Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Soft Dollars on Market Equilibrium and Investors' Profits

This paper examines the impact of soft dollar practices on market equilibrium and trading profits. The setting is one in which there exist both money managers and individual (nonclient) investors and in which soft dollar payments from brokers to money managers cannot be publicly observed. In this context it is shown that soft dollars increase the trading aggressiveness of money managers and decrease the aggressiveness of nonclient investors. Under certain conditions, the increased trading aggressiveness of the managers leads to an increase in their clients' expected profits, but to a decline in market liquidity and total trading volume. These results hold whether or not the clients adjust the money managers' fee for the expected soft dollar payments. However, if the actual amount of soft dollars paid were observable, their value to the client may disappear. The results of this paper should be of interest to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is currently considering expanding the reporting requirements for soft dollars.
Distributed coordination for optimal energy flow in smart grid networks: High-order polynomial approach

This paper provides a distributed coordination law for energy distribution in smart grid networks. A distributed optimization scheme is designed to meet supply-demand balance in overall network. To impose lower and upper boundaries in energy flow, we use high-order polynomials in the definition of cost functions. By using high-order polynomials, we could develop a distributed optimization scheme taking account of boundaries in energy flow. Through numerical simulations, the validity of the proposed idea is illustrated.
The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of Guam

INTRODUCTION AND SETTING This report is an assessment of the status of coral reef ecosystems in Guam from 2002 to 2004. Data on coral reef ecosystems were synthesized from assessments and monitoring programs conducted by local and federal organizations. Included in the report are assessments of the environmental and anthropogenic stressors affecting coral reefs, information on data gathering activities and the condition of coral reef ecosystem resources, a description of current conservation management activities, and overall conclusions and recommendations to monitor and manage coral reef ecosystems better in the future.
Parametric and nonparametric methods for power line network topology inference

Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) has recently been proposed as a method for inferring the topology of power line communications (PLC) networks. In this paper, we introduce and compare two approaches to process FDR measurements for topology inference. The first approach is based on peak-detection using the inverse Fourier transform of FDR measurements. We refer to this method as the nonparametric method. The second approach is based on a parametric model, which under reasonable assumptions makes Prony-type methods applicable to the problem at hand. The advantages and the limitations of both methods are determined and discussed. Simulation results demonstrate the performance of each method.
Variation at phenological candidate genes correlates with timing of dispersal and plumage morph in a sedentary bird of prey

Polymorphic genes involved in the conserved molecular signalling of circadian and circannual clocks may play important roles in governing the timing of breeding and dispersal and thereby affect fitness in vertebrates. However, relatively few studies have explored associations between phenological candidate genes and behaviour, and these are somewhat biased towards particular taxonomic groups such as passerine birds and salmonid fish. Consequently, we assayed microsatellite polymorphisms within the exonic and 3′ untranslated regions of the regulatory genes CLOCK, NPAS2, ADCYAP1 and CREB1 in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), a polymorphic raptor species with three plumage morphs that differ in key life history traits including lifetime reproductive success. In contrast to studies of passerines, CLOCK poly‐glutamine (poly‐Q) was found to be monomorphic in 976 common buzzard nestlings as well as in three other Buteo species. Moreover, none of the candidate genes were significantly associated with fledging dates, although intermediately melanized females were found to lay earlier on average than light or dark morph individuals, and their offspring carried longer ADCYAP1 alleles. In contrast, all three candidate genes explained significant variation in one or more measures of juvenile buzzard dispersal (resighting probability, timing of dispersal and distance dispersed). Our findings contribute towards a broader body of work on the adaptive significance of CLOCK polymorphism, while also building upon previous studies that have documented links between ADCYAP1 variability and the timing of migration.
Intrathecal morphine and clonidine for coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND After cardiac surgery adequate postoperative analgesia is necessary. We assessed analgesia using intrathecal morphine and clonidine. METHODS In a double-blind randomized study, 45 patients having coronary artery bypass graft surgery were allocated randomly to receive i.v. patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine (bolus, 1 mg; lock-out interval, 7 min) (control group), either alone or combined with intrathecal morphine 4 microg kg(-1) or with both intrathecal morphine 4 microg kg(-1) and clonidine 1 microg kg(-1). Intrathecal injections were performed before the induction of general anaesthesia. Pain was measured after surgery using a visual analogue scale (VAS). We recorded i.v. PCA morphine consumption during the 24 h after operation. RESULTS Morphine dosage [median (25th-75th percentiles)] was less in the first 24 h in the patients who were given intrathecal morphine + clonidine [7 (0-37) mg] than in other patients [40.5 (15-61.5) mg in the intrathecal morphine group and 37 (30.5-51) mg in the i.v. morphine group]. VAS scores were lower after intrathecal morphine + clonidine compared with the control group. Time to extubation was less after intrathecal morphine + clonidine compared with the i.v. morphine group [225 (195-330) vs 330 (300-360) min, P<0.05]. CONCLUSION Intrathecal morphine and clonidine provide effective analgesia after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and allow earlier extubation.
The Geometry of Almost Einstein $\boldsymbol{(2, 3, 5)}$ Distributions

We analyze the classic problem of existence of Einstein metrics in a given conformal structure for the class of conformal structures inducedf Nurowski's construction by (oriented) (2,3,5) distributions. We characterize in two ways such conformal structures that admit an almost Einstein scale: First, they are precisely the oriented conformal structures $\mathbf{c}$ that are induced by at least two distinct oriented (2,3,5) distributions; in this case there is a 1-parameter family of such distributions that induce $\mathbf{c}$. Second, they are characterized by the existence of a holonomy reduction to $SU(1,2)$, $SL(3,{\mathbb R})$, or a particular semidirect product $SL(2,{\mathbb R})\ltimes Q_+$, according to the sign of the Einstein constant of the corresponding metric. Via the curved orbit decomposition formalism such a reduction partitions the underlying manifold into several submanifolds and endows each ith a geometric structure. This establishes novel links between (2,3,5) distributions and many other geometries - several classical geometries among them - including: Sasaki-Einstein geometry and its paracomplex and null-complex analogues in dimension 5; K\"ahler-Einstein geometry and its paracomplex and null-complex analogues, Fefferman Lorentzian conformal structures, and para-Fefferman neutral conformal structures in dimension 4; CR geometry and the point geometry of second-order ordinary differential equations in dimension 3; and projective geometry in dimension 2. We describe a generalized Fefferman construction that builds from a 4-dimensional K\"ahler-Einstein or para-K\"ahler-Einstein structure a family of (2,3,5) distributions that induce the same (Einstein) conformal structure. We exploit some of these links to construct new examples, establishing the existence of nonflat almost Einstein (2,3,5) conformal structures for which the Einstein constant is positive and negative.
Teachers' Attitudes about Computer Technology Training, Professional Development, Integration, Experience, Anxiety, and Literacy in English Language Teaching and Learning

Computer technology is an important and necessary part in our personal and professional lives. It has made many of our everyday tasks easier and faster. In the classrooms, some important variables such as the classroom teacher and the teacher’s attitudes towards the effective use of computer technology have not been paid attention. This paper examines how teachers understand the use of computer technology resources in English language teaching. The aims of this paper are to define the teachers’ attitudes, explain teachers’ attitudes and computer technology training, discuss computer technology and professional development, elaborate teachers’ attitudes and computer technology integration, define teachers’ attitudes and computer experience, discuss teachers’ attitudes and computer anxiety and interest, and review teachers’ attitudes and computer literacy. By reviewing the related literature, it is indicated that simply introducing computer technology resources does not guarantee teachers’ use of these in practice. Knowledge of teachers’ attitudes about teaching, learning, and computers provides them the opportunity to design and implement English language teaching and learning.
A Novel Electronic Data Collection System for Large-Scale Surveys of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Background Large cross-sectional household surveys are common for measuring indicators of neglected tropical disease control programs. As an alternative to standard paper-based data collection, we utilized novel paperless technology to collect data electronically from over 12,000 households in Ethiopia. Methodology We conducted a needs assessment to design an Android-based electronic data collection and management system. We then evaluated the system by reporting results of a pilot trial and from comparisons of two, large-scale surveys; one with traditional paper questionnaires and the other with tablet computers, including accuracy, person-time days, and costs incurred. Principle Findings The electronic data collection system met core functions in household surveys and overcame constraints identified in the needs assessment. Pilot data recorders took 264 (standard deviation (SD) 152 sec) and 260 sec (SD 122 sec) per person registered to complete household surveys using paper and tablets, respectively (P = 0.77). Data recorders felt a lack of connection with the interviewee during the first days using electronic devices, but preferred to collect data electronically in future surveys. Electronic data collection saved time by giving results immediately, obviating the need for double data entry and cross-correcting. The proportion of identified data entry errors in disease classification did not differ between the two data collection methods. Geographic coordinates collected using the tablets were more accurate than coordinates transcribed on a paper form. Costs of the equipment required for electronic data collection was approximately the same cost incurred for data entry of questionnaires, whereas repeated use of the electronic equipment may increase cost savings. Conclusions/Significance Conducting a needs assessment and pilot testing allowed the design to specifically match the functionality required for surveys. Electronic data collection using an Android-based technology was suitable for a large-scale health survey, saved time, provided more accurate geo-coordinates, and was preferred by recorders over standard paper-based questionnaires.
Intraglomerular Lateral Inhibition Promotes Spike Timing Variability in Principal Neurons of the Olfactory Bulb

The activity of mitral and tufted cells, the principal neurons of the olfactory bulb, is modulated by several classes of interneurons. Among them, diverse periglomerular (PG) cell types interact with the apical dendrites of mitral and tufted cells inside glomeruli at the first stage of olfactory processing. We used paired recording in olfactory bulb slices and two-photon targeted patch-clamp recording in vivo to characterize the properties and connections of a genetically identified population of PG cells expressing enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) under the control of the Kv3.1 potassium channel promoter. Kv3.1–EYFP+ PG cells are axonless and monoglomerular neurons that constitute ∼30% of all PG cells and include calbindin-expressing neurons. They respond to an olfactory nerve stimulation with a short barrage of excitatory inputs mediated by mitral, tufted, and external tufted cells, and, in turn, they indiscriminately release GABA onto principal neurons. They are activated by even the weakest olfactory nerve input or by the discharge of a single principal neuron in slices and at each respiration cycle in anesthetized mice. They participate in a fast-onset intraglomerular lateral inhibition between principal neurons from the same glomerulus, a circuit that reduces the firing rate and promotes spike timing variability in mitral cells. Recordings in other PG cell subtypes suggest that this pathway predominates in generating glomerular inhibition. Intraglomerular lateral inhibition may play a key role in olfactory processing by reducing the similarity of principal cells discharge in response to the same incoming input.
An Interval-Based Representation of Temporal Knowledge

This paper describes a method for maintaining the relationships between temporal intervals in a hierarchical manner using constraint propagation techniques. The representation includes a notion of the present moment (i.e., "now"), and allows one to represent intervals that may extend indefinitely into the past/future. This research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number IST-80-12418, and in part by the Office of Naval Research under Grant Number N00014-80-O0197.
Fantappie-Arcidiacono Theory of Relativity Versus Recent Cosmological Evidences : A Preliminary Comparison

Notwithstanding the Fantappie-Arcidiacono theory of projective relativity was introduced more than half a century ago, its observational confirmations in cosmology (the only research field where its predictions differ from those of the Einsteinian relativity) are still missing. In line of principle, this theory may be proposed as a valid alternative to the current views assuming the dominance of dark matter and inflationary scenarios. In this work, the relativistic transformation of the Poynting vector associated with the reception of electromagnetic waves emitted by astronomical objects is derived in the context of the special version of the theory. On the basis of this result, and some heuristic assumptions, two recent collections of observational data are analyzed : the m − z relation for type Ia supernovae (SNLS, SCP collaborations) and the log N -l ogS relation obtained from the FIRST survey of radio sources at 1.4 GHz. From the first analysis, values are derived for the current density of matter in the universe and the cosmological constant that are of the same order of magnitude as those obtained from the most recent conventional evaluations. The second analysis results in an evolutionary trend of number of sources as a function of z that is in qualitative agreement with that obtained from more conventional analyses. Therefore it can be concluded, as a preliminary result, that the application of the theory to the study of cosmological processes leads to results which not substantially differ from these currently accepted. However, in order to obtain a more reliable comparison with observations, a solution is needed for the gravitational equations in the general version of the theory. c
Systemic prostaglandin E 2 increases cancellous bone formation and mass in aging rats and stimulates their bone marrow osteogenic capacity in vivo and in vitro

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been shown to exert a bone anabolic effect in young and adult rats. In this study we tested whether it possesses a similar effect on bone formation and bone mass in aging rats. Fifteen-month-old rats were injected daily with either PGE2 at 5 mg/kg or vehicle for 14 days. PGE2 treatment stimulated the rate of cancellous bone formation (a 5·5-fold increase in bone formation rate), measured by the incorporation of calcein into bone-forming surfaces at the tibial proximal metaphysis. This effect resulted in increased cancellous bone area (+54%) at the same site. Since PGE2 treatment resulted in a much higher proportion of bone surface undergoing bone formation and thus lined with osteoblasts, we tested the hypothesis that PGE2 stimulates osteoblast differentiation from bone marrow precursor cells both in vivo and in vitro. We found that ex vivo cultures of bone marrow stromal cells from rats injected for 2 weeks with PGE2 at 5 mg/kg per day yielded more ( 4-fold) mineralized nodules and exhibited a greater (by 30–40%) alkaline phosphatase activity compared with cultures from vehicle-injected rats, attesting to a stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation by PGE2. We also compared the osteogenic capacity of bone marrow from aging (15-month-old) versus young (5week-old) rats and its regulation by PGE2 in vitro. Bone marrow stromal cell cultures from aging rats exhibited a greatly diminished osteogenic capacity, reflected in reduced nodule formation ( 6% of young animals) and lower alkaline phosphatase activity ( 60% of young animals). However, these parameters could be stimulated in both groups of animals by incubation with 10–100 nM PGE2. The magnitude of this stimulation was greater in cultures from aging rats (+550% vs +70% in nodule formation of aging compared with young rats). In conclusion, we demonstrate here that PGE2 exerts a bone anabolic effect in aging rats, similar to the effect we and others have reported in young, growing rats. The PGE2-stimulated bone formation, which augments bone mass, most likely results from recruitment of osteoblasts from their bone marrow stromal precursors. Journal of Endocrinology (2001) 168, 131–139
Water Quality Monitoring and Control for Aquaculture Based on Wireless Sensor Networks

We have designed and presented a wireless sensor network monitoring and control system for aquaculture. The system can detect and control water quality parameters of temperature, dissolved oxygen content, pH value, and water level in real-time. The sensor nodes collect the water quality parameters and transmit them to the base station host computer through ZigBee wireless communication standard. The host computer is used for data analysis, processing and presentation using LabVIEW software platform. The water quality parameters will be sent to owners through short messages from the base station via the Global System for Mobile (GSM) module for notification. The experimental evaluation of the network performance metrics of quality of communication link, battery performance and data aggregation was presented. The experimental results show that the system has great prospect and can be used to operate in real world environment for optimum control of aquaculture environment
Estimation of Rainfall Based on the Results of Polarimetric Echo Classification

The quality of polarimetric radar rainfall estimation is investigated for a broad range of distances from the polarimetric prototype of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). The results of polarimetric echo classification have been integrated into the study to investigate the performance of radar rainfall estimation contingent on hydrometeor type. A new method for rainfall estimation that capitalizes on the results of polarimetric echo classification (EC method) is suggested. According to the EC method, polarimetric rainfall relations are utilized if the radar resolution volume is filled with rain (or rain and hail), and multiple R(Z ) relations are used for different types of frozen hydrometeors. The intercept parameters in the R(Z ) relations for each class are determined empirically from comparisons with gauges. It is shown that the EC method exhibits better performance than the conventional WSR-88D algorithm with a reduction by a factor of 1.5–2 in the rms error of 1-h rainfall estimates up to distances of 150 km from the radar.
Microvesicles as Potential Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers

Although the incidence of ovarian cancer is low (i.e., less than 5% in European countries), it is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and typically has a poor prognosis. To ensure optimal survival, it is important to diagnose this condition when the pathology is confined to the ovary. However, this is difficult to achieve because the first specific symptoms appear only during advanced disease stages. To date, the biomarker mainly used for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer is CA125; however, this marker has a low sensitivity and specificity and is associated with several other physiological and pathological conditions. No other serum ovarian cancer markers appear to be able to replace or complement CA125, and the current challenge is therefore to identify novel markers for the early diagnosis of this disease. For this purpose, studies have focused on the microvesicles (MVs) released from tumor cells. MVs may represent an ideal biomarker because they can be easily isolated from blood, and they have particular features (mainly regarding microRNA profiles) that strongly correlate with ovarian cancer stage and may be effective for early diagnosis.
Comparative Education

The PISA survey influences educational policies through an international competitive process which is not wholly rationally-oriented. Firstly, PISA league tables act normatively upon the definition of formal educational aims while the survey tests cannot evaluate the educational systems’ relative strengths with regards to such aims. We argue that they measure a kind of academic potential of the students. Secondly, errors in interpreting national success or failure stem from the causal inferences developed from observing national cases. In order to give such comparisons a stronger basis, we distinguish five main educational models within the OECD countries and compare their PISA 2006 results to their population’s socio-cultural levels as well as their performance recorded in an academic-programme-based survey such as TIMSS. Our conclusions contrast heavily with the usual lessons inferred from PISA, which follow OECD-promoted guidelines, and explain French students’ weakening as well as Finnish students’ success.