bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nonconforming domain decomposition approximation for the Helmholtz screen problem with hypersingular operator
Authors: Heuer Norbert , Salmerón Gredy
Published: May 2016

We present and analyze a nonconforming domain decomposition approximation for a hypersingular operator governed by the Helmholtz equation in three dimensions. This operator appears when considering the corresponding Neumann problem in unbounded domains exterior to open surfaces. We consider small wave numbers and low‐order approximations with Nitsche coupling across interfaces. Under appropriate assumptions on mapping properties of the weakly singular and hypersingular operators with Helmholtz kernel, we prove that this method converges almost quasioptimally, that is, with optimal orders reduced by an arbitrarily small positive number. Numerical experiments confirm our error estimate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 125–141, 2017
Application of chromosomal microarray analysis in prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Zhu Hui , Lin Shaobin , Huang Linhuan , He Zhiming , Huang Xuan , Zhou Yi , Fang Qun , Luo Yanmin
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate the clinical value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in fetal growth restriction (FGR) cases.

Method

The ultrasound findings of 107 FGR cases subjected to invasive prenatal diagnostic testing from March 2013 to October 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Karyotyping was performed in all cases, and CMA was performed in 80 cases.

Results

In our study, karyotype analysis identified chromosomal aberrations in 9.3% (10/107) of the cases, while CMA detected abnormalities in 18.8% (15/80) of the cases. CMA achieved a 11.4% detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities among FGR cases with a normal karyotype. Among 53 FGR cases without malformations, CMA increased (9.4%; 95%CI, 1.6%–17.3%) the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities. CMA identified more chromosomal abnormalities (50.0%; 95%CI, 19.0%–81.0%) than karyotyping (30.0%; 95%CI, 7.0%–65.0%) among the cases diagnosed during the second trimester. Further, the detection rate in cases with asymmetric FGR was higher with CMA (33.3%; 95%CI, 10.0%–65.0%) than with karyotyping (16.7 %; 95%CI, 2.0%–48.0%).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the added value of CMA compared with karyotyping in evaluation of asymmetric FGR cases diagnosed during the second trimester without sonographic anomalies. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autopoiesis and Structuration Theory: A Framework to Investigate the Contribution of a Development Project to a Rural Community
Authors: Turpin Marita
Published: May 2016

The social application of autopoiesis remains a topic of interest and debate. In the 40 years since the theory of autopoiesis was published, Luhmann's work dominated its social application. Other suggestions of combining autopoiesis with social theory, such as Giddens' structuration theory, have gone largely unnoticed. In the present study, structuration theory is combined with autopoiesis concepts in a framework with which to assess the well‐being and sustainability of social systems in a developing country. In particular, the framework is applied to evaluate the contribution of a development project to the community affected by it. The study demonstrates the practical applicability of a structuration‐based conceptualisation of autopoiesis. In addition, it presents a novel way of looking at developmental impact, namely in terms of a project's influence on the self‐producing ability of the community served. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stay Connected: Using Technology to Enhance Professional Learning Communities
Authors: Bates Celeste C. , Huber Rachael , McClure Erin
Published: May 2016

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) offer opportunities for educators to collaboratively inquire and study innovative literacy practices. However, scheduling conflicts and other challenges often interrupt or create barriers for PLCs. This article provides suggestions for integrating technology into a face‐to‐face PLC as a means of supporting participants as they think and learn together over time. The article includes descriptions of four technological platforms: VoiceThread, TodaysMeet, Poll Everywhere, and Blendspace and how each of these platforms can enhance a traditional PLC.
Isolated Intra-abdominal Umbilical Vein Varix: A Case Report
Authors: Kaur Ladbans , Bhalla Ritambhra , Singh Divya , Singh Hargunbir
Published: May 2016

A 28-year-old primigravida was referred at 24 weeks of gestation for growth scan. Ultrasound revealed an ovoid anechoic intra-abdominal structure. Color Doppler showed its continuity with umbilical vein and venous flow within it. A diagnosis of umbilical vein varix was made. Thereafter, the fetus was monitored at two weekly intervals. Due to increase in size of varix and development of echoes, an elective cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks. The baby cried at birth with a normal postnatal outcome.
Restitution of Non-Gratuitously Conferred Benefit in Malaysia: A Case for Sowing the Unjust Enrichment Seed
Authors: SEE Alvin W-L
Published: May 2016

This article draws on the common law of unjust enrichment to rationalize and develop the right to recover a non-gratuitously conferred benefit set out in section 71 of Malaysia’s Contracts Act 1950. This attempt at legal transplant and modern restatement is made in the hope of injecting principle and clarity into the antique section with the eventual goal of reviving it for practical and modern use.
Environmental parameters as risk factors for human and canine Leishmania infection in Thessaly, Central Greece
Authors: GIANNAKOPOULOS ALEXIOS , TSOKANA CONSTANTINA N. , PERVANIDOU DANAI , PAPADOPOULOS ELIAS , PAPASPYROPOULOS KONSTANTINOS , SPYROU VASSILIKI , RODI BURRIEL ANGELIKI , VAKALI ANNITA , HADJICHRISTODOULOU CHRISTOS , BILLINIS CHARALAMBOS
Published: May 2016

