Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knee Exoskeleton-Enabled Balance Control of Human Walking Gait With Unexpected Foot Slip

Foot slip is one of the leading causes of fall-related injuries during human walking. The underlying slip dynamics help understand bipedal recoverability under gait perturbation and therefore provide a tool to design proactive slip-induced fall prevention strategies. We present a new integrated wearable sensing and exoskeleton-enabled fall prevention under unexpected foot slip. The real-time slip detection is realized with a set of small, wearable inertial measurements units on both legs. We use the balance recoverability and inter-limb coordination analyses to design the balance recovery strategies. The bilateral knee exoskeleton provides assistive torque control and helps walker to follow the designed gait recovery strategies. Multiple subject experiments are presented to demonstrate the exoskeleton-enabled recovery under foot slip. Various critical metrics, including slip distance, velocity, swing leg touch-down time, are systematically compared to assess the efficacy of both the exoskeleton and the controller. The results confirm that incorporating knee exoskeletons as a balance recovery method for human walking is a reliable and robust approach to mitigate or prevent slip-induced falls.
Spatiotemporal non-rigid image registration for 3D ultrasound cardiac motion estimation

We present a new method to evaluate 4D (3D + time) cardiac ultrasound data sets by nonrigid spatio-temporal image registration. First, a frame-to-frame registration is performed that yields a dense deformation field. The deformation field is used to calculate local spatiotemporal properties of the myocardium, such as the velocity, strain and strain rate. The field is also used to propagate particular points and surfaces, representing e.g. the endo-cardial surface over the different frames. As such, the 4D path of these point is obtained, which can be used to calculate the velocity by which the wall moves and the evolution of the local surface area over time. The wall velocity is not angle-dependent as in classical Doppler imaging, since the 4D data allows calculating the true 3D motion. Similarly, all 3D myocardium strain components can be estimated. Combined they result in local surface area or volume changes which van be color-coded as a measure of local contractability. A diagnostic method that strongly benefits from this technique is cardiac motion and deformation analysis, which is an important aid to quantify the mechanical properties of the myocardium.
GLoCNet: Robust Feature Matching With Global–Local Consistency Network for Remote Sensing Image Registration

Feature matching is a fundamental and critical task for remote sensing image registration (RSIR). However, numerous outliers (false matches) harm the feature point neighborhood structure due to the view transformation from the camera. Meanwhile, unknown local distortion obscures the distinction between inliers (correct matches) and outliers. To solve these problems, we propose a global–local consistency network (GLoCNet) for feature matching to exclude the interference of outliers under various transformation patterns and provide stable neighborhood support for the similarity metric of feature points. Specifically, a global transformation consistency (GTC) module is proposed to obtain a neighbor pool by exploiting the compact nature of the inlier distribution under different transformation patterns. In addition, feature points interact with information through the local neighborhood consistency (LNC) module in center-based graph construction. Finally, the difference between inliers and outliers is increased by dynamically adjusting the upper limitation distance of the outlier and suppressing its effect in the neighborhood. We conducted rich experiments on extensive datasets to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed GLoCNet can effectively handle numerous outliers and achieve satisfactory registration results under various transformation patterns.
Conceptual Design and Numerical Validation of a Carbon-Based Ink Injector

This paper shows the design of an injector, using carbon nanotubes as inkjet material, implemented in a 3D printer. According to the available literature, few injectors are capable of depositing material. Due to the lack of information, the central part of this research is to develop a suitable device for ink injection that is capable of applying the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method to print nanomaterial ink. The injector was designed using a CAD program based on an open-source desktop 3D printer, which allows it to be modified according to the needs of the injector. This prototype was manufactured in aluminum alloy 7075T6. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were carried out to analyze the behavior of the fluid when it passes through the injector, obtaining parameters such as pressure, velocity, and vorticity. An experimental matrix of the injector operation was carried out to achieve an adequate printing speed. The results show that the optimum speed was 250 ms, considering that a temperature of 100 °C is needed in the heated bed to dry the ink so that it does not undergo expansion.
An FPGA-Based Training System for a 1T1R Memristor Array With 500 nS Conductance Resolution Limit

Brain-inspired computing is a key technology to break through the von Neumann bottleneck, and memristors have become potential candidate devices for achieving brain-inspired computing. The precise tuning of the conductance of a memristor device in the memristor array determines the accuracy of its pattern recognition. However, the existing commercial semiconductor parameter analyzers are not capable of training one-transistor-one-memristor (1T1R) memristor arrays. In this research, we propose a training system based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) to precisely modulate the conductance states of the 1T1R memristor arrays. The system consists of a pulse generator with 20 ns resolution, a matrix switch and a resistance measurement unit, which can generate nanosecond pulses and automatically perform Forming, SET, RESET and READ operations on a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$32\times32$ </tex-math></inline-formula> scale 1T1R memristor array. The experimental results show that the system can map offline training data into memristor resistance values between 1 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{k}\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and 100 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{k}\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> with a 500 nS conductance resolution limit. This system contributes to the investigation of the physical mechanisms of conductivity modulation in memristors, which improves the capability for future applications of memristors in high-density storage and high-precision neuromorphic brain-inspired computing.
Parametric description of thermospheric ion composition results

