Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast-start muscle dynamics in the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss: phase relationship of white muscle shortening and body curvature

SUMMARY Muscle length changes of the lateral myotomal fast fibers of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were measured using sonomicrometry during induced fast-starts. Simultaneous high-speed videography allowed for the analysis of midline kinematics to estimate the degree of muscle strain that occurs during body deformation. Comparison of these data was used to examine the phase relationship between local muscle shortening and local body bending during unsteady, large amplitude maneuvers. Our analysis finds that muscle shortening is temporally decoupled from body bending, probably due to the influence of hydrodynamic forces. The phase shift was such that midline curvature lagged behind muscle shortening at both the anterior (0.4L, where L is fork length) and posterior (0.7L) axial positions. Stronger escape responses were correlated with high peak strains and rapid strain-wave velocities, but not faster curvature-wave velocities. Under these conditions of high strain, the phase shift at the posterior position is significantly increased, whereas the anterior position fails to be affected. Curvature lag was still observed at both axial locations under conditions of low strain, suggesting that hydrodynamic forces are still significant during weaker escape responses. These data support a previous model that suggests fast-start body bending is determined by the interaction between muscle torque and hydrodynamic resistance along the body.
Panelrama: enabling easy specification of cross-device web applications

We present Panelrama, a web-based framework for the construction of applications using distributed user interfaces (DUIs). Our implementation provides developers with low migration costs through built-in mechanisms for the synchronization of a UI state, requiring minimal changes to existing languages. Additionally, we describe a solution to categorize device characteristics and dynamically change UI allocation to best-fit devices. We illustrate the use of Panelrama through three sample applications which demonstrate its support for known interaction methods, we also present the results of a developer study, which validates our belief that cross-device application experiences can be easily implemented using our framework.
Differential Regulation of Expression of the Multiple Adp/atp Translocase Genes in Human Cells*

The expression of the genes encoding the three iso-forms of the human ADP/ATP translocase (Tl, T2, and T3) has been investigated in cultured cell systems under different experimental conditions, using isoform-specific probes. In several human cell lines tested, i.e. HeLa, Hep3B, 143B, HL60, the T3 gene is expressed as a single 1300-nucleotide mRNA, whereas the T2 gene produces two species of mRNA, 1450 and 1600 nucleotides in size. These two species, which are present in HeLa cells in approximately equivalent amounts, were shown to derive from the use of two different polyadenylation signals. The gene for the muscle-specific isoform of ADP/ATP translocase, T1, was not found to be expressed in any of the cell lines investigated. The levels of T2 and T3 mRNAs in HeLa cells are differentially affected by the growth conditions. In fact, the T2 mRNA level remains relatively constant throughout the exponential and stationary phases, whereas the T3 mRNA level decreases progressively in the second half of the exponential phase and in the stationary phase down to less than 50%. This difference in quantitative behavior of the two mRNAs must reflect changes in their rates of synthesis, since their half-lives are very similar (tllz = 5-6 h), with no significant growth-related differences. Treatment of HL60 cells with 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate or retinoic acid, two agents which induce cessation of cell proliferation and cell differentiation, resulted in a marked decrease in both T2 and T3 mRNA levels. Exposure of HeLa cells to chloramphenicol produced a pronounced decrease in the levels of both T2 and T3 mRNAs after 48 to 72 h of treatment. Half-life time measurements strongly suggested that this decrease reflected a reduction in the rate of synthesis of the two transcripts. Treatment of HeLa cells with dinitrophe-nol also produced a dramatic decrease in the steady state levels of both T2 and T3 mRNA, which, however, in contrast to the just mentioned situation, could be accounted for by a decrease in their metabolic stability. Control experiments indicated that the chlorampheni-col-and dinitrophenol-induced changes were not a nonspecific consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction. The observations reported here clearly demonstrate that the expression of the multiple ADP/ATP translo-case genes in human cells is sensitive to the cell physiological conditions, responding to the varying cellular * These investigations were supported by National Institutes of Health Grant GM-11726 (to G. A,) and an Eleanore Roosevelt-International Union against Cancer Fellowship (to J. L.). The costs of …
Multidimensional Context Representations for Situational Trust

