Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP AND AGENCY CONFLICT CONTROLLING MECHANISM

The research investigates ownership structure in Indonesia in context of agency theory for non-financial firms listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for 2000-2007 periods. The uniqueness of characteristic of ownership structure in Indonesia, which is dominated by large institutional shareholders motivated researcher to examine the impact and its relationship to agency conflict and balancing off agency theory in Indonesian companies. In this condition, it is certainly indicating that the existing conflict is not between managers and owners but majority and minority. The study argues that in low level ownership, controlling institutional shareholder expropriates the minority shareholders. However, when the ownerships comes to higher level, the controlling shareholder will make agency conflict lower since monitoring hypothesis becoming relevant in such level. In other words, the study argues that nonlinear relation between agency conflict which is proxied by firm’s performance ratios and controlling institutional ownership exist. Nevertheless, the study argues that debt and dividend policy can also be used to reduce the conflict. Thus, the study also examines the simultaneous relationships among the mechanisms used to reduce agency conflict. The result indicates that when controlling institutional shareholder has significant amount of shares, they will actively monitor the manager to ensure them making value. However, when the ownership is insignificant, controlling shareholder will harm firm value due to expropriation of controlling shareholder. Therefore, nonlinear relationship exists between controlling institutional shareholder and agency conflict. Second, debt policy and dividend policy can be used to reduce the conflict. The last, it is found that balancing off agency theory is not applied among all policies. The only bidirectional relationship is between institutional ownership and debt policy. Keywords: controlling institutional ownership, agency theory, balancing off agency theory, debt policy, dividend policy
Distribution and Fractionation of Phosphorus, Cadmium, Nickel, and Lead in Calcareous Soils Amended with Composts

Abstract Composts improve organic carbon content and nutrients of calcareous soils but the accumulation and distribution of phosphorus and heavy metals among various fractions in soil may vary under the south Florida conditions. The accumulation of P, Cd, Ni, and Pb with depth and the distribution of water soluble, exchangeable, carbonate, Fe–Mn oxides, organic and residual forms of each element were investigated in soils amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) compost, co-compost and biosolids compost and inorganic fertilizer (as control). Total concentrations of P, Cd, Ni, and Pb were higher in the 0–22 cm soil layers and decreased considerably in the rock layers. These elements were in the decreasing order of P ≫ Pb > Ni > Cd. Amounts of water soluble and exchangeable forms of P, Cd, Ni and Pb were negligible at 0–22 cm soil depths except for Cd in the 10–22 cm depth. Amending calcareous soil with either organic or inorganic amendments rendered phosphorus, nickle and lead in the residual form followed by Fe–Mn oxides form in the 0–10 and 10–22 cm soil layers. Cadmium was predominantly in the Fe–Mn oxides fraction followed by the residual and carbonate forms in both soil layers. A significant positive correlation was found between various organic carbon fractions and organic forms of P, Cd and Pb in the surface soil layer. Soil amended with MSW compost had higher concentration of Cd in the organic fraction whereas, co-compost and MSW compost amended soil had higher concentrations of organic Ni fraction in the 0–10 cm soil layer.
AN ADAPTIVE FEATURE BASED STEREO MATCHING

A stereo matching scheme is widely used in computer vision and stereo reconstruction, from the perspective of improving the matching accuracy, this paper focuses on the global optimization algorithm. A novel high-accuracy Adaptive stereo matching scheme based on (based on image ---SURF-features. The approach is based on real time generation of facial disparity map, requiring neither expensive devices nor generic face model. An algorithm based on incorporating topological information of the face in the disparity estimation process is proposed to enhance the result of the 3D reconstruction. Some experimental results are presented to demonstrate the reconstruction accuracy of the
RNA interference as an anticancer therapy: a patent perspective

Background: The development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing approaches has revolutionized biomedical research. These technologies have been applied for functional genomic studies in a variety of areas, including cancer research, by facilitating a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie tumorigenicity and the identification of novel factors that either promote or inhibit oncogenic transformation. Objective: These approaches have laid the groundwork for the development of a novel class of genetic therapies. Preclinical results have exposed both the unique therapeutic opportunities and challenges that are encountered in adapting these technologies for clinical applications. These themes are reflected in the patent literature that has mirrored the rise in complexity and sophistication of RNAi-based therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the identification of potential anticancer therapeutic targets and the development of clinically relevant delivery approaches. Conclusions: Thus far, the patent landscape in the RNAi field has been dominated by a handful of key patents that describe the original identification and characterization of inhibitory double-stranded RNA molecules. Only time will tell how these original patents will hold up in the face of the development of new approaches and reagents as RNAi-based therapeutics approach transition from the bench to the clinic.
Efficacy of Pemetrexed as Second-Line Therapy in Advanced NSCLC after Either Treatment-Free Interval or Maintenance Therapy with Gemcitabine or Erlotinib in IFCT-GFPC 05-02 Phase III Study

