Dual model transfer learning to compensate for individual variability in brain-computer interface.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recent advancements in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology have seen a significant shift towards incorporating complex decoding models such as deep neural networks (DNNs) to enhance performance. These models are particularly crucial for sophisticated tasks such as regression for decoding arbitrary movements. However, these BCI models trained and tested on individual data often face challenges with limited performance and generalizability across different subjects. This limitation is primarily due to a tremendous number of parameters of DNN models. Training complex models demands extensive datasets. Nevertheless, group data from many subjects may not produce sufficient decoding performance because of inherent variability in neural signals both across individuals and over time METHODS: To address these challenges, this study proposed a transfer learning approach that could effectively adapt to subject-specific variability in cortical regions. Our method involved training two separate movement decoding models: one on individual data and another on pooled group data. We then created a salience map for each cortical region from the individual model, which helped us identify the input's contribution variance across subjects. Based on the contribution variance, we combined individual and group models using a modified knowledge distillation framework. This approach allowed the group model to be universally applicable by assigning greater weights to input data, while the individual model was fine-tuned to focus on areas with significant individual variance RESULTS: Our combined model effectively encapsulated individual variability. We validated this approach with nine subjects performing arm-reaching tasks, with our method outperforming (mean correlation coefficient, r = 0.75) both individual (r = 0.70) and group models (r = 0.40) in decoding performance. In particular, there were notable improvements in cases where individual models showed low performances (e.g., r = 0.50 in the individual decoder to r = 0.61 in the proposed decoder) CONCLUSIONS: These results not only demonstrate the potential of our method for robust BCI, but also underscore its ability to generalize individual data for broader applicability.

Rapid and Simultaneous Authentication of Six Laver Species Using Capillary Electrophoresis-Based Multiplex PCR.

Lavers are typically consumed in dried or seasoned forms. However, commercially processed lavers can lead to seafood fraud because it is impossible to authenticate the original species based on morphological characteristics alone. In this study, we developed a capillary electrophoresis-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to authenticate six different laver species. The species-specific primer sets to target the chloroplast rbcL or rbcS genes were newly designed. We successfully established both singleplex and multiplex conditions, which resulted in specific amplicons for each species (N. dentata, 274 bp; N. yezoensis, 211 bp; N. seriata, 195 bp; N. tenera, 169 bp; N. haitanensis, 127 bp; P. suborbiculata, 117 bp). Moreover, the assays were sensitive enough to detect DNA ranging from 10 to 0.1 pg of DNA. The optimized capillary electrophoresis-based multiplex PCR was successfully applied to 40 commercial laver products. In addition to detecting the laver species as stated on the commercial label, the assay discovered cases where less expensive species were mixed in. With its advantageous properties, such as short amplicon size, high specificity, and superior sensitivity, this assay could be used for the authentication of the six laver species.

Comparative analysis of LC-MS/MS and real-time PCR assays for efficient detection of potential allergenic silkworm.

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) has long been valued food and feed in East Asia for its abundant nutritional and medicinal attributes, conversely, it can elicit allergic responses in susceptible individuals. Therefore, the development of silkworm detection method is required to avert allergenic incidents. In this study, two methodologies, tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and real-time PCR, were developed to achieve effective silkworm detection. These methods exhibited exceptional sensitivity in identifying silkworm presence in processed foods. Furthermore, model cookies spiked with silkworm were used to validate the sensitivities of LC-MS/MS (0.0005%) and real-time PCR (0.001%). Overall, these techniques were useful for trace silkworm detection in food products; therefore, they may help prevent allergic reactions. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first comparison of LC-MS/MS and real-time PCR methods for silkworm detection, marking an important contribution to the field. Data are available from ProteomeXchange under identifier PXD042494.

Autonomous self-healing supramolecular polymer transistors for skin electronics.

Skin-like field-effect transistors are key elements of bio-integrated devices for future user-interactive electronic-skin applications. Despite recent rapid developments in skin-like stretchable transistors, imparting self-healing ability while maintaining necessary electrical performance to these transistors remains a challenge. Herein, we describe a stretchable polymer transistor capable of autonomous self-healing. The active material consists of a blend of an electrically insulating supramolecular polymer with either semiconducting polymers or vapor-deposited metal nanoclusters. A key feature is to employ the same supramolecular self-healing polymer matrix for all active layers, i.e., conductor/semiconductor/dielectric layers, in the skin-like transistor. This provides adhesion and intimate contact between layers, which facilitates effective charge injection and transport under strain after self-healing. Finally, we fabricate skin-like self-healing circuits, including NAND and NOR gates and inverters, both of which are critical components of arithmetic logic units. This work greatly advances practical self-healing skin electronics.

