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Particular Aspects (particular + aspect)
Selected AbstractsCOMPACT: a structural approach to the modelling of cytochromes P450 and their interactions with xenobioticsJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2001David F, V Lewis Abstract An overview of the COMPACT method for evaluating potential toxicity mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes is presented. Particular aspects of P450s are described, together with details of QSARs and homology modelling of mammalian P450s associated with foreign compound metabolism. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Advanced Opportunities for Student Education in Emergency MedicineACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2004Charissa B. Pacella MD Abstract Many medical students are excited about emergency medicine (EM) following a standard clerkship and seek out additional learning opportunities. An advanced EM elective may accomplish several educational goals, including development of clinical skills in evaluating the undifferentiated patient, broader exploration of the field of EM, and more focused study of one particular aspect of EM. Previously cited examples include pediatric EM, medical toxicology, occupational medicine, sports medicine, and EM research. Numerous other EM specialty courses for senior medical students are emerging, as reflected in the "Undergraduate Rotations" listings on the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. A few examples drawn from the list include emergency ultrasound, international EM, wilderness medicine, disaster medicine, geriatric EM, and hyperbaric medicine. Educators aspiring to develop, or in the process of developing, an advanced EM elective may benefit from a brief overview of necessary course considerations, including didactic format, the clinical role of the medical student in the emergency department, and involvement with patient procedures. Suggestions are made regarding additional educational opportunities, including follow-up of patients seen in the emergency department and development of an emergency department radiology case file. This article also addresses several related concerns, including suggested prerequisites, administration and cost considerations, appropriate didactic topics, and methods for evaluating students. Several EM subspecialty areas, namely pediatric EM, medical toxicology, and out-of-hospital care, are specifically discussed. Formal advanced cardiac life support training is also often included in an advanced EM elective and is briefly discussed. The overall intent of this article is to provide medical student educators with resources and ideas to assist them in developing a unique advanced EM elective. [source] Simulation of ice phenology on Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, CanadaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2002Patrick Ménard Abstract A one-dimensional thermodynamic lake ice model (Canadian Lake Ice Model or CLIMo) is used to simulate ice phenology on Great Slave Lake (GSL) in the Mackenzie River basin, Northwest Territories, Canada. Model simulations are validated against freeze-up and break-up dates, as well as ice thickness and on-ice snow depth measurements made in situ at three sites on GSL (Back Bay near Yellowknife, 1960,91; Hay River, 1965,91; Charlton Bay near Fort Reliance, 1977,90). Freeze-up and break-up dates from the lake ice model are also compared with those derived from SSM/I 85 GHz passive microwave imagery over the entire lake surface (1988,99). Results show a very good agreement between observed and simulated ice thickness and freeze-up/break-up dates over the 30,40 years of observations, particularly for the Back Bay and Hay River sites. CLIMo simulates the ice thickness and annual freeze-up/break-dates with a mean error of 7 cm and 4 days respectively. However, some limitations have been identified regarding the rather simplistic approach used to characterize the temporal evolution of snow cover on ice. Future model improvements will therefore focus on this particular aspect, through linkage or coupling to a snow model. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A-scalability and an integrated computational technology and framework for non-linear structural dynamics.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 15 2003Part 1: Theoretical developments, parallel formulations Abstract For large-scale problems and large processor counts, the accuracy and efficiency with reduced solution times and attaining optimal parallel scalability of the entire transient duration of the simulation for general non-linear structural dynamics problems poses many computational challenges. For transient analysis, explicit time operators readily inherit algorithmic scalability and consequently enable parallel scalability. However, the key issues concerning parallel simulations via implicit time operators within the framework and encompassing the class of linear multistep methods include the totality of the following considerations to foster the proposed notion of A-scalability: (a) selection of robust scalable optimal time discretized operators that foster stabilized non-linear dynamic implicit computations both in terms of convergence and the number of non-linear iterations for completion of large-scale analysis of the highly non-linear dynamic responses, (b) selecting an appropriate scalable spatial domain decomposition method for solving the resulting linearized system of equations during the implicit phase of the non-linear computations, (c) scalable implementation models and solver technology for the interface and coarse problems for attaining parallel scalability of the computations, and (d) scalable parallel graph partitioning techniques. These latter issues related to parallel implicit formulations are of interest and focus in this paper. The former involving parallel explicit formulations are also a natural subset of the present framework and have been addressed previously in Reference 1 (Advances in Engineering Software 2000; 31: 639,647). In the present context, of the key issues, although a particular aspect or a solver as related to the spatial domain decomposition may be designed to be numerically scalable, the totality of the aforementioned issues simultaneously play an important and integral role to attain A-scalability of the parallel formulations for the entire transient duration of the simulation and is desirable for transient problems. As such, the theoretical developments of the parallel formulations are first detailed in Part 1 of this paper, and the subsequent practical applications and performance results of general non-linear structural dynamics problems are described in Part 2 of this paper to foster the proposed notion of A-scalability. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A closed-loop proposal for hydrogen generation using steel waste and a prototype solar concentratorINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009Abdul-Majeed Azad Abstract An economically viable and environmental-friendly method of generating PEM grade hydrogen has been proposed and is by the reaction of certain metals with steam, appropriately called ,metal,steam reforming',MSR. The drawbacks of conventional processes (hydrogen and carbothermic reduction schemes) are overcome by resorting to solution-based reduction schemes and are made economically feasible using iron oxides from steel industry's mill-scale waste. A novel aqueous-based room temperature technique using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as the reducing agent has been developed that produces highly active nanoscale iron particles (,40,nm). By using hydrazine as an inexpensive and, compared with NaBH4, more stable reductant, body centered cubic iron particles with ,5,nm edges were obtained via solvothermal process under mild conditions from acid digested mill-scale waste. The nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) powder showed improved kinetics and greater propensity for hydrogen generation than the coarser microscale iron. The rate constants for the MSR were obtained for all the reduction schemes employed in this work and are given by khydrogen=0.0158,min,1kcarbon=0.0248,min,1ksodiumborohydride=0.0521,min,1 and khydrazine=0.1454,min,1, assuming first order kinetics. Another innovative effort converted the magnetite waste directly into nZVI under solvothermal conditions, thus obviating the sluggish and time-consuming acid dissolution step. This particular aspect has significant ramification in terms of time and cost of making the iron precursor. To initiate and sustain the somewhat endothermic MSR process, a solar concentrator consisting of a convex polyacrylic bowl with reflective aluminum coating was fabricated and evaluated. This unique combination of mill-scale waste as iron source, hydrazine as reductant, mild process conditions and solar energy as the MSR actuator obviates several drawbacks plaguing the grand scheme of producing and delivering pure and humidified H2 to a PEMFC stack. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Translational regulation in cell stress and apoptosis.JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001Roles of the eIF4E binding proteins Abstract Several mechanisms have been identified by which protein synthesis may be regulated during the response of mammalian cells to physiological stresses and conditions that induce apoptotic cell death (reviewed in Clemens et al., Cell Death and Differentiation 7, 603,615, 2000). Recent developments allow us to up-date this analysis and in this article I concentrate on one particular aspect of this regulation that has not previously been reviewed in depth in relation to apoptosis, viz. the control of the initiation of protein synthesis by eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E and the eIF4E binding proteins (4E-BPs). Changes in the state of phosphorylation of the 4E-BPs and in the extent of their association with eIF4E occur at an early stage in the response of cells to apoptotic inducers. The review discusses the mechanisms by which these events are regulated and the significance of the changes for the control of protein synthesis, cell proliferation and cell survival. [source] Predictable and unpredictable evolution of antibiotic resistanceJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008P. Courvalin Abstract. Evolution of bacteria towards antibiotic resistance is unavoidable as it represents a particular aspect of the general evolution of bacteria. Thus, at the very best, the only hope we can have in the field of resistance is to delay dissemination of resistant bacteria or resistance genes. Resistance to antibiotics in bacteria can result from mutations in resident structural or regulatory genes or from horizontal acquisition of foreign genetic information. In this review, we will consider the predictable future of the relationship between bacteria and antibiotics. [source] The Changing Power of ,Explanations': Directors, Academics and Their Sensemaking from 1989 to 2000JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 7 2002Annie Pye This paper is based on empirical research conducted with directors in large UK organizations, first in 1987,89, and again in 1998,2000. While the time frame has changed, the focus of the inquiry has remained constant , how do you ,run' a large organization , and data gathered reflect significant changes