Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Auditor Switching by Corporate Governance: Empirical Analysis From the Listed Company in China

As the most important institutional arrangement in modern corporate, corporate governance is playing an increasingly important role in Chinese market economy, and its effect to auditor change is also being increasingly tapped in recent years. This paper summarizes the reason of auditor switching, especially the elements of corporate governance. Then by selecting the A-share listed companies in China as a sample, the authors use statistical test and logistic regression analysis to explore how the 15 factors of corporate governance which are based on the indicators of Nankai University evaluation system affect auditor switching. The results show that the largest proportion of shareholding, the proportion of independent directors, and board meetings which on behalf of the level of corporate governance, have a significant and negative correlation with auditor switching. The results also show that full disclosure, litigation, and arbitration which on behave of the level of corporate governance have a significant positive correlation with auditor switching.
European energy policy: meeting the security of supply and climate change challenges

The paper critiques current European energy policy. The key market failures are identified and the reasons for intervention set out. In addition to the traditional concerns with monopoly and market failures, the public goods aspects of diversity and security of supply, together with environmental failures are highlighted. Whilst in the 1980s and 1990s, market power dominated in the context of excess supply, the new priorities of security of supply and climate change require new policy instruments - notably network interconnection, capacity markets, strategic storage, and enhancements to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The paper sets out the necessary reforms, together with the institutional structures at the EU level which would provide credibility.
Hodgkin lymphoma as Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a retrospective analysis of world literature

Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) represents an entity of considerable genetic, molecular, immunological and clinical heterogeneity. A rare occurrence, Hodgkin variant of Richter syndrome, has not been comprehensively characterized or systematized to date. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the existing cases of Hodgkin lymphoma as Richter syndrome reported in the medical literature in the previous three and a half decades. Our search identified 86 such patients; this entity affects predominantly older men and the most common histological subtype is mixed cellularity. Interval between the diagnosis of CLL and subsequent development of Hodgkin lymphoma is circa 4·3 years. The overall survival of patients was approximately 1·7 years in our analysed cohort. However, our pooled data showed that patients in whom CLL had been treated with fludarabine had a shorter survival after transformation compared to the ones not treated with this agent. The role of immunosuppression and Epstein–Barr virus infection in the aetiopathogenesis of this entity remains to be clarified.
Integrating Landscape and Ecosystems Approaches through Science‐Based Collaborative Conservation

Keough and Blahna’s (2006) article in Conservation Biology raises a number of important issues regarding factors leading to success in collaborative ecosystem management. Based on nearly a decade of interaction with one of the organizations the authors examined, the Malpai Borderlands Group (MBG), my understanding of the core issues differs from theirs. Because the Malpai experience has become a model for collaborative management (McDonald 1995; Curtin 2002; Curtin 2005; FernanezGimenez et al. 2005; Sayre 2006; T. Wolf, unpublished), it is valuable to explore some of the key points in more detail. Keough and Blahna present the MBG as an example of ecosystem management. Yet the MBG does not so much practice ecosystem management as integrate landscape and ecosystem paradigms (e.g., Allen & Hoekstra 1992) within the context of science-based collaborative conservation. This distinction between ecosystem and landscape perspectives is significant because the MBG, although often touted as an ecosystem management success story, ironically is successful precisely because they do not follow a typical process of ecosystem management.
The Acceptability of Medical Abortion In China, Cuba and India

In a comparative study of the acceptability of medical abortion and surgical abortion among women in developing countries, patients at clinics in China, Cuba and India were allowed to choose between a surgical procedure and a medical regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol. The most common reasons women cited for choosing medical abortion were their desire to avoid surgery and general anesthesia; the reasons they mentioned most frequently for choosing surgical abortion were speed, simplicity and effectiveness. The failure rate for medical abortion varied from 5% in India to 16% in Cuba, while that for surgical abortion ranged from 0% in India to 4% in Cuba. Although side effects were more frequently reported by women who chose medical abortion, the majority of women at all sites were either satisfied or highly satisfied with their abortion experience, regardless of method (medical, 84‐95%; surgical, 94‐100%). At every site, medical abortion clients were significantly more likely than surgical clients to report being highly satisfied (China, 43% vs. 23%; Cuba, 59% vs. 39%; India, 69% vs. 54%), but also were more likely to report not being satisfied (China, 6% vs. 4%; Cuba, 17% vs. 7%; India, 5% vs. 0%). In China and India, women who had a medical abortion were significantly more likely than those who had a surgical abortion to say they would choose the same method again.
Importance of Nonenteric Protozoan Infections in Immunocompromised People

