Edinburgh Napier University

About: Edinburgh Napier University is a education organization based out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

Alkanotrophic Rhodococcus ruber as a biosurfactant producer.

Abstract: In this report we examined the structure and properties of surface-active lipids of Rhodococcus ruber. Most historical interest has been in the glycolipids of Rhodococcus erythropolis, which have been extensively characterised. R. erythropolis has been of interest due to its great metabolic diversity. Only recently has the metabolic potential of R. ruber begun to be explored. One major difference in the two species is that most R. ruber strains are able to oxidise the gaseous alkanes propane and butane. In preparation for investigation of the effects of gas metabolism on biosurfactant production, we set out to characterise the biosurfactants produced during growth on liquid n-alkanes and to compare these with R. erythropolis glycolipids.

Optical Properties of a Region of Freshwater Influence (The Clyde Sea)

Abstract: Optical and associated measurements from eight stations in the Clyde Sea are presented. There is a large range of the diffuse attenuation coefficient, from a minimum of 0·14 m−1for green light in the outer stations to 3·65 m−1for blue light at the most inshore station in the Clyde Estuary. The reason for this gradient of attenuation is, in part, the presence of high concentrations of yellow substance at the inshore stations. Twenty-five samples of yellow substance analysed had absorption coefficients which decayed exponentially with wavelength: the mean decay constant being −0·018 nm−1. The yellow substance is introduced in the freshwater runoff from the land: the evidence for this is the strong negative relationship between yellow substance and salinity. The presence of salinity (and hence yellow substance) stratification produces observable changes in the attenuation of light at the halocline. Attenuation by particulate material is of lesser importance overall but must be accounted for to produce an accurate model of light attenuation in the Clyde Sea. An r.m.s. (root mean square) difference of 0·08 m−1between observed and predicted attenuation coefficients is achieved using values of specific particulate absorption from the literature. A simple model of the ratio of reflectance coefficients in water whose optical properties are dominated by yellow substance is proposed. According to this the ratio of reflection coefficients in the red and one other colour should increase linearly with yellow substance concentration. The linear fit should be best if the other colour is chosen in the blue end of the spectrum. This theory is supported by the small data set presented here, and this implies that yellow substance and hence salinity, could be remotely sensed from space in these waters.

The impact of assuming the primary caregiver role following traumatic spinal cord injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the spouse's experience

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the lived experience of assuming the primary caregiver role in a group of spouses of individuals living with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) (injuries ranged from paraplegia to quadriplegia). Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 participants who were both the spouse and primary caregiver of an individual with a SCI; of these, 10 were female and 1 was male. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Here we present three inter-related master themes: 'The emotional impact of SCI'; 'Post-injury shift in relationship dynamics' and 'Impact of caregiving on identity'. Regarding the emotional impact of spinal injury, participants reported an almost instantaneous sense of loss, emptiness and grief during the injured person's rehabilitative period and feelings of anxiety were reported in anticipation of their return to the family home. A distinct change in role from spouse and lover to care provider was reported and this ultimately contributed to relationship change and a loss of former identity. The findings are discussed in relation to extant caregiver literature and recommendations for future caregiver support are highlighted.