Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Ear Damage of Helicoverpa zea on Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Maize in the Field in Texas, U.S. and Its Susceptibility to Vip3A Protein

The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is a major pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize and cotton in the U.S. Reduced efficacy of Bt plants expressing Cry1 and Cry2 against H. zea has been reported in some areas of the U.S. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence and ear damage of H. zea on transgenic Bt maize expressing Cry proteins or a combination of Vip3A and Cry proteins in the field in Texas in 2018. We found that the occurrence of H. zea larvae and the viable kernel damage area on the ear were not different between non-Bt maize and Bt maize expressing Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ab+Cry1F proteins. A total of 67.5% of the pyramided Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A was damaged by 2nd–4th instar larvae of H. zea. Diet bioassays showed that the resistance ratio against Vip3Aa51 for H. zea obtained from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize was 20.4 compared to a field population collected from Cry1F+Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 maize. Leaf tissue bioassays showed that 7-day survivorship on WideStrike3 (Cry1F+Cry1Ac+Vip3A) cotton leaves was significantly higher for the H. zea population collected from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize than for a Bt-susceptible laboratory population. The results generated from this study suggest that H. zea has evolved practical resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the sustainable use of the Vip3A technology in Bt maize and cotton.
Requirements and Challenges of a Preclinical Autoimmune Hepatitis Mouse Model

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic autoimmune inflammation of the liver usually requiring life-long immunosuppression. Steroids and azathioprin are the standard therapy, but the therapy is accompanied by strong side effects. Due to the fact that AIH is often recognized during late course of disease, it is difficult to obtain knowledge about the immunological mechanisms responsible for initiation of the disease. Current AIH models were helpful for understanding and modulating liver immune responses, but are not suited to study mechanisms in chronic AIH or to develop new therapies. While transgenic AIH models deal with short-term hepatitis, models with natural antigens are either self-limited or have unknown target antigens. Therefore, new animal models with defined onset of AIH and a standard course of the disease are essential for a more defined understanding of the disease and its pathophysiology. To obtain a preclinical platform for new therapeutic approaches or to be able to prevent onset of AIH, a positive impact of conventional standard therapeutic interventions in the model would be helpful. For decades, AIH research has lacked such a reliable preclinical model with chronic immune response against the liver. Initial results in breaking tolerance against hepatocytes have only led to mild and transient hepatitis. Transgenic models were helpful in understanding different aspects for hepatic immune regulation. Nowadays, the fate of T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, is the focus of research. Especially ignorance, anergy, deletion or TCR downregulation of T cells are mechanisms of tolerance against hepatic antigens. Furthermore, the importance of professional antigen-presenting cells and particularly liver sinusoidal cells in liver tolerance has been demonstrated in many studies. Other models have shown the mechanism of interaction of adaptive and innate immune cells in the liver. Recently, approaches have been made to establish AIH models reflecting the situation in AIH patients. This will allow new studies in the field and will provide an opportunity to study the onset and pathophysiology of AIH. Furthermore, these models will try new options for therapeutic approaches and might show options of how to prevent onset of disease.
Plant Growth Regulators Improve the Production of Volatile Organic Compounds in Two Rose Varieties

The study focused on the influence of the plant growth regulators (PGRs) benzyladenine (BA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the flowers of two modern rose varieties, Hybrid Tea and Floribunda. Thirty-six plants of Hybrid Tea and Floribunda were tested. Benzyladenine and naphthalene acetic acid were applied at 0, 100 and 200 mg/L to both rose varieties. Gas chromatography, coupled with flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry, was used to analyze and identify the volatile organic compounds from the flowers. A three-phase fiber 50/30 µm divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane was used to capture VOCs, at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, and 4 weeks was selected as it had the highest peak area. In total, 81 and 76 VOCs were detected after treatment of both rose varieties with BA and NAA, respectively. In addition, 20 compounds, which had significant differences between different treatments, were identified from both rose varieties. The majority of VOCs were extracted after the application of 200 mg (BA and NAA) /L of formulation, and four important compounds, cis-muurola-4(141)5-diene, y-candinene, y-muurolene and prenyl acetate, increased significantly compared to the controls. These compounds are commercially important aroma chemicals. This study used the rapid and solvent-free SPME method to show that BA and NAA treatments can result in significant VOC production in the flowers of two rose varieties, enhancing the aromatic value of the flowers. This method has the potential to be applied to other valuable aromatic floricultural plant species.
Enhanced approximation capabilities of the fuzzy systems using variable universes of discourse

