bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonfertilizing sperm in Lepidoptera show little evidence for recurrent positive selection
Authors: Mongue Andrew J. , Hansen Megan E. , Gu Liuqi , Sorenson Clyde E. , Walters James R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSperm are among the most variable cells in nature. Some of this variation results from nonadaptive errors in spermatogenesis, but many species consistently produce multiple sperm morphs, the adaptive significance of which remains unknown. Here, we investigate the evolution of dimorphic sperm in Lepidoptera, the butterflies and moths. Males of this order produce both fertilizing sperm and a secondary, nonfertilizing type that lacks DNA. Previous organismal studies suggested a role for nonfertilizing sperm in sperm competition, but this hypothesis has never been evaluated from a molecular framework. We combined published data sets with new sequencing in two species, the monandrous Carolina sphinx moth and the highly polyandrous monarch butterfly. Based on population genetic analyses, we see evidence for increased adaptive evolution in fertilizing sperm, but only in the polyandrous species. This signal comes primarily from a decrease in nonsynonymous polymorphism in sperm proteins compared to the rest of the genome, suggesting stronger purifying selection, consistent with selection via sperm competition. Nonfertilizing sperm proteins, in contrast, do not show an effect of mating system and do not appear to evolve differently from the background genome in either species, arguing against the involvement of nonfertilizing sperm in direct sperm competition. Based on our results and previous work, we suggest that nonfertilizing sperm may be used to delay female remating in these insects and decrease the risk of sperm competition rather than directly affect its outcome.
Enhanced notch signaling modulates unproductive revascularization in response to nitric oxide‐angiopoietin signaling in a mouse model of peripheral ischemia
Authors: Machado Maria J. C. , Boardman Rachel , Riu Federica , Emanueli Costanza , Benest Andrew V. , Bates David O. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionArteriolargenesis can be induced by concomitant stimulation of nitric Oxide (NO)‐Angiopoietin receptor (Tie)‐Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) signaling in the rat mesentery angiogenesis assay. We hypothesized that the same combination of exogenously added growth factors would also have a positive impact on arteriolargenesis and, consequently, the recovery of blood flow in a model of unilateral hindlimb ischemia.Results and MethodsNO‐Tie mice had faster blood flow recovery compared to control mice, as assessed by laser speckle imaging. There was no change in capillary density within the ischemic muscles, but arteriole density was higher in NO‐Tie mice. Given the previously documented beneficial effect of VEGF signaling, we tested whether NO‐Tie‐VEGF mice would show further improvement. Surprisingly, these mice recovered no differently from control, arteriole density was similar and capillary density was lower. Dll4 is a driver of arterial specification, so we hypothesized that Notch1 expression would be involved in arteriolargenesis. There was a significant upregulation of Notch1 transcripts in NO‐Tie‐VEGF compared with NO‐Tie mice. Using soluble Dll4 (sDll4), we stimulated Notch signaling in the ischemic muscles of mice. NO‐Tie‐sDll4 mice had significantly increased capillary and arteriole densities, but impaired blood flow recovery.ConclusionThese results suggest that Dll4 activation early on in revascularization can lead to unproductive angiogenesis and arteriolargenesis, despite increased vascular densities. These results suggest spatial and temporal balance of growth factors needs to be perfected for ideal functional and anatomical revascularisation.
