bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial biodegradation of aromatic alkanoic naphthenic acids is affected by the degree of alkyl side chain branching
Authors: Johnson Richard J , Smith Ben E , Sutton Paul A , McGenity Terry J , Rowland Steven J , Whitby Corinne
Published: October 2010

Naphthenic acids (NAs) occur naturally in oil sands and enter the environment through natural and anthropogenic processes. NAs comprise toxic carboxylic acids that are difficult to degrade. Information on NA biodegradation mechanisms is limited, and there are no studies on alkyl branched aromatic alkanoic acid biodegradation, despite their contribution to NA toxicity and recalcitrance. Increased alkyl side chain branching has been proposed to explain NA recalcitrance. Using soil enrichments, we examined the biodegradation of four aromatic alkanoic acid isomers that differed in alkyl side chain branching: (4′-n-butylphenyl)-4-butanoic acid (n-BPBA, least branched); (4′-iso-butylphenyl)-4-butanoic acid (iso-BPBA); (4′-sec-butylphenyl)-4-butanoic acid (sec-BPBA) and (4′-tert-butylphenyl)-4-butanoic acid (tert-BPBA, most branched). n-BPBA was completely metabolized within 49 days. Mass spectral analysis confirmed that the more branched isomers iso-, sec- and tert-BPBA were transformed to their butylphenylethanoic acid (BPEA) counterparts at 14 days. The BPEA metabolites were generally less toxic than BPBAs as determined by Microtox assay. n-BPEA was further transformed to a diacid, showing that carboxylation of the alkyl side chain occurred. In each case, biodegradation of the carboxyl side chain proceeded through beta-oxidation, which depended on the degree of alkyl side chain branching, and a BPBA degradation pathway is proposed. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences at days 0 and 49 showed an increase and high abundance at day 49 of Pseudomonas (sec-BPBA), Burkholderia (n-, iso-, tert-BPBA) and Sphingomonas (n-, sec-BPBA).
The dynamics of microbial partnerships in the coral Isopora palifera
Authors: Chen Chung-Pin , Tseng Ching-Hung , Chen Chaolun A , Tang Sen-Lin
Published: October 2010

Both bacteria and algal symbionts (genus Symbiodinium), the two major microbial partners in the coral holobiont, respond to fluctuations in the environment, according to current reports; however, little evidence yet indicates that both populations have any direct interaction with each other in seasonal fluctuation. In this study, we present field observations of a compositional change in bacteria and Symbiodinium in the coral Isopora palifera in three separate coral colonies following monthly sampling from February to November in 2008. Using massively parallel pyrosequencing, over 200 000 bacterial V6 sequences were classified to build the bacterial community profile; in addition, the relative composition and quantity of Symbiodinium clades C and D were determined by real-time PCR. The results showed that coral-associated bacterial and Symbiodinium communities were highly dynamic and dissimilar among the tagged coral colonies, suggesting that the effect of host specificity was insignificant. The coral-associated bacterial community was more diverse (Shannon index up to 6.71) than previous estimates in other corals and showed rapid seasonal changes. The population ratios between clade C and D groups of Symbiodinium varied in the tagged coral colonies through the different seasons; clade D dominated in most of the samples. Although significant association between bacteria and symbiont was not detected, this study presents a more detailed picture of changes in these two major microbial associates of the coral at the same time, using the latest molecular approaches.
Future Outlook for Databases from the Perspective of Bioresources Databases
Authors: Yamazaki Yukiko
Published: October 2010

Databases, like journals, are now an essential component of our research activities. However, the maintenance of databases and the timely, accurate, and complete incorporation into them of the wealth of data being created daily through scientific activities represent a difficult problem.I have been working on bioresources databases and come to appreciate the need for closer links between journals and databases to improve the scientific value of databases. For example, it is frequently difficult to identify experimental materials from articles in journals. In experimental science, it is vital that one scientist’s experiments are readily reproducible by others; this requires an environment that provides other scientists with ready access to identical experimental materials. This could become possible if journal requires a database address and/or an idendifier of the material as a prerequisite of publication. There are also problems in the maintenance and management of gene lists. I believe that a dramatic improvement in this field would also be possible if database submission system were established in cooperation with journals, databases and communities.In another regard, I have high expectations for ontology to make efficient use of databases. Bioresources databases deal with various biological species, such as animals, plants, and microorganisms. Differences in technical terms and in descriptions arising from differences in biological species can be overcome by means of ontology.On the basis of my experiences in the field of bioresources databases, I will present my talk with a focus on the need for strong cooperation between databases and journals, and on my expectations for ontology.
Body Fat Measured by a Near‐Infrared Interactance Device as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events: The FINRISK'92 Cohort
Authors: Pajunen Pia , Jousilahti Pekka , Borodulin Katja , Harald Kennet , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Salomaa Veikko
Published: October 2010

