bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From arctic lemmings to adaptive dynamics: Charles Elton's legacy in population ecology
Authors: LINDSTRÖM JAN , RANTA ESA , KOKKO HANNA , LUNDBERG PER , KAITALA VEIJO 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTWe shall examine the impact of Charles S. Elton's 1924 article on periodic fluctuations in animal populations on the development of modern population ecology. We argue that his impact has been substantial and that during the past 75 years of research on multi‐annual periodic fluctuations in numbers of voles, lemmings, hares, lynx and game animals he has contributed much to the contemporary understanding of the causes and consequences of population regulation. Elton was convinced that the cause of the regular fluctuations was climatic variation. To support this conclusion, he examined long‐term population data then available. Despite his firm belief in a climatic cause of the self‐repeating periodic dynamics which many species display, Elton was insightful and far‐sighted enough to outline many of the other hypotheses since put forward as an explanation for the enigmatic long‐term dynamics of some animal populations. An interesting, but largely neglected aspect in Elton's paper is that it ends with speculation regarding the evolutionary consequences of periodic population fluctuations. The modern understanding of these issues will also be scrutinised here. In population ecology, Elton's 1924 paper has spawned a whole industry of research on populations displaying multi‐annual periodicity. Despite the efforts of numerous research teams and individuals focusing on the origins of multi‐annual population cycles, and despite the early availability of different explanatory hypotheses, we are still lacking rigorous tests of some of these hypotheses and, consequently, a consensus of the causes of periodic fluctuations in animal populations. Although Elton would have been happy to see so much effort spent on cyclic populations, we also argue that it is unfortunate if this focus on a special case of population dynamics should distract our attention from more general problems in population and community dynamics.
The behaviour and ecology of the zebrafish,Danio rerio
Authors: Spence Rowena , Gerlach Gabriele , Lawrence Christian , Smith Carl 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe zebrafishDanio rerio, is an important model organism in developmental genetics, neurophysiology and biomedicine, but little is known about its natural ecology and behaviour. It is a small, shoaling cyprinid, native to the flood‐plains of the Indian subcontinent, where it is found in shallow, slow‐flowing waters. Zebrafish are group spawners and egg scatterers, although females are choosy with respect to sites for oviposition and males defend territories around such sites. Laboratory studies of zebrafish behaviour have encompassed shoaling, foraging, reproduction, sensory perception and learning. These studies are reviewed in relation to the suitability of the zebrafish as a model for studies on cognition and learning, development, behavioural and evolutionary ecology, and behavioural genetics.
Levels of organization in biology: on the nature and nomenclature of ecology’s fourth level
Authors: Lidicker William Z. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractViewing the universe as being composed of hierarchically arranged systems is widely accepted as a useful model of reality. In ecology, three levels of organization are generally recognized: organisms, populations, and communities (biocoenoses). For half a century increasing numbers of ecologists have concluded that recognition of a fourth level would facilitate increased understanding of ecological phenomena. Sometimes the word “ecosystem” is used for this level, but this is arguably inappropriate. Since 1986, I and others have argued that the term “landscape” would be a suitable term for a level of organization defined as an ecological system containing more than one community type. However, “landscape” and “landscape level” continue to be used extensively by ecologists in the popular sense of a large expanse of space. I therefore now propose that the term “ecoscape” be used instead for this fourth level of organization. A clearly defined fourth level for ecology would focus attention on the emergent properties of this level, and maintain the spatial and temporal scale‐free nature inherent in this hierarchy of organizational levels for living entities.
From food‐dependent statistics to metabolic parameters, a practical guide to the use of dynamic energy budget theory
Authors: Kooijman S. A. L. M. , Sousa T. , Pecquerie L. , Van Der Meer J. , Jager T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe standard model of the dynamic energy budget theory for metabolic organisation has variables and parameters that can be quantified using indirect methods only. We present new methods (and software) to extract food‐independent parameter values of the energy budget from food‐dependent quantities that are easy to observe, and so facilitate the practical application of the theory to enhance predictability and extrapolation. A natural sequence of 10 steps is discussed to obtain some compound parameters first, then the primary parameters, then the composition parameters and finally the thermodynamic parameters; this sequence matches a sequence of required data of increasing complexity which is discussed in detail. Many applications do not require knowledge of all parameters, and we discuss methods to extrapolate parameters from one species to another. The conversion of mass, volume and energy measures of biomass is discussed; these conversions are not trivial because biomass can change in chemical composition in particular ways thanks to different forms of homeostasis. We solve problems like “What would be the ultimate reproduction rate and the von Bertalanffy growth rate at a specific food level, given that we have measured these statistics at abundant food?” and “What would be the maximum incubation time, given the parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth curve?”. We propose a new non‐destructive method for quantifying the chemical potential and entropy of living reserve and structure, that can potentially change our ideas on the thermodynamic properties of life. We illustrate the methods using data on daphnids and molluscs.
Functional and Numerical Responses of Predators: Where Do Vipers Fit in the Traditional Paradigms?
Authors: Nowak Erika M. , Theimer Tad C. , Schuett Gordon W. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSnakes typically are not considered top carnivores, yet in many ecosystems they are a major predatory influence. A literature search confirmed that terrestrial ectotherms such as snakes are largely absent in most discussions of predator‐prey dynamics. Here, we review classical functional and numerical responses of predator‐prey relationships and then assess whether these traditional views are consistent with what we know of one group of snakes (true vipers and pitvipers: Viperidae). Specifically, we compare behavioural and physiological characteristics of vipers with those of more commonly studied mammalian (endothermic) predators and discuss how functional and numerical responses of vipers are fundamentally different. Overall, when compared to similar‐sized endotherms, our analysis showed that vipers have: (i) lower functional responses owing primarily to longer prey handling times resulting from digestive limitations of consuming large prey and, for some adults, tolerance of fasting; (ii) stronger numerical responses resulting from higher efficiency of converting food into fitness currency (progeny), although this response often takes longer to be expressed; and (iii) reduced capacity for rapid numerical responses to short‐term changes in prey abundance. Given these factors, the potential for viperids to regulate prey populations would most likely occur when prey populations are low. We provide suggestions for future research on key issues in predator‐prey relationships of vipers, including their position within the classical paradigms of functional and numerical responses.
Psychosocial child adjustment and family functioning in families reached with an assertive outreach intervention
Authors: Rots‐de Vries Carin , van de Goor Ien , Stronks Karien , Garretsen Henk 
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 269–276

