Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Bioavailability Model (gBAM) for Predicting Chronic Copper Toxicity to Freshwater Fish

The generalized bioavailability model (gBAM) has been proposed as an alternative to the biotic ligand model (BLM) for modeling bioavailability and chronic toxicity of copper (Cu). The gBAM combines a log‐linear effect of pH on free Cu2+ ion toxicity with BLM‐type parameters for describing the protective effects of major cations (calcium [Ca]2+, magnesium [Mg]2+, and sodium [Na]+). In the present study, a Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM) VII‐based gBAM for fish was parametrized based on an existing chronic (30‐d) dataset of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The model, with defined parameters (pH slope parameter [SpH] = 0.4449 and biotic ligand competition constants [log KCaBL = 4.0, log KMgBL = 3.4, and log KNaBL = 3.0]), was shown to accurately predict the effects of pH, dissolved organic carbon, Ca, and Mg on chronic Cu toxicity to juvenile rainbow trout at the effect levels relevant for environmental risk assessment (i.e., median prediction error of 1.3‐fold for 10 and 20% lethal concentrations). The gBAM predicted the effect of pH more accurately than a previously published Cu BLM for juvenile rainbow trout, especially at pH > 8. We also evaluated the cross‐species and cross‐life stage applicability of the newly developed juvenile rainbow trout gBAM using existing chronic Cu toxicity data with early life stages of fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and rainbow trout. We did this because using a single bioavailability model for all fish species and life stages is practical from a regulatory point of view. Although the early life stage datasets exhibit considerable uncertainties, 91% of the considered toxicity values at the effect levels most relevant in European environmental regulations (10% effect on survival or growth) were predicted within a 2‐fold error. Overall, the chronic Cu gBAM we developed is a valuable alternative for the existing chronic Cu BLM for rainbow trout and performs sufficiently well to be used in risk assessment according to currently accepted standards of bioavailability model performance (from the current European regulatory point of view). However, our analysis also suggests that bioavailability relations differ between different fish life stages and between endpoints (e.g., mortality vs growth), which is currently not accounted for in environmental risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2424–2436. © 2020 SETAC
Substrate Depth Influences Sedum Plant Community on a Green Roof

Because the waterproofing membrane beneathgreen roofs isestimated to last at least 45 years, long-term plant performance beyond initial establishment is critical. Plants that survive initially on a green roof may not exist in the long term because of variability in climate and other factors. This study evaluated the effect of green roof substrate depth on substrate moisture, plant stress as measured by chlorophyll fluorescence, and plant community development and survival of 12 Sedum species over 4 years in a midwestern U.S. climate during 4 years of growth. Plugs of 12 species of Sedum were planted on 8 June 2005 and evaluated biweekly for absolute cover (AC). Most species exhibited greater growth and coverage at a substrate depth of 7.0 cm and 10.0 cm relative to 4.0 cm. For the species evaluated, substrate depths of at least 7.0 cm are highly recommended. AC of Sedum was significantly greater at this substrate depth than at 4.0 cm. Mean volumetric moisture content of the three substrate depths followed the same pattern as AC. When averaged over time, the 4.0-cm substrate depth held less moisture than depths of 7.0 or 10.0 cm, whereas the 7.0- and 10.0-cm substrate depths werestatisticallythe same.SpeciesexhibitingthegreatestACatallsubstratedepthswere S. floriferum, S. sexangulare, S. spurium 'John Creech', and S. stefco. In general, species that are less suitable at these substrate depths are S. 'Angelina', S. cauticola 'Lidakense', S. ewersii, S. ochroleucum, and S. reflexum 'Blue Spruce'.
CEPHALOPODS AS PREY. III. CETACEANS

Over 80% of odontocete species and two balaen whale species include cephalopods in their diet regularly. In 28 odontocetes they comprise the main food. Predominently cephalopod-eating species are found in the Physeteridae, Ziphiidae, Phocaenidae and Delphinidae. By far the most important of the 28 families of cephalopods represented in the diet of cetaceans are the oceanic Ommastrephidae, Histioteuthidae and the Cranchiidae, with the neritic Loliginidae assuming most importance on the continental shelves. Onychoteuthidae and Gonatidae assume greater importance in polar regions and the North Pacific. The other 22 families form a reservoir from which various cetaceans eat opportunistically and as their sizes permit. There are probably less than 60 cephalopod species regularly in the diet of cetaceans. Species composition of the food varies regionally, seasonally and annually. Locally, the greatest difference is found between cetaceans that live in oceanic water and continental shelf water. There is a positive correlation between the size of the prey and both the size of pelagic feeding cetacean species and the growth stage within a species. This leads to some partitioning of the food and less competition. Broad estimates show that the biomass of oceanic cephalopods consumed annually by the largest odontocete, Physeter catodon, may be over twice the biomass of fish caught by man. Regional estimates show that consumption by cetaceans of little known cephalopod species may greatly exceed the local catches of commercial fish.
Effects of Information Veracity and Message Frames on Information Dissemination: A Case Study of 2016 Zika Epidemic Discussion on Twitter

ABSTRACT By taking the 2016 Zika outbreak as a case study, this research examines how information veracity (true information vs. misinformation) interacted with message frames to influence the dissemination of information about Zika through retweet networks. The four message frames examined in this study included legislation of funding, election, women’s human rights, and sports. In general, we discovered that misinformation about Zika did not outperform true information about Zika in terms of generating more retweets or attracting more users. However, on average, the retweet networks of misinformation about Zika had larger network diameter and higher structural virality than those of true information about Zika. Except for the sports frame, using any of the other three frames engaged more users in retweeting information about Zika than not using any frame, regardless of information accuracy. We also found that the four frames varied in their respective capacities of moderating the impact of information veracity on the dissemination of tweets about Zika. Implications of these findings are discussed in this paper.
Human Single-chain Variable Fragments Neutralize Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Molecule, 3O-C12-HSL, and Prevent Cells From the HSL-mediated Apoptosis

The quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecule, N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL), contributes to the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by regulating expression of the bacterial virulence factors that cause intense inflammation and toxicity in the infected host. As such, the QS molecule is an attractive therapeutic target for direct-acting inhibitors. Several substances, both synthetic and naturally derived products, have shown effectiveness against detrimental 3O-C12-HSL activity. Unfortunately, these compounds are relatively toxic to mammalian cells, which limits their clinical application. In this study, fully human single-chain variable fragments (HuscFvs) that bind to P. aeruginosa haptenic 3O-C12-HSL were generated based on the principle of antibody polyspecificity and molecular mimicry of antigenic molecules. The HuscFvs neutralized 3O-C12-HSL activity and prevented mammalian cells from the HSL-mediated apoptosis, as observed by Annexin V/PI staining assay, sub-G1 arrest population investigation, transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria, and confocal microscopy for nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation. Computerized homology modeling and intermolecular docking predicted that the effective HuscFvs interacted with several regions of the bacterially derived ligand that possibly conferred neutralizing activity. The effective HuscFvs should be tested further in vitro on P. aeruginosa phenotypes as well as in vivo as a sole or adjunctive therapeutic agent against P. aeruginosa infections, especially in antibiotic-resistant cases.
Effects of dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels on uric acid and calcium blood concentrations and bone quality of commercial layers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinoptilolite and calcium levels on uric acid and calcium blood profile and bone quality of commercial layers. A total of 576 birds were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 3x4 factorial arrangement (calcium levels of 2.5, 3.1, or 3.7% and clinoptilolite levels of 0.0, 0.15, 0.25, or 0.50%), into 12 treatments with six replicates of eight birds per cage (experimental unit). The experimental period was 112 days. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the test of Tukey at 5% significance level using SISVAR statistical package. Blood uric acid was significantly influenced by the interaction of the evaluated factors. Clinoptilolite levels significantly increased blood calcium levels. There was no effect of dietary calcium levels on any of the evaluated characteristics. It was concluded that feeding layers with up to 0.50% clinoptilolite does not benefit blood uric acid and calcium concentrations and does not affect their bone quality. When layers at the end of the first laying cycle are fed ad libitum and present 119.50g/hen/day average feed intake, 3.1% dietary calcium promotes 3.7g/hen/day calcium intake, which is sufficient to maintain adequate calcium blood levels and bone quality.
Hearing Preservation Outcomes With Standard Length Electrodes in Adult Cochlear Implantation and the Uptake of Electroacoustic Stimulation

Background: Cochlear implantation with preservation of residual low-frequency hearing enables patients to utilize acoustic and electrical stimulation. It is widely accepted that preservation of residual low-frequency hearing is beneficial in both background noise and for music appreciation. The extent to which patients may benefit is not fully understood, but the importance of these concepts is reflected in electrode design developments and also refinement of surgical technique. Greater understanding is needed around factors that may affect hearing preservation. This study reports experience in adults using standard length cochlear implant arrays. Objective: The study reviews hearing preservation outcomes using the HEARRING GROUP method for factors such as gender, electrode type, insertion depth, laterality, preoperative hearing level, and time between surgery and audiogram. Furthermore, the study reviews rates of electroacoustic stimulation use in those with postoperative functional residual low-frequency hearing. Methodology: Retrospective case series. Inclusion criteria: preoperative ≤ 85 dB HL at 250 Hz and aged ≥ 18 years. The hearing preservation percentages were calculated using the HEARRING group formula S=[1 − ((PTApost − PTApre)/(PTAmax − PTApre))∗100]%. Preservation of > 75% was considered complete, 25 to 75% partial, and 1 to 25% minimal. Standardized operative technique with facial recess approach, posterior tympanotomy, and minimally traumatic round window insertion was performed for each implant. Results: Fifty-three implantations in 52 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at implantation was 55.5 years. The average time since the last audiogram was 10 months. The mean average total pre and postoperative pure-tone averages were 92.4 dB, 99.2 dB, respectively, using minimum reporting standards for adult cochlear Implant (CI). Thirty percent demonstrated complete hearing preservation, 35.8% partial hearing preservation, and 20.8% minimal hearing preservation. Overall, mean hearing preservation was 52.9%. Sex, age at implantation, insertion depth, lateral versus perimodiolar electrode, and preoperative hearing level did not statistically significantly affect rates of hearing preservation in our study. There was a statistically significant deterioration in hearing preservation outcomes difference at 3 months compared with 12 months postoperatively. Only two patients within our study out of 17 with functional postoperative hearing went on to use electroacoustic stimulation. Conclusion: Hearing preservation varies between patients and postoperative outcomes are difficult to predict. This study adds to existing literature in terms of likelihood of hearing preservation following cochlear implantation. In turn, this improves our ability to counsel patients as to the chances of preserving residual low-frequency hearing postoperatively and their ability to use electroacoustic stimulation.
Developing an appropriate technique for evaluating cowpea varieties' reaction to the parasitic plant Alectra vogelii (Benth.)

