Single Training Research Articles

Application of core strength training based on learning control robot technology in Badminton

The implementation of core strength training in badminton has received increasing attention as the game and training theories have matured. A single typical strength training session is not the same as core strength training. Strengthening the trunk’s core muscles can help athletes become more adaptable and physically strong, which will have a significant influence on badminton’s future growth. At present, core strength training has been tried to be applied to the routine training of athletes. However, its application has not been scientifically guided and its role cannot be fully exerted, which has adversely affected the improvement of athletes’ skill levels. Consequently, a thorough analysis of badminton’s features was done in this research. The use of core strength training in badminton was thoroughly investigated based on an exploration of the application value of this technique in conjunction with learning and control robot technology. This article examined three levels of special abilities, physical fitness and balancing ability, and compared it with the standard core strength training technology to demonstrate the application impact of the learning control robot’s core strength training in badminton. According to the experimental findings, learning control robot technology may be achieved through core strength training, the average scores of students’ badminton speed quality and strength quality were about 8.10 and 8.45. There was a clear difference between the scores of 6.69 and 7.54 of the traditional training methods, which proved its feasibility.

Non-Designated Preliminary to Categorical Resident: Is It All About the ABSITE?

Obtaining a categorical general surgery residency position is recognized as a highly challenging process, and many aspiring surgeons find themselves matching into a preliminary position. The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is relevant as a discriminator, as it is the only national evaluation metric that compares residents between programs. This study examines the correlation between ABSITE performance and the likelihood of obtaining a categorical position for non-designated preliminary surgery residents. Retrospective analysis of preliminary residents who completed the ABSITE between 2011 and 2021 at a single academic training program. 108 preliminary residents were included. Among preliminary residents who were successful in securing a categorical position, the average ABSITE percentile was 59 (SD = 26.7). In contrast, those who were not able to secure a categorical position, the average ABSITE percentile was 23.6 (SD = 25.3). There was a strong significant correlation between ABSITE percentile and securing a categorical position (P < 0.001). There was a significant association between citizenship and gaining a categorical position, with US citizens being significantly more likely to successfully gain a categorical position (P = 0.01; OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.28-8.56)). There was not a significant correlation between citizenship and ABSITE score. This study presents compelling evidence that ABSITE percentile score is positively associated with the probability of securing a categorical position for preliminary general surgery residents. It is therefore imperative that both preliminary residents and their programs place a high value on ABSITE performance to enhance successful career progression.

Analysis of train-induced aerodynamic characteristics and pressure-relief measures relating to fully enclosed noise barriers installed on railway bridges

Fully enclosed noise barriers (FENBs) are increasingly being installed on high-speed railway bridges for noise pollution control. However, the aerodynamic effects of high-speed trains passing FENBs have an adverse impact on barrier durability and generate micro-pressure waves. In this paper, a numerical model of a train passing an FENB on a bridge is established. The aerodynamic pressure distribution along the FENB is analyzed for both a single train and two trains passing one another. The propagation characteristics and evolution mechanisms of pressure waves are then investigated. The results show that the pressure is lower at the ends of the FENB and higher in the middle along the direction of train travel. The peak positive and negative pressures at the mid-span are 1.95 and 4.47 times higher than those at the ends, respectively. This distribution is caused by the propagation, superposition, reflection, and attenuation of pressure waves. Compression waves account for 78.9% of the peak positive pressure. An amplification factor must be considered when estimating the impact of two trains passing one another. Analysis of five pressure-relief schemes shows that arranging a single pressure-relief hole at a high-pressure location effectively alleviates the over-pressure in the FENB. The overall pressure-relief effect is an exponential function of the single opening area. Considering a constant opening area, arranging several relief holes at equal spacing optimizes the adverse pressure distribution compared with the single-hole relief scheme. The equivalent forces of the multi-hole scheme are 3.35% and 7.58% lower than in the single-hole scheme.

High-intensity intermittent inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training in respiratory, swallowing and systemic muscles of healthy adults.

Low-intensity continuous inspiratory muscle training improves its strength. The abdominal muscles are the main expiratory muscles, and their training may improve expiratory muscle strength. Respiratory muscle strength regulates coughing effectiveness, which is critical for pneumonia management. In older people, risk factors for the development of pneumonia were respiratory muscle weakness and swallowing impairment. Currently, the impact of high-intensity intermittent inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training on the respiratory, swallowing, and systemic muscles is unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training combined with or without abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength as well as the strength, mass, and performance of swallowing and systemic muscles. Twenty-eight healthy adults were divided into two groups. Participants performed high-intensity intermittent inspiratory muscle single or its combination with abdominal muscle training for 4 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength, swallowing muscle strength and mass, systemic muscle strength, mass and performance were measured at baseline, Week 2 and Week 4. Both groups showed greater maximal respiratory pressures at Week 2 and Week 4 than baseline. Both groups showed improved tongue pressure and geniohyoid muscle thickness at Week 4. In addition, the combined training group improved body trunk muscle mass, handgrip strength and five-time chair stand test, whereas the single training group did not. This study revealed that high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improved inspiratory muscle strength and swallowing muscle strength and mass. Moreover, inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training showed an additional benefit of improving systemic muscle strength, mass and performance. UMIN000046724; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/index.cgi?ctrno=UMIN000046724.

Darts fast-learning reduces theta power but is not affected by Hf-tRNS: A behavioral and electrophysiological investigation

Sports trainers have recently shown increasing interest in innovative methods, including transcranial electric stimulation, to enhance motor performance and boost the acquisition of new skills during training. However, studies on the effectiveness of these tools on fast visuomotor learning and brain activity are still limited. In this randomized single-blind, sham-controlled, between-subjects study, we investigated whether a single training session, either coupled or not with 2 mA online high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) over the bilateral primary motor cortex (M1), would affect dart-throwing performance (i.e., radial error, arm range of motion, and movement variability) in 37 healthy volunteers. In addition, potential neurophysiological correlates were monitored before and after the training through a 32-electrode portable electroencephalogram (EEG). Results revealed that a single training session improved radial error and arm range of motion during the dart-throwing task, but not movement variability. Furthermore, after the training, resting state-EEG data showed a decrease in theta power. Radial error, arm movement, and EEG were not further modulated by hf-tRNS. This indicates that a single training session, regardless of hf-tRNS administration, improves dart-throwing precision and movement accuracy. However, it does not improve movement variability, which might require multiple training sessions (expertise resulting in slow learning). Theta power decrease could describe a more efficient use of cognitive resources (i.e., attention and visuomotor skills) due to the fast dart-throwing learning. Further research could explore different sports by applying longer stimulation protocols and evaluating other EEG variables to enhance our understanding of the lasting impacts of multi-session hf-tRNS on the sensorimotor cortex within the framework of slow learning and training assistance.

The effect of dual-task training on postural and cognitive performances in adolescents with down syndrome

BackgroundThe dual task training (DTT) has been shown to improve postural and cognitive performances in many populations. Therefore, it seems of interest to explore the effect of such training modality in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presenting both cognitive and postural deficits. AimsThis study explored the effect of a DTT compared to a single task training (STT) on postural and cognitive performances in adolescents with DS. Methods and proceduresThe center of pressure velocity (CoPVm) and the cognitive performance in the selective word recall test were recorded under single task (ST) and DT conditions before and after 8 weeks in the STT group (STTG), the DTTG and the control group (CG). Outcomes and resultsBefore training, CoPVm values increased and cognitive performances decreased (p < 0.001) during the DT compared to ST conditions in all groups. After training, CoPVm decreased (p < 0.001) in the DTTG and the STTG under the ST conditions. However, under DT conditions, these values decreased (p < 0.001) only in the DTTG. The cognitive performance increased (p < 0.001) only in the DTTG in both ST and DT conditions. ConclusionThe DTT is strongly recommended to improve both postural and cognitive performances in individuals with DS notably in DT conditions.

