Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two formats of the weekly recall and quantity–frequency alcohol measures

Aim To compare data quality of two formats of the weekly recall measure (WR1 vs WR2) and the weekly quantity–frequency alcohol measure (QF1 vs QF2). Design Participants were randomly allocated to one of the four formats of alcohol measure. On aggregate level, formats were compared for mean number of alcohol units/drinking days and for item nonresponse. Respondents' problems with completing the questionnaire were assessed by cognitive interviewing. Findings No differences in alcohol consumption were found between WR1 and WR2, and item nonresponse was higher on WR2 than on WR1. QF2 yielded a higher mean number of drinking days/week than QF1 but no differences in number of units/week; QF2 had a higher item nonresponse rate than QF1. Most problems occurred in averaging and in reporting consumption according to the given instructions. Conclusions On an aggregate level, there were no differences in alcohol consumption between WR1 and WR2, but WR2 had a higher likelihood of item nonresponse. According to the ‘more is better’ principle, QF2 is preferred, but also has a higher item nonresponse than QF1. Interviewing uncovered problems and misreporting that could not be revealed by comparing aggregate scores.
Preparation and Characterization of Shape Memory Elastomeric Composites

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart poly-meric materials that have the ability to " memorize " a permanent shape, be manipulated to retain or " fix " a temporary shape, and later recover to its original (permanent) shape upon a stimulus such as heat, electricity, or irradiation. 1-3 A large number of SMPs have been developed and utilized for actua-tors, deployable medical devices, smart adhesives, and sensors, among others. However, very few of the existing SMPs are soft and elastomeric at the application temperature, although the demand for soft actuators is evident. 4 Three existing examples we are aware of include a main-chain liquid crystalline elasto-mer (LCE), 5 EPDM ionomers incorporating a range of crystal-lizable fatty acid salts, 6 and hydrogels with crystallizable alkyl side chains. 7 Each case involved some custom synthesis that presents inherent challenges to utilization at large scale. Here we report the development of a unique shape memory elasto-meric composite (SMEC) using a new and broadly applicable approach, which involves an interpenetrating combination of a crystallizable thermoplastic microfiber network (functioning as the " switch phase " for shape memory) with an elastomeric matrix. Our SMEC is composed of two commercially available polymers ;a silicone rubber (Sylgard 184 from Dow Corning; hereafter " Sylgard ") and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL; M w = 65 000 g/mol from Aldrich);and fabricated via a two-step process shown in Scheme 1. PCL was first electrospun from a 15 wt % chloroform/DMF (volume ratio=8:2) solution (voltage=15 kV, flow rate= 1 mL/h). The resulting nonwoven fiber mat (thickness = 0.5 mm) was then immersed in a two-part mixture of Sylgard 184 (mixing ratio = 10:1) and vacuum (30 in.Hg) was applied for 20 min to ensure complete infiltration of Sylgard 184 into the PCL fiber mat. After carefully removing the extra Sylgard 184 resin on the surface with a spatula, the infiltrated Sylgard/PCL was cured at room temperature for >48 h. The Sylgard/PCL composites fabricated showed an average PCL weight fraction (measured gravimetrically) of 25.6% (or a volume fraction of 23.6%, calculated using the densities of PCL (1.145 g/cm 3) and Sylgard (1.03 g/cm 3)) with a small standard deviation of 0.5% (sample size = 5), indicating good reproducibility of this method. The morphology of the Sylgard/PCL composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surfaces of the as spun PCL fiber mat (fiber diameter = 1.93 (0.60 μm; see analysis …
Problem-solving and cognitive scars in mood and anxiety disorders: The sting of mania

Abstract We examined the possibility that mood and anxiety disorders may “scar” problem-solving attitudes and outlook on life (e.g., erode optimistic feelings). Participants with high rates of both current and past mood and anxiety disorders were assessed. Results suggested that previous bipolar disorder might leave negative problem-solving attitudes and hopelessness scars, whereas major depression and anxiety disorders may not. These results were obtained when statistically controlling for a current diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder as well as for previous manic episodes and current symptom severity. Thus past bipolar disorder was implicated in ineffective problem-solving attitudes and pessimism scars.
Robinhood: Towards Efficient Work-Stealing in Virtualized Environments

