Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Step Change in Tax Transparency? An Event Study on How the Automatic Exchange of Information Did Not Affect Swiss Banks

For decades the Swiss banking secrecy has made it a criminal act for banks in Switzerland to reveal information about their customers' identities. As of 2018, Switzerland will exchange banking information on foreign bank customers with the respective home countries on an automatic basis. This event study estimates the abnormal returns in the stock prices of Swiss banks around important milestones toward the automatic exchange of information. There is no evidence of significant or sizeable decreases in the market value of Swiss banks due to the new tax transparency. The minimum detectable eÂ¤ect sizes are moderate and suggest a high statistical power. The null results stand in reasonable contrast to a significant increase in the level of tax compliance among the owners of Swiss bank accounts.
The impact of reference normalization on automatic MT evaluation

Automatic methods for MT evaluation are often depends on high quality data as references that allow the comparison between automatic and human translations. However, independently produced human translations are necessarily different not only in the choice of words but also in word orthography and writing style. This inconsistency between references texts can negatively influence the quality of automatic evaluation of machine translation especially in high morphological language such as Farsi. In this paper, we study the effect of character and word-level reference preprocessing schemes for Farsi on quality of machine translation evaluation. For this purpose, we experimentally look into their impact on three established evaluation measures. Our results show that reference normalization results in a significant increase in Automatic MT Evaluation scores.
Deep sequencing identi fi es genetic heterogeneity and recurrent convergent evolution in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

• Deep sequencing identifies a significant reservoir of subclonal mutations affecting key genes in CLL pathogenesis. • Convergent evolution of genetic lesions in tumor subclonal populations is recurrently found in CLL. Recent high-throughput sequencing and microarray studies have characterized the genetic landscape and clonal complexity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we performed a longitudinal study in a homogeneously treated cohort of 12 patients, with sequential samples obtained at comparable stages of disease. We identified clonal competition between 2 or more genetic subclones in 70% of the patients with relapse, and stable clonal dynamics in the remaining 30%. By deep sequencing, we identified a high reservoir of genetic heterogeneity in the form of several driver genes mutated in small subclones underlying the disease course. Furthermore, in 2 patients, we identified convergent evolution, characterized by the combination of genetic lesions affecting the same genes or copy number abnormality in different subclones. The phenomenon affects multiple CLL putative driver abnormalities, including mutations in NOTCH1, SF3B1, DDX3X, and del(11q23). This is the first report documenting convergent evolution as a recurrent event in the CLL genome. Furthermore, this finding suggests the selective advantage of specific combinations of genetic lesions for CLL pathogenesis in a subset of patients. (Blood. 2015;125(3):492-498)
Joint access point and user localization using unlabeled WiFi RSS data

This paper investigates the problem of joint estimation of a pedestrian user path and the available WiFi access point locations. The observations are limited to unlabeled WiFi received signal strength (RSS) values. The problem is formed as a partially observable Markov decision process and RSS gradients are integrated to estimate and update the user locations along the path. The RSS data is modeled as a Gaussian process and gradient vectors are updated for each step based on the motion dynamics. Realistic assumptions and constraints are introduced to model the user's movement and reduce the computational complexity.
Waveform Observation of Digital Single-Event Transients Employing Monitoring >Transistor Technique

Waveforms of digital single-event transients, radiation-induced voltage transients in logic gates, can be observed by connecting two transistors to a target logic gate. Additional transistors monitor voltage transients through their drain currents, which can be measured using the conventional 50-Omega transmission-line technique widely used for measuring transient currents in single elementary transistors. Experimental results obtained in pulsed-laser irradiation tests demonstrate the validity of the observation technique and clearly reveal the pulse evolution as a function of the laser pulse energy.
The Apartment Market: A Changing Demographic and Economic Environment

Institute of I University of I 1 Business and California at I Economic Research Berkeley FISHER CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE AND URBAN ECONOMICS WORKING PAPER. SERIES WORKING PAPER NO. 88-143 THE APARTMENT MARKET: A CHANGING DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT BY These papers are preliminary in nature: their purpose is to ' stimulate discussion and KENNETH T- ROSEN comment. Therefore, they are not to be cited or quoted in any publication without the ex- _ press permission of the author. WALTER A. HAAS, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Power and Sample Size Calculation of Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy Studies with Multiple Correlated Test Results

We consider the power and sample size calculation of diagnostic studies with normally distributed multiple correlated test results. We derive test statistics and obtain power and sample size formulas. The methods are illustrated using an example of comparison of CT and PET scanner for detecting extra‐hepatic disease for colorectal cancer. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prevention and treatment of relapsing autoimmune encephalomyelitis with myelin peptide‐coupled splenocytes

