bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spherical Paley-Wiener theorem on the complex Grassmann manifolds SU(𝑝+𝑞)/S(U_{𝑝}×U_{𝑞})
Authors: Camporesi Roberto
Published: May 2006

We prove the Paley-Wiener theorem for the spherical transform on the complex Grassmann manifolds

U

/

K
=

SU

(
p
+
q
)

/

S

(

U

p

×

U

q

)

U/K=\mbox {SU}(p+q)/\mbox {S}(\mbox {U}_p\times \mbox {U}_q)

. This theorem characterizes the

K
K

-biinvariant smooth functions

f
f

on the group

U
U

that are supported in the

K
K

-invariant ball of radius

R
R

, with

R
R

less than the injectivity radius of

U

/

K

U/K

, in terms of holomorphic extendability, exponential growth, and Weyl invariance properties of the spherical Fourier transforms

f
^

\hat {f}

, originally defined on the discrete set

Λ

s
p
h

\Lambda _{sph}

of highest restricted spherical weights.
Kapranov rank vs. tropical rank
Authors: Kim K. , Roush F.
Published: May 2006

We show that determining Kapranov rank of tropical matrices is not only NP-hard over any infinite field, but if solving Diophantine equations over the rational numbers is undecidable, then determining Kapranov rank over the rational numbers is also undecidable. We prove that Kapranov rank of tropical matrices is not bounded in terms of tropical rank, answering a question of Develin, Santos, and Sturmfels.
Super solutions of the dynamical Yang-Baxter equation
Authors: Karaali Gizem
Published: May 2006

Solutions of the classical dynamical Yang-Baxter equation on a Lie superalgebra are called super dynamical

r
−

r-

matrices. A super dynamical

r
−

r-

matrix

r
r

satisfies the zero weight condition if
\[

[
h
⊗
1
+
1
⊗
h
,
r
(
λ
)
]
=
0
 for all 
h
∈

h

,
λ
∈

h

∗

.

[h\otimes 1 + 1 \otimes h, r(\lambda )] = 0 \text { for all } h \in \mathfrak {h}, \lambda \in \mathfrak {h}^*.

\]
In this paper we classify super dynamical

r
−

r-

matrices with zero weight.
A strong hot spot theorem
Authors: Bailey David , Misiurewicz Michał
Published: May 2006

A real number

α
\alpha

is said to be

b
b

-normal if every

m
m

-long string of digits appears in the base-

b
b

expansion of

α
\alpha

with limiting frequency

b

−
m

b^{-m}

. We prove that

α
\alpha

is

b
b

-normal if and only if it possesses no base-

b
b

“hot spot”. In other words,

α
\alpha

is

b
b

-normal if and only if there is no real number

y
y

such that smaller and smaller neighborhoods of

y
y

are visited by the successive shifts of the base-

b
b

expansion of

α
\alpha

with larger and larger frequencies, relative to the lengths of these neighborhoods.
A prevalent transversality theorem for Lipschitz functions
Authors: Shannon Chris
Published: May 2006

This paper provides a version of the transversality theorem for a class of Lipschitz functions of the form

f
:

R

n

×
C
→

R

n

f:\textbf {R}^n\times C\to \textbf {R}^n

, where

C
C

is a convex subset of a normed vector space

Z
Z

indexing the parameters in the problem. The set

C
C

may be infinite-dimensional, and the notion of generic used is the measure-theoretic notion of prevalence introduced by Hunt, Sauer and Yorke (1992) and Christensen (1974). This paper also provides some results on sensitivity analysis for solutions to locally Lipschitz equations.
Witt kernels of quadratic forms for purely inseparable multiquadratic extensions in characteristic 2
Authors: Laghribi Ahmed
Published: May 2006

The aim of this paper is to give a complete answer to the question of hyperbolicity of nonsingular quadratic forms over purely inseparable multiquadratic extensions in characteristic

2
2

. This completes partial computations of Mammone and Moresi.
Non-computable Julia sets
Authors: Braverman M. , Yampolsky M.
Published: May 2006

We show that under the definition of computability which is natural from the point of view of applications, there exist non-computable quadratic Julia sets.
A solution to the L space problem
Authors: Moore Justin
Published: May 2006

In this paper I will construct a non-separable hereditarily Lindelöf space (L space) without any additional axiomatic assumptions. The constructed space

L

\mathscr {L}

is a subspace of

T

ω
1

{\mathbb {T}}^{\omega _1}

where

T

\mathbb {T}

is the unit circle. It is shown to have a number of properties which may be of additional interest. For instance it is shown that the closure in

T

ω
1

\mathbb {T}^{\omega _1}

of any uncountable subset of

L

\mathscr {L}

contains a canonical copy of

T

ω
1

\mathbb {T}^{\omega _1}

. I will also show that there is a function

f
:
[

ω
1

]
2

→

ω
1

f:[\omega _1]^2 \to \omega _1

such that if

A
,
B
⊆

ω
1

A,B \subseteq \omega _1

are uncountable and

ξ
>

ω
1

\xi > \omega _1

, then there are

α
>
β

\alpha > \beta

in

A
A

and

B
B

respectively with

f
(
α
,
β
)
=
ξ

f (\alpha ,\beta ) = \xi

. Previously it was unknown whether such a function existed even if

ω
1

\omega _1

was replaced by

2
2

. Finally, I will prove that there is no basis for the uncountable regular Hausdorff spaces of cardinality

