Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nested-grid simulation of mercury over North America

Abstract. We have developed a new nested-grid mercury (Hg) simulation over North America with a 1/2° latitude by 2/3° longitude horizontal resolution employing the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model. Emissions, chemistry, deposition, and meteorology are self-consistent between the global and nested domains. Compared to the global model (4° latitude by 5° longitude), the nested model shows improved skill at capturing the high spatial and temporal variability of Hg wet deposition over North America observed by the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) in 2008–2009. The nested simulation resolves features such as higher deposition due to orographic precipitation, land/ocean contrast and and predicts more efficient convective rain scavenging of Hg over the southeast United States. However, the nested model overestimates Hg wet deposition over the Ohio River Valley region (ORV) by 27%. We modify anthropogenic emission speciation profiles in the US EPA National Emission Inventory (NEI) to account for the rapid in-plume reduction of reactive to elemental Hg (IPR simulation). This leads to a decrease in the model bias to −2.3% over the ORV region. Over the contiguous US, the correlation coefficient (r) between MDN observations and our IPR simulation increases from 0.60 to 0.78. The IPR nested simulation generally reproduces the seasonal cycle in surface concentrations of speciated Hg from the Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet) and Canadian Atmospheric Mercury Network (CAMNet). In the IPR simulation, annual mean gaseous and particulate-bound Hg(II) are within 140% and 11% of observations, respectively. In contrast, the simulation with unmodified anthropogenic Hg speciation profiles overestimates these observations by factors of 4 and 2 for gaseous and particulate-bound Hg(II), respectively. The nested model shows improved skill at capturing the horizontal variability of Hg observed over California during the ARCTAS aircraft campaign. The nested model suggests that North American anthropogenic emissions account for 10–22% of Hg wet deposition flux over the US, depending on the anthropogenic emissions speciation profile assumed. The modeled percent contribution can be as high as 60% near large point sources in ORV. Our results indicate that the North American anthropogenic contribution to dry deposition is 13–20%.
Information Technology and the Management Difference: A Fusion Map

When every leading firm in an industry has access to the same information technology resource, the management difference determines competitive advantage or disadvantage. The management challenge is to make sure that business processes, people, and technology are meshed, instead of being dealt with as separate elements in planning and implementation. This paper presents a framework for senior executives to use in order to lead the deployment of information technology (I/T) without having to know how it is managed and to ensure the fusion of business processes, people, and technology. The "fusion map" approach that focuses on the steps that precede and enable strategy, has been applied in a number of companies. Factors are identified that make I/T a frequent destabilizer of basic logistics in an industry.
Dynamic quantizers for SIMO control systems with unstable zeros: A multirate-sampling based approach

In this paper, we present multirate sampling type dynamic quantizers for linear control systems with discrete-valued signal constraints. Although our previous works have derived an optimal dynamic quantizer and verified its effectiveness by simulations and experiments, the result can not be applied to SIMO plants with unstable zeros. This paper overcomes the drawback by using a multirate sampling technique. We first formulate an optimal design problem for a class of multirate sampling type dynamic quantizers, and then we give a closed form solution to the problem.
Combined Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance and Manometry Clarifies Esophageal Function Abnormalities: Study in 350 Patients

BACKGROUND:Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII-EM) is a technique that uses an FDA-approved device allowing simultaneous evaluation of bolus transit (MII) in relation to pressure changes (EM). METHODS:During a 9-month period, beginning from July 2002 through March 2003, we prospectively performed combined MII-EM on all patients referred for esophageal function testing. Each patient received 10 liquid and 10 viscous swallows. Manometric findings were reported based on criteria described by Spechler and Castell for liquid swallows. MII findings were reported as having normal bolus transit if ≥80% (8/10) of liquid and ≥70% (7/10) of viscous swallows had complete bolus transit.RESULTS:Three-hundred fifty studies were evaluated from patients with a variety of symptoms having the following manometric diagnoses: normal manometry (125), achalasia (24), scleroderma (4), ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) (71), distal esophageal spasm (DES) (33), nutcracker esophagus (30), hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (25), hypotensive LES (5), and poorly relaxing LES (33). None of the patients with achalasia and scleroderma had normal bolus transit. Fifty-one percent of patients with IEM and 55% of patients with DES had normal bolus transit while almost all (more than 95%) patients with normal esophageal manometry, nutcracker esophagus, poorly relaxing LES, hypertensive LES, and hypotensive LES had normal bolus transit. Dysphagia occurred most often in patients with incomplete bolus transit on MII testing.CONCLUSION:Esophageal body pressures primarily determine bolus transit with isolated LES abnormalities appearing to have little effect on esophageal function. MII clarifies functional abnormalities in patients with abnormal manometric studies.
A Systematic Approach to Pricing and Hedging of International Derivatives with Interest-Rate Risk

We deal with the valuration and hedging of non path-dependent European options on one or several underlyings in a model of an international economy which allows for both interest rate and exchange rate risk. Using martingale theory we provide a unified and easily applicable approach to pricing and hedging Black-Scholes type options on stocks, bonds, forwards. futures and exchange rates. We also cover the pricing and hedging of options to exchange two Black-Scholes type options for one another. The contigent claims may pay off in arbitrary currencies.
Development of hydration strategies to optimize performance for athletes in high‐intensity sports and in sports with repeated intense efforts

Hypohydration – if sufficiently severe – adversely affects athletic performance and poses a risk to health. Strength and power events are generally less affected than endurance events, but performance in team sports that involve repeated intense efforts will be impaired. Mild hypohydration is not harmful, but many athletes begin exercise already hypohydrated. Athletes are encouraged to begin exercise well hydrated and – where opportunities exist – to consume fluid during exercise to limit water and salt deficits. In high‐intensity efforts, there is no need, and may be no opportunity, to drink during competition. Most team sports players do not drink enough to match sweat losses, but some drink too much and a few may develop hyponatremia because of excessive fluid intake. Athletes should assess their hydration status and develop a personalized hydration strategy that takes account of exercise, environment and individual needs. Pre‐exercise hydration status can be assessed from urine markers. Short‐term changes in hydration can be estimated from the change in body mass. Sweat salt losses can be determined by collection and analysis of sweat samples. An appropriate drinking strategy will take account of pre‐exercise hydration status and of fluid, electrolyte and substrate needs before, during and after exercise.
Understanding consumer behaviour in the less developed countries : an empirical investigation of brand loyalty in Zambia

UNDERSTANDING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IN THE LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF BRAND LOYALTY IN ZAMBIA. The objectives of this study are to contribute to the understanding of consumer behaviour, and to investigate the existence of brand loyalty in the less developed countries. The study attempts to fill the gap in literature on consumer behaviour and consumer characteristics in the less developed countries. The significance of the study is that while the existing studies focus on Latin American markets, it investigates consumer behaviour in Africa: Zambia. A further contribution lies in its attempts to understand consumer behaviour in markets where there is a common notion that marketing is not important because the existence of shortages creates demand. This study regards such attitudes as myopic because marketing should be understood as more than a demand creating tool. It should be viewed as a discpline that can enable a manager to match organizational capabilities and resources to the needs of a society. Moreover, at the micro level, companies are in competition for the occupation of the largest segment in the consumers mind. The need for marketing during shortages is in conformity with Kotlers argument that: Marketing is as critical a strategic concept and an operating philosophy during shortages as it is during surpluses. The seller (Marketer] who abandons the marketing mode of thinking during shortages is playing Russian roulette with his market franchise. He is risking long-term marriage to a set of customers for the temporary charms of a seductress. " ( Quoted in Nekvasil, 1975, p.57]. ] Hence, studying brand loyalty and the factors related to it has particular relevance in the less developed countries. The results of a consumer survey conducted among 1289 respondents in Zambia reveals that women, who were mostly involved in the purchase of the products, were very aware of brands on the market, used informal (personal sources] of information, identified brands by name and as expected, the frequency of purchases were low and quantities bought quite large, reflecting the product shortage situation. The cross-tabulations and log-linear analysis further indicated that brand loyal consumers tended to be mostly men, educated, from middle and high income classes, store loyal, heavy users, not price sensitive, influenced by family and friends, who lived in urban areas where distribution is extensive and many brands available. However, some interbrand differences were evident. These results suggest a profile of brand loyal consumers, and this can be used to segment the market for frequently purchased products. More significantly, the possibility of market segmentation would indicate appropriate marketing and advertising strategies for companies selling these products in the less developed countries.
A randomised controlled study of the effect of cholinesterase inhibition on colon function in patients with diabetes mellitus and constipation

