Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-stable one-legged hopping using a curved foot

Reduction of the system complexity is currently one of the main challenges for efficient and versatile legged robot locomotion. In this paper, we present a new one legged hopping robot called CHIARO, which is equipped with a curved foot. Even though the robot has no sensory feedback and consists of only two rigid bodies and one spring loaded joint with parallel actuation, it is able to achieve stable forward-hopping over a wide range of parameters and forward-speeds. Operating at natural hopping frequency, the parallel actuation shows good efficiency. This paper presents an approach to determine stability and efficiency of a highly non-linear mechanical system. By implementing a two dimensional numerical model, taking into account ground contact forces by a Newtonian kinematic impact- and coulomb friction law, we conducted a thorough parameter analysis based on a series of simulations. The comparison of the simulation and real world experiments shows good accordance, which qualifies the simulation for parameter optimization including prediction of robot stability and efficiency.
Vulnerabilidad frente al cambio climático en la Región Metropolitana de Santiago de Chile: posiciones teóricas versus evidencias empíricas

For the Metropolitan Region of Santiago de Chile (rms), climate change implies different impacts adding to continuous urban growth and changes in land-use patterns, which in turn reinforce hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods and heat waves. At large, these changes are expected to have significant implications for residents' vulnerability. Particularly, marginalized families living in informal settlements of rapidly growing cities are often highly vulnerable to hazards due to their high exposure and limited coping capacities. This article seeks to contrast theoretical assumptions regarding the socio- economic, the physicalstructural and the urban-rural dimensions of vulnerability with empirical data in order to illuminate what groups are likely to be affected. As the research results show, general theoretical arguments are not reflected in the empirical data analysis. In contrast, residents' vulnerability to climate change is context-specific and requires appro - priate policy strategies for differing areas.
Predictors of visual outcome with transsphenoidal excision of pituitary adenomas having suprasellar extension: A prospective series of 100 cases and brief review of the literature

Objective: The aim was to assess the factors influencing the visual outcome following trans-sphenoidal excision of pituitary adenomas. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive patients of pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension (SSE) were operated by trans-sphenoidal approach from July 2003 to December 2006. There were 52 male and 48 female patients with a mean age of 42.47 years. The visual impairment score, which was used to evaluate the visual outcome was produced by adding the scores for visual acuity and visual field defects of each patient (from the tables of the German Ophthalmological Society). The mean diameter, the SSE and the parasellar extension of the lesion were noted in the magnetic resonance imaging study. The average follow-up was 43.5 months. Results: The mean diameter of the tumor was 32.97 mm, and the mean SSE was 14.95 mm. The parasellar extension was present in 27 patients. The vision improved in 61 of the 71 patients (85.91%). The shorter the duration of visual symptoms and smaller the size of the lesion resulted in better visual outcome. The age and the preoperative visual impairment did not show any correlation with the visual outcome. Conclusions: Patients with visual symptoms of <1-year duration (P < 0.01) and adenomas of <36.5 mm diameter (P < 0.009) have better visual outcome.
Statin use and risk of cholecystectomy – A case-control analysis using Swiss claims data

ABSTRACT Objectives: Using claims data from the Helsana Group, a large Swiss health insurance provider, we examined the association between statin use and the risk of cholecystectomy in a case-control analysis. Methods: We identified 2,200 cholecystectomy cases between 2013 and 2014 and matched 4 controls to each case on age, sex, index date and canton. We categorized statin users into current or past users (last prescription ≤ 180 or > 180 days before the index date, respectively) and classified medication use by duration based on number of prescriptions before the index date. We applied conditional logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted the analyses for history of cardiovascular diseases and for use of estrogens, fibrates and other lipid-lowering agents. Results: The adjusted OR (aOR) for cholecystectomy was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.99) for current statin users compared to non-users. Long-term current statin use (5–19 prescriptions) was associated with a reduced OR (aOR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.92). However, neither short-term current use nor past statin use affected the risk of cholecystectomy. Conclusions: The study supports the previously raised hypothesis that long-term statin use reduces the risk of cholecystectomy.
Massive atomics for massive parallelism on GPUs