The fuzzy systems with variable universe of discourse (VUD) have received increasing attention due to their fine control performance. VUD fuzzy systems are ones in which universes of discourse can be online tuned by means of a set of nonlinear contraction–expansion factors. One advantage of the VUD fuzzy systems lies in that higher control accuracy can be obtained without the aid of integral elements. Another advantage of the VUD fuzzy systems is that the number of fuzzy rules can be reduced significantly for a given application, compared with the fuzzy system based on fixed universes of discourse. Utilizing the multivariable Taylor’s expansion formula, it is proven that the VUD fuzzy system possesses higher approximating power as the input variables approach the equilibrium point. The approximation error converges to zero when the input variables reach the equilibrium point. It is also proven that the same approximating power can be obtained even when two fuzzy sets are applied on any universe of discourse. In addition, a sufficient condition is given for the VUD fuzzy systems as approximators for any given accuracy. Two examples show that the approximating capability of the VUD fuzzy systems can significantly outperform the fuzzy systems with fixed universes of discourse and that the shape of membership functions can influence the approximation effect. This paper provides researchers with some explanations why the VUD fuzzy systems hold the two advantages mentioned above from the standpoint of the functions approximation theories.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical manifestations, Diagnosis, Classification and Management.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and increased susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infections. It is the most frequent symptomatic antibody deficiency with a wide variety of infectious and non-infectious complications. Numerous studies demonstrated that different immunological and genetic defects are involved in the pathogenesis of CVID. However, in most cases, the genetic background of the disease remains unidentified. This review aims to discuss different aspects of CVID including epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, classifications and management of the disease.
Machine learning: Great opportunities, but will it replace nurses?

The beginning of a New Year is a good time to look forward to the brave new world we are moving into, in which computer‐based technologies are increasingly common. We hear a great deal about the advances being made in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Similarly often, we are warned that AI will not only transform the workplace but lead to loss of jobs and possibly whole professions. What are the implications and the opportunities for nursing? As a field of study, AI has been around for more than half a century. Increasingly sophisticated computational technologies use data from multiple sources including sensors to modify algorithms to inform activity, using rules to establish learning, and reasoning processes. With increasing computer power, more recently ML has expanded what can be “learnt,” using statistical techniques analysing big datasets. The results are appearing in the market place, in industry, and in our everyday lives. Increasingly we use, for example, AI in video gaming, speech‐based “apps” on our phones and within our homes and apply as safety features functions, which will in the future enable cars to be self‐driving (Stone et al., 2016). We hear about the opportunities of ML in clinical practice. Most often, these relate to faster, cheaper diagnostics, and may mean services can be offered where the required expert resource would not otherwise be accessible or financially viable. In medical imaging, for example, ML may revolutionize identification of clinical signs, using pattern recognition to predict likely diagnosis or referrals. Evaluation is showing performance accuracy equaling human experts but at much faster speeds (De Fauw et al., 2018; Rajpurkar et al., 2018). As well as automating stages of diagnosis, ML may expand our current definitions of diseases and their subtypes. For example, rather than the traditional four main diabetes subgroups (types 1 and 2, LADA, and gestational), recent computational work has described a further five subgroups. Ahlqvist et al (2018) link lack of recognition of this to current suboptimal treatment. To date nursing diagnoses have not been subjects of similar work. Patient safety and quality are another area where ML may automate procedures. The mapping of care processes and identification of errors often entails chart reviews, rule‐based screening of electronic medical records, and significant event audits. Such procedures, often carried out by nurses, are labour intensive and can be error prone, as much due to faults in recording as extraction of the data. ML techniques can model what is expected based on historical data and use these models to flag “outlier” events, occurring at low probability. Using a similar process to identify medication errors, Schiff et al (2017) reported that three quarters of the alerts generated were
In vivo 1H MRS of human gallbladder bile in understanding the pathophysiology of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): Immune‐mediated disease versus bile acid‐induced injury

