Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐term dynamics of pine and hardwood litter in contrasting environments: toward a global model of decomposition

We analysed data on mass loss after five years of decomposition in the field from both fine root and leaf litters from two highly contrasting trees, Drypetes glauca, a tropical hardwood tree from Puerto Rico, and pine species from North America as part of the Long‐Term Intersite Decomposition Experiment (LIDET). LIDET is a reciprocal litterbag study involving the transplanting of litter from 27 species across 28 sites in North and Central America reflecting a wide variety of natural and managed ecosystems and climates, from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforest. After 5 years, estimated k‐values ranged from 0.032 to 3.734, lengths of Phase I (to 20% mass remaining) from 0.49 to 47.92 years, and fractional mass remaining from 0 to 0.81. Pine litter decomposed more slowly than Drypetes litter, supporting the notion of strong control of substrate quality over decomposition rates. Climate exerted strong and consistent effects on decomposition. Neither mean annual temperature or precipitation alone explained the global pattern of decomposition; variables including both moisture availability and temperature (i.e. actual evapotranspiration and DEFAC from the CENTURY model) were generally more robust than single variables. Across the LIDET range, decomposition of fine roots exhibited a Q10 of 2 and was more predictable than that of leaves, which had a higher Q10 and greater variability. Roots generally decomposed more slowly than leaves, regardless of genus, but the ratio of above‐ to belowground decomposition rates differed sharply across ecosystem types. Finally, Drypetes litter decomposed much more rapidly than pine litter in ‘broadleaved habitats’ than in ‘conifer habitats’, evidence for a ‘home‐field advantage’ for this litter. These results collectively suggest that relatively simple models can predict decomposition based on litter quality and regional climate, but that ecosystem‐specific problems may add complications.
Teleconference Use among Office Workers: An Interorganizational Comparison of an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model

From a corporate social responsibility perspective, there are many reasons to promote teleconference use as an alternative to business travel. The present study examines psychosocial and organizational factors relevant to teleconference use. We tested an extended Theory of Planned Behavior model of teleconference use among office workers of four organizations. Results indicate that intention was the strongest direct predictor of teleconference use. Habit and perceived norm, in turn, were the strongest predictors of intention to use teleconference. In contrast, attitude was only weakly predictive and perceived control not predictive at all of intention to use teleconference. We also examined how this model was influenced by the organizational context by comparing organizations from two different regions, and organizations from the private vs . the public sector. Most teleconference-related beliefs differed between regions and organizational sectors. The relevance of specific attitudinal and normative beliefs to the overall attitude and perceived norm also differed between organizational sectors. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Design of a new multiband dielectric resonator antenna for WLAN/WiMAX applications

A novel and petite edge fed dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is achieved by cutting the right portion of rhombic DRA with a rhombic slot at the centre and also with partial ground plane is presented for wireless communication applications. A strip line is used as feeding structure for the dielectric resonator. Parametric analysis on the antenna is performed using HFSS solver by varying the height of the DR, lengths of the feed line and partial ground structure are presented. From the results it is observed that the proposed DRA has wide frequency range from 4.50GHz to 6.23GHz with an impedance bandwidth of 32.72%. The presented DRA has multiple bands and it resonates at 3GHz (Center frequency of S-Band), 5GHz (IEEE 802.11ac) and 5.8GHz (IEEE 802.16d). The peak gain of the proposed DRA is 4.66dBi and bandwidth offered is 1.73GHz.
The HMMTOP transmembrane topology prediction server

UNLABELLED The HMMTOP transmembrane topology prediction server predicts both the localization of helical transmembrane segments and the topology of transmembrane proteins. Recently, several improvements have been introduced to the original method. Now, the user is allowed to submit additional information about segment localization to enhance the prediction power. This option improves the prediction accuracy as well as helps the interpretation of experimental results, i.e. in epitope insertion experiments. AVAILABILITY HMMTOP 2.0 is freely available to non-commercial users at http://www.enzim. hu/hmmtop. Source code is also available upon request to academic users.
Temperature-Related Reaction Norms of Gene Expression: Regulatory Architecture and Functional Implications

The environment has profound effects on the expression of many traits and reaction norms describe the expression dynamics of a trait across a broad range of environmental conditions. Here, we analyze gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster across four different developmental temperatures (13–29 °C). Gene expression is highly plastic with 83.3% of the genes being differentially expressed. We distinguished three components of plasticity: 1) Dynamics of gene expression intensity (sum of change), 2) direction of change, and 3) curvature of the reaction norm (linear vs. quadratic). Studying their regulatory architecture we found that all three plasticity components were most strongly affected by the number of different transcription factors (TFs) binding to the target gene. More TFs were found in genes with less expression changes across temperatures. Although the effect of microRNAs was weaker, we consistently noted a trend in the opposite direction. The most plastic genes were regulated by fewer TFs and more microRNAs than less plastic genes. Different patterns of plasticity were also reflected by their functional characterization based on gene ontology. Our results suggest that reaction norms provide an important key to understand the functional requirements of natural populations exposed to variable environmental conditions.
Strategies in global competition : selected papers from the Prince Bertil Symposium at the Institute of International Business, Stockholm School of Economics

