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Cardiopulmonary Research at Morgan Library

LIFE103 - Biology of Organisms

Types of Resources

There are three sources for information on Cardiopulmonology in Morgan Library. Some resources may be more successful than others depending on your topic so you may need to try all three sources.

Resource Description Search strategy Search in
Journal articles Articles describe the methods and results of a specific experiment. Use specific (narrow) search words when searching for articles. Try synonymous terms. Databases (see below for more information)
Books Synthesizes many research results and presents the information in a readable format. Use broader search terms and refer to the index in the book. SAGE catalog
Reference materials Provides quick facts and short overviews on a variety of topics. Use broad search terms and use the index in the book. SAGE catalog

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Finding Search Words

One of the biggest challenges when conducting a search is finding the right search words. For example, if you are looking for information on effects of caffeine on heart rate, the initial words might be caffeine and heart rate. However, you may get better results if you search for caffeine and cardiovascular function. You may was to broaden the search and look for hypertension in humans or vasodilation resulting from food.

Exercise: Take a moment to think about your research question. Identify the key concepts and come up with 3 synonyms or broader terms for each concept.

Key Concepts:   e.g. heart rate   ________________
Synonyms: cardiovascular function ________________
  hypertension ________________
Broader terms: physiology ________________

 

Examples of keywords (search terms) for books and journal articles

Keywords for Cardio/Pulmonary:

Heart rate   Cardiovascular function
Cardiovascular system   Hypertension
Vasoconstriction   Vasodilation

Keywords for the experiment:

Caffeine   Jumping Jacks
Static exercise   Fear
Stress   Sudden stimulus
Sky diving   Free fall

Keywords for Temperature Variable:

Temperature   Ambient temperature
Hypothermia   Hyperthermia

Keywords for the light/dark variable:

Light stimulation   Light and dark
Dark   Diurnal rhythm
Circadian rhythm    

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Finding Journal Articles

Journal articles will describe the methods and results of a specific experiment.

HINT: Use narrower terms and divide key words into concepts. For example: cardiovascular and jumping jacks or aerobic exercise, etc.

How do I find journal articles?

To find journal articles use the Research Databases listed below or go to the Research Databases link on the Library Home Page, and drop down to your subject area.

Researchers can develop a database rut wehre they rely on one database for all types of research. Think about your topic and find a database that has appropriate content.

Standart Biology databases include:

  • Biological Abstracts
  • Biological Sciences
  • Web of Science

HINT: For more information on selecting a database to to the "Choosing a Database" tutorial on the CSU Libraries Tutorials page (listed on the drop down menu as Database Selection).

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Finding Reference Materials

Reference books are helpful because they provide an overview and quick facts about a topic. Another advantage of reference material is that they are always available in the library. Remember to use broad search terms when searching for reference books. A search for aerobic exercise would be more productive than a search for jumping jacks in this section.


Find Reference materials in SAGE by selecting General Reference as the Location

Where do I find Reference materials?

From the CSU Libraries home page, go to Library catalog. Search by using broad keywords and dropping down to General Reference in the Location field.

Below are several good Reference Sources available in the library and online:

  • Gale Virtual Reference Library. This online source includes encyclopedias of medicine as well as links to sports, general science and other general encyclopedias. HINT: Use the basic search and type in a search term, i.e., jumping jacks.
  • Encyclopedia of Human Biology. QP11 E53 1997 REF
    v. 3, p.865 "Exercise and Cardiovascular Function"
    v. 3, pp.857-858 "Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Heart"
    Index
    Cardiovascular system - effects of caffeine, meals, static exercise, smoking, etc.
  • Harvard Medical School family health guide. RC81 .H38 1999 REF
    pp. 643-645 explains the fundamentals of blood pressure including the cause of high and low blood pressure.
    p.645 discusses exercise and blood pressure.
    p.647 discusses caffeine and blood pressure.
  • Magill's medical guide. RC41 .M34 2005 REF
    p. 510 explains vasoconstriction and vasodilation
    pp. 905-907 "Exercise Physiology" explains increased heart rate
  • The Merck manual of health & aging. RA777.5 .M47 2004 REF
    pp. 542-544 Overview of common causes of increases in blood pressure.

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Finding Books

HINT: When searching for books, begin with specific search words. If there are no results, use broad search words for your topic and then search the book index for the more specific subject. For example, it is unlikely that you would find a book that dealt specifically with jumping jacks. However, you could find a book on aerobic exercise or exercise and heart rates.

How do I find a book in the library?

From the CSU Libraries home page, choose Library Catalog, then search by dividing your topic into keywords. You will need the call number and location to find a book in the library.

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Links

Find a book - try the tutorial at http://lib.colostate.edu/tutorials/sage_info.html

Find an article ­ try our Help with Databases webpage http://lib.colostate.edu/databases/help.php

Use InterLibrary Loan ­ try the tutorial at http://lib.colostate.edu/tutorials/illiad.html

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More Questions?

Ask the subject specialist.

Brian Westra - Biological Sciences Librarian

491-1881

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