bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH SECTION: Why do students think they fail? The relationship between attributions and academic self‐perceptions
Authors: Banks Margaret , Woolfson Lisa
Published: March 2008

Attributions can have a significant effect on academic achievement and students with learning difficulties are more likely to display negative attributions than their peers. In this article, the attributions of students identified as having learning difficulties are compared with those of other non‐labelled low achievers, and non‐labelled average achievers. Margaret Banks, MSc research methods student, and Dr Lisa Woolfson, Reader in Educational Psychology, both at the University of Strathclyde, involved 26 low‐achieving students (15 identified as having learning difficulties and 11 without any such label) and 27 averagely achieving students in their exploratory study. The students attempted to solve two sets of puzzles that, unknown to the participants, were actually impossible. They then gave a reason for their failure and rated the stability and controllability of their failure. Participants were also asked to give a self‐rating of academic achievement. It was found that teacher and student perceptions of academic achievement were not synonymous. In terms of attributions, Margaret Banks and Lisa Woolfson argue that teachers’ perceptions of student achievement may not be as important as students’ self concept. They suggest that low self‐perception of achievement and negative attributions are both associates of low self‐esteem.
The Intervening Role of Relational Aggression between Psychological Control and Friendship Quality
Authors: Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Goossens Luc , Duriez Bart , Niemiec Christopher P.
Published: March 2008

This study investigated the associations among psychologically controlling parenting, relational aggression, friendship quality, and loneliness during adolescence. A model was proposed in which relational aggression plays an intervening role in the relations between both parental psychological control and friendship outcomes. In a sample comprised of middle adolescents and their parents, process analyses revealed that psychological control (indexed by parent and adolescent reports) positively predicted adolescents' self‐reported relational aggression that, in turn, negatively predicted friendship quality and positively predicted loneliness. The model held for both mothers and fathers and was not moderated by adolescent gender. The discussion focuses on possible mechanisms explaining the relations among psychological control, relational aggression, and friendship outcomes.
An Approach for the Classification of Urban Building Structures Based on Discriminant Analysis Techniques
Authors: Steiniger Stefan , Lange Tilman , Burghardt Dirk , Weibel Robert
Published: March 2008

Recognition of urban structures is of interest in cartography and urban modelling. While a broad range of typologies of urban patterns have been published in the last century, relatively little research on the automated recognition of such structures exists. This work presents a sample‐based approach for the recognition of five types of urban structures: (1) inner city areas, (2) industrial and commercial areas, (3) urban areas, (4) suburban areas and (5) rural areas. The classification approach is based only on the characterisation of building geometries with morphological measures derived from perceptual principles of Gestalt psychology. Thereby, size, shape and density of buildings are evaluated. After defining the research questions we develop the classification methodology and evaluate the approach with respect to several aspects. The experiments focus on the impact of different classification algorithms, correlations and contributions of measures, parameterisation of buffer‐based indices, and mode filtering. In addition to that, we investigate the influence of scale and regional factors. The results show that the chosen approach is generally successful. It turns out that scale, algorithm parameterisation, and regional heterogeneity of building structures substantially influence the classification performance.
Defining a Digital Earth System
Authors: Grossner Karl E. , Goodchild Michael F , Clarke Keith C.
Published: March 2008

In a 1998 speech before the California Science Center in Los Angeles, then US Vice‐President Al Gore called for a global undertaking to build a multi‐faceted computing system for education and research, which he termed “Digital Earth.” The vision was that of a system providing access to what is known about the planet and its inhabitants’ activities – currently and for any time in history – via responses to queries and exploratory tools. Furthermore, it would accommodate modeling extensions for predicting future conditions. Organized efforts towards realizing that vision have diminished significantly since 2001, but progress on key requisites has been made. As the 10 year anniversary of that influential speech approaches, we re‐examine it from the perspective of a systematic software design process and find the envisioned system to be in many respects inclusive of concepts of distributed geolibraries and digital atlases. A preliminary definition for a particular digital earth system as: “a comprehensive, distributed geographic information and knowledge organization system,” is offered and discussed. We suggest that resumption of earlier design and focused research efforts can and should be undertaken, and may prove a worthwhile “Grand Challenge” for the GIScience community.
Polymorphisms of the Tumor Suppressor GeneLSAMPare Associated with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang L. , Hauser E. R. , Shah S. H. , Seo D. , Sivashanmugam P. , Exum S. T. , Gregory S. G. , Granger C. B. , Haines J. L. , Jones C. J. H. , Crossman D. , Haynes C. , Kraus W. E. , Freedman N. J. , Pericak‐Vance M. A. , Goldschmidt‐Clermont P. J. , Vance J. M.
Published: March 2008

