bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape resource mapping for wildlife research using very high resolution satellite imagery
Authors: Recio Mariano R. , Mathieu Renaud , Hall G. Brent , Moore Antoni B. , Seddon Philip J. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Quantifying wildlife‐habitat relationships through resource selection analysis (RSA) has traditionally relied on landscape variables extracted at medium‐to‐coarse scales and general‐purpose digital maps. However, RSA at fine scales, facilitated by accurate positional data obtained using GPS‐tags, requires improved measures of habitat resources. The combination of cutting‐edge remote sensing technology, such as very high spatial resolution (VHSR) satellite imagery and object‐based image analysis (OBIA), can provide landscape maps that are suitable for the extraction of detailed variables at fine scale.

We used Quickbird satellite imagery and OBIA to produce a map using the multispectral bands (MULT), and explored the usefulness of the technique for resource identification by combining the panchromatic (highest spatial resolution) and multispectral (spectral information) bands (PAN:MULT) to produce a second map. Each of the mapping methods was used in a heterogeneous braided‐river environment in New Zealand to: (1) classify and delimit ground features using an object‐based accuracy assessment approach; (2) detect ground features of different sizes; (3) extract independent landscape variables at fine scale (within buffers between 20 and 30 m) for separate RSA for introduced hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and feral cats (Felis catus).

Per‐pixel accuracy assessment produced overall accuracies of 82% (PAN:MULT) and 79% (MULT). The per‐object assessment using shrubs as the testing class yielded further information on classification and delimitation of object accuracy, with accuracies of 80% for shrub patches ≥30 m2 in MULT and ≥5 m2 in PAN:MULT. The inclusion of the panchromatic band noticeably improved the identification and delimitation of cover. However, RSA using each of the maps did not yield differences in the best models for cats or hedgehogs.

VHSR imagery and OBIA provide a valuable method to identify smaller ground features and thus to produce more detailed landscape maps to study animal habitat use at fine scale. Improvements in ground feature detection achieved by including the panchromatic band may not justify its cost, as it was shown for the studies on cats and hedgehogs presented here. However, the level of detail offered by the panchromatic layer may be useful for addressing other RSA questions or applications at fine scale, such as remote censusing of colonial species.
Susceptibility of tall fescue to Rhizoctonia zeae infection as affected by endophyte symbiosis
Authors: Pańka D. , West C.P. , Guerber C.A. , Richardson M.D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEndophytic fungi belonging to the genus Neotyphodium often form symbiotic associations with grasses. The host plants usually benefit from the association with an endophyte. Presence of the symbiont may increase host resistance to infection by some pathogens. However, the exact mechanism of the lower susceptibility of endophyte‐infected plants to diseases is still unclear. Growth chamber trials were conducted to determine whether (a) tall fescue plants infected with the endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum (E+) are more resistant to sheath and leaf spot disease caused by Rhizoctonia zeae than endophyte‐free (E−) plants, and (b) R. zeae growth inhibition is associated with endophyte presence. Tall fescue genotypes, each symbiotic with a genetically different native endophyte strain, were inoculated with isolates of R. zeae. The tillers infection by R. zeae, density of endophyte hyphae and content of total phenolic compounds in tillers were studied. Antifungal activity of the N. coenophialum towards R. zeae, Rhizoctonia solani, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Curvularia lunata was also investigated in dual‐culture assays. For Tf3, Tf4, TfA2 and TfA9 tall fescue genotypes, the E+ plants had reduced R. zeae infection. In the Tf9 and Tf8085 genotypes, R. zeae infection was similar for both E+ and E− plants. The strongest effect was observed for the Tf4 endophyte. A strongly positive correlation (r = 0.94) occurred between endophyte hyphal density and disease index across all tall fescue genotypes. Dual‐culture assays showed no inhibitory interaction between the seven endophyte strains and the R. zeae isolates; however, some endophytes inhibited R. solani, B. sorokiniana and C. lunata. Endophyte presence increased the production of phenolic compounds by the host grasses. The level of phenolics also differed significantly depending on the time of analysis after inoculation of plants by R. zeae. The results indicate that N. coenophialum can suppress disease severity caused by R. zeae infection. The mechanism of higher resistance of E+ plants is likely not based on direct inhibition such as antibiosis or competition. Thus, the induction of specific mechanisms in the host plant, for example, production of phenolic compounds, seems to be the main way of providing resistance to the grass by the endophyte.
