Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR EVIDENCE REVEALS RECENT HYBRIDIZATION BETWEEN GORILLA TAXA

Molecular studies have demonstrated a deep lineage split between the two gorilla species, as well as divisions within these taxa; estimates place this divergence in the mid‐Pleistocene, with gene flow continuing until approximately 80,000 years ago. Here, we present analyses of skeletal data indicating the presence of substantial recent gene flow among gorillas at all taxonomic levels: between populations, subspecies, and species. Complementary analyses of DNA sequence variation suggest that low‐level migration occurred primarily in a westerly‐to‐easterly direction. In western gorillas, the locations of hybrid phenotypes map closely to expectations based on population refugia and riverine barrier hypotheses, supporting the presence of significant vicariance‐driven structuring and occasional admixture within this taxon. In eastern lowland gorillas, the high frequency of hybrid phenotypes is surprising, suggesting that this region represents a zone of introgression between eastern gorillas and migrants from the west, and underscoring the conservation priority of this critically endangered group. These results highlight the complex nature of evolutionary divergence in this genus, indicate that historical gene flow has played a major role in structuring gorilla diversity, and demonstrate that our understanding of the evolutionary processes responsible for shaping biodiversity can benefit immensely from consideration of morphological and molecular data in conjunction.
Acrylamide induces early morphologic reorganization of the neuronal cell body

Rats were intoxicated with acrylamide monomer at 50 mg per kilogram per day; lumbar dorsal root ganglia and distal sural and tibial nerves were studied morphologically. At the sixth day of intoxication, large and small neuronal cell bodies showed a spectrum of remodeling changes that included nuclear eccentricity, cytoplasmic reorganization with an outer mantle of Nissl and an inner perinuclear zone of pigmented bodies, and increased perineuronal cells. Distal axons showed little degeneration at this time. These findings suggest that the cell body plays an important role in the pathogenesis of dying-back neurotoxic disease, and that there may be direct toxic affect on the perikaryon itself.
Exploring undergraduate students’ attitudes towards interprofessional learning, motivation-to-learn, and perceived impact of learning conflict resolution skills

ABSTRACT Conflict resolution skills are important for all healthcare professionals as conflict and mis-communication can have detrimental effects on decision-making, potentially impacting significantly on patient care, morbidity, and mortality. Interprofessional learning (IPL) has been found to increase collaboration and improve collegial relationships and hence may be an appropriate way to increase conflict resolution skills among healthcare graduates. This study examined transference of conflict resolution skills, motivation-to-learn, and attitudes to IPL of medical (n = 52) and nursing (n = 74) undergraduate students who undertook an IPL conflict resolution program. Results indicated that motivation-to-learn, attitudes to IPL, and transfer of conflict resolution skills were significantly related to each other, even when controlling for other variables, such as age and gender. When comparing the two groups, undergraduate nursing students were found to have statistically higher motivation-to-learn and transference of conflict resolution skills, and reported a more positive attitude to IPL than medical students. Some of these differences may be attributed to lack of clinical placements for medical students in the first half of their degree at their university, giving them less opportunity to apply the conflict resolution skills taught, as well as less contextual relevance. This may potentially affect their motivation-to-learn and attitude to IPL thus impacting on how they perceive the relevance of learning conflict resolution skills. Without the contextual relevancy of placements at the time of learning for medical students, the newly acquired conflict resolution skills are less likely to transfer to practice in an optimal fashion.
Simulation of Magnetic Erasure Due to Transient Slider-Disk Contacts

Erasure of magnetic information due to transient slider-disk contacts is investigated. A three-dimensional thermal-mechanical model of a transient contact between a slider and a multilayered thin film disk is developed. Temperature and plastic strain distributions in the contact zone are evaluated and erasure of information is determined based on a simplified erasure criterion. The effect of material properties and impact conditions on erasure is determined for disks with glass and aluminum substrate. Design recommendations for minimization of erasure are discussed.
Asset Pricing Models and Insurance Ratemaking

Abstract This paper provides an introduction to asset pricing theory and its applications in non-life insurance. The first part of the paper presents a basic review of asset pricing models, including discrete and continuous time capital asset pricing models (the CAPM and ICAPM), arbitrage pricing theory (APT), and option pricing theory (OPT). The second part discusses applications in non-life insurance. Among the insurance models reviewed are the insurance CAPM, discrete time discounted cash flow models, option pricing models, and more general continuous time models. The paper concludes that the integration of actuarial and financial theory can provide major advances in insurance pricing and financial management.
Validation of the mywellness key in walking and running speeds.