Thessaly, Central Greece, is an endemic area for leishmaniasis with higher incidence rate during the last years. We herein investigated the geographical distribution of human leishmaniasis cases and Leishmania infected dogs in relation to environmental parameters to identify high-risk areas. All the human leishmaniasis cases (n = 82) reported to Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention from 2007 to 2014 and 85 Leishmania polymerase chain reaction positive dogs were included in this study. To analyse the data geographical information system (GIS) together with the Ecological Niche Model (ENM) were used. The most important findings of the study were: (i) Central plain of Thessaly together with the coast line and the western and eastern lowlands were identified as high-risk geographical areas. (ii) The highest percentage of the high-risk areas was found in low altitude (<200 m above sea level) and in irrigated and cultivated agricultural areas. (iii) A total of 20% of the human settlements was found in high-risk areas. (iv) The maximum temperature of the warmest month contributes the highest per cent to define both environmental niche profiles for humans and dogs. (v) The ENM could be a useful tool for the epidemiological study of leishmaniasis. Spatial analysis may allow the design of entomological studies and identify target population in order to implement preventive measures.
Latin in the 21st Century
Authors: Pike Moss
Published: May 2016

Every Latin teacher has at some point been asked to justify why the study of Latin, a dead language, matters today. SAT scores, success in the medical and law fields, and its basis for the Romance languages are often cited as valid justifications to study Latin (see the NCSSFL “Benefits of Latin Study”); but these reasons are devoid of any true meaning or purpose, and I cringe when I hear them, even if they do help bolster enrolment.
Colitis ulcerosa
Authors: Roose Laura , D'cunja Jaya , Biedermann Luc
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Colitis ulcerosa ist eine chronische immunologische Darmerkrankung mit einer Entzündung der Mukosa und teilweise der Submukosa. Sie verläuft schubweise und betrifft im Gegensatz zum Morbus Crohn ausschliesslich das Kolon. Die vielzitierte Ausnahme der kurzstreckigen Beteiligung des terminalen Ileums (sogenannte backwash ileitis) ist insgesamt sehr selten und klinisch eher unbedeutend. Meist beginnt die Entzündung im Rektum und steigt im Verlauf kontinuierlich nach proximal auf. Die Erkrankung manifestiert sich mit blutig-schleimiger Diarrhö, Tenesmen und Gewichtsverlust. Die Therapie fusst auf antiinflammatorischen Substanzen sowie der Immunsuppression. Ein wichtiger und oft vernachlässigter Grundpfeiler stellt die topische Therapie mit Suppositorien, Klysmen und Schäumen von Mesalazin und Budesonid oder Hydrokortison dar. Dies vor allem, aber nicht ausschliesslich bei limitiertem Befall bis zur linken Kolonflexur. Bei schwereren Schüben bzw. ausgedehnterem Befall kommen orales Mesalazin, systemische Kortikosteroide und andere Immunsuppressiva hinzu.
Production of fatty acid-derived oleochemicals and biofuels by synthetic yeast cell factories
Authors: Zhou Yongjin J. , Buijs Nicolaas A. , Zhu Zhiwei , Qin Jiufu , Siewers Verena , Nielsen Jens
Published: May 2016

Sustainable production of oleochemicals requires establishment of cell factory platform strains. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an attractive cell factory as new strains can be rapidly implemented into existing infrastructures such as bioethanol production plants. Here we show high-level production of free fatty acids (FFAs) in a yeast cell factory, and the production of alkanes and fatty alcohols from its descendants. The engineered strain produces up to 10.4 g l−1 of FFAs, which is the highest reported titre to date. Furthermore, through screening of specific pathway enzymes, endogenous alcohol dehydrogenases and aldehyde reductases, we reconstruct efficient pathways for conversion of fatty acids to alkanes (0.8 mg l−1) and fatty alcohols (1.5 g l−1), to our knowledge the highest titres reported in S. cerevisiae. This should facilitate the construction of yeast cell factories for production of fatty acids derived products and even aldehyde-derived chemicals of high value.
Unrealistically pristine air in the Arctic produced by current global scale models
Authors: Sato Yousuke , Miura Hiroaki , Yashiro Hisashi , Goto Daisuke , Takemura Toshihiko , Tomita Hirofumi , Nakajima Teruyuki
Published: May 2016

Black carbon aerosol (BCA) in the Arctic has profound impacts on the global climate system through radiation processes. Despite its enormous impacts, current global scale models, powerful tools for estimating overall impact, tend to underestimate the levels of BCA in the Arctic over several seasons. Using a global aerosol transport simulation with a horizontal grid resolution of 3.5 km, we determined that a higher resolution significantly reduced the underestimation of BCA levels in the Arctic, mainly due to an enhancement of the representation of low-pressure and frontal systems. The BCA mass loading in the Arctic simulated with 3.5-km grid resolution was 4.2-times larger than that simulated with coarse (56-km) grid resolution. Our results also indicated that grid convergence had not occurred on both the contrast between the cloud/cloud free areas and the poleward BCA mass flux, despite the use of the 3.5-km grid resolution. These results suggest that a global aerosol transport simulation using kilometre-order or finer grid resolution is required for more accurate estimation of the distribution of pollutants in the Arctic.
TLR signals posttranscriptionally regulate the cytokine trafficking mediator sortilin
Authors: Yabe-Wada Toshiki , Matsuba Shintaro , Takeda Kazuya , Sato Tetsuya , Suyama Mikita , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Takai Toshiyuki , Shi Haifeng , Philpott Caroline C. , Nakamura Akira
Published: May 2016