The Cospar sponsored activity for the preparation of an international reference ionosphere (IRI) provides the first extensive international effort for the development of an empirical ionospheric model between the altitudes of 100 and 1000 km. Although significant global characteristics of the electron density and temperature distributions have been identified through extensive satellite and ground-based measurements, the global characteristics of the individual species of the ion composition remain to be described. Because of the inherent complexity of the ion composition, direct high-resolution measurements are required to describe the behavior of both the major ions and the trace constituents. By virtue of the excellent spatial coverage afforded, the polar-orbiting Ogo satellites have provided a unique opportunity for accumulating an ion composition data base needed for a statistical input to the IRI.
Current Issues in the Management of IgG Subclass Deficiencies in Adults With Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are uncommon in adults; however, immunoglobulin G subclass deficiency (IGGSCD) is often found in a subset of adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases. As quantitative laboratory tests are used to diagnose IGGSCD, the clinical significance of IGGSCD remains controversial. However, respiratory infection is a common presenting feature of IGGSCD, and respiratory complications are responsible for subsequent morbidities, such as severe asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive airway diseases, and mortality. This review summarizes the current epidemiological data for PIDs, focusing on IGGSCD in the adult population. In addition, the investigation, treatment, and management strategies are detailed, including distinct issues faced by patients with chronic airway disease and their physicians in the proper diagnosis and treatment of IGGSCD.
Single-User SFLC-OFDM System Realization Based on Channel Reciprocity Recovery

This paper demonstrates the implementation of a space–frequency line coded-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (SFLC-OFDM) system. The SFLC-OFDM system utilizes downlink channel state information at the transmitter, which can be obtained from uplink channel estimation under channel reciprocity assumption between uplink-and-downlink channels. However, in practical implementations, channel reciprocity is violated due to the imperfect synchronization and radio frequency chain mismatch between transceivers. To recover the channel reciprocity, frequency-domain signal processing methods are proposed. Furthermore, a low computational complexity single-instruction multiple-data method is implemented to meet the time constraints in real-time operating systems. The experimental results demonstrate that channel reciprocity can be effectively recovered in the implemented SFLC-OFDM system, resulting in practical communication performance regarding the symbol error rate.
PALEOENVIRONMENTAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE “LO HUECO” FOSSIL SITE (UPPER CRETACEOUS, CUENCA, SPAIN): PRELIMINARY STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSES ON CROCODILIANS AND DINOSAURS

ABSTRACT Stable isotope analyses (&dgr;18OPO4, &dgr;18OCO3, and &dgr;13C) are reported for the first time on crocodilian, theropod, and sauropod teeth from two stratigraphic levels (G1 and G2) from the late Campanian–early Maastrichtian “Lo Hueco” fossil site (Cuenca, Spain) in order to better understand paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental conditions existing in the Iberian Peninsula during the Late Cretaceous. Diagenetic alteration was evaluated using three tests: (1) consistent differences in enamel and dentine &dgr;18OPO4 values, (2) crocodilian &dgr;18OPO4 values consistently lower than dinosaur &dgr;18OPO4 values in agreement with the proposed latitudinal distribution between ectotherms and endotherms, and (3) a &Dgr;&dgr;18OCO3-PO4 value of 9.1 ± 1.7‰ for dinosaurs in accordance with the expected equilibrium fractionation between carbonate and phosphate in unaltered modern mammalian bioapatite. Calculated &dgr;18OH2O values are slightly higher in crocodilians compared to dinosaurs since semiaquatic ectothermic taxa &dgr;18OH2O represents local meteoric waters in a brief window of time when the conditions are favorable for apatite synthesis, whereas terrestrial endothermic taxa &dgr;18OH2O records ingested water year-round. Mean air temperature calculated using crocodilian and dinosaur &dgr;18OH2O values shows an increase between G1 and G2, which may be related to differences in the sedimentological setting and/or to a shift toward warmer conditions over time. Finally, the sauropod mean &dgr;13C value (−11.1 ± 0.2‰, VPDB) is in the predicted range for C3 vegetation.
Exact Solutions of M-Fractional Kuralay Equation via Three Analytical Schemes

