Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Obesity in Pregnant Ay Mice Does Not Affect Susceptibility to Obesity and Food Choice in Offspring

Maternal diet and obesity (MO) may influence taste preferences and increase the susceptibility to obesity in offspring, but the impact of MO per se to these influences is poorly understood. We evaluated the influence of MO on food choice and susceptibility to obesity in offspring when mothers consumed a standard diet (SD). Mice with the Lethal yellow mutation (Ay/a) develop obesity consuming an SD. Metabolic parameters were assessed in pregnant and lactating Ay/a (obesity) and a/a (control) mothers. Metabolic response to the consumption of a sweet–fat diet (SFD: SD, lard, and sweet biscuits) and the choice of components of this diet were evaluated in their male and female offspring. Compared to control mothers, pregnant obese mothers had higher levels of insulin, leptin, and FGF21. MO increased food intake and liver expression of lipogenesis genes in male offspring consuming the SD. SFD consumption caused obesity development and insulin resistance, increased liver expression of glycolytic and lipogenesis genes, and affected hypothalamic expression of anorexigenic and orexigenic genes. In offspring of both sexes, MO had no effect on food choice and metabolic response to SFD intake. Therefore, when obese mothers consume a balanced diet, MO does not affect food choice and development of diet-induced obesity in offspring.
High amplitude high frequency oscillations during posttraumatic epileptogenesis

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate if high amplitude high frequency oscillations (haHFOs) could be a biomarker of posttraumatic epileptogenesis. Methods: After an initial craniotomy of rats and inducement of traumatic brain injury (TBI) through a fluid percussion, recording microelectrodes were implanted bilaterally in different brain areas. Wideband brain electrical activity was recorded intermittently from Day 1 of TBI and continued till week 21. HaHFO analysis was performed during the first 4 weeks to investigate whether the occurrence of this brain activity predicted development of epilepsy or not. Results: Of the 21 rats which received the TBI, 9 became epileptic (E+) and 12 did not (E−). HaHFOs were observed in the prefrontal and perilesional cortices, hippocampus, and striatum in both E+ and E− group. In comparison to the rats in E−, the E+ group showed a significant increase in the rate of haHFO from weeks 1 to 4 after TBI. Conclusion: The results indicate that an increase in the rate of haHFOs after TBI could be an electroencephalographic biomarker of posttraumatic epileptogenesis.
Recent Developments in Sonochemical Synthesis of Nanoporous Materials

Ultrasounds are commonly used in medical imaging, solution homogenization, navigation, and ranging, but they are also a great energy source for chemical reactions. Sonochemistry uses ultrasounds and thus realizes one of the basic concepts of green chemistry, i.e., energy savings. Moreover, reduced reaction time, mostly using water as a solvent, and better product yields are among the many factors that make ultrasound-induced reactions greener than those performed under conventional conditions. Sonochemistry has been successfully implemented for the preparation of various materials; this review covers sonochemically synthesized nanoporous materials. For instance, sonochemical-assisted methods afforded ordered mesoporous silicas, spherical mesoporous silicas, periodic mesoporous organosilicas, various metal oxides, biomass-derived activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, diverse metal-organic frameworks, and covalent organic frameworks. Among these materials, highly porous samples have also been prepared, such as garlic peel-derived activated carbon with an apparent specific surface area of 3887 m2/g and MOF-177 with an SSA of 4898 m2/g. Additionally, many of them have been examined for practical usage in gas adsorption, water treatment, catalysis, and energy storage-related applications, yielding satisfactory results.
E2CNN: An Efficient Concatenated CNN for Classification of Surface EMG Extracted From Upper Limb

