bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Terracing potential field data
Authors: Cooper G.R.J. , Cowan D.R. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTTerracing is an operator that is applied to potential field data to produce regions of constant field amplitude that are separated by sharp boundaries, as an aid to interpretation. When applied to map data, the boundaries are defined by the zero contour of the 2D Laplacian derivative operator. An improved method is described here that defines the boundaries by the zero contour of the profile curvature. This approach gives superior results because the 2D Laplacian operator is composed only of derivatives in the EW and NS directions, while the profile curvature uses the curvature in the ‘uphill’ direction at each point, whatever that direction may be. The method is demonstrated on gravity data from South Africa. Source code in Matlab format is available from the authors on request.
The theory of the continuous wavelet transform in the interpretation of potential fields: a review
Authors: Sailhac P. , Gibert D. , Boukerbout H. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTWe consider the use of the continuous wavelet transform in the interpretation of potential field data. We report its development since the publication of the first paper byMoreauet al. in 1997. Basically, it consists in the interpretation in the upward continued domain since dilation of the wavelet transform is the upward continuation altitude. Thus within a range of altitudes, the wavelet transform of the noise is decreased faster than the wavelet transform of the potential field caused by underground sources; this means that the signal‐to‐noise ratio is much better than those involved in other enhancing methods (e.g., Euler deconvolution, gradient analysis, or the analytic signals). Similarly to the Euler deconvolution, its first target parameters were the source positions and shape. The method has then been developed to estimate size and directions of extended sources (e.g., faults and dikes of finite dimensions) and also the magnetization direction in the case of magnetic data. Latest developments show that when combined with a Radon transform, the continuous wavelet transform can help in the automatic detection of elongated structures in 3D, simultaneously to the estimation of their strike direction, shape and depth. Several applications to real case studies have been shown before; however for clarity's sake in the present paper, only synthetic cases have been reproduced to clearly sum up the development of the methodology.
Saturation effect on electrical properties of hematitic sandstone in the audio frequency range using non‐polarizing electrodes
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed Mahmoud 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper is devoted to study the effect of saturation, with distilled water, on AC electrical conductivity and dielectric constant of a fully and partially saturated hematitic sandstone sample (Aswan area, Egypt). The saturation of the sample was changed from full saturation to partial saturation by air drying. Complex resistivity measurements at room temperature (∼16° C) were performed in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. We used non‐polarizing Cu/CuSO4 gel electrodes. Experimental electrical spectra indicate, generally, that the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant vary strongly with water saturation and frequency. The low‐frequency electrical conductivity and dielectric constant are supposed to be mainly controlled by surface conduction and polarization of the electrical double layer. Power law behaviours with frequency were noticed. The change in electrical conductivity and dielectric constant with increasing water content is fast at low saturations and slow at high saturations. The behaviour of the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant, with increasing water content, was argued to be the orientational polarization of bound water for very low saturations, displacement of the excess surface charges for relatively low saturations and free exchange of excess ions in double layer with the bulk electrolyte and generation of transient diffusional potentials, which lag behind the applied field for high saturations in addition to membrane polarization on clay and at inter‐grain and grain surface water throats having selective charge transport properties. Also, from the data a semi‐percolation behaviour was found that has a peak of dielectric constant at a certain concentration and an abrupt change in conductivity at another saturation.
Comparison of postoperative pain management using two patient‐controlled analgesia methods: nursing perspective
Authors: Lindley Pam , Pestano Cecile R. , Gargiulo Kathryn 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTitle.  Comparison of postoperative pain management using two patient‐controlled analgesia methods: nursing perspective. Aim.  To compare the effect of fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system and morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia on the time‐efficiency and convenience of postoperative patient care.Background.  Intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine is effectively used to manage postoperative pain; however, it takes time to set up and administer.Methods.  Nurses evaluated patient‐care tasks with fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system and/or morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia in two phase IIIb studies (n = 1305) using a nurse ease‐of‐care questionnaire. A responder for time‐efficiency and convenience responded with one of the top three positive choices on all items; for satisfaction, a responder chose one of the top two positive choices on both items. Data were collected between March 2004 and April 2005.Findings.  In both studies, greater proportions of nurses were responders for fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system than for morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia, respectively, for time‐efficiency [total hip replacement surgery, 80·9% (250/309) vs. 57·7% (172/298), P < 0·001; abdominal/pelvic surgery, 84·8% (162/191) vs. 57·7% (113/196), P < 0·001], convenience [total hip replacement surgery, 85·5% (271/317) vs. 64·1% (191/298), P < 0·001; abdominal/pelvic surgery, 89·2% (166/186) vs. 62·8% (123/196), P < 0·001], and satisfaction [total hip replacement surgery, 66·6% (247/371) vs. 33·3% (108/324), P < 0·001; abdominal/pelvic surgery, 67·4% (155/230) vs. 38·2% (84/220), P < 0·001]. Higher proportions of nurses favoured fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system than morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia in both studies (P < 0·001).Conclusion.  The fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system appears to be simpler, easier to use, and more satisfactory for nurses than morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia.
Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale: development and psychometric testing
Authors: Ushiro Rei 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTitle.  Nurse‐Physician Collaboration Scale: development and psychometric testing. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale.Background.  The importance of cooperation between healthcare professionals is widely acknowledged in Europe and the United States of America, but there have been no specific studies of interactions between healthcare professionals or of nurse–physician cooperation in Japan.Methods.  The 51‐item Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale was developed using a process of item design, item refinement, and testing for reliability and validity. Random sampling was used to identify potential respondents from 27 of the 87 acute care hospitals in one city in Japan in 2006. Valid responses were obtained from 446 physicians and 1217 nurses (response rate 78·7% for nurses, and 54·4% for physicians). Construct validity was first confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis and then by a confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, a simultaneous analysis of several groups was performed. The test–retest method and Cronbach’s α coefficients were used to assess reliability.Findings.  Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors. The three‐factor models were confirmed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFI >0·9, RMSEA <0·08). Simultaneous analysis of several groups (RMSEA = 0·046, AIC = 3115·888) showed the same factor structure for both nurses and physicians. The r values of the test–retest reliability correlations were all 0·7 or above. Internal consistency was demonstrated by a Cronbach’s α = 0·8 or above.Conclusion.  The Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale can be used to establish standards for nurse–physician collaboration, to measure the frequency of collaborative activity, and to verify unit‐specific relationships between collaboration and quality of care.
Significant improvement in sleep in people with intellectual disabilities living in residential settings by non‐pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Hylkema T. , Vlaskamp C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Although about 15 to 50 percent of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in residential settings suffer from sleep problems, scant attention is paid to these problems. Most available studies focus on pharmaceutical solutions. In this study we focus on improving sleep in people with intellectual disabilities living in residential settings by non‐pharmaceutical interventions.Method  The design is a multiple case study using actigraphy. Following a baseline measurement of people with ID, we recommended an intervention such as bedtime scheduling. This was followed by an effect measurement.Results  Sleep efficiency, sleep latency and rising latency improved significantly. The time spent in bed also decreased significantly and the hours of sleep while in bed increased significantly.Conclusion  For people with ID, sleep can be improved by non‐pharmaceutical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is helpful in selecting an adequate intervention.
Performance on the Modified Card Sorting Test and its relation to psychopathology in adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Rockers K. , Ousley O. , Sutton T. , Schoenberg E. , Coleman K. , Walker E. , Cubells J. F. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Approximately one‐third of individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), a common genetic disorder highly associated with intellectual disabilities, may develop schizophrenia, likely preceded by a mild to moderate cognitive decline.Methods  We examined adolescents and young adults with 22q11DS for the presence of executive function deficits using a modified version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (MCST) and assessed whether specific performances were associated with concurrent schizophrenia‐prodrome symptoms. We also examined possible relationships between MCST performance and broader indices of psychopathology, including self‐reported internalising and externalising behavioural symptoms.Results  Participants with 22q11DS scored significantly below age‐matched controls on seven out of nine MCST measures, and poorer MCST performance was associated with increased positive prodromal and internalising behavioural symptoms.Conclusions  The schizophrenia‐prodrome in 22q11DS involves executive dysfunction, and longitudinal investigation is necessary to examine if specific executive function impairments precedes or co‐occurs with the emergence of behavioural psychopathology.
