bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The life history and decline of the threatened Australian frog,Litoria raniformis
Authors: HEARD GEOFFREY W. , SCROGGIE MICHAEL P. , MALONE BRIAN S.
Published: September 2011

A popular idea amongst ecologists last century was that animals which exploit dynamic environments often display ‘fast’ life history strategies (high fecundity, rapid growth and maturation, and low or variable adult survival rates) relative to those which occupy more stable environments. Whilst the underlying theory has been discredited, the categorization remains of interest, because species with ‘fast’ life history traits are thought to be more robust to human‐induced environmental change than those with ‘slow’ life history traits. We examined the life history traits of the endangered Australian frogLitoria raniformis, to determine whether it displays ‘fast’ life history traits (like its sister speciesL. aureaandL. castanea),and to assess the role of these traits in the decline of this species. Mark‐recapture data confirmed thatL. raniformisdisplays rapid growth and maturation. The data also suggest thatL. raniformisdisplays relatively low adult survival rates. We propose that the ‘fast’ life history traits of this species are adaptive to metapopulation dynamics. In turn, we suggest that the rapid decline ofL. raniformismay have resulted from metapopulation collapse, driven ultimately by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, and proximately by severe stochastic perturbations.
Trophic ecology of parabiotic ants: Do the partners have similar food niches?
Authors: MENZEL FLORIAN , STAAB MICHAEL , CHUNG ARTHUR Y. C. , GEBAUER GERHARD , BLÜTHGEN NICO
Published: September 2011

Organisms associated with another species may experience both costs and benefits from their partner. One of these costs is competition, which is the more likely if the two species are ecologically similar. Parabioses are associations between two ant species that share a nest and often attend the same food sources. Albeit parabioses are probably mutualistic, parabiotic partners may compete for food. We therefore investigated feeding niches and dietary overlap of two parabiotically associated ants in Borneo using cafeteria experiments and stable isotope analyses. The two species strongly differed in their food choices. While Crematogaster modiglianii mostly foraged at carbohydrate‐rich baits, Camponotus rufifemur preferred urea‐rich sources. Both species also consumed animal protein. The 15N concentration in Ca. rufifemur workers was consistently lower than in Cr. modiglianii. Camponotus rufifemur but not Cr. modiglianii possesses microbial endosymbionts, which can metabolize urea and synthesize essential amino acids. Its lower 15N signature may result from a relatively higher intake of plant‐based or otherwise 15N‐depleted nitrogen. Isotopic signatures of the two partners in the same parabiosis showed strongly parallel variation across nests. As we did not find evidence for spatial autocorrelation, this correlation suggests an overlap of food sources between the two ant species. Based on model simulations, we estimated a diet overlap of 22–66% for nitrogen sources and 45–74% for carbon sources. The overlap may arise from either joint exploitation of the same food sources or trophallactic exchange of food. This suggests an intense trophic interaction and potential for competition between the parabiotic partners.
Can differences in the structure of larval, juvenile and adult coral‐reef fish assemblages be detected at the family level?
Authors: CARASSOU LAURE , WANTIEZ LAURENT , PONTON DOMINIQUE , KULBICKI MICHEL
Published: September 2011

Processes occurring at the end of the larval stage are of major importance in shaping spatial structure of fish assemblages in coral reefs. However, because of the difficulty in identifying larvae to species, many studies dealing with these stages are limited to the family level. It remains unknown if variation in the spatial structure of coral‐reef fish assemblages across life stages can be detected at such a coarse taxonomic level. Two different surveys conducted in a similar area of New Caledonia, Southwest Pacific, provided the opportunity to compare the structure of coral‐reef fish assemblages collected as pre‐settlement larvae, juveniles and adults along a coast to barrier reef gradient. Adult and juvenile fish were sampled using underwater visual counts (UVC) during the warm seasons of 2004 and 2005. Pre‐settlement larvae were sampled with light‐traps during the same seasons. In order to standardize data between sampling methods, analyses were conducted on the relative abundance (for larvae) and density (for juveniles and adults) of 21 families commonly collected with both methods. Relative abundances/densities of families were analysed as a function of life stage (larvae, juveniles or adults), large‐scale spatial location (coast, lagoon or barrier) and years (2004, 2005) using non‐parametric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (permanova). Kruskal–Wallis tests were then used to examine differences among life stages and locations for individual families. Different levels of spatial and temporal variability characterized fish assemblages from different life stages, and differences among life stages were detected at all locations and years. Differences among life stages were also significant at the level of individual families. Overall results indicate that studies conducted at the family level may efficiently reveal changes in coral‐reef fish spatial structure among successive life stages when large spatial scales are considered.
Roadside connectivity does not increase reptile abundance or richness in a fragmented mallee landscape
Authors: WILLIAMS JOEL R. , DRISCOLL DON A. , BULL C. MICHAEL
Published: September 2011

The effect of isolation and the importance of dispersal in establishing and maintaining populations in fragments of remnant habitat remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, environmental connectivity is likely to be important for ensuring the long‐term preservation of biodiversity in extensively cleared landscapes. In this study, we compared reptile communities in large conservation parks with those in small woodland remnants 6.5–12 km from the parks, on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, Australia. We assessed the impact of fragmentation on the abundance, richness and habitat preferences of reptiles, and examined whether connection to linear roadside vegetation altered reptile communities in small woodland remnants. Of the 31 reptile species, 12 were restricted to conservation parks and six to habitat fragments in farmland. There was a substantial reduction in reptile species richness and abundance in farmland fragments. Direct connection of remnant vegetation to roadside corridors did not affect abundance of common species in the farmland fragments, although species richness was lower in isolated remnants in one of our two study regions. The habitat preference of the scincid lizard Menetia greyii differed between farmland fragments, where they were regularly found on dunes and roadsides, and conservation parks, where they were rare and not detected on dunes. We suggest that habitat fragmentation may have altered interspecific interactions, enabling an expansion of habitat use in the farming landscape. Significantly lower abundance of four common species in farmland settings compared with reserves indicated that existing corridors and small fragments provide inadequate connectivity over larger distances. To counter this effect, large reserves may need to be less than 10 km apart.
Water column dynamics of Vibrio in relation to phytoplankton community composition and environmental conditions in a tropical coastal area
Authors: Asplund Maria E. , Rehnstam‐Holm Ann‐Sofi , Atnur Vijay , Raghunath Pendru , Saravanan Vasudevan , Härnström Karolina , Collin Betty , Karunasagar Indrani , Godhe Anna
Published: September 2011

Vibrio abundance generally displays seasonal patterns. In temperate coastal areas, temperature and salinity influence Vibrio growth, whereas in tropical areas this pattern is not obvious. The present study assessed the dynamics of Vibrio in the Arabian Sea, 1–2 km off Mangalore on the south‐west coast of India, during temporally separated periods. The two sampling periods were signified by oligotrophic conditions, and stable temperatures and salinity. Vibrio abundance was estimated by culture‐independent techniques in relation to phytoplankton community composition and environmental variables. The results showed that the Vibrio density during December 2007 was 10‐ to 100‐fold higher compared with the February–March 2008 period. High Vibrio abundance in December coincided with a diatom‐dominated phytoplankton assemblage. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model indicated that diatom biomass was the primary predictor variable. Low nutrient levels suggested high water column turnover rate, which bacteria compensated for by using organic molecules leaking from phytoplankton. The abundance of potential Vibrio predators was low during both sampling periods; therefore it is suggested that resource supply from primary producers is more important than top‐down control by predators.
Development of bioreporter assays for the detection of bioavailability of long‐chain alkanes based on the marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis strain SK2
Authors: Kumari Rekha , Tecon Robin , Beggah Siham , Rutler Rebecca , Arey J. Samuel , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: September 2011

Long‐chain alkanes are a major component of crude oil and therefore potentially good indicators of hydrocarbon spills. Here we present a set of new bacterial bioreporters and assays that allow to detect long‐chain alkanes. These reporters are based on the regulatory protein AlkS and the alkB1 promoter from Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2, a widespread alkane degrader in marine habitats. Escherichia coli cells with the reporter construct reacted strongly to octane in short‐term (6 h) aqueous suspension assays but very slightly only to tetradecane, in line with what is expected from its low water solubility. In contrast, long‐term assays (up to 5 days) with A. borkumensis bioreporters showed strong induction with tetradecane and crude oil. Gel‐immobilized A. borkumensis reporter cells were used to demonstrate tetradecane and crude oil bioavailability at a distance from a source. Alcanivorax borkumensis bioreporters induced fivefold more rapid and more strongly when allowed physical contact with the oil phase in standing flask assays, suggesting a major contribution of adhered cells to the overall reporter signal. Using the flask assays we further demonstrated the effect of oleophilic nutrients and biosurfactants on oil availability and degradation by A. borkumensis. The fluorescence signal from flask assays could easily be captured with a normal digital camera, making such tests feasible to be carried out on, e.g. marine oil responder vessels in case of oil accidents.
Detecting unknown sequences with DNA microarrays: explorative probe design strategies
Authors: Dugat‐Bony Eric , Peyretaillade Eric , Parisot Nicolas , Biderre‐Petit Corinne , Jaziri Faouzi , Hill David , Rimour Sébastien , Peyret Pierre
Published: September 2011

Designing environmental DNA microarrays that can be used to survey the extreme diversity of microorganisms existing in nature, represents a stimulating challenge in the field of molecular ecology. Indeed, recent efforts in metagenomics have produced a substantial amount of sequence information from various ecosystems, and will continue to accumulate large amounts of sequence data given the qualitative and quantitative improvements in the next‐generation sequencing methods. It is now possible to take advantage of these data to develop comprehensive microarrays by using explorative probe design strategies. Such strategies anticipate genetic variations and thus are able to detect known and unknown sequences in environmental samples. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the probe design strategies currently available to construct both phylogenetic and functional DNA microarrays, with emphasis on those permitting the selection of such explorative probes. Furthermore, exploration of complex environments requires particular attention on probe sensitivity and specificity criteria. Finally, these innovative probe design approaches require exploiting newly available high‐density microarray formats.
High‐resolution 2D and 3D cryo‐TEM reveals structural adaptations of two stalk‐forming bacteria to an Fe‐oxidizing lifestyle
Authors: Comolli Luis R. , Luef Birgit , Chan Clara S.
Published: September 2011

Aerobic neutrophilic Fe‐oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) thrive where oxic and iron‐rich anoxic waters meet. Here, iron microbial mats are commonly developed by stalk‐forming Fe‐oxidizers adapted to these iron‐rich gradient environments, somehow avoiding iron encrustation. Few details are known about FeOB physiology; thus, the bases of these adaptations, notably the mechanisms of interactions with iron, are poorly understood. We examined two stalked FeOB: the marine Zetaproteobacterium Mariprofundus ferrooxydans and a terrestrial Betaproteobacterium Gallionella‐like organism. We used cryo‐transmission electron microscopy and cryo‐electron tomography to provide unprecedented ultrastructural data on intact cell‐mineral systems. Both FeOB localize iron mineral formation at stalk extrusion sites, while avoiding surface and periplasmic mineralization. The M. ferrooxydans cell surface is densely covered in fibrils while the terrestrial FeOB surface is smooth, suggesting a difference in surface chemistry. Only the terrestrial FeOB exhibited a putative chemotaxis apparatus, which may be due to differences in chemotaxis mechanisms. Both FeOB have a single flagellum, which alone is insufficient to account for cell motion during iron oxidation, suggesting that stalk extrusion is a mechanism for motility. Our results delineate the physical framework of iron transformations and characterize possible structural adaptations to the iron‐oxidizing lifestyle. This study shows ultrastructural similarities and differences between two distinct FeOB, setting the stage for further (e.g. genomic) comparisons that will help us understand functional differences and evolutionary history.
Impact of early reoperation after resection for colorectal cancer on long‐term oncological outcomes
Authors: Khoury W. , Lavery I. C. , Kiran R. P.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Whether reoperation in the postoperative period adversely affects oncologic outcomes for colorectal cancer patients undergoing resection has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to determine whether long‐term oncological outcomes are affected for patients who undergo repeat surgery in the early postoperative period.

Method  From a prospective colorectal cancer database, patients who underwent resection for colorectal cancer between 1982 and 2008 and were reoperated within 30 days after surgery (group A) were matched for age (± 5 years), gender, year of surgery (± 2 years), American Society of Anesthesiology score, tumor site (colon or rectum), cancer stage and differentiation with patients who did not undergo reoperation (group B). The two groups were compared for overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and local recurrence (LR).

Results  In total, 89 reoperated patients (45 rectal, 44 colon cancer) were matched to an equal number of non‐reoperated patients. Anterior resection (39.2%) and right hemicolectomy (19.1%) were predominant primary operations. Indications for reoperation were anastomotic leak/abscess (n = 40, 45%), massive bleeding (n = 15, 16.9%), bowel obstruction (n = 11, 12.4%), wound complications (n = 9, 10.1%) and other indications (n = 14, 15.6%). Group A had significantly greater overall morbidity (100%vs 27%, P = 0.001) and required more blood transfusions (20.2%vs 7.9%, P = 0. 045). Adjuvant therapy use, on the other hand, was more common in group B (23.6%vs 12.3%, P = 0.1). The 5‐year OS and DFS were lower in the reoperated group (OS 55.3%vs 66.4%, P = 0.02; DFS 50.8%vs 60.8%, P = 0.06, respectively). Five‐year LR was slightly lower in the reoperated group (2.9%vs 6.3%, P = 0.34).

Conclusions  Compared with non‐reoperated patients matched for patient, tumour and operative characteristics, patients reoperated in the early postoperative period have worse long‐term oncological outcomes. Adoption of strategies to reduce the risk of reoperation may be associated with the additional advantage of improved oncological outcomes in addition to the short‐term advantages.
Intra‐operative oxygen delivery in infusion volume‐optimized patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme: the effect of different analgesic modalities
Authors: Levy B. F. , Fawcett W. J. , Scott M. J. P. , Rockall T. A.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Patients undergoing major open surgery who have an indexed oxygen delivery (DO2I) > 600 ml/min/m2 have been shown to have a lower incidence of morbidity and mortality compared with those whose DO2I is below this level. Laparoscopy and Trendelenburg positioning cause a reduction in DO2I. We aimed to quantify the effect of the type of analgesia on DO2I and to correlate the DO2I achieved with the incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Method  Following ethical approval, patients were randomized to receive spinal anaesthesia (Group S), epidural analgesia (Group E) or intravenous morphine (Group P) followed by postoperative patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA). In addition to standard monitoring, oesophageal Doppler monitoring of the stroke volume allowed directed intravenous fluid therapy. The mean DO2I was compared with the anastomotic leakage rate.

Results  Seventy‐five patients were recruited (Group S, 27; Group E, 23; Group P, 25). The mean (range) DO2I for all patients was 490 (230‐750) ml/min/m2. The analgesic modality had no effect on DO2I. Of the 18 patients with a DO2I of < 400 ml/min/m2, four (22%) developed anastomotic leakage compared with one (%) of the 57 patients with a DO2I of > 400 ml/min/m2 (P = 0.01).

Conclusion  The analgesic modality used had no effect on the DO2I achieved. Anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in patients with a DO2I of < 400 ml/min/m2. A further study assessing the outcome after raising the DO2I with inotropes is required.
The ileo neo‐rectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: a prospective case series with long‐term follow up
Authors: de Zeeuw S. , Heikens J. T. , Gooszen H. G. , van Laarhoven C. J. H. M.
Published: September 2011

Aim  In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), removal of the colonic mucosa is essential to reduce the lifetime risk of developing cancer). For this purpose, ileo‐pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been the gold standard, but morbidity related to the dissection of the pelvis remains substantial. In an attempt to reduce the procedure‐related complications of pelvic dissection, ileoneo‐rectal anastomosis (INRA) has been developed. In this case series of FAP patients, the long‐term functional results, morbidity and quality of life (QoL) of the INRA procedure were evaluated and compared with its early outcome.

Method  Long‐term follow up of a consecutive group of eight FAP patients with an INRA procedure (between 1998 and 2005) was undertaken. Data on functional results, complications, manometry and endoscopy were recorded prospectively.

Results  Eight patients with FAP underwent the INRA procedure. The median number of defaecations over 24 h was five. No pelvic sepsis or bladder dysfunction occurred. One patient, in whom concomitant Crohn’s disease was diagnosed in retrospect, was converted to IPAA. In the INRA patients, no sexual dysfunction occurred. Endoscopic examination showed normal mucosa without any evidence of polyp formation.

Conclusion  Restorative surgery by means of the INRA procedure yields good functional results in FAP patients, without any pelvic dissection‐related morbidity or regrowth of polyps in the neo‐rectum.
Laparoscopic repair of primary perineal hernias: the approach of choice in the 21st century
Authors: Sorelli P. G. , Clark S. K. , Jenkins J. T.
Published: September 2011

Perineal hernias are rare and result from the herniation of a viscus through the pelvic floor. Symptomatic perineal hernias are repaired surgically, historically via an open perineal, abdominal or abdominoperineal approach. We describe laparoscopic repair of a primary perineal hernia with mesh using the transabdominal approach. We believe that for uncomplicated primary perineal hernias laparoscopic repair is technically feasible, and associated with rapid recovery and minimal complications.
Biological implants in sphincter augmentation offer a good short‐term outcome after a sphincter repair
Authors: Zutshi M. , Ferreira P. , Hull T. , Gurland B.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Long‐term results of the overlapping sphincter repair (OSR) have been disappointing, attributed to poor tissue quality that deteriorates with time. Biological grafts enforce tissues. The aim was to compare functional outcome and quality of life at 1 year with and without Permacol® reinforcement to evaluate short‐term benefit.

Method  From November 2007 to November 2008, women undergoing OSR using Permacol (group 1, n = 10) under institutional review board approval (safety trial) were age matched with patients from an institutional review board approved database (group 2, n = 10) who underwent the traditional OSR. Permacol mesh was placed under the two overlapped muscles. Group 2 underwent traditional repair. Preoperative and postoperative management of the groups was similar. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) scale were used preoperatively and 1 year post‐surgery.

Results  No significant differences in demographics, symptom duration, number of vaginal deliveries, comorbidities and symptom severity were noted. Group 2 underwent concomitant procedures. Group 1 reported no complications. Group 2 reported urinary retention and dehiscence. A significant difference was found in preoperative and postoperative FIQL subscales of coping/behaviour between groups. However, comparing the pre and post scores, significant improvements on FISI (P = 0.02), the CCFIS (P = 0.005) and two subscales of FIQL (coping/behaviour, P = 0.02, and embarrassment, P = 0.01) were found in group 1. Patient satisfaction was higher in group 1.

Conclusion  Biologic tissue enhancers (Permacol) do not add morbidity. Sphincter augmentation results in significant improvement in continence and quality of life scores compared with the preoperative scores in the short term over traditional repair. Long‐term studies are needed to determine if this effect is sustained.
Geometric morphometrics of carapace ofMacrobrachium australe(Crustacea: Palaemonidae) from Reunion Island
Authors: Zimmermann Gabrielle , Bosc Pierre , Valade Pierre , Cornette Raphaël , Améziane Nadia , Debat Vincent
Published: September 2011

Zimmermann, G., Bosc, P., Valade, P., Cornette, R., Améziane, N. and Debat, V. 2011. Geometric morphometrics of carapace ofMacrobrachium australe(Crustacea: Palaemonidae) from Reunion Island. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)93: 492–500.

