bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of clinical nursing capability: an analysis of progression towards individual clinical and role skills in a surgical ward
Authors: Fessey Christine A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper describes a study of the progression of qualified surgical nurses towards capable proficiency in one setting using participant observation within an ethnographic approach. Two distinct methodologies were used: (i) 18 months of participant observation of the social and economic processes that shaped the nursing team, its leadership and a busy surgical practice context, in which qualified nurses and post‐qualifiers learned the ropes of the specialty; and (ii) invited observations of episodes of skilled behaviour followed by knowledge elicitation interviews using heuristic devices as mediating artefacts. These artefacts, digital images and practitioner knowledge maps allowed the individual to explore current and potential representations of their knowledge within a variety of contexts. Distinctions were drawn between the features of fluent and problem‐solving activity, and factors that triggered an interruption in clinical fluency were isolated. Deliberative triggers and outcomes were analysed by the practitioner. Establishing the cadre of local fluent capability within the ward presented the opportunity to explore newcomer progression. The dual methodology provided a unique perspective on: (i) the context of capability and progression towards clinical nursing fluency; (ii) the different role of deliberation in capable and newcomer practice, and (iii) an emergent view of newly promoted senior nurses as they learned to run things in the ward. This view of using management knowledge differs from the type of knowledge use revealed in clinical fluency. This leads to a theoretical analysis of how different kinds of skills are learned and the relationship between individual and social aspects of learning.
The impact of training: an evaluation of an ‘Introduction to management’ course for social services staff
Authors: Sharples Ann , Galvin Kathleen , Holloway Immy , Brown Keith 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper reports an evaluation of a management training course undertaken by local authority social services staff. Most participants felt that the course was successful, and positive impacts on practice were reported in both the quantitative and qualitative phases of the study. Areas of change and potential change in practice were identified. More specifically, the course had significant short‐term impacts on the skills of course participants. Course participants were more aware of their training needs than the controls. Course participants stressed that training courses cannot stand alone: support was needed via follow‐up and supervision.
Natal dispersal and its consequences in Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix
Authors: Caizergues Alain , Ellison Laurence N. 
Published: March 2003

Data on dispersal distances of juveniles are important for understanding the genetic structure of populations, population regulation processes and the effects of landscape ecology on metapopulation dynamics. We studied dispersal in juvenile Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the French Alps between 1990 and 1998, by radiotracking 39 young grouse captured in August or autumn in a study area of 836 ha. Natal dispersal occurred in two discrete phases, autumn (October) and spring (mid‐April to early May), with periods of reduced mobility between. The mean distance travelled by females exceeded that of males in autumn but not in spring. The natal dispersal distance of females was greater than that of males, and resulted in 81% of females leaving the study area to nest 5–29 km from their site of capture. This emigration must have been compensated for by immigrants because the number of hens in the study area increased during the study. Males were more philopatric. By the summer after capture, only 9% had emigrated from the study area. Despite the longer dispersal distances of females, there was no difference in the survival functions of the sexes between the ages of 6 weeks and 13 months.
Anthelminthic treatment negatively affects chick survival in the Eurasian OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegus
Authors: Van Oers Kees , Heg Dik , Drean Quenec’hdu Sophie Le 
Published: March 2003

Eurasian OystercatchersHaematopus ostralegusare infested with a wide range of gut parasites, but experimental evidence of their effects on host fitness is scant. We investigated prevalence of parasites, and experimentally tested the effects of gut parasites on chick survival and growth. One hundred and fifty‐nine hatchlings from 66 nests were treated with a single dose anthelminthic medicine (0.5 mL Spectril + 0.0025 mL Ivomec) and compared with a sham‐treated control group of 163 hatchlings from 66 nests. Unexpectedly, chicks treated with the anthelminthic drug survived less well than control chicks. Fledglings from the treated group were significantly less infected with gut parasites than untreated fledglings, although they were of similar body mass. One possible explanation for these findings is that the treatment interferes with the development of the immune system in the hatchlings. This might have caused mass mortality of treated hatchlings after the drug ceased to work and the treated chicks became susceptible to infections for the first time. Furthermore, all chicks and adults from both saltmarsh and adjacent freshwater habitat appeared free from blood parasites. Thus, in the Eurasian Oystercatcher, we found no support for the hypothesis, based on between‐species comparisons, that the presence of blood parasites is related to the saltiness of the environment.
Between‐lake differences in the diet and provisioning behaviour of Black‐throated Divers Gavia arctica breeding in Scotland
Authors: Jackson Digger B. 
Published: March 2003

