bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretative narrative process research approach to corporate renaming
Authors: Juntunen Mari
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe company renaming as a process among small firms, including the events and actors in and the reasons for company renaming.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study presents an interpretative narrative process research approach. The empirical part is conducted as an instrumental multiple case study of six cases.

Findings

– Company renaming is a long-lasting, complex, iterative and management-centric process among small firms. The process consists of six main events that are conducted more or less simultaneously but which need to be further divided into sub-events in order to reveal their order. The reasons for renaming are that the current company name is difficult to use or it is less known than the name of the company's well-known product among stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

– The existing research on branding from the viewpoint of organisational change has been scarce. The study suggests that also other reasons than change in the organisation or in its environment may cause corporate rebranding. The empirical data from a specific contest, the B2B software industry, may limit the statistical generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

– For small business managers, the study suggests actively involving stakeholders to the process. The new name can be developed cheaply, but the process can be long. For ensuring a shorter process, costs need to be accepted.

Originality/value

– The use of interpretative narrative process research approach and an instrumental multiple case study provide methodological contributions to the field of corporate rebranding.
Brand-building and the elements of success: discoveries using historical analyses
Authors: Miller Dale
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to examine the concept of brand-building. The emphasis is on corporate brand-building and brand heritage in the firm, and the differing influences of entrepreneurial family leadership and professional transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

– The qualitative research design strategy draws on longitudinal case study research using primary archival data collection and analysis. The sample is one successful Canadian firm, and the study investigates how its brand was built in two distinct eras, the Entrepreneurial Era and the Professional Era.

Findings

– The findings identify similarities and differences across the eras. Discoveries include the identification of early brand-building activities based on brand values, which formed the basis for brand heritage, and the importance of brand orientation and brand strategy implementation in the Professional Era.

Practical implications

– The managerial implications for brand-building show that the findings can be extrapolated to twenty-first century businesses, if there is an astute understanding of the firm's context be it an entrepreneurial family firm or a large, professionally managed complex firm.

Originality/value

– The paper uses original historical qualitative research to contribute to understanding brand building. The study contributes to knowledge with a revised brand building framework and the related detailed brand elements that contribute to effective corporate branding. For researchers, the study adds to understanding of brand building and demonstrates a further example of the efficacy of using qualitative archival materials to explore branding questions.
Introducing value-based framing as a strategy for communicating CSR
Authors: Schmeltz Line
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test how framing of CSR messages, based on a value-theoretical framework, impacts consumer perception of the CSR message.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative study in the form of an online survey strongly inspired by classical experimental design.

Findings

– Findings demonstrate that explicit communication of CSR framed as a corporate competence, and to some extent also as something personally relevant to the receivers, positively impacts evaluations of CSR messages and the companies behind them.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings indicate that CSR messages could increasingly emphasize corporate competence with a lesser focus on moral ideas and commitments, and that framing strategies can be effective in creating CSR messages that will be positively evaluated by young consumers.

Originality/value

– This study contributes by providing new insights into how value-based framing of CSR messages can increase credibility and relevance and thus help facilitate the complicated task of communicating CSR by way of suggesting a new CSR communication strategy framework.
CSR: the co-evolution of grocery multiples in the UK (2005-2010)
Authors: Khan Nadeem , Korac Kakabadse Nada
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate if CSR is balanced between firm and wider society interests.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative interpretive hermeneutic approach is used to analyse a variety of publically published secondary sources on the CSR of Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Co-operative in the UK grocery multiple sector (2005-2010).

Findings

– CSR strategic outcomes currently favour the firm more than society interests. A multilayered framework in the form of Social Responsibility of the Corporation (SRC) is designed and offered in support of balancing the business-society relationship more evenly.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to firms originating from within the UK grocery multiple sector. Asda could not be included in the study as it does not publish CSR reports annually in the UK after becoming part of Walmart group.

Practical implications

– A framework for multi-level standardised definition of CSR in the form of SRC is offered. The inclusion of employees and members of the public on CSR/SRC boards is recommended to foster wider collaboration. The SRC framework promotes standardisation at global level while respecting diversity and firm heterogeneity at firm level. The findings may further contribute to GRI; UN Global Compact; WEF dialogues.

Social implications

– Recommendations are made to extend CSR board diversity for improved dialogue with communities. The SRC framework may be applied at global; national; industry and firm level. The framework can be applied internationally or locally. Future studies may offer quantitative attributes for balancing CSR/SRC.

