bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritive value of maize silage in relation to dairy cow performance and milk quality
Authors: Khan Nazir A , Yu Peiqiang , Ali Mubarak , Cone John W , Hendriks Wouter H 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMaize silage has become the major forage component in the ration of dairy cows over the last few decades. This review provides information on the mean content and variability in chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and ensiling quality of maize silages, and discusses the major factors which cause these variations. In addition, the effect of the broad range in chemical composition of maize silages on the total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients, milk production and milk composition of dairy cows is quantified and discussed. Finally, the optimum inclusion level of maize silage in the ration of dairy cows for milk production and composition is reviewed. The data showed that the nutritive value of maize silages is highly variable and that most of this variation is caused by large differences in maturity at harvest. Maize silages ensiled at a very early stage (dry matter (DM) < 250 g kg−1) were particularly low in starch content and starch/neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ratio, and resulted in a lowerDMintake (DMI), milk yield and milk protein content. TheDMI, milk yield and milk protein content increased with advancing maturity, reaching an optimum level for maize silages ensiled atDMcontents of 300–350 g kg−1, and then declined slightly at further maturity beyond 350 g kg−1. The increases in milk (R2= 0.599) and protein (R2= 0.605) yields with maturity of maize silages were positively related to the increase in starch/NDF ratio of the maize silages. On average, the inclusion of maize silage in grass silage‐based diets improved the forage DMI by 2 kg d−1, milk yield by 1.9 kg d−1and milk protein content by 1.2 g kg−1. Further comparisons showed that, in terms of milk and milk constituent yields, the optimum grass/maize silage ratio depends on the quality of both the grass and maize silages. Replacement of grass silage with maize silage in the ration, as well as an increasing maturity of the maize silages, altered the milk FA profile of the dairy cows, notably, the concentration of thecis‐unsaturated FAs, C18:3n‐3 and n‐3/n‐6 ratio decreased in milk fat. Despite variation in nutritive value, maize silage is rich in metabolizable energy and supports higher DMI and milk yield. Harvesting maize silages at a DM content between 300 and 350 g kg−1and feeding in combination with grass silage results in a higher milk yield of dairy cows. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of the Rate Constant of the Reaction of CCl2 with HCl
Authors: GÓMEZ NICOLÁS D. , D'ACCURSO VIOLETA , MANZANO FRANCISCO A. , CODNIA JORGE , AZCÁRATE M. LAURA 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe rate constant of the reaction between CCl2 radicals and HCl was experimentally determined. The CCl2 radicals were obtained by infrared multiphoton dissociation of CDCl3. The time dependence of the CCl2 radicals' concentration in the presence of HCl was determined by laser‐induced fluorescence. The experimental conditions allowed us to associate the decrease in the concentration of radicals to the self‐recombination reaction to form C2Cl4 and to the reaction with HCl to form CHCl3. The rate constant for the self‐recombination reaction was determined to be in the high‐pressure regime. The value obtained at 300 K was (5.7 ± 0.1) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, whereas the value of the rate constant measured for the reaction with HCl was (2.7 ± 0.1) × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1.
A NIPAM–Zwitterion Copolymer: Rheological Interpretation of the Specific Ion Effect on the LCST
Authors: Obiweluozor Francis O. , GhavamiNejad Amin , Hashmi Saud , Vatankhah‐Varnoosfaderani Mohammad , Stadler Florian J. 
Published: April 2014

The effect of various cations and anions on the ability to shield the electrostatic interaction between charged copolymers containing a non‐ionic moiety (N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)) is explored. The Hofmeister series, first noted in 1888, ranks the relative influence of ions on the physical behavior of a wide variety of aqueous processes ranging from colloidal assembly to protein folding. The viscoelastic behavior of a poly(NIPAM‐co‐Zw10%) solution as a function of ionic strength in the presence of different ions is rheologically investigated. The obtained copolymer exhibits a thermoresponsive behavior, with tunable lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ranging from 28 to 33 °C. The viscosity change specifically demonstrates the effectiveness of the low‐molecular‐weight ions in weakening the inter‐/intramolecular electrostatic crosslinks among the sulfobetaine chain and in enhancing the hydration of the macromolecule. The effectiveness of the anions follows the Hofmeister series while that of the cations follows the reversed Hofmeister series, as demonstrated by Collins' concept of “matching water affinity,” due to presence of a sulfobetaine group in the chains.
