Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Benefits of Being Sexually Autonomous and Costs of Being Sexually Pressured: The Contributions of Different Motives for Sex to Experiences of Sexual Well-Being

A growing number of studies suggest that the reasons for which people engage in sexual activities matter for their sexual well-being. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this thesis research investigated the contributions of autonomous and controlled sexual motivation to sexual well-being. These objectives were achieved through a series of five studies presented in four manuscripts. In Manuscript 1, we validated the Sexual Motivation Scale (SexMS), a measure of self-regulation for sexual activities grounded in SDT (Study 1: N = 1,070, Study 2: N = 575). Collectively, the findings provided strong support for the factorial validity of the SexMS. Additionally, the SexMS captured important individual differences in sexual well-being, specifically with respect to sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and sexual function. Manuscript 2 explored how autonomous and controlled sexual motivation are integrated with broader psychological functioning by examining their motivational antecedents and well-being consequences (N = 828). The results showed that global and relational motivation explained individual differences in autonomous and controlled sexual motivation. Additionally, autonomous and controlled sexual motivation explained individual differences in sexual, relational, and global well-being. Finally, the results suggested that, for the most part, the associations between the motivational antecedents and the well-being consequences of autonomous and controlled sexual motivation followed a heterarchical structure. Next, in Manuscript 3, the motivational sequence proposed by SDT – in which basic psychological needs satisfaction predicts quality of motivation, and in turn quality of psychological functioning – was validated in the context of within-person variations in sexual well-being (N = 113). The results indicated that on days when people experience more basic psychological needs satisfaction during interactions with their partner, their sexual motivation was more autonomous and this was
F-term uplifting and the supersymmetric integration of heavy moduli

We study in detail the stability properties of the simplest F-term uplifting mechanism consistent with the integration of heavy moduli. This way of uplifting vacua guarantees that the interaction of the uplifting sector with the moduli sector is consistent with integrating out the heavy fields in a supersymmetric way. The interactions between light and heavy fields are characterized in terms of the Kahler invariant function, G = K + log|W|2, which is required to be separable in the two sectors. We generalize earlier results that when the heavy fields are stabilized at a minimum of the Kahler function G before the uplifting (corresponding to stable AdS maxima of the potential), they remain in a perturbatively stable configuration for arbitrarily high values of the cosmological constant (or the Hubble parameter during inflation). By contrast, supersymmetric minima and saddle points of the scalar potential are always destabilized for sufficiently large amount of uplifting. We prove that these results remain unchanged after including gauge couplings in the model. We also show that in more general scenarios, where the Kahler function is not separable in the light and heavy sectors, the minima of the Kahler function still have better stability properties at large uplifting than other types of critical points.
Population synthesis for double white dwarfs. II. Semi-detached systems: AM CVn stars

We study two models for AM CVn stars: white dwarfs accreting (i) from a helium white dwarf companion and (ii) from a helium-star donor. We show that in the first model possibly no accretion disk forms at the onset of the mass transfer. The stability and the rate of mass transfer then depend on the tidal coupling between the accretor and the orbital motion. In the second model the formation of AM CVn stars may be prevented by detonation of the CO white dwarf accretor and the disruption of the system. With the most favourable conditions for the formation of AM CVn stars we find a current Galactic birth rate of $6.8 10^{-3} {\rm yr^{-1}}$. Unfavourable conditions give $1.1 10^{-3} {\rm yr^{-1}}$. The expected total number of the systems in the Galaxy is 9.4 10 7 and 1.6 10 7 , respectively. We model very simple selection effects to get some idea about the currently expected observable population and discuss the (quite good) agreement with the observed systems.
HYPNOTIC SUGGESTIBILITY AND ADULT ATTACHMENT

Many attempts have been made to connect hypnotic suggestibility with certain personality traits. These efforts resulted in the discovery of ‘positive’ as well as ‘problematic’ aspects of hypnotic suggestibility. In a pilot project, the association between hypnotic suggestibility and attachment style of young adults was examined. We assessed the relationship attitudes in a sample of 117 undergraduate students with a German modification of the Relationship Style Questionnaire (RSQ) as well as their hypnotic suggestibility measured with the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A). Participants with insecure attachment styles showed higher hypnotic suggestibility. Two RSQ scales in particular, namely anxiety and lack of trust, correlated positively with hypnotic suggestibility. Thus, hypnotic suggestibility seems to be connected to the ‘problematic’ aspects of human personality traits; a result which has to be questioned further.
Wavelet Based Classification for Cancer Diagnosis

We make use of discrete wavelets to extract distinguishing features between normal and cancerous human breast tissue fluorescence spectra. These are then used in conjunction with discriminant analysis for the purpose of reliable tissue differentiation. The wavelet coefficients at different levels of decomposition, representing intensity variations at different scales, are selected as feature vectors wherein the multiresolution and localization properties of wavelets are optimally exploited for identifying features. This wavelet based approach, when combined with the sensitive polarized fluorescence data, yielded statistically reliable characterization of tissue types for diagnostic purpose. Analysis of a number of data sets belonging to both perpendicular and parallel polarized spectra have led to key distinctions between cancerous, benign and normal tissues.
Implementing inclusion in disabling settings: the role of teachers’ attitudes and practices

ABSTRACT Teachers’ attitudes towards disabled students seem to define the extent to which teaching practices are inclusive. Aiming to explore Cyprus secondary education teachers’ attitudes and practice, and the consequent implications for the future of disabled students and inclusive education, we conducted mixed methods research. Our research typology was sequential and integrated. First, we conducted a survey, during which we received 536 questionnaires from our randomly selected stratified sample of Cyprus secondary education teachers. The survey was followed by interviews with 21 Greek Philology teachers that enriched the findings from the quantitative phase. Data analysis revealed that even though Cyprus secondary education teachers have a rather positive attitude towards disabled students, they have low expectations from them and do not employ inclusive teaching practice. In addition, they tend to categorise students based on abstract notions about ability. Stereotypes and prejudice are more evident regarding students with cognitive disabilities. Despite the observed disabling practices, participants postulated that there is hope to implement inclusive education, if teachers are trained for inclusion and thereby begin to see the person and not the disability.
European public finances: much ado about nothing?

In this article, European public finances are analyzed by focusing on the EU budget and the influence of the EU on member states’ taxes and spending. Starting from the economic theory of federalism, the chapter surveys the development of EU revenue, spending and off-budget activities, discusses the redistributive impact of the EU budget on member states, budgetary decision-making procedures and to what extent the EU influences member states’ public finances. It is demonstrated that political reasons have been the driving force for EU finances in the past and argued that it will dominate in the future. The analysis is hence guided by a political economics perspective on the interaction between the different players in EU decision-making and the institutional restrictions they face. This involves the interests of the Commission, the Parliament as well as those of the single countries in the Council. They are restricted by the system of member states’ contributions to the EU and the balanced budget requirement, but also by the budgetary procedures that determine their individual decision-making power. Paper prepared for the Handbook of Public Administration and Policy in the European Union, edited by M. PETER VAN DER HOEK, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. – Revised Version. I would like to thank Jan Schnellenbach and three anonymous referees for valuable suggestions and criticisms. Mailing Address: Prof. Dr. Lars P. Feld Philipps-University of Marburg Public Finance Group Am Plan 2 D-35096 Marburg (Lahn) Germany Feld@wiwi.uni-marburg.de
A Not-So-Simple View of Adolescent Writing.

According to the Simple View of Writing, four primary skills are necessary for successful writing (Berninger & Amtmann, 2003; Berninger & Winn, 2006). Transcription skills (e.g., handwriting, spelling) represent lower-order cognitive tasks, whereas text generation skills (e.g., ideation, translation) represent higher-order writing/cognitive abilities. Self-regulatory executive functions include the attentional and regulatory abilities that help manage the writing process, and working memory represents the cognitive complexity of the writing process. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the relations amongst the components of the Simple View of Writing. A one-way ANOVA tested for differences between struggling and non-struggling writers on the observed variables. Results revealed a two-factor model, suggesting writing is more multidimensional. Statistically significant differences were observed between struggling and non-struggling writers on all measures except the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Self-Report and the Graphic Speed task of the Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting.
Induction of an antiinflammatory effect and prevention of cartilage damage in rat knee osteoarthritis by CF101 treatment.

OBJECTIVE Studies have suggested that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) share common characteristics. The highly selective A(3) adenosine receptor agonist CF101 was recently defined as a potent antiinflammatory agent for the treatment of RA. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CF101 on the clinical and pathologic manifestations of OA in an experimental animal model. METHODS OA was induced in rats by monosodium iodoacetate, and upon disease onset, oral treatment with CF101 (100 microg/kg given twice daily) was initiated. The A(3) adenosine receptor antagonist MRS1220 (100 microg/kg given twice daily) was administered orally, 30 minutes before CF101 treatment. The OA clinical score was monitored by knee diameter measurements and by radiographic analyses. Histologic analyses were performed following staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O-fast green, or toluidine blue, and histologic changes were scored according to a modified Mankin system. Signaling proteins were assayed by Western blotting; apoptosis was detected via immunohistochemistry and TUNEL analyses. RESULTS CF101 induced a marked decrease in knee diameter and improved the changes noted on radiographs. Administration of MRS1220 counteracted the effects of CF101. CF101 prevented cartilage damage, osteoclast/osteophyte formation, and bone destruction. In addition, CF101 markedly reduced pannus formation and lymphocyte infiltration. Mechanistically, CF101 induced deregulation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, resulting in down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Consequently, CF101 induced apoptosis of inflammatory cells that had infiltrated the knee joints; however, it prevented apoptosis of chondrocytes. CONCLUSION CF101 deregulated the NF-kappaB signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis of OA. CF101 induced apoptosis of inflammatory cells and acted as a cartilage protective agent, which suggests that it would be a suitable candidate drug for the treatment of OA.
SEM Modeling with Singular Moment Matrices Part II: ML-Estimation of Sampled Stochastic Differential Equations

