bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why isSolidago shortiinarrowly endemic andS. altissimageographically widespread? A comprehensive comparative study of biological traits
Authors: Walck Jeffrey L. , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. 
Published: March 2003

Aim and locationSolidago shortiiT. and G. occurs in a small area of north‐central Kentucky (USA), whereasS. altissimaL. is geographically widespread in North America and is naturalized in Europe, Asia and Australia.Solidago shortiigrows in a variety of habitats, but primarily in rocky/shallow soil areas, andS. altissimaoccurs in adjacent old fields/pastures. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in the biology of these two species that might contribute to an explanation for differences in their geographical distribution and habitat.MethodsResults of an extensive literature review and of original research by the authors were used in a detailed comparison of the two species. The most ecologically relevant aspects of the biology investigated were morphology, genetics, geography, life cycle, life history, reproductive biology, physiology, biotic interactions and response to disturbance.ResultsAlthoughS. shortiiandS. altissimaare quite similar in many aspects of their biology, there are some important differences.Solidago altissimais a better competitor thanS. shortiivia its greater height, larger leaf area and more extensive clonal growth. On the other hand,S. shortiiis a better drought‐stress tolerator thanS. altissimavia allocation of a higher percentage of biomass to roots, higher root/shoot ratio and (seemingly) greater capacity to maintain leaf turgor (i.e. not wilt as readily) under xeric conditions. Moreover, higher seed production inS. altissimaand its capacity to form a larger‐ and longer‐lived soil seed bank thanS. shortiiprobably contribute to differences in colonization abilities. Landscape disturbances and metapopulation dynamics are important factors in maintenance of the species population ofS. shortii, and in prevention of its extinction.Main conclusionsSolidago shortiiprobably is a relatively young species that as had insufficient time to expand its range. Furthermore, it is not well suited for migration to, or colonization of, habitats outside its range due to poor competitive and colonization abilities.
Modelling butterfly distribution based on remote sensing data
Authors: Luoto Miska , Kuussaari Mikko , Toivonen Tuuli 
Published: March 2003

AimWe tested the usefulness of satellite based remote sensing data and geographical information system (GIS) techniques (1) in explaining the observed distribution of the threatened clouded apollo butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne) and (2) in predicting the occurrence of the butterfly in two independent test areas with different landscape structure.LocationThe three study areas are located along the rivers Rekijoki and Halikonjoki in a boreal agricultural landscape in south‐western Finland (60°40′ N; 23°20′ E).MethodsLandsat satellite images were used to generate habitat maps of the three study areas. Topographical variables were calculated from a digital elevation model. These data were used to construct a multiple logistic regression model fitted with the observed occurrence of clouded apollo in 126 grid squares of 0.25 km2within an area of 31.5 km2(model building area). The parameterized model was used to predict the occurrence of the butterfly in an adjacent test area with a similar landscape structure as in the model building area, as well as in a more distant test area with a more fragmented pattern of semi‐natural grassland.ResultsIn the model building area probability of clouded apollo occurrence increased with connectivity of semi‐natural grassland, cover of deciduous forest, cover of semi‐natural slope grassland and topographical heterogeneity. The model accuracy was high, the correct classification rate being 98.4% overall and 95.0% for the butterfly presence squares. In both test areas the overall correct classification of the model prediction was high (c. 92%). However, in predicting the actual butterfly presence squares the model succeeded substantially better in the adjacent than in the distant test area (correct classification rates 91.3% and 66.7%, respectively).Main conclusionsThe results showed that the distribution of a habitat specialized butterfly may be quite successfully explained and predicted based on pure satellite imagery and topographical data. Nevertheless, the decrease of accuracy of the model prediction when applied to a different landscape structure than the one in which the model was parameterized suggests that the useful application of such models is limited by the environmental variability of the original model building data.
Quaternary evolutionary history of Austrocedrus chilensis, a cypress native to the Andean–Patagonian forest
Authors: Pastorino M. J. , Gallo L. A. 
Published: March 2003

