Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Grammaticalness, Presentation Rate, and Message Length on Auditory Short-Term Memory

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of message structure, message length, and presentation rate upon auditory short-term memory. Subjects were asked to reproduce in writing messages at different levels of “grammaticalness” (Coleman, 1965) presented through headphones at 3–4 words/sec. or 6–7 words/ sec. There was better recall of the more structured, shorter, and slower messages. The results are discussed in terms of acquisition and encoding of information.
Cognitive Inertia and the Implicit Association Test

The authors review the implicit association test (IAT), its use in marketing, and the methodology and validity issues that surround it. They focus on a validity problem that has not been investigated previously, namely, the impact of cognitive inertia on IAT effects. Cognitive inertia refers to the difficulty in switching from one categorization rule to another, which causes IAT effects to depend on the order of administration of the two IAT blocks. In Study 1, the authors observe an IAT effect when the compatible block precedes the incompatible block but not when it follows the incompatible block. In Studies 2 and 3, the IAT effect changes its sign when the order of the blocks reverses. Cognitive inertia distorts individual IAT scores and diminishes the correlations between IAT scores and predictor variables when the block order is counterbalanced between subjects. Study 4 shows that counterbalancing the block order repeatedly within subjects can eliminate cognitive inertia effects on the individual level. The authors conclude that researchers should either interpret IAT scores at the aggregate level or, if individual IAT scores are of interest, counterbalance the block order repeatedly within subjects.
Intergenerational transmission of young motherhood. Evidence from Sweden, 1986–2009

This study examines the intergenerational transmission of fertility patterns from mothers who had their first birth at young ages to their daughters using nationally representative longitudinal data from from population registers in Sweden, 1986–2009. It tests several mechanisms, including education, labor market attachment, socio-economic background, and family characteristics, that may intervene with the intergenerational transmission of reproductive behavior, to help explain to what extent and how early motherhood is reproduced across generations. We find that maternal age at first birth is a very strong determinant of daughters' entry into motherhood. Even after controlling for individual, background, and family factors, daughters of mothers who were relatively young when they started childbearing, are significantly more likely to have their first birth at young ages.
Do Differences in Event Descriptions Cause Differences in Duration Estimates

University of Sussex, UKSUMMARYThe relationship between the way in which people describe an event and people’s estimates of theduration of the event is investigated in three studies. People are told to use different writing stylesdesigned to produce different characteristics. For example, a ‘tabloid’ condition was designed toproduce words with higher implied action. Across all three studies, differences among the eventdescriptionsonlyproducedsmalldifferencesinthedurationestimates.Theseresultsquestionthedirectcausal relation between language use and duration estimates. We discuss these ﬁndings in relation tomemory reconstruction and eyewitness testimony. Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraction and parametrization of grain boundary networks in glacier ice, using a dedicated method of automatic image analysis

Microstructure analysis of polar ice cores is vital to understand the processes controlling the flow of polar ice on the microscale. This paper presents an automatic image processing framework for extraction and parametrization of grain boundary networks from images of the NEEM deep ice core. As cross‐section images are acquired using controlled surface sublimation, grain boundaries and air inclusions appear dark, whereas the inside of grains appears grey. The initial segmentation step of the software is to separate possible boundaries of grains and air inclusions from background. A Machine learning approach is utilized to gain automatic, reliable classification, which is required for processing large data sets along deep ice cores. The second step is to compose the perimeter of section profiles of grains by planar sections of the grain surface between triple points. Ultimately, grain areas, grain boundaries and triple junctions of the later are diversely parametrized. High resolution is achieved, so that small grain sizes and local curvatures of grain boundaries can systematically be investigated.
Rain use efficiency as affected by climate warming and biofuel harvest: results from a 12‐year field experiment

The efficiency of a terrestrial ecosystem to use rainfall in production is critical in regulating the ecological functions of the earth system under global change. However, it remains unclear how rain use efficiency (RUE) will be altered by changes in climate and human activities such as biofuel harvest. In this study, we used RUE data from a long‐term experiment in a tallgrass prairie to analyze the effects of warming and biofuel harvest (clipping). From 2000 to 2011, experimental warming enhanced RUE in most years, with larger positive effects in normal and wet than dry hydrological years. Clipping decreased RUE in dry and normal hydrological years, but had no impact on RUE in wet years. The observed RUE responses resulted from treatment‐induced changes in both biologically ineffective (i.e., runoff and soil evaporation) and effective (i.e., transpiration) parts of precipitation. For example, litter cover was increased in warming plots, but reduced by clipping, leading to negative and positive effects on runoff and soil evaporation, respectively. The dominance of C4 species, which usually have higher water use efficiency than C3 species, was enhanced by warming, but reduced by clipping. Moreover, RUE was positively correlated with ratios of rainfall in the late growing season (June–August), when the growth of C4 plants was most active, relative to that in the other seasons. Our results indicate that RUE is positively influenced by climate warming, but negatively affected by biofuel harvest in tallgrass prairie of the Great Plains. These findings highlight the important roles of plant community structure and temporal distribution of precipitation in regulating ecosystem RUE.
Mutual information, relative entropy, and estimation in the Poisson channel