Objective: To develop an appropriate technique for evaluating cowpea varieties’ reaction to the parasitic plant Alectra vogelii (Benth). Methodology and results: Screen house trials were conducted at Zaria, Nigeria in 2004. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination of eight cowpea varieties, four Alectra seed inoculant density (0, 5, 10, 20 c.c/pot) and three pre – conditioning periods (0, 7 and 14) and (0, 3, 7 and 14) days before crop planting in the first and second trials, respectively. Result indicated that cowpea variety B301 and the derivative of cross with IT84S – 2246 – 4 (IT90K – 76) did not have any attachment of Alectra, while 1T89KD – 245 – 1 had the least Alectra emergence in the two trials. In both trials, variety TVX3236 initiated early emergence of Alectra while delayed emergence was observed with 1T89KD – 245 – 1. Inoculation with 10 c.c/pot of Alectra seeds resulted in higher Alectra infection that 20 c.c/pot. In general, Alectra emergence was earlier in the second trial than the first trial. Alectra emergence increased with Alectra seed density in the first trial while 10 c.c/pot Alectra seed gave the highest number of emerged Alectra in the second trial. Pre – conditioning period prior to cowpea sowing for 14 days initiated early Alectra emergence. The crop dry matter production was negatively correlated to the number of emerged, un – emerged and total number of Alectra plants. Conclusions and application of findings: This investigation has shown that variety B301 and derivative of its cross with IT84S – 2246 – 4 (IT90K – 76) did not support the emergence of Alectra thus exhibiting resistance. Alectra emergence increased with Alectra seed density up to 10 c.c/pot when compared to other Alectra seed density. Pre – conditioning period had no significant effect on emerged Alectra, but Alectra emergence increased with pre – conditioning period of 7 to 14 days.
Two Old World Vultures from the Middle Pleistocene of Northeastern China and their Implications for Interspecific Competition and Biogeography of Aegypiinae

ABSTRACT Two new fossil crania of Old World vultures (Accipitridae, Aegypiinae), from the middle Pleistocene Jinniushan site of Liaoning Province, northeastern China, were studied. A new species of Aegypius, A. jinniushanensis, is erected and characterized by possessing a less developed processus zygomaticus and processus suprameaticus, as well as a relatively larger condylus occipitalis, compared with A. monachus. Another specimen, assigned to Torgos, is the first record of this genus from outside Africa. The presence of two large vultures, apparently in the same feeding group, in the Jinniushan faunal assemblage suggests that there were more opportunities for interspecific competition among scavengers in the middle Pleistocene of northeastern China than at present. By analogy with phylogenetically related modern vultures, we suggest that niche differentiation between the two extinct species may have reduced the degree of competition between them. The disappearance of the genus Torgos from northeast China might be the result of the Pleistocene extinction of a suite of large mammalian herbivores, and the loss of grassland and savannah from this region.
Dihydroartemisinin Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension via Inhibition of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Rats.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant disease characterized by pulmonary arterial remodeling due to the abnormal proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria, is able to inhibit fibrosis, neovascularization, and tumor proliferation. In this study, we hypothesized that DHA can be beneficial in treating PAH. To test this hypothesis, a rat model of pulmonary hypertension (PH) induced with monocrotaline (MCT) was employed. Compared with MCT treatment alone, treatment with 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg DHA significantly reduced the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP; 30.11 ± 2.48 mmHg vs. 21.35 ± 3.04 mmHg and 19.18 ± 1.98 mmHg, respectively, both P < 0.01), right ventricular transverse diameter (RVTD; 4.36 ± 0.41 mm vs. 3.72 ± 0.24 mm and 3.67 ± 0.27 mm, respectively, both P < 0.01) and pulmonary artery medial wall thickness (WT %; 57.93 ± 11.14% vs. 34.45 ± 4.39% and 25.01 ± 6.66%, respectively, both P < 0.01) and increased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE; 1.34 ± 0.17 mm vs. 1.62 ± 0.3 mm and 1.62 ± 0.16 mm, respectively, both P < 0.05). We also found that DHA inhibited PDGF-BB-mediated PASMC proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DHA downregulated â-catenin levels while upregulating the levels of Axis inhibition protein 2 (Axin2) and Glycogen synthase kinase 3â (GSK-3â). Our findings suggest that DHA, which may be a potential candidate for PAH therapy, attenuates experimental PH possibly by inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling.
The impact of initial treatment strategy and survival time on quality of end-of-life care among patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer: A population-based cohort study

