bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled oceanic‐atmospheric variability and U.S. streamflow
Authors: Tootle Glenn A. , Piechota Thomas C. , Singh Ashok
Published: December 2005

A study of the influence of interdecadal, decadal, and interannual oceanic‐atmospheric influences on streamflow in the United States is presented. Unimpaired streamflow was identified for 639 stations in the United States for the period 1951–2002. The phases (cold/negative or warm/positive) of Pacific Ocean (El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)) and Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)) oceanic‐atmospheric influences were identified for the year prior to the streamflow year (i.e., long lead time). Statistical significance testing of streamflow, based on the interdecadal, decadal, and interannual oceanic‐atmospheric phase (warm/positive or cold/negative), was performed by applying the nonparametric rank‐sum test. The results show that in addition to the well‐established ENSO signal the PDO, AMO, and NAO influence streamflow variability in the United States. The warm phase of the PDO is associated with increased streamflow in the central and southwest United States, while the warm phase of the AMO is associated with reduced streamflow in these regions. The positive phase of the NAO and the cold phase of the AMO are associated with increased streamflow in the central United States. Additionally, the coupled effects of the oceanic‐atmospheric influences were evaluated on the basis of the long‐term phase (cold/negative or warm/positive) of the interdecadal (PDO and AMO) and decadal (NAO) influences and ENSO. Streamflow regions in the United States were identified that respond to these climatic couplings. The results show that the AMO may influence La Niña impacts in the Southeast, while the NAO may influence La Niña impacts in the Midwest. By utilizing the streamflow water year and the long lead time for the oceanic‐atmospheric variables, useful information can be provided to streamflow forecasters and water managers.
Fading of 5‐HT4 receptor‐mediated inotropic responses to 5‐hydroxytryptamine is caused by phosphodiesterase activity in porcine atrium
Authors: Kaumann Alberto J , Levy Finn Olav
Published: December 2005

Inotropic responses to 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in human and porcine atrium can fade, suggesting 5‐HT4 receptor desensitization. De Maeyer et al., however, show in this issue that inhibition of phosphodiesterases with isobutyl‐methyl‐xanthine prevents fading of 5‐HT4 receptor‐mediated responses to 5‐HT and the partial agonist prucalopride in porcine atrium.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 128–130. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706501
Mitochondria: a target for cancer therapy
Authors: Armstrong Jeffrey S
Published: December 2005

Mitochondria, the cells powerhouses, are essential for maintaining cell life, and they also play a major role in regulating cell death, which occurs upon permeabilization of their membranes. Once mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) occurs, cells die either by apoptosis or necrosis. Key factors regulating MMP include calcium, the cellular redox status (including levels of reactive oxygen species) and the mobilization and targeting to mitochondria of Bcl‐2 family members. Contemporary approaches to targeting mitochondria in cancer therapy use strategies that either modulate the action of Bcl‐2 family members at the mitochondrial outer membrane or use specific agents that target the mitochondrial inner membrane and the mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) pore. The aim of this review is to describe the major mechanisms regulating MMP and to discuss, with examples, mitochondrial targeting strategies for potential use in cancer therapy.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 239–248. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706556
Spectroscopic study of water-NaCl-benzene mixtures at high temperatures and pressures
Authors: Ohya Tomoyuki , Kitagawa Masaaki , Jin Yusuke , Ikawa Shun-ichi
Published: December 2005

Near-infrared and ultraviolet spectra of water-NaCl-benzene mixtures have been measured in the 473–573K and 100–400bar range and 373–498K and 50–300bar range, respectively. Concentrations of water in the benzene-rich phase and benzene in the water-rich phase were estimated from integrated intensities of the absorption bands. It is found that addition of NaCl in the aqueous phase suppresses transfer of water into the benzene-rich phase, and the relative decrease in water solubility in benzene exhibits good correlation with an increase in density of the aqueous NaCl solution relative to that of neat water. The salting-out constant for the water-NaCl-benzene system, which is estimated from a relative decrease in benzene solubility in the aqueous phase by addition of sodium chloride, increases significantly with increasing temperature. It is suggested that the effect of sodium chloride on the water-benzene mutual solubilities can be explained by ion-induced electrostriction of the aqueous phase.
Quantification of segregation and strain effects in InAs∕GaAs quantum dot growth
Authors: Howe P. , Le Ru E. C. , Clarke E. , Murray R. , Jones T. S.
Published: December 2005

Reflection high-energy electron diffraction measurements of the critical thickness θcrit for quantum dot (QD) formation have been used to quantify the effects of indium segregation and strain on the growth of bilayer InAs∕GaAs(001) QD structures. These are not straightforward to deconvolute, because of the complex issues that arise during the growth and capping of the QDs. Segregation and out diffusion of In from buried QDs are shown to occur for GaAs thicknesses up to ∼6nm at 580°C. The existence of a floating In adlayer on the surface of the GaAs-capping layer as a result of In segregation is apparent at much lower substrate temperatures (510°C). The relative contribution of both segregation and strain on the reduction of θcrit during the growth of a second InAs layer is assessed. Compared with segregation, strain from the buried QDs can be measured through significantly larger capping thicknesses (∼30nm) under these conditions.
Signal transduction in a coupled hormone system: Selective explicit internal signal stochastic resonance and its control
Authors: Li Qianshu , He Hongyan
Published: December 2005

