bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equity trade‐offs in conservation decision making
Authors: Law Elizabeth A. , Bennett Nathan J. , Ives Christopher D. , Friedman Rachel , Davis Katrina J. , Archibald Carla , Wilson Kerrie A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractConservation decisions increasingly involve multiple environmental and social objectives, which result in complex decision contexts with high potential for trade‐offs. Improving social equity is one such objective that is often considered an enabler of successful outcomes and a virtuous ideal in itself. Despite its idealized importance in conservation policy, social equity is often highly simplified or ill‐defined and is applied uncritically. What constitutes equitable outcomes and processes is highly normative and subject to ethical deliberation. Different ethical frameworks may lead to different conceptions of equity through alternative perspectives of what is good or right. This can lead to different and potentially conflicting equity objectives in practice. We promote a more transparent, nuanced, and pluralistic conceptualization of equity in conservation decision making that particularly recognizes where multidimensional equity objectives may conflict. To help identify and mitigate ethical conflicts and avoid cases of good intentions producing bad outcomes, we encourage a more analytical incorporation of equity into conservation decision making particularly during mechanistic integration of equity objectives. We recommend that in conservation planning motivations and objectives for equity be made explicit within the problem context, methods used to incorporate equity objectives be applied with respect to stated objectives, and, should objectives dictate, evaluation of equity outcomes and adaptation of strategies be employed during policy implementation.
A novel application of cultural consensus models to evaluate conservation education programs
Authors: Nekaris K.A.I. , McCabe Sharon , Spaan Denise , Ali Muhammad Imron , Nijman Vincent 
Published: September 2017

AbstractConservation professionals recognize the need to evaluate education initiatives with a flexible approach that is culturally appropriate. Cultural‐consensus theory (CCT) provides a framework for measuring the extent to which beliefs are communally held and has long been applied by social scientists. In a conservation‐education context, we applied CCT and used free lists (i.e., a list of items on a topic stated in order of cultural importance) and domain analysis (analysis of how free lists go together within a cultural group) to evaluate a conservation education program in which we used a children's picture book to increase knowledge about and empathy for a critically endangered mammal, the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus). We extracted free lists of keywords generated by students (n = 580 in 18 schools) from essays they wrote before and after the education program. In 2 classroom sessions conducted approximately 18 weeks apart, we asked students to write an essay about their knowledge of the target species and then presented a book and several activities about slow loris ecology. Prior to the second session, we asked students to write a second essay. We generated free lists from both essays, quantified salience of terms used, and conducted minimal residuals factor analysis to determine presence of cultural domains surrounding slow lorises in each session. Students increased their use of words accurately associated with slow loris ecology and conservation from 43% in initial essays to 76% in final essays. Domain coherence increased from 22% to 47% across schools. Fifteen factors contributed to the domain slow loris. Between the first and second essays, factors that showed the greatest change were feeding ecology and slow loris as a forest protector, which increased 7‐fold, and the humancentric factor, which decreased 5‐fold. As demonstrated by knowledge retention and creation of unique stories and conservation opinions, children achieved all six levels of Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains. Free from the constraints of questionnaires and surveys, CCT methods provide a promising avenue to evaluate conservation education programs.
Divergent Landowners' Expectations May Hinder the Uptake of a Forest Certificate Trading Scheme
Authors: Giannichi Marta Lisli , Dallimer Martin , Baker Timothy R. , Mitchell Gordon , Bernasconi Paula , Ziv Guy 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA major challenge to reduce forest loss in the tropics is to incentivize conservation on private land in agricultural settings. Engaging private landowners in conservation schemes is particularly important along deforestation frontiers, such as in the southern Brazilian Amazon. While we know much about what motivates landowners to participate as providers, or sellers, of conservation schemes, understanding what motivates landowners who act as buyers, that is, those who require land to meet conservation obligations, remains lacking. Here we identify viewpoints of sellers and buyers of an emerging forest certificate trading scheme in Brazil and quantify the compatibility of their views to examine potential barriers to trade. Sellers and buyers could be divided into three groups, but only one group in each case was positive about participating in the scheme. A key concern of buyers was the desire for establishing contracts with a long duration; in contrast, price was a key issue for sellers. Addressing these concerns by defining minimum contract lengths and restricting the spatial scale of transactions will be essential if this scheme is to realise its potential to reduce rates of deforestation.
