindingsThe sample believe that the performance evaluation form designed for the section head: enables self‐evaluation; contributes by content to the principle of self‐evaluation; encourages discipline at work by minimizing absence; enables them to develop their performance in the next semester of the study year; contributes to defining training requirement; and encourages taking training courses.Originality/valueThis study is important for several reasons. First, according to researchers, this is the first field study that examines the viewpoints of section heads, supervisors and principals collectively about the performance evaluation form designed for section heads at secondary schools in the State of Kuwait. Second, it provides recommendations and proposals for designing an evaluation form for section heads based on the outcome of a field survey and previous studies. Third, it helps lay down criteria for selecting and training section heads. Finally, it examines the viewpoints of researched participants involved in the evaluation of section heads, showing potential differences of opinion with regard to the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.
Natural monopoly privatisation under different regulatory regimes
Authors: Domney Mark D. , Wilson Heather I.M. , Chen Er 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo compare the profitability and technical efficiency of firms in a monopoly industry, airports, operating with different degrees of market power and under differing regulatory regimes, minimalist in New Zealand and interventionist in Australia.Design/methodology/approachUnlike previous privatisation studies, this study measures efficiency and profitability separately. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA), the technical efficiency of privatised airports is assessed, and this independent measure is used in regression analyses to determine whether efficiency, regulation or privatisation is related to airport profitability.FindingsFor firms with monopolistic characteristics operating under minimalist regulation, profitability is related to market power, not efficiency improvements. For firms operating in a regulated environment, profitability is related to regulation, which constrains market power but does not impede efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by its small sample size and its generalisability due to its single industry and regional focus. However, the findings support assertions that the impact of privatisation cannot be assessed independently of industry structure and regulation.Practical implicationsPolicy makers considering SOE privatisation in non‐competitive markets should introduce either competition or regulation if firm efficiency is a desired outcome.Originality/valueAcademics and policy makers should be aware that privatisation and competition are not only complementary, as per the extant literature, but they are essential bedfellows. In the absence of competition, regulation is required to control for market power.
A sequence analysis of consumers’ online searches
Authors: Ylikoski Teemu 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo describe consumers’ heuristic and analytical searches for a pre‐purchase information acquisition, and to assess the correspondence of flexibility of information task and the information found with a search.Design/methodology/approachPropositions based on current research in web use and consumer studies. Tracked records of searches are used for descriptive analysis of transitional patterns in the data. Regression is used for statistical verification of the information provided by searches.FindingsConsumer searches center on chaining events, indicating heavy reliance on hyperlink navigation between web sites. Formal searches are seldom used, although when employed, tend to have a high level of diagnosticity. The emphasis on heuristic behavior is logical, as the way consumer information is currently presented on the internet rewards for this type of behavior. Use of heuristic search increases the likelihood of access to flexibly presented information.Research limitations/implicationsConsumers favor heuristic trial‐and‐error searches even in focused fact‐finding search tasks, which are typically considered the domain of analytical seeking. Consumers seem to benefit most from apparently inefficient, reactive and heuristic searches, because these are more likely to provide information in a format that the consumer can adapt. Convenience sample limits generalizability of findings.Originality/valueWhile there is an increasing body of knowledge concerning internet use for finding information, fewer studies have focused on consumer uses of the web in search. This paper provides new information of online consumers, an increasingly important topic.