bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Contribution to Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Schapira Anthony H. V. , Gegg Matthew
Published: April 2011

The identification of the etiologies and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) should play an important role in enabling the development of novel treatment strategies to prevent or slow the progression of the disease. The last few years have seen enormous progress in this respect. Abnormalities of mitochondrial function and increased free radical mediated damage were described in post mortem PD brain before the first gene mutations causing familial PD were published. Several genetic causes are now known to induce loss of dopaminergic cells and parkinsonism, and study of the mechanisms by which these mutations produce this effect has provided important insights into the pathogenesis of PD and confirmed mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress pathways as central to PD pathogenesis. Abnormalities of protein metabolism including protein mis-folding and aggregation are also crucial to the pathology of PD. Genetic causes of PD have specifically highlighted the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction to PD: PINK1, parkin, DJ-1 and most recently alpha-synuclein proteins have been shown to localise to mitochondria and influence function. The turnover of mitochondria by autophagy (mitophagy) has also become a focus of attention. This review summarises recent discoveries in the contribution of mitochondrial abnormalities to PD etiology and pathogenesis.
Thyroid-Specific Transcription Factors and Their Roles in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kimura Shioko
Published: April 2011

Homeodomain, forkhead domain, and paired domain-containing transcription factors play a major role in development, tissue-specific gene expression, and tissue homeostasis in organs where they are expressed. Recently, their roles in stem cell and cancer biology are emerging. In the thyroid, NKX2-1, FOXE1, and PAX8 transcription factors are responsible for thyroid organogenesis and expression of thyroid-specific genes critical for thyroid hormone synthesis. In contrast to their known roles in gene regulation, thyroid development and homeostasis, their involvement in stem cell, and/or cancer biology are still elusive. In order to further understand the nature of thyroid cancer, it is critical to determine their roles in thyroid cancer.
Ultrasonographic Examination of the Rumen in Healthy Cows
Authors: Imran Sheikh , Kumar Adarsh , Tyagi S. P. , Kumar Amit , Sharma Shivali
Published: April 2011

10 healthy Indian Jersey/Red Sindhi crossbred nonpregnant cows were subjected to transabdominal ultrasonography to develop baseline topographical data of the rumen. The wall of the rumen could be identified as a thick echogenic line adjacent to the left abdominal wall from left flank to 8th intercostal space. The motility pattern of rumen was characterized by approximately 1 contraction every minute. The mean amplitude of the ruminal contraction was 3.2 cm. Ultrasonography of the rumen in healthy cows is a useful adjunct to the noninvasive diagnostic investigation of the rumen.
ODAM Expression Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kestler Daniel P. , Foster James S. , Bruker Charles T. , Prenshaw John W. , Kennel Stephen J. , Wall Jonathan S. , Weiss Deborah T. , Solomon Alan
Published: April 2011

We have posited that Odontogenic Ameloblast Associated Protein (ODAM) serves as a novel prognostic biomarker in breast cancer and now have investigated its potential role in regulating tumor growth and metastasis. Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with a recombinant ODAM plasmid construct (or, as a control, the plasmid vector alone). ODAM expression increased adhesion and apoptosis of the transfected MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed their growth rate, migratory activity, and capability to invade extracellular matrix-coated membranes. Implantation of such cells into mouse mammary fat pads resulted in significantly smaller tumors than occurred in animals that received control cells; furthermore, ODAM-expressing cells, when injected intravenously into mice, failed to metastasize, whereas the control-transfected counterparts produced extensive lung lesions. Our finding that induction of ODAM expression in human breast cancer cells markedly inhibited their neoplastic properties provides further evidence for the regulatory role of this molecule in tumorigenesis and, consequently, is of potential clinical import.
Glycosylation of Capsaicin Derivatives and Phenylpropanoid Derivatives Using Cultured Plant Cells
Authors: Katsuragi Hisashi , Shimoda Kei , Yamamoto Ryohei , Ishihara Kohji , Hamada Hiroki
Published: April 2011

Biotransformations of capsaicinoids such as capsaicin and 8-nordihydrocapsaicin and phenylpropanoids such as cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid have been investigated using cultured plant cells. Capsain and 8-nordihydrocapsaicin were converted into the corresponding glycosides which are three glycosides respectively using the cultured cells of Catharanthus roseus. In a time-course study under sterile conditions, the changes in amounts of their reaction products were determined. Furthermore phenypropanoid, such as cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid have been biotransformed using the cultured cells of the Eucalyptus perriniana, and then cinnamic acid was converted into two glycosides. In addition, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid were converted into four, four and three glycosides respectively. Then in time-course study under sterile conditions, the change in amounts of their reaction products were determined. Finally it was found that the cultured plant cells have the ability to glycosylate the phenolic group of capsacinoids and phenylpropanoids regioselectively.
Dutasteride: A Review of its Use in the Management of Prostate Disorders
Authors: Pohlman Garrett D. , Pohlman Emily A. , Crawford E. David
Published: April 2011