Hypermethylated cap 4 maximizes Trypanosoma brucei translation
Authors: Zamudio Jesse R. , Mittra Bidyottam , Campbell David A. , Sturm Nancy R. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThrough trans‐splicing of a 39‐nt spliced leader (SL) onto each protein‐coding transcript, mature kinetoplastid mRNA acquire a hypermethylated 5′‐cap structure, but its function has been unclear. Gene deletions for three Trypanosoma brucei cap 2′‐O‐ribose methyltransferases, TbMTr1, TbMTr2 and TbMTr3, reveal distinct roles for four 2′‐O‐methylated nucleotides. Elimination of individual gene pairs yields viable cells; however, attempts at double knock‐outs resulted in the generation of a TbMTr2−/−/TbMTr3−/− cell line only. Absence of both kinetoplastid‐specific enzymes in TbMTr2−/−/TbMTr3−/− lines yielded substrate SL RNA and mRNA with cap 1. TbMTr1−/− translation is comparable with wildtype, while cap 3 and cap 4 loss reduced translation rates, exacerbated by the additional loss of cap 2. TbMTr1−/− and TbMTr2−/−/TbMTr3−/− lines grow to lower densities under normal culture conditions relative to wildtype cells, with growth rate differences apparent under low serum conditions. Cell viability may not tolerate delays at both the nucleolar Sm‐independent and nucleoplasmic Sm‐dependent stages of SL RNA maturation combined with reduced rates of translation. A minimal level of mRNA cap ribose methylation is essential for trypanosome viability, providing the first functional role for the cap 4.
A whole‐genome snapshot of 454 sequences exposes the composition of the barley genome and provides evidence for parallel evolution of genome size in wheat and barley
Authors: Wicker Thomas , Taudien Stefan , Houben Andreas , Keller Beat , Graner Andreas , Platzer Matthias , Stein Nils 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe genomes of barley and wheat, two of the world’s most important crops, are very large and complex due to their high content of repetitive DNA. In order to obtain a whole‐genome sequence sample, we performed two runs of 454 (GS20) sequencing on genomic DNA of barley cv. Morex, which yielded approximately 1% of a haploid genome equivalent. Almost 60% of the sequences comprised known transposable element (TE) families, and another 9% represented novel repetitive sequences. We also discovered high amounts of low‐complexity DNA and non‐genic low‐copy DNA. We identified almost 2300 protein coding gene sequences and more than 660 putative conserved non‐coding sequences. Comparison of the 454 reads with previously published genomic sequences suggested that TE families are distributed unequally along chromosomes. This was confirmed by in situ hybridizations of selected TEs. A comparison of these data for the barley genome with a large sample of publicly available wheat sequences showed that several TE families that are highly abundant in wheat are absent from the barley genome. This finding implies that the TE composition of their genomes differs dramatically, despite their very similar genome size and their close phylogenetic relationship.
STAMENLESS 1, encoding a single C2H2 zinc finger protein, regulates floral organ identity in rice
Authors: Xiao Han , Tang Jinfu , Li Yunfeng , Wang Wenming , Li Xiaobing , Jin Liang , Xie Rong , Luo Hongfa , Zhao Xianfeng , Meng Zheng , He Guanghua , Zhu Lihuang 
Published: May 2009

SummaryFloral organ identity is defined by organ homoetic genes whose coordinated expression is crucial with respect to the time and place of floral organ formation. Here, we report molecular cloning and characterization of the rice STAMENLESS 1 (SL1) gene that is involved in floral development. The sl1 mutant largely resembles the rice B‐class gene mutant spw1; both exhibit homeotic conversions of lodicules and stamens to palea/lemma‐like organs and carpels. Additionally, sl1 produces flowers with varied numbers of inner floral organs, and amorphous tissues without floral organ identity were frequently formed in whorls 3 and 4. We also show that SL1 specifies lodicule and stamen identities through positive transcriptional regulation of SPW1/OsMADS16 expression. SL1 encodes a member of the C2H2 family of zinc finger proteins, closely related to JAG of Arabidopsis. The functional divergence between SL1 and JAG implies that SL1 was co‐opted for its distinctive roles in specification of floral organ identity in rice after the lineage split from Arabidopsis.
