Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robot-Assisted Gait Self-Training: Assessing the Level Achieved

This paper presents the technological status of robot-assisted gait self-training under real clinical environment conditions. A successful rehabilitation after surgery in hip endoprosthetics comprises self-training of the lessons taught by physiotherapists. While doing this, immediate feedback to the patient about deviations from the expected physiological gait pattern during training is important. Hence, the Socially Assistive Robot (SAR) developed for this type of training employs task-specific, user-centered navigation and autonomous, real-time gait feature classification techniques to enrich the self-training through companionship and timely corrective feedback. The evaluation of the system took place during user tests in a hospital from the point of view of technical benchmarking, considering the therapists’ and patients’ point of view with regard to training motivation and from the point of view of initial findings on medical efficacy as a prerequisite from an economic perspective. In this paper, the following research questions were primarily considered: Does the level of technology achieved enable autonomous use in everyday clinical practice? Has the gait pattern of patients who used additional robot-assisted gait self-training for several days been changed or improved compared to patients without this training? How does the use of a SAR-based self-training robot affect the motivation of the patients?
Extending the low-recycling, flat temperature profile regime in the lithium tokamak experiment-β (LTX-β) with ohmic and neutral beam heating

Recent experiments in the lithium tokamak experiment-β (LTX-β) have extended the duration, performance, operating conditions, and diagnosis of the flat-temperature profile, low-recycling regime first observed in LTX. As expected, Li retains hydrogen and suppresses edge neutral cooling, allowing increased edge electron temperature, roughly equal to the core T e. Flat temperature profiles had been obtained transiently in LTX, as the plasma density decayed following the cessation of edge gas puffing. Careful control over the fueling in LTX-β has now been shown to sustain the flat T e profile and hot edge unique to the low-recycling regime for multiple confinement times in high performance discharges with decaying or steady density. With low density, the flat T e profile is also seen to extend into the scrape-off layer. Neutral beam heating is observed in target discharges with relatively flat electron temperature profiles (T edge ∼ T core/2), though beam heating is stronger in discharges with higher fueling, higher density, and depressed edge T e. Beam heating produces additional peaking of the T e profile, without degradation of the energy confinement time. Neutral beam heating of target discharges with relatively flat electron temperature profiles similarly results in broad beam heated temperature profiles. Energy confinement in LTX-β generally compares favorably to ohmic and H-mode scalings, frequently exceeding them by factors of 2–4. New and improved diagnostics in LTX-β enable better characterization of this unique regime, including measurements of ion temperature and high field side Thomson scattering profiles. As an initial step toward characterizing turbulence with no T e gradient and roughly equal density and pressure gradient, core fluctuation spectra have been measured in peaked T e discharges using far-forward scattering and fluctuation reflectometry.
Influence of the oxygen partial pressure and post-deposition annealing on the structure and optical properties of ZnO films grown by dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature

A systematic study for the optimization of the deposition process of ZnO thin films grown by dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature was carried out using different oxygen partial pressures and deposition times. We have established a correlation between the oxygen partial pressure, the chemical composition and the crystalline structure of the films. Stoichiometric and highly oriented ZnO thin films along the (0 0 2) crystal plane with very good optical performance were obtained for a relative oxygen gas flow of 20% in the gas mixture. Higher O2 concentrations resulted in non-stoichiometric ZnO with an excess of oxygen, which exhibited a lower degree of crystallinity and slightly higher band-gap energy. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis indicated that this excess of oxygen was incorporated in molecular form inducing a reduction in the crystallinity of the material. Post-deposition annealing treatments up to 500 °C significantly improved their crystallinity as confirmed by x-ray diffraction and XANES. Therefore, it has been found that it is possible to grow ZnO at room temperature with high crystal quality and good optical response by controlling the growth conditions.
Investigating the Impact of Delivery Routes for Exon Skipping Therapies in the CNS of DMD Mouse Models

