Effect of individual characteristics on a mathematical model of human thermoregulation

A multi-segmental mathematical model of human thermoregulation was tested for its capability to predict individualized physiological responses. We compared the model predictions obtained for an average person with measured individual responses of subjects exposed to mild cold. Secondly, body composition (BC) data, the resting metabolic rate (MR), and the actual measured MR during the test were used as input into the model.

The data was obtained from 20 subjects (age: 19–36 years; BMI: 17–32 kg/m²). BC, MR, rectal and skin temperatures were measured for 1 h at 22 °C, followed by 3 h at 15 °C.

A mean bias of 1.8 °C, with a standard error of 0.7 °C, resulted for the mean skin temperature of an average person at 15 °C. When subjective BC and measured MR were incorporated the bias was −0.2±0.9 °C. For the hand-back skin temperature the bias ± standard error fell from 5.3±2.8 °C for an average person to 2.0±2.5 °C, when using individualized characteristics. Trunk skin temperatures were not significantly affected by the adjustments.

In conclusion, this study shows that on a group level predictions of skin temperatures can be improved when adopting individualized body characteristics and measured MR, but the predictions on an individual level were not improved.     

Evaluation of mean skin temperature formulas by infrared thermography

 To study the reliabiliity of formulas for calculating mean skin temperature (T _sk), values were computed by 18 different techniques and were compared with the mean of 10,841 skin temperatures measured by infrared thermography. One hundred whole-body infrared thermograms were scanned in ten resting males while changing the air temperature from 40° C to 4° C. Local, regional average and mean skin temperatures were obtained using an image processing system. The agreement frequency, defined as the percentage of the calculated T _sk values which agreed with the corresponding infrared thermographic T _sk within ±0.2° C, ranged for with the various formulas from 7% to 80%. In many sites, the local skin temperature did not coincide with the regional average skin temperature. When the local skin temperatures which showed the highest percentage similarity to the regional average skin temperature within ±0.4° C were applied to the formula, the agreement frequency was markedly improved for all formulas. However, the agreement frequency was not affected by changing the weighting factors from specific constants to individually measured values of regional surface area. By applying the physiologically reliable accuracy range of ±0.2° C in the moderate and ±0.4° C in the cool condition, agreement frequencies of at least 95% were observed in formulas involving seven or more skin temperature measurement sites, including the hand and foot. We conclude that calculation of a reliable mean skin temperature must involve more than seven skin temperature measurement sites regardless of ambient temperature. Optimal sites for skin temperature measurement are proposed for various formulas. Received: 2 December 1996 / Accepted: 25 June 1997     

A new approach using the Pierce two-node model for different body parts

This paper presents a new approach, in applying the Pierce two-node model, to predict local skin temperatures of individual body parts with good accuracy. In this study, local skin temperature measurements at 24 sites on the bodies of 11 human subjects were carried out in a controlled environment under three different indoor conditions (i.e. neutral, warm and cold). The neutral condition measurements were used to adjust the local skin set-points in the model for each body part. Additional modifications to the calculation algorithm were introduced corresponding to different body parts. The local core set-points were then calculated, using a line search method, as the input values that allow the model to predict the skin temperatures with maximum deviation of ±0.1°C for the neutral condition. The model predictability was verified for the other two indoor conditions, and the results show that the modified model predicts local skin temperatures with average deviation of ±0.3°C.     