Surface electromyography is a bioelectrical indicator that emerges during muscle contraction and has been widely used in a variety of clinical applications. Several prosthetic control applications can benefit from the analysis based on the classification of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. However, for the real-time application of upper limb prosthesis, the EMG-based systems need robust performance and rapid response behavior. In this study, we propose an efficient concatenated convolutional neural network (E2CNN) for classification of sEMG extracted from the upper limb. We have tested and validated the performance of the proposed E2CNN on two datasets: a longitudinal dataset comprising ten nondisabled (healthy) subjects and six transradial amputee subjects and spanning the data collected for a period of seven days; and the publicly available NinaPro DB1 dataset. The raw sEMG signals are converted into Log-Mel spectrograms (LMSs). This model combines the input layers with the output of each convolutional block using concatenation layers. The proposed E2CNN when applied to LMS-based images provides a good response time with high-performance accuracy of 98.31% ± 0.5% and 97.97% ± 1.41% for both nondisabled and amputee subjects. When applied to NinaPro DB1, the proposed E2CNN has attained a mean accuracy of 91.27%, an increase by 24.67% with respect to the baseline CNN model. The results show that the achieved results are comparable to those obtained using stacked sparse autoencoders (SSAEs) and other CNN models; however, E2CNN is associated with reduced training and prediction times, making it a potential candidate for real-time classification of sEMG based on LM spectrogram images.
Unexpected running perturbations: Reliability and validity of a treadmill running protocol with analysis of provoked reflex activity in the lower extremities

Introduction Balance is vital for human health and experiments have been conducted to measure the mechanisms of postural control, for example studying reflex responses to simulated perturbations. Such studies are frequent in walking but less common in running, and an understanding of reflex responses to trip-like disturbances could enhance our understanding of human gait and improve approaches to training and rehabilitation. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the technical validity and reliability of a treadmill running protocol with perturbations. A further exploratory aim was to evaluate the associated neuromuscular reflex responses to the perturbations, in the lower limbs. Methods Twelve healthy participants completed a running protocol (9 km/h) test-retest (2 weeks apart), whereby 30 unilateral perturbations were executed via the treadmill belts (presets:2.0 m/s amplitude;150 ms delay (post-heel contact);100ms duration). Validity of the perturbations was assessed via mean ± SD comparison, percentage error calculation between the preset and recorded perturbation characteristics (PE%), and coefficient of variation (CV%). Test-retest reliability (TRV%) and Bland-Altman analysis (BLA; bias ± 1.96 * SD) was calculated for reliability. To measure reflex activity, electromyography (EMG) was applied in both legs. EMG amplitudes (root mean square normalized to unperturbed strides) and latencies [ms] were analysed descriptively. Results Left-side perturbation amplitude was 1.9 ± 0.1 m/s, delay 105 ± 2 ms, and duration 78 ± 1 ms. Right-side perturbation amplitude was 1.9 ± 0.1 m/s, delay 118 ± 2 ms, duration 78 ± 1 ms. PE% ranged from 5–30% for the recorded perturbations. CV% of the perturbations ranged from 19.5–76.8%. TRV% for the perturbations was 6.4–16.6%. BLA for the left was amplitude: 0.0 ± 0.3m/s, delay: 0 ± 17 ms, duration: 2 ± 13 ms, and for the right was amplitude: 0.1 ± 0.7, delay: 4 ± 40 ms, duration: 1 ± 35 ms. EMG amplitudes ranged from 175 ± 141%–454 ± 359% in both limbs. Latencies were 109 ± 12–116 ± 23 ms in the tibialis anterior, and 128 ± 49-157 ± 20 ms in the biceps femoris. Discussion Generally, this study indicated sufficient validity and reliability of the current setup considering the technical challenges and limitations, although the reliability of the right-sided perturbations could be questioned. The protocol provoked reflex responses in the lower extremities, especially in the leading leg. Acute neuromusculoskeletal adjustments to the perturbations could be studied and compared in clinical and healthy running populations, and the protocol could be utilised to monitor chronic adaptations to interventions over time.
Comparison of conventional needle holding technique and pen holding method of needle holding for real-time ultrasound-guided internal jugular venous cannulation – A randomised parallel-group study

