bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the kinetics of degradation of inosine monophosphate in some species of fish during chilled storage
Authors: Howgate Peter
Published: November 2005

A literature search was made for data on the concentrations of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and its degradation products, inosine (Ino) and hypoxanthine (Hx), in the flesh of vertebrate fish during storage in ice. Twenty‐one publications containing data for forty‐five species were selected for review. A mathematical model was developed for analysing the data by assuming that the kinetics of degradation of IMP could be modelled as consecutive first order reactions. The model was fitted to the data and in about half of the cases examined in the review the data suggested that IMP and degradation products were lost by leaching and the kinetic model was extended to allow for this loss. In all of the cases reviewed the mathematical model was a good fit to the experimental data and the reaction rates for the reactions are tabulated in the paper. In all species the concentration of IMP decreased as a first order reaction, but for thirteen of the species examined the enzyme model of IMP to Ino to Hx did not fit the data in that either Ino or Hx did not accumulate in the muscle. There were only a few examples of replications of storage trials within species and comparison of the outcomes of these replications suggested that season or, in the case of farmed fish, genetic stock or cultural practices might influence initial IMP concentrations or reaction rates.
Electron paramagnetic resonance detection of Mexican irradiated spices
Authors: Bortolin E. , Bustos Griffin E. , Cruz‐Zaragoza E. , De Coste V. , Onori S.
Published: November 2005

Four different spices produced in Mexico, namely black pepper, two kinds of chilli and oregano, were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique for detection purposes. In all the non‐irradiated spices we tested, the same single line signal at g = 2.0041 (native signal) was registered. Irradiation induced at least two EPR signals overlapping the native signal: an intense singlet and, with the exclusion of oregano, a weak triplet with hyperfine splitting of 3 mT due to cellulose free radicals. The recombination time of the free radicals produced by irradiation was short compared with the shelf‐life of the spices, thus limiting the application of the EPR technique for detection. To extend the time when these products may be identified as irradiated, the method proposed by Yordanov and Gancheva (Appl Radiat Isot 2000;52:195) was applied to the spices, but with no success. Thermoluminescence tests provided correct results for all the spices, even 2 years after irradiation.
Inhibition properties of dipeptides from salmon muscle hydrolysate on angiotensin I‐converting enzyme
Authors: Ono Seigo , Hosokawa Masashi , Miyashita Kazuo , Takahashi Koretaro
Published: November 2005

We isolated Phe–Leu as an angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor from hydrolysate of chum salmon muscle. The IC50 value of this peptide was 13.6 μm, and it showed non‐competitive inhibition. The reverse sequence dipeptide Leu–Phe also showed ACE inhibitory activity. However, Leu–Phe is much less inhibitory than Phe–Leu with an IC50 value of 383.2 μm. In addition, the inhibition mode was competitive. To investigate the relationship between dipeptide sequence and ACE inhibition properties, we further measured ACE inhibitory activity and inhibition mechanism using six Trp‐containing dipeptides, which had been identified from the same salmon muscle hydrolysate as ACE inhibitory peptides in a previous study. Peptides with Trp as the C‐terminal residue, Ala–Trp, Val–Trp, Met–Trp, Ile–Trp, Leu–Trp showed non‐competitive inhibition. On the other hand, reversed sequence peptides with Trp at the N‐terminal were competitive inhibitors, except Trp–Leu. These results indicate that the sequence of ACE inhibitory dipeptides can affect both inhibitory potency and the inhibition mechanisms.
Physical, chemical and palynological characterization of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) honey in Israel
Authors: Dag Arnon , Afik Ohad , Yeselson Yelena , Schaffer Arthur , Shafir Sharoni
Published: November 2005

Various methods were used to characterize avocado honey in Israel. Perseitol, a unique sugar present only in avocado honey, served as an indicator for the degree of purity of avocado honey. Low avocado pollen counts made the common melissopalynology method ineffective at predicting the contribution of avocado nectar to honey. It was also found that the levels of fructose, sucrose and glucose do not uniquely characterize avocado honey. Potassium content and eight other minerals were linearly highly correlated to perseitol content. Moreover, pH level, absorbance and degree of darkness were significantly correlated to perseitol content, and can therefore be used to characterize avocado honey.
Best practice from admission to discharge in acute inpatient care: considerations and standards from a whole system perspective
Authors: JONES A. , BOWLES N.
Published: November 2005

Effective mental health care and promotion involves numerous agencies and individuals. Hence, practice development for people with acute mental health needs requires a systemic (or whole system) perspective. Whilst a policy imperative, this is unfamiliar practice for many health and social care workers. In a previous paper published within this journal, the authors argued that admission to acute inpatient care may sometimes be occasioned by the need to contain worker anxiety within the whole system, rather than being clinically justified or necessary. In this paper the authors seek to follow up this premise with proposals for purposeful admission and standards to assure the quality throughout the patient journey, into and out of acute inpatient wards.
A review of the literature considering the role of mental health nurses in assertive outreach
Authors: MCADAM M. , WRIGHT N.
Published: November 2005

