Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is regional species diversity bounded or unbounded?

Two conflicting hypotheses have been proposed to explain large‐scale species diversity patterns and dynamics. The unbounded hypothesis proposes that regional diversity depends only on time and diversification rate and increases without limit. The bounded hypothesis proposes that ecological constraints place upper limits on regional diversity and that diversity is usually close to its limit. Recent evidence from the fossil record, phylogenetic analysis, biogeography, and phenotypic disparity during lineage diversification suggests that diversity is constrained by ecological processes but that it is rarely asymptotic. Niche space is often unfilled or can be more finely subdivided and still permit coexistence, and new niche space is often created before ecological limits are reached. Damped increases in diversity over time are the prevalent pattern, suggesting the need for a new ‘damped increase hypothesis'. The damped increase hypothesis predicts that diversity generally increases through time but that its rate of increase is often slowed by ecological constraints. However, slowing due to niche limitation must be distinguished from other possible mechanisms creating similar patterns. These include sampling artifacts, the inability to detect extinctions or declines in clade diversity with some methods, the distorting effects of correlated speciation‐extinction dynamics, the likelihood that opportunities for allopatric speciation will vary in space and time, and the role of undetected natural enemies in reducing host ranges and thus slowing speciation rates. The taxonomic scope of regional diversity studies must be broadened to include all ecologically similar species so that ecological constraints may be accurately inferred. The damped increase hypothesis suggests that information on evolutionary processes such as time‐for‐speciation and intrinsic diversification rates as well as ecological factors will be required to explain why regional diversity varies among times, places and taxa.
Gene conservation in Bacillus species. I. Conserved genetic and nucleic acid base sequence homologies.

2 Oishi, M. , H. Yoshikawa, and N. Sueoka, Nature, 204, 1069 (1964). 3 Yankofsky, S. A. , and S. Spiegelman, these PROCEEDINGS, 49, 538 (1963). 4 Vermeulen, C. W. , and K. C. Atwood, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Common. , 19, 221 (1965). 5 Ritossa, F. M. , and S. Spiegelman, these PROCEEDINGS, 53, 737 (1965). 6 Farmer, J. L. , and F. Rothman, J. Bacteriol. , 89, 262 (1965). 7 Yoshikawa, H. , and N. Sueoka, these PROCEEDINGS, 49, 559 and 806 (1963). 8 Anagnostopoulos, C. , and J. Spizizen, J. Bacteriol. , 81, 741 (1961). 9MAIeselson, M. , F. W. Stahl, and J. Vinograd, these PROCEEDINGS, 43, 581 (1957). Grossman, L. , S. S. Levine, and W. S. Allison, J. Mol. Biol., 3, 47 (1961). Levinthal, C. , A. Keynan, and A. Higa, these PROCEEDINGS, 48, 1631 (1962). 12 Sueoka, N. , and T. Y. Cheng, J. Mol. Biol., 4, 161 (1962). 13 Nygaard, A. P., and B. D. Hall, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. , 12, 98 (1963). 14 Pettijohn, D. , personal communication. 15 Yoshikawa, H. , A. O'Sullivan, and N. Sueoka, these PROCEEDINGS, 52, 973 (1964). 16 Yoshikawa, H. , MI. N. Hayashi, and N. Sueoka, in preparation. 17 Ganesan, A. T. , Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. , 18, 824 (1965). 18 These values are taken from the results of C. G. Kurland for E. coli 16S and 23S RNA [J. Mol. Biol., 2, 83 (1960)]. 19 Yankofsky, S. A. , and S. Spiegelman, these PROCEEDINGS, 48, 1466 (1962). 20 Opara-Kitbinska, Z. , H. Kubinski, and W. Szybalski, these PROCEEDINGS, 52, 923 (1964).
Business Growth and Performance and the FinancialReporting Practices of Australian Manufacturing SMEs

This article describes an explanatory study of the impact of financial reporting practices upon business growth and performance outcomes amongst small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in manufacturing in Australia. The study is able to establish some statistically significant bivariate associations between the extent and frequency of financial reporting undertaken and certain measures of SME growth and performance. However, the state of financial reporting practices becomes subsumed by other important influences in multivariate analysis. Management is a complex activity affected by a myriad of interacting internal and external factors, and must inevitably be undertaken in an holistic manner in SMEs. Particular practices make a contribution to the whole task without necessarily standing out as all‐embracing solutions to problems generally encountered. Thus, it is argued that improved financial reporting should be realistically viewed as simply part of a broader competence in financial management which, taken together with other functional capabilities, is likely to lead to more effective and efficient management of SMEs and significantly improve their prospects.
Building customer trust and loyalty: an empirical study in a retailing context

This paper integrates the seller's characteristics and the consumer's individual characteristics in testing the person-to-person and person-to-firm effects of trust on loyalty in the department store. A multidimensional model of the behavioural components of trustworthiness is used to examine their differential effects on consumer trust. The results reveal that the effects of behavioural components of trustworthiness on trust in salespersons and trust in department stores are different. Trust in salespersons contributes to the trust in the department stores they work for. In addition, although both trust in department stores and trust in salespersons are expected to enhance customer loyalty, person-to-person trust has stronger influence on loyalty than does person-to-firm trust. The findings also suggest that customers' individual characteristics should be considered in assessing the role of trust in business relationships other than sellers' characteristics.
The Risk-Return Relationship and Stock Prices

According to the current state of knowledge in finance, the expected rate of return adjusted for risk is independent of the stock price. The basic proposition of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is that the expected rate of return for each security is a function of the “risk” of that security, and that this risk is measured by the contribution of the security to the variability of the market portfolio. The implication of the CAPM is that knowing the price of a security perse will add nothing to predicting its expected rate of return.
Glycoengineering of plants yields glycoproteins with polysialylation and other defined N-glycoforms

Protein-based biologics have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases, but low efficacy, occasional undesirable side effects, and rapid clearance from circulation limit their full potential. The majority of pharmaceutically relevant proteins are N-linked glycosylated, and their sugar moieties have significant impact on their folding, assembly, solubility, serum and shelf half-life, and functionality (1). Thus, one approach to enhance the potency, safety, and stability of therapeutic proteins is glycoengineering, altering protein-associated carbohydrate to achieve the desirable protein properties. The challenge is to develop biological systems that can consistently produce glycoproteins with homogeneous glycans on demand. The availability of such systems will lead to breakthroughs in two fronts: ( i ) elucidating the contribution of sugar moieties for various biological functions and ( ii ) developing novel biologics with tailor-made glycosylation based on their functional needs. In PNAS, Kallolimath et al. (2) describe their efforts in bringing one such host system to reality. Unlike the protein backbone that is synthesized based on a defined template, sugar chains are assembled enzymatically. As a result, these chains are diverse in both the number and the linkage patterns of the sugar units. In addition, different host cells may modify the same protein with different sugar structures. Protein N-linked glycosylation involves the addition of an oligosaccharide (Man9) to an asparagine residue on a nascent polypeptide. In eukaryotes, the transfer and initial processing of Man9 start in the endoplasmic reticulum to form Man8, which is further processed in Golgi compartments to form complex N-glycans (3). The early steps of N-glycan processing up to the formation of the intermediate of GnGn are well preserved among most eukaryotic cells (Fig. 1). However, processing beyond this point differs significantly, leading to the formation of different complex N-glycoforms (3). In mammalian cells, there is a large diverse population of glycoenzymes for extensive elongation of the … [↵][1]1Email: qiang.chen. 4{at}asu.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
E-Government to Combat Corruption: The Case of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Abstract The Seoul Metropolitan Government adopted a reform measure to combat corruption, called the “OPEN” system, an acronym for the “Online Procedures ENhancement for civil applications,” in January 1999, and the new system went into operation in April 1999. The OPEN system is a Web-based internet service to transact civil applications for permits, registrations, procurements, contracts, and approvals submitted online by citizens. It places transparency and accountability in the core of the management system of civil applications by providing open access for anybody, anytime, and anywhere to file applications and monitor the review and approval processes on real time online until the decision on the applications is finalized according to the timetable set by the officials in charge. The citizens accepted the OPEN system instantly and the users of the service and visitors to the site have grown rapidly. More importantly, both the citizens who used the system and the city officials who were involved in managing the system tended to have favorable opinions on its corruption control effect as attested by the survey findings. The OPEN system is an e-government innovation with a rich potential for diffusion, for corruption in government (or in business as well) is believed to be prevalent and it neither respects geographical boundaries nor discriminates cultural differences.
Defect in the tissue cellular immune response: experimental visceral leishmaniasis in euthymic C57BL/6 ep/ep mice