Golf-related sports injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of golf-related musculoskeletal injuries. Golfers were retrospectively surveyed through a 50-item questionnaire. Golfers were divided into injured and noninjured groups according to the presence or absence of musculoskeletal injuries. Of the 208 respondents, 64.0% suffered golf-related injuries, most of which were minor injuries caused by overuse in the early 9.9 weeks. According to the anatomical distribution, the most injured parts were upper limbs, spine, trunk, and lower limbs in that order. As for the distribution by part, the hand and wrist were the most vulnerable, and the lateral elbow damage was 3 times more common than the inner elbow. Self-management for injuries was the most common treatment, and regular preventive exercise accounted for 30% of the injured. Overall, more than half of the respondents suffered from musculoskeletal injuries, self-management was the most common, and less than one-third did regular exercise to prevent injuries. Therefore, active management to prevent golf-related musculoskeletal injuries may be necessary.

Effect of bodybuilding athletes' weight loss method on performance factors and immune function.

This study was conducted on elite bodybuilders for 6 weeks using two weight loss methods (traditional method=high-weight loss vs. new method=low-weight loss). The subjects of this study were 26 male active elite bodybuilders who voluntarily wanted to participate in this experiment, and were divided into experimental group and traditional group. The traditional and experimental groups underwent dietary restrictions and training for 6 weeks. The conclusion obtained from the results of this study is that in the case of anthropometric variables, there is a difference in weight class between the two groups. The experimental group's upper arm circumference was maintained compared to the pre-measured value after post-measurement, while the traditional group decreased, and a significant interaction effect was observed. In particular, a significant interaction effect was observed. In that the absolute value of maximum oxygen intake was significantly increased only in the post-experimental group compared to the pretest, and an interaction effect was observed, the use of low-weight loss method is more effective than the traditional method of high-weight loss method. An increase in some cytokines was observed despite traditional weight loss, but it did not cause an excessive decrease in immunity or a sharp decrease in performance factors. As a result of this experiment, it is judged that the use of a low-weight loss method is more preferable than the traditional high-weight loss method in relation to performance variables.

Inorganic-Organic Double Network Ionogels Based on Silica Nanoparticles for High-Temperature Flexible Supercapacitors.

Herein, we demonstrate an inorganic-organic double network gel electrolyte consisting of a silica particle network and a poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate network in which 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids are confined. The as-synthesized double network ionogel electrolytes exhibited high ion conductivity of 3.8 to 12.8 mS cm-1 over a wide temperature range of 30 to 150 °C and mechanical integrity with a maximum toughness of 1.8 MJ m-3 at 30 °C. These remarkable properties of the ionogel were associated with the formation of an optimal physical network of the silica nanoparticles in the colloidal dispersion. Accordingly, a flexible supercapacitor using ionogel electrolytes and reduced graphene oxide electrodes delivered energy and power densities of 48 Wh kg-1 and 4 kW kg-1, respectively, even at a high temperature of 120 °C, demonstrating excellent long-term stability that retains 93% of the initial capacitance even over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles at 120 °C.

Intrinsically stretchable three primary light-emitting films enabled by elastomer blend for polymer light-emitting diodes.

Intrinsically stretchable light-emitting materials are crucial for skin-like wearable displays; however, their color range has been limited to green-like yellow lights owing to the restricted stretchable light-emitting materials (super yellow series materials). To develop skin-like full-color displays, three intrinsically stretchable primary light-emitting materials [red, green, and blue (RGB)] are essential. In this study, we report three highly stretchable primary light-emitting films made from a polymer blend of conventional RGB light-emitting polymers and a nonpolar elastomer. The blend films consist of multidimensional nanodomains of light-emitting polymers that are interconnected in an elastomer matrix for efficient light-emitting under strain. The RGB blend films exhibited over 1000 cd/m2 luminance with low turn-on voltage (<5 Von) and the selectively stretched blend films on rigid substrate maintained stable light-emitting performance up to 100% strain even after 1000 multiple stretching cycles.

Association between waist-to-height ratio and metabolic risk factors in Korean adults with normal body mass index and waist circumference.

There is little consensus on the best obesity index associated with metabolic risk factors among the population with normal both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). We therefore evaluated the association between anthropometric indices and metabolic risk factors in a Korean population with normal BMI and WC. This cross-sectional study involved 2,952 participants aged 20-79 years who had normal BMI and WC, based on the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 2008. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify the optimal measurement of obesity for the prediction of metabolic risk factors in this population. The area under the ROC curve value for waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components was higher than that for BMI and WC. Among individuals with normal BMI and WC, prevalence of all metabolic risk factors and MetS significantly increased across the quartiles of WHtR in both men and women. After adjustment for potential confounders, the Odds Ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MetS in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of WHtR compared to the first quartile of WHtR were 3.53 (2.12-5.89), 6.06 (3.52-10.43), and 7.11 (4.08-12.38) in men, and 1.66 (1.01-2.72), 2.79 (1.81-4.30), and 2.82 (1.76-4.52) in women, respectively. In conclusion, WHtR has the best predictive value for evaluating the metabolic risk factors compared to BMI or WC alone among subjects with normal BMI and WC.

Obesity phenotype and coronary heart disease risk as estimated by the Framingham risk score.

There are conflicting data as to whether general or abdominal obesity is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk. This cross-sectional study involved 4,573 subjects aged 30 to 74 yr who participated in the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2008. Obesity phenotype was classified by means of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and participants were categorized into 4 groups. Individuals' 10-yr risk of coronary heart diseases (CHD) was determined from the Framingham risk score. Subjects with obese WC had a higher proportion of high risk for CHD compared to the normal WC group, irrespective of BMI level. Relative to subjects with normal BMI/normal WC, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of normal BMI/obese WC group (OR 2.93 [1.70, 5.04] and OR 3.10 [1.49, 6.46]) for CHD risk in male were higher than obese BMI/obese WC group (OR 1.91 [1.40, 2.61] and OR 1.70 [1.16, 2.47]), whereas the adjusted ORs of obese BMI/obese WC group (OR 1.94 [1.24, 3.04] and OR 3.92 [1.75, 8.78]) were higher than the others in female. Subjects with obese BMI/normal WC were not significantly associated with 10-yr CHD risk in men (P = 0.449 and P = 0.067) and women (P = 0.702 and P = 0.658). WC is associated with increased CHD risk regardless of the level of BMI. Men with normal BMI and obese WC tend to be associated with CHD risk than those with obese BMI and obese WC.

Effect of chronic alcohol intake on the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins in growing rats.

In this study, the effect of chronic alcohol intake for 4 weeks on the muscular atrophy factors of rat skeletal muscle was studied using 6-week-old growing Sprague-Dawley rats. Experimental animals were classified into a control group and an alcohol intake group. The alcohol intake group consumed alcohol orally at a concentration of 3-g/kg body weight every day for 4 weeks. The control group consumed tap water in the same way. After 4 weeks alcohol ingestion, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum levels were measured. Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), forkhead box O (FoxO), phosphorylated FoxO (p-FoxO), p38, and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38). Results of this experiment showed that chronic alcohol intake enhanced triglyceride concentration. Chronic alcohol intake increased MuRF1 expression to promote muscle proteolysis and decreased p-Akt/Akt ratio and p-FoxO/FoxO ratio to inhibit skeletal muscle growth. Therefore, alcohol consumption has been shown to cause muscle atrophy.

The effects of workers' job stress on organizational commitment and leaving intention in commercial sports centers.

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the job stress of commercial sports center workers on organizational commitment and turnover intention. The causal relationship between their demographic characteristics and job stress was investigated for 261 out of 300 workers working at commercial sports centers in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi province. There was a difference by work type, and it was found that there was a difference between regular and contract workers. Role-related and interpersonal relationships had a negative influence relationship in terms of tenure commitment, normative commitment, and affective commitment. Job characteristics, role-related, interpersonal relationship, and compensation system had an influence on turnover intention. In other words, it was found that role-related and interpersonal relationships had a positive effect on turnover intention, and job characteristics and compensation system had a negative effect on turnover intention. It was found that job stress affects both organizational commitment and turnover intention. The results of this study indicate that job stress, organizational commitment, and turnover intention should be dealt with mainly in order to reduce turnover intention of commercial sports center workers. In other words, clearer guidelines on the role of commercial sports center workers and various welfare programs for improving human relationships should be provided. Therefore, commercial sports centers should continuously research and develop ways to maximize job satisfaction from the perspective of workers in order to reduce job stress and induce positive organizational commitment.

