51
|
Loftus A, Loftus BG, Muircheartaigh IO, Newell J, Scarrott C, Jennings S. Acute childhood asthma in Galway city from 1985-2005: relationship to air pollution and climate. IRISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 107:198-201. [PMID: 25226712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We examine the relationship of air pollution and climatic variables to asthma admission rates of children in Galway city over a 21 year period. Paediatric asthma admissions were recorded from 1985-2005, and admission rates per thousand calculated for pre-school (1-4 years), school aged (5-14 years) and all children (1-14 years) on a monthly and annual basis. These data were compared to average monthly and annual climatic variables (rainfall, humidity, sunshine, wind speed and temperature) and black smoke levels for the city. Simple correlation and Poisson Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were used. Admission rates each month are significantly correlated with smoke levels (p = 0.007). Poisson GAM also shows a relationship between admissions and pollution (p = 0.07). Annual smoke levels impact more on admission rates of preschoolers (p = 0.04) than school age children (p = 0.10). These data suggest that air pollution is an important factor in the epidemiology of acute childhood asthma.
Collapse
|
52
|
Golombok S, Mellish L, Jennings S, Casey P, Tasker F, Lamb ME. Adoptive gay father families: parent-child relationships and children's psychological adjustment. Child Dev 2014; 85:456-68. [PMID: 24033323 PMCID: PMC4510787 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Findings are presented on a U.K. study of 41 gay father families, 40 lesbian mother families, and 49 heterosexual parent families with an adopted child aged 3-9 years. Standardized interview and observational and questionnaire measures of parental well-being, quality of parent-child relationships, child adjustment, and child sex-typed behavior were administered to parents, children, and teachers. The findings indicated more positive parental well-being and parenting in gay father families compared to heterosexual parent families. Child externalizing problems were greater among children in heterosexual families. Family process variables, particularly parenting stress, rather than family type were found to be predictive of child externalizing problems. The findings contribute to theoretical understanding of the role of parental gender and parental sexual orientation in child development.
Collapse
|
53
|
Mutze G, Bird P, Jennings S, Peacock D, de Preu N, Kovaliski J, Cooke B, Capucci L. Recovery of South Australian rabbit populations from the impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/wr14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Recovery of Australian rabbit populations from the impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) contrasts with more prolonged suppression of wild rabbits in Europe, and has been widely discussed in the scientific community, but not yet documented in formal scientific literature. The underlying causes of recovery remain unclear, but resistance to RHDV infection has been reported in laboratory studies of wild-caught rabbits.
Aims
We document numerical changes in two South Australian wild rabbit populations that were initially suppressed by RHDV, and examine serological data to evaluate several alternative hypotheses for the cause of recovery.
Methods
Rabbit numbers were assessed from spotlight transect counts and dung mass transects between 1991 and 2011, and age and RHDV antibody sero-prevalence were estimated from rabbits shot in late summer.
Key results
Rabbit numbers were heavily suppressed by RHDV between 1995 and 2002, then increased 5- to 10-fold between 2003 and 2010. During the period of increase, annual RHDV infection rates remained stable or increased slightly, average age of rabbits remained stable and annual rainfall was below average.
Conclusions
Rabbit populations recovered but neither avoidance of RHDV infection, gradual accumulation of long-lived RHD-immune rabbits, nor high pasture productivity were contributing factors. This leaves increased annual survival from RHDV infection as the most likely cause of recovery.
Implications
Previously documented evidence of resistance to RHDV infection may be of little consequence to post-RHD recovery in rabbit numbers, unless the factors that influence the probability of infection also shape the course of infection and affect survival of infected rabbits.