We propose a generic model for situation representation in agent trust models. As we argue that general trust models are inappropriate in complex environments and their use for advanced decision-making is limited due to the lack of detail, we introduce a generic framework for context representation in trust model. Presented method is independent of the trustfulness representation formalism in the underlying trust model. It doesn't prescribe any particular form for the set of reference contexts that holds the trustworthiness information in the context space: we define and evaluate the baseline approach with regular grid and discuss future extension towards more adaptive approaches using octant trees and fuzzy clustering techniques
Safety signals as instrumental reinforcers during free-operant avoidance

Safety signals provide “relief” through predicting the absence of an aversive event. At issue is whether these signals also act as instrumental reinforcers. Four experiments were conducted using a free-operant lever-press avoidance paradigm in which each press avoided shock and was followed by the presentation of a 5-sec auditory safety signal. When given a choice between two levers in Experiment 1, both avoiding shock, rats preferentially responded on the lever that produced the safety signal as feedback, even when footshock was omitted. Following avoidance training with a single lever in Experiment 2, removal of the signal led to a decrease in avoidance responses and an increase in responses during the safety period normally denoted by the signal. These behavioral changes demonstrate the dual conditioned reinforcing and fear inhibiting properties of the safety signal. The associative processes that support the reinforcing properties of a safety signal were tested using a novel revaluation procedure. Prior experience of systemic morphine during safety signal presentations resulted in an increased rate of avoidance responses to produce the safety signal during a drug-free extinction test, a finding not seen with d-amphetamine in Experiment 3. Morphine revaluation of the safety signal was repeated in Experiment 4 followed by a drug-free extinction test in which responses did not produce the signal for the first 10 min of the session. Instrumental avoidance in the absence of the signal was shown to be insensitive to prior signal revaluation, suggesting that the signal reinforces free-operant avoidance behavior through a habit-like mechanism.
Reinforcement-Based Decision Making in Corticostriatal Circuits: Mutual Constraints by Neurocomputational and Diffusion Models

In this letter, we examine the computational mechanisms of reinforce-ment-based decision making. We bridge the gap across multiple levels of analysis, from neural models of corticostriatal circuits—the basal ganglia (BG) model (Frank, 2005, 2006) to simpler but mathematically tractable diffusion models of two-choice decision making. Specifically, we generated simulated data from the BG model and fit the diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978) to it. The standard diffusion model fits underestimated response times under conditions of high response and reinforcement conflict. Follow-up fits showed good fits to the data both by increasing nondecision time and by raising decision thresholds as a function of conflict and by allowing this threshold to collapse with time. This profile captures the role and dynamics of the subthalamic nucleus in BG circuitry, and as such, parametric modulations of projection strengths from this nucleus were associated with parametric increases in decision boundary and its modulation by conflict. We then present data from a human reinforcement learning experiment involving decisions with low- and high-reinforcement conflict. Again, the standard model failed to fit the data, but we found that two variants similar to those that fit the BG model data fit the experimental data, thereby providing a convergence of theoretical accounts of complex interactive decision-making mechanisms consistent with available data. This work also demonstrates how to make modest modifications to diffusion models to summarize core computations of the BG model. The result is a better fit and understanding of reinforcement-based choice data than that which would have occurred with either model alone.
Modelling smoke transport from wildland fires: a review

Among the key issues in smoke management is predicting the magnitude and location of smoke effects. These vary in severity from hazardous (acute health conditions and drastic visibility impairment to transportation) to nuisance (regional haze), and occur across a range of scales (local to continental). Over the years a variety of tools have been developed to aid in predicting smoke effects. This review follows the development of these tools, from various indices and simple screening models to complex air quality modelling systems, with a focus on how each tool represents key processes involved in smoke transport.
A compact flare eclipsed in the corona of SV Camelopardalis

The eclipsing active binary SV Cam (G0V/K6V, $P_{\rm orb}=0.593071$ d) was observed with XMM- Newton during two campaigns in 2001 and 2003. No eclipses in the quiescent emission are clearly identified, but a flare was eclipsed during the 2001 campaign, allowing us to strongly constrain, from purely geometrical considerations, the position and size of the event: the flare is compact and it is formed at a latitude below 65°. The size, temperature and Emission Measure of the flare imply an electron density of $\log n_{\rm e}$ (cm$^{-3})\sim 10.6{-}13.3$ and a magnetic field of ~65-1400 G in order to confine the plasma, consistent with the measurements that are obtained from density-sensitive line ratios in other similar active stars. Average emission seems to come from either extended or polar regions because of lack of eclipses. The Emission Measure Distribution, coronal abundances and characteristics of variability are very similar to other active stars such as AB Dor (K1V).
Psycho-social and cultural adjustment among international students at the University of Wollongong

