Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prelexical and Postlexical Strategies in Reading : Evidence from a Deep and a Shallow Orthography *

The validity of the orthographic depth hypothesis (ODH) was examined in Hebrew by employing pointed (shallow) and unpointed (deep) print. Experiments 1 and 2 revealed larger frequency effects, and larger semantic priming effects in naming, with unpointed print than with pointed print. In Experiments 3 and 4 subjects were presented with Hebrew consonantal strings that were followed by vowel marks appearing at stimulus onset asynchronies ranging from 0 ms (simultaneous presentation) to 300 ms from the onset of consonant presentation. Subjects were inclined to wait for the vowel marks to appear even though the words could be named uneqUIvocally using lexical phonology. These results suggest that prelexical phonology is the default strategy for readers in shallow orthographies, providing strong support for the ODH.
Micromachined wavelength tunable laser with an extended feedback model

We present here a miniaturized wavelength tunable laser with an extended feedback model for potential all optical network applications. The feedback model has been developed to study the wavelength tuning characteristics of the micromachined tunable lasers in the weak and medium feedback limits. The miniaturized tunable laser, having a size of 2 mm /spl times/ 1.5 mm /spl times/ 1 mm, is an integrated Fabry-Perot diode laser with a surface micromachined mirror and a butt coupled optical fiber. A wavelength tuning range of 16 nm is achieved by moving the micromirror laterally, which is done by driving an electrostatic comb drive attached to the three-dimensional micromachined mirror.
Rendering complex scenes with memory-coherent ray tracing

Simulating realistic lighting and rendering complex scenes are usually considered separate problems with incompatible solutions. Accurate lighting calculations are typically performed using ray tracing algorithms, which require that the entire scene database reside in memory to perform well. Conversely, most systems capable of rendering complex scenes use scan-conversion algorithms that access memory coherently, but are unable to incorporate sophisticated illumination. We have developed algorithms that use caching and lazy creation of texture and geometry to manage scene complexity. To improve cache performance, we increase locality of reference by dynamically reordering the rendering computation based on the contents of the cache. We have used these algorithms to compute images of scenes containing millions of primitives, while storing ten percent of the scene description in memory. Thus, a machine of a given memory capacity can render realistic scenes that are an order of magnitude more complex than was previously possible. CR Categories: I.3. 3 [Computer Graphics]: Picture/Image Generation; I.3. 7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism—Raytracing
A Constant-Force Technique to Measure Corneal Biomechanical Changes after Collagen Cross-Linking

Purpose To introduce a constant-force technique for the analysis of corneal biomechanical changes induced after collagen cross-linking (CXL) that is better adapted to the natural loading in the eye than previous methods. Methods For the biomechanical testing, a total of 50 freshly enucleated eyes were obtained and subdivided in groups of 5 eyes each. A Zwicki-Line Testing Machine was used to analyze the strain of 11 mm long and 5 mm wide porcine corneal strips, with and without CXL. Before material testing, the corneal tissues were pre-stressed with 0.02 N until force stabilization. Standard strip extensiometry was performed as control technique. For the constant-force technique, tissue elongation (Δ strain, %) was analyzed for 180 seconds while different constant forces (0.25 N, 0.5 N, 1 N, 5 N) were applied. Results Using a constant force of 0.5 N, we observed a significant difference in Δstrain between 0.26±0.01% in controls and 0.12±0.03% in the CXL-treated group (p = 0.003) over baseline. Similarly, using a constant force of 1 N, Δstrain was 0.31±0.03% in controls and 0.19±0.02% after CXL treatment (p = 0.008). No significant differences were observed between CXL-treated groups and controls with 0.25 N or 5 N constant forces. Standard stress-strain extensiometry failed to show significant differences between CXL-treated groups and controls at all percentages of strains tested. Conclusion We propose a constant-force technique to measure corneal biomechanics in a more physiologic way. When compared to standard stress-strain extensiometry, the constant-force technique provides less variability and thus reaches significant results with a lower sample number.
Perception of cross-situational consistency.

