Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OPTIMAL INVESTMENT AND CONSUMPTION STRATEGIES UNDER RISK, AN UNCERTAIN LIFETIME, AND INSURANCE*

sumption in period j, such that either the risk aversion index -u"(x)/u'(x), or the risk aversion index -xu"'(x)/u'(x), is a positive constant for all x > 0. In a second paper [6], it was further shown that this model, developed with the individual in mind, also gives rise to an induced theory of the firm under risk for the same class of utility functions. In the foregoing model, it was assumed that the individual's horizon was infinite (or known with certainty). In this paper, we consider the same basic model with three modifications. First, we postulate that the individual's, lifetime is a random variable with a known probability distribution. Second, we introduce a utility function intended to represent the individual's bequest motive. Third, we offer the individual the opportunity to purchase insurance on his life. It is found that when some or all of these modifications are made, all of the more important properties possessed by the optimal consumption and investment strategies under a certain horizon are preserved, albeit only under special conditions. In Section 2, the various components of the decision process are constructed. In the earlier model, the individual's objective was assumed to be the maximization of expected utility from consumption over time. Here, we postulate, more generally, that his objective is to maximize expected utility from consumption as long as he lives and from the bequest left upon his death. As before, the individual's resources are assumed to consist of an initial capital position (which may be negative) and a non-capital income stream. The latter, which may possess any time-shape, is assumed to be known with certainty and to terminate upon his death. In addition to insurance available at a "fair'" rate, the individual faces both financial opportunities (borrowing and lending) and an arbitrary number of productive investment opportunities. The interest rate is presumed to be known but may have any time-shape. The returns from the productive opportunities are assumed to be random variables, whose probability distributions may differ from period to period but are assumed to satisfy the "no-easy-money" condition. While no limit is placed on borrowing, the individual is required to be solvent at the time of his death with
Headteachers’ reflections on primary headship from 1988‐2003: an exploratory study

Purpose – To explore the reflections of primary headteachers on a series of major policy initiatives introduced by successive Conservative and Labour governments from 1988 to 2003.Design/methodology/method – The methodology is an interview‐based survey of six headteachers. The interviews were structured around the headteachers’ recollections of their headship during the period of Conservative government from 1988 to 1997 and, following the election of the Labour Government, from 1997 to 2003.Findings – The headteachers’ reflections have changed from recalling a sense of excitement and anticipation immediately following the introduction of the 1988 Education Reform Act to ones of increasing disillusionment as the period of the Conservative Government drew to a close. However their expectations following the election of the Labour Government in 1977 were quickly dashed and followed by feelings of disappointment and, for some, of frustration.Research limitations/implications – The small size of the sample is.
A note on the estimation of total lactation yield from production on a single day

The recording of total lactation yield for individual cows can be timeconsuming and costly. Periodic sampling at intervals throughout lactation offers an acceptable alternative, and a single day's production can be made to furnish a useful guide, by using an equation relating total to daily production. Errors of estimation are affected by the degree of consistency of daily production, parity and individual herd management, so that estimates could be biased and have a standard error of nearly 20% if these effects are disregarded. Coefficients in the prediction equation must therefore be developed for individual herds.
Mesenrhombencephalitis: MR findings in nine patients.

