bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Evaluation and Spatial Interpolation by Bayesian Combination of Observations with Outputs from Numerical Models
Authors: Fuentes Montserrat , Raftery Adrian E.
Published: February 2005

Summary Constructing maps of dry deposition pollution levels is vital for air quality management, and presents statistical problems typical of many environmental and spatial applications. Ideally, such maps would be based on a dense network of monitoring stations, but this does not exist. Instead, there are two main sources of information for dry deposition levels in the United States: one is pollution measurements at a sparse set of about 50 monitoring stations called CASTNet, and the other is the output of the regional scale air quality models, called Models‐3. A related problem is the evaluation of these numerical models for air quality applications, which is crucial for control strategy selection. We develop formal methods for combining sources of information with different spatial resolutions and for the evaluation of numerical models. We specify a simple model for both the Models‐3 output and the CASTNet observations in terms of the unobserved ground truth, and we estimate the model in a Bayesian way. This provides improved spatial prediction via the posterior distribution of the ground truth, allows us to validate Models‐3 via the posterior predictive distribution of the CASTNet observations, and enables us to remove the bias in the Models‐3 output. We apply our methods to data on SO2 concentrations, and we obtain high‐resolution SO2 distributions by combining observed data with model output. We also conclude that the numerical models perform worse in areas closer to power plants, where the SO2 values are overestimated by the models.
A Class of Bayesian Shared Gamma Frailty Models with Multivariate Failure Time Data
Authors: Yin Guosheng , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: February 2005

SummaryFor multivariate failure time data, we propose a new class of shared gamma frailty models by imposing the Box–Cox transformation on the hazard function, and the product of the baseline hazard and the frailty. This novel class of models allows for a very broad range of shapes and relationships between the hazard and baseline hazard functions. It includes the well‐known Cox gamma frailty model and a new additive gamma frailty model as two special cases. Due to the nonnegative hazard constraint, this shared gamma frailty model is computationally challenging in the Bayesian paradigm. The joint priors are constructed through a conditional–marginal specification, in which the conditional distribution is univariate, and it absorbs the nonlinear parameter constraints. The marginal part of the prior specification is free of constraints. The prior distributions allow us to easily compute the full conditionals needed for Gibbs sampling, while incorporating the constraints. This class of shared gamma frailty models is illustrated with a real dataset.
Bias‐Corrected Maximum Likelihood Estimator of the Negative Binomial Dispersion Parameter
Authors: Saha Krishna , Paul Sudhir
Published: February 2005

SummaryWe derive a first‐order bias‐corrected maximum likelihood estimator for the negative binomial dispersion parameter. This estimator is compared, in terms of bias and efficiency, with the maximum likelihood estimator investigated byPiegorsch(1990,Biometrics46,863–867), the moment and the maximum extended quasi‐likelihood estimators investigated byClark and Perry(1989,Biometrics45,309–316), and a double‐extended quasi‐likelihood estimator. The bias‐corrected maximum likelihood estimator has superior bias and efficiency properties in most instances. For ease of comparison we give results for the two‐parameter negative binomial model. However, an example involving negative binomial regression is given.
Genetic Susceptibility to Prostate, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer among Nordic Twins
Authors: Baker Stuart G. , Lichtenstein Paul , Kaprio Jaakko , Holm Niels
Published: February 2005

SummaryTo investigate the role of genetics in the development of cancer, we developed a new approach to analyze data on prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer from the Swedish, Danish, and Finnish twin registries on monozygotic (MZ) and same‐sex dizygotic (DZ) twins. In the spirit of a sensitivity analysis, we modeled genetic inheritance as either an autosomal recessive or dominant cancer susceptibility (CS) genotype that involves either a single gene, many genes with equal allele frequencies, or three genes with a ninefold range of allele frequencies. We also modeled the joint probability of cancer incidence among five age categories, conditional on the presence or absence of the CS genotype. The main assumptions are: (1) The joint distribution of unobserved environmental effects in a twin pair conditional on the presence or absence of the CS genotype is the same for MZ and DZ twins, (2) the probability of cancer conditional on the presence or absence of the CS genotype and the unobserved environmental effects (i.e., the gene–environment interaction) is the same for MZ and DZ twins, and (3) the probability of cancer is independent between twins with the CS genotype. Estimation was maximum likelihood via a search over allele frequency and two levels of EM algorithms. Models had acceptable or good fits. Variability was estimated using a bootstrap approach, but only 50 replications were feasible. The 94th percentile of bootstrap replications for the estimated fraction of cancers with the CS genotype ranged, over the various genetic models, from 0.16 to 0.45 for prostate cancer, 0.12 to 0.30 for breast cancer, and 0.08 to 0.27 for colorectal cancer. We conclude that genetic susceptibility makes only a small to moderate contribution to the incidence of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer.
Tight Clustering: A Resampling‐Based Approach for Identifying Stable and Tight Patterns in Data
Authors: Tseng George C. , Wong Wing H.
Published: February 2005

