bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hiding from swans: optimal burial depth of sago pondweed tubers foraged by Bewick’s swans
Authors: Santamaría L. , Rodríguez‐gironés M. A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary1 We used a combination of laboratory and field experiments to test the hypothesis that the burial depth of Potamogeton pectinatus tubers will vary with local sediment type and swan predation pressure.2 In the field, mortality due to predation by swans decreased linearly with burial depth (from 100% at the surface to 55% at 225 mm depth) and with sediment clay content. Average tuber size showed an eightfold increase when burial depth increased from 25 to 275 mm.3 A laboratory experiment showed that plant emergence in spring decreased with increasing planting depth and with decreasing tuber size.4 An optimization model combining these empirical results showed that optimal tuber survival is achieved if tuber size and burial depth increases as swan predation pressure rises. The model predicted different optimal combinations of tuber size and burial depth for sandy and clay‐rich sediments.5 A common‐garden experiment showed that plants grown from large tubers produce larger tubers. Significant clonal variation in tuber size was also detected: after standardizing for tuber production, plants originating from sandy sites produced larger tubers than those originating from clay‐rich sites.6 Our results suggest the existence of spatial refuges for pondweed tubers against swan predation.
Spatial patterns of seed dispersal and seedling recruitment in Corema album (Empetraceae): the importance of unspecialized dispersers for regeneration
Authors: Calviño‐Cancela María 
Published: March 2003

Summary

Spatial patterns of seed dispersal and seedling recruitment of Corema album were examined among and within habitats to determine the quantitative importance of different dispersers in each type of habitat, and their effectiveness in carrying seeds to suitable habitats for seedling recruitment.
Gulls, blackbirds and rabbits were, respectively, the main dispersers (45%, 40% and 15% of Corema album seeds). Within habitats, blackbirds disperse seeds mainly to female Corema album shrubs, while gulls and rabbits disperse seeds mainly to open ground.
The quantitative role of dispersers varies among habitats because of their habitat preferences, causing the spatial pattern of seed rain to differ.
Open ground has the highest density of seedlings and the highest seedling‐to‐seed ratios. Regeneration is more active in the pioneer scrub than in the mature scrub and the herbaceous vegetation.
Gulls, rather than specialist frugivores, are the most effective dispersers in carrying seeds to suitable sites for recruitment.
Hydrochemical regime of fen and bog in north Japanese mires as an influence on habitat and above‐ground biomass of Carex species
Authors: Nakamura Takatoshi , Uemura Shigeru , Yabe Kazuo 
Published: March 2003

Summary

The gradient relations proposed by Wheeler & Proctor for NW European mires were tested for six Carex species common in north Japanese mires. Hydrochemical properties of their preferred habitats were compared with above‐ground biomass data.
Canonical discriminant analysis showed that soil water pH was the strongest discriminant between habitats of the Carex species, with total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) concentration also contributing, independently of pH.
Two major patterns were apparent in the distribution of Carex species: pH determines a bimodal distribution into fens with pH > 5.0 and bogs with pH < 5.5, whilst TDN captures the variation in above‐ground biomass within both fen and bog, but does not differ significantly between them.
Concentrations of Ca and Mg were low throughout the pH range. The floristic gradients associated with base richness seen in Euramerican mires do not therefore apply in north Japanese mires, where periodic flooding with neutral water removes the acid fractions in fens, and is the major determinant of pH.
Thus, pH is the best variable for distinguishing between fen and bog, as the poor fen‐rich fen classification is inappropriate for non‐calcareous north Japanese mires.
The interacting effects of genetic variation, habitat quality and population size on performance ofSuccisa pratensis
Authors: Vergeer Philippine , Rengelink Ramses , Copal Annemieke , Ouborg N. Joop 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe studied the performance of 17 Dutch populations of the perennialSuccisa pratensis, in relation to population size, genetic variation and habitat quality. We used a path‐analytical model to analyse the possible relationships between these variables and performance.Plants in smaller populations produced fewer seeds per flower head. Their seeds had lower germination rates and higher seedling mortality, and more seeds were dormant or non‐viable.Population size was also correlated with genetic measures. Small populations had higher inbreeding coefficients than large populations and observed heterozygosity was positively correlated with population size. The mean genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity) was relatively high (Hexp = 0.42), but not correlated with population size.Less eutrophic habitats appeared to support larger populations. High concentrations of NH4and NO3in the soil were significantly negatively correlated with population size.Path‐analysis showed thatSuccisa pratensisis vulnerable to habitat deterioration (eutrophication). Population size was strongly influenced by habitat quality. Reduced performance, however, was better explained by direct genetic effects and by habitat deterioration rather than by effects of population sizeper se. Both habitat quality and genetic effects are thus important for population persistence, even in the short term. The results suggest that there will be a continuing decline of the small populations, due to deteriorating habitat conditions, decreased genetic variation and a reduced reproductive capacity.
Environmental sex determination in response to light and biased sex ratios in Equisetum gametophytes
Authors: Guillon Jean‐Michel , Fievet Daniel 
Published: March 2003

Summary

Sexual differentiation of Equisetum (horsetails) gametophytes is influenced by environmental conditions, and wild populations tend to be female biased. We show that photon irradiance has a very significant and reproducible effect on sex determination in three species of Equisetum grown in vitro.
Under our experimental conditions, high light levels (PAR = 24–48 µmol m−2 s−1) induce most gametophytes to differentiate as female, whereas only males are observed at PAR < 6 µmol m−2 s−1. Addition of sugar to the culture medium, however, promotes male development, suggesting that the effect of increasing photon irradiance is not related to the accumulation of photosynthates.
According to evolutionary theory, environmental sex determination can cause population sex ratios to deviate from unity, and is favoured when the environment consists of patches that differentially affect fitness as a male or a female. However, in two out of three species, we found that the fitness of males increases faster than the fitness of females with increasing light levels, contrary to the predictions of the Charnov and Bull model.
We conclude that environmental sex determination in response to light cannot alone account for the female bias in natural populations of Equisetum gametophytes.
Tailor‐made quality systems in healthcare
Authors: Bij J. D. van der , Broekhuis H. 
Published: March 2003

Summary At present many healthcare organizations are being pressed by national governments or client groups to develop and implement quality systems. Unfortunately, not much is known about the development and implementation of these systems in healthcare organizations. There still are definition questions to be answered and it is not clear in which way a quality system can be outlined and which outline is most effective in a particular situation. In practice, many healthcare organizations adopt ideas from industrial quality management and develop ISO 9000 based quality systems, which are only useful in relatively stable situations. In this paper a typology of healthcare processes is developed on the basis of input and throughput characteristics, following the literature on professional quality systems and service systems. The typology is tested and illustrated by a few case studies. From this typology, on the basis of logic, suggestions have been deduced for tailor‐made quality systems in a general hospital setting. The main point of these systems is an examination, treatment and nursing plan with a timescale. Control is executed on the basis of performance indicators for groups of patients.
Cross‐border health care in the European Union: recent legal implications of ‘Decker and Kohll’
Authors: Hermans Herbert E. G. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the European Union a growing number of citizens are receiving medical treatment in a country other than the one in which they are resident. This concerns migrant (frontier) workers, emergency treatment and preauthorized care. Since 1998 a ‘new category’ can be discerned of persons going abroad without prior authorization on the basis of the Decker and Kohll rulings of the EC Court of Justice. Local payers would, because of the Decker and Kohll judgements, be obliged to reimburse patients who travel abroad to circumvent the existing problems with the authorization rules.During the past years studies within specific so‐called Euregions have been performed to analyse cross‐border flows and provide some more insight in the practical and health policy consequences of the Decker and Kohll judgements. The abolishment of current preauthorization is pleaded for by many respondents in these studies. Waiting lists form an important motive (in particular in the Netherlands) to consume health care in another Member State (Belgium and Germany). The familiarity with (health care in) Belgium eases the unofficial Decker and Kohll route. However, when some parts of the health care services seem to be more expensive in the other Member State, the patient has to pay the difference. New court cases are pending before the European Court of Justice. These cases raise new issues such as the tenability of ‘benefits‐in‐kind’ systems. So far, the Decker and Kohll rulings could be seen as an incentive to enhance access to cross‐border health care in border areas.
Biochemical and molecular typing of Streptococcus iniae isolated from fish and human cases
Authors: Dodson S. V. , Maurer J. J. , Shotts E. B. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Streptococcus iniae is an important bacterial pathogen of fish, causing up to 50% mortality in stocks, which has recently been associated with human infections. To determine whether S. iniae isolates from humans and fish are similar, the present authors examined the biochemical profiles and genetic relatedness of these isolates by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and repetitive primer polymerase chain reaction(REP PCR). The biochemical profiles differentiated between the human and fish isolates of S. iniae using pyrrolidonyl arylamidase, arginine dehydrogenase, ribose, β‐glucoronidase and glycogen as markers. These biochemical results suggest that the fish and human S. iniae isolates are genetically different. However, RAPD and REP PCR do not have the discriminatory power to differentiate between these streptococcus isolates using five different RAPD primers and BoxA primer.
The retrospective evaluation of a general practitioner exercise prescription programme
Authors: Martin  , Woolf‐May  
Published: March 2003

Aim: The purpose of this retrospective evaluation was to examine the characteristics of men and women who embarked upon a 10‐week general practitioner (GP) referral exercise prescription programme and to compare those who completed a 10‐week programme of exercise (Finishers) with those who failed to complete (Non‐finishers). Methods: Forty‐two Finishers (16 males and 26 females) and 35 Non‐finishers (12 males and 23 females) were followed up with a semistructured telephone interview. Clinical data were also collected from the patients’ GPs’ case notes and the data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: Baseline results using one way
anova showed no statistical difference between the groups for age (P > 0.3), BMI (P > 0.9), Systolic BP (P > 0.9), Diastolic BP (P > 0.9), total cholesterol (P > 0.1), number of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors (P > 0.4), number of subjects with CHD family history (P > 0.7) or for number of smokers (P > 0.9). However, generally the females were younger than the males (males 57.9 ± 12.1 years, females 50.7 ± 13.3 years). Analysis of the available data from the case notes showed that (CHD)/coronary vascular disease (CVD) risk factors were not generally taken into account by the primary health care team to make appropriate referrals. Finishers attended the gym significantly (P < 0.0001) more times per week than the Non‐finishers (F 2.5 ± 0.9, NF 1.7 ± 0.6 sessions/week). Results from the semistructured interviews revealed that Finishers were less reliant on social support and more likely to report tangible health benefits whereas Non‐finishers relied on support of others when attending the gym. Conclusions: Results from this evaluation suggest, that the methodology used was too crude to accurately measure the complex characteristics which determine the differences between Finishers and Non‐finishers.
Investigation into the suitability and accessibility of catering practices to inpatients from minority ethnic groups in Brent
Authors: Hartley B. A. , Hamid F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe Borough of Brent has one of the largest ethnic minority populations in England, with a growing number of refugee communities from Africa and Europe. Two important issues to be considered when developing culturally sensitive services in the hospital (including food provision) are that practices meet the religious and cultural requirements of the population that the hospital serves and that staff are equipped with the skills to understand cultural differences in illness and treatment.AimsTo review accessibility and suitability of multicultural meals to minority ethnic communities across five hospital sites in Brent and determine the level of nursing staff knowledge of multicultural dietary competencies.MethodsOne survey was completed in each of the five hospital sites to gather information about current catering practices. Two separate questionnaires obtained information of the level of inpatient satisfaction with multicultural meals amongst Hindu, Muslim, Caribbean and Jewish patient groups and knowledge of nursing staff about multicultural competencies. Community groups representing minority ethnic populations participated in focus groups to establish feedback about dietary requirements in hospitals.ResultsAccess to multicultural meals varied across hospital sites. Of 98 patients in the inpatient satisfaction survey, 74% were aware of the availability of multicultural meals with 51% of these patients not ordering any of the Asian vegetarian, Asian halal, Caribbean or kosher meals, citing satisfaction with European food as the main reason. Those ordering multicultural meals reported satisfaction most of the time (42%), satisfied most of the time (38%) and never satisfied (19%). The African Muslim group was the least satisfied with current halal meal provision. Forty‐seven per cent of nurses questioned could accurately answer questions about multicultural dietary competencies.ConclusionsImprovements could be made to improve accessibility and improve suitability of meal choices to inpatients from minority ethnic groups.
Celiac disease and alopecia areata in a child with Down’s syndrome
Authors: Storm W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAccording to recent reports in the literature, there seems to be an association between alopecia areata and celiac disease. The present author describes a 9‐year‐old girl with Down’s syndrome, and alopecia areata, and documented celiac disease, who displayed a normal growth of hair after a gluten‐free diet. Given the high prevalence of these two diseases in patients with Down’s syndrome, the present author recommends both serological screening for celiac disease in every individual with Down’s syndrome, and in particular, the inclusion of such screening in any diagnostic work‐up for alopecia areata.
Prevalence, morbidity and service need among South Asian and white adults with intellectual disability in Leicestershire, UK
Authors: McGrother C. W. , Bhaumik S. , Thorp C. F. , Watson J. M. , Taub N. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Previous reports have suggested that South Asian and white UK populations have different prevalences of intellectual disability (ID), related psychological morbidity and service use. The aim of the present study was to compare these rates among South Asian and white adults in Leicestershire, UK.Method This cross‐sectional study is comprised of two parts. The analysis of prevalence is based on data from all South Asian and white adults known to the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Register in 1991, with population denominators being drawn from the 1991 census. The other analyses use data collected from the most recent semi‐structured home interviews, carried out between 1987 and 1998, with 206 South Asian and 2334 white adults.Results The prevalence of ID in adults in Leicestershire is 3.20 per 1000 in South Asians and 3.62 per 1000 in whites. Among adults with ID, South Asians have similar prevalences of disabilities to whites and significantly lower skill levels. South Asians show similar levels of psychological morbidity, but make significantly lower use than whites of psychiatric services, residential care and respite care. South Asians use community services as extensively as whites, but feel that they have a substantially greater unmet need, especially with regard to social services.Conclusion South Asian and white populations have similar prevalences of ID and related psychological morbidity. Culturally appropriate services for South Asian adults may need to focus on skill development and community care.
Attitudes of Japanese students toward people with intellectual disability
Authors: Horner‐Johnson W. , Keys C. , Henry D. , Yamaki K. , Oi F. , Watanabe K. , Shimada H. , Fugjimura I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to gain insight into the structure and organization of the attitudes of Japanese students toward people with intellectual disability (ID). The study also examined how these attitudes are related to individual characteristics, such as experience with people with ID, major field of study and career interests.MethodsThe participants completed a series of measures developed in the USA: three measures of attitudes toward people with ID, a demographic questionnaire and a social desirability scale. Students completed the measures anonymously.ResultsThe factor structures of all three attitude scales replicated the structures found in the USA. Attitudes toward the community inclusion of people with ID were negatively correlated with an endorsement of eugenics. Students in social work and psychology had more positive attitudes than other students. Participants who expressed an interest in a career working with people with ID had more positive attitudes than students with no interest in such a career.ConclusionsAttitude measures developed in the USA can be used in Japan, and can provide useful information as well as an opportunity for cross‐cultural comparisons. For a more complete understanding of the attitudes of Japanese people toward people with ID, these attitudes should also be studied using measures based in Japanese culture which have specifically developed to measure attitudes in Japan.
Recovery from Marie‐Bamberger's syndrome and diabetes insipidus after removal of a lung adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine features
Authors: El‐Salhy  , Simonsson  , Stenling  , Grimelius  
Published: March 2003

El‐Salhy M, Simonsson M, Stenling R, Grimelius L (University Hospital, Umeå; and University Hospital, Uppsala; Sweden). Recovery from Marie‐Bamberger's syndrome and diabetes insipidus after removal of a lung adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine features (Case Report). J Intern Med 1998; 243: 171–75A 44‐year‐old woman with Marie‐Bamberger's syndrome and diabetes insipidus had a lung tumour with mediastinal metastases, but no signs of metastases to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. A week after removal of the tumour, the joint pain, polyuria and polydipsia disappeared. The tumour was diagnosed histopathologically as a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with focal neuroendocrine cell differentiation and dispersed cells reacting with antisera against neurone‐specific enolase, S‐100 protein, neuropeptide Y, follicle‐stimulating hormone, substance P, vasoactive polypeptide (VIP), adrenocortirotropic hormone and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) as well as to one of three tested antisera raised against antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It was suggested that Marie‐Bamberger's syndrome might be caused by one of these immunoreactive substances or by a substance that shares an amino acid sequence with one of these neuroendocrine peptides. It was also suggested that the tumour might produce an ADH‐like substance which might have an ADH‐antagonist effect.