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Previous studies on handrim wheelchair-specific (an)aerobic exercise capacity in wheelchair athletes have used a diversity of participants, equipment, and protocols. Therefore, test results are difficult to compare among studies. The first aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the populations studied, the equipment and protocols used, and the reported outcomes from all laboratory-based studies on wheelchair-specific exercise capacity in wheelchair athletes. The second aim is to synthesize these findings into a standardized, yet individualized protocol. A scoping literature search resulted in 10 anaerobic and 38 aerobic protocols. A large variety in equipment, protocol design, and reported outcomes was found. Studies that systematically investigated the influence of protocol features are lacking, which makes it difficult to interpret and compare test outcomes among the heterogeneous group of wheelchair athletes. Protocol design was often dependent on a priori participant knowledge. However, specific guidelines for individualization were missing. However, the common protocol features of the different studies were united into guidelines that could be followed when performing standardized and individualized wheelchair-specific exercise capacity tests in wheelchair athletes. Together with guidelines regarding reporting of participant characteristics, used equipment, and outcome measures, we hope to work toward more international agreement in future testing.

(1) To estimate the proportion of Dutch wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) who meet different SCI exercise guidelines; (2) to evaluate which demographic and lesion characteristics are associated with meeting these guidelines; (3) whether meeting these guidelines is associated with physical fitness and health. Based on the PASIPD questionnaire items, participants were allocated to meeting two SCI aerobic exercise guidelines, which differ in exercise load. Differences in personal, lesion, fitness, and health characteristics between groups were tested with a one-way ANOVA. Multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate if meeting guidelines was associated with better fitness and health. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Of the 358 included participants, 63.1% met at least one aerobic exercise guideline. Being female, older age, having tetraplegia, and lower educational level were associated with a lower likelihood to meet the aerobic exercise guidelines. Meeting aerobic exercise guidelines showed a positive association with all respiratory and exercise capacity parameters. Limited associations were found between meeting exercise guidelines and health. Meeting exercise guidelines was associated with better respiratory functions and exercise capacity with additional fitness and some body composition benefits in higher exercise activity levels.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMeeting SCI exercise guidelines are associated with better respiratory functions and exercise capacity with additional fitness and body composition benefits when higher exercising at higher activity levels, emphasizing the value and importance of regular exercise in individuals with SCI. Meeting SCI exercise guidelines are associated with better respiratory functions and exercise capacity with additional fitness and body composition benefits when higher exercising at higher activity levels, emphasizing the value and importance of regular exercise in individuals with SCI.

The parameters of a circular rotating magnetic field (CRMF) control the coiling mechanism and the morphology of the coiling loops of semiflexible paramagnetic colloidal chains.

This essay explores the gardenscapes that Thomas More inhabited, and how these locations defined his writing and the critical canon. Through a study of both More’s works and the earliest posthumous recollections of the author in Ellis Heywood’s $\textit{Il Moro}$, I consider how physical spaces and their respective environments of enclosure or exposure influenced More and posthumous remembrances of him.

This study investigated the effect of increased rolling resistance on wheelchair sprint performance and the concomitant force–velocity characteristics. Thirteen wheelchair rugby (WCR) athletes completed five 15 s wheelchair sprints in their own rugby wheelchair on an instrumented dual-roller wheelchair ergometer. The first sprint was performed against a close to overground resistance and in each of the following sprints, the resistance increased with 80% of that resistance. A repeated-measures ANOVA examined differences between sprints. Subsequently, linear regression analyses examined the individual force–velocity relations and then, individual parabolic power output curves were modeled. Increased rolling resistance led to significantly lower velocities (−36%), higher propulsion forces (+150%) and higher power outputs (+83%). These differences were accompanied by a lower push frequency, higher push time, yet a constant recovery time and contact angle. The modeled linear regressions (R2 = 0.71 ± 0.10) between force and velocity differed a lot in slope and intercept among individual athletes. The peak of the power output parabola (i.e., the optimal velocity) occurred on average at 3.1 ± 0.6 ms−1. These individual force–velocity profiles can be used for training recommendations or technological changes to better exploit power generation capabilities of the WCR athletes' musculoskeletal system.