Collapse
|
54
|
Reecht Y, Rochet MJ, Trenkel VM, Jennings S, Pinnegar JK. Use of morphological characteristics to define functional groups of predatory fishes in the Celtic Sea. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2013; 83:355-377. [PMID: 23902311 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
An ecomorphological method was developed, with a focus on predation functions, to define functional groups in the Celtic Sea fish community. Eleven functional traits, measured for 930 individuals from 33 species, led to 11 functional groups. Membership of functional groups was linked to body size and taxonomy. For seven species, there were ontogenetic changes in group membership. When diet composition, expressed as the proportions of different prey types recorded in stomachs, was compared among functional groups, morphology-based predictions accounted for 28-56% of the interindividual variance in prey type. This was larger than the 12-24% of variance that could be explained solely on the basis of body size.
Collapse
|
55
|
Bennett K, Hughes J, Jennings S, Kee F, Shelley E. Comparing the decline in coronary heart disease and stroke mortality in neighbouring countries with different healthcare systems. Heart 2013; 99:1179-84. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2013-303921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
|
56
|
Newman JC, Prange T, Jennings S, Barlow BM, Davis JL. Pharmacokinetics of tobramycin following intravenous, intramuscular, and intra-articular administration in healthy horses. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2013; 36:532-41. [DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
57
|
Jennings S, Mann J. Optimal warfarin management can be achieved in all practice settings. Can J Hosp Pharm 2013; 66:137. [PMID: 23616681 PMCID: PMC3633502 DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.v66i2.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
58
|
Jennings S. Delivering Hattie... a personal experience. THE PRACTISING MIDWIFE 2012; 15:31-33. [PMID: 22720450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Following a textbook pregnancy and subsequent spontaneous labour at home, I arrived at hospital awaiting a review of my cervical progress; but this became the least of my thoughts as, following routine auscultation of the fetal heart, no sound was audible. The following article outlines my own personal experiences of a term stillbirth as both a midwife and a mother.
Collapse
|
59
|
Atkinson R, Jennings S. A service development to educate healthcare assistants about physical rehabilitation in an in-patient hospice unit. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2011-000105.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
60
|
Margey R, Roy A, Tobin S, O'Keane CJ, McGorrian C, Morris V, Jennings S, Galvin J. Sudden cardiac death in 14- to 35-year olds in Ireland from 2005 to 2007: a retrospective registry. Europace 2011; 13:1411-8. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eur161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
61
|
Jennings S, Bennett K, Cavanagh B, Morrissey M, Kearney P. HeartBeat--improving heart attack care. IRISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 2011; 104:9-12. [PMID: 21387877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to save lives by assuring best practice in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) through initiating the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) methodology nationally. Following collection of a minimum dataset, annual change in indicators in the five initiating hospitals for the period Oct 2006 - Sept 2009 was assessed by analysing the percentage of patients receiving the eight components of evidenced based care on admission and discharge and in-hospital mortality rate. For 635 patients, performance on seven of the eight indicators of care exceeded 90% annually. Timely reperfusion therapy (thrombolysis, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI)) improved non-significantly from 68.2% (107 patients) in year 1 to 77.1% (118 patients) in year 3. In-hospital mortality declined significantly from 12.4% (24 deaths) in year 1 to 5% (9 deaths) in year 3. Evidence based STEMI care is followed to a high degree but timely reperfusion and PPCI provision remain a challenge nationally.