Injection of antigen cross‐linked accessory cells has proven to be an efficient and highly selective approach for inducing epitope‐specific peripheral tolerance. This approach has been used successfully to inhibit induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and to dissect the relative dominance of component encephalitogenic determinants that contribute to both acute and relapsing EAE. In this study, we evaluated the tolerogenic effect of the dominant encephalitogenic epitope for SJL/J mice, residues 139–151 of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), on the induction and relapses of EAE induced actively with PLP139‐151/CFA. Our results demonstrate the powerful protective effect of treating mice before induction of EAE with PLP139–151‐conjugated splenocytes (SPL) on the incidence and severity of both the initial episode and the first relapse of EAE. Moreover, treatment of mice on the first day of onset of clinical signs of EAE reduced the severity of the first relapse, apparently by reducing T cell recognition of PLP139–151, although no significant therapeutic effect was observed during the initial treated clinical episode. These data demonstrate the utility of using neuroantigen‐coupled accessory cells to prevent and treat relapsing EAE. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Reinforcement Mechanism Design, with Applications to Dynamic Pricing in Sponsored Search Auctions

In this study, we apply reinforcement learning techniques and propose what we call reinforcement mechanism design to tackle the dynamic pricing problem in sponsored search auctions. In contrast to previous game-theoretical approaches that heavily rely on rationality and common knowledge among the bidders, we take a data-driven approach, and try to learn, over repeated interactions, the set of optimal reserve prices. We implement our approach within the current sponsored search framework of a major search engine: we first train a buyer behavior model, via a real bidding data set, that accurately predicts bids given information that bidders are aware of, including the game parameters disclosed by the search engine, as well as the bidders' KPI data from previous rounds. We then put forward a reinforcement/MDP (Markov Decision Process) based algorithm that optimizes reserve prices over time, in a GSP-like auction. Our simulations demonstrate that our framework outperforms static optimization strategies including the ones that are currently in use, as well as several other dynamic ones.
Cyclin-dependent Kinase (CDK) Inhibitors Regulate the CDK-Cyclin Complex Activities in Endoreduplicating Cells of Developing Tomato Fruit*

The jelly-like locular (gel) tissue of tomato fruit is made up of large thin-walled and highly vacuolized cells. The development of the gel tissue is characterized by the arrest of mitotic activities, the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase A (CDKA) activity, and numerous rounds of nuclear DNA endoreduplication. To decipher the molecular determinants controlling these developmental events, we investigated the putative involvement of CDK inhibitors (p27Kip-related proteins, or KRPs) during the endoreduplication process. Two cDNAs, LeKRP1 and LeKRP2, encoding tomato CDK inhibitors were isolated. The LeKRP1 and LeKRP2 transcript expression was shown to be enhanced in the differentiating cells of the gel undergoing endoreduplication. At the translational level, LeKRP1 was shown to accumulate in the gel tissue and to participate in the inhibition of the CDK-cyclin kinase activities occurring in endoreduplicating cells of the gel tissue. We here propose that LeKRP1 participates in the control of both the cell cycle and the endoreduplication cycle.
Application of Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detector for Determination of Acetamiprid and 6-chloronicotinic Acid Residues in Sweet Cherry Samples

SUMMARY A rapid and simple method for simultaneous determination of acetamiprid and its metabolite 6-chloronicotinic acid in sweet cherry samples has been developed. This residue analysis method is based on the reversed phase separation on C18 column with gradient elution. Analytes’ determination and quantification were performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array detector and chromatograms were extracted at 230 nm. Extraction efficiency experiments demonstrated the ability of this method to extract neonicotinoids from sweet cherry samples. These insecticides were extracted with a mixture of acetonitril/0.1N ammonium-chloride (8/2, v/v). The average recoveries of acetamiprid and 6-chlornicotinic acid from sweet cherry samples were in the range of 95-101% and 73-83%, respectively, with the associated relative standard deviations (RSDs) <5%. Expanded measurement uncertainties for the analyzed compounds were 2.7 and 3.01%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 10 µg/kg and 30 µg/kg for acetamiprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid, respectively. Thus, the developed HPLC/DAD method can be considered a useful tool for sensitive and rapid determination of acetamiprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid. Hence, the method may find further application in the analysis of real sweet cherry samples contaminated with these insecticides at a ppb level.
CMAC-based adaptive critic self-learning control

