Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Timing the eastern Asian-eastern North American floristic disjunction: molecular clock corroborates paleontological estimates.

Sequence data of the chloroplast gene rbcL were used to estimate the time of the well-known eastern Asian-eastern North American floristic disjunction. Sequence divergence of rbcL was examined for 22 species of 11 genera (Campsis, Caulophyllum, Cornus, Decumaria, Liriodendron, Menispermum, Mitchella, Pachysandra, Penthorum, Podophyllum, and Phryma) representing a diverse array of flowering plants occurring disjunctly in eastern Asia and eastern North America. Divergence times of putative disjunct species pairs were estimated from synonymous substitutions, using rbcL molecular clocks calibrated for Cornus. Relative rate tests were performed to assess rate constancy of rbcL evolution among lineages. Corrections of estimates of divergence times for each species pair were made based on rate differences of rbcL between Cornus and other species pairs. Results of these analyses indicate that the time of divergence of species pairs examined ranges from 12.56 +/- 4.30 million years to recent (<0.31 million years), with most within the last 10 million years (in the late Miocene and Pliocene). These results suggest that the isolation of most morphologically similar disjunct species in eastern Asia and eastern North America occurred during the global climatic cooling period that took place throughout the late Tertiary and Quaternary. This estimate is closely correlated with paleontological evidence and in agreement with the hypothesis that considers the eastern Asian-eastern North American floristic disjunction to be the result of the range restriction of a once more or less continuously distributed mixed mesophytic forest of the Northern Hemisphere that occurred during the late Tertiary and Quaternary. This implies that in most taxa the disjunction may have resulted from vicariance events. However, long-distance dispersal may explain the disjunct distribution of taxa with low divergence, such as Menispermum.
Food Microstructure: An Integrative Approach

The integration of information at all levels of organization in a food system atomic and molecular through macroscopic properties is illustrated with cake batters as an example of a formulated food and bovine muscle as an example of a biologically intact, non-formulated food. Direct examples are given using macroscopic data collected in heat and water transport studies followed by integration of microscopical data for interpretive purposes. The contribution of starch gelatinization to the c harac t e ri s ti cs of water loss in b a tter i s r e l a t e d t o e v ent s such as loss of briefringen ce as seen b y polarizing mi c r oscopy , diff e r e nti a l h ea t input as seen b y scannin g calorime try , b a tter compon e nt morp hologica l changes as seen b y freeze etch, viscosit y diff e r en ces as charac t e ri zed by viscometric d a t a , and volume dif ferences of the final baked product. The contribution of myofibrillar protein denatura tion to th e cha r acteris t ics of water loss by drip and evaporation is r elated to even t s s u ch as changes in sarcomere banding patterns a nd l e n g th as seen b y tran smi ssion elect r on microscopy , differential h ea t input as seen by scann ing ca l o rime try , a nd by ove r a ll muscle samp l e length s hrink. Initial paper received February ll, 1982. Revised manuscript received April 8, 1982. For this paper contact E.A. Davis, (telephone number 612 373 1158).
“LuXurY” hotel loyalty – a comparison of Chinese Gen X and Y tourists to Macau

Purpose; – This study aims to investigate generational disparities of Chinese Generation (Gen) X and Y tourists by examining their loyalty determinants in a luxury hotel setting. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of five-star hotel guests in Macau yielded 285 complete responses. Structural equation modeling was used to test the quality-loyalty framework through the mediating roles of perceived value and satisfaction, with a multi-group comparison to examine generational differences. Findings – The results indicate that top quality rooms and services are high on the agenda of both generations, while Gen X places more weight on convenience and food and Gen Y on security; satisfaction does not induce loyalty, whereas value fully or partially mediates the quality-loyalty relationship; and Gen X is value-centered in building loyalty, yet Gen Y exhibits both value consciousness and stronger demands for upscale quality features. Practical implications – The findings help hotel managers cater to different ge.
Revision Properties Of Hong Kong Security Analysts' Earnings Forecasts

Abstract This study investigates Hong Kong analysts' forecast revision activity in two aspects: the time profile of analysts' forecast revisions and the relationship between their revisions for different fiscal years. As expected, analysts in a small volatile market anticipate and respond to earnings announcements when they revise their annual earnings forecasts. In months before interim and annual announcements, the percentage of revised forecasts is relatively low. Analysts' revision activity mainly takes place in the months subsequent to announcements. Analysts always revise their one-year-ahead and two-year-ahead forecasts simultaneously and the revisions are positively correlated. The findings also show that the Hong Kong market is concerned with multi-year ahead forecasts.
Sequential MR enhancement pattern in normal pituitary gland and in pituitary adenoma.

