bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographical analysis of vegetation structure and sightings for four large bird species in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Kemp A. C. , Benn G. W. , Begg K. S. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe extensive spatial organization of many large-bird populations is difficult to assess. We used a geographic information system to correlate vegetation structure with random sightings for four large bird species that occur throughout the 20,000 km2 Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Vegetation structure was assessed visually during 1991-1992 for the 1093 2-5′-quadrats that cover the KNP. Sightings were made during 1991-1994 of Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori, Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus, Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus and Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri, and their nest sites. As control, comparative data on ground hornbills were also available from annual aerial censuses during 1982-1994, and from records of nest sites during 1966-1996. Each species had its highest positive correlation with a different set of vegetation categories, ranging in value from the hornbill (1.13) and vulture (1.15) up to the eagle (1.32) and bustard (1.49). Nest sites had higher correlations (hornbill 1.65, vulture 2.85) than records of free-living birds. The same vegetation categories that had the highest correlations with random sightings of ground hornbills and their nests also had the highest correlations with the more extensive and systematic data from aerial census and long-term nest records. Our method of correlating vegetation structure with random data is predictive, testable and has application to the conservation management of other sparsely distributed species.
The experience of implementing choice at point of referral: a comparison of the Netherlands and England
Authors: Dixon Anna , Robertson Ruth , Bal Roland 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe implementation of choice for patients over where and when they are seen by specialists in hospital outpatient clinics has been supported by electronic referral systems in England and the Netherlands. This paper compares the implementation of ‘Choose and Book’ in England and ‘ZorgDomein’ in a region of the Netherlands. For England the analysis draws on national data and published studies on ‘Choose and Book’, national patient surveys, and qualitative data based on general practitioner (GP) focus groups. For the Netherlands the analysis draws on qualitative data collected during observational study as well as survey data among patients, GPs and medical specialists. We find that despite significant differences in the genesis and design of the policy, similar challenges have been faced. The electronic referral systems have forced changes to the process of care at the interface between primary and secondary care and standardisation between practices. Although these changes have the potential to generate improvements and benefits, for example, convenience, certainty and choice for patients and efficiency gains through for example reduced do not attend rates, repeat consultations and duplicative diagnostic tests; they have also generated problems during implementation including GP resistance. Policy ambitions for patient choice may not be realised if the implementation of the booking system is not carefully designed and evaluated.
Some statistical aspects of the monitoring of GM plants
Authors: Perry Joe 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThere are several challenges in the monitoring of: (1) long-term effects of GM plants on the environment, and (2) effects that may be small in terms population change but significant in terms of the conservation of biodiversity. The difficulties are compounded by variability in environmental conditions between sites and years. Some examples will be given from the Farm Scale Evaluations of GMHT crops in the UK. However, the talk will focus on more recent developments, including:(1)	LandsFACTS software developed during the SIGMEA project for modeling rotations that might be used in risk management (see "http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/LandSFACTS/":http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/LandSFACTS/and "http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/LandSFACTS/model.php":http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/LandSFACTS/model.php);(2)	the use of the SADIE system to analyse spatial information to detect environmental change(see "http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/sadie/SADIE_home_page_1.htm":http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/sadie/SADIE_home_page_1.htm);(3)	the analysis of models for robustness and sensitivity, with particular reference to amathematical model for the effect of Bt maize on non-target lepidoptera(see "http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/01/05/rspb.2009.2091.abstract":http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/01/05/rspb.2009.2091.abstract).
Teaching Educational Assistants to Facilitate the Multisymbol Message Productions of Young Students Who Require Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Binger Cathy , Kent-Walsh Jennifer , Ewing Cai , Taylor Stacy 
Published: May 2010

Purpose
Many classroom educational assistants (EAs) have a significant amount of responsibility in carrying out educational plans for children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), but they receive little instruction on how to do so (Kent-Walsh & Light, 2003). This study investigates the impact of using a communication partner instructional program to teach EAs how to teach their students to produce symbol combinations on their speech-generating devices.

Method
A single-subject multiple-probe-across-participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the instructional program on (a) the EAs' implementation of an interaction strategy with their students who used AAC and (b) the rates of multisymbol message productions for the students who used AAC.

Results
All 3 participating EAs learned to use the interaction strategy appropriately, and all 3 participating students who used AAC increased their multisymbol message production rates.

Conclusions
Results provide further evidence (a) of the viability of using a communication partner instructional program for teaching partners how to facilitate the communication skills of children who use AAC and (b) that the interaction strategy can be an effective tool for increasing expressive multisymbol message rates for children who use AAC.
Effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on Communication and Speech for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Flippin Michelle , Reszka Stephanie , Watson Linda R. 
Published: May 2010

Purpose
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a popular communication-training program for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This meta-analysis reviews the current empirical evidence for PECS in affecting communication and speech outcomes for children with ASD.