ℵ
1

\aleph _1

. The results all stem from the analysis of oscillations of coherent sequences

⟨

e
β

:
β
>

ω
1

⟩

\langle e_\beta :\beta > \omega _1\rangle

of finite-to-one functions. I expect that the methods presented will have other applications as well.
Integral points on elliptic curves and 3-torsion in class groups
Authors: Helfgott H. , Venkatesh A.
Published: May 2006

We give new bounds for the number of integral points on elliptic curves. The method may be said to interpolate between approaches via diophantine techniques and methods based on quasi-orthogonality in the Mordell-Weil lattice. We apply our results to break previous bounds on the number of elliptic curves of given conductor and the size of the

3
3

-torsion part of the class group of a quadratic field. The same ideas can be used to count rational points on curves of higher genus.
Quasisymmetric groups
Authors: Markovic Vladimir
Published: May 2006

One of the first problems in the theory of quasisymmetric and convergence groups was to investigate whether every quasisymmetric group that acts on the sphere

S

n

\textbf {S}^{n}

,

n
>
0

n>0

, is a quasisymmetric conjugate of a Möbius group that acts on

S

n

\textbf {S}^{n}

. This was shown to be true for

n
=
2

n=2

by Sullivan and Tukia, and it was shown to be wrong for

n
>
2

n>2

by Tukia. It also follows from the work of Martin and of Freedman and Skora. In this paper we settle the case of

n
=
1

n=1

by showing that any

K
K

-quasisymmetric group is

K
1

K_1

-quasisymmetrically conjugated to a Möbius group. The constant

K
1

K_1

is a function

K
K

.
Fuglede–Kadison determinants and entropy for actions of discrete amenable groups
Authors: Deninger Christopher
Published: May 2006

In 1990, Lind, Schmidt, and Ward gave a formula for the entropy of certain

Z

n

\mathbb {Z}^n

-dynamical systems attached to Laurent polynomials

P
P

, in terms of the (logarithmic) Mahler measure of

P
P

. We extend the expansive case of their result to the noncommutative setting where

Z

n

\mathbb {Z}^n

gets replaced by suitable discrete amenable groups. Generalizing the Mahler measure, Fuglede–Kadison determinants from the theory of group von Neumann algebras appear in the entropy formula.
Heegaard surfaces and measured laminations, II: Non-Haken 3–manifolds
Authors: Li Tao
Published: May 2006

A famous example of Casson and Gordon shows that a Haken 3–manifold can have an infinite family of irreducible Heegaard splittings with different genera. In this paper, we prove that a closed non-Haken 3–manifold has only finitely many irreducible Heegaard splittings, up to isotopy. This is much stronger than the generalized Waldhausen conjecture. Another immediate corollary is that for any irreducible non-Haken 3–manifold

M
M

, there is a number

N
N

such that any two Heegaard splittings of

M
M

are equivalent after at most

N
N

stabilizations.
Decay of correlations for the Rauzy-Veech-Zorich induction map on the space of interval exchange transformations and the central limit theorem for the Teichmüller flow on the moduli space of Abelian differentials
Authors: Bufetov Alexander
Published: May 2006

The aim of this paper is to prove a stretched-exponential bound for the decay of correlations for the Rauzy-Veech-Zorich induction map on the space of interval exchange transformations. A corollary is the Central Limit Theorem for the Teichmüller flow on the moduli space of abelian differentials with prescribed singularities.
Identifying sequence regions undergoing conformational change via predicted continuum secondary structure
Authors: Bodén Mikael , Bailey Timothy L.
Published: May 2006

Motivation: Conformational flexibility is essential to the function of many proteins, e.g. catalytic activity. To assist efforts in determining and exploring the functional properties of a protein, it is desirable to automatically identify regions that are prone to undergo conformational changes. It was recently shown that a probabilistic predictor of continuum secondary structure is more accurate than categorical predictors for structurally ambivalent sequence regions, suggesting that such models are suited to characterize protein flexibility.

Results: We develop a computational method for identifying regions that are prone to conformational change directly from the amino acid sequence. The method uses the entropy of the probabilistic output of an 8-class continuum secondary structure predictor. Results for 171 unique amino acid sequences with well-characterized variable structure (identified in the ‘Macromolecular movements database’) indicate that the method is highly sensitive at identifying flexible protein regions, but false positives remain a problem. The method can be used to explore conformational flexibility of proteins (including hypothetical or synthetic ones) whose structure is yet to be determined experimentally.

Availability: The predictor, sequence data and supplementary studies are available at and are free for academic use.