OBJECTIVE Mesenrhombencephalitis is a serious form of brainstem inflammation predominantly involving the deep and vital portions of the brain, that is, the mesencephalon (midbrain) and rhombencephalon (pons, medulla). Mesenrhombencephalitis is difficult to diagnose on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings alone, and access to this portion of the brain for surgical biopsy carries high morbidity. We describe the MR appearance of mesenrhombencephalitis and correlate the imaging findings with clinical information. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MR images of nine patients with mesenrhombencephalitis were reviewed retrospectively and correlated with clinical, laboratory, and pathologic data. The patients were categorized according to the cause of the disease: three had herpes simplex, one had Listeria monocytogenes, and five had mesenrhombencephalitis of undetermined cause. The three patients with clinical and MR evidence of herpes simplex mesenrhombencephalitis (one confirmed by brain biopsy) were comatose at presentation, with cranial nerve abnormalities in two and seizures in one. One patient with L. monocytogenes (established by blood culture) had cranial nerve palsies, fever, and pain in the ear. Five additional patients had headache (three), fever (three), nausea and vomiting (four), cranial nerve palsies (three), coma (two), and hyporeflexia (one) or hyperreflexia (four). Brain biopsy performed in two patients revealed chronic inflammation of unspecified cause; in one, it was compatible with viral encephalitis. RESULTS MR images in three patients with herpes simplex mesenrhombencephalitis showed T2 signal hyperintensity in the midbrain (two), pons (one), medulla (one), and temporal lobes (three). Parenchymal foci of hemorrhage (methemoglobin, one patient) and leptomeningeal enhancement (one patient) were identified in the temporal lobes. T2-weighted MR images in one patient with L. monocytogenes showed signal hyperintensity in the brainstem, vermis, midbrain, and internal capsules. On T1-weighted images, low signal was present in these areas, which enhanced with paramagnetic contrast agents. In the remaining five patients, T2-weighted MR images showed patchy signal hyperintensity in the pons, medulla, and thalamus in three each and in the midbrain and temporal lobes in one each. T1-weighted MR images showed normal findings (two) or signal hypointensity in the thalamus and pons in one patient each. Areas of leptomeningeal and parenchymal enhancement were identified in one patient each. Brainstem swelling was seen in three patients, one of whom had petechial hemorrhage in the pons and hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION Mesenrhombencephalitis is a serious illness that is diagnosed by a combination of imaging, clinical, laboratory, and pathologic studies. MR imaging may be crucial to the early diagnosis of this illness, and radiologists must be familiar with this uncommon entity and its MR findings in order to make timely diagnoses and facilitate treatment.
Orally administered heparins prevent arterial thrombosis in a rat model

Summary Our previous studies demonstrated that orally administered heparins prevent thrombosis in a rat jugular vein thrombosis model, where bovine unfractionated heparin (UFH) and the low molecular weight heparin tinzaparin reduced thrombotic incidence by 50% at 7.5 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Our objectives were to determine if similar antithrombotic effects of oral heparin could be observed in an arterial thrombosis model. In this model, filter paper soaked in 30% ferric chloride was applied to the exposed rat carotid artery. A flowmeter recorded blood flow over a 60 min period determining time when the thrombus began forming (TTB) and time till occlusion (TTO). Immediately following, the thrombus was removed, dried and weighed 24 h later. Bovine UFH (7.5 mg/kg), tinzaparin (0.1 mg/kg) or saline was administered by stomach tube at 2, 5 and 25 h prior to thrombus initiation. TTB was significantly increased when UFH was given at 5 and 25 h but not 2 h prior, and when tinzaparin was given at 5 but not 2 or 25 h prior compared to rats given oral saline. TTO was significantly increased for both UFH and tinzaparin when given 5 and 25 h but not 2 h prior (one-way ANOVA). There was no difference in TTO and TTB between UFH and tinzaparin treated groups. A trend in reduction in thrombus weight was observed for UFH at 5 and 25 h prior and tinzaparin at 5 h prior to thrombus initiation (one-way ANOVA). Although no significant changes were observed in activated partial thromboplastin times, Heptest or anti-Xa activity from plasma of heparin treated rats, endothelial heparin concentrations were significantly greater than controls for UFH at 5 h and for tinzaparin at 2, 5, and 24 h. Thus, heparins administered by the oral route are effective antithrombotic agents in arterial as well as venous models.
Distributed Asynchronous Fusion Estimator for Stochastic Uncertain Systems With Multiple Sensors of Different Fading Measurement Rates

