Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viewing leaf structure and evolution from a hydraulic perspective

More than 40 000 km3 year–1 of water flows through the intricate hydraulic pathways inside leaves. This water not only sustains terrestrial productivity, but also constitutes nearly 70% of terrestrial evapotranspiration, thereby influencing both global and local climate (Chapin et al. 2002). Thus, the central role played by leaf vascular systems in terrestrial biology provides an important context for research into the function and evolution of water transport in leaves. Significant progress has been made recently towards understanding the linkages between anatomy and water transport efficiency in leaves, and these discoveries provide a novel perspective to view the evolution of land plants.
Association of dietary phosphorus intake and phosphorus to protein ratio with mortality in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Epidemiologic studies show an association between higher predialysis serum phosphorus and increased death risk in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. The hypothesis that higher dietary phosphorus intake and higher phosphorus content per gram of dietary protein intake are each associated with increased mortality in MHD patients was examined. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Food frequency questionnaires were used to conduct a cohort study to examine the survival predictability of dietary phosphorus and the ratio of phosphorus to protein intake. At the start of the cohort, Cox proportional hazard regression was used in 224 MHD patients, who were followed for up to 5 years (2001 to 2006). RESULTS Both higher dietary phosphorus intake and a higher dietary phosphorus to protein ratio were associated with significantly increased death hazard ratios (HR) in the unadjusted models and after incremental adjustments for case-mix, diet, serum phosphorus, malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome, and inflammatory markers. The HR of the highest (compared with lowest) dietary phosphorus intake tertile in the fully adjusted model was 2.37. Across categories of dietary phosphorus to protein ratios of <12, 12 to <14, 14 to <16, and > or =16 mg/g, death HRs were 1.13, 1.00 (reference value), 1.80, and 1.99, respectively. Cubic spline models of the survival analyses showed similar incremental associations. CONCLUSIONS Higher dietary phosphorus intake and higher dietary phosphorus to protein ratios are each associated with increased death risk in MHD patients, even after adjustments for serum phosphorus, phosphate binders and their types, and dietary protein, energy, and potassium intakes.
ALS treatment strikes out while trying for a homer

Since the time amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) claimed Lou Gehrig’s life, there has been remarkable progress in preclinical research suggesting that the pathogenesis of ALS involves free radical toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate excitotoxicity, intermediate filament aggregation, and apoptotic pathways. However, this basic science progress has yet to be translated into practical clinical applications. A decade since it was introduced,1 riluzole remains the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medication for ALS. Although survival was the outcome measure in the riluzole trials, its use is problematic because it requires a large sample size and relatively long study duration. In search of a surrogate, ALS researchers have turned to alternative outcome measures such as the slope of muscle strength decline, which was used in the trial of topiramate reported by Cudkowicz et al. in this issue of Neurology . 2 The 296 study participants received up to 800 mg daily of topiramate or placebo for 12 months. Whereas …
Sustainable wealth creation in practice : a framework to manage firm's intangibles

This study investigates how firms in the Australian property and construction sector manage their intangibles in order to operationalise sustainable development. Previous research linking intangibles and corporate sustainability has tended to focus on intangibles as a phenomenon endeavouring to establish links between intangibles and corporate financial performance. This thesis makes a unique contribution to knowledge by drawing a conceptual bridge between the intangibles and corporate sustainability literature using both the phenomenon and practice based approach to intangibles. The practice based approach aims to understand how firms manage and mobilise their intangibles towards a purpose â�� which for this research is sustainable development. A key outcome of this study is a framework to manage firmsâ�� intangibles which outlines how firms identify, measure/value, control, and report their intangibles at various stages of corporate sustainability. The research design is a case study methodology, implemented across two phases, using mixed methods. The first phase focused on the phenomenon of intangibles in the wider Australian property and construction sector. Data was collected using a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and content analysis. In the second phase, four case studies of individual firms were conducted to study the practice of intangibles. There were two key findings of this research. The first is that the practice based approach to intangibles more accurately reflected how firms in the Australian property and construction sector manage their intangibles. However, tensions still exist between the more traditional accounting-based phenomenon approach to intangibles and the practice based approach. This is particularly relevant in the business case for sustainability. The second main finding is that firms in the case study sector are actively managing their intangibles to implement organisational change for sustainability. This finding led to the development of the â��inside- outâ�� approach to operationalising sustainable development which focuses on managing a firmâ��s intangibles rather than just its environmental and social performance.
Light, and photoreceptor degeneration in the Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus (L.)

