bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating thermal physiology within a syndrome: Locomotion, personality and habitat selection in an ectotherm
Authors: Michelangeli Marcus , Goulet Celine T. , Kang Hee S. , Wong Bob B. M. , Chapple David G. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Physiology and temperature can both have a profound influence on behaviour and metabolism. Despite this, thermal physiology has rarely been considered within the animal personality framework, but could be an inherent mechanism maintaining consistent individual differences in behaviour, particularly in species that need to thermoregulate (i.e. ectotherms).

Here, we present evidence for a thermal‐behavioural syndrome and detail how it is linked to variation in habitat selection in an Australian lizard, the delicate skink, Lampropholis delicata.

We predicted that individuals would occur along a cold–hot continuum—analogues to the slow–fast continuum proposed by the pace‐of‐life hypothesis—whereby an individual's placement along a thermal physiological axis will correspond with their placement along a personality axis. We first tested the thermal‐behavioural syndrome by measuring the thermal preferences and optimal performance temperature of individual skinks and linking it to their activity, exploratory, social and boldness behaviours.

In line with our predictions, we found that individuals with a “hot” thermal type performed optimally at higher temperatures, had faster sprint speeds and were more active, explorative and bold relative to “cold” thermal types.

We then monitored each individual's habitat selection within an artificial environment containing three microhabitats differing in their thermal characteristics.

We found that an individual's thermal type mediated their use of habitat, in which “hot” individuals utilized a hotter microhabitat more regularly than both “cold” and “intermediate” thermal types, suggesting that the thermal‐behavioural syndrome could drive ecological niche partitioning in this species.

We envisage that the thermal‐behavioural syndrome concept is likely to extend to other study systems, particularly to ectothermic organisms that rely heavily on behavioural thermoregulation to maintain optimal body temperature.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Fisheries productivity under progressive coral reef degradation
Authors: Rogers Alice , Blanchard Julia L. , Mumby Peter J. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

In response to multiple stressors, coral reef health has declined in recent decades, with reefs exhibiting reduced living coral and structural complexity, and a concomitant rise in the dominance of algal resources. Reef degradation alters food availability and reduces the diversity and density of refuges for prey. These changes affect predator–prey interactions and can have cascading impacts on food webs and fisheries productivity.

We use a size‐based ecosystem model of coral reefs that incorporates the influence of structural complexity, benthic primary production and detrital recycling to explore how predator–prey interactions and fisheries productivity respond to a gradient of reef degradation.

We show that fisheries productivity overall may be robust to initial stages of reef degradation because the benefits of increased resources outweigh the costs of moderate refuge decline. However, the assemblage composition and size structure of reef fish will differ on degraded reefs, with herbivores and invertivores contributing relatively more to productivity.

More significant losses of refuges associated with the erosion of structural complexity correspond to fisheries productivity losses of at least 35% compared to healthy reefs.

