Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Walking on sunshine: effect of weather conditions on physical activity in older people

Background It is unclear which weather parameters effect the motion-sensor-based measurement of physical activity in terms of walking duration in older people. Methods Between March 2009 and April 2010, the physical activity of 1324 German community-dwelling older people (≥65 years, 56.4% men) was recorded over 5 days using accelerometers. Multilevel linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of local daily weather parameters (daylight, maximum temperature, total global radiation, average precipitation, average wind speed and average humidity) on walking duration. Results Mean daily walking duration was comparable for men and women, with 104.4±50.7 min and 102.9±47.8 min, respectively. A linear relationship with walking duration was seen for all considered weather parameters. The strongest effect was found for global radiation, which involved an increase in walking duration of 16.1 min in men and 19.2 min in women between an average winter day (with about 0.8 kWh/m2 radiation) and an average summer day (with about 6 kWh/m2 radiation); similar patterns were found for daily maximum temperature and daylight. Furthermore, physical activity decreased significantly with increasing wind speed, precipitation and humidity. Conclusions Studies on physical activity in community dwelling older people should consider weather conditions.
Intelligent Component Retrieval for Software Reuse

Our research centers around exploring methodologies for developing reusable software, and developing methods and tools for building with reusable software. Roughly speaking, developing with reusable components involves three steps: 1) searching and retrieving reusable components based on partial specifications, 2) assessing the reuse worth of the retrieved components, and, possibly, 3) tailoring the reusable components to the specifics of the problem at hand [3, 16, 19]. In this paper, we focus on a number of component retrieval methods that are developed, or being explored, in the context of SoftClass, an experimental CASE tool developed at the University of Québec at Montréal to explore issues in software reuse [12, 15]. The methods discussed in this paper fall into two general categories: 1) ‘‘traditional’’ keyword-based retrieval algorithms, which aim at retrieving a single component that satisfies the user’s needs, and 2) ‘‘component composers’’, which explore combinations of components that could satisfy the user’s needs. The keyword-based methods, discussed in § 3, have already been implemented, and have proven useful by other researchers for retrieving software components as well as other items of information. The component composers, discussed in § 4, have not yet been implemented, as theoretical work towards finding efficient implementations continue. We conclude by discussing directions for further research.
Sleep disorders and depression: brief review of the literature, case report, and nonpharmacologic interventions for depression

Sleep disorders are so frequently associated with depression that, in the absence of sleep complaints, a diagnosis of depression should be made with caution. Insomnia, in particular, may occur in 60%–80% of depressed patients. Depressive symptoms are important risk factors for insomnia, and depression is considered an important comorbid condition in patients with chronic insomnia of any etiology. In addition, some drugs commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression may worsen insomnia and impair full recovery from the illness. The aim of this paper is to review briefly and discuss the following topics: common sleep disturbances during depression (in particular pavor nocturnus, nightmares, hypersomnia, and insomnia); circadian sleep disturbances; and treatment of depression by manipulation of the sleep-wake rhythm (chronotherapy, light therapy, cycles of sleep, and manipulation of the sleep-wake rhythm itself). Finally, we present a case report of a 65-year-old Caucasian woman suffering from insomnia associated with depression who was successfully treated with sleep deprivation.
In vivo evidence against a role for adenosine in the exercise pressor reflex in humans.

