Paussus brancuccii sp.nov., an unusually abundant species of the Paussus jousselinii group from Laos and South China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussinae, Paussini)

A new myrmecophilous species of flanged bombardier beetles is described from northeastern Laosand China (Guangxi), Paussus brancuccii sp.nov. This species stands out from other members of the Paussusjousselinii group and most other Paussines by the large number of specimens available for study from onesingle locality. The long series allows an assessment of the variability of the shape of the antennal club. Somespecimens were collected together with the possible host ants Tetramorium sp. and Pheidole sp. (Myrmicinae)

Names as legacy: Catalogue of taxa described by and for Michel Brancucci (1950-2012)

This article provides a compilation of the taxa introduced to science by the late Dr. MichelBrancucci, Basel, and of the taxa named in honour of him. We provide details of nomenclatorial value such asholotype depository (for species described by Michel Brancucci), page number of the original description andtype locality. References of the original descriptions are given in full and the actual publication dates werethoroughly checked. Indices to all taxa complete this article and make it a searchable catalogue

Measuring strategic uncertainty in coordination games

This paper explores three aspects of strategic uncertainty: its relation to risk, predictability of behavior and subjective beliefs of players. In a laboratory experiment we measure subjects’ certainty equivalents for three coordination games and one lottery. Behavior in coordination games is related to risk aversion, experience seeking, and age. From the distribution of certainty equivalents we estimate probabilities for successful coordination in a wide range of games. For many games, success of coordination is predictable with a reasonable error rate. The best response to observed behavior is close to the global-game solution. Comparing choices in coordination games with revealed risk aversion, we estimate subjective probabilities for successful coordination. In games with a low coordination requirement, most subjects underestimate the probability of success. In games with a high coordination requirement, most subjects overestimate this probability. Estimating probabilistic decision models, we show that the quality of predictions can be improved when individual characteristics are taken into account. Subjects’ behavior is consistent with probabilistic beliefs about the aggregate outcome, but inconsistent with probabilistic beliefs about individual behavior.Belief Formation, Coordination Games, Global Game, Lotteries, Risk Aversion, Strategic Uncertainty, Leex

Measuring Strategic Uncertainty in Coordination Games

Lecture on the first SFB/TR 15 meeting, Gummersbach, July, 18 - 20, 2004This paper explores predictability of behavior in coordination games with multiple equilibria. In a laboratory experiment we measure subjects' certainty equivalents for three coordination games and one lottery. Attitudes towards strategic uncertainty in coordination games are related to risk aversion, experience seeking, gender and age. From the distribution of certainty equivalents among participating students we estimate probabilities for successful coordination in a wide range of coordination games. For many games success of coordination is predictable with a reasonable error rate. The best response of a risk neutral player is close to the global-game solution. Comparing choices in coordination games with revealed risk aversion, we estimate subjective probabilities for successful coordination. In games with a low coordination requirement, most subjects underestimate the probability of success. In games with a high coordination requirement, most subjects overestimate this probability. Data indicate that subjects have probabilistic beliefs about success or failure of coordination rather than beliefs about individual behavior of other players.

The theological significance of the Isaiah citation in Mark 4:12

The well-known passage Mark 4:1–34 is no stranger to New Testament scientific scrutiny, not to even mention the hotly debated phrases in Mark 4:10–12. To avoid repetition, the aim with this article is to determine the extent of the impact the Isaiah 6:9–10 citation in Mark 4:12 might have had on the interpretation and understanding of Mark 4:1–34 and the Gospel as a whole. The theory is that the citation in Mark 4:12, especially within Mark 4:1–34, is foundational for understanding the Markan gospel as a ‘parable’. Moreover, the redactional inclusion of the concept of ‘the Twelve’ will prove to be a vital contribution in understanding the Markan gospel as a ‘parable’. Arguing this theory will include evaluating the parable theory in Mark 4:10–12, followed by determining the interpretative effect the explicit citation in Mark 4:12 had on Mark 4:10–12 and its larger literary context (Mk. 4:1–34). This will be followed by concluding remarks and suggestions

Validation of an automated enzyme immunoassay for interleukin-6 for routine clinical use

Serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory cytokine, are increased in early stages of inflammatory diseases such as infection and sepsis. Assay systems which permit its measurement within a few hours and as a single measurement have not been reported so far. We therefore evaluated a now commercially available automated method for IL-6 measurement on the Cobas Core(R) immunological analyzer (Roche Diagnostic Systems) which enables single IL-6 measurement within about 1 hour. The automated assay correlates well with an established, manual microtiter plate assay (Biosource GmbH) which uses the same antibodies and reagents (r=0.98). Accuracy of the automated method was established by adding known amounts of IL-6 international reference preparation. Recovery of the international standard was in the range of 92-104%. The automated assay had a precision of singletons below 6% and was linear up to 2800 pg/ml. This automated assay provides a suitable, convenient and time saving method for measurement of IL-6 serum levels in the routine clinical laboratory

Sites with reduced predation risk to young hares within an agricultural landscape

No abstract availabl