Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecological constraints drive social evolution in the African mole–rats

The African mole–rats (family Bathyergidae) are subterranean hystricomorph rodents occurring in a variety of habitats and displaying levels of sociality which range from solitary to eusocial, making them a unique mammalian taxonomic group to test ecological influences on sociality. Here, we use an extensive DNA–based phylogeny and comparative analysis to investigate the relationship between ecology, sociality and evolution within the family. Mitochondrial cytochrome–b and 12s rRNA trees reveal that the solitary species are monophyletic when compared to the social species. The naked mole–rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is ancestral and divergent from the Damaraland mole–rat (Cryptomys damarensis), supporting previous findings that have suggested the multiple evolution of eusociality within the family. The Cryptomys genus is species–rich and contains taxa exhibiting different levels of sociality, which can be divided into two distinct clades. A total of seven independent comparisons were generated within the phylogeny, and three ecological variables were significantly correlated with social group size: geophyte density (p<0.05), mean months per year of rainfall greater than 25 mm (p&0.001), and the coefficient of rainfall variation (p=0.001). These results support the food–aridity hypothesis for the evolution of highly social cooperative behaviour in the Bathyergidae, and are consistent with the current theoretical framework for skew theory.
On rings of operators

Let 5C be a complex Hubert Space, J3(3C) the ring of bounded operators on 3C, E an abelian symmetric subring of B(3Z) containing the identity which is closed in the weak operator topology, E\ the commutant of E, and suppose E\ has a cyclic vector £o which we normalize so that |£o| = 1 . Diximier [ l] has shown that E (respect. Ei), as a Banach space, is the dual of the Banach space R (respect. Ri) of all linear forms on E (respect. E\) that are continuous in the ultra-strong topology of E (respect. Ei). In this note we show that every TCzR is also continuous in the weak operator topology of E, from which it follows that a linear functional T on E is continuous in either the weak, ultraweak, strong, or ultrastrong topologies if and only if it is continuous in all four simultaneously. In the process, we obtain an integral representation for such T, which we later use in a theorem on centrally reducible positive functionals on E%. We denote the maximal ideal space of E by M, and for A, B, • • • £ E , we denote the corresponding Gel'fand transforms by a, 6, • • • . Then A—>a is an isometric isomorphism from £ onto C(M). Consequently, every bounded linear functional on E has the form
THE INFLUENCE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO FIRM VALUE WITH PROFITABILITY AND LEVERAGE AS A MODERATING VARIABLE

The aims of this research are to know; 1) the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to firm value, and 2) the influence of profitability and leverage as the moderating variables in relation between corporate social responsibility and firm value. The research sample is manufacturing sector in period 2008-2010 by using purposive sampling method. There are 69 companies fulfilling criterion as this research sample. The research data was analyzed using moderated regression analysis with SPSS version 16.0. The results of this research show that corporate responsibility has a positive effect on firm value. For moderating proxies by return on asset and leverage proxies by debt to equity ratio were not a moderating variable in relation between CSR and firm value.
Trading Volume Around Firm-Specific Announcements

This study investigates the impact of timing of the release of firm-specific announcements on trading volume of individual and institutional investors. We use trading data in five-minute intervals to capture the immediate impact of announcements on the trading volume. We find that individual investors exhibit positive and significant abnormal volume prior to, issued capital announcements and after earnings announcements. However, institutions exhibit significant and positive abnormal volume prior to, and after earnings, periodic and issued capital announcements. Notably, both individual and institutional investors do not exhibit significant abnormal volume prior to, and after dividend announcements. Furthermore, individual (institutional) investors’ buy (sell) volume is significantly higher than sell (buy) volume prior to, and after scheduled and unscheduled announcements. Our results suggest that timing of the release of firm-specific announcements influences investor trading volume.
Acceptability of the Female Condom Among Sex Workers in Thailand: Results From a Prospective Study

Background The female condom may provide women with the first female-controlled barrier method that is effective against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. Goal This study evaluated the acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand. Study Design Data on use and acceptability of the female condom were collected using a structured questionnaire during an 8-week follow-up. Results Analyses included 148 women who were still in follow-up at week 8. Sex workers used, on average, 2.8 female condoms per week. The overall satisfaction rate with the female condom was 68%, although, among users, 31% had difficulties in device insertion, 37% had pain from the inner ring, and 22% reported itching sensations. The main reason for using the female condom in the future was its perceived safety, and the main reason for not using it would be the client’s refusal. Conclusion Two-thirds of the sex workers were satisfied with the female condom. Difficulties at insertion, discomfort during use, and clients’ attitude were potential obstacles to the use of the female condom in the future.
Determinants of Internet and Cell Phone Banking Adoption inSouth Africa