This paper is concerned with the distributed fusion estimation problem for time-varying stochastic uncertain systems with multiple asynchronous sampling sensors of different fading measurement rates. Stochastic uncertainties of multiplicative noises exist in the state and measurement equations. The phenomena of fading measurements of different sensors are depicted by a group of stochastic variables with known statistics. Different sensors have different sampling rates. Sampling period of each sensor is uniform and an integer multiple of the state update period. By transforming the multiplicative noises into the additive noises, local estimators (LEs) and estimation error cross-covariance matrices between any two LEs are derived at the state update points. A real-time distributed fusion estimator (DFE) is obtained by using the matrix-weighted fusion estimation algorithm in the linear unbiased minimum variance sense. The asymptotic stability and steady-state property are analyzed. A new conception of $\boldsymbol{{period}}$ steady state is presented and the $\boldsymbol{{period}}$ steady-state properties of the LEs, cross-covariance matrices, and DFE are proven. Though DFE has lower accuracy than the centralized fusion estimator, it has better robustness and flexibility since it has a parallel structure. To avoid the calculation of cross-covariance matrices, a sequential covariance intersection fusion estimator is given by using two-sensor covariance intersection fusion algorithm. It has lower accuracy but smaller computational cost than DFE, and better accuracy than LEs. Two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Heterotrimeric Gαq11 co‐immunoprecipitates with surface‐anchored GRP78 from plasma membranes of α2M*‐stimulated macrophages

We have previously shown that a fraction of newly expressed GRP78 is translocated to the cell surface in association with the co‐chaperone MTJ‐1. Proteinase and methylamine‐activated α2M (α2M*) bind to cell surface‐associated GRP78 activating phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C coupled to a pertussis toxin‐insensitive heterotrimeric G protein, generating IP3/calcium signaling. We have now studied the association of pertussis toxin‐insensitive Gαq11, with GRP78/MTJ‐1 complexes in the plasma membranes of α2M*‐stimulated macrophages. When GRP78 was immunoprecipitated from plasma membranes of macrophages stimulated with α2M*, Gαq11, and MTJ‐1 were co‐precipitated. Likewise Gαq11 and GRP78 co‐immunoprecipitated with MTJ‐1 while GRP78 and MTJ‐1 co‐immunoprecipitated with Gαq11. Silencing GRP78 expression with GRP78 dsRNA or MTJ‐1 with MTJ‐1 dsRNA greatly reduced the levels of Gαq11 co‐precipitated with GRP78 or MTJ‐1. In conclusion, we show here that plasma membrane‐associated GRP78 is coupled to pertussis toxin‐insensitive Gαq11 and forms a ternary signaling complex with MTJ‐1. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 96–104, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient delivery of web services

This dissertation addresses issues for the efficient access to Web databases and services. We propose a distributed ontology for a meaningful organization of and efficient access to Web databases. Next, we dedicate most of our work on presenting a comprehensive query infrastructure for the emerging concept of Web services. The core of this query infrastructure is to enable the efficient delivery of Web services based on the concept of Quality of Web Service . Treating Web services as first class objects is a fundamental step towards achieving the envisioned Semantic Web. Semantics-aware processing of information requires intensive use of Web services. In our research, we propose a new query model where queries are resolved by combining Web service invocations. To efficiently deploy such scheme, we propose an optimization strategy based on aggregating Quality of Web service (QoWS) of different Web services. QoWS is adjusted through a dynamic rating scheme and multilevel matching. Web service rating provides an assessment of their behavior. The multilevel matching allows a larger solution space by enabling similar and partial answers. This work received support from a NSF Grant (9983249-EIA) and from a Usenix Scholarship (2001).
The picture superiority effect in conceptual implicit memory: a conceptual distinctiveness hypothesis.

According to leading theories, the picture superiority effect is driven by conceptual processing, yet this effect has been difficult to obtain using conceptual implicit memory tests. We hypothesized that the picture superiority effect results from conceptual processing of a picture's distinctive features rather than a picture's semantic features. To test this hypothesis, we used 2 conceptual implicit general knowledge tests; one cued conceptually distinctive features (e.g., "What animal has large eyes? ") and the other cued semantic features (e.g., "What animal is the figurehead of Tootsie Roll? "). Results showed a picture superiority effect only on the conceptual test using distinctive cues, supporting our hypothesis that this effect is mediated by conceptual processing of a picture's distinctive features.
Political Uncertainty and Dividend Policy: Evidence from International Political Crises

We examine the impact of political uncertainty on firms' payout policy. Using a large international sample across 35 countries over the period from year 1990 to 2008, we find that past dividend payers are more likely to terminate dividends and that non-payers are less likely to initiate dividends during periods of high political uncertainty. These findings suggest a precautionary incentive of managers in response to political shocks. Nevertheless, the impact of political shocks seems to be attenuated by stable political systems. In addition to identifying this precautionary incentive, we also document that firms with lower market valuation or less liquidity are more likely to initiate dividends during periods of high political uncertainty, which is consistent with the catering theory of dividends.
Did Good Corporate Governance Improve Bank Performance during the Financial Crisis?

