Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictions of Default Probabilities in Structural Models of Debt

This paper examines default probabilities predicted by alternative "structural" models of risky corporate debt. We focus on default probabilities rather than credit spreads because (i) they are not affected by additional market factors such as liquidity and tax differences; and (ii) prediction of the relative likelihood of default is often stated as the objective of bond ratings. We have three objectives: (1) To distinguish "exogenous default" from "endogenous default" models (2) To compare these models' predictions of default probabilities, given common inputs (3) To examine how well these models capture actual average default frequencies, as reflected in Moody's (2001) corporate bond default data 1970-2000. We find that endogenous and exogenous default boundary models fit observed default frequencies very well for horizons 5 years and longer, for both investment grade and non-investment grade ratings. Shorter-term default frequencies tend to be underestimated. This suggests that a jump component should be included in asset value dynamics. Both types of structural models fit available default data equally well. But the models make different predictions about how default probabilities and recovery rates change with changes in debt maturity or asset volatility. Further data and testing will be needed to test these differences. Finally, we compare and contrast these structural models' default predictions with a simplified version of the widely-used Moody's-KMV "distance to default" model described in Crosbie and Bohn (2002).
Spatio‐temporal November and March snowfall trends in the Lake Michigan region

This study has investigated the spatio‐temporal variability of November and March Lake Michigan snowfall for the period 1950–2013. Snowfall characteristics were assessed using time series analysis, geographic information systems, and visualization. Results indicate significant temporal decreases of November and March snowfall, peak inter‐annual variability within the lake‐effect belt, modest concurrent and lagged sensitivity to teleconnection indices, and strong dependence of snowfall on temperature. The decreased snowfall is in contrast to December–February snowfall and associated with a decreasing fraction of November and March precipitation days occurring as snow days, rather than changes in precipitation frequency. The decreasing fraction of precipitation days occurs as snowfall is consistent with synoptic‐scale disturbances producing rain rather than snow and lake‐effect rain falling in lieu of snow.
Discrepancies between video head impulse and caloric tests in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct

We performed the video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueducts (EVA). We compared the results with those found in Ménière's disease (MD) and acute vestibular neuritis to clarify the characteristics of vestibular dysfunction in EVA and to suggest reasons for the discrepancy between the vHIT and caloric tests in endolymphatic hydrops.
Evolutionary perspectives on multiresistance beta-lactamase transposons

A series of intragenic DNA probes, encoding the major part of the transposase resolvase and inverted repeats of transposons Tn3, Tn21, and Tn2501, were used in hybridization assays for homologous DNA sequences in 18 transposons studied. The tnpA and tnpR probes detected extensive homology with Tn3-like and Tn21-like elements for 11 transposons. This high degree of homology was confirmed with the 38- and 48-base-pair inverted-repeat oligonucleotide probes of Tn3, Tn21, and Tn2501. The Southern-type gel hybridization experiments localized the tnpA-homologous sequences on the physical DNA maps constructed. The genetic and physical maps of the transposons were compared, as were their nucleic acid sequence homologies. These comparisons suggested a subfamily of mobile elements distinct from but related to the Tn21 group. Based on these results, an evolutionary model is proposed and a pedigree is presented for the genesis of multiresistance beta-lactamase transposons.
Ieee Transactions on Communications, Accepted for Publication Analysis and Design of Binary Message Passing Decoders

—Binary message passing decoders for low-density parity-check codes are studied by using extrinsic information transfer charts. The channel delivers hard or soft decisions and the variable node decoder performs all computations in the log-likelihood ratio (L-value) domain. A hard decision results in the Gallager B algorithm and examples show that increasing the channel output alphabet to two bits gains more than 1.0 dB in signal to noise ratio when using optimized codes. Finally, it is shown that errors on cycles consisting only of degree two and three variable nodes cannot be corrected and a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a cycle-free subgraph is derived.
Determinants of Adoption of Computer Assisted Auditing Techniques: A Survey of Auditors in Kano State, Nigeria

Computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs) have been identified as a necessary and sufficient conditions for an effective and qualitative audit report. This study analyzed the determinants of adoption of computer assisted auditing techniques with focus on auditors practicing in Kano, Nigeria. The study adopted survey method where 125 auditors were sampled from seventeen audit firms through a multi-stage sampling technique. The data was analyzed using econometric methods (Ordered Logit Regression) in line with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Performance expectancy and effort expectancy were found to be statistically significant determinants of auditors’ total intention to CAATs adoption and usage. However, facilitating condition and social influence were not significant in explaining the auditor’s total intention to CAATs adoption and usage. The study recommends that, audit firms should invest in technological tools and train auditors on computer tools. Also, the regulatory bodies should consider computer proficiency as part of the regulatory checks. This adoption and usage of CAATs will help the auditors to produce an effective and qualitative audit report.
The effects of whole-tree harvest on benthic insects in small New Hampshire streams

Whole-tree harvest has become an important technique for timber harvest in the northern hardwoods forest of New England (HORNBECK & KRoPELIN 1982). HORNBECK & l<ROPELIN (1982), YANAJ (1998) and STEVENS et al. (1995) suggested that nutrient depletion of the forested soils associated with clearcutting may be amplified when tree tops are also removed from the landscape. Other physical and chemical changes caused by whole-tree harvest may be similar to those associated with clear-curting.
Esophageal cancer exhibits resistance to a novel IGF-1R inhibitor NVP-AEW541 with maintained RAS-MAPK activity.

AIM To assess the effects of a novel type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor, NVP-AEW541, on cell proliferation and signal transduction of esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell proliferation assay and western blot were conducted to assess the antitumor effects of NVP-AEW541. Genetic modification of RAS by expression vector was applied for overexpression of mutant RAS. RESULTS More than 2 μmol/l of NVP-AEW541 was required to effectively inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer. NVP-AEW541 potently blocked the activation of IGF-1R and protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT), but not of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK). Active RAS was not reduced by NVP-AEW541 in esophageal cancer cells TE-1, suggesting that insensitivity of esophageal cancer to NVP-AEW541 is due to the maintained RAS-MAPK activity, which did not arise from RAS mutation. Moreover, the transduction of mutant RAS reduced the sensitivity of TE-1 cells to NVP-AEW541. CONCLUSION Stimulation of RAS-MAPK pathway is associated with resistance to NVP-AEW541 in esophageal cancer. Combining NVP-AEW541 with inhibitors/antibodies against RAS-MAPK signaling molecules might be more effective for use against esophageal cancer.
A Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach Shows that Serum Penicillin G Concentrations Are Below Inhibitory Concentrations by Two Weeks after Benzathine Penicillin G Injection in the Majority of Young Adults

ABSTRACT Serum penicillin G falls to low levels 2 weeks after injection as benzathine penicillin G (BPG) in young adults. Using Pmetrics and previously reported penicillin G pharmacokinetic data after 1.2 million units were given as BPG to 329 male military recruits, here we develop the first reported population pharmacokinetic model of penicillin G after BPG injection. We simulated time-concentration profiles over a broad range of pediatric and adult weights after alternative doses and dose frequencies to predict the probability of maintaining serum penicillin G concentrations of >0.02 mg/liter, a proposed protective threshold against group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS). The final population model included linear absorption into a central compartment, distribution to and from a peripheral compartment, and linear elimination from the central compartment, with allometrically scaled volumes and rate constants. With 1.2 million units of BPG given intramuscularly every 4 weeks in four total doses, only 23.2% of 5,000 simulated patients maintained serum penicillin G trough concentrations of >0.02 mg/liter 4 weeks after the last dose. When the doses were 1.8 million units and 2.4 million units, the percentages were 30.2% and 40.7%, respectively. With repeated dosing of 1.2 million units every 3 weeks and every 2 weeks for 4 doses, the percentages of simulated patients with a penicillin G trough concentration of >0.02 mg/liter were 37.8% and 65.2%, respectively. Our simulations support recommendations for more frequent rather than higher BPG doses to prevent recurrent rheumatic heart disease in areas of high GAS prevalence or during outbreaks.
Efficient Learning of Selective Bayesian Network Classifiers

