bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in demographic patterns of the Doñana Iberian lynxLynx pardinus: management implications and conservation perspectives
Authors: López-Parra Marcos , Fernández Leonardo , Ruiz Gema , Gil-Sánchez José Maria , Simón Miguel Angel , López Guillermo , Sarmento Pedro
Published: July 2012

Over the last 20 years surveys of the population of the Iberian lynxLynx pardinusin Doñana National Park and its surroundings in Spain have produced estimates of a total population of 50–60 in fragmented patches. The population was estimated to be 26 adults in 2002–2003. Use of camera trapping and other field methods during 2004–2008 allowed us to determine the abundance of the lynx and to estimate demographic statistics. Estimated annual abundance of adult and subadult lynxes averaged 38 individuals (range 35–43). Although the population exhibited a continuous distribution it was concentrated in three major areas, including Doñana National Park, with an average area occupied of 620 km2. Our results suggest that the Doñana Iberian lynx population now has a different structure from that in the 1990s and in particular a more continuous spatial distribution. These results indicate an improved, but not secure, scenario for the population. The continuous geographical distribution suggests the population is currently less vulnerable to extinction than 10 years ago. Conservation actions now need to focus outside Doñana National Park on the reconversion of pine plantations into original Mediterranean scrubland habitat, and the continuity and intensification of ongoing restocking with rabbits in fenced areas.
The impact of forest logging and fragmentation on carnivore species composition, density and occupancy in Madagascar's rainforests
Authors: Gerber Brian D. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Randrianantenaina Johny
Published: July 2012

Forest carnivores are threatened globally by logging and forest fragmentation yet we know relatively little about how such change affects predator populations. This is especially true in Madagascar, where carnivores have not been extensively studied. To understand better the effects of logging and fragmentation on Malagasy carnivores we evaluated species composition, density of fossaCryptoprocta feroxand Malagasy civetFossa fossana, and carnivore occupancy in central-eastern Madagascar. We photographically-sampled carnivores in two contiguous (primary and selectively-logged) and two fragmented rainforests (fragments <2.5 and >15 km from intact forest). Species composition varied, with more native carnivores in the contiguous than fragmented rainforests.F. fossanawas absent from fragmented rainforests and at a lower density in selectively-logged than in primary rainforest (mean 1.38±SE 0.22 and 3.19±SE 0.55 individuals km−2, respectively).C. feroxwas detected in fragments <2.5 km from forest and had similar densities in primary and selectively-logged forests (0.12±SE 0.05 and 0.09±SE 0.04 adults km−2, respectively) but was absent in fragments >15 km from forest. We identified only two protected areas in Madagascar that may maintain >300 adultC. ferox. Occupancy of broad-striped mongooseGalidictis fasciatawas positively related to fragment size whereas occupancy of ring-tailed mongooseGalidia elegans eleganswas negatively associated with increasing exotic wild cat (Felisspp.) activity at a camera site. Degraded rainforest fragments are difficult environments for Malagasy carnivores to occupy; there is a need to prioritize the reconnection and maintenance of contiguous forest tracts.
Protected areas host important remnants of marine turtle nesting stocks in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Revuelta Ohiana , León Yolanda M. , Feliz Pablo , Godley Brendan J. , Raga Juan A. , Tomás Jesús
Published: July 2012

Nesting by marine turtles in the Caribbean has declined considerably, mainly because of human exploitation, but there has previously been no monitoring in the Dominican Republic. We present the first detailed assessment of the status of marine turtle nesting in the country, based on surveys during 2006–2010. Nesting populations of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea are of regional importance and the green turtle Chelonia mydas is still present, although nesting in low numbers. The two main nesting sites are within protected areas: the Jaragua National Park in the south-west, important for leatherback turtles (mean of 126 nests per season), and Del Este National Park on Saona Island in the south-east, principally for hawksbill turtles (mean of 100 nests per season). Comparison with historical data suggests all rookeries are profoundly reduced in size. Although the main nesting beaches are within protected areas, illegal egg-take and meat consumption continues there, and also elsewhere in the country.
Religious Mobility in the Roman Empire
Authors: Price Simon
Published: July 2012

The spread of religions throughout the Roman world may be explained partly as a consequence of the movements of peoples, partly in terms of the emergence of new elective cults. Understanding these processes entails exploring the kinds of contacts and exchanges established between individual worshippers, and the contexts — local and imperial — within which they took place. These developments culminated in the emergence of new cults that spilled over the boundaries of the Roman Empire to create the first global religions.
USING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT TO SUPPORT OPTIMAL USE OF TECHNOLOGIES IN CURRENT PRACTICE: THE CHALLENGE OF “DISINVESTMENT”
Authors: Henshall Chris , Schuller Tara , Mardhani-Bayne Logan
Published: July 2012

Background:Health systems face rising patient expectations and economic pressures; decision makers seek to enhance efficiency to improve access to appropriate care. There is international interest in the role of HTA to support decisions to optimize use of established technologies, particularly in “disinvesting” from low-benefit uses.

