bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caregiver suctioning education for Japanese patients with an invasive home ventilator
Authors: Imaiso Junko , Yamauchi Toyoaki 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn Japan, more people require care activities at home. In particular, patients with an invasive mechanical ventilator in the home require extensive care by family caregivers. Collaboration between their nurses and paid caregivers in the provision of care activities, especially tracheal suctioning, is necessary. This three‐round Delphi study identifies the essential items required by nurses to instruct the paid caregivers in how to carry out tracheal suctioning on patients with an invasive mechanical ventilator in the home. By the final round, three competencies were found to be important by the home‐visit nurses and paid caregivers: the anticipation of risk, the manner of handling an emergency situation, and the observation of a patient's breathing. The Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus between the home‐visit nurses and the paid caregivers regarding the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to carry out tracheal suctioning for patients with an invasive mechanical ventilator in the home.
Habitat protection, cattle grazing and density‐dependent reproduction in a desert tree
Authors: ASCHERO VALERIA , VÁZQUEZ DIEGO P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAnthropogenic activities usually trigger changes in the population density of plants. Thus, land management practices can influence density‐dependent demographic parameters and species interactions. We investigated plant‐pollinator interactions and reproduction in Prosopis flexuosa, the largest tree species in the Central Monte desert of Argentina, an important economic and cultural resource for humans and a functionally prominent species. We hypothesized that reproductive output of P. flexuosa would be limited at low densities, and that exclusion of catle grazing would enhance population density and consequently interaction frequency with pollinators and reproductive success. The study was conducted in and around Ñacuñán Biosphere Reserve (Mendoza, Argentina), where cattle grazing has been excluded for over 35 years. Working in five pairs of protected and cattle grazed 1‐ha plots, we recorded density of adult trees, pollinator visitation frequency to inflorescences and seeds per inflorescence in focal trees. Adult tree density was higher in protected plots than in cattle grazed plots. Density of reproductive trees was positively correlated with seed production, suggesting positive density dependence for reproduction (Allee effect). Pollinator visitation to inflorescences and seed production was higher in protected plots compared with plots under cattle grazing. Suppression of anthropogenic degradation has resulted in higher adult tree density in protected plots, indirectly higher pollinator visitation to inflorescences and higher reproductive success of trees. Increased frequency of plant‐pollinator interactions and tree reproduction suggest success of management practices aimed at protecting P. flexuosa woodlands.
Biogeography of Australian saltmarsh plants
Authors: SAINTILAN NEIL 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe paper seeks to define patterns in the distribution of Australian saltmarsh plants over a continental scale, and test for associations with environmental variables. The distribution of 93 species of Australian saltmarsh plants was documented from the records of the Australian Virtual Herbarium and published reports. The Interim Bioregionalisation of Australia provided a spatial unit for the analysis of patterns of diversity. Saltmarsh diversity was shown to be strongly correlated with latitude and temperature. Multivariate routines including cluster analysis demonstrated consistent geographic patterns in species assemblages. The primary distinction was found to be a north‐south divide dissecting the continent at the latitude of 23° south, separating a species‐rich southern flora from a species‐poor northern flora. Subsequent dissimilarities were defined between coastlines of contrasting orientation. Mean minimum temperature was found to explain nearly 80% of variability in saltmarsh species diversity between bioregions, with diversity inversely related to temperature.
Within‐population variation in social strategies characterize the social and mating system of an Australian lizard,Egernia whitii
Authors: WHILE GEOFFREY M. , ULLER TOBIAS , WAPSTRA ERIK 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe lizard genusEgerniahas been suggested as an excellent model system for examining the evolution of sociality as it exhibits considerable diversity in social organization both between and within species. To date the majority of work examining the factors responsible for the evolution of sociality withinEgerniahas advocated a broad scale approach; identifying the social structure of specific species or populations and comparing the degree of sociality between them. However, we argue that significant advancements could also be gained by examining variation in social strategies within populations. Here we integrate a detailed, 3‐year, field‐based examination of social spacing and juvenile dispersal with molecular analyses of paternity to determine the social and mating system of a Tasmanian population of White's skink (Egernia whitii). We show thatE. whitiilive in small stable family groups consisting of an adult male, his female partner(s), as well as juvenile or sub‐adults individuals. In addition, while the mating system is characterized by considerable genetic monogamy, extra‐pair fertilizations are relatively common, with 34% of litters containing offspring sired by males from outside the social group. We also show that traits related to social organization (social group composition, group size, stability and the level of extra‐pair paternity) vary both between and within individuals. We suggest that ecological factors, such as habitat saturation, quality and availability, play a key role in maintaining between individual variation in social strategies, and that examining these individual level processes will allow us to more clearly understand variation in sociality among species.
