bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Settling preferences of the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci on infected plants varies with virus family and transmission mode
Authors: Maluta Nathalie Kristine Prado , Fereres Alberto , Lopes João Roberto Spotti 
Published: December 2017

AbstractVirus infection may change not only the host‐plant phenotypic (morphological and physiological) characteristics, but can also modify the behavior of their insect vector in a mutualistic or rather antagonistic manner, to promote their spread to new hosts. Viruses differ in their modes of transmission and depend on vector behavior for successful spread. Here, we investigated the effects of the semi‐persistently transmitted Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV, Crinivirus) and the persistent circulative Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV, Begomovirus) on alighting preferences and arrestment behavior of their whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Santa Clara, Solanaceae). The vector alighting preferences between infected and uninfected plants in choice assays were apparently influenced by the presence of ToCV and ToSRV in the whiteflies or by their previous exposure to infected plants. The observed changes in vector behavior do not seem to benefit the spread of ToCV: non‐viruliferous insects clearly preferred mock‐inoculated plants, whereas ToCV‐viruliferous insects landed on mock‐inoculated and ToCV‐infected plants, indicating a partial change in insect behavior – ToCV was able to directly affect the preference of its vector B. tabaci, but this change in insect behavior did not affect the virus spread because viruliferous insects landed on mock‐inoculated and infected plants indistinctly. In contrast, ToSRV‐viruliferous insects preferred to land on mock‐inoculated plants, a behavior that increases the probability of spread to new host plants. In the arresting behavior assay, the majority of the insects remained on mock‐inoculated plants when released on them. A greater number of insects moved toward mock‐inoculated plants when initially released on ToCV‐ or ToSRV‐infected plants, suggesting that these viruses may repel or reduce the nutritional quality of the host plants for B. tabaci MEAM1.
Changes in native bull trout and non‐native brook trout distributions in the upper Powder River basin after 20 years, relationships to water temperature and implications of climate change
Authors: Howell Philip J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany bull trout populations have declined from non‐native brook trout introductions, habitat changes (e.g. water temperature) and other factors. We systematically sampled the distribution of bull trout and brook trout in the upper Powder River basin in Oregon in the 1990s and resampled it in 2013–2015, examined temperature differences in the habitats of the two species and analysed trends in temperatures in the light of possible increases associated with climate change. The species’ distributions are currently similar to those in the 1990s, except in one stream where bull trout declined. However, bull trout consisting of resident forms remain restricted to a few kilometres of habitat at the upper end of fish distribution. In streams where both species occur, the typical pattern was an intermediate zone of mixed bull trout, brook trout, and hybrids downstream of allopatric bull trout and allopatric brook trout extending farther downstream. Temperature differences between where bull trout and most brook trout occurred were small (0.5–1.0°C August mean). There were no statistical increases in water temperatures in nearby streams since the 1990s and no warming trends in air temperatures for the past 25–60 years. However, peak summer water temperatures are occurring about 3 weeks earlier than 25 years ago. Future effects of climate change, including possible increases in temperature, changes in timing and other factors (e.g. snowpack, flow and extreme events) remain a concern for the persistence of these populations. However, it is difficult to precisely predict where those changes will occur and what they will be.
Towards an explanation of inequality in premodern societies: the role of colonies, urbanization, and high population density
Authors: Milanovic Branko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUsing a newly expanded set of 41 social tables from premodern societies, this article tries to identify the factors associated with the level of inequality and the inequality extraction ratio (how close to the maximum inequality the elites have pushed actual inequality). Strong evidence is found to show that elites in colonies were more extractive, and that more densely populated and less urbanized countries exhibited lower extraction ratios. Several possibilities are proposed, linking high population density to low inequality and to low elite extraction.
Binding language: structuring sentences through precisely timed oscillatory mechanisms
Authors: Segaert Katrien , Mazaheri Ali , Hagoort Peter 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSyntactic binding refers to combining words into larger structures. UsingEEG, we investigated the neural processes involved in syntactic binding. Participants were auditorily presented two‐word sentences (i.e. pronoun and pseudoverb such as ‘I grush’ and ‘she grushes’, for which syntactic binding can take place) and wordlists (i.e. two pseudoverbs such as ‘pob grush’ and ‘pob grushes’, for which no binding occurs). Comparing these two conditions, we targeted syntactic binding while minimising contributions of semantic binding and of other cognitive processes such as working memory. We found a converging pattern of results using two distinct analysis approaches: one approach using frequency bands as defined in previous literature, and one data‐driven approach in which we looked at the entire range of frequencies between 3 and 30 Hz without the constraints of pre‐defined frequency bands. In the syntactic binding (relative to the wordlist) condition, a power increase was observed in the alpha and beta frequency range shortly preceding the presentation of the target word that requires binding, which was maximal over frontal‐central electrodes. Our interpretation is that these signatures reflect that language comprehenders expect the need for binding to occur. Following the presentation of the target word in a syntactic binding context (relative to the wordlist condition), an increase in alpha power maximal over a left‐lateralised cluster of frontal‐temporal electrodes was observed. We suggest that this alpha increase relates to syntactic binding taking place. Taken together, our findings suggest that increases in alpha and beta power are reflections of distinct the neural processes underlying syntactic binding.