image
Redefining Confidence for Consumer Behavior Research
Authors: Simintiras Antonis C. , Yeniaras Volkan , Oney Emrah , Bahia Tajinder K. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTAlthough quintessential to market exchange and trade, consumer confidence evokes little interest from marketing scholars, and largely persists as an untapped dimension in consumer behavior research. Nevertheless, the dearth of confidence research provides a most useful foundation for investigating how it is both relevant and informative to the study of consumer decision making and behavior. Following a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations of confidence, an integrated conceptualization is mapped out, and examples of consumer behavior research areas deemed to benefit from a more honed study of confidence are highlighted.
Redox‐Switchable Supramolecular Graft Polymer Formation via Ferrocene–Cyclodextrin Assembly
Authors: Szillat Florian , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. , Hubert Artur , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Ritter Helmut 
Published: April 2014

The redox switchable formation of very well‐defined supramolecular graft polymers in aqueous solution driven by host–guest interactions between ferrocene (Fc) and cyclodextrin (CD) is presented. The Fc‐containing acrylic backbone copolymer (PDMA‐stat‐Fc) is prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of N,N‐dimethyl­acrylamide (DMA) and the novel monomer N‐(ferrocenoylmethyl)acrylamide (NFMA). Via the RAFT process, copolymers containing variable Fc ratios (5‐10 mol%) are prepared, affording polymers of molecular masses of close to 11 000 g mol−1 and molar mass dispersities (Đ) of 1.2. The β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) containing building block is synthesized via RAFT‐polymerization, too, in order to afford a polymer with well‐defined molecular mass and low dispersity ( = 10 300 g mol−1, Đ = 1.1), employing a propargyl‐functionalized chain transfer agent for the polymerization of N,N‐diethylacrylamide (DEA). The polymerization product is subsequently terminated with β‐CD via the regiospecific copper (I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐cycloaddition (PDEA‐βCD). Host–guest interactions between Fc and CD lead to the formation of supramolecular graft‐polymers, verified via nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY). Importantly, their redox‐responsive character is clearly confirmed via cyclic voltammetry (CV). The self‐assembly of the statistical Fc‐containing lateral polymer chain in aqueous solution leads to mono‐ and multi‐core micelle‐aggregates evidenced via TEM. Only diffused cloud‐like, non‐spherical nanostructures are observed after addition of PDEA‐βCD (TEM).
image
The neurobiological basis of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Halliday Glenda M. , Leverenz James B. , Schneider Jay S. , Adler Charles H. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe recent formalization of clinical criteria for Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) codifies many studies on this topic, including those assessing biological correlates. These studies show that the emergence of PDD occurs on the background of severe dopamine deficits with, the main pathological drivers of cognitive decline being a synergistic effect between alpha‐synuclein and Alzheimer's disease pathology. The presence of these pathologies correlates with a marked loss of limbic and cortically projecting dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and acetylcholine neurons, although the exact timing of these relationships remains to be determined. Genetic factors, such as triplications in the α‐synuclein gene, lead to a clear increased risk of PDD, whereas others, such as parkin mutations, are associated with a reduced risk of PDD. The very recent formalization of clinical criteria for PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI) allows only speculation on its biological and genetic bases. Critical assessment of animal models shows that chronic low‐dose MPTP treatment in primates recapitulates PD‐MCI over time, enhancing the current biological concept of PD‐MCI as having enhanced dopamine deficiency in frontostriatal pathways as well as involvement of other neurotransmitter systems. Data from other animal models support multiple transmitter involvement in cognitive impairment in PD. Whereas dopamine dysfunction has been highlighted because of its obvious role in PD, the role of the other neurotransmitter systems, neurodegenerative pathologies, and genetic factors in PD‐MCI remains to be fully elucidated. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) signaling during ovulation in mice