Previous association mapping on chromosome 3q13‐21 detected evidence for association at the limbic system‐associated membrane protein (LSAMP) gene in individuals with late‐onset coronary artery disease (CAD).LSAMPhas never been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. We sought to thoroughly characterize the association and the gene. Non‐redundant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the gene were examined in an initial dataset (168 cases with late‐onset CAD, 149 controls). Stratification analysis on left main CAD (N = 102) revealed stronger association, which was further validated in a validation dataset (141 cases with left main CAD, 215 controls), a third control dataset (N = 255), and a family‐based dataset (N = 2954). A haplotype residing in a novel alternative transcript of theLSAMPgene was significant in all independent case‐control datasets (p = 0.0001 to 0.0205) and highly significant in the joint analysis (p = 0.00004). Lower expression of the novel alternative transcript was associated with the risk haplotype (p = 0.0002) and atherosclerosis burden in human aortas (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, silencingLSAMPexpression in human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) substantially augmented SMC proliferation (p<0.01). Therefore, the risk conferred by theLSAMPhaplotype appears to be mediated byLSAMPdown‐regulation, which may promote SMC proliferation in the arterial wall and progression of atherosclerosis.
Surgical Management of Congenital Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence in Eight Female Cats and a Bitch
Authors: HOLT PETER E.
Published: March 2008

Congenital urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence is a cause of urinary incontinence in female dogs and cats. In some of these animals, urethra hypoplasia is the primary diagnosis, with the urethra being almost absent in some patients. Treatment of this problem can be difficult. This paper describes two techniques for the surgical treatment of eight cats and one dog with severe urethral hypoplasia. In five animals, partial excision of the bladder neck was performed to create a longer “urethra.” In the other four, an attempt was made to conserve bladder volume while simultaneously creating a urethra with a bladder neck flap reconstruction technique. One cat was lost to follow‐up, but the clinical signs resolved in three cats and the remaining animals improved. Two cats had recurring cystitis, possibly associated with bladder neck diverticula because of uterine horn remnants terminating abnormally in the bladder. The results in this limited series suggest that reconstructive surgery in cases of severe urethral hypoplasia improves continence control.
A Comparison of Acute Pull‐Out Strength Between Two‐Way and One‐Way Transfixation Pin Insertion for External Skeletal Fixation in Canine Bone
Authors: DERNELL WILLIAM S. , HARARI JOSEPH , BLACKKETTER DONALD M.
Published: March 2008

This study tested the hypothesis that two‐way insertion of an external skeletal fixator trans‐fixation pin would weaken the pin‐bone interface. Smooth and partially threaded (end) trans‐fixation pins were placed in tibiae of 32 cadavers by slow speed drilling or hand placement through a predrilled pilot hole. In one bone of each tibial pair, pins were inserted 2 cm beyond the distal cortex and retracted to a predetermined position (two‐way). In the contralateral limb, the pins were inserted in one forward motion to the predetermined position (one‐way). The peak force (Newtons) required to extract the pins (pull‐out strength) axially at a rate of 1 mm/sec was determined by using a universal testing machine. A significant (p < .05) decrease in pull‐out strength was found in pins placed by two‐way insertion (674 +/‐ 410) as opposed to one‐way insertion (766 +/‐ 432). The results of this in vitro study suggest that one‐way insertion should be used clinically to decrease weakening of the pin‐bone interface and prevent possible failure of external fixators. A significantly greater pull‐out strength was found for threaded pins placed in the proximal diaphysis (1459 +/‐ 330 Newtons) compared to the distal metaphysis (873 +/‐ 297 Newtons).
Arthrodesis of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in Two Horses Using Three Parallel 5.5‐mm Cortical Screws
Authors: SCHNEIDER ROBERT K. , BRAMLAGE LAWRENCE R. , HARDY JOANNE
Published: March 2008

The distal interphalangeal joint was successfully arthrodesed in two horses using three parallel 5.5‐mm cortical screws and an autogenous cancellous bone graft. The screws were directed from the palmar proximal border of the second phalanx dorso‐distally across the joint space and into the third phalanx. The technique was first developed on a normal horse. The second horse, a clinical case, ruptured its deep digital flexor tendon with complete luxation of the distal interphalangeal joint. Bony fusion of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred in both horses, but both also had residual lameness at a walk. Twenty‐one months after the arthrodesis procedure, the clinical patient died from complications related to a subsolar abscess in the operated limb.
Analgesia After Lateral Thoracotomy in Dogs Epidural Morphine Vs. Intercostal Bupivacaine
Authors: PASCOE P. J. , DYSON D. H.
Published: March 2008

