bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicians’ labelling of end-of-life practices: a hypothetical case study
Authors: Buiting H M , van der Heide A , Onwuteaka-Philipsen B D , Rurup M L , Rietjens J A C , Borsboom G , van der Maas P J , van Delden J J M 
Published: December 2009

Objectives:To investigate why physicians label end-of-life acts as either ‘euthanasia/ending of life’ or ‘alleviation of symptoms/palliative or terminal sedation’, and to study the association of such labelling with intended reporting of these acts.Methods:Questionnaires were sent to a random, stratified sample of 2100 Dutch physicians (response: 55%). They were asked to label six hypothetical end-of-life cases: three ‘standard’ cases and three cases randomly selected (out of 47), that varied according to (1) type of medication, (2) physician’s intention, (3) type of patient request, (4) patient’s life expectancy and (5) time until death. We identified the extent to which characteristics of cases are associated with physician’s labelling, with multilevel multivariable logistic regression.Results:The characteristics that contributed most to labelling cases as ‘euthanasia/ending of life’ were the administration of muscle relaxants (99% of these cases were labelled as ‘euthanasia/ending of life’) or disproportional morphine (63% of these cases were labelled accordingly). Other important factors were an intention to hasten death (54%) and a life expectancy of several months (46%). Physicians were much more willing to report cases labelled as ‘euthanasia’ (87%) or ‘ending of life’ (56%) than other cases.Conclusions:Similar cases are not uniformly labelled. However, a physicians’ label is strongly associated with their willingness to report their acts. Differences in how physicians label similar acts impede complete societal control. Further education and debate could enhance the level of agreement about what is physician-assisted dying, and thus should be reported, and what not.
Trunk muscle activation during moderate- and high-intensity running
Authors: Behm David G. , Cappa Dario , Power Geoffrey A. 
Published: December 2009

Time constraints are cited as a barrier to regular exercise. If particular exercises can achieve multiple training functions, the number of exercises and the time needed to achieve a training goal may be decreased. It was the objective of this study to compare the extent of trunk muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity during running and callisthenic activities. EMG activity of the external obliques, lower abdominals (LA), upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES), and lumbosacral erector spinae (LSES) was monitored while triathletes and active nonrunners ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 60% and 80% of their maximum heart rate (HR) reserve, as well as during 30 repetitions of a partial curl-up and 3 min of a modified Biering-Sørensen back extension exercise. The mean root mean square (RMS) amplitude of the EMG signal was monitored over 10-s periods with measures normalized to a maximum voluntary contraction rotating curl-up (external obliques), hollowing exercise (LA), or back extension (ULES and LSES). A main effect for group was that triathletes had greater overall activation of the external obliques (p < 0.05), LA (p = 0.01), and LSES (p < 0.05) than did nonrunners. Main effects for exercise type showed that the external obliques had less EMG activity during 60% and 80% runs, respectively, than with the curl-ups (p = 0.001). The back extension exercise provided less ULES (p = 0.009) and LSES (p = 0.0001) EMG activity than the 60% and 80% runs, respectively. In conclusion, triathletes had greater trunk activation than nonrunners did while running, which could have contributed to their better performance. Back-stabilizing muscles can be activated more effectively with running than with a prolonged back extension activity. Running can be considered as an efficient, multifunctional exercise combining cardiovascular and trunk endurance benefits.
Moderate and heavy oxygen uptake kinetics in postmenopausal women
Authors: Stathokostas Liza , Kowalchuk John M. , Petrella Robert J. , Paterson Donald H. 
Published: December 2009

The lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), compared with those using HRT, may reduce submaximal blood flow during exercise and result in an oxygen delivery limitation constraining oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics. The adaptation of pulmonary VO2 (VO2p) during the transition to exercise in older women was examined in this study. Thirty-one healthy postmenopausal women (mean age, 61 ± 6 years), 15 not using HRT and 16 using HRT, performed repeated exercise transitions (6 min) on a cycle, to work rates corresponding to 80% of estimated ventilatory threshold (moderate-intensity exercise) and to Δ50 (heavy-intensity exercise). There was no difference in moderate-intensity τVO2p between non-HRT (40 ± 9 s) and HRT (41 ± 9 s) women. Similarly, there was no difference in heavy-intensity τVO2p between non-HRT (44 ± 8 s) and HRT (45 ± 8 s) women. Thus, HRT did not affect the slowing of VO2 kinetics of older women.
Repeated-sprint ability in professional and amateur soccer players
Authors: Rampinini Ermanno , Sassi Aldo , Morelli Andrea , Mazzoni Stefano , Fanchini Maurizio , Coutts Aaron J. 
Published: December 2009