Summary In this article, we propose a method for clustering that produces tight and stable clusters without forcing all points into clusters. The methodology is general but was initially motivated from cluster analysis of microarray experiments. Most current algorithms aim to assign all genes into clusters. For many biological studies, however, we are mainly interested in identifying the most informative, tight, and stable clusters of sizes, say, 20–60 genes for further investigation. We want to avoid the contamination of tightly regulated expression patterns of biologically relevant genes due to other genes whose expressions are only loosely compatible with these patterns. “Tight clustering” has been developed specifically to address this problem. It applies K‐means clustering as an intermediate clustering engine. Early truncation of a hierarchical clustering tree is used to overcome the local minimum problem in K‐means clustering. The tightest and most stable clusters are identified in a sequential manner through an analysis of the tendency of genes to be grouped together under repeated resampling. We validated this method in a simulated example and applied it to analyze a set of expression profiles in the study of embryonic stem cells.
Extending McNemar's Test: Estimation and Inference When Paired Binary Outcome Data Are Misclassified
Authors: Lyles Robert H. , Williamson John M. , Lin Hung‐Mo , Heilig Charles M.
Published: February 2005

SummaryMcNemar's test is popular for assessing the difference between proportions when two observations are taken on each experimental unit. It is useful under a variety of epidemiological study designs that produce correlated binary outcomes. In studies involving outcome ascertainment, cost or feasibility concerns often lead researchers to employ error‐prone surrogate diagnostic tests. Assuming an available gold standard diagnostic method, we address point and confidence interval estimation of the true difference in proportions and the paired‐data odds ratio by incorporating external or internal validation data. We distinguish two special cases, depending on whether it is reasonable to assume that the diagnostic test properties remain the same for both assessments (e.g., at baseline and at follow‐up). Likelihood‐based analysis yields closed‐form estimates when validation data are external and requires numeric optimization when they are internal. The latter approach offers important advantages in terms of robustness and efficient odds ratio estimation. We consider internal validation study designs geared toward optimizing efficiency given a fixed cost allocated for measurements. Two motivating examples are presented, using gold standard and surrogate bivariate binary diagnoses of bacterial vaginosis (BV) on women participating in the HIV Epidemiology Research Study (HERS).
Fat stores of American redstartsSetophaga ruticillaarriving at northerly breeding grounds
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Moore Frank R.
Published: February 2005

Many long‐distance passerine migrants arrive with more fat stores than necessary to have reached their northerly breeding grounds. Researchers have argued for adaptive advantages associated with arriving with ‘surplus’ migratory fat, including increased breeding performance and insurance against adverse weather, and reduced food resources during the days following arrival. The objectives of this work were to document fat stores in American redstartsSetophaga ruticillaarriving to breed in northern Michigan and to test predictions associated with the hypothesis that arrival fat serves an insurance role. Results suggest that redstarts arrived in northern Michigan with fat stores sufficient to have continued migrating an additional distance greater than 1000 km. Significant yearly variation in arrival fat corresponded in part with environmental conditions measured at the breeding grounds. Birds arrived with the most fat in the year with the coolest temperatures and the lowest food abundance at the time of arrival to the site. Further, an inverse relationship between arrival fat and arrival day in males indicated that early arrivals carried more fat than later arrivals. Birds that arrived early faced cooler temperatures and lower densities of terrestrial invertebrates, and arrival fat may have provided a mechanism to overcome poor early season foraging conditions. However, our results are not entirely consistent with the hypothesis that arrival fat serves only as insurance. Arrival fat appeared important even during the most benign year of this study. Further, evidence suggests that females may have derived more benefit from arrival fat than males. These results highlight the connection between phases of a bird's annual cycle. Migrants that do wellen route, arrive at breeding grounds in better condition, which may contribute to survival and reproductive success.
The heterozygosity theory of extra‐pair mate choice in birds: a test and a cautionary note
Authors: Smith Sarah Bartos , Webster Michael S. , Holmes Richard T.
Published: February 2005

Although extra‐pair fertilizations (EPF) are common in socially monogamous systems, the benefits to females remain elusive. One potential benefit that recently has begun to receive empirical attention is increased offspring heterozygosity. We tested the heterozygosity hypothesis in the black‐throated blue warblerDendroica caerulescensusing a panel of five microsatellite loci. We did not find any evidence that male heterozygosity influenced female extra‐pair mating patterns, that females choose genetically dissimilar extra‐pair mates, nor that extra‐pair offspring were more heterozygous than within‐pair offspring. However, simple Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the number of microsatellite loci used in this study, and most other recent studies, would detect an effect of heterozygosity only if that effect is pronounced. Thus, we were unable to demonstrate any effect of offspring heterozygosity in our study species, but a more subtle effect remains possible. Researchers wishing to test this hypothesis should use a large number of genetic markers and interpret negative results cautiously.
Water retention in the plumage of diving great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis
Authors: Ribak Gal , Weihs Daniel , Arad Zeev
Published: February 2005