Dutasteride, a synthetic 4-azasteroid, is a selective and competitive inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes approved for the treatment of men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who have an enlarged prostate. It has been demonstrated to be effective as monotherapy, or in combination with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist (α-blocker), tamsulosin, in several randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials and their open-label extensions. Treatment with dutasteride is generally safe and well tolerated. Dutasteride has become established in the management of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and surgery related to BPH. Dutasteride may also have a role as a chemopreventive agent in the future as emerging evidence demonstrates a reduced risk of prostate cancer with this agent.
Perspectives on past and Present Waste Disposal Practices: A community-Based Participatory Research Project in Three Saskatchewan First Nations Communities
Authors: Zagozewski Rebecca , Judd-Henrey Ian , Nilson Suzie , Bharadwaj Lalita
Published: April 2011

The impact of current and historical waste disposal practices on the environment and human health of Indigenous people in First Nations communities has yet to be adequately addressed. Solid waste disposal has been identified as a major environmental threat to First Nations Communities. A community-based participatory research project (CBPR) was initiated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council Health and Family Services Incorporated to investigate concerns related to waste disposal in three Saskatchewan First Nations Communities. Utilizing a qualitative approach, we aimed to gain an understanding of past and present waste disposal practices and to identify any human and environmental health concerns related to these practices. One to one interviews and sharing circles were conducted with Elders. Elders were asked to share their perspectives on past and present waste disposal practices and to comment on the possible impacts these practices may have on the environment and community health. Historically waste disposal practices were similar among communities. The homeowner generated small volumes of waste, was exclusively responsible for disposal and utilized a backyard pit. Overtime waste disposal evolved to weekly pick-up of un-segregated garbage with waste disposal and open trash burning in a community dump site. Dump site locations and open trash burning were identified as significant health issues related to waste disposal practices in these communities. This research raises issues of inequity in the management of waste in First Nations Communities. It highlights the need for long-term sustainable funding to support community-based waste disposal and management strategies and the development of First Nations centered and delivered educational programs to encourage the adoption and implementation of waste reduction, reutilization and recycling activities in these communities.
The Role of Parents' Medication Beliefs, Religious Problem-Solving, and Risks for Treatment Nonadherence in Urban Families with Asthma
Authors: Adams Sue K. , Murdock Karla Klein , McQuaid Elizabeth L. , Lima Lori-Ann
Published: April 2011

