Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and Adaptive Assistance Control of the Robotic Hip Exoskeleton to Improve Gait Symmetry and Restore Normal Gait

Neurological disorders and aging induce abnormal gait kinematics such as asymmetric gait, reduced stride length, and walking speeds. Gait asymmetry increases musculoskeletal pain and joint impairment in the affected leg, increases the risk of patients falling, and induces higher energy expenditure. This paper presents a novel assistive control framework for the series elastic actuator-driven robotic hip exoskeleton that improves gait symmetry and restores normal gait. The proposed assistive control depends on virtual stiffness compensation with a series elastic actuator (SEA)-driven hip exoskeleton to assist without needing estimation, prediction of the gait phase, or human intent. In addition, adaptive adjustment of the virtual stiffness based on the approximate dynamic programming method is used to improve gait symmetry. The proposed control strategy is successfully implemented, and experiments are validated with human subjects’ gait assistance using a SEA-driven wearable hip exoskeleton. Note to Practitioners—This paper was motivated by the problem of hip exoskeleton assistive control. The goal of hip exoskeleton assistance is to improve gait symmetry and restore the normal gait of the patient with neurological disorders and the elderly. Existing approaches to fixturing such parts generally need to estimate or predict the gait phase or human intent. And the existing approaches generally adopted fixed control parameters. The hip exoskeleton’s assistance cannot adapt to various walking conditions and human gait differences. The proposed assistive control is based on virtual stiffness compensation with a SEA-driven hip exoskeleton to assist with walking under various walking conditions without estimating or predicting the gait phase or human intent. And the proposed method is online adjusted control parameters with human-in-the-loop to improve the gait symmetry. The human walking experiment results showed that the hip exoskeleton assistive controller not only reduced muscle activation and human effort but also improved the interjoint coordination of the impaired joint online. We also showed how the assistance controller changes the control parameters according to the gait symmetry with a human-in-the-loop strategy.
A 19-state R-matrix investigation of resonances in e−―He scattering. I: The resonance widths and positions

The authors use the results of a 19-state R-matrix calculation to search for resonances in e--He scattering with positions lying below n<or=4 states of helium. The resonance positions and widths are calculated. The excitation function of the metastable states (23S+21S) of helium is also calculated and the resonance structures are examined and compared directly with the previous measurements of Brunt et al (1977) and Buckman et al (1983). The classification of resonances by Brunt et al and the designation of 'Wannier ridge' resonances by Buckman et al and by Buckman and Newman (1987) are re-examined in the light of the present 19-state R-matrix calculation.
A GOODNESS-OF-FIT TEST FOR AUTOREGRESSIVE MOVING-AVERAGE MODELS BASED ON THE STANDARDIZED SAMPLE SPECTRAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESIDUALS

A stochastic process derived from the standardized sample spectral density of the residuals of a causal and invertible ARMA(p, q) model is introduced to construct a goodness-of-fit procedure. The test statistics considered have a proper limiting distribution which is free of unknown parameters and which, unlike some well-known goodness-of-fit statistics based on the residuals, does not depend on the sample size.
Energy-Efficient Bus Encoding Techniques for Next-Generation PAM-4 DRAM Interfaces

In this paper, we introduce effective bus data en-coding schemes for next-generation interfaces of DRAM with an analysis of their energy and lane efficiency characteristics. The Pulse-Amplitude-Modulation-4 (PAM-4) signaling technique has recently been adopted to memory interfaces due to their increased per-pin data-rate requirements. However, as the power consumption profile of PAM-4 symbols differs from that of NRZ symbols, the conventional Dynamic Bus Inversion (DBI) encoding fails to achieve an expected reduction of termination power. Therefore, this paper proposes data encoding schemes applicable to the PAM-4 memory links and compares their performances in terms of the termination energy with experimental results. We evaluate the proposed approaches by applying data encoding to DRAM memory access traces obtained from executing benchmarks on ARM/x86 ISA-based processors, including caches, simulated on the gem5 architecture simulator. The experimental results show that our advanced encoding algorithms enable us to achieve doubled data rate with minimal power consumption overhead.
Tanshinone IIA Improves Acute Gouty Arthritis in Rats through Regulating Neutrophil Activation and the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Objectives To investigate the prevention and treatment effect of tanshinone IIA (TIIA) on acute gouty arthritis (AGA) and its mechanism. Methods The anti-AGA effect of TIIA was observed in vivo and in vitro. Neutrophils were isolated from the abdominal cavity of mice, and the anti-AGA effect of TIIA was investigated in a rat model of MSU-induced AGA. The pathological changes of the ankle joint tissues were assessed by H&E. Cytokine and chemokine expression were determined by ELISA and RT-qPCR. The NLRP3 inflammasome pathway protein levels in the ankle joint tissues were evaluated via western blotting. Neutrophil migration was evaluated in air pouch and transwell assays. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis evaluate the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), and citrullination of histone H3 (CitH3). Beclin-1 and LC3B expressions were determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Key Findings. Treatment with TIIA alleviated synovial hyperplasia and neutrophil infiltration, regulated cytokine and chemokine expressions, and inhibited NLRP3 activation in AGA rats, neutrophil migration, MPO, NE, and CitH3 expression, and LC3B and Beclin-1 protein expression. Conclusions These results demonstrate that TIIA can effectively enhance AGA by focusing on the neutrophils and NLRP3 inflammasome, demonstrating that TIIA may act as a potential helpful agent for AGA.
Microbiological Properties and Cytotoxicity of PNVCL Hydrogels Containing Flavonoids as Intracanal Medication for Endodontic Therapy

