bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Power in numbers. Drivers of high population density in insular lizards
Authors: Novosolov Maria , Rodda Gordon H. , Feldman Anat , Kadison Amy E. , Dor Roi , Meiri Shai 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimIslands organisms usually have fewer predator and competitor species than mainland ones. This is thought to result in high population densities on islands. We hypothesize that insular lizards have denser populations than mainland species and that density, in general, is negatively correlated with competitor and predator richness.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe compared densities of 346 lizard species on islands and the mainland while examining the relationship between density and, predator and competitor richness, primary productivity, seasonality and island area. We controlled for phylogenetic non‐independence, body mass and study area, which are known to strongly affect population density.ResultsInsular populations (especially on snake‐free islands) are denser than mainland ones. Mainland populations of lizard species that also inhabit islands were denser than those of species that do not inhabit islands. Population density was the highest on islands with low net primary productivity and was not significantly affected by competitor or predator richness. Moreover, insular populations show high density regardless of island area.Main conclusionsWe conclude that the ability of mainland species to reach high population densities may increase their chances in reaching and successfully colonizing islands. We postulate that population density may be affected by predator and competitor density rather than by their richness. Density increase on islands may result not from the environmental simplicity of island faunas but through propagule sorting or pressure.
The Godzilla Megamullion, the largest oceanic core complex on the earth: a historical review
Authors: Ohara Yasuhiko 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Godzilla Megamullion is the largest known oceanic core complex (OCC) on the Earth, located in the Parece Vela Basin in the Philippine Sea. In this article, the history of Godzilla Megamullion study is reviewed for the first time, dividing it into three major phases: (i) the early studies done before Japan's extended continental shelf survey program; (ii) the studies during Japan's extended continental shelf survey program that discovered the OCC; and (iii) the studies by the post‐discovery cruises. The early studies included an interpretation of US nautical chart of the southwestern Pacific and the site surveys for Deep Sea Drilling Project cruises (DSDP Legs 6, 31 and 59). The early studies recognized the presence of the Parece Vela Rift, the extinct spreading axis of the Parece Vela Basin, and established the currently accepted model that the Philippine Sea evolved with eastward progression of backarc spreading and arc migration. The modern understanding of the Parece Vela Basin comes from Japan's extended continental shelf survey program. The program revealed the ultramafic petrology as well as a two‐stage evolution model of the basin. Following these results, the discovery of the Godzilla Megamullion was made in 2001. The studies by the post‐discovery cruises further revealed important characteristics of the OCC, such as the presence of abundant plagioclase‐bearing peridotite and the systematic temporal changes in both deformation microstructures and composition of plagioclase and amphibole in gabbroic mylonites and ultramylonites. Zircon U–Pb ages of gabboric and leucocratic rocks indicate that the terminal phase of Parece Vela Basin spreading was with a significant decline in spreading rate and asymmetry accompanying formation of the Godzilla Megamullion. The estimated denudation rate of the OCC was approximately 2.5 cm/yr; significantly slower than the previous estimate based on poorly constrained magnetic data.
The association between chronic hepatitis C infection and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Pateria P. , Jeffrey G. P. , MacQuillan G. , Speers D. , Ching H. , Chinnaratha M. A. , Watts G. F. , Adams L. A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundVascular disease is a common cause of death in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection; however, the association between CHC and atherosclerosis is unclear.AimsTo determine whether patients with CHC have increased subclinical vascular disease and whether genotype or antiviral treatment modifies this risk.MethodsFifty CHC patients and 22 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent clinical and biochemical assessment for vascular risk factors. In addition, vascular risk was assessed by measuring arterial stiffness (aortic augmentation index and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)), endothelial dysfunction (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and dilatation post‐glycerol trinitrate administration) and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT). Assessment was repeated in subset of CHC patients (n = 12) undergoing antiviral treatment 18 months after initiation of treatment.ResultsBaseline vascular risk factors and measures of arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction and CIMT were not different between cases and controls (P > 0.2 for all). Genotype 1 CHC patients had greater endothelial dysfunction with lower FMD (8.2 ± 3.5% vs 10.9 ± 5.2%, P = 0.03) and higher right CIMT (0.6 ± 0.1 mm vs 0.5 ± 0.07 mm, P = 0.04) compared with non‐genotype 1. Patients who achieved sustained virological response (7/12) showed significant improvement in insulin resistance (homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance 2.3 ± 1.2 vs 1.8 ± 0.8, P = 0.02) and arterial stiffness (PWV 7.4 ± 1.1 m/s vs 6.5 ± 0.6 m/s, P = 0.04).ConclusionsSubclinical vascular disease is not greater in CHC subjects compared with controls. However, among CHC subjects, genotype 1 infection is associated with greater endothelial dysfunction and increased carotid‐intima medial thickness compared with non‐genotype 1 infection. Successful viral eradication may improve insulin resistance and arterial stiffness.
Synthesis and Oxidation Testing of MAX Phase Composites in the Cr–Ti–Al–C Quaternary System
Authors: Horlait Denis , Grasso Salvatore , Al Nasiri Nasrin , Burr Patrick A. , Lee William Edward 
Published: October 2015

According to the properties determined for the ternary end‐members, MAX phases in the quaternary Cr–Ti–Al–C system could be of interest as protective coatings for nuclear fuel cladding in the case of severe accident conditions. In this study, syntheses of 211 and 312 MAX phase compositions were attempted using pressureless reactions starting from Cr, TiH2, Al, and C (graphite) powders. It was observed that both the Ti substitution by Cr in Ti3AlC2 and the mutual solubility of Ti2AlC and Cr2AlC are limited to a few atomic percent. In addition, the remarkable stability of the (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 MAX phase composition was confirmed. Due to the low miscibility of MAX phases in the Cr–Ti–Al–C system, most samples contained substantial amounts of TiCx and Al–Cr alloys as secondary phases, thus forming composite materials. After sintering, all samples were submitted to a single oxidation test (12 h at 1400°C in air) to identify compositions potentially offering high‐temperature oxidation resistance and so warranting further investigation. In addition to (Cr0.95Ti0.05)2AlC, composite samples containing substantial quantities of Al8Cr5 and AlCr2 formed a stable and passivating Al2O3 scale, whereas the other samples were fully oxidized.
On the origin of endemic species in the Red Sea
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Howard Choat J. , Gaither Michelle R. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Lozano‐Cortés Diego F. , Myers Robert F. , Paulay Gustav , Rocha Luiz A. , Toonen Robert J. , Westneat Mark W. , Berumen Michael L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe geological and palaeo‐climatic forces that produced the unique biodiversity in the Red Sea are a subject of vigorous debate. Here, we review evidence for and against the hypotheses that: (1) Red Sea fauna was extirpated during glacial cycles of the Pleistocene and (2) coral reef fauna found refuge within or just outside the Red Sea during low sea level stands when conditions were inhospitable.LocationRed Sea and Western Indian Ocean.MethodsWe review the literature on palaeontological, geological, biological and genetic evidence that allow us to explore competing hypotheses on the origins and maintenance of shallow‐water reef fauna in the Red Sea.ResultsPalaeontological (microfossil) evidence indicates that some areas of the central Red Sea were devoid of most plankton during low sea level stands due to hypersaline conditions caused by almost complete isolation from the Indian Ocean. However, two areas may have retained conditions adequate for survival: the Gulf of Aqaba and the southern Red Sea. In addition to isolation within the Red Sea, which separated the northern and southern faunas, a strong barrier may also operate in the region: the cold, nutrient‐rich water upwelling at the boundary of the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Biological data are either inconclusive or support these putative barriers and refugia, but no data set, that we know of rejects them. Genetic evidence suggests that many endemic lineages diverged from their Indian Ocean counterparts long before the most recent glaciations and/or are restricted to narrow areas, especially in the northern Red Sea.Main conclusionsHigh endemism observed in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden appears to have multiple origins. A cold, nutrient‐rich water barrier separates the Gulf of Aden from the rest of the Arabian Sea, whereas a narrow strait separates the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden, each providing potential isolating barriers. Additional barriers may arise from environmental gradients, circulation patterns and the constriction at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. Endemics that evolved within the Red Sea basin had to survive glacial cycles in relatively low salinity refugia. It therefore appears that the unique conditions in the Red Sea, in addition to those characteristics of the Arabian Peninsula region as a whole, drive the divergence of populations via a combination of isolation and selection.
Termite mounds alter the spatial distribution of African savanna tree species
Authors: Davies Andrew B. , Baldeck Claire A. , Asner Gregory P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTermite mounds form small islands of enhanced water and soil nutrient availability on otherwise dry and nutrient‐poor hill crests, which can have important impacts on the plant community. However, the way in which termite mounds alter the spatial distribution of particular tree species across broad savanna landscapes is poorly understood. We aimed to understand the nature and extent of the relationship between termite mounds and key woody savanna species at landscape scales through the use of airborne remote sensing.LocationKruger National Park, South Africa.MethodsWe mapped 9894 termite mounds and 666,679 savanna trees from 15 species across two landscapes with contrasting rainfall regimes using airborne imaging spectroscopy and LiDAR data. We then examined changes in tree species densities and community composition with respect to distance from termite mounds.ResultsIn both landscapes, termite mounds reduced overall tree densities over distances up to 10 m from mound centres. However, the effect of termite mounds on tree density differed among species, with some species, typically associated with lowland and riparian habitats, showing increased density near termite mounds. Indeed, changes in overall tree community composition revealed that termite mounds harbour tree communities similar to lowland communities, with this similarity decreasing with increased distance from the nearest mound. Termite effects were more pronounced in the savanna landscape receiving higher annual rainfall, whereas a greater percentage of the landscape was affected in the drier landscape due to higher mound densities.Main conclusionsTermite mounds mediate the spatial distribution of tree species in savanna landscapes, increasing the abundance of tree species typically associated with lowland habitats. This contributes to the spatial heterogeneity of savanna vegetation within landscapes and the maintenance of savanna biodiversity.
