Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Task and Skill Level Constraints on the Generality of the Proximal–Distal Principle for Within-Limb Movement Coordination

This paper examines the influence of task and skill level constraints on the generality of proximal–distal control for within-limb movement coordination. Analysis and synthesis of the experimental findings leads to the proposition that proximal–distal is one of several within-limb patterns of coordination, including: the reverse distal–proximal sequence, simultaneous activation of segments, and other sequence variations of this. The probability of particular patterns occurring is induced by task constraints and skill level of the individual, together with their evolving biomechanical consequences, including: open/closed chain, absorption/propulsion of force, magnitude of momentum, and accuracy/timing. We develop the theoretical perspective that classes of task constraints induce particular types of neuromechanical organization to within-arm or within-leg segment coordination. In this task constraint framework, proximal–distal within-limb organization is a particular rather than a general case for within-limb coordination. The limitations of anatomically-based accounts of directional change for within-limb organization are discussed with reference to a general functional degrees of freedom task constraint framework for movement coordination and control.
A modular and reusable model of epithelial transport in the proximal convoluted tubule

We review a collection of published renal epithelial transport models, from which we build a consistent and reusable mathematical model able to reproduce many observations and predictions from the literature. The flexible modular model we present here can be adapted to specific configurations of epithelial transport, and in this work we focus on transport in the proximal convoluted tubule of the renal nephron. Our mathematical model of the epithelial proximal convoluted tubule describes the cellular and subcellular mechanisms of the transporters, intracellular buffering, solute fluxes, and other processes. We provide free and open access to the Python implementation to ensure our multiscale proximal tubule model is accessible; enabling the reader to explore the model through setting their own simulations, reproducibility tests, and sensitivity analyses.
PHGDH is required for germinal center formation and is a therapeutic target in MYC-driven lymphoma

The synthesis of serine from glucose is a key metabolic pathway supporting cellular proliferation in healthy and malignant cells. Despite this, the role that this aspect of metabolism plays in germinal center biology and pathology is not known. Here, we performed a comprehensive characterization of the role of the serine synthesis pathway in germinal center B cells and lymphomas derived from these cells. We demonstrate that upregulation of a functional serine synthesis pathway is a metabolic hallmark of B-cell activation and the germinal center reaction. Inhibition of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the first and rate limiting enzyme in this pathway, leads to defective germinal formation and impaired high-affinity antibody production. In addition, overexpression of enzymes involved in serine synthesis is a characteristic of germinal center B-cell derived lymphomas, with high levels of expression being predictive of reduced overall survival in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Inhibition of PHGDH induces apoptosis in lymphoma cells reducing disease progression. These findings establish PHGDH as a critical player in humoral immunity and a clinically relevant target in lymphoma.
Female Labor Productivity Reduces Domestic Violence: Evidence from Peru

This study investigates the impact of greater economic opportunities for women on domestic violence in Peru. I construct exogenous shifters of gender-specific labor productivity by exploiting gender-specific specialization in the production of major export crops, along with time variation in international crop prices and cross-sectional variation in crop planting patterns. Female labor productivity reduces domestic violence, including severe physical violence and female homicide. I find no evidence that these effects are driven by changes in total household income, increases in women’s bargaining power in the household, or changes in beliefs about the role and treatment of women. I argue instead that results are driven by increases in women’s independence and the ability to seek support outside the domestic sphere. The effects are stronger in districts with more unequal gender norms, in contrast to theories of “male backlash” that predict the opposite. *I would like to thank Jere Behrman, Pedro Bessone, Brian Daza, Esther Duflo, Alice Evans, Pauline Grosjean, Guy Grossman, Anne Karing, Supreet Kaur, Jacob Moscona, Ben Olken, Helene Purcell, Frank Schilbach, Heather Schofield, Harsha Thirumurthy, and Atheendar Venkataramani for invaluable advice. I also thank participants at the Norms and Behavioral Change Conference, at the Penn Development Research Workshop, and at the Penn Health Policy and Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics Research Seminar for helpful feedback. I am very grateful to Jorge Agüero for his help with the Lı́nea 100 data, and Carlos Heros for his help with the ENAHO data. First draft: November, 2021. †MIT Department of Economics, email: isadoraf@mit.edu
Federated Edge Learning with Misaligned Over-The-Air Computation

