bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of fence height on total and free iodothyronine changes in horses after experimental show jumping sessions
Authors: FERLAZZO A. , MEDICA P. , CRAVANA C. , FAZIO E.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Involvement of thyroid function on performance warrants further investigation as limited data exists on the effects of showjumping on the dynamics of total and free iodothyronines.

Objectives:To investigate the response of circulating total and free iodothyronines in horses to experimental showjumping sessions and compare with the effects normally induced by competition and determine if fence height has any effect.

Materials and methods:Using a randomised crossover study design 6 trained horses were studied during experimental showjumping sessions over 10 fences of different height: 1.00 m (Session 1), 1.10 m (Session 2), 1.20 m (Session 3). Hormone levels were recorded before, after warm‐up, 5 and 30 min post exercise. T3, T4, fT3, fT4concentrations were analysed by ELISA/competition using streptavidin technology. RM‐ANOVA was applied to test for any differences in basal and warm‐up values of different sessions. Two way RM‐ANOVA was applied to test for any effects of interaction between fence height and time. The differences between individual means over time were assessed using apost hocmultiple comparison test (Bonferroni).

Results:Basal T4changes over the sessions (P<0.05) were recorded. After warm‐up, T4concentration results were lower than basal inSession 1(P<0.05). Higher than basal values were recorded 30 min post exercise for T3(P<0.001), T4and fT4(P<0.01) inSession 2and for T4(P<0.05) and fT4(P<0.01) inSession 3. The interaction fence height/time results were significant on T3(P<0.03) and fT4(P<0.03); sampling time on T3(P<0.0007), T4(P<0.001) and fT4(P<0.002) post exercise changes.

Conclusion:Showjumping over the highest fences induced a release of T3from skeletal muscle, probably due to 5′‐desiodase activity and increase of fT4, due to thyroid stimulation and/or changes in capacity to bind iodothyronines.
Neuroendocrine and non‐neuroendocrine markers of inflammation associated with performance in endurance horses
Authors: HOLBROOK T. C. , McFARLANE D. , SCHOTT H. C.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study: The inflammatory and neuroendocrine response to endurance exercise and relationship of these parameters to performance is not well documented in horses.

Hypotheses or objectives: Evidence of systemic inflammation is associated with poor performance in horses competing in endurance events.

Methods: Blood was collected prior to and at the finish or elimination point from horses competing in both the 80 and 160 km American Endurance Ride National Championship competitions in 2006. Immunoreactive alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were quantified utilising radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, respectively. The concentration of total thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was measured fluorometrically.

Results: Thirty horses were included in the study. Endurance exercise was associated with a significant increase in TBARS in the 80 km group but not the 160 km group. TNF‐α and α‐MSH did not significantly change as a result of exercise in either distance group. Precompetition TBARS was significantly higher in horses that failed to finish the 80 km race, as well as when distances were combined. In addition, precompetition α‐MSH was significantly lower in nonfinishers in the 160 km group. Furthermore, competition speed was positively correlated with precompetition α‐MSH in the 80 km and negatively correlated with precompetition TNF‐α when distances were combined.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that basal oxidative stress markers, circulating cytokines and anti‐inflammatory neuroendocrine hormones appear to correlate with endurance performance in horses.

Potential relevance: Basal oxidative stress markers, circulating cytokines and anti‐inflammatory neuroendocrine hormones may be predictive of athletic performance in endurance horses. Future studies evaluating the effect of training on these markers in endurance horses are warranted.
Agreement between accelerometric symmetry scores and clinical lameness scores during experimentally induced transient distension of the metacarpophalangeal joint in horses
Authors: THOMSEN M. H. , PERSSON A. B. , JENSEN A. T. , SØRENSEN H. , ANDERSEN P. H.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Equine lameness examination is based on subjective visual scoring of lameness. Instrumented objective methods for lameness examinations may be complicated to perform and the equipment is often stationary. Accelerometry has a potential clinical use; however, the reduction and interpretation of equine accelerometric data are not yet routine and the value of accelerometry in equine lameness examination is unclear.

Objectives:To use accelerometric data to calculate 2 different accelerometric symmetry scores and to evaluate the agreement of these with traditional lameness scores done by experienced equine practitioners.

Methods:Six sound horses were equipped with a 3 axis 10G piezoresistant accelerometer at the lowest point of the back. Horses were trotted and video recorded at 0, 3, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after injection of saline into one metacarpophalangeal joint. Video recordings were scored in a blind manner according to the AAEP scale by 2 experienced practitioners. Interobserver agreements and 2 symmetry scores S and A, developed on the basis of Fourier transformation of the obtained accelerometric data, were calculated and regression analysis between AAEP scores and symmetry scores was performed.

Results:Interobserver agreements were 70%. There was a statistically significant relationship between AAEP lameness scores and both symmetry scores.

Conclusions:Both symmetry scores showed a significant relationship with the AAEP scores and can be a valuable tool in the detection and quantification of lameness. While the S score was able to detect changes in degree of lameness, the A score was capable of detecting the lame diagonal. However, more research is needed for the development of a combined accelerometric score to take advantage of the strengths of each of the symmetry scores.
Preliminary report into the function of the shoulder using a novel imaging and motion capture approach
Authors: LAWSON S. E. M. , MARLIN D. J.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:The function of the forelimb is fundamental to understanding both sound and pathological locomotion. The precise movements of the equine shoulder are hidden by layers of skin and muscle and hence the shoulder is normally modelled as a simple pivot during locomotion which assumes that any translational motion is negligible.

Objectives:To record and quantify the sliding motion of the scapula during locomotion, using a novel imaging technique.

Methods:Scapula motion during locomotion in the horse was calculated by tracking the ripple of the shoulder blade's movement under an array of markers placed over the soft tissue.

Results:Interstride variability was low. Sliding of up to 80 mm in the plane of progression (cranio‐caudal) was observed; however, the limits of motion varied by <5 mm in the gaits examined, despite variations in stride length. Stride length appeared to be increased by scapula rotation in the plane of progression, and this flexion‐extension was largest in trot and was not significantly different between walk and canter. This was in agreement with the distance travelled by the trunk whilst the hoof was on the ground. Substantial sliding in a dorsal‐ventral direction was shown and varied with the gait used, both in magnitude and timing, possibly providing a shock absorption mechanism. The sliding did not increase as much as would be expected in canter and this coincided with a more lateral positioning of the scapula and increased impact on the ribcage.

Conclusions:It has been assumed that scapula‐thoracic sliding increases stride length and hence economically increases locomotor speed. The extra motion of the scapula recorded appeared to absorb shock from forelimb impact and maintain the economy of locomotion, but did not increase with speed and the muscular pretensioning implied could actually impair ventilation.
Bee Venom Reduces Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation via Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism
Authors: Lee Woo-Ram , Kim Soo-Jung , Park Ji-Hyun , Kim Kyung-Hyun , Chang Young-Chae , Park Yoon-Yup , Lee Kwang-Gill , Han Sang-Mi , Yeo Joo-Hong , Pak Sok Cheon , Park Kwan-Kyu
Published: November 2010

The components of bee venom (BV) utilized in the current study were carefully scrutinized with chromatography. Despite its well documented anti-inflammatory property, there are no reports regarding the influence of BV on the expression of cellular adhesion molecules in the vascular endothelium. A great amount of information exists concerning the effects of an atherogenic diet on atherosclerotic changes in the aorta, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms and the levels of gene regulation involved in the anti-inflammatory process induced by BV. The experimental atherosclerosis was induced in mice by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection and an atherogenic diet. The animals were divided into three groups, the NC groups of animals that were fed with a normal diet, the LPS/fat group was fed with the atherogenic diet and received intraperitoneal injections of LPS, and the LPS/fat + BV group was given LPS, an atherogenic diet and intraperitoneal BV injections. At the end of each treatment period, the LPS/fat + BV group had decreased levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in their serum, compared to the LPS/fat group. The LPS/fat group had significant expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in the serum, compared with the NC group ( p < 0.05). The amount of cytokines reduced consistently in the BV treatment groups compared with those in LPS/fat group. BV significantly reduced the amount of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and fibronectin in the aorta, compared with the LPS/fat group ( p < 0.05). A similar pattern was also observed in the heart. In conclusion, BV has anti-atherogenic properties via its lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Hierarchical dependence of porphyrin self-aggregation: controlling and exploiting the complexity
Authors: Escudero Carlos , D'Urso Alessandro , Lauceri Rosaria , Bonaccorso Carmela , Sciotto Domenico , Di Bella Santo , El-Hachemi Zoubir , Crusats Joaquim , Ribó Josep M. , Purrello Roberto
Published: November 2010

Self-aggregation processes are rarely reproducible owing to their dependence on various experimental parameters (aging of stock solutions, their concentration, concentration of working solutions, ionic strength, etc.). However, by enucleating the dependence from one parameter (in this case, the dependence of aggregation from the concentration of the working solutions), it has been possible to hierarchically control self-aggregation of the protonated form of tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin.
Synthesis and characterization of new β-disubstituted porphyrin-[60]fullerene cyclic bis-adducts
Authors: Tagliatesta Pietro , Lembo Angelo , Orlandi Valentina , Nuccetelli Marzia
Published: November 2010

Two new β-disubstituted porphyrin-[60]fullerene cyclic bis-adducts have been synthesized using a tetraphenylporphyrin bearing two rigid aldehydic branches directly linked to the same pyrrole ring. The obtained bis-adducts with [60]fullerene have been characterized by mass and NMR spectroscopy.
Compartmentalization or gravity segregation? Understanding and predicting characteristics of near-critical petroleum fluids
Authors: Páez Rachel Hannah , Lawerence John J. , Zhang Mei
Published: November 2010