Methods:This study summarizes main points from an HTAi Policy Forum meeting on this topic, drawing on presentations, discussions among attendees, and an advance background paper.

Results and Conclusions:Optimization involves assessment or re-assessment of a technology, a decision on optimal use, and decision implementation. This may occur within a routine process to improve safety and quality and create “headroom” for new technologies, or ad hoc in response to financial constraints. The term “disinvestment” is not always helpful in describing these processes. HTA contributes to optimization, but there is scope to increase its role in many systems. Stakeholders may have strong views on access to technology, and stakeholder involvement is essential. Optimization faces challenges including loss aversion and entitlement, stakeholder inertia and entrenchment, heterogeneity in patient outcomes, and the need to demonstrate convincingly absence of benefit. While basic HTA principles remain applicable, methodological developments are needed better to support optimization. These include mechanisms for candidate technology identification and prioritization, enhanced collection and analysis of routine data, and clinician engagement. To maximize value to decision makers, HTA should consider implementation strategies and barriers. Improving optimization processes calls for a coordinated approach, and actions are identified for system leaders, HTA and other health organizations, and industry.
Population-based estimate of the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness in Jiangsu province, China, 2010–2011
Authors: ZHOU Y. J. , DAI Y. , YUAN B. J. , ZHEN S. Q. , TANG Z. , WU G. L. , WANG Y. , ZHOU M. H. , CHEN Y.
Published: July 2012

To determine the burden and distribution of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the population, a cross-sectional, monthly face-to-face survey of 10 959 residents was conducted in Jiangsu province between July 2010 and June 2011. The adjusted monthly prevalence was 4·7% with 0·63 AGI episodes/person per year. The prevalence was the highest in children aged <5 years and lowest in persons aged ⩾65 years. A bimodal seasonal distribution was observed with peaks in summer and winter. Regional difference of AGI prevalence was substantial [lowest 0·5% in Taicang, highest 15·1% in Xinqu (Wuxi prefecture)]. Healthcare was sought by 38·4% of the ill respondents. The use of antibiotics was reported by 65·2% of the ill respondents and 38·9% took antidiarrhoeals. In the multivariable model, gender, education, season, sentinel site and travel were significant risk factors of being a case of AGI. These results highlight the substantial burden of AGI and the risk factors associated with AGI in Jiangsu province, China.
National surveillance of Salmonella Enteritidis in commercial eggs in Japan
Authors: ESAKI H. , SHIMURA K. , YAMAZAKI Y. , EGUCHI M. , NAKAMURA M.
Published: July 2012

A total of 105 033 eggs were collected across Japan from June 2010 to January 2011 and tested for Salmonella Enteritidis to provide data for the risk profiling of S. Enteritidis in eggs by the Food Safety Commission of Japan. S. Enteritidis isolates were recovered from three samples (20 eggs/sample) and these samples were different in regard to sampling period, grading and packaging centre and farm. The prevalence of S. Enteritidis in commercial eggs in Japan is estimated at ∼0·003% which was a tenfold decrease in prevalence compared to similar surveillance in the mid 1990s. The decrease in the contamination in commercial eggs is considered a contributory factor in the decrease of foodborne diseases associated with S. Enteritidis in this period.
Burden and characteristics of influenza A and B in Danish intensive care units during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 influenza seasons
Authors: GUBBELS S. , KRAUSE T. G. , BRAGSTAD K. , PERNER A. , MØLBAK K. , GLISMANN S.
Published: July 2012

Influenza surveillance in Danish intensive care units (ICUs) was performed during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 influenza seasons to monitor the burden on ICUs. All 44 Danish ICUs reported aggregate data for incidence and point prevalence, and case-based demographical and clinical parameters. Additional data on microbiological testing, vaccination and death were obtained from national registers. Ninety-six patients with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 were recorded in 2009/10; 106 with influenza A and 42 with influenza B in 2010/11. The mean age of influenza A patients was higher in 2010/11 than in 2009/10, 53vs. 44 years (P = 0·004). No differences in other demographic and clinical parameters were detected between influenza A and B patients. In conclusion, the number of patients with severe influenza was higher in Denmark during the 2010/11 than the 2009/10 season with a shift towards older age groups in influenza A patients. Influenza B caused severe illness and needs consideration in clinical and public health policy.
Investigation into sampling strategies in response to potential outbreaks of low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza initiated in commercial duck holdings in Great Britain
Authors: ARNOLD M. E. , IRVINE R. M. , TEARNE O. , RAE D. , COOK A. J. C. , BREED A. C.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate potential sampling strategies for detection of infected flocks that could be applied during an outbreak of low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza (LPNAI) initiated in duck holdings, following initial detection. A simulation model of avian influenza virus transmission and spread within and between holdings, respectively, was used to predict the impact on the size and duration of an outbreak of (i) changing the tracing window within which premises that might be the source of infection or that may have been infected by the index premises were sampled and (ii) changing the number of birds sampled in the flock being tested. It has shown that there is potential benefit in increasing the tracing window in terms of reducing the likelihood of a large outbreak. It has also shown that there is comparatively little benefit from increasing the number of birds sampled per flock.
Nest site habitat selection and nesting performance of the Great Bustard Otis tarda in southern Portugal: implications for conservation
Authors: ROCHA PEDRO , MORALES MANUEL B. , MOREIRA FRANCISCO
Published: July 2012

We present results on breeding parameters, nesting performance and nest habitat selection of the globally threatened Great Bustard Otis tarda, gathered during a 3-year study in Castro Verde (southern Portugal). A total of 107 nests were located. The estimated average onset of laying was 22 April (SD = 12 days, n = 8). The incubation period ranged from 25 March to 15 June. Nearly 95% of females incubated between 1 April and 31 May. Mean clutch size was 2.12 (SD = 0.69, n = 86), showing no significant inter-annual differences. There was no significant relationship between clutch size and average nest finding date, although, on average, nests were found later each year. Hatching occurred between 21 April and 26 June. The estimated proportion of eggs hatched per nest (hatching percentage) was 87.5% in 2002 (n = 8), 64.0% in 2003 (n = 33) and 75.8% in 2004 (n = 33). Overall nesting success for the three years was 71% (n = 107). The main causes of nesting failure were agricultural activities, mainly ploughing and harvesting, followed by corvid predation. Nests were spatially aggregated up to 800–1,500 m. At larger scales, the spatial distribution of nests can be considered random or uniform. Females showed a clear preference for nesting in cereal fields, followed by young fallows, old fallows, ploughed fields and then other habitats, although the intensity of selection of particular habitats varied between years. Nests were associated with both cereals and fallows, thus aggregating where those habitat types occurred within the study area. These results provide the first complete description of the nesting process in a Great Bustard population, as well as important cues to the assessment of conservation measures implemented in Castro Verde, an area holding around 80% of the Portuguese population of this species (application of EU agri-environmental schemes, power line signalling, water-point provision in dry years).
Electrical modeling of packaged GaN HEMT dedicated to internal power matching in S-band
Authors: Chéron Jérôme , Campovecchio Michel , Barataud Denis , Reveyrand Tibault , Stanislawiak Michel , Eudeline Philippe , Floriot Didier
Published: July 2012

The electrical modeling of power packages is a major issue for designers of high-efficiency hybrid power amplifiers. This paper reports the synthesis and the modeling of a packaged Gallium nitride (GaN) High electron mobility transistor (HEMT) associating a nonlinear model of the GaN HEMT die with an equivalent circuit model of the package. The extraction procedure is based on multi-bias S-parameter measurements of both packaged and unpackaged (on-wafer) configurations. Two different designs of 20 W packaged GaN HEMTs illustrate the modeling approach that is validated by time-domain load-pull measurements in S-band. The advantage of the electrical modeling dedicated to packaged GaN HEMTs is to enable a die-package co-design for power matching. Internal matching elements such as Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors, Monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), and bond wires can be separately modeled to ensure an efficient optimization of the package for high power Radio frequency (RF) applications.
Short‐term and seasonal pH,pCO2and saturation state variability in a coral‐reef ecosystem
Authors: Gray Sarah E. C. , DeGrandpre Michael D. , Langdon Chris , Corredor Jorge E.
Published: July 2012

Coral reefs are predicted to be one of the ecosystems most sensitive to ocean acidification. To improve predictions of coral reef response to acidification, we need to better characterize the natural range of variability of pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and calcium carbonate saturation states (Ω). In this study, autonomous sensors for pH and pCO2 were deployed on Media Luna reef, Puerto Rico over three seasons from 2007 to 2008. High temporal resolution CaCO3 saturation states were calculated from the in situ data, giving a much more detailed characterization of reef saturation states than previously possible. Reef pH, pCO2 and aragonite saturation (ΩAr) ranged from 7.89 to 8.17 pH units, 176–613 μatm and 2.7–4.7, respectively, in the range characteristic of most other previously studied reef ecosystems. The diel pH, pCO2 and Ω cycles were also large, encompassing about half of the seasonal range of variability. Warming explained about 50% of the seasonal supersaturation in mean pCO2, with the remaining supersaturation primarily due to net heterotrophy and net CaCO3 production. Net heterotrophy was likely driven by remineralization of mangrove derived organic carbon which continued into the fall, sustaining high pCO2 levels until early winter when the pCO2 returned to offshore values. As a consequence, the reef was a source of CO2 to the atmosphere during the summer and fall and a sink during winter, resulting in a net annual source of 0.73 ± 1.7 mol m−2 year−1. These results show that reefs are exposed to a wide range of saturation states in their natural environment. Mean ΩAr levels will drop to 3.0 when atmospheric CO2 increases to 500 μatm and ΩAr will be less than 3.0 for greater than 70% of the time in the summer. Long duration exposure to these low ΩAr levels are expected to significantly decrease calcification rates on the reef.
Simulations of solar and lunar tidal variability in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere during sudden stratosphere warmings and their influence on the low‐latitude ionosphere
Authors: Pedatella N. M. , Liu H.‐L. , Richmond A. D. , Maute A. , Fang T.‐W.
Published: July 2012

Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) simulations are used to investigate solar and lunar tide changes in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) that occur in response to sudden stratosphere warmings (SSWs). The average tidal response is demonstrated based on 23 moderate to strong Northern Hemisphere SSWs. The migrating semidiurnal lunar tide is enhanced globally during SSWs, with the largest enhancements (∼60–70%) occurring at mid to high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Enhancements in the migrating solar semidiurnal tide (SW2) also occur up to an altitude of 120 km. Above this altitude, the SW2 decreases in response to SSWs. The SW2 enhancements are 40–50%, making them smaller in a relative sense than the enhancements in the migrating semidiurnal lunar tide. Changes in nonmigrating solar tides are, on average, generally small and the only nonmigrating tides that exhibit changes greater than 20% are the diurnal tide with zonal wave number 0 (D0) and the westward propagating semidiurnal tide with zonal wave number 1 (SW1). D0 is decreased by ∼20–30% at low latitudes, while SW1 exhibits a similar magnitude enhancement at mid to high latitudes in both hemispheres. The tidal changes are attributed to a combination of changes in the zonal mean zonal winds, changes in ozone forcing of the SW2, and nonlinear planetary wave‐tide interactions. We further investigate the influence of the lunar tide enhancements on generating perturbations in the low latitude ionosphere during SSWs by using the WACCM‐X thermosphere to drive an ionosphere‐electrodynamics model. For both solar maximum and solar minimum simulations, the changes in the equatorial vertical plasma drift velocity are similar to observations when the lunar tide is included in the simulations. However, when the lunar tide is removed from the simulations, the low latitude ionosphere response to SSWs is unclear and the characteristic behavior of the low latitude ionosphere perturbations that is seen in observations is no longer apparent. Our results thus indicate the importance of variability in the lunar tide during SSWs, especially for the coupling between SSWs and perturbations in the low latitude ionosphere.
Thermomechanical modeling of slab eduction
Authors: Duretz T. , Gerya T. V. , Kaus B. J. P. , Andersen T. B.
Published: July 2012

Plate eduction is a geodynamic process characterized by normal‐sense coherent motion of previously subducted continental plate. This mechanism may occur after slab detachment has separated the negatively buoyant oceanic plate from the positively buoyant orogenic root. Eduction may therefore be partly responsible for exhumation of high pressure rocks and late orogenic extension. We used two‐dimensional thermomechanical modeling to investigate the main features of the plate eduction model. The results show that eduction can lead to the quasi adiabatic decompression of the subducted crust (≈2 GPa) in a timespan of 5 My, large localized extensional strain in the former subduction channel, flattening of the slab, and a topographic uplift associated with extension of the orogen. In order to further investigate the forces involved in the eduction process, we ran systematic parametric simulations and compared them to analytic plate velocity estimations. These experiments showed that eduction is a plausible mechanism as long as the viscosity of the asthenospheric mantle is lower than 1022 Pa.s while subduction channel viscosity does not exceed 1021 Pa.s. We suggest that eduction can be a viable geodynamic mechanism and discuss its potential role during the orogenic evolution of the Norwegian Caledonides.
Global monitoring of large reservoir storage from satellite remote sensing
Authors: Gao Huilin , Birkett Charon , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: July 2012

We studied 34 global reservoirs for which good quality surface elevation data could be obtained from a combination of five satellite altimeters for the period from 1992 to 2010. For each of these reservoirs, we used an unsupervised classification approach using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 16‐day 250 m vegetation product to estimate the surface water areas over the MODIS period of record (2000 to 2010). We then derived elevation‐area relationships for each of the reservoirs by combining the MODIS‐based estimates with satellite altimeter‐based estimates of reservoir water elevations. Through a combination of direct observations of elevation and surface area along with documented reservoir configurations at capacity, we estimated storage time histories for each reservoir from 1992 to 2010. We evaluated these satellite‐based data products in comparison with gauge observations for the five largest reservoirs in the United States (Lakes Mead, Powell, Sakakawea, Oahe, and Fort Peck Reservoir). The storage estimates were highly correlated with observations (R = 0.92 to 0.99), with values for the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) ranging from 3% to 15%. The storage mean absolute error (expressed as a percentage of reservoir capacity) for the reservoirs in this study was 4%. The multidecadal reconstructed reservoir storage variations are in accordance with known droughts and high flow periods on each of the five continents represented in the data set.
Is cancer care dependant on informal carers?
Authors: Olson Rebecca E.
Published: July 2012

Over the past half century, medical care has become less institutionalised, more autonomous, equitable and less costly. This has led to a shift from hospital-based delivery to community care. This paper examines the experiences of Canberra-based carers following this shift using interview data from a longitudinal qualitative study of 32 informal carers of a spouse with cancer. Cancer patients experienced poorly coordinated care. When carers observed the effects of errors and miscommunication on patients, they felt compelled to coordinate patient care. Interview data suggest that informal carers of cancer patients are relied upon to manage patient care at home and in hospitals, but are not supported in undertaking this responsibility. This implies that carers should be a far more central focus in cancer care reform strategies.

