Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic differentiation of the two subspecies of the smooth newt inhabiting Romania, Triturus vulgaris vulgaris and T.v. ampelensis (Urodela, Salamandridae) as revealed by enzyme electrophoresis.

Starch gel electrophoresis was applied to quantify genetic variation and divergence in samples from Romanian populations of the nominal form of the smooth newt Triturus vulgaris and those of the endemic Romanian subspecies T.v. ampelensis, a population from a parapatric area was additionally included. All the samples had similar levels of genetic variation measured by the mean heterozygosity, proportion of polymorphic loci, and mean number of alleles per locus. T.v. ampelensis samples were genetically clearly different from the nominal form samples, the mean genetic distance between the two subspecies was being estimated as DN = 0.114. No fixed differences in allele composition between the two subspecies were found, although some of the alleles were found either exclusively in the nominal form (Aat-1) or in T.v. ampelensis (Mpi a). Other alleles at these loci together with Mdh-1 differed markedly in frequency. The population from the parapatric area was intermediate in allelic composition, but grouped together with the T.v. ampelensis samples in a maximum likelihood tree (99.7% bootstrap support for this grouping). The data indicate that the two subspecies interbreed in a parapatric zone. The molecular clock applied to electrophoretic data indicates that these two forms split during the Pleistocene.
The Federal Reserve’s enhanced communication strategy and the science of monetary policy: a speech to the Undergraduate Economics Association, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, November 29, 2007

A key element of the macroeconomics revolution in recent decades has been the recognition that the dynamic structure of the economy is not purely mechanistic but instead reflects the fundamental role of expectations in the economic decisions of households and firms. That insight inevitably put a spotlight on the expectations of the monetary authorities themselves and has led central banks around the world to refine their communications about policy objectives and the macroeconomic outlook. Indeed, to give the public more information regarding its plan for conducting monetary policy in accordance with its congressional mandate, the Federal Reserve on November 14 announced several important enhancements to its communication strategy. And the Federal Reserve's first "Summary of Economic Projections" was published last week in conjunction with the minutes of the October meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Here is a brief overview of the main elements of the enhanced communication strategy:
Critical Evaluation of the Composition and Use of Topical Fluorides, with Emphasis on the Role of Calcium Fluoride in Caries Inhibition

There is evidence that a major part of the fluoride which is retained on teeth during topical application is calcium fluoride or calcium fluoride-like, and that this material is relatively stable in the mouth. This is due to surface adsorption of phosphate (HPO42–) ions onto the calcium fluoride surface. Calcium fluoride releases fluoride during caries challenges due to reduced concentration of HPO42–at acid pH. Normally, the fluoride released from calcium fluoride during caries challenges is subsequently built into hydroxyfluorapatite through dissolution/re-precipitation reactions. It appears likely that the formation of calcium fluoride from topical application agents should be increased and not reduced, as believed in the past. Increased deposition of calcium fluoride can be achieved with increased reaction time between fluoride and enamel, reduced pH of the solution, increased concentration, or pre-treatment with calcium. A reduction in pH of the agents is probably the most practical approach to increase the deposition of calcium fluoride during topical application, and clinical data support this contention. Calcium fluorides with various dissolution rates are formed during different procedures of topical application with fluoride, presumably due to incorporation of phosphate into the calcium fluoride crystals.
Traveling Waves in Buffered Systems: Applications to Calcium Waves

Traveling waves of calcium are widely observed under conditions where the free calcium is heavily buffered. It is thus of considerable physiological interest to determine the precise effects that buffers have on the properties of traveling waves. Since calcium waves are widely believed to be the result of the reaction and diffusion of calcium, we study the properties of traveling waves in simple reaction-diffusion equations in which the diffusing species is buffered. For the buffered bistable equation we derive a constraint on the model parameters in order for a traveling wave of excitation to exist, and we show that stationary buffers cannot eliminate traveling waves. When the buffer is of low affinity, a constant effective diffusion coefficient may be defined, but no effective diffusion coefficient can be defined for high affinity buffers. We derive an approximate expression for the wave speed, show numerically that this approximation applies for both high and low affinity buffers, and hence derive an a.
Overexpression of Human PHEX Under the Human β‐Actin Promoter Does Not Fully Rescue the Hyp Mouse Phenotype

XLH in humans and the Hyp phenotype in mice are caused by inactivating Phex mutations. Overexpression of human PHEX under the human β‐actin promoter in Hyp mice rescued the bone phenotype almost completely, but did not affect phosphate homeostasis, suggesting that different, possibly independent, pathophysiological mechanisms contribute to hyperphosphaturia and bone abnormalities in XLH.
Current account dynamics and optimal monetary policy in a two-country economy