Eighty-eight undergraduates rated the degree of relation in each of 21 pairs of items that described behavior in the domains of conscientiousness, friendliness, and extraversion. In these three domains, estimates of relations by the average subject correlated, respectively, with actual empirical relations, . 63, . 58, and . 40. Relations corresponding to correlations between . 10 to . 20 could be significantly distinguished by subjects from relations in the range of . 00 to . 10 in two of the three domains. The confidence that individuals placed in their perceptions varied directly with the accuracy of their judgments against the empirical criterion. In addition, subjects were more confident of what they perceived to be extreme relations in both directions than of intermediate relations, and they also tended to be more confident of their judgments of strong positive relations than of zero relations. They exhibited an intuitive awareness of the effect of aggregation over occasions and items of behavior on the magnitude of cross-situational relations and the demonstration of traits. They also reported using reasonable strategies in arriving at decisions. Far from being inveterate trait believers, as some have suggested, subjects' intuitions paralleled psychometric principles in several important respects when assessing relations between real-life behaviors.
Efficacy and safety of NVA237 versus placebo and tiotropium in patients with COPD: the GLOW2 study

NVA237 (glycopyrronium bromide) is a once-daily long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) in development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The GLycopyrronium bromide in COPD airWays clinical Study 2 (GLOW2) evaluated the efficacy and safety of NVA237 in moderate-to-severe COPD over 52 weeks. Patients were randomised 2:1:1 to NVA237 50 μg, placebo or open-label tiotropium 18 μg for 52 weeks. Primary end-point was trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at 12 weeks. 1,066 patients were randomised, 810 completed the study. At week 12, trough FEV1 increased significantly by 97 mL with NVA237 (95% CI 64.6–130.2; p<0.001) and 83 mL with tiotropium (95% CI 45.6–121.4; p<0.001). Compared with placebo, NVA237 produced significant improvements in dyspnoea (Transition Dyspnoea Index at week 26; p=0.002) and health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire at week 52; p<0.001). NVA237 significantly reduced the risk of moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations by 34% (p=0.001) and the use of rescue medication (p=0.039), versus placebo. NVA237-placebo and tiotropium-placebo differences were comparable for all outcomes. Safety profiles were similar across groups. NVA237 50 μg provided significant improvements in lung function, dyspnoea, health status, exacerbations and rescue medication use, versus placebo, and was comparable to tiotropium. NVA237 can potentially be an alternative choice of LAMA for COPD patients.
Two Types of Motor Strategy for Accurate Dart Throwing

This study investigated whether expert dart players utilize hand trajectory patterns that can compensate for the inherent variability in their release timing. In this study, we compared the timing error and hand trajectory patterns of expert players with those of novices. Eight experts and eight novices each made 60 dart throws, aiming at the bull’s-eye. The movements of the dart and index finger were captured using seven 480-Hz cameras. The data were interpolated using a cubic spline function and analyzed by the millisecond. The estimated vertical errors on the dartboard were calculated as a time-series by using the state variables of the index finger (position, velocity, and direction of motion). This time-series error represents the hand trajectory pattern. Two variables assessing the performance outcome in the vertical plane and two variables related to the timing control were quantified on the basis of the time-series error. The results revealed two typical types of motor strategies in the expert group. The timing error of some experts was similar to that of novices; however, these experts had a longer window of time in which to release an accurately thrown dart. These subjects selected hand trajectory patterns that could compensate for the timing error. Other experts did not select the complementary hand trajectories, but greatly reduced their error in release timing.
Does intensity of rate-control influence outcome in atrial fibrillation? An analysis of pooled data from the RACE and AFFIRM studies.

