Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in reflex excitability after endurance training differ for the soleus and the gastrocnemii muscles

As reviewed by Zehr (2002), the Hoffmann reflex (Hreflex) has been commonly analysed in the case of exercise studies. The H-reflex, which informs about motoneuron excitability and synaptic efficacy, has been found to change for the soleus muscle after endurance training (Pérot et al. 1991). In the present study, we have investigated again these H-reflex changes but the reflexes were analysed on the three parts of the triceps surae to compare the eventual changes after an endurance training period for a slow (soleus) or a faster (gastrocnemius) muscle. The tendon jerk (T-reflex) was also quantified.
Aging exaggerates blood pressure response to ischemic rhythmic handgrip exercise in humans

Ischemic skeletal muscle conditions are known to augment exercise‐induced increases in blood pressure (BP). Aging is also a factor that enhances the pressor response to exercise. However, the effects of aging on the BP response to ischemic exercise remain unclear. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that aging enhances the BP response to rhythmic handgrip (RHG) exercise during postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI). We divided the normotensive participants without cardiovascular diseases into three age groups: young (n = 26; age, 18–28 years), middle‐aged (n = 23; age, 35–59 years), and older adults (n = 23; age, 60–80 years). The participants performed RHG exercise with minimal effort for 1 min after rest with and without PEMI, which was induced by inflating a cuff on the upper arm just before the isometric handgrip exercise ended; the intensity was 30% of maximal voluntary contraction force. Under PEMI, the increase in diastolic BP (DBP) from rest to RHG exercise in the older adult group (Δ13 ± 2 mmHg) was significantly higher than that in the young (Δ5 ± 2 mmHg) and middle‐aged groups (Δ6 ± 1 mmHg), despite there being no significant difference between the groups in the DBP response from rest to RHG exercise without PEMI. Importantly, based on multiple regression analysis, age remained a significant independent determinant of both the SBP and DBP responses to RHG exercise during PEMI (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that aging enhances the pressor response to ischemic rhythmic exercise.
Importance of Personality Factors in Determining the Psychological Consequences of Infertility: A Systematic Review

Background and purpose The diagnosis of infertility not only involves biological but the psychosocial links have also been established. Individual difference variables, such as personality and temperament have been found playing prominent role in modifying the psychological and biological aspects of infertility. This systematic review aimed to examine evidence-based research on the role of personality traits in determining vulnerability to stress in infertility, understand the gender-based differences, and deliver suggestions for future researches. Method The search for studies relating to the variables was accomplished using various electronic databases. The search was kept limited to a time span of about 20 years, that is, from January 2000 to April 2020. Additional researches were collected from library source and others were retrieved by contacting experts. Studies were selected on the basis of a predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality of the studies was also taken into account. Results The search of studies through above methods was fruitful in identifying 23 studies including six longitudinal and prospective studies, and 17 cross-sectional studies covering both individual- and model-based personality attributes related findings. The overall quality ratings of the studies ranged from fair to good. Conclusion The review revealed that personality factors such as neuroticism, harm avoidance, and psychoticism are the potential risk factors, whereas optimism has a protective impact in the context of fertility disorders. The long-term impact of personality on infertility needs further exploration. Trait modification interventions during the treatment of infertility were also suggested in the light of previous findings.
Signal analysis methods to distinguish tracking process using time-frequency analysis

This paper proposes a method to distinguish the tracking process only in terms of voltage waveforms. Tracking is simulated using the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 60112 method. The tracking process is observed in 5 stages - static state, discharge inception, discharge in progress, carbon formation, and tracking breakdown. The measured voltage waveforms are analyzed by two signal processes. The two kinds of signal processing are: improved time-frequency and time-energy analysis. The tracking process can be distinguished by using the improved time-frequency analysis visually by stages. It can also be distinguished by using average and standard deviation for the results of the time-energy analysis. Particularly, probability distribution for the result of the time-energy analysis appears a regular pattern in tracking process by stages.
Modeling of specific harmonics source in EMTP/ATP - case study of Compact Fluorescent Lamp

The paper deals with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL), which are widely used by electricity consumers and with problems related to harmonics generation by CFLs in electric power networks. Additionally, typical electric diagram of CFL, registered current waveform and its analysis for single CFL, as well as numerical model of CFL in EMTP/ATP program are presented in the article. Model of CFL developed for EMTP/ATP simulation software may be useful for simulations related to influence of collective impact of CFLs installed into power network on power quality. Streszczenie. Artykul dotyczy problematyki generacji zaburzen harmonicznych przez świetlowki kompaktowe (CFLs) przylączone do sieci niskiego napiecia. W artykule przedstawiono budowe świetlowki kompaktowej oraz dokonano opisu przebiegow pobieranego przez nią prądu, jak rowniez przedstawiono model tego źrodla światla jako odbiornika energii elektrycznej, opracowany w programie EMTP/ATP. Model moze byc wykorzystany do symulacji wplywu duzej liczby świetlowek na jakośc energii elektrycznej w pewnej przykladowej sieci dystrybucyjnej. (Modelowanie specyficznego źrodla harmonicznych w EMTP/ATP na przykladzie świetlowki kompaktowej).
A Faithful Gut: Core Features of Gastrointestinal Microbiota of Long-Distance Migratory Bats Remain Stable despite Dietary Shifts Driving Differences in Specific Bacterial Taxa