Originality/value

– A globally unique and universally applicable framework for evaluating CSR activities is proposed. Future studies may extend the authors' framework to other industries, national environments or globally in the pursuit of balance between firm and society. Furthermore, firms may also adopt the framework to support CSR activities.
CSR adoption strategies of Chinese state oil companies: effects of global competition and cooperation
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Garcia Percy , Vredenburg Harrie
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are: to examine the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies related to environment protection by Chinese state oil companies; and to analyze the effects of global competitions and cooperation on the CSR adoption processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a content analysis of 58 corporate reports and three interviews with senior managers from Chinese-Western joint ventures, the authors analyzed the environmentally-related CSR adoption strategies and the effects of global competition and cooperation in Chinese state oil companies.

Findings

– The findings suggest that more cooperative CSR strategies related to environment protection have been adopted by Chinese state oil companies in the past decade. The main reasons are: the force of international and local environmental regulations; the pressures from partners of western oil companies and the desire to increase the global competitive advantage of the Chinese state oil companies.

Research limitations/implications

– Given that this study is based only on the analysis of corporate reports and three interviews, the authors' conclusions should be considered preliminary and inconclusive. Future studies should be done to collect more primary data by interviewing and surveying by questionnaire a significant number of managers from these companies to validate these conclusions.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights the adoption of CSR strategies by three Chinese state oil companies and the effects of global operations which have been little studied academically so far.
Psychometric properties and factor structure of the Italian version of the “Aston Team Performance Inventory”
Authors: Callea Antonino , Urbini Flavio , Benevene Paula , Cortini Michela , Di Lemma Lisa , West Michael
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to present the Italian version of the Aston Team Performance Inventory (the ATPI), to assess its psychometric properties and whether its factor structure reflects the input-process-output (I-P-O) model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The ATPI was administered to 702 Italian employees working in teams, recruited from the National Health Service (50.3 percent) and from public and private organizations (49.7 percent). To assess the psychometric properties of the ATPI's items, evaluation of discriminating power was performed. In addition to the reliability analyses, a confirmatory factor analysis of the full I-P-O model was also conducted.

Findings

– Significant results of the Italian version of the ATPI arise from the psychometric properties, dimensions and factor structure. Results align with the English version of the inventory.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample was limited and was not selected randomly. Future research should, therefore, expand the sample size and involve several types of Italian organizations. Considering these significant results, future research should validate the Italian version of the ATPI.

Originality/value

– To the authors' knowledge, the Italian literature is missing instruments for the assessment of team performance in organizations. Consequently, the present study provides evidence of the value of the Italian version of the ATPI.
Incubator successes
Authors: Mubarak AL-Mubaraki Hanadi , Busler Michael
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, discuss and analyse the successful adoption of incubators worldwide; and second, the lessons learned from successful incubators towards the twenty-first century.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research methodologies adopted in this study are a mixed-methods approach: quantitative (survey) and qualitative (five international case studies).

Findings

– Incubators contribute to the international economy and play a vital role not only in the economic recovery but also in smart growth and economic development. These findings will assist incubator managers, policy makers and government parties in successful implementation of incubator policies.

Research limitations/implications

– This research focuses on specific lessons. More in-depth research may find additional positive traits.

Practical implications

– This research will be of benefit to countries establishing business incubators in order to avoid mistakes and increase the likelihood of success.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the current literate on the best practices worldwide. Furthermore, it presents future perspectives for academicians and practitioners.
Analysis of the predictors of five eco-sensitive behaviours
Authors: Onel Naz , Mukherjee Avinandan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine five different types of eco-sensitive behaviours separately and understand if determinants of these behaviours vary depending on the type of action being performed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study investigates factors influencing five different eco-sensitive behaviours by empirically testing the effects of socio-economic status (SES), gender, age and environmental values. Theoretically guided hypotheses and models were formulated and tested with multiple linear regression models by employing a data set from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) 2010 General Social Survey.

Findings

– Results conclude that different types of behaviour have different predictors. While age differences only explain recycling cans and bottles, gender difference explains buying pesticide-free fruits/vegetables and avoiding environmentally harmful products. Values, on the other hand, predict all five eco-behaviours. Driving less and saving water for environmental reasons were least explained by the examined predictors.