Few beetle species can be detected with 95% confidence using pitfall traps
Authors: DRISCOLL DON A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractFalse absences in wildlife surveys make it difficult to identify metapopulation processes, increase uncertainty of management decisions and bias parameter estimates in habitat models. Despite these risks, the number of species that can be detected with a certain probability in a community survey has rarely been examined. I sampled beetles over 5 months using pitfall trap grids at three rainforest locations in Tasmania, Australia. I compared detection probability for dispersed and clustered sampling schemes using a zero‐inflated binomial model and a simpler occurrence method to calculate the probability of detection. After excluding extremely rare species, I analysed 12 of 121 species. Only three to six species could be detected with 95% probability using a sampling effort that is frequently applied in ecological studies. A majority of common species had a mid summer peak in detection probability meaning that survey effort could be reduced from 5 to 2 months with only a small reduction in data quality. Most species occurred at only a proportion of sample points within locations. Despite the implied spatial structuring, three small grids within a location detected 10 of 12 species as effectively as large, dispersed grids. This study warns that as little as 5% of the beetle fauna may have a 95% probability of detection using the frequently applied pitfall trap method, highlighting a substantial limitation in our ability to accurately map the distributions of ground invertebrates. Whether very large sample sizes can overcome this limitation remains to be examined.
Partitioning of temporal activity among desert lizards in relation to prey availability and temperature
Authors: GORDON CHRISTOPHER E. , DICKMAN CHRIS R. , THOMPSON MICHAEL B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPartitioning of activity time within ecological communities potentially reduces interspecific competition and increases the number of species that can coexist. We investigated temporal activity in a highly diverse lizard assemblage in the Simpson Desert, central Australia, to determine the degree of partitioning that occurs. Three periods were defined, daytime (sunrise to sunset), early night (sunset to midnight) and late night (midnight to sunrise), and live captures of lizards were tallied for each period during two sampling months (September and November 2007). We also quantified the activity times of potential invertebrate prey and measured ambient temperatures during the different time periods to investigate any associations between these factors and lizard activity. Some 77% of captures of 13 lizard species were made by day, with Ctenotus pantherinus, Egernia inornata (Scincidae) and Nephrurus levis (Gekkonidae) the only species showing extended nocturnal activity. Activity of both species of skink was recorded at temperatures 4°C lower than those for agamid and varanid lizards early in the night, and at temperatures as low as 18–20°C. Surface‐active invertebrates differed in composition between time periods and were less abundant during the late night period in the drier of the two sample months (September), but were distributed equally over time in the other month. Termites were active in subterranean galleries at night in September and mostly by day in November, but available at all times on surface/subsurface baits. We conclude that activity is distributed unevenly within this lizard assemblage, with partitioning facilitated by the ready availability of invertebrate prey and by lizards having relatively broad temperature tolerances that, in some cases, permit opportunistic exploitation of resources beyond usual times of activity.
Resolving the differences in plant burial responses
Authors: GILBERT MATTHEW E. , RIPLEY BRAD S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBurial is one of the major factors influencing plant ecology in deserts and coastal areas. Consequently, many studies have measured the responses of dune plants to sand burial. However, there remains little agreement about the mechanisms and characteristics constituting the burial response of plants. In particular, stimulation of growth has been reported as the most common plant burial response; however, stimulation has not been reported consistently among studies. Here, a literature survey showed that the depth of burial relative to the height of the plant determined whether the growth of a species was stimulated by burial. Growth stimulation was limited to shallow burial depths, while burial depths greater than the height of the plant consistently resulted in reduced growth. As studies used widely differing burial depths or units of growth measurement, the variation in reported stimulation of plant growth can be partly attributed to differences in experimental procedure. The stimulation of growth in many species was accompanied by an increase in photosynthesis over a limited period and by a shift in biomass allocation from root to shoot. Most plants demonstrated stimulated growth (up to 200%) in response to shallow burial indicating that some burial response mechanisms are general to many species. However, a few specialist dune species displayed a much greater ability to respond to burial (up to 700% stimulation of plant mass). Although allocation shifts and increased photosynthesis have been shown to be associated with dune plant burial response, there remains a need for field measurements that focus on the diversity of mechanisms underlying plant response to burial.