Cormorants are assumed to have a “partially wettable” plumage as a mechanism to reduce buoyancy while swimming underwater. This assumption is mainly based on 3 observations: 1) the volume of air in the plumage of submerged carcasses is small compared to other water birds, 2) cormorants assume a “wing drying” posture when they exit the water, and 3) the feather structure of the plumage. An alternative mechanism to reduce buoyancy is to release air out of the plumage by ptilomotion without allowing water to penetrate. How wet cormorants actually get is an open issue that has important implications for the energy budget of these warm blooded aquatic predators. Here we report empirical measurements on the amount of water retained in the plumage of live great cormorant Phlacrocorax carbo sinensis during voluntary swimming and diving in an experimental design that simulates a foraging diving bout. The amount of water retained in the plumage increased as a function of time spent in water. However the birds limited their dive bouts to less than 18 minutes so that the added mass of retained water did not exceed 6% of their body mass. This maximal level of water retention is estimated to reduce the buoyancy of the dry bird by 18%. This maximal level is also similar to measurements of water retention of carcasses and suggests that measurements preformed on carcasses yield only the upper level of water absorption while live birds slow down water penetration, allowing longer periods of foraging.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the white‐crowned forktail Enicurus leschenaulti in Borneo
Authors: Moyle Robert G. , Schilthuizen Menno , Rahman Mustafa A. , Sheldon Frederick H.
Published: February 2005

Comparison of 1017 nucleotides of mitochondrial ND2 and ND3 DNA sequences of 26 individuals of white‐crowned forktail Enicurus leschenaulti from SE Asia revealed multiple evolutionary lineages within Borneo. Montane birds were genetically homogeneous across localities, but diverged by more than 4.3% from all other samples. Lowland birds formed two distinct clades, one consisting of individuals from northern Borneo, and the other including individuals from western Borneo, as well as Sumatra and Malaya. Relationships among the subspecies were not well resolved. These findings indicate another example of montane and north Bornean endemicity, support the separation of the montane and lowland species, and define areas of conservation interest.
3D seismic analysis of slope‐confined canyons from the Plio–Pleistocene of the Ebro Continental Margin (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Bertoni Claudia , Cartwright Joe
Published: February 2005

This paper documents the importance of three‐dimensional (3D) seismic data for integrated stratigraphic–morphological analysis of slope systems. Furthermore, it contributes to the general understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of slope‐confined submarine canyons on continental margins and their significance in a sequence stratigraphic framework.

Recently acquired 3D seismic data from the Ebro Continental Margin (Western Mediterranean) have been used to study a series of remarkably well‐imaged submarine canyons in the Plio‐Pleistocene succession. Detailed mapping shows that these canyons are restricted to the slope, and thus can be compared with slope‐confined canyons observed on the present day seabed of many continental margins.

The slope‐confined canyons are typically 0.5–2 km wide, 10–15 km long, and incise more than 50 m into the slope units. Their most striking characteristic is an upslope branching geometry in the head region involving up to three orders of bifurcation, with downslope development of a single incisional axis. The submarine canyons are characterized by a nested stacking pattern, undergoing alternating phases of cutting and filling. Limited parts of the upper and middle slope remain outside the canyon system, confined in sharp depositional ridges.

The canyons are observed on closely spaced surfaces and exhibit a geometry that allowed the construction and discussion of a local sequence stratigraphic model for their evolution. In general, active incision of the canyons is observed at times throughout almost the entire cycle of base‐level change. However, erosional activity is more significant during the later stages of the relative sea level rise and the entire falling stage, with the timing of maximum erosion observed at the end of the cycle. The minimum erosional activity of the canyons is linked instead to the earliest part of the relative sea level rise.
3D seismic interpretation of slump complexes: examples from the continental margin of Israel
Authors: Frey Martinez Jose , Cartwright Joe , Hall Ben
Published: February 2005

This paper uses three‐dimensional (3D) seismic data from the continental margin of Israel (Eastern Mediterranean) to describe a series of slump deposits within the Pliocene and Holocene succession. These slumps are linked to the dynamics of subsidence and deformation of the transform margin of the eastern Mediterranean. Repeated slope failure occurred during the post‐Messinian, when a clay‐dominated progradational succession was forming. This resulted in large‐scale slump deposits accumulating in the mid‐lower slope region of the basin at different stratigraphic levels. It is probable that the slumps were triggered by a combination of slope oversteepening, seismic activity and gas migration.

