Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New fossil leaves and fruits of Lauraceae from the Middle Miocene of Fujian, southeastern China differentiated using a cluster analysis

Abstract The fossil record of Lauraceae can be traced back to the Early Cretaceous of eastern Asia based on fossil flowers. Here, we refer a number of new occurrences of leaf and fruit fossils of Lauraceae from the Middle Miocene of Zhangpu, Fujian, China, to seven species. These data provide evidence supporting the fact that a diverse subtropical, or tropical, Lauraceae-dominated evergreen forest surrounded this region 15 million years ago (Mya). The Lauraceae fossils presented in this paper provide evidence for the evolution of this group as well as new materials that enable the study of the Fujian Province Neogene flora. The fossils described in this paper fill in the gaps in studies about Lauraceae pollen in the Middle Miocene from Fotan, Fujian, China. In addition, these fossils also enrich the Middle Miocene fossil records of Lauraceae in eastern Asia, especially improving the study of the macrostructures and reproductive organs of fossil Lauraceae from southern China. The similarity between fossil and modern fruits shows that during the Middle Miocene the fruit morphological of Lauraceae have changed very little. We also identify families where the fossils we report belong to their closest relatives and can be used to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of Fujian in the Middle Miocene.
YTHDF2 as a Mediator in BDNF-Induced Proliferation of Porcine Follicular Granulosa Cells

In female mammals, the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) are critical in determining the fate of follicles and are influenced by various factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Previous research has shown that BDNF primarily regulates GC proliferation through the PI3K/AKT, NF-kB, and CREB tumour pathways; however, the role of other molecular mechanisms in mediating BDNF-induced GC proliferation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the m6A reader YTH domain-containing family member 2 (YTHDF2) in BDNF-stimulated GC proliferation and its underlying mechanism. GCs were cultured in DMEM medium supplemented with varying BDNF concentrations (0, 10, 30, 75, and 150 ng/mL) for 24 h. The viability, number, and cell cycle of GCs were assessed using the CCK-8 assay, cell counting, and flow cytometry, respectively. Further exploration into YTHDF2’s role in BDNF-stimulated GC proliferation was conducted using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and sequencing. Our findings indicate that YTHDF2 mediates the effect of BDNF on GC proliferation. Additionally, this study suggests for the first time that BDNF promotes YTHDF2 expression by increasing the phosphorylation level of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. This study offers a new perspective and foundation for further elucidating the mechanism by which BDNF regulates GC proliferation.
Online learning success model for adults in open and distance education in Western China

This study investigates the factors influencing online learning (OL) success among non-full-time adult students in open and distance education in Western China. To utilize a structural equation model with seven construction elements that combine the information system success (ISS) model and TPACK theory. Data from 245 participants were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results reveal that system quality, service quality, and teachers’ TPACK ability have varying degrees of positive impact on OL success. The main contribution of this study is its innovative combination of TPACK theory and the ISS Model, which has not been extensively explored in previous research. Additionally, this study emphasizes the significance of addressing the distinctive requisites and attributes of part-time adult learners engaged in online learning (OL). The findings of this study can help educational practitioners and policymakers create more effective and efficient OL environments that meet the needs of adult learners and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Risk prediction model construction for asthma after allergic rhinitis by blood immune T effector cells

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma (AS) are prevalent and frequently co-occurring respiratory diseases, with mutual influence on each other. They share similar etiology, pathogenesis, and pathological changes. Due to the anatomical continuity between the upper and lower respiratory tracts, allergic inflammation in the nasal cavity can readily propagate downwards, leading to bronchial inflammation and asthma. AR serves as a significant risk factor for AS by potentially inducing airway hyperresponsiveness in patients. Currently, there is a lack of reliable predictors for the progression from AR to AS. Methods: In this exhaustive investigation, we reexamined peripheral blood single cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with AS following AR and healthy individuals. In addition, we used the bulk RNA sequencing dataset as a validation lineup, which included AS, AR, and healthy controls. Using marker genes of related cell subtype, signatures predicting the progression of AR to AS were generated. Results: We identified a subtype of immune-activating effector T cells that can distinguish patients with AS after AR. By combining specific marker genes of effector T cell subtype, we established prediction models of 16 markers. The model holds great promise for assessing AS risk in individuals with AR, providing innovative avenues for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Conclusion: Subcluster T effector cells may play a key role in post-AR AS. Notably, ACTR3 and HSPA8 genes were significantly upregulated in the blood of AS patients compared to healthy patients.
Susceptibility of naked oat cultivars to seed sprouting

