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Integer point sets minimizing average pairwise L1 distance: What is the optimal shape of a town?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:20:05 +0200

An n-town, n[is an element of]N , is a group of n buildings, each occupying a distinct position on a 2-dimensional integer grid. If we measure the distance between two buildings along the axis-parallel street grid, then an n-town has optimal shape if the sum of all pairwise Manhattan distances is minimized. This problem has been studied for cities, i.e., the limiting case of very large n. For cities, it is known that the optimal shape can be described by a differential equation, for which no closed-form solution is known. We show that optimal n-towns can be computed in O(n[superscript 7.5]) time. This is also practically useful, as it allows us to compute optimal solutions up to n=80.

YIVO news = Jedīʿōt fun JIWO : No. 206 Spring 2010

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:28:37 +0200

High functional diversity is related to high nitrogen availability in a deciduous forest - evidence from a functional trait approach

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:59:40 +0200

The current study tested the assumption that floristic and functional diversity patterns are negatively related to soil nitrogen content. We analyzed 20 plots with soil N-contents ranging from 0.63% to 1.06% in a deciduous forest near Munich (Germany). To describe species adaptation strategies to different nitrogen availabilities, we used a plant functional type (PFT) approach. Each identified PFT represents one realized adaptation strategy to the current environment. These were correlated, next to plant species richness and evenness, to soil nitrogen contents. We found that N-efficient species were typical for low soil nitrogen contents, while N-requiring species occur at high N-contents. In contrast to our initial hypotheses, floristic and functional diversity measures (number of PFTs) were positively related to nitrogen content in the soil. Every functional group has its own adaptation to the prevailing environmental conditions; in consequence, these functional groups can co-exist but do not out-compete one another. The increased number of functional groups at high N-contents leads to increased species richness. Hence, for explaining diversity patterns we need to consider species groups representing different adaptations to the current environmental conditions. Such co-existing ecological strategies may even overcome the importance of competition in their effect on biodiversity.

RAF kinase activity regulates neuroepithelial cell proliferation and neuronal progenitor cell differentiation during early inner ear development

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:08:25 +0200

Background: Early inner ear development requires the strict regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation, coordinated by the concerted action of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Deregulation of these processes is associated with embryonic malformations and deafness. We have shown that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) plays a key role in embryonic and postnatal otic development by triggering the activation of intracellular lipid and protein kinases. RAF kinases are serine/threonine kinases that regulate the highly conserved RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade involved in transducing the signals from extracellular growth factors to the nucleus. However, the regulation of RAF kinase activity by growth factors during development is complex and still not fully understood. Methodology/Principal Findings: By using a combination of qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we show that C-RAF and B-RAF are expressed during the early development of the chicken inner ear in specific spatiotemporal patterns. Moreover, later in development B-RAF expression is associated to hair cells in the sensory patches. Experiments in ex vivo cultures of otic vesicle explants demonstrate that the influence of IGF-I on proliferation but not survival depends on RAF kinase activating the MEK-ERK phosphorylation cascade. With the specific RAF inhibitor Sorafenib, we show that blocking RAF activity in organotypic cultures increases apoptosis and diminishes the rate of cell proliferation in the otic epithelia, as well as severely impairing neurogenesis of the acoustic-vestibular ganglion (AVG) and neuron maturation. Conclusions/Significance: We conclude that RAF kinase activity is essential to establish the balance between cell proliferation and death in neuroepithelial otic precursors, and for otic neuron differentiation and axonal growth at the AVG.

Zum Erhabenen in Kants "Kritik der Urteilskraft"

Jens Szczepanski — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:56:58 +0200

