bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘I am not a tragedy. I am full of hope’: communication impairment narratives in newspapers
Authors: O Malley‐Keighran Mary‐Pat , Coleman Mary 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIndividual attitudes and more general attitudes in society can negatively influence the functioning of people with communication disorders according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) (2002). Personal narratives have been recommended as the best means to convey and understand a person's life experience and have been investigated extensively. Investigations of personal narratives of communication impairment in mass media continue to be relatively rare in the literature. Published narratives can enrich understandings of clients’ experiences by elucidating available representations of lived experiences of communication impairment.AimsTo answer the following research questions: What types of personal narratives of communication impairments are currently being disseminated in Irish newspapers? How are experiences of communication impairments represented in these narratives?Methods & ProceduresThe study was qualitative, deploying inductive analysis and drawing on Frank's () typology of illness narratives to analyse narratives that were published in two Irish national newspapers over a 12‐month period.Outcomes & ResultsThe results illustrate the under‐representation of communication impairments in Irish newspapers as ten out of 51 narratives in the corpus pertained to conditions that may have associated communication impairments. None of the narratives related the lived experience of a person with communication impairment in depth. A combination of quest and chaos narrative types was identified in six out of the ten narratives. Three out of the ten narratives featured a combination of chaos and restitution narrative types. One narrative was identified as being entirely a quest narrative. Three narratives contained elements of restitution. Inductive analysis revealed six main themes in the data (two for each narrative type) with one sub‐theme identified for each main theme. The six main themes are: positive stances, re‐evaluation of life, despair, fear, hope and support of others.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe under‐representation of the lived experience of people with communication impairments in Irish national newspapers may be seen as contributing to a general lack of understanding and awareness of communication impairments. This under‐representation, coupled with a lack of awareness, may potentially affect the ability of people with communication impairments to re‐engage with and reintegrate into their communities.
Food insecurity among university students in Victoria: A pilot study
Authors: Micevski Dee A. , Thornton Lukar E. , Brockington Sonia 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimsSusceptibility to food insecurity can vary over a life course; however, a potential period of particular vulnerability is while studying at a tertiary institution. This pilot study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and potential determinants of food insecurity among tertiary students attending a Victorian‐based institution.MethodsThe present study employed a cross‐sectional design, involving use of a self‐reported questionnaire. The survey, conducted in 2012, was administered to a sample of 124 Deakin University students and contains measures of food insecurity status, demographics and other potential explanatory factors. Descriptive and regression analysis was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and associations with factors that may support or hinder a student's ability to procure food, such as living arrangements, income and knowledge of support services.ResultsFood insecurity without hunger was reported by 18% of Deakin University students, while an additional 30% reported experiencing the more severe form of food insecurity (with hunger). A lower odds of being food insecure was reported among students living with their family (without hunger OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.12–0.99; with hunger OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.70), while a higher odds was found among those receiving government support (with hunger OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.05–6.04).ConclusionsThe reported prevalence of food insecurity among the tertiary student sample was greater than the general Australian population, suggesting they are a vulnerable group. This may be attributable to financial pressures faced when students are not living with their parents.
A method for detecting modules in quantitative bipartite networks
Authors: Dormann Carsten F. , Strauss Rouven 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Ecological networks are often composed of different subcommunities (often referred to as modules). Identifying such modules has the potential to develop a better understanding of the assembly of ecological communities and to investigate functional overlap or specialization.

The most informative form of networks are quantitative or weighted networks. Here, we introduce an algorithm to identify modules in quantitative bipartite (or two‐mode) networks. It is based on the hierarchical random graphs concept of Clauset et al. (2008 Nature 453: 98–101) and is extended to include quantitative information and adapted to work with bipartite graphs. We define the algorithm, which we call QuanBiMo, sketch its performance on simulated data and illustrate its potential usefulness with a case study.

Modules are detected with a higher accuracy in simulated quantitative networks than in their binary counterparts. Even at high levels of noise, QuanBiMo still classifies 70% of links correctly as within‐ or between‐modules. Recursively applying the algorithm results in additional information of within‐module organization of the network.

The algorithm introduced here must be seen as a considerable improvement over the current standard of algorithms for binary networks. Due to its higher sensitivity, it is likely to lead to be useful for detecting modules in the typically noisy data of ecological networks.
