Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laboratory investigation of leachate chemistry from six Appalachian forest floor types subjected to simulated acid rain

In order to determine the role of the forest fioor in neutralization of strong acidity in acid rain, simulated acid rain at pH 4.0 was applied under laboratory conditions to forest fioor samples from six Appalachian forest types. Effects of forest type, storm size, and repeated storm applications on leachate chemistry were investigated. Forest floor leachate from a hemlock forest [Tsu£a canadensis (L.) Carr. ] showed significantly lower pH (mean pH 3.9) than other leachate types due to high concentrations of organic acids. Cove hardwood forest found in an area with calcareous soil I~arent material produced forest floor leachate with a significantly higher pH (mean pH 6.5) than other forest types. Forest floor leachates from mixed oak (Quercus spp.), northern hardwood, red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), and white pine (P. strobus L.) forests were intermediate in pH (mean pH 4.1-4.4) due to the acidifying influence of organic acid leaching balanced against the neutralizing effect of H ÷ exchange for Ca 2÷ in the forest floor. Weak acidity concentrations obtained by Gran plots were well correlated with 400-nm wavelength transmittance and anion deficits in the leachates. Organic anions dominated leachates from hemlock and mixed oak forest types. Increasing storm sizes caused reduced ionic concentrations, especially of H ÷, Mg 2÷, and Ca 2÷, but three repeated storms produced no consistent significant reductions in loads or concentrations.
Asymmetric Degeneration of Paravertebral Muscles in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

Study Design. A prospective observational study. Objective. To evaluate the paravertebral muscle (PVM) degeneration in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), using magnetic resonance imaging. Summary of Background Data. Several studies have described the histological and morphological changes to the PVM in patients with chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. However, there is little knowledge about the PVM changes in patients with DLS. Methods. Fifty-seven patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with DLS (DLS group) and 50 control patients with LSS without DLS (LSS group) were examined. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and percentage of fat infiltration area (%FIA) of the bilateral multifidus and longissimus muscles at the L1–S1 levels were measured using T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging and computer software. A multifidus muscle biopsy and histological evaluation were performed in some patients. Results. In the DLS group, the CSA of the multifidus muscle was significantly smaller and the %FIA of both muscles was significantly higher on the concave side than on the convex side at all levels (P < 0.0001 for each). These differences were also found in the longissimus muscles at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels (P < 0.0001 for each). Histologically, the multifidus muscle exhibited reductions in the muscle fiber size and number of nuclei on the concave side. In the LSS group, the total CSA and %FIA did not differ significantly between the left and right sides. However, in patients with unilateral radiculopathy, the CSA of the multifidus muscle was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) and the %FIA of both muscles was significantly higher (P < 0.05) on the symptomatic side, especially at 1 level below. Conclusion. This observational study with magnetic resonance imaging and histology showed that muscle degeneration was more common on the concave side in patients with DLS. Radiculopathy and spinal deformity may contribute to the PVM degeneration.
Managed trade: The US–Mexico sugar suspension agreements

Under the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican sugar producers were ultimately granted free access to the US sugar market, while all other suppliers, including US refiners, were subject to supply quotas. Following a surge in imports of Mexican sugar, the American Sugar Coalition initiated anti-dumping and countervailing duty (ADCVD) proceedings against Mexico in early 2014. In December 2014, the ADCVD cases were halted as a result of two suspension agreements negotiated between the US and Mexico. This paper contributes to a small number of empirical studies that have estimated the impact of suspension agreements. We measure the impacts of the ADCVD filings and the suspension agreements on US domestic raw and refined prices, the raw-to-refined margin and the quantity and composition of sugar imports from Mexico. Results suggest US raw sugar prices increased by 3¢ per lb. (14%) under ADCVD proceedings, equivalent to an ad valorem tariff between 40% and 50%, while the suspension agreements increased US raw sugar prices by 5¢ (70% tariff equivalent). US refined sugar prices increased by similar amounts under the ADCVD proceedings and the suspension agreements (4.5¢ per lb.). Ultimately, both the ADCVD proceedings and the suspension agreements significantly reduced sugar imports from Mexico. US sugar refiner economic welfare hinges critically on the quantity and composition of raw sugar imports. As such, refiner revenue, following the ADCVD filings and suspension agreements, is estimated to have declined by 16%, relative to a free trade environment. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Probabilistic Projections of Climate Change over China under the SRES A1B Scenario Using 28 AOGCMs