One of two analgesic treatments was randomly assigned to 40 dogs undergoing lateral thoracotomy. Group E (20 dogs) received an epidural injection of morphine (0.1 mg/kg) before surgery. Group I (20 dogs) received injections of bupivacaine around five intercostal nerves when the thorax was about to be closed. All dogs were given an opioid as part of their preoperative medication (meperidine or butorphanol), followed by thiopental for induction and halothane or methoxyflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. Scores were assigned for preoperative demeanor and response to restraint and injection. Alertness, undisturbed pain behavior, and response to palpation of the wound were assessed 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Dogs that appeared uncomfortable were given analgesics. Blood for evaluation of arterial blood gases was obtained at 3 and 6 hours after surgery. The person scoring the dogs was blinded to the treatment given. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Group E contained more “nervous” dogs (12 vs. 6) and more dogs in group E received postoperative analgesics (8 vs. 2). Both techniques appeared to provide adequate analgesia for most dogs.
Age‐related alterations in Ca2+ signals and mitochondrial membrane potential in exocrine cells are prevented by melatonin
Authors: Camello‐Almaraz Cristina , Gomez‐Pinilla Pedro J. , Pozo Maria J. , Camello Pedro J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Information regarding age‐induced Ca2+ signal alterations in nonexcitable cells is limited. In addition, little evidence exists on the ability of melatonin to palliate the effects of aging on Ca2+ signals and mitochondrial potential, a parameter involved in both Ca2+ signaling and aging. We studied the ability of melatonin to prevent the effects of aging on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial potential in exocrine cells. Pancreatic acinar cells were obtained from adult (3 months old) and aged (22–24 months old) mice by collagenase dispersion. Ca2+ signals, in situ mitochondrial potential and in vitro amylase secretion were determined. Secretion in response to increasing levels of the secretagogues, acetylcholine and cholecystokinin (CCK), were impaired in aged pancreatic acini. This decrease was accompanied by an inhibition in the amplitude of the peak response to maximal concentrations of the agonists, and by a decrease in the pattern of Ca2+ oscillations induced by postprandial levels of CCK. Both the size of the calcium pools, assessed by low levels of ionomycin, and capacitative calcium entry, induced by depletion of the stores with thapsigargin, were diminished in aged cells. These changes in Ca2+ homeostasis were associated with depolarization of intracellular mitochondria. Oral administration of melatonin for 3 months to aged mice restored the secretory response, the amplitude and frequency of Ca2+ responses, the size of intracellular calcium pools, the capacitative calcium entry, and the mitochondrial potential. In conclusion, melatonin restores secretory function, Ca2+ signals and mitochondrial potential of aged exocrine cells.
Optimal selection method for establishing an inbred strain of laboratory animals with high performance for litter size at weaning
Authors: SATOH Masahiro , ISHII Kazuo
Published: March 2008

The optimal selection method was investigated for establishing an inbred strain of laboratory animals with high performance for litter size at weaning (LSW). A Monte Carlo computer simulation was used to assess the effects of our selection methods on the genetic change of LSW under the continuous use of full‐sib mating for 20 generations. Smaller number of growing animals of each sex per litter and genetic evaluation for selection using a BLUP animal model increased LSW. Use of information on another trait genetically related to LSW, larger population size, and greater number of generations for random selection before starting full‐sib mating were useful for establishing an inbred strain of laboratory animals with high performance for LSW. It was concluded that LSW can be increased by directional selection when establishing inbred strains.
Sequence of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos) growth hormone‐encoding gene and genetic variation in the promoter region
Authors: KANSAKU Norio , SOMA Aya , FURUKAWA Satoko , HIYAMA Gen , OKABAYASHII Hisato , GUÉMENÉ Daniel , KÜHNLEIN Urs , ZADWORNY David
Published: March 2008

The duck growth hormone encoding gene and its promoter region were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 5.25 kb were cloned and sequenced. Duck growth hormone (GH) consists of five exons and four introns and is structurally similar to mammalian and chicken GH gene. Although the distal region of duck GH promoter showed no similarity to chicken and turkey promoters, the proximal region of the promoter contained two putative Pit‐1 binding sequences, and showed similarity to chicken and turkey GH promoters. Genetic variation was detected at five positions of the promoter region. The results of this study indicate that the expression of duck GH is likely regulated in a similar manner to that of chicken GH via enhancer‐type cis‐acting elements and the presence of genetic variation in the duck GH gene may be applicable to marker‐assisted selection.
Genomic organization of the porcine dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) gene
Authors: OKUMURA Naohiko , HAMASIMA Noriyuki , SUZUKI Kohei , AWATA Takashi
Published: March 2008

Dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) is an enzyme that isomerizes the melanogenic intermediate 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine‐chrome (DOPAchrome) to 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid (DHICA) in the biosynthesis of melanin. In this study, we extracted the porcine bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone containing the entire DCT gene and then sequenced it completely to determine its genomic structure. The BAC clone sequence was 127 098 bp in length. Compared to the DCT gene coding sequence determined in our previous study, the DCT gene structure determined in the current study comprised eight exons spanning 50.3 kbp of the genomic DNA, and the sequences from exon 7–9 of the glypican 6 (GCP6) gene were also detected in this clone. The gene order and the transcriptional orientation of the porcine genomic region in this BAC clone were identical to those of the corresponding human genomic region. In addition, we cloned three transcripts by using the 5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method in combination with alternative promoter usage and alternative splicing. Two 3′‐RACE products differed in the poly(A) addition site. Three 5′‐RACE clones differed in exon 1 that codes for a signal peptide that is important for the cytoplasmic trafficking of premature DCT; however, the relationship between the alternative transcripts and pig coat color is unclear.
Fecal D‐ and L‐lactate, succinate and volatile fatty acid levels, and relationships with fecal acidity and diarrhea in neonatal calves
Authors: SATO Hiroshi , KOIWA Masateru
Published: March 2008