Regulating the transcription, translation and secretion of cytokines is crucial for controlling the appropriate balance of inflammation. Here we report that the sorting receptor sortilin plays a key role in cytokine production. We observed interactions of sortilin with multiple cytokines including IFN-α, and sortilin depletion in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) led to a reduction of IFN-α secretion, suggesting a pivotal role of sortilin in the exocytic trafficking of IFN-α in pDCs. Moreover, sortilin mRNA was degraded posttranscriptionally upon stimulation with various TLR ligands. Poly-rC-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) recognized the C-rich element (CRE) in the 3′ UTR of sortilin mRNA, and depletion of PCBP1 enhanced the degradation of sortilin transcripts, suggesting that PCBP1 can act as a trans-acting factor to stabilize sortilin transcripts. The nucleotide-binding ability of PCBP1 was impaired by zinc ions and alterations of intracellular zinc affect sortilin expression. PCBP1 may therefore control the stability of sortilin transcripts by sensing intracellular zinc levels. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the posttranslational regulation of cytokine production through the posttranscriptional control of sortilin expression by TLR signals.
Metallic glassy Zr70Ni20Pd10 powders for improving the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation behavior of MgH2
Authors: El-Eskandarany M. Sherif
Published: May 2016

Because of its low density, storage of hydrogen in the gaseous and liquids states possess technical and economic challenges. One practical solution for utilizing hydrogen in vehicles with proton-exchange fuel cells membranes is storing hydrogen in metal hydrides. Magnesium hydride (MgH2) remains the best hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen capacity and low cost of production. Due to its high activation energy and poor hydrogen sorption/desorption kinetics at moderate temperatures, the pure form of MgH2 is usually mechanically treated by high-energy ball mills and catalyzed with different types of catalysts. These steps are necessary for destabilizing MgH2 to enhance its kinetics behaviors. In the present work, we used a small mole fractions (5 wt.%) of metallic glassy of Zr70Ni20Pd10 powders as a new enhancement agent to improve its hydrogenation/dehydrogenation behaviors of MgH2. This short-range ordered material led to lower the decomposition temperature of MgH2 and its activation energy by about 121 °C and 51 kJ/mol, respectively. Complete hydrogenation/dehydrogenation processes were successfully achieved to charge/discharge about 6 wt.%H2 at 100 °C/200 °C within 1.18 min/3.8 min, respectively. In addition, this new nanocomposite system shows high performance of achieving continuous 100 hydrogen charging/discharging cycles without degradation.
Aberrant emotion networks in early major depressive disorder patients: an eigenvector centrality mapping study
Authors: Song Z , Zhang M , Huang P
Published: May 2016

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental disorder that negatively affects the quality of life of many individuals, and is a heavy economic burden to society. In recent years it was thought that depression is a ‘disconnection syndrome’. Disorganized brain activity and un-modulated emotion responses were considered the key neuropathologies underlying depression. In the present study, we investigated the alteration of whole brain network connectivity in 28 first-episode, drug-naive patients, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and a new analytical method called voxel-based eigenvector centrality mapping. We found that compared with normal controls, MDD patients had lower functional connectivity in the bilateral middle frontal gyrus, insula, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum, and higher functional connectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex. The functional connectivity strength at the right hippocampus (r=−0.413, P=0.032) and the right insula (r=−0.372, P=0.041) negatively correlated with the severity of the disease. We further examined coordination among these regions, and found that frontal–subcortical connection was reduced and insula–medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) connection was increased. These results are consistent with previous hypotheses on the neural mechanism of MDD, and provide further evidence that emotion networks are already interrupted in early stages of depression.
A first-principles study of the diffusion coefficients of alloying elements in dilute α-Ti alloys
Authors: Xu W. W. , Shang S. L. , Zhou B. C. , Wang Y. , Chen L. J. , Wang C. P. , Liu X. J. , Liu Z. K.
Published: May 2016

We present a comprehensive investigation of the diffusion of alloying elements X in dilute α-Ti alloys. Besides the effect of solute size, two other key factors governing solute diffusion in dilute α-Ti are clarified: the chemical bonding characteristics and vibrational features of X–Ti pairs.
Quantification of spatial inhomogeneity in perovskite solar cells by hyperspectral luminescence imaging
Authors: El-Hajje Gilbert , Momblona Cristina , Gil-Escrig Lidón , Ávila Jorge , Guillemot Thomas , Guillemoles Jean-François , Sessolo Michele , Bolink Henk J. , Lombez Laurent
Published: May 2016

