bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β‐Lactam ring stability and antibacterial potency: A novel eigenvalue problem
Authors: Davies R. H. , Morris T. R.
Published: December 2004

Low inoculum potency data in vitro for 16 clinical β‐lactam antibiotics have been analyzed, and a physical model for interpreting the results of a number of bacterial strains has been derived. An analytic criterion for performing a unitary transformation on the potency data is developed following the identification of a physical vector present within the data which is attributable to an activation energy required for the transport of the β‐lactam into a biological membrane. This vector has inverse slope relations in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and provides the basis for the analytic criterion for the unitary transformation. Compounds with similar potency spectra which differ only in the absolute magnitude of their effect will possess similar transport properties. It is shown that a slow rate of membrane entry for the β‐lactam has overriding consequences on differences in fast rates of binding to the target enzymes and to β‐lactamases, and a second primary vector is established directly from the biological data related to the ease of β‐lactam ring opening. This vector offers precise evidence for testing the solvational and theoretical requirements for predicting the biological stability of novel β‐lactam ring compounds.
Quantum chemical studies on the conformational structure of bacterial peptidoglycan. V. PCILO Calculations on β(1 → 4) linked disaccharide of N‐acetyl‐glucosamine and N‐acetyl muramic acid
Authors: Yadav Janardan Singh
Published: December 2004

The glycan moiety of the bacterial peptidoglycan consists of alternatingly β(1 → 4) linked disaccharides of N‐acetylglucosamine (NAG) and its 3‐O‐D lactic derivative, N‐acetyl β‐D‐muramic acid (NAM). PCILO conformational energy calculations have been carried out for NAG–NAM and NAM–NAG disaccharides to see whether or not the glycan strands possess a chitinlike structure as suggested by earlier workers. In agrement with recent experimental findings, the present results also suggest that the chitinlike structure is energetically disallowed. Furthermore, the bulky N‐acetyl substituents at C2 positions of the two sugar molecules are found to be relatively less important in stabilizing mutual orientations of the two pyranosyl rings.
Electron densities and chemical bonding in TiC, TiN, and TiO derived from energy band calculations
Authors: Blaha Peter , Schwarz Karlheinz
Published: December 2004

The chemical bonding in the interesting class of refractory transition metal compounds is illustrated for TiC, TiN, and TiO. Self‐consistent augmented plane wave (APW) calculations are already available for these compounds. Using the respective potentials we have repeated the band calculations on a finer k grid with the linearized APW method to obtain accurate densities of states (DOS). These DOS can be divided into local partial contributions to characterize the bonding. Further information can be obtained from a decomposition of the metal d DOS into t2g and eg symmetry components. These partial local DOS are compared with the LCAO counterpart and give a first picture of the chemical bonding in these compounds. The electron densities corresponding to the occupied valence states are obtained from the LAPW calculations. They provide further insight into characteristic trends in the series from TiC to TiO: around the nonmetal site the density shows increasing localization; around the metal site the deviation from spherical symmetry changes from eg to t2g. These effects can be traced back to the three types of valence bands. Electron density plots of characteristic band states (all energies of a selected k point in the Brillouin zone) will be shown. These plots can describe the different types of bonding occurring in these systems.
Sequential isomerism of activated complexes: Interfering versus noninterfering intermediate
Authors: Slanina Zdeněk
Published: December 2004

A unimolecular process is considered that was treated experimentally as a concerted one; however, subsequent quantum‐chemical analysis has proved that the process is realized via an intermediate (double sequential isomerism of activated complexes). The intermediate is supposed to contribute directly to values of the primary observed data (e.g., spectral absorbances). Within this approach of interfering intermediate any degree of this interference is allowed including the limit case of noninterfering intermediate serving as a reference standard. A technique is suggested enabling correct comparison of the quantum‐chemical outputs with the experimental overall values for rate constants and activation enthalpy and entropy. The technique employs mere amount of information currently obtainable from quantum‐chemical study of a rate process (i.e., representation of potential energy hypersurface by its stationary points and activated‐complex theory). Properties of the derived formulae are illustrated with model examples. The results are important for meaningful comparison of experimental and theoretical data in the case of processes with sequential isomerism of activated complexes disclosed only theoretically.
Adsorption‐complex isomerism and quantum‐chemical studies in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Slanina Zdeněk
Published: December 2004

The present quantum‐chemical studies of the interaction of gases with solid surfaces indicate frequently the existence of several different structures of the model cluster complex with the adsorbed system. The usual approach to this adsorption‐complex isomerism consists of selection of the potential energy‐lowest member of the set of isomers. A weighting treatment is presented within which all the isomeric structures (or the part of them that is active in the respective experimental technique) can contribute to the values of observables. The treatment suggested requires information amount which corresponds to the usual capabilities of today's numerical quantum chemistry, i.e., concept of localized adsorption is employed. In this way correct theoretical equivalents of experimental data can be obtained. Two types of the isomerism are considered, viz., site‐caused isomerism and adsorbate‐caused isomerism. It is shown that the treatment in the latter case can, under acceptable assumptions, be reduced to the recently described technique for the site‐caused isomerism. An illustrative example is presented based on the literature data about the water–silica interaction. The results are important for correct comparison of theoretical and observed data in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and sorption.
Structure–activity relationship and the mechanism of analgesia of the analgesic drug 3‐methyl‐fentanyl and its analogs
Authors: Changying Chen , Lemin Li
Published: December 2004

The semiempirical self‐consistent field MO (CNDO/2) calculations have been undertaken for 13 compounds involving 3‐methyl‐fentanyl and its analogs. Various quantum chemical indices were obtained. The relationships between the biological activity and quantum chemical indices of molecules of these compounds were investigated and it was found that there are remarkable relationships between the activity and some important quantum chemical indices such as the α‐electron density of β substituent and the electron density of piperidyl nitrogen. The nature of interaction between the analgesics' molecule and the receptor was discussed on the basis of the relationships between the activity and quantum chemical indices and it was proposed that the β‐substituent functions not only as a hydrophobic group, but also its electronic property has important effect on the activity. It may act as an electron acceptor and form acceptor–donor complex with receptor through the charge transfer process. The piperidyl nitrogen interacts with receptor forming quaternary ammonium ion and acting as positive charge center, and its electron density also has an important effect on the activity. The amide oxygen and nitrogen may be other active centers which function as donors when they interact with the receptor. The influence on activity through introduction of the hydroxyl group to the β‐position of the 1‐substituent of the piperdyl ring has also been discussed.
Quantum chemical structure–activity relationships on β‐carbolines as natural monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Martin M. , Sanz F. , Campillo M. , Pardo L. , Perez J. , Turmo J. , Aulló J. M.
Published: December 2004

The electron density and the molecular electrostatic potential of the β‐carbolines are studied using ab initio STO‐3G wave functions. The analysis was done from the point of view of a previous model built with monoamine oxidase substrates and irreversible inhibitors. The results confirm the usefulness of the model and make it possible to propose new precision to the molecular electrostatic potential patterns needed to have monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity.
Material and Financial Hardship and Income-Based Poverty Measures in the USA
Authors: SHORT KATHLEEN S.
Published: December 2004

Individuals and families may encounter difficulty making ends meet on many dimensions and there are a large number of measures designed to identify this group. In general, there is agreement that all of the approaches capture different pieces of the puzzle, while no single indicator can yield a complete picture. In an attempt to understand this multidimensional aspect of poverty, several measures are examined in this article: the official US poverty measure, a relative poverty measure, an experimental measure following recommendations of the US National Academy of Sciences, an index of material hardship, a measure of household debt, and responses to a question about inability to meet expenses. This study uses the 1996 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The SIPP is a longitudinal survey that allows us to examine all of these various indicators for the same people over the period from 1996 to 1998. The study uses regression analysis to assess the relationship between and among the various indicators of economic hardship.
Supporting Children? The Impact of Child Support Policies on Children's Wellbeing in the UK and Australia
Authors: RIDGE TESS
Published: December 2004

This article presents a comparative child-focused analysis of child support policies in the UK and Australia (an influential forerunner to the development of the UK child support system). Using a child-focused approach that places the best interests of children at the centre of the inquiry, it assesses how children have fared in each country in relation to three key criteria: first, the extent to which child support policies have succeeded in addressing the issue of child poverty; second, how child support policies have influenced the degree of conflict that children can experience between their separated parents; and, third, how equitable child support policies are in relation to children in ‘first’ and ‘second’ families. By focusing solely on children's wellbeing, the article shows how competing interests and social and political pressures can influence and distort policy outcomes, perversely affecting children's lives. The article concludes that child support policies in both countries have failed in several critical areas to put children's best interests first. In response to issues and concerns raised by using a child-focused approach, key reforms to the UK child support system are proposed.
The importance of dental beliefs for the outcome of dental‐fear treatment
Authors: Abrahamsson Kajsa Henning , Berggren Ulf , Hakeberg Magnus , Carlsson Sven G.
Published: December 2004