The adjustment of international students in the host community is very important in fostering academic success and also is an important factor in increasing understanding between nations. This research investigates psycho-social and cultural adjustment of 384 international students w h o have been randomly selected from 10 nationality groups at Wollongong University in the second session, 1993. The framework of the research depends on information obtained from literature and from international students through direct contacts by interview, observation and structured inquiry and through self-report survey. 'Adjustment' is a term used to describe personal and social adaptation to a new environment, developed as a result of interaction with the host community. The quality of adjustment depends on a number of factors including academic, economic and psychological satisfaction and acculturation, by which is meant social/leisure activities and social contact/participation. The main data gathering exercise is designed as a cross-sectional controlled survey, using a questionnaire as a self-report instrument. The survey instrument, includes 49 items thought to be important in the adjustment process. Factor analysis established that the adjustment measure utilized in this research is unidimensional with a calculated Rho of 0.95. Analysis of variance revealed that the adjustment of students is significantly different on a number of variables including religion, nationality, gender, language, age, marital status, having children, duration in Australia, having opportunity to choose the host country, field of study, level of study, having a spouse who is a student, prior place of living, completed a course in the host country and whether the home country has been visited during study. xv Using multiple regression analysis, the following variables were found to account for most variation in measured adjustment, religion (37%), nationality (29%), gender (11%) and native language (10%). The present research has contributed to knowledge about international student adjustment in the following areas: The development of a new, empirical model to illuminate factors in the process of student adjustment; The development of an instrument for measuring the adjustment of international students; The presentation of an Islamic viewpoint on migration and adjustment which is perhaps unique in the literature; and Confirmation of the complex inter-relationship between religion, language and nationality which, together, pose challenges to adjustment because they constitute some of the most enduring early learnings. The author humbly recognises the need for the research model and instrument to be further tested in other groups, place and times.
METALLICITY DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS OF FOUR LOCAL GROUP DWARF GALAXIES

We present stellar metallicities in Leo I, Leo II, IC 1613, and Phoenix dwarf galaxies derived from medium (F390M) and broad (F555W, F814W) band photometry using the Wide Field Camera 3 instrument on board the Hubble Space Telescope. We measured metallicity distribution functions (MDFs) in two ways, (1) matching stars to isochrones in color–color diagrams and (2) solving for the best linear combination of synthetic populations to match the observed color–color diagram. The synthetic technique reduces the effect of photometric scatter and produces MDFs 30%–50% narrower than the MDFs produced from individually matched stars. We fit the synthetic and individual MDFs to analytical chemical evolution models (CEMs) to quantify the enrichment and the effect of gas flows within the galaxies. Additionally, we measure stellar metallicity gradients in Leo I and II. For IC 1613 and Phoenix our data do not have the radial extent to confirm a metallicity gradient for either galaxy. We find the MDF of Leo I (dwarf spheroidal) to be very peaked with a steep metal-rich cutoff and an extended metal-poor tail, while Leo II (dwarf spheroidal), Phoenix (dwarf transition), and IC 1613 (dwarf irregular) have wider, less peaked MDFs than Leo I. A simple CEM is not the best fit for any of our galaxies; therefore we also fit the “Best Accretion Model” of Lynden-Bell. For Leo II, IC 1613, and Phoenix we find similar accretion parameters for the CEM even though they all have different effective yields, masses, star formation histories, and morphologies. We suggest that the dynamical history of a galaxy is reflected in the MDF, where broad MDFs are seen in galaxies that have chemically evolved in relative isolation and narrowly peaked MDFs are seen in galaxies that have experienced more complicated dynamical interactions concurrent with their chemical evolution.
Physiological-Based Affect Event Detector for Entertainment Video Applications

In this paper, we propose a methodology to build a real-time affect detector dedicated to video viewing and entertainment applications. This detector combines the acquisition of traditional physiological signals, namely, galvanic skin response, heart rate, and electromyogram, and the use of supervised classification techniques by means of Gaussian processes. It aims at detecting the emotional impact of a video clip in a new way by first identifying emotional events in the affective stream (fast increase of the subject excitation) and then by giving the associated binary valence (positive or negative) of each detected event. The study was conducted to be as close as possible to realistic conditions by especially minimizing the use of active calibrations and considering on-the-fly detection. Furthermore, the influence of each physiological modality is evaluated through three different key-scenarios (mono-user, multi-user and extended multi-user) that may be relevant for consumer applications. A complete description of the experimental protocol and processing steps is given. The performances of the detector are evaluated on manually labeled sequences, and its robustness is discussed considering the different single and multi-user contexts.
Multi-scale image harmonization

