Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
History to Go: Why iTeach with iPods.

iPODS ARE ONE OF THE hottest selling gadgets on the market. They are everywhere, and that includes college campuses. Duke University initially distributed iPods to all incoming freshmen and then moved to a classroom focus,' and even smaller campuses, such as Georgia College & State University, have gotten considerable publicity for their innovative uses of the iPod.2 Institutions, such as Stanford, are also embracing podcasting, a phenomenon that is literally only a few months old.3 Educational use of iPods has not been without its iControversy, as many wonder whether these ubiquitous devices are really achieving educational goals so much as they are providing an entertainment outlet for students.4 iPods do have educational uses, and since students also enjoy them as entertainment devices, this may have unexpected advantages for instructors. Results of a recent podcasting project in a graduate level course on historical methods and interpretation suggest that iPods are not just toys and podcasting is not just a fad. When applications are based on solid learning theory and designed with appropriate outcomes in mind, they can transform the educational experience for students, build communities of learners, promote more active engagement of materials, and achieve the leaning outcomes essential for the study of history.
What Makes a Leader: Identifying the Strengths of Canadian Physical Therapists

ABSTRACT Purpose: To identify the personal strengths of Canadian physical therapists who hold leadership positions and compare them with the strengths of Canadian physical therapists who do not occupy positions of leadership. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional online survey was distributed to registered Canadian physical therapists. We used the Clifton StrengthsFinder to evaluate 34 characteristics and determine which characteristics described a participant's strengths. Population demographics and leadership strengths were described via frequency distributions and percentages; chi-square analyses and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare differences between groups. Results: Of 173 physical therapists who completed the survey, 108 occupied a position of leadership, and 65 did not. Those in the leader group had significantly more experience and achieved a higher level of education. Leaders most frequently exhibited the strengths of learner, achiever, responsibility, input, and strategic, whereas non-leaders most frequently displayed strengths of learner, achiever, input, relator, and harmony. Leaders were significantly more likely than non-leaders to possess the achiever strength. Gender, level of education, and years of experience did not significantly influence which strengths were present in the leadership profile. Conclusions: There is substantial overlap between leaders and non-leaders in terms of leadership profiles. Future research should investigate whether leadership strengths vary depending on the leadership position occupied and whether leadership development initiatives promote leadership strengths.
Timing Predictability for Resource Sharing Multicore Systems-Challenges and Open Problems

In modern computer systems, multiprocessor systems on chip (MPSoCs) and multicore platforms have been widely applied. These commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products possess significantly increased computational performance in the average case and reduced cost and time-to-market properties that are increasingly appealing for applications in the avionic and automotive industry. Demand for computational resources is growing with the ascend of concepts such as fly-by-wire and assisted driving. However, such concepts rely on guarantees on the worst-case response time (WCRT). In addition, MPSoCs employ shared resources, such as memory or I/O peripherals, for performing communication and data exchange between cores. Multiple processing elements competing for access to a shared resource yields contention and as a result, significantly increased WCRT. MPSoCs with shared resources have been studied by Schliecker et al. [3] using event models and an iterative approach to estimate the worst-case execution time (WCET). Pellizzoni et al. [1] have studied systems with shared resources and proposed methods to analyze the worst-case delay. In [1], we propose sequentially executing superblocks to constitute tasks. Superblocks are specified by their upper bound on access requests to a shared memory and their maximum required computation time. Superblocks are constructed by execution blocks either by static analysis of a program or by the designers efforts to manually arrange memory accesses at the beginning and the end of the execution blocks. Different arbitration policies on a shared memory (FP, FCFS, RR) are analyzed and the worst-case delay suffered by a task due to the interference on the shared memory is computed, using a dynamic programming approach. Other works focus on arbitration policies, that eliminate interference. Rosen et al. [2] use Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) for accessing a bus. A task is modeled as dedicated communication phase at its beginning and end, and an execution phase in between. Static analysis is used to derive all feasible execution traces of a task and to derive the WCET thereof. We propose a task model in [4], where the number of accesses to a shared resource is only known as an upper bound for different time windows. The analysis of the WCRT is based on maximizing the cumulative time a task waits for time slots. Besides the task model with dedicated phases for communication and
Dynamic Fractional Frequency Reuse based on an Improved Water-Filling for Network MIMO

In Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Inter-cell Interference (ICI) is a prominent limiting factor that affects the performance of the systems, especially at the cell edges. Based on the literature, Fractional Frequency Reuse (FFR) methods are known as efficient interference management techniques. In this report, the proposed Dynamic Fractional Frequency Reuse (DFFR) technique improved the capacity and cell edge coverage performance by 70% compared to the Fractional Frequency Reuse (FFR) technique. In this study, an improved power allocation method was adopted into the DFFR technique to reach the goal of not only reducing the ICI mitigation at the cell edges, but also improving the overall capacity of the LTE-A systems. Hence, an improved water-filling algorithm was proposed, and its performance was compared with that of other methods that were considered. Through the simulation results and comparisons with other frequency reuse techniques, it was shown that the proposed method significantly improved the performance of the cell edge throughput by 42%, the capacity by 75%, and the coverage by 80%. Based on the analysis and numerical expressions, it was concluded that the proposed DFFR method provides significant performance improvements, especially for cell edge users.
Formulation of plumbagin loaded long circulating pegylated liposomes: in vivo evaluation in C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 melanoma

Context and Objective: Plumbagin (2-methyl, 5-hydroxy, 1, 4-naphthoquinone), an anticancer agent is encapsulated either as conventional or long circulating liposomal formulations to enhance its biological half-life and antitumor efficacy. Methods: The liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method and in vitro characterization was carried out to examine the particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release. The optimized formulations were tested for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic efficacy against mice bearing B16F1 melanoma. Also in vivo toxicity studies were carried out. Results and Discussion: The optimum particle size and entrapment efficiency was observed at drug to lipid molar ratio of 1:20. The in-vitro release of plumbagin from the liposomal formulations in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) showed biphasic release with an initial burst release followed by sustained release phase. Elimination half life (T1/2) of pegylated, conventional and free plumbagin was 1305.76 ± 278.16, 346.87 ± 33.82 and 35.89 ± 7.95 min respectively. Further, plumbagin exhibited better antitumor efficacy in vivo when administered as long circulating liposomes with no signs of normal tissue toxicity. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the pegylated liposomes could provide a promising parenteral platform for plumbagin with enhanced plasma half-life and therapeutic efficacy.
Compensatory increases in protein markers of mitochondrial dynamics during ageing are adaptable to physical activity

In most tissues of the human body, mitochondria play a key role in providing energy to support cellular and mechanical processes. In this regard, electrons are transferred through complexes I-IV of the electron transport chain (ETC), and the free energy released is used to generate an electrochemical gradient by pumping protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Implicit and explicit learning: applications from basic research to sports for individuals with impaired movement dynamics

Purpose. Motor skills can be learned in an explicit or an implicit manner. Explicit learning places high demands on working memory capacity, but engagement of working memory is largely circumvented when skills are learned implicitly. We propose that individuals with impaired movement dynamics may benefit from implicit learning methods when acquiring sports-related motor skills. Method. We discuss converging evidence that individuals with cerebral palsy and children born prematurely have compromised working memory capacity. This may in part explain the difficulties they encounter when learning motor and other skills. We also review tentative evidence that older people, whose movement dynamics deteriorate, can implicitly learn sports-related motor skills and that this results in more durable performance gains than explicit learning. Results. Individuals with altered movement dynamics and compromised working memory can benefit from implicit motor learning. Conclusion. We conclude with an appeal for more extensive evaluation of the merits of implicit motor learning in individuals with impaired movement dynamics.
A Recombinant Human Cytomegalovirus with a Large Deletion in UL97 Has a Severe Replication Deficiency

ABSTRACT Human cytomegalovirus encodes a protein kinase (UL97) that confers sensitivity to ganciclovir by phosphorylating it to the monophosphate. The function of this unusual kinase in viral replication is unknown. We constructed two independent isolates of a recombinant virus, RCΔ97, that contain large deletions in this gene and carry a 4.8-kb insertion containing a selectable genetic marker. These mutant viruses were isolated by using a population of primary cells (HEL97) that express this gene from integrated copies of a defective retroviral vector. The recombinant viruses were severely impaired in their ability to replicate in primary fibroblasts, attaining virus titers that were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than those produced by the parent virus. Despite the severe replication deficit, both of these viruses retained the ability to form small, slowly growing plaques in primary fibroblasts, demonstrating that UL97 is not absolutely essential for replication in cell culture. The replication deficit was relieved when UL97 was provided in trans in the complementing cell line, showing that the phenotype was due to a deficiency in UL97. Thus, theUL97 gene product plays a very important role in viral replication in tissue culture and may be a good target for antiviral chemotherapy.
Slow Modulation of Ongoing Discharge in the Auditory Cortex during an Interval-Discrimination Task