In this paper, we empirically evaluate algorithms for learning four types of Bayesian network (BN) classifiers – Naïve-Bayes, tree augmented Naïve-Bayes (TANs), BN augmented Naïve-Bayes (BANs) and general BNs (GBNs), where the GBNs and BANs are learned using two variants of a conditionalindependence based BN-learning algorithm. Based on their performance, we then define a new type of classifier. Experimental results show the resulting classifiers, learned using the proposed learning algorithms, are competitive with (or superior to) the best classifiers, based on both Bayesian networks and other formalisms, and that the computational time for learning and using these classifiers is relatively small. These results argue that BN classifiers deserve more attention in machine learning and data mining communities.
Mechanical action of the interosseous intercostal muscles as a function of lung volume.

On the basis of local stimulation of individual muscles, it has been suggested that both the external (EI) and internal interosseous intercostal muscles have an inspiratory action at low lung volumes and an expiratory action at high lung volumes. In this study, we assessed the action of the interosseous intercostal muscles at different lung volumes in 19 anesthetized dogs by synchronously activating the intercostal muscles via ventral root stimulation (VRS). An electrode was positioned on the upper thoracic spinal cord according to previously described techniques. The cervical phrenic rootlets were sectioned bilaterally, the accessory muscles were sectioned from the rib cage, and the origins of the abdominal muscles were sectioned from the middle region of the rib cage. Changes in airway pressure (delta P) were monitored during the application of supramaximal stimuli after hyperventilation-induced apnea and during airway occlusion. Animals were passively inflated or deflated with a volume syringe. Precontractile airway pressure was used as an index of lung volume. External and parasternal intercostal muscle (PA) lengths were monitored by sonomicrometry in the third intercostal space. Thoracoabdominal motion was monitored by Respitrace bands. During VRS, both PA and EI shortened at all lung volumes. Mean delta P progressively decreased with increasing lung volume. At precontractile airway pressures of -10, 0, and +30 cm H2O, delta P were -25 +/- 1, -16 +/- 1, and -5 +/- 1 cm H2O, respectively. After section of the internal intercostal nerves lateral to the costochondral junctions from the first through the seventh intercostal spaces to eliminate PA action, EI shortened, whereas PA usually lengthened. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Differences between rehabilitation team, rehabilitants, and significant others in opinions on functioning of subacute stroke survivors: Turku ICF study

To assess quantitative differences between rehabilitation team, rehabilitants, and significant others in opinions on functioning of subacute stroke survivors. During inpatient interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation, the interdisciplinary team, nurses, rehabilitants, and significant others reported their opinions on the functioning of consecutive 62 rehabilitants. Data were gathered using the structured form based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Brief Core Set for Stroke. Agreement between observers on the presence and severity of restrictions in functioning was analyzed. The strongest agreement between different observers on all studied ICF categories was achieved between the interdisciplinary team and nurses (weighted squared &kgr;=0.7–0.9). The weakest agreement was detected between the team and rehabilitants (weighted squared &kgr;=0.1–0.6). Support by family was found to be an important facilitating factor of functioning by all observers. Limitations in cognitive activity were identified less frequently than other restrictions. Opinions on restrictions in functioning may differ between the interdisciplinary team, rehabilitants, and significant others. These differences can be assessed quantitatively and documented using the ICF Core Set for Stroke. This potential observer-dependent discrepancy should be taken into account during the process of neurorehabilitation.
Fitness Effects of Replichore Imbalance in Salmonella enterica

ABSTRACT A fitness cost due to imbalanced replichores has been proposed to provoke chromosome rearrangements in Salmonella enterica serovars. To determine the impact of replichore imbalance on fitness, the relative fitness of isogenic Salmonella strains containing transposon-held duplications of various sizes and at various chromosomal locations was determined. Although duplication of certain genes influenced fitness, a replichore imbalance of up to 16° did not affect fitness.
Obligatory Role for Cooperative Signaling by Pre-TCR and Notch during Thymocyte Differentiation1

The first checkpoint during T cell development, known as β selection, requires the successful rearrangement of the TCR-β gene locus. Notch signaling has been implicated in various stages during T lymphopoiesis. However, it is unclear whether Notch receptor-ligand interactions are necessary during β selection. Here, we show that pre-TCR signaling concurrent with Notch receptor and Delta-like-1 ligand interactions are required for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of mouse CD4−CD8− thymocytes to the CD4+CD8+ stage. Furthermore, we address the minimal signaling requirements underlying β selection and show a hierarchical positioning of key proximal signaling molecules. Collectively, our results demonstrate an essential role for Notch receptor-ligand interactions in enabling the autonomous signaling capacity of the pre-TCR complex.
Measurement: The theory of numerical assignments.

An impact power tool for use in supporting a tool tip for hand-working operations comprises a body presenting a bore and having first and second ends. A piston is received within the bore and is shiftable relative to the body, and an anvil is received within the bore at a first end of the body and is shiftable relative to the body along the longitudinal axis thereof. The anvil includes a recess extending in a direction substantially parallel with the axis of the bore so as to define a receptacle in the anvil adjacent the first end of the bore. A tool carrier block is provided which is shaped for receipt in the recess of the anvil and which includes a set screw for permitting attachment of the carrier block to a tool tip to be supported on the impact power tool. The carrier block is retained in the anvil by friction-fit engagement sufficient to retain the carrier block in the receptacle and to permit manual removal of the carrier block. Further, the axial position of the anvil relative to the bore is fixed by a transverse member interposed between the anvil and the body. The transverse member is rigidly supported on the anvil and is resiliently supported on the body so that the anvil is capable of limited axial movement relative to the body.
Anemonefish oxygenate their anemone hosts at night

SUMMARY Many stony coral-dwelling fishes exhibit adaptations to deal with hypoxia among the branches of their hosts; however, no information exists on the respiratory ecophysiology of obligate fish associates of non-coral organisms such as sea anemones and sponges. This study investigated metabolic and behavioral interactions between two-band anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus) and bulb-tentacle sea anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) at night. We measured the net dark oxygen uptake (, μmol O2 h−1) of fish–anemone pairs when partners were separate from each other, together as a unit, and together as a unit but separated by a mesh screen that prevented physical contact. We also measured the effects of water current on sea anemone and quantified the nocturnal behaviors of fish in the absence and presence of host anemones in order to discern the impacts of anemone presence on fish behavior. Net of united pairs was significantly higher than that of both separated pairs and united pairs that were separated by a mesh screen. Anemone increased with flow rate from 0.5 to 2.0 cm s−1, after which remained constant up to a water flow rate of 8.0 cm s−1. Furthermore, the percentage time and bout frequency of flow-modulating behaviors by fish increased significantly when anemones were present. We conclude that physical contact between anemonefish and sea anemones elevates the of at least one of the partners at night, and anemonefish behavior at night appears to oxygenate sea anemone hosts and to augment the metabolism of both partners.
How to select the largest k elements from evolving data?

In this paper we investigate the top-$k$-selection problem, i.e. determine the largest, second largest, . , and the $k$-th largest elements, in the dynamic data model. In this model the order of elements evolves dynamically over time. In each time step the algorithm can only probe the changes of data by comparing a pair of elements. Previously only two special cases were studied[2]: finding the largest element and the median; and sorting all elements. This paper systematically deals with $k\in [n]$ and solves the problem almost completely. Specifically, we identify a critical point $k^*$ such that the top-$k$-selection problem can be solved error-free with probability $1-o(1)$ if and only if $k=o(k^*)$. A lower bound of the error when $k=\Omega(k^*)$ is also determined, which actually is tight under some condition. On the other hand, it is shown that the top-$k$-set problem, which means finding the largest $k$ elements without sorting them, can be solved error-free for all $k\in [n]$. Additionally, we extend the dynamic data model and show that most of these results still hold.
The Chloroplast Permease PIC 1 Regulates Plant Growth and Development by Directing Homeostasis and Transport of Iron 1 [ W ]

The membrane-spanning protein PIC1 (for permease in chloroplasts 1) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was previously described to mediate iron transport across the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts. The albino phenotype of pic1 knockout mutants was reminiscent of iron-deficiency symptoms and characterized by severely impaired plastid development and plant growth. In addition, plants lacking PIC1 showed a striking increase in chloroplast ferritin clusters, which function in protection from oxidative stress by sequestering highly reactive free iron in their spherical protein shell. In contrast, PIC1overexpressing lines (PIC1ox) in this study rather resembled ferritin loss-of-function plants. PIC1ox plants suffered from oxidative stress and leaf chlorosis, most likely originating from iron overload in chloroplasts. Later during growth, plants were characterized by reduced biomass as well as severely defective flower and seed development. As a result of PIC1 protein increase in the inner envelope membrane of plastids, flower tissue showed elevated levels of iron, while the content of other transition metals (copper, zinc, manganese) remained unchanged. Seeds, however, specifically revealed iron deficiency, suggesting that PIC1 overexpression sequestered iron in flower plastids, thereby becoming unavailable for seed iron loading. In addition, expression of genes associated with metal transport and homeostasis as well as photosynthesis was deregulated in PIC1ox plants. Thus, PIC1 function in plastid iron transport is closely linked to ferritin and plastid iron homeostasis. In consequence, PIC1 is crucial for balancing plant iron metabolism in general, thereby regulating plant growth and in particular fruit development.
Significance of an amorphous SiO2 phase in a pseudomorph after coesite enclosed in garnet from ultrahigh‐pressure eclogite, Su–Lu Belt, eastern China

Here, we report the first discovery of an amorphous SiO2 phase (APSI phase) in a pseudomorph after coesite included in garnet from an ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) eclogite from the Su–Lu metamorphic belt, eastern China. Using transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction, we show that the internal structure of the pseudomorph consists of an APSI phase with nano/submicrocrystalline particles of quartz and a polycrystalline K‐bearing fibrous sheet‐silicate phase (KFSS phase). The APSI phase‐bearing aggregates included in the garnet might have formed by reactions involving a supercritical fluid during exhumation by the following processes: (1) the development of radial cracks within the host garnet by the phase transition of coesite to quartz; (2) the decomposition of a part of the pseudomorph following infiltration of supercritical fluid; (3) the precipitation of the KFSS phase from the fluid phase during subsequent exhumation and cooling, which was likely promoted by a change in the metamorphic fluid from supercritical and/or subcritical to aqueous fluid; and (4) the rapid precipitation of the APSI phase under a metastable (non‐equilibrium) state, such as quenching, during a later stage of the exhumation. Whether the APSI phase generally formed during exhumation and survived widely throughout the Su‐Lu terrane is unknown. However, the presence of the APSI phase in a UHP eclogite provides new insight into the geodynamic phenomena occurring at continental collision zones.
Impact of Electrical and Mechanical Antenna Tilt on LTE Downlink System Performance

Antenna tilt is one of the most important performance tuning parameters of a cellular network, since it has a strong impact on the inter-site interference level in the system. In this paper, we present an analysis of the impact of antenna tilt on LTE coverage and capacity. Using system simulations, we study how the distribution between two types of tilt, electrical and mechanical, affects path gain and cell edge, peak, and average throughput in a macro-cellular scenario. While the total tilt has a strong impact on both capacity and coverage, we find that the type of tilt has distinct impact only on capacity.