Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A trajectory optimization formulation for assistive robotic devices

We present a trajectory optimization formulation for the design of a sit-to-stand assistive device for humans with motion impairments. We develop a constrained Lagrangian to derive the equations of motion for the trajectory optimization formulation. Such a Lagrangian enables us to impose constraints on joint reaction wrenches in the human, to simulate the motion impairment of human joints due to injury and infirmity. Using trajectory optimization, we compute the optimal sit-to-stand motions of a human as well as the actuation wrenches of the sit-to-stand device. The trajectory of the device as it follows and supports the human, and its actuation wrenches provide necessary inputs for the design of the assistive device. We propose an assistive device capable of following the natural trajectory of the human during sit-to-stand. We show by numerical simulation that the human requires less effort with the device that can follow its trajectory than with an assistive device restricted to only vertical motion to lift up a human. Our formulation provides a systematic approach for the design of such sit-to-stand assistive devices.
MODELING VOWEL NORMALIZATION AND SOUND PERCEPTION AS SEQUENTIAL PROCESSES

This study constitutes the first attempt at combining vowel normalization procedures with the linguistic perception framework of stochastic Optimality Theory and the Gradual Learning Algorithm (Boersma, 1998). Towards this end, virtual learners possessing different normalization procedures, and a control learner with no normalization procedure, were trained to perceive Brazilian Portuguese and American English vowels. The only parameters fed into the model were the first two formants of the vowels. The simulations assume that: (i) vowel normalization occurs prior to vowel categorization, (ii) each learner has acquired a different normalization algorithm at the time of the simulations, and (iii) perceptual learning takes place when mismatches between the word intended by the speaker and the word perceived by the virtual listener occur (Escudero & Boersma 2004). Our results show that learners equipped with normalization algorithms outperformed the control learner, obtaining accuracy scores from 20 to 30% higher. When equipped with vowel‐extrinsic procedures, learners managed to reach more than 90% of correct responses. Thus, a formal model in which normalization and sound perception are implemented as two sequential processes delivers the expected results, as it accurately models vowel perception even when the training and testing sets have speakers with different ages and gender.
Bioenergetic Conditions of Butyrate Metabolism by a Syntrophic, Anaerobic Bacterium in Coculture with Hydrogen-Oxidizing Methanogenic and Sulfidogenic Bacteria

The butyrate-oxidizing, proton-reducing, obligately anaerobic bacterium NSF-2 was grown in batch cocultures with either the hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium Methanospirillum hungatei PM-1 or Desulfovibrio sp. strain PS-1. Metabolism of butyrate occurred in two phases. The first phase exhibited exponential growth kinetics (phase a) and had a doubling time of 10 h. This value was independent of whether NSF-2 was cultured with a methanogen or a sulfate reducer and likely represents the maximum specific growth rate of NSF-2. This exponential growth phase was followed by a second phase with a nearly constant rate of degradation (phase b) which dominated the time course of butyrate degradation. The specific activity of H2 uptake by the hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium controlled the bioenergetic conditions of metabolism in phase b. During this phase both the Gibbs free energy (ΔG′) and the butyrate degradation rate (v) were greater for NSF-2-Desulfovibrio sp. strain PS-1 (ΔG′ = −17.0 kJ/mol; v = 0.20 mM/h) than for NSF-2-M. hungatei PM-1 (ΔG′ = −3.8 kJ/mol, v = 0.12 mM/h). The ΔG′ value remained stable and characteristic of the two hydrogen oxidizers during phase b. The stable ΔG′ resulted from the close coupling of the rates of butyrate and H2 oxidation. The addition of 2-bromoethanesulfonate to a NSF-2-methanogen coculture resulted in the total inhibition of butyrate degradation; the inhibition was relieved when Desulfovibrio sp. strain PS-1 was added as a new H2 sink. When the specific activity of H2 consumption was increased by adding higher densities of the Desulfovibrio sp. to 2-bromoethanesulfonate-inhibited NSF-2-methanogen cocultures, lower H2 pool sizes and higher rates of butyrate degradation resulted. Thus, it is the kinetic parameters of H2 consumption, not the type of H2 consumer per se, that establishes the thermodynamic conditions which in turn control the rate of fatty acid degradation. The bioenergetic homeostasis we observed in phase b was a result of the kinetics of the coculture members and the feedback inhibition by hydrogen which prevents butyrate degradation rates from reaching their theoretical Vmax.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN PUBLICITY, ADVERTISING, AND PREVIOUS BRAND ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE

Marketing practitioners and advertising firms have increasingly embraced an integrated marketing communications (IMC) approach to their promotional efforts in order to achieve direct effects of the individual communication tool used, as well as an additional "synergistic" effect from the combination of communications tools used. The present study is designed to fill a gap in the marketing literature by using a controlled experimental design to assess and compare the individual and combined influences of two IMC tools--publicity and advertising--on attitude toward the ad (Aad) and attitude toward the brand (Ab). The study also looks for synergies from the use of multiple media (radio and print). Findings show that the combined effects of these IMC tools on Aad and Ab are not identical, and that there are complex interactions between media, brand familiarity, and the valence of news stories.
Data mining based on improved neural network and its application in fault diagnosis of steam turbine

Steam turbine is an important equipment in the industry, especially in the electric power industry. Because of the complexity of steam turbine and particularity of its running environment, the fault rate of steam turbine is high and its harm is serious. So the fault diagnosis of steam turbine is a difficult problem. A novel approach for fault diagnosis of steam turbine based on improved neural network is brought forward, aimed at overcoming shortages of some current knowledge attaining methods. An application of artificial neural networks methodology was investigated using experimental data. Multiplayer backpropagation neural network with two hidden layers, hyperbolic tangent as the activation function and target function were studied. Neuro-fuzzy systems were also applied. Based on the ontology of neural network, the data mining algorithm for classified fault diagnosis rules about steam turbine is brought forward; its realization process is as follows: (1) computing the measurement matrix of effect; (2) extracting rules; (3) computing the importance of rules; (4) shearing the rules by genetic algorithm. An experimental system for data mining and fault diagnosis of steam turbine based on neural network is implemented. Its diagnosis precision is 84%. And experiments do prove that it is feasible to use the method to develop a system for fault diagnosis of steam turbine, which is valuable for further study in more depth.
Safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device in large artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) has limited efficacy in proximal large vessel occlusions. This study was to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with a retrievable Solitaire stent in acute large artery occlusions . MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a single center study enrolling patients treated with Solitaire-assisted thrombectomy between November 2010 and March 2011. Inclusion criteria were severe stroke of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥10, treatment initiation within 6 hours from onset, and an angiographically verified occlusion of proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery (ICA). The primary outcome was recanalization defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarct (TICI) reperfusion grade 2b/3. Secondary outcomes were good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤2), early substantial neurological improvement (NIHSS score improvement ≥8 at 24 hours), and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (SHT). RESULTS Ten patients were consecutively enrolled: Age: 72.4 ΁ 5.7 years; female: 70%; baseline median NIHSS score: 19.5; and ICA occlusion in 50% and M1 portion of MCA occlusion in 50%. Six patients received intravenous TPA before intra-arterial treatment, and five patients were treated with adjuvant intra-arterial urokinase. Successful recanalization was achieved in 7 (70%) patients. Four (40%) patients had a good functional outcome at 3 months, and three (30%) patients had an early substantial neurological improvement. SHT occurred in two patients (20%), and 3-month mortality rate was 30%. There was no procedure-related complication. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device can effectively recanalize proximal large vessel occlusions, and potentially improves clinical outcome.
Tutoring struggling adolescent readers: A program investigation

Abstract This study examined a reading tutoring program for struggling adolescent readers. The major objectives of the tutoring program were to help struggling adolescent readers develop an understanding of the strategic nature of reading and to encourage these reluctant readers to take control of their reading. The results of the study hold implications for the implementation of strategy instruction. The results also indicate critical program features for working with struggling adolescent readers.
Language learning motivation, Global English and study modes: a comparative study

Exploring the popular explanation that the global spread of English may demotivate students with English as their first language to learn other languages, this study investigates relations between student motivation and perception of Global English and tests for differences between traditional ‘campus’ and distance university students with respect to motivation and perceptions of Global English issues. Results are tested for possible relations between motivational orientations, self-efficacy, chosen target language (TL) and students' perceptions of Global English and findings are evaluated within two recent models of (language) learner motivation. Implications of the findings, in particular with respect to theories of second language learning motivation, the positioning of English L1 speakers in different models of Global English, and the rationale of Global English as demotivator for this learner group, are discussed in the conclusion.
The Impact of the Different Disabilities Arising from Head Injury on the Primary Caregiver