Originality/value

– These results contribute to untangling the confusing research evidence on the effects of SES, age, gender and environmental values on different environmental behaviours and on the relationship between them by examining each behaviour separately.
Unlike fellows – a review of primate–non‐primate associations
Authors: Heymann Eckhard W. , Hsia Shin S.
Published: March 2014

Throughout many regions of the tropics, non‐primate animals – mainly birds and mammals – have been observed to follow primate groups and to exploit dropped food and flushed prey. The anecdotal nature of most of the numerous reports on these primate–non‐primate associations (PNPAs) may obscure the biological significance of such associations. We review the existing literature and test predictions concerning the influence of primate traits (body size, activity patterns, dietary strategies, habitat, group size) on the occurrence ofPNPAs. Furthermore, we examine the influence of non‐primates' dietary strategies on the occurrence ofPNPAs, and the distribution of benefits and costs. We detected a strong signal in the geographic distribution ofPNPAs, with a larger number of such associations in the Neotropics compared to Africa and Asia. Madagascar lacksPNPAs altogether. Primate body size, activity patterns, habitat and dietary strategies as well as non‐primate dietary strategies affect the occurrence ofPNPAs, while primate group size did not play a role. Benefits are asymmetrically distributed and mainly accrue to non‐primates. They consist of foraging benefits through the consumption of dropped leaves and fruits and flushed prey, and anti‐predation benefits through eavesdropping on primate alarm calls and vigilance. Where quantitative information is available, it has been shown that benefits for non‐primates can be substantial. The majority ofPNPAs can thus be categorized as cases of commensalism, while mutualism is very rare. Our review provides evidence that the ecological function of primates extends beyond their manifold interactions with plants, but may remain underestimated.
Heads you win, tails you lose: measuring head circumference
Authors: Holden Kenton R
Published: March 2014

This commentary is on the original article by von der Hagen et al. on pages 732–741 of this issue.
Effects of warming on annual production and nutrient‐use efficiency of aquatic mosses in a high Arctic lake
Authors: Riis Tenna , Christoffersen Kirsten S. , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette
Published: March 2014

Primary production in Arctic and Antarctic lakes is typically dominated by benthic photosynthetic organisms. These include aquatic mosses that can be very abundant although they must be able to tolerate extreme seasonal climatic variation in irradiance and temperature. Climate change is expected to cause increased nutrient run‐off and to prolong ice and snow cover on Arctic lakes.

Despite the substantial role that aquatic mosses play in Arctic and Antarctic lakes, our study is the first of its kind to study the in situ growth and nutrient‐use efficiency of an Arctic aquatic moss, Drepanocladus trifarius, and how the net production of this species is coupled with a range of climatic factors undergoing change. Here, we verify the use of growth segments as a technique to record historic growth. We then used the method to reconstruct the growth of D. trifarius by comparing in situ measured growth with that determined from growth segments after one year's growth in a high Arctic lake. Finally, we determined nutrient‐use efficiency, resorption efficiency and resorption proficiency by measuring the tissue nutrient content in different annual growth segments.

The observed annual mean production of D. trifarius was about 2–3 mg DW shoot−1 year−1 expressed as biomass increase and 10–30 mm shoot−1 year−1 expressed as length increase, while the age of most shoots was 7–10 years. About 90% of the variation in annual net production was explained by between‐year variability in snow prolongation and net radiation in June.

The low tissue‐N (1.05%DW) and tissue‐P (0.081%DW) contents found in D. trifarius suggest that its growth in Lake Sommerfuglesø is limited by the availability of N and P during summer when the availability of light is sufficient for extensive growth of this species. P resorption was 43% in D. trifarius, whereas no N resorption was recorded, and P proficiency ranged between 0.02 and 0.04% DW, which is comparable to the concentrations measured in other plant types under P limitation, suggesting that P resorption is an advantageous trait for the existence of moss in this oligotrophic environment.

Our results suggest that predicted prolongation of snow cover and consequent decrease in net radiation in lakes will decrease annual net primary production. Our results also suggest that species able to exploit elevated nutrient contents have an advantage in more nutrient‐rich lakes in future and indicate that dominance patterns may change. We therefore foresee that climate change will have dramatic effects on the annual net production of mosses and thus whole lake primary production in Lake Sommerfuglesø and similar lake types dominated by mosses in the high Arctic.
NF‐κB Activation and Severity of Gastritis in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Children and Adults
Authors: Bontems Patrick , Aksoy Ezra , Burette Alain , Segers Valérie , Deprez Carine , Mascart Françoise , Cadranel Samy
Published: March 2014

Background

In contrast to adults, Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children is reported as milder and ulcer disease as uncommon, but unequivocal data are lacking.

Objectives

To compare the frequency of gastro‐duodenal ulcers in children and adults as well as the proportion of Helicobacter pylori infection in these patients and to study the effect of chronological age on NF‐κB activation and on severity of gastritis.

Design

Patients referred in one pediatric and one adult facility for upper GI endoscopy were included. Gastric biopsies were obtained in consecutive Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients and age‐matched negative controls for immunohistochemistry and electrophoresis mobility shift assay. Three age groups were defined: younger than 8 years, 8–17 years, and adults.