Method
A systematic review of the literature on PECS written between 1994 and June 2009 was conducted. Quality of scientific rigor was assessed and used as an inclusion criterion in computation of effect sizes. Effect sizes were aggregated separately for single-subject and group studies for communication and speech outcomes.

Results
Eight single-subject experiments (18 participants) and 3 group studies (95 PECS participants, 65 in other intervention/control) were included. Results indicated that PECS is a promising but not yet established evidence-based intervention for facilitating communication in children with ASD ages 1–11 years. Small to moderate gains in communication were demonstrated following training. Gains in speech were small to negative.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis synthesizes gains in communication and relative lack of gains made in speech across the PECS literature for children with ASD. Concerns about maintenance and generalization are identified. Emerging evidence of potential preintervention child characteristics is discussed. Phase IV was identified as a possibly influential program characteristic for speech outcomes.
Distortions and stabilization of simple-cubic calcium at high pressure and low temperature
Authors: Mao Wendy L. , Wang Lin , Ding Yang , Yang Wenge , Liu Wenjun , Kim Duck Young , Luo Wei , Ahuja Rajeev , Meng Yue , Sinogeikin Stas , Shu Jinfu , Mao Ho-kwang 
Published: May 2010

Ca-III, the first superconducting calcium phase under pressure, was identified as simple-cubic (sc) by previous X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. In contrast, all previous theoretical calculations showed that sc had a higher enthalpy than many proposed structures and had an imaginary (unstable) phonon branch. By using our newly developed submicrometer high-pressure single-crystal XRD, cryogenic high-pressure XRD, and theoretical calculations, we demonstrate that Ca-III is neither exactly sc nor any of the lower-enthalpy phases, but sustains the sc-like, primitive unit by a rhombohedral distortion at 300 K and a monoclinic distortion below 30 K. This surprising discovery reveals a scenario that the high-pressure structure of calcium does not go to the zero-temperature global enthalpy minimum but is dictated by high-temperature anharmonicity and low-temperature metastability fine-tuned with phonon stability at the local minimum.
Effect of follicle size on fertility in cattle.
Authors: Perry G. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Procedures that control the timing of ovulation are of enormous value in advancing the use of reproductive technologies in all species. Among cattle, most protocols that control the timing of ovulation utilize gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) around the time of insemination. A luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and ovulation are induced with an injection of GnRH. However, GnRH results in the ovulation of a wide range of follicle sizes regardless of whether or not standing oestrus had been initiated. Among both heifers and cows, the relationship between follicle size and pregnancy success following a fixed-time insemination protocol was quadratic. Small follicles induced to ovulate resulted in lower pregnancy rates, increased embryonic/ foetal mortality, and a slower rise in subsequent concentrations of progesterone compared with cows induced to ovulate larger follicles. Among postpartum cows, there was no relationship between ovulatory follicle size and pregnancy status when cows spontaneously initiated standing oestrus and ovulated. Furthermore, animals that exhibited standing oestrus within 24 h of fixed-time insemination had greater pregnancy success compared with animals that did not exhibit standing oestrus, and cows that exhibited standing oestrus had greater circulating concentrations of estradiol compared with cows that did not. Therefore, follicular maturity at time of GnRH-induced ovulation can influence pregnancy success following a fixed-time insemination protocol.
Nutrient management in black pepper (
Piper nigrum
L.).
Authors: Srinivasan V. , Dinesh R. , Hamza S. , Parthasarathy V. A. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Black pepper is cultivated in a wide range of soils with varying pH and fertility. Ideal condition requires a friable soil rich in humus and essential plant nutrients, with good drainage. Among the nutrients consumed by black pepper, N uptake is the highest followed by K and Ca and the magnitude of the nutrients removed is in the order: N > K > Ca > Mg > P > S > Fe > Mn > Zn. Various sources and levels of manures and fertilizers were evaluated for improving soil nutrient status and uptake by black pepper. The optimum dose of nutrients to be applied for getting higher yield was standardized through crop response functions and nutrient ratios in soil and plant. The critical level of essential nutrients, management efforts to correct the deficiencies and practices to improve the nutrient use efficiency are discussed.
The EMBRACE web service collection
Authors: Pettifer Steve , Ison Jon , Kalaš Matúš , Thorne Dave , McDermott Philip , Jonassen Inge , Liaquat Ali , Fernández José M. , Rodriguez Jose M. , Partners INB- , Pisano David G. , Blanchet Christophe , Uludag Mahmut , Rice Peter , Bartaseviciute Edita , Rapacki Kristoffer , Hekkelman Maarten , Sand Olivier , Stockinger Heinz , Clegg Andrew B. , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Salzemann Jean , Breton Vincent , Attwood Teresa K. , Cameron Graham , Vriend Gert 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The EMBRACE (European Model for Bioinformatics Research and Community Education) web service collection is the culmination of a 5-year project that set out to investigate issues involved in developing and deploying web services for use in the life sciences. The project concluded that in order for web services to achieve widespread adoption, standards must be defined for the choice of web service technology, for semantically annotating both service function and the data exchanged, and a mechanism for discovering services must be provided. Building on this, the project developed: EDAM, an ontology for describing life science web services; BioXSD, a schema for exchanging data between services; and a centralized registry (http://www.embraceregistry.net) that collects together around 1000 services developed by the consortium partners. This article presents the current status of the collection and its associated recommendations and standards definitions.
Innovative Traditional Italian Durum Wheat Breads: Influence of Yeast and Gluten on Performance of Sourdough Moddizzosu Breads
