Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is there a link between Earth's magnetic field and low-latitude precipitation?

Some studies indicate that the solar modulation of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) particles has profound consequences for Earth9s climate system. A corollary of the GCR-climate theory involves a link between Earth9s magnetic field and climate, since the geomagnetic field also modulates the GCR flux reaching Earth9s atmosphere. In this study, we explore this potential geomagnetic-climate link by comparing a new reconstruction of the Holocene geomagnetic dipole moment with high-resolution speleothem data from China and Oman. The speleothem δ 18 O data represent proxy records for past precipitation in low-latitude regions, which is a climate parameter that is likely to have been sensitive to variations in the GCR flux modulated by the dipole moment. Intriguingly, we observe a relatively good correlation between the high-resolution speleothem δ 18 O records and the dipole moment, suggesting that Earth9s magnetic field to some degree influenced low-latitude precipitation in the past. In addition to supporting the notion that variations in the geomagnetic field may have influenced Earth9s climate in the past, our study also provides some degree of support for the controversial link between GCR particles, cloud formation, and climate.
Employees on Corporate Boards

Employees in Swedish firms have the legal right to be represented on the company board. However, in a considerable share of Swedish listed firms, this option is not exercised. This paper asks why that is the case. We use a simple framework, based on rational choice by individual employees. Our sample consists of 226 listed non-financial Swedish firms in 2001-2007. The results are in line with our predictions. Employee board representation does not impact firm performance, neither positively nor negatively. The main driver of employee board representation is the number of eligible employees. Furthermore, employee board representation decreases with firm risk, slow growth, and internationalization. We conclude that when the law grants the right for employees to be represented on the board a simple model based on individual utility maximization provides an explanation for why the right is used in some firms and not in others.
The impact of cyber-attacks on publicly traded companies

This thesis explores the financial impact of cyber-attacks on publicly traded companies as determined by equity market investors, and attempts to identify the significant determinants of this impact. A hand collected sample of 313 events is analyzed using an event study methodology. The average (median) cumulative abnormal return when a company experiences a cyber-attack is -0.69% (-0.37%), which translates into an average (median) $134,604,868 ($30,506,757) destruction of firm value. Smaller firms are hit harder than larger firms, and the number of cyber-attacks in a trailing 30-day period is negatively related to average cumulative abnormal returns. Attacks on technology and telecom companies have become less frequent and less damaging, while attacks on Finance and Retail companies have become more frequent. Retail damages have become significantly worse, and Finance companies have experienced some of the most damaging attacks ever revealed. Hacktivism and State Sponsored attacks are relatively inexpensive to firm value over the studied period, as are breaches of proprietary and identity information.
Crystal structure of (E)-1-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one

In the title compound, C21H15NO3, the molecule has an E conformation about the C=C bond, and the C—C=C—C torsion angle is −178.24 (18)°. In the molecule, the planes of the terminal rings are twisted by an angle of 42.19 (10)°, while the biphenyl part is not planar, with a dihedral angle between the rings of 39.2 (1)°. The dihedral angle between the nitrophenyl ring and the inner benzene ring is 5.56 (9)°. The 3-nitro group is approximately coplanar with the benzene ring to which it is attached [O—N—C—C = 0.1 (3)°]. In the crystal, molecules are linked via C—H⋯π interactions, involving the terminal benzene rings, forming corrugated layers parallel to (100).
CEO's Compensation: A Tool to Augment Corporate Governance to Achieve Optimal Level of Corporate Social Responsibility

In this paper we used components of executive compensation namely bonus, value of options granted, and value of pension accumulated for executives from Wharton Research Database to drive conclusion regarding implications of how such short term (bonus) and long term (value of options granted and value of pension accumulated) incentives play a role in determining the level of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ratings among firms. Our results suggested that contracting executive compensation schemes based on long term incentives would tend to favor firms’ level of Corporate Social Responsibility while designing optimal contracts based on short term incentives could be more of an agency cost to firm in terms of level of CSR ratings.
Empirical Study of Financial Disclosure Compliance with IFRS: Evidence from listed Romanian Companies

