bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is productivity of mesic savannas light limited or water limited? Results of a simulation study
Authors: WHITLEY RHYS J. , MACINNIS‐NG CATRIONA M. O. , HUTLEY LINDSAY B. , BERINGER JASON , ZEPPEL MELANIE , WILLIAMS MATHEW , TAYLOR DANIEL , EAMUS DEREK
Published: March 2011

A soil–plant–atmosphere model was used to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) of a tropical savanna in Australia. This paper describes model modifications required to simulate the substantial C4 grass understory together with C3 trees. The model was further improved to include a seasonal distribution of leaf area and foliar nitrogen through 10 canopy layers. Model outputs were compared with a 5‐year eddy covariance dataset. Adding the C4 photosynthesis component improved the model efficiency and root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) for total ecosystem GPP by better emulating annual peaks and troughs in GPP across wet and dry seasons. The C4 photosynthesis component had minimal impact on modelled values of ET. Outputs of GPP from the modified model agreed well with measured values, explaining between 79% and 90% of the variance and having a low RMSE (0.003–0.281 g C m−2 day−1). Approximately, 40% of total annual GPP was contributed by C4 grasses. Total (trees and grasses) wet season GPP was approximately 75–80% of total annual GPP. Light‐use efficiency (LUE) was largest for the wet season and smallest in the dry season and C4 LUE was larger than that of the trees. A sensitivity analysis of GPP revealed that daily GPP was most sensitive to changes in leaf area index (LAI) and foliar nitrogen (Nf) and relatively insensitive to changes in maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) and minimum leaf water potential (ψmin). The modified model was also able to represent daily and seasonal patterns in ET, (explaining 68–81% of variance) with a low RMSE (0.038–0.19 mm day−1). Current values of Nf, LAI and other parameters appear to be colimiting for maximizing GPP. By manipulating LAI and soil moisture content inputs, we show that modelled GPP is limited by light interception rather than water availability at this site.
When should prophylaxis therapy in inhibitor patients be considered?
Authors: YOUNG G. , AUERSWALD G. , JIMENEZ‐YUSTE V. , KONKLE B. A. , LAMBERT T. , MORFINI M. , SANTAGOSTINO E. , BLANCHETTE V.
Published: March 2011

Summary.  Currently, patients with severe haemophilia can expect to lead a relatively normal life including prevention of disabling arthropathy as a result of the development of factor replacement therapy and advances in the understanding of the use of such therapy given prophylactically. Unfortunately, a subset of patients develops neutralizing antibodies termed inhibitors rendering such therapy ineffective. These patients frequently develop recurrent joint bleeding resulting in arthropathy. Until recently, prophylactic therapy was not considered for patients with inhibitors because of the perceived lack of an effective therapeutic agent. However, an accumulation of case reports and a recent prospective study have suggested that prophylaxis with the currently available bypassing agents could be effective and appears to be safe in selected cases. This report will review the current data on prophylaxis with bypassing agents and suggest specific situations in which prophylaxis in inhibitor patients could be considered.
Tumour suppressor genes: Oncogenesis update
Authors: Paul J.
Published: March 2011

Evidence for tumour suppressor genes (anti‐oncogenes, hemerogenes, flatogenes) has been obtained from the behaviour of familial childhood tumours in man, tumours in Drosophila caused by recessive mutations, experiments on fusing tumour cells to normal cells in tissue culture and revertants of oncogene‐transformed cells. They may comprise more than one class of genes, one of which is likely to consist of genes responsible for normal differentiation. In large long‐lived animals like man, which have a large potential somatic mutational load, mutant genes are associated with autosomal dominant behaviour in families. The susceptible individuals inherit heterozygosity of the tumour gene but the emergence of a tumour appears to follow a second somatic mutational event which results in homozygosity or hemizygosity. Hence, in tumour cells the mutations behave in a recessive manner. Success in isolating the normal genes may provide new tools for antenatal diagnosis of carriers and open up the possibility of developing new gene therapy.
Amyloid deposits in surgically removed articular and periarticular tissue
Authors: Ladefoged C. , Merrild U. , Jørgensen B.
Published: March 2011

In tissue from 13 of 30 patients subjected to meniscectomy, amyloid degeneration was found to varying extent along the surface of the meniscus. Tissue from 30 synovectomies, 30 bursectomies and 30 ganglia showed amyloid deposits in four, six and eight cases, respectively. Amyloid was found significantly more frequently in older patients, but there was no sex difference and no relation to duration of the symptoms or to other histological changes in the tissue. Micro‐deposits of amyloid in joint tissue and tissue neighbouring joints are a frequent finding, especially in elderly persons, but the clinical significance of this finding is not clear.
Lymph node pathology in Henoch‐Schönlein purpura
Authors: Akosa A. B. , Ali M. H.
Published: March 2011

This report describes two cases of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura with unusual lymph node pathology. The patients presented with severe colicky abdominal pain mimicking acute appendicitis but a normal appendix was removed in each case. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were removed, with a clinical suspicion of Yersinia infection. Cultures and serology were negative. Histological examination of the lymph nodes revealed follicular granulomas, follicular microabscesses and leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed deposition of IgA, IgG and C3 in the vessel walls, the finding of IgA supporting a diagnosis of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura.
Mobilisation of epistaxis patients – a prospective, randomised study documenting a safe patient care regime
Authors: Kristensen Vibeke G , Nielsen Annette L , Gaihede Michael , Boll Birgitte , Delmar Charlotte
Published: March 2011

Objective.  The project aimed at determining whether patients admitted to hospital for the treatment of epistaxis can be mobilised instead of the conventional regime of bed rest without increasing the risks of new bleeding episodes.

Background.  A survey of nursing regimes for epistaxis patients has shown that patients were prescribed bed rest in 11 of 16 hospital departments. This prescription has been based on the assumption that bed rest reduces the risk of renewed bleeding. There is no scientific documentation of the need for bed rest demonstrating any reduced risks of new bleeding episodes. However, these patients are generally older and sustain an increased risk of further complications related to bed rest itself.

Design.  The study was a prospective, randomised 1:1 parallel‐group trial with 100 participants admitted to our department for the treatment of epistaxis.

Methods.  Participants were randomly assigned to mobilisation or bed rest. Further, general demographic baseline data were registered including treatment modalities, hypertension, haemophilic disorders, anticoagulant therapy and diabetes.

Results.  In the study group (mobilisation), 21 participants experienced new bleeding episodes against 29 maintaining haemostasis. In the control group (immobilisation), 24 participants experienced new bleeding episodes against 26. The odds ratio for bleeding when mobilised was 0·784 with a confidence interval of (0·356–1·728). Thus, there was no statistically significant evidence that mobilisation increased the risk of new bleeding episodes.

Conclusion.  There was no statistical evidence to support the practice of bed rest to reduce the risk of renewed bleeding episodes in patients with primary epistaxis. This suggested that these patients can be mobilised without any increased risk of new haemorrhage.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Mobilisation during hospital stay can maintain patients’ levels of functionality, which will prevent both complications of bed rest and loss of self‐esteem.
Is anybody listening? A qualitative study of nurses’ reflections on practice
Authors: Huntington Annette , Gilmour Jean , Tuckett Anthony , Neville Stephen , Wilson Denise , Turner Catherine
Published: March 2011

Aim and objectives.  To explore nurses’ perceptions of the reality of practice based on data from the Nurses and Midwives e‐cohort Study which examined the workforce characteristics, work–life balance and health of nurses.

Background.  Recruitment and retention of the nursing workforce is of international concern as demands increase due to demographic changes, political pressure and community expectations, in a climate of economic constraint.

Design.  Qualitative analysis of data from a cohort of Australian, New Zealand and UK nurses.

Method.  Of the 7604 participants in the electronic cohort, 1909 provided qualitative comments of which 162 related to nursing practice; thematic analysis resulted in four high order themes. The analytical discussion is structured around ‘care’ as the organising construct.

Results.  Four themes emerged: ‘embodied care’ which discusses the impact of work on the nurse’s physical and emotional health; ‘quantity/quality care’ which addresses increasing pressures of work and ability to provide quality care; ‘organisational (non)care’ raising the seeming lack of support from management; and ‘(un)collegial/self care’ where bullying and professional relationships were raised.

Conclusions.  Issues raised by participants have been discussed in the nursing literature for several years yet nurses still experience these negative aspects of nursing. It appears there is a significant gap between what is known about the practice environment, recommendations for change and change occurring: the management equivalent of the theory–practice gap, resulting in nurses intending to leave the profession.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Research demonstrates that a well‐qualified, stable nursing workforce improves quality of health care and health outcomes. Changing the work environment and fostering a positive workplace culture seems fundamental to supporting the retention of nurses, that this is not occurring in some areas in the current climate is a concern for the profession and those responsible for the provision of care.
Electronic medical record system at an opioid agonist treatment programme: study design, pre‐implementation results and post‐implementation trends
Authors: Kritz Steven , Brown Jr Lawrence S. , Chu Melissa , John‐Hull Carlota , Madray Charles , Zavala Roberto , Louie Ben
Published: March 2011

Rationale  Electronic medical record (EMR) systems are commonly included in health care reform discussions. However, their embrace by the health care community has been slow.

Methods  At Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation, an outpatient opioid agonist treatment programme that also provides primary medical care, HIV medical care and case management, substance abuse counselling and vocational services, we studied the implementation of an EMR in the domains of quality, productivity, satisfaction, risk management and financial performance utilizing a prospective pre‐ and post‐implementation study design.

Results  This report details the research approach, pre‐implementation findings for all five domains, analysis of the pre‐implementation findings and some preliminary post‐implementation results in the domains of quality and risk management. For quality, there was a highly statistically significant improvement in timely performance of annual medical assessments (P < 0.001) and annual multidiscipline assessments (P < 0.0001). For risk management, the number of events was not sufficient to perform valid statistical analysis.

Conclusions  The preliminary findings in the domain of quality are very promising. Should the findings in the other domains prove to be positive, then the impetus to implement EMR in similar health care facilities will be advanced.
A high‐definition native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system for the analysis of membrane complexes
Authors: Ladig Roman , Sommer Maik S. , Hahn Alexander , Leisegang Matthias S. , Papasotiriou Dimitrios G. , Ibrahim Mohamed , Elkehal Rajae , Karas Michael , Zickermann Volker , Gutensohn Michael , Brandt Ulrich , Klösgen Ralf Bernd , Schleiff Enrico
Published: March 2011

Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is an important technique for the analysis of membrane protein complexes. A major breakthrough was the development of blue native (BN‐) and high resolution clear native (hrCN‐) PAGE techniques. Although these techniques are very powerful, they could not be applied to all systems with the same resolution. We have developed an alternative protocol for the analysis of membrane protein complexes of plant chloroplasts and cyanobacteria, which we termed histidine‐ and deoxycholate‐based native (HDN‐) PAGE. We compared the capacity of HDN‐, BN‐ and hrCN‐PAGE to resolve the well‐studied respiratory chain complexes in mitochondria of bovine heart muscle and Yarrowia lipolytica, as well as thylakoid localized complexes of Medicago sativa, Pisum sativum and Anabaena sp. PCC7120. Moreover, we determined the assembly/composition of the Anabaena sp. PCC7120 thylakoids and envelope membranes by HDN‐PAGE. The analysis of isolated chloroplast envelope complexes by HDN‐PAGE permitted us to resolve complexes such as the translocon of the outer envelope migrating at approximately 700 kDa or of the inner envelope of about 230 and 400 kDa with high resolution. By immunodecoration and mass spectrometry of these complexes we present new insights into the assembly/composition of these translocation machineries. The HDN‐PAGE technique thus provides an important tool for future analyses of membrane complexes such as protein translocons.
Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance: are they truly associated?
Authors: Fattah Nermeen S. A. Abdel , Darwish Yasser W.
Published: March 2011

Background Controversies exist regarding the association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with insulin resistance. Are they truly associated, or is insulin resistance just related to aging, obesity, or to the presence of metabolic syndrome?

Objective To assess insulin resistance in young nonobese patients with AGA with and without metabolic syndrome.

Methods The study included four equally distributed groups of age‐, sex‐, and body mass index‐matched young, nonobese subjects: 30 patients with AGA and metabolic syndrome (group 1); 30 patients with AGA and no metabolic syndrome (group 2); 30 patients with metabolic syndrome and no AGA (group 3); and 30 healthy controls (group 4). Insulin resistance based on fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was assessed in all groups.

Results Twenty‐three patients in group 1, four patients in group 2, 25 patients in group 3, and three healthy controls had insulin resistance with statistically significant differences in fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR levels between all groups, between groups 1 and 2, groups 1 and 4, groups 2 and 3, and groups 3 and 4. No significant differences existed between groups 2 and 4 or groups 1 and 3. Correlations between insulin resistance parameters, age of patients, disease duration, and stages of AGA in males and females revealed nonsignificant differences.

Conclusions Patients with metabolic syndrome, with or without AGA, were significantly more insulin resistant compared with patients with AGA with no metabolic syndrome and with healthy subjects and, therefore, no true association exists between AGA and insulin resistance.
Successful treatment of Nocardia actinomycetoma with meropenem and amikacin combination therapy
Authors: Ameen Mahreen , Vargas Felipe , Arenas Roberto , Mercado Elsa Vásquez del
Published: March 2011

Background  Actinomycetomas are chronic, granulomatous, subcutaneous infections caused by the traumatic inoculation of actinomycetes bacteria into the skin which produces nodular lesions with draining sinuses and discharging grains. Actinomycetomas can cause profound disability, and despite long‐term chemotherapy, treatment failure is common.

Aims  We investigated the efficacy of a novel drug regimen for the treatment of a severe case of Nocardia actinomycetoma of the leg.

Material and Methods  A 31‐year‐old man was treated with an initial three‐week parenteral course of meropenem and amikacin combination therapy followed by long term oral sulphonamides.

Results  Treatment was well‐tolerated with no adverse effects, and there was complete clinical and microbiological cure with no recurrence.

Conclusion  Meropenem and amikacin combination therapy represents an important addition to the currently available treatments for actinomycetomas.
Die Verwertung der Schlachtabfälle und Nebenprodukte der Schlachttiere in den Großschlächtereien der Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika
Authors: Klein Philipp
Published: March 2011

Inhalt: I. Einleitung. II. Die Verwertung der Schlachtabfälle und Nebenprodukte der Schlachttiere in ihrer geschichtlichen Entwicklung. III. Der heutige Stand der Verwertung der Schlachtabfälle und Nebenprodukte der Schlachttiere. IV. Die Verwertung der sogenannten „eßbaren Fleischnebenprodukte”. V. Die Verarbeitung tierischer Fette und Öle. VI. Die Verwertung der Därme und ähnlicher Eingeweide. VII. Die Verwertung von Häuten und Fellen. VIII. Die Verwertung von Schlachtabfällen zur Herstellung von Leim, Gelatine und ähnlichen Produkten. IX. Die Verwertung von Haaren und Borsten. X. Die Verwertung der bei der Schlachtung von Schafen anfallenden Wolle. XI. Die Verwertung von Blut und Galle. XII. Die Verwertung tierischer Organe zur Herstellung pharmazeutischer Präparate. XIII. Die Verwertung von Knochen, Klauen und Hörnern. XIV. Die Verwertung von Schlachtabfällen zur Herstellung von Düngemitteln. XV. Die Verwertung von Schlachtabfällen zur Herstellung von Futtermitteln. XVI. Schlußbetrachtung. — Literatur.
Infectivity and Sporulation of Phytophthora ramorum on Northern Red Oak and Chestnut Oak
Authors: Tooley Paul W. , Browning Marsha , Leighty Robert M.
Published: March 2011

We evaluated the effect of moisture period on foliar disease development by Phytophthora ramorum on 2‐ to 3‐year‐old northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and chestnut oak (Q. prinus). We also determined the propensity of P. ramorum to form sporangia and chlamydospores on these two host species. Leaves were dip‐inoculated with ca. 5000 sporangia/ml of P. ramorum isolate Pr‐6 and incubated at 100% relative humidity in dew chambers in darkness for up to 6 days. Several plants were removed each day to a greenhouse, and foliar infection was evaluated on day 7. Sporangia were collected over a 7‐day period from diseased foliage in a mist tent. A significant relationship between moisture period and disease incidence was found for both tree species. Chestnut oak exhibited significantly greater disease incidence and severity compared with northern red oak. However, sporulation levels were larger in northern red oak over the 7‐day period of sporangia collection, and northern red oak also produced significantly greater numbers of sporangia per square centimetre of lesion area compared with chestnut oak. Chlamydospore production in diseased leaves sampled 1 month following moist incubation was also significantly greater for northern red oak compared with chestnut oak. Knowledge of P. ramorum sporulation capacity in relation to disease incidence and severity on Eastern US oak species will help determine the potential for epidemic development should the pathogen become established in this region.
The Effect of Experimental Infectious Mastitis on Leukocyte Subpopulations and Cytokine Production in Non‐lactating Ewes
Authors: Waller K. Persson , Colditz I. G.
Published: March 2011

The interactions between leukocytes and cytokines during the acute response to intramammary infections in the dry mammary gland of sheep were studied. Dry ewes were experimentally infected in one udder half with either Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichta coli, or infused with saline as control. Udder secretion samples, blood samples and udder tissue samples were collected before and 4, 8 and 24 h after infections/infusions. Total and differential leukocyte counts were calculated in both blood and mammary secretions, and flow cytometry was used to detect the presence of CD4+, CD8+, WC1+, IL‐2R+, CD18+ or L‐selectin+ lymphocytes, CD18+ or L‐selectin + neutrophils, and CD14+ leukocytes. Moreover, the concentrations of interleukin‐1β+ (IL‐1β), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in udder secretions were measured using ELISA, and RT‐PCR was used to detect the presence of corresponding cytokine mRNA in udder tissue biopsies. The results suggest an association between the concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and the intensity of neutrophil infiltration of the infected gland. Immunologically relevant changes in proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations might also occur in the acute phase of the inflammatory reaction of the udder. Greater cellular and cytokine responses to E. coli infection may have contributed to the milder clinical picture and more rapid resolution of infection than that seen for S. aureus. Enhancing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines may improve defence against bacterial mastitis.
Interactions of Mycoplasma bovoculi with Erythrocytes: Role of p94 Surface Protein
Authors: Salih B. A. , Rosenbusch R. F.
Published: March 2011

The attachment of two strains of Mycoplasma bovoculi to erythrocytes was measured using 35S‐methionine‐labelled organisms. Receptor sites of M. bovoculi involved in this attachment are trypsin‐sensitive, since mild trypsin treatment of the intact organisms abolished this process completely. Pretreatment of erythrocyt***es with trypsin or increasing concentrations of neuraminidase resulted in no measurable effect. Monoclonal antibody MA25.5 directed against a M. bovoculi surface antigen of 94 kDa termed p94 blocked 40% of the attachment, while MA18.13 directed against a 57 kDa protein band of M. bovoculi had no effect on the attachment process. Other properties of M. bovoculi were tested using six strains of the mycoplasma and erythrocytes from several animal species. None of the strains showed haemagglutinating or haemadsorbing activities.
Isolation and Identification of Vibrio metschnicovii from Domestic Ducks and Geese
Authors: Hinz K.‐H. , Ryll M. , Glunder G.
Published: March 2011

