Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Sedative Effects of Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil in Vitrectomy Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Background Vitrectomy surgery is a painful and lengthy procedure. Therefore, administering sedation to reduce patient agitation provides both surgical comfort and hemodynamic stability. However, various complications can arise during the perioperative period depending on the sedation agent used. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil sedation applications on patient hemodynamics and perioperative complications in vitrectomy surgery. Methods Our retrospective study included patients aged 18-70 who underwent vitrectomy surgery between 2021 and 2022 with complete file data and ASA scores of 1-3 after obtaining approval from our hospital's ethics committee. Patients were classified into two groups based on the sedation agent used: Group D for dexmedetomidine and Group R for remifentanil. Demographic data of patients, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, and bispectral index values during perioperative monitoring, operation duration, and complications such as perioperative nausea, vomiting, and low saturation were recorded. The data of both groups were statistically evaluated, with p<0.05 values considered statistically significant. Results Because of missing data in 18 out of 58 patient files, these cases were excluded from the study. A total of 40 patients were included in the study, with 20 in Group D and 20 in Group R. The mean age of the patients was 64. Among them, 18 (45%) were male, and 22 (55%) were female. The mean operation duration was 61.8 ± 24.1 minutes in Group D and 56.3 ± 17.2 minutes in Group R. The heart rate in Group D was statistically significantly lower than in Group R, starting from the 20th minute of the perioperative period. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, and bispectral index values. One case of bradycardia occurred in Group D, requiring intervention. Conclusion In vitrectomy surgery, both dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusions can be used for sedation, but caution is advised regarding bradycardia in Group D. Anticipating potential complications with an experienced anesthesia team is crucial for both patient and surgical comfort.
Variscan intra-orogenic extensional tectonics in the Ossa-Morena Zone (Évora-Aracena-Lora del Rı́o metamorphic belt, SW Iberian Massif): SHRIMP zircon U-Th-Pb geochronology

Abstract Following a Middle–Late Devonian (c. 390–360 Ma) phase of crustal shortening and mountain building, continental extension and onset of high-medium-grade metamorphic terrains occurred in the SW Iberian Massif during the Visean (c. 345–326 Ma). The Évora–Aracena–Lora del Rı́o metamorphic belt extends along the Ossa–Morena Zone southern margin from south Portugal through the south of Spain, a distance of 250 km. This major structural domain is characterized by local development of high-temperature–low-pressure metamorphism (c. 345–335 Ma) that reached high amphibolite to granulite facies. These high-medium-grade metamorphic terrains consist of strongly sheared Ediacaran and Cambrian–early Ordovician (c. 600–480 Ma) protoliths. The dominant structure is a widespread steeply-dipping foliation with a gently-plunging stretching lineation generally oriented parallel to the fold axes. Despite of the wrench nature of this collisional orogen, kinematic indicators of left-lateral shearing are locally compatible with an oblique component of extension. These extensional transcurrent movements associated with pervasive mylonitic foliation (c. 345–335 Ma) explain the exhumation of scarce occurrences of eclogites (c. 370 Ma). Mafic-intermediate plutonic and hypabyssal rocks (c. 355–320 Ma), mainly I-type high-K calc-alkaline diorites, tonalites, granodiorites, gabbros and peraluminous biotite granites, are associated with these metamorphic terrains. Volcanic rocks of the same chemical composition and age are preserved in Tournaisian–Visean (c. 350–335 Ma) marine basins dominated by detrital sequences with local development of syn-sedimentary gravitational collapse structures. This study, supported by new U–Pb zircon dating, demonstrates the importance of intra-orogenic transtension in the Gondwana margin during the Early Carboniferous when the Rheic ocean between Laurussia and Gondwana closed, forming the Appalachian and Variscan mountains.
The Inherent Asymmetry of River Meander Planform