The production of economically important cereals is accompanied by the phenomenon of sprouting which in naked cultivars may limit their reproduction and usability. The objective of the work is to evaluate the susceptibility to sprouting in naked oat cultivars, and to test the usefulness of sprouting indices. In the years 2008–2010 for seeds of 8 cultivars, differing in the degree of sprouting damage, the coefficient of sprouting (Cs) was determined. Germinability (GF), dynamics (GD) and average germination time (GAT) were determined for seeds germinating in the presence of abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3) and under control conditions. Basing on the falling number (FN) in consecutive days of the sprouting induction, alpha-amylase activity was determined. The highest values of Cs were found in 2008, the year with the highest total rainfall and temperature. In the presence of ABA the GF decreased by 21%, the GAT was 4.7 days longer, and the GD decreased by 55% compared with other substrates. An increase in alpha-amylase activity contributed to a 50%, on average, decrease in FN at 10°C and 30°C after 48 and 24 h of incubation, respectively. In the analyzed years the greatest resistance to sprouting was found for Bullion seeds.
Targeting policy-compliers with Machine Learning: An application to a tax rebate program in Italy 

Machine Learning (ML) can be a powerful tool to inform policy decisions. Those who are treated under a program might have different propensities to put in practice the behavior that the policy maker wants to incentivize. ML algorithms can be used to predict the policy-compliers; that is, those who most likely behave in the way desired by the policy maker. When the design of the program is tailored to target the policy-compliers, the policy overall effectiveness is increased. This paper proposes an application of ML targeting that uses a massive tax rebate scheme (“80 euros”) introduced in Italy in 2014
Modeling expressway lane utilization and lane choice behaviour: a case study on Delhi–Gurgaon Expressway

Abstract Expressways in India are vastly different from those in the developed countries due to its varied vehicle composition and quasi-lane disciplined traffic movement. Relatively, limited research has been done on the lane utilization and lane choice behavior of different vehicle types on Indian expressways. This study thus focuses on building a structural equation model to study the influence of different vehicle categories and stream speed on lane utilization of Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and further develop three lane choice models using lane utilization factor, class of vehicles, and stream speed as independent variables. The three lane choice models are validated with observed lane wise traffic composition and lane discipline. From the sensitivity analysis of parameters affecting lane choice, it is observed that stream speed and class of vehicle significantly affect the drivers’ lane choice behavior. The results of this study in the form of lane utilization and lane discipline behavior by different vehicle types are used to differentiate the expressway traffic characteristics from other road types in India. The findings are also helpful in developing and calibrating the microscopic simulation models for Indian expressways.
Human Neuroscience

Because WM is malleable and its bulk refl ects a dynamic equilibrium of growth and decline, age differences in the WM structure may stem from alteration in mechanisms that are responsible for maintaining that equilibrium. One potentially important factor in this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a multipurpose protein that plays important roles in many events, including neuronal differentiation, proliferation of dendritic arbor, synaptic plasticity, and, most notably for the topic of this report, axonal sprouting (Egan et al. Thus, adequate BDNF activity may be critical for maintaining WM integrity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor production declines with age (Sohrabji and Lewis, 2006) and is reduced by age-dependent vascular risk factors such as hypertension (Lee et al., 2006), hypoperfusion (Irikura et al., 1996), and poor glucose metabolism (Krabbe et al., 2007). Although experimental study of BDNF effects on brain aging is hampered by impossibility to manipulate human BDNF levels in vivo, natural occurring 'mendelian rand-omization' (Katan, 1986) of individuals into groups by BDNF availability presents an opportunity for an inquiry into BDNF effects. These natural groups are determined by a variant in the gene that controls BDNF production, BDNF val66met. The low-activity met
Unconscious Errors Enhance Prefrontal-Occipital Oscillatory Synchrony

The medial prefrontal cortex (MFC) is critical for our ability to learn from previous mistakes. Here we provide evidence that neurophysiological oscillatory long-range synchrony is a mechanism of post-error adaptation that occurs even without conscious awareness of the error. During a visually signaled Go/No-Go task in which half of the No-Go cues were masked and thus not consciously perceived, response errors enhanced tonic (i.e., over 1–2 s) oscillatory synchrony between MFC and occipital cortex (OCC) leading up to and during the subsequent trial. Spectral Granger causality analyses demonstrated that MFC → OCC directional synchrony was enhanced during trials following both conscious and unconscious errors, whereas transient stimulus-induced occipital → MFC directional synchrony was independent of errors in the previous trial. Further, the strength of pre-trial MFC-occipital synchrony predicted individual differences in task performance. Together, these findings suggest that synchronous neurophysiological oscillations are a plausible mechanism of MFC-driven cognitive control that is independent of conscious awareness.
Impact of four-year period application of PRP SOL and PRP EBV on the yield and quality of winter oil seed rape

„Journal of Research and Applications in Agricultural Engineering” 2016, Vol. 61(4) Grażyna SZYMAŃSKA, Katarzyna PANASIEWICZ 176 Hanna SULEWSKA, Karolina RATAJCZAK, Alicja NIEWIADOMSKA*, Grażyna SZYMAŃSKA, Katarzyna PANASIEWICZ Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu, Katedra Agronomii, ul. Dojazd 11, 60-632 Poznań; Poland *Katedra Mikrobiologii Ogólnej i Środowiskowej, ul. Szydłowska 60, 60-656 Poznań, Poland e-mail: sulewska@up.poznan. pl
Management of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in Critically Ill Patients with Lung Diseases

The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). NMBAs have been used in critically ill patients with lung diseases to optimize mechanical ventilation, prevent spontaneous respiratory efforts, reduce the work of breathing and oxygen consumption, and avoid patient–ventilator asynchrony. In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), NMBAs reduce the risk of barotrauma and improve oxygenation. Nevertheless, current guidelines and evidence are contrasting regarding the routine use of NMBAs. In status asthmaticus and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NMBAs are used in specific conditions to ameliorate patient–ventilator synchronism and oxygenation, although their routine use is controversial. Indeed, the use of NMBAs has decreased over the last decade due to potential adverse effects, such as immobilization, venous thrombosis, patient awareness during paralysis, development of critical illness myopathy, autonomic interactions, ICU-acquired weakness, and residual paralysis after cessation of NMBAs use. The aim of this review is to highlight current knowledge and synthesize the evidence for the effects of NMBAs for critically ill patients with lung diseases, focusing on patient–ventilator asynchrony, ARDS, status asthmaticus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Asymmetric changes in foot anthropometry with pregnancy may be related to onset of lower limb and low back pain

Introduction Fifty percent of pregnant females experience pain with 20% reporting long-term pain post-partum. Pregnant females undergo changes in foot anthropometry, lower extremity alignment, and joint laxity. It is unknown if asymmetric alterations may be related to development of pain. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to compare asymmetric alignment in pregnant females with and without pain during pregnancy and in nulliparous controls and 2) to assess the relationship between asymmetric alignment and pain severity in all participants. Methods Ten pregnant females in their third trimester and nine nulliparous controls participated. Bilateral asymmetry of foot length, width, arch index, arch height index, arch rigidity index, arch drop, rearfoot angle, and pelvic obliquity were determined. Joint laxity and musculoskeletal pain were also assessed. ANOVAs were utilized to compare asymmetries between pregnant females reporting pain (n = 5), those not reporting pain (n = 5), and controls. Spearman’s Rho correlations were used to relate asymmetry to pain magnitude (α = 0.05). Results No statistical differences (p>0.05) were found between pregnant females with or without pain and controls for any of the metrics. Negative correlations were found between arch index asymmetry and low back pain (p = 0.005), foot length asymmetry and lower leg pain (p = 0.008), and pelvic obliquity and lower leg pain (p = 0.020). Positive correlations were found between foot width asymmetry and knee pain (p = 0.028), as well as arch drop asymmetry and upper leg (p = 0.024), knee (p = 0.005), and lower leg pain (p = 0.019). Conclusions This study was successful in identifying potential targets for prevention and treatment of pain in pregnancy. Furthermore, because pain during pregnancy may be predictive of pain post-partum, it is important to conduct future research to determine both if interventions such as footwear or exercise can prevent or treat these asymmetries and prevent post-partum pain.
A Review of Animal Models Investigating the Reproductive Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an important component in the process of transitioning for many transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. Multiple medical organizations recommend fertility preservation counseling prior to initiation of GAHT; however, there remains little high-quality data regarding the impact of GAHT on fertility and reproductive function. A PubMed literature review was performed using Boolean search operators linking keywords or phrases such as “mouse”, “rat”, “primate”, “animal model”, “transgender”, “gender”, “estrogen”, “testosterone”, “fertility”, and “fertility preservation”. Recent research has produced a number of animal models of GAHT that utilize similar hormonal regimens and produce similar phenotypic results to those used and observed in human patients. Specific to testosterone(T)-containing GAHT, animals demonstrate loss of menstrual cyclicity with therapy, resumption of menses on cessation of therapy, suppression of gonadotropin levels, and physical changes such as clitoromegaly. Models mimicking GAHT for transmasculine individuals in the peripubertal period demonstrate that pretreatment with GnRHa therapy does not modify the effects of subsequent T administration, which were similar to those described in adult models. Both models suggest promising potential for future fertility with cessation of T. With estradiol (E)-containing GAHT, animals exhibit decreased size of testicles, epididymis, and seminal vesicles, as well as ongoing production of spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule vacuolization. Given the ethical challenges of conducting human studies in this area, high-fidelity animal models represent a promising opportunity for investigation and could eventually transform clinical counseling about the necessity of fertility preservation. Future studies should better delineate the interactions (if any exist) between treatment attributes such as dosing and duration with the extent of reversibility of reproductive perturbations. The development of models of peripubertal feminizing GAHT is an additional area for future work.
Side effects of treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and the occurrence of depressive symptoms

