Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feeding behaviour, weight gain and blood sugar of male wistar rats fed on a high-calorie diet and vegetables

The transition in eating behaviour toward a diet rich in calories and low in vegetables is a major factor responsible for the rapid increase in the incidence of obesity and diabetes. The research aimed at investigating the effect of a high-calorie diet and vegetables on feeding behaviour, weight gain and blood sugar in male Wistar rats. The vegetables were dried, blended, and preserved in airtight containers. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing an average of 127.4 g were housed in 6 cages with 5 rats in each cage. There were six groups comprising the positive control which was fed standard rat feed and water, also the negative control which was given a high-calorie diet (high-fat feed and sugar water) and four treatment groups. The four treatment groups were fed on a high-calorie diet with a 5 % concentration of either Corchorus olitorius, Crassocephalum crepidiodes, Amaranthus hybridus or Solanecio biafrae respectively. Water (or sugar water) and feed intake of each group were measured and recorded daily. Weekly consumption of water and feed was computed for the entire 5 weeks of the experiment. The fasting blood sugar and weight of the test rats were recorded at baseline and weekly. Oral glucose tolerance test and serum insulin were determined at the end of the experiment using blood samples from the test rats. All results were analysed using ANOVA at p≤0.05 and means were separated with the use of Duncan’s multiple range tests (SPSS 20.0). The high-fat feed was significantly different from the standard rat feed in the composition of fat (26.79 g) and calories (422.67 kcal). The negative control and the treatment groups got adapted to feeding on the high-calorie diet before the end of the experimental period. Water and feed intakes of the positive control were only significantly higher during the first three and four weeks, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the positive control had the highest weight gain of 22 g which was significantly different at p≤0.05. C. crepidioides and S. biafrae significantly lowered the blood sugar (62.75 and 62.50 mg/dL) of the test rats. A. hybridus prevented insulin resistance by the attainment of peak level at 30 min alongside the positive control. There was a significant increase in the insulin level of the negative control while the vegetables prevented increased production of insulin. Key words: Blood sugar, Diabetes, Feeding behaviour, High-calorie, Insulin, Obesity, Vegetable, Weight gain
Molecular and electrophysiological evaluation of human cardiomyocyte subtypes to facilitate generation of composite cardiac models

Paucity of physiologically relevant cardiac models has limited the widespread application of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes in drug development. Here, we performed comprehensive characterization of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte subtypes from 2D and 3D cultures and established a novel 3D model to study impulse initiation and propagation. Directed differentiation approaches were used to generate sinoatrial nodal (SANCM), atrial (ACM) and ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCM). Single cell RNA sequencing established that the protocols yield distinct cell populations in line with expected identities, which was also confirmed by electrophysiological characterization. In 3D EHT cultures of all subtypes, we observed prominent expression of stretch-responsive genes such as NPPA. Response to rate modulating drugs noradrenaline, carbachol and ivabradine were comparable in single cells and EHTs. Differences in the speed of impulse propagation between the subtypes were more pronounced in EHTs compared with 2D monolayers owing to a progressive increase in conduction velocities in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, in line with a more mature phenotype. In a novel binary EHT model of pacemaker-atrial interface, the SANCM end of the tissue consistently paced the EHTs under baseline conditions, which was inhibited by ivabradine. Taken together, our data provide comprehensive insights into molecular and electrophysiological properties of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte subtypes, facilitating the creation of next generation composite cardiac models for drug discovery, disease modeling and cell-based regenerative therapies.
Experimental study on the uncertainties of individual blade vibrational parameter estimation based on blade tip timing

Detailed and accurate measurement is fundamentally important in aeroelastic researches. Blade tip timing (BTT) is a promising non-intrusive vibration measuring approach. However, the uncertainty about BTT has not been evaluated adequately. In this paper, the precision of individual blade vibrational parameter recognition based on BTT data is studied using an experimental method. The ‘ground truth’ tip deflection data is obtained by laser displacement sensors during synchronous, non-synchronous, and compound vibrations. Based on this, algorithms such as sine-fitting, non-uniform Fourier transform, and compressed sensing are investigated. It is found that for a unimodal signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), these algorithms can get ideal results. For complex response vibrations, their performance is reduced dramatically. Sine-fitting could yield the wrong relative magnitude of the components. Non-uniform Fourier transform gives heavily aliased spectrums but acceptable amplitude estimates. Compressed sensing could resolve all the main components while the amplitudes are too small. Our results could provide a reference for the practical application of BTT.
Postoperative Rehabilitation for Thoracic Disc Herniation in a Professional Rugby Player: A Case Report

Thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is a very rare condition compared to cervical and lumbar disc herniation. Patients commonly attend rehabilitation programs after surgery, and the beneficial effects of rehabilitation for cervical and lumbar disc herniation have been reported. However, a postoperative rehabilitation program for patients with TDH has not yet been reported. This case report describes a postoperative rehabilitation program and chronological changes in physical function after surgery for TDH in a professional rugby player. We report the case of a 31-year-old male professional rugby player diagnosed with TDH at T1-T3 and ossification of the yellow ligament at T2-T3. It was difficult for the patient to walk because of the severe spasticity in the lower extremities. The patient underwent surgery to remove the ossified yellow ligament at T2-T3 and posterior thoracic interbody fusion (PTIF) at T1-T3. Rehabilitation programs such as joint mobilization and stability training were initiated after surgery. Spasticity gradually decreased, and the patient could walk unassisted three weeks after surgery and return to field training four months after surgery. This case report suggests that a postoperative rehabilitation program could be safely provided to patients with TDH in the early postoperative period, which may be effective in improving physical function.
$\pi$-bonding-dominated energy gaps in graphene oxides

Chemical bondings of graphene oxides with oxygen concentration from 1\% to 50\% are investigated using first-principle calculations. Energy gaps are mainly determined by the competition of orbital hybridizations in C-C, O-O, and C-O bonds. They are very sensitive to the changes in oxygen concentration and distributions. There exists five types of $\pi$ bondings during the variation from the full to vanishing adsorptions, namely the complete termination, the partial suppression, the 1D bonding, the deformed planar bonding, and the well-behaved one. They can account for the finite and gapless characteristics, corresponding to the O-concentrations of $>$25\% and $<$3\%, respectively. The feature-rich chemical bondings dominate band structures and density of states, leading to diverse electronic properties.
A Critical Analysis of Advanced Communication in Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) are a new study area that has the potential to bring together the physical and digital worlds. Researchers in this study focus on the ways in which CPSs communicate with one other. Features and requirements for data transfer in CPSs, and also related unsolved issues, are covered in this paper. The IEEE 802.11 b/g protocols were used to construct a CPS solution for ambient sensing (humidity and temperature). Wireless Fidelity (Wi- Fi) sensors that can connect to a preexisting Wireless LAN and servers that provides access to data collected everywhere IEEE 802.11 b/g networks connectivity is available and from any Internet-connected device are required for this method.
Photon-axion mixing within the jets of active galactic nuclei and prospects for detection

Very high energy γ-ray observations of distant active galactic nuclei (AGN) generally result in higher fluxes and harder spectra than expected, resulting in some tension with the level of the extragalactic background light (EBL). If hypothetical axions or axion-like particles (ALPs) were to exist, this tension could be relieved since the oscillation of photons to ALPs would mitigate the effects of EBL absorption and lead to softer inferred intrinsic AGN spectra. In this paper we consider the effect of photon-ALP mixing on observed spectra, including the photon-ALP mixing that would occur within AGN jets. We then simulate observations of three AGN with the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a next generation γ-ray telescope, to determine its prospects for detecting the signatures of photon-ALP mixing on the spectra. We conclude that prospects for CTA detecting these signatures or else setting limits on the ALP parameter space are quite promising. We find that prospects are improved if photon-ALP mixing within the jet is properly considered and that the best target for observations is PKS 2155-304.
Vapor Isotope Probing of Typhoons Invading the Taiwan Region in 2016

Every year, several typhoons originating from the West Pacific come close to Taiwan, modulating the regional weather through intense rainfall and enhanced humidity. The isotopic ratios (δ18O and δD) in the typhoon vapor evolve along its track due to rainout, recycling, and replenishment. In 2016, this signature was recorded in Taipei as typhoon vapors invaded the local atmosphere. After typhoon disintegration, the isotope ratios of the local atmosphere slowly return to the background value. The fall and rise in the ratios give rise to a V‐shaped variation. The processes controlling the fall (like moisture turnover, typhoon speed, wind speed, and direction) are fast (1–2 days). In contrast, the recovery is slow (several days) depending on the replacement rate of the local atmospheric moisture by incoming oceanic vapor. An isotope evolution model based on Rayleigh condensation and a box model of moisture mixing in the recovery phase are proposed and employed to explain the V‐shape. The combination of these two models for four major typhoons (Nepartak, Megi, Meranti, and Malakas) shows close agreement with observations. The evolution model suggests that the precipitation efficiency, PE (rainfall/overhead moisture), and typhoon size are two important parameters controlling the decrease in ratio. The characteristic turnover time of typhoon moisture (inverse of PE, obtained from European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts fifth Re‐Analysis data) is estimated to be ∼2 days for a Pacific typhoon of 500 km radius. Our isotope study provides important constraints on the moisture budget of Pacific typhoons.
Acute Low Force Electrically Induced Exercise Modulates Post Prandial Glycemic Markers in People with Spinal Cord Injury

Regular exercise involves daily muscle contractions helping metabolize up to 70% of daily ingested glucose. Skeletal muscle increases glucose uptake through two distinct pathways: insulin signaling pathway and muscle contraction mediated AMPK pathway. People with paralysis are unable to contract their muscles which atrophy, transform into insulin resistant glycolytic muscle, and develop osteoporosis. Our goal is to determine if low force electrically induced exercise (LFE) will modulate the post prandial insulin and glucose response in people with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). 18 people with SCI and 23 without SCI (Non-SCI) participated in an assessment of metabolic biomarkers during passive sitting (CTL) and a bout of LFE delivered to the quadriceps/hamstring muscle groups after a glucose challenge. Baseline fasting insulin (p = 0.003) and lactate (p = 0.033) levels were higher in people with SCI, but glucose levels (p = 0.888) were similar compared to the non-SCI population. After 1-h of muscle contractions using LFE, heart rate increased (p < 0.001), capillary glucose decreased (p = 0.004), insulin decreased (p < 0.001), and lactate increased (p = 0.001) in the SCI population. These findings support that LFE attenuates certain metabolic blood biomarkers during a glucose challenge and may offer a lifestyle strategy to regulate metabolic responses after eating among people with SCI.
The long-period Galactic Cepheid RS Puppis - II. 3D structure and mass of the nebula from VLT/FORS polarimetry

Context. The southern long-period Cepheid RS Pup is surrounded by a large circumstellar dusty nebula reflecting the light from the central star. Due to the changing luminosity of the central source, light echoes propagate into the nebula. This remarkable phenomenon was the subject of Paper I. The origin and physical properties of the nebula are however uncertain: it may have been created through mass loss from the star itself, or it could be the remnant of a pre-existing interstellar cloud. Aims. Our goal is to determine the three-dimensional structure of the light-scattering nebula, and estimate its mass. This will bring us new clues on the origin of the nebula. Knowing the geometrical shape of the nebula will also allow us to retrieve the distance of RS Pup in an unambiguous manner using a model of its light echoes (in a forthcoming work). Methods. The scattering angle of the Cepheid light in the circumstellar nebula can be recovered from its degree of linear polarization. We thus observed the nebula surrounding RS Pup using the polarimetric imaging mode of the VLT/FORS instrument, and obtained a map of the degree and position angle of linear polarization. Results. From our FORS observations, we derive a three-dimensional map of the distribution of the dust around RS Pup, whose overall geometry is an irregular and geometrically thin layer. The nebula does not present a well-defined central symmetry. Using a simple scattering model, we derive a total dust mass of M dust = 2.9 ± 0.9 M ⊙ for the light-scattering dust within 1.8' of the Cepheid. This translates into a total mass of M gas+dust = 290 ± 120 M ⊙ , assuming a dust-to-gas ratio of M dust /M gas = 1.0 ± 0.3%. Conclusions. The high mass of the dusty nebula excludes that it was created by mass-loss from the star. However, the thinness of the dust distribution is an indication that the Cepheid participated to the shaping of the nebula, e.g. through its radiation pressure or stellar wind. RS Pup therefore appears as a regular long-period Cepheid located in an exceptionally dense interstellar environment.
Made, Not Begotten: IVF and the Right to Life Under Conditions

In a society in which the decoupling of sexuality and human reproduction has become normal, In vitro fertilization (IVF) has mutated into a kind of standard procedure. There is little awareness of the ethical ruptures that the mechanization of human reproduction causes. The basic ethical problem with extracorporeal fertilization in a test tube is that a child is not conceived through the personal union of a man and a woman, but is “produced” in a laboratory. In the context of human creation, this entails a series of ethical problems. The technique does not merely offer another possible option for action, but it leads to a fundamental change in the attitude towards human life as such. A look at the history of assisted reproductive technology (ART) since the 1970s reveals that ethical problems, eugenic visions as well as medical experiments on humans have been inherent to the method from the very beginning. Considering that eugenic thinking has been a driving force from the very beginning it astonishes that this delicate point has hardly been recognized and highlighted so far. Robert Edwards' (1925–2013) vision went far beyond the mere treatment of infertility through the use of IVF, which he saw as enabling the selection of so-called “unhealthy life. ” The article considers the risks of IVF and includes recent studies by physicians involved in reproductive medicine who are increasingly critical of their industry. Furthermore it emphasizes the core ethical question on human reproductive technology, contrasting the “ethics of procreation” with the “ethics of production. ” Summary The article highlights historical aspects, considers the risks as well as the ethical questions on assisted reproductive technology.
Turbulence transition in pipe flow: some open questions

The transition to turbulence in pipe flow is a longstanding problem in fluid dynamics. In contrast to many other transitions it is not connected with linear instabilities of the laminar profile and hence follows a different route. Experimental and numerical studies within the last few years have revealed many unexpected connections to the nonlinear dynamics of strange saddles and have considerably improved our understanding of this transition. The text summarizes some of these insights and points to some outstanding problems in areas where valuable contributions from nonlinear dynamics can be expected.
Simplicity of the reduced $C\sp *$-algebras of certain Coxeter groups

Let (G,S) be a finitely generated Coxeter group, such that the Coxeter system is indecomposable and the canonical bilinear form is indefinite but non-degenerate. We show that the reduced C-*-algebra of G is simple with unique normalised trace. For an arbitrary finitely generated Coxeter group we prove the validity of a Haagerup inequality: There exist constants C>0 and a natural number L such that for a function f in l^2(G) supported on elements of length n with respect to the generating set S: || f * h || <= C(n+1)^{3/2 L} || f || || h ||, forall h in l^2(G).
Axino LSP baryogenesis and dark matter

We discuss a new mechanism for baryogenesis, in which the baryon asymmetry is generated by the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) decay via baryonic R-parity-violating interactions. As a specific example, we use a supersymmetric axion model with an axino LSP. This scenario predicts large R-parity violation for the stop, and an upper limit on the squark masses between 15 and 130 TeV, for different choices of the Peccei-Quinn scale and the soft Xt terms. We discuss the implications for the nature of dark matter in light of the axino baryogenesis mechanism, and find that both the axion and a metastable gravitino can provide the correct dark matter density. In the axion dark matter scenario, the initial misalignment angle is restricted to be 𝒪(1). On the other hand, the reheating temperature is linked to the PQ scale and should be higher than 104–105 GeV in the gravitino dark matter scenario.
Dirac’s discrete hypersurface deformation algebras

The diffeomorphism symmetry of general relativity leads in the canonical formulation to constraints, which encode the dynamics of the theory. These constraints satisfy a complicated algebra, known as Dirac’s hypersurface deformation algebra. This algebra has been a long standing challenge for quantization. One reason is that discretizations, on which many quantum gravity approaches rely, generically break diffeomorphism symmetry. In this work we find a representation for the Dirac constraint algebra of hypersurface deformations in a formulation of discrete 3D gravity and for the flat as well as homogeneously curved sector of discrete 4D gravity. In these cases diffeomorphism symmetry can be preserved. Furthermore we present different versions of the hypersurface deformation algebra for the boundary of a simplex in arbitrary dimensions.
The Arrival of the Metaverse in Neurorehabilitation: Fact, Fake or Vision?

The metaverse is a new technology thought to provide a deeper, persistent, immersive 3D experience combining multiple different virtual approaches in a full continuum of physical–digital interaction spaces. Different from virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the metaverse has a service-oriented solid model with an emphasis on social and content dimensions. It has widely been demonstrated that motor or cognitive deficits can be more effectively treated using VR/AR tools, but there are several issues that limit the real potential of immersive technologies applied to neurological patients. In this scoping review, we propose future research directions for applying technologies extracted from the metaverse in clinical neurorehabilitation. The multisensorial properties of the metaverse will boost the embodied cognition experience, thus influencing the internal body representations as well as learning strategies. Moreover, the immersive social environment shared with other patients will contribute to recovering social and psychoemotional abilities. In addition to the many potential pros, we will also discuss the cons, providing readers with the available information to better understand the complexity and limitations of the metaverse, which could be considered the future of neurorehabilitation.
Field-effect transistor on SrTiO3 with sputtered Al2O3 gate insulator

A field-effect transistor has been constructed that employs a perovskite-type SrTiO3 single crystal as the semiconducting channel. This device functions as an n-type accumulation-mode device. The device was fabricated at room temperature by sputter-deposition of amorphous Al2O3 films as a gate insulator on the SrTiO3 substrate. The field-effect (FE) mobility is 0.1 cm2/V s and on-off ratio exceeds 100 at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the FE mobility down to 2 K shows a thermal-activation-type behavior with an activation energy of 0.6 eV.