bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divergence in size, but not in shape: variation in skull size and shape within Ommatotriton newts
Authors: Üzüm Nazan , Ivanović Ana , Gümüş Çiçek , Avcı Aziz , Olgun Kurtuluş 
Published: August 2014

AbstractUsing a geometric morphometric approach, we explored the variation in skull size and skull shape in banded newts (genus Ommatotriton). The genus Ommatotriton is represented by two allopatric, genetically well‐defined species: Ommatotriton ophryticus and O. vittatus. Within each species, two subspecies have been recognised. The samples used in this study cover the geographical and genetic variation within each species. We found statistically significant variation in skull size between species and among populations within species. When corrected for size, there was no significant variation in shape between species. Our results indicate that the variation in skull shape within the genus Ommatotriton is almost entirely due to size‐dependent, allometric shape changes. The exception is the shape of the ventral skull in males. Males of O. ophryticus and O. vittatus significantly diverge in the shape of the ventral cranium. The ventral skull, more precisely the upper jaw and palate, is directly functionally related to feeding. In general, our results indicate that allometry is a significant factor in the morphological variation of banded newts. However, the divergence in the ventral skull shape of males indicates that sexual selection and niche partitioning may have influenced the evolution of skull shape in these newts.
An evaluation of the ‘weekend effect’ in patients admitted with metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Schmid Marianne , Ghani Khurshid R. , Choueiri Toni K. , Sood Akshay , Kapoor Victor , Abdollah Firas , Chun Felix K. , Leow Jeffrey J. , Olugbade Kola , Sammon Jesse D. , Menon Mani , Kibel Adam S. , Fisch Margit , Nguyen Paul L. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate whether mortality is increased for patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mCaP) admitted over the weekend.Patients and MethodsUsing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 1998 and 2009, admitted patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and concomitant metastases were identified. Rates of in‐hospital mortality, complications, use of imaging and procedures were assessed. Adjusted logistic regression models examined associations of mortality and complications.ResultsA weighted sample of 534 011 patients with mCaP was identified, including 81.7% weekday and 18.3% weekend admissions. Of these, 8.6% died after a weekday vs 10.9% after a weekend admission (P < 0.001). Patients admitted over the weekend were more likely to be treated at rural (17.8% vs 15.7%), non‐teaching (57.6% vs 53.7%) and low‐volume hospitals (53.4% vs 49.4%) (all P < 0.001) compared with weekday admissions. They presented higher rates of organ failure (25.2% vs 21.3%), and were less likely to undergo an interventional procedure (10.6% vs 11.4%) (all P < 0.001). More patients admitted over the weekend had pneumonia (12.2% vs 8.8%), pyelonephritis (18.3% vs 14.1%) and sepsis (4.5% vs. 3.5%) (all P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, weekend admission was associated with an increased likelihood of complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence Interval [CI] 1.11–1.19) and mortality (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14–1.27).ConclusionIn patients with mCaP weekend admissions are associated with a significant increase in mortality and morbidity. Our findings suggest that weekend patients may present with more acute medical issues; alternatively, the quality of care over the weekend may be inferior.
Trophic specialisation in a predatory group: the case of prey‐specialised spiders (Araneae)
Authors: Pekár Stano , Toft Søren 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTPredators appear to be less frequently specialised (i.e. adapted to restricted diet) on their prey than herbivores, parasites or parasitoids. Here, we critically evaluate contemporary evolutionary hypotheses that might be used to explain the evolution of specialised foraging in predators. We propose a unifying concept within which we define four types of trophic categories using ecological (diet breadth) and evolutionary (degree of adaptations) contexts. We use data on spiders (Araneae), the most diversified order of terrestrial predators, to assess applicability of frameworks and evolutionary concepts related to trophic specialisation. The majority of spider species are euryphagous but a few have a restricted prey range, i.e. they are stenophagous. We provide a detailed overview of specialisation on different prey types, namely spiders, crustaceans, moths, dipterans, ants, and termites. We also review the available evidence for trophic adaptations, classified into four categories: behavioural, morphological, venomic and metabolic. Finally, we discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of trophic specialisation and propose avenues for future research.
Resembling a Viper: Implications of Mimicry for Conservation of the Endangered Smooth Snake
Authors: VALKONEN JANNE K. , MAPPES JOHANNA 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe phenomenon of Batesian mimicry, where a palatable animal gains protection against predation by resembling an unpalatable model, has been a core interest of evolutionary biologists for 150 years. An extensive range of studies has focused on revealing mechanistic aspects of mimicry (shared education and generalization of predators) and the evolutionary dynamics of mimicry systems (co‐operation vs. conflict) and revealed that protective mimicry is widespread and is important for individual fitness. However, according to our knowledge, there are no case studies where mimicry theories have been applied to conservation of mimetic species. Theoretically, mimicry affects, for example, frequency dependency of predator avoidance learning and human induced mortality. We examined the case of the protected, endangered, nonvenomous smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) that mimics the nonprotected venomous adder (Vipera berus), both of which occur in the Åland archipelago, Finland. To quantify the added predation risk on smooth snakes caused by the rarity of vipers, we calculated risk estimates from experimental data. Resemblance of vipers enhances survival of smooth snakes against bird predation because many predators avoid touching venomous vipers. Mimetic resemblance is however disadvantageous against human predators, who kill venomous vipers and accidentally kill endangered, protected smooth snakes. We found that the effective population size of the adders in Åland is very low relative to its smooth snake mimic (28.93 and 41.35, respectively).Because Batesian mimicry is advantageous for the mimic only if model species exist in sufficiently high numbers, it is likely that the conservation program for smooth snakes will fail if adders continue to be destroyed. Understanding the population consequences of mimetic species may be crucial to the success of endangered species conservation. We suggest that when a Batesian mimic requires protection, conservation planners should not ignore the model species (or co‐mimic in Mullerian mimicry rings) even if it is not itself endangered.Implications of mimicry for Conservation of the endangered smooth snake
Legal ivory trade in a corrupt world and its impact on African elephant populations
Authors: Bennett Elizabeth L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIllegal hunting of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) for ivory is causing rapid declines in their populations. Since 2007, illegal ivory trade has more than doubled. African elephants are facing the most serious conservation crisis since 1989, when international trade was banned. One solution proposed is establishment of a controlled legal trade in ivory. High prices for ivory mean that the incentives to obtain large quantities are high, but the quantity of tusks available for trade are biologically constrained. Within that context, effective management of a legal ivory trade would require robust systems to be in place to ensure that ivory from illegally killed elephants cannot be laundered into a legal market. At present, that is not feasible due to corruption among government officials charged with implementing wildlife‐related legislation. With organized criminal enterprises involved along the whole commodity chain, corruption enables the laundering of illegal ivory into legal or potentially legal markets. Poachers and traffickers can rapidly pay their way out of trouble, so the financial incentives to break the law heavily outweigh those of abiding by it. Maintaining reliable permitting systems and leak‐proof chains of custody in this context is challenging, and effective management breaks down. Once illegal ivory has entered the legal trade, it is difficult or impossible for enforcement officers to know what is legal and illegal. Addressing corruption throughout a trade network that permeates countries across the globe will take decades, if it can ever be achieved. That will be too late for wild African elephants at current rates of loss. If we are to conserve remaining wild populations, we must close all markets because, under current levels of corruption, they cannot be controlled in a way that does not provide opportunities for illegal ivory being laundered into legal markets.Comercio Legal de Marfil en un Mundo Corrupto y su Imapacto sobre Poblaciones de Elefantes
Positive patch test reactions to oxidized limonene: exposure and relevance
