bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Update on the Use of Niacin for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia
Authors: Berra Kathy 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with clinical and practical information about the use of niacin in the treatment of dyslipidemia.Data SourcesResearch‐based and review articles in the medical literature and National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.ConclusionsNiacin provides beneficial effects on all major lipid fractions, particularly high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Niacin also reduces low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; lipoprotein (a); and the number of highly atherogenic small, dense LDL particles. Niacin promotes angiographic regression when used in combination with other drugs that lower LDL cholesterol and can reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary heart disease. Several niacin formulations are available, but the safety (i.e., from hepato‐toxicity) and tolerability (i.e., severity of flushing) of these niacin formulations may differ.Implications for PracticeNiacin therapy is appropriate for many types of lipid abnormalities, including complex dyslipidemias. NPs can take several steps to minimize potential side effects of niacin therapy and to ensure that patients adhere to this important intervention.
Educating Advanced Practice Nurses for Collaborative Practice in the Multidisciplinary Provider Team
Authors: Spain Margaret P. , DeCristofaro Claire , Smith Carol A. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo describe the use of a clinical decision‐making work sheet as a tool to teach com‐munication skills to advanced practice nurse (APN) students. Achievement of competencies in communication and docu‐mentation that utilize language and communication strategies that are shared with other health professionals promotes effective collaborative practice among members of the multidisciplinary provider team.Data SourcesReview of the recent Institute of Medicine report on health professions education and other health professional literature.ConclusionsThe Clinical Decision‐Making Work Sheet helps APN students effectively communicate in real‐world clinical settings. The clinical work sheet allows nurse practitioner students to communicate more effectively and efficiently, using a vocabulary that is shared with other members of the multidis‐ciplinary health care provider team. Use of the tool in students’ clinical‐rotation settings facilitates effective application and refinement of the clinical decision‐making skills that students learned in the advanced health assessment course.Implications for PracticeFaculty have the responsibility to assist nurses as they transition from traditional nursing to APN roles. The work sheet facilitates learning the common language for data col‐lection, clinical decision making, documentation, and reporting that is shared with other health professionals. Using the tool, students learn to efficiently organize information that supports communication and documentation that enhances their clinical problem‐solving skills. Case presentation and documentation using the work sheet provide a basis for preceptor and student interaction and for student evaluation.
A Descriptive Correlational Study of Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy and Its Association With Preterm Birth: Implications for Advanced Practice Nurses
Authors: Mascagni Jennifer R. , Miller Lucy H. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo expand on prior (often contradictory) research implicating maternal infection as a cause of preterm birth, specifically exploring whether bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy caused preterm birth in a sample of 103 women in a rural Mississippi obstetric‐gyneco‐logic clinic.Data SourcesThis descriptive correlational study explored the relationship between BV and preterm birth, using retrospective chart data from a purposive sample of 103 women (for a power level of 95%) from one rural obstetric‐gyneco‐logic clinic.ConclusionsContrary to the majority of published research, this study did not find a positive correlation between BV and preterm birth. This unexpected result raises questions, particularly given that the preponderance (86%) of women who tested positive for BV during their pregnancy were African American, a population in which both BV and preterm birth are more prevalent.Implications for PracticeWhether to screen for BV in pregnancy is a clinically important question not only in terms of the health of mother and child but also in terms of responsible use of resources. Clear findings supporting beneficial health results for screening would dictate screening regard‐less of the cost. But research continues to lack consensus on the efficacy of BV screening during pregnancy in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this study, as in some of the literature, the risk of preterm birth did not correlate positively with BV during pregnancy. In the absence of that correlation, cost gains importance. Nurse practitioners (NPs) must use resources wisely, including time, laboratory tests, and medications. Although some specialists recommend screening or treating all pregnant patients for BV, the current practice of not screening or treating all pregnant patients seems warranted until definitive findings establish a conclusive correlation between BV and preterm birth.
