bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ontological View of Advanced Practice Nursing
Authors: Arslanian-Engoren Cynthia , Hicks Frank D. , Whall Ann L. , Algase Donna L.
Published: November 2005

Identifying, developing, and incorporating nursing’s unique ontological and epistemological perspective into advanced practice nursing practice places priority on delivering care based on research-derived knowledge. Without a clear distinction of our metatheoretical space, we risk blindly adopting the practice values of other disciplines, which may not necessarily reflect those of nursing. A lack of focus may lead current advanced practice nursing curricula and emerging doctorate of nursing practice programs to mirror the logical positivist paradigm and perspective of medicine. This article presents an ontological perspective for advanced practice nursing education, practice, and research.
The Social Construction and Conceptualization of Sexual Health Among Mexican American Women
Authors: Davila Yolanda R.
Published: November 2005

Research on the social construction and contextualization of sexual health among Latina women is sparse. This ethnographic study was aimed to bridge this gap by exploring sexual health experiences and behaviors of a Latina subgroup, Mexican American women. A series of individual semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Mexican American women from a sexual and reproductive health clinic in a large Southwestern city with a predominantly Mexican American population. Through thematic analysis, sacrificing of self, sexual silence, and taking control of self emerged as themes. These themes reflect the context within which construction of sexual health occurs and sexual health behaviors are influenced. Study findings are discussed within a socio-cultural framework for sexual health promotion intervention for both adolescent and adult Mexican American women.
Biofilm Formation by the Periodontopathic Bacteria Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Kuramitsu Howard K. , Chen Wen , Ikegami Aki
Published: November 2005

Background: Periodontitis develops as a result of the interaction of the host with subgingival plaque bacteria. Both Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola are frequently associated together in these oral biofilms.

Methods: The molecular basis for in vitro biofilm formation was investigated for P. gingivalis 381, T. denticola 35405, and mixtures of the two organisms using microtiter plate assays. In addition, the biofilms were examined following confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results: P. gingivalis 381, but not T. denticola strains, formed biofilms in vitro. This property was dependent, in part, on the strain 381 fimA, ppk, and usp genes. Microarray and Northern blot analyses suggested that the expression of the ppk gene was required for maximal expression of the uspA gene. P. gingivalis 381 formed synergistic biofilms when incubated with T. denticola strains. This process was dependent upon the strain 381 rgpB and fimA genes as well as the T. denticola flgE and cfpA genes.

Conclusions: P. gingivalis 381 formed synergistic biofilms with T. denticola 35405. These results may be relevant to the previous observations that the two organisms are frequently observed together in subgingival plaque with the spirochetes localized to the exterior of the oral biofilms. It is suggested that other such synergistic effects may also occur between other plaque bacteria.
Oral Streptococci and Cardiovascular Disease: Searching for the Platelet Aggregation‐Associated Protein Gene and Mechanisms of Streptococcus sanguis‐Induced Thrombosis
Authors: Herzberg Mark C. , Nobbs Angela , Tao Lin , Kilic Ali , Beckman Eric , Khammanivong Ali , Zhang Yongshu
Published: November 2005

Background: Pathogenic mechanisms in infective endocarditis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and cardiovascular events involve the aggregation of platelets into thrombi. Attendant infection by oral bacteria contributes to these diseases. We have been studying how certain oral streptococci induce platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Streptococcus sanguis expresses a platelet aggregation‐associated protein (PAAP), which contributes little to adhesion to platelets. When specific antibodies or peptides block PAAP, S. sanguis fails to induce platelet aggregation in vitro or in vivo.

Methods: We used subtractive hybridization to identify the gene encoding for PAAP.

Results: After subtraction of strain L50 (platelet aggregation‐negative), four strain 133‐79 specific sequences were characterized. Sequence agg4 encoded a putative collagen‐binding protein (CbpA), which was predicted to contain two PAAP collagen‐like octapeptide sequences. S. sanguis CbpA‐ mutants were constructed and tested for induction of platelet aggregation in vitro. Platelet aggregation was substantially inhibited when compared to the wild‐type using platelet‐rich plasma from the principal donor, but adhesion was unaffected. Other donor platelets responded normally to the CbpA‐ strain, suggesting additional mechanisms of response to S. sanguis. In contrast, CshA‐ and methionine sulfoxide reductase‐negative (MsrA‐) strains neither adhered nor induced platelet aggregation.

Conclusions: CbpA was suggested to contribute to site 2 interactions in our two‐site model of platelet aggregation in response to S. sanguis. Platelet polymorphisms were suggested to contribute to the thrombogenic potential of S. sanguis.
The Association Between Osteoporosis and Oral Bone Loss
Authors: Jeffcoat Marjorie
Published: November 2005

Background: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are characterized by reductions in bone mass and may lead to skeletal fragility and fracture. The purpose of this paper is to review studies to determine the relationship between oral bone loss and osteoporosis. In addition, the major modes of therapy for osteoporosis are discussed.

Methods: In this convenience review, papers studying the possible correlation between oral bone loss and osteoporosis in humans, written in the English language since 1983, were reviewed.