PURPOSE To measure and evaluate the temporal enhancement characteristics of the normal pituitary gland and pituitary adenoma. METHODS Thirty healthy subjects and 10 patients with sellar pituitary adenomas were studied prospectively using dynamic MR imaging with a 5- or 10-sec temporal resolution during a bolus injection of gadolinium. RESULTS Qualitative visual analysis demonstrated a consistent sequential pattern of pituitary enhancement in which the posterior lobe enhanced earlier than the anterior lobe by approximately 35 sec. Quantitative analysis revealed that posterior lobe enhancement occurred 9.8 +/- 1.5 sec (mean +/- SEM) before the anterior lobe in healthy subjects, whereas tumor enhancement occurred significantly before the anterior lobe but only slightly before the posterior lobe in patients with adenomas. CONCLUSION The sequential enhancement pattern of the normal pituitary gland was found to be consistent with its vascular anatomy. In contrast to previous reports, pituitary adenomas were found to enhance earlier than the anterior lobe. These results suggest that pituitary adenomas have a direct arterial blood supply, similar to that of the posterior pituitary lobe.
What is Minsky All About, Anyway?

The financial crisis has been billed a “Minsky moment” in the mainstream media, turning Hyman P. Minsky into a household name. One would think that this was at long last Minsky’s moment of posthumous vindication, and in a way it was. But, oddly, a couple of postKeynesian luminaries would have none of it. Paul Davidson, the Editor of JPKE, and Jan Kregel, senior scholar at the Levy Institute of Bard College where Minsky had spent the last of his years, were both eager to set the record straight: the current financial debacle did not qualify as a Minskyan crisis because how it unfolded differed from Minsky’s depiction of crises in his writings (Davidson 2008, Kregel 2008a). Of course, whether we think Minsky is relevant for the current crisis or not depends on what we make of him. If Minskyan work means solely his own writings and their restatement, then, Davidson and Kregel are probably right – one cannot help but focus on what is different about the current crisis. But, if instead Minskyan refers to an evolving literature that emanates from but transcends his work, their arguments miss their mark.
Using intersectionality to explore experiences of disability and HIV among women and men in Zambia

Abstract Purpose: Little is known about the experiences of people with disabilities (PWD) who live with HIV. Existing research largely assumes a “double burden” approach, which views HIV as doubling the load for people already burdened by disability. Intersectionality (a dynamic process of converging systems of relationships) offers an alternative approach for understanding differences in experience. This study uses an intersectional approach to explore the experiences of PWD in Zambia who have become HIV-positive. Methods: We conducted semi-structured, in depth interviews with 21 PWD who live with HIV in Zambia (12 women, 9 men). Participants had various impairments (visual, hearing, mobility, intellectual). Interviews were conducted to meet participants’ accessibility preferences. Results: Our intersectional analysis demonstrates the dynamic and situational emergent meanings and consequences for PWD who are living with HIV related to: (1) meanings of HIV and disability linked with time and trajectory; (2) oppression and negotiation related to accessing health services and (3) social roles and relationships. Three case studies illustrate these circumstances. Conclusions: Intersectionality offers a complementary approach for examining the complex interrelationship among HIV, disability, gender and time among PWD living with HIV. Findings illustrate directions for improved services and policies for this important group. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation services need to take a cross-disability (multiple disabilities) approach working with people living with HIV and disability. Rehabilitation, as illustrated by a CBR approach, needs to include services that will facilitate not only health, but education, jobs and housing for people living with HIV and disability. Rehabilitation needs to make more direct connections with Zambia social service sector to help address the fluctuating experience of living with HIV and disability.
Sensor network based localization and target tracking through hybridization in the operational domains of beamforming and dynamic space-time clustering

The severe power, time and processing constraints on ad hoc wireless sensor networks for area surveillance require in-situ adaptations to conserve resources and optimize performance. In particular, it may be necessary to make dynamic tradeoffs between centralized processing algorithms, like beamforming, and knowledge based distributed processing algorithms like dynamic space-time clustering (DSTC) that rely on local processing of raw sensor data. Beamforming methods can achieve high levels of accuracy in estimating direction of arrival with a sound wave even when the source is in the far field. Hence accurate localization can be achieved with a relatively sparse sensor network. However, beamforming has severe limitations when the number of nodes increases. It requires orders of magnitude higher energy for transporting the entire time series over the network. DSTC methods, on the other hand, work well when the number of nodes is large because clusters can be formed within a smaller space-time window. This work examines the operational domains of the two centralized and distributed algorithms by analyzing sources of error, dependence on sensor density, sensor geometries, energy usage, control logic for data processing and the effects of network topology on the two algorithms. Based on this analysis, we develop hybrid algorithms that take advantage of the operational characteristics of each one in designing a high performance sensor network.
The Application of the Technology Acceptance Model under Different Cultural Contexts: The Case of Online Shopping Adoption