Spatial distribution and prediction of seed production by Eucalyptus microcarpa in a fragmented landscape
Authors: VESK PETER A. , DAVIDSON ANTHONY , CHEE YUNG EN 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWoodlands worldwide have been greatly modified by clearing for agriculture, and their conservation and restoration requires understanding of tree recruitment processes. Seed production is one possible point of recruitment failure, and one that the spatial arrangement of trees may affect. We sampled 118 Eucalyptus microcarpa (Myrtaceae) trees to compare and analyse the determinants of seed production in this dominant tree of modified, fragmented temperate grassy woodlands, which extend over much of southeastern Australia. Fecundity was estimated as the seed crop measured on leaf mass and whole tree bases and was compared between categories of tree configuration. We also modelled fecundity using boosted regression trees, a new and flexible tool. Fecundity on a leaf mass basis was predominantly influenced by environmental factors (topographic ‘wetness’, slope, soil type), rather than by local tree density and configuration. Fewer seed per unit leaf mass were produced on flat and topographically wet sites, reflecting poor tolerance of waterlogging by E. microcarpa. By contrast, whole tree fecundity was little influenced by environmental factors. Local tree density and configuration did influence whole tree fecundity, which was high in solitary and woodland‐spaced trees and reduced under high local density. We found little evidence for reduced fecundity of E. microcarpa in solitary trees. This points to the importance of scattered trees as sources of seed for tree recruitment and for natural regeneration of landscape level tree cover. Considerable uncertainty remains in modelled seed supply, and may be reduced with sampling across multiple years and greater environmental and spatial domains.
Measuring the effectiveness of regional conservation assessments at representing biodiversity surrogates at a local scale: A case study in Réunion Island (Indian Ocean)
Authors: PAYET KARINE , ROUGET MATHIEU , LAGABRIELLE ERWANN , ESLER KAREN J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn a context of scarce financial and human resources, the allocation of conservation efforts needs to be optimized. Our analysis attempts to draw conclusions on the integration of regional and local conservation assessments, specifically, with regard to the acquisition of fine‐scale data to complement the regional assessment. This study undertaken in Réunion Island (Indian Ocean) assessed how biodiversity surrogates targeted at a regional scale represented other biodiversity surrogates at a local scale. Biodiversity surrogates at both scales consisted of species, habitats and processes. Habitats and processes at regional scale were defined using a coarser scale of thematic resolution than at local scale. The surrogacy was tested in terms of incidental representation of local‐scale features in the regional assessments, and correlation of irreplaceability values between scales. Near‐minimum sets and irreplaceability values were generated using MARXAN software. Our results revealed that conservation targets for processes at local scale were never met incidentally, while threatened species and fragmented habitats were also usually under‐represented. More specifically, requiring only 12% of the local planning domain, the application of species as surrogates at regional scale was the least effective option at representing biodiversity features at local scale. In contrast, habitats at a coarse scale of thematic resolution achieved a significant proportion of conservation targets incidentally (67%) and their irreplaceability values were well correlated with the irreplaceability values of surrogates at local scale. The results highlighted that all three types of biodiversity surrogates are complementary for assessing overall biodiversity. Because of the cost of data acquisition, we recommended that the most efficient strategy to develop nested regional/local conservation plans is to apply habitats and processes at a coarse scale of thematic resolution at regional scale, and threatened species and degraded habitats at local scale, with their fine‐scale mapping limited to highly transformed areas.
Belly up: Reduced crevice accessibility as a cost of reproduction caused by increased girth in a rock‐using lizard
Authors: SCHWARZKOPF LIN , BARNES MEGAN , GOODMAN BRETT 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCosts of reproduction are any aspect of current reproduction that has the potential to reduce survivorship or reproductive output, and may include physiological costs or increased risks. Females of many species experience increased body mass, and increased girth, when gravid. Increased body mass reduces running speed and increases the cost of locomotion during pregnancy, but few studies have examined the cost of increased girth. If increased girth of gravid females reduces access to shelter from predators or the elements, increased girth could constitute a cost of reproduction. In the laboratory, we experimentally tested whether access to crevices was limited in viviparous, saxicolous female lizards (Eulamprus brachysoma), which use crevices for shelter, by measuring access to artificial crevices of known widths, and body height during and after pregnancy. Gravid E. brachysoma had significantly greater body height (11.2% on average), and as a result were forced to use significantly wider crevices (18.4% wider on average) than post‐parturition. Females with larger clutch sizes had wider mid‐bodies and required larger crevices. Control females, which were not gravid at either time of testing, showed no significant change in the size of crevice they could enter over time. If access to narrow crevices provides advantages such as protection from predators, or is important for thermoregulation, then gravid females may suffer a cost of reproduction because their access to narrower crevices is limited.