The visual pigment of Nephrops norvegicus (L.), the Norway lobster, was measured microspectrophotometrically in isolated rhabdoms, and found to have a λmax at 498 nm. On exposure to light this pigment changed into a long-lived photoproduct of λmax 484 nm (and higher maximal extinction) which broke down slowly in the dark. The bleaching process affected the structural stability of the rhabdoms, resulting in their progressive degeneration. These in vitro effects were found to occur also in vivo by exposing lobsters, caught and maintained in darkness, to low-level illumination from a single fluorescent tube. Exposure of only 2.5 h duration was enough to cause complete degeneration of the rhabdoms within 24 h even though the animals were thereafter kept in darkness. It is suggested that this effect of light is a consequence of the rapid build-up of photoproduct in a species having a low regeneration rate of the visual pigment. When the major part of the visual pigment is in the thermally less-stable, bleached state, the structural integrity of the photoreceptor is affected, leading to degeneration. This type of degeneration might be induced in other ‘dim light’ species (e. g. deep-sea fishes) that may also have low rates of pigment regeneration.
Multiscale Stochastic Volatility Model For Derivatives On Futures

In this paper, we present a new method for computing the first-order approximation of the price of derivatives on futures in the context of multiscale stochastic volatility studied in Fouque et al. (2011). It provides an alternative method to the singular perturbation technique presented in Hikspoors & Jaimungal (2008). The main features of our method are twofold: firstly, it does not rely on any additional hypothesis on the regularity of the payoff function, and secondly, it allows an effective and straightforward calibration procedure of the group market parameters to implied volatilities. These features were not achieved in previous works. Moreover, the central argument of our method could be applied to interest rate derivatives and compound derivatives. The only pre-requisite of our approach is the first-order approximation of the underlying derivative. Furthermore, the model proposed here is well-suited for commodities since it incorporates mean reversion of the spot price and multiscale stochastic volatility. Indeed, the model was validated by calibrating the group market parameters to options on crude-oil futures, and it displays a very good fit of the implied volatility.
Using Argument-based Features to Predict and Analyse Review Helpfulness

We study the helpful product reviews identification problem in this paper. We observe that the evidence-conclusion discourse relations, also known as arguments, often appear in product reviews, and we hypothesise that some argument-based features, e.g. the percentage of argumentative sentences, the evidences-conclusions ratios, are good indicators of helpful reviews. To validate this hypothesis, we manually annotate arguments in 110 hotel reviews, and investigate the effectiveness of several combinations of argument-based features. Experiments suggest that, when being used together with the argument-based features, the state-of-the-art baseline features can enjoy a performance boost (in terms of F1) of 11.01% in average.
An adaptive novel control scheme of SPV system integrated to three phase AC distribution system

This paper presents a single stage SPV (Solar Photovoltaic) system using an adaptive novel control (ANC) Scheme. The SPV system includes SPV array, VSC (Voltage Source Converter), ripple filter, nonlinear loads and three-phase distribution network. As compared to two stage systems, a single stage SPV system is developed, resulting in depletion in cost, size, weight and an improved efficiency. The proposed SPV system serves various purpose, feeds the power to the AC grid, effective use of solar PV array and mitigation of harmonics in the grid current etc. The SPV system with INC (Incremental Conductance) based control scheme is used for obtaining the maximum power from the SPV array and an adaptive novel control (ANC) scheme to control the switching pulses of the VSC. Test results are shown to verify the control, design and performance of the SPV system under different operating conditions.
Multinational Enterprises and Manufacturing for Export in Developing Asian Countries: Emerging Patterns and Opportunities for Latecomers

This paper examines the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) is the expansion of manufacturing exports from developing countries, in the light of the Asia experience. First a typology of MNE-export nexus is developed in the context changes in patterns of international production over the past two decades. The typology is then applied to empirical evidence from newly industrialized countries (NICs) and latecomer exporting countries in Asia. The evidence suggests that the share of MNEs in manufactured exports from all these countries has recorded a significant increase from about the mid 1970s and the entry of MNEs is virtually essential for the export success of latecomers.
Litigation Risk and Auditor Conservatism: A UK-US Comparison

This paper investigates the association between auditor quality and the level of conservatism in reported earnings. Prior work has suggested auditor conservatism is influenced by auditors’ desire to prevent litigation and/or incurring reputational costs. To tease out the relative importance of the litigation versus reputational concerns of large audit firms as reasons for greater auditor conservatism, we conduct a comparative study for UK and US firms. In contrast to the US, the UK is a comparatively low litigation environment. Our results show that (1) large auditors are not associated with greater conservatism after the clients’ level of financial distress has been taken into account in the two countries; (2) the client profiles of large and small audit firms differ in key dimensions and these play a significant role in determining the incremental influence of audit firm size on the earnings conservatism of their clients. Therefore, rather than auditor quality driving the level of earnings conservatism, it appears to be the case that it is the underlying client characteristics which dictate the level of auditor conservatism. Failure to allow for such differences can result in misleading inferences being drawn about the effects of audit firm size on earnings conservatism.
The distress experienced by voice hearers is associated with the perceived relationship between the voice hearer and the voice.

OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between distress and the perceptions that voice hearers have of their relationship with the voice they hear. We predicted that a dominant style of relating by the voice and a submissive and distancing style of relating by the voice hearer would be linked with distress. METHOD Thirty people who were hearing voices took part in the study. Information was gathered about the characteristics of the voice-hearing experience, the level of distress experienced in relation to the voice, the relationship between the voice hearer and the voice, and level of depression. RESULTS The tendency for the voice to relate in a dominating, insulting manner and the tendency of individuals to react with suspicion and lack of communication with the voice were uniquely associated with distress. CONCLUSIONS Appraisals of the relationship between the voice and voice hearer made by voice hearers are associated with differing emotional responses to voices. Clinical assessments of people who have distressing voices may be enhanced by a detailed consideration of the sort of relationship that exists between the client and their voice.
User Motivations for Using Business Facebook Pages

The following individuals read and discussed the thesis submitted by student Malcolm Lee Hong, and they evaluated his presentation and response to questions during the final oral examination. They found that the student passed the final oral examination. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This thesis would not have been possible without the guidance and help of several individuals who contributed or extended their valuable assistance. First and foremost, my sincere gratitude to Dr. Mary Frances Casper for acting as my guide and mentor. Her patience and encouragement has greatly contributed to my ability to complete this thesis. I'd also like to thank the other three members of my I'd also like to express my appreciation to faculty from the Communication Department at Boise State University who forwarded my survey to their students, and to the many users on Facebook who volunteered their time to take my survey. I am grateful to my family, McKay Graybill, and Toby Borup for helping me distribute my online survey to their contacts on Facebook. I am especially grateful for the help of the following individuals who assisted me with statistical procedures: Last, but not least, a huge thank you to Jonathon Lundy for helping me edit my thesis! v ABSTRACT Although user motives for personal use of Facebook has been frequently researched, literature that describes user motives for business communication purposes is limited. To understand this process, this study employed uses and gratifications theory to interpret users' motivations for communicating and using business Facebook Pages. An online survey was distributed and completed by 345 participants. This survey asked participants about their personal use of Facebook, their use of business Facebook Pages, and what type of content on Facebook they found gratifying. Content analysis was also utilized to observe users' communicative patterns on business Facebook Pages. It was found that, in order of importance, the most influential motives for user communication on business-related Facebook Pages were social, entertainment, and informational. Other notable findings indicated that users prefer communicating with other followers of the business Facebook Page over the business represented on Facebook, that users find following conversations on business Facebook Pages more entertaining than participating in these conversations, and that users share Facebook content primarily if this content gratifies their need for entertainment. Additional research
Seminars in medicine of the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston. Mitochondrial DNA and disease.

The mitochondrial encephalomyopathies are a diverse group of disorders that result from the structural, biochemical, or genetic derangement of mitochondria.1 Since mitochondrial dysfunction can affect virtually all organ systems (Figure 1), physicians in many specialties see patients with mitochondrial diseases. Despite a bewildering array of clinical manifestations (Table 1 and Table 2) and variations in the mode of onset, course, and progression of disease, many mitochondrial disorders share prominent systemic effects (Table 2) that contribute to their morbidity. Our understanding of the role of mitochondrial DNA in certain diseases has evolved rapidly since 1988, when the first mutations in mitochondrial DNA were .
Is the left hand speaking to the right hand? An examination and evaluation of the mechanisms and controls governing the decision to employ, and to continue to employ, temporary or contingent workers within a London based financial services organisation

6 Introduction.7 Literature review.9 Aims and objectives.25 Methodology.27 Analysis of interview responses.31 Discussion and conclusions.57 Reflections and limitations.70 References.73 Appendices.88
The Internationalization of Family Firms : Facilitating and Constraining Features

