Evaluating the impacts of protected areas on human well-being across the developing world.

Protected areas (PAs) are fundamental for biodiversity conservation, yet their impacts on nearby residents are contested. We synthesized environmental and socioeconomic conditions of >87,000 children in >60,000 households situated either near or far from >600 PAs within 34 developing countries. We used quasi-experimental hierarchical regression to isolate the impact of living near a PA on several aspects of human well-being. Households near PAs with tourism also had higher wealth levels (by 17%) and a lower likelihood of poverty (by 16%) than similar households living far from PAs. Children under 5 years old living near multiple-use PAs with tourism also had higher height-for-age scores (by 10%) and were less likely to be stunted (by 13%) than similar children living far from PAs. For the largest and most comprehensive socioeconomic-environmental dataset yet assembled, we found no evidence of negative PA impacts and consistent statistical evidence to suggest PAs can positively affect human well-being.

Electron ionization of helium droplets containing C60 and alcohol clusters.

We report a mass spectrometric investigation of (C60)n clusters mixed with either methanol or ethanol clusters inside helium nanodroplets. The abundance of ion products produced by electron ionization shows marked differences compared with pure methanol/ethanol clusters without C60 [M. Goulart, P. Bartl, A. Mauracher, F. Zappa, A. M. Ellis and P. Scheier, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013, 15, 3577], where clusters containing in excess of a hundred alcohol monomers were observed. In contrast, under identical conditions concerning He droplet size and alcohol pickup pressure, only a small number of alcohol molecules become attached to the fullerene ions. Our results suggest that each fullerene cluster acts as a charge sink, which hampers alcohol cluster formation, as well as intra-cluster ion-molecule reactions. The appearance of specific 'magic number' peaks suggests an enhanced probability for the attachment of small alcohol rings to (C60)n+ clusters.

Electron attachment to amino acid clusters in helium nanodroplets: glycine, alanine, and serine.

The first detailed study of electron attachment to amino acid clusters is reported. The amino acids chosen for investigation were glycine, alanine, and serine. Clusters of these amino acids were formed inside helium nanodroplets, which provide a convenient low temperature (0.37 K) environment for growing noncovalent clusters. When subjected to low energy (2 eV) electron impact the chemistry for glycine and alanine clusters was found to be similar. In both cases, parent cluster anions were the major products, which contrasts with the corresponding monomers in the gas phase, where the dehydrogenated products ([AA(n)-H](-), where AA = amino acid monomer) dominate. Serine clusters are different, with the major product being the parent anion minus an OH group, an outcome presumably conferred by the facile loss of an OH group from the beta carbon of serine. In addition to the bare parent anions and various fragment anions, helium atoms are also observed attached to both the parent anion clusters and the dehydrogenated parent anion clusters. Finally, we present the first anion yield spectra of amino acid clusters from doped helium nanodroplets as a function of incident electron energy.

Electron attachment to formamide clusters in helium nanodroplets.

Electron attachment to formamide clusters in helium nanodroplets is reported for the first time. In contrast to the gas phase, parent anions are seen following low energy electron attachment to both the monomer and the small clusters. This is attributed to formation of dipole (or quadrupole) bound anions. In addition to the bare anions, the mass spectra also show the monomer and clusters with attached helium atoms. The affinity for attaching helium atoms strongly varies with cluster size; for example, the dimer anion is more than 10 times more likely to bind one or more helium atoms than the monomer. Possible binding sites for the helium atoms are discussed.

Electron attachment and electron ionization of acetic acid clusters embedded in helium nanodroplets.

The effect of incident electrons on acetic acid clusters is explored for the first time. The acetic acid clusters are formed inside liquid helium nanodroplets and both cationic and anionic products ejected into the gas phase are detected by mass spectrometry. The cation chemistry (induced by electron ionization at 100 eV) is dominated by production of protonated acetic acid (Ac) clusters, Ac(n)H(+), although some fragmentation is also observed. In the case of anion production (at 2.8 eV electron energy) there is a clear distinction between the monomer and the clusters. For the monomer the dominant product is the dehydrogenated species, [Ac-H](-), whereas for the clusters both the parent anion, Ac(n)(-), and the dehydrogenated species, [Ac(n)-H](-), have similar abundances. A particularly intriguing contrast between the monomer and cluster anions is that helium atoms are seen attached to the latter whereas no evidence of helium atom attachment is found for the monomer. This surprising observation is attributed to the formation of acyclic (head-to-tail) acetic acid clusters in helium nanodroplets, which have more favourable electronic properties for binding helium atoms. The acyclic clusters represent a local minimum on the potential energy surface and in the case of the dimer this is distinct from the cyclic isomer (the global minimum) identified in gas phase experiments.

The efficacy of small cell foundation as a varroa mite (Varroa destructor) control.

