bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Expression of HGF/NK1 and GLP-1 From dsAAV Vectors Enhances Pancreatic β-Cell Proliferation and Improves Pathology in the db/db Mouse Model of Diabetes
Authors: Gaddy Daniel F. , Riedel Michael J. , Pejawar-Gaddy Sharmila , Kieffer Timothy J. , Robbins Paul D.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study was to determine whether double-stranded adeno-associated virus (dsAAV)-mediated in vivo expression of β-cell growth factors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and the NK1 fragment of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF/NK1) in β-cells, improves pathology in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The glucoregulatory actions of GLP-1 and full-length HGF are well characterized. Here, we test the ability of HGF/NK1 to induce proliferation of exogenous islets and MIN6 β-cells. In addition, we target both GLP-1 and HGF/NK1 to endogenous β-cells using dsAAV vectors containing the mouse insulin-II promoter. We compare the abilities of these gene products to induce islet proliferation in vitro and in vivo and characterize their abilities to regulate diabetes after AAV-mediated delivery to endogenous islets of db/db mice.

RESULTS

Recombinant HGF/NK1 induces proliferation of isolated islets, and dsAAV-mediated expression of both GLP-1 and HGF/NK1 induces significant β-cell proliferation in vivo. Furthermore, both GLP-1 and HGF/NK1 expressed from dsAAV vectors enhance β-cell mass and insulin secretion in vivo and significantly delay the onset of hyperglycemia in db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS

A single treatment with dsAAV vectors expressing GLP-1 or HGF/NK1 enhances islet growth and significantly improves pathology in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. This represents the first example of a successful use of HGF/NK1 for diabetes therapy, providing support for direct AAV-mediated in vivo delivery of β-cell growth factors as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Transgenic Restoration of Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acids in Insulin Target Tissues Improves Resolution Capacity and Alleviates Obesity-Linked Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat–Fed Mice
Authors: White Phillip J. , Arita Makoto , Taguchi Ryo , Kang Jing X. , Marette André
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

The catabasis of inflammation is an active process directed by n-3 derived pro-resolving lipid mediators. We aimed to determine whether high-fat (HF) diet-induced n-3 deficiency compromises the resolution capacity of obese mice and thereby contributes to obesity-linked inflammation and insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used transgenic expression of the fat-1 n-3 fatty acid desaturase from C. elegans to endogenously restore n-3 fatty acids in HF-fed mice. After 8 weeks on HF or chow diets, wild-type and fat-1 transgenic mice were subjected to insulin and glucose tolerance tests and a resolution assay was performed. Metabolic tissues were then harvested for biochemical analyses.

RESULTS

We report that the n-3 docosanoid resolution mediator protectin D1 is lacking in muscle and adipose tissue of HF-fed wild-type mice. Accordingly, HF-fed wild-type mice have an impaired capacity to resolve an acute inflammatory response and display elevated adipose macrophage accrual and chemokine/cytokine expression. This is associated with insulin resistance and higher activation of iNOS and JNK in muscle and liver. These defects are reversed in HF-fed fat-1 mice, in which the biosynthesis of this important n-3 docosanoid resolution mediator is improved. Importantly, transgenic restoration of n-3 fatty acids prevented obesity-linked inflammation and insulin resistance in HF-fed mice without altering food intake, weight gain, or adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that inefficient biosynthesis of n-3 resolution mediators in muscle and adipose tissue contributes to the maintenance of chronic inflammation in obesity and that these novel lipids offer exciting potential for the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Effect of a synthetic appeasing pheromone on behavioral, neuroendocrine, immune, and acute-phase perioperative stress responses in dogs
Authors: Siracusa Carlo , Manteca Xavier , Cuenca Rafaela , del Mar Alcalá Maria , Alba Aurora , Lavín Santiago , Pastor Josep
Published: September 2010

Objective—To study the effects of a synthetic, dog-appeasing pheromone (sDAP) on the behavioral, neuroendocrine, immune, and acute-phase perioperative stress responses in dogs undergoing elective orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy.

Design—Randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Animals—46 dogs housed in animal shelters and undergoing elective orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy.

Procedures—Intensive care unit cages were sprayed with sDAP solution or sham treated with the carrier used in the solution 20 minutes prior to use. Dogs (n = 24 and 22 in the sDAP and sham treatment exposure groups, respectively) were placed in treated cages for 30 minutes before and after surgery. Indicators of stress (ie, alterations in behavioral, neuroendocrine, immune, and acute-phase responses) were evaluated perioperatively. Behavioral response variables, salivary cortisol concentration, WBC count, and serum concentrations of glucose, prolactin, haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein were analyzed.

Results—Behavioral response variables and serum prolactin concentration were influenced by sDAP exposure. Dogs exposed to sDAP were more likely to have alertness and visual exploration behaviors after surgery than were dogs exposed to sham treatment. Decreases in serum prolactin concentrations in response to perioperative stress were significantly smaller in dogs exposed to sDAP, compared with findings in dogs exposed to the sham treatment. Variables examined to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, immune system, and acute-phase responses were unaffected by treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—sDAP appeared to affect behavioral and neuroendocrine perioperative stress responses by modification of lactotropic axis activity. Use of sDAP in a clinical setting may improve the recovery and welfare of dogs undergoing surgery. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;237:673-681)
Use of a unique method for removal of a foreign body from the trachea of a cat
Authors: Goodnight Michelle E. , Scansen Brian A. , Kidder Aimee C. , Cooper Edward S. , Butler Amy L.
Published: September 2010

Case Description—A 2.96-kg (6.5-lb) 9-month-old spayed female domestic longhair cat was admitted for removal of a tracheal foreign body.

