Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of three screening instruments in the identification of autistic-spectrum disorders

Background Screening instruments for autistic-spectrum disorders have not been compared in the same sample. Aims To compare the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC). Method Screen and diagnostic assessments on 119 children between 9 and 13 years of age with special educational needs with and without autistic-spectrum disorders were weighted to estimate screen characteristics for a realistic target population. Results The SCQ performed best (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)=0.90; sensitivity 0.86; specificity 0.78). The SRS had a lower AUC (0.77) with high sensitivity (0.78) and moderate specificity (0.67). The CCC had a high sensitivity but lower specificity (AUC=0.79; sensitivity 0.93; specificity 0.46). The AUC of the SRS and CCC was lower for children with IQ < 70. Behaviour problems reduced specificity for all three instruments. Conclusions The SCQ, SRS and CCC showed strong to moderate ability to identify autistic-spectrum disorder in this at-risk sample of school-age children with special educational needs.
LIQUIDITY AND ASSET PRICING UNDER THE THREE-MOMENT CAPM PARADIGM

We examine whether the use of the three-moment capital asset pricing model can account for liquidity risk. We also make a comparative analysis of a four-factor model based on Fama-French and Pastor-Stambaugh factors versus a model based solely on stock characteristics. Our findings suggest that neither of the models captures the liquidity premium nor do stock characteristics serve as proxies for liquidity. We also find that sensitivities of stock return to fluctuations in market liquidity do not subsume the effect of characteristic liquidity. Furthermore, our empirical findings are robust to differences in market microstructure or trading protocols between NYSE/AMEX and NASDAQ. 2007 The Southern Finance Association and the Southwestern Finance Association.
Fundamental Equilibrium Exchange Rates under Contractionary Devaluation: A Peruvian Model

Some structuralists argue that devaluations are contractionary, and that exports and imports are inelastic to exchange rate movements. A simultaneous model of exports, imports, capital flows and output is used to show that in Peru only the first proposition is correct. Consequently, external equilibrium and fast growth are incompatible. Introducing Williamson′s FEER suggests that there are wild fluctuations of actual rates around FEER, and a long‐term tendency of the latter to increase. Prudent policies should seek short‐run stability and a lower FEER in the long term; it is not devaluations but their contractionary effect which should be avoided.
Applying Alternative Variance Estimation Methods for Totals Under Raking in SOI's Corporate Sample

SOI's Tax Year 2006 Corporate sample is a stratified Bernoulli sample of approximately 110,000 corporate income tax returns. Raking adjustments are performed using the sample's design strata, related to the return's size of assets and income, and the primary industry, based on collapsed categories of the six-digit NAICS code. We apply several alternatives to estimate the variance of national- and domain-level totals of several key variables of interest: ignoring raking, post-stratification, a Taylor series approximation, and the delete-a-group jackknife replication estimator (with 100 and 200 groups). Results demonstrate that the poststratified total had the highest variance estimates, while the linearization and Jackknife when implemented incorrectly produced variance estimates that were too small, despite large sample sizes.
On the Determinants of Mortality Reductions in the Developing World

This paper presents and critically discusses a vast array of evidence on the determinants of mortality reductions in developing countries. We argue that increases in life expectancy between 1960 and 2000 were largely independent from improvements in income and nutrition. We then characterize the age and cause of death profile of changes in mortality and ask what can be learned about the determinants of these changes from the international evidence and from country-specific studies. Public health infrastructure, immunization, targeted programs, and the spread of less palpable forms of knowledge all seem to have been important factors. Much of the recent debate has revolved around antagonistic approaches, which are not supported by the evidence discussed here. Finally, the paper suggests that the evolution of health inequality across and within countries is intrinsically related to the process of diffusion of new technologies and to the nature of these new technologies (public or private).
Goodness-of-Fit Measures for Probit and Logit

Some regression analysts find the R2 statistic to be of little utility. Others use it extensively while evaluating model performance. One of the shortcomings of probit and logit analyses is the lack of an analog to the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) R2 statistic. To aid in the evaluation of model performance, several pseudo-R2s have been proposed. Dichotomizing a continuous interval-level variable results in distortions due to a loss of information. We do not know, however, the degree to which these distortions affect the pseudo-R2s vis-a-vis the OLS R2 that is based on the underlying continuous dependent variable. In this study we use simulation techniques to compare four common pseudo-R2s for probit and logit with the R2 that would be obtained under OLS regression. After making a correction to one of the measures, two of them perform quite well, comparing favorably with the OLS R2. The choice between them may be simply a matter of availability and ease of use.
Cloning, sequencing, and transcriptional analysis of the gene coding for the vegetative sigma factor of Agrobacterium tumefaciens

