Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intangible Assets, Information Complexity, and Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts

We examine the relation between analysts' earnings forecasts and firms' intangible assets, including technology-based intangibles, brand names, and recognized intangibles. We predict that high information complexity of intangible assets increases the difficulty for analysts to assimilate information and increases analysts' forecast error of intangibles-intensive firms. We find a positive association between analysts' forecast error and the firm's intangible intensity that deviates from the industry norm. We also find that analysts' forecast errors are greater for firms with diverse and innovative technologies. In contrast, analysts' forecast errors are smaller for biotech/pharmaceutical and medical equipment firms that are subject to intangibles-related regulation. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 2005.
Climate Fluctuations of Tropical Coupled Systems—The Role of Ocean Dynamics

The tropical oceans have long been recognized as the most important region for large-scale ocean–atmosphere interactions, giving rise to coupled climate variations on several time scales. During the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) decade, the focus of much tropical ocean research was on understanding El Nino–related processes and on development of tropical ocean models capable of simulating and predicting El Nino. These studies led to an appreciation of the vital role the ocean plays in providing the memory for predicting El Nino and thus making seasonal climate prediction feasible. With the end of TOGA and the beginning of Climate Variability and Prediction (CLIVAR), the scope of climate variability and predictability studies has expanded from the tropical Pacific and ENSO-centric basis to the global domain. In this paper the progress that has been made in tropical ocean climate studies during the early years of CLIVAR is discussed. The discussion is divided geographically into three tropical ocean basins with an emphasis on the dynamical processes that are most relevant to the coupling between the atmosphere and oceans. For the tropical Pacific, the continuing effort to improve understanding of large- and small-scale dynamics for the purpose of extending the skill of ENSO prediction is assessed. This paper then goes beyond the time and space scales of El Nino and discusses recent research activities on the fundamental issue of the processes maintaining the tropical thermocline. This includes the study of subtropical cells (STCs) and ventilated thermocline processes, which are potentially important to the understanding of the low-frequency modulation of El Nino. For the tropical Atlantic, the dominant oceanic processes that interact with regional atmospheric feedbacks are examined as well as the remote influence from both the Pacific El Nino and extratropical climate fluctuations giving rise to multiple patterns of variability distinguished by season and location. The potential impact of Atlantic thermohaline circulation on tropical Atlantic variability (TAV) is also discussed. For the tropical Indian Ocean, local and remote mechanisms governing low-frequency sea surface temperature variations are examined. After reviewing the recent rapid progress in the understanding of coupled dynamics in the region, this study focuses on the active role of ocean dynamics in a seasonally locked east–west internal mode of variability, known as the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD). Influences of the IOD on climatic conditions in Asia, Australia, East Africa, and Europe are discussed. While the attempt throughout is to give a comprehensive overview of what is known about the role of the tropical oceans in climate, the fact of the matter is that much remains to be understood and explained. The complex nature of the tropical coupled phenomena and the interaction among them argue strongly for coordinated and sustained observations, as well as additional careful modeling investigations in order to further advance the current understanding of the role of tropical oceans in climate.
Protein engineering with monomeric triosephosphate isomerase (monoTIM): the modelling and structure verification of a seven-residue loop.

Protein engineering experiments have been carried out with loop-1 of monomeric triosephosphate isomerase (monoTIM). Loop-1 of monoTIM is disordered in every crystal structure of liganded monoTIM, but in the wild-type TIM it is a very rigid dimer interface loop. This loop connects the first beta-strand with the first alpha-helix of the TIM-barrel scaffold. The first residue of this loop, Lys13, is a conserved catalytic residue. The protein design studies with loop-1 were aimed at rigidifying this loop such that the Lys13 side chain points in the same direction as seen in wild type. The modelling suggested that the loop should be made one residue shorter. With the modelling package ICM the optimal sequence of a new seven-residue loop-1 was determined and its structure was predicted. The new variant could be expressed and purified and has been characterized. The catalytic activity and stability are very similar to those of monoTIM. The crystal structure (at 2.6 A resolution) shows that the experimental loop-1 structure agrees well with the modelled loop-1 structure. The direct superposition of the seven loop residues of the modelled and experimental structures results in an r.m.s. difference of 0.5 A for the 28 main chain atoms. The good agreement between the predicted structure and the crystal structure shows that the described modelling protocol can be used successfully for the reliable prediction of loop structures.
A rapid HPLC method for the quantification of GSH and GSSG in ocular lens.