Appropriate Outpatient Macrolide Use in Community‐Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Gotfried Mark H. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo r eview current guidelines concerning the outpatient management of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), to discuss antibi‐otic resistance and its relation to outcomes, and to define the appropriate use of newer macrolides in CAP.Data SourcesComprehensive review of the scientific litera‐ture, comparison of published clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion.ConclusionsDespite increasing knowledge regarding its etiology and pathogenesis, CAP remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Although 80% of all patients with CAP are treated as outpatients, over 1 million hospital admissions due to CAP occur each year. From an employer perspective, total annual employer costs were fivefold greater patients with pneumonia than for those who were not affected. Appropriate antimicrobial choices should lead to improved outcomes. Reports of increasing resistance of pathogens associated with CAP, increasing frequency atypical pathogens, and the availability of increasing number of antimicrobials have made treatment decisions more involved.Implications for PracticeIn an effort to improve outcomes, several guidelines have been published recommending appropriate antimicrobial agents to treat CAP in different patient populations. All guidelines base treatment recommendations on the hos‐pitalization status of the patient, and all agree that coverage of atypical pathogens as part of an initial empirical regimen is important. Comorbidity and modifying factors that may increase the risk of infection with resistant organisms also are taken into account. Controversy exists regarding the use of newer macrolides versus newer fluoroquinolones as initial empirical therapy. The applicability of the reported increasing resistance of common pneumonia pathogens to outcomes in regimens containing newer macrolides is a subject of debate. Defining appropriate antimicrobial use in different patient groups should help achieve better outcomes and allay the development of resistance.
Clinical Evaluation and Treatment of the Adult Patient With Suspected Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: A Case Analysis
Authors: Ciesielka Debbie 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo describe immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) sub‐class deficiency in the context of primary immunodeficiency disorders, their pathophys‐iology, epidemiology, clinical evaluation, and management.Data SourcesActual case study and extensive review of the scientific and medical literature.ConclusionsConsideration should be given to primary immunodeficiency diseases as one possible cause of recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections in patients at any age. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly reduce the burden of these diseases.Implications for PracticeAdvanced practice nurses need to keep pace with the ever‐expanding field of immunity. Knowledge of basic principles of the immune system facilitates a logical approach to the evaluation and management of primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Integrating the Principles of Evidence‐Based Practice: Prognosis and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Goolsby Mary Jo , Meyers Wendy C. , Johnson Judith A. , Klardie Kathleen , McNaughton Molly Ann 
Published: May 2005

AbstractCurrent health care trends and pressures have based decision making and practice of practitioners. Evidence‐based practice has evolved in response to these trends. Evidence‐based practice requires providers to be proficient in statistical analysis and critique of the evidence. This article user a hypothetical patient's prognostic concerns to depict a practitioner's integration of the principles of evidence‐based practice as she considers clinical practice guidelines, expert opinion, and a prognostic study relative to her patient's prognosis. Statistical measures evident in a prognostic study, such as a absolute risk, baseline risk, relative risk, survival curves, and hazard ratios are defined.
Industry‐Sponsored Weight Loss Programs: Description, Cost, and Effectiveness
Authors: Witherspoon Barbara , Rosenzweig Margaret 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo describe three commercial weight loss programs (Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, and Weight Watchers), including efficacy data when available, and to provide clinicians with information for patient counseling.Data SourcesPersonal interviews, journal articles, and Web site information.ConclusionsCommercial weight loss programs provide weight loss services. Benefits are experience, planned menus, and psychological support. Limitations are cost, sales promotions that encourage on‐the‐spot commitment to prepaid contracts, and the cost of program food and additional vitamins.Implications for PracticeWeight loss is a necessary goal for many patients. Clinicians are mandated to provide counseling regarding weight loss.
Nurse Practitioners’ Behavior Regarding Teaching Testicular Self‐Examination
Authors: Kleier Jo Ann S. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo test a model derived from the theory of reasoned action and to determine the behavior of nurse practitioners (NPs)regarding teaching testicular self‐examination (TSE).Data SourcesA cross‐sectional, explanatory design was used to survey a random sample of 1,490 members of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.ConclusionsNPs had positive attitudes toward teaching TSE and were engaged in such teaching. They perceived that other NPs, physicians, and patients also value TSE teaching. The theoretical was supported.Implications for PracticeThe results have implications for research, practice, and education. The theory was shown to be useful as a framework for the study of NP behavior. The results highlight the importance of including strategies to promote positive values as components of nurse preparation. For practice, patient adherence to illness detection activities may be fostered by positive attitude, perception that significant others also value these activities, and belief that failure to do so may result in personal loss.