Results: The methods used to assess oral and systemic bone varied greatly from study to study. Therefore, the results were not amenable to meta‐analysis. Thirteen of the 15 studies did show a positive correlation between systemic bone mass and oral bone mass (or bone loss).

Conclusion: Studies to date indicate a possible correlation between systemic and oral bone loss.
Periodontal Therapy Reduces the Rate of Preterm Low Birth Weight in Women With Pregnancy‐Associated Gingivitis
Authors: López Néstor J. , Da Silva Isabel , Ipinza Joaquín , Gutiérrez Jorge
Published: November 2005

Background: One hypothesis to explain the association between periodontal disease (PD) preterm/low birth weight (PT/LBW) is that PT/LBW may be indirectly mediated through translocation of bacteria or bacterial products in the systemic circulation. Transient bacteremias occur in subjects with marginal periodontitis or with gingivitis, and it is possible that bacteria and their products may reach the placental membranes hematogenously and provide the inflammatory effect to induce preterm labor. The effect of gingivitis as a potential risk factor for PT/LBW has still not been studied. A randomized controlled trial was undertaken to determine the effect of routine plaque control and scaling on the pregnancy outcomes in women with gingivitis.

Methods: Eight hundred seventy (870) pregnant women with gingivitis, aged 18 to 42, were enrolled while receiving prenatal care in Santiago, Chile. Women were randomly assigned in a two‐to‐one fashion to either a treatment group (N = 580), receiving periodontal treatment before 28 weeks of gestation or to a control group (N = 290), receiving periodontal treatment after delivery. Periodontal therapy consisted of plaque control, scaling, and daily rinsing with 0.12% clorhexidine. Maintenance therapy was provided every 2 to 3 weeks until delivery, and consisted of oral hygiene instruction and supragingival plaque removal by instrumentation, as needed. The primary outcomes assessed were delivery at less than 37 weeks of gestation or an infant weighing less than 2,500 g.

Results: Of the 870 women enrolled, 36 women (27 in the treatment group and nine in the control group) were excluded from the analyses for different reasons. The incidence of PT/LBW in the treatment group was 2.14% (12/560) and in the control group, 6.71% (19/283) (odds ratio [OR] 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56 to 6.83; P = 0.0009). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for several known risk factors for PT/LBW, women with gingivitis were at a higher risk of PT/LBW than women who received periodontal treatment (OR 2.76; 95%CI 1.29 to 5.88; P = 0.008).

Conclusions: Periodontal treatment significantly reduced the PT/LBW rate in this population of women with pregnancy‐associated gingivitis. Within the limitions of this study, we conclude that gingivitis appears to be an independent risk factor for PT/LBW for this population.
Associations Between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Disease: Evaluating the Strength of the Evidence
Authors: Dietrich Thomas , Garcia Raul I.
Published: November 2005

Much work has been published on the association between periodontal disease and systemic disease, including original reports, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses. Based on the existent work, one can assign an evidence level and grade, using standard evidence‐based criteria, to the data available in the four major categories of medical outcomes studied: cardiovascular/cerebrovascular, pregnancy, pulmonary, and diabetes. We discuss methodologic and conceptual problems in the study of oral‐systemic associations, focusing as an example on the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease. We argue that the hierarchical ranking of studies by levels of evidence may be misleading. In particular, while randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to determine the efficacy of periodontal treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, they may be of limited value in determining the etiologic role of periodontal disease on coronary heart disease and stroke. We discuss limitations of RCTs as well as the limitations of currently available data from epidemiologic studies, including study design and confounding and misclassification errors. We conclude that well‐designed observational studies into the associations between periodontal disease and systemic disease need to remain an integral component of future research efforts in order to fully understand such associations.
Assessment of Wool Waste and Hair Waste as Soil Amendment and Nutrient Source
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D.
Published: November 2005

A field and two container experiments were conducted to assess uncomposted wool and hair wastes as a nutrient source for crops and to evaluate their potential to improve soil biological and chemical properties. Overall, addition of wool or hair waste to soil increased yields of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Trakia’), thorn apple (Datura innoxia Mill. ‘Inka’), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L. ‘Black Mitchum’), and garden sage (Salvia officinalis L. ‘Desislava’), increased NH4–N and NO3–N in soil, increased total N (and protein) content in plant tissue, stimulated soil microbial biomass, and decreased mycorrhizae colonization of plant roots of thorn apple but not in basil. Wool and hair waste additions to soil altered slightly the content and composition of plant secondary metabolites (essential oils or alkaloids); however, overall the constituents remained within the “typical” range for the respective crops. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis demonstrated that wool and hair wastes decompose slowly under field or greenhouse conditions, and act as a slow release S, N, P, and K fertilizer. These results, along with the measured concentrations of NO3–N in soil at harvest, suggest that the addition of wool or hair waste of only 3.3 g kg−1 of soil may support two to five harvests or crops under greenhouse conditions and two to four field seasons in field production systems, and would improve soil biological and chemical characteristics. Further research is needed to optimize the rate of application of these waste materials to the nutrient requirements of specific crops to avoid nitrate leaching into the ground water. In addition, the effect of wool and hair waste on other environmental end points should also be further investigated before specific recommendations for growers are provided.
Phosphorus, Sediment, and Escherichia coli Loads in Unfenced Streams of the Georgia Piedmont, USA
Authors: Byers H. L. , Cabrera M. L. , Matthews M. K. , Franklin D. H. , Andrae J. G. , Radcliffe D. E. , McCann M. A. , Kuykendall H. A. , Hoveland C. S. , Calvert V. H.
Published: November 2005