AbstractProbabilistic projection of climate change consists of formulating the climate change information in a probabilistic manner at either global or regional scale. This can produce useful results for studies of the impact of climate change impact and change mitigation. In the present study, a simple yet effective approach is proposed with the purpose of producing probabilistic results of climate change over China for the middle and end of the twenty-first century under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B (SRES A1B) emission scenario. Data from 28 coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) are used. The methodology consists of ranking the 28 models, based on their ability to simulate climate over China in terms of two model evaluation metrics. Different weights were then given to the models according to their performances in present-day climate. Results of the evaluation for the current climate show that five models that have relatively higher resolutions—namely, the Istitut.
Comparison of the perception of overt and covert options in IPSAS financial statements by intergovernmental organizations

Abstract Since 2012, the European Commission has embarked on the ambitious project to harmonize public sector accounting rules on all levels of government within Europe, mainly to improve the quality as well as the comparability of financial data. Although International Public Sector Accounting Standards were deemed not to be suitable for a simple take-over because of various reasons, they nevertheless shall function as a primary reference point for developing European Public Sector Accounting Standards. A total of 21 out of 28 central governments have already reformed their accounting standards to accrual accounting, and some of them have also relied on IPSAS in this exercise. Apart from governments, various international and supranational governmental organizations have also since the end of the 2000’s been reforming their accounting system to accrual accounting, and have in the same way relied on existing IPSAS. This paper explores accounting practices found in ten intergovernmental organizations (Commonwealth Secretariat, Council of Europe, European Commission, IAEA, INTERPOL, ITER, NAPMA, OECD, International Criminal Court, WFP) whose statements are prepared in compliance with IPSAS. It analyzes how overt and covert options contained in IPSAS with relevance to the activities of intergovernmental organizations are exercised and evaluates in which areas of accounting material differences in accounting practices can be found, which may hinder the comparability of financial statements prepared on the basis of IPSAS.
An empirical study of employee loyalty, service quality, cost reduction and company performance

Abstract The focus of this study was on investigating the relationships among employee loyalty, service quality, cost reduction and company performance, with the aim to investigate the impact of employee loyalty to company performance. The research model was developed and empirically tested on the sample of 100 service companies with 317 questionnaire surveys conducted in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using different statistical analysis (the Kolmogorov-Smirnovljev statistic, Path analysis, A.M.O.S. statistic software and lavaan software) leads to the conclusion that employee loyalty is significantly related and has a positive influence on company performance.
Clinical Signs of Infection in Diabetic Foot Ulcers With High Microbial Load

Aims. One proposed method to diagnose diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) for infection is clinical examination. Twelve different signs of infection have been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine diagnostic validity of each individual clinical sign, a combination of signs recommended by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), and a composite predictor based on all signs of localized wound infection in identifying DFU infection, among a sample of DFUs. Methods. A cross-sectional research design was used. Sixty-four individuals with DFUs were recruited from a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and an academic-affiliated hospital. Each DFU was independently assessed by 2 research team members using the clinical signs and symptoms checklist. Tissue specimens were then obtained via wound biopsy and quantitatively processed. Ulcers with more than 106 organisms per gram of tissue were defined as having high microbial load. Individual signs and the IDSA combination were assessed for validity by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and concordance probability. The composite predictor was analyzed using c-index and receiver operating curves. Results. Twenty-five (39%) of the DFUs had high microbial loads. No individual sign was a significant predictor of high microbial load. The IDSA combination was not a significant predictor either. The c-index of the composite predictor was . 645 with a 95% confidence interval of . 559-. 732. Conclusions. Individual signs of infection do not perform well nor does the IDSA combination of signs. However, a composite predictor based on all signs provides a moderate level of discrimination, suggesting clinical use. Larger sample sizes and alternate reference standards are recommended.
Effects of transdermal nicotine on lateralized identification and memory interference

It has been proposed that nicotine may enhance performance on tasks requiring primarily left hemisphere (LH) resources while impairing right hemisphere (RH)‐based performance. However, this hypothesis has not been directly tested using a lateralized cognitive task. The effects of transdermal nicotine administration on lateralized consonant identification and memory interference were examined in dependent smokers and never‐smokers. In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled design, smokers (n = 24) and never‐smokers (n = 24) were assigned to receive a nicotine or placebo patch. Subjects completed a lateralized letter identification task that required them to identify strings of three consonants presented in the left or right visual field while keeping a word in memory. A distinct right‐visual‐field (RVF) advantage was observed for consonant identification, but this effect was unaltered by nicotine or smoking status. However, nicotine decreased word memory errors on trials where consonants were presented in the RVF and increased errors on LVF trials. Nicotine may enhance LH‐based cognitive performance by increasing LH cognitive resources or by reducing the influence of RVF distracting stimuli. These findings are consistent with a model of the lateralized effects of nicotine on cognitive performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isoflurane Bidirectionally Modulates the Paired-Pulse Responses in the Rat Hippocampal CA1 Field In Vivo

BACKGROUND:We studied the effects of isoflurane on hippocampal synaptic transmission and paired-pulse plasticity, under in vivo intact interneuron circuitry. METHODS:Using rats chronically implanted with electrodes, excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and population spike amplitude (PSA) were measured in the hippocampal CA1 field by stimulating Schaffer collaterals. The lungs of the rats were mechanically ventilated with 0.25–1.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) isoflurane. A control value was obtained in the absence of isoflurane. RESULTS:Isoflurane depressed EPSP responses and enhanced synaptic efficacy. PSA was not depressed except under high concentrations, presumably reflecting a well-balanced combination with the decreased EPSP and enhanced synaptic efficacy. Low concentrations of isoflurane (0.25 and 0.5 MAC) increased paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), whereas a high concentration of isoflurane (1.5 MAC) prolonged the paired-pulse depression. CONCLUSIONS:Isoflurane appeared to affect multiple sites of CA1 synapses: 1) the depression of presynaptic glutamatergic transmission as shown by depressed EPSP and increased PPF; 2) the depression of pyramidal neurons as shown by prolonged PPF and depressed PSA under high concentration; and 3) the depression of interneurons as shown by the greater synaptic efficacy. The degree of each of these inhibitory effects seemed to vary at different concentrations, and the overall direction of the synaptic properties may depend on the balances between these inhibitory effects in vivo.
MANAJEMEN LABA: PERAN KEAKTIFAN KOMITE AUDIT DAN AUDITOR EKSTERNAL BIG FOUR (STUDI EMPIRIS PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERDAFTAR DI BEI 2013-2015)

This study aims to determine: (1) the effect of activeness of the audit committee on earnings management, (2) the effect of external audit by Big Four on earnings management, (3) the effect of combination between activeness of the audit committee and external audit on earnings management. Audit committee and external audit have a very important role to oversee the financial reporting process and monitor the propensity of a company managers to manipulate earnings. Monitoring mechanism is a key factor to reduce conflict of interest and any opportunistic behavior from the manager. This study uses secondary data from annual reports and financial statements on manufacture companies listed on Indonesian Stock Exchange period 2013-2015 by using purposive sampling method. There are 67 companies samples or 201 observations that meet the criteria of the study sample. Analysis method in this research is Ordinary Least Square regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that the activeness of the audit committee indicate not significantly reduce earnings management. External audit by Big Four can decrease earnings management significantly. However, the combination activeness of the audit committee and external audit by Big Four indicate potential increase in earnings management significantly.
Asthma from Childhood to Adult Age

ABSTRACT. Twenty young men with a mean age 24.9 years, who had moderate to severe asthma during childhood, underwent a follow‐up examination of their clinical status and pulmonary function. Comparison was made with data obtained at a mean age of 10.9 years. Eight of twenty showed a clinical improvement and 12 no change in their asthma. During childhood 12 of 20 boys had been on longterm ACTH or corticosteroid treatment. In the present study no one was given systemic steroid treatment. The static lung volumes (VC, TLC, FRC RV) were within normal limits for children and adults. In spite of clinical improvement, the expiratory flow rates (FEV1, FEV%) were still significantly reduced (p<0.005). Thus, the clinical improvement was not accompanied by a corresponding improvement in expiratory flow rates.
Growth Orientation and the Profile of Micro-Entrepreneurs From the Pomorskie Province

The article begins with the presentation of the concept of Entrepreneurial Orientation. Entrepreneurial Orientation assumes that some enterprises, regardless of size, behave in an entrepreneurial way and are proactive, innovative and willing to take risks. The relationships between Entrepreneurial Orientation and the results of enterprises are also subject to research, although its results are not clear – mainly due to the different measures used. On the other hand, the research on the relationship between EO and the enterprise growth is very rare. This prompted the author to develop a separate measure, Growth Orientation, which could be a predictor of growth of micro-enterprises. This tool was built on the basis of the previous research on the effectiveness and shortcomings of the Entrepreneurial Orientation measure, as well as the specifics of the functioning of micro-enterprises. On the basis of the constructed measure, an analysis of the Growth Orientation of 146 micro-entrepreneurs.
Effect of dietary vitamin E on growth performance and immune response of breeder chickens

The effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on immune responses was studied in breeder chickens during the maturing period. In experiment 1, 17-week old female birds were fed corn-soybean meal based diets supplemented with either 0, 40, 80, 120, or 160 mg vitamin E (all-rac-α-tocopherol acetate)/kg diet for 19 weeks. In experiment 2, 23-week old male birds were fed the corn-soybean meal based diet supplemented with either 0, 20, 40, 80 or 160 mg vitamin E/kg diet for 8 weeks. The chickens were evaluated for growth performance, antibody titer to sheep red blood cell (SRBC), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and skin response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P). The results showed that supplemental vitamin E improved body weigh gain of laying pullets during peak-laying period but had no significant effect on growth performance of cockerels. For cockerels, addition of 20 mg vitamin E/kg diet significantly enhanced (p<0.05) immune response to SRBC compared to those added with 0, 80 and 160 mg vitamin E/kg diet; addition of 20 mg vitamin E/kg diet had higher (p<0.01) antibody titer to IBDV than those added with 40-160 mg vitamin E/kg diet. No significant effects on immune response were observed in laying pullets fed supplemental vitamin E. The findings suggest that moderate supplementation of vitamin E may enhance immune responses to selective antigens in cockerels but excessive vitamin E may depress specific immune response. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 6 : 884-891)
Hydra: A Block-Mapped Parallel Flash Memory Solid-State Disk Architecture

Flash memory solid-state disks (SSDs) are replacing hard disk drives (HDDs) in mobile computing systems because of their lower power consumption, faster random access, and greater shock resistance. We describe Hydra, a high-performance flash memory SSD architecture that translates the parallelism inherent in multiple flash memory chips into improved performance, by means of both bus-level and chip-level interleaving. Hydra has a prioritized structure of memory controllers, consisting of a single high-priority foreground unit, to deal with read requests, and multiple background units, all capable of autonomous execution of sequences of high-level flash memory operations. Hydra also employs an aggressive write buffering mechanism based on block mapping to ensure that multiple flash memory chips are used effectively, and also to expedite the processing of write requests. Performance evaluation of an FPGA implementation of the Hydra SSD architecture shows that its performance is more than 80 percent better than the best of the comparable HDDs and SSDs that we considered.
Corporate Governance, High Net-Worth Construction Companies and Firm’s Performance – Evidence from Warsaw Stock Exchange in Poland

This study is aimed at examining the effect of corporate governance mechanism on the firm’s performance in Polish construction industry. The mechanism involves the company’s board size, board composition, gender diversity, and ownership concentration. The data are collected from ten listed construction companies in Warsaw Stock Exchange in year 2015. Deploying cross-sectional regression in estimating the model, the empirical results uncover a moderate impact of the corporate governance mechanism on the firm’s performance. Among the four governance mechanisms, only gender diversity demonstrates a significant impact on the firm’s performance. Meanwhile, board size, board composition, and ownership concentration do not exhibit significant impacts on the firm’s performance. The results of this study contribute to the existing literature and provide useful information concerning the practice of corporate governance mechanism in risky business like Polish construction industry.
Properties of sustained and transient ganglion cells in the cat retina

1. The functional basis for a sustained/transient classification of cat retinal ganglion cells has been strengthened by quantitative measurements of the sizes of the centre and surround components of receptive fields. Transient cells had larger surrounds than sustained; the distributions were non‐overlapping. Although the distributions of centre sizes overlapped, the transient cells had very significantly larger centres on average.
Regulatory T cells: which role in the pathogenesis and treatment of allergic disorders?

Several recent data suggest the importance of different types of cells in the regulation of T‐cell effector‐mediated immune responses. However, a unique specific marker for these cells has not yet been identified. Moreover, in addition to a dedicated functional lineage, even a ‘plastic’ phenotype of regulatory T cells seems to exist. The lack of a unique specific marker for regulatory T cells, as well as their heterogeneity, make it difficult to determine whether a defect of regulatory T cells plays a role in the pathogenesis of common allergic disorders. Novel therapeutic strategies based on the induction or potentiation of regulatory T cells able to hamper allergic inflammatory reactions are desirable, but their possible efficacy and safety are not yet known. At present, therapeutic strategies able to induce an immune deviation of allergen‐specific type 2 T‐helper responses to a less polarized phenotype rather than a general immune suppression appear more realistic.
Excellent low-pressure-oxidized Si3N4 films on roughened poly-Si for high-density DRAMs

High-reliability and good-performance stacked storage capacitors with high capacitance value of 17.8 fF//spl mu/m/sup 2/ has been realized using low-pressure-oxidized thin nitride films deposited on roughened poly-Si electrodes. These novel electrodes are fabricated by H/sub 3/PO/sub 4/-etching and are RCA-cleaned. The leakage current density at +2.5 and -2.5 V are 0.07/spl times/10/sup -9/ and -2.4/spl times/10/sup -8/ A/cm/sup 2/, respectively, fulfilling the requirements of 256 Mb DRAM's. Weibull plots of time-dependent-dielectric-breakdown (TDDB) characteristics under constant current stress and constant voltage stress also show tight distribution and good electrical properties. Hence, this easy and simple technique is promising for future high-density DRAM's applications.