This paper explores optimal monetary policy when current account dynamics is taken into consideration in a sticky-price intertemporal optimising model. It investigates how monetary policies affect current account movement in a two-country model. The main issues addressed include: 1) what factors affect the current account dynamics in response to technology and monetary shocks in a two-country open economy; 2) how should the monetary authority respond to these shocks to maximise the welfare of the household. Using a non-linear solution method, we find that the current account dynamics depends critically on the intratemporal and intertemporal elasticities of substitution, the degree of monopolistic competition, the degree of Local Currency Pricing (LCP) and the type of shocks. With sluggish price adjustment among firms, the home monetary authority will choose an expansionary monetary policy when facing a home technological improvement. If a supranational monetary authority is to choose an optimal monetary policy for both countries, the welfare gain from the expansionary monetary policy for both home and foreign counties is quantitatively small.
Family Vacation Decision Making: The Role of Woman

ABSTRACT Most people spend their vacations with their family and decide where, how, and when with their spouses. The woman's role within the couple has become more and more influential in certain purchase decisions. This influence is strongly related to their lifestyles and values. For the tourism sector and its marketing strategy, it would be very useful to know the role that women play in vacation decisions. So, this article aims to analyze the influence of women's lifestyles and values on family vacation decisions. The information is based on 300 questionnaires addressed to married or cohabiting women. The results show differences in vacation decisions depending on the profile of the women (professional vs. traditional) and their preferences in activities.
Is Low Self-Control Associated With Violence Among Youths in Turkey?

Self-control theory is tested in relation to violence on a sample of university students in Turkey. The primary findings indicate support for the theory net of the impacts of strain, deterrence, differential association, social bonding, and routine activity theories: The greater the low self-control, the greater the violence. No subdimensions of self-control have consistent significant impacts on violence. Most high-opportunity measures have positive impacts on violence. Interaction effects occur only among subdimensions of self-control and opportunity variables. Social class and age are significant even when low self-control measures were controlled.
Business Risk, Industry Affiliation, and Corporate Capital Structure: Evidence From Publicly Listed Nigerian Companies

This study demonstrates the extent to which changes in business risk help predict the capital structure choices of Nigerian listed companies. The findings support a U-shaped function with leverage ratio decreasing with earnings volatility, but only up to a cut-off point of 32% per annum. The results are consistent with agency cost models, which predict an escalation in the conflicts between shareholders and firm managers beyond a certain level of volatility with a subsequent increase in the equity risk premium. The expected rise in the cost of equity capital gives debt priority and helps avoid potential underinvestment.
Accounting, transparency and governance: the heritage assets problem

Purpose – This paper aims at offering a contribution which addresses one particular issue – heritage assets – as an exemplar of the challenges facing accounting practices in achieving transparency in government and public services. Design/methodology/approach – After having identified three levels of transparency, a documentary analysis is used as the primary research method. Findings – The investigation carried out reveals that the first level, or minimal level, of transparency is unlikely to be achieved for public organizations with heritage assets, mainly due to deep seated, pernicious problems of asset recognition and valuation. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the debate on what constitutes “good public governance” by examining whether accounting can foster or enhance “good governance” through the lens of transparency.
Morphological and Immunocytochemical Analyses on the Effects of Diet-induced Hypocalcemia on Enamel Maturation in the Rat Incisor

During the maturation stage of amelogenesis, the loss of matrix proteins combined with an accentuated but regulated influx of calcium and phosphate ions into the enamel layer results in the “hardest” tissue of the body. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the effects of chronic hypocalcemia on the maturation of enamel. Twenty-one-day old male Wistar rats were given a calcium-free diet and deionized water for 28 days, while control animals received a normal chow. The rats were perfused with aldehyde and the mandibular incisors were processed for histochemical and ultrastructural analyses and for postembedding colloidal gold immunolabeling with antibodies to amelogenin, ameloblastin, and albumin. The maturation stage enamel organ in hypocalcemic rats exhibited areas with an apparent increase in cell number and the presence of cyst-like structures. In both cases the cells expressed signals for ameloblastin and amelogenin. The content of the cysts was periodic acid–Schiff- and periodic acid–silver nitrate–methanamine-positive and immunolabeled for amelogenin, ameloblastin, and albumin. Masses of a similar material were also found at the enamel surface in depressions of the amelo-blast layer. In addition, there were accumulations of glycoproteinaceous matrix at the interface between ameloblasts and enamel. In decalcified specimens, the superficial portion of the enamel matrix sometimes exhibited the presence of tubular crystal “ghosts. ” The basal lamina, normally separating ameloblasts and enamel during the maturation stage, was missing in some areas. Enamel crystals extended within membrane invaginations at the apical surface of ameloblasts in these areas. Immunolabeling for amelogenin, ameloblastin, and albumin over enamel was variable and showed a heterogeneous distribution. In contrast, enamel in control rats exhibited a homogeneous labeling for amelogenin, a concentration of ameloblastin at the surface, and weak reactivity for albumin. These results suggest that diet-induced chronic hypocalcemia interferes with both cellular and extracellular events during enamel maturation. (J Histochem Cytochem 48:1043–1057, 2000)
An instrument for assessing lean service adoption

