Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Government Bonds in Domestic and Foreign Currency: The Role of Institutional and Macroeconomic Factors

In contrast to some recent research, this paper finds that institutional and macroeconomic factors are related to the depth and currency composition of government bond markets. Using panel data for developed and emerging economies, we find several factors to be systematically associated with bond markets. Aside from economic size (already shown to affect the currency composition), this paper shows that investor bases matter. Economies with deeper domestic financial systems (measured by bank deposits and stock market capitalization) have larger domestic currency bond markets and issue less foreign currency debt, whereas foreign investor demand is positively related to the size and share of foreign currency bonds. Moreover, less flexible exchange rate regimes are associated with more foreign currency issuance. Other relevant variables include inflation, fiscal burden, legal origin, and capital account openness.
GAP43 overexpression and enhanced neurite outgrowth in mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB cortical neuron cultures

Behavioral manifestations mark the onset of disease expression in children with mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPSIII, Sanfilippo syndrome), a genetic disorder resulting from interruption of the lysosomal degradation of heparan sulfate. In the mouse model of MPSIII type B (MPSIIIB), cortical neuron pathology and dysfunction occur several months before neuronal loss and are primarily cell autonomous. The gene coding for GAP43, a neurite growth potentiator, is overexpressed in the MPSIIIB mouse cortex, and neurite dystrophy was reported in other types of lysosomal storage diseases. We therefore examined the development of the neuritic trees in pure populations of MPSIIIB mouse embryo cortical neurons grown for up to 12 days in primary culture. Dynamic observation of living neurons and quantification of neurite growth parameters indicated more frequent neurite elongation and branching and less frequent neurite retraction, resulting in a relative overgrowth of MPSIIIB neuron neuritic trees, involving both dendrites and axons, compared with normal controls. Neurite overgrowth was concomitant with more than twofold increased expression of GAP43 mRNAs and proteins. Correction of the genetic defect leads to expression of the missing lysosomal enzyme, normal GAP43 mRNA expression, and reduced neurite outgrowth. These results indicate that heparan sulfate oligosaccharide storage modifies GAP43 expression in MPSIIIB cortical neurons with potential consequences for neurite development and neuronal functions that may be relevant to clinical manifestations. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross-National Determinants of Income Inequality: A Replication and Extension Using Ecological-Evolutionary Theory

Simpson (1990) suggests that curvilinear specifications for educational enrollments and political democracy are appropriate in modeling the cross-national determinants of income inequality, whereas the well-known curvilinear effect of national wealth, or the "logic of industrialism" hypothesis, is mediated by education and democracy. This analysis uses the same data on income inequality to replicate Simpson's research. Findings include the following: (1) most of Simpson's central findings can be replicated; (2) using a different measure of development, national wealth does exhibit a direct, curvilinear relationship with income inequality; (3) world-systems/dependency theory finds less support; and (4) agricultural density, used as a proxy for the social and physical carrying capacities of rural areas, has a robust, negative influence on income inequality, in accord with ecological-evolutionary theory. While attempts at synthesis have been made (Milner 1987), no comprehensive theory has emerged to explain income distributions within nations, although many theories have informed these investigations in the past. Specifically, modernization theory, dependency/world-systems theory, a variety of political theories, and ecological-evolutionary theory all suggest variables that may find purchase on this topic. The purpose of this research is to re-examine existing models of income inequality that attempt to test multiple theories simultaneously. In addition, this analysis introduces another hypothesis suggested by ecological-evolutionary theory and investigates its independent contribution to explanations of income distribution. * An earlier version of this article was presented at the American Sociological Association meetings, August 1992. I would like to thank Ansari Ameen and Wen Lang Li for their assistance in the preparation of this manuscript. Also, thanks go to Kenneth Bollen, Glenn Firebaugh, William Form, Craig Jenkins, Gerhard Lenski, Miles Simpson, Kazimierz Slomczyn'ski, and three anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions. Address all comments to the author, Department of Sociology, 190 North Oval Mall, 300 Bricker Hall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1353. The University of North Carolina Press Social Forces, December 1992, 71(2):339-363 This content downloaded from 207.46. 13.115 on Sat, 08 Oct 2016 05:24:12 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor. org/terms 340 / Social Forces 71:2, December 1992
Do large hedgers and speculators react to events? A stability and events analysis

Using CFTC's COT data, this letter analysed whether large hedgers and large speculators were influenced by major economic events of the 1990s. Eight major economics events are looked at over 10-year period, and findings support that these informed players were hardly affected by major events. The trading determinant model, mean equation model and, risk and return relationship model suggested the behaviour and performance of these key market players were stable, and any significant structural break were short lived. The use of SD as a measure of risk captured more breaks in the risk and return relationship model, due to its higher sensitiveness to futures prices in the 29 US futures markets.
Favorable versus Unfavorable Recommendations: The Impact on Analyst Access to Management-Provided Information

This study examines recent regulatory and practitioner concerns that managers provide more (less) information to analysts with more (less) favorable stock recommendations. We examine the relative forecast accuracy of analysts before and after a recommendation issuance under the assumption that increases (decreases) to management-provided information will increase (decrease) analysts' relative forecast accuracy. We find that analysts issuing more favorable recommendations experience a greater increase in their relative forecast accuracy compared to analysts with less favorable recommendations. Additional tests on the change in frequency with which analysts issue forecasts independent of or in conjunction with other analysts after their recommendation change yield corroborating results. In addition, we find that the greater increase in relative accuracy for analysts with more favorable recommendations exists prior to the passage of Regulation FD but not after. The combined results are consistent with analysts receiving relatively more management-provided information following the issuance of more favorable recommendations.
Automated encoding of clinical documents based on natural language processing.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a method based on natural language processing (NLP) that automatically maps an entire clinical document to codes with modifiers and to quantitatively evaluate the method. METHODS An existing NLP system, MedLEE, was adapted to automatically generate codes. The method involves matching of structured output generated by MedLEE consisting of findings and modifiers to obtain the most specific code. Recall and precision applied to Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) coding were evaluated in two separate studies. Recall was measured using a test set of 150 randomly selected sentences, which were processed using MedLEE. Results were compared with a reference standard determined manually by seven experts. Precision was measured using a second test set of 150 randomly selected sentences from which UMLS codes were automatically generated by the method and then validated by experts. RESULTS Recall of the system for UMLS coding of all terms was . 77 (95% CI.72-.81), and for coding terms that had corresponding UMLS codes recall was . 83 (.79-.87). Recall of the system for extracting all terms was . 84 (.81-.88). Recall of the experts ranged from . 69 to . 91 for extracting terms. The precision of the system was . 89 (.87-.91), and precision of the experts ranged from . 61 to . 91. CONCLUSION Extraction of relevant clinical information and UMLS coding were accomplished using a method based on NLP. The method appeared to be comparable to or better than six experts. The advantage of the method is that it maps text to codes along with other related information, rendering the coded output suitable for effective retrieval.
The Price Response to S&P 500 Index Additions and Deletions: Evidence of Asymmetry and a New Explanation

We study the price effects of changes to the S&P 500 index and document an asymmetric price response: There is a permanent increase in the price of added firms but no permanent decline for deleted firms. These results are at odds with extant explanations of the effects of index changes that imply a symmetric price response to additions and deletions. A possible explanation for asymmetric price effects arises from the changes in investor awareness. Results from our empirical tests support the thesis that changes in investor awareness contribute to the asymmetric price effects of S&P 500 index additions and deletions. Copyright 2004 by The American Finance Association.
The Coase theorem: coherent, logical, and not disproved

Abstract: There exists a long line of challengers to the ‘Coase Theorem’. All of these rest on fundamental misconceptions of property rights, transaction costs, and their interaction. Here I examine two attacks that have gone unchallenged: one by Halpin, the other by Usher. I argue that both, in failing to either use or understand an adequate definition of transaction costs, fail to deliver a fatal blow to Coase's famous idea.
Exercise and Hypertension

testing may be warranted, especially for men over 45 and women over 55 yr planning a vigorous exercise program (i.e., (cid:1) 60% ˙VO 2 R, oxygen uptake reserve). In the interim, while formal evaluation and management are taking place, it is reasonable for the majority of patients to begin moderate intensity exercise training (40– (cid:1) 60% ˙VO 2 R) such as walking. When pharmacologic therapy is indicated in physically active people it should, ideally: a) lower BP at rest and during exertion; b) decrease total peripheral resistance; and, c) not adversely affect exercise capacity. For these reasons, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (or angiotensin II receptor blockers in case of ACE inhibitor intolerance) and calcium channel blockers are currently the drugs of choice for recreational exercisers and athletes who have HTN. Exercise remains a cornerstone therapy for the primary prevention, treatment, and control of HTN. The optimal training frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) need to be better defined to optimize the BP lowering capacities of exercise, particularly in children, women, older adults, and certain ethnic groups. Based upon the current evidence, the following exercise prescription is recommended for those with high BP: Frequency: on most, preferably all, days of the week
Performance Pay and Job Satisfaction

This article estimates the direct effect of performance pay schemes on job satisfaction for a representative sample of US workers. Both individual performance pay and profit sharing are routinely associated with higher satisfaction even as the level of pay and a long list of other determinants are held constant. This result holds in panel estimates designed to control for fixed effects. When individual performance pay is disaggregated into five specific schemes, all but one associate with higher satisfaction and piece rates associate with lower satisfaction. The role of gender is explored as an explanation for the results.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of oral isotretinoin in the treatment of recalcitrant facial flat warts

Abstract Background: Recalcitrant facial flat warts are caused by human papillomavirus and may persist for years despite treatment. Isotretinoin has demonstrated benefits in the treatment of recalcitrant, genital and common warts, but placebo-controlled trials have not been performed. Objective: To determine whether isotretinoin is safe and effective for recalcitrant facial flat warts. Methods: Isotretinoin 30 mg/day or placebo was administered to 16 and 15 patients, respectively, in double-blind, randomized fashion for 12 weeks. Cutaneous lesions were assessed and adverse events including serologic and ophthalmologic changes were recorded. It is considered that warts were recalcitrant if the patient was treated for at least 3 years with at least three of the following options: retinoids, 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod and cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen. Results: Each patient in the istotretinoin group showed complete clearance of all flat warts, while none of the patients in the placebo group showed any improvement (p = 0.0001). The most frequent adverse event was cheilitis. There were no statistically significant changes in the laboratory findings. Limitations: The study design does not permit complete blinding of the dermatologist who can easily recognize the adverse effects of isotretinoin. The clinical findings, however, were so dramatic that this would not have impacted the findings. Another limitation of the study is a lack of follow-up to assess for recurrence after the drug was discontinued. Conclusions: Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for recalcitrant flat facial warts with a well-known, manageable safety profile.
Ursodeoxycholic acid in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

A. F L O R E A N I Senior Registrar (Gastroenterology), *D. P A T E R N O S T E R Senior Registrar (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), * V. GRELLA Professor (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), * S . S ACCO Research Fellow (Obstetrics), * M. GANGEMI, Associate Professor (Obstetrics), M. CHIARAMONTE Associate Professor (Gastroenterology) Department of Gastroenterology. Institute of Internal Medicine & * Institute of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Padova, Italy
Management of chronic disease by practitioners and patients: are we teaching the wrong things?

The patient should be the primary manager of chronic disease, guided and coached by a doctor or other practitioner to devise the best therapeutic regimen.1 The practitioner and patient should work as partners,2 developing strategies that give the patient the best chance to control his or her own disease and reduce the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of chronic illness. In this article we consider the quality of education for patients and practitioners who are trying to manage chronic disease. We argue that neither patients nor practitioners are taught the skills that will most enable each to carry out his or her role and responsibility for disease management. We use asthma, a chronic lung disease, to show how patients and practitioners are being taught the wrong things. #### Summary points Disease control, especially asthma, depends on the quality of partnership between patient and physician Most current patient education activities are not adequately based on evaluated models of effective disease management One such model, self regulation, has been shown to change patients' behaviour and improve their health status Specific techniques can help doctors to develop partnerships with patients Including these techniques in doctors' education can lead to reduced use of and higher satisfaction with health care by patients with asthma We searched Medline and used previously published reviews to find articles on managing asthma. We did not formally assess the methodological quality of individual studies. In recent decades there have been striking advances in the clinical treatment of asthma,2 yet morbidity and mortality for the disease are at an all time high.3 This gap between the scientific evidence and the continuing negative effect of asthma on society depends to a considerable extent on patients' behaviour and practitioners' performance.4 To understand what patients and clinicians must be taught to …
Informational content of the cost of equity capital: empirical evidence

Purpose – The effect of the cost of capital CEC on the investing and financing decisions is a matter of considerable interest and importance to the financial studies. However, the impact of CEC on the stock prices is not well established. This research aims to examine whether the CEC has a significant incremental explanation of the changes in the stock prices which the basic traditional accounting variables could not provide.Design/methodology/approach – Applies the adjusted constant dividend‐growth model to measure the CEC and the incremental explanatory power test on a sample of 37 companies listed on NYSE.Findings – The results indicate that there is non‐significant impact of CEC for the full sample, the small size firms, and the manufacturing firms. However, I find an evidence that CEC has a significant impact on the stock prices for both the large‐size firms and the non‐manufacturing firms.Research limitations/implications – The study was completed at a specific date of measurement which puts some li.
Double spend races

We correct the double spend race analysis given in Nakamoto’s foundational Bitcoin article and find the exact closed-form formula for the probability of success of a double spend attack using the regularized incomplete beta function. We give the first proof of its exponential decay on the number of confirmations, often cited in the literature, and find an asymptotic formula. Larger number of confirmations are required compared to those given by Nakamoto. We also compute this probability conditional to the knowledge of the time of the confirmations. This provides a finer risk analysis than the classical one.
Pharmacodynamics and bactericidal activity of ceftriaxone therapy in experimental cephalosporin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis

Adequate concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are difficult to achieve for meningitis caused by drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Ceftriaxone in dosages of 150 or 400 mg/kg of body weight per day, given in one or two doses, was used for the treatment of experimental highly cephalosporin-resistant (MIC and MBC, 4 microg/ml) pneumococcal meningitis. The bacterial killing rate (delta log10 CFU per milliliter per hour) and pharmacokinetic indices, including percentage of time the antibiotic concentration exceeded the MBC during a 24-h period (T>MBC), CSF peak concentration above the MBC, and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h above MBC, were measured and correlated. By multiple stepwise regression, only T>MBC independently predicted the bacterial killing rate. There was a direct linear correlation between T>MBC in CSF and the bacterial killing rate during the first 24 h of therapy (r = 0.87; P = 0.004). Sterilization of CSF was achieved only when the T>MBC was 95 to 100%. In the first 24 h, the 200-mg/kg/12-h regimen, compared with the 400-mg/kg/24-h regimen, was associated with a greater T>MBC (87% +/- 10% versus 60% +/- 22%; P = 0.03) and greater bacterial killing rate (0.2 +/- 0.04 versus 0.13 +/- 0.07; P = 0.003), confirming that ceftriaxone exhibits time-dependent bactericidal activity. After 24 h, the T>MBC and the CSF sterilization rates were similar whether ceftriaxone was given once or twice daily.
Retrograde autologous priming in cardiopulmonary bypass in adult patients: effects on blood transfusion and hemodilution.

INTRODUCTION Retrograde autologous priming (RAP) is a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) method, at low cost. Previous studies have shown that this method reduces hemodilution and blood transfusions needs through increased intra-operative hematocrit. OBJECTIVE To evaluate RAP method, in relation to standard CPB (crystalloid priming), in adult patients. METHODS Sixty-two patients were randomly allocated to two groups: 1) Group RAP (n = 27) of patients operated using the RAP and; 2) Control group of patients operated using CPB standard crystalloid method (n = 35). The RAP was performed by draining crystalloid prime from the arterial and venous lines, before CPB, into a collect recycling bag. The main parameters analyzed were: 1) CPB hemodynamic data; 2) Hematocrit and hemoglobin values; 3) The need for blood transfusions. RESULTS It was observed statistically significant fewer transfusions during surgery and reduced CPB hemodilution using RAP. The CPB hemodynamic values were similar, observing a tendency to use lower CPB flows in the RAP group patients. CONCLUSION This investigation was designed to be a small-scale pilot study to evaluate the effects of RAP, which were demonstrated concerning the CPB hemodilution and blood transfusions.
A 0.13-$\mu$ m CMOS 6 Gb/s/pin Memory Transceiver Using Pseudo-Differential Signaling for Removing Common-Mode Noise Due to SSN

A 6 Gb/s/pin transceiver for DRAM interfaces is implemented in a 0.13-mum CMOS process. Pseudo-differential signaling to overcome problems of conventional single-ended signaling is proposed. In a conventional single-ended signaling, the reference signal from a transmitter is generally used to reduce the common-mode noise which is induced by simultaneous switching noise (SSN). However, as supply voltage becomes low and data rate increases, the reference signal reduces the voltage and timing margin of receiver inputs. The proposed transceiver uses the pseudo-differential signaling without the reference signal and encoding schemes using the relation between neighboring data are proposed to remove the reference signal. In the receiver, transition-check circuit (TCC) is used to convert encoded data into original data before encoding. The proposed pseudo-differential signaling increases the eye-opening of 1:2 demuxed outputs of the receiver by 65 ps. The transceiver dissipates 242.5 mW and its active area is 1.0 mm times 0.3 mm.
Software for multistate analysis

Background: The growing interest in pathways, the increased availability of life-history data, innovations in statistical and demographic techniques, and advances in software technology have stimulated the development of software packages for multistate modeling of life histories. Objective: In the paper we list and briefly discuss several software packages for multistate analysis of life-history data. The packages cover the estimation of multistate models (transition rates and transition probabilities), multistate life tables, multistate population projections, and microsimulation. Methods: Brief description of software packages in a historical and comparative perspective. Results: During the past 10 years the advances in multistate modeling software have been impressive. New computational tools accompany the development of new methods in statistics and demography. The statistical theory of counting processes is the preferred method for the estimation of multistate models and R is the preferred programming platform. Conclusions: Innovations in method, data, and computer technology have removed the traditional barriers to multistate modeling of life histories and the computation of informative lifecourse indicators. The challenge ahead of us is to model and predict individual life histories.