Seven Vibrio‐like field strains of German origin were isolated culturally from diseased domesticated ducks, muscovy ducks and geese, and were compared with reference strains NCTC 8443 (type strain) and NCTC 11170 of Vibrio metschnicovii using classical phenotypic and chemotaxonomic tests. Some V. cholerae strains were included in the chemotaxonomic tests for comparative purposes. On the basis of the classical phenotypic characteristics studied and the numerical analysis of the whole‐cell fatty acid patterns, the Vibrio‐like field strains were identified as Vibrio metschnicovii. The identification tables and the database of the computer software of two commercial micro‐identification kits (API‐20 NE, ID‐32 E) did not identify the field strains. Of the reference strains used, only NCTC 8443 was correctly identified by the ID‐32 E software.
History and recent progress in evaluation of the fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein fraction
Authors: Aoyagi Yutaka , Tamura Yasushi , Suda Takeshi
Published: March 2011

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2011; 26: 739–744.
Psychopathology and working memory‐induced activation of the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia‐like psychosis of epilepsy: Evidence from magnetoencephalography
Authors: Canuet Leonides , Ishii Ryouhei , Iwase Masao , Ikezawa Koji , Kurimoto Ryu , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Currais Antonio , Azechi Michiyo , Aoki Yasunori , Nakahachi Takayuki , Soriano Salvador , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether magnetoencephalographic oscillations underlying working memory dysfunction in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are related to psychopathological disturbance in patients with schizophrenia‐like psychosis of epilepsy (SLPE).

Methods:  Twelve patients with SLPE and 14 non‐psychotic epilepsy controls participated in this study. Magnetoencephalography was recorded while patients performed a visual working memory (WM) task. Psychopathology was assessed using a four‐factor structure of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and regression analyses were carried out to examine the relative impact of severity of psychopathology on WM‐induced activation of the DLPFC.

Results:  We found that activation of the WM‐compromising DLPFC, as indicated by increased alpha desynchronization in patients with SLPE compared with their non‐psychotic counterparts, showed a positive linear correlation with disorganization symptom scores. This association remained significant after controlling for confounding factors, including age, task performance, IQ, and duration of psychosis.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that abnormal activation in prefrontal areas engaged during working memory may be critical to domains of psychopathology, in particular disorganized thought‐processing in patients with SLPE.
Effect of augmentation with olanzapine in outpatients with depression in partial remission with melancholic features: Consecutive case series
Authors: Nozawa Koji , Sekine Atsushi , Hozumi Satoshi , Shimizu Tetsuo
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present 12‐week, open‐label study was to investigate the effect of olanzapine augmentation in outpatients with depression with melancholic features who demonstrated partial response to standard antidepressants but who were reluctant to change antidepressants. The subjects consisted of 22 outpatients meeting the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for major depression. Olanzapine was initially added at 2.5 mg/day and the dose was adjusted according to the clinical condition. Data were analyzed using an intention‐to‐treat methodology. A paired t‐test was used to compare total Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores before treatment, at baseline (prior to olanzapine), and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting olanzapine. Of 22 enrolled patients, 20 completed the trial. The mean (±SD) MADRS score was 17.1 ± 1.0 at baseline and decreased significantly to 8.1 ± 3.2 at 4 weeks after the administration of olanzapine. This significant reduction continued until 12 weeks, when the mean MADRS score was 4.9 ± 2.9, indicating full remission. These results suggest that olanzapine augmentation may be useful for patients with depression in partial remission. A controlled, double‐blind trial, however, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Exfoliated colonocyte DNA levels and clinical features in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer: a cohort study in patients referred for investigation
Authors: Mahadavan Lalitha , Loktionov Alexandre , Daniels Ian R. , Shore Angela , Cotter Diane , Llewelyn Andrew H. , Hamilton William
Published: March 2011

Aim  Selection of patients for investigation of suspected colorectal cancer is difficult. One possible improvement may be to measure DNA isolated from exfoliated cells collected from the rectum.

Method  This was a cohort study in a surgical clinic. Participants were aged ≥40 years and referred for investigation of suspected colorectal cancer. Exclusion criteria were inflammatory bowel disease, previous gastrointestinal malignancy, or recent investigation. A sample of the mucocellular layer of the rectum was taken with an adapted proctoscope (the Colonix system). Haemoglobin, mean cell volume, ferritin, carcino‐embryonic antigen and faecal occult bloods were tested. Analysis was by logistic regression.

Results  Participation was offered to 828 patients, of whom 717 completed the investigations. Three were lost to follow up. Seventy‐two (10%) had colorectal cancer. Exfoliated cell DNA was higher (P < 0.001) in cancer (median 5.4 μg/ml [inter‐quartile range 1.8,12]) compared with those without cancer (2.0 μg/ml [IQR 0.78,5.5]). Seven variables were independently associated with cancer, including age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02,1.08; P < 0.001) DNA (OR, 1.05; CI, 1.01,3.6; P = 0.01), mean cell volume (OR, 0.93; CI, 0.89,0.97; P = 0.001), carcino‐embryonic antigen 1.02 per μg/l (CI, 1.00,1.04; P = 0.02), male sex (OR, 2.0; CI, 1.1,3.6; P = 0.02), rectal bleeding (OR, 2.4; CI, 1.3,4.5; P = 0.007) and positive faecal occult blood (OR, 6.7; CI, 3.4, 13; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for the DNA score was 0.65 (0.58–0.72) and for the seven variable model 0.88 (CI, 0.84–0.92).