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate an instrument containing operational measures of lean service. The instrument is intended for use by both researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approach – The instrument was developed and validated in an iterative process between theoretical and empirical insights. Drawing on a wide selection of frequently cited papers on lean service, a preliminary list of items was generated. These items were then vetted through four steps in order to achieve high validity. Empirical refinement and validation included workshops and semi‐structured interviews with expert practitioners, as well as testing the instrument's ability to discriminate between high and low adoption of lean and portray changes during lean service adoption.Findings – The instrument contains 34 items that assess enablers of lean adoption, lean practices, and operational performance. Empirical validation suggested the instrument was able to discriminate between hig.
Accrual and cash flow accounting models: A comparison of the value relevance and timeliness of their components

This research uses the empirical framework developed by Easton, Harris and Ohlson (1992) to examine the relative ability of the accrual and cash flow accounting models to capture value relevant events. In particular, components of clean surplus accrual earnings are compared with components of total cash flows to determine their relative abilities to recognise value relevant events in a timely manner. The results indicate that the association between stock returns and earnings is higher than that with total cash flows for return intervals of between one and ten years. Cash flows from operations and current accruals are able to recognise value relevant events in a timely manner, while non-current and non-operating accruals only become consistently value relevant when longer return intervals are considered. Cash flows from investing and financing activities are less value relevant than the other components considered, especially over longer return intervals.
Australia's emissions trading scheme: opportunities and obstacles for linking

Australia is establishing an economy-wide emissions trading scheme, with a detailed proposal tabled by government in December 2008 and a scheme start planned for 2011. The proposal is for unilateral linking through the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation, but no initial bilateral linkages. Concerns about permit prices rising too high are prominent, and are reflected in a ban on permit sales and a price cap provision. This article evaluates the proposed Australian scheme with regard to international emissions trading and linkages. Different scenarios for the Australian permit price under unilateral linking are considered. Options for bilateral linking with the European Union and New Zealand schemes are evaluated. We argue that Australia should dismantle the obstacles to linking, including the proposed price cap, and move towards bilateral linking with suitable schemes.
Image-Based Assessment of Allergic Inflammation under Conjunctival Provocation

Conjunctival redness is an objective allergy symptom which can be analyzed using objective computer imaging methods. To evaluate allergic inflammation of the eyes, a robust and precise image-based method was developed and applied to analyze allergic hyperemia under the conjunctival provocation test (CPT). High-resolution digital photos were taken and analyzed via digital analysis software to obtain and document conjunctival redness. The evaluations made using this newly developed image-based method concurred with the study investigators' assessments: the therapeutic effects of the highest doses were superior to the lowest dose.
Customer usage intention of mobile commerce in India: an empirical study

Purpose – Mobile commerce is a broad term used for mobile banking, mobile ticketing, mobile coupons, purchasing of goods and services using mobile phones. Considering mobile penetration and changing lifestyles of the Indian population, it has huge potential. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption intention of mobile commerce.Design/methodology/approach – For the study, a research model was developed based on constructs from the technology acceptance model and innovation resistance theory and a literature review on research related to usage intention of similar technologies which was then empirically tested using second generation statistical technique of SEM.Findings – Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and social influence are found to be significant dimensions of technology adoption readiness to use mobile commerce while facilitating conditions were not found to be significant. The results also indicate perceived credibility risk defined by security ris.
The Revenge of Purchasing Power Parity on Carry Trades during Crises