The high spatial resolution provided by the 3D seismic data has been used to define a spectrum of internal and external geometries within slump deposits. Importantly, we recognise two main zones for many of the slumps on this margin: a depletion zone and an accumulation zone. The former is characterised by extension and translation, and the latter by complex imbricate thrusts and fold systems. Volume‐based seismic attribute analysis reveals transport directions within the slump deposits, which are predominately downslope, but with subtle variations particularly at the lateral margins. Basal shear surfaces are observed to ramp both up and down stratigraphy. Slump evolution occurs both by retrogressive upslope failure, and by downslope propagation (out‐of‐sequence) failure. Slump anatomy and the combination of factors responsible for slump failure and transport are relatively poorly understood, mainly because of the limited 3D of outcrop control; hence, this subsurface study is an example of how improved understanding of the mechanisms and products can be obtained using this 3D seismic methodology in unstable margin areas.
3D seismic expression of fluid migration and mud remobilization on the Gjallar Ridge, offshore mid‐Norway
Authors: Hansen J. P. V. , Cartwright J. A. , Huuse M. , Clausen O. R.
Published: February 2005

This paper presents a three‐dimensional (3D) seismic analysis of sediment remobilization and fluid migration in a 2000‐km2 area above the Gjallar Ridge located in the Vøring Basin, offshore Norway. Three distinct types of mounded structures have been identified as resulting from focused fluid/gas migration and associated mud remobilization and intrusion. Type A structures are gently mounded, and we infer that these structures formed because of in situ remobilization of Middle Eocene to Lower–Middle Oligocene fine‐grained sediments in response to fluid and minor sediment injection via deep‐seated normal faults. Type B structures comprise relatively steep‐sided mounds and are restricted to the pre‐Miocene interval. They are often located above narrow zones of discontinuous low‐amplitude reflections resembling gas chimneys. Some of the Type B structures are associated with stacked amplitude anomalies and possible mud volcanoes at the base Pleistocene indicating their long‐term significance as vertical fluid conduits. Type C structures comprise discrete mound features that seem to jack up the Top Palaeocene (Top Brygge) horizon. These are similar to hydrothermal mounds found elsewhere on the Norwegian Margin and associated with igneous sill intrusion during North Atlantic breakup. This study highlights the utility of 3D seismic data for mapping of fluid and sediment mobilization through time over large basinal areas.
Detection of fluid migration pathways in seismic data: implications for fault seal analysis
Authors: Ligtenberg J. H.
Published: February 2005

A new and efficient method for fault seal analysis using seismic data is presented. It uses multiple seismic attributes and neural networks to enhance fluid migration pathways, including subtle features that are not detectable using single attributes only. The method may be used as a first estimate of fault seal or to calibrate results from other techniques. The results provide information about which faults and fault segments are sealing or leaking. Fluid flow along individual faults appears to be focused along zones of weakness, and fault seal research should thus be focused on finding such weak locations within fault zones, a task that is best done using three‐dimensional (3D) seismic data. Under certain conditions, it is suggested that fluids migrate along fault planes by a diapiric fluid flow mechanism. The results assist in calibrating the bulk hydraulic properties of faults and rock formations and can be used in basin modelling.
Impersonal trust and professional authority: exploring the dynamics
Authors: Gilbert Tony P.
Published: February 2005

Aim.  The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between impersonal trust, governmentality and professional activity through an analysis of professional discourse.

Background.  This study emerged from an earlier paper that described a four‐dimensional model based on Luhmann's definition of trust as ‘reducing complexity and managing expectations’. Linking trust with the Foucauldian notion of governmentality develops this further. Governmentality raises the question of how professional authority is constituted through the practice of nurses and other health and welfare professionals.

Method.  Discourse analysis was used to explore the text from two genres – academic literature and interview material (n = 17) – in the context of community residential services for people with learning disabilities.

Findings.  The study provided evidence to support claims that trust is produced through impersonal systems. Trust is contested in a dynamic process where there are gains and losses. Professionals in organisations actively promote trust, often through systems of distrust. The study also built on the four‐dimensional model of impersonal trust – trust, mistrust, abuse and hope – and re‐conceptualized the trust‐hope dimension.

Conclusion.  There are theoretical links between governmentality and trust. Similarly, in order to understand trust nurses need to understand the dynamic nature of the systems in which they operate. The proposition that trust could frustrate hope adds an element of controversy to the discussion of hope in the nursing literature.
Acute coronary syndromes: cardiac rehabilitation programmes and quality of life
Authors: Chan Dominic S.K. , Chau Janita P.C. , Chang Anne M.
Published: February 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study examining the quality of life of clients following hospital admission with acute coronary syndrome in Hong Kong and their use of cardiac rehabilitation.

Background.  Coronary heart disease is a major source of mortality and morbidity in Hong Kong. Western studies have suggested that participation in cardiac rehabilitation improves the quality of life of clients with coronary heart disease yet the use of cardiac rehabilitation has been reported to be low. Better understanding is needed of the psychosocial status of these clients in Hong Kong and their use of cardiac rehabilitation services.

Methods.  A prospective, pretest–post‐test study was carried out, with data collected over a period of 6 months with convenience sample of 182 participants. Baseline data were obtained within one week after hospital admission for individuals experiencing ACS. The second phase of data collection commenced at 6 months after hospital discharge. Total period of data collection took over 12 months between 2002 and 2003. The Chinese version of the SF‐36 was used to assess quality of life, and demographic data and the extent to which clients participated in the cardiac rehabilitation programme were assessed.