UNLABELLED This study was performed to assess the validity of the MyWellness Key (MWK) accelerometer during a treadmill-based protocol. The identification of different exercise intensities is imperative to objectively measure time spent at a specified exercise intensity. Thirty subjects, 15 men and 15 women (age = 24.5 ± 2.6 years; body mass index = 22.5 ± 2.5 kg·m(-1)), participated in a 4-phase treadmill protocol (5 minutes each one) using three different walking velocities (3, 4.5, and 6 km·h(-1)) and run (8 km·h(-1)) while outfitted with a MWK uniaxial accelerometer. Oxygen consumption was measured by indirect calorimetry (ICVO2). RESULTS The relationship between VO2 predicted from MWK (MWKVO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2 (ICVO2)), yielded a high and significant correlation (r = 0. 944; p < 0.001) with standard error of estimate (SEE) = 2.42 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1). The average differences between the two methods (MWKVO2 - ICVO2) were -0.79 (-8. 8% at 3 km·h(-1)), -0.02 (-0.2% at 4.5 km·h(-1)), 0.51 (3.3% at 6 km·h(-1)) and -0.74 (-2.7% at 8 km·h(-1)) ml·kg(-1)·min(-1). Only the 3 km·h(-1) speed showed a difference when compared to the criterion measure (p < 0.001). Bland and Altman analysis revealed less than a 1 MET difference in the mean at each point estimate and relatively tight distribution with the standard errors, especially with the 2 moderate walking speeds. CONCLUSIONS We found a high correlation between oxygen utilization and the MWK with low standard errors estimates. This indicates that this accelerometer can be used to identify exercise intensities that are related to walking and running. Key pointsFirst laboratory validation of a new uniaxial accelerometer, the MyWellness Key.Results indicate a good exercise intensity prediction during walking at moderate to high speeds.Comparing with other laboratory validations, MyWellness Key exercise intensity detection is aligned with other accelerometers.MyWellness Key can be used to give valid measurements for a range of ambulatory activity in addition to the capabilities to give real-time feedback to the participant in health promotion studies.
Real and financial effects of insider trading with correlated signals

Summary. In this paper we study the real and financial effects of insider trading in a Static, Kyle-type model. In our model the insider is also the manager of the firm. Hence the insider chooses both the amount of the real output to be produced and the amount of the stock of the firm to trade. The aim of the paper is to study the relationship between financial decisions and real decisions. In particular, we examine how insider trading on the stock market affects the real output and price and how the real decision making affects the financial variables, such as the extent of insider trading, stock prices, and the stock pricing rule of the market maker. In the model, the market maker observes two correlated signals: the total order flow and the market price of the real good. We study the informativeness of the stock price and the effects on insider's profits. We also construct a compensation scheme that aligns the interests of the insider and the firm. Finally, we generalize the pricing rule set up by a competitive market maker and analyze the comparative statics of the model.
A unifying view of goods and services supply chain management

Ambiguities in the constructs that are the building blocks of research may have hindered advancement of service operations knowledge/research. To alleviate this situation, the authors identify similarities and differences between goods and services to inform a view of constructs (e.g. inventory, capacity, and Bullwhip effect) that are equivalent and are of relevance to both sectors. A unifying paradigm that allows transference of ideas across the two broad sectors is proposed and illustrated with case studies.
Determinants and Specificities of Eco-Innovations Compared to Other Innovations—An Econometric Analysis for the French and German Industry Based on the Community Innovation Survey

Many recent papers deal with exploring and explaining the determinants of eco-innovations for different countries supporting the formulation of efficient policy measures to trigger eco-innovation activities of firms. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of econometric cross-country analyses allowing recognizing common cross-country determinants, but also country-specific characteristics of eco-innovations. Based on data from the fourth Community Innovation Survey for France and Germany, the present paper contributes to fill this gap. Using a fully harmonized econometric model for the two countries, we are able to detect remarkable similarities concerning the different determinants of eco-innovations despite differences in the national innovation systems. The results confirm the central role of regulation and cost savings as motivations for eco-innovations compared to other innovations. Furthermore, eco-innovative activities seem to require more external sources of knowledge and information. Due to the respective regulation, in France, universities as cooperation partners seem to be more important compared to Germany.
Genetic diversity in epichloid endophytes of Hordelymus europaeus suggests repeated host jumps and interspecific hybridizations