What is known about the topic?
Shifts in Australian models of care mean much of the care-work associated with cancer has moved from hospitals to home. Little is known about the implications of this shift on carers of cancer patients, a population at high risk of stress, depression and anxiety.

What does this paper add?
This study offers a rare qualitative approach to understanding the experiences of carers of spouses with cancer in Canberra-based hospitals. Their accounts suggest that cancer carers are relied on to coordinate care for their spouse on a long-term basis at home, in hospitals and across multiple medical modalities.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This high reliance on an informal caregiving population with a well-documented risk of stress, anxiety and depression suggests that strategic changes need to be made to support carers. As states and territories begin to implement cancer care coordinators as part of a cancer reform strategy, carers should be a central focus.
Ecology of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in an agricultural landscape. 2. Home range and movements
Authors: Carter Andrew , Luck Gary W. , McDonald Simon P.
Published: July 2012

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a major predator of Australian wildlife and livestock, but relatively few data exist on fox home-range size and movements in agricultural landscapes. We used radio-telemetry to measure variability in fox home-range size and overlap, and to quantify nightly movements in farmland in south-eastern Australia. Home-range estimates were calculated using the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Kernel Contours methods. Fourteen foxes were radio-tracked, with home-range size varying from 287 to 3574 ha (mean = 1177 ha, ±920 ha (s.d.), n = 10 foxes) based on the 100% MCP and 151–3196 ha (mean = 639 ha, ± 930 ha (s.d.), n = 10 foxes) based on 95% Kernel. Home-range overlap was greater between subadults than adult foxes; especially at the core home-range level where adult home ranges were virtually exclusive. The average (minimum) area covered by adult foxes during a 12-h nightly period was 383 ha (±347 ha (s.d.), range = 136–1446 ha, n = 4 foxes). The minimum (straight-line) distance travelled by adult foxes during a night was 4.8–16 km (mean = 9.4 km, ± 3.7 km (s.d.), n = 4 foxes). Through continuous radio-tracking, we found that foxes habitually travel over the same ground when moving between foci of interest. Our results improve understanding of fox ranging behaviour in the agricultural landscapes of southern Australia.
Accuracy of body measurements using digital image analysis in female Holstein calves
Authors: Ozkaya Serkan
Published: July 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of body measurements (BM) in Holstein female calves using digital image analysis. BM including body length, wither height, chest depth, hip height, and hip width of calves were recorded by stick and tape measurements at birth, weaning and 24 weeks of age. Then photos of calves were taken while calves were standing in a squeeze chute by a digital camera and were analysed by image analysis software to obtain BM of each calf from the image in centimetres. After comparing the actual and predicted BM, the accuracy was determined as 71, 97 and 99% for body length, 69, 87 and 99% for wither height, 43, 98 and 99% for chest depth, 74, 99 and 99% for hip height and 53, 99 and 98% for hip width at birth, weaning and 24 weeks of age, respectively. The difference between actual and predicted BM was significant at birth (P < 0.01). Although there were numerical differences between actual and predicted BM, the differences were not significant at weaning and 24 weeks of age (P > 0.01). According to these results, the BM estimation of Holstein female calves using digital image analysis produced high prediction accuracy at weaning and 24 weeks of age, but not at birth. The data presented in this study indicate that the digital image analysis provides very close agreement and reality for prediction of BM of Holstein female calves.
Impact of magnesium - sodium supplementation on liveweight gains of young sheep grazing dual-purpose cereal or canola crops
Authors: Dove H. , Kelman W. M. , Kirkegaard J. A. , Sprague S. J.
Published: July 2012

Previous experiments have shown that liveweight gains of livestock grazing dual-purpose wheats were increased by 15–60%, by supplementing animals with a 1 : 1 mixture of Causmag (MgO) : salt (NaCl). The supplement appears to overcome both an Na deficiency in wheat forage, plus a reduced rumen Mg absorption due to a high forage (and thus rumen) K : Na ratio. In crop–livestock systems, there is also renewed interest in grazing forage oats and, more recently, barley and dual-purpose canola. The possible need for Mg–Na supplements for sheep grazing these last three crops was investigated in two experiments near Canberra, ACT. In Experiment 1, sheep grazing wheat, oats, barley and canola were either unsupplemented or received a Mg–Na supplement. There was no significant response to the supplement in sheep grazing oats. After adjustment by covariance for differences in sheep numbers per plot, the difference in weight gain/ha of supplemented and unsupplemented sheep grazing barley approached significance (P = 0.068). For the first time in our experience, in this experiment there was also no significant response in sheep grazing wheat. There was a significant interaction between crop type and supplement, because of a 20% depression in liveweight gain in supplemented sheep grazing canola. This negative effect of supplementation on canola was further investigated in Experiment 2, in which sheep grazing only canola were either supplemented or not supplemented. Supplementation in this case had no significant effect on liveweight gain. Our results suggest that there is no need to provide mineral supplements for sheep grazing dual-purpose oats; they also suggest supplementation may be contraindicated for sheep grazing canola. Further work is needed to confirm this and to clarify supplement responses in sheep grazing barley.
Refining crop and livestock management for dual-purpose spring canola (Brassica napus)
Authors: Kirkegaard J. A. , Sprague S. J. , Hamblin P. J. , Graham J. M. , Lilley J. M.
Published: July 2012