This study investigated the repeated-sprint ability (RSA) physiological responses to a standardized, high-intensity, intermittent running test (HIT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), and oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics in male soccer players (professional (N = 12) and amateur (N = 11)) of different playing standards. The relationships between each of these factors and RSA performance were determined. Mean RSA time (RSAmean) and RSA decrement were related to the physiological responses to HIT (blood lactate concentration ([La–]), r = 0.66 and 0.77; blood bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3–]), r = –0.71 and –0.75; and blood hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]),r = 0.61 and 0.73; all p < 0.05), VO2 max (r = –0.45 and –0.65, p < 0.05), and time constant (τ) in VO2 kinetics (r = 0.62 and 0.62, p < 0.05). VO2 max was not different between playing standards (58.5 ± 4.0 vs. 56.3 ± 4.5 mL·kg–1·min–1; p = 0.227); however, the professional players demonstrated better RSAmean (7.17 ± 0.09 vs. 7.41 ± 0.19 s; p = 0.001), lower [La–] (5.7 ± 1.5 vs. 8.2 ± 2.2 mmol·L–1; p = 0.004), lower [H+] (46.5 ± 5.3 vs. 52.2 ± 3.4 mmol·L–1; p = 0.007), and higher [HCO3–] (20.1 ± 2.1 vs. 17.7 ± 1.7 mmol·L–1; p = 0.006) after the HIT, and a shorter τ in VO2 kinetics (27.2 ± 3.5 vs. 32.3 ± 6.0 s; p = 0.019). These results show that RSA performance, the physiological response to the HIT, and τ differentiate between professional- and amateur-standard soccer players. Our results also show that RSA performance is related to VO2 max, τ, and selected physiological responses to a standardized, high-intensity, intermittent exercise.
High-intensity interval training attenuates the exercise-induced increase in plasma IL-6 in response to acute exercise
Authors: Croft Louise , Bartlett Jonathan D. , MacLaren Don P.M. , Reilly Thomas , Evans Louise , Mattey Derek L. , Nixon Nicola B. , Drust Barry , Morton James P. 
Published: December 2009

This aims of this study were to investigate the effects of carbohydrate availability during endurance training on the plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α response to a subsequent acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise. Three groups of recreationally active males performed 6 weeks of high-intensity interval running. Groups 1 (LOW+GLU) and 2 (LOW+PLA) trained twice per day, 2 days per week, and consumed a 6.4% glucose or placebo solution, respectively, before every second training session and at regular intervals throughout exercise. Group 3 (NORM) trained once per day, 4 days per week, and consumed no beverage during training. Each group performed 50 min of high-intensity interval running at the same absolute workloads before and after training. Muscle glycogen utilization in the gastrocnemius muscle during acute exercise was reduced (p < 0.05) in all groups following training, although this was not affected by training condition. Plasma IL-6 concentration increased (p < 0.05) after acute exercise in all groups before and after training. Furthermore, the magnitude of increase was reduced (p < 0.05) following training. This training-induced attenuation in plasma IL-6 increase was similar among groups. Plasma IL-8 concentration increased (p < 0.05) after acute exercise in all groups, although the magnitude of increase was not affected (p > 0.05) by training. Acute exercise did not increase (p > 0.05) plasma TNF-α when undertaken before or after training. Data demonstrate that the exercise-induced increase in plasma IL-6 concentration in response to customary exercise is attenuated by previous exercise training, and that this attenuation appears to occur independent of carbohydrate availability during training.
Bioscrubbing as a treatment for a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds: influence of the absorption column characteristics on performanceThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue on Biological Air Treatment.
Authors: Malhautier Luc , Lalanne Franck , Fanlo Jean-Louis 
Published: December 2009