One important type of parallelism exploited in many applications is reduction type parallelism. In these applications, the order of the read-modify-write updates to one shared data object can be arbitrary as long as there is an imposed order for the read-modify-write updates. The typical way to parallelize these types of applications is to first let every individual thread perform local computation and save the results in thread-private data objects, and then merge the results from all worker threads in the reduction stage. All applications that fit into the map reduce framework belong to this category. Additionally, the machine learning, data mining, numerical analysis and scientific simulation applications may also benefit from reduction type parallelism. However, the parallelization scheme via the usage of thread-private data objects may not be vi- able in massively parallel GPU applications. Because the number of concurrent threads is extremely large (at least tens of thousands of), thread-private data object creation may lead to memory space explosion problems. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to deal with shared data object management for reduction type parallelism on GPUs. Our approach exploits fine-grained parallelism while at the same time maintaining good programmability. It is based on the usage of intrinsic hardware atomic instructions. Atomic operation may appear to be expensive since it causes thread serialization when multiple threads atomically update the same memory object at the same time. However, we discovered that, with appropriate atomic collision reduction techniques, the atomic implementation can out- perform the non-atomics implementation, even for benchmarks known to have high performance non-atomics GPU implementations. In the meantime, the usage of atomics can greatly reduce coding complexity as neither thread-private object management or explicit thread-communication (for the shared data objects protected by atomic operations) is necessary.
Risk-Association of Five SNPs in TOX3/LOC643714 with Breast Cancer in Southern China

The specific mechanism by which low-risk genetic variants confer breast cancer risk is currently unclear, with contradictory evidence on the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TOX3/LOC643714 as a breast cancer susceptibility locus. Investigations of this locus using a Chinese population may indicate whether the findings initially identified in a European population are generalizable to other populations, and may provide new insight into the role of genetic variants in the etiology of breast cancer. In this case-control study, 623 Chinese female breast cancer patients and 620 cancer-free controls were recruited to investigate the role of five SNPs in TOX3/LOC643714 (rs8051542, rs12443621, rs3803662, rs4784227, and rs3112612); Linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern analysis was performed. Additionally, we evaluated how these common SNPs influence the risk of specific types of breast cancer, as defined by estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. Significant associations with breast cancer risk were observed for rs4784227 and rs8051542 with odds ratios (OR) of 1.31 ((95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10–1.57)) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.02–1.56), respectively, per T allele. The T-rs8051542 allele was significantly associated with ER-positive and HER2-negative carriers. No significant association existed between rs12443621, rs3803662, and rs3112612 polymorphisms and risk of breast cancer. Our results support the hypothesis that the applicability of a common susceptibility locus must be confirmed among genetically different populations, which may together explain an appreciable fraction of the genetic etiology of breast cancer.
Cognitive state monitoring and the design of adaptive instruction in digital environments: lessons learned from cognitive workload assessment using a passive brain-computer interface approach

According to Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), one of the crucial factors for successful learning is the type and amount of working-memory load (WML) learners experience while studying instructional materials. Optimal learning conditions are characterized by providing challenges for learners without inducing cognitive over- or underload. Thus, presenting instruction in a way that WML is constantly held within an optimal range with regard to learners' working-memory capacity might be a good method to provide these optimal conditions. The current paper elaborates how digital learning environments, which achieve this goal can be developed by combining approaches from Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, and Computer Science. One of the biggest obstacles that needs to be overcome is the lack of an unobtrusive method of continuously assessing learners' WML in real-time. We propose to solve this problem by applying passive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) approaches to realistic learning scenarios in digital environments. In this paper we discuss the methodological and theoretical prospects and pitfalls of this approach based on results from the literature and from our own research. We present a strategy on how several inherent challenges of applying BCIs to WML and learning can be met by refining the psychological constructs behind WML, by exploring their neural signatures, by using these insights for sophisticated task designs, and by optimizing algorithms for analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) data. Based on this strategy we applied machine-learning algorithms for cross-task classifications of different levels of WML to tasks that involve studying realistic instructional materials. We obtained very promising results that yield several recommendations for future work.
RNA-directed DNA methylation enforces boundaries between heterochromatin and euchromatin in the maize genome

Significance RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) provides a system for targeting DNA methylation to asymmetric CHH (H = A, C, or T) sites. This RdDM activity is often considered a mechanism for transcriptional silencing of transposons. However, many of the RdDM targets in the maize genome are located near genes or regulatory elements. We find that the regions of elevated CHH methylation, termed mCHH islands, are the boundaries between highly methylated (CG, CHG), silenced chromatin and more active chromatin. Analysis of RdDM mutants suggests that the function of the boundary is to promote and reinforce silencing of the transposable elements located near genes rather than to protect the euchromatic state of the genes. The maize genome is relatively large (∼2.3 Gb) and has a complex organization of interspersed genes and transposable elements, which necessitates frequent boundaries between different types of chromatin. The examination of maize genes and conserved noncoding sequences revealed that many of these are flanked by regions of elevated asymmetric CHH (where H is A, C, or T) methylation (termed mCHH islands). These mCHH islands are quite short (∼100 bp), are enriched near active genes, and often occur at the edge of the transposon that is located nearest to genes. The analysis of DNA methylation in other sequence contexts and several chromatin modifications revealed that mCHH islands mark the transition from heterochromatin-associated modifications to euchromatin-associated modifications. The presence of an mCHH island is fairly consistent in several distinct tissues that were surveyed but shows some variation among different haplotypes. The presence of insertion/deletions in promoters often influences the presence and position of an mCHH island. The mCHH islands are dependent upon RNA-directed DNA methylation activities and are lost in mop1 and mop3 mutants, but the nearby genes rarely exhibit altered expression levels. Instead, loss of an mCHH island is often accompanied by additional loss of DNA methylation in CG and CHG contexts associated with heterochromatin in nearby transposons. This suggests that mCHH islands and RNA-directed DNA methylation near maize genes may act to preserve the silencing of transposons from activity of nearby genes.
Secondary healthcare contacts after multiphasic preventive health screening: A randomized trial

Aim: To analyze the consequence of preventive health screenings and discussions on the utilization of secondary healthcare. Methods: All 30- to 49-year-old residents registered with a general practitioner in the district of Ebeltoft, Denmark, were included (n=3,464) in a randomized controlled trial with eight years' follow-up. A random sample of 2,030 subjects was selected for invitation (Invited). The remaining 1,434 persons were never contacted and served as external control group (Non-Invited). Persons accepting participation were randomly divided into one internal control group (Questionnaire) and two intervention groups. One intervention group was offered three health screenings (Health Screening) during the five years. The other intervention group were in addition offered a yearly health discussion with their general practitioner (Health Screening and Discussion). Results: The rate ratio for hospital admissions was 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.80 to 1.18) in the Invited group compared with the Non-Invited. The annual admission rates showed a significant trend (p=0.0003) with a decrease four and five years after intervention launch for the Invited group compared with the Non-Invited. A similar trend was found when comparing the internal control group with intervention groups (p=0.0016). Conclusions: A 30- to 49-year-old general population's utilization of secondary healthcare did not increase in response to a general health promotion offer. During the observation period a significant decline in annual hospital admission rates was seen.
Integrative Analytic Approach to Detecting and Interpreting L2 Vocabulary DIF

In this article we present results of a Differential Item Functioning (DIF) study using Shealy and Stout's (1993) multidimensionality-based DIF analysis framework. In this framework, differences in test score distributions across different groups of examinees may be a result of multidimensionality if secondary dimensions (not the primary dimension measured by the test) differentially affect examinee performance. Thus, this framework requires both statistical and substantive judgments for identifying potential DIF items and substantiating the causes of DIF, which, as a result, will enhance a comprehensive construct validity argument. In this article, we illustrate step-by-step procedures of multidimensionality-based DIF analyses using LanguEdge reading comprehension test data. Qualitative data from think-aloud verbal protocols were used to generate DIF hypotheses about differential functioning of vocabulary items between two groups of Indo-European and non-Indo-European L2 learners. Statistical Simultaneous Item Bias Test (SIBTEST; Shealy & Stout, 1993) was used to test the DIF hypotheses. The DIF results supported the hypotheses by flagging four uniform DIF items and one crossing DIF item. Post-hoc analyses of the DIF-flagged items were performed by visual inspection of group differences using TestGraf (Ramsay, 2001) and revisiting the qualitative verbal data and analyses of cognate types. The results showed that DIF items with large effect sizes were associated with the following: (a) translation-equivalent cognates; (b) word meaning determined independent of context, and (c) less frequent, more difficult distracter words than those in stems. In light of empirical evidence, the article discusses implications for test development and validation processes.
The TEA/ATTS transcription factor CaTec1p regulates hyphal development and virulence in Candida albicans

The temporal and spatial expression of stage‐specific genes during morphological development of fungi and higher eukaryotes is controlled by transcription factors. In this study, we report the cloning and functional analysis of the Candida albicans TEC1 (CaTEC1) gene, a new member of the TEA/ATTS family of transcription factors that regulates C. albicans virulence. The promoters of the type 4, 5 and 6 proteinase isogenes (SAP4–6) contain repetitive TEA/ATTS consensus sequence motifs. This finding suggests a possible role for a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TEC1 during the activation of proteinase gene expression in C. albicans. CaTEC1 is predominantly expressed in the hyphal form of C. albicans. In vitro, serum‐induced hyphal formation as well as evasion from MΦ after phagocytosis is suppressed in catec1/catec1 mutant cells. Furthermore, expression of the proteinase isogenes SAP4–6 is no longer inducible in these mutant cells. The deletion of the CaTEC1 gene attenuates virulence of C. albicans in a systemic model of murine candidiasis, although both mutant and revertant cells that were prepared from infected tissues or the vaginal mucosa grew in a hyphal morphology in vivo. CaTEC1 complements the pseudohyphal and invasive growth defect of haploid and diploid S. cerevisiae tec1/tec1 mutant cells and strongly activates the promoter of FLO11, a gene required for pseudohyphal growth. This study provides the first evidence pointing to an essential role for a member of the TEA/ATTS transcription factor family that had so far only been ascribed to function during development as a virulence regulator in microbial pathogenesis.
Lifestyle interventions to reduce raised blood pressure: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Purpose To quantify effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for hypertension. Data sources Electronic bibliographic databases from 1998 onwards, existing guidelines, systematic reviews. Study selection and data abstraction We included randomized, controlled trials with at least 8 weeks' follow-up, comparing lifestyle with control interventions, enrolling adults with blood pressure at least 140/85 mmHg. Primary outcome measures were systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Two independent reviewers selected trials and abstracted data; differences were resolved by discussion. Results We categorized trials by type of intervention and used random effects meta-analysis to combine mean differences between endpoint blood pressure in treatment and control groups in 105 trials randomizing 6805 participants. Robust statistically significant effects were found for improved diet, aerobic exercise, alcohol and sodium restriction, and fish oil supplements: mean reductions in systolic blood pressure of 5.0 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1–7.0], 4.6 mmHg (95% CI: 2.0–7.1), 3.8 mmHg (95% CI: 1.4–6.1), 3.6 mmHg (95% CI: 2.5–4.6) and 2.3 mmHg (95% CI: 0.2–4.3), respectively, with corresponding reductions in diastolic blood pressure. Relaxation significantly reduced blood pressure only when compared with non-intervention controls. We found no robust evidence of any important effect on blood pressure of potassium, magnesium or calcium supplements. Conclusions Patients with elevated blood pressure should follow a weight-reducing diet, take regular exercise, and restrict alcohol and salt intake. Available evidence does not support relaxation therapies, calcium, magnesium or potassium supplements to reduce blood pressure.
SEMANTIC PRIMING EFFECT AFTER LEFT HEMISPHERE STROKE

AbstractSemantic priming effect (SPE) refers to a facilitation in processing a target due to the semantic association between that and a preceding stimulus (prime). Recent neuroimaging researches supports the hypothesis that brain left hemisphere (LH) plays an important role on this phenomenon. The purpose of the present study was to compare the SPE between patients with LH brain lesions and their controls at two different stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA)s (300ms and 500ms). The sample was composed by 17 patients with LH lesion after stroke and 17 healthy controls matched on sex, age and educational level. They performed a lexical decision task on the semantic priming paradigm. Data showed no differences between groups. Clinical and control group didn`t present SPE at the 300ms SOA whilst both groups presented it at the 500ms SOA. Those findings cannot be understood as patient’s impairments on SPE once control group performed similarly. Keywords: Semantic priming; stroke; brain; stimulus onset asynchrony; aphasia. ResumoO efeito de priming semântico se refere a facilitacao no processamento de um estimulo alvo causada pela associacao semântica existente entre este e um estimulo anterior (prime). Pesquisas recentes de neuroimagem corroboram a hipotese de que o hemisferio esquerdo tem um importante papel neste fenomeno. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o efeito de priming semântico entre pacientes com lesao no hemisferio esquerdo e seus controles atraves de dois diferentes intervalos entre os estimulos (300ms e 500ms). A amostra foi composta por 17 pacientes com lesao no hemisferio esquerdo causada por acidente vascular cerebral e 17 controles pareados por sexo, idade e escolaridade. Os participantes realizaram uma tarefa de decisao lexical no paradigma do priming semântico. Os dados nao mostraram entre os grupos. Nem o grupo clinico nem o controle apresentaram efeito de priming semântico com 300ms de intervalo entre os estimulos enquanto os dois grupos apresentaram no intervalo de 500ms. Esses achados nao podem ser interpretados como deficit dos pacientes visto que os controles obtiveram um desempenho semelhante.Palavras-chave: Priming semântico; acidente vascular cerebral; cerebro; intervalo entre os estimulos; afasia.
Facial affect recognition and social anxiety in preschool children

Research relating anxiety and facial affect recognition has focused mostly on school‐aged children and adults and has yielded mixed results. The current study sought to demonstrate an association among behavioural inhibition and parent‐reported social anxiety, shyness, social withdrawal and facial affect recognition performance in 30 children, ages four to five years. Children performed significantly more accurately when labelling child faces than adult faces, t(29) = −2.70, p < . 05 and were most accurate in labelling happy faces, t(29) = −2.05, p < . 05. Behavioural inhibition, social anxiety, shyness and social withdrawal accounted for a significant portion of variance in children’s labelling of child facial affect, r 2 = . 31, F(4,24) = 2.74, p = . 05. Findings suggest that children with social anxiety may be highly adept at facial affect interpretation in peers. Future research is needed to more clearly elucidate the role of hypervigilance to social cues in development of anxiety.