Im Erhabenen befinden sich nicht die Erkenntniskräfte (also Einbildungskraft und Verstand) in einer freien Harmonie wie bei der Erfahrung des Schönen (wie immer sich eine solche freie Harmonie herstellen und bestimmen lassen kann), sondern Einbildungskraft und Vernunft befinden sich in einem Widerstreit […]. Die Vernunft fordert von der Einbildungskraft, Dinge darzustellen, die sie nicht direkt, sondern nur indirekt oder negativ darstellen kann, und zwingt die Einbildungskraft dadurch zu einer indirekten Darstellung ihrer (d.h. der Vernunft bzw. ihrer Ideen) selbst. Das Erhabene gründet in der Unmöglichkeit einer positiven Darstellung von Vernunftideen […]. Dem komplizierten Zusammen- und/ oder Wechselspiel von erhabenen Naturphänomenen, sittlichen Ideen, Vernunft und Einbildungskraft gehe ich im folgenden genauer nach. Während also der Schönheit die Funktion einer fundierenden Selbstbestätigung des Subjekts zugesprochen wird, da sich in ihr die Angemessenheit unserer Erkenntnisvermögen zur Beschaffenheit der Naturdinge ästhetisch und lustvoll zeigt, bringt das Erhabene eine Dissoziation von Subjekt und Welt und damit zunächst eine Unlust mit sich. In der Erfahrung des Erhabenen zeigt sich zunächst die Unangemessenheit jeder bestimmten Anschauung der Einbildungskraft zur Darstellung des erhabenen Gegenstands. In einem zweiten Schritt dient diese uneinholbare Unangemessenheit zur Darstellung einer Idee der Vernunft – vor allem der Idee der menschlichen Freiheit. Bloß uneigentlich erhaben ist dagegen die erhabene Natur, die entweder schlechthin groß oder aber gewaltig ist. Das Erhabene markiert den Riß zwischen dem freien menschlichen Subjekt und der kausalnotwendig verfaßten Natur, den es zugleich zu überbrücken behauptet.

Aussiger Beiträge 4/2010 : Differenz und Hybridität ; Grenzfiguren als literarischer Topos

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:13:00 +0200

Mit Differenz und Hybridität greift die vorliegende Ausgabe der 'Aussiger Beiträge' Themen auf, die sich im Zentrum literatur- und kulturwissenschaftlicher Forschung befinden. Entsprechend dem Programm der Schriftenreihe wollen wir mit Fragen nach Grenze(n) und ihrer (De)Konstruktion, nach Phänomenen der Abgrenzung und Vermischung, nach Übergängen und hybriden Zwischenräumen einen Ort der Zusammenschau aktueller germanistischer Erkenntnisinteressen bieten. […] Die aufgenommenen Beiträge gruppieren sich um drei Themenfelder: Literarische Wertungen, Figuren des Hybriden und Identitätskonzepte als Grenzüberschreitungen.

Transfer entropy - a model-free measure of effective connectivity for the neurosciences

Raul Vicente; Michael Wibral; Michael Lindner; Gordon Pipa — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:19:17 +0200

Understanding causal relationships, or effective connectivity, between parts of the brain is of utmost importance because a large part of the brain’s activity is thought to be internally generated and, hence, quantifying stimulus response relationships alone does not fully describe brain dynamics. Past efforts to determine effective connectivity mostly relied on model based approaches such as Granger causality or dynamic causal modeling. Transfer entropy (TE) is an alternative measure of effective connectivity based on information theory. TE does not require a model of the interaction and is inherently non-linear. We investigated the applicability of TE as a metric in a test for effective connectivity to electrophysiological data based on simulations and magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings in a simple motor task. In particular, we demonstrate that TE improved the detectability of effective connectivity for non-linear interactions, and for sensor level MEG signals where linear methods are hampered by signal-cross-talk due to volume conduction.

Prevalence of dosing errors in elderly patients with impaired renal function: a survey in ambulatory patients

Ina Roehl; Sebastian Harder — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:47:32 +0200