A semi-industrial bioscrubber was developed to treat a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including oxygenated, aromatic, and chlorinated compounds. Packed and atomizing columns were used for the bioscrubber. For an applied inlet load of around 850–870 g VOCs·m–3 packing material·h–1, the various performances of the bioscrubber were equivalent (around 50%), regardless of the selected absorption column. Only the removal efficiency of oxygenated compounds was found to be reasonable, close to 80%–85%. For the bioscrubber equipped with an atomizing column, a doubling of the inlet load involved a decrease in the removal efficiency of the VOC mixture (35%) and oxygenated compounds (from 80% to 55%). As the transferred compounds were biodegraded, the limits could be explained by the hydrodynamic characteristics of the atomizing column. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the necessity of optimizing the gas–liquid mass transfer step. Two-phase partitioning bioreactors seem to represent an attractive option, even though knowledge of the transfer of compounds and biodegradation mechanisms is required prior to scale-up and industrial use.
Treatment of air polluted with methanol vapours in biofilters with and without percolationThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue on Biological Air Treatment.
Authors: Avalos Ramirez Antonio , Bénard Sandrine , Giroir-Fendler Anne , Jones J. Peter , Heitz Michèle 
Published: December 2009

Air polluted with methanol vapours was treated in a biofilter and a biotrickling filter, both packed with inert materials. The effects of the nitrogen concentration present in the nutrient solution, the empty bed residence time, and the methanol inlet load, on the biofilter and biotrickling filter performance were all examined and compared. The elimination capacity, the biomass and the carbon dioxide production rates all increased with the increase of the parameters tested. The maximum elimination capacity for the biotrickling filter was 240 g·m–3·h–1 with corresponding removal efficiency of 75% and carbon dioxide production rate of 10 g·m–3·h–1, whereas the maximum elimination capacity for the biofilter was 80 g·m–3·h–1 with corresponding removal efficiency of 35% and carbon dioxide production rate of 70 g·m–3·h–1. The biomass production rate was similar for both the biofilter and the biotrickling filter. The carbon dioxide production rate was higher by a factor of 2 to 9 for the biofilter compared to the biotrickling filter.
Biofiltration of methane using an inorganic filter bed: Influence of inlet load and nitrogen concentrationThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue on Biological Air Treatment.
Authors: Nikiema Josiane , Girard Matthieu , Brzezinski Ryszard , Heitz Michèle 
Published: December 2009

An upflow lab-scale biofilter was operated with an inorganic filter material to control methane emissions. The influence of the inlet load on methane removal was investigated and the maximum elimination capacity obtained was 36 g/(m3·h) for an inlet load of 95 g/(m3·h). The influence of the nitrogen concentration, which was provided in the form of nitrate through a nutrient solution, was also determined. We established that the optimum nitrogen concentration required for biofilter operation decreases with the methane inlet load. In fact, it was around 0.75 g/L for inlet loads comprised between 55 and 95 g/(m3·h) and of 0.50 g/L when the inlet load was comprised between 20 and 55 g/(m3·h). During this study, a nitrogen concentration of 1.00 g/L inhibited methane removal in the biofilter. In addition, the use of a nitrogen concentration superior to its optimum level can cause, in the long-term run, severe damages to the biofilter performance.
On the role of lysine in the active site Ser-X-X-Lys region of penicillin-recognizing enzymes
Authors: Wolfe Saul , Yang Kiyull 
Published: December 2009

