1 Biodiversity Research Group, School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK 2 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (Ce3C)/Azorean Biodiversity Group (ABG, CITA-A) and Portuguese Platform for Enhancing Ecological Research and Sustainability (PEERS), Depto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade dos Açores, A...

BACKGROUND The utility of routinely obtaining arterial blood gas analyses (ABGs) prior to extubation in patients who have successfully completed a spontaneous breathing trial is not known. OBJECTIVE Review our practices and determine our extubation success rate with a policy of selective ABG utilization. METHODS Retrospective chart review. RESULTS We reviewed 54 extubations of 52 patients...

The objectives in this thesis are to present a model of a variable venturi in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system located in a heavy duty diesel engine. A new legislation called EURO 4 will come into force in 2005 which affects truck development and it will require an On-Board Diagnostic system in the truck. If model based diagnostic systems are to be used, one of the advantages is that t...

The arterial blood gases is one of the most important investigation for assessment of clinical oxygenation and acid-base status in critically ill patients. It provides us with information about ventilation, oxygenation and acid-base status, the three closely interrelated physiology parameters, which maintain the pH homeostasis. Its correct interpretation and application necessitates the knowled...

AIM To examine the delivered volume during "high volume strategy" high frequency oscillation, used as rescue treatment in preterm infants; and to identify factors, other than frequency and oscillatory amplitude, influencing the magnitude of volume delivery. METHOD Twenty infants (median gestational age 29 weeks) were studied on 45 occasions. Two oscillator types were used (SensorMedics and SL...

BACKGROUND Asthma is a common condition in general medical practice, and it accounts for about 1% of all ambulatory hospital visits. Nowadays, hospitalization rates for asthma have actually been increased in some demographic subgroups despite recent advances in treatment. Understanding the underlying factors that contribute to hospitalization and especially duration of the hospitalization of as...

Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, my husband Liwen and my son Ethan. They have always been there for me. Their endless love and support kept me going for the whole idea of " Ph. D. " v Acknowledgements

1. These notes are the first half of the contents of the course given by the second author at the Bachelier Seminar (February 8-15-22 2008) at IHP. They also correspond to topics studied by the first author for her Ph.D.thesis. 2. Comments are welcome and may be addressed to :