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K Tait

Publications and source records attributed to K Tait.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Antagonistic interactions amongst bacteriocin-producing enteric bacteria in dual species biofilms.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the antagonistic interactions between bacteriocin-producing enteric bacteria in dual species biofilms and the interspecies interactions correlated with sensitivity to biocides. METHODS AND RESULTS: When compared with their single species counterparts, the dual species biofilms formed by bacteriocin-producing strains exhibited a decrease in biofilm size and an increase in sensitivity to the antimicrobial agents hypochlorite, triclosan and benzalkonium chloride. The five dual species biofilms studied all resulted in biofilms containing a mixture of the two strains. This was attributed to the spatial distribution of cells within the biofilm, with each strain forming its own microcolonies. The production of a bacteriocin also gave a strain a competitive advantage when interacting with a bacteriocin-sensitive strain within a biofilm, both in gaining a foothold in a new environment and in preventing the colonization of a potential competitor into a pre-established biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that bacteriocins might be used specifically for interacting with competing strains within a biofilm, as opposed to a planktonic, environment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Unlike planktonically grown bacteriocin-producing populations, where one strain will always be out-competed, bacteriocin-producing and bacteriocin-sensitive strains can coexist in biofilm communities, clearly demonstrating major differences between biofilm and planktonic competition. This paper highlights the importance of bacteriocin production in the development of biofilm communities.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

CT colonography without cathartic preparation: feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate methods for contrast material labeling of stool in the unprepared colon for computed tomographic (CT) colonography and to determine their sensitivity for polyp detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients with suspected or known polyps were assigned to five groups. Two to seven doses of 225 mL of dilute contrast material were orally administered during 24 or 48 hours. Transverse CT images were assessed for effectiveness of stool labeling. Colonoscopy was performed in all patients and was the standard. Two radiologists blinded to prior imaging and colonoscopic results assessed polyp detection. RESULTS: For each group, average stool labeling scores and ranges were as follows: 24 hour two dose, 16% and 8%-21%; 24 hour five dose, 53% and 27%-66%; 48 hour four dose, 38% and 22%-48%; 48 hour six dose, 68% and 54%-77%; and 48 hour seven dose, 88% and 75%-98%. Sensitivity for the two radiologists for the identification of patients with polyps 1 cm or larger for each group was as follows: 24 hour two dose, 50% and 67%; 24 hour five dose, 100% and 100%; 48 hour four dose, 58% and 75%; 48 hour six dose, 56% and 67%; and 48 hour seven dose, 100% and 80%. CONCLUSION: Ingestion of contrast material adequately labels stool for lesion identification; a 48-hour lead time and multiple doses of contrast material are required. Sensitivity for polyp detection in patients with adequate stool labeling approaches the sensitivity for polyp detection in prepared colons.

Barium Sulfate↗
PubMed1994

Young children's representations and strategies for addition.

This is a report of a study of the representations and strategies for addition, used by a sample of 55 children in years 1, 2 and 3 in three schools in Brisbane. Children were presented with operations represented in symbols and asked to choose how to solve the task and explain their procedures as they worked. The teachers were interviewed to determine the representations that they were introducing. The results show a general developmental sequence from use of objects, to use of counting, to mental calculations using knowledge of number facts and place value. The results are discussed from the perspective of the demand that the procedures might make on children's information processing capacity. We suggest that some of the difficulties occur because teachers introduce procedures that are recommended in curriculum documents without being aware of the cognitive load that they impose.

Child Development↗
PubMed1992

The Workplace Exposure Assessment Expert System (WORKSPERT).

The fundamental principles of industrial hygiene are based upon the recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace hazards. Occupational safety and health professionals (e.g., industrial hygienists) perform this task by assessing numerous complex factors. In many situations industrial hygienists are not available; therefore, an expert system has been developed to assist the performance of workplace exposure assessments (WEAs). The Workplace Exposure Assessment Expert System (WORKSPERT) evaluates various hazardous substances, workplace conditions, and worker exposures for designated homogeneous exposure groups (HEGs). The three major components of WORKSPERT (i.e., substance, workplace, and exposure factors) are described by 27 multiple attribute variables. An air monitoring program (AMP) may be recommended for each HEG based upon the WEA. The AMP provides recommendations for an appropriate sampling strategy, sampling duration, multiple substance exposures, and number of samples to be obtained in the future. The use of WORKSPERT or other expert systems should never supersede the judgment of occupational safety and health professionals. However, WORKSPERT can be a valuable tool when used by knowledgeable, qualified technical professionals (e.g., safety and health specialists, chemists, engineers, and toxicologists) who understand the specific substance, workplace, and exposure factors for designated HEGs. WORKSPERT allows these people to benefit from the expertise of an industrial hygienist by performing systematic evaluations and obtaining recommendations for corrective actions or an AMP. The use of WORKSPERT to perform WEAs promotes the protection of workers from hazardous substances and assists compliance with occupational safety and health regulations. It also facilitates the communication of substance hazards, workplace controls, and worker exposures in a succinct manner.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