Clinical Findings—The cat had moderate respiratory distress but otherwise appeared to be healthy. Thoracic radiography revealed a foreign body in the trachea.

Treatment and Outcome—The cat was anesthetized and endoscopy of the trachea was performed in an attempt to retrieve the foreign body. Endoscopic removal was unsuccessful because of the shape and smooth texture of the foreign body. Surgical removal of the foreign body was not considered ideal because of its location and the risks associated with tracheotomy. Fluoroscopic-guided placement of an over-the-wire balloon catheter caudal to the foreign body was followed by inflation of the balloon and gradual traction in an orad direction, which resulted in successful removal of the foreign body (identified as a piece of landscaping gravel). The cat required supplemental oxygen and supportive care following removal of the foreign body.

Clinical Relevance—A fluoroscopic technique was used as a minimally invasive alternative to endoscopy or open-chest surgery for removal of a foreign body from the trachea of a cat. Use of this technique allowed uninterrupted ventilation of the cat throughout the procedure. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;237:689-694)
Characteristics of clinical trials assessing antimicrobial treatment of bovine respiratory disease, 1970-2005
Authors: O'Connor Annette M. , Wellman Nickolas G. , Rice Michael , Funk Lucas
Published: September 2010

Objective—To evaluate reporting of key study design features and study outcomes in trials of antimicrobial treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in North American feedlots.

Design—Systematic review.

Sample Population—29 manuscripts (41 studies) reporting antimicrobial treatment of BRD in North American feedlot cattle.

Procedures—A search of the electronic citation databases AGRICOLA, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau, and PubMed was conducted to identify relevant manuscripts published between 1970 and 2005. Key study design features were extracted by 2 reviewers.

Results—12 of 29 (41%) manuscripts did not disclose a funding source, and 21 (72%) had an author clearly identified as an employee of a pharmaceutical company. At the study level, 36 of 41 (88%) studies reported a random method of treatment allocation, 9 (22%) described the method of allocation sequence generation, 20 (49%) reported that study investigators were blinded to treatment, and 3 (7%) included a study size justification. No studies described the null hypothesis to be tested. Thirty-seven (90%) studies reported at least 3 outcomes; the largest number of outcomes reported was 14. It was not possible to conduct the statistical analysis as originally planned because it was not possible to discern the primary outcome for the majority of studies.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Many studies did not report key study design features that would assist critical evaluation by readers. It was not clear whether the studies failed to use the design features or failed to report them. Several nondesign features, such as reporting of the null hypothesis, a primary outcome, and sample size rationale, represent relatively new standards for reporting; however, reporting these features would substantially clarify the study objective. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;237:701-705)
Novel uncooled infrared detectors
Authors: Rogalski A.
Published: September 2010

Despite successful commercialization of uncooled microbolometers suitable for imaging, the community is still searching for a platform for imagers that combine affordability, convenience of operation, and excellent performance. More recently, a new type of uncooled detectors based on expansion phenomena in micromechanical structures has been introduced. These detectors are essentially free of intrinsic electronic noise and can be combined with a number of different readout techniques including: capacitive, piezoresistive, electron tunnelling, and optical. In this paper, their design structures and performance are discussed in more detail.
Administration and Management Skills Needed by Physical Therapist Graduates in 2010: A National Survey
Authors: Schafer D Sue , Lopopolo Rosalie B , Luedtke-Hoffmann Kathleen A
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose

Administration and management (A&M) skills are essential to physical therapist practice. This study identified which A&M skills will be most critical for future Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates to possess upon entry into clinical practice.

Subjects and Methods

Using a 7-point scale, 435 randomly selected American Physical Therapy Association members (physical therapists) rated 121 A&M skills based on expectation of the level of independence required by a new DPT graduate.

Results

No differences among respondents based on role, work setting, or experience were found, so the data were combined for factor analyses, producing 16 A&M skill groups. The most independence was expected in skills related to self-management, compliance with rules, ethical behavior, and insurance coding. Skills requiring the most assistance were marketing and strategic planning, financial analysis and budgeting, and environmental assessment.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study has identified the level of independence for the A&M skills needed by new DPT graduates, provided empirical evidence suggesting which A&M skills should be included in DPT curricula, and suggested a pattern of A&M skill acquisition that applies first to the new therapist and the patient, then to the organization, and finally to the health care environment.
Clinical Instructors’ Perceptions of Behaviors That Comprise Entry-Level Clinical Performance in Physical Therapist Students: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jette Diane U , Bertoni Alicia , Coots Renee , Johnson Heidi , McLaughlin Catherine , Weisbach Cody
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore clinical instructors’ (CIs) perceptions of students’ behaviors that comprise entry-level clinical performance, as well as how those perceptions were integrated into their decision making.

Subjects

The participants were 21 physical therapists who were CIs for physical therapist students.

Methods

Using a grounded theory approach, we conducted interviews, asking the question, “What is it about students’ performance that makes you see them as entry-level therapists?” We determined common themes among the interviews and developed a schema to explain the decision-making process.