Meeting Abstract : Gesellschaft für Arzneimittelanwendungsforschung und Arzneimittelepidemiologie e.V. (GAA). 17. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Arzneimittelanwendungsforschung und Arzneimittelepidemiologie. Osnabrück, 25.-26.11.2010. ntroduction: Several drugs require dose adjustment in patients with impaired renal function, which however, often goes undetected. Serum creatinine may be normal in patients while renal function is already reduced. The estimated GFR (eGFR) allows a more precise evaluation of the renal function. This study was carried out in a group practice for family medicine, in Frankfurt/ Main, Germany. The exploration aimed at investigating if patients with renal insufficiency were recognised and if their prescriptions were appropriate in terms of dose adjustment or contra-indications. Methods: In patients (>65yrs) with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <60 ml/min), their prescribed medication was retrospectively explored (Observation period 1.1.2008 to 1.4.2009). The Cockroft-Gault formula was used as estimate for the eGFR, using a creatinine value from the patient’s charts. In 90 patients, a second eGFR could be estimated from a second creatinine value obtained within 3-6 months. The recommended dose of each prescription in the SmPC (Fachinformation“) was compared to the dose that had been actually prescribed. Results: Out of 232 consecutively patients >65 yrs, 102 had an eGFR <60 ml/min, 16 of these had an eGFR <30 ml/min. The eGFR was closely correlated (r2=0.81) with an independent second eGFR. Out of these 102 patients, 48 had a serum creatinine level within the normal range. Renal adjustment was required in 263 of a total of 613 prescriptions. 72 prescriptions in a total of 45 patients were not appropriately adjusted (32) or prescribed despite a contraindication (40). For chronic prescriptions, metformin, ramipril, enalapril, HCTZ, and spironolactone accounted for 70% of inappropriate dosing; the magnitude of misdosing was 1.5 to 4 fold (median 2). 9 temporary prescriptions (of a total of 60 prescriptions) in 8 patients were not adjusted (cefuroxim, cefpodoxim, levofloxacin). We could not prove that patients with normal serum creatinine had a higher rate of inappropriate dosing than those with already elevated creatinine. Discussion and conclusion: In this GP practice, we have demonstrated a considerable prevalence of inappropriate dosing in patients with impaired renal function. It remains to be elucidated whether surveillance of appropriate dosing in renal impairment can be optimized e.g. with CPOE.

Vergleich von konventionellen und wellenfront-basierten Maßzahlen zur Erkennung des frühen Keratokonus

Jens Bühren; Daniel Kook; Thomas Kohnen — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:25:26 +0200

Meeting abstract : 83. Versammlung der Vereinigung Rhein-Mainischer Augenärzte, 06.11.2010, Ludwigshafen. Hintergrund: Die Unterschidung von Augen mit frühem Keratokonus (KC) von normalen Augen bereitet nach wie vor Schwierigkeiten. Die vorliegende Untersuchung vergleicht konventionelle keratometrie-basierte mit wellenfront-basierten Maßzahlen hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung, normale Augen von Augen mit sehr frühem Keratokonus zu unterscheiden. Methoden: Es wurden 17 Augen von 17 Patienten mit frühem KC eingeschlossen. Bei diesen 17 Augen handelt es sich um klinisch unauffällige Partneraugen des stärker betroffenen Auges. 123 Normalaugen von 69 Patienten dienten als Negativkontrolle. Von den axialen Kurvaturdaten wurden folgende Maßzahlen berechnet: zentrale Keratometrie (cK), Astigmatismus (AST), inferior-superiore Brechwertdifferenz (I-S), Verkippung der radialen Achsen (SRAX), KISA% index (eine Maßzahl, die auf cK, AST, I-S und SRAX basiert) und corneale Zernike-Koeffizienten (1.–7. Ordnung, Pupillendurchmesser: 6 mm). Aus Zernike-Koeffizienten wurden Diskriminanzfunktionen konstruiert. Receiver-Operatiing-Charakteristik (ROC)-Kurven wurden erstellt, um die diagnostische Trennschärfe dieser Werte zur Unterscheidung von klinisch unauffälligen Partneraugen von Augen mit frühem Keratokonus und normalen Kontrollen zu evaluieren. Ergebnisse: Der I-S-Wert (Korrektheit 92,1%, kritischer Wert 0,59 D) und die vertikale Coma (C3-1; 96,7%, –0,2 µm) waren die beiden Einzelwerte mit höchster Trennschärfe. Mit den ursprünglich publizierten kritischen Werten lag der Rabinowitz-McDonnell test (cK und I-S) bei 83,3% (Sensitivität 0%, Spezifität 100%) und der KISA% bei 70,8% (81,3%, 60,3%). In Verbindung mit Diskriminanzanalyse errichten Zernike-Koeffizienten eine Korrektheit von 96,7% (100%, 93,4%). Schlussfolgerungen: Auf cornealen Zernike-Koeffizienten basierende Maßzahlen erreichte die höchste Trennschärfe bei der Unterscheidung von Augen mit subklinischem KC von Normalaugen. Dennoch konnten konventionelle KC-indices eine ähnlich hohe Trenschärfe wie die Zernike-Methode erreichen, wenn die kritischen Werte entsprechend angepasst werden.

