bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ketamine Preconditions Isolated Human Right Atrial Myocardium
Authors: Hanouz Jean-Luc , Zhu Lan , Persehaye Emmanuel , Massetti Massimo , Babatasi Gerard , Khayat André , Ducouret Pierre , Plaud Benoit , Gérard Jean-Louis 
Published: May 2005

Background
The authors examined the effect of ketamine and its S(+) isomer on isolated human myocardium submitted to hypoxia-reoxygenation in vitro.

Methods
The authors studied isometric contraction of human right atrial trabeculae suspended in an oxygenated Tyrode's modified solution at 34 degrees C. Ten minutes before a 30-min hypoxic period followed by a 60-min reoxygenation, muscles were exposed for 15 min to racemic ketamine and its S(+) isomer at 10, 10, and 10 m alone or in the presence of 8.10 m 5-hydroxydecanoate, 10 m HMR 1098 (sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel antagonist), 10 m phentolamine (alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist), and 10 m propranolol (beta-adrenoceptor antagonist). Force of contraction at the end of the 60-min reoxygenation period was compared between groups (mean +/- SD).

Results
Ketamine (10 m: 85 +/- 4%; 10 m: 95 +/- 10%; 10 m: 94 +/- 14% of baseline) and S(+)-ketamine (10-6 m: 85 +/- 4%; 10 m: 91 +/- 16%; 10 m: 93 +/- 14% of baseline) enhanced recovery of force of contraction at the end of the reoxygenation period as compared with the control group (47 +/- 10% of baseline; P < 0.001). Ketamine-induced preconditioning at 10 m was inhibited by 5-hydroxydecanoate (60 +/- 16%; P < 0.001), HMR 1098 (60 +/- 14%; P < 0.001), phentolamine (56 +/- 12%; P < 0.001), and propranolol (60 +/- 7%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions
In vitro, ketamine preconditions isolated human myocardium, at least in part, via activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and stimulation of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors.
Epidural Administration of Neostigmine and Clonidine to Induce Labor Analgesia
Authors: Roelants Fabienne , Lavand'homme Patricia M. , Mercier-Fuzier Valérie 
Published: May 2005

Background
Epidural clonidine produces analgesia without motor impairment, and is associated with a local anesthetic-sparing effect during labor. The authors have recently demonstrated that epidural neostigmine initiates selective labor analgesia devoid of adverse effects. Both drugs possess common analgesic mechanisms mediated through spinal acetylcholine release. This study evaluates their epidural combination in parturients.

Methods
At the beginning of labor, parturients were randomly allocated to one of five groups to receive one of the following after a test dose: 150 microg epidural clonidine, 750 microg neostigmine, or 75 microg clonidine combined with 250, 500, or 750 microg neostigmine. A pain score (visual analog scale, 0-100) was recorded before administration and at regular intervals until request for a supplemental injection. Subsequent analgesia was provided by continuous epidural infusion of ropivacaine.

Results
Parturients did not differ regarding demographic data and initial pain score. Clonidine 150 microg , neostigmine 750 microg , and 75 microg clonidine plus 250 microg neostigmine produced ineffective and short-lasting effects. Clonidine 75 microg plus 500 microg neostigmine and 75 microg clonidine plus 750 microg neostigmine presented comparable durations of 90 +/- 32 and 108 +/- 38 min (mean +/- SD), respectively, and final analgesic efficacies, with 72.2% and 84%, respectively, of the parturients reporting a visual analog scale score of less than 30 out of 100 after 30 min. Ropivacaine use was significantly reduced in all clonidine groups (average, 9.5 mg/h) in comparison with neostigmine alone (17 +/- 3 mg/h). No adverse effects were observed for 75 mug clonidine combined with any dose of neostigmine while maternal sedation (20%) and hypotension (33%) occurred with 150 microg clonidine alone.

Conclusions
Epidural clonidine, 75 microg , with 750 microg neostigmine is an effective combination to initiate selective labor analgesia without adverse effects. Clonidine use further reduces local anesthetic consumption throughout the course of labor.
Effects of Remifentanil on N -methyl-d-aspartate Receptor
Authors: Guntz Emmanuel , Dumont Hélène , Roussel Céline , Gall David , Dufrasne François , Cuvelier Laetitia , Blum David , Schiffmann Serge N. , Sosnowski Maurice 
Published: May 2005

Background
Remifentanil hydrochloride contained in Ultiva (GlaxoSmithKline, Genval, Belgium) has been incriminated in difficult postoperative pain management, promotion of hyperalgesia, and direct N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation, but the involved mechanisms have remained unclear. In the current study, the authors investigated the effects of remifentanil hydrochloride, with and without its vehicle, glycine, on the activation of NMDA receptors and the modulation of NMDA-induced current on neurons inside the lamina II from the dorsal horn of rat spinal cord.