Results

Peptic ulcer disease was less frequent in children and less frequently associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. When comparing infected subjects to controls, densities of neutrophils and CD20 cells in the lamina propria increased in all age groups, CD3 cells increasing only in patients older than 8 years and CD8 cells only in adults. NF‐κB‐p65‐positive cells were also increased only in infected adults as well as NF‐κB‐binding activity. A positive correlation was found between age and densities of neutrophils and CD3, but not of CD8 or CD20 cells.

Conclusion

Peptic ulcer disease was less frequent in children and less frequently caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. The different clinical outcome of the infection in children can be the consequence of the lower mucosal immune response.
Phenological responses and a comparative phylogenetic insight of Anarsia lineatella and Grapholita molesta between distinct geographical regions within the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Damos P. , Bonsignore C. P. , Gardi F. , Avtzis D. N.
Published: March 2014

A unique logistic model for predicting population dynamics of Anarsia lineatella and Grapholita molesta was evaluated on populations sampled from Italy and Greece. Intraspecific mtDNA divergence was additionally estimated in an effort to examine whether regional differences in moth phenologies are associated with genetic divergence. A. lineatella populations displayed closer similarities on phenological responses between the two observation regions. As a result, population fluctuations in both regions could be accurately predicted based on the constructed model. However, that was not the case for G. molesta as its populations exhibited a more regional behaviour, and thus, the model was less accurate. It is notable that degree‐day accumulations above the lower temperature thresholds were recorded in Italy on month earlier than in Greece (1st March in Calabria in contrast to 1st April in Veria). That kind of observed deviations in moth phenologies could be potentially attributed to regional environmental conditions or even genetic differentiation. Despite the low number of individuals analysed, this first attempt to study the levels of intraspecific divergence between Italian and Greek moth populations revealed that both species exhibit evidence of regional‐based separation. Our study provides the first comprehensive phenological comparison between populations of A. lineatella and G. molesta from Italy and Greece. At the same time, the population genetic structure data reveal differentiation between these two regions for both species, something that should be further investigated as it could provide a possible explanation for the observed phenological differences. Moreover, DNA barcoding confirmed that G. molesta pheromone blends attracted at least two morphologically close‐related tortricid moth species. This fact probably explains the phenological variations observed for this species as well as the difficulties in defining the number of non‐overlapping flights.
Utilizing stomach content and faecal DNA analysis techniques to assess the feeding behaviour of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Authors: Taguchi T. , Miura Y. , Krueger D. , Sugiura S.
Published: March 2014

In this study, the feeding behaviour of the non‐native invasive predatory fishes largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus was studied in the Ezura River, a northern tributary of Lake Biwa, Japan. Prey composition was estimated based on visual examination of stomach contents and faecal DNA analysis to determine feeding habits of these predatory fishes. Stomach content analysis showed that native fishes (e.g. ayu Plecoglossus altivelis and gobies Rhinogobius spp.) and shrimps (e.g. Palaemon paucidens) were the major prey items for M. salmoides, while snails, larval Chironomidae and submerged macrophytes were the dominant prey items of L. macrochirus. Micropterus salmoides tended to select larger fish in the case of crucian carp Carassius spp., but smaller fishes in the case of P. altivelis and Rhinogobius spp. Faecal DNA analyses revealed prey compositions similar to those identified in predator stomach contents, and identified additional prey species not detected in stomach content inspection. This study demonstrated that both stomach content inspection and DNA‐based analysis bear several inherent shortcomings and advantages. The former method is straightforward, although identification of species can be inaccurate or impossible, whereas the latter method allows for accurate species identification, but cannot distinguish prey size or stage. Hence, integration of morphology‐based and DNA‐based methods can provide more reliable estimates of foraging habits of predatory fishes.
Financial Incentives and Salesperson Time Orientation in New Product Launch: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Beuk Frederik , Malter Alan J. , Spanjol Jelena , Cocco John
Published: March 2014

The success of a new product launch critically depends on an engaged and dedicated sales force. Salespeople who are involved in a new product launch must overcome significant uncertainty associated with the new product's performance, which can affect success expectations and, in turn, sales effort for the new product. Moreover, success expectations may drop in the first few months of the launch period, due to initial negative market feedback or general decline in sales force enthusiasm. Diminished expectations may start a vicious circle effect where lower success expectations for the new product lead to lower sales effort that, in turn, leads to lower performance, which further lowers expectations, and so on.

Based on insights from attribution‐expectancy theory, this study investigates two distinct mechanisms to counteract the potential downward spiral in success expectations and sales effort devoted to a new product. Specifically, this research examines the role of financial incentives and salespersons' long‐term orientation in creating and maintaining high new product success expectations and sales effort during a new product launch. To investigate how the effect of these factors changes over time, success expectations and sales effort are examined across two critical points in time: the start of a new product launch and at completion of the first sales cycle. To test the model empirically, the North American sales force (n = 129) of a business unit of a global firm is surveyed longitudinally during the launch of a new line of industrial products. The data are analyzed using a partial least squares model.