Conclusion  Quantification of exfoliated DNA from rectal cellular material has promise in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, but this requires confirmation in a larger study.
MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION AND PRODUCT DIVERSITY: REVIEW AND EXTENSION
Authors: Chang Winston W.
Published: March 2011

Abstract The modeling of monopolistic competition has contributed to rapid developments in numerous fields of economics, notably macroeconomics, international trade, industrial organization, economic growth and economic geography. This paper provides a systematic review and some extensions of various path‐breaking models of monopolistic competition and their subsequent developments, including the works of Spence, Dixit and Stiglitz that are based on the ‘love‐of‐variety’ approach, the works of Lancaster that are based on the ‘love‐of‐characteristic’ approach, and the large‐group monopolistic competition models of Hart, among others. The paper also examines the properties of some utility functions frequently used in the literature on models of monopolistic competition. Perhaps owing to the complexity of these models, the literature lacks a broad and systematic coverage of this essential subject. The paper aims to help fill the gap.
Australia's Progress Undefined: A Critical Review of Measures of Australia's Progress (MAP)
Authors: Davidson Kathryn , Wilson Lou
Published: March 2011

Indicator systems to report on concepts such as sustainability and progress have become a key policy response by governments to concerns over environmental degradation and social and economic instability. When developed by a national bureau, public service imperatives suggest that concepts such as ‘sustainability’ and ‘progress’ should be addressed without offending the ideology of political actors. We offer a case study of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Measures of Australia's Progress (MAP) indicator system. The ABS has chosen to avoid offering a clear definition of what progress means, or a conceptual framework linked to a definition to explain the selection of indicators. ‘Progress’, however, is a socially defined, normative concept. Such concepts cannot be understood without reference to cultural and political processes. By seeking to avoid a perception of cultural or political bias the ABS has limited MAP's capacity to measure progress. We conclude with suggestions on how MAP might be improved.
Contracting for Indigenous Health Care: Towards Mutual Accountability
Authors: Dwyer Judith M. , Lavoie Josée , O’Donnell Kim , Marlina Uning , Sullivan Patrick
Published: March 2011

In Australia and other industrialised countries, governments contract with the non‐government sector for the provision of primary health care to indigenous peoples. Australian governments have developed policies and funding programs to support this health sector, but the current arrangements are unduly complex and fragmented. The results of our study show that the complex contractual environment for Aboriginal Community‐Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) and their funders is an unintended but inevitable result of a quasi‐classical approach to contracts applied by multiple funders. The analysis in this article highlights potential policy and program changes that could improve the effectiveness of funding and accountability arrangements, based on the use of an alliance contracting model, better performance indicators and greater clarity in the relative roles of national and jurisdictional governments.
ATTRACTION TO PUBLIC POLICY‐MAKING: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY INTO IMPROVEMENTS IN PSM MEASUREMENT
Authors: RITZ ADRIAN
Published: March 2011

This article presents improvements for the dimension of ‘Attraction to Public Policy‐making’ within the Public Service Motivation measurement scale. The literature concerning the theory behind this and a large number of empirical studies point out the shortcomings of this dimension with regard to both the contents and the methodology employed. This article deals in depth with the aspect of ‘Attraction to Public Policy‐making’ and, in contrast to the work carried out to date, tackles the open questions using a qualitative research strategy. The analysis of 21 partially structured interviews, which were conducted with administrative employees at the local government level, demonstrates that, while the empirical findings confirm the contents of the original dimension, the items selected for this in previous research are insufficient and can lead to measurement problems. This article suggests specific items for validation and improved measurement to be applied in future research.
Unemployment Classifications and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Chen Huey-Tsyh , Marks Michelle Rose , Bersani Carl A.
Published: March 2011

Further research on the impact of unemployment on workers and their families requires greater refinement and more precise measurement of the concept. While previous studies have indicated the effects of unemployment on a wide range of variables, such as health and well-being, many of these studies suffer from imprecision by conceptualizing unemployment too narrowly and by using too strict a dichotomy between currently employed and currently unemployed workers. This research effort attempts to broaden and refine the concept of unemployment by defining it in terms of two job dimensions: current employment status and previous job loss. Using this conceptualization, the authors find that current unemployment after other job losses may have more devastating effects on well-being than losing one's job for the first time. Similarly, among the currently employed, those who have lost jobs in the past may experience more emotional difficulties than those who have never lost their jobs.
Research Note Problems in Monitoring the Safety Performance of British Manufacturing at the End of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Nichols Theo
Published: March 2011

