bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring and modelling Pacific herring spawning-site fidelity and dispersal using tag-recovery dispersal curves
Authors: Flostrand Linnea A. , Schweigert Jacob F. , Daniel Kristen S. , Cleary Jaclyn S. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Flostrand, L. A., Schweigert, J. F., Daniel, K. S., and Cleary, J. S. 2009. Measuring and modelling Pacific herring spawning-site fidelity and dispersal using tag-recovery dispersal curves. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1754–1761. An approach of relating Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) tag-recovery data to dispersal distances is presented. Observations from coded wire tag sampling (1999–2006) were used to represent adult herring interannual spawning patterns on the British Columbia coast. Six datasets were applied, differing by number of years-at-liberty (1, 2, or 3) and gear type of recapture (purse-seine or gillnet). In total, 227 tag-recovery samples, consisting of 5687 tag recoveries, were used. Distances were approximated to the shortest paths through water between the release and recapture sites. Recovery rate and distance relationships suggest that exponential models fit the data reasonably well, with average rates of change in recovery rates (slopes) varying from approximately −0.009 to −0.005. A combined slope estimate of −0.007 is similar to four of the six estimates. Using these models, the intensity of movement among five stock-assessment regions was estimated by applying distances relative to their centres. Fidelity estimates range from 53 to 90% across all models and regions, which is consistent with previous findings and premises that influence resource management. Interpretation and application of the modelling exercise are discussed in terms of previous and future work.
Purification and characterization of S layer proteins from Clostridium difficile GAI 0714
Authors: Takeoka Aya , Takumi Kenji , Koga Tetsuro , Kawata Tomio 
Published: June 2009

Summary
The Slayer of Clostridium difficile GAI 0714 was shown to be composed of two proteins, of 32 kDa and 45 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The two proteins were extracted with 8 M-urea (pH 8·3) from a cell wall preparation and purified by DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B chromatography followed by HPLC gel filtration. When solubilized in 0·1 M-urea, both proteins appeared to exhibit dimeric forms, with respective molecular masses of about 61 kDa and 99 kDa, upon HPLC. Although the amino acid compositions of the two proteins differed from each other, both proteins had a high content of acidic amino acids, very low contents of histidine and methionine, and no cysteine. The 32 kDa protein exhibited multiple isoelectric forms (pI 3·7-3·9), whereas the 45 kDa protein had a single form (pI 3·3). Radioiodination and immunogold labelling revealed that both proteins were exposed evenly over the entire cell surface. Based on immunodiffusion analysis using monospecific antiserum raised to the individual proteins, there was no antigenic relationship between the two proteins. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis showed that the antigenicity of the 32 kDa protein appeared to be strain specific, whereas that of the 45 kDa protein appeared to be group specific.
Biochemistry of methanogenesis: a tribute to Marjory Stephenson:1998 Marjory Stephenson Prize Lecture
Authors: Thauer Rudolf K. 
Published: June 2009

Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße, D-35043 Marburg, and Laboratorium für Mikrobiologie, Fachbereich Biologie, Philipps-Universität, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße, D-35032 Marburg, GermanyIn 1933, Stephenson & Stickland (1933a) published that they had isolated from river mud, by the single cell technique, a methanogenic organism capable of growth in an inorganic medium with formate as the sole carbon source.
Effect of phytoplankton cell size on transient-state nitrate and ammonium uptake kinetics
Authors: Stolte Willem , Riegman Roel 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARY
The uptake of nitrate or ammonium (at a concentration of 10 mol I-1) by marine phytoplankton was studied in relation to cell size. Initial specific nitrate uptake rates by small (35000 m3) and large (130000 m3) cells of the diatom Ditylum brightwellii did not differ significantly. However, the larger cells maintained a high uptake rate for a longer time. Therefore, they accumulated nitrate in a higher biomass-specific pool than the smaller cells. In the dark, this effect was even more pronounced. Two smaller diatom species, Lauderia borealis (7474 m3) and Thalassiosira pseudonana (98 (m3), had lower initial specific nitrate uptake rates and lower intracellular pools. Transient-state ammonium uptake did not result in accumulation of large intracellular pools of ammonium. Theoretically, and on the basis of the presented results, we stress the dualistic functional role of the vacuole. A large vacuole is an effective way for larger algal species to possess a minimum cell nutrient quota/cell surface ratio which is in the range of smaller species. Furthermore, by functioning as a storage reservoir it reduces inhibition of the uptake rate by cytoplasmic accumulated nutrients. The effect of the latter mechanism is that larger algal species are better at nitrate uptake under fluctuating conditions. These results imply that, in nitrogen-controlled marine systems, resource competition under fluctuating nutrient concentrations can only lead to a shift towards larger phytoplankton species if nitrate rather than ammonium is the main nitrogen source. From theoretical considerations it is argued that the maximum growth rate of algae is determined by nutrient assimilation properties rather than by photosynthetic capacity.
Tactic response of zoospores of the fungus Phytophthora palmivora to solutions of different pH in relation to plant infection
Authors: Morris B. M. , Reid B. , Gow N. A. R. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARY
Zoospores of the plant pathogen Phytophthora palmivora use a number of tactic responses to target specific infectible regions of host roots. Although the dominant one is believed to be chemotaxis, it has been shown that zoospores of oomycetes may also use the exogenous proton/electrical currents generated by plant roots for guidance. Since these proton currents also generate significant pH gradients in the rhizosphere, the tactic response of zoospores to changes in pH was examined. Using ‘swim-in’ capillary tests, zoospores of P. palmivora were found to be repelled by solutions of high pH and attracted to solutions of low pH, relative to a control at neutrality. This in vitro tactic response was generally consistent with the measured pH at sites of zoospore accumulation around intact and wounded roots. However, the endogenous pH gradient around host roots could be abolished with buffers and this treatment did not affect the extent or pattern of zoospore accumulation. Therefore, detection of root-generated pH gradients is unlikely to have a major role in the homing response of zoospores towards plant roots.
Dual‐task study of cognitive and postural interference: a preliminary investigation of the automatization deficit hypothesis of developmental co‐ordination disorder
Authors: Tsai C‐L. , Pan C‐Y. , Cherng R‐J. , Wu S‐K. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  The purpose of this study was to investigate whether children with developmental co‐ordination disorder and balance problem (DCD‐BP) had greater problems than controls in performing a primary balance task while concurrently completing different cognitive tasks varying in oral or listening cognitive complexity, as well as to investigate the automatization deficit hypothesis of DCD‐BP.Methods  Children with DCD‐BP (n= 39), along with age‐matched control counterparts (n= 39), were placed on automatic processing situation under dual‐task conditions. All children were required to perform a primary task, five dual‐task paradigms (oral counting task, auditory–verbal reaction task, auditory–choice reaction task, auditory–memory task and articulation alone) and an eyes‐closed balancing task.Results  In the primary task condition, the differences were not statistically significant (P= 0.393) between children with and without DCD‐BP. However, children with DCD‐BP were significantly more impaired on three of five dual‐task conditions (oral counting task: P= 0.003; auditory–verbal reaction task: P= 0.011; auditory–memory task: P= 0.041) compared with the single‐task situation, with the exception of the auditory–choice reaction task (P= 0.471) and articulation alone (P= 0.067).Conclusions  These results suggest that children with DCD‐BP were more cognitively dependant and may have an automatization deficit.
Quality of life measurement in paediatric and adolescent populations with HIV: a review of the literature
Authors: Garvie P. A. , Lawford J. , Banet M. S. , West R. L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurpose  To review the quality and utility of currently available self‐report generic quality of life (QOL) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measures for use with children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus and/or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).Methods  Literature searches were conducted to identify QOL and HRQOL measures developed for, adapted for, or otherwise used with paediatric and adolescent populations with HIV/AIDS. The quality of measures (i.e. item generation techniques, instrument properties including reliability, validity and responsiveness) were compared and critically evaluated.Results  Nineteen QOL/HRQOL measures were identified. Item content was generated from the respondent (adult) population in only eight (42%) measures. Seventeen (90%) measures reported internal reliability in the accepted range between 0.70 and 0.90 and four (21%) reported reproducibility statistics in this range. Although validity was reported for 19 (100%) measures, only six (32%) showed evidence for three or more properties, with construct validity being the most commonly reported aspect. The authors of eight (42%) measures reported evidence for responsiveness.Conclusions  While almost all measures reviewed demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, only one‐third demonstrated all aspects of validity, and less than half demonstrated responsiveness. None included paediatric or adolescent populations with HIV/AIDS in their development, neglecting to obtain input from target respondents in item generation to determine what health‐related and daily functioning factors are of importance to them. Despite noted limitations, the AUQUEI or the SWED‐QUAL appear the best currently available generic measure, and the MQOL‐HIV the preferred disease‐specific measure, at least for use with older adolescents/young adults.
Lichen acclimatization on retention trees: a conservation physiology lesson
Authors: Jairus Kadi , Lõhmus Asko , Lõhmus Piret 
Published: June 2009