Migratory animals live in a world of constant change. The whole-body ecosystem needs a strong adapting capacity to thrive despite the changes. ABSTRACT Migratory animals live in a world of constant change. Animals undergo many physiological changes preparing themselves for the migration. Although this field has been studied extensively over the last decades, we know relatively little about the seasonal changes that occur in the microbial communities that these animals carry in their guts. Here, we assessed the V4 region of the 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing data as a proxy to estimate microbiome diversity of tequila bats from fecal pellets and evaluate how the natural process of migration shapes the microbiome composition and diversity. We collected samples from individual bats at two localities in the dry forest biome (Chamela and Coquimatlán) and one site at the endpoint of the migration in the Sonoran Desert (Pinacate). We found that the gut microbiome of the tequila bats is dominated largely by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Our data also provide insights on how microbiome diversity shifts at the same site in consecutive years. Our study has demonstrated that both locality and year-to-year variation contribute to shaping the composition, overall diversity, and “uniqueness” of the gut microbiome of migratory nectar-feeding female bats, with localities from the dry forest biome looking more like each other compared to those from the desert biome. In terms of beta diversity, our data show a stratified effect in which the samples’ locality was the strongest factor influencing the gut microbiome but with significant variation between consecutive years at the same locality. IMPORTANCE Migratory animals live in a world of constant change. The whole-body ecosystem needs a strong adapting capacity to thrive despite the changes. Our study used next-generation sequencing to determine how gut microbial change along the migratory path of the nectar-feeding tequila bats. The study of the gut microbiome is a great tool that can provide important insights that are relevant not just for management and conservation but also an initial investigation of the extent of the adaptation and preparedness of the individual animals, with respect not just to their current environment but also to all the environments involved in their yearly cycle.
Investigation of Laser and Ultrasonic Ranging Sensors for Measurements of Citrus Canopy Volume

This study compared ultrasonic and laser measurements of citrus canopy volume with manual measurement methods. Fifteen trees with different canopy heights and volumes were used. Manual and ultrasonic measurements provided dimensions for computing the canopy volume whereas laser measurements gave information that could be used to compute a ‘laser canopy volume index. ’ Ultrasonic and laser methods agreed with manual methods (R 2 > 0.85, RMSE < 2.15 m 3 ). Laser showed better prediction of canopy volume than the ultrasonic system because of the higher resolution. Ultrasonic or laser sensors can be used for automatic mapping and quantification of the canopy volumes of citrus trees.
An integrative review of the potential of wireless assistive technologies and internet of things (IoT) to improve accessibility to education for students with disabilities

ABSTRACT This research paper seeks to examine the challenges and opportunities for wireless technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve access to education for students with disabilities (SwDs). As technology integration into educational content and learning environments occurs, it becomes paramount for scholars to consider how the needs of students with disabilities are incorporated into these learning spaces. This paper synthesizes existing literature via an integrative review that explores barriers to accessing technology-mediated learning and the classroom. It also assesses the potential for technology-mediated learning to progress forward over the last five years. Finally, this article provides targeted recommendations for actualizing wireless technologies’ potential on improving students with disabilities’ educational outcomes.
Increased functional connectivity between presupplementary motor area and inferior frontal gyrus associated with the ability of motor response inhibition in obsessive–compulsive disorder

Recent evidence suggests that presupplementary motor area (pre‐SMA) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) play an important role in response inhibition. However, no study has investigated the relationship between these brain networks at resting‐state and response inhibition in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). We performed resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans and then measured the response inhibition of 41 medication‐free OCD patients and 49 healthy control (HC) participants by using the stop‐signal task outside the scanner. We explored the differences between OCD and HC groups in the functional connectivity of pre‐SMA and IFG associated with the ability of motor response inhibition. OCD patients showed a longer stop‐signal reaction time (SSRT). Compared to HC, OCD patients exhibit different associations between the ability of motor response inhibition and the functional connectivity between pre‐SMA and IFG, inferior parietal lobule, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and anterior prefrontal cortex. Additional analysis to investigate the functional connectivity difference from the seed ROIs to the whole brain voxels revealed that, compared to HC, OCD exhibited greater functional connectivity between pre‐SMA and IFG. Also, this functional connectivity was positively correlated with the SSRT score. These results provide additional insight into the characteristics of the resting‐state functional connectivity of the regions belonging to the cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical circuit and the cingulo‐opercular salience network, underlying the impaired motor response inhibition of OCD. In particular, we emphasize the importance of altered functional connectivity between pre‐SMA and IFG for the pathophysiology of motor response inhibition in OCD.
Oscillation or not—Why we can and need to know (commentary on Doelling and Assaneo, 2021)