UNLABELLED Purpose. To develop a rapid and accurate method for the quantification of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) using micro-quantities of ocular lens. Methods. The epithelium, cortex and nucleus of the lens were separated and also the whole lens was homogenized in 3% metaphosphoric acid. The homogenate was ultrafiltered by centrifugation at 10,000 g in an Amicon microconcentrator, molecular weight cut off 3,000 g. The method does not require prior derivatization of the glutathiones. The filtrate was analyzed on a Microsorb-MV by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column using an isocratic solvent system (3% methanol and 10 mM potassium phosphate, pH 3.0) and detection at 200 nm. RESULTS The GSH and GSSG were eluted from the HPLC column at retention times 5 and 10 min, respectively. The detection limit was 100 pmoles applied to the column. The recovery of GSH and GSSG added to the tissue samples was 97-100%. CONCLUSIONS A fast and sensitive HPLC-method for the quantification of picomole quantities of GSH and GSSG in ocular lens, which does not require prior derivatization, has been developed.
Expression of the cartilage derived anti-angiogenic factor chondromodulin-I decreases in the early stage of experimental osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE Chondromodulin-I (ChM-I), a cartilage derived anti-angiogenic factor, has been shown to regulate the vascular invasion during endochondral bone formation. We evaluated the expression and localization of ChM-I in articular cartilage during the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the rat, and correlated ChM-I expression with the increase in vascular invasion into OA articular cartilage. METHODS Expression of ChM-I, type II collagen, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9 and MMP-13 were examined in articular cartilage of intact growing and adult rats and in the surgically induced OA model using in situ hybridization, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Co-immunostaining for ChM-I and CD-31 was performed to localize ChM-I and neovascularization in articular cartilage at advanced stage of OA. RESULTS Abundant expression of ChM-I protein was detected in avascular regions of the developing and adult healthy articular cartilage. In early OA, ChM-I expression decreased in the superficial zone of articular cartilage, while levels of proteoglycan and type II collagen were comparable to control. In advanced OA, ChM-I expression was reduced in all zones of articular cartilage, and the number of VEGF-expressing cells was increased. Immunohistochemical studies showed that vascular invasion occurred in proximity to chondrocytes with high expression of pro-angiogenic markers, and decreased expression of ChM-I. CONCLUSION High expression of ChM-I was detected in articular cartilage of growing and normal adult joints, implicating its role in the maintenance of avascularity of intact articular cartilage. Expression of ChM-I decreased, while expression of VEGF and other pro-angiogenic factors increased, in OA cartilage. These findings suggest the loss of ChM-I from articular cartilage might be responsible in part for promoting blood vessel invasion into the cartilage during progression of OA.
Proton Irradiation Effects on Resistive Random Access Memory With ZrO$_{\rm x}$ /HfO$_{\rm x}$  Stacks

In this study, we investigated proton irradiation effects on resistive random access memory (ReRAM) comprising ZrOx/HfOx stacks. After irradiation, changes of current were observed in the initial state (IS). From the electrical conduction mechanism in the IS, we have concluded that the different initial conditions of the active layer lead to different radiation effects. The radiation-induced leakage paths have been concluded as main origin of the increased leakage current, whereas radiation-induced charge trapping is dominant fact of the decreased leakage current in the IS. From the results of noise analysis in the low resistance state (LRS) and high resistance state (HRS), we observed that the radiation effects became negligible because of the formed local conducting path during forming process.
Black ontology, radical scholarship and freedom

Perhaps the most pronounced tendency in American race studies is to mass around explicit or inferred explanatory models which are derivative of Marx or insinuated from Foucault’s notion that ‘power establishes a particular regime of truth. ’ . In its totality this account of race production is a seductive archaeology, securing revelation, elegance, and precision for the obscurity and chaos which are a constant threat in historical research . The coexistence of alternative, oppositional, or simply different relations of power are left unexamined or instantiated. The possibility of the coincidence of different relations of power colliding, interfering, or even generating resistance remains a fugitive consideration.
From the Streets to Institutions

This article seeks to build on prior research and knowledge about young female drug sellers’ social power by answering the following research question: What are the behavioral manifestations of young female drug sellers’ social power as these young women move through their native environments and social institutions? How do these behavioral manifestations influence their perception of the professionals with whom these young women interact in treatment and alternative education programs? The results indicate that young women develop requisite skills for surviving on the streets of their neighborhoods and that some bring these skills into the social institutions they enter for education or treatment. Moreover, the transfer of street-based skills into social institutions influences how young women respond to staff in these social institutions.
Look into my eyes!: can you guess my password?

Authentication systems for public terminals and thus public spaces have to be fast, easy and secure. Security is of utmost importance since the public setting allows manifold attacks from simple shoulder surfing to advanced manipulations of the terminals. In this work, we present EyePassShapes, an eye tracking authentication method that has been designed to meet these requirements. Instead of using standard eye tracking input methods that require precise and expensive eye trackers, EyePassShapes uses eye gestures. This input method works well with data about the relative eye movement, which is much easier to detect than the precise position of the user's gaze and works with cheaper hardware. Different evaluations on technical aspects, usability, security and memorability show that EyePassShapes can significantly increase security while being easy to use and fast at the same time.
Sample Selection in Randomized Experiments: A New Method Using Propensity Score Stratified Sampling

Abstract Randomized experiments are often seen as the “gold standard” for causal research. Despite the fact that experiments use random assignment to treatment conditions, units are seldom selected into the experiment using probability sampling. Very little research on experimental design has focused on how to make generalizations to well-defined populations or on how units should be selected into an experiment to facilitate generalization. This article addresses the problem of sample selection in experiments by providing a method for selecting the sample so that the population and sample are similar in composition. The method begins by requiring that the inference population and eligibility criteria for the study are well defined before study recruitment begins. When the inference population and population of eligible units differs, the article provides a method for sample recruitment based on stratified selection on a propensity score. The article situates the problem within the example of how to select districts for two scale-up experiments currently in recruitment.
Distributed economic model predictive control of networks in competitive environments

This paper addresses the control of large-scale networks of dynamical systems with a certain global objective that needs to be pursued through the actions of individual competing agents. In particular, we consider the stabilization of a specific network output at zero. This is challenging as each agent is interested only in its own objectives such as the maximization of its economic profit. We introduce a control scheme based on the economic Model Predictive Control (MPC) theory to optimize economic performance of the competing agents. The theory is then modified to take global, network-wide objectives into account as well. Additionally, it is shown that the control scheme can be distributed between the agents using the dual decomposition technique such that exchange of confidential information among these competitors is not required. Simulation results for a power system example illustrate the potential of the control strategy in terms of ensuring stable and economical operation of networks in competitive environments.
Predicting success for introductory accounting students: some further Hong Kong evidence

This study, which examines the factors that affect first year (Hong Kong) accounting student performance, is motivated by two considerations. First, such studies are important in providing comparative evidence from recently developed countries such as Hong Kong in the context of calls for the harmonization of international accounting education. Second, prior studies seldom consider the variable student personality type as one of the predictor variables. Results using 455 students in the introductory accounting class as subjects, and a multiple regression model indicate that self-expectation of examination results, English secondary school education, high school certificate level grades in English and Mathematics, personality type, intention to obtain a business degree and previous knowledge of accounting were significant predictors of student performance.
Quality of Radiographic Reduction and Perioperative Complications for Transverse Acetabular Fractures Treated by the Kocher-Langenbeck Approach: Prone Versus Lateral Position

Objective: To compare radiographic reduction, intraoperative factors, and perioperative complications for transversely oriented acetabular fractures treated by the Kocher-Langenbeck approach with the patient in either the prone or lateral position. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Two regional referral trauma centers. Participants: Sixty-six skeletally mature individuals with transversely oriented acetabular fractures treated operatively through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach in either the prone or lateral position. Intervention: Operative fixation of an acute transverse acetabular fracture through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Main Outcome Measures: This study primarily assessed the radiographic reduction of two similar consecutive cohorts of patients surgically treated for transversely oriented acetabular fractures using the Kocher-Langenbeck approach with the patient positioned in either the lateral or prone position. Secondary outcome measures included operative time, estimated blood loss, and perioperative complications. Results: Thirty-three transversely oriented acetabular fractures were reduced and stabilized with the patient in the lateral position, whereas 33 fractures were treated with the patient in the prone position. Demographic and injury variables as well as surgical time and estimated blood loss were similar between the two groups. Two postoperative infections occurred in each group, and one incomplete iatrogenic sciatic nerve palsy was recognized in the lateral group. The mean maximum fracture residual displacement measured on postoperative radiographs was 2.1 mm (range, 0-7 mm) in the lateral group compared with 1.3 mm (range, 0-7 mm) in the prone group (P = 0.08). The quality of reduction according to Matta's criteria was graded in prone positioned patients as anatomic in 20 patients (61%), imperfect in 11 patients (33%), and poor in two patients (6%), whereas lateral-positioned patients were graded as anatomic in 14 patients (42%), imperfect in 13 patients (40%), and poor in six (18%) patients (P = 0.21). Discussion and Conclusion: This study demonstrated a trend toward higher radiographic residual fracture displacement in patients with transversely oriented acetabular fractures reduced and stabilized through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach in the lateral position compared with those positioned prone. However, no significant differences were observed in operative time, estimated blood loss, or perioperative complications between the two groups.
TMT pay dispersion and firm performance: the moderating role of organizational governance effectiveness

Abstract This study supports tournament theory in relation to high levels of organizational hierarchies, indicating that the job complexity facing the top management team supposes that pay dispersion positively influences firm performance. Examining a sample of 709 firm-year observations of Spanish listed companies spanning the period 2004–2012, our results indicate that the association between firm performance and top management team pay dispersion is conditional on the effectiveness of corporate governance. High top management team pay dispersion is associated with better performance in owner-controlled firms, where more effective monitoring is exerted by the board of directors.
Supportive periodontal therapy using mechanical instrumentation or 2% minocycline gel: a 12 month randomized, controlled, single masked pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To compare the short-term performance of subgingival local delivery of 2% minocycline gel and conventional subgingival debridement in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) patients. METHODS Forty adult patients having completed active treatment for moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis were included in a randomized, controlled, single masked maintenance care pilot study. Sites with residual pocket probing depths > or =5 mm and bleeding on probing were treated with either minocycline gel (minocycline-group) or scaling and root planing only (debridement-group) at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Clinical and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS Full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores remained <10% and <20%, respectively, for both groups throughout the study. In both groups there was a persistent reduction in number of teeth and sites with probing pocket depths > or =5 mm (p<0.05) with no significant differences between the groups. The prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens, remained at levels < or =10(5) in the majority of patients and sites in both groups. CONCLUSION This pilot study failed to show a difference between local delivery of 2% minocycline gel as mono-therapy and traditional subgingival debridement in patients on SPT.
Malaysian children’s attitudes towards television advertising

Explores the attitudes of children in Malaysia’s competitive children’s market towards TV advertising, and how this affects their spending; children influence the market as immediate consumers, as influencers of their parents and other people, and as future adult consumers. Outlines the objectives and methodology of new quantitative research conducted into predictors of children’s attitudes, which also includes the effect of children’s attitudes on parents; the current research involved two primary schools in the Jitra town area, with a total of 252 children. Gives the background of child attitude research since Piaget, and explains the Rossiter scale. Identifies children’s preferences in products, themes and types of TV advertising. Finds that children’s awareness of advertising, and the influence on parents’ purchase decisions, are important predictors of child attitudes to advertising; the influence of TV advertising does impinge on consumer behaviour, whether of children or of their parents as a result of pestering, and younger children and children from lower social classes are especially susceptible to TV advertisements.
Serum peroxiredoxin3 is a useful biomarker for early diagnosis and assessemnt of prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND Recently, peroxiredoxin3 (PRDX3) was identified as a novel molecular marker for the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its potential clinical application as a serum marker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of HCC has not been investigated. METHODS PRDX3, alpha-fetaprotein (AFP), and other biochemical parameters were measured in serum samples from 297 Chinese patients, including 96 with HCC, 98 with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 103 healthy controls (HCs). Correlations between serum PRDX3 expression and clinicopathological variables and the relationship between serum PRDX3 expression and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS Serum PRDX3 was significantly higher in HCC patients than in the LC and HC groups. The sensitivity and specificity of serum PRDX3 for the diagnosis of HCC were 85.9% and 75.3%, respectively, at a cutoff of 153.26 ng/mL, and the area under the curve was 0.865. Moreover, serum PRDX3 expression was strongly associated with AFP level, tumor diameter, TNM stage, and portal vein invasion. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that HCC patients with high serum PRDX3 expression had a shorter median survival time than those with low PRDX3 expression. Moreover, serum PRDX3 expression was an independent risk factor for overall survival. The inverse correlation between serum PRDX3 and patient survival remained significant in patients with early-stage HCC and in those with normal serum AFP levels. CONCLUSIONS Serum PRDX3 can be used as a noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of HCC.
Class 1 Integrons in Resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., US Hospitals

We examined Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. from US hospitals for class 1 integrons. Of 320 isolates, 181 (57%) were positive; association of integrons with resistance varied by drug and organism. Thus, determining integron epidemiology will improve understanding of how antibacterial resistance determinants spread in the United States.