Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and optimization of heterogeneous tree-based FPGA using 3D technology

The CMOS technology scaling has greatly improved the overall performance and density of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). However, when looking at the performance metrics such as speed, area and power consumption, the gap is generally very wide for FPGAs compared to application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) mainly due to the programmable interconnect overhead. We propose a 3-dimensional (3D) design methodology using horizontal design partitioning to vertically stack heterogeneous FPGA designs based on a Tree-based multilevel FPGA architecture. We describe the 3D design and optimization methodology to improve speed, interconnect area and power consumption using Tezzaron's 3D stacking technology.
In vitro Interactions of Thallium with Components of the Glutathione-dependent Antioxidant Defence System

We investigated the hypothesis that thallium (Tl) interactions with the glutathione-dependent antioxidant defence system could contribute to the oxidative stress associated with Tl toxicity. Working in vitro with reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) or glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in solution, we studied the effects of Tl+ and Tl3+ (1-25 μM) on: (a) the amount of free GSH, investigating whether the metal binds to GSH and/or oxidizes it; (b) the activity of the enzyme GR, that catalyzes GSH regeneration; and (c) the enzyme GPx, that reduces hydroperoxide at expense of GSH oxidation. We found that, while Tl+ had no effect on GSH concentration, Tl3+ oxidized it. Both cations inhibited the reduction of GSSG by GR and the diaphorase activity of this enzyme. In addition, Tl3+per se oxidized NADPH, the cofactor of GR. The effects of Tl on GPx activity depended on the metal charge: Tl+ inhibited GPx when cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH) was the substrate, while Tl3+-mediated GPx inhibition occurred with both substrates. The present results show that Tl interacts with all the components of GSH/GSSG antioxidant defence system. Alterations of this protective pathway could be partially responsible for the oxidative stress associated with Tl toxicity.
Institutional Dividend Clienteles Under an Imputation Tax System

Shareholdings for a sample of institutional equity funds, operating under the Australian imputation tax system, show that dividend policy and fund holdings are related. Relative to market benchmarks and ownership levels across firms, institutional funds are overweight in stocks that pay dividends. Among dividend-paying stocks there is no simple preference for high dividend yields, probably because the highest dividend yields are not sustainable. Instead we find an inverted U relationship between institutional ownership and dividend yield. The tax hypothesis dominates the prudent-man hypothesis in explaining ownership by institutional clienteles. Institutional funds have a higher ownership in stocks which carry full imputation tax credits compared to stocks which have partial, or zero, imputation tax credits.
Hybrid mode transmission line and band pass filter implementation using plasmonics metamaterial at microwave frequency

Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) occurs naturally in optical frequencies. Spoof surface plasmon polariton(SSPP) which have similar characteristics as SPP were proven to exist in lower frequencies such as microwave frequencies on a plasmonics metamaterial. The SSPP based Transmission Line is discussed in this paper. A broadband and efficient conversion from spatially guided wave to SSPP in the microwave frequency and Band Pass Filter implementation using series LC resonator are also discussed.
Modelling and Numerical Simulation of the multi-scale kinetic electron transport. (Modélisation et Simulation Numérique multi-échelle du transport cinétique électronique)

This manuscript is dedicated to the relativistic kinetic transport, under the influence of the magnetic field, identified as a barrier for the modeling and integrated simulations, in the frame of the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). An important achievement concerns the development of a deterministic, reference code, 2Dx-3Dv, of Maxwell-Fokker-Planck-Landau type, that permits the treatment of distribution functions with large anisotropy degree. This work is at the interface between the numerical analysis, applied mathematics, and plasma physics. Another milestone result concerns the derivation of a multi-scale, collisional model, for the transport of relativistic electrons in dense matter. A set of processes is demonstrated to be of importance for ICF, and an analogy is conducted with respect to well-known collisional transport processes in radiotherapy. Finally, a mesoscopic angular moment model, with entropic closure, is derived and employed for radiotherapy dose computation. High order precise and robust numerical schemes are then developed in this framework.
Measuring the Effect of Disability on Labor Force Participation

This paper estimates the effect of disability on labor force participation by using symptoms or diseases as instruments in a simultaneous equations model of endogenous reported disability and labor force participation. The results show that each measure of disability explains a significant amount of variation in labor force participation, though the two are not perfect substitutes. There is only weak evidence of endogeneity of the disability variables. For cases where there is evidence of endogeneity, the bias it causes has the opposite effect of that hypothesized in the literatute (i.e., stress causes health to deteriorate with labor force participation). Furthermore, it has only insignificant effects on the coefficients for other variables.
The Value of Waiting to Invest