Authors: Fadda Costantino , Santos Eva María , Piga Antonio , Collar Concha 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis research investigated the impact of semolina dough formulation (percentage of sourdough [SD] addition and presence of yeast [Y] or common wheat gluten [G]) added singly and in combination on the sensory and physicochemical profiles of fresh and stored sourdough‐started durum breads, particularly Moddizzosu type. Main distinctive features of breads were identified, and optimal amounts of SD addition in presence of either yeast or gluten were used to achieve high‐quality fresh and stored soured durum breads made with semolina and remilled semolina at a ratio of 80:20. Common features of durum breads included color parameters and crumb grain characteristics of either fresh or stored samples. Increasing SD significantly increased scores for overall acceptability. In yeasted costarted samples, a linear promotion of both aroma and taste intensity resulted from increasing amounts of SD, whereas the opposite trend was observed for unyeasted breads. Higher values for degree of acidification, specific volume, crumb cohesiveness, resilience, and springiness but lower pH, moisture content, crumb hardness, and chewiness in durum samples were achieved with increased SD. The presence of Y counteracted acidification, harmonized volume increase, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and resilience, minimizing the effects of the SD added. Y and G acting singly as crumb softeners when added together to soured durum breads started with SD at a dose >10% provided lower and slower crumb firming kinetics. Breads with especially slow retrogradation kinetics corresponded to yeasted started samples with or without added gluten, regardless the presence or absence of SD. In unyeasted soured breads, the dose of SD slightly decreased the rate and extent of amylopectin retrogradation, irrespective of gluten addition.
Tracheal intubation using the Airtraq®: a comparison with the lightwand
Authors: Park E. Y. , Kim J. Y. , Lee J. S. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Airtraq® laryngoscope is a new tracheal intubation device that has been developed for the management of normal and difficult airways. As with the lightwand, the Airtraq can be used without placing the patient in the ‘sniffing position’ for direct laryngoscopy. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and usability of the Airtraq with that of the lightwand during routine airway management. One hundred ASA 1‐2 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to either the Airtraq (n = 50) or lightwand (n = 50). Intubation was performed by one of two anaesthetists experienced in the use of both devices. There was no difference in success rate, intubation time, and haemodynamic response between the two groups. In conclusion, the Airtraq® and lightwand have similar efficacy in patients without risk factors for difficult intubation.
Hydrochloride pioglitazone decreases urinary TGF‐β1 excretion in type 2 diabetics
Authors: Hu Yuan‐Yuan , Ye Shan‐Dong , Zhao Li‐Li , Zheng Mao , Chen Yan 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 571–574AbstractBackground  Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) exert a number of direct reno‐protection beyond its hypoglycaemic effect in type 2 diabetics, which may be partly related to its anti‐fibrosis and anti‐ inflammatory action.Materials and methods  A total of 98 type 2 diabetics with fasting blood glucose (FBG) between 7·0 and 13·0 mmol L−1 and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 7·0% were randomly assigned to add pioglitazone (group DP) or sulfonylurea (group DS) for 12 weeks. FBG, HbA1c, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urinary TGF‐β1, albumin (UALB) and creatinine (UCr) were determined at the basal and the 12th week.Results  Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and urinary TGF‐β1/UCr ratio (UTCR) were obviously decreased in both groups after 12 weeks treatment; UALB/UCr ratio (UACR) decreased obviously in group DP (P < 0·01), while slightly in group DS. UACR and UTCR in group DP were significantly lower than those in group DS after treatment, while FBG and HbA1c had no statistical differences between the two groups. In addition, UTCR had positive correlation with UACR (r = 0·367, P < 0·01).Conclusions  Pioglitazone decreases urinary TGF‐β1 excretion in type 2 diabetics, which may be partly contributed to its direct reno‐protection.
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome activity and damage indices comparison
Authors: Campar Ana , Isenberg David A. 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 636–644AbstractBackground  Significant differences exist in outcome measures developed to assess patients with primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS). In this review, we have compared proposed indices.Methods  Three activity – SSDAI (SS Disease Activity Index), SCAI (Sjögren’s Systemic Clinical Activity Index) and ESSDAI (EULAR SS Disease Activity Index) – and two damage indices – SSDDI (SS Disease Damage Index) and SSDI (SS Damage Index) have been analysed. Assessment ‘tools’ for perspectives of outcome (PROFAD – Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort, SF‐36 – Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36‐item questionnaire and ESSPRI – EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients Reported Index) were also considered.Results  SSDAI and ESSDAI are global scores. SCAI is a composite score. Validity is a limitation for SSDAI and SCAI. ESSDAI is complemented by ESSPRI for the assessment of subjective features. It is more accurate in detecting changes in activity. Damage indices differ with respect to observation period and external validation but both have low content validity. Main limitations for all indices are: inclusion of patients with mainly mild stable disease and lack of information about the completion time of the forms.Conclusions  All indices demonstrate a potentially useful benefit but further, larger studies are needed to assess reliability and sensitivity to change, to validate their use in clinical trials. Improvement in our knowledge of pathophysiology and clinical evolution of pSS is important to address unresolved issues: whether to include prognostic factors for an adverse outcome, an agreed definition of flare and most notably the distinction between activity and damage.
Breast disease diagnostic ability of nurse practitioners and surgeons
Authors: Osborn Gary David , Jones Maria , Gower‐Thomas Kate , Vaughan‐Williams Eifion 
Published: May 2010