Linear stochastic differential equations are expressed as an exact discrete model (EDM) and estimated with structural equation models (SEMs) and the Kalman filter (KF) algorithm. The oversampling approach is introduced in order to formulate the EDM on a time grid which is finer than the sampling intervals. This leads to a simple computation of the nonlinear parameter functionals of the EDM. For small discretization intervals, the functionals can be linearized, and standard software permitting only linear parameter restrictions can be used. However, in this case the SEM approach must handle large matrices leading to degraded performance and possible numerical problems. The methods are compared using coupled linear random oscillators with time-varying parameters and irregular sampling times.
GOODS-HERSCHEL: STAR FORMATION, DUST ATTENUATION, AND THE FIR–RADIO CORRELATION ON THE MAIN SEQUENCE OF STAR-FORMING GALAXIES UP TO z ≃ 4

We use deep panchromatic data sets in the GOODS-N field, from GALEX to the deepest Herschel far-infrared (FIR) and VLA radio continuum imaging, to explore the evolution of star-formation activity and dust attenuation properties of star-forming galaxies to z ≃ 4, using mass-complete samples. Our main results can be summarized as follows: (i) the slope of the star-formation rate–M* correlation is consistent with being constant ≃0.8 up to z ≃ 1.5, while its normalization keeps increasing with redshift; (ii) for the first time we are able to explore the FIR–radio correlation for a mass-selected sample of star-forming galaxies: the correlation does not evolve up to z ≃ 4; (iii) we confirm that galaxy stellar mass is a robust proxy for UV dust attenuation in star-forming galaxies, with more massive galaxies being more dust attenuated. Strikingly, we find that this attenuation relation evolves very weakly with redshift, with the amount of dust attenuation increasing by less than 0.3 mag over the redshift range [0.5–4] for a fixed stellar mass; (iv) the correlation between dust attenuation and the UV spectral slope evolves with redshift, with the median UV slope becoming bluer with redshift. By z ≃ 3, typical UV slopes are inconsistent, given the measured dust attenuations, with the predictions of commonly used empirical laws. (v) Finally, building on existing results, we show that gas reddening is marginally larger (by a factor of around 1.3) than the stellar reddening at all redshifts probed. Our results support a scenario where the ISM conditions of typical star-forming galaxies evolve with redshift, such that at z ≥ 1.5 Main Sequence galaxies have ISM conditions moving closer to those of local starbursts.
Dose-Related Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Objective To examine the dose-related effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis. Methods Sixty patients with plantar fasciitis despite conservative treatment were enrolled. The patients were divided into a low-energy group (group L: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, energy flux density [EFD] per shock 0.08 mJ/mm2) and a medium-energy group (group M: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, EFD 0.16 mJ/mm2). The main outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley (RM) score, and thickness of plantar fascia (PF). To compare the effects between each group, follow-up was carried out 1 week after 3 and 6 sessions, and 1 and 3 months after ESWT. Results Significant VAS and RM score improvement, and PF thickness reduction were observed in both groups (p<0.01). After 3 sessions of ESWT, group M showed significant improvement in the VAS and RM score than group L, whereas after 3 additional sessions applied in group L, the main outcomes were no longer significantly different in both groups (p>0.05). Conclusion Therapeutic effect might disclose a dose-related relationship; therefore, EFD and the times of the session are considerable factors when treating with ESWT.
Ant colony optimization for symmetrical FPGA placement

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are becoming increasingly important implementation platforms for digital circuits. This paper presents a method for symmetrical FPGA placement based on ant colony optimazation (ACO). Also, we take the routing congestion into consideration by introducing a congestion factor in our algorithm. Experimental results show that compared with the state-of-the-art FPGA place and route tool VPR, ACO algorithm achieves promising performance, in terms of routing channel density.
Alteration of the transmembrane K+ gradient during development of delayed rectifier in isolated rat pulmonary arterial cells