Assertive outreach teams are a central component of the UK government vision for Mental Health. The general aim of such services is to engage with clients who for one reason or another lose contact with traditional services and require a more flexible approach to care. Researchers and the Government recognize that nurses who work within Assertive Outreach need specialist skills, knowledge and personal attributes to carry out their work. A comprehensive review of the literature was carried out via computer search engines, an Internet search and a hand search of pertinent references. Two screens were applied to the literature to make sure only the highest quality information was evaluated. The results of the literature search were presented in tabular format and three key themes were identified as being important for mental health nurses working in assertive outreach services. These themes were clinical knowledge and skills, successful outcomes for assertive outreach services and personal attributes of practitioners. Multidisciplinary working within assertive outreach services allows for some of the ethical dilemmas to be resolved. However, the competing demands placed on nurses, including risk assessment verses engagement, may lead to high stress levels and burnout. Research studies highlight that without experienced and knowledgeable staff the provision of an assertive outreach model is in jeopardy. The Government and service providers need to ensure that practitioners within assertive outreach services receive sufficient training, managerial and clinical supervision, in order to do the best for a very challenging and chaotic client group.
Redesigning acute mental health services: an audit into the quality of inpatient care before and after service redesign in Grampian
Authors: MELVIN M. , HALL P. , BIENEK E.
Published: November 2005

As part of the redesign of adult mental health services in Grampian and in line with the Scottish Framework for Mental Health (1997), the decision was made to close one of the five acute mental health admission wards within Royal Cornhill Hospital. Inpatient services were to be provided within the remaining four admission wards by increasing their bed compliment from 25 to 28 and by increasing the staffing compliment of the community mental health teams serving Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire. The adult mental health directorate commissioned an audit to measure certain key items in the 6 months leading up to the redesign and in the 6 months post redesign. This audit focused on the number of admissions, the bed occupancy, the number of incidents, the number of days the ward doors were locked, observation levels, sickness levels and the number of bank hours used. These factors were felt to be important indicators in the monitoring of the quality of patient care as any increase in the instance of these factors could be seen as detrimental to patient care. Therefore, a comparison of these factors, pre‐ and post‐ward closure, was seen as a useful method of assessing the effect of the ward closure and the subsequent loss of seven acute inpatient beds. As the results of the audit showed that the rate of these factors had not increased, it was assumed the quality of care in the inpatient service was as at least as good following the redesign as it was before it. Two issues arose from the audit that merit further discussion, that is, the differences in the numbers of observations and in the numbers of times the ward doors were locked. Two G grade community psychiatric nurses were employed on a 0.5 session per week basis to collect and collate the data.
Smoking in a forensic psychiatric service: a survey of inpatients’ views
Authors: DICKENS G. , STUBBS J. , POPHAM R. , HAW C.
Published: November 2005

Very little is known concerning the views and beliefs of psychiatric inpatients about smoking in hospital. We conducted a survey of inpatients from the forensic wards of a large independent psychiatric hospital using a structured interview to collect data about their views on smoking. Of 102 patients eligible to participate, 45 (44.1%) agreed to do so. Most participants (34, 75.6%) were current smokers. Most smokers thought it was just too difficult to give up smoking (25, 73.5%). They cited seeing staff and other patients smoking, as well as the smoky atmosphere on the ward, as barriers to quitting. The majority of participants (35, 77.8%) thought that staff should be allowed to smoke with patients. Smokers held more liberal views about smoking than non‐smokers. A smaller proportion of non‐smokers than smokers were happy with the hospital smoking policy, as reflected in the ward rules about smoking. The results of this survey suggest that a change in attitude and culture towards smoking may be needed in psychiatric units. Smokers should be regularly offered help and encouragement to quit. Psychiatric care staff should carefully consider whether their own smoking behaviour undermines their patients’ attempts to stop smoking. More attention should be given to the views and needs of non‐smokers.
Launching the Tidal Model: evaluating the evidence
Authors: GORDON W. , MORTON T. , BROOKS G.
Published: November 2005