Methods
To test these effects, whole cell patch clamp recordings were conducted on acute rat lumbar spinal cord slices. Considering that both components of Ultiva (remifentanil hydrochloride and glycine) could be involved in NMDA receptor activation, experiments were performed first with remifentanil hydrochloride, second with glycine, and third with the two components within Ultiva.

Results
Remifentanil hydrochloride does not induce any current, whereas 3 mm glycine induced a current that was abolished by the specific NMDA glutamate site antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate. Ultiva (remifentanil hydrochloride with its vehicle, glycine) also evoked an inward current that was abolished by D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate and not significantly different from the glycine-induced current. Application of remifentanil hydrochloride potentiated the NMDA-induced inward current, and this potentiation was abolished by the mu-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone.

Conclusion
These results show that remifentanil hydrochloride does not directly activate NMDA receptors. The NMDA current recorded after application of Ultiva is related to the presence of glycine. Induced NMDA current is potentiated by application of remifentanil hydrochloride through a pathway involving the mu-opioid receptor.
Estimating the Incidence of Prolonged Turnover Times and Delays by Time of Day
Authors: Dexter Franklin , Epstein Richard H. , Marcon Eric , Ledolter Johannes 
Published: May 2005

Background
Prolonged turnover times cause frustration and can thereby reduce professional satisfaction and the workload surgeons bring to a hospital.

Methods
The authors analyzed 1 yr of operating room information system data from two academic, tertiary hospitals and Monte-Carlo simulations of a 15-operating room hospital surgical suite.

Results
Confidence interval widths for the mean turnover times at the hospitals were negligible when compared with the variation in sample mean turnover times among 31 hospitals. The authors developed a statistical method to estimate the proportion of all turnovers that were prolonged (> 15 min beyond mean) and that occurred during specified hours of the day. Confidence intervals for the proportions corrected for the effect of multiple comparisons. Statistical assumptions were satisfied at the two studied hospitals. The confidence intervals achieved family-wise type I error rates accurate to within 0.5% when applied to between five and nineteen 4-week periods of data. The diurnal pattern in the proportions of all turnovers that were prolonged provided different, more managerially relevant information than the time course throughout the day in the percentage of turnovers at each hour that were prolonged.

Conclusions
Benchmarking sample mean turnover times among hospitals, without the use of confidence intervals, can be valid and useful. The authors successfully developed and validated a statistical method to estimate the percentage of turnover times at a surgical suite that are prolonged and occur at specified times of the day. Managers can target their quality improvement efforts on times of the day with the largest percentages of prolonged turnovers.
Damage to Sensory Fibers in a Martin-Gruber Anomaly After Biceps Tendon Repair
Authors: Riechers Ronald G , Landau Mark E , Farber Gerald , Campbell William W 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

A patient with a distal biceps tendon rupture developed ulnar distribution sensory loss after surgical repair using the modified two-incision Boyd and Anderson technique. Electrodiagnosis demonstrated an absent ulnar sensory response but no clinical or electrodiagnostic evidence of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Nerve conduction studies demonstrated an anastomosis between the median and ulnar nerves (Martin-Gruber anomaly). Ulnar sensory fibers were probably damaged as they coursed with the median nerve at the elbow as a component of the innervation anomaly. This case documents the presence of ulnar sensory fibers as part of a Martin-Gruber anomaly.
Modern‐day lean construction principles
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Hui Fang Teo 
Published: May 2005