Neural oscillations have been the subject of intense research for nearly a century. They are a core phenomenon of the central nervous system (Llin as, 1988), and evidence for their involvement in cognitive processes has been mounting ever since their discovery (Ward, 2003). Yet, identifying oscillations is not always easy. In the presence of a rhythmic stimulus, neural ensembles can show rhythmic behaviour even if they cannot be considered an oscillator—that is, they are unable to produce oscillatory activity on their own, but simply reflect the regularity of the stimulus. In various fields of research, such as that of “neural entrainment,” this has led to immense efforts to distinguish “true” neural oscillations from other neural processes that can produce remarkably similar responses in certain situations (Zoefel et al., 2018). In a recent article, Doelling and Assaneo (2021) propose that the question “oscillation or not” hampers progress in these research fields. They argue that the phenomenon “neural oscillation” comprises various heterogeneous neural processes; consequently, the line between oscillating and non-oscillating systems is blurred and therefore meaningless to draw. Here, we argue against this conclusion and base our argumentation on one crucial notion: Despite their heterogeneity, neural oscillations are a separate class of neural processes. This is because neural oscillations have unique and shared properties. Unique properties are those that only oscillators have. Shared properties are those that all oscillators or all oscillators within a subclass have—for example, all oscillators with a specific frequency. Unique properties are the reason we can know whether oscillations are present, as they allow us to distinguish them from non-oscillatory processes. The existence of such properties therefore contradicts the notion that there is no clear line between oscillating and non-oscillating systems. Shared properties are the reason why we need to know whether oscillations are present, as, once a member of the “oscillation family” (or a subclass) is identified, it can be assumed to possess Received: 1 July 2021 Revised: 25 October 2021 Accepted: 8 November 2021
Suitable Feedforward Artificial Neural Network Automatic Voltage Regulator for Excitation Control System

The feedforward artificial neural network (FFANN) based automatic voltage regulator (AVR) controller for excitation system using Matlab/Simulink approach is proposed in this paper.The proposed AVR controller investigates and demonstrates the application of radial basis function (RBF) and multiplayer perceptron (MLP) architectures of FFANNs and compares the suitability of both architectures. The simulation results of suggested AVR controller not only show the encouraging responses for the application but also show the improvement in the transient responses of synchronous machine. The responses of developed RBF and MLP networks have also been compared with conventional proportional integral and derivative (PID) excitation controller of synchronous machine. Investigations and results prove that FFANN AVR controllers are very simple and accurate than conventional AVR and also enhance the stability performance of synchronous machine in an efficient manner. This research also suggests that RBF network is more simple, accurate, fast and robust controller than MLP architecture. Huge numbers of research papers have been written and published on the different types of excitation controller, but the proposed controller for excitation control system is relatively most simple and suitable for software demonstration and practical implementation.
Reaching the Excitonic Limit in 2D Janus Monolayers by In Situ Deterministic Growth

Named after the two‐faced Roman god of transitions, transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) Janus monolayers have two different chalcogen surfaces, inherently breaking the out‐of‐plane mirror symmetry. The broken mirror symmetry and the resulting potential gradient lead to the emergence of quantum properties such as the Rashba effect and the formation of dipolar excitons. Experimental access to these quantum properties, however, hinges on the ability to produce high‐quality 2D Janus monolayers. Here, these results introduce a holistic 2D Janus synthesis technique that allows real‐time monitoring of the growth process. This prototype chamber integrates in situ spectroscopy, offering fundamental insights into the structural evolution and growth kinetics, that allow the evaluation and optimization of the quality of Janus monolayers. The versatility of this method is demonstrated by synthesizing and monitoring the conversion of SWSe, SNbSe, and SMoSe Janus monolayers. Deterministic conversion and real‐time data collection further aid in conversion of exfoliated TMDs to Janus monolayers and unparalleled exciton linewidth values are reached, compared to the current best standard. The results offer an insight into the process kinetics and aid in the development of new Janus monolayers with high optical quality, which is much needed to access their exotic properties.
Design of wideband multilayer planar absorber using a new differential evolution algorithm