This study investigated the importance of dental beliefs and the predictive value of the Dental Belief Survey (DBS) in dental‐fear treatment. The sample comprised 117 adult patients seeking treatment at a dental‐fear clinic. Pretreatment data were collected during a screening procedure, including two visits to the dentist. Outcome measurements were completed after treatment. The dentist rated successful/unsuccessful treatment outcome. Patients unsuccessful in treatment (n = 48) reported more initial negative dental beliefs, while patients successful in treatment (n = 69) showed a larger decrease in negative beliefs between the first and second visit to the dentist. However, these differences were small. There was a significant difference between the groups at visit two. Thus, patients unsuccessful in treatment reported more negative beliefs about how dentists communicate. Regression analyses showed that improved dental beliefs during the first two visits to the dentist predicted dental‐fear reduction, while longer avoidance time, female gender, low engagement in treatment, and depressed mood increased the risk of unsuccessful treatment outcome. Our results suggest that the DBS provides valuable information, and that patients' subjective perceptions about how dentists communicate are important for treatment outcome. However, initial dental beliefs were not found to predict clinical treatment outcome.
Adhesive bonding of titanium–aluminum–niobium alloy with nine surface preparations and three self‐curing resins
Authors: Yanagida Hiroaki , Taira Yohsuke , Shimoe Saiji , Atsuta Mitsuru , Yoneyama Takayuki , Matsumura Hideo
Published: December 2004

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the adhesive performance of metal conditioners when used for bonding between auto‐polymerizing methacrylic resins and a titanium alloy. Disk specimens were cast from a titanium–aluminum–niobium (Ti–6Al–7Nb) alloy, air‐abraded with alumina, and bonded with 24 combinations of eight metal conditioners (Acryl Bond, ACB; All‐Bond 2 Primer B, ABB; Alloy Primer, ALP; Cesead II Opaque Primer, COP; Metafast Bonding Liner, MBL; Metal Primer II, MPII; MR Bond, MRB; Super‐Bond liquid, SBL) and three autopolymerizing methacrylic resins (Repairsin, RE; Super‐Bond C & B, SB; Tokuso Rebase; TR). Unprimed specimens were used as controls. Shear bond strengths were determined both before and after thermocycling (4–60°C, 20, 000 cycles). The ALP‐SB group recorded the greatest post‐thermocycling bond strength (21.8 MPa) followed by the COP‐SB group (17.8 MPa) and the MPII‐SB group. The post‐thermocycling bond strengths of the unprimed‐SB group and the ALP‐RE group were statistically comparable. No significant differences were found among the nine TR resin groups, and these groups showed the lowest bond strength. In conclusion, the use of one of the three conditioners (ALP, COP, and MPII) in combination with the SB resin is recommended for bonding the Ti–6Al–7Nb alloy.
Temperament and character personality dimensions in patients with dental anxiety
Authors: Bergdahl Maud , Bergdahl Jan
Published: December 2004

The aim of the present study was to investigate character and temperament dimensions of personality in six men and 31 women (aged 20–57 yr) with severe dental anxiety, and to evaluate whether these dimensions were associated with the level of dental anxiety. The Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were used. High ratings in novelty seeking and female gender predicted high DAS scores. Compared with controls, the patients scored significantly higher on the temperament dimension, novelty seeking. For character dimensions, the patients scored lower on cooperativeness and higher on self‐transcendence than controls. Our results indicated that patients with dental anxiety are neurotic extravert (i.e. novelty seekers who experience brief dissociative periods and magical thinking). Furthermore, the combination of the inherited temperament dimension novelty seeking and the social learned character dimension cooperativeness and self‐transcendence seem to form a vulnerable personality to develop dental anxiety.
Interappointment flare‐ups: incidence, related factors, prevention, and management
Authors: Walton Richard E.
Published: December 2004

The postendodontic flare‐up is fortunately a relatively rare occurrence, but the sudden increase in patient symptoms necessitates a focused and active treatment plan. This review article discusses these many facets of the flare‐up: definition, incidence, factors, prevention and how to manage the patient once the flare‐up occurs.
Variation in allocation of time, water and energy in Hoopoe Larks from the Arabian Desert
Authors: Tieleman B. I. , Williams J. B. , Visser G. H.
Published: December 2004

Patterns of resource allocation in different times of the year can provide insights into the effects of simultaneous environmental constraints on reproduction and survival of desert birds. Field metabolic rate (FMR), water influx rate (WIR) and patterns of time allocation of Hoopoe Larks (Alaemon alaudipes Desfontaines) were investigated during spring, when larks were rearing offspring, and during summer, presumably the harshest time for desert birds, in the Arabian Desert.

FMR was 45% below allometric predictions in spring (1·83 times basal metabolic rate, BMR) and 58% below predictions in summer (1·37 times BMR). WIR was 37% lower than predicted during the nestling period and 55% lower than predicted during summer.

Activity patterns during spring and summer were bimodal, with birds foraging in the early morning and late afternoon and resting in the shade or attending the nest during midday. Foraging time was similar in spring (32·0% of total daytime) and summer (33·6% of total daytime), despite higher energy and water intakes for parents and offspring in spring, suggesting that food availability was higher in spring. The non‐foraging time was entirely spent resting in summer, while in spring half of this time was allocated to caring for offspring and the other half to resting in the shade. Hoopoe Larks fed their offspring 55 times per day and shaded their chicks about 5 h per day to protect them from solar radiation.