We evaluated how body fat percentage, measured by a portable near‐infrared interactance (NIR) device predicts cardiovascular (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and ischemic stroke events in a prospective population‐based survey. The study population consisted of 2,842 men and 3,196 women, who participated in the FINRISK'92 survey. Obesity was assessed with BMI, waist circumference, and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage measured with an NIR. Mean length of follow‐up was 9 years and 3 months. In Cox proportional hazards regression analyses for men, BMI, waist circumference, and WHR as well as body fat percentage were predictors of a CVD event when adjusted for age and for major risk factors. Hazard ratio (HR) per 1 s.d. was 1.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.48) for body fat percentage, 1.30 (1.16–1.46) for BMI, and 1.31 (1.16–1.50) for waist circumference. Among women, the body fat lost its predictive power in a fully adjusted model. Body fat percentage, BMI, waist circumference, and WHR were predictors of a CHD event both among men and women, whereas body fat percentage did not predict ischemic stroke among either gender. We observed that body fat percentage measured by an NIR device was a significant predictor of CVD and CHD events among men and women, but in our population‐based survey, it did not provide any additional predictive power over and above the simpler measures, such as BMI or WHR.
Leptin Is Inversely Associated With Lung Function in African Americans, Independent of Adiposity: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Hickson DeMarc A. , Burchfiel Cecil M. , Petrini Marcy F. , Liu Jiankang , Campbell‐Jenkins Brenda W. , Bhagat Rajesh , Marshall Gailen D.
Published: October 2010

Leptin, a 16‐kDa protein, has proinflammatory properties and has been linked to respiratory physiological responses in majority white populations. Little is known, however, about the relationship of leptin with lung function in nonwhites. Cross‐sectional associations of circulating serum leptin concentrations with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV in 6 s (FEV6), and vital capacity (FVC), assessed by spirometry, were examined in 4,679 African‐American men and women participants (54.3 ± 12.4 years; 62.7% women) in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). The independent association of leptin was examined in relation to FEV1, FEV6, and FVC% predicted after adjustment for age, education, smoking status, pack‐years of cigarette smoking, respiratory medication use, and menopausal status in women; additional adjustment included total body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. Serum leptin was inversely related to FEV1, FEV6, and FVC% predicted values in men. A dose‐response relationship was observed with men in the highest leptin quartile having a significantly lower lung function compared to men in the lower leptin quartile. BMI significantly modified this relationship in women: leptin was most consistently associated with lung function in obese women, less consistent in overweight women, and absent in normal‐weight women. Serum leptin concentration was strongly, inversely, and independently associated with lung function in African Americans, especially African‐American men and obese women.
Variants in the CD36 Gene Locus Determine Whole‐Body Adiposity, but Have No Independent Effect on Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Heni Martin , Müssig Karsten , Machicao Fausto , Machann Jürgen , Schick Fritz , Claussen Claus D. , Stefan Norbert , Fritsche Andreas , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Staiger Harald
Published: October 2010

CD36 variants have been associated with type 2 diabetes, features of the metabolic syndrome, and alterations in lipid metabolism. In contrast, the effect of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD36 on insulin resistance is controversial in literature. Therefore, we investigated whether genetic variation within the CD36 gene locus affects insulin resistance in a well‐phenotyped cohort of white European subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. We genotyped 1,790 subjects (1,174 women, 616 men) for six SNPs tagging 100% of common variants (minor allele frequency ≥0.05) within the CD36 gene locus with an r² ≥ 0.8. All subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a subset additionally a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp (n = 523). Ectopic hepatic lipids (n = 346) were assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After appropriate adjustment and Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, the four CD36 SNPs rs9784998, rs3211883, rs3211908, and rs3211956 significantly associated with BMI and rs3211883 and rs3211908 significantly associated with waist circumference (all P < 0.0042). In contrast, CD36 SNPs rs3211816 and rs3211960 were not associated with measures of adiposity (all P ≥ 0.11). No reliable association was detected between the six CD36 SNPs and insulin sensitivity or ectopic hepatic lipid accumulation after adjustment for age, gender, and BMI. In the long run, genetic variation within the CD36 locus may contribute to metabolic disease via its effect on body adiposity, but not via an independent effect on insulin sensitivity.
The Differential Prevalence of Obesity and Related Behaviors in Two‐ vs. Four‐Year Colleges
Authors: Laska Melissa N. , Pasch Keryn E. , Lust Katherine , Story Mary , Ehlinger Ed
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to determine whether obesity prevalence and weight‐related behaviors (e.g., diet, physical activity) differ among students enrolled in 2‐year community/technical colleges and those attending 4‐year colleges/universities. This information could inform the development of intervention strategies. Through an existing surveillance system of Minnesota postsecondary education institutions, survey data were collected from 16,539 students from 27 campuses (14 two‐year college campuses, 13 four‐year college/university campuses; 2007–2008), including self‐reported physical activity, media use, dietary patterns, weight control behaviors, height, and weight. Unadjusted analyses indicated that students enrolled in 2‐year colleges, particularly females, had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, lower levels of physical activity, more television viewing, higher intakes of soda, fast food, and diet pills compared to students attending 4‐year colleges (P < 0.05). Females attending 4‐year colleges were more likely to engage in certain unhealthy weight control behaviors (taking diet pills, binge eating, self‐induced vomiting) compared to females attending 2‐year institutions. Among male students there were fewer differences between 2‐year and 4‐year colleges. Controlling for sociodemographic factors (e.g., race/ethnicity, age), most disparities in prevalence estimates remained, though many were attenuated. Overall, few young adults engage in weight‐related behaviors consistent with national recommendations. Two‐year college students may represent a particularly at‐risk group. Disparities between 2‐ and 4‐year college students exist beyond the sociodemographic differences in these populations. Effective weight‐related interventions are needed for young adults, particularly females attending 2‐year colleges and all males attending postsecondary institutions.
Characterization of C- and N-terminal domains of Aquifex aeolicus MutL endonuclease: N-terminal domain stimulates the endonuclease activity of C-terminal domain in a zinc-dependent manner
Authors: Iino Hitoshi , Kim Kwang , Shimada Atsuhiro , Masui Ryoji , Kuramitsu Seiki , Fukui Kenji
Published: October 2010

