bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground reaction force and kinematic analysis of limb loading on two different beach sand tracks in harness trotters
Authors: CREVIER‐DENOIX N. , ROBIN D. , POURCELOT P. , FALALA S. , HOLDEN L. , ESTOUP P. , DESQUILBET L. , DENOIX J. M. , CHATEAU H.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Although beach training is commonly used in horses, limb loading on beach sand has never been investigated. A dynamometric horseshoe (DHS) is well adapted for this purpose.

Objectives:To compare ground reaction force (GRF) and fetlock kinematics measured in harness trotters on 2 tracks of beach sand with different water content.

Methods:Two linear sand tracks were compared: firm wet sand (FWS, 19% moisture) vs. deep wet sand (DWS, 13.5% moisture). Four French trotters (550 ± 22 kg) were used. Their right forelimb was equipped with a DHS and skin markers. Each track was tested 3 times at 7 m/s. Each trial was filmed by a high‐speed camera (600 Hz); DHS and speed data acquisition was performed at 10 kHz on 10 consecutive strides. All recordings were synchronised. The components Fx (parallel to the hoof solar surface) and Fz (perpendicular) of the GRF were considered. For 3 horses the fetlock angle and forelimb axis‐track angle at landing were measured. Statistical differences were tested using the GLM procedure (SAS; P<0.05).

Results:Stance duration was increased on DWS compared to FWS. Fzmax and Fxmax (oriented, respectively, downwards and forwards relatively to the solar surface) and the corresponding loading rates, were decreased on DWS and these force peaks occurred later. Fxmin (backwards) was not significantly different between both surfaces; the propulsive phase (Fx negative) was longer and the corresponding impulse higher, on DWS compared to FWS. The forelimb was more oblique to the track at landing and maximal fetlock extension was less and delayed on DWS.

Conclusions:This study confirms that trotting on deep sand overall reduces maximal GRF and induces a more progressive limb loading. However, it increases the propulsive effort and likely superficial digital flexor tendon tension at the end of stance, which should be taken into account in beach training.
Quantification of equine sacral and iliac motion during gait: A comparison between motion capture with skin‐mounted and bone‐fixated sensors
Authors: GOFF L. , Van WEEREN P. R. , JEFFCOTT L. , CONDIE P. , McGOWAN C.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Information regarding movement at the ilium and sacrum in nonlame horses during normal gait may assist in understanding the biomechanics of the equine sacroiliac joint.

Objectives:To determine the amount and direction of motion at the ilium and sacrum using 3D orientation sensors during walk and trot in sound Thoroughbreds. To compare results from sensors fixed to the skin with results from sensors fixed to bone‐implanted pins.

Methods:Three 3D wireless orientation sensors were mounted to the skin over thetuber sacrale(TS) and sacrum of 6 horses and motion at the ilium and sacrum was recorded for lateral bending (LB) flexion‐extension (F‐E) and axial rotation (AR) during walk and trot. This process was repeated with the orientation sensors mounted to the same pelvic landmarks via Steinmann pins.

Results:Mean walk values were greater than trot values using pin‐mounted sensors for all planes of movement (P<0.05). Walk had 1.64 ± 0.22° (mean ± s.e.) more LB than trot (pin‐mounted) yet 0.68 ± 0.22° less than trot when skin‐mounted; 3.45 ± 0.15° more F‐E (pin‐ and skin‐mounted), and 4.99 ± 0.4° more AR (pin‐mounted), but trot had 3.4 ± 0.40° more AR than walk with skin mounting. Using pinned sensors for trot resulted in less LB (2.47 ± 0.22°), F‐E (1.12 ± 0.15°) and AR (10.62 ± 0.40°); and for walk less F‐E (1.12 ± 0.15°) and AR (2.15 ± 0.40°) compared to skin‐mounted. Poor correlation existed between mean values for skin‐ and pin‐mounted data for walk and trot, for all planes of motion.

Conclusions:Movements were smaller at trot with bone‐fixated sensors compared to walk, suggesting increased muscular control of movement at the trot. The apparent increase in skin motion at the trot and no clear correlation between skin‐ and bone‐mounted sensors indicates inaccuracies when measuring sacral and iliac movement with skin mounting.
Moderate and high intensity sprint exercise induce differential responses inCOX4I2andPDK4gene expression in Thoroughbred horse skeletal muscle
Authors: HILL E. W. , EIVERS S. S. , McGIVNEY B. A. , FONSECA R. G. , GU J. , SMITH N. A. , BROWNE J. A. , MacHUGH D. E. , KATZ L. M.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:The role of molecular signalling pathways in the phenotypic adaptation of skeletal muscle to different exercise stimuli in the Thoroughbred horse has not been reported previously.

Objective:To examineCKM,COX4I1,COX4I2andPDK4gene expression following high intensity sprint and moderate intensity treadmill exercise stimuli in skeletal muscle of Thoroughbred horses.

Materials and methods:Two groups of trained 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred horses participated.Group A(n = 6 females, n = 3 males) participated in an incremental step test (moderate intensity) to fatigue or HRmaxon a Sato high speed treadmill (distance = 5418.67m ± 343.21).Group B(n = 8 females) participated in routine ‘work’ (sprint) on an all‐weather gallop (distance = 812.83 m ± 12.53). Biopsy samples were obtained from thegluteus mediuspre‐exercise (T0), immediately post exercise (T1) and 4 h post exercise (T2). For physiological relevance venous blood samples were collected to measure plasma lactate and creatine kinase concentrations. Changes in mRNA expression were determined by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR for creatine kinase muscle (CKM), cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV isoform 1 (COX4I1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV isoform 2 (COX4I2) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4) genes. Statistical significance (α<0.05) was determined using Student'sttests.

