Showing papers by "Macquarie University published in 2006"
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TL;DR: It is asserted that community ecology should return to an emphasis on four themes that are tied together by a two-step process: how the fundamental niche is governed by functional traits within the context of abiotic environmental gradients; and how the interaction between traits and fundamental niches maps onto the realized niche in the context a biotic interaction milieu.
Abstract: There is considerable debate about whether community ecology will ever produce general principles. We suggest here that this can be achieved but that community ecology has lost its way by focusing on pairwise species interactions independent of the environment. We assert that community ecology should return to an emphasis on four themes that are tied together by a two-step process: how the fundamental niche is governed by functional traits within the context of abiotic environmental gradients; and how the interaction between traits and fundamental niches maps onto the realized niche in the context of a biotic interaction milieu. We suggest this approach can create a more quantitative and predictive science that can more readily address issues of global change.
3,715 citations
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TL;DR: This review describes for the practitioner the essential features of line‐fitting methods for estimating the relationship between two variables: what methods are commonly used, which method should be used when, and how to make inferences from these lines to answer common research questions.
Abstract: Fitting a line to a bivariate dataset can be a deceptively complex problem, and there has been much debate on this issue in the literature. In this review, we describe for the practitioner the essential features of line-fitting methods for estimating the relationship between two variables: what methods are commonly used, which method should be used when, and how to make inferences from these lines to answer common research questions. A particularly important point for line-fitting in allometry is that usually, two sources of error are present (which we call measurement and equation error), and these have quite different implications for choice of line-fitting method. As a consequence, the approach in this review and the methods presented have subtle but important differences from previous reviews in the biology literature. Linear regression, major axis and standardised major axis are alternative methods that can be appropriate when there is no measurement error. When there is measurement error, this often needs to be estimated and used to adjust the variance terms in formulae for line-fitting. We also review line-fitting methods for phylogenetic analyses. Methods of inference are described for the line-fitting techniques discussed in this paper. The types of inference considered here are testing if the slope or elevation equals a given value, constructing confidence intervals for the slope or elevation, comparing several slopes or elevations, and testing for shift along the axis amongst several groups. In some cases several methods have been proposed in the literature. These are discussed and compared. In other cases there is little or no previous guidance available in the literature. Simulations were conducted to check whether the methods of inference proposed have the intended coverage probability or Type I error. We identified the methods of inference that perform well and recommend the techniques that should be adopted in future work.
1,952 citations
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TL;DR: A review of the experiences of latecomer and newcomer MNEs, particularly those from the Asia Pacific, is presented in this paper, where the authors argue that the innovative features that these MNE share, such as their accelerated internationalization, strategic innovation and organizational innovation, fit particularly well with the characteristics of the emergent global economy as one of complex inter-firm linkages.
Abstract: This review article starts from the question: how does the global business system appear to a challenger firm, and how have challenger Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) from formerly peripheral areas such as the Asia Pacific established themselves successfully, against the sometimes fierce resistance of incumbents? To answer this question, the review develops an argument concerning the pluralistic character of the process of globalization, as contrasted with the conventional account that sees global processes creating uniformity and convergence. This alternative account is based on a review of the experiences of latecomer and newcomer MNEs, particularly those from the Asia Pacific—such as Acer, Ispat International, Li & Fung and the Hong Leong Group—that are dubbed “Dragon Multinationals.” I argue that the innovative features that these MNEs share, such as their accelerated internationalization, strategic innovation and organizational innovation, fit particularly well with the characteristics of the emergent global economy as one of complex inter-firm linkages. The core proposition of the review is that this complementarity between the characteristics of the emergent global economy and latecomer and newcomer strategic and organizational innovations is what drives the remarkable success of these Asia Pacific firms in establishing themselves as serious international players. Such a proposition carries implications for the process of globalization as well as for the dominant frameworks utilized in International Business. The review argues that Dragon Multinationals adopt a different perspective to the resources accessed through internationalization, and that this requires a rethink of the criteria normally utilized in resource-based accounts of strategy. The challenger firm internationalizing in order to access resources also poses a challenge to the dominant OLI (ownership, locational, internalization) account of multinational advantage. Thus it is argued that the question posed at the outset goes to the core of the IB frameworks, and thereby counts as one of the ‘big questions’ that should guide research in IB in the 21st century.