Perovskite solar cells are analyzed by photo- and electroluminescence hyperspectral imaging. Significant spatial inhomogeneities in the quasi-Fermi level splitting are observed.
Green synthesis of a benzothiazole based ‘turn-on’ type fluorimetric probe and its use for the selective detection of thiophenols in environmental samples and living cells
Authors: Khandare Dipratn G. , Banerjee Mainak , Gupta Rishabh , Kumar Nupur , Ganguly Anasuya , Singh Deepak , Chatterjee Amrita
Published: May 2016

A highly sensitive ESIPT based fluorescent chemodosimeter (LOD 3.3 ppb) has been synthesized using “green” chemical route and employed to detect thiophenol in environmental samples and living cells.
Controlling the excitation of radially polarized conical plasmons in plasmonic tips in liquids
Authors: Tugchin Bayarjargal N. , Janunts Norik , Steinert Michael , Dietrich Kay , Sivun Dmitry , Ramachandran Siddharth , Nerkararyan Khachatur V. , Tünnermann Andreas , Pertsch Thomas
Published: May 2016

The plasmonic tip's emission can be controlled in liquids depending on the wetting condition and the refractive index of liquids.
High-resolution X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman scattering studies of Ge(:Ga) thin films grown on GaAs (001) substrates by MOCVD
Authors: Liu H. F. , Jin Y. J. , Li C. G. , Dolmanan S. B. , Guo S. , Tripathy S. , Tan C. C.
Published: May 2016

Ga-doped Ge thin films grown on GaAs (001) substrates have been studied and compared with unintentionally doped Ge film by using HRXRD and Raman scattering in both surface and cross-section configurations.
Electrochemical etching of α-cobalt hydroxide for improvement of oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Peng Fei , Yang Shuang , Zheng Li Rong , Zhang Bo , Yang Hua Gui
Published: May 2016

Electrochemically etched α-Co(OH)2–Cl, due to the dechlorination-induced defective structures and in situ formation of CoOOH fragments, are highly active for OER.
Parallel in/out systolic AB2 architecture with low complexity in GF(2m)
Authors: Choi S.‐H. , Lee K.‐J.
Published: May 2016

Efficient GF(2m) arithmetic clearly affects the performance of compute‐intensive applications. A new low‐complexity parallel‐in/out systolic AB2 multiplier based on the least significant bit‐first scheme is presented. Compared with related works, the scheme yields significantly lower area‐time complexity.
Improving the efficiency of a reconfigurable microstrip patch using magneto‐static field responsive structures
Authors: Iftikhar A. , Parrow J. , Asif S. , Allen J. , Allen M. , Braaten B.D.
Published: May 2016

A new approach on improving the efficiency of a frequency reconfigurable rectangular microstrip patch antenna using magneto‐static responsive structures (MRSs) is proposed. In particular, a 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm × 0.508 mm volumetric structure consisting of two parallel conducting plates separated by a dielectric material summarises the overall MRS embodiment. The dielectric material has a cylindrical cavity (i.e. drilled cavity) with a diameter of 0.9 mm and is partially filled with conducting particles (i.e. silver‐coated nickel‐based cores) that respond to magneto‐static fields. Then, when a small permanent magnet is placed close to the MRS, the conducting particles form columns orientated in the direction of the field lines and connect the two conducting plates, acting as an RF switch. Next, to demonstrate the benefits of the MRS, the efficiency of a reconfigurable patch antenna is investigated. Finally, for comparison, the MRS‐based reconfigurable antenna is compared with the measured and simulated efficiency of a reconfigurable patch antenna with the same geometry that uses P‐region Intrinsic‐region N‐region (PIN) diodes. It was shown that the MRS‐based design had a much better efficiency (50% larger).
Nature's Place: Human Population and the Future of Biological Diversity
Authors: Gartner Adam
Published: May 2016

There are few people who would argue that the growth of the human population is not exceeding a sustainable level. Every year, thousands of species are lost and the world's natural reserves are slimmed to near exhaustion to fuel continuous economic growth. Nature's Place, a soft cover resource style booklet, has succeeded in applying geographic information systems (GIS) to the analysis of human population and species diversity, as well as providing an up-todate account of the human population problem and how it relates to biodiversity and habitat loss.
The Pied Currawong's role in avian nest predation: a predator removal experiment
Authors: R. Fulton Graham , A. Ford Hugh
Published: May 2016

Pied Currawongs Strepera graculina have been implicated as a major threat to the persistence of small passerines in urban and rural landscapes through their intense nest predation while raising their young. Pied Currawongs have recently increased in abundance and colonized new areas, due to the planting of exotic berry-bearing trees and shrubs. In association with habitat fragmentation, this may have intensified their predatory impact. We measured the rate of predation on 416 artificial nests, using quail and plasticine eggs, in a 240 ha remnant of eucalypt woodland. Nests were placed in one grid from which Pied Currawongs were removed and in one control grid. The level of predation was monitored before and after Pied Currawong removal. Overall, nest predation was extremely high with 91 % of all nests preyed upon in seven days. Moreover, nest predation decreased significantly following Pied Currawong removal, thus identifying them as significant nest predators. However, imprint evidence from plasticine eggs and the remains of real eggs indicate that other animals, particularly other birds, are also important predators. If this high level of nest predation is reflected in real nests and occurs over a number of years, it may lead to low recruitment of open-nesting birds at this site. If it occurs regionally, it could contribute to long term declines of these species. Our findings suggest that even quite large woodland fragments may be too small to sustain many declining bird species.
Eden Valley Farm: an integrated approach to asustainable future
Authors: Lloyd Terri , Butterworth James
Published: May 2016