Summary1. Green‐tree retention (GTR) has been suggested as a means to effectively support epiphytic lichen species in managed forests, given the low lichen mortality on retention trees in the short term. However, a long‐term perspective requires a physiological understanding of lichen responses to logging. This study compares anatomical, morphological and physiological traits of lichens on retention trees and on intact forest trees.2. Thalli of nine taxa (Buellia griseovirens,Cladonia digitata,Hypogymnia physodes,Lecanora allophana,Lecanora pulicaris,Leprariaspp.,Peltigera praetextata,Pertusaria amaraandPhlyctis argena) were sampled from birchBetulaspp. and aspenPopulus tremulain GTR cuts, where they had previously been reported to survive well, and in adjacent managed forests. In the laboratory, chlorophyll fluorescence parameterFv/Fm, thickness of the upper cortex, photobiont to mycobiont ratio and (inLecanoraspecies) the relative area of the apothecia were measured.3. All the lichen samples collected from GTR cuts appeared alive, but theirFv/Fmwas significantly lower, relative areas of the apothecia were larger and the upper cortices of thalli were thicker compared with the samples from adjacent forests. No difference in photobiont to mycobiont ratio was found. These patterns were broadly consistent among species, indicating a common mechanism: while suffering from photoinhibition, the lichens had acclimatized to the open conditions and increased their investment to sexual reproduction in a few years.4. Synthesis and applications. The study highlights the value of a morpho‐physiological framework for conservation management by pointing out that, in GTR areas, lichen survival is high‐irradiation limited and heavily dependent on phenotypic plasticity. A thin upper cortex may be a common feature of the most sensitive species. To sustain epiphyte populations in managed forests, precautionary harvesting strategies (gradual felling; group‐retention; extended rotations) should be preferred and large‐enough populations should be preserved, even though short‐term studies suggest a high survival of lichens in cut areas.
Nurses’ perceived facilitators and barriers to assessing for alcohol use in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Yun‐Fang 
Published: June 2009

Aims.  To explore nurses’ perceived facilitators and barriers to assessing for alcohol use in Taiwan.Background.  Excessive alcohol use has been associated with health, social and legal problems. Helping health care providers to detect and treat hazardous or harmful drinkers is an important worldwide issue.Design.  A cross‐sectional design was used.Methods.  Nurse participants (n = 741) were recruited from 10 randomly selected hospitals in Taiwan. In these hospitals, nurses were selected from the Emergency Department, psychiatric and gastrointestinal medical–surgical units where most patients with alcohol problems are seen. Data were collected by facilitator and barrier scales as well as a background information form.Results.  Nurses identified the top facilitator and barriers to assessing for alcohol use as ‘want to know if patients’ drinking problems are related to their illness’ and ‘patients’ purposefully conceal information’, respectively. Older nurses and those with longer general clinical experience had more perceived facilitators to assessing for alcohol use. Nurses’ perceived facilitator scores were significantly and positively related to their intention scores, whereas their perceived barrier scores were significantly and negatively related to their intention scores. In addition, scores for perceived facilitators and barriers differed significantly by nurses’ education level, work unit, experiences with assessing for alcohol use and previous attendance at training courses for assessing alcohol use.Conclusions.  Our results suggest a need to strengthen nurses’ education and training on the assessment of alcohol use in Taiwan.Relevance to clinical practice.  Education and training programmes should aim to enhance Taiwanese nurses’ alcohol knowledge, to emphasise the impact of alcohol use on illness and treatment and to enhance nurses’ perceived facilitators and decrease their perceived barriers to assessing for alcohol use.
Rheumatoid arthritis patient education: RA patients’ experience
Authors: Mäkeläinen Paula , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Pietilä Anna‐Maija 
Published: June 2009

Aim and objective.  The purpose of this paper is to describe the content of patient education as portrayed and evaluated by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Background.  Rheumatology nurses have an important role in educating and supporting RA patients. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the RA patients’ own perspective of patient education.Design.  Survey.Method.  Data for this study were collected from 173 RA patients from 11 hospitals and 23 health centers using open‐ended questions. Fifty‐seven percent (57%) of the patients described the content of patient education and eighty‐one percent (81%) evaluated it expressing their experience and satisfaction with it. Data were analysed using descriptive and non‐parametric statistical tests.Results.  Rheumatology nurses mostly gave their RA patients information about how to use the anti‐rheumatic drugs prescribed to them (26%). About half (51%) of the patients were satisfied with patient education. However, every fourth patient (24%) was not satisfied, the main reason for the dissatisfaction being that nurses did not focus on the patient’s emotional support. The patients of over 57 years of age and those who had suffered from RA for over five years were more satisfied with their education than the others.Conclusions.  It is important that rheumatology nurses, besides passing on medical treatment‐related information, concentrate on RA patients’ emotional well‐being.Relevance to clinical practice.  The results provide a useful insight into RA patient education. Nurses should avoid merely passing on information in a routine workmanlike way. It is important that they take time to discuss their patients’ feelings and worries especially with newly diagnosed patients. RA patient education should balance patients’ information needs with their need for emotional support.
Religion and the secularisation of health care
Authors: Paley John 
Published: June 2009