This paper reports on two evaluations of the Tidal Model, in the context of two separate acute admission wards, one in Birmingham (2004) and the other in Newcastle (2001), and makes recommendations concerning the criteria and type of reasoning appropriate to evaluating the evidence the two projects have generated. In the Birmingham study, results showed that in the year following the introduction of the Tidal Model, the total number of serious untoward incidents such as physical assault, violence and harassment, decreased by 57%. Nurse satisfaction with their work also improved with nurses rating the model superior to their previous way of working. Inpatient service user assessment of the overall quality of their care was also positive. These findings are then compared with the positive results of an earlier study of the Tidal Model undertaken in Newcastle in 2001. That study was criticized, however, for not showing conclusively that the positive results of the evaluation correlated with the introduction of the Tidal Model. This criticism is briefly examined in the light of both ancient (Aristotle) and modern (Charles Peirce) understandings of the nature of evidence and suggests that such criticism begs the question of the nature of proof. The paper concludes by arguing that, according to both Aristotle and the procedures of abductive reasoning advocated by Charles Peirce, inferring a positive correlation between the results of both studies and the introduction of Tidal Model is a good example of reasonable inference to the best explanation. The available evidence suggests that the results of both studies render the conclusion probable and thus ‘good enough’ to warrant serious consideration for implementing the Tidal Model more widely within and across Mental Health NHS Trusts.
Antipsychotic drugs and pregnant or breastfeeding women: the issues for mental health nurses
Authors: USHER K. , FOSTER K. , MCNAMARA P.
Published: November 2005

Mental illness can affect up to 10% of pregnant women, and women with a pre‐existing psychiatric condition are more likely to experience a relapse of symptoms during pregnancy. Antipsychotic drugs are an important part of the treatment of psychotic illnesses; however, their safety with pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been fully established. Given that these drugs will be ordered for pregnant or breastfeeding women diagnosed with a psychosis or with a pre‐existing psychiatric condition, it is imperative that mental health nurses and others administering the drugs, or caring for those taking the drugs, be aware of their consequences. A review of the available evidence, albeit at times contradictory, is presented along with a discussion of the implications for mental health nurses. Recommendations for consideration when administering or counselling women regarding the use of antipsychotic drugs in pregnancy or when breastfeeding, are also included.
The impact of nurses’ opinion of client behaviour and level of social functioning on the amount of time they spend with clients
Authors: KRISTIANSEN L. , DAHL A. , ASPLUND K. , HELLZÉN O.
Published: November 2005

For people afflicted with different kinds of psychiatric disorder, suffering is a common denominator. The time the nurses spend with psychiatric clients may mirror their attitudes towards and feelings for these clients. The aim of this study was to investigate the connections between the time spent together and the nurses’ opinion of client behaviour and social functioning in community‐based psychiatry. In this quantitative study, 29 clients were assessed by 30 nurses, who answered the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). At the same time, 11 200 non‐participant observations of clients were registered using the Patient Activity Classification (PAC) to investigate how they spent their time at two psychiatric group dwellings. The PAC instrument revealed that clients spent an average of 60.8% of time alone, while only 20% of their daily time was spent with the nurses. Based on a factor analysis, indices were made by setting cut‐off points for the PANSS and the GAF scores, and four small groups of clients were generated: a relatively high level of social functioning and a low degree of psychiatric symptoms (A); a relatively high level of social functioning and a high degree of psychiatric symptoms (B); a low level of social functioning and a low degree of psychiatric symptoms (C); and, finally, a low level of social functioning and a high degree of psychiatric symptoms (D). The clients judged as having a low level of social functioning in combination with high degrees of psychiatric symptoms, that is, the most vulnerable and dependent individuals, receive less staff attention (18%) and are the clients who spend the most time alone (71.4%). It might be possible to interpret the results of this study in the light of a process of dehumanization.
Reviewing models of auxin canalization in the context of leaf vein pattern formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rolland‐Lagan Anne‐Gaëlle , Prusinkiewicz Przemyslaw
Published: November 2005

In both plants and animals vein networks play an essential role in transporting nutrients. In plants veins may also provide mechanical support. The mechanism by which vein patterns are formed in a developing leaf remains largely unresolved. According to the canalization hypothesis, a signal inducing vein differentiation is transported in a polar manner and is channeled into narrow strands. Since inhibition of auxin transport affects venation patterns, auxin is likely to be part of the signal involved. However, it is not clear whether the canalization hypothesis, initially formulated over 25 years ago, is compatible with recent experimental data. In this paper we focus on three aspects of this question, and show that: (i) canalization models can account for an acropetal development of the midvein if vein formation is sink‐driven; (ii) canalization models are in agreement with venation patterns resulting from inhibited auxin transport and (iii) loops and discontinuous venation patterns can be obtained assuming proper spacing of discrete auxin sources.
Scraping Sounds Produced by a Social Wasp (Asteloeca ujhelyii, Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Nascimento Fábio S. , Hrncir Michael , Tolfiski Adam , Zucchi Ronaldo
Published: November 2005