Authors: Bråred Christensson Johanna , Andersen Klaus E. , Bruze Magnus , Johansen Jeanne D. , Garcia‐Bravo Begoña , Gimenez Arnau Ana , Goh Chee‐Leok , Nixon Rosemary , White Ian R. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundR‐Limonene is a common fragrance terpene found in domestic and industrial products. R‐Limonene autoxidizes on air exposure, and the oxidation products can cause contact allergy. In a recent multicentre study, 5.2% (range 2.3–12.1%) of 2900 patients showed a positive patch test reaction to oxidized R‐limonene.ObjectiveTo study the exposure to limonene among consecutive dermatitis patients reacting to oxidized R‐limonene in an international setting, and to assess the relevance of the exposure for the patients' dermatitis.MethodsOxidized R‐limonene 3.0% (containing limonene hydroperoxides at 0.33%) in petrolatum was tested in 2900 consecutive dermatitis patients in Australia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden. A questionnaire assessing exposure to limonene‐containing products was completed.ResultsOverall, exposure to products containing limonene was found and assessed as being probably relevant for the patients' dermatitis in 36% of the limonene‐allergic patients. In Barcelona and Copenhagen, > 70% of the patients were judged to have had an exposure to limonene assessed as relevant.ConclusionsOxidized R‐limonene is a common fragrance allergen, and limonene was frequently found in the labelling on the patients' products, and assessed as relevant for the patients' dermatitis. A large number of domestic and occupational sources for contact with R‐limonene were identified.
Is Cross‐Listing a Commitment Mechanism?: The Choice of Destinations and Family Ownership
Authors: Chung Jaiho , Cho Hyejin , Kim Woojin 
Published: August 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper examines whether firms choose destinations with stronger investor protection than those provided in their respective home markets after controlling for both firm‐specific and destination‐specific characteristics that affect the choice of cross‐listing destination.Research Findings/InsightsUsing data on cross‐listing decisions of firms from 28 home countries targeted toward nine destinations for the 1994–2008 period, we find that firms are more likely to cross‐list in foreign markets that are less protective of outside investors relative to the home country once we simultaneously control for relevant destination‐specific and firm‐specific characteristics. Such preference for weak protection is mostly driven by family firms, but not observed among non‐family firms.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThese results suggest that the widely accepted “bonding” hypothesis, which posits that firms which cross‐list in order to voluntarily commit themselves to higher disclosure standards, should be interpreted with caution. Rather, controlling families may choose to list in destinations with weaker protection to retain their private benefits.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe findings imply that exchanges in countries with stronger investor protection may not be attractive for potential foreign clientele, especially firms controlled by families. To increase foreign listings in a given exchange, regulators should consider not only the benefits of tight regulations such as “bonding,” but also their compliance costs.
Competition, Law, and the Power of (Imagined) Geography: Market Definition and the Emergence of Too‐Big‐to‐Fail Banking in the United States
Authors: Christophers Brett 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article explores the role of antitrust (or competition) law in the recent historical evolution of the U.S. commercial banking sector. A core component of antitrust law is the calculative practice of market definition, which involves identifying not only the product or service attributes of a market but also, pointedly, its geographic extent. Geographic market definition—and the geographic knowledges it furnishes—is the focus of the article. It argues that these legal market maps (“the law's markets,” that is to say) materially shape on‐the‐ground market and competitive realities. The article develops this argument through a study of the recent history of U.S. antitrust theory and practice in regard to commercial banking. It claims that the particular nature of the geographic models created through this practice is pivotal to explaining the history of evolution of that sector in the final decades of the twentieth century—and most especially, large‐scale industry consolidation at the national scale. In the process, the article aims to contribute not only to financial geography but also to three relatively‐underdeveloped economic‐geographic literatures: on the implication of geographic knowledges in political‐economic change; on the geographies of markets; and on the role of the law in economic‐geographic transformation.
