Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Sources of Gain in Stock Repurchases

Previous studies offer a mixed understanding of the economic role of stock repurchases. This paper investigates three key economic motivations—mispricing, disgorging free cash flow, and increasing leverage—by evaluating cross-sectional differences in both the initial market reaction and long-run performance. The initial reaction provides some support for the mispricing story. However, subsequent earnings-related information shocks suggest that the initial market reaction is incomplete and that long-run performance may be informative. The long-horizon return evidence is most consistent with the mispricing hypothesis and, to some degree, the free cash flow hypothesis. We find little support for the leverage hypothesis.
Household-Level Impacts of Dairy Cow Ownership in Coastal Kenya

This study uses heteroskedastic Tobit and Censored Least Absolute Deviations models to examine the impacts of dairy cow ownership on selected outcomes for a sample of 184 households in coastal Kenya. The outcomes examined include gross household cash income, gross non‐agricultural income, consumption of dairy products, time allocated to cattle‐related tasks, number of labourers hired and total wage payments to hired labourers. The number of dairy cows owned has a large and statistically significant impact on household cash income; each cow owned increased income by at least 53% of the mean total income of households without dairy cows. Dairy cow ownership also increases consumption of dairy products by 1.0 litre per week, even though most of the increase in milk production is sold. The number of dairy cows has no significant effect on total labour for cattle‐related tasks. However, in contrast to previous studies, labour allocation to cattle by household members decreases and labour requirements for dairy cows are met primarily by an increase in hired labour. Dairy cow ownership results in relatively modest increases in payments to hired labourers and the number of hired labourers employed. The large positive impacts on income and the substitution of hired for household labour in cattle care suggest that intensification of smallholder dairying can be beneficial as a development strategy in the region if disease and feed constraints are addressed.
Neural stem cell differentiation is dependent upon endogenous caspase‐3 activity

Caspase proteases have become the focal point for the development and application of anti‐apoptotic therapies in a variety of central nervous system diseases. However, this approach is based on the premise that caspase function is limited to invoking cell death signals. Here, we show that caspase‐3 activity is elevated in nonapoptotic differentiating neuronal cell populations. Moreover, peptide inhibition of protease activity effectively inhibits the differentiation process in a cultured neurosphere model. These results implicate caspase‐3 activation as a conserved feature of neuronal differentiation and suggest that targeted inhibition of this protease in neural cell populations may have unintended consequences.
Structure-Preserving Binary Representations for RGB-D Action Recognition

In this paper, we propose a novel binary local representation for RGB-D video data fusion with a structure-preserving projection. Our contribution consists of two aspects. To acquire a general feature for the video data, we convert the problem to describing the gradient fields of RGB and depth information of video sequences. With the local fluxes of the gradient fields, which include the orientation and the magnitude of the neighborhood of each point, a new kind of continuous local descriptor called Local Flux Feature(LFF) is obtained. Then the LFFs from RGB and depth channels are fused into a Hamming spacevia the Structure Preserving Projection (SPP). Specifically, an orthogonal projection matrix is applied to preserve the pairwise structure with a shape constraint to avoid the collapse of data structure in the projected space. Furthermore, a bipartite graph structure of data is taken into consideration, which is regarded as a higher level connection between samples and classes than the pairwise structure of local features. The extensive experiments show not only the high efficiency of binary codes and the effectiveness of combining LFFs from RGB-D channels via SPP on various action recognition benchmarks of RGB-D data, but also the potential power of LFF for general action recognition.
Governance, metropolitan planning and city-building: The case for reform

Australia's Unintended Cities identifies and researches housing and housing-related urban outcomes that are unintended consequences of other policies, the structure of incentives and disincentives for the housing market, and governance arrangements for metropolitan areas and planning and service delivery. It is argued that unintended consequences have a greater impact on the housing market and Australia's cities and their future than policies directly concerned with housing, urban policy and metropolitan strategic planning.
Galaxy pairs in cosmological simulations: effects of interactions on colours and chemical abundances

