bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Informing conservation units: barriers to dispersal for the yellow anaconda
Authors: Kershaw Francine , Waller Tomás , Micucci Patricio , Draque Juan , Barros Mariano , Buongermini Emilio , Pearson Richard G. , Mendez Martín 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimFine‐scale population structure is often unaccounted for in the delineation of conservation units, potentially compromising long‐term species persistence. Identifying biogeographic and environmental drivers of population boundaries is therefore of key conservation concern. We aimed to explore barriers to dispersal for the harvested yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) using an ecological niche model. Our secondary aim was to test the relative geographic and environmental contributions of a multisource occurrence data set in species range predictions.LocationParaguay River drainage, central South America.MethodsWe developed an ecological niche model for the yellow anaconda using Maxent and a multisource species occurrence data set. Following nine iterations of model development, nine environmental variables were selected for model inclusion. We used the models to identify potential barriers to dispersal and employed jackknifing to identify the primary environmental variables that best explain barrier presence. We assessed the geographic and environmental overlap of models built with each data subset.ResultsCharacterization of suitable habitat was found to be most powerful in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay. A persistent barrier to dispersal was identified in northern Argentina and corresponded to the presence of dry Cambisol soils. Data subsets were found to contribute different information to the final model in terms of geographic and environmental space.Main ConclusionsEcologically meaningful barriers to dispersal support recent genetic hypotheses of population subdivision. These barriers should be considered when delineating species management units to ensure sustainable harvest levels. Multisource data sets may produce more powerful niche predictions and represent a useful resource for data‐poor species. Further, model results should be interpreted alongside complementary analyses for more effective conservation strategies.
Species–people correlations and the need to account for survey effort in biodiversity analyses
Authors: Barbosa A. Márcia , Pautasso Marco , Figueiredo Diogo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimPositive regional correlations between biodiversity and human population have been detected for several taxonomic groups and geographical regions. Such correlations could have important conservation implications and have been mainly attributed to ecological factors, with little testing for an artefactual explanation: more populated regions may show higher biodiversity because they are more thoroughly surveyed. We tested the hypothesis that the correlation between people and herptile diversity in Europe is influenced by survey effort.LocationEurope.MethodsAlthough no explicit survey effort information is available in our dataset, we can divide Europe into three nested regions that were subjected to different levels of survey coverage. We compared species–people correlations among these regions, both with and without controlling for landscape diversity and latitude (a wrapper for energy‐related variables whose individual effects on species richness were weaker). We also tested for relationships between human population and the distributions of single species.ResultsBoth mean species richness and human population density increased as we restricted the analyses towards better‐surveyed regions. Whether or not accounting for ecological factors, the positive relationship between species richness and human density was significant at the lower survey coverage levels, but faded as the analysis focused on better‐surveyed regions and disappeared in the best‐surveyed level. Single‐species analyses revealed identical patterns, for both human‐avoiding and human‐adapted species.Main conclusionsOur findings suggest an artefactual origin for the herptile–people correlation in Europe. More importantly, they highlight the importance of addressing sampling bias in biodiversity analyses, which may be possible even when survey effort is not recorded. We also emphasize the utility of noting survey effort along with biodiversity records and the need for better surveys of biodiversity in less populated areas. An adequate identification of conservation conflicts requires more rigorous assessments of the effects of survey effort on biodiversity data.
Sitagliptin and pioglitazone provide complementary effects on postprandial glucose and pancreatic islet cell function
Authors: Alba M. , Ahrén B. , Inzucchi S. E. , Guan Y. , Mallick M. , Xu L. , O'Neill E. A. , Williams‐Herman D. E. , Kaufman K. D. , Goldstein B. J. 