Results

Participants identified 7 attributes that, when demonstrated to a sufficient degree, illustrated to them students’ ability to practice at the entry level. Those attributes were knowledge, clinical skills, safety, clinical decision making, self-directed learning, interpersonal communication, and professional demeanor. Participants viewed these attributes in concert to form a subjective “gut feeling” that a student demonstrated entry-level performance. A final theme emerged suggesting a definition of entry-level performance as “mentored independence.”

Discussion and Conclusions

Participants reported evaluating students’ performance based on attributes similar to those suggested by the American Physical Therapy Association's Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument and previous research. However, subjectivity also was involved in their decision about whether students were able to practice at the entry level. Participants also concluded that entry-level students need not be independent in all clinical situations.
A Tower of Riemann Surfaces whose Bergman Kernels Jump at the Roof
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo
Published: September 2010

It is shown that, for any Fuchsian group

Γ

acting on the complex upper half plane

\mathcal H

such that

\mathcal H/Γ

is a compact hyperelliptic Riemann surface, there exists a sequence of subgroups

Γ_n ⊂ Γ( n = 1, 2, \ldots)

satisfying

Γ_1 = Γ

and

\bigcap^∞_{n=1} Γ_n = \{\mathrm{id}\}

such that the associated sequence of the Bergman kernels of

\mathcal H/Γ_n

, pulled back to

\mathcal H

, does not converge to the Bergman kernel of

\mathcal H

.
The Declining Retirement Prospects of Immigrant Men
Authors: Hum Derek , Simpson Wayne
Published: September 2010

We compare the retirement prospects of immigrant men with their native-born counterparts. Using data from the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics, we estimate a significant gap of 43 percent in private pension income and 30 percent in private pension contributions between immigrants and the native born. The gap in public pension incomes is negligible and reduces the overall pension gap, but only partially. Furthermore, the pension income and contribution gap is significantly larger for more recently arrived immigrant cohorts, consistent with evidence of weaker earnings for this group. We provide age profiles of pension income and contributions and discuss problems in interpreting the results without adjusting for age. Controlling for age and earnings differences, immigrants are still about 11 percent less likely to make contributions to a private pension program, but there is no difference in the contribution rates out of earnings of those who contribute. Recently arrived immigrants are significantly less likely to make contributions to a private pension program and appear to be neglecting private pension contribution opportunities more than earlier immigrants and the native born, which may have adverse implications for Canada's public retirement programs.
Taxation and R&D: An Investigation of the Push and Pull Effects
Authors: McKenzie Kenneth J. , Sershun Natalia
Published: September 2010

We in vestigate the extent of the impact that direct tax subsidies (the “push” effect) and the competitiveness of the production tax system (the “pull” effect) have on research and development. A panel dataset of nine countries over nineteen years is used to estimate a dynamic fixed effects model of aggregate R&D. Both effects are significant and economically important. The short-run elasticity of R&D with respect to the push effect ranges from –0.12 to –0.22, while the long-run elasticity ranges from –0.46 to –0.83; the short-run elasticity of the pull effect ranges from –0.15 to –0.28, while the long-run elasticity ranges from –0.58 to –0.83.
Physician Resource Planning in Canada: The Need for a Stronger Behavioural Foundation
Authors: Jeon Sung-Hee , Hurley Jeremiah
Published: September 2010

An effective solution to the problem of access to physician services in Canada must extend beyond an over-exclusive focus on the number of providers to consider the behaviour of physicians in greater depth. The amount of labour and associated services supplied by physicians depends importantly on their attitudes regarding work, on practice and non-practice income opportunities, and on the policy environment in which they practise. Hence, the amount of labour supplied by a given stock of physicians can change over time. Only by considering the full range of factors that affect the labour supply of physicians can we effectively plan for physician resources.
Small for Gestational Age Babies: Morbidity and Immediate Outcome in a Tertiary Care Hospital - A Prospective Study
Authors: Dey Arjun Chandra , Ahmed Farid Uddin , Mannan Md Abdul , Saha Laxmi , Barua Chowdhury Chiranjib , Mahmood Chowdhury B
Published: September 2010

Background: Birth weight is the single most important determinant of survival and subsequent growth and development of the newborn. In Bangladesh there is high prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) babies and most of them are small for gestational age. The study was conducted to identify the proportion and category of the small for gestational age babies and determination of the short-term outcome with the aim to the reduction of neonatal mortality and morbidity by problem-wise intervention. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Neonatal Unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong between December 2000 and July 2001. Neonates admitted into this unit weighing less than 10th percentile of weight for gestational age were included. On admission the weight was taken and gestational age was calculated using last menstrual period and Ballard score. The infants were monitored daily till discharge or death. Result: A total of 200 SGA babies were included in the study. Among 200 cases 114 were male and 86 were female. All cases were included within 24 hours of age. The anthropometric analysis of the SGA babies showed more than 80% of the SGA babies were normal in length whereas 19.5% fell below 10th percentile of normal. Seventy three percent of SGA babies were asymmetrically (disproportionate) and 27% of babies were symmetrically (proportionate) growth retarded. The main problems associated with the SGA babies were perinatal asphyxia (65.5%), sepsis (54%), jaundice (42.0%), hypothermia (31%), apnea (29%), hypoglycemia (25%), and bleeding manifestations (9%). Asymmetrical SGA babies were at higher risk of infection and jaundice. Present study revealed the mortality of SGA babies were 17% and mortality was significantly higher among the neonates from low socio-economic status and having very low birth weight, hypothermia, apnea, sepsis, bleeding manifestations, and polycythemia. Conclusion: Findings in this study could be important in identifying the areas requiring attention to improve perinatal care in order to prevent SGA babies and also to manage the problems associated with them. DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v31i1.6066 Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2007; Vol.31(1-3): 1-7
Management of Undescended testis : Our experience
Authors: Matin Faryal , Masud AF , Rahman Arifur
Published: September 2010