Let X be a non-negative random variable and let the conditional distribution of a random variable Y, given X, be Poisson(γ·X), for a parameter γ ≥ 0. We identify a natural loss function such that: • The derivative of the mutual information between X and Y with respect to γ is equal to the minimum mean loss in estimating X based on Y, regardless of the distribution of X. • When X ∼ P is estimated based on Y by a mismatched estimator that would have minimized the expected loss had X ∼ Q, the integral over all values of γ of the excess mean loss is equal to the relative entropy between P and Q.
Consortium Evaluation in Higher Education

ABSTRACT This article describes strategies and techniques used in the evaluation of consortia in higher education. The author describes‐ his work in this field paying attention to constraints, purposes and methods used. The context within which the evaluation took place is seen as a strong influence on purpose and methods. Attention is drawn to differences and similarities between the evaluation of single institutions and consortia.
Multi-sensor longitudinal control with fault tolerant guarantees

This paper deals with the problem of obtaining fault-tolerant guarantees of a multi-sensor switching strategy for longitudinal control. The strategy selects, at each instant of time, the sensor (belonging to a collection of sensors) that provides the best closed loop performance, as measured by a control-performance criterion. It is assumed that each sensor has an associated feedback controller that has been designed such that the sensor-controller pair stabilises the closed loop system under normal operation conditions. Recent refinements for constructing ultimate-bound invariant sets allow obtaining less conservative fault-tolerant guarantees. Stability of the switching system under fault-free operation conditions and under presence of sensor failures are established in the main results of this paper.
An inf-sup stable and robust discretization of the Stokes equations with large irrotational sources on general meshes

In this note we propose a discretization of the Stokes equations which is inf-sup stable on general polygonal or polyhedral meshes and robust with respect to the presence of large irrotational source terms. The key idea is to construct a discrete space for the velocity which extends two important properties of the Crouzeix–Raviart element to general meshes, namely the continuity of mean values at interfaces and the approximation of nontrivial solenoidal ﬁelds. As a result, it is proved that the approximation of the velocity is not aﬀected by the presence of the irrotational part of the source term. A numerical validation of the theoretical results is provided. To cite this article: *****.
Characteristics of microstrip muscle-loaded single-arm archimedean spiral antennas as investigated by FDTD numerical computations

The radiation characteristics and mode of operation of single-arm, groundplane backed, Archimedean spiral antennas are investigated by means of conformal finite difference time domain numerical analysis. It is shown that this antenna type may be categorized as a well-matched, broadband, circularly polarized traveling wave structure that can be fed directly by nonbalanced coaxial networks. The study further concentrates on relevant design and description features parameterized in terms of measures like radiation efficiency, sensing depth, directivity, and axial ratio of complementary polarizations. We document that an antenna of only 30-mm transverse size produces circularly polarized waves in a two-octave frequency span (2-8 GHz) with acceptable radiation efficiency (76%-94%) when loaded by muscle-like tissue.
Does Brow Lift Add Risk to Blepharoplasty? Answers From a Multicenter Analysis of 6126 Patients Undergoing Aesthetic Eye Surgery

Background Browlift is frequently combinedwith blepharoplasty; however, the literature is lacking on their combined effect on complication rates. Objectives This study aims to evaluate major complication rates after blepharoplasty and brow lift and to determine if complication rates increase when blepharoplasty and brow lift were performed simultaneously. Methods A prospective cohort of patients who underwent cosmetic blepharoplasty, brow lift, or a combination of the 2 procedures between 2008 and 2013 was identified from the CosmetAssure Insurance database. The primary outcome was a postoperative major complication requiring emergency room evaluation, hospital admission, or reoperation within 30 days. Groups were compared with univariate analysis (significance, P < 0.05). Results A total of 6126 patients underwent aesthetic eye surgery, of which, 4879 (79.6%) underwent blepharoplasty, 441 (7.2%) brow lift, and 806 (13.2%) a combination the 2 procedures. Patients who underwent a combined procedure were older than patients who underwent isolated blepharoplasty or brow lift (55.5 ± 9.4 vs 54.6 ± 11.1 vs 53.3 ± 12.0 years; P < 0.01). In males, blepharoplasty was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by a combined procedure and brow lift (17.6% vs 12.9% vs 10.7%; P < 0.01). There were similar rates of smokers between the 3 groups (5.7% vs 8.0% vs 6.6%; P = 0.06). Between combined procedures, blepharoplasty, and brow lift there, were similar rates of major complications (0.4% vs 0.4% vs 0.7%; P = 0.65) and hematoma (0.2% vs 0.2% vs 0.5%; P = 0.49), which was the most common complication. Conclusions Aesthetic eye surgery has a very low overall major complication rate (0.4%). When brow lift is combined with blepharoplasty, it poses no additional risk of major complications compared with either procedure alone.
Esculentin-2CHa-Related Peptides Modulate Islet Cell Function and Improve Glucose Tolerance in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance

The frog skin host-defense peptide esculentin-2CHa (GFSSIFRGVA10KFASKGLGK D20LAKLGVDLVA30CKISKQC) displays antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the antidiabetic actions of the peptide and selected analogues. Esculentin-2CHa stimulated insulin secretion from rat BRIN-BD11 clonal pancreatic β-cells at concentrations greater than 0.3 nM without cytotoxicity by a mechanism involving membrane depolarization and increase of intracellular Ca2+. Insulinotropic activity was attenuated by activation of KATP channels, inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and chelation of extracellular Ca2+. The [L21K], [L24K], [D20K, D27K] and [C31S,C37S] analogues were more potent but less effective than esculentin-2CHa whereas the [L28K] and [C31K] analogues were both more potent and produced a significantly (P < 0.001) greater maximum response. Acute administration of [L28K]esculentin-2CHa (75 nmol/kg body weight) to high fat fed mice with obesity and insulin resistance enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. Twice-daily administration of this dose of [L28K]esculentin-2CHa for 28 days had no significant effect on body weight, food intake, indirect calorimetry or body composition. However, mice exhibited decreased non-fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.05), increased non-fasting plasma insulin (P < 0.05) as well as improved glucose tolerance and insulin secretion (P < 0.01) following both oral and intraperitoneal glucose loads. Impaired responses of isolated islets from high fat fed mice to established insulin secretagogues were restored by [L28K]esculentin-2CHa treatment. Peptide treatment was accompanied by significantly lower plasma and pancreatic glucagon levels and normalization of α-cell mass. Circulating triglyceride concentrations were decreased but plasma cholesterol and LDL concentrations were not significantly affected. The data encourage further investigation of the potential of esculentin-2CHa related peptides for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Problems highlighted when using anticoagulated samples in the standard tube low ionic strength antiglobulin test

Abstract Within the UK blood transfusion services, there is currently no recommendation for the use of either clotted or anticoagulated samples for antibody identification testing. This report describes three cases in which the detection of IgM antibodies was impeded by the use of anticoagulated samples. Two patient samples, referred for compatibility testing, were both identified as having IgM complement-activating anti-S and the remaining case involved an antenatal patient with IgM complement-activating anti-Vel. In all three cases, the coincidental referral and investigation of both clotted and anticoagulated samples led to the discrepancy in serum and plasma test results becoming apparent. Potential errors in selection of suitable blood for transfusion and appropriate antenatal management were avoided by correct identification of the antibodies present using the clotted samples. Immunohematology2006;22:72–77.
Academic Language Learning, Transformative Pedagogy, and Information Technology: Towards a Critical Balance

* The title of Murray's article in this issue aptly captures the difficulty, and perhaps futility, of attempting to chart policy to guide the evolution of information technology (IT) and its impact on education. Like Proteus, IT assumes different shapes in different contexts and when viewed from different perspectives. Some see IT as a new educational deity, a potential messiah set to rescue society from a moribund educational system staffed by lethargic teachers. The missionary zeal to develop students' computer literacy echoes the pious beliefs of literacy educators past. In the early 19th century, public education and literacy for the masses were justified as a means of enabling the unschooled to read the Holy Book and save their eternal souls. On the pews facing the altar of computer literacy we find a predictable group of believers: corporate leaders and politicians genuinely anxious to ensure that the educational system delivers the intellectual resources to fuel the engines of the "knowledge society"; other corporate and educational leaders, with lean and hungry looks, interested in using IT as the lever to turn a profit on a privatized educational system; and many in the public, primarily from the middle classes and including many educators, who have been convinced that computer literacy is the key to their children's social and economic advancement. For all these groups, the time to prepare for the state of grace that
Subanesthetic dose of ketamine decreases prefrontal theta cordance in healthy volunteers: implications for antidepressant effect