Published: June 2013

AimsThe effects of sitagliptin and pioglitazone, alone and in combination, on α‐ and β‐cell function were assessed in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsFollowing a 6‐week diet/exercise period, 211 patients with HbA1c of 6.5–9.0% and fasting plasma glucose of 7.2–14.4 mmol/l were randomized (1 :1 :1 : 1) to sitagliptin, pioglitazone, sitagliptin + pioglitazone or placebo. At baseline and after 12 weeks, patients were given a mixed meal followed by frequent blood sampling for measurements of glucose, insulin, C‐peptide and glucagon.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, 5‐h glucose total area under the curve (AUC) decreased in all active treatments versus placebo; reduction with sitagliptin + pioglitazone was greater versus either monotherapy. The 5‐h insulin total AUC increased with sitagliptin versus all other treatments and increased with sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus pioglitazone. The 3‐h glucagon AUC decreased with sitagliptin versus placebo and decreased with sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus pioglitazone or placebo. Φs, a measure of dynamic β‐cell responsiveness to above‐basal glucose concentrations, increased with either monotherapy versus placebo and increased with sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus either monotherapy. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI), a composite index of insulin sensitivity, improved with pioglitazone and sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus placebo. The disposition index, a measure of the relationship between β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity, improved with all active treatments versus placebo.ConclusionsSitagliptin and pioglitazone enhanced β‐cell function (increasing postmeal Φs), and sitagliptin improved α‐cell function (decreasing postmeal glucagon) after 12 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes. Through these complementary mechanisms of action, the combination of sitagliptin and pioglitazone reduced postmeal glucose more than either treatment alone.
Differential effects of vildagliptin and glimepiride on glucose fluctuations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus assessed using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: He Y. L. , Foteinos G. , Neelakantham S. , Mattapalli D. , Kulmatycki K. , Forst T. , Taylor A. 
Published: June 2013

AimTo assess whether there is a difference in the effects of vildagliptin and glimepiride on glucose fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).MethodsThis was an open‐label, randomized cross‐over study conducted in T2DM patients. A total of 24 patients (age: 58.3 ± 5.56 years, baseline HbA1c: 7.6 ± 0.50%) who were on stable metformin monotherapy (500–3000 mg) were enrolled, and all completed the study. Each patient received two 5‐day treatments (vildagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. or glimepiride 2 mg q.d.) in a cross‐over manner. Various biomarkers and blood glucose concentrations were measured following breakfast. The 24‐h glucose profiles were also measured using the CGM device at baseline and after 5 days of treatment, and fluctuations in glucose levels were estimated from CGM data.ResultsBoth vildagliptin and glimepiride reduced postprandial glucose levels, based on both CGM data (15% vs. 16%) and measured plasma glucose (13% vs.17%). Vildagliptin showed lower glucose fluctuations than glimepiride as measured by mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE, p = 0.1076), standard deviation (s.d., p = 0.1346) of blood glucose rate of change, but did not reach statistical significance attributed to the small sample size. MAGE was reduced by ∼20% with vildagliptin versus glimepiride. Vildagliptin led to statistically significant lowering of the rate of change in the median curve (RCMC) and interquartile range (IQR) of glucose. Treatment with vildagliptin significantly increased the levels of active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 by 2.36‐fold (p ≤ 0.0001) and suppressed glucagon by 8% (p = 0.01), whereas glimepiride significantly increased the levels of insulin and C‐peptide by 21% (p = 0.012) and 12% (p = 0.003), respectively.ConclusionsVildagliptin treatment was associated with less fluctuation of glucose levels than glimepiride treatment as assessed by 24‐h CGM device, suggesting vildagliptin may have the potential to offer long‐term beneficial effects for patients with T2DM in preventing the development of complications of diabetes.