We investigated the structure of carapace shape variation in six populations ofMacrobrachium australeGuérin‐Méneville 1838(Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) freshwaters. The morphometric analysis revealed the occurrence of two morphotypes corresponding to two different types of habitats. Individuals living in lotic habitats present a thick carapace armed with a short, robust and straight rostrum, while individuals from lentic habitats have a slender carapace armed with a thin long rostrum orientated upward. This difference suggests an adaptation to lotic disturbances and is tentatively interpreted as adaptive phenotypic plasticity. In such amphidromous organisms regressing to freshwaters after a marine larval phase, selection for physiological and developmental flexibility might facilitate further adaptation and allows the colonisation of a wide panel of environmentally different and sometimes geographically distant insular streams.
Alcohol outlet density and harm: Comparing the impacts on violence and chronic harms
Authors: LIVINGSTON MICHAEL
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. A number of studies have previously identified relationships between the density of alcohol outlets and rates of violence, with different types of outlets related to violence in different locations. The previous work in Australia has been limited to studies based on police data, which are subject to numerous biases. This study extends the previous work by utilising hospital admissions as a less biased outcome measure, incorporating a 14 year longitudinal design and by developing comparative models for violence and rates of alcohol use disorders.

Design and Methods. The study examines trends in postcode‐level hospital admission data for assault and for alcohol use disorders over a 14 year period (n = 186) and their relationship with the density of three kinds of alcohol outlets. Fixed‐effects models are developed to control for the differences between postcodes and for the overall trends in outlet density and morbidity rates.

Results. The results of this study suggest that the density of alcohol outlets where the main activity is alcohol consumption (i.e. pubs) is positively related to rates of assault‐related hospital admissions, while the density of off‐premise alcohol outlets is related to the rate of alcohol use disorders.

Discussion and Conclusions. These findings have significant implications for alcohol policies in Victoria, in particular pointing to the significant contribution of packaged alcohol outlets to both acute and chronic alcohol‐related harm.[Livingston M. Alcohol outlet density and harm: Comparing the impacts on violence and chronic harms. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:515–523]
Behavioural indicators of motives for barroom aggression: Implications for preventing bar violence
Authors: GRAHAM KATHRYN , BERNARDS SHARON , WELLS SAMANTHA , OSGOOD D. WAYNE , ABBEY ANTONIA , FELSON RICHARD B. , SALTZ ROBERT F.
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. To develop new strategies for preventing violence in high‐risk licensed premises, we identify behavioural indicators of apparent motives for aggression in these settings and outline the implications of different motivations for prevention.

Design and Methods. The four types of motives for aggressive or coercive acts defined by the theory of coercive actions framed the research: gaining compliance, expressing grievances/restoring justice, attaining a favourable social identity and pursuing fun/excitement. Incidents of aggression from the Safer Bars evaluation research were analysed to identify behavioural indicators of each motivation.

Results. Compliance‐motivated aggression typically takes the form of unwanted social overtures, third party intervention to stop conflicts or staff rule enforcement. Prevention strategies include keeping the aggressor's focus on compliance to avoid provoking grievance and identity motives that are likely to escalate aggression. Grievance motives are typically elicited by perceived wrongdoing and therefore prevention should focus on eliminating sources of grievances and adopting policies/practices to resolve grievances peacefully. Social identity motives are endemic to many drinking establishments especially among male patrons and staff. Prevention involves reducing identity cues in the environment, hiring staff who do not have identity concerns, and training staff to avoid provoking identity concerns. Aggression motivated by fun/excitement often involves low‐level aggression where escalation can be prevented by avoiding grievances and attacks on identity.

Discussion and Conclusions. Knowledge of behavioural indicators of motives can be used to enhance staff hiring and training practices, reduce environmental triggers for aggression, and develop policies to reduce motivation for aggression.[Graham K, Bernards S, Wells S, Osgood DW, Abbey A, Felson RB, Saltz RF. Behavioural indicators of motives for barroom aggression: Implications for preventing bar violence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:554–563]
Revealing the link between licensed outlets and violence: Counting venues versus measuring alcohol availability
Authors: LIANG WENBIN , CHIKRITZHS TANYA
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims.Associations between alcohol‐related harms and numbers of outlets at the neighbourhood level have been demonstrated; however, the degree to which alcohol consumption or sales plays a part in levels of violence is not clear. This has contributed to uncertainty regarding the actual mechanisms by which outlet density may influence levels of violence. This ecological cross‐sectional study investigated the effect of outlet numbers and alcohol sales on the risk of assault in Western Australia.

Design and Methods.For 2000/2001, information on type, number and wholesale alcohol purchases of all licensed outlets in operation, police‐reported assault offences, socioeconomic/demographic data were obtained from official sources. Multivariate negative binomial regression was applied to at local government area level in order to assess associations between outlet density, alcohol sales and violence occurring in both licensed and domestic settings.