Global usage of the Internet has increased remarkably in the past few decades, thus necessitating a better understanding of e-commerce adoption across cultures. Against this backdrop, this study contributes to the existing technology adoption and acceptance literature in the following ways. First, the authors develop an extended technology acceptance model that incorporates trust and perceived behavioral control and examine it in settings outside the United States to better understand the adoption of e-commerce across cultures. Contrary to the authors’ expectations, the predictive power of the technology acceptance model seems robust and holds true for both Pakistan and Canada, despite some noteworthy differences between the two cultures. Second, although the importance of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on consumers’ intentions to shop online was validated across both cultures, the results highlight the complex relationships between perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to adopt in each country. The authors offer suggestions to technology managers and e-retailers regarding navigating through new technology and e-commerce adoption under various cultural contexts.
Higher Gain of Single-Mode Cr-Doped Fibers Employing Optimized Molten-Zone Growth

Higher gain of single-mode Cr-doped crystalline core fibers (SMCDCCFs) with longer fiber length employing an optimized molten-zone in laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique is demonstrated. The optimized molten zone in the LHPG is determined by an empirical formula. The SMCDCCFs exhibit a length of 24-cm, a core diameter of 25-μm, and a V-value of 2.40 which confirms the LP01 single-mode operation. A 6.44-dB gross gain and a 4.44-dB net gain with 24-cm fiber length of the SMCDCCF at wavelength of 1.4-μm were obtained. Further studies on higher gain of more than 10-dB gross gain of the SMCDCCFs including a longer length of 30-cm, a lower loss fiber, and a suitable annealing technique are essential to develop the SMCDCCFs as broadband fiber amplifiers for practical use in the next-generation fiber transmission systems and are currently under investigation.
The Third Leg of the Kantian Tripod for Peace: International Organizations and Militarized Disputes, 1950–85

Immanuel Kant believed that democracy, economic interdependence, and international law and organizations could establish the foundations for “perpetual peace. ” Our analyses of politically relevant dyads show that each of the three elements of the Kantian peace makes a statistically significant, independent contribution to peaceful interstate relations. These benefits are evident even when the influence of other theoretically interesting factors—such as relative power, alliances, geographic contiguity, and economic growth—is held constant. Increasing the number of shared memberships in intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) by one standard deviation reduces the incidence of militarized disputes by about 23 percent from the baseline rate for a typical pair of bordering states. If both members of a dyad are democratic, conflict is 35 percent less likely than the baseline; increasing both the dyadic trade–GDP ratio and the trend in trade by a standard deviation reduces the chance of conflict by 38 percent. Together, all the Kantian variables lower the probability of a dispute by 72 percent. We check for reverse causation and find reason to believe that a feedback system is at work, with IGOs reducing conflict and low-conflict dyads joining IGOs. Democracies and interdependent states are more likely to join IGOs with one another, bringing together the three elements of a system for Kantian peace.
Anatomy of computer accounting frauds

This paper introduces fraud as asset misappropriations (85 per cent of cases), corruption and fraudulent statements. Symptoms include accounting anomalies, lack of internal control environment, lifestyle and behaviour. The most effective tools for fraud detection are internal audit review, specific investigation by management, and whistle‐blowing. The paper details the fraud investigation process and the role of auditors as fraud examiners. The correlation of fraud perpetrators' personality with the size of losses is examined. Personality is analysed into age, gender, position, educational background and collusion. A strong system of internal control is most effective in fraud prevention. Fraud prevention procedures, targeted goals and improvements to system weaknesses feature in the paper. Fraud impacts on accounting transactions in accounts receivable, receipts and disbursements, accounts payable, inventories and fixed assets, and financial reporting. The monetary impact resulting from fraud is analysed by the type of victim and the amount of loss. Internal control and good employment practices prevent fraud and mitigate loss.
The CEO Effect

This dissertation abstract and the reflection commentary present the work of Dr. Daina Mazutis. The dissertation addresses the relationship between strategic leadership and corporate social responsibility from the upper echelon and institutional theory perspectives. This extended dissertation abstract summarizes the research questions, methods, and findings, while the reflection commentary in the appendix discusses the author’s views about the research process as a junior scholar.
Planned obsolescence and marketing strategy

By using a two-period model of a durable goods monopolist, we investigate marketing activities that have an obsolescence effect on products already sold in the past period. We assume that the monopolist can stimulate consumer demand for second-period products by marketing activities, and analyse not only the case where the level of marketing is determined in the second period, but also the case where it is determined in advance, namely, in the first period. It is shown that the equilibrium level of marketing becomes higher than the efficiency level not only in the former case, but also in the latter case if the obsolescence effect is not so large. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Portfolio Selection: The Relevance of Switching Regimes and Investment Horizon

This paper investigates the questions of dynamic portfolio selection and intertemporal hedging within a Markovian regime-switching framework. The investment opportunity set is spanned by a well-diversified home-market portfolio and the risk-free asset. Our results highlight the economic importance of regimes, as optimal portfolio weights are clearly dependent on the prevailing regime. We present evidence that the question of intertemporal hedging is a more complex issue than is hinted in the previous literature, since demand for intertemporal hedging is present in some regimes, but not in others. Finally, our findings are qualitatively unchanged across the four largest stock markets in the in the world, the US, Japan, the UK and Germany.
Measuring Intertemporal Preferences Using Response Times

We use two different approaches to measure intertemporal preferences. First we employ the classical method of inferring preferences from a series of choices (subjects choose between $X now or $Y in D days). Second we adopt the novel approach of inferring preferences using only response time data from the same choices (how long it takes subjects to choose between $X now or $Y in D days). In principle, the inference from response times should work, since choices between items of nearly equivalent value should take longer than choices between items with substantially different values. We find that choice-based analysis and response-time-based analysis yield nearly identical discount rate estimates. We conclude that response time data sheds light on both our revealed (choice-based) preferences and on the cognitive processes that implement those preferences.
Hypothalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Cluster Headache: Experience From a New Multicase Series

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the posterior hypothalamus was found to be effective in the treatment of drug-resistant chronic cluster headache. We report the results of a multicentre case series of six patients with chronic cluster headache in whom a DBS in the posterior hypothalamus was performed. Electrodes were implanted stereotactically in the ipsilateral posterior hypothalamus according to published coordinates 2 mm lateral, 3 mm posterior and 5 mm inferior referenced to the mid-AC-PC line. Microelectrode recordings at the target revealed single unit activity with a mean discharge rate of 17 Hz (range 13-35 Hz, n = 4). Out of six patients, four showed a profound decrease of their attack frequency and pain intensity on the visual analogue scale during the first 6 months. Of these, one patient was attack free for 6 months under neurostimulation before returning to the baseline which led to abortion of the DBS. Two patients had experienced only a marginal, non-significant decrease within the first weeks under neurostimulation before returning to their former attack frequency. After a mean follow-up of 17 months, three patients are almost completely attack free, whereas three patients can be considered as treatment failures. The stimulation was well tolerated and stimulation-related side-effects were not observed on long term. DBS of the posterior inferior hypothalamus is an effective therapeutic option in a subset of patients. Future controlled multi-centre trials will need to confirm this open-label experience and should help to better define predictive factors for non-responders.
An Examination of the Mechanisms by which Neural Precursors Augment Recovery following Spinal Cord Injury: A Key Role for Remyelination

The mechanisms by which neural precursor cells (NPCs) enhance functional recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) remain unclear. Spinal cord injured rats were transplanted with wild-type mouse NPCs, shiverer NPCs unable to produce myelin, dead NPCs, or media. Most animals also received minocycline, cyclosporine, and perilesional infusion of trophins. Motor function was graded according to the BBB scale. H&E/LFB staining was used to assess gray and white matter, cyst, and lesional tissue. Mature oligodendrocytes and ED1+ inflammatory cells were quantitated. Confocal and electron microscopy were used to assess the relationship between the transplanted cells and axons. Pharmacotherapy and trophin infusion preserved gray matter, white matter, and oligodendrocytes. Trophin infusion also significantly increased cyst and lesional tissue volume as well as inflammatory infiltrate, and functional recovery was reduced. Animals transplanted with wild-type NPCs showed greatest functional recovery; animals transplanted with shiverer NPCs performed the worst. Wild-type NPCs remyelinated host axons. Shiverer NPCs ensheathed axons but did not produce MBP. These results suggest that remyelination by NPCs is an important contribution to functional recovery following SCI. Shiverer NPCs may prevent remyelination by endogenous cells capable of myelin formation. These findings suggest that remyelination is an important therapeutic target following SCI.
Education poverty in India

Using the 52nd round of the National Sample Survey, supplemented by the data available from the latest All-India Education Survey, an attempt at unravelling several dimensions of deprivation of education of the poor in India is made here. The chapter exposes the most disturbing feature of the Indian education system, i.e., utter lack of equity in access to education over different economic classes of people. The evidence on the Indian States and also the evidence by household expenditure groups confirm significant, strong and inverse correlation between levels of educational attainment and levels of poverty. Participation in education is a consistently increasing function of household economic levels and the conformity of such a systematic pattern in case of all groups of population—rural, urban, male and female, rather with no exception at all is strikingly clear. The factors that explain low participation and high dropout rates of the poor are also analysed.