over time as to how the question is answered. This paper addresses one particular aspect of this complex material: the changing power of practitioner and academic explanations across the decade, highlighted by comparing and contrasting this data and its analysis over time. The paper illustrates a surprising degree of consistency (in contrast to 1987,89 findings) in practitioners' contemporary explanations of their organizing: all talk of strategic focus, shareholder value and corporate governance, phrases previously never mentioned. This reflects a variety of changes across the decade, including an important concentration of power amongst investors. As well as the methodological implications of ,repeating' this study, the changing power of academics' explanations ,on' organization is also discussed as conceptual frameworks gain and lose their resonance with the times. The paper concludes that sensemaking (Weick, 1995) offers the most appropriate perspective by which such shifts in the power of explanations may best be appreciated. [source] Reality check on career success and weak paradigms: chance still favors the hearty soul,JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR, Issue 6 2008William H. Glick In an earlier article, we discussed the effects of dissensus and low paradigm development on the lives and scholarly successes of junior scholars. Our analysis painted a somewhat bleak picture, but our advice for moving forward was simple, actionable, and therefore hopeful. Based on the bleak picture that was painted, one particular aspect of our work, career-level evaluation reliability, was recently critiqued. We respond to that critique here. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Latitudinal and longitudinal process diversityJOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2003Nils T Siebel Abstract Software processes vary across organizations and over time. Managing this process diversity is a delicate balancing act between creative, healthy diversity and chaos. In this paper, we examine a particular aspect of this issue, namely some relationships between diversity in software processes, software evolution and the quality of software products and processes. Our main contribution is to distinguish between two broad kinds of process diversity, which we call latitudinal and longitudinal process diversity. To illustrate the differences between these two, we examine the case of a medium-sized system (50,000 lines of C++ code) which has undergone major changes during its lifetime of 10 years. The software was originally developed by an individual academic using a research-oriented process to develop a standalone proof-of-concept system. In a current multi-team project, involving three industrial and three academic partners, the software has been adapted for integration as a subsystem of a near-market product. We suggest ways in which the observed process diversity seems to be linked to a change in the software's propensity for evolution, and we discuss the impact of this on both product and process quality. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Probability density of the multipole vectors for a Gaussian cosmic microwave backgroundMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2008Mark R. Dennis ABSTRACT We review Maxwell's multipole vectors, and elucidate some of their mathematical properties, with emphasis on the application of this tool to the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In particular, for a completely random function on the sphere (corresponding to the statistically isotropic Gaussian model of the CMB), we derive the full probability density function of the multipole vectors. This function is used to analyse the internal configurations of the third-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe quadrupole and octopole, and we show that the observations are consistent with the Gaussian prediction. A particular aspect is the planarity of the octopole, which we find not to be anomalous. [source] Toward anisotropic mesh construction and error estimation in the finite element methodNUMERICAL METHODS FOR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, Issue 5 2002Gerd Kunert Abstract Directional, anisotropic features like layers in the solution of partial differential equations can be resolved favorably by using anisotropic finite element meshes. An adaptive algorithm for such meshes includes the ingredients Error estimation and Information extraction/Mesh refinement. Related articles on a posteriori error estimation on anisotropic meshes revealed that reliable error estimation requires an anisotropic mesh that is aligned with the anisotropic solution. To obtain anisotropic meshes the so-called Hessian strategy is used, which provides information such as the stretching direction and stretching ratio of the anisotropic elements. This article combines the analysis of anisotropic information extraction/mesh refinement and error estimation (for several estimators). It shows that the Hessian strategy leads to well-aligned anisotropic meshes and, consequently, reliable error estimation. The underlying heuristic assumptions are given in a stringent yet general form. Numerical examples strengthen the exposition. Hence the analysis provides further insight into a particular aspect of anisotropic error estimation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 18: 625,648, 2002; DOI 10.1002/num.10023 [source] STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRACY AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITYPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 2 2007PETER HUPE The concept of ,street-level bureaucracy' was coined by Michael Lipsky (1980) as the common denominator for what