Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-cost, open-source device for simultaneously subjecting rodents to different circadian cycles of light, food, and temperature

Exposure of experimental rodents to controlled cycles of light, food, and temperature is important when investigating alterations in circadian cycles that profoundly influence health and disease. However, applying such stimuli simultaneously is difficult in practice. We aimed to design, build, test, and open-source describe a simple device that subjects a conventional mouse cage to independent cycles of physiologically relevant environmental variables. The device is based on a box enclosing the rodent cage to modify the light, feeding, and temperature environments. The device provides temperature-controlled air conditioning (heating or cooling) by a Peltier module and includes programmable feeding and illumination. All functions are set by a user-friendly front panel for independent cycle programming. Bench testing with a model simulating the CO2 production of mice in the cage showed: a) suitable air renewal (by measuring actual ambient CO2), b) controlled realistic illumination at the mouse enclosure (measured by a photometer), c) stable temperature control, and d) correct cycling of light, feeding, and temperature. The cost of all the supplies (retail purchased by e-commerce) was <300 US$. Detailed technical information is open-source provided, allowing for any user to reliably reproduce or modify the device. This approach can considerably facilitate circadian research since using one of the described low-cost devices for any mouse group with a given light-food-temperature paradigm allows for all the experiments to be performed simultaneously, thereby requiring no changes in the light/temperature of a general-use laboratory.
Opalski Syndrome and Elucidation of Lateral Medullary Syndrome

In this case, a 61-year-old patient presented with Horner’s syndrome of the left eye, left-sided truncal ataxia, left-sided pain/paresthesia of the face as well as right-sided loss of pain and temperature of the arms and legs. MRI findings displayed a clear 4 mm acute left lateral medullary infarct of the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) vascular territory, indicative of lateral medullary syndrome (LMS). The presence of pre-existing medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, late-stage syphilis, and a mechanical aortic valve complicated this clinical picture. The presence of ipsilateral corticospinal deficits in this patient revealed Opalski syndrome, a rare variant of LMS. This case report highlighted the importance of correlating imaging and physical examination of stroke findings.
Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Genesis of Bentonites in Miocene Volcanic-Sedimentary Units of the Ankara-Çankiri Basin, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Widespread alteration in the Miocene lacustrine volcanic/sedimentary rocks of the Ankara-Çankiri basin of central Anatolia has resulted in the formation of sizeable (economic) quantities of bentonite deposits. No detailed characterization of the geological, mineralogical, and geochemical properties or the depositional environments of these primary and secondary bentonite deposits has been carried out to date. The present study was undertaken to close this knowledge gap. Two possible hypothetical processes were examined to explain the genesis of the bentonites: 1) The bentonites were formed by the devitrification of volcanic glass in a lacustrine setting; and 2) The bentonites were formed by the chemical weathering of previously deposited volcaniclastic sediments and ophiolitic materials. The characteristics of the bentonites were examined using X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and chemical analyses of major and trace elements. The Ankara-Çankırı bentonites are found gradationally interbedded with parent Miocene volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. These bentonites were deposited in a shallow lacustrine setting based on observed desiccation cracks, locally enclosed coal seams, plant rootlets, gypsum lenses, yellow sulfate-like fracture infillings, and ferric iron oxide stains. Smectite resulted from the chemical weathering of feldspar and possibly also the weathering of biotite and hornblende. This smectite was precipitated in situ on partially dissolved glass and feldspar. The average major-element composition of the smectite-rich clay fractions yielded the following montmorillonitic smectite structural formula: (Na0.33Ca0.31K0.18) (Al2.35Fe0.80Mg0.78)(Si7.79Al0.21)O20(OH)4.The interlayer cation occupancy in the smectite-rich clay fractions was based on the use of Na+/(Na++Ca2+) ratios and showed a composition between a Ca-smectite and a Na-smectite. The relative increases in several groups of elements according to the LREE/(MREE+HREE) ratio, Al2O3, the sum of Ni+Co+Cr, the sum of Fe2O3+MgO+TiO2, the positive correlation between Rb+Ba and Na2O+K2O, Sr and Rb, Rb/Sr and Zr, Zr/Sm and SiO2, the negative Eu anomaly, and the field and petrographic observations further showed that the Si, Al, Fe, and Mg required to form smectite were mainly supplied from the decomposition of feldspars, amphiboles, and volcanic glass from volcanic materials and were partially supplied from the chemical weathering of ophiolitic basement units. The bentonite deposits examined in this study are mainly primary bentonites derived from volcanics and local secondary bentonites from previously deposited volcaniclastic sediments and ophiolitic materials.
Standard isometric contraction has higher reliability than maximum voluntary isometric contraction for normalizing electromyography during level walking among older adults with knee osteoarthritis

