Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pro-197-Ser Mutation in ALS and High-Level GST Activities: Multiple Resistance to ALS and ACCase Inhibitors in Beckmannia syzigachne

American sloughgrass (Beckmannia syzigachne Steud.) is one of the most troublesome weeds infesting wheat and canola fields in China. Some biotypes cannot be controlled, either by acetolactate synthase (ALS) or acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, which are the main herbicides for controlling this weed. However, very few studies have investigated multiple resistance mechanism in B. syzigachne. In this study, a B. syzigachne biotype with a high resistance to ALS inhibitors we have reported was also showed relatively lower resistance to ACCase inhibitors, with a resistance index around 7. RNA-seq analysis was used to investigate the factors responsible for multiple resistance, and 60,108 unigenes were assembled by de novo transcriptome assembly and then annotated across eight databases. A Pro-197-Ser mutation was identified in the ALS gene by SNPs analysis and validated by PCR, while no mutation was identified in the ACCase gene. Nineteen candidate metabolic genes were screened and their overexpression was confirmed by qPCR. The expression of GST-T3 and GST-U6 in resistant plants ranged from 7.5- to 109.4-folds than that in susceptible ones at different times after two kinds of herbicide treatment. In addition, GST activities in resistant plants were 3.0–5.0 times higher than that in susceptible plants. Other novel resistance factors also showed high correlation with multiple resistance which included four genes encoding disease resistance proteins, a transcription factor (MYC3), and one gene conferring blight resistance. In this research, a B. syzigachne biotype was confirmed to have evolved multiple resistance to ACCase and ALS inhibitors. The Pro-197-Ser mutation in ALS gene and high-level GST activities were confirmed responsible for the multiple resistance. Characterized disease-resistance proteins, transcription factor, and blight-resistance proteins may play an essential role in these multiple herbicide resistance.
Transition to Adult Care in Children on Long-Term Ventilation

The number of children on long-term ventilation (LTV) has exponentially increased over the past few decades. Improvements in management of ventilation coupled with improvements in standards of medical care are increasingly allowing young people on LTV to survive into adulthood. The process of transition from the pediatric to the adult healthcare system is challenging and requires special attention. This review aims to provide an overview on transition to adult care for children on LTV. Firstly, examining effective models of transition in other childhood onset chronic conditions as a template, whilst highlighting the unique aspects of transition in LTV patients and secondly, summarizing the main relevant findings in the literature on the topic and emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to this process.
Evaluation of Two Primer Sets for Amplification of Comammox Nitrospira amoA Genes in Wetland Soils

After the discovery of complete ammonia-oxidizing (comammox) Nitrospira, detection and assessments of the contribution of comammox Nitrospira communities to nitrogen cycling are in great demand. PCR-based approach, a common method for the detection of comammox, depends strongly on accurate amplification of the amoA genes from the original DNA samples using appropriate primers. In this study, we reported an evaluation of the performance of two commonly used primer sets, Ntsp-amoA 162F/359R and comaA/B-244f/659r, for amplifying the comammox amoA genes from three representative wetland soils in China [Sangsang (SS), Sanjiang (SJ), and Xianghai (XH)]. Our results demonstrated the two primer sets could both successfully amplify the clades with high relative abundances (RA), and further revealed a broadly similar diversity and community composition of dominant comammox operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (RA ≥ 1%) in each of the three wetland soils. However, the clades with low RA, such as the clade A (1.26%) in SJ and the clade B (11.54%) in XH that were recovered by metagenomics analysis, failed to be amplified using comaA/B-244f/659r, but were successfully amplified and sequenced using Ntsp-amoA 162F/359R. It indicated that, compared to comaA/B-244f/659r, Ntsp-amoA 162F/359R was more sensitive to the clades with low RA. However, it is worth noting that Ntsp-amoA 162F/359R would overestimate the RA of some rare clades. For example, the RAs of clade B in XH were overestimated by 32-fold. Furthermore, high levels of non-target amplification were detected via gel electrophoresis using both primer sets, especially for comammox Clade B amoA genes, implying that we should treat qPCR results based on these primers with caution. Taken together, our study comprehensively compared the performance of the two primer sets on the sensitivity and specificity of amplifying comammox amoA genes in three wetland soils, pointing out the necessity of further development of new primers for the efficient and accurate detection of comammox in various environments.
Structure and Function of the Subcutaneous Lymph Sacs in the Anura (Amphibia)

The gross structure of the subcutaneous lymph sacs was examined in anurans from diverse habitats. There were apparent correlations of large lymph sacs with aquatic habit and of reduced lymph sacs with fossorial habit. It was found that all previous hypotheses concerning the function of the subcutaneous sacs could not explain such correlations. It is proposed that the subcutaneous spaces, in connection with the posterior lymph hearts, renal portal vein and the kidney, form a mechanism for rapidly excreting incoming water. hearts into the anterior vertebral veins, and via the posterior hearts into the renal portal veins. The subcutaneous spaces are characteristic of all anurans yet there have been no comparative surveys of subcutaneous anatomy. Most contemporary authors refer to Ecker's (1881) description of the spaces in Rana esculenta. The fact that such sacs are unique to the Anura indicates they have a special function possibly related to the singular habits and physiology of these animals. Obviously it is unreasonable to generalize about function when detailed anatomical knowledge is confined to one species. Accordingly my investigation began with a survey of the gross sub- cutaneous morphology of a diversity of anuran species, in an attempt to establish the existence of any patterns of interspecific variation. Experiments were designed to elucidate the fluid movement between and within the sacs. These data resulted in a new hypothesis of sac function.
Does an emergency access button increase the patients’ satisfaction and feeling of safety with the out-of-hours health services? A randomised controlled trial in Denmark

Objective To investigate if the option to bypass the telephone queue can increase satisfaction and feeling of safety in callers. Design Randomised controlled parallel superiority trial. Data from questionnaire survey. Setting Two out-of-hours (OOH) services in Denmark. Participants 217 510 citizens who called the OOH services between 4 September 2017 and 30 November 2017. Randomisation Two-faze study period: First half with randomisation of participants based on their date of birth; even date randomised to intervention, uneven date randomised to control group. Second half with all participants included in intervention group. Intervention Providing randomised callers (intervention group n=146 355) with the option to bypass the telephone waiting line through an emergency access button (EAB), while the rest got the normal service (control group n=71 155). All EAB users were invited to a questionnaire survey as well as random participants who did not use the EAB (of whom approximately 50% did not have the EAB option). Main outcome measures Satisfaction and feeling of safety in callers. Results 2208 of 6704 (32.9%) invited callers answered the questionnaire (intervention group n=1415 (users n=621, non-users n=794); control group n=793). The OR for answering in the two categories with highest satisfaction when provided with the EAB option was 1.34 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.68) for satisfaction with the waiting time, 1.21 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.60) for overall satisfaction and 1.46 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.89) for feeling of safety. Approximately 72% (441/621) of EAB users reported that the EAB option increased their feeling of safety with the OOH services ‘to a high degree’ compared with 25% (197/794) of callers who had the EAB option without using it. Conclusions The EAB can provide fast access to OOH telephone advice in case of severe illness. It favours citizens perceived in most need of urgent healthcare and significantly increases both feeling of safety and patient satisfaction. Trial registration details NCT02572115 (5 October 2015).
Quality of Work Life and Work–Life Balance

The purpose of this article is to unearth the dimensions of quality of work life and work–life balance and to find the impact of the quality of work life on work–life balance. Data have been gathered from 89 managers of public and private sector banks in India using a convenience sampling method and analysed using principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis. Both qualities of work life and work–life balance are multidimensional constructs. Results indicate that the productivity dimension of a work–life balance was influenced by all dimensions of quality of work life except grievance redress. Further, the skill deployment dimension was predicted by all three dimensions of quality of work life. However, none of the quality of work life dimensions had any relation with the efficiency dimension of work–life balance. The study will help managers to ensure employee productivity and skill deployment by enhancing the quality of work life. The study has relevance for employee welfare and organizational output. The study has unearthed new dimensions in quality of work life and work–life balance and has established new relationships.
Atmospheric-Driven and Intrinsic Interannual-to-Decadal Variability in the Kuroshio Extension Jet and Eddy Activities

To investigate the influences of oceanic intrinsic/internal variability and its interannual-to-decadal modulations on the Kuroshio Extension (KE) jet speed and associated eddy activity, a ten-member ensemble integration of an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model forced by the 1965–2016 atmospheric reanalysis is conducted. We found a distinct time–scale dependence in the ratio of forced and intrinsic variability of the KE jet speed. On the decadal time scale, the ratio of the magnitude of intrinsic variability to that of the atmospheric–driven variability is 0.73, suggesting it is largely atmospheric–driven. In contrast, on the interannual time scales, the KE jet speed has a large ensemble spread, indicating that it is strongly affected by intrinsic variability and has substantial uncertainty. For eddy activity, the ratios of atmospheric–driven and intrinsic variability also depend on the region. In the downstream KE [32°–38°N, 153°–165°E], variability in the atmospheric–driven eddy activity dominates (1.36 times) over the intrinsic variability on the decadal time scale, and is positively correlated with the current speed. Consistent with the westward propagation of atmospheric–driven jet speed anomalies shown by the ensemble mean, the eddy activity in the downstream KE region is correlated with the current speed variability in the central North Pacific 4 years earlier. This linkage is robust even for each ensemble member with the significant lagged correlation found in seven out of ten ensemble members as well as the ensemble mean (r = 0.59), suggesting the possibility of prediction of the eddy activity. In contrast, the eddy activity in the upstream KE [32°–38°N, 141°–153°E] shows a very large intrinsic and limited atmospheric–driven variability with a ratio of the former to the latter of 2.73. These results suggest that the intrinsic variability needs to be considered in the interannual variability of strong ocean jet. The dependence of these findings to the model specificities needs to be further explored.
Sculpting Dendritic Spines during Initiation and Maintenance of Neuropathic Pain