Nucleic acid-based therapies have demonstrated great potential for the treatment of monogenetic diseases, including neurologic disorders. To date, regulatory approval has been received for a dozen antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs); however, these chemistries cannot readily cross the blood–brain barrier when administered systemically. Therefore, an investigation of their potential effects within the central nervous system (CNS) requires local delivery. Here, we studied the brain distribution and exon-skipping efficacy of two ASO chemistries, PMO and tcDNA, when delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mice carrying a deletion in exon 52 of the dystrophin gene, a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Following intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery (unilateral, bilateral, bolus vs. slow rate, repeated via cannula or very slow via osmotic pumps), ASO levels were quantified across brain regions and exon 51 skipping was evaluated, revealing that tcDNA treatment invariably generates comparable or more skipping relative to that with PMO, even when the PMO was administered at higher doses. We also performed intra-cisterna magna (ICM) delivery as an alternative route for CSF delivery and found a biased distribution of the ASOs towards posterior brain regions, including the cerebellum, hindbrain, and the cervical part of the spinal cord. Finally, we combined both ICV and ICM injection methods to assess the potential of an additive effect of this methodology in inducing efficient exon skipping across different brain regions. Our results provide useful insights into the local delivery and associated efficacy of ASOs in the CNS in mouse models of DMD. These findings pave the way for further ASO-based therapy application to the CNS for neurological disease.
Effects of peer observation on risky decision-making in adolescence: A meta-analytic review.

Real-world health and crime statistics indicate that adolescents are prone to engage in risks in the presence of peers. Although this effect has been documented in several lab studies, existing evidence varies and the psychological mechanisms that give rise to peer observation-induced shifts in adolescent risky decision-making remain poorly understood. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to quantify the magnitude of the effect of direct peer observation on risky decision-making in adolescents. Across 186 effectsizes, representingdatafrom53distinct researchreportsand over 5,000 participants, we found evidence thatduringadolescence,observationbypeers increasesdecisionstotakerisksrelativetodecisions madewhile unobserved, with a small mean effect size (Hedges ’ g = 0.16). We also found high effect size heterogeneity ( I 2 = 82.63% and τ 2 = 0.078), motivating analysis of moderation. We evaluated whether variables hypothesizedbytheoryandpriorresearchtoamplifyorreducerisktakinginthepresenceofpeerssystematicallymoderatedthesizeofthiseffect,includingfactorsrelatedtothedecisioncontext,thepeercontext,andthe experimental design. The overall effect was moderated by peers ’ expression of risk-seeking preferences, such that the effect of peer observation was only signi ﬁ cant when peers were also expressing pro-risk attitudes. Evidence for publication bias was not consistently observed. Taken together, this work supports the notion that merepeerobservation increases adolescent riskydecision-making, but this effect is extremelysmall unless the peers are additionally expressing pro-risk preferences. Moreover, this work provokes questions regarding whether the ﬁ eld ’ s approach to studying peer in ﬂ uence is optimal at conceptual and practical levels, and whether it is maximally translatable to real-world contexts. We offer suggestions for future work that could lead to a clearer understanding of peer observation effects during adolescence.
Microscale Spatial Variations in Coseismic Temperature Rise on Hematite Fault Mirrors in the Wasatch Fault Damage Zone

