Nonbreeding Eastern Curlews Numenius madagascariensis Do Not Increase the Rate of Intake or Digestive Efficiency before Long-Distance Migration because of an Apparent Digestive Constraint

The possibility of premigratory modulation in gastric digestive performance was investigated in a long-distance migrant, the eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), in eastern Australia. The rate of intake in the curlews was limited by the rate of digestion but not by food availability. It was hypothesized that before migration, eastern curlews would meet the increased energy demand by increasing energy consumption. It was predicted that (1) an increase in the rate of intake and the corresponding rate of gastric throughput would occur or (2) the gastric digestive efficiency would increase between the mid-nonbreeding and premigratory periods. Neither crude intake rate (the rate of intake calculated including inactive pauses; 0.22 g DM [grams dry mass] or 3.09 kJ min(-1)) nor the rate of gastric throughput (0.15 g DM or 2.85 kJ min(-1)) changed over time. Gastric digestive efficiency did not improve between the periods (91%) nor did the estimated overall energy assimilation efficiency (63% and 58%, respectively). It was concluded that the crustacean-dominated diet of the birds is processed at its highest rate and efficiency throughout a season. It appears that without a qualitative shift in diet, no increase in intake rate is possible. Accepting these findings at their face value poses the question of how and over what time period the eastern curlews store the nutrients necessary for the ensuing long, northward nonstop flight.

Agency problems and capital expenditure announcements

This article examines the market valuation of announcements of new capital expenditure. Prior research suggests that the firm's growth opportunities and cash flow position condition the market response. This study jointly examines the role of growth and cash flow, and the interaction between them. Using a new data set of Australian firms that avoids problems associated with expectations models, the results are remarkably strong and support a positive association between growth opportunities and the market valuation, in addition to supporting the role of free cash flow. The findings have implications for the relationship between general investment information and stock prices.

Reducing the time period of steady state does not affect the accuracy of energy expenditure measurements by indirect calorimetry

Achievement of steady state during indirect calorimetry measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE) is necessary to reduce error and ensure accuracy in the measurement. Steady state is often defined as 5 consecutive min (5-min SS) during which oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production vary by +/-10%. These criteria, however, are stringent and often difficult to satisfy. This study aimed to assess whether reducing the time period for steady state (4-min SS or 3-min SS) produced measurements of REE that were significantly different from 5-min SS. REE was measured with the use of open-circuit indirect calorimetry in 39 subjects, of whom only 21 (54%) met the 5-min SS criteria. In these 21 subjects, median biases in REE between 5-min SS and 4-min SS and between 5-min SS and 3-min SS were 0.1 and 0.01%, respectively. For individuals, 4-min SS measured REE within a clinically acceptable range of +/-2% of 5-min SS, whereas 3-min SS measured REE within a range of -2-3% of 5-min SS. Harris-Benedict prediction equations estimated REE for individuals within +/-20-30% of 5-min SS. Reducing the time period of steady state to 4 min produced measurements of REE for individuals that were within clinically acceptable, predetermined limits. The limits of agreement for 3-min SS fell outside the predefined limits of +/-2%; however, both 4-min SS and 3-min SS criteria greatly increased the proportion of subjects who satisfied steady state within smaller limits than would be achieved if relying on prediction equations.

Measurement and prediction of energy expenditure in males during household and garden tasks

Participation in at least 30 min of moderate intensity activity on most days is assumed to confer health benefits. This study accordingly determined whether the more vigorous household and garden tasks (sweeping, window cleaning, vacuuming and lawn mowing) are performed by middle-aged men at a moderate intensity of 3-6 metabolic equivalents (METs) in the laboratory and at home. Measured energy expenditure during self-perceived moderate-paced walking was used as a marker of exercise intensity. Energy expenditure was also predicted via indirect methods. Thirty-six males [Xmacr (SD): 40.0 (3.3) years; 179.5 (6.9) cm; 83.4 (14.0) kg] were measured for resting metabolic rate (RMR) and oxygen consumption (V.O-2) during the five activities using the Douglas bag method. Heart rate , respiratory frequency, CSA (Computer Science Applications) movement counts, Borg scale ratings of perceived exertion and Quetelet's index were also recorded as potential predictors of exercise intensity. Except for vacuuming in the laboratory, which was not significantly different from 3.0 METs (P=0.98), the MET means in the laboratory and home were all significantly greater than 3.0 (Pless than or equal to0.006). The sweeping and vacuuming MET means were significantly higher (P