Results.  Only 25% of the participants attended at least one session of the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Significant improvement occurred in all clients’ perceived quality of life 6 months following initial hospital admission. No significant group differences in perceived quality of life were found according to whether or not clients used the cardiac rehabilitation services.

Conclusion.  Improvement in perceived health‐related quality of life was evident over a 6‐month period. Yet our findings suggested that participation in the cardiac rehabilitation programme did not have any apparent effects in subjects’ perceived quality of life. Further studies using both generic and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life instruments, as well as the inclusion of control group, are recommended. Continual improvement in cardiac rehabilitation programmes, and consideration of alternative modes of delivery other than the traditional attendance at hospital outpatient services, are also recommended.
Measuring neonatal intensive care unit‐related parental stress
Authors: Franck Linda S. , Cox Susanne , Allen Alison , Winter Ira
Published: February 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study: (1) to determine the validity and reliability of the Parent Stressor Scale:Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) for use with United Kingdom (UK) parents; (2) compare UK scores with those from a contemporary reference sample from the United States (US), (3) to identify the sources of greatest NICU‐related stressors for parents and (4) to identify demographic or situational factors influencing NICU‐related parental stress.

Background.  Evaluation of the adequacy of nursing care and psychosocial support services for parents of ill infants in the NICU requires valid and reliable measures of parental stress. The PSS:NICU is a well‐validated scale developed in the US to measure NICU‐related parental stress. However, it has not been tested in the UK.

Methods.  Consecutive samples of parents (n = 257) of infants in nine UK NICUs and two reference US units completed the PSS:NICU and the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Scale approximately 1 week after admission. Psychometric properties of the PSS:NICU, including internal consistency reliability and construct, concurrent and predictive validity, were evaluated.

Results.  PSS:NICU scores were similar in the UK and US samples and high internal consistency reliability was found for all metrics (e.g. Overall Stress: 0·94 for both samples). A three‐factor principal components solution accounted for 66% of the variance in the scores, with the items grouped into the three a priori scales specified in the PSS:NICU (Infant Behaviour and Appearance, Parental Role Alterations, and Sights and Sounds). Stress Occurrence and Overall Stress were moderately correlated with State Anxiety in both samples (r = 0·46–0·61, P < 0·001). Thirty‐one per cent of the variance in Stress Occurrence in the UK sample was explained by State Anxiety, infant severity of illness score, parent gender, and less frequent visitation.

Conclusions.  The PSS:NICU demonstrated appropriate psychometrics in a large sample of parents from diverse NICUs in the UK. These findings support its wider use in research and clinical practice to identify parental distress and evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care and psychosocial support services for parents.
The role of nurses in preventing adverse events related to respiratory dysfunction: literature review
Authors: Considine Julie
Published: February 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a literature review examining the relationship between specific clinical indicators of respiratory dysfunction and adverse events, and exploring the role of nurses in preventing adverse events related to respiratory dysfunction.

Background.  Adverse events in hospital are associated with poor patient outcomes such as increased mortality and permanent disability. Many of these adverse events are preventable and are preceded by a period during which the patient exhibits clearly abnormal physiological signs. The role of nurses in preserving physiological safety by early recognition and correction of physiological abnormality is a key factor in preventing adverse events.

Methods.  A search of the Medline and CINAHL databases was conducted using the following terms: predictors of poor outcome, adverse events, mortality, cardiac arrest, emergency, oxygen, supplemental oxygen, oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation, oxygen delivery, assessment, patient assessment, physical assessment, dyspnoea, hypoxia, hypoxaemia, respiratory assessment, respiratory dysfunction, shortness of breath and pulse oximetry. The papers reviewed were research papers that demonstrated a relationship between adverse events and various clinical indicators of respiratory dysfunction.

Results.  Respiratory dysfunction is a known clinical antecedent of adverse events such as cardiac arrest, need for medical emergency team activation and unplanned intensive care unit admission. The presence of respiratory dysfunction prior to an adverse event is associated with increased mortality. The specific clinical indicators involved are alterations in respiratory rate, and the presence of dyspnoea, hypoxaemia and acidosis.

Conclusions.  The way in which nurses assess, document and use clinical indicators of respiratory dysfunction is influential in identifying patients at risk of an adverse event and preventing adverse events related to respiratory dysfunction. If such adverse events are to be prevented, nurses must not only be able to recognise and interpret signs of respiratory dysfunction, but must also take responsibility for initiating and evaluating interventions aimed at correcting respiratory dysfunction.
Integrating environmental health into nursing and midwifery practice
Authors: Watterson Andrew , Thomson Patricia , Malcolm Cari , Shepherd Ashley , McIntosh Colette
Published: February 2005

Aim.  With the recognition that environmental health has relevance to all nursing and midwifery activities, the aim of this paper is to discuss nurses’ and midwives’ past and present involvement in environmental health in the UK, where the international situation demonstrates good practice, and the challenges and possibilities for greater and more effective UK‐based activity in the future.