Contact:  mikael@itee.uq.edu.au
The effects of ethnicity on career paths of advanced/specialized law enforcement officers
Authors: Elmer Polk O.
Published: May 2006

The effects of ethnicity on the career paths of advanced and specialized law enformcement officers are examined. Analyses focus on two measures of possible perceived or actual employment discrimination by ethnicity. Ethnicity is found to be a minor indicator of rank compared to experience and education. A differential distribution of rank by ethnicity was found in some departments and in the total sample in some rank categories. Lack of ethnic diversity became increasingly disproportional as rank rose. Analysis of length of assignment shows all minority groups and females proceeding through their career paths more quickly than white males. Findings are presented with policy implications.
Factors Related to Genital Tract Trauma in Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Births
Authors: Albers Leah L. , Sedler Kay D. , Bedrick Edward J. , Teaf Dusty , Peralta Patricia
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Objective:
Episiotomy rates are declining in the United States. In settings with very low rates, evidence remains sparse on how best to facilitate birth without lacerations. The purpose of this investigation was to identify maternal and clinical factors related to genital tract trauma in normal, spontaneous vaginal births. Methods:Data from a randomized clinical trial of perineal management techniques were used to address the study objective. Healthy women had spontaneous births with certified nurse‐midwives in a medical center setting. Proportions of maternal characteristics and intrapartum variables were compared in women who did and did not sustain sufficient trauma to warrant suturing, according to parity (first vaginal births versus others). Logistic regression using a backward elimination strategy was used to identify predictors of obstetric trauma. Results: In women who had a first vaginal birth, risk factors for trauma were maternal education of high school or beyond, Valsalva pushing, and infant birthweight. Risk factors in women having a second or higher vaginal birth were prior sutured trauma and infant birthweight. For all mothers, delivery of the infant's head between contractions was associated with reduced trauma to the genital tract. Conclusions:Delivery technique that is unrushed and controlled may help reduce obstetric trauma in normal, spontaneous vaginal births. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
Women's Evaluations of Their Experience in a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Intrapartum Fetal Pulse Oximetry (The FOREMOST Trial)
Authors: East Christine E. , Chan Fung Yee , Brennecke Shaun P. , King James F. , Colditz Paul B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Fetal pulse oximetry improves the assessment of fetal well‐being during labor. The objective of this study was to evaluate women's satisfaction with their experience with this additional technology. Methods:We surveyed women participating in the FOREMOST trial, a randomized controlled trial comparing the addition of fetal pulse oximetry (FPO) to conventional cardiotocograph (CTG) monitoring (intervention group), versus CTG‐only (control group), in the presence of nonreassuring fetal status during labor. Our survey evaluated 3 aspects of women's experience: labor, fetal monitoring, and participation in the research. The survey was administered within a few days of giving birth and repeated 3 months later. Results:No differences were found between the intervention and control groups for women's evaluations of their labor, fetal monitoring, research, or overall experiences when surveyed on both occasions. Within each study group, a small but statistically significant decline occurred in women's scores for their experience of labor and overall experience from the initial survey close to the time of giving birth, to 3 months later. The magnitude of differences in responses over time was similar for the both groups. Women were more satisfied after a spontaneous or assisted vaginal birth than after cesarean section. Length of time the research midwife was present had a significant positive effect on women's ratings of their experience several days after giving birth (p = 0.006), but no effect at 3 months. Conclusions:The addition of fetal pulse oximetry for the assessment of fetal well‐being during labor did not affect childbearing women's perceptions of fetal monitoring or their labor. Women evaluated their experience in the research process positively overall. Small changes occurred in women's perception of their satisfaction over time. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
I Am a Woman and I’m Pregnant: Body Image of Women in Taiwan During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Chang Shiow‐Ru , Chao Yu‐Mei (Yu) , Kenney Nancy J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Women's body image in late pregnancy and its relationship to the assumption of the maternal role have not been fully addressed in transitional cultures like that of Taiwan. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore body image and body satisfaction of women in Taiwan during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods:Eighteen women in the 29th to 39th week of pregnancy who were receiving prenatal examinations at clinics at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan, took part in open‐ended, face‐to‐face interviews concentrating on the women's reactions to the changes in their bodies. Interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Results:Two major themes central to women's experience of their bodies during late pregnancy were identified. One theme, “My body: where did it go?” reflects women's use of nonpregnant adult female standards of beauty to assess their pregnant bodies and their hope of regaining their “feminine self” after childbirth. The other theme, “My body = my baby's body,” reflects women's view of the changes in their bodies as an indication of their baby's health and growth and as a sign of their adequacy as mothers. Conclusions:Conflict between “what is good for me as a woman” and “what is good for my child or for me as a mother” is very apparent when examining women's experience of late pregnancy. Awareness of the complexity of body‐related experiences of pregnant women will help to identify sources of stress and concern that may interfere with the pregnant woman's self‐identity, her social functioning, and even her experience of birth itself, and may help health care professionals provide better social support and care for women approaching the end of pregnancy. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
Risk Factors for Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury:  A Prospective Study