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) has been considered to be either an “autoimmune disease” or a “bile acid‐induced injury. ” In vitro MRS studies on PSC patients have limitations due to the contamination of bile with contrast agent (commonly administered during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and/or the use of patient cohorts with other diseases as controls. The objective of this study was to quantify biliary metabolites using in vivo 1H MRS and gain insight into the pathogenesis of PSC. Biliary metabolites in 10 PSC patients and 14 healthy controls were quantified in vivo using 1H MRS on a 3 T MR scanner. The concentrations of total bile acids plus cholesterol, glycine‐conjugated bile acids, taurine‐conjugated bile acids, and choline‐containing phospholipids (chol‐PLs) were compared between the two groups. There were statistically significant decreases in the levels of the above mentioned biliary metabolites in the PSC patients compared with controls. The reduction in bile acid secretion in bile of PSC patients indicates accumulation of bile acids in hepatocytes. Moreover, reduction in the levels of chol‐PLs in bile may increase the toxic effects of bile acids. Our findings suggest that the bile duct injury in PSC patients is most likely due to “bile acid‐induced injury. ”
Natalizumab, rituximab and fingolimod as escalation therapy in multiple sclerosis

Breakthrough disease on first‐line injectables in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a common clinical situation where comparative studies between different escalation therapies are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety and medication persistence of natalizumab (NTZ), rituximab (RTX) and fingolimod (FGL) as escalation therapy in RRMS.
Current advances of tubulin inhibitors as dual acting small molecules for cancer therapy

Microtubule (MT)‐targeting agents are highly successful drugs as chemotherapeutic agents, and this is attributed to their ability to target MT dynamics and interfere with critical cellular functions, including, mitosis, cell signaling, intracellular trafficking, and angiogenesis. Because MT dynamics vary in the different stages of the cell cycle, these drugs tend to be the most effective against mitotic cells. While this class of drug has proven to be effective against many cancer types, significant hurdles still exist and include overcoming aspects such as dose limited toxicities and the development of resistance. Newer generations of developed drugs attack these problems and alternative approaches such as the development of dual tubulin and kinase inhibitors are being investigated. This approach offers the potential to show increased efficacy and lower toxicities. This review covers different categories of MT‐targeting agents, recent advances in dual inhibitors, and current challenges for this drug target.
Carbon flux from decomposing wood and its dependency on temperature, wood N2 fixation rate, moisture and fungal composition in a Norway spruce forest

Globally 40–70 Pg of carbon (C) are stored in coarse woody debris on the forest floor. Climate change may reduce the function of this stock as a C sink in the future due to increasing temperature. However, current knowledge on the drivers of wood decomposition is inadequate for detailed predictions. To define the factors that control wood respiration rate of Norway spruce and to produce a model that adequately describes the decomposition process of this species as a function of time, we used an unprecedentedly diverse analytical approach, which included measurements of respiration, fungal community sequencing, N2 fixation rate, nifH copy number, 14C‐dating as well as N%, δ13C and C% values of wood. Our results suggest that climate change will accelerate C flux from deadwood in boreal conditions, due to the observed strong temperature dependency of deadwood respiration. At the research site, the annual C flux from deadwood would increase by 27% from the current 117 g C/kg wood with the projected climate warming (RCP4.5). The second most important control on respiration rate was the stage of wood decomposition; at early stages of decomposition low nitrogen content and low wood moisture limited fungal activity while reduced wood resource quality decreased the respiration rate at the final stages of decomposition. Wood decomposition process was best described by a Sigmoidal model, where after 116 years of wood decomposition mass loss of 95% was reached. Our results on deadwood decomposition are important for C budget calculations in ecosystem and climate change models. We observed for the first time that the temperature dependency of N2 fixation, which has a major role at providing N for wood‐inhabiting fungi, was not constant but varied between wood density classes due to source supply and wood quality. This has significant consequences on projecting N2 fixation rates for deadwood in changing climate.
Metabolic Syndrome and Air Pollution: A Narrative Review of Their Cardiopulmonary Effects