Introduction: Maintenance therapy in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might lead to resistance to subsequent treatments. IFCT–GFPC 0502 study showed a progression-free survival (PFS) benefit with gemcitabine or erlotinib maintenance compared with observation after cisplatin-gemcitabine chemotherapy. The trial included a pre-defined pemetrexed second-line therapy, allowing post-hoc assessment of its efficacy according to previous maintenance treatment or treatment-free interval. Methods: Stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients were randomized after four cycles of cisplatin-gemcitabine chemotherapy to either observation or to receive maintenance therapy with gemcitabine or erlotinib. Pemetrexed was given as second-line treatment on disease progression in all arms. PFS and overall survival (OS) were assessed from the beginning of pemetrexed therapy according to randomization arm. Results: Of the 464 randomized patients, 360 (78 %) received second-line pemetrexed (130 [84%], 114 [74%], and 116 [75%] in observation, gemcitabine, and erlotinib arm, respectively). Median number of pemetrexed cycles was 3 (1–40) in all arms. Median PFS did not differ between gemcitabine and observation arms (4.2 versus 3.9 months, hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 [0.62–1.06]) or between erlotinib and observation arms (4.2 versus 3.9 months, HR 0.83 [0.64–1.09]). OS data showed a non-significant improvement with gemcitabine arm versus observation arm (8.3 versus 7.5 months, HR 0.81 [0.61−1.07]) or erlotinib arm versus observation arm (9.1 versus 7.5 months, HR 0.80 [0.61−1.05]). Results were similar for non-squamous patients. Grade 3 to 4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were comparable in all arms. Conclusions: Maintenance therapy with gemcitabine continuation or erlotinib does not seem to impair efficacy of second-line pemetrexed comparatively to administration after a treatment-free interval.
Automated segmentation of the cup and rim from spectral domain OCT of the optic nerve head.

PURPOSE To evaluate the performance of an automated algorithm for determination of the cup and rim from close-to-isotropic spectral domain (SD) OCT images of the optic nerve head (ONH) and compare to the cup and rim as determined by glaucoma experts from stereo color photographs of the same eye. METHODS Thirty-four consecutive patients with glaucoma were included in the study, and the ONH in the left eye was imaged with SD-OCT and stereo color photography on the same day. The cup and rim were segmented in all ONH OCT volumes by a novel voxel column classification algorithm, and linear cup-to-disc (c/d) ratio was determined. Three fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists performed planimetry on the stereo color photographs, and c/d was also determined. The primary outcome measure was the correlation between algorithm-determined c/d and planimetry-derived c/d. RESULTS The correlation of algorithm c/d to experts 1, 2, and 3 was 0.90, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively. The c/d correlation of expert 1 to 2, 1 to 3, and 2 to 3, were 0.89, 0.93, and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary study, we have developed a novel algorithm to determine the cup and rim in close-to-isotropic SD-OCT images of the ONH and have shown that its performance for determination of the cup and rim from SD-OCT images is similar to that of planimetry by glaucoma experts. Validation on a larger glaucoma sample as well as normal controls is warranted.
Acute effects of cigarette smoking on platelet-dependent thrombin generation.

AIMS Thrombin is an important factor in the pathogenesis of thrombotic diseases. To clarify whether smoking has an effect in platelet-dependent thrombogenesis, we studied the acute effects of smoking on platelet-dependent thrombin level in smokers. METHODS AND RESULTS Subjects consisted of ten smokers and nine non-smokers. Platelet-dependent thrombin level measured after overnight fasting was greater in smokers than in non-smokers (smokers vs non-smokers, 121 +/- 47 vs 56 +/- 5 mIU. ml(-1), P < 0.01). When subjects in the smokers group smoked two cigarettes containing 0.9 mg of nicotine per cigarette, platelet-dependent thrombin levels showed a transient three-fold increase in blood samples obtained immediately after smoking (365+/-76 mIU. ml(-1), P < 0.001). Thrombin levels in the blood samples obtained 10 min and 30 min after smoking were less than that in the samples obtained immediately after smoking ceased, but were not significantly different from those in the samples obtained before smoking. Blood nicotine level increased significantly immediately after smoking (P < 0.001), and plasma protein C activity decreased significantly 30 min after smoking (P < 0.05). When nicotine or cotinine was added to the platelet-rich plasma of non-smokers ex vivo, the platelet-dependent thrombin level increased significantly (P < 0.002). CONCLUSION Platelet-dependent thrombin level is enhanced in smokers, even when not smoking, when compared with non-smokers and increases immediately after smoking. Increases in nicotine and cotinine levels caused by smoking induced a prothrombotic state in smokers via increased platelet-dependent thrombogenesis.
Specific binding of [3H]kainic acid to receptor sites in rat brain.