The pressor response to exercise is of great importance in both physiology and pathophysiology. Whether endogenous adenosine is a trigger for this reflex remains controversial. Muscle interstitial adenosine concentration can be determined by microdialysis. However, there are indications that local muscle cell damage by the microdialysis probe confounds these measurements in exercising muscle. Therefore, we used the nucleoside uptake inhibitor dipyridamole as pharmacological tool to bypass this confounding. We used microdialysis probes to measure endogenous adenosine in forearm skeletal muscle of healthy volunteers during two cycles of 15 min of intermittent isometric handgripping. During the second contraction, dipyridamole (12 microg.min(-1). dl forearm(-1)) was administered into the brachial artery. Dipyridamole potentiated the exercise-induced increase in dialysate adenosine from 0.30 +/- 0.08 to 0.48 +/- 0.10 micromol/l (n = 9, P < 0.05), but it did not potentiate the exercise-induced increase in blood pressure. A time-control study without dipyridamole revealed no difference in exercise-induced increase in adenosine between both contractions (n = 8). To exclude the possibility that the dipyridamole-induced increase in dialysate adenosine originates from extravasation of increased circulating adenosine, we simultaneously measured adenosine with microdialysis probes in forearm muscle and antecubital vein. In a separate group of nine volunteers, simultaneous intrabrachial infusion of 100 microg.min(-1). dl(-1) dipyridamole and 5 microg.min(-1). dl(-1) adenosine increased dialysate adenosine from the intravenous but not the interstitial probe, indicating preserved endothelial barrier function for adenosine. We conclude that dipyridamole significantly inhibits uptake of interstitial adenosine without affecting the pressor response to exercise, suggesting that interstitial adenosine is not involved in the pressor response to rhythmic isometric exercise.
A Container-Based Approach to Object-Oriented Product Lines

Software product lines improve the productivity of developers by structuring application development around a set of features common to a family of applications. While a number of product line development approaches have been proposed, we argue that these approaches primarily target product lines that vary with respect to their functional properties. We propose a complementary approach to developing objectoriented product lines that vary with respect to their non-functional characteristics. Our approach is based on the use of software containers, similar to those used to host Enterprise Java Beans. We illustrate the approach in the context of a distributed middleware product line for Microsoft’s . NET Framework. The individual products in this family vary with respect to their dependability properties.
A Minimization-Based Approach to Iterated Multi-Agent Belief Change

We investigate minimization-based approaches to iterated belief change in multi-agent systems. A network of agents is represented by an undirected graph, where propositional formulas are associated with vertices. Information is shared between vertices via a procedure where each vertex minimizes disagreement with other vertices in the graph. Each iterative approach takes into account the proximity between vertices, with the underlying assumption that information from nearby sources is given higher priority than information from more distant sources. We have identified two main approaches to iteration: in the first approach, a vertex takes into account the information at its immediate neighbours only, and information from more distant vertices is propagated via iteration; in the second approach, a vertex first takes into account information from distance-1 neighbours, then from distance-2 neighbours, and so on, in a prioritized fashion. There prove to be three distinct ways to define the second approach, so in total we have four types of iteration. We define these types formally, find relationships between them, and investigate their basic logical properties. We also implemented the approaches in a software system called Equibel.
CA‐074Me compound inhibits osteoclastogenesis via suppression of the NFATc1 and c‐FOS signaling pathways

The osteoclast is an integral cell of bone resorption. Since osteolytic disorders hinge on the function and dysfunction of the osteoclast, understanding osteoclast biology is fundamental to designing new therapies that curb osteolytic disorders. The identification and study of lysosomal proteases, such as cathepsins, have shed light on mechanisms of bone resorption. For example, Cathepsin K has already been identified as a collagen degradation protease produced by mature osteoclasts with high activity in the acidic osteoclast resorption pits. Delving into the mechanisms of cathepsins and other osteoclast related compounds provides new targets to explore in osteoclast biology. Through our anti‐osteoclastogenic compound screening experiments we encountered a modified version of the Cathepsin B inhibitor CA‐074: the cell membrane‐permeable CA‐074Me (L‐3‐trans‐(Propylcarbamoyl) oxirane‐2‐carbonyl]‐L‐isoleucyl‐L‐proline Methyl Ester). Here we confirm that CA‐074Me inhibits osteoclastogenesis in vivo and in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner. However, Cathepsin B knockout mice exhibited unaltered osteoclastogenesis, suggesting a more complicated mechanism of action than Cathepsin B inhibition. We found that CA‐074Me exerts its osteoclastogenic effect within 24 h of osteoclastogenesis stimulation by suppression of c‐FOS and NFATc1 pathways. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1474–1486, 2015.
Regional and residual gravity anomaly separation using the singular spectrum analysis-based low pass filtering: a case study from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

