Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to Detecting Muscle Fatigue Based on sEMG by Using Neural Architecture Search Framework

Muscle fatigue detection is of great significance to human physiological activities, but many complex factors increase the difficulty of this task. In this article, we integrate several effective techniques to distinguish muscle states under fatigue and nonfatigue conditions via surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. First, we perform an isometric contraction experiment of biceps brachii to collect sEMG signals. Second, we propose a neural architecture search (NAS) framework based on reinforcement learning to autogenerate neural networks. Finally, we present an effective two-step training strategy to improve the performance by combining CNN with three types of commonly used statistical algorithms. Meanwhile, we propose a data enhancement algorithm based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to generate time-series data for expanding the dataset. The results show that this search algorithm can hunt for high-performing networks, and the accuracy of the best-selected model combined with support vector machine (SVM) for the group is 96.5%. With the same architecture, the average accuracy in individual models is 97.8%. The proposed data enhancement technique can effectively improve the fatigue detection performance, which allows further implementations in the human–exoskeleton interaction systems.
Time measurement device with four femtosecond stability

We present the experimental results of extremely precise timing in the sense of time-of-arrival measurements in a local time scale. The timing device designed and constructed in our laboratory is based on a new concept using a surface acoustic wave filter as a time interpolator. Construction of the device is briefly described. The experiments described were focused on evaluating the timing precision and stability. Low-jitter test pulses with a repetition frequency of 763 Hz were generated synchronously to the local time base and their times of arrival were measured. The resulting precision of a single measurement was typically 900 fs RMS, and a timing stability TDEV of 4 fs was achieved for time intervals in the range from 300 s to 2 h. To our knowledge this is the best value reported to date for the stability of a timing device. The experimental results are discussed and possible improvements are proposed.
A Distinct, Flocculent, Acidogenic Microbial Community Accompanies Methanogenic Granules in Anaerobic Digesters

Complex microbial communities in engineered environments can aggregate to form surface-attached biofilms. Others form suspended biofilms, such as methanogenic granules. ABSTRACT The formation of dense, well-settling methanogenic granules is essential for the operation of high-rate, up-flow anaerobic bioreactors used for wastewater treatment. Granule formation (granulation) mechanisms have been previously proposed, but an ecological understanding of granule formation is still lacking. Additionally, much of the current research on granulation only examines the start-up phase of bioreactor operation, rather than monitoring the fate of established granules and how new granules emerge over time. This paper, therefore, attempts to provide an insight into the microbial ecology of granule formation outside the start-up phase of bioreactor operation and develop an ecological granulation model. The microbial communities of granules actively undergoing growth, breakage, and reformation were examined, and an ecological granulation model was proposed. A distinct pregranular microbial community, with a high proportion of acidogenic organisms, such as the Streptococcaceae, was identified and suggested to have a role in initiating granulation by providing simpler substrates for the methanogenic and syntrophic communities which developed during granule growth. After initial granule formation, deterministic influences on microbial community assembly increased with granule size and indicated that microbial community succession was influenced by granule growth, leading to the formation of a stepwise ecological model for granulation. IMPORTANCE Complex microbial communities in engineered environments can aggregate to form surface-attached biofilms. Others form suspended biofilms, such as methanogenic granules. The formation of dense, methanogenic granules underpins the performance of high-rate, anaerobic bioreactors in industrial wastewater treatment. Granule formation (granulation) has been well studied from a physico-chemical perspective, but the ecological basis is poorly understood. We identified a distinct, flocculent, microbial community, which was present alongside granules, comprising primary consumers likely key in providing simpler substrates to granules. This flocculent community is understudied in anaerobic digestion and may initiate, or perpetuate, granule formation. We propose that it may be possible to influence bioreactor performance (e.g., to regulate volatile fatty acid concentrations) by manipulating this community. The patterns of microbial community diversity and assembly revealed by the study indicate that cycles of granule growth and breakage lead to overall diversification of the bioreactor meta-community, with implications for bioreactor process stability.
Toward Bright Mid-Infrared Emitters: Thick-Shell n-Type HgSe/CdS Nanocrystals

A procedure is developed for the growth of thick, conformal CdS shells that preserve the optical properties of 5 nm HgSe cores. The n-doping of the HgSe/CdS core/shell particles is quantitatively tuned through a simple postsynthetic Cd treatment, while the doping is monitored via the intraband optical absorption at 5 μm wavelength. Photoluminescence lifetime and quantum yield measurements show that the CdS shell greatly increases the intraband emission intensity. This indicates that decoupling the excitation from the environment reduces the nonradiative recombination. We find that weakly n-type HgSe/CdS are the brightest solution-phase mid-infrared chromophores reported to date at room temperature, achieving intraband photoluminescence quantum yields of 2%. Such photoluminescence corresponds to intraband lifetimes in excess of 10 ns, raising important questions about the fundamental limits to achievable slow intraband relaxation in quantum dots.
Diacetyl exposure disrupts iron homeostasis in animals and cells

Abstract Objective Several mechanisms have been proposed for the biological effect of diacetyl. We tested the postulate that animal and cell exposures to diacetyl are associated with a disruption in iron homeostasis. Materials and methods Male, Sprague–Dawley rats were intratracheally-instilled with either distilled water or diacetyl. Seven days after treatment, animals were euthanized and the lungs removed, fixed, and embedded. Sections were cut and stained for iron, collagen, and ferritin. Human epithelial (BEAS-2B) and monocytic (THP-1) cells were exposed in vitro to ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), diacetyl, and both FAC and diacetyl. Cell non-heme iron concentrations and ferritin levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and an immunoassay respectively. Results After exposure of animals to diacetyl, there were airway polypoid lesions which stained positively for both iron and the intracellular storage protein ferritin. Trichrome stain showed a deposition of collagen immediately adjacent to accumulated metal following diacetyl exposure. In in vitro cell exposures, FAC increased non-heme iron concentration but co-incubations of FAC and diacetyl elevated levels to significantly greater values. Levels of ferritin were increased with exposures of BEAS-2B and THP-1 cells to FAC but were similarly greater after co-exposure with FAC and diacetyl. Conclusions Results of animal and cell studies support a disruption of iron homeostasis by diacetyl. It is proposed that, following internalization, diacetyl complexes intracellular sources of iron. The cell recognizes a loss of its requisite iron to diacetyl and imports greater concentrations of the metal.
Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Adult Patients With Repaired Aortic Coarctation