This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and microbiological properties of poly (N-vinylcaprolactam)—PNVCL hydrogels containing flavonoids as intracanal medication for endodontic therapy. Antimicrobial activity of ampelopsin (AMP), isoquercitrin and rutin was determined against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces israelii, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum by the microdilution method. After synthesis and characterization by rheology, PNVCL hydrogels were loaded with AMP and controls calcium hydroxide (CH) and chlorhexidine (CHX), and determined the compounds release profile. PNVCL+AMP, PNVCL+CH, PNVCL+CHX were evaluated on multi-species biofilms and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Cytotoxicity was determined after fibroblasts exposure to serial dilutions of AMP and PNVCL hydrogel extracts. AMP was effective against all of the bacteria tested, especially against S. mutans, A. israelli and F. nucleatum. SEM and CLSM analysis showed that PNVCL + AMP caused a significant decrease and disorganization of multi-species biofilms and reduction of intracanal viable cells, superior to the other groups. AMP affected fibroblast viability at concentrations above 0.125 mg/mL, and extracts of PNVCL+AMP showed low cytotoxicity. In conclusion, PNVCL containing AMP demonstrated cytocompatibility and potent effect against multi-species biofilms and could be potential intracanal medication for endodontic purposes.
Metabolic and Proteomic Profiles Reveal the Response of the ASD-Associated Resistant Strain 6-1 of Lactobacillus plantarum to Propionic Acid

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seriously affects children’s health. In our previous study, we isolated and identified a bacterium (Lactobacillus plantarum strain 6-1) that is resistant to propionic acid (PA), which has been reported to play a significant role in the formation of ASD. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the resistance to PA, this study investigated the change in the metabolic and proteomic profile of L. plantarum strain 6-1 in the presence and absence of PA. The results show that 967 and 1078 proteins were specifically identified in the absence and the presence of PA, respectively, while 616 proteins were found under both conditions. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of 130 differentially expressed proteins accumulated in the presence and absence of PA indicated that most of the proteins belong to biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Pathway enrichment analysis showed a great reduction in the metabolic pathway-related proteins when this resistant bacterium was exposed to PA compared to the control. Furthermore, there was an obvious difference in protein–protein interaction networks in the presence and the absence of propionic acid. In addition, there was a change in the metabolic profile of L. plantarum strain 6-1 when this bacterium was exposed to PA compared to the control, while six peaks at 696.46, 1543.022, 1905.241, 2004.277, 2037.374, and 2069.348 m/z disappeared. Overall, the results could help us to understand the mechanism of the resistance of gut bacteria to PA, which will provide a new insight for us to use PA-resistant bacteria to prevent the development of ASD in children.
Current Concepts and Challenges in the Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate Patients—A Comprehensive Review

Cleft lip and cleft palate has one of the highest incidences in the malformations of the oral cavity, that varies between populations. The background underlying the issue of cleft lip and palate is multifactorial and greatly depends on the genetic factors and environmental factors. The aim of this nonsystematic narrative review is to present the cleft palate and or lip pediatric population as target for interdisciplinary treatment. The purpose of this narrative review is to sum up the modern knowledge on the treatment of patients with clefts, as well as to highlight the importance of the great need for cooperation between different dental specialists along with medical professionals such as oral surgeons, prosthodontists, orthodontists along with medical professions such as pediatricians, speech therapists and phoniatrics, and laryngologist.
The practicality of x-ray lasers for the sub 50Å wavelength range