In BALB/c mice, successful defense against visceral leishmaniasis is T cell dependent, expressed by tissue granuloma formation, and probably mediated by macrophages activated by cytokines, including gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). C57BL/6 ep/ep (pale ear) mice, which reportedly exhibit impaired IFN-gamma production, were challenged with Leishmania donovani to determine the outcome of infection in a euthymic host with an apparent defect in lymphokine secretion. In BALB/c and normal C57BL/6 mice, L. donovani liver burdens peaked at 2 weeks and were largely eliminated by 4 weeks. In contrast, in pale ear mice, infection progressed until after 4 weeks and persisted at high levels at 8 weeks. The failure to resolve hepatic infections was not related to deficiencies in (i) Thy-1+, L3T4+, or Lyt-2+ T cells; (ii) IFN-gamma secretion; (iii) liver tissue Ia expression; (iv) macrophage antimicrobial capacity; or (v) antileishmanial antibody production. However, despite the anticipated influx of mononuclear cells into livers, these cells were not properly focused on the parasitized Kupffer cells, the inflammatory infiltrate receded prematurely, and mature granulomas failed to develop. These results suggest that there is a cellular immune defect at the tissue level and emphasize the critical role of granuloma formation in successful resolution of systemic intracellular infections.
Delivering Mixed Communities: The Relationship between Housing Tenure Mix and Social Mix in England's Neighbourhoods

For a number of years, housing and regeneration policy in Britain has focused on creating social mix through changing housing tenure mix, particularly in deprived social housing areas. Policies are founded on the perception that segregation of rich and poor is increasing, and this reinforces disadvantage. Little work has examined the degree of correspondence between social and tenure mix. We examine the relationship between these variables in English neighbourhoods, using occupational mix to measure social mix. We examine the regional differences in this relationship. We show neighbourhoods are generally more mixed in occupation than tenure. Tenure mix has a positive relationship with occupational mix, but the relationship is moderate and contrary to conventional wisdom; occupational mix and tenure mix increase with level of area deprivation. Regional analysis shows that tenure mix is higher in the tighter housing markets of London and the South. If policy is genuinely concerned with increasing social mix, attention needs to focus on affluent areas.
Neck circumference is a predictor of metabolic syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea in short-sleeping obese men and women.

BACKGROUND The constellation of metabolic syndrome, although controversial with regard to its clinical usefulness, is epidemiologically related to increased diabetes risk and cardiovascular mortality. Our goal was to investigate the associations among neck circumference (NC), obstructive sleep apnea syndromes (OSAS), and metabolic syndrome in obese men and women sleeping less than 6.5 hr per night. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of obese men and premenopausal obese women sleeping less than 6.5 hr per night. We enrolled 120 individuals (92 women), age 40.5±6.9 years and body mass index (BMI) 38.6±6.5 kg/m(2). Metabolic syndrome severity was assessed by a score and OSAS was defined as a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥5. Metabolic end endocrine parameters were measured, and sleep duration was determined by actigraphy and validated questionnaires. RESULTS Metabolic syndrome was found in 41% and OSAS in 58% (28% had both). Subjects with metabolic syndrome were 3 years older and more often Caucasian; they had higher RDI scores, larger NC, more visceral fat, lower serum adiponectin, higher 24-hr urinary norepinephrine (NE) excretion, and lower growth hormone concentrations. A NC of ≥38 cm had a sensitivity of 54% and 58% and a specificity of 70% and 79% in predicting the presence of metabolic syndrome and OSAS, respectively. RDI, adiponectin, and NC accounted for approximately 30% of the variability in the metabolic syndrome score, as estimated by an age-, gender-, and race-corrected multivariate model (R(2)=0.376, P<0.001). CONCLUSION Greater NC is associated with OSAS and metabolic syndrome in short-sleeping obese men and premenopausal obese women. Addition of NC to the definition of metabolic syndrome should be considered and needs to be validated in future studies.
Does Order Flow Commonality Extend Across Trade Sizes and Securities?

We examine commonality in order imbalances across different types of securities and find that the extent of commonality is greater than previously documented. Order imbalances in portfolios of small stocks, large stocks, and closed-end funds have explanatory power for other portfolio returns even in the presence of own order flow. Our analysis of order flow composition reveals commonality in small and medium trades, but not in large trades, across portfolios. The activity from small-size trades is systemic, but not generally associated with returns on other securities. Order imbalances from larger size trades provide more information relevant to stock prices.
The Effect of an Old-Age Demogrant on the Labor Supply and Time Use of the Elderly and Non-Elderly in Mexico

Abstract This paper estimates the effect of a generous demogrant for individuals age 70 and older that started in 2001 in Mexico City on the labor supply and time use of beneficiaries and of non-elderly family members who live with them. Using a triple differences approach, I find that the program has no significant effect on the time use of eligible individuals, except for the sharp decrease in the housework participation of elderly women who live with another potential beneficiary. Individuals 60 to 69 years old change their time use only if they live with a potential beneficiary, but not because they expect to receive the demogrant themselves in a few years. In particular, men in their 60s seem to retire early if they live with someone who qualifies for the transfer. Both men and women 18 to 59 years old increase their labor supply if they live with an eligible man, but decrease it if they live with an eligible woman. These results are consistent with income in the hands of elderly women being shared more with younger family members than income in the hands of elderly men.
Organization Commitment and Five Factor Model of Personality: Theory Recapitulation

Organizational commitment is one of the most popular psychological construct which plays a vital role in predicting work behavior. There are many approaches to study organizational commitment, and one of them is an individual difference approach. Since organizational commitment is one kind of job attitudes, and personality traits might predispose individual to experience raised or lowered levels of his or her organizational commitment. In connection to the previous studies, this research is aimed to examine the association among big five personality traits (FFM with dimensions of the organizational commitment. A questionnaire was adopted from the previous studies and a total number of 150 responses were gathered from the lecturer/supervisors working in public universities located in Lahore, Pakistan. The results of the research demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between FFM and organizational commitment dimensions. Furthermore, the results of stepwise regression analyses showed that conscientiousness and openness to experience are positively associated with affective commitment. Openness to experience is negatively linked to continuance commitment, extroversion, and neuroticism is negatively associated with normative commitment.
An Empirical Investigation of the Price Relationship between Open-End Mutual Funds and Amman Stock Exchange Index

This study examines the short and long-run price relationship between mutual funds (Jordinvest First Trust Fund, Growth Fund, Horizon Fund, and Jordan Securities Fund) and Amman Stock Exchange Index over the time period from March, 2005 till the end of November, 2009. The study findings are obtained with respect to various testing methods utilized, including Error Correction Model and Granger causality tests. These tests were applied on series of data for the monthly returns of mutual funds and Amman Stock Index. The empirical results show a long-run relationship of Amman Stock Index on mutual funds. However, the study also reveals no long-run relationship of mutual funds on Amman Stock Index. Furthermore, the empirical findings show that the relationship of Amman Stock Index on mutual funds is significantly more established than the relationship of mutual funds on Amman Stock Index. Finally, the results find a significant causal relationship in one way manner from mutual funds, with the exception of Jordinvest First Trust Fund, to Amman Stock Index.
Acute fatal necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis caused by Epstein-Barr virus in a young adult immunocompetent man