A pathway‐based association analysis identified FMNL1‐MAP3K14 as susceptibility genes for leprosy
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Wang Zhenzhen , Fu Xi'an , Sun Yonghu , Mi Zihao , Yu Gongqi , Sun Lele , Wang Na , Wang Chuan , Zhao Qing , Pan Qing , Yue Zhenhua , Liu Hong , Zhang Furen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) plays a pivotal role in controlling both innate and adaptive immunity and regulates the expressions of many immunological mediators. Abundant evidences have showed the importance of NF‐κB pathway in the host immune responses against Mycobacterium leprae in the development of leprosy. However, no particular association study between leprosy and NF‐κB pathway‐related gene polymorphisms was reported. Here, we performed a large‐scale and two‐stage candidate association study to investigate the association between 94 NF‐κB pathway‐related genes and leprosy. Our results showed that rs58744688 was significantly associated with leprosy (P = 7.57 × 10−7, OR = 1.12) by combining the previous genomewide association data sets and four independent validation sample series, consisting of a total of 4631 leprosy cases and 6413 healthy controls. This founding implicated that MAP3K14 and FMNL1 were susceptibility genes for leprosy, which suggested the involvement of macrophage targeting and NF‐κB pathway in the development of leprosy.
Structural plasticity of mini‐M conotoxins – expression of all mini‐M subtypes by Conus regius
Authors: Franco Aldo , Dovell Sanaz , Möller Carolina , Grandal Meghan , Clark Evan , Marí Frank 
Published: December 2017

The mini‐M conotoxins are peptidic scaffolds found in the venom of cones snails. These scaffolds are tightly folded structures held together by three disulfide bonds with a CC‐C‐C‐CC arrangement (conotoxin framework III) and belong to the M Superfamily of conotoxins. Here, we describe mini‐M conotoxins from the venom of Conus regius, a Western Atlantic worm‐hunting cone snail species using transcriptomic and peptidomic analyses. These C. regius conotoxins belong to three different subtypes: M1, M2, and M3. The subtypes show little sequence homology, and their loop sizes (intercysteine amino acid chains) vary significantly. The mini‐Ms isolated from dissected venom contains preferentially hydroxylated proline residues, thus augmenting the structural reach of this conotoxin class. Using 2D‐NMR methods, we have determined the 3D structure of reg3b, an M2 subtype conotoxin, which shows a constrained multi‐turn scaffold. The structural diversity found within mini‐M conotoxin scaffolds of C. regius is indicative of structural hypervariability of the conotoxin M superfamily that is not seen in other superfamilies. These stable minimalistic scaffolds may be investigated for the development of engineered peptides for therapeutic applications.DatabasesSequences are available in GenBank under accession numbers MF588935‐MF588952. Structural data are available in the RCSB protein database under the accession code 6BX9.
Membrane localization of a Myb3 transcription factor regulated by a TvCyP1 cyclophilin in the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Chu Chien‐Hsin , Huang Yu‐Hsin , Liu Hsing‐Wei , Hsu Hong‐Ming , Tai Jung‐Hsiang 
Published: December 2017

In Trichomonas vaginalis, a TvCyP1 cyclophilin was previously demonstrated to regulate the nuclear translocation of Myb1 and Myb3, which respectively repress and activate transcription of an adhesion protein ap65‐1 gene. In the present study, TvCyP1 was found to bind to Myb3 at sites spanning 54Gly‐Pro55 and 72Gly‐Pro73 with differential affinities. When Gly54 and Gly72 in Myb3 were both mutated, the mutant protein was restrained on outer membranes of hydrogenosomes and some cytoplasmic vesicles. In the purified Myb3 protein complex, a high molecular weight Myb3‐interacting protein (Myb3IPhmw) and a 72‐kDa heat shock protein (TvHSP72) were identified and characterized, with direct binding of Myb3 to Myb3IPhmw and TvHSP72 confirmed in vitro. When cell lysates were fractionated by the differential and gradient centrifugations, TvCyP1 and Myb3 were always associated with membrane fractions enriched with Myb3IPhmw and Myb1, as well as hydrogenosomes and VMyb organelle fractions. Mutations of Gly54 and/or Gly72 resulted in membrane redistribution of Myb3 and the aberrant assembly of the Myb3 protein complex. Consistent with these findings, the involvement of TvCyP1 in membrane distribution of Myb3, and dissociation of Myb3 from TvCyP1 protein complex were demonstrated, with direct interactions between TvCyP1 and Myb3IPhmw and that between TvCyP1 and TvHSP72, confirmed in vitro. These observations suggest that TvCyP1 directly binds to Myb3 and some of its interacting proteins to mediate serial conformational switches of Myb3 for its transition from the membrane compartments toward the nucleus.
Yes, the Composition of the Market Portfolio Matters: The Estimated Cost of Equity
Authors: Kamara Avraham , Young Lance 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMarket portfolio composition substantially affects the cost of equity estimates. Adding Treasury securities to an equity‐only market portfolio substantially changes both estimated market betas and the estimated market excess return. Though the sign and magnitude of the net impact of these changes are uncertain, they dramatically impact costs of equity for 30 industry portfolios under the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Fama‐French (1993) Three‐Factor Model. The choice of market portfolio proxy is as important as the choice of the pricing model when estimating costs of equity. Similar conclusions hold when we add real estate, corporate debt, and international securities to the market portfolio.
Climate warming and land‐use changes drive broad‐scale floristic changes in Southern Sweden
Authors: Tyler Torbjörn , Herbertsson Lina , Olsson Pål Axel , Fröberg Lars , Olsson Kjell‐Arne , Svensson Åke , Olsson Ola 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLand‐use changes, pollution and climate warming during the 20th century have caused changes in biodiversity across the world. However, in many cases, the environmental drivers are poorly understood. To identify and rank the drivers currently causing broad‐scale floristic changes in N Europe, we analysed data from two vascular plant surveys of 200 randomly selected 2.5 × 2.5 km grid‐squares in Scania, southernmost Sweden, conducted 1989–2006 and 2008–2015, respectively, and related the change in frequency (performance) of the species to a wide range of species‐specific plant traits. We chose traits representing all plausible drivers of recent floristic changes: climatic change (northern distribution limit, flowering time), land‐use change (light requirement, response to grazing/mowing, response to soil disturbance), drainage (water requirement), acidification (pH optimum), nitrogen deposition and eutrophication (N requirement, N fixation ability, carnivory, parasitism, mycorrhizal associations), pollinator decline (mode of reproduction) and changes in CO2 levels (photosynthetic pathway). Our results suggest that climate warming and changes in land‐use were the main drivers of changes in the flora during the last decades. Climate warming appeared as the most influential driver, with northern distribution limit explaining 30%–60% of the variance in the GLMM models. However, the relative importance of the drivers differed among habitat types, with grassland species being affected the most by cessation of grazing/mowing and species of ruderal habitats by on‐going concentration of both agriculture and human population to the most productive soils. For wetland species, only pH optimum was significantly related to species performance, possibly an effect of the increasing humification of acidic water bodies. An observed relative decline of mycorrhizal species may possibly be explained by decreasing nitrogen deposition resulting in less competition for phosphorus. We found no effect of shortage or decline of pollinating lepidopterans and bees.
Clusters of functional domains to identify older persons at risk of disability
Authors: Costanzo Luisa , Pedone Claudio , Cesari Matteo , Ferrucci Luigi , Bandinelli Stefania , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele 
Published: December 2017

AimTo date, there is no consensus on which set of variables should be used to identify older persons at risk of disability in activities of daily living. The present study aimed to: (i) evaluate how different deficits cluster in a population of community‐dwelling older persons; and (ii) investigate whether the discriminative capacity of physical performance measures towards the development of disability might be improved by adding psychological, social and environmental indicators.MethodsData are from 709 non‐disabled older persons participating in the “Invecchiare in Chianti” study. We carried out a cluster analysis of 12 deficits in multiple functional domains, selected from the available frailty assessment instruments. Then, participants were assigned to a group, based on the obtained clusters of variables. For each group, we measured the prognostic capacity and the predictive ability for 6‐year disability.ResultsThe analysis showed a “physical” cluster (including weight loss, reduced grip strength/gait speed/physical activity, impaired balance, environmental barriers) and a “psychosocial” cluster (e.g. living alone, depression, low income). Thus, participants were classified into four groups according to the presence of a physical and/or psychosocial cluster. Compared with the “fit” group, the relative risks of becoming disabled in the “physical,” “psychosocial” and “mixed” deficit groups were 2.23 (95% CI 0.71–7.00), 1.52 (95% CI 0.62–3.75) and 6.37 (95% CI 2.83–14.33), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for the “physical,” “psychosocial” and “mixed” deficit groups were, respectively, 9% and 87%, 6% and 83%, and 27% and 94%.ConclusionsAs expected, physical and psychosocial deficits cluster predominantly into different groups. Even when both are considered simultaneously, the ability to predict incident disability is still insufficient. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 685–691