The sigA gene of Agrobacterium tumefaciens was cloned and sequenced. Comparison with previously analyzed sigA genes revealed a high degree of similarity in nucleotide and amino acid sequences of regions two, three, and four of vegetative sigma factors. However, the upstream regulatory region shows no sequence homology with the Escherichia coli heat shock (sigma 32) promoters. It also does not contain the hairpin-loop structure (inverted repeat sequence) that was found in the upstream region of the groE operon in A. tumefaciens. The transcription initiation site of the gene was determined and found to be at the same position during normal growth and under heat shock conditions. Furthermore, no heat shock activation was observed at the transcriptional level.
Medial Distal Tibial Angle: Comparison between Weightbearing Mortise View and Hindfoot Alignment View

Background: The medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) is used to determine ankle alignment. The mortise view is the standard to measure MDTA, but the hindfoot alignment view (HAV) has become popular. The MDTA may vary between views, influencing the choice of surgery. Methods: The MDTA was compared between the mortise and HAV in 146 ankles. MDTA was correlated to age and sagittal tibial tilt for each view. Differences in MDTA by gender and ethnicity were assessed. Diagnostic agreement (varus, valgus, normal) between views was calculated. Clinical assessment of alignment was determined and percent agreement between clinical and radiographic alignment was quantified. Results: The MDTA measured from the mortise view and HAV radiographs was 89.0 (range, 81 to 96 degrees; SD = 2.8) degrees and 86.0 (range, 73 to 95 degrees; SD = 3.5) degrees, respectively. The MDTA was comparable for both genders for mortise (p = 0.356) and HAV (p = 0.621). The MDTA was comparable in all ethnic groups for mortise view (p = 0.616) and HAV (p = 0.916). Correlation between the measured MDTA and age was not statistically significant for both the mortise (r = 0.118; p = 0.158) and HAV (r = 0.148; p = 0.074). In only 47.3% of all ankles was the radiographic diagnosis of alignment the same between views. Agreement between clinical and radiographic classifications was 60.3% for the mortise view and 52.8% for the HAV. Conclusion: Substantial disagreement in primary alignment was found between the mortise and HAV as quantified by the MDTA. Agreement between clinical and radiographic alignment was also poor. Clinical Relevance: Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI may better describe ankle alignment.
Maximum Entropy Framework For Inference Of Cell Population Heterogeneity In Signaling Networks

Predictive models of signaling networks are essential tools for understanding cell population heterogeneity and designing rational interventions in disease. However, using network models to predict signaling dynamics heterogeneity is often challenging due to the extensive variability of network parameters across cell populations. Here, we describe a Maximum Entropy-based fRamework for Inference of heterogeneity in Dynamics of sIgAling Networks (MERIDIAN). MERIDIAN allows us to estimate the joint probability distribution over network parameters that is consistent with experimentally observed cell-to-cell variability in abundances of network species. We apply the developed approach to investigate the heterogeneity in the signaling network activated by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and leading to phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt). Using the inferred parameter distribution, we also predict heterogeneity of phosphorylated Akt levels and the distribution of EGF receptor abundance hours after EGF stimulation. We discuss how MERIDIAN can be generalized and applied to problems beyond modeling of heterogeneous signaling dynamics.
Negative regulation of transcription by the type II arginine methyltransferase PRMT5

We have identified previously a repressor element in the transcription start site region of the cyclin E1 promoter that periodically associates with an atypical, high molecular weight E2F complex, termed CERC. Purification of native CERC reveals the presence of the type II arginine methyltransferase PRMT5, which can mono‐ or symetrically dimethylate arginine residues in proteins. Chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIPs) show that PRMT5 is associated specifically with the transcription start site region of the cyclin E1 promoter. ChIP analyses also show that this correlates with the presence on the same promoter region of arginine‐methylated proteins including histone H4, an in vitro substrate of PRMT5. Consistent with its presence within the repressor complex, forced expression of PRMT5 negatively affects cyclin E1 promoter activity and cellular proliferation, effects that require its methyltransferase activity. These data provide the first direct experimental evidence that a type II arginine methylase is involved in the control of transcription and proliferation.
Implications of the Introduction of the Goods and Services Tax for Families in Canada

Dans cet article, nous appliquons le modèle QAIDS (Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System) aux données de l’Enquête canadienne sur les dépenses des familles pour analyser les changements qu’a entraînés la mise en place de la taxe sur les produits et services (TPS) dans le bien-être des ménages, et particulièrement des ménages comprenant des enfants. Nous calculons ces changements en estimant la différence de dépenses nécessaire pour maintenir l’utilité indirecte d’avant la TPS. Nous observons que deux ménages sur trois, et un ménage à faible revenu sur trois, ont vu leur bien-être décroître ; les résultats sont les mêmes pour les ménages comprenant des enfants. Nous concluons ainsi que l’objectif invoqué au moment de la création de la TPS, soit accroître le bien-être des ménages à faible revenu et à revenu moyen, n’a pas été atteint.
Linograms in Image Reconstruction from Projections