One of the major challenges of coping with head injury is that people are often unprepared for, and unaware of, the potentially harsh reality that can have an impact on the family. This study was carried out to examine the association between motor, cognitive, behavioural, perceptual, and speech and language disabilities and the levels of stress and strain on the carers. Two scales were used to measure stress and strain. The results showed that, in this group (n = 70), behavioural disabilities were most strongly associated with the carers' self-concepts, such as self-esteem and feelings of competence. Motor and cognitive disabilities were associated with strain on roles and activities outside the caregiving situation. These results have implications for practice and service providers. They indicate that services and intervention strategies must place greater emphasis on addressing the possible impact of behavioural disabilities on the carer's self-concept and that respite services should be available to allow the carer time to fulfil other roles and responsibilities that are neglected due to cognitive and motor disabilities.
Molecular Mechanism of Selectivity among G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 Inhibitors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key regulators of cell physiology and control processes ranging from glucose homeostasis to contractility of the heart. A major mechanism for the desensitization of activated GPCRs is their phosphorylation by GPCR kinases (GRKs). Overexpression of GRK2 is strongly linked to heart failure, and GRK2 has long been considered a pharmaceutical target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Several lead compounds developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals show high selectivity for GRK2 and therapeutic potential for the treatment of heart failure. To understand how these drugs achieve their selectivity, we determined crystal structures of the bovine GRK2-Gβγ complex in the presence of two of these inhibitors. Comparison with the apoGRK2-Gβγ structure demonstrates that the compounds bind in the kinase active site in a manner similar to that of the AGC kinase inhibitor balanol. Both balanol and the Takeda compounds induce a slight closure of the kinase domain, the degree of which correlates with the potencies of the inhibitors. Based on our crystal structures and homology modeling, we identified five amino acids surrounding the inhibitor binding site that we hypothesized could contribute to inhibitor selectivity. However, our results indicate that these residues are not major determinants of selectivity among GRK subfamilies. Rather, selectivity is achieved by the stabilization of a unique inactive conformation of the GRK2 kinase domain.
Demonstration of fully functional 64-kb Josephson/CMOS hybrid memory

We have been developing Josephson/CMOS hybrid memories, where decoders and memory cell arrays are composed of CMOS devices and bit-line current sensors are made by Josephson circuits. In our previous study we reported a fully functional 64-kb CMOS static RAM for the hybrid memory, which includes CMOS differential amplifiers with 40-mV voltage inputs. In this paper we demonstrate a fully functional 64-kb Josephson/CMOS hybrid memory, which is composed SFQ input/output circuits using the AIST Nb standard process and a CMOS static RAM using the Rohm 180 nm CMOS process. All input data, are inputs to the hybrid memory as SFQ signals in the system. The total access time was measured to be about 1.69 ns.
The Modified Rivermead Mobility Index: Reliability and convergent validity in a mixed neurological population

Purpose. To assess the inter-rater reliability, internal consistency and convergent validity of the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) in a mixed neurological population. Method. The MRMI was scored for 30 consecutive patients (mean age 54.5 ± 15.6 years) by two individual testers. Reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,1) and Bland and Altman plots; internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha (α) and convergent validity using Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) test to compare the MRMI to the 10-m walk test as a gold standard of mobility. As the majority of patients had bilateral deficits, the MRMI was measured and added independently for both sides. Results. The inter-rater reliability was excellent: ICC (95% CI) = 0.93(0.86, 0.96). The Bland and Altman plots contained most data points and there was perfect agreement between raters bilaterally in 27% of cases, with a difference of one point in 60% of cases on the left and 63% of cases on the right. Internal consistency was good at α = 0.72 (Rater 1) and 0.80 (Rater 2). The Spearman ρ between MRMI and the 10-m walk test was high at 0.86. Conclusions. The MRMI was shown to have high levels of reliability in a mixed neurological population but we recommend that its psychometric properties are further investigated to establish the true clinical utility of this measure.
Perceived Trustworthiness of Supervisors, Employee Satisfaction and Cooperation

Abstract This study examines the value of trustworthiness of supervisors within US federal agencies. Although public administration scholars have paid attention to trust as a managerial resource, more empirical evidence is still needed. The authors test whether perceived trustworthiness of supervisors works as a valuable managerial resource within federal agencies. Following Mayer et al. (1995), this study assumes trustworthiness as a multi-dimensional concept composed of ability, benevolence and integrity. Drawing on data from a large-scale survey of US federal employees, the research first tests whether these factors constitute the elements of supervisory trustworthiness of federal agencies by second-order confirmatory factor analysis. Then, using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, the research examines whether trustworthiness has positive associations with employee satisfaction and cooperation within work units. The analyses confirm that the three factors constitute trustworthiness as Mayer et al. (1995) suggest and that supervisory trustworthiness is substantially associated with the two outcomes.
Effect of exercise on abdominal fat loss in men and women with and without type 2 diabetes