Childhood asthma is highly prevalent, affecting approximately nine million children in the United States. Negative effects of pediatric asthma are disproportionately experienced by ethnic minorities living in low-income, urban settings. Given the great diversity in families' ways of addressing children's asthma symptoms, sociocultural factors underlying asthma disparities must be examined. The current study investigated associations among parents' beliefs about conventional and holistic/alternative medications, parents' religious problem-solving strategies and childrens' risks for asthma treatment nonadherence. The sample included 66 parents of ethnically diverse children with asthma living in urban settings. Factor analysis of the Religious Problem Solving Questionnaire yielded two factors, self-directed (ie, solving problems independently of God) and God-involved problem solving. Parents' strong positive beliefs about conventional and alternative medications were associated with greater self-directed problem solving and with more risks for nonadherence. Higher levels of self-directed problem solving also were associated with more risks for nonadherence. Self-directed problem solving mediated the associations of conventional and alternative medication beliefs with risks for nonadherence. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
SOA from limonene: role of NO3 in its generation and degradation
Authors: Fry J. L. , Kiendler-Scharr A. , Rollins A. W. , Brauers T. , Brown S. S. , Dorn H.-P. , Dubé W. P. , Fuchs H. , Mensah A. , Rohrer F. , Tillmann R. , Wahner A. , Wooldridge P. J. , Cohen R. C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The formation of organic nitrates and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) were monitored during the NO3 + limonene reaction in the atmosphere simulation chamber SAPHIR at Research Center Jülich. The 24-h run began in a purged, dry, particle-free chamber and comprised two injections of limonene and oxidants, such that the first experiment measured SOA yield in the absence of seed aerosol, and the second experiment yields in the presence of 10 μg m−3 seed organic aerosol. After each injection, two separate increases in aerosol mass were observed, corresponding to sequential oxidation of the two limonene double bonds. Analysis of the measured NO3, limonene, product nitrate concentrations, and aerosol properties provides mechanistic insight and constrains rate constants, branching ratios and vapor pressures of the products. The organic nitrate yield from NO3 + limonene is ≈30%. The SOA mass yield was observed to be 25–40%. The first injection is reproduced by a kinetic model. PMF analysis of the aerosol composition suggests that much of the aerosol mass results from combined oxidation by both O3 and NO3, e.g., oxidation of NO3 + limonene products by O3. Further, later aerosol nitrate mass seems to derive from heterogeneous uptake of NO3 onto unreacted aerosol alkene.
Joint effect of organic acids and inorganic salts on cloud droplet activation
Authors: Frosch M. , Prisle N. L. , Bilde M. , Varga Z. , Kiss G.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We have investigated CCN properties of internally mixed particles composed of one organic acid (oxalic acid dihydrate, succinic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, cis-pinonic acid, or Nordic reference fulvic acid) and one inorganic salt (sodium chloride or ammonium sulphate). Surface tension and water activity of aqueous model solutions with concentrations relevant for CCN activation were measured using a tensiometer and osmometry, respectively. The measurements were used to calculate Köhler curves and critical supersaturations, which were compared to measured critical supersaturations of particles with the same chemical compositions, determined with a cloud condensation nucleus counter. Surfactant surface partitioning was not accounted for. For the aqueous solutions containing cis-pinonic acid and fulvic acid, a depression of surface tension was observed, but for the remaining solutions the effect on surface tension was negligible at concentrations relevant for cloud droplet activation. The surface tension depression of aqueous solutions containing both organic acid and inorganic salt was approximately the same as or smaller than that of aqueous solutions containing the same mass of the corresponding pure organic acids. Water activity was found to be highly dependent on the type and amount of inorganic salt. Sodium chloride was able to decrease water activity more than ammonium sulphate and both inorganic salts are predicted to have a smaller Raoult term than the studied organic acids. Increasing the mass ratio of the inorganic salt led to a decrease in water activity. Water activity measurements were compared to results from the E-AIM model and values estimated from both constant and variable van't Hoff factors. The correspondence between measurements and estimates was overall good, except for highly concentrated solutions. Critical supersaturations calculated with Köhler theory based on measured water activity and surface tension, but not accounting for surface partitioning, compared well with measurements, except for the solutions containing sodium chloride and oxalic acid or one of the more surface active organic compounds. In such cases, significantly lower values were obtained from Köhler theory than the measured critical supersaturations with deviations above 50% for a 60 nm particle containing 50% (dry mass) of Nordic reference fulvic acid, suggesting that surfactant partitioning and/or an effect of sodium chloride on solubility of the organic component is important.
Global retrieval of ATSR cloud parameters and evaluation (GRAPE): dataset assessment
Authors: Sayer A. M. , Poulsen C. A. , Arnold C. , Campmany E. , Dean S. , Ewen G. B. L. , Grainger R. G. , Lawrence B. N. , Siddans R. , Thomas G. E. , Watts P. D.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The Along-Track Scanning Radiometers (ATSRs) provide a long time-series of measurements suitable for the retrieval of cloud properties. This work evaluates the freely-available Global Retrieval of ATSR Cloud Parameters and Evaluation (GRAPE) dataset (version 3) created from the ATSR-2 (1995–2003) and Advanced ATSR (AATSR; 2002 onwards) records. Users are recommended to consider only retrievals flagged as high-quality, where there is a good consistency between the measurements and the retrieved state (corresponding to about 60% of converged retrievals over sea, and more than 80% over land). Cloud properties are found to be generally free of any significant spurious trends relating to satellite zenith angle. Estimates of the random error on retrieved cloud properties are suggested to be generally appropriate for optically-thick clouds, and up to a factor of two too small for optically-thin cases. The correspondence between ATSR-2 and AATSR cloud properties is high, but a relative calibration difference between the sensors of order 5–10% at 660 nm and 870 nm limits the potential of the current version of the dataset for trend analysis. As ATSR-2 is thought to have the better absolute calibration, the discussion focusses on this portion of the record. Cloud-top heights from GRAPE compare well to ground-based data at four sites, particularly for shallow clouds. Clouds forming in boundary-layer inversions are typically around 1 km too high in GRAPE due to poorly-resolved inversions in the modelled temperature profiles used. Global cloud fields are compared to satellite products derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) measurements, and a climatology of liquid water content derived from satellite microwave radiometers. In all cases the main reasons for differences are linked to differing sensitivity to, and treatment of, multi-layer cloud systems. The correlation coefficient between GRAPE and the two MODIS products considered is generally high (greater than 0.7 for most cloud properties), except for liquid and ice cloud effective radius, which also show biases between the datasets. For liquid clouds, part of the difference is linked to choice of wavelengths used in the retrieval. Total cloud cover is slightly lower in GRAPE (0.64) than the CALIOP dataset (0.66). GRAPE underestimates liquid cloud water path relative to microwave radiometers by up to 100 g m−2 near the Equator and overestimates by around 50 g m−2 in the storm tracks. Finally, potential future improvements to the algorithm are outlined.
Ethane, ethyne and carbon monoxide concentrations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere from ACE and GEOS-Chem: a comparison study
