Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Pieces of Limit Order Book Information Do are Informative? An Empirical Analysis of a Pure Order-Driven Market

This paper studies the importance of different pieces of limit order book information in characterizing order aggressiveness and the timing of trades,order submissions and cancellations. Using limit order book information on liquid and frequently traded Spanish stock, we evidence that most of the explanatory power of the book concentrates on the best quotes. However, the book beyond the best quotes also matters in explaining the aggressiveness oftraders. Liquidity providers benefit more from an increased degree of pre-tradetransparency than liquidity consumers. Finally, no piece of book informationmatters in explaining the timing of orders.
Coverage of recommended vaccines in children at 7–8 years of age in Flanders, Belgium

Aim: Evaluation of the coverage of primary diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP), poliomyelitis, hepatitis B (HBV) and measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR) vaccine doses recommended before the age of 18 months in 7‐year‐old school children in Flanders, Belgium. Meningococcal serogroup C and DT‐polio vaccines offered respectively as catch‐up and booster vaccinations were also evaluated.
Relationships between clinical measures of visual function, fluorescein angiographic and optical coherence tomography features in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation

Aims: To examine the relationships between measures of vision, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) characteristics in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Study design: Retrospective case note review. Inclusion criteria were: confirmed diagnosis of new exudative AMD; recorded visual function using best corrected distance visual acuity (DVA), near visual acuity (NVA) and contrast sensitivity; corresponding FFA and OCT. FFA parameters included greatest linear diameter of lesion (GLD), area of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) and area of leakage. OCT parameters included maximum retinal thickness (Retmax), central foveal thickness, maximum thickness of the CNV (CNVmax), and the distances from the foveal depression to Retmax and CNVmax. Results: 74 patients were included in this study. Correlations were highly statistically significant for both NVA and contrast sensitivity with GLD, CNV area and leakage (p<0.01 for all combinations). With DVA, modest statistically significant correlations were seen with CNV area and GLD (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between CNV leakage and the distance of CNVmax to the fovea (p<0.05). The relationships between the measures of vision and OCT parameters were weak and did not reach significance. Regression analysis showed that the combination of Retmax, GLD, and CNVmax to fovea had the highest coefficient (r2 = 0.27). Conclusion: OCT measurements by themselves are not robust markers for visual function.
Alvocidib (flavopiridol) for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Alvocidib, which has orphan drug designation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) from the FDA and the EMA, is a plant-derived semisynthetic flavone that acts as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. It induces apoptosis in CLL cells in vitro and was introduced into clinical trials in CLL as an intravenous infusion in 1997, which proved disappointing. Since the drug avidly binds to plasma proteins, higher serum concentrations were required for clinical antileukemia activity than those suggested by in vitro studies. Subsequent studies utilizing bolus plus infusional doses revealed significant activity against CLL, even in patients with unfavorable characteristics. However, significant toxicity including high rates of major tumor lysis syndrome, cytokine release syndrome and secretory diarrhea were also observed. Areas covered: The chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of alvocidib are briefly discussed and phase I-II studies in CLL are discussed in detail. To date, no phase III studies in CLL have been reported. Expert opinion: A number of much less toxic drugs with similar efficacy against CLL both with and without unfavorable cytogenetics have come to market. Furthermore, enthusiasm for the development of alvocidib as a single agent for the treatment of CLL has waned, primarily due to its toxicity.
Using localizing learning to improve supervised learning algorithms

Slow learning of neural-network function approximators can frequently be attributed to interference, which occurs when learning in one area of the input space causes unlearning in another area. To mitigate the effect of unlearning, this paper develops an algorithm that adjusts the weights of an arbitrary, nonlinearly parameterized network such that the potential for future interference during learning is reduced. This is accomplished by the reduction of a biobjective cost function that combines the approximation error and a term that measures interference. An analysis of the algorithm's convergence properties shows that learning with this algorithm reduces future unlearning. The algorithm can be used either during online learning or can be used to condition a network to have immunity from interference during a future learning stage. A simple example demonstrates how interference manifests itself in a network and how less interference can lead to more efficient learning. Simulations demonstrate how this new learning algorithm speeds up the training in various situations due to the extra cost function term.
Unspanned Stochastic Volatility: Evidence from Hedging Interest Rate Derivatives

Most existing dynamic term structure models assume that interest rate derivatives are redundant securities and can be perfectly hedged using solely bonds. We find that the quadratic term structure models have serious difficulties in hedging caps and cap straddles, even though they capture bond yields well. Furthermore, at-the-money straddle hedging errors are highly correlated with cap-implied volatilities and can explain a large fraction of hedging errors of all caps and straddles across moneyness and maturities. Our results strongly suggest the existence of systematic unspanned factors related to stochastic volatility in interest rate derivatives markets. Copyright 2006 by The American Finance Association.
3.3kW CLLC converter with synchronous rectification for plug-in electric vehicles

This paper presents an innovative technique for synchronous rectification in the bidirectional CLLC converter with the integrated transformer for plug-in electric vehicle (EV) applications. To improve the efficiency and power density, the integrated transformer is introduced and simulated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method. In addition, synchronous rectification method is implemented by controlling the turn-on and turn-off timings based on the phase difference between resonant currents of primary and secondary sides. Furthermore, a simplified closed loop design is discussed and implemented on a digital signal processor (TMS320F28335). The effectiveness of the control loop is verified through the experimental results. A 3.3kW proof-of-concept prototype is built with power density of 1kW/L, a gravimetric power density of 0.9kW/kg and peak efficiency of 97.5%.
The Increasing Demand for Skilled Workers in Australia: The Role of Technical Change

Examines how technological change has affected the demand for skilled workers. Over the past twenty years, there has been a shift toward employment of skilled workers in Australia, as well as in many other industrialised economies. While it has sometimes been argued that the trend toward skilled workers is due to increased trade with low wage countries, the paper shows other factors are at work. Changing employment patterns are more closely associated with a pull toward skilled workers, rather than a push away from lower skilled workers. The paper emphasises the role technology has played in shaping this demand.
Global Warming Responses at the Primary Secondary Interface 2. Potential Effectiveness of Education

Abstract In an earlier paper (Skamp, Boyes, & Stanisstreet, 2009b), students' beliefs and willingness to act in relation to 16 specific actions related to global warming were compared across the primary secondary interface. More primary students believed in the effectiveness of most actions to reduce global warming and were willing to take those actions. In general there was a disparity between students' beliefs and their actions and explanations were proffered for these differences. Using these data, a derived measure of the potential effectiveness of education in encouraging each of these pro-environmental actions to reduce global warming is reported. This measure, and other derived indices, suggests where education could be most effective in encouraging willingness to take pro-environmental actions to reduce global warming.
Chronic disease health risk behaviours amongst people with a mental illness

Objective: Amongst people with a mental illness, modifiable health risk behaviours contribute substantially to increased chronic disease morbidity and mortality. This study examined the prevalence of and interest in changing such behaviours amongst community mental health service clients in Australia. Method: A telephone interview was undertaken with Australian community mental health service clients. Participants reported engagement in four health risk behaviours: tobacco smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Participants were classified as at risk based upon Australian national guidelines. At-risk participants were asked whether they were considering improving their health risk behaviour within the next month. The association between psychiatric diagnosis and risk, and interest in improving health risk behaviours was examined. Results: Risk prevalence was highest for inadequate vegetable consumption (78.3%), followed by inadequate fruit consumption (60%), smoking (50.7%), physical inactivity (46.8%), short-term alcohol risk (40.3%) and chronic alcohol risk (35.3%). A majority of at-risk participants were considering improving their health risk behaviour for smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption (65.1%, 71.1%, and 53.3%, respectively). After adjusting for demographic factors, no diagnostic categories were associated with risk for any behaviour. Those with a diagnosis of depression were more likely to be interested in quitting smoking and increasing physical activity. Conclusions: Regardless of diagnosis, a high prevalence of chronic disease health risk behaviours was identified, with many participants expressing an interest in improving these behaviours. Such findings reinforce recommendations that preventive care addressing the chronic disease risks of clients be provided routinely by mental health clinicians. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12613000693729. URL: www.anzctr. org.au/
Sonography of normal cranial sutures.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the normal sonographic appearance and measurement of normal major cranial sutures in neonates and infants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS High-resolution sonograms of sagittal, coronal, and lambdoid sutures were obtained for two autopsy specimens and correlated with histologic sections obtained at identical locations. Also, 50 neonates and infants (0-5 months old [corrected age]) who had normally shaped craniums underwent sonography of the brain that produced normal findings. These neonates and infants also underwent sutural sonograms. The width and thickness of each of the major cranial sutures (sagittal, coronal, and lambdoid) were measured, with mean values established. Measurements were analyzed with paired t tests for interobserver variability. Linear regression was used for correlation of measurements with age. RESULTS With a scan plane perpendicular to the suture line, sonograms revealed sutures as hypoechoic gaps between two hyperechoic bony plates. On sonograms, sagittal sutures had an end-to-end appearance instead of the beveled junction seen throughout most of the coronal and lambdoid sutures. In the 50 patients, sonograms revealed the mean width to be 0.89 +/- 0.35 mm (mean +/- SD) for coronal sutures. 0.93 +/- 0.28 mm for sagittal sutures, and 0.96 +/- 0.39 mm for lambdoid sutures. On sonograms, mean thickness was 1.97 +/- 0.54 mm for coronal sutures, 1.88 +/- 0.56 mm for sagittal sutures, and 2.49 +/- 0.86 mm for lambdoid sutures. We found no interobserver variability (p < or = .05). With linear regression analysis, we found no correlation between suture width or thickness and patient age (r = .01). CONCLUSION In our study, high-resolution sonography proved to be a reliable and inexpensive technique capable of defining cranial sutures. Preliminary normative data obtained for cranial suture width and thickness showed no correlation with age in our population group. The normative data obtained will allow recognition of abnormal sutures, particularly synostotic or diastatic sutures.
Pensions: Overview of the Issues