Background.  The association between environmental hazards and adverse health effects has received increasing attention over recent years. In the United States of America (USA), the importance of developing an environmental health role for nurses outside of the ‘traditional’ occupational and environmental health nursing specialty has been recognized and acted upon through education, information programmes and policy developments. In the United Kingdom (UK), the same degree of interest, commitment and activity is somewhat lacking.

Discussion.  Little nursing and midwifery activity on environmental health issues has taken place in the UK over recent years. The lack of development in this field may relate to the problems of an already overstretched disease treatment service and the lack of an upstream approach to public health. Theoretical and philosophical influences, as well as individual and organizational obstacles or constraints, exist and may hinder nurses and midwives in their efforts to address the subject. Yet nurses and midwives are the largest group in the National Health Service workforce and this gives enormous potential for effective interventions in environmental health.

Conclusions.  Whilst barriers and obstacles to nursing and midwifery involvement in environmental health in the UK exist, they are all surmountable and appropriate interventions could prove cost‐effective in the middle and long‐term. Additionally, they may be viewed as a necessary activity for nurses and midwives in response to real health threats and the expressed worries and concerns of patients and communities.
The impact of research governance in healthcare and higher education organizations
Authors: Howarth Michelle L. , Kneafsey Rosie
Published: February 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the impact and implementation of research governance in the North West region of England.

Background.  In 2001, the UK Government launched a framework to ensure the governance of research within the National Health Service. Whilst this framework was undoubtedly geared towards improving the standards and practice of research, concerns have been raised in the academic literature about the potentially negative impact on future research.

Methods.  A mixed method approach, using questionnaires (n = 350), semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with a volunteer sample, was used to explore research staff perspectives about research governance. Survey data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, and a thematic analysis was used to elicit themes from the semi‐structured interviews. The study lasted for 12 months and used a range of study sites, giving insight into potentially different experiences or approaches to implementing the research governance framework.

Findings.  Questionnaire data revealed a good level of awareness about the Research Governance Framework. However, a range of concerns was also raised, such as the increased workload associated with the research governance application process and lack of transparency about the process. Five themes emerged from the focus groups: control, epistemology, organizational issues, impact on teaching and learning, and ambiguity in the definitions of research and audit.

Conclusions.  Recommendations emerging from the study include the promotion of transparent research governance guidelines for practitioners, and the need for staff education about governance processes and greater parity between organizations in research governance processes.
Oligogalacturonides are able to induce flowers to form on tobacco explants
Authors: Marfà Victòria , Gollin David J. , Eberhard Stefan , Mohnen Debra , Dan/ill Alan , Albersheim Peter
Published: February 2005

Oligogalacturonides (α‐1,4‐D‐galactosyluronic acid oligomers) are fragments of the homogalacturonan component of the primary cell walls of higher plants. Treatment of cell walls with endopolygalacturonase (EPG) releases the polysaccharides rhamnogalacturonan‐1 (RG‐I) and rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II), and variously sized oligogalacturonide fragments of homogalacturonan. The EPG‐released sycamore cell wall components are able to regulate several morphogenetic processes of tobacco thin‐cell layer (TCL) explants. We followed one of these morphogenesis‐regulating activities, namely, the induction of flower formation on TCLs, to purify the biologically active component from EPG‐released material. Saponification of the methyl and acetyl esters of the EPG‐released material did not reduce the flower‐inducing activity. However, EPG treatment of the deesterified EPG‐released material destroyed the flower‐inducing activity, establishing that the active substance contained several, consecutive α‐1,4‐linked galactosyluronic acid residues that are required for the flower‐inducing activity. The flower‐inducing activity was purified and shown to be α‐1,4‐linked Oligogalacturonides with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 12‐14, which exhibited half‐maximum activity at approximately 0.4 μM. Smaller oligogalacturonides, RG‐I and RG‐II, did not, even at higher concentrations, induce flowers to form. The ability of oligogalacturonides to stimulate the formation of flowers on tobacco explants provides further evidence of the pleiotropic nature of this oligosaccharin.
Identification of a new HLA‐B*56 variant, B*5614
Authors: Yan L‐X. , Zhu F‐M. , Lv Q‐F. , Zhang H‐Q. , Zhang W. , He J.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  In this report, the novel allele B*5614 is presented. The allele was identified in a Chinese individual by sequence‐based typing. HLA‐B*5614 differs from B*5608 by a single nucleotide at position 277G→C in exon 2. This results in an amino acid change from Gly to Arg at codon 93.
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from urinary bladder adenocarcinoma: A clinicopathological case study
Authors: Sugimori Kaoru , Kobayashi Katsuji , Hayashi Masahiro , Sakai Naoto , Sasaki Motoko , Koshino Yoshifumi
Published: February 2005