Compartmentalized reservoirs can be identified based on a variety of criteria most commonly using structural geometries and stratigraphic barriers. This paper reviews several case studies from West African fields in which an additional variable, fluid chemistry, is used to identify compartmentalization at an early stage in the production history. Fluid characterization is important to constrain productivity, connectivity, facilities planning, and commercial value. Near-critical, single-phase fluids offer a case in which underestimation fluid PVT behaviour and variability can have a significant impact on all of these elements – resulting in incorrect interpretations of resource type and distribution.
Turbidite reservoir compartmentalization and well targeting with 4D seismic and production data: Schiehallion Field, UK
Authors: Gainski M. , Macgregor A. G. , Freeman P. J. , Nieuwland H. F.
Published: November 2010

This paper discusses integration of production surveillance techniques, focusing on the use of 4D seismic data to identify reservoir compartmentalization. We present two examples of recently drilled compartments that were successfully identified following integration of surveillance data with detailed reservoir modelling work. Our examples are from the faulted, Paleocene channelized turbidite reservoirs of the Schiehallion oil field, offshore West of Shetlands, U.K. The first example provides a good case history of a 4D Integrated Reservoir Modelling (4D IRM) approach – which involved integration of dynamic well data with 4D seismic, and iterative revision of geological and reservoir simulation models. Two newly identified targets were drilled and completed successfully using these techniques. The second example illustrates a situation where 4D seismic interpretation was key in identifying a new infill target.

Production in the Schiehallion Field started in 1998, and the current development scheme totals 46 wells (22 producers and 24 water injectors). During the early years of production it became apparent that geological connectivity, fluid flow and pressure communication between wells was not as inter-connected as expected. As a result the number of wells required to maximize the recovery has more than doubled to that specified in the original development plan, and the number is expected to increase further as the field matures. Continuous collection of bottom hole pressure data from permanently installed gauges, well testing and production logging (PLT) supported by a regular time-lapse (4D) seismic programme are used to update conceptual thinking and thus constrain geological and flow simulation modelling. This data integration results in improved understanding of the static and dynamic reservoir compartmentalization and well connectivity.
Variation in fluid contacts in the Azeri field, Azerbaijan: sealing faults or hydrodynamic aquifer?
Authors: Tozer R. S. J. , Borthwick A. M.
Published: November 2010

The Azeri field in the South Caspian Sea, offshore Azerbaijan, is a periclinal anticline 20 km in length containing multiple stacked reservoirs of Pliocene age. Appraisal wells that were drilled at the eastern end of the structure identified multiple oil–water contacts and fluid pressure gradients in both of the principal reservoirs, the Pereriv B and D. At the time, these data were interpreted to indicate the presence of compartments at the eastern end of the field as a result of sealing faults within the aquifer. This local compartmentalization seemed to be in marked difference to the majority of the field where pressure connectivity had been observed. A new analysis of the pressure data for the Pereriv B shows that aquifer pressures at sea‐level datum define a simple water potential gradient. As a result of this, the oil–water contact in this reservoir is gently inclined towards the NNE. The precise inclination and orientation of the oil–water contact has been determined geometrically using the depths and coordinates of free-water levels and oil–water contacts from around the field. The best-fit inclined oil–water contact for the Pereriv B also provides a good fit to the contact observed from seismic amplitudes. The new analysis provides a more optimistic view of reservoir connectivity, and the conceptual geological model for the eastern end of the field is now consistent with observations made in the rest of the Azeri field.
A Clustering Approach Using Cooperative Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Zou Wenping , Zhu Yunlong , Chen Hanning , Sui Xin
Published: November 2010

Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) is one of the most recently introduced algorithms based on the intelligent foraging behavior of a honey bee swarm. This paper presents an extended ABC algorithm, namely, the Cooperative Article Bee Colony (CABC), which significantly improves the original ABC in solving complex optimization problems. Clustering is a popular data analysis and data mining technique; therefore, the CABC could be used for solving clustering problems. In this work, first the CABC algorithm is used for optimizing six widely used benchmark functions and the comparative results produced by ABC, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and its cooperative version (CPSO) are studied. Second, the CABC algorithm is used for data clustering on several benchmark data sets. The performance of CABC algorithm is compared with PSO, CPSO, and ABC algorithms on clustering problems. The simulation results show that the proposed CABC outperforms the other three algorithms in terms of accuracy, robustness, and convergence speed.
Global Histone Modification Patterns as Prognostic Markers to Classify Glioma Patients
Authors: Liu Bo-lin , Cheng Jin-xiang , Zhang Xiang , Wang Rui , Zhang Wei , Lin Hong , Xiao Xian , Cai Sang , Chen Xiao-yan , Cheng Hong
Published: November 2010

Background: An altered pattern of epigenetic modifications is central to the development and progression of various tumors. We studied epigenetic changes involving multiple modifications of histones to better predict prognosis of glioma patients.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was done to investigate global histone modification expression of histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4diMe), histone 4 arginine 3 monomethylation (H4R3monoMe), histone 4 lysine 20 trimethylation (H4K20triMe), and acetylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9Ac), histone 3 lysine 18 (H3K18Ac), histone 4 lysine 12 (H4K12Ac), and histone 4 lysine 16 (H4K16Ac) in resected tumor samples of 230 glioma patients. Data were analyzed using a recursive partitioning analysis (RPA).