Efficacy and safety of a calcium sensitizer, levosimendan, in patients with right heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jiang Rong , Zhao Qin‐Hua , Wu Wen‐Hui , Zhang Rui , Yuan Ping , Gong Su‐Gang , He Jing , Luo Ci‐Jun , Qiu Hong‐Ling , Wang Lan , Liu Jin‐Ming 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite using vasoactive and pulmonary hypertension (PH) specific therapies, the in‐hospital mortality of severe PH with right heart failure (RHF) is high. We conducted a prospective analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of levosimendan in PH patients with severe acute RHF.MethodsForty‐five PH patients hospitalized between January 2016 and November 2016 were recruited into a single arm, prospective, open‐label study. Levosimendan was administered at the rate of .05–0.1 μg/kg/min, up to a total dose of 12.5 mg. The primary endpoints were changes of World Health Organization Function Class (WHO‐FC) and Borg dyspnoea scores. Secondary endpoints included changes in 6‐min walk distance (6‐MWD), biochemical markers and right heart structure and function together with adverse events on day 7 and incidence of major cardiovascular events (death or readmission due to RHF) on day 30.ResultsForty‐five PH patients were enrolled. On the 7th day after levosimendan infusion, seven out of 13 PH patients with WHO‐FC IV improved by one class (P = .008). Borg dyspnoea scores, 6‐MWD and NT‐proBNP improved significantly (P < .001). Compared with baseline, the right atrial transverse dimension, end‐systolic eccentricity index and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion improved significantly (58.8 ± 13.1 mm vs 53.7 ± 12.4 mm; 1.50 ± 0.27 vs 1.38 ± 0.23; 15.0 (13.0, 16.0) mm vs 15.8 (14.0, 17.4) mm, P < .005, respectively). One patient occurred sudden death after discharge during follow‐up.ConclusionsIntravenous levosimendan can effectively improve severe RHF of PH patients in hospital and well tolerated.
Drivers of foot‐and‐mouth disease in cattle at wild/domestic interface: Insights from farmers, buffalo and lions
Authors: Miguel Eve , Grosbois Vladimir , Fritz Hervé , Caron Alexandre , de Garine‐Wichatitsky Michel , Nicod Florian , Loveridge Andrew J , Stapelkamp Brent , Macdonald David W. , Valeix Marion 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHumans live increasingly in the proximity of natural areas, leading to increased interactions between people, their livestock and wildlife.AimWe explored the role of these interactions in the risk of disease transmission (foot‐and‐mouth disease [FMD]) between cattle and the African buffalo (the maintenance host) and how a top predator, the lion, may modulate these interactions.LocationThe interface of Hwange National Park (HNP) and surrounding communal lands, Zimbabwe.MethodWe combined a longitudinal serological cattle survey for FMD, GPS‐collar data and cattle owners’ interviews during four seasons in 2010–2011.ResultsOverall FMD incidence in cattle was low, but showed a peak during the rainy season. The incidence dynamic was significantly explained by cattle incursion into the protected area (i.e., buffer zone of 3 km inside HNP) and not by contacts with buffalo or contacts among cattle. These results suggest that FMD virus either survives in the environment or is transmitted by other ungulate groups or species. The analysis of incursion frequency in the buffer suggests that (1) buffalo and cattle are avoiding each other up to 2 months after one species track and that (2) lions make frequent incursions in the buffer few days to few weeks after buffalo had used it, whereas buffalo did not use areas occupied by lions. Lions could thus reduce the spatio‐temporal overlap between cattle and buffalo in the interface, which could contribute to the low level of FMD incidence.Main conclusionsDuring the rainy season, traditional herding practices push cattle away from growing crops near villages into the HNP but not during the dry season, suggesting that cattle owners may decide to rely on lower quality resources in the communal land in the dry season to avoid the risks of infection and/or predation in the HNP.This study highlights the complex dynamics that operates at human/livestock/wildlife interfaces.
Ecological uniqueness of stream and lake diatom communities shows different macroecological patterns
Authors: Vilmi Annika , Karjalainen Satu Maaria , Heino Jani 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimTo discover whether lake and stream diatom communities show different patterns in species richness and in their local (LCBD) and species (SCBD) contributions to beta diversity in relation to macroscale environmental characteristics.LocationFinland.MethodsAs biological data, we used diatom samples collected from Finnish stream (n = 492) and lake (n = 290) sites. As explanatory variable data, we used information on macroscale environmental and historical aspects, such as bedrock, soil and post‐glacial highest shoreline. We also accounted for catchment areas, different levels of isolation and relative centrality of the study sites. We ran multiple linear models and selected best models based on AICc values.ResultsWe found that macroscale factors affecting diatom richness and ecological uniqueness differed clearly between streams and lakes. LCBD and species richness of stream communities were more affected by regional environmental characteristics, whereas LCBD and species richness of lake communities were more often driven by spatial measures. The measures of LCBD and species richness showed a slightly negative relationship in streams, but no such relationship was detected in lakes. Also, we showed that, for both streams and lakes, SCBD was strongly determined by the number of sites occupied by a species and the overall abundance of a species.Main conclusionsOur findings related to the distinction between the determinants of lake and stream species richness or LCBD may be tied to the different hydrological connectivity levels occurring in freshwater lotic and lentic systems. Also, in streams, sites with exceptional ecological uniqueness seem to have a rather low number of species. Our findings may be applied to biological conservation and monitoring planning, emphasizing that not only species‐rich but also unique low‐richness sites may be valuable conservation goals.