We present here a singular spectrum analysis (SSA)-based low pass filtering algorithm for regional and residual gravity anomaly separation. The data adaptive decomposition in SSA frequency filtering algorithm facilitates reduction of the artefacts in the filtering of the non-linear and non-stationary gravity data. Initially, the method was tested on synthetic gravity data representing combined response of regional and residual components derived from the geological structures like infinite horizontal layers, intrusive dykes, deep-seated faults and volcanic intrusive bodies and compared with fast Fourier transform (FFT) wavenumber and wavelet-based filtering techniques. The results show that SSA-based filtered output exhibits a better match with pure synthetic data than the output generated from the FFT and wavelet filtering methods. The underlying method was then applied to two parallel gravity profiles of real data from the Umred coalfield, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Further, the SSA-based filtered regional anomaly was modelled using Geosoft GM-SYS software to construct the model of crustal structure of the study region. In essence, the modelling results suggest the following: (i) a basin-type graben structure with variable trap and sedimentary thicknesses and (ii) deep seated faults on either sides of the basin. These results correlate fairly well with known regional geology attesting the authenticity of the regional models generated from the two gravity profiles, which also agree well with each other. We, therefore, conclude that the SSA-based filtering technique is robust for regional gravity anomaly separation and could be effectively exploited for filtering other geophysical data. We present a singular spectrum analysis (SSA)-based algorithm for regional and residual gravity anomaly separation. Initially, we tested the method on synthetic data and applied gravity profiles from the Umred coalfield, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Final 2D crustal models obtained from the filtered regional anomaly agree well with regional geology and borehole information.
Rapid carbon stock appraisal (RACSA) implementation in Wahig-Inabanga Watershed, Bohol, Philippines.

The study aimed at assessing the biomass and carbon stocks of all major land uses in Wahig-Inabanga Watershed, Bohol, Philippines and to estimate its total carbon budget. The “A priori stratification cum purposive sampling” was used. Field measurements were conducted following the destructive and non-destructive methods. The total C stored in the different land uses surveyed in the watershed was estimated at 3.89 Megatons, 83.23% of which was held in the cultivated perennial crops. Among the land uses assessed, it was only mangrove which had lower carbon density estimate relative to previously reported values indicating substantial degradation of mangroves vegetation over the years. The possibility of increasing its potential to store more carbon could only be improved if appropriate management and alternative livelihood interventions, coupled with conservation and protection measures are properly implemented.
An integrative theoretical framework of acculturation and salutogenesis

Abstract During the last two decades, the number of international migrants worldwide has constantly risen. In this context, cross-cultural dimensions of psychological disorders receive increased attention, especially depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders among the migrant population. In this paper we propose a theoretical framework for the understanding of migrant mental health. This framework combines elements from Berry's acculturation model and Antonovsky's salutogenic theory. The former illustrates the main factors that affect an individual's adaptation in a new cultural context. The term acculturative stress denotes unresolved problems resulting from intercultural contact that cannot be overcome easily by simply adjusting or assimilating. The latter specifies the relationship between culturally associated stress and mental health more distinctive, introducing the concepts of generalized resistance resources and sense of coherence that determine mental health outcomes of migrants during acculturative stress periods. Specifically, we provide an integrative framework of acculturation and salutogenesis that helps to integrate inconsistent findings in the migrant mental health literature. The current paper focuses on the effect of resource factors for positive mental health outcomes in the migrant population and summarises some implications for future research activities.
X-ray emitting MHD accretion shocks in classical T Tauri stars - Case for moderate to high plasma-β values