Authors: Andrews Vasanth , Sultan Abdul H , Thakar Ranee , Jones Peter W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Anal incontinence is an embarrassing condition that is largely underreported. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are the major etiological factor. Recognition of risk factors may minimize the development of sphincter injuries. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for sphincter injuries and measure dimensions of mediolateral episiotomies. Methods:Women expecting their first vaginal delivery were invited to participate, and an experienced research fellow performed a perineal and rectal examination and classified tears according to the new international classification. Dimensions of episiotomies were measured and obstetric variables recorded prospectively. Results:Of the 241 women recruited, 59 (25%) sustained sphincter injuries. Univariate analysis revealed that forceps delivery OR 4.03 (1.63–9.92), vacuum extraction OR 2.64 (1.25–5.54), gestation > 40 weeks OR 3.18 (2.35–4.29), and mediolateral episiotomy OR 5.0 (2.64–9.44) were associated with these injuries. In addition, compared with women who had no injuries, sphincter injuries were more common with higher birthweight (3.51 vs 3.17 kg, p < 0.01), larger head circumference (34.3 vs 33.3 cm, p < 0.01), and longer second stage of labor (76 vs 51 min, p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression revealed higher birthweight and mediolateral episiotomy OR 4.04 (1.71–9.56) as independent risk factors. Episiotomies angled closer to the midline were significantly associated with such injuries (26 vs 37 degrees, p = 0.01). No midwife and only 13 (22%) doctors performed truly mediolateral episiotomies. Conclusions:Mediolateral episiotomy is an independent risk factor for anal sphincter injuries. Although a liberal policy of mediolateral episiotomy does not appear to reduce the risk of such injuries, it may be related to inappropriate technique. A concerted approach to educate trainees in appropriate episiotomy technique and identification of sphincter injuries is imperative to enable reexamination of the true merits or disadvantages of mediolateral episiotomy. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
Does Continuity of Care by Well‐Trained Breastfeeding Counselors Improve a Mother's Perception of Support?
Authors: Ekström Anette , Widström Ann‐Marie , Nissen Eva
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Social support has been shown to be greatly important for breastfeeding success. The objective of this study was to investigate if mothers who were attended by midwives and nurses specially trained in breastfeeding counseling perceived better continuity of care and emotional and informative breastfeeding support than mothers who received only routine care. Method:Ten municipalities, each with an antenatal center and child health center, in southwest Sweden were randomized either to intervention or control municipalities. The intervention included a process‐oriented training in breastfeeding counseling and continuity of care at the antenatal and child health centers. Primiparas were asked to evaluate the care given, and those living in the control municipalities were divided into control groups A and B. Data collection took place at different points in time for the two control groups. The 540 mothers responded to 3 questionnaires at 3 days and at 3 and 9 months postpartum. The perception of support provided by the health professionals and from the family classes was rated on Likert scales. Results:Intervention group mothers rated the breastfeeding information given during the family class as significantly better during pregnancy than both control groups, and better than control group B mothers at 3 months postpartum; compared with both control groups, intervention group mothers perceived that they received significantly better overall support and that postnatal nurses provided better information about breastfeeding and the baby's needs. At 9 months, intervention group mothers were more satisfied with knowledge about social rights, information about the baby's needs, and their social network than control group B mothers. Both intervention group and control group B mothers perceived better overall support than control group A during pregnancy. At 3 and 9 months, intervention group mothers perceived that postnatal nurses were more sensitive and understanding compared with both control groups. Conclusions:After implementation of a process‐oriented breastfeeding training program for antenatal midwives and postnatal nurses that included an intervention guaranteeing continuity of care, the mothers were more satisfied with emotional and informative support during the first 9 months postpartum. The results lend support to family classes incorporating continuity of care. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
Live Music Is Beneficial to Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment
Authors: Arnon Shmuel , Shapsa Anat , Forman Liat , Regev Rivka , Bauer Sofia , Litmanovitz Ita , Dolfin Tzipora
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Music stimulation has been shown to provide significant benefits to preterm infants. We hypothesized that live music therapy was more beneficial than recorded music and might improve physiological and behavioral parameters of stable preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods:Thirty‐one stable infants randomly received live music, recorded music, and no music therapy over 3 consecutive days. A control of the environment noise level was imposed. Each therapy was delivered for 30 minutes. Inclusion criteria were postconceptional age ≥ 32 weeks, weight ≥ 1,500 g, hearing confirmed by distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), and no active illness or documentation of hyperresponsiveness to the music. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and a behavioral assessment were recorded, every 5 minutes, before, during, and after therapy, allowing 30 minutes for each interval. The infant's state was given a numerical score as follows: 1, deep sleep; 2, light sleep; 3, drowsy; 4, quiet awake or alert; 5, actively awake and aroused; 6, highly aroused, upset, or crying; and 7, prolonged respiratory pause > 8 seconds. The volume range of both music therapies was from 55 to 70 dB. Parents and medical personnel completed a brief questionnaire indicating the effect of the three therapies. Results:Live music therapy had no significant effect on physiological and behavioral parameters during the 30‐minute therapy; however, at the 30‐minute interval after the therapy ended, it significantly reduced heart rate (150 ± 3.3 beats/min before therapy vs 127 ± 6.5 beats/min after therapy) and improved the behavioral score (3.1 ± 0.8 before therapy vs 1.3 ± 0.6 after therapy, p < 0.001). Recorded music and no music therapies had no significant effect on any of the tested parameters during all intervals. Both medical personnel and parents preferred live music therapy to recorded music and no music therapies; however, parents considered live music therapy significantly more effective than the other therapies. Conclusions:Compared with recorded music or no music therapy, live music therapy is associated with a reduced heart rate and a deeper sleep at 30 minutes after therapy in stable preterm infants. Both recorded and no music therapies had no significant effect on the tested physiological and behavioral parameters. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
Identifying Risk Drinking in Expectant Fathers
Authors: Chang Grace , McNamara Tay , Orav E. John , Wilkins‐Haug Louise
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Identification of risk drinking in expectant fathers may be helpful as an important part of efforts to minimize maternal alcohol use, and as an opportunity to inform them about a problematic practice during a critical developmental stage for the couple. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the T‐ACE screening questionnaire, which asks about