This paper focuses on the effects of corporate governance on bank performance during the financial crisis of 2008. Using data on large publicly traded U.S. banks, we examine whether banks with stronger corporate governance mechanisms were associated with higher profitability and better stock market performance amidst the crisis. Our empirical findings on the effects of corporate governance on bank performance are mixed. Although the results suggest that banks with stronger corporate governance mechanisms were associated with higher profitability in 2008, our findings also indicate that strong governance may have had negative effects on stock market valuations of banks amidst the crisis. Nevertheless, we document that banks with strong corporate governance practices had substantially higher stock returns in the aftermath of the market meltdown, indicating that good governance may have mitigated the adverse influence of the crisis on bank credibility.
Photoreactivation of Pseudomonas cepacia after ultraviolet exposure: a potential source of contamination in ultraviolet-treated waters

Cells of a naturally occurring strain of Pseudomonas cepacia grown in distilled water were exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Irradiated samples incubated on membrane filters or in fluid recovery media in the absence of light showed no evidence of dark repair mechanisms. When samples were exposed to fluorescent light ranging from 50 to 950 foot candles (538 to 10,222 lux) of illumination, apparent photo-induced repair of ultraviolet injury resulted in 1- to 4-log increases in viable cells recovered.
Anti‐Doping Policy in Sport: The Politics of International Policy Co‐ordination

The characteristics and functioning of international policy processes are examined through the analysis of a case which explores the development of policy towards doping by athletes. Changes are traced in the dominant perception of the issue of doping in sport from a series of relatively self-contained problems which could be addressed by individual sports federations or competition organizers to one that requires extensive co-operation between federations and governments, and which has brought the issue of harmonization of policy to the forefront. The interests of the policy actors are identified and the role of two key organizations, the Council of Europe and the International Olympic Committee, in facilitating closer co-ordination, is examined. It is argued that the process is best understood by using the concept of a policy network as both a metaphor and as an analytical tool. The value of the concept of an epistemic community is also considered and it is suggested that not only are doctors and scientists marginal in shaping anti-doping policy, but that there are also limited conditions under which epistemic communities can fulfil an effective role in the policy process.
I. Cytology and distribution in normal human cerebral cortex of neurons immunoreactive with antisera against neuropeptide Y

The frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices in normal human brains (Brodmann areas 10, 7a, 7b, and 21) are well endowed with numerous neurons, identifiable by immunoreactivity with antisera against the 36‐amino acid brain peptide neuropeptide Y (NPY). These neurons with rare exception are small, intracortical, nonspiny neurons, 12–20 μm in somatic size, with long slender dendrites and exuberant axon plexuses exhibiting finely beaded varicosities. The cells are rarest in layers I and II, are found with frequency in the lower cortical layers (IV‐VI) and in significant numbers in the subcortical white matter. Within the cortex the axonal plexuses of these peptide neurons rise straight up into the upper cortical layers or descend deep into the white matter. In layers I and II, numerous other lengthy axons, some possibly of extracortical afferent origin, run along the pial surface at right angles to the axial ones running perpendicular to the cortex. This endowment of peptide neurons and their processes forms a rich network in the cerebral cortex, relating with one another in complex fashion within palisades of terminals as well as with the other cortical neurons not labeled by these methods. It remains to be shown what functions these NPY neurons have individually and in their remarkable networks, and how they are altered in neurological disease.
WILL LEGISLATIVE GENDER QUOTAS INCREASE FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN IRELAND? A FEMINIST INSTITUTIONALISM ANALYSIS

Informed by insights from feminist institutionalism, this article considers the effect of various aspects of the Irish political system on women's candidate selection and election, and discusses the extent to which the new gender quota law will be facilitated by these processes. In studying Ireland the article highlights a relatively under-studied case in the comparative literature on gