Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ca " Dependence of Transverse Tubule-mediated Calcium Release in Skinned Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Isometric force and "Ca efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum were measured at 19°C in frog skeletal muscle fibers skinned by microdissection . After Ca" loading, application of the ionophores monensin, an Na+(K+)/ H' exchanger, or gramicidin D, an H+ > K' > Na' channel-former, evoked rapid force development and stimulated release of ^"30% of the accumulated "Ca within 1 min, whereas CCCP (carbonyl cyanide pyruvate p-trichloromethoxyphenylhydrazone), a protonophore, and valinomycin, a neutral, K+specific ionophore, did not. When monensin was present in all bathing solutions, i . e . , before and during Ca" loading, subsequent application failed to elicit force development and to stimulate "Ca efflux . 5 min pretreatment of the skinned fibers with 50,uM digitoxin, a permeant glycoside that specifically inhibits the Na+,K+ pump, inhibited monensin and gramicidin D stimulation of "Ca efflux ; similar pretreatment with 100 AM ouabain, an impermeant glycoside, was ineffective . Monensin stimulation of 45Ca efflux was abolished by brief pretreatment with 5 mM EGTA, which chelates myofilament-space calcium. These results suggest that : (a) monensin and gramicidin Dstimulate Ca" release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum that is mediated by depolarization of the transverse tubules, which seal off after sarcolemma removal and form closed compartments; (b) a transverse tubule membrane potential (myofilament space-negative) is maintained and/or established by the operation of the Na'',K+ pump in the transverse tubule membranes and is sensitive to the permeant inhibitor digitoxin ; (c) the transverse tubule-mediated stimulation of "Ca efflux appears to be entirely Ca" dependent .
Political Competition in Two-Stage Elections

We study a two-stage election with two parties, each nominating a candidate in the first stage primary election to compete with the other party’s nominee in the second stage general election. This resembles the U.S. presidential election and is used in many countries in the world, but has largely escaped attention in the literature. We extend Coleman (1971) and Roemer (1997) to model such elections in the presence of uncertainty about the median voter’s position in the general election. For a given nominee by the other party, each voter in the primary chooses an optimal policy which takes into account both her ideological preference and each candidate’s winning probability in the general election. We show that under certain conditions, the two parties’ equilibrium policies are their respective median voter’s optimal policy against each other. Such a stable outcome is possible only if we allow candidates to freely enter or withdraw from the primary elections. The degree of policy divergence is positively correlated with the uncertainty in the general election, but is bounded by the distance between the two party median voters’ ideal points. JEL Classification: D72
A Q-Method Study of Visual Metaphors in Advertising

A Q-Method Study of Visual Metaphors in Advertising Mckenzie Joell Madsen School of Communications, BYU Master of Arts Visual metaphors in advertising have been researched extensively because of their ability to persuade. However, few studies have investigated why they are persuasive from the perspective of the consumer. The purpose of this study was to identify why viewers are attracted to visual metaphor ads and provide a better understanding of the types of consumers who view them, revealing their subjective opinions and attitudes. Through the use of Q-method, four factors were identified: “Highbrows,” who prefer metaphors that are classy and refined, “Connectors,” an emotional group that focuses on interpersonal relationships and the relevance of the metaphor to the advertised product, “Executionists,” who focus solely on how well the message or idea is executed by the metaphor, and “Logical Agitators,” who can appreciate humorous body distortion because they function primarily cognitively. The results show that visual metaphors attract a diverse audience and that consumers of metaphors are much more complex than previous research implies. Advertisers may create more effective visual metaphors by constructing them to appeal to one of the four types.
Axisymmetric horn antenna based on TEM → TM → TEM transform

In the paper, the design, simulation, optimization and manufacturing of different versions of an antenna, which transforms the impedance of the coaxial line to the impedance of the open space via the circular waveguide, are presented. The numerical models of the antenna were developed in CST Microwave Studio. Then, the models were optimized to meet specified criteria. The manufacturing of the antennas is complicated, and therefore, only one version of the antenna was produced, and its properties were experimentally verified.
Body mass index: a measure of fatness or leanness?

The relationship between body fat and stature-adjusted weight indices was explored. Assuming the term height2 is a valid indicator of a subject's lean body mass, height2/weight was shown to be an accurate measure of percentage lean body mass and, as such, a better predictor of percentage body fat than the traditional body mass index (BMI; weight/height2). The name, lean body mass index (LBMI), is proposed for the index height2/weight. These assumptions were confirmed empirically using the results from the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey (ADNFS). Using simple allometric modelling, the term heightp explained 74% of the variance in lean body mass compared with less than 40% in body weight. For the majority of ADNFS subjects the fitted exponent from both analyses was approximately p = 2, the only exception being the female subjects aged 55 years and over, where the exponent was found to be significantly less than 2. Using estimates of percentage body fat as the dependent variable, regression analysis was able to confirm that LBMI was empirically, as well as theoretically, superior to the traditional BMI. Finally, when the distributional properties of the two indices were compared, BMI was positively skewed and hence deviated considerably from a normal distribution. In contrast, LBMI was found to be both symmetric and normally distributed. When height and weight are recorded in centimetres and kilograms respectively, the suggested working normal range for LBMI is 300–500 with the median at 400.
Retuning lexical-semantic representations on the basis of recent experience

Classic studies on ambiguous words (e.g. ‘bark’ – dog/tree) imply that comprehenders’ lexical-semantic representations remain relatively stable across time. However, recent research has shown that a single encounter with a particular word-meaning biases interpretation up to 20 minutes later (“word-meaning priming”), suggesting that representations update to reflect recent experience. Nine experiments in this thesis investigate in detail the effects of recent experience on the comprehension of ambiguous words. Using word association, Chapter 2 replicates the single-encounter subordinate priming effect and shows that this effect is reduced by a subsequent dominant meaning encounter. Three recent subordinate encounters boost priming compared to a single encounter but only when encounters are temporally spaced; massed encounters seem to provide no such boost. Chapter 3 assesses a newly-developed semantic relatedness test of word-meaning availability effects on comprehension, using picture probes. It shows that, compared to word association, semantic relatedness can detect dominance with the additional benefit of testing dominant and subordinate meaning availabilities independently. Chapter 4 shows that this semantic relatedness test can detect single-encounter word-meaning priming and that this effect is driven by increased availability of the primed meaning, not decreased availability of the unprimed meaning. Furthermore, an additional priming boost from three repetitions reflects an increase in primed meaning availability for both massed and spaced repetitions, with an additional decrease in unprimed meaning availability after spaced repetitions only; there was no evidence that massed repetitions reduced unprimed availability. Possible mechanisms are discussed that account for these different repetition priming patterns observed with semantic relatedness and word association tests. The findings suggest that the word-meaning priming effect might be driven by episodic memory and consolidated lexical-semantic representations. Taken together, these experiments confirm that recent experience plays a key role in retuning lexical-semantic representations and can help to refine our theoretical accounts of this important phenomenon.
EFFECTIVE IMAGE FINGERPRINT EXTRACTION BASED ON RANDOM BUBBLE SAMPLING

In this paper we propose an algorithm for image fingerprint extraction based on random selection of circular bubbles on the considered image. In more detail, a fingerprint vector is associated to the image, the components of which are the variances of pixel luminance values in randomly selected circular zones of the image. The positions and radius of these bubbles result from a random selection, whose parameters are user-defined. The obtained fingerprint has then been used for content-based image retrieval, using the standard euclidean distance as similarity metric between the extracted features. Experiments based on the detection of various linearly and nonlinearly distorted versions of a test image in a large database show very promising results.
Social interaction among children in play activities

Contemporary cognition from developmental psychology leads to the conclusion that along with competence arising from the child-parent relationship, social adjustment is the result of a child's experience in peer interactions (Hartup, 2011). Social behavior of preschool children is developed from onlooker behavior across parallel– conscious play into social peer interaction. Parallel play has a two-way influence between independent activity and social activity (Howes, & Matheson, 1992). The aim of this research was to establish whether children of different preschool age differ with regard to mutual social interactions and whether gender differences exist. It is assumed that there are differences in social interaction of preschool children with regard to their age and directed toward a growing cooperation with age. Gender differences are also expected with regard to some forms of social behavior as, for example, rough play which leads us to the results acquired in other researches. The goal of this research was to establish the possible differences in social behavior of preschool children during their daily activities in kindergarten. 91 children aged from 4 to 7 participated in the research. There were 52 boys and 39 girls. Teachers have evaluated the usual behavior of each child in its own group during their leisure activities – play. The observed behaviors are defined in the Preschool Play Behavior Scale during preschool children play (PPBS, Coplan, & Rubin, 1998). Results: The variance analysis results point to the conclusion of gender differences in children’s solitary passive behavior. Boys participate more often than girls in solitary passive play. Age differences have not been recorded, which means that children, regardless of age, use solitary passive activities. The variance analysis results of solitary active behavior show that age and gender differences do not exist in such a form of social behavior which means that boys and girls equally use solitary active behavior and that in such behavior changes do not take place with age. Gender differences were recorded in rough behavior in the direction of rough play in the boys’ behavior repertoire. Results clearly show that gender and age differences exist in the cooperative play of children from the age of 4 to 6. The difference was recorded between four-year-old and six-year-old boys directed towards an increase in social behavior with older boys. The result of this research indicates the changes with age in different aspects of social behavior during early childhood. However, the results also indicate particularities regarding the aspect of social behavior.
Time to Treatment Influences the Impact of ST-Segment Resolution on One-Year Prognosis: Insights From the Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of a New Thrombolytic (ASSENT-2) Trial

Background—Early ST resolution after reperfusion is a prognostic indicator in acute myocardial infarction. Little information exists regarding the prognostic utility of ST resolution beyond 4 hours after fibrinolysis. Furthermore, the relation between time to treatment, ST resolution at 24 to 36 hours, and 1-year outcome has not been well studied. Accordingly, we undertook a prospective ECG substudy in the Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of a New Thrombolytic (ASSENT-2) trial to examine this. Methods and Results—Patients (n=13 100) were stratified into 3 ST-resolution categories, based on baseline and 24- to 36-hour ECGs: complete resolution (≥70%) in 6698 (51.1%) patients, partial resolution (30% to 70%) in 4610 (35.2%) patients, and no resolution (<30%) in 1792 (13.7%) patients; 1-year mortality rate was 5.1%, 8.0%, and 9.7%, respectively (P <0.001). Among patients treated <2 hours after symptom onset, 55.6% had complete ST resolution, whereas 52.1% and 43% of patients treated between 2 to 4 hours and 4 to 6 hours, respectively, had complete ST resolution (P <0.001). Within each category of ST resolution, patients treated <2 hours had lower 1-year mortality rates as compared with patients treated between 2 to 4 hours or >4 hours (3.8% versus 5.2% and 6.6%, P =0.002 in complete ST resolution; 5.7% versus 8.4% and 9.9%, P =0.001 in partial ST resolution; 7.1% versus 8.7% and 13%, P =0.006 in no resolution). The extent of ST resolution was closely and inversely correlated with 1-year mortality rates (r =−0.963, P <0.001). Conclusions—ST resolution at 24 to 36 hours after fibrinolysis is influenced by time to treatment and inversely related to 1-year mortality rates. Time to treatment further differentiates between high- and low-risk patients and further highlights the importance of reducing time delay to initiation of fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction.
Power System State Estimation with Interline Power Flow Controller

With the flexible of AC transmission systems (FACTS) technique, the power flow in the interconnected power systems can be controlled flexibly. This paper is concerned about the state estimation of system, which contain Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device. Interline power flow controller (IPFC) is one of the versatile FACTS device which is considered for State Estimation. Based on the conventional power system state estimation model, a kind of model for state estimation with IPFC is introduced in this paper, in which power injection model is used and the affect of IPFC on the power flow is transferred to the lines which is connected. This method can be integrated to the conventional state estimation program with the consideration of IPFC. The results demonstrate that the model is effective for practical use. The Operation and working of Interline Power flow Controller was done and the results are simulated and presented using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Positioning Awareness: an Essential Component for Mobile Multimedia Applications

The spreading of the WiFi networks allows new applications. New problems bound to the mobility of the terminals arise. In this article, we deal with the requirements and the solutions to address the service continuity in mobility. These requirements are integrated in mobility management middleware. It requires terminal positioning. The solution proposed is trilateration for which the distances are computed according to the signal strength. To provide the service continuity, the mechanism called handover is used. It requires an anticipation which is realized through mobility prediction. The handover is done transparently by an adapted protocol. All of these functions are implemented in GeoMoVie, the mobility component in a multimedia content streaming platform
Integrating video technology and administrative practice in policing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that philosophic and administrative thought have enframed (Heidegger, 1977) us to unconsciously accept technology in public administration and the bureaucracy. Design/methodology/approach It builds on literature in phenomenology. Findings It discusses the implications of this phenomenon for organizational decision-making, management, and governance more broadly. Practical implications It questions whether we should utilize video technology in policing, and examine technology as good or bad before implementing it. Originality/value Most of the critiques of technology were in the early 1990s. This paper attempts to explain why we implicitly accept technology, links the philosophy of Immanuel Kant to Herbert Simon, and articulates how technology shapes our thinking.
Population Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation of the Respiratory Effect of Acetazolamide in Decompensated COPD Patients

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients may develop metabolic alkalosis during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Acetazolamide is one of the treatments used to reverse metabolic alkalosis. Methods 619 time-respiratory (minute ventilation, tidal volume and respiratory rate) and 207 time-PaCO2 observations were obtained from 68 invasively ventilated COPD patients. We modeled respiratory responses to acetazolamide in mechanically ventilated COPD patients and then simulated the effect of increased amounts of the drug. Results The effect of acetazolamide on minute ventilation and PaCO2 levels was analyzed using a nonlinear mixed effect model. The effect of different ventilatory modes was assessed on the model. Only slightly increased minute ventilation without decreased PaCO2 levels were observed in response to 250 to 500 mg of acetazolamide administered twice daily. Simulations indicated that higher acetazolamide dosage (>1000 mg daily) was required to significantly increase minute ventilation (P<.001 vs pre-acetazolamide administration). Based on our model, 1000 mg per day of acetazolamide would increase minute ventilation by >0.75 L min−1 in 60% of the population. The model also predicts that 45% of patients would have a decrease of PaCO2>5 mmHg with doses of 1000 mg per day. Conclusions Simulations suggest that COPD patients might benefit from the respiratory stimulant effect after the administration of higher doses of acetazolamide.
Information access using speech, speaker and face recognition

We describe a scheme to combine the results of audio and face identification for multimedia indexing and retrieval. Audio analysis consists of speech and speaker recognition derived from a broadcast news video clip. The video component is analyzed to identify the persons in the same video clip using face recognition. When applied individually both speaker and face recognition schemes have limitations on conditions under which they perform reasonably well. By integrating the match-score results of both audio and video analysis, we find that the two techniques can complement each other. We discuss the system architecture for such a combined system, and discuss how decision fusion is applied to disparate match-scoring systems to yield the final speaker identity.
Determinants of RFID Technology Adoption Intention in the Saudi Retail Industry: An Empirical Study

Drawing both on innovation diffusion theory and Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, this paper assesses the influence of a set of determinants on the intention of Saudi Arabian retail firms to adopt RFID technology. In this study, a two-phase, multi-method approach was used. In the first phase, an interview-based case study was used, while in the second phase, we conducted a survey to gather data from 7 large retailers in Saudi Arabia. Our findings indicate that while the RFID relative advantage, the top management support and information intensity do not have any influence on the intention of Saudi Arabia retail firms adoption for RFID technology, the firm technology competence, competitive pressure and social issues do impact on their adoption intention. The results of the study and related implications contribute to extend knowledge and ideas on the role of RFID technology in the retail industry, with a specific focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Trends and Variability of AVHRR-Derived NPP in India

In this paper, we estimate the trends and variability in Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)-derived terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP) over India for the period 1982-2006. We find an increasing trend of 3.9% per decade (r = 0.78, R-2 = 0.61) during the analysis period. A multivariate linear regression of NPP with temperature, precipitation, atmospheric CO2 concentration, soil water and surface solar radiation (r = 0.80, R-2 = 0.65) indicates that the increasing trend is partly driven by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and the consequent CO2 fertilization of the ecosystems. However, human interventions may have also played a key role in the NPP increase: non-forest NPP growth is largely driven by increases in irrigated area and fertilizer use, while forest NPP is influenced by plantation and forest conservation programs. A similar multivariate regression of interannual NPP anomalies with temperature, precipitation, soil water, solar radiation and CO2 anomalies suggests that the interannual variability in NPP is primarily driven by precipitation and temperature variability. Mean seasonal NPP is largest during post-monsoon and lowest during the pre-monsoon period, thereby indicating the importance of soil moisture for vegetation productivity.
Attentional Modulation of Emotional Conflict Processing with Flanker Tasks

Emotion processing has been shown to acquire priority by biasing allocation of attentional resources. Aversive images or fearful expressions are processed quickly and automatically. Many existing findings suggested that processing of emotional information was pre-attentive, largely immune from attentional control. Other studies argued that attention gated the processing of emotion. To tackle this controversy, the current study examined whether and to what degrees attention modulated processing of emotion using a stimulus-response-compatibility (SRC) paradigm. We conducted two flanker experiments using color scale faces in neutral expressions or gray scale faces in emotional expressions. We found SRC effects for all three dimensions (color, gender, and emotion) and SRC effects were larger when the conflicts were task relevant than when they were task irrelevant, suggesting that conflict processing of emotion was modulated by attention, similar to those of color and face identity (gender). However, task modulation on color SRC effect was significantly greater than that on gender or emotion SRC effect, indicating that processing of salient information was modulated by attention to a lesser degree than processing of non-emotional stimuli. We proposed that emotion processing can be influenced by attentional control, but at the same time salience of emotional information may bias toward bottom-up processing, rendering less top-down modulation than that on non-emotional stimuli.
A Note on a Stata Plugin for Estimating Group-based Trajectory Models

Group-based trajectory models are used to investigate population differences in the developmental courses of behaviors or outcomes. This note introduces a new Stata command, traj, for fitting to longitudinal data finite (discrete) mixture models designed to identify clusters of individuals following similar progressions of some behavior or outcome over age or time. Normal, Censored normal, Poisson, Zero-inflated Poisson, and Logistic distributions are supported.