Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unpredictable environments, nuptial gifts and the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in insects: an experiment

Many insects have a mating system where males transfer nutrients to females at mating, which are often referred to as ‘nuptial gifts’. Among butterflies, some of the characteristic features of these species are polyandry (females mate multiple times), and relatively large male ejaculates. When males produce part of the resources used for offspring, the value of body size might then increase for males and decrease for females. The male/female size ratio is also observed to increase when the degree of polyandry and gift size increase. Butterfly species where gift–giving occurs are generally more variable in body size, suggesting that food quality/quantity fluctuates during juvenile stages. This will cause some males to have much to provide and some females to be in great need, and could be conducive to the evolution of a gift–giving mating system. In such a system, growing male and female juveniles should react differently to food shortage. Females should react by maturing at a smaller size since their own lack of reproductive resources can partly be compensated for by male contributions. Males have to pay the full cost of decreased reproduction if they mature at a small size, making it more important for males to keep on growing, even when growth is costly. An earlier experiment with the polyandrous and gift–giving butterfly, Pieris napi, supported this prediction. The pattern is expected to be absent or reversed for species with small nuptial gifts, where females do not benefit from mating repeatedly, and will thus be dependent on acquiring resources for reproduction on their own. To test this prediction, we report here on an experiment with the speckled wood butterfly, Pararge aegeria. We find that growth response correlates with mating system in the two above species, and we conclude that differences in environmental conditions between species may act as an important factor in the evolution of the mating system and sexual size dimorphism.
Minimizing Resources of Sweeping and Streaming String Transducers

We consider minimization problems for natural parameters of word transducers: the number of passes performed by two-way transducers and the number of registers used by streaming transducers. We show how to compute in ExpSpace the minimum number of passes needed to implement a transduction given as sweeping transducer, and we provide effective constructions of transducers of (worst-case optimal) doubly exponential size. We then consider streaming transducers where concatenations of registers are forbidden in the register updates. Based on a correspondence between the number of passes of sweeping transducers and the number of registers of equivalent concatenation-free streaming transducers, we derive a minimization procedure for the number of registers of concatenation-free streaming transducers.
UK corporate share repurchases : an empirical analysis of corporate motives and payout policies

This thesis investigates the motives behind share buybacks in the UK, and examines this form of corporate payout in relation to dividends by extending traditional corporate dividend behaviour models to include payouts made through share repurchases. Using hand-collected data for 267 firms belonging to the FTSE 350 from 2001 to 2004, we show that the motives of firms in the UK to repurchase their shares appear to be different from those of US firms, which we mainly attribute to differences in corporate governance between the two countries. We find that the most plausible motive behind share buybacks in the UK is the distribution of surplus cash to shareholders although, contrary to US findings, UK share buybacks are related primarily to expected rather than unexpected earnings. Indeed, share buybacks appear to be paid out of the same expected earnings component as are dividends, which suggests that repurchases may be substitutes for (at least part of) regular dividend payouts. When we use behavioural dividend models, such as Lintner (1956) and Fama & Babiak (1968), to determine whether they can be extended to estimate changes in total payouts as opposed to just dividends, we find that firms that repurchase their shares tend to have a smoother dividend policy, which lends support to the substitution hypothesis of share repurchases. Further, we develop modified versions of these models in which we assume that dividends or total payout changes are the result of a full adjustment to expected changes in earnings and a partial adjustment to unexpected changes in earnings. We show that these models appear to better reflect the changes in total payout policy that have occurred in recent years in the UK.
3D-HEVC visual quality assessment: Database and bitstream model

Visual Quality Assessment of 3D/stereoscopic video (3D VQA) is significant for both quality monitoring and optimization of the existing 3D video services. In this paper, we build a 3D video database based on the latest 3D-HEVC video coding standard, to investigate the relationship among video quality, depth quality, and overall quality of experience (QoE) of 3D/stereoscopic video. We also analyze the pivotal factors to the video and depth qualities. Moreover, we develop a No-Reference 3D-HEVC bitstream-level objective video quality assessment model, which utilizes the key features extracted from the 3D video bitstreams to assess the perceived quality of the stereoscopic video. The model is verified to be effective on our database as compared with widely used 2D Full-Reference quality metrics as well as a state-of-the-art 3D FR pixel-level video quality metric.
Impact of adopting HRIS on three tiers of HRM: Evidence from developing economy

Cross-sectional studies are needed to uncover missing linkage between Human Resource Management and Information Technology. Consequently Human Resource researchers and practitioners need to rethink about achieving organizational objectives through adoption of modernized technology. Objective of this study is to investigate the contribution of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) for Operational, Functional and Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) processes. Results depict that adopting HRIS facilitates Operational and Functional HRM Processes, while HRIS does not supportive for Strategic HRM Processes. It is therefore recommended that HRIS usage for operational and functional HRM is beneficial for organization.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Indicated Preterm Births Based on the Intended Mode of Delivery.

