bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The considerable adult size variability in wood feeders is optimal
Authors: WALCZYŃSKA ALEKSANDRA , DAŃKO MACIEJ , KOZŁOWSKI JAN
Published: November 2009

1. The life history of wood feeders was modelled in order to explain the multiseasonality of development and the great variability of adult size in this group.

2. The model was parameterised with experimental bioenergetic and reproductive data for the xylem feeder Aredolpona rubra (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

3. The length of the developmental period, which together with food quality directly determines adult size and indirectly determines the number of eggs laid, was optimised.

4. The results show that multi‐seasonal larval development maximises fitness under conditions of low food quality, relatively low predation pressure, and the presence of hostile periods during the year.

5. The variability of the number of seasons needed to complete development within a wood‐feeder population is a consequence of development time optimisation and the unavoidable extension of the egg‐laying period. These insects have an evolutionary dilemma: to eclose late in a given season at smaller size, bringing about low egg production and low offspring value, or to grow bigger to the next season, jeopardising their lives.

6. The results of the model predict wood‐feeder developmental patterns that depend on the tree tissue inhabited.
Ontogenetic shift in the scaling of dark respiration with whole‐plant mass in seven shrub species
Authors: Peng Youhong , Niklas Karl J. , Reich Peter B. , Sun Shucun
Published: November 2009

1. Recent evidence suggests that metabolic scaling exponents should shift from ≈ 1 to ∼¾ as plants grow from seedlings to mature trees. This study examines whether there is an ontogenetic shift in the scaling exponent of dark respiration with whole‐plant biomass and whether the allometry of dark respiration vs. plant total nitrogen content is consistent with these metabolic scaling relationships.

2. We examined seedling mass, dark respiration, biomass allocation, water and nitrogen contents, and relative growth rates for 351 seedlings of seven shrub species that span three orders of magnitude in total plant mass (i.e. <1 mg to >1 g).

3. Dark respiration increased with increasing seedling mass in each of three growth stages for each species. The scaling exponents for dark respiration vs. plant mass were c. 1·0 during the earliest stage of seedling development (<60 days after germination) but declined in the later two growth stages (>90 and <120 days after seed germination) for five of the seven species studied. However, the metabolic scaling relationship was isometric when the data were pooled for each species across all size classes.

4. With increasing plant size, the biomass allocated by each species to the metabolically active organ (leaf) generally scaled against whole plant biomass with a slope smaller than 1·0 but significantly larger than ¾.

5. Water and nitrogen contents declined with increasing seedling mass and whole plant dark respiration increased disproportionally (i.e. scaling slope >1) with increasing total plant water or nitrogen content, possibly because small seedlings have a lower water and nutrient‐use efficiency compared to larger ones in water‐ and nutrient‐ unlimited habitats.

6. The change in relative growth rate paralleled the ontogenetic shift in the dark respiration vs. mass relationship, which may explain the isometric metabolic scaling relationship if growth efficiency is inversely proportional to seedling mass.

7. We therefore demonstrate an ontogenetic shift in the metabolic scaling during plant ontogeny. Although the proximate mechanisms underlying the shift are not fully understood, we speculate that a contributing factor is the accrual of less metabolically active tissues or organs with increasing total body mass in the form of secondary tissues with high cell wall volume fractions (e.g. wood and phellum).
Patients with dysphagia: experiences of taking medication
Authors: Kelly Jennifer , D’Cruz Gibson , Wright David
Published: November 2009

kelly j., d’cruz g. & wright d. (2010) Patients with dysphagia: experiences of taking medication. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 82–91.

Title.  Patients with dysphagia: experiences of taking medication.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the experiences of taking medication for older people with dysphagia.

Background.  Dysphagia is a common problem, especially amongst older people, and affects ingestion of food, fluids and medicines. With the number of elders in the population increasing, and currently accounting for one‐third of prescribing volume in the United Kingdom, dysphagia is becoming a major problem in terms of medicine administration and therapy.

Method.  In 2007, we carried out interviews with 11 patients in one county of England who had different degrees of dysphagia. The interview transcriptions were analysed using Colaizzi’s technique.

Results.  Six inter‐related themes were identified from the data: (a) the wide spectrum and variability of dysphagia; (b) medication formulation; (c) information exchange between patients and healthcare professionals; (d) factors affecting medication adherence; (e) strategies used to improve swallowing; (f) the central function of swallowing as eating and drinking.

Conclusion.  It is vital to ensure that each patient has an individualized medication regimen, and for patients with dysphagia the formulation of the medicine is as important as the active ingredients.
Gerontological care in nursing education programmes
Authors: Deschodt Mieke , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Milisen Koen
Published: November 2009

deschodt m., dierckx de casterlé b. & milisen k. (2010) Gerontological care in nursing education programmes. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(1), 139–148.

Title.  Gerontological care in nursing education programmes.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to identify the coverage of gerontological care in baccalaureate nursing education programmes.

