Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospects for Larger or More Frequent Earthquakes in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Region

Far too few moderate earthquakes have occurred within the Los Angeles, California, metropolitan region during the 200-year-long historic period to account for observed strain accumulation, indicating that the historic era represents either a lull between clusters of moderate earthquakes or part of a centuries-long interseismic period between much larger (moment magnitude, Mw, 7.2 to 7.6) events. Geologic slip rates and relations between moment magnitude, average coseismic slip, and rupture area show that either of these hypotheses is possible, but that the latter is the more plausible of the two. The average time between Mw 7.2 to 7.6 earthquakes from a combination of six fault systems within the metropolitan area was estimated to be about 140 years.
Non-canonical Wnt Signaling Enhances Differentiation of Human Circulating Progenitor Cells to Cardiomyogenic Cells*

Human endothelial circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) can differentiate to cardiomyogenic cells during co-culture with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Wnt proteins induce myogenic specification and cardiac myogenesis. Here, we elucidated the effect of Wnts on differentiation of CPCs to cardiomyogenic cells. CPCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy volunteers and co-cultured with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. 6–10 days after co-culture, cardiac differentiation was determined by α-sarcomeric actinin staining of human lymphocyte antigen-positive cells (fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis) and mRNA expression of human myosin heavy chain and atrial natriuretic peptide. Supplementation of co-cultures with Wnt11-conditioned medium significantly enhanced the differentiation of CPCs to cardiomyocytes (1.7 ± 0.3-fold), whereas Wnt3A-conditioned medium showed no effect. Cell fusion was not affected by Wnt11-conditioned medium. Because Wnts inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3β, we further determined whether the glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor LiCl also enhanced cardiac differentiation of CPCs. However, LiCl (10 mm) did not affect CPC differentiation. In contrast, Wnt11-conditioned medium time-dependently activated protein kinase C (PKC). Moreover, the PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide I and III significantly blocked differentiation of CPCs to cardiomyocytes. PKC activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate significantly increased CPC differentiation to a similar extent as compared with Wnt11-conditioned medium. Our data demonstrate that Wnt11, but not Wnt3A, augments cardiomyogenic differentiation of human CPCs. Wnt11 promotes cardiac differentiation via the non-canonical PKC-dependent signaling pathway.
EFFECT OF MULTIPLE‐LOAD TRAINING ON THE FORCE‐VELOCITY RELATIONSHIP

The effect of training with a combination of different loads (multiple-load training) on the force-velocity and force-power relationships was examined with training programs that included maximal isometric contraction (Fmax) and concentric contraction of the elbow flexor muscles. Twenty-one male college students were placed into 3 equal training groups (G30 + 60, G30 + 100, and G30 + 60 + 100) and performed multiple-load training 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The training load was a set fraction of the maximal isometric strength (% Fmax). The G30 + 60 group performed 6 repetitions of elbow flexion at 30 and 60% Fmax. The G30 + 100 group performed 6 repetitions at 30% Fmax and six 5-second Fmax loads. The G30 + 60 + 100 group performed 4 repetitions at 30 and 60% Fmax and four 5-second Fmax loads. After training, Fmax and maximal velocity significantly increased (p < 0.05) in all 3 training groups. The increases in maximal power were significantly (p < 0.05) different between the G30 + 60 + 100 group (52.9%) and the G30 + 100 group (24.2%). These results suggest that multiple-load training programs with 4–6 repetitions are effective for improving muscle power and velocity of the elbow flexors.
Filtering for networked control systems with single/multiple measurement packets subject to multiple-step measurement delays and multiple packet dropouts

The minimum-variance filtering problem in networked control systems, where both random measurement transmission delays and packet dropouts may occur, is investigated in this article. Instead of following the many existing results that solve the problem by using probabilistic approaches based on the probabilities of the uncertainties occurring between the sensor and the filter, we propose a non-probabilistic approach by time-stamping the measurement packets. Both single-measurement and multiple measurement packets are studied. We also consider the case of burst arrivals, where more than one packet may arrive between the receiver's previous and current sampling times; the scenario where the control input is non-zero and subject to delays and packet dropouts is examined as well. It is shown that, in such a situation, the optimal state estimate would generally be dependent on the possible control input. Simulations are presented to demonstrate the performance of the various proposed filters.
How Do Founder CEOs Create Value

We examine the value impact of founder CEOs and explore possible mechanisms whereby founder CEOs' unique characteristics affect their firms' value and long-term market performance. We find that founder CEOs' status is positively related to market valuation and long-term stock performance of firms. Furthermore, a lower likelihood of involuntary turnover for founder CEOs is positively associated with market valuation. We also find that CEOs are most likely to generate positive abnormal returns when protected from takeover markets. Our paper suggests that founder CEOs create value by strengthening a firm's stakeholder relationships and alleviating information asymmetry in financial markets, when other certifying entities do not participate in initial public offerings.
Price Discovery in Interrelated Markets