In this study, we recorded single unit activity from rat auditory cortex while the animals performed an interval-discrimination task. The animals had to decide whether two auditory stimuli were separated by either 150 or 300 ms, and go to the left or right nose poke accordingly. Spontaneous firing in between auditory responses was compared in the attentive versus non-attentive brain states. We describe the firing rate modulation detected during intervals while there was no auditory stimulation. Nearly 18% of neurons (n = 14) showed a prominent neuronal discharge during the interstimulus interval, in the form of an upward or downward ramp towards the second auditory stimulus. These patterns of spontaneous activity were often modulated in the attentive versus passive trials. Modulation of the spontaneous firing rate during the task was observed not only between auditory stimuli, but also in the interval preceding the stimulus. These slow modulatory components could be locally generated or the result of a top-down influence originated in higher associative association areas. Such a neuronal discharge may be related to the computation of the interval time and contribute to the perception of the auditory stimulus.
Developmental changes in the expression of sox2 in the zebrafish brain

The family of B1 Sox transcription factors plays critical roles in the early stages of development, including the central nervous system. It was demonstrated that Sox2 is expressed in repressed neural stem cells. Therefore, we decided to investigate the expression of Sox2 in the brain of zebrafish at different ages to identify potential neurogenic areas, and to establish the developmental changes they undergo. The brains were assessed by qRT‐PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The maximal expression of Sox2 was found at 15 dpf progressively decreases up to 30 dpf, then increases up to 40 dpf and remains unchanged up to 180 dpf. By western blot three protein bands of 28 kDa, 34 kDa (main band), and 38 kDa were detected in the brain of 180 dpf animals. The immunolocalization of Sox2 revealed that by 15 dpf Sox2 was detected in cells of the olfactory bulb, the walls of the telencephalic and diencephalic ventricles, several nucleus in the diencephalons, and the tectum opticum; by 25–50 dpf the Sox2 positive areas were the same as above, and in the rhombencephalic ventricle and cerebellum. In adult animals Sox2 was restricted to the olfactory bulb and to cells of the telencephalic ventricle walls. Taken together present results demonstrate that the potential neurogenic areas in the brain of zebrafish are widespread than in mammals and change with development, but they are primarily concentrated around the ventricles and olfactory bulb in adults, following a similar localization as in mammals. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectral differences between the radio-loud and radio-quiet low-hard states of grs 1915+105: possible detection of synchrotron radiation in x-rays

The Galactic microquasar GRS 1915+105 exhibits several episodes of steady X-ray emission character- ized by a hard power-law spectrum and intense Quasi Periodic Oscillations. It is known that there are two types of such low-hard states, one with steady radio emission and the other without any signicant radio emission. We present the results of a detailed X-ray spectroscopic study of GRS 1915+105, using data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer obtained during various episodes of the low-hard states of the source. We show that there are distinct X-ray spectral dierences between the radio-quiet and radio-loud low-hard states of the source. The X-ray spectra of the radio-quiet low-hard state is best described by a model consisting of a multicolor disk-blackbody and a Comptonized component, whereas the X-ray spectra of radio-loud low-hard state requires a model consisting of three components: a multicolor disk-blackbody, a Comptonized component and a power-law, for statistically and physically acceptable ts. We attempt to model the presence of this additional power-law component as due to synchrotron radiation which is responsible for the radio and infrared radiation from the source. We show that a simple adiabatically expanding jet model for the synchrotron radiation can account for the observed X-ray flux for reasonable values of the magnetic eld and the mass outflow rate. This is the rst report of detection of the synchrotron radiation in the X-ray band for this source.
Aerodynamic evaluation of four butterfly species for the design of flapping-gliding robotic insects