Coseismic temperature rise activates fault dynamic weakening that promotes earthquake rupture propagation. The spatial scales over which peak temperatures vary on slip surfaces are challenging to identify in the rock record. We present microstructural observations and electron backscatter diffraction data from three small‐displacement hematite‐coated fault mirrors (FMs) in the Wasatch fault damage zone, Utah, to evaluate relations between fault properties, strain localization, temperature rise, and weakening mechanisms during FM development. Millimeter‐ to cm‐thick, matrix‐supported, hematite‐cemented breccia is cut by ∼25–200 μm‐thick, texturally heterogeneous veins that form the hematite FM volume (FMV). Grain morphologies and textures vary with FMV thickness over μm to mm lengthscales. Cataclasite grades to ultracataclasite where FMV thickness is greatest. Thinner FMVs and geometric asperities are characterized by particles with subgrains, serrated grain boundaries, and(or) low‐strain polygonal grains that increase in size with proximity to the FM surface. Comparison to prior hematite deformation experiments suggests FM temperatures broadly range from ≥400°C to ≥800–1100°C, compatible with observed coeval brittle and plastic deformation mechanisms, over sub‐mm scales on individual slip surfaces during seismic slip. We present a model of FM development by episodic hematite precipitation, fault reactivation, and strain localization, where the thickness of hematite veins controls the width of the deforming zones during subsequent fault slip, facilitating temperature rise and thermally activated weakening. Our data document intrasample coseismic temperatures, resultant deformation and dynamic weakening mechanisms, and the length scales over which these vary on slip surfaces.
Machine Learning Approaches in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment Selection of Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis is an uncommon restrictive cardiomyopathy featuring an unregulated amyloid protein deposition that impairs organic function. Early cardiac amyloidosis diagnosis is generally delayed by indistinguishable clinical findings of more frequent hypertrophic diseases. Furthermore, amyloidosis is divided into various groups, according to a generally accepted taxonomy, based on the proteins that make up the amyloid deposits; a careful differentiation between the various forms of amyloidosis is necessary to undertake an adequate therapeutic treatment. Thus, cardiac amyloidosis is thought to be underdiagnosed, which delays necessary therapeutic procedures, diminishing quality of life and impairing clinical prognosis. The diagnostic work-up for cardiac amyloidosis begins with the identification of clinical features, electrocardiographic and imaging findings suggestive or compatible with cardiac amyloidosis, and often requires the histological demonstration of amyloid deposition. One approach to overcome the difficulty of an early diagnosis is the use of automated diagnostic algorithms. Machine learning enables the automatic extraction of salient information from “raw data” without the need for pre-processing methods based on the a priori knowledge of the human operator. This review attempts to assess the various diagnostic approaches and artificial intelligence computational techniques in the detection of cardiac amyloidosis.
Analytical solution of non-homogeneous anisotropic wave equations based on differential transfer matrices

We present a new analytical method for solution of non-homogeneous anisotropic optical systems, based on the extension of transfer matrices into differential form. This approach can be used for exact calculation of various functions including reflection and transmission coefficients, band structures and bound states. We discuss improvements of the method for infinite periodic structures and bounded modes. Then simplifications of the approach are considered for the TE and TM polarized isotropic structures, pseudo-isotropic and uniaxial non-magnetic media. Moreover a general variational representation of bound states is introduced. As application examples, we consider the reflection from inhomogeneous structures, the band structure of infinite periodic media and bounded modes in inhomogeneous anisotropic waveguides. Excellent agreement between the results from our differential transfer matrix method and other methods is observed where comparison is possible.
Spatio‐temporal pattern and driving mechanisms of land use conflicts changes (2010–2018) in the Bohai Rim transition zone

With the rapid development of society and economy in the coastal regions, conflicts between ecological protection and human exploitation are inevitable. However, previous studies on the Spatio‐temporal evolution of conflicts in the coastal transition zone are insufficient, and the majority ignore the dependence of data on space. This study constructed a multi‐objective evaluation model from three angles (ecological, agriculture, and construction). It evaluated the dynamics of land use conflicts (LUCs) in the Bohai Rim transition zone for 2010, 2015, and 2018 at 30 m2 spatial resolution using the multi‐factor superposition method. The driving mechanism of LUCs was explored from the perspectives of natural and socio‐economic by applying the spatial econometric method. Major findings of this study indicated that there was a critical Spatio‐temporal mismatch in the spatial distribution of three types of land suitability around the Bohai Sea from 2010 to 2018. On the grid scale, an estimated LUCs area in 2010 was 1.21 × 105 km2, which decreased to 1.20 × 105 km2 in 2018. On the country scale, the conflict index displayed a polarized spatial distribution of “high in the south and low in the north,” and its spatial disparity showed a narrowing trend. Moreover, LUC types showed different change characteristics along the sea‐land direction. It ought to be noticed that the spatial clustering pattern of LUCs resulted from the combined action of various factors. This study's logical framework and outcomes could be utilized for formulating reasonable land use patterns to reduce the LUCs in the coastal transition zone.
Periodontal Phenotype Modification Using Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft and Bone Graft in the Mandibular Anterior Teeth with Mucogingival Problems Following Orthodontic Treatment