Background The long‐term burden of cardiovascular disease after repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has not been elucidated. We aimed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for cardiovascular events in adult patients with repaired CoA. Additionally, mortality rates were compared between adults with repaired CoA and the general population. Methods and Results Using the Dutch Congenital Corvitia (CONCOR) registry, patients aged ≥16 years with previous surgical or transcatheter CoA repair from 5 tertiary referral centers were included. Cardiovascular events were recorded, comprising coronary artery disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, aortic complications, arrhythmias, heart failure hospitalizations, endocarditis, and cardiovascular death. In total, 920 patients (median age, 24 years [range 16–74 years]) were included. After a mean follow‐up of 9.3±5.1 years, 191 patients (21%) experienced at least 1 cardiovascular event. A total of 270 cardiovascular events occurred, of which aortic complications and arrhythmias were most frequent. Older age at initial CoA repair (hazard ratio [HR], 1.017; 95% CI, 1.000–1.033 [P=0.048]) and elevated left ventricular mass index (HR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.005–1.013 [P<0.001]) were independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The mortality rate was 3.3 times higher than expected based on an age‐ and sex‐matched cohort from the Dutch general population (standardized mortality ratio, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.3–4.4 [P<0.001]). Conclusions This large, prospective cohort of adults with repaired CoA showed a high burden of cardiovascular events, particularly aortic complications and arrhythmias, during long‐term follow‐up. Older age at initial CoA repair and elevated left ventricular mass index were independent risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Mortality was 3.3‐fold higher compared with the general population. These results advocate stringent follow‐up after CoA repair and emphasize the need for improved preventive strategies.
Ophthalmic Artery Morphological and Hemodynamic Features in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Purpose To examine the morphological and hemodynamic changes of the ophthalmic artery (OA) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods This cross-sectional observational study included 31 patients with ACS and 10 healthy controls (HCs). The ACS subgroups were ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n = 10), non-STEMI (n = 10), and unstable angina (n = 11). OA three-dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed based on computed tomographic angiography, and morphological aspects of the OA were measured quantitatively. Moreover, numerical simulation by computational fluid dynamics was used to obtain hemodynamic information of the OA. Results The study reconstructed 41 OA models. Hemodynamic simulation revealed a significant decrease in OA blood velocity in patients with ACS compared with the HCs (median velocity, 0.046 vs. 0.147 m/s; P < 0.001). No differences in the morphological data for the OA were observed. Also, no differences in the mass flow ratio of OA to the ipsilateral internal carotid artery was found. Similar differences were observed between the ACS subgroups and HCs. OA blood velocity was negatively correlated with body mass index, abdominal circumference, left ventricular ejection fraction, and triacylglycerol and was positively correlated with early to late transmitral flow velocity, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, serum creatinine, and potassium. Conclusions The initial OA blood velocity was slower in patients with ACS and was associated with ACS-related clinical parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze OA characteristics in ACS using 3D model reconstruction and hemodynamic simulation, providing new perspectives on the relationship between ischemic heart disease and ocular manifestations.
Hybrid optical current transformer with optical and power-line energisation

The hybrid optical current transformer (HOCT) has previously been proposed as a suitable device to replace a conventional open-terminal post-type current transformer. The HOCT is much smaller than the conventional device leading to lower manufacturing costs. There is also a degree of electrical insulation inherent as optical fibre is used for connections between the line-mounted HOCT and ground level instrumentation; this reduces installation costs. A performance specification for a HOCT is presented: a HOCT unit satisfying this specification could, in principle, be a suitable replacement for a conventional device for power system protection purposes without loss of system quality or reliability. A prototype HOCT has been designed and constructed; initial tests show that it meets the specified accuracy requirements over the full operating temperature range. As far as can be determined, this is the first alternative to conventional current transformers that has been shown to meet these stringent requirements.
MOUNTAIN LIONS (PUMA CONCOLOR) RESIST LONG-TERM DIETARY EXPOSURE TO CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