List of Figures, Tables, Contributors. Foreword. Preface. Part 1: Concepts and Constructs of Strategy in Global Competition. Introduction. 1. Creating Global Strategic Capability G Hamel and C K Prahalad. 2. Making Sense of Complex Industries J McGee and H Thomas. Part 2: Global Environmental Change. Introduction. 3. International Business, the Recession and Economic Restructuring J H Dunning. 4. Strategic Integration in Fragmented Environments: Social and Political Assessment by Subsidiaries of Multinational Firms S J Kobrin. Part 3: Technology and Global Competition. Introduction. 5. International Patterns of Technological Accumulation K Pavitt. 6. Corporate Families to Handle Galloping Technology Chr.Karlsson. Part 4: Global Competition and Strategy - Industry and Country Studies. Introduction. 7. Is the Global Automobile Industry Really Global? O Solvell. 8. Technical Change and Vertical Disintegration in Global Competition: Lessons from Machine Tools J O Rendeiro. 9. Japan's Industry Structure - Barriers to Global Competition A Kverneland. 10. Choice of market Channel in a Strategic Perspective J-E Vahlne and K Nordstrom. Part 5: Frameworks for Analysing Global Competition Introduction. 11. Internationalisation in Industrial Systems - A Network Approach J Johanson and L G Mattsson. 12. Country Patterns in International Competition: Appropriability and Oligopolistic Agreement B Kogut. Part 6: Strategic Management for Global Competition. Introduction. 13. Quality of Management: An Emerging Source of Global Competitive Advantage Y Doz and C K Prahalad. 14. Co-Operative Strategies: Planning and Control Considerations P Lorange. Concluding Perspectives: Neil Hood and Jan-Erik Vahlne. Index.
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes Cross-cultural Variations in Probability Judgment Accuracy: beyond General Knowledge Overconfidence?

Previous studies have revealed surprising and persistent cross-cultural variations in overconfidence, whereby respondents in some Asian cultures (e.g., Chinese) exhibit markedly higher degrees of overconfidence than respondents in other cultures (e.g., in the United States and Japan). Most of those demonstrations have entailed general knowledge tasks (e.g., answering We are especially grateful to Kevin Biolsi for his assistance in programming the experiments described here and to Jonathan Emmett, LeAnn Franke, and Joe Magee for their help in collecting and processing the data. We also appreciate the useful discussions we have had about this research with other members of the Michigan Culture and Cognition Program as well as the comments on a previous version of this article provided by Ido Erev and an anonymous reviewer.
The Effect of Motor Imagery on Spinal Segmental Excitability

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of motor imagery on spinal segmental excitability by recording the reflex responses to externally applied stretch of the extrinsic finger flexors and extensors during the performance of an imaginary task. Nine young healthy subjects performed a series of imagined flexion-extension movements of the fingers. Muscle stretch was imposed concurrently by applying rotations of the metacarpophalangeal joints at 100, 300, or 500°/sec. Three of the nine tested subjects also generated 0.2 Newton meter voluntary flexion torque in preloading tasks before stretch. At 300°/sec stretch, electromyogram (EMG) and torque reflex responses, which were observed in the finger flexors in four of nine subjects during motor imagery, were activated at a short latency (38.6 ± 10.6 msec). This latency was similar to that recorded during a stretch of preactivated flexor muscles (34.4 ± 3.6 msec), in which motoneurons are already suprathreshold and in which monosynaptic effects of muscle afferents are likely to be discernable. In a similar manner, for stretches imposed at 500°/sec, responses to stretch of the flexors were observed in all five tested subjects in imaginary flexion tasks at very short latencies (26.4 ± 3.7 msec), again similar to those induced by tendon taps (22.8 ± 1.2 msec). No EMG response was observed at rest during stretches. These observations support the view that effects must have been mediated by imagery-related subthreshold activation of spinal motoneurons and/or interneurons, rather than by long-latency transcortical reflex responses. We conclude that motor imagery has a potent effect on the excitability of spinal reflex pathways.
Why mammalian lineages respond differently to sexual selection: metabolic rate constrains the evolution of sperm size