Cooperative interactions of signal transduction and environmental noise are investigated with a coupled hormone system, in which selective explicit internal signal stochastic resonance (EISSR) is observed. More specifically, the large peak of a period-2 oscillation (i.e., a strong signal) is greatly amplified by the environmental noise while the small peak (i.e., a weak signal) does not exhibit cooperative interactions with noise. The EISSR phenomenon could be controlled by adjusting the frequency or amplitude of an external signal and a critical amplitude for external signal is found. Significantly, the maximal signal-to-noise ratio increases almost linearly with the increment of control parameter, despite that the magnitude of the large peak is decreased. In addition, the noise does not alter the fundamental frequencies of the strong signal and the weak signal, which implicates that the system can keep its intrinsic oscillatory state and resist the effect of environmental fluctuations.
Optical studies of carrier and phonon dynamics in Ga1−xMnxAs
Authors: Yee K. J. , Lee D. , Liu X. , Lim W. L. , Dobrowolska M. , Furdyna J. K. , Lim Y. S. , Lee K. G. , Ahn Y. H. , Kim D. S.
Published: December 2005

We present a time-resolved optical study of the dynamics of carriers and phonons in Ga1−xMnxAs layers for a series of Mn and hole concentrations. While band filling is the dominant effect in transient optical absorption in low-temperature-grown GaAs, induced absorption by trapped electrons become important with increasing Mn concentration in Ga1−xMnxAs, as inferred from the sign of the absorption change. We find that carrier trapping and trapped carrier recombination becomes faster as Mn concentration increases in GaMnAs. We also report direct observation on lattice vibrations in Ga1−xMnxAs layers via the reflective electro-optic sampling technique. The data show increasingly fast dephasing of longitudinal-optical phonon oscillations for samples with increasing Mn and hole concentration, which can be understood in term of phonon scattering by the holes.
1.6
μ
m
emission and gain properties of Ho3+ in selenide and chalcohalide glasses
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon , Heo Jong
Published: December 2005

Spectroscopic properties and the gain of the 1.6μm emission in selenide and chalcohalide glasses doped with Ho3+ were investigated. Intense 1.6μm emission with high quantum efficiency was observed from both glasses. Tb3+ ions were codoped to depopulate the Ho3+:I75 level and resulted in the population inversion between the I55 and I75 levels. Estimation of the gain coefficient indicated that a positive gain over the entire U-band window is possible in Ho3+/Tb3+-codoped selenide glasses. Selective energy transfer from the selenide host glass to the Ho3+:I75 level resulted in a strong 2.0μm emission.
Characterization of effective masses in InGaAsN quantum well structures by computer simulations
Authors: Wartak M. S. , Weetman P.
Published: December 2005

Effective masses of holes in In0.36Ga0.64As1−xNx∕GaAs quantum well structures were determined and analyzed. A ten-band k∙p Hamiltonian matrix was used in the calculations. Systematic numerical results have been presented for a large range of material and structural parameters. Our results show that significant variation in the effective masses is possible by adjusting the relevant parameters.
Room-temperature ultraviolet luminescence from γ-CuCl grown on near lattice-matched silicon
Authors: O’Reilly L. , Lucas O. F. , McNally P. J. , Reader A. , Natarajan Gomathi , Daniels S. , Cameron D. C. , Mitra A. , Martinez-Rosas M. , Bradley A. L.
Published: December 2005

We have probed the luminescence properties of a wide-band-gap, direct band-gap optoelectronic material, grown on closely lattice-matched silicon substrates, namely, γ-CuCl on Si. This material system is compatible with current Si or GaAs-based electronic/optoelectronic technologies. Polycrystalline epitaxy of CuCl can be controlled such that it maintains an orientation similar to the underlying Si substrate. Importantly, chemical interactions between CuCl and Si are eliminated. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence results for CuCl, deposited on either Si (100) or Si (111), reveal a strong room-temperature Z3 excitonic emission at ∼387nm. We have developed and demonstrated the room-temperature operation of an ultraviolet electroluminescent device fabricated by the growth of γ-CuCl on Si. The application of an electrical potential difference across the device results in an electric field, which promotes light emission through hot-electron impact excitation of electron-hole pairs in the γ-CuCl. Since the excitonic binding energy in this direct band-gap material is of the order of 190meV at room temperature, the electron-hole recombination and subsequent light emission at ∼380 and ∼387nm are mediated by excitonic effects.
Aspect ratio effects in quasi-two-dimensional turbulence
Authors: Ngan K. , Straub D. N. , Bartello P.
Published: December 2005

The influence of the aspect ratio on the three-dimensionalization and subsequent saturation of freely decaying two-dimensional turbulence is studied numerically. We show that the aspect ratio strongly affects the saturation level of the perturbation and its feedback on the base flow. The saturation level scales linearly with the aspect ratio, as does the total damping exerted by the perturbation. In spectral space the feedback yields a positive eddy viscosity at large scales and a small eddy viscosity at small scales. A surprising result is the persistence of coherent vortices even after the saturation of the perturbation.
Thermal transport properties of thin films of small molecule organic semiconductors
Authors: Kim Namsu , Domercq Benoit , Yoo Seunghyup , Christensen Adam , Kippelen Bernard , Graham Samuel
Published: December 2005