Background.  Although in recent years the average age of patients has increased, nurses do not always have the knowledge, competencies, and attitudes necessary to care for older people. Its complexity is not recognized.

Method.  A descriptive cross‐sectional mail survey of 17 baccalaureate nursing education programmes in Flanders, Belgium, was performed in 2007.

Findings.  While there was great variability among nursing education programmes in terms of gerontology courses, clinical placements, and number of experts, it was encouraging that most programmes had integrated gerontology content into non‐gerontology courses, all programmes offered gerontology clinical placements, and many nursing educators were considered to be experts in gerontology. Lack of interest in care for older people in general, lack of gerontology‐related competencies within curricula, and a negative image of gerontological care were reported as the most frequently‐encountered barriers to incorporating gerontological care aspects into curricula.

Conclusion.  Because a minority of nursing students choose the gerontology specialist option, gerontology content in basic nursing curricula should be increased. A minimum standard curriculum and specific competencies for care of older people should be formulated for all baccalaureate nursing education programmes. Strengthening educators’ expertise and investing in role models remain important priorities for the nursing profession.
Patch size effects on avian foraging behaviour: implications for tropical forest restoration design
Authors: Morrison Emily B. , Lindell Catherine A. , Holl Karen D. , Zahawi Rakan A.
Published: November 2009

1. Active restoration to rehabilitate degraded tropical lands often involves planting tree seedlings, an effective but expensive approach if large areas are planted. Planting small patches of vegetation (tens to a few hundred square metres) has recently been suggested as a more economical restoration technique that mimics natural regeneration processes. However, few studies have examined the consequences of restoration patch size on animals, whose presence and activities are often key to successful ecosystem recovery.

2. We examined the effects of patch size on the foraging behaviour of four resident tropical bird species in a replicated forest restoration experiment in southern Costa Rica. We also measured arthropod abundance and anti‐predator vigilance behaviour to assess whether variation in food availability or predation risk could explain patch size effects on foraging behaviour.

3. Prey attack rates were highest, and the effort required to find prey was lowest, in larger patches for three of the four bird species. Arthropod density was approximately twice as great in larger patches (>3500 m2) compared with smaller patches (<350 m2). Evidence for patch size differences in predation risk was more limited but risk may be higher in smaller patches. The results indicate that food availability is the primary mechanism driving patch size effects on foraging behaviour, with predation risk being an additional influence for some species in some years.

4. Synthesis and applications. As demonstrated in this study, patches of tens to a few hundreds of metres squared are likely to provide fewer food resources and potentially less cover from predators for vertebrates that use woody habitat, compared with patches of a few thousand square metres. The more limited resources in smaller patches are likely to have short‐term and, potentially, long‐term consequences for the fitness of organisms. When considering restoration project design, the potential economic and other benefits of planting in smaller patches must be weighed with the potentially negative ecological effects on some taxonomic groups. To increase the probability that patches provide adequate habitat for the largest number of species, we recommend that when financial resources are available, patches of at least a few thousand square metres be planted.
Microstructural changes induced near crack tip during corrosion fatigue tests in austenitic‐ferritic steel
Authors: GOŁĘBIOWSKI B. , ŚWIĄTNICKI W. A. , GASPÉRINI M.
Published: November 2009

Microstructural changes occurring during fatigue tests of austenitic‐ferritic duplex stainless steel (DSS) in air and in hydrogen‐generating environment have been investigated. Hydrogen charging of steel samples during fatigue crack growth (FCG) tests was performed by cathodic polarization of specimens in 0.1M H2SO4 aqueous solution. Microstructural investigations of specimens after FCG tests were carried out using transmission electron microscopy to reveal the density and arrangement of dislocations formed near crack tip. To determine the way of crack propagation in the microstructure, electron backscatter diffraction investigations were performed on fatigue‐tested samples in both kinds of environment. To reveal hydrogen‐induced phase transformations the atomic force microscopy was used. The above investigations allowed us to define the character of fatigue crack propagation and microstructural changes near the crack tip. It was found that crack propagation after fatigue tests in air is accompanied with plastic deformation; a high density of dislocations is observed at large distance from the crack. After fatigue tests performed during hydrogen charging the deformed zone containing high density of dislocations is narrow compared to that after fatigue tests in air. It means that hydrogenation leads to brittle character of fatigue crack propagation. In air, fatigue cracks propagate mostly transgranularly, whereas in hydrogen‐generating environment the cracks have mixed transgranular/interfacial character.
CD4+ and CD8+ T cells mediated direct cytotoxic effect against Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Waldman Arie , Segal Rina , Berdicevsky Israela , Gilhar Amos
Published: November 2009

Background  The cellular immune system is the most dominant factor in curing acute dermatophytosis. However, the exact immune mechanisms involved in generating this defense are complex and still obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate the fungicidal mechanism of T cells in the normal population versus patients with chronic fungal infections.

