Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entstehungsbedingungen von Antwortverzerrungen durch soziale Erwünschtheit

Zusammenfassung: Die Rational-Choice Theorie und deren Generalisierung im Modell der Frame Selektion beanspruchen beide eine vollstandige und die Interdependenz der Entstehungsfaktoren berucksichtigende Erklarung des sozial erwunschten Antwortverhaltens in Umfragen. Die hierbei vorhergesagten Erklarungsfaktoren wurden bisher nur unvollstandig und oft mit widerspruchlichen Ergebnissen empirisch untersucht. Der vorliegende Beitrag uberpruft daher theorievergleichend zentrale Vorhersagen der beiden Ansatze am Antwortverhalten uber Einstellungen zu Auslandern. Die Ergebnisse bestatigen im ersten Schritt die Vorhersagen der „reinen“ Rational-Choice Theorie, wonach mit sozial erwunschtem Antwortverhalten nur dann zu rechnen ist, wenn die motivationalen, kognitiven und sozialen Vorbedingungen gleichzeitig erfullt sind. Diese bereits sehr differenzierte Prognose erweist sich allerdings bei der Analyse der im Modell der Frame-Selektion zusatzlich angenommenen kulturellen Faktoren als unvollstandig. Mit diesen Determinanten einer „kooperativen“ Rahmung der Interviews lasst sich die vollstandige Ausschaltung instrumentell rationaler Anreize durch soziale Erwunschtheit vorhersagen. Die Gultigkeit der Rational-Choice Theorie ist demnach auf wichtige, aber eben nur spezielle und im Rahmen des Modells der Frame-Selektion vorhersagbare Bedingungen beschrankt.
Enhancement of microfluidic mixing using time pulsing.

Many microfluidic applications require the mixing of reagents, but efficient mixing in these laminar (i.e., low Reynolds number) systems is typically difficult. Instead of using complex geometries and/or relatively long channels, we demonstrate the merits of flow rate time dependency through periodic forcing. We illustrate the technique by studying mixing in a simple "T" channel intersection by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as well as physically mixing two aqueous reagents. The "T" geometry selected consists of two inlet channel segments merging at 90 degrees to each other, the outlet segment being an extension of one of the inlet segments. All channel segments are 200 microm wide by 120 microm deep, a practical scale for mass-produced disposable devices. The flow rate and average velocity after the confluence of the two reagents are 48 nl s(-1) and 2 mm s(-1) respectively, which, for aqueous solutions at room temperature, corresponds to a Reynolds number of 0.3. We use a mass diffusion constant of 10(-10) m(2) s(-1), typical of many BioMEMS applications, and vary the flow rates of the reagents such that the average flow rate remains unchanged but the instantaneous flow rate is sinusoidal (with a DC bias) with respect to time. We analyze the effect of pulsing the flow rate in one inlet only as well as in the two inlets, and demonstrate that the best results occur when both inlets are pulsed out of phase. In this case, the interface is shown to stretch, retain one fold, and sweep through the confluence zone, leading to good mixing within 2 mm downstream of the confluence, i.e. about 1 s of contact. From a practical viewpoint, the case where the inlets are 180 degrees out of phase is of particular interest as the outflow is constant.
Enquête sérologique sur la brucellose du dromadaire en Ethiopie

Une enquete serologique sur la brucellose du dromadaire en Ethiopie montre un pourcentage de serums positifs egal a 4,4 p. 100 si on prend un seuil de 30 UI par ml, ou de 0,9 p. 100 au seuil de 100 UI par ml
POLLEN PERFORMANCE AND SEX‐RATIO EVOLUTION IN A DIOECIOUS PLANT

There has been a proliferation of studies, in a variety of taxa, that have detected sex‐linked or cytoplasmic genes that enhance their own transmission via sex‐ratio distortion. One of the most important parameters influencing the dynamics of these elements is the magnitude of their transmission advantage. In many systems, the mechanism of sex‐ratio distortion is to abort X‐ or Y‐bearing gametes. With this mechanism, the transmission advantage associated with sex‐ratio distortion is diminished when the production of male gametes limits offspring production or when competition among the gametes of different males is intense. In this study, we analyzed the outcome of pollen competition between males that produced different sex ratios in the dioecious plant, Silene alba, and estimated how the sex‐ratio bias influenced the transmission properties of the sex chromosomes. We varied the intensity of pollen competition by controlling the quantity of pollen used in crosses and used a combination of single‐male pollinations and pollen mixtures to evaluate the effects of multiple paternity. Paternity in pollen mixtures was estimated using allozymes. Sex‐ratio bias was directly influenced by the quantity of pollen, but the magnitude of this effect was small. The relative performance of pollen from different males varied substantially, especially when there was multiple paternity. Specifically, males with biased sex ratios sired far fewer offspring of either sex in pollen mixtures. In crosses involving single males, however, these “sex‐ratio” males produced the same number of offspring as other males, so the female bias caused a significant transmission advantage for X‐linked genes. X‐linked genes could enhance their transmission via sex‐ratio distortion in Silene populations, but the magnitude of this transmission advantage will depend on the ecological circumstances that influence the opportunity for multiple paternity.
A comparison of a new polypropylene suture with Prolene.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the newly available monofilament polypropylene suture (Surgipro) manufactured by U.S. Surgical and compare it with commercial Prolene sutures for determining the merit of this new suture. Two different sizes of Surgipro sutures were used. They were 4/0 and 0 sizes and were tested in terms of their fundamental properties: level of crystallinity, melting temperature, fiber morphology, and mechanical properties including knot strength and knot security. The effect of three different sterilization methods on the mechanical and fundamental properties of the new polypropylene (PP) sutures was also examined. In general, the new Surgipro sutures performed as good as Prolene sutures in terms of mechanical properties; but there were some differences in fundamental properties between these two types of PP sutures, particularly in finer size PP sutures. The major differences were in interior fiber morphology, level of crystallinity, and melting temperature. Surgipro suture fibers showed homogeneous interior morphology, while Prolene fibers exhibited two distinctive fiber morphologies. These two types of PP suture fibers also responded differently to the three sterilization methods tested. Surgipro sutures are less affected by different sterilization methods than the same size Prolene control. Except for the Co 60 gamma sterilization, Surgipro suture fibers did not exhibit statistically significant differences in tensile breaking strength between sterilized and control. Ethylene oxide and autoclave sterilized Prolene suture fibers, however, showed statistically (p less than 0.05) consistently lower tensile breaking strength than their unsterilized controls. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Colonoscopy and SeHCAT for Investigation of Chronic Diarrhea

Background/Aims: Chronic diarrhea is a common problem. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice for diagnosis. Even a macroscopically normal mucosa on endoscopy can have abnormalities such as microscopic colitis and bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The aim of this study was to establish the value of colonoscopy with biopsies in patients with chronic diarrhea and to evaluate the additive value of a SeHCAT test for diagnosing BAM in these patients. Methods: All patients who underwent a colonoscopy between November 1999 and December 2000 were included. Patient files, colonoscopy and pathology reports and SeHCAT test results were reviewed. Results: 205 patients were included. The most common diagnoses were diarrhea-predominant IBS (n = 76) and IBD (n = 38). 158 patients had non-bloody diarrhea, 113 (72%) of them had a macroscopically normal appearing mucosa. In 40 (35%) of these patients, a histological diagnosis could be made and microscopic colitis was the most common diagnosis (n = 27). SeHCAT test was performed in 36 patients and 15 (42%) of them had BAM. In the 47 patients with bloody diarrhea, IBD was the main diagnosis (n = 23). Conclusion: Colonoscopy with biopsies must be performed when investigating chronic diarrhea and BAM should be excluded.
Time-Motion analysis in Muay-Thai and Kick-Boxing amateur matches