We report a 73‐year‐old male patient with leptomeningeal metastasis from urinary bladder adenocarcinoma. He was presented  with  prominent  hyperactive  delirium  during the course of the disease. Meningeal carcinomatosis was detected 5 days before his death, but the primary site of the malignant tumor could not be determined. Necropsy revealed leptomeningeal infiltration of many adenocarcinoma cells that covered the cerebrum. The leptomeninges of the right middle frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, precentral gyrus and inferior parietal lobe were most severely affected by tumor cell infiltration. Cerebral edema was found to extensively cover the basal part of the temporal lobe. In the cerebrum, tumor cells were clustered in the perivascular spaces and had invaded localized areas of the frontal lobe. Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 expression was detected in the small vessels of the cerebral upper cortical layers and of temporal subcortical u‐fibers. Numerous astrocytes positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 were found in the frontal and temporal lobes. Meningeal carcinomatosis from urinary bladder adenocarcinoma is extremely rare and up‐regulation of the adhesion molecules in the meningeal adenocarcinoma was confirmed.
Peculiar venous lesions in fatal hyponatremic brain edema
Authors: Nishie Makoto , Mori Fumiaki , Tomita Takahiro , Nishijima Michiharu , Kaimori Mitsuomi , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: February 2005

A 19‐year‐old woman with a 3‐year history of schizophrenia suddenly began to vomit, and rapidly developed a coma an hour after the onset of vomiting. A brain CT scan showed diffuse brain edema with compression of the ventricles. Laboratory tests showed a low serum sodium concentration of 117 mmol/L. She died 67 h after the onset of the first symptom. A postmortem examination showed diffuse swelling of the brain with bilateral uncal and tonsillar herniations. Histologically, no necrotic, hemorrhagic or encephalitic changes were seen. However, microvacuolar changes with lymphocytic infiltration were found in the venous walls (media and adventitia) mainly in the basal ganglia, thalamus and brainstem. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of venous alterations in fatal hyponatremic brain edema. These changes may have participated in the exacerbation of the brain edema due to functional disturbance of venous drainage.
Forced retraction of spinal root injury enhances activation of p38 MAPK cascade in infiltrating macrophages
Authors: Nomura Hiroshi , Furuta Akiko , Tanaka Yoshitaka , Iwaki Toru
Published: February 2005

Root‐rupture injury is a type of preganglionic brachial plexus injury resulting from traction force, where a small section of the spinal root is usually left behind. We have established experimental models of both root‐rupture injury with traction force and rhizotomy without traction force in rats and we examined the activation of microglia/macrophages in both conditions. LGP107 and LGP96, which are rat homologs of lysosome‐associated membrane proteins, were most useful as immunohistochemical markers of mononuclear phagocytes. The metabolic activation of macrophages was analyzed by immunohistochemistry with a series of antibodies against tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha), cathepsin B, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mitogen‐activated kinase kinase 3 (MKK3). Both root‐rupture injury and rhizotomy rapidly induced the aggregation of numerous macrophages from the injured dorsal root to the dorsal funiculus and TNF‐alpha was highly expressed by the macrophages in the injured dorsal root at 48 h. Activation of p38 MAPK was preferentially observed in the macrophages at the ruptured dorsal root; however, only slight activation of p38 MAPK was observed at the rhizotomized dorsal root. These findings suggest that traction injury of the spinal root might induce activation of the p38 MAPK cascade and production of TNF‐alpha in the infiltrating macrophages, both of which might participate in aggravation of the root injury.
Chronic calcified subdural empyema occurring 46 years after surgery
Authors: Kaspera Wojciech , Bierzyńska‐Macyszyn Grazyna , Majchrzak Henryk
Published: February 2005

The authors present a case of a 47‐year‐old female in whom there was diagnosed a chronic calcified subdural empyema 46 years after the removal of an acute subdural empyema resulting from complications after otitis media. The patient had suffered from grand mal convulsions and partial epileptic seizures occurring 3–4 times a month. A large frontotemporoparietal craniotomy was carried out and the subdural empyema filled with numerous brownish‐black, uncharacteristic tissue fragments together with the partially calcified and ossified capsule was removed. The empyema mass was found to be sterile for bacteria. After the operation, mental disability symptoms began to withdraw and the number of epileptic seizures decreased.
Palisade endings in extraocular eye muscles revealed by SNAP‐25 immunoreactivity
Authors: Eberhorn Andreas C. , Horn Anja K. E. , Eberhorn Nicola , Fischer Petra , Boergen Klaus‐Peter , Büttner‐Ennever Jean A.
Published: February 2005