Background Oesophageal and gastric cancer are highly lethal malignancies with a 5-year survival rate of 15–29%. More knowledge is needed about the quality of end-of-life care in order to understand the burden of the illness and the ability of the current health care system to deliver timely and appropriate end-of-life care. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of initial treatment strategy and survival time on the quality of end-of-life care among patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer. Methods This register-based cohort study included patients who died from oesophageal and gastric cancer in Sweden during 2014–2016. Through linking data from the National Register for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer, the National Cause of Death Register, and the Swedish Register of Palliative Care, 2156 individuals were included. Associations between initial treatment strategy and survival time and end-of-life care quality indicators were investigated. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using modified Poisson regression. Results Patients with a survival of ≤3 months and 4–7 months had higher RRs for hospital death compared to patients with a survival ≥17 months. Patients with a survival of ≤3 months also had a lower RR for end-of-life information and bereavement support compared to patients with a survival ≥17 months, while the risks of pain assessment and oral assessment were not associated with survival time. Compared to patients with curative treatment, patients with no tumour-directed treatment had a lower RR for pain assessment. No significant differences were shown between the treatment groups regarding hospital death, end-of-life information, oral health assessment, and bereavement support. Conclusions Short survival time is associated with several indicators of low quality end-of-life care among patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer, suggesting that a proactive palliative care approach is imperative to ensure quality end-of-life care.
High Concurrent Use of Sulfonylureas and Antimicrobials With Drug Interactions Causing Hypoglycemia

Objectives Sulfonylureas, the second most common oral diabetes treatment, have interactions with antimicrobials that substantially increase the risk of hypoglycemia. The objectives of this study are to quantify the concurrent use of sulfonylureas and interacting antimicrobial in U.S. ambulatory care and to examine whether interacting antimicrobials are used for an appropriate indication. Methods We analyzed the 2006–2016 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, annual probability samples of visits to U.S. office-based physicians. We determined nationally representative estimates of visits for adults with concurrent use of sulfonylureas and 7 antimicrobials with established interactions. We examined whether visit diagnoses included appropriate indications for antibiotics according to national guidelines. Results There were 2.5 million visits per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–2.9) in which sulfonylureas were used with systemic antimicrobials, of which 1 million (95% CI, 0.8–1.2) or 38.0% (95% CI, 32.3%–44.0%) were interacting antimicrobials. Sulfonylurea users had similar odds of interacting antimicrobial use as patients using diabetes medications without antimicrobial interactions (adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.82–1.40). The most common interacting antimicrobials used with sulfonylureas were fluoroquinolones, accounting for 59.9% (95% CI, 50.7%–68.2%) of antimicrobials, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, accounting for 21.1% (95% CI, 14.8%–29.2%). There was no appropriate antibiotic indication in 69.7% (95% CI, 55.2%–81.1) of visits with interacting antibiotic use. Conclusions Sulfonylureas and antimicrobials with potentially hazardous interactions are frequently used together. To reduce resultant hypoglycemic events, there is a need for interventions to increase physician awareness and promote antibiotic stewardship.
Nonlinear response characteristics of neural networks and single neurons undergoing optogenetic excitation

Abstract Optogenetic stimulation has become the method of choice for investigating neural computation in populations of neurons. Optogenetic experiments often aim to elicit a network response by stimulating specific groups of neurons. However, this is complicated by the fact that optogenetic stimulation is nonlinear, more light does not always equal to more spikes, and neurons that are not directly but indirectly stimulated could have a major impact on how networks respond to optogenetic stimulation. To clarify how optogenetic excitation of some neurons alters the network dynamics, we studied the temporal and spatial response of individual neurons and recurrent neural networks. In individual neurons, we find that neurons show a monotonic, saturating rate response to increasing light intensity and a nonmonotonic rate response to increasing pulse frequency. At the network level, we find that Gaussian light beams elicit spatial firing rate responses that are substantially broader than the stimulus profile. In summary, our analysis and our network simulation code allow us to predict the outcome of an optogenetic experiment and to assess whether the observed effects can be attributed to direct or indirect stimulation of neurons.