The hypothesis that sperm competition should favour increases in sperm size, because it results in faster swimming speeds, has received support from studies on many taxa, but remains contentious for mammals. We suggest that this may be because mammalian lineages respond differently to sexual selection, owing to major differences in body size, which are associated with differences in mass-specific metabolic rate. Recent evidence suggests that cellular metabolic rate also scales with body size, so that small mammals have cells that process energy and resources from the environment at a faster rate. We develop the ‘metabolic rate constraint hypothesis’ which proposes that low mass-specific metabolic rate among large mammals may limit their ability to respond to sexual selection by increasing sperm size, while this constraint does not exist among small mammals. Here we show that among rodents, which have high mass-specific metabolic rates, sperm size increases under sperm competition, reaching the longest sperm sizes found in eutherian mammals. By contrast, mammalian lineages with large body sizes have small sperm, and while metabolic rate (corrected for body size) influences sperm size, sperm competition levels do not. When all eutherian mammals are analysed jointly, our results suggest that as mass-specific metabolic rate increases, so does maximum sperm size. In addition, species with low mass-specific metabolic rates produce uniformly small sperm, while species with high mass-specific metabolic rates produce a wide range of sperm sizes. These findings support the hypothesis that mass-specific metabolic rates determine the budget available for sperm production: at high levels, sperm size increases in response to sexual selection, while low levels constrain the ability to respond to sexual selection by increasing sperm size. Thus, adaptive and costly traits, such as sperm size, may only evolve under sexual selection when metabolic rate does not constrain cellular budgets.
Experimental Evaluation of Indoor MIMO Channel Capacity Based on Ray Tracing

In a more realistic indoor environment we demonstrate the use of the ray tracing method to predict the capacity of a multiple input multiple output(MIMO) indoor wireless communication systems. The channel response for 4 by 4 MIMO systems located inside an office environment operating at 5.2 GHz is constructed by using Wireless InSite, ray tracing simulation tool. The uniform linear array(ULA) and 3D array of vertical dipoles are investigated to estimated MIMO capacity. The results are in a good agreement with those reported by the IEEE indoor MIMO WLAN channel model.
Dissolved organic nitrogen in the global surface ocean: Distribution and fate

The allochthonous supply of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) from gyre margins into the interior of the ocean's oligotrophic subtropical gyres potentially provides an important source of new N to gyre surface waters, thus sustaining export production. This process requires that a fraction of the transported DON be available to euphotic zone photoautotroph communities via mineralization. In this study, we investigated the biological and physical controls on the distribution and fate of DON within global ocean surface waters. Inputs of nitrate to the euphotic zone at upwelling zones fuel net accumulation of a DON pool that appears to resist rapid microbial remineralization, allowing subsequent advective transport into the subtropical gyres. Zonal gradients in DON concentrations across these gyres imply a DON sink in the surface layer. Assessment of the physical dynamics of gyre circulation and winter mixing revealed a pathway for DON removal from the mixed layer via vertical transport to the deep euphotic zone, which establishes the observed zonal gradients. Incubation experiments from the Florida Straits indicated surface‐accumulated DON was largely resistant (over a few months) to utilization by the extant surface bacterioplankton community. In contrast, this same material was remineralized three times more rapidly when exposed to upper mesopelagic bacterioplankton. These results suggest the primary fate of surface DON to be removal via vertical mixing and subsequent mineralization below the mixed layer, implying a limited role for direct DON support of gyre export production from the surface layer. DON may contribute to export production at the eastern edges of the subtropical gyres, but only after its mineralization within the deep euphotic zone.
Managing with a Global Mindset

When companies change, so must their managers During the past decade, significant changes have affected the world economy and international business, forcing companies to adapt to a new world, that of the global economy. Though the issue of globalization has been with us for some time and much has been written about global companies, far less has been said about the managers who have to make global firms work. Managing with a Global Mindset closes this gap. Globalization demands a need for a totally new managerial mindset - the global mindset. Jeannet's book, the first of its kind, provides the skill sets required to develop and master a global mindset. It takes a detailed look at the concept and contrasts it with other types of mindsets (domestic, international, multinational, regional). It delivers the knowledge to harness such competencies: from defining the mindset, through to delivering the analytic, strategic and personal skills required and to developing future managers of this ilk in companies of all sizes.Managing with a Global Mindset challenges the international management community, confronting it with innovative managerial concepts and research, developed, and invented, for the single purpose of assuring the competitive success of companies in the age of globalization.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Family Therapy and Treatment as Usual Following Inpatient Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa Adolescents