Collapse
|
62
|
Guterman PS, Allison RS, Jennings S, Craig G, Parush A, Gauthier M, Macuda T. The outer limits: How limiting the field of view impacts navigation and spatial memory. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/9.8.1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
63
|
Allison RS, Macuda T, Jennings S, Thomas P, Guterman P, Craig G. Detection of motion-defined form in the presence of veiling noise. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/5.8.651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
64
|
Jennings S, Prescott SL. Early dietary exposures and feeding practices: role in pathogenesis and prevention of allergic disease? Postgrad Med J 2010; 86:94-9. [DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2009.086892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
65
|
Travers M, Shin YJ, Jennings S, Machu E, Huggett J, Field J, Cury P. Two-way coupling versus one-way forcing of plankton and fish models to predict ecosystem changes in the Benguela. Ecol Modell 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2009.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
66
|
Jennings S, de Lemos ML, Levin A, Murray N. Evaluation of creatinine-based formulas in dosing adjustment of cancer drugs other than carboplatin. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2009; 16:113-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1078155209337663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is often used to determine initial dosing of renally excreted cancer drugs. GFR can be calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) or the modified diet in renal diseases (MDRD) study formulas, both of which are based on serum creatinine levels. The MDRD formula is more accurate in noncancer patients, does not require patient weight, and is reported automatically by all laboratories in British Columbia, Canada. We previously showed that the CG and MDRD formulas have similar accuracy for carboplatin dosing in patients with gynecological malignancies. We now examine dosing of all renally excreted cancer drugs in the general cancer population. Since this setting does not include routine measurement of GFR, we report the concordance of estimates of GFR derived from the CG and MDRD formulas. Methods. Patient data were collected retrospectively at the BC Cancer Agency. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who would have received a different initial dose due to difference in the GFR. Each patient’s dose was determined from dose adjustment tables stated in specific treatment protocols. The secondary outcome was concordance of the GFR derived from CG and MDRD, using the method of Bland and Altman. A difference of >30% was assumed to be clinically significant because this difference would usually lead to dose adjustment based on reclassification of renal function. Results. A total of 313 patients were evaluated, with 40% male. The median age was 56 years, weight 67.5 kg, height 166 cm, and serum creatinine 74 µmol/L (0.84 mg/dL). The median GFR derived from the CG and MDRD formulas were 86.8 mL/min (mean 91 mL/min, SD ± 30 mL/min) and 87.6 mL/min (mean 88 mL/min, SD ± 26 mL/min), respectively. A total of 8.6% (27/313) of patients would have received a different dose due to difference in the GFR; of these, 67% (18/27) would have received a higher dose. A difference of >30% in GFR was found in 17.9% (56/313) of patients. Conclusions. There is good concordance of the GFR derived from the CG and MDRD formulas for most cancer patients, with less than 10% of patients expected to receive a different initial dose of chemotherapy. The MDRD formula may be a reasonable alternative to the CG formula for dosing of cancer drugs which are renally excreted or nephrotoxic. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2010) 16: 113—119.
Collapse
|
67
|
Wilson RW, Millero FJ, Taylor JR, Walsh PJ, Christensen V, Jennings S, Grosell M. Contribution of fish to the marine inorganic carbon cycle. Science 2009; 323:359-62. [PMID: 19150840 DOI: 10.1126/science.1157972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Oceanic production of calcium carbonate is conventionally attributed to marine plankton (coccolithophores and foraminifera). Here we report that marine fish produce precipitated carbonates within their intestines and excrete these at high rates. When combined with estimates of global fish biomass, this suggests that marine fish contribute 3 to 15% of total oceanic carbonate production. Fish carbonates have a higher magnesium content and solubility than traditional sources, yielding faster dissolution with depth. This may explain up to a quarter of the increase in titratable alkalinity within 1000 meters of the ocean surface, a controversial phenomenon that has puzzled oceanographers for decades. We also predict that fish carbonate production may rise in response to future environmental changes in carbon dioxide, and thus become an increasingly important component of the inorganic carbon cycle.