HIV prevalence among first‐presentation psychotic patients
Authors: Laher A , Ariefdien N , Etlouba Y 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesFirst‐episode psychosis is a frequent emergency department (ED) presentation that may potentially be secondary to an underlying life‐threatening HIV‐related condition. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis.MethodsMedical records of 159 consecutive African, Asian, White and mixed ethnicity patients presenting to a tertiary academic hospital ED with a first episode of psychotic features were prospectively reviewed.ResultsOf the 159 subjects, 63 (39.6%) were HIV positive. An underlying medical condition was the most common aetiology of psychosis in both HIV‐positive (84.2%) and HIV‐negative (35.4%) subjects, but was significantly more common in HIV‐positive individuals (P < 0.001). Substance‐induced psychotic disorders and other primary psychiatric disorders were significantly more common in subjects without HIV infection (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). While there were more men in the HIV‐negative group (66.7%), gender distribution was almost equal in the HIV‐infected group (49.2% male). Overall, as well as in both groups, most subjects were of African race, were unemployed and had not completed high school.ConclusionsCo‐occurrence of HIV infection was a frequent finding in first‐episode psychotic individuals residing in a high‐prevalence HIV setting. These individuals are more likely to have an underlying medical condition precipitating the onset of psychosis, not to have been initiated on antiretroviral therapy and to present with a low CD4 cell count and high HIV viral load.
Feeding microalgae at a high level to finishing heifers increases the long‐chain n‐3 fatty acid composition of beef with only small effects on the sensory quality
Authors: Rodriguez‐Herrera Maricruz , Khatri Yunus , Marsh Simon P. , Posri Wilatsana , Sinclair Liam A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of feeding a low and high level of microalgae (MA, high in C22:6n‐3) on the fatty acid (FA) composition and sensory attributes of beef. Thirty Charolais cross Limousin/Friesian heifers were fed one of the three diets (n = 10 per treatment): Control (no MA), low MA (LMA; inclusion rate of 15 g kg−1) or high MA (HMA; inclusion rate of 30 g kg−1) for 95 days before slaughter. Heifers fed HMA had a higher (P < 0.05) content of C20:5n‐3: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and C22:6n‐3: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the longissimus thoracis muscle than those receiving the Control (mean values for EPA of 0.5, 0.92, 1.20 and DHA of 0.31, 0.89 and 1.05 % of total FA for Control, LMA and HMA, respectively), and a lower n‐3 to n‐6 ratio (2.9, 1.9 and 1.6 in Control, LMA and HMA, respectively; P < 0.001). Steaks from animals fed either of the MA diets had a marginally higher (P < 0.05) ‘seaweedy flavour’ that was positively correlated with muscle C22:6n‐3 concentration. Steaks from animals fed HMA were rated as being higher (P < 0.05) in tenderness and had a lower (P < 0.05) shear force than those from Control fed animals. It is concluded that feeding microalgae at high levels can beneficially improve the health attributes of beef with only a few effects on sensory quality.
International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems coding underestimates the incidence and prevalence of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in general medical patients
Authors: Ko Soe , Venkatesan Sudharsan , Nand Kushma , Levidiotis Vicki , Nelson Craig , Janus Edward 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe international classification of diseases (ICD) code is frequently used to identify renal impairment in epidemiological research. However, Australian studies examining accuracy of this administrative data in coding kidney injury are lacking.AimsTo compare the ICD 10 coding with the kidney disease: improving global outcomes (KDIGO) criteria in diagnosing acute kidney injury (AKI) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsA retrospective study of 325 patients admitted to general medicine during January 2012 was performed. Sensitivity and specificity of ICD 10 in identifying AKI and CKD were calculated using KDIGO as gold standard.ResultsThe sensitivities of ICD 10 in identifying AKI and CKD were low for both (59.5% and 54.1%), but the specificities were high (86.2% and 90.2%). Using KDIGO criteria, we identified 72 AKI (22%), 56 CKD (17%), 64 AKI on CKD (19%) and 133 controls (40%). Compared to the control group, patients with AKI and AKI on CKD had longer length of stay (3.2 vs 4.9 days and 3.2 vs 4.8 days, P = 0.20). Renal impairment groups had increased in‐hospital mortality rate (5% control, 6% AKI, 10% CKD, 9% AKI on CKD) and re‐admission rate within 30 days (13% control, 20% AKI, 25% CKD, 26% AKI on CKD). After adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities, the difference in outcomes was not statistically significant.ConclusionThis study shows that ICD 10 fails to identify almost half of the patients with AKI (40.5%) and CKD (45.9%) in our cohort. A total of 60% had evidence of renal impairment as defined by KDIGO.