Introduction The aim of the study was to check whether individual side effects of treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) contribute to the occurrence of depressive symptoms. In addition, it was decided to check whether there is any correlation between the age, sex, and duration of treatment and the intensity of depressive symptoms, in relation to the occurrence of individual side effects. Material and methods The study included 91 patients with CML treated with TKI. The following questionnaires were used: a questionnaire created by the author, David Goldberg’s general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the four-dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DSQ). Results Our research showed that fatigue (β = 0.27; p = 0.007), nausea/indigestion (β = 0.26; p = 0.008), bone and joint pain (β = 0.21; p = 0.033), and abdominal pain (β = 0.33; p ≤ 0.001) were the most common side effects of TKI treatment resulting in increased depressive symptoms. Age and duration of treatment had a significant impact on the severity of depressive symptoms in patients experiencing specific side effects of TKI treatment. Conclusions The results indicate the influence of the occurrence of TKI treatment side effects on the development of depressive symptoms. Patients’ quality of life can be improved with the cooperation of medical staff in reducing/alleviating the side effects.
Longitudinal patterns of provided oral healthcare services to Dutch young patients: An observational study

General dental practitioners (GDPs) differ in the preventive and curative care they provide to their young patients. This may be related to variation in the caries risk of patients, but also to differing opinions among GDPs about ’proper care’. Longitudinal data offers the possibility to make care patterns of GDPs comparable and to reveal possible treatment variation between GDPs. GDPs who participated in this study delivered data on the oral healthcare services (OHS) they provided to young patients during the period 2013–2017. Subsequently, data from patients who received regular OHS for 4 to 5 years were used in the analyses. Based on this, longitudinal preventive and curative care patterns were distinguished. Patients were divided into 3 preventive care patterns: no prevention, occasional prevention, and regular prevention. Furthermore, 3 curative care patterns were distinguished: no curation, curation in 1 year, and curation in several years. These care patterns were then combined. In addition, patients were classified into caries risk categories based on the caries-related treatments they received over a 2-year period: low (no procedures), elevated (1 procedure), and high (2 or more procedures). The caries risk based on the first 2 years and the last 2 years in the dataset were combined into a longitudinal caries risk profile. The most frequent combined care pattern (35.8%) was no curation and occasional or regular prevention. The most common longitudinal caries risk profile was low at beginning and end (45.2%). Dental practices varied considerably in the distribution of curative and preventive care patterns. Thereby, no relationship was shown between curative care patterns and provided preventive care. There was also a large spread in the provided OHS within the various caries risk profiles. These diversities indicated treatment variation between GDPs, which is unwarranted if less or more care is provided than necessary.
The visual side of digital humanities

Although the digital humanities have traditionally been conceived as a text-based discipline, both digital visualization techniques as well as visual analysis are increasingly used for research in various humanities disciplines. Since there are several overlaps in epistemic cultures of visually oriented and digitally supported research in art and architectural history studies, museology, and archaeology, as well as cultural heritage, we introduce ‘visual digital humanities’ as novel ‘umbrella’ term to cover research approaches in the digital humanities that are dependent on both consuming and producing pictorial, rather than textual, information to answer their humanities research questions. This article aims to determine this particular field of research in terms of (1) research topics, (2) disciplinary standards, and (3) a scholarly culture as well as (4) researchers’ habits and backgrounds. This study is intended to highlight a scope of phenomena and aspects of relevance. Information is gathered by interviews with researchers at London universities and workshops held in Germany and Sweden.