I have frequently expressed the view that the statistics for over three day injuries cannot be relied upon for the sort of temporal research on safety in which I have recently been engaged, for instance concerning the effectiveness of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act (Nichols, 1989a; 1990). It has been suggested in the context of some related research (Nichols, 1989b; 1991a) that the over three day injury rate may actually be a useful indicator of safety in some respects and that the fatality rate may not be (Tombs, 1992).1 By contrast, the following short account looks to the future and considers whether, in the 1990s, a point has been reached when any official injury statistics for employees in UK manufacturing can provide satisfactory monitoring of improvements or otherwise in safety over time. First, the fatality rate is briefly discussed, then the rate for major injuries, then the rate for over three day injuries. Two other new sources of injury data are also briefly considered, the 1990 Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the 1990 Work Industrial Relations Survey (WIRS3).
Quasi-Experiments on Process Dynervention Noise Process we Arrived at Anamics
Authors: Bisgaard Søren , Khachatryan Davit
Published: March 2011

It is often important to develop an understanding of the dynamic properties of a process. However, it is sometimes difficult if not impossible to conduct deliberate experiments on full-scale industrial plants and processes to gain such insight. Fortunately, intentional or inadvertent process changes that occur in the course of normal operation sometimes offer an opportunity to identify and estimate aspects of the dynamic behaviour. We review the theory of dynamic process modelling based on time series intervention analysis and show how this body of theory can be used for an assessment of the dynamic properties of a process. The ideas are accompanied by a detailed example of the study of a large-scale ceramic plant that was exposed to an intentional but unplanned structural change.
On the relationship between hypsodonty and feeding ecology in ungulate mammals, and its utility in palaeoecology
Authors: Damuth John , Janis Christine M.
Published: March 2011

High‐crowned (hypsodont) teeth are widely found among both extant and extinct mammalian herbivores. Extant grazing ungulates (hoofed mammals) have hypsodont teeth (a derived condition), and so extinct hypsodont forms have usually been presumed to have been grazers. Thus, hypsodonty among ungulates has, over the past 150 years, formed the basis of widespread palaeoecological interpretations, and has figured prominently in the evolutionary study of the spread of grasslands in the mid Cenozoic. However, perceived inconsistencies between levels of hypsodonty and dental wear patterns in both extant and extinct ungulates have caused some workers to reject hypsodonty as a useful predictive tool in palaeobiology, a view that we consider both misguided and premature.

Despite the acknowledged association between grazing and hypsodonty, the quantitative relationship of hypsodonty to the known ecology of living ungulate species, critical in making interpretations of the fossil record, was little studied until the past two decades. Also, much of the literature on ungulate ecology relevant to understanding hypsodonty has yet to be fully incorporated into the perspectives of palaeontologists. Here we review the history and current state of our knowledge of the relationship between hypsodonty and ungulate ecology, and reassert the value of hypsodonty for our understanding of ungulate feeding behaviour. We also show how soil consumption, rather than the consumption of grass plants per se, may be the missing piece of the puzzle in understanding the observed correlation between diets, habitats, and hypsodonty in ungulates. Additionally, we show how hypsodonty may impact life‐history strategies, and resolve some controversies regarding the relevance of hypsodonty to the prediction of the diets of extinct species. This in turn strengthens the utility of hypsodonty in the determination of past environmental conditions, and we provide a revised view of a traditional example of evolutionary trends in palaeobiology, that of the evolution of hypsodonty in horses and its correlation with the Miocene spread of grasslands in North America.
Predicting changes in the abundance of African wetland birds by incorporating abundance–occupancy relationships into habitat association models
Authors: Maclean Ilya M. D. , Wilson Robert J. , Hassall Mark
Published: March 2011

Aim  To map changes in the abundance of African wetland birds using remotely derived habitat data. We show that abundance–occupancy relationships can be coupled with habitat association models to map changes in abundance. As conservation resources are more easily allocated when spatial and temporal patterns of abundance are known, our method provides guidance for conservation planning.

Location  Papyrus, Cyperus papyrus, swamps in east central Africa.

Methods  Presence/absence surveys of six bird species in 93 wetlands were used to construct models predicting probability of occurrence from habitat characteristics. Densities were then determined from surveys in 23 additional wetlands and modelled as functions of occurrence probability. We then used satellite imagery to derive habitat characteristics remotely in two time periods (1984–87 and 2000–03) and used the modelled relationships between (1) habitat and occupancy and (2) occupancy and density, to infer changes in abundance in all c. 30,000 wetlands within the study area.

Results  Wetlands within the region declined by 8.6% between the two time periods, but by > 75% in regions of high human population density. Bird densities were also highest in these regions, which comprised wetlands subject to high levels of disturbance. The geographical coincidence of high densities and habitat loss and the existence of positive associations between bird density and occurrence meant that birds declined by much more than the average rate of their habitat.

Main conclusions  Targeting conservation efforts in areas with high drainage would protect a high proportion of the bird populations. Encouraging people to derive income from disturbance to which the birds are tolerant, rather than drainage, is likely to be an effective strategy. Because habitat characteristics are a key driver of abundance–occupancy relationships, we conclude that there is wide‐scale scope to couple abundance–occupancy relationships with remote habitat mapping to efficiently inform conservation planning.
Mammals of the northern Philippines: tolerance for habitat disturbance and resistance to invasive species in an endemic insular fauna
Authors: Rickart Eric A. , Balete Danilo S. , Rowe Rebecca J. , Heaney Lawrence R.
Published: March 2011

Aim  Island faunas, particularly those with high levels of endemism, usually are considered especially susceptible to disruption from habitat disturbance and invasive alien species. We tested this general hypothesis by examining the distribution of small mammals along gradients of anthropogenic habitat disturbance in northern Luzon Island, an area with a very high level of mammalian endemism.

Location  Central Cordillera, northern Luzon Island, Philippines.

Methods  Using standard trapping techniques, we documented the occurrence and abundance of 16 endemic and two non‐native species along four disturbance gradients where habitat ranged from mature forest to deforested cropland. Using regression analysis and AICc for model selection, we assessed the influence of four predictor variables (geographic range, elevational range, body size and diet breadth) on the disturbance tolerance of species.

Results  Non‐native species dominated areas with the most severe disturbance and were rare or absent in mature forest. Native species richness declined with increasing disturbance level, but responses of individual species varied. Elevational range (a measure of habitat breadth) was the best predictor of response of native species to habitat disturbance. Geographic range, body size and diet breadth were weakly correlated.

Main conclusions  The endemic small mammal fauna of northern Luzon includes species adapted to varying levels of natural disturbance and appears to be resistant to disruption by resident alien species. In these respects, it resembles a diverse continental fauna rather than a depauperate insular fauna. We conclude that the long and complex history of Luzon as an ancient member of the Philippine island arc system has involved highly dynamic ecological conditions resulting in a biota adapted to changing conditions. We predict that similar responses will be seen in other taxonomic groups and in other ancient island arc systems.
Factors relating to regional and local success of exotic plant species in their new range
Authors: Speek Tanja A. A. , Lotz Lambertus A. P. , Ozinga Wim A. , Tamis Wil L. M. , Schaminée Joop H. J. , van der Putten Wim H.
Published: March 2011

Aim  To estimate invasiveness of exotic plant species, many studies have used the frequency of occurrence within a defined region. This measure is informative on how widespread exotics are, however, it does not inform on their local dominance, which is crucial for conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The aim of the present study is to determine if regional frequency of occurrence of exotic plant species indeed is indicative of their local dominance. We also determined which plant traits and other factors predict regional and local frequencies best.

Location  The Netherlands.

Methods  We used information on exotic plant species established in The Netherlands and compared traits relating to their frequency of occurrence regionally (the entire country) and their frequency of dominance locally (in 1–100 m2 quadrats). We created minimal adequate models with factors explaining regional frequency and frequency of local dominance of 111 exotic plant species in The Netherlands.

Results  The model that used plant traits to explain regional frequency of exotic plant species differed from the models that best explained their frequency of local dominance. Regionally, the factors that correlated with frequency were: life form, height, polyploidy, length of flowering season, residence time, human use and origin. The factors that correlated to frequency of local dominance were lateral vegetative spread and residence time.

Main conclusions  We conclude that plant traits relating to the regional frequency of exotic plant species differ from those that relate to their frequency of local dominance. The implication of our results is that predictive studies on plant invasiveness based on regional frequencies may not be indicative of the local impacts. Since the prediction of local impacts is crucial for conservation and risk assessment, our study emphasized the need for better information on the local abundance of exotic invaders.
Light modulation, not choroidal vasomotor action, is a regulator of refractive compensation to signed optical blur
Authors: Murphy Melanie J , Crewther David P , Goodyear Melinda J , Crewther Sheila G
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nitric oxide system has two proposed sites and mechanisms of action within the ocular growth/refractive compensation platform‐neuromodulatory effects on retinal physiology, and vascular/smooth muscle effects in the choroid. The relative contribution of these mechanisms are tested here with drugs that perturb the nitric oxide system and with slow flicker modulation of the ON and OFF pathways of the retina.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Intravitreal injection of saline or 900 nmol NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester or L‐arginine in saline was followed by monocular defocus with ±10 D lens (or no lens), from days 5–9 under standard diurnal (SD) or daytime 1 Hz ramped flicker conditions. Biometric, electrophysiological and histological analyses were conducted.

KEY RESULTS After 4 days of SD conditions, both drugs enhanced electroretinogram (ERG) b‐wave cf. d‐wave amplitudes compared with saline and reduced refractive compensation to −10 D lenses. Under flicker conditions compensation to +10 D lenses was suppressed. Choroidal thinning was observed in the drug, no lens groups under SD conditions, whereas choroidal thickening was seen in most groups under flicker conditions, irrespective of refractive outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS As choroidal thickness was not predictive of final refractive compensation across any of the variables of drug, defocus sign or light condition, it is unlikely that choroidal thickness is a primary mechanism underlying refractive compensation across the range of parameters of this study. Rather, the changes in refractive compensation observed under these particular drug and light conditions are more likely due to a neuromodulatory action on retinal ON and OFF pathways.