Design of wideband planar absorber using real electromagnetic composite materials is considered in this paper. A new differential evolution, dynamic differential evolution with best of random differential mutation, is applied to solve this problem. To simplify the problem, a suitable objective function and regulation scheme have been designed to transform the constrained multi-objective problem into unconstrained single-objective one. The effects of total thickness and investigated frequency band have been studied. Four-layer planar absorbers for different cases have been successfully designed.
Increasing Warmth in Oncological Patients: A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Pilot Trial Examining the Efficacy of Mustard and Ginger Footbaths

Objective: To analyze the thermogenic effects of footbaths with medicinal powders in oncological patients (ON) and healthy controls (HC). Intervention and Outcomes: Thirty-six participants (23 ON, 13 HC; 24 females; 49.9 ± 13.3 years) received 3 footbaths in a random order with cross-over design: warm water only (WA), warm water plus mustard (MU, Sinapis nigra), and warm water plus ginger (GI, Zingiber officinale). Warmth perception of the feet (Herdecke Warmth Perception Questionnaire, HeWEF) at the follow-up (10 minutes after completion of footbaths, t2) was assessed as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included overall warmth as well as self-reported warmth (HeWEF) and measured skin temperature (high resolution thermography) of the face, hands and feet at baseline (t0), post immersion (t1), and follow-up (t2). Results: With respect to the warmth perception of the feet, GI and MU differed significantly from WA (P’s < .05) with the highest effect sizes at t1 (WA vs GI, d = 0.92, WA vs MU, d = 0.73). At t2, perceived warmth tended to be higher with GI compared to WA (d = 0.46). No differences were detected between ON and HC for self-reported warmth. With respect to skin temperatures, face and feet skin temperatures of ON were colder (at t0 and t1, 0.42 ≥ d ≥ 0.68) and tended to have diametrical response patterns than HC (ON vs HC: colder vs warmer after MU). Conclusion: Among adult oncological patients and healthy controls, footbaths with mustard and ginger increased warmth perception of the feet longer than with warm water only. The potential impact of regularly administered thermogenic footbaths over extended periods merits further investigation for the recovery of cancer-related sense of cold.
New receiver for multiuser detection of CDMA signals with antenna arrays

A new receiver for multiuser detection of DS-CDMA signals with antenna arrays at the receiver is introduced. The receiver is based on processing a new, defined vector called the spatial-temporal signature vector that is closely related to the 'sufficient' statistic. The proposed receiver integrates processing in time and space. The higher dimensionality of the spatial-temporal signature vector compared to conventional signatures and array response vectors used by conventional receivers, allows for better interference mitigation and near-far resistance. A new method for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of users' signals is also introduced that can be applied even if the number of active users far exceeds the number of antenna elements. Both synchronous single-path and general asynchronous multipath fading cases are considered. The algorithm can be applied blindly, i.e. for DOA estimation and detection of each user's symbols the signature code and synchronisation of that user is needed.
Modeling the Stiffness Characteristics of the Human Body while Running with Various Stride Lengths

A modified mass-spring-damper model was used to simulate the vertical ground reaction forces of a human runner as stride length was altered. Spring stiffness values were selected by an optimizing routine that altered model parameters to match the model ground reaction force curve to a runner’s actual ground reaction force curve. A mass in series with a spring was used to simulate the behavior of body structures that produce the active portion of the ground reaction force. A second mass in series with a spring-damper system was used to simulate the behavior of those components that cause the impact portion of the ground reaction force. The stiffness of the active spring showed a 51% decrease as subjects increased their stride length. The stiffness value of the impact spring showed a trend opposite that of the active spring, increasing by 20% as strides lengthened. It appears that the impact stiffness plays a role in preventing the support leg from collapsing in response to the increased contact velocities .
Lymphocyte cytosolic protein 2 is a novel prognostic marker in lung adenocarcinoma

Objective Lymphocyte cytosolic protein 2 (LCP2) is often ectopically expressed in various human tumors. However, the clinical significance and role of LCP2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. This study explored the prognostic significance of LCP2 in LUAD patients. Methods LCP2 expression in LUAD tissues was analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases. Western blotting was employed to detect LCP2 expression in LUAD. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to explore signaling pathways mediated by LCP2 co-regulatory genes. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine levels of LCP2 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in 68 LUAD patients. Associations between LCP2 expression and clinicopathological features, prognoses, and PD-L1 levels among the LUAD in-patients were analyzed. Results Among the 68 LUAD in-patients, LCP2 expression was correlated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. LUAD patients with high LCP2 expression were associated with increased overall survival. LCP2 expression may be associated with an enrichment of several immune functions. Moreover, our immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that LCP2 expression was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression in LUAD tissues. Conclusions In the study, LCP2 was found to be a favorable prognostic biomarker in LUAD patients.