Reversal of rocuronium induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex or neostigmine: a large observational study
Authors: DELLA ROCCA G. , POMPEI L. , PAGAN DE PAGANIS C. , TESORO S. , MENDOLA C. , BONINSEGNI P. , TEMPIA A. , MANSTRETTA S. , ZAMIDEI L. , GRATAROLA A. , MURABITO P. , FUGGIANO L. , DI MARCO P. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThis ‘real‐life’ study aimed to analyze the time from the start of neostigmine or sugammadex administration to recovery to a train of four ratio (TOFr) of 0.9 in a real‐life in patients receiving rocuronium. The secondary aims were to assess the proportion of patients: presenting TOFr < 0.9 after 5, 10, and 20 min from reversal agent administration, receiving opioids for intraoperative analgesia and extubated in the post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU).MethodsThis was a multisite, prospective, nonrandomized, observational real‐life study. Reversal agent was administered at either T2 reappearance or at a post‐tetanic count of 1 or 2. Drugs dosages were free according to each investigator's usual practice.ResultsThree hundred fifty‐nine patients were enrolled onto the study. Time from reversal administration to TOFr to 0.9 is significantly faster in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group (shallow block: 2.2 vs. 6.9 min, respectively; P < 0.0001; deep block: 2.7 vs. 16.2 min, respectively; P < 0.0001). The number of patients with TOFr < 0.9 at 5, 10, and 20 min post‐reversal agent administration was higher in the neostigmine than in the sugammadex group. Just five patients did not receive opioids. All patients were extubated in the operative room except for a single patient in the sugammadex group who was extubated following PACU admission.ConclusionsThis real‐life study confirms that reversal time is faster in patients receiving sugammadex than in those receiving neostigmine. TOFr < 0.9 20 min after reversal was only present in patients treated with neostigmine.
Global land investments in the bio‐economy: evidence and policy implications
Authors: Deininger Klaus 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFor countries dependent on agriculture, the recent wave of investor interest in farmland could, in principle, help set in motion a virtuous cycle of economic growth and poverty reduction. A large literature documenting failure of such investments documents the risks involved. To appreciate associated opportunities and challenges, we review past experience, quantify country‐level potential for area expansion versus intensification, and identify determinants of countries’ attractiveness for investors in the initial stages of the “land rush.” The fact that weak land governance seems to increase, rather than reduce, land demand justifies an emphasis on improving institutions, transparency, and accountability while at the same time providing concrete suggestions for policy and research.
A simple test for alternative states in ecological restoration: the use of principal response curves
Authors: Alday Josu G. , Marrs Rob H. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimsEcological resistance and resilience and its link to alternative states is an important concept in ecological restoration. In many situations there is a need to flip one ecosystem state to another and then keep it there; thus there is a need to overcome the resistance/resilience of the starting community and create another one with sufficient resistance/resilience to maintain it in that state. The difficulty for ecological restoration is that these concepts are complicated to measure in practice, and hence tend to be discussed in rather abstract terms. Here, we describe the application of principal response curves (PRC) to test for the creation of alternative states or alternative stable states in ecological restoration studies.LocationSix experiments on acid grassland and heathland invaded by Pteridium aquilinum across Great Britain.MethodsWe use PRC, a multivariate approach, to measure change in ecological restoration experiments that allows a formal test of whether alternative states are created. We used PRC to test for change in plant species composition in a series of replicated experiments designed to change a late‐successional ecosystem, dominated by P. aquilinum, into either heathland or acid grassland. Here, we tested three Pteridium control treatments, including two ‘one‐off’ treatments (applied only at the start) and a ‘repeated’ (applied regularly) treatment, against an untreated experimental control.ResultsIn the heathland targets, alternative states were induced within 10 yrs using the ‘repeated’ treatment (cutting twice per year). All ‘one‐off’ treatments either did not overcome the resistance of the starting community or if they did, produced a temporary displacement, but the resilience of the initial state was too high and there was a rapid reversion to the starting community. In the grassland community, alternative states were induced by ‘repeated’ treatment (cutting twice per year), but the ‘one‐off’ treatment suggested creation of an alternative stable state that lasted 10 yrs.ConclusionsFor the first time, there is a methodology using PRC that tests for the creation of alternative states or alternative stable states in ecological restoration research. The drawback is that a long‐term data set from replicated experiments with an untreated control treatment is needed.
Immunocytochemical localization of cysteine‐rich beta‐proteins in the extensible epidermis of the dewlap in the lizard Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe dewlap in the lizard Anolis carolinensis is made of scales separated by large interscale regions capable of broad stretching during fan extension. This indicates that the skin contains proteins that allow extension of interscale regions. The immunocytochemical analysis of the epidermis indicates that HgG5, a glycine‐rich hydrophobic beta‐protein poor in cysteine is localized only in the stiff beta‐layer of the outer scale surface, but is completely absent in mesos and alpha‐layers and in hinge regions. HgGC10, a cysteine‐medium‐rich beta‐protein is present in beta‐layers but especially in alpha‐layers of interscale epidermis that presents folds and lacks a beta‐layer. HgGC3 is weakly localized in the alpha‐layer, but is mainly found in hinge regions. HgGC8 and HgG13 are low to absent in the alpha‐ and beta‐layer. The immunolocalization of cysteine‐rich beta‐proteins such as HgGC10/3 in alpha‐layers and interscale epidermis suggests that these small proteins are involved in the formation of a corneous material compatible with dewlap extension. The basement membrane underneath scales is joined to bundles of collagen fibrils in the dermis through anchoring fibrils that likely determine flattening of the epidermis during the extension of the throat fan.
Managing behaviour in child residential group care: unique tensions
Authors: McLean Sara 
Published: July 2013

AbstractResidential group care workers are frequently required to support children with extremely challenging and aggressive behaviour. Our knowledge about the tensions that may exist for workers that manage difficult behaviour is theoretically and empirically underdeveloped. The aim of this exploratory study was to contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of behaviour management in the residential environment by identifying the worker‐reported tensions involved in the management of challenging and disruptive behaviour. Seventeen South Australian residential group care workers participated in semi‐structured interviews in which they were asked to describe their management of behaviour. These interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. The analysis revealed several dynamics that influence workers' management of challenging behaviour: the sense of parenting at a distance, the pressure for consistency, the desire for balance between control and connection, the desire for normality and the inconsistent nature of relationships. These findings contribute to our knowledge about the interpersonal context in which behaviour is addressed in the residential group home and enhance our understanding of the unique tensions that workers' experience in managing behaviour in the residential environment. The findings have implications for the development of staff training and the support of residential care workers managing challenging behaviour.
Physical needs of Aboriginal foster parents
Authors: Brown Jason D. , Skrodzki Donna , Gerritts Julie , Ivanova Viktoria , Mehta Nisha 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAboriginal foster parents were surveyed about their physical needs. Each was asked ‘What do you need physically to be a good foster parent?’ A total of 39 unique responses were made. They were grouped together by participants and the grouping data were analysed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Five concepts resulted from the analysis. The concepts included physical, financial and emotional resources, supplies and equipment, community, fitness and wellness. Results were compared and contrasted with the fostering literature.