would become a scholarly theme. Since then his stress on the relative autonomy of professionals has been complemented by the insight that they are working in a micro-network of relations, in varying contexts. The conception of ,governance' adds a particular aspect to this: the multi-dimensional character of a policy system as a nested sequence of decisions. Combining these views casts a different perspective on the ways street-level bureaucrats are held accountable. In this article some axiomatic assumptions are drawn from the existing literature on the theme of street-level bureaucracy and on the conception of governance. Acknowledging variety, and arguing for contextualized research, this results in a rethinking of the issue of accountability at the street level. [source] ,Oh Rose, thou art sick!' Anti-individuation forces in the film American BeautyTHE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2003David Hewison Abstract:, The film American Beauty is used as a vehicle to explore difficulties in the individuation process, to look at a particular aspect of couple relationships in which mourning is avoided, and to make a general comment about the relationship between film and psychological experience. The thesis of the paper is that the individuation process is both an intra-psychic experience and an inter-psychic one which relies on relationships with external figures to enable development. The adult couple relationship is taken as one of the key areas of emotional life for the individuation process and as an area that can best show up false starts, successes, or even retreats in psychological development. Using the poetry of William Blake and the work of Michael Fordham, I show a process of anti-individuation going on in the relationship between the characters of Lester and Carolyn Burnham in the film. [source] Does Plant Variety Protection Contribute to Crop Productivity?THE JOURNAL OF WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, Issue 2 2009Lessons for Developing Countries from US Wheat Breeding The application of intellectual property rights (IP) in developing countries is and remains highly controversial, particularly as regards applications to food/agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, which have direct ramifications for large numbers of peoples. One dimension complicating a reasoned dialogue on the public benefits of IP, particularly when many developing countries are implementing the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as mandated by membership in the World Trade Organization, is a dearth of information on their actual operation and effects. In this study, we address one particular aspect of the limited documentation on the effects of IP systems, the effect of plant variety protection (PVP) on the genetic productivity potential of varieties. Specifically, we examine wheat varieties in Washington State, United States, which are produced by both public and private sector breeders. Results from the study show that implementation of PVP attracted private investment in open pollinated crops such as wheat in the United States and provided greater numbers of varieties of these crops, which are high yielding from both the public and private sectors. These results may provide some insights for policy makers from developing countries on the effects of IP for plants as their TRIPS commitments are being implemented. [source] Measures of skill and value of ensemble prediction systems, their interrelationship and the effect of ensemble sizeTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 577 2001David S. Richardson Abstract Ensemble forecasts provide probabilistic predictions for the future state of the atmosphere. Usually the probability of a given event E is determined from the fraction of ensemble members which predict the event. Hence there is a degree of sampling error inherent in the predictions. In this paper a theoretical study is made of the effect of ensemble size on forecast performance as measured by a reliability diagram and Brier (skill) score, and on users by using a simple cost-loss decision model. The relationship between skill and value, and a generalized skill score, dependent on the distribution of users, are discussed. The Brier skill score is reduced from its potential level for all finite-sized ensembles. The impact is most significant for small ensembles, especially when the variance of forecast probabilities is also small. The Brier score for a set of deterministic forecasts is a measure of potential predictability, assuming the forecasts are representative selections from a reliable ensemble prediction system (EPS). There is a consistent effect of finite ensemble size on the reliability diagram. Even if the underlying distribution is perfectly reliable, sampling this using only a small number of ensemble members introduces considerable unreliability. There is a consistent over-forecasting which appears as a clockwise tilt of the reliability diagram. It is important to be aware of the expected effect of ensemble size to avoid misinterpreting results. An ensemble of ten or so members should not be expected to provide reliable probability forecasts. Equally, when comparing the performance of different ensemble systems, any difference in ensemble size should be considered before attributing performance differences to other differences between the systems. The usefulness of an EPS to individual users cannot be deduced from the Brier skill score (nor even directly from the reliability diagram). An EPS with minimal Brier skill may nevertheless be of substantial value to some users, while small differences in skill may hide substantial variation in value. Using a simple cost-loss decision model, the sensitivity