Over-the-air computation (OAC) is a promising technique to realize fast model aggregation in the uplink of federated edge learning (FEEL). OAC, however, hinges on accurate channel-gain precoding and strict synchronization among edge devices, which are challenging in practice. As such, how to design the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator in the presence of residual channel-gain mismatch and asynchronies is an open problem. To fill this gap, this paper formulates the problem of misaligned OAC for FEEL and puts forth a whitened matched filtering and sampling scheme to obtain oversampled, but independent samples from the misaligned and overlapped signals. Given the whitened samples, a sum-product ML (SP-ML) estimator and an aligned-sample estimator are devised to estimate the arithmetic sum of the transmitted symbols. In particular, the computational complexity of our SP-ML estimator is linear in the packet length, and hence is significantly lower than the conventional ML estimator. Extensive simulations on the test accuracy versus the average received energy per symbol to noise power spectral density ratio (EsN0) yield two main results: 1) In the low EsN0 regime, the aligned-sample estimator can achieve superior test accuracy provided that the phase misalignment is not severe. In contrast, the ML estimator does not work well due to the error propagation and noise enhancement in the estimation process. 2) In the high EsN0 regime, the ML estimator attains the optimal learning performance regardless of the severity of phase misalignment. On the other hand, the aligned-sample estimator suffers from a test-accuracy loss caused by phase misalignment.
A personal perspective on prediction of saline water evaporation from porous media

Abstract Using the great opportunity for contributing a paper to the Special Issue of Drying Technology on the occasion of 30 years of pore-network modeling of drying, we discuss some of the open questions regarding description of saline water evaporation from porous media, which is a topic relevant to a number of environmental and engineering processes and applications, including but not limited to soil salinization, preservation of building materials, and CO2 sequestration. This note is not meant to be an in-depth review article, but more to serve as a summary of open challenges regarding prediction of saline water evaporation from porous media, based on the authors’ recent experimental and computational results and analysis. We focus on the formation of crystalized porous salt layers during drying of porous media and their consequences on the evaporative water losses. Suggestions are made on the future perspective and research directions to predict saline water evaporation from porous media.
Construction Project Peer Reviews as an Early Indicator of Project Success

AbstractIn an effort to proactively identify and mitigate potential project management problems in construction projects, the United States General Service Administration (GSA) developed and implemented a project peer review process in conjunction with the University of Colorado at Boulder and Peter Associates. This paper discusses the peer review process and analyzes whether the questions used in the review can predict project success, as measured by cost, schedule, and the project peer rating, for 22 past projects. The data were analyzed retrospectively by using the point biserial correlation coefficient. The results indicate that project peer reviews conducted during the construction process can be used to assess and predict final project performance. Questions regarding working relationships, communication, timing, project controls, and relational approaches to project participants had significant correlations with project success. In addition, the relationship between the designer and contractor appe.
Estimation of Wave Reflection and Energy Dissipation Coefficients for Beaches, Revetments, and Breakwaters

Abstract : More than 4,000 laboratory measurements of wave reflection from beaches, revetments, and breakwaters are used to develop methods for predicting wave reflection and energy dissipation coefficients. Both monochromatic and irregular wave conditions are considered and the prediction techniques apply to both breaking and nonbreaking wave conditions. (Author)
Bidirectional relations between autonomous motivations and approach goals and their contribution to school functioning

Abstract This study examined the cross-lagged relationships between students’ autonomous motivations (intrinsic motivation and identified regulations) and approach goals (mastery and performance) in school. The sample included 449 students (52% girls) in Grades 7 and 8 (secondary 1 and 2). Results showed that intrinsic motivation (IM) positively predicted approach goals 20 months later, while mastery-approach goals (MAp) positively predicted autonomous motivations. A second objective was to test the contributions of autonomous motivations and approach goals to students’ school functioning measured 32 months after the beginning of the study. Five main findings can be highlighted: IM contributed to (1) increased academic achievement (via high MAp and PAp), (2) increased social anxiety (via high PAp), and (3) decreased disruptive behaviours (via high MAp); MAp goals predicted (4) a decreased in disruptive behaviours (via high identified regulation) and (5) increases in achievement (via high IM). Implications for education stakeholders are presented.
Remote forcing effect of sea surface temperatures in the northern tropical Atlantic on tropical cyclone genesis over the Western North Pacific in July

