bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual Cryptic Scaling Relationships and the Evolution of Animal Form
Authors: Frankino W Anthony , Bakota Eric , Dworkin Ian , Wilkinson Gerald S , Wolf Jason B , Shingleton Alexander W 
Published: July 2019

AbstractArtificial selection offers a powerful tool for the exploration of how selection and development shape the evolution of morphological scaling relationships. An emerging approach models the expression and evolution of morphological scaling relationships as a function of variation among individuals in the developmental mechanisms that regulate trait growth. These models posit the existence of genotype-specific morphological scaling relationships that are unseen or “cryptic.” Within-population allelic variation at growth-regulating loci determines how these individual cryptic scaling relationships are distributed, and exposure to environmental factors that affect growth determines the size phenotype expressed by each individual on their cryptic, genotype-specific scaling relationship. These models reveal that evolution of the intercept and slope of the population-level static allometry is determined, often in counterintuitive ways, largely by the shape of the distribution of these underlying individual-level scaling relationships. Here we review this modeling framework and present the wing-body size individual cryptic scaling relationships from a population of Drosophila melanogaster. To determine how these models might inform interpretation of published work on scaling relationship evolution, we review studies where artificial selection was applied to alter the parameters of population-level static allometries. Finally, motivated by our review, we outline areas in need of empirical work and describe a research program to address these topics; the approach includes describing the distribution of individual cryptic scaling relationships across populations and environments, empirical testing of the model’s predictions, and determining the effects of environmental heterogeneity on realized trait distributions and how this affects allometry evolution.
Multi-Scale Drivers of Immunological Variation and Consequences for Infectious Disease Dynamics
Authors: Becker Daniel J , Downs Cynthia J , Martin Lynn B 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe immune system is the primary barrier to parasite infection, replication, and transmission following exposure, and variation in immunity can accordingly manifest in heterogeneity in traits that govern population-level infectious disease dynamics. While much work in ecoimmunology has focused on individual-level determinants of host immune defense (e.g., reproductive status and body condition), an ongoing challenge remains to understand the broader evolutionary and ecological contexts of this variation (e.g., phylogenetic relatedness and landscape heterogeneity) and to connect these differences into epidemiological frameworks. Ultimately, such efforts could illuminate general principles about the drivers of host defense and improve predictions and control of infectious disease. Here, we highlight recent work that synthesizes the complex drivers of immunological variation across biological scales of organization and scales these within-host differences to population-level infection outcomes. Such studies note the limitations involved in making species-level comparisons of immune phenotypes, stress the importance of spatial scale for immunology research, showcase several statistical tools for translating within-host data into epidemiological parameters, and provide theoretical frameworks for linking within- and between-host scales of infection processes. Building from these studies, we highlight several promising avenues for continued work, including the application of machine learning tools and phylogenetically controlled meta-analyses to immunology data and quantifying the joint spatial and temporal dependencies in immune defense using range expansions as model systems. We also emphasize the use of organismal traits (e.g., host tolerance, competence, and resistance) as a way to interlink various scales of analysis. Such continued collaboration and disciplinary cross-talk among ecoimmunology, disease ecology, and mathematical modeling will facilitate an improved understanding of the multi-scale drivers and consequences of variation in host defense.
Innovations in emerging markets: the case of mobile money
Authors: Pelletier Adeline , Khavul Susanna , Estrin Saul 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMobile money is a financial innovation that provides transfers, payments, and other financial services at a low or zero cost to individuals in developing countries where banking and capital markets are deficient and financial inclusion is low. We use transaction costs and institutional theories to explain the growth and impact of mobile money. Having developed a new archival dataset that tracks mobile money deployment across 90 emerging economies during 16 years between 2000 and 2015, we address the question of relative economic impact of the banking and telecoms sectors in the provision of mobile money. We show that telecom groups and not banks are more likely to launch mobile money in countries where legal rights are weaker and credit information less prevalent. However, it is when mobile money is offered via a banking channel that the spillover effects on the economy are greater. Findings have significant implications for policy and strategy.
