Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Optimal Grasp Contact Planning

We consider the problem of finding grasp contacts that are optimal under a given grasp quality function on arbitrary objects. Our approach formulates a framework for contact-level grasping as a path finding problem in the space of supercontact grasps. The initial supercontact grasp contains all grasps and in each step along a path grasps are removed. For this, we introduce and formally characterize search space structure and cost functions under which minimal cost paths correspond to optimal grasps. Our formulation avoids expensive exhaustive search and reduces computational cost by several orders of magnitude. We present admissible heuristic functions and exploit approximate heuristic search to further reduce the computational cost while maintaining bounded suboptimality for resulting grasps. We exemplify our formulation with point-contact grasping for which we define domain specific heuristics and demonstrate optimality and bounded suboptimality by comparing against exhaustive and uniform cost search on example objects. Furthermore, we explain how to restrict the search graph to satisfy grasp constraints for modeling hand kinematics. We also analyze our algorithm empirically in terms of created and visited search states and resultant effective branching factor.
Gender and the Australian Parliament: Putting the Political Scientist into the Picture

This paper draws on a study of gender and politics in the Australian parliament in order to make a contribution to methodological debates in feminist political science. The paper begins by outlining the different dimensions of feminist political science methodology that have been identified in the literature. According to this literature five key principles can be seen to constitute feminist approaches to political science. These are: a focus on gender, a deconstruction of the public/private divide, giving voice to women, using research as a basis for transformation, and using reflexivity to critique researcher positionality. The next part of the paper focuses more specifically on reflexivity tracing arguments about its definition, usefulness and the criticisms it has attracted from researchers. Following this, I explore how my background as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1987 to 1996 provided an important academic resource in my doctoral study of gender and politics in the national parliament. Through this process I highlight the value of a reflexive approach to research.
Intravenous Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Transplantation for Stroke: Phase1/2a Clinical Trial in a Homogeneous Group of Stroke Patients

The goal of this clinical trial was to assess the feasibility and safety of transplanting autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells into patients suffering severe embolic stroke. Major inclusion criteria included patients with cerebral embolism, age 20–75 years, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score displaying improvement of ≤5 points during the first 7 days after stroke, and NIHSS score of ≥10 on day 7 after stroke. Bone marrow aspiration (25 or 50 mL; N = 6 patients in each case) was performed 7–10 days poststroke, and bone marrow mononuclear cells were administrated intravenously. Mean total transplanted cell numbers were 2.5 × 108 and 3.4 × 108 cells in the lower and higher dose groups, respectively. No apparent adverse effects of administering bone marrow cells were observed. Compared with the lower dose, patients receiving the higher dose of bone marrow cells displayed a trend toward improved neurologic outcomes. Compared with 1 month after treatment, patients receiving cell therapy displayed a trend toward improved cerebral blood flow and metabolic rate of oxygen consumption 6 months after treatment. In comparison with historical controls, patients receiving cell therapy had significantly better neurologic outcomes. Our results indicated that intravenous transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is safe and feasible. Positive results and trends favoring neurologic recovery and improvement in cerebral blood flow and metabolism by cell therapy underscore the relevance of larger scale randomized controlled trials using this approach.
Action, Enaction, Inter(en)action

Leman and Maes offer a comprehensive review of the main theoretical and empirical themes covered by the research on music and embodied cognition . Their article provides an insight into the work being carried at the Institute for Psychoacoustic and Electronic Music (IPEM) of Ghent University, Belgium - in which they work - and presents a theory of the main implications of embodiment for music perception. The present paper is divided into three parts. In the first one, I will explore the conceptual topography of embodied music cognition as maintained by the authors, to see whether the empirical research proposed fits the aims of this standpoint. In the second I will argue that while Leman and Maes are right to move towards a more dynamically implemented stance, the arguments used to justify this shift seem to be inconsistent with the framework they account for. In the third and final part of this commentary I will claim that if the authors wish to dedicate their work to develop a truly embodied, sensorimotor, and dynamic account to music cognition, they would need to abandon some of the assumptions defended in their work, searching for further empirical corroboration in the concrete dynamics of interactive, or participatory , musical sense-making.
Focus on Microalbuminuria to Improve Cardiac and Renal Protection

With the recent attention to diagnose earlier stages of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), most attention focuses on screening for an impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), i.e. CKD stages 3–5. Less attention is given to the impact of the urinary leakage of albumin. Its presence is not taken into account in the definition of stages 3–5, but only required to diagnose stages 1 and 2. As in stages 1 and 2 CKD, eGFR is not or only modestly impaired, these stages are generally considered to have a relatively better prognosis. In this review, we will show evidence that screening for albuminuria may be of great benefit, not only as an argument to start treatment to prevent progressive renal function loss, but also to prevent cardiovascular events.
Use of a new alginate film test to study the bactericidal efficacy of the high-level disinfectant ortho-phthalaldehyde.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the merit of a new alginate efficacy film test to determine the bactericidal activity of the high-level disinfectant ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA). METHODS The efficacy of OPA was investigated using a new sodium alginate surface film test against Mycobacterium chelonae NCIMB 1474 and Epping, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIMB 10421 under different test conditions. RESULTS OPA was highly bactericidal against P. aeruginosa but its mycobactericidal efficacy was seriously reduced and produced >or=5 log reductions only at a concentration of 0.5% (w/v) within 30-60 min without organic load. CONCLUSIONS The sodium alginate film efficacy was reproducible between repeats. Inactivation results depended upon the concentration of OPA, contact time, the presence of an organic load and the bacterial genera.
Development of an Objective Instrument to Measure Identity Status in Terms of Occupation Crisis and Commitment

Using male/female high school seniors and college students (freshman through seniors), a 40-item, forced-choice, easily scored, group-administered, objective instrument (DISI-O) was developed, corresponding to Marcia's (1964) interview procedure, to assess five levels of occupation identity status in terms of crisis and commitment. Item and factor analyses demonstrated the construct validity of the status scales and discriminant analyses the predictive power. Showing acceptable reliability estimates, the DISI-O related satisfactorily to other methods of assessing occupation identity status—a Likert procedure and Marcia's interview. Chi-square analyses among the identity statuses and sex, grade and age reflected a pattern of psychosocial growth consistent with Erikson's (1963) proposals. Uses of the DISI-O by researchers and counselors were discussed.
The efficacy, cost and patient satisfaction of classic versus office hysteroscopy in cases with suspected intrauterine space occupying lesions with 3-dimension ultrasound and abnormal uterine bleeding.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic efficacy, treatment effectiveness and cost of office hysteroscopy procedure with classic hysteroscopy in women suspected of having an intrauterine space occupying lesion, after being examined for abnormal uterine bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS Among 544 cases admitted to our outpatient clinic due to abnormal uterine bleeding, 123 cases suspected of having an intrauterine space occupying lesion on 3D transvaginal ultrasound were included in the study. Patients were informed about classic and office hysteroscopy and asked to choose one of them. Fifty-seven cases preferred classic hysteroscopy and 66 cases preferred office hysteroscopy. The Visual analog scale was used to measure pain in office hysteroscopy cases while the Likert scale was used for patient satisfaction and cost was calculated in Turkish Lira. RESULTS According to the histopathological examination, 65.9% of the cases (n=81) were diagnosed as polyp and 7.3% of the cases (n=9) were diagnosed as submucous leiomyoma. Mean operation time was 11±5.6 min. for office hysteroscopy and 42.6±18.4 min. for classic hysteroscopy (p<0.001). The level of pain before the operation was 0.3±0.1 (0-1), during the operation 2.8±2.5 (0-10) and after the operation 1.5±1.6 (0-8) in Office hysteroscopy cases. Among the Office hysteroscopy cases, 89.3% were very satisfied and 86.3% will advise other patients to have the procedure. Patients were evaluated at sixth month after the procedures and 92.4% of office hysteroscopy group and 96.4% of classic hysteroscopy group were symptom free. At sixth month of the office hysteroscopy procedure 83.3% of the cases were satisfied with the procedure and 81.8% would advice other patients to have the procedure. The mean cost of classic hysteroscopy was 3.6 times higher than the office procedure. CONCLUSION Office hysteroscopy is a safe and satisfactory procedure for the patient and provides a fast "see and treat" option at a low cost as an out patient procedure without need for general anesthesia. It should be utilized as a first line diagnosis and treatment option.
DISK EMISSION FROM MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SIMULATIONS OF SPINNING BLACK HOLES

We present the results of a new series of global, three-dimensional, relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of thin accretion disks around spinning black holes. The disks have aspect ratios of H / R ∼ 0.05 ? > and spin parameters of a / M = 0 , 0.5 , 0.9 ? > , and 0.99. Using the ray-tracing code Pandurata, we generate broadband thermal spectra and polarization signatures from the MHD simulations. We find that the simulated spectra can be well fit with a simple, universal emissivity profile that better reproduces the behavior of the emission from the inner disk, compared to traditional analyses carried out using a Novikov–Thorne thin disk model. Finally, we show how spectropolarization observations can be used to convincingly break the spin-inclination degeneracy well known to the continuum-fitting method of measuring black hole spin.
Evaluación progresiva de la invarianza factorial entre las versiones original y adaptada de una escala de autoconcepto