The international accounting regulatory bodies were faced with a major challenge: that of ensuring the comparability and transparency of the financial reporting at an international level given that many local standards make financial reporting difficult. The need for financial statements comparable internationally and at the European level attracts interest in terms of developing quality accounting standards. Internationally, the research on the compliance with IFRS, in general
Serum iron markers are inadequate for guiding iron repletion in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Iron (Fe) overload may complicate parenteral Fe therapy used to enhance the efficacy of erythropoietic-stimulating agents in the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease. However, serum Fe markers are influenced by inflammation or malignancy and may not accurately reflect the amount of body Fe. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We studied the relationship between parenteral Fe therapy, conventional serum Fe markers, and liver iron concentration (LIC) measured using magnetic resonance R2 relaxometry (FerriScan) in 25 Fe-deficient predialysis chronic kidney disease patients before and 2 and 12 weeks after single high-dose intravenous Fe and in 15 chronic hemodialysis patients with elevated serum ferritin (>500 μg/L). RESULTS In predialysis patients, there was strong dose dependency between the administered Fe dose and changes in LIC at weeks 2 and 12; however, no dose dependency between Fe dose and changes in ferritin or transferrin saturation (TSAT) were observed. In hemodialysis patients, LIC correlated with the cumulative Fe dose and duration of dialysis but not with current ferritin or TSAT. The cumulative Fe dose remained a significant independent predictor of LIC in a multiple regression model. Two dialysis patients who received >6 g parenteral Fe had substantially elevated LIC >130 μmol/g, which is associated with hemochromatosis. CONCLUSIONS In Fe-deficient predialysis patients, intravenous Fe therapy is associated with increases in LIC unrelated to changes in conventional Fe markers. In hemodialysis patients, TSAT and ferritin are poor indicators of body Fe load, and some patients have LICs similar to those found in hemochromatosis.
A Hypoxia-Induced Positive Feedback Loop Promotes Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Stability through miR-210 Suppression of Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase 1-Like

ABSTRACT Oxygen-dependent regulation of the transcription factor HIF-1α relies on a family of prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) that hydroxylate hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein at two prolines during normal oxygen conditions, resulting in degradation by the proteasome. During low-oxygen conditions, these prolines are no longer hydroxylated and HIF-1α degradation is blocked. Hypoxia-induced miRNA-210 (miR-210) is a direct transcriptional target of HIF-1α, but its complete role and targets during hypoxia are not well understood. Here, we identify the enzyme glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like (GPD1L) as a novel regulator of HIF-1α stability and a direct target of miR-210. Expression of miR-210 results in stabilization of HIF-1α due to decreased levels of GPD1L resulting in an increase in HIF-1α target genes. Altering GPD1L levels by overexpression or knockdown results in a decrease or increase in HIF-1α stability, respectively. GPD1L-mediated decreases in HIF-1α stability can be reversed by pharmacological inhibition of the proteasome or PHD activity. When rescued from degradation by proteasome inhibition, elevated amounts of GPD1L cause hyperhydroxylation of HIF-1α, suggesting increases in PHD activity. Importantly, expression of GPD1L attenuates the hypoxic response, preventing complete HIF-1α induction. We propose a model in which hypoxia-induced miR-210 represses GPD1L, contributing to suppression of PHD activity, and increases of HIF-1α protein levels.
The road less traveled: Associations between externalizing behaviors and eating pathology.

OBJECTIVE Few studies have examined associations between externalizing behaviors and eating disorders in either sex. The current study investigated sex differences in associations between internalizing and externalizing symptoms and disordered eating. METHOD A sample of 541 men and women completed self-reported measures of disordered eating (e.g., binge eating), internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety), and externalizing behaviors (e.g., delinquency). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine sex differences in associations between these symptoms and disordered eating. RESULTS Internalizing symptoms showed the strongest associations with disordered eating in both sexes. Hyperactivity and aggression were more strongly associated with disordered eating in men, whereas alcohol use was more strongly associated with disordered eating in women. DISCUSSION Results indicated several sex similarities in associations between internalizing symptoms and disordered eating, but some important sex differences among externalizing behaviors. Externalizing behaviors may play a significant role in the development of disordered eating uniquely within men and women.
Can nonenhancing white matter lesions in cancer patients be disregarded?