Self-distillation enhanced adaptive pruning of convolutional neural networks

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) suffer from issues of large parameter size and high computational complexity. To address this, we propose an adaptive pruning algorithm based on self-distillation. The algorithm introduces a trainable parameter for each channel to control channel pruning and integrates the pruning process into network training, enabling pruning and fine-tuning in a single training iteration to derive the final pruned model. Moreover, this framework requires only a single overall pruning rate to achieve adaptive pruning for each layer, avoiding tedious hyperparameter tuning for a less iterative, simple and efficient pruning process. Additionally, self-distillation is utilized in the pruning algorithm, leveraging the knowledge from the pretrained CNN to guide its own pruning process, facilitating the recovery from performance degradation caused by pruning and achieving higher accuracy. Extensive pruning experiments on various CNN models over different datasets demonstrate that at least 75% of redundant parameters can be reduced without sacrificing model accuracy.

Effect of a Perturbation-Based Balance Training Session on Adaptive Locomotor Response in Older Adults With a History of Falls.

To assess the adaptive response of older adults with a history of falls in a single Perturbation-Based Balance Training (PBT) session by examining the margin of stability (MoS) and the number of falls. Thirty-two older adults with a history of falls underwent a treadmill walking session lasting 20-25min. During the PBT protocol, participants experienced 24 unexpected perturbations delivered in two ways: acceleration or deceleration of the treadmill belt, with 12 perturbations in each direction. The MoS in the anteroposterior direction was assessed for the first and last perturbations of the session, during the perturbation step (N) and the recovery step (REC), along with the number of falls during the training session. There was no statistically significant difference in MoS between the first and last perturbations (acceleration and deceleration) for steps N and REC. Regarding the number of falls, a significant reduction was found when comparing the first half with the second half of the training session (p = .033). There were 13 falls in the first half and only three in the second half of the PBT session. Older adults with a history of falls exhibited an adaptive response with a reduction in the number of falls during a single session of PBT despite not showing changes in the MoS.

A new approach in insulin pump education improves glycemic outcomes: a randomized controlled trial.

To address the scarcity of continued education for insulin pump users, we developed and evaluated a new program (NP) for individuals transitioning to a different insulin pump. In a randomized, controlled 3-month study, adults with type 1 diabetes and suboptimal HbA1c received either NP or usual care program (UC). The NP was designed in collaboration with representatives of the target group and incorporated technical training, case-based learning, and peer experience sharing - encompassing two group sessions, and two follow-up telephone calls. The UC included a single training session led by the pump company with hotline assistance (clinic) but no structured follow-up. The primary endpoint was the difference in time in range (TIR) (70-180mg/dL (3.9-10.0 mmol/L)), measured by continuous glucose monitoring from baseline to 3 months post-course. Psychosocial self-efficacy was measured by the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES-SF). Thirty-nine participants (median age 43, 74% female) were included. Mean TIR increased significantly in the NP group and remained unchanged in the UC group (between-group difference in change was 13.5% [95% CI: 4.0 to 22.9], p = 0.0064). Psychosocial self-efficacy improved and HbA1c decreased only significantly in the NP group. Applying a novel education program at pump transition significantly improved glycemic outcomes and self-efficacy.

The analysis for fatigue caused by vibration of railway composite beam considering time-dependent effect

The time-dependent effects in steel-concrete composite beam bridges can intensify track irregularities, subsequently leading to amplified train-bridge coupling vibrations. This phenomenon may increase the stress amplitudes in the bridge steel, thereby impacting the fatigue performance of the composite structures. This paper employs multiple rigid body dynamics to construct a high-speed train model and utilizes the finite element method to develop a steel-concrete composite beam element model that accounts for time-dependent effects, interfacial slip, and shear hysteresis. This approach enables the computational analysis of the train-bridge coupling system, facilitating an investigation into the influence of concrete’s time-dependent effects on the fatigue performance of railway steel-concrete composite bridges. Focusing on a 40-m simply supported composite bridge, the train-bridge coupling dynamic responses were computed for each operational year within a decade of the completion of construction. Applying the P-M linear fatigue damage accumulation theory, statistical analysis of stress history data across various operational periods was conducted to quantify the fatigue damage induced by a single eight-car high-speed train on the lower flange of the mid-span steel beam and the beam-end studs. The findings reveal that the beam-end studs sustain greater damage than the mid-span steel beam. Moreover, the detrimental impact of time-dependent effects diminishes with the increase of operational years. Notably, compared to the initial year, the fatigue damage to the lower flange of the mid-span steel beam by an eight-car train in the tenth year has surged by 39.3%. Conversely, the damage to the beam-end studs has decreased by 47.5%.

