Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduction in All-Cause Mortality with Fluticasone Furoate/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: The IMPACT (Informing the Pathway of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment) trial demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (ACM) risk with fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) versus UMEC/VI in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at risk of future exacerbations. Five hundred seventy-four patients were censored in the original analysis owing to incomplete vital status information. Objectives: Report ACM and impact of stepping down therapy, following collection of additional vital status data. Methods: Patients were randomized 2:2:1 to FF/UMEC/VI 100/62.5/25 μg, FF/VI 100/25 μg, or UMEC/VI 62.5/25 μg following a run-in on their COPD therapies. Time to ACM was prespecified. Additional vital status data collection and subsequent analyses were performed post hoc. Measurements and Main Results: We report vital status data for 99.6% of the intention-to-treat population (n = 10,355), documenting 98 (2.36%) deaths on FF/UMEC/VI, 109 (2.64%) on FF/VI, and 66 (3.19%) on UMEC/VI. For FF/UMEC/VI, the hazard ratio for death was 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.99; P = 0.042) versus UMEC/VI and 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.67–1.16; P = 0.387) versus FF/VI. Independent adjudication confirmed lower rates of cardiovascular and respiratory death and death associated with the patient’s COPD. Conclusions: In this secondary analysis of an efficacy outcome from the IMPACT trial, once-daily single-inhaler FF/UMEC/VI triple therapy reduced the risk of ACM versus UMEC/VI in patients with symptomatic COPD and a history of exacerbations.
POPULATION STRUCTURE IN TWO MARINE INVERTEBRATE SPECIES (PANOPEA ABRUPTA AND STRONGYLOCENTROTUS FRANCISCANUS) TARGETED FOR AQUACULTURE AND ENHANCEMENT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Abstract As the number of native species targeted for aquaculture and enhancement in British Columbia (BC) rises, fisheries managers must develop policies and species-specific management plans that facilitate industry expansion while protecting the integrity and fitness of wild stocks. Whereas genetic introgression of domesticated stocks with wild stocks cannot be completely eliminated, some control can be gained by limiting the collection and culture of domesticated stocks to geographic units defined by the genetic structure of wild stocks. We describe the genetic structure of two species that are targeted for intensive enhancement and aquaculture in BC: Geoduck clams, Panopea abrupta and red sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus. Based on a survey of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci, P. abrupta contained significant geographic structure within BC, with the distribution of genetic variation consistent with stepping stone gene flow under an isolation-by-distance model. A survey of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci covering a similar geographic range revealed genetic homogeneity of S. franciscanus in BC. Based on the different levels of structure displayed in the two species, we propose three geographically-based management units for P. abrupta and two for S. franciscanus in BC.
Quantitative estimates of labile and semi‐labile dissolved organic carbon in the western Arctic Ocean: A molecular approach

A novel molecular approach based on carbon‐normalized yields of combined amino acids was developed to quantify concentrations of labile (L), semi‐labile (S), and refractory (R) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in shelf and basin waters of the Western Arctic Ocean. Concentrations of L‐DOC were seasonally and spatially variable (0.1‐14.2 µmol L−1). In contrast, concentrations of S‐DOC were much less variable (20.2 ± 0.68 µmol L−1 SE). Average concentrations of L‐DOC in shelf waters increased from 0.7 µmol L−1 to 2.4 µmol L−1 between the spring and summer of 2002 and from 1.4 µmol L−1 to 3.9 µmol L−1 between the spring and summer of 2004. Primary productivity increased 2‐3‐fold between spring and summer, indicating a strong linkage between plankton and L‐DOC production. Patterns of L‐DOC abundance in surface waters are suggestive of multiple mechanisms of L‐DOC production, including direct release from phytoplankton and release during grazing. Concentrations of L‐DOC were not correlated with those of total DOC. Elevated concentrations of L‐DOC in halocline waters (40‐200‐m depth) of the Canada Basin indicated rapid transport of shelf‐produced DOC into the basin. Chemical and physical properties of basin waters with elevated L‐DOC concentrations indicated a sediment‐derived source of basin L‐DOC. The approach presented here for quantifying the labile and semilabile fractions of DOC is a potentially powerful tool for understanding processes controlling the distribution, production, and utilization of dissolved organic matter.
Body Maps on Human Chromosomes