t

olerance to alcohol, being

a

nnoyed by other's comments about drinking, attempts to

c

ut down, and having a drink first thing in the morning (“

e

ye‐opener”), in the male partners of pregnant women who themselves were T‐ACE positive. Methods:Two hundred fifty‐four male partners were asked to complete the T‐ACE embedded in a health survey, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and other questions about their alcohol use in the past 30 days when their pregnant partners had a median gestation of 11.5 weeks (T1). After delivery, male partners again completed the T‐ACE and quantity‐frequency questions (T2). The predictive ability of the T‐ACE and AUDIT was compared, using risk drinking (>4 drinks/day or >14 drinks/week) as the criterion standard. Results:A substantial minority of male partners had risk drinking, 31 percent at T1 and 25 percent at T2. Although the AUDIT was better than the T‐ACE as an independent predictor of risk drinking, the latter was most accurate when the tolerance threshold exceeded 2 drinks, the same established for pregnant women. The sensitivity (T1 = 84.6%, T2 = 82.8%) and specificity (T1 = 43.8%, T2 = 51.1%) of the T‐ACE at this threshold compared favorably with those of the AUDIT at the standard cut point of 8. Conclusions:The T‐ACE may be a practical way for clinicians to identify risk drinking in both pregnant women and expectant fathers. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006)
Endotoxaemia induces resistance to activated protein C in healthy humans
Authors: De Pont Anne‐Cornélie J. M. , Bakhtiari Kamran , Hutten Barbara A. , De Jonge Evert , Vlasuk George P. , Rote William E. , Levi Marcel , Büller Harry R. , Meijers Joost C. M.
Published: May 2006

Systemic inflammation activates the tissue factor/factor VIIa complex (TF/FVIIa), leading to a procoagulant state, which may be enhanced by impairment of physiological anticoagulant pathways, such as the protein C system. Besides impaired protein C activation, resistance to activated protein C (APC) may occur. We studied the effect of endotoxemia on APC resistance, analysed its determinants and evaluated the effect of TF/FVIIa inhibition on endotoxin‐induced APC resistance. Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in the study, eight receiving endotoxin alone and eight receiving the combination of endotoxin and recombinant Nematode Anticoagulant Protein c2 (rNAPc2), a potent inhibitor of TF/FVIIa. Parameters of coagulation were subsequently studied. The sensitivity to APC was determined by two tests: a test based on the endogenous thrombin potential and a test based on the activated partial thromboplastin time. In response to endotoxemia, both tests detected a transient APC resistance that was predominantly mediated by an increase in factor VIII and was not influenced by TF/FVIIa inhibition. In vitro tests confirmed that an increase in factor VIII induced APC resistance, as measured by both tests. This finding suggests that APC resistance might play a role in the procoagulant state occurring during human endotoxemia.
Rapid rescreening of cervical smears as a quality control method in a high‐risk population
Authors: Michelow P. , McKee G. , Hlongwane F.
Published: May 2006

Objective:  Cancer of the cervix is one of the commonest cancers in South Africa. Accurate cytological diagnosis is one of the prerequisites for an effective cervical screening programme and requires the implementation of appropriate quality assurance modalities. This study was undertaken to determine if rapid review of reportedly negative cervical smears is a useful internal quality assurance modality in an unscreened population with very high rates of cervical carcinoma.

Method:  Approximately 26% of all cervical smears received at the study institution between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2003, and initially reported as negative or inadequate, underwent rapid review.

Results:  A total of 62 866 (26%) cervical smears out of 241 796 reportedly negative or inadequate cervical smears underwent rapid review. An amended report was sent out in 373 (0.59%) of these 62 866 cervical smears. This included 101 cases of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and high‐grade atypical squamous cells (ASC‐H), 143 low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 54 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) and 33 atypical glandular cells that were not reported initially. The false‐negative proportion for HSIL and ASC‐H (combined) in this study was 5.76%. No squamous cell carcinomas were diagnosed on rapid review but one patient with HSIL/ASC‐H on review had squamous cell carcinoma on biopsy. Three cytotechnologists had a lower sensitivity of primary screening and required retraining.