Epichloid fungal endophytes (Epichloë and Neotyphodium spp.) are excellent model systems for studying speciation processes because of their variable life history traits that are linked to host grass fitness. Presumed jumps to new hosts and subsequent somatic hybridizations appear to be common among epichloid endophytes resulting in increased genetic variation upon which selection can act and speciation be initiated. In this study, we explored the endophyte diversity of a rare European native woodland grass species, Hordelymus europaeus, along a latitudinal transect covering the entire distribution range of H. europaeus. From 28 populations in six countries, isolates were sampled and molecularly characterized. Based on the sequences of tubB and tefA, six distinct epichloid taxa (interspecific hybrid or cryptic haploid species) were found, of which four were novel and two have been previously reported from this host. Of the novel endophytes, two were presumed to be interspecific hybrids and two of nonhybrid origin. While previously known endophytes of H. europaeus are seed‐born and strictly asexual, one of the novel nonhybrid endophytes found in the glacial refugium of the Apennine peninsula reproduced sexually in cultured plants. This is the first case of a seed‐borne, but sexually reproducing endophyte of this host. We discuss the origin, and possible ancestral species, of the six epichloid taxa using phylogenetic analyses. Repeated host jumps and somatic hybridizations characterize the diversity of the endophytes. To date, no other grass species is known to host a larger diversity of endophytes than H. europaeus.
The Pure Theory of Public Expanditure

Классическая работа лаурета Нобелевской премии по экономике Пола Самуэльсона, заложившая основу современной теории общественных благ. В статье формулируются условия выбора оптимального объема предоставления общественного блага, ныне присутствующие в любом учебнике микроэкономики и экономики общественного сектора.
Product Cycles and Market Penetration

This paper constructs a quality ladders product cycle model with multiple quality levels. A lower quality level of each product sells due to differences in willingness to pay for quality across consumers. The model determines how far Southern firms penetrate high-technology product markets. Expanded resources or weakened protection of intellectual property rights in the South relative to the North lead to increased Southern market penetration as observed with East Asian countries. Either cause of increased Southern market penetration implies a reduction in the wage in the North relative to the South and a reduction in the rate of innovation. Copyright 1997 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
Intergovernmental Politics of Fiscal Balance in a Federal Democracy: The Experience of Brazil, 1996–2005

Abstract Irresponsible fiscal behavior by subnational units is a concern for federal or decentralized systems, especially in the developing world. States' expenditures in Brazil have been no different. Still, spending varies considerably among the Brazilian states, even after controlling for their financial resources. This article provides a political explanation for the variation in current spending, focusing on intergovernmental political relationships. It argues that credit claiming for pork distributed in a state plays a crucial role and that governors elevate state spending in order to make up for their loss in political credit from the pork distributed by the president. Analyzing data from the period 1996–2005, it finds that expenditures decrease as the relative number of federal deputies from the state governor's party increases compared to the number of deputies from the president's governing coalition when the national agenda encourages federal pork distribution in the states.
Simulating effects of changing climate and CO2 emissions on soil carbon pools at the Hubbard Brook experimental forest

Carbon (C) sequestration in forest biomass and soils may help decrease regional C footprints and mitigate future climate change. The efficacy of these practices must be verified by monitoring and by approved calculation methods (i.e., models) to be credible in C markets. Two widely used soil organic matter models – CENTURY and RothC – were used to project changes in SOC pools after clear‐cutting disturbance, as well as under a range of future climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) scenarios. Data from the temperate, predominantly deciduous Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF) in New Hampshire, USA, were used to parameterize and validate the models. Clear‐cutting simulations demonstrated that both models can effectively simulate soil C dynamics in the northern hardwood forest when adequately parameterized. The minimum postharvest SOC predicted by RothC occurred in postharvest year 14 and was within 1.5% of the observed minimum, which occurred in year 8. CENTURY predicted the postharvest minimum SOC to occur in year 45, at a value 6.9% greater than the observed minimum; the slow response of both models to disturbance suggests that they may overestimate the time required to reach new steady‐state conditions. Four climate change scenarios were used to simulate future changes in SOC pools. Climate‐change simulations predicted increases in SOC by as much as 7% at the end of this century, partially offsetting future CO2 emissions. This sequestration was the product of enhanced forest productivity, and associated litter input to the soil, due to increased temperature, precipitation and CO2. The simulations also suggested that considerable losses of SOC (8–30%) could occur if forest vegetation at HBEF does not respond to changes in climate and CO2 levels. Therefore, the source/sink behavior of temperate forest soils likely depends on the degree to which forest growth is stimulated by new climate and CO2 conditions.
Economic Integration and the Exchange Rate Regime: How Damaging are Currency Crises?