Progressive way in strict factorial invariance. The common factor model equate the equivalence between tests with the strict factor invariance. This paper illustrates one sequential way to evaluate the factor invariance. First, we analyze the configural invariance, the metric invariance and the strict factor invariance. Second we put our attention on item analysis, to look for information about non-invariance focus. This way to work is showed by an empirical study in the field of test adaptation. We adapted to Basque language one test about self-concept (AFA-A) and then we analyze the strict factor invariance. The results showed the configural, metric and strong invariance was presented in the adaptation of test. Also 29 item (n= 31) have the property of strict factor invariance.
Sieve: linked data quality assessment and fusion

The Web of Linked Data grows rapidly and already contains data originating from hundreds of data sources. The quality of data from those sources is very diverse, as values may be out of date, incomplete or incorrect. Moreover, data sources may provide conflicting values for a single real-world object. In order for Linked Data applications to consume data from this global data space in an integrated fashion, a number of challenges have to be overcome. One of these challenges is to rate and to integrate data based on their quality. However, quality is a very subjective matter, and finding a canonic judgement that is suitable for each and every task is not feasible. To simplify the task of consuming high-quality data, we present Sieve, a framework for flexibly expressing quality assessment methods as well as fusion methods. Sieve is integrated into the Linked Data Integration Framework (LDIF), which handles Data Access, Schema Mapping and Identity Resolution, all crucial preliminaries for quality assessment and fusion. We demonstrate Sieve in a data integration scenario importing data from the English and Portuguese versions of DBpedia, and discuss how we increase completeness, conciseness and consistency through the use of our framework.
The persistence of attentional set and its implications for top-down control

A top-down attentional set allows selective processing of the most informative aspects of a scene by biasing attention towards task-relevant stimuli and away from task-irrelevant stimuli on the basis of task demands. The work in this thesis explored the characteristics of the attentional set and top-down control by measuring the persistence of a set. That is, the carry-over of a set from a task in which it is appropriate to a subsequent task in which it is inappropriate. Twelve experiments were completed, employing three different methodologies in order to provide converging evidence for the persistence of attentional set. The first method was a rapid serial visual presentation task, the second was a change detection task that was preceded by a visual search task, and the third was a visual search of natural scenes following an unrelated search through letter strings. All three methodologies provided strong evidence for the carry-over effect, whereby the allocation of attention in a second task was influenced by the top-down settings from the first task. This shows that an attentional set is not established solely based on current task demands but is also influenced by previous experience. Carry-over appears to be contingent upon the level of control invested in the task; too much control over the initial top-down set will enhance carry-over, but a high level of control in the second task will attenuate carry-over. In addition, a lack of executive control over the set will also lead to carry-over when the set is highly practiced because task performance will not be monitored, and a change in task demands will not be accompanied by a change in attentional set. Carry-over provided evidence for three different types of attentional set; a location-based set, a feature-based set, and a feature-value-based set. It also indicated that the attentional orienting system can be configured at more than one level according to the task demands, implying that top-down control is more flexible than previously suggested. The work ultimately led to the development of a general model of attentional set (G-MAS) which attempts to explain the current results and account for pertinent findings from the literature.
A Step-wise Usage-based Method for Inducing Polysemy-aware Verb Classes

We present an unsupervised method for inducing verb classes from verb uses in gigaword corpora. Our method consists of two clustering steps: verb-specific semantic frames are first induced by clustering verb uses in a corpus and then verb classes are induced by clustering these frames. By taking this step-wise approach, we can not only generate verb classes based on a massive amount of verb uses in a scalable manner, but also deal with verb polysemy, which is bypassed by most of the previous studies on verb clustering. In our experiments, we acquire semantic frames and verb classes from two giga-word corpora, the larger comprising 20 billion words. The effectiveness of our approach is verified through quantitative evaluations based on polysemy-aware gold-standard data.
The Use of Construct Validation Procedures in Curriculum Research.

Researchers and theorists in curriculum continually deal with constructs. However, the concept of construct validity, while employed in the social sciences and particularly in psychology, has not found its way into curriculum research to any great degree. This article explores the applicability of construct validation procedures to curriculum research in the hope of stimulating new research directions. In order to accomplish this purpose the general notion of construct validity is first explicated. This treatment is followed by a brief account of how construct validity procedures have been used in psychology. Possible uses of construct validity in curriculum are then suggested. Finally, an existing curriculum research study utilizing the concept of construct validity is presented as an example of the kinds of study that are being advocated.
Building Evaluation Capacity in Community-Based Organizations

Abstract This article presents the challenges and successes of a university-based empowerment evaluation team as they promoted community-based organizational (CBO) self-evaluation skills through a large community capacity building effort funded by a community foundation. Using a reflective inquiry approach, the team's approach to empowerment evaluation is discussed, and the how's, the why's, and the outcomes of the team's efforts are presented. Lessons learned emphasize the significance of training, role clarity, management of power relations, participant readiness, adequate resources, technology, coaching skill, and mutual support through a coaching network and interagency networks. Perhaps most significantly, clear and consistent communication between grantee and grantmaker, mediated by evaluation coaches, promoted evaluations that address internal and external stakeholder needs. The ideology of empowerment guided this project, and participatory research did prevail, but grantee self-direction was harder to enable. Likewise, consumer participation was woefully limited.
Glutaredoxin S15 Is Involved in Fe-S Cluster Transfer in Mitochondria Influencing Lipoic Acid-Dependent Enzymes, Plant Growth, and Arsenic Tolerance in Arabidopsis1[OPEN]

The Fe-S binding monothiol GrxS15 is localized to mitochondria; its absence slows growth and respiration and increases arsenic susceptibility. Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are small proteins that function as oxidoreductases with roles in deglutathionylation of proteins, reduction of antioxidants, and assembly of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster-containing enzymes. Which of the 33 Grxs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) perform roles in Fe-S assembly in mitochondria is unknown. We have examined in detail the function of the monothiol GrxS15 in plants. Our results show its exclusive mitochondrial localization, and we are concluding it is the major or only Grx in this subcellular location. Recombinant GrxS15 has a very low deglutathionylation and dehydroascorbate reductase activity, but it binds a Fe-S cluster. Partially removing GrxS15 from mitochondria slowed whole plant growth and respiration. Native GrxS15 is shown to be especially important for lipoic acid-dependent enzymes in mitochondria, highlighting a putative role in the transfer of Fe-S clusters in this process. The enhanced effect of the toxin arsenic on the growth of GrxS15 knockdown plants compared to wild type highlights the role of mitochondrial glutaredoxin Fe-S-binding in whole plant growth and toxin tolerance.
Obesity in West Virginia: Control and Costs

West Virginia reports a high obesity rate, and the prevalence of obesity is 8 percent higher than the national rate. Obesity is linked with several health diseases, certain psychological disorders, quality of life, premature deaths as well as healthcare costs. Prevention of obesity is a must and changing behavioral factors is one way of controlling obesity. This research study attempts to examine the potential use of physical exercise and fewer calorie intakes in controlling obesity, and to estimate costs of obesity in West Virginia using Behavioral risk Factor Surveillance System data of 2001 and 2009. Three logit equations were used in the analysis. Results reveal that potential of using physical exercise in controlling obesity in West Virginia has increased from 2001 to 2009, though the desire of engaging in physical exercise of obese people has decreased. However, the willingness of taking fewer calories of obese individuals has increased significantly from 2001 to 2009. The cost estimations indicate that direct medical cost of obesity and total costs associated with obesity have increased by $51 million and $704 million respectively from 2001 to 2009.
Alzheimer Disease Aβ Production in the Absence of S-Palmitoylation-dependent Targeting of BACE1 to Lipid Rafts*

Alzheimer disease β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides are generated via sequential proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by BACE1 and γ-secretase. A subset of BACE1 localizes to cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains, termed lipid rafts. BACE1 processing in raft microdomains of cultured cells and neurons was characterized in previous studies by disrupting the integrity of lipid rafts by cholesterol depletion. These studies found either inhibition or elevation of Aβ production depending on the extent of cholesterol depletion, generating controversy. The intricate interplay between cholesterol levels, APP trafficking, and BACE1 processing is not clearly understood because cholesterol depletion has pleiotropic effects on Golgi morphology, vesicular trafficking, and membrane bulk fluidity. In this study, we used an alternate strategy to explore the function of BACE1 in membrane microdomains without altering the cellular cholesterol level. We demonstrate that BACE1 undergoes S-palmitoylation at four Cys residues at the junction of transmembrane and cytosolic domains, and Ala substitution at these four residues is sufficient to displace BACE1 from lipid rafts. Analysis of wild type and mutant BACE1 expressed in BACE1 null fibroblasts and neuroblastoma cells revealed that S-palmitoylation neither contributes to protein stability nor subcellular localization of BACE1. Surprisingly, non-raft localization of palmitoylation-deficient BACE1 did not have discernible influence on BACE1 processing of APP or secretion of Aβ. These results indicate that post-translational S-palmitoylation of BACE1 is not required for APP processing, and that BACE1 can efficiently cleave APP in both raft and non-raft microdomains.