Results:COX4I2mRNA expression decreased significantly inGroup Aand remained unchanged inGroup Bbetween T0vs. T2(−1.7‐fold, P = 0.017; −1.0‐fold, P = 0.859).PDK4mRNA expression increased significantly inGroup Bbut not inGroup Abetween T0vs. T1(3.8‐fold, P = 0.039; 1.4‐fold, P = 0.591). There were no significant changes in the expression inCKMorCOX4I1mRNA abundance in either group.

Conclusions:Different exercise protocols elicit variable transcriptional responses in key exercise relevant genes in equine skeletal muscle due to variation in metabolic demand.
Validation and comparison of two methods of measuring lactate in equine plasma
Authors: BUTUDOM P. , FOREMAN J. H. , KLINE K. H. , WHITTEM E. L.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Some methods of lactate (LA) measurement have not been validated appropriately for use in horses.

Objectives:To validate 2 LA analysers (YSI 2300 Stat Plus and TDx Lactic Acid Assay) for use with equine plasma and to compare plasma [LA] determined by the 2 methods.

Methods:Both instruments were evaluated for linearity, parallelism, recovery and precision using serial dilutions of standard LA solutions and equine plasma and then comparing results with linear regression or pairedttests. Plasma [LA] results were compared in 275 blood samples collected from horses exercising at various intensities using Bland‐Altman analysis. Level of significance was P<0.05.

Results:

YSI exhibited good linearity for both LA standards and equine plasma (P<0.05) at 0–30 mmol/l. TDx had good linearity at 0–12 mmol/l (P<0.05); with LA standard solutions >12 mmol/l and with equine plasma, linearity was decreased. YSI exhibited good parallelism between LA standards and equine plasma LA measurements throughout the 0–30 mmol/l range (P>0.05). Parallelism was poor with TDx (P<0.05). Mean ± s.d. % recovery was 101.7 ± 3.4% for YSI (acceptable) and 110.6 ± 8.4% for TDx (unacceptable). Within‐run and mean between‐run coefficients of variation (CV) for plasma samples tested from 3.3–29.5 mmol/l were 0.4–3.0% for YSI. CVs for samples tested from 2.8–8.0 mmol/l were 17.4–24.1% for TDx. In 275 plasma samples, [LA] ranged from 0.1–42.7 mmol/l and 0.3–50.6 mmol/l for the YSI and TDx methods, respectively. The difference in plasma [LA] determined by the 2 methods was −1.0 ± 3.2 mmol/l, documenting that the TDx overestimated the YSI results by a mean value of 1 mmol/l.

Conclusions:It was concluded that the YSI method was a reliable method for measuring equine plasma [LA] from 0–30 mmol/l. The TDx method was found not to be suitable for use with equine plasma due to greater variability in measurements (high CV).
Effect of head and neck position on outcome of quantitative neuromuscular diagnostic techniques in Warmblood riding horses directly following moderate exercise
Authors: WIJNBERG I. D. , SLEUTJENS J. , Van Der KOLK J. H. , BACK W.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:There has been growing interest in training techniques with respect to the head and neck position (HNP) of the equine athlete. Little is known about the influence of HNP on neuromuscular transmission in neck muscles.

Objective:To test the hypothesis that different HNPs have effect on single fibre (SF), quantitative electromyographic (QEMG) examination and muscle enzyme activity directly after moderate exercise.

Methods:Seven Warmblood horses were studied using a standard exercise protocol in 5 HNPs: HNP1: unrestrained; HNP2: neck raised; bridge of nose around the vertical; HNP4: neck lowered and considerably flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the chest; HNP5: neck raised and considerably extended; bridge of nose in front of the vertical; HNP7: neck lowered and flexed; bridge of nose pointing towards the carpus. Mean consecutive difference (MCD) of single muscle fibre potentials and motor unit action potential (MUP) variables (amplitude, duration, area, turns and phases) were recorded in each fixed position directly after exercise at rest using commercial EMG equipment. Muscle enzyme activity was measured before and 4, 6 and 24 h after exercise.

Results:Mean consecutive difference in all HNPs was higher than in HNP1 (22 µs, P<0.001) of which HNP4 was highest with 39 µs compared to 30 µs in HNP2 (P = 0.04); MCD in HNP 5,7 was with 25 µs lower than in HNP 2 and 4 (P<0.001). Odds ratio for MCD suggestive for conduction delay or block was 13.6 in HNP4 compared to HNP1 (P<0.001). Motion unit action potential variables followed the same pattern as MCD. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity increased in HNP4 at 4 h (P = 0.014), 6 h (P = 0.017) and 24 h (P = 0.038) post exercise and in HNP5 and HNP7 at 4 h (P = 0.037; 0.029).