Evolution of mate choice and the so‐called magic traits in ecological speciation
Authors: Thibert‐Plante Xavier , Gavrilets Sergey 
Published: June 2013

AbstractNon‐random mating provides multiple evolutionary benefits and can result in speciation. Biological organisms are characterised by a myriad of different traits, many of which can serve as mating cues. We consider multiple mechanisms of non‐random mating simultaneously within a unified modelling framework in an attempt to understand better which are more likely to evolve in natural populations going through the process of local adaptation and ecological speciation. We show that certain traits that are under direct natural selection are more likely to be co‐opted as mating cues, leading to the appearance of magic traits (i.e. phenotypic traits involved in both local adaptation and mating decisions). Multiple mechanisms of non‐random mating can interact so that trait co‐evolution enables the evolution of non‐random mating mechanisms that would not evolve alone. The presence of magic traits may suggest that ecological selection was acting during the origin of new species.
Projected climate‐driven faunal movement routes
Authors: Lawler J. J. , Ruesch A. S. , Olden J. D. , McRae B. H. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractHistorically, many species moved great distances as climates changed. However, modern movements will be limited by the patterns of human‐dominated landscapes. Here, we use a combination of projected climate‐driven shifts in the distributions of 2903 vertebrate species, estimated current human impacts on the landscape, and movement models, to determine through which areas in the western hemisphere species will likely need to move to track suitable climates. Our results reveal areas with projected high densities of climate‐driven movements – including, the Amazon Basin, the southeastern United States and southeastern Brazil. Some of these regions, such as southern Bolivia and northern Paraguay, contain relatively intact landscapes, whereas others such as the southeastern United States and Brazil are heavily impacted by human activities. Thus, these results highlight both critical areas for protecting lands that will foster movement, and barriers where human land‐use activities will likely impede climate‐driven shifts in species distributions.
Effect of harvesting interval on biomass yield and nutritive value of five tropical forage legumes (Aeschynomene histrix ‘BRA 9690’, Canavalia brasiliensis ‘CIAT 17009’, Stylosanthes guianensis ‘CIAT 184’ and ‘Composite’ and Vigna unguiculata ‘CIAT 1088‐4’) in Lao PDR
Authors: Phengsavanh Phonepaseuth , Frankow‐Lindberg Bodil E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractForage legumes have the potential to provide high quality feed to small land‐holder farmers’ swine production, but forage management schemes that ensure both quantity and suitable quality as a swine feed are needed. Five forage legumes (aeschynomene [Aeschynomene histrix ‘BRA 9690’], canavalia [Canavalia brasiliensis ‘CIAT 17009’], stylo ‘CIAT 184’ and ‘Composite’ [Stylosanthes guianensis ‘CIAT 184’, ‘Composite’] and vigna [Vigna unguiculata ‘CIAT 1088‐4’]) were grown during 2009–2010 in Lao PDR, and subjected to three harvesting interval treatments (21, 30 and 45 days). The yield and chemical composition of these legumes were determined. Stylo ‘Composite’ produced the highest average dry matter (DM) yield, followed by stylo ‘CIAT 184’, aeschynomene, canavalia and vigna. Harvesting every 45 days produced higher DM yields than the other treatments. Differences in crude protein (CP) content between species and treatments were small with stylo ‘CIAT 184’ and stylo ‘Composite’ having the lowest values. CP content was highest with the shortest harvesting interval, while the opposite was true for the fiber content (crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber). All legumes produced a higher DM yield with a higher CP content in the wet season than in the dry season. The array of essential amino acids in relation to requirements for growing swine was excellent for all forage legumes except for canavalia. In conclusion, stylo (‘Composite’ and ‘CIAT 184’) and aeschynomene can be recommended for use by swine land‐holder farmers in Lao PDR.