SUMMARY There are many neglected nonenteric protozoa able to cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans, particularly in the developing world. Diseases caused by certain protozoa are often more severe in the presence of HIV. While information regarding neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids and Plasmodium is abundant, these protozoa are often not a first consideration in Western countries where they are not endemic. As such, diagnostics may not be available in these regions. Due to global travel and immigration, this has become an increasing problem. Inversely, in certain parts of the world (particularly sub-Saharan Africa), the HIV problem is so severe that diseases like microsporidiosis and toxoplasmosis are common. In Western countries, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), these diseases are infrequently encountered. While free-living amoebae are rarely encountered in a clinical setting, when infections do occur, they are often fatal. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to the survival of patients infected with these organisms. This paper reviews information on the diagnosis and treatment of nonenteric protozoal diseases in immunocompromised people, with a focus on patients infected with HIV. The nonenteric microsporidia, some trypanosomatids, Toxoplasma spp. , Neospora spp. , some free-living amoebae, Plasmodium spp. , and Babesia spp. are discussed.
Automatically Validating Static Memory Leak Warnings for C / C + + Programs

Memory leak is a very common bug for C/C++ programs, which has perplexed software developers for a long time because of imperceptibility, and memory leak can do serious harm especially for long-run program or system software. Aiming at this problem, both static and dynamic program analysis techniques have been attempted to find the bug. Dynamic program analysis technique d etects memory leak by running the program, which has huge overhead and depends on the quality of test cases. Static analysis technology and automatic tools are widely used in the work of detecting memory leaks among academic community and industrial community. Since it uses conservative algorithm, it is able to detect a lot of defects as well as increase the false positives, which needs manual confirmation. However, manual confirmation is time-consuming and error prone, which limits the practicability of the technology. In this paper, we propose a novel method to automatically validate static memory leak warnings based on concolic testing. First depending on the memory leak warnings given by static analysis report, we analyze the control flow of the target program and calculate the reachabili ty of the target path, then we use the path information to guide the concolic testing and execute program in the particular path, finally we validate the static warnings by tracking memory object during execution. Experimental results show that this method can effectively classify static warnings, significantly reduce the workload of manual validation.
Contributions aux modèles d'équations structurelles à variables latentes. (Contributions to path modeling with latent variables)

Les modeles d'equations structurelles a variables latentes constituent des modeles statistiques complexes permettant de mettre en relation des concepts non observables. Les deux methodes d'estimation de ces modeles, que sont, d'une part, l'analyse de la structure de covariance (methode LISREL) et, d'autre part, l'approche PLS, offrent des solutions a la fois concurrentes et complementaires. Dans ce travail, un certain nombre de questionnements lies a ce type de modeles et de methodes sont abordes aussi bien d'un point de vue theorique qu'empirique. Nous etudions la construction du modele initial par le biais d'algorithmes iteratifs, au niveau des relations du modele de mesure et du modele structurel. Nous presentons des tests bases sur des permutations afin de comparer des echantillons non apparies sur un modele donne. Des transformations dites optimales des variables sont utilisees afin de rechercher des relations non lineaires. Finalement, des methodes permettant le traitement de donnees manquantes specifiques induites par des filtres sont decrites. Pour chaque cas, la theorie existante est presentee et des approches novatrices sont introduites. Nous appliquons l'ensemble de ces methodes dans le cadre de l'analyse de la satisfaction et de la fidelite des clients sur des donnees provenant d'Electricite de France.
Does Long Tenure Erode Auditor Independence?

Regulators have shown a renewed interest in considering the merits of mandatory auditor rotation. A fundamental concern is that long tenure may undermine auditor independence. We conduct a study to investigate the effects of long tenure on companies’ allowance for bad debts (ABD). We focus on ABD, as opposed to total accruals, because it allows us to hone in on the effect of auditor tenure on a specific accrual. By examining ABD, we are able to conduct a more direct and powerful test and avoid some of the measurement error and noise associated with total accruals (e.g., discretionary or abnormal). We find evidence of a negative association between auditor tenure and estimated ABD. The finding holds across a series of robustness tests. Further analyses suggest that long tenure (around 15 years) is associated with downward bias in estimated ABD. With long tenure, the auditor endorses an estimate of ABD that is too aggressive. This result is consistent with the argument that long tenure leads to compromised independence. Our findings suggest that a term limit of 10 years, which has been suggested elsewhere (e.g., PCAOB 2010; Chasan 2011), is sufficient to preserve auditor independence.
Cholera toxin subunit B inhibits IL-12 and IFN-γ production and signaling in experimental colitis and Crohn’s disease