Back Ground: In the past, it was believed that the undescended testis suffered no adverse changes until after puberty and surgical intervention was not necessary until 12 to 15 years of age. In the recent past, orchiopexy has been recommended in the second year of life, but now orchiopexy is recommended at 6 month of age. This is because the first sign of damage to the testes are identified at about 6 month of age. Treatment of undescended testes improves fertility and endocrine function, reduces the risk of torsion & trauma, facilitates examination of testis and creates a normalappearing scrotum. The mainstay of therapy for the palpable undescended testes is surgical orchiopexy with creation of a subdartos pouch. When the testis is nonpalpable diagnostic laparoscopy is useful for management planning Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain the experience of management of undescended testis in this hospital. Methods: The study was conducted at Institute of Child Health & Shishu Sasthya Foundation Hospital. Case notes of 57 patients who had undergone surgical management for undescended testis between December 1999 and November 20007 were reviewed. The patients were separated into 2 groups: patients with palpable undescended testis and patients with impalpable testis. Surgical management was not done before 6 month of age. Open orchiopexy was performed in palpable group. For impalpable group, diagnostic laparoscopy was done and managed accordingly. Results: The median age at operation was 7.2 years (range 06 month to 14 years). Orchiopexy was done at the age of 6 month in 2 patients. Among 57 cases, thirty-six patients had palpable testes and twenty-one patients had impalpable testis. Twenty patients had right sided undescended testis and four had bilateral. Clinical inguinal hernia was present in 2 cases with right sided palpable undescended testis. Hypospadias was present in 1 patient with right sided palpable undescended testis. Open orchiopexy was performed in 36 patients (palpable group). Laparoscopy was done 21 patients (impalpable group). In impalpable group (21) ultra-sonogram found testis in 7 cases and was doubtful in 2 cases. On diagnostic laparoscopy only 2 vanishing testes were found. Lap assisted single stage orchiopexy was performed in 1 patients. First stage of Fowler-Stephen was done laparoscopically in 18 cases. Second stage of this procedure was done in open method in 2 patients. There was no postoperative complication. Conclusions: Orchiopexy is a safe procedure for the children even at the age of 6 months. With laparoscopy impalpable testis can be safely diagnosed and managed. DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v31i1.6069 Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2007; Vol.31(1-3): 16-21
Growth Pattern of Early and Late Breast Fed Preterm (30-35 Weeks' Gestation) Neonates: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Amin Tahsinul , Chowdhury MAK Azad , Hossain M Monir , Hoque M Mahbubul
Published: September 2010

Background: There is still controversy among the pediatricians regarding when and how to start enteral feeding in preterm neonates. However, early feeding with breast milk was presumed to be well-tolerated, cost-effective and promote growth better than late feeding. Objectives: To compare growth pattern, benefits and risks between early and late breast feeding in preterm (30-35 weeks' gestation) neonates. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Total 100 preterm neonates were stratified into early feeding (n=50) and late feeding (n=50) groups. Early feeding was started on day 3 and late feeding on day 5 of life with expressed breast milk as 20 ml/ kg/day by gavage feeding with daily increment 20 ml/kg till full enteral feeding. Growth was recorded by anthropometric measurements with accuracy and precision for first 3 months of life. Results: Early breast feeding was found to be significantly better than late breast feeding in duration to reach full feeding (13.08 days vs. 16.70 days), time to regain enrolment weight (10.87 days vs. 13.70 days), feed tolerance (78% vs. 58%), hospital stay (13.58 days vs. 16.82 days), mean weight (3773.62 ±310.49 gm vs. 3636.91 ±340.20 gm), linear growth (53.64 ±2.26 cm vs. 52.62 ±2.04 cm) and OFC growth (35.85 ±1.50 cm vs. 35.35 ±1.40 cm) at 3 months of age. Conclusion: Early feeding with breast milk is well tolerated with less morbidity and promotes growth better than late feeding in preterm neonates. Key words: Growth pattern; preterm; breast fed DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v31i1.6071 Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2007; Vol.31(1-3): 26-31
The investigation of a Bronze Age cairnfield and later buildings at Fall Kneesend, Clydesdale
Authors: DOWNES JANE , BANKS IAIN , DICKSON CAMILLA , HUNTER FRASER , MACGREGOR GAVIN , MCKINLEY JACQUELINE I. , POLLARD TONY
Published: September 2010