LTCC TECHNOLOGY FOR PHOTONIC AND MILLIMETER WAVE MODULE INTEGRATION
Authors: KERÄNEN KIMMO , KARPPINEN MIKKO , LENKKERI JAAKKO , MÄKINEN JUKKA-TAPANI , OLLILA JYRKI , KARIOJA PENTTI 
Published: May 2005

In the module integration process, lower level packaging elements such as devices, sub-mounts and components are combined as a functional block. Embedded sub-system consists of modules whose operations are controlled by a specific algorithm. Typically, the control algorithm is realized in a form of system software in a processor unit, which controls individual module operations and combines separate module operations as a system operation. In the creation of a cost-efficient embedded system it is essential that reliable, reproducible and cost-efficient building blocks of systems, modules, can be manufactured. We have studied Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) substrate technology and its possibilities to produce reliable, reproducible and cost-efficient photonic and millimeter wave modules. In this paper we introduce our contribution to the development of LTCC photonic and millimeter wave modules. Most of the papers written on LTCC packaging are in the field of RF and millimeter wave modules and are shortly reviewed in this paper. Photonic modules utilizing LTCC substrates are almost missing in the literature. Several photonic modules based on the use of LTCC substrates developed by our group are introduced in this paper, including hermetic fiber pigtailed power laser, wavelength tunable laser and 10 GBit/s/ch optical interconnects board for photonic applications. In addition, front-end module for 24 GHz transceiver for millimeter wave applications is introduced.
MOBILE COMPUTING WITH PERSONAL AREA NETWORK AND HUMAN POWER GENERATION
Authors: CHEOK ADRIAN DAVID , HO MAN FUNG , YUSTINA EVA , LEE SHANG PING 
Published: May 2005

For mobile computing system such as wearable computer, one of the most critical hardware issues is the provision of electric power. Various different sources of power for wearable computer have been investigated; however, we are interested only in power that can be generated in-situ, such as human power. This paper describes a novel mean of multiple source human power generation for small wearable electronic devices, and then demonstrates the digital information transfer between wearable computing devices by using human skin as "antenna". There are a wide range of peripheral devices in a mobile computing system, such as sensors and identification memory tags. As the amount of such devices increases in a mobile computing design, there is a need for these devices to communicate efficiently with the central processing unit. Also, it is highly desirable that these devices could be conveniently connected to the wearable computer without many dangling wires. We developed a personal area network (PAN) system which attempts to interconnect such devices, and at the same time uses human body as communication channel. This system is in a way novel because it is totally powered by human motion.
Weder Höhepunkt der Geschichte noch Schrei ins Leere. Grundriß der deutsch-jüdischen Symbiose
Authors: Voigts Manfred 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThis essay attempts to explain the German-Jewish symbiosis by examining the history of the German 'Bildungsbürgertum' and the peculiarity of the German Geistesgeschichte', which was shaped by the delay in national unification. On the one hand, the lack of political competence in German intellectual life conformed to Jewish peculiarities; on the other hand, it failed to engage in a critical discussion and rejection of anti-Judaic tendencies.
Total Surface Area Estimates for Individual Ice Particles and Particle Populations
Authors: Schmitt C. G. , Heymsfield A. J. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Representations for the surface area of ice particles in terms of the projected area have been developed using two different methods. The first method uses ice particles that are imaged in situ and geometric calculations that are based on the outline of the two-dimensional image of the particle. The second method uses computer-generated ice particle shapes and calculates the total surface area analytically. The results of the second method compare reasonably well with the results of the first method. Surface area estimates for individual particles were combined with particle size distribution and projected area measurements from the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers (CRYSTAL)–Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (FACE) field project to give total surface area estimates for observed ice particle populations. Population surface area estimates were also made from balloon-borne replicator data collected during the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Regional Experiment, phase II (FIRE-II). A relationship between the particle population surface area and projected area (cloud extinction) has been derived. The total particle surface area for particle populations is estimated to be between 8 and 10 times the projected area or between 4 and 5 times the extinction and has a small dependence on the properties of the particle size distribution for particles observed in random orientations.
A Bulk Microphysics Parameterization with Multiple Ice Precipitation Categories
Authors: Straka Jerry M. , Mansell Edward R. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
A single-moment bulk microphysics scheme with multiple ice precipitation categories is described. It has 2 liquid hydrometeor categories (cloud droplets and rain) and 10 ice categories that are characterized by habit, size, and density—two ice crystal habits (column and plate), rimed cloud ice, snow (ice crystal aggregates), three categories of graupel with different densities and intercepts, frozen drops, small hail, and large hail. The concept of riming history is implemented for conversions among the graupel and frozen drops categories. The multiple precipitation ice categories allow a range of particle densities and fall velocities for simulating a variety of convective storms with minimal parameter tuning. The scheme is applied to two cases—an idealized continental multicell storm that demonstrates the ice precipitation process, and a small Florida maritime storm in which the warm rain process is important.