Validation of a new whole-body cryotherapy chamber based on forced convection

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and partial-body cryotherapy (PBC) are two methods of cold exposure (from −110 to −195 °C according to the manufacturers). However, temperature measurement in the cold chamber during a PBC exposure revealed temperatures ranging from −25 to −50 °C next to the skin of the subjects (using isolating layer placed between the sensor and the skin). This discrepancy is due to the human body heat transfer. Moreover, on the surface of the body, an air layer called the boundary layer is created during the exposure and limits heat transfer from the body to the cabin air. Incorporating forced convection in a chamber with a participant inside could reduce this boundary layer. The aim of this study was to explore the use of a new WBC technology based on forced convection (frontal unilateral wind) through the measurement of skin temperature. Fifteen individuals performed a 3-min WBC exposure at −40 °C with an average wind speed of 2.3 m s⁻¹. The subjects wore a headband, a surgical mask, underwear, gloves and slippers. The skin temperature of the participants was measured with a thermal camera just before exposure, just after exposure and at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min after exposure. Mean skin temperature significantly dropped by 11 °C just after exposure (p<0.001) and then significantly increased during the 20-min post exposure period (p<0.001). No critically low skin temperature was observed at the end of the cold exposure. This decrease was greater than the mean decreases in all the cryosauna devices with reported exposures between −140 °C and −160 °C and those in two other WBC devices with reported exposures between −60 °C and −110 °C. The use of this new technology provides the ability to reach decreases in skin temperature similar to other technologies. The new chamber is suitable and relevant for use as a WBC device.     

Thermal responses of an insect subjected to temperature variations

Temperature responses of the cockroach, Blaberus craniifer, to rapid changes of ambient temperature (T_a) have been studied. In static conditions at T_a = 27°C the body-to-ambient temperature difference was only 0.10 ± 0.07°C. Two test situations were used, either a ramp increase of T_a from 27 to 31°C (0.1°C/min) or “step” changes from 27 to 28°C and back (0.5°C/min). In both cases body temperature closely followed Newtonian model, the body time constants measured in various conditions being very similar: 543 ± 99 sec in ramp tests, 550 ± 68 sec and 542 ± 124 sec in rising and falling step tests respectively. It is concluded that in spite of evident differences between the cockroach and an inert solid, the Newtonian model adequately represents the thermal responses of this insect to moderate changes in ambient temperature.     

The influence of outdoor thermal environment on young Japanese females

The influence of short wave solar radiation appears to be strong outdoors in summer, and the influence of airflow appears to be strong outdoors in winter. The purpose of this paper was to clarify the influence of the outdoor environment on young Japanese females. This research shows the relationship between the physiological and psychological responses of humans and the enhanced conduction-corrected modified effective temperature (ETFe). Subjective experiments were conducted in an outdoor environment. Subjects were exposed to the thermal environment in a standing posture. Air temperature, humidity, air velocity, short wave solar radiation, long wave radiation, ground surface temperature, sky factor, and the green solid angle were measured. The temperatures of skin exposed to the atmosphere and in contact with the ground were measured. Thermal sensation and thermal comfort were measured by means of rating the whole-body thermal sensation (cold–hot) and the whole body thermal comfort (comfortable–uncomfortable) on a linear scale. Linear rating scales are given for the hot (100) and cold (0), and comfortable (100) and uncomfortable (0) directions only. Arbitrary values of 0 and 100 were assigned to each endpoint, the reported values read in, and the entire length converted into a numerical value with an arbitrary scale of 100 to give a linear rating scale. The ETFe considered to report a neither hot nor cold, thermally neutral sensation of 50 was 35.9 °C, with 32.3 °C and 42.9 °C, respectively, corresponding to the low and high temperature ends of the ETFe considered to report a neither comfortable nor uncomfortable comfort value of 50. The mean skin temperature considered to report a neither hot nor cold, thermally neutral sensation of 50 was 33.3 °C, with 31.0 °C and 34.3 °C, respectively, corresponding to the low and high temperature ends of the mean skin temperature considered to report a neither comfortable nor uncomfortable comfort value of 50. The acceptability raised the mean skin temperature even for thermal environment conditions in which ETFe was high.     