THE Blackwood River Catchment or bioregion, in the southwest of Western Australia is widely considered to be one of the most progressive areas of Western Australia in addressing problems of land degradation and impacts on production. It is doing this via Integrated Catchment Management.
The distribution and habitat characteristics of a threatened lucanid beetle Hoplogonus simsoni in north-east Tasmania
Authors: M. Meggs J. , A. Munks S. , Corkrey R.
Published: May 2016

The distribution and characteristics of habitat utilized by a threatened species of stag beetle in north-east Tasmania Hoplogonus simsoni (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), were examined as a first step in the development of conservation management objectives for the species. The beetle was found to have a restricted distribution of 250 km2 and its regional distribution appeared to be related to the occurrence of granitic geology and a moderately high rainfall at low elevations. The species was patchily distributed across its range. High-density populations of the species were restricted to the eastern part of its distribution, but over most of its range it occurred at very low densities. Relative abundances of H. simsoni were greatest in wet eucalypt forest, with significantly fewer beetles found in mixed forest and rainforest. Dry eucalypt forest was found to be unsuitaole habitat although the beetle was found to occur in the ecotone between wet and dry eucalypt forest Potential wet forest habitat for the species is estimated to encompass 18 200 ha or 72% of its range. The species was not found in areas of wet eucalypt forest that had been converted to pine plantation. However, H. simsoni was found to occur in wet eucalypt forest regenerating after clearfelling and some of the highest density populations of the species occurred in 70 year old wet eucalypt forest regenerating following a wildfire. The relationship between various habitat variables and the occurrence of the beetle was investigated using Generalized Additive Modelling and robust regression. The presence of wet eucalypt forest below 300 m altitude; slope less than 5�; a deep leaf litter layer; and a forest structure with a well-developed canopy best explained the occurrence of the beetle. These habitat characteristics probably relate to a requirement for a cool, moist, stable microclimate and an absence of wildfire for some time. The potential habitat of H. simsoni as identified in this study is poorly reserved across its range and a high percentage has been identified by the forest industry as having potential for conversion to pine plantation. This highlights the importance of having mechanisms for "off-reserve" conservation of threatened species. like H. simsoni, which are often poorly represented in or completely absent from formal reserves.
Hollow-bearing trees in large glider habitat in south-east Queensland, Australia: Abundance, spatial distribution and management
Authors: J. Eyre Teresa
Published: May 2016

This study examined factors influencing the distribution of live and dead trees with large diameter hollows (>10 cm) in a productive coastal lowland forest of south-east Queensland. Forest age and type, historic logging rules and topographic position influenced the distribution of live hollow-bearing trees across the landscape. Also, some tree species (Eucalyptus acmenoides, Corymbia intermedia and C. trachyphloia) contained hollows at smaller diameters than others (C. citriodora, E. siderophloia and E. fibrosa), suggesting variation in rates of hollow formation among species. The average number of live hollow-bearing trees throughout the forest was 3.4 � 0.4 per ha (mean � s.e.), which is lower than the number of hollow-bearing trees to be retained during logging operations as specified by the Queensland Code of Practice for Native Forest Timber Production. The dead hollow-bearing tree resource is therefore important, and made up 42.3% of the total hollow-bearing tree resource. Dead hollow-bearing trees were available predominantly due to intensive silvicultural treatment conducted throughout the forest >50 years ago. However, the abundance of dead hollow-bearing trees appears to be influenced by fire management. If current management practices persist, it is predicted that in 50 years the dead hollow-bearing tree resource will be depleted. If so, the hollow-bearing tree resource for the Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis and in particular, the Greater Glider Petauroides vofans, will be critically limited in the study area.
Pacific Conservation Biology and Impact Factors
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

This is the last editorial I write as Editor of Pacific Conservation Biology. I took over as editor from Craig Moritz in 1997 with Volume III and it is time to let another assume the pleasures, frustrations and responsibilities of guiding Pacific Conservation Biology over the next few years. A fresh mind and new ideas can only help Pacific Conservation Biology to grow. My time as Editor ends with this issue.
Biodiversity Extinction Crisis
Authors: Firestone Karen
Published: May 2016