of users to differences in ensemble size is shown to depend on the predictability and frequency of the event and on the cost-loss ratio of the user. For an extreme event with low predictability, users with low cost-loss ratio will gain significant benefits from increasing ensemble size from 50 to 100 members, with potential for substantial additional value from further increases in number of members. This sensitivity to large ensemble size is not evident in the Brier skill score. A generalized skill score, dependent on the distribution of users, allows a summary performance measure to be tuned to a particular aspect of EPS performance. [source] The Governance of cooperatives and mutual associations: a paradox perspectiveANNALS OF PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2004Chris Cornforth The theoretical literature on the governance of co-operatives is relatively undeveloped in comparison with that on corporate governance. The paper briefly reviews some of the main theoretical perspectives on corporate governance and discusses how they can be usefully extended to throw light on the governance of co-operatives and mutuals. However, taken individually these different theories are rather one dimensional, only illuminating a particular aspect of the board's role. This has lead to calls for a new conceptual framework that can help integrate the insights of these different theories. The paper argues that a paradox perspective offers a promising way forward. Contrasting the different theoretical perspectives highlights some of the important paradoxes, ambiguities and tensions that boards face. [source] Visualization of aligned genomic open reading frame data,BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 1 2003Alan P. Boyle Abstract Students can better appreciate the value of genomic data if they are asked to use the data themselves. However, in general the enormous volume of data involved makes detailed examination difficult. Here we present a web site that allows students to study one particular aspect of sequenced genomes. They are able to align the open reading frames (ORFs) of any available genome that is of reasonable size. The ORFs may be aligned using either the start codon or the stop codon as the starting points. Results will readily show the presence of common ribosome binding sites as well as reveal interesting order within the ORFs that is nonexistent outside of them. Students will be able to ask various questions involving comparisons of genomes and see the results presented in both a tabular and graphic format. An example problem is presented under "Results." [source] Clinician attitudes towards early psychosis intervention: the first 4 yearsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2002J. Gorrell Objectives, A questionnaire was administered with an aim to assess the attitudes of mental health clinicians towards the adoption of an early intervention approach and to monitor attitudinal change during the introduction of this approach. Method, The perceptions of Early Psychosis Intervention (PEPI) questionnaire was developed and then completed by clinicians at three time points over 4 years during the introduction of a best practice early intervention approach (n=143, 178, 102, respectively). Results, Indicate that at all three time points clinicians generally agreed with the potential advantages of early intervention but were unsure about their own readiness to implement such intervention. Responses to an open-ended question regarding concerns about the new approach indicated a positive shift up the developmental process of change, from initial concerns about personal skills, resources and workload, to a gradually more specific focus on particular aspects of clinical interventions and on the impact of the new approach. Conclusions, Our services have introduced early psychosis intervention. Clinicians have moved up the developmental process of change. The questionnaire has provided a means for clinicians to influence the change process. [source] The Strategic Localization of Transnational Retailers: The Case of Samsung-Tesco in South KoreaECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2006Neil M. Coe Abstract: This article contributes to the small but growing geographic literature on the internationalization of retailing by exploring the strategic localization of transnational retailers. While it has long been recognized that firms in many different sectors localize their activities to meet the requirements of different national and local markets, the imperative is particularly strong for retail transnational corporations (TNCs) because of the extremely high territorial embeddedness of their activities. This embeddedness can be seen through the ways in which retailers seek to establish and maintain extensive store networks, adapt their offerings to various cultures of consumption, and manage the proliferation of connections to the local supply base. We illustrate these conceptual arguments through a case study of the Samsung-Tesco joint venture in South Korea, profiling three particular aspects of Samsung-Tesco's strategic localization: the localization of products, the localization of sourcing, and the localization of staffing and strategic decision making. In conclusion, we argue that the strategic localization of transnational retailers needs to be conceptualized as a dynamic that evolves over time after initial inward investment and that localization should be seen as a two-way dynamic that has the potential to have a wider impact on the parent corporation. [source] Podcasting Communities and Second Language PronunciationFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 2 2008Gillian Lord Abstract: Although often neglected in