Synthesis and applications. Our model provides fisheries managers with quantitative predictions about how fisheries productivity may change in response to the ongoing degradation of coral reefs. We predict an initial increase in productivity at intermediate reef degradation, followed by a drastic decline when structural complexity is lost. We also capture subtle changes to potential catch composition and fish size, including increases in smaller herbivorous and invertivorous fish from degraded reefs, which will undoubtedly impact fisheries value. On the one hand, our results reassure for continued productivity in the short term, but on the other, we warn against complacency. Management must change to capture any potential benefits to fisheries, and long‐term sustainability still depends on the maintenance of complex coral reef habitats.
Four Organisational Cultures in the Australian Public Service: Assessing the Validity and Plausibility of Mary Douglas’ Cultural Theory
Authors: Matheson Craig 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper seeks to contribute to the study of organisational culture within the public sector by using Mary Douglas' cultural theory to analyse organisational cultures within the Australian Public Service (APS). It shows that the four cultures that she identifies, namely, hierarchy, individualism, egalitarianism, and fatalism, have been present within the APS. It also shows that these cultures can be explained in terms of variations in the extent of social regulation (grid) and social integration (group), as Douglas predicts in her theory. The article thereby shows that cultural theory is valid and it can contribute to the study of organisational cultures, particularly those within the public sector. It shows that the strength of these four cultures within the APS varies in accordance with organisational rank. Fatalism is strongest at junior and middle levels; individualism is strongest at senior levels whereas hierarchy is strongest at middle levels.
Talking about time: temporality and motivation for international Christian humanitarian actors in South Sudan
Authors: Kaler Amy , Parkins John R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe investigate ways in which international evangelical Christian humanitarians talk about time as they engaged in humanitarian assistance and development work in South Sudan. Our focus on Christian development work is motivated by a desire to understand how and why people persevere in humanitarian work and reconcile seemingly impossible circumstances and to further elaborate sociological conceptions of time as experienced by people in their own lives. We argue that their faith commitments produce ways of understanding time and causality which make possible their attachment to risky and dangerous work. Our work is based on in‐depth interviews with people who work or have recently worked for Christian faith‐based organizations in South Sudan (n = 30). Drawing on Tavory and Eliasoph's () concepts of life narratives and life projects, we treat our participants as culturally competent actors who skilfully construct their stories through drawing on collectively shared faith‐inflected ideas about temporality and causation. We argue that these ideas represent an important resource for getting through the risks, challenges and uncertainties of doing humanitarian work in complex crises.
Measuring Suspended‐Sediment Concentration and Turbidity in the Middle Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers Using Landsat Data
Authors: Pereira Leticia S. F. , Andes Lisa C. , Cox Amanda L. , Ghulam Abduwasit 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Middle Mississippi River (MMR) and lower Missouri River (MOR) provide critical navigation waterways, ecological habitat, and flood conveyance. They are also directly linked to processes affecting geomorphic and ecological conditions in the lower MR and Delta. For this study, a method was developed to measure suspended‐sediment concentration (SSC) and turbidity along the MMR and the lower MOR using Landsat imagery. Data from nine United States Geological Survey water‐quality monitoring stations were used to create a model‐development dataset and a model‐validation dataset. Concurrent gaging data were identified for available Landsat images to generate the datasets. Surface‐reflectance filters were developed to eliminate images with cirrus cloud coverage or vessel traffic. Using the filtered model‐development dataset, unique reflectance‐SSC and reflectance‐turbidity models were developed for three Landsat sensors: Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager, Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus, and Landsat 4–5 Thematic Mapper. Coefficient of determination values for the models ranged from 0.72 to 0.88 for the model‐development dataset. The model‐validation dataset was used to evaluate the performance of the models and had coefficient of determination values ranging from 0.62 to 0.79.
The effect of pre‐operative gastric ultrasound examination on the choice of general anaesthetic induction technique for non‐elective paediatric surgery. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gagey A.‐C. , de Queiroz Siqueira M. , Monard C. , Combet S. , Cogniat B. , Desgranges F.‐P. , Robinson P. , Chassard D. , Bouvet L. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryUltrasound examination of the gastric antrum is a non‐invasive tool that allows reliable estimation of gastric contents. We performed this prospective cohort study in non‐elective paediatric surgery to assess whether gastric ultrasound may help to determine the best anaesthetic induction technique, whether rapid sequence or routine. The primary outcome was the reduction of inappropriate induction technique. A pre‐operative clinical assessment was performed by the attending anaesthetist who made a provisional plan for induction. Gastric ultrasound was performed in the semirecumbent and right lateral decubitus positions for a qualitative assessment of gastric contents, using a 0–2 grading scale. A final induction plan was made based on this assessment. Immediately after tracheal intubation, gastric contents were suctioned through a multi‐orifice nasogastric tube; these were defined as above risk threshold for regurgitation and aspiration if there was clear fluid > 0.8 ml.kg−1, and/or the presence of thick fluid and/or solid particles. Gastric ultrasound was feasible in 130 out of 143 (90%) of children, and led to a change in the planned induction technique in 67 patients: 30 from routine to rapid sequence, and 37 from rapid sequence to routine. An appropriate induction technique was therefore performed in 85% of children, vs. 49% planned after pre‐operative clinical assessment alone (p < 0.00001). Our results suggest that gastric ultrasound is a useful guide to the general anaesthetic induction technique with respect to the risk of pulmonary aspiration, in comparison with pre‐operative clinical assessment alone.
Randomized clinical trial to assess the ideal mode of delivery for local anaesthetic abdominal wall blocks
Authors: Holmes Ryan , Smith Stephen R. , Carroll Rosemary , Holz Phillip , Mehrotra Rahul , Pockney Peter 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundAdequate post‐operative analgesia is essential for recovery following abdominal surgery. Abdominal wall nerve blocks have been shown to be beneficial in this respect following surgery. The purpose of this trial was to examine the efficacy of infusional versus intermittent bolus delivery of abdominal wall blocks in patients undergoing abdominal resectional gastrointestinal surgery.MethodsA prospective randomized clinical trial, involving 120 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, was undertaken across three hospitals. Insertion of abdominal wall catheters was performed and patients were randomized to receive ropivacaine 0.2% by either continuous infusion or regular intermittent bolus. The primary outcome was respiratory function, as measured by spirometry on post‐operative days 1–3 and 30. Secondary outcomes were pain, mobility, return of gut function, length of hospital stay, complication rates and patient satisfaction with analgesia.ResultsAll 120 patients were followed up to trial completion. Patients were well matched with regards to demographics. There was no difference between groups with regards to the primary outcome of post‐operative respiratory function. The bolus group had improved mobility scores on post‐operative day 1 (P = 0.025). There were no complications associated with blockade, and no other differences were identified between assessed outcomes.ConclusionsContinuous infusion and intermittent bolus are both safe ways of delivering abdominal wall nerve blockade, with equivalent analgesic outcomes. Bolus delivery appears to provide superior early mobility in comparison with continuous infusion.