Control of crystallization and magnetic properties of CoFeB by boron concentration.

Controlling the crystallinity of CoFeB is the most essential issue for designing various spintronics devices. Here we show the microstructure and magnetic properties of MgO/CoFeB/MgO structures for various boron concentration. We present the effect of boron on the crystallinity of CoFeB into two categories: the critical boron concentration (5 ~ 6%) at which CoFeB crystallizes and the effect of remaining boron (0 ~ 5%) in the crystallized CoFeB. And the trends of the saturation magnetization, exchange stiffness, exchange length, domain wall energy and Gilbert damping constant according to the boron concentration are provided. Abrupt variation of properties near the critical boron concentration (5 ~ 6%) and a noticeable change in the crystallized CoFeB (0 ~ 5%) are confirmed, revealing a clear causal relationship with the structural analysis. These results propose that the crystallization, microstructure, and major magnetic properties of CoFeB are governed by the amount of boron, and emphasize the need for delicate control of boron concentration.

Mechanically robust stretchable semiconductor metallization for skin-inspired organic transistors.

Despite recent remarkable advances in stretchable organic thin-film field-effect transistors (OTFTs), the development of stretchable metallization remains a challenge. Here, we report a highly stretchable and robust metallization on an elastomeric semiconductor film based on metal-elastic semiconductor intermixing. We found that vaporized silver (Ag) atom with higher diffusivity than other noble metals (Au and Cu) forms a continuous intermixing layer during thermal evaporation, enabling highly stretchable metallization. The Ag metallization maintains a high conductivity (>104 S/cm) even under 100% strain and successfully preserves its conductivity without delamination even after 10,000 stretching cycles at 100% strain and several adhesive tape tests. Moreover, a native silver oxide layer formed on the intermixed Ag clusters facilitates efficient hole injection into the elastomeric semiconductor, which transcends previously reported stretchable source and drain electrodes for OTFTs.

Effect of exercise immersion experience on health promotion and lifelong physical education of high school students in sports club activities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of high school students' athletic commitment, health promotion education, and lifelong sports activities. To this end, the researcher searched for research subjects of 397 high school students residing in Seoul in 2019. As a result of the analysis, the following conclusions were drawn. First, the effect of exercise commitment on sports health promotion education was investigated. Looking at the activities of high school students, their commitment to behavior has had a profound impact on their health responsibilities and relationships. Second, the study also investigated the impact of athletic commitment to lifelong sports of sports activities in high school students and found that cognitive and behavioral commitment had a significant impact on lifelong sports. Finally, as a result of investigating the impact of health promotion education on lifelong sports of high school student sports activities, it was found that health responsibility and relationships have a great influence on lifelong sports.

Effects of Kinesio taping on blood fatigue factors after isokinetic exercise.

This study examined the effects of Kinesio taping on recovery from fatigue induced by an exercise of concentric contraction using an isokinetic machine. Eight healthy collegiate students participated in two experiments: the Kinesio taping application condition and the no Kinesio taping application condition. The fatigue was induced by concentric exercise at 60°/sec, 50 repetitions for one session, and repeated 3 sessions. Changes of blood ammonia, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase (CK) were monitored. Blood was collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, 24 hr after exercise, and 72 hr after exercise. Blood ammonia tended to reduce during the recovery process, but no differences were found between conditions. Blood lactate tended to reduce during the recovery process, but no differences were found between conditions. In the blood LDH, no differences were found between conditions. Blood creatine kinase tended to reduce during the recovery process, but no differences were found between conditions. The present results showed that Kinesio taping did not affect the recovery phase of blood ammonia, lactate concentration, LDH, and CK.

Self-esteem and social development according to participation in school sports club.

The purpose of this study is to explore the meaning of the middle school sports club and to understand the impact on the self-esteem and social development of middle school students participating in the school sports club. To achieve the purpose of this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 450 students by selecting a middle school. Of the 420 collected questionnaires, 399 questionnaires were used as a valid sample. As a result of examining seven areas of self-esteem, self-esteem in five areas excluding domestic ego and personality ego was highest in the group that participated in the league. As a result of examining the difference in social development according to the type of participation in school sports clubs, the league participation group was higher in all five areas. As a result of examining the difference in self-esteem according to the period of participation in school sports clubs, the group participating in the league was high in six areas excluding physical ability, however, it was difficult to see a statistically significant difference. As for the factor related to physical ability, the group with the longest participation period of 13 months or longer was the highest, and there is a statistically significant difference. As a result of examining the difference in social development according to the period of participation in school sports clubs, the group under 6 months was the highest in four areas other than physical activity. Physical activity was highest in the group over 13 months.

Identification of galectin­10 as a biomarker for periodontitis based on proteomic analysis of gingival crevicular fluid.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the gradual breakdown of tissues surrounding the teeth due to various factors. The disease has been frequently noted in dental outpatients for a number of years. Improvements are required to current diagnostic methods, which have limitations in assessing the condition and progression of periodontitis. The development of diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis is important for the management of periodontitis. In the present study, whole gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals was characterized via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Label­free quantification was used to identify the differentially abundant protein biomarkers. A total of 1,295 proteins were identified from the whole GCF of patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals via proteomic analysis. When analyzing biological processes, 'metabolic process' and 'cell organization and biogenes' were identified to play important roles in GCF under periodontitis conditions according to Gene Ontology. When analyzing molecular functions, 'catalytic activity' and 'protein binding' were the terms most enriched with differentially abundant proteins under periodontitis conditions. Galectin­10 (Gal­10) was one of the most upregulated proteins in the GCF of patients with periodontitis. The levels of prostaglandin E2 were increased in oral keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts treated with recombinant (r)Gal­10. The levels of interleukin­8, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and C­reactive protein were increased in the conditioned media (CM) of rGal­10­treated gingival fibroblasts. In addition, the CM of rGal­10­treated gingival fibroblasts induced osteoclast differentiation. These results suggested that Gal­10 expression was increased in the GCF of patients with periodontitis and contributed to the process of osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, Gal­10 may be a candidate biomarker for periodontitis.

Swimming Exercise Ameliorates Symptoms of MOG-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Inflammation and Demyelination in Rats.

PURPOSE: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nerve system, resulting in cumulative loss of motor function. Multiple sclerosis is induced through multiple mechanisms and is caused by inflammation and demyelination. This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of swimming exercise in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rats, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. METHODS: EAE was induced by an intradermal injection of 50-µg purified myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 33-55 (MOG33-55) dissolved in 200-µL saline at the base of the tail. The rats in the swimming exercise group were made to swim for 30 minutes once pert a day for 26 consecutive days, starting 5 days after induction of EAE. To compare the effect of swimming exercise with interferon-ß, a drug for multiple sclerosis, interferon-ß was injected intraperitoneally into rats of the EAE-induced and interferon-ß-treated group during the exercise period. RESULTS: Injection of MOG33-55 caused weight loss, decreased clinical disability score, and increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators in the lumbar spinal cord. Loss of motor function and weakness increased demyelination score. Swimming exercise suppressed demyelination and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators. These changes promoted recovery of EAE symptoms such as body weight loss, motor dysfunction, and weakness. Swimming exercise caused the same level of improvement as interferon-ß treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this experiment suggest the possibility of swimming exercise in urological diseases that are difficult to treat. Swimming exercises can be considered for relief of symptom in incurable multiple sclerosis.

The roles of obesity and gender on the relationship between metabolic risk factors and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Koreans.

BACKGROUND: The effect of gender and weight status on the association between metabolic risk factors and NAFLD has not been well established. This study aimed to assess the relationships among obesity, gender, metabolic risk factors, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Korean adults. METHODS: Abdominal ultrasounds, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests were performed on 13,768 Korean adults (7,313 men and 6,455 women) recruited from a health promotion centre between 2005 and 2006. RESULTS: Of 13,768 subjects, 25% were diagnosed with NAFLD. Weight status (obesity vs non-obesity, odds ratio (OR) 4.4-9.7) and gender (women vs men, OR 0.6) were associated with NAFLD after adjusting for age, metabolic risk factors (high blood pressure, high glucose, high TG, low HDL, high LDL, and high uric acid), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gammaGT). For subjects with any one risk factor, the OR (95% CI) for mild fatty liver was 27 (19.3-37.8) in men and 7.9 (6.1-10.2) in women who were obese compared to non-obese individuals having no risk factors. The ORs in men and women who were not obese were 4.7 (3.9-5.6) and 2.5 (2.2-3.0), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for NAFLD with any one risk factor without obesity was 90-91 and 32-49%, respectively; any one risk factor combined with obesity changed the sensitivity and specificity to 64-67 and 77-85%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and weight status appear to modify the relationship between metabolic risk factors and NAFLD.