Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance and information transparency in Taiwan’s public firms: The moderating effect of family ownership

This study incorporates insights from both institutional and family socioemotional wealth perspectives with agency theory to examine the relationships among governance practices, family ownership, and information disclosure quality. Employing a sample of 516 publicly listed firms in Taiwan over a period of 5 years (2006â€“2010), we found that high levels of board independence and board activity have a significant positive effect on disclosure quality. Further, family ownership positively moderated the relationship between board independence and disclosure quality. This relationship is stronger with a higher level of family ownership. The results support the institutional proposition that family-owned firms that pursue socioemotional wealth are more likely to promote information transparency to gain legitimacy and enhance their reputations with outside stakeholders.
Complex Neurological Phenotype in Mutant Mice Lacking Tsc2 in Excitatory Neurons of the Developing Forebrain

Abstract Mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes cause tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disease often associated with epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism, and characterized by the presence of anatomical malformations in the brain as well as tumors in other organs. The TSC1 and TSC2 proteins form a complex that inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Previous animal studies demonstrated that Tsc1 or Tsc2 loss of function in the developing brain affects the intrinsic development of neural progenitor cells, neurons, or glia. However, the interplay between different cellular elements during brain development was not previously investigated. In this study, we generated a novel mutant mouse line (NEX-Tsc2) in which the Tsc2 gene is deleted specifically in postmitotic excitatory neurons of the developing forebrain. Homozygous mutant mice failed to thrive and died prematurely, whereas heterozygous mice appeared normal. Mutant mice exhibited distinct neuroanatomical abnormalities, including malpositioning of selected neuronal populations, neuronal hypertrophy, and cortical astrogliosis. Intrinsic neuronal defects correlated with increased mTORC1 signaling, whereas astrogliosis did not result from altered intrinsic signaling, since these cells were not directly affected by the gene knockout strategy. All neuronal and non-neuronal abnormalities were suppressed by continuous postnatal treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor RAD001. The data suggest that the loss of Tsc2 and mTORC1 signaling activation in excitatory neurons not only disrupts their intrinsic development, but also disrupts the development of cortical astrocytes, likely through the mTORC1-dependent expression of abnormal signaling proteins. This work thus provides new insights into cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous functions of Tsc2 in brain development.
Using Generalized Correlation to Effect Variable Selection in Very High Dimensional Problems

Using the traditional linear model to implement variable selection can perform very effectively in some cases, provided the response to relevant components is approximately monotone and its gradient changes only slowly. In other circumstances, nonlinearity of response can result in significant vector components being overlooked. Even if good results are obtained by linear model fitting, they can sometimes be bettered by using a nonlinear approach. These circumstances can arise in practice, with real data, and they motivate alternative methodologies. We suggest an approach based on ranking generalized empirical correlations between the response variable and components of the explanatory vector. This technique is not prediction-based, and can identify variables that are influential but not explicitly part of a predictive model. We explore the method’s performance for real and simulated data, and give a theoretical argument demonstrating its validity. The method can also be used in conjunction with, rather than as an alternative to, conventional prediction-based variable selections, by providing a preliminary “massive dimension reduction” step as a prelude to using alternative techniques (e.g., the adaptive lasso) that do not always cope well with very high dimensions. Supplemental materials relating to the numerical sections of this paper are available online.
Detection of Impaired Sympathetic Cerebrovascular Control Using Functional Biomarkers Based on Principal Dynamic Mode Analysis

This study sought to determine whether models of cerebrovascular function based on Laguerre-Volterra kernels that account for nonlinear cerebral blood flow (CBF) dynamics can detect the effects of functional cerebral sympathetic blockade. We retrospectively analyzed continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure, middle cerebral blood velocity, and partial-pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) recordings from eighteen healthy individuals who were treated with either an oral dose of the α1-adrenergic receptor blocker Prazosin or a placebo treatment. The global principal dynamic modes (PDMs) were analyzed using Laguerre-Volterra kernels to examine the nonlinear system dynamics. Our principal findings were: (1) very low frequency (<0.03 Hz) linear components of first-order kernels for BP and PETCO2 are mutually coupled to CBF dynamics with the ability to separate individuals between control and blockade conditions, and (2) the gains of the nonlinear functions associated with low-pass and ≈0.03 Hz global PDMs for the BP are sensitive to sympathetic blockade. Collectively these results suggest that very low frequency global PDMs for BP may have potential utility as functional biomarkers of sympathetic neurovascular dysfunction which can occur in conditions like autonomic failure, stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Population Dynamics Meets Evolutionary Dynamics in a 3 D Physically Simulated World

Evolutionary and ecological dynamics have usually been thought to influence each other asymmetrically. Evolutionary changes are usually a consequence of the environment while they occur over timescales that are too long to affect the dynamics of population size in the short term (Schoener, 2011). Therefore, most ecological models ignore evolutionary changes in the conspecific or other species, assuming a separation of timescales between population dynamics and evolutionary dynamics (Hastings, 1997). However, this assumption is challenged by recent studies on “rapid evolution” in nature occurring on time scales comparable to those typical of population dynamics. With progress of related studies, many researchers have come to conclude that when rapid evolution occurs during the course of an ecological process, it can significantly change ecological predictions (Fussmann et al., 2007). We believe that the Artificial Life approach based on 3D physically simulated environments will provide valuable insights into the relationship and the interaction between population and evolutionary dynamics. Population dynamics can be straightforwardly introduced into these types of models. Population dynamics depends on the fitness of individuals if the fitness represents the offspring number of them in the models, although almost all previous models of virtual creatures have a fixed number of individuals. Given enough computational power, we can observe and analyze the interaction between population dynamics and evolutionary dynamics in 3D virtual creature environments. What we want to emphasize here is that virtually embodied creatures can evolve unexpected traits of morphology and behavior as a result of the interactions with conspecifics or other species in a physically simulated world.
The Role of Syntax in Vector Space Models of Compositional Semantics

Modelling the compositional process by which the meaning of an utterance arises from the meaning of its parts is a fundamental task of Natural Language Processing. In this paper we draw upon recent advances in the learning of vector space representations of sentential semantics and the transparent interface between syntax and semantics provided by Combinatory Categorial Grammar to introduce Combinatory Categorial Autoencoders. This model leverages the CCG combinatory operators to guide a non-linear transformation of meaning within a sentence. We use this model to learn high dimensional embeddings for sentences and evaluate them in a range of tasks, demonstrating that the incorporation of syntax allows a concise model to learn representations that are both effective and general.
Birth parents and the collateral consequences of child removal:towards a comprehensive framework

This article aims to capture the full range of consequences that birth parents face, following court-ordered removal of their children on account of child protection concerns. With references to legislative and policy responses in England, the USA, and Australia, we argue that states reinforce parents’ exclusion, where the full gamut of challenges these parents face is poorly understood. Drawing on a wealth of criminological research concerned with the collateral consequences of criminal justice involvement we adapt conceptual ideas and vocabularies to describe the combination of informal and formal penalties that parents face at this juncture. Discussion extends previous published studies concerned with loss and social stigma following child removal but charts new theoretical ground regarding legal stigmatization and welfare disqualifications. The article is timely given the continued high volume of children entering state care in a number of international jurisdictions and recent empirical evidence from England that a sizeable population of birth parents who appear as respondents in the family court are repeat clients. Making the case for a fundamental re-appraisal of state responses following court-ordered removal, the article concludes with a call for a more comprehensive family justice response, attuned to the additive burden of child removal on parents whose lives are already blighted by histories of disadvantage.
Impact Performance of Advanced High Strength Steel Thin-Walled Columns

The crashworthiness performance of spot-welded columns fabricated with advanced high strength steels is evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. A failure criterion for the spot-welds is implemented into the FE model to predict accurately the progressive axial collapse of the columns. The behavior of two Dual Phase (DP) steels and a High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel are compared by examining the mean crushing force, peak load and crushed column length for single-hat and double-hat configurations, both experimentally and numerically. Numerical results of the developed FE model correlate favorably available experimental data for different impact conditions.
ALMA MULTI-LINE IMAGING OF THE NEARBY STARBURST NGC 253

We present spatially resolved (∼50 pc) imaging of molecular gas species in the central kiloparsec of the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253, based on observations taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. A total of 50 molecular lines are detected over a 13 GHz bandwidth imaged in the 3 mm band. Unambiguous identifications are assigned for 27 lines. Based on the measured high CO/C17O isotopic line ratio (≳350), we show that 12CO(1–0) has moderate optical depths. A comparison of the HCN and HCO+ with their 13C-substituted isotopologues shows that the HCN(1–0) and HCO+(1–0) lines have optical depths at least comparable to CO(1–0). H13CN/H13CO+ (and H13CN/HN13C) line ratios provide tighter constraints on dense gas properties in this starburst. SiO has elevated abundances across the nucleus. HNCO has the most distinctive morphology of all the bright lines, with its global luminosity dominated by the outer parts of the central region. The dramatic variation seen in the HNCO/SiO line ratio suggests that some of the chemical signatures of shocked gas are being erased in the presence of dominating central radiation fields (traced by C2H and CN). High density molecular gas tracers (including HCN, HCO+, and CN) are detected at the base of the molecular outflow. We also detect hydrogen β recombination lines that, like their α counterparts, show compact, centrally peaked morphologies, distinct from the molecular gas tracers. A number of sulfur based species are mapped (CS, SO, NS, C2S, H2CS, and CH3SH) and have morphologies similar to SiO.
Designing machine-to-machine (M2M) system in health-cure modeling for cardiovascular disease patients: Initial study