High Tas combined with low and unpredictable food availability in deserts may constrain reproduction by limiting the amount of time, water and energy that parents can devote to rearing offspring.
Polymorphisms of the TAP1 and TAP2 genes in human alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Zhang S. , Penfornis A. , Harraga S. , Chabod J. , Beurton I. , Bresson‐Hadni S. , Tiberghien P. , Kern P. , Vuitton D.‐A.
Published: December 2004

We postulated that TAP genes may influence the susceptibility of some individuals to Echinococcus multilocularis infection. Six coding region variants (codons 333 and 637 in TAP1, and 379, 565, 651 and 665 in TAP2) were typed in 94 patients and 100 controls. Thr/Thr homozygosity at TAP2/665 was more prevalent in patients than in controls [64% vs. 45%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 2.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1; 2.7)] and Thr/Ala heterozygozity was less prevalent (32% vs. 50%, respectively) (P = 0.014). Of the 38 patients with progressive lesions, 76% were Thr/Thr, as compared with 55% of patients without progressive lesions and 45% of controls (P = 0.058 and 0.02, respectively), independent of HLA status. To determine whether this association is functionally relevant, functional analyses and/or confirmation in distinct populations of patients with alveolar echinococcosis would be required.
Increase in the bulk density of a Grey Clay subsoil by infilling of cracks by topsoil
Authors: Bruand A. , Cochrane H. , Fisher P. , Gilkes R. J.
Published: December 2004

Increases in soil bulk density beyond the optimum reduce land productivity and, where soil is affected, may be difficult to remedy. Elucidating the mechanisms causing compaction is a prerequisite to sustainable management of fragile soils. We examined a dense grey soil in Western Australia in which the dominant physical feature of the subsoil was coarse prismatic structure. The prisms were approximately hexagonal in horizontal section with an average side length of 0.66 m. The top of the prisms reached to within approximately 0.07 m of the soil surface, their sides becoming indistinguishable below approximately 0.9 m. The vertical faces of the prisms were coated by material similar in composition to the topsoil and separated from it by a transition material of intermediate composition. Soil within the prisms had a bulk density at maximum swelling which reached a maximum of 1.86 g cm−3 in the upper subsoil. We investigate the hypothesis that such a high bulk density could have developed as a result of a simple three‐stage process: (i) soil shrinkage as the profile dries over summer leading to widening of cracks between prismatic peds, (ii) infilling of cracks by detached topsoil which adds to coating thickness, and (iii) swelling during the winter, now partially restricted by coating material, leading to compression of the prismatic peds. We present a model which accounts quantitatively for this process and explain how soil physical characteristics might facilitate it. The dense upper subsoil (7–60 cm) limits root penetration and prolongs the period of transient waterlogging of the topsoil during winter, adversely affecting subsequent crop performance. Our work suggests that stabilizing surface soil to minimize soil detachment could be a relevant management objective on these structurally unstable soils in order to prevent subsoil compaction.
Effect of catch‐and‐release angling on growth of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides
Authors: Pope K. L. , Wilde G. R.
Published: December 2004

Catch‐and‐release angling is popular in many parts of the world and plays an increasingly important role in management of recreational fisheries. Although the magnitude of catch‐and‐release mortality is well documented for many species, potential sublethal effects have been little studied. An experiment was conducted to assess directly the effects of catch‐and‐release angling on growth of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides Lacépède. Angling mortality was 0.00 ± 0.092% for largemouth bass caught on plastic grubs. There was no difference (P = 0.57) in weight gain between caught and uncaught fish over a 40‐day angling and recovery period. Although catch‐and‐release angling appears to have no effect on largemouth bass growth, previous studies documented sublethal effects on growth and reproduction in other species, suggesting that the occurrence and magnitude of sublethal effects vary among species.
Mantle displays of freshwater mussels elicit attacks from fish
Authors: Haag Wendell R. , Warren Melvin L.
Published: December 2004

1. Gravid females of some North American freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae) display highly modified mantle margins and other reproductive structures which mimic small fish, terrestrial insects, or aquatic macro‐invertebrates. We report the responses of fish to these lures, based on the results of laboratory encounters between the following pairs of displaying mussels and fishes: Lampsilis cardium and Micropterus coosae; L. perovalis and M. coosae; and Villosa nebulosa and Percina nigrofasciata. In all three encounters, the lures elicited attacks from fish.

2. Encounters between Lampsilis spp. and M. coosae resulted in gill infestations of the fish by larval mussels, which are obligate parasites on fish. An encounter between V. nebulosa and P. nigrofasciata did not result in infestation.