A General and Efficient Fault Diagnosis Approach Using Hyperdimensional Computing Enhanced by Local Feature Extraction

Abstract Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of industrial equipment is of great importance, and accordingly, machine fault diagnosis has attracted considerable attention. Recently, various deep learning-based fault diagnosis models have been widely developed due to the powerful ability of feature learning and nonlinear modeling of deep learning models, and these methods heavily rely on large amounts of data and high memory and resources. However, it is difficult to obtain enough data in practical applications, thus leading to the unsatisfactory performance of deep learning-based models and high cost. In this paper, we propose a new and efficient fault diagnosis approach based on Hyperdimensional computing (HDC), which can learn high-dimensional, random, and holographic distributed representations of input features. It has the advantages of single training, low training cost, and does not require a large amount of data. Therefore, we apply HDC to the field of few-shot fault diagnosis for the first time, and propose a simple and efficient approach for few-shot fault diagnosis based on hyperdimensional computing with local feature extraction(L-HDC). Instead of using original data, the model firstly extracts the local features of original data by hand-designed features, and then carries out HDC-encoding, training, and test classification. Through the comparison of various models and the analysis of various data, the effectiveness of our proposed model is verified. In the case of few-shot learning, the recognition accuracy is as high as 90\% and the training time of ordinary HDC model is 5-10 times that of L-HDC model, which is superior to other models.

Gait Training Interventions for Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.

This review aimed to determine if gait training interventions influence lower extremity biomechanics during walking in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and MEDLINE to identify English-language studies from inception through September 2022. Eligible studies included randomized control trials, repeated measures design, and descriptive laboratory studies measuring the effects during or following a gait training intervention on biomechanical outcomes (kinematics, kinetics, electromyography) during walking in individuals with CAI. Gait training interventions were broadly categorized into devices (destabilization devices, novel gait training device) and biofeedback (visual, auditory, and haptic delivery modes). Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate using random-effects to compare pre-and post- gait training intervention mean differences and standard deviations. Thirteen studies were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for single session gait training studies only. Eleven studies reported kinetic outcomes. Our meta-analyses showed location of center of pressure (COP) was shifted medially from 0-90% (Effect Size [ES] range=0.35-0.82) of stance, contact time was decreased in medial forefoot (ES=0.43), peak pressure was decreased for lateral midfoot (ES=1.18) and increased for hallux (ES=0.59), pressure time integral was decreased for lateral heel (ES=0.33) and lateral midfoot (ES=1.22) and increased for hallux (ES=0.63). Three studies reported kinematic outcomes. Seven studies reported electromyography outcomes. Our meta-analyses revealed increased activity following initial contact (IC) for fibularis longus (ES=0.83). Gait training protocols improved some lower extremity biomechanical outcomes in individuals with CAI. Plantar pressure outcome measures seem to be most impacted by gait training programs with improvements in decreasing lateral pressure associated with increased risk for lateral ankle sprains. Gait training increased EMG activity post-IC for the fibularis longus. Few studies have assessed the impact of multi-session gait training on biomechanical outcome measures. Targeted gait trainning should be considered when treating patients with CAI.

