Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Researcher effects on the biological structure and edaphic conditions of field sites and implications for management

Field studies are necessary for understanding natural processes, but they can disturb the environment. Despite researchers acknowledging these effects, no studies have empirically tested the direct (e.g., harvesting plants) and indirect effects (i.e., trampling) of researcher activities on biological structure and edaphic conditions. We leveraged field studies in Alabama and California to monitor the recovery of tidal marshes following research activities. Researcher effects on animals, plants, and sediment conditions remained prevalent almost one year after the disturbance ended. For instance, trampled plots had 14-97% lower plant cover than undisturbed plots after >10 months of recovery. Researcher effects also impacted plant composition, leading to increased subordinate species abundance. We encourage field researchers to adopt strategies that reduce their scientific footprints, including reducing field visits, limiting field team size, and considering ways to limit potential environmental impacts during study design.
The Main Eigenvalue of the Ruelle Operator with a Brownian Type Potential

In this paper, we study the main eigenvalue of the Ruelle operator associated to a random potential coming from a Brownian motion. We explicitly compute its exact value and show that it is constant almost surely. As a consequence we conclude that the annealed and quenched topological pressure for Brownian type potentials exist and are equal. We also exhibit an isomorphism between the space $C(\Omega)$, where $\Omega = \{0,1\}^\mathbb{N}$, endowed with its standard norm, and a proper closed subspace of the Skorokhod space. Using this isomorphism we obtain a stochastic functional equation for the main eigenvalue and its associated eigenfunction.
Metabolic adaptations and aquifer connectivity underpin the high productivity rates in the relict subsurface water

Background Diverse microbes catalyze biogeochemical cycles in the terrestrial subsurface, yet the corresponding ecophysiology was only estimated in a limited number of subterrestrial, often shallow aquifers. Here, we detrained the productivity, diversity, and functions of active microbial communities in the Judea Group carbonate and the underlying deep (up to 1.5 km below ground) Kurnub Group Nubian sandstone aquifers. These pristine oligotrophic aquifers, recharged more than tens to hundreds of thousands years ago, contain fresh/brackish, hypoxic/anoxic, often hot (up to 60°C) water and serve as habitats for key microbial producers. Results We show that recent groundwater recharge, inorganic carbon and ammonium strongly influence chemosynthetic primary productivity in carbonate and sandstone aquifers (4.4-21.9 µg C d-1 L-1 and 1.2-2.7 µg C d-1 L-1, respectively). These high values indicate the possibility that the global aquifer productivity rates may be underestimated. Metagenome analysis revealed the prevalence of chemoautotrophic pathways, particularly the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. The key chemosynthetic lineages in the carbonate aquifer were Halothiobacillales, whereas Burkholderiales and Rhizobiales occupied the sandstone aquifer. Most chemosynthetic microbes may oxidize sulfur compounds or ammonium, using oxygen or oxidized nitrogen as electron acceptors. Abundant sulfate reducers in the anoxic deeper aquifer have the potential to catabolize various organics, fix carbon via the Wood Ljungdahl pathway, and often possess nitrogenase, indicating diazotrophic capabilities. Our data suggest that connectivity between the aquifers and their exposure to energy inputs and surface water may play a key role in shaping these communities, altering physicochemical parameters and selecting taxa and functions. We highlight the metabolic versatility in the deep subsurface that underpins their efficient harnessing of carbon and energy from different sources.
Phase-locking of hippocampal CA3 neurons to distal CA1 theta oscillations selectively predicts memory performance

How the coordination of neuronal spiking activity and brain rhythms between hippocampal subregions supports memory function remains elusive. We studied interregional coordination of CA3 neuronal spiking activity with CA1 theta oscillations by recording electrophysiological signals along the proximodistal axis of the hippocampus in rats performing a high memory demand recognition memory task adapted from humans. We found that CA3 population spiking activity occurs preferentially at the peak of distal CA1 theta oscillations only when animals recalled previously encountered stimuli. In addition, decoding analyses revealed that only population cell firing of proximal CA3 together with that of distal CA1 can predict memory performance in the present non-spatial task. Overall, our work demonstrates an important role of the synchronization of CA3 neuronal activity with CA1 theta oscillations for successful recognition memory.
LMA or vivipary? Wheat grain can germinate precociously during grain maturation under the cool conditions used to induce late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA)

