bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enigmatic ear stones: what we know about the functional role and evolution of fish otoliths
Authors: Schulz‐Mirbach Tanja , Ladich Friedrich , Plath Martin , Heß Martin 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTOtoliths in bony fishes play an important role in the senses of balance and hearing. Otolith mass and shape are, among others, likely to be decisive factors influencing otolith motion and thus ear functioning. Yet our knowledge of how exactly these factors influence otolith motion is incomplete. In addition, experimental studies directly investigating the function of otoliths in the inner ear are scarce and yield partly conflicting results. Herein, we discuss questions and hypotheses on how otolith mass and shape, and the relationship between the sensory epithelium and overlying otolith, influence otolith motion. We discuss (i) the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge regarding otolith function, (ii) gaps in knowledge that remain to be filled, and (iii) future approaches that may improve our understanding of the role of otoliths in ear functioning. We further link these functional questions to the evolution of solid teleost otoliths instead of numerous tiny otoconia as found in most other vertebrates. Until now, the selective forces and/or constraints driving the evolution of solid calcareous otoliths and their diversity in shape in teleosts are largely unknown. Based on a data set on the structure of otoliths and otoconia in more than 160 species covering the main vertebrate groups, we present a hypothetical framework for teleost otolith evolution. We suggest that the advent of solid otoliths may have initially been a selectively neutral ‘by‐product’ of other key innovations during teleost evolution. The teleost‐specific genome duplication event may have paved the way for diversification in otolith shape. Otolith shapes may have evolved along with the considerable diversity of, and improvements in, auditory abilities in teleost fishes. However, phenotypic plasticity may also play an important role in the creation of different otolith types, and different portions of the otolith may show different degrees of phenotypic plasticity. Future studies should thus adopt a phylogenetic perspective and apply comparative and methodologically integrative approaches, including fossil otoliths, when investigating otoconia/otolith evolution and their function in the inner ear.
Prematurity and cardiovascular risk at early adulthood
Authors: Sullivan Mary C. , Winchester Suzy Barcelos , Msall Michael E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundTheories of early stress exposure and allostatic load offer a lifespan perspective to adult health after prematurity based on these early stressors affecting endocrine and metabolic systems. In this study, we examine cardiovascular and metabolic risk by comparing two groups of preterm infants who experienced a full spectrum of neonatal illness and a term‐born group at age 23.MethodsOf the 215 infants recruited at birth, 84% participated at age 23. The cohort included 45 full‐term (FT), 24 healthy preterm (HPT), and 111 sick preterm (SPT) infants. Socio‐economic status was equivalent across groups. Cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes were as follows: blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose and lipid profiles, weight, waist–hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI). Clinical and subclinical ranges were compared across neonatal groups and gender.ResultsAt age 23, the HPT and SPT groups had higher systolic BP compared with the FT group. The SPT group had lower weight compared with the FT and HPT groups. No group differences were found on diastolic BP, glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipids, low‐density lipids, triglycerides, BMI, or WHR. Preterm males had more systolic hypertension and low high‐density lipids than FT males. Former preterm males and females had high WHR ratios and BMI at 23 years. Subclinical prehypertensive rates were highest for the HPT female group, followed by the SPT females. Only one (4.2%) HPT adult male was clinically diabetic.ConclusionsAs young adults, HPT and SPT infants had early indicators of cardiovascular risk but no indicators of metabolic risk. There is utility in using clinical and subclinical ranges to identify early cardiovascular risk in early adulthood.
An international multicentre prospective audit of elective rectal cancer surgery; operative approach versus outcome, including transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)
Authors:   The 2017 European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) collaborating group
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionTransanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has rapidly emerged as a novel approach for rectal cancer surgery. Safety profiles are still emerging and more comparative data is urgently needed. This study aimed to compare indications and short‐term outcomes of TaTME, open, laparoscopic, and robotic TME internationally.MethodsA pre‐planned analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) 2017 audit was performed. Patients undergoing elective total mesorectal excision (TME) for malignancy between 1 January 2017 and 15 March 2017 by any operative approach were included. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak.ResultsOf 2579 included patients, 76.2% (1966/2579) underwent TME with restorative anastomosis of which 19.9% (312/1966) had a minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic or robotic) which included a transanal component (TaTME). Overall, 9.0% (175/1951, 15 missing outcome data) of patients suffered an anastomotic leak. On univariate analysis both laparoscopic TaTME (OR 1.61, 1.02–2.48, P = 0.04) and robotic TaTME (OR 3.05, 1.10–7.34, P = 0.02) were associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leak than non‐transanal laparoscopic TME. However this association was lost in the mixed‐effects model controlling for patient and disease factors (OR 1.23, 0.77–1.97, P = 0.39 and OR 2.11, 0.79–5.62, P = 0.14 respectively), whilst low rectal anastomosis (OR 2.72, 1.55–4.77, P < 0.001) and male gender (OR 2.29, 1.52–3.44, P < 0.001) remained strongly associated. The overall positive circumferential margin resection rate was 4.0%, which varied between operative approaches: laparoscopic 3.2%, transanal 3.8%, open 4.7%, robotic 1%.ConclusionThis contemporaneous international snapshot shows that uptake of the TaTME approach is widespread and is associated with surgically and pathologically acceptable results.