Abstract: For nearly 18 yr, we evaluated susceptibility of captive mountain lions (Puma concolor) to chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the face of repeated exposure associated with consuming infected cervid carcasses. Three mountain lions with a monomorphic prion protein gene (PRNP) sequence identical to that described previously for the species had access to parts of ≥432 infected carcasses during ≥2,013 feeding occasions, conservatively representing >14,000 kg of infected feed material, during May 2002 to March 2020. The proportion of diet in infected carcass material averaged 43% overall but differed from year to year (minimally 11–74%). Most infected carcasses were mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; ∼75%). We observed no clinical signs suggestive of progressive encephalopathy or other neurologic disease over the ∼14.5–17.9 yr between first known exposure and eventual death. Histopathology revealed no spongiform changes or immunostaining suggestive of prion infection in multiple sections of nervous and lymphoid tissue. Similarly, none of 133 free-ranging mountain lion carcasses sampled opportunistically during 2004–20 showed immunostaining consistent with prion infection in sections of brainstem or lymph node. These findings align with prior work suggesting that CWD-associated prions face strong barriers to natural transmission among species outside the family Cervidae.
Effect of different selenium sources and concentrations on glutathione peroxidase activity and cholesterol metabolism of beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different Se sources and concentrations on glutathione forms and cholesterol metabolism in beef cattle. Sixty-three Nellore bulls (412 ± 19 kg BW; 24 months old) were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design in a 2×3 + 1 factorial arrangement (63 pens; one animal/pen) with two Se sources (sodium selenite, ING and Se-yeast, ORG), three concentrations (0.3, 0.9 and 2.7 mg supplemental Se/kg DM), and control treatment (without Se supplementation) fed for 90 days. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, and 84. Muscle and liver samples were collected at harvest. Hepatic GSSG (P = 0.004), GSH/GSSG ratio (P = 0.030), and GSH-Px (P = 0.004) were affected by Se source x concentration interaction. Oxidized glutathione was higher in the ORG group vs. ING at concentration 2.7 mg supplemental Se/kg DM, but at 0.3 mg supplemental Se/kg DM the ING group was higher than ORG. The liver GSH-Px activity was higher in the ORG group vs. ING at concentration 0.9 and 2.7 mg supplemental Se/kg DM. The GSH/GSSG ratio was the highest in animals fed 0.3 mg supplemental Se/kg DM of ORG. Selenium liver concentration increased linearly with the supplemental Se concentration in the diet (y = 0.0583 + 0.4254x, R 2 = 0.92, P < 0.0001), regardless of source. Total meat cholesterol was greater (P < 0.001) in CON (control) vs. SUP (supplemented, regardless source) group. The muscle GSH-Px activity was higher (P < 0.001) in SUP vs. CON and increased (P < 0.004) with increasing supplemental Se concentrations. There was an increase on VLDL, glucose, and triglycerides in ORG vs. ING (P ≤ 0.035). In general, serum Se was higher (P < 0.001) in SUP vs. CON and increased with increasing supplemental Se concentration. Lastly, the HMGCR concentration was lower (P = 0.002) in SUP (0.39 ng/mL) vs. CON (0.55 ng/mL). Selenium supplementation with different sources and concentrations has the potential to affect cholesterol metabolism by affecting GSH/GSSG ratio, GSH-Px, and the HMGCR.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: A United States Multi-Center Substage Survival Analysis

Background Acral lentiginous melanoma is associated with worse survival than other subtypes of melanoma. Understanding prognostic factors for survival and recurrence can help better inform follow-up care. Objectives To analyze the clinicopathologic features, melanoma-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival by substage in a large, multi-institutional cohort of primary acral lentiginous melanoma patients. Methods Retrospective review of the United States Melanoma Consortium database, a multi-center prospectively collected database of acral lentiginous melanoma patients treated between January 2000 and December 2017. Results Of the 433 primary acral lentiginous melanoma patients identified (median [range] age: 66 [8–97] years; 53% female, 83% white), 66% presented with stage 0–2 disease and the median time of follow-up for the 392 patients included in the survival analysis was 32.5 months (range: 0–259). The 5-year melanoma-specific survivals by stage were 0 = 100%, I = 93.8%, II = 76.2%, III = 63.4%, IIIA = 80.8%, and IV = 0%. Thicker Breslow depth ((HR) = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.05–1.21; P < . 001)) and positive nodal status ((HR) = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.00–3.22; P = . 050)) were independent prognostic factors for melanoma-specific survival. Breslow depth ((HR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.07–1.20; P < .001), and positive nodal status (HR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.38–3.80; P = .001) were also prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival. Conclusion In this cohort of patients, acral lentiginous melanoma was associated with poor outcomes even in early stage disease, consistent with prior reports. Stage IIB and IIC disease were associated with particularly low melanoma-specific and recurrence-free survival. This suggests that studies investigating adjuvant therapies in stage II patients may be especially valuable in acral lentiginous melanoma patients.
Opportunities o Improve COVID-19 Dashboard Designs for the Public