Among the complications of orthodontic treatment, mucogingival problems with gingival recession in the mandibular anterior teeth are challenging for clinicians. Mucogingival problems can lead to esthetic deficits, thermal hypersensitivity, tooth brushing pain, and complicated plaque control. Herein, we present a case of a 16-year-old female with gingival recession in the left mandibular central incisor after orthodontic treatment. The preoperative clinical findings showed a thin soft tissue biotype with root prominence in the mandibular anterior area. The interdental area was relatively depressed. After reflection of the full-thickness flap, root coverage using a bone graft substitute and subepithelial connective tissue graft obtained from the palatal mucosa was performed. The 6-month and 5-year postoperative clinical findings showed improved soft tissue phenotype. The cross-sectional CBCT scans 5 years after surgery showed a well-maintained labial bone plate in the mandibular incisors. Within the limitations of this case report, for patients with gingival recession in the mandibular incisors after orthodontic treatment, a successful biotype modification can be achieved with a combined procedure using subepithelial connective tissue graft with bone graft substitutes.
Life Cycle Study of a Diabatic Rossby Wave as a Precursor to Rapid Cyclogenesis in the North Atlantic—Dynamics and Forecast Performance

AbstractThe life cycle of a North Atlantic cyclone in December 2005 that included a rapid propagation phase as a diabatic Rossby wave (DRW) is investigated by means of operational analyses and deterministic forecasts from the ECMWF. A quasigeostrophic omega diagnostic has been applied to assess the impact of upper-level forcing during the genesis, propagation, and intensification phase, respectively. The system was generated in the Gulf of Mexico as a mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) influenced by vertical motion forcing from a nearby upper-level trough. The DRW propagation phase was characterized by a shallow, low-level, diabatically produced potential vorticity (PV) anomaly that rapidly propagated along the southern border of an intense baroclinic zone. No significant upper-level forcing could be identified during this phase of the development. Eventually, explosive intensification occurred as the region of vertical motion forced by an approaching upper-level trough reached the position of the DRW. The.
Choosing the most popular NFL games in a local TV market

Abstract This paper models the TV audience for NFL games in a market without a local team. The model is estimated using all NFL games shown in the Salt Lake City market over the last 10 years. Team popularity varies season to season, with fans preferring high-scoring close games between good teams. The primary motivation of the model was to advise the local station in week-to-week selection of high TV audience games from the slate of FOX games. In 2013 the most popular team was the San Francisco 49ers and the local station broadcast more of their games than any other team. While the predictions offer modest discrimination between popular games, the predicted error precision must be reduced to compete with local station expertise. Reviewing the prediction performance in 2013 reveals insight into strengths and weaknesses of predictive analytics in business decisions.
MARKOV CHAINS FOR MONTE CARLO TESTS OF GENETIC EQUILIBRIUM IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONTINGENCY TABLES

