Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Identification of Attitudes towards Ambiguity and Risk from Asset Demand

Individuals behave differently when they know the objective probability of events and when they do not. The smooth ambiguity model accommodates both ambiguity (uncertainty) and risk. For an incomplete, competitive asset market, we develop a revealed preference test for asset demand to be consistent with the maximization of smooth ambiguity preferences ; and we show that ambiguity preferences constructed from finite observations converge to underlying ambiguity preferences as observations become dense. Subsequently, we give sufficient conditions for the asset demand generated by smooth ambiguity preferences to identify the ambiguity and risk indices as well as the ambiguity probability measure. We do not require ambiguity beliefs to be observable : in a generalized specification, they may not even be defined. An ambiguity free asset plays an important role for identification.
The Sitting Versus Right Lateral Position During Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: Block Characteristics and Severity of Hypotension

In the present study we evaluated whether the sitting position during initiation of small-dose combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSE) would induce less hypotension as compared with the lateral position. Sixty women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive a spinal injection consisting of 6.6 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with sufentanil 3.3 &mgr;g in either the lateral or the sitting position. After securing the epidural catheter, patients were turned to a 15° left lateral supine position. Ephedrine 5 mg IV was administered prophylactically and subsequently in case of nausea/vomiting and/or hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 95 mm Hg or a 25% decrease from baseline values. Although the incidence of ephedrine supplementation was not different, females in the sitting group required less ephedrine (P = 0.012) and there were fewer problems with identifying the epidural space (P = 0.01). However, more patients in this group required epidural supplementation (35% versus 3%; P = 0.007). In the lateral group, blocks extended more cephalad than with the sitting position (P = 0.014). Apgar scores did not differ, but umbilical artery pH values were significantly higher in patients of the sitting group (7.31 ± 0.04 versus 7.26 ± 0.03; P = 0.02). We conclude that performing a CSE technique for cesarean delivery in the sitting position was technically easier and induced less severe hypotension.
Models of Hawaiian volcano growth and plume structure: Implications of results from the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project

The shapes of typical Hawaiian volcanoes are simply parameterized, and a relationship is derived for the dependence of lava accumulation rates on volcano volume and volumetric growth rate. The dependence of lava accumulation rate on time is derived by estimating the eruption rate of a volcano as it traverses the Hawaiian plume, with the eruption rate determined from a specified radial dependence of magma generation in the plume and assuming that a volcano captures melt from a circular area centered on the volcano summit. The timescale of volcano growth is t = 2 R/ν_plate where R is the radius of the melting zone of the (circular) plume and νplate is the velocity of the Pacific plate. The growth progress of a volcano can be described by a dimensionless time t′ = tν_plate/2R, where t′ = 0 is chosen to be the start of volcano growth and t′ = 1 approximates the end of “shield” growth. Using a melt generation rate for the whole plume of 0.2 km^(3)/yr, a plume diameter of 50 km, and a plate velocity of 10 cm/yr, we calculate that the lifetime of a typical volcano is 1000 kyr. For a volcano that traverses the axis of the plume, the “standard” dimensions are a volume of 57,000 km^3, a summit thickness of 18 km, a summit elevation of 3.6 km, and a basal radius of 60 km. The volcano first breaches the sea surface at t′ ≈ 0.22 when it has attained only 5% of its eventual volume; 80% of the volume accumulates between t′ = 0.3 and t′ = 0.7. Typical lava accumulation rates start out over 50 m/kyr in the earliest stages of growth from the seafloor, and level out at ∼35 m/kyr from t′ ≈ 0.05 until t′ = 0.4. From t′ = 0.4 to t′ = 0.9, the submarine lava accumulation rates decrease almost linearly from 35 m/kyr to ∼0; subaerial accumulation rates are about 30% lower. The lava accumulation rate is a good indicator of volcano age. A volcano that passes over the plume at a distance 0.4R off to the side of the plume axis is predicted to have a volume of about 60% of the standard volcano, a lifetime about 8% shorter, and lava accumulation rates about 15–20% smaller. The depth-age data for Mauna Kea lavas cored by the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project are a good fit to the model parameters used, given that Mauna Kea appears to have crossed the plume about 15–20 km off-axis. The lifetime of Mauna Kea is estimated to be 920 kyr. Mauna Loa is predicted to be at a stage corresponding to t′ ≈ 0.8, Kilauea is at t′ ≈ 0.6, and Loihi is at t′ ≈0.16. The model also allows the subsurface structure of the volcanoes (the interfaces between lavas from different volcanoes) to be modeled. Radial geochemical structure in the plume may be blurred in the lavas because the volcanoes capture magma from a sizeable cross-sectional area of the plume; this inference is qualitatively born out by available isotopic data. The model predicts that new Hawaiian volcanoes are typically initiated on the seafloor near the base of the next older volcano but generally off the older volcano's flank.
Dune dynamics and roughness under gradually varying flood waves, comparing flume and field observations