A distinct behavior performed by workers of the social wasp Asteloeca ujhelyii is described: guard waSPS, sitting outside of the nest around the entrance hole, scratch the nest envelope with their forelegs, thereby producing an audible ‘scraping sound’. Field observations revealed a relationship between the occurrence of the scraping behavior and the occurrences of waSPS entering and leaving the nest. The scraping was experimentally reproduced in the laboratory by moving a dissected wasp's leg parallel to the plane of the nest envelope. The resulting substrate‐borne vibrations propagate very well over a distance of a few centimeters. The amplitude of these vibrations depends on the velocity of the scraping movements. The possible role of the scraping behavior in the waSPS’ communication is discussed.
Elaborate Nests in a Weaverbird: A Role for Female Choice?
Authors: Quader Suhel
Published: November 2005

Studies on sexual selection have focused on behaviour and morphology, but several groups of animals build elaborate structures associated with acquiring a mate. I investigated female choice for nests built by male baya weavers (Ploceus philippinus). Nest choice by females should be strong, as nests are obvious direct benefits provided by males. I used a field experiment supplemented with correlational information to ask whether females appear to base mate choice decisions on male behaviour, nest architecture, and nest location. When the nests of highly visited males were exchanged with those of poorly visited males, female visits remained highest at the original male and location. I found no relationship between female choice and male display or other behaviour. Correlational analyses show that nest location was a better predictor of female choice than was nest architecture. These data suggest that current female choice is driven more by access to safe nesting sites rather than to well‐built nests, possibly because all males are able to build nests of adequate quality. However, nest architecture is unlikely to be irrelevant to females, and its role deserves further investigation.
The Prevalences ofBrachyspiraspp. andLawsonia intracellularisin Swedish Piglet Producing Herds and Wild Boar Population
Authors: Jacobson M. , Gerth Löfstedt M. , Holmgren N. , Lundeheim N. , Fellström C.
Published: November 2005

The aim of the present study was to survey the prevalences of the enteric pathogensBrachyspira hyodysenteriae,Brachyspira pilosicoliandLawsonia intracellularisin Swedish growing pigs and in the Swedish wild boar population and to relate these findings to clinical signs. The study included 105 randomly selected herds, constituting approximately one third of Swedish herds with a herd size of >100 sows. The herds were located all over the country. In these herds, growth promoters were not used and pigs sampled were not subjected to any medication. From each herd, samples were taken from 10 growing pigs aged 8–12 weeks, corresponding to approximately 2.5% of all growing pigs present in the herd at the sampling occasion. If possible, the samples were taken from pigs with diarrhoea. Forty‐eight faecal samples and 71 rectal swabs were also taken from free‐living wild boars (31 piglets, 19 growers and 21 adult animals) at shooting. The samples were analysed by culture and biochemical tests for the presence ofBrachyspiraspp. and by nested PCR for the presence ofL. intracellularis.Brachyspira hyodysenteriaewas not demonstrated in any sample.Brachyspira intermediawas detected in 22 samples originating from 15 herds,Brachyspira innocens/Brachyspira murdochiiwas detected in 370 samples from 82 herds andB. pilosicoliwas detected in 134 samples originating from 34 herds. In 21 herds and in 534 samples, noBrachyspiraspp. were detected.Lawsonia intracellulariswas demonstrated in 285 samples from 50 herds. Further, 418 samples from conventional herds were negative with respect toL. intracellularisand in 345 samples the PCR had been inhibited. All samples from the wild boars were negative forBrachyspiraspp., 12 of 48 samples were negative forL. intracellularis, and in 36 wild boar samples, the PCR was inhibited.
Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Virulence Factors in Faecal Enterococci of Wild Animals in Portugal
Authors: Poeta P. , Costa D. , Sáenz Y. , Klibi N. , Ruiz‐Larrea F. , Rodrigues J. , Torres C.
Published: November 2005

Antibiotic susceptibility was tested in 140 non‐selected enterococci (73 Enterococcus faecalis, 45 E. faecium and 22 of other species) recovered from faecal samples of 77 wild animals in Portugal. Susceptibility testing for 11 antibiotics (vancomycin, teicoplanin, ampicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, erythromycin, quinupristin–dalfopristin and ciprofloxacin) was determined by disk diffusion and agar dilution methods. Forty‐four isolates (31.4%) showed susceptibility to all the antibiotics tested (5.5% of E. faecalis; 62.2% of E. faecium; and 78.6% of E. hirae). Neither ampicillin‐resistance nor acquired‐vancomycin‐resistance was detected and 1.4% of the isolates showed high‐level‐resistance for gentamicin or streptomycin. Tetracycline and erythromycin resistances were shown in 28.6% and 20.1% of the isolates, respectively. Antibiotic resistance genes were studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing and tet(M) + tet(L), erm(B) or aac(6′)‐aph(2′′) genes were detected in most of tetracycline‐, erythromycin‐ or gentamicin‐resistant enterococci respectively. Genes encoding virulence factors were studied by PCR and a wide variety of virulence genes were detected in most of E. faecalis isolates but were rarely found in E. faecium and not detected in the other species. The prevalence of genes encoding virulence factors in E. faecalis was as follows: cpd (98.6%), gelE (75.3%), agg (30.1%), fsr (17.8%), ace (9.6%) and esp (4.1%). Low percentages of antibiotic resistance was found in the faecal enterococci of wild animals but a wide variety of virulence genes were detected among E. faecalis isolates although were rare in the other species.
Changes in Peripheral Blood Leucocyte Counts and Subpopulations after Experimental Infection with BVDV and/orMannheimia haemolytica
Authors: Gånheim C. , Johannisson A. , ÖHagen P. , Persson Waller K.
Published: November 2005

