Search results for "STM"

Comparison of ultrasound and bone mineral density assessment of the calcaneus with different regions of interest in healthy early menopausal women.

1998

This study investigated the effect of different sized regions of interest (ROIs) on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) variables of the calcaneus. The effect on QUS of using a fixed ROI as opposed to an ROI adjusted for foot length was also assessed. Eighty Caucasian women, aged 50-57 yr (mean 53 +/- 2) who were healthy and within 0. 5-5 yr of the onset of menopause participated in this study. Using the QUS-1(trade mark) Ultrasonometer (Metra Biosystems, Mountain View, CA), we assessed broadband ultrasound attenuation ([BUA] and UBI-4, dB/MHz), the average transit time through the heel ([TTH], mus) and a multiple-factor index (UBI-4T = UBI-4/TTH, dB/[MHz. mus]). The QUS measurement results were …

The selective estrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene, reduces ischemic brain damage in male rat

2014

While the estrogen treatment of stroke is under debate, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) arise as a promising alternative. We hypothesize that bazedoxifene (acetate, BZA), a third generation SERM approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, reduces ischemic brain damage in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. For comparative purposes, the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) has also been assessed. Male Wistar rats underwent 60min middle cerebral artery occlusion (intraluminal thread technique), and grouped according to treatment: vehicle-, E2- and BZA-treated rats. Optimal plasma concentrations of E2 (45.6±7.8pg/ml) and BZA (20.7±2.1ng/ml) w…

Building Brand Equity via Product Quality

2007

Abstract A practical approach is proposed to building brand equity via product quality. It identifies the relevant marketing activities and determines the extent to which these activities contribute to brand equity. Specifically, the proposed brand equity model relates marketing activities to brand equity. This indicates a practical way to assess the importance and adequacy of a company's daily operation in contributing to its brand equity. The importance-efficiency mix further provides management with feasible suggestions on adjusting their marketing activities. Then, based on an importance-efficiency matrix, company resources can be adjusted to enhance brand equity. An empirical study wit…

Journeying Through Space and Time Towards the Sources of Artistic Inspiration: Jeanette Winterson’s Art & Lies (1992)

2009

Do Pied Flycatcher Females Defend an Extra Nest Hole Against Conspecific Females?

1999

AbstractIn birds, females are often aggressive against conspecific females during the breeding. There are many explanations for this intrasexual aggression by females: e.g., nest site or food resource defence, prevention of intraspecific brood parasitism or infanticide, and monopolization of paternal care. A pair might also benefit by defending an alternative nest site in addition to the current nest site. Here, I study by experimentation whether pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) females defend an extra nest box as an alternative nesting site. Further, I examine whether females behave differently when their mate is present vs not present. I measured the reactions by resident females to a…

The evolution of parental care in insects: the roles of ecology, life history and the social environment

2013

Parental care increases the fitness of offspring at a cost to the parents in terms of residual reproductive success. This trade-off may be affected by ecology, life history and the social environment, which raises the question as to how these factors contribute to the evolution of parental care. Here, previous hypotheses concerning the evolution of parental care in insects are summarized and discussed and the underlying empirical evidence is reviewed. Ecological factors such as harsh environments, ephemeral food sources or predation pressure are broadly accepted as evolutionary drivers of parental care. The most consistent evidence supports a role for natural enemies such as predators, micr…

Investigation of sterols as potential biomarkers for the detection of pig (S. s. domesticus) decomposition fluid in soils

2012

This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of using cholesterol and coprostanol, as indicators for the detection of decomposition fluid of buried pigs (S. s. domesticus) in soils. In May 2007, four pig carcasses (~35. kg) were buried in shallow graves (~40. cm depth) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Canada. Two pigs were exhumed after three months (Pig 1, Pig 2) and six months (Pig 3, Pig 4) post burial. Soil samples were collected beneath the pig carcasses (~40. cm depth) and from grave walls (~15-20. cm depth) as well as from a parallel control site. Coprostanol and cholesterol were extracted from soils, purified with solid phase extraction (SPE) and analy…

MARKETING PARADIGM: TRANSITION FROM MC TO IMC

2012

A major change is occurring in marketing in general and also marketing communication (MC) due to the digital revolution and increased sophistication of consumers. In the paper the authors state that because of the prevalence of this marketing trend the systematization aspects of marketing communication integration and new marketing communication methods/approaches in the theoretical level declare about their urgency for better interpretation of marketing communication structure in marketing practice. In the authors’ opinion it is important to respond to this paradigm shift with enhanced integration and correct use of MC in order to maximize marketing efficiency. Integrated marketing communi…

CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ANCIENT LITURGICAL VESTMENT (CHASUBLE) BY ICP-OES

2016

Is vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatment effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms in post-menopausal patients? Preliminary results

2016

To evaluate the role of vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatment in the relief of Overactive Bladder (OAB) symptoms in post-menopausal women.Post-menopausal women who complained of one or more symptoms related to vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA), who experienced symptoms of OAB and who underwent vaginal treatment with fractional CO2 laser were enrolled in the study. At baseline (T0) and 30 days post-treatment T1), vaginal status (using Vaginal Health Index - VHI), subjective intensity of VVA symptoms (using a visual analog scale - VAS) and micturition diary were evaluated. OAB symptoms were also assessed using a validated questionnaire.Thirty patients were enrolled. A statistically significant imp…