Non-native species can have profound implications on the survival of native ones. This is especially true for some invasive crabs, such as the green crab Carcinus maenas, a native species to the Northern Hemisphere that has been introduced into southern Argentina, from where it could expand through Argentina, Chile, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Hence, there is interest in forecasting changes in C. maenas habitat suitability through time to predict if potential future invasions might occur. Here, by using a Species Distribution Model (SDM) approach, we estimated the habitat suitability for C. maenas along southern South America and the Antarctic Peninsula under two future climate-change scenarios. Our results reveal that under current conditions, habitat suitability for C. maenas along the Antarctic Peninsula is null and very restricted in Argentina and Chile. Habitat suitability along the Antarctic Peninsula remained null in the short-term (30 years) and long-term future (80 years), despite the climate-change scenario considered. Surprisingly, when considering future conditions, habitat suitability along the coast of Argentina and Chile decreased and became nil for some currently occupied locations. Thus, the SDM results suggest that climate change could have a negative effect on the habitat suitability of C. maenas leading to potential local extinctions.

The first (VT1) and second ventilator (VT2) (anaerobic) thresholds are used to individually prescribe exercise training programs. The purpose of this research was to analyze inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of determining VT1 and VT2 in subjects with lower limb amputation (LLA) and able-bodied (AB) subjects during a peak exercise test on the arm-leg (Cruiser) ergometer. Previously published data of exercise tests on the Cruiser ergometer of subjects with LLA (n = 17) and AB subjects (n = 30) were analyzed twice by two observers. The VT1 and VT2 were determined based on ventilation plots. Differences in determining the VT1 and VT2 between the observers for the first and second analyses were analyzed. To quantify variation in measurement a variance component analysis was performed. Bland-Altmann plots were made, and limits of agreement were calculated. The number of observations in which thresholds could not be determined differed significantly between observers and analysis. Variation in VT1 between and within observers was small (0-1.6%) compared with the total variation, for both the subjects with an LLA and AB subjects. The reliability coefficient for VT1 was more than 0.75, and the limits of agreement were good. In conclusion, based on the results of this study on a population level, VT1 can be used to prescribe exercise training programs after an LLA. In the current study, the determination of VT2 was less reliable than VT1. More research is needed into the clinical application of VT1 and VT2 during a peak exercise test on the Cruiser ergometer.

BACKGROUND: This current opinion is a call for standardization of measurements of manual wheeling ability among larger and diverse populations to support our understanding of motor control and learning. VIEW OF THE PAST: Handrim wheelchair propulsion remains the most common mode of wheeled ambulation and has stood the test of time as a practical upper-body alternative to walking. CURRENT STATE: Two theoretical models appeared useful in understanding the demands on the wheelchair-user combination and the role of motor skill acquisition: Power Balance Model and Constraint-based Approach. FUTURE PERSPECTIVE: Power output and energy cost measures are crucial mediators in the development of a motor control theory of cyclic motions in rehabilitation, adapted sports and beyond.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the external and internal work load of trained handcyclists during a mountain time trial, to compare the results with a world class (WC) handcyclist, and to identify time trial performance determinants.DESIGN: Ten trained and one WC handcyclists performed a graded exercise test to determine power output (PO) and heart rate (HR) at the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and exhaustion. PO and HR were continuously measured during the race.RESULTS: Absolute POmeanrace (119 ± 21 vs. 203 W, p < 0.001) was lower in the trained handcyclists compared to the WC handcyclist. Absolute and relative HRrace (86 ± 7% vs. 88%, p = 0.40) and relative POrace (66 ± 10% vs. 62%, p = 0.24) were similar. Trained handcyclists cycled significantly less time at a PO between VT1-VT2 (48% vs. 64%, p = 0.02) and more at a PO > VT2 (34% vs. 11%, p = 0.005). POVT2 showed the strongest correlation with finish time (r = -0.78) and POpeak with POmeanrace (r = 0.90).CONCLUSION: Lab outcomes POpeak and POVT2 are important performance determinants for longer time trials in handcyclists and it is, therefore, important to improve these outcomes with training. Since the trained handcyclists cycled most of the race in intensity zones 2 and 3, it is recommended to incorporate these zones also in the training.

Many biological tissues contain an underlying fibrous microstructure that is optimized to suit a physiological function. The fiber architecture dictates physical characteristics such as stiffness, diffusivity, and electrical conduction. Abnormal deviations of fiber architecture are often associated with disease. Thus, it is useful to characterize fiber network organization from image data in order to better understand pathological mechanisms. We devised a method to quantify distributions of fiber orientations based on the Fourier transform and the Qball algorithm from diffusion MRI. The Fourier transform was used to decompose images into directional components, while the Qball algorithm efficiently converted the directional data from the frequency domain to the orientation domain. The representation in the orientation domain does not require any particular functional representation, and thus the method is nonparametric. The algorithm was verified to demonstrate its reliability and used on datasets from microscopy to show its applicability. This method increases the ability to extract information of microstructural fiber organization from experimental data that will enhance our understanding of structure-function relationships and enable accurate representation of material anisotropy in biological tissues.

The effect of an upper body resistance training program on maximal and submaximal handcycling performance in able-bodied males was explored. Eighteen able-bodied men were randomly assigned to a training group (TG: n=10) and a control group (CG: n=8). TG received 7 weeks of upper body resistance training (60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), 3×10 repetitions, 6 exercise stations, 2 times per week). CG received no training. Peak values for oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak), power output (POpeak), heart rate (HRpeak), minute ventilation (V˙OEpeak) and respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak), submaximal values (HR, V˙O2, RER, PO, and gross mechanical efficiency (GE)), and time to exhaustion (TTE) were determined in an incremental test pre- and post-training. Maximal isokinetic arm strength and 1RM tests were conducted. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons were performed to examine the effect of time, group and its interaction (p

Supplementary Materials and Methods

Supplementary Figure S1. Epitope mapping of clones A-D by alanine scanning mutagenesis. Supplementary Figure S2. Analysis of the selectivity of ET1402L1 (clone B) towards AFP158. Supplementary Figure S3. Analysis of the potential risk for cross-presentation of AFP158 by normal cells. Supplementary Figure S4. Co-incubation of AFP-CAR T cells with antigen-positive cells induces production and release of cytokines. Supplementary Figure S5. AFP-CAR T cells can penetrate laminin-rich Matrigel and specifically kill AFP+/A2+ cells in vitro. Supplementary Figure S6. Representative quality control tests performed on each batch of AFP-CAR T cells manufactured for in vivo studies. Supplementary Figure S7. T cell subset analysis to determine distribution of TNaive, TCM TEM, and TEffector cell populations. Supplementary Figure S8. Analysis of human CD3+ T cells in Hep G2 s.c. tumors from i.v.- treated mice. Supplementary Figure S9. Determination of the number of AFP158/HLA-A*02:01 complexes expressed on the surface of liver cancer cells. Supplementary Table S1. Chimeric mouse IgG1 antibody binding affinity to AFP158/HLAA* 02:01.

Figure Legends for Sup. Figures 1-9 and Sup. Table 1

Purpose: The majority of tumor-specific antigens are intracellular and/or secreted and therefore inaccessible by conventional chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Given that all intracellular/secreted proteins are processed into peptides and presented by class I MHC on the surface of tumor cells, we used alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a specific liver cancer marker, as an example to determine whether peptide–MHC complexes can be targets for CAR T-cell therapy against solid tumors.Experimental Design: We generated a fully human chimeric antigen receptor, ET1402L1-CAR (AFP-CAR), with exquisite selectivity and specificity for the AFP158–166 peptide complexed with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01.Results: We report that T cells expressing AFP-CAR selectively degranulated, released cytokines, and lysed liver cancer cells that were HLA-A*02:01+/AFP+ while sparing cells from multiple tissue types that were negative for either expressed proteins. In vivo, intratumoral injection of AFP-CAR T cells significantly regressed both Hep G2 and AFP158-expressing SK-HEP-1 tumors in SCID-Beige mice (n = 8 for each). Moreover, intravenous administration of AFP-CAR T cells in Hep G2 tumor-bearing NSG mice lead to rapid and profound tumor growth inhibition (n = 6). Finally, in an established intraperitoneal liver cancer xenograft model, AFP-CAR T cells showed robust antitumor activity (n = 6).Conclusions: This study demonstrates that CAR T-cell immunotherapy targeting intracellular/secreted solid tumor antigens can elicit a potent antitumor response. Our approach expands the spectrum of antigens available for redirected T-cell therapy against solid malignancies and offers a promising new avenue for liver cancer immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 478–88. ©2016 AACR.