In this study, we generalize the information share (IS) proposed by Hasbrouck (1995) and extended by Lien and Shrestha (2009). The new generalized information share (GIS) can be used to analyze the price discovery process in interrelated securities markets, whereas the previous two measures can only be applied to almost identical markets. Thus, using the GIS, we can analyze broader markets thereby improving our understanding of the price discovery process as well as the efficiency of securities markets. As an empirical demonstration of the proposed method, we apply the GIS to credit default swap (CDS) and bond markets, and find that for the majority of cases price discovery mostly takes place in the CDS markets. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:203–219, 2014
Detection of nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes using EEG signals

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or the fear of hypoglycemia constitutes a significant barrier to the achievement of good glycemic control in the insulin treated diabetic patients. By measuring physiological responses derived from EEG and analyzing these, we establish that hypoglycemia can be detected non-invasively. From a clinical study of six children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), associated with hypoglycemic episodes at night, their centroid (centre of gravity) alpha frequency reduced significantly (P<0.001) and their centroid theta frequency increased significantly (P<0.02). The overall data were organized into a training set (3 patients) and a test set (another 3 patients) randomly selected. Using the optimal Bayesian neural network which was derived from the training set with the highest log evidence, the estimated blood glucose profiles produced a significant correlation (P<0.005) against measured values in the test set.
Venture Capitalists, Business Angels, and Performance of Entrepreneurial IPOs in the UK and France

Using a unique sample of 444 entrepreneurial IPOs in the UK and France, this paper analyses the investment patterns and the stock-market performance effects of two types of early stage investors: venture capitalists (VCs) and business angels (BAs). Extending existing research, we identify important endogeneity and institutional effects. Our findings indicate that UK IPOs have a higher retained ownership and lower participation ratio by BAs, but a lower retained ownership and participation ratio by VCs than in France. BA and VC investments are substitutes, and they are endogenously determined by a number of firm- and founder-related factors, such as founder ownership and external board 'interlocks', and underwriter reputation. UK VCs are effective third-party certifying agents who reduce underpricing in UK IPOs, whereas in French IPOs they increase it by appearing to engage in grandstanding. This certification effect is more significant in UK IPOs involving both high VC and BA ownership. Finally, underpricing increases with VC participation ratio, where the higher exit of VCs seems to increase the risk premium required by outside investors, in particular in the UK. Copyright 2007 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Ventricular dysfunction and the risk of stroke after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND In patients who have had a myocardial infarction, the long-term risk of stroke and its relation to the extent of left ventricular dysfunction have not been determined. We studied whether a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with an increased risk of stroke after myocardial infarction and whether other factors such as older age and therapy with anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, or captopril affect long-term rates of stroke. METHODS We performed an observational analysis of prospectively collected data on 2231 patients who had left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction who were enrolled in the Survival and Ventricular Enlargement trial. The mean follow-up was 42 months. Risk factors for stroke were assessed by both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis. RESULTS Among these patients, 103 (4.6 percent) had fatal or nonfatal strokes during the study (rate of stroke per year of follow-up, 1.5 percent). The estimated five-year rate of stroke in all the patients was 8.1 percent. As compared with patients without stroke, patients with stroke were older (mean [+/-SD] age, 63+/-9 years vs. 59+/-11 years; P<0.001) and had lower ejection fractions (29+/-7 percent vs. 31+/-7 percent, P=0.01). Independent risk factors for stroke included a lower ejection fraction (for every decrease of 5 percentage points in the ejection fraction there was an 18 percent increase in the risk of stroke), older age, and the absence of aspirin or anticoagulant therapy. Patients with ejection fractions of < or = 28 percent after myocardial infarction had a relative risk of stroke of 1.86, as compared with patients with ejection fractions of more than 35 percent (P=0.01). The use of thrombolytic agents and captopril had no significant effect on the risk of stroke. CONCLUSIONS During the five years after myocardial infarction, patients have a substantial risk of stroke. A decreased ejection fraction and older age are both independent predictors of an increased risk of stroke. Anticoagulant therapy appears to have a protective effect against stroke after myocardial infarction.
Emerging Market Yield Spreads: Domestic, External Determinants, and Volatility Spillovers