Simulation of Crop Yields Using ERA-40: Limits to Skill and Nonstationarity in Weather–Yield Relationships
Authors: Challinor A. J. , Wheeler T. R. , Slingo J. M. , Craufurd P. Q. , Grimes D. I. F. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Reanalysis data provide an excellent test bed for impacts prediction systems, because they represent an upper limit on the skill of climate models. Indian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yields have been simulated using the General Large-Area Model (GLAM) for annual crops and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) 40-yr reanalysis (ERA-40). The ability of ERA-40 to represent the Indian summer monsoon has been examined. The ability of GLAM, when driven with daily ERA-40 data, to model both observed yields and observed relationships between subseasonal weather and yield has been assessed. Mean yields were simulated well across much of India. Correlations between observed and modeled yields, where these are significant, are comparable to correlations between observed yields and ERA-40 rainfall. Uncertainties due to the input planting window, crop duration, and weather data have been examined. A reduction in the root-mean-square error of simulated yields was achieved by applying bias correction techniques to the precipitation. The stability of the relationship between weather and yield over time has been examined. Weather–yield correlations vary on decadal time scales, and this has direct implications for the accuracy of yield simulations. Analysis of the skewness of both detrended yields and precipitation suggest that nonclimatic factors are partly responsible for this nonstationarity. Evidence from other studies, including data on cereal and pulse yields, indicates that this result is not particular to groundnut yield. The detection and modeling of nonstationary weather–yield relationships emerges from this study as an important part of the process of understanding and predicting the impacts of climate variability and change on crop yields.
Deducing Ground-to-Air Emissions from Observed Trace Gas Concentrations: A Field Trial with Wind Disturbance
Authors: Flesch T. K. , Wilson J. D. , Harper L. A. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractInverse-dispersion techniques allow inference of a gas emission rate Q from measured air concentration. In “ideal surface layer problems,” where Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) describes the winds transporting the gas, the application of the technique can be straightforward. This study examines the accuracy of an ideal MOST-based inference, but in a nonideal setting. From a 6 m × 6 m synthetic area source surrounded by a 20 m × 20 m square border of a windbreak fence (1.25 m tall), Q is estimated. Open-path lasers gave line-averaged concentration CL at positions downwind of the source, and an idealized backward Lagrangian stochastic (bLS) dispersion model was used to infer QbLS. Despite the disturbance of the mean wind and turbulence caused by the fence, the QbLS estimates were accurate when ambient winds (measured upwind of the plot) were assumed in the bLS model. In the worst cases, with CL measured adjacent to a plot fence, QbLS overestimated Q by an average of 50%. However, if these near-fence locations are eliminated, QbLS averaged within 2% of the true Q over 61 fifteen-minute observations (with a standard deviation σQ/Q = 0.20). Poorer accuracy occurred when in-plot wind measurements were used in the bLS model. The results show that when an inverse-dispersion technique is applied to disturbed flows without accounting for the disturbance, the outcome may still be of acceptable accuracy if judgment is applied in the placement of the concentration detector.
AMSU-A Land Surface Emissivity Estimation for Numerical Weather Prediction Assimilation Schemes
Authors: Prigent Catherine , Chevallier Frédéric , Karbou Fatima , Bauer Peter , Kelly Graeme 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
This study describes the work performed at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to estimate the microwave land surface emissivities at Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU)-A frequencies within the specific context and constraint of operational assimilation. The emissivities are directly calculated from the satellite observations in clear-sky conditions using the surface skin temperature derived from ECMWF and the Radiative Transfer for the Television and Infrared Observation Satellite Operational Vertical Sounder (RTTOVS) model, along with the forecast model variables to estimate the atmospheric contributions. The results are analyzed, with special emphasis on the evaluation of the frequency and angular dependencies of the emissivities with respect to the surface characteristics. Possible extrapolation of the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) emissivities to those of the AMSU is considered. Direct calculation results are also compared with emissivity model outputs.