Authors: González Abad G. , Allen N. D. C. , Bernath P. F. , Boone C. D. , McLeod S. D. , Manney G. L. , Toon G. C. , Carouge C. , Wang Y. , Wu S. , Barkley M. P. , Palmer P. I. , Xiao Y. , Fu T. M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Near global upper tropospheric concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), ethane (C2H6) and ethyne (C2H2) from ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) Fourier transform spectrometer on board the Canadian satellite SCISAT-1 are presented and compared with the output from the Chemical Transport Model (CTM) GEOS-Chem. The retrievals of ethane and ethyne from ACE have been improved for this paper by using new sets of microwindows compared with those for previous versions of ACE data. With the improved ethyne retrieval we have been able to produce a near global upper tropospheric distribution of C2H2 from space. Carbon monoxide, ethane and ethyne concentrations retrieved using ACE spectra show the expected seasonality linked to variations in the anthropogenic emissions and destruction rates as well as seasonal biomass burning activity. The GEOS-Chem model was run using the dicarbonyl chemistry suite, an extended chemical mechanism in which ethyne is treated explicitly. Seasonal cycles observed from satellite data are well reproduced by the model output, however the simulated CO concentrations are found to be systematically biased low over the Northern Hemisphere. An average negative global mean bias of 12% and 7% of the model relative to the satellite observations has been found for CO and C2H6 respectively and a positive global mean bias of 1% has been found for C2H2. ACE data are compared for validation purposes with MkIV spectrometer data and Global Tropospheric Experiment (GTE) TRACE-A campaign data showing good agreement with all of them.
The impact of China's vehicle emissions on regional air quality in 2000 and 2020: a scenario analysis
Authors: Saikawa E. , Kurokawa J. , Takigawa M. , Mauzerall D. L. , Horowitz L. W. , Ohara T.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The number of vehicles in China has been increasing rapidly. We evaluate the impact of current and possible future vehicle emissions from China on Asian air quality. We modify the Regional Emission Inventory in Asia (REAS) for China's road transport sector in 2000 using updated Chinese data for vehicle numbers, annual mileage and emission factors. We develop two scenarios for 2020: a scenario where emission factors remain the same as they were before any regulation was implemented (business-as-usual, BAU), and a scenario where Euro 3 vehicle emission standards are applied to all vehicles (except motorcycles and rural vehicles). The Euro 3 scenario is an approximation of what may be the case in 2020 as, starting in 2008, all new gasoline and diesel vehicles in China (except motorcycles) were required to meet the Euro 3 emission standards. Using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF/Chem), we examine the regional air quality response to China's vehicle emissions in 2000 and in 2020 for the BAU and Euro 3 scenarios. We evaluate the 2000 model results with observations in Japan, China, Korea, and Russia. Under BAU in 2020, emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) from China's vehicles more than double compared to the 2000 baseline. If all vehicles meet the Euro 3 regulations in 2020, however, these emissions are reduced by more than 50% relative to BAU. The implementation of stringent vehicle emission standards leads to a large, simultaneous reduction of the surface ozone (O3) mixing ratios and particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. In the Euro 3 scenario, surface O3 is reduced by more than 10 ppbv and surface PM2.5 is reduced by more than 10 μg m−3 relative to BAU in Northeast China in all seasons. In spring, surface O3 mixing ratios and PM2.5 concentrations in neighboring countries are also reduced by more than 3 ppbv and 1 μg m−3, respectively. We find that effective regulation of China's road transport sector will be of significant benefit for air quality both within China and across East Asia as well.
Cloud retrievals from satellite data using optimal estimation: evaluation and application to ATSR
Authors: Poulsen C. A. , Watts P. D. , Thomas G. E. , Sayer A. M. , Siddans R. , Grainger R. G. , Lawrence B. N. , Campmany E. , Dean S. M. , Arnold C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Clouds play an important role in balancing the Earth's radiation budget. Clouds reflect sunlight which cools the Earth, and also trap infrared radiation in the same manner as greenhouse gases. Changes in cloud cover and cloud properties over time can have important consequences for climate. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) has identified current gaps in the understanding of clouds and related climate feedback processes as a leading cause of uncertainty in forecasting climate change. In this paper we present an algorithm that uses optimal estimation to retrieve cloud parameters from satellite multi-spectral imager data, in particular the Along-Track Scanning Radiometers ATSR-2 and AATSR. The cloud parameters retrieved are the cloud top pressure, cloud optical depth, cloud effective radius, cloud fraction and cloud phase. Importantly, the technique also provides estimated errors along with the retrieved values and quantifies the consistency between retrieval representation of cloud and satellite radiances. This should enable the effective use of the products for comparison with climate models or for exploitation via data assimilation. The technique is evaluated by performing retrieval simulations for a variety of simulated single layer and multi-layer conditions. Examples of applying the algorithm to ATSR-2 flight data are presented and the sensitivity of the retrievals assessed. This algorithm has been applied to both ATSR-2 and AATSR visible and infrared measurements in the context of the GRAPE (Global Retrieval and cloud Product Evaluation) project to produce a 14 year consistent record for climate research (Sayer et al., 2010).
Spatial variation of soil physical properties in adjacent alluvial and colluvial soils under Ustic moisture regime
Authors: Sağlam M. , Öztürk H. S. , Erşahin S. , Özkan A. İ.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Soils vary spatially due to differences in soil management and soil formation factors. The soil spatial variability is an important determinant of efficiency of farm inputs and yield. This study was carried out to identify and compare spatial variation of some soil physical properties by geostatistics in alluvial and adjacent colluvial soils formed under ustic moisture regime at Gökhöyük State Farm (1750 ha), Amasya, Turkey. Seventy four soil samples were collected on a regular grid (500 × 500-m) and additional 224 samples were collected on 28 500-m fine-transects, randomly superimposed between the nodes of grids. Semivariograms and corresponding kriging maps for soil texture, soil organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and available water content (AWC) were prepared. Statistical analyses were conducted separately for colluvial and alluvial sites as well as whole area. The soils in alluvial site is rich in clay with high BD and SOM, and low in Ks and AWC; and the soils in colluvial site was designated as low in Ks, SOM, and AWC and high in BD. All variables, except SOM, showed a strong spatial dependency. In general, nugget, sill and range values of most of the studied soil variables decreased from alluvial site to colluvial site. When local (alluvial and colluvial sites separately) and global (alluvial + colluvial) kriged maps for BD, AWC, and soil textural separates, use of global semivariograms (one semivariogram for entire study area) resulted in lost of some details in colluvial sites, suggesting that local semivariograms for alluvial and colluvial soils should be used in kriging predictions at the farm. The results had significant implications for water management as AWC was spatially associated to clay content in alluvial site and to clay and sand contents in colluvial site.
The effectiveness of banner ads on blogs
Authors:   Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Departamento de Economía y Dirección de Empresas. Edificio Departamental de Empresariales, Beerli Palacio Asunción ,   Módulo C-1.06. Campus de Tafira. 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. e-mail: abeerli@dede.ulpgc.es, Martín Santana Josefa D. ,   Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Departamento de Economía y Dirección de Empresas. Edificio Departamental de Empresariales; Módulo C-1.06. Campus de Tafira. 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. e-mail: jmartin@dede.ulpgc.es
Published: April 2011