This article concerns new analytical wave solutions of the Kuralay-II equations (K-IIAE and K-IIBE) with exploration of a new definition of the derivative. This model is used in various fields, like nonlinear optics, ferromagnetic materials and optical fibers. For this purpose, the expa function, the extended sinh-Gordon equation expansion scheme, and the generalized Kudryashov schemes were utilized. The resulting solutions are dark, bright, dark-bright, periodic, singular and other kinds of solitons. These results are obtained and also verified by the Mathematica tool. Some of the solutions are explained with 2-D, 3-D and contour plots using the Mathematica tool. The solutions obtained succede the present solutions in the literature. For the first time, the effect of the fractional derivative on the solutions is also shown graphically for this model. The analytical wave solutions are highly desirable as they offer insights into the underlying physics or mathematics of a system and provide a framework for further analysis. The results obtained can also be fruitful for the development of models in the future. The schemes used in this research are effective, easy to apply, and reliably handle other fractional non-linear partial differential equations.
Depth‐dependent attenuation in the uppermost inner core from the Taiwan short period seismic array PKP data

Inner core attenuation properties from two spots were examined in detail using PKIKP and PKP(BC) phases with a distance range of between 147° and 154° as recorded by both the short‐period regional seismic array in Taiwan and the broadband stations of the German Regional Seismic Network. The ray paths from the six South American events to Taiwan sampled the inner core region beneath the eastern part of the northern Pacific Ocean, while those from Fiji to Europe reflected the inner core boundary under the western part of the northern Pacific Ocean. Results of this study show the depth‐dependent attenuation of Qp beneath the eastern part of the northern Pacific Ocean from 241±21.8 (at depths <210 km) to 337±46.5 (at depths >270 km) with a weighted mean of 305±25.4 within the frequency band 0.5∼2.0Hz. The average Qp under the western part of the northern Pacific Ocean is 160±33.5 (0.5 ∼ 1.5Hz) which is consistent with that previously reported. It is found that Qp under the western part of the northern Pacific is clearly lower than that under the eastern part. This discrepancy might be related to regional variations in the uppermost inner core.
Atlantic cod and Yellowtail flounder indices from the Spanish Survey conducted in Divisions 3NO of the NAFO Regulatory Area

Since 1995, Spain carries out a stratified random spring bottom trawl survey in Div. 3NO of the NAFO Regulatory Area. The entire series of mean catches, biomass and length distribution for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are presented for the period 1997-2008 and for Yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) for the period 1995-2008. For Atlantic cod we can see a general decreasing in the biomass between 2002 and 2005, and an increasing since then, especially in 2006 and 2008. In 2007 the biomass decreased, but the level is over the value in the period 2002-2005. For this species, an increase in the recruitment can be seen in 2004 and 2005, and in years 2007 and 2008 the youngest length classes are much over the rest of the length classes. For Yellowtail flounder, there is no a clear trend since 1998; its indices are almost constant along this period. Material and methods The survey in Div. 3NO of NAFO Regulatory Area was initiated by Spain in 1995. Until 2001, the survey was carried out in Spring (May), on board the Spanish vessel C/V Playa de Menduiña (338 GT and 800 HP) using bottom trawl net type Pedreira. Since 2001, the R/V Vizconde de Eza replaced the C/V Playa de Menduíña as the research vessel for the survey, and Campelen net replaced Pedreira net as survey gear. The main specifications and geometry of these gears, as the rigging profile and the net plan, and a sheet with the resume of the main technical data of the survey are described in a previous paper (Walsh et. al., 2001). Table 1 presents the number of valid tows, the depth strata covered and the dates of the survey series. The survey area was stratified following the standard stratification schemes (Bishop, 1994). Set number was allocated to strata proportionally to their size, with a minimum of two planned hauls per stratum and the trawl positions were chosen at random (Doubleday, 1981). Biomass indices were calculated by the swept area method (Cochran, 1997), assuming catchability factor of 1. For Atlantic cod, the series are presented since 1997 because in years 1995 and 1996 the surveyed depth strata were only until 1000 meters, so they are not representative. As the strata where the Yellowtail flounder is presented were well surveyed, the series for this species are presented since 1995. The catch from each haul was sorted by species and weighted. Random samples of each species catches were measured to total length to the nearest lower cm. Length distribution scaled from catches was estimated for the period 1997-2008 (Atlantic cod) and 1995-2008 (Yellowtail flounder) in two cm range. Data were grouping beginning with the pair number. For each species, the haul mean catch, with its variance, and the stratified mean catches by stratum and year, with the annual variance, are presented, transformed until 2000 and no-transformed in the period 2002-2008. In the year
Global system of rivers: Its role in organizing continental land mass and defining land‐to‐ocean linkages