This paper studies the optimal timing of investment in an irreversible project where the benefits from the project and the investment cost follow continuous-time stochastic processes. The optimal time to invest and an explicit formula for the value of the option to invest are derived. The rule "invest if benefits exceed costs" does not properly account for the option value of waiting.Simulations show that this option value can be significant, and that for surprisingly reasonable parameter values it may be optimal to wait until benefits are twice the investment cost. Finally, we perform comparative static analysis on the valuation formula and on the rule for when to invest.
Progranulin expression in the developing and adult murine brain

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by focal degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Autosomal dominantly inherited mutations of the progranulin gene (GRN) have been identified as the cause of a subset of cases of familial FTLD. In order to better understand the function of progranulin in the central nervous system (CNS), we have assessed the spatiotemporal expression pattern of both the murine progranulin gene (Grn) and the protein (Grn) by using transgenic knock‐in mice expressing a reporter gene from the Grn locus and by immunohistochemistry, respectively. We compared Grn expression with a panel of established markers for distinct neuronal developmental stages and specific cell lineages at time points ranging from embryonic day 13.5 through to the mature adult. We find that Grn is expressed in both neurons and microglia within the CNS, but that it shows a different developmental expression pattern in each cell type. Grn expression in neurons increases as the cells mature, whereas expression in microglia varies with the cells' state of activation, being specifically upregulated in microglia in response to excitotoxic injury. Our results suggest that progranulin plays distinct roles in neurons and microglia, both of which likely contribute to overall neuronal health and function. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3931–3947, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Earnings inequality in Spain: new evidence using tax data

We use tax files from 2004 to 2010 to document the recent evolution of earnings inequality in Spain. We find that inequality went in parallel with the evolution of the unemployment rate during the period. This evolution is consistent with the evidence from Social Security records recently documented in Bonhomme and Hospido (2012). Quantitatively, the 90/10 percentile ratio of daily earnings experienced a 10% increase between 2007 and 2010, which is partly but not fully explained by changes in labour force composition. We also use the tax data to study the evolution of the gender earnings gap, and find that it has decreased throughout the distribution during the period. Lastly, we tentatively exploit the panel dimension of the data to explore the permanent and temporary dimensions of Spanish inequality.
Glutamatergic Modulation of GABAergic Signaling Among Hippocampal Interneurons: Novel Mechanisms Regulating Hippocampal Excitability

Summary: Purpose: Because interneurons play a central role in regulating the excitability of the hippocampal formation, it is important to understand the mechanisms that modulate γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic signaling among them. This study addresses the modulation of GABA release from interneuron terminals by presynaptic glutamate receptors.
Economic growth and energy consumption nexus in Pakistan

Purpose – This study aims to examine the relationship between electricity consumption per capita (ELEC) and real per capita income (Y), as the direction of causation of this relationship remains controversial in the existing literature. It also seeks to explore the relationship between energy consumption per capita (ENC) and real per capita income, over a 34‐year period (between 1975 and 2009). Design/methodology/approach – The study uses Johansen cointegration technique to determine the short‐ and long‐run relationship between the variables. The authors also utilize Granger causality test to determine the causal relationship between the selected variables.Findings – The study provides evidence of bi‐directional causality between the electricity consumption per capita and real per capita income on one hand; and energy consumption per capita and real per capita income on the other hand as the direction of causality has significant policy implications.Research limitations/implications – This study does not i.
A population-based study of depressed mood in middle-aged, Australian-born women

Objective:There has been controversy about the relationship between menopause and depression. This study utilizes a unique prospective population-based data set of middle-aged, Australian-born women to identify determinants of depressed mood. Design:The Melbourne Women’s Midlife Health Project sample consisted of 438 women aged 45 to 55 at baseline; they were followed annually for 11 years. Of this group, 314 (72%) completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scale in year 11 to measure depressed mood. Variables measured at baseline and annually included negative mood (measured with Affectometer) and psychosocial, hormonal, health, and lifestyle factors. Results:Women who had the highest CES-D scores were those who by year 11 were still in the menopause transition stage (had not reached final menstrual period) or had experienced surgical menopause. CES-D correlated with negative mood measured concurrently (r = 0.63) and baseline negative mood (r = 0.37). There was a significant reduction in negative mood for all menopause status groups, but those who experienced surgical menopause showed less reduction than other women. Ever-use or number of years of use of hormone therapy made no difference to CES-D outcome. CES-D was associated with baseline negative attitudes toward aging, mood, and premenstrual complaint experience and annual mood, poor self-rated health, number of bothersome symptoms, and daily hassles. Conclusions:Women most likely to have higher depressed mood in the age group 57 to 67 are those who have undergone surgical menopause or have menstruated within the last 12 months. Prior negative mood, history of premenstrual complaints, negative attitudes toward aging or menopause, poor health, and daily hassles predict depressed mood.
Determinants of Auditor Choice: Evidence from a Small Client Market