Results: RPA classified the patients into 10 distinct prognostic groups based on WHO grade, histology, and histone modifications: H3K9Ac (<88% or ≥88% tumor cells), H3K4diMe (<64% or ≥64% tumor cells), H3K18Ac (<74% or ≥74% tumor cells), and H4K20triMe (<75% or ≥75% tumor cells). The 10 groups were associated with significantly different progression-free (P < 0.0001) and overall survival (P < 0.0001). Cox proportional hazards models including age, sex, WHO grade, histology, extent of tumor resection, Karnofsky performance status score, and RPA groups retained age and RPA groups as the sole independent factors significantly influencing overall survival. For progression-free survival, RPA grouping was the only independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions: Multiple histone modifications seem to have prognostic relevance in glioma.

Impact: Further evaluation of histone modifications as prognostic markers of treatment and predictors of chemotherapy response using histone deacetylase inhibitors is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2888–96. ©2010 AACR.
Meta-analysis of Human Papillomavirus Infection Concordance
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , Pendergraft William F. , Brewer Noel T.
Published: November 2010

Background: Estimates of human papillomavirus (HPV) concordance among sexual partners are important for various public health activities, from counseling individual patients to predicting the effect of HPV vaccination.

Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies of HPV concordance among heterosexual couples published through 2008 in English. Two coders independently abstracted data using standardized forms. We integrated concordance data using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results: Thirty studies (33 study populations) that met inclusion criteria reported concordance data for 2,972 couples. Most studies were cross-sectional cohort studies conducted in Europe or Asia that used DNA hybridization to test for HPV, sometimes in conjunction with PCR. Overall, 25.5% (95% confidence interval, 17.2-36.1%) of couples were infected with 1 or more of the same HPV types. Among couples with both members HPV-positive, 63.2% (95% confidence interval, 49.1-75.3%) were infected with 1 or more of the same viral types. Positive concordance was higher for female partners of men with HPV infections than for male partners of women with HPV infections. Positive concordance was also higher for studies using PCR and for the few studies that recruited men with HPV-related disease.

Conclusions: Sexual partners of HPV-infected individuals had high rates of HPV infection, suggesting a need for increased attention to this group.

Impact: Our refined estimates of HPV concordance can inform clinical encounters and public health planning. Future HPV concordance studies should use more rigorous research designs, characterize their participants in greater detail, and study more meaningful populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2916–31. ©2010 AACR.
Urine Concentrations of a Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamine Carcinogen in the U.S. Population from Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Authors: Bernert John T. , Pirkle James L. , Xia Yang , Jain Ram B. , Ashley David L. , Sampson Eric J.
Published: November 2010

Background: The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and its reduction product in the body, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), are potent pulmonary carcinogens. We have measured total NNAL in the U.S. population of tobacco users and nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

Methods: We measured total urinary NNAL (free NNAL plus its glucuronides following hydrolysis) by using a sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method. We calculated the percentage above the limit of detection, the 50th through 95th percentiles, and in some cases, geometric means for groups classified by age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

Results: Total urinary NNAL was measureable at or above its limit of detection (0.6 pg/mL) in 55% of the study participants, including 41% of nonsmokers. The population distribution of urinary NNAL included smoker and nonsmoker regions similar to the bimodal distribution of serum cotinine, and serum cotinine and total urinary NNAL were strongly correlated (r = 0.92; P < 0.001). Among nonsmokers, children had significantly higher concentrations of NNAL than did adults with the age of ≥20 years (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Among National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants, total NNAL was found at measurable levels in the urine of 41% of nonsmokers and in 87.5% of those with substantial secondhand-smoke exposure (with serum cotinine concentrations of 0.1-10 ng/mL). Children with the age of 6 to 11 years had the highest NNAL concentrations among all nonsmokers.