The association of melanoma-associated antigen-A gene expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in resected non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Lu Yuqing , Li Jialong , Wu Yanming , Che Guowei 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Our goal was to explore the association of melanoma-associated antigen-A (MAGE-A) gene expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival rates in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had surgery. A systematic search of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library databases was performed through 20 April 2019. The combined risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association of MAGE-A gene expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with resected NSCLC, respectively. All statistical analyses were performed with Stata software, version 12.0. A total of 9 articles involving 1538 patients were included in our meta-analysis; most of the studies were from Asian countries. The results indicated that the expression of the MAGE-A gene was significantly correlated with lymph node metastases (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.34; P = 0.001), high tumour-node-metastasis stage (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.38; P < 0.001), histological type (squamous cell carcinoma) (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.15–2.87; P = 0.01), poor overall survival (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.73–2.57; P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.12–2.78; P = 0.015). MAGE-A gene expression is related to tumour development and metastasis and is more prevalent in squamous cell carcinomas of the lung; besides, it is an independent prognostic factor for patients with resected NSCLC.
Theoretical and experimental investigations of different area ratios of a supersonic ejector driven by compressed air
Authors: AL-nuaimi Ahmed , Worall Mark , Riffat Saffa 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEjectors have some advantages such as being simple, reliable and no moving parts. They can be used in air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. This paper presents a comparison of ejector performance, primary pressure (Pp), back pressure (Pb) and area ratios of ejectors (A2/At) predictions by an analytical model and a computational fluid dynamics model for different operating conditions. Six different area ratios of ejector using air as working fluid in this study were proposed and tested experimentally. The variable area ratios of ejectors (A2/At) were used with a range from 10.68 to 30.62. Two sets of ejectors (A and C) are studied and examined depend on the kind of nozzle. The aim of this study was to investigate these ejectors under variation of primary pressure (Pp) (1.5–6.0 bar) and adjustable spindle position (0 to −25 mm). Two groups of ejectors (A and C) were categorized based on the type of nozzle. The experimental results validate the solutions of the main parameters of ejectors using air as working fluid. The results show that group A is more appropriate for higher values of back pressure, while group C is more suitable for high performance of the ejector. Finally, the main parameters were carried out on six different ejectors to find the best combination based on various nozzles and constant area sections.
Centre modes in pipe flow
Authors: Ozcakir Ozge , Hall Philip , Tanveer Saleh 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In two previous papers, Ozcakir, Tanveer, Hall, & Overman (2016, Travelling waves in pipe flow, J. Fluid Mech., 791, 284–328) and Ozcakir, Hall & Tanveer (2019, Nonlinear exact coherent structures in pipe flow and their instabilities, J. Fluid Mech., 868, 341–368) investigated numerically and asymptotically high Reynolds number exact coherent structures in pipe flow. It was found that, in addition to the structures described by the vortex–wave interaction theory by Hall & Smith (1991, On strongly nonlinear vortex/wave interactions in boundary layer transition. J. Fluid Mech., 227, 641–666), there exists vortical structures localized near the centre of the pipe with a core of size $O(Re^{-1/4})$ convected downstream at a speed that deviates from the pipe centreline speed by $O(Re^{-1/2})$, where $Re$ is the Reynolds number. In the finite Reynolds number calculations by Ozcakir, Tanveer, Hall & Overman (2016, Travelling waves in pipe flow, J. Fluid Mech., 791, 284–328), asymptotic state was referred to as a nonlinear viscous core state (NVC). However the reduced asymptotic equations were not solved and only limited confirmation of the theory was found numerically. Here, in order to conclusively confirm the existence of the NVC state we first describe direct numerical calculations on the asymptotically reduced $Re>>1$ equations for such state states. The results are then compared in detail to the finite $Re$ calculations up-to $Re=10^6$; the latter regime is at much higher values of the Reynolds number than those reported in Ozcakir, Tanveer, Hall & Overman (2016, Travelling waves in pipe flow, J. Fluid Mech., 791, 284–328). The results are found to be in excellent agreement with the finite $Re$ calculations in a region between $Re=10^5$ and $10^6$, thereby confirming that the structure observed by Ozcakir, Tanveer, Hall & Overman (2016, Travelling waves in pipe flow, J. Fluid Mech., 791, 284–328) is indeed a finite Reynolds number realization of an asymptotic NVC state.
Evaluation of the Impact of Meningococcal Serogroup A Conjugate Vaccine Introduction on Second-Year-of-Life Vaccination Coverage in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zoma Robert L , Walldorf Jenny A , Tarbangdo Felix , Patel Jaymin C , Diallo Alpha Oumar , Nkwenkeu Sylvain F , Kambou Ludovic , Nikiema Moumouni , Ouedraogo Arnaud , Bationo Ange B , Ouili Romeo , Badolo Hermann , Sawadogo Guetawende , Krishnaswamy Akshaya , Hatcher Cynthia , Hyde Terri B , Aké Flavien , Novak Ryan T , Wannemuehler Kathleen , Mirza Imran , Medah Isaïe , Soeters Heidi M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
After successful meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) campaigns since 2010, Burkina Faso introduced MACV in March 2017 into the routine Expanded Programme for Immunization schedule at age 15–18 months, concomitantly with second-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV2). We examined MCV2 coverage in pre- and post-MACV introduction cohorts to describe observed changes regionally and nationally.

Methods
A nationwide household cluster survey of children 18–41 months of age was conducted 1 year after MACV introduction. Coverage was assessed by verification of vaccination cards or recall. Two age groups were included to compare MCV2 coverage pre-MACV introduction (30–41 months) versus post-MACV introduction (18–26 months).

Results
In total, 15 925 households were surveyed; 7796 children were enrolled, including 3684 30–41 months of age and 3091 18–26 months of age. Vaccination documentation was observed for 86% of children. The MACV routine coverage was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56%–61%) with variation by region (41%–76%). The MCV2 coverage was 62% (95% CI, 59%–65%) pre-MACV introduction and 67% (95% CI, 64%–69%) post-MACV introduction, an increase of 4.5% (95% CI, 1.3%–7.7%). Among children who received routine MACV and MCV2, 93% (95% CI, 91%–94%) received both at the same visit. Lack of caregiver awareness about the 15- to 18-month visit and vaccine unavailability were common reported barriers to vaccination.

Conclusions
A small yet significant increase in national MCV2 coverage was observed 1 year post-MACV introduction. The MACV/MCV2 coadministration was common. Findings will help inform strategies to strengthen second-year-of-life immunization coverage, including to address the communication and vaccine availability barriers identified.
Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup W Meningitis Epidemic in Togo, 2016
Authors: Mounkoro Didier , Nikiema Christelle S , Maman Issaka , Sakandé Souleymane , Bozio Catherine H , Tall Haoua , Sadji Adodo Yao , Njanpop-Lafourcade Berthe-Marie , Sibabe Agoro , Landoh Dadja E , Abodji Essofa O , Kodjo Agbenoko , Tamekloe Tsidi A , Essoh Téné Alima , Maba Détèma W , Gessner Bradford D , Moïsi Jennifer C 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuring 2014, 4 regions in Togo within the African meningitis belt implemented vaccination campaigns with meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV). From January to July 2016, Togo experienced its first major Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (NmW) outbreak. We describe the epidemiology, response, and management of the outbreak.MethodsSuspected, probable, and confirmed cases were identified using World Health Organization case definitions. Through case-based surveillance, epidemiologic and laboratory data were collected for each case. Cerebrospinal fluid specimens were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, culture, or latex agglutination. Vaccination campaigns were conducted in affected districts.ResultsFrom January 11 to July 5, 2016, 1995 suspected meningitis cases were reported, with 128 deaths. Among them, 479 (24.0%) were confirmed by laboratory testing, and 94 (4.7%) and 1422 (71.3%) remained as probable and suspected cases, respectively. Seven epidemic districts had cumulative attack rates greater than 100 per 100 000 population. Of the confirmed cases, 91.5% were NmW; 39 of 40 available NmW isolates were sequence type-11/clonal complex-11.ConclusionsThis outbreak demonstrates that, although high coverage with MACV has reduced serogroup A outbreaks, large meningococcal meningitis outbreaks due to other serogroups may continue to occur; effective multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines could improve meningococcal disease prevention within meningitis belt populations.
Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in Peru and its relation to social determinants of health
Authors: Atamari-Anahui Noé , Ccorahua-Rios Maycol Suker , Condori-Huaraka Mirian , Huamanvilca-Yepez Yerika , Amaya Elard , Herrera-Añazco Percy 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Disparities in CKD may be related to social determinants and health inequalities in low- and middle-income countries. This study determined how social determinants of health influence trends in the prevalence and mortality of CKD in Peru.

Methods
This was an ecological study based on a secondary analysis of health care and death records obtained from the Ministry of Health of Peru for the period 2010–2016. The standardized prevalence and mortality rates of CKD were descriptively reported using geospatial exploratory analysis. We also determined the association with social determinants of health according to the domains suggested by Healthy People 2020.

Results
In the studied period, CKD prevalence increased by 300% and was associated with the health insurance coverage rate (β=5.9 [95% CI 0.82 to 10.92]), proportion of people with a secondary education level (β=11.4 [95% CI 1.94 to 20.93]), mean age (β=−10.7 [95% CI −19.33 to −2.12]), monetary poverty rate (β=−2.2 [95% CI −3.88 to −0.60]) and gross domestic product per capita (β=−63.2 [95% CI −117.81 to −8.52]). The standardized mortality decreased by 10% and was associated with mean age (β=−0.6 [95% CI −1.22 to −0.06]) and the proportion of people with a primary education level (β=−0.5 [95% CI −0.9 to −0.05]).

Conclusions
During the period 2010–2016, the prevalence of CKD increased and the mortality associated with CKD decreased. The observed changes were associated with some social determinants of health, such as increased health coverage and education. The health system of Peru must be prepared to take on the challenge.
The crowding out effect of out-of-pocket medication expenses of two major non-communicable diseases in Pakistan
Authors: Datta Biplab K , Husain Muhammad J , Fatehin Sohani 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Elevated blood pressure (i.e. hypertension) and diabetes (BPD) are the two major noncommunicable diseases that expose households to high out-of-pocket treatment costs in low- and middle-income countries. Medication is the biggest share of BPD treatment expenses, and households with someone suffering from BPD may need to adjust consumption of other commodities to pay for essential BPD medicines. We assess how BPD medication expenditures are associated with crowding out of other household commodities in Pakistan.

Methods
We analyze self-reported household consumption data from the nationally representative Pakistan Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2015–16. We estimate conditional Engel curves under the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System framework to examine the differences in average consumption shares between BPD medication-consuming and not-consuming households.

Results
We find that BPD medication expenditures are associated with crowding out of food and crowding in of other medical expenditures for all households, but the magnitudes of crowding out and crowding in are larger for the poorer households. BPD medication spending is also associated with crowding out of education and personal care for middle-class and wealthier households.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that allocations for essential commodities, like food and education, are lower for BPD medication–consuming households and inform policies for preventive health promotions and affordable treatment for hypertension and diabetes.
In vitro activity of ferroquine against artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Cambodia
Authors: Mairet-Khedim Mélissa , Nardella Flore , Khim Nimol , Kim Saorin , Kloeung Nimol , Ke Sopheakvatey , Kauy Chhayleang , Eam Rotha , Khean Chanra , Pellet Alain , Leboulleux Didier , Leang Rithea , Ringwald Pascal , Barale Jean Christophe , Leroy Didier , Menard Didier , Witkowski Benoit 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Cambodia is the epicentre of resistance emergence for virtually all antimalarial drugs. Selection and spread of parasites resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is a major threat for malaria elimination, hence the need to renew the pool of effective treatments.

Objectives
To determine whether ACT resistance haplotypes could have an effect on ferroquine in vitro antimalarial activity.

Methods
In vitro susceptibility to ferroquine was measured for 80 isolates from Cambodia characterized for their molecular resistance profile to artemisinin, piperaquine and mefloquine.

Results
Among the 80 isolates tested, the overall median (IQR) IC50 of ferroquine was 10.9 nM (8.7–18.3). The ferroquine median (IQR) IC50 was 8.9 nM (8.1–11.8) for Pfk13 WT parasites and was 12.9 nM (9.5–20.0) for Pfk13 C580Y parasites with no amplification of Pfpm2 and Pfmdr1 genes. The median (IQR) IC50 of ferroquine for Pfk13 C580Y parasites with amplification of the Pfpm2 gene was 17.2 nM (14.5–20.5) versus 9.1 nM (7.9–10.7) for Pfk13 C580Y parasites with amplification of the Pfmdr1 gene.

Conclusions
Ferroquine exerts promising efficacy against ACT-resistant isolates. Whereas Pfpm2 amplification was associated with the highest parasite tolerance to ferroquine, the susceptibility range observed was in accordance with those measured in ACT resistance-free areas. This enables consideration of ferroquine as a relevant therapeutic option against ACT-resistant malaria.
Resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam in Escherichia coli resulting from extensive IS26-associated gene amplification of blaTEM-1
Authors: Hansen Katrine Hartung , Andreasen Minna Rud , Pedersen Martin Schou , Westh Henrik , Jelsbak Lotte , Schønning Kristian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundbla TEM-1 encodes a narrow-spectrum β-lactamase that is inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors and commonly present in Escherichia coli. Hyperproduction of blaTEM-1 may cause resistance to penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor (P/BLI) combinations.ObjectivesTo characterize EC78, an E. coli bloodstream isolate, resistant to P/BLI combinations, which contains extensive amplification of blaTEM-1 within the chromosome.MethodsEC78 was sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) methodology. Configuration of blaTEM-1 amplification was probed using PCR. Expression of blaTEM-1 mRNA was determined using quantitative PCR and β-lactamase activity was determined spectrophotometrically in a nitrocefin conversion assay. Growth rate was assessed to determine fitness and stability of the gene amplification was assessed by passage in the absence of antibiotics.ResultsIllumina sequencing of EC78 identified blaTEM-1B as the only acquired β-lactamase preceded by the WT P3 promoter and present at a copy number of 182.6 with blaTEM-1B bracketed by IS26 elements. The chromosomal location of the IS26-blaTEM-1B amplification was confirmed by ONT sequencing. Hyperproduction of blaTEM-1 was confirmed by increased transcription of blaTEM-1 and β-lactamase activity and associated with a significant fitness cost; however, the array was maintained at a relatively high copy number for 150 generations. PCR screening for blaTEM amplification of isolates resistant to P/BLI combinations identified an additional strain containing an IS26-associated amplification of a blaTEM gene.ConclusionsIS26-associated amplification of blaTEM can cause resistance to P/BLI combinations. This adaptive mechanism of resistance may be overlooked if simple methods of genotypic prediction (e.g. gene presence/absence) are used to predict antimicrobial susceptibility from sequencing data.