?The Biodiversity Extinction Crisis, a Pacific and Australasian response? is the theme for the Australasian Section of the Society for Conservation Biology?s (SCB-A?s) inaugural regional conference. The idea of holding this conference has been a few years in the fermenting, mulling, and processing stages and the organizing committee is still in the initial stages of logistic planning, but in 2007 this meeting will be a reality. This will not be the first time that the Society has held a conference in the region, however. Many will remember the highly successful Society for Conservation Biology conference that was held at Macquarie University in 1998. That conference predated the formation of the international sections of SCB and attracted approximately 800 world-class conservation scientists and practitioners from around the globe, indicating not only the strength of the profession but also the strong need and desire for such a platform, particularly within Australia and the Australasian region.
Long-term natural and human perturbations and current status of Clipperton Atoll, a remote island of the Eastern Pacific
Authors: H. Jost Christian , Andréfouët Serge
Published: May 2016

Clipperton Atoll is one of the most isolated tropical island in the world and the only atoll of the eastern Pacific. Its outer slopes also make the largest coral reef of this region. Clipperton is a remarkable site for the geochemistry of its closed eutrophic stratified lagoon, the influence of both tropical eastern Pacific and Oceania gene pool on coral reef communities, the low diversity of the marine and land fauna, and for the equilibrium of its land ecosystem. The three components of the Clipperton Atoll seascape (coral reef-lagoon-land) all appear to have remarkable properties and history. All components experienced important changes in the last century due to anthropogenic (importation of exogenous species) or natural perturbations (closing of passes, coral bleaching). Here, we review the history of these three systems (land-lagoon-coral reef) and provide new insights of the current status of the atoll based on recent surveys and high resolution IKONOS satellite imagery. Most dramatic changes occurring in the last decades include explosion in crab Gecarcinus planatus population, almost-complete desertification of the island and increase in Masked Boobies Sula dactylatra population, making Clipperton Atoll one of the most important sites for this specie in the world. This review intends to provide a sound basis to discuss the future of Clipperton balanced between conservation and development priorities, and to raise awareness on the future of a delicate ecosystem.
Relating spatial and temporal patterns in floristics with vegetation mapping: an example from Fraser Island, south-east Queensland, Australia
Authors: E. Lawson Ben , Wardell-Johnson Grant
Published: May 2016

The use of mapped polygons to represent vegetation patterns is becoming more widespread in conservation planning and natural resource management. The degree of homogeneity (i.e., one vegetation unit per polygon) of these polygons influences the efficacy of mapped patterns. It was observed that Fraser Island, south-east Queensland (SEQ) exhibited near complete map unit homogeneity relative to adjacent mainland areas. We sought to establish whether this homogeneity had an ecological or cartographic basis. Floristic presence-absence data from 50 quadrats, each sampled over three consecutive years, were analysed using cluster analysis (UPGMA) and ordination (SSH MDS) to define and compare eight numerically-derived plant community types with eight a priori regional ecosystem types derived from mapping of the island. Strong congruence between the two approaches was evident, suggesting that the mapping effectively portrayed ecological patterns. Floristic composition and species richness remained consistent at most quadrats for three consecutive years. Perennial woody species (including tree and shrub species) showed significant (P < 0.05) variation between regional ecosystem units and between plant community groups, but was stable through time. Conversely, the herb assemblage showed significant temporal variation and poor fidelity to vegetation classifications. High levels of map unit homogeneity were shown to extend to five barrier sand islands of SEQ across various map scales and map authors in these sandy environs. We conclude that homogeneity in mapped polygons on Fraser Island is a consequence of discrete boundaries and the associated distinctive floristics of the vegetation communities in this area. We suggest focussing limited mapping resources to areas of high polygon heterogeneity, instead of areas such as the SEQ sand islands which appear well represented by existing mapping.
Mining a museum frog collection for environmental bio-indicators using specimens of the Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii
Authors: H. Pyke Graham
Published: May 2016

Museum specimens of the Striped Marsh Frog, (Limnodynastes peronii; Myobatrachidae), were examined to evaluateits potential role in providing bio-indicators of environmental quality and change. I hypothesized that chemical pollutionof their breeding habitat would have peaked during the 1960s or 1970s, and that the levels of physical abnormality and morphological asymmetry for this frog species would tend to increase with increasing pollution. Consistent with this, I found that both the proportion of frogs with physical abnormalities and the average difference in length between the left and right lower legs peaked for specimens collected during the 1960s or 1970s and were lower for specimens collected during earlier and later decades. I also found that the overall proportion of specimens of this species with physical abnormalities was high relative to presumed background levels, which is consistent with relatively elevated levels of pollution in the degraded habitats where this species generally occurs. In this and similar ways, biological collections may be mined to provide environmental bio-indicators.
Wildlife Damage Control
Authors: Watson Simon
Published: May 2016

EFFECTIVE wildlife management needs to be based on the application of sound scientific principles and concepts. Both of these books provide a framework for the application of concepts and principles to wildlife management problems and attempt to bridge the gap between research and its application in management. Conservation of Wildlife Populations, by L. Scott Mills, explains theories, concepts and principles developed in the field of population biology, and their management applications. It encompasses population ecology, demography and population genetics. Wildlife Damage Control, by Jim Hone, identifies and explains the application of principles involved in assessing and controlling damage caused by wildlife.
Future direction for the conservation of New Zealand?s biodiversity
Authors: N. H. Seabrook-Davison Mark , H. Brunton Dianne , Ji Weihong
Published: May 2016