Ein Programm zur automatisierten Linsendensitometrie von Scheimpflug-Bildern

Jens Bühren; Xenia Weiner; Martin Baumeister; Thomas Kohnen — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:40:21 +0200

Meeting Abstract: 83. Versammlung der Vereinigung Rhein-Mainischer Augenärzte, 06.11.2010, Ludwigshafen. Hintergrund: Im Rahmen der Erforschung von Mechanismen der Presbyopie-Entstehung hat das Interesse an Methoden zur Linsendensitometrie wieder zugenommen. Für spezielle Fragestellungen sind flexible Untersuchungsmethoden notwendig. Methoden: Basierend auf Aufnahmen mit der Scheimpflug-Kamera Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar) wurde ein MATLAB-Programm (V7.0, The MathWorks) erstellt, um größere Datenmengen automatisiert auszuwerten. Die Erkennung der Pupillenmitte als Referenzpunkt erfolgt mittels eines Randerkennungsalgorithmus. Als Kennzahlen dienen klassische Parameter der beschreibenden Statistik (Mittel, Minimum, Maximum, Standardabweichung und Variationskoeffizient) für einen definierten rechteckigen Bereich und für die zentrale vertikale Achse. Ergebnisse: In einer Präliminarserie von 18 Augen war eine automatisierte Messung mit korrekter Pupillenerkennung in 80% der Fälle möglich. Verglichen mit der hersteller-eigenen Software (Pentacam 6.03r11) besitzt das eigene Programm eine erweiterte Spannweite der Messwerte. Die Messwerte können automatisch nach Excel (Microsoft) exportiert werden. Ein modularer Aufbau ermöglicht eine flexible Erweiterung für weitere Fragestellungen (z.B. Quantifizierung von Kern- und Rindentrübungen). Schlussfolgerungen: Mittels eines selbst programmierten MATLAB-basierten Programmes kann eine automatisierte Messung und Analyse von linsndensitometrischen Parametern durchgeführt werden.

Hochschulpakt 2011-2015

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:44:47 +0200

Studentische Exkursion nach Belgien und in die Niederlande (BeNe ohne Lux) 2009 des Instituts für Atmosphäre und Umwelt Fachbereich Geowissenschaften Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main : Einzelberichte zu den Stationen ; Betreuer: JProf. Dr. Boris Bonn und Dr. Andreas Kürten 16. Juli 2010

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:37:00 +0200

A eterna busca da Verdade em "Die Lehrlinge zu Saïs" de Novalis

Natália Corrêa Porto Sanches Fadel — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:46:35 +0200

O presente artigo tem por objetivo investigar como se dá a questão da busca do conhecimento ilustrada pela figura da deusa Saïs no fragmento de romance de Novalis 'Die Lehrlinge zu Saïs', escrito em 1801. Em nossa investigação, traçamos um paralelo entre o uso alegórico do mito de Saïs em Novalis e no poema de Schiller 'Das verschleierte Bild zu Saïs', a fim de melhor caracterizar o conceito de verdade novalisiano. Por fim, procuramos analisar o conto de fadas 'Hyazinth und Rosenblüte', que se encontra no interior da narrativa em questão, uma vez que nele se dá o encontro ideal da Verdade almejado pelos poetas do primeiro-romantismo alemão, em especial, por Novalis.