The results show that initial success expectations have a significant effect on sales effort later in the launch, and that this relationship is mediated by success expectations later in the launch. Success expectations and sales effort early in the launch are also shown to impact the perceived attractiveness of the financial incentives offered, but this does not translate into higher success expectations or sales effort at the end of the launch. In contrast, the long‐term orientation of salespersons is key to maintaining higher success expectations and sales effort at the end of the launch.
Dietary effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on growth, gastrointestinal morphometry and blood and liver metabolites in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Zvinorova P. I. , Lekhanya L. , Erlwanger K. , Chivandi E.
Published: March 2014

We investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) as a dietary supplement on growth performance, gastrointestinal (GIT) morphometry and liver function using weanling Sprague Dawley rats to model humans under ad libitum and restricted feeding. An MOLP‐based diet was generated by supplementing normal rat feed with the leaf powder at 20%. Four dietary regimens included normal rat feed fed at 20% of body mass (NRF: ad libitum), NRF fed at 14% of body mass (NRFR, restricted), Moringa‐supplemented feeds fed at 20% and 14% of body mass (MOF: ad libitum and MOFR: restrictedly) respectively. Thirty‐two pups were randomly assigned to the diets and fed for 5 weeks, after which they were fasted, euthanased and GIT viscera masses, lengths and histology were assessed. Blood was collected for metabolite and markers of liver function assays. Tibiae and femora lengths were used to determine linear growth. Rats fed the restricted diets had lower weekly body mass gains (p = 0.0001) than those on ad libitum feeding; however, they showed compensatory growth by 5 weeks. Terminally, the rats fed MOFR had shorter (p < 0.05) femora and tibiae than their counterparts on the other diets. Except on the caeca, diet had no effect on the absolute masses and lengths of GIT viscera. Relative to tibia length, rats on the MOF had significantly heavier stomachs and caeca and longer small and large intestines than their counterparts on NRF, but this was not supported histologically. Level of feeding and supplementation did not affect blood metabolite concentration, liver glycogen and lipid storage nor the plasma activities AST and ALP in the rats. Supplementing diets with MOLP under restricted access to feed (low calorific supply) might compromise linear growth.
Maintaining Stability by Law: Protest‐Supported Housing Demolition Litigation and Social Change in China
Authors: He Xin
Published: March 2014

Housing demolition has been one of the major sources of social conflict in contemporary China. Drawing on evidence collected in fieldwork investigations, this article examines the pressure of protest‐supported housing demolition litigation and its impacts. It finds that under the pressure of litigation, the courts have devised coping mechanisms to constrain the housing demolition authorities, and that social change angling toward more transparency and accountability has occurred. The article argues that this change is made possible as the maintenance of social stability has become not only the paramount concern of the regime, but also the performance assessment criterion for local officials and judges. The findings deepen our understanding of the causes and consequences of judicial empowerment in China and shed light on the dynamics of judicial politics in other regimes.
THEORIZING AND EXPLAINING VOLUNTARY ACCOUNTABILITY
Authors: KOOP CHRISTEL
Published: March 2014

Public organizations are not only subject to statutory obligations to give account, but they also commit themselves voluntarily to additional accountability practices. What motivates the organizations to do so? After all, such practices are costly to the organizations in a number of ways. This study argues that public organizations opt for voluntary accountability for two main reasons: they regard it as an appropriate practice and they respond to perceived legislative threats. Building on these explanations, hypotheses are formulated on the variation in the degree to which organizations voluntarily render account. These hypotheses are tested using new data on voluntary accountability of 103 independent agencies in the Netherlands. The study finds that more voluntary account is rendered by agencies which deal with more salient policy issues, by agencies which depend on public funds, and by agencies with more staff. Agencies without legal personality render less voluntary account.
Biopsy‐Proven Spontaneous Regression of a Rhabdomyomatous Mesenchymal Hamartoma
Authors: Mazza Joni M. , Linnell Erica , Votava Henry J. , Wisoff Jeffrey H. , Silverberg Nanette B.
Published: March 2014

Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma (RMH) is a rare, benign, congenital tumor of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue comprised of skeletal muscle and adipose and adnexal elements. Although the majority of cases are an incidental finding in otherwise healthy patients, some have been reported in association with other anomalies. We present a full‐term boy evaluated on day 2 of life for two lesions located on the midline of the lower back and right buttock that each appeared clinically as an atrophic, pink plaque. Ultrasound of the midline lesion revealed an underlying lipomyelomeningocele with a tethered cord in the spinal canal. Histopathology of the right buttock cutaneous lesion was consistent with a diagnosis of RMH. Surgical excision was performed on the midline intradural lipoma and the lesion on the buttock was monitored clinically. Repeat biopsy of this site at 1 year of age revealed complete spontaneous regression. This case highlights three interesting features: the association with an occult spinal dysraphism lipomyelomeningocele and tethered cord, the clinical presentation of an atrophic plaque as opposed to the more commonly reported raised lesions, and the phenomenon of spontaneous regression of the lesion. Most importantly, this final feature of regression in our patient suggests that, in the absence of symptoms, clinical observation of RMH lesions is warranted for spontaneous regression for 1 to 2 years provided that no functional deficit is noted and that the cutaneous or deeper lesions are not causing a medical problem.
Effects of clonal fragmentation on intraspecific competition of a stoloniferous floating plant
Authors: Wang P. , Xu Y.‐S. , Dong B.‐C. , Xue W. , Yu F.‐H.
Published: March 2014

Disturbance is common and can fragment clones of plants. Clonal fragmentation may affect the density and growth of ramets so that it could alter intraspecific competition. To test this hypothesis, we grew one (low density), five (medium density) or nine (high density) parent ramets of the floating invasive plant Pistia stratiotes in buckets, and newly produced offspring ramets were either severed (with fragmentation) or remained connected to parent ramets (no fragmentation). Increasing density reduced biomass of the whole clone (i.e. parent ramet plus its offspring ramets), showing intense intraspecific competition. Fragmentation decreased biomass of offspring ramets, but increased biomass of parent ramets and the whole clone, suggesting significant resource translocation from parent to offspring ramets when clones were not fragmented. There was no interaction effect of density x fragmentation on biomass of the whole clone, and fragmentation did not affect competition intensity index. We conclude that clonal fragmentation does not alter intraspecific competition between clones of P. stratiotes, but increases biomass production of the whole clone. Thus, fragmentation may contribute to its interspecific competitive ability and invasiveness, and intentional fragmentation should not be recommended as a measure to stop the rapid growth of this invasive species.
Phenology, irradiance and temperature characteristics of a freshwater red alga, Nemalionopsis tortuosa (Thoreales), from Kagoshima, southern Japan
Authors: Fujimoto Midori , Nitta Koji , Nishihara Gregory N. , Terada Ryuta
Published: March 2014

Phenology, irradiance and temperature characteristics of a freshwater benthic red alga, Nemalionopsis tortuosa Yoneda et Yagi (Thoreales), were examined from Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan for the conservation of this endemic and endangered species. Field surveys confirmed that algae occurred in shaded habitats from winter to early summer, and disappeared during August through November. A net photosynthesis–irradiance (P–E) model revealed that net photosynthetic rate quickly increased and saturated at low irradiances, where the saturating irradiance (Ek) and compensation irradiance (Ec) were 10 (8–12, 95% credible interval (CRI)) and 8 (6–10, 95% CRI) μmol photon m−2 s−1, respectively. Gross photosynthesis and dark respiration was determined over a range of temperatures (8–36°C) by dissolved oxygen measurements, and revealed that the maximum gross photosynthetic rate was highest at 29.5 (27.4–32.0, 95%CRI) °C. Dark respiration also increased linearly when temperature increased from 8°C to 36°C, indicating that the increase in dark respiration at higher temperature most likely caused decreases in net photosynthesis. The maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) that was determined using a pulse amplitude modulated‐chlorophyll fluorometer (Imaging‐PAM) was estimated to be 0.51 (0.50–0.52, 95%CRI) and occurred at an optimal temperature of 21.7 (20.1–23.4, 95%CRI) °C. This species can be considered well‐adapted to the relatively low natural irradiance and temperature conditions of the shaded habitat examined in this study. Our findings can be applied to aid in the creation of a nature‐reserve to protect this species.
Prolonged marital stress is associated with short‐lived responses to positive stimuli
Authors: Lapate Regina C. , van Reekum Carien M. , Schaefer Stacey M. , Greischar Lawrence L. , Norris Catherine J. , Bachhuber David R.W. , Ryff Carol D. , Davidson Richard J.
Published: March 2014