Recent analyses (Clout, 2001; Cullen et al. 2005; Hartley, 1997; Joseph et al. 2008; Joseph et al. 2009) of the management of New Zealand?s biodiversity have highlighted the challenge of allocating limited resources, especially the funding of threatened species. Our essay includes frequent citation of Joseph et al. (2008, 2009) as the Project Prioritization Protocol (PPP) modal proposed in their papers is co-written by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff, and may be the metric used in future allocation of resources to New Zealand?s threatened species. Limited resourcing of threatened species management and recovery is a worldwide problem, extensively documented in the conservation literature (Spring et al. 2007; Sutherland, 2009). Reviews of conservation management practices (Craig and Stewart, 1994; Sutherland, 2009; Sutherland et al. 2004; Ussher, 1999) have called for the justification of conservation research by quantifying biodiversity changes and testing solutions. Therefore it is appropriate that novel strategies such as those presented by Joseph et al. (2008, 2009) are available for assessment. Any suggestions for improvement must engage a full debate on the current demands on natural resources (Sarukhan and Whyte, 2005) and the emerging threats to biodiversity, such as climate change (Kostyack and Rohlf, 2008). Development and Implementation of management strategies for threatened species need to be cognizant of not only the ecological (Clark et al. 1994; Tear et al. 1993) needs of threatened species, but also cultural (Charnley, 2006; Craig and Stewart, 1994; McBride et al. 2007) and economic (Craig, 1998; Cullen et al. 2005; Moran, 2003; Perhans et al. 2008; Sinden, 2004) factors.
The Ecological World View
Authors: G. Nimmo Dale
Published: May 2016

In November 2008 I was fortunate enough to attend the Australasian Wildlife Management Society Conference in Fremantle where Charles Krebs presented as a key-note speaker. It is fair to say that Krebs? presentation left a significant mark on its audience, as evidenced by continued reference to his talk in subsequent presentations. Of course, Krebs is no stranger to this level of citation. His text book, ?Ecology: the Experimental Analysis of Distribution and Abundance?, has been cited nearly 1800 times since its original publication, and is currently in its 6th edition. When combined with more than 200 peerreviewed papers, Krebs? achievements and impact on the field of ecology cast an enviable shadow. As such, it was with a high level of expectation and a little trepidation that I decided to review his recent text ?The Ecological World View?.
Status of Dugong Dugong dugon and Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni, in the Solomon Islands
Authors: K. Bass Deborah
Published: May 2016

Dugong Dugong dugon are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are thought to be in global decline. The species has become extirpated from many areas in its range in the Indo-Pacific, and the largest remaining population is believed to occur in the coastal waters of northern Australia and Melanesia. This study is the first survey done to assess the current status of dugongs in the Solomon Islands, an archipelago potentially providing extensive dugong habitat within the many coastal lagoons and seagrass meadows. In a region where traditional hunting of dugong is carried out, in addition to the increasing threats to its coastal habitat, the survival of the dugong is uncertain. Interview surveys were conducted to assess abundance, distribution, level of traditional hunting and mortality, and community attitude towards conservation of the species. The surveys provide a provisional insight into the dugong population and mortality in the Solomon Islands. The surveys also obtained sighting data for the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni, a species endemic to Australia and Melanesia, but for which little occurrence information is available. The results indicate that dugong occur throughout the Solomon Islands, but rates of anthropogenic mortality are of concern, emphasising the potential value of protected areas and community engagement projects for the conservation of dugongs in this region.
How can we ensure that conservation policies are based on science, not emotion?
Authors: Shine Rick
Published: May 2016

RESOURCES for conservation are
scarce, and many important environmental
issues do not attract the
attention they deserve. Priorities for
expenditure are determined largely by
the general public’s perceptions of
what is worthwhile. For example, how
much should we spend on sport
versus biodiversity conservation? For
many people, sport would be seen as
a much better investment. And in
terms of biodiversity, what kinds of
animals are worth saving? Commonly,
people think that cute cuddly animals
warrant more conservation effort than
ugly or venomous ones — an
explicitly emotion-based criterion.
What kinds of ecosystems are worth
preserving? Again, scenically attractive
ones are seen as more “valuable”. What
kinds of threats should we prioritize?
It’s much easier to motivate people to
oppose processes that are unattractive
or upsetting, like noisy chainsaws
cutting down trees rather than sheep
grazing in a pasture. The end result
is that priorities for conservation are
determined by emotion not science,
leading to a woeful neglect of many
ecologically significant components of
our fauna and flora.
Adaptive Environmental Management: A Practitioner’s Guide
Authors: Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

AS Stankey and Allan explain in their concise but
informative introduction, “Adaptive management is
characterized by both a compelling and intuitive
simplicity (we learn by doing) as well as a growing
sophisticated and elegant theoretical discourse.” It
offers the promise of using policy implementation to
improve understanding of natural systems and
thereby to direct future changes to policy and
practice. The challenge for managers is to identify
the operational practicalities that lie between the
attractive concept and the theory. The aim of this
book is to examine that challenge through case
studies of the real-world application of adaptive
management in a range of settings, including
examples relevant to managers, policy makers and
environmental scientists. The approach is not
prescriptive, but rather to reflect on experience as a
guide to future practice.
The case for an ?Excellence in Scholarship for Australia? initiative
Authors: Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