The influence of postpartum PTSD on breastfeeding: A longitudinal population‐based study
Authors: Garthus‐Niegel Susan , Horsch Antje , Ayers Susan , Junge‐Hoffmeister Juliane , Weidner Kerstin , Eberhard‐Gran Malin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn most Western countries, breastfeeding rates are lower than what is recommended by the World Health Organization. Depression has been shown to influence breastfeeding outcomes; however, there is very little research on the role of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined to what extent maternal postpartum PTSD predicted breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months, and continuation up to 1 and 2 years.MethodsThe study is part of the large, population‐based Akershus Birth Cohort. Data from the hospital's birth record and questionnaire data from 8 weeks and 2 years postpartum were used (n = 1480). All breastfeeding variables significantly correlated with postpartum PTSD were entered into stepwise logistic regression analyses.ResultsAlthough most mothers (97.1%) initiated breastfeeding, considerably fewer adhered to the World Health Organization's breastfeeding guidelines about exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months (13.4%) or continued breastfeeding for 12 or 24 months postpartum (37.7% and 4.2%, respectively). Even after adjustment for important confounding variables, maternal postpartum PTSD was significantly associated with not initiating breastfeeding (aOR 5.98 [95% CI 1.79‐19.97]). Postpartum PTSD was also significantly related to not continuing breastfeeding up to 12 months, although this association did not hold after adjusting for confounding variables.ConclusionIdentifying women at risk of not initiating breastfeeding is crucial to prevent a negative influence on infant development and the development of the mother‐infant bond. Early screening and treatment of women at risk of developing postpartum PTSD might be a way forward.
Gender differences in mathematics achievement in Beijing: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Meijuan , Zhang Yongmei , Liu Hongyun , Hao Yi 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe topic of gender differences in mathematical performance has received considerable attention in the fields of education, sociology, economics and psychology.AimsWe analysed gender differences based on data from the Beijing Assessment of Educational Quality in China.SampleA large data set of Grade 5 and Grade 8 students who took the mathematical test from 2008 to 2013 (n = 73,318) were analysed.MethodMeta‐analysis was used in this research.ResultsThe findings were as follows. (1) No gender differences in mathematical achievement exist among students in Grade 5, relatively small gender differences exist in Grade 8, females scored higher than males, and variance of male students is larger than that of females in both Grade 5 and Grade 8. (2) Except for statistics and probability, gender differences in other domains in Grade 8 are significantly higher than those in Grade 5, and female students outperform males. (3) The ratio of students of both gender in Grade 5 and Grade 8 at the 95–100% percentile level shows no significant differences. However, the ratio of male students is significantly higher than that of females at the 0–5% percentile level. (4) In Grade 5, the extent to which females outperformed males in low SES group is larger than that in higher SES groups, and in Grade 8, the magnitude of gender differences in urban schools is smaller than that in rural schools.ConclusionThere is a small gender difference among the 8th graders, with the male disadvantage at the bottom of the distribution. And gender differences also vary across school locations.
Evidence for depressed growth of juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus) in Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits, British Columbia
Authors: Journey M. L. , Trudel M. , Young G. , Beckman B. R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractJuvenile salmon traveling northwestward to the Pacific Ocean from the Strait of Georgia migrate through and take residence in both Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits. Johnstone Strait is a narrow and deep passage that is tidally mixed daily, resulting in a nearly isothermal water column, surface to the bottom (approximately 250 m). The trophic gauntlet hypothesis (McKinnell, Curchitser, Groot, Kaeriyama, & Trudel, ) suggests that Johnstone Strait provides a poor growth environment for fish required to transit this area during their migration, due to the oceanographic conditions found there. Using insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF1), a hormone used to assess short‐term growth (within 5–7 days) in fishes, growth was measured in individual juvenile salmon from five species in the Northern Strait of Georgia, Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait, and Queen Charlotte Sound in the summer of 2012, 2013, and 2014. All five juvenile salmon species had significantly lower IGF1 concentration in both Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits as compared to the Northern Strait of Georgia. These results are consistent with some aspects of the tropic gauntlet hypothesis as growth of juvenile salmon in both Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits were significantly lower than found in the Northern Strait of Georgia across all salmon species and all years. In addition, these results demonstrate the utility of growth indices for assessing the effects of environmental variation on juvenile salmon in the presence of a strong ecological driver.
Bio‐agronomic characterization and implications on the potential use as forage of Bituminaria bituminosa and B. morisiana accessions
Authors: Melis R. A. M. , Franca A. , Re G. A. , Porqueddu C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPerennial forage legumes may be pivotal for improving the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed farming systems. This study summarizes the outcomes of a study aimed at characterizing morphological and agronomic traits of new germplasm of Bituminaria bituminosa and B. morisiana in Mediterranean environments. Five B. morisiana and three B. bituminosa native populations were evaluated in a small‐plot field experiment in Sardinia (Italy) and compared with seven Spanish accessions of B. bituminosa. The two Bituminaria species differed greatly in morphological traits and the beginning of the flowering stage, and remarkable variations between species were found for forage production and its seasonal distribution, seed yield and persistence. Average cumulative dry‐matter yield was higher in B. bituminosa than in B. morisiana (+7.6%; 297 vs. 276 g per plant). Average 3‐year seed production varied greatly between accessions (from 0.3 to 141 g per plant). Differences for these traits were also found between Sardinian and Spanish germplasm of B. bituminosa. Four clusters were generated by K‐means clustering. Accessions included in cluster III exhibited a positive combination of favourable forage production, high seed yield and satisfactory persistence. Nonetheless, the cluster analysis did not highlight a sharp discrimination between Bituminaria species. The overall results revealed the potential role of Sardinian accessions of B. bituminosa and B. morisiana in extending the forage season and for increased resilience of grasslands in Sardinia and other Mediterranean regions under rainfed conditions.
Five years of monitoring for the emergence of oseltamivir resistance in patients with influenza A infections in the Influenza Resistance Information Study
Authors: Lina Bruno , Boucher Charles , Osterhaus Albert , Monto Arnold S. , Schutten Martin , Whitley Richard J. , Nguyen‐Van‐Tam Jonathan S. 
Published: December 2017