Objectives Chronic constipation in diabetes mellitus is associated with colonic motor dysfunction and is managed with laxatives. Cholinesterase inhibitors increase colonic motility. This study evaluated the effects of a cholinesterase inhibitor on gastrointestinal and colonic transit and bowel function in diabetic patients with constipation. Design After a 9-day baseline period, 30 patients (mean±SEM age 50±2 years) with diabetes mellitus (18 type 1, 12 type 2) and chronic constipation without defaecatory disorder were randomised to oral placebo or pyridostigmine, starting with 60 mg three times a day, increasing by 60 mg every third day up to the maximum tolerated dose or 120 mg three times a day; this dose was maintained for 7 days. Gastrointestinal and colonic transit (assessed by scintigraphy) and bowel function were evaluated at baseline and the final 3 and 7 days of treatment, respectively. Treatment effects were compared using analysis of covariance, with gender, body mass index and baseline colonic transit as covariates. Results 19 patients (63%) had moderate or severe autonomic dysfunction; 16 (53%) had diabetic retinopathy. 14 of 16 patients randomised to pyridostigmine tolerated 360 mg daily; two patients took 180 mg daily. Compared with placebo (mean±SEM 1.98±0.17 (baseline), 1.84±0.16 (treatment)), pyridostigmine accelerated (1.96±0.18 (baseline), 2.45±0.2 units (treatment), p<0.01) overall colonic transit at 24 h, but not gastric emptying or small-intestinal transit. Treatment effects on stool frequency, consistency and ease of passage were significant (p≤0.04). Cholinergic side effects were somewhat more common with pyridostigmine (p=0.14) than with placebo. Conclusions Cholinesterase inhibition with oral pyridostigmine accelerates colonic transit and improves bowel function in diabetic patients with chronic constipation. Clinical trial registration number TrialRegNo (NCT 00276406).
Elastic Shear Anisotropy of Ferropericlase in Earth's Lower Mantle

Seismic shear anisotropy in the lowermost mantle most likely results from elastic shear anisotropy and lattice preferred orientation of its constituent minerals, including perovskite, post-perovskite, and ferropericlase. Measurements of the elastic shear anisotropy of single-crystal (Mg0.9Fe0.1)O up to 69 gigapascals (GPa) show that it increased considerably across the pressure-induced spin transition of iron between 40 and 60 GPa. Increasing iron content further enhances the anisotropy. This leads to at least 50% stronger elastic shear anisotropy of (Mg,Fe)O in the lowermost mantle compared to MgO, which is typically used in geodynamic modeling. Our results imply that ferropericlase is the dominant cause of seismic shear anisotropy in the lower mantle.
The Relevance of Fair Value Revaluation in Measurement of Jordanian Firms Future Performance (An Empirical Study on Jordanian Listed Commercial Banks and Real Estate Companies)

The main objective of this study is to investigate whether developments in financial reporting following the international financial reporting standards adoption resulted in financial statement information being more value relevant over time. This study focuses solely on quantitative methods and employs secondary data in addressing the research questions. The relevance of fair value revaluation has been investigated by studying its association with firm's future performance, measured by its operating income and operating cash flow. The theoretical framework of (Aboody et al., 1999) have been used to examine this relationship. A sample of Jordanian firms (consisting of commercial banks and real estate companies) listed in the Amman stock exchange during the 2008–2011 times period has been used. Our findings, based on multiple regression analysis showed that, firm's future performance measured by operating income or operating cash flow is significantly positively associated with current fair value revaluations. This study revealed that fair value revaluation measurements for Jordanian commercial banks and real estate companies have been value relevant during the entire period of this study.
On The Impact Of Family Versus Institutional Blockholders On Dividend Policy

This paper investigates the effect of not only the controlling shareholders but also their identity on dividend policy. For a large panel of French firms during the period 2006-2010, we find that the dividend payout ratio increases with the ownership concentration. However, this result changes with the identity of the largest shareholder. Family-controlled firms are more tempted to distribute lower dividends while firms dominated by institutional investors likely distribute higher dividends. Empirical results also reveal that firms with more independent directors are associated with higher dividend payout in contrast to US cross-listed firms.
Antiretroviral Medication Knowledge Among New York State Pharmacists

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. As of December 2004, an estimated 944 306 persons had received a diagnosis of AIDS of which more than half (529 113; 56%) have died. Approximately 1.1 million people are currently infected with HIV in the United States, including 21% who are unaware of their positive status. The New York City AIDS case rate (41/100 000 population) is more than 3 times the national average and is 45 times the Healthy People 2010 Goals. Clearly, HIV/AIDS remains an important therapeutic area for pharmacists to remain updated. Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised HIV-testing recommendations for pregnant women and patients in health care settings. These recommendations suggest that separate written consent for HIV testing should not be required and general consent for medical care should be considered sufficient to encompass consent for HIV testing. The objectives of these recommendations are to increase HIV screening, foster earlier detection of HIV infection, identify and counsel persons with unrecognized HIV infection, and provide them with access to medications and necessary services. Medication access is extremely important because antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved survival rates. The CD4 T-cell count (or CD4 count) serves as the major clinical indicator of immune function in HIV-infected patients. A normal CD4 count for most laboratories ranges from 800 to 1050 cells/mm. Prior HIV treatment guidelines recommended ART when the CD4 cell counts dropped below 200 cells/mm. However, guidelines available at the time of this project recommended ART initiation in people with CD4 cell counts less than 350 cells/mm or in people with CD4 cell counts >350 cells/mm with specific conditions. A recent landmark study showed a statistically significant improved survival benefit (70%; P 350 cells/mm and reinstitution of ART when CD4 cell counts dropped below 250 cells/mm) resulted in a greater risk of virologic failure. Uninterrupted ART results in better health and survival. In light of the recommendations to initiate ART earlier, it is likely that more patients will receive ART, resulting in increased numbers of ART prescriptions. The inappropriate use of these medications can lead to virologic failure, drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and inappropriate dosing, potentially resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. It is therefore important that all pharmacists be knowledgeable about antiretroviral medications to reduce and prevent medication misadventures. A survey of pharmacists in Arizona conducted by Katz and colleagues in 1993 found that pharmacists felt prepared, comfortable, and possessed positive attitudes regarding the disease state, HIV/AIDS, but had limited knowledge of ART. Our research study is the most recent evaluation of ART medication knowledge in New York State(NYS) licensed pharmacists.
Usability testing of the Internet program: “Teens Taking Charge: Managing My Transplant Online”