Surveys at 23 Black‐throated Diver breeding lakes in Scotland showed large between‐lake differences in the species and size range of potential prey. The study lakes were classified into four types according to the main size‐taxa prey classes present. Type 1 lakes lacked small fish, Type 4 lacked salmonids < 300 mm and Types 2 and 3 both had all four of the main prey classes. Diver diet for 30 families at the study lakes was quantified from 7943 prey items seen fed to chicks, and 153 items seen eaten by adults, during 662 h of observations. At all lake types adults mostly ate salmonids of 120–240 mm in length, especially Brown Trout Salmo trutta, and European Eels Anguilla anguilla up to c. 350 mm. The prey eaten by chicks ranged widely, from c. 0.03 g to 300 g, with important implications for feeding behaviour. Young chicks (days 1–8) rejected items greater than 70 mm long. The diet of young chicks consisted mostly of small fish, either Three‐spined Sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus (Type 2 lakes) or Minnow Phoxinus phoxinus (Type 3 and Type 4 lakes). At other lakes (Type 1) it consisted mostly of mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera); invertebrates were the only abundant potential small prey in these lakes. At all lakes the chick diet became more similar to that of adults as chicks grew. Adults provisioning chicks used two foraging strategies. In ‘excursion foraging’, adults hunted away from the chicks and carried prey back for them; in ‘attendance foraging’, the chicks accompanied the foraging adult(s). Excursion foraging was used mostly before day 4 and was strongly and positively correlated with the abundance of fish < 80 mm in length. This behaviour is probably adaptive, but is probably tenable only where small fish are relatively abundant. Young chicks fed mainly on small fish had higher survival rates than those fed on invertebrates.
Age‐dependent reproductive performance in Northern Goshawks Accipiter gentilis
Authors: Tøttrup Nielsen Jan , Drachmann Jan 
Published: March 2003

The age‐specific reproductive performance of Northern Goshawks Accipiter gentilis was studied over 22 years in Denmark. The age of the breeding female in relation to the number of young raised was known in 929 breeding attempts, while the age of both the male and the female was known in 496 breeding attempts. The number of fledglings raised per breeding attempt increased with both male and female age, but only for females was it possible to conduct a detailed analysis of this age‐dependent relationship. The annual production of fledglings increased with female age from 1 to 7 years of age, whereupon it started to decline. A longitudinal analysis showed that this mean population trend could be attributed to similar age‐related trends in individual females. Previous breeding experience did not influence the number of fledglings produced by individual females, and poorly performing females apparently survived with the same probability as well performing ones. The most likely explanation for the age‐dependent reproductive performance in the observed Goshawk population appeared to be age‐related improvements in competence, such as foraging efficiency.
A logistics evaluation of visual acuity as applied to the Bailey–Lovie chart
Authors: Pierscionek B. K. , Weale R. A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Aims. To discover whether as a result of the increasing use of the Bailey–Lovie chart some classes of patients may not be affected by the crowding of the smaller test characters, whose spacing is proportional to their size; and to determine acuities with a logistic function so that all of a patient's responses may be utilized. Methods. 112 patients were tested both with the original chart and one in which the horizontal distance is kept constant, i.e., the letters are arranged in vertical columns. All of a patient's responses were recorded so that the constants of the logistic function might be determined. Results. No difference was found for very high and very low acuity scores, but, for intermediate ones, the vertical columns yielded acuity ratings increased by some 13%. Conclusion. The use of the logistics function was successful in that the correlation between stimulus and response was between 0.9 and 1 for some 80% of those examined. A constant horizontal spacing may be of advantage to some patients with a conventionally measured visual acuity of ∼0.9.
The minimum stimulus energy required to produce a cooling sensation in the human cornea
Authors: Murphy Paul J. , Patel Sudi , Morgan Philip B. , Marshall John 
Published: March 2003

Summary Purpose: To estimate the minimum stimulus energy required to stimulate the corneal nerves, using a thermally cooling stimulus. Methods: The localised temperature change produced in the pre‐corneal tear film by the air‐pulse stimulus of the Non‐Contact Corneal Aesthesiometer (NCCA) was analysed using a thermal imaging camera. Assuming that the cornea behaves as a near perfect black‐body, the threshold for energy loss was calculated by combining Stefan–Boltzmann's law and Kirchoff's law for imperfections in black‐body radiation, taking into account the likely thermal conductivity of the human cornea. Results:
The average normal subject has a threshold for detecting a cooling effect when the local corneal tear film surface temperature drops from a mean of 33.2–32.9°C (i.e. 0.3°C), over a 1 mm diameter circular area (0.785 mm
2
), and a stimulus time duration of 0.9s. This gives rise to a sensation threshold for perceiving a loss of heat energy of 7.0ergs, or 7.0×10
−7 joules. Conclusion: The cornea possesses stimulus specific receptors, which have an exquisite sensitivity to a rapid, thermally cooling stimulus.
Phakometric measurement of ocular surface radius of curvature and alignment: evaluation of method with physical model eyes
Authors: Barry Jean‐Cyriaque , Dunne Mark , Kirschkamp Thomas 
Published: March 2003