Leucocyte counts and subpopulations were studied in peripheral blood from calves experimentally infected in the respiratory tract with either bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) orMannheimia haemolytica(Mh), or with a combination of both agents (BVDV/Mh). A non‐inoculated control group was included. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for total leucocyte counts, and for neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts. The numbers of blood lymphocytes expressing the surface antigens CD4, CD8, WC1, B and IL‐2R were analysed using flow cytometry. The results showed that BVDV inoculation induced a significant decrease in total leucocyte counts and in neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers, while Mh inoculation induced significant increases in total leucocyte counts and neutrophils, while the lymphocyte count decreased. In the BVDV/Mh group, the total leucocyte count and the lymphocyte numbers decreased significantly. In this group, the lymphocyte numbers remained on a very low level throughout the rest of the study. The numbers of CD4+, CD8+ and WC1+ lymphocytes decreased significantly compared with before inoculations mainly in the BVDV and BVDV/Mh groups. The drops were most pronounced in the BVDV/Mh group. The numbers of B+ lymphocytes and IL‐2R+ cells did not change significantly.
The Persistence of Brucella melitensis in Experimentally Infected Ewes Through Three Reproductive Cycles
Authors: Tittarelli M. , Di Ventura M. , De Massis F. , Scacchia M. , Giovannini A. , Nannini D. , Caporale V.
Published: November 2005

The authors studied the persistence of infection in 46 ewes experimentally infected with Brucella melitensis biovar 3 and monitored through three subsequent reproductive cycles. The entire experimental period lasted for 151 weeks. Infection of ewes and elimination of Brucella in milk, or its presence in vaginal discharges, persisted throughout the duration of the trial, as demonstrated by recurrent elimination of Brucella in milk and vaginal discharges. Brucella melitensis was recovered from the tissues of one ewe killed at the end of the trial. The strain was recovered from vaginal swabs and milk following parturition in the third reproductive cycle from an ewe that had aborted in the first cycle but was not pregnant in the second cycle. From a public health point of view, the periodical recovery of Brucella from the milk during the entire trial period illustrated that brucellosis in sheep remains a continuous occupational risk and a significant public health problem for consumers of fresh milk and milk products. That risk may persist for at least 3 years following the initial infection of the flock. Lamb antibody titres became negative in all lambs within 5 months after birth. This suggested that serological tests on lambs may have no practical diagnostic significance if performed during the first 5 months of life. Nevertheless, the birth of three infected lambs suggested that the phenomenon of latent carrier state may represent another way for B. melitensis to persist in a flock.
Naturalizing non‐local native trees at Botany Bay: The long‐term impact of historical plantings
Authors: Benson Doug , Eldershaw Georgina
Published: November 2005

Non‐local ‘native’ species used in historical plantings at Captain Cook's Landing Place are spreading into bushland. What can we learn from the long‐term impact of this site's well‐intentioned but ecologically inappropriate plantings?
Effects of recreation areas on avian communities in coastal New South Wales’ parks
Authors: Densmore Patricia , French Kristine
Published: November 2005

Summary Information on the impacts of outdoor recreation on wildlife within national parks and reserves can be useful to natural area managers. This study aimed to (i) investigate the density, diversity and species composition of avian communities in recreation areas in bushland settings in comparison to surrounding natural habitats, and (ii) determine the influence of the presence of people on avian assemblages in such recreation areas. Avian density, species richness and community composition were compared between six high‐visitation bushland camping and picnic areas (recreation areas) and surrounding undisturbed habitats to examine the effect of recreation areas on avian assemblages. While total numbers of birds detected was found to be higher in recreation areas, species richness trends indicated that a greater diversity of birds was associated with the surrounding natural habitats, which were found to support a taxonomically different avian assemblage to the recreation areas. Interestingly, species previously shown to distinguish urban avian communities were commonly present and often more abundant in the recreation areas than the surrounding natural habitats. We investigated the effect of the intermittent presence of people (rather than clearing alone) and addressed changes in the diurnal distribution of species, by comparing avian assemblages at 22 picnic areas in the morning, at midday and in the afternoon between days of high and low human visitation. Observations of the availability of anthropogenic food resources and subsequent utilization by avifauna were recorded. Generally, avian assemblages appeared to be independent of the presence of people, although the provision of anthropogenic foods is thought to have the potential to adversely affect individual birds. The findings of this study suggest that even small‐scale habitat clearance to create picnic areas adversely affects the avian assemblage present, with temporal changes in visitation levels of humans in these areas appearing to have had no additional influence unless through indirect impacts from anthropogenic foods.
Valuation study of urban bushland at Hartfield Park, Forrestfield, Western Australia
Authors: Pepper Coral , McCann Laura , Burton Michael
Published: November 2005