A series of harmonic Joule-heating experiments have been employed to determine the thermal conductivities of thin films of pentacene, N,N′-diphenyl−N,N′-di(3-methylphenyl)−(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine, and tris(8-hydroquinolinato)aluminum, three widely used organic semiconductors. Room-temperature thermal conductivity values of 0.51, 0.24, and 0.48W∕mK were measured for films of these three compounds, respectively. These values are over two orders of magnitude lower than those of inorganic semiconductors. While amorphous films were found to display only small thermal conductivity changes over the temperature range of 228–350 K, pentacene exhibited stronger variations that are typical of phonon-phonon scattering observed in polycrystalline semiconductors.
Deep-ultraviolet micro-Raman investigation of surface defects in a 4H–SiC homoepitaxially grown film
Authors: Tomita Takuro , Matsuo Shigeki , Okada Tatsuya , Kimoto Tsunenobu , Matsunami Hiroyuki , Mitani Takeshi , Nakashima Shin-Ichi
Published: December 2005

The structures of comet defects in a 4H–SiC homoepitaxially grown film are investigated by deep-ultraviolet micro-Raman spectroscopy. Spatial distribution of the 4H- and 3C–SiC is clearly distinguished both from the intensities of the folded longitudinal acoustic phonon mode and the peak energies of the nonfolded longitudinal optical phonon mode. The mappings of these parameters indicate the existence of two types of comets. The mechanisms of heteropolytypic inclusion in comets are discussed.
Application of synchrotron x-ray microtomography to investigate ductile fracture in Al alloys
Authors: Qian L. , Toda H. , Uesugi K. , Kobayashi T. , Ohgaki T. , Kobayashi M.
Published: December 2005

The in situ high-resolution synchrotron x-ray computed microtomography has been applied to visualize and quantify the ductile fracture process of a notched Al alloy specimen. The three-dimensional (3D) investigation reveals that voids are nucleated, grow and coalesce more easily near the notch front and in the central region of the sample. These voids are mainly associated with Si particles in the eutectic (EU) phase. The 3D packing architecture of particles in the EU region, and the 3D morphology of α phase are also visualized. The feasibility of this technique highlights the potential of its application in the field of micromechanics-based fracture.
Surface plasmon dielectric waveguides
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor I. , Hung Yu-Ju , Davis Christopher C.
Published: December 2005

We demonstrate that surface plasmon polaritons can be guided by nanometer-scale dielectric waveguides on top of a gold film. In a test experiment, plasmons were coupled to a curved 3μm radius dielectric stripe, which was 200nm wide and 138nm thick, using a parabolic surface coupler. This experiment demonstrates that using surface plasmon polaritons the scale of optoelectronic devices based on dielectric waveguides can be shrunk by at least an order of magnitude.
Fields analysis of enhanced charge collection in nanoscale grated photo detectors
Authors: Kranthi Nakka S. , Nizam M. O. , Kirawanich Phumin , Islam Naz E. , Sharma A. K. , Lucero S. L.
Published: December 2005

Electromagnetic energy transmitted through the gratings in the active region of a metal-semiconductor-metal detector was analyzed to account for enhanced collection efficiency. This study shows that a wall-like grating on the surface of the active region results in enhanced transmission of electromagnetic energy, which contributes to greater carrier production and higher collection efficiency. Analyses also show that the collection efficiency can be further improved with square gratings on the surface of the active region. A maximum in collection efficiency is achieved when the square gratings cover about 65.5% of the active region surface.
Direct simulation of condensation in a one-dimensional unsteady expansion: Microscopic mechanisms
Authors: Zhong Jiaqiang , Zeifman Michael I. , Levin Deborah A.
Published: December 2005

We apply a molecular dynamics (MD) technique to the simulation of a quasi-one-dimensional unsteady free expansion to determine the dominant microscopic mechanisms of condensation in supersonic flows. In this way, it is possible to reproduce the basic physics of the coupled condensation flow with a moderate computational effort. The MD results confirm that the fundamental mechanism for the initiation of condensation is through dimer formation in two-stage ternary collisions of monomers.
Single-pulse cell stimulation with a near-infrared picosecond laser
Authors: Iwanaga Shigeki , Smith Nicholas , Fujita Katsumasa , Kawata Satoshi , Nakamura Osamu
Published: December 2005

We have demonstrated stimulation of living cells by picosecond laser pulses. HeLa cells were exposed to focused 1.7ps pulses in a pulse train of between 1 and 16 pulses with different repetition rates. The pulses were generated by a titanium–sapphire laser and regenerative amplifier with a wavelength of 775nm. Contrary to expectation, we found that for a short pulse train (between 1 and 16 pulses at differing repetition rates), only the first pulse is responsible for triggering intracellular Ca2+ waves. These results show that the technique can be used to stimulate a calcium response in a living cell without thermal energy depositions.
The Strategic Development of Foreign-Owned Subsidiaries and Direct Employment in Host Locations in the United Kingdom
Authors: McDonald Frank , Tüselmann Heinz-Josef , Voronkova Svitlana , Dimitratos Pavlos
Published: December 2005