We use consumer price data for 205 cities/regions in 21 countries to study PPP deviations before, during and after the major currency crises of the 1990s. We combine data from industrialized nations in North America (Unites States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal), Asia (Japan and South Korea), and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) with corresponding data from emerging market economies in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia) and Asia (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand). By doing so, we confirm previous results that both distance and border explain a significant amount of relative price variation across different locations. We also find that currency attacks had major disintegration effects by considerably increasing these border effects and by raising within-country relative price dispersion in emerging market economies. These effects are found to be quite persistent since relative price volatility across emerging markets today is still significantly larger than a decade ago.
Routine treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia by office-based haematologists in Germany—data from the Prospective Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms†

Various treatment options exist for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Clinical registries provide insight into routine treatment and identify changes in treatment over time. The Tumour Registry Lymphatic Neoplasms prospectively collects data on the treatment of patients with lymphoid B‐cell neoplasm as administered by office‐based haematologists in Germany. Data on patient and tumour characteristics, co‐morbidities, systemic treatments, and outcome parameters are recorded. Eight hundred and six patients with CLL were recruited between May 2009 and August 2013. At the start of first‐line treatment, median age was 71 years, 64% were male, and 44% had a Binet stage C disease. The most frequently used first‐line/second‐line regimens were bendamustine + rituximab (BR, 56%/55%), fludarabine + cyclophosphamide + rituximab (FCR, 22%/11%), and bendamustine (B, 5%/9%). Chlorambucil was used in only 7% (first‐line) and 6% (second‐line) of patients. Patients treated with FCR were younger and healthier than patients treated with BR. Overall, 91% of first‐line treatments were successful (40% complete response). Real‐life patient populations differ considerably from patients treated in randomized controlled trials. BR and FCR dominate the first‐line and second‐line treatments of CLL by office‐based haematologists in Germany. Future analysis will investigate progression‐free and overall survival times. © 2014 The Authors. Hematological Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low back injuries related to nursing professionals working conditions: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE Identify the prevalence of low back disorders and associated risks, as well as the characteristics and ergonomic factors present in the work of nursing professionals. METHODS Systematic review based on the search of terms such as low back pain, professionals, hospital ergonomics, work organization, nursing found in national and international databases. RESULTS The prevalence of low back pain symptoms was between 14.7% and 72% and the main cause, that is, the transference of the patient from bed to chair, leaded to the profession abandonment as a main consequence. CONCLUSION it was possible to conclude that the prevalence of low back injury is high among nursing professionals and its causes are related to occupational factors - physical or psychological, which are in many cases permanent and disabling.
Influence of demographic factors on outcome of collecting duct carcinoma: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database analysis.

BACKGROUND Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare tumor that is difficult to analyze in a single-institution setting. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to examine demographics and outcomes of CDC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The SEER registry was queried for patients diagnosed with CDC from 1973 to 2004 who also had available demographic, stage, and survival information (n = 98). Stage at presentation as a function of gender and as a function of race were compared using the chi2 test. Relative survival (RS) curves were computed and were compared using the log-rank test; stage-specific relative survival rates were compared across subgroups using the chi2 test. Stage at presentation was not influenced by race (P = .5) or by gender (P = .488). RESULTS Three-year relative survival rates for localized, regional, and distant disease were 93%, 45%, and 6%, respectively (P < .001). Three-year RS were 58% and 33% for White and Black patients, respectively (P = .354), and for males and females, RS was 58% and 45%, respectively (P = .475). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in 3-year stage-specific relative survival rates by race (P = .425) or gender (P = .245). CONCLUSION this study is the largest analysis of CDC and the first to explore the influence of demographic factors on outcomes. Within stated limitations, there appear to be no significant differences in patterns of disease presentation or relative survival rates based on race or sex. Further work is needed to improve outcomes, particularly for patients with regional or distant disease at presentation.
360-Degree Feedback: The Power of Multiple Perspectives

structured, and they are turning to new techniques designed to assemble a fuller picture of their employees’ performance. One of these techniques is multirater assessment, also known as 360-degree or multisource feedback, designed to round out a view of an individual’s performance. The concept of multirater assessment is fairly straightforward. Employees assess themselves on a number of dimensions and hear from other members of the organization as well—superiors, peers, and subordinates (if the person being rated supervises others). A “full” 360-degree assessment also involves an employee’s customers. Despite the growing popularity of 360-degree feedback, there are still many questions about its use as a tool to improve individual performances in organizations: