bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New insights in phytoplasma‐vector interaction: acquisition and inoculation of flavescence dorée phytoplasma by Scaphoideus titanus adults in a short window of time
Authors: Alma A. , Lessio F. , Gonella E. , Picciau L. , Mandrioli M. , Tota F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus is able to transmit 16SrV phytoplasmas agents of grapevine's flavescence dorée (FD) within 30–45 days, following an acquisition access period (AAP) of a few days feeding on infected plants as a nymph, a latency period (LP) of 3–5 weeks becoming meanwhile an adult, and an inoculation access period (IAP) of a few days on healthy plants. However, several aspects of FD epidemiology suggest how the whole transmission process may take less time, and may start directly with adults of the insect vector. Transmission experiments have been set up under lab condition. Phytoplasma‐free S. titanus adults were placed on broad bean (BB) plants (Vicia faba) infected by FD‐C (16SrV‐C) phytoplasmas for an AAP = 7 days. Afterwards, they were immediately moved onto healthy BB for IAP, which were changed every 7 days, obtaining three timings of inoculation: IAP 1, IAP 2 and IAP 3, lasting 7, 14 and 21 days from the end of AAP, respectively. DNA was extracted from plants and insects, and PCR tests were performed to identify FD phytoplasmas. Insects were dissected and fluorescence in situ hybridisation was made to detect the presence of phytoplasmas in midguts and salivary glands. The rate of infection in insects ranged 46–68% without significant differences among IAPs. Inoculation in plants succeeded in all IAPs, at a rate of 16–23% (no significant differences). Phytoplasma load was significantly higher in IAP 3 than IAP 1–2 for both plants and insects. Phytoplasmas were identified both in midgut and salivary glands of S. titanus at all IAP times. The possible implications of these results in the epidemiology of flavescence dorée are discussed.
Acute tau knockdown in the hippocampus of adult mice causes learning and memory deficits
Authors: Velazquez Ramon , Ferreira Eric , Tran An , Turner Emily C. , Belfiore Ramona , Branca Caterina , Oddo Salvatore 
Published: May 2018

SummaryMisfolded and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulates in several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, Down syndrome, and Pick's disease. Tau is a microtubule‐binding protein, and its role in microtubule stabilization is well defined. In contrast, while growing evidence suggests that tau is also involved in synaptic physiology, a complete assessment of tau function in the adult brain has been hampered by robust developmental compensation of other microtubule‐binding proteins in tau knockout mice. To circumvent these developmental compensations and assess the role of tau in the adult brain, we generated an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) expressing a doxycycline‐inducible short‐hairpin (Sh) RNA targeted to tau, herein referred to as AAV‐ShRNATau. We performed bilateral stereotaxic injections in 7‐month‐old C57Bl6/SJL wild‐type mice with either the AAV‐ShRNATau or a control AAV. We found that acute knockdown of tau in the adult hippocampus significantly impaired motor coordination and spatial memory. Blocking the expression of the AAV‐ShRNATau, thereby allowing tau levels to return to control levels, restored motor coordination and spatial memory. Mechanistically, the reduced tau levels were associated with lower BDNF levels, reduced levels of synaptic proteins associated with learning, and decreased spine density. We provide compelling evidence that tau is necessary for motor and cognitive function in the adult brain, thereby firmly supporting that tau loss‐of‐function may contribute to the clinical manifestations of many tauopathies. These findings have profound clinical implications given that anti‐tau therapies are in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease.
Global statistics on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use: 2017 status report
Authors: Peacock Amy , Leung Janni , Larney Sarah , Colledge Samantha , Hickman Matthew , Rehm Jürgen , Giovino Gary A. , West Robert , Hall Wayne , Griffiths Paul , Ali Robert , Gowing Linda , Marsden John , Ferrari Alize J. , Grebely Jason , Farrell Michael , Degenhardt Louisa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimsThis review provides an up‐to‐date curated source of information on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use and their associated mortality and burden of disease. Limitations in the data are also discussed, including how these can be addressed in the future.MethodsOnline data sources were identified through expert review. Data were obtained mainly from the World Health Organization, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.ResultsIn 2015, the estimated prevalence among the adult population was 18.4% for heavy episodic alcohol use (in the past 30 days); 15.2% for daily tobacco smoking; and 3.8, 0.77, 0.37 and 0.35% for past‐year cannabis, amphetamine, opioid and cocaine use, respectively. European regions had the highest prevalence of heavy episodic alcohol use and daily tobacco use. The age‐standardized prevalence of alcohol dependence was 843.2 per 100 000 people; for cannabis, opioids, amphetamines and cocaine dependence it was 259.3, 220.4, 86.0 and 52.5 per 100 000 people, respectively. High‐income North America region had among the highest rates of cannabis, opioid and cocaine dependence. Attributable disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs) were highest for tobacco smoking (170.9 million DALYs), followed by alcohol (85.0 million) and illicit drugs (27.8 million). Substance‐attributable mortality rates were highest for tobacco smoking (110.7 deaths per 100 000 people), followed by alcohol and illicit drugs (33.0 and 6.9 deaths per 100 000 people, respectively). Attributable age‐standardized mortality rates and DALYs for alcohol and illicit drugs were highest in eastern Europe; attributable age‐standardized tobacco mortality rates and DALYs were highest in Oceania.ConclusionsIn 2015 alcohol use and tobacco smoking use between them cost the human population more than a quarter of a billion disability‐adjusted life years, with illicit drugs costing further tens of millions. Europeans suffered proportionately more, but in absolute terms the mortality rate was greatest in low‐ and middle‐income countries with large populations and where the quality of data was more limited. Better standardized and rigorous methods for data collection, collation and reporting are needed to assess more accurately the geographical and temporal trends in substance use and its disease burden.
The economic impacts of technology and climate change: New evidence from U.S. corn yields
Authors: Huffman Wallace E. , Jin Yu , Xu Zheng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOver the past century, U.S. farmers have been offered a steady stream of new agricultural technologies, and more recently, experienced climate change. Because these two events have been occurring simultaneously, identifying their separate effects is difficult, and misimputation is easy. This article explicitly examines the economics of technical change and the interaction between weather and technology as revealed in a half century of panel data on U.S. Midwest rainfed state‐average corn yields. Observed yields reflect two components: yield potential and damage to the potential caused by weather and pests. Yield potential is modeled as a stochastic production frontier where nitrogen fertilization, public corn research, and introduction and adoption of biotech corn seeds impact yield potential and excess heat impacts nitrogen productivity. The yield‐damage/damage‐control function permits biotech corn plants to abate adverse effects of weather and pest events. Results include the following: nitrogen use, public corn research, and biotech seed‐corn adoption increase yield potential; soil moisture stress reduces yield potential, and excess heat severely reduces nitrogen productivity. Biotech corn plants abate yield damage caused by soil moisture stress but not excess heat.
Methylation of PCDH19 predicts poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guan Guiwen , Chen Tingting , Jin Jingling , Zhang Lichun , Yao Mingjie , Qi Xuewei , Zou Jun , Chen Jiacheng , Lu Fengmin , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveSeveral members of protocadherins (PCDHs) have been identified as tumor suppressor genes in human carcinogenesis, but little is known about PCDH19. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression and methylation of PCDH19 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe RNA‐seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Database were downloaded and used for analyzing PCDH19 expression in HCC patients and normal liver tissues. We collected 63 paired tumor and nontumor liver tissues from hepatitis B virus‐related HCC patients. The expression of PCDH19 was detected by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR assay. The methylation of PCDH19 gene was analyzed by DNA methylation‐sensitive endonuclease digestion and the sequential quantitative PCR. The prognostic value of PCDH19 gene methylation was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analyses.ResultsPCDH19 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and seven HCC cell lines compared to nontumor tissues. PCHD19 promoter was frequently hypermethylated in three (SMMC7721, Hep3B and SNU387) of seven HCC cell lines and 5‐aza‐dC treatment could significantly increased the PCDH19 expression in these methylated cells. In addition, HCC tumor tissues exhibited significantly increased PCDH19 hypermethylation both in frequency (30.15% vs 9.52%, P = 0.003) and in intensity (P = 0.002) compared to that in nontumor tissues. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that PCDH19 hypermethylation was correlated with the poor overall survival of HCC patients.ConclusionPCDH19 expression was downregulated in HCC, which was mediated at least in part by promoter hypermethylation. PCDH19 hypermethylation might present a potential prognostic marker in HCC patients.
The interplay between risk and preventive factors explains why some children develop allergies to certain foods and others show tolerance
Authors: Remes Sami , Kulmala Petri 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimA number of studies have clarified the tolerance mechanisms and risk factors for food allergies. Our aim was to explore food allergy symptoms by target organs, together with the risk factors and how to prevent food allergies and induce tolerance.MethodsWe carried out a thorough review of studies on paediatric food allergies published in the last decade.ResultsFood allergy symptoms may affect the skin, nasal and oral mucosa, conjunctivae, gastrointestinal tract or, in severe cases, the respiratory tract and cardiovascular organs. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated symptoms appear rapidly after exposure to the offending allergen, whereas non‐IgE‐mediated symptoms are typically delayed. The immunological processes involved in non‐IgE‐mediated allergic reactions are poorly understood, but T‐cell activation is probably involved. There are several factors that influence the food sensitisation process: genetic predisposition, disruption of oral tolerance development, impaired skin barriers in atopic eczema and the influence of microbiomes.ConclusionThe symptoms and intensity of reactions vary considerably with regard to food allergies, and these depend on the individual's concomitant immunological and regulatory mechanisms. There is strong evidence that dietary diversity is important for children, even when they come from families with high allergy risks.