Conclusions and clinical relevance:HNP4 in particular leads to a higher rise in LDH activity, MCD and MUP variables, indicating that HNPs have effect on variables characterising neuromuscular functionality.
A pilot study on factors influencing the career of Dutch sport horses
Authors: SLOET van OLDRUITENBORGH‐OOSTERBAAN M. M. , GENZEL W. , Van WEEREN P. R.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study: Welfare concerns over the reasons for interruption or termination of a sporting career in horses have been expressed.

Objectives: To study the career of competition horses and factors that influence career length.

Methods: In 2004, 46,576 rider‐horse combinations were registered with the Dutch National Equestrian Federation (KNHS) in dressage, show jumping, eventing and endurance. From this population, approximately 1% of horses in each discipline were selected at random and all recorded competition data from the KNHS registration system collected and supplemented by detailed rider/owner telephone enquiry, carried out in July 2009.

Results: A total of 520 horses were included aged 7.1 ± 3.2 years; endurance horses were on average slightly older than horses in the other 3 disciplines. A total of 334 horses (64.2%) ended their competition career with their initial rider during the study period; the mean total career time was 3.8 ± 2.8 years. Reasons for this included being sold on (51.5%), veterinary reasons (23.9%), being used for breeding (8.7%), changing to a recreational career (8.1%), rider‐related issues (6.3%) and retirement (1.5%). No follow‐up was available for horses sold. Orthopaedic problems accounted for the majority of the veterinary career‐ending decisions (63.7%). A total of 385 horses (74.0%) had one or more career breaks; main reasons were rider‐related issues (39.2%), others included temporary withdrawal from competition (21.6%), veterinary problems (21.8%), breeding (9.1%) and miscellaneous (8.3%).

Conclusions: Veterinary reasons for career breaks or termination of career accounted for 21.8 and 23.9% over the period investigated. They formed the second reason (after selling) why horses stopped competing with their initial rider/owner. Veterinary reasons were the third important cause for a temporary career break.

Potential relevance: Further in depth research of the reasons for interruption or termination of an equine career may be useful for the improvement of equine welfare.
Dietary energy source and physical conditioning affect insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in horses
Authors: STEWART‐HUNT L. , PRATT‐PHILLIPS S. , McCUTCHEON L. J. , GEOR R. J.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study: Starch rich (S) feeds reduce insulin sensitivity in untrained horses when compared to high fat (F) feeds, but insulin sensitivity is not affected when S or F are fed during exercise training. The effects of S vs. F on training‐associated alterations in skeletal muscle glucose metabolism are unknown.

Objectives: To determine the effects of dietary energy source on training‐associated changes in insulin sensitivity, skeletal muscle GLUT4 protein and hexokinase (HK) and glycogen synthase (GS) activities in horses.

Methods: After a baseline period on an all forage diet (Phase 1), horses were adapted to high starch (S) or high fat (F) diets (n = 7/group) for 6 weeks (Phase 2) and then completed 7 weeks of exercise training (Phase 3) on the same diets. To measure insulin sensitivity (SI), minimal model analysis of a frequently‐sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of each phase. Middle gluteal muscle biopsies to measure GLUT‐4 protein content, muscle glycogen and HK and GS activities were taken before and after euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamps administered after each phase. Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: In S, SI was 36% lower (P<0.05) after Phase 2 when compared to Phase 1 but was unchanged in F. After Phase 3, SI was increased (P<0.01) in S and F compared to Phase 2 and did not differ (P>0.05) between diets. Middle gluteal muscle GLUT‐4 protein and post clamp HK activity were increased (P<0.05) in S after Phase 3, with higher (P<0.01) GLUT4 in S than in F. GS activities were unchanged in both diets.

Conclusions: Adaptation to S resulted in decreased SI mitigated by moderate physical conditioning. Increased GLUT‐4 protein content and HK activity in S may have contributed to higher SI after training.
The association of various speed indices to training responses in Thoroughbred flat racehorses measured with a global positioning and heart rate monitoring system
Authors: FONSECA R. G. , KENNY D. A. , HILL E. W. , KATZ L. M.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Fitness assessment can be challenging. The use of global positioning systems (GPS) with heart rate (HR) monitors has been promising; however, evaluation of speed parameters during training has not been reported.

Objectives:To evaluate speed indices during training in Thoroughbreds using a GPS‐HR monitor.

Methods:Thoroughbreds (n = 102) were assessed during training with data collected each work day (WD; sprinting). Speed indices evaluated included maximal velocity (Vmax), duration at Vmax(Vmaxt), acceleration rate (m/s2) from 800 m to Vmax(Acc800‐Vmax), the distance (m) 6 (VmaxD6) and 12 (VmaxD12) s before (acceleration [a]) and after (deceleration [d]) Vmaxand the deceleration rate from Vmaxto the finish (VmaxDFd). Blood for plasma lactate ([LA]) and creatine kinase ([CK]) measurements were taken before (T0), 5 mins (T1) and 6 h after exercise (T2). WD accumulation, jockey, gallop condition, horse gender, age, total distance covered (DistT), maximum HR (HRmax), velocity at 200 beats/min (V200) and velocity at maximum HR (VHRmax) for each WD were evaluated for associations with [LA], [CK], speed indices and racing performance. Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA with P<0.05 significant.

Results:No speed parameter clearly changed with training. Gallop condition affected Vmax, Vmaxtand all distances covered with Vmaxand distances increasing and Vmaxtdecreasing as gallop surface became firmer. Jockey influenced Vmax, VmaxD6aand all decelerations, while DistT was inversely associated with Acc800‐Vmax, HRmaxand V200and positively associated with Vmax, all accelerations and decelerations. [LA] at T1was positively associated with DistT and VmaxDFd.

