Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Administration of a Multi-Genus Synbiotic to Broilers: Effects on Gut Health, Microbial Composition and Performance

Simple Summary Since the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned, the poultry sector is searching for alternatives to support production efficiency. Synbiotics, which consist of a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics, appear to be a promising way to do so by sustaining chickens’ gut health. In this study, the synbiotic PoultryStar® sol was tested on three broiler flocks, reared in separate farms under typical field conditions. Compared to control chickens, those fed with the synbiotic throughout the productive cycle generally exhibited less histopathological lesions and had higher villi at intestinal level, and ultimately performed better in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and liveability. The composition of the caecal microbial ecosystem was also studied, proving that synbiotic supplementation influenced the abundance of several bacterial populations. To fully understand the exact implications of these changes, further studies are required, which will be informed and facilitated by the present data. Abstract In recent years, the applicability of prebiotics, probiotics and their mixtures, defined as synbiotics, in poultry production has received considerable attention. Following the increasing regulation of antibiotic use, these nutraceuticals are seen as an alternative way to sustain production efficiency and resistance to pathogens and stressors by modulating birds’ gut health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits provided under field conditions by administering the multi-species synbiotic PoultryStar® sol to broilers in drinking water. To this purpose, three Ross 308 broiler flocks, representing separate progenies of a breeder flock which was treated with the same synbiotic, were housed in separate farms, divided into treatment and control groups, and followed throughout the productive cycle. Synbiotic administration was shown to improve gut health even in absence of a challenge, with limited changes in terms of macroscopic intestinal lesions and more overt differences related to histopathological scores and villi length. Synbiotic-fed chickens performed consistently better in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survivability. Lastly, the evaluation of the caecal microbiome through next-generation sequencing highlighted the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the composition of the bacterial population, the implications of which will, however, require further studies to be better comprehended.
Simultaneous EEG and diffuse optical imaging of seizure-related hemodynamic activity in the newborn infant brain

An optical imaging system has been developed which uses measurements of diffusely reflected near-infrared light to produce maps of changes in blood flow and oxygenation occurring within the cerebral cortex. Optical sources and detectors are coupled to the head via an array of optical fibers, on a probe held in contact with the scalp, and data is collected at a rate of 10 Hz. A clinical electroencephalography (EEG) system has been integrated with the optical system to enable simultaneous observation of electrical and hemodynamic activity in the cortex of neurologically compromised newborn infants diagnosed with seizures. Studies have made a potentially critically important discovery of previously unknown transient hemodynamic events in infants treated with anticonvulsant medication. We observed repeated episodes of small increases in cortical oxyhemoglobin concentration followed by a profound decrease in 3 of 4 infants studied, each with cerebral injury who presented with neonatal seizures. This was not accompanied by clinical or EEG seizure activity and was not present in nineteen matched controls. The underlying cause of these changes is currently unknown. We tentatively suggest that our results may be associated with a phenomenon known as cortical spreading depolarization, not previously observed in the infant brain.
Plugging life-history gaps in FishBase with data on sharks and rays 1

Length-weight relationships (LWR) and parameter estimates of the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) are important life history traits that are essential for fishery stock assessment and management. The aim of this study is to fill gaps in LWR and VBGF parameters of species of sharks and rays included in the Sea Around Us database of marine fisheries catches (www.seaaroundus.org), but which lack these key parameters in FishBase, the global online encyclopedia of fishes (www.fishbase.org). We found in the literature or estimated LWR parameters for all the 21 species of shark and rays that we selected, along with VBGF parameters. The results of the study indicate that most of these exploited species grow slowly, and thus are at risk from fisheries pressure and ocean warming.
The evolution of fast reconnection in a three-dimensional current sheet system

By showing the details of the numerical procedure, global dynamics of the current sheet system is systematically studied by three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations in the parameter range where the numerical resistivity is much smaller than the physical resistivity. In the absence of resistivity, initiated by a reconnection disturbance, current sheet thinning drastically occurs because of the sheet pinch, leading to extreme increase in current density around the X neutral point. For the uniform resistivity model, the drastic current increase is suppressed by the magnetic diffusion (reconnection), but the reconnection jet cannot be accelerated effectively, so that any fast reconnection mechanism cannot evolve; for the smaller resistivity, the current density at the X point becomes larger. Once current-driven anomalous resistivities build up, both the reconnection flow and the anomalous resistivity simultaneously grow to enhance each other, eventually giving rise to the Alfvenic fast reconnection j.
Scattering Polarization due to Light Source Anisotropy II. Envelope of Arbitrary Shape.