An audit of the nature and impact of clinical coding subjectivity variability and error in otolaryngology
Authors: Nouraei S.A.R. , Hudovsky A. , Virk J.S. , Chatrath P. , Sandhu G.S. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTo audit the accuracy of clinical coding in otolaryngology, assess the effectiveness of previously implemented interventions, and determine ways in which it can be further improved.DesignProspective clinician–auditor multidisciplinary audit of clinical coding accuracy.ParticipantsElective and emergency ENT admissions and day‐case activity.Main outcome measuresConcordance between initial coding and the clinician–auditor multi‐disciplinary teams (MDT) coding in respect of primary and secondary diagnoses and procedures, health resource groupings health resource groupings (HRGs) and tariffs.ResultsThe audit of 3131 randomly selected otolaryngology patients between 2010 and 2012 resulted in 420 instances of change to the primary diagnosis (13%) and 417 changes to the primary procedure (13%). In 1420 cases (44%), there was at least one change to the initial coding and 514 (16%) health resource groupings changed. There was an income variance of £343,169 or £109.46 per patient. The highest rates of health resource groupings change were observed in head and neck surgery and in particular skull‐based surgery, laryngology and within that tracheostomy, and emergency admissions, and specially, epistaxis management. A randomly selected sample of 235 patients from the audit were subjected to a second audit by a second clinician–auditor multi‐disciplinary team. There were 12 further health resource groupings changes (5%) and at least one further coding change occurred in 57 patients (24%). These changes were significantly lower than those observed in the pre‐audit sample, but were also significantly greater than zero. Asking surgeons to ‘code in theatre’ and applying these codes without further quality assurance to activity resulted in an health resource groupings error rate of 45%. The full audit sample was regrouped under health resource groupings 3.5 and was compared with a previous audit of 1250 patients performed between 2007 and 2008. This comparison showed a reduction in the baseline rate of health resource groupings change from 16% during the first audit cycle to 9% in the current audit cycle (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOtolaryngology coding is complex and susceptible to subjectivity, variability and error. Coding variability can be improved, but not eliminated through regular education supported by an audit programme.
Programs as Causal Models: Speculations on Mental Programs and Mental Representation
Authors: Chater Nick , Oaksford Mike 
Published: July 2013

AbstractJudea Pearl has argued that counterfactuals and causality are central to intelligence, whether natural or artificial, and has helped create a rich mathematical and computational framework for formally analyzing causality. Here, we draw out connections between these notions and various current issues in cognitive science, including the nature of mental “programs” and mental representation. We argue that programs (consisting of algorithms and data structures) have a causal (counterfactual‐supporting) structure; these counterfactuals can reveal the nature of mental representations. Programs can also provide acausal modelof the external world. Such models are, we suggest, ubiquitous in perception, cognition, and language processing.
Evidence‐based topical management of chronic wounds according to the T.I.M.E. principle
Authors: Klein Silvan , Schreml Stephan , Dolderer Juergen , Gehmert Sebastian , Niederbichler Andreas , Landthaler Michael , Prantl Lukas 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe number of patients suffering from chronic wound healing disorders in Germany alone is estimated to be 2.5–4 million. Therapy related expenses reach 5–8 billion Euros annually. This number is partially caused by costly dressing changes due to non‐standardized approaches and the application of non‐evidence‐based topical wound therapies. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate a straightforward principle for the management of chronic wounds, and to review the available evidence for the particular therapy options. The T.I.M.E.‐principle (Tissue management, Inflammation and infection control, Moisture balance, Epithelial [edge] advancement) was chosen as a systematic strategy for wound bed preparation. Literature was retrieved from the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases and subjected to selective analysis.Topical wound management should be carried out according to a standardized principle and should further be synchronized to the phases of wound healing. Despite the broad implementation of these products in clinical practice, often no benefit exists in the rate of healing, when evaluated in meta‐analyses or systematic reviews. This insufficient evidence is additionally limited by varying study designs. In case of non‐superiority, the results suggest to prefer relatively inexpensive wound dressings over expensive alternatives. Arbitrary endpoints to prove the effectiveness of wound dressings, contribute to the random use of such therapies. Defining rational endpoints for future studies as well as the deployment of structured therapy strategies will be essential for the economical and evidence‐based management of chronic wounds.
