Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast imaging in two dimensions resolves extensive sources of Ca2+ sparks in frog skeletal muscle

1 Ca2+ sparks were monitored by confocal laser‐scanning microscopy of fluo‐3 at video rates, in fast twitch muscle fibres, stimulated by exposure to caffeine and/or low [Mg2+]. Scanning was in two spatial dimensions (‘2D’) or 2D plus time, at 4 ms per image frame. Sparks were identified in 2D images of normalized fluorescence by an automatic procedure, which also evaluated the event's location and morphometric parameters. 2 Most sparks were circular, but some were elongated, especially in caffeine. Separation of the spark from circular symmetry was quantified by its eccentricity (length/width – 1). 3 In an internal solution with 0·4 mM [Mg2+], sparks (989 events in 4 cells) had amplitude 0·73, width 1·94 μm, length 2·12 μm and eccentricity not significantly different from 0. Upon application of 1 mM caffeine, length (of 2578 events in the same cells) increased significantly (by 0·41 μm, or 19 %), width increased by 0·18 μm (9 %) and amplitude decreased slightly. The eccentricity became significantly different from 0, and the sparks' long axis predominantly oriented parallel to the plane of the Z disks. 4 More than 10 % of the events in caffeine had length greater than 4 μm, a relatively flat top, and a sharp termination at both ends of the major axis. Additionally, there was only a weak correlation between eccentricity and amplitude. These properties suggest that the elongated events are produced by simultaneous opening of multiple channels within a junction, rather than anisotropic diffusion of Ca2+ or random overlap of round sparks. 5 Elongated events often increased in eccentricity early in their evolution. Then, most remained elongated during their rise and decay, while others spread spatially in the plane of the Z disks. In 1–2 % of the events, the centre of mass migrated in space, over time, at ≈0·1 μm ms−1. 6 These spatio‐temporal features require the involvement of multiple release channels, at spatially resolvable locations. Because sources often spread over distances greater than 1 or 2 μm, and arrays of junctional elements (couplons) are at most 1·2 μm long, it must be possible for activation of release to propagate between neighbouring couplons, especially under the influence of caffeine and/or low [Mg2+].
Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 Hypomethylation and Oxidative Stress: Correlation and Bladder Cancer Diagnostic Potential

Although, increased oxidative stress and hypomethylation of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) associate with bladder cancer (BCa) development, the relationship between these alterations is unknown. We evaluated the oxidative stress and hypomethylation of the LINE-1 in 61 BCa patients and 45 normal individuals. To measure the methylation levels and to differentiate the LINE-1 loci into hypermethylated, partially methylated and hypomethylated, peripheral blood cells, urinary exfoliated cells and cancerous tissues were evaluated by combined bisulfite restriction analysis PCR. The urinary total antioxidant status (TAS) and plasma protein carbonyl content were determined. The LINE-1 methylation levels and patterns, especially hypomethylated loci, in the blood and urine cells of the BCa patients were different from the levels and patterns in the healthy controls. The urinary TAS was decreased, whereas the plasma protein carbonyl content was increased in the BCa patients relative to the controls. A positive correlation between the methylation of LINE-1 in the blood-derived DNA and urinary TAS was found in both the BCa and control groups. The urinary hypomethylated LINE-1 loci and the plasma protein carbonyl content provided the best diagnostic potential for BCa prediction. Based on post-diagnostic samples, the combination test improved the diagnostic power to a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 96%. In conclusion, decreased LINE-1 methylation is associated with increased oxidative stress both in healthy and BCa subjects across the various tissue types, implying a dose-response association. Increases in the LINE-1 hypomethylation levels and the number of hypomethylated loci in both the blood- and urine-derived cells and increase in the oxidative stress were found in the BCa patients. The combination test of the urinary hypomethylated LINE-1 loci and the plasma protein carbonyl content may be useful for BCa screening and monitoring of treatment.
Localization, morphology, and immunohistochemistry of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion neurons that innervate the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor muscles in cattle.