Aims. We consider the polarization arising from scattering in an envelope illuminated by a central anisotropic source. This work extends the theory introduced in a previous paper (Al-Malki et al. 1999) in which scattering polarization from a spherically symmetric envelope illuminated by an anisotropic point source was considered. Here we generalize to account for the more realistic expectation of a non-spherical envelope shape. Methods. Spherical harmonics are used to describe both the light source anisotropy and the envelope density distribution functions of the scattering particles. This framework demonstrates how the net resultant polarization arises from a superposition of three basic “shape” functions: the distribution of source illumination, the distribution of envelope scatterers, and the phase function for dipole scattering. Results. Specific expressions for the Stokes parameters and scattered flux are derived for the case of an ellipsoidal light source inside an ellipsoidal envelope, with principal axes that are generally not aligned. Two illustrative examples are considered: (a) axisymmetric mass loss from a rapidly rotating star, such as may apply to some Luminous Blue Variables, and (b) a Roche-lobe filling star in a binary system with a circumstellar envelope. Conclusions. As a general conclusion, the combination of source anisotropy with distorted scattering envelopes leads to more complex polarimetric behavior such that the source characteristics should be carefully considered when interpreting polarimetric data.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Adds Valuable Information Regarding the Presence of DKA in Children with New-Onset T1DM

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute life-threatening complication occurring mainly at the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker for systemic inflammation, has recently generated increasing interest in many chronic diseases. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in association with DKA severity across these cases. A total of 155 children with new-onset type 1 DM from one large center were included in the study. Total and differential leukocyte counts were measured upon admission and calculation of the NLR was performed. Patients were classified into four groups: without DKA, mild, moderate, and severe DKA at disease onset. Total WBCs, neutrophils, and monocytes increased with DKA severity (p-value < 0.005), while eosinophiles displayed an inverse relationship (p-value < 0.001). Median NLR scores increased from those without ketoacidosis (1.11) to mild (1.58), moderate (3.71), and severe (5.77) ketoacidosis groups. The statistical threshold value of the NLR in predicting DKA was 1.84, with a sensitivity of 80.2% and a specificity of 80%. Study findings indicate that a higher NLR score adds valuable information regarding the presence of DKA in children with new-onset T1DM.
Demodex Blepharitis: An Analysis of Nine Patients

Inflammatory eyelid symptoms are common in primary care and there have been several reports on Demodex blepharitis. In the present study, we evaluate the 9 patients with Demodex blepharitis, who showed inflammation of the eyelids, dry eye, and cylindrical dandruff at the base of the eyelashes. The causative species from all patients was Demodex folliculorum of either the adult or nymph stage. Two patients had recurrent chalazion and 3 patients had keratitis. Weekly lid scrubs with 50% tee tree oil were performed for 6 weeks. After treatment, the symptoms of blepharitis and keratitis had improved in all patients. This case report provides clinical reference source for the proper treatment of ocular demodicosis.
3DYoga90: A Hierarchical Video Dataset for Yoga Pose Understanding

The increasing popularity of exercises including yoga and Pilates has created a greater demand for professional exercise video datasets in the realm of artificial intelligence. In this study, we developed 3DYoga901, which is organized within a three-level label hierarchy. We have expanded the number of poses from an existing state-of-the-art dataset, increasing it from 82 to 90 poses. Our dataset includes meticulously curated RGB yoga pose videos and 3D skeleton sequences. This dataset was created by a dedicated team of six individuals, including yoga instructors. It stands out as one of the most comprehensive open datasets, featuring the largest collection of RGB videos and 3D skeleton sequences among publicly available resources. This contribution has the potential to significantly advance the field of yoga action recognition and pose assessment. Additionally, we conducted experiments to evaluate the practicality of our proposed dataset. We employed three different model variants for benchmarking purposes.
Mastering the Task of Open Information Extraction with Large Language Models and Consistent Reasoning Environment

Open Information Extraction (OIE) aims to extract objective structured knowledge from natural texts, which has attracted growing attention to build dedicated models with human experience. As the large language models (LLMs) have exhibited remarkable in-context learning capabilities, a question arises as to whether the task of OIE can be effectively tackled with this paradigm? In this paper, we explore solving the OIE problem by constructing an appropriate reasoning environment for LLMs. Specifically, we first propose a method to effectively estimate the discrepancy of syntactic distribution between a LLM and test samples, which can serve as correlation evidence for preparing positive demonstrations. Upon the evidence, we introduce a simple yet effective mechanism to establish the reasoning environment for LLMs on specific tasks. Without bells and whistles, experimental results on the standard CaRB benchmark demonstrate that our $6$-shot approach outperforms state-of-the-art supervised method, achieving an $55.3$ $F_1$ score. Further experiments on TACRED and ACE05 show that our method can naturally generalize to other information extraction tasks, resulting in improvements of $5.7$ and $6.8$ $F_1$ scores, respectively.
Order-disorder transition in a poly(styrene-b-isoprene) diblock copolymer at hypersonic frequencies

The order-to-disorder transition (ODT) has been studied in a poly(styrene-b-isoprene) diblock copolymer with a polystyrene (PS) volume fraction fPS of 0.22 at hypersonic frequencies using a tandem Fabry-Perot interferometer. Because of the asymmetric composition we are effectively studying the sound dispersion in a composite material made of hard PS spheres embedded in a soft polyisoprene matrix. All measurements are made in the long-wavelength limit, qD < 1, where q is the scattering wave vector and D is the sphere diameter. The transition temperature (TODT) was identified earlier with rheology and SAXS at 112°C. We have investigated the sound velocity and attenuation at temperatures below and above the transition. We find the signature of TODT from the broad hypersonic attenuation reflecting the enhanced segmental mobility due to mixing at temperatures near the TODT.
Least-biased fuzzy clustering method for inhomogeneous data

We have extended the least biased fuzzy clustering algorithm to inhomogeneous data sets. The resolution parameter is generalized from a scalar to a vector with the dimension of the feature space. We fix the orientation of the resolution vector to measure the relative inhomogeneities of each cluster of data points in the different dimensions; and we study the effect of the magnitude of the resolution parameter on the phase transitions yielding the clusters. Based on the detection of the onset of a phase transition, a new technique for truncating the iteration scheme of solution reduces the computational complexity to the order of the number of data points. The actual computational load of the algorithm is discussed and examples are given to illustrate the performance of the algorithm in clustering inhomogeneous data sets.
MYB3R-SCL28-SMR module with a role in cell size control negatively regulates G2 progression in Arabidopsis

ABSTRACT Cell size control is one of the prerequisites for plant growth and development. Recently, a GRAS family transcription factor, SCARECROW-LIKE28 (SCL28), was identified as a critical regulator for both mitotic and postmitotic cell-size control. Here, we show that SCL28 is specifically expressed in proliferating cells and exerts its function to delay G2 progression during mitotic cell cycle in Arabidopsis thaliana. Overexpression of SCL28 provokes a significant enlargement of cells in various organs and tissues, such as leaves, flowers and seeds, to different extents depending on the type of cells. The increased cell size is most likely due to a delayed G2 progression and accelerated onset of endoreplication, an atypical cell cycle repeating DNA replication without cytokinesis or mitosis. Unlike DWARF AND LOW-TILLERING, a rice ortholog of SCL28, SCL28 may not have a role in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling because sensitivity against brassinazole, a BR biosynthesis inhibitor, was not dramatically altered in scl28 mutant and SCL28-overexpressing plants. Collectively, our findings strengthen a recently proposed model of cell size control by SCL28 and suggest the presence of diversified evolutionary mechanisms for the regulation and action of SCL28.
Neutralizing peripheral circulating IL1β slows the progression of ALS in a lentivirus‐infected OPTNE478G mouse model

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is irreversible and fatal within 3–5 years, with limited options for treatment. It is imperative to develop a symptom‐based treatment that may increase the survival of ALS patients and improve their quality of life. Inflammation status, especially elevated interleukin 1β (IL1β), has been reported to play a critical role in ALS progression. Our study determined that neutralizing circulating IL1β slows down the progression of ALS in an ALS mouse model.
On the synthesis of exact free space absorbing boundary conditions for the finite-difference time-domain method

An exact and nonlocal analytical absorbing boundary condition (ABC) for use in the finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method is proposed. The ABC requires no assumptions regarding a minimum spacing between scatterers and the artificial termination planes, and is not a function of the angle of an incident wave component with respect to the ABC truncation plane. Hence the size of the volumetric computational domain may be kept to a minimum. The derivation of the ABC makes use of the surface equivalent theorem and the vector potentials after an analytical frequency to time domain transformation. The new ABC contains derivatives with respect to both time and space, and may be approximated in the FDTD method via appropriate finite difference approximations. >
Incoherent sub-terahertz radiation source with a photomixer array for active imaging in smoky environments