Empirical evidence shows that fundamental models have produced disappointing results over the past 20 years while carry trade strategies have performed superbly. But the real picture is much more complex. In fact, the track records of both strategies have varied considerably. This article shows that they have actually alternated between periods of profitability and underperformance. It also shows that when carry trade strategies perform well, fundamental strategies do poorly, and vice versa. Crises appear to play a significant role in the alternation of investment styles on currency markets. In contrast to carry trades, fundamental strategies perform remarkably well in crises. A portfolio that rotates between these two types of strategies, based on a risk aversion indicator such as implied equity volatility, would substantially outperform a pure carry trade strategy and would be robust to crises.
Coexistence of GAD-65 and GAD-67 with tyrosine hydroxylase and nitric oxide synthase in amacrine and interplexiform cells of the primate, Cebus apella

The expression of glutamate decarboxylase forms, GAD-65 and GAD-67, in GABAergic cells was studied by immunocytochemistry in the retina of the New World monkey, Cebus apella. In the innermost rows of the inner nuclear layer (INL), somata that express GABA correspond to about 45% of the total number of cells in the central retina and about 25% on the periphery. Three subsets of GABAergic amacrine cells were identified along the horizontal meridian: about 5% express only GAD-65 and 40% GAD-67, and approximately 50% contain both forms of GAD. In the INL, GAD-65 immunoreactivity was detected in broad bands around strata 1, 3, and 5. GAD-67 immunoreactivity was observed throughout all strata. Somata that expressed GAD-67 exclusively stratified only in narrow bands around strata 2 and 4 of the INL and colocalized with β2 and β3 subunits of GABA-A receptor. Interplexiform and amacrine cells that express GABA also express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or nitric oxide synthase (NOS). GAD-67 colocalized with TH or NOS in presumed amacrine cells of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). GAD-65 was expressed in the TH- and NOS-immunoreactive interplexiform and amacrine cells, respectively. Different from what has been described in other mammals, TH and NOS were coexpressed in some neurons, indicating a partial overlap in retinal cell populations containing dopamine or nitric oxide in this primate.
Control of the Whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westw. (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae) on tomato by the new insecticide Acetamiprid

The efficacy of a new class of insecticide (chloronicotinyl) Mospilan 20 SP (a. i. acetamiprid), compared with Lannate 90 SL (a. i. methomyl) and Applaud WP 25 (a. i. buprofezin), in glasshouse control of whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) on tomatoes, was investigated. All investigated insecticides significantly decreased the number of whitefly larvae, compared with untreated plots where population density grew during the trial. Based on statistical analysis, efficacy of all insecticides on whitefly larvae were in the same category. Some differences occurred 7 days after the third treatment. Deposited egg number was significantly different between checks and each insecticide plot. Efficacy of investigated insecticides, evaluated according to deposited egg number, was also good and in the same category.
The complementary role of cross-sectional and time-series information in forecasting stock returns

While linear time-series models, technical analysis, and momentum models all extract information from past market data, they each interpret data differently. We test the informative role of three representative models and examine the trading performance of a combined forecasting model at the individual stock level. Our results indicate that these models all contain marginal information and complement each other. The combined trading model captures higher upward trending returns and provides the same downward trending returns compared with the buy-and-hold strategy.
Long‐term Changes in Danish Party Politics: The Rise and Importance of Issue Competition

In Denmark and Norway, major research programmes known as the ‘power and democracy studies’ have evaluated the functioning of the political systems and democracy in general, highlighting numerous changes in both Danish and Norwegian politics over recent decades. However, despite the broad range of studies that characterize both programmes, it is striking how little attention has been paid to changes in party politics and party competition. This article, which focuses on Danish politics, argues that attention to the development of party competition would have been warranted for two reasons. First, party competition has undergone a transformation from class to issue competition. Political parties increasingly focus their efforts on influencing the content of the political agenda rather than positioning themselves with regard to a limited number of issues deriving from their class bases. Second, this transformation arguably explains some of the findings of the power and democracy studies, especially concerning political decision making.
Human Resource Management and Job Satisfaction in the Dutch Public Sector

Academic research on public administration devotes relatively little attention to issues concerning human resource management (HRM) and job satisfaction. Many private sector studies suggest that investing in HRM has positive effects on worker morale. Therefore, in this study, variables measuring HRM practices were combined with an analysis of determinants of job satisfaction in the Dutch public sector. Three hypotheses were tested and confirmed. They revealed that (a) individual characteristics have a negligible effect on job satisfaction, (b) HRM practices have a positive effect, but (c) this latter effect is largely indirect and mediated by job and organizational characteristics.