Collapse
|
68
|
Schratzberger M, Forster RM, Goodsir F, Jennings S. Nematode community dynamics over an annual production cycle in the central North Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 66:508-519. [PMID: 18817970 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2008] [Revised: 08/05/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Nematode species composition, trophic structure and body size distributions were followed over an annual production cycle in the central North Sea; to test responses to temporally changing food quality and quantity in the sediment. Changes in the phytoplankton concentration in the water column were quantitatively reflected in the concentration of chlorophyll a and breakdown products in the sediment, with higher concentrations in spring and autumn following blooms, and lower concentrations in summer and winter. The taxonomic and trophic structure of nematode communities differed significantly among stations over relatively short distances, potentially masking some of the temporal dynamics. Spatio-temporal differences in nematode species composition were linked to changes in the quality and quantity of organic material reaching the seabed, reflecting a species-specific response to the nutritional quality of sedimenting organic material and the biochemical changes in the sediment associated with its decomposition. The size distributions of selected nematode species indicated that most species bred continuously throughout the sampling period, although one species, the epigrowth feeder Spilophorella paradoxa, had periods of increased growth following the deposition of the spring phytoplankton bloom. There was no consistent temporal relationship between the trophic composition of nematode communities and spring chlorophyll a or carbon sedimentation, most likely a result of the trophic plasticity of most feeding types and the capacity of the community to use both freshly sedimented material as well as the subsequent breakdown products and refractory organic matter. Community metrics implied that there were small responses to the seasonal production cycle, but these belied strong responses of a few species with life histories that allowed them to track the availability of suitable food resources.
Collapse
|
69
|
de Lemos ML, Monfared S, Denyssevych T, Hamata L, Jennings S, Thiessen B, Smith S, Waterhouse D. Evaluation of osmolality and pH of various concentrations of methotrexate, cytarabine, and thiotepa prepared in normal saline, sterile water for injection, and lactated Ringer's solution for intrathecal administration. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2008; 15:45-52. [DOI: 10.1177/1078155208096902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background. Neurotoxicity of intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy has been variously attributed to the preservatives, volume, osmolality, and pH of the preparations. There has been little evaluation of how different drug concentrations or diluents can affect the osmolality and pH of the final solution. We conducted a three-part study: survey of cancer centers regarding the drug concentrations and diluent used in preparing IT chemotherapy; review of the literature on common practice of preparing IT chemotherapy; evaluation of the pH and osmolality of commonly used chemotherapy preparations for IT. Method. We surveyed selected cancer centers to provide information on their standard volume, drug concentrations, and choice of diluents. MEDLINE was searched for clinical reports using the MeSH terms of `cytarabine,' `methotrexate,' or `thiotepa' with the subheading `Cerebrospinal fluid' and combined with `intrathecal' in all database fields. Data retrieved included the choice of diluent, volume, and/or drug concentration. We evaluated the pH and osmolality of methotrexate (1, 2, 5, and 10 mg/mL), cytarabine (2, 5, 10, and 25 mg/mL), and thiotepa (1, 2, and 5 mg/mL) in normal saline, sterile water for injection (SWFI), and lactated Ringer's solution. Results. Nine centers were surveyed (seven in Canada, one in Australia, one in United Kingdom). Most centers used 5mL of preservative-free normal saline, irrespective of the drug or drug concentration used. Forty-four reports in the literature were reviewed. Most reported 5 mL of preservative-free normal saline. Most information on drug concentrations was provided for methotrexate, with an average concentration of about 1—2.5 mg/ mL. Cytarabine 0.4—20 mg/mL and thiotepa 1 mg/mL were also reported. In our in vitro evaluation, there was a trend of increased pH associated with increasing concentration of methotrexate and cytarabine. There was no apparent impact of thiotepa concentration on the pH values of the final preparations, irrespective of the diluent used. Except for cytarabine 10 and 25 mg/mL, all the tested solutions have pH within 10% of the physiologic range of CSF. There was a concentration-dependent change in osmolality with methotrexate and cytarabine preparations. Osmolality was increased with increased concentrations in all except methotrexate mixed in SWFI and thiotepa mixed in normal saline and lactated Ringer's solution. Except for some thiotepa solutions, all the tested solutions have osmolality within 10% of the physiologic range of CSF. Conclusions. There is limited published literature on the potential impact of diluent and drug concentration on the pH and osmolality of IT chemotherapy preparation. Most cancer centers conventionally prepare IT chemotherapy with 5mL of preservative diluent normal saline, irrespective of the specific drug or dose used. The conventional practice means that most methotrexate preparations are likely to have comparable pH and osmolality to CSF. In contrast, cytarabine preparations may show significantly higher pH than the CSF, while thiotepa preparations generally have lower osmolality than the CSF. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 45—52.