Impact: We describe for the first time the distribution of total urinary NNAL in the entire U.S. population, including smokers and nonsmokers. NNAL was detected in 41% of all nonsmokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2969–77. ©2010 AACR.
Case Studies of Easterly Wave Disturbances over Northeast Brazil Using the Eta Model
Authors: Torres Roger Rodrigues , Ferreira Nelson Jesus
Published: November 2010

This research aims to analyze two easterly wave disturbance events that reached the east coast of Northeast Brazil (NEB) on 15 May 2005 and 20 June 2006. The performance of the regional Eta Model was evaluated through four sets of experiments using different horizontal resolutions (10 and 40 km) and convective parameterization schemes [Betts–Miller–Janjić (BMJ) and Kain–Fritsch (KF)]. Through analysis of 700-hPa wind fields, all experiments, with 40- and 10-km horizontal resolutions and using the BMJ and KF schemes, were shown to well represent a trough propagating westward from about 20°W to NEB, with a 5-day forecast range. When evaluating the model sensitivity to different convective parameterizations, all the experiments showed similar results and underestimated rainfall in most of the domain. The obtained results suggest the need to extend this analysis to a larger number of cases and to test other cumulus parameterizations in order to improve the rainfall forecast in eastern NEB.
Biodiversity in the Front Yard
Authors: Kurz Tim , Baudains Catherine
Published: November 2010

It is being increasingly recognized that the success of efforts to preserve/restore biodiversity in urban areas is highly contingent on the preferences of human urban dwellers. We investigated preference ratings for photos of high- versus low-habitat-providing garden landscapes among residents ( n = 487) in two specific areas of Perth, Western Australia, and their relationship with general environmental concern and attitudes toward native plants and urban biodiversity. We also investigated the impact of localized descriptive gardening norms. The findings indicate that the distinction between high-/low-habitat-providing gardens was important to respondents’ landscape preferences. The attitudinal variable with the strongest relationship to garden-type preference was residents’ attitudes toward native plants. Preferences were also highly related to prevailing gardening norms in respondents’ local area. We discuss our findings in relation to the structure and dynamics involved in human perceptions of and interactions with urban landscapes.
Understanding Teacher Candidate Dispositions: Reflecting to Build Self-Awareness
Authors: Schussler Deborah L. , Stooksberry Lisa M. , Bercaw Lynne A.
Published: November 2010

Dispositions have become an important part of the conversation about effective teaching. The purpose of this article is to analyze the disposition domains teacher candidates draw from as they think about their early teaching experiences. A framework of three disposition domains—intellectual, cultural, and moral—was used as a heuristic to analyze 35 teacher candidates’ journals. The candidates reflected on a range of topics, yet few possessed the self-knowledge to identify their assumptions and evaluate how these assumptions influenced their teaching decisions. Candidates with the greatest capacity to unpack their assumptions and who therefore possessed the greatest awareness of their dispositions demonstrated (a) a propensity for questioning the how and why of their thinking and actions, (b) a balance between focusing on students and the self, and (c) an adoption of multiple perspectives. These baseline data provide essential information for teacher educators working to develop candidates’ dispositions.
Learning from Young Adolescents: The Use of Structured Teacher Education Coursework to Help Beginning Teachers Investigate Middle School Students’ Intellectual Capabilities
Authors: Conklin Hilary G. , Hawley Todd S. , Powell Dave , Ritter Jason K.
Published: November 2010

In this article, the authors discuss a case study in which beginning teachers interviewed young adolescents as part of structured teacher education coursework designed to challenge teachers’ low expectations for young adolescents. Based on pre- and postsurveys, pre— and post—focus group interviews, classroom field notes, and teachers’ written analysis papers, the authors’ data suggest that the coursework helped to shape changes in beginning teachers’ views of young adolescents’ analytical capabilities and social studies knowledge. However, these shifts in teachers’ thinking about young adolescents’ capabilities did not translate into shifts in the teachers’ ideas about middle school social studies instruction. The authors argue that carefully structured coursework like this interview project holds promise for helping beginning teachers develop new understandings about learners, but attention to students’ abilities must also be accompanied by attention to teachers’ purposes and pedagogical understandings.
Clinical Decision Support Technology to Increase Advance Care Planning in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Tung Ericka E. , Vickers Kristin S. , Lackore Kandace , Cabanela Rosa , Hathaway Julie , Chaudhry Rajeev
Published: November 2010

Physicians are often unable to guide patients through the advance care planning (ACP) process due to cost and time constraints. We conducted a retrospective analysis in the primary care setting targeting older adults without an advance medical directive (AMD). An ACP educational packet was sent to intervention patients before their health maintenance examination (HME). Additionally, their physicians had access to a computerized clinical decision support system on AMD completion at the time of the HME. Control participants’ physicians had access to the computerized decision support system and traditional resources only. All participants who received the packet were sent a follow-up survey. In all, 21.6% of intervention participants completed an AMD, compared with 4.1% of control participants. Combining clinical decision support systems and standardized processes enhances the ACP process.
Walk Your Talk: An Experimental Investigation of the Relationship Between Word of Mouth and Communicators’ Loyalty
Authors: Garnefeld Ina , Helm Sabrina , Eggert Andreas
Published: November 2010