Context. Plasma accreting onto classical T Tauri stars (CTTS) is believed to impact the stellar surface at free-fall velocities, generating a shock. Current time-dependent models describing accretion shocks in CTTSs are one-dimensional, assuming that the plasma moves and transports energy only along magnetic field lines (β � 1). Aims. We investigate the stability and dynamics of accretion shocks in CTTSs, considering the case of β > 1 in the post-shock region. In these cases the 1D approximation is not valid and a multi-dimensional MHD approach is necessary. Methods. We model an accretion stream propagating through the atmosphere of a CTTS and impacting onto its chromosphere by performing 2D axisymmetric MHD simulations. The model takes into account the stellar magnetic field, the gravity, the radiative cooling, and the thermal conduction (including the effects of heat flux saturation). Results. The dynamics and stability of the accretion shock strongly depend on the plasma β. In the case of shocks with β> 10, violent outflows of shock-heated material (and possibly MHD waves) are generated at the base of the accretion column and intensely perturb the surrounding stellar atmosphere and the accretion column itself (therefore modifying the dynamics of the shock). In shocks with β ≈ 1, the post-shock region is efficiently confined by the magnetic field. The shock oscillations induced by cooling instability are strongly influenced by β :f or β> 10, the oscillations may be rapidly dumped by the magnetic field, approaching a quasi-stationary state, or may be chaotic with no obvious periodicity due to perturbation of the stream induced by the post-shock plasma itself; for β ≈ 1 the oscillations are quasi-periodic, although their amplitude is smaller and the frequency higher than those predicted by 1D models.
Observers for Lipschitz non-linear systems

In an interesting paper R. Rajamani and Y. M. Cho have proposed a systematic methodology to design observers. They have introduced a new problem: relation between distance to unobservability and convergence of 'Luenberger-like' observers. A result for the convergence of the observer has also been given. They have presented a quantity denoted by i, claimed as the distance to unobservability. We show that this number is not actually the distance from the system to the set of unobservable systems. Moreover, the result for the observer is incorrect. We provide a counterexample for the result of convergence. In this paper results for convergence are obtained, with additional strengthened hypothesis, to correct Rajamani and Cho's result. The results are used to design an observer for a, now classical, single-link flexible robot joint. The behaviour of the observer to noisy output is quite satisfactory.
TECHNIQUE AND CLINICAL RESULTS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE RECONSTRUCTION AND STABILIZATION OF THE THORACIC AND THORACOLUMBAR SPINE WITH EXPANDABLE CAGES AND VENTROLATERAL PLATE FIXATION

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the techniques of minimally invasive single- and multilevel corpectomy and reconstruction of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine using expandable vertebral body replacement (VBR) cages and ventrolateral plate fixation (VPF) via anterolateral retropleural (ALRA) and combined thoracoabdominal approaches. METHODS38 patients with spondylitis, traumatic or metastatic lesions of thoracic or thoracolumbar vertebrae T4 to L2 underwent spinal decompression and ventral column reconstruction with correction of spinal deformity by VBR and VPF via ALRA or a combined lateral extrapleural/extraperitoneal (extracoelomic) thoracolumbar approach (CLETA). Overall clinical and neurological outcome, operative time, blood loss, reduction of deformity, and postoperative pain were assessed during a mean follow-up period of 22.8 months. RESULTSVBR and VPF were carried out successfully without conversion to conventional approaches in all patients. Mean operative time (ALRA, 163 ± 33 min; CLETA, 175 ± 39 min), mean blood loss (ALRA, 280 ± 160 ml; CLETA, 420 ± 250 ml), average correction (19.3 degrees), loss of correction of sagittal deformity (0.9 degrees), and clinical outcome compare favorably to the results reported for open and endoscopic techniques. Postoperative pain levels (mean visual analog scale score at 24 h, 2.7 ± 0.9) and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary dysfunction (three out of 38 patients) were low. The average length of stay was 7.4 days. ALRA and CLETA obviate routine chest tube insertion, thus allowing for early postoperative ambulation (average, 1.1 d). CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive VBR and VPF conducted via minimally invasive approaches (ALRA or CLETA) yields favorable clinical results at least equal to conventional open surgery, with significant reductions in perioperative morbidity and pain, expedited ambulation, and early discharge from the hospital.
Roles of NO Signaling in Long-Term Memory Formation in Visual Learning in an Insect

