Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conventional and advanced time series estimation: application to the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) adult patient database, 1993-2006.

RATIONALE Time series analysis has seen limited application in the biomedical Literature. The utility of conventional and advanced time series estimators was explored for intensive care unit (ICU) outcome series. METHODS Monthly mean time series, 1993-2006, for hospital mortality, severity-of-illness score (APACHE III), ventilation fraction and patient type (medical and surgical), were generated from the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society adult patient database. Analyses encompassed geographical seasonal mortality patterns, series structural time changes, mortality series volatility using autoregressive moving average and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity models in which predicted variances are updated adaptively, and bivariate and multivariate (vector error correction models) cointegrating relationships between series. RESULTS The mortality series exhibited marked seasonality, declining mortality trend and substantial autocorrelation beyond 24 lags. Mortality increased in winter months (July-August); the medical series featured annual cycling, whereas the surgical demonstrated long and short (3-4 months) cycling. Series structural breaks were apparent in January 1995 and December 2002. The covariance stationary first-differenced mortality series was consistent with a seasonal autoregressive moving average process; the observed conditional-variance volatility (1993-1995) and residual Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity effects entailed a Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity model, preferred by information criterion and mean model forecast performance. Bivariate cointegration, indicating long-term equilibrium relationships, was established between mortality and severity-of-illness scores at the database level and for categories of ICUs. Multivariate cointegration was demonstrated for {log APACHE III score, log ICU length of stay, ICU mortality and ventilation fraction}. CONCLUSIONS A system approach to understanding series time-dependence may be established using conventional and advanced econometric time series estimators.
An ion's view of the potassium channel. The structure of the permeation pathway as sensed by a variety of blocking ions

We have studied the block of potassium channels in voltage-clamped squid giant axons by nine organic and alkali cations, in order to learn how the channel selects among entering ions. When added to the internal solution, all of the ions blocked the channels, with inside-positive voltages enhancing the block. Cesium blocked the channels from the outside as well, with inside-negative voltages favoring block. We compared the depths to which different ions entered the channel by estimating the "apparent electrical distance" to the blocking site. Simulations with a three-barrier, double-occupancy model showed that the "apparent electrical distance," expressed as a fraction of the total transmembrane voltage, appears to be less than the actual value if the blocking ion can pass completely through the channel. These calculations strengthen our conclusion that sodium and cesium block at sites further into the channel than those occupied by lithium and the organic blockers. Our results, considered together with earlier work, demonstrate that the depth to which an ion can readily penetrate into the potassium channel depends both on its size and on the specific chemical groups on its molecular surface. The addition of hydroxyl groups to alkyl chains on a quaternary ammonium ion can both decrease the strength of binding and allow deeper penetration into the channel. For alkali cations, the degree of hydration is probably crucial in determining how far an ion penetrates. Lithium, the most strongly hydrated, appeared not to penetrate as far as sodium and cesium. Our data suggest that there are, minimally, four ion binding sites in the permeation pathway of the potassium channel, with simultaneous occupancy of at least two.
COMPETITIVE TENDERING PRACTICE IN CHINESE CONSTRUCTION

In line with the economy reform program, competitive tendering methods have been introduced to the Chinese construction industry to supplement and gradually replace the past assignment system for the procurement of construction projects. The major objectives of applying the competitive methods are to improve the effectiveness of construction investment and to develop the Chinese construction market toward the international procurement practice. This paper examines the development of competitive tendering practices in the Chinese construction industry, particularly in the more developed regions. It presents the characteristics of the tendering practice within the special environment where the national economy system is being reformed from a purely planned system to a market-oriented system. Outstanding problems in the development of tendering practices have also been investigated. A constructive survey and an in-depth discussion from Chinese academic institutions and governmental departments are used to support the analysis. The study provides a strong indication of the potential development of a competitive tendering system in China.
A review of residential water conservation tool performance and influences on implementation effectiveness

Water scarcity and household water consumption has received increasing attention on national public agendas in recent years. At the same time a number of important demand-side management (DSM) studies have been reported on by non-academic institutions, and there is a need for a comprehensive, up to date review of the impacts of DSM tools and the factors which influence their effectiveness. This paper aims to address an apparent lack of coverage in the academic literature by presenting a review of residential DSM tools using reports of recent DSM campaigns in the western (developed) world. The central objectives are to understand the potential for residential DSM tools to save water in different types of household under varying conditions and to identify influences on implementation effectiveness. In the discussion, we explore causes of uncertainty in DSM planning including the non-transferability of trends and existing methods of evaluation, and describe some of the resulting problems. The conclusions offer recommendations as to areas that require, and offer the greatest scope, for future research. This review article will be of interest to, among others, water company professionals, policy makers, regulators, researchers, and environmental agencies.
Credible commitment in carbon policy