Objective To examine the effect of exercise on abdominal adipose tissue in adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design Post hoc analysis of two randomised controlled trials. Setting Outpatient secondary prevention programme in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Participants 97 men and women with prehypertension, stage 1 or medically controlled hypertension. 49% of the sample was also diagnosed with T2DM. Intervention All participants completed a 26-week (6.5 months) supervised aerobic and resistance exercise programme following American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Primary and secondary outcome measures The main outcomes in this post hoc analysis were total abdominal adipose tissue (TAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by MRI. Secondary outcomes were to determine whether the magnitude of abdominal fat change differed by diabetes status in men and women and to identify the predictors of change in abdominal fat distribution with exercise. Results Overall, participants (mean age 61±6 years; 45% women) significantly improved peak oxygen uptake by 15% (p<0.01) and reduced weight by 2% (p<0.01). No change in SAT was observed after training. The reduction in VAT following exercise was attenuated in participants with T2DM (–3%) compared with participants who were non-T2DM (–18%, p<0.001 for the difference in change). The magnitude of VAT loss was associated with a decrease in body weight (r=0.50, p<0.001). After adjustment for weight change using regression analysis, diabetes status remained an independent predictor of the change in VAT. Conclusions Although participants with and without T2DM attained an exercise training effect as evidenced by increased fitness, VAT was unchanged in T2DM compared to those without T2DM, suggesting that these individuals may be resistant to this important benefit of exercise. The strategies for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in T2DM may be most effective when they include a weight loss component. Clinical Trials Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Registry NCT00212303.
The Objectives Approach to Clinical Supervision: Towards Integration and Empirical Evaluation

Clinical supervision in psychology training and practice is a significant and growing need in the Australian and international contexts. This paper briefly reviews current models of supervision and critically examines their implications for current research and practice. Two significant problems with current supervision models are that they lack the specificity to translate into clinical practice and the empirical research to demonstrate supervision effectiveness. The objectives approach, a paradigm from curriculum design and educational research, is described and applied to the domain of clinical supervision. It is argued that the new approach enhances conceptual clarity and provides a framework that facilitates choice of appropriate supervision objectives and methods, assessment of trainee competence, and evaluation of supervision efficacy. Based on the theoretical framework, a pilot study that examined concordance between supervisor and trainee with regard to supervision objectives and methods was cond.
Endocannabinoids Inhibit Transmission at Granule Cell to Purkinje Cell Synapses by Modulating Three Types of Presynaptic Calcium Channels

At many central synapses, endocannabinoids released by postsynaptic cells inhibit neurotransmitter release by activating presynaptic cannabinoid receptors. The mechanisms underlying this important means of synaptic regulation are not fully understood. It has been shown at several synapses that endocannabinoids inhibit neurotransmitter release by reducing calcium influx into presynaptic terminals. One hypothesis maintains that endocannabinoids indirectly reduce calcium influx by modulating potassium channels and narrowing the presynaptic action potential. An alternative hypothesis is that endocannabinoids directly and selectively inhibit N-type calcium channels in presynaptic terminals. Here we test these hypotheses at the granule cell to Purkinje cell synapse in cerebellar brain slices. By monitoring optically the presynaptic calcium influx (Cainflux) and measuring the EPSC amplitudes, we found that cannabinoid-mediated inhibition arises solely from reduced presynaptic Cainflux. Next we found that cannabinoid receptor activation does not affect the time course of presynaptic calcium entry, indicating that the reduced Cainflux reflects inhibition of presynaptic calcium channels. Finally, we assessed the classes of presynaptic calcium channels inhibited by cannabinoid receptor activation via peptide calcium channel antagonists. Previous studies established that N-type, P/Q-type, and R-type calcium channels are all present in granule cell presynaptic boutons. We found that cannabinoid activation reduced Cainflux through N-type, P/Q-type, and R-type calcium channels to 29, 60, and 55% of control, respectively. Thus, rather than narrowing the presynaptic action potential or exclusively modulating N-type calcium channels, CB1 receptor activation inhibits synaptic transmission by modulating all classes of calcium channels present in the presynaptic terminal of the granule cell to Purkinje cell synapse.