language classrooms, second language phonology is a crucial element in language learning because it is often the most salient feature in the speech of a foreigner. As instructors, we must decide how to emphasize pronunciation and what techniques to use. This article discusses a collaborative pod-casting project in an undergraduate Spanish phonetics class. Students worked in small groups to create and maintain their own podcast channel on which they uploaded recordings for group member feedback. Each recording focused on particular aspects of Spanish pronunciation, using tongue twisters, short readings, and personal reflection on students' own pronunciation. Both attitudes and pronunciation abilities were assessed before and after the project, and both were found to improve. The benefits of podcasting projects to improve language skills are discussed from an empirical as well as a pedagogical perspective. [source] Global Simulation: A Student-Centered, Task-Based Format for Intermediate Foreign Language CoursesFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 1 2004Article first published online: 31 DEC 200, Glenn S. Levine PhD The course format requires students to collaboratively complete a long-term task organized around a single premise or scenario. In the process, they learn about particular aspects of the target culture and language, similarly to a traditional content course. Yet the objective is to make use of the content knowledge in functioning within and completing the simulation. Three example German courses are presented, followed by specific guidelines for designing a global simulation course. [source] The recent declines of farmland bird populations in Britain: an appraisal of causal factors and conservation actionsIBIS, Issue 4 2004Ian Newton In this paper, the main aspects of agricultural intensification that have led to population declines in farmland birds over the past 50 years are reviewed, together with the current state of knowledge, and the effects of recent conservation actions. For each of 30 declining species, attention is focused on: (1) the external causes of population declines, (2) the demographic mechanisms and (3) experimental tests of proposed external causal factors, together with the outcome of (4) specific conservation measures and (5) agri-environment schemes. Although each species has responded individually to particular aspects of agricultural change, certain groups of species share common causal factors. For example, declines in the population levels of seed-eating birds have been driven primarily by herbicide use and the switch from spring-sown to autumn-sown cereals, both of which have massively reduced the food supplies of these birds. Their population declines have been associated with reduced survival rates and, in some species, also with reduced reproductive rates. In waders of damp grassland, population declines have been driven mainly by land drainage and the associated intensification of grassland management. This has led to reduced reproductive success, as a result of lowered food availability, together with increased disturbance and trampling by farm stock, and in some localities increased nest predation. The external causal factors of population decline are known (with varying degrees of certainty) for all 30 species considered, and the demographic causal factors are known (again with varying degrees of certainty) for 24 such species. In at least 19 species, proposed causal factors have been tested and confirmed by experiment or by local conservation action, and 12 species have been shown to benefit (in terms of locally increased breeding density) from options available in one or more agri-environment schemes. Four aspects of agricultural change have been the main drivers of bird population declines, each affecting a wide range of species, namely: (1) weed-control, mainly through herbicide use; (2) the change from spring-sown to autumn-sown cereal varieties, and the associated earlier ploughing of stubbles and earlier crop growth; (3) land drainage and associated intensification of grassland management; and (4) increased stocking densities, mainly of cattle in the lowlands and sheep in the uplands. These changes have reduced the amounts of habitat and/or food available to many species. Other changes, such as the removal of hedgerows and ,rough patches', have affected smaller numbers of species, as have changes in the timings of cultivations and harvests. Although at least eight species have shown recent increases in their national population levels, many others seem set to continue declining, or to remain at a much reduced level, unless some relevant aspect of agricultural practice is changed. [source] How Americans Think About Trade: Reconciling Conflicts Among Money, Power, and PrinciplesINTERNATIONAL STUDIES QUARTERLY, Issue 2 2001Richard K. Herrmann Trade has again emerged as a controversial issue in America, yet we know little about the ideas that guide American thinking on these questions. By combining traditional survey methods with experimental manipulation of problem content, this study explores the ideational landscape among elite Americans and pays particular attention to how elite Americans combine their ideas about commerce with their ideas about national security and social justice. We find that most American leaders think like intuitive neoclassical economists and that only a minority think along intuitive neorealist or Rawlsian lines. Among the mass public, in contrast, a majority make judgments like intuitive neorealists and intuitive Rawlsians. Although elite respondents see international institutions as promising vehicles in principle, in practice they favor exploiting America's advantage in bilateral bargaining