OBJECTIVE To determine the location, morphology, and neurochemical code of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion neurons that innervate the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and superficial digital flexor muscle (FDSM) in cattle. ANIMALS 5 healthy Friesian male calves. PROCEDURE 2 different types of neuronalretrograde fluorescent tracers (fast blue and diamidino yellow) were injected into the GM and FDSM, respectively. The neurochemical code (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, galanin, and neuronal nuclear protein) of labeled neurons was investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Neurons innervating the GM and FDSM were located along the L6-S2 spinal cord segments and ganglionic levels. A cranial-to-caudal topographic distribution for each muscle was found, indicating that the motor nuclei of the 2 muscles are organized by a somatotopic pattern. The GM and FDSM motoneurons were immunoreactive only for calcitonin gene-related peptide, whereas the afferent neurons were immunoreactive for all of the neurochemical markers considered. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In our study, location and the extent of neurons that supply the GM and FDSM of cattle were characterized completely. Because the GM and FDSM are involved in spastic paresis of calves and it is thought that spastic paresis results from an excessive activity of the neuromuscular spindle reflex arc, findings in our study may be useful for further electrophysiologic and clinical studies. Knowledge of the neurochemical code of neurons that supply the GM and FDSM in healthy calves could be used to compare chemical alterations in the same neuronal population of affected calves.
Parental Conditional Regard and the Development of Perfectionism in Adolescent Athletes: The Mediating Role of Competence Contingent Self-worth

Despite evidence highlighting the debilitating nature of perfectionism in sport, few studies have examined how it develops. In explaining the development of perfectionism, theorists emphasize controlling parental practices in family contexts replete with conditional regard. This study, then, tested the role of parental conditional regard in the development of perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns among adolescent athletes. It also tested the mediating role of competence contingent self-worth in these associations. One hundred and forty-eight (Mage = 15.12 years, SD = 1.64) adolescent athletes competing at the regional level or above in their primary sport completed measures of multidimensional perfectionism, competence contingent self-worth, and parental conditional regard. In line with hypotheses, structural equation modeling showed that perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns were positively predicted by parental conditional regard. As expected, competence contingent self-worth mediated both relationships. The findings are the first to suggest that conditional regard from parents is important in the development of perfectionism among adolescent athletes because these behaviors contribute to contingencies of self-worth that are based on competence.
A perspetiva do professor de Educação Física na implementação do modelo de desenvolvimento da responsabilidade pessoal e social

Um dos objetivos da Educacao Fisica e ensinar valores e competencias essenciais a vida em sociedade. Neste âmbito, os professores de Educacao Fisica desempenham um papel fundamental atraves da implementacao de modelos pedagogicos coerentes com este objetivo. O modelo de desenvolvimento da responsabilidade pessoal e social tem sido utilizado neste dominio, com o intuito de aumentar os indices de responsabilidade de criancas e jovens. Todavia, a generalidade das investigacoes tem sido desenvolvidas com jovens em risco de exclusao social e com o objetivo de compreender a eficacia deste modelo. O presente estudo de investigacao‑acao teve como objetivo analisar, na perspetiva de um professor de Educacao Fisica, as estrategias utilizadas para implementar o modelo de desenvolvimento da responsabilidade pessoal e social numa turma constituida por alunos considerados pela comunidade escolar de merito academico e comportamento exemplar. Os participantes neste estudo foram 20 criancas com 9 e 10 anos de idade inseridas numa escola publica do norte de Portugal e um professor de Educacao Fisica. Os dados foram recolhidos atraves de reflexoes escritas realizadas pelo professor responsavel por implementar o programa. Recorreu‑se a uma analise tematica indutiva para interpretar os dados provenientes das reflexoes. Os resultados apontam para a importância de articular objetivos e estrategias com pais e professores de outras disciplinas, aumentando as possibilidades de transferir a responsabilidade para outros dominios da vida. Torna‑se necessario sensibilizar a comunidade escolar para as caracteristicas deste modelo, de modo a que outros agentes educativos possam desenvolver intervencoes com esta natureza. Futuros estudos devem recorrer a investigacao‑acao para interpretar os problemas vivenciados por professores e treinadores na aplicacao deste modelo, utilizando para isso multiplos metodos como analise documental, entrevistas aos alunos e pais. Palavras‑chave : desenvolvimento positivo dos jovens, responsabilidade pessoal e social, educacao fisica, investigacao‑acao
Sınıf Tekrarı Yapan Öğrencilerin Akademik Erteleme Nedenleri