Background and aims: Cholera toxin B subunit (CT-B) is a powerful modulator of immune responses. The authors have previously demonstrated that oral administration of recombinant CT-B (rCT-B) is able to prevent and cure the Crohn’s disease (CD)-like trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) mediated colitis. In this study they extended their observations and examined if rCT-B interferes with the molecular signaling underlying the Th1 type response both in TNBS colitis and in ex vivo human CD explants. Methods: TNBS treated mice were fed with rCT-B, and IFN-γ and IL-12 production by colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) was examined by ELISA. In vitro culture of mucosal explants from CD patients and non-inflammatory bowel disease controls, pre-incubated with rCT-B, were examined for IFN-γ and IL-12 production by ELISA and semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. STAT-1, -4, -6 activation and T-bet expression were examined following rCT-B treatment by western blotting both in TNBS treated mice and in human mucosal explants. Results: rCT-B significantly reduced IL-12 and IFN-γ secretion by LPMC from TNBS treated mice. Consistent with this, rCT-B inhibited both STAT-4 and STAT-1 activation and downregulated T-bet expression. Inhibition of Th1 signaling by CT-B associated with no change in IL-4 synthesis and expression of active STAT-6 indicating that rCT-B does not enhance Th2 cell responses. Moreover, in vitro treatment of CD mucosal explants with rCT-B resulted in reduced secretion of IL-12/IFN-γ and inhibition of STAT-4/STAT-1 activation and T-bet expression. Conclusions: These studies indicate that CT-B inhibits mucosal Th1 cell signaling and suggest that rCT-B may be a promising candidate for CD therapy.
Substance Use and Sexual Risk Within the Context of Gender Inequality in South Africa

This study examines substance use and sexual risk within the context of gender inequality among 163 women from an urban region of South Africa who were participating in a 2004–2006 study funded by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Items assessed patterns of substance use, gender inequality, risk communication, and psychological distress. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that economic dependence on a main partner and traditional beliefs about a woman's right to refuse sex were associated with substance use prior to or during sex with that partner. The findings demonstrate that substance abuse prior to sex may reinforce traditional beliefs and that women with more progressive beliefs about gender ideology seem better able to control their substance use in risky environments.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia – Initiating Cells Require Polycomb Group Protein EZH 2

1 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. 2 Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Heath, Boston, Massachusetts. 3 Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. 4 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts. 5 Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Florence, Florence, Italy. 6 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. 7 Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Boston, Massachusetts. Note: Supplementary data for this article are available at Cancer Discovery Online (http://cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org/). Current address for J.E. Bradner: Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Corresponding Author: Stuart H. Orkin , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-919-2042; Fax: 617632-4367; E-mail: Stuart_Orkin@dfci.harvard. edu doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-15-1439 ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research. ABSTRACT Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have revolutionized chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) management. Disease eradication, however, is hampered by innate resistance of leukemia-initiating cells (LIC) to TKI-induced killing, which also provides the basis for subsequent emergence of TKI-resistant mutants. We report that EZH2, the catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is overexpressed in CML LICs and required for colony formation and survival and cell-cycle progression of CML cell lines. A critical role for EZH2 is supported by genetic studies in a mouse CML model. Inactivation of Ezh2 in conventional conditional mice and through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing prevents initiation and maintenance of disease and survival of LICs, irrespective of BCR–ABL1 mutational status, and extends survival. Expression of the EZH2 homolog EZH1 is reduced in EZH2-defi cient CML LICs, creating a scenario resembling complete loss of PRC2. EZH2 dependence of CML LICs raises prospects for improved therapy of TKI-resistant CML and/or eradication of disease by addition of EZH2 inhibitors.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Human Oviduct: Localization and Regulation of Messenger RNA Expression In Vivo

Abstract In this study, we examined the localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the changes in VEGF mRNA expression in various regions of the oviduct in fertile women throughout the ovulatory cycle. Oviduct tissue was collected from 22 women undergoing laparoscopic tubal sterilization or hysterectomy for a benign gynecological condition. Oviduct sections were divided into isthmus, ampullary, and infundibular regions. Serial cross sections were analyzed for the presence of VEGF by specific immunohistochemical staining. The mucosal layer was isolated, and a semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed. Immunohistochemical study revealed VEGF in the oviduct luminal epithelium, smooth muscle cells, and blood vessels within the oviduct. VEGF mRNA expression in oviduct was the highest during the periovulatory stage, and the expression in the ampullary and infundibular regions was higher than that in the isthmus. There was a significant positive correlation between serum FSH and LH concentrations and VEGF mRNA expression. There was no significant correlation between serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations and VEGF mRNA expression. These results suggest that VEGF in human oviduct may play an important role related the early reproductive events, which occur predominantly in the ampulla during the periovulatory phase when serum FSH and LH concentrations are high.
Study Regarding the Implementation and Certification of a Social Responsibility Management System by Worldwide Enterprises

The objective of this paper is to highlight the current stage of implementation and certification of a corporate social responsibility management system in worldwide enterprises. To achieve the objective the author conducted a study based on official data regarding the certification of a corporate social responsibility management system in worldwide enterprises. Research results reveals that worldwide, only 22 certification bodies are accredited and allowed to work on certification of management systems in conformity with the requirements of international standard SA 8000. Also the research results shown that the certification and implementation of a social responsibility management system in the last 15 years has increased significantly, from 8 facilities certified in 1998 to 3254 organizations in 2013.
Filling of Very Fine Via Holes for Three-Dimensional Packaging by Using Ionized Metal Plasma Sputtering and Electroplating

One of the key technologies for developing three-dimensional (3-D) packaging with vertical interconnection is the interlayer metallization using through-Si vias (TSVs). In the present work, via holes are filled with Cu by using electroplating. The thickness profiles of the seed layers have a significant effect on via filling in the subsequent electroplating process. In this work, Cu seed layers were deposited by ionized metal plasma (IMP) sputtering, which enables more conformal deposition of the seed layers, especially on the sidewalls of the via holes, than conventional sputtering. The thickness profiles of the seed layers inside via holes were closely examined as a function of substrate bias power. The effects of seed layer on the via filling in the electroplating process were studied for fine via holes with various diameters of 4–10 µm and aspect ratios of 6.6–11. Complete filling of very fine vertical via holes with aspect ratios as high as 8.7 was achieved without defects by using IMP sputtering and Cu electroplating.
Minutiae Triplet-based Features with Extended Ridge Information for Determining Sufficiency in Fingerprints

In order to deliver statistical and qualitative backing to latent fingerprint evidence, algorithms are proposed (1) to perform fingerprint matching to aid in quality assessment, and (2) to discover statistically rare features or patterns in fingerprints. These features would help establish an objective minimum-quality baseline for latent prints as well as aid in the latent examination process in making a matching comparison. The proposed methodologies use minutiae triplet-based features in a hierarchical fashion, where not only minutia points are used, but ridge information is used to help establish relations between minutiae. Results show (1) that our triplet-based descriptor is useful in eliminating false matches in the matching algorithm, and (2) that a set of distinctive features can be found that have sufficient discriminatory power to aid in quality assessment.
Newborn LpL (Ser447Stop, Asn291Ser) genotypes and the interaction with maternal genotypes influence the risk for different types of preeclampsia: modulating effect on lipid profile and pregnancy outcome

Abstract Aim: To establish that newborn Ser447Stop and Asn291Ser may have interactive effects with maternal genotypes on the plasma lipoprotein levels, risk of preeclampsia as well as on the prognosis of preeclampsia. Materials and methods: Seventy preeclamptic women and 94 normotensive pregnant women, and their newborns were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. Results: The risk of mild and severe preeclampsia was 4 (p = 0.004) and 5.18 (p = 0.001), respectively, if both the mother and newborn were carriers of the Ser447/Ser477 genotype. If both the mother and newborn were carriers of the Asn291Ser variant, the risk to develop severe preeclampsia was 6.07 (p = 0.03). Women with mild and severe preeclampsia had higher TG (p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and LDL-C levels (p = 0.008; p < 0.001) if both the mother and newborn were carriers of the Ser447/Ser447 genotype. Women with severe preeclampsia had significantly higher TG (p = 0.03) and LDL-C levels (p = 0.037) if both the mother and newborn were carriers of Asn291Ser. Newborn/maternal LpL interaction had no statistically significant influence on pregnancy outcome. Conclusions: The newborn/maternal LpL interaction influences the severity of preeclampsia and modulates the lipid profile particularly in severe preeclampsia.