Testing large‐scale conservation corridors designed for patterns and processes: comparative phylogeography of three tree species
Authors: Potts Alastair J. , Hedderson Terry A. , Cowling Richard M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimPrimary drainage basins and megaherbivore suitability underpin the design of conservation corridors aimed at preserving regional patterns and processes in the Albany Subtropical Thicket (AST) biome. We use comparative phylogeography to investigate the influences of these two features on population‐level processes (long‐distance seed dispersal) of three tree species.LocationAlbany Subtropical Thicket biome, South Africa.MethodsThree dominant and widespread AST tree species (Nymania capensis, Pappea capensis and Schotia afra) were sampled across their distribution within the biome. Phylogeographical patterns were established using chloroplast DNA sequences, tested against drainage basin configuration and compared with the different seed dispersal syndromes of each tree species.ResultsTwo species, N. capensis and P. capensis, show strong and significant evidence of population isolation within basins, whereas S. afra has no evidence of restricted gene flow across the AST. We argue that this contradicting pattern is driven by the different seed dispersal syndromes found within each species: N. capensis is wind‐dispersed, P. capensis is bird‐dispersed, whereas a range of large herbivores disperse S. afra seeds including African elephants.Main conclusionsThe evolutionary processes that make primary drainage basins significant biogeographical units within the AST continue to operate at the intraspecific level due to a lack of long‐distance interpopulation seed dispersal between basins. Thus, drainage basins in this system, and in other topographically complex landscapes, are important surrogates of biodiversity and evolutionary processes that should underpin conservation planning. However, we suggest that this surrogacy breaks down when a species is dispersed by large herbivores, which are ideal agents of long‐distance dispersal in complex landscapes. These results support the two significant components of the planning decision for the AST megaconservancy network: (1) drainage basins as major biogeographical (and also now phylogeographical) units, and (2) establishing interbasin networks with the aim of allowing long‐distance movement of large mammals, including elephants.
Silver European eels health in Mediterranean habitats
Authors: Amilhat Elsa , Fazio Géraldine , Simon Gaël , Manetti Marc , Paris Séverine , Delahaut Laurence , Farrugio Henri , Lecomte‐Finiger Raymonde , Sasal Pierre , Faliex Elisabeth 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe degradation in the quality of silver eel and their health could have been a major factor in the collapse of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) population. However, the health status of the spawners has been poorly studied until now. This study evaluated the quality of migrant male silver eels from four Mediterranean habitats in France presenting different degrees of contamination: Canet‐Saint‐Nazaire, Salses‐Leucate and Bages‐Sigean lagoons and La Berre River. We considered pathogens including Anguillicoloides crassus and EVEX virus and the concentration of chemical contaminants including PCBs, OCs and heavy metals. Our study results revealed different patterns of pollution and infection in the four habitats, with high individual variability. No single silver eel was free of pollution. Total dichloro‐diphenyl‐trichloroethane (DDT) and copper contaminations, as well as the Swim bladder Degenerative Index (induced by parasitism), were remarkably high in eels from Canet lagoon, while eels from Salses lagoon showed lower levels of contaminants and parasite infection. A non‐negligible proportion of eels were strongly impacted with levels of contaminants/parasites that could potentially impair their migration and reproduction. Our study revealed low to moderate contamination levels compared with the other Mediterranean sites previously reported, except for high concentrations of DDTs and Cu in Canet lagoon. We discuss the contribution of these results in the context of possible implications for silver eels reproductive success and local eel population management.