DNA MMR (mismatch repair) is an excision repair system that removes mismatched bases generated primarily by failure of the 3′–5′ proofreading activity associated with replicative DNA polymerases. MutL proteins homologous to human PMS2 are the endonucleases that introduce the entry point of the excision reaction. Deficiency in PMS2 function is one of the major etiologies of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers in humans. Although recent studies revealed that the CTD (C-terminal domain) of MutL harbours weak endonuclease activity, the regulatory mechanism of this activity remains unknown. In this paper, we characterize in detail the CTD and NTD (N-terminal domain) of aqMutL (Aquifex aeolicus MutL). On the one hand, CTD existed as a dimer in solution and showed weak DNA-binding and Mn2+-dependent endonuclease activities. On the other hand, NTD was monomeric and exhibited a relatively strong DNA-binding activity. It was also clarified that NTD promotes the endonuclease activity of CTD. NTD-mediated activation of CTD was abolished by depletion of the zinc-ion from the reaction mixture or by the substitution of the zinc-binding cysteine residue in CTD with an alanine. On the basis of these results, we propose a model for the intramolecular regulatory mechanism of MutL endonuclease activity.
Changes in serum S100β protein and Mini‐Mental State Examination after cold (28°C) and warm (34°C) cardiopulmonary bypass using different blood gas strategies (alpha‐stat and pH‐stat)
Authors: Shaaban‐Ali M. , Harmer M. , Vaughan R. S. , Dunne J. A. , Latto I. P. , Haaverstad R. , Kulatilake E. N. P. , Butchart E. G.
Published: October 2010

Background: The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass temperature and blood gas management on the brain is still controversial. This study was designed to compare the changes in S100β protein concentration and Mini‐Mental State Examination in patients undergoing cold (28 °C) vs. warm (34 °C) cardiopulmonary bypass using different blood gas strategies (alpha‐stat and pH‐stat).

Methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to one of four equal groups (cold alpha‐stat, cold pH‐stat, warm alpha‐stat, warm pH‐stat). Serum S100β concentrations were measured before CPB, directly after CPB, at 4.5 h and at 24 h after CPB. Mini‐Mental State Examination was performed one day before surgery and on day five after the operation. Antegrade warm blood cardioplegia (37 °C) was used in all patients.

Results: There was no significant difference in postoperative S100β protein levels between the four groups. Also, there was no interaction between bypass temperature and type of blood gas strategy on S100β levels after bypass (directly after bypass, 4.5 h and 24 h after bypass). Mini‐Mental State Examination score was not affected by blood gas strategy but it was significantly lower in patients undergoing cold cardiopulmonary bypass surgery: median (range), 26 (12–29) vs. 27 (23–30) in warm patients, P = 0.014. There was no significant correlation between Mini‐Mental State Examination score 5 days after CPB and S100β levels at any of the studied time‐points after CPB.

Conclusion: These results support the use of warm CPB (34 °C) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery regardless of the type of blood gas strategy.
Reducing the risk of systemic embolization during gynecologic laparoscopy − effect of volume preload
Authors: Tuppurainen T. , Mäkinen J. , Salonen M.
Published: October 2010

Background: About 27% of the population is known to have a patent foramen ovale. It can be opened if the left atrial pressure is less than the right atrial pressure. This pressure reversal has been reported during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. The present paper describes with help of transesophageal echocardiography the pressure relationship between the atria during laparoscopic surgery and the effect of volume preload.

Methods: Twenty‐one gynecologic ASA 1–3 patients were included in this open study. The movement of interatrial septum was monitored with transesophageal echocardiography during the procedure. If the septum movement was to the left, the patient was given 500 mL hydroxyethyl starch to increase the filling pressures.

Results: After induction, the mobile part of foramen ovale rounded to the right in 15 patients but six patients showed movement to the left. After pneumoperitoneum and head‐down tilt, one patient of the six returned to normal but eight additional patients showed movement to the left. These 13 patients had a filling infusion of 500 mL hydroxyethyl starch. The movement was normalized in 12 patients. We saw echogenic particles coming from the inferior caval vein in every patient. Only one patient had very small atrial septal defects and no embolic complications.