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) normalization often relies on maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), which may not be suitable for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients due to difficulties in generating maximum joint torques caused by pain. This study aims to assess the reliability of standard isometric contraction (SIC) for EMG normalization in older adults with KOA, comparing it with MVIC. Methods: We recruited thirty-five older adults with KOA and collected root mean square EMG amplitudes from seven muscles in the affected limb during level walking, SIC, and MVIC tests. EMG data during level walking were normalized using both SIC and MVIC methods. This process was repeated after at least 1 week. We calculated intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate between- and within-day reliabilities. Results: SIC tests showed higher between- (ICC: 0.75–0.86) and within-day (ICC: 0.84–0.95) ICCs across all seven muscles compared to MVIC tests. When normalized with SIC, all seven muscles exhibited higher between- (ICC: 0.67–0.85) and within-day (ICC: 0.88–0.99) ICCs compared to MVIC normalization. Conclusion: This study suggests that SIC may offer superior movement consistency and reliability compared to MVIC for EMG normalization during level walking in older adults with KOA.
A New Physical Model for Program Transients of Cylindrical Charge-Trap-Based NAND Flash Memories

A new physics-based model to explain program transient of NAND Flash memory cells is developed in this work. Unlike preexisting model, which incorporated structural features of cylindrical cell through an arbitrary adjustment of energy band offset in a planar one, our model is uniquely devised based on cylindrical coordinates, from the beginning. Electrostatic solution from 1-D Poisson equation is used to solve the continuity equation for the free carrier concentration inside charge trap nitride (CTN), and the memory cell is modeled as a capacitor with time-varying charge to track the behavior of its threshold voltage. It is shown that newly proposed model can also predict incremental step pulse programming (ISPP) slope degradation more precisely than the prior model, due to prediction of a larger electric field at the CTN -blocking oxide (BOX) interface, which leads to larger escaping current. The model shows a good fit between the experimental data of three-gate GAA test vehicles and modeling results, displaying a better fit than the previous model.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock Manure Management in Southwestern Siberia, Russia

This study investigates the amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to manure handling within different livestock production systems in Tyumen oblast of Western Siberia. Tyumen oblast occupies approx. 160 000 km² of Asian taiga and forest steppe. The amount of GHGs from manure was calculated as a function of the handling according to current IPCC guidelines for ecozones and livestock production systems. The entire Tyumen oblast has annual 7 400 t methane emissions and 440 t nitrous oxide emissions from manure. Three livestock production systems are prevalent in Tyumen oblast: Mega farms, small farms and peasant farms. The share of mega farms is 81 % (171 kt CO2 eq). Additionally, the slurry system in mega farms causes environmental pollution. GHG emissions and environmental pollution could be reduced by implementing solid manure systems or pasturing, by installing storage facilities for slurry outside the stables and through application of the manure as fertiliser at mega farms. In small farms solid manure systems and a small stocking density of livestock lead to smallest GHG emissions (1 %, 3 kt CO2 eq) from manure. In peasant farming 18 % (38 kt CO2 eq) of GHGs are emitted due to pasturing.
Extrauterine Growth Restriction and Catch-up Growth Following NICU Discharge: A Tale of two Standards

Aim: Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is common in premature infants, but the progression after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge is not well described. We aimed to assess EUGR after NICU discharge and to identify factors associated with catch-up growth (CUG) and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. Methods: Growth parameters at birth, 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), and two neurodevelopmental follow-up visits for preterm graduates of our NICU were reviewed. EUGR was assessed using Fenton and Intergrowth-21 standards. Factors associated with outpatient growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age were evaluated using logistic and linear regression. Results: 369 infants born at 24–32 weeks gestation comprised the cohort. EUGR prevalence was 14.9% for Intergrowth-21 versus 56.4% for Fenton ( p < .001). Although there was a significant decrease in weight z-score from birth to 36 weeks PMA, weight z-scores returned to their birth weight values at the second clinic visit (86 weeks PMA). Infants who received formula as opposed to human milk (HM) showed faster CUG. Higher scores in the Bayley-III scale at 2 years of age were associated with HM feeding. Discussion/Conclusion: Fewer infants were identified as EUGR when Intergrowth-21 versus Fenton growth standards were used, which categorizes infants with adverse clinical courses and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes more distinctly. While growth failure during the birth hospitalization is common in preterm infants, outpatient CUG was demonstrated, with return to birth weight z-score. Our findings suggest that HM feeding may have a positive impact on cognitive, language, and motor developmental outcomes for preterm infants despite less rapid CUG.
Optical–Mechanical Integration Analysis and Validation of LiDAR Integrated Systems with a Small Field of View and High Repetition Frequency