Excavation ahead of the M74 road development was undertaken at a cairnfield and other settlement remains at Fall Kneesend. The project was funded by the National Roads Directorate of the Scottish Office Development Department and managed on their behalf by Historic Scotland. The remains of a cremation pyre were found beneath one of the cairns, and an early Bronze Age radiocarbon date was obtained from this deposit. Later buildings placed among the cairnfield were excavated and are thought to have been associated with shieling activity.
New Light on Excavations at Bar Hill Roman fort on the Antonine Wall, 1902–05
Authors: KEPPIE LAWRENCE
Published: September 2010

This paper reconstructs the events surrounding the Bar Hill excavations attributed to George Macdonald and Alexander Park. Manuscripts from the Glasgow University Archives and contemporary newspaper accounts are used to supplement the published accounts and provide insights into these seminal excavations on the Roman Wall.
Early Bronze Age Pits at Inchbelle Farm, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Authors: MASSER PAUL , MacSWEEN ANN
Published: September 2010

A group of four pits was excavated on a low gravel terrace above the floodplain of the River Kelvin to the north of Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire (National Grid Reference NS 6677 7518). One pit contained sherds from four collared urns, while another contained fragments from a fifth collared urn. Radiocarbon dating suggests an 18th-16th century BC date for these features. Whereas almost all known collared urns accompany cremations, this was not the case with the material from Inchbelle Farm, and alternative reasons for the deposition of the pottery are discussed.
Excavations of an Early Historic settlement within a multi-period landscape at Dolphinton, South Lanarkshire
Authors: COOK MURRAY , CRONE ANNE , DONNELLY MIKE , DUFFY ALAN , HEALD ANDREW , RANKIN DOROTHY , REES THOMAS
Published: September 2010

Prior to the extraction of gravel at Haughhead Farm, Garvald Quarry, Dolphinton, South Lanarkshire, AOC Archaeology excavated an extensive series of complex but shallow negative features, as well as unstratified finds ranging in date from the Mesolithic to the Early Historic period. The majority of the features identified relate to rural settlement belonging to the middle of the first millennium AD.
An Eighth-century Inscribed Cross-slab in Dull, Perthshire
Authors: WILL ROBERT S. , FORSYTH KATHERINE , CLANCY THOMAS O. , CHARLES-EDWARDS GIFFORD
Published: September 2010

The discovery of a cross-inscribed slab with an inscription is described. Because of its importance it was decided to invite specialist comment on this piece of sculpture and to publish it in advance of the full report on the excavations. The form of the monument, its inscription and archaeological context are considered. The text appears to consist of a Gaelic personal name. The script is a form of geometrical lettering which can be dated to the opening quarter of the eighth century. The form of the cross has Columban associations which sit well with place-name and other evidence which points to Dull having been a monastery founded from Iona by c. AD 700.
MODELING OF BILEVEL GAMES AND INCENTIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM / LOŠIMŲ TEORIJOS TAIKYMAS MODELIUOJANT BŪTINĄJĄ DARNAUS VYSTYMOSI INFRASTRUKTŪRĄ
Authors: Miao Xin , Yu Bo , Xi Bao , Tang Yan-hong
Published: September 2010

Implementation of sustainable development policy is a complex task and challenge for critical infrastructure management. Players in different levels related to critical infrastructure management try to maximize their own utilities and this process often leads to conflicts due to lack of cooperation, that is, noncooperative games exist in the management process of critical infrastructures. Noncooperative games may evolve to equilibrium state after long‐term numerous games and society and individuals have to pay enormous cost to this process. This paper focuses on the games and incentive mechanism in critical infrastructure management. The complicated game relation is analyzed and the bilevel game model is put forward. Game analysis helps us to understand the hidden interests and contradictions behind game problems so as to contribute to basic theory for policy making on sustainable critical infrastructure system. Through scientific design of incentive mechanism, the uncertainty of games can be reduced and the theoretical win‐win incentive compatibility models are put forward to improve the sustainability of critical infrastructure system. These models allow us to choose a more efficient way for the development and protection of critical infrastructures.

Santrauka

Darnaus vystymosi politikos diegimas ir būtinosios infrastruktūros valdymas – sudėtingas uždavinys. Įvairios suinteresuotos grupės, susijusios su būtinosios infrastruktūros valdymu, siekia maksimizuoti savo naudą, o tai dažnai sukelia konfliktų. Konfliktų sprendimas trunka ilga laiką, todėl visuomenė ir pavieniai asmenys patiria daug nuostolių. Šiame straipsnyje sprendžiamos būtinosios infrastruktūros valdymo problemos, tam pasiūlytas lošimu teorijos modelis. Jis padeda atskleisti pasleptus interesus ir prieštaravimus, formuoti būtinosios infrastruktūros valdymo politika. Taikant mokslinius metodus sumažintas neapibrežtumas, sukurti teoriniai visas suinteresuotas puses tenkinantys būtinosios infrastruktūros modeliai, leidžiantys efektyviau kurti ir tausoti būtinaja infrastruktūrą.
VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS AS A SUPPORT TO SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM: BELGRADE CASE STUDY / AUTOMOBILIŲ AIKŠTELIŲ STANDARTAI KAIP DARNIOS TRANSPORTO SISTEMOS PALAIKYMO PRIEMONĖ: BELGRADO ATVEJIS
Authors: Milosavljevic Nada , Simicevic Jelena , Maletic Goran
Published: September 2010