Conclusions:Speed parameters did not change with training but were affected by jockey, gallop condition and exercise distance. This information may help to modify training to maximise fitness, minimise injury and choose distances best suited for individuals.
Effects of training on equine muscle fibres and monocarboxylate transporters in young Coldblooded Trotters
Authors: REVOLD T. , MYKKÄNEN A. K. , KARLSTRÖM K. , IHLER C. F. , PÖSÖ A. R. , ESSÉN‐GUSTAVSSON B.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Muscular changes caused by training are breed‐specific and studies on the Norwegian‐Swedish Coldblooded Trotter (NSCT) are limited. Knowledge about lactate‐transporters in muscle in this light draught breed used for harness racing is lacking.

Objectives:To identify muscular changes associated with training in young NSCTs and investigate muscular distribution of the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and its ancillary protein CD147, which facilitate lactate transport across membranes.

Methods:Nine horses were followed from the start of their training period until the end of their 3‐year‐old season. A biopsy sample of the middle gluteal muscle was collected on 4 occasions. On the last 3 sampling occasions, individual VLa4‐values (the speed corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l) were determined in an incremental exercise test on a high‐speed treadmill. One horse was excluded due to lameness. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on all muscle samples to determine fibretypes(I, IIA, IIAX, IIX), oxidative capacity (NADH) and the expression of MCT1 and CD147. The activity of selected metabolic enzymes in the muscle before and after training was determined.

Results:The percentage oftype IIXfibres decreased with training while the percentage oftype IIAXfibres increased. The activity of citrate synthase and 3‐OH‐acyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase increased with training. The expression of MCT1 was lower in membranes and cytoplasm oftype IIXfibres compared to all other fibre types both before and after training. The antibody against CD147 stained membranes and cytoplasm of all fibres. The first VLa4‐value was lower than the last 2 in all horses.

Conclusions:Muscular changes with training of NSCTs were similar to those reported in Standardbreds, indicating fibre type transitions and increased oxidative capacity. Expression of MCT1 differed among fibre types and was related to the oxidative capacity of the fibres.
Exercise‐induced increases in inflammatory cytokines in muscle and blood of horses
Authors: LIBURT N. R. , ADAMS A. A. , BETANCOURT A. , HOROHOV D. W. , McKEEVER K. H.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study:Studies have demonstrated increases in mRNA expression for inflammatory cytokines following exercise in horses and have suggested those markers of inflammation may play a role in delayed onset muscle soreness. However, measurement of mRNA expression in white blood cells is an indirect method. No studies to date have documented the cytokine response to exercise directly in muscle in horses.

Hypothesis:This study tested the hypothesis that exercise increases cytokine markers of inflammation in blood and muscle.

Methods:Blood and muscle biopsies were obtained from 4 healthy, unfit Standardbred mares (∼500 kg). The randomised crossover experiment was performed with the investigators performing the analysis blind to the treatment. Each horse underwent either incremental exercise test (GXT) or standing parallel control with the trials performed one month apart. During the GXT horses ran on a treadmill (1 m/s increases each min until fatigue, 6% grade). Blood and muscle biopsies were obtained 30 min before exercise, immediately after exercise and at 0.5, 1, 2, 6 and 24 h post GXT or at matched time points during the parallel control trials. Samples were analysed using real time‐PCR for measurement of mRNA expression of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐gamma), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐1 (IL‐1). Data were analysed usingttests with the null hypothesis rejected when P<0.10.

Results:There were no changes (P>0.10) in IL‐1, IL‐6, IFN‐gamma or TNF‐alpha during control. Exercise induced significant increases in IFN‐gamma, IL1 and TNF‐alpha in blood and significant increases in IFN‐gamma, IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha in muscle. There were no significant changes in mRNA expression of IL‐1 in muscle or IL‐6 in blood following the GXT. These cytokine markers of inflammation all returned to preGXT levels by 24 h post GXT.

Conclusion:High intensity exercise results in a transient increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines in muscle and blood.
Vibration Attenuation in Rotating Machines Using Smart Spring Mechanism
Authors: Cavalini Aldemir Ap. , Galavotti Thiago Vianna , Morais Tobias Souza , Koroishi Edson Hideki , Steffen Valder
Published: November 2010

This paper proposes a semiactive vibration control technique dedicated to a rotating machine passing by its critical speed during the transient rotation, by using a Smart Spring Mechanism (SSM). SSM is a patented concept that, using an indirect piezoelectric (PZT) stack actuation, changes the stiffness characteristics of one or more rotating machine bearings to suppress high vibration amplitudes. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization technique is used to determine the best design of the SSM parameters with respect to performance indexes associated with the control efficiency. Additionally, the concept of ecologically correct systems is incorporated to this work including the PZT stack energy consumption in the indexes considered for the optimization process. Simulation carried out on Finite Element Method (FEM) model suggested the feasibility of the SSM for vibration attenuation of rotors for different operating conditions and demonstrated the possibility of incorporating SSM devices to develop high‐performance ecologic control systems.
Effects of Selenium Status and Polymorphisms in Selenoprotein Genes on Prostate Cancer Risk in a Prospective Study of European Men
Authors: Steinbrecher Astrid , Méplan Catherine , Hesketh John , Schomburg Lutz , Endermann Tobias , Jansen Eugène , Åkesson Björn , Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob
Published: November 2010