Collapse
|
70
|
de Lemos ML, Hamata L, Jennings S, Leduc T. Interaction between mercaptopurine and milk. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2008; 13:237-40. [PMID: 18045784 DOI: 10.1177/1078155207080802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercaptopurine is a purine analog used for acute lymphoblatic leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemias. Since it is inactivated by xanthine oxidase (XO), concurrent intake of substances containing XO may potentially reduce bioavailability of mercaptopurine. Cow's milk is known to contain a high level of XO. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that concurrent intake of cow's milk may reduce the bioavailability of mercaptopurine. This interaction may be clinically significant. Therefore most patients should try to separate the timing of taking mercaptopurine and drinking milk.
Collapse
|
71
|
Barnes C, Bethea DM, Brodeur RD, Spitz J, Ridoux V, Pusineri C, Chase BC, Hunsicker ME, Juanes F, Kellermann A, Lancaster J, Ménard F, Bard FX, Munk P, Pinnegar JK, Scharf FS, Rountree RA, Stergiou KI, Sassa C, Sabates A, Jennings S. PREDATOR AND PREY BODY SIZES IN MARINE FOOD WEBS. Ecology 2008. [DOI: 10.1890/07-1551.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
72
|
Bhalla A, Jennings S. Basics of peak flow monitoring*. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2007. [DOI: 10.3821/1913-701x(2008)140[s34b:bopfmt]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
73
|
Jennings S, Bhalla A. Managing asthma and COPD acute exacerbations*. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2007. [DOI: 10.3821/1913-701x(2008)140[s37:maacae]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
74
|
Bradshaw S, Phillips R, Tomlinson S, Holley RJ, Jennings S, Bradshaw F. Ecology of the Honey possum, Tarsipes rostratus, in Scott National Park, Western Australia. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/am07003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Honey possum, Tarsipes rostratus, is an obligate nectarivore, known to feed on plant species from only three Families in south-western Western Australia: Myrtaceae, Proteaceae and Epacridaceae. These plants can be adversely affected by fire, decreased rainfall or groundwater levels and the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. We investigated the ecology of T. rostratus in terms of: (i) how the population fluctuated in response to rainfall and fire over a 20-year period and (ii) changes in diet and movements during a period of decreased food availability in late summer. Mean capture rates were significantly positively correlated with mean flowering rates of Banksia ilicifolia over a 20-year period. Winter capture rates were also significantly positively correlated with both annual and winter rainfall two years prior to trapping in recently burnt areas, but not in long unburnt� areas. Capture rates were significantly higher in unburnt Banksia woodland during winter but densities there have declined since 1996, associated with the death of many Banksia ilicifolia trees from persistent Phytophthora infection. Notwithstanding this decline, winter capture rates in the unburnt areas were still approximately double those in the burnt areas 6 years after the last fire. Short-term capture rates were negatively correlated with barometric pressure, showing that movement and foraging is stimulated by the passage of low pressure frontal weather systems. Despite the paucity of known food sources flowering in late summer and autumn, there was no evidence of T. rostratus using plant species from other than the three above-noted Families. Utilisation areas in summer were also no larger than those previously recorded across all seasons in Scott National Park. Some individuals, however, moved extensive distances to locate spatially restricted food sources. The conservatism of their diet and the sensitivity of the population to changes in rainfall and fire history indicate that T. rostratus populations are particularly vulnerable to some of the environmental changes now occurring in south-western Australia.
Collapse
|
75
|
Maxwell TAD, Jennings S. Predicting abundance–body size relationships in functional and taxonomic subsets of food webs. Oecologia 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-006-0624-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|