Pediatric DNAR orders in the perioperative period
Authors: STACK CHARLES G. , PERRING JEFF 
Published: July 2009

SummaryDo not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders are a formal expression of the intention to refrain from resuscitation. Since their inception in 1974, such orders have become widely accepted within the hospital setting. However, their acceptance in theatres where anesthesia may cause cardiovascular instability, outcomes from cardiac arrest are improved and when there is a cross‐over of techniques between anesthetic practice and resuscitation, has been more problematic.In order to ascertain the opinions on DNAR orders in the perioperative period, a questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, which asked about DNAR orders, resuscitation under anesthesia and included a number of case studies. Of the 280 respondents, 160 (57.1%) agreed that an anesthetist could alter the order in the perioperative period with 41 (14.6%) stating that they would always suspend such an order. Most anesthetists agreed that they would discuss DNAR orders during their preoperative assessment but could not agree as to which interventions constituted normal anesthetic practice as opposed to resuscitation.At present, there is variation in practice between pediatric anesthetists over suspension of DNAR orders in the perioperative period and no specific guidelines to refer to. We suggest that guidelines be produced and that these should take into account the work that has already taken place and guidelines published by other anesthetic communities.
Diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s Disease: an age‐related approach in children below or above one year
Authors: Noviello C. , Cobellis G. , Romano M. , Amici G. , Martino A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a differential diagnostic approach to Hirshchsprung’s Disease (HD) on the basis of age.Method  Data on 185 consecutive children with suspected HD were subjected to an age‐related diagnostic approach. The patients were divided into two groups according to age (A < 1 year; B > 1 year). Children in Group A had rectal suction biopsy (RSB) and contrast enema (CE), and in Group B anorectal manometry (ARM) was performed. Patients with a normal recto‐anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) underwent bowel disimpaction and medical treatment. Only selected cases in Group B underwent RSB and CE.Results  In Group A (18 patients) CE showed a colonic transitional zone in three patients, whereas RSB led to the diagnosis of HD in nine. In Group B (167 patients) ARM was not possible in seven patients and it was normal in 140 (normal anal sphincter pressure: 83; hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter: 57). The RAIR was negative in 20 patients. RSB performed in 31 children in Group B confirmed HD in three patients.Conclusions  For patients with a neonatal onset of constipation RSB is the best diagnostic technique. Chronic constipation is rarely due to HD and ARM is a useful non‐invasive screening tool.
Comparison of vildagliptin and thiazolidinedione as add‐on therapy in patients inadequately controlled with metformin: results of the GALIANT trial – a primary care, type 2 diabetes study
Authors: Blonde L. , Dagogo‐Jack S. , Banerji M. A. , Pratley R. E. , Marcellari A. , Braceras R. , Purkayastha D. , Baron M. 
Published: July 2009

Aim: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin compared with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) as an add on to metformin treatment in a primary care patient population with type 2 diabetes.Methods: This was a randomized, 12‐week, open‐label study comparing vildagliptin (100 mg, n = 1653) and TZD (agent and dose at the investigators’ discretion, n = 825) add‐on therapy in patients inadequately controlled [haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c): 7–10%] on a stable dose of metformin (≥1000 mg/day). The primary objective was to test non‐inferiority of vildagliptin to TZDs for the difference in change in HbA1c from baseline [established if the upper limit of the two‐sided 95% confidence intervals (CI) did not exceed 0.4%].Results: Mean (± s.e.) change in HbA1c from baseline to study endpoint was –0.68 ± 0.02% in the vildagliptin group and −0.57 ± 0.03% in the TZD group. The difference between groups was −0.11% (95% CI: −0.17% and −0.04%), establishing the non‐inferiority of vildagliptin (p = 0.001) after 3 months of treatment. Vildagliptin was non‐inferior to TZDs for subgroups of race, age and body mass index. Body weight increased in the TZD group (0.33 ± 0.11 kg) and decreased in the vildagliptin group (mean: −0.58 ± 0.09 kg; p < 0.001 for difference). Adverse events occurred in similar proportions of patients in both groups (vildagliptin: 39.5% and TZD: 36.3%) Hypoglycaemia and abnormal changes in liver enzymes were uncommon.Conclusions: This short‐term study suggests that vildagliptin is as effective as TZDs after 3‐month treatment as an add‐on to metformin in a primary care population that included diverse patient subgroups.