Methods  Thirty patients were included in the study: 15 patients with chronic dermatophytosis and 15 normal healthy patients with a history of acute dermatophytosis. The procedures were performed as follows. 1) Proliferation and cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes cultured with various dermatophytes homogenate such as, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum. 2) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were separated by magnetic beads before culture with fresh spores of either T. mentagrophytes or T. rubrum. 3) Routine histology and ultrastructural study were performed to illustrate the mode of activity of the T cells against the dermatophytes.

Results  The study showed that both CD4 and CD8 possess cytotoxic activity against dermatophytes. However, the results demonstrated a suppression of lymphocyte proliferation response and a significant lower cytotoxic effect in chronic patients. Ultra structure and histological evaluation of the culture of hyphae with CD4+ or CD8+ T cells showed more prominently destructive effects in the culture of cells that had been obtained from normal population than those of patients with long‐lasting fungal infections.

Conclusion  The study suggests a selective impairment of lymphocyte function against dermatophytes, in patients with chronic dermatophytoses.
Ciliary dysfunction and obesity
Authors: Mok CA , Héon E , Zhen M
Published: November 2009

Mok CA, Héon E, Zhen M. Ciliary dysfunction and obesity.

Obesity associates with increased health risks such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The steady rise in the obese population worldwide poses an increasing burden on health systems. Genetic factors contribute to the development of obesity, and the elucidation of their physiological functions helps to understand the cause, and improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment for this disorder. Primary cilia are evolutionarily conserved organelles whose dysfunctions lead to human disorders now defined as ciliopathies. Human ciliopathies present pleiotropic and overlapping phenotypes that often include retinal degeneration, cystic renal anomalies and obesity. Increasing evidence implicates an intriguing involvement of cilia in lipid/energy homeostasis. Here we discuss recent studies in support of the key roles of ciliary genes in the development and pathology of obesity in various animal models. Genes affecting ciliary development and function may pose promising candidate underlying genetic factors that contribute to the development of common obesity.
Further genotype – phenotype correlations in neurofibromatosis 2
Authors: Selvanathan SK , Shenton A , Ferner R , Wallace AJ , Huson SM , Ramsden RT , Evans DG
Published: November 2009

Selvanathan SK, Shenton A, Ferner R, Wallace AJ, Huson SM, Ramsden RT, Evans DG. Further genotype–phenotype correlations in neurofibromatosis 2.

Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is caused by mutations in the NF2 gene predisposing carriers to develop nervous system tumours. Different NF2 mutations result in either loss/reduced protein function or gain of protein function (abnormally behaving mutant allele i.e. truncated protein potentially causing dominant negative effect). We present a comparison between the clinical presentations of patients with mutations that are predicted to produce truncated protein (nonsense/frameshift mutations) to those that results in loss of protein expression (large deletions) to elucidate further genotype–phenotype correlations in NF2. Patients with nonsense/frameshift mutations have a younger age of diagnosis and a higher prevalence/proportion of meningiomas (p = 0.002, p = 0.014), spinal tumours (p = 0.004, p = 0.004) and non‐VIII cranial nerve tumours (p = 0.006, p = 0.003). We also found younger age of diagnosis of vestibular schwannomas (p = 0.007), higher mean numbers of cutaneous lesions (p = 0.003) and spinal tumours (p = 0.006) in these patients. With respect to NF2 symptoms, we found younger age of onset of hearing loss (p = 0.010), tinnitus (p = 0.002), paraesthesiae (p = 0.073), wasting and weakness (p = 0.001) and headaches (p = 0.049) in patients with nonsense/frameshift mutations. Our comparison shows, additional, new correlations between mutations in the NF2 gene and the NF2 disease phenotype, and this further confirms that nonsense/frameshift mutations are associated with more severe NF2 symptoms. Therefore patients with this class of NF2 mutation should be followed up closely.
Multiple Factors Affecting Superovulation in Poll Dorset in China
Authors: Quan F , Zhang Z , An Z , Hua S , Zhao X , Zhang Y
Published: November 2009