Background Clinical trials and real-world studies revealed a spectrum of response to CGRP(-receptor) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in migraine prophylaxis, ranging from no effect at all to total migraine freedom. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical characteristics between super-responders (SR) and non-responders (NR) to CGRP(-receptor) mAbs. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study at the Headache Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The definition of super-response was a ≥ 75% reduction in monthly headache days (MHD) in the third month after treatment initiation compared to the month prior to treatment begin (baseline). Non-response was defined as ≤ 25% reduction in MHD after three months of treatment with a CGRP-receptor mAb and subsequent three months of treatment with CGRP mAb, or vice versa. We collected demographic data, migraine disease characteristics, migraine symptoms during the attacks in both study groups (SR/NR) as well as the general medical history. SR and NR were compared using Chi-square test for categorical variables, and t-test for continuous variables. Results Between November 2018 and June 2022, n = 260 patients with migraine received preventive treatment with CGRP(-receptor) mAbs and provided complete headache documentation for the baseline phase and the third treatment month. Among those, we identified n = 29 SR (11%) and n = 26 NR (10%). SR reported more often especially vomiting (SR n = 12/25, 48% vs. NR n = 4/22, 18%; p = 0.031) and typical migraine characteristics such as unilateral localization, pulsating character, photophobia and nausea. A subjective good response to triptans was significantly higher in SR (n = 26/29, 90%) than in NR (n = 15/25, 60%, p = 0.010). NR suffered more frequently from chronic migraine (NR n = 24/26, 92% vs. SR n = 15/29, 52%; p = 0.001), medication overuse headache (NR n = 14/24, 58% versus SR n = 8/29, 28%; p = 0.024), and concomitant depression (NR n = 17/26, 65% vs. SR n = 8/29, 28%; p = 0.005). Conclusion Several clinical parameters differ between SR and NR to prophylactic CGRP(-R) mAbs. A thorough clinical evaluation prior to treatment initiation might help to achieve a more personalized management in patients with migraine.