Background Theta cordance is a novel quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) measure that correlates with cerebral perfusion. A series of clinical studies has demonstrated that the prefrontal theta cordance value decreases after 1 week of treatment in responders to antidepressants and that this effect precedes clinical improvement. Ketamine, a non-competitive antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, has a unique rapid antidepressant effect but its influence on theta cordance is unknown. Method In a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled experiment we studied the acute effect of ketamine (0.54 mg/kg within 30 min) on theta cordance in a group of 20 healthy volunteers. Results Ketamine infusion induced a decrease in prefrontal theta cordance and an increase in the central region theta cordance after 10 and 30 min. The change in prefrontal theta cordance correlated with ketamine and norketamine blood levels after 10 min of ketamine infusion. Conclusions Our data indicate that ketamine infusion immediately induces changes similar to those that monoamineric-based antidepressants induce gradually. The reduction in theta cordance could be a marker and a predictor of the fast-acting antidepressant effect of ketamine, a hypothesis that could be tested in depressive patients treated with ketamine.
Evaluation of serological methods for diagnosis of Puumala hantavirus infection (nephropathia epidemica)

Nephropathia epidemica (NE), Puumala (PUU) virus infection, is a febrile disease which is commonly associated with acute renal impairment. To differentiate NE from other acute febrile illnesses, a rapid and reliable serological diagnosis is important, and a number of different protocols have recently been introduced. In the present report we describe a comparative evaluation of six PUU virus immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocols based on native, Escherichia coli-expressed, or baculovirus-expressed nucleocapsid protein (N). Neutralization and immunofluorescence assays were included for comparison. Equally high sensitivities and specificities were obtained with three mu-capture-based IgM ELISAs using native, baculovirus-expressed, and E. coli-expressed N antigens, respectively, and by an ELISA based on purified E. coli-expressed full-length N adsorbed to solid phase. The assays based on truncated amino-terminal N proteins, including a commercially available PUU virus IgM ELISA, all showed lower sensitivities. For detection of PUU virus-specific IgG, ELISAs based on monoclonal antibody-captured native or baculovirus-expressed N antigens showed optimal sensitivities and specificities, while the assays based on E. coli-expressed N did not detect all PUU virus IgG-positive serum samples. A commercially available PUU virus IgG ELISA based on E. coli-expressed amino-terminal N showed a significantly lower sensitivity than those of all other IgG assays.
Customer orientation, relationship quality, and relational benefits to the firm

Purpose – This research seeks to test a model examining the potential links between customer orientation, expertise, and relationship quality at the interpersonal level and the link between relationship quality and positive service outcomes at the firm level, such as loyalty and positive word of mouth.Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a survey methodology to obtain the opinions of 220 business travelers regarding their relationships with their travel agents. The hypothesized relationships were testing using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings – The research found significant positive relationships between customer orientation and expertise and respondents' perception of relationship quality. It also found significant links between relationship quality at the interpersonal level and positive outcomes at the organizational level. Interpersonal relationship quality enhanced customer satisfaction with the service firm but was also directly linked to loyalty to the firm and positive word‐.
The Inhibitory Effect of Quercetin on Asymmetric Dimethylarginine-Induced Apoptosis Is Mediated by the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Glomerular Endothelial Cells

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is considered an independent mortality and cardiovascular risk factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and contributes to the development of renal fibrosis. Quercetin (QC), a natural component of foods, protects against renal injury. Here, we explored the possible mechanisms that are responsible for ADMA-induced renal fibrosis and the protective effect of QC. We found that ADMA treatment activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor proteins phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-activated-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol requiring-1α (IRE1), which correspondingly induced C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs). Following this, ADMA promoted ER stress-induced apoptosis and resulted in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression in GEnCs. SP600125, an inhibitor of JNK, and CHOP siRNA protected against ADMA-induced cell apoptosis and TGF-β expression. QC prevented ADMA-induced PERK and IRE1 apoptotic ER stress pathway activation. Also, ADMA-induced GEnCs apoptosis and TGF-β expression was reduced by QC. Overexpression of CHOP blocked QC-mediated protection from apoptosis in ER stressed cells. Overall, these observations indicate that ADMA may induce GEnCs apoptosis and TGF-β expression by targeting the PERK-CHOP and IRE1-JNK pathway. In addition, drugs such as QC targeting ER stress may hold great promise for the development of novel therapies against ADMA-induced renal fibrosis.
Comparative in-vitro activity of RP 59500.

The in-vitro activity of RP 59500 was compared with that of other appropriate antibiotics against 131 staphylococci, 97 streptococci, 20 enterococci, 68 Neisseria spp. , 68 Haemophilus influenzae, 21 Moraxella catarrhalis and 250 Gram-negative bacilli. RP 59500 was more active than oxacillin, vancomycin and erythromycin against staphylococci (MIC 0.03-4 mg/L). RP 59500 inhibited streptococci between 0.03-1 mg/L and enterococci between 1-8 mg/L, but was less active than ampicillin and erythromycin. However, its activity remained unchanged against strains with acquired resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin and oxacillin. It was as active as ampicillin against Neisseria spp. , but less active against H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. All enterobacteria and non-fermenters were resistant to RP 59500.