Summary  Hartfield Park bushland represents a typical area of Perth urban bushland, and is identified as one site worthy of protection in the Western Australian Government's Bush Forever Plan. Two thirds of the Reserve is developed and parts of the remaining bushland are under threat of future development for parking and playing fields. This paper reports a study undertaken to estimate the economic value placed by the community on a specified urban bushland site using the contingent valuation method, a stated preference, non‐market valuation technique which captures both use and non‐use values. Because environmental goods such as urban bushland exist without organized markets, they are often omitted from the decision‐making process regarding the socially optimal management of resources. In estimating a valuation for Hartfield Park, it may be included in any cost–benefit analysis conducted for the site in future. A survey was conducted across the Perth metropolitan area during April 2001 that involved the mail out of 1000 questionnaires to names and addresses obtained at random from the Western Australia Electoral Roll. A 54% response rate was obtained. Regression analysis was used to predict the probability of people being willing to pay for the preservation of this urban bushland and the significant predictors of willingness to pay related to income and educational levels rather than proximity to or knowledge of the site. Willingness to pay was also estimated and the results indicate a conservative mean willingness to pay for the preservation of the bushland of $A21.60 per person per annum. Extrapolation of this figure across the total adult metropolitan community resulted in an estimated valuation of $A16.6 million. Median willingness to pay was also estimated and equalled $A4.35 per person per annum with a valuation for the total adult metropolitan community equal to $A3.3 million. Extrapolation of these mean and median figures across Perth households rather than adult individuals resulted in an estimated valuation of $A9.6 million and $A1.9 million, respectively. These figures indicate that the community value for this environmental amenity may exceed the costs of providing alternative facilities elsewhere.
The NSW Environmental Services Scheme: Results for the biodiversity benefits index, lessons learned, and the way forward
Authors: Oliver Ian , Ede Alan , Hawes Wendy , Grieve Alastair
Published: November 2005

Summary  In 2002 the Environmental Services Scheme (ESS) was launched in New South Wales, Australia. Its aim was to pilot a process to provide financial incentives to landholders to undertake changes in land use or land management that improved the status of environmental services (e.g. provision of clean water, healthy soils, biodiversity conservation). To guide the direction of incentive funds, metrics were developed for use by departmental staff to score the benefits of land use or land management changes to a range of environmental services. The purpose of this paper is to (i) report on the development of one of these metrics – the biodiversity benefits index; (ii) present the data generated by field application of the metric to 20 properties contracted to the ESS; and (iii) discuss the lessons learned and recent developments of the metric that aim to make it accessible to a wider range of end‐users and applications.
Preliminary morphological analysis of relationships between the spider wasp subfamilies (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): revisiting an old problem
Authors: Pitts James P. , Wasbauer Marius S. , Von Dohlen Carol D.
Published: November 2005

No qualitative cladistic analysis has been performed previously for the subfamily classification of Pompilidae (Hymenoptera). In 1994 Shimizu proposed six subfamilies, but their validity and relationships remain inconclusive. The objective of this study was to perform a quantitative analysis of phylogenetic relationships of the Pompilidae, with emphasis on testing the validity of proposed subfamilies. Two cladistic analyses were performed based on morphological evidence. First, a maximum‐parsimony analysis of Shimizu's original morphological data matrix (72 taxa by 54 characters) was conducted, with the data subjected to a heuristic search for the first time with phylogenetic software. The resulting strict‐consensus cladogram yielded a monophyletic Ceropalinae that was sister group to a large polytomy containing members of the remaining five subfamilies. In a second analysis, several of Shimizu's characters were re‐examined, and new characters and more taxa were added to the data set. Terminal taxa were coded as species rather than as generic abstractions, and 20 additional morphological characters were introduced. The analysis was based on 77 morphological characters derived from the adults of 84 taxa. This second analysis suggested that Notocyphinae sensu Shimizu (1994) was nested within Pompilinae and that Epipompilinae sensu Shimizu (1994) was nested within Ctenocerinae; neither should retain their status as a separate subfamily. Lastly, Chirodamus s.s., which historically has been a member of the Pepsinae, is placed within the Pompilinae with reservations rather than erecting a new subfamily. After these allowances were made, a strict consensus tree gave the following relationships: (Ceropalinae + (Pepsinae + (Ctenocerinae + Pompilinae))).
A population‐based study of renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer in the same patients
Authors: BAROCAS DANIEL A. , RABBANI FARHANG , SCHERR DOUGLAS S. , VAUGHAN E. DARRACOTT
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of prostate cancer in men with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the incidence of RCC in men with prostate cancer.