Hepatitis C in men who have sex with men in London – a community survey
Authors: Price H , Gilson R , Mercey D , Copas A , Parry J , Nardone A , Johnson A , Hart G 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesFor the last 10 years there has been an epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe, North America and Australia. The majority of those infected are also HIV‐positive and it is unclear to what extent HIV‐negative MSM are also at increased risk of infection with HCV. This study provides the first examination of the association between HIV and hepatitis C serostatus in a sample of MSM recruited in community settings.MethodsA total of 1121 participants completed a short questionnaire in 2008/2009 giving demographic and behavioural data, and donated a sample of oral fluid that was subsequently tested for antibodies to selected pathogens (HIV, syphilis and HCV).ResultsThe seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibody was 2.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.2%]. It was more common in those with HIV infection [7.7% (95% CI 4.2–12.9%) vs. 1.2% (95% CI 0.6–2.1%) in those without HIV infection; P < 0.001], those with a history of syphilis [12.2% (95% CI 4.6–24.8%) vs. 1.7% (95% CI 1.0–2.6%) in those without such a history; P < 0.001] and those who reported casual unprotected anal intercourse in the previous year [4.1% (95% CI 2.0–7.4%) vs. 1.2% (95% CI 0.5–2.2%) in those who did not report such intercourse; P = 0.01]. There was no relationship between hepatitis C antibody (anti‐HCV) status and other demographic variables (age, ethnicity, employment status or education).ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of anti‐HCV in HIV‐negative MSM (1.2%) was higher, but not significantly higher, than that in the general population (0.67%). The prevalence was significantly higher in those infected with HIV or with previous syphilis infection and in those reporting unprotected anal intercourse. Our findings support current British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guidelines recommending the provision of selective HCV testing in MSM according to individual risk profile.
6p subtelomere deletion with congenital glaucoma, severe mental retardation, and growth impairment
Authors: Nakane Takaya , Kousuke Nakamura , Sonoko Hata , Yuko Kamiya , Sato Hidenori , Kubota Takeo , Sugita Kanji 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSubmicroscopic deletion of the 6p subtelomere has recently been recognized as a clinically identifiable syndrome. A distinct phenotype has emerged consisting of developmental delay/mental retardation, language impairment, hearing loss, and ophthalmologic, cardiac, and craniofacial abnormalities, including hypertelorism, midface hypoplasia, small nose, and high arched palate. We describe here a patient with 6p subtelomere deletion associated with congenital glaucoma, severe mental retardation, and growth impairment. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis revealed only one 6p25.3 signal. Array comparative genomic hybridization assay showed 2.1 Mb deletion and 4.14 Mb duplication in the 6p25 region. Generally, developmental delay and language impairment are common findings in patients with 6p subtelomere deletion syndrome, but growth impairment is not. Compared to that, the present patient showed atypically severe developmental delay and growth impairment.
Environment Pressures, Managerial Industrial Relations Ideologies and Unionization in Chinese Enterprises
Authors: Liu Mingwei , Li Chunyun 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBased on extensive field research in China during 2005–2010, this article aims to explore the determinants of unionization in the Chinese context. We find that managerial strategies toward union organizing and functioning have been critical in determining unionization outcomes in Chinese enterprises. While various environment pressures may impose critical constraints on these strategies, managerial industrial relations ideologies are central in shaping these strategies when environment pressures barely exist or are bearable by management. Our study makes the first effort in exploring industrial relations ideologies in China and contributes to better understanding of unionization in the Chinese workplace.
ARE HAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS ADEQUATE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) STAGE 2–4?
Authors: Trowbridge Lynette , Kruger Ann , Arnold Anne , Butcher Belinda , Bradley Jennifer 
Published: June 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundAnaemia often goes unrecognised in people with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) resulting in under treatment until reaching the need for dialysis.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine if anaemia is adequately treated in Australians with CKD, who do not require dialysis.Design and MeasurementHaemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) data for patients with Stage 2–4 CKD were extracted from the Renal Anaemia Management database for the period 1999–2010. The data were compared with the target levels specified in the Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment guidelines.ResultsLess than 50% of the patients achieved the recommended haemoglobin levels, and even fewer patients achieved the levels recommended for ferritin and TSAT.Conclusion and Application to PracticeMore emphasis should be placed on detection and treatment of anaemia in earlier stages of kidney disease. Poor response to erythropoiesis stimulating agent therapy should be investigated in this group and any identified causes of poor response treated.