The authors use international business strategy and regional development literature to inform a set of propositions about the links between direct employment by foreign-owned subsidiaries in the manufacturing sector and the development of embeddedness and autonomy in these subsidiaries. A large-scale survey of French, German, and US manufacturing subsidiaries in the United Kingdom is used to test the importance of embeddedness (host-country sourcing and use of networks) and autonomy (decisionmaking and operational autonomy) for the growth of employment by foreign-owned subsidiaries and the growth of skilled jobs in such subsidiaries. The results indicate that growth of embeddedness and autonomy factors are important, especially for the growth of skilled jobs, but those subsidiaries that have this attribute are a minority of foreign-owned subsidiaries. In the light of these results, the authors argue that policies need to be geared towards developing embeddedness and encouraging the growth of autonomy in subsidiaries that are likely to be regarded as central to the overall objectives of multinational corporations (MNCs). This requires policymakers to be aware of the internationalisation strategies used by MNCs, particularly in the light of the emergence of new, low-cost, countries which can easily provide high-quality but low-cost manufacturing operations. An important conclusion is that simple promotion of networking among firms and supporting agencies, and attempts to improve the local asset pool are unlikely to be effective in most cases.
Governmentalisation and Local Strategic Partnerships: Whose Priorities?
Authors: Lever John
Published: December 2005

The author explores the application of figurational sociology to developments in governance under New Labour. Expanding insights from the governmentality literature, he illustrates how individuals and communities are increasingly required to behave in ever more autonomous, self-realising, and self-managing ways—and how the expansion of partnership working as a way of disciplining communities around particular themes and issues is part of an ongoing process of governmentalisation exerting its influence on everyday life. Highlighting the wider figurational contingencies that hinder community attempts to attract mainstream resources through Local Strategic Partnerships, the author concludes by stressing the continued importance of developing inclusive governance structures.
The Influence of Evolving Dark Energy on Cosmology
Authors: Barnes Luke , Francis Matthew J. , Lewis Geraint F. , Linder Eric V.
Published: December 2005

Observational evidence indicating that the expansion of the universe is accelerating has surprised cosmologists in recent years. Cosmological models have sought to explain this acceleration by incorporating ‘dark energy’, of which the traditional cosmological constant is just one possible candidate. Several cosmological models involving an evolving equation of state of the dark energy have been proposed, as well as possible energy exchange to other components, such as dark matter. This paper summarizes the forms of the most prominent models and discusses their implications for cosmology and astrophysics. Finally, this paper examines the current and future observational constraints on the nature of dark energy.
Enantiomerization of pendant-arm triaza macrocyclic lithium(I) and sodium(I) complex ions.
Authors: Whitbread Sonya L. , Weeks Jennifer. M. , Valente Peter , Buntine Mark A. , Lincoln Stephen F. , Wainwright Kevin P.
Published: December 2005

The first reported enantiomerization of six-coordinate alkali metal complex
ions, represented by
1,4,7-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononanelithium(I) and its sodium(I)
analogue in methanol, has been characterized by variable-temperature
13C{1H} n.m.r.
spectroscopy. The respective kinetic parameters are: k
= (1·11 ± 0·05) × 106
and (2·27 ± 0·09) × 105
s-1 at 298·2 K,
ΔH = 27·2
± 0·3 and 21·7±0·2 kJ
mol-1, and
ΔS =
–36·3 ± 1·3 and
–69·6±1·2 J K-1
mol-1. Molecular orbital calculations show that these
enantiomers have distorted trigonal prismatic structures consistent with the
interpretation of the n.m.r. spectra. For the Li+, Na+,
K+, Rb+ and
Cs+ complex ions
log(K/dm3
mol−1) = 3·13±0·09,
3·52±0·05, 3·23±0·05,
2·78±0·10 and 2·47±0·08,
respectively, at 298·2 K and I =
0·05 mol dm-3 (NEt4
ClO4) in methanol, where K is the
complex ion stability constant.
Modifications of Rings B and C of Podocarpic Acid: Towards the Synthesis of Quassinoids Richard
Authors: Cambie C. , Denny William A. , Hay Michael P. , Mitchell Lorna H. , Rutledge Peter S. , Woodgate Paul D.
Published: December 2005

Attempts to alkylate products from Birch reductions of derivatives of
podocarpic acid are reported. Attempted reductive silylation of ring C of
methyl 12-methoxypodocarpa-8,11,13-trien-19-oate (5) gives products of C4
ester reduction only. The enantiopure form of the bis(ethylene acetal) (15) of
19-norpodocarp-8-ene-3,12-dione, a potentially useful intermediate for
quassinoid synthesis, has been prepared from the ketone (34). Functionality at
C8 on the β-face has been successfully introduced by abnormal
Reimer–Tiemann reactions of podocarpic acid (2) and its 13-methyl
derivative (10). The saturated ketone (48) has been converted into an
α,β-unsaturated ketone (18) which has potential for introducing
functionality at C14.
The Synthesis of Oxygenated Naphthyl Stannanes Possessing ortho-Methoxy Substituents for Use in Stille Coupling Reactions
Authors: Brimble Margaret A. , Duncalf Letecia J.
Published: December 2005