Does the rapid response of an antidepressant contribute to better cost‐effectiveness? Comparison between mirtazapine and SSRIs for first‐line treatment of depression in Japan
Authors: Sado Mitsuhiro , Wada Masataka , Ninomiya Akira , Nohara Hiroyoshi , Kosugi Teppei , Arai Mayuko , Endo Ryusuke , Mimura Masaru 
Published: April 2019

AimPrevious studies indicate that mirtazapine is unique in its quick responsiveness compared to other antidepressants. Although some other studies have evaluated its cost‐effectiveness, they have not considered its early stage remission rate. The aim of this study was to address this research gap by using precise clinical data to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of mirtazapine in Japan.MethodsWe developed a Markov model to reflect the week‐by‐week transition probabilities. The Markov cycle was set as 1 week. While our clinical parameters were obtained largely from existing meta‐analyses, cost data were derived from government reports. Cost‐effectiveness was evaluated by incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per quality‐adjusted life year estimated based on the probability sensitivity analyses. The ICERs were estimated at 2, 8, 26, and 52 weeks.ResultsIn severe depression, the ICERs ranged between JPY 872 153 and 1 772 723. The probability of mirtazapine being cost‐effective ranged from 0.75 to 0.99 when the ICER threshold was JPY 5 000 000. In moderate depression, the ICERs ranged between JPY 2 356 499 and 4 770 145. The probability of mirtazapine being cost‐effective ranged from 0.55 to 0.83 when the ICER threshold was JPY 5 000 000.ConclusionWhen considering the early stage efficacy of mirtazapine, it appeared to be cost‐effective compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, especially for severe depression and in the early stage treatment in the Japanese setting. However, our study has some limitations. First, mirtazapine is compared with batched selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors rather than individual ones. Second, we did not consider antidepressant combination therapy as treatment options.
Kidney disease and organ transplantation in methylmalonic acidaemia
Authors: Noone Damien , Riedl Magdalena , Atkison Paul , Avitzur Yaron , Sharma Ajay P , Filler Guido , Siriwardena Komudi , Prasad Chitra 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesMMA is associated with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and a progressive decline in GFR. Optimal management of these children is uncertain. Our objectives were to document the pre‐, peri‐, and post‐transplant course of all children with MMA who underwent liver or combined liver‐kidney transplant in our centers.Design and methodsRetrospective chart review of all cases of MMA who underwent organ transplantation over the last 10 years.ResultsFive children with MMA underwent liver transplant (4/5) and combined liver‐kidney transplant (1/5). Three were Mut0 and two had a cobalamin B disorder. Four of five were transplanted between ages 3 and 5 years. Renal dysfunction prior to transplant was seen in 2/5 patients. Post‐transplant (one liver transplant and one combined transplant) renal function improved slightly when using creatinine‐based GFR formula. We noticed in 2 patients a big discrepancy between creatinine‐ and cystatin C‐based GFR calculations. One patient with no renal disease developed renal failure post–liver transplantation. Serum MMA levels have decreased in all to <300 μmol/L. Four patients remain on low protein diet, carnitine, coenzyme Q, and vitamin E post‐transplant.ConclusionsMMA is a complex metabolic disorder. Renal disease can continue to progress post–liver transplant and close follow‐up is warranted. More research is needed to clarify best screening GFR method in patients with MMA. Whether liver transplant alone, continued protein restriction, or the addition of antioxidants post‐transplant can halt the progression of renal disease remains unclear.
Why ‘Swampman’ Would Not Even Get as Far as Thinking it Was Davidson: On the Spatio‐temporal Basis of Davidson's Conjuring Trick
Authors: Read Rupert , Allesøe Bo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this article, we analyse one of the most famous recent thought‐experiments in philosophy, namely Donald Davidson's Swampman. Engaging recent commentators on Davidson's Swampman as well as analysing the spatio‐temporal conditions of the thought‐experiment, we will show how the ‘experiment’ inevitably fails. For it doesn't take seriously some of its own defining characteristics: crucially, Swampman's creation of a sudden in a place distinct from Davidson's. Instead of denigrating philosophical thought‐experiments per se, our analysis points towards considering thought‐experiments in a different sense: imaginary scenarios helpfully self‐deconstructing rather than constituting substantive philosophical resources.
Immune effector mechanisms in malaria: An update focusing on human immunity
Authors: Moormann Ann M. , Nixon Christina E. , Forconi Catherine S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe past decade has witnessed dramatic decreases in malaria‐associated mortality and morbidity around the world. This progress has largely been due to intensified malaria control measures, implementation of rapid diagnostics and establishing a network to anticipate and mitigate antimalarial drug resistance. However, the ultimate tool for malaria prevention is the development and implementation of an effective vaccine. To date, malaria vaccine efforts have focused on determining which of the thousands of antigens expressed by Plasmodium falciparum are instrumental targets of protective immunity. The antigenic variation and antigenic polymorphisms arising in parasite genes under immune selection present a daunting challenge for target antigen selection and prioritization, and is a given caveat when interpreting immune recall responses or results from monovalent vaccine trials. Other immune evasion strategies executed by the parasite highlight the myriad of ways in which it can become a recurrent infection. This review provides an update on immune effector mechanisms in malaria and focuses on our improved ability to interrogate the complexity of human immune system, accelerated by recent methodological advances. Appreciating how the human immune landscape influences the effectiveness and longevity of antimalarial immunity will help explain which conditions are necessary for immune effector mechanisms to prevail.
Toward a Bright Future: Politics of Potential in a Ugandan Village
Authors: Bocast Brooke 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article demonstrates how female students in rural Uganda experience education sponsorship in ways that belie international development discourse about girls’ empowerment. Since the 1990s, international development organizations have promoted community‐based programming alongside efforts to empower individual subjects. I examine the intersection of these trends through the lens of an American nongovernmental organization's (NGO) scholarship program in a Ugandan village. Drawing from recent work on the politics of potentiality, I argue three nested points: (1) NGOs and the various groups that interact with them construct the community as a site for intervention; (2) notions of potential are key to these constructions; and (3) the community–potential nexus is gendered in ways that reconfigure young women's networks of support and obligation with kin, local leaders, and NGO staff. This analysis illuminates larger tensions surrounding notions of individual autonomy and community obligation in Uganda and rural sub‐Saharan Africa more broadly.
Violence, Law, and the Archive: How Dossiers of Memory Challenge Enforced Disappearances in the War on Terror in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Salman 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article examines the politics of protest in Pakistan as practiced by the human rights activists and litigants seeking justice for people who have been “disappeared” by the state's military and intelligence services. Based on fieldwork among the family members and friends of these “missing” persons, it discusses how they create dossiers of memory to retain the memory of the disappeared within public sphere and records. Most studies of state bureaucracy and legality trace their history—assumed to be embedded in official files and documents—in state archives. The dossiers assembled by families and friends challenge the state narrative on its war against terrorism and serve as counter‐archives through which state violence can be traced politically and ethnically and mapped geographically. The article draws attention to how marginalized groups use law and its documentary forms against the state in order to hold it accountable for the excesses committed against them.
P0 protein of cotton leafroll dwarf virus‐atypical isolate is a weak RNA silencing suppressor and the avirulence determinant that breaks the cotton Cbd gene‐based resistance
Authors: Agrofoglio Y. C. , Delfosse V. C. , Casse M. F. , Hopp H. E. , Bonacic Kresic I. , Ziegler‐Graff V. , Distéfano A. J. 
Published: April 2019

Cotton blue disease (CBD) is the most important disease present in cotton crops in South America and cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is the causal agent. The disease has been controlled by sowing cotton varieties resistant to CLRDV. However, in the 2009/10 growing season, an outbreak due to an atypical CLRDV isolate (CLRDV‐at) occurred in northwest Argentina. Although CLRDV and CLRDV‐at genomes are very closely related, the symptoms they produce in cotton plants are quite different. P0 is the most divergent protein between the isolates and in CLRDV is a silencing suppressor protein. This work characterized the silencing suppressor activity of the P0 protein encoded by CLRDV‐at (P0CL‐at) and evaluated its role in Cbd‐resistance break in cotton plants. It was demonstrated that P0CL‐at, despite having a mutation in the consensus of the F‐box‐like motif, was able to suppress local RNA silencing, but displayed lower activity than P0CL. P0CL and P0CL‐at showed no differences in the interaction with Gossypium hirsutum SKP1 orthologue (GSK1) and Nicotiana benthamiana SKP1 and both P0 proteins triggered destabilization of ARGONAUTE1. However, when the ability to enhance PVX symptoms was evaluated, P0CL‐at was shown to be a weaker pathogenicity factor than P0CL in N. benthamiana. Interestingly, trans‐expressed P0CL‐at enabled CLRDV to systemically infect CBD‐resistant plants, and a chimeric CLRDV‐P0CL‐at infectious clone succeeded in establishing infection in CBD‐resistant cotton varieties with symptoms resembling those produced by CLRDV‐at. These results strongly suggest that P0CL‐at is the avirulence (Avr) determinant involved in breaking cotton Cbd gene‐based resistance.
Convergence clustering in the Chinese provinces: New evidence from several macroeconomic indicators
Authors: Gozgor Giray , Lau Chi Keung Marco , Lu Zhou 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the convergence clustering in 31 Chinese provinces regarding several important economic indicators over the period 1952 to 2016 was empirically investigated. Several provincial clusters were identified in the per capita (real) gross domestic product (GDP), consumption–income ratio, retail price, and consumer price inflation rates, using a club convergence and clustering procedure. The empirical findings are as follows. First, it was found that all series of the original data contain a significant nonlinear component. Second, it was observed that there are five significant clusters for the per capita income in China. Third, it was found that there are four significant clusters for the consumption–income ratio. Fourth, it was observed that there are four significant clusters for the retail inflation rates and two significant clusters for the consumer inflation rates in China. These results will enable local and central planners to implement economic growth, savings and price adjustment policies for different groups of provinces.
The effects of fragility and financial inequalities on inclusive growth in African countries
Authors: Fowowe Babajide , Folarin Emmanuel Oludele 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAfrica has the largest number and proportion of fragile states in the world. Fragile states are characterized by slower economic growth, higher incidences of poverty, and persistent inequality. Thus, there is a circular relationship between fragility, inequality, and slow economic growth. This study examines the relationship between fragility, financial inequalities, and inclusive growth in African countries. We introduce a novel way of examining inclusive growth in African countries by developing a unified measure of inclusive growth that captures the two dimensions of inclusive growth: income growth and income distribution. This enables us to adequately assess not just increased opportunities arising from economic growth, but also see how those new opportunities are distributed across all segments of the population. We captured the fragile status of African countries by using an index of fragility. We measured financial inequalities using new data on financial inclusion. The data analysis suggested negative relationships between fragility and inclusive growth in African countries. In addition, the results suggest positive relationships between financial inclusion and inclusive growth. Thus, inclusive growth can be fostered through policies that reduce financial inequalities. Therefore, a less fragile environment is conducive to inclusive growth both directly and indirectly through financial inclusion.
When Less Is More in Boosting Survey Response Rates*
Authors: Conn Katharine M. , Mo Cecilia Hyunjung , Sellers Laura M. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesPrevious general population survey research has found that, relative to monetary incentives, altruistic appeals are ineffective in increasing survey response and that offering additional monetary incentives is always desirable. We consider an alternative population—a pro‐social population—and ask whether these same conclusions apply.MethodsTo evaluate the relative effectiveness of different incentive strategies, we randomly assign individuals to one of five conditions. We consider altruistic incentives (a narrative appeal or a charitable donation) and monetary incentives (three separate lotteries).ResultsAmong pro‐social individuals, “less is more”: altruistic appeals are just as effective, if not more effective, than costly monetary incentives. Moreover, the simplest lottery structure (fewer large‐payoff prizes) is the most cost effective of the lotteries.ConclusionsThe target population of interest matters when designing survey incentive strategies. Moreover, increasing the incentives budget is not always beneficial.
Public Opposition to Sanctuary Cities in Texas: Criminal Threat or Immigration Threat?*
Authors: Collingwood Loren , O'Brien Gonzalez Benjamin 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo assess predictors of sanctuary city attitudes in Texas. Specifically, to assess whether a criminal threat or immigration threat hypothesis better explains attitudes toward sanctuary cities.MethodsPooled representative sample surveys of Texas respondents conducted during the first half of 2017, combined with county‐level Census and crime data. Regression analysis and Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsCompared to the criminal threat hypothesis (as measured by county change in crime rates), the immigration threat hypothesis (as measured by Latino growth and Latino population) better explains Texans' attitudes toward sanctuary cities.ConclusionsDespite elite and media narratives linking sanctuary cities to crime, respondents' attitudes toward sanctuary cities are unrelated to physical crime threat and are structured by localized experience with immigration—specifically—Latino growth.