We perform a statistical analysis of galaxies in pairs with a A-CDM scenario by using the chemical GADGET-2 of Scannapieco et al. (2005, MNRAS, 364, 552) in order to study the effects of galaxy interactions on colours and metallicities. We find that galaxy-galaxy interactions can produce a bimodal colour distribution where galaxies with significant recent star formation activity contribute mainly to blue colours. In the simulations, the colours and the fractions of recently formed stars of galaxies in pairs depend on their environments more strongly than those of galaxies without close companions, suggesting that interactions play an important role in galaxy evolution. If the metallicity of the stellar populations is used as the chemical indicator, we find that the simulated galaxies determine luminosity-metallicity and stellar mass-metallicity relations that do not depend on the presence of a close companion. However, in the case of the luminosity-metallicity relation, at a given level of enrichment, we detect a systematic displacement of the relation to brighter magnitudes for active star forming systems. Regardless of relative distance and current level of star formation (SF) activity, galaxies in pairs have stellar populations with higher level of enrichment than galaxies without a close companion. In the case of the gas component, this is no longer valid for galaxies in pairs with passive star formation that only show an excess of metals for very close pair members, consequence of an important recent past star-formation activity. In agreement with observations, the signature of gas inflows driven by interactions can be also detected in the lower mean O/H abundances measured in the central regions of galaxies in pairs. Our results suggest that interactions play a significant role in the determination of colour and chemical properties of galaxies in hierarchical clustering scenarios, although SN energy feedback is needed to achieve a full agreement.
Pediatric sibling donors of successful and unsuccessful hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT): a qualitative study of their psychosocial experience.

OBJECTIVE To examine the psychosocial impact of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) on sibling donors, particularly in unsuccessful HSCTs. METHODS Fifteen sibling HSCT donors, 8 who had participated in successful transplants, and 7 whose recipient sibling died, were interviewed (M age = 19.6 years at time of interviews, and 13.3 years at time of sibling's HSCT). Grounded theory methodology was used to derive themes from interviews. RESULTS Siblings in the unsuccessful transplant group reported greater negative impact and feelings of guilt following the HSCT and were less likely to experience positive psychological effects. Both groups reported that informed consent involved "no choice" and that psychological aspects of the procedure outweighed physical aspects. CONCLUSIONS Some themes differentiated sibling donors of successful and unsuccessful transplants, while others were common to both groups. All emergent themes reinforced the importance of providing sibling donors with developmentally appropriate, accurate information and long-term psychological support.
Early reliability assessment of UML based software models

The ability to validate software systems early in the development lifecycle is becoming crucial. While early validation of functional requirements is supported by well known approaches, the validation of non-functional requirements, such as reliability, is not. Early assessment of non-functional requirements can be facilitated by automated transformation of software models into (mathematical) notations suitable for validation. These type of validation approaches are usually as "transparent" to the developers as possible. Consequently, most software developers find them user friendly and easy to adopt.In this paper we introduce a methodology that starts with the analysis of the UML model of software architecture followed by the bayesian framework for reliability prediction. We utilize three different types of UML diagrams: Use Case, Sequence and Deployment diagrams. They are annotated with reliability related attributes. Unlike traditional reliability growth models, which are applicable late in the lifecycle, our approach bases system reliability prediction on component and connector failure rates. In mature development environments, these may be available as the result of reuse. Throughout the lifecycle, as the developers improve their understanding of failure rates and their operational usage, system reliability prediction becomes more precise. We demonstrate the approach through a case study based on a simple web-based transaction processing system.
Mitochondrial protein turnover: role of the precursor intermediate peptidase Oct1 in protein stabilization

An increasing number of mitochondrial preproteins are sequentially processed upon import by the presequence mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) and the intermediate peptidase octapeptidyl aminopeptidase 1 (Oct1). We show that Oct1 removes destabilizing residues from import intermediates generated by MPP. Oct1 therefore acts as a quality control system, preventing premature substrate degradation.
Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity by N1‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine, a brain metabolite of melatonin

We assessed the effects of melatonin, N1‐acetyl‐N 2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK) and N1‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AMK) on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity in vitro and in rat striatum in vivo. Melatonin and AMK (10−11−10−3 m), but not AFMK, inhibited nNOS activity in vitro in a dose–response manner. The IC50 value for AMK (70 µm) was significantly lower than for melatonin (>1 mm). A 20% nNOS inhibition was reached with either 10−9 m melatonin or 10−11 m AMK. AMK inhibits nNOS by a non‐competitive mechanism through its binding to Ca2+‐calmodulin (CaCaM). The inhibition of nNOS elicited by melatonin, but not by AMK, was blocked with 0.05 mm norharmane, an indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase inhibitor. In vivo, the potency of AMK to inhibit nNOS activity was higher than that of melatonin, as a 25% reduction in rat striatal nNOS activity was found after the administration of either 10 mg/kg of AMK or 20 mg/kg of melatonin. Also, in vivo, the administration of norharmane blocked the inhibition of nNOS produced by melatonin administration, but not the inhibition produced by AMK. These data reveal that AMK rather than melatonin is the active metabolite against nNOS, which may be inhibited by physiological levels of AMK in the rat striatum.
Measuring Sexual Preferences in Virtual Reality: A Pilot Study