Integrated systems are facing complex and changing environments with the wide application of atmospheric LiDAR in civil, aerospace, and military fields. Traditional analysis methods employ optical software to evaluate the optical performance of integrated systems, and cannot comprehensively consider the influence of optical and mechanical coupling on the optical performance of the integrated system, resulting in the unsatisfactory accuracy of the analysis results. Optical–mechanical integration technology provides a promising solution to this problem. A small-field-of-view LiDAR system with high repetition frequency, low energy, and single-photon detection technology was taken as an example in this study, and the Zernike polynomial fitting algorithm was programmed to enable transmission between optical and mechanical data. Optical–mechanical integration technology was employed to obtain the optical parameters of the integrated system under a gravity load in the process of designing the optical–mechanical structure of the integrated system. The experimental validation results revealed that the optical–mechanical integration analysis of the divergence angle of the transmission unit resulted in an error of 2.586%. The focal length of the telescope increased by 89 μm, its field of view was 244 μrad, and the error of the detector target surface spot was 4.196%. The continuous day/night detection results showed that the system could accurately detect the temporal and spatial variations in clouds and aerosols. The inverted optical depths were experimentally compared with those obtained using a solar photometer. The average optical depth was 0.314, as detected using LiDAR, and 0.329, as detected by the sun photometer, with an average detection error of 4.559%. Therefore, optical–mechanical integration analysis can effectively improve the stability of the structure of highly integrated and complex optical systems.
Ethical considerations for integrating multimodal computer perception and neurotechnology

Background Artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer perception technologies (e.g., digital phenotyping and affective computing) promise to transform clinical approaches to personalized care in psychiatry and beyond by offering more objective measures of emotional states and behavior, enabling precision treatment, diagnosis, and symptom monitoring. At the same time, passive and continuous nature by which they often collect data from patients in non-clinical settings raises ethical issues related to privacy and self-determination. Little is known about how such concerns may be exacerbated by the integration of neural data, as parallel advances in computer perception, AI, and neurotechnology enable new insights into subjective states. Here, we present findings from a multi-site NCATS-funded study of ethical considerations for translating computer perception into clinical care and contextualize them within the neuroethics and neurorights literatures. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews with patients (n = 20), caregivers (n = 20), clinicians (n = 12), developers (n = 12), and clinician developers (n = 2) regarding their perspective toward using PC in clinical care. Transcripts were analyzed in MAXQDA using Thematic Content Analysis. Results Stakeholder groups voiced concerns related to (1) perceived invasiveness of passive and continuous data collection in private settings; (2) data protection and security and the potential for negative downstream/future impacts on patients of unintended disclosure; and (3) ethical issues related to patients’ limited versus hyper awareness of passive and continuous data collection and monitoring. Clinicians and developers highlighted that these concerns may be exacerbated by the integration of neural data with other computer perception data. Discussion Our findings suggest that the integration of neurotechnologies with existing computer perception technologies raises novel concerns around dignity-related and other harms (e.g., stigma, discrimination) that stem from data security threats and the growing potential for reidentification of sensitive data. Further, our findings suggest that patients’ awareness and preoccupation with feeling monitored via computer sensors ranges from hypo- to hyper-awareness, with either extreme accompanied by ethical concerns (consent vs. anxiety and preoccupation). These results highlight the need for systematic research into how best to implement these technologies into clinical care in ways that reduce disruption, maximize patient benefits, and mitigate long-term risks associated with the passive collection of sensitive emotional, behavioral and neural data.
Circulating micronutrient levels and their association with sepsis susceptibility and severity: a Mendelian randomization study