Background: Evidence for an association between selenium status and prostate cancer risk is still inconclusive. Anticarcinogenic effects of selenium are supposedly mediated through cellular protective and redox properties of selenoenzymes in vivo. We evaluated the association between serum selenium status and prostate cancer risk in a population with relative low selenium concentrations considering effect modification by genetic variants in selenoprotein genes.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study of 248 incident prostate cancer cases and 492 matched controls was nested within the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort. Baseline blood samples were analyzed for serum selenium and selenoprotein P concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity. Genotyping was carried out for SEP15 (rs5859, rs540049), SEPP1 (rs3877899, rs7579), GPX1 (rs1050450), and GPX4 (rs713041). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results: The OR for prostate cancer was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79-1.01) per 10 μg/L increase of serum selenium concentration. This association was modified by rs1050450 (C>T) in GPX1 (Pinteraction = 0.03), with carriers of one or two T alleles having a significantly reduced OR of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76-0.99). Furthermore, there was an association between rs7579 genotype in SEPP1 and prostate cancer risk (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.99-2.98).

Conclusions: Our results support a role of selenium and polymorphisms in selenoenzymes in prostate cancer etiology, which warrants confirmation in future studies.

Impact: These findings might help to explain biological effects of selenium in prostate cancer development in order to overcome inconsistencies arising from former studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2958–68. ©2010 AACR.
Estudo do comportamento reológico das argilas bentoníticas de Cubati, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Menezes R. R. , Campos L. F. A. , Ferreira H. S. , Marques L. N. , Neves G. A. , Ferreira H. C.
Published: November 2010

O estado da Paraíba possui jazidas de bentonitas utilizadas comercialmente para uma vasta gama de setores tecnológicos. No entanto, esses jazimentos estão se exaurindo, após dezenas de anos de exploração. Assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo dar prosseguimento à caracterização de argilas bentoníticas de Cubati, PB, estudando o comportamento reológico das dispersões argila-água de modo avaliar seu desempenho para fluidos de perfuração de poços de petróleo base água. As amostras estudadas foram secas a 60 ºC e determinou-se sua capacidade de troca de cátions. As argilas foram transformadas em sódica por tratamento com Na2CO3 e em seguida realizou-se o estudo do comportamento reológico das dispersões. As viscosidades, aparente e plástica, o volume de filtrado, os parâmetros reológicos do fluido e a sua força gel foram determinados. Os resultados evidenciaram que cada amostra apresenta um teor ótimo de carbonato de sódio e que as dispersões argila-água possuem um comportamento pseudo-plástico e tixotrópico. Duas amostras apresentam potencial para utilização como agentes viscosificantes para fluidos de perfuração.
Historical Sources: How People Counted. A Method for Estimating the Rounding of Numbers
Authors: Crockett R. G. M. , Crockett A. C.
Published: November 2010

Any census — or other enumeration exercise — which yields numerical data (counts) may include data collected using a variety of unspecified counting practices, such as ‘rounding’ to the nearest multiples of a ‘base-unit’, e.g. 5 or 10 or a (half-) dozen, as well as ‘exact’ counts. In general, the greater the age of the data-source, the greater the probability that the recorded data represent ‘rounded’ estimates as opposed to ‘exact’ counts. Also, the greater the number and diversity of the persons involved in data-collection, the greater the probability of variation in counting practice. The presence of ‘rounded’ data in many historical sources produces uncertainty when historians — or others — come to analyse such data.

This article presents a new technique for analysing numerical data, one which illuminates our understanding of counting behaviour (whether of enumerators or respondents) and its effects on the resulting data. This method can be used to detect the presence of ‘rounded’ data within a data-set and to determine the frequencies of the counting practices involved. The methodology and its underlying principles are described and the method is illustrated by means of a case-study based on church/chapel attendance data from the Religious Census of 1851 for England and Wales.
The socialization of context: methodologies for hypertext
Authors: Hunter Lynette
Published: November 2010

This essay focusses on the central intellectual challenges of hypermedia especially the extent to which hypermedia is at authorative stage, its rhetoric as yet undeveloped, the forms of publication in their infancy, and above all focussed mainly on text. The challenge in accepting the implications of textuality seems to lie with the computer scientists. Can they take cognisance of discourse beyond the glass womb?
Administrative reform and cultural change: Austria in the eighteenth century
Authors: Pammer Michael
Published: November 2010

This article examines the relation between mass piety and religious reform measures initiated by the Austrian government in the Josephinian period. Josephinism intended to transform the prevailing baroque type of popular piety into a new reformed way of Catholicism. The article focuses on popular attitudes toward liturgy and toward charity. Two issues which were regarded as key issues in the context of religious reform. The results suggest that religious behaviour followed a consistent pattern in both liturgical and charitable matters; personal characteristics of the people involved and circumstantial matters worked usual in the same way for both issues. However, religious change led only to limited success of the government's ideas in the population; secularization, which was unpopular with the government, became a new strong alternative to baroque religion as well as toReform Catholicism. The analysis is based upon 2,800 written or oral wills made in Upper Austria in the period 1700–1820. Wills are the best source for research on mass piety because they cover all social strata and are preserved in large numbers, and testators were directly involved in formulating the text.
Neckties and Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Young Healthy Males: A Pilot Randomised Crossover Trial
Authors: Rafferty Mark , Quinn Terence J. , Dawson Jesse , Walters Matthew
Published: November 2010

Background. A necktie may elevate intracranial pressure through compression of venous return. We hypothesised that a tight necktie would deleteriously alter cerebrovascular reactivity.Materials and Methods. A necktie was simulated using bespoke apparatus comprising pneumatic inner-tube with aneroid pressure-gauge. Using a randomised crossover design, cerebrovascular reactivity was measured with the “pseudo-tie” worn inflated or deflated for 5 minutes (simulating tight/loose necktie resp.). Reactivity was calculated using breath hold index (BHI) and paired “t” testing used for comparative analysis.Results. We enrolled 40 healthy male volunteers. There was a reduction in cerebrovascular reactivity of 0.23 units with “tight” pseudotie (BHI loose 1.44 (SD 0.48); BHItight1.21 (SD 0.38)P<.001).Conclusion. Impairment in cerebrovascular reactivity was found with inflated pseudo-tie. However, mean BHI is still within a range of considered normal. The situation may differ in patients with vascular risk factors, and confirmatory work is recommended.
Protein and solute distribution in drug substance containers during frozen storage and post‐thawing: A tool to understand and define freezing–thawing parameters in biotechnology process development
Authors: Kolhe Parag , Badkar Advait
Published: November 2010

Active pharmaceutical ingredient for biotechnology‐based drugs, commonly known as drug substance (DS), is often stored frozen for longer shelf‐life. Freezing DS enhances stability by slowing down reaction rates that lead to protein instability, minimizes the risk of microbial growth, and eliminates the risk of transport‐related stress. High density polyethylene bottles are commonly used for storing monoclonal antibody DS due to good mechanical stress/strain resistant properties even at low temperatures. Despite the aforementioned advantages for frozen storage of DS, this is not devoid of risks. Proteins are known to undergo ice–water surface denaturation, cryoconcentration, and cold denaturation during freezing. A systematic investigation was performed to better understand the protein and solute distribution along with potential of aggregate formation during freeze and thaw process. A significant solute and protein concentration gradient was observed for both frozen and thawed DS bottles. In case of thawed DS, cryoconcentration was localized in the bottom layer and a linear increase in concentration as a function of liquid depth was observed. On the other hand, for frozen DS, a “bell shaped” cryoconcentration distribution was observed between the bottom layers and centre position. A cryoconcentration of almost three‐fold was observed for frozen DS in the most concentrated part when freezing was conducted at −20 and −40 °C and 2.5‐fold cryoconcentration was observed in the thawed DS before mixing. The information obtained in this study is critical to design freeze thaw experiments, storage condition determination, and process improvement in manufacturing environment. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Conservative and dietary interventions for cancer‐related lymphedema
Authors: McNeely Margaret L. , Peddle Carolyn J. , Yurick Janice L. , Dayes Ian S. , Mackey John R.
Published: November 2010

The findings support the use of compression garments and compression bandaging for reducing lymphedema volume in upper and lower extremity cancer‐related lymphedema. Specific to breast cancer, a statistically significant, clinically small beneficial effect was found from the addition of manual lymph drainage massage to compression therapy for upper extremity lymphedema volume. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Randomized trial of 2 dosages of prophylactic granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor after induction chemotherapy in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Cao Xueyuan , Pounds Stanley , Pui Ching‐Hon , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Razzouk Bassem I.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is effective in accelerating neutrophil recovery after intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the optimal G‐CSF dosage for patients with AML has not been determined. To the authors' knowledge, G‐CSF dosages have not been compared in a randomized AML study.

METHODS:

Patients who were enrolled on the St. Jude AML97 protocol and remained on study after window therapy were eligible to participate. The effect of the dosage of G‐CSF given after induction chemotherapy Courses 1 and 2 was analyzed in 46 patients who were assigned randomly in a double‐blinded manner to receive either 5 μg/kg daily or 10 μg/kg daily of G‐CSF. The number of days of G‐CSF treatment, neutropenia (an absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L), and hospitalization; the number of episodes of febrile neutropenia, grade 2 through 4 infection, and antimicrobial therapy; transfusion requirements; the cost of supportive care; and survival were compared between the 2 study arms.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 arms in any of the endpoints measured.

CONCLUSIONS:

The higher G‐CSF dosage (10 μg/kg daily) offered no greater benefit than the lower dosage (5 μg/kg daily) in patients who were receiving intensive chemotherapy for AML. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Racial/ethnic disparities in survival among men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Texas
Authors: White Arica , Coker Ann L. , Du Xianglin L. , Eggleston Katherine S. , Williams Melanie
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

To the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have examined racial differences in prostate cancer survival while controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). No such studies have examined this association in Texas, a large state with significant ethnic and racial diversity. The objective of this analysis was to determine whether racial disparities in survival for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Texas from 1995 through 2002 remained after adjusting for SES, rural residence, and stage of disease.

METHODS:

A cohort of 87,449 men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer was identified from the Texas Cancer Registry. The SES measure was based on census tract data reflecting median household income, median home value, and percentages of men living below poverty, with a college education, and with a management or professional occupation. The 5‐year survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for race and all‐cause and disease‐specific mortality.

RESULTS:

After adjusting for SES, age, stage of disease, tumor grade, year of diagnosis, and rural residence, both black and Hispanic men were more likely (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.70 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.58‐1.83] and aHR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.02‐1.20], respectively) to die of prostate cancer compared with white men. The pattern of survival disadvantage for black men held for those diagnosed with localized disease and advanced disease, and for those with an unknown stage of disease at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Substantial racial disparities in prostate cancer survival were found for men in Texas. Future studies should incorporate treatment data as well as comorbid conditions because this information may explain noted survival disparities. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Alan Dawley: A Personal Remembrance
Authors: Nicolosi Ann Marie
Published: November 2010

Alan Dawley was many things to many people. He was a prolific and important scholar whose work has helped to define and shape the study of American history. He was a committed activist, a loving family man, a world traveler, and a man whose intellectual capacities were matched only by his generosity as a teacher and mentor. It is in this latter role that I write about Alan and in this role that Alan left his mark in a very personal sense for me.

I had the pleasure of knowing Alan in many capacities. He was my colleague, my fellow activist, sometimes my battle companion, and my friend. But it is as my teacher and mentor that I will remember him best. Indeed, even as we became colleagues and friends, there still remained the element of the wise teacher and mentor and, perhaps, the adoring student who recognized the towering accomplishments of her teacher, accomplishments greater than what she, or very few others in the profession for that matter, could ever hope to achieve.
American Studies, Cultural History, and the Critique of Culture
Authors: Lowry Richard S.
Published: November 2010

For several decades historians have expressed reservations about how scholars of American studies have embraced theory and its jargons. The program for a recent American studies convention seems to confirm the field's turn from history and its embrace of the paradigms and practices of cultural studies. The nature of this gap is complicated by comparing scholarly work published since 2000 on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era in the respective flagship journals of each field. Scholars in both fields are committed to the study of culture, but they differ in how they understand historical agency and subjectivity. A historical overview of American studies scholars' engagement with cultural critique as well as a critical analysis of how two exemplary books in the field engage with historical change offer historians a way to understand such work not only as complementary to their own objectives, but necessary for a full understanding of the past and our relation to it.
Hofstadter's The Age of Reform and the Crucible of the Fifties
Authors: Harp Gillis
Published: November 2010

In December 1954, the United States Senate voted 67-22 to censure the junior senator from Wisconsin. Joe McCarthy had been drawing increasing criticism for his bullying tactics in ferreting out alleged communists and communist sympathizers within the federal civil service and elsewhere. In the wake of the Army-McCarthy hearings of the preceding spring (and especially after the dramatic televised confrontation with Army counsel Joseph Welch), the tide of public opinion finally turned against McCarthy. Still, his demagogic campaign had ruined the careers of scores of American citizens, from civil servants to artists, and had raised disturbing questions about room for political dissent within a democracy during the height of the Cold War.
CO2 surface fluxes at grid point scale estimated from a global 21 year reanalysis of atmospheric measurements
Authors: Chevallier F. , Ciais P. , Conway T. J. , Aalto T. , Anderson B. E. , Bousquet P. , Brunke E. G. , Ciattaglia L. , Esaki Y. , Fröhlich M. , Gomez A. , Gomez‐Pelaez A. J. , Haszpra L. , Krummel P. B. , Langenfelds R. L. , Leuenberger M. , Machida T. , Maignan F. , Matsueda H. , Morguí J. A. , Mukai H. , Nakazawa T. , Peylin P. , Ramonet M. , Rivier L. , Sawa Y. , Schmidt M. , Steele L. P. , Vay S. A. , Vermeulen A. T. , Wofsy S. , Worthy D.
Published: November 2010

This paper documents a global Bayesian variational inversion of CO2 surface fluxes during the period 1988–2008. Weekly fluxes are estimated on a 3.75° × 2.5° (longitude‐latitude) grid throughout the 21 years. The assimilated observations include 128 station records from three large data sets of surface CO2 mixing ratio measurements. A Monte Carlo approach rigorously quantifies the theoretical uncertainty of the inverted fluxes at various space and time scales, which is particularly important for proper interpretation of the inverted fluxes. Fluxes are evaluated indirectly against two independent CO2 vertical profile data sets constructed from aircraft measurements in the boundary layer and in the free troposphere. The skill of the inversion is evaluated by the improvement brought over a simple benchmark flux estimation based on the observed atmospheric growth rate. Our error analysis indicates that the carbon budget from the inversion should be more accurate than the a priori carbon budget by 20% to 60% for terrestrial fluxes aggregated at the scale of subcontinental regions in the Northern Hemisphere and over a year, but the inversion cannot clearly distinguish between the regional carbon budgets within a continent. On the basis of the independent observations, the inversion is seen to improve the fluxes compared to the benchmark: the atmospheric simulation of CO2 with the Bayesian inversion method is better by about 1 ppm than the benchmark in the free troposphere, despite possible systematic transport errors. The inversion achieves this improvement by changing the regional fluxes over land at the seasonal and at the interannual time scales.
Nutrient intake during an elite level three‐day event competition is correlated to inflammatory markers and antioxidant status
Authors: WILLIAMS C. A. , BURK A. O.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study: Dietary intake and feeding management practices could affect the degree of physiological stress and subsequent performance of high level 3‐day event horses.

Objectives: To assess whether a relationship exists between dietary intake levels of selected nutrients and the inflammatory and antioxidant status in horses competing in a high level 3‐day event.

Materials and methods: Riders competing in a CCI2*/CCI3* 3‐day event (n = 35) answered a nutritional management survey conducted by the investigators at the competition. Actual and recommended intakes of vitamin E, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) were calculated using the manufacturer or NRC values. Blood samples, bodyweight and body condition score of horses were taken precompetition, 30 min and 18–24 h after cross‐country, but before stadium jumping. Data were analysed using a mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures and Pearson's product moment correlation.

Results: Estimated daily intakes of vitamin E, K, Ca, P and Mg for horses were higher than daily recommended levels (P<0.05). In response to competition, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα; P = 0.0002), nitric oxide (NO; P = 0.013) and β‐carotene (BC; P<0.0001) decreased, creatine kinase (P<0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.001) increased, and α‐tocopherol and retinol did not change. Intake of vitamin E, K, Ca, P and bodyweight were negatively correlated with TNFα (P<0.05). Vitamin E and bodyweight were also negatively correlated with NO (P<0.05). Pasture intake and BC were positively correlated (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: The decline in systemic inflammatory markers is probably due to increased utilisation or excretion and decreased production related to the increased oxidative stress experienced by horses during competition. High bodyweights could also predispose horses to a higher level of inflammation during 3‐day event competition.
Effects of chronic acetazolamide administration on gas exchange and acid‐base control in pulmonary circulation in exercising horses
Authors: VENGUST M. , STÄMPFLI H. , DE MORAES A. N. , TEIXEIRO‐NETO F. , VIEL L. , HEIGENHAUSER G.
Published: November 2010

Reasons for performing study: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalyses the hydration/dehydration reaction of CO2 and increases the rate of Cl‐ and HCO3‐ exchange between the erythrocytes and plasma. Therefore, chronic inhibition of CA has a potential to attenuate CO2 output and induce greater metabolic and respiratory acidosis in exercising horses.

Objectives: To determine the effects of Carbonic anhydrase inhibition on CO2 output and ionic exchange between erythrocytes and plasma and their influence on acid‐base balance in the pulmonary circulation (across the lung) in exercising horses with and without CA inhibition.

Methods: Six horses were exercised to exhaustion on a treadmill without (Con) and with CA inhibition (AczTr). CA inhibition was achieved with administration of acetazolamide (10 mg/kg bwt t.i.d. for 3 days and 30 mg/kg bwt before exercise). Arterial, mixed venous blood and CO2 output were sampled at rest and during exercise. An integrated physicochemical systems approach was used to describe acid base changes.

Results: AczTr decreased the duration of exercise by 45% (P<0.0001). During the transition from rest to exercise CO2 output was lower in AczTr (P<0.0001). Arterial PCO2 (P<0.0001; mean ± s.e. 71 ± 2 mmHg AczTr, 46 ± 2 mmHg Con) was higher, whereas hydrogen ion (P = 0.01; 12.8 ± 0.6 nEq/l AczTr, 15.5 ± 0.6 nEq/l Con) and bicarbonate (P = 0.007; 5.5 ± 0.7 mEq/l AczTr, 10.1 ± 1.3 mEq/l Con) differences across the lung were lower in AczTr compared to Con. No difference was observed in weak electrolytes across the lung. Strong ion difference across the lung was lower in AczTr (P = 0.0003; 4.9 ± 0.8 mEq AczTr, 7.5 ± 1.2 mEq Con), which was affected by strong ion changes across the lung with exception of lactate.

Conclusions: CO2 and chloride changes in erythrocytes across the lung seem to be the major contributors to acid‐base and ions balance in pulmonary circulation in exercising horses.
Diarylheptanoid Hirsutenoxime Inhibits Toll-Like Receptor 4-Mediated NF-κB Activation Regulated by Akt Pathway in Keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Yun Jeong , Jang Eun-Ra , Lee Jong Chan , Seo Seong Jun , Lee Min Won , Lee Chung Soo
Published: November 2010

Microbial products, including lipopolysaccharides, may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. We examined the effect of hirsutenoxime on the Toll-like receptor 4-mediated activation of Akt and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated keratinocytes. Hirsutenoxime, a cell signaling Akt inhibitor, and Bay 11-7085, an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4, activation of NF-κB and Akt, and the production of chemokines and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Hirsutenoxime may reduce the Toll-like receptor 4 expression-mediated NF-κB activation, which is regulated by the Akt pathway in keratinocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharides. This effect may reduce the skin inflammatory response.
NEW RESULTS ON NON-ABELIAN VORTICES — FURTHER INSIGHTS INTO MONOPOLE, VORTEX AND CONFINEMENT
Authors: KONISHI K.
Published: November 2010

We discuss some of the latest results concerning the non-Abelian vortices. The first concerns the construction of non-Abelian BPS vortices based on general gauge groups of the form G = G′×U(1). In particular detailed results about the vortex moduli space have been obtained for G′ = SO(N) or U Sp(2N). The second result is about the "fractional vortices", i.e., vortices of the minimum winding but having substructures in the tension (or flux) density in the transverse plane. Thirdly, we discuss briefly the monopole-vortex complex.