AimThe Quaternary life history of a species determines its current range and the degree and distribution of its present genetic variation. Past climates, ecological relationships and disturbances in connection to evolutionary factors have determined the genetic and geographical distribution patterns of the current vegetation, and consequently, evolutionary processes can be inferred from those patterns. The aim of the present study is to find a plausible evolutionary explanation for the current natural range and genetic variation patterns of Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Florin et Boutelje in Argentina.LocationThe studied species ranges naturally over a narrow strip not wider than 50 km that runs parallel to the Cordillera de los Andes from 32°39′ S in Chile to 43°44′ S in Argentina. The studied populations are located in the Argentine range, especially in its central part.MethodsInformation on palynological data, current geographical distribution and on amount and distribution of genetic variation of the species in Argentina was the basis for an integrating analysis and discussion.ResultsPalynological evidence of the past reported the presence of A. chilensis before and immediately after last glaciation on the east side of the Andes. The most conspicuous present populations of A. chilensis are located in areas that were covered by ice during the Last Glacial Maximum. The allelic multiplicity and diversity as well as the population differentiation of the species in Argentina were shown to be small, while the levels of heterozygosity were moderate. A latitudinal gradient trend was recognized as a pattern of distribution of variation in Argentina, the northerly populations being more variable. Extreme marginal populations located in the steppe, out of the glaciated area, show the greatest levels of variation.Main conclusionsEvidence was shown supporting that the major factor responsible for the variation pattern found in A. chilensis were the glacial processes. In the Argentine side of the Cordillera de los Andes the species could survive only in a narrow strip between the coldness of the ice sheet and the dryness of the steppe. That implies a generalized genetic drift process. Multiple small refuges in the eastern side of the Cordillera are hypothesized where this cypress would have survived to glaciation. Those refuges are postulated to have been chiefly localized slightly eastward to the present distribution area and most probably in a northern location, at least from 42°S of latitude to the north.
Fire on the New England landscape: regional and temporal variation, cultural and environmental controls
Authors: Parshall T. , Foster D. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim  We use a retrospective approach to reconstruct the past distribution of fire in New England and to investigate the important drivers of this pattern across the period of European arrival to North America.Location  Our study sites are in New England, and range from pitch pine and oak forests of coastal Massachusetts, pine and hardwood forests of central Massachusetts, and northern hardwood and spruce fir forests of northern Massachusetts and Vermont.Methods  We collected sediment profiles from eighteen lakes across the study area to assess fossil charcoal and pollen abundance over the past 1000 years, including the time period of European arrival and settlement.Results  Based on presettlement pollen composition, our study sites are divided into three vegetation types: (1) pitch pine and oak, (2) oak, pine and hardwood and (3) northern hardwoods. The abundance of presettlement charcoal in these lakes is closely related to climate and the composition of surrounding vegetation. Charcoal is most abundant in pitch pine forests and least common in northern hardwood forests. Following the arrival of Europeans, charcoal abundance increased at most sites substantially, and vegetation composition changed in a direction of either greater dominance by pitch pine or white pine, depending on whether the forests were located in the southern or northern part of New England.Main conclusions  The major factor influencing the distribution of fire across New England is climate, which has a direct effect on the physical conditions conducive to fire ignition and spread and an indirect effect on fire through its control on the distribution of vegetation at this spatial scale. We find evidence that other factors exert some control over local fire regimes as well including landforms and their impact on vegetation composition, firebreaks and prevailing winds. Native Americans likely influenced the local occurrence of fire, but their impact on regional fire regimes in New England is not apparent from this or other studies. However, additional palaeoecological, archaeological and historical work needs to be carried out to better address this question. In contrast, Europeans had a dramatic effect on fire throughout the New England landscape, increasing its occurrence almost everywhere.
Vegetation and disturbance history of a rare dwarf pitch pine community in western New England, USA
Authors: Motzkin Glenn , Orwig David A. , Foster David R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim  This study documents the vegetation history and age‐structure of a rare, ridgetop dwarf pine–oak community and compares the dynamics of this unusual vegetation with similar dwarf pine communities found elsewhere in the north‐eastern United States (US).Location  The study area is located on the summit of Mt Everett in the Taconic Mountains of south‐western Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA (42°06′N 73°26′W).Methods  Vegetation composition, tree age‐structure, physical site characteristics, and evidence of fire and other disturbances were determined for twelve 15 × 15 m plots in dwarf pine–oak vegetation and two plots in oak forests on the summit. Age‐structure analyses, tree‐ring patterns, and historical records of human and natural disturbance were used to investigate the long‐term history and dynamics of the summit vegetation.Results  The summit of Mt Everett has been dominated by dwarf pines (1–3 m tall) and ericaceous shrubs similar to the modern vegetation throughout the historical period; there is no evidence that tall‐stature forests occurred on the site at any point in the past few centuries. The summit supports uneven‐aged stands; pitch pine (Pinus rigida) recruitment began in the 1830s and occurred in every decade since the 1860s. Average pitch pine age is seventy‐eight with a range of 12–170 years. Red oak (Quercus rubra) and red maple (Acer rubrum) increased in importance in the twentieth century, with most stems establishing from 1940 to 1980. Pitch pine radial growth rates averaged <0.5 mm year−1 while red oak and red maple averaged 1.0 and 0.8 mm year−1, respectively. In some areas, hardwoods have overtopped pitch pines, apparently resulting in pitch pine mortality. Whereas most dwarf pitch pine communities occur on sites that burn frequently and have a high degree of cone serotiny, we found no evidence of recent fires or cone serotiny. Small amounts of macroscopic charcoal that we documented may have resulted from fires in the pre‐European or early historical periods.Conclusions  Harsh edaphic conditions and chronic low‐level disturbances on the summit, including frequent winter storms, have apparently contributed to the establishment, long‐term persistence, and slow radial growth of dwarf pitch pines on Mt Everett. The ability of dwarf pines to persist on a site in the absence of frequent fire is highly unusual among North‐eastern barrens and has not been well‐incorporated into previous conceptual ecological models of these communities. Our results suggest that even among North‐eastern barrens, the summit of Mt Everett is characterized by highly unusual vegetation and dynamics. The site has long been recognized as regionally significant and should be afforded the strictest conservation protection. With no evident history of human disturbance or recent fire, there is no apparent need for immediate active management of the site.
A review of the factors influencing nonrecurrence of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Peters Jean 
Published: March 2003

• The literature on external prevention strategies for recurrence of venous leg ulcers is reviewed to assess the extent of existing knowledge and the effectiveness of preventive practices currently employed.• Although there is some evidence that the use of compression hosiery is effective in reducing the incidence of recurrence, other strategies cited for ulcer prevention are not supported by documented research.• It is also evident that patient compliance with wearing compression hosiery could be improved and that an evaluation of the effectiveness of hosiery currently available is overdue.• With district nurses spending up to 50% of their time treating venous leg ulcers, not only are they in a key position to disseminate information on effective prevention to patients, but in so doing they should contribute to a reduction in their leg ulcer treatment caseload.• To do this, nurses need to be more informed on aspects of venous leg ulceration and prevention strategies.
Some issues in the assessment of clinical practice: a review of the literature
Authors: Chambers Margaret A. 
Published: March 2003

• This paper focuses on some issues in the assessment of clinical practice of particular interest to the author.• The assessment of students of nursing in clinical practice is acknowledged as a long‐standing and difficult problem.• There is little consensus as to what is meant by the term competence when applied to clinical nursing practice, making the assessment of clinical practice a mainly subjective process.• The English National Board (1989) has distinguished the term mentor as meaning counsellor and guide, nevertheless the roles of mentor and assessor are frequently confused.• It is suggested that nurses are equally accountable for the accurate assessment of student nurses' clinical skills as they are for their own practice.• The validity and reliability of tools used to assess clinical practice are difficult to establish, making objective assessment complex at best, and impossible at worst.• The assessment of the reflective process has been suggested as one way out of the dilemma, but the ability to think and to write does not necessarily translate into competent clinical practice.
Exploring the concept of user involvement in mental health through a participation continuum
Authors: Hickey Gary , Kipping Cheryl 
Published: March 2003

• Although recent years have seen an increased emphasis on involving service users in decisions about their care, there has been limited exploration of the theories and ideologies underpinning the concept.• This paper identifies two approaches to user involvement, each with implications for the extent to which users can be involved in decisions about their care. The approaches are linked through a ‘participation continuum’ which is a framework through which the concept of user involvement can be explored, and against which practice can be assessed.• The framework must be seen within the context of constraints to user involvement. A more realistic assessment of the extent to which users can be involved in decisions can then be made and the risks of raising unrealistic expectations avoided.
Nursing practice draws upon several different ways of knowing
Authors: Berragan Liz 
Published: March 2003

• This paper explores the proposition that nursing practice draws upon several different ways of knowing.• It highlights difficulties often faced by practising nurses in defining what they do and hence what it is that constitutes nursing practice.• Following formal definition and analysis of sources of literature regarding nursing knowledge, issues such as the origins of knowledge and the sources of nursing knowledge are addressed.• The types of knowledge required to enhance nursing practice are discussed, focusing upon future opportunities and innovations in the generation of knowledge for nursing.• Finally, recommendations are made regarding the way forward for nurses endeavouring to communicate the complexities of nursing practice.
The role of the paediatric nurse in promoting paediatric right to consent
Authors: ORR FIONA E. 
Published: March 2003