Only those truly cryptozoic for all of 2010 could have missed the bustle and concern created by the Australian Commonwealth?s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative (http://www.arc.gov.au/era/default.htm). In common with other national research assessment exercises such as the RAE (UK) and PBRF (New Zealand), ERA is designed to assess research quality within the Australian higher education sector, identifying and rewarding those institutions and departments producing high-quality research. The linkages between achievement, recognition and reward have the potential to shape the research priorities and agendas of institutions and individual researchers.
The effect of patch area on birds in central Australian mulga (Acacia aneura) woodland of different times-since-fire.
Authors: Leavesley Adam J , Cary Geofferey J
Published: May 2016

It is often assumed that a fine-scaled mosaic of different times-since-fire supports greater biodiversity than a coarsescaled
mosaic — the fire mosaic hypothesis. A potential mechanism of the fire mosaic hypothesis is the effect of area
on species diversity. We investigated the effect of patch area on bird communities in mulga (Acacia aneura) woodland
in central Australia. The study was conducted at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park using 55 fixed-area sites classified to
the time since last fire: burnt 2002; burnt 1976 and long unburnt. Birds were surveyed in the winter and spring of 2005
and 2006. Of 20 key species, two showed a positive density-area effect (i.e. higher density in larger patches). Patch
area did not affect total bird density or species richness. However, species turnover (ß-diversity) was greater in large
patches in the burnt 2002 treatment than it was in small patches. There was no effect of patch area on the composition
of the bird communities in any of the time-since-fire classes. We concluded that patch area did affect the distribution
of some birds in mulga woodland. However, patch area was not a mechanism of the fire mosaic hypothesis because
the effects of patch size tended to increase avian diversity in larger patches rather than small.
Distribution and habitat of the critically endangered Capricorn Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea macgregori.
Authors: Houston Wayne A , Black Robert L , Elder Rod J
Published: May 2016

The Capricorn Yellow Chat (Meliphagidae: Epthianura crocea macgregori) is a poorly known, endangered passerine
of coastal north-eastern Australian wetlands. Recent research has highlighted the need for evidence based management
and that recovery programmes may be hampered by a lack of sound ecological knowledge. Capricorn Yellow Chats
were found at 15 sites near Rockhampton between Broad Sound and the Fitzroy River delta in the south. Overall,
suitable habitat was limited with an area occupied of about 6 000 ha, confirming the need for careful management.
Habitat may be typified as grass-sedge wetlands or tall supratidal saltmarshes that are temporarily flooded, with pools
becoming brackish to hypersaline as they dry. Over 96% of sightings were on coastal plains formed by marine
sedimentation processes, most without current tidal influence, and many less than 5 m above sea level. The remaining
4% were associated with alluvial-formed plains, but only where these bordered existing marine plain sites; suggesting
a preference for marine plain habitats, possibly reflecting structural differences and foraging preferences (marine plains
tend to be more open due to the presence of salt-tolerant samphire vegetation). Sea level rise was identified as a
major threat to the subspecies with chat sightings at most sites averaging less than 2 m above current highest
astronomical tidal influence, and sites becoming tidal or with regular storm surge influence under future modest predicted
sea level rise scenarios of 0.5 m by 2100. Most sites had some form of banking to reduce tidal influence and promote
freshwater pasture grasses for cattle production. The site supporting most chats had small banks that allowed floods
to flow around them, maintaining connectivity with the downstream marine systems. This study contributes to baseline
information essential to the evaluation of any future management interventions; thus avoiding the pitfalls hampering
much of the global conservation efforts directed at threatened species.
Retention of transmitter attachments on black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.).
Authors: Le Souef Anna T , Stojanovic Dejan , Burbidge Allan H , Vitali Simone D , Heinsohn Robert , Dawson Rick , Warren Kristin S
Published: May 2016

Despite the widespread use of telemetry to track the movements of many different avian species, there are few
published studies describing tracking methods for large psittacine birds. Due to their powerful bills and inquisitive
demeanours, large parrots may damage valuable transmitters and confound telemetry studies. We undertook a captive
trial of three attachment methods (collar, harness and tail-mount) and a novel weak-link harness design for black
cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris, C. baudinii and C. banksii naso). Mean retention times for the transmitter packages
ranged from 44 to 384 days. There was no skin or feather damage to the birds associated with transmitter attachments.
The results showed sufficient transmitter retention times to allow for the collection of valuable movement and survival
data, with no obvious ill effects on animal welfare, and are a first step towards using transmitters on wild cockatoos.
A vertebrate person in an invertebrate court
Authors: Ingram Glen
Published: May 2016

There are some benefits to lying in hospital recovering from neurosurgery. Not many, but some. One is all the time you have to think. A few years ago, while I was on my back recuperating, it occurred to me that there had never been a conference in Australia on the conservation of invertebrates. True, there were many conferences proclaiming to be on conservation generally, but these nearly always turned into celebrations of vertebrates and flowering plants.