Contents

To expand the breeding flock of Poll Dorset sheep in China, multiple ovulation and embryo transfer breeding program was applied to the limited number of imported Australian Poll Dorset sheep. This study investigated the effects of FSH from three different manufacturers, parity (nulliparous vs multiparous), repeated superovulation, oestrus induction, corpus luteum regression and oestrus delay on Poll Dorset superovulation. The results showed that gonadotropin FSH from Canada Folltropin‐V (Ca‐FSH) was successfully used for superovulatory treatment with 160 mg–200 mg dosage per ewe and recovered 12.91 ± 7.80 embryos. Multiparous ewes for superovulation treatment were significantly better nulliparous ewes (p < 0.05). The successive superovalution treatment reduced significantly embryo collection but did not affect transferable embryo number. Ewes with natural oestrus resulted in significantly higher number of embryos (13.83 ± 4.64) and of transferable embryos (12.00 ± 5.76) than ewes with induced oestrus (7.00 ± 4.92; 4.22 ± 3.42) and unknown oestrus cycle (5.94 ± 3.38; 3.19 ± 2.56, p < 0.05). The delayed oestrus ewes at 24 h after superovulatory treatment produced significantly fewer embryos and transferable embryos (0.92 ± 1.51 vs 0.42 ± 0.90) than those with normal oestrus (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the more transferable embryos were recovered from ewes with normal corpus luteum than those with corpus luteum regression (5.88 ± 5.09 vs 3.59 ± 4.30 and 8.83 ± 5.75 vs. 6.66 ± 5.41, p < 0.01). These results suggest that in our farm practice, a comprehensive treatment method by using the Canadian FSH (Folltropin‐V), plus choosing multiparous and natural oestrus ewes with normal corpus luteum might obtain an optimum embryo collection and embryos transfer in sheep.
Formation and deformation processes of late Paleogene sedimentary basins in southern central Hokkaido, Japan: Paleomagnetic and numerical modeling approach
Authors: Tamaki Machiko , Kusumoto Shigekazu , Itoh Yasuto
Published: November 2009

Formation and deformation processes of the late Paleogene sedimentary basins related to a strike–slip fault system in southern central Hokkaido are described by a combination of paleomagnetic study and numerical analysis. After correction of the Miocene counter‐clockwise rotation associated with back‐arc opening of the Japan Sea, paleomagnetic declination data obtained from surface outcrops in the Umaoi and Yubari areas show significant easterly deflections. Although complicated differential rotation is anticipated as a result of recent thrust movements, clockwise rotation in the study areas is closely linked with development of the Paleogene Minami‐naganuma Basin as a pull‐apart depression along the north–south fault system. Numerical modeling suggests that 30 km of strike–slip is required to restore the distribution and volume of the Minami‐naganuma Basin. The relative slip rate on the long‐standing fault system is about 10 mm/yr, which corresponds to global‐scale plate motion. It has inevitably caused regional rearrangement of the eastern Eurasian margin. A rotation field simulated by simplified dextral motion using dislocation modeling basically accords with the paleomagnetic data around the pull‐apart basin.
Histological evaluation of intracapsular venous invasion for discrimination between portal and hepatic venous invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ohashi Masanori , Wakai Toshifumi , Korita Pavel V , Ajioka Yoichi , Shirai Yoshio , Hatakeyama Katsuyoshi
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Histological criteria for intracapsular venous invasion (IVI) that would allow its discrimination between portal and hepatic venous invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been established.

Methods:  We evaluated IVI immunohistochemically to discriminate between portal and hepatic venous invasion in 89 resected specimens from patients with HCC. IVI was defined as the microscopic involvement of the vessels within the fibrous capsule of HCC. The hepatic venous system was subdivided into the central vein and the sublobular/hepatic vein. Immunohistochemical analysis with the D2‐40 monoclonal antibody revealed lymphatic vessels.

Results:  In non‐neoplastic liver tissues, the portal veins (n = 4355) were accompanied by lymphatic vessels (99.7%), bile ductules (100%) and arteries (96%), whereas the central veins (n = 3932) and sublobular/hepatic veins (n = 662) were rarely accompanied by lymphatic vessels (0% and 17%, respectively) and bile ductules (12% and 33%, respectively). In total, 29 IVI foci were detected; three foci were clearly visible within vessels that contained a distinct layer of connective tissue fibers, signifying sublobular/hepatic venous invasion. As the remaining 26 foci were accompanied by lymphatic vessels (26/26 [100%]), bile ductules (21/26 [81%]) and arteries (10/26 [38%]), these foci were considered to reflect intracapsular portal venous invasion rather than venous invasion of the central vein. Intracapsular portal venous invasion was significantly associated with extratumoral portal venous invasion (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  D2‐40 immunoreactivity for the histological evaluation of IVI in HCC allows discrimination between portal and hepatic venous invasion for cases in which portal venous invasion predominates.
Infliximab improves inflammation and anthropometric measures in pediatric Crohn's disease
Authors: Sinitsky Daniel M , Lemberg Daniel A , Leach Steven T , Bohane Timothy D , Jackson Reuben , Day Andrew S
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Infliximab (IFX) is a monoclonal antibody licensed to treat medically refractory Crohn's disease (CD). Our aim was to elucidate the effects of IFX therapy on clinical, growth and serum parameters in children with CD in a single pediatric center in Sydney, Australia.

Methods:  A retrospective case series review of children treated with IFX for CD at Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia was undertaken, with a review of outcomes after starting IFX. Main outcome measures were response and remission (as measured according to improvements in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index scores and Physician Global Assessment), laboratory markers (C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, white cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, albumin) and growth (Z scores).