Conclusion: The head‐down tilt and pneumoperitoneum had a more negative influence on the filling of the left side than on the filling of the right side of the heart. The pressure reversal occurs in systole during expiration of mechanical ventilation. The infusion of volume helps to normalize the pressure relationship and to diminish the embolic risk.
Descriptive Analysis of Self‐injurious Behaviour and Self‐restraint
Authors: Forman Debbie , Hall Scott , Oliver Chris
Published: October 2010

Background  Self‐restraint often appears to be associated with self‐injurious behaviour (SIB), and has been described as an attempt to prevent or escape from SIB. Research into the determinants of self‐restraint is limited, and the present single case study assesses the environmental determinants of self‐restraint and SIB, as well as describing the relationship between the two behaviours.

Methods  Observations in the natural environment were conducted for 16.5 h and data were collected on SIB, self‐restraint and environmental events.

Results  Sequential analysis showed that SIB and self‐restraint were unrelated to environmental events and that the behaviours co‐varied inversely. Self‐injurious behaviour occurred at higher than chance levels immediately following self‐restraint and also at high levels immediately prior to self‐restraint.

Conclusions  Whilst these results would appear to support the hypothesis that self‐restraint was negatively reinforced by escape from SIB, the data cannot be explained solely by this theory. The implications of these findings for the behavioural theory of SIB and the conceptualization of self‐restraint are discussed.
Social Skills Training for Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Elliott Carolyn , Pring Tim , Bunning Karen
Published: October 2010

Background  Social skills training is increasingly used to help adolescents with intellectual disabilities to adapt to life after school.

Methods  This paper describes a training course for a group of students in their final year at school. Teacher and student self‐evaluation measures were used to assess the course.

Results  The teacher's scores showed that the students had improved significantly; however, the students saw themselves as significantly less skilled after training.

Conclusions  The present authors conclude that the two measures assess different aspects of the training and that both should be used in its assessment. Self‐assessment appears to have limitations as a measure of progress, but may be used to monitor the students' responses to training, and the extent to which they require individual support and attention during it.
Interrogative Suggestibility among Witnesses with Mild Intellectual Disabilities: the Use of an Adaptation of the GSS
Authors: Milne Rebecca , Clare Isabel C. H. , Bull Ray
Published: October 2010

Background  As part of the assessment of witnesses' ability to provide an account to the police and the courts, information is sometimes sought concerning their level of interrogative suggestibility. The most widely used measure for this is the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS, Gudjonsson 1997), which has two parallel forms (GSS 1 and GSS 2). However, the GSS relates to a verbally presented narrative, not to a visual event, as is more common to witness situations.

Methods  The present study adapted the scale's format so that the questions referred to a video‐taped incident that had been viewed 24 h earlier by men and women with mild intellectual disabilities (n = 47) and their ‘general population’ counterparts (n = 38).

Results  The pattern of results was identical to that typically obtained using the GSS in that: (1) compared with their general population counterparts, the participants with intellectual disabilities were more suggestible because of their vulnerability to the ‘misleading questions’; (2) suggestibility scores correlated with the participants' verbal recall of the incident, and (3) both participants with intellectual disabilities and their general population counterparts who were misled by questions in the form of two false alternatives were more likely to select the latter option.

Conclusions  The implications of these findings for psychological assessments of potential witnesses are discussed.
Monitoring Change in Psychotherapy with People with Intellectual Disabilities: the Application of the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Scale
Authors: Newman David W. , Beail Nigel
Published: October 2010

Background  The assimilation model and the assimilation of problematic experiences scale (APES), provide a structured account of changes occurring within psychotherapy. The model proposes that the clients assimilate their problematic experience through the development of schema observable in the psychotherapeutic setting. The model provides a way of describing change in psychotherapy independent of affiliation to a single theoretical school. This paper aims to demonstrate the application of APES methodology to psychotherapy with people with intellectual disabilities.

Methods  An innovative research procedure is implemented, utilizing transcript and rating procedures in relation to a client and therapist dialogue within psychodynamic psychotherapy. Outcome data is collected from psychometric questionnaires. Quantitative data and qualitative methods are combined to portray results in the format of a single case study.

Results  The presented case illustrates assimilation achieved by a client with intellectual disabilities within and across psychotherapy sessions. Outcome data is also provided.

Conclusions  This study provides a newly obtained information on the applicability of psychotherapy and the assimilation model in relation to this client group. The outcome data acts as a point of reference with which to examine the nature and validity of APES findings. The present authors argue that process research has a significant role in advancing our understanding of psychotherapy with the people with intellectual disabilities.
A modelling study of open‐hole single‐well seismic imaging
Authors: Coates Richard T.
Published: October 2010