Hermenêutica e anti-hermenêutica : Friedrich Schlegel e Schleiermacher

Wilma Patricia Maas — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:31:53 +0200

A fortuna crítica de Friedrich Schlegel é rica em alusões a sua relação com Schleiermacher. Ambos conviveram em Berlim por volta de 1800, época em que Schlegel editava a "Athenäum" e em que Schleiermacher ainda não escrevera seus principais textos sobre hermenêutica. É possível conceber Friedrich Schlegel como um predecessor de Schleiermacher? Na tentativa de responder a essa pergunta, vamos nos deter sobre três textos, todos eles publicados na "Athenäum": o ensaio sobre Lessing ("Über Lessing", 1797), o ensaio sobre o Wilhem Meister de Goethe ("Über Goethes Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre", 1798) e o ensaio da ininteligibilidade ("Über die Unverständlichkeit", 1800).

AStA-Zeitung : Dezember 2010

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:40:26 +0200

AStA-Zeitung : April 2010

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:41 +0200

L’œuvre sculptée de Jean-Antoine Étex : l’expressivitée comme source de l’inspiration artistique

Stefan Eric Püngel — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:47:42 +0200

Elève de Pradier, d’Ingres et de Duban le sculpteur, peintre et architecte Jean Antoine Étex (1808-1888) s'essayait à toutes les formes d'art laissant après son décès une œuvre abondante qui compte plus de 450 ouvrages. Déjà un nombre imposant de ses scupltures sont disséminées dans la capitale de la France. On les rencontre dans des endroits stratégiques de la métropole. Mais aussi beaucoup d’autres villes et musées de la France conservent des ouvrages importants de cet artiste. Parmis les œuvres les plus connues comptent les deux haut-reliefs « La Résistance » et « La Paix » à l’Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile puis le groupe en marbre « Caïn et sa race maudits de Dieu », chef -d’œuvre de la sculpture romantique, conservé aujourd’hui au Musée de Lyon. En tant que républicain convaincu et adhérent du saint-simonisme, Étex participait activement aux révolutions de 1830 et de 1848 combattant incessamment pour l’instauration de la République. Sous la monarchie de juillet, il avait connu un grand succès et une grande célebrité mais son art fut peu estimé sous le second Empire. Gravement défavorisé par le gouvernement imperial, Étex perdait sa place parmis les premiers artistes de la France et ses œuvres tombaient aussitôt dans l’oubli. Ce présent thèse de doctorat fournit pour la première fois une biographie détaillée et un catalogue raisonné de l’œuvre de cet artiste important. Ses propres écrits (publications et correspondance), les documents dans les archives françaises ainsi que la critique d’art concernant ses œuvres y sont exploités.

Recent ecological observations on growth rates and seed production in Isopogon prostratus (Proteaceae), a little-known prostrate shrub from south-eastern NSW and Victoria

Doug Benson; Lotte von Richter — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:33:16 +0200

Observations on the longevity and ecology of Isopogon prostratus McGill. (Proteaceae) based on 1985 and 2009 field measures on Newnes Plateau, near Lithgow, and a seed germination trial are provided. Its survival strategy appears to be that of a stress-tolerator with long-term persistence at (relatively few) suitable sites, and it remains a relatively rare plant. It is conjectured that it is likely to have been a species of greater abundance in the drier, colder and generally treeless conditions of the Newnes Plateau 15–20 000 years ago, but, as conditions became warmer and wetter it has become reduced to isolated populations as taller shrubs outcompeted it for light.

Whipcord plants: a comparison of south-eastern Australia with New Zealand

Robert F. Parsons — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:02:34 +0200

Whipcord plant is a term used for some dicot angiosperms with small, scale-like leaves closely appressed to the stem. So far, the term has mostly been used in this sense for plants from New Zealand. Here, I summarize the incidence and habitat relations of New Zealand whipcord plants and then use the literature to show that whipcord plants also occur in south-eastern Australia. New Zealand whipcord plants comprise nine species of Hebe, four of Leonohebe and six of Helichrysum, while in south-eastern Australia there are six species of Ozothamnus and one of Leucophyta. In both areas, some species are alpine to subalpine, while some are from lowland habitats with significant summer water deficits.

Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:40:25 +0200

Native vegetation of the NSW south coast, escarpment and southeast tablelands was classified into 191 floristic assemblages at a level of detail appropriate for the discrimination of Threatened Ecological Communities and other vegetation units referred to in government legislation. Assemblages were derived by a numerical analysis of 10832 field sample quadrats including 8523 compiled from 63 previous vegetation surveys. Past bias in the distribution of field data towards land under public tenure was corrected by extensive surveys carried out on private land. The classification revises and integrates the units described in recent vegetation studies of Eden, Cumberland Plain and Sydney-south coast into a single, consistent classification. Relationships between floristic assemblages and climate, terrain, substrate and vegetation structure were used to map the distribution of communities prior to clearing at 1:100 000 scale. The extent of clearing was mapped using interpretations of remote imagery (1991–2001) from previous work, standardised and merged into a single coverage and supplemented with additional work. Profiles for each assemblage, which we term ‘communities’ or ‘map units’, describe their species composition, vegetation structure, environmental habitat, the extent of clearing and conservation status. Lists of diagnostic species were defined using a statistical fidelity measure and a procedure for using these for community identification is described. Approximately 66% of the study area retains a cover of native vegetation, primarily in areas with low fertility soils and dissected topography. Communities subject to over-clearing (>70%) are concentrated in a few large areas characterised by clay/loam soils and flat to undulating terrain. These include the Sydney metropolis, Wingecarribee Plateau, Illawarra Plain, Shoalhaven floodplain, Araluen Valley and Bega Valley, and various smaller river valleys. Forty-one percent of remaining native vegetation is protected within conservation reserves while 31% occurs on private land, 20% in State Forests and 8% on other Crown lands. Forty-five Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) were recorded in the study area. The majority of TECs are represented by a single map unit, although in some cases a TEC is included within a broader map unit. Twelve TECs are represented by combinations of two or more map units.

Coastal Sandplain Vegetation at Brisbane Water and Broken Bay – reconstructing the past to plan for the future

Robert Payne; Ross Wellington; Michael Somerville — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:20:06 +0200

The vegetation and floristics of the coastal sandplains on the Umina-Woy Woy Peninsula on the northern foreshores of Broken Bay (lat 33° 30’ S, long 151° 15’ E), 40 km north of Sydney, are described from historical records, sampling of remnants and analysis of regional scale vegetation. Of the seven vegetation communities described, Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW) was originally the most extensive type of vegetation over the Umina-Woy Woy sandplain and on the seaward side of the Pearl Beach sandplain, and possibly on the sandplains at Patonga and Little Patonga. Characteristic tree species are Angophora floribunda and Eucalyptus botryoides; the latter appears to be more common at foreshore sites. Close to the sea and in swales at the base of hillslopes, littoral rainforest elements can be present. Patonga may have had significant inclusions of this vegetation. As a result of clearing for suburban development and its reduction to small remnants, UCSW and Freshwater Wetlands have been listed as an Endangered Ecological Communities under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. A form of the closely-related Sydney Red Gum (SRG) complex occurs on a different SLU on the south-west side of Pearl Beach. A characteristic tree is Angophora costata. Site environmental differences between UCSW and the Sydney Red Gum Complex include their occurrence on iron podsols and humus podsols respectively. Regional vegetation classification and analysis shows that these vegetation units are distinctly different from each other. This is supported by historical evidence from surveyor notation on Crown Survey and land subdivision plans. Originally the Bangalay – Rough-barked Apple Woodland vegetation component of the Umina Woy Woy sandplain was defined by the NSW Scientific Committee for Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland. Regional analysis now reveals the Red Gum-Red Bloodwood (RGBW) component now merges with this former community. The Pearl Beach vegetation remains separate. A re-definition of UCSW is now required. Management, particularly of UCSW, currently involves revegetation and regeneration works in the vicinity of existing reserves. However, because the depletion has been so extensive there is further opportunity to decrease the loss by utilising the wide riparian reserves and laneways where mature trees still exist. A major conservation concern is the modification and loss of the sandplain vegetation, particularly the wetlands. The historical Crown Survey plans highlight the extent of wetlands as an important ecological feature of the original sandplain landscape. The current study estimated that 83% of wetlands and 79% of riparian vegetation has been lost on the Umina-Woy Woy sandplain since European settlement.

