Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Phanerozoic Diversity of Agglutinated Foraminifera: Origination and Extinction Rates

New diversity curves for agglutinated foraminiferal genera are presented based on the stratigraphic ranges of 764 genera distributed over the 91 Phanerozoic chronostratigraphic subdivisions given in the ICS timescale. The data set for this analysis is based on the stratigraphic ranges of agglutinated genera published in Foraminiferal Genera and their Classification, 218 of which have been modified based upon subsequently published studies and new observations. Additionally, a total of 136 genera have been newly described or reinstated subsequent to the publication of Foraminiferal Genera and their Classification. The revision of stratigraphie ranges is part of the effort by the Grzybowski Foundation's International Working Group on Foraminiferal Classification to compile a new Catalogue of Agglutinated Foraminiferal Genera. The mean standing diversity of agglutinated foraminiferal genera was compiled by counting the number of boundary crossers rather than the number of genera in each stage. This diversity curve displays a general upward trend throughout the Phanerozoic, punctuated by peaks and troughs of variable magnitude. The curve shows a period of initial radiation from the Early Cambrian to the Early Silurian, followed by a plateau to the Late Permian. The Permian/Triassic and the Triassic/Jurassic boundaries are characterised by small dips in the diversity record. The Jurassic begins with an exponential rise in mean standing diversity that continues to the Cenomanian. The Cenomanian to Holocene record of mean standing diversity is characterised by four peaks and troughs that are roughly in line with the cycles of global climate, with reductions in diversity in the end-Cenomanian, end-Cretaceous, and end-Miocene. Excluding modern values, the Phanerozoic maximum in the number of genera with a fossil record is observed in the Cenomanian, whereas the maximum Phanerozoic mean standing diversity is observed in the Langhian stage of the Miocene. The highest per-capita origination rates are observed in the Hettangian, Dapingian, Pleistocene, and Sheinwoodian (mid-Silurian). Linear regression analysis of the origination rates reveals a decrease towards the Holocene, in agreement with findings of Raup and Sepkoski. The highest per-capita extinction rates are observed in the Messinian, late Silurian (Gorstian), Hirnantian (latest Ordovician), and Maastrichtian. The background extinction rate shows an increasing trend towards the Recent, which is in disagreement with the findings of Raup and Sepkoski. We attribute this apparent discrepancy to the Late Cretaceous to Palaeogene extinctions of shallower-water larger agglutinates and the pull of the end-Miocene extinction event.
The Incentive Role of Creating 'Cities' in China

This paper examines a distinctive mechanism of providing incentives to local governments – upgrading counties to "cities". In China, awarding city status to existing counties is the dominant way of creating new urban administrative units, during which the local government gets many benefits. Using a large panel data set covering all counties in China during 1993-2004, I investigate the determinants of upgrading. I find that the official minimum requirements for upgrading are not enforced in practice. Instead, economic growth rate plays a key role in obtaining city status. An empirical test is then conducted to distinguish between a principal-agent incentive mechanism and political bargaining. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the central government uses upgrading to reward local officials for high growth, as well as aligning local interests with those of the center. This paper highlights the importance of both fiscal and political incentives facing the local government. The comparison between incentive mechanism and bargaining sheds light on an important question about China’s politics of governance: where does power lie in China?
FRACTIONAL INTEGRATION AND DETERMINISTIC TRENDS. AN INVESTIGATION AND AN ILLUSTRATION WITH THE US GNP

In this article we examine the implications of including deterministic trends in models which are fractionally integrated. For this purpose, we use a version of the tests of Robinson (1994) that permits us to include these components with no effect on its standard limit distribution. We examine intercepts, linear and quadratic trends, which are embedded in fractional stationary and nonstationary processes. The results show that these deterministic components behave differently if the order of integration is smaller, equal or higher than 1. An empirical application based on this type of models is also carried out at the end of the article.
Areeda–Turner in Two-Sided Markets

AbstractWe extend the Areeda–Turner rule to two-sided markets. We show that a two-sided monopolist may find it short-run profit-maximizing to charge a price below marginal cost on one side of the market. Hence showing that the price is below marginal cost on one side of a two-sided market cannot be considered a sign of predation. We then argue for a two-sided Areeda–Turner rule that takes into account price-cost margins on both sides of the market. Two examples highlight that applying a one-sided Areeda–Turner rule may lead one to assess legitimate prices as predatory or to consider predatory prices as legitimate.
The unusual Niv)-emitter galaxy GDS J033218.92-275302.7: star formation or AGN-driven winds from a massive galaxy at z=5.56