The binding of [3H]kainic acid to washed membranes from rat forebrain was saturable with dissociation constants at 2° of 4-16 nM and 27-66 nM for high and low affinity binding, respectively. The Hill coefficients for binding to high and low affinity sites were 0.99 and 0.85, respectively. At 2° [3H]kainic acid receptor binding reached equilibrium by 60 minutes. Dissociation of the ligand-receptor complex at 2° was biphasic. The kinetically-determined dissociation constant for the high affinity binding site corresponded well with the value obtained in equilibrium studies. Of the substances tested, kainic acid and quisqualic acid were the most potent in competing for [3H]kainic acid binding sites. L-glutamic acid was 40-fold less potent than kainic acid itself but 2500 times more effective than D-glutamic acid; dihydrokainic acid was 200-fold less potent than kainic acid at the low affinity site and 1000-fold less active in competing for binding to the high affinity site. Among the poor displacers of [3H]kainic acid (IC50 > 0.1 mM at 50 nM [3H]kainic acid) were D- and L-aspartic acids as well as several proposed glutamate antagonists. In brain, there was considerable variation in the regional distribution of high affinity binding sites: striatum > frontal cortex = hippocampus > cerebellum > medulla-pons; more than 90% of the total specific binding in the cerebellum and medulla-pons was to low affinity sites. Thus, on the basis of the kinetics of binding, differential affinity for competitors and differences in regional distribution in brain, the high and low affinity binding sites represent independent entities. Negligible specific binding was obtained (< 1 fmole/mg tissue) in liver, lung, kidney and intestine. Ablation of the intrinsic neurons of the caudate nucleus by injecting 10 nmole of kainic acid 28 days before sacrifice was associated with a 57-64% reduction in high and low affinity binding in this region. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank A. Hunter Thompson for providing excellent technical assistance and Victoria Rhodes, Princie Campbell and Carol Kenyon for preparing the manuscript. We are also grateful to Dr. Morley Hollenberg for his helpful comments and Dr. Kathleen Biziere for her contributions.
Neutrality Tests for Sequences with Missing Data

Missing data are common in DNA sequences obtained through high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, samples of low quality or problems in the experimental protocol often cause a loss of data even with traditional sequencing technologies. Here we propose modified estimators of variability and neutrality tests that can be naturally applied to sequences with missing data, without the need to remove bases or individuals from the analysis. Modified statistics include the Watterson estimator θW, Tajima’s D, Fay and Wu’s H, and HKA. We develop a general framework to take missing data into account in frequency spectrum-based neutrality tests and we derive the exact expression for the variance of these statistics under the neutral model. The neutrality tests proposed here can also be used as summary statistics to describe the information contained in other classes of data like DNA microarrays.
Generation of mice harboring a Sox6 conditional null allele

Sox6 belongs to the family of Sry‐related HMG box transcription factors, which determine cell fate and differentiation in various lineages. Sox6 is expressed in several tissues, including cartilage, testis, neuronal, and erythropoietic tissues. Mice lacking Sox6 have revealed critical roles for Sox6 in several of these tissues, but their multiple defects and early lethality has limited studies in specific cell types and in postnatal mice. We show here that we have generated mice harboring a Sox6 conditional null allele (Sox6fl+) by flanking the second coding exon with loxP sites. This allele encodes wildtype Sox6 protein, is expressed normally, and is efficiently converted into a null allele (Sox6fl−) by Cre‐mediated recombination in somatic and germ cells. Sox6fl+/fl+ mice are indistinguishable from wildtype mice, and Sox6fl−/fl− mice from Sox6−/− mice. These Sox6 conditional null mice will thus be valuable for further uncovering the roles of Sox6 in various processes in vivo. genesis 44:219–224, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Addressing Rural Teachers' Authentic Needs by Contextualizing Graduate Teacher Education

Abstract In this article, the author discusses the contextualized needs and experiences of language arts teachers with whom she worked in the rural Southeast by focusing on a case study of one such teacher. In addition to describing the ways the teacher attempted to respond to the challenges she faced, the author also outlines how her work with the teacher clarified how graduate teacher education programs can be tailored to provide teachers access to the theory, pedagogical approaches, professional networks, and opportunities for empowerment that can help them claim agency in making informed decisions about what is best for their students. The author closes by advocating that graduate teacher education programs encourage teacher action research as a promising means for helping rural educators document successful curricular innovations in relation to their contextual concerns (McKernan & Powers, 2000).
On Computing Broadcasting Trees inWireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networking has been a very hot research topic in recent years. Large Cyber-Physical Systems, such as community health/security-monitoring networks and vehicle communication networks, are using wireless mesh network technology to build data transmission infrastructure. In this paper we study the problem of generating broadcasting trees in a given community mesh network. The target is to generate a broadcasting tree for each Base Station, and all the wireless links in the network should be evenly used. This will not only decrease the congestion but also increase the survivability of the whole network. We propose several algorithms for computing broadcasting trees that can achieve good congestion performance, both simulation data and theoretic analysis will be presented to support our result.
The Impact of Proposition 13 on House Prices in Northern California: A Test of the Interjurisdictional Capitalization Hypothesis