Background and Aims: Ultrasound-guided central venous (CV) cannulation is the standard of care for inserting CV catheter in the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). However, mechanical complications can still occur. The primary objective of this study was to compare the incidence of posterior vessel wall puncture (PVWP) using conventional needle holding technique with pen holding method of needle holding technique for IJV cannulation. Secondary objectives were comparison of other mechanical complications, access time and ease of the procedure. Methods: This prospective, randomised parallel-group study included 90 patients. Patients requiring ultrasound-guided RIJV cannulation under general anaesthesia were randomised into two groups P (n = 45) and C (n = 45). In group C, the RIJV was cannulated using the conventional needle holding technique. In group P, the pen holding method of needle holding technique was used. Incidence of PVWP, complications (arterial puncture, haematoma) number of attempts for successful cannulation, time to insertion of guidewire and performer's ease were compared. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 24.0). A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our study, there was no significant difference in incidence of PVWP and complications between the two groups. Number of attempts and time for successful guidewire insertion were comparable. Ease of the procedure was scored a median of 10 in both the groups. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the incidence of PVWP between the two techniques in this study, necessitating further evaluation of this novel technique.
MEROMORPHIC FUNCTIONS SHARE TWO VALUES WITH ITS DIFFERENCE OPERATOR

In this paper, we investigate the uniqueness problem related to a meromorphic function f ( z ) and its diﬀerence operator ∆ f ( z ) = f ( z + η ) − f ( z ) , and we prove that ∆ f ( z ) and f ( z ) share a, b CM, where f ( z ) is a meromorphic function with N ( r, f ) = S ( r, f ), then f ( z + η ) = 2 f ( z ) .
Potential of Indigenous Strains Isolated from the Wastewater Treatment Plant of a Crude Oil Refinery

Contamination of the environment with crude oil or other fuels is an enormous disaster for all organisms. The microbial communities for bioremediation have been an effective tool for eliminating pollution. This study aimed to determine individual cultures’ and a strain mixture’s ability to utilize alkanes (single alkanes and crude oil). The proper study of pure cultures is necessary to design synergistically working consortia. The Acinetobacter venetianus ICP1 and Pseudomonas oleovorans ICTN13 strains isolated from a wastewater treatment plant of a crude oil refinery can grow in media containing various aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The genome of the strain ICP1 contains four genes encoding alkane hydroxylases, whose transcription depended on the length of the alkane in the media. We observed that the hydrophobic cells of the strain ICP1 adhered to hydrophobic substrates, and their biofilm formation increased the bioavailability and biodegradation of the hydrocarbons. Although strain ICTN13 also has one alkane hydroxylase-encoding gene, the growth of the strain in a minimal medium containing alkanes was weak. Importantly, the growth of the mixture of strains in the crude oil-containing medium was enhanced compared with that of the single strains, probably due to the specialization in the degradation of different hydrocarbon classes and co-production of biosurfactants.
Particle motion in a barbed plate electrostatic precipitator

A barbed plate electrostatic precipitator has been designed to provide a more uniform current density distribution and electric field in the inter-electrode gap. Particle motion in the novel precipitator is observed via a laser light-sheet and measured with a laser Doppler velocimeter. Results indicate that turbulence is more uniformly distributed in the barbed plate precipitator than in a wire-plate precipitator and that transverse particle velocities are higher in the barbed plate precipitator. Additionally, large scale secondary flows are observed in the wire-plate precipitator, but not the barbed plate precipitator. <<ETX>>
Impulsivity and Attention in Obsessive Compulsive and Tic Disorders: Mismatch in Self-Report and Behavioural Data

Impulsivity is a multidimensional, cross-diagnostic behavioural construct that has been described in various psychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). Different interpretations of results in the past have raised the question of heightened impulsivity as an explanatory model for self-described impulsive behaviour, especially in OCD. Our study included 16 patients with OCD, 14 patients with TS, and 28 healthy control subjects (HC). Self-assessed impulsivity was examined by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the behavioural test used was the immediate and delayed memory task (IMT/DMT). Significantly heightened self-assessed impulsivity of the patient collective compared to HC could be observed in in only one dimension: lack of attention (χ2 (2) = 24.910, p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests were performed using Bonferroni adjusted alpha levels of 0.0167 per test (0.05/3) and revealed significantly higher scores in patients with OCD (M = 19.57, SD = 2.82), z = 4.292, p < 0.001 as with TS (M = 19.38, SD = 3.62), z = 3.832, p < 0.001 compared to HC (M = 13.78, SD = 3.18). In patients with OCD, correlations between the dimension of obsessive thoughts with a lack of attention in the form of first-order factor cognitive instability could be shown (n = 14, p = 0.024, rs = 0.599) while in patients with TS, tic symptomatology correlated significantly with second-order factor attentional impulsivity (n = 12, p = 0.027, rs = 0.635). In behavioural testing, no significant group differences could be observed either in impulsive behaviour (IMT: χ2 (2) = 4.709, p = 0.824; DMT: χ2 (2) = 0.126, p = 0.939) or in sustained attention (IMT: χ2 (2) = 0.388, p = 0.095; DMT: χ2 (2) = 0.663, p = 0.718). Heightened impulsivity as an explanatory model for the observed lack of attention, especially in patients with OCD, should be questioned and interpretation biases considered in the future. The necessity of a multidimensional approach to the research of impulsivity is underscored by our results.
First Validation of Robust REBCO Insert Concept on a Large 20-Pancake Prototype Reaching Up to 25 T

We recently proposed a robust REBCO HTS (RareEarth BaCuO) insert coil concept in the framework of a project to upgrade the 25 T Cryogen-Free Superconducting Magnet at the High Field Laboratory For Superconducting Materials to reach 30 T. In this article, the conductor consists of a two-tape bundle to mitigate the risks posed by local tape degradation. So-called edge impregnation is used to enhance the mechanical stiffness while reducing delamination risk, providing conduction-cooling capability at the same time. This insert is to be protected against the risk of thermal runaway simply by using dump resistor, thanks to an early detection concept. The different ideas forming the robust REBCO insert coil concept were tested successfully on various small scale prototypes. We report here their first implementation on a large-size insert coil, consisting of 20 stacked pancakes from the 30 T CSM upgrade insert. The mechanical behavior of the coil is modelled and validated with experiments. The thermal runaway detection setup is introduced. Its sensitivity and selectivity is discussed based on previous works on thermal runaway scenarios.
Criteria for the selection of stochastic models of particle trajectories in turbulent flows

Many different random-walk models of dispersion in inhomogeneous or unsteady turbulence have been proposed and several criteria have emerged to distinguish good models from bad. In this paper the relationships between the various criteria are examined for a very general class of models and it is shown that most of the criteria are equivalent. It is also shown how a model can be designed to satisfy these criteria exactly and to be consistent with inertial-subrange theory. Some examples of models that obey the criteria are described. As an illustration some calculations of dispersion in free-convective conditions are presented.
Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of lobectomy combined with segmentectomy: a cohort study