This paper analyzes the auditor choices for a sample of 2,333 predominantly small and mid-sized Finnish firms. Finland requires virtually all commercial enterprises to have a financial statement audit, but allows the smallest firms to choose from four types of audit firms: first tier international firms, first tier national firms, second tier local auditors and non-certified auditors. We find that among the smallest firms, the choice to hire a certified auditor relates to the level of complexity in the organization as measured by size and extent of workforce. For firms that must use a certified auditor, we find that the choice between a first tier and second tier firm is related to size, the extent of debt financing, and complexity associated with being a member of an associated group. Finally, in the upper end of the market, the decision to hire a large international firm relates to size, the need for financing, be it equity or debt, and complexity due to a broad labour force. This pattern is interesting because it indicates that the need for a higher quality auditor is driven first by complexity, then as the firm grows, it is supplemented by the use of debt financing and ultimately by the need to raise equity as well as debt financing.
Leukaemia survival trends in children with Down's syndrome in Great Britain, 1971–2000: a population-based study

Background Children with Down's syndrome (DS) who developed leukaemia have had a worse prognosis than other children with leukaemia in the past. In the 1970s and early 1980s, some children with DS who developed leukaemia received fewer cycles of chemotherapy or were advised not to have treatment. Methods In this population-based study, trends in 5-year survival from leukaemia were evaluated for children with and without DS who were diagnosed in Great Britain during 1971–2000 and followed to the end of 2004. Results For all children, with and without DS, survival has increased dramatically over the 30 year study period. For lymphoid leukaemia, survival in children with DS increased, but remains lower than for other children (5-year survival 59% vs 83% during 1996–2000). For acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemia (ANLL), however, 5-year survival improved substantially for children with DS, from less than 1% in the early 1970s to over 80% in the 1990s. For other children, survival increased from 6% to 64% during the same period. Conclusion Survival for all children diagnosed with leukaemia has improved during the last three decades. For lymphoid leukaemia, the inferior outcome observed on more recent treatment protocols in children with DS remains an area for concern. For ANLL, the improvement in survival for children with DS is due to a number of factors, namely increased recruitment of these children to clinical trials, changes in clinical practice and important differences in the biology of myeloid leukaemia in young children with DS, resulting in a better response to some chemotherapeutic agents.
Determinants of the Timing of Downsizing Among Large Japanese Firms: Long�?Term Employment Practices and Corporate Governance

This paper analyses the relation between corporate governance and employment adjustment behaviour among Japanese firms. The results are summarized in the following two points. First, in the period before 1997, although main banks were likely to allow firms' employment maintenance until they experienced 2 consecutive years of losses, they tended to press firms to downsize once firms faced financial distress. Second, the reduced function of main banks and the increased influence of foreign owners have changed the timing of downsizing since 1997. Changes in corporate governance have brought about slight but non‐negligible changes in Japanese employment practices.
Relationship between hemodynamic and vital support measures and pharmacokinetic variability of amikacin in critically ill patients with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between aminoglycoside disposition kinetics and hemodynamic response to sepsis, as well as vital support therapy, in critically ill patients with sepsis. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of critically ill patients with sepsis undergoing physiologic and aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic monitoring. SETTING Ten-bed general intensive care unit in a tertiary care center. PATIENTS Thirty consecutive critically ill patients who had Gram-negative sepsis treated with amikacin and who were undergoing hemodynamic monitoring. INTERVENTIONS Clinical, hemodynamic, oxygenation, and amikacin pharmacokinetic data were obtained simultaneously in each patient during aminoglycoside therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic values were estimated from serum amikacin concentration-time data using a nonlinear least squares regression computer program, assuming a one-compartment infusion pharmacokinetic model. Individual pharmacokinetic values were subjected to statistical analysis to explain their variability. Selection of the subset of variables to be used in the final model was performed by combining principal component analysis and multiple stepwise linear regression. The mean prediction error and the root mean square error, as expressions of bias and precision, were estimated. Mean volume of distribution was 0.47 L/kg, with a coefficient of variation of 35%. Mean serum amikacin clearance was 60.2 mL/min, with a coefficient of variation of 34%. Seventy-six percent of the variability in volume of distribution was explained by three covariates: body weight (p < .0001); oxygen extraction (p < .001); and serum albumin (p < .001). For serum amikacin clearance, 70% of the variability was explained by three covariates: creatinine clearance (p < .001); positive end-expiratory pressure (p < .01); and use of catecholamines as vital support therapy (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Factors related to hemodynamic response and vital support measures have a significant influence on the disposition kinetics of amikacin in severely ill patients with sepsis. Consideration of hemodynamic response and vital support measures, in addition to other previously described covariates, can be of great value in the design of initial dosing regimens.
A Comparison of Analysts' and Investors' Biases in Interpreting Accruals: A Valuation Approach