ARS5 is a component of the 26S proteasome complex, and negatively regulates thiol biosynthesis and arsenic tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sung Dong‐Yul , Kim Tae‐Houn , Komives Elizabeth A. , Mendoza‐Cózatl David G. , Schroeder Julian I. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryA forward‐genetic screen in Arabidopsis led to the isolation of several arsenic tolerance mutants. ars5 was the strongest arsenate‐ and arsenite‐resistant mutant identified in this genetic screen. Here, we report the characterization and cloning of the ars5 mutant gene. ars5 is shown to exhibit an increased accumulation of arsenic and thiol compounds during arsenic stress. Rough mapping together with microarray‐based expression mapping identified the ars5 mutation in the α subunit F (PAF1) of the 26S proteasome complex. Characterization of an independent paf1 T‐DNA insertion allele and complementation by PAF1 confirmed that paf1 mutation is responsible for the enhanced thiol accumulation and arsenic tolerance phenotypes. Arsenic tolerance was not observed in a knock‐out mutant of the highly homologous PAF2 gene. However, genetic complementation of ars5 by the overexpression of PAF2 suggests that the PAF2 protein is functionally equivalent to PAF1 when expressed at high levels. No detectible difference was observed in total ubiquitinylated protein profiles between ars5 and wild‐type (WT) Arabidopsis, suggesting that the arsenic tolerance observed in ars5 is not derived from a general impairment in proteasome‐mediated protein degradation. Quantitative RT‐PCR showed that arsenic induces the enhanced transcriptional activation of several key genes that function in glutathione and phytochelatin biosynthesis in the WT, and this arsenic induction of gene expression is more dramatic in ars5. The enhanced transcriptional response to arsenic and the increased accumulation of thiol compounds in ars5, compared with WT, suggest the presence of a positive regulation pathway for thiol biosynthesis that is enhanced in the ars5 background.
The Arabidopsis CBP20 targets the cap‐binding complex to the nucleus, and is stabilized by CBP80
Authors: Kierzkowski Daniel , Kmieciak Maciej , Piontek Paulina , Wojtaszek Przemyslaw , Szweykowska‐Kulinska Zofia , Jarmolowski Artur 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe cap‐binding protein complex (CBC) binds to the caps of all RNA polymerase II transcripts, and plays an important role in RNA metabolism. We characterized interactions, localization and nuclear–cytoplasmic transport of two subunits of the Arabidopsis thaliana cap‐binding protein complex (AtCBC): AtCBP20 and AtCBP80. Using CFP/YFP‐tagged proteins, we show that transport of AtCBC from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in the plant cell is different from that described in other eukaryotic cells. We show that the smaller subunit of the complex, AtCBP20, plays a crucial role in the nuclear import of AtCBC. The C‐terminal part of AtCBP20 contains two functionally independent nuclear localization signals (NLSs). At least one of these two NLSs is required for the import of CBC into the plant nucleus. The interaction between the A. thaliana CBP20 and CBP80 was also analyzed in detail, using the yeast two‐hybrid system and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays. The N‐terminal part of AtCBP20 is essential for interaction with AtCBP80. Furthermore, AtCBP80 is important for the protein stability of the smaller subunit of CBC. Based on these data, we propose a model for the nuclear–cytoplasmic trafficking of the CBC complex in plants.