power over granting authority to the World Trade Organization. The distribution of these ideas in America is not arrayed neatly along traditional ideological divisions. To understand the ideational landscape, it is necessary to identify how distinctive mentaal models,mercantilist, neorealist, egalitarian, and neoclassical economic,sensitize or desensitize people to particular aspects of geopolitical problems, an approach we call cognitive interactionism. [source] Diagnosis and Therapy of Localized SclerodermaJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 2009Alexander Kreuter Abstract Localized scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease with primary affection of the skin, and occasional involvement of the fat tissue, muscle, fascia, and bone. Depending on the clinical subtype, the spectrum of skin lesions ranges from singular plaque lesions to severe generalized or linear subtypes which may lead to movement restrictions and permanent disability. This German S1-guideline proposes a classification of localized scleroderma that, considering the extent and depth of fibrosis, distinguishes limited, generalized, linear, and deep forms of localized scleroderma, together with its associated subtypes. The guideline includes a description of the pathogenesis, of differential diagnoses, and particular aspects of juvenile localized scleroderma, as well as recommendations for histopathologic, serologic, and biometric diagnostic procedures. Based on studies of topical and systemic treatments as well as phototherapy for localized scleroderma published in international literature, a treatment algorithm was developed which takes account of the different subtypes and the extent of disease. [source] Nursing needs of acutely ill older peopleJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 5 2003Karen Hancock BSc PhD Background., Investigating older acutely ill hospitalized patients' nursing needs and quality of care is paramount, given the growing pressure on nurses to provide increasingly intensive levels of care to a growing older population while at the same time working with reduced staffing levels. Aims., The aims of this study were to determine: (1) important aspects of nursing care as perceived by older patients, their family member/carer who observed care during hospitalization, and nurses; (2) satisfaction levels of patients, family/carers and nurses on nursing care received; and (3) mismatches between nursing care priorities and satisfaction with nursing care. Methods., Two hundred and thirty-two acutely ill patients aged over 65 years, 99 carers/family members and 90 nurses completed the Caregiving Activities Survey, which measures importance of and satisfaction with various aspects of nursing care. Qualitative data, which qualified responses to survey items, were also obtained from participants. Results., Patients, carers and nurses perceived that carrying out doctors' orders was the most important aspect of nursing care, followed by physical care, psychosocial care and discharge planning. Nurses and carers rated physical care, psychosocial care and discharge planning more highly than patients. Physical care was rated highly by patients in terms of importance, but rated moderately in terms of satisfaction. Carers' and patients' ratings of satisfaction with physical care were lower than nurses' ratings of opportunities to provide it. The importance of discharge planning was rated highly by nurses but all groups were only moderately satisfied with this aspect of care. Study limitations., The findings do not apply to acutely ill older patients with confusion, mental illness or more than early stage dementia. Conclusions., Patients, nurses and family/carers were generally in agreement about the relative importance of particular aspects of nursing care. Nurses may need to communicate more effectively with older patients and their family carers about the particular roles they will play during the patient's hospital episode, the expectations they have of patients in the process of healing and recovery, and the reasons for the actions they take in aiding this process. The findings are useful in making nurses more aware of the expectations and needs of older hospital patients and their carers. They provide evidence for developing both new models of nursing care for this patient group, and nursing education programmes. [source] Crimp morphology in relaxed and stretched rat Achilles tendonJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 1 2007Marco Franchi Abstract Fibrous extracellular matrix of tendon is considered to be an inextensible anatomical structure consisting of type I collagen fibrils arranged in parallel bundles. Under polarized light microscopy the collagen fibre bundles appear crimped with alternating dark and light transverse bands. This study describes the ultrastructure of the collagen fibrils in crimps of both relaxed and in vivo stretched rat Achilles tendon. Under polarized light microscopy crimps of relaxed Achilles tendons appear as isosceles or scalene triangles of different size. Tendon crimps observed via SEM and TEM show the single collagen fibrils that suddenly change their direction containing knots. The fibrils appear partially squeezed in the knots, bent on the same plane like bayonets, or twisted and bent. Moreover some of them lose their D-period, revealing their microfibrillar component. These particular aspects of collagen fibrils inside each tendon crimp have been termed ,fibrillar crimps' and may fulfil the same functional role. When tendon is physiologically stretched in vivo the tendon crimps decrease in number (46.7%) (P < 0.01) and appear more flattened with an increase in the crimp top angle (165° in stretched tendons