METHODS

We evaluated the database of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute from 1973 to 1996, to calculate the incidence of RCC in men with prostate cancer and the incidence of prostate cancer in men with RCC. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR, observed/expected) was calculated for each of the scenarios of interest, as well as for RCC and prostate cancer in men with other common malignancies. Lung/bronchus cancer, colon/rectal cancer, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma were selected for the control scenarios because they are the most common non‐urological cancers among men in the USA.

RESULTS

There was a higher incidence of RCC in men with prostate cancer (SIR 1.25, P < 0.01). RCC incidence was also higher in men with each of the other malignancies. Prostate cancer incidence was higher in men with RCC (SIR 1.42, P < 0.001), but was not significantly elevated for any of the control scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of RCC is higher in men with each of the index cancers, whereas that for prostate cancer was higher only in men with RCC. A common aetiological factor is possible. However, it is also possible that detection bias explains these findings. Serial imaging might increase the detection of RCC among patients with a variety of index malignancies. Patients with RCC who are followed by a urologist might be screened more rigorously for prostate cancer than patients with other primary malignancies, leading to increased detection in these men.
Impact of overactive bladder symptoms on employment, social interactions and emotional well‐being in six European countries
Authors: IRWIN DEBRA E. , MILSOM IAN , KOPP ZOE , ABRAMS PAUL , CARDOZO LINDA
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on issues related to employment, social interactions, and emotional well‐being in a population aged 40–64 years.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study comprised a cross‐sectional population‐based survey of 11 521 individuals aged 40–64 years, conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The survey involved a two‐stage screening procedure. Initially, individuals with any lower urinary tract symptoms were identified. Those whose only symptom/(s) was suggestive of a urinary tract infection, stress incontinence, or prostate obstruction were excluded from further study. Respondents were asked questions about the impact that their symptoms had on their emotional well‐being, social interactions and productivity at home and at work.

RESULTS

Of those with OAB, ≈ 32% (1272) reported that having these symptoms made them feel depressed, and 28% reported feeling very stressed. There were statistically significant differences in reported feelings of stress and depression when OAB symptoms were stratified by OAB with incontinence (OAB+) vs those with OAB with no incontinence (OAB−), with values for emotional stress of OAB+ 36.4% vs OAB− 19.6%, for depression of OAB+ 39.8% vs OAB− 23.3%. Participants with OAB+ were significantly more likely than those with OAB− to express worry about having accidents and concern about participating in activities away from home because of their bladder symptoms. In addition, those with OAB+ were significantly more likely to report that these bladder symptoms were a source of great concern and made them feel uncomfortable in social situations compared to those with OAB−. Men were significantly more likely than women to report OAB+ having an impact on their daily work life, including worry about interrupting meetings, impact on decisions about work location and hours, and voluntary termination or early retirement. This effect was primarily in men reporting OAB+.

CONCLUSION

OAB symptoms have a significant effect on the emotional well‐being and productivity of those affected, both at home and at work.
Laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy with bilateral nephroureterectomy: initial report
Authors: BERGLUND RYAN K. , Matin SURENA F. , DESAI MIHIR , KAOUK JIHAD , GILL INDERBIR S.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVES

To present our experience with laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy and bilateral nephroureterectomy for organ‐confined, muscle‐invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder in two patients with dialysis‐dependent end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two men aged 77 and 65 years with organ‐confined, muscle‐invasive TCC of the urinary bladder and pre‐existing dialysis‐dependent ESRD underwent laparoscopic bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, radical cystoprostatectomy and bilateral nephroureterectomy. Urine spillage was avoided and en bloc urothelial integrity between the bladder and the two renal specimens was maintained throughout the procedure. The intact, entrapped specimens were removed en bloc via a Pfannenstiel incision at the end of the procedure.

