bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

SummaryWe 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.
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

AbstractRhabdomyomatous 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

AbstractDisturbance 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

SummaryPhenology, 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

AbstractMarital 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

AbstractBackground and objectiveA 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.MethodsAll 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.ResultsOf 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.ConclusionsThe 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

AbstractBackground and objectiveOxygen 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsContinuous 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

AbstractBackground and objectiveBronchial 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.MethodsVEGF 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.ResultsBoth 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).ConclusionsDetection 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/purposeFacial 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionWe 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

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association, if any, between child mortality and distance to the nearest hospital.MethodsThe 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.ResultsThree 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.ConclusionsThe 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

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the sustainability, robustness and economic advantages of high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for quality control of pharmaceutical products.MethodWe compared three laboratories where three lots of cotrimoxazole tablets were assessed using different techniques for quantifying the active ingredient.ResultThe average assay relative standard deviation for the three lots was 1.2 with a range of 0.65–2.0.ConclusionHigh‐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.