Field‐measured variables outperform derived alternatives in Maryland stream biodiversity models
Authors: Johnston Miriam R. , Elmore Andrew J. , Mokany Karel , Lisk Matthew , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimIn order to map patterns of biodiversity in support of conservation efforts, statistical models require environmental variables with full coverage across the study area, typically in the form of gridded surfaces derived from GIS, remote sensing or via interpolation. However, derived variables may not be as physiologically relevant or as representative of on‐the‐ground conditions as field‐measured variables. Here, we examine differences in the abilities of derived and field‐measured variables to explain and predict biogeographical patterns of freshwater fish and benthic invertebrate communities.LocationMaryland first‐ through fourth‐order streams, USA.MethodsWe fit generalized dissimilarity models to fish and benthic invertebrate occurrence data (n = 2,165 site‐years sampled over 18 years) using one set of field‐measured predictors collected concurrent and collocated with faunal sampling, two sets of derived predictors (one representing local and one representing upstream conditions) or a combination. We then compared how well models explained and predicted spatial turnover in taxonomic composition (beta diversity).ResultsFor all regions (four physiographic regions and the state as a whole) and for both fish and benthic invertebrates, models fit with field‐measured variables were more explanatory and usually more predictive than models fit with derived variables. Within the category of derived predictors, those accounting for upstream conditions were more explanatory and predictive than local‐scale versions.Main conclusionsAlthough derived variables are most commonly used to describe and map biodiversity, they may be broadly inferior to field‐measured variables as predictors in low‐order stream biodiversity models. Collection of field‐measured data and development of derived data that consider upstream conditions and capture physiologically relevant environmental characteristics are likely to improve our capability to predict and explain spatial patterns of low‐order stream biodiversity.
Railway lines affect spatial turnover of pollinator communities in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Moroń Dawid , Skórka Piotr , Lenda Magdalena , Celary Waldemar , Tryjanowski Piotr 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimLandscape composition and spatial configuration of habitat patches are important determinants of biodiversity in fragmented semi‐natural habitats spread across agricultural landscapes. However, little attention has been paid to man‐made structures that can moderate spatial processes affecting pollinator communities. In a large‐scale study, we explored the importance of railway embankments for the turnover of pollinator species in agricultural landscapes. Because species differ in vulnerability to landscape composition and patch configuration, we also accounted for body size as well as food specialization of pollinators.LocationKraków area, Poland.MethodsWe sampled pollinating insects (bees, butterflies and hoverflies), at 25 study sites located along railway lines in the region of Kraków, Poland. Control grasslands for the embankments included 19 patches, located among crop fields, in which pollinators were sampled. We assessed the relationships between dissimilarity and distance for bee, butterfly and hoverfly trait groups on embankments and grasslands using Moran's Eigenvector Maps.ResultsThe dissimilarity for food‐non‐specialized bees on embankments was spatially structured: sites that were closer together were also less dissimilar in their community composition than more distant ones. Dissimilarity was also spatially aligned for large‐bodied butterflies and hoverflies on embankments. The species dissimilarity of pollinators divided into trait‐based groups was not spatially structured on grasslands.Main conclusionOur study highlights the potential function of railway embankments as corridors for at least some pollinator populations. Landscape managers should include railways in green networks to improve spatial processes linked with the distribution and turnover of pollinator species in agricultural landscapes. Thus, railway embankments and their correct management may be a good example of man‐made alterations in the environment that meet the demands of both civilization and biodiversity conservation.
Outcome of conservative and surgical treatment for luxations of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon from the calcaneal tuber
Authors: Federici M. , Fürst A. E. , Hoey S. , Bischofberger A. S. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe objective of this study was to report the outcome of horses treated either conservatively or surgically for luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) from the calcaneal tuber. Medical records of horses with diagnosed SDFT luxations from the calcaneal tuber were reviewed (1993–2015) and long‐term follow‐up examinations and owner questionnaires performed. Survival to hospital discharge, complications, final SDFT position, soundness and return to intended use were compared between conservatively or surgically treated horses. Following conservative treatment all horses (n = 8) survived to hospital discharge. At long‐term follow‐up 71.4% (5/7) had returned to intended use. The SDFT was unstable in all of them resulting in a mild mechanical lameness. Nine horses underwent surgical treatment. The SDFT was reduced and maintained in position with a synthetic mesh and sutures (n = 2), with a synthetic mesh, sutures and suture screws (n = 6) or with sutures and suture screws (n = 1). Only 66.7% (6/9) of the horses survived to hospital discharge. Fatal complications including support limb laminitis (1/9), implant infection (1/9), and support limb laminitis plus infection (1/9) occurred. All horses available for long‐term follow‐up (n = 5) were clinically sound and 80% (4/5) had returned to intended use. Following conservative treatment, a mild mechanical lameness will persist but will not prevent the horses from returning to their intended use. Surgical repair can result in a stable fixation of the SDFT with long‐term soundness and return to intended use; however, fatal complications (support limb laminitis, infection) can occur leading to the euthanasia of the horse in the immediate post‐operative period.
Mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant nutrient acquisition and modulate nitrogen loss with variable water regimes
Authors: Bowles Timothy M. , Jackson Louise E. , Cavagnaro Timothy R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractClimate change will alter both the amount and pattern of precipitation and soil water availability, which will directly affect plant growth and nutrient acquisition, and potentially, ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling and losses as well. Given their role in facilitating plant nutrient acquisition and water stress resistance, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may modulate the effects of changing water availability on plants and ecosystem functions. The well‐characterized mycorrhizal tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotype 76R (referred to as MYC+) and the mutant mycorrhiza‐defective tomato genotype rmc were grown in microcosms in a glasshouse experiment manipulating both the pattern and amount of water supply in unsterilized field soil. Following 4 weeks of differing water regimes, we tested how AM fungi affected plant productivity and nutrient acquisition, short‐term interception of a pulse, and inorganic nitrogen (N) leaching from microcosms. AM fungi enhanced plant nutrient acquisition with both lower and more variable water availability, for instance increasing plant P uptake more with a pulsed water supply compared to a regular supply and increasing shoot N concentration more when lower water amounts were applied. Although uptake of the short‐term pulse was higher in rmc plants, possibly due to higher N demand, AM fungi subtly modulated leaching, decreasing losses by 54% at low and high water levels in the regular water regime, with small absolute amounts of leached (<1 kg N/ha). Since this study shows that AM fungi will likely be an important moderator of plant and ecosystem responses to adverse effects of more variable precipitation, management strategies that bolster AM fungal communities may in turn create systems that are more resilient to these changes.
Use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kambara Takahiro , Shibata Rei , Osanai Hiroyuki , Nakashima Yoshihito , Asano Hiroshi , Sakai Kazuyoshi , Murohara Toyoaki , Ajioka Masayoshi 
Published: September 2017

AimSodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are antidiabetic agents that act on the proximal renal tubules to lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose reabsorption and promoting urinary glucose excretion. The present study assessed the long‐term use of SGLT2 inhibitors in older patients with diabetes.MethodsA total of 117 older patients with type 2 diabetes who were given SGLT2 inhibitors were enrolled from April 2014 to March 2016.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 73.7 ± 10.0 years. During the follow‐up period (mean 289.3 days), there was no event associated with oral administration of SGLT2 inhibitors. These drugs significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels at 6 months, and did not affect the creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio or estimated glomerular filtration rate during treatment. Although the treatment significantly increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, it did not affect the ultrasonographically determined diameter of the inferior vena cava, and no signs of intravascular collapse were observed. Changes in brain natriuretic peptide levels during the follow‐up period were assessed in 78 patients with a brain natriuretic peptide level exceeding the normal upper limit before treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. The brain natriuretic peptide levels significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment.ConclusionsIn older Japanese patients with diabetes, treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors for 6 months exerted a favorable hypoglycemic effect, while no sign of dehydration was observed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 108–114.
THE INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCRUB TYPHUS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND
Authors: DERRICK E. H. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn the four years 1951–1955, 199 cases or probable cases of scrub typhus were recognized in North Queensland. The geographical distribution was discontinuous along the Pacific Coast from near Thursday Island (10.6° S.), where cases have not previously been reported, to Mackay (21.1° S.). All but four occurred between Cooktown (15.5° S.) and Ingham (18.7° S.). Most cases arose in a narrow belt close to the sea, and all within 40 miles of it. Some arose on the Atherton Tableland at an elevation of 2000 to 3000 feet.The scrub typhus region has an abundant rainfall and high humidity. Like the potential rain forest region, it is approximately bounded by the 60‐inch isohyet. The mean annual temperature in the scrub typhus region ranges from 80.7° F. at Thursday Island to 68.1° F. at Atherton. The boundary of the region is not related to any isotherm.The existence of foci of high and persisting endemicity, noted in other countries, is evident also in North Queensland. They offer opportunities for intensive ecological studies and for evaluation of preventive measures.The highest monthly incidence was from March to July. The seasonal variation appears to be determined primarily by the rainfall—the wet season is from January to April—but modified by the occupational or recreational activities that take people into endemic foci.Infection was associated with occupation in about 65 %—mainly timber‐cutting, scrub‐clearing and fruit‐farming—and in 18% with recreation. In 17% the significant activity was not defined.