In this article the problem of credible commitment in carbon policy is discussed. Investors favour long-term predictability of the policy, but without any external enforcement mechanisms a commitment made by a government can be withdrawn, leading to scepticism and lack of credibility. This results in increased market risks and investment hold-up. Regulatory uncertainty stems from (i) strategic interactions between government and firms, (ii) potential learning about climate damage and abatement cost and (iii) political volatility. Although commitment to future policy encourages private investment, it also imposes costs in the form of reduced flexibility to accommodate new information or preferences. The article reviews devices that may help policy makers raise the level of commitment while also leaving some room for flexible adjustments. In particular, legislation of a long-term governance framework, delegation to an independent carbon agency and securitization of investors' stakes in emission markets offer palliative approaches.
Class-Specific Hierarchical Classification of HEp-2 Cell Images: The Case of Two Classes

We propose and analyze a novel framework for classification of HEp-2 cell images. It is based upon two important aspects. First, we propose to utilize the expert knowledge about the visual characteristics of classes to formulate class-specific image features. Secondly, realizing that the problem involves a small number of classes, we treat the classification task as hierarchical verification subtasks. Thus, the overall classification problem is posed as a verification of each class, using its class-specific features. The current study reports the results using the Nuclear Membrane and Golgi classes. We demonstrate that our framework yields high classification rate with simple and efficient feature definitions, and only (20%) of the data for training. We also analyze important aspects such as comparison with non-hierarchical approach, and performance on low-contrast images which are important for early disease detection.
International transmission of stock prices among G7 countries: LA-VAR approach

The reported study analysed interdependence among stock prices in G7 countries using the LA-VAR method. Monthly data for the period from December 1969 to May 1995 were used and stock prices were analysed not only in local currencies but also in US dollars. The study revealed that the causal relationship between US stock prices and those in the rest of the world is significant. This may be due to the dominant influence of the US economy on the world market.
Microbial Composition of Near-Boiling Silica-Depositing Thermal Springs throughout Yellowstone National Park

ABSTRACT The extent of hyperthermophilic microbial diversity associated with siliceous sinter (geyserite) was characterized in seven near-boiling silica-depositing springs throughout Yellowstone National Park using environmental PCR amplification of small-subunit rRNA genes (SSU rDNA), large-subunit rDNA, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). We found that Thermocrinis ruber, a member of the order Aquificales, is ubiquitous, an indication that primary production in these springs is driven by hydrogen oxidation. Several other lineages with no known close relatives were identified that branch among the hyperthermophilic bacteria. Although they all branch deep in the bacterial tree, the precise phylogenetic placement of many of these lineages is unresolved at this time. While some springs contained a fair amount of phylogenetic diversity, others did not. Within the same spring, communities in the subaqueous environment were not appreciably different than those in the splash zone at the edge of the pool, although a greater number of phylotypes was found along the pool's edge. Also, microbial community composition appeared to have little correlation with the type of sinter morphology. The number of cell morphotypes identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and scanning electron microscopy was greater than the number of phylotypes in SSU clone libraries. Despite little variation in Thermocrinis ruber SSU sequences, abundant variation was found in the hypervariable ITS region. The distribution of ITS sequence types appeared to be correlated with distinct morphotypes of Thermocrinis ruber in different pools. Therefore, species- or subspecies-level divergences are present but not detectable in highly conserved SSU sequences.
Is water out of vogue? A survey of the drinking habits of 2-7 year olds.

OBJECTIVE--To survey the drinking habits of young children with reference to the consumption of plain water, and to estimate the proportion of a child's recommended energy intake contributed by drinks. DESIGN--A prospective survey. SETTING--Health centres, mother and toddler groups, and infant schools in and around Southampton. SUBJECTS--39 preschool and 66 infant schoolchildren. INTERVENTIONS--Parents kept a diary of all drinks consumed by the child over 48 hours. Parents were interviewed with a questionnaire about the drinking habits of their child. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--The type of drinks and volume of fluid consumed over 48 hours; the proportion of a child's recommended energy intake consumed through drinks. RESULTS--72.5% of the preschool group and 50% of the infant school group never drank plain water. Squash was by far the most frequently consumed drink. 15% of the preschool group consumed just under 50% of their recommended daily energy intake in drinks. CONCLUSIONS--Young children consume large quantities of squash which constitutes a substantial energy supply. It is possible that they are conditioned at an early age to the sweet taste of drinks that may be no nutritional benefit to them.
Validation of the A&D UM-101 professional hybrid device for office blood pressure measurement according to the International Protocol