The notion of a linogram is introduced. It corresponds to the notion of a sinogram in the conventional representation of projection data in image reconstruction. In the sinogram, points which correspond to rays which go through a fixed point in the cross section to be reconstructed all fall on a sinusoidal curve. In the linogram, however, these points fall on a straight line. Thus, backprojection corresponds to integration along straight lines in the linogram. A theorem is proved expressing the backprojection operator in terms of the Radon transform and simple changes of variables. Consequences of this theorem are discussed. A novel image reconstruction method based on the theorem is presented.
Invitational Education at Cooper Elementary

In the summer of 1998, I was appointed Principal at CooperElementary, one of 21 elementary schools in the Livonia PublicSchools’ district, the 5th largest district in the state ofMichigan. Like many first-year principals, I was full of freshideas, lofty goals and endless enthusiasm to inspire students,staff and parents. My mandate: increase studentachievement scores at the lowest performing school in thedistrict.
Diet, smoking and anthropometric indices and postmenopausal bone fractures: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE Bone fractures are an important cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly in the US. The present study assesses the possible role of a number of risk factors for postmenopausal bone fractures. METHODS We analysed the relationships of anthropometric, demographic and lifestyle factors with the risk of bone fracture among 6250 postmenopausal women in a prospective cohort study, the New York University Women's Health Study. RESULTS After an average of 7.6 years of follow-up, 1025 new incident bone fractures were reported, including 34 hip and 159 wrist fractures (incidence rates; 71.6 and 334.7 per 105 woman-years, respectively). The risk of fracture increased with increasing age, body height and total fat intake, while it was significantly lower among obese and African American women. The relative risk among African Americans was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.32-0.63) compared with non-African Americans. Women taller than 170 cm had a 64% increase in risk of fractures, as compared with those under 155 cm. These associations were generally more pronounced when fractures were limited to those at the hip and wrist. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides an indication for a potential role of dietary fat in the development of postmenopausal fractures and further evidence to support protective effects of obesity, short stature and African American ethnicity.
On Efficient Estimation and Correct Inference in Models with Generated Regressors: a General Approach

Two approaches have been developed for deriving the properties of efficiency and consistency of standard errors of two step estimators of linear models containing current or lagged unobserved expectations of a single variable. One method is based on the derivatives of the likelihood function and information matrix, while the other uses the true covariance matrix of the disturbance vector when unknown parameters or variables are replaced by corresponding estimates. In this paper, the second approach is extended to cases where the structural equation is nonlinear and the model contains expectations of more than one variable or expectations of future variables. The properties of a frequently used estimator to deal with missing observations problems, a model involving a variance as an explanatory variable, and a recently developed estimator for autoregressive moving average models can be easily derived using the results of the paper. Methods for improving the efficiency of two step estimators are outlined. JEL Classification Number: C13
BORROWING RELATIONSHIPS, MONITORING, AND THE INFLUENCE ON LOAN RATES

While monitoring borrowers, a bank obtains private information about its customers, giving the bank an informational advantage in the production of subsequent services. Competing theories exist on the way banks use this advantage in the pricing of subsequent services to the customer. If moral hazard limits the transfer of private information, the borrowing relationship transforms into an informational monopoly and can be characterized as a "wasting asset. " Alternately, if the banks' competitive environment necessitates that cost economies are shared, the relationship has "value. " Ordering pairs of successive loans made to a particular borrower as prior loans and subsequent loans, and controlling for environmental, borrower, and loan characteristics, we show that the subsequent loan is priced significantly lower than the prior loan.
Neural Blockade for Persistent Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery is predominantly a neuropathic pain syndrome affecting 25% to 60% of patients and related to injury of the intercostobrachial nerve, intercostal nerves, and other nerves in the region. Neural blockade can be useful for the identification of nerves involved in neuropathic pain syndromes or to be used as a treatment in its own right. The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence for neural blockade as a potential diagnostic tool or treatment for persistent pain after breast cancer surgery. In this systematic review, we found only 7 studies (n = 135) assessing blocks directed at 3 neural structures—stellate ganglion, paravertebral plexus, and intercostal nerves—but none focusing on the intercostobrachial nerve. The quality of the studies was low and efficacy inconclusive, suggesting a need for well-designed, high-quality studies for this common clinical problem.
Evaluation of combined use of Oxyma and HATU in aggregating peptide sequences

Polypeptides are finding increasing applications as therapeutics because of their specificity that often translates into excellent safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles in humans. New synthetic methodologies for their preparation are thereby continuously sought to reduce the costs associated to chain assembly and purification. Although solid‐phase peptide synthesis has become one of the most advanced synthetic procedures at both laboratory and industrial scale, the process is often complicated by aggregation phenomena originating from the combined occurrence of intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, or other effects. Altogether, these effects cause accumulation of many side products and synthetic mixtures extremely hard to separate and purify, strongly affecting the costs of the final material. In the attempt to optimize the coupling steps of some well‐known aggregating or otherwise difficult to obtain peptides, we have comparatively investigated the use of Oxyma/DIC and HATU/Sym‐collidine as second coupling reagents in double coupling settings for the preparation of some model peptides. Comparative analytical data obtained on the unpurified products with the two different protocols clearly show that the use of Oxyma/DIC largely improves the content of the target molecules in the final crude materials, making the synthesis more convenient and cost‐effective. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Hedging Performance of the New Futures Markets

ORGANIZED FUTURES MARKETS in financial securities were first established in the U.S. on October 20, 1975 when the Chicago Board of Trade opened a futures market in Government National Mortgage Association 8% Pass-Through Certificates. This was followed in January, 1976 by a 90 day Treasury Bill futures market on the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In terms of trading volume both have been clear commercial successes and this has led to the establishment, in 1977, of futures markets in Long Term Government Bonds and 90-day Commercial Paper and, in 1978, of a market in One-Year Treasury notes and new GNMA markets. The classic economic rationale for futures markets is, of course, that they facilitate hedging-that they allow those who deal in a commodity to transfer the risk of price changes in that commodity to speculators more willing to bear such risks. The primary purpose of the present paper is to evaluate the GNMA and TBill futures markets as instruments for such hedging. Obviously it is possible to hedge by entering into forward contracts outside a futures market, but, as Telser and Higinbotham [19] point out, an organized futures market facilitates such transactions by providing a standardized contract and by substituting the trustworthiness of the exchange for that of the individual trader. In the futures market, price change risk can be eliminated entirely by making or taking delivery on futures sold or bought, but few hedges are concluded in this manner. ' The major problem with making or taking delivery is that there are only four delivery periods per year for financial security futures so it is often
Advances in the Economics of Aging

This volume presents innovative research on issues of importance to the well-being of older persons: labor market behavior, health care, housing and living arrangements, and saving and wealth. Specific topics include the effect of labor market rigidities on the employment of older workers; the effect on retirement of the availability of continuation coverage benefits; and the influence of the prospective payment system (PPS) on rising Medicare costs. Also considered are the effects of health and wealth on living arrangement decisions; the incentive effects of employer-provided pension plans; the degree of substitution between 401(k) plans and other employer-provided retirement saving arrangements; and the extent to which housing wealth determines how much the elderly save and consume. Two final studies use simulations that describe the implications of stylized economic models of behavior among the elderly. This timely volume will be of interest to anyone concerned with the economics of aging.
Repeated hypoxic exposures change respiratory chemoreflex control in humans

1 A group of seven volunteers (5 male, 2 female) were exposed to 20 min isocapnic (eucapnic) hypoxia once daily for 14 consecutive days. Their chemoreflexes were measured before and after each exposure. The same volunteers repeated the exposures with air substituted for the hypoxic gas mixture in a pseudorandom crossover design. 2 On day 1 an initial ventilatory response to hypoxia and subsequent decline was discernible in two volunteers, but the mean response for all volunteers at this stage was not significant. However, the response gradually increased, and by day 14 was discernible in six volunteers making the mean response for all volunteers significant. No change was observed over the 14 days of air exposure. 3 Only the chemoreflex threshold measured in iso‐oxic (hypoxic) modified rebreathing tests changed significantly, and only for the series of exposures to hypoxia. 4 Over 14 days, the mean ±s.e. m. threshold for all volunteers fell proportionately, from 42 ± 1.1 mmHg on day 1 to 39 ± 1.0 mmHg on day 14. By contrast, the mean ±s.e. m. threshold, for all volunteers and all days, rose from 40 ± 0.4 mmHg before to 42 ± 0.5 mmHg after the hypoxic exposures. 5 We conclude that the enhancement of the initial ventilatory response to hypoxia induced by repeated hypoxic exposure is produced by a decrease in chemoreflex threshold. However, the decline in the ventilatory response during a single exposure is produced by an increase in the chemoreflex threshold. Since threshold changes were only found for hypoxic (iso‐oxic) modified rebreathing tests, we conclude that only the peripheral chemoreflex changed.