Background and objectivesThe Influenza Resistance Information Study (IRIS) was initiated in 2008 to study the emergence of neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) resistance and the clinical course of influenza in immunocompetent treated and untreated patients.MethodsPatients had throat/nose swabs collected on days 1, 3, 6 and 10 for analyses of influenza type, subtype and virus susceptibility to NAIs. RT‐PCR‐positive samples were cultured and tested for NAI resistance by specific RT‐PCR and phenotypic testing. Scores for influenza symptoms were recorded on diary cards (Days 1‐10). This study focuses on influenza A‐infected cases only.ResultsAmong 3230 RT‐PCR‐positive patients, 2316 had influenza A of whom 1216 received oseltamivir monotherapy within 2 days of symptom onset (9 seasonal H1N1; 662 H3N2; 545 H1N1pdm2009). Except for 9 patients with naturally resistant seasonal H1N1 (2008/9), no resistance was detected in Day 1 samples. Emergence of resistance (post‐Day 1) was detected in 43/1207 (3.56%) oseltamivir‐treated influenza A‐infected patients, with a higher frequency in 1‐ to 5‐year‐olds (11.8%) vs >5‐year‐olds (1.4%). All N1‐ and N2‐resistant viruses had H275Y (n = 27) or R292K (n = 16) substitutions, respectively. For 43 patients, virus clearance was significantly delayed vs treated patients with susceptible viruses (8.1 vs 10.9 days; P < .0001), and 11 (23.2%) remained RT‐PCR positive for influenza at Day 10. However, their symptoms resolved by Day 6 or earlier.ConclusionsOseltamivir resistance was only detected during antiviral treatment, with the highest incidence occurring among 1‐ to 5‐year‐olds. Resistance delayed viral clearance, but had no impact on symptom resolution.
Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with wide excision and second intention healing: a meaningful local cure rate after 253 procedures
Authors: Deckers I.E. , Dahi Y. , van der Zee H.H. , Prens E.P. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundSurgery is an important treatment modality for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Various methods of HS surgery have been described. Even though wide excision is a common surgical procedure for HS, data on the recurrence rate and patient satisfaction are scarce.ObjectiveTo determine the recurrence rate and patient satisfaction of HS lesional wide excision (complete excision) with secondary intention healing.MethodsA single centre retrospective study. Hundred and twenty eligible patients were identified from our medical files, and an individualized questionnaire was sent.ResultsEighty‐six patents responded to our questionnaire (71.7%). Of whom, 84 patients underwent in total 253 procedures. The mean follow‐up time per procedure was 36.2 months. In 37.6% of the procedures, recurrence occurred within a mean follow‐up period of 3 years (after a median of 6.0 months). Total remission of an anatomical area was achieved in 49% of the procedures, whereas natural disease progression occurred in 13%. The genital region was the most prone to recurrence.The majority of the patients were glad that they had undergone the procedure and would recommend the surgical procedure to other HS patients.ConclusionLesional wide excision (complete excision) with secondary intention healing yields a meaningful local cure rate for HS and is well tolerated.