The possibility of generating short wavelength laser action in plasma is considered by two different methods. In the first we examine the conditions under which laser action can be generated using laser heating of thin foils of materials with a high atomic number. It is shown that there is a way forward using reasonable pump laser energies tailored to the specific x-ray wavelength and material. Recombination lasers, in principle, have a high quantum efficiency, particularly if transitions to the ground state can be used. ATI offers a possible means to achieve this objective. We examine the conditions under which such inversion can be generated. Some simple scalings for the density and temperature are derived.
Direct Determination of Partial Wave Contributions in the σ * Shape Resonance of CO Molecules

The first complete experiment for the C $K$-shell of CO molecules in the region of the ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{*}$ shape resonance has been performed by detecting photoelectrons in coincidence with fragment ions. Four ratios of dipole matrix elements and four phase shift differences have been extracted from the experimental data. Their analyses show that, in the ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{*}$ shape resonance due to the $l$ mixing, $d$ and $f$ partial waves give the main contribution to the cross section, and $f$ and $g$ waves give the main contribution to a rapid increase of phase shift by $\ensuremath{\pi}$.
Under-Ice Field tests with an AUV in Abisko/Torneträsk

In this work we describe the field-tests with an AUV in an ice-covered lake in Abisko, Sweden in March 2022. The aim of the test campaign was to determine the vehicle’s ability to operate under such conditions (temperature, limited accessibility) and perform a number of missions including autonomous docking to a docking-station. In order to aid other researchers in planning similar field-trials, we expand on the choice of venue and test-site set-up before presenting the results of multiple autonomous missions. Within this paper we provide the data of three missions including sensor readings of IMU, DVL, CTD and USBL as well as additional data and configuration parameters.
Applications of Microwaves in Medicine

Advances and updates in medical applications utilizing microwave techniques and technologies are reviewed in this paper. The article aims to provide an overview of enablers for microwave medical applications and their recent progress. The emphasis focuses on the applications of microwaves, in the following order, for 1) signal and data communication for implants and wearables through the human body, 2) electromagnetic energy transfer through tissues, 3) noninvasive, remote or in situ physical and biochemical sensing, and 4) therapeutic purposes by changing tissue properties with controlled thermal effects. For signal and data communication and wireless power transfer, implant and wearable applications are discussed in the categories of pacemakers, endoscopic capsules, brain interfaces, intraocular, cardiac and intracranial pressure sensors, neurostimulators, endoluminal implants, artificial retina, smart lenses, and cochlear implants. For noninvasive sensing, remote vital sign radar, biological cell probing, magnetic resonance and microwave imaging, biochemical, blood glucose, hydration and biomarker sensing applications are introduced. For therapeutic uses, the developments of microwave ablation, balloon angioplasty, and hyperthermia applications are reviewed. The scopes of this article mainly concentrate on the research and development efforts in the past 20 years. Recent review articles on specific topics are cited with accomplishment highlights and trends deliberated. At the end of this article, a brief history of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) Biological Effects and Medical Applications committee and the contributions by its members to the promotion and advancement of microwave technologies in medical fields are chronicled.
Testing Conditional Independence Restrictions

We propose a nonparametric test of the hypothesis of conditional independence between variables of interest based on a generalization of the empirical distribution function. This hypothesis is of interest both for model specification purposes, parametric and semiparametric, and for nonmodel-based testing of economic hypotheses. We allow for both discrete variables and estimated parameters. The asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic is a functional of a Gaussian process. A bootstrap procedure is proposed for calculating the critical values. Our test has power against alternatives at distance n −1/2 from the null; this result holding independently of dimension. Monte Carlo simulations provide evidence on size and power.
The Elixir System: Data Characterization and Calibration at the Canada‐France‐Hawaii Telescope

The Elixir System at the Canada‐France‐Hawaii Telescope performs data characterization and calibration for all data from the wide‐field mosaic imagers CFH12K and MegaPrime. The project has several related goals, including monitoring data quality, providing high‐quality master detrend images, determining the photometric and astrometric calibrations, and automatic preprocessing of images for queued service observing (QSO). The Elixir system has been used for all data obtained with CFH12K since the QSO project began in 2001 January. In addition, it has been used to process archival data from the CFH12K and all MegaPrime observations beginning in 2002 December. The Elixir system has been extremely successful in providing well‐characterized data to the end observers, who may otherwise be overwhelmed by data‐processing concerns.
Knockout of tanc2 causes autism‐like behavior and sleep disturbance in zebrafish

