bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Making a difference? Measuring the impact of an information literacy programme for pre‐registration nursing students in the UK
Authors: Craig Ann , Corrall Sheila 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives:  To investigate whether an information literacy programme for pre‐registration nursing students at a UK higher education institution is effective in developing their skills and confidence: examines students’ skill levels, factors affecting their confidence, and relationships between skills, confidence and demographic characteristics.Methods:  Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used: pre‐ and post‐tests to measure changes in students’ skills and self‐assessed confidence levels after two key sessions in their first semester (n = 29); semi‐structured interviews to explore factors affecting confidence (n = 5).Results:  Findings demonstrated positive impacts on skills and confidence. Key areas of skill development included: identifying journal articles, selecting search terms and evaluating website quality. Factors affecting confidence included: successful ‘mastery’ experiences in searching for information and the programme itself, especially small‐group sessions, handouts and staff support. Evidence on links between skills, confidence and demographic factors was inconclusive.Conclusions:  The study demonstrated the programme's effectiveness and identified areas for development, including the need to help students understand the relative merits of search engines and other sources. Evidence has contributed to a change in departmental policy, making attendance at sessions mandatory. Further studies have been recommended.
The role of an NHS library service in the UK; the perceptions of clinical managers in Portsmouth, UK
Authors: Blagden Pauline 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  Portsmouth NHS Library Service is exploring methods of raising its profile within its host organization and wishes to demonstrate its contribution to achieving organizational goals, perhaps by means of an impact study.Objective:  The objective of this small scale study, regarded as a possible precursor to an impact study, was to identify areas where there is potential to increase awareness among clinical managers of the Library's contribution.Methods:  An e‐mail survey was sent to clinical managers to elicit their opinions regarding the contribution of the Library Service to organizational goals.Results:  Perhaps unsurprisingly, the role of the Library Service in education, research and effectiveness was most widely recognized. Of responses, 30/42 (71%) rated it as ‘very important’ and a further 11 (26%) rated it as ‘important’. The low appreciation of the Library Service to Clinical Services is a disappointment in view of the body of research evidence. Only 12 respondents (29%) thought that the Library Service contributed ‘significantly’ by ‘supporting informed and timely clinical decision making’.Conclusion:  The study suggested areas where there might be scope to raise awareness of the Library contribution. In considering how best to achieve this, the benefits need to be weighed against the resource implications. Portsmouth NHS Library Service decided to increase its marketing efforts but not to carry out an impact study in the short term.
Examining online chat within a domain of uncertainty: the case of Asperger's syndrome
Authors: Lorence Daniel 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective:   To determine whether grounded theory can be applied as a cross‐disciplinary evaluative framework for assessing health information, especially within domain‐specific peer‐to‐peer networks.Methods:   Using a grounded‐theory approach, we seek to identify recurring themes of peer‐based interaction, without the ongoing management of clinical experts, as a way to determine stakeholder concerns and interests in a domain of frequent clinical uncertainty and treatment, Asperger's syndrome.Results:   We find that users of web‐based information in such areas often report reliance on information for medical decision making and disease management, at times to the point where interaction becomes a form of ‘cybertherapy.’ Further, such groups often evolve into disease‐specific, ‘virtual support groups’, even where discussions highlight a lack of consensus regarding the role, function and quality of information within this unique domain.Conclusion:   A grounded theory approach can successfully be applied in a domain‐specific setting to identify themes in unstructured peer‐to‐peer discussion of ill‐defined diseases and treatments.
Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae)
Authors: HE TIANHUA , KRAUSS SIEGFRIED , LAMONT BYRON B. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for an Australian native shrub Banksia attenuata. The number of alleles per locus in 50 individuals varied from five to 18, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.300 to 0.740 and from 0.537 to 0.918, respectively. Six loci showed no significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05), and null alleles appear to exist at locus BA‐B1. All loci showed independent inheritance.
Dynamic assembly of chromatin complexes during cellular senescence: implications for the growth arrest of human melanocytic nevi
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Debdutta , Curry Jonathan L. , Lin Qiushi , Richards Hunter W. , Chen Dahu , Hornsby Peter J. , Timchenko Nikolai A. , Medrano Estela E. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe retinoblastoma (RB)/p16INK4a pathway regulates senescence of human melanocytes in culture and oncogene‐induced senescence of melanocytic nevi in vivo. This senescence response is likely due to chromatin modifications because RB complexes from senescent melanocytes contain increased levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and tethered HDAC1. Here we show that HDAC1 is prominently detected in p16INK4a‐positive, senescent intradermal melanocytic nevi but not in proliferating, recurrent nevus cells that localize to the epidermal/dermal junction. To assess the role of HDAC1 in the senescence of melanocytes and nevi, we used tetracycline‐based inducible expression systems in cultured melanocytic cells. We found that HDAC1 drives a sequential and cooperative activity of chromatin remodeling effectors, including transient recruitment of Brahma (Brm1) into RB/HDAC1 mega‐complexes, formation of heterochromatin protein 1β (HP1β)/SUV39H1 foci, methylation of H3‐K9, stable association of RB with chromatin and significant global heterochromatinization. These chromatin changes coincide with expression of typical markers of senescence, including the senescent‐associated β‐galactosidase marker. Notably, formation of RB/HP1β foci and early tethering of RB to chromatin depends on intact Brm1 ATPase activity. As cells reached senescence, ejection of Brm1 from chromatin coincided with its dissociation from HP1β/RB and relocalization to protein complexes of lower molecular weight. These results provide new insights into the role of the RB pathway in regulating cellular senescence and implicate HDAC1 as a likely mediator of early chromatin remodeling events.
Long‐lived dwarf mice: are bile acids a longevity signal?
Authors: Gems David 
Published: June 2007

SummaryPathways that control aging act via regulated biochemical processes, among which metabolism of xenobiotics (potentially harmful chemical agents encountered as environmental toxicants, for example, drugs, or produced internally) is one possible candidate. A new study of long‐lived Ghrhr mutant mice reports that increased bile acid levels activate xenobiotic metabolism via the nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor. This increases resistance to xenobiotic stress, possibly contributing to longevity.
Age‐related changes in static accommodation and accommodative miosis
Authors: Radhakrishnan Hema , Neil Charman W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn attempt was made to explore the validity of the Hess–Gullstrand and Duane–Fincham models of presbyopia development, on the assumption that accommodative miosis could be used as an indicator of ciliary muscle effort. Monocular accommodation response and pupil size were measured as a function of accommodation demand over the range 0–4 D, in 48 normal subjects with ages between 17 and 56 years. The slope of the response/stimulus curve was found to decrease only slowly with age up to about 35 years and then to decline more rapidly. Accommodative miosis per dioptre of accommodation response did not change systematically with age up to about 35 years, this being apparently more in accord with the Hess–Gullstrand model. However, accommodative miosis varied very widely between younger subjects of similar age and accommodative amplitude (from zero to around 1 mm per dioptre of accommodation response for subjects in their twenties). It is concluded that miosis does not necessarily accompany accommodation and that its magnitude is not related in any simple general way to ciliary muscle contraction. Hence it cannot be used to support or refute particular theories of presbyopia.
Using scotopic and photopic flicker to measure lens optical density
Authors: Wooten Billy R. , Hammond Billy R. , Renzi Lisa M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMany applications require knowledge of lens absorption. Measuring lens optical density (OD), however, is often difficult and time‐consuming. For example, psychophysical measurement typically requires a long period of dark adaptation (e.g. about 40 min) and assessment of absolute scotopic thresholds. In this study, we examined efficient scotopic and photopic methods for measuring lens OD. In Experiment 1, 30 subjects were tested using a Maxwellian‐view optical system. Relative scotopic thresholds were obtained after 15 min of dark adaptation using slow‐rate (2 Hz) flicker photometry. A 3° test stimulus, presented at 10° nasal, was used that alternated between measuring wavelengths (420 and 460 nm) and a reference field (540 nm). The results showed that the relative scotopic method produces values that are consistent with published lens spectral curves. In Experiment 2, relative photopic measures (i.e. no dark adaptation period) were also obtained at 406 nm in natural view and compared with lens data obtained in Maxwellian view at 407 nm using the absolute scotopic method. The photopic method compared well with the absolute scotopic values obtained on the same subjects. Taken together, the two experiments showed that a relative method can yield valid lens density estimates. Using a relative rather than an absolute method reduces the time needed for dark adaptation and is an easier task for subjects to perform and may therefore be preferable when expeditious measures are desirable.
Technical Note: Measurement of retinal contour and supine axial length using the Zeiss IOLMaster
Authors: Mallen Edward A. H. , Kashyap Priti 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAccurate and repeatable assessments of ocular biometric factors are of vital importance to research laboratories conducting studies of ametropia. This is of particular importance to studies assessing the efficacy of myopia control strategies, and when investigating the effect of accommodation and posture on ocular biometry. In this technical note, two novel adaptations of the Zeiss IOLMaster are described: an adaptation to enable measurement of the axial length of the eye of a subject in a supine position, and an attachment to enable measurement of peripheral ocular dimensions and plotting of the central 80° of the retina relative to the anterior corneal surface. Pilot data obtained using these modifications to the instrument are presented.
Technical Note: Accounting for anatomical symmetry in the first‐order optical character of left and right eyes
Authors: Harris W. F. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn quantitative analyses of the optical character of eyes (and related systems) it is sometimes necessary to deal with left and right eyes in the same context. In accounting for anatomical symmetry (mirror symmetry in the mid‐sagittal plane) one treats a cylinder axis at 20°, say, in a left eye as equivalent to an axis at 160° in a right eye. But this is only one aspect of the linear optical character of an eye. The purpose of this note is to show how to account for anatomical symmetry in the linear optical character of eyes in general. In particular the note shows how to modify the optical properties of left (or right) eyes so that anatomical symmetry is accounted for in quantitative analyses in contexts in which both left and right eyes are involved.
Superior short‐wavelength contrast sensitivity in asthenopics during reflexive readjustments of ocular accommodation
Authors: Richter H. O. , Knez I. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to characterize contrast sensitivity (CS) under short‐wavelength illumination in 20 symptom‐free subjects and eight asthenopics: all had normal unaided or corrected visual acuity and no sign of oculomotor disease. Threshold CS was assessed using the von Békésy tracking method from a viewing distance of 2.4 m (0.40 D). Three counterbalanced tasks required central fixation of black‐and‐white square‐wave gratings (1, 5, 10, 14 and 17 c/deg) presented through a low‐pass filter blue lens and (1) a +1.50 D lens; (2) a −1.50 D lens and (3) a 0 D lens, while attempting accommodation to minimize blur. Baseline increases in eye strain, which approached high levels at the end of the experiment, did not differentiate between the two groups of volunteers. All the subjects made evident appropriate accommodation during the low blur condition (0 D); the CS curve exhibited the expected characteristics. When the minus lens was placed before the eyes of the observers the distant square‐wave gratings were still seen clearly, the eyes presumably had accommodated by an amount equal to the power of the negative lens. Compared with symptom‐free subjects, asthenopics exhibited greater CS at the intermediate spatial frequencies both during the low blur and the minus blur conditions. Asthenopics may exhibit an individualized sensory tendency to react more strongly to shorter wavelengths of light and may therefore reflexively ‘drive’ their accommodative system harder than symptom‐free subjects. This would explain the presence of their asthenopia in the first place. Blue light may, in addition, induce more arousal and higher alertness in this category of participants. This would boost the oculomotor aspects of their performance. These findings add to the current understanding of individual variability in the level of oculomotor loads following strenuous near work.
Teaching Visual Literacy ‐ Some Reflections on the Term
Authors: ALLEN DAVE 
Published: June 2007

The statutory Order for art in the national curriculum identifies visual literacy as an essential aim of contemporary art education. In the Order visual literacy is located in the second attainment target.This paper suggests that, since the concept of literacy embraces reading and writing, the term visual literacy might be more usefully employed as an overarching concept embracing both attainment targets. This suggestion draws upon some of the extensive work carried out into literacy within the discipline of English.Further, the paper suggests that the ambition of the Order for art must be weighed against the dominant practices of art and design education and asks whether a curriculum which centres on painting and drawing can realistically be considered to be providing an adequate education for visual literacy in the 1990s.
Trends in Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control in Older U.S. Adults: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988 to 2004
Authors: Ostchega Yechiam , Dillon Charles F. , Hughes Jeffery P. , Carroll Margaret , Yoon Sarah 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To describe hypertension trends in U.S. adults aged 60 and older using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.SETTING: NHANES III (1988–1994) and NHANES 1999 to 2004.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional nationally representative health examination survey.PARTICIPANTS: Participants in NHANES III (n=5,093) and NHANES 1999 to 2004 (n=4,710).MEASUREMENTS: Blood pressure (BP).RESULTS: In 1999 to 2004, 67% of U.S. adults aged 60 and older years were hypertensive, an increase of 10% from NHANES III. Between 1988 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004, hypertension control increased for men from 39% to 51% (P<.05) but remained unchanged for women (35% to 37%; P>.05). Non‐Hispanic black men and women had higher prevalences of hypertension than non‐Hispanic whites (odds ratio (OR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.90–3.40 and OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.31–3.26, respectively), but men were less likely to have controlled BP (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.41–0.86). Mexican‐American men and women were less likely than non‐Hispanic whites to have controlled BP (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.33–0.91 and OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.40–0.98, respectively). Women and men aged 70 and older were significantly less likely to control their hypertension than those aged 60 to 69. In addition, women aged 70 and older were significantly less aware and treated. Having BP measured within 6 months was significantly associated with greater awareness, greater treatment in men and women, and greater control in women. A history of diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly associated with less hypertension control.CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in hypertension prevalence from 1988 to 2004. Hypertension control continues to be problematic for women, persons aged 70 and older, non‐Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans, and individuals with diabetes mellitus and CKD.
Effect of Dementia and Treatment of Dementia on Time to Discharge from Assisted Living Facilities: The Maryland Assisted Living Study
Authors: Lyketsos Constantine G. , Samus Quincy M. , Baker Alva , McNabney Mathew , Onyike Chiadi U. , Mayer Lawrence S. , Brandt Jason , Rabins Peter , Rosenblatt Adam 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the association between dementia and time to discharge from individual assisted living (AL) facilities and examine, in residents with dementia, factors associated with shorter duration of residence in individual AL facilities.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Twenty‐two AL facilities in central Maryland.PARTICIPANTS: Stratified random sample of 198 AL residents followed for a median of 18 months.MEASUREMENTS: Detailed assessments to diagnose dementia; assess treatment of dementia; and rate clinical; cognitive, functional, and quality‐of‐life measures.RESULTS: Residents with dementia remained in a facility 209 fewer days at the median (P=.001) than residents without dementia. After adjustment for other variables, lack of treatment for dementia (P=.01) and more‐serious medical comorbidity (P=.02) were associated with earlier discharge in participants with dementia. Impaired mobility and limited activity participation had weaker associations with earlier time to discharge.CONCLUSION: Dementia may accelerate time to discharge, and its treatment may attenuate this effect. The hypothesis that the detection and treatment of dementia might delay discharge from AL should be tested in randomized trials.
Manage for Profit, Not for Market Share: A Guide to Greater Profits in Highly Contested Markets by Hermann Simon, Frank F. Bilstein, and Frank Luby
Authors: Castellion George 
Published: June 2007

Books reviewed in this issue:

Manage for Profit, Not for Market Share: A Guide to Greater Profits in Highly Contested Markets
New Product Forecasting: An Applied Approach
Swarm Creativity: Competitive Advantage through Collaborative Innovation Networks
Intellectual Property for Managers and Investors: A Guide to Evaluating, Protecting and Exploiting IP
Managing Projects
Leading Teams
Running Meetings
A Componential Segmentation Model with Optimal Product Design Features
Authors: Green Paul E. , Krieger Abba M. , Zelnio Robert N. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn componential segmentation the researcher is interested in decomposing survey respondents' evaluations of conjoint‐designed product descriptions into separate contributions; these contributions are due to stimulus attributes, respondent attributes, and/or conjoint‐designed situation attributes. Previous research has employed either scalar product or ANOVA‐like decompositions.The present paper extends earlier research by presenting a procedure for finding optimal market segments for given products, and vice versa. The model is developed in the context of the ANOVA‐type formulation of componential segmentation.
Modeling Synergy and Learning under Multiple Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Authors: Meredith Jack , Camm Jeff 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe advent of the wide variety of new, highly integrated, advanced manufacturing technologies available for acquisition by a firm's managers has brought to light an accompanying set of unexpected issues. These issues include expectations for the benefits and costs of these technologies, determining the appropriate order of implementation and finding a way to justify acquisition when many of the benefits are a function of the technology's learning and synergistic effects on other operations and technologies. We present here a model that captures the interaction effects of these highly integrated technologies and discuss the data requirements for application of the construct. We then illustrate the model's workings with a number of multitechnology examples and show the danger of ignoring the synergistic and learning effects of these technologies when considering their acquisition.
A Robust Multivariate Procedure for the Identification of Problem Savings and Loan Institutions*
Authors: Booth David E. , Alam Pervaiz , Ahkam Sharif N. , Osyk Barbara 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe 1980s have seen a great increase in the number of failed savings and loan institutions. In order to prevent such failures, it would be helpful if regulators have an early warning model. Such a model should be able to flag potential failed firms to prevent failure. In this paper, a robust multivariate procedure is used to successfully identify potentially failed firms well ahead of an actual failure date.
Participative Budgeting and Managerial Performance*
Authors: Chalos Peter , Haka Susan 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTRecent analytical and empirical research in budgeting has focused on conditions under which participation may or may not prove beneficial to the firm. The present study seeks to examine (in a budget setting) the impact on firm returns of managerial participation, private state information, and relative skill. Experimental results indicate a significant improvement in firm and managerial welfare across favorable and unfavorable private state information with budgetary participation. A significant interaction between the type of state information and participation is reported for managers but not firm returns. Finally, relative skill signals are shown to lead to improved managerial performance.