The aim of this paper is to measure the advertising effectiveness of two formats of on-line advertisements, namely, large-button advertisements and contextual advertisements, and to determine the factors which, on the basis of the reviewed literature, influence advertising effectiveness. The context of application is blog type web pages, which, despite the significant increase in their use, have not received attention in the field of the advertising research. The results reflect that there are differences in the advertising effectiveness of the two formats and that the factors that influence are attitude to the blog, involvement with the product advertised and the length of the visit to the blog.
Determinants of online buyer trust. A comparison with the auction system
Authors:   Profesora Titular de Universidad. Departamento de Economía y Administración de Empresas. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Universidad de Burgos. C/ Parralillos, s/n, 09001. Universidad de Burgos. E-mail: sanmargu@ubu.es, San Martín Gutiérrez Sonia , Camarero Izquierdo Carmen ,   Universidad de Valladolid. E-mail: camarero@ubu.es
Published: April 2011

Studies on electronic Internet commerce are an important part of the research in marketing, bur there are still few works that have dealt with auction systems. Because of the especial characteristics of online buying, one of the most important and the most difficult challenges in the context of an online purchase as opposed to offline purchases is how to generate consumer trust. Nevertheless, it is likely that the signals that generate trust will differ in online auctions from online purchasing through other websites. This work presents a model that attempts to capture the effects of web-site signals on consumer trust and draws comparisons between auction and the rest of online shopping contexts. The main results and implications are presented using information collected from a sample of online buyers.
Strategic orientation, innovation and performance in new SMEs: the role of marketing
Authors:   Tecnológico de Monterrey (Campus de Guadalajara).Avenida General Ramón Corona, 2514. 45040 Jalisco (México), Gómez Villanueva Jorge , Llonch Andreu Joan ,   Departament d’Economia de l’Empresa. Facultat d’Economia i Empresa. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona). e-mail: joan.llonch@uab.es, Rialp Criado Josep ,   Departament d’Economia de l’Empresa. Facultat d’Economia i Empresa. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona)
Published: April 2011

Although the important role that new SME have for economic development, the relationship among three key strategic orientations as Entrepreneurial orientation (EO), Market orientation (MO) and Learning orientation (LO) with innovation and new SME´s success has not been previously analyzed. Present studies on this mater are partial because they focus in only one or two of these orientations (Li and Atuahene-Gima, 2001; Renko et al.,2009). Thus, the present research aims to fill this gap by developing a model to explain the relationship among EO, MO and LO, innovation and new SME performance and test this model within a sample of new SMEs. Empirical results from a sample of 203 new SMEs show that there is direct relationship between Market orientation (MO) and business performance, and also an indirect relationship among MO and performance through LO, EO and Innovation. However, the relationship between LO and EO with performance is only indirect, through Innovation. In summary, marketing has a critical role on the success of new SMEs.
Tourism management in rural innovation programs of Castilla-La Mancha
Authors:   Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales. Cobertizo San Pedro Mártir, s/n – 45.071-TOLEDO, Esteban Talaya Águeda , Mondéjar Jiménez Juan Antonio ,   Facultad de Ciencias Sociales.Avenida de los Alfares, 44 – 16.071-CUENCA. Email: JuanAntonio.Mondejar@uclm.es, Mondéjar Jiménez José ,   Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Avenida de los Alfares, 44 – 16.071-CUENCA, Meseguer Santamaría M.ª Leticia ,   Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales.Plaza de la Universidad, 1 – 02.071-ALBACETE
Published: April 2011