Results:  The 16 patients included had a mean age at first infusion of 13.0 years (1.25–17.5 years). Six of 12 patients (with adequate data available) were in remission at 2 weeks following the first infusion. At 1 year, 10 of 12 patients (83%) were in remission. Mean C‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had fallen significantly (P < 0.05) at 2 weeks (from 29 to 7 mg/L and 40 to 19 mm/h, respectively). Positive trends were observed for all other parameters, excluding lymphocytes and white cell count. At 1 year, mean Z score for body mass index improved significantly from −0.9 to −0.1 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Disease activity subsides in most children treated with IFX for CD. IFX therapy also improves some growth parameters. The pattern of improvement requires further elucidation, as the results in the present study suggest differing dosing frequency of infusion may achieve better efficacy.
Oxidative stress and regulation of anti‐oxidant enzymes in cytochrome P4502E1 transgenic mouse model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Kathirvel Elango , Chen Philip , Morgan Kengathevy , French Samuel W. , Morgan Timothy R.
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Reactive oxygen species produced by cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) are believed to play a role in pathophysiology of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, little is known about the expression, protein content and activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes and the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a source of reactive nitrogen species, in NAFLD. In the present study, we evaluate gene expression, protein content and activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes, and iNOS, in a CYP2E1 overexpressing model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL).

Methods:  Non‐transgenic (nTg) and CYP2E1 transgenic (Tg) mice were fed rodent chow for 8 months. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver triglycerides, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls were measured. Gene expression of NF‐E2‐related factor (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase‐1, ‐2 (SOD‐1,2), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and iNOS were determined. Protein content, activity and nitrosylation of the enzymes were also measured.

Results:  Tg mice had greater CYP2E1 activity and histological liver injury. MDA and protein carbonyls were increased, indicating insufficient anti‐oxidant response. Gene expression of Nrf2, CAT, GPx, HO‐1 and iNOS were significantly increased. Protein content and enzyme activities of most anti‐oxidant enzymes were not correspondingly increased. iNOS activity and nitrosylation of CAT and SOD was greater in Tg mice liver.

Conclusion:  Hepatocyte‐specific CYP2E1 overexpression results in increased oxidative stress and nitrosative stress. Several anti‐oxidant enzymes are upregulated. Failure of corresponding increase in total protein and activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes suggests modification/degradation, possibly by nitrosylation, due to increased iNOS activity in a CYP2E1 overexpressing NAFL mouse model.
Behavioral problems and parenting style among Taiwanese children with autism and their siblings
Authors: Gau Susan Shur‐Fen , Chou Miao‐Churn , Lee Ju‐Chin , Wong Ching‐Ching , Chou Wen‐Jiun , Chen Ming‐Fang , Soong Wei‐Tsuen , Wu Yu‐Yu
Published: November 2009

Aims:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the behavioral problems and parenting style among children with autism and their siblings in an ethnic Chinese population.

Methods:  A total of 151 children with DSM‐IV autistic disorder, aged 3–12, 134 siblings without autism, and 113 normally developing controls were recruited. Both parents reported their parenting styles and psychological status and mothers also reported children's behavioral problems.

Results:  Children with autism had significantly more severe behavioral problems and obtained less affection and more overprotection and authoritarian controlling from their parents than the other two groups. Compared to the controls, unaffected siblings showed some behavioral problems, and obtained less maternal care. Withdrawal and attention, social, and thought problems were the most associated behavioral syndromes to distinguish children with autism from those without.

Conclusions:  In addition to children with autism, who have a wide range of behavioral problems and impaired parent–child interactions, their siblings may be at risk for such problems.
Monitoring movement into and through a newly planted rainforest corridor using genetic analysis of natal origin
Authors: Paetkau David , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella , Tucker Nigel I. J. , Moritz Craig
Published: November 2009

Summary  Genetic analysis of individual origins works best with populations that are genetically distinct but which exchange a high rate of immigrants, conditions that don’t normally coexist since immigration acts to prevent the accumulation of genetic differences. We provide empirical results from a newly constructed habitat linkage to illustrate the unique suitability of such analysis to monitoring the re‐establishment of connections between previously isolated populations. Donaghy’s Corridor links a previously isolated 498 ha fragment of rainforest to an adjacent 80 000 ha of intact forest. Starting in the final year of the planting programme that established the corridor, we trapped two species of native small mammals, the Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) and the Cape York Rat (Rattus leucopus), within and nearby the linkage. We used genetic data from ear clippings to determine which side of the corridor individual animals originated from, and by comparing this information to trap locations, we identified 16 long‐distance movements through the corridor. As genetic analysis of origins allowed movements to be detected from a single capture event and as it reflected movement since birth, this approach yielded considerably more data than capture records alone. The combination of movement and capture records allowed species‐specific assessment of corridor function, revealing that the use and occupation of the corridor was higher for Bush Rat than for Cape York Rat and was neither symmetrical nor uniform. Long‐distance movements through the corridor were most common immediately after habitat restoration, dropping off as the reconstructed habitat was colonized.
Assessing the habitat quality of oil mallees and other planted farmland vegetation with reference to natural woodland
Authors: Patrick Smith F.
Published: November 2009