To clarify the significance of fecal organic anions in neonatal diarrhea, a total of 252 fecal samples (91 diarrheic, 161 normal) were collected from 136 dairy calves (including three crossbreds) less than 4 weeks old. Fecal pH, D‐ and L‐lactate, succinate and volatile fatty acid (VFA) were analyzed. In normal feces, lactate was highest and VFA was lowest at week 1 of age, and lactate progressively decreased and VFA progressively increased with advancing age. In diarrheic samples, although higher pH and lower lactate levels were confirmed at week 1, samples at weeks 3–4 showed lower pH and VFA accompanied by higher lactate of D and L‐isomers. In diarrhea, fecal butyrate was significantly lower at all stages, but succinate levels did not differ significantly. The proportion of lactate to organic anions (sum of lactate, succinate and VFA) in diarrheic feces was lower at week 1, and higher in weeks 2–4, while that of VFA to organic anions showed the opposite pattern. Strong relationships were observed between fecal pH and lactate, and VFA proportions in organic anions, though the relationship was weak in diarrhea. Most of the elevated lactate was observed in fecal samples with lower VFA. However, succinate had no relationship with VFA or lactate levels.
Effects of Quillaja saponaria extract alone or in combination with Yucca schidigera extract on ruminal fermentation and methanogenesis in vitro
Authors: PEN Bunthoeun , SAR Chetra , MWENYA Benson , TAKAHASHI Junichi
Published: March 2008

The objective of the study was to evaluate effects of Quillaja saponaria (QS) with or without Yucca schidigera extract (YS) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and methanogenesis. The culture media consisted of 400 mL of strained rumen fluid collected from two non‐lactating Holstein cows and 400 mL of artificial saliva. The culture media was anaerobically incubated with 10 g of a mixture of concentrate and oat hay (1:1, w/w) at 39°C for 24 h. The treatments were arranged as 2 × 3 factorial design experiment consisting of three levels of QS (0, 2 or 4 mL/L) and two levels of YS (0 or 2 mL/L). Treatment interactions between QS and YS were observed for pH and ammonia N concentration. CH4 production was not modified by addition of QS but decreased (P < 0.05) when added with YS. Addition of QS with YS increased (P < 0.05) propionate concentrations. Protozoa numbers were decreased (P < 0.05) by QS addition alone or with YS. Results show that QS and YS exhibited strong antiprotozoal effects and combinations of both plant extracts may have potential as safe manipulators of ruminal fermentation.
Effect of placenta feeding to sows on plasma biochemical composition and growth of their piglets
Authors: DE SONG Ren , LI Guo M. , LEE Sung D. , HASEGAWA Nobumi , SONG Young M. , KIM Young H. , JUNG Hyun J. , PARK Jun C.
Published: March 2008

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects on the plasma biochemical composition and growth of piglets of placenta‐fed sows. The experimental animals were a total of 21 sows (L × LW) of third parity, and each sow was suckled by 11 ± 1 piglets. Sows fed without placenta were considered as the control (C), treatment 1 (T1) were placenta‐fed from days 1–7 after farrowing and treatment 2 (T2) were placenta‐fed from day 7 before farrowing to day 7 after farrowing. Glucose of piglets was lower (P < 0.05) in T2 than C and T1 on day 10. Total cholesterol of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 than C on day 4. Fe of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 than C on days 4, 20 and 30. Unsaturated iron‐binding capacity was lower (P < 0.05) in T2 than C on days 4 and 30. Immunoglobulin G of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than C on days 4 and 10. Daily gain of piglets was higher (P < 0.05) in T1 than C and T2 on day 4 when daily gain was calculated. Total daily gain increased (P < 0.05) by prolongation of placenta feeding period. The results indicate that feeding placenta to sows may improve the plasma biochemical composition and growth of their piglets.
Survival and colonization of orally administered Lactobacillus plantarum 301102 in porcine gastrointestinal tract
Authors: TSUDA Harutoshi , HARA Kazushi , MIYAMOTO Taku
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival and colonization of Lactobacillus plantarum 301102 in porcine gastrointestinal tract and its influence on the intestinal microflora. This strain was isolated from traditional cheese from Inner Mongolia, China. Fermented milk prepared with strain 301102 was administered to pigs and fecal microflora was examined. Intestinal passage of strain 301102 was monitored by a combination of selection with selective medium and the carbohydrate fermentation test, and confirmed by analysis of plasmid DNA patterns. Colonization of this strain was assessed by recovery 7 days after administration. The numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium cells in the feces of pigs administered fermented milk prepared with strain 301102 were increased. This strain was recovered from all the pigs during the administration period, and from four of six pigs 7 days after administration. L. plantarum 301102 can pass through the gastrointestinal tract, balance the intestinal microflora, and colonize the intestinal tract, and is therefore an appropriate candidate for a probiotic.
Factor Analysis Scales of Generalized Amino Acid Information as Applied in Predicting Interactions between the Human Amphiphysin‐1 SH3 Domains and Their Peptide Ligands
Authors: Liang Guizhao , Chen Guohua , Niu Weihuan , Li Zhiliang
Published: March 2008