vs. 148° in relaxed tendons, P < 0.005). Under SEM and TEM, the ,fibrillar crimps' are still present, never losing their structural identity in straightened collagen fibril bundles of stretched tendons even where tendon crimps are not detectable. These data suggest that the ,fibrillar crimp' may be the true structural component of the tendon crimp acting as a shock absorber during physiological stretching of Achilles tendon. [source] Political ideology, helping mechanisms and empowerment of mental health self-help/mutual aid groupsJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Eleni Hatzidimitriadou Abstract Self-help/mutual aid groups share common attributes such as they are peer-led, address a common problem or condition, have a voluntary character and little or no connection with professionals. However, these groups may vary according to their political ideology and focus on personal or/and societal change. This study examines the role of political ideology of self-help/mutual aid groups and differences in psychosocial characteristics of group members. Fourteen mental health self-help/mutual aid groups in England were studied. On the basis of stated aims and principles and following semi-structured interviews with group leaders (facilitators/chairpersons), these were classified according to Emerick's typology as conservative (eight groups), combined (three groups), and radical (three groups). Group members (n,=,67) completed questionnaires to assess personal empowerment, mental wellbeing, social networks and support, group identification and helping processes in the groups. Findings suggested that all self-help group members experienced a large number of naturally occurring helping process and felt empowered whilst they shared limited social networks and support and marginal mental wellbeing. Different ideological types of self-help groups may be related to specific helping processes and particular aspects of personal empowerment. Specifically, members of conservative and combined groups reported more expressive group processes like sharing of feelings and self-disclosure, while radical group members reported more optimism/control over their lives. Furthermore, group identification was associated with specific helping processes and aspects of personal empowerment in the three group categories. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Primary school students' perceptions of interactive whiteboardsJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 2 2005Ian Hall Abstract Students involved in the interactive whiteboard (IWB) evaluation, sponsored by the Centre for British Teachers (CfBT), were interviewed in regard to their perceptions about IWBs. Twelve group interviews (72 students) were conducted between January and Easter 2004 with Year 6 students (between 10 and 11 years of age) in six Local Education Authority (LEA) areas located in the North and South of England. Students were very enthusiastic about particular aspects of IWBs, such as their versatility in the classroom, multimedia capabilities and the fun and enjoyment they brought to learning. Students also highlighted, however, technical problems, teacher and students' information and communication technology skills and students' lack of access to the technology as negative aspects. [source] Life table response experiment analysis of the stochastic growth rateJOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Hal Caswell Summary 1.,Life table response experiment (LTRE) analyses decompose treatment effects on a dependent variable (usually, but not necessarily, population growth rate) into contributions from differences in the parameters that determine that variable. 2.,Fixed, random and regression LTRE designs have been applied to plant populations in many contexts. These designs all make use of the derivative of the dependent variable with respect to the parameters, and describe differences as sums of linear approximations. 3.,Here, I extend LTRE methods to analyse treatment effects on the stochastic growth rate log ,s. The problem is challenging because a stochastic model contains two layers of dynamics: the stochastic dynamics of the environment and the response of the vital rates to the state of the environment. I consider the widely used case where the environment is described by a Markov chain. 4.,As the parameters describing the environmental Markov chain do not appear explicitly in the calculation of log ,s, derivatives cannot be calculated. The solution presented here combines derivatives for the vital rates with an alternative (and older) approach, due to Kitagawa and Keyfitz, that calculates contributions in a way analogous to the calculation of main effects in statistical models. 5.,The resulting LTRE analysis decomposes log ,s into contributions from differences in: (i) the stationary distribution of environmental states, (ii) the autocorrelation pattern of the environment, and (iii) the stage-specific vital rate responses within each environmental state. 6.,As an example, the methods are applied to a stage-classified model of the prairie plant Lomatium bradshawii in a stochastic fire environment. 7.,Synthesis. The stochastic growth rate is an important parameter describing the effects of environmental fluctuations on population viability. Like any growth rate, it responds to differences in environmental factors. Without a decomposition analysis there is no way to attribute differences in the stochastic growth rate to particular parts of the life cycle or particular aspects of the stochastic environment. The methods presented here provide such an analysis, extending the LTRE analyses already available for deterministic environments. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||