The petunia AGL6 gene has a SEPALLATA‐like function in floral patterning
Authors: Rijpkema Anneke S. , Zethof Jan , Gerats Tom , Vandenbussche Michiel 
Published: May 2009

Summary SEPALLATA (SEP) MADS‐box genes are required for the regulation of floral meristem determinacy and the specification of sepals, petals, stamens, carpels and ovules, specifically in angiosperms. The SEP subfamily is closely related to the AGAMOUS LIKE6 (AGL6) and SQUAMOSA (SQUA) subfamilies. So far, of these three groups only AGL6‐like genes have been found in extant gymnosperms. AGL6 genes are more similar to SEP than to SQUA genes, both in sequence and in expression pattern. Despite the ancestry and wide distribution of AGL6‐like MADS‐box genes, not a single loss‐of‐function mutant exhibiting a clear phenotype has yet been reported; consequently the function of AGL6‐like genes has remained elusive. Here, we characterize the Petunia hybrida AGL6 (PhAGL6, formerly called PETUNIA MADS BOX GENE4/pMADS4) gene, and show that it functions redundantly with the SEP genes FLORAL BINDING PROTEIN2 (FBP2) and FBP5 in petal and anther development. Moreover, expression analysis suggests a function for PhAGL6 in ovary and ovule development. The PhAGL6 and FBP2 proteins interact in in vitro experiments overall with the same partners, indicating that the two proteins are biochemically quite similar. It will be interesting to determine the functions of AGL6‐like genes of other species, especially those of gymnosperms.
Novel system for storage of buffy‐coat‐derived platelet concentrates in a glucose‐based platelet additive solution: parameters and metabolism during storage and comparison to plasma
Authors: Gyongyossy‐Issa M. I. C. , Zhang J. G. , Culibrk B. , Hunter F. , Levin E. , Scammell K. , Weiss S. , Holmes D. L. , Holme S. 
Published: May 2009

Background  In Europe, buffy‐coat processing allows for the use of platelet additive solutions (PAS). These solutions, however, have long been questioned for their lack of glucose, a potentially essential nutrient for platelet storage. Using a novel, practical, two‐part system for incorporation of glucose into an additive solution (PAS‐G), this study compares platelet storage in plasma to storage in PAS‐G.Study Design and Methods  A paired study design of platelet concentrates (PC) were prepared from leucoreduced pools of eight buffy coats (BCP) split into two equal pools, with suspension in autologous plasma, or PAS‐G. On days 2, 5, 7 and 9 of storage, samples were tested using standard in vitro platelet parameters. Data were analysed by paired Student's t‐tests.Results  During storage, PCs in PAS‐G maintain a quality profile that is strikingly similar to PCs stored in plasma in terms of platelet activation (CD62) morphology score, swirl, glucose metabolism and pH. However, PCs in PAS‐G perform lower (P < 0·05) in the %ESC and %HSR assays.Conclusion  PAS‐G's novel presentation allows incorporation of glucose into the additive solution so that it is roughly equivalent to plasma for the maintenance of buffy‐coat PCs.
Instability Rules Social Groups in the Communal Breeder RodentOctodon degus
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Chesh Adrian S. , Castro Rodrigo A. , Tolhuysen Liliana Ortiz , Quirici Verónica , Burger Joseph Robert , Hayes Loren D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIt has been hypothesized that animal groups in socially cohesive species are inherently unstable, ultimately the result of constraints to independent breeding, and proximately the product of adult fidelity and offspring philopatry. Other processes, including emigration of individuals that join pre‐existing groups would be less important. We examined the persistence and variation in the composition of members of social groups inOctodon degus, a communal breeding rodent in which limitations to independent breeding are less obvious. This analysis was conducted during subsequent years, as well as during different seasons within years. Similar to social species in which constraints to independent breeding influence sociality, groups in degus were unstable in that they were short lived and ruled by an extensive turnover of group members across years. A relatively high turnover of group members was also recorded within years. Variation in the composition of groups was caused mostly by disappearance (presumably mortality) and immigration of adult members. Adult fidelity and offspring philopatry and dispersal played secondary roles in affecting the composition of social groups between and within years. Future studies should reexamine the importance of habitat limitations and its proximate determinant, natal philopatry, in driving the stability of social groups.