Traditional image compositing techniques, such as alpha matting and gradient domain compositing, are used to create composites that have plausible boundaries. But when applied to images taken from different sources or shot under different conditions, these techniques can produce unrealistic results. In this work, we present a framework that explicitly matches the visual appearance of images through a process we call image harmonization, before blending them. At the heart of this framework is a multi-scale technique that allows us to transfer the appearance of one image to another. We show that by carefully manipulating the scales of a pyramid decomposition of an image, we can match contrast, texture, noise, and blur, while avoiding image artifacts. The output composite can then be reconstructed from the modified pyramid coefficients while enforcing both alpha-based and seamless boundary constraints. We show how the proposed framework can be used to produce realistic composites with minimal user interaction in a number of different scenarios.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION FORECASTING AND OPTIMISATION FOR TOOL MACHINES

Soaring energy prices, signs of a human-made climate change and legislative pressure have brought the energy consumption of machines to the attention of machine tool builders and their customers. To enable manufacturers and operators of machines to include energy consumption into their considerations in an objective way, we introduce an efficient method to model the energy consumption behaviour of machines. Based on that, we present methods to forecast the actual power drain profile and to optimise machines for minimal energy consumption under any given application scenario
Resource-Efficient Fusion over Fading and Non-Fading Reporting Channels for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing

Recently, a novel resource-efficient technique for the reporting channel transmissions in cooperative spectrum sensing was proposed. In this technique, secondary users are allowed to simultaneously send their local decisions to the fusion center, saving time and frequency resources. Expressions for the probabilities of detection and false alarm for the unitary-gain AWGN reporting channels were derived, while simulation results were given for both the AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels. Here, we provide an expression that is applicable to AWGN channels with different real-valued gains and to time-varying real-valued gains. A simple suboptimum receiver is proposed for the general complex-valued fading and non-fading channels, with an improved performance in the low signal-to-noise ratio condition. Numerical results are shown for both the AWGN and Rayleigh fading reporting channels, demonstrating the accuracy of the derived expressions and the attractive performance of the proposed receiver.
A Model for the Cross-Modal Influence of Visual Context upon Language Procesing

In this paper, we present a novel, cognitively motivated framework for modelling the cross-modal influence of visual scene context upon language processing. We illustrate how semantic relations in a knowledge representation of visual scene context can effect syntactic attachment modulations in a weightedconstraint dependency parser. In line with a central tenet of conceptual semantics, visual scene context and linguistic processing are hypothesised to interact via an intermediate, cross-modally integrated level of semantic representation. Cross-modal interaction in our model is restricted by conceptual compatibility between the concepts activated linguistically and contextually. We apply our framework to syntactically ambiguous sentences of German and parse them in the presence of biasing visual scene contexts. The observed modulations in syntactic attachment support our two modelling hypotheses: 1) The influence of visual context upon syntactic processing is mediated by semantics. 2) The compatibility of concepts from different modalities is a suitable criterion to restrict the scope of cross-modal interaction.
Trust in Children

In this paper we study trust/reciprocity behavior in children ages eight to eighteen using an augmented version of Berg et al.’s (1995) trust game. This study is intended to inspect and reveal when certain aspects of trust behavior are formed in individuals. In addition, we examine the affect of certain characteristics in subjects that lead to higher levels of trusting behavior.
Influence of Malondialdehyde and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chronic Renal Disease with Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Objective was to assess whether the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation and serum concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are involved in the process of atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients nondialysis-dependent and those on peritoneal dialysis (PD), both with signs of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). Thirty CKD and 22 PD patients were included in a study. All observed patients were divided into three subgroups depending on the degree of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries (CA). Severity of atherosclerotic changes in the CA was evaluated by ultrasonography. We confirmed significantly lower level of serum MDA throughout all the stages of atherosclerosis in PD patients compared with observed CKD patients (P < 0.05) and increased serum concentration of MDA and MMP-9 with the progression of severity atherosclerotic changes in both groups of patients. The multiple regression analysis revealed that MDA and MMP-9 are significant predictors of changes in IMT-CA CKD patients (P < 0.05) and plaque score on CA in these patients (P < 0.05). The results suggest that MDA and MMP-9 could be mediators of CKD-related vascular remodeling in CMS.