Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Source-Dependence of Utility and Loss Aversion: A Critical Test of Ambiguity Models

This paper tests whether utility is the same for risk and for uncertainty. This test is critical for models that capture ambiguity aversion through a difference in event weighting between risk and uncertainty, like the multiple priors models and prospect theory. We present a new method to measure utility and loss aversion under uncertainty without the need to introduce simplifying parametric assumptions. Our method extends Wakker and Deneffe’s (1996) trade-off method by allowing for standard sequences that include gains, losses, and the reference point. It provides an efficient way to measure loss aversion and a useful tool for practical applications of ambiguity models. We could not reject the hypothesis that utility and loss aversion were the same for risk and uncertainty, suggesting that utility primarily reflects attitudes towards outcomes. Utility was S-shaped, concave for gains and convex for losses and there was substantial loss aversion. Our findings support models that explain ambiguity aversion through a difference in event weighting and suggest that descriptive ambiguity models should allow for reference-dependence of utility.
The Angular Clustering of Lyman-Break Galaxies at Redshift z ~ 3

We have measured the angular correlation function w(θ) for a sample of 871 Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) in five fields at redshift z ~ 3. Fitting the power law Aw θ-β to a weighted average of w(θ) from the five fields over the range 12'' ≲ θ ≲ 330'', we find Aw ~ 2 arcsecβ and β ~ 0.9. The slope is, within the errors, the same as for galaxy samples in the local and intermediate-redshift universe, and a slope β = 0.25 or shallower is ruled out by the data at the 99.9% confidence level. Because N(z) of LBGs is well determined from 376 spectroscopic LBG redshifts, the real-space correlation function can be accurately derived from the angular one through the Limber transform. The inversion of w(θ) is rather insensitive to the still relatively large uncertainties on Aω and β, and the spatial correlation length is much more tightly constrained than either of these parameters. We estimate r0=3.3+ 0.7−0.6(2.1+ 0.4−0.5) h-1 Mpc (comoving) for q0 = 0.1 (0.5) at the median redshift of the survey, =3.04 (h is in units of 100 km s-1 Mpc-1 throughout this paper). The observed comoving correlation length of LBGs at z ~ 3 is comparable to that of present-day spiral galaxies and is only ~50% smaller than that of present-day ellipticals; it is as large or larger than any measured in recent intermediate-redshift galaxy samples (0.3 ≲ z ≲ 1). By comparing the observed galaxy correlation length to that of the mass predicted from cold dark matter (CDM) theory, we estimate a linear bias for LBGs of b ~ 1.5 (4.5) for q0 = 0.1 (0.5), in broad agreement with our previous estimates based on preliminary spectroscopy. The strong clustering and the large bias of the LBGs are consistent with biased galaxy formation theories and provide additional evidence that these systems are associated with massive dark matter halos. The results of the clustering of LBGs at z ~ 3 emphasize that apparent evolution in the clustering properties of galaxies may be due as much to variations in effective light-to-mass bias parameter among different galaxy samples as to evolution in the mass distribution through gravitational instability.
Recognition memory and the mere exposure effect.

Repeated exposure to novel stimuli tends to make the stimuli better liked. Examined here is the relation between this increment in liking and recognition of the stimuli. An attempt was made to replicate findings taken as evidence that liking is used as a basis for inferring prior exposure and thus for making recognition decisions (e.g., Matlin, 1971; Moreland & Zajonc, 1977). The claim was not supported. Although in each of five experiments liking and recognition were positively correlated, liking was less sensitive to prior exposure than was recognition. Moreover, statistical analyses suggested that if liking and recognition were causally related, recognition mediated liking rather than the other way around.
Relationship between floor type and risk of ACL injury in team handball

The purpose of this study was to compare the ACL injury rate between two different floor types – wooden floors (parquet, generally having lower friction) and artificial floors (generally having higher friction). ACL injuries have been recorded prospectively from the three top divisions for men and women in Norwegian team handball during seven seasons (1989–2000). A total of 174 ACL injuries have been recorded, and of these 53 occurred in regular league games. The floor types for all regular games from the same seasons have been determined retrospectively based on match schedules. The matches were divided into two groups: those played on wooden floors and those played on artificial floors. A total of nine injuries occurred among men (incidence: 0.24±0.09 injuries per 1000 player hours) and 44 among women (0.77±0.04 injuries 1000 h−1; OR vs. men: 3.21 (1.56–6.58); P=0.001). Among men, four injuries occurred on wooden floors (0.32±0.13 injuries 1000 h−1) and five injuries occurred on artificial floors (0.20±0.12 injuries 1000 h−1; OR vs. wooden floors: 0.63 (0.17–2.37); ns). Among women, eight injuries occurred on wooden floors (0.41±0.09 injuries 1000 h−1; OR vs. men: 1.29 (0.39–4.28); ns) and 36 on artificial floors (0.96±0.04 injuries 1000 h−1; OR vs. wooden floors: 2.35 (1.09–5.07); P=0.03; OR vs. men: 4.77 (1.87–12.18); P=0.001). These results indicate that the risk of ACL injury for women is higher on artificial floors than on wooden floors.
Maximum-Profit Two-Sided Pricing in Service Platforms Based on Wireless Sensor Networks

A business model for Internet-of-Things-based services is proposed whereby a platform serves as an intermediary between human users and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The platform, acting as a monopolist, posts both the price paid by each user and the price paid to each WSN so as to maximize its profits. In this setting, we propose, analyze, and compare two alternative payment schemes for the WSN side. We demonstrate that the two payment schemes are equivalent from every stakeholder's point of view. And then we show that there is a user cost ceiling, which depends both on the number of WSNs and the strength of the cross externality that the WSNs creates on the users, below which the take-up is maximum.
Bimanual Training After Stroke: Are Two Hands Better Than One?

Abstract Functional recovery of the paretic upper extremity eludes the majority of patients post stroke. Although many tasks require the coordinated participation of both hands, rehabilitation strategies for the most part have focused on the paretic limb. This article reviews the behavioral basis of bimanual coordination both in health and after stroke hemiparesis and reviews clinical research studies that have used a bimanual training protocol for rehabilitation. Our intent is to examine and evaluate the evidence for the application of such an approach to enhance recovery of upper extremity function. Based on our review, we suggest a set of prerequisite task features and patient characteristics for consideration in the application of bimanual training protocols for poststroke rehabilitation.
Associations between postnatal weight gain, change in postnatal pulmonary function, formula feeding and early asthma

Background: A study was undertaken to examine factors that might influence lung function during infancy and to test the hypothesis that change in weight during infancy is negatively associated with change in lung function. Methods: Weight, length and maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V′maxFRC) were measured at ages 1 and 12 months. V′maxFRC was adjusted for length. Asthma symptoms and age at introduction of formula feeds were identified from questionnaires. Groups were dichotomised by V′maxFRC at 1 month and change in V′maxFRC. Results: 154 infants were assessed at ages 1 and 12 months. The change in V′maxFRC was inversely associated with change in weight (r = −0.18, r2 = 0.13, p<0.001). The group with lower V′maxFRC at 1 month and reduced change in V′maxFRC over infancy had the greatest weight gain (p = 0.003) and increased risk for asthma symptoms by 3 years (p = 0.017) but not afterwards. Exclusive breast feeding to 6 months was associated with a mean reduction in weight gain at age 12 months in comparison with earlier introduction of formula milk (mean difference 0.65 kg, p = 0.001), and was also associated with reduced asthma symptoms at 3 years (odds ratio 0.44, p = 0.043) but not at 6 or 11 years of age. Conclusions: Weight gain in infancy is inversely associated with change in lung function during infancy. Postnatal weight gain may be indirectly associated with early transient asthma symptoms via an influence on lung growth during infancy, and this is potentially modifiable by breast feeding. These associations could be relevant to the clinically recognised syndrome of the “fat happy wheezer”.
Usability Evaluation of An Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) Application

Summary Background: Electronic medication administration records (eMARs) have been widely used in recent years. However, formal usability evaluations are not yet available for these vendor applications, especially from the perspective of nurses, the largest group of eMAR users. Objective: To conduct a formal usability evaluation of an implemented eMAR. Methods: Four evaluators examined a commercial vendor eMAR using heuristic evaluation techniques. The evaluators defined seven tasks typical of eMAR use and independently evaluated the application. Consensus techniques were used to obtain 100% agreement of identified usability problems and severity ratings. Findings were reviewed with 5 clinical staff nurses and the Director of Clinical Informatics who verified findings with a small group of clinical nurses. Results: Evaluators found 60 usability problems categorized into 233 heuristic violations. Match, Error, and Visibility heuristics were the most frequently violated. Administer Medication and Order and Modify Medications tasks had the highest number of heuristic violations and usability problems rated as major or catastrophic. Conclusion: The high number of usability problems could impact the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of nurses’ medication administration activities and may include concerns about patient safety. Usability is a joint responsibility between sites and vendors. We offer a call to action for usability evaluations at all sites and eMAR application redesign as necessary to improve the user experience and promote patient safety.
Cell adhesion and proliferation mediated through the G1 domain of versican

We have demonstrated previously that versican stimulated cell proliferation through the G3 domain. In these experiments, we show that versican mini‐gene‐transfected cell lines exhibited decreased cell‐substratum interaction and increased cell proliferation. Exogenous addition of growth medium containing the versican gene product produced the same results. Because the G1 domain of versican is structurally similar to the G1 domain of aggrecan and to link protein, both of which play role in cell adhesion, we hypothesized that versican's proliferative effects may be a consequence of its ability to reduce cell adhesion, and may be mediated through the G1 domain. To investigate this, we expressed a G1 construct in NIH3T3 cells and showed that it reduced cell adhesion and enhanced cell proliferation. We then demonstrated that deletion of the G1 domain from versican greatly, but not completely, reversed the effects of versican: G1‐deletion mutants of versican show slightly reduced amounts of cell adhesion and slightly increased rates of proliferation. We concluded that versican can stimulate cell proliferation via two mechanisms: through two EGF‐like motifs in the G3 domain which play a role in stimulating cell growth, and through the G1 domain, which destabilizes cell adhesion and facilitates cell growth. We purified the G1 product with an affinity column and demonstrated that it reduced cell adhesion and enhanced cell proliferation. J. Cell. Biochem. 72:210–220, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanosized TiO2-Induced Reproductive System Dysfunction and Its Mechanism in Female Mice

Recent studies have demonstrated nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2)-induced fertility reduction and ovary injury in animals. To better understand how nano-TiO2 act in mice, female mice were exposed to 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg nano-TiO2 by intragastric administration for 90 consecutive days; the ovary injuries, fertility, hormone levels, and inflammation-related or follicular atresia-related cytokine expression were investigated. The results showed that nano-TiO2 was deposited in the ovary, resulting in significant reduction of body weight, relative weight of ovary and fertility, alterations of hematological and serum parameters and sex hormone levels, atretic follicle increases, inflammation, and necrosis. Furthermore, nano-TiO2 exposure resulted in marked increases of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2, epidermal growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, tissue plasminogen activator, interleukin-1β, interleukin -6, Fas, and FasL expression, and significant decreases of insulin-like growth factor-1, luteinizing hormone receptor, inhibin α, and growth differentiation factor 9 expression in mouse ovary. These findings implied that fertility reduction and ovary injury of mice following exposure to nano-TiO2 may be associated with alteration of inflammation-related or follicular atresia-related cytokine expressions, and humans should take great caution when handling nano-TiO2.
White matter hyperintensities, executive function and global cognitive performance in vascular mild cognitive impairment.

UNLABELLED Vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) represents an early symptomatic stage of vascular cognitive impairment and might be associated to fronto-executive dysfunction. METHODS Twenty-six individuals (age: 73.11±7.90 years; 65.4% female; schooling: 9.84±3.61 years) were selected through neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging. Clinical and neuroimaging data of VaMCI individuals (n=15) were compared to normal controls (NC, n=11) and correlated with Fazekas scale. RESULTS VaMCI performed significantly worse than NC in Trail-Making Test (TMT) B, errors in TMT B, difference TMT B-A and Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) final scores. Correlations were found among scores in modified Fazekas scale and performances in TMT B (time to complete and errors), difference TMT B-A and CAMCOG total score. CONCLUSION Extension of white matter hyperintensities might be correlated to poorer global cognition and impairments in a set of fronto-executive functions, such as cognitive speed, set shifting and inhibitory control in VaMCI.
Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Patient-Centered Approach

Glycemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus has become increasingly complex and, to some extent, controversial, with a widening array of pharmacological agents now available (1–5), mounting concerns about their potential adverse effects and new uncertainties regarding the benefits of intensive glycemic control on macrovascular complications (6–9). Many clinicians are therefore perplexed as to the optimal strategies for their patients. As a consequence, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) convened a joint task force to examine the evidence and develop recommendations for antihyperglycemic therapy in nonpregnant adults with type 2 diabetes. Several guideline documents have been developed by members of these two organizations (10) and by other societies and federations (2,11–15). However, an update was deemed necessary because of contemporary information on the benefits/risks of glycemic control, recent evidence concerning efficacy and safety of several new drug classes (16,17), the withdrawal/restriction of others, and increasing calls for a move toward more patient-centered care (18,19). This statement has been written incorporating the best available evidence and, where solid support does not exist, using the experience and insight of the writing group, incorporating an extensive review by additional experts (acknowledged below). The document refers to glycemic control; yet this clearly needs to be pursued within a multifactorial risk reduction framework. This stems from the fact that patients with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; the aggressive management of cardiovascular …
Undistorted structural analysis of soluble proteins by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy

Water from the solvent very strongly absorbs light in the frequency range of interest for studying protein structure by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. This renders handling of the observation cells painstaking and time consuming, and limits the reproducibility of the measurements when IR spectroscopy is applied to proteins in aqueous solutions. These difficulties are circumvented by the use of an Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) accessory. However, when protein solutions are studied, ATR spectroscopy suffers from several drawbacks, the most severe being nonproportionality of the observed absorbance with the protein concentration and spectral distortions that vary from protein to protein and from sample to sample. In this study, we show (1) that the nonproportionality is due to adsorption of the protein on the ATR crystal surface; (2) that the contribution of the crystal‐adsorbed protein can easily be taken into account, rendering the corrected absorbance proportional to the protein concentration; (3) that the observed variable base line distortions, likely due to changes in the penetration depth of the light beam in solutions with the refractive index that depends on the protein concentration, can be easily eliminated; and (4) that ATR IR spectra thus corrected for protein adsorption and light penetration can be used to properly analyze the secondary structure of proteins in solution.
Approximate convex decomposition of polygons

We propose a strategy to decompose a polygon, containing zero or more holes, into ``approximately convex'' pieces. For many applications, the approximately convex components of this decomposition provide similar benefits as convex components, while the resulting decomposition is significantly smaller and can be computed more efficiently. Moreover, our approximate convex decomposition (ACD) provides a mechanism to focus on key structural features and ignoreless significant artifacts such as wrinkles and surface texture a user specified tolerance determines allowable concavity. We propose a simple algorithm that computes an ACD of a polygon by iteratively removing (resolving) the most significant non-convex feature (notch). As a by product, it produces an elegant hierarchical representation that provides a series of `increasingly convex' decompositions. Our algorithm computes an ACD of a simple polygon with n verticesand r notches in O(nr) time. In contrast, exact convex decomposition is NP-hard or,if the polygon has no holes, takes O(nr2) time.
D-branes and KK-theory in Type I String Theory

We analyse unstable D-brane systems in type-I string theory. Generalizing the proposal in hep-th/0108085, we give a physical interpretation for real KK-theory and claim that the D-branes embedded in a product space X ? Y which are made from the unstable Dp-brane system wrapped on Y are classified by a real KK-theory group KKOp? 1(X,Y). The field contents of the unstable D-brane systems are systematically described by a hidden Clifford algebra structure.We also investigate the matrix theory based on non-BPS D-instantons and show that the spectrum of D-branes in the theory is exactly what we expect in type-I string theory, including stable non-BPS D-branes with Z2 charge. We explicitly construct the D-brane solutions in the framework of BSFT and analyse the physical property making use of the Clifford algebra.
Seabird interactions with longlining operations for Dissostichus eleginoides at the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia

During seven days of operations involving the setting and hauling of longlines to catch the toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides around the South Sandwich Islands, actual and potential interactions with seabirds were assessed. Bird numbers increased rapidly after dawn and large numbers of Cape, giant and storm petrels and smaller numbers of white-chinned petrels and black-browed albatrosses were present during day hauling operations. No incidental mortality was seen and only one bird was caught on a hook; nevertheless many species in these aggregations of birds are clearly potentially vulnerable to setting operations in daylight hours. Several species of the seabirds present presumably originated from South Georgia populations; however wandering and grey-headed albatrosses, whose populations are in serious decline at South Georgia, were rare; their vulnerability to longlining operations in the South Sandwich Islands may, therefore, be low. Quantitative data and observations of longline vessels fishing around South Georgia, however, indicate significant catch rates of albatrosses.
Species Endemism: Predicting Broad-Scale Patterns and Conservation Priorities

Organismal dispersal through mountain passes should be more constrained by temperaturerelated differences between lowland and highland sites in montane environments. This may lead to higher rates of diversification through isolation of existing lineages toward the tropics. This mechanism, proposed by Janzen (1967), could influence broad-scale patterns of biodiversity across mountainous regions and more broadly across latitudinal gradients. We constructed two complementary analyses to test this hypothesis. First, we measured topographically-derived thermal gradients using recently-developed climatic data across the Americas, reviewing the main expectations from Janzen’s climatic model. Then, we evaluated whether thermal barriers predict assemblage similarity for amphibians and mammals along elevational gradients across most of their latitudinal extent in the Americas. Thermal barriers between low and high elevation areas, initially proposed to be unique to tropical environments, are comparably strong in some temperate regions, particularly along the western slopes of North American dividing ranges. Biotic similarity for both mammals and amphibians decreases between sites that are separated by 2 elevation-related thermal barriers. That is, the stronger the thermal barrier separating pairs of sites across the latitudinal gradient, the lower the similarity of their species assemblages. Thermal barriers explain 10-35% of the variation in latitudinal gradients of biotic similarity, effects that were stronger in comparisons of sites at high elevations. Mammals’ stronger dispersal capacities and homeothermy may explain weaker effects of thermal barriers on gradients of assemblage similarity than among amphibians. Understanding how temperature gradients have shaped gradients of montane biological diversity in the past will improve understanding of how changing environments may affect them in the future.