The impact of multicentric datasets for the automated tumor delineation in primary prostate cancer using convolutional neural networks on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET

PurposeConvolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have emerged as transformative tools in the field of radiation oncology, significantly advancing the precision of contouring practices. However, the adaptability of these algorithms across diverse scanners, institutions, and imaging protocols remains a considerable obstacle. This study aims to investigate the effects of incorporating institution-specific datasets into the training regimen of CNNs to assess their generalization ability in real-world clinical environments. Focusing on a data-centric analysis, the influence of varying multi- and single center training approaches on algorithm performance is conducted.MethodsnnU-Net is trained using a dataset comprising 161 18F-PSMA-1007 PET images collected from four distinct institutions (Freiburg: n = 96, Munich: n = 19, Cyprus: n = 32, Dresden: n = 14). The dataset is partitioned such that data from each center are systematically excluded from training and used solely for testing to assess the model's generalizability and adaptability to data from unfamiliar sources. Performance is compared through a 5-Fold Cross-Validation, providing a detailed comparison between models trained on datasets from single centers to those trained on aggregated multi-center datasets. Dice Similarity Score, Hausdorff distance and volumetric analysis are used as primary evaluation metrics.ResultsThe mixed training approach yielded a median DSC of 0.76 (IQR: 0.64–0.84) in a five-fold cross-validation, showing no significant differences (p = 0.18) compared to models trained with data exclusion from each center, which performed with a median DSC of 0.74 (IQR: 0.56–0.86). Significant performance improvements regarding multi-center training were observed for the Dresden cohort (multi-center median DSC 0.71, IQR: 0.58–0.80 vs. single-center 0.68, IQR: 0.50–0.80, p < 0.001) and Cyprus cohort (multi-center 0.74, IQR: 0.62–0.83 vs. single-center 0.72, IQR: 0.54–0.82, p < 0.01). While Munich and Freiburg also showed performance improvements with multi-center training, results showed no statistical significance (Munich: multi-center DSC 0.74, IQR: 0.60–0.80 vs. single-center 0.72, IQR: 0.59–0.82, p > 0.05; Freiburg: multi-center 0.78, IQR: 0.53–0.87 vs. single-center 0.71, IQR: 0.53–0.83, p = 0.23).ConclusionCNNs trained for auto contouring intraprostatic GTV in 18F-PSMA-1007 PET on a diverse dataset from multiple centers mostly generalize well to unseen data from other centers. Training on a multicentric dataset can improve performance compared to training exclusively with a single-center dataset regarding intraprostatic 18F-PSMA-1007 PET GTV segmentation. The segmentation performance of the same CNN can vary depending on the dataset employed for training and testing.

Train Service Design for Rail Transit Cross-Line Operation Applying Virtual Coupling

The cross-line operation (CO) of trains in urban rail transit is an effective method to efficiently satisfy transfer passenger travel demand as well as relieve the pressure of transfer stations. The primary problem of CO is designing train services to satisfy travel demand with an uneven spatial distribution of passengers. This study constructs a nonlinear integer programming model with a novel train operation scheme, i.e., virtual coupling (VC) technology, which allows the coupling/decoupling of trains on different lines at both ends of each operation zone. This scheme makes the train capacity equitably distributed in each operation zone, thereby balancing train capacity utilization over the whole CO system. Regarding the nonlinear characteristics of the proposed model, an adaptive simulated annealing genetic algorithm (ASA-GA) was designed to quickly generate high-quality solutions. Based on real-world data from the Beijing Changping Line and Line 13, the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm were verified. The computation results show that in comparison to a single grouping train composition scheme without CO, a VC scheme with CO would reduce operation costs by 46.8%, with 80.6% savings of train capacity equity. Furthermore, the average passenger residence time would be reduced by 25.9%.

MR Assessment of Acute Changes of Cerebral Perfusion, Metabolism, and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Response to Aerobic Exercise.