Elgers, Lo, and Pfeiffer (2003) argue that analysts' earnings forecasts are less biased than the market's earnings expectation in interpreting accruals. Their argument implies that analysts' earnings forecasts could potentially mitigate the market's mispricing of accruals by guiding investors to reduce their earnings prediction errors arising from the misinterpretation of accruals. Their results call for further investigation, however, owing to two questionable research design choices: (1) estimating the magnitude of the market's bias using the traditional earnings response coefficient (ERC) model, which is vulnerable to the well-known omitted-variable problem; and (2) examining only the bias in short-term (i.e., one-year-ahead) earnings expectations, ignoring possible bias in earnings expectations for longer future periods. To alleviate these concerns, we take an alternative approach in which we compare the bias of the market's equity value estimates (i.e., stock prices) against the bias of equity value estimates based on analysts' earnings forecasts in valuing accruals. By taking this alternative approach, we find that analysts' earnings forecasts are more biased than stock prices in interpreting accruals. Thus, contrary to Elgers, Lo, and Pfeiffer (2003), we conclude that analysts' earnings forecasts do not mitigate the market's mispricing of accruals.
Impact of camping on ground and beach flow water quality on the eastern beach of K'gari-Fraser Island: a preliminary study

Concern for the maintenance of water quality of the lakes on K'gari-Fraser Island has attracted research attention but the impact of beach camping on beach freshwater has been poorly considered. The assumption has been that the natural assimilative capacity of the foredune ecosystem is sufficient to dissipate any negative environmental impact. An exploratory study of nutrients, faecal coliforms and faecal sterols in the watertable and beach flows associated with camping and non-camping zones reveals concerning differences between sample sites. The study suggests nutrient levels in the watertable are enriched in camping zones and that, in some areas, faecal coliforms persist in beach flows. The link to a human cause is supported by the presence of strong faecal sterol signals in soil samples from the watertable interface. The risk implications for human health are significant although the biological impact implications remain unexplored.
Detection of SSR signals in multipath airport environments by a multichannel receiver

Multipath propagation is a serious problem with Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems at airport apron and taxiway areas. In this approach, effective suppression of interference (garbling) by multipath components, using a multichannel receiver is presented. Thereby the SSR header format is exploited to detect multipath components, which are then eliminated by subspace based signal suppression. Extensive tests at Frankfurt international airport show the potential of the proposed approach to significantly improve reception at problematic sites.
The HIV Anticaptory Saving Motive: An Empirical Analysis in South Africa

This paper studies the effect of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on saving behaviour. Two important characteristics of HIV result in opposing forces on savings: mortality increases, which reduces savings, and long-term illness risk increases, which enhances savings. We use a two period life-cycle model with uncertain lifetime including perceived HIV contamination risk to illustrate both the opposing effects of the HIV epidemic on individual savings and test the predictions of our model with data obtained from an economic experiment with real monetary incentives performed in South Africa. The empirical results show that increased mortality decreases the amount of savings and that having a high perception of HIV contamination risk increases savings. The latter effect confirms the HIV anticipatory saving hypothesis.
Global Simulation Analysis of Industry-Level Trade Policy: the GSIM model

This technical report brings together two papers on the linear and non-linear versions of the multi-region trade simulation model known as GSIM. It outlines a modeling strategy for the partial equilibrium analysis of tariff and antidumping policy on a global level. The framework is scalable, employs national product differentiation, and allows for the simultaneous assessment of trade policy changes (duties and undertakings), at the industry level, on a global, regional, or national level. Results allow the assessment of importer and exporter effects related to tariff revenues, exporter (producer) surplus, and importer (consumer) surplus. With additional data, national employment effects can also be fit into the basic framework. NOTE the *. zip archive includes Excel template models, and the technical papers that explain the model.