Summary  Much of the tree and shrub planting that has been conducted on farms in Western Australia over the past three decades has not been done with the specific intention of creating habitat or conserving biodiversity, particularly commercially oriented monocultures like oil mallee plantings. However, such plantings may nonetheless provide some habitat resources for native plants and animals. This study assessed the habitat quality of farm plantings (most of which were not planted with the primary intention of biodiversity conservation) at 72 sites across a study region in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia. Widely accepted habitat metrics were used to compare the habitat resources provided by planted farmland vegetation with those provided by remnant woodland on the same farms. The impact of adjacency of plantings to woodland and, in the case of oil mallees, the planting configuration on predicted habitat quality is assessed. Condition Benchmarks for five local native vegetation communities are proposed. Farmland plantings achieved an average Vegetation Condition Score (VCS) of 46 out of a possible 100, while remnant woodland on the same farms scored an average 72. The average scores for farm plantings ranged from 38–59 depending on which of five natural vegetation communities was used as its benchmark, but farm plantings always scored significantly less than remnant woodland (P < 0.001). Mixed species plantings on average were rated more highly than oil mallees (e.g. scores of 42 and 36 respectively using the Wandoo benchmark) and adjacency to remnant woodland improved the score for mixed plantings, but not for oil mallees. Configuration of oil mallees as blocks or belts (i.e. as an alley farming system) had no impact on the VCS. Planted farmland vegetation fell short of remnant woodland in both floristic richness (51 planted native species in total compared with a total of more than 166 naturally occurring plant species in woodland) and structural diversity (with height, multiple vegetation strata, tree hollows and woody debris all absent in the relatively young 7–15‐year‐old farm plantings). Nonetheless farmland plantings do have measurable habitat values and recruitment and apparent recolonization of plantings with native plant species was observed. Habitat values might be expected to increase as the plantings age. The VCS approach, including the application of locally relevant Benchmarks is considered to be valuable for assessing potential habitat quality in farmland vegetation, particularly as a tool for engaging landholders and natural resource management practitioners.
Changes in acid‐base, electrolyte and hemoglobin concentrations during infusion of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42/6 : 1 in normal saline or in balanced electrolyte solution in children
Authors: SÜMPELMANN ROBERT , WITT LARS , BRÜTT MEIKE , OSTERKORN DIRK , KOPPERT WOLFGANG , OSTHAUS WILHELM A.
Published: November 2009

Introduction:  A balanced volume replacement strategy is a well established concept for correcting hypovolemia using plasma adapted isotonic crystalloid solutions with a physiological electrolyte pattern and acetate as bicarbonate precursor. Recently, third‐generation hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has also become available in a balanced electrolyte solution instead of normal saline. Therefore, in this prospective non‐interventional clinical study, the perioperative administration of HES 130/0.42/6 : 1 in normal saline (ns‐HES) and in balanced electrolyte solution (bal‐HES) was evaluated in children with a focus on acid‐base, electrolyte and hemoglobin changes.

Methods:  Following local ethics committee approval, pediatric patients aged up to 12 years with an ASA risk score of I–III undergoing perioperative administration of HES (ns‐HES from May 2006 to December 2007, bal‐HES from January 2008 to January 2009) were included. Patient demographics, the performed procedure, adverse drug reactions, hemodynamic data and the results of blood gas analysis were documented with a focus on changes in acid‐base, electrolyte and hemoglobin concentrations.

Results:  Of 396 enrolled patients (ASA I–III; age 2.3 ± 3, range day of birth – 12 years; body weight 10.8 ± 9, range 0.9–52 kg), 249 received ns‐HES and 147 bal‐HES (mean volume infused 9.9 ± 4 and 9.4 ± 6.9 ml·kg−1, respectively). After HES infusion, hemoglobin decreased in both groups, whereas bicarbonate and base excess (BE) decreased only with ns‐HES and remained stable with bal‐HES (BE before infusion: ns‐HES −1.8 ± 2.8, bal‐HES −1.7 ± 2.7 mmol·l−1; after infusion: ns‐HES −2.6 ± 2.4; bal‐HES −1.6 ± 2.6 mmol·l−1, P < 0.05). Chloride (Cl) concentrations increased in both groups and were significantly higher with ns‐HES (Cl before infusion: ns‐HES 105.6 ± 3.7, bal‐HES 105.1 ± 2.8 mmol·l−1; after infusion: ns‐HES 107.7 ± 3.2, bal‐HES 106.3 ± 2.9 mmol·l−1, P < 0.01). No serious adverse drug reactions were observed.