1,702 citations
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Erica Sodergren1, George M. Weinstock1, Eric H. Davidson2, R. Andrew Cameron2 +243 more•Institutions (51)
TL;DR: The sequence and analysis of the 814-megabase genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is reported, a model for developmental and systems biology and yields insights into the evolution of deuterostomes.
Abstract: We report the sequence and analysis of the 814-megabase genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, a model for developmental and systems biology. The sequencing strategy combined whole-genome shotgun and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequences. This use of BAC clones, aided by a pooling strategy, overcame difficulties associated with high heterozygosity of the genome. The genome encodes about 23,300 genes, including many previously thought to be vertebrate innovations or known only outside the deuterostomes. This echinoderm genome provides an evolutionary outgroup for the chordates and yields insights into the evolution of deuterostomes.
1,059 citations
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TL;DR: By extending the list of plant traits and by developing better models for how traits influence species distributions and interactions, a strong foundation of basic ecology can be established, with many practical applications.
Abstract: The tissue traits and architectures of plant species are important for land-plant ecology in two ways. First, they control ecosystem processes and define habitat and resources for other taxa; thus, they are a high priority for understanding the ecosystem at a site. Second, knowledge of trait costs and benefits offers the most promising path to understanding how vegetation properties change along physical geography gradients. There exists an informal shortlist of plant traits that are thought to be most informative. Here, we summarize recent research on correlations and tradeoffs surrounding some traits that are prospects for the shortlist. By extending the list and by developing better models for how traits influence species distributions and interactions, a strong foundation of basic ecology can be established, with many practical applications.
869 citations
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TL;DR: It is shown that ego depletion moderates the effects of many traits on behavior, particularly such that wide differences in socially disapproved motivations produce greater differences in behavior when ego depletion weakens the customary inner restraints.
Abstract: Self-regulation is a highly adaptive, distinctively human trait that enables people to override and alter their responses, including changing themselves so as to live up to social and other standards. Recent evidence indicates that self-regulation often consumes a limited resource, akin to energy or strength, thereby creating a temporary state of ego depletion. This article summarizes recent evidence indicating that regular exercises in self-regulation can produce broad improvements in self-regulation (like strengthening a muscle), making people less vulnerable to ego depletion. Furthermore, it shows that ego depletion moderates the effects of many traits on behavior, particularly such that wide differences in socially disapproved motivations produce greater differences in behavior when ego depletion weakens the customary inner restraints.
816 citations
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TL;DR: A multi-kilometre-scale palaeontological and palaeoenvironmental study of the Strelley Pool Chert, in which the first morphotype-specific analysis of the structures within their palaioenvironment and refute contemporary abiogenic hypotheses for their formation are undertaken.
Abstract: The 3,430-million-year-old Strelley Pool Chert ( SPC) ( Pilbara Craton, Australia) is a sedimentary rock formation containing laminated structures of probable biological origin ( stromatolites). Determining the biogenicity of such ancient fossils is the subject of ongoing debate. However, many obstacles to interpretation of the fossils are overcome in the SPC because of the broad extent, excellent preservation and morphological variety of its stromatolitic outcrops - which provide comprehensive palaeontological information on a scale exceeding other rocks of such age. Here we present a multi-kilometre-scale palaeontological and palaeoenvironmental study of the SPC, in which we identify seven stromatolite morphotypes - many previously undiscovered - in different parts of a peritidal carbonate platform. We undertake the first morphotype-specific analysis of the structures within their palaeoenvironment and refute contemporary abiogenic hypotheses for their formation. Finally, we argue that the diversity, complexity and environmental associations of the stromatolites describe patterns that - in similar settings throughout Earth's history reflect the presence of organisms.
724 citations
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National Center for Atmospheric Research1, Meteorological Service of Canada2, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation3, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory4, University of Reading5, Science Applications International Corporation6, Princeton University7, Bureau of Meteorology8, University of Tokyo9, Macquarie University10, Goddard Space Flight Center11, University of California, Los Angeles12
TL;DR: The Global Land-Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE) as discussed by the authors is a model intercomparison study focusing on a typically neglected yet critical element of numerical weather and climate modeling: land-atmosphere coupling strength.