Adolescents with SOT demonstrate high rates of medication non‐adherence and higher rates of graft loss compared to all other age groups. Self‐management interventions encompass information‐based material designed to achieve disease‐related learning and changes in the participant's knowledge and skill acquisition, while providing social support. These interventions have had some success in chronic disease populations by reducing symptoms and promoting self‐efficacy and empowerment. Using findings from a needs assessment, an Internet‐based self‐management program, Teens Taking Charge: Managing My Transplant Online, for youth with SOT was developed. This program contains information on transplant, self‐management and transition skills, and opportunities for peer support. The purpose of this study was to determine the usability and acceptability of the initial three modules (Medication and Vaccines; Diet after Transplant; and Living with a Transplant Organ) of the online program from the perspectives of youth with SOT. Participants were recruited from SOT clinics at a large pediatric tertiary care center in Canada. Three iterative cycles (seven patients per iteration) of usability testing took place to refine the Web site prototype. Study procedures involved participants finding items from a standardized list of features and talking aloud about issues they encountered, followed by a semi‐structured interview to generate feedback about what they liked and disliked about the program. All 21 patients (mean age = 14.9 yr) found the Web site content to be trustworthy, they liked the picture content, and they found the videos of peer experiences to be particularly helpful. Participants had some difficulties finding information within submodules and suggested a more simplistic design with easier navigation. This web‐based intervention is appealing to teenagers and may foster improved self‐management with their SOT. Nine additional teen and two parent modules are being developed, and the completed Web site will undergo usability testing. In the future, a randomized control trial will determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this online self‐management program on adherence, self‐efficacy, and transition skills.
Analysis of the structure and vibrational spectra of glucose and fructose

Molecular modelling using semiempirical methods AM1, PM3, PM5 and, MINDO as wellas the Density Functional Theory method BLYP/DZVP respectively were used to calculate the struc-ture and vibrational spectra of d-glucose and d-fructose in their open chain, α-anomer and β-anomermonohydrate forms. The calculated data show that both molecules are not linear; ground state and thenumber for the point-group C is equal to 1. Generally, the results indicate that there are similarities inbond lengths and vibrational modes of both molecules. It is concluded that DFT could be used to studyboth the structural and vibrational spectra of glucose and fructose.
Treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7). A report of five cases.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia is one of the most frustrating conditions encountered in pediatric orthopaedics because of the difficulty in achieving healing. Numerous treatment options have been explored with varying degrees of success1-19. Although some reports have demonstrated successful healing7,9,19, it is very difficult to restore the normal structural and functional integrity of the bone such as that which occurs after treatment of other types of fractures in children4,10,16. Advances in molecular biology have provided a better understanding of the mechanisms of fracture-healing as well as possible new solutions for the problem, including the use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)20-24. In a controlled, prospective, randomized study of 124 tibial nonunions (in 122 adult patients) treated with insertion of an intramedullary rod and recombinant human (rh) BMP-7, no significant difference (p = 0.939) was noted between the BMP group and the group that received an intramedullary rod and autogenous iliac crest bone grafts20. In a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study of 450 patients with an open tibial fracture, patients who were treated with rhBMP-2 (1.50 mg/mL) had significantly (p = 0.005) superior results compared with patients who were treated with intramedullary nail fixation and routine soft-tissue management as dictated by the injury21. These two large clinical series suggest that BMPs may be a good alternative to autogenous iliac-crest bone-grafting. Bone morphogenetic proteins have shown promising results in experimental animal models, and their clinical efficacy has been shown in the treatment of adult tibial nonunions and in spinal fusion20-24. They have not been tested in children because of uncertainty as to the effect on adjacent physes and because of concern about unexpected reactions. …