Preparation and use of wireless reprogrammable multilateral optogenetic devices for behavioral neuroscience

Wireless battery-free optogenetic devices enable behavioral neuroscience studies in groups of animals with minimal interference to natural behavior. Real-time independent control of optogenetic stimulation through near-field communication dramatically expands the realm of applications of these devices in broad contexts of neuroscience research. Dissemination of these tools with advanced functionalities to the neuroscience community requires protocols for device manufacturing and experimental implementation. This protocol describes detailed procedures for fabrication, encapsulation and implantation of recently developed advanced wireless devices in head- and back-mounted forms. In addition, procedures for standard implementation of experimental systems in mice are provided. This protocol aims to facilitate the application of wireless optogenetic devices in advanced optogenetic experiments involving groups of freely moving rodents and complex environmental designs. The entire protocol lasts ~3-5 weeks.

Automated, multiparametric monitoring of respiratory biomarkers and vital signs in clinical and home settings for COVID-19 patients

Capabilities in continuous monitoring of key physiological parameters of disease have never been more important than in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Soft, skin-mounted electronics that incorporate high-bandwidth, miniaturized motion sensors enable digital, wireless measurements of mechanoacoustic (MA) signatures of both core vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) and underexplored biomarkers (coughing count) with high fidelity and immunity to ambient noises. This paper summarizes an effort that integrates such MA sensors with a cloud data infrastructure and a set of analytics approaches based on digital filtering and convolutional neural networks for monitoring of COVID-19 infections in sick and healthy individuals in the hospital and the home. Unique features are in quantitative measurements of coughing and other vocal events, as indicators of both disease and infectiousness. Systematic imaging studies demonstrate correlations between the time and intensity of coughing, speaking, and laughing and the total droplet production, as an approximate indicator of the probability for disease spread. The sensors, deployed on COVID-19 patients along with healthy controls in both inpatient and home settings, record coughing frequency and intensity continuously, along with a collection of other biometrics. The results indicate a decaying trend of coughing frequency and intensity through the course of disease recovery, but with wide variations across patient populations. The methodology creates opportunities to study patterns in biometrics across individuals and among different demographic groups.

[Satisfaction about physical appearance and teeth. Results of a nationwide study]

In a study involving a group of 907 randomly selected Dutch individuals, satisfaction about one's physical appearance and satisfaction about the appearance of one's teeth were assessed. Furthermore, the relationship between body esteem and happiness was explored. Three quarters of the respondents were satisfied about their physical appearance, while 70% was satisfied about the appearance of their teeth. Women and people with a non-Dutch background were significantly less likely to be satisfied about their physical appearance than men and those with a Dutch background. Individuals 30 years old and younger were more likely to be satisfied about their teeth than those who were older. Almost two third of the respondents (64%) reported that the appearance of their teeth contributed positively to their happiness. Women and people with a non-Dutch background were most likely to indicate that the appearance of their teeth contributed to their happiness. Satisfaction about general physical appearance and appearance of the teeth were significantly associated with happiness. Prospective studies are needed to examine to what extent esthetically motivated dental treatments make people happy and enhance their general well-being.