Authors: Siddappa Dayananda , Kalaiselvanraja Anitha , Bordignon Vilceu , Dupuis Lisa , Gasperin Bernardo G. , Roux Philippe P. , Duggavathi Raj 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYA complex network of endocrine/paracrine signals regulates granulosa‐cell function in ovarian follicles. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) has recently emerged as a master intracellular integrator of extracellular signals and nutrient availability. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the expression pattern and kinase activity of MTOR during follicular and corpus luteum development, and to examine how inhibition of MTOR kinase activity affects preovulatory maturation of ovarian follicles. MTOR expression was constitutive throughout follicular and corpus luteum development. Gonadotropins induced MTOR kinase activity in the ovary, which was inhibited by rapamycin treatment (10 µg/g body weight, intraperitoneal injection). Inhibition of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)‐induced MTOR activity during preovulatory follicle maturation did not change key events of ovulation. Granulosa cells of rapamycin‐treated mice showed reduced MTOR kinase activity at 1 and 4 hr post‐hCG and overexpression of hCG‐induced ovulation genes at 4 hr post‐hCG. Overexpression of these ovulatory genes was associated with hyper‐activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), which occurred in response to inhibition of MTOR with rapamycin and suggested that MTOR may function as a negative regulator of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Indeed, simultaneous inhibition of MTOR and ERK1/2 activities during preovulatory follicle maturation caused anovulation. Inhibition of hCG‐induced ERK1/2 activity alone suppressed MTOR kinase activity, indicating that MAPK pathway is upstream of MTOR. Thus, normal ovulation appears to be a result of complex interactions between MTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in granulosa cells of ovulating follicles in mice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 655–665, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrological Effects on Relationships Between δ15N of River Nitrate and Land Use in a Rural River Basin, Western Japan
Authors: Ide J. , Somura H. , Nakamura T. , Mori Y. , Takeda I. , Nishida K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to examine how the relationship between δ15N of nitrate (δ15NNO3) in rivers and land use within a river basin changes with varying hydrological conditions. This information would aid in identifying the dominant source contributing to increased nitrate concentrations in rural rivers. For this, δ15NNO3 in river water was investigated monthly in the five subbasins of the Hii River basin (area: 911 km2), western Japan, for 1 year and 3 months. There were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between δ15NNO3 and the land‐use ratio (i.e. ratios of forested, agricultural and residential areas in a subbasin) for the majority of the observation days, indicating that δ15NNO3 reflected land use within the basin. δ15NNO3 ranged from +1.4‰ to +8.5‰ and was lower in a subbasin with a higher forested area ratio. We found that the absolute value of the regression slope of the relationship between δ15NNO3 and the land‐use ratio decreased with increasing river discharge. This finding demonstrates that differences in δ15NNO3 among subbasins with different land‐use compositions became smaller under higher flow conditions. Because δ15NNO3 decreased with increasing river discharge, the small absolute value of the regression slope under high flow conditions indicates that forested areas could be the dominant source of river nitrate during high flows in all subbasins investigated regardless of land‐use composition. The results suggest that forested areas make a large contribution to the increase in nitrate concentration in downstream rivers during high flows, because the nitrate concentration increased with increasing river discharge. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current Experience with Computed Tomographic Cystography and Blunt Trauma
Authors: Deck Andrew J. , Shaves Sarah , Talner Lee , Porter James R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe present our experience with computed tomographic (CT) cystography for the diagnosis of bladder rupture in patients with blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma and compare the results of CT cystography to operative exploration. We identified all blunt trauma patients diagnosed with bladder rupture from January 1992 to September 1998. We also reviewed the radiology computerized information system (RIS) for all CT cystograms performed for the evaluation of blunt trauma during the same time period. The medical records and pertinent radiographs of the patients with bladder rupture who underwent CT cystography as part of their admission evaluation were reviewed. Operative findings were compared to radiographic findings. Altogether, 316 patients had CT cystograms as part of an initial evaluation for blunt trauma. Of these patients, 44
had an ultimate diagnosis of bladder rupture; 42 patients had CT cystograms indicating bladder rupture. A total of 28 patients underwent formal bladder exploration; 23 (82%) had operative findings that exactly (i.e., presence and type of rupture) matched the CT cystogram interpretation. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CT cystography for detection of bladder rupture were 95% and 100%, respectively. For intraperitoneal rupture,
the sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 99%, respectively. CT cystography provides an expedient evaluation for bladder rupture caused by blunt trauma and has an accuracy comparable to that reported for plain film cystography. We recommend CT cystography over plain film cystography for patients undergoing CT evaluation for other blunt trauma‐related injuries.