Vehicle parking standards are related exclusively to parking in connection with: planning, construction, development and/or extension and change of use of the existing developments. On the other hand, vehicle parking standards are the key measure for managing the level of traffic and they should be an integral part of the urban transport policy. This would allow the parking standards to be applied also to the land use management in accordance with accessibility to the urban zones by means of travel other than by car. This implies that in the course of producing vehicle parking standards the level of parking restrictions is to be defined depending on the Public Transport Accessibility Level. If Public Transport Accessibility Level of a zone the subject development belongs to is high, the number of parking spaces to be provided is restricted and customers are encouraged to shift to alternative transport modes. Thus defined parking standards assist in the development of sustainable transport system. This paper will present the methodology for calculation of parking standards depending on the accessibility of the zone the subject development is located within. Santrauka Transporto priemonių stovėjimo vietų standartai numato naujų automobilių aikštelių planavimą ir statybą, esamų statinių išplėtimą ar pakeitimą. Kita vertus, automobilių aikštelių standartai yra pagrindinė priemonė, padedanti valdyti transporto srauto lygi. Jie tūretų būti neatsiejami nuo miesto transporto politikos. Tai leistų įvairias miesto zonas vykti ne automobiliais. Tai reiškia, kad automobilių aikštelių apribojimai turi būti suderinti su miesto viešojo transporto sistema. Jei viešojo transporto prieinamumo lygis konkrečioje miesto zonoje yra aukštas, automobiliu aikšteliu skaičius turi būti ribojamas, o miestiečiai turi būti skatinami naudotis alternatyviomis transporto rūšimis. Taip automobilių aikštelių standartai padeda pletoti darnia transporto sistema. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiama automobilių aikštelių skaičiavimo metodologija, įvertinanti atskirų miesto zonų pasiekiamumą.
EVALUATING INNOVATION CAPABILITIES FOR SCIENCE PARKS: A SYSTEM MODEL / MOKSLO IR TECHNOLOGIJŲ PARKŲ INOVACINIO PAJĖGUMO ĮVERTINIMAS: SISTEMOS MODELIS
Authors: Zeng Saixing , Xie Xuemei , Tam Chiming
Published: September 2010

Science parks have played an important role in promoting innovation, entrepreneur‐ship, growth of knowledge‐based companies and in turn economic growth within their regions. In this paper, an evaluation system for measuring innovation capability for science parks has been developed, including Innovation Organization Sub‐System (IOSS, mainly for high‐tech firms), Innovation Support Sub‐System (ISSS, e.g., technology intermediaries) and Innovation Environmental Sub‐Systems (IESS). Based on the empirical study on Qingdao Science Park (1994–2008), this paper has demonstrated the use of the system for evaluation and measurement of innovation capabilities for a science park. The findings reveal that the evolution law explained by the evaluation system fitted with three components is consistent with the actual evolution process of the Qingdao Science Park. It confirms that this evaluation system bears a good explanatory power for the development of Science Park. In addition, recommendations to improve the capabilities of continuous innovation for science parks are also given. Santrauka Mokslo ir technologijų parkai yra labai svarbūs diegiant naujovęs, skatinant verslumą ir žiniomis gristų bendrovių augima. Tai savo ruožtų skatina ekonominį regionų augimą. Šiame straipsnyje aprašoma sukurta mokslo ir technologiju parkų inovacinio pajėgumo įvertinimo sistema, kurioje yra organizacijos inovacijų posistemis (skirtas daugiausia aukštųjų technologijų įmonėms), inovacijų paramos posistemis (skirtas, pavyzdžiui, technologijų platintojams) ir inovacijų aplinkos posistemis. Minėta įvertinimo sistema buvo pritaikyta remiantis Qingdao mokslo ir technologijų parko (1994–2008) empirine tyrimo studija. Išvados rodo, kad inovacinio pajėgumo tyrimo įvertinimo sistema pagal tris komponentus atitinka faktine Qingdao mokslo ir technologijų parko raidą. Tai patvirtina įvertinimo sistemos naudingumą vertinant mokslo ir technologijų parkų plėtra. Straipsnyje pateikiamos rekomendacijos, kaip pagerinti naujovių diegimą mokslo ir technologijų parkuose.
ANALYSIS OF THE PARTNERING RELATIONS OF POLISH, SLOVAK AND UKRAINIAN CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES / LENKIJOS, SLOVAKIJOS IR UKRAINOS STATYBOS ĮMONIŲ PARTNERYSTĖS SANTYKIŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina Elżbieta
Published: September 2010

The present author has conducted research on partnering co‐operation in construction industry. The research was carried out using the questionnaire method in selected administrative regions of the following three countries: Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. It was assumed that analysis would mainly concern medium and large construction enterprises and that the respondents would include selected experts in these enterprises: owners, enterprise managers, construction site managers. The final assessment of the partnering relations of Polish and Slovak construction enterprises is similar. Partnering co‐operation in construction industry is already noticeable but still remains on a low level. The assessment of the partnering relations in Ukrainian construction enterprises is lower than in the Polish and Slovak ones.