Subclassification of left ventricular hypertrophy based on dilation stratifies coronary artery disease patients with distinct risk
Authors: Huang Bao‐Tao , Peng Yong , Liu Wei , Zhang Chen , Huang Fang‐Yang , Wang Peng‐Ju , Zuo Zhi‐Liang , Liao Yan‐Biao , Chai Hua , Li Qiao , Zhao Zhen‐Gang , Luo Xiao‐Lin , Ren Xin , Huang Kai‐Sen , Meng Qing‐Tao , Chen Chi , Huang De‐Jia , Chen Mao 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundA new 4‐tired classification of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) based on LV concentricity and dilation has been proposed; however, the association between the new categorization of LV geometry and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unknown.MethodsAll the 2297 patients with CAD included underwent echocardiographic examination prior to discharge. Left ventricular mass (LVM) was calculated, and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (EDV) was indexed by body surface area (BSA). Study cohort was divided into five groups according to LV geometry: (i) eccentric nondilated LVH (normal LVM/EDV(2/3) and EDV/BSA) (n = 129); (ii) eccentric dilated LVH (normal LVM/EDV(2/3) with increased EDV/BSA) (n = 222); (iii) concentric nondilated LVH (increased LVM/EDV(2/3) with normal EDV/BSA) (n = 441); (iv) concentric dilated LVH (increased LVM/EDV(2/3) and EDV/BSA) (n = 118); and (v) normal LV mass (n = 1387).ResultsDilated LVH was associated with a higher event rates of all‐cause death (eccentric 13·1% vs. 3·1%; concentric 13·6% vs. 8·4%) and composite events (eccentric: 17·6% vs. 5·4%; concentric: 18·6% vs. 12·7%) compared with nondilated LVH. While eccentric nondilated LVH had comparable risk for adverse outcomes compared with normal LV mass (all‐cause death: relative risk (RR) 0·68, 95% confidential interval (CI) 0·25–1·85; composite events: RR 0·75, 95% CI 0·36–1·58). Cox regression analyses showed that eccentric dilated LVH had the highest propensity to all‐cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2·752 [95% CI 1·749–4·328], P < 0·001) and composite events (aHR 2·462 [95% CI 1·688–3·592], P < 0·001).ConclusionIn patients with CAD, dilated LVH and nondilated LVH provide distinct prognostic information. Eccentric nondilated LVH does not predict adverse outcomes.
Resource utilization and productivity loss in persons with spina bifida − an observational study of patients in a tertiary urology clinic in Germany
Authors: van Nooten F. E. , Winnette R. , Stein R. , Kissner M. , Schröder A. , Jöckel M. , Raluy‐Callado M. , Lambrelli D. , Meinhardt M. , Wasiak R. 
Published: August 2014

Background and purposeTo investigate resource use and burden associated with spina bifida (SB) in Germany.MethodsA questionnaire was used to obtain information on SB‐related healthcare resource use and assistive technologies used for the last 1 and 10 years. Individuals with SB were recruited at a tertiary specialist clinic. To participate, persons with SB required the cognitive ability to respond or a caregiver to answer questions on their behalf. They could use personal medical charts or other records to answer. The analyses included assessment of frequency and extent of resource use for both time frames.ResultsData on 88 persons with a diagnosis of SB were collected (44% female). During the last year, 88.6% (N = 78) reported at least one visit to a general practitioner's (GP's) office, 77.3% (N = 68) to a urologist and 69.3% (N = 61) to a physiotherapist. The annual average number of visits was 7.6 GP, 3.6 urologist and 65.3 physiotherapist visits. Amongst those hospitalized, a single hospitalization lasted 7.3 days on average, whereas the average annual number of hospital days was 14.8 days. During the previous 10 years, 67.0% (N = 59) of responders used a wheelchair, 64.7% (N = 57) used glasses and 59.1% (N = 52) used orthopaedic shoes, with an average of 2.5, 2.8 and 6.1 new items used, respectively.ConclusionsThe results indicate that persons with SB require a substantial amount of interaction with healthcare providers, as well as other healthcare‐related resource use, both in the shorter and longer terms.