Introduction This study found that wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain can germinate precociously during the maturation phase of grain development, a phenomenon called vivipary that was associated with alpha-amylase induction. Farmers receive severe discounts for grain with low falling number (FN), an indicator that grain contains sufficiently elevated levels of the starch-digesting enzyme alpha-amylase to pose a risk to end-product quality. High grain alpha-amylase can result from: preharvest sprouting (PHS)/germination when mature wheat is rained on before harvest, or from late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) when grain experiences cool temperatures during the soft dough stage of grain maturation (Zadoks growth stage 85). An initial LMA-induction experiment found that low FN was associated with premature visible germination, suggesting that cool and humid conditions caused vivipary. Methods To examine whether LMA and vivipary are related, controlled environment experiments examined the conditions that induce vivipary, whether LMA could be induced without vivipary, and whether the pattern of alpha-amylase expression during vivipary better resembled PHS or LMA. Results Vivipary was induced in the soft to hard dough stages of grain development (Zadok’s stages 83-87) both on agar and after misting of the mother plant. This premature germination was associated with elevated alpha-amylase activity. Vivipary was more strongly induced under the cooler conditions used for LMA-induction (18°C day/7.5°C night) than warmer conditions (25°C day/18°C night). Cool temperatures could induce LMA with little or no visible germination when low humidity was maintained, and susceptibility to vivipary was not always associated with LMA susceptibility in a panel of 8 varieties. Mature grain preharvest sprouting results in much higher alpha-amylase levels at the embryo-end of the kernel. In contrast, vivipary resulted in a more even distribution of alpha-amylase that was reminiscent of LMA. Discussion Vivipary can occur in susceptible varieties under moist, cool conditions, and the resulting alpha-amylase activity may result in low FN problems when a farm experiences cool, rainy conditions before the crop is mature. While there are genotypic differences in LMA and vivipary susceptibility, overlapping mechanisms are likely involved since they are similarly controlled by temperature and growth stage, and result in similar patterns of alpha-amylase expression.
Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection by diet-modulated gut microbiota

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has claimed millions of lives since late 2019, yet there are still many unexplored areas in its pathogenesis and clinical outcomes. COVID-19 is a disease that can affects multiple systems, some of which are overlapped with those modulated by gut microbiota, especially the immune system, thus leading to our concentration on analyzing the roles of microbiota in COVID-19 pathogenesis through the gut-lung axis. Dysbiosis of the commensal intestinal microbes and their metabolites (e.g., SCFAs) as well as the expression and activity of ACE2 in the gut could influence the host’s immune system in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, it has been known that the elderly and individuals diagnosed with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, etc.) are more susceptible to gut flora alterations, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and death. Thus, in this review we will focus on analyzing how the gut microbiota regulates the immune system that leads to different responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since diet is a major factor to modulate the status of gut microbiota, dietary influence on COVID-19 pathogenesis will be also discussed, aiming to shed light on how diet-modulated gut microbiota regulates the susceptibility, severity, and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among Thai older adult

Introduction This study aims to assess the economic impact of introducing the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) to Thai older adult aged ≥ 65 years who are healthy or with chronic health conditions and immunocompromised conditions from a societal perspective in order to introduce the vaccine to Thailand’s National Immunization Program for the older adult. Methods A Markov model was adopted to simulate the natural history and economic outcomes of invasive pneumococcal diseases using updated published sources and Thai databases. We reported analyses as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) in USD per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. In addition, sensitivity analyses and budget impact analyses were conducted. Results The base-case analysis of all interventions (no vaccinations [current standard of care in Thailand], PPSV23, and PCV13) showed that PPSV23 was extendedly dominated by PCV13. Among healthy individuals or those with chronic health conditions, ICER for PCV13 was 233.63 USD/QALY; meanwhile, among individuals with immunocompromised conditions, ICER for PCV13 was 627.24 USD/QALY. PCV13 are economical vaccine for all older adult Thai individuals when compared to all interventions. Conclusions In the context of Thailand, PCV13 is recommended as the best buy and should be primarily prioritized when both costs and benefits are considered. Also, this model will be beneficial to the two-next generation pneumococcal vaccines implementation in Thailand.
Investigation of the Charmless Decay B±→ K± K∓ K± Using a Dalitz Plot Analysis at BaBar

Results of an amplitude analysis of the B±→ K± K∓ K± Dalitz plot are presented. The analysis is made using an integrated luminosity of 210.6 fb-1, recorded by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B Factory. This dataset corresponds to 231.8 million B$$\bar{B}$$ pairs.
Don't forget about customer magazines: the effects of reading experiences on customer magazine effectiveness