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) encephalitis is a rare (<1%) and generally self-limited disease with few sequelae. This neurological complication has been reported almost exclusively in the course of acute primary infection and in paediatric patients. We describe a case of a young adult immunocompetent man who developed an acute fatal necrotizing haemorrhagic encephalitis as the only manifestation of an acute EBV infection. EBV-DNA was tested positive in several CSF samples by qualitative and quantitative PCR. Serological profile showed: absence of IgM against Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) in three different consecutive samples, presence of IgG against VCA and IgG seroconversion for Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA). EBV-DNA was detected by qualitative PCR in autoptic brain material. Clinical course was not influenced by antiviral therapy with acyclovir. In conclusion to our knowledge, this is the only case of acute necrotizing haemorrhagic EBV encephalitis with a fatal outcome, in an adult immunocompetent man.
From food aid to food security: the case of the safety net policy in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) is an attempt to bring food security to 5 million people by providing them with social security to close the yearly hunger gap, coupled with development projects to lift them permanently out of poverty. The programme is an example of the new policy arrangements that aim to link relief to social security and development. This paper analyses the early implementation of the PSNP in two villages of the Amhara Region. The paper shows how the programme was in practice interpreted and used by local authorities to realise a related programme of voluntary resettlement, and how this locally changed the objective from helping the most vulnerable people, to reserving the benefits of the programme for the more affluent and economically potent households. It shows how local responses to food security policies were informed by institutional patterns, discourses about food insecurity and the articulation of policy with adjacent or past policy practices
COMPARISON OF ACTIVATION PRODUCTS AND INDUCED DOSE RATES IN DIFFERENT HIGH-ENERGY MEDICAL LINEAR ACCELERATORS

Sequences of in situ gamma spectra, accompanied by continuous dose rate measurements, have been obtained at the isocenters of four different brands of high-energy medical linear accelerators shortly after beam-off in order to study the effects of radioactivation. Spectral analysis revealed up to 20 different radionuclides per machine, with a total of 21 found isotopes having half-lives between 2.3 min and 5.3 y. Important isotopes as judged from activity, dose rate, and half-life were 28Al, 54Mn, 56Mn, 57Ni, 60Co, 62Cu, 64Cu, 124Sb, 187W, and 196Au. Dose rates at isocenter calculated from the results of spectrum analysis ranged between 0.78 and 3.16 &mgr;Sv h−1 after beam-off, decaying to values between 0.18 and 0.54 &mgr;Sv h−1 within 30 min. Measured dose rates were systematically higher by up to a factor of 2, which is attributed mainly to the effect of beta radiation. No systematic dependence on machine properties or manufacturer could be identified. Assuming realistic working scenarios, absorbed dose values for the radiotherapy technologist staff range between 0.62 and 2.53 mSv y−1.
The great divide: A qualitative investigation of factors influencing researcher access to potential randomised controlled trial participants in mental health settings

Background. External validity is central to pragmatic trials. Recruitment of a ‘representative’ sample is fundamental to this. However, recruitment is a complex process, requiring, first researcher access to eligible participants. Questions have been asked about the match between study samples and real-world clinical patients and the impact this has on generalisability of findings. Method. Using interview and observational data from a grounded theory process evaluation of a multicentre trial, we investigated factors influencing referral. Results. We found evidence of a fundamental disjunction between research and clinical practice manifested in varying ‘filtering’ processes. Organisational culture and the knowledge and attitudes of service providers regarding research generally and specifically in this RCT resulted in exclusion of very many potentially eligible participants. Conclusions. These findings have policy and practical implications and highlight the need for development of genuinely collaborative partnerships between the research and clinical communities. Importantly, we suggest that the CONSORT recommendations be further refined to identify the potential study population.