3. The use of these lures to attract fish may greatly increase the chances of parasite/host encounters and may also reduce the chances of infestation of unsuitable hosts.
Mortality of zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, veligers during downstream transport
Authors: Horvath Thomas G. , Lamberti Gary A.
Published: December 2004

1. Streams flowing from lakes which contain zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, provide apparently suitable habitats for mussel colonization and downstream range expansion, yet most such streams contain few adult mussels. We postulated that mussel veligers experience high mortality during dispersal via downstream transport. They tested this hypothesis in Christiana Creek, a lake‐outlet stream in south‐western Michigan, U.S.A., in which adult mussel density declined exponentially with distance downstream.

2. A staining technique using neutral red was developed and tested to distinguish quickly live and dead veligers. Live and dead veligers were distinguishable after an exposure of fresh samples to 13.3 mg L−−1 of neutral red for 3 h.

3. Neutral red was used to determine the proportion of live veligers in samples taken longitudinally along Christiana Creek. The proportion of live veligers (mean ± SE) declined from 90 ± 3% at the lake outlet to 40 ± 8% 18 km downstream.

4. Veligers appear to be highly susceptible to damage by physical forces (e.g. shear), and therefore, mortality in turbulent streams could be an important mechanism limiting zebra mussel dispersal to downstream reaches. Predictions of zebra mussel spread and population growth should consider lake‐stream linkages and high mortality in running waters.
Root competition and elevated CO2: effects on seedling growth in Linum usitatissimum populations and Linum–Silene cretica mixtures
Authors: ARNONE III J. A. , KESTENHOLZ C.
Published: December 2004

1. Root competition can be an important determinant of the performance of neighbours within plant populations and communities. Because plants often maintain larger root systems and allocate more of their carbon to root systems under elevated atmospheric CO2 than they do at lower CO2 concentrations, root–root interactions could play an increasingly important role in determining competitive outcomes among individuals and plant species as global CO2 concentration continues to rise.

2. We established 12 pure stands of Linum usitatissimum (flax) and 12 mixed stands of Linum and its naturally co‐occurring weed species Silene cretica in opaque plastic trays each filled with the same amount of nutrient‐rich soil mix. In half of the trays from each of these stand types, vertical waterproof partitions separated the root systems of individual plants from each other to prevent root competition, while in the other half no partitions were present. Half of the trays from all treatments were allowed to grow under low atmospheric CO2 concentration (320μll–1) and the other half under elevated CO2 (600μll–1), in daylight growth chambers for 30 days from seedling emergence until harvest in mid‐June. All trays received equal amounts of water so that soils in the low CO2 treatment were maintained at field capacity.

3. Our results indicate that under high soil fertilities: (1) intra‐specific root–root interactions alone play a relatively insignificant role in determining plant biomass production within pure Linum populations and (2) the impact of an aggressive species (Silene) on co‐occurring less aggressive species (Linum) becomes more severe under elevated CO2 as a result of amplified interspecific root competition.
Between‐year variation in climate‐related growth of circumarctic populations of the moss Hylocomium splendens
Authors: CALLAGHAN T. V. , CARLSSON B. Å. , SONESSON M. , TEMESVÁRY‡ A.
Published: December 2004

1. The correlation between climatic variables and past (up to 20 years) growth was studied in seven circumarctic populations of the moss Hylocomium splendens, using retrospective analyses of growth. We hypothesized that relationships between growth and climate would be simpler in an ectohydric moss than in higher plants and that the moss could provide high signal‐to‐noise ratios of responses to climatic variation.

2. Growth parameters of the moss were strongly correlated with early summer temperatures and with the length of the growing season. Annual segment mass, growth rates and degeneration rates were highest at the mildest subarctic sites and lowest at the high arctic site. In contrast, ‘longevity’ (age of the oldest segment) increased at the climatically harsher sites.

3. Between‐year growth variations at two contrasting sites were significantly correlated with June and July temperatures and, to a lesser extent, with early‐season precipitation at one of the sites.

4. The moss currently tolerates a wide range of climates and large interannual variations in temperature and is likely to be at risk from climatic change only at the southern edge of its range.

5. The climate‐change component most likely to affect the growth of H. splendens in the Arctic and Subarctic will be a lengthening of the growing season and in increase in early summer temperatures provided that moisture is not limiting.

6.
Hylocomium splendens is a suitable species for monitoring climatic change at a circumarctic scale.
The utilization of lightflecks for growth in four Australian rain‐forest species
Authors: WATLING J. R. , BALL M. C. , WOODROW I. E.
Published: December 2004

1. The ability of rain‐forest plants to utilize sunflecks for growth was investigated using the following species: Alocasia macrorrhiza, Diploglottis diphyllostegia, Micromelum minutum and Omalanthus novo‐guinensis.

2. Growth analysis and gas‐exchange measurements were used to assess performance of the four species when exposed to either constant or fluctuating light.