In July 2020, neither genesis nor landfall of typhoons occurred in the western North Pacific (WNP). This was the first time that the “no‐typhoon” phenomenon had occurred since 1949. This study analysed the variation in the tropical cyclone genesis frequency (TCGF) in the WNP in July over the past 40 years, including the corresponding atmospheric background circulation and the possible influence of tropical sea surface temperature (SST). The results revealed that the eastward and northward location of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), the deepened and eastward expanded tropical monsoon trough (TMT) in the WNP, the active convection in the main body of TMT, the weakened southwest water vapour transport of the East Asian summer monsoon, as well as the strengthened and eastward expanded equatorial westerly wind were conducive to the tropical cyclone genesis in the WNP in July. Furthermore, we used regression analysis to explore the possible impact of tropical SSTs. We found that the relatively high SSTs in the northern tropical Atlantic (NTA) in June and July triggered a cyclonic circulation over the tropical East Pacific and NTA, resulting in strong upward motion. The airflow subsidence in the tropical central Pacific then caused the WPSH to extend westward and the easterly airflow on the south side of WPSH to strengthen, which weakened the WNP monsoon trough. Besides, the influence of warming NTA SSTs could be conveyed to the Indian Ocean and indirectly induce the enhancement of WPSH. Such a series of the large‐scale circulation variations were not favourable for tropical cyclone genesis in the WNP. As a result, the TCGF was relatively low in July. Thus, one of the causes of the July 2020 “no‐typhoon” phenomenon in the WNP could be the remote forcing effect of SST in NTA.
Coronary sinus electrogram characteristics predict termination of AF with ablation and long‐term clinical outcome

Markers predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) termination and freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) has been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate the role of novel coronary sinus (CS) electrogram characteristics in predicting the acute ablation response and freedom from AF/AT during follow‐up.
Distributed leadership and administrative processes as determinants of public universities’ effectiveness

The quality of students who graduated from Nigerian universities and the role played by universities in the growth of society is a significant concern to every stakeholder. This study examined the impact of distributed leadership on the effectiveness of public universities and the mediating role of the quality administrative process. A correlational survey research design was adopted. A total of 450 lecturers were sampled and were given questionnaire of which 346 questionnaire were returned and, only 305 questionnaires were usable after the data cleaning. The results of the analysis showed that distributed leadership does not directly connect to institutional effectiveness. Furthermore, it is evident that administrative process intervenes in the correlation between distributed leadership and public university effectiveness. The findings imply that the various leaders at the unit level, departmental, faculty, and university-wide must ensure quality administrative processes to bring about the desired University system in the country. Keywords: Distributed leadership, administrative process, university education, Nigeria, smartpls, hierarchical model;
Prospects for Improving Building Maintenance Management in Nigerian Public Universities: A Case Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Buildings are highly resourceful in the effective operation of tertiary institutions. It is imperative that these assets should be given good maintenance attention for effective performance. Public institutions have always been faced with ineffective maintenance of buildings due to bureaucratic constraints and poor maintenance culture. This study is aimed at establishing prospects for improving maintenance management and performance of buildings in public universities in Nigeria, using Nnamdi Azikiwe University as a case study. The study adopted a survey research approach using a structured questionnaire. A total of 148 responses were gotten from the Works and Services Department and Heads of academic departments out of 203 distributed questionnaires, being a 72.9% response rate. The questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics technique. The study variables were examines using mean, with an acceptance benchmark of 3 and above. This implies that any issue that has the mean of the responses to be 3.0 will be regarded as “agreed”, while those whose mean of their responses are less than 3.0 will be regarded as “disagreed”. Mean and standard deviation of each item were determined, and ranking were then assigned to them. From the research findings, it is evident that there are statistically significant prospects for improving on the poor state of building maintenance management in the study area. The study therefore recommends that adoption and deployment of computerized maintenance management system that would handle all aspects of users’ reporting and feedback, scheduling and coordination of activities; intensive training and retraining program for the maintenance personnel, orientation programs for building users on healthy maintenance culture and regular building condition survey should be incorporated as prospects for improving building maintenance management in the study area.
Surgical correction of Scheuermann’s kyphosis by posterior-only approach: a prospective study

Background: The authors aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the posterior-only approach in the treatment of Scheuermann’s kyphosis using pedicle screws with Ponte osteotomies. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis within the operative range were included in this prospective study. Patients were operated by a posterior-only approach using pedicle screws. Multiple Ponte osteotomies were performed at and around the apex. Mean operative time, blood loss, and any complications related to the procedure were reported. Patients were assessed radiographically by measuring thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, sagittal balance, and the Voutsinas index of kyphosis. Patients were assessed clinically using the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22). Results: There were 18 male patients and 3 female patients with a mean age of 21 yr. The mean blood loss was 847.6 cc. The mean operative time was 196.9 min. The mean follow-up period was 36 mo. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis was 78.1±5.8 degrees, which improved to 41.9±3.7 degrees postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the mean thoracic kyphosis was 42.3±3.8 degrees. The mean lumbar lordosis was 71.1±3.4 degrees preoperatively, 51.6±1.7 degrees postoperatively, and 53.4±3.7 degrees at the final follow-up. The mean Voutsinas index of kyphosis was 19.6±7.6 preoperatively, which became 13.4±4.8 early postoperatively and 13.5±3.6 at the final follow-up. The SRS 22 questionnaire improved significantly from a mean of 2.7±1.3 preoperatively to 4.3±2.2 at the final follow-up. Conclusions: The posterior-only approach is a successful technique in treatment of Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Community Detection Algorithm Based on Intelligent Calculation of Complex Network Nodes