It remains unclear how a single bout of exercise affects brain perfusion, oxygen metabolism, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Addressing this unresolved issue is essential to understand the acute changes in cerebral physiology induced by aerobic exercise. To dynamically monitor the acute changes in cerebral physiology subsequent to a single aerobic exercise training session using noninvasive MRI measurements. Prospective. Twenty-three healthy participants (18-35 years, 10 females/13 males) were enrolled and divided into 10-minute exercising (N = 10) and 20-minute exercising (N = 13) groups. 3.0 T/Phase Contrast (PC) MRI (gradient echo), T2-Relaxation-Under-Spin-Tagging (TRUST) MRI (gradient echo EPI), Water-Extraction-with-Phase-Contrast-Arterial-Spin-Tagging (WEPCAST) MRI (gradient echo EPI) and T1-weighted magnetization-prepared-rapid-acquisition-of-gradient-echo (MPRAGE) (gradient echo). A baseline MR measurement plus four repeated MR measurements immediately after 10 or 20 minutes moderate running exercise. MR measurements included cerebral blood flow (CBF) as measured by PC MRI, venous oxygenation (Yv) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) as assessed by TRUST MRI, water extraction fraction (E), and BBB permeability-surface-area product (PS) as determined by WEPCAST MRI. The time dependence of the physiological parameters was studied with a linear mixed-effect model. Additionally, pairwise t-tests comparison of the physiological parameters at each time point was conducted. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was an initial drop (8.22 ± 2.60%) followed by a recovery in CBF after exercise, while Yv revealed a significant decrease (6.37 ± 0.92%), i.e., an increased oxygen extraction, and returned to baseline at later time points. CMRO2 showed a trend of increase (5.68 ± 3.04%) and a significant interaction between time and group. In addition, E increased significantly (3.86% ± 0.89) and returned to baseline level at later time points, while PS remained elevated (13.33 ± 4.79%). A single bout of moderate aerobic exercise can induce acute alterations in cerebral perfusion, metabolism, and BBB permeability. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Does combining two evidence-based exercise programs in elderly people with incontinence have a triple effect on incontinence symptoms, balance and functional status?

Improving pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), balance and functional activity is recommended in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in the elderly people. The aim of this study is to examine whether PFMT combined with Otago exercises is effective on symptoms, balance and functional status in elderly people with UI compared to PFMT alone. This study is an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants with UI aged 65 and over living in a nursing home were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG) and control groups (CG). The intervention group attended an exercise program that included Otago exercises combined with PFMT. The control group was included in the PFMT program with different positions. The duration of exercise for both groups was 45-60min per session three times a week for 12weeks. UI symptoms and severity (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, bladder diary), PFM muscle function (superficial electromyography), balance (Berg Balance Scale), functional status (Senior Fitness Test) and fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale) were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The median age of the IG (n: 22) and CG (n: 21) was 73.5 and 77years, respectively. At baseline and after the intervention within the group, a significant improvement was observed in the PTDE-20 score (IG and CG, p: 0.00) and the 2-min step test in the IG (p: 0.02) and CG (p: 0.01). A significant decrease was found in the 2.45m get up-and-go test, PFM work average onset, and PFM rest MVC EMG values (p: 0.01, p: 0.01, p: 0.00) in the IG. The PFM rest average value decreased (p: 0.04) in the CG. The findings of this study show that combining PFMT with Otago exercises, two evidence-based interventions, is beneficial for effectively treating incontinence symptoms, balance and functional status in elderly people. Thus, a triple effect can be achieved with a single exercise training in the same treatment session and for the same duration. Clinical trial number: NCT06331039.

Ultra-high frequency repetitive TMS at subthreshold intensity induces suprathreshold motor response via temporal summation

Objective.The transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil induces an electric field that diminishes rapidly upon entering the brain. This presents a challenge in achieving focal stimulation of a deep brain structure. Neuronal elements, including axons, dendrites, and cell bodies, exhibit specific time constants. When exposed to repetitive TMS pulses at a high frequency, there is a cumulative effect on neuronal membrane potentials, resulting in temporal summation. This study aims to determine whether TMS pulse train at high-frequency and subthreshold intensity could induce a suprathreshold response.Approach.As a proof of concept, we developed a TMS machine in-house that could consistently output pulses up to 250 Hz, and performed experiments on 22 awake rats to test whether temporal summation was detectable under pulse trains at 100, 166, or 250 Hz.Main results.Results revealed that TMS pulses at 55% maximum stimulator output (MSO, peak dI/dt= 68.5 A/μs at 100% MSO, pulse width = 48μs) did not induce motor responses with either single pulses or pulse trains. Similarly, a single TMS pulse at 65% MSO failed to evoke a motor response in rats; however, a train of TMS pulses at frequencies of 166 and 250 Hz, but not at 100 Hz, successfully triggered motor responses and MEP signals, suggesting a temporal summation effect dependent on both pulse intensities and pulse train frequencies.Significance.We propose that the temporal summation effect can be leveraged to design the next-generation focal TMS system: by sequentially driving multiple coils at high-frequency and subthreshold intensity, areas with the most significant overlapping E-fields undergo maximal temporal summation effects, resulting in a suprathreshold response.