Immunoguided Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Cancer: A New Challenge?
Authors: Schneebaum Schlomo , Troitsa Anton , Haddad Riad , Avital Shmuel , Kashtan Hanoch , Baratz Mimi , Brazovsky Eli , Papo Joseph , Skornick Yehuda 
Published: April 2014

AbstractKnowledge of lymphatic involvement in patients with colorectal cancer is important in surgery and in the postoperative decision‐making process. Fifty‐eight patients with recurrent colorectal cancer underwent operation with the RIGS® (Radioimmunoguided Surgery) technology. Preoperatively, patients were injected with 1 mg monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CC49 (anti‐TAG‐72‐tumor‐associated glycoprotein) labeled with 2 mCi of iodine 125. Traditional surgical exploration was followed by survey with a gamma‐detecting probe. Localization of MoAb on tumor was noted in 54/58 patients (93%). Traditional exploration identified 117 suspected tumor sites. With RIGS, 177 suspected tumor sites were detected. In 17 of the 58 patients (27.5%), at least one occult tumor site identified by RIGS was confirmed by pathology with hematoxylin & eosin (H & E) staining. This finding resulted in 16 major changes in surgical plan. RIGS performance varied between lymphatic and non‐lymphatic tissue, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95.6% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90% in non‐lymphoid tissue compared to PPV of 40% and NPV of 100% in lymphoid tissue. In patients with tumors that localize, no RIGS activity in lymph nodes signifies no tumor, while decisions based on RIGS activity in lymph nodes requires H & E confirmation. Using this guideline, additional information acquired by RIGS can help the surgeon in making an informed decision during surgery and in planning postoperative therapy.
Operative Technique on Nearly Total Gastrectomy Reconstructed by Interposition of a Jejunal J pouch with Preservation of Vagal Nerve, Lower Esophageal Sphincter, and Pyloric Sphincter for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tomita Ryouichi , Fujisaki Shigeru , Tanjoh Katsuhisa , Fukuzawa Masahiro 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNearly total gastrectomy preserving the vagal nerve, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the pyloric sphincter was developed as a function‐preserving surgical technique to improve postgastrectomy disorders. In this paper, application criteria and technique are outlined, and postoperative quality of life was clinically investigated. Ten subjects who underwent this surgical operation (group A: 7 male and 3 female subjects at age 48 to 68 years with a mean age of 58.3 years) were interviewed to inquire about reflux esophagitis, dumping syndrome, and microgastria. Group A was compared with 20 cases of conventional total gastrectomy with D2
lymphadenectomy, excision of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES),
total vagotomy, and single jejunal interposition (group B: 16 male and
4 female subjects at age 48 to 72 years with a mean age of 63.9 years).
Included were cases with early cancer (M or SM1 of N0) localizing at the middle third and lower stomach, which was not applicable to endoscopic excision of gastric mucosa or partial gastric excision in M cancer, 2 cm or farther from the margin of the cancer to the esophagogastric mucosa cephalad junction and 3.5 cm or farther from the margin of the cancer to the pyloric caudad sphincter; in SM1 cancer, 4
cm or farther from the oral‐side margin of the cancer to esophagogastric mucosa junction and 5.5 cm or farther from the anal‐side margin of the cancer to the pyloric sphincter. In excision with lymph nodes, hepatic and celiac branches bifurcating from anterior and posterior trunks of the vagal nerve were preserved. To preserve LES, the esophagus was severed at the His angle at right angle to the longitudinal axis of the esophagus. The antrum was severed at 1.5 cm from the pyloric sphincter, preserving the arteria supraduodenalis. An alternative gaster was created as a 15‐cm jejunal pouch with a 5‐cm jejunal conduit for orthodromic peristaltic movement, using an automatic suture instrument to complete side‐to‐side anastomosis of folded jejunum with 1‐ to 1.5‐cm long upper end of the pouch not anastomosed. The abdominal esophagus was mechanically anastomosed with a jejunal J pouch, and anastomosis of the pyloric antrum with a jejunal conduit was manually completed by stratum anastomosis. In group A, food ingestion per time could be taken the same as that of a healthy person,
with no reflux esophagitis and dumping syndrome being noticed. Reflux esophagitis developed more significantly in group B than in group A
(p < 0.05). In food ingestion per time, group B was significantly delayed compared with group A (p <
0.05). The present results suggested that the surgical technique proposed is a function‐preserving gastric surgery appropriate to prevent postgastrectomy disorder of subjects.
Laparoscopic Evaluation and Management of Nonpalpable Testis in Children
Authors: Lotan Gad , Klin Baruch , Efrati Yigal , Bistritzer Tzvi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe evaluated the outcome of children with nonpalpable testis managed and treated laparoscopically in our department over a 6‐year period. One hundred nine boys aged 12 months to 14 years were included in the study; most were between the ages of
12 months and 18 months. Diagnostic laparoscopy and eventual orchiectomy were performed in 50 patients (45.8%) with atrophic testicles. A normal sized intraabdominal testicle was found in 59
patients (54.1%). Seven of the intra‐abdominal testicles were bilateral (6.4%), and 12 were located in the vicinity of the inguinal ring (11%). All patients underwent both the first and second stages of the Fowler‐Stephens procedure, except for those whose testicles were located in the vicinity of the internal inguinal ring. They underwent an immediate one‐stage laparoscopic‐assisted orchiopexy without difficulty. Only two patients had atrophic testicles observed in the scrotal area after the complete Fowler‐Stephens procedure (3.4%). The good results reported in most series establish the laparoscopic management of the nonpalpable testis as "state of the art," with results superior to those obtained with the open technique regarding morbidity, complication rate, and length of hospital stay.
Colon Interposition Graft for Corrosive Esophageal Stricture: Midterm Functional Outcome
Authors: Ezemba Ndubueze , Eze John C. , Nwafor Ikechukwu A. , Etukokwu Kenneth C. , Orakwe Obinna I. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundCorrosive esophageal stricture is a major cause of morbidity among Nigerians. In most cases, this follows accidental or parasuicidal ingestion of caustic sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) often used in the local production of soaps. Various treatment modalities have been advocated for the treatment of esophageal stricture. In this study, we review the results of our adopted technique in the past 10 years for pedicled colonic interposition.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 21 patients who underwent substernal isoperistaltic pedicled colonic interposition graft for management of corrosive esophageal stricture. The right colon was pulled up into the neck in all the patients without resecting the strictured esophagus.ResultsLong segment strictures and multiple strictures were the main indications for the procedure. The mean duration of the procedure was 339.6 ± 71.1 min. The average intraoperative blood loss was 673.1 ± 398.1 mL. There were two (9.5 %) hospital mortalities. Graft infarction (9.5 %), cervical fistulae (19.0 %), and reflux neo‐esophagitis (14.3 %) were the main non‐fatal complications. In the mid‐term, dysphagia was completely relieved in a little over 84 % (16/19) of patients, while one patient (4.8 %) still experienced reflux neo‐esophagitis requiring treatment. There was no case of gross regurgitation or nocturnal aspiration in the mid‐term.ConclusionsAlthough the use of pedicled colonic interposition graft offers a good mid‐term functional outcome with relief of dysphagia, early postoperative morbidity is high. Graft infarction is the single most important factor for poor functional outcome and every effort must be made to prevent its occurrence.