Biomass and floristic patterns in the ground layer vegetation of box-gum grassy eucalypt woodland in Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserves, Australian Capital Territory

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:11:25 +0200

We establish a methodology and present baseline data for a long-term grassy woodland restoration study that commenced in 2007 in two nature reserves (Mulligans Flat, Goorooyarroo (35° 9–13’ S; 149° 9–12’ E)) totalling 1386 ha on the northern boundary of Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory in south eastern Australia. The experimental infrastructure comprises 96 × 1 ha sites established in Eucalyptus blakelyi / Eucalyptus melliodora dominated woodland. These are being subjected to varying kangaroo grazing pressure and augmentation with logs, while burning treatments are planned. One reserve (Mulligans Flat) has been fenced for feral predator control and contains half the sites, forming a companion experiment to Goorooyarroo. Our baseline floristic study comprised estimates, at the site level, of ground layer biomass, species biomass, ground cover types and soil (0–10 cm) properties. From these data we conclude that the groundlayer vegetation is dominated by Joycea pallida, Austrodanthonia spp., Themeda australis and Aristida ramosa. These grasses varied in abundance according to differences in soil pH, phosphorus and to a lesser extent nitrates. Forb frequencies were highly sensitive to nitrate levels with annual exotic forbs dominating at high nitrate sites. More generally, soil nutrient levels and exotic species in some sites indicated areas of previous pasture improvement activities. Biomass estimates indicated extremely high grazing pressure, sufficient to negatively affect the habitat quality for ground-dependent fauna and some soil processes. These data will provide an important basis for examining rates of ecosystem recovery under different restoration strategies.

Die Theaterzensur in der Habsburgermonarchie im 19. Jahrhundert

Norbert Bachleitner — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:15:47 +0200

Wien, das im Mittelpunkt der folgenden Ausführungen stehen wird, war geradezu ein europäisches Zentrum höfischer Unterhaltungsangebote. An seinem multinationalen Hof bestand das Theaterrepertoire im 18. Jahrhundert vor allem aus italienischen Opern und französischen Stücken. Daneben bestand seit dem frühen 18. Jahrhundert eine Tradition volkstümlichen Theaters mit einer permanenten Spielstätte. Erst im letzten Drittel des 18. Jahrhunderts wurden aber privat geführte und kommerziell orientierte Theater gegründet. Zusammen mit diesen Entwicklungen wurde eine systematische Theaterzensur etabliert. Zunächst stellte sich die Zensur in den Dienst der Aufklärung, unterdrückte Obszönitäten, Unsinniges und Derbheiten, im 19. Jahrhundert wandelte sie sich zu einem Instrument der Unterdrückung der politischen Veränderung. Ihr Hauptziel war die Verteidigung des monarchischen Systems, daher wurden der Kaiser und seine Beamten gegen Angriffe verteidigt, und zwar mit einem heute geradezu lächerlich erscheinenden Eifer. Eine ständige Bedrohung für die multinationale Monarchie bildeten die Unabhängigkeitsbestrebungen der regierten Völker. Nationale Propaganda wurde daher von der Zensur ebenso sorgsam überwacht und nach Kräften verhindert. In der zweiten Jahrhunderthälfte trat die soziale Frage in den Vordergrund und lieferte Motive für Verbote und Eingriffe in die Spieltexte. Insgesamt wurden das herrschende gesellschaftliche System und seine Hierarchie gegen Angriffe und Kritik aller Art verteidigt. Die Aristokratie, der Klerus, die Beamten, nicht einmal einzelne Gewerbe oder Unternehmenssparten, sollten auf der Bühne in unvorteilhaftem Licht dargestellt werden.

Waratah theft in Brisbane Water National Park – an analysis of the blue paint poaching reduction program

Doug Beckers; Catherine A. Offord — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:56:53 +0200

The flowers of Waratahs, Telopea speciosissima (family Proteaceae) are regularly harvested illegally from natural bushland, particularly close to urban areas such as the New South Wales Central Coast. The removal of Waratah blooms from the wild may have implications for the long-term survival of local populations because of the interaction between wildfire events, subsequent flowering and limited seedling recruitment opportunities. To reduce the incidence of theft, blue acrylic paint was applied to blooms to reduce their commercial value. The painting of blooms in 2004 did not significantly reduce the incidence of wildflower theft when compared to unpainted blooms, but overall losses were lower (27%) than in 2003 (33%). However, painting of blooms had a deleterious affect on fruit production on plants with multiple heads with painted blooms having significantly reduced fruit set compared to unpainted blooms. Painting of blooms had no significant effect on seed quality (seed production per fruit, seed germination or seedling vigour) when compared to unpainted blooms. The painting of Waratah blooms to reduce theft was relatively ineffective and decreased fruit production. Alternative strategies should be considered to reduce wildflower theft in the area.