Thermoregulation in premature infants: A mathematical model

PurposeIn 2010, approximately 14.9 million babies (11.1%) were born preterm. Because preterm infants suffer from an immature thermoregulatory system they have difficulty maintaining their core body temperature at a constant level. Therefore, it is essential to maintain their temperature at, ideally, around 37 °C. For this, mathematical models can provide detailed insight into heat transfer processes and body-environment interactions for clinical applications.MethodsA new multi-node mathematical model of the thermoregulatory system of newborn infants is presented. It comprises seven compartments, one spherical and six cylindrical, which represent the head, thorax, abdomen, arms and legs, respectively. The model is customizable, i.e. it meets individual characteristics of the neonate (e.g. gestational age, postnatal age, weight and length) which play an important role in heat transfer mechanisms. The model was validated during thermal neutrality and in a transient thermal environment.ResultsDuring thermal neutrality the model accurately predicted skin and core temperatures. The difference in mean core temperature between measurements and simulations averaged 0.25±0.21 °C and that of skin temperature averaged 0.36±0.36 °C. During transient thermal conditions, our approach simulated the thermoregulatory dynamics/responses. Here, for all infants, the mean absolute error between core temperatures averaged 0.12±0.11 °C and that of skin temperatures hovered around 0.30 °C.ConclusionsThe mathematical model appears able to predict core and skin temperatures during thermal neutrality and in case of a transient thermal conditions.     

Elderly bioheat modeling: changes in physiology,thermoregulation, and blood flow circulation

A bioheat model for the elderly was developed focusing on blood flow circulatory changes that influence their thermal response in warm and cold environments to predict skin and core temperatures for different segments of the body especially the fingers. The young adult model of Karaki et al. (Int J Therm Sci 67:41–51, 2013) was modified by incorporation of the physiological thermoregulatory and vasomotor changes based on literature observations of physiological changes in the elderly compared to young adults such as lower metabolism and vasoconstriction diminished ability, skin blood flow and its minimum and maximum values, the sweating values, skin fat thickness, as well as the change in threshold parameter related to core or skin temperatures which triggers thermoregulatory action for sweating, maximum dilatation, and maximum constriction. The developed model was validated with published experimental data for elderly exposure to transient and steady hot and cold environments. Predicted finger skin temperature, mean skin temperature, and core temperature were in agreement with published experimental data at a maximum error less than 0.5 °C in the mean skin temperature. The elderly bioheat model showed an increase in finger skin temperature and a decrease in core temperature in cold exposure while it showed a decrease in finger skin temperature and an increase in core temperature in hot exposure.     

Explicit formula of finite difference method to estimate human peripheral tissue temperatures during exposure to severe cold stress

During cold exposure, peripheral tissues undergo vasoconstriction to minimize heat loss to preserve the maintenance of a normal core temperature. However, vasoconstricted tissues exposed to cold temperatures are susceptible to freezing and frostbite-related tissue damage. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a mathematical model for the estimation of tissue necrosis due to cold stress. To this end, an explicit formula of finite difference method has been used to obtain the solution of Pennes' bio-heat equation with appropriate boundary conditions to estimate the temperature profiles of dermal and subdermal layers when exposed to severe cold temperatures. The discrete values of nodal temperature were calculated at the interfaces of skin and subcutaneous tissues with respect to the atmospheric temperatures of 25 °C, 20 °C, 15 °C, 5 °C, −5 °C and −10 °C. The results obtained were used to identify the scenarios under which various degrees of frostbite occur on the surface of skin as well as the dermal and subdermal areas. The explicit formula of finite difference method proposed in this model provides more accurate predictions as compared to other numerical methods. This model of predicting tissue temperatures provides researchers with a more accurate prediction of peripheral tissue temperature and, hence, the susceptibility to frostbite during severe cold exposure.     

Urine temperature as an index for the core temperature of industrial workers in hot or cold environments