Many organizations created COVID-19 dashboards to communicate epidemiologic statistics or community health capabilities with the public. In this paper we used dashboard heuristics to identify common violations observed in COVID-19 dashboards targeted to citizens. Many of the faults we identified likely stem from failing to include users in the design of these dashboards. We urge health information dashboard designers to implement design principles and test dashboards with representative users to ensure that their tools are satisfying user needs.
Stochastic Model for Estimation of Time-Varying Arterial Travel Time and Its Variability with Only Link Detector Data

Despite the considerable progress on estimation of arterial travel time that traffic researchers have made in recent years, many issues remain. This paper presents a stochastic model that integrates the classic queue model and probability theories in order to investigate the estimation of the time-varying arterial travel time and its variability. Such information would be valuable to motorists so that they could best select their daily departure time and routes while contending with recurrent or nonrecurrent congestion. The proposed model, which uses only link detector data, has promising properties on the basis of an extensive evaluation with field data from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and will serve as the core module for ongoing development of a real-time arterial travel time prediction system.
Integrated DEP Assisted Detection of PCR Products With Metallic Nanoparticle Labels Through Impedance Spectroscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is gaining immense popularity in the current times due to the ease of integration with microelectronics. Keeping this aspect in mind, various detection schemes have been developed to make impedance detection of nucleic acids more specific. In this context, the current work makes a strong case for specific DNA detection through EIS using nanoparticle labeling approach and also an added selectivity step through the use of dielectrophoresis (DEP), which enhances the detection sensitivity and specificity to match the detection capability of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in real-time context as compared to the individually amplified DNA (Liu et al., 2008). The detection limit of the proposed biochip is observed to be 3–4 PCR cycles for 582 bp bacterial DNA, where the complete procedure of detection starts in less than 10 min. The process of integrated DEP capture of labeled products coming out of PCR and their impedance-assisted detection is carried out in an in-house micro-fabricated biochip. The gold nanoparticles, which possess excellent optical, chemical, electronic, and biocompatibility properties and are capable of generating lump-like DNA structure without modifying its basic impedance signature are introduced to the amplified DNA through the nanoparticle labeled primers.
Dihydroartemisinin inhibits IL-6-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via the miR-130b-3p/STAT3/β-catenin signaling pathway

Objective To explore whether dihydroartemisinin (DHA) can block interleukin (IL)-6-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Methods The expression of SLUG, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and microRNA (miR)-130b-3p was measured. In addition, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to examine the interaction of miR-130b-3p with STAT3. Results We found that IL-6 can promote EMT and invasion in LSCC cells, whereas DHA can inhibit these two processes. However, DHA alone does not influence EMT and cancer invasion. Furthermore, DHA upregulated miR-130b-3p, which can downregulate STAT3 and β-catenin protein expression and decrease the activity of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, we found that miR-130b-3p can target STAT3 directly. Conclusions DHA can block IL-6-triggered EMT and invasion in LSCC, and during these processes, DHA increases miR-130b-3p expression to decrease the activation of the IL-6/STAT3 and β-catenin signaling pathways. These findings may provide new insights into strategies for suppressing and even preventing LSCC metastasis.
Simultaneous T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted 3D MRI using RF phase‐modulated gradient echo imaging

T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted (T1w and T2w) imaging are essential sequences in routine clinical practice to detect and characterize a wide variety of pathologies. Many approaches have been proposed to obtain T1w and T2w contrast, although many challenges still remain, including long acquisition time and limitations that favor 2D imaging. In this study, we propose a novel method for simultaneous T1w and T2w imaging using RF phase‐modulated 3D gradient‐echo imaging.
On the Analysis and Design of Spurline Bandstop Filters

The parameters of general two-coupled lines and symmetric three-coupled lines in an inhomogeneous medium for the lossless case are obtained. The impedance and chain matrices of spurline bandstop filters are derived. One-section spurline bandstop filters with their stopbands centered near 33 GHz have been designed and tested. There is excellent agreement between the experimental results and those predicted theoretically.