A technique that integrates the cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) into a self-learning control scheme developed by A.G. Barto et al. (IEEE Trans. Syst. Man., Cybern., vol.SMC-13, p.834-46, Sept./Oct. 1983) is presented. Instead of reserving one input line (as a memory) for each quantized state, the integrated technique distributively stores learned information; this reduces the required memory and makes the self-learning control scheme applicable to problems of larger size. CMAC's capability with regard to information interpolation also helps improve the learning speed.
Delay-derivative-dependent stability conditions for uncertain T-S fuzzy systems with interval time-varying delay

This paper considers the problem of stability analysis of uncertain T-S fuzzy systems with interval time-varying delay. The system uncertainties are assumed to be time-varying and norm-bounded. Some new delay-derivative-dependent stability conditions are derived by constructing a novel delay-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and estimating a tighter upper bound of its time derivative without ignoring some useful terms and involving any direct approximation. The proposed approach leads to some less conservative LMI conditions as shown through some numerical examples.
Inflammatory neutrophils retain susceptibility to apoptosis mediated via the Fas death receptor

Apoptosis and clearance of neutrophils is essential for successful resolution of inflammation. Altered signaling via the Fas receptor could explain the observed prolongation of neutrophil lifespan and associated tissue injury at inflammatory sites. We therefore compared inflammatory neutrophils extracted from joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, with peripheral blood neutrophils. Inflammatory neutrophils underwent constitutive apoptosis in culture more rapidly than peripheral blood neutrophils; this was not explained by changes in surface expression of Fas or by induction of Fas ligand. Inflammatory neutrophils remained sensitive to Fas‐induced death, at levels comparable to those seen in peripheral blood neutrophils. Similarly, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor reduced apoptosis but did not abolish signaling via Fas. These data provide evidence for the rate of apoptosis in inflammatory neutrophils being continually modulated by death and survival signals in the inflammatory milieu. This allows for rapid resolution of inflammation as levels of survival factors fall, and suggests new strategies for inducing resolution of inflammation. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 662–668; 2000.
Implementation of adaptive Ethernet for embedded integrated navigation system

Integrated navigation is the focus research in the navigation field. With the rapid development of electronic technology, the embedded technology is widely application in the integrated navigation system. The system is demand real-time, so that the high quality and rapid communication between the system and the peripheral devices is necessary. In the integrated navigation system, DSP is used to process the navigation information, and FPGA is used to control the peripheral devices. This paper adopts the w5300 as the adaptive Ethernet chip which bottom driver is used TI C6000 DSP operates and used FPGA control the reset signal. Practice proves that this design is effective and reliable meet the real time constraint and meet the embedded integrated navigation system small volume and low power dissipation demand.
An Attribute-based Statistic Model for Privacy Impact An Attribute-based Statistic Model for Privacy Impact Assessment Assessment

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes any information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity such as name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, or biometric records. It also includes other information that is linked or linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information. PII is often the target of attacks, and loss of PII could result in identity theft. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the average number of U.S. identity fraud victims annually is 11,571,900 [1]. The total financial loss attributed to identity theft in 2013 was $21 billion dollars, compared to $13.2 billion total loss in 2010 [1].
Endotoxin‐induced vasodilatation in anaesthetized rat skin involves nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthesis

1 The effect of intradermally injected endotoxin on skin blood flow was investigated in anaesthetized male Wistar rats in vivo. 2 Local skin blood flow changes were measured hourly for 6 h in the shaved dorsal skin with a laser‐Doppler flow probe and compared to changes in control sites which had been injected with 100 μl of phosphate‐buffered saline. By 3 h, skin blood flow increased above basal by 129 ± 27% and 186 ± 29% with 1 and 10 μg of endotoxin respectively. Blood flow remained significantly elevated at 6 h, the corresponding figures being 129 ± 24% and 154 ± 31% (P < 0.05, n = 6 rats, mean ± s.e.mean). 3 In further experiments, the response to 3 μg of endotoxin was measured at 4 h and treatment with a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor, nitric oxide synthase inhibitors or a topical steroid all significantly inhibited this response (P < 0.05 in each case, n = 6 rats in each group with duplicate sites in each animal). 4 Indomethacin 3 × 10−9 mol per site injected 3.5 h after injection of endotoxin suppressed the mean 4 h response to endotoxin by 78%; NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) 10−7 mol per site suppressed the response by 95%; NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA) 10−7 mol per site suppressed the response by 50%; whereas the d‐isomer of NG‐monomethyl‐arginine 10−7 mol per site had no significant effect. 5 Topical application of the corticosteroid, betamethasone 17‐valerate (1% solution) 18 h before injection of endotoxin inhibited the mean 4 h response to endotoxin by 66% and the 6 h response by 48%. 6 In the same model, the vasodilator response to arachidonic acid was inhibited by both indomethacin and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (P < 0.05 in each case). 7 These data suggest that the microcirculatory vasodilator response to endotoxin and arachidonic acid injected locally involves both nitric oxide synthase and cyclo‐oxygenase in this in vivo model.
Establecimiento in vitro de ocumo blanco (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott)

El ocumo blanco, Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott, es una Aracea que crece en zonas tropicales. Es importante por su alto valor nutricional. Su propagacion se realiza a traves de hijuelos lo que conlleva a una baja tasa de multiplicacion y diseminacion de enfermedades que afectan el rendimiento. El cultivo in vitro garantiza plantas sanas libres de patogenos. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar dos experimentos de desinfeccion para el establecimiento in vitro de ocumo blanco. El primero con una doble desinfeccion empleando NaClO y electroterapia (10 y 20 V) durante 5 min. El segundo experimento con tres metodos de desinfeccion de explantes de ocumo blanco: desinfeccion sencilla con NaClO al 3% por 20 min; una segunda desinfeccion con NaClO al 2% por 15 min y doble desinfeccion mas aplicacion de 20 min de ultrasonido durante la segunda desinfeccion por 15 min. Los explantes fueron sembrados en tubos de ensayo con 12 mL de medio de cultivo liquido MS suplementados con 0,05 mg.L-1 de AIB, 1 mg.L-1 de BAP y 15 g.L-1 de sacarosa. La electroterapia a 10 V proporciono los mayores porcentajes de explantes establecidos (87,5). La desinfeccion doble mas ultrasonido por 15 minutos proporciono los mayores porcentajes de explantes vivos (77,8) y menores de explantes contaminados (22,2). Se concluyo que la desinfeccion doble mas la aplicacion de ultrasonido es un metodo de desinfeccion adecuado para el establecimiento in vitro de ocumo blanco.
3 R Principle and Alternative Toxicity Testing Methods

Toxicity tests are essential for evaluating the safety or hazards of several substances. Many of the current toxicity testing methods include the use of animals, especially rodents. However, in the last three decades, there has been an inclination towards using less animals and performing alternative methods that reduce, refine and replace animal use (3R principle). The viewpoint of “reduction” is to decrease the number of animals required for a test method, while remaining consistent with scientific practices that are necessary to aquire valid results. The standpoint of “refinement” is using procedures that bring less pain or distress in animals. The aspect of “replacement” is to use non-animal systems instead of animals, or to use a phylogenetically lower species of live animals. Among all approaches, the use of alternative techniques replacing animals has a potential for the future research. The alternative test methods include in vitro models like cell cultures, and tissue/organ assays and in silico testing. Cell cultures have several advantages and scientist expect that in vitro testing will succeed against in vivo testing in the forthcoming years. This review will focus on the 3R principle and alternative test methods.
Leveraged Buyouts: New Puzzles and Problems

Many prior studies of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) argue in favor of buyouts, due to a organizational structure that provides tax shields and mitigates agency problems. However, the existing theories do not explain some of the new LBO phenomena. Therefore, the objective of this dissertation is to contribute to the understanding of new developments in LBOs. Specifically, I empirically study two types of unconventional but problematic LBOs. The first chapter focuses on secondary buyouts. A secondary buyout is a leveraged buyout where the private equity sponsor, who had previously taken control of a target through an LBO, sells the target firm to another private equity firm or to a financial sponsor. Contrary to the general perception of LBOs, secondary buyouts have become increasingly popular. As a percentage of all buyouts, secondary buyouts have grown from 13% in the 1980s to 35% in the last five years. In this chapter, I find that, compared to first-time LBOs, secondary buyouts are priced at a premium that cannot be explained by the fundamentals of the target firms. However, these deals do not appear to be carried out in the best interest of the investors. Although I do not find evidence of collusion on the part of private equity firms, evidence supporting the efficiency gains explanation is mixed, since the target firms show an increase in profits but a deterioration in profitability after the buyout. Overall, I find evidence most
Multisensory Stimulation as an Intervention Strategy for Elderly Patients With Severe Dementia

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of multisensory stimulation environment (MSSE) and one-to-one activity sessions in the symptomatology of elderly individuals with severe dementia. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to the following 3 groups: MSSE, activity, and control group. The MSSE and activity groups participated in two 30-minute weekly sessions over 16 weeks. Pre-, mid-, and posttrial; 8-week follow-up behavior; mood; cognitive status; and dementia severity were registered. Patients in the MSSE group demonstrated a significant improvement in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity Scale scores compared with the activity group. Both MSSE and activity groups showed an improvement during the intervention in the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory aggressive behavior factor and total score, with no significant differences between groups. The MSSE may have better effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms and dementia severity in comparison with one-to-one activity sessions in patients with severe dementia.