Accumulating evidence has established a firm role for synaptic plasticity in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Recent advances have highlighted the importance of dendritic spine remodeling in driving synaptic plasticity within the CNS. Identifying the molecular players underlying neuropathic pain induced structural and functional maladaptation is therefore critical to understanding its pathophysiology. This process of dynamic reorganization happens in unique phases that have diverse pathologic underpinnings in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Recent evidence suggests that pharmacological targeting of specific proteins during distinct phases of neuropathic pain development produces enhanced antinociception. These findings outline a potential new paradigm for targeted treatment and the development of novel therapies for neuropathic pain. We present a concise review of the role of dendritic spines in neuropathic pain and outline the potential for modulation of spine dynamics by targeting two proteins, srGAP3 and Rac1, critically involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton.
Development and plasticity of the corpus callosum

ABSTRACT The corpus callosum (CC) connects the cerebral hemispheres and is the major mammalian commissural tract. It facilitates bilateral sensory integration and higher cognitive functions, and is often affected in neurodevelopmental diseases. Here, we review the mechanisms that contribute to the development of CC circuits in animal models and humans. These species comparisons reveal several commonalities. First, there is an early period of massive axonal projection. Second, there is a postnatal temporal window, varying between species, in which early callosal projections are selectively refined. Third, sensory-derived activity influences axonal refinement. We also discuss how defects in CC formation can lead to mild or severe CC congenital malformations. Summary: The development of the corpus callosum occurs during a protracted period of embryonic and postnatal life. It shows remarkable exuberance and plasticity. Its failure leads to a diversity of CC malformations.
Unequal rewarding of three metabolizable sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – in olfactory learning and memory in Bactrocera dorsalis

ABSTRACT Learning and memory are the most characterized advanced neurological activities of insects, which can associate information with food. Our previous studies on Bactrocera dorsalis have shown that this fly can learn to evaluate the nutritional value of sugar rewards, although whether all metabolizable sugars are equally rewarding to flies is still unclear. To address this question, we used three sweet and metabolizable sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – as rewards for conditioning. The flies showed differences in learning and memory in response to the three sugar rewards. The level of learning performance in sucrose-rewarded flies was higher than that in fructose-rewarded and glucose-rewarded flies, and, strikingly, only sucrose and glucose stimulation led to the formation of robust 24-h memory. Furthermore, the unequal rewarding of three sugars was observed in two distinct processes of memory formation: preingestive and postingestive processes. When flies received the positive tastes (preingestive signal) by touching their tarsi and proboscis (mouthparts) to three sugars, they showed differences in learning for the three sugar rewards. The formation of a robust 24-h memory was dependent on the postingestive signal triggered by feeding on a sugar. A deficit of 24-h memory was observed only in fructose-feeding flies no matter what sugar was used to stimulate the tarsi. Taken together, our results suggest that three sweet and metabolizable sugars unequally rewarded B. dorsalis, which might be a strategy for flies to discriminate the nature of sugars. Summary: Bactrocera dorsalis can learn to discriminate three sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – through both pre- and post-ingestive signals, which might be a strategy for flies to assess the quality of the food.
In vitro assembly of an infectious cDNA clone of infectious bronchitis virus and its application as a gene transfer vector

In vitro Assembly of an Infectious cDNA Clone of Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Its Application as a Gene Transfer Vector. (December 2003) Soonjeon Youn, B.S.; M.S.; D. V. M. , Konkuk University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Ellen W. Collisson An infectious cDNA clone of Vero cell adapted Beaudette strain of IBV was constructed using in vitro assembly of cDNA fragments. The entire genome of IBV was RT-PCR amplified into seven fragments, with each piece overlapping about 10 nucleotides. The fragments were ligated and transcribed to synthesize RNA, which was transfected into BHK-21 cells. These cells were then overlaid onto IBV susceptible Vero cells. After five days transfection, the virus was successfully rescued from the transfected cells. The cDNA clone from our laboratory strain has a five nucleotide insertion not present in the originally sequenced virus, resulting in total genome size of 27,613 nucleotides. The infectious cDNA clone was further manipulated to demonstrate its potential as a gene transfer vector, by replacing the ORF5a open reading frame with enhanced green fluorescent protein. The recombinant infectious cDNA clone was also successfully rescued after three days transfection of BHK-21 cells followed by coculturing with Vero cells. This study showed that the 5a protein, whose function is not known, is not necessary for in vitro IBV replication. This study also showed that the 5a ORF is a good candidate for an insertion site of recombinant genes for the development of IBV infectious cDNA clone as a gene transfer vector.
Bicyclic azetidines kill the diarrheal pathogen Cryptosporidium in mice by inhibiting parasite phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase

Bicyclic azetidines potently inhibit Cryptosporidium in vivo by targeting phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase. An antimalarial lead gets a new target Cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic intestinal infection caused by Cryptosporidium, is particularly problematic in children and the immunocompromised yet lacks effective therapies. Bicyclic azetidines have previously been shown to target malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum via its phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (PheRS). Vinayak et al. now extend these findings, showing that this series of compounds can target two common strains of Cryptosporidium, which, like P. falciparum, is an apicomplexan parasite. Optimized bicyclic azetidines showed efficacy against Cryptosporidium in vitro and in an immunocompromised mouse model of established cryptosporidiosis, and mutation studies confirmed that the mechanism of action involved PheRS. These compounds may have potential in treating cryptosporidiosis in humans. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and a leading cause of diarrheal disease and mortality in young children. Currently, there are no fully effective treatments available to cure infection with this diarrheal pathogen. In this study, we report a broad drug repositioning effort that led to the identification of bicyclic azetidines as a new anticryptosporidial series. Members of this series blocked growth in in vitro culture of three Cryptosporidium parvum isolates with EC50’s in 1% serum of <0.4 to 96 nM, had comparable potencies against Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum, and was effective in three of four highly susceptible immunosuppressed mice with once-daily dosing administered for 4 days beginning 2 weeks after infection. Comprehensive genetic, biochemical, and chemical studies demonstrated inhibition of C. parvum phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (CpPheRS) as the mode of action of this new lead series. Introduction of mutations directly into the C. parvum pheRS gene by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing resulted in parasites showing high degrees of compound resistance. In vitro, bicyclic azetidines potently inhibited the aminoacylation activity of recombinant ChPheRS. Medicinal chemistry optimization led to the identification of an optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile for this series. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bicyclic azetidines are a promising series for anticryptosporidial drug development and establish a broad framework to enable target-based drug discovery for this infectious disease.
Inhaled therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives To integrate evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on the efficacy of inhaled treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using network meta-analyses. Methods Systematic searches MEDLINE and Embase based on predetermined criteria. Network meta-analyses of RCTs investigated efficacy on exacerbations (long-term: ≥20 weeks of treatment; short-term: <20 weeks), lung function (≥12 weeks), health-related quality of life, mortality and adverse events. Qualitative comparisons of efficacies between RCTs and observational studies. Results 212 RCTs and 19 observational studies were included. Compared with combined long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LABA+LAMA), triple therapy (LABA+LAMA+inhaled corticosteroid) was significantly more effective at reducing exacerbations (long-term 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78 to 0.94; short-term 0.67 (95% CI: 0.49 to 0.92)) and mortality (0.72 (95% CI: 0.59 to 0.89)) but was also associated with increased pneumonia (1.35 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.67)). No differences in lung function (0.02 (95% CI: −0.10 to 0.14)), health-related quality of life (−1.12 (95% CI: −3.83 to 1.59)) or other adverse events (1.02 (95% CI: 0.96 to 1.08)) were found. Most of the observational evidence trended in the same direction as pooled RCT data. Conclusion Further evidence, especially pragmatic trials, are needed to fully understand the characteristics of patient subgroups who may benefit from triple therapy and for those whom the extra risk of adverse events, such as pneumonia, may outweigh any benefits. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018088013.
Reduced-cost hyperspectral convolutional neural networks

Abstract. Hyperspectral imaging provides a useful tool for extracting complex information when visual spectral bands are not enough to solve certain tasks. However, processing hyperspectral images (HSIs) is usually computationally expensive due to the great amount of both spatial and spectral data they incorporate. We present a low-cost convolutional neural network designed for HSI classification. Its architecture consists of two parts: a series of densely connected three-dimensional (3-D) convolutions used as a feature extractor, and a series of two-dimensional (2-D) separable convolutions used as a spatial encoder. We show that this design involves fewer trainable parameters compared to other approaches, yet without detriment to its performance. What is more, we achieve comparable state-of-the-art results testing our architecture on four public remote sensing datasets: Indian Pines, Pavia University, Salinas, and EuroSAT; and a dataset of Kochia leaves [Bassia scoparia] with three different levels of herbicide resistance. The source code and datasets are available online. (Hyper3DNet codebase: https://github.com/GiorgioMorales/hyper3dnet.)