Workers working in hot or cold environments are at risk for heat stroke and hypothermia. In Japan, 1718 people including 47 workers died of heat stroke in 2010 (Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare, Japan 2011). While the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommendation lists the abnormal core temperature of workers as a criterion for halting work, no method has been established for reliably measuring core temperatures at workplaces. ISO 9886 (Ergonomics-evaluation of thermal strain by physiological measurements. ISO copyright office, Geneva, pp 3–14; 2004) recognizes urine temperature as an index of core temperature only at normal temperature. In this study we ascertained whether or not urine temperature could serve as an index for core temperature at temperatures above and below the ISO range. We measured urine temperature of 31 subjects (29.8 ± 11.9 years) using a thermocouple sensor placed in the toilet bowl at ambient temperature settings of 40, 20, and 5˚C, and compared them with rectal temperature. At all ambient temperature settings, urine temperature correlated closely with rectal temperature exhibiting small mean bias. Urine temperature changed in a synchronized manner with rectal temperature at 40˚C. A Bland and Altman analysis showed that the limits of agreement (mean bias ± 2SD) between rectal and urine temperatures were −0.39 to +0.15˚C at 40˚C (95%CI −0.44 to +0.20˚C) and −0.79 to +0.29˚C at 5˚C (−0.89 to +0.39˚C). Hence, urine temperature as measured by the present method is a practical surrogate index for rectal temperature and represents a highly reliable biological monitoring index for assessing hot and cold stresses of workers at actual workplaces.     

The effect of body temperature on the hunting response of the middle finger skin temperature

The relationship between body temperature and the hunting response (intermittent supply of warm blood to cold exposed extremities) was quantified for nine subjects by immersing one hand in 8°C water while their body was either warm, cool or comfortable. Core and skin temperatures were manipulated by exposing the subjects to different ambient temperatures (30, 22, or 15°C), by adjusting their clothing insulation (moderate, light, or none), and by drinking beverages at different temperatures (43, 37 and 0°C). The middle finger temperature (T _fi) response was recorded, together with ear canal (T _ear), rectal (T _re), and mean skin temperature (Tˉ _sk). The induced mean T _ear changes were −0.34 (0.08) and +0.29 (0.03)°C following consumption of the cold and hot beverage, respectively. Tˉ _sk ranged from 26.7 to 34.5°C during the tests. In the warm environment after a hot drink, the initial finger temperature (T _fi,base) was 35.3 (0.4)°C, the minimum finger temperature during immersion (T _fi,min) was 11.3 (0.5)°C, and 2.6 (0.4) hunting waves occurred in the 30-min immersion period. In the neutral condition (thermoneutral room and beverage) T _fi,base was 32.1 (1.0)°C, T _fi,min was 9.6 (0.3)°C, and 1.6 (0.2) waves occurred. In the cold environment after a cold drink, these values were 19.3 (0.9)°C, 8.7 (0.2)°C, and 0.8 (0.2) waves, respectively. A colder body induced a decrease in the magnitude and frequency of the hunting response. The total heat transferred from the hand to the water, as estimated by the area under the middle finger temperature curve, was also dependent upon the induced increase or decrease in T _ear and Tˉ _sk. We conclude that the characteristics of the hunting temperature response curve of the finger are in part determined by core temperature and Tˉ _sk. Both T _fi,min and the maximal finger temperature during immersion were higher when the core temperature was elevated; Tˉ _sk seemed to be an important determinant of the onset time of the cold-induced vasodilation response. Accepted: 29 April 1997     

Neither altered incubation temperature during fetal development nor preferred rearing temperature improves leg bone characteristics of broilers

The present study evaluated whether broiler femoral and tibiotarsal characteristics (as assessed at slaughter age) could be improved if birds were reared under their preferred temperature and whether continuous high or low incubation temperature during the fetal period improves bone characteristics of broilers reared under heat stress or thermal preference. Broiler breeder eggs were incubated from day 13 until hatching under cold (36 °C), control (37.5 °C), or hot (39 °C) temperatures. Under these conditions, the eggshell temperatures were 37.4 ± 0.1°C, 37.8 ± 0.15°C, and 38.8 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Then, broiler chicks were reared under control, preferred (determined previously in thermal preference test), or high temperatures. At day 42 of age, the broilers were weighed and euthanized, and femora and tibiotarsi collected to measure weight, length, diaphysis perimeter, breaking strength, maximum flexion, rigidity, ash, phosphorus, and calcium. Rearing under the preferred temperature did not affect broiler body weight or femoral and tibiotarsal characteristics (P > 0.05). In contrast, high rearing temperature, decreased the body weight, mineral contents of both bones, femoral breaking strength, and tibiotarsal rigidity (P < 0.05). Regarding incubation temperature effects, egg exposure to cold and hot temperatures during the fetal period minimized or avoided a few effects of high rearing temperature, such as those on femoral and tibiotarsal morphological characteristics, mineral composition, and mechanical properties at slaughter age (P < 0.05), but not all. In conclusion, rearing under the preferred broiler temperature did not improve the bone characteristics, and the negative effects of high rearing temperature on bone development were minimized but not completely prevented by high or low temperature incubation during the fetal period.     