Alternating gliding and active propulsion is a potentially energy saving strategy for small-scale flight. With the goal of finding optimal wing shapes for flapping-gliding robots we evaluate the quasi-steady aerodynamic performance of four butterfly species (Monarch (Danaus plexippus), the Orange Aeroplane (Pantoporia consimilis), the Glasswing (Acraea andromacha) and the Four-barred Swordtail (Protographium Ieosthenes)). We fabricate at-scale wing models based on measured wing shapes and vary the forewing angle in nine steps to account for the ability of the butterfly to change the relative orientation of its forewing and hindwing during flight. For comparison we include twelve non-biological planforms as performance benchmarks for the butterfly wing shapes. We then test these 48 wing models at 2m/s, 3.5m/s and 5m/s (Reynolds number between 2597 and 12632) in a low speed wind tunnel which allows lift and drag force measurements of centimeter-size wings. The results indicate that the forewing orientation which maximizes the wing span offers the best gliding performance and that overall the gliding ratios are highest at 3.5m/s. The wing shapes with the best gliding ratio are found in the Glasswing butterfly with a maximum of 6.26 which is very high compared to the gliding performance of similarly sized flying robots. The results from this study are important for the development of novel biologically-inspired flying micro robots as well as for biomechanics studies in biology.
Important First-line Sales Management Qualifications: What Sales Executives Think

AbstractWhat personal characteristics and performance dimensions are important in determining who is promoted to first-line sales management positions? This question concerns those who aspire to sales management positions, as well as managers who are involved in the first-line sales management process. Despite the significance of the topic, virtually no published research has examined this issue. This paper reports the results of a nationwide survey of senior-level sales executives that focused on criteria that are important in the selection of first-line managers.
Theta-Modulated Gamma-Band Synchronization Among Activated Regions During a Verb Generation Task

Expressive language is complex and involves processing within a distributed network of cortical regions. Functional MRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG) have identified brain areas critical for expressive language, but how these regions communicate across the network remains poorly understood. It is thought that synchronization of oscillations between neural populations, particularly at a gamma rate (>30 Hz), underlies functional integration within cortical networks. Modulation of gamma rhythms by theta-band oscillations (4–8 Hz) has been proposed as a mechanism for the integration of local cell coalitions into large-scale networks underlying cognition and perception. The present study tested the hypothesis that these oscillatory mechanisms of functional integration were present within the expressive language network. We recorded MEG while subjects performed a covert verb generation task. We localized activated cortical regions using beamformer analysis, calculated inter-regional phase locking between activated areas, and measured modulation of inter-regional gamma synchronization by theta phase. The results show task-dependent gamma-band synchronization among regions activated during the performance of the verb generation task, and we provide evidence that these transient and periodic instances of high-frequency connectivity were modulated by the phase of cortical theta oscillations. These findings suggest that oscillatory synchronization and cross-frequency interactions are mechanisms for functional integration among distributed brain areas supporting expressive language processing.
Different genotype distribution of the GNB3 C825T polymorphism of the G protein β3 subunit in adenomas and differentiated thyroid carcinomas of follicular cell origin

A C825T polymorphism has been demonstrated in the GNB3 gene that encodes the Gβ3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. Due to enhanced G protein activation, the GNB3 825T allele is associated with an increased signal transduction activity. To elucidate a possible role in the development and course of thyroid tumours of follicular cell origin, C825T polymorphism genotypes and allele frequencies were investigated in a series of adenomas and differentiated carcinomas. Genotypes and the allele frequency of the Gβ3 polymorphism were investigated in samples from 361 patients (all white Caucasians) with differentiated thyroid tumours of follicular cell origin [80 adenomas and 95 follicular (FTCs) and 186 papillary carcinomas (PTCs)]. The results were compared with those of 1859 healthy controls. Both the genotype distribution (p = 0.029) and the allele frequency (p = 0.028) of the adenoma group were statistically significantly different from those of the control group. Thyroid adenomas also differed for both parameters significantly from FTCs (p = 0.042 and 0.033, respectively) and PTCs (0.0018 and 0.0081, respectively), whereas no statistical difference was noted between the FTC and PTC groups. Although the biological significance of these observations remains obscure, the results are suggestive of a putative role for the GNB3 polymorphism in thyroid tumour development and/or progression. Further research has to elucidate if, and to what extent, this common germ‐line variation influences the TSH‐triggered signalling pathways responsible for thyroid function and proliferation. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generalised integral quadratic method: improvement of the solution for one dimensional Volterra integral equation using particle swarm optimisation

In a previous work, we have introduced the generalised integral quadratic method (GIQ) to handle the Volterra's integral equations in which the interpolating points of Tchebychev have been used. In this paper the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is considered to improve, qualitatively, the solutions. This new approach is investigated and tested with some numerical examples in the linear and nonlinear cases.