With the explosive development of big data, information data mining technology has also been developed rapidly, and complex networks have become a hot research direction in data mining. In real life, many complex systems will use network nodes for intelligent detection. When many community detection algorithms are used, many problems have arisen, so they have to face improvement. The new detection algorithm CS-Cluster proposed in this paper is derived by using the dissimilarity of node proximity. Of course, the new algorithm proposed in this article is based on the IGC-CSM algorithm. It has made certain improvements, and CS-Cluster has been implemented in the four algorithms of IGC-CSM, SA-Cluster, W-Cluster, and S-Cluster. The result of comparing the density value on the entropy value of the Political Blogs data set, the DBLP data set, the Political Blogs data set, and the entropy value of the DBLP data set is shown. Finally, it is concluded that the CS-Cluster algorithm is the best in terms of the effect and quality of clustering, and the degree of difference in the subgraph structure of clustering.
Correlation of response to intravitreal bevacizumab treatment between the first and second treated eyes in diabetic macular edema

Purpose To evaluate whether outcome of bevacizumab treatment in the first treated eye can guide the selection of compound for the second treated eye in patients with bilateral diabetic macular edema. Methods Demographic, clinical, and optical coherence tomography data were retrospectively collected from consecutive patients who underwent bevacizumab therapy for bilateral diabetic macular edema. Change in central subfield thickness and visual acuity were evaluated and compared between the first treated eye and second treated eye. Results A total of 66 eyes of 33 patients were included in the study. The mean ± SD follow-up time was 13 ± 5 months. The mean ± SD central subfield thickness at baseline was 464 ± 30 μm in the first treated eye and 461 ± 29 μm in the second treated eye (p = 0.91). Final central subfield thickness was reduced to 392 ± 27 μm in the first treated eye (p = 0.01 compared with baseline) and 416 ± 25 μm in the second treated eye (p = 0.03 compared with baseline). Using ≥5% or ≥10% reduction of central subfield thickness as diagnostic criteria to predict similar magnitude of thickness reduction in the first treated eye yielded a positive and negative predictive value ranging from 46% to 81%, and sensitivity and specificity ranging from 54% to 84%. Regression models did not show correlation between central subfield thickness reduction in first treated eye and the second treated eye at the end of follow-up. Conclusions Bevacizumab therapy reduced macular thickness in both eyes in bilateral diabetic macular edema. Treatment outcome of the first treated eye could not predict the outcome of the second treated eye. Particularly, failure to reduce central subfield thickness in the first treated eye does not preclude a favorable response to bevacizumab therapy in the second eye.
FOOTWEAR AFFECTS GEARING IN THE MUSCULO-SKELETTAL SYSTEM IN RUNNING

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of barefoot running on grass versus shod running regarding the effectivness of running mechanics. Fourteen male runners performed five valid running trials at 4.0m/s ± 0.2. Running kinetics and running kinematics were recorded for one barefoot and five shod conditions. The comparison of barefoot and shod running showed different effects concerning the gear ratio at the ankle and knee joint. Running with shoes showed mechanical advantages at the ankle joint in the first, second and fifth part of the ground reaction phase but caused disadvantages at the knee joint.
How Do Non-Performing Loans Evolve Along the Economic Cycle? The Role of Macroeconomic Conditions and Legal Efficiency

We investigate the development of non-performing loans (NPL) held by European banks along the economic cycle. During the global financial crisis and the subsequent sovereign debt crisis, banks from all European countries experienced a substantial increase in NPLs. We find that these increases are mainly associated with macroeconomic determinants and characteristics of banks’ business models. Substantial differences across countries exist in the duration and efficiency of the NPL resolution after the crisis. We exploit cross-country and time-variant differences in insolvency and contract enforcement procedures to document that the outcome of NPL resolution is associated with the duration and the costs of insolvency and contract enforcement during the economic recovery phase. Our findings suggest that the design of a country’s legal regime can ensure a swift NPL resolution during the recovery phase while the build-up of NPLs during a crisis is mainly attributable to economic conditions.