Using Autodock, docking of penicillin G to the crystal structures of penicillin-recognizing enzymes leads to an alignment in the active site Ser-X-X-Lys region consisting of the serine hydroxyl group, the terminal amino group of lysine, a second hydroxyl group, and the N–C=O of the β-lactam. This alignment is consistent with the notion that acylation of the serine hydroxyl group proceeds by a one-step cooperative mechanism in which C–O bond formation and proton transfer to the β-lactam nitrogen take place through a heteroatom bridge. For the cooperative ring opening of penam by two molecules of methanol and one molecule of methylamine or one molecule of water, density functional theory with the B3LYP DFT gradient-corrected functional and the 6–31G(d) basis set reproduces the alignment seen in the docked structures. Methylamine lowers the barrier calculated at MP2/6–31G(d) from the DFT-optimized geometries by 3 kcal/mol; water increases the barrier by 4 kcal/mol. The function of the conserved lysine in the active sites of penicillin-recognizing enzymes is therefore to catalyze the formation of an acyl enzyme by a cooperative mechanism.
The effect of substituent rotation on aromatic quadrupole moments
Authors: Lewis Michael , Beg Shana , Clements Aimee , Tran Dianne , Waggoner Kristine 
Published: December 2009

We recently reported substituent constants for the accurate prediction of molecular quadrupole moments of mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-substituted aromatics. Four of the substituents in the study, –OH, –NO2, –NH2, and –CH3, were polyatomic and for these groups the substituent constants only hold for the lowest energy, or near-lowest energy, geometries. Herein, we report a computational investigation of the effect of rotation of –OH, –NO2, –NH2, and –CH3 groups on the aromatic quadrupole moment, Θzz. As expected, rotation of these substituents significantly affects the aromatic Θzz value; however, the affects are clearly periodic. Additionally, we have modified the methods to best employ our substituent constants.
The status of taxonomy in Canada and the impact of DNA barcodingThe present review is one of a series of occasional review articles that have been invited by the Editors and will feature the broad range of disciplines and expertise represented in our Editorial Advisory Board.
Authors: Packer L. , Grixti J. C. , Roughley R. E. , Hanner R. 
Published: December 2009

To assess the recent history of taxonomy in Canada and the impact of DNA barcoding upon the field, we performed a survey of various indicators of taxonomic research over the past 30 years and also assessed the current direct impact of funds made available for taxonomy through the DNA barcoding NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) network grant. Based on results from surveys of three Canadian journals, we find that between 1980 and 2000 there was a 74% decline in the number of new species described and a 70% reduction in the number of revisionary studies published by researchers based in Canada, but there was no similar decline for non-Canadian-authored research in the same journals. Between 1991 and 2007 there was a 55% decline in the total amount of inflation-corrected funds spent upon taxonomic research by NSERC’s GSC18 (Grant Selection Committee 18); this was a result of both a decrease in the number of funded taxonomists and a decrease in mean grant size. Similarly, by 2000, the number of entomologists employed at the Canadian National Collection (CNC) had decreased to almost half their 1980 complement. There was also a significant reduction in the number of active arthropod taxonomists in universities across the country between 1989 and 1996. If these declines had continued unabated, it seems possible that taxonomy would have ceased to exist in Canada by the year 2020. While slight increases in personnel have occurred recently at the CNC, the decline in financial assistance for taxonomists has been largely reversed through funds associated with DNA barcoding. These moneys have increased the financial resources available for taxonomy overall to somewhere close to NSERC’s 1980 expenditures and have also substantially increased the number of HQP (highly qualified personnel) currently being trained in taxonomy. We conclude that the criticism “DNA barcoding has taken funds away from traditional approaches to taxonomy” is false and that, in Canada at least, the advent of DNA barcoding has reversed the dramatic decline in taxonomy. We provide recommendations on how to foster the future health of taxonomy in Canada.
Physiological responses of postprandial red rock crabs (Cancer productus) during emersion
Authors: McGaw I. J. , Curtis D. L. , Ede J. D. , Ong K. J. , van Breukelen F. , Goss G. G. 
Published: December 2009

The physiological responses of unfed and postprandial red rock crabs ( Cancer productus J.W. Randal, 1840) were investigated during periods of emersion. During aerial exposure, oxygen uptake quickly fell to very low levels and was no longer detectable in the haemolymph after 12 h. The resulting anaerobic respiration led to a build up in lactic acid and the resulting acidosis was more pronounced in the postprandial crabs. There was also a concomitant rise in PCO2and CCO2, and in both cases these were higher in postprandial animals. Higher ammonia levels in postprandial crabs showed that cellular activities were still proceeding anaerobically, suggesting that although crabs can delay mechanical digestion during emersion, once intracellular digestion occurs they may be committed to these processes. Increased mortality rates of postprandial animals were probably due to a combination of the high lactate and CO2levels coupled with an increased ammonia concentration. For C. productus stranded in the intertidal zone there may be little effect of feeding, as they are only exposed for short periods and recovery occurs during re-immersion. The crabs are more likely to become moribund and death ensue during longer term exposure such as commercial live shipment.
Metabolic rates and movements of the male tarantula Aphonopelma anax during the mating season
Authors: Stoltey T. , Shillington C. 
Published: December 2009