Marital stress is associated with a higher incidence of psychiatric disorders, in particular major depression. One pathway through which marital stress may impact emotional health is by compromising emotion‐responding processes. We examined a longitudinal sample of adults (N = 116; 59 males; 39–84 years) to verify how marital stress predicts reactivity to, and recovery from, emotional provocation. Individuals watched positive, neutral, and negative pictures while an objective measure of affective state, corrugator supercilii muscle activity, was recorded continuously. Our results indicate that marital stress is associated with short‐lived responses to positive pictures, indexed by a less persistent decrease in corrugator activity after picture offset. Extending beyond the prior focus on negative emotional processes, these results suggest that social stress may impact health by influencing the time course of responding to positive events.
Predicting weaning and extubation outcomes in long‐term mechanically ventilated patients using the modified Burns Wean Assessment Program scores
Authors: Jiang Jung‐Rern , Yen Shiao‐Yu , Chien Jung‐Yien , Liu Hsiao‐Chien , Wu Yi‐Ling , Chen Ching‐Hui
Published: March 2014

Background and objective

A number of clinical factors play pivotal roles in weaning and successful extubation of patients requiring long‐term mechanical ventilator (LTMV) support. Many patients fail extubation even after passing weaning protocols and spontaneous breathing trials. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using a modified Burns Wean Assessment Program (m‐BWAP) scoring instrument to predict extubation outcome in patients requiring LTMV.

Methods

All patients with a diagnostic coding for respiratory failure requiring LTMV for longer than 21 days over a 5‐year period in a single centre (total 527 patients) were included. Advanced practice nurses trained in the use of the m‐BWAP scored the items according to standard definitions. All patients were weaned by pressure support weaning and spontaneous breathing trails. Patients were divided into successful and unsuccessful groups according to the weaning and extubation outcomes. Baseline data, traditional weaning parameters and m‐BWAP of the groups were analysed. The sensitivity and specificity of m‐BWAP for predicting successful extubation were calculated.

Results

Of the 527 patients included, 145 (27.5%) had successful weaning trials. Of the 130 patients extubated, 102 (78.5%) had successful extubation. The m‐BWAP score was higher in the patients with successful weaning trials and successful extubation outcome. Using a cut‐off value of 60, the sensitivity and specificity of the m‐BWAP to predict successful extubation were 81.4% and 82.1%, respectively. This was better than traditional weaning parameters.

Conclusions

The m‐BWAP is a good predictor for weaning and extubation outcome in patients requiring LTMV for longer than 21 days.
Measurement of oxygen concentration delivered via nasal cannulae by tracheal sampling
Authors: O'Reilly Nugent Andrew , Kelly Paul T. , Stanton Josh , Swanney Maureen P. , Graham Bruce , Beckert Lutz
Published: March 2014

Background and objective

Oxygen is used in many clinical scenarios, however the variable performance of nasal cannulae makes determining the precise fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) difficult. We developed a novel method for measurement of the tracheal FiO2 using a catheter placed via bronchoscopy. We investigate the effects of oxygen delivery, respiratory rate, mouth position and estimated minute ventilation (VE) on the FiO2 delivered by nasal cannulae.

Methods

The catheter was placed in 20 subjects. Tracheal gas concentrations were analysed during six 5‐min treatments controlling for oxygen delivery rate, respiratory rate and mouth position. Ventilation was monitored with respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP). The FiO2 delivered by nasal cannulae was compared between treatments, and we investigated the relationships among the FiO2, alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (PAO2) and VE.

Results

The FiO2 increased by 0.038/L/min of oxygen. Respiratory rate had a significant effect on the FiO2. A normal respiratory rate of 15 breaths/min and oxygen supplementation via nasal cannula at 2 L/min resulted in an FiO2 of 0.296; however, FiO2 decreased by 0.012 at 20 breaths/min and 0.004 at 10 breaths/min. The mean FiO2 decreased by 0.024 with the mouth open. The FiO2 and PAO2 were observed to decrease with increasing VE.

Conclusions

Continuous measurement of the FiO2 using a transtracheal catheter provides detailed insight into inspiratory changes of the FiO2 delivered by nasal cannulae. Our study confirms that respiratory rate, VE and mouth position significantly influence the inspired oxygen concentration. These parameters should be accounted for when prescribing oxygen.
Diagnostic utility of VEGF mRNA and SP1 mRNA expression in bronchial cells of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Cha Na , Lv Ming , Zhao Yu‐Jie , Yang Di , Wang En‐Hua , Wu Guang‐Ping
Published: March 2014

Background and objective

Bronchial brushing is important for cytological diagnosis of lung carcinoma; however, cytological evaluation alone remains relatively insensitive. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and specificity protein 1 (SP1) mRNA in bronchial brushings in patients with or without lung cancer.