Accurate forecasts of bed forms and their roughness during a flood wave are essential for flood management. Bed forms remain dynamic even under steady discharge and are subject to a continuous process of creations and destructions of individual bed forms. Dune evolution during the rising limb of a flood wave is quite well understood and can be modeled. However, dune evolution during the falling limb remains poorly understood. The objective of this paper is to explain the bed form evolution and roughness during the receding limb of fast flood waves. Therefore, bed profiles of two flume experiments were analyzed in detail and individual dune creations and destructions were classified. The results showed that for fast flood waves in subcritical water flow: (1) dune length grows during both rising and falling limb due to amalgamation of bed forms, (2) dune length has a longer adaptation time than dune height, resulting in short, high dunes during the peak discharge, and (3) this hysteresis difference between dune height and length results in a larger roughness than predicted by equilibrium bed form dimension equations, which may result in a larger roughness of the main channel during floods than expected.
Development and Validation of the Dutch Brief Form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ-BF-NL)

This study describes the development and psychometric properties of the Dutch brief form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ-BF-NL). Representative samples from the Netherlands (N = 1,055) and the United States (N = 1,153) and a Dutch student sample (N = 987) were used for development, cross- and external validation, respectively. The authors’ strategy for item selection and scale validation replicated the development of the U.S. brief form (MPQ-BF). Internal consistencies were generally good and comparable to the U.S. version, as were correlations with the U.S. full-length scales and higher order structure. Moreover, convergent and divergent patterns were consistent with prediction, with Positive Emotionality related to social and activating behavior, Negative Emotionality to anxiety, and Constraint to reversed impulsivity and externalizing behaviors. In sum, the MPQ-BF-NL provides the Dutch-Flemish language area with a personality inventory well suited for both psychopathology research and clinical practice and offers new opportunities for fundamental and cross-cultural studies on personality.
No essential role for tripeptidyl peptidase II for the processing of LCMV‐derived T cell epitopes

The proteasome is critically involved in the production of MHC class I‐restricted T cell epitopes. Approximately 20% of all peptides generated by the proteasome are too large for direct presentation by MHC class I molecules. Reits et al. (Immunity 2004. 20: 495–506) suggested that a major portion of proteasomal products are larger than 15 amino acids and require further degradation by the tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII) before becoming ligands of MHC class I molecules. Using the well‐characterized lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model, the role of TPPII in the processing of several LCMV‐derived T cell epitopes was investigated. In contrast to Reits’ proposal, TPPII inhibition and TPPII overexpression experiments revealed that five out of six LCMV‐derived CD8+ T cell epitopes were not affected by inhibition of TPPII, while one epitope (GP276) was slightly reduced upon TPPII overexpression. Additionally, we demonstrated that the processing of two epitopes derived from ovalbumin and murine cytomegalovirus were not altered by TPPII inhibition. We propose that TPPII is not generally required for the production of MHC class I peptides, but the presentation of some peptides can be negatively affected by TPPII.
AN EFFICIENT BATIK IMAGE RETRIEVAL SYSTEM BASED ON COLOR AND TEXTURE FEATURES 1

Research in batik image retrieval is still challenging today. In this paper, we present an efficient system for batik image retrieval that combine color and texture features. The proposed approach is based on color auto-correlogram method as color feature extraction method and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) method as texture feature extraction method. Firstly, HSV (Hue Saturation Value) color space but only the hue component is quantized into 18 color categories and continued in the process of color autocorrelogram. Secondly, converts the batik image from RGB color space to grayscale to obtain texture features using GLCM (Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix). Finally, the integration of the color and texture features provide a robust feature set for batik image retrieval with calculates the similarity measure. Precision and recall are used as the accuracy measure in our proposed research, then the results are compared with the well-known existing approaches. The experimental results show that the proposed batik image retrieval is more accurate and efficient in retrieving the user interested images.
Avian population survey in the Floreana highlands: is Darwin's Medium Tree Finch declining in remnant patches of Scalesia forest?

Summary Island species typically exist in pathogen and predator sparse environments before human settlement, and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of invasive species. In this study, we used the variable circular-plot method to estimate the density of birds in the highlands of Floreana Island, Galapagos Archipelago, where introduced parasites, predators, and habitat degradation are a known threat to endemic species. We recorded the number of birds seen and heard at 15 locations near Cerro Pajas Volcano in 2004 and 2008, an area that harbours the largest expanse of highland Scalesia forest on Floreana Island. We estimated the change in population density for nine bird species, including five species of Darwin's finches. We specifically address changes in population density for the locally endemic Medium Tree Finch Camarhynchus pauper, which only occurs on Floreana Island and has a small population size. Comparing 2004 and 2008, our study found lower population density in the Medium Tree Finch, but stable population density in Small Tree Finch C. parvulus and Large Tree Finch C. psittacula. Based on data from three additional highland sites surveyed in 2008, we estimate that the maximum size of the Medium Tree Finch population is 1,620 individuals. In addition to the survey data, we observed breeding males in 2006 and 2008. We found: (1) low nesting success (six out of 63 nests produced fledglings) and high Philornis downsi parasite intensity, and (2) a biased age structure of the breeding population. No breeding males were one year old in 2006, and no males were five years old in either study year, indicating low reproductive success as well as limited lifespan. This research has contributed to the recent re-evaluation by IUCN, which has changed the Red List status of the Medium Tree Finch from 'Vulnerable' to 'Critically Endangered'.
Comparison of glucose tolerance categories according to World Health Organization and American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria in a population-based study in Brazil. The Japanese-Brazilian Diabetes Study Group.

OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence of different categories of glucose tolerance in a Japanese-Brazihan population using World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) diagnostic criteria. RESEARCH DIVISION AND METHODS: The analyses were based on the data obtained from a study conducted in a representative sample of the Japanese-Brazilian population composed of 647 subjects (40-79 years) who were submitted to a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. Prevalence of glucose tolerance categories and the level of agreement (K statistics) were obtained using WHO and ADA criteria. Cardiovascular risk profile of the subjects with different diagnostic categories were compared. RESULTS Similar prevalences of diabetes were found considering both criteria (WHO, 20.3%; ADA, 19.2%). The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) by WHO criteria was 14.7%, contrasting with 7.4% of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) by ADA criteria. Subjects with discordant diagnostic categories by the criteria, considered at risk for diabetes (IGT/IFG), showed a worse metabolic profile than the concordant normal subjects. However, subjects with discordant diagnoses who had IGT or diabetes by WHO criteria but who were normal by ADA criteria exhibited a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors (higher blood pressure and triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol) than those who were discordant (IFG/diabetes) by ADA criteria but normal by WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS Although the number of diabetic subjects was similar between the criteria, those identified as being at risk for diabetes were quite distinct. Fewer subjects were classified as having IFG by ADA criteria than as having IGT by WHO criteria. Abnormal glucose tolerance based on WHO criteria seems to identify a worse cardiovascular profile than abnormal tolerance based on ADA criteria. Follow-up studies are necessary to know the prognostic significance of IFG to predict subsequent diabetes.
Selective targeting of M‐type potassium Kv7.4 channels demonstrates their key role in the regulation of dopaminergic neuronal excitability and depression‐like behaviour

The mesolimbic dopamine system originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is involved in the development of depression, and firing patterns of VTA dopaminergic neurons are key determinants in this process. Here, we describe a crucial role for the M‐type Kv7.4 channels in modulating excitability of VTA dopaminergic neurons and in the development of depressive behaviour in mice.
Influence of ageing time on yield and texture of marinated chicken breast cooked using a continuous process

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different ageing times before deboning (deboning time) and ageing times after deboning (holding time) on the quality (sensory attributes and texture) and cooking loss of chicken breast marinated, cooked and frozen using a continuous process.The following32 experimental design was used (3 deboning times: zero, 6 and 12 hours; and 3 holding times: zero, 12 and 24 hours). Brine absorption, chicken breast pH and cooking loss were evaluated, a sensory analysis was carried out and the shear force was determined. The deboning and holding times did not significantly influence brine absorption and pH, but did significantly influence cooking loss, where the lowest value obtained was a mean of 19.72% for deboning times of 6 or 12 hours and a holding time of 24 hours. A deboning time of 6 hours was sufficient to improve tenderness as measured by a sensory analysis and shear force determination.
DNL and INL yield models for a current-steering D/A converter

The key measures of the static linearity of a current-steering D/A converter are Differential Nonlinearity (DNL) and Integral Nonlinearity (INL). Several papers have been published in which various models of the INL yield as a function of the variance of the current source mismatch have been proposed. However, most of these methods neither describe the statistical behavior of the INL and DNL yield accurately nor do they take to account the effects of the segmentation on the INL and DNL yields. In this paper, the analysis of the statistical behavior of the INL yield is presented. It is demonstrated, that the segmentation of the current sources affects the statistical behavior of the INL and DNL. In addition, regression models for the DNL and INL yields are presented. These models are applicable in cases of 10 to 16 bits with 1 to 6 and 1 to 3 thermometer coded MSB bits for the INL and DNL, respectively.
Personalized peptide vaccines: A new therapeutic modality for cancer