Tarantulas exhibit sexual dimorphism in their resting metabolic rate (RMR). The significantly higher RMRs observed in sexually mature males may be an adaptive strategy to support their higher energetic demands when searching for females. In this study, we investigated how intrasexual differences in male RMR may affect their locomotory activity and behavior during the mating season. Over a 2-year period, we radio-tagged male Texas tan tarantulas ( Aphonopelma anax (Chamberlin, 1940)), measured their movements, and periodically recorded their metabolic rates in an open-flow respirometery system over the course of the breeding season. Differences found in search speed, search-area size, and movement patterns were not sufficiently explained by the small amount of intrasexual variation exhibited in RMR. Individuals were capable of searching areas up to 29 ha and moved up to 365 m/day. In addition, metabolic rate measured over a 24 h period showed no circadian periodicity and remained constant over the season. Lastly, the body condition of new captures stayed constant throughout the season, corroborating observations of males feeding and drinking.
Stochastic and spatially explicit population viability analyses for an endangered freshwater turtle, Clemmys guttata
Authors: Enneson J. J. , Litzgus J. D. 
Published: December 2009

Over two thirds of the world’s turtle species are in decline as a result of habitat destruction and harvesting. Quantitative methods for predicting the risk of extinction of turtle populations are essential for status assessments and recovery planning. Spotted turtles ( Clemmys guttata (Schneider, 1792)) are considered vulnerable internationally, and endangered in Canada. We used population viability analysis to assess the risk of extirpation of a Georgian Bay, Ontario, population that has been under study since 1977 and of nine Ontario populations for which population size is known, and to examine the effects of dispersal between breeding ponds on population persistence. A simple stochastic model for the Georgian Bay population projected a 60% probability of extirpation in 100 years. A metapopulation model for the same study area projected an 18% probability of extirpation within 100 years, suggesting that dispersal between breeding ponds is important for population persistence. Spotted turtles at this relatively pristine site have a relatively high risk of extinction despite the absence of anthropogenic additive mortality. Probability of quasi-extinction as a result of stochasticity for the model simulating nine Ontario populations was low, but the probability of six or more of the nine known Ontario populations becoming extirpated within 100 years was 26%, indicating that recovery action is necessary to prevent decline of spotted turtles within the species’ Canadian range, which is restricted to Ontario.
Factors influencing the emergence of a northern population of Eastern Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis sauritus) from artificial hibernacula
Authors: Todd J. , Amiel J. , Wassersug R. 
Published: December 2009

We investigated whether Eastern Ribbon Snakes ( Thamnophis sauritus (L., 1766)) use a rise in water level as a cue for emergence from hibernation. We also examined the hypotheses that snakes use temperature gradients or endogenous signals as emergence cues. Twelve artificial hibernacula were used to house 15 Ribbon Snakes. Water level and temperature were regulated. Four Ribbon Snakes emerged from hibernation without any manipulation of water level or temperature. Eight snakes emerged after thermal conditions in their hibernacula changed. Of these, one emerged after the hibernaculum was made warmer on the surface than at depth, four emerged after the room temperature was increased to 9 °C, and three emerged after incandescent lights were shone on the surface of each hibernaculum. Three snakes died during hibernation. Eight snakes chose to hibernate fully submerged in water. Although the sample size is too small to draw conclusions that are statistically significant at α = 0.05, our observations collectively suggest that Ribbon Snakes do not use a rise in water level as a cue to emerge. While water-level rise does not appear to be an emergence cue, hibernation below the water table may lead to increased survivorship by decreased metabolism and elimination of the risk of desiccation.