An exploration via published datasets of the hypothesis that human genes are organized somatotopically: For each autosomal chromosome, its tissue-specific genes tend to have relative positions on the chromosome that mirror corresponding positions of the tissues in the body. In addition, there appears to be a division of labor: Such a homunculus representation on a chromosome holds significantly for either the anteroposterior or the dorsoventral body axis. In turn, anteroposterior and dorsoventral chromosomes tend to occupy separate zones in the spermcell nucleus. One functional rationale of such largescale organization is for efficient interconnections in the genome.
Biallelic RP1-associated retinal dystrophies: Expanding the mutational and clinical spectrum

Purpose To evaluate the phenotypic spectrum of autosomal recessive RP1-associated retinal dystrophies and assess genotypic associations. Methods A retrospective multicenter study was performed of patients with biallelic RP1-associated retinal dystrophies. Data including presenting symptoms and age, visual acuity, kinetic perimetry, full field electroretinogram, fundus examination, multimodal retinal imaging, and RP1 genotype were evaluated. Results Nineteen eligible patients from 17 families were identified and ranged in age from 10 to 56 years at the most recent evaluation. Ten of the 21 unique RP1 variants identified were novel, and mutations within exon 2 accounted for nearly half of alleles across the cohort. Patients had clinical diagnoses of retinitis pigmentosa (13), cone-rod dystrophy (3), Leber congenital amaurosis (1), early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (1), and macular dystrophy (1). Macular atrophy was a common feature across the cohort. Symptom onset occurred between 4 and 30 years of age (mean 14.9 years, median 13 years), but there were clusters of onset age that correlated with the effects of RP1 mutations at a protein level. Patients with later-onset disease, including retinitis pigmentosa, had at least one missense variant in an exon 2 DCX domain. Conclusions Biallelic RP1 mutations cause a broad spectrum of retinal disease. Exon 2 missense mutations are a significant contributor to disease and can be associated with a considerably later onset of retinitis pigmentosa than that typically associated with biallelic RP1 mutations.
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PISTACIA KHINJUK ON GENTAMICIN- INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Introduction and Aim: Gentamicin (GM) is used for treatment of urinary tract infections which induce nephrotoxicity. This study designed to investigate the possible protective effects of Pistacia khinjuk against GM-induced renal damage in rats. Materials and Methods: The ethanol extract of Pistacia khinjuk fruit was administered orally once for 14 days. Male wistar rats were divided into five groups of six rats in each one; first group served as control and received normal saline, second group was received GM (80 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally) for 14 days, third , fourth and sixth groups were received simultaneous GM plus extract 150, 300 and 600 mg / ml respectively. The rats were sacrificed on the 15th day and serum was collected. Nephroprotective potential was estimated by renal functional tests such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine(CR), total protein(TP) , sodium (Na) ,potassium(K) levels and kidneys were dissected out for determination of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in renal tissues homogenate. Results: The animals which received only GM causes a significant increase in levels of CR and BUN, MDA, and significantly decrease in TP and GSH concentrations when compared with the control group. Treatment with Pistacia khinjuk produced amelioration in biochemical indices in plasma and renal tissue when compared with the GM treated group. Conclusion: simultaneous treatment of Pistacia khinjuk might have produced amelioration in biochemical indices against GMinduced nephrotoxicity. It was concluded that Pistacia khinjuk is an effective nephroprotective agent as a novel natural antioxidant. WO
Risk assessment for influenza D in Europe

Recent studies have identified a new genus of the Orthomyxoviridae family, Influenza D virus (IDV). This virus was shown to infect farm animals including swine and cattle, and to efficiently replicate and transmit in ferrets, the animal model of choice for transmission of influenza A virus to humans. This partnering grant on IDV addressed the need for capacity building at EU level to improve the EU's scientific assessment capacity and international competitiveness. We have promoted cross‐disciplinary cooperation between the partner institutes representing six Member States (BE, FR, IT, LU, NL and SE). We have shown that the available antigen and genome test systems allow reliable influenza D diagnostics in partners laboratories, while for a few of the applied antibody testing methods adjustments are recommended. Tools were developed to study virus‐host range, with a gain of knowledge on host and tissue tropism of IDV in farm animals but also in wild life and very preliminary data was generated on human tissues. Serological results in European cattle suggest that influenza D virus is enzootic. Virus diversity is still unfolding: new virus introductions were identified, as well as new reassortants whose differential clinical impact or cross‐protection levels are still poorly understood. Considering drivers of emergence, IDV was in the top five in comparison with 29 other diseases. The main risk factors of IDV in cattle are related to the animal density, presence of respiratory clinical signs in cattle and contact rates between animals. Simplified quantitative IDV risk assessment exposure model indicated a possible infection of human by IDV through aerosols in cattle farms. Further studies are warranted to fully assess the risk of IDV for both animal and Human health in Europe.
Cross-Country Comparisons of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among 5-Year-Old Children

Purpose Previous studies have observed that physical activity (PA) levels tend to be lower in the U.S. population than in many other countries. Within the U.S., PA levels in children are lower in the South than in other regions. Cross-country and interregional differences in PA have not been studied in young children. Methods In an ongoing study of children at genetic risk for Type 1 diabetes, PA was measured by accelerometry in samples of 5-year-old children (n = 2008) from Finland (n = 370), Germany (n = 85), Sweden (n = 706), and the U.S. (n = 847). The U.S. sample was drawn from centers in Washington State, Colorado, and Georgia/Florida. Children wore accelerometers for 7 days, and the data were reduced to daily minutes of light-, moderate- (MPA), vigorous- (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous- (MVPA) intensity PA and sedentary behavior. Multiple regression was used to compare children across countries and across regions in the U.S, adjusting for wear time, body mass index, and demographic characteristics. Results After adjusting for previously mentioned factors, MVPA and MPA were lower in U.S. children than those in Finland and Sweden. Estimates of physical activity were higher in Finland than in other countries, although not all comparisons were significantly different. U.S children spent significantly more time in sedentary behavior than children in Finland (p < 0.0001). Within the U.S., children's PA was consistently lowest in Georgia/Florida and highest in Washington. Conclusions Cross-country differences in PA, previously reported for adults and adolescents, are evident in 5-year-old children. In general, PA levels are lower in U.S. children than their European counterparts, and within the U.S., are lower in Georgia/Florida and Colorado than in Washington. Future studies should be designed to identify the factors that explain these differences.
Polychaetes from Santa Catarina State (southern Brazil): checklist and remarks on species distribution

This study summarizes taxonomic information on polychaetes from Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, between25o57'S and 29o23'S, and provides species distribution records together with information on habitats, based on historicaldata and novel records from primary surveys. Rarefaction curves showed that most species were found in the shallowsublittoral (to 60 m) rather than in deep sublittoral (>60 m) or estuarine habitats. Altogether, 228 valid species belongingto 141 genera and 44 families were recorded. This inventory adds 141 new records to previous regional reports. We founda shift in occurrence of species when comparing data from the study area with data from both southward (29–33o S) andnorthward (23–26o S) sites. Few species were shared between consecutive sites: this could be a response to the regionalbehaviour of the atmosphere and water masses, with a progressive increase in the influence of subantarctic waters and a decrease in the influence of subtropical waters.
Attempted eradication of Porphyrio porphyrio Linnaeus in the Florida Everglades

More than 500 non‐native species of fish, wildlife, and marine species, have been observed in Florida, with well over 100 of these introduced species reproducing and presumably being established, i.e., unlikely to be extirpated through natural processes or human intervention. Introduced birds account for the largest category of observed wildlife with 216 species reported and 67 species that have bred outside of captivity at least once (Bill Pranty personal communication). A large proportion of introductions is found primarily or exclusively in urban or suburban habitats in Florida, with very few introduced birds commonly found in conservation lands.
Autoimmune Mechanisms of Interferon Hypersensitivity and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21 (T21), is associated with interferon (IFN) hypersensitivity, as well as predilections for Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and various autoimmune diseases. IFN-α and IFN-γ receptors are encoded on chromosome 21 (Ch21). It remains unclear how other Ch21 genes contribute to the neuropathological features of DS/T21. This study tests the hypothesis that identifying IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) control sites on Ch21 will mark novel candidate genes for DS/T21-related IFN hypersensitivity and neuropathology not previously reported to be associated with IFN functions. We performed whole chromosome searches of online databases. The general ISRE consensus and gamma interferon activation consensus sequences (GAS) were used for identifying IFN-stimulated response elements. Candidate genes were defined as those possessing two or more ISRE and/or GAS control sites within and/or upstream of the transcription start site. A literature search of gene functions was used to select the candidate genes most likely to explain neuropathology associated with IFN hypersensitivity. DOPEY2, TMEM50B, PCBP3, RCAN1, and SIM2 were found to meet the aforementioned gene search and functional criteria. These findings suggest that DOPEY2, TMEM50B, PCBP3, RCAN1, and SIM2 are genes which may be dysregulated in DS/T21 and may therefore serve as novel targets for treatments aimed at ameliorating the neuropathological features of DS/T21. Future studies should determine whether these genes are dysregulated in patients with DS, DS-related AD, and autoimmune diseases.
α-L-Arabinofuranosidase from Penicillium janczewskii: Production with brewer’s spent grain and orange waste

The highest production of α-L-arabinofuranosidase by Penicillium janczewskii in medium with brewer’s spent grain and orange waste was observed when cultivation was carried out in pH 5.0 at 25°C, for 8.5 days under shaking. The α-L-arabinofuranosidase present in the crude filtrate was optimally active at 60°C and pH 4.0; it was stable in a wide range of pH, maintaining 90% of the activity from 2.0 to 8.0. The enzyme was very stable at 40°C, maintaining 90% of the activity within 1 h. The estimated half-life at 50°C was 10 min, and at 60 and 70°C, it was 5 min. This enzyme was activated in the presence of Ba 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mn 2+ and NH 4 + while the ions Pb 2+ , Mg 2+ , Hg 2+ , Co 2+ and Cu 2+ , as well as PMSF, DTT, β-mercaptoethanol, EDTA and SDS inhibited it. Keywords: α-L-Arabinofuranosidase, Penicillium janczewskii , enzyme production, enzyme properties, industrial wastes African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(17), 1796-1806
Transport of fructose by a proton symport in a brewing yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae IGC4261, a brewing strain, transported fructose and sorbose but not glucose by a high-affinity, low-capacity proton symport. The symport was not subject to glucose repression and coexisted with the facilitated diffusion system for glucose, fructose, sorbose and other sugars. Transport by the symport was accumulative. The stoichiometry was one proton per molecule of fructose. Maltose acted as a non-competitive inhibitor.
Recent advances in understanding object recognition in the human brain: deep neural networks, temporal dynamics, and context