Psychosocial child adjustment and family functioning in families reached with an assertive outreach intervention Families who experience a chronic complex of socio‐economic and psychosocial problems are hard to reach with mainstream care. Evidence exists that the core of this problem is a problematic interaction between this type of family and current systems of care and services. To improve access to problem families, an assertive outreach intervention was implemented into the field of preventive child health care, the Netherlands. The study aimed to provide a more detailed insight into characteristics of the target group. Although there is consensus about some general features of hard to reach problem families, little is known about their specific characteristics because empirical studies among this group are rarely conducted. Especially, the problems of the children is shed insufficient light on. The studied population consisted of families included in the assertive outreach intervention delivered during one year (N = 116). To assess psychosocial adjustment of the children, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was filled in by the parents. Furthermore, a Dutch questionnaire on family functioning was completed by professional carers. Descriptive data were calculated. The findings show that by using the assertive outreach intervention, programme staff came into contact with families characterised by a considerably higher than average proportion of single parents and unemployed households receiving social benefits. The families faced a high level of risk and a wide range of severe and multiple difficulties, including a lack of basic child care, an inadequate social network and poor parenting. Children in these families were also facing a number of risks. The proportion of psychosocial problems was well above the (inter)national average. The findings reveal the problem areas of unreached families and a need to improve the access to care for these families.
Seeking a balance between employment and the care of an ageing parent
Authors: Eldh Ann Catrine , Carlsson Eva 
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 285–293

Seeking a balance between employment and the care of an ageing parent Rationale:  A growing number of middle‐aged people are engaged in informal care of their parents while employed. To provide support as employers, co‐workers or staff, health care professionals need insight into the experiences of people managing these responsibilities.Aim:  To elucidate the experience of providing informal care to an ageing parent while managing the responsibilities of a working life.Methods:  Narrative interviews were performed with 11 persons with experience of the phenomenon. Transcribed interviews were analysed with phenomenological hermeneutics.Ethics:  Informed consent was given prior to the interviews. The study was approved by a research ethics committee.Findings:  Providing informal care to an ageing parent while also pursuing a working life implies seeking balance: a balance between providing support to the parent’s needs and one’s responsibilities at work. Being employed supports this balance as it provides both fulfilment and refuge. Being capable of managing both roles grants a sense of satisfaction, supporting one’s sense of balance in life. The balance can be supported by sharing the responsibility of caring for the ageing parent with others.Study limitations:  Despite perceived saturation and an effort to provide for the possibility to consider internal consistency, the findings should be considered as a contribution to the understanding of the phenomenon, as experienced by individuals in their life world.Conclusions:  It is essential to recognise the impact that providing care for an ageing parent may have on the lives of a growing number of people, particularly if they have employment responsibilities. Acknowledgement by others supports one’s ability to attain balance; as co‐workers and managers, we can acknowledge the efforts of an informal caregiver and as health care staff recognise the valuable contribution made by people in mid‐life who provide informal care for their ageing parents.
Parents′ experience of living with a baby with infantile colic – a phenomenological hermeneutic study
Authors: Landgren Kajsa , Hallström Inger 
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 317–324