Many countries face increasing fiscal problems financing pensions in the face of population aging. There is controversy about the underlying economic theory, about the extent of the problem, and about the best mix of policies to protect old-age security. This paper establishes the areas of debate; gives thumbnail descriptions of pension arrangements in different countries; discusses the main analytical and empirical issues relevant to thinking about pension design; and assesses a range of policy directions. The main conclusions are that what matters most is effective government and economic growth; that the debate between pay-as-you-go and funding is secondary; that good pension schemes can take many forms; and that there is a problem in financing pensions, but not a crisis. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.
End labeling studies of fragmented DNA in the Avian growth plate: Evidence of apoptosis in terminally differentiated chondrocytes

The chondro‐osseous junction has been the subject of considerable scrutiny, especially in terms of the fate and role of the terminally differentiated chondrocyte. Although it has been proposed that these cells change their phenotype and survive in the epiphysis, possibly as osteoblasts, evidence from a number of other studies suggests that chondrocytes may undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death. A useful test for programmed cell death is to end label DNA in cryosections using the commercial reagent ApopTagTM and detect antibody binding to fragmented DNA by epifluorescence; more direct assessments include examination of the nucleus for condensation of chromatin, evaluating fragmentation through alkaline and pulsed field agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA, and measuring apoptosis by flow cytometry. We found that we could label cells in the proliferative and the hypertrophic region of the proximal tibial growth plate of the chick with ApopTag. Most of the chondrocytes in the hypertrophic region were labeled by the reagent; in contrast, few proliferative chondrocytes were stained by the end‐labeling procedure. Both agarose and pulsed field electrophoresis were used to confirm that there was fragmentation of chondrocyte DNA. Alkaline gel electrophoresis indicated that there was more fragmentation of DNA from hypertrophic cells than from proliferative chondrocytes. Further evidence in support of apoptosis was provided by electron microscopic observation of cells in the hypertrophic region of the growth plate. We noted that many of the cells in this region of the growth plate appeared to be undergoing programmed cell death since their nuclei contained condensed chromatin. Finally, we used flow cytometry to analyze chondrocytes isolated from the proliferating and hypertrophic regions of the growth plate for apoptosis. Dual parameteric flow cytometric contour plots of Hoechst and 7‐amino‐actinomycin D fluorescence showed that about 8% of cells in the plate were apoptotic. Most of these cells were in hypertrophic cartilage. In summary, the results of this investigation indicate that chondrocytes terminate their life history by apoptosis. While it is possible that the terminal labeling studies may overestimate the number of cells undergoing this event, the data lend credence to the view that cells are removed from the epiphysis through apoptosis. If this is the case, then chondrocytes probably enter the terminal phase of their life as fully functioning cells and genomic, and/or local environmental conditions provide termination signals that initiate events that lead to programmed cell death.
The Information Content of Business Combination Disclosure Level

ABSTRACT: This study explores causes and effects of business combinations disclosure level. Investigating the association between disclosure level on business combination and acquirers' future performance, I find that acquirers' future performance as measured by the change in ROA and by abnormal stock returns increases with abnormal levels of disclosure on business combinations. Investigating the determinants of business combination disclosure, I find that the disclosure level on business combinations decreases with abnormal levels of the purchase price allocated to goodwill. Both results provide evidence consistent with disclosure theory and suggest that acquirers tend to provide less forthcoming disclosure on less favorable acquisitions (“bad news”). I also provide evidence consistent with investors failing to immediately incorporate the information content of business combination disclosure level into their information set and evidence that investors are quicker to react to firms with negative abnormal.
Gender and Educational Attainment Across Generations in Austria