New biodiversity measure that includes consistent interspecific and intraspecific components
Authors: Pavoine Sandrine , Izsák Janos 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Current developments of diversity measures that consider that species are not equivalent, concentrate on how functionally or phylogenetically (dis)similar species are from each other (interspecific components). To assess the biodiversity of a community, few of the developed measures include intraspecific components, that is to say components that concern only the current features of the individuals of a species or the history of the species regardless of the other extant species of the community. A requirement for new developments in diversity indices could thus be to integrate both interspecific and intraspecific components. The objectives of our study are to introduce a parametric index of diversity (qH), expressed as an effective number of species, which satisfies this requirement, and to analyse the diversity of order 2 (2H). In the particular case of equal intraspecific components for every species, 2H is a simple function of Rao's quadratic entropy.

We introduce our new index family and demonstrate that the vectors of species' proportions that maximize 2H are not necessarily unique and may have zeros (removing species). Then, we apply our index to two case studies: a theoretical example of phylogenetic diversity analysis; and a real data set on the changes in diet diversity of bird communities along an altitudinal gradient.

Using a theoretical phylogenetic tree, we demonstrate that a maximizing vector for 2H can be associated with measures of species' phylogenetic originality. Applied to bird communities in Tarentaise Valley, France, 2H describes a decline in diet diversity with altitude due to a higher proportion of invertebrates in the diets of birds that occur where rocks replace deciduous and evergreen bushes and trees.

Related to recent developments of diversity study made in the field of ecology, our approach has the advantages of integrating functional or phylogenetic intraspecific and interspecific components, and species' proportions (e.g. relative abundance or biomass), and of being applicable to many different data sets and objectives. Applied to both phylogenetic and functional diversity, our approach can help decisions when prioritizing conservation actions.
Smoking rates and smoking cessation preferences of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of two large Australian maternity hospitals
Authors: Hoekzema Laura , Werumeus Buning Annabel , Bonevski Billie , Wolke Lisa , Wong Swee , Drinkwater Paul , Stewart Kay , George Johnson 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundTobacco smoking is the most important preventable cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Some women continue to smoke during pregnancy although the harmful effects are evident.AimsTo characterise pregnant smokers and to understand their smoking behaviours and preferences for smoking cessation.Materials and MethodsPregnant women (≥18 years) attending the antenatal clinics of two large Victorian maternity hospitals completed a prepiloted questionnaire which included items regarding socio‐demographics, smoking habits and attitudes towards quitting.ResultsSmoking status was self‐reported by 1899 participants; 125 (6.6%) were current smokers and 604 (31.8%) were ex‐smokers. There were 87 (69.6%) daily smokers and 38 (30.4%) occasional smokers. Smokers mainly had medium (54; 43.2%) or heavy nicotine dependence (45; 36%). Current smokers were younger, Australian born, not living with a partner, from a lower socio‐economic background, multigravida and had a smoker in their household or among friends. Although pregnant smokers were aware of the possible complications of smoking, their motivation and confidence to quit (median) on a 10‐point scale were 7 and 4, respectively. The majority of smokers preferred to stop smoking gradually (74; 71.2%). The preferred methods for quitting were medications (49; 47.6%) and hypnotherapy (35; 34.0%). Patches (28; 29.5%) were the preferred dosage form, and nicotine replacement therapy (25; 28.1%) was the preferred medication. Less than half reported that their health professionals discouraged smoking during pregnancy.ConclusionsHealth professionals should be more proactive in identifying smokers and offering smoking cessation support in pregnancy. Multidisciplinary smoking cessation interventions for pregnant smokers are warranted.
Estimating plant biomass in early‐successional subtropical vegetation using a visual obstruction technique
Authors: Fleming Genie M. , Wunderle Joseph M. , Ewert David N. , O'Brien Joseph J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimNon‐destructive methods for quantifying above‐ground plant biomass are important tools in many ecological studies and management endeavours, but estimation methods can be labour intensive and particularly difficult in structurally diverse vegetation types. We aimed to develop a low‐cost, but reasonably accurate, estimation technique within early‐successional Bahamian broadleaf shrub vegetation.LocationEleuthera, The Bahamas.MethodsOur biomass estimation technique was based on a visual obstruction method originally developed for use in grassland vegetation, but modified to suit our mixed vegetation structure. Visual obstruction measures were recorded for a total of 90 0.25‐m2 quadrats from which all standing vegetation was subsequently collected, dried and weighed. Regression models were then developed to predict vegetation dry weight (biomass) from visual obstruction.ResultsThe field time and equipment costs required to obtain our visual obstruction measures were low, and the accuracy of our above‐ground plant biomass predictions was on par with that reported for other estimation techniques. Should increased accuracy or additional structural information be desired, our basic technique can be enhanced by adding other easily obtained measures (e.g. woody stem circumference).ConclusionsOur low‐cost technique yields reasonably accurate estimates of above‐ground plant biomass and should be transferable to any shrubland vegetation type where the maximum height of vegetation is typically below 2 m.
Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Improves Patients' Postoperative Quality of Life in Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Del Fabbro Massimo , Corbella Stefano , Ceresoli Valentina , Ceci Caterina , Taschieri Silvio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurposeThe control of postoperative discomfort may improve the patient's quality of life as well as treatment acceptance. The aim of the present preliminary report was to assess if the use of autologous platelet concentrate during maxillary sinus augmentation may have a favorable impact on pain and other factors related to patient's quality of life in the first week after surgery.Materials and MethodsThis is an interim report of a randomized single‐blind study. Fifteen patients with atrophic edentulous posterior maxilla underwent maxillary sinus augmentation using deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM) as the grafting material (control group). In other 15 patients (test group), autologous plasma rich in growth factors (P‐PRP) was added to DBBM, then a P‐PRP clot was applied to covering the graft before suturing and finally P‐PRP was placed over the suture in liquid form. During the first week postsurgery, all patients filled in a questionnaire for evaluation of main symptoms and daily activities. The outcomes of the questionnaires of the two groups were statistically compared.ResultsIn the first days postsurgery, the group using P‐PRP reported significantly less pain, swelling, and hematoma, and improved functional activities with respect to the control group.ConclusionsThe adjunct of P‐PRP to the maxillary sinus augmentation procedure produced a beneficial effect to patients' quality of life in the early postsurgical phase.
Stable isotope enrichment in laboratory ant colonies: effects of colony age, metamorphosis, diet, and fat storage
Authors: Barriga P.A. , Sloan J.V. , Porter S.D. , Sagers C.L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEcologists use stable isotopes to infer diets and trophic levels of animals in food webs, yet some assumptions underlying these inferences have not been thoroughly tested. We used laboratory‐reared colonies of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Solenopsidini) to test the effects of metamorphosis, diet, and lipid storage on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios. Effects of metamorphosis were examined in ant colonies maintained on a control diet of domestic crickets and sucrose solution. Effects of a diet shift were evaluated by adding a tuna supplement to select colonies. Effects of lipid content on stable isotopes were tested by treating worker ants with polar and non‐polar solvents. δ13C and δ15N values of larvae, pupae, and workers were measured by mass spectrometry on whole‐animal preparations. We found a significant effect of colony age on δ13C, but not δ15N; larvae, pupae, and workers collected at 75 days were slightly depleted in 13C relative to collections at 15 days (Δδ13C = −0.27‰). Metamorphosis had a significant effect on δ15N, but not δ13C; tissues of each successive developmental stage were increasingly enriched in 15N (pupae, +0.5‰; workers, +1.4‰). Availability of tuna resulted in further shifts of about +0.6‰ in isotope ratios for all developmental stages. Removing fat with organic solvents had no effect on δ13C, but treatment with a non‐polar solvent resulted in enriched δ15N values of +0.37‰. Identifying regular patterns of isotopic enrichment as described here should improve the utility of stable isotopes in diet studies of insects. Our study suggests that researchers using 15N enrichment to assess trophic levels of an organism at different sites need to take care not to standardize with immature insect herbivores or predators at one site and mature ones at another. Similar problems may also exist when standardizing with holometabolous insects at one site and spiders or hemimetabolous insects at another site.
Antixenosis and larval and adult dispersal in the Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioides, in relation to Bt maize
Authors: López Carmen , Hernández‐Escareño Gerardo , Eizaguirre Matilde , Albajes Ramon 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key pest of maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] and a main target of Bt maize in the Mediterranean area. To choose the most suitable non‐Bt refuge strategy for preventing or delaying resistance development in this maize borer, we examined its biology and behaviour. No antixenotic effects were found on numbers of eggs and egg batches per plant in choice (Bt vs. non‐Bt plants) and no‐choice assays. However, a greater ratio of young larvae dispersed from Bt than from non‐Bt plants. In addition, larvae that hatched on Bt plants tended to disperse more than those that hatched on non‐Bt plants, particularly during young growth stages. Many adults, especially females, could fly at least up to 400 m, as was found in a dispersal study with rubidium‐marked adults. The stimulation of larval dispersal by the Bt trait and the dispersal capacity of adults might compromise the efficacy of seed mixtures as an insecticide resistance management strategy.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Influence Expression of Defensive Behavior in Plains Hog‐Nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus)
Authors: Durso Andrew M. , Mullin Stephen J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAnimals failing to deter predation are eaten. Among the many deterrents to predation, antipredator behaviors are perhaps the most variable, ranging from active (fight or flight) to passive (immobility). We assessed variation in the expression of a passive defensive behavior, death‐feigning, in Plains Hog‐nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus) and predicted that intrinsic and extrinsic factors would influence the duration of this behavior and the latency to its onset. We simulated predatory attacks on 27 snakes encountered in the field, and analyzed the behavioral responses of snakes as a function of differences among individuals (sex and size) and environmental factors (temperature and microhabitat). Larger snakes death‐feigned for longer durations than smaller ones; this relationship was stronger for female snakes than for males. Death feints were initiated sooner when snakes were encountered at higher temperatures. Extrinsic factors had a greater influence on latency to death‐feigning behavior, whereas intrinsic factors more strongly influenced its duration. Because our results involved wild snakes, they provide an improved, highly relevant understanding of individual and environmental factors that regulate the expression of immobile defensive behavior. Furthermore, additional hypotheses can now be proposed that address the evolution of defensive behaviors that leave animals prone to attack.