it-wen Institute of Business and University of California, Economic Research Berkeley CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE AND URBAN ECONOMICS WOBKINGIPAPER SERIES These papers are preliminary ‘ ature; their purpose ' limul discussion comme . h re. they are not to be ' or quoted ‘ ny publication without express permission of the author. WORKING PAPER NO. 80-11 THE IMPACT OF PROPOSITION 13 ON HOUSE PRICES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A TEST OF THE INTERJURISDICTIONAL CAPITALIZATION HYPOTHESIS by Kenneth T. Rosen
The Logic of Urban Fragmentation: Organisational Ecology and the Proliferation of American Cities

Much research has been done on the causes of metropolitan consolidation and its rarity. However, the causes of metropolitan fragmentation are rarely considered. Without considering the reasons for fragmentation, it is difficult to make wise decisions, especially when state policies granting power to local governments cause fragmentation. This article proposes that city formation follows a niche model, much like the formation of interest groups, and that the factors governing interest group origination also affect city formation. To form, cities need residents, resources and entrepreneurs to come together such that a new city can be affordably created. It tests this theory against data from the US Census of Governments and other sources, and finds that Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s) fragment differently from non-MSA counties, state grants of local power increase fragmentation, and more resources allow for more fragmentation. It concludes with a discussion of the results and how they should influence urban policy.
Employee engagement, organisational performance and individual well-being: exploring the evidence, developing the theory

The development of mainstream human resource management (HRM) theory has long been concerned with how people management can enhance performance outcomes. It is only very recently that interest has been shown in the parallel stream of research on the link between employee engagement and performance, bringing the two together to suggest that engagement may constitute the mechanism through which HRM practices impact individual and organisational performance. However, engagement has emerged as a contested construct, whose meaning is susceptible to ‘fixing, shrinking, stretching and bending’. It has furthermore not yet been scrutinised from a critical HRM perspective, nor have the societal and contextual implications of engagement within the domain of HRM been considered. We review the contribution of the seven articles in this special issue to the advancement of theory and evidence on employee engagement, and highlight areas where further research is needed to answer important questions in the emergent field that links HRM and engagement.
Managing knowledge for innovation: Multiple case studies of science-based R&D in Thailand

Summary The most important notion of knowledge management (KM) is the organization’s ability to create, transfer, use, store and reuse knowledge. Universities are widely regarded not only as teaching establishments but also as organizations that conduct research to create new knowledge, and innovation. As such, KM is likely to play a significant role in improving and sustaining universities’ research and innovation capabilities. This paper presents findings on managing knowledge within the innovation processes currently applied by three successful research units in Thai universities. Initial findings gained through multiple case studies indicate that (1) knowledge integration is the most important KM process enhancing the research units’ innovation capability. (2) The most difficult process in managing knowledge is the transfer of individual knowledge from the researchers and integrate it into the organization. (3) While the research teams prefer collaborating with researchers from other national and international organizations to enhance their capabilities, the trust established through personal contacts is the key for research collaboration success.
Maternal Depressive Symptomatology: 16-Month Follow-up of Infant and Maternal Health-Related Quality of Life

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document risk factors for depressive symptoms during the postpartum period among working mothers and to determine longitudinal effects of depressive symptoms on maternal health-related quality of life and infant health and development. Methods: Mother-infant dyads from a community-based cohort study of working mothers were recruited when infants were 4 months old and were interviewed every 4 months until infants were 16 months old. Depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Short Form-12 Health Survey, respectively. Infant development and health-related quality of life were measured with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Infant-Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. Results: Depressive symptoms were elevated among mothers who were younger, less educated, African American, unmarried, and impoverished. Mothers with significant depressive symptoms had significantly poorer physical and mental health-related quality of life, reported greater pain for their infant, and had more health-related concerns about their child. Maternal depressive symptoms at 4 months predicted infant poorer health-related quality of life at 8, 12, and 16 months. Conclusions: Several characteristics, including age, education level, race, marital status, and poverty, can help primary care physicians identify working mothers at risk for depressive symptoms. Identification of these symptoms is important; they are correlated with poorer maternal health-related quality of life and they predict poorer children's health-related quality of life.