SummaryOphthalmophakometric measurements of ocular surface radius of curvature and alignment were evaluated on physical model eyes encompassing a wide range of human ocular dimensions. The results indicated that defocus errors arising from imperfections in the ophthalmophakometer camera telecentricity and light source collimation were smaller than experimental errors. Reasonable estimates emerged for anterior lens surface radius of curvature (accuracy: 0.02–0.10 mm; precision 0.05–0.09 mm), posterior lens surface radius of curvature (accuracy: 0.10–0.55 mm; precision 0.06–0.20 mm), eye rotation (accuracy: 0.00–0.32°; precision 0.06–0.25°), lens tilt (accuracy: 0.00–0.33°; precision 0.05–0.98°) and lens decentration (accuracy: 0.00–0.07 mm; precision 0.00–0.07 mm).
A review of current knowledge on Electronic Vision Enhancement Systems for the visually impaired
Authors: Wolffsohn James S. , Peterson Rachael C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMagnification can be provided to assist those with visual impairment to make the best use of remaining vision. Electronic transverse magnification of an object was first conceived for use in low vision in the late 1950s, but has developed slowly and is not extensively prescribed because of its relatively high cost and lack of portability. Electronic devices providing transverse magnification have been termed closed‐circuit televisions (CCTVs) because of the direct cable link between the camera imaging system and monitor viewing system, but this description generally refers to surveillance devices and does not indicate the provision of features such as magnification and contrast enhancement. Therefore, the term Electronic Vision Enhancement Systems (EVES) is proposed to better distinguish and describe such devices. This paper reviews current knowledge on EVES for the visually impaired in terms of: classification; hardware and software (development of technology, magnification and field‐of‐view, contrast and image enhancement); user aspects (users and usage, reading speed and duration, and training); and potential future development of EVES.
Red Wine in Moderation: Potential Health Benefits Independent of Alcohol
Authors: Cao Guohua , Prior Ronald L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractModerate drinking of alcoholic beverages is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. It is generally accepted that the ethanol itself is at least partially responsible for this association. However, whether red wine has any additional benefits is unclear since the epidemiologic studies addressing the additional effects of wine did not distinguish red from white. This review focuses on the differences between red wine and white wine with regard to their chemical components and biologic effects. Red wine contains considerably more flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, than white wine. Red wine, as well as its flavonoid constituents, has been shown to have antioxidant activities, to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to relax blood vessels. The data suggest that a moderate intake of red wine (1–2 drinks per day) may have potential health benefits independent of alcohol, and this warrants further clinical studies and epidemiologic investigations. In light of the dangers associated with alcohol consumption, it may be wise for some people to obtain the red wine flavonoids through consumption of fruits and vegetables that also contain these phytochemicals.
Intestinal Warfare: The Role of Short‐Chain Fructooligosaccharides in Health and Disease
Authors: Nadeau Daniel Allen 
Published: March 2003

AbstractShort‐chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a long‐studied functional food made up of a glucose molecule linked to between 2 and 4 fructose molecules and not significantly digested in the small intestine. Short‐chain FOS provide an energy source that is relatively specific for beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, with even small amounts leading to dramatic increases in bifidobacteria, which have a variety of health benefits in and of themselves. In addition, a predicable fall in pathogenic bacteria, such as clostridia, occurs as bifidobacteria increase. This has implications for several disorders, ranging from liver disease to antibiotic‐associated diarrhea to colon cancer. Short‐chain FOS are metabolized to short‐chain fatty acids, lowering pH in the colon. This facilitates calcium absorption, which may be beneficial for individuals with renal and liver disease, and has implications for colon cancer protection as well. Short‐chain fatty acids are the preferred substrate for colonic epithelial cells, which are potentially beneficial for those with ulcerative colitis risk. Other effects of short‐chain FOS include an effect on cholesterol metabolism through interference with enterohepatic circulation of cholesterol. Short‐chain FOS allow for a favorable shift in the balance of healthful vs harmful organisms, lowering colonic pH while providing an energy source for the gut, with significant implications for disease prevention.
Soy Foods and Soybean Isoflavones and Menopausal Health
Authors: Messina Mark J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSoybeans are a natural dietary source of isoflavones, which have estrogen‐like properties. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider the implications for soy of the recently published findings of the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) I/II and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). The WHI found coronary heart disease (CHD) risk to be increased in women receiving hormone replacement therapy, and both studies found increases in venous thromboembolic disease in such women. Additionally, stroke and breast cancer risk were increased in the WHI, although risk of colorectal cancer and fracture was decreased. Because research suggests that it is the combination of estrogen plus progestin, and not estrogen alone, that increases breast cancer risk, soy seems unlikely to increase risk because it has no progestin activity. Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that soy will increase venous thromboembolic disease or stroke; however, only limited data are available in this area. There are promising data suggesting that soy may decrease CHD risk, although studies conducted thus far have examined only markers of risk and not actual CHD events. Similarly, short‐term studies generally suggest that soy reduces bone loss in postmenopausal women; however, such effects have been noted primarily only at the spine, and longer‐term studies are needed. Finally, very limited human research suggests that soy may decrease colon cancer risk, but this is highly speculative. The results of HERS I/II and WHI suggest that soy may have some of the advantages, but not the disadvantages, of combined hormone replacement therapy (at least with respect to the specific hormones and doses used in the HERS I/II and WHI), but that large, long‐term intervention studies examining disease outcome are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Nevertheless, the evidence warrants recommendations that menopausal women include soy in their diets.
Reaction progress in chloritic material: an electron microbeam study of the Taveyanne greywacke, Switzerland
Authors: SCHMIDT*  , LIVI  , FREY  
Published: March 2003