Laparoscopic vs open resection of pT4 colon cancer: a propensity score analysis of 94 patients
Authors: Yang X. , Zhong M.‐E. , Xiao Y. , Zhang G.‐n. , Xu L. , Lu J. , Lin G. , Qiu H. , Wu B. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimOur aim was to compare short‐ and long‐term oncological outcomes between laparoscopic and open colectomy in T4 colon cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed oncological outcomes of 94 patients who underwent surgery between December 2010 and December 2016 for pT4 colon cancer, with propensity score matching. All patients were treated with curative intent, by either laparoscopic or open en bloc resection.ResultsThe conversion rate in the laparoscopic group was 17.0%. Blood loss, time to flatus and postoperative hospitalization were significantly less in the laparoscopic group. Postoperative morbidity and mortality within 30 days did not significantly differ between the two groups. R0 resection rates and lymph node harvests were similar between the two groups. At 5 years, laparoscopic outcomes were not inferior to open outcomes (overall survival 56.8% vs 50.2%, P = 0.250; disease‐free survival 59.7% vs 41.7%, P = 0.06).ConclusionThe laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible for pathologically confirmed T4 colon cancer. It results in a faster postoperative recovery.
Thinking About the Opposite of What Is Said: Counterfactual Conditionals and Symbolic or Alternate Simulations of Negation
Authors: Espino Orlando , Byrne Ruth M. J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWhen people understand a counterfactual such as “if the flowers had been roses, the trees would have been orange trees,” they think about the conjecture, “there were roses and orange trees,” and they also think about its opposite, the presupposed facts. We test whether people think about the opposite by representing alternates, for example, “poppies and apple trees,” or whether models can contain symbols, for example, “no roses and no orange trees.” We report the discovery of an inference‐to‐alternates effect—a tendency to make an affirmative inference that refers to an alternate even from a negative minor premise, for example, “there were no orange trees, therefore there were poppies.” Nine experiments show the inference‐to‐alternates effect occurs in a binary context, but not a multiple context, and for direct and indirect reference; it can be induced and reduced by prior experience with similar inferences, and it also occurs for indicative conditionals. The results have implications for theories of counterfactual conditionals, and of negation.
How we treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A consensus statement of the Canadian PNH Network and review of the national registry
Authors: Patriquin Christopher J. , Kiss Thomas , Caplan Stephen , Chin‐Yee Ian , Grewal Kuljit , Grossman Jennifer , Larratt Loree , Marceau Daniele , Nevill Tom , Sutherland D. Robert , Wells Richard A. , Leber Brian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare hematologic disease characterized by intravascular hemolysis, thrombophilia, and marrow failure. Its phenotype is due to absent or reduced expression of GPI‐linked complement regulators and subsequent sensitivity of hematopoietic cells to complement‐mediated damage and lysis. Introduction of the terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab drastically improved outcomes in PNH patients; however, despite this improvement, there remain several challenges faced by PNH patients and physicians who care for them. One of the most important is increasing awareness of the heterogeneity with which patients can present, which can lead to significant delays in recognition. Data from the Canadian PNH Registry are presented to demonstrate the variety of presenting symptoms. In Canada, geography precludes consolidation of care to just a few centers, so management is distributed across academic hospitals, linked together as the Canadian PNH Network. The Network over the last several years has developed educational programs and clinical checklists and has worked to standardize access to diagnostics across the country. Herein, we address some of the common diagnostic and therapeutic challenges faced by PNH physicians and give our recommendations. Gaps in knowledge are also addressed, and where appropriate, consensus opinion is provided.
Difference in the generalization of response tolerance across views between the anterior and posterior part of the inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Okamura Jun‐ya , Uemura Koki , Saruwatari Shintaro , Wang Gang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe inferotemporal cortex consists of an anterior (cytoarchitectonic area TE) and a posterior (area TEO) part, which together constitute the final areas of the ventral visual stream, which is critical for object discrimination. Area TE receives dense projections from area TEO. We have previously identified a response tolerance in the cells in area TE in monkeys to a range of viewing angles after object discrimination at each of several views. To investigate the contribution of area TEO to the establishment of such a response tolerance in area TE, we conducted electrophysiological recordings of the responses of the single cells in area TEO after performance saturation of object discrimination at several independent views, without any association across views, and compared them with those obtained from the TE cells. The cells in area TEO showed responses to the experienced object views, but not to nearby views. Comparisons of the tunings of the TE and TEO cells to different viewing angles for the same object sets in the same animal showed that cells in area TEO had a significantly narrower tuning width, whereas the response tolerance was usually observed in the TE cells across viewing angles up to 60°. Our findings revealed a significant difference in the representation of the object views between areas TE and TEO, and suggested that such a representation in area TE may be completed through neuronal mechanisms within area TE, which is not a property of the earlier stages of the ventral visual stream.