Rural innovation programs have been a real shock for certain European regions, because they have represented a huge investment that’s needed for proper management to direct some structural funds. In this sense, this paper analyzes the investment of these programs in developing measures to support rural tourism sector, which marked a significant increase in supply at various levels: increasing rural accommodation, the number of beds available for tourists, rehabilitation of heritage, value and recovery of historical elements and the historical, cultural, architectural and natural countryside. The empirical analysis of this study is developed for the region of Castilla-La Mancha, using the latest information available investment under the Shift-share methodology, which identifies the different effects (global, structural and competitive) that these programmes have on these initiatives.
The selection of private brand durable goods: factors affecting the Choice
Authors: Caplliure Giner Eva M.ª , Miquel Romero M.ª José ,   Maria.J.Miquel@uv.es, Pérez Cabañero Carmen
Published: April 2011

Distributors have extended their brand policy to durable good categories such as household appliances and electronic devices, what has been proved to be worthy, although it has received a lot of criticism. Possibly, the higher familiarity of the consumer with private brands, the favourable change of attitude towards them, the availability of technology and, why not, the actual international economic crisis which affects to the domestic economies can be factors which explain this success. The few researches trying to explain the reasons of acceptance of these brands in durable goods have taken us to analyze whether factors determining the purchase of private brands in typical study categories such as food and cosmetics can be applied to durable goods. Preliminary results indicate that it is not possible.
Brand equity measurement from a formative approach
Authors:   Departamento de Dirección de Marketing e Investigación de Mercados. Escuela Universitaria de Estudios Empresariales. Universidad de Zaragoza. C/ María de Luna s/n. Edificio Lorenzo Normante. 50.018 Zaragoza. España. Email: ibuil@unizar.es, Buil Isabel , Martínez Eva ,   Departamento de Dirección de Marketing e Investigación de Mercados. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales. Universidad de Zaragoza. Gran Vía, 2. 50005 Zaragoza. España. Email: emartine@unizar.es, de Chernatony Leslie ,   Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Suiza y Aston Business School, Birmingham, Reino Unido. 50 Elizabeth Road. Moseley. Birmingham. B13 8QJ. Inglaterra. Email: dechernatony@btinternet.com
Published: April 2011

Companies need to measure brand equity to make the best tactical and strategic decisions related to this intangible asset. Therefore, this paper develops a measure of brand equity using a formative approach. Unlike previous research, this study proposes a second-order formative model and empirically validates this in two countries, Spain and the United Kingdom. With this aim, in addition to carrying out an individual analysis for each country, the measurement invariance is assessed following the recent procedure suggested by Diamantopoulos and Papadopoulos (2010). Results show that brand equity construct is characterised by some variations in its composition in the countries analysed.
Loyalty programmes as a direct sales platform: a cardholder segmentation based on air flight redemptions
Authors:   Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Facultad de CC. Económicas y Empresariales. Departamento de Comercialización e Investigación de Mercados. Campus de Somosaguas. Pabellón 6 (Las Caracolas). 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón (MADRID). jmponzoa@ccee.ucm.es, Ponzoa Casado José Manuel , Reinares Lara Pedro ,   Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales. Departamento de Economía de la Empresa. Campus de Vicálvaro. Paseo Artilleros s/n. 28032 Madrid. pedro.reinares@urjc.es
Published: April 2011

There are increasingly more loyalty programmes that offer cardholders the opportunity of buying additional programme points or obtaining rewards, such as package holidays or air flights, by paying some of the cost in cash. This feature of the programmes, together with their very nature and structure and the current situation in which the tourism sector finds itself, has allowed for their development as sales platforms offering services directly to their members. This work discusses the potential of such programmes as a tool for a better knowledge and segmentation of customers by differentiating between them on the basis of those who redeem their rewards on a points-only basis and those that do so using points-plus-cash. Using information from a leading, Spanish, multi-sponsor, loyalty programme, this article analyses the importance of redeeming air tickets only, as against other rewards, and cash contributions as a means of completing the redemption transaction. By means of decision trees, as a segmentation method, it can be seen how variables related with buying behaviour, within the programme member companies, have an influence on the redemption of air tickets by the programme’s cardholders.
Effect of Osmolarity and Density of Colloid Formulations on the Outcome of SLC-Selection of Stallion Spermatozoa
Authors: Morrell J. M. , Johannisson A. , Rodriguez-Martinez H.
Published: April 2011