Virtual reality (VR), as a method to assess sexual preferences, is explored. Dynamics of the subjective point of view (POV), subjective affective state, and feeling of presence, as measured following the interaction with a virtual naked model, appear as promising ways to probe sexual preferences as expressed in immersion. Theoretical aspects of VR psychology and further steps in developing a sexual preferences assessment method are delineated.
Lepton flavor violation in the little Higgs model with T parity

Little Higgs models with T-parity may provide us with a new source of lepton flavor violation, as such, in this paper we consider the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (g-2){sub {mu}} and the lepton flavor violating decays {mu}{yields}e{gamma} and {tau}{yields}{mu}{gamma} in the little Higgs model with T-parity [A. Goyal, hep-ph/0609095. ]. Our results show that the present experimental constraints of {mu}{yields}e{gamma} are a much more useful tool for constraining the new sources of flavor violation, than from the other processes considered here, which are present in T-parity models.
Physical activity during pregnancy and offspring cardiovascular risk factors: findings from a prospective cohort study

Objectives The long-term consequences of maternal physical activity during pregnancy for offspring cardiovascular health are unknown. We examined the association of maternal self-reported physical activity in pregnancy (18 weeks gestation) with offspring cardiovascular risk factors at age 15. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Participants 4665 maternal-offspring pairs (based on a sample with multiple imputation to deal with missing data) from the ALSPAC, a prospective cohort based in the South West of England with mothers recruited in pregnancy in 1991–1992. Primary and secondary outcome measures Offspring cardiovascular risk factors at age 15; body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, glucose, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Results Greater maternal physical activity was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, glucose and insulin in unadjusted analyses. The magnitude of associations was generally small with wide CIs, and most associations attenuated towards the null after adjusting for confounders. The strongest evidence of association after adjustment for confounders was for glucose, although the 95% CI for this association includes the null; a one SD greater physical activity during pregnancy was associated with a −0.013 mmol/L difference in offspring glucose levels (equivalent to approximately one-third of a SD; 95% CI −0.027 to 0.001 mmol/L). Conclusions Our results suggest that maternal physical activity in pregnancy, measured at 18 weeks gestation, is unlikely to be an important determinant of later offspring cardiovascular health. There was some suggestion of association with offspring glucose, but given that all other associations (including insulin) were null after adjustment for confounders, this result should be interpreted with caution.
Constant‐pH molecular dynamics using continuous titration coordinates

In this work, we explore the question of whether pKa calculations based on a microscopic description of the protein and a macroscopic description of the solvent can be implemented to examine conformationally dependent proton shifts in proteins. To this end, we introduce a new method for performing constant‐pH molecular dynamics (PHMD) simulations utilizing the generalized Born implicit solvent model. This approach employs an extended Hamiltonian in which continuous titration coordinates propagate simultaneously with the atomic motions of the system. The values adopted by these coordinates are modulated by potentials of mean force of isolated titratable model groups and the pH to control the proton occupation at particular sites in the polypeptide. Our results for four different proteins yield an absolute average error of ∼1.6 pK units, and point to the role that thermally driven relaxation of the protein environment in the vicinity of titrating groups plays in modulating the local pKa, thereby influencing the observed pK1/2 values. While the accuracy of our method is not yet equivalent to methods that obtain pK1/2 values through the ad hoc scaling of electrostatics, the present approach and constant pH methods in general provide a useful framework for studying pH‐dependent phenomena. Further work to improve our model to approach quantitative agreement with experiment is outlined. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Patient Age on Angioarchitecture of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Over 800 AVMs were retrospectively reviewed to determine if clinical and angioarchitectural features varied between children and adults. The authors found that hemorrhages and exclusively deep venous drainage were more common in children but high-risk features such as venous ectasia and feeding artery aneurysm were more common in adults. Thus, these latter high-risk features may take time to develop. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The imaging characteristics and modes of presentation of brain AVMs may vary with patient age. Our aim was to determine whether clinical and angioarchitectural features of brain AVMs differ between children and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively collected institutional data base of all patients diagnosed with brain AVMs since 2001 was queried. Demographic, clinical, and angioarchitecture information was summarized and analyzed with univariable and multivariable models. RESULTS: Results often differed when age was treated as a continuous variable as opposed to dividing subjects into children (18 years or younger; n = 203) versus adults (older than 18 years; n = 630). Children were more likely to present with AVM hemorrhage than adults (59% versus 41%, P < .001). Although AVMs with a larger nidus presented at younger ages (mean of 26.8 years for >6 cm compared with 37.1 years for <3 cm), this feature was not significantly different between children and adults (P = .069). Exclusively deep venous drainage was more common in younger subjects when age was treated continuously (P = .04) or dichotomized (P < .001). Venous ectasia was more common with increasing age (mean, 39.4 years with ectasia compared with 31.1 years without ectasia) and when adults were compared with children (52% versus 35%, P < .001). Patients with feeding artery aneurysms presented at a later average age (44.1 years) than those without such aneurysms (31.6 years); this observation persisted when comparing children with adults (13% versus 29%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although children with brain AVMs were more likely to come to clinical attention due to hemorrhage than adults, venous ectasia and feeding artery aneurysms were under-represented in children, suggesting that these particular high-risk features take time to develop.
Development of test procedures for evaluation of binaural hearing aids. A final report.

Research in the rehabilitative aspects of audiology has not been as extensive as audiological research focused on the development and use of various auditory tests for diagnostic purposes . The work described here, supported by the Veterans Administration, represents an effort to restore the balance by focusing on the communicative problems experienced by hearing-impaired veterans and others, and their rehabilitative needs. Specifically, the overall goals of these investigations have been the development of test procedures for assessing the efficiency of binaural hearing aids, and the development of methods for increasing the efficiency of hearing aid use . This report will consist of two parts : a summary of the work completed under earlier contracts, and of the projects supported by Veterans Administration Contract No . V101 (134) P-6. Greater emphasis will be placed on the reporting of the latter projects.
Evaluating the quality of information models: empirical testing of a conceptual model quality framework

This paper conducts an empirical analysis of a semiotics-based quality framework for quality assuring information models. 192 participants were trained in the concepts of the quality framework, and used it to evaluate models represented in an extended Entity Relationship (ER) language. A randomised, double-blind design was used, in which each participant independently reviewed multiple models and each model was evaluated by multiple reviewers. A combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques were used to evaluate the results, including reliability analysis, validity analysis, interaction analysis, influence analysis, defect pattern analysis and task accuracy analysis. An analysis was also conducted of the framework's likelihood of adoption in practice. The study provides strong support for the validity of the framework and suggests that it is likely to be adopted in practice, but raises questions about its reliability and the ability of participants to use it to accurately identify defects. The research findings provide clear directions for improvement of the framework. The research methodology used provides a general approach to empirical validation of quality frameworks.
Randomness in Integrated Circuits with Applications in Device Identification and Random Number Generation

RANDOMNESS IN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS WITH APPLICATIONS IN DEVICE IDENTIFICATION AND RANDOM NUMBER GENERATION SEPTEMBER 2007 DANIEL E. HOLCOMB B.S., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST M.S.E.C. E. , UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professor Wayne P. Burleson RFID applications create a need for low-cost security and privacy in potentially hostile environments. To accomplish these goals of security and privacy, static identifiers and random numbers are required. Motivated by cost constraints, this thesis explores generating both identifiers and random numbers from existing CMOS circuitry, using a system of Fingerprint Extraction and Random Numbers in SRAM (FERNS). The identity results from the impact of manufacture-time physically random device threshold mismatch on the initial state of SRAM, and the randomness results from the impact of run-time physically random noise. FERNS is supported by an analytical model of the relative impacts of process variation and noise, and by experimental data from virtual tags, microcontroller memory, and the WISP UHF passive RFID tag. It is shown that virtual tags can be uniquely identified amongst a population of 160 using less than 50 bits of SRAM with an efficient matching algorithm. It is shown that a 128 bit true random number capable of passing statistical tests can be extracted from 256 bytes of SRAM. Based on these results and the observation that FERNS is well suited to passive applications, we conclude that FERNS is a viable approach to both identification and true random number generation in RFID tags.
On the Scalability and Dynamic Load-Balancing of Time Warp

As a consequence of Moore’s law, the size of integrated circuits has grown extensively, resulting in simulation becoming the major bottleneck in the circuit design process. On the other hand, parallel or distributed simulations can be applied as fast, feasible and cost effective approaches for correctness analysis of current VLSI circuits. In this paper, we developed the first Time Warp simulator which can simulate in parallel all synthesizable Verilog circuits. We observed 4,000,000 events per second on 32 processors for the Viterbi decoder with 800k gates. We also observed that the load of different processors differ by up to 12M events during the course of the simulation. As a result, we first develop two new dynamic load balancing approach which balance the load during the simulation. Afterward, we utilize reinforcement learning to create an algorithm which is a combination of the first two algorithms. We investigate the algorithms on gate level simulations of several open source VLSI circuits. Our results show up to a 25% improvement in the simulation time using the reinforcement learning algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that reinforcement learning has been used for the dynamic load-balancing of Time Warp.