Introduction Content marketing continues to gain importance in organizations' marketing mix. However, its effectiveness has received little academic attention. This is particularly true of customer magazines, which, despite increasing digitization, remain a key pillar of content marketing and account for considerable investments. Therefore, this paper examines how reading experiences affect the effectiveness of customer magazines, mediated by media engagement. Methods Based on the uses-and-gratifications-theory and literature on sensory perception, journalistic quality, and media engagement, several hypotheses are proposed. To investigate the hypotheses, the study uses a cross-sectional survey. The dataset for the analyses consists of 1,396 consumers and is analyzed by structural equation modeling. Results The results indicate that hedonically gratifying, as well as identity-enforcing content experiences and visually and haptically gratifying process experiences are associated with higher effectiveness. Media engagement mediates these effects. Experienced journalistic quality directly and positively influences customer magazine effectiveness. Discussion This study's findings are important to marketing communications research. In particular, the study contributes to the still limited literature on content marketing effectiveness and helps practitioners optimize customer magazines.
Notch signaling as a master regulator of adult neurogenesis

Neurogenesis ceases in most regions of the mammalian brain before or shortly after birth, however, in a few restricted brain regions, the production of new neurons proceeds into adulthood. Neural stem cells (NSCs) in these neurogenic zones are integrated into niches that control their activity and fate. Most stem cells in the adult brain are mitotically inactive and these cells can remain quiescent for months or even years. One of the key questions is what are the molecular mechanisms that regulate NSC maintenance and differentiation. Notch signaling has been shown to be a critical regulator of stem cell activity and maintenance in many tissues including in the nervous system. In this mini-review we discuss the roles of Notch signaling and the functions of the different Notch receptors and ligands in regulating neurogenesis in the adult murine brain. We review the functions of Notch signaling components in controlling NSC quiescence and entry into cell cycle and neurogenesis.
The correlation between modifications to corneal topography and changes in retinal vascular density and retinal thickness in myopic children after undergoing orthokeratology

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the relationship among changes in corneal topography, retinal vascular density, and retinal thickness in myopic children who underwent orthokeratology for 3 months. Method Thirty children with myopia wore orthokeratology lenses for 3 months. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the retina was imaged as 6 × 6 mm en-face images at baseline and 3 months after orthokeratology. Cornea data was acquired by topography and analyzed by customer MATLAB software. The cornea was divided into 3 zones and 9 sectors. The relative corneal refractive power shift (RCRPS) was used in this study. Changes in retinal vascular density (RVDC) and retinal thickness change (RTC) were associated with RCRPS by using spearman test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Result A significant correlation was observed between the RVDC and the RCRPS in many regions (the r was 0.375 ~ 0.548, all p value <0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between RVDC in inner and outer temple regions with RCRPS at inner and outer nasal sectors. There were no significant correlations between RTC and RCRPS in other sectors except in the central cornea and the outer nasal retina (r:0.501, p:0.006). At baseline and 3 months after wearing the orthokeratology lens, no significant differences in the retinal microvasculature or thickness (p > 0.05) were observed at any regions. Conclusion The correlation between the cornea and the retina was observed after orthokeratology. Cornea changes may affect regional retinal responses accordingly，which may explain how orthokeratology delays myopia progression partially.
Associations between homocysteine and B vitamins and stroke: a cross-sectional study

Objective Homocysteine (Hcy) is a predictor for stroke. B vitamins are required for the metabolism of Hcy. We designed a study to investigate the associations of plasma Hcy and B vitamins with the prevalence of stroke in adults. Methods A total of 8,371 adults were included in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003–2006 in the United States. Multivariate regression analysis and smooth curve fitting were conducted to evaluate the associations of stroke prevalence with Hcy, folate, vitamin B6, and B12. A segmented regression model was used to analyze the threshold effects. Sample weights were calculated to ensure the results’ generalizability. Results The mean age of all participants was 46.43 years (51.8% women), and the prevalence of stroke was 2.72%. A nonlinear and positive association was found between plasma Hcy levels and the prevalence of stroke. Furthermore, L-shaped associations were found between plasma vitamin B6 and folate levels and stroke, with the turning point at 65.2 nmol/L for vitamin B6 and 26 nmol/L for folate, respectively. Vitamin B12 revealed a U-shaped relationship with stroke, with the turning points at 492.98 pmol/L for vitamin B12. Conclusion Non-linear associations of plasma Hcy and B vitamins levels with stroke prevalence were found in American adults. These associations may have an implication that higher plasma Hcy levels should be reduced, and plasma vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate levels should be moderately improved in stroke prevention. Future studies are needed to verify the causality of these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
A single-center real-life study on the use of medical cannabis in patients with dystonia

Background While cannabis-based medicine is being commonly used in patients with movement disorders, there is a scarcity of publications regarding the effect of cannabis on dystonia. We aimed to describe medical cannabis use in patients with dystonia and related pain. Methods We employed a structured interview to obtain data on the cannabis treatment regimen, perception of effectiveness and side effect profile. Eligible participants were patients diagnosed with dystonia from the movement disorders unit at the Tel-Aviv Medical Center who had used licensed medical cannabis between January 2019 and January 2021. Results Twenty-three subjects were interviewed (11 women, mean age 52.7). The most common way of administration was smoking (n = 11). Following an average of 2.5 ± 2.9 years of use, those with widespread dystonia (generalized, hemi and multifocal, n = 11) self-reported on a numeric rating scale an average 63% (range 0%–100%) reduction in symptoms of dystonia, while those with more focal dystonia patterns reported a significantly lower treatment effect of 32%. Participants reported a positive impact in related pain and quality of life, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 (SD = 1.2, median = 4) and 3.6 out of 5 (SD = 1.15, median = 4), respectively. Most common side effects were dry mouth (65%), sedation (43%), dizziness (39%) and psychiatric disorders (26%). Three patients (13%) discontinued therapy. Conclusion A subset of dystonia patients who use medical cannabis under clinical observation reported significant subjective improvement during 30 months of use in average. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are required to examine the effectiveness of cannabis in dystonia.
Can you imagine this? Imagined contact as a strategy to promote positive intergroup relations

In comparison to the extensive body of research on intergroup contact, which encompasses predictors, outcomes, and implications, there has been relatively little attention given to the role of imagined contact with diverse ethno-religious out-groups. This gap particularly exists in understanding the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of imagined contact interventions. This article aims to address this gap by presenting current research on the predictors and consequences of imagined contact. We offer an overview of the circumstances in which imagined contact proves beneficial; while focusing on research that holds relevance for designing interventions and policies promoting contact between culturally and religiously diverse groups and individuals. We also acknowledge the existing limitations within this field of study and propose potential direction for future research.
Identification and prediction of immune checkpoint inhibitors-related pneumonitis by machine learning

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related pneumonitis (IRP) is a common and potentially fatal clinical adverse event. The identification and prediction of the risk of ICI-related IRP is a major clinical issue. The objective of this study was to apply a machine learning method to explore risk factors and establish a prediction model. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with IRP (IRP group) and 142 patients without IRP (control group) who were treated with ICIs. An Elastic Net model was constructed using a repeated k-fold cross-validation framework (repeat = 10; k = 3). The prediction models were validated internally and the final prediction model was built on the entire training set using hyperparameters with the best interval validation performance. The generalizability of the final prediction model was assessed by applying it to an independent test set. The overall performance, discrimination, and calibration of the prediction model were evaluated. Results Eleven predictors were included in the final predictive model: sindillizumab, number of ≥2 underlying diseases, history of lung diseases, tirelizumab, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes, body temperature, KPS score ≤70, hemoglobin, cancer stage IV, and history of antitumor therapy. The external validation of the risk prediction model on an independent test set of 37 patients and showed good discrimination and acceptable calibration ability: with AUC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.58–0.90), AP of 0.76, scaled Brier score of 0.31, and Spiegelhalter-z of −0.29 (P-value:0.77). We also designed an online IRP risk calculator for use in clinical practice. Conclusion The prediction model of ICI-related IRP provides a tool for accurately predicting the occurrence of IRP in patients with cancer who received ICIs.
MetaReality: enhancing tactile experiences using actuated 3D-printed metamaterials in Virtual Reality

During interaction with objects in Virtual Reality haptic feedback plays a crucial role for creating convincing immersive experiences. Recent work building upon passive haptic feedback has looked towards fabrication processes for designing and creating proxy objects able to communicate objects’ properties and characteristics. However, such approaches remain limited in terms of scalability as for each material a corresponding object needs to be fabricated. To create more flexible 3D-printed proxies, we explore the potential of metamaterials. To this aim, we designed metamaterial structures able to alter their tactile surface properties, e.g., their hardness and roughness, upon lateral compression. In this work, we designed five different metamaterial patterns based on features that are known to affect tactile properties. We evaluated whether our samples were able to successfully convey different levels of roughness and hardness sensations at varying levels of compression. While we found that roughness was significantly affected by compression state, hardness did not seem to follow the same pattern. In a second study, we focused on two metamaterial patterns showing promise for roughness perception and investigated their visuo-haptic perception in Virtual Reality. Here, eight different compression states of our two selected metamaterials were overlaid with six visual material textures. Our results suggest that, especially at low compression states, our metamaterials were the most promising ones to match the textures displayed to the participants. Additionally, when asked which material participants perceived, adjectives, such as “broken” and “damaged” were used. This indicates that metamaterial surface textures could be able to simulate different object states. Our results underline that metamaterial design is able to extend the gamut of tactile experiences of 3D-printed surfaces structures, as a single sample is able to reconfigure its haptic sensation through compression. Graphical Abstract The six visual material textures: concrete, wood, plastic, fabric, glass and metal used in the main experiment. In addition, an example how participants interacted with the samples.