Santrauka

Autorė atliko partnerių bendradarbiavimo statybos pramonėje tyrimą. Tyrimas atliktas anketinės apklausos metodu, respondentai apklausti pasirinktuose Lenkijos, Slovakijos ir Ukrainos administraciniuose regionuose. Analizė apėmė vidutines ir dideles statybos įmones. Buvo apklausti įmoniu savininkai, vadovai, statybų vadovai. Tyrimas atskleide, kad partnerių bendradarbiavimas statybos pramoneje jau yra pastebimas, tačiau vis dar reikiamai neišpletotas. Įvertinimas rodo, jog partnerystes santykiu lygis Lenkijos ir Slovakijos statybos įmonėse yra panašus. Partnerystes santykiu lygis tarp Ukrainos statybos įmonių yra menkesnis nei tarp Lenkijos ar Slovakijos įmonių.
ONTOLOGY AXIOMS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSINESS RULES / ONTOLOGIJA GRINDŽIAMAS VERSLO TAISYKLIŲ MODELIAVIMAS
Authors: Kalibatienė Diana , Vasilecas Olegas
Published: September 2010

Modern information systems (IS) have widely penetrated into many kinds of social activities by helping to perform business operations and to interact with the surrounding environment. Since business is under jurisdiction of government's laws, business mission and polices, guidelines and other documents, these business restrictions should be implemented in a business supporting IS and effectively managed. A business rule approach is widely accepted in IS community as a way to express different types of business restrictions and constrain operation of components of an IS. Nowadays, there are number of methods and approaches to extract, define and implement business rules. However, there is no a commonly accepted standard for their modelling. In this paper an ontology‐based method for business rules modelling and implementation in the software of IS is presented. It allows to automate the transformation of rules from ontology to the software level and to reduce the cost of rules implementation and likelihood of errors. A case study is described in the paper also. Santrauka Pastaruoju metu informacines sistemos (IS) plačiai naudojamos įvairiose srityse verslo procesams valdyti. Verslo procesai ribojami ivairių taisyklių, apibrežiamų įstatymais ir teisės aktais, verslo politikos ir tikslų. Todel šios taisykles turi būti efektyviai igyvendintos ir valdomos verslą palaikančiose IS. Verslo taisyklių sąvoka plačiai pripažinta IS bendruomenėje kaip būdas išreikšti verslo ribojimus ir suvaržyti IS komponentus. Šiuo metu pasiūlyta nemažai metodu verslo taisyklėms išgauti iš dalykinės srities, apibrežti, modeliuoti ir igyvendinti. Tačiau ne vienas iš esamų metodų nėra pripažintas standartu, nes verslo taisyklių išgavimas, modeliavimas ir įgyvendinimas nėra trivialus uždavinys. Straipsnyje siūloma ontologija grindžiamas metodas verslo taisyklėms modeliuoti. Šis metodas leidžia automatizuoti verslo taisyklių įgyvendinimą, tam panaudojus ontologijoje apibrėžtas dalykines srities žinias. Straipsnyje pateiktas pavyzdys, kai siūlomas metodas pritaikomas dėstytojų kvalifikaciniams reikalavimams įgyvendinti aktyviu duomenų bazių valdymo sistemu SQL trigeriais.
THE EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PROFIT DISTRIBUTION IN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CHAINS WITH AN OUTSIDE OPTION / PELNO PASKIRSTYMO PRAMONINĖSE TIEKIMO GRANDINĖSE EKSPERIMENTINIS TYRIMAS
Authors: Stein Harald David , Ginevičius Romualdas
Published: September 2010

There is an industrial supply chain, where an individual customer selects a supplier and excludes other ones. If the excluded supplier has the possibility to overtake the relationship afterwards, he has big influence on the relationship among the cooperation partners. A profit distribution rule has been developed that considers the impact of the excluded supplier. The paper presents round based games in which the present values change and influence the cooperative relationships. First, examples with ideal‐typical numbers are calculated and depicted by the software “MATLAB”. Internet experiments are made with participants on the basis of the software “z‐tree” in order prove the relevance of the proposed profit distribution rule. Finally, the experimental data is compared with the theoretical predictions. Santrauka Paprastai pramoninio tiekimo grandineje klientas pasirenka konkretų tiekėja ir atmeta kitus. Jei veliau su atmestuoju tiekėju vis dėlto užmezgami santykiai, klientas įgyja didelę svarbą pletojant partnerių santykius. Sukurta pelno paskirstymo taisyklė, įvertinanti atmesto tiekejo įtaka. Straipsnyje pateikiama serija žaidimų, kuriuose kinta esama vertė ir daroma įtaka partnerių santykiams. Pirma, naudojantis MATLAB programinė įranga apskaičiuojamos ir atvaizduojamos būdingosios reikšmės. Antra, pasitelkus Z‐tree programinę įranga atliktas internetinis eksperimentas siekiant įrodyti, kad pasiūlyta pelno paskirstymo taisyklė galioja. Galiausiai eksperimentiniai duomenys palyginami su teorinėmis prognozėmis.
RESEARCH OF LOW ENERGY HOUSE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES IN LITHUANIA / MAŽAI ENERGIJOS NAUDOJANČIO NAMO PROJEKTAVIMO IR STATYBOS LIETUVOJE GALIMYBIŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Venckus Nerijus , Bliūdžius Raimondas , Endriukaitytė Audronė , Parasonis Josifas
Published: September 2010