Inspection of the planform of meandering rivers indicates that they are generally not symmetric but display at least two forms of asymmetry indicative of flow direction. One is downchannel delay in the inflection point of meanders, producing traverses (the part of the channel trace that crosses from one side of the valley to the other) which are dominantly convex facing down valley. The other is upvalley skew in the axis of gooseneck loops. An index of inflection asymmetry is presented and applied to 15 rivers: the data confirm the statistical preference for delayed inflection. An explanation of the phenomenon is offered based on the hydraulics of flow through bends. Of major importance appears to be the persistence downchannel of patterns of helical circulation and cross-sectional distribution of longitudinal velocity well past the bend that forms them. The upvalley skew of goosenecks is, in many cases, nothing more than an extreme form of convex-downvalley looping, maintained as meanders have increased their tortuosity. Some goosenecks, however, show no delayed inflection and appear to develop from differences in rates of downvalley migration between adjacent meander traverses. It is concluded that the minimum variance theory and sine-generated model of meanders should now be discarded.
Bloodlines: From Ethnic Pride to Ethnic Terrorism

* Deadly Distinctions: The Rise of Ethnic Violence * Ethnic Tents: Descriptions of Large-Group Identities * Anwar el-Sadat Goes to Jerusalem: The Psychology of International Conflicts Observed at Close Range * Chosen Trauma: Unresolved Mourning * Ancient Fuel for a Modern Inferno: Time Collapse in Bosnia-Herzegovina * We-ness: Identifications and Shared Reservoirs * Enemy Images: Minor Differences and Dehumanization * Two Rocks in the Aegean Sea: Turks and Greeks in Conflict * Unwanted Corpses in Latvia: An Attempt at Purification * A Palestinian Orphanage: Rallying Around a Leader * Ethnic Terrorism and Terrorists: Belonging by Violence * From Victim to Victimizer: The Leader of the PKK (Kurdish Workers Party) * Totem and Taboo in Romania: The Internalization of a Dead Leader and Restabilization of an Ethnic Tent * Experiment in Estonia: Unofficial Diplomacy at Work * Afterword: Psychoanalysis and Diplomacy
Intermittent Hypoxia Conditioning: A Potential Multi-Organ Protective Therapeutic Strategy

Severe hypoxia can induce a range of systemic disorders; however, surprising resilience can be obtained through sublethal adaptation to hypoxia, a process termed as hypoxic conditioning. A particular form of this strategy, known as intermittent hypoxia conditioning hormesis, alternates exposure to hypoxic and normoxic conditions, facilitating adaptation to reduced oxygen availability. This technique, originally employed in sports and high-altitude medicine, has shown promise in multiple pathologies when applied with calibrated mild to moderate hypoxia and appropriate hypoxic cycles. Recent studies have extensively investigated the protective role of intermittent hypoxia conditioning and its underlying mechanisms using animal models, demonstrating its potential in organ protection. This involves a range of processes such as reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, along with enhancement of hypoxic gene expression, among others. Given that intermittent hypoxia conditioning fosters beneficial physiological responses across multiple organs and systems, this review presents a comprehensive analysis of existing studies on intermittent hypoxia and its potential advantages in various organs. It aims to draw attention to the possibility of clinically applying intermittent hypoxia conditioning as a multi-organ protective strategy. This review comprehensively discusses the protective effects of intermittent hypoxia across multiple systems, outlines potential procedures for implementing intermittent hypoxia, and provides a brief overview of the potential protective mechanisms of intermittent hypoxia.
Biopesticide and biofertilizer potential of tropical earthworm vermicast tea

The adverse effects of chemical pesticides have continued to drive the search for safe, biological alternatives. Studies on biopesticide potential of earthworm casts have remained largely limited to those of temperate earthworms. We evaluated the insect pest repellency and growth-promoting potential of tropical earthworm-derived vermicast tea on the seedlings of Arachis hypogaea (groundnut), Zea mays (maize) and Phaseolus vulgaris (bean). Field-sourced earthworm casts were soaked in water for 48 hours, routinely stirred every 6 hours, and filtered through a fine mesh cloth. The filtrate was the vermicast tea. Seedlings grown in garden soil were sprayed with vermicast tea every four days. The seedlings were monitored for insect pest-induced leaf damage and growth performance for 5 weeks. Vermicast tea exhibited insect pest repellency effect on groundnut and bean seedlings, as evidenced by the significantly lower (p<0.01) insect pest attack on the treated seedlings, as against the untreated that recorded high pest infestations. However, leaf damage was relatively low in maize seedlings, and the differences in percentage leaf damage among the treated and untreated were not significant (p>0.05). The effect of vermicast tea on the physical growth of seedlings was positive, but marginal. This result calls for increased research on tropical earthworms.
Seasonal variation of cloud radiative forcing derived from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment

The NASA Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), flying aboard multiple satellites, is providing new insights into the climate system. Monthly averaged clear-sky and cloudy sky flux data derived from the ERBE are used to assess the impact of clouds on the Earth's radiation balance. This impact is examined in terms of three quantities: longwave, shortwave, and net cloud forcing. Overall, clouds appear to cool the Earth-atmosphere system. The global mean cooling varied from 14 to 21 W m−2 between April 1985 and January 1986. Hemispherically, the longwave and shortwave cloud forcing nearly cancel each other in the winter hemisphere, while in the summer the negative shortwave cloud forcing is significantly lower than the longwave cloud forcing, producing a strong cooling. Thus clouds significantly reduce the seasonal changes in the net radiative heating of the planet. This reduction is particularly strong over the mid- and high-latitude oceans, where they reduce the summer and spring solar heating by as much as 100–150 W m−2. In the low latitudes, the longwave and shortwave cloud forcing reach peak values over the convectively disturbed regions and tend to offset each other to a large extent. This feature, when combined with the large cooling effect over mid- and high-latitude oceans, leads to the conclusion that clouds significantly reduce the equator-to-pole radiative heating gradient of the planet during spring and summer. In the tropical convective regions the large magnitudes of the shortwave and longwave forcing and the near cancellation of the two suggest that clouds have a significant influence on the vertical distribution of heating between the atmosphere and the surface. Thus the ERBE data reveal that globally, hemispherically, and zonally, clouds have a significant effect on the radiative heating gradients. Comparisons of the ERBE results with general circulation models (GCMs) show that global net cloud forcing can be determined reasonably well from some current versions of the GCMs. Modeled regional and zonal values of radiative cloud forcing, however, indicate a need for considerable improvement.
Three-dimensional imaging of helicoidal pitch and structural characterization of cholesteric cellulose nanocrystals suspensions using second harmonic generation microscopy

The chiral nematic phase of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in the suspension liquid state is commonly examined using polarized optical microscopy (POM) as it conveniently reveals the cholesteric pitch through fingerprint textures. However, POM has certain limitations, one of which is the requirement for a perpendicular alignment of the chiral axis with the optical axis to achieve accurate measurements. We propose employing SHG microscopy as an alternative technique, offering high-contrast imaging of the chiral nematic phase with inherent 2-photon confocal effect. An IR pulsed femtosecond laser is raster scanned through the microscope, and the cumulative SHG response of the aligned CNC recreates the fingerprint textures. As is shown in this present work, the tight focussing effect of SHG microscope allowed z-scanning to render high contrast 3D models of the structures. Morphological observations and the tracking of defects in 3-dimensional space was made possible.
Ecotype effects on photosynthesis performance using A/PFFD among Pinus nigra Arn.