Research provides ample evidence regarding the impact of word-of-mouth (WOM) communication on recipients. Service providers increasingly attempt to harness this power of WOM by introducing referral reward programs and other marketing instruments that aim to stimulate positive WOM. However, scholars have neglected to research the possibility that providing WOM also has consequences for the sender. Building on self-perception theory, this article argues that recommending a service provider improves the current customers’ loyalty to the provider and that positive WOM is not only effective for gaining but also for keeping customers. By conducting experiments in two different service settings, it is demonstrated that providing a recommendation influences the senders’ attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. The effect is found to be stronger for customers with low expertise in the service category and little experience with the provider. This means that encouraging customers in the early stages of their customer life cycle to give recommendations is specifically effective in increasing loyalty to the provider. Managers should consider using positive WOM as a loyalty-enhancing instrument and take the additional value from increased loyalty of their customer base into account for return-on-marketing calculations regarding WOM marketing campaigns, as well as customer equity calculations.
Service Innovation Viewed Through a Service-Dominant Logic Lens: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Ordanini Andrea , Parasuraman A.
Published: November 2010

Research to date on service innovation is rooted primarily in traditional new product development focusing on tangible goods. In this article, the authors invoke insights from the emerging service-dominant logic (SDL) perspective and propose a conceptual framework for investigating the antecedents and consequences of service innovation. They then develop a set of hypotheses pertaining to potential predictors of two distinct facets of service innovation (volume and radicalness) and the impact of the latter on two measures of firm performance (revenue growth and profit growth). They test their proposed model using data from a sample of luxury hotels and find that (a) collaborating with customers fosters innovation volume but not radicalness (and vice versa for collaborating with business partners); (b) a firm’s customer orientation—both directly and in interaction with innovative orientation—contributes to innovation radicalness; (c) collaborating with contact employees enhances both innovation volume and radicalness; (d) the use of knowledge integration mechanisms contributes to innovation radicalness (but not volume); and (e) both innovation outcomes have significant but somewhat different effects on the two performance measures. They discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of their findings and conclude with the study’s limitations and directions for further research.
Triazole-linked Benzylated Glucosyl, Galactosyl, and Mannosyl Monomers and Dimers as Novel Sugar Scaffold-based PTP1B Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Yin-Jie , He Xiao-Peng , Li Cui , Li Zhen , Shi De-Tai , Gao Li-Xin , Qiu Bei-Ying , Shi Xiao-Xin , Tang Yun , Li Jia , Chen Guo-Rong
Published: November 2010

Monomeric and dimeric benzylated glycosyl benzenes were synthesized via copper-catalyzed [3 + 2] azide–alkyne cycloaddition. These compounds were then identified as protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B inhibitors which displayed at least several fold selectivity over other homologous PTPases. The glucosyl, galactosyl, and mannosyl inhibitors exhibited different biological profiles, suggesting the monosaccharides may qualify as chiral scaffolds for probing the spatial preference of PTP1B. Furthermore, docking study suggested a plausible binding mode of this glycoside series with the enzymatic target.
The Synthesis and Flame Retardance of a High Phosphorus-containing Unsaturated Polyester Resin
Authors: Zhang Chen , Liu Shu-Mei , Huang Jun-Yi , Zhao Jian-Qing
Published: November 2010

A high phosphorus-containing unsaturated polyester resin (P-UPR) was synthesized by a one-step or two-step method with dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as a reactive flame retardant. Phosphorus content in the cured P-UPR could be increased to 3.0 wt %, and a low amount of 15.0 wt % DMMP used in the reactants allowed P-UPR to achieve a UL94 V-0 rate. The incorporation of phosphorus into the UPR chain was confirmed by 31P NMR. The condensed phase flame-retardant mechanism of P-UPR was investigated by TG, SEM/EDS, and TG-FTIR.
Effect of Smoking on Langerhans and Dendritic Cells in Patients With Chronic Gingivitis
Authors: Souto Giovanna Ribeiro , Segundo Takeshi Kato , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: November 2010

Background: Previous literature showed contrasting results regarding dendritic cell (DC) counts in patients with periodontal diseases. Although smoking decreases the number of DCs in the lungs, the effect of smoking on the quantitative distribution of Langerhans cells (LCs) and DCs in patients with chronic gingivitis has not been investigated to our knowledge.

Methods: Gingival samples were obtained from 30 patients (15 smokers and 15 non‐smokers). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify CD1a+ immature LCs and CD83+ mature DCs. The inflammatory infiltrate was evaluated and counted. Densities of cells were calculated within the oral epithelium (OE), sulcular epithelium (SE), and lamina propria (LP) for CD1a+ cells and within the LP for CD83+ cells. Results were compared between groups. This study evaluates whether the high number of cigarettes and smoking years affects densities of cells. Correlations among densities of LCs and DCs with densities of inflammatory infiltrate, number of cigarettes, and smoking years were performed.