More and more banks are turning to self-service technologies to provide customers with many channels to access products and services. Internet and cell phone are some of the least cost and increasingly popular financial services delivery channels. In developing countries though, the level of information and communications technology development, the cost of Internet and the limited bandwidth of mobile networks and other access technologies constrain such innovation. In this paper, we explore the factors that affect Internet and Cell Phone banking adoption in South Africa. We also compare the differences in the perception of Internet banking and cell phone banking and the influence factors. The findings indicate that both the adoption intent and the perception of Internet banking users differ markedly from cell phone banking users. The results are discussed and some implications for banks are outlined.
Cellular localization of the Arabidopsis class 2 phytoglobin influences somatic embryogenesis

&NA; Mutation of phytoglobin 2 (Pgb2) increases the number of somatic embryos in Arabidopsis. To assess the effects of the cellular localization of Pgb2 on embryo formation, an inducible system expressing a fusion protein consisting of Pgb2 linked to the steroid‐binding domain of the rat glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was introduced in a pgb2 mutant line lacking the ability to express Pgb2. In this transgenic system, Pgb2 remains in the cytoplasm but migrates into the nucleus upon exposure to dexamethasone (DEX). Pgb2 retention in the cytoplasm, in the absence of DEX, increased the number of somatic embryos and reduced the expression of MYC2 ‐ an inhibitor of the synthesis of auxin, which is the inductive signal for embryogenesis. Removal of DEX also induced the expression of several genes involved in the biosynthesis of tryptophan and the auxin, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). These genes included: tryptophan synthase‐&agr; subunit (TSA1) and tryptophan synthase‐&bgr; subunit (TSB1), which are involved in the synthesis of tryptophan, cytochrome P450 CYP79B2 (CYP79B2) and amidase 1 (AMI1), which participate in the formation of IAA via indole‐3‐acetaldoxime, and several members of the YUCCA family, including YUC1 and 4, which are also required for IAA synthesis. Retention of Pgb2 in the cytoplasm by removal of DEX increased the staining pattern of IAA along the cotyledons of the explants generating embryogenic tissue. Staining for IAA decreased when Pgb2 translocated into the nucleus in response to the application of DEX. Collectively, these results suggest that the presence of Pgb2 in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus, phenocopies the effects of Pgb2 mutation in inducing somatic embryogenesis.
Experimental study of Q-V Lissajous figures in nanosecond-pulse surface discharges

A charge-voltage Lissajous figure is a standard method for the electrical diagnostics of DBD discharges. Based on a repetitive nanosecond-pulse generator, some experiments on surface discharges are carried out in open air. The effects of applied voltage amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, electrode gap spacing, and electrode width on the characteristics of the Lissajous figures are presented in this paper. Results show that two different kinds of typical discharge characteristics are observed, and the discharge characteristics vary between these two kinds of discharges when the discharge parameters change. The applied voltage has little effect on the shape of the Lissajous figure, and the total and barrier capacitances of actuator. Both transported charge and energy per pulse are proportional to the applied voltage amplitude. The applied voltage plays an important role in the discharge uniformity, intensity and length of surface plasmas. The pulse repetition frequency plays an important role in the energy and discharge intensity accumulation and has no effect the electrical parameters of surface discharges. The shape of the Lissajous figure gradually changes with the electrode gap and the transported charges proportionally decrease as the electrode gap increases. There is a transition gap spacing to obtain the maximum plasma energy and to achieve a relatively uniform plasma. The capacitances of the actuator, the transported charges and energy per pulse increase with the electrode width. The intensity of surface discharges is little affected by the electrode width, but the plasma uniformity tends to worsen with the increasing width. There is a corresponding relationship between the shape of the Lissajous figures and the uniformity of plasma distribution. The almond-like Lissajous figure is attained with a compromise between the electrode gap and width.
Theories of Trade Credit: Limitations and Applications

Substantial work has been done during the past three decades to determine the theories of trade credit. But as observed by Frank and Maksimovic (1998), though the theories apply in specific circumstances, they are unable to explain the widespread use of trade credit and the empirical patterns of its use. Long, Malitz and Ravid (1993) also held that although trade credit is a very useful source of finance for different firms, its explanation, as yet, is not very clear. In this article we shall present a critical evaluation of each of these theories, highlight the problems associated with it and indicate specific areas of its application.
Article Commentary: Treating an HIV-Infected Paediatric Patient: An Easy Task?

HIV-infected children represent an incredibly diverse group of patients, ranging from neonates to young adults. With the change in age and maturity, paediatric highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) evolves from the meticulous twice-daily dosing of ml of liquid preparations to a choice of once-daily dosing of a single fixed-dose coformulated tablet. The use of simplified paediatric regimens could enhance the ability to achieve successful implementation of HAART in HIV- infected children. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic studies of antiretroviral drugs and their combinations need to be conducted in infants, children and adolescents to develop appropriate dosing in each of these specific groups.
The accuracy of finger tension for estimating intraocular pressure after penetrating keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Intraocular pressure (IOP) estimation by Goldmann tonometry is inaccurate in the immediate postoperative period after penetrating keratoplasty. For this reason, many corneal surgeons use a finger tension (FT) IOP estimation technique in the early post-keratoplasty period. The authors performed a prospective clinical study to evaluate the accuracy of this traditional technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS FT estimates were performed by three experienced corneal surgeons on 68 patients on the first and second days after penetrating keratoplasty. These estimates were compared with MacKay-Marg (MM) tonometry readings for these patients. RESULTS The mean confident FT from the pooled data of the three surgeons exceeded the MM reading by 5.0 mm Hg (22.6 vs. 17.6). The mean FT exceeded the MM reading by only 3.9 mm Hg for the most accurate surgeon. Some observers were significantly more accurate than others, however, lid edema and tenderness of the globe markedly diminished the FT accuracy of all of the observers at significance levels of P < . 001 and P < . 01, respectively. Among all of the FT estimates, in only one patient (2%) did the FT underestimate the MM reading by more than 10 mm Hg. CONCLUSION The authors' results suggest that for some patients, and for some surgeons, the FT or digital method of IOP estimation remains useful for detecting elevated IOP early after corneal transplantation if the proper technique is used and substantial lid edema and patient discomfort are absent.
Regulation of Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Transcription Factor 1a by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Insulin in Cultured Rat Theca-Interstitial Cells1

Abstract Theca-interstitial (T-I) cells of the ovary synthesize androgens in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). In pathological conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, T-I cells are hyperactive in androgen production in response to LH and insulin. Because cholesterol is an essential substrate for androgen production, we examined the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and insulin on signaling pathways that are known to increase cholesterol accumulation in steroidogenic cells. Specifically, the effect of hCG and insulin on sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1a (SREBF1a) required for cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake was examined. Primary cultures of T-I cells isolated from 25-day-old rat ovaries responded to hCG and insulin to increase the active/processed form of SREBF1a. The hCG and insulin significantly reduced insulin-induced gene 1 (INSIG1) protein, a negative regulator of SREBF processing. Furthermore, an increase in the expression of selected SREBF target genes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) and mevalonate kinase (Mvk), was also observed. Protein kinase A (PRKA) inhibitor completely abolished the hCG-induced increase in SREBF1a, while increasing INSIG1. Although the hCG-induced depletion of total and free cholesterol was abolished by aminoglutethimide, the stimulatory effect on SREBF1a was not totally suppressed. Treatment with 25-hydroxycholesterol abrogated the effect of hCG on SREBF1a. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway did not block the insulin-induced increase in SREBF1a, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition reduced the insulin response. These results suggest that the increased androgen biosynthesis by T-I cells in response to hCG and insulin is regulated, at least in part, by increasing the expression of sterol response element-responsive genes by increasing SREBF1a.
Body image in obese women before, during, and after weight loss treatment.

Body image, as measured by the Appearance Evaluation and Body Areas Satisfaction scales of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (T.F. Cash, 1994b), was assessed in 59 obese women before, during, and after 48 weeks of weight loss treatment. Before treatment, positive ratings of body image were associated with higher levels of self-esteem, lower levels of dysphoria, and fewer previous diets. After 24 weeks and a mean weight loss of 19.4 kg (SD = 6.5), participants showed significant (p < .0001) improvements in body image. A small weight gain from Week 24 to Week 48 was associated with a slight but significant worsening in both measures of body image. Nevertheless, after 48 weeks and a mean weight loss of 16.3 kg (SD = 7.1), body image was significantly improved from baseline (p < .0001). Changes in body image were not related to changes in weight. Future studies are needed to separate the effects of treatment and weight loss on body image in obese persons.
THE INFLUENCE OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORT TOWARDS THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY LISTED IN INDONESIAN STOCK EXCHANGE (IDX) 2007-2011

This study is aimed to analyze the influence of Sustainability Report (SR) disclosure on the company’s financial performance (profitability, liquidity, book value, and leverage). Samples of this research are the oil and gas companies that published SR which listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2007-2011. Oil and gas companies were chosen because they were the largest contributor to the environment destruction. Data were collected by purposive sampling method and the samples used were 35 companies. This study uses linear regression for data analysis. The results show that the disclosure of SR have influence towards company’s financial performance especially profitability and liquidity. Whereas the disclosure of sustainability report do not have influence towards book value and leverage. This means that in the presence of SR disclosure by the company will increase the profitability and liquidity of the company, whereas for book value and leverage has no effect. The absence of significant influence of sustainability report towards book value and leverage appears due to the low levels of the disclosure of sustainability report in Indonesia. Keyword: Sustainability Report, profitability, liquidity, book value, leverage
Conjugative plasmid transfer and adhesion dynamics in an Escherichia 1 coli biofilm 2 3

3 Cheryl-lynn Y. Ong, Scott A Beatson, Alastair G. McEwan, and Mark A. Schembri * 4 5 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 6 Queensland 4072, Australia. 7 8 Running Title: Dynamics of an evolving E. coli biofilm 9 10
Incorporation of functional human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase into virions independent of the Gag-Pol precursor protein

Retroviral integrase (IN) is expressed and incorporated into virions as part of the Gag-Pol polyprotein precursor. IN catalyzes integration of the proviral DNA into host cell chromosomes during the early stages of the virus life cycle, and as a component of Gag-Pol, it is involved in virion morphogenesis during late stages. It is unknown whether the scheme, conserved among retroviruses, for expressing and incorporating IN as a component of the Gag-Pol precursor protein is necessary for its function in the infected cell after viral entry. We have developed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virion-associated accessory proteins (Vpr and Vpx) as vehicles to deliver both foreign and viral proteins into the virus particle by their expression in trans as heterologous fusion proteins (X. Wu, et al., J. Virol. 69:3389-3398, 1995; X. Wu, et al., J. Virol. 70:3378-3384, 1996; X. Wu, et al., EMBO J. 16:5113-5122, 1977). To analyze IN function independent of its expression as a part of Gag-Pol, we expressed and incorporated IN into HIV type 1 (HIV-1) virions in trans as a fusion partner of Vpr (Vpr-IN). Our results demonstrate that the Vpr-IN fusion protein is efficiently incorporated into virions and then processed by the viral protease to liberate the IN protein. Virus derived from IN-minus provirus is noninfectious. However, this defect is overcome by trans complementation with the Vpr-IN fusion protein. Moreover, complemented virions are able to replicate through a complete cycle of infection, including formation of the provirus (integration). These results show, for the first time, that full IN function can be provided in trans, independent of its expression and incorporation into virions as a component of Gag-Pol. This finding also indicates that the IN domain of Gag-Pol is not required for the formation of infectious virions when IN is provided in trans. The ability to incorporate functional IN into retroviral particles in trans will provide unique opportunities to explore the function of this critical enzyme in a biologically relevant context, i.e., in infected cells as part of the nucleoprotein/preintegration complex.
Car Preference Model and Analysis of International Tourism Behavior Between South Korea and Japan - According to Asian-Highway -

The Asian Highway(AH) project was aimed to promoted the development of international transport network, which can connect 32 Asian countries including South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, Iran and other countries. Since countries linked by the AH share a wealth of historical and cultural heritage and their cultures, the AH is expected to contribute the increase of the international tourism attractions and demand. To evaluate the effect of the AH for the international tourism between South Korea and Japan, first Comparison analysis was performed to figure out the difference of international tourism behavior between South Korea and Japan, then some internal barriers to use car for international tourism were investigated, finally a logit model on car use preference was developed to forecast the tourism demand of international tourism between South Korea and Japan. The result of analysis is that the resistance factor of international tourism in Korea-Japan is the cost of tourism and traffic system, and that in the model for preference model, the age and sex of respondents has a difference in preference of using cars. This research is expected to contribute the effective tourism and transportation policy development and tourism demand increase of private car use to the development of Asian Highway from South Korea and Japan.
The use of multiuser detectors for multicasting in wireless ad hoc CDMA networks

In this paper, we address the issue of performance of linear multiuser detectors for a multicasting application in an ad hoc wireless network. Using a code-division multiple-access (CDMA) framework, we demonstrate how capacity results for multiuser detectors can be adapted to do session admission control for the multicasting problem. We then develop a multicast routing algorithm for ad hoc wireless networks. Using the session admission control mechanism and the multicast routing algorithm, we evaluate the performance of three different linear multiuser detectors for the multicasting application.