PurposeLean construction looks into the possibility of bringing successful lean production theories into the construction industry. It was believed that lean production principles could also be influenced by the essence of military strategies, specifically that of Sun Tzu's Art of War (ST) when these were introduced many years ago. This study looks into the practices of lean construction in the industry and the similarities in the two sets of statements from lean construction principles and Sun Tzu's strategic principles.Design/methodology/approachSurveys and interviews of 40 project managers in the construction industry were conducted.FindingsThe study suggests that there are some agreements between lean construction principles and Sun Tzu's strategic principles.Research limitations/implicationsThis study raises the interesting question of whether the origin of lean construction principles can be traced to the strategic principles formulated by Sun Tzu some 2,500 years ago.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that the strategic principles formulated by Sun Tzu be tapped upon for the further extension of lean principles (LP) in construction.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in its reflections of ST to better understand the possible origin of current lean construction principles and practices.
Development of management philosophy for Chinese business environment
Authors: Lee Tat Y. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how management approaches are adopted in the modern Chinese business environment.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted among the companies based in Hong Kong with manufacturing processes in China and supplying their products to the global market. The results of the survey are analyzed in conjunction with traditional Chinese philosophy, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria and ISO 9001 requirements.FindingsThe findings confirm that most companies operating in the capacity of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) suppliers will use ISO 9001 to set up their management systems. With the development of business, the companies will move from OEM to original design manufacturer (ODM), and some of them to original brand manufacturer. The management approach used at the OEM stage is basically ISO 9001; however, more comprehensive management approaches such as MBNQA criteria would be used when the company developed into OEM and particular ODM. In the Chinese business environment, the values of traditional Chinese philosophy are often shared by the senior leaders of the company.Originality/valueThis paper confirms that different management approaches should be used at different stages of business development. Furthermore, the management approach adopted should reflect the culture of the people concerned. Traditional Chinese philosophy is a rich source of management concepts from which foreign investors in China will be benefited.
Dynamics of strategic management in the Chinese construction industry
Authors: Cheah Charles Y.J. , Chew David A.S. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo provide a structured and integrated framework of corporate strategy in order to help practitioners and researchers identify critical issues related to the Chinese construction industry and analyze its dynamics from a holistic viewpoint.Design/methodology/approachA brief review of the major themes of strategy mostly developed by western researchers is first presented. This is then supplemented by a review of the pertinent characteristics of the construction industry in general, and those related to China's context in specific, which affect management decision‐making. Two case studies are used to illustrate the concepts implied by the proposed framework.FindingsThe cases of Guangsha and the Shanghai Construction Group demonstrate that there is no hard and fast rule in developing a coherent strategy. This is even truer considering the fact that China's circumstances are still evolving.Practical implicationsThe critical elements identified in the proposed framework serve as a good starting point for individual firms to further develop a more detailed execution plan.Originality/valueThis paper bridges a management gap that exists between mainstream management researchers, who have few precedence of studying the construction industry, and traditional construction management researchers, who tend to focus on project‐level issues rather than corporate‐level issues.
Housing price bubbles in Beijing and Shanghai
Authors: Shen Yue , Chi‐man Hui Eddie , Liu Hongyu 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis study investigates whether there was a housing price bubble in Beijing and Shanghai in 2003. The existence of a bubble can be interpreted from (abnormal) interactions between housing prices and market fundamentals.Design/methodology/approachWith monthly data from the two cities, this paper employs standard econometric methodologies: i.e. Granger causality tests and generalized impulse response analysis, and the reduced form of housing price determinants.FindingsOur findings suggest that there appeared a bubble in Shanghai in 2003, accounting for 22 percent of the housing price. By contrast, Beijing had no sign of a bubble in the same year. The bubble phenomenon, of course, should not be taken without caution for the constraints of data. Nonetheless, this study has laid the ground work for further investigation into abnormal housing price phenomena in Mainland China.Originality/valueOur findings may help foreign investors better understand the Chinese housing markets and make better housing investment decisions in the two cities.
The alignment of appropriate firm and supply strategies for competitive advantage
Authors: Cousins Paul D. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to prove that a firm's perception of the strategic nature of supply depends on how it defines its competitive advantage within the marketplace.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a random stratified cross‐sectional design from 142 large manufacturing firms in the UK. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesised model.FindingsFirms defining their competitive advantage as being cost‐focused will generally consider supply as playing merely a cost‐reduction role, i.e. passive and supportive, whereas firms viewing their competitive advantage as being differentiated will see supply as strategic, i.e. as a distinctive capability.Research limitations/implicationsThis study's single country setting could limit the generalizability of the findings. Replication of the model would require contrasting empirical contexts. Longitudinal as opposed to cross‐sectional data are needed for studying causations. Also future studies should take a multiple‐source as opposed to a single‐source data collection approach. Finally, more empirical research is needed, specifically grounded in the established strategy literature.Practical implicationsThe model presented allows managers to understand what strategies to follow and which relationship modes to adopt. This study has a number of implications for strategy makers at the level of the firm and within supply.Originality/valueSupply management has so far focused on the wrong question. Instead of “why isn't purchasing strategic?”, it should be “what are the firm's strategic goals and priorities?” This refocusing allows exploration of the linkage between the firm's competitive positioning and priorities and that of supply.