Work-stealing, as a common user-level task scheduler for managing and scheduling tasks of multithreaded applications, suffers from inefficiency in virtualized environments, because the steal attempts of thief threads may waste CPU cycles that could be otherwise used by busy threads. This paper contributes a novel scheduling framework named Robinhood. The basic idea of Robinhood is to use the time slices of thieves to accelerate busy threads with no available tasks (referred to as poor workers) at both the guest Operating System (OS) level and Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) level. In this way, Robinhood can reduce the cost of steal attempts and accelerate the threads doing useful work, so as to put the CPU cycles to better use. We implement Robinhood based on BWS, Linux and Xen. Our evaluation with various benchmarks demonstrates that Robinhood paves a way to efficiently run work-stealing applications in virtualized environments. Compared to Cilk++ and BWS, Robinhood can reduce up to 90 and 72 percent execution time of work-stealing applications, respectively.
Renal Response of Euryhaline Toad (Bufo viridis) to Acute Immersion in Tap Water, NaCl, or Urea Solutions

Green toads (Bufo viridis) were acclimated to either tap water, 230 mOsmol NaCl kg−1 H2O (saline), 500 mOsmol NaCl kg−1 H2O (high saline), or 500 mmol L−1 urea. Renal functions for each acclimation group were studied on conscious animals that had one ureter chronically catheterized. Reciprocal immersion of tap‐water‐ and saline‐acclimated toads in the opposite solution did not stress the animals osmotically, and plasma osmolality increased or decreased by no more than 15%. However, urine osmolality and ionic composition changed immediately and profoundly on exposure to the other solution. Exposure of tap‐water‐acclimated toads to saline decreased urine flow by 30%, whereas the reciprocal immersion led to an increase of 30%. Immersion of tap‐water‐acclimated toads in high saline led to immediate cessation of urine flow, whereas immersion of 500 NaCl– or urea‐acclimated toads in tap water led to a large increase in urine flow, with an overshoot that lasted 10 h (as a result of either salt or urea diuresis). Urine flow then stabilized at a level 5–6 times higher than the value attained at high‐salt environment. On immersion of 500 urea‐acclimated toads in 500 NaCl, urine flow doubled, accompanied by a change in ion composition, without change in the osmolality. In all experimental conditions, plasma potassium concentration was maintained within a narrow range. The results show that the toad's kidneys contributed efficiently both to osmo‐ and ionoregulation in a wide range of ambient solutions.
Ergodic capacity upper bound for dual MIMO Ricean systems: simplified derivation and asymptotic tightness

An analytical upper bound on the ergodic capacity of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems is deduced with the aid of a simplified approach that relies on a fundamental power normalization. Given their high practical usability, we are particularly interested in dual configurations where both ends deploy two antenna elements. Contrary to the majority of related studies, where only the common case of Rayleigh fading is considered, our analysis is extended to account for Ricean fading where a deterministic Line-of-Sight (LoS) component exists in the communication link and both ends are affected by spatial correlation. In the following, it is shown that the proposed bound is applicable for any arbitrary Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and rank of the mean channel matrix. In fact, we consider both conventional and optimized MIMO configurations with equal LoS eigenvalues. Moreover, the tightness of the bound is explored where it is demonstrated that as the SNR tends to zero the bound becomes asymptotically tight; at high SNRs, the offset between empirical capacity and the bound is analytically computed which implies that an explicit asymptotic capacity expression can ultimately be obtained.
Algebra A Challenge at the Crossroads of Policy and Practice

The authors review what is known about early and universal algebra, including who is getting access to algebra and student outcomes associated with algebra course taking in general and specifically with universal algebra policies. The findings indicate that increasing numbers of students, some of whom are underprepared, are taking algebra earlier. At the same time, other students with requisite skills are not given access to algebra. Although studies using nationally representative data indicate strong positive outcomes for students who take algebra early, studies conducted only in contexts where all students are mandated to take algebra in eighth or ninth grade provide mixed evidence of positive outcomes, with increased achievement when policies include strong supports for struggling students. The authors conclude with a call for studies that examine the relationship among algebra policies, instruction, and student outcomes to understand the mechanisms by which policies can lead to success for all students.
Effect of inspiratory flow rate on the efficiency of carbon dioxide removal at tidal volumes below instrumental dead space

Objective The ability to ventilate babies with tidal volumes (VTs) below dead space has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro, though it appears to violate classical respiratory physiology. We hypothesised that this phenomenon is made possible by rapid flow of gas that penetrates the dead space allowing fresh gas to reach the lungs and that the magnitude of this phenomenon is affected by flow rate or how rapidly air flows through the endotracheal tube. Methods We conducted two bench experiments. First, we measured the time needed for complete CO2 washout from a test lung to assess how fixed VT but different inflation flow rates affect ventilation. For the second experiment, we infused carbon dioxide at a low rate into the test lung, varied the inflation flow rate and adjusted the VT to maintain stable end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). Results At all tested VTs, lower flow rate increased the time it took for CO2 to washout from the test lung. The effect was most pronounced for VTs below dead space. The CO2 steady-state experiment showed that ETCO2 increased when the flow rate decreased. Ventilating with a slower flow rate required a nearly 20% increase in VT for the same effective alveolar ventilation. Conclusions Inflation flow rate affects the efficiency of CO2 removal with low VT. Our results are relevant for providers using volume-controlled ventilation or other modes that use low inflation flow rates because the VT required for normocapnia will be higher than published values that were generated using pressure-limited ventilation modes with high inflation flows.
Ethnic Polarization, Potential Conflict, and Civil Wars

This paper analyzes the relationship between ethnic fractionalization, polarization, and conflict. In recent years many authors have found empirical evidence that ethnic fractionalization has a negative effect on growth. One mechanism that can explain this nexus is the effect of ethnic heterogeneity on rent-seeking activities and the increase in potential conflict, which is negative for investment. However the empirical evidence supporting the effect of ethnic fractionalization on the incidence of civil conflicts is very weak. Although ethnic fractionalization may be important for growth, we argue that the channel is not through an increase in potential ethnic conflict. We discuss the appropriateness of indices of polarization to capture conflictive dimensions. We develop a new measure of ethnic heterogeneity that satisfies the basic properties associated with the concept of polarization. The empirical section shows that this index of ethnic polarization is a significant variable in the explanation of the incidence of civil wars. This result is robust to the presence of other indicators of ethnic heterogeneity, other sources of data for the construction of the index, and other data structures.
Masking of Children's Early Understanding of the Representational Mind: Backwards Explanation versus Prediction

3-5-year-olds heard a story involving identical twins, one of whom was absent when their ball was moved from one drawer to another. Children found it easy to infer that the twin who later went to the original location to get the ball was the one who had gone outside. Children in a comparison condition found it relatively difficult to predict where a (nonidentical) twin who was absent when the ball was moved, would search for the ball, and made the usual realist error. In further investigations involving variations on the identical twins task, children were equally successful at making the link between looking in the wrong place and having been absent, whether a backwards inference was required (as above) or a forwards one (inferring that the twin who went outside must now be the one who was at the wrong location). We ruled out one twin's physical association with the correct location as an artifactual explanation for facilitation. Children performed well whether or not the experimenter told them explicitly which twin did not know the ball had been moved. These findings support the view that children's early insight into the representational character of mind is masked in traditional prediction tests of false belief.
Changes in running economy following downhill running

Abstract In this study, we examined the time course of changes in running economy following a 30-min downhill (−15%) run at 70% peak aerobic power ([Vdot]O2peak). Ten young men performed level running at 65, 75, and 85%[Vdot]O2peak (5 min for each intensity) before, immediately after, and 1 – 5 days after the downhill run, at which times oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2), minute ventilation, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentration were measured. Stride length, stride frequency, and range of motion of the ankle, knee, and hip joints during the level runs were analysed using high-speed (120-Hz) video images. Downhill running induced reductions (7 – 21%, P < 0.05) in maximal isometric strength of the knee extensors, three- to six-fold increases in plasma creatine kinase activity and myoglobin concentration, and muscle soreness for 4 days after the downhill run. Oxygen consumption increased (4 – 7%, P < 0.05) immediately to 3 days after downhill running. There were also increases (P < 0.05) in heart rate, minute ventilation, RER, RPE, blood lactate concentration, and stride frequency, as well as reductions in stride length and range of motion of the ankle and knee. The results suggest that changes in running form and compromised muscle function due to muscle damage contribute to the reduction in running economy for 3 days after downhill running.
Specifi c Language Impairment: A Neuropsychological Characterization

This study's objective was to characterize the neuropsychological functioning of children with Specifi c Language Impairment (SLI), in the areas of visual and verbal memory, attention/executive functions, and visual-perceptual functions. The sample consisted of 28 children with SLI and 28 children without SLI. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, school grade and socioeconomic level. The assessment instruments used are part of Coimbra's Neuropsychological Assessment Battery and data were analyzed through parametric and nonparametric statistical tests. In general, the results differentiate the performances of children with SLI from those observed in children without SLI. In comparison to the control group, the group of children with SLI obtained poorer results in visual memory and verbal memory, selective and sustained attention, executive functions, semantic verbal fl uency, visual-perceptual functions and processing speed.
Images of gay men in the media and the development of self esteem

This paper addresses the role played by the media in the formation of social identity and self-esteem in young gay men. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with a small number of gay men in Perth, Western Australia, in order to investigate their memories of television images of gay men, and the impact these images had on them. The men were interviewed either individually or in couples. These interviews were used for qualitative analysis. The research discovered that the media were by far the most important source of information about gay identity for these men in their youth. Most could recall very few images of homosexual men. However, those few images – mostly from fictional programs – were remembered as having a very strong impact, particularly in making the men feel happier with themselves and their feelings, providing information, and offering identities to which they could aspire.The paper concludes that the media – including fictional television programs - should acknowledge the vital role they play in creating a sense of what is normal and accepted in the Australian community, and thus in forming the self-esteem and social identities of Australian citizens. As such, they also need to recognise their potential role in overcoming the low self-esteem and suicidal tendencies of young gay men in Australia. It seems that in attempts to lower the rates of suicide attempts in young gay men, fictional entertainment media may have an important role to play.
Alveolar type II-like cells release G-CSF as neutrophil chemotactic activity

Koyama, Sekiya, Etsuro Sato, Takeshi Masubuchi, Akemi Takamizawa, Keishi Kubo, Sonoko Nagai, and Takateru Izumi. Alveolar type II-like cells release G-CSF as neutrophil chemotactic activity. Am. J. Physiol. 275 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 19): L687–L693, 1998. —We evaluated the potential of A549 cells, an alveolar type II epithelial cell line, to release granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), in addition to interleukin (IL)-8 and leukotriene B4, as neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA). Human recombinant IL-1b stimulated A549 cells to release NCA in a timeand dosedependent fashion. The released NCA was blocked by mouse anti-human G-CSF polyclonal antibody. Molecular-sieve column chromatography revealed that IL-1b induced the release of a 19to 20-kDa chemotactic mass that was inhibited by anti-human G-CSF antibody. IL-1b stimulated the release of G-CSF in a dose-dependent fashion, but the time-dependent profile of G-CSF showed that the concentration of G-CSF declined after 48 h. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and bradykinin (BK) stimulated A549 cells to release NCA that was inhibited by anti-G-CSF antibody. The release of G-CSF in response to TNF-a, LPS, and BK was significantly increased. The similar concentrations of human recombinant G-CSF (10–1,000 pg/ ml) as in the supernatant fluid induced neutrophil chemotaxis. G-CSF mRNA was expressed time and dose dependently at 4 h and declined after 4 h in response to IL-1b as evaluated by RT-PCR. The expression of G-CSF mRNA was also observed by TNF-a, LPS, and BK stimulation. These data suggest that type II alveolar epithelial cells may produce G-CSF as NCA and may participate in the regulation of leukocyte extravasation.
Demonstration of a human pyrogen-inducing factor during mixed leukocyte reactions

The role of lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of fever was investigated by stimulating human blood mononuclear cells in a two-way mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). After 2-7 d of incubation, MLR supernates contained a factor that was not pyrogenic itself when injected into rabbits; however, these supernates, when incubated with human blood monocytes from a third donor, induced the synthesis of LP. The pyrogen- inducing activity was stable at 56 degrees C, destroyed at 70 degrees C, and was neither dialyzable nor removable by adsorption by anti-human leukocytic pyrogen (LP) attached to Sepharose 4B. Production of this factor was not always correlated with increased thymidine incorporation in the MLR. Its production was absent when peripheral lymphocytes were purified over nylon wool. The concentration of mononuclear cells in the MLR varied from 5 X 10(5) to 5 X 10(6)/ml in round-bottomed tubes. Under the latter conditions, some donor cells produced this factor without stimulation in the MLR culture, but when these cells were cultured on flat-bottomed containers at low cell concentration, autologous production was not observed. These experiments demonstrate the production of a human lymphocyte factor (lymphokine) that induces LP synthesis. This pyrogen-inducing lymphokine may be important in the pathogenesis of fever in certain immunologically mediated diseases.
Reterritorilizing the relationship between people and place in refugee studies

The article discusses different conceptions of space and place in refugee studies, especially contributions from anthropology and geography. A main distinction is drawn between two understandings of space and place; an essentialist conception, stating a natural relationship between people and places and an alternative conception attempting to de‐naturalize the relationship between people and places. The consequences of applying different conceptions of space and place for the development of refugee policies and representations of refugees and displaced persons are addressed. For many displaced persons, displacement is experienced as being physically present at one place, but at the same time having a feeling of belonging somewhere else. It is argued that though attempts to de‐naturalize the relationship between people and places have been important for how the refugee experience is conceptualized, there has been too much focus on imagination accompanied by a neglect of the local perspective of migrants and displaced people. In the local perspective of forced migration, the present lives of displaced people are emphasized. Especially the attitudes from the host communities, the policy environment that displaced people are part of, and their livelihood opportunities are the focus of regard. ‘Territoriality’ and ‘reterritorialization’ of the relationship between people and places are discussed as tools to analyse the local perspective of forced migration in general and the strategies of internally displaced persons and their hosts in Sri Lanka in particular.