3. Final biomass (g dry wt) in D. diphyllostegia and M. minutum grown under the lightfleck regime (total daily PFD = 7·02 mol m–2 day–1) was significantly greater than in the same species grown under constant low PFD (total daily PFD = 4·86 mol m–2 day–1). In contrast, final biomass in lightfleck O. novo‐guinensis and A. macrorrhiza was significantly reduced in comparison with the same species grown under constant low PFD.

4. When grown under either constant or fluctuating light but with the same total daily PFD, A. macrorrhiza and O. novo‐guinensis had significantly lower final biomass in fluctuating light as compared to constant light. Final biomass in D. diphyllostegia was not significantly different in either regime, while M. minutum had significantly higher final biomass in the fluctuating light regime.

5. Responses of the four species to fluctuating or constant light appeared to be the result of physiological rather than morphological acclimation as net assimilation rate was more closely correlated with relative growth rate than was leaf area ratio.
Well tie, fluid substitution and AVO modelling: a North Sea example
Authors: White Roy , Simm Rob , Xu Shiyu
Published: December 2004

Accurate well ties are essential to practical seismic lithological interpretation. As long as the geology in the vicinity of the reservoir is not unduly complex, the main factors controlling this accuracy are the processing of the seismic data and the construction of the seismic model from well logs. This case study illustrates how seismic data processing to a near‐offset stack, quality control of logs and petrophysical modelling improved a well tie at an oil reservoir. We demonstrate the application of a predictive petrophysical model in the preparation and integration of the logs before building the seismic model and we quantify our improvements in well‐tie accuracy. The data for the study consisted of seismic field data from a 3D sail line through a well in a North Sea oilfield and a suite of standard logs at the well. A swathe of fully processed 3D data through the well was available for comparison. The well tie in the shallow section from first‐pass seismic data processing and a routinely edited sonic log was excellent. The tie in a deeper interval containing the reservoir was less satisfactory: the phase errors within the bandwidth of the seismic wavelet were of the order of 20°, which we consider too large for subsequent transformation of the data to seismic impedance. Reprocessing the seismic data and revision of the well‐log model reduced these phase errors to less than 10° and improved the consistency of the deep and shallow well ties. The reprocessing included densely picked iterative velocity analysis, prestack migration, beam‐forming multiple attenuation, stacking the near‐offset traces and demigration and remigration of the near‐offset data. The petrophysical model was used to monitor and, where necessary, replace the P‐wave sonic log with predictions consistent with other logs and to correct the sonic log for mud‐filtrate invasion in the hydrocarbon‐bearing sand. This editing and correction of the P‐wave transit times improved the normal‐incidence well tie significantly. The recordings from a monopole source severely underestimated the S‐wave transit times in soft shale formations, including the reservoir seal, where the S‐wave velocity was lower than the P‐wave velocity in the drilling mud. The petrophysical model predicted an S‐wave log that matched the valid recordings and interpolated between them. The subsequent seismic modelling from the predicted S‐wave log produced a class II AVO anomaly seen on the CDP gathers around the well.
Checklists for nursing libraries: checklist 4, book selection aids
Authors:   SOUTH WEST THAMES REGIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE
Published: December 2004

A series of checklists has been prepared by the Nursing Libraries Working Party of the South West Thames Regional Library Service. They are intended to assist librarians and tutors in building up their libraries' stock and services. They list items that are of particular value to nurses, together with addresses and other useful information.
Intermediate filament aggregates in mitoses of primary cutaneous neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma
Authors: ALVAREZ‐GAGO T. , M.BULLÓN M. , RIVERA F. , VELASCO A. , MAYO A.
Published: December 2004

Primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas express different kinds of intermediate filaments and frequently in a ‘paranuclear globular’ pattern. We have observed the same pattern not only in interphase but also in mitotic cells, which are very frequent in these tumours. We report a quantitative and morphological study of eight primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas stained with different antibodies against cytokeratins (CAM 5.2 and anti‐cytokeratin 20), neurofilaments (70 kDa and 200 kDa) and peripherin. We have found a predominance of CAM 5.2 expression in interphase cells and of neurofilament proteins in mitotic cells; 87.02% of the interphase cells were positive with CAM 5.2 whereas only 6.08% were positive for neurofilaments (P<0.01); 35.41% of the mitotic cells were positive with CAM 5.2, whereas 50% were positive for neurofilaments (P<0.01). A correlation between a globular pattern of intermediate filament proteins and prognosis has not been found. We describe for the first time the division of neoplastic cells with a globular pattern; the presence of intermediate filament proteins with a globular pattern in all mitotic stages; and the uneven distribution of this formation between the two daughter cells.
Uncertainty in mothers' care for their ill children
Authors: Horner Sharon D.
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this paper is to present the experience of mothers as they cared for their young children during illness episodes, prior to a diagnosis of asthma in the children. A grounded theory study was conducted with 12 families with asthmatic children, involving three rounds of interviews. In these interviews the mothers revealed that the prediagnosis phase of their children's illness was an overwhelming time for them. Groping in the dark is the core variable that reflects (a) the harrowing experiences of sleepless nights while mothers watched their children struggle to breathe, (b) the wearing toll incurred while helping their children through seemingly unending illnesses, and (c) their increasingly intensified search for answers to resolve their children's health crisis.
Self‐coherence, emotional arousal and perceived health of adult children caring for a brain‐impaired parent
Authors: England Margaret
Published: December 2004