Factor analysis scales of generalized amino acid information (FASGAI) involving hydrophobicity, alpha‐helix and beta‐turn propensities, bulky properties, compositional characteristics, local flexibility, and electronic properties, was proposed to represent the structures of the decapeptides binding the human amphiphysin‐1 SH3 domains. Parameters being responsible for the binding affinities were selected by genetic algorithm, and a quantitative structure–affinity relationship (QSAR) model by partial least square was established to predict the peptide–SH3 domain interactions. Diversified properties of the residues between P2 and P−3 (including P2 and P−3) of the decapeptide (P4P3P2P1P0P−1P−2P−3P−4P−5) may contribute remarkable effect to the interactions between the SH3 domain and the decapeptide. Particularly, electronic properties of P2 may provide relatively large positive contributions to the interactions, and reversely, hydrophobicity of P2 may be largely negative to the interactions. These results showed that FASGAI vectors can well represent the structural characteristics of the decapeptides. Furthermore, the model obtained, which showed low computational complexity, correlated FASGAI descriptors with the binding affinities as well as that FASGAI vectors may also be applied in QSAR studies of peptides.
A Matchmaking Methodology for Supply Chain Deployment in Distributed Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Ameri Farhad , Dutta Debasish
Published: March 2008

In modern manufacturing era, supply chains are increasingly becoming global and agile. To build agile global supply chains, companies first need to have access to a large supply base and secondly need an efficient mechanism for cost-effective and rapid location, evaluation, and selection of suppliers. This work introduces a matchmaking algorithm for connecting buyers and sellers of manufacturing services based on their semantic similarities in terms of manufacturing capabilities. The proposed matchmaking algorithm operates over Manufacturing Service Description Language (MSDL), an ontology for formal representation of manufacturing services. Since MSDL descriptions can be represented as directed labeled trees, a tree matching approach is implemented in this work.
Developing Engineering Ontology for Information Retrieval
Authors: Li Zhanjun , Raskin Victor , Ramani Karthik
Published: March 2008

When engineering content is created and applied during the product life cycle, it is often stored and forgotten. Since search remains word based, engineers do not have the effective means to harness and reuse past designs and experiences. Current information retrieval approaches based on statistical methods and keyword matching do not satisfy users’ needs in the engineering domain. Therefore, we propose a new computational framework that includes an ontological basis and algorithms to retrieve unstructured engineering documents while handling complex queries. The results from the preliminary test demonstrate that our method outperforms the traditional keyword-based search with respect to the standard information retrieval measurement.
A Neural Network Based Sensor Validation Scheme for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines
Authors: Campa Giampiero , Thiagarajan Manoharan , Krishnamurty Mohan , Napolitano Marcello R. , Gautam Mridul
Published: March 2008

This paper presents the design of a complete sensor fault detection, isolation, and accommodation (SFDIA) scheme for heavy-duty diesel engines without physical redundancy in the sensor capabilities. The analytical redundancy in the available measurements is exploited by two different banks of neural approximators that are used for the identification of the nonlinear input/output relationships of the engine system. The first set of approximators is used to evaluate the residual signals needed for fault isolation. The second set is used—following the failure detection and isolation—to provide a replacement for the signal originating from the faulty sensor. The SFDIA scheme is explained with details, and its performance is evaluated through a set of simulations in which failures are injected on measured signals. The experimental data from this study have been acquired using a test vehicle appositely instrumented to measure several engine parameters. The measurements were performed on a specific set of routes, which included a combination of highway and city driving patterns.
Medical ethics for children: applying the four principles to paediatrics
Authors: Baines P
Published: March 2008

I will argue that there are difficulties with the application of the four principles approach to incompetent children. The most important principle – respect for autonomy – is not directly applicable to incompetent children and the most appropriate modification of the principle for them is not clear. The principle of beneficence – that one should act in the child’s interests – is complicated by difficulties in assessing what a child’s interests are and to which standard of interests those choosing for children should be held. A further problem with the four principles approach is that parental authority does not follow clearly from the four principles.
Should physicians fake diagnoses to help their patients?
Authors: Helgesson G , Lynöe N
Published: March 2008

Are fake diagnoses and false or misleading certificates permissible means of helping patients? This question is examined in relation to four examples from Swedish health care: the sterilisation case, the asylum case, the virginity case, and the adoption case.

We argue that both consequentialist and deontological ethical theories, to be reasonable, need to balance values, principles, and interests such as wellbeing, truthfulness, autonomy, personal integrity, trust in the medical profession, and abidance by national legislation.

We conclude that it can be justifiable for physicians to fake diagnoses and write false or misleading certificates in order to help patients when not doing so has dire consequences. However, physicians must also consider the long-term effects of making exceptions to honest, non-deceitful behaviour based on the best empirical evidence available. Otherwise valuable social practices might erode and public confidence in physicians be threatened.
Dealing with requests for euthanasia: a qualitative study investigating the experience of general practitioners: Table 1
Authors: Georges J-J , The A M , Onwuteaka-Philipsen B D , van der Wal G
Published: March 2008

Background:

Caring for terminally ill patients is a meaningful task, however the patient’s suffering can be a considerable burden and cause of frustration.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of general practitioners (GPs) in The Netherlands in dealing with a request for euthanasia from a terminally ill patient.