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage equilibrium are fundamental concepts in population genetics. In practice, testing linkage equilibrium in haplotype data is equivalent to testing independence in a large, sparse, multidimensional contingency table. Testing Hardy-Weinberg and linkage equilibrium simultaneously on multilocus genotype data introduces the additional complications of missing information and symmetry constraints on marginal probabilities. To avoid unreliable large-sample approximations for sparse contingency tables, one can use exact tests like Fisher's classical test that condition on observed marginal totals. Unfortunately, computing p-values for exact tests is often infeasible because of the large number of tables consistent with the marginal totals of an observed table. We develop here Markov chains for sampling from the appropriate conditional distributions for testing genetic equilibrium. These chains compare favorably with a parallel, independent-sampling method that we present. For n haplotype observations on J loci, the Markov chains converge to their stationary distributions in [(J - 1)n ln n]/2 + 0(n) steps and can be an efficient tool for estimating p-values. Our theoretical treatment of these results involves strong stationary stopping times, order statistics, large deviations and the embedding of Poisson processes. We include some general results on the application of strong stationary times to bounding the precision and bias of sample average estimators.
Effects of anthropogenic sounds on the behavior and physiology of the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Introduction Noise pollution is a major stressor in the marine environment; however, responses of economically and ecologically important invertebrates, such as oysters, are largely unknown. Methods Under laboratory conditions, we measured acute behavioral and physiological responses of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to sound treatments mimicking human activity in the environment. Results Oysters immediately reduced their valve gape under simulated pile driving sound, but not drilling or boating sound. Pile-driving sound also reduced adductor muscle glycogen, but not triglyceride. None of the sound treatments affected longer-term (12 hours) valve activity levels after the administration of sounds. Interestingly, neither acute nor longer-term valve gaping responses were correlated with glycogen content on the individual level, suggesting that the observed behavioral responses to sound were not mechanistically driven by energetic physiology. Discussion Our results suggest that C. virginica responds to some, but not all, anthropogenic sounds. Future studies assessing downstream effects on growth, reproduction, and survival in the wild are needed to better understand the effects of anthropogenic sounds on oyster populations and the biological communities they support.
Study Method of Pitch-Angle Control on Load and the Performance of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine by Experiments

Offshore wind energy is a renewable energy source that is developing fast. It is considered to be the most promising energy source in the next decade. Besides, the expanding trend for this technology requires the consideration of diversified seabeds. In deep seabeds, floating offshore wind technology (FOWT) is needed. For this latter technology, such as for conventional WT, we need to consider aspects related to performance, aerodynamic force, and forces during operation. In this paper, a two-bladed downwind wind turbine model is utilized to conduct experiments. The collective pitch and cyclic pitch angle are adjusted using swashplated equipment. The fluid forces and moments acting on the rotor surface are measured by a six-component balancing system. By changing the pitch angle of the wind turbine blades, attempts are made to manage the fluid forces generated on the rotor surface. Under varied uniform wind velocities of 7, 8, 9, and 10 m/s, the effect of collective pitch control and cyclic pitch control on the power coefficient and thrust coefficient of FOWT is then discussed. Furthermore, at a wind speed of 10 m/s, both the power coefficient and loads are investigated as the pitch angle and yaw angle change. Experimental results indicate that the combined moment magnitude can be controlled by changing the pitch-angle amplitude. The power coefficient is adjusted by the cyclic pitch-angle controller when the pitch-angle phase changes. In addition, the thrust coefficient fluctuated when the pitch angle changed in the oblique inflow wind condition.
New Inhibitors of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Replication Based on Monoterpene-Substituted Arylcoumarins

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes annual epidemics of respiratory infection. Usually harmless to adults, the RSV infection can be dangerous to children under 3 years of age and elderly people over 65 years of age, often causing serious problems, even death. At present, there are no vaccines and specific chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease, so the search for low-molecular weight compounds to combat RSV is a challenge. In this work, we have shown, for the first time, that monoterpene-substituted arylcoumarins are efficient RSV replication inhibitors at low micromolar concentrations. The most active compound has a selectivity index of about 200 and acts most effectively at the early stages of infection. The F protein of RSV is a potential target for these compounds, which is also confirmed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation data.