The osmolarity and density of colloids used to prepare spermatozoa for assisted reproduction may affect sperm quality in the resultant preparation. In this study, two osmolarities of Androcoll-E for single-layer or density gradient centrifugation of stallion spermatozoa were compared: “normal” (320 mOsm) or “high” (345 mOsm). Mean yields for the two centrifugation techniques did not differ between treatments or osmolarities (single layer centrifugation:30.19±16.9×106and25.8±18.5×106spermatozoa; density gradient centrifugation:31.84±19.7×106and26.46±20.0×106spermatozoa respectively for the two osmolarities). However, use of the high osmolarity colloid for single layer centrifugation increased the proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa (P<.05). Therefore, increasing the osmolarity of the colloid formulation may be beneficial for processing ejaculates containing a high proportion of abnormal spermatozoa by SLC. Reducing the density of the colloid used for the SLC substantially increased the yield of motile spermatozoa compared to the normal density colloid (mean ± SD:72.6±28.9×106versus28.9±24.7×106), while also prolonging sperm survival by 24 hours compared to the uncentrifuged ejaculate. This increased yield may render Single Layer Centrifugation practical for use in the field.
Role and Efficacy of Intraoperative Evaluation of Resection Adequacy in Conservative Breast Surgery
Authors: Canavese G. , Ciccarelli G. , Garretti L. , Ponti A. , Bussone R. , Giani R. , Ala A. , Berardengo E.
Published: April 2011

In the present study we considered the histology of 51 patients who have undergone breast conservative surgery and the related 54 re-excisions that were performed in the same surgical procedure or in delayed procedures, in order to evaluate the role of intraoperative re-excisions in completing tumor removal.
In 13% of the cases the re excision obtained the resection of the target lesion.
In this study, the occurrence of residual neoplastic lesions in intraoperative re-excisions (24%) is lower than in delayed re-excisions (62%; ).
The residual lesions that we could find with definitive histology of re excision specimens are related with lesions with ill defined profile. In 77% of the cases of re excision with tumoral residual the lesion was close to the new resection margin, thus the re-excisions couldn't achieve an adequate ablation of the neoplasm. Invasive or preinvasive nature of the main lesion resected for each case and the approach to the evaluation of the first resection specimen adequacy (surgical or radiological) don't affect the rate of tumoral residual in intraoperative re-excisions.
In conclusion, our data are consistent with a low efficacy of intraoperative re excision in obtaining a complete removal of the tumor; intraoperative radiologic evaluation of the first resection specimen is however imperative in defining the effective removal of the target lesion.
Laboratory Model Test on Improving the Properties of Soft Clay by Electrokinetics
Authors: Mohamedelhassan Eltayeb
Published: April 2011

This experimental study was carried out in two test series to investigate the feasibility of decreasing the water content and increasing the shear strength and axial load capacity of laboratory-prepared soft clay by electrokinetic treatment. The focus of the investigations is the influence of pore fluid chemistry (fresh or highly saline water) on the gained improvement and on the energy consumption. The results showed that electrokinetics was effective in improving the properties of the soft clay with fresh and saline water. The degree of improvement, however, was superior in tests with freshwaters along with a lower energy consumption. The minimum water content and the maximum shear strength after the treatment were reported near the anode (28% ± 3.6 and 99.3 kPa ± 15.4 compared to 49.7% ± 3.1 and 12.1 kPa ± 1.7 in the control). The maximum axial load capacity of the foundation model after the treatment was 416 N compared to 28 N in the control. The energy consumption varied between 69.1 and 1994.6 Whr.
Treatment of Complex Fistula in Ano with Cable-Tie Seton: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Memon Ayaz Ahmad , Murtaza Ghulam , Azami Rizwan , Zafar Hasnain , Chawla Tabish , Laghari Altaf Ali
Published: April 2011

Objective. To determine the fecal incontinence and recurrence rate in patients with complex fistula in ano managed with cable tie seton at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods. This is a prospective case series of patients with complex anal fistula i.e. recurrent fistula or encircling >30% of external anal sphincter, managed with cable tie seton from March 2003 to March 2009. Patients were seen in the clinic after 72 hours of seton insertion under anesthesia and then every other week. Each time the cable-tie was tightened if found loose without anesthesia and incontinence was inquired according to wexner's score. Results. Seventy nine patients were treated during the study period with the age (mean ± standard deviation) of 41 ± 10.6 years and. The seton was tightened with a median of six times (3–15 times range). Complete healing was achieved in 11.2 ± 5.7 weeks. All the patients were followed for a minimum period of one year and none of the patients had any incontinence. Recurrence was found in 4 (5%) patients. Conclusion. The cable tie seton is safe, cost effective and low morbidity option for the treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano. It can, therefore, be recommended as the standard of treatment for complex fistulae-in-ano requiring the placement of a seton.
Secondary Forest Succession in the Mata Atlantica, Brazil: Floristic and Phytosociological Trends
Authors: Siminski Alexandre , Fantini Alfredo Celso , Guries Raymond Paul , Ruschel Ademir Roberto , dos Reis Maurício Sedrez
Published: April 2011