Many insects exhibit excellent capability of visual learning, but the molecular and neural mechanisms are poorly understood. This is in contrast to accumulation of information on molecular and neural mechanisms of olfactory learning in insects. In olfactory learning in insects, it has been shown that cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling critically participates in the formation of protein synthesis-dependent long-term memory (LTM) and, in some insects, nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling also plays roles in LTM formation. In this study, we examined the possible contribution of NO-cGMP signaling and cAMP signaling to LTM formation in visual pattern learning in crickets. Crickets that had been subjected to 8-trial conditioning to associate a visual pattern with water reward exhibited memory retention 1 day after conditioning, whereas those subjected to 4-trial conditioning exhibited 30-min memory retention but not 1-day retention. Injection of cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, into the hemolymph prior to 8-trial conditioning blocked formation of 1-day memory, whereas it had no effect on 30-min memory formation, indicating that 1-day memory can be characterized as protein synthesis-dependent long-term memory (LTM). Injection of an inhibitor of the enzyme producing an NO or cAMP prior to 8-trial visual conditioning blocked LTM formation, whereas it had no effect on 30-min memory formation. Moreover, injection of an NO donor, cGMP analogue or cAMP analogue prior to 4-trial conditioning induced LTM. Induction of LTM by an NO donor was blocked by DDA, an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme producing cAMP, but LTM induction by a cAMP analogue was not impaired by L-NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase. The results indicate that cAMP signaling is downstream of NO signaling for visual LTM formation. We conclude that visual learning and olfactory learning share common biochemical cascades for LTM formation.
A Family of Global Stabilizers for Quasi-Optimal Control of Planar Linear Saturated Systems

We propose a family of nonlinear state feedback global stabilizers for all planar linear systems which are globally stabilizable by bounded inputs (namely, all non exponentially unstable linear systems). This family is parametrized by a nonlinear function whose selection can yield quasi time-optimal responses, where the ¿quasi¿ is required to achieve local exponential stability of the closed loop. The arising trajectories are quasi-time-optimal for arbitrarily large initial conditions; so, we expect the very simple proposed nonlinear control law to be very useful for embedded control applications with strong computational constraints.
Null Subjects in Child Language : Evidence for a Performance Account *

This paper examines the structure of children’s early utterances in English, with a focus on which grammatical categories of the basic SVO structure are present and which are omitted. Although it is impossible to definitively determine the intended meaning of children’s utterances, virtually every theory regarding children’s syntactic structure assumes that the underlying range of meaning that the child can intend is similar to that of adults (at least that of adults’ simpler utterances), with, at minimum, an actor and an action. This means that there is a disjunction between what children intend to say and what they actually say during early stages of language acquisition. Even assuming that children’s thoughts are only as complicated as the simplest adult utterances, the one word (and, in the case of transitive verbs, the two word) stage clearly represents a situation where elements are excluded from the child’s overt production. There are two broad approaches in the literature that have been used to explain this disjunction. One approach proposes that the child’s syntactic system is different from that of the adults in their speech community. This may mean either that the child does not have a complete adult syntactic structure (e.g., they only have a verb phrase) or it may mean that they have a complete adult syntax, but some part of their grammar contains a structure that does not occur in the language they are learning but does occur in other languages (e.g., verb raising when learning English). The other approach proposes that limits in general cognitive processes cause the disjunction between intention and production. For example, children may omit a word