Palisade endings form a cuff of nerve terminals around the tip of muscle fibres. They are found only in extraocular muscles, but no definite evidence for their role in eye movements has been established. Palisade endings have been reported in all species so far investigated except the rat. In this study we demonstrate that antibodies against SNAP‐25, the synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa, reliably visualize the complete motor, sensory and autonomic innervation of the extraocular muscles in human, monkey and rat. The SNAP‐25 antibody can be combined with other immunofluorescence procedures, and is used here to study properties of palisade endings. With SNAP‐25 immunolabelling putative palisade endings are identified in the rat for the first time. They are not well branched, but fulfil several criteria of palisade endings, being associated with non‐twitch fibres as shown by double labelling with ‘myosin heavy chain slow‐twitch’ antibodies. The putative palisade endings of the rat lack α‐bungarotoxin binding, which implies that these synapses are sensory. If palisade endings are sensory then they could function as an eye muscle proprioceptor. They seem to be a general feature of all vertebrate eye muscles, unlike the other two extraocular proprioceptors, muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs, the presence of which varies widely between species.
Substance P and opioid peptidergic innervation of the anterior eye segment of the rat: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Selbach J. Michael , Buschnack Samia H. , Steuhl Klaus‐Peter , Kremmer Stephan , Muth‐Selbach Uta
Published: February 2005

Recently discovered endogenous opioid peptides such as nociceptin are known to modulate neurotransmitter release of primary afferent neurons (especially substance P, SP) and they have also been demonstrated in peripheral nerve fibres. The aim of this study was to investigate the opioid peptidergic innervation of the anterior eye segment and to compare it with the innervation pattern of SP in order to shed light on the functional relationship between these peptides. Anterior eye segments of 20 rat eyes were cut in a tangential plane and the sections stained with antibodies against SP, nociceptin, nocistatin, endomorphin 1 and 2, leu‐enkephalin and met‐enkephalin. Sections of the spinal cord or brain were used as positive controls. Numerous SP‐immunoreactive nerve fibres were found in the conjunctiva, cornea, episclera, trabecular meshwork, iris and ciliary body. A weak staining for met‐enkephalin and leu‐enkephalin could only be found in the iris and anteriormost ciliary body. Nerve fibres immunoreactive for nociceptin, nocistatin, and endomorphin 1 or 2 could not be detected in any part of the anterior eye segment. It is tempting to speculate that the opioid peptidergic innervation of the anterior ciliary body may play a role in the modulation of intraocular inflammation.
Allergy‐like conditions and health‐care contacts among children with exclusion diets at school
Authors: Gunnarsson Nina , Marklund Birgitta , Ahlstedt Staffan , Borell Lena , Nordström Gun
Published: February 2005

Aim:  To find out whether children with exclusion diet at school had allergy‐like conditions that could explain their food avoidance, the objective of this study was to describe health‐care contacts and diagnostic testing among schoolchildren with exclusion diet and compare the magnitude of allergy‐like conditions between those children who had vs. had not consulted health‐care professionals. Telephone interviews were conducted with the parents of 230 schoolchildren, aged 6–18 years, with certificates for exclusion diets at school.

Results:  The majority of the schoolchildren (85%) had consulted health‐care professionals for food‐related problems, and 68% were doctor‐diagnosed as having food hypersensitivity. Those who had consulted health‐care professionals specifically for their food‐related problems had more complex and severe problems compared with those who had not consulted health‐care professionals. Breathing difficulties (27/196) and anaphylaxis (9/196) related to intake of food were reported only for those who had sought health‐care professionals (n = 196). Regardless of whether the children had consulted the health‐care professionals, their food‐related problems were consistent with food hypersensitivity. Schoolchildren avoided food items known to be associated with food hypersensitivity such as tree nuts, fruit, egg, peanut, lactose and fish. Furthermore, 83% of the 230 children also had allergic diseases (i.e. asthma, eczema or hay fever) or were hypersensitive to other substances besides food, and 83% had at least one sibling or parent with hypersensitivity to foods or other substances.

Conclusions and implications for the school nurse:  Schoolchildren with food certificates for exclusion diets, based on parents’ statements, have food‐related and allergy‐like problems that may well motivate exclusion diets at school. The school nurses can rely on the parents’ information as to what foods their children should avoid, even when doctor diagnoses have not been made or health‐care consultations have not been carried out.
Validity and reliability testing of the Quality of Life Scale, Swedish version in women with fibromyalgia – statistical analyses
Authors: Liedberg Gunilla M. , Burckhardt Carol S. , Henriksson Chris M.
Published: February 2005

One consequence of constant widespread pain is a low quality of life. The purpose of the study was to examine whether the Quality of Life Scale, Swedish version (QOLS‐S), regarded as a generic quality‐of‐life instrument, is a reliable and valid instrument for use in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Women with FM (n = 113) contributed data on the QOLS‐S and other standardized instrument at three points in time. Internal consistency reliability estimates ranged from 0.89 to 0.92. Convergent construct validity was indicated by moderate agreement with a global life satisfaction question. Discriminant construct validity was denoted by low correlations with the physical functioning subscale of the SF‐36. In a factor analysis three factors emerged: ‘personal and social well‐being’, ‘relations with others’ and ‘active participation’. A few of the items have high cross‐loadings, and the instrument could be improved by rewording those items to more closely reflect one specific factor. Overall, these results provide evidence that the QOLS‐S has acceptable validity and reliability for use in women with FM.