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Selected AbstractsAn Evaluation of the Economic Approaches Used by Policy Actors towards Investment in Place-Based Partnerships in VictoriaAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 1 2010Chris McDonald Place-based partnerships are supported by the state and include various organisations and interests within particular geographic areas. The Victorian government has established place-based partnerships to plan and coordinate resource allocation decisions to meet objectives such as economic development and social inclusion. In the literature there are positive and negative views of these partnerships. One view is that they allow regions to build competitive advantage, while another is that they are a means of pursuing a neoliberal policy agenda that seeks to reduce government protection and investment. We help clarify the tensions between positive and negative views of partnerships by examining the economic approaches used by policy actors toward place-based partnerships in Victoria. We find that policy actors combine neoclassical and institutionalist approaches to argue that partnerships generate networks that enable more efficient and equitable resource allocation within places. [source] Competencies and skills for remote and rural maternity care: a review of the literatureJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2007Jillian Ireland Abstract Title. Competencies and skills for remote and rural maternity care: a review of the literature Aim., This paper reports a review of the literature on skills, competencies and continuing professional development necessary for sustainable remote and rural maternity care. Background., There is a general sense that maternity care providers in rural areas need specific skills and competencies. However, how these differ from generic skills and competencies is often unclear. Methods., Approaches used to access the research studies included a comprehensive search in relevant electronic databases using relevant keywords (e.g. ,remote', ,midwifery', ,obstetrics', ,nurse,midwives', education', ,hospitals', ,skills', ,competencies', etc.). Experts were approached for (un-)published literature, and books and journals known to the authors were also used. Key journals were hand searched and references were followed up. The original search was conducted in 2004 and updated in 2006. Findings., Little published literature exists on professional education, training or continuous professional development in maternity care in remote and rural settings. Although we found a large literature on competency, little was specific to competencies for rural practice or for maternity care. ,Hands-on' skills courses such as Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics and the Neonatal Resuscitation Programme increase confidence in practice, but no published evidence of effectiveness of such courses exists. Conclusion., Educators need to be aware of the barriers facing rural practitioners, and there is potential for increasing distant learning facilitated by videoconferencing or Internet access. They should also consider other assessment methods than portfolios. More research is needed on the levels of skills and competencies required for maternity care professionals practising in remote and rural areas. [source] The ,pros' and ,cons' of joint EMS and group certification: a Swedish case studyCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2007Thomas Zobel Abstract Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are collectively responsible for a significant portion of the total environmental burden worldwide. A common tool used by SMEs to improve their environmental performance is the environmental management system (EMS), which has the disadvantage that it has been developed with larger organizations in mind. A common approach used by Swedish SMEs to facilitate the implementation of an EMS is joint EMS and group certification. This paper evaluates this approach by means of a case study. It is found that the approach is effective for small and micro-sized companies in achieving ISO 14001 certification as fast and cost effectively as possible. A few short cuts including joint environmental policy and objectives and insufficient environmental organization are however threatening to undermine the trustworthiness of the approach. Notwithstanding these flaws, however, it must be concluded that the joint EMS approach is a good alternative for small and micro-sized companies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Prediction of transition from cognitive impairment to senile dementia: a prospective, longitudinal studyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2003S. Artero Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to replicate the statistical approach used in a previous investigation (Toronto study) within a French population to determine the best predictive model for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method: Data from neuropsychological tests from two prospective studies were entered into a regression model. Results: Replication of the statistical approach in the Montpellier sample produced a three-test model with a specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 73%. This model consisted of a delayed auditory verbal recall test, a construction test, a category fluency test and provides probability estimates for the transition to dementia in individual cases. Conclusion: The models derived from these two longitudinal studies provide an empirical basis for the selection of tests for the definition of mild cognitive impairment of the Alzheimer type (MCI-A). The small set of tests derived are suitable for use in general practice. [source] On the estimation of species richness based on the accumulation of previously unrecorded speciesECOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2002Emmanuelle Cam Estimation of species richness of local communities has become an important topic in community ecology and monitoring. Investigators can seldom enumerate all the species present in the area of interest during sampling sessions. If the location of interest is sampled repeatedly within