Parents′ experience of living with a baby with infantile colic – a phenomenological hermeneutic study Background:  About 10% of newborn babies have infantile colic which means that they cry more than 3 hours per day. The baby’s crying risks disturbing the early parent–child interaction.Objective:  This study aimed to illuminate the meaning of being a parent of a baby with infantile colic.Design:  An inductive qualitative interview study.Participants and settings:  Twenty‐three parents (12 mothers and 11 fathers) seeking help for infantile colic at a Child Health Clinic in south Sweden, having verified in a diary their babies’ crying to more than 3 hours/day, were individually interviewed between March 2006 and April 2007. Parents were selected to ensure variation in age and gender and if they were first‐time parents.Method:  Parent’s narratives were analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method.Findings:  The main theme found was ‘Colic overshadows everything’. Tired and worried parents experienced living in an inferno. Both fathers and mothers suffered with their babies, felt powerless and overwhelmed by strong feelings and neglected their other needs. To get through this period, parents used various strategies to ease their baby’s pain. Parents forced themselves not to lose control, to keep a stiff upper lip and generally to bear up. Sharing the burden was important. In spite of the suffering, they also felt hope, happiness and gratitude that they had a healthy baby. The results were reflected upon in relation to systems theory, attachment theory and a theory of interpersonal aspects of nursing.Conclusion:  It is an important task for professionals to empower parents and help them to endure the colic period and to gain higher self‐esteem as parents. By listening to the parents’ stories they can better understand their situation, offer support and increase self‐efficacy.
“I Gotta Push. Please Let Me Push!” Social Interactions During the Change from First to Second Stage Labor
Authors: Bergstrom Linda , Seidel John , Skillman‐Hull Leslie , Roberts Joyce 
Published: August 2010

Background: Forms of social interaction may occur among the participants in medicalized births, in which a woman in labor is experiencing strong involuntary urges to push but has not yet been found to have a completely dilated cervix. This article examines the social events and communications that occur at the change between first and second stages of labor. Method: Three cases are described from videotapes of women in the second stage of labor and their caregivers. Results: Several social and interactive features occurred, in which (1) the caregiver, usually a nurse, by invoking the “no pushing rule,” insisted that the woman suppress her involuntary urges to push; (2) both the caregiver and the parturient displayed an orientation toward the future and the eventual certification of full cervical dilation by a designated authority, usually a physician, regardless of the actual state of the woman's cervix or her involuntary urges to push; and (3) the certification process marked a ritual transition to “official” second stage labor, in which the woman's involuntary urges were considered appropriate and actively encouraged. Conclusion: A discrepancy between a laboring woman's sensations and caregivers' ideas about how labor should be conducted has implications for clinical care of women, wherein the goal should be to facilitate the woman's accomplishment rather than to direct the “delivery.” (BIRTH 24:3, September 1997)
Toward Lower Cesarean Birth Rates and Effective Care: Five Years' Outcomes of Joint Private Obstetric Practice
Authors: Schimmel Lynn M. , Schimmel Leon D. , DeJoseph Jeanne 
Published: August 2010

Background Many ways to improve perinatal outcomes, deliver cost‐effective care, and increase client and caregiver satisfaction have been suggested. This article adds to the body of such literature by describing a joint practice in California and reporting five years of its outcomes. Method: Frequency data were recorded prospectively for all pregnant women seen between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1995. Overall statistics and variable‐specific frequencies were then analyzed for the 1303 consecutive singleton births that occurred during this period. Results: The primary cesarean birth rate for the sample was 6.5 percent, the total rate was 9.1 percent, and the rate for women having their first full‐term pregnancy was 11.3 percent. Of all women with a previous cesarean birth, 72.2 percent delivered vaginally. The success rate of attempted vaginal births after cesarean was 83.5 percent. Instrument deliveries were performed for 2.0 percent of births, and the frequency of third‐ or fourth‐degree lacerations was 3.0 percent of all vaginal births. Transfers to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit were 1.3 percent, and the perinatal mortality rate was 5.4 per 1000 births (corrected for serious anomalies: 3/1000). The preterm birth rate (including maternal transfers) was 2.0 percent. Conclusion: An obstetric practice in a private community hospital setting that effectively used obstetricians, nurse‐midwives, and nurse practitioners reported low rates of cesarean birth, preterm birth, severe lacerations, instrument deliveries, and legal incidents, and excellent cost‐effective maternal and neonatal outcomes. (BIRTH 24:3, September 1997)
Maternal Health Care at a Japanese American Relocation Camp, 1942–1945: A Historical Study
Authors: McKay Susan 
Published: August 2010