The spatial organization of the Earth's land mass is analyzed using a simulated topological network (STN‐30p) representing potential flow pathways across the entire nonglacierized surface of the globe at 30‐min (longitude × latitude) spatial resolution. We discuss a semiautomated procedure to develop this topology combining digital elevation models and manual network editing. STN‐30p was verified against several independent sources including map products and drainage basin statistics, although we found substantial inconsistency within the extant literature itself. A broad suite of diagnostics is offered that quantitatively describes individual grid cells, river segments, and complete drainage systems spanning orders 1 through 6 based on the Strahler classification scheme. Continental and global‐scale summaries of key STN‐30p attributes are given. Summaries are also presented which distinguish basins that potentially deliver discharge to an ocean (exorheic) from those that potentially empty into an internal receiving body (endorheic). A total of 59,122 individual grid cells constitutes the global nonglacierized land mass. At 30‐min spatial resolution, the cells are organized into 33,251 distinct river segments which define 6152 drainage basins. A global total of 133.1 × 106 km2 bear STN‐SOp flow paths with a total length of 3.24 × 106 km. The organization of river networks has an important role in linking land mass to ocean. From a continental perspective, low‐order river segments (orders 1‐3) drain the largest fraction of land (90%) and thus constitute a primary source area for runoff and constituents. From an oceanic perspective, however, the small number (n=101) of large drainage systems (orders 4‐6) predominates; draining 65% of global land area and subsuming a large fraction of the otherwise spatially remote low‐order rivers. Along river corridors, only 10% of land mass is within 100 km of a coastline, 25% is within 250 km, and 50% is within 750 km. The global mean distance to river mouth is 1050 km with individual continental values from 460 to 1340 km. The Mediterranean/Black Sea and Arctic Ocean are the most land‐dominated of all oceans with land:ocean area ratios of 4.4 and 1.2, respectively; remaining oceans show ratios from 0.55 to 0.13. We discuss limitations of the STN‐30p together with its potential role in future global change studies. STN‐30p is geographically linked to several hundred river discharge and chemistry monitoring stations to provide a framework for calibrating and validating macroscale hydrology and biogeochemical flux models.
Sustainable landslide risk reduction in poorer countries

In developing countries many houses are built by the most vulnerable persons in unplanned settlements on land that is marginal in construction terms and often subject to high landslide risk. This paper outlines a low-cost, community-based approach to landslide risk reduction undertaken in St Lucia, West Indies. The process of establishing a Government management team integrated with joint community implementation is described. Three key elements comprising a mapping methodology for landslide risk, identification of dominant slope instability controls and implementation of low-cost sustainable measures are described. The successful pilot project demonstrates the feasibility of such a low-cost approach to landslide risk reduction and offers a major step forward in establishing appropriate preventative measures for minimising landslide risk in vulnerable communities.
Identification and validation of PCSK9 as a prognostic and immune-related influencing factor in tumorigenesis: a pan-cancer analysis

Introduction Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) has been primarily studied in the cardiovascular field however, its role in cancer pathophysiology remains incompletely defined. Recently, a pivotal role for PCSK9 in cancer immunotherapy was proposed based on the finding that PCSK9 inhibition was associated with enhancing the antigen presentation efficacy of target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Herein, we provide results of a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of PCSK9 that assessed its prognostic and immunological functions in cancer. Methods Using a variety of available online cancer-related databases including TIMER, cBioPortal, and GEPIA, we identified the abnormal expression of PCSK9 and its potential clinical associations in diverse cancer types including liver, brain and lung. We also validated its role in progression-free survival (PFS) and immune infiltration in neuroblastoma. Results Overall, the pan-cancer survival analysis revealed an association between dysregulated PCSK9 and poor clinical outcomes in various cancer types. Specifically, PCSK9 was extensively genetically altered across most cancer types and was consistently found in different tumor types and substages when compared with adjacent normal tissues. Thus, aberrant DNA methylation may be responsible for PCSK9 expression in many cancer types. Focusing on liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), we found that PCSK9 expression correlated with clinicopathological characteristics following stratified prognostic analyses. PCSK9 expression was significantly associated with immune infiltrate since specific markers of CD8+ T cells, macrophage polarization, and exhausted T cells exhibited different PCSK9-related immune infiltration patterns in LIHC and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, PCSK9 was connected with resistance of drugs such as erlotinib and docetaxel. Finally, we validated PCSK9 expression in clinical neuroblastoma samples and concluded that PCSK9 appeared to correlate with a poor PFS and natural killer cell infiltration in neuroblastoma patients. Conclusion PCSK9 could serve as a robust prognostic pan-cancer biomarker given its correlation with immune infiltrates in different cancer types, thus potentially highlighting a new direction for targeted clinical therapy of cancers.