Results: Densities of inflammatory infiltrate and CD1a+ cells from the SE and LP were significantly lower for smokers than for non‐smokers (P <0.05). This result could not be identified for CD1a+ cells from the OE and for CD83+ cells from the LP. The number of cigarettes and smoking years did not affect densities of cells. No statistically significant correlations could be drawn among densities of LCs and DCs and inflammatory infiltrate, number of cigarettes, and smoking years.

Conclusion: Smoking proved to affect the quantitative distribution of LCs and DCs in patients with chronic gingivitis.
Severe Periodontitis Is Associated With Diastolic Blood Pressure Elevation in Individuals With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vieira Carolina L.Z. , Cury Patricia R. , Miname Marcio H. , Martinez Lilton R. , Bortolotto Luiz A. , Giuliano Isabela B. , Santos Raul D. , Caramelli Bruno
Published: November 2010

Background: This pilot study evaluates the association of severe periodontitis with pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid artery intima‐medial thickness (IMT), and clinical, metabolic, and atherogenic inflammatory markers in 79 subjects with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (hFH). All subjects were free of previous vascular disease manifestations.

Methods: The body mass index (in kilograms per square meter), plasma lipids, glucose, C‐reactive protein, and white blood cell counts were evaluated. After full‐mouth periodontal examinations, patients were categorized into the severe periodontitis group (SPG) or non‐severe periodontitis group (NSPG).

Results: The SPG showed significantly higher values of cholesterol‐year scores, triglycerides, glucose, PWV, IMT, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P ≤0.05) than the NSPG. After adjustment for traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, only the association between severe periodontitis and DBP (odds ratio: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.1 to 8.5; P = 0.03) was confirmed.

Conclusion: In individuals with hFH, severe periodontitis was associated with a higher DBP, which suggests that severe periodontitis, itself, may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk profile in this population.
Educating engineers for/in sustainable development? What we knew, what we learned, and what we should learn
Authors: Mulder Karel , Segalas-Coral Jordi , Ferrer-Balas Didac
Published: November 2010

In the past decade, several engineering universities, mainly in Europe, but
also in Australia, North America, and Japan, have been addressing the issue
of sustainable development. Engineering education in sustainable development
has been discussed at many occasions. What questions have been addressed,
what answers have been provided, and what are the main remaining topics for
research into engineering education in sustainable development? What should
engineers learn regarding sustainable development? How to trigger
institutional change within engineering schools: top-down or bottom-up? How
to trigger cultural change, how to win the hearts and souls of the faculty?
Curriculum change: starting new programs or changing existing ones? The
contribution of active learning and project based learning? The role of
external stakeholders, external cooperation? How to measure sustainable
development learning effects? Practice what you preach: how to green the
campus, diminish resource consumption and sustainabilise procurement? How to
teach normative content in an academic context? The paper, based mainly on
the European literature on EESD of the last decade, discusses the answers
that were provided and present an agenda for further research in EESD (This
paper has mainly a European perspective. An overview of sustainable
development engineering education in the U
Renewable energy sources and their potential role in mitigation of climate changes and as a sustainable development driver in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Gvero Petar , Tica Gordana , Petrovic Semin , Papuga Sasa , Jaksic Borislav , Roljic Lazo
Published: November 2010

Bosnia and Herzegovina have significant physical potential regarding to
renewable energy sources. Hydro, biomass, geothermal, wind, and solar
potential can play important role in the whole state economy. Bosnia and
Herzegovina is Non-Annex I country according to UNFCCC and according to that
it is obligated to participate in the global efforts in order to reduce green
house gases emission. This paper gives some analysis of the physical,
technological, economic, and market potential of renewable energy sources in
Bosnia and Herzegovina and their potential role in mitigation of climate
changes. Paper also gives the analysis of the potential connections between
renewable energy sources and sustainable development of the economy, taking
in to consideration specific political structure of the state. Bosnia and
Herzegovina is consisting from two entities: Republic of Srpska and
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Brcko District; energy sector and
climate changes mitigation measures are under their jurisdiction. According
to that some of this paper results can be useful for the improvement of
entity and state strategies with the final aim to place renewable energy
sources on the right position, as some of the major economy drivers, not only
in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but in whole region.
Microgrids: The agria test location
Authors: Krkoleva Aleksandra , Taseska Verica , Markovska Natasa , Taleski Rubin , Borozan Vesna
Published: November 2010