Dual-purpose canola (Brassica napus) describes the use of a canola crop for grazed winter forage before seed production, a practice that has only recently been developed in southern Australia. Long-season winter canola has been grazed without yield penalty in higher rainfall zones of Australia (>650 mm) and the USA, but the potential areas are small. The feasibility to graze spring canola varieties across wider areas of the medium-rainfall (450–650 mm), mixed-farming zone in Australia is therefore of interest. We conducted a series of six field experiments involving a range of canola cultivars and grazing management and agronomy systems from 2007 to 2009 at Young in southern New South Wales, Australia, to determine the feasibility of and refine the principles for grazing dual-purpose spring canola without significant yield penalty. Mid-season, Australian spring canola cultivars including conventional and hybrid varieties representing a range of herbicide tolerance (triazine-tolerant, Clearfield®, and Roundup Ready®) were sown from 16 April to 12 May and grazed with sheep at a range of growth stages from early vegetative (June) to mid-flowering (September). In general, early-sown crops (sown mid-April) provided significant grazing (~800 dry sheep equivalent grazing days/ha) in winter before bud elongation, and recovered with no impact on grain yield or oil content. As previously reported, yield was significantly reduced (by up to 1 t/ha) when grazing occurred after buds had elongated (late July), due to the delayed flowering associated with bud removal by sheep and insufficient time for biomass and yield recovery. However, yield was also reduced in crops grazed before bud elongation if insufficient residual biomass remained (<1.0 t/ha for late July lock-up) to facilitate crop recovery even when there was little delay in crop development. We suggest that refinements to the existing ‘phenology-based’ grazing recommendations would assist to avoid yield loss in grazed spring varieties, and propose three grazing stages (safe, sensitive, and unsafe) that integrate the impacts of time, crop growth stage, residual biomass, and seasonal conditions to avoid yield loss under different circumstances. Such refinements to reduce the likelihood of grazing-induced yield loss would provide more confidence for mixed farmers to maximise the benefits from dual-purpose canola in different environments. Based on the outcomes of these experiments, dual-purpose spring canola is likely to have significant potential for wider application in other mixed farming zones, with similar region-specific refinements based on the principles reported here.
Comparison of the performance of anal cytology and cervical cytology as screening tests
Authors: Roberts Jennifer Margaret , Thurloe Julia Kathleen
Published: July 2012

Cervical cytology screening has a long history and has successfully reduced the impact of cervical cancer in many countries. Anal cytology is a relative newcomer and anal screening is currently offered in only a few centres around the world. Many questions need to be answered before anal screening is more widely adopted. While there are many similarities between cervical and anal squamous cell carcinoma, there are also important differences: differences in the prevalence of disease, in the ‘at-risk’ target populations and possibly in the robustness of the reference standard of biopsy. The performance of cytology as a screening test in the literature varies widely but it is essential to understand that some of this variability is due to differences in the definitions of key parameters in the various studies. For cervical screening, estimates of sensitivity have ranged from 19% to 94% and specificity from 94% to 98%. For anal screening, data are fewer and more limited. Estimates of the sensitivity of anal cytology in men who have sex with men and HIV-positive populations have ranged from 55% to 87% and specificity from 37% to 76%. Ultimately, rather than comparing anal with cervical cytology, it may be more helpful to assess the value of anal cytology independently through well designed trials.
Nyikina paradigms and refunctionalization
Authors: Bowern Claire
Published: July 2012

Here I present a case study of change in the complex verb morphology of the Nyikina language of Northwestern Australia. I describe changes which lead to reanalysis of underlying forms while preserving much of the inherited phonological material. The changes presented here do not fit into previous typologies of morphological change. Nyikina lost the distinction between past and present, and in doing so, merged two paradigms into one. The former past tense marker came to be associated with intransitive verb stems. The inflected verbs thus continue inherited material, but in a different function. These changes are most parsimoniously described in a theory of word formation which makes reference to paradigms.
Working memory capacity and retrieval limitations from long-term memory: An examination of differences in accessibility
Authors: Unsworth Nash , Spillers Gregory J. , Brewer Gene A.
Published: July 2012

In two experiments, the locus of individual differences in working memory capacity and long-term memory recall was examined. Participants performed categorical cued and free recall tasks, and individual differences in the dynamics of recall were interpreted in terms of a hierarchical-search framework. The results from this study are in accordance with recent theorizing suggesting a strong relation between working memory capacity and retrieval from long-term memory. Furthermore, the results also indicate that individual differences in categorical recall are partially due to differences in accessibility. In terms of accessibility of target information, two important factors drive the difference between high- and low-working-memory-capacity participants. Low-working-memory-capacity participants fail to utilize appropriate retrieval strategies to access cues, and they also have difficulty resolving cue overload. Thus, when low-working-memory-capacity participants were given specific cues that activated a smaller set of potential targets, their recall performance was the same as that of high-working-memory-capacity participants.
Spatial and Temporal Diet Patterns of Subadult and Small Adult Striped Bass in Massachusetts Estuaries: Data, a Synthesis, and Trends across Scales
Authors: Ferry Kristen H. , Mather Martha E.
Published: July 2012

Subadult and small adult (375–475 mm total length) striped bass Morone saxatilis are abundant and represent an important component of the recovered U.S. Atlantic coast stocks. However, little is known about these large aggregations of striped bass during their annual foraging migrations to New England. A quantitative understanding of trends in the diets of subadult and small adult migrants is critical to research and management. Because of the complexity of the Massachusetts coast, we were able to compare diets at multiple spatial, temporal, and taxonomic scales and evaluate which of these provided the greatest insights into the foraging patterns of this size of fish. Specifically, during spring through autumn, we quantified the diets of 797 migratory striped bass collected from 13 Massachusetts estuaries distributed among three geographic regions in two biogeographic provinces. Our data provided three useful results. First, subadult and young adult striped bass ate a season-specific mixture of fish and invertebrates. For example, more juvenile Atlantic herring Clupea harengus were eaten in spring than in summer or autumn, more juvenile Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus were eaten in autumn than in spring or summer, amphipods were eaten primarily in the southern biogeographic province, and shrimp Crangon sp. were eaten in all locations and seasons. Second, examining diets by season was essential because of the temporal variability in striped bass prey. Grouping prey by fish and invertebrates revealed the potential for predictable differences in growth across geographic locations and seasons, based on the output from simple bioenergetics simulations. Third, of the three spatial scales examined, region provided the most quantitative and interpretable ecological trends. Our results demonstrate the utility of comparing multiple scales to evaluate the best way to depict diet trends in a migrating predator that seasonally uses different geographic locations.

Received March 3, 2010; accepted May 3, 2011
A Comparison of Stock and Individual Identification for Chinook Salmon in British Columbia Provided by Microsatellites and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Beacham Terry D. , Jonsen K. , Wallace C.
Published: July 2012

The following questions were addressed in this study: (1) If a suite of 12–15 microsatellites were used in the genetic stock identification (GSI) of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, which microsatellites should be in the suite? (2) How many microsatellites are required to provide stock identification resolution equivalent to that of 72 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)? (3) How many SNPs are required to replace the current microsatellite baselines used in GSI applications? (4) If additional GSI power is required for microsatellite baselines, what is the incremental increase provided by SNPs and microsatellites? The variation at 29 microsatellite loci and 73 SNP loci was surveyed in 60 populations of Chinook salmon in 16 regions in British Columbia. Microsatellites with more observed alleles provided more accurate estimates of stock composition than those with fewer alleles. The options available for improving the accuracy and precision of stock composition estimates for a 12-locus Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) microsatellite suite range include adding either 4 microsatellites or 25 SNPs to the existing suite to achieve an overall population-specific accuracy of 86% across 60 populations. For the 13-locus Genetic Analysis of Pacific Salmon (GAPS) microsatellites, either 2 microsatellites or 20–25 SNPs can be added to the existing suite to achieve approximately 86% population-specific accuracy in estimated stock composition. The enhanced DFO (16 loci) and GAPS (15 loci) microsatellite baselines were projected to require 179 and 166 SNPs, respectively, for equivalent precision of the population-specific estimates. The level of regional accuracy of individual assignment available from the enhanced DFO and GAPS suites of microsatellites was projected to require 90 and 82 SNPs, respectively. The level of individual assignment to specific populations available from the enhanced DFO and GAPS suites of microsatellites was projected to require 137 and 121 SNPs, respectively.

Received January 10, 2011; accepted August 22, 2011
A Comparison of Larval Fish Sampling Methods for Tropical Streams
Authors: Neal J. Wesley , Adelsberger Christine M. , Lochmann Steve E.
Published: July 2012

Assessment of early life history characteristics requires effective sampling methods for larval fishes. Different gears are suitable for different habitats and frequently select different sizes or life history stages. In this study, two passive sampling methods were compared for use in collecting larval freshwater and estuarine fishes in two tropical streams. Drift nets and light traps were identified a priori as the most appropriate gears for sampling in these systems based on stream characteristics (including accessibility, size, and morphology). Catches were compared between sampling methods. Additionally, catches under different environmental conditions (flow, tide stage, and moon phase), during different sampling periods (time of day and week of summer), and at different depths were compared using mixed-effects analysis of variance. A total of 2,156 fish were captured in 954 h of sampling. The significant (α < 0.05) explanatory variables for total larval catch were stream, sampling method, week of summer, time of day, and moon phase. Eleven families were represented in the samples, with the families Gobiidae (n = 948), Eleotridae (n = 391), and Syngnathidae (n = 276) comprising 94.9% of the identifiable larvae collected. The variables that explained both the Gobiidae and Syngnathidae catches were gear, week of summer, and time of day. The Syngnathidae catch was highest in drift nets, but the Gobiidae catch was highest in light traps. Nighttime light trap sampling appeared to be the best overall technique for larval collection in these systems. However, a combination of light traps and drift nets would reduce the biases associated with size and species selectivity found for individual gears, and this approach would be preferable for sampling small tropical streams.