Biogeographic variation in temperature sensitivity of decomposition in forest soils

Determining soil carbon (C) responses to rising temperature is critical for projections of the feedbacks between terrestrial ecosystems, C cycle, and climate change. However, the direction and magnitude of this feedback remain highly uncertain due largely to our limited understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of soil C decomposition and its temperature sensitivity. Here we quantified C decomposition and its response to temperature change with an incubation study of soils from 203 sites across tropical to boreal forests in China spanning a wide range of latitudes (18°16′ to 51°37′N) and longitudes (81°01′ to 129°28′E). Mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation primarily explained the biogeographic variation in the decomposition rate and temperature sensitivity of soils: soil C decomposition rate decreased from warm and wet forests to cold and dry forests, while Q_10‐MAT (standardized to the MAT of each site) values displayed the opposite pattern. In contrast, biological factors (i.e. plant productivity and soil bacterial diversity) and soil factors (e.g. clay, pH, and C availability of microbial biomass C and dissolved organic C) played relatively small roles in the biogeographic patterns. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between Q_10‐MAT and soil C quality, challenging the current C quality–temperature hypothesis. Using a single, fixed Q_10‐MAT value (the mean across all forests), as is usually done in model predictions, would bias the estimated soil CO₂ emissions at a temperature increase of 3.0°C. This would lead to overestimation of emissions in warm biomes, underestimation in cold biomes, and likely significant overestimation of overall C release from soil to the atmosphere. Our results highlight that climate‐related biogeographic variation in soil C responses to temperature needs to be included in next‐generation C cycle models to improve predictions of C‐climate feedbacks.     

Effects of niacin supplementation and dietary concentrate proportion on body temperature,ruminal pH and milk performance of primiparous dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of niacin and dietary concentrate proportion on body temperature, ruminal pH and milk production of dairy cows. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, 20 primiparous Holstein cows (179 ± 12 days in milk) were assigned to four dietary treatments aimed to receive either 0 or 24 g niacin and 30% (low) or 60% (high) concentrate with the rest being a partial mixed ration (PMR) composed of 60% corn and 40% grass silage (on dry matter basis). Ambient temperature and relative humidity were determined and combined by the calculation of temperature humidity index. Respiration rates, rectal, skin and subcutaneous temperatures were measured. Milk production and composition were determined. Ruminal pH and temperature were recorded at a frequency of 5 min using wireless devices for continuous intra-ruminal measurement (boluses). pH values were corrected for pH sensor drift. The climatic conditions varied considerably but temporarily indicated mild heat stress. Niacin did not affect skin, rectal and subcutaneous temperatures but tended to increase respiration rates. High concentrate reduced skin temperatures at rump, thigh and neck by 0.1–0.3°C. Due to the technical disturbances, not all bolus data could be subjected to statistical evaluation. However, both niacin and high concentrate influenced mean ruminal pH. High concentrate increased the time spent with a pH below 5.6 and ruminal temperatures (0.2–0.3°C). Niacin and high concentrate enhanced milk, protein and lactose yield but reduced milk fat and protein content. Milk fat yield was slightly reduced by high concentrate but increased due to niacin supplementation. In conclusion, niacin did not affect body temperature but stimulated milk performance. High concentrate partially influenced body temperatures and had beneficial effects on milk production.     