Results.Average alcohol sales volume per off‐site outlet was significantly associated with all measures of assault. Numbers of on‐site outlets significantly predicted violence with the exception of assaults occurring at residential premises. Alcohol sales from off‐site outlets predicted violence occurring at on‐site outlets.

Discussion and Conclusions.The link between on‐site outlets and violence may be primarily underpinned by negative amenity effects while off‐site outlet effects occur via increased availability. Alcohol sales volumes from off‐site outlets influence levels of violence, which occur at both licensed and residential settings. The substantial and wide‐ranging effects of liquor stores on alcohol‐related harms may have been underestimated in the literature and by policy makers.[Liang W, Chikritzhs T. Revealing the link between licensed outlets and violence: Counting venues versus measuring alcohol availability.Drug Alcohol Rev2011;30:524–535]
Alcohol and homicide in the United States: Is the link dependent on wetness?
Authors: NORSTRÖM THOR
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. Several aggregate‐level studies have suggested that the relationship between alcohol and homicide is stronger in countries with an intoxication‐oriented drinking pattern than in countries where drinking is more tempered. The present paper extends this research tradition by analysing the alcohol–homicide link in various regions in the USA.

Design and Methods. I used annual time‐series data for the US states covering the period 1950–2002. Alcohol sales figures were used as proxy for alcohol consumption. Mortality data were used as indicators of homicide. The states were sorted into three groups labelled Dry, Moderate and Wet, where the last group has the highest prevalence of hazardous drinking according to survey data. Group‐specific data were analysed using (i) autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling and (ii) fixed effects modelling. All modelling was based on differenced data, thus eliminating time trends and interstate correlations, both of which may bias estimates.

Results. The ARIMA estimates displayed a statistically significant gradient in alcohol effects; the effect was strongest in Wet, and weakest and insignificant in Dry states. The fixed‐effects estimates showed a corresponding pattern, although the gradient was less steep and insignificant. The gradient was also weakened if the effects were expressed in absolute rather than relative terms. The spatial pattern revealed no ecological correlation between alcohol and homicide.

Discussion and Conclusions. Results provided mixed support for the hypothesis that the relationship between alcohol and homicide is stronger in wet than in dry states in the USA. Future research should probe more specific indicators of homicide as well as alcohol consumption.[Norström T. Alcohol and homicide in the United States: Is the link dependent on wetness? Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:458–465]
Alcohol's role in sexual violence perpetration: Theoretical explanations, existing evidence and future directions
Authors: ABBEY ANTONIA
Published: September 2011

Issues. There is controversy regarding the extent to which alcohol plays a causal role in sexual assault perpetration.

Approach. This paper critically reviews the relevant alcohol administration and survey research literature.

Key Findings. Alcohol administration researchers have randomly assigned male participants to drink conditions prior to exposure to an acquaintance rape scenario. As compared to sober participants, intoxicated participants find the male character's use of force to obtain sex more acceptable and express greater willingness to act in a similar manner. In several studies, these effects are strongest for intoxicated men with hostile attitudes toward women. Survey researchers have asked male participants to describe incidents in which they behaved in a sexually aggressive manner. Men who commit sexual assault when drinking report having traits, attitudes and experiences similar to those of other perpetrators except in the alcohol domain. Perpetrators who commit sexual assault when drinking tend to drink more than other perpetrators in sexual situations and have stronger expectancies regarding alcohol's effects on sexual behaviour.

Implications. Overall, research suggests that alcohol interacts with personality and aspects of the situation, adding to the risk of perpetration among men already predisposed to engaging in sexual aggression.

Conclusions. Although there are no simple answers to questions about alcohol's role in sexual assault, research suggests that intoxication may be a more important determinant of when some men commit sexual aggression, rather than who becomes sexually aggressive.[Abbey A. Alcohol's role in sexual violence perpetration: Theoretical explanations, existing evidence and future directions. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:481–489]
Per capita alcohol consumption and suicide mortality in a panel of US states from 1950 to 2002
Authors: KERR WILLIAM C. , SUBBARAMAN MEENAKSHI , YE YU
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. The relationship between per capita alcohol consumption and suicide rates has been found to vary in significance and magnitude across countries. This study utilises a panel of time‐series measures from the US states to estimate the effects of changes in current and lagged alcohol sales on suicide mortality risk.

Design and Methods. Generalised least squares estimation utilised 53 years of data from 48 US states or state groups to estimate relationships between total and beverage‐specific alcohol consumption measures and age‐standardised suicide mortality rates in first‐differenced semi‐logged models.

Results. An additional litre of ethanol from total alcohol sales was estimated to increase suicide rates by 2.3% in models utilising a distributed lag specification while no effect was found in models including only current alcohol consumption. A similar result is found for men, while for women both current and distributed lag measures were found to be significantly related to suicide rates with an effect of approximately 3.2% per litre from current and 5.8% per litre from the lagged measure. Beverage‐specific models indicate that spirits is most closely linked with suicide risk for women while beer and wine are for men. Unemployment rates are consistently positively related to suicide rates.

Discussion and Conclusions. Results suggest that chronic effects, potentially related to alcohol abuse and dependence, are the main source of alcohol's impact on suicide rates in the USA for men and are responsible for about half of the effect for women.[Kerr WC, Subbaraman M, Ye Y. Per capita alcohol consumption and suicide mortality in a panel of US states from 1950 to 2002. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:473–480]
Heavy drinking and the disposition of intimate partner violence cases in French courts
Authors: PÉREZ‐DIAZ CLAUDINE , HURÉ MARIE‐SYLVIE
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. In 1992, France passed a specific penal law on intimate partner violence. The present study explores the functioning of this new law by examining the characteristics of perpetrators in cases that were tried rather than dismissed. Additionally, the characteristics of heavy drinkers were compared with those of non‐heavy drinkers.

Design and Methods. We analysed all cases of intimate partner violence processed in the years 1999–2000 by a major court of the Paris metropolitan area. Data were collected on 223 perpetrators (all 166 tried perpetrators and 10% of the 570 perpetrators whose case was dismissed) and how cases were handled institutionally. Logistic regression was used to identify perpetrator characteristics significantly associated with being tried (vs. dismissed) and being a heavy drinker.

Results. Being tried was significantly more likely if the perpetrator had inflicted an injury, engaged in prior aggression and was a heavy drinker. Heavy drinking perpetrators were significantly more likely than non‐heavy drinkers to have been drinking before the act. They were less likely to be under 40, more likely to be French, part of a stable couple and to have engaged in various types of prior aggression.

Discussion and Conclusions. In 2000, heavy drinking was associated with increased risk of being tried and with drinking before the act. Heavy drinkers are more likely to have committed all forms of aggression, but only verbal aggression is significant. In 2000, judges gave heavy drinkers harsher sentences and a 2007 law sanctioned them even more severely. Our results suggest that treatment focused on problem drinking could be a helpful response—perhaps more so than harsher sentences—to intimate partner violence.[Pérez‐Diaz C, Huré M‐S. Heavy drinking and the disposition of intimate partner violence cases in French courts. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:490–495]
Population drinking and homicide in Australia: A time series analysis of the period 1950–2003
Authors: RAMSTEDT MATS
Published: September 2011

Background. Despite a significant amount of research on alcohol and homicide in Australia, as yet there has been no study of the association at the aggregate level to reveal where Australia fits in with respect to the cultural differences found in the international research of this association.

Aims. To analyse the temporal association between population drinking and homicide in Australia and to put the results in an international comparative perspective.

Method. Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series analysis, overall and gender‐specific homicide rates from 1950 to 2003 were analysed in relation to alcohol consumption overall as well as to different beverages.

Findings. A one‐litre increase in per capita consumption was followed by an 8% increase in overall and male homicide rates and a 6% increase in female homicide rates. The effect was mainly driven by beer consumption. In a comparative perspective, the importance of population drinking was similar to what has been found in Western Europe.

Conclusions. Australia belongs to the group of countries where lowering population drinking is likely to be associated with lower homicide rates and reducing beer consumption seems to be the most efficient way to achieve this.[Ramstedt M. Population drinking and homicide in Australia: A time series analysis of the period 1950–2003. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:466–472]
Alcohol availability and youth homicide in the 91 largest US cities, 1984–2006
Authors: PARKER ROBERT N. , WILLIAMS KIRK R. , MCCAFFREE KEVIN J. , ACENSIO EMILY K. , BROWNE ANGELA , STROM KEVIN J. , BARRICK KELLE
Published: September 2011

The aggregate relationship between homicide and alcohol availability is well established across a number of national and sub‐national settings in North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. However, results linking youth homicide and alcohol availability at the retail level are largely absent from the literature, especially at the city level and across longer time periods. In a multivariate, pooled time series and cross‐section study, youth homicide offending rates for two age groups, 13–17 and 18–24, were analysed for the 91 largest cities in the USA between 1984 and 2006. Data for social and economic characteristics, drug use, street gang activity and gun availability were also used as time series measures. Data on the availability of alcohol for each city were gathered from the US Census of Economic Activity, which is conducted every 5 years. These data were used to construct an annual time series for the density of retail alcohol outlets in each city. Results indicated that net of other variables, several of which had significant impacts on youth homicide, the density of alcohol outlets had a significant positive effect on youth homicide for those aged 13–17 and 18–24. Such positive effects have been found for adults in national and neighbourhood level studies, but this is the first study to report such evidence for teenagers and young adults. An important policy implication of these findings is that the reduction of the density of retail alcohol outlets in a city may be an effective tool for violent crime reduction among such youth.[Parker RN, Williams KR, McCaffree KJ, Acensio EK, Browne A, Strom KJ, Barrick K. Alcohol availability and youth homicide in the 91 largest US cities, 1984–2006. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:505–514]
Do community interventions targeting licensed venues reduce alcohol‐related emergency department presentations?
Authors: MILLER PETER , SØNDERLUND ANDERS , COOMBER KERRI , PALMER DARREN , GILLHAM KAREN , TINDALL JENNIFER , WIGGERS JOHN
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. Excessive alcohol consumption is related to substantial health and social order costs. Many of the harms have been identified as coming from licensed venues. Most communities struggle to find interventions that are effective, particularly in an environment of little federal government action. Furthermore, most interventions are based on little or no empirical evidence. This study aims to investigate the effect of a suite of interventions on emergency department (ED) attendances in Geelong, Australia.

Design and Methods. This paper reports stage one findings from the Dealing with Alcohol‐Related Problems in the Night‐time Economy project (DANTE) and specifically examines all alcohol‐related injury frequencies before to after intervention in the City of Greater Geelong of Victoria, Australia, from 2005 to 2009. Auto‐regressive integrated moving average time‐series were used to determine the effect of the interventions on ED attendances in Geelong.

Results. There were 3934 triage presentations involving alcohol. Over two‐thirds (68.9%) of triage presentations were male and over half (58.5%) of alcohol‐related attendances occurred on the weekend. The time‐series analyses indicated that ID scanners (z = 2.66, P < 0.001) and the Just Think awareness campaign (z = 4.21, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of increases in alcohol‐related injury presentation rates to the ED.

Discussion and Conclusions. Overall, the community interventions implemented have not been associated with reduced alcohol‐related attendances at the ED. The findings raise questions about whether targeting the night‐time economy is effective and whether interventions should instead be targeted at reducing whole‐of‐community alcohol consumption.[Miller P, Sønderlund A, Coomber K, Palmer D, Gillham K, Tindall J, Wiggers J. Do community interventions targeting licensed venues reduce alcohol‐related emergency department presentations? Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:546–553]
Sources of stress in nursing students: a systematic review of quantitative studies
Authors: Pulido‐Martos M. , Augusto‐Landa J.M. , Lopez‐Zafra E.
Published: September 2011

PULIDO‐MARTOS M., AUGUSTO‐LANDA J.M. & LOPEZ‐ZAFRA E. (2011) Sources of stress in nursing students: a systematic review of quantitative studies. International Nursing Review59, 15–25

Aim:  This study aimed to identify the main sources of stress for students of nursing and the evolution of the stressors when training in nursing competences.

Background:  Levels of stress are higher for health professionals than for other workers. A higher number of stressors with negative health consequences are present, especially among nursing professionals. Stress is a psychosocial factor that influences the academic performance and well‐being of this group. The interest in analysing sources of stress in nursing students is due to the influence that their training period may have on their perceptions of stress on their future work.

Methods:  We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on stressors in nursing students. The search comprised all the articles published at the end of 2010.

Results:  The most common sources of stress relate to academics (reviews, workload and problems associated with studying, among others). Other sources of stress include clinical sources (such as fear of unknown situations, mistakes with patients or handling of technical equipment). In general, no changes occur at the different years of the student's education.

Conclusion:  Comparing studies is difficult because of the differences among them (designs, instruments, number of stressors, etc.). However, our revision gives a current state‐of‐the‐art and includes descriptive information that might be very useful for future research. Furthermore, we offer some recommendations for improving the design of curricula taking into account sources of stress.
Jordanian perspectives on advanced nursing practice: an ethnography
Authors: Zahran Z. , Curtis P. , Lloyd‐Jones M. , Blackett T.
Published: September 2011

Zahran Z., Curtis P., Lloyd‐Jones M. & Blackett T. (2012) Jordanian perspectives on advanced nursing practice: an ethnography. International Nursing Review59, 222–229

Aim:  This study aimed to explore how different groups of participants perceived the concept of advanced nursing practice in Jordan.

Background:  In Jordan, there are postgraduate educational programmes offering a Master's degree in clinical nursing for registered nurses. Intended to prepare nurses to practise at an advanced level as potential clinical nurse specialists in critical care, community health nursing and maternal newborn nursing, little was known prior to this study about the development of advanced nursing roles for nurses in Jordan and the drivers behind their establishment.

Methods:  Using ethnographic design, narratives from semi‐structured interviews and non‐participant observation with participants from five Jordanian hospitals and two public universities were collected and analysed according to thematic analysis.

Findings and discussion:  Four themes emerged from the data: core competencies, specific practice area vs. generic practice, beneficiaries of advanced nursing practice and drivers for educational change. The findings are similar to those found in other countries and highlight the need for a consensual understanding between nurse educationalists, professional bodies and employers about what advanced nursing practice in Jordan should be, so that a common framework can be identified.

Conclusion:  Paralleling the lack of consistency in understanding of advanced nursing practice in the broader literature, participants described a number of different elements of advanced practice that are relevant to the specific context of contemporary Jordanian nursing.