• This article examines the processes involved in obtaining informed consent focusing on the abilities and legalities related to a child's right to consent.• Most authors who have researched when a child may be considered competent to give a valid consent propose that the child must be 14 years old and thus able to think abstractly and consider the risks and benefits of the planned treatment.• Qualitative research on this topic reveals that a child's previous life experiences can influence their ability to comprehend the intervention.• This suggests children under 14 years of age may be regarded as competent.• The confusion around the prevailing legal situation is examined.• The role of the paediatric nurse is explored to distinguish areas in which the nurse could potentially make a contribution to the process of gaining consent from children.• The paediatric nurse's role as an assessor, educator and evaluator are identified.
Nurses’ perceptions of caring as documented in theory and research
Authors: Patistea Evangelia 
Published: March 2003

• Caring represents an essential human need and the fundamental component of the nursing profession.• A deep understanding of caring and the way it is expressed will help nurses to provide high‐quality services and, more importantly, to understand nursing itself.• This review of the literature indicates the importance of examining caring both conceptually and operationally.• Based on theoretical and research accounts, it also presents the wide variety of ways in which caring is conceived and expressed within the professional field.• Caring is examined from anthropological, philosophical and psychosocial perspectives.• In this paper implications for practice and research are outlined.
Parents’ experiences of general hospital admission for adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Fox David , Wilson David 
Published: March 2003

• General hospital care for people with learning disabilities is strongly emphasized in recent health policy.• Ten sets of parents were interviewed about their experiences of general hospital inpatient care for their adult sons and daughters with learning disabilities.• Findings in the areas of placement, occupation, basic nursing care, feeding, toileting, nursing attitudes, staffing and procedures are presented.• Recommendations are made for changes to reported nursing practice to improve the quality of general hospital care for people with learning disabilities.
Information needs of women with non‐invasive breast cancer
Authors: Brown Marina , Koch Tina , Webb Christine 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this inquiry was to gain a better understanding of the experience of women who have had surgery for non‐invasive breast cancer. In particular, issues surrounding information were explored.• Six women who had undergone surgery for a non‐invasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS) participated in the research and an interpretive approach was used to guide the research process.• In‐depth interviews took place in the women’s homes and the interviews were transcribed verbatim.• Through a process of familiarization with the tapes and transcripts, clusters of significant statements were assembled into individual stories of each woman’s experience.• The findings highlight the individual nature of the experience of information, with the women wanting information that is tailored to their personal needs.• Nurses can provide care that is more responsive to the information needs of each woman by being aware of the diverse ways in which women experience information.• This small study contributes to the limited understanding of the experience of having surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ and the information needs of these women.
Psychological adjustment of critically injured patients three months after an unexpected, potentially life‐threatening accident
Authors: Grossman Mary , Lee Virginia , Van Neste Kenny Jocelyne , McHarg Linda , Godin Maryse , Chambers‐Evans Jane 
Published: March 2003

• Cognitive processing and meaning theories suggest that a patient’s psychological adjustment following a traumatizing event depends on an ability to cognitively integrate the trauma event and restore a sense of meaning in life. These processes may be facilitated by using coping strategies such as sharing concerns, mobilizing support, and reframing.• A correlational study explored the magnitude of the relationships between psychological adjustment, cognitive processing, sense of meaning, and coping strategies in critically injured patients 3 months after a potentially life‐threatening injury.• Fifty‐one critically injured patients completed the Brief Symptom Inventory, Bradburn’s Psychological Well‐Being Scale, Impact of Events Scale, the Meaning‐of‐Illness Questionnaire, and Family Crisis‐Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale in face‐to‐face interviews 8–12 weeks after the accident. Bivariate and partial correlation coefficients were used to test the main hypothesis, and Pearson correlation coefficients, to address the three research questions.• The main hypothesis that psychological adjustment will be significantly related to cognitive processing, sense of meaning, and use of coping strategies in critically injured patients 3 months after the accident was partially upheld.• Depressive symptomatology was found to be significantly associated with increased cognitive processing efforts and a decreased ability to acknowledge the accident’s negative effects on the self.• In contrast, psychological well‐being was found to be significantly associated with decreased cognitive processing efforts and an increased ability to acknowledge the accident’s negative effects on the self.• Restoring a sense of meaning, however, was found to be unrelated to sharing concerns, mobilizing support and re‐framing. The potential theoretical and clinical implications of the findings for nursing practice are discussed.