Arastirmanin amaci ise, sinif tekrari yapan lise 1 ve 2. sinif ogrencilerinin akademik erteleme davranisini, kendini toparlama, yasam doyumu, akademik ozdeslesme ve motivasyon degiskenleriyle olusturulan bir model kapsaminda test etmektir. Nedensel karsilastirmali yonteminin kullanildigi arastirmada, 2013-2014 egitim ogretim yilinda, sinif tekrari yapan 234 lise ogrencisi uzerinde yapilmistir. Arastirma grubundaki ogrencilerin 92 (%40)’si erkek ve 140 (%60)’i kiz ogrencidir. Veri toplama araci olarak; Aitken (1982) tarafindan, gelistirilmis, Balkis (2007) tarafindan Turkceye uyarlanmis, Akademik Erteleme Olcegi; Terzi (2006) tarafindan gelistirilmis Kendini Toparlama Gucu Olcegi; Diener (2004) tarafindan gelistirilen ve Koker (1991) tarafindan Turkce’ye uyarlanan Yasam Doyumu Olcegi; Bozanoglu (2004) tarafindan gelistirilen Akademik Gudulenme (Motivasyon) Olcegi; Balkis, Duru ve Bulus (2009) tarafindan gelistirilmis Akademik Ozdeslesme Olcegi arastirmada kullanilmistir. Arastirma sonuclarina gore, nihai modele iliskin elde edilen uyum katsayilari kabul edilen sinirlarin oldukca uzerinde cikmistir. NFI, CFI, GFI, IFI, TLI’ nin . 90’in uzerinde cikmasi o modelin iyi uyum gosterdigini isaret etmektedir. Ki-Kare (X 2 /sd=3.33/2) 1.67 ve RMSEA . 048 bulunmustur. Ayni zamanda, motivasyon degiskeninin akademik ertelemeye dogrudan, anlamli ve negatif yonlu etki yaptigi gorulmektedir (t=-5.74, p<.01). Motivasyonun akademik ertelemeye dogrudan etki degeri β =-. 40 oldugu gorulmektedir. Buna gore, ogrencilerin motivasyonun artmasi ile birlikte, akademik erteleme davranislarinin azaldigini soylenebilir.
Communication-Efficient Learning of Deep Networks from Decentralized Data

Modern mobile devices have access to a wealth of data suitable for learning models, which in turn can greatly improve the user experience on the device. For example, language models can improve speech recognition and text entry, and image models can automatically select good photos. However, this rich data is often privacy sensitive, large in quantity, or both, which may preclude logging to the data center and training there using conventional approaches. We advocate an alternative that leaves the training data distributed on the mobile devices, and learns a shared model by aggregating locally-computed updates. We term this decentralized approach Federated Learning. We present a practical method for the federated learning of deep networks based on iterative model averaging, and conduct an extensive empirical evaluation, considering five different model architectures and four datasets. These experiments demonstrate the approach is robust to the unbalanced and non-IID data distributions that are a defining characteristic of this setting. Communication costs are the principal constraint, and we show a reduction in required communication rounds by 10-100x as compared to synchronized stochastic gradient descent.
Nuttier Bubbles