Background Segmentectomy is a standard procedure, and there is considerable data on routine segmentectomies. However, there are only few reports on lobectomy performed in combination with segmentectomy (lobectomy + segmentectomy). Thus, we aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of lobectomy + segmentectomy. Methods We reviewed patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy between January 2010 and July 2021 at Gunma University Hospital, Japan. We comparatively analyzed clinicopathological data of patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy and those who underwent lobectomy in combination with wedge resection (lobectomy + wedge resection). Results We collected data from 22 patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy and 72 who underwent lobectomy + wedge resection. Lobectomy + segmentectomy was mainly performed to treat lung cancer, and the median number of resected segments was 4.5 and the median number of lesions was 2. Lobectomy + segmentectomy was associated with a higher rate of thoracotomy and a longer operation time. Incidence of overall complications, including pulmonary fistula and pneumonia was higher in the lobectomy + segmentectomy group. However, there were no significant differences in the length of drainage, major complications, and mortality. For lobectomy + segmentectomy, the only left-sided procedure was a left lower lobectomy + lingulectomy, whereas procedures were diverse on the right side, mostly combining a right upper or middle lobectomy with atypical segmentectomies. Conclusions Lobectomy + segmentectomy was performed for (I) multiple lung lesions, (II) lesions invading an adjacent lobe, or (III) lesions with a metastatic lymph node invading the bronchial bifurcation. Although lobectomy + segmentectomy is a lung-preserving procedure that can benefit patients with multiple or advanced diseases involving two lobes, this procedure should still be performed following a careful patient selection process.
ASYMPTOTIC THEORY FOR ZERO ENERGY FUNCTIONALS WITH NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION APPLICATIONS

A local limit theorem is given for the sample mean of a zero energy function of a nonstationary time series involving twin numerical sequences that pass to infinity. The result is applicable in certain nonparametric kernel density estimation and regression problems where the relevant quantities are functions of both sample size and bandwidth. An interesting outcome of the theory in nonparametric regression is that the linear term is eliminated from the asymptotic bias. In consequence and in contrast to the stationary case, the Nadaraya–Watson estimator has the same limit distribution (to the second order including bias) as the local linear nonparametric estimator.
The Effect of Cerebellar tDCS on Static and Dynamic Balance of Inactive Elderly Men

The aim of this study was investigating the effect of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on static and dynamic balance of inactive older adults. Twenty-four older adults participated in this study. All participants underwent static and dynamic balance tests. In the Experimental group, anode electrode was positioned at the O point in the cerebellum and cathode electrode was positioned on the left eye socket (FP1). In the control group, the anode and cathode electrodes were positioned at O and FP1 points, respectively, but the current stimulation was stopped after 30 s. Then, the posttest was performed. Data analysis was done using MANCOVA. There was a significant difference between the Experimental and control groups in static balance (p = .12) and dynamic balance (p = .18) and the performance was better in the experimental group. It can be concluded that tDCS can improve static and dynamic balance in inactive older adults.
Quantification of tumor induced motor cortical plasticity using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas

Introduction The evaluation of brain plasticity can provide relevant information for the surgical planning of patients with brain tumors, especially when it comes to intrinsic lesions such as gliomas. Neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a non-invasive tool capable of providing information about the functional map of the cerebral cortex. Although nTMS presents a good correlation with invasive intraoperative techniques, the measurement of plasticity still needs standardization. The present study evaluated objective and graphic parameters in the quantification and qualification of brain plasticity in adult patients with gliomas in the vicinity of the motor area. Methods This is a prospective observational study that included 35 patients with a radiological diagnosis of glioma who underwent standard surgical treatment. nTMS was performed with a focus on the motor area of the upper limbs in both the affected and healthy cerebral hemispheres in all patients to obtain data on motor thresholds (MT) and graphical evaluation by three-dimensional reconstruction and mathematical analysis of parameters related to the location and displacement of the motor centers of gravity (ΔL), dispersion (SDpc) and variability (VCpc) of the points where there was a positive motor response. Data were compared according to the ratios between the hemispheres of each patient and stratified according to the final pathology diagnosis. Results The final sample consisted of 14 patients with a radiological diagnosis of low-grade glioma (LGG), of which 11 were consistent with the final pathology diagnosis. The normalized interhemispheric ratios of ΔL, SDpc, VCpc, and MT were significantly relevant for the quantification of plasticity (p < 0.001). The graphic reconstruction allows the qualitative evaluation of this plasticity. Conclusion The nTMS was able to quantitatively and qualitatively demonstrate the occurrence of brain plasticity induced by an intrinsic brain tumor. The graphic evaluation allowed the observation of useful characteristics for the operative planning, while the mathematical analysis made it possible to quantify the magnitude of the plasticity.