PURPOSE To assess the risks and implications of assuming that white matter lesions in cancer patients that do not enhance with gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) can be considered to be benign. METHODS Gd-DTPA was administered prospectively to 131 consecutive patients with biopsy-proved extracranial malignancies referred for cranial MR imaging to exclude cerebral metastases over a 21/2-year period. From this initial group, 50 patients were identified who had focal nonenhancing lesions of the white matter on T2-weighted images, but no other findings to suggest metastatic disease. This cohort of 50 patients was then followed for at least 1 year to determine the risk and clinical implications of assuming these nonenhancing white matter lesions were benign. RESULTS Thirty patients (60%) were alive and clinically free of cranial metastatic disease at least 1 year following their initial MR study (median follow-up time, 17 months). Twenty of the 50 patients (40%) died within 1 year of their study (median survival, 4.1 months). Review of clinic notes and hospital charts revealed no evidence for deterioration of neurologic status in any of these patients before death, and the cause of death in each case was ascribed to extracranial complications of their systemic malignancies. Eight of these 20 patients who expired had at least one follow-up cranial CT or MR scan before death showing no new cerebral metastases or change in the nonenhancing white matter lesions previously identified. In a single patient, however, follow-up MR scan revealed conversion of one of her several white matter lesions from nonenhancing to enhancing without appreciable change in its size on T2-weighted images. Unfortunately, this patient died 4 months later from surgical complications without interval change in her neurologic status nor pathologic proof of the nature of this lesion. CONCLUSIONS White matter lesions in cancer patients that do not enhance with Gd-DTPA at the time of the initial MR study have a low probability of representing metastatic disease. Clinical management or final outcome will not likely be altered by assuming such lesions are benign.
Computational Modelling of Perceptual Music Features View project Normative Computational Theory of Visual and Auditory Receptive Fields View project

The spectral distribution of music audio has an important influence on listener perception, but large-scale characterizations are lacking. Therefore, the long-term average spectrum (LTAS) was analyzed for a large dataset of popular music. The mean LTAS was computed, visualized, and then approximated with two quadratic fittings. The fittings were subsequently used to derive the spectrum slope. By applying harmonic/percussive source separation, the relationship between LTAS and percussive prominence was investigated. A clear relationship was found; tracks with more percussion have a relatively higher LTAS in the bass and high frequencies. We show how this relationship can be used to improve targets in automatic equalization. Furthermore, we assert that variations in LTAS between genres is mainly a side-effect of percussive prominence.
Accelerated frame-free time-encoded multi-step imaging

This paper presents a frame-free time-domain imaging approach designed to alleviate the non-ideality of finite exposure measurement time (intrinsic to all integrating imagers), limiting the temporal resolution of the ATIS asynchronous time-based image sensor concept. The method uses the time-domain correlated double sampling (TCDS) and change detection circuitry already present in the data-driven autonomous ATIS pixels and does not involve any additional data to be transmitted by the sensor, but is entirely based on the data available in normal operation. Three consecutive exposure estimation / measurement steps apply different trade-offs between measurement speed, accuracy and noise. The early estimates yield between 10 and 100 times faster pixel updates than the standard full-swing integrating exposure measurement operation. The results from the three individual measurement steps can be used separately or in combination, enabling event-driven asynchronous high-speed imaging at moderate light levels.
Some statistical models for durations and their applications in finance

This paper considers a ew class of time series models called Autoregressive Conditional Duration (ACD)models.Various statistical properties of this class of ACD models are given. A minimum mean square error (mmse)forecast function is obtained as it plays a important role in many practical applications.The theory is illustrated using a potential application based on financial data.
Financial Performance of Private Sector Hospitals in India:Some Further Evidence

This paper analyses financial performance of private hospitals. The study is based on financial statement data of private hospitals for the years 1999 to 2004. Using 25 key financial ratios, the study finds six key financial dimensions. These are: fixed assets age, current assets efficiency, operating efficiency, financial structure, surplus/profit appropriation, and financial profitability/operating cost ratio. The findings suggest that over the years hospitals have shown marginal improvement in financial performance. Though the total amount of debt is not high, it is the cost of debt and ability to service the debt which is making debt burden high for hospitals. The financial risks in this sector are high because of lower profitability and lower operating efficiencies. We discuss the implications of the results.
Equine infectious anemia virus: evidence favoring classification as a retravirus

Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) has a density of 1.154 g/cm3 in sucrose a high-molecular-weight RNA similar in size to Rauscher murine leukemia virus, and an internal virion reverse transcriptase that utilizes the synthetic RNA template poly(rA) but not the synthetic DNA template poly(dA), both with (dT)12 as primer. Although capable of utilizing manganese at low concentrations (approximately 0.1 mM), EIAV reverse transcriptase showed highest activity in the presence of 9 mM magnesium. The major protein of EIAV has a slightly lower molecular weight than the comparable protein of type C viruses and co-electrophoresed with 125I-labeled p25 of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus. A reference horse serum with antibodies to the major EIAV protein reacted only with EIAV and not with other type C or non-type C retraviruses. Reciprocally, a broadly reactive serum to type C virus p30s and specific sera to a variety of non-type C retraviruses did not react with EIAV. We recommend the inclusion of EIAV in the family Retraviridae.
Efficacy of mequitazine in comparison with placebo assessed by ocular challenge with allergen in allergic conjunctivitis

Pharmacologic intervention in the management of allergic conjunctivitis was evaluated with different topical ocular agents in man. Their effect can be precisely assessed with the conjunctival provocation test (CPT). A potent specific H1‐receptor antagonist, 0.05% mequitazine eye‐drops, was tested in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study using CPT with grass pollen allergens. Twenty healthy subjects allergic to grass pollen were included outside the pollen season after a positive CPT screening. They received one drop of 0.05% mequitazine in one eye and the vehicle in the contralateral eye in a random order, four times daily for 5 days. CPT was performed 15 min after the last instillation, and the threshold dose inducing a positive reaction was determined. Results were given by Abelson's composite score including redness, chemosis, tearing, and itching. Topical 0.05% mequitazine significantly reduced the composite score compared to placebo. The allergen threshold concentration which induced the positive conjunctival reaction was higher in mequitazine pretreated eyes. No side effect was reported. These data clearly suggest that mequitazine has potential to treat allergic conjunctivitis.
Social Participation in Later Years: The Role of Driving Mobility

Objectives I investigate the role of driving mobility for older adults' formal and informal social participation. I expand the common driving status dichotomy using gradated driving frequency, driving change, and ride receipt to account for the complexity of driving behaviors in later years. Method I estimate logistic regression models using the 2011 and 2013 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study on a nationally representative sample of 4,359 community-dwelling older adults. I adjust models for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and social activity factors. Results Frequent drivers are most likely to visit friends and family, go out for enjoyment, attend religious services, and participate in organized activities compared with occasional drivers, those who ceased driving, and those who never drove. Driving frequency decrease lowers social participation. Participation does not differ between those who ceased driving and those who never drove. Persons with consistent ride access participate more than those never receiving rides. Models using a measure of driving mobility fit data better than models using dichotomous driving status. Discussion Both driving frequency and ride receipt matter for older adults' formal and informal involvement. Facilitating ride-giving and developing flexible transportation options may enhance social participation among older adults who cease or begin ceasing to drive.
Synaptic integration and dendritic excitability in cerebellar Purkinje neurons

Dendrites receive most of the synaptic input to the neuron, but their contribution to synaptic integration is not well understood. In this thesis I investigate synaptic integration in Purkinje neurons in cerebellar slices, focusing on the contribution of dendritic excitability using simultaneous somatic and dendritic patch-clamp recordings. I first investigated the ionic conductances underlying intrinsic bistability in Purkinje cell action potential firing. The hyperpolarisation-activated mixed cation current Ih promotes the tonically firing state, with the firing rate being limited by the calcium-activated potassium current. Physiological modulation of Ih by serotonin is shown to enhance bistability triggered by inhibitory synaptic inputs. I next explored the interaction between excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and voltage-gated channels. Near action potential threshold, parallel fibre (PF) EPSPs are non-linearly amplified. Application of the sodium channel blocker TTX abolishes this subthreshold EPSP “boosting”. Strong depolarisation reveals an additional boosting mechanism which is mediated by calcium channel activation. Sodium channel-mediated boosting is perisomatic in origin, while calcium channel-mediated boosting is dendritic. The potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine abolishes the somato-dendritic polarity of calcium boosting and also hyperpolarises the voltage threshold of both sodium and calcium boosting. Blocking Ih increases the time constant of EPSP decay, thereby augmenting EPSP boosting. These results indicate that EPSPs are shaped by a complex interplay of several channel types depending on stimulus intensity and membrane potential. 3 I demonstrate that the very powerful synaptic input provided by the climbing fibre (CF) triggers an EPSP which depolarises the entire dendritic membrane to near zero mV. Pairing the CF with depolarisation or PF input triggered secondary calcium spikes which could be confined to dendritic branches and depended on the relative timing of CF and PF input. Inhibitory GABAergic synaptic input mimicked using dynamic clamp could completely suppress or delay CF-evoked dendritic calcium spikes in a temporally and spatially precise manner.