Tephritid Fruit Flies, in particular Bactrocera, Anastrepha and Ceratitis groups, are a major threat to agriculture worldwide, attacking hundreds of fruits and vegetable crop species, and resulting in huge economic losses. The damage attributed to the Tephritid group is extremely relevant affecting global food trade due to the prohibition or strict protocols of agricultural products imported from countries with established or detected populations [1]. Several species have been positively suppressed in different areas by employing area-wide SIT eradication programs. Particularly, the genetic sexing strains (GSS) developed in medfly (Ceratitis capitata) for the separation of male and female individuals became a role model in SIT programs worldwide.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (a) explore the associations between psychosocial factors and physical activity behavior in people with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases, both between and within persons over time; and (b) examine whether these associations differ for people initiating and people maintaining physical activity behavior.RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: Data of 1,256 adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases enrolled in the prospective cohort study Rehabilitation, Sports, and Active lifestyle (ReSpAct) were analyzed. Self-reported physical activity and four main psychosocial factors (i.e., self-efficacy, attitude, motivation, social support) were measured with questionnaires 3-6 weeks before discharge (T0) and 14 (T1), 33 (T2), and 52 (T3) weeks after discharge from rehabilitation. Hybrid multilevel regression models (corrected for age, sex, education level, diagnosis, counseling support) were used.RESULTS: Multivariable significant between-subject associations were found for self-efficacy (std β = .094; 95% CI [0.035, 0.153]) and intrinsic motivation (std β = .114; [0.036, 0.192]). Multivariable significant within-subject associations were found for identified regulation (std β = -.038; [-0.072, -0.005]) and intrinsic motivation (std β = .049; [0.016, 0.082]). Effect modification of initiating or maintaining physical activity was found for the between-subject association of attitude ( p = .035). No significant associations were found for social support, amotivation, external regulation, and introjected regulation. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: This study is the first that explored the between- and within-subject associations between psychosocial factors and physical activity over time in a large cohort of adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases. The findings indicate the importance of intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, and self-efficacy in initiating and maintaining physical activity behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Background Patients with sarcopenia have a higher risk of poor recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Little is known about the impact of changes in muscle strength (the primary indicator for sarcopenia) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). This study aimed to (1) identify subgroups with different muscle strength trajectories, (2) identify differences in preoperative risk factors among trajectory group membership, and (3) explore their prognostic value on postoperative HR-QoL in patients undergoing CABG. Methods In this prospective observational study 131 patients undergoing elective CABG completed grip strength tests and HR-QoL questionnaires. Latent Class Growth Mixture Modelling (LCGMM) was used to identify clinically relevant trajectories (> 5% of study population) for weight-normalised grip strength, measured at admission, 3 days, and 6 months after surgery. Differences between trajectory group membership at baseline were evaluated. The impact of trajectory group membership on postoperative HR-QoL was evaluated with multiple linear regression models. Results Due to low numbers (n = 15), female patients were excluded from LCGMM and subsequent statistical analyses. In males (n = 116), we identified two main weight-normalised grip strength trajectories: a “stable average” trajectory with a slight decline immediately post-surgery and recovery to preoperative levels (n = 85) and a “high” trajectory with a considerable immediate decline after surgery but followed towards a higher level of recovery compared to preoperative level (n = 27). The “stable average” patients were older (68 vs. 57 years; P = 0.003), had more diabetes (27% vs. 4%; P = 0.01) and had a higher BMI (27.8 vs. 24.8; P = 0.005) compared to the “high” group. After correction for age, diabetes, and baseline HR-QoL, group trajectory membership was not associated with postoperative HR-QoL, yet an increase in individual change scores of weight-normalised grip strength was associated with a better postoperative HR-QoL. We also identified one small trajectory group (n = 4, ≤ 5%). Conclusions This study showed two relevant weight-normalised grip strength trajectories in male patients undergoing CABG, varying in important preoperative risk factors. While change scores of grip strength per weight did predict postoperative HR-QoL, the trajectory subgroups could not predict postoperative HR-QoL. Future research should focus on female patients, reacting potentially different on CABG and/or rehabilitation treatment. Trial registration NCT03774342, 12-12-2018.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) is a steeply declining aerial insectivore with one of the longest migrations of any North American passerine. We deployed light-level geolocators and archival GPS tags on breeders in boreal Alaska to determine migratory routes, important stopovers and non-breeding locations. Data from 16 individuals revealed a median 23,555 km annual journey (range: 19,387, 27,292 km) over 95 days (range: 83, 139 days) with wintering occurring in three regions of South America (NW Colombia/Ecuador, central Peru and W Brazil/S Peru). We developed a new method to identify “Important Stopovers” by quantifying intensity of use (a function of bird numbers and stop durations) along migratory routes. We identified 13 Important Stopovers that accounted for ~66% of the annual migratory period, suggestive of refueling activities. Some sites coincided with key areas previously identified for other Neotropical-Nearctic migrants. Percent land “protected” at Important Stopovers, as defined by IUCN, ranged from 3.8% to 49.3% (mean [95% CI]: 17.3% [9.6, 25.0]). Total migration speed did not differ by season (median: 255 km day-1, range: 182, 295km day-1), despite greater spring travel distances. Birds with longer non-breeding periods, however, migrated north faster. Climate-driven mismatches in migratory timing may be less of a concern for western than for eastern flycatcher populations, given recent con-generic analyses (C. sordidulus, C. virens). However, accelerated high-latitude changes, may nonetheless impact boreal breeders.

Recently, structural elucidation of natural products has undergone a revolution. The combined use of different modern spectroscopic methods has allowed obtaining a complete structural assignment of natural products using small amounts of sample. However, despite the extraordinary ongoing advances in spectroscopy, the mischaracterization of natural products has been and remains a recurrent problem, especially when the substance presents several stereogenic centers. The misinterpretation of NMR data has resulted in frequent reports addressing structural reassignment. In this context, a great effort has been devoted to developing quantum chemical calculations that simulate NMR parameters accurately, allowing to achieve a more precise spectral interpretation. In this work, we employed a protocol for theoretical calculations of 1 H NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants using DFT, followed by the application of the DP4+ method to revisit the structure of Heliannuol L, a member of the Heliannuol class, isolated from Helianthus annuus. Our results indicate that the originally proposed structure of Heliannuol L needs a stereochemical reassignment, placing the hydroxyl bonded to C10 in the opposite side of the methyl and hydroxyl groups bonded to C7 and C8, respectively.