Aims and objectives. To assess the claim that conceptualisations of religion and spirituality should be grounded in theology, and acknowledge the global resurgence of religion.Background. Although there is widespread agreement in the nursing literature that ‘spirituality’ is a broader concept than ‘religion,’ and should be understood generically, this approximate consensus has occasionally been challenged. A recent paper by Barbara Pesut and colleagues argues that the generic view not only empties spirituality of powerful religious symbols and narratives, but underestimates the continuing social influence of religion, and its resurgence on a global scale. Accordingly, these authors suggest three principles for conceptualising spirituality and religion in health care, one of which is that conceptualisations should be grounded in philosophical and theological thinking, and should not ignore the global resurgence of religion.Method. Critical review.Conclusion. The Pesut principle privileges theology, disregarding other disciplines which theorise religion. Arguably, it privileges specifically Christian theology, the history of which suggests a politics of orthodoxy and an epistemology of authority and obedience. The global resurgence of religion is not, in fact, global, as the industrialised countries have experienced a marked shift towards secular‐rational values; and the postindustrial phase of development is associated with self‐expression values, which represent a challenge not merely to religious institutions (arguably an affirmation of ‘spirituality’) but to traditional elites and structures of all kinds. Finally, religion ‘resurgent’ is not an attractive model for health care, since many of its most obvious manifestations are incompatible with the ideology of health professionals.Relevance to clinical practice. In the secular societies of Europe, if not North America, there should be no expectation that nurses provide spiritual care. It is a requirement of the great separation between civil order and religion that the health services, as a public space, should remain thoroughly secular.
Daily observation of cognitive functioning in hospitalised patients on acute geriatric wards
Authors: Persoon Anke , Banningh Liesbeth Joosten‐Weyn , Van De Vrie Wim , Olde Rikkert Marcel G M , Van Achterberg Theo 
Published: June 2009

Background.  Daily observation by nurses of the cognitive function of patients is of high ecological validity because cognitive functioning is observed in a natural setting around the clock.Aim.  To evaluate why and how geriatric nurses observe the cognitive functioning of their patients.Design.  Survey.Methods.  A self‐developed questionnaire was administered to a purposeful sample of nurses working on geriatric wards of seven acute care hospitals. The questions were open‐ended. Data were analysed through content analysis.Results.  The questionnaire was completed by 97 nurses (response rate 77%). Categorisation of the many objectives reported by the nurses revealed four themes: to tailor nursing interventions (51%), to determine discharge arrangements (46%), to support medical diagnosis and therapy (43%) and to map specific elements of functional capacity (34%). Nurses reported also many different domains to observe (mode 2; range 0–7), only 73% of which were actual cognitive domains. The most commonly mentioned cognitive domain was psychomotor behaviour (63%), followed by executive functions (48%), language (37%), attention (33%), thinking (25%) and consciousness (20%).Conclusions.  Geriatric nurses not only made daily observations of their patients’ cognitive functioning to support medical diagnoses, but also to guide nursing interventions and determine discharge arrangements. The assessment domains varied fairly widely, because the participants’ understanding of the concept cognitive functioning was vague, incomplete and often incorrect.Relevance to clinical practice.  This is the first study that investigated why geriatric nurses make daily observations of their patients’ cognitive functioning. In addition, we explored their understanding of the concept of cognitive functioning. Based on the fact that the content of an assessment is determined by its aim, the objectives to perform daily observations have to be clear and stated explicitly. To observe patients in an unambiguous way, it will be necessarrily to develop a validated observation scale.
Condition‐dependent mate choice and a reproductive disadvantage for MHC‐divergent male tiger salamanders
Authors: BOS DAVID H. , WILLIAMS ROD N. , GOPURENKO DAVID , BULUT ZAFER , DEWOODY J. ANDREW 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles likely have adaptive value because of overdominance, in which case MHC heterozygous individuals have increased fitness relative to homozygotes. Because of this potential benefit, the evolution of sexual reproduction between MHC‐divergent individuals (i.e. negative assortative mating, NAM) may be favoured. However, the strongest evidence for MHC‐based NAM comes from inbred animals, and context‐dependent mating preferences have rarely been evaluated although they often occur in nature. We assessed the extent MHC‐based mating preferences among wild tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) using multiple molecular approaches. We genotyped 102 adults and 864 larvae from 36 breeding trials at both microsatellite and MHC loci. Parentage analysis revealed that reproductive success among males was positively associated with increased tail length and that with respect to the focal female, MHC‐similar males sired a significantly higher number of offspring than more dissimilar males. This trend was consistent, even under context‐dependent scenarios that favour traditional MHC‐based NAM. These results suggest that the most MHC‐divergent males may be at a reproductive disadvantage in pairwise breeding trials. Our data add to a growing body of evidence that suggests where it exists, MHC‐based choice is probably dynamic and mediated by many factors that vary in the wild, notably signals from other indicator traits and by the quality and quantity of potential mates.