Methods

VEGF mRNA and SP1 mRNA were measured in liquid‐based cells from bronchial brushings in patients with verified lung cancer (n = 93) and with benign lung disease that included tuberculosis (n = 51). This was done using the reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Both VEGF mRNA and SP1 mRNA were significantly more likely to be expressed in the cancer group than in the control (benign) group, whatever their cell type. It was also more often found in the tuberculosis group than in the inflammation group (P < 0.01). In the cancer group, VEGF mRNA was significantly correlated with SP1 mRNA (P < 0.01). Of the 36 false negative cytology results, 30 gave positive results for VEGF mRNA and 34 for SP1 mRNA. The four false positive VEGF results were all diagnosed as tuberculosis. VEGF mRNA gave the highest diagnostic performance with serial use: sensitivity 89.2% and accuracy 90.3%. This was significantly better than cytology (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Detection of VEGF mRNA and SP1 mRNA in bronchial brushing cells may be used as an ancillary tool to cytological diagnosis for detection of early‐stage lung cancer. It may also help distinguish tuberculosis from other causes of lung inflammation.
Spectroscopic study on appearances of make‐up skins using a visible RGB‐LED OCT
Authors: Tsugita Tetsuya , Kimura Ryouta , Iwai Toshiaki
Published: March 2014

Background/purpose

Facial foundation is very effective to correct color irregularities of the skin surface and to protect the skin from harmful light. This depends strongly on both the optical properties and the coating condition of foundation on the skin surface.

Methods

We constructed the full‐field optical coherence tomography (OCT) (FF‐OCT) microscope with visible light sources of RGB LEDs. The commercially available skin replicas were used as the model of skin in the experiment, which were composed of two layers, a thin polyurethane film transcribed from cheek surface of a female and a beige‐colored silicone substrate. The foundations were applied to the skin replicas under the constant pressure.

Results

A topographic image provides spectroscopic information of reflected light and effectiveness of correction of surface irregularities by applying the foundation. A tomographic image demonstrates the spectroscopic degree of light penetration into the skin tissue. It is shown that the reflectivity increases consistently with thickness of the applied foundation because light reflected from the surface and diffusively reflected from the inside of the tissue increases as the surface becomes flat applying the foundation.

Conclusion

We confirmed experimentally the potential of the spectroscopic FF‐OCT microscopy in investigating both qualitatively and quantitatively the effectiveness of facial foundation.
Inpatient child mortality by travel time to hospital in a rural area of Tanzania
Authors: Manongi Rachel , Mtei Frank , Mtove George , Nadjm Behzad , Muro Florida , Alegana Victor , Noor Abdisalan M. , Todd Jim , Reyburn Hugh
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate the association, if any, between child mortality and distance to the nearest hospital.

Methods

The study was based on data from a 1‐year study of the cause of illness in febrile paediatric admissions to a district hospital in north‐east Tanzania. All villages in the catchment population were geolocated, and travel times were estimated from availability of local transport. Using bands of travel time to hospital, we compared admission rates, inpatient case fatality rates and child mortality rates in the catchment population using inpatient deaths as the numerator.

Results

Three thousand hundred and eleven children under the age of 5 years were included of whom 4.6% died; 2307 were admitted from <3 h away of whom 3.4% died and 804 were admitted from ≥3 h away of whom 8.0% died. The admission rate declined from 125/1000 catchment population at <3 h away to 25/1000 at ≥3 h away, and the corresponding hospital deaths/catchment population were 4.3/1000 and 2.0/1000, respectively. Children admitted from more than 3 h away were more likely to be male, had a longer pre‐admission duration of illness and a shorter time between admission and death. Assuming uniform mortality in the catchment population, the predicted number of deaths not benefiting from hospital admission prior to death increased by 21.4% per hour of travel time to hospital. If the same admission and death rates that were found at <3 h from the hospital applied to the whole catchment population and if hospital care conferred a 30% survival benefit compared to home care, then 10.3% of childhood deaths due to febrile illness in the catchment population would have been averted.

Conclusions

The mortality impact of poor access to hospital care in areas of high paediatric mortality is likely to be substantial although uncertainty over the mortality benefit of inpatient care is the largest constraint in making an accurate estimate.
High‐performance thin layer chromatography to assess pharmaceutical product quality
Authors: Kaale Eliangiringa , Manyanga Vicky , Makori Narsis , Jenkins David , Michael Hope Samuel , Layloff Thomas
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess the sustainability, robustness and economic advantages of high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for quality control of pharmaceutical products.

Method

We compared three laboratories where three lots of cotrimoxazole tablets were assessed using different techniques for quantifying the active ingredient.

Result

The average assay relative standard deviation for the three lots was 1.2 with a range of 0.65–2.0.

Conclusion

High‐performance thin layer chromatography assessments are yielding valid results suitable for assessing product quality. The local pharmaceutical manufacturer had evolved the capacity to produce very high quality products.