Received January 26, 2011; accepted October 5, 2011
Patterns of Life History and Habitat Use of an Important Recreational Fishery Species, Spotfin Croaker, and Their Potential Fishery Implications
Authors: Williams Jonathan P. , Claisse Jeremy T. , Pondella Daniel J. , Medeiros Lea , Valle Charles F. , Shane Michael A.
Published: July 2012

Spotfin croakers Roncador stearnsii, a prized recreational catch, were collected throughout the Southern California Bight, primarily as bycatch from a long-term, scientific gill-net collection effort. The maximum otolith-based age in the present study was 24 years—14 years greater than in a previous scale-based aging study. Multiple models were used to estimate mean length at age, including models that utilize larvae as well as juveniles and adults, and the model selection results suggest sexual dimorphism in growth patterns. The juvenile and adult catch per unit effort reflected a clear pattern of habitat selectivity, with fish strongly preferring soft-bottom habitats. Catches in rocky-reef areas were limited but tended to increase with water temperature. The data also suggest that spotfin croakers segregate themselves sexually during the spawning season, when recreational fishing from jetties will target males and fish caught in bays and estuaries are more likely to be spawning females. These results provide further evidence for the importance of protection and restoration efforts for estuaries and bays along this well-developed coastline. The growth of larvae captured in plankton tows in July and September 2004 was substantially faster than that of larvae sampled in May, which coincided with warmer sea surface temperatures, highlighting a potentially important relationship relating temperature (and therefore geography) and settlement success.

Received April 6, 2011; accepted November 27, 2011
A Description of Age, Growth, and Reproductive Life History Traits of Scamps from the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Lombardi-Carlson Linda A. , Cook Melissa , Lyon Hope , Barnett Beverly , Bullock Lew
Published: July 2012

We present the first comprehensive description of the age, growth, and reproductive life history traits of scamps Mycteroperca phenax from the northern Gulf of Mexico. Scamps were collected from commercial and recreational vessels along the northern Gulf of Mexico in 1972–2002. Scamp age was determined using thin transverse sections of sagittal otoliths; growth increments were difficult to interpret, and age was estimated for only 85% of the 5,383 otolith sections we examined. Scamps sampled from the commercial and recreational fisheries ranged from 109 to 890 mm fork length (FL) and from 1 to 31 years of age. We fitted annual ages and observed FLs to two different von Bertalanffy growth models (standard and size-modified models). The size-modified model considered the effect of the size limit but resulted in growth parameters similar to those of the standard model (asymptotic length L∞ = 772 mm FL; growth rate k = 0.09 mm/year). Histology confirmed that scamps are protogynous hermaphrodites; gonadosomatic index data indicated a prolonged spawning season (January–June, peaking in April). Females reached maturity at a median FL of 332 mm and a median age of 2 years. Scamp sizes sampled from the fisheries were similar for males (221–870 mm FL) and females (109–878 mm FL), but the larger size-classes and older age-classes were mostly composed of males. The scamp population in the northern Gulf of Mexico has never been assessed, and our data provide highly valuable model inputs.

Received February 7, 2011; accepted February 8, 2012
Passage of American Shad: Paradigms and Realities
Authors: Haro Alex , Castro-Santos Theodore
Published: July 2012

Despite more than 250 years of development, the passage of American shad Alosa sapidissima at dams and other barriers frequently remains problematic. Few improvements in design based on knowledge of the swimming, schooling, and migratory behaviors of American shad have been incorporated into passage structures. Large-scale technical fishways designed for the passage of adult salmonids on the Columbia River have been presumed to have good performance for American shad but have never been rigorously evaluated for this species. Similar but smaller fishway designs on the East Coast frequently have poor performance. Provision of effective downstream passage for both juvenile and postspawning adult American shad has been given little consideration in most passage projects. Ways to attract and guide American shad to both fishway entrances and downstream bypasses remain marginally understood. The historical development of passage structures for American shad has resulted in assumptions and paradigms about American shad behavior and passage that are frequently unsubstantiated by supporting data or appropriate experimentation. We propose that many of these assumptions and paradigms are either unfounded or invalid and that significant improvements to American shad upstream and downstream passage can be made via a sequential program of behavioral experimentation, application of experimental results to the physical and hydraulic design of new structures, and controlled tests of large-scale prototype structures in the laboratory and field.

Received March 22, 2011; accepted August 24, 2011