OBJECTIVE To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in women who underwent induction of labor or planned cesarean delivery in indicated preterm births before 34 weeks of gestation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all indicated singleton preterm births (23-34 weeks of gestation) in a tertiary center from 2011 to 2014. The primary maternal outcome was a composite of early postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, operative complications, postpartum complications, and clinical chorioamnionitis. The primary neonatal outcome was a composite of neonatal death, cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the delivery room, grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, culture-proven sepsis, birth trauma, arterial cord gas pH less than 7 or base excess less than -12, and 5-minute Apgar score 3 or less. Outcomes were compared by intended mode of delivery (induction of labor compared with cesarean) and adjusted for confounders. In secondary analyses, maternal and neonatal outcomes based on the intended mode of delivery were stratified by gestational age (23-27 6/7, 28-31 6/7, and 32-33 6/7 weeks of gestation). RESULTS Of 629 patients with indicated early preterm births during the study period, 331 (53%) underwent induction of labor, of whom 208 (63%) delivered vaginally. Induction of labor was not associated with an increased risk of the primary maternal (16.3% compared with 19.5%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.3) or neonatal composite outcome (14.5% compared with 35.9%, adjusted OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.1). Analyses stratified by gestational age were consistent with the overall analysis. CONCLUSION Maternal and neonatal outcomes do not differ based on the intended mode of delivery. Induction of labor should be considered when early preterm birth is indicated.
Time-series fire-induced forest hazard mapping using Landsat and IKONOS imageries

This paper describes an approach to develop a time-series slope hazard map using multi resolution satellite images. This approach initially gives tree root status using relationships between spectral radiances and vegetation parameters such as leaf area index (tree crown), vegetation types (vegetation species), vegetation density and the arrangement. Then the slope hazard (slope stability) is calculated by using parameters derived from laboratory tests. Finally forest hazard map can be generated. Therefore the map can be updated when satellite data are acquired.
Perfluorooctanoic acid induces mitochondrial dysfunction in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells

ABSTRACT Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a stable organic perfluorinated compound, is an emerging persistent organic pollutant, found widely in human and wildlife populations. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to environmental toxicants can be associated with higher risks of osteoporosis and fractures. We studied the cellular toxicology of PFOA in MC3T3-E1osteoblast cells. To examine the effect of PFOA, we measured cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial superoxide, and mitochondrial parameters including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cardiolipin content, and cytochrome c release in MC3T3-E1 cells. Incubating MC3T3-E1 cells in different concentrations of PFOA for 48 h resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability and significant inductions of ROS and mitochondrial superoxide. Moreover, PFOA induced MMP collapse, cardiolipin peroxidation, cytochrome c release, and decreased ATP levels, which in turn induced apoptosis or necrosis. When osteoblast differentiation markers were assessed, PFOA treatment caused a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization in the cells. In summary, we found an ROS- and mitochondria-mediated pathway for the induction of cell damage by PFOA in MC3T3-E1 cells. Together, our results indicate that mitochondrial toxicity could be a plausible mechanism for the toxic effects of PFOA on osteoblast function.
Sulforaphane-induced Cell Death in Human Prostate Cancer Cells Is Initiated by Reactive Oxygen Species*