Seasonal changes in daily torpor patterns of free-ranging female and male Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii)

Daily torpor can provide significant energy and water savings in bats during cold ambient temperatures and food scarcity. However, it may reduce rates of foetal and juvenile development. Therefore, reproductive females should optimize development by minimizing times in torpor. To test this hypothesis, the use of torpor by female and male free-ranging Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii) during reproduction (gestation, lactation, and post-lactation period) was investigated in 1998 and 1999. Temperature-sensitive radio transmitters were attached to the bats to measure skin temperature. Simultaneously, ambient temperature was recorded. While both sexes became torpid during daytime, male bats used daily torpor (>6°C below individual active temperature) significantly more often during reproductive period (mean: 78.4 % of day time in May and 43 % in June) than females. Female bats went into daily torpor, particularly in late summer when juveniles were weaned (mean: 66.6 % of daytime). Lowest skin temperatures occurred in a female bat with 21.0°C during post-lactation. Skin temperatures of male bats fluctuated from 16.8°C in torpor to 37.2°C during times of activity. There was a significant effect of reproductive period on skin temperature in females whereas mean ambient temperature had no significant effect. However, mean ambient temperature affected mean skin temperatures in males. Our findings indicate that female Daubenton’s bats adopt their thermoregulatory behaviour in particular to optimize the juvenile development.     

Individualising the exposure of −110 °C whole body cryotherapy: The effects of sex and body composition

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) on a range of thermoregulatory measures. We also sought to examine the influence of sex and body composition. A convenience sample of 18 healthy participants (10 males and 8 females) (27±6 yr) volunteered for this study. Temperature (core, tympanic, skin and mean body), heart rate, blood pressure, and thermal comfort and sensation were recorded pre- and post- (immediately and every 5 min until 35 min post) exposure to a single bout of WBC (30 s at −60 °C, 150 s at 110 °C). Anthropometric data (height, weight, body surface area, body mass index, fat mass and fat free mass) were also recorded. No significant differences in temperature (core, tympanic, skin and mean body), heart rate, blood pressure, or thermal comfort / sensation were observed between male and females at baseline. Immediately post WBC mean body (male:31.9±0.8 °C; female:31.0±0.9 °C; ∆ mean body temperature:0.9±0.1 °C; P≤0.05, d=0.64) and mean skin (male:22.1±2.2 °C; female:19.6±2.8 °C; ∆ mean skin temperature:−2.5±0.6 °C; d=0.99, P≤0.05) temperature was significantly different between sexes. Sex differences were also observed in regional skin temperature (male thigh, 20.8±1.1 °C; female thigh, 16.7±1.1 °C, ∆ mean thigh skin temperature:−4.1 °C; d=3.72; male calf, 20.5±1.1 °C; female calf, 18.2±1 °C, ∆ mean calf skin temperature:−2.3±0.1 °C; d=3.61; male arm, 21.7±1 °C; female arm, 19±0.4 °C, ∆ mean arm skin temperature: −2.7±0.3 °C; d=3.54; P≤0.05). Mean arterial pressure was significantly different over time (P≤0.001) and between sexes (male 0 mins:94±10 mmHg; female 0 mins:85±7 mmHg; male 35 mins:88±7 mmHg; female 35 mins:80±6 mmHg; P≤0.05). Combined data set indicated a strong negative relationship between skin temperature and body fat percentage 35 min’ post WBC (r=−0.749, P≤0.001) and for core temperature and body mass index in males only (r=0.726, P≤0.05) immediately after WBC. There were no significant differences between sexes in any other variables (heart rate, tympanic and perceptual variables). We observed sex differences in mean skin and mean body temperature following exposure to whole body cryotherapy. In an attempt to optimise treatment, these differences should be taken into account if whole body cryotherapy is prescribed.     