Background: Sepsis, a global health challenge, necessitates a nuanced understanding of modifiable factors for effective prevention and intervention. The role of trace micronutrients in sepsis pathogenesis remains unclear, and their potential connection, especially with genetic influences, warrants exploration. Methods: We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the causal relationship between genetically predicted blood levels of nine micronutrients (calcium, β-carotene, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and zinc) and sepsis susceptibility, severity, and subtypes. The instrumental variables for circulating micronutrients were derived from nine published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In the primary MR analysis, we utilized summary statistics for sepsis from two independent databases (UK Biobank and FinnGen consortium), for initial and replication analyses. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was conducted to merge the results. In secondary MR analyses, we assessed the causal effects of micronutrients on five sepsis-related outcomes (severe sepsis, sepsis-related death within 28 days, severe sepsis-related death within 28 days, streptococcal septicaemia, and puerperal sepsis), incorporating multiple sensitivity analyses and multivariable MR to address potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Results: The study revealed a significant causal link between genetically forecasted zinc levels and reduced risk of severe sepsis-related death within 28 days (odds ratio [OR] = 0.450; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.263, 0.770; p = 3.58 × 10−3). Additionally, suggestive associations were found for iron (increased risk of sepsis), β-carotene (reduced risk of sepsis death) and vitamin C (decreased risk of puerperal sepsis). No significant connections were observed for other micronutrients. Conclusion: Our study highlighted that zinc may emerges as a potential protective factor against severe sepsis-related death within 28 days, providing theoretical support for supplementing zinc in high-risk critically ill sepsis patients. In the future, larger-scale data are needed to validate our findings.
Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being

Purpose Essential oils from various plants have diverse therapeutic properties and are researched extensively. They have applications in medicine, aromatherapy, microbiology, agriculture, livestock, and the food industry, benefiting the population. Methods This systematic review followed the PRISMA verification protocol. The study focused on the anti-inflammatory effects, nutraceutical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of essential oils in lemon, orange, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. We also looked at their presence in the diet, their effect, their mechanism of action on health, and the most important active compounds. The search was conducted in the PubMed database for the last 12 years of publications, including in vitro, in vivo, and online cell model tests. Results Essential oils have been shown to have multiple health benefits, primarily due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism of action of cinnamon oil alters bacterial membranes, modifies lipid profiles, and inhibits cell division, giving a potential benefit in protection against colitis. On the other hand, a significant improvement was observed in the diastolic pressure of patients with metabolic syndrome when supplementing them with cumin essential oil. The antimicrobial properties of coriander essential oil, especially its application in seafood like tilapia, demonstrate efficacy in improving health and resistance to bacterial infections. Cumin essential oil treats inflammation. Parsley essential oil is an antioxidant. Orange peel oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and pro-oxidative. Lemon essential oil affects mouse intestinal microbiota. Thyme essential oil protects the colon against damage and DNA methylation. Carnosic acid in rosemary oil can reduce prostate cancer cell viability by modifying the endoplasmic reticulum function. Conclusion and discussion Essential oils have many therapeutic and antiparasitic properties. They are beneficial to human health in many ways. However, to understand their potential benefits, more research is needed regarding essential oils such as coriander, parsley, rosemary, cumin, and thyme. These research gaps are relevant since they restrict understanding of the possible benefits of these crucial oils for health-related contexts.
An evaluation of the i-gel Plus supraglottic airway device in elective patients: the interim results from a prospective international multicentre study

The i-gel Plus supraglottic airway represents the next generation of the i-gel device. The aim of this international multicentre prospective cohort study was to evaluate its performance in adult patients during elective procedures in various surgical disciplines under general anaesthesia. The primary outcome of the study was the overall success rate of insertion allowing effective airway management, ventilation, and oxygenation. The secondary outcomes included perioperative performance of the device and the incidence of postoperative adverse events. The data of the first 1000 patients from our study (455 males and 545 females) are presented. These patients were mostly operated on in the supine position (83.3%) with a minority of them being in the lateral or lithotomy positions. The overall success rate was 98.6%, with a first-attempt success rate of insertion of 88.1%. A significant difference between males and females was seen for the overall success rate, 97.4% vs. 99.6% (p=0.002) but not for the successful insertion on the first attempt (p=0.97) The mean oropharyngeal seal pressure was 32 (7) cmH2O. The only independent factor increasing the risk of first-attempt failure was low experience of the operator (p<0.001). The insertion of the device was rated by 80.3% as being either very easy or easy. Fibreoptic assessment through the i-gel Plus showed a full view of the vocal cords in 67.8% of patients, a partial view in 21.9% and a downfolded epiglottis in 9.4% of patients. A gastric tube was inserted in 11.2% of patients with a 99.1% success rate. Perioperative complications included desaturation below 85% in 0.6%, traces of blood on the device in 7.4%, laryngospasm in 0.5% and gastric contents inside the cuff in 0.2% of patients. There were no clinical signs of aspiration and a 0.1% incidence of bronchospasm. Severe postoperative sore throat was recorded in 1.4%, and long-term hoarse voice in 0.2% of patients. All patients with moderate and serious postoperative complaints are being followed up by phone at 3 and 6 months. The i-gel Plus seems to be an effective supraglottic airway device providing a high success rate of insertion, sufficient oropharyngeal seal pressure, and a reasonably low incidence of complications.