a short time period, the number of new species recorded is typically largest in the initial sample and decreases as sampling proceeds, but new species may be detected if sampling sessions are added. The question is how to estimate the total number of species. The data collected by sampling the area of interest repeatedly can be used to build species accumulation curves: the cumulative number of species recorded as a function of the number of sampling sessions (which we refer to as "species accumulation data"). A classic approach used to compute total species richness is to fit curves to the data on species accumulation with sampling effort. This approach does not rest on direct estimation of the probability of detecting species during sampling sessions and has no underlying basis regarding the sampling process that gave rise to the data. Here we recommend a probabilistic, nonparametric estimator for species richness for use with species accumulation data. We use estimators of population size that were developed for capture-recapture data, but that can be used to estimate the size of species assemblages using species accumulation data. Models of detection probability account for the underlying sampling process. They permit variation in detection probability among species. We illustrate this approach using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). We describe other situations where species accumulation data are collected under different designs (e.g., over longer periods of time, or over spatial replicates) and that lend themselves to of use capture-recapture models for estimating the size of the community of interest. We discuss the assumptions and interpretations corresponding to each situation. [source] Invasion success: does size really matter?ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2002A. W. Miller The recent paper by Roy et al. (2001) presents a compelling relationship between range limit shifts, climatic fluctuations, and body size for marine bivalves in the fossil record. However, their extension of body size as a correlate for contemporary marine bivalve introductions is problematic and requires further scrutiny. Unlike their analysis of the fossil assemblage, the approach used for contemporary invasions does not adequately control for dispersal mechanism (vector) or source region. First, their analysis included mariculture species, intentionally introduced because of their large size, creating a vector-specific bias. Second, successful invaders from multiple source regions (Northern Hemisphere) were compared with potential invaders from a single source region (north-eastern Pacific), leaving both source and vector as uncontrolled variables. We present an analysis of body size for bivalve introductions from a single vector and source region, indicating no correlation between body size and invasion success when eliminating intentional introduction, source region and transport vector as confounding factors. [source] Capillary zone electrophoresis with a dynamic double coating for analysis of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in human serum: Impact of resolution between disialo- and trisialotransferrin on reference limitsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 24 2003Christian Lanz Abstract Capillary electrophoresis with a dynamic double coating formed by charged polymeric reagents represents a very effective tool for the separation of iron-saturated transferrin (Tf) isoforms and thus the determination of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in human serum. The resolution between di- and trisialo-Tf is dependent on the applied voltage and capillary temperature. With a 50 ,m inside diameter (ID) capillary of about 60 cm total length mounted into the P/ACE MDQ, 28 kV and 40°C, the resolution of the two Tf isoforms is shown to be between 1.0 and 1.4, whereas with reduced voltage and/or temperature, increased resolution at the expense of elongated run times is observed. Best data with complete resolution (Rs , 1.4) are obtained at 20 kV and 30°C. For the determination of CDT in serum, incomplete separation of di- and trisialo-Tf is demonstrated to have an impact on the reference limits. Analysis of the sera of 54 healthy individuals with no or moderate alcohol consumption and using valley-to-valley peak integration, the upper (lower) reference limits for CDT in relation to total Tf at the two power levels are 1.33 (0.52) and 1.57 (0.81)%, respectively, representing intervals that are significantly different (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the reference intervals are shown to be strongly dependent on the peak integration approach used. Valley-to-valley peak integration should only be employed for conditions with complete resolution between disialo- and trisialo-Tf. [source] Arthroscopic debridement of subchondral bone cysts in the distal phalanx of 11 horses (1994,2000)EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2004M. R. STORY Summary Reasons for performing study: Historically, there has been a consensus that conservative management of subchondral cystic lesions of the distal phalanx carries a poor prognosis. Surgical management has been advocated; however, there are no reports documenting its routine use and successful surgical treatment. Objectives: To describe arthroscopically-guided curettage of distal phalangeal subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) and report the qualitative and quantitative results in 11 affected horses age 16,33 months. Methods: Medical records of horses with previously treated lameness resulting from SCLs of the third phalanx were reviewed. Arthroscopic debridement of the SCLs was described. Follow-up information was obtained from race records and telephone contact with owners and trainers. The sign-rank test was used to compare performance of operated racehorses to that of unoperated siblings. Results: Ten of the 11 horses (91%) in the study returned to athletic soundness after surgical treatment and had performance records similar to their siblings. Conclusions: Data show that arthroscopic debridement of distal phalangeal SCLs is a viable treatment for affected horses age 16,33 months