We have shown previously that sulforaphane (SFN), a constituent of many edible cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, suppresses growth of prostate cancer cells in culture as well as in vivo by causing apoptosis, but the sequence of events leading to cell death is poorly defined. Using PC-3 and DU145 human prostate cancer cells as a model, we now demonstrate, for the first time, that the initial signal for SFN-induced apoptosis is derived from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure of PC-3 cells to growth-suppressive concentrations of SFN resulted in ROS generation, which was accompanied by disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytosolic release of cytochrome c, and apoptosis. All these effects were significantly blocked on pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine and overexpression of catalase. The SFN-induced ROS generation was significantly attenuated on pretreatment with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I inhibitors, including diphenyleneiodonium chloride and rotenone. SFN treatment also caused a rapid and significant depletion of GSH levels. Collectively, these observations indicate that SFN-induced ROS generation is probably mediated by a nonmitochondrial mechanism involving GSH depletion as well as a mitochondrial component. Ectopic expression of Bcl-xL, but not Bcl-2, in PC-3 cells offered significant protection against the cell death caused by SFN. In addition, SFN treatment resulted in an increase in the level of Fas, activation of caspase-8, and cleavage of Bid. Furthermore, SV40-immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from Bid knock-out mice displayed significant resistance toward SFN-induced apoptosis compared with wild-type MEFs. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that SFN-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells is initiated by ROS generation and that both intrinsic and extrinsic caspase cascades contribute to the cell death caused by this highly promising cancer chemopreventive agent.
Alterations in serum FSH-LH ratios in relation to the estrous cycle, pseudopregnancy, and gonadectomy in the mouse.

Changes in mouse serum FSH and LH during the estrous cycle and pseudopregnancy were determined by the NIAMD Rat FSH and LH radioimmunoassay systems. The principal characteristics of these changes; namely, a surge of serum LH on the late afternoon and early evening of proestrus; significant elevation of serum FSH on the late afternoon of proestrus; and maximal elevation of serum FSH at the time of ovulation, are very similar to those previously observed in the rat estrous cycle (4). A 10-fold decrease in the ratio of concentrations of serum FSH and LH occurred during a period of IS hr between late afternoon of proestrus, when both LH and FSH were elevated, and early morning of estrus, when only FSH was elevated. Serum FSH and LH levels were low throughout pseudopregnancy, until the onset of the proestrus and estrus which terminated the pseudopregnant period. At that time the characteristic periovulatory increments in both serum FSH and LH concentration occurred. SO days after gonadectomy, male mouse serum .
Early start of adjuvant chemotherapy may improve treatment outcome for premenopausal breast cancer patients with tumors not expressing estrogen receptors. The International Breast Cancer Study Group.

PURPOSE The proper time to commence adjuvant chemotherapy after primary surgery for breast cancer is unknown. An analysis of the International (Ludwig) Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) Trial V at a median follow-up of 11 years suggested that early initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy might improve outcome for premenopausal, node-positive patients whose tumors did not express any estrogen receptor (ER). PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated the relationship between early initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, ER status, and prognosis in 1,788 premenopausal, node-positive patients treated on IBCSG trials I, II, and VI. The disease-free survival for 599 patients (84 with ER-absent tumors) who commenced adjuvant chemotherapy within 20 days (early initiation) was compared with the disease-free survival for 1,189 patients (142 with ER-absent tumors) who started chemotherapy 21 to 86 days after surgery (conventional initiation). The median follow-up was 7.7 years. RESULTS Among patients with ER-absent tumors, the 10-year disease-free survival was 60% for the early initiation group compared with 34% for the conventional initiation group (226 patients; hazard ratio [HR], 0. 49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.72; P =.0003). This difference remained statistically significant in a Cox multiple regression analysis controlling for study group, number of positive nodes, tumor size, age, vessel invasion, and institution (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.92; P =.019). Conversely, early initiation of chemotherapy did not significantly improve disease-free survival for patients with tumors expressing ER (1,562 patients; multiple regression HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.10; P =.40). CONCLUSION In premenopausal patients with ER-absent tumors, early initiation of systemic chemotherapy after primary surgery might improve outcome. Further confirmatory studies are required before any widespread modification of current clinical practice. In premenopausal patients with tumors expressing some ER, gains from early initiation are unlikely to be clinically significant.
Client‐specific litigation risk and audit quality differentiation

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine whether client-specific litigation risk affects the audit quality differentiation between Big N and non-Big N auditors. Specifically, the authors examine whether higher quality audits of Big N auditors relative to non-Big auditors is more pronounced for clients with high litigation risk than for clients with low litigation risk. Design/methodology/approach - The authors develop the hypothesis based on auditors' potential monetary and reputational losses, collect the data of US listed companies from the Compustat and CRSP databases, and conduct regression analyses. Findings - The authors find that the higher effectiveness of Big N auditors over non-Big N auditors in constraining earning management is greater for high litigation risk clients than for low litigation risk clients, suggesting that clients' high litigation risk can force big auditors to perform more effectively. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the literature by providing novel evidence on the effect of client-specific litigation risk on the audit quality differentiation between Big N and non-Big N auditors. The authors' findings complement the extant research on the relationship between the audit quality differentiation and country-level litigation risk.
Deficits in error monitoring are associated with externalizing but not internalizing behaviors among children with a history of institutionalization.