Brosimum rubescens, a tree species with Neotropical distribution, can achieve local monodominance in Southern Amazonian forests. Understanding how and why this species varies across space and time is important because the monodominance of some species alters ecosystem complexity. Here we evaluated the fundamental ecological niche of B. rubescens by species distribution models (SDM), combining predictive environmental variables with occurrence points, and determined the temporal persistence and how the spatial distribution patterns of this species vary with different environmental predictive variables. To generate the SDMs, we incorporated predictive environmental variables as main components of climatic, hydric and edaphic variables. All algorithms showed higher performance in spatial predictions for hydric variables and for the combination of climatic, hydric and edaphic variables. We identified that the potential niches of B. rubescens seem to be defined by climatic fluctuations, with the edaphic conditions not limiting the presence of this species in the evaluated spatial scale. From the last glacial maximum to the present, this species seems to have increased its spatial amplitude; however, from the present to the future, predictions suggest that B. rubescens will experience a considerable loss of its range. Our findings showed independent and combined effects of different environmental variables, allowing us to identify which are limiting or facilitating the spatial distribution of B. rubescens. We corroborate the spatial persistence and geographical fidelity of the species’ distribution patterns over time.

Tropical monodominant forests are rare communities with low tree species diversity. Species monodominance is not the product of a single mechanism, but the result of a set of not yet fully understood integrated ecological factors acting together. We compared populations of Brosimum rubescens in monodominant and mixed forests in Southern Amazonia to test whether leaf functional traits are ecological factors related to monodominance. Individuals of B. rubescens in the mixed forest invest in conservative strategies, while those in the monodominant forest invest in acquisitive strategies. Leaf functional traits, such as petiole length and adaxial cuticle thickness, could be associated with the monodominance of B. rubescens. Our study highlights for the first time the power of integrating leaf functional traits as a component of the set of ecological conditions to explain species monodominance. B. rubescens showed different functional strategies to establish and maintain its population in different forests, which makes it a strong competitor for resources, such as water and light, through variation in its leaf functional traits. We also suggest that such high plasticity can be an important condition for the persistence of the species over time.

Real-life daily handcycling requires combined propulsion and steering to control the front wheel. Today, the handcycle cranks are mostly mounted synchronously unlike the early handcycle generations. Alternatively, arm cycle ergometers do not require steering and the cranks are mostly positioned asynchronously. The current study aims to evaluate the effects of combining propulsion and steering requirements on synchronous and asynchronous submaximal handcycle ergometry. We hypothesize that asynchronous handcycling with steering results in the mechanically least efficient condition, due to compensation for unwanted rotations that are not seen in synchronous handcycling, regardless of steering. Sixteen able-bodied male novices volunteered in this lab-based experiment. The set-up consisted of a handcycle ergometer with 3D force sensors at each crank that also allows "natural" steering. Four submaximal steady-state (60 rpm, ~35 W) exercise conditions were presented in a counterbalanced order: synchronous with a fixed steering axis, synchronous with steering, asynchronous with a fixed axis and asynchronous with steering. All participants practiced 3 × 4 mins with 30 mins rest in between every condition. Finally, they did handcycle for 4 mins in each of the four conditions, interspaced with 10 mins rest, while metabolic outcomes, kinetics and kinematics of the ergometer were recorded. The additional steering component did not influence velocity, torque and power production during synchronous handcycling and therefore resulted in an equal metabolically efficient handcycling configuration compared to the fixed condition. Contrarily, asynchronous handcycling with steering requirements showed a reduced mechanical efficiency, as velocity around the steering axis increased and torque and power production were less effective. Based on the torque production around the crank and steering axes, neuromuscular compensation strategies seem necessary to prevent steering movements in the asynchronous mode. To practice or test real-life daily synchronous handcycling, a synchronous crank set-up of the ergometer is advised, as exercise performance in terms of mechanical efficiency, metabolic strain, and torque production is independent of steering requirements in that mode. Asynchronous handcycling or arm ergometry demands a different handcycle technique in terms of torque production and results in higher metabolic responses than synchronous handcycling, making it unsuitable for testing. ispartof: FRONTIERS IN SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING vol:3 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