Detection and pharmacokinetics of three formulations of firocoxib following multiple administrations to horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Stanley S. D. , Arthur R. M. , Mitchell M. M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryReason for performing studyThe use of firocoxib in horses and its ability to affect performance and potential to allow a horse to compete when it otherwise should not, necessitates establishing appropriate withdrawal time guidelines prior to performance.ObjectivesTo describe plasma concentrations and characterise the pharmacokinetics of 3 firocoxib formulations following multiple administrations of the label dose, with respect to recommended plasma thresholds for performance horses.Study designBalanced 3‐way crossover prospective study.MethodsNine healthy mature horses were administered firocoxib injectable solution (0.09 mg/kg bwt i.v. s.i.d. for 5 days), firocoxib paste (0.1 mg/kg bwt per os s.i.d. for 14 days) and firocoxib tablets (57 mg s.i.d. for 14 days). Blood samples were collected at Time 0 and at various times post drug administration until plasma concentrations were below the limit of detection of the assay. Plasma samples were analysed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and data analysed using noncompartmental analysis.ResultsThe mean plasma half‐life was 1.64 ± 0.737, 1.70 ± 0.800 and 1.73 ± 0.767 days for injectable, paste and tablet formulations, respectively. Plasma concentrations fell below the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium's recommended threshold for racehorses (20 ng/ml) by 7 days post administration of the final dose for all formulations. Plasma concentrations never exceeded the threshold concentration (240 ng/ml) for horse competing in US Equestrian Federation events for any of the formulations.ConclusionsThis study extends current knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetics of firocoxib and provides information that can be used to establish appropriate withdrawal time guidelines following multiple administrations, with respect to already established plasma regulatory threshold concentrations.
Factors associated with survival to hospital discharge following endoscopic treatment for synovial sepsis in 214 horses
Authors: Milner P. I. , Bardell D. A. , Warner L. , Packer M. J. , Senior J. M. , Singer E. R. , Archer D. C. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyTo determine risk factors involved in survival to hospital discharge of cases of synovial sepsis.ObjectivesInvestigate pre‐, intra‐ and post operative factors involved in short‐term survival of horses undergoing endoscopic treatment for synovial sepsis.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsClinical data were obtained for horses (>6 months old) undergoing endoscopic surgery as part of management for synovial sepsis over a 7‐year period in a single hospital population. Descriptive data were generated for pre‐, intra‐ and post operative variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop 3 models related to presurgical, surgical and post surgical stages of management with outcome defined as survival to hospital discharge.ResultsTwo hundred and fourteen horses were included. In Model 1 (preoperative variables), increased preoperative synovial fluid total protein (TP) was associated with nonsurvival (OR0.88, 95%CI0.83–0.94, P<0.001) whereas the presence of a wound on admission was associated with survival (OR4.75, 95%CI1.21–18.65, P = 0.02). Model 2 (intraoperative variables) revealed that factors associated with decreased survival were anaesthetic induction outside of normal working hours (OR0.36, 95%CI0.15–0.88 P = 0.02) and presence of moderate/severe synovial inflammation at surgery (OR0.28, 95%CI0.12–0.67, P = 0.004). Model 3 (post operative variables) showed that increased post operative synovial fluid TP (OR0.94, 95%CI0.90–0.98, P = 0.013) and undertaking more than one endoscopic surgery for treatment (OR0.19, 95%CI0.05–0.70, P = 0.005) were associated with nonsurvival. Cut‐off values for predicting survival were 55–60 g/l for preoperative and 50–55 g/l for post operativeTPmeasurements.ConclusionsThis study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of survival to hospital discharge following endoscopic surgery for synovial sepsis. Prognosis for survival to hospital discharge can be based on evidence from this study at the key stages of management of horses with synovial sepsis.