An important concern for nurses is the ability of adult children to provide effective care to a dependent parent without sacrificing their own health and well‐being. The purpose of the study was to examine ‘sense of self‐coherence’ as an inner resource for the attenuation of distress in a sample of 168 adult children who were involved with the care of a brain‐impaired parent. Subjects were interviewed twice in their homes in order to obtain data on variables for: self‐coherence, emotional arousal, perceived health, and crisis. Findings from the study indicate that adult children with crisis experience in the previous 6 months of caregiving had higher scores for emotional arousal, lower scores for self‐coherence, and lower ratings of perceived health than did adult children with no crisis experience. In addition, there was a negative relationship between self‐coherence and emotional arousal and a positive relationship between self‐coherence and perceived health. Both of these relationships were significantly stronger in the presence of crisis experience than in the absence of crisis experience. Finally, there was a negative relationship between emotional arousal and perceived health that was equally apparent in both the presence and absence of crisis experience. The findings suggest that self‐coherence is an inner resource that emerges in filial crisis to modulate the emotional impact of the situation. The implication is that measures of self‐coherence could be used to assess an adult child's preparedness to appraise and cope with emotional responses to filial crisis events. This information could help nurses anticipate and target resources for vulnerable adult children so that they are less adversely affected by the demands of parent care.
Focus groups: issues of analysis and interpretation
Authors: Reed Jan , Payton Valerie Roskell
Published: December 2004

Focus groups have become a popular method in nursing research. Their history can be traced back to marketing research methods, but they have also been used in qualitative, ethnographic research. Our study, which used this approach as part of data collection, raised many issues of analysis and interpretation: in particular, the importance of paying attention to the sequence of focus group discussions, the individuals involved, and the social context of the focus group. We conclude that focus groups are not a ‘quick and easy’ method of collecting data, and that issues of validity and the relationship between focus group data and other data require careful consideration.
A personal reflection on the nature of somatic treatments and the implications for mental health nursing
Authors: Dawson Paul J.
Published: December 2004

Somatic treatments in psychiatry, ECT (electro‐convulsive therapy) and pharmacotherapy, are based on a particular conception of our nature as human beings, and on a particular conception of clinically constructed reality. Acceptance of the basis for such treatments constitutes a tacit admission of our nature as being essentially materialist and deterministic biological machines, and undermines the connectedness which ensures that we each acknowledge the humanity and humanness of the other. By objectifying the other as different (by reason of disordered biology), these connections are severed and allow the imposition of physical forms of treatment in the name of cure. In this personal reflection, I draw upon my own experience of ECT from a nursing perspective, and attempt to explain the basis of my antipathy for this treatment. In the course of this exploration I also raise some of the issues which I feel nursing must deal with if it is to continue uncritically to adopt the biological paradigm as the basis of its praxis.
Undernutrition in the elderly population living at home in the community: a review of the literature
Authors: McCormack Paula
Published: December 2004

Undernourishment in elderly people has been found to have a variety of detrimental effects ranging from the development of pressure sores to the incidence of fractured femurs. Surveys within hospital settings have revealed that elderly patients are often admitted from their homes in a state of malnutrition, which would indicate nutritional deficits in at least some of the population. Reliable nutritional assessment in the community, however, is difficult and time consuming, with findings subject to distortions from other influences. Consequently there is inadequate accurate assessment of the current nutritional status of the general elderly population, and assumptions are often based on research findings from the 1960s and 1970s. In view of the demographic changes which have moved towards an increasingly ‘old’ elderly population such research may no longer be relevant. This paper provides a review of the available literature on nutrition in elderly people living at home and includes possible assessment screening strategies that could be used by community nurses.
The psychological characteristics of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and the nurse's role in creating a therapeutic relationship
Authors: George Lindsay
Published: December 2004

This paper reviews research on the psychological characteristics of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and that examining the therapeutic relationship. The former research suggests that anorexic patients possess a psychological profile characterized by: a phobia of weight gain and fear of loss of control; alexithymia and lack of introceptive awareness; mistrust of self and others; cognitive dysfunction; low self‐esteem; and often the presence of starvation‐induced depression. The latter strongly suggests that in order for a relationship to be therapeutic it needs to be characterized by: empathy; positive regard and acceptance; warmth; commitment; trust; genuineness; and be non‐judgemental. The implications of these research findings regarding the nurse's role in forming a therapeutic relationship with anorexic patients is then discussed. It is seen that it is vital that nurses receive adequate education before working with such patients, and that their knowledge is regularly updated. Nurses should receive regular clinical supervision and support, in order to ensure that they are able to provide therapeutic care for such patients.
Non‐adherence with medications in organ transplant patients: a literature review
Authors: Wainwright Steven P. , Gould Dinah
Published: December 2004

The problems of non‐adherence with treatment in health care in general, and with medication adherence in particular, is an area with a voluminous and burgeoning literature. However, there appears to be no review of the literature on non‐adherence with medications in organ transplant patients. This comprehensive review therefore considers literature on adherence in adult kidney, heart and liver transplantation. The particular problem of adherence in paediatric transplant patients is also addressed. This transplant research literature is then evaluated within the broader context of social science research on medication adherence. From the review it is apparent that there is an urgent need for research which examines the patient's beliefs about their illness and medicines. Such research is a precursor for rigorous nursing intervention studies which aim to promote adherence by being tailored to the patient's perceptions.
Disability and oppression: some implications for nurses and nursing
Authors: Northway Ruth
Published: December 2004

Since the 1970s organizations of disabled people have defined disability as a form of oppression. However, despite nurses (along with other professionals) increasingly being viewed as part of this experience of oppression, British nursing literature has to date largely failed to conceptualize disability in these terms. In this paper the five faces of oppression identified by Young are modified to include discrimination and developed to provide a framework in which evidence of the oppression experienced by disabled people may be analysed. It is argued that if nurses and the nursing profession are to challenge and reduce oppression then this should be via a process of awareness of the nature of disability, reflection on practice and development in partnership. Accordingly, an agenda is identified which has implications for nursing practice, education and research. It is stressed that if nursing is not to be viewed as irrelevant to the needs of disabled people or as part of the process by which they are oppressed then it is vital that this agenda is heeded.
The immigration of Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. into a natural forest stand in southern Sweden during the last 2000 years
Authors: Björkman Leif , Bradshaw Richard
Published: December 2004

The continental scale migrations of Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. are under a broad climatic control, but disturbance and local factors influence the immigration of these species into individual forest stands. Palaeoecological analysis of a small forest hollow in the boreo‐nemoral zone of southern Sweden has shown that a forest stand with largely unbroken forest continuity resisted immigration of Fagus for almost 1000 years. Two fires about 950 and 330 years ago were the disturbing factors that facilitated eventual Fagus immigration. Picea immigrated and achieved co‐dominance in a single generation, without resistance from the existing forest. Thus migrational lag is demonstrable for Fagus but not Picea. The immigration of these two dominating species coupled with a severe reduction in tree species diversity has resulted in a total change in forest competition during the last few centuries despite the maintenance of a structural forest continuity. Some of these changes are attributable to changes in the grazing regime, but the forest stand is as close to «natural» conditions as can be found in S. Sweden.
The effects of fragmentation and disturbance of rainforest on ground‐dwelling small mammals on the Robertson Plateau, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Dunstan Catherine , Fox Barry
Published: December 2004

We surveyed ground‐dwelling small mammals in twenty‐four rainforest remnants which were virtual islands surrounded by farmland on a plateau on the east coast of Australia. We investigated the effect of island size, level of disturbance, isolation and microhabitat on the abundance and species richness of the mammals. The remnants ranged from 0.3 to 29 ha, resulting from fragmentation during 175 years of European occupation. Two rodent species (Rattus fuscipes[Waterhouse, 1839] and R. rattus[Linnaeus, 1758] ) and one marsupial insectivore (Antechinus stuartii Macleay, 1841) were trapped in these remnants, with an additional species (A. swainsonii[Waterhouse, 1840] ) several kilometres away in rainforest on the escarpment of the plateau. Small‐mammal species richness was low, but the native species (R. fuscipes and A. stuartii) were abundant. Three‐way analyses of variance demonstrated that species richness and abundance decreased significantly with decreasing remnant size and increasing disturbance, but showed no distance effect. The abundance and richness of native species responded even more significantly. The interaction between the first two effects is important. Small remnants are affected most detrimentally by increasing disturbance, large remnants are less affected, and medium sized remnants show intermediate effects. The introduced R. rattus which was least abundant in large remnants, but more abundant in distant than near remnants, was also more abundant in those with major disturbance. The single most important variable in step‐wise, multiple linear regression analyses was the logarithm of remnant area not influenced by edge effects, explaining 39% of the variance in species richness, 57% for native species richness and 46% for A. stuartii abundance. Disturbance related variables additionally contributed from 12 to 30% of the variance in dependent variables, while habitat variables explained between 22 and 48% of the variance, and accounted for two thirds of the explainable variance in R. fuscipes abundance. The implications of our results for wildlife conservation on the plateau are discussed.