Presence and progression of non‐motor symptoms in relation to uric acid in de novo Parkinson's disease
Authors: Moccia M. , Picillo M. , Erro R. , Vitale C. , Longo K. , Amboni M. , Santangelo G. , Palladino R. , Capo G. , Orefice G. , Barone P. , Pellecchia M. T. 
Published: August 2014

Background and purposeUric acid (UA) has been studied extensively as a valuable biomarker of Parkinson's disease (PD), but its relationship with non‐motor symptoms (NMS) in de novo PD has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of baseline serum UA as a marker of NMS progression in newly diagnosed PD.MethodsSixty‐nine newly diagnosed PD patients were enrolled. At baseline, all patients completed the NMS questionnaire (NMSQuest), and serum UA levels were measured. After 2 years, the NMSQuest was completed again and patients were categorized into four groups: NMS improvement (domain involvement at baseline but not at 2‐year follow‐up visit), NMS absence (domain not involved at baseline or 2‐year follow‐up visits), NMS presence (domain involvement both at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up visits) and NMS worsening (domain not involved at baseline but involved at 2‐year follow‐up).Resultsanova with post hoc Bonferroni correction showed that patients with NMS absence presented significantly higher UA values than patients with NMS presence with regard to the attention/memory (P = 0.023), depression/anxiety (P = 0.028) and cardiovascular domains (P = 0.002), whilst no differences were found with regard to both the NMS improvement and worsening groups. In addition, multinomial regression analysis showed that the lowest tertile of NMS progression presented higher UA levels (P = 0.023; odds ratio 0.488) compared with patients with greater NMS progression.ConclusionsThis is the first report of a relationship between serum UA and presence/progression of multiple NMS in de novo PD, providing additional evidence of the reliability of UA as a biomarker of PD and opening new insights on PD neuroprotection.
A new spatial framework incorporating uncertain stock and fleet dynamics for estimating fish abundance
Authors: Campbell Robert A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRelative abundance indices based on catch and effort data can become biased unless consideration is given to the spatial dynamics of the fishery such as changes in either the spatial distribution of fishing effort or the range of the stock over time. The construction of such indices therefore needs to take into account features of the fishery itself. In this paper, a general framework is presented for developing more appropriate abundance indices based on fishery catch and effort data. In developing this framework, it adopts the approach of (i) developing a range of hypotheses which encompass the uncertainties in the spatial–temporal dynamics of the stock and the fishing effort, (ii) identifying the hypotheses underlying the different CPUE series, and (iii) evaluating the available information relative to these hypotheses as the basis for evaluating CPUE indices. Observations from the fishery for southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) are used to illustrate various hypotheses about the nature of the fishery which can be used to construct indices of stock abundance while a simple simulation framework is used to explore the implications of some of these hypotheses on the accuracy of such indices.
An Evaluation of the Thermophysical Properties of Stoichiometric CeO2 in Comparison to UO2 and PuO2
Authors: Nelson Andrew T. , Rittman Dylan R. , White Joshua T. , Dunwoody John T. , Kato Masato , McClellan Kenneth J. 
Published: August 2014

The thermal conductivity of stoichiometric CeO2 was determined through measurement of thermal expansion from 313 to 1723 K, thermal diffusivity from 298 to 1473 K, and specific heat capacity from 313 to 1373 K. The thermal conductivity was then calculated as the product of the density, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity. The thermal conductivity was found to obey an (A + BT)−1 relationship with A = 6.776×10−2 m·K·W−1 and B = 2.793 × 10−4 m·W−1. Extrapolations of applied models were made to provide suggested data for the specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity data up to 1723 K. Results of thermal expansion and heat capacity measurements agreed well with the limited low‐temperature data available in the literature. The thermal conductivity values provided in the current study are significantly higher than the only high‐temperature data located for CeO2. This is attributed to the tendency of CeO2 to rapidly reduce at elevated temperatures given the available partial pressure of O2 in air at ambient pressure. The CeO2 data are compared to literature values for UO2 and PuO2 to evaluate its suitability as a surrogate in nuclear fuel systems where thermal transport is a primary criterion for performance