Conclusions:  Rapid review is beneficial as an internal quality assurance modality in an unscreened high‐risk population and increases the detection of women with significant cervical lesions requiring treatment. The relatively low cost of rapid review compared with other rescreening modalities makes this an attractive option in low resource settings.
Seasonality of energy sources of Colossoma macropomum in a floodplain lake in the Amazon – lake Camaleão, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA A. C. B. , MARTINELLI L. A. , MOREIRA M. Z. , SOARES M. G. M. , CYRINO J. E. P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Stomach content and stable isotopes of tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier), were use to determine seasonality of energy sources in a floodplain lake in the central Amazon. The turnover time of carbon in young tambaqui was fast enough to detect a broad seasonal variation both in stomach content and tissue isotopic signal of carbon and nitrogen. The relative importance of food items varied with water level. C3 plants (seeds and fruits) contributed between 55% and 95% of the biomass fraction of tambaqui. Zooplankton contributed a minimum of 26% of the nitrogen fraction during periods of flooding, and a maximum of 67% in the dry season. C4 plants (macrophyte leaves and roots) contributed a maximum of 26% of the biomass fraction and 13% of the N fraction mainly during the flooding period. The feeding habits and behaviour of tambaqui are complex and linked to the flood pulse.
Brook trout,Salvelinus fontinalis, microhabitat selection and diet under low summer stream flows
Authors: SOTIROPOULOS J. C. , NISLOW K. H. , ROSS M. R.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study investigated the effects of low summer discharge on habitat, prey use and prey availability for age 1 brook trout,Salvelinus fontinalis(Mitchill), in two small streams in Massachusetts, USA. Stream discharge declined substantially from June to August, with corresponding decreases in microhabitat depth and velocity; but fish habitat preferences were consistent throughout the summer, with fish selecting deep, low current velocity locations. Invertebrate drift rate, drift density and trout stomach fullness were significantly greater in June than August samples. Diets were dominated by aquatic‐derived prey (chironomid larvae and adult blackflies) in June, but terrestrial invertebrates were the most frequent diet items in August. Consistent occupancy of low‐velocity, deep microhabitats with low invertebrate flux rates indicated that, despite variation in habitat and prey conditions, trout adopted a habitat‐use strategy of minimising risks and energy costs rather than maximising forage gain. This observation is consistent with, and provides a potential explanation for, the low summer growth rates of brook trout observed in small streams.
Expression of CD30 (Ber‐H2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, undifferentiated type and lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma. A comparison study with anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Kneile J R , Tan G , Suster S , Wakely P E
Published: May 2006

Aims : Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal non‐keratinizing carcinoma (UNPC), formerly known as lymphoepithelioma, frequently metastasizes at an early stage to regional lymph nodes and, thus, may be difficult to distinguish from Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) or anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). CD30 expression is a useful diagnostic stain in both HL and ALCL, but its expression in UNPC deserves clarification. The aim of this study was to evaluate CD30 expression in UNPC and lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (LELC) from other anatomic locations and compare it with ALCL and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods and results : CD30 immunoreactivity was examined in 38 cases of primary or metastatic UNPC, six cases of LELC, 10 cases of SCC and seven cases of ALCL. CD30 immunoreactivity was observed in four of 38 (10.5%) cases of UNPC. CD30 staining was absent in all cases of LELC (0/6) and SCC (0/10). All cases of ALCL (7/7) were strongly positive for CD30.

Conclusions : The majority of cases of UNPC are immunohistochemically negative for CD30; however, a small subset of cases expresses CD30 antigen. These findings provide additional evidence that CD30 expression is not restricted to neoplasms of lymphoid origin. This should be taken into consideration when interpreting CD30 immunohistology and the possibility of UNPC.
Carbon turnover in Alaskan tundra soils: effects of organic matter quality, temperature, moisture and fertilizer
Authors: SHAVER GAIUS R. , GIBLIN A. E. , NADELHOFFER K. J. , THIELER K. K. , DOWNS M. R. , LAUNDRE J. A. , RASTETTER E. B.
Published: May 2006

Northern ecosystems may lose large amounts of soil C as the global climate warms over the next few decades. This study describes how soil C loss is related to temperature, moisture and chemical composition of organic matter in Alaskan tundra soils, including soils that were fertilized annually for 8 years prior to the study.

Fertilized and unfertilized soils from four vegetation types (tussock, intertussock, sedge and heath) were incubated at 7 or 15 °C, under saturated or well‐drained conditions, through four 100‐day ‘seasons’ separated by 25‐ to 45‐day frozen periods.

Losses of CO2were monitored and total C loss was determined by difference between initial and final C stocks. Initial and final organic matter composition was determined by separation into non‐polar extractable (NPE, mainly fats, oils, and waxes), water‐soluble (WS, mainly soluble carbohydrates and phenolics), acid‐soluble (AS, mainly cellulose and related compounds), and acid‐insoluble (AIS, ‘lignin’) fractions. An isotopic label (99%13C‐enriched glucose) was added to track transformations among the C fractions.

Total C loss during the experiment was 3–32% of initial C mass depending on soil type and treatment, with most of the loss as CO2. Wet sedge tundra soils, with the largest AS and AIS fractions, lost the least CO2and total C. The added13C ended up in all C fractions, indicating production, as well as loss of all fractions.

The greatest CO2and total C losses occurred under warm, well‐drained conditions, in all soils. The effects of fertilizer treatment were occasionally significant but never large relative to the other treatments.