The preparation of oxygenated naphthyl stannanes bearing an
ortho-methoxy substituent is described, including
stannanes (23) and (25) which are key intermediates for the synthesis of
dimeric pyranonaphthoquinone antibiotics. Stannanes (17), (19) and
(21)–(23) were obtained by metal–halogen exchange of the
corresponding bromonaphthalenes. In an alternative approach to effect
stannylation, a palladium(0)-mediated coupling reaction using hexaalkylditin
reagents was examined. The Stille coupling reaction between naphthyl stannanes
(23) and (25) and the corresponding bromonaphthalenes (11) and (24) failed to
effect coupling to the desired binaphthyls.
Prehistoric aboriginal occupation of the rangelands: Interpreting the surface archaeological record of far western New South Wales, Australia.
Authors: Holdaway SJ , Fanning PC , Witter DC
Published: December 2005

Recent erosion in arid regions of western NSW has exposed large areas that are scattered with stone artefacts manufactured by Aboriginal people in prehistory. These exposures offer an opportunity for archaeologists to study the artefacts abandoned by Aboriginal people through time and to compare those artefacts that accumulate in different parts of the landscape. To reconstruct the nature of prehistoric behaviour in the rangelands, two approaches are needed. First, the geomorphological context of the artefacts needs to be considered since exposure of the artefacts is a function of landscape history. Second, large areas (measured in thousands of square metres) and large numbers of artefacts need to be considered if patterns reflecting long-term abandonment behaviour by Aboriginal people are to be identified. This paper reports on the Western New South Wales Archaeological Program (WNSWAP) which was initiated in 1995 to study surface archaeology in the rangelands. Geomorphological studies are combined with artefact analysis using geographic information system software to investigate Aboriginal stone artefact scatters and associated features such as heat retainer hearths, in a landscape context. Results suggest that apparently random scatters of stone artefacts are in fact patterned in ways which inform on prehistoric Aboriginal settlement of the rangelands. Key words: Aboriginal stone artefacts; rangelands; landscape archaeology; geomorphology; GIs
Sustainable use of wildlife in western New South Wales: Possibilities and problems.
Authors: Croft DB
Published: December 2005

Sustainable use of wildlife has become equated with exploitation of animal products (meat, skin or feathers) and/or removal of wild progenitors into the pet trade. This consumption of the wildlife is therefore largely ex situ and so removes nutrients and energy from the rangelands. Demand for lethal or a removal action is often driven by the severity of the perceived conflict between the wildlife and other enterprises, especially agriculture, rather than for the resulting products. Such uses also raise community concerns about humane treatment of animals and a valuing of the natural heritage. Wildlife-based tourism, as part of the valuable and growing nature-based or ecotourism industry in Australia, is an in situ use that may be a more ecologically sustainable and economically twble option for use of rangeland wildlife. This paper examines these possibilities and their problems with a focus on the commercial kangaroo industry and the use of arid-zone mammals, birds and reptiles for pets. It provides new evidence that wildlife-tourism based on free-living kangaroos in the rangelands is both feasible and in demand. This industry should be given advocacy in the on-going debate on the management and future of the rangelands. Key words: kangaroos, wildlife management, wildlife tourism, game harvesting
Grass response to shrub removal in two semi-arid vegetation communities.
Authors: Page M , Beeton RJS , Mott JJ
Published: December 2005

The control of woody weeds in the mulga lands of south-west Queensland is commonly regarded as essential for restoration of degraded systems. However, these shrubs have become a dominant and stable component of many mulga land ecosystems, and their removal may have unknown ecosystem impacts. This paper reports an experiment to determine the effect of woody weeds and grazing pressure on grass recruitment, cover and diversity in two vegetation communities in Queensland's mulga lands. Both factors influence grass recruitment, cover and diversity, but the response differs between the two vegetation communities investigated. The overall grass cover is consistently greater in sites where woody weeds were removed, and where grazing pressure was lowest. However, in the Dunefields community the cover and frequency of grass plants responded more to the removal of woody weeds than in the Mulga Sandplain community. In contrast, in the Mulga Sandplain community the grasses responded more to reducing or removing grazing pressure. Results suggest that subtle differences between systems influence grass dynamics, highlighting the need for community-specific research and management. Key words: shrub removal, semi-arid vegetation, vegetation communities, woody weeds
Turpentine (Eremophila sturtii) control by mechanical uprooting
Authors: Wiedemann H. T. , Kelly P. J.
Published: December 2005

Turpentine (Eremophila sturtii R.Br.) is a tenacious shrub that negatively affects rangeland, and is difficult to control by fire, herbicide or mechanical methods. When above-ground growth is removed, it sprouts vigorously from underground buds on the root system. Uprooting or grubbing is the removal of a shrub and its root crown with a U-shaped blade. Our hypothesis, that depth of uprooting and covering of all exposed roots with soil would influence regrowth, was tested using 100 shrubs divided into five treatments of 20 shrubs each. Each of two depths, 10 and 25 cm, were divided into roots covered and roots exposed. The fifth treatment was uprooting at 25 cm with an extra-wide blade to increase lateral root cutting, and roots were covered. Uprooting depths could not be kept constant and varied from 9 to 33 cm. Plots were evaluated 30-months post-treatment. Roots covered with soil had significantly greater plant mortality (P = 0.001) compared with roots exposed at all depths, when grouped from either 9 to 33 cm, 9 to 19 cm, or 20 to 33 cm. When all depths were grouped, mortality was 82% for plants with roots covered and 5% for plants with exposed roots. Results with the extra-wide blade were not different from uprooting with the narrower blade. These data suggest that the efficacy of commercial uprooting could be improved by covering the roots with soil.
A study to determine rates of grubbing at different plant densities was also included. A 30 kW, farm tractor with a rear-mounted grubbing blade was used. Based on the prediction equation, grubbing rates for 200, 300, and 400 plants/ha would be 1.08, 0.82, and 0.69 ha/h.
The Western Land Act post 2000
Authors: Fitzhardinge Guy
Published: December 2005

In the past 100 years there have been substantial demographic changes in the Division, and in rural Australia in general. This has led to shifts in the political power base. Further, it has led to a split in the homogeneity between urban/rural understandings of landscape values and landscape usage. There is now a range of Acts apart from the Western Land Act that prescribes resource use in the Division. These Acts reflect a departure from the belief that the Western Division is somehow different from the rest of the State. There is also a range in international agreements that further impact on activities in relation to land use activities generally and thus in the Division. In today's global marketplace, the power and expectations of the consumer have begun to usurp the ability of Governments to control and direct change. Changes in farming systems and practices are now often generated as a response to consumer demands for a cleaner, greener or cheaper product, and not by legislation.
Thc consumer push for 'clean and green' and for the implementation of demonstrable environmentally sound management systems will eventually force lessees in the 21st century to do what the Western Land Act failed to force them to do in the past 100 years. Where the Western Land Board procrastinated, forgave and through a benevolent attitude failed to enforce lease agreements or eject lessees who were in continual breach of these agreements, market forces will instead be ruthless. Given the changes in the domestic social and political climate, and the requirements of international customers for the products of the Division, it is hard to see any role for the Western Land Commission in the future, apart from the administration of an antiquated and scarcely relevant Act.
The 1999 review of the Western Division of New South Wales
Authors: Kerin John
Published: December 2005

A comprehensive review of the Western Division of New South Wales was carried out in 1998/99. The review addressed economic, environmental and social issues in New South Wales' rangelands. Six commissioned studies examined these issues in more detail. The recommendations of the review centred on streamlining administrative procedures, including Acts and regulations, addressing integrated natural resource management from a regional perspective by involving leaseholders and relevant stakeholders as representative of the broader community. It was seen as essential that scientific research and expertise, and technological advances in knowledge, be utilised by decision makers in coming to more coordinated land management decisions.
Fate of annual pasture legumes seeds on a two-way thermo-gradient plate
Authors: Lodge G. M. , Whalley R. D. B.
Published: December 2005

Effects of diurnally alternating temperatures (5/5–45/45�C) were examined on a two-way thermogradient plate for non-dormant seeds of 14 annual pasture legumes. Seed fates (germination, temperature induced non-viability and temperature induced dormancy) were determined from daily seed counts over a 14-day period on-plate and a further 14 days after removal from the plate. These data clearly demonstrate the existence and extent of seed fates other than germination.
Maximum dormancy occurred over a broad range of temperatures for seeds of Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum (Katzn. et Morley) Zohary and Heller cv. Woogenellup (40/35–30/25�C), Astragalus hamosus L. cv. Ioman (40/25–30/5�C) and Trifolium hirtum All. cv. Hykon (35/30–30/5�C). In contrast, maximum dormancy occurred over a narrow temperature range for Medicago truncatula Gaertn. var. truncatula cv. Paraggio (35/30–30/25�C), M. aculeata Willd. var. inermis (Aschers.) Heyn (30/25 and 30/20�C), and M. minima L. (35/20–35/5�C) seeds. Generally, non-viability was highest in all legumes when temperatures were greater than 35/30�C and not significantly different from the maximum value (100%) at temperatures greater than 40/30�C. At temperatures less than 35/30�C non-viability was less than the maximum (P<0.05) for seeds of all legumes, except M. truncatula cvs. Jemalong and Sephi, M. aculeata, and Vicia villosa ssp. dasycarpa (Ten.) Cav. cv. Namoi. Compared with the other subterranean clover cultivars germination levels T. subterraneum var. brachycalycinum (Katzn. et Morley) Zohary and Heller cv. Clare seeds were not significantly different from the maximum value at higher temperatures. In all annual medics, except M. aculeata germination was not significantly different to the maximum at temperatures greater than 25/20�C, with high germination (P<0.05) occurring at 30/25�C in Jemalong and M. scutellata (L.) Mill cv. Sava and at 30/20�C in Paraggio, Sephi, M. minima and M. polymorpha L. Maximum germination in Ioman and Hykon seeds occurred over a broader temperature range (35/20–15/10�C and 30/20–15/5�C, respectively) than in Namoi (30/15�C and 25/20–25/5�C). Probable implications of these data for field emergence of non-dormant seeds and soil seed reserves are discussed.
Feral goats in south-western Queensland: a permanent component of the grazing lands
Authors: Thompson J. , Riethmuller J. , Kelly D. , Miller E. , Scanlan J. C.
Published: December 2005

Feral goats were harvested in south-western Queensland at four sites under two regimes (opportunistic harvesting and sustained control). We assessed how this impacted on their contribution to total grazing pressure, on soil and pasture conditions and on the economics of goat management. The population impact was not consistent across sites with the same treatment, with 62% and 84% reductions in numbers in the two northern sites (one opportunistic harvesting site and one sustained control site) while numbers in the southern sites essentially remained the same. The contribution of goats to grazing pressure ranged from 3 to 30%; kangaroos contributed 16–36%; and livestock contributed 37–72%. Harvest rates of feral goats calculated for each of the sites ranged from 17 to 41%. There was no consistent relationship between population changes and the harvest rates. Seasonal conditions had greater influence on pasture and soil conditions than did changes in feral goat populations. The average cost of mustering goats (based on 34 operations) was $1.93 per head. Mustering costs increased markedly when goat density was lower than 10/km2. Average trapping costs (based on 7 trapping programs) were $2.08 per head. This compared with on-farm prices of $16–$25 per head in 1997. Personal circumstances and preferences of individual landholders were the key determinant of the level of control undertaken. Variability in price contributed to landholders being apprehensive about the viability of the goat industry. There are few simple tools available for landholders to estimate feral goat numbers and this makes effective management of total grazing pressure difficult.
Environmental (re)education and local environmental knowledge: statutory ground-based monitoring and pastoral culture in central Australia
Authors: Gill Nicholas
Published: December 2005

Ground-based monitoring of rangeland condition is common in Australian pastoral administration systems. In the Northern Territory (NT), such monitoring is officially seen as a key plank of sustainable pastoral land use. In the NT and elsewhere, these monitoring schemes have sought to increase participation by pastoralists. Involvement of pastoralists in monitoring is theoretically an educative process that will cause pastoralists to more critically examine their management practices. Critical perspectives on the relationship between rangelands science/extension and pastoralist knowledge systems and concerns, however, suggest that pastoralists' reception of such monitoring schemes will be influenced by a range of social contexts, including the character of pastoralist environmental knowledge. Fieldwork with pastoralists in Central Australia shows that the process by which pastoral environmental knowledge develops has rich experiential, historical and social dimensions. These contexts play a role in framing pastoral environmental knowledge and in shaping pastoralists' interpretations of environmental events and information from other parties. Pastoralists will assess information from monitoring in light of these contexts. The nature of the ground-based monitoring scheme is such that the very environmental knowledge that it seeks to reform may in fact be confirmed or otherwise interact with pastoral knowledge in unanticipated ways. Lack of systematic evaluation of the scheme and of pastoral environmental knowledge, however, precludes definitive judgements at this stage. The apparently central role of monitoring in NT pastoral land administration, however, suggests that the assumptions underlying the scheme and its implementation be reassessed.
Kangaroos and feral goats as economic resources for graziers: some views from south-west Queensland
Authors: Chapman Margaret
Published: December 2005

Fifteen years ago it was proposed that the conversion of kangaroos from a pest to an economically valuable resource would allow graziers to reduce the numbers of domestic stock and thereby lower total grazing pressure. Since then, little progress towards this goal has been achieved. This is believed to be due mainly to the low prices obtained for kangaroo products. A survey of graziers in south-west Queensland was carried out to discover their opinions on kangaroos as a potential economic resource. Questions on the harvesting of feral goats were also included in the survey because of the contrast this industry provides to kangaroo harvesting in terms of grazier involvement. The results of the survey are discussed in relation to resource ownership rights; kangaroo product prices and marketing; and competition within the kangaroo harvesting industry. They show that while low kangaroo product prices do act as a disincentive to graziers, other administrative, legal and institutional factors are also important impediments to their entry to the industry. It is concluded that until the focus of attention widens to include consideration of these as well as just market factors, little progress will be made towards integrating graziers into the kangaroo harvesting industry.
Kangaroo harvesters: fertilising the rangelands
Authors: Wilson D. , Read J.
Published: December 2005

Offcuts from harvested red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), comprising the head, stomach, entrails, legs and joey (females only) and sometimes the tail remain near the point of harvest. Offcut weights of males averaged 11.46 kg and comprised 26% of the total body mass, whilst average female offcuts weighed 6.69 kg and comprised 31% of total body mass. There was a strong correlation between carcass and offcut mass for both sexes. Offcuts from 27 kangaroos were randomly exposed to three different assemblages of vertebrate scavengers. Soil nitrogen and organic carbon concentrations increased significantly following the addition of offcuts but there was no significant change in soil potassium concentrations or pH. Decomposition and dispersal of offcuts was enhanced by accessibility to different scavenging guilds. The contribution of the kangaroo industry to soil nutrient retention and cycling contrasts with the depletion of nutrients through the export of domestic livestock from the Australian rangelands.
A note on the effects of browsing by feral goats on a Belah (Casuarina Cristata) - Rosewood (Heterodendrum Oleifolium) woodland.
Authors: Wilson AD , Mulham WE , Leigh JH
Published: December 2005

In a Belah - Rosewood woodland in western New South Wales, stocking with feral goats over a four year period effected changes in the composition of the tree and shrub component. The most readily browsed tree was Rosewood and mature trees of this species were stripped of foliage to a height of 2 m. At an early stage Desert broombush (Templetonia egena) and young Warrior bush (Apophyllum anomalum) were severely damaged and young Yarran (Acacia homalophylla) and Belah defoliated. Most defoliated Yarran died within the observation period. Two shrubs regarded as weed species, Punty bush (Cassia eremophila var. platypoda) and Desert cassia (C. eremophila var. coriacea) were heavily browsed in the third year and subsequently eliminated. The weed shrub Turpentine (Eremophila sturtizl was not browsed at any time.
Standards for testing and assessing range condition in central Australia.
Authors: Lendon C , Lamacraft RR
Published: December 2005

The development of range condition assessment in central Australia has been subjected to a series of tests of the relative performance of two existing methods, and of between observer repeatability. The results argue for the adoption of the method using floristic composition as the index of range condition, and adaptions to the method are suggested for its successful use in a variety of rangeland types.
A quantitative evaluation of Landsat imagery of Australian rangelands.
Authors: Graetz RD , Carneggie DM , Hacker R , Lendon C , Wilcox DG
Published: December 2005

The capability of multidate, multispectral ERTS-1 imagery of three different rangeland areas within Australia was evaluated for its
usefulness in preparing inventories of rangeland types, assessing on a broad scale range condition within these rangeland types, and
assessing the response of rangelands to rainfall events over large areas.
For the three divergent rangeland test areas, centered on Broken W, Alice Springs and Kalgoorlie, detailed interpretation of the imagery
only partially satisfied the information requirements set. It was most useful in the Broken Hill area where fenceline contrasts in range
condition were readily visible. At this and the other sites an overstorey of trees made interpretation difficult.
Whilst the low resolution characteristics and the lack of stereoscopic coverage hindered interpretation it was felt that this type of imagery
with its vast coverage, present low cost and potential for repeated sampling is a useful addition to conventional aerial photography for all
rangeland types.
Western Myall (Acacia sowdenii), its survival prospects and management needs.
Authors: Lange R , Purdie R
Published: December 2005

Studies on western myall rangelands are reported which show from population structure that Acacia sowdenii woodlands will not survive under present circumstances. Evidence is evaluated to allow informed discussion of landuse and management options affecting western myall.
The effects of grazing and season on the stability of Chloris Spp. (Windmill grasses) in natural pasture at Trangie, New South Wales.
Authors: Michalk DL , Herbert PK
Published: December 2005

A study of the density and basal diameter of Chloris acicularis Lindl. (syn. Enteropogon acicularis (LindlJLazar. - curly windmill grass) and C. truncata R. Br. (windmill grass) was made at two stocking rates over a period of eight years. The propor- tion of ground covered by these Chloris species varied widely with season, and to a lesser extent with grazing pressure. The density of both species increased in good seasons, while the mean diameter decreased because of the number of new seedlings. Although C. truncata seedlings were more numerous in good seasons, they did not survive as well as did C. acicularis seedlings during prolonged dry periods.
Seasonal variations in the leaf fall and quality of the leaves of four Australian fodder trees.
Authors: Leigh JH , Wilson AD , Mulham WE
Published: December 2005

The effect of season of year on the extent of leaf fall, and the nutritive value of plucked and fallen leaves of four tree species growing in a Belah-Rosewood woodland in western New South Wales was examined over four years. Leaf fall was not correlated with rainfall but tended to a maximum in summer and autumn. There were substantial differences between species in the extent of leaf fall and in nutritive value of the leaves. Fallen leaves were of lower nutritive value than leaves plucked from the trees. The most digestible species, Wilga, yielded 21 kg/ha of leaf fall per year, whereas the least digestible, Belah, yielded 113 kg/ha. The low digestibility of the most common tree, Belah, renders it of little value as a drought reserve, but the less abundant Wilga and Rosewood are of value in supplying protein and energy in drought conditions. The amount of phosphorus returned to the soil via leaf fall would be insufficient to enhance herbaceous production beneath the trees.
Do economic factors cause change in productivity and stability in the New South Wales arid zone?
Authors: Anderson J.R. , Bruyn PA
Published: December 2005

A framework is suggested and explored for examining the influence of economic factors on changes in productivity and
stability in the Western Division of New South Wales. The conclusion is reached that, excepting for an extraordinary peak of productivity
around 1890, productivity continues to move up and down in a manner as unstable as ever. Economic factors seemingly play
no clear role in influencing changes in productivity and only a slight and ambiguous role in influencing changes in stability.
A non-destructive method for estimating the weight of forage on shrubs.
Authors: Andrew MH , Noble IR , Lange RT
Published: December 2005

A technique for estimating shrub forage weight is described and the results of testing it on saltbush and bluebush are presented. The accuracy and precision, speed and simplicity, and independence of special equipment of the technique are all demonstrated. Although similar in principle to techniques known to have been used in Australia (but nowhere described in detail), the present technique has distinctive features and is designated the 'Adelaide' technique.
Symposium on Popular Box (Eucalyptus populenea) Lands - Introduction
Authors: Williams O
Published: December 2005

The lands of semi-arid eastern Australia, in which poplar box (Eucalyptus populnea) and its various associated shrubs occur, has been the subject of Governmental enquiry and research, mainly with respect to the reduction in grazing capacity and the increase in unwanted woody plants.