Verfassungsblog: On Matters Constitutional

Motor imagery is a paradigm in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems based on EEG data. Recently, Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), such as EEGNet, have become a vital component for those systems, overcoming previous state-of-the-art techniques for classifying these data. However, most motor imagery EEG datasets are relatively small, hindering DNNs from achieving better results. In this sense, we propose using Generative Adversarial Networks to augment dataset 1 from the BCI Competition IV for classification efficiency improvement. In addition, we explore augmentation with Gaussian noise for comparison purposes. The experiments were analyzed considering the intrasubject and cross-subject perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The Lokomat, one of the most popular robotic exoskeletons, can take the asymmetry in the gait pattern of unilaterally affected patients into account with its opportunity to provide unequal levels of movement support (or 'guidance') to each of the legs. This asymmetrical guidance may be used to selectively unburden limbs with impaired voluntary control and/or to exploit the interlimb couplings for training purposes. However, there is a need to explore and understand these specific device opportunities more broadly before implementing them in training.AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of (a)symmetrical guidance settings on lower limb muscle activity in persons with post stroke hemiparesis, during Lokomat guided gait.DESIGN: A single group, dependent factorial design.SETTING: Rehabilitation center; a single session of Lokomat guided walking. POPULATION: A group of ten persons with post stroke hemiparesis.METHODS: Participants walked in the Lokomat in eight conditions, consisting of symmetrical and asymmetrical guidance situations, at both 0.28 m/s and 0.56 m/s. During symmetrical conditions, both legs received 30% or 100% guidance, while during asymmetrical conditions one leg received 30% and the other leg 100% guidance. Surface electromyography was bilaterally measured from: Biceps Femoris, Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Medial Gastrocnemius and Tibialis Anterior. Statistical effects were assessed using Statistical Parametric Mapping.RESULTS: The provision of assymetrical guidance did not affect the level of lower limb muscle activity. In addition, no effect (except for Vastus Medialis in the affected leg during 1.5-2.4% of the gait cycle) of symmetrical guidance on muscle amplitude could be observed.CONCLUSIONS: The results show no evidence that either symmetrical or asymmetrical guidance settings provided by the Lokomat can be used to manipulate activity of lower limb musculature in persons with post stroke hemiparesis.CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: This study provides insights for the use of specific opportunities provided by the Lokomat for training purposes post stroke.

Mouse models of atherosclerosis have become effective resources to study atherogenesis, including the relationship between hemodynamics and lesion development. Computational methods aid the prediction of the in vivo hemodynamic environment in the mouse vasculature, but careful selection of inflow and outflow boundary conditions (BCs) is warranted to promote model accuracy. Herein, we investigated the impact of animal-specific versus reduced/idealized flow boundary conditions on predicted blood flow patterns in the mouse thoracic aorta. Blood velocities were measured in the aortic root, arch branch vessel, and descending aorta in ApoE−/− mice using phase-contrast MRI. Computational geometries were derived from micro-CT imaging and combinations of high-fidelity or reduced/idealized MR-derived BCs were applied to predict the bulk flow field and hemodynamic metrics (e.g., wall shear stress, WSS; cross-flow index, CFI). Results demonstrate that pressure-free outlet BCs significantly overestimate outlet flow rates as compared to measured values. When compared to models that incorporate 3-component inlet velocity data [ $$\mathop{v}\limits^{\rightharpoonup} \left( {v_{r} ,v_{\theta } ,v_{z} } \right)$$ ] and time-varying outlet mass flow splits [ $$Q\left( t \right)$$ ] (i.e., high-fidelity model), neglecting in-plane inlet velocity components (i.e., $$\mathop{v}\limits^{\rightharpoonup} (v_{z}$$ )) leads to errors in WSS and CFI values ranging from 10 to 30% across the model domain whereas the application of a steady outlet mass flow splits results in negligible differences in these hemodynamics metrics. This investigation highlights that 3-component inlet velocity data and at least steady mass flow splits are required for accurate predictions of flow patterns in the mouse thoracic aorta.

This work presents an analysis and a design methodology for a DC–DC LLC resonant converter applied to off-line LED driving. An investigation regarding the main design parameters that influence the LED low-frequency (LF) ripple has been carried out. The study was based on a mathematical analysis of the converter and employs numerical algorithms to solve a set of equations that accurately describe the converter behavior. Based on this analysis, a novel design methodology that allows for LF current ripple prediction has been devised. A numerical model has been developed to determine the LF current ripple transmission in DC–DC LLC resonant converters and provide a methodology for designing the bus capacitance in two-stage off-line LED power supplies. The work shows that the design of the LLC resonant converter for off-line LED driving is a trade-off between the converter efficiency and the LF ripple transmission. Experimental results were taken from two 46-W laboratory prototypes considering two different design goals: one for LF ripple reduction and another aiming at the highest converter efficiency and better power quality. Furthermore, the design of a two-stage LED driver based on an LLC converter taking into account the LF ripple transmission is also presented.