Conclusion:  Infusion related iatrogenic acid‐base and electrolyte alterations can be minimized by using hydroxyethyl starch in a balanced electrolyte solution instead of normal saline.
THE IMPACT OF ACADEMIC PATENTING ON THE RATE, QUALITY AND DIRECTION OF (PUBLIC) RESEARCH OUTPUT*
Authors: AZOULAY PIERRE , DING WAVERLY , STUART TOBY
Published: November 2009

We examine the influence of faculty patenting on the rate, quality, and content of public research outputs in a panel dataset of 3,862 academic life scientists. Using inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) to account for self‐selection into patenting, we find that patenting has a positive effect on the rate of publications and a weak positive effect on the quality of these publications. We also find that patenters may be shifting their research focus to questions of commercial interest. We conclude that the often voiced concern that patenting in academe has a nefarious effect on public research output is misplaced.
DOES THE EFFECT OF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR R&D DEPEND ON THE DEGREE OF APPROPRIABILITY?*
Authors: GELABERT LILIANA , FOSFURI ANDREA , TRIBÓ JOSEP A.
Published: November 2009

We explore the interaction between public support for R&D and appropriability using a dataset constructed from the Spanish Community Innovation Survey, for the period 2000–2005. We find that public support policy is less able to stimulate privately financed internal R&D in firms where appropriability mechanisms are more effective. On average, the effect of public support for R&D is three times larger for those firms reporting a level of appropriability below the median vis‐à‐vis those firms for which appropriability is above the median level. Furthermore, for supported firms with the highest degree of appropriability, crowding out cannot be ruled out.
Parliament Scrutiny of Government Performance in Australia
Authors: Thomas Paul G.
Published: November 2009

This article examines how the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia seeks to hold responsible ministers directly and senior public servants indirectly accountable for the performance of departments and programs on the basis of published performance data and inquiries conducted by parliamentary committees. From the perspective of an outsider, the scrutiny process in the Australian parliament, although not without its problems, is more systematic and substantive than is the case in other parliamentary systems such as Canada. Creating a more meaningful dialogue in the Australian parliament on performance issues will depend more on changes to the intersecting cultures of the legislature, government and the public service than on organisational and procedural reforms to any of those institutions.
Dilemmas of Policy Innovation in the Public Sector: A Case Study of the National Innovation Summit
Authors: Marsh Ian , Edwards Lindy
Published: November 2009

Policy innovation is a significant challenge for the public sector. This article illustrates its magnitude through a case study of the National Innovation Summit. The article concludes that the Summit represented an elaborate process of search and engagement that sanctioned an outcome that was, in most respects, largely pre‐determined. Its outreach and deliberations served the political purpose of mobilising industry and media attention and communicating the government's commitment. But there is no evidence that it exercised any substantive influence on policy development. The obstacles confounding any other outcome are considerable. Strategic thinking is inhibited by various organisational factors including lock‐in to a present successful strategy, the constraints on policy choices associated with multiple veto points and the need to maintain medium term fiscal and policy discipline across a wide range of agencies and claimants. The article explores ways these inhibitions might be overcome.
What Makes an Aboriginal Council Successful? Case Studies of Aboriginal Community Government Performance in Far North Queensland
Authors: Limerick Michael
Published: November 2009

Indigenous community governments are at the frontline of current efforts to ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous living standards. Yet there is little empirical evidence about successful performance by these organisations and considerable scepticism about whether introduced Western governance models can ever be viable in Indigenous communities. To identify the governance attributes that contribute to successful performance, case studies were conducted at three Aboriginal councils in far north Queensland. The untested assumptions in current notions of ‘good governance’ were examined. Currently accepted good governance principles and practices were investigated to ascertain their actual causal relationship with council performance. The research further identified key contextual, historical and cultural factors that are important in shaping successful or unsuccessful governance. Practical strategies are suggested for policy‐makers and Indigenous leaders to build the performance of Indigenous community governments.
We’re Not all Happy Yet: Attitudes to Work, Leadership, and High Performance Work Practices among Managers in the Public Sector
Authors: Lindorff Margaret
Published: November 2009

This article explores the attitudes of male and female managers in the public sector toward high performance Human Resource Management (HRM) policies and practices, work, and organisational leadership, and compares these attitudes to those of managers in the private sector. It finds that female public sector managers are most positive about high performance HRM policies and practices. Male public sector managers are less positive than female managers in the public sector and male and female managers in the private sector across all the measures. Psychological contract theory suggests either the changes associated with high performance HRM policies and practices, or attempts to decrease the disadvantage felt by women in the public sector may have resulted in a sense of disadvantage among some men in the sector, and created a changed, more transactional psychological contract between these men and their organisation. Strategies are needed to reengage public sector men.
Deinstitutionalisation and Managerialism in Queensland's Public Psychiatric Institutions: Challenging ‘Rhetoric’ with Empirical Results
Authors: Doessel D. P. , Williams Ruth F. G. , Whiteford H.
Published: November 2009

This article places the experience of public psychiatric institutions for the long term mentally ill in the context of New Public Management (NPM). This managerialist school of thought has been in widespread ascendancy since the 1970s. Some key characteristics of deinstitutionalisation and NPM are outlined. We then present some historical data about the temporal process of deinstitutionalisation in Queensland's public psychiatric institutions. The time series analysis provided is of a single state since Australia's public health care system is state‐based. Although NPM is not a coherent set of principles or doctrines, it is argued that ideology and the reality may be contradicting. Some of NPM's particular emphases are empirically analysed, in particular the view that administration/management expenditures are to be reduced, while emphasising workers ‘at the coal face’. The empirical results provide no evidence of a ‘parsimonious’ approach to management: parsimony occurs only for nursing staff. Relative expenditures on managerial functions have increased.
Children's Exposure to Domestic Violence: Holding Men to Account
Authors: DEVANEY JOHN
Published: November 2009

The issue of domestic violence has gained greater recognition within public policy in the United Kingdom over the past decade. There is a recognition that up to one million children may have been exposed to violence between the adults with whom they live. This has consequences for the child in both the short and long term in terms of social and emotional adjustment. However, most male perpetrators of domestic violence are never held to account through the criminal justice system and therefore the child protection system is the safety net for these children. This though can result in a response that is premised on women's responsibility to protect their child from experiencing harm, typically by either leaving or forcing her partner to leave. Child welfare professionals do not engage with the men who are the source of the problem, rather women are held accountable for allowing their children and themselves to be in this situation. In this article this issue is discussed and proposals offered to improve this situation through empowering women, holding men to account for their behaviour whilst also recognising their position as fathers.
Labour and the Scottish National Party: the Triumph of Continuity in a Changing Scotland
Authors: GALLAGHER TOM
Published: November 2009

Scotland's party system appears on the verge of major change with the Scottish National Party poised to supplant the Labour party as the dominant force. Under a charismatic leader, the SNP is using populist means to try and secure independence. However, real change appears elusive even if constitutional arrangements are altered further. The SNP distrusts democratic participation and is keen to rule through mobilised interests groups and the civil‐service, strengthening the corporatist style of government characterising Scotland for centuries. Labour might avoid long‐term marginalisation, if it was to embrace an agenda based on strong democratic citizenship and a broad nationalism which emphasises a continuing Union in which the benefits of devolution are clearly directed towards individual citizens as well as elite groups
Public Management and Administration: a Need for Evolution
Authors: RIMINGTON JOHN
Published: November 2009

Recently, British public management has relied too much on private sector approaches suited to market‐facing situations, to the detriment of systems based on a realistic estimate of the special nature of public business, and its needs for economy and co‐ordination. Accountability processes have suffered from over‐simplification (targetry) and from a gross multiplication of mechanisms focusing on individual error, as opposed to ensuring intelligent assessment of business results. There has been an over‐emphasis on management of inputs and outputs, as opposed to systems gearing the result‐producing mechanisms to means for policy formation and co‐ordination of effort. We need now to re‐think and define properly the systems whereby ministers are advised, account is rendered, resources are allocated and effort is co‐ordinated—and the qualifications of the relevant actors. Suggestions are made to these ends.
A Usage‐Based Approach to Recursion in Sentence Processing
Authors: Christiansen Morten H. , MacDonald Maryellen C.
Published: November 2009

Most current approaches to linguistic structure suggest that language is recursive, that recursion is a fundamental property of grammar, and that independent performance constraints limit recursive abilities that would otherwise be infinite. This article presents a usage‐based perspective on recursive sentence processing, in which recursion is construed as an acquired skill and in which limitations on the processing of recursive constructions stem from interactions between linguistic experience and intrinsic constraints on learning and processing. A connectionist model embodying this alternative theory is outlined, along with simulation results showing that the model is capable of constituent‐like generalizations and that it can fit human data regarding the differential processing difficulty associated with center‐embeddings in German and cross‐dependencies in Dutch. Novel predictions are furthermore derived from the model and corroborated by the results of four behavioral experiments, suggesting that acquired recursive abilities are intrinsically bounded not only when processing complex recursive constructions, such as center‐embedding and cross‐dependency, but also during processing of the simpler, right‐ and left‐recursive structures.
Evolution of Brain and Language
Authors: Schoenemann P. Thomas
Published: November 2009

The evolution of language and the evolution of the brain are tightly interlinked. Language evolution represents a special kind of adaptation, in part because language is a complex behavior (as opposed to a physical feature) but also because changes are adaptive only to the extent that they increase either one's understanding of others, or one's understanding to others. Evolutionary changes in the human brain that are thought to be relevant to language are reviewed. The extent to which these changes are a cause or consequence of language evolution is a good question, but it is argued that the process may best be viewed as a complex adaptive system, in which cultural learning interacts with biology iteratively over time to produce language.