Abstract In many societies, children' educational attainment is heavily dependent on their parents' education; but that result can differ by the gender of both the parents and the child. Using a Markovian approach, along with uni- and multivariate econometric techniques, this study employs the Austrian Household Survey on Housing Wealth to show strong persistence in educational attainment that differs according to the gender of the parent and child. In Austria, the difference between women' and men' educational attainment has been shrinking over time while educational mobility for both genders has increased. This study finds that controlling for changes in the distribution of educational attainment over time, the relevance of a father' education is generally higher than that of a mother'. Further, Austrian mothers' and fathers' same-gender relationships to their children are stronger than cross-gender relationships of intergenerational educational transmission. These patterns clearly document the importance of gender for analyses of the intergenerational transmission of educational attainment.
International Activity of Japanese Department Stores

Japanese retailers have embarked on a number of overseas developments. Department store operators have instituted wide networks of representative oflces in locations chosen primarily as sources of luxury goods. Additionally, they have developed overseas branches to service Japanese tourists and, increasingly, local populations, particularly in the Far East. The location and nature of these operations are identified. Consideration is given to the stated globalisation policies of some firms, and the implication of new competitors for occidental companies highlighted. The internationalis
Arms transfers and the onset of war part II: Wars in third world states, 1950–1965

This paper analyzes the relationships between actual arms transfers and conflict from a different perspective from the preceding paper. Here we report tests of three hypotheses relating war occurrences with transfers of tanks and jet aircraft by NATO and WTO states to third world states. By using stepwise logistic regression, we find that NATO aricraft transfers and WTO tank transfers predict to contemporaneous wars, and that NATO aircraft transfers predict to lagged wars. No strong association is found between wars and transfers either leading or lagging wars. The contemporaneous causation model provides a basis fox estimating the increase in war probability associated with a non‐marginal increase in specific types of arms transfers. Directions for future research on these data are suggested.
How is the market reaction to stock splits?

This paper examines the market effect of stock splits on stock price, return, volatility, and trading volume around the split ex-dates for a sample of stock splits undertaken in the Spanish stock market during 1998–1999. The empirical evidence confirms a negative effect on price and return of stock splits, and the presence of a positive effect on volatility and trading volume. These results suggest that stock splits have induced the market to revise its optimistic valuation about future firm performance, rejecting signalling hypothesis according to which splits convey positive information to markets. Therefore, stock splits have reduced the wealth of shareholders.
Gender and Recovery After General Anesthesia Combined with Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs

Previous studies suggest that women recover faster from general anesthesia than men, but it is unclear whether this is a result of a gender effect or differences in the pattern of drug administration or type of surgery. We performed a subset analysis comparing recovery characteristics from general anesthesia combined with neuromuscular blocking drugs of female and male patients, at risk of awareness, enrolled in a large trial testing the effectiveness of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. We used multivariate statistical methods to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics, duration and extent of surgery, and anesthetic drug administration in 1079 patients (584 male, 495 female). Female patients had higher BIS values than male patients despite similar amounts of anesthetic drug administration (time-averaged mean [sd] BIS: male 44.6 [7.1] versus female 46.4 [6.6]; P = 0.005). Time to eye opening after anesthesia and time to eligibility to discharge from the postanesthesia care unit were less in women than men (male 13.9 [13.2] min versus female 10.6 [11.6] min; P < 0.001; male 133 [209] min versus female 78 [106] min; P < 0.001, respectively). These differences persisted after multivariate adjustment (both P ≤ 0.001). Gender has an independent effect on recovery times in patients undergoing general anesthesia combined with neuromuscular blocking drugs, with women recovering faster than men. Higher BIS values during maintenance of anesthesia in women, despite similar amounts of anesthetic drug administration, suggests that women are less sensitive to the hypnotic effect of anesthetic drugs than men and may help explain faster recovery times in women.
Rapid viability loss on exposure to air in a superoxide dismutase-deficient mutant of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis, an obligate anaerobe, exhibits a relatively high degree of aerotolerance and possesses superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is induced by exposure to air. To clarify roles for SOD in this organism, the gene encoding SOD (sod) on the P. gingivalis chromosome was disrupted in a gene-directed way by use of a suicide plasmid containing a mutated sod. A sod mutant thus obtained showed no SOD activity in crude extracts and exhibited a rapid viability loss immediately after exposure to air, whereas the wild-type parent showed no decrease in viability for at least 5 h under aerobic conditions. These results clearly indicate that SOD is essential for aerotolerance in P. gingivalis.