The properties of the tail current associated with the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK) in isolated rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were examined using the whole cell patch clamp technique. The tail currents observed upon repolarization to -60 mV after brief (e.g., 20 ms) or small (i.e. to potentials negative of 0 mV) depolarizations were outwardly directed, as expected given the calculated K+ reversal potential of -83 mV. The tail currents seen upon repolarization after longer (e.g., 500 ms) and larger (e.g., to +60 mV) depolarizations tended to be inwardly directed. Depolarizations of intermediate strength and/or duration were followed by biphasic tail currents, which were inwardly directed immediately upon repolarization, but changed direction and became outwardly directed before deactivation was complete. When cells were depolarized to +60 mV for 500 ms both IK and the subsequent inward tail current at -60 mV were similarly blocked by phencyclidine. Both IK and the inward tail current were also blocked by 4-aminopyridine. Application of progressively more depolarized 30 s preconditioning potentials inactivated IK, and reduced the inward tail current amplitude with a similar potential dependency. These results indicated that the inward tail current was mediated by IK. The reversal potential of the tail current became progressively more positive with longer depolarizations to +60 mV, shifting from -76.1 +/- 2.2 mV (n = 10) after a 20-ms step to -57.7 +/- 3.5 mV (n = 9) after a 500-ms step. Similar effects occurred when extracellular K+ and Na+ were replaced by choline. When extracellular K+ was raised to 50 mM, the tail current was always inwardly directed at -60 mV, but showed little change in amplitude as the duration of depolarization was increased. These observations are best explained if the dependencies of tail current direction and kinetics upon the duration of the preceding depolarization result from an accumulation of K+ at the external face of the membrane, possibly in membrane invaginations. A mathematical model which simulates the reversal potential shift and the biphasic kinetics of the tail current on this basis is presented.
Temporal De-biasing of Behaviour in Residential Energy Consumption: Supporting Conservation Compliance Through Feedback Design

Despite years of research in residential energy conservation, means of inducing conservation behaviour through feedback are not well understood. In this thesis I take a novel approach to feedback design by addressing temporal inconsistencies that may hinder individuals from forming an intention to conserve. To help understand conservation compliance strategies, I proposed a visual framework to categorize interventions. I present two design heuristics that were inspired by temporal construal theory (Liberman & Trope, 2003). They were the impetus for the design of three feedback display prototypes, which were examined. Due to methodological limitations, significant improvements to compliance were not found. However, evidence suggests that comparative feedback may have supported reasoning about conservation rather than supporting conservation compliance directly. Future work includes refinement of feedback displays to avoid direct comparisons, exploring the use of nature imagery, and the study of a possible interaction between environmental values and comparative feedback on compliance.
Actin filament organization in the fish keratocyte lamellipodium

From recent studies of locomoting fish keratocytes it was proposed that the dynamic turnover of actin filaments takes place by a nucleation- release mechanism, which predicts the existence of short (less than 0.5 microns) filaments throughout the lamellipodium (Theriot, J. A., and T. J. Mitchison. 1991. Nature (Lond.). 352:126-131). We have tested this model by investigating the structure of whole mount keratocyte cytoskeletons in the electron microscope and phalloidin-labeled cells, after various fixations, in the light microscope. Micrographs of negatively stained keratocyte cytoskeletons produced by Triton extraction showed that the actin filaments of the lamellipodium are organized to a first approximation in a two-dimensional orthogonal network with the filaments subtending an angle of around 45 degrees to the cell front. Actin filament fringes grown onto the front edge of keratocyte cytoskeletons by the addition of exogenous actin showed a uniform polarity when decorated with myosin subfragment-1, consistent with the fast growing ends of the actin filaments abutting the anterior edge. A steady drop in filament density was observed from the mid- region of the lamellipodium to the perinuclear zone and in images of the more posterior regions of lower filament density many of the actin filaments could be seen to be at least several microns in length. Quantitative analysis of the intensity distribution of fluorescent phalloidin staining across the lamellipodium revealed that the gradient of filament density as well as the absolute content of F-actin was dependent on the fixation method. In cells first fixed and then extracted with Triton, a steep gradient of phalloidin staining was observed from the front to the rear of the lamellipodium. With the protocol required to obtain the electron microscope images, namely Triton extraction followed by fixation, phalloidin staining was, significantly and preferentially reduced in the anterior part of the lamellipodium. This resulted in a lower gradient of filament density, consistent with that seen in the electron microscope, and indicated a loss of around 45% of the filamentous actin during Triton extraction. We conclude, first that the filament organization and length distribution does not support a nucleation release model, but is more consistent with a treadmilling-type mechanism of locomotion featuring actin filaments of graded length. Second, we suggest that two layers of filaments make up the lamellipodium; a lower, stabilized layer associated with the ventral membrane and an upper layer associated with the dorsal membrane that is composed of filaments of a shorter range of lengths than the lower layer and which is mainly lost in Triton.