Research on treatments in anorexia nervosa (AN) is scarce. Although most of the therapeutic programs used in ‘real world practice’ in AN treatment resort to multidisciplinary approaches, they have rarely been evaluated. Objective To compare two multidimensional post-hospitalization outpatients treatment programs for adolescents with severe AN: Treatment as Usual (TAU) versus this treatment plus family therapy (TAU+FT). Method Sixty female AN adolescents, aged 13 to 19 years, were included in a randomized parallel controlled trial conducted from 1999 to 2002 for the recruitment, and until 2004 for the 18 months follow-up. Allocation to one of the two treatment groups (30 in each arm) was randomised. The TAU program included sessions for the patient alone as well as sessions with a psychiatrist for the patient and her parents. The TAU+FT program was identical to the usual one but also included family therapy sessions targeting intra-familial dynamics, but not eating disorder symptoms. The main Outcome Measure was the Morgan and Russell outcome category (Good or Intermediate versus Poor outcome). Secondary outcome indicators included AN symptoms or their consequences (eating symptoms, body mass index, amenorrhea, number of hospitalizations in the course of follow-up, social adjustment). The evaluators, but not participants, were blind to randomization. Results At 18 months follow-up, we found a significant group effect for the Morgan and Russell outcome category in favor of the program with family therapy (Intention-to-treat: TAU+FT :12/30 (40%); TAU : 5/29 (17.2%) p = 0.05; Per Protocol analysis: respectively 12/26 (46.2%); 4/27 (14.8%), p = 0.01). Similar group effects were observed in terms of achievement of a healthy weight (i.e., BMI≥10th percentile) and menstrual status. Conclusions Adding family therapy sessions, focusing on intra-familial dynamics rather than eating symptomatology, to a multidimensional program improves treatment effectiveness in girls with severe AN. Trial Registration Controlled-trials.com ISRCTN71142875
Gender Gaps in the Labor Market and Aggregate Productivity

The gaps between male and female outcomes and opportunities are present in several different dimensions and many countries, especially in developing ones. These gaps are likely to result in lower aggregate productivity because of an inefficient use of women potential. In this paper we examine the quantitative effects of gender gaps in entrepreneurship and labor force participation on aggregate income. To do the analysis, we first present a simple theoretical framework illustrating the negative impact of gender gaps on resource allocation and aggregate labor productivity. We then calibrate and simulate the model to study the quantitative effects of gender inequality. We show that gender gaps in entrepreneurship have important effects on aggregate productivity and labor force gender gaps on income per capita. Specifically, our model predicts that if all women are excluded from entrepreneurship, average output per worker drops by more than 10% and wages fall by even more, while if all women are excluded from the labor force, income per capita falls by almost 40%. Our cross-country analysis shows that gender gaps and income losses are quite similar across income groups but differ importantly across geographical regions, with a total income loss of 27% in Middle East and North Africa, a 23% loss in South Asia, and a loss of around 15% in the rest of the world.
Practical and clinical considerations in assessing patients with atrial fibrillation for switching to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in primary care

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for thromboembolic events, and anticoagulation therapy can reduce this risk. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), such as warfarin, have been used for decades in patients with AF for stroke prevention. Currently, non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are approved and available for non-valvular AF patients who are at increased risk of stroke. These agents are safe and effective and have important advantages over VKAs, such as significant reduction in intracranial hemorrhage and no need for routine laboratory monitoring. Thus, should all VKA-treated patients be switched to a NOAC? The aims of this article are: 1) to review the advantages of NOACs over VKAs; 2) to identify the group of patients who most benefit from receiving a NOAC and, therefore, are higher priority to be switched from VKAs; and 3) to provide clinical and practical guidance on how to switch patients safely from VKAs to NOACs.
Wave–turbulence interaction-induced vertical mixing and its effects in ocean and climate models

Heated from above, the oceans are stably stratified. Therefore, the performance of general ocean circulation models and climate studies through coupled atmosphere–ocean models depends critically on vertical mixing of energy and momentum in the water column. Many of the traditional general circulation models are based on total kinetic energy (TKE), in which the roles of waves are averaged out. Although theoretical calculations suggest that waves could greatly enhance coexisting turbulence, no field measurements on turbulence have ever validated this mechanism directly. To address this problem, a specially designed field experiment has been conducted. The experimental results indicate that the wave–turbulence interaction-induced enhancement of the background turbulence is indeed the predominant mechanism for turbulence generation and enhancement. Based on this understanding, we propose a new parametrization for vertical mixing as an additive part to the traditional TKE approach. This new result reconfirmed the past theoretical model that had been tested and validated in numerical model experiments and field observations. It firmly establishes the critical role of wave–turbulence interaction effects in both general ocean circulation models and atmosphere–ocean coupled models, which could greatly improve the understanding of the sea surface temperature and water column properties distributions, and hence model-based climate forecasting capability.