: We construct new explicit solutions of general relativity from double analytic continuations of Taub-NUT spacetimes. This generalizes previous studies of 4-dimensional nutty bubbles. One 5-dimensional locally asymptotically AdS solution in particular has a special conformal boundary structure of AdS 3 × S 1 . We compute its boundary stress tensor and relate it to the properties of the dual ﬁeld theory. Interestingly enough, we also ﬁnd consistent 6-dimensional bubble solutions that have only one timelike direction. The existence of such spacetimes with non-trivial topology is closely related to the existence of the Taub-NUT(-AdS) solutions with more than one NUT charge. Finally, we begin an investigation of generating new solutions from Taub-NUT spacetimes and nuttier bubbles. Using the so-called Hopf duality, we provide new explicit time-dependent backgrounds in six dimensions.
Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging in neuro-oncology

Abstract Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have seen the development of techniques that allow quantitative imaging of a number of anatomical and physiological descriptors. These techniques have been increasingly applied to cancer imaging where they can provide some insight into tumour microvascular structure and physiology. This review details technical approaches and application of quantitative MRI, focusing particularly on perfusion imaging and its role in neuro-oncology.
Distance, Bank Organizational Structure, and Credit

A time of arrival detector for an analog pulse signal digitizes the pulse, digitally delays the digitized signal in one path and converts the delayed signal back to a delayed analog version of the input signal. In a second path an undelayed analog version of the input signal is provided. A scaling offset is established to scale the delayed signal larger than the undelayed signal, and the delayed and undelayed signals are then compared to establish a time of arrival for the input pulse. A delta modulator is preferably used to provide the digitized signal, and also to provide the undelayed analog version of the input signal as the smoothed output of an integrator within the delta modulator. The undelayed modulator output is preferably attenuated by -3 dB, with the pulse's time of arrival obtained from the time at which the delayed analog signal rises above the undelayed but attenuated signal. The time of arrival of the pulse's trailing edge is obtained in a similar manner by scaling the undelayed signal larger than the delayed signal, and comparing the two resulting signals to detect when the undelayed signal falls below the delayed signal. The pulse width can then be determined by subtracting the pulse's time of arrival from its time of termination.
Budget‐Based Contracts, Budget Levels, and Group Performance

In this paper, we experimentally investigate the effects of budget‐based contracts and budget levels (performance targets) on group performance. We compare a group piece‐rate contract with two different specifications of a group budget‐based contract: (1) a group budget‐fixed contract that provides no remuneration for performance below the budget and a fixed bonus for performance meeting or exceeding the budget, and (2) a group budget‐linear contract that provides no remuneration for performance below the budget, a fixed bonus once the budget is attained, plus a piece‐rate for production in excess of the budget. We also assigned each group a budget level, set at 50 percent, 75 percent, or 100 percent of the group's performance capability. The results indicate that the group budget‐linear contract led to significantly higher group performance than both the group budget‐fixed contract and the group piece‐rate contract. Additionally, the 75 percent budget level led to significantly higher group performance t.
A Single Exposure to the American Flag Shifts Support Toward Republicanism up to 8 Months Later

There is scant evidence that incidental cues in the environment significantly alter people’s political judgments and behavior in a durable way. We report that a brief exposure to the American flag led to a shift toward Republican beliefs, attitudes, and voting behavior among both Republican and Democratic participants, despite their overwhelming belief that exposure to the flag would not influence their behavior. In Experiment 1, which was conducted online during the 2008 U.S. presidential election, a single exposure to an American flag resulted in a significant increase in participants’ Republican voting intentions, voting behavior, political beliefs, and implicit and explicit attitudes, with some effects lasting 8 months after the exposure to the prime. In Experiment 2, we replicated the findings more than a year into the current Democratic presidential term. These results constitute the first evidence that nonconscious priming effects from exposure to a national flag can bias the citizenry toward one political party and can have considerable durability.
A multiple-case study of self-perceived affective experiences and self-reported foreign language performances from a dynamic systems theory perspective