Tanc2 is a large multi‐domain postsynaptic scaffold protein mainly expressed in the brain. In humans, tanc2 mutations have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other related neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the role of tanc2 in neurodevelopment and in controlling behaviors are not fully understood. Here, we generated and characterized a tanc2 knockout allele in zebrafish. Loss of tanc2 increases the larval brain size and body length by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. We observed that the glutamatergic neuron population is significantly increased in tanc2 mutants while the GABAergic and the glycinergic neurons are not affected, suggesting that an excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance. Indeed, the tanc2 knockout larvae exhibited increase sleep. In adult zebrafish, the mutants display anxiolytic‐behavior, reduced aggression, and impaired social preference. The alterations in these behaviors are phenotypically similar to the ASD patients carrying tanc2 mutations. Therefore, the tanc2 knockout allele could serve as a valuable model to further study the role of tanc2 in the nervous system.
Hierarchical modelling of tropical convective systems using explicit and parametrized approaches

Cloud systems observed during 1–7 September of GATE are examined in a hierarchical approach, namely: a two‐dimensional cloud‐resolving simulation using a 2 km grid length; two‐ and three‐dimensional simulations using the Kain‐Fritsch convective parametrization and 10, 15 and 25 km grid lengths; and coarse‐grid simulations without any convective parametrization. All simulations are forced by the same objectively analysed time‐varying large‐scale advection of temperature and moisture. The domain‐mean winds are relaxed to the observed wind profiles.
Anxiety, Stress and the Resilience of University Students during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on everyone’s daily lives with short-term or long-term consequences. Among the affected population, university students were studied by researchers specifically due to the total change to their educational way of learning and the courses they attended. The present study aimed to assess the psychological difficulties experienced by the university students of Greece during the first wave of the outbreak. Methods: 288 university nursing students completed an electronic questionnaire after consent. The sample included students from all years of study. The questionnaire included demographic data and questions about mental health status, resilience level, coping strategies, positive and negative emotions and an optimism assessment. Results: Depression (44.8%), anxiety (36.8%) and stress (40.3%) were experienced by the students. Females had significantly greater anxiety and stress signs compared to males (p < 0.001). The resilience score was significantly greater in males, as it was for the Positive Affect Score. Students in the fourth year of study used significantly more active/positive coping strategies than students in the first (p = 0.016) or second year of study (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Several students experienced serious mental disorders during the first period of the COVID-19 outbreak. Variables such as gender, year of study, age, positive and negative affect score, life orientation test score and coping strategies were identified as factors contributing to this situation. Special attention must be paid to female students as they mentioned negative emotions more frequently than males. Further research on the academic population could be beneficial to university administrators.
Advantages of an analysis of soil-structure interaction in a frequency domain

Advantages of an analysis of soil-structure interaction in a frequency domain With the computer power available an analysis of a total soil-structure system has become possible. In this paper the advantages of an analysis performed in an frequency domain is shown: the condensation to the primary degrees of freedom, thereby conserving all the characteristic properties of the system, is straightforward; material damping based on rheological models can be considered easily; and even nonlinear problems may be investigated. The formulation is developed in a total displacement formulation, where the motion is driven by forces acting at the soil-structure interface, or more generally, at so-called interaction nodes. The total displacement formulation is compared with the classical approach, where the unknowns are the relative deformations with respect to the rigid base of the structure. These unknows are produced by inertial forces acting on the masses of the structure. In the conclusion the total displacement formulation in the frequency domain is suggested for structures with embedded elastic foundation built on a sub-grade which requires extended modeling for the mechanical representation of the structure and the sub-grade.
EEG Microstate Features as an Automatic Recognition Model of High-Density Epileptic EEG Using Support Vector Machine

Epilepsy is one of the most serious nervous system diseases; it can be diagnosed accurately by video electroencephalogram. In this study, we analyzed microstate epileptic electroencephalogram (EEG) to aid in the diagnosis and identification of epilepsy. We recruited patients with focal epilepsy and healthy participants from the Third Xiangya Hospital and recorded their resting EEG data. In this study, the EEG data were analyzed by microstate analysis, and the support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used for automatic epileptic EEG classification based on features of the EEG microstate series, including microstate parameters (duration, occurrence, and coverage), linear features (median, second quartile, mean, kurtosis, and skewness) and non-linear features (Petrosian fractal dimension, approximate entropy, sample entropy, fuzzy entropy, and Lempel–Ziv complexity). In the gamma sub-band, the microstate parameters as a model were the best for interictal epilepsy recognition, with an accuracy of 87.18%, recall of 70.59%, and an area under the curve of 94.52%. There was a recognition effect of interictal epilepsy through the features extracted from the EEG microstate, which varied within the 4~45 Hz band with an accuracy of 79.55%. Based on the SVM classifier, microstate parameters and EEG features can be effectively used to classify epileptic EEG, and microstate parameters can better classify epileptic EEG compared with EEG features.