An assessment of strategic corporate philanthropy on perceptions of brand equity variables
Authors: Ricks Joe M. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis study aims to develop a classification schema for strategic philanthropy as a framework for empirical investigation and managerial decision making. Additionally it aims to present experimental assessments of various types of philanthropy based on the classification schema.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents the results of two experiments examining the effects of different types and implementation strategies of philanthropy on consumer perceptions of brand equity variables.FindingsThe experiments suggest that in a proactive condition corporate philanthropy does have an overall positive effect on consumer perceptions of corporate associations. However, the effects did not transfer to brand evaluations or patronage intentions. Additionally, philanthropy as a part of a recovery strategy has a consistent but non‐significant effect on consumer perceptions.Research limitations/implicationsIn the study manipulations respondents received the response at the same time as they read about the crisis. This generally would not happen in actual situations. A second limitation is the lack of control or manipulation for history between the company and the target segment in the directed philanthropy conditions.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have three managerial implications. First, traditional philanthropy may be effective for corporate or brand image objectives, but ineffective for brand evaluation and purchase objectives. Philanthropy directed toward a particular segment may also have a positive effect on consumers beyond that segment. Finally, in cases in which the objective is simply to thwart negative publicity, reactive philanthropy may not be a viable strategic option.Originality/valueThis study examines the effects of philanthropic activity on consumer perceptions of firms and the brands they market.
Fashion orientation, credit card use, and compulsive buying
Authors: Park Hye‐Jung , Davis Burns Leslie 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAs an effort to identify the underlying determinants of compulsive buying, this study seeks to examine fashion orientation, a fashion‐related variable, as a direct antecedent of compulsive buying and as an indirect antecedent of compulsive buying through credit card use.Design/methodology/approachUsing a convenient sampling method, women aged over 20 years living in the Seoul metropolitan area were selected as the sample. Out of 380 distributed, 267 useful questionnaires were returned. Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were conducted using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results of this study showed that fashion interest significantly influenced compulsive buying directly and also indirectly by influencing credit card use.Originality/valueThis study has significance in terms of being the first one to explore the relationship between fashion orientation variables and compulsive buying, offering a new perspective on compulsive buying.
And a comedian shall show journalists the way
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo discuss the time when an overuse of a marketing perspective for a product is detrimental to the best interests of society. In this case, using marketing to drive journalistic decision results in a poorly informed electorate in which a comedy program of admitted fake news provides more insight into the truth of politicians' statements than do actual television news shows.Design/methodology/approachThe starting‐point is the fake news program on a comedy network, whose show host himself generated news during the election season with confrontations and criticisms of journalists who failed to do their reporting job.FindingsThe journalists, according to Stewart, have come to serve theater and the illusion of objectivity instead of the truth. When marketing drives journalism decisions, the public loses.Practical implicationsThis abuse and misuse of marketing for news programming decisions lower the credibility of all news and information, and the dedicated journalists in the professions should take Jon Stewart's criticisms as a call to action. People from the USA need to be better informed about the world instead of having their own continued biases and misperceptions fed by pundits. At worst, this is a misleading selling of news as a commodity instead of informing the public.Originality/valueJon Stewart was right when he said to the NCC pundits, “You're killing us.” Fake news should not be more information‐driven than the news networks.
Library funding in Nigeria: past, present and future
Authors: Amina Akporhonor Blessings 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo document current sources of revenue for Nigerian libraries, and offer suggestions for alternative funding. Nigerian libraries nation‐wide depend mainly on annual budget allocations from the government.Design/methodology/approachSurveys current literature to determine the current source of funds for each type of library, and then identifies various alternative funding sources that libraries have tried in the past. Each alternative funding source is described, with significant advantages and disadvantages noted when applicable.FindingsFunds for Nigerian library and information services are traditionally derived from a parent institution. These revenues vary from a fixed percentage of an institution's overall budget to anad hocarrangement. Most libraries receive far less funding than the percentage that is usually earmarked for them.Originality/valueEmerging spending patterns and societal pressure require libraries to launch new and sustained initiatives to generate funds internally. Steady exploitation of money‐yielding ventures, such as consulting, soliciting donations and pricing information services, can generate revenue. Libraries can also share resources in order to expand their services.
Funding Nigerian libraries in the 21st century
Authors: Okiy Rose B. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo address the issue of poor government funding for Nigerian libraries. This situation has led many librarians over the years to explore the possibility of raising additional funds from alternative sources of income.Design/methodology/approachExplores the current levels of funding for Nigerian academic libraries and identifies some alternative funding sources. On identifying these sources, the success of alternative sources of income is presented and suggestions are made for funding in the future.FindingsFunding for libraries and information centers in Nigeria is largely through government allocations to the overseeing ministries or institutions. Government funding has been poor, requiring libraries to look for alternative sources of income in order to meet the increasingly sophisticated demand of library users for electronic information services. Several methods for generating income have been identified, explored by many libraries, and discussed in library literature, but have yielded little in the way of additional funding.Originality/valueOn evaluating all the sources of income available to Nigerian academic libraries, this paper suggests that the most stable and reliable source of funds remains with allocations from the federal government. As the support from the government has not been adequate, suggestions are included on areas where the government could raise taxes to support education in general, and libraries specifically, within Nigeria.