Contamination of unfenced streams with P, sediments, and pathogenic bacteria from cattle (Bos taurus) activity may be affected by the availability of shade and alternative water sources. The objectives of this study were to evaluate water quality in two streams draining tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)–common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) pastures with different shade distribution, and to quantify the effects of alternative water sources on stream water quality. For 3 yr, loads of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total phosphorus (TP), and total suspended solids (TSS) were measured during storm flow, and loads of DRP, TP, TSS, and Escherichia coli were measured every 14 d during base flow. We also used GPS collars to determine amount of time cattle spent in riparian areas. Our results showed that cattle‐grazed pastures with unfenced streams contributed significant loads of DRP, TP, TSS, and E. coli to surface waters (p < 0.01). Time spent by cattle in riparian areas as well as storm flow loads of DRP, TP, and TSS were larger (p < 0.08) in the pasture with the smaller amount of nonriparian shade. Water trough availability decreased base flow loads of TSS and E. coli in both streams, and decreased time cattle spent in riparian areas in the pasture with the smaller amount of nonriparian shade (p < 0.08). Our results indicate that possible BMPs to reduce contamination from cattle‐grazed pastures would be to develop or encourage nonriparian shade and to provide cattle with alternative water sources away from the stream.
Rhizospheric Mobilization and Plant Uptake of Radiocesium from Weathered Micas
Authors: Gommers A. , Thiry Y. , Delvaux B.
Published: November 2005

Potassium depletion in the soil solution around plant roots promotes the root uptake of radiocesium. However, it can also induce the transformation of mica through the release of interlayer K. In bulk soil, the formation of frayed edge sites (FES) with a high selectivity for Cs adsorption is usually related with mica weathering. We studied the effect of K level in the nutrient solution on the root‐induced weathering of phlogopite as well as on the root uptake of radiocesium by willow (Salix viminalis L. var. Orm). The willows were grown for 7 wk in column lysimeters filled with a quartz–phlogopite mixed substrate continuously irrigated with nutrient solutions differing in K concentration (0–2 mM). From a potassium supply of 0.4 mM downward, we observed a decrease in root uptake of potassium as well as an increase in (i) potassium release from phlogopite, (ii) degree of transformation of phlogopite into vermiculite, and (iii) root uptake of radiocesium. Increasing K depletion had thus two effects: a decrease of the root uptake of potassium and an increase of phlogopite weathering in the rhizosphere, both of which promoted the root uptake of radiocesium.
Rhizospheric Mobilization and Plant Uptake of Radiocesium from Weathered Micas
Authors: Thiry Yves , Gommers Annick , Iserentant Anne , Delvaux Bruno
Published: November 2005

Acute K depletion in the rhizosphere can lead to increased root uptake of radiocesium. Two processes can govern this increase: the very low uptake of potassium and the weathering of Cs‐fixing clay minerals. Their respective importance is, however, unknown. We investigated the effects of these processes on radiocesium mobilization by roots of willow (Salix viminalis L.) from three micas: muscovite, biotite, and phlogopite. Willows were grown in a mixed quartz–mica substrate with the three respective 134Cs‐contaminated micas as sole sources of potassium and radiocesium. After 7 wk of plant growth, the micas were partially weathered. The degree of mica weathering and the prevalent potassium concentration in the solution increased in the order muscovite (5–11 μM K) < biotite (25–32 μM K) < phlogopite (25–35 μM K). The mobilization and root uptake of radiocesium were negligible with muscovite but increased in the same order. These results show that mica weathering directly and chiefly governs the mobility of radiocesium in K‐depleted rhizosphere soil. The low mobility of trace Cs in the muscovite rhizosphere is linked with the dioctahedral character of this mica, and hence to its very low alterability.
Effect of Corn Root Exudates on the Degradation of Atrazine and Its Chlorinated Metabolites in Soils
Authors: Wenger K. , Bigler L. , Suter M. J.‐F. , Schönenberger R. , Gupta S. K. , Schulin R.
Published: November 2005