Introduction: Research has shown that family firms play an important role in modern economies and that they maintain special characteristics and features in comparison to non-family businesses. Furthermore, it is evident in literature and practice that internationalization is a crucial process and strategy in the present global business environment. Problem: These findings however, have not led to a family business internationalization strategy. Only some studies have been conducted concerning the influence of the special features of family firms on the process of internationalization. This means that there is a gap between theory and practice. Purpose: To increase the academic understanding of the phenomenon internationalization of family businesses, through the use of both theoretical and empirical findings. Research questions: This study attempted to fulfill the purpose by providing answers to several research questions. The main research questions are: What is the current state of knowledge about internationalization, family business features and previous research in internationalization of family firms? How do the family business features theoretically influence the internationalization process? How do the family business features empirically influence the internationalization process? What are the theoretical contributions and practical managerial implications of these findings? Method: A solid literature research has been conducted in order to determine the theoretical influences of family business features on internationalization. The empirical testing of the expectations was conducted through a qualitative approach by taking personal interviews at eight companies, four in The Netherlands and four in Sweden, and studying secondary documentation. Findings: The study shows that it is difficult to decisively determine the either facilitating or constraining influence of family business features on internationalization. The results show that the 23 features which have been studied in the sample are facilitating or constraining under certain conditions (see table 5, p. 108). This implies that managers, researchers and consultants will be required to study these conditions first in order to determine the facilitating or constraining effects in a company. In addition, a model has been constructed illustrating the empirical findings concerning the internationalization process (see figure 8, p.112). Finally, concerning internationalization theories, it is determined that family businesses tend to use the Network approach in starting their internationalization process, the Stage approaches in further developing the international operations and support their process through the Resource-based view and the Knowledge-based view.
QT dispersion as a predictor of long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction and clinical evidence of heart failure.

BACKGROUND QT interval dispersion is a marker of inhomogeneous ventricular repolarization, and therefore has the potential to predict re-entry arrhythmias. Following acute myocardial infarction, increased QT dispersion has been associated with a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias. However, whether or not QT dispersion predicts prognosis post-acute myocardial infarction is not clear. We addressed this issue by analysing the AIREX study registry. METHODS AIREX was a follow-up study of 603 post-acute myocardial infarction patients who exhibited clinical signs of heart failure and were randomly allocated to ramipril or placebo. An interpretable 12-lead ECG obtained between day 0 and day 9 after the index infarction (median time 2 days) was available in 501 patients. We examined whether QT dispersion was a predictor of all-cause mortality in the AIREX study registry (mean follow-up 6 years). RESULTS QT dispersion measurements were significantly increased in patients who subsequently died (QT dispersion: 92.0 +/- 38.5 ms vs 82.7 +/- 34.3 ins. P=0.005; rate corrected QT dispersion: 105.7 +/- 42.7 ms vs 93.1 +/- 35.9 ms, P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that QT dispersion as a predictor of all-cause mortality risk (QT dispersion: hazard ratio per l0 ms 1.05, [95% CI 1.02 to 1.09]. P= 0.004; rate corrected QT dispersion: 1-07 [1.03 to 1.10], P<0.001): an increase of 10 ms added a 5-7%, relative risk of death. QT dispersion remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality risk on multivariate analysis (QT dispersion: 1.05 [1.01 to 1.09], P=0.027; rate corrected QT dispersion: 1.05 [1.01 to 1.09]. P=0.022). CONCLUSION QT dispersion. measured from Li routine 12-lead ECG following acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure provides independent information regarding the probability of long-term survival. However. the low sensitivity of this electrocardiographic marker limits its usefulness for risk stratification if used in isolation.
The Automatic Generation of Basis Set of Path for Path Testing

Basis set of path is consisted of some of the program’s paths. The automatic generation method of basis set of path is discussed in this paper. It is built by searching the control flow graph of a program by depth-first searching method. In order to avoiding that the algorithm will never stop and reducing the searching procedure, the sub-path from the multi-indegree nodes to the end node of a program and the sub-path that contains a loop is recorded during the construction of a basis path. Some new basis paths can be constructed by merging these two kinds of sub-paths.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Cervicovaginal Secretions as a Predictor of Preterm Birth

Objective: To compare the qualitative (QL) and quantitative (QN) levels of βhCG in cervicovaginal secretions as predictors of preterm birth. Methods: The study included 100 women. QL and QN assays were done with velocit kit and ELISA, respectively. Results: A positive QL assay had sensitivity of 78%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value (PPV) 90%, negative predictive value (NPV) 88% and odds ratio (OR) = 70.87 (95% CI = 18.50, 271.50). The likelihood ratios (LRs) for positive and negative tests were 15.6 and 0.06, respectively. Using a cutoff value of 34.5 mIU/ml, the QN assay had sensitivity of 86%, specificity 86%, PPV 78% and NPV 92%, OR = 36.90 (95% CI = 10.79, 126.15). The LRs for positive and negative tests were 6.14 and 0.16, respectively. Conclusion: The simple and cheaper QL βhCG test is a better predictor of preterm birth as compared to the QN test.