Students' and families' expenditures to attend a nursing programme in 2011–2012: a comparison of five southern European countries
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Bortoluzzi Guido , Achil Illarj , Jarosova Darja , Notara Venetia , Vagka Elissabet , Andrascikova Stefania , Rybarova Lubica , Skela‐Savič Brigita 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo compare students' and families' nursing education expenditures across Europe.BackgroundNursing education costs are affected by investments in public education. The remaining costs fall on the shoulders of students and their families. While remaining somewhat understudied, public and student expenditure for nursing education is becoming critical in the current crisis context. Comparative studies on education costs are inevitably affected by a currency bias. Therefore, a standard measure named the Purchasing Power Standard, which has received no attention in nursing research, has been introduced.DesignA mixed‐method study incorporating qualitative and quantitative study designs was undertaken in 2011–2012.MethodsFive nursing faculties located in the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia were included in the study. A questionnaire evaluating students' expenditures was developed in five languages and validated. Six hundred and twenty‐five full‐time students were recruited.ResultsA Slovakian student wishing to pursue a nursing career is required to commit an amount of money per year that corresponds to 15% of the average annual income of a Slovakian citizen. Lower percentages were required by students in Greece (10%), Italy (11%) and Slovenia (12%), while Czech students bore the lowest costs (5%).ConclusionNone of the countries involved was supporting nursing students through either direct or indirect financial incentives. Students in some countries were also required to buy and maintain uniforms. There is a need to develop supportive policies, especially in those countries where nursing programmes are expensive and may not be accessible to all talented and motivated students due to limited public support in education and the current economic context.
Examining attitudes, beliefs, and intentions regarding the use of exercise as punishment in physical education and sport: an application of the theory of reasoned action
Authors: Burak Lydia J. , Rosenthal Maura , Richardson Karen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough the use of exercise as punishment appears to be pervasive among physical education teachers and coaches, it has not been systematically examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences, attitudes, intentions, and beliefs of college physical education majors regarding the use of exercise as punishment, using the framework of the theory of reasoned action. Surveys were completed by 345 students enrolled in 35 physical education classes. More than 90% of the study participants reported that their coaches used exercise as punishment, and 43% indicated their physical education teachers used exercise to punish or manage behavior. The constructs of the theory of reasoned action explained nearly 70% of the variance in participants' intentions to use exercise as punishment.
Do you really expect me to apologize? The impact of status and gender on the effectiveness of an apology in the workplace
Authors: Walfisch Tamar , Van Dijk Dina , Kark Ronit 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe examine the effectiveness of apology following a workplace offense, as influenced by the achieved or ascribed status (i.e., professional status or gender) of the parties involved. A total of 780 undergraduates participated in a scenario experiment. The results demonstrate that apologizing is more effective than not apologizing. Yet apology is most effective when the apologizer is a male, a manager or is a male apologizing to a female. Moreover, apology expectancy mediates the relationships between the apologizer's status and the apology's effectiveness: Apologies are less expected from managers and males than from subordinates and females, and the less expected they are, the greater their effectiveness. Apology expectancy has a unique effect unrelated to the apologizer's sincerity and perceived motive.
Syncope Secondary to Obesity?
Authors: MUSCHART XAVIER , BLOMMAERT DOMINIQUE 
Published: June 2013

Syncope Secondary to ObesityThe frequency of obesity is increasing worldwide. The relationship between obesity and mortality is known. Bariatric surgery is well established in the treatment of morbid obesity to reduce weight permanently. Bariatric procedures are effective and influencing associated comorbidities. Adjustable gastric banding is a popular and effective bariatric operation in Europe for more than 10 years. Classic complications of gastric banding are known, but here we describe one more example. In this study, we report the case of a patient with gastric banding who presented with syncope after a meal.