Chlorite and associated minerals from the volcanogenic Taveyanne metasediment of the western Helvetic nappes, Switzerland, were investigated by electron microprobe (EMP) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to determine their textural and chemical evolution during low‐temperature metamorphism. EMP analyses of chloritic material from sub‐greenschist facies outcrops show a decrease of Si and Σ(Ca, Na, K) with increasing metamorphic grade. A number of conclusions may be drawn from combined TEM images and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) data.1 In diagenetic‐grade samples, chlorite crystals (observed maximum defect‐free distance=80 nm) always contain some 1 nm layers (with a maximum of 29% of all layers) and less frequently some 0.7 nm berthierine‐like layers. With increasing grade, the amounts of 1 and 0.7 nm layers decrease, and most chlorite from the epizone is structurally pure or contains less than 2% of 1 nm layers.2 A positive correlation was found between the amount of 1 nm layers and the Ca+K+Na content, indicating that the 1 nm layers are saponite.3 Observations and calculations suggest that the transformation reaction of saponite to chlorite takes place by the replacement of the interlayer cations in saponite by brucite‐like layers resulting in a local volume decrease. In contrast, the destruction of berthierine has only minor influence on the local bulk volume.These results confirm recent studies which show that the change in composition measured by EMP of diagenetic‐grade chloritic material are mainly the result of mixtures of chlorite and saponite. The use of chlorite ‘geothermometry’ in such systems is greatly influenced by the presence of saponite and hence is not based on reaction equilibria, even though temperatures calculated in this study agree with temperatures derived from other methods. Therefore, chlorite evolution should be treated as a kinetically controlled grade indicator and developed as a qualitative scale similar to the illite crystallinity index.
ACID‐BASE IN RENAL FAILURE: Twice‐Told Tales of Metabolic Acidosis, Glucocorticoids, and Protein Wasting: What Do Results from Rats Tell Us About Patients with Kidney Disease?
Authors: Bailey James L. , Mitch William E. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTMuch has been learned from animal studies in chronic renal failure that is germane to clinical studies because animal models parallel human responses. Such studies have affirmed that correction of metabolic acidosis has a favorable effect on protein metabolism, nitrogen balance and growth. In the presence of metabolic acidosis, catabolism is increased in uremia. Glucocorticoids are involved in accelerating protein degradation in muscle, which results in loss of lean body mass, while a low insulin level appears to play a permissive role in accelerating increased catabolism. Cellular mechanisms mediating these changes include upregulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and branched‐chain ketoacid dehydrogenase enzyme activity in muscle. Many of these findings from rat studies have been confirmed in human studies and have important clinical implications because correction of metabolic acidosis improves nutritional status and blunts the associated increase in protein catabolism.
The Pathogenesis of β2‐Microglobulin–Induced Bone Lesions in Dialysis‐Related Amyloidosis
Authors: Tran Martin , Rutecki Gregory W. , Sprague Stuart M. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTDialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA), also referred to as β2‐microglobulin amyloidosis (Aβ2M), is an important cause of morbidity in patients with chronic renal failure and in those who are on dialysis. Although DRA deposits from affected joints have been characterized as a unique amyloid fibril protein, β2M, less is known about the pathologic role of β2M as a mediator of bone and joint disease. Potential mechanisms for β2M pathologic interaction in bone include bone growth factors, cytokines, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). It appears that DRA is the result of a complex interaction between bone resorption and surrounding tissue destruction culminating in β2M deposition and amyloid formation. More work is required to elucidate the relationship between β2M accumulation and progressive tissue destruction.