Abstract: The Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE) is a model intercomparison study focusing on a typically neglected yet critical element of numerical weather and climate modeling: land–atmosphere coupling strength, or the degree to which anomalies in land surface state (e.g., soil moisture) can affect rainfall generation and other atmospheric processes. The 12 AGCM groups participating in GLACE performed a series of simple numerical experiments that allow the objective quantification of this element for boreal summer. The derived coupling strengths vary widely. Some similarity, however, is found in the spatial patterns generated by the models, with enough similarity to pinpoint multimodel “hot spots” of land–atmosphere coupling. For boreal summer, such hot spots for precipitation and temperature are found over large regions of Africa, central North America, and India; a hot spot for temperature is also found over eastern China. The design of the GLACE simulations are described in full detai...
681 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, a large red pegmatite sample from E. African pegmatites was used as a standard for U-Pb dating by laser ablation ICPMS.
628 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, a single pair of strongly coupled spins in diamond, associated with a nitrogen-vacancy defect and a nitrogen atom, respectively, can be optically initialized and read out at room temperature.
Abstract: Coherent coupling between single quantum objects is at the very heart of modern quantum physics. When the coupling is strong enough to prevail over decoherence, it can be used to engineer quantum entangled states. Entangled states have attracted widespread attention because of applications to quantum computing and long-distance quantum communication. For such applications, solid-state hosts are preferred for scalability reasons, and spins are the preferred quantum system in solids because they offer long coherence times. Here we show that a single pair of strongly coupled spins in diamond, associated with a nitrogen-vacancy defect and a nitrogen atom, respectively, can be optically initialized and read out at room temperature. To effect this strong coupling, close proximity of the two spins is required, but large distances from other spins are needed to avoid deleterious decoherence. These requirements were reconciled by implanting molecular nitrogen into high-purity diamond.
604 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used LAM ICP-MS to determine mineral/melt partition coefficients for mica, amphibole, garnet, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxenes, and olivine for conditions close to multiple saturation of basanite liquidus with garnet lherzolite.
Abstract: Thirty five minor and trace elements (Li, Be, B, Sc, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Rb, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Tb, Ho, Tm, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th and U) in experimentally produced near-liquidus phases, from a primitive nelpheline basanite from Bow Hill in Tasmania (Australia), were analysed by LAM ICP-MS. A number of halogens (F, Cl and I) were also analysed by electron microprobe. The analyses were used to determine mineral/melt partition coefficients for mica, amphibole, garnet, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and olivine for conditions close to multiple saturation of the basanite liquidus with garnet lherzolite (approximately 2.6 GPa and 1,200°C with 7.5 wt% of added H2O). A broader range of conditions was also investigated from 1.0 GPa and 1,025°C to 3.5 GPa and 1,190°C with 5–10 wt% of added H2O. The scope and comprehensiveness of the data allow them to be used for two purposes, these include the following: an investigation of some of the controlling influences on partition coefficients; and the compilation of a set partition coefficients that are directly relevant to the formation of the Bow Hill basanite magma by partial melting of mantle peridotite. Considering clinopyroxene, the mineral phase for which the most data were obtained, systematic correlations were found between pressure and temperature, mineral composition, cation radius and valence, and ΔGcoulb (the coulombic potential energy produced by substituting a cation of mismatched valence into a crystallographic site). ΔGcoulb is distinctly different for different crystallographic sites, including the M2 and M1 sites in clinopyroxene. These differences can be modelled as a function of variations in optimum valence (expressed as 1 sigma standard deviations) within individual M1 and M2 site populations.
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TL;DR: In the stochastic computer projections, 12 diploid lethal equivalents of inbreeding depression (with purging) decreased median times to extinction by an average of 37%.
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TL;DR: An initial survey of the purple sea urchin genome for genes associated with immunity finds an elaborate repertoire of potential immune receptors, regulators and effectors, including unprecedented expansions of innate pathogen recognition genes.
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Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam1, University of Ljubljana2, Lund University3, Australian National University4, University of Padua5, Centre national de la recherche scientifique6, Johns Hopkins University7, Heidelberg University8, University of Cambridge9, Diego Portales University10, University of Strasbourg11, University of Hull12, University of Victoria13, University College London14, Macquarie University15, Australian Astronomical Observatory16, University of Sydney17, University of Hong Kong18, Princeton University19, Columbia University20, Max Planck Society21, Aarhus University22, University of Birmingham23, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University24
TL;DR: In this article, the stellar atmospheric parameters (effective temperature, surface gravity, overall metallicity), radial velocities, individual abundances, and distances determined for 425,561 stars, which constitute the fourth public data release of the RAdial Velocity Experiment (RAVE).