This study aimed at understanding the dynamics of ecological processes and the use of
secondary forests in Santa Catarina state (Brazil). The data base for these studies was formed
through forest inventories carried out in the three forest types of the state. The results of this
study demonstrate that the patterns of diversity are very similar among the three forest types;
however, the species compositions among the types are quite different. A total of 343 woody
species belonging to 73 families were found in the 24,000 m2 sampling area, revealing the
potential role of secondary forest in the conservation of biodiversity at the landscape scale.
As expected, a small set of pioneer species dominates young secondary forests with shade-tolerant
species becoming structurally important after 30 years. The patterns of forest structure
and species diversity observed in study largely conform to the postagricultural secondary
succession observed for many tropical forests.
Assessment of Association of Increased Heart Rates to Cardiovascular Events among Healthy Subjects in the United States: Analysis of a Primary Care Electronic Medical Records Database
Authors: Asche Carl V. , Kim Jaewhan , Kulkarni Amit S. , Chakravarti Paula , Andersson Karl-Erik
Published: April 2011

Objective. To determine whether increases in heart rates (HRs) over time leads to adverse cardiovascular (CV) events among “healthy subjects.” Methods. This retrospective cohort study used the GE Centricity EMR database. “Healthy subjects” were defined as those with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score = 0 and Chronic Disease Score (CDS) = 0 at baseline. Subjects were followed for 3 years post the first date of a clinical encounter between the patient and provider. Those aged years old with baseline HR and post-index HR readings were identified between 01/01/1996 to 03/30/2007. Results. There were 93,952 “healthy subjects” at baseline (median age 42 years; 67.2% women; mean HR was 75.8 (SD: 11) bpm); 20.7% with a mean HR at baseline of 76.3 (SD: 11.3) bpm (median age 45; 63 women) experienced a CV event during 3 years of follow-up. The mean HR was higher among those with a CV event (76.3 bmp) compared to those without a CV event (75.7 bpm). A Cox regression model indicated that an increase in HR by 5 bpm was associated with a 1% increase in CV event risk. Conclusions. Elevated HRs are associated with an increased likelihood of CV events among “healthy subjects”.
Microcapsules: Packing of Emulsion Droplets: Structural and Functional Motifs for Multi‐Cored Microcapsules (Adv. Funct. Mater. 9/2011)
Authors: Kim Shin‐Hyun , Hwang Hyerim , Lim Che Ho , Shim Jae Won , Yang Seung‐Man
Published: April 2011

Advances in microfluidic emulsification have enabled the creation of multiphase emulsion drops, which have emerged as promising templates for producing functional microcapsules. However, most previous micro‐encapsulation methods have limitations in terms of capsule stability, functionality, and simplicity of fabrication procedures. Here, we report a simple single‐step encapsulation technique that uses an optofluidic platform to efficiently and precisely encapsulate a specific number of emulsion droplets in photocurable shell droplets. In particular, we show, for the first time, that densely confined core droplets within an oily shell droplet rearrange into a unique configuration that minimizes the interfacial energy, as confirmed here from theory. These structures are then consolidated into multi‐cored microcapsules with structural and mechanical stability through in situ photopolymerization of the shell in a continuous mode, which are capable of isolating active materials and releasing them in a controlled manner using well‐defined nanohole arrays or nanoscopic silver architectures on thin membranes.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS: Compact and Stable Quantum Dots with Positive, Negative, or Zwitterionic Surface: Specific Cell Interactions and Non‐Specific Adsorptions by the Surface Charges (Adv. Funct. Mater. 9/2011)
Authors: Park Joonhyuck , Nam Jutaek , Won Nayoun , Jin Ho , Jung Sungho , Jung Sungwook , Cho So‐Hye , Kim Sungjee
Published: April 2011

A new type of quantum dot (QD) ligand chemistry is introduced that can provide positive, negative, or zwitterionic surface QDs. CdSe/CdZnS core‐shell QDs are decorated with ligands, and the non‐specific and specific interactions of the QDs through their surface charge are investigated with the focus on cellular adsorptions and endocytosis. Zwitterionic QDs are compact with a ligand hydrodynamic thickness of less than 2 nm, they are colloidally very stable over a broad pH range and even in saturated NaCl solution, and they show minimal non‐specific adsorptions. Positive and negative QDs show a very different behavior for cellular adsorption and subsequent incorporation, suggesting mostly energy‐independent pathways for positive QDs and exclusively adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent pathways for negative QDs. The zwitterionic QD surface ligands can also be used in conjunction with other functional groups, which allows simple conjugations for highly specific targeting whereas retaining the advantages of a zwitterionic QD surface. This QD surface chemistry can provide highly specific and very sensitive imaging with very low background level. Using the mixed QD surface ligand system, we demonstrated streptavidin and antibody QD conjugates that show a signal‐to‐noise ratio that is over 4000 times higher than the unconjugated mixture, which was used as a control case. The QD chemistry reported herein can be easily extended to other functional groups, such as alkynes, azides, or other amines, and can be further used in many future applications, including single‐QD level experiments, sensitive assays, or in vivo applications using anti‐fouling QD probes.