Aims. We investigate the nature of the source GDS J033218.92-275302.7 at redshift�5.56. Methods. The spectral energy distribution of the source is well-sampled by 16 bands photometry from UV-optical (HST and VLT), near infrared, near infrared (VLT) to mid-infrared (Spitzer). The detection of a signal in the mid-infrared Spitzer/IRAC bands 5.8, 8.0 � m - where the nebular emission contribution is less effective - suggests that there is a Balmer break, the signature of an underlying stellar population formed at earlier epochs. The high-quality VLT/FORS2 spectrum shows a clear Lyemission line, together with semi-forbidden Niv) 1483.3-1486.5 also in emission. These lines imply a young stellar population. In particular, the Niv) 1483.3- 1486.5 feature (if the source is not hosting an AGN) is a signature of massive and hot stars with an associated nebular emission. Conversely, it may be a signature of an AGN. The observed SED and the Lyemission line profile were modeled carefully to investigate the internal properties of the source. Results. From the SED-fitting with a single and a double stellar popula tion and from the Lymodeling, it turns out that the source seems to have an evolved component with a stellar mass of� 5� 10 10 Mand age�0.4 Gyrs, and a young component with an age of �0.01 Gyrs and star formation rate in the range of 30-200 Myr −1 . The limits on the effective radius derived from the ACS/z850 and VLT/Ks bands indicate that this galaxy is denser than the local ones with similar mass. A relatively high nebular gas column density is favored from the Lyline modeling (NHI�10 21 cm −2 ). A vigorous outflow (�450 km/s) has been measured from the optical spectrum, consistent with the Lymodeling. From ACS observations it turns out that the region emitting Lyphotons is spatially compact and has a similar effective radius (�0.1 kpc physical) estimated at the� 1400A rest-frame wavelength, whose emission is dominated by the stellar continuum and/or AGN. The gas is blown out from the central region, but, given the mass of the galaxy, it is uncertain whether it will pollute the IGM to large distances. We argue that a burst of star formation in a dense gas environment is active (possibly containing hot and massive stars and/or a low luminosity AGN), superimposed on an already formed fraction of stellar mass.
Gender Difference in Profit Performance—Evidence from the Owners of Small Public Accounting Practices in Taiwan

This study aims to investigate whether the significant difference of the firm’s profit performance exits between the male-owned and female-owned small accounting firms. Using data from 1992-2008 small public accounting practice in Taiwan, this study uses a panel data model to estimate the coefficients and to examine the association between gender variable and the firm’s profit performance. The findings reveal that the significant difference in profit performance exists between male-owned and female-owned firms in sample. The study can clarify the effects of owner’s gender on financial performance of businesses with the explanations that female owners adopt the different management strategies from the male owners. The study also implies that female-owned small businesses are easier to acquire external funds because of their lower risk preference, since the female owners can ensure stable collection of principal and interest. Our study contributes to our understanding of the differences in the profit performance between male-owned and female-owned CPA firms. Not merely can the results of this empirical study provide valuable research implications for women entrepreneurs in the professional accounting practice, but they also provide supplementary in existing accounting literature.
Characteristics of mixed-layer smectite/illite density separates during burial diagenesis

Abstract We report a method to physically separate smectite from illite in natural shale samples. This method is based upon the large contrast in the density of mixed-layer clay minerals reported in the literature. Our objective was to investigate the behavior of separate density fractions of mixedlayer smectite and illite during burial diagenesis. Samples were obtained from shale cuttings hand-picked from a well drilled offshore Louisiana. Each sample was separated into 5 fractions: “pure” end-member smectite (EMS), smectiterich mixed-layer clays (SML), illite-rich mixed-layer clays (IML), “pure” end-member illite (EMI), and quartz (FGQ). The mineralogy of each clay-mineral separate as determined by XRD was reasonably consistent at all depths, although the abundance of the mixed-layer separates varied. The illite-rich mixed-layer fraction increased in abundance with depth at the expense of the smectiterich mixed-layer fraction. The fine-grained quartz fraction showed an increase in abundance, a decrease in average grain size, a loss of K-feldspar, and a heavier isotopic signature with depth. We did not, however, find a correlation with depth in the amount of the end-member clay fractions. The isotopic signature of the end-member smectite shows evidence of equilibration with depth, but the end-member illite does not. We conclude that the discrete illite fraction is detrital in origin and was not involved in the clay-mineral transformation at the depths sampled in our well. It reflects the sediment provenance. The results of this study illustrate the efficacy of the newly developed density separation technique for physically isolating clay mineral species from one another.
Forecasting change of the magnetic field using core surface flows and ensemble Kalman filtering

Accurate forecasting of the change of the Earth's internal magnetic field over short intervals of time (e.g., less than five years) has many applications for government, academic and commercial users. Forecasting can be achieved by making a number of reasonable assumptions about how the main field interacts with the flow in the liquid outer core. In particular, the magnetic field can be considered to be entrained in the large scale flow along the core‐mantle boundary surface over short time periods, giving rise to measurable change at the Earth's surface. The observed change (or secular variation) at or above the surface of the Earth can thus be inverted to produce flow models; these can be used to propagate fluid parcels threaded by the field forwards in time to forecast the non‐linear change of the magnetic field. In addition to prediction of field change by flow models, it would be advantageous to include observations of the field from satellite measurements or ground‐based observatories. We therefore present a method using Ensemble Kalman Filtering (EnKF) to produce an optimal assimilation between magnetic field change as forecast from core flow models and direct observations of the field. We show, by assuming a steady flow and assimilating field observations annually, it is possible to produce a forecast over five years with less than 30nT root mean square difference from the ‘true’ field – within an assumed error budget. The EnKF method also allows sensitivity analysis of the field models to noise and uncertainty within the physical representation.
A global view on atmospheric concentrations of sub-3 nm particles measured with the Particle Size Magnifier

The measurement of sub-3 nm aerosol particles is technically challenging. Therefore, there is a lack of knowledge about the concentrations of atmospheric sub-3 nm particles and their variation in different environments. In this study, the concentrations of ~1–3 nm particles measured with a Particle Size Magnifier (PSM) were investigated at nine sites around the world. Sub-3 nm particle concentrations were highest at the sites with strong anthropogenic influence. In boreal forest 20 measured particle concentrations were clearly higher in summer than in winter, suggesting the importance of biogenic precursor vapors in this environment. At all sites sub-3 nm particle concentrations had daytime maxima, which are likely linked to the photochemical production of precursor vapors and the emissions of precursor vapors or particles from different sources. When comparing ion concentrations to the total sub-3 nm particle concentrations, electrically neutral particles were observed to dominate in polluted environments and in boreal forest during spring and summer. Generally, the concentrations 25 of sub-3 nm particles seem to be determined by the availability of precursor vapors rather than the level of the sink caused by pre-existing aerosol particles. The results also indicate that the formation of the smallest particles and their subsequent growth to larger sizes are two separate processes, and therefore studying the concentration of sub-3 nm particles separately in different size ranges is essential.
Break up of returning plasma after the 7 June 2011 filament eruption by Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities

Context. A prominence eruption on 7 June 2011 produced spectacular curtains of plasma falling through the lower corona. At the solar surface they created an incredible display of extreme ultraviolet brightenings. Aims. To identify and analyze some of the local instabilities which produce structure in the falling plasma. Methods. The structures were investigated using SDO/AIA 171 A and 193 A images in which the falling plasma appeared dark against the bright coronal emission. Results. Several instances of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability were investigated. In two cases the Alfven velocity associated with the dense plasma could be estimated from the separation of the Rayleigh-Taylor fingers. A second type of feature, which has the appearance of self-similar branching horns was discussed.
Discordance between ventral colour and mtDNA haplotype in the water frog Rana (ridibunda) caralitana, 1988 Arıkan

The water frog form caralitana was first described as a subspecies of Rana ridibunda by Arikan (1988) from southwestern Turkey. Its orange ventral colour has been used as a diagnostic character since its description. After testing for a correlation between body size and ventral colour, we compared mtDNA and venter colour of adult specimens from 27 localities to assess the validity of this character for systematics of Anatolian water frogs. We mapped the distribution of each category and tested whether there is concordance between mtDNA haplotype and ventral colour of sampled individuals at the watershed level. Furthermore, we analyzed relationships between ventral colour and altitude. Size and ventral colouration were found to be significantly correlated. The distribution of orange ventral colour exhibited a complex clinal variation espe- cially west of the Lake District where different coloured individuals are seen syntopically. In other regions, there were abrupt changes, presumably because of geographic barriers such as mountains. Our results indicate that although there is significant concordance between caralitana-specific mtDNA and orange venter colour, there are certain watersheds where the majority of sampled individuals exhibits discordance in mtDNA and ventral colouration. In all periphery regions, some degree of ge- netic introgression is indicated. These patterns clearly indicate gene flow between the caralitana lineage and non-caralitana lineages and is supported by lack of evidence for habitat-specific selection, the assignment of individuals from the same population into distinct clades, and the occurrence of an intermediate character between different forms in transition zones.
A Preliminary Study on the Antimicrobial Activities of Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid against Selected Gram Positive and Gram Negative Bacteria

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of various disorders including infections. In this study, two bioactive compounds of Centella asiatica namely asiatic acid and asiaticoside were tested for antibacterial activity against two Gram negative and three Gram positive bacteria using disc diffusion method. They were Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphilococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The antibacterial activities were assessed by the presence or absence of inhibition zones. The result of this preliminary study demonstrated that asiatic acid has antibacterial activity against all the bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa with inhibition zones ranged from 7-12 mm. No inhibition activity was observed for asiaticoside against all the bacteria. This data revealed that asiatic acid is responsible for the antibacterial activity of Centella asiatica.
The influence of students' ICT skills and their adoption of mobile learning

Mobile technology has gained increased focus in academic circles as a way to enable learning that is not confined by time and place. As the benefits of mobile learning are being clarified so too will researchers need to understand the factors that influence its future use. The adoption of mobile technology will largely depend on whether students believe that mobile technology fits their particular needs. However despite the interest in the potential of mobile learning, researchers have only a limited knowledge of the factors that may influence student adoption. To address this gap in the literature, the present study was undertaken to determine how ICT skills impact students' adoption of mobile learning. The study posited that the perceived ease of use and usefulness of mobile technology would mediate the relationship between ICT skills and the intention of students to adopt mobile learning. A survey of 446 students from three tertiary institutions found that students' intention to adopt mobile learning was influenced by specific types of ICT skills. In particular, it was found that advanced skill in mobile technology and basic ICT skills both played significant roles in the intention to adopt mobile learning. No evidence was found to support the assertion that advanced ICT skills influenced their adoption of mobile learning.
TAp63γ and ΔNp63γ are regulated by RBM38 via mRNA stability and have an opposing function in growth suppression

The p63 gene is expressed as TAp63 from the P1 promoter and as ΔNp63 from the P2 promoter. Through alternative splicing, five TA and five ΔN isoforms (α-ε) are expressed. Isoforms α-β and δ share an identical 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) whereas isoform γ has a unique 3’UTR. Recently, we found that RBM38 RNA-binding protein is a target of p63 and RBM38 in turn regulates p63α/β expression via mRNA stability. However, it is uncertain whether p63γ has a unique biological activity and whether p63γ is regulated by RBM38. Here, we found that the levels of ΔNp63γ transcript and protein are induced upon overexpression of RBM38 but decreased by RBM38 knockdown. Conversely, we found that the levels of ΔNp63β transcript and protein are decreased by ectopic expression of RBM38 but increased by RBM38 knockdown, consistent with our previous report. Interestingly, RBM38 increases the half-life of p63γ mRNA by binding to a GU-rich element in p63γ 3’UTR. In contrast, our previous studies showed that RBM38 decreases the half-life of p63α/β mRNAs by binding to AU-/U-rich elements in their 3’UTR. We also found that knockout of p63γ in ME180 and HaCaT cells, in which ΔNp63 isoforms are predominant, inhibits cell proliferation and migration, suggesting that ΔNp63γ has a pro-growth activity. In contrast, we found that knockout of TAp63γ in MIA PaCa-2 cells, in which TAp63 isoforms are predominant, promotes cell proliferation, migration, and inhibits cellular senescence. Taken together, we conclude that ΔNp63γ has an oncogenic potential whereas TAp63γ is a tumor suppressor.
Genetic diversity and relatedness estimates for captive barramundi (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) broodstock informs efforts to form a base population for selective breeding

Aquaculture of barramundi or Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) is growing in both Australia and Southeast Asia and there is substantial interest to improve production efficiency through selective breeding. The establishment of a large and genetically diverse base population is a prerequisite for a sustainable and long-term productive breeding program. Before selective breeding programs can begin for Australian barramundi it is important to assess the overall genetic diversity of current captive broodstock populations. To address this question, 407 captive barramundi broodstock from eight separate Australian broodstock populations were genotyped using 16 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers. A Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis indicated that captive Australian broodstock are broadly divided into two genetic stocks. Multivariate analysis between broodstock individuals and pairwise F(ST) between broodstock populations also supported the existence of two stocks. Comparisons with data obtained from natural stocks suggested that hatchery individuals were either sourced from the two stocks or represented an admixture between them. Genetic diversity was low within each broodstock population (allelic richness ranged from 2.67 to 3.42 and heterozygosity ranged from 0.453 to 0.537) and relatedness estimates within hatcheries were generally low (average r was equal to 0.141). We recommend sourcing captive individuals according to high levels of neutral genetic diversity and low levels of relatedness for the establishment of a base population. We also make recommendations about including genetically diverse wild individuals.