Abstract: We present the stellar atmospheric parameters (effective temperature, surface gravity, overall metallicity), radial velocities, individual abundances, and distances determined for 425,561 stars, which constitute the fourth public data release of the RAdial Velocity Experiment (RAVE). The stellar atmospheric parameters are computed using a new pipeline, based on the algorithms of MATISSE and DEGAS. The spectral degeneracies and the Two Micron All Sky Survey photometric information are now better taken into consideration, improving the parameter determination compared to the previous RAVE data releases. The individual abundances for six elements (magnesium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, iron, and nickel) are also given, based on a special-purpose pipeline that is also improved compared to that available for the RAVE DR3 and Chemical DR1 data releases. Together with photometric information and proper motions, these data can be retrieved from the RAVE collaboration Web site and the Vizier database.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the voluntary reporting of intellectual capital (IC) by listed companies in Australia and Hong Kong and evaluate size, industry and time effects on IC disclosure levels.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the voluntary reporting of intellectual capital (IC) by listed companies in Australia and Hong Kong and to evaluate size, industry and time effects on IC disclosure levels.Design/methodology/approach – The study is an empirical one conducted in two stages. Stage one is an exploratory study of voluntary IC disclosure for the 20 largest listed Australian companies in 1998. Stage two, using 2002 data, examines voluntary disclosure of IC attributes for 50 listed entities in Australia and 100 in Hong Kong. Content analysis is used to collect data.Findings – Levels of voluntary IC disclosure are found to be low and in qualitative rather than quantitative form in both locations. Disclosure level is positively related to company size, a finding that is consistent with the previous literature on voluntary reporting.Research limitations/implications – External validity may be compromised somewhat by the relatively small sample size. Managers are not observed in ...
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TL;DR: The age distribution of the crust is a fundamental parameter in modeling continental evolution and the rate of crustal accretion through Earth9s history, but this is usually estimated from surface exposures as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The age distribution of the crust is a fundamental parameter in modeling continental evolution and the rate of crustal accretion through Earth9s history, but this is usually estimated from surface exposures. The exposed Yangtze craton in eastern China consists mainly of Proterozoic rocks with rare Archean outcrops. However, the U-Pb ages and Hf isotope systematics of xenocrystic zircons brought to the surface in lamproite diatremes from three Proterozoic outcrop areas of the craton suggest the widespread presence of unexposed Archean basement, with zircon age populations of 2900–2800 Ma and 2600– 2500 Ma and Hf model ages of 2.6 to ca. 3.5 Ga or older. The zircons also record thermal events reworked on the craton ca. 2020 Ma (remelting of older crust) and 1000–850 Ma (addition of juvenile mantle material). The observation of deep crust significantly older than the upper crust will require revision of models for the rates of crustal generation through time.
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TL;DR: It is shown that the relationships among these variables can best be explained by assuming a necessary trade-off between allocation to structural tissues versus liquid phase processes and an evolutionary tradeoff between leaf photosynthetic rates, construction costs, and leaf longevity.
Abstract: Recent work has identified a worldwide ''economic'' spectrum of correlated leaf traits that affects global patterns of nutrient cycling and primary productivity and that is used to calibrate vegetation-climate models. The correlation patterns are displayed by species from the arctic to the tropics and are largely independent of growth form or phy- logeny. This generality suggests that unidentified fundamental constraints control the return of photosynthates on investments of nutrients and dry mass in leaves. Using novel graph theoretic methods and structural equation modeling, we show that the relationships among these variables can best be explained by assuming (1) a necessary trade-off between al- location to structural tissues versus liquid phase processes and (2) an evolutionary trade- off between leaf photosynthetic rates, construction costs, and leaf longevity.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors hypothesized that increasing or decreasing levels of control in an ostracized individual could moderate aggressive responding to ostracism, and found that those who experienced restored control were no more aggressive than either of the groups who were included.
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TL;DR: The current composition of the mantle indicates that much of the re-equilibration took place in a deep (> 400 km) molten silicate layer, or ‘magma ocean’, and that conditions became more oxidizing with time as the Earth grew.