AIMS The AFFIRM and RACE studies showed that rate control is an acceptable treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined whether strict rate control offers benefit over more lenient rate control. METHODS AND RESULTS We compared the outcome of patients enrolled in the rate-control arms of AFFIRM and RACE, using data from patients who met a composite of overlapping inclusion and exclusion criteria. We evaluated 1091 patients, 874 from AFFIRM and 217 from RACE. In AFFIRM, the rate-control strategy aimed for a resting heart rate < or =80 bpm and heart rate during daily activity of < or =110 bpm. In RACE, a more lenient approach was taken: resting heart rate <100 bpm. Primary endpoint was a composite of mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization, and myocardial infarction. Mean heart rate across all follow-up visits for patients in AF was lower in AFFIRM (76.1 vs. 83.4 bpm). Event-free survival for the occurrence of the primary endpoint did not differ (64% in AFFIRM vs. 66% in RACE). Patients with mean heart rates during AF within the AFFIRM (< or =80) or RACE (<100) criteria had a better outcome than patients with heart rates > or =100 (hazard ratios 0.69 and 0.58, respectively, for < or =80 and <100 compared with > or =100 bpm). CONCLUSION Stringency of the approach to rate control, based on the comparison of the AFFIRM and RACE studies, was not associated with an important difference in clinical events.
Kicking Back Cognitive Ageing: Leg Power Predicts Cognitive Ageing after Ten Years in Older Female Twins

Background: Many observational studies have shown a protective effect of physical activity on cognitive ageing, but interventional studies have been less convincing. This may be due to short time scales of interventions, suboptimal interventional regimes or lack of lasting effect. Confounding through common genetic and developmental causes is also possible. Objectives: We aimed to test whether muscle fitness (measured by leg power) could predict cognitive change in a healthy older population over a 10-year time interval, how this performed alongside other predictors of cognitive ageing, and whether this effect was confounded by factors shared by twins. In addition, we investigated whether differences in leg power were predictive of differences in brain structure and function after 12 years of follow-up in identical twin pairs. Methods: A total of 324 healthy female twins (average age at baseline 55, range 43-73) performed the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) at two time points 10 years apart. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationships between baseline leg power, physical activity and subsequent cognitive change, adjusting comprehensively for baseline covariates (including heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids, diet, body habitus, smoking and alcohol habits, reading IQ, socioeconomic status and birthweight). A discordant twin approach was used to adjust for factors shared by twins. A subset of monozygotic pairs then underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship between muscle fitness and brain structure and function was assessed using linear regression modelling and paired t tests. Results: A striking protective relationship was found between muscle fitness (leg power) and both 10-year cognitive change [fully adjusted model standardised β-coefficient (Stdβ) = 0.174, p = 0.002] and subsequent total grey matter (Stdβ = 0.362, p = 0.005). These effects were robust in discordant twin analyses, where within-pair difference in physical fitness was also predictive of within-pair difference in lateral ventricle size. There was a weak independent effect of self-reported physical activity. Conclusion: Leg power predicts both cognitive ageing and global brain structure, despite controlling for common genetics and early life environment shared by twins. Interventions targeted to improve leg power in the long term may help reach a universal goal of healthy cognitive ageing.
Small-Variance Asymptotics for Dirichlet Process Mixtures of SVMs