Cardiovascular disease (coronary heart, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and other cardio/vascular problems) is one of the main death cause in the world. In developing country like Indonesia, the situation is worse due to lack of physicians to serve the patients. Based on these facts, we need new innovations to improve the life expectancy of cardiovascular disease patients, with help of machine-to-machine (M2M) technology. This research aims to develop a health monitoring system (healthcare) and medication recommendation (health-cure) for cardiovascular patients who stay at home. Patient's vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm) will be monitored through sensors, which will report to M2M server. Then the server will give medication recommendation automatically using one of artificial intelligence (AI) technique called Case-Based Reasoning, based on several medical records from hospitals and other references. Physician/hospital will be involved as supervisor/advisor in this project since we deal with serious disease which may threaten patient's life.
EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS AT SECONDARY LEVEL

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as compared to the traditional method of teaching in the subject of mathematics at secondary level in Pakistan. It was an experimental study and post-test equivalent group design was used for the statistical analysis of the research at 0.05 levels of significance. As the target population were the secondary school students, a sample of one hundred and twenty students was selected in such a way that sixty students were available for each cluster of Public and Private sectors. Students of sample schools were divided into two equal groups, i.e. experimental group and control group, each having thirty students. Both the groups were equated on the basis of their scores by pair random sampling from the previous examination of class VIII in the subject of mathematics. The students of experimental group were exposed to the teaching through ICT, where as the students of control groups were taught through traditional method of teaching in the subject of mathematics. The units taught to both the groups were Sets, Algebraic Expressions, and Logarithm, chosen from the prescribed syllabi for class IX by Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. ICT was found effective as compared to traditional method of teaching in mathematics at secondary level for private sector school.
Homeostatic Plasticity of Striatal Neurons Intrinsic Excitability following Dopamine Depletion

The striatum is the major input structure of basal ganglia and is involved in adaptive control of behaviour through the selection of relevant informations. Dopaminergic neurons that innervate striatum die in Parkinson disease, leading to inefficient adaptive behaviour. Neuronal activity of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN) is modulated by dopamine receptors. Although dopamine signalling had received substantial attention, consequences of dopamine depletion on MSN intrinsic excitability remain unclear. Here we show, by performing perforated patch clamp recordings on brain slices, that dopamine depletion leads to an increase in MSN intrinsic excitability through the decrease of an inactivating A-type potassium current, I A. Despite the large decrease in their excitatory synaptic inputs determined by the decreased dendritic spines density and the increase in minimal current to evoke the first EPSP, this increase in intrinsic excitability resulted in an enhanced responsiveness to their remaining synapses, allowing them to fire similarly or more efficiently following input stimulation than in control condition. Therefore, this increase in intrinsic excitability through the regulation of I A represents a form of homeostatic plasticity allowing neurons to compensate for perturbations in synaptic transmission and to promote stability in firing. The present observations show that this homeostatic ability to maintain firing rates within functional range also occurs in pathological conditions, allowing stabilizing neural computation within affected neuronal networks.
The Global Regulators Lrp, LeuO, and HexA Control Secondary Metabolism in Entomopathogenic Bacteria

Photorhabdus luminescens TTO1 and Xenorhabdus nematophila HGB081 are insect pathogenic bacteria and producers of various structurally diverse bioactive natural products. In these entomopathogenic bacteria we investigated the role of the global regulators Lrp, LeuO, and HexA in the production of natural products. Lrp is a general activator of natural product biosynthesis in X. nematophila and for most compounds in TTO1. Microarray analysis confirmed these results in X. nematophila and enabled the identification of additional biosynthesis gene clusters (BGC) regulated by Lrp. Moreover, when promoters of two X. nematophila BGC were analyzed, transcriptional activation by Lrp was observed. In contrast, LeuO in X. nematophila and P. luminescens has both repressing and activating features, depending on the natural product examined. Furthermore, heterologous overexpression of leuO from X. nematophila in the closely related Xenorhabdus szentirmaii resulted in overproduction of several natural products including novel compounds. The presented findings could be of importance for establishing a tool for overproduction of secondary metabolites and subsequent identification of novel compounds.
The diet of feral cats (Felis catus) on Raoul Island, Kermadec group

Feral cats became established on Raoul Island some time between 1836 and 1872; the prey available to them included a great variety of nesting seabirds, few of which are present now, landbirds and kiore (Rattus exulans). Norway rats reached the island in 1921, providing additional prey for cats, but also another potential predator of seabirds. The diet of cats is described from guts and scats collected between 1972 and 1980. Rats are the main food, with land birds second in importance, and seabirds are now a minor item. More than 90% of the rats eaten by cats are kiore although more Norway rats than kiore are trapped. Eradicating cats from Raoul Island is feasible but because Norway rats too are important predators of birds on islands, it is likely that eradicating cats without also eradicating Norway rats will do little to restore the diversity of bird species on Raoul Island, although the densities of a few species now present might be increased.
Long-Term Weekly Iron-Folic Acid and De-Worming Is Associated with Stabilised Haemoglobin and Increasing Iron Stores in Non-Pregnant Women in Vietnam

Background The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency in women remains high worldwide. WHO recommends weekly iron-folic acid supplementation where anaemia rates in non-pregnant women of reproductive age are higher than 20%. In 2006, a demonstration project consisting of weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and regular de-worming was set up in two districts in a northern province in Vietnam where anaemia and hookworm rates were 38% and 76% respectively. In 2008 the project was expanded to all districts in the province, targeting some 250,000 women. The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine changes in haemoglobin, iron stores and soil transmitted helminth infection prevalence over three years and 2) assess women's access to and compliance with the intervention. Methods and Findings The study was a semi-cross-sectional, semi-longitudinal panel design with a baseline survey, three impact surveys at three-, twelve- and thirty months after commencement of the intervention, and three compliance surveys after ten weeks, eighteen and thirty six months. Results After thirty months, mean haemoglobin stabilised at 130.3 g/L, an increase of 8.2 g/L from baseline, and mean serum ferritin rose from 23.9 µg/L to 52 µg/L. Hookworm prevalence fell from 76% to 22% over the same period. After thirty six months, 81% of the target population were receiving supplements and 87% were taking 75% or more of the supplements they received. Conclusions Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and regular de-worming was effective in significantly and sustainably reducing the prevalence of anaemia and soil transmitted helminth infections and high compliance rates were maintained over three years.
Gene Expression Profiling of Soft and Firm Atlantic Salmon Fillet

Texture of salmon fillets is an important quality trait for consumer acceptance as well as for the suitability for processing. In the present work we measured fillet firmness in a population of farmed Atlantic salmon with known pedigree and investigated the relationship between this trait and gene expression. Transcriptomic analyses performed with a 21 K oligonucleotide microarray revealed strong correlations between firmness and a large number of genes. Highly similar expression profiles were observed in several functional groups. Positive regression was found between firmness and genes encoding proteasome components (41 genes) and mitochondrial proteins (129 genes), proteins involved in stress responses (12 genes), and lipid metabolism (30 genes). Coefficients of determination (R2) were in the range of 0.64–0.74. A weaker though highly significant negative regression was seen in sugar metabolism (26 genes, R2 = 0.66) and myofiber proteins (42 genes, R2 = 0.54). Among individual genes that showed a strong association with firmness, there were extracellular matrix proteins (negative correlation), immune genes, and intracellular proteases (positive correlation). Several genes can be regarded as candidate markers of flesh quality (coiled-coil transcriptional coactivator b, AMP deaminase 3, and oligopeptide transporter 15) though their functional roles are unclear. To conclude, fillet firmness of Atlantic salmon depends largely on metabolic properties of the skeletal muscle; where aerobic metabolism using lipids as fuel, and the rapid removal of damaged proteins, appear to play a major role.
Self-compassion, self-criticism, parent-child attachment moderate the relation between anxious solitude and psychosocial adjustment in early adolescence

xi TABLE OF CONTENTS. xiv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 2: SELF-COMPASSION AND SELF-CRITICISM AS MODERATORS OF THE RELATION BETWEEN ANXIOUS SOLITUDE AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOM TRAJECTORIES FROM 5TH THROUGH 7TH GRADE . 55 CHAPTER 3: ALTERNATE MODELS WITH PEER-REPORTED VARIABLES . 100 CHAPTER 4: ORIGINS OF SELF-COMPASSION AND SELF-CRITICISM . 132 CHAPTER 5: PARENTAL ATTACHMENT SECURITY AS A MODERATOR OF SELFCOMPASSION AND SELF-CRITICISM TRAJECTORIES IN ANXIOUS SOLITARY YOUTH . 142 CHAPTER 6: ALTERNATE MODELS PEER-REPORTED ANXIOUS SOLITUDE . 169 CHAPTER 7: GENERAL DISCUSSION . 189