New South Wales Vegetation classification and Assessment: Part 3 Plant communities of the NSW Brigalow Belt South, Nandewar and west New England Bioregions and update of NSW Western Plains and South-western Slopes plant communities. Version 3 of the NSWVCA database

John S. Benson; P. G. Richards; S. Waller; Chris B. Allen — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:20:43 +0200

This fourth paper in the NSW Vegetation Classification and Assessment series covers the Brigalow Belt South-/1(BBS) and Nandewar (NAN) Bioregions and the western half of the New England Bioregion (NET), an area of 9.3 million hectares being 11.6% of NSW. It completes the NSWVCA coverage for the Border Rivers-Gwydir and Namoi CMA areas and records plant communities in the Central West and Hunter–Central Rivers CMA areas. In total, 585 plant communities are now classified in the NSWVCA covering 11.5 of the 18 Bioregions in NSW (78% of the State). Of these 226 communities are in the NSW Western Plains and 416 are in the NSW Western Slopes. 315 plant communities are classified in the BBS, NAN and west-NET Bioregions including 267 new descriptions since Version 2 was published in 2008. Descriptions of the 315 communities are provided in a 919 page report on the DVD accompanying this paper along with updated reports on other inland NSW bioregions and nine Catchment Management Authority areas fully or partly classified in the NSWVCA to date. A read-only version of Version 3 of the NSWVCA database is on the DVD for use on personal computers. A feature of the BBS and NAN Bioregions is the array of ironbark and bloodwood Eucalyptusdominated shrubby woodlands on sandstone and acid volcanic substrates extending from Dubbo to Queensland. This includes iconic natural areas such as Warrumbungle and Mount Kaputar National Parks and the 500,000 ha Pilliga Scrub forests. Large expanses of basalt-derived soils support grassy box woodland and native grasslands including those on the Liverpool Plains; near Moree; and around Inverell, most of which are cleared and threatened. Wetlands occur on sodic soils near Yetman and in large clay gilgais in the Pilliga region. Sedgelands are rare but occupy impeded creeks. Aeolian lunettes occur at Narran Lake and near Gilgandra. Areas of deep sand contain Allocasuarina, eucalypt mallee and Melaleuca uncinata heath. Tall grassy or ferny open forests occur on mountain ranges above 1000m elevation in the New England Bioregion and on the Liverpool Range while grassy box woodlands occupy lower elevations with lower rainfall and higher temperatures. The vegetation classification and assessment is based on over 100 published and unpublished vegetation surveys and map unit descriptions, expert advice, extra plot sampling and data analysis and over 25 000 km of road traverse with field checking at 805 sites. Key sources of data included floristic analyses produced in western regional forest assessments in the BBS and NAN Bioregions, floristic analyses in over 60 surveys of conservation reserves and analysis of plot data in the western NET Bioregion and covering parts of the Namoi and Border Rivers- Gwydir CMA areas. Approximately 60% of the woody native vegetation in the study area has been cleared resulting in large areas of “derived” native grasslands. As of June 2010, 7% of the area was in 136 protected areas and 127 of the 315 plant communities were assessed to be adequately protected in reserves. Using the NSWVCA database threat criteria, 15 plant communities were assessed as being Critically Endangered, 59 Endangered, 60 Vulnerable, 99 Near Threatened and 82 Least Concern. 61 of these communities are assessed as part of NSW or Commonwealth-listed Threatened Ecological Communities. Current threats include expanding dryland and irrigated cropping on alluvial plains, floodplains and gently undulating topography at lower elevations; over-grazing of steep hills; altered water tables and flooding regimes; localized mining; and the spread of exotic species, notably Coolatai Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta).