bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Measurement of Poverty in Australia: 1981–82 and 1985–86
Authors: Johnson David 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this paper I discuss indices used to measure the level of poverty in Australia among demographic groups and over time. The strengths and deficiencies of indices in current use are noted and alternative indices are presented. The theoretical properties of the indices are compared and discussed. The discussion is extended to include a brief review of poverty lines paying particular attention to the method used to update them. Poverty is measured for 1981–82 and 1985–86 for broad demographic groups. Differences between groups in each year and trends over time are noted and discussed. The performance of alternative indices are compared.
Responses to World Oil and Coal Shocks, in a Short‐Run Fuel Substitution Tax Model
Authors: Hall V. B. , Truong T.P. , Nguyen V. A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis article examines effects on major Australian macroeconomic and structural variables of simultaneous shocks to world oil and black coal prices. The illustrative numerical results have been produced with the short‐run fuel substitution tax model, ORANI‐LFT. The current version of that model reflects the Australian Governmet's pre‐1988 oil regulatory framework, and the simulations reported in this study reflect the recent switch from significant dependence on crude oil levy revenue to petroleum products excise revenue. Empirical results show that combined world oil and coal price shocks lead to substantially different effects than would occur from an oil shock alone. A major implication of this, for a small open economy such as Australia, is that particular attention has to be paid to the interdependence of world energy market, both when analysing the effects of such shocks and when formulating appropriate macroeconomic and energy policy responses. It is also pointed out how the model could be modified for investigating effects under deregulated oil market regimes.
Economic Reform and Macroeconomic Policy in New Zealand
Authors: Wells Graeme 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn 1984 the Labour government in New Zealand began a wide‐ranging process of reform with the objective of achieving a sustainable improvement in economic performance. The breadth and rapidity with which deregulation, tax reform, and privatisation were implemented has attracted widespread interest. The expected improvement in macroeconomic performance, however, has not yet been realised.This article describes some background to the policy shift, and focuses on macroeconomic aspects of the reforms. It argues that while many improvements in microeconomic resource allocation have been made, the interaction between monetary, fiscal and wages policies has contributed substantially to the present high cost of structural change in New Zealand.
Should a ‘Natural Monopolist‘ Be Subject to Competition?: With Special Reference to Cellular Mobile Telephone Services in Australia
Authors: Ng Yew‐Kwang 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe argument against competition based on natural monopoly is questioned. A true natural monopolist needs no protection. Rapid product innovation and technical advance render the telecommunications industry not a natural monopolist.Telephones may involve two sources of external benefits: benefits to callers and benefits to receivers. Neither source justifies treating country areas more favourably since the access externality also applies, probably with larger magnitudes, to metropolitan areas.The Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS) involves the use of parts of the radio frequency spectrum. The spectrum should be treated as a scarce resource. Competitive bidding is probably the most efficient method of allocation if the whole spectrum is to be reallocated. However, with only a small band allocated to CMTS, auctioning need not be the most efficient outcome though it is better than maintaining its monopolised usage.Even if competition results in a higher cost initially, the gain in dynamic efficiency can offset this initial loss. A minimum estimate of the benefits to the public of introducing competition in CMTS gives a present value of $2.4 billion.
The Unemployment‐Vacancy Relationship in Australia
Authors: Fahrer Jerome , Pease Andrew 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOne of the most important features of the Australian economy in the past two decades has been the structural deterioration of labour market performance, reflected in both an increase in the average rate of unemployment and an outward shift in the Beveridge Curve, which depicts the relationship between unemployment and vacancies. This article attempts to uncover some of the causes for this structural deterioration, in terms of the factors affecting the UVrelationship.We find that the Beveridge Curve shifted out around 1974, consistent with an increase in the equilibrium rate of unemployment which is generally agreed to have occurred around that time. Using gross labour market flow data, we also investigate the determinants of the equilibrium Beveridge Curve in the 1980s. We find that the Beveridge Curve shifted further outwards in the 1980s. The most important determinant of this shift was the decline in the search effectiveness of the unemployed, reflected in the increasing incidence of long‐term unemployment. Partially offsetting this influence during this time were the declining labour force participation of men, and the very large increases in female employment.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHEMICAL PHYSIOLOGY TO THE PROBLEM OF REVERSIBILITY IN EVOLUTION
Authors: NEEDHAM JOSEPH 
Published: January 2008

Summary1. It has been the object of this article to draw attention to biochemical and physiological evidence which supports the generalization known as Dollo's Law, side by side with palaeontological and morphological evidence.2. Evolution is reversible in the sense that structures or functions once gained can be lost, but irreversible in the sense that once lost they can never be regained. Loss of properties is illustrated, (a) by the enzymic equipment of bacteria and Protozoa, (b) by the relative uraemia of marine and fresh–water elasmobranch fishes, (c) by the uricotelism of terrestrial and fresh–water molluscs. Failure to regain properties once lost is illustrated, (a) by the cleidoicity of the eggs of aquatic birds, (b) by the glomerular status of the kidneys of marine and fresh–water teleostean fishes.3. Why there should be this irreversibility in evolution is a problem of fundamental interest. If the second law of thermodynamics is responsible, we may ponder the curious paradox that while on the one hand there is in evolution an increase of organization as ever higher groups and phyla appear, there is also a diminution of organization associated with the shuffling process of entropy increase‐the only thing nature can never undo.
DIGESTION IN THE RUMINANT
Authors: MCANALLY R. A. , PHILLIPSON A. T. 
Published: January 2008

Summary1. The diet of ruminants is peculiar in that it contains large quantities of cellulose and other carbohydrates which are indigestible except by the aid of bacteria; it is probable that the numerous protozoa of the rumen do not play a vital part in digestion.2. Food passes to the fermentation chamber formed by the reticulum and rumen where it is kept in continual motion by rhythmic contractions of this organ. Regurgitation is caused by an inspiratory effort with a closed glottis; the bolus after being remasticated returns to the fermentation chamber.3. Passage of ingesta from the rumen is slow and spread out over a period of days. Digestion is more efficient in the ruminant than in the horse and pig owing to the greater time spent by the food in its alimentary tract rather than owing to the act of remastication.4. The voluminous secretion of saliva is responsible for the maintenance of a moisture content and reaction of the ingesta of the rumen suitable for the bacterial fermentation of carbohydrate. The conditions are anaerobic, since carbon dioxide and methane are the chief gases present, oxygen being found only in traces, if at all.5. The breakdown of cellulose and other carbohydrates is accomplished mainly by bacteria, though plant enzymes may play a minor part. The products of this fermentation are largely carbon dioxide, methane and the volatile fatty acids, though it has been suggested that a starch‐like polysaccharide is synthesized. The degree of digestion of cellulose is affected by the other constituents of the diet.6. The rate and degree of digestion observed by the use of an indigestible constituent of the food as an index show that the total digestion and in particular that of cellulose in the rumen is considerable within 14 hr.; this is supported by measurements of the rate of evolution of methane.7. Absorption of the volatile fatty acids and of certain drugs has been proved to occur from the rumen.8. Fermentation is not confined to the rumen; it also occurs in the caecum of the ruminant.The authors are greatly indebted to Sir Joseph Barcroft, F.R.S., for his constructive criticism and help in the preparation of the manuscript.
POLYMORPHISM
Authors: FORD E. B. 
Published: January 2008

Summary(1) Polymorphism is the occurrence together in the same habitat of two or more distinct forms of a species in such proportions that the rarest of them cannot be maintained by recurrent mutation. (2) If a genetically controlled form occurs in even a few per cent, of a population it must have been favoured by selection. (3) Polymorphism may either be transient, in which a gene is in process of spreading through a population unopposed, or balanced, in which it is maintained at a fixed level by a balance of selective agencies. (4) Owing to the recurrent nature of mutation, transient polymorphism is generally due to changes in the environment, which make the effects of a previously disadvantageous gene beneficial. (5) A notable instance of transient polymorphism is provided by industrial melanism. (6) The explanation of this phenomenon, either on a basis of simple selection for the black forms in industrial country or of induced mutation, produced by mineral salts in the food, cannot be supported. (7) On the contrary, industrial melanism is probably due to the spread of genes improving the viability of the species, but those responsible for excess melanin production could not be used in normal circumstances, for this destroys cryptic colouring. It is now known that the genes giving rise to industrial melanism occur as rarities in the ordinary population, and that they confer a greater viability than the normal forms which they have been unable to replace. Such genes can, however, be used in industrial areas, where black colouring is a less serious handicap. (8) The variability involved in balanced polymorphism may either be environmental or genetic. (9) A balanced polymorphism generally involves a high degree of permanence in the ratios of the respective forms. (10) Variations in the relative frequencies of polymorphic forms may, however, follow cycles in absolute numbers. (11) Polymorphic forms may be distributed as clines, which may or may not lead from groups which are monomorphic. (12) Though balanced polymorphism necessitates the existence of a switch mechanism determining alternative types, these are themselves capable of genetic adjustment within the framework of the polymorphism. (13) A special kind of balanced polymorphism is associated with close linkage dependent upon sectional translocations of the chromosomes. (14) The polymorphism of heterostyled plants is due rather to the physiological than the morphological differences between the forms. (15) Sex itself is a true balanced polymorphism, environmentally or genetically controlled. (16) The human polymorphisms include the ability to taste phenyl‐thio‐urea in low concentrations and the blood groups (and conditions related to them). The relative claims of the transient and the balanced systems of polymorphisms are considered for each of them.
MARINE BOTTOM COMMUNITIES
Authors: JONES N. S. 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARY

The more important contributions to the literature of animal communities on the sea bottom are summarized.
It is concluded that while there has been much disagreement about the constitution of the communities, the chief criticism has been directed against the view that they are units bound together by biological factors. There is little evidence for this idea. However, most workers agree that communities exist and that there is a correlation between their distribution and that of certain physical factors. Therefore any system of classification should be based on the external conditions.
The factors affecting the distribution of communities are discussed. The significant factors are probably temperature, salinity, and the nature of the bottom deposit.
A scheme of classification applying to the communities of the littoral system is suggested, and an attempt is made to define the range of physical conditions within which each exists. Only the Atlantic boreal region is sufficiently well investigated for the classification to be applied in detail. The communities are described as shallow when the animals composing them are eurythermal and euryhaline within wide limits, offshore when they are eurythermal and euryhaline within narrower limits, and deep when they are stenothermal and stenohaline. Each group is subdivided according to the type of bottom on which the communities occur. There is more or less intergrading between neighbouring communities, both vertically and horizontally.
The more important species occurring in each community are listed and the probable place in the classification of the communities previously described is shown.
The reasons for the existence of animal communities on the sea bottom are discussed. The morphology and mode of life of certain species seem to be important in restricting them to certain grades of deposit, and while analysis of feeding methods does not at present indicate that the latter are of paramount importance in this respect, it is possible that more detailed studies on individual species will prove them to be so.
The quantitative investigations into the fauna of the sea bottom are discussed, and it is concluded that there is little probability of valuable results arising from evaluations at the present time. On the other hand, much useful information may be expected from further studies of the differences in production apparent on different deposits and between different areas, and of the changes in numbers that take place from time to time among the population of a single area.
THE OCCURRENCE AND FUNCTIONS OF ULTRADIAN RHYTHMS
Authors: LLOYD DAVID , STUPFEL MAURICE 
Published: January 2008

SummaryUltradian oscillations with periods between 5 min and 4 h have been described in cell‐free extracts, single‐celled eukaryotes, cultured cells and embryos. Whereas some of these potentially oscillatory systems (e.g. glycolysis) may only exhibit this type of behaviour rarely if at all in vivo, other ultradian oscillators in lower eukaryotes are rhythms and probably have timekeeping functions. Rhythms with ultradian periods of 10 min to 20 h in oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production have also been studied in endotherm animals: these rhythms may be modified by variations of environmental parameters and by circadian and infradian synchronizers. Interspecies and interstrain differences strongly suggest that these rhythms are endogenous and have a genetic origin. We suggest that the temporal organization of biochemical and physiological processes facilitates optimization of thermodynamic maintenance of the organism within the random fluctuations of its physicochemical environment and contributes to genetic selection.
MODIFICATION OF THE VASOMOTOR ACTIONS OF METHYSERGIDE IN THE FEMORAL ARTERIAL BED OF THE ANAESTHETIZED DOG BY CHANGES IN SYMPATHETIC NERVE ACTIVITY
Authors: FENIUK W. , HUMPHREY P. P. A. , WATTS A. D. 
Published: January 2008

Methysergide has been shown to have a remarkably selective vasoconstrictor action in the carotid arterial bed of the anaesthetized dog following intravenous administration. However we have now shown that under conditions which produce sympathetic blockade methysergide will also constrict the femoral arterial bed and the mechanism involved has been investigated.
Methysergide (10–100 μg/kg i.v.) produced small but variable effects on femoral arterial blood flow in the anaesthetized dog. However following ganglion blockade (mecamylamine 5 mg/kg i.v.), section of the lumbar sympathetic chain between L4‐L5 or catecholamine depletion with syrosingopine, methysergide consistently caused dose‐related decreases in femoral arterial flow which were associated with increases in femoral arterial vascular resistance.
Intravenous infusion of methysergide (10 μg/kg/min) or 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, 10 μg/kg/min) inhibited the increases in femoral arterial vascular resistance produced by stimulation of the lumbar sympathetic chain by 70% and 44% respectively whilst increases in vascular resistance produced by close intra‐arterially administered noradrenaline were potentiated by 25% and 11% respectively.
Our results show that the vasomotor actions of methysergide in the dog femoral arterial bed are dependent on the degree of sympathetic activity. This suggests that in the dog the post‐junctional vasoconstrictor action of methysergide can be masked by a pre‐junctional inhibitory effect on sympathetic nerves which may be mediated through stimulation of a specific pre‐junctional receptor for 5‐HT.
EFFECTS OF DILTIAZEM ON PHASIC AND TONIC ACTIVITY IN RAT PORTAL VEIN
Authors: HICKS P. E. 
Published: January 2008

The effects of the Ca2+ entry blocking drug, diltiazem, have been evaluated in the rat isolated portal vein, against phasic or tonic responses induced by a range of agonists.
Diltiazem was a potent antagonist of phasic responses induced by low concentrations of K+, tetraethylammonium (TEA), the selective α2‐adrenoreceptor agonists UK14304 or TL99 and angiotensin II (AII).
Diltiazem was significantly less potent as an antagonist of phasic responses induced by the selective α1‐adrenoreceptor agonists phenylephrine (PE) or methoxamine (ME) or the non‐selective α‐adrenoreceptor agonist (NA), or of tonic responses evoked by high concentrations of K+, or PE. The non‐stimulated phasic activity of the portal vein was antagonised by diltiazem at higher concentrations only.
It is concluded that in the rat portal vein, phasic or tonic activity are associated with different Ca2+‐gating mechanisms. It is considered that these differences could represent different Ca2+‐channels, different rates of activation or deactivation of the channels, or involve other sources of activator Ca2+ than extracellular Ca2+. The α2‐adrenoreceptor subtype may be functionally linked with a voltage dependent Ca2+‐channel to cause phasic responses in this preparation.
DUAL PRESYNAPTIC EFFECTS OF 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE ON PERIPHERAL NORADRENERGIC SYNAPSES
Authors: ADLER‐GRASCHINSKY E. 
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present experiments was to study the effects of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) on the responses to postganglionic stimulation of two models of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system: the isolated nictitating membrane of the cat and the guinea‐pig isolated atria.
In the nictitating membrane of the cat, 5‐HT (0.1 μM) shifted to the left the frequency‐response curve to nerve stimulation. This potentiating effect was prevented by 5‐HT receptor antagonists (0.1 μM. methysergide, 0.1 μM pizotifen and 0.1 μM morphine) and also by the β‐adrenoreceptor blocker propranolol (0.1 μM). The α2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine (0.1 μM) had no effect on the 5‐HT‐induced potentiation.
In the guinea‐pig isolated atria the responses to cardioaccelerans nerve stimulation were diminished by 5‐HT (0.1 to 1.0 μM). The shift to the right in the frequency‐response curve induced by 5‐HT (1.0 μM) was additive to the antagonism caused in the atria by propranolol (0.1 μM). The inhibitory effect of 5‐HT on the pacemaker responses to nerve stimulation was prevented by the 5‐HT receptor antagonists methysergide (1.0 and pizotifen (1.0 μM) and also by the α‐adrenoreceptor antagonist phentolamine (0.1 μM).
The selective α2‐adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine (0.01 μM) reduced to the same extent as 5‐HT (1.0 μM) the responses of the guinea‐pig atria to nerve stimulation. The inhibitory effect of clonidine was prevented by the α‐adrenoreceptor blocker phentolamine (0.1 μM) but not by the 5‐HT receptor blocker pizotifen (1.0 μM).
With the exception of propranolol, which in the atria shifted to the right the concentration‐response curve to exogenous noradrenaline (NA), neither 5‐HT nor the different antagonists employed modified the sensitivity to NA in the tissues studied.
The present observations show that 5‐HT can produce a dual effect on the sympathetic neurotransmission. It is proposed that a modification in the overflow of NA in response to nerve stimulation is caused by 5‐HT and results from the interaction of 5‐HT with specific receptors located on the sympathetic fibres. These presynaptic 5‐HT receptors behave as excitatory (cat nictitating membrane) or inhibitory (guinea‐pig atria) depending on the tissue studied.
Rilmenidine (S 3341) and the sympathoadrenal system: adrenoreceptors, plasma and adrenal catecholamines in dogs
Authors: Valet P. , Tran M. A. , Damase‐Michel C. , de Saint‐Blanquat G. , Tran L. Dang , Anglade F. , Koenig‐Berard E. , Montastruc J. L. 
Published: January 2008

1 The effects of rilmenidine, a new alpha2‐adrenoreceptor agonist with antihypertensive properties, were investigated on plasma catecholamines, blood cell adrenoreceptors and adrenal medullary function.2 In conscious sino‐aortic denervated (SAD) dogs, rilmenidine (1 mg kg−1 orally for 2 weeks) significantly reduced both blood pressure and heart rate when compared with placebo treatment. The drug decreased plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels and corrected the decrease in leucocyte beta‐adrenoreceptors observed in placebo‐treated SAD dogs. There was no change in platelet alpha2‐adrenoreceptors.3 In anaesthetized normotensive dogs, rilmenidine (0.1 and 0.3 mg kg−1 i.v.) induced a dose‐dependent decrease in both cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure and heart rate) and catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla.4 The present study shows that rilmenidine decreases sympathetic tone mainly by an action on the adrenal medulla. In addition, its ability to lower blood pressure in SAD dogs, i.e. a model of hypertension in which high sympathetic tone is present, indicates that rilmenidine may also depress other parts of the sympathetic nervous system.