Infinite SVM (iSVM) is a Dirichlet process (DP) mixture of large-margin classifiers. Though flexible in learning nonlinear classifiers and discovering latent clustering structures, iSVM has a difficult inference task and existing methods could hinder its applicability to large-scale problems. This paper presents a small-variance asymptotic analysis to derive a simple and efficient algorithm, which monotonically optimizes a max-margin DP-means (M2DPM) problem, an extension of DP-means for both predictive learning and descriptive clustering. Our analysis is built on Gibbs infinite SVMs, an alternative DP mixture of large-margin machines, which admits a partially collapsed Gibbs sampler without truncation by exploring data augmentation techniques. Experimental results show that M2DPM runs much faster than similar algorithms without sacrificing prediction accuracies.
Early Rehabilitation Targeting Cognition, Behavior, and Motor Function After Lumbar Fusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Design. Open label randomized controlled trial with 3-, 6-, 12-month, and 2- to 3-year follow-up. Objective. To investigate the effectiveness of a psychomotor therapy focusing on cognition, behavior, and motor relearning compared with exercise therapy applied during the first 3 months after lumbar fusion. Summary of Background Data. Postoperative management after lumbar fusion commonly focuses on analgesic pain control and activities of daily living. After 3 months, exercise therapy is often implemented. No randomized controlled trial has investigated early rehabilitation techniques conducted during the first 3 months after surgery. Methods. The study recruited 107 patients, aged 18 to 65 years, selected for lumbar fusion because of 12 months of symptomatic spinal stenosis, spondylosis, degenerative/isthmic spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease. The exercise therapy group received a home program focusing on pain contingent training of back, abdominal, and leg muscle functional strength and endurance, stretching, and cardiovascular fitness. The psychomotor therapy group received a home program and 3 outpatient sessions focusing on modifying maladaptive pain cognitions, behaviors, and motor control. Rated questionnaires investigating functional disability, pain, health-related quality of life, functional self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, fear of movement/(re)injury, and coping were assessed at 3, 6, 12 months, and 2 to 3 years after surgery. Results. Follow-up rates were 93% at 12 months and 81% at 2 to 3 years after surgery. Psychomotor therapy improved functional disability, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and fear of movement/(re)injury significantly more than exercise therapy at respective follow-up occasions. Similar results occurred for pain coping but group differences were nonsignificant at 2 to 3 years follow-up. Potentially clinical relevant higher reoperation rates occurred after psychomotor therapy but rates were within normal ranges. Conclusion. The study shows that postoperative rehabilitation can be safely implemented during the first 3 months after lumbar fusion and should include measures to modify psychological as well as motor functions.
Medical WordNet: A New Methodology for the Construction and Validation of Information Resources for Consumer Health

A consumer health information system must be able to comprehend both expert and nonexpert medical vocabulary and to map between the two. We describe an ongoing project to create a new lexical database called Medical WordNet (MWN), consisting of medically relevant terms used by and intelligible to non-expert subjects and supplemented by a corpus of natural-language sentences that is designed to provide medically validated contexts for MWN terms. The corpus derives primarily from online health information sources targeted to consumers, and involves two sub-corpora, called Medical FactNet (MFN) and Medical BeliefNet (MBN), respectively. The former consists of statements accredited as true on the basis of a rigorous process of validation, the latter of statements which non-experts believe to be true. We summarize the MWN / MFN / MBN project, and describe some of its applications.
Do Minority Patients Use Lower Quality Hospitals?

Employing three years of inpatient discharge data from 11 states and inpatient and patient safety quality indicators from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), this paper explored whether minority (black, Hispanic, and Asian) patients used lower quality hospitals. We found that the association between the share of minority patients and hospital quality depended on how quality was measured and varied by race and ethnicity. Hospitals serving Hispanics performed well on most patient safety measures. Higher percentages of all three minority patient groups corresponded to lower quality for only one measure, postoperative sepsis. Our analysis indicates that it is incorrect to generalize that minorities use lower quality hospitals. Analysts and policymakers should be cautious when making generalizations about the overall service quality of hospitals that treat minority patients.
The Continuous Mixing Polyhedron

We analyze the polyhedral structure of the setsPCMIX = {( s, r, z) ? R XR+nXZ n|s +r j+z j=f j ,j = 1,. , n} andP+CMIX =PCMIXn{ s = 0}. The setP+CMIX is a natural generalization of the mixing set studied by Pochet and Wolsey [15, 16] and GA¼nlA¼k and Pochet [8] and recently has been introduced by Miller and Wolsey [12]. We introduce a new class of valid inequalities that has proven to be sufficient for describing conv( PCMIX). We give an extended formulation of sizeO( n) XO( n2) variables and constraints and indicate how to separate over conv( PCMIX) inO( n3) time. Finally, we show how the mixed integer rounding (MIR) inequalities of Nemhauser and Wolsey [14] and the mixing inequalities of GA¼nlA¼k and Pochet [8] constitute special cases of the cycle inequalities.
Actors in Water Governance: Barriers and Bridges for Coordination

Multiple actors across different institutional levels play a role in water governance. The coordination of these actors is important for effective water governance. However, the joining together of multiple actors can have several implications, such as a redistribution of power across actors, a change in democratic control and citizen influence as well as shifting accountability structures. These implications can involve different barriers and bridges that might impede or foster coordination. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, we assess the following barriers and bridges for coordination: (1) reputational power in terms of who is perceived as important for coordination in the water sector; (2) democratic legitimacy in terms of actors’ value of local control of water services; and (3) accountability in terms of the regional actors’ capacity to steer in the water sector. This article focuses on three cases in a Swiss region that has experienced water provision challenges due to its highly fragmented water supply structures. We find that reputational power serves as a bridge in our three cases: when the actors responsible for water supply regard potential coordination partners as important, then we observe coordination. In contrast, we do not find conclusive evidence to support the assumption that a fear of losing local control is a barrier for coordination. Instead, our results indicate that accountability, in the form of vertical steering by the regional actors, serves as a bridge for coordination, and that this could help mitigate some of the potentially negative effects of democratic legitimacy perceptions: through convening local actors or providing positive incentives to municipalities to work together, regional actors can foster coordination.
Lack of direct effect of adiponectin on vascular smooth muscle cell BKCa channels or Ca2+ signaling in the regulation of small artery pressure‐induced constriction

The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms by which adiponectin influences vascular Ca2+ signaling, K+ channel activity and thus contractile tone of small arteries. Vasodilation to adiponectin was studied in mesenteric resistance arteries constricted with intraluminal pressure. Ca2+ signals were characterized using high speed confocal microscopy of intact arteries. Patch clamp investigated the effect of adiponectin on individual VSMC potassium (K+) channel currents. Adiponectin dilated arteries constricted with pressure‐induced tone by approximately 5% and the induced vasodilation was only transient. The dilation to adiponectin was reduced by pharmacological interruption of the Ca2+ spark/large conductance activated K+ (BK) channel pathway but from a physiological perspective, interpretation of the data was limited by the small effect. Neither Adiponectin nor the presence of intact perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) influenced Ca2+ spark or Ca2+ wave frequency or characteristics. Studied using a perforated patch approach, Adiponectin marginally increased current through the VSMC BK channel but this effect was lost using the whole cell technique with dialysis of the cytoplasm. Adiponectin did not change the frequency or amplitude of Ca2+ spark‐induced transient outward currents (STOC). Overall, our study shows that Adiponectin induces only a small and transient dilation of pressure constricted mesenteric arteries. This vasodilatory effect is likely to be independent of Ca2+ sparks or direct BK channel activation.
Stratified Planning

Most planning problems have strong structures. They can be decomposed into subdomains with causal dependencies. The idea of exploiting the domain decomposition has motivated previous work such as hierarchical planning and factored planing. However, these algorithms require extensive backtracking and lead to few efficient general-purpose planners. On the other hand, heuristic search has been a successful approach to automated planning. The domain decomposition of planning problems, unfortunately, is not directly and fully exploited by heuristic search. We propose a novel and general framework to exploit domain decomposition. Based on a structure analysis on the SAS+ planning formalism, we stratify the sub-domains of a planning problem into dependency layers. By recognizing the stratification of a planning structure, we propose a space reduction method that expands only a subset of executable actions at each state. This reduction method can be combined with state-space search, allowing us to simultaneously employ the strength of domain decomposition and high-quality heuristics. We prove that the reduction preserves completeness and optimality of search and experimentally verify its effectiveness in space reduction.