Despite the long incubation under standard conditions, there was no evidence for convergence in C chemistry among soils as indicated by changes in relative abundances of the four C fractions.

Large and constant rates of C loss even after 4 ‘seasons’ of incubation suggest that a large portion of the C pool is potentially mineralizable in all soil types.

Warming of the Arctic climate and associated thawing of permafrost and the increase in soil drainage have the potential to cause a large release of C. This C, currently stored in soil organic matter, will be released to the atmosphere, creating a positive feedback on future climate changes.
Spatial distributions of plants and gross N transformation rates in a forest soil
Authors: BENGTSON PER , FALKENGREN‐GRERUP URSULA , BENGTSSON GÖRAN
Published: May 2006

This work demonstrates that spatial distribution of understorey vegetation and gross N transformation rates in a mixed beach‐oak forest is closely correlated within a distance of a few metres. The findings imply that plant diversity and productivity have a major influence on gross rates of N transformation and vice versa.

A geostatistical analysis was used to evaluate the spatial relationships between abundance and species composition of the understorey vegetation and in situ gross N mineralization, immobilization and nitrification rates.

The gross N transformation rates and the plants spatial variation were correlated within the forest, but plant distribution was more dependent on the fraction of mineralized N that was nitrified than on individual N transformation rates.

The total cover of the understorey vegetation varied more in space than the species composition, and was higher in areas with high N transformation rates.

Plant species benefiting from high net nitrification rates were more common in areas with a low activity of mineralizing and nitrifying microorganisms, possibly because the net and gross rates were independent of each other. In fact, those species occurred most often in areas in which a large fraction of mineralized N was nitrified.

Beech and oak trees also had an effect on the spatial variation of the understorey vegetation. Beech trees provided conditions more suitable for plants benefiting from , whereas the vascular plant cover was greater under oak trees, probably in response to a higher light interception than under beech trees.

Oak generally had a positive impact on gross N transformation rates compared with beech, perhaps reflecting differences in litter quality and climate caused by the two species.

The influence of trees alone could not explain the full magnitude of the variation of N transformation rates or the presence of overlapping areas with high mineralization and immobilization rates. These were probably caused by other factors, such as soil moisture content.

This work sheds new light on the small‐scale spatial links between above‐ground plant diversity and abundance, and below‐ground microbial N transformations.
Evidence for a positive influence of fungivorous soil invertebrates on the seed bank persistence of grassland species
Authors: MITSCHUNAS NADINE , WAGNER MARKUS , FILSER JULIANE
Published: May 2006

Seeds in soil seed banks are exposed to a number of mortality factors, including fungal attack. The composition of the soil fungal community is affected by fungus‐feeding soil invertebrates, suggesting that fungus‐feeding soil animals may affect losses of seeds caused by fungal attack. We tested this assumption with a full factorial experiment that examined the effects of fungivorous Collembola and of seed coating with a fungicide on seed longevity of four grassland plant species.

Seeds of Centaurea nigra, Dactylis glomerata, Origanum vulgare and Taraxacum officinale were kept in Petri dishes filled with soil under conditions that stimulate fungal growth but not seed germination. Treatment factors were (i) addition of the collembolan Protaphorura fimata, a soil‐dwelling fungus feeder; and (ii) seed treatment with the fungicide chitosan. After 5 weeks, germination was recorded and viability of the remaining ungerminated seeds was determined.

In three species, the addition of P. fimata resulted in an increase in the number of remaining ungerminated viable seeds. This was due to reduced seed mortality (C. nigra, O. vulgare) or to reduced germination (D. glomerata). Seeds of T. officinale remained unaffected.

For the fungicide treatment, no significant main effect was found in any species, although in two species there was a significant interaction between the addition of Collembola and seed coating with chitosan. There is circumstantial evidence that this interaction may have resulted from a negative effect of chitosan on adult survival of P. fimata.

These results show that fungus‐feeding soil invertebrates affect not only the performance of live plants, as shown in previous studies, but also the persistence of seeds in the soil, and that this effect varies between different plant species.

Our results suggest that by reducing the mortality of seeds due to fungal decay, fungal grazers may influence the dynamics of plant populations and the assembly of plant communities. Further experimentation under more realistic conditions is, however, required to investigate the importance of this process under field conditions.
Effects of habitat deterioration on population dynamics and extinction risk of an endangered, long‐lived perennial herb (Scorzonera humilis)
Authors: COLLING GUY , MATTHIES DIETHART
Published: May 2006

Habitat deterioration has resulted in the extinction of many local populations of plants. However, in long‐lived plants there may be a time lag between habitat deterioration and a decline in population size, although some vital rates may be immediately affected.

We studied the dynamics and viability of populations of the endangered, long‐lived perennial Scorzonera humilis to different levels of agricultural intensification in five populations over a period of 4 years at the genet level and for 3 years at the rosette (ramet) level.

Asymptotic growth rates varied little between years and the observed stage structure was very similar to the stable stage structure. Mortality of adult genets of S. humilis was low and their life expectancy was several decades. By contrast, turnover of ramets was high and their life expectancy was less than 4 years.