Due to a continuing shift toward reducing/minimizing the use of chemicals in honey bee colonies, we explored the possibility of using small cell foundation as a varroa control. Based on the number of anecdotal reports supporting small cell as an efficacious varroa control tool, we hypothesized that bee colonies housed on combs constructed on small cell foundation would have lower varroa populations and higher adult bee populations and more cm(2) brood. To summarize our results, we found that the use of small cell foundation did not significantly affect cm(2) total brood, total mites per colony, mites per brood cell, or mites per adult bee, but did affect adult bee population for two sampling months. Varroa levels were similar in all colonies throughout the study. We found no evidence that small cell foundation was beneficial with regard to varroa control under the tested conditions in Florida.

Novel gas-stabilized iron clusters: synthesis, structure and magnetic behaviour.

A novel method for the synthesis of nanostructured films produced by depositing gas-phase magnetic nanoparticles is presented and the properties of the films are reported. The technique mixes metal vapour and small argon clusters produced in a supersonic expansion. The condensed clusters are subsequently deposited in situ onto copper grids. The cluster size is controlled by the vapour pressure of the metal inside the pick-up chamber. Detailed analysis of the transmission electron micrographs of the Fe clusters shows that there is a simple linear relationship between the average metal cluster diameter and the metal vapour pressure during deposition. Furthermore, the nanoparticles show a relatively narrow size distribution for a given set of experimental conditions. Structural and magnetic investigations have been performed on Fe cluster samples, and the influence of the metal vapour pressure has been studied. Detailed analysis of the magnetic and structural data has been performed and valuable information such as cluster size distributions, strength of the interparticle dipolar interactions and average magnetic moment per cluster are derived. It is shown that, at room temperature, the magnetic behaviour of the films is consistent with nanoparticle supermoments interacting via dipolar interactions.

Hybrid external fixation in complex tibial plateau and plafond fractures: an Australian audit of outcomes.

Hybrid external fixators are useful for the management of complex tibial plateau and plafond fractures, as they provide rigid fixation with relatively minimal soft tissue disruption. We reviewed the outcomes of patients with proximal (plateau) and distal (plafond) tibial fractures who were treated with hybrid frames at the Royal North Shore Hospital from 1998 to 2001. Twenty-four patients were identified from the hospital operating records and chart, X-ray and clinical reviews were performed. Follow-up periods averaged 13 months. Fractures were classified using the Ruedi classification for ankle fractures, and the Schatzker classification for the knee fractures. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Iowa knee score and the AOFAS ankle score. As one of the first Australian audits our outcomes were consistent with international standards.

Osteomyelitis and pyogenic sacroiliitis: A difficult diagnosis.

Pyogenic sacroiliitis is an uncommon infection often diagnosed late because of poor localization of symptoms and inadequate physical examination. We describe a 12-year-old girl whose osteomyelitis and pyogenic sacroiliitis was initially misdiagnosed and discuss examination, investigation and management of the condition. This case highlights the importance of thorough physical examination and the consideration of septic arthritis in an unusual joint.

Prison construction and guarding behaviour by European honeybees is dependent on inmate small hive beetle density.

Increasing small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) density changes prison construction and guarding behaviour in European honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). These changes include more guard bees per imprisoned beetle and the construction of more beetle prisons at the higher beetle density. Despite this, the number of beetles per prison (inmate density) did not change. Beetles solicited food more actively at the higher density and at night. In response, guard bees increased their aggressive behaviour towards beetle prisoners but did not feed beetles more at the higher density. Only 5% of all beetles were found among the combs at the low density but this percentage increased five-fold at the higher one. Successful comb infiltration (and thus reproduction) by beetles is a possible explanation for the significant damage beetles cause to European honeybee colonies in the USA.

Use of simulation technology in Australian Defence Force resuscitation training.

Realistic training of health personnel for the resuscitation of military casualties is problematic. There are few opportunities for personnel to obtain the necessary experience unless working in a busy emergency or trauma environment. Even so, the specific nature of military trauma means that many aspects of casualty management may not be adequately covered in the civilian domain. This paper discusses the use of advanced simulation technology in the training of military resuscitation teams. Such training has been available to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for two years.

Excitation evoked by FMRFamide and FLRFamide in the heart of Buccinum undatum and evidence for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate as an RF-tetrapeptide second messenger.

In this study the relative potencies of four established molluscan cardioexcitatory agents were examined on Buccinum heart. The potencies were, in decending order: phenylalanine-leucine-arginine-phenylalanine-NH2 (FLRFamide) > phenylalanine-methionine-arginine-phenylalanine-NH2 (FMRFamide; 80% of maximum) > 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT; 60% of maximum) > guanosine triphosphate (GTP; 15% of maximum). FMRFamide and FLRFamide had similar dose-response curve patterns with thresholds at 10(-9) mol l(-1) but FLRFamide was more potent than FMRFamide. The superfused atrium was much less sensitive to all agonists than the internally perfused ventricle. FLRFamide and FMRFamide induced small depolarizations (1-2 mV) which triggered a burst of action potentials of about 5 mV which on reaching 4 mV triggered a burst of fast twitch contractions. Lithium, at high concentrations inhibited FMRFamide and 5-HT responses of internally perfused ventricles. Neomycin also inhibited peptide responses, but was without effect on 5-HT responses. Heparin, however, for technical reasons was without effect on ventricular responses to all three agonists. FMRFamide and FLRFamide appear to share a common receptor, the potency difference being due to the substitution of leucine for methionine in FLRFamide. The RF N-terminal sequence appears crucial for receptor activation. The Phospholipase C inhibitor neomycin equally inhibits responses to the two peptides while 5-HT responses are unaffected. This implicates a peptide/receptor interaction which activated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) as a second messenger.