This study aims to explore the non-linear interactions between the self-perceived affective experiences of a group of learners and their self-evaluated performances in a foreign language (FL) classroom through the lens of Dynamic Systems Theory (DST), a theory which developed from advances in the understanding of complex and nonlinear systems in physics and mathematics. The present study bridges several disciplines, namely, mathematics, physics, psychology, applied linguistics and education, in order to avoid over-simplifying the phenomenon by focusing on fragments of reality. This study endeavours to transcend the boundaries between the above disciplines. Abstract DST concepts from mathematics and physics were initially translated into tangible FL terms acceptable to social science researchers. In addition, in order to engage with the learners, a phenomenographic approach was adopted as a qualitative method to explore the dynamism of the learners’ affective experiences and their reflections on their experiences from a second order perspective. 12 second-year Chinese students of English from a Foreign Language University in China participated in this six-month longitudinal study. Diary, Qualitative Survey, Semi-structured Interview and Class Observation were utilised for data collection. Thematic Analysis (TA) was employed to describe the phenomena at a collective level. Finally, a three-layer model, the Dynamic Model of Foreign Language Development was proposed to draw a conclusion from this study, aiming to present a novel way of understanding the distinctive features of the learners’ constant self-evaluations and their perceptions in the different contexts across time. In summary, at a collective level, the relevant attractor states from the second layer, which were determined by three main forces, namely, cognition, emotion and motivation from the first layer, contribute to making up the relevant learning experiences in the third layer. This study has contributed to the under-studied area of emotions and performance in FL learning. Several research and pedagogical implications have been identified. The results of this study contribute to a possible way to figure out terminological issues in an interdisciplinary study. The findings suggest that DST could allow a researcher to situate emotions and performances in one iterative system. DST might provide a possible logical solution to such a causality dilemma.
Effect of information quality of employment website on attitude toward the website: A moderated mediation study

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an empirical model examining the job seekers’ perception about information quality of corporate employment websites and its impact on their attitude toward the websites through perceived playfulness and usefulness. Furthermore, the study also examines the job seekers’ e-trust as condition under which these mechanisms generate website attitude. ,A sample of 385 active job seekers was selected through systematic random sampling. A web-based questionnaire was used to elicit responses for the study. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the proposed model. ,Results indicate that the information quality dimensions positively influence perceived playfulness and perceived usefulness, which in turn evoke the website attitude. Furthermore, e-trust was found to moderate the above said relationships. ,The study contribution lies in an empirical validation of a model showing the mechanisms and the condition through which the relationship exists between perceived information quality of e-recruitment websites and job seekers’ website attitude, and thus responds to the call for additional research that generalizes the influence of information characteristics of websites on job seekers’ behavioral outcomes.
Effect of Acute Inspiratory Muscle Exercise on Blood Flow of Resting and Exercising Limbs and Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes

To evaluate the effects of inspiratory loading on blood flow of resting and exercising limbs in patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Ten diabetic patients without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DM), 10 patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DM-CAN) and 10 healthy controls (C) were randomly assigned to inspiratory muscle load of 60% or 2% of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) for approximately 5 min, while resting calf blood flow (CBF) and exercising forearm blood flow (FBF) were measured. Reactive hyperemia was also evaluated. From the 20 diabetic patients initially allocated, 6 wore a continuous glucose monitoring system to evaluate the glucose levels during these two sessions (2%, placebo or 60%, inspiratory muscle metaboreflex). Mean age was 58 ± 8 years, and mean HbA1c, 7.8% (62 mmol/mol) (DM and DM-CAN). A PImax of 60% caused reduction of CBF in DM-CAN and DM (P<0.001), but not in C, whereas calf vascular resistance (CVR) increased in DM-CAN and DM (P<0.001), but not in C. The increase in FBF during forearm exercise was blunted during 60% of PImax in DM-CAN and DM, and augmented in C (P<0.001). Glucose levels decreased by 40 ± 18.8% (P<0.001) at 60%, but not at 2%, of PImax. A negative correlation was observed between reactive hyperemia and changes in CVR (Beta coefficient = -0.44, P = 0.034). Inspiratory muscle loading caused an exacerbation of the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex in patients with diabetes, regardless of the presence of neuropathy, but influenced by endothelial dysfunction. High-intensity exercise that recruits the diaphragm can abruptly reduce glucose levels.