Activation of the neural pathway from the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to the central amygdala induces anxiety‐like behaviors
Authors: Yamauchi Naoki , Takahashi Daiki , Sugimura Yae K. , Kato Fusao , Amano Taiju , Minami Masabumi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the central amygdala (CeA) comprise a forebrain unit that has been described as the “extended amygdala”. These two nuclei send dense projections to each other and have been implicated in the regulation of negative emotional states, including anxiety and fear. The present study employed an optogenetic technique to examine whether stimulation of CeA‐projecting dorsolateral BNST (dlBNST) neuron terminals would influence anxiety‐like behaviors in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Photostimulation of CeA‐projecting dlBNST neuron terminals produced anxiogenic effects in an elevated plus maze test. This finding is inconsistent with previous reports showing that optogenetic stimulation of BNST neurons projecting to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) produces anxiolytic rather than anxiogenic effects. To address this issue, electrophysiological analyses were conducted to characterize dlBNST neurons projecting to the CeA, LH, and VTA. dlBNST neurons can be electrophysiologically classified into three distinct cell types (types I–III) according to their responses to depolarizing and hyperpolarizing current injections. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings revealed that more than 60% of the CeA‐projecting dlBNST neurons were type II, whereas approximately 80% of the LH‐ and VTA‐projecting dlBNST neurons were type III. These electrophysiological results will help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of BNST neurons during the regulation of anxiety‐like behaviors.
Aesthetic freedom and democratic ethical life: A Hegelian account of the relationship between aesthetics and democratic politics
Authors: Schaub Jörg 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a novel Hegelian view of the relationship between aesthetics and democratic politics. My account avoids the drawbacks associated with approaches, such as Rancière's, that reconceive all of the political in aesthetic terms or, like Rockhill's, reduce the aesthetic to art. Instead, I maintain that the aesthetic is best understood as a distinct recognition relationship of individual freedom. My argument proceeds by highlighting shortcomings of Honneth's account of democratic Sittlichkeit and then addressing these impasses by integrating aesthetic freedom into the picture. The first two steps of my argument concern the fact that the form of life outlined by Honneth aspires to be a form of free life, yet his account of democratic Sittlichkeit gives rise to two dimensions of unfreedom. The first problem of unfreedom pertains to the scope of freedom. The relationships of freedom incorporated into Honneth's account fail to turn given social roles into the subject matter of a sufficiently unrestricted practice of freedom. The second problem of freedom concerns conformism. In a final step, I complete my argument that Honneth's account is unsatisfactory and incomplete by showing that aesthetic freedom is socially valid and thus ought to form part of our accounts of democratic ethical life.
Correlation between Apolipoprotein E genotype and brain metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Canosa A. , Pagani M. , Brunetti M. , Barberis M. , Iazzolino B. , Ilardi A. , Cammarosano S. , Manera U. , Moglia C. , Calvo A. , Cistaro A. , Chiò A. 
Published: September 2018

Background and purposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the metabolic correlates of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to investigate the role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment.MethodsA total of 159 ALS cases underwent APOE and ALS‐related genes analysis, neuropsychological assessment and cerebral 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography. The APOE genotype was regressed against whole brain metabolism as assessed by 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography, with age, sex, education, type of onset and C9orf72 status as covariates.ResultsBrain metabolism was significantly positively correlated with APOE genotype from ε2/ε2 to ε3/ε4 in the left prefrontal [Brodmann area (BA) 10], orbitofrontal (BAs 11, 45, 47) and anterior cingulate (BA 32) cortices. There was a tendency to a relative hypometabolism going towards the ε2/ε2 extreme.ConclusionsWe found a highly significant, relatively lower metabolism in association with the ε2 allele in extra‐motor areas typically affected in frontotemporal dementia (left prefrontal, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices), strengthening the finding of a role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in ALS. Our data suggested a link between cholesterol homeostasis and neurodegeneration.
Revision of the tryphonine parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) of a beech sawfly, Fagineura crenativora Vikberg & Zinovjev (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae: Nematinae)
Authors: Watanabe Kyohei , Taniwaki Tooru , Kasparyan Dmitri R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe tryphonine parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) of a serious pest of beech trees, Fagineura crenativora Vikberg & Zinovjev, 2000 (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae, Nematinae), are reviewed. Three species, Cteniscus (Cteniscus) fagineurae sp. nov., Eridolius tanzawanus sp. nov. and Exyston elongatus sp. nov., are described. Key to main koinobiont parasitoids of F. crenativora is given.
Stable isotope analysis reveals the importance of plant‐based diets for tropical ant‐mimicking spiders
Authors: Hyodo Fujio , Yamasaki Takeshi , Iwasa Takuya , Itioka Takao , Endo Tomoji , Hashimoto Yoshiaki 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAnt‐mimicking spiders are a well‐known example of Batesian mimicry. Earlier studies have proposed that plant‐based diets (e.g. extrafloral nectar) are an important food source for ant‐mimicking spiders. However, it is still unclear whether the plant‐based diets are a main food source or supplementary energy source to the spiders. To examine the feeding habits, we measured stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) of ant‐mimicking spiders (six species of Myrmarachne; one species of Agorius, Salticidae; and two species of Corinnidae) collected from a tropical rain forest in Malaysia and a dry evergreen forest in Thailand. We also investigated the isotopic signatures of several ant species sampled from the two forests for comparison. In general, the ant‐mimicking spiders had relatively low δ15N values, which were comparable to those of the nectar‐feeding and omnivorous ants. The δ15N values of the ant‐mimicking spiders differed significantly among the species: some species (e.g. Myrmarachne sp. H and Myrmarachne sp. 2) showed δ15N values similar to those of the nectar‐feeding ants, whereas the δ15N values of others (e.g. Myrmarachne maxillosa and Myrmarachne malayana) were close to those of the omnivorous ants. The δ13C values of the ant‐mimicking spiders did not differ significantly among the species, but tended to be similar to those of the nectar‐ and honeydew‐feeding ants rather than the predatory ants. These results indicate that plant‐based diets are important for the nutrition of ant‐mimicking spiders and suggest that the importance would differ among the ant‐mimicking spider species.
Credit union business models
Authors: Stowe David L. , Stowe John D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCredit union decisions on how funds are raised and invested and what services to provide are guided by their business models and should be reflected by credit union financial statements. We use cluster analysis to group credit unions using common size financial statement variables such that the financial statements are similar within credit union groups and distinct across groups. This allows the assignment of credit unions to groups by knowing their essential elements but without predefining the groups. In this paper, we present six credit union strategic groups differentiated from each other by their asset‐liability management choices and the services they provide members. Identifying the various credit union groups provides a clearer picture of their business models and the economic roles that different credit unions play.
Regional anesthesia with epinephrine‐containing lidocaine reduces pericatheter bleeding after tunneled hemodialysis catheter placement
Authors: Mutlu Ilhan Nahit , Kocak Burak , Baykara Ulusan Melis , Ulusan Kivilcim , Cakir Mehmet Semih , Kilickesmez Ozgur 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroduction: Pericatheter bleeding (PB) following tunneled hemodialysis catheter (THC) placement is a common phenomenon. In addition to complicating securement of the THC, the PB may loosen the adhesive catheter dressing and delay wound healing. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether epinephrine‐containing local anesthetics rather than plain ones reduce superficial PB after THC placement.Methods: The study was based on the retrospective analysis of the prospectively gathered data. Forty‐six patients receiving local analgesia during THC placement were randomly assigned in a double‐blind manner to two groups according to local anesthetic mixtures used (n =22 to prilocaine group [group 1]; n =24 to epinephrine‐containing lidocaine group [group 2]). Presence or absence of PB after the THC placement was evaluated. Differences between groups with and without controlling other variables were statistically analyzed.Findings: Epinephrine‐containing lidocaine (group 2) significantly reduced PB in comparison with prilocaine, P = 0.003. Use of epinephrine‐containing lidocaine (group 2) was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of PB (Odds ratio = 0.017). Meanwhile, use of prilocaine (group 1) had 59.7 times higher odds in the likelihood of PB after THC placement. Lower rate of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in group 2 patients after 5 minutes of injections was also noted, P = 0.008. Epinephrine‐containing lidocaine was well tolerated and caused no significant cardiovascular disturbance.Discussion: Local infiltration of epinephrine‐containing lidocaine instead of plain local anesthetics during THC insertion may reduce superficial PB and improve patient comfort.
Advance selling of new products considering retailers’ learning
Authors: Zeng Chenhang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWhen a retailer launches a new product, the lack of information on market size and consumer valuation lead to yield uncertainty for the retailer concerning demand and therefore lead to risks in production. Under advance selling, the pre‐orders may signal the future demand for the retailer, which helps to reduce demand uncertainty. This paper studies the retailer's optimal advance selling price and production quantity in a two‐period model where the demand uncertainty comes from both the market size and the distribution of consumer valuations. We characterize the conditions under which the retailer adopts advance selling and perform comparative statics analysis of the equilibrium.