Currently, the construction of low energy buildings in Europe is promoted. Existing and newly developed design and construction concepts for such buildings are adapted to their national or regional climatic conditions. The European Parliament has assigned the member countries to get ready for the reduction of the energy consumption in buildings. Therefore, Lithuania, like other EU countries, must be examined for the use of the low energy building design and construction experience, the existing concepts of low energy buildings should be adapted or new concepts of low energy building responding to the region's climate should be created. In this article, the most popular European mid‐region passive house concept and the energetic performance of the house, designed and built according to its requirements is analyzed, the main differences of this concept to the normative requirements of Lithuanian building regulations and proposals to improve provisions for the construction of low energy buildings in Lithuania is provided. Santrauka Šiuo metu Europoje skatinama mažai energijos vartojančių namų statyba. Esamos ir naujai kuriamos tokių namų projektavimo ir statybos koncepcijos dažniausiai pritaikytos konkrečios šalies arba regiono klimato sąlygoms. Europos Parlamentas įpareigojo šalis nares pasirengti mažinti pastatuose suvartojamos energijos kiekį. Todėl Lietuvoje, kaip ir kitose ES šalyse, turi būti išnagrinėta mažai energijos vartojančiių pastatų projektavimo ir statybos patirtis, perimtos jau taikomos arba sukurtos naujos koncepcijos, tinkamos šio regiono klimatui. Straipsnyje išanalizuota populiariausia Vidurio Europos regione pasyviojo pastato koncepcija, pagal jos reikalavimus suprojektuoto ir pastatyto namo energiniai rodikliai, nustatyti pagrindiniai šios koncepcijos ir Lietuvos statybos norminių dokumentų reikalavimu skirtumai ir pateikti pasiūlymai gerinti sąlygas mažai energijos naudojančiu pastatu statybai Lietuvoje.
Determinants of Early Radiographic Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: ATAGUNDUZ PAMIR , AYDIN SIBEL ZEHRA , BAHADIR CENGIZ , ERER BURAK , DIRESKENELI HANER
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with early, extensive radiographic changes in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

Radiographic severity was assessed cross-sectionally in 235 patients with AS using the Bath AS Radiological Index spine score (BASRI-s). Patients with extensive radiographic changes on the lumbar portion of BASRI-s were defined as the early axial ankylosis (EAA) Group. ANCOVA and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting EAA.

Results.

Most study patients were men (139/235, 59.0%). Mean disease duration was 12.4 ± 9.3 years. Fifteen percent of women and 34.8% of men with AS were in the EAA group. HLA-B27-positive men with AS had significantly higher BASRI-lumbar scores, while HLA-B27 had no effect on radiographic progression of axial disease in women with AS. Peripheral joint involvement was associated with slow radiographic progression. Hip involvement had no effect on axial progression but uveitis was more frequent in the male EAA group. The odds for an HLA-B27-positive male patient with AS who did not have peripheral arthritis of having a BASRI-lumbar score of 3 or higher were 3.4 (77% chance to have axially progressive disease). Presence of uveitis increased these odds to 93%. Only 15% of female patients with AS had EAA, and the absence of peripheral arthritis was the only clinical measure associated with EAA in this group.

Conclusion.

EAA was more frequent in men with AS than in women. Absence of peripheral arthritis, HLA-B27 positivity, and uveitis were associated with multiple syndesmophytes or fusion of multiple vertebrae of the lumbar vertebrae.
Comparative Analysis of Disease Activity Measures, Use of Biologic Agents, Body Mass Index, Radiographic Features, and Bone Density in Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Followed in a Large U.S. Disease Registry
Authors: REDDY SOUMYA M. , ANANDARAJAH ALLEN P. , FISHER MARK C. , MEASE PHILIP J. , GREENBERG JEFFREY D. , KREMER JOEL M. , REED GEORGE , CHEN RUI , MESSING SUSAN , KAUKEINEN KIMBERLY , RITCHLIN CHRISTOPHER T.
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To compare disease activity, radiographic features, and bone density in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) matched cohorts.

Methods.

Disease activity and radiographic data in the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America database from 2001 to 2008 were compared for 2481 patients with PsA and 17,107 patients with RA subsequently matched for age, gender, and disease duration. Radiographic outcomes included presence of erosions, and joint deformity. In addition, bone mineral density (BMD) scores for lumbar spine (L-spine) and femoral neck were compared using the same matching criteria plus weight and smoking status.

Results.

Tender (4.5 vs 3.4, p < 0.001) and swollen (4.4 vs 2.9, p < 0.012) joint counts, and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were significantly higher (0.4 vs 0.3, p < 0.001) in patients with RA compared with patients with PsA. Patient general health and pain scores were also higher in patients with RA vs patients with PsA. Joint erosions (47.4% vs 37.6%, p = 0.020) and deformity (25.2% vs 21.6%, p = 0.021) were more prevalent in RA than PsA. In multivariate analysis, a reduced prevalence of erosions in PsA vs RA was noted (OR 0.609, p < 0.001). After matching, T-scores for L-spine (−0.54 vs −0.36, p = 0.077) and femoral neck (−0.88 vs −0.93, p = 0.643) were similar in patients with RA and patients with PsA, although body weight was a major confounder.

Conclusion.

The level of disease activity and radiographic damage was significantly higher for RA vs PsA subjects, although the magnitude of differences was relatively small. BMD levels were comparable between cohorts. Outcomes in patients with PsA and patients with RA may be more similar than previously reported.