Therapeutic cancer vaccines have enjoyed little success so far, although many clinical trials have been conducted. Therefore, the creation of new protocols capable of inducing an objective response is required. We examined two of these protocols in the present review. The first is a personalized protocol to take into account the immunological diversity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses among patients. The second is a combination therapy designed to adapt to the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐loss cancer cells. The objective response rates of our classical (non‐personalized) peptide vaccines were 0%, whereas that of personalized vaccines was 11.1% in the total advanced cancers and ≥20% in malignant glioma and cervical cancers, respectively. A ≥50% decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was seen in 8.7% of advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer patients by personalized vaccination alone, whereas such a decrease was seen in 54% of patients when the personalized vaccination was combined with a low dose of estramustine. Based on these experiences, we propose a personalized peptide vaccine combined with chemotherapy as a new treatment modality for cancers. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 970–976)
Selective Reduction of Graft-versus-Host Disease-Mediating Human T Cells by Ex Vivo Treatment with Soluble Fas Ligand1

Previous work done in our laboratory, using mouse models, showed that soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) can efficiently delete donor anti-host T cells during their activation against irradiated host cells in MLCs. In the mouse models, this ex vivo sFasL treatment abrogated graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) while sparing donor T cells with antitumor reactivity. The present work was performed with human cells, to extend our work toward reduction of clinical GVHD. PBMC responders from a given individual (first party) were stimulated in vitro with irradiated PBMC stimulators from a second person (second party), in the presence of sFasL. In control MLCs without sFasL, alloreacting T cells began to up-regulate Fas (CD95) detectably and became sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis by as early as day 1–2. In MLCs containing sFasL, there were greatly reduced numbers of alloreacting CD3+CFSElo cells, activation Ag-expressing CD4hi and CD8hi cells, IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and CD8+CD107a+ CTLs. Furthermore, mice transplanted with the ex vivo sFasL/MLR-treated cells had prolonged time to fatal GVHD in an in vivo xenogeneic GVHD model. Responder cells harvested from primary MLCs containing sFasL had reduced proliferation in response to second party cells, but proliferated in response to CMV Ags, PHA, and third party cells. In addition, sFasL/MLR-treated cell populations contained influenza-specific T cells, CD4+FOXP3+ T cells, and CD4+CD25+ T cells. These data indicate that this ex vivo sFasL/MLR depletion of alloreacting human donor anti-host T cells was efficient and selective.
Freshwater control of onset and species composition of Greenland shelf spring bloom

The relationship between physical properties of the water column and spatial patchiness of phytoplankton spring bloom development on the Greenland shelf edge and in the Irminger Sea was investigated using data collected during a spring cruise (April and May 2002). The observations confirm a strong relationship between the onset and stage of bloom development and the stratification induced by freshwater input to the surface layer in the shelf region. Interestingly, at the shelf, in the region influenced by melting of the seasonal ice-cover, the vertical distribution of chlorophyll a showed a subsurface maximum at ca. 25 m depth at several stations. Since nutrients were not exhausted at these stations, such a pattern does not conform to the general picture of a spring bloom. In contrast, in the open ocean part of the Irminger Sea pre-bloom conditions and a retarded development of the phytoplankton population were observed with low, more uniform distribution of chlorophyll a. The nitrate drawdown was estimated at between 16.5 and 270 µm m–2 (mean 108.6 ± 82.2 µm m–2) and the new primary production was estimated to be between 1.3 and 21.4 g C m–2 (8.6 ± 6.5 g C m–2), corresponding to 0.42 g C m–2 d–1. The phytoplankton community in the melting ice zone consisted of Phaeocystis sp. , small flagellates (< 4 µm) and picoplankton, while diatoms were less abundant. Phaeocystis sp. contributed up to 15 g C m–2 to the carbon biomass (70% of total carbon measured), whereas the contribution of diatoms and flagellates to carbon biomass was relatively low, with up to 1.2 g C m–2 (5.7%) and up to 2.5 g C m–2 (11.7%), respectively. On the shelf the bloom starts at the very beginning of stabilisation (elevated N2 values) which results solely from the release of meltwater. The locally restricted water stability leads to a patchy phytoplankton distribution in the Irminger Sea.