The experience of self-compassion training among NHS healthcare professionals.

Self-compassion in healthcare professionals (HCPs) is under-researched and undervalued. Promoting self-compassion within healthcare could have far-reaching benefits. This research study explores the experience of four NHS HCPs receiving a single short self-compassion training, with recommended at-home practices completed over 4 weeks. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews gathered information about their experience, resultant wellbeing and any impact on colleagues and patients. The main themes emerging from analysis of the interviews were motivation, permission and prioritisation. The motivation to practise self-compassion, and share this learning resulted from improved understanding of its potential benefits. Permission ties in with the notion of common humanity in self-compassion and its impact on negative self-talk and negative attitudes to self-compassion in a workplace. Prioritisation acknowledges the challenges for HCPs of investing time in self-compassion practice despite overstretched HCP workloads. Further consideration of these themes may help to better target any future research into strategies for enabling self-compassion among HCPs.

Three-dimensional generative adversarial networks for turbulent flow estimation from wall measurements

Different types of neural networks have been used to solve the flow sensing problem in turbulent flows, namely to estimate velocity in wall-parallel planes from wall measurements. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are among the most promising methodologies, due to their more accurate estimations and better perceptual quality. This work tackles this flow sensing problem in the vicinity of the wall, addressing for the first time the reconstruction of the entire three-dimensional (3-D) field with a single network, i.e. a 3-D GAN. With this methodology, a single training and prediction process overcomes the limitation presented by the former approaches based on the independent estimation of wall-parallel planes. The network is capable of estimating the 3-D flow field with a level of error at each wall-normal distance comparable to that reported from wall-parallel plane estimations and at a lower training cost in terms of computational resources. The direct full 3-D reconstruction also unveils a direct interpretation in terms of coherent structures. It is shown that the accuracy of the network depends directly on the wall footprint of each individual turbulent structure. It is observed that wall-attached structures are predicted more accurately than wall-detached ones, especially at larger distances from the wall. Among wall-attached structures, smaller sweeps are reconstructed better than small ejections, while large ejections are reconstructed better than large sweeps as a consequence of their more intense footprint.

Single-belt vs. split-belt treadmill symmetry training: is there a perfect choice for gait rehabilitation post-stroke?

Post-stroke gait asymmetry leads to inefficient gait and a higher fall risk, often causing limited home and community ambulation. Two types of treadmills are typically used for training focused on symmetry: split-belt and single belt treadmills, but there is no consensus on which treadmill is superior to improve gait symmetry in individuals with stroke. To comprehensively determine which intervention is superior, we considered multiple spatial and temporal gait parameters (step length, stride time, swing time, and stance time) and their symmetries. Ten individuals with stroke underwent a single session of split-belt treadmill training and single belt treadmill training on separate days. The changes in step length, stride time, swing time, stance time and their respective symmetries were compared to investigate which training improves both spatiotemporal gait parameters and symmetries immediately after the intervention and after 5min of rest. Both types of treadmill training immediately increased gait velocity (0.08m/s faster) and shorter step length (4.15cm longer). However, split-belt treadmill training was more effective at improving step length symmetry (improved by 27.3%) without sacrificing gait velocity or step length. However, this step length symmetry effect diminished after a 5-min rest period. Split-belt treadmill training may have some advantages over single belt treadmill training, when targeting step length symmetry. Future research should focus on comparing the long-term effects of these two types of training and examining the duration of the observed effects to provide clinically applicable information.