Abstract: The Earth took 30-40 million years to accrete from smaller 'planetesimals'. Many of these planetesimals had metallic iron cores and during growth of the Earth this metal re-equilibrated with the Earth's silicate mantle, extracting siderophile ('iron-loving') elements into the Earth's iron-rich core. The current composition of the mantle indicates that much of the re-equilibration took place in a deep (> 400 km) molten silicate layer, or 'magma ocean', and that conditions became more oxidizing with time as the Earth grew. The high-pressure nature of the core-forming process led to the Earth's core being richer in low-atomic-number elements, notably silicon and possibly oxygen, than the cores of the smaller planetesimal building blocks.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of an experimental study of the partitioning of water between common upper mantle minerals (olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxenes, garnet) and silicate melt, consisting of 352 measurements in 23 hydrous melting experiments.
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TL;DR: The uptake and maintenance of an exercise programme over a 2-month period produced significant improvements in a wide range of regulatory behaviours.
Abstract: Objectives The purpose of the present study was to test whether the repeated practice of self-regulation could improve regulatory strength over time. Method Regulatory performance was assessed at baseline, then at monthly intervals for a period of 4 months using a visual tracking task. Perceived stress, emotional distress, self-efficacy and general regulatory behaviour were assessed by questionnaire. Following a 2-month control phase, participants entered a 2-month self-regulation programme designed to increase regulatory strength: a programme of regular physical exercise. Results Relative to the control phase, participants who exercised showed significant improvement in self-regulatory capacity as measured by an enhanced performance on the visual tracking task following a thought-suppression task. During the regulatory exercise phase, participants also reported significant decreases in perceived stress, emotional distress, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption, and an increase in healthy eating, emotional control, maintenance of household chores, attendance to commitments, monitoring of spending and an improvement in study habits. The control phase showed no systematic changes in performance on the visual tracking task across sessions. Reports of perceived stress, emotional distress and regulatory behaviours were also stable across sessions. Conclusions The uptake and maintenance of an exercise programme over a 2-month period produced significant improvements in a wide range of regulatory behaviours. Nearly every major personal and social problem has some degree of regulatory failure. The idea that the capacity for self-regulation can be improved is therefore of vast practical importance.
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TL;DR: In this article, the first global quantification of the slope and shape of the latitudinal gradient in seed mass, and to determine whether global patterns in seed masses are best explained by growth form, vegetation type, seed dispersal syndrome, or net primary productivity (NPP).
Abstract: Aim To provide the first global quantification of the slope and shape of the latitudinal gradient in seed mass, and to determine whether global patterns in seed mass are best explained by growth form, vegetation type, seed dispersal syndrome, or net primary productivity (NPP).
Location Global.
Methods We collected seed mass data for 11,481 species × site combinations from around the world. We used regression to describe the latitudinal gradient in seed mass, then applied general linear models to quantify the relative explanatory power of each of the variables hypothesized to underlie the latitudinal gradient in seed size.
Results There is a 320-fold decline in geometric mean seed mass between the equator and 60°. This decline is not linear. At the edge of the tropics, there is a sudden 7-fold drop in mean seed mass. The strongest correlates of the latitudinal gradient in seed mass are plant growth form, and vegetation type, followed by dispersal syndrome and NPP. A model including growth form, vegetation type, dispersal syndrome and NPP explains 51% of the variation in seed mass. Latitude explains just 0.2% of the residual variation from this model.
Main conclusions This is the first demonstration of a major decrease in seed size at the edge of the tropics. This drop in seed mass is most closely correlated with changes in plant growth form and vegetation type. This suggests that the drop in seed mass might be part of a sudden change in plant strategy at the edge of the tropics.
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TL;DR: It is proved that the occurrence of cumulative interference for word retrieval by prior retrieval of other exemplars of the same semantic category-cumulative semantic inhibition could only occur if the spoken word production system possesses three specific properties (competition, priming, and sharing of semantic activation).
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TL;DR: Australian adolescents showed a mixed ability to correctly recognize and label depression, although they were able to differentiate depressed and non-depressed scenarios in terms of severity and expected recovery time.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a nested hierarchical framework that emphasizes differing forms of (dis)connectivity in catchments is proposed, which can be used to ground the application of modelling techniques in analysis of catchment scale biophysical fluxes.