Background: Activity pacing is a behavioral strategy for coping with fatigue, optimizing physical activity (PA) levels, and achieving a paced approach to lifestyle and sustainable self-regulated exercise practice to optimize health and well-being. Yet little is known about how activity pacing affects PA and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) while controlling for fatigue and demographic characteristics over time in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined the natural use of activity pacing and how it is associated with PA and HRQOL over time in adults with MS. Methods: Sixty-eight adults with MS (mean ± SD age, 45.2 ± 10.9 years) completed questionnaires on their activity pacing, fatigue, PA, and HRQOL 14, 33, and 52 weeks after rehabilitation. Associations between the variables were examined using multilevel models. Results: No associations were found between activity pacing and PA (β = −0.01, P = .89) or between activity pacing and HRQOL (β = −0.15, P = .09). Conclusions: This study provides an initial understanding of how activity pacing relates to PA and HRQOL in people with MS over time and indicates that there is no clear strategy among adults with MS that is successful in improving PA and HRQOL in the short or long term. Persons with MS may benefit from goal-directed activity pacing interventions to improve longitudinal engagement in PA, and the present study provides a foundation for further intervention development.

Coffee quality is determined by analyzing its chemical, physical, sensory and hygienic-sanitary characteristics. It is a product consumed worldwide with high economic value. Thus, it can undergo several types of adulteration (either fraudulent or accidental). It is commonly adulterated through blending with cheaper products that are not easily detected by consumers, which in turn modify its appearance or taste. The main adulterants found in ground coffee are processing byproducts, such as husks, straws and sticks and cereals, such as corn, rye, rice, barley and wheat due to their low prices, in addition to being rather similar to coffee and widely available. Therefore, the present work aims to quantify adulterants (corn, coffee husk and coffee straw) found in ground coffee using thermogravimetry and the multivariate regression analysis. Coffee and adulterants have been toasted at 200 °C, ground, sieved and mixed in 22 different ratios (1–50%, m/m). Blends have been investigated by derivative thermogravimetry analysis (DTG) by employing two different types of dynamic gas atmospheres (nitrogen and synthetic air). Then, its results were used to develop multivariate models using the partial least squares to quantify the adulterants. TGA curves show samples with higher overlapping thermal events; however, DTG results present a selective coffee event between 350 and 430 °C that enables quantification. There were also fewer prediction errors using nitrogen as dynamic gas (2.6%, 1.4% and 7.7% m/m for corn, coffee husk and coffee straw, respectively) with 3–4 latent variables. As for synthetic air, there were greater prediction errors (4.7% and 4.6% m/m for corn and coffee husk, respectively), but fewer if compared to another gas atmosphere for coffee straw (4.8% m/m) using 4–5 latent variables. A combination of thermogravimetry and chemometrics proved to be quite promising and suitable for quantifying common materials used to adulterate ground coffee.

Stem cell–derived β-like cells (sBC) carry the promise of providing an abundant source of insulin-producing cells for use in cell replacement therapy for patients with diabetes, potentially allowing widespread implementation of a practical cure. To achieve their clinical promise, sBC need to function comparably with mature adult β-cells, but as yet they display varying degrees of maturity. Indeed, detailed knowledge of the events resulting in human β-cell maturation remains obscure. Here we show that sBC spontaneously self-enrich into discreet islet-like cap structures within in vitro cultures, independent of exogenous maturation conditions. Multiple complementary assays demonstrate that this process is accompanied by functional maturation of the self-enriched sBC (seBC); however, the seBC still contain distinct subpopulations displaying different maturation levels. Interestingly, the surface protein ENTPD3 (also known as nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 [NDPTase3]) is a specific marker of the most mature seBC population and can be used for mature seBC identification and sorting. Our results illuminate critical aspects of in vitro sBC maturation and provide important insights toward developing functionally mature sBC for diabetes cell replacement therapy.