osborn g.d., jones m., gower‐thomas k. & vaughan‐williams e. (2010) Breast disease diagnostic ability of nurse practitioners and surgeons. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1452–1458.AbstractTitle.  Breast disease diagnostic ability of nurse practitioners and surgeons. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to compare history‐taking and breast and axillary examination skills of nurse practitioners and surgeons.Background.  In the United Kingdom, patients referred by their general practitioners with suspected breast cancer should be seen within 2 weeks by a specialist. As a result of the European Working Time Directive there has been a reduction in junior doctors’ working hours within the European Union. This makes such targets harder to achieve and risks delays in patient assessment and diagnosis. Trained nurse practitioners can perform an important role in assessing new patients in breast clinics to ensure that they are seen expeditiously. Nurse practitioners’ competence assessing patients with breast disease needs to be objectively demonstrated.Methods.  Between 1st March 2007 and 31st March 2008 patients referred to a symptomatic breast disease clinic were seen by a single nurse practitioner and a single consultant surgeon. Findings were recorded on a standardised pro forma and compared using one‐way analysis of variance.Findings.  Assessments were recorded for 128 patients. No abnormality was found in 41% of patients but nine (7%) had breast cancer. There was no evidence of a statistically significant mismatch in scoring between the nurse practitioner and consultant surgeon. Thirty‐seven lumps were identified in 35 patients. There was no difference in mammography requests from the nurse practitioner and surgeon.Conclusion.  The diagnostic accuracy of a nurse practitioner compares favourably with that of a consultant surgeon.
Self‐management and chronic low back pain: a qualitative study
Authors: Crowe Marie , Whitehead Lisa , Jo Gagan Mary , Baxter David , Panckhurst Avin 
Published: May 2010

crowe m., whitehead l., gagan m.j., baxter d. & panckhurst a. (2010) Self‐management and chronic low back pain: a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1478–1486.AbstractTitle.  Self‐management and chronic low back pain: a qualitative study. Aims.  This paper is a report of a study of the self‐management strategies of people with chronic low back pain and how their healthcare professionals perceived their role in facilitating self‐management.Background.  Chronic low back pain is a complex disorder, challenging to treat, and associated with wide‐ranging adverse consequences including physical disability, psychosocial disruption, and increased use of healthcare resources. Most clinical guidelines suggest that self‐management strategies are the best treatment option.Design.  A qualitative analysis was conducted of semi‐structured interviews with 64 people identified as having chronic low back pain and 22 healthcare professionals nominated by that person. The interviews were conducted in 2008. The people with chronic low back pain were asked about their self‐management strategies; healthcare professionals were asked about how they perceived their role in the person’s self‐management. Data were analysed using a content analysis.Findings.  The most common strategies used by participants to manage their chronic low back pain were medication, exercise and application of heat. The nominated healthcare professionals were predominantly physiotherapists and general practitioners. Physiotherapists described exercises, particularly those aimed at improving core strength, as the main strategy that they encouraged people to use. General practitioners regarded themselves as primarily having three roles: prescription of pain medication, dispensing of sickness certificates, and referral to specialists.Conclusion.  People with chronic low back pain use self‐management strategies that they have discovered to provide relief and to prevent exacerbation. The strategies reflect an active process of decision‐making that combines personal experience with professional recommendations.