This study aimed to provide insights on intraspecific variability of photosynthesis performance of 19 provenances of black pine planted in a common garden. The experiment was conducted in an experimental trial located at Souiniet (the southern limit of its range) Photosynthetic capacity char­acterized by light-saturated net photosynthetic rates, associated light compensation points and apparent quantum yield was monitored by measuring the response of leaf gas exchange to light levels. Amax was the highest in provenances Puget Theniers (nigra ssp), Saint-Guilhem (salzmanni ssp), Marghese and les barres (laricio ssp). The lowest value was recorded in Olette of the subspecies salzmanni. Needles from two provenances Crimea (pallasiana ssp) and Les Barres (ssp laricio) revealed the highest apparent quantum yield (ɸ), followed by Brougatlès Ales (salzmanni ssp), Trenta Coste (ssp laricio), Les barres and Puget Theniers (nigra ssp). The lowest apparent quantum Yield was recorded in Laricio subspecies (Cosenza; Les barres and Bois frerot). The highest value of dark respiration (Rd) was shown in provenance Les barres (laricio ssp), while Grancia and Tavola of the laricio subspecies reported the lowest one. Provenances Tavola (laricio ssp) and Puget Theniers (nigra ssp) exhibited the highest LCP. The provenance Crimée (pallasiana ssp) and Aspromonto (laricio ssp) recorded the lowest values. The maximum values of photosynthesis are positively correlated with the total chlorophyll contents and Leaf Mass area. Our study illustrates that Photosynthesis performance showed a difference between 19 provenances of black pine; it seems that black pine photosynthetic performance is eco-typical independent.
Indirect economic impacts of dams : case studies from India, Egypt, and Brazil

Dams have brought considerable benefits to many countries and regions. They have enabled improvement and expansion of hydropower generation; irrigated agriculture; water supply for domestic and industrial uses; water for ecological services and pollution control; flood control; and reduced vulnerability to droughts. Dam assessment is by its nature a complex undertaking. First, many of the benefits and costs associated with dam development have quite different time streams, with hydropower and irrigated agriculture benefits materializing relatively quickly, flood control and drought reduction benefits being episodic, and some environmental costs only appearing decades later. Second, these benefits and costs are faced by different sectors and there are inter relationships between sectors so that, for example, agricultural expansion may bring in population that makes the region more resilient and able to take advantage of opportunities in industrial sectors at later times. Lastly, the effects of dams are distributed across different spatial scales, from local to basin, to regional to national, and in some cases, to transnational.
Stacked gabbro units and intervening mantle: A detailed look at a section of IODP Leg 305, Hole U1309D

Hole U1309D (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Legs 304/305) penetrated 1415 m into the seafloor of the Atlantis Massif, an oceanic core complex at 30°N, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. More than 96% of all recovered rocks are gabbroic. On the basis of a mineral chemical overview, we suggest that between ≤800 and 1100 m below sea floor (mbsf), a magmatic unit occurs, ranging from olivine gabbro and troctolite in the lower part to gabbronorite and oxide gabbro in the upper part. Below 1235 mbsf, massive gabbronorites/oxide gabbros were drilled and they may represent the roof of an underlying magmatic unit. The focus here is on the zone where both units interact and screens, totaling 50 m, of a microstructurally distinct, olivine‐rich troctolite occur. We argue that the olivine‐rich troctolite is a former mantle rock which was converted to a crust‐mantle transition zone dunite at the base of the upper magmatic unit. Later, as melts derived from the lower magmatic unit percolated through it, it was equilibrated to a more evolved chemistry and transformed to a fine‐grained, olivine‐rich troctolite. Our main arguments against a possible cumulate nature of the olivine‐rich troctolite are the lack of a systematic downhole trend in compatible elements within the olivine‐rich troctolite, its distinctly fine‐grained microstructure, the high Cr content of cpx, and its Ni‐rich olivine composition. The high NiO for a given Mg/(Mg + Fe) in the olivine‐rich troctolite can be modeled by simple equilibration of relict mantle olivine with a mildly evolved melt. Evidence for the percolation of evolved melts through the olivine‐rich troctolites are Ti‐rich, interstitial pyroxenes and, as inclusions in Cr‐spinel, highly evolved amphiboles and orthopyroxenes plus the occurrence of millimeter‐scale noritic veins. The percolation by evolved melts would also be the major difference to otherwise conceptually similar rocks from the ophiolitic crust‐mantle transition zone.
Energetic processing of laboratory ice analogs: UV photolysis versus ion bombardment

We have the ability to perform both ultraviolet (UV) photolysis (primarily Lyman-a photons, average E ≃ 10.2 eV per photon) and ion irradiation (protons, E = 0.8 MeV) in the same experimental setup, with ices created under identical conditions. Here we present recent results on the UV and ion processing of ice mixtures at 18 K of the composition H 2 O + CO 2 + CH 3 OH (1:1:1) and H 2 O + CO 2 + CH 4 (1:1:1). H 2 O, CH 3 OH, CH 4 , and CO 2 are all major components of ices in most astrophysical environments (whether interstellar, cometary, or planetary). Identifications and formation rates of products were measured. Results for photolyzed and irradiated ices are contrasted. We find that similar chemical products are observed in both cases and that rates of formation are equivalent for most of the major products.
A Micro Energy Grid Optimal Design and Economic Operation Using Genetic Algorithms

This paper presents an optimal design procedure and economic operational scheduling of micro energy grids (MEGs). The optimization objectives are to minimize cost, carbon dioxide emissions, and energy deficiency. The energy sources and conversion technologies included in this study are renewable-based sources (wind and photovoltaic), a furnace, an electrical heater, a main power grid, and a local power station. Two proposed control levels are applied to control the operation of the MEG. The supervisor control level selects the energy supplier based on price and/or availability. The inner control level dynamically matches the demand profile with the supply profile. The control loops guarantee dynamic matching between the demand profile and supply profile. Two scenarios are simulated, zero interest rates and 5.25% interest rates. The results showed renewables contribute with a significant share as an energy source, however, higher interest rates would negatively impact this contribution. It also confirms that carbon taxes can reduce the use of fossil fuels as an energy source.
On the formation of high‐latitude soil carbon stocks: Effects of cryoturbation and insulation by organic matter in a land surface model

We modify the soil component of the ORCHIDEE terrestrial carbon cycle model to include vertically‐discretized soil carbon. With this model, we investigate the feedback of considering thermal insulation by soil carbon, which modifies the soil thermal regime by lowering the thermal conductivity and increasing the heat capacity of a carbon‐rich soil, on the total carbon stocks the model builds up. In addition, we demonstrate the effects of diffusive vertical mixing of soil organic matter by cryoturbation on the total carbon stocks that the model builds up in mineral soils in equilibrium with a steady climate. We show that including these two effects together leads to up to 30% higher soil carbon stocks in the top meter of permafrost soils, as well as large stocks of carbon below 1m in the upper permafrost soil layers. The vertical profile of partitioning of carbon between different lability pools is also affected, as the slower pools are more deeply mixed; also the time to reach equilibrium lengthens considerably. These effects are largest in the coldest regions such as Eastern Siberia. The inclusion of cryoturbative mixing and insulation by soil carbon leads to better agreement with estimates of high‐latitude soil carbon stocks, where substantial amounts of carbon are found in permafrost regions, to depths of three meters; however we do not include peat, Yedoma, or alluvial deposition processes here, so the total carbon stocks are still lower than observed.
MucR from Sinorhizobium meliloti: New Insights into Its DNA Targets and Its Ability to Oligomerize

Proteins of the MucR/Ros family play a crucial role in bacterial infection or symbiosis with eukaryotic hosts. MucR from Sinorhizobium meliloti plays a regulatory role in establishing symbiosis with the host plant, both dependent and independent of Quorum Sensing. Here, we report the first characterization of MucR isolated from Sinorhizobium meliloti by mass spectrometry and demonstrate that this protein forms higher-order oligomers in its native condition of expression by SEC-MALS. We show that MucR purified from Sinorhizobium meliloti can bind DNA and recognize the region upstream of the ndvA gene in EMSA, revealing that this gene is a direct target of MucR. Although MucR DNA binding activity was already described, a detailed characterization of Sinorhizobium meliloti DNA targets has never been reported. We, thus, analyze sequences recognized by MucR in the rem gene promoter, showing that this protein recognizes AT-rich sequences and does not require a consensus sequence to bind DNA. Furthermore, we investigate the dependence of MucR DNA binding on the length of DNA targets. Taken together, our studies establish MucR from Sinorhizobium meliloti as a member of a new family of Histone-like Nucleoid Structuring (H-NS) proteins, thus explaining the multifaceted role of this protein in many species of alpha-proteobacteria.