Methods:

The data, collected through in-depth interviews, were analysed according to the constant comparative method.

Results:

Having to face a request for euthanasia when attempting to relieve a patient’s suffering was described as a very demanding experience that GPs generally would like to avoid. Nearly half of the GPs (14/30) strive to avoid euthanasia or physician assisted suicide because it was against their own personal values or because it was emotional burdening to be confronted with this issue. They explained that by being directed on promoting a peaceful dying process, or the quality of end-of-life of a patient by caring and supporting the patient and the relatives it was mainly possible to shorten patient’s suffering without “intentionally hastening a patient’s death on his request”. The other GPs (16/30) explained that as sometimes the suffering of a patient could not be lessened they were open to consider a patient’s request for euthanasia or physician assisted suicide. They underlined the importance of a careful decision-making process, based on finding a balance between the necessity to shorten the patient’s suffering through euthanasia and their personal values.

Conclusion:

Dealing with requests for euthanasia is very challenging for GPs, although they feel committed to alleviate a patient’s suffering and to promote a peaceful death.
Ultrastructure of conidium germination of Cochliobolus carbonus
Authors: Murray Gordon M. , Maxwell Douglas P.
Published: March 2008

Multiseptate conidia of Cochliobolus carbonus germinate in water by one or two polar germ tubes. The septa between cells within a conidium contain a central pore, which is plugged before germination but open during germination, so that all cells are interconnected. During germination, vacuoles enlarge, endoplasmic reticulum profiles increase in number, and mitochondria change from a spherical form with loosely arranged cristae to an elongated form with closely packed cristae. The conidium wall consists of an inner electron-translucent layer and an outer electron-opaque layer. The germ tube wall is continuous with the innermost layer of the conidium wall. Shortly after germination, a septum with a central pore forms in the germ tube by invagination where it emerges from the conidium. The germ tube wall is surrounded by a fibrillar sheath. The presence of apical vesicles in the germ tube tip is confirmed. The associations of Woronin bodies with septal pores and microbodies, of lipids with vacuoles, and of microbodies with lipids and vacuoles are discussed.
Some parasites of Bromus inermis and airborne spores trapped over brome grass crops
Authors: Shoemaker R. A. , LeClair P. M. , Smith J. Drew
Published: March 2008

Collections of brome grass stubble at Saskatoon from March to July, 1970, yielded nine plant parasitic fungi: Leptosphaeria herpotrichoides De Notaris, L. luctuosa Niessl in Sacc., Ophiobolus herpotrichus (Fries) Sacc., Pyrenophora bromi (Died.) Drechsler, Myxormia atroviridis Berk. & Br., Hendersonia culmicola Sacc., H. crastophila Sacc., Septoria bromi Sacc., Stagonospora foliicola (Bres.) Bubak, as well as Pithomyces chartarum (Berk. & Curt.) M. B. Ellis, isolates of which may produce the hepatotoxin sporidesmin. Spore trappings of airborne spores yielded a much wider range of species including many saprophytes, some coprophiles, and parasites of plants other than brome. Thirty-eight airborne fungi are illustrated and identified.
Histochemistry and identification of condensed tannin precursors in roots of cotton seedlings
Authors: Mace M. E. , Howell C. R.
Published: March 2008

Catechin (3,5,7,3′,4′-flavanpentol) and gallocatechin (3,5,7,3′,4′,5′-flavanhexanol) were isolated from methanol extracts of roots of 1-week-old Acala 4-42 cotton seedlings and identified by infrared spectrophotometry. Histochemical studies revealed the localization of the catechins in the hypodermis, endodermis, scattered cells of the xylem parenchyma, and the proximal portion of the root cap. The possible function of the catechins as chemical barriers to penetration and colonization of the root by plant pathogens is discussed.
Fusion of rapeseed and soybean protoplasts and subsequent division of heterokaryocytes
Authors: Kartha K. K. , Gamborg O. L. , Constabel F. , Kao K. N.
Published: March 2008

Protoplasts from mesophyll cells of rapeseed plants (Brassica napus L. cv. Zephyr) and cell cultures of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Mandarin) were induced to fuse and form heterokaryons by using polyethylene glycol. Plastids served as markers to identify heteroplasmic fusion products: the heterokaryons shared the chloroplasts from rapeseed and dense cytoplasm and colorless plastids from the soybean protoplasts. About 19–20% of the total population of viable protoplasts were identified as heterokaryons, some of which divided and formed colonies consisting of up to 10 cells within 10–12 days of culturing.
Influence de la température et de la durée d'un traitement cryoprotecteur sur la résistance au froid de plantules de blé. Étude ultrastructurale des ébauches foliaires
Authors: Gazeau C. M.
Published: March 2008