Boxing amateur level matches. Material and Methods: In Thirteen matches, the time structure was studied considering three levels of effort: i) Observation ii) Preparation, iii) Interaction. Data are presented using median (25% - 75%) and the mixed linear regression analysis was used to compared time structure and combat sports. Results: It was found superiority (p < 0.002) in the observation time in relation to another effort types, with no significant difference between sports. Conclusion: There were no time structure differences in modalities, when the same effort levels were compared, but time spent in observation was longer. This data is important to the technical-tactical preparation of athletes.
Simplification problems for automata and games

Automata simplication asks whether a given automaton can be converted into one of a simpler format, i.e., whether a certain feature of the automaton model is avoidable in the given case. If yes, an automaton of this simpler format shall be synthesized. e idea is that simpler automata models have better closure and algorithmic properties. Simplication can also be studied for games that are dened by automata. en, the question is whether winning strategies can be implemented by automata of a format that is simpler than the one used for the game specication. In this thesis, we continue the research on two dierent aspects of simplications, namely regularity problems and lookahead delegation. e regularity problem is to decide whether a given deterministic pushdown automaton (DPDA) recognizes a regular language; which means that the pushdown stack is unnecessary as an equivalent nite state automaton can be found. is problem was solved decades ago for DPDAs whereas its pendant for ω-DPDAs (working on innite input sequences) remained open since then. We adapt a technique that allows us to li some known result from DPDAs to the restricted class of ω-DPDAs with weak acceptance conditions. For those weak ω-DPDAs, we show the regularity problem and further the equivalence problem to be decidable. For the general case of ω-DPDAs, we dene a congruence relation that characterizes regularity, whereas the decidability remains open, unfortunately. A generalized variant of the regularity problem concerns pushdown games (PDGs), i.e., twoplayer gameswhich are specied byω-DPDAs andwhich omit a winning strategy representable by a DPDA, too. In this setting, regularity means that there is a ‘regular’ winning strategy, i.e., one representable by a nite state automaton. We show the regularity problem to be undecidable even for PDGs with safety acceptance. e other aspect of simplication deals with lookahead delegation for nondeterministic nite state automata (FSAs). e problem is to decide whether transitions can be chosen deterministically when a bounded lookahead on the input word is allowed. Such a choice function is called delegator. Nontrivial complexity results on the existence of delegators are only known for a restricted subclass of FSAs, yet. We contribute the corresponding results for (unrestricted) FSAs. We provide polynomial space upper and lower bounds for deciding the existence of a delegator with some bounded lookahead (and synthesizing it). By using two-player games as a tool, we further prove that the existence can be decided in polynomial time if the length of the lookahead is xed.
Proper Scoring Rules and Risk Aversion

The literature on proper scoring rules has mostly studied the case of risk neutral agents. We analytically investigate how risk averse, expected utility maximizing forecasters behave when presented with risk neutral proper scoring rules. If the state variable is binary, risk averse agents shade their reports toward saying that the states are equally likely. In the non-binary case reported probabilities are compressed relative to truthtelling. We show the implications of our results for the use of elicited probabilities as inputs to decision-making and find that naive elicitors may violate first-order stochastic dominance. Possible resolutions of these problems are presented, including an estimator for the mean population belief when the distribution of risk attitudes is known. Finally, we discuss the relevance of our results to recent work in experimental economics.
The relationship between microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate in young type 1 diabetic subjects: The Oxford Regional Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured at 5 years' diabetes duration and annual urine albumin excretion in a prospective cohort of children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). METHODS Three hundred and eight children were followed from diagnosis of T1DM [aged 9.8 years (range 0.4-15.9) for a median duration of 10.9 years (6.0-17.8) with annual assessments comprising measurement of HbA1(c) and 3 urine samples for albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR). GFR was measured in all children at 5 years' diabetes duration. RESULTS Two hundred forty-three (78.8%) subjects were normoalbuminuric (MA-) for the duration of the study. At 5 years: 35 (11.4%) subjects had MA (MA+) and 30 (9.7%) subjects were normoalbuminuric but developed MA during subsequent follow-up annual assessments (future MA+). In the future MA+ group compared to the MA+ and MA- groups; GFR was higher (167 vs. 134 vs. 139 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P < 0.002); the prevalence of hyperfiltration (GFR >125 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) was greater (97 vs. 57 vs. 64%, P= 0.006) and HbA1c levels were higher (11.4 vs. 10.8 vs. 9.7%, P < 0.001). The probability (Cox Model) of having hyperfiltration at 5 years' duration was related to puberty (a 1.7-fold increased risk with puberty onset) and poor glycemic control (a 10% increased risk for a 1% increase in HbA1c). Comparing subjects with and without hyperfiltration, prior to the first GFR measurement no difference in ACR levels existed; however, after this time median ACR levels were significantly greater [1.2 (0.1-86.4) vs. 0.9 (0.1-71.6) mg/mmol, P= 0.003], independent of age and HbA1c levels. The probability of developing MA between 5 and 10 years' duration was associated with poor glycemic control (a 30% increased risk for a 1% increase in HbA1c) and higher GFR at 5 years (22% increased risk for a 10 mL/min/1.73 m(2) rise in GFR). CONCLUSION Glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with puberty and increasing ACR levels and is predictive of MA independent of HbA1c. This suggests that factors other than poor glycemic control may be involved in the pathogenesis of early diabetic nephropathy and early intervention with medical therapy to reduce GFR may be beneficial even before onset of MA.
Anti‐endothelial cell antibodies in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of IgG class antibodies to endothelial cells (AECA) was studied in 136 young patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus by an enzyme immunoassay using human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells. The patients were divided into four groups according to the time between diagnosis and study and their results were compared with those in control children and blood donors. AECA became progressively more frequent with the duration of diabetes, being 4% in diabetics tested within 2 weeks of diagnosis and reaching 34% after an average disease duration of 11–2 years. They were not more common in patients with neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy than in patients without these complications, but were associated with co‐existing thyroid disease and IgA deficiency. The results suggest that in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus AECA are associated with co‐existing autoimmune disorders but not with diabetic microvascular disease.
Who Uses Bibliotherapy and Why? A Survey from an Underserviced Area

Objective: To assess which mental health therapists use bibliotherapy, their reasons for doing so, and rationale for recommending specific titles. To review the book selected most often in several categories, using prepublished criteria for reviewers of self-help books. Method We sent a survey to all therapists in a Northern Ontario community requesting information on therapist demographics, the respondent's practice, the use of bibliotherapy, and details of the book most often prescribed in various categories. Results Of 112 surveys, 62 were returned, for a response rate of 55%. Sixty-eight percent of respondents indicated that they used bibliotherapy. The most common reason for recommending books was to encourage self-help. There was a significant relation between greater counselling experience and increased use of bibliotherapy. Three of the 5 books reviewed were based on empirical theory; only 1 met all the guidelines. Conclusion Most therapists recommend books to their clients, but there is little empirical evidence of efficacy. Counsellors should review the books recommended and discuss them with the client. Client opinion should be solicited and effectiveness measured.
In vivo regulation of S. japonica granuloma formation by an IL-2 antagonist

SUMMARY The present study shows an in vivo role for interleukin-2 in the formation of hepatic granulomatous inflammation in murine Schistosoma japonicum infection. Mice which had been administered an inhibitor to interleukin-2 function during acute infection were noted to have reduced cell-mediated immune responses to ConA and S. japonicum soluble egg antigen (SEA). Lymphoid tissue from these treated mice also have reduced numbers of cells which could be activated by ConA to produce interleukin-2 mRNA as shown by in situ hybridization studies. Mice with less activated lymphocytes had, on the average, a 70% reduction in the granulomatous inflammation surrounding eggs deposited in hepatic tissues of acutely infected mice. The data demonstrate that IL-2 is a key factor in the generation of granulomatous inflammation in S. japonicum infection and suggest that a potential anti-pathology vaccine could be generated based on limiting the presence of IL-2 generated during acute infection.
Electroretinographic evaluation of Papillons with and without hereditary retinal degeneration.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the function of the outer retina in Papillons with and without hereditary retinal degeneration. ANIMALS 45 Papillons, median age 1.7 (range, 0.8 to 5.1) years. PROCEDURE Complete physical and ophthalmic examinations were done prior to performing electroretinography under general anesthesia. Full-field electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded, using a special-purpose computer system. Eleven specific ERG responses were recorded, graphed, and evaluated, using age-matched Papillons. RESULTS Severely decreased retinal function was detected in 8 Papillons. The youngest affected dog was 1.2 years old. In affected dogs, amplitudes of responses mainly originating from the rod system were severely decreased, compared with those originating from the cone system. CONCLUSIONS Papillons represent another breed of dog affected by a hereditary photoreceptor degeneration that can be detected at an early age by using ERG. A reliable age for diagnosis using ERG is considered to be 1.5 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Through and precise ERG procedures and protocols are needed to reliably obtain an early diagnosis of progressive retinal atrophy.
Immune Cell Phenotype and Function in Sepsis

ABSTRACT Cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems play a critical role in the host response to sepsis. Moreover, their accessibility for sampling and their capacity to respond dynamically to an acute threat increases the possibility that leukocytes might serve as a measure of a systemic state of altered responsiveness in sepsis. The working group of the 14th Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) conference sought to obtain consensus on the characteristic functional and phenotypic changes in cells of the innate and adaptive immune system in the setting of sepsis. Techniques for the study of circulating leukocytes were also reviewed and the impact on cellular phenotypes and leukocyte function of nonextracorporeal treatments and extracorporeal blood purification therapies proposed for sepsis was analyzed. A large number of alterations in the expression of distinct neutrophil and monocyte surface markers have been reported in septic patients. The most consistent alteration seen in septic neutrophils is their activation of a survival program that resists apoptotic death. Reduced expression of HLA-DR is a characteristic finding on septic monocytes, but monocyte antimicrobial function does not appear to be significantly altered in sepsis. Regarding adaptive immunity, sepsis-induced apoptosis leads to lymphopenia in patients with septic shock and it involves all types of T cells (CD4, CD8, and Natural Killer) except T regulatory cells, thus favoring immunosuppression. Finally, numerous promising therapies targeting the host immune response to sepsis are under investigation. These potential treatments can have an effect on the number of immune cells, the proportion of cell subtypes, and the cell function.
Dietary and nutritional factors and pancreatic cancer: a case-control study based on direct interviews.

BACKGROUND The relationship between diet and pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the role of diet and nutrition as risk factors for pancreatic cancer, using data obtained from direct interviews only, rather than data from less reliable interviews with next of kin. We evaluated whether dietary factors could explain the higher incidence of pancreatic cancer experienced by black Americans compared with white Americans. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Atlanta (GA), Detroit (MI), and 10 New Jersey counties from August 1986 through April 1989. Reliable dietary histories were obtained for 436 patients and 2003 general-population control subjects aged 30-79 years. RESULTS Obesity was associated with a statistically significant 50%-60% increased risk of pancreatic cancer that was consistent by sex and race. Although the magnitude of risk associated with obesity was identical in blacks and whites, a higher percentage of blacks were obese than were whites (women: 38% versus 16%; men: 27% versus 22%). A statistically significant positive trend in risk was observed with increasing caloric intake, with subjects in the highest quartile of caloric intake experiencing a 70% higher risk than those in the lowest quartile. A statistically significant interaction between body mass index (weight in kg/height in m2 for men and weight in kg/height in m1.5 for women) and total caloric intake was observed that was consistent by sex and race. Subjects in the highest quartile of both body mass index and caloric intake had a statistically significant 180% higher risk than those in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and appears to contribute to the higher risk of this disease among blacks than among whites in the United States, particularly among women. Furthermore, the interaction between body mass index and caloric intake suggests the importance of energy balance in pancreatic carcinogenesis.