Order Selection and Sparsity in Latent Variable Models via the Ordered Factor LASSO
Authors: Hui Francis K. C. , Tanaka Emi , Warton David I. 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Generalized linear latent variable models (GLLVMs) offer a general framework for flexibly analyzing data involving multiple responses. When fitting such models, two of the major challenges are selecting the order, that is, the number of factors, and an appropriate structure for the loading matrix, typically a sparse structure. Motivated by the application of GLLVMs to study marine species assemblages in the Southern Ocean, we propose the Ordered Factor LASSO or OFAL penalty for order selection and achieving sparsity in GLLVMs. The OFAL penalty is the first penalty developed specifically for order selection in latent variable models, and achieves this by using a hierarchically structured group LASSO type penalty to shrink entire columns of the loading matrix to zero, while ensuring that non-zero loadings are concentrated on the lower-order factors. Simultaneously, individual element sparsity is achieved through the use of an adaptive LASSO. In conjunction with using an information criterion which promotes aggressive shrinkage, simulation shows that the OFAL penalty performs strongly compared with standard methods and penalties for order selection, achieving sparsity, and prediction in GLLVMs. Applying the OFAL penalty to the Southern Ocean marine species dataset suggests the available environmental predictors explain roughly half of the total covariation between species, thus leading to a smaller number of latent variables and increased sparsity in the loading matrix compared to a model without any covariates.
Investigational agents in immunotherapy: a new horizon for the treatment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Varga Cindy , Laubach Jacob P. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Richardson Paul G. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has gone through several major advances over the last 5 years with the introduction of next generation proteasome inhibitors (PI; carfilzomib, ixazomib) and immunomodulatory derivatives (IMiD; pomalidomide), with these new agents having a substantial impact on patient outcome. However, despite these advances, MM remains a highly resistant disease given its propensity for clonal heterogeneity and its complex interaction with the surrounding bone marrow microenvironment. Almost all patients eventually relapse despite therapeutic responses to a PI, IMiD or both. With the regulatory approval of the monoclonal antibodies Daratumumab and Elotuzumab in 2015, impressive and durable responses are being observed, even in heavily pre‐treated patients who have exhausted other therapeutic options, suggesting immunological approaches in this setting have real merit. This review will focus on newer monoclonal antibodies and chimeric‐antigen receptor (CAR) T cell strategies currently under investigation and in various stages of clinical development.
Early school leaving in the care population—Differences by country of origin
Authors: Dæhlen Marianne , Rugkåsa Marianne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn many Western countries, children in immigrant families are considered at increased risk of experiencing social problems and marginalization and are often overrepresented in the care population. How these children fare in the educational system is crucial for their future adult life. International research over several decades has shown that many child welfare clients quit school prematurely, but less is known about their educational progress by country of origin. Based on a large‐scale longitudinal study from Norway, this article examines early school leaving between ethnic minority groups and the ethnic majority in the child welfare population. The results show substantial differences in early school leaving by country of origin, even when adjusted for any differences by gender, school grades, and parental educational level. The lowest rate of early school leaving was found among youths originating from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Pakistan, whereas youths originating from Afghanistan, South America, Morocco, Western countries, and Norway (i.e., the ethnic majority) had the highest rate of early school leaving.
Population models reveal unexpected patterns of local persistence despite widespread larval dispersal in a highly exploited species
Authors: Garavelli Lysel , White J. Wilson , Chollett Iliana , Chérubin Laurent Marcel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNearshore marine populations are structured in metapopulations that are connected through larval dispersal across national boundaries. One of the main challenges for effective management of these metapopulations is the need for partnerships between nations that share the same resource. By coupling large‐scale connectivity information to a dynamic population model, we analyzed the patterns of connectivity and population persistence for the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) metapopulation both within and across national boundaries. Although spiny lobster subpopulations are highly connected at the basin scale, several nations located in the northern Caribbean and ecoregional networks could persist independently of the larger basin‐wide metapopulation. Based on these results, we propose transnational neighborhoods for spiny lobster management. Our analysis suggests that the dynamics and management of those subpopulations neighborhoods are not intrinsically dependent on “upstream” connectivity even though current rates of upstream larval supply are very high.
Determinants of Factor Misallocation in Agricultural Production and Implications for Agricultural Supply‐side Reform in China
Authors: Han Hongyun , Li Hanning , Zhao Liange 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAllocative inefficiency in agriculture is an issue puzzling researchers and policy‐makers in China. Based on household data from the China Family Panel Studies of 2012, the present paper quantifies the potential distortions in China's agricultural production and examines their underlying determinants across regions. The results reveal that there are different levels of distortions across regions. The Middle region is facing the greatest distortion. Increases in machinery input, the proportion of non‐farm income and effective labor input will reduce distortions. Household saving, farmland rent and farmland size are significantly positively related to distortions. There is a complementary effect between labor and farmland in alleviating production inefficiency, but substitution effects exist between capital and farmland and also capital and labor. The increase in farmland size will aggravate the impact of capital on distortions. Given the constraint of super small‐scale farmland, facilitating land transfer is a necessary precondition for improving allocative efficiency.
Public Policy Environment and Entrepreneurial Activities: Evidence from China
Authors: Lan Sai , Gao Xiang , Wang Qing , Zhang Yilin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhat determines the effectiveness of government entrepreneurship policies on the regional development of entrepreneurial activities in China? Using panel data analysis, this study develops a comprehensive framework that examines the effects of various factors, including government efficiency and government support for business, finance and technology, on facilitating the creation of new ventures. Based on provincial data collected between 2009 and 2014, we find that the level of infrastructure development, government incubators and venture capital‐guided funds have positive and significant effects on entrepreneurial activities. The findings of our study suggest that local government efficiency is a fundamental precondition for entrepreneurship policies to effectively boost the regional economy.
S3 Guideline for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, update – Short version part 1 – Systemic treatment
Authors: Nast Alexander , Amelunxen Lasse , Augustin Matthias , Boehncke Wolf‐­Henning , Dressler Corinna , Gaskins Matthew , Härle Peter , Hoffstadt Bernd , Klaus Joachim , Koza Joachim , Mrowietz Ulrich , Ockenfels Hans‐Michael , Philipp Sandra , Reich Kristian , Rosenbach Thomas , Rzany Berthold , Schlaeger Martin , Schmid‐Ott Gerhard , Sebastian Michael , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Weberschock Tobias 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe German guideline for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris was updated using GRADE methodology. The guideline is based on a systematic literature review completed on December 1, 2016, and on a formal consensus and approval process. The first section of this short version of the guideline covers systemic treatment options considered relevant by the expert panel and approved in Germany at the time of the consensus conference (acitretin, adalimumab, apremilast, cyclosporine, etanercept, fumaric acid esters, infliximab, methotrexate, secukinumab and ustekinumab). Detailed information is provided on the management and monitoring of the included treatment options.
Chronic urticaria – What does the new guideline tell us?
Authors: Maurer Marcus , Zuberbier Torsten , Siebenhaar Frank , Krause Karoline 
Published: May 2018

SummaryPatients with chronic urticaria experience significant impairment, and require an effective treatment. Such treatment is preceded by a thorough diagnostic workup and measurement of disease activity, disease burden and disease control using well‐­established tools. Treatment is subsequently adjusted according to patient needs and therapeutic response, based on the tenet “as much as necessary, as little as possible” (in that order). Once disease control has been achieved, it is recommended that intermittent attempts at medication withdrawal be made in order to identify spontaneous disease remission. Chronic urticaria should be treated until spontaneous remission occurs.
The mental timeline is gradually constructed in childhood
Authors: Tillman Katharine A. , Tulagan Nestor , Fukuda Eren , Barner David 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhen reasoning about time, English‐speaking adults often invoke a “mental timeline” stretching from left to right. Although the direction of the timeline varies across cultures, the tendency to represent time as a line has been argued to be ubiquitous and primitive. On this hypothesis, we might predict that children also spontaneously invoke a spatial timeline when reasoning about time. However, little is known about how and when the mental timeline develops, or to what extent it is variable and malleable in childhood. Here, we used a sticker placement task to test whether preschoolers and kindergarteners spontaneously map temporal events (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and deictic time words (yesterday, today, tomorrow) onto lines, and to what degree their representations of time are adult‐like. We found that, at age 4, preschoolers were able to arrange temporal items in lines with minimal spatial priming. However, unlike kindergarteners and adults, most preschoolers did not represent time as a line spontaneously, in the absence of priming, and did not prefer left‐to‐right over right‐to‐left lines. Furthermore, unlike most adults, children of all ages could be easily primed to adopt an unconventional vertical timeline. Our findings suggest that mappings between time and space in children are initially flexible, and become increasingly automatic and conventionalized in the early school years.
Cover Image, Volume 20, Issue 6
Authors: Charleer Sara , Mathieu Chantal , Nobels Frank , Gillard Pieter 
Published: May 2018

The cover image, by Sara Charleer et al., is based on the Brief Report A vitamin Accuracy and precision of flash glucose monitoring sensors inserted into the abdomen and upper thigh compared with the upper arm, DOI: 10.1111/dom.13239. Design Credit: Mr. Joren Polfliet.
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