Single‐well, or uni‐well, imaging uses an acoustic source and an array of receivers located in the same borehole to image local geological structure. Due to the intrinsic attenuation of the formation it is likely that a source emitting frequencies in the typical cross‐well range would be necessary to illuminate structure at distances above 100 m from the borehole. At these frequencies a significant proportion of the source energy is converted into tube‐waves which are, for the purpose of these surveys, noise. This paper reports the results of a modelling study designed to assess the feasibility of using existing cross‐well hardware, i.e. a piezo‐electric source and hydrophone array, modified to run in a single borehole, to perform single‐well surveys. In particular we study the case of an open borehole in a gas‐filled, low‐permeability sandstone reservoir. Our results suggest that the amplitudes of the tube‐wave reverberations generated by calliper variations are such that reflections of interest arriving in the time window after the first tube‐wave arrival will not be visible. However, reflections may be visible in the time window preceding the first tube‐wave arrival provided tube waves from previous shots are not still present and the long source–receiver offsets required to make observations in this window can be incorporated into the tool design.
Frequency–wavenumber modelling and migration of 2D GPR data in moderately heterogeneous dispersive media
Authors: Bitri Adnand , Grandjean Gilles
Published: October 2010

An algorithm for modelling and migrating ground penetrating radar (GPR) data in moderately heterogeneous dispersive media is presented. The method is based on wavefield extrapolation in the frequency–wavenumber (f–k) domain, from the solution of the 2D Maxwell's equations. The wavefield is extrapolated by a phase‐shift technique using a constant relative permittivity K and a quality factor Q. It is then modified by a correction term to handle the lateral K and Q variations. The spatial distribution of the K and Q‐factor values, representing the given model parameters, is introduced into the algorithm by a regular grid parametrization. The radar wave dispersion and attenuation, induced by relaxation processes, are taken into account by a linear frequency‐dependent Q model, and expressed by a complex wavenumber in the propagation equation.

A synthetic case and a field data set illustrate the potential of the method for frequencies of 300, 500 and 900 MHz. In the first case, a typical civil engineering problem is considered. The frequency dependence of the wave velocity and attenuation is well illustrated. The synthetic data are afterwards migrated using the initial model parameters. The results show the importance of using spatially varying model parameters in the migration processes. The second case concerns an application of the method to a real data set. In order to adjust the model parameters, a forward modelling sequence is performed until the best match between the measured and the synthetic data is achieved. A depth migration is then applied to the data, and the result is compared with the initial model parameters.

In conclusion, we assess the contributions of the method to industrial applications, by discussing the performance of the algorithm compared with its limitations.
Filtering vibroseis data in the precorrelation domain
Authors: Qin Shuang , Smythe David K.
Published: October 2010

Vibroseis data recorded at short source–receiver offsets can be swamped by direct waves from the source. The signal‐to‐noise ratio, where primary reflections are the signal and correlation side lobes are the noise, decreases with time and late reflection events are overwhelmed. This leads to low seismic resolution on the vibroseis correlogram. A new precorrelation filtering approach is proposed to suppress correlation noise. It is the ‘squeeze‐filter‐unsqueeze’ (SFU) process, a combination of ‘squeeze’ and ‘unsqueeze’ (S and U) transformations, together with the application of either an optimum least‐squares filter or a linear recursive notch filter. SFU processing provides excellent direct wave removal if the onset time of the direct wave is known precisely, but when the correlation recognition method used to search for the first arrival fails, the SFU filtering will also fail. If the tapers of the source sweeps are badly distorted, a harmonic distortion will be introduced into the SFU‐filtered trace. SFU appears to be more suitable for low‐noise vibroseis data, and more effective when we know the sweep tapers exactly. SFU requires uncorrelated data, and is thus cpu intensive, but since it is automatic, it is not labour intensive.  With non‐linear sweeps, there are two approaches to the S,U transformations in SFU. The first requires the non‐linear analytical sweep formula, and the second is to search and pick the zero nodes on the recorded pilot trace and then carry out the S,U transformations directly without requiring the algorithm or formula by which the sweep was generated. The latter method is also valid for vibroseis data with a linear sweep. SFU may be applied to the removal of any undesired signal, as long as the exact onset time of the unwanted signal in the precorrelation domain is known or determinable.
Analysis of a guided wave along a conducting structure in a borehole
Authors: Ebihara S. , Sato M. , Niitsuma H.
Published: October 2010

A guided wave along a borehole is often observed in borehole radar measurements. These guided waves deform the antenna pattern and can cause artefacts in radar measurements. A water‐filled borehole or a conducting logging cable can function as a waveguide for electromagnetic waves under some conditions. We describe the theoretical characteristics of such a guided wave in a borehole and compare them with our experiments. The measured signal discussed was obtained with a directional borehole radar. This radar uses a cylindrical conformal array antenna as receiver and is a model of a conducting structure in a borehole. The induced field around the borehole was compared with the theory. The most fundamental symmetrical and asymmetrical modes were TM01 and HE11, and they were identified in the measured signals using time–frequency distribution analysis and by observation of the azimuthal field distribution of the magnetic field.
Prenatal education for mothers with disabilities
Authors: Blackford Karen A. , Richardson Heather , Grieve Sarah
Published: October 2010