Background: From late summer of 1942 until the fall of 1945, approximately 120,000 ethnic Japanese were confined behind barbed wire within 10 relocation camps in the United States. Although histories have been written about the relocation camps, little data are available about women's lives. This study explored women's lives and experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and child care in a Japanese‐American relocation camp. Methods: Twenty women who were ages 18 to 31 years at the time of internment at Heart Mountain, Wyoming Japanese American Relocation Camp, and one caucasian nurse who worked in the obstetric unit of the camp's hospital were interviewed. Archival, demographic, and historical data, including some prenatal records, provided information about maternity and public health care for pregnant women and new mothers. Results: Obstetric hospital practices were typical of the 1940s in the United States. Community public health services for new mothers included formula kitchens and well‐baby clinics. Infant mortality statistics from 1942 to 1945 at Heart Mountain were comparatively better for the same time period than for the state of Wyoming or the United States. These outcomes may have reflected the camp's extensive social and family support, adequate housing and food, and universal access to maternity services. Conclusions: The Heart Mountain internment provides a story about how women's lives are impacted by war. Since World War II, civilians, especially women and children, have increasingly been targeted during wars with profound impact upon the health of mothers and babies. (BIRTH 24:3, September 1997)
Women's Evaluations of Induction of Labor Versus Expectant Management for Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes at Term
Authors: Hodnett Ellen D. , Hannah Mary E. , Weston Julie A. , Ohlsson Arne , Myhr Terri L. , Wang Elaine E.I. , Hewson Sheila A. , Willan Andrew R. , Farine Dan ,   for the TermPROM Study Group
Published: August 2010

Background:Induction of labor has become common practice in many Western countries, but few studies have assessed women's views.Methods:A randomized, controlled trial was conducted at 72 hospitals in six countries. Five thousand forty‐one women meeting eligibility criteria, with no contraindications for induction of labor or expectant management, were randomly assigned to four groups: induction with intravenous oxytocin, induction with vaginal prostaglandin E2 gel, or expectant management followed by induction with either oxytocin or with prostaglandin E2 gel if complications developed. The three main outcome measures were evaluations of the treatment received, perceived control during childbirth, and evaluations of the experience of trial participation.Results:Questionnaires were completed by 81.9 percent of the sample. No significant differences occurred between the two induction groups. Compared with the expectant management groups, induced women were less likely to report there was nothing they liked about their treatment and less likely to report that the treatment caused additional worry. No between‐group differences occurred in experienced control during childbirth. Women in the induction groups were more likely to be willing to participate in the study again and to feel reassured.Conclusions:Women's preferences should be considered when making decisions about their method of management when membranes rupture before labor. Obtaining participants' views is both feasible and worthwhile when evaluating forms of medical care. (BIRTH 24:4, December 1997)
Unintended Childbearing, Maternal Beliefs, and Delay of Prenatal Care
Authors: Mayer Jeffrey P. 
Published: August 2010

Background:Delay of prenatal care is an important risk for poor birth outcome, yet its association with maternal knowledge and beliefs remains insufficiently studied. This research examined the relationship of unintended childbearing and beliefs about the importance of prenatal care with initiation after the first trimester, adjusting for key sociodemographic determinants.Methods:One hundred fifty‐four Texas hospitals accounting for 80 percent of state births were asked to collect surveys from all women delivering infants during a one‐week interval in 1986. Seventy‐four percent of hospitals and 70 percent of women participated (n= 2032). No differences occurred between the sample and the population on rates of delayed care and low birthweight or maternal demographics.Results:Since delayed prenatal care is more frequent among low‐income women, analyses were limited to those below the 200 percent poverty level. After adjustment for maternal age, marital status, education, parity, race, and health insurance status employing logistic regression, unintended births were 1.6 times more likely to involve delayed care. Mothers who believed prenatal care was unimportant were 2.1 times more likely to delay care. These coefficients exceeded or about equaled those for the covariates.Conclusions:Preconception education about the value of prenatal care and family planning programs to prevent unintended pregnancies should be conducted together with efforts to overcome financial and structural barriers if progress toward national prenatal care objectives is to be achieved. (BIRTH 24:4, December 1997)