ObjectiveAssessment of the accuracy of the A&D UM-101 mercury-free professional device for auscultatory blood pressure (BP) measurement according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol. Further to auscultation, the device has a button to mark readings during deflation. MethodsFifteen adults were included in phase 1 and another 18 in phase 2. Simultaneous BP measurements were taken by two observers (connected mercury sphygmomanometers) four times, sequentially with three measurements using the tested device (two connected tested devices, one used with and the other without the mark button). ResultsIn phase 1, the device produced 44/45/45 measurements within 5/10/15 mmHg, respectively, for systolic BP (SBP) and 39/43/45 for diastolic (DBP). In phase 2.1, 87/97/99 measurements within 5/10/15 mmHg, respectively, for SBP, and 91/97/99 for DBP (using the mark button 65/93/98 for SBP and 76/96/99 for DBP). In phase 2.2, 29 participants had at least two of their SBP differences within 5 mmHg and none had any differences within 5 mmHg, whereas 32 and none, respectively, for DBP (with mark 24/4 participants for SBP; 29/1 for DBP). Mean SBP differences were −1.5±3.5 mmHg and DBP −1.3±3.0 (with mark −3.6±4.2 and −2.8±3.7). The difference in SBP measured by the tested device with versus without using the mark button was 3.0±3.3 mmHg (P<0.001) and DBP 1.9±2.5 mmHg (P<0.001). ConclusionThe device comfortably passed the validation protocol requirements. Using the mark button, the device, however, failed to meet the validation criteria. Therefore, it is recommended for clinical use without using the mark button.
Surviving in a Commoditized World

This paper examines why organizations have adopted a wide range of responses when addressing the opportunities and threats posed by commoditization. Some may choose to focus on their cost base, whilst others may focus on innovation. Whatever strategy is adopted, it will be driven by a range of factors including the market or markets in which the organization operates the nature of its competition and how easy it is for them to become commoditized. This paper will present Ryanair, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Tesco, General Electric and Dell as examples of which highlight how different organizations have approached the challenge of commoditization. What we can conclude from these is that there are many different ways to tackle commoditization and that many organisations do so successfully. For those organizations which are comfortably outside the commoditized zone, it will give them some insights on what to do should the risk of commoditization increase to a point where action is necessary.
Wnt Signal Specifies the Intrathalamic Limit and Its Organizer Properties by Regulating Shh Induction in the Alar Plate

The structural complexity of the brain depends on precise molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms orchestrated by regional morphogenetic organizers. The thalamic organizer is the zona limitans intrathalamica (ZLI), a transverse linear neuroepithelial domain in the alar plate of the diencephalon. Because of its production of Sonic hedgehog, ZLI acts as a morphogenetic signaling center. Shh is expressed early on in the prosencephalic basal plate and is then gradually activated dorsally within the ZLI. The anteroposterior positioning and the mechanism inducing Shh expression in ZLI cells are still partly unknown, being a subject of controversial interpretations. For instance, separate experimental results have suggested that juxtaposition of prechordal (rostral) and epichordal (caudal) neuroepithelium, anteroposterior encroachment of alar lunatic fringe (L-fng) expression, and/or basal Shh signaling is required for ZLI specification. Here we investigated a key role of Wnt signaling in the molecular regulation of ZLI positioning and Shh expression, using experimental embryology in ovo in the chick. Early Wnt expression in the ZLI regulates Gli3 and L-fng to generate a permissive territory in which Shh is progressively induced by planar signals of the basal plate.
Performance of tourism sector with regard to the global crisis - a comparative study between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore

Tourism contributes to the growth of economy of a nation through employment, multiplier effect, and foreign exchange earnings and also contributes to positive balance of payments. Therefore, developed and developing countries have incorporated tourism into their long-term economic development planning. However, tourism is vulnerable to crisis events, such as outbreaks, political turmoil and also financial crisis. This study examines the performance of tourism sector in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore with regard to the recent global crisis. The three countries are chosen because of several reasons. Firstly, they have incorporated tourism as one of the focuses in their long-term economic development plan. Secondly, although they are closely related in terms of geographic proximity and regional cooperation, they differ in terms of size and openness of economy. All the commonalities and differences make it more intriguing to carry out the study. This study employs ordinary least squares method to investigate the significance of tourism in relation to economic growth. There are two models used in this study. First model employs GDP to represent economic growth and the number of international tourist arrival to represent tourism growth. Second model employs hotel’s rate of occupancy, average length of stay, and the number of tourist arrival as proxy of tourism growth. Comparative study is also done in the discussion in order to analyze how the respective countries differ in tourism performance. The study finds out that for the three countries, tourism is of significance for the economic growth. Tourism was also affected by financial crisis, as seen from the short dip in the performance of the tourism sector in terms of the number of tourist arrival and hotel’s rate of occupancy in first quarter of 2009. Nevertheless, the sector is considered as a resilient sector as it successfullyrecovered in 2010a. Based on the comparison, it is found that Singapore is affected much in comparison with the other two. It may be linked to strong real effective exchange rate, which makes the price less competitive compared to the other two. This study also finds that regional tourists actually play an important role in the development of tourism, because they comprise the largest portion of tourist arrival compared to outside-regional tourists, and the number has remained stable. Based on the result obtained, we consider tourism development as one of strategic economic pillars since it has significantly positive impact on GDP growth. We also deliberate that the countries should focus on catering to the preferences of regional tourists to accelerate the growth of this sector.
Theoretical Aspects of Collective Decision Making - Survey of the Economic Literature