BACKGROUND Children raised in institutions are at increased risk of developing internalizing and externalizing problems. However, not all children raised in institutions develop psychopathology. Deficits in error monitoring may be one risk pathway for children with a history of institutionalization given that these skills are related to both internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders. Error monitoring and the neural circuitry that supports it have a protracted developmental time course and are highly susceptible to the effects of adversity. As such, they may play an important moderating role between a history of institutional rearing and subsequent psychopathology. METHODS We investigated the impact of psychosocial deprivation on behavioral and neural responses (event-related potentials: ERPs) to a Flanker task assessing error monitoring and the relations between these measures and psychopathology for 12-year-old children in the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP). The BEIP involves two groups of institutionalized children randomly assigned in infancy to receive either a foster care intervention (FCG) or care as usual (CAUG). RESULTS Children who experienced institutional care, particularly those in the CAUG, showed perturbed behavioral performance and ERPs on the Flanker task. Additionally, an ERP measure of error monitoring [error-related negativity (ERN)] moderated the relations between time spent in institutions and externalizing and ADHD behaviors. When the amplitude of the ERN was smaller, time spent in institutional care was positively related to ADHD and externalizing behaviors, whereas time spent in institutions was unrelated to externalizing problems when children evidenced a larger ERN. Neural correlates of error monitoring did not moderate the relations between time spent in institutionalized care and internalizing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to institutional care early in life may affect brain circuitry associated with error monitoring. Perturbations in this neural circuitry in combination with psychosocial deprivation are possibly a risk pathway associated with the development of externalizing and ADHD problems.
Allocation Rules in the EU ETS: Impact on Electricity Prices and Economic Efficiency

This paper demonstrates that cost-free allocation, commonly called grandfathering, implies an increase in electricity prices even when strong competition prevails on electricity markets. As our estimations for Germany’s power sector show, these price increases result in substantial windfall profits, giving rise to public skepticism and calls for an auctioning of certificates in the future. While empirical evidence on the ETS’ impacts is scant, the findings reviewed here indicate that even in the absence of certificate auctioning, energy-intensive industry sectors may suffer heavily from the ETS-induced electricity price increases. We argue that an abrupt transition to a complete auctioning system may endanger the competitive position of energy-intensive industries in Europe, unless all other major industrial and transition countries are integrated into a global emissions trading system. KeywordsEmission Trading Scheme (ETS); grandfathering; auctioning; cost-free allocation
A predictive model for progression of chronic kidney disease to kidney failure.

CONTEXT Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common. Kidney disease severity can be classified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria, but more accurate information regarding risk for progression to kidney failure is required for clinical decisions about testing, treatment, and referral. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate predictive models for progression of CKD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Development and validation of prediction models using demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 2 independent Canadian cohorts of patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 (estimated GFR, 10-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) who were referred to nephrologists between April 1, 2001, and December 31, 2008. Models were developed using Cox proportional hazards regression methods and evaluated using C statistics and integrated discrimination improvement for discrimination, calibration plots and Akaike Information Criterion for goodness of fit, and net reclassification improvement (NRI) at 1, 3, and 5 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Kidney failure, defined as need for dialysis or preemptive kidney transplantation. RESULTS The development and validation cohorts included 3449 patients (386 with kidney failure [11%]) and 4942 patients (1177 with kidney failure [24%]), respectively. The most accurate model included age, sex, estimated GFR, albuminuria, serum calcium, serum phosphate, serum bicarbonate, and serum albumin (C statistic, 0.917; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.901-0.933 in the development cohort and 0.841; 95% CI, 0.825-0.857 in the validation cohort). In the validation cohort, this model was more accurate than a simpler model that included age, sex, estimated GFR, and albuminuria (integrated discrimination improvement, 3.2%; 95% CI, 2.4%-4.2%; calibration [Nam and D'Agostino χ(2) statistic, 19 vs 32]; and reclassification for CKD stage 3 [NRI, 8.0%; 95% CI, 2.1%-13.9%] and for CKD stage 4 [NRI, 4.1%; 95% CI, -0.5% to 8.8%]). CONCLUSION A model using routinely obtained laboratory tests can accurately predict progression to kidney failure in patients with CKD stages 3 to 5.