Prenatal education for mothers with disabilities

Prenatal nurse educators are well prepared to meet the learning needs of many expectant mothers. But how prepared are they to meet the learning needs of mothers with disabilities? To answer this question, eight mothers with various chronic illnesses located in north‐eastern Ontario, Canada were asked to describe their maternity experiences. Given the small convenience sample and exploratory nature of the study, a qualitative content analysis was done. The mothers’ reports described interaction with a variety of health professionals. This analysis focuses on findings specific to nurses who provide prenatal education. In general, mothers reported they had received insufficient, inappropriate information, especially about their pregnancy and chronic illnesses. The mothers thought that nurses doubted the ability of women with disabilities to be decision‐makers or responsible and ‘proper’ mothers. Suggestions by disabled mothers for quality care in prenatal education are described. A more emancipatory approach to preparing nurses for practice as prenatal educators is recommended. Such an approach can reduce the barriers associated with power differences between women with disabilities as ‘learners’ and their nurse ‘teachers’.
Coping after heart transplantation: a descriptive study of heart transplant recipients’ methods of coping
Authors: Kaba Evridiki , Thompson David R. , Burnard Philip
Published: October 2010

Coping after heart transplantation: a descriptive study of heart transplant recipients’ methods of coping

The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to explore the coping strategies of heart transplant recipients. Using a qualitative research approach, interviews were conducted with 42 participants (35 men and seven women). Analysis of the data revealed eight coping strategies: acceptance/optimism, denial/avoidance, setting targets, comparing oneself with others, making attributions, seeking social support, having faith and changing priorities and perceptions. These are discussed in relation to the literature and a tentative model of coping after heart transplantation is offered. The findings may provide pointers to health professionals about ways in which they can improve support for heart transplant recipients and their families.
Anxiety and depression in Taiwanese cancer patients with and without pain
Authors: Chen Mei‐Ling , Chang Hsien‐Kun , Yeh Chao‐Hsing
Published: October 2010

Anxiety and depression in Taiwanese cancer patients with and without pain

The purpose of this investigation was to compare anxiety and depression in Taiwanese cancer patients with and without pain. In 1998, a convenience sample of 203 hospitalized cancer patients, 77 with pain and 126 without pain, were assessed for anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Disease‐related factors such as performance status, disease stage and perceived treatment effect were also assessed and controlled for their effect on anxiety and depression. The prevalence of both anxiety and depression in the pain group was significantly higher than that for the pain‐free group. After controlling the effect of disease‐related factors, patients’ pain status had a significant effect on depression, but not on anxiety. Patients with pain had more depressive symptoms than patients without pain. Cancer patients’ anxiety can be predicted significantly by functional status and perceived treatment effect. In addition to pain status, cancer patients’ depression can be predicted by their functional status.
Classifying clinical decision making: a unifying approach
Authors: Buckingham Christopher D. , Adams Ann
Published: October 2010

Classifying clinical decision making: a unifying approach

This is the first of two linked papers exploring decision making in nursing which integrate research evidence from different clinical and academic disciplines. Currently there are many decision‐making theories, each with their own distinctive concepts and terminology, and there is a tendency for separate disciplines to view their own decision‐making processes as unique. Identifying good nursing decisions and where improvements can be made is therefore problematic, and this can undermine clinical and organizational effectiveness, as well as nurses’ professional status. Within the unifying framework of psychological classification, the overall aim of the two papers is to clarify and compare terms, concepts and processes identified in a diversity of decision‐making theories, and to demonstrate their underlying similarities. It is argued that the range of explanations used across disciplines can usefully be re‐conceptualized as classification behaviour. This paper explores problems arising from multiple theories of decision making being applied to separate clinical disciplines. Attention is given to detrimental effects on nursing practice within the context of multidisciplinary health‐care organizations and the changing role of nurses. The different theories are outlined and difficulties in applying them to nursing decisions highlighted. An alternative approach based on a general model of classification is then presented in detail to introduce its terminology and the unifying framework for interpreting all types of decisions. The classification model is used to provide the context for relating alternative philosophical approaches and to define decision‐making activities common to all clinical domains. This may benefit nurses by improving multidisciplinary collaboration and weakening clinical elitism.
Intracellular accumulation, subcellular distribution and efflux of tilmicosin in swine phagocytes
Authors: Scorneaux B. , Shryock T.R.
Published: October 2010

Tilmicosin is a semi‐synthetic macrolide antibiotic, currently approved for veterinary use in cattle and swine respiratory disease. As the concentrations of tilmicosin are generally low in swine lung tissue, the interaction of tilmicosin with three types of swine phagocytes (monocyte‐macrophages, alveolar macrophages, and neutrophils) was evaluated to provide an understanding of clinical efficacy. After incubation with radiolabelled tilmicosin, uptake was determined and expressed as the ratio of the intracellular (Ci) to the extracellular (Ce) drug concentration (Ci/Ce). Tilmicosin was avidly accumulated by the swine phagocytes (Ci/Ce 48–69 at 4 h incubation) with 51 to 85% localized in the lysosomes. Uptake was dependent on cell viability, temperature and pH, but was not influenced by the metabolic inhibitors, sodium cyanide or potassium fluoride. However, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure increased tilmicosin uptake by the swine phagocytes. In neutrophils, upon removal of extracellular tilmicosin, 60% of the intracellular tilmicosin was effluxed within the first 30 min, but after 4 h of incubation in drug‐free medium, 25% remained cell‐associated. In contrast, after 4 h of incubation in drug‐free medium, 60% and 45% of tilmicosin remained cell‐associated, within alveolar macrophages and monocyte‐derived macrophages, respectively. Tilmicosin uptake was observed to increase lysosomal enzyme (acid phosphatase, lysozyme and β‐glucuronidase) production. Finally, neutrophils were shown to transport and efflux bioactive tilmicosin in a test system measuring both neutrophil chemotaxis under agarose and a bioassay measuring inhibition of bacterial growth in the presence of antibiotic in agar. Thesein vitrointeractions of tilmicosin with swine phagocytes suggest an integral role in effecting clinical efficacy.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration in houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii)
Authors: Bailey T. A. , Sheen R. S. , Silvanose C. , Samour J. H. , Garner A. , Harron D. W. G.
Published: October 2010

Thein‐vitroactivity of enrofloxacin against 117 strains of bacteria isolated from bustards was determined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for 72% of theProteusspp.,E. coli,Salmonellaspp. andKlebsiellaspp. (n = 61) and for 48% of theStreptococcispp. andStaphylococcispp. (n = 31) were0.5 μ g/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 76% ofPseudomonasspp. (n = 25) was2 μg/mL. Fourteen strains were resistant to concentrations128 μg/mL. The elimination half‐lives (t½ elim β) (mean± SEM) of 10 mg/kg enrofloxacin in eight houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata) were 6.80± 0.79, 6.39± 1.49 and 5.63± 0.54 h after oral (p.o.), intramuscular (i.m.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration, respectively. Enrofloxacin was rapidly absorbed from the bustard gastro‐intestinal tract and maximum plasma concentrations of 1.84± 0.16 μg/mL were achieved after 0.66± 0.05 h. Maximum plasma concentration after i.m. administration of 10 mg/kg was 2.75± 0.11 μg/mL at 1.72± 0.19 h. Maximum plasma concentration after i.m. administration of 15 mg/kg in two birds was 4.86 μg/mL. Bioavailability was 97.3± 13.7% and 62.7± 11.1% after i.m. and oral administration, respectively. Plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin0.5 μg/mL were maintained for at least 12 h for all routes at 10 mg/kg and for 24 h after i.m. administration at 15 mg/kg. Plasma enrofloxacin concentrations were monitored during the first 3 days of treatment in five houbara bustards and kori bustards (Ardeotis kori) with bacterial infections receiving a single daily i.m. injection of 10 mg/kg for 3 days. The mean plasma enrofloxacin concentrations in the clinical cases at 27 and 51 h (3.69 and 3.86 μg/mL) and at 48 h (0.70 μg/mL) were significantly higher compared with the 3 h and 24 h time intervals from clinically normal birds. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)/MIC ratio was ranked i.v. (10/mg/kg) > i.m. (15 mg/kg) > i.m. (10 mg/kg) > oral (10 mg/kg), but it was only higher than 8:1 for i.v and i.m. administrations of enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg, respectively, against a low MIC (0.5 μg/mL). A dosage regimen of 10 mg/kg repeated every 12 h, or 15 mg/kg repeated every 24 h, would be expected to give blood concentrations above 0.5 μg/mL and hence provide therapeutic response in the bustard against a wide range of bacterial infections.
Isolation and Characterization of Porcine Mannan‐Binding Proteins of Different Size and Ultrastructure
Authors: STORGAARD P. , HOLM NIELSEN E. , ANDERSEN O. , SKRIVER E. , MORTENSEN H. , HØJRUP P. , LESLIE G. , HOLMSKOV U. , SVEHAG S.‐E.
Published: October 2010

The authors report on the purification and characterization of mannan‐binding proteins (MBP) isolated from porcine serum. The MBPs were purified by use of PEG precipitation, affinity chromatography on mannan‐Sepharose, protein A‐ and anti‐porcine IgM‐Sepharose followed by gel filtration. The MBP proteins were collagenase sensitive and showed γ1‐γ2‐electrophoretic mobility. The MBP designated pMBP‐28 had a molecular mass of 28 kDa when analysed on SDS‐PAGE under reducing conditions and eluted corresponding to a molecular mass of approximately 700 kDa on gel filtration chromatography. Electron micrographs of pMBP‐28 revealed an oligomeric protein similar to rodent MBP‐A and human MBP but with a predominance of penta‐ and hexameric molecules. Another protein designated pMBP‐27 was composed of peptides of 27 kDa and had an Mr of 300–350 kDa on gel filtration chromatography. Electron microscopy of pMBP‐27 showed dimer and trimer molecules; the trimers without distinct stalk regions. The N‐terminal 26 (pMBP‐27) and 24 (MBP‐28) amino acid residues showed 54% and 58% identity with human MBP. pMBP‐28 showed a higher degree of sequence similarity to rat and mouse MBP‐A (60% identity) than to mouse and rat MBP‐C (41–45% identity). Both pMBPs exhibited Ca2+‐dependent binding to D‐mannose immobilized on agarose but no significant binding to N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine‐ or fucose‐agarose. The results further suggested the presence of a third pMBP which copurified with pMBP‐27 but this protein was not sequenced.
Human Autoantibodies Against C1q: Lack of Cross‐Reactivity with the Collectins Mannan‐Binding Protein, Lung Surfactant Protein A and Bovine Conglutinin
Authors: MÅRTENSSON U. , THIEL S. , JENSENIUS J. C. , SJÖHOLM A. G.
Published: October 2010

The collectins, a group of humoral C‐type lectins, have globular and collagen‐like regions and share structural features with the complement protein C1q. The question was asked if autoantibodies to the collagen‐like region of C1q (anti‐C1qCLR) might cross‐react with collectins, such as mannan‐binding protein (MBP), lung surfactant protein A (SP‐A) and bovine conglutinin (BK). Anti‐C1qCLR antibodies of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) type and anti‐C1qCLR antibodies of the hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) type were investigated. Cross‐absorption and elution experiments combined with antibody detection by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot analysis gave no evidence of cross‐reactive anti‐C1qCLR antibodies. However, one serum with HUVS type anti‐C1qCLR antibodies contained anti‐MBP antibodies that were cross‐reactive with SP‐A. Judging from results of ELISA inhibition experiments and immunoblot analysis, four SLE sera contained antibodies to native BK, while two sera with HUVS type anti‐C1qCLR antibodies contained antibodies to epitopes of denatured BK. This might imply that autoimmunity to collagen‐like structures is not restricted to C1qCLR in HUVS and HUVS/SLE overlap syndromes.
Effects of oat processing on the glycaemic and insulin responses in horses
Authors: Vervuert I. , Coenen M. , Bothe C.
Published: October 2010

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different oat processing techniques on the plasma glucose and insulin response in horses. In a cross‐over design, six horses (ages 4–15 years, mean body weight ± SD: 450 ± 37 kg) were fed in random order: untreated oats, finely ground, steam‐flaked and popped oats. The total oat intake varied between 1.05–1.5 kg/day, and the amount of diet was adjusted to a starch content of 630 g starch per day and horse (1.2–1.5 g starch/kg BW/day). During the stabilization period of 10 days, horses additionally received 6 kg grass hay. Following this adaptation period, plasma glucose and insulin responses to the respective dietary treatments were tested. Horses were fed their test diet (exclusively oats), and blood samples were collected at defined times to determine glycaemic and insulin response. Oat feeding resulted in a significant increase in mean plasma glucose and insulin concentration. However, glucose and insulin peaks as well as their respective areas under the curves were not clearly influenced by oat processing. The glycaemic index varied between 94.7 ± 11.2% (steam‐flaked oats) and 102.6 ± 14.5% (finely ground oats, n.s.), the insulin index ranged between 93.8 ± 18.9% (popped oats) and 150.0 ± 77.6% (finely ground oats, n.s.). The insulin reaction to oat feeding showed a high variability between the horses.

The results of this study indicate that the glucose and insulin responses are not clearly altered by the different types of oat processing. However, the glucose and insulin responses tended to be lower in thermally treated oats when compared with untreated or finely ground oats.
Preliminary study on the feeding habits of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the western Alps
Authors: Mussa P. P. , Aceto P. , Abba C. , Sterpone L. , Meineri G.
Published: October 2010

Roe deer feeding habits were studied in the western Alps during the summer season using the faecal analysis method. The diet of cattle grazing in the same area was also investigated and the trophical niche overlap between the two species was determined. The roe deer diet was found very variable and mostly composed of dicotyledons, with Leguminosae and Cistaceae as prevalent species. Monocotyledons, mainly represented by Graminaceae, were consumed to a lesser extent. A significant preference was observed for Cistaceae and other dicotyledons whereas a significant refuse was observed for Graminaceae and Asteraceae. These data confirmed the roe deer's behaviour to select food with a better nutritive value. Despite the differences between the cattle and roe deer's diets, the trophical niche overlap was quite high. This can be explained by the homogeneity of the plants covering the whole area which probably limited food selection by the roe deer.
In vitro quality assessment of two tropical shrub legumes in relation to their extractable tannins contents
Authors: Seresinhe T. , Iben C.
Published: October 2010

The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the two leguminous tree fodders Gliricidia sepium and Calliandra calothyrsus which differ in their tannin content was examined by the rumen simulation technique. Extractable condensed tannin (CT) concentrations ranged from 0.57% in G. sepium to 5.05% in C. calothyrsus using the butanol–HCl extraction. On the basis of their respective CT contents, G. sepium was classified as containing traces of CT, whereas C. calothyrsus had medium amounts of CT. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added at different concentrations (0, 1.5, 5 and 10 g/100 g plant material substrate) to assess the effect of tannins on IVDMD. The IVDMD was higher for G. sepium (range: 60–65%) than for C. calothyrsus (39.5–53.5%). In vitro gas production and IVDMD increased with increased PEG concentrations especially for C. calothyrsus. A non‐significant response to increasing PEG concentrations for IVDMD of G. sepium confirms PEG binding with the tannins. On the basis of these results, it is assumed that G. sepium has a higher nutritive value than C. calothyrsus. Good relationship between PEG binding and the improvement of IVDMD confirms the usefulness of this technique for improving the nutritive value of tanniniferous tropical browses.