Abstract The article aims at surveying the economic literature related to collective decision making. In order to do so it proposes a coherent framework allowing for a structured analysis of the factors influencing the works of a committee. These factors are divided into external ( shaped outside of the committee e.g. by law) and internal ones (related to the composition of the committee and interactions between its members). The survey of the general economic literature related to collective decision making presented within the proposed framework yields interesting suggestions for further research, including the consequences for the shape of monetary policy committees Streszczenie Artykuł ma na celu dokonanie przeglądu literatury ekonomicznej z zakresu kolektywnego podejmowania decyzji. W tym celu zaproponowano ramy pozwalające na ustrukturyzowaną analizę czynników wpływających na pracę organu kolektywnego (rady). Dokonano podziału tych czynników na zewnętrzne (tzn. kształtowane poza samą radą, np. przez wymogi prawne) oraz wewnętrzne (związane ze składem rady oraz interakcjami między jej członkami). Dokonany w ramach zaproponowanej struktury przegląd literatury ogólnoekonomicznej dotyczącej kolektywnego podejmowania decyzji pozwala na zaproponowanie interesujących kierunków dalszych badań, w tym konsekwencji dla kształtu rad polityki pieniężnej.
What Does Progress Mean? A Temptative Answer Following a Classical Approach

The purpose of our paper is to propose a definition of progress based on the relationship between economic development and civil development, according to the lesson of Classical authors, especially Adam Smith. Firstly, we analyze the interaction between economic development and civil development, in a circular cumulative causation, and the various causal relationships between these two elements. Secondly, we propose a synthetic index of progress, which on the one hand takes account of the different components of development (social, civil, economic and ecological) and on the other hand is based on the concept of ‘social sustainability’ of progress, defined as balanced improvement of all its dimensions.
A Novel Arbitrary Terminated Unequal Coupler With Bandwidth-Enhanced Positive and Negative Group Delay Characteristics

A novel and generalized planar coupler with four independent arbitrary terminated resistances, unequal power division, and wideband positive and negative group delays (NGDs) is proposed. The proposed asymmetrical circuit configuration includes six-section of transmission lines (TLs) and two coupled-line sections with series resistors. Six-section TLs have inherited the free impedance-transformation capability of the four independent arbitrarily terminated resistances. The combination of series resistors and short-circuited coupled-line sections enhances the NGD bandwidth and improves the flatness of NGD response. The analytical closed-form equations with reasonable practical ranges of the four terminated resistances are provided and discussed. For experimental demonstration, the proposed theory and predicted performance are verified by two fabricated examples (examples A and B) based on the microstrip technology. The measured results indicate that the coupler is able to realize good matching, excellent isolation, required NGD bandwidth, and acceptable NGD flatness. Example A (B) with different specified terminated impedances achieved an NGD bandwidth of 540 MHz (550 MHz) and 330 MHz (320 MHz) of flat NGD response with a center group delay of −0.48 ns (−0.49 ns) and ±8% NGD fluctuation that is acceptable to be considered as a wideband flat NGD response.
Search for nearly massless, weakly coupled particles by optical techniques.

We have searched for light scalar and/or pseudoscalar particles that couple to two photons by studying the propagation of a laser beam ($\ensuremath{\lambda}=514$ nm) through a transverse magnetic field. A limit of 3.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ rad was set on a possible optical rotation of the beam polarization for an effective path length of 2.2 km in a 3.25 T magnetic field. We find that the coupling ${g}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}}l3.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ Ge${\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at the 95% confidence level, provided ${m}_{a}l{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ eV. Similar limits can be set from the absence of ellipticity in the transmitted beam. We also searched for photon regeneration in a magnetic field and found the limit ${g}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}}l6.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ Ge${\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for the same range of particle mass.