Adult mental health needs and expenditure in Australia

Background Relatively little international work has examined whether mental health resource allocation matches need. This study aimed to determine whether adult mental health resources in Australia are being distributed equitably. Method Individual measures of need were extrapolated to Australian Areas, and Area-based proxies of need were considered. Particular attention was paid to the prevalence of mental health problems, since this is arguably the most objective measure of need. The extent to which these measures predicted public sector, private sector and total adult mental health expenditure at an Area level was examined. Results In the public sector, 41.6% of expenditure variation was explained by the prevalence of affective disorders, personality disorders, cognitive impairment and psychosis, as well as the Area's level of economic resources and State/Territory effects. In the private sector, 72.4% of expenditure variation was explained by service use and State/Territory effects (with an alternative model incorporating service use and State/Territory supply of private psychiatrists explaining 69.4% of expenditure variation). A relatively high proportion (58.7%) of total expenditure variation could be explained by service utilisation and State/Territory effects. Conclusions For services to be delivered equitably, the majority of variation in expenditure would have to be accounted for by appropriate measures of need. The best model for public sector expenditure included an appropriate measure of need but had relatively poor explanatory power. The models for private sector and total expenditure had greater explanatory power, but relied on less appropriate measures of need. It is concluded that mental health services in Australia are not yet being delivered equitably.

Nutritional status and energy expenditure in children pre-bone-marrow-transplant

The aims of this study were to establish the nutritional status of children pre- BMT and to determine whether predictive methods of assessing nutritional status and resting energy expenditure ( REE) are accurate in this population. We analysed the body cell mass ( BCM) ( n = 26) and REE ( n = 24) in children undergoing BMT. BCM was adjusted for height ( BCM/ HTp) and expressed as a Z score to represent nutritional status. To determine whether body mass index ( BMI) was indicative of nutritional status in children undergoing BMT, BMI Z scores were compared to the reference method of BCM/ HTp Z scores. Schofield predictive equations of basal metabolic rate ( BMR) were compared to measured REE to evaluate the accuracy of the predictive equations. The mean BCM/ HTp Z score for the subject population was -1.09 +/- 1.28. There was no significant relationship between BCM/ HTp Z score and BMI Z score ( r = 0.34; P > 0.05); however there was minimal difference between measured REE and predicted BMR ( bias = -11 +/- 149 kcal/ day). The results of this study demonstrate that children undergoing BMT may have suboptimal nutritional status and that BMI is not an accurate indication of nutritional status in this population. However, Schofield equations were found to be suitable for representing REE in children pre- BMT.

Resting energy expenditure is lower than predicted in people taking atypical antipsychotic medication

Resting energy expenditure (REE) is lower than predicted in persons taking atypical antipsychotic medication, and weight management is a significant clinical challenge for some of them. However, to date there have been no published guidelines to assist clinicians in choosing appropriate prediction equations to estimate energy expenditure in persons taking atypical antipsychotic medications. The objectives of this study were to measure REE in a group of men taking the atypical antipsychotic clozapine and to determine whether REE can be accurately predicted for this population using previously published regression equations. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry via a ventilated hood on eight men who had completed at least 6 months of treatment with clozapine. Comparisons between measured REE and predicted REE using five different equations were undertaken. The commonly-used Harris-Benedict and Schofield equations systematically overestimated REE. Predictions of REE from other equations were too variable for clinical use. When estimating energy requirements as part of a weight-management program in men who have been taking clozapine for 6 months, predictions of REE from the equations of Harris-Benedict and Schofield should be reduced by 280 kcal/day.

Patient self-efficacy and health locus of control: relationships with health status and arthritis-related expenditure

Objective. To explore the relationship between measures of self-efficacy, health locus of control, health status and direct medical expenditure among community-dwelling subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. This analysis is part of a larger ongoing study of the costs and outcomes of arthritis and its treatments. Community-dwelling RA and OA respondents completed questionnaires concerning arthritis-related expenditure, health status, arthritis related self-efficacy and health locus of control. Results. Data were obtained from 70 RA respondents and 223 OA respondents. The majority of respondents were female with a mean age of 63 yr for RA respondents and 68 yr for OA respondents. Among the RA respondents, those with higher self-efficacy reported better health status and lower overall costs. Health locus of control was not consistently correlated with health status. OA respondents with higher self-efficacy reported better health status and lower costs. Health locus of control had more influence. OA respondents with higher external locus of control reported worse pain and function. A higher belief in chance as a determinant of health was correlated with more visits to general practitioners and a higher cost to both the respondent and the health system. Conclusion. Higher self-efficacy, which is amenable to change through education programmes, was associated with better health status and lower costs to the respondent and the health system in this cross-sectional study. Locus of control had less of an influence; however, the tendency was for those with higher external locus of control to have higher costs and worse health status. As the measurement of these constructs is simple and the outcome potentially affects health status, these results have implications for future intervention studies to improve quality of life and reduce the financial impact of arthritis on both the health-care system and patients.