The Chief Justice as Effective Administrative Leader: The Impact of Policy Scope and Interbranch Relations*
Authors: Vining Richard L. , Wilhelm Teena , Hughes David A. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesWe examine the conditions under which the Chief Justice of the United States achieves congressional approval for his requests for institutional reforms to the federal courts. Specifically, we investigate whether legislators are more likely to enact these requests when they are limited in scope and members of Congress are similar ideologically to the chief justice or federal judiciary.MethodsOur analysis uses the chief justice's Year‐End Report on the Federal Judiciary to identify reform proposals requested by the federal judiciary.ResultsWe find that the likelihood that the federal judiciary achieves reform goals is conditioned by policy scope and ideological congruence with Congress.ConclusionsWe conclude that congressional administration of the federal courts is politically strategic.
Six‐month outcomes after restrictive or liberal transfusion for cardiac surgery (TRICS III trial)
Authors: Estcourt L. J. , Roberts D. J. 
Published: April 2019

SUMMARYClinical questionIs transfusing red cell components using a restrictive transfusion threshold (Hb < 75 g L−1) as safe as a liberal transfusion threshold (Hb < 95 g L−1 in intensive care and < 85 g L−1 outside intensive care) during and after cardiac surgery for adults at moderate to high risk of death?Evidence from trialIn adults undergoing cardiac surgery who were at moderate to high risk for death, using a restrictive red‐cell transfusion threshold was as safe as a liberal red cell transfusion threshold (composite outcome of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke or new‐onset renal failure with dialysis at 6 months after surgery).
Risk‐based water resources planning in practice: a blueprint for the water industry in England
Authors: Hall Jim W. , Mortazavi‐Naeini Mohammad , Borgomeo Edoardo , Baker Bill , Gavin Helen , Gough Meyrick , Harou Julien J. , Hunt Douglas , Lambert Chris , Piper Ben , Richardson Nathan , Watts Glenn 
Published: April 2019

AbstractResilient water supplies in England need to be secured in the face of challenges of population growth, climate change and environmental sustainability. We propose a blueprint for water resources planning that uses system simulation modelling to estimate the frequency, duration and severity of water shortages at present and in the context of future plans and scenarios. We use multiobjective optimisation tools to explore trade‐offs between these risk metrics and cost of alternative plans, and we use sensitivity analysis to identify plans that robustly achieve targets for tolerable risk, alongside other performance objectives. The results of a case study in the Thames basin demonstrate that the proposed methodology is feasible given commonly available data sets and models. The proposed method provides evidence with which to develop water resource management plans that demonstrably balance the risks of water shortages, costs to water users and environmental constraints in an uncertain future.
Genomic and phylogenetic characterization of Shewanella xiamenensis isolated from giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yao‐Ting , Cheng Jan‐Fang , Wu Zong‐Yen , Tung Kwong‐Chung , Chen Ying‐Ju , Hong Yu‐Kai , Chen Shi‐Yu , Liu Po‐Yu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractShewanella xiamenensis is an emerging pathogen causing intra‐abdominal infection and intestinal colonization. Epidemiologic clues suggest its role as a potential food‐borne zoonotic agent. To date, four genome sequences of S. xiamenensis have been made publicly available. All of them were isolated from water samples. In this study, we characterized the genome of a S. xiamenensis strain isolated from a giant grouper in Taiwan. The genome of S. xiamenensis ZYW1 is 4,827,717 bp in length and encodes 4,239 open reading frames. Its genomic sequence shares high homology with other S. xiamenensis strains. blaOXA‐416 was identified. This is the first detection of S. xiamenensis in Taiwan. These genomic data and analyses contribute to our understanding of S. xiamenensis and may help to elucidate disease‐causing mechanisms in future studies.