Particulate matter (PM) exposure and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) are both significant global health burdens. PM exposure has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MetSyn and cardiopulmonary diseases. Individuals with pre-existing MetSyn may be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of PM exposure. Our aim was to provide a narrative review of MetSyn/PM-induced systemic inflammation in cardiopulmonary disease, with a focus on prior studies of the World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed Fire Department of New York (FDNY). We included studies (1) published within the last 16-years; (2) described the epidemiology of MetSyn, obstructive airway disease (OAD), and vascular disease in PM-exposed individuals; (3) detailed the known mechanisms of PM-induced inflammation, MetSyn and cardiopulmonary disease; and (4) focused on the effects of PM exposure in WTC-exposed FDNY firefighters. Several investigations support that inhalation of PM elicits pulmonary and systemic inflammation resulting in MetSyn and cardiopulmonary disease. Furthermore, individuals with these preexisting conditions are more sensitive to PM exposure-related inflammation, which can exacerbate their conditions and increase their risk for hospitalization and chronic disease. Mechanistic research is required to elucidate biologically plausible therapeutic targets of MetSyn- and PM-induced cardiopulmonary disease.
Complete mitochondrial genome of an aquatic moth, Elophila interruptalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract The aquatic moth, Elophila interruptalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) belongs to the subfamily Nymphulinae, nearly all of which are aquatic in their entire larval and pupal stages. The 15,351-bp long complete mitogenome consisted of a typical set of genes (13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes) and one major non-coding A+T-rich region, with the typical arrangement found in the majority of Lepidoptera. One of the unusual features of the E. interruptalis mitogenome is the presence of a tRNAPhe-like sequence beyond the A+T-rich region. The sequence is encoded in the minor strand of the genome overlapping with the reversely encoded regular tRNAGlu by 65 bp. The sequence divergence of the tRNAPhe-like sequence to that of regular E. interruptalis tRNAPhe and other within-familial species was as low as 59% ∼ 71%, but has a proper folding structure with well-matched stems and identical anticodon sequences to the regular copy.
2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Failure Society of America.

Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, MACC, FAHA, FHFSA, Chair, Writing Group, Mariell Jessup, MD, FACC, FAHA, Vice Chair, Writing Group, Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA, Javed Butler, MD, MBA, MPH, FACC, FAHA, Writing Group Member, Donald E. Casey, Jr., MD, MPH, MBA, FACC, Writing Group Member, Monica M. Colvin, MD, FAHA, Writing Group Member, Mark H. Drazner, MD, MSc, FACC, FAHA, FHFSA, Writing Group Member, Gerasimos S. Filippatos, MD, Writing Group Member, Gregg C. Fonarow, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHFSA, Writing Group Member, Michael M. Givertz, MD, FACC, FHFSA, Writing Group Member, Steven M. Hollenberg, MD, FACC, Writing Group Member, JoAnn Lindenfeld, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHFSA, Writing Group Member, Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, Writing Group Member, Patrick E. McBride, MD, MPH, FACC, Writing Group Member, Pamela N. Peterson, MD, FACC, FAHA, Writing Group Member, Lynne Warner Stevenson, MD, FACC, Writing Group Member, Cheryl Westlake, PhD, RN, ACNSBC, FAHA, FHFSA, Writing Group Member
Immunological and clinical characteristics of latent autoimmune diabetes in the elderly

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is determined by both a noninsulin‐dependent clinical presentation and an autoimmune pathogenic process. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) constitutes the most important marker, although IA‐2A and ZnT8A also define LADA presentation. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent type particularly over 65 years old. Studies about autoimmunity in this age group are scarce.
Cav1.3 is upregulated in osteoporosis rat model and promotes osteoclast differentiation from preosteoclast cell line RAW264.7

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic osteopathy with increased bone fragility and increased risk of fracture. Osteoclasts (OC) are the key target cells in the treatment of osteoporosis. We aimed to research the role of L‐type calcium channel protein Cav1.3 in OC differentiation in this study.
Timing and Communicative Functions of Pitch Contours

Abstract A new research paradigm is applied to F0 synchronization with articulation, inpeak and valley contours, under four principles: (a) Timing of F0 contours enters thedefinitions of the pitch categories. (b) These phonetic exponents are linked to com-municativefunctions. (c) The listener plays a pivotal role. (d) Contextualization oftest stimuli is essential for pitch data collection. Data are presented and interpretedfrom an experimental investigation of the substance-function relationship in theperception of peak and valley shift series by German listeners, using the semanticdifferential technique. The findings of the substance-function relationship areexplained with reference to the frequency codeand to auditory enhancement,i.e.syntagmatic contrast of high-low or low-high pitch trajectories in synchronizationwith articulatory landmarks of accented syllables.
Acute Stroke

Abstract Stroke remains one of the leading determinants of death and severe disability worldwide. It is a medical emergency with a narrow window for recognition and administration of outcome-modifying treatment in the emergency department. Ischemic stroke accounts for the majority of cerebrovascular events and revascularization therapies such as intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy are the mainstays of treatment in carefully selected patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage is less common but remains the deadliest type of stroke. Blood pressure reduction and hemostatic treatment in case of coagulopathy are the cornerstones of acute intracerebral hemorrhage treatment. Admission to dedicated stroke units is associated with improved outcome in patients suffering from acute stroke.