This study examines the determinants of bond yield spreads for 22 emerging markets in the period 1998-2009. Several determinants are considered. In addition, I consider the connection between volatility and bond yield spreads. Volatility and central bank transparency are two factors common to all countries examined whereas clear idiosyncrasies are found according to whether emerging markets are in Latin and South America, Europe, Asia or Africa. Most notably, the global financial crisis raised yield spreads, except in Asia, which suggests that, in a sense, bond markets in that region were decoupled from those in other parts of the world.
Hormonal Contraception : New Insights on the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

Introduction: Women using oral hormonal contraceptives are exposed to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. The incidence of venous thromboembolism in women is difficult to quantify but figures suggest it is in the range of 2 per 10,000 women in 1 year. However, it causes significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the risk of venous thrombosis in women using oral hormonal contraceptives. Methods: Extensive literature search in the electronic database “Pubmed”, “Google Scholar”, the website of the center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in scientific journals via search engine. There was a time restriction, the last fifteen years. Exclusion criteria of articles were articles related to the other side effects of hormonal contraception. Finally, 47 articles were included in the study. Results: Use of hormonal contraceptives increases the risk of venous thrombosis, especially in women with a similar predisposition. Epidemiological studies have shown that combined oral contraceptives increase the risk of venous thromboembolism significantly. The progestogen-only pills are not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Thus, the risk of venous thrombosis of oral contraceptives is dependent on the dose of ethinylestradiol and the type of progestin. The risk is increased during the first year of their use or when restarting after a break of at least one month. Risk factors for venous thrombosis can be genetic or acquired, permanent or transient, such as current or previous venous thrombosis, family history, known thrombogenic mutations, post-pregnancy use, obesity, smoking, surgery and other conditions leading to immobilization. Conclusions: The management of women taking hormonal contraceptives should include disclosure of risk factors to prevent events related to thrombosis and with other harmful situations generally.
Advertising, R&D Expenditures and the Market Value of the Firm

This article attempts to determine whether investors recognize the long-term, or asset-like, characteristics of advertising and R&D expenditures. In previous studies, it has been conventional to employ Tobin's q ratio, defined as the market value of the firm normalized by the replacement cost of tangible assets, as a measure of capitalized market value. However, the q ratio can be viewed as a market cum accounting-based measure that is subject to measurement error to the extent that flaws persist in accounting replacement cost data. The q data will also be biased if firms capitalize nonproductive assets so as to smooth or hide monopoly profits. To provide an unbiased framework for analysis, our study considers the effects of advertising and R&D on the market value of common equity without any accounting-based adjustments. Therefore, this article focuses on the market value implications of advertising and R&D in a manner that minimizes the potential for accounting error or bias.
Preemptive Bidding and the Role of the Medium of Exchange in Acquisitions

The medium of exchange in acquisitions is studied in a model where (1) bidders' offers bring forth potential competition and (2) targets and bidders are asymmetrically informed. In equilibrium, both securities and cash offers are observed. Securities have the advantage of inducing target management to make an efficient accept/reject decision. Cash has the advantage that, in equilibrium, it serves to "preempt" competition by signaling a high valuation for the target. Implications concerning the medium of exchange of an offer, the probability of acceptance, the probability of competing bids, expected profits, and the costs of bidders are derived. Copyright 1989 by American Finance Association.
TGF-beta1 in chronic allograft nephropathy following renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND Evidence from experimental models and clinical studies supports a major role for transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in renal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to use repeated measurement of plasma TGF-beta1 as an indicator of persistent expression in a cohort of patients during the first 2 years post-renal transplantation and to correlate the findings with the development of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). METHODS Active plasma TGF-beta1 was quantified in 100 consecutive renal allograft recipients (samples/patient = 35.6 +/- 12.9) under standard clinical management for a mean of 23 months (range 3.4-45 months). All patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years. RESULTS By 5 years, 23 patients had developed biopsy-proven CAN (CAN+), all of whom had been positive for plasma TGF-beta1. Demographic data were compared between patients who were CAN+ and CAN-negative (CAN-) and were not significantly different. TGF-beta1 exposure expressed as area under the curve / day (AUC/day) was correlated with the incidence of CAN. A Cox regression model was used to investigate the interrelationship of CAN, acute cellular rejection (ACR) and TGF-beta1 levels. ACR episodes were predictive of the development of CAN (log-rank test, p=0.003). After allowing for the effect of ACR (hazard ratio [HR]=3.6; 95% confidence ratio [95% CI], 1.5-8.7) between patients with and without ACR episodes, p=0.003), the independent effect of TGF-beta1 was confirmed (HR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6; per quartile; p=0.008). CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that episodes of ACR are highly predictive of chronic damage in the graft. Cumulative exposure to TGF-beta1 is identified as an independent predictor of CAN in the first 2 years posttransplantation.
Uncertainty Reduction and the Threat of Supplier Retaliation: Two Views of the Backward Integration Decision

The article examines the decision to vertically integrate backwards from two perspec tives : the extent to which vertical integration relieves the uncertainty of supply for a firm facing a variable demand function; and the threat that existing suppliers will retaliate if such vertical integration is attempted. Data from the PIMS data base are used to show that while the uncertainty reduction theory is strongly supported, there is value in complementing the theory by also taking potential retaliation into account: the results provide evidence that buyers will be discouraged from backward vertical integration if both the likelihood and the severity of retaliation are high.
Influence of starting position on finishing position in World Cup 500 m short track speed skating

Abstract Top short track speed skaters and their coaches have suspected that starting positions influence finishing positions, especially in the 500 m racing distance. The objective of this study was to examine systematically the influence of starting position on finishing position in 500 m short track speed skating. The data analysed included results from World Cup 500 m races ranging from the 1999 – 2000 season through to the end of the 2003 – 2004 season. All 500 m men's and women's races with four skaters starting and finishing (preliminaries, heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals) were included in the data set. The association between starting position and finishing position was examined using Kendall's tau. Results show that for both sexes, there is a significant positive correlation between starting position and finishing position (P < 0.001). This effect is generally more pronounced in semi-finals and finals than it is in preliminaries, heats and quarter-finals. Strategies to counter this inequity are proposed, drawing upon similar experiences in other sports.
Government Procurement Policy in Developing Countries: The Case of Petrobras

The aim of this article is to discuss whether public procurement policy can promote innovation by firms located in developing countries. The literature on technological learning is used to create a typology for assessing the impact of public procurement in developing countries from the standpoint of innovation. Petrobras, a Brazilian state-owned enterprise, was chosen as a case study. Petrobras is a global leader in the field of deepwater oil production technology and so offers an interesting opportunity to investigate whether government procurement in developing countries is used to promote the capability of domestic firms to develop innovations. The article presents the findings of a field survey on P-51, a platform that was ordered by the Brazilian state-owned enterprise and began producing in 2009. The case study is based on information collected from interviews with managers of Petrobras, EPC contractors and some of the firms subcontracted to work on P-51.
The TIPS Yield Curve and Inflation Compensation

For over ten years, the U.S. Treasury has issued index-linked debt. Federal Reserve Board staff have fitted a yield curve to these indexed securities at the daily frequency from the start of 1999 to the present. This paper describes the methodology that is used and makes the estimates public. Comparison with the corresponding nominal yield curve allows measures of inflation compensation (or breakeven inflation rates) to be computed. We discuss the interpretation of inflation compensation and its relationship to inflation expectations and uncertainty, offering some empirical evidence that these measures are affected by an inflation risk premium that varies considerably at high frequency. In addition, we also find evidence that inflation compensation was held down in the early years of the sample by a premium associated with the illiquidity of TIPS at the time. We hope that the TIPS yield curve and inflation compensation data, which are posted here and will be updated periodically, will provide a useful tool to applied economists.
Do Insiders Learn from Outsiders? Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions

I find that the market reaction to a merger and acquisition (M&A) announcement predicts whether the companies later consummate the deal. The relation cannot be explained by the market's anticipation of the closing decision or its perception of the deal quality at the announcement. Merging companies appear to extract information from the market reaction and later consider it in closing the deal. Furthermore, the relation varies with deal characteristics, suggesting that companies seem to have a higher incentive to learn from the market when canceling the announced deal is easier or when the market has more information that the companies do not know.
Controlling the Housing Land Market: Some Examples from Europe

One major problem for the production of low-cost housing in the UK is the continued lack of control over the market for housing land, yet there is very little debate about ways of controlling land prices. This paper assesses some alternative approaches to land-use planning by focusing on high growth sub-regions in Britain, France and Sweden. It examines the flexibility of these planning systems to changes in the demand for housing land and the relationship between land release, land prices and house prices. The paper argues that the British approach is subject to a high level of uncertainty, exacerbating risk-taking speculative behaviour and price inflation. Under the French system, development uncertainty is reduced and house prices more rigidly controlled, with the result that speculative behaviour is constrained. The Swedish system is dependent on the ability of local authorities to build up land reserves which act as a buffer against price inflation. However, pressure on land prices in the open market has made this approach increasingly hard to sustain.
Do Financial Institutions Matter

In standard asset pricing theory, investors are assumed to invest directly in financial markets. The role of financial institutions is ignored. The focus in corporate finance is on agency problems. How do you ensure that managers act in shareholders' interests? There is an inconsistency in assuming that when you give your money to a financial institution there is no agency problem but when you give it to a firm there is. It is argued both areas need to take proper account of the role of financial institutions and markets. Appropriate concepts for analyzing particular situations should be used.