and can result in a successful return to intended athletic performance. No horses younger than 16 months or older than 33 months were treated and results in horses younger or older than this group may vary in success. Potential relevance: The description of treatment and approach used for arthroscopic curettage will increase awareness of this option and increase treatment options for this condition. [source] The income elasticity of tax revenue: estimates for income and consumption taxes in the United KingdomFISCAL STUDIES, Issue 1 2004John Creedy Abstract This paper provides estimates of individual and aggregate revenue elasticities of income and consumption taxes in the UK over the period 1989,2000. It shows how budgetary changes, including changes to income-related deductions, have substantially affected income elasticities. The estimates of consumption tax revenue elasticities show that changes in consumption patterns over time are important. A merit of the approach used here is that elasticity estimates can be calculated readily from official published sources. [source] Assessing the health of European rivers using functional ecological guilds of fish communities: standardising species classification and approaches to metric selectionFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2007R. A. A. NOBLE Abstract, The functional ecological guild approach is the cornerstone for the development of Indices of Biotic Integrity and multi-metric indices to assess the ecological status of aquatic systems. These indices combine metrics (unit-specific measures of a functional component of the fish community known to respond to degradation) into a single measure of ecological assessment. The guild approach provides an operational unit linking individual species characteristics with the community as a whole. Species are grouped into guilds based on some degree of overlap in their ecological niches, regardless of taxonomic relationships. Despite European fish species having been classified into ecological guilds, classification has not been standardised Europe-wide or within the context of classifying species into guilds from which metrics can be developed for ecological assessment purposes. This paper examines the approach used by the EU project FAME to classify European fish species into consistent ecological guilds and to identify suitable metrics as basic tools for the development of a standardised ecological assessment method for European rivers to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. [source] Near real-time spatial management based on habitat predictions for a longline bycatch speciesFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2006A. J. HOBDAY Abstract, Southern bluefin tuna (SBT), Thunnus maccoyii (Castelnau), is a quota-managed species that makes annual winter migrations to the Tasman Sea off south-eastern Australia. During this period it interacts with a year-round tropical tuna longline fishery (Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, ETBF). ETBF managers seek to minimise the bycatch of SBT by commercial ETBF longline fishers with limited or no SBT quota through spatial restrictions. Access to areas where SBT are believed to be present is restricted to fishers holding SBT quota. A temperature-based SBT habitat model was developed to provide managers with an estimate of tuna distribution upon which to base their decisions about placement of management boundaries. Adult SBT temperature preferences were determined using pop-up satellite archival tags. The near real-time predicted location of SBT was determined by matching temperature preferences to satellite sea surface temperature data and vertical temperature data from an oceanographic model. Regular reports detailing the location of temperature-based SBT habitat were produced during the period of the ETBF fishing season when interactions with SBT occur. The SBT habitat model included: (i) predictions based on the current vertical structure of the ocean; (ii) seasonally adjusted temperature preference data for the 60 calendar days centred on the prediction date; and (iii) development of a temperature-based SBT habitat climatology that allowed visualisation of the expected change in the distribution of the SBT habitat zones throughout the season. At the conclusion of the fishing season an automated method for placing management boundaries was compared with the subjective approach used by managers. Applying this automated procedure to the habitat predictions enabled an investigation of the effects of setting management boundaries using old data and updating management boundaries infrequently. Direct comparison with the management boundaries allowed an evaluation of the efficiency and biases produced by this aspect of the fishery management process. Near real-time fishery management continues to be a realistic prospect that new scientific approaches using novel tools can support and advance. [source] Effects of mute swan grazing on a keystone macrophyteFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2007MATTHEW T. O'HARE Summary 1. This study describes the early summer foraging behaviour of mute swans (Cygnus olor) on the River Frome, a highly productive chalk stream in southern England in which Ranunculus penicillatus pseudofluitans is the dominant macrophyte. 2. A daily maximum of 41 ± 2.5 swans were present along the 1.1 km study reach during the study period (late May to the end of June). The river was the primary feeding habitat. Feeding activity on the river at dawn and dusk was much lower than during daylight, but we cannot rule out the possibility that swans fed during the hours of darkness. 3. The effects of herbivory on R. pseudofluitans biomass and morphology were quantified. Biomass was lower in grazed areas and swans grazed selectively on leaves in preference to stems. A lower proportion of stems from grazed areas possessed intact stem apices and flowering of the plant was reduced in grazed areas. 4. A model, based on the swans' daily consumption, was used to predict the grazing pressure of swans on R. pseudofluitans. The model accurately predicted the number of bird days supported by the study site, only if grazing was assumed to severely reduce R. pseudofluitans growth. The proportion of the initial R. pseudofluitans biomass consumed by a fixed number of swans was predicted to be greater when the habitat area was smaller, initial R. pseudofluitans biomass was lower and R. pseudofluitans was of lower food value. 5. We concluded that the flux of N and P through the study reach was largely unaffected by swan activity. The quality of R. pseudofluitans mesohabitat (the plant as habitat for invertebrates and fish) was significantly reduced by grazing which also indirectly contributed to reduced roughness (Manning's n) and by inference water depth. Wetted habitat area for fish and invertebrates would also be lowered over the summer period as a consequence of the reduction in water depth. It was estimated that, while grazing, an individual swan may eat the same mass of invertebrates per day as a 300-g trout. 6. There is a need to manage the conflict between mute swans and the keystone macrophyte, R. pseudofluitans, in chalk streams, and the modelling approach used here offers a potentially useful tool for this purpose. [source] Dynamic models allowing for flexibility in complex life histories accurately predict timing of metamorphosis and antipredator strategies of preyFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Andrew D. Higginson Summary 1.,The development of antipredator defences in the larval stage of animals with complex life cycles is likely to be affected by costs associated with creating and maintaining such defences because of their impact on the timing of maturation or metamorphosis. 2.,Various theoretical treatments have suggested that investment in defence should both increase or decrease with increasing resource availability, but a recent model predicts investment in defences should be highest at intermediate resource level and predator density. 3.,Previous models of investment in defence and timing of metamorphosis provide a poor match to empirical data. Here we develop a dynamic state-dependent model of investment in behavioural and morphological defences that enables us to allow flexibility in investment in defences over development, the timing of metamorphosis and the size of the organism at metamorphosis that were absent from previous theory. 4.,We show that the inclusion of this flexibility results in different predictions to those of the fixed investment approach used previously, especially when we allow metamorphosis to occur at the optimal time and state for the organism. 5.,Under these more flexible conditions, we predict that morphological defences should be insensitive to resource level whilst behavioural defences should either increase or decrease with increasing resources depending on the predation risk and the magnitude of the fitness benefits of large size at metamorphosis. 6.,Our work provides a formal framework in which we might progress in the study of how the use of antipredator defences is affected by their costs. Most of the predictions of our model in are in good accord with empirical results, and can be understood in terms of the underlying biological assumptions. The reasons why simpler models failed to match empirical observations can be explained, and our predictions that are a poor match help to target the circumstances which warrant future study. [source] Simulation of ice phenology on Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, CanadaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2002Patrick Ménard Abstract A one-dimensional thermodynamic lake ice model (Canadian Lake Ice Model or CLIMo) is used to simulate ice phenology on Great Slave Lake (GSL) in the Mackenzie River basin, Northwest Territories, Canada. Model simulations are validated against freeze-up and break-up dates, as well as ice thickness and on-ice snow depth measurements made in situ at three sites on GSL (Back Bay near Yellowknife, 1960,91; Hay River, 1965,91; Charlton Bay near Fort Reliance, 1977,90). Freeze-up and break-up dates from the lake ice model are also compared with those derived from SSM/I 85 GHz passive microwave imagery over the entire lake surface (1988,99). Results show a very good agreement between observed and simulated ice thickness and freeze-up/break-up dates over the 30,40 years of observations, particularly for the Back Bay and Hay River sites. CLIMo simulates the ice thickness and annual freeze-up/break-dates with a mean error of 7 cm and 4 days respectively. However, some limitations have been identified regarding the rather simplistic approach used to characterize the temporal evolution of snow cover on ice. Future model improvements will therefore focus on this particular aspect, through linkage or coupling to a snow model. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Observational relationships between summer and winter monsoons over East Asia.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2005Part I: Basic framework Abstract This paper is the first of a two-part study to investigate the possible relationships between summer and winter monsoons over East Asia during the period 1958 to 1999. It documents the approach employed in the study. Assuming the existence of relationships, the central theme of the study is to answer the questions: Is there evidence for the relationships and, if so, what are the relationships? In particular, the approach used to interpret the available evidence to make inferences about the conditions of the summer monsoon is described. Six winter monsoon categories are defined in terms of the monsoon strength and the conditions of the El Niño,southern oscillation. The conditions of the summer monsoons preceding and following each winter monsoon category are assessed to identify the possible summer-to-winter monsoon and winter-to-summer monsoon relationships respectively. Summer monsoons are classified into unlikely strong (notS) or unlikely weak (notW) according to the bias in the relative occurrence of positive and negative anomalies of several summer monsoon indices. The rainfall condition over China and the characteristics of the subtropical high are also used to provide supplementary evidence for the summer monsoon strength and to describe the accompanying synoptic situations. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society. [source] Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: presentation of two patients with unusual affect of terminal ileum and caecum with manifestations of acute abdomen and literature reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2004A. Charalabopoulos Summary Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease; the long-term personal history with digestive symptoms and the course of the disease with relapses and remissions is the key for the disease to be suspected. Endoscopy, CT scan and sonographic studies may provide important indirect signs of the disease and in combination with histological examination the diagnosis can be achieved. The administration of corticosteroids is an important factor for the treatment or the remission of the disease. In this study two cases with unusual location of the disease, on the terminal ileum and caecum, are presented and a literature review is attempted. The disease process, clinical and laboratory findings as well as the surgical approach used are described. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a very rare disease with its surgical complications. The disease is a non-surgical disease, thus presurgical diagnosis is important because the entity discussed can be under control by conservative treatment. A high disease suspicious index must be kept in the physicians' mind. [source] A concept analysis of malnutrition in the elderlyJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2001Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen RN MSN GNP A concept analysis of malnutrition in the elderly Purpose.,Malnutrition is a frequent and serious problem in the elderly. Today there is no doubt that malnutrition contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Unfortunately, the concept of malnutrition in the elderly is poorly defined. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the meaning of malnutrition in the elderly and to develop the theoretical underpinnings, thereby facilitating communication regarding the phenomenon and enhancing research efforts. Scope, sources used.,Critical review of literature is the approach used to systematically build and develop the theoretical propositions. Conventional search engines such as Medline, PsyINFO, and CINAHL were used. The bibliography of obtained articles was also reviewed and additional articles identified. Key wards used for searching included malnutrition, geriatric nutrition, nutritional status, nutrition assessment, elderly, ageing, and weight loss. Conclusions.,The definition of malnutrition in the elderly is defined as following: faulty or inadequate nutritional status; undernourishment characterized by insufficient dietary intake, poor appetite, muscle wasting and weight loss. In the elderly, malnutrition is an ominous sign. Without intervention, it presents as a downward trajectory leading to poor health and decreased quality of life. Malnutrition in the elderly is a multidimensional concept encompassing physical and psychological elements. It is precipitated by loss, dependency, loneliness and chronic illness and potentially impacts morbidity, mortality and quality of life. [source] Hierarchical spatial models for predicting pygmy rabbit distribution and relative abundanceJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Tammy L. Wilson Summary 1.,Conservationists routinely use species distribution models to plan conservation, restoration and development actions, while ecologists use them to infer process from pattern. These models tend to work well for common or easily observable species, but are of limited utility for rare and cryptic species. This may be because honest accounting of known observation bias and spatial autocorrelation are rarely included, thereby limiting statistical inference of resulting distribution maps. 2.,We specified and implemented a spatially explicit Bayesian hierarchical model for a cryptic mammal species (pygmy rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis). Our approach used two levels of indirect sign that are naturally hierarchical (burrows and faecal pellets) to build a model that allows for inference on regression coefficients as well as spatially explicit model parameters. We also produced maps of rabbit distribution (occupied burrows) and relative abundance (number of burrows expected to be occupied by pygmy rabbits). The model demonstrated statistically rigorous spatial prediction by including spatial autocorrelation and measurement uncertainty. 3.,We demonstrated flexibility of our modelling framework by depicting probabilistic distribution predictions using different assumptions of pygmy rabbit habitat requirements. 4.,Spatial representations of the variance of posterior predictive distributions were obtained to evaluate heterogeneity in model fit across the spatial domain. Leave-one-out cross-validation was conducted to evaluate the overall model fit. 5.,Synthesis and applications. Our method draws on the strengths of previous work, thereby bridging and extending two active areas of ecological research: species distribution models and multi-state occupancy modelling. Our framework can be extended to encompass both larger extents and other species for which direct estimation of abundance is difficult. [source] Successful rotational thromboelastometry-guided treatment of traumatic haemorrhage, hyperfibrinolysis and coagulopathyACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010M. BRENNI Transfusion of allogeneic blood products is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, strategies for reducing transfusion of these products during trauma management are valuable. We report a case of severe blunt abdominal trauma, successfully treated with antifibrinolytic medication and fibrinogen concentrate. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was used to identify hyperfibrinolysis and afibrinogenaemia. In order to achieve haemostasis, over a 3-h period, the patient received a total of 1 g of tranexamic acid, 7 U of packed red blood cells, 16 g of fibrinogen concentrate (Haemocomplettan P), 3500 ml of colloids and 5500 ml of lactated Ringer's solution. Together with surgical measures, this treatment stopped the bleeding and stabilised the patient. There was no transfusion of either fresh-frozen plasma or platelets. The limited need for allogeneic blood products is of particular interest, and clinical studies of the approach used here appear to be warranted. [source] A probability-based analysis of temporal and spatial co-occurrence in grassland birdsJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 12 2006Joseph A. Veech Abstract Aim, To test for non-random co-occurrence in 36 species of grassland birds using a new metric and the C -score. The analysis used presence,absence data of birds distributed among 305 sites (or landscapes) over a period of 35 years. This analysis departs from traditional analyses of species co-occurrence in its use of temporal data and of individual species' probabilities of occurrence to derive analytically the expected co-occurrence between paired species. Location, Great Plains region, USA. Methods, Presence,absence data for the bird species were obtained from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The analysis was restricted to species pairs whose geographic ranges overlapped. Each of 541 species pairs was classified as a positive, negative, or non-significant association depending on the mean difference between the observed and expected frequencies of co-occurrence over the 35-year time-span. Results, Of the 541 species pairs that were examined, 202 to 293 (37,54%) were positively associated, depending on which of two null models was used. However, only a few species pairs (<5%) were negatively associated. An additional 89 species pairs did not have overlapping ranges and hence represented de facto negative associations. The results from analyses based on C -scores generally agreed with the analyses based on the difference between observed and expected co-occurrence, although the latter analyses were slightly more powerful. Main conclusions, Grassland birds within the Great Plains region are primarily distributed among landscapes either independently or in conjunction with one another. Only a few species pairs exhibited repulsed or segregated distributions. This indicates that the shared preference for grassland habitat may be more important in producing coexistence than are negative species interactions in preventing it. The large number of non-significant associations may represent random associations and thereby indicate that the presence/absence of other grassland bird species may have little effect on whether a given focal species is also found within the landscape. In a broader context, the probability-based approach used in this study may be useful in future studies of species co-occurrence. [source] Guidelines for assessment of bone microstructure in rodents using micro,computed tomographyJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2010Mary L Bouxsein Abstract Use of high-resolution micro,computed tomography (µCT) imaging to assess trabecular and cortical bone morphology has grown immensely. There are several commercially available µCT systems, each with different approaches to image acquisition, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to interpret reported results and to compare findings across different studies. This article addresses this critical need for standardized terminology and consistent reporting of parameters related to image acquisition and analysis, and key outcome assessments, particularly with respect to ex vivo analysis of rodent specimens. Thus the guidelines herein provide recommendations regarding (1) standardized terminology and units, (2) information to be included in describing the methods for a given experiment, and (3) a minimal set of outcome variables that should be reported. Whereas the specific research objective will determine the experimental design, these guidelines are intended to ensure accurate and consistent reporting of µCT-derived bone morphometry and density measurements. In particular, the methods section for papers that present µCT-based outcomes must include details of the following scan aspects: (1) image acquisition, including the scanning medium, X-ray tube potential, and voxel size, as well as clear descriptions of the size and location of the volume of interest and the method used to delineate trabecular and cortical bone regions, and (2) image processing, including the algorithms used for image filtration and the approach used for image segmentation. Morphometric analyses should be based on 3D algorithms that do not rely on assumptions about the underlying structure whenever possible. When reporting µCT results, the minimal set of variables that should be used to describe trabecular bone morphometry includes bone volume fraction and trabecular number, thickness, and separation. The minimal set of variables that should be used to describe cortical bone morphometry includes total cross-sectional area, cortical bone area, cortical bone area fraction, and cortical thickness. Other variables also may be appropriate depending on the research question and technical quality of the scan. Standard nomenclature, outlined in this article, should be followed for reporting of results. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source] Achievement of Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients Undergoing Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation: A Randomized Comparison Between Two Different Isolation ApproachesJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2006XINGPENG LIU M.D. Introduction: Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) with the endpoint of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has been developed as an effective therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). This endpoint can be achieved either by closing gaps along circular lines or by segmental PV isolation inside the circular lines after creation of initial CPVA lesions. We investigated whether the clinical outcome depends on the PV isolation approach used during the first-time CPVA procedure. Methods and Results: One hundred consecutive patients (69 male; age, 56.7 ± 11.6 years) who underwent first-time CPVA for treatment of symptomatic AF were enrolled. PV isolation was randomly achieved either by CPVA alone (aggressive CPVA [A-CPVA] group, n = 50) or by a combination of CPVA with segmental PV ostia ablation (modified CPVA [M-CPVA] group, n = 50). Recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATa) within 3 months after the initial procedure occurred in 30 patients (60%) in the M-CPVA group and in only 15 patients (30%) in the A-CPVA group (P < 0.01). ATa relapse after the first 3 months was detected in 21 patients (42%) in the M-CPVA group, compared with 9 patients (18%) in the A-CPVA group (P = 0.01). At 13 ± 4 months, patients treated by the A-CPVA approach had greater freedom from ATa recurrence than patients who underwent M-CPVA (P = 0.01). The M-CPVA approach was the only independent predictor associated with procedural failure (RR 0.318; 95% CI 0.123,0.821; P = 0.02). Conclusions: When PV isolation is the endpoint of CPVA, the efficacy of the A-CPVA approach is better than that of M-CPVA. [source] Land-use and resource conflicts in the Okavango Delta, BotswanaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 2009Michael B. K. Darkoh Abstract This study assesses land-use conflicts in the Okavango wetland ecosystem. A survey of the livelihood activities of a sample of four villages has been carried out and a stakeholder approach used to identify and analyse the key actors involved in resource competition and conflicts in the area. Traditional and emerging stakeholders were identified and found to be in conflict not only with each other but within themselves. Institutional policies on land use in the area are not properly harmonized, and there has been a top-down approach to development planning and implementation of development programmes. As a result, land-use conflicts have escalated in the area. The Okavango Delta Management Plan adopted in 2007 should integrate and harmonize all the land-use policies, and land management in the area. [source] What is an empowerment approach to working with sexual assault survivors?JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Sarah E. Ullman This exploratory study sought to better understand what constitutes the empowerment approach used by rape crisis advocates working with sexual assault survivors. A grounded theory, qualitative, semistructured interview study was conducted of rape victim advocates (N=25) working in rape crisis centers in a large metropolitan area. Several characteristics were described as reflecting an empowerment orientation or approach to work with survivors, some of which were specifically described as a "feminist" empowerment approach. Implications for research and practice are drawn. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Peer observation of teaching in the online environment: an action research approachJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 5 2008D. Swinglehurst Abstract This paper describes a collaborative action research approach used to explore peer observation of teaching (POT) within the online environment. Although POT has become familiar in face-to-face teaching contexts, little is understood of its potential role in online settings. We conducted ,virtual' focus groups to explore the experience and views of 28 teachers and subjected our data to a thematic analysis. This informed the implementation of an innovative programme of POT, ,Peer-to-peer Reflection on Pedagogical Practice' (PROPP) among tutors of a Web-based MSc in International Primary Health Care at University College London. Modeled on an action learning set, the programme encourages collaborative reflection on teaching practices, based on participants' specific examples of online teaching. The PROPP model is consistent with Quality Enhancement, which we distinguish from Quality Assurance. Here, we describe the implementation of the PROPP programme within an action research framework and identify the factors that we consider critical to the success of peer observation within online courses. We highlight examples of aspects of teaching that have been discussed within the PROPP programme and offer suggestions of the kinds of evidence that could be incorporated into a portfolio to demonstrate the effectiveness of such an initiative. [source] Evaluating the suitability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibodies for standard immunodetection proceduresJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007N. Moser Abstract Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play important roles in numerous cognitive processes as well as in several debilitating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In order to fully elucidate the diverse roles of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in CNS function and dysfunction, a detailed knowledge of their cellular and subcellular localizations is essential. To date, methods to precisely localize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the CNS have predominantly relied on the use of anti-receptor subunit antibodies. Although data obtained by immunohistology and immunoblotting are generally in accordance with ligand binding studies, some discrepancies remain, in particular with electrophysiological findings. In this context, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit-deficient mice should be ideal tools for testing the specificity of subunit-directed antibodies. Here, we used standard protocols for immunohistochemistry and western blotting to examine the antibodies raised against the ,3-, ,4-, ,7-, ,2-, and ,4-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits on brain tissues of the respective knock-out mice. Unexpectedly, for each of the antibodies tested, immunoreactivity was the same in wild-type and knock-out mice. These data imply that, under commonly used conditions, these antibodies are not suited for immunolocalization. Thus, particular caution should be exerted with regards to the experimental approach used to visualize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. [source] Temporomandibular disorder subtypes according to self-reported physical and psychosocial variables in female patients: a re-evaluationJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 3 2005T. I. SUVINEN summary, Several studies support the relevance of psychological and psychosocial factors in the assessment and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders, including temporomandibular pain disorders (TMDs). The aim of this study was to re-evaluate subtyping approach used in an earlier study (TI Suvinen, KR Hanes, JA Gerschman, PC Reade. J Orofac Pain 1997;11:200) and to compare perceived physical symptoms, psychological, coping and psychosocial variables between subtypes of patients who seek treatment for their temporomandibular pain and dysfunction. A total of 41 consecutive female patients were assessed multiaxially for physical symptoms, coping style and effectiveness and illness behaviour by a previously validated Temporomandibular Pain Dysfunction Questionnaire (TI Suvinen, KR Hanes, JA Gerschman, PC Reade. J Orofac Pain 1997;11:200). Additional measures of psychosocial variables included the global scores of the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory and Part I of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory. Subtypes were generated using an iterative partitioning method, k-means cluster analysis. Three clusters were identified and termed as Simple (22%), Intermediate (41%) and Complex (37%) temporomandibular disorders subtypes. Significant differences (P < 0·05) were found between clusters in psychological (coping style and effectiveness, disease conviction and affective disturbance) and in psychosocial variables (daily interference and social, work and family satisfaction), but not between physical variables. The results support previous studies that have shown differences in psychosocial variables in the presentation and subtyping of TMDs and the biopsychosocial orientation in assessment. The findings need to be reverified in a larger sample along specific physical diagnoses, but it is tentatively proposed how the three subtypes could be used in the classification of temporomandibular pain patients to guide management, based on the constellation of predominant psychological and psychosocial illness impact variables. [source] Noncovalent dimerization of paclitaxel in solution: Evidence from electrospray ionization mass spectrometryJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 9 2002Sarah A. Lorenz Abstract Paclitaxel, a unique antimitotic chemotherapy agent that inhibits cell division by binding to microtubules and prevents them from "depolymerizing," has received widespread interest because of its efficacy in fighting certain types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel undergoes aggregation at millimolar concentrations in both aqueous media and solvents of low polarity (mimicking hydrophobic environments). Its aggregation may have impact on its aqueous stability and its ability to stabilize microtubules. Here, we investigated the dimerization phenomenon of paclitaxel by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Paclitaxel dimers were stable in solutions of acetonitrile/aqueous ammonium acetate (80/20) and aqueous sodium acetate/acetonitrile (92/8 or 95/5) at various pH values. Additional experiments using solution-phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange were employed to ascertain whether or not the observed dimers were formed in solution or as an artifact of the ESI process by ion,molecule reaction. The evidence supports formation of the dimer in solution, and the approach used can be extended to investigation of other types of drug,drug interactions. © 2002 Wiley-Liss Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:2057,2066, 2002 [source] Introducing an early warning scoring system in a district general hospitalNURSING IN CRITICAL CARE, Issue 3 2004Julie T Sharpley Summary ,,One of the critical care outreach service's aims in this local hospital was to develop an assessment tool to help identify patients in danger of deterioration ,,This paper describes the introduction of an early warning scoring system between April 2001 and March 2002 to the surgical unit of a district general hospital ,,The informal and gradual approach used to optimize the effectiveness of introducing the early warning scoring system is highlighted ,,Explanations are given of the training processes undertaken, the pilot evaluation and lessons learned from the process ,,Using the experiences of the outreach service in introducing the early warning scoring system, this paper aims to provide thought for others considering a similar initiative in their area [source] Robust modelling of DTARCH modelsTHE ECONOMETRICS JOURNAL, Issue 2 2005Yer Van Hui Summary, Autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (ARCH) models and its extensions are widely used in modelling volatility in financial time series. One of the variants, the double-threshold autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (DTARCH) model, has been proposed to model the conditional mean and the conditional variance that are piecewise linear. The DTARCH model is also useful for modelling conditional heteroscedasticity with nonlinear structures such as asymmetric cycles, jump resonance and amplitude-frequence dependence. Since asset returns often display heavy tails and outliers, it is worth studying robust DTARCH modelling without specific distribution assumption. This paper studies DTARCH structures for conditional scale instead of conditional variance. We examine L1 -estimation of the DTARCH model and derive limiting distributions for the proposed estimators. A robust portmanteau statistic based on the L1 -norm fit is constructed to test the model adequacy. This approach captures various nonlinear phenomena and stylized facts with desirable robustness. Simulations show that the L1 -estimators are robust against innovation distributions and accurate for a moderate sample size, and the proposed test is not only robust against innovation distributions but also powerful in discriminating the delay parameters and ARCH models. It is noted that the quasi-likelihood modelling approach used in ARCH models is inappropriate to DTARCH models in the presence of outliers and heavy tail innovations. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||