Calculations based on mean transition matrices indicated that populations at nutrient‐poor sites would grow (λ > 1), whereas those at nutrient‐rich sites would continuously decline (λ < 1) if conditions stayed the same. Life‐table response experiment analysis revealed that the lower growth rate of nutrient‐rich populations was primarily due to a lower survival of large plants, but also due to lower establishment and growth of new plants.

Stochastic simulations indicated that the extinction risk for medium‐sized populations at nutrient‐poor sites is very low, whereas the long‐term survival even of large extant populations at nutrient‐rich sites is unlikely unless favourable conditions for the establishment of young plants are restored.

Fertilization did not influence survival, but an additional cutting early in the season significantly reduced survival of S. humilis. Stochastic simulations indicated that a combination of fertilizing and early cutting drives populations quickly to extinction and that the long‐term survival of late‐cut, NPK‐fertilized populations is also unlikely.

The results suggest that in long‐lived plants, population size may not be a suitable predictor of long‐term viability of populations because of time delays in their response to habitat deterioration. A detailed demographic analysis may therefore be necessary to assess realistically the conservation status of long‐lived perennials.
Factors influencing nurses’ judgements about self‐neglect cases
Authors: LAUDER W. , LUDWICK R. , ZELLER R. , WINCHELL J.
Published: May 2006

From the perspective of the practising nurse self‐neglect may best be understood in terms of a set of complex and often poorly defined clinical problems in which two key clinical issues are ‘how do I judge whether this person has the capacity make decisions about their lifestyle?’ and ‘do we need to treat this person using mental health legislation?’ These are taxing questions as judging if a patient has the capacity to make decisions about their lifestyle choices is difficult for even the most experienced clinicians. Such determinations require nurses to form a judgement as to mental capacity of the patient. We do not know what patient characteristics and in what combination nurses use these when making these judgements. This factorial survey aimed to identify which patient characteristics influenced Registered Nurses’ judgements on decision‐making capacity and decisions on the use of interventions which require statutory interventions in cases of self‐neglect. Judgements on decision‐making capacity were overwhelmingly predicted by information of the patients’ mental health status. Nurses place patients in one of three broad categories of no mental illness, minor mental illness and severe mental illness. This categorization appears to operate as a fast and frugal heuristic indicating that nurses may use mental status as a cognitive screen to work from in judging self‐neglect. Although there is a correlation between the severity of mental illness and the capacity for making decisions they are not the same. This study shows the continued work that needs done in educating nurses not only about self‐neglect but also about the role a patient’s mental status may have in assessment of problems.
The role of second health professionals under New Zealand mental health legislation
Authors: O'BRIEN A. J. , KAR A.
Published: May 2006

The development of generic statutory roles in mental health care has been the subject of discussion by New Zealand nurses for the past decade. One such role is that of second health professional in judicial reviews of civil commitment. Issues identified by New Zealand nurses have also been raised in England, where it seems that nurses are likely to assume the role of Approved Mental Health Worker under English mental health law. A survey of mental health nurses found that few had received any preparation for the role of second health professional and 45% did not feel adequately prepared for the role. Some of these issues are reflected in a New Zealand inquiry which resulted in the Ministry of Health developing a written report form for second health professionals. However, the form has the potential to reduce the mental health nursing role to a narrow legal role. Statutory roles such as that of second health professional challenge mental health nurses to critically reflect on the conceptual and ethical basis of their practice. While traditional concepts such as therapeutic relationships and advocacy need to be reviewed in light of these changes, nurses need to be vigilant in articulating the moral and clinical basis of their roles. The development of guidelines for he second health professional role is suggested as a way of supporting clinical practice in this area.
Pollen‐mediated gene dispersal within continuous and fragmented populations of a forest understorey species, Trillium cuneatum
Authors: GONZALES EVA , HAMRICK J. L. , SMOUSE P. E. , DYER R. J.
Published: May 2006

Pollen movement plays a critical role in the distribution of genetic variation within and among plant populations. Direct measures of pollen movement in the large, continuous populations that characterize many herbaceous plant species are often technically difficult and biologically unreliable. Here, we studied contemporary pollen movement in four large populations of Trillium cuneatum. Three populations, located in the Georgia Piedmont, are exposed to strong anthropogenic disturbances, while the fourth population, located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, is relatively undisturbed. Using the recently developed TwoGener analysis, we extracted estimates of the effective number of pollen donors (Nep), effective mating neighbourhood size (Aep) and the average distance of pollen movement (δ) for each population. We extended the TwoGener method by developing inference on the paternal gametic contribution to the embryo in situations where offspring genotypes are inferred from seeds and elaiosomes of species with bisporic megagametogenesis. Our estimates indicate that maternal plants do not sample pollen randomly from a global pool; rather, pollen movement in all four populations is highly restricted. Although the effective number of pollen donors per maternal plant is low (1.22–1.66) and pollen movement is highly localized in all populations, Nep in the disturbed Piedmont populations is higher and there is more pollen movement than in the mountains. The distance pollen moves is greater in disturbed sites and fragmented populations, possibly due to edge effects in Trillium habitats.