We propose a sub-terahertz (THz) illuminator suitable for use with a THz camera when exploring objects within and behind smoke at the scene of a fire. The illuminator contains a photomixer array and each photomixer generates incoherent sub-THz waves from a single-mode laser light and optical noise using photomixing. The incoherency of the generated sub-THz waves enables us to raise their intensity by increasing the number of photomixers in operation, which makes it possible to realize very bright sub-THz illumination. Consequently, objects being under searched for within or behind smoke can be clearly illuminated using the illuminator and visualized by the THz camera even though they are surrounded by thick and/or high-temperature smoke. To verify our concept, we conducted active imaging with coherent and incoherent sub-THz radiation from a photomixer array utilizing reflection geometry. Although the contrast of the image was improved by increasing number of photomixers in operation on the imaging with coherent radiation, the shape of the target was degraded by the interference pattern of the illuminated sub-THz waves. The contrast of the image when using incoherent radiation was improved without obscuring the shape of the target by increasing the number of photomixers. We also confirmed that there was good visibility for active imaging using incoherent sub-THz illumination even though thick smoke was presented. These results indicate that the use of incoherent sub-THz waves and an array of photomixers should enable a sub-THz illuminator with a high level of brightness to be used for active imaging
An infinite family of relativistic magnetized finite thin disks

An infinite family of relativistic finite thin disk model with magnetic field is presented. The model is obtained for solving the Einstein-Maxwell equations for static spacetimes by means of the Horský-Mitskievitch generating conjecture. The vacuum limit of these obtained solutions is the well known Morgan and Morgan solution. The obtained expressions are simply written in terms of oblate spheroidal coordinates. The mass of the disks are finite and the energy-momentum tensor agrees with all the energy conditions. The magnetic field and the circular velocity are evaluated explicitly. All the physical quantities obtained shown an acceptable behavior
DsDBF1, a Type A-5 DREB Gene, Identified and Characterized in the Moss Dicranum scoparium

Plant dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) transcription factors (TFs) play important roles during stress tolerance by regulating the expression of numerous genes involved in stresses. DREB TFs have been extensively studied in a variety of angiosperms and bryophytes. To date, no information on the identification and characterization of DREB TFs in Dicranum scoparium has been reported. In this study, a new DBF1 gene from D. scoparium was identified by cloning and sequencing. Analysis of the conserved domain and physicochemical properties revealed that DsDBF1 protein has a classic AP2 domain encoding a 238 amino acid polypeptide with a molecular mass of 26 kDa and a pI of 5.98. Subcellular prediction suggested that DsDBF1 is a nuclear and cytoplasmic protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed that DsDBF1 belongs to group A-5 DREBs. Expression analysis by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) revealed that DsDBF1 was significantly upregulated in response to abiotic stresses such as desiccation/rehydration, exposure to paraquat, CdCl2, high and freezing temperatures. Taken together, our data suggest that DsDBF1 could be a promising gene candidate to improve stress tolerance in crop plants, and the characterization of TFs of a stress tolerant moss such as D. scoparium provides a better understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms.
Robust Quickest Change Detection in Non-Stationary Processes

Optimal algorithms are developed for robust detection of changes in non-stationary processes. These are processes in which the distribution of the data after change varies with time. The decision-maker does not have access to precise information on the post-change distribution. It is shown that if the post-change non-stationary family has a distribution that is least favorable in a well-defined sense, then the algorithms designed using the least favorable distributions are robust and optimal. Non-stationary processes are encountered in public health monitoring and space and military applications. The robust algorithms are applied to real and simulated data to show their effectiveness.
Big Five Personality and Fear of Missing Out on Teenage Girls who Used Social Media

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan big five personality dengan fear of missing out (FoMO) pada remaja perempuan pengguna media sosial. Pada variabel big five personality, yang diteliti hanya berfokus pada tiga trait kepribadian yaitu neuroticism, extraversion, dan, agreeableness. Sedangkan dua trait kepribadian yaitu openness to experience dan conscientiousness tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini. Jenis penelitian adalah kuantitatif, dengan teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan quota sampling. Partisipan penelitian adalah remaja berjenis kelamin perempuan yang berdomisili di Kota Manado, dengan rentang usia 17 sampai 20 tahun, memiliki media sosial, dengan total partisipan berjumlah 222. Semua partisipan yang mengikuti penelitian ini menggunakan media sosial lebih dari 3 jam per hari. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan cara membagikan dua jenis kuisioner secara bersamaan dan kuisioner tersebut terdiri dari big five inventory dan fear of missing out scales. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan pada trait kepribadian extraversion dan agreeableness dengan fear of missing out remaja perempuan pengguna media sosial. Sedangkan pada trait kepribadian neuroticism tidak memiliki hubungan yang signifikan.