DIMBOA (3,4‐dihydro‐2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one), a major benzoxazinone of Poaceae plants, was isolated and purified from corn seedlings. The effect of isolated and purified DIMBOA on the degradation of atrazine [2‐chloro‐4‐(ethylamino)‐6‐(isopropylamino)‐s‐triazine], and its toxic breakdown products, desethylatrazine [2‐chloro‐4‐amino‐6‐(isopropylamino)‐s‐triazine; DEA] and desisopropylatrazine [2‐chloro‐4‐(ethylamino)‐6‐amino‐s‐triazine; DIA], was studied in the absence of plants using batch experiments, while the effect of corn root exudates on these compounds was determined in hydroponic experiments. Degradation experiments were performed in the presence and absence of 50 μM, 1 mM, or 5 mM DIMBOA resulting in ratios of DIMBOA to pesticide of 1:1, 20:1, and 100:1. We observed a 100% degradation of atrazine to hydroxyatrazine within 48 h at a ratio of DIMBOA to atrazine of 100:1. DIMBOA had the largest effect on atrazine, while it was about three times less effective on DEA and DIA. Corn (Zea mays L. cv. LG 2185) was exposed to 10 mg L−1 of either atrazine, DEA, or DIA for 11 d in a growth chamber experiment. Up to 4.3 μmol L−1 d−1 of hydroxyatrazine were formed in the nutrient solutions by plants exposed to atrazine, while the formation of hydroxylated metabolites from plants exposed to DEA and DIA was smaller and also delayed. The formation of hydroxylated metabolites increased in the solution with plant age in all atrazine, DEA, and DIA treatments. HMBOA (3,4‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one), the lactam precursor of DIMBOA, and a tentatively identified derivative of MBOA (2,3‐dihydro‐6‐methoxy‐benzoxazol‐2‐one) were detected in the corn root exudates. Mass balance calculations revealed that up to 30% of the disappearance of atrazine and DEA, and up to 10% of DIA removal from the solution medium in our study could be explained by the formation of hydroxylated metabolites in the solution itself. Our results show that higher plants such as corn have the potential to promote the hydrolysis of triazine residues in soils by exudation of benzoxazinones.
Relative Movement and Soil Fixation of Soluble Organic and Inorganic Phosphorus
Authors: Anderson Brandon H. , Magdoff Frederick R.
Published: November 2005

There is considerable concern about pollution of surface waters with P. Although most of the research has focused on inorganic P in surface runoff, it has recently become possible to easily follow the fate of soluble organic P forms in soils and waters. Two experiments were performed to compare the relative mobility and soil fixation affinity of orthophosphate monoesters, orthophosphate diesters, and soluble inorganic P. We used three P substrates, 4‐methylumbelliferyl phosphate (MUP), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and KH2PO4 in (i) a soil column experiment and (ii) a soil P adsorption test tube experiment. Shortly after columns were prepared, approximately two pore volumes of 0.005 M CaCl2 were passed through 25 cm length columns containing 10 cm of loamy sand amended with approximately 10 mg P as MUP, DNA, or KH2PO4 above 15 cm of nonamended loamy sand. The total net quantity of 757.8 μg P 2L−1 of orthophosphate diesters in the leachate from the DNA columns exceeded the net quantity of orthophosphate monoesters in leachate from the MUP columns (4.6 μg P 2L−1) and soluble inorganic P from the KH2PO4 columns (34.0 μg P 2L−1). Adsorption of soluble organic and inorganic P in the test tube experiment yielded similar results: DNA, containing orthophosphate diesters, had a relatively low affinity for soils. In both experiments, high concentrations of other P compounds were identified in samples treated with organic P substrates, suggesting enzymatic hydrolysis by native soil phosphatase enzymes. These findings indicate that repeated application of organic forms of P could lead to significant leaching of P to ground water.
In Situ Measurements of Nitrate Leaching Implicate Poor Nitrogen and Irrigation Management on Sandy Soils
Authors: Gehl R. J. , Schmidt J. P. , Stone L. R. , Schlegel A. J. , Clark G. A.
Published: November 2005

Minimizing the risk of nitrate contamination along the waterways of the U.S. Great Plains is essential to continued irrigated corn production and quality water supplies. The objectives of this study were to quantify nitrate (NO3) leaching for irrigated sandy soils (Pratt loamy fine sand [sandy, mixed, mesic Lamellic Haplustalfs]) and to evaluate the effects of N fertilizer and irrigation management strategies on NO3 leaching in irrigated corn. Two irrigation schedules (1.0× and 1.25× optimum) were combined with six N fertilizer treatments broadcast as NH4NO3 (kg N ha−1): 300 and 250 applied pre‐plant; 250 applied pre‐plant and sidedress; 185 applied pre‐plant and sidedress; 125 applied pre‐plant and sidedress; and 0. Porous‐cup tensiometers and solution samplers were installed in each of the four highest N treatments. Soil solution samples were collected during the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons. Maximum corn grain yield was achieved with 125 or 185 kg N ha−1, regardless of the irrigation schedule (IS). The 1.25× IS exacerbated the amount of NO3 leached below the 152‐cm depth in the preplant N treatments, with a mean of 146 kg N ha−1 for the 250 and 300 kg N preplant applications compared with 12 kg N ha−1 for the same N treatments and 1.0× IS. With 185 kg N ha−1, the 1.25× IS treatment resulted in 74 kg N ha−1 leached compared with 10 kg N ha−1 for the 1.0× IS. Appropriate irrigation scheduling and N fertilizer rates are essential to improving N management practices on these sandy soils.
Use of Drinking Water Treatment Residuals as a Potential Best Management Practice to Reduce Phosphorus Risk Index Scores
Authors: Dayton E. A. , Basta N. T.
Published: November 2005

The P risk index system has been developed to identify agricultural fields vulnerable to P loss as a step toward protecting surface water. Because of their high Langmuir phosphorus adsorption maxima (Pmax), use of drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) should be considered as a best management practice (BMP) to lower P risk index scores. This work discusses three WTR application methods that can be used to reduce P risk scores: (i) enhanced buffer strip, (ii) incorporation into a high soil test phosphorus (STP) soil, and (iii) co‐blending with manure or biosolids. The relationship between WTR Pmax and reduction in P extractability and runoff P was investigated. In a simulated rainfall experiment, using a buffer strip enhanced with 20 Mg WTR ha−1, runoff P was reduced by from 66.8 to 86.2% and reductions were related to the WTR Pmax When 25 g kg−1 WTR was incorporated into a high STP soil of 315 mg kg−1 determined using Mehlich‐3 extraction, 0.01 M calcium chloride–extractable phosphorus (CaCl2–P) reductions ranged from 60.9 to 96.0% and were strongly (P < 0.01) related to WTR Pmax At a 100 g kg−1 WTR addition, Mehlich 3–extractable P reductions ranged from 41.1 to 86.7% and were strongly (P < 0.01) related to WTR Pmax Co‐blending WTR at 250 g kg−1 to manure or biosolids reduced CaCl2–P by >75%. The WTR Pmax normalized across WTR application rates (Pmax × WTR application) was significantly related to reductions in CaCl2–P or STP. Using WTR as a P risk index modifying factor will promote effective use of WTR as a BMP to reduce P loss from agricultural land.
HPLC‐MSn to Investigate the Oxidative Destruction Pathway of Aromatic Sulfonate Wastes
Authors: Gosetti Fabio , Gianotti Valentina , Ravera Mauro , Gennaro Maria Carla
Published: November 2005

The article concerns the problem of destruction and remediation of industrial wastes containing aromatic sulfonates. The effects of an oxidation process induced by thermally activated persulfate in the degradation of 1,5‐naphthalenedisulfonate (NDS) are investigated by the use of UV‐Vis spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) and HPLC‐MSn techniques. The results obtained indicated that thermal activation (80°C) of a solution containing NDS and sodium persulfate in a molar ratio equal to 1 leads to the cleavage of the naphthalene structure. Estimated chemical oxygen demand (COD) indicates that when the excess of persulfate is equal to 100, NDS undergoes a mineralization of the order of 90%. A degradation pathway undergone by NDS when thermally activated in the presence of persulfate is proposed.
The Effect of Residential and Agricultural Runoff on the Microbiology of a Hawaiian Ahupua'a
Authors: Frank Kiana
Published: November 2005

The objective of this project was to study the relationship between environmental runoff and the incidence of antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms (ARMO) in freshwater streams. Five water systems along the windward coast of the island of O'ahu were evaluated. Samples were collected from sites upstream of residential or agricultural areas, throughout these areas, and at sites of entrance into oceans or bays. It was hypothesized that the incidence of ARMO would increase as the stream received runoff from residential and agricultural areas. The percentage of ARMO did not increase as the streams passed through residential or agricultural areas. Surprisingly, pristine sites, well upstream from residential or agricultural areas, contained bacteria resistant to at least one antibiotic. Areas most affected by runoff did not show a significant increase in the incidence of antibiotic‐resistant organisms, suggesting that the incidence of antibiotic resistance is not simply a function of contamination with agricultural or residential runoff. The correlation of antibiotic resistance with heavy metal resistance was evaluated, because others (Fasim et al., 1999; Lazar et al., 2002; Nies, 1999) have shown that antibiotic and heavy metal resistance are each carried on extrachromosomal plasmids. The vast majority of ARMO were also resistant to concentrations of heavy metals reported in the sediments of indicator streams (Waihee, system III), suggesting that an antibiotic‐resistant bacterium has a high probability of having dual resistance to a heavy metal. A 3.2‐kb plasmid (pSTAMP) was isolated from a bacterium with dual antibiotic and heavy metal resistance. Further analysis of the plasmid is currently in progress.
Bottled Water: How Safe Is It?
Authors: Raj Sean D.
Published: November 2005

Sales of bottled water have increased dramatically in recent years, with worldwide sales of more than $35 billion, largely because of the public perception of purity and safety and public concern about the quality of tap water. Presently, there are no Food and Drug Administration (Washington, D.C.) recommendations regarding temperature and duration of storage for bottled water once it is opened and used. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of time and storage temperature on bacterial growth and characterize the types of microorganisms contaminating bottled water after drinking once from the bottle. Bottled and tap water were tested using standard microbiology culture techniques. The bacterial count in bottled water increased dramatically, from less than 1 colony per milliliter (col/mL) to 38 000 col/mL over 48 hours of storage at 37°C. Bacterial growth was markedly reduced at cold temperatures (refrigeration) compared with room temperature, with 50% fewer bacterial colonies in 24 hours and 84% fewer colonies in 48 hours. Interestingly, tap water resulted in only minimal growth, especially at cold temperatures (<100 col/mL at 48 hours). These findings may be useful to increase public awareness and development of guidelines on storage temperature and expiration time for bottled water once it is opened and used.
Laboratory Evaluation of Thermophilic‐Anaerobic Digestion to Produce Class A Biosolids. 1. Stabilization Performance of a Continuous‐Flow Reactor at Low Residence Time
Authors: Aitken Michael D. , Walters Glenn W. , Crunk Phillip L. , Willis John L. , Farrell Joseph B. , Schafer Perry L. , Arnett Cliff , Turner Billy G.
Published: November 2005

There is increasing interest in the United States in producing biosolids from municipal wastewater treatment that meet the criteria for Class A designation established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Class A biosolids are intended to be free of pathogens and also must meet requirements for reduction of the vector‐attraction potential associated with untreated sludge. High‐temperature processes are considered to produce Class A biosolids if the combination of operating temperature and treatment time exceeds minimum criteria, but this option is not applicable to mixed, continuous‐flow reactors. Such reactors, or any combination of reactors that does not meet the holding time requirement at a specific temperature, must be demonstrated to inactivate pathogens to levels consistent with the Class A criteria. This study was designed to evaluate pathogen inactivation by thermophilic anaerobic digestion in a mixed, continuous‐flow reactor followed by batch or plug‐flow treatment. In this first of a two‐part series, we describe the performance of a continuous‐flow laboratory reactor with respect to physical and chemical operating parameters; microbial inactivation in the combined continuous‐flow and batch treatment system is described in the second part. Sludges from three different sources were treated at 53°C, while sludge from one of the sources was also treated at 55 and 51 °C. Relatively short hydraulic retention times (four to six days) were used to represent a conservative operating condition with respect to pathogen inactivation. Treatment of a fermented primary sludge led to an average volatile‐solids (VS) destruction efficiency of 45%, while VS destruction for the other two sources was near or below 38%, the Class A criterion for vector attraction reduction. Consistent with other studies on thermophilic anaerobic digestion of sludges at short residence times, effluent concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were relatively high. Also consistent with other studies, the most abundant VFA in the effluent was propionate. Gas production ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 m3/kg VS fed and from 0.8 to 1.3 m3/kg VS destroyed.
Simulation Evaluation of the Effects of Non‐Uniform Flow and Degradation Parameter Uncertainty on Subsurface‐Flow Constructed Wetland Performance
Authors: Grismer Mark E.
Published: November 2005

Although constructed wetland treatment systems have been used in a variety of applications, uncertainty in adequately determining flow conditions or hydraulic residence times (“hydraulic efficiencies”) and degradation model parameters remains a problem with their design. Breakthrough or impulse‐type tracer studies in constructed wetlands often result in residence‐time distributions exhibiting long skewed “tails” suggesting multiple flow channels or perhaps unrealistically large dispersion factors. A fractional‐flow analysis is developed here to quantify possible flow non‐uniformity in a subsurface‐flow constructed wetland and is then used to assess the effects of non‐uniformity and degradation model parameter variability on constituent (for example, chemical oxygen demand) removal. A model application to tracer data developed previously demonstrates how flow non‐uniformity alone can account for significant “tailing” and can be related to even moderate estimated dispersion numbers. From the analysis, it is evident that flow non‐uniformity is of greater concern than decay parameter uncertainty, and that, from a constructed wetland design and operation perspective, every effort should be made to ensure relative flow uniformity across the constructed wetland.
Ion Exchange Treatment of Rinse Water Generated in the Galvanizing Process
Authors: Marañón Elena , Fernández Yolanda , Castrillón Leonor
Published: November 2005

A study was conducted of the viability of using the cationic exchange resins Amberlite IR‐120 and Lewatit SP‐112 to treat rinse water generated in the galvanizing process as well as acidic wastewater containing zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). Solutions containing either 100 mg/L of Zn at pH 5.6 (rinse water) or Fe and Zn at concentrations of 320 and 200 mg/L at pH 1.5 (acidic water), respectively, were percolated through packed beds until the resins were exhausted. Breakthrough capacities obtained ranged between 1.1 and 1.5 meq metal/mL resin. The elution of metal and the regeneration of resins were performed with hydrochloric acid. The influence of the flowrate used during the loading stage was also studied, with 0.5 bed volumes/min (3.2 cm/min) found to be the optimum flowrate.
Development of a New Model for Batch Sedimentation and Application to Secondary Settling Tanks Design
Authors: Karamisheva Ralica D. , Islam M. A.
Published: November 2005

Assuming that settling takes place in two zones (a constant rate zone and a variable rate zone), a model using four parameters accounting for the nature of the water‐suspension system has been proposed for describing batch sedimentation processes. The sludge volume index (SVI) has been expressed in terms of these parameters. Some disadvantages of the SVI application as a design parameter have been pointed out, and it has been shown that a relationship between zone settling velocity and sludge concentration is more consistent for describing the settling behavior and for design of settling tanks. The permissible overflow rate has been related to the technological parameters of secondary settling tank by simple working equations. The graphical representations of these equations could be used to optimize the design and operation of secondary settling tanks.
Protocol for Early Detection and Evaluation of Inhibitory Wastewater Using Combined Aerobic Respirometric and Anaerobic Batch Techniques
Authors: Koh Sock‐Hoon , Ellis Timothy G.
Published: November 2005

Faced with the task of treating significant volumes of complex industrial wastewaters, the biological components of municipal wastewater treatment plants are operating under the risk of toxic or inhibitory contaminants from the industrial effluents that may be detrimental to their operation. This might lead to undesirable effluent toxicity and/or result in permit violations. Therefore, there is a need for upset early warning systems that can protect full‐scale plants from toxic or inhibitory constituents in the incoming wastewaters. This study focused on the development of a protocol for rapid detection of potentially toxic inhibitory or toxic wastewaters using combined aerobic respirometric and anaerobic batch techniques. Aerobic respirometers equipped with automated data acquisition systems were used as potential early warning devices. The inhibition effect on carbon and nitrogen oxidation was assessed. The degree of inhibition was evaluated as the concentration causing 50% reduction in microbial activity, which was estimated by an inhibition model. Anaerobic toxicity assays were also conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the toxic compounds to anaerobic inocula obtained from a master culture reactor fed with ethanol. The developed protocol for early detection of toxicity was validated using wastewater samples from a biotechnology industry and a food processing industry, and pure chemicals such as furfural and phenol. Varying degrees of sensitivity were observed in the study when different groups of microorganisms, wastewater samples, and chemicals were tested. The comparison of aerobic and anaerobic inhibition suggested the importance of using both aerobic and anaerobic cultures to maximize the necessary sensitivity of the protocol.
A Meta-Analysis of Journal Articles Intersecting Issues of Internet and Gender
Authors: Royal Cindy
Published: November 2005

The propagation and mainstream acceptance of the Internet has become a hot topic addressed in media, business, and scholarly environments. The gender implications of technology are studied in various ways across the disciplines of communications, gender studies, and technology and society. This study overviews and summarizes articles dealing with gender implications of the Internet in journals in these fields. The analysis identified 132 articles during the period of 1995–2003 in 28 publications in which frequencies, trends, and potential gaps were assessed using quantitative and qualitative meta-analysis. Most of the research in this area is being done in technology publications (59.7% of articles). Women's usage of the Internet is the most frequently studied level of participation. Results indicates that the survey method was the most predominant, but various qualitative methods are often employed. Notable themes included those of equal access yet unequal participation, the existence of both negative and positive aspects of the Internet, and the dichotomy of online/offline activities. The purpose of this study was to encourage interest in performing continued research on this topic as women's Internet access meets and exceeds that of men.
A Sounding Board for the Self: Virtual Community as Ideology
Authors: Matei Sorin Adam
Published: November 2005

Claims about the emergence of a new type of social aggregation—“virtual community”—cover a type of ideological discourse about social interactions. The main cultural resource fueling this ideology is the counterculture and its social project. Virtual community, both as a discursive and as a social practice, is a culmination rather than a resolution of the modern conflict between community and individuality. Presenting virtual community as a panacea for modern social tensions, especially that between individualistic and communitarian ideals, hides from sight not only some of the negative aspects of on-line social life (cliquish behavior and incivility) but also the role played by communication technology in fragmenting modern society.
The Impact of Support Received and Support Provision on Changes in Perceived Social Support among Older Adults
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A.
Published: November 2005

The current study uses longitudinal data from the 1993 U.S. Midwest floods to examine the influence of support received and support provision on changes in perceived social support among older adults exposed to an acute stressor. Results indicated that flood exposure and higher levels of social support at Time 1 were positively associated with both receiving social support and providing social support specific to the food. Individuals with higher levels of support provision and received support in turn reported higher levels of perceived support post disaster. Women were more likely to have received flood specific support and to have perceived higher social support post flood. This study provides support and elaboration of earlier findings that link disaster exposure to post-disaster changes in perceived social support.
Social Topography in a Wireless Era: The Negotiation of Public and Private Space
Authors: Humphreys Lee
Published: November 2005

Talking on the phone is usually a private activity, but it becomes a public activity when using a cellphone in certain spaces. Unlike a traditional payphone in public, cellphones do not have privacy booths. Therefore, the ways in which people respond to cellphone calls in public spaces provide markers for social topographical space. In this study I explore how cellphone users negotiate privacy when using cellphones in public space and how those within the proximity of the caller negotiate space in response to these callers. Based on a year-long study involving observation fieldwork and in-depth interviews, I discuss the flexibility with which people constantly negotiate their private and public sense of self when using and responding to cellphones in public spaces.
Older Adults' Coping with Negative Life Events: Common Processes of Managing Health, Interpersonal, and Financial/Work Stressors
Authors: Moos Rudolf H. , Brennan Penny L. , Schutte Kathleen K. , Moos Bernice S.
Published: November 2005

This study examined how older adults cope with negative life events in health, interpersonal, and financial/work domains and whether common stress and coping processes hold across these three domains. On three occasions, older adults identified the most severe negative event they faced in the last year and described how they appraised and coped with that event, their ambient chronic stressors, and event and functioning outcomes. The stress and coping process was largely consistent across the three life domains. Individuals who appraised events as challenging and relied more on approach coping were more likely to report some benefit from those events. Individuals who experienced more chronic stressors and favored avoidance coping were more likely to be depressed and to have late-life drinking problems. Chronic stressors, as well as approach and avoidance coping, were predictably associated with overall outcomes in all three event domains. These findings provide a basis for preventive interventions that may help older adults' address the most prevalent stressors of aging more effectively.
An all atom energy based computational protocol for predicting binding affinities of protein–ligand complexes
Authors: Jain Tarun , Jayaram B.
Published: November 2005

We report here a computationally fast protocol for predicting binding affinities of non‐metallo protein–ligand complexes. The protocol builds in an all atom energy based empirical scoring function comprising electrostatics, van der Waals, hydrophobicity and loss of conformational entropy of protein side chains upon ligand binding. The method is designed to ensure transferability across diverse systems and has been validated on a heterogenous dataset of 161 complexes consisting of 55 unique protein targets. The scoring function trained on a dataset of 61 complexes yielded a correlation of r
= 0.92 for the predicted binding free energies against the experimental binding affinities. Model validation and parameter analysis studies ensure the predictive ability of the scoring function. When tested on the remaining 100 protein–ligand complexes a correlation of r
= 0.92 was recovered. The high correlation obtained underscores the potential applicability of the methodology in drug design endeavors. The scoring function has been web enabled at www.scfbio‐iitd.res.in/software/drugdesign/bappl.jsp as binding affinity prediction of protein–ligand (BAPPL) server.
A framework to model shrimp (Pandalus borealis) stock dynamics and to quantify the risk associated with alternative management options, using Bayesian methods
Authors: Hvingel Carsten , Kingsley Michael C.S.
Published: November 2005

A new integrated Bayesian framework for making quantitative assessments, predictions, and risk analyses of shrimp (Pandalus borealis) stock development is constructed. A biomass dynamic model, based on the logistic function but including an explicit term for cod predation, suggests that the quantity of shrimp consumed by cod could equal that taken by the fishery. The model proved superior to an alternative model in its ability to estimate parameters central to the assessment; the alternative model subsumed cod predation as part of an overall population growth effect without a time trend. Two series of shrimp biomass indices, catch, cod biomass estimates, cod consumption estimates, and prior distributions of model parameters provided information to the models. Process and observation errors were incorporated simultaneously using a state-space modelling framework. A Bayesian approach was used to construct posterior probability distributions of model parameters and derived variables relevant for management advice, including quantification of future risk of transgressing reference points in relation to alternative management options.
Detection of Helicobacter Pylori in the Middle Ear Fluid of Patients with Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Morinaka Setsuko , Tominaga Masayuki , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVES

In patients with otitis media with effusion (OME), colonization of the middle ear effusion (MEE) by Helicobacter pylori (HP) was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective nonrandomized study with nonpaired, nonmatched controls. Smear preparations were immunostained with anti‐HP antibody and were subjected to Gram staining and Giemsa staining. The rapid urease test (CLO) was done.

RESULTS

Twelve of 15 smears for MEE were positive for HP by immunohistochemistry and 14 by Giemsa that were Gram‐negative. In 3 with positive immunohistochemistry, the CLO was positive.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that HP may exist in the MEE of some patients with OME.
Total Nasopharyngeal Stenosis: Treatment With Laser Excision, Nasopharyngeal Obturators, and Topical Mitomycin‐c
Authors: Jones Loren M. , Guillory Villa L. , Mair Eric A.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

Severe nasopharyngeal stenosis after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a dreaded complication. Very little has been written about successful treatment because attempts at correction frequently fail. Severe stenosis of the nasopharynx drastically worsens speech, swallowing, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We present our successful experience with severe stenosis focusing on a simple functional repair using topical mitomycin‐c as well as differing daytime and nighttime palatal obturators.

METHODS

Three adults with total or near‐total nasopharyngeal stenosis secondary to UPPP were referred to our institution after multiple failed attempts at repair. Each presented with significant OSA on polysomnogram (PSG), with excessive daytime somnolence and voice and swallowing complaints. Under general anesthesia, a CO2 laser is used to create an opening in the nasopharynx. Removable and adjustable palatal obturators are fashioned to keep the nasopharynx open with a daytime insert piece with a small obturator hole for diminished velopharyngeal insufficiency and a nighttime piece without an insert to maximize recumbent airflow. Obturators are removed 6 months later with topical application of mitomycin‐c as a fibroblast inhibitor. All patients were followed clinically for at least 1 year and received posttreatment PSG.

RESULTS

All patients experienced resolution of their stenoses. Swallowing and voice complaints resolved. Either OSA was eliminated or any residual OSA was successfully treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Serial videoendoscopic images throughout the treatment phase demonstrate the effectiveness of this new technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe nasopharyngeal stenosis is a rare but devastating complication of UPPP. We introduce a simple technique that uses functional palatal obturators and topical mitomycin‐c and describe our success with this treatment algorithm.