Object recognition is the ability to identify an object or category based on the combination of visual features observed. It is a remarkable feat of the human brain, given that the patterns of light received by the eye associated with the properties of a given object vary widely with simple changes in viewing angle, ambient lighting, and distance. Furthermore, different exemplars of a specific object category can vary widely in visual appearance, such that successful categorization requires generalization across disparate visual features. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the neural representations underlying object recognition in the human brain. We highlight three current trends in the approach towards this goal within the field of cognitive neuroscience. Firstly, we consider the influence of deep neural networks both as potential models of object vision and in how their representations relate to those in the human brain. Secondly, we review the contribution that time-series neuroimaging methods have made towards understanding the temporal dynamics of object representations beyond their spatial organization within different brain regions. Finally, we argue that an increasing emphasis on the context (both visual and task) within which object recognition occurs has led to a broader conceptualization of what constitutes an object representation for the brain. We conclude by identifying some current challenges facing the experimental pursuit of understanding object recognition and outline some emerging directions that are likely to yield new insight into this complex cognitive process.
Influence of elevated CO2 concentration on disease development in tomato.

• Changes are reported here in Phytophthora parasitica (root rot) infection of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) in response to elevated CO2 concentration. • Defense-related gene expression in tomato infected with P. parasitica was measured in plants grown at ambient (350 ppm) and elevated (700 ppm) CO2 . • Tomato plants showed a degree of tolerance against P. parasitica at elevated [CO2 ] but there was no significant difference in pathogenesis-related (PR) or wound-response gene expression. In response to P. parasitica, PR mRNAs increased in infected roots of plants grown at elevated [CO2 ] while wound-reponse gene mRNAs were not induced. By contrast, increases in PR mRNAs and wound-responses transcripts in leaves correlated with increases in salicylic acid and abscisic acid, respectively. The [CO2 ] had little effect on the timing or levels of both PR and wound-response mRNAs in infected plants. • Tomato plants show a degree of tolerance against P. parasitica at elevated [CO2 ]. This tolerance might be due to the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentration on the transcription or post-translational turnover of PR proteins, or through increased photosynthesis and water use efficiency.
Origin and Distribution of Ceratitis capitata Mitochondrial DNA Haplotypes in Argentina

Abstract The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), considered as one of the most important agricultural pests, is broadly distributed around the world. From its presumed origin in Africa, the fly spread to several areas in Europe and, over the past 100 yr, to Australia and the Americas. We performed an extensive sampling of Mediterranean fruit fly populations in Argentina, covering most fruit-producing areas. The collection was studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing of ND4 and ND5 genes in the mitochondrial genome. We followed the standard system of nomenclature devised previously for designating mitochondrial haplotypes. Our results revealed 1) a high frequency of the already reported AAC and BBB haplotypes; 2) the presence of the AAB haplotype at very low frequency not previously detected in Argentina; 3) a novel point mutation defining two variants of the AAB haplotype (AABA and AABB), and 4) the presence of the AAA haplotype, only in insects of the strain used in the sterile insect technique. A PCR-RFLP assay was developed to differentiate the AABA and AABB haplotypes. The sequence analysis suggests that the AAC haplotype is most likely derived from the AABA haplotype by one nucleotide change. Inferences about the origin of Mediterranean fruit fly populations in this country are discussed.
Hinterlands, city formation and growth: Evidence from the U.S. westward expansion

I study how geography shaped city formation and aggregate development in the United States prior to the Civil War. To guide my analysis, I present a conjecture that cities’ farm hinterlands fostered both city development and aggregate growth: the hinterland hypothesis. The hinterland hypothesis has rich implications on how various elements of U.S. geography – railroads, changes in U.S. political borders, and international trade – affected city formation and U.S. growth. To evaluate the hinterland hypothesis and its implications, I assemble a novel historical dataset on population, trading routes and agricultural productivity at a high spatial resolution. I combine the data with a dynamic quantitative model of economic geography that yields the hinterland hypothesis as a prediction. I find evidence for the hinterland hypothesis by showing that the model can replicate the key patterns of U.S. urbanization and city formation. Finally, I conduct a series of counterfactuals in the model to quantify the effect of geography on cities and growth, guided by the implications of the hinterland hypothesis. Results indicate that railroads were responsible for 1.8% of urban population in 1860 and for 25% of real GDP growth between 1830 and 1860. The effect of international trade was similar in magnitude, while the effect of political border changes was small during the period.