Infrared cameras overestimate skin temperature during rewarming from cold exposure

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of an infrared camera and that of a skin thermistor, both commercially available. The study aimed to assess the agreement over a wide range of skin temperatures following cold exposure.MethodsFifty-two males placed their right hand in a thin plastic bag and immersed it in 8 °C water for 30 min whilst seated in an air temperature of 30 °C. Following hand immersion, participants removed the bag and rested their hand at heart level for 10 min. Index finger skin temperature (T_sk) was measured with a thermistor, affixed to the finger pad, and an infrared camera measured 1 cm distally to the thermistor. Agreement between the infrared camera and thermistor was assessed by mean difference (infrared camera minus thermistor) and 95% limits of agreement analysis, accounting for the repeated measures over time. The clinically significant threshold for T_sk differences was set at ±0.5 °C and limits of agreement ±1 °C.ResultsAs an average across all time points, the infrared camera recorded T_sk 1.80 (SD 1.16) °C warmer than the thermistor, with 95% limits of agreement ranging from −0.46 °C to 4.07 °C.ConclusionCollectively, the results show the infrared camera overestimated T_sk at every time point following local cooling. Further, measurement of finger T_sk from the infrared camera consistently fell outside the acceptable level of agreement (i.e. mean difference exceeding ±0.5 °C). Considering these results, infrared cameras may overestimate peripheral T_sk following cold exposure and clinicians and practitioners should, therefore, adjust their risk/withdrawal criteria accordingly.     

Functional models for growth and food consumption of Atlantic salmon parr, Salmo salar, from a Norwegian river

1. The chief objectives were to analyse and model experimental data for maximum growth and food consumption of Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) collected from a cold glacier fed river in western Norway. The growth and feeding models were also applied to groups of Atlantic salmon growing and feeding at rates below the maximum. The growth models were validated by comparing their predictions with observed growth in the river supplying the experimental fish.
2. Two different models were fitted, one originally developed for British salmon and the other based on a model for bacterial growth. Both gave estimates for optimum temperature for growth at 18–19 °C, somewhat higher than for Atlantic salmon from Britain. Higher optimal temperature for growth in salmon from a cold Norwegian river than from British rivers does not concur with predictions from the thermal adaptation hypothesis.
3. Model parameter estimates differed among growth groups in that the lower critical temperature for growth increased from fast to slow growing individuals. In contrast to findings for brown trout (Salmo trutta), the optimum temperature for growth did not decrease with decreasing levels of food consumption.
4. A new and simple model showed that food consumption (expressed in energy terms) peaked at 19.5–19.8 °C, which is similar to the optimal temperature for growth. Feeding began at a temperature 1.5 °C below the lower temperature for growth and ended about 1 °C above the maximum temperature for growth. Model parameter estimates for consumption differed among growth groups in a manner similar to the growth models. Maximum consumption was lower for Atlantic salmon than for brown trout, except at temperatures above 18 °C.
5. By combining the growth and food consumption models, growth efficiency was estimated and reached a maximum at about 14 °C for fast growing individuals, increasing to nearly 17 °C for slow growing ones, although it was lower overall for the latter group. Efficiency also declined with increasing fish size. Growth efficiency was generally higher for Atlantic salmon than for brown trout, particularly at high temperature.     

When things get hot: Thermoregulation behavior in the lizard Sceloporus aeneus at different thermal conditions

Rising environmental temperatures have become a global threat for ectotherms, with the increasing risk of overheating promoting population declines. Flexible thermoregulatory behavior might be a plausible mechanism to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures. We experimentally evaluated thermoregulatory behavior in the bunchgrass lizard, Sceloporus aeneus, at three different environmental temperatures (25, 35 and 45 °C) both with and without a thermal refuge. We recorded themoregulatory behaviors (body posture and movement between hot and cold patches) and compared individual lizards across all experimental temperature and shelter combinations. Behavioral thermoregulation in S. aeneus was characterized by the expression of five body postures, whose frequencies varied based on environmental temperature and microthermal conditions. Behavioral responses allowed lizards to maintain a mean body temperature <40 °C, the critical thermal maximum for temperate species, even at extreme environmental temperatures (45 °C). Although S. aeneus express an array of behavioral postures that provide an effective mechanism to cope with elevating temperatures, the presence of a thermal refuge was important to better achieve this. Together, our study offers a novel method to evaluate microhabitat preference that encompasses both behavioral observations and time-space analysis based on the ambient thermal distribution, a consideration that can aid in the formulation of more accurate predictions on ectotherm vulnerability related to increasing global environmental temperatures.