RESULTS

The total operative duration was 573 and 660 min, respectively, including repositioning and re‐draping between each major step. Blood loss was 350 and 1000 mL, respectively. Both patients tolerated the procedure well and there were no intraoperative complications. The first patient resumed oral intake 3 days after surgery and was discharged home after 5 days. The second patient's course after surgery was complicated by a prolonged adynamic ileus and infection of the catheter placed for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. He was discharged 28 days after surgery and died from unknown causes at 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of radical urotheliectomy, consisting of bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, radical cystoprostatectomy, and bilateral nephroureterectomy, using entirely intracorporeal laparoscopic techniques.
Comparative analysis of the penis corpora cavernosa in controls and patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: COSTA WALDEMAR S. , CARRERETE FABRICIO B. , HORTA WAGNER G. , SAMPAIO FRANCISCO J.B.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of structural disorders of the corpora cavernosa in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), as despite new drugs being effective in many men with ED, some aspects of structural disorders of the corpora cavernosa remain unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsy specimens were taken from the corpora cavernosa of seven patients (mean age 57.8 years, range 51–72) with severe ED who had a penile prosthesis implanted. The controls tissues were fragments of corpora cavernosa obtained from autopsies of six men (mean age 52.3 years, range 40–66) who died from causes unrelated to the urogenital system. For light microscopy, the specimens were processed routinely to paraffin wax, and by immunohistochemistry to evaluate elastic fibres, and by Masson's trichrome to analyse collagen and smooth muscle fibres. Stereological methods were used to quantitatively evaluate the different elements (as a percentage).

RESULTS

The percentages of the different elements in the human penis of controls and men with ED, respectively, were: elastic fibres 13.2% and 9.1%; collagen fibres 40.8% and 41.6%; and smooth muscle, 40.4% and 42%.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ED there was a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of elastic fibres, but no statistically significant difference in collagen and smooth muscle fibres, and no appreciable differences in collagen distribution between the groups.
Power Politics and Appeasement: Political Realism in British International Thought, c. 1935–1955
Authors: Hall Ian
Published: November 2005

It has been argued that the failure of ‘realist’ international thought to take root in Britain in the aftermath of the Second World War, as it did in the United States, was a function of declining power. This article challenges this view, suggesting instead that for the British, the term ‘realism’ had been discredited, in the late 1930s, by its associations with appeasement and the ‘power politics' of the dictators. Examining the international thought of politicians and scholars in the years before, during and after the war, this article offers a reinterpretation of the British rejection of political realism.
Bayesian Likelihood Methods for Estimating the End Point of a Distribution
Authors: Hall Peter , Wang Julian Z.
Published: November 2005

We consider maximum likelihood methods for estimating the end point of a distribution. The likelihood function is modified by a prior distribution that is imposed on the location parameter. The prior is explicit and meaningful, and has a general form that adapts itself to different settings. Results on convergence rates and limiting distributions are given. In particular, it is shown that the limiting distribution is non-normal in non-regular cases. Parametric bootstrap techniques are suggested for quantifying the accuracy of the estimator. We illustrate performance by applying the method to multiparameter Weibull and gamma distributions.
Good Randomized Sequential Probability Forecasting is Always Possible
Authors: Vovk Vladimir , Shafer Glenn
Published: November 2005

Building on the game theoretic framework for probability, we show that it is possible, using randomization, to make sequential probability forecasts that will pass any given battery of statistical tests. This result, an easy consequence of von Neumann's minimax theorem, simplifies and generalizes work by earlier researchers.
Provision of Counselling Services in Secondary Schools: A Survey of Local Education Authorities in England and Wales
Authors: Polat Filiz , Jenkins Peter
Published: November 2005

This paper explores the current state of counselling as provided by local education authorities (LEAs) to secondary schools in England and Wales. A questionnaire was sent to all 172 LEAs in England and Wales. The data suggest that the counselling provision is highly variable and somewhat fragmented in scope. The data also indicate that the perception of the role of school counselling services by educational professionals varies considerably, and that there were a number of issues concerning integrated versus decentralized forms of provision. The study has a number of implications for the main stakeholders, including schools, LEAs, pupils and parents, concerning future developments in this increasingly important policy area. These relate to minimum qualifications for counsellors, confidentiality, accessibility to pupils and funding.
One in Three? Teachers' Attempts to Identify Low Self‐Esteem Children
Authors: Miller David , Moran Teresa
Published: November 2005

The maintenance of healthy self‐esteem remains a central concern in pastoral care. It is almost taken for granted that we can identify low self‐esteem in children based on the knowledge built up through day‐to‐day interactions. But self‐esteem is essentially a personal perception, and one may ask, to what extent can another make reliable judgements about such a phenomenon? This study looked at the match between teachers' judgements of their pupils' self‐esteem and the children's own self‐reports. The teachers concerned were committed to self‐esteem enhancement as an important goal of their teaching, but the findings indicate that when trying to identify low self‐esteem children in their classes, they were frequently unsuccessful. These findings are discussed, and implications considered.
Stress in Year 11 Students
Authors: Owen‐Yeates Alison
Published: November 2005

Over the past decade, teacher stress has been well studied. However, comparatively little research has been carried out on student stress. This article reproduces a study carried out by Kyriacou and Butcher in 1993 to observe whether the main stressors for year 11 students have changed over the past 10 years. Students at one comprehensive school completed a questionnaire about their own stress, which was also completed by the teachers. The main sources of stress were academic, as was found in 1993; however, coursework featured more in 2002. There were a number of differences between girls and boys and between the students and their teachers.