Abstract: Geographic concerns for spatial relationships lie at the heart of geomorphic applications in environmental management. The way in which landscape compartments fit together in a catchment influences the operation of biophysical fluxes, and hence the ways in which disturbance responses are mediated over time. These relationships reflect the connectivity of the landscape. A nested hierarchical framework that emphasizes differing forms of (dis)connectivity in catchments is proposed. This field-based geomorphic tool can be used to ground the application of modelling techniques in analysis of catchment scale biophysical fluxes.
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TL;DR: The International Union of Geological Sciences has approved a new addition to the geologic time scale: the Ediacaran Period as mentioned in this paper, which is the first Proterozoic period to be recognized on the basis of chronostratigraphic criteria and the first internationally ratified, chronostrategically defined period of any age to be introduced in more than a century.
Abstract: The International Union of Geological Sciences has approved a new addition to the geologic time scale: the Ediacaran Period. The Ediacaran is the first Proterozoic period to be recognized on the basis of chronostratigraphic criteria and the first internationally ratified, chronostratigraphically defined period of any age to be introduced in more than a century. In accordance with procedures established by the International Commission on Stratigraphy, the base of the Ediacaran Period is defined by a Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) placed at the base of the Nuccaleena Formation cap carbonate directly above glacial diamictites and associated facies at Enorama Creek in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Its top is defined by the initial GSSP of the Cambrian Period. The new Ediacaran Period encompasses a distinctive interval of Earth history that is bounded both above and below by equally distinctive intervals. Both chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data indicate that the subdivision of the period into two or more series is feasible, and this should be a primary objective of continuing work by the Ediacaran Subcommission of the ICS.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of different fire severities on soil water repellency are examined in eucalypt forest catchments in the Sandstone Tablelands near Sydney, burnt in 2001 and 2003.
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TL;DR: A database of >600 analyses of the zircon “standard” Harvard 91500 shows considerable heterogeneity in 176 Hf/ 177 Hf; the distribution is essentially bimodal with major peaks at 0.282284 −22 and 0.2330 −29 (2σ) as mentioned in this paper.
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TL;DR: An investigation of EST analysis platforms reveals that they all terminate prior to downstream functional annotation including gene ontologies, motif/pattern analysis and pathway mapping, which proposes a road map for EST analysis to accelerate the effective analyses of EST data sets.
Abstract: Expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing projects are underway for numerous organisms, generating millions of short, single-pass nucleotide sequence reads, accumulating in EST databases. Extensive computational strategies have been developed to organize and analyse both small- and large-scale EST data for gene discovery, transcript and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis as well as functional annotation of putative gene products. We provide an overview of the significance of ESTs in the genomic era, their properties and the applications of ESTs. Methods adopted for each step of EST analysis by various research groups have been compared. Challenges that lie ahead in organizing and analysing the ever increasing EST data have also been identified. The most appropriate software tools for EST pre-processing, clustering and assembly, database matching and functional annotation have been compiled (available online from http://biolinfo.org/EST). We propose a road map for EST analysis to accelerate the effective analyses of EST data sets. An investigation of EST analysis platforms reveals that they all terminate prior to downstream functional annotation including gene ontologies, motif/pattern analysis and pathway mapping.
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TL;DR: The Macquarie/AAO/Strasbourg Hα Planetary Nebula Catalogue (MASH) as discussed by the authors contains over 900 true, likely and possible new Galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) discovered from the AAO/UKST Hα survey of the southern Galactic plane.
Abstract: We present the Macquarie/AAO/Strasbourg Hα Planetary Nebula Catalogue (MASH) of over 900 true, likely and possible new Galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) discovered from the AAO/UKST Hα survey of the southern Galactic plane. The combination of depth, resolution, uniformity and areal coverage of the Hα survey has opened up a hitherto unexplored region of parameter space permitting the detection of this significant new PN sample. Away from the Galactic bulge the new PNe are typically more evolved, of larger angular extent, of lower surface brightness and more obscured (i.e. extinguished) than those in most previous surveys. We have also doubled the number of PNe in the Galactic bulge itself and although most are compact, we have also found more evolved examples. The MASH catalogue represents the culmination of a seven-year programme of identification and confirmatory spectroscopy. A key strength is that the entire sample has been derived from the same, uniform observational data. The 60 per cent increase in known Galactic PNe represents the largest ever incremental sample of such discoveries and will have a significant impact on many aspects of PN research. This is especially important for studies at the faint end of the PN luminosity function which was previously poorly represented.