Intra-articular local anaesthesia for pain after hip arthroplasty.

We investigated 15 patients with painful hip arthroplasties using intra-articular injection of bupivicaine. Fourteen had pain relief and 13 of them were subsequently found to have loosening of one or both components. The relief of pain after total hip arthroplasty by intra-articular injection of bupivicaine indicates that a satisfactory result is probable after revision surgery with refixation of the components.

Intravertebral spinal neurenteric cysts: a unique radiographic sign--"the hole-in-one vertebra".

A well-defined circular defect in the midst of a complex vertebral anomaly, visible on a plain radiograph, is diagnostic of an intravertebral extension of a neurenteric cyst. It may represent a connecting stalk between a mediastinal cyst and an intraspinal lesion. The "hole-in-one" vertebra is an indication for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. When surgical excision of a mediastinal cyst is undertaken, the intravertebral tract should be curetted to avoid recurrence.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation: a review of seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) is a rare tumour-like condition mostly affecting the tubular bones of the hands and feet. Although it recurs in 50% of cases after local excision, it is a form of heterotopic ossification and its behaviour is otherwise benign. The present study describes seven cases of BPOP collected by the Bone Tumour Registry of New South Wales. METHODS: Clinical data, radiographs and histological specimens collected by the Bone Tumour Registry of New South Wales were examined, and further clinical data were sought from the referring doctor where necessary. RESULTS: Six males and one female aged 18 to 37 years (median 30 years) presented between 1988 and 1995. There were three cases involving the hands, three involving the feet and one involving the distal humerus. Initial treatment was by local excision in all cases. There was local recurrence in three cases. The initial diagnosis was wrong in five of the seven cases. Radiologically, BPOP appears as a well-defined tumour arising directly from the bony cortex, without periosteal reaction or change to the underlying bone. Histologically, a large amount of hypercellular cartilage shows maturation to trabecular bone, which frequently contains spindle cells in the intertrabecular spaces. CONCLUSION: BPOP is a rare, locally recurrent but otherwise benign condition of bone which must be distinguished from more sinister lesions such as parosteal osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma.

Sexual abuse and drinking and drug use: implications for prevention.

Based on a survey of adolescent females in grades seven through twelve in a suburban school system, the relationship between drinking, drug use, and sexual abuse is examined. Using a holistic approach to adolescent deviant behavior, connections between family, peer, psychosocial factors and drug use and delinquency are explored. Girls who report sexual molestation are more likely to have used a number of drugs, different from the prevalence profile of the larger sample. Significant correlations for younger girls between sexual molestation and delinquency are also reported. Implications for school based drug prevention programs are discussed.

Contribution of antiplatelet activity to the effects of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in anaesthetized rats.

The effects of certain 5-HT receptor antagonists were examined on ischaemia-induced and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias, on ex vivo platelet aggregation and on isolated cardiac muscle. Methiothepin (1 mg kg-1) reduced the total number of ischaemia-induced ventricular premature beats whereas ICI 170,809 (1 mg kg-1) reduced reperfusion-induced mortality to 10% compared with 70% in controls. ICI 169,369 did not significantly alter either ischaemia- or reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. High concentrations of both ICI 169,369 and ICI 170,809 caused reductions in the maximum driving frequency of isolated cardiac muscle but methiothepin had no significant effect. Administration of ketanserin, ritanserin, methiothepin or ICI 170,809, but not ICI 169,369, abolished the ability of 5-HT to enhance platelet aggregation. The results of these experiments suggest that the ability of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists to reduce reperfusion-induced arrhythmias may be related to their antiplatelet activity.

Drug abuse and eating disorders: prevention implications.

This article explores the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders in a sample of adolescent females using a self-report methodology. An Eating Disorders Risk (EDR) Scale is adopted and correlated with drug and alcohol use, other forms of deviance, family and peer relationships, and depression. The findings support the concept of a generalized theory of addictions based on psychosocial, family, and peer factors. Family and peer prevention applications and a need for further research on the correlates of depression are discussed.

Five year outcome of preterm sextuplets related to size at birth.

Preterm sextuplets were studied to examine whether growth retardation affects long term outcome. All were growing normally at 5 years. Intelligence quotients (IQ) ranged from 105-116 and motor impairment scores from 1.0-7.0. No neurological or behavioural abnormalities were found. The largest sextuplet has maintained her position for growth and IQ. No relation between test scores and birth weight or perinatal variables was found in the remaining siblings.