Prevalence estimation of halitosis and its association with oral health‐related parameters in an adult population of a city in North Italy
Authors: Aimetti Mario , Perotto Stefano , Castiglione Anna , Ercoli Elena , Romano Federica 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimNo epidemiological data on halitosis are available from Italy. Thus, the aim of this population‐based cross‐sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of halitosis in an urban adult population from North Italy and to explore related oral risk indicators.Materials and MethodsThe survey used a two‐stage probability sampling method to collect a representative sample of inhabitants, aged between 20 and 75 years, in the city of Turin. Seven hundred and forty‐four adults were clinically examined (47% of sampled subjects) for oral malodor and periodontal conditions. Using a standardized questionnaire social, health and halitosis‐related parameters were collected. Logistic models with interaction terms between tongue coating scores (TCS) and periodontal status were used to explore halitosis risk indicators.ResultsThe prevalence estimate of halitosis according to the organoleptic assessment was 53.51% (95% CI: 48.55–58.50). A statistically significant correlation was found between organoleptic and gas chromatography measurements (p < 0.0001). Stronger associations between halitosis and periodontitis were observed in people having higher TCS: adjusted odds ratio considering low and high TCS in individuals with severe periodontitis were 2.95 and 20.77 (p ≤ 0.003).ConclusionsDue to the high prevalence of halitosis in the Turin population, its diagnosis and management should be incorporated in comprehensive dental care.
Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Yuan , Liu Sui‐xin , Zheng Fan , Cai Ying , Xie Kang‐ling , Zhang Wen‐liang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionHeart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise is considered to be a new index of autonomic dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors of HRR and the effects of exercise on the abnormal HRR in type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 123 type 2 diabetes patients were recruited, and the oral glucose tolerance test and exercise test were carried out to analyze the risk factors associated with abnormal HRR. Among these patients, 42 patients with abnormal HRR were further randomized to either the conventional therapy group (CT group; n = 20) or the intensive therapy group (IT group; n = 22). The CT group patients underwent metformin and diet control, whereas the IT group additionally underwent a combined moderate intensity aerobic and resistance training three times per week for 12 weeks. The results of blood sample analysis and HRR were recorded before and after the training.ResultsAbnormal HRR was related to fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and resting and maximum heart rates (P < 0.05 for both). After training, the IT group had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and resting heart rate than the CT group (all P < 0.01 or P < 0.005). Significant improvement in HRR and metabolic equivalents was observed in the IT group compared with the CT group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese data suggested that combined aerobic and resistance training improved cardiac autonomic dysfunction as measured by HRR in type 2 diabetes patients. This might be due to better improvement of glycemic control, resting heart rate and physical fitness.
Low osteocalcin level is a risk factor for impaired glucose metabolism in a Chinese male population
Authors: Liang Yaojie , Tan Aihua , Liang Danyan , Yang Xiaobo , Liao Ming , Gao Yong , Jiang Yonghua , Yao Ziting , Lin Xinggu , Lu Zheng , Wu Chunlei , Zhang Shijun , Hu Yanlin , Qin Xue , Mo Zengnan , Li Hong , Zhang Haiying 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis study was to assess the association between serum osteocalcin level and glucose metabolism in a Chinese male population.Materials and MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional study with a cohort of participants from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey. The cross‐sectional study was carried out among 2,353 men, including 2,139 participants with normal glucose tolerance, 148 with impaired fasting glucose and 66 with type 2 diabetes. A subsample of 1,109 men with measurement of osteocalcin was observed in the cohort. After a 4‐year follow‐up period, 1,049 non‐diabetic and 983 participants with normal glucose tolerance who submitted the available information were enrolled in the cohort. Participants were divided into group‐H (≥23.33 ng/mL) and group‐L (<23.33 ng/mL) by osteocalcin level.ResultsIn the cross‐sectional study, osteocalcin levels were highest in participants with normal glucose tolerance, followed by those with impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.001). In partial correlation analysis adjusted for age, serum osteocalcin level was related to glucose level (r = −0.082, P < 0.001), insulin level (r = −0.079, P < 0.001) and insulin resistance (r = −0.065, P = 0.002). Compared with group‐H, group‐L was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 2.107, 95% confidence interval 1.123–3.955), impaired fasting glucose (odds ratio 2.106; 95% CI 1.528–2.902), and insulin resistance (odds ratio 1.359, 95% confidence interval 1.080–1.710) adjusted for age, education levels, cigarette smoking and lipid profiles. In the cohort study, the increased risk of impaired fasting glucose was significant in group‐L vs group‐H (3.3% vs 1.2%, P = 0.026).ConclusionsLow serum osteocalcin level was a risk factor for impaired glucose metabolism and subsequent type 2 diabetes.
Application of imaging fusion combining contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in detection of hepatic cellular carcinomas undetectable by conventional ultrasound
Authors: Dong Yi , Wang Wen‐Ping , Mao Feng , Ji Zheng‐Biao , Huang Bei‐Jian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:The aim of this study is to explore the value of volume navigation image fusion‐assisted contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detection for radiofrequency ablation guidance of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), which were undetectable on conventional ultrasound.Methods:From May 2012 to May 2014, 41 patients with 49 HCCs were included in this study. All lesions were detected by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and planned for radiofrequency ablation but were undetectable on conventional ultrasound. After a bolus injection of 2.4 ml SonoVue® (Bracco, Italy), LOGIQ E9 ultrasound system with volume navigation system (version R1.0.5, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) was used to fuse CEUS and MRI images. The fusion time, fusion success rate, lesion enhancement pattern, and detection rate were analyzed.Results:Image fusions were conducted successfully in 49 HCCs, the technical success rate was 100%. The average fusion time was (9.2 ± 2.1) min (6–12 min). The mean diameter of HCCs was 25.2 ± 5.3 mm (mean ± SD), and mean depth was 41.8 ± 17.2 mm. The detection rate of HCCs using CEUS/MRI imaging fusion (95.9%, 47/49) was significantly higher than CEUS (42.9%, 21/49) (P < 0.05). For small HCCs (diameter, 1–2 cm), the detection rate using imaging fusion (96.9%, 32/33) was also significantly higher than CEUS (18.2%, 6/33) (P < 0.01). All HCCs displayed a rapid wash‐in pattern in the arterial phase of CEUS.Conclusions:Imaging fusion combining CEUS and MRI is a promising technique to improve the detection, precise localization, and accurate diagnosis of undetectable HCCs on conventional ultrasound, especially small and atypical HCCs.
Factors affecting burnout in female nurses who have preschool‐age children
Authors: Maruyama Akiko , Suzuki Eiko , Takayama Yuko 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThis prospective cohort study aims to clarify the factors affecting burnout in female nurses who have preschool‐age children.MethodsThe subjects were 2151 female nurses who have preschool‐age children and work at 70 city hospitals acrossJapan. The questionnaires were completed by 1644 female nurses with preschool‐age children inOctober 2010, and they were divided into a cohort to observe the incidence of burnout, which was investigated inOctober 2011.ResultsAt the baseline, the authors obtained responses from 1802 subjects (83.8%) who had agreed to join the study. The subjects the authors were able to investigate totaled 523, of whom 117 (22.4%) had experienced burnout. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that influencing or predictive factors in burnout were years at the present workplace, will to continue work, assertiveness, overtime work, and spanking children.ConclusionFemale nurses who have preschool‐age children tend to burnout easily if they have been at their present workplace for less than 3 years, wish to quit working, respond to a child's misbehavior with spanking, are “very low” in assertiveness, or work 4–6 h of overtime per week.
A regular yoga intervention for staff nurse sleep quality and work stress: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fang Ronghua , Li Xia 
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectivesAlthough many studies have assessed the efficacy of yoga in older individuals, minimal research has focused on how nurses use yoga to improve sleep quality and to reduce work stress after work hours. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in Chinese and the Questionnaire on Medical Worker's Stress in Chinese to determine the impact of yoga on the quality of sleep and work stress of staff nurses employed by a general hospital in China.BackgroundDisturbances in the circadian rhythm interrupt an individual's pattern of sleep.Study designConvenient sampling method.MethodsOne hundred and twenty nurses were randomised into two groups: a yoga group and a non‐yoga group. The yoga group performed yoga more than two times every week for 50–60 minutes each time after work hours. The NG group did not participate in yoga. After six months, self‐reported sleep quality and work stress were compared between the two groups, and then we used linear regression to confirm the independent factors related to sleep quality.ResultsNurses in the yoga group had better sleep quality and lower work stress compared with nurses in the non‐yoga group. The linear regression model indicated that nursing experience, age and yoga intervention were significantly related to sleep quality.ConclusionRegular yoga can improve sleep quality and reduce work stress in staff nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study provides evidence that hospital management should pay attention to nurse sleep quality and work stress, thereby taking corresponding measures to reduce work pressure and improve health outcomes.