The paper presents the pilot Microgrid in Macedonia, developed within the
framework of the MOREMICROGRIDS (EU EP6 projecet, contract No. SES6-019864)
project. This Microgrid is the first of its kind being developed in the
Western Balkan region and serves as pilot site for introduction and
examination of the Microgrids concept in non European Union conditions. The
test network consists of a part of the low voltage grid, located on a pig
farm. The main electricity source for the Microgrid is a small biogas plant,
which uses the biogas produced by a waste water treatment process. The paper
addresses the Microgrid design, development of test scenarios and test
results from the pilot location.
Efficiency and cost modelling of thermal power plants
Authors: Bihari Péter , Gróf Gyula , Gács Iván
Published: November 2010

The proper characterization of energy suppliers is one of the most important
components in the modelling of the supply/demand relations of the electricity
market. Power generation capacity i. e. power plants constitute the supply
side of the relation in the electricity market. The supply of power stations
develops as the power stations attempt to achieve the greatest profit
possible with the given prices and other limitations. The cost of operation
and the cost of load increment are thus the most important characteristics of
their behaviour on the market. In most electricity market models, however, it
is not taken into account that the efficiency of a power station also depends
on the level of the load, on the type and age of the power plant, and on
environmental considerations. The trade in electricity on the free market
cannot rely on models where these essential parameters are omitted. Such an
incomplete model could lead to a situation where a particular power station
would be run either only at its full capacity or else be entirely deactivated
depending on the prices prevailing on the free market. The reality is rather
that the marginal cost of power generation might also be described by a
function using the efficiency function. The derived marginal cost function
gives the supply curve of the power station. The load level dependent
efficiency function can be used not only for market modelling, but also for
determining the pollutant and CO2 emissions of the power station, as well as
shedding light on the conditions for successfully entering the market. Based
on the measurement data our paper presents mathematical models that might be
used for the determination of the load dependent efficiency functions of
coal, oil, or gas fuelled power stations (steam turbine, gas turbine,
combined cycle) and IC engine based combined heat and power stations. These
efficiency functions could also contribute to modelling market conditions and
determining the environmental impact of power stations.
Dynamik der Wiederbewaldung im Waldbrandgebiet von Leuk (Wallis) | Recruitment dynamics following the forest fire near Leuk (Valais)
Authors: Wohlgemuth Thomas , Hester Christoph , Jost Anna-Regula , Wasem Ulrich , Moser Barbara
Published: November 2010

After the intensive forest fire near Leuk, in 2003 the question arose whether and how fast the forest would regenerate. To answer this question, we observed the recolonisation by plants in the 300 ha of burned area annually from 2004 to 2008, using a set of permanently installed and systematically arranged sample plots of 200 m2 (n = 151). Five years after the fire, natural regeneration of the trees at altitudes above 1,700 m attains a density of 1,760 stems/ha, wich is comparable with results found after the forest fire in Val Müstair (Graubünden) in 1983, or after windthrow “Vivian” in 1990 in the Northern Prealps. The most frequent tree species are the pioneers, namely the European aspen (Populus tremula), large-leaved willow and goat willow (Salix appendiculata and S. caprea). Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European larch (Larix decidua) are present in small numbers. Natural regeneration is smaller at middle and lower altitudes, with roughly 1,160 stems/ha at altitudes between 1,300 and 1,700 m, and 700 stems/ha below 1,300 m. Here in many places pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) regenerates itself with coppice shoots. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) regenerates only sparsely. By applying Ripley's K-function to triangle plots, we found that regeneration is significantly clumped in 79% of the plots having more than ten trees of at least 25 cm of height. Spatial aggregation often starts at very short distances between trees, and is observable both within and between species. Five years after the forest fire, we can confirm that forest will regenerate at all altitudes. The first forest phase will be bush forest.
Computer simulation of marriage seasonality
Authors: Brod Manfred
Published: November 2010

Marriage seasonality in a given parish is subject to considerable year-on-year variation, but the corrections that need to be applied to the raw data are such as to make simple statistical analysis difficult. This can be overcome by the use of Monte Carlo simulation. The method provides simple criteria for deciding when a difference in seasonality between neighboring parishes or within a parish at different times may be regarded as significant. It may be applied generally in the analysis of event data where a mixture of numerical and logical criteria applies.
Catching up with the past: historians, pictures and PCs
Authors: Sawyer Andrew
Published: November 2010

Sources such as imagery and video and audio material are increasing being adopted in an evidential, rather than an allusive role by historians seeking to exploit them alongside the ‘textual’ data traditionally used. The role of computers in enabling this development has been significant, in enabling greater access to such sources (via CD and online collections, for example) an in providing tools for the analysis of novel sources (such as KLEIO Image Analysis System). At the same time the impact of ‘postmodernity’ upon the study of history has led to a growth in interest in theoretical issues which challenge many of the assumptions upon which the discipline is based.

This paper addresses those issues from the narrower perspective – that gained during a detailed historical study of political prints produced during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, which have been digitally modelled, and analysed using KLEIO IAS. It suggests that in adopting less traditional sources, the nature of those sources and methodological shifts they impose will render it imperative for historians to engage with theoretical issues raised by postmodernity.