Wheat seedlings were treated at different temperatures and for various periods of time with a cold-protective substance, composed of a mixture of glycerol, dimethylsulfoxide, and saccharose. When the treatment was done at 20 °C, slight ultrastructural changes appeared in leaf primordia as soon as day 1. Thus numbers of lipid globules increased significantly. When the treatment period was increased to 4 days, numbers of starch grains increased, and there was a marked enlargement of mitochondria and plasts. When the treatment was done at 2 °C, cytoplasmic alterations occurred later than at 20 °C. After a 4-day treatment, they were similar to changes induced at 20 °C. When the treatment period was increased to 12 days, dictyosomes were markedly altered. They clustered close to the nucleus in two or three groups and gave rise to numerous pale vesicles with various shapes and sizes. Around each cluster of such vesicles, there gathered many endoplasmic reticulum vesicles and other organelles (mitochondria, plasts, microbodies, vacuoles). A further cooling of 1 °C/min, down to −15 or −30 °C, enhanced these phenomena. After the seedlings were warmed up to 20 °C in distilled water, the changes induced by the frost-protective treatment and then by freezing were shown to be reversible. [Journal translation]
Environmental controls in Pacific Northwest intertidal marsh plant communities
Authors: Ewing Kern
Published: March 2008

Relationships between environmental variables and species distribution were studied in a brackish intertidal marsh formed by the Skagit River as it enters the Puget Sound bay system in Washington. Transects were established which covered the range of environmental variation in the marsh. A grid of environmental measuring stations provided information on soil texture, organic content of soil fines, macroorganic material in the soil, soil temperatures, interstitial soil water salinity, soil redox potential, and site elevation. Binary discriminant analysis, a nonparametric method using species presence–absence data, was used to construct standardized residual matrices. Principal component analysis of standardized residuals (Q mode) indicated that salinity and soil texture were strongly correlated with the first factor generated, elevation with the second, and soil redox potential with the third. The factors explained, respectively, 48, 21, and 14% of the variance in the residuals matrix. From R-mode analysis, eight community types were derived: three dominated by Carex lyngbyei, two by Scirpus americanus, one by Scirpus maritimus, and two which are highly diverse.
Fire history and grassland vegetation change: three pollen diagrams from southern British Columbia
Authors: Cawker K. B.
Published: March 2008

Recent vegetation change in the grasslands of southern British Columbia is examined using pollen analysis, and the results are compared with documentary records. The increasing dominance of the grasslands after 1890 by Artemisia tridentata and other woody shrubs has often been attributed to overgrazing by domestic livestock, but pollen data indicate that shrub populations were substantial in presettlement times, and that the recent "invasion" represents a recovery from anomalously low population levels during the middle 19th century. These low Artemisia populations were probably due to a high frequency of fire in the early settlement period, and the subsequent recovery is probably related to fire suppression. Fire appears to have been an important element in the ecology of these grasslands over a long period, and it may have a place in modern management schemes.
A preliminary survey of seed input into fallow fields in Saskatchewan
Authors: Archibold O. W. , Hume L.
Published: March 2008

Seed traps were installed in 10 summer fallow sites across Saskatchewan to monitor annual additions to buried seed populations. Soil cores (7.5 cm deep) were also collected at these sites and tested for viable seeds through seedling emergence under greenhouse conditions. Seedlings of 33 forb species, 5 grass species, and 3 tree species emerged from the traps, whereas seedlings of 28 forb species, 4 grass species, and 1 tree species emerged from the cores. Although the nature of seed input for agricultural sites in different parts of Saskatchewan was highly variable, the annual seed rain onto fallow represented an important supplement to the buried seed reserves and would be an influence on subsequent weed communities in cultivated fields.
Growth and allocation strategies of some perennial weeds of slash and burn agriculture (Jhum) in northeastern India
Authors: Saxena K. G. , Ramakrishnan P. S.
Published: March 2008

Growth and allocation patterns of dry matter and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in four important perennial weeds, viz., Eupatorium odoratum, Grewia elastica, Imperata cylindrica, and Thysanolaena maxima, were analysed. Eupatorium odoratum, a C3 species and exclusively dependent upon the sexual mode of reproduction, had the highest values for relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. This species also showed the highest concentrations of nutrients in the leaf tissue. Eupatorium odoratum exhibited a greater allocation of its total biomass as well as nutrients to stem as compared with the other three species all of which can "sprout" (regenerate from underground organs) after fire. The reverse was true for the allocation of biomass and nutrients to the leaf component. The two rhizomatous species (I. cylindrica and T. maxima) diverted significantly greater proportions of dry matter as well as nutrients to belowground tissues compared with the two nonrhizomatous species (E. odoratum and G. elastica). The two C4 species, I. cylindrica and T. maxima, showed higher efficiency in nutrient uptake in spite of their low nutrient demand per unit dry matter production. The findings are discussed in relation to the photosynthetic and regenerative strategies of these species.
Palynostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy of Carboniferous Upper Codroy Group and Barachois Group, southwestern Newfoundland
Authors: Utting John , Giles Peter S
Published: March 2008

A new zone, the Reticulatisporites carnosus Assemblage Zone of late Pendleian to Arnsbergian age, is proposed for miospore assemblages in the Searston Formation of the Barachois Group and in unnamed coal-bearing strata in higher portions of the group. The beds containing the zone can be correlated with those in other parts of the Euramerican floral province in western Europe (including the North Sea), where the climate was semi-humid. Temporal relationships suggested by these new biostratigraphic data indicate that a reassessment of the regional lithostratigraphy of southwestern Newfoundland is required. The Overfall Brook Member of the Robinsons River Formation, formerly assigned with its correlative, the Brow Pond Lentil, to the Codroy Group, is here identified as a basal unit of the Searston Formation. It lies unconformably on Codroy Group beds of Brigantian age. Elsewhere, the basal beds of the Barachois Group lie unconformably on pre-Carboniferous rocks. The Barachois Group in the Codroy and St. George’s Bay lowlands correlates with the Humber Falls and Howley formations of the Deer Lake Subbasin of western Newfoundland and with the Pomquet Formation of the Mabou Group, Nova Scotia. The Pendleian–Arnsbergian coal-bearing strata high in the undivided Barachois Group predate the post-Arnsbergian major floral crisis and, with their correlatives, represent the youngest known rock units of Mississippian age in Atlantic Canada. They are significantly older than the Pennsylvanian coal measures of Moscovian (Bolsovian) age in a small outlier near Stephenville, and we recommend the latter be removed from the Barachois Group.
Protolith age and timing of Precambrian magmatic and metamorphic events in the Priest River complex, northern Rockies
Authors: Doughty P Ted , Chamberlain K R
Published: March 2008

U–Pb dating of detrital zircons, magmatic zircons, and metamorphic zircon overgrowths and titanites from the Priest River complex, USA, reveal the ages of high-grade metasedimentary rocks, intrusive ages of associated igneous rocks, and the timing of Precambrian metamorphic events. Sensitive high-mass resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb dates of detrital zircons from the Hauser Lake gneiss and Gold Cup Quartzite are predominately Paleoproterozoic with some Archean grains. The Hauser Lake gneiss contains detrital zircons with nearly concordant ages as young as 1511 Ma. Isotope dilution – thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID–TIMS) and chemical abrasion – thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA–TIMS) dating of magmatic zircon from amphibolites in the Hauser Lake Gneiss yield 1470–1430 Ma crystallization ages based on discordant data, with Cretaceous lower intercepts. The U–Pb zircon systematics are very complex and reflect multiple periods of magmatic and metamorphic growth. A combination of mechanical abrasion, chemical abrasion (CA–TIMS), and SHRIMP methods were required to identify the major geochronological components. These data, in addition to one Nd model age, strengthen correlations between the Hauser Lake Gneiss and the lower Belt–Purcell Supergroup and the Gold Cup Quartzite with the Neihart Quartzite, which underlies the Belt–Purcell Supergroup. Four SHRIMP-dated metamorphic zircon overgrowths give concordant Grenville dates with a weighted average of 1127 ± 110 Ma. This Grenville-aged metamorphic event is recorded by many isotopic systems in the Belt–Purcell basin and reflects a static thermal event, possibly driven by magmatism at depth.
Identification of coherent links between interannual sedimentary structures and daily meteorological observations in Arctic proglacial lacustrine varves: potentials and limitations
Authors: Chutko Krystopher J , Lamoureux Scott F
Published: March 2008

Proglacial lacustrine sediments from High Arctic Lake R (76°17.9′N, 90°59.3′W, unofficial name) are shown to be annually laminated (varved) and contain a variety of subannual structures. The formation of the subannual structures (and overall varve) was controlled by a combination of meteorologic (temperature and rainfall) and geomorphic factors. Using a training set of the ten thickest varves in the 38-year sedimentary record, a heuristic model was developed to link subannual structures with regional meteorological conditions. Within the training set, significant correlations were shown between subannual structure thickness and the magnitude of the corresponding melt event, defined as a period of continuously positive temperature. However, these correlations deteriorated as the varves progressively thinned, and several varves exhibited no relationship between their subannual structures and respective meteorological conditions. Grain size analyses showed that the thin varves were significantly finer than the thick varves and are inferred to reflect changed sediment inflow patterns that altered deposition and reduced the fidelity of the model. Despite these complexities, this study identified the potential to produce long-term, subannual reconstructions of weather conditions. Model results revealed the limitations of simple varve–meteorology relationships, as well as identified necessary environmental and sampling conditions required to produce a more robust model for future applications.
Ecological change in Great Lakes communities — a matter of perspective
Authors: Sprules W Gary
Published: March 2008

Enormous change in food webs of the Laurentian Great Lakes has been documented from the early 1970s to the 1990s. Variation in abundances of species at all levels in these food webs has been attributed to a variety of causes, including nutrient abatement, invasive species, fishing practices, and climate change. However, this impression of great change is not obvious if food webs are examined from the different perspective of the biomass size spectrum. Despite large shifts in the species structure of zooplankton communities in Lakes Erie and Ontario from 1991 to 1997, zooplankton size spectra have not changed. Furthermore, size spectra for complete food webs of Lake Ontario (Laurentian Great Lake) and Lake Malawi (African Rift Valley Lake) are statistically indistinguishable despite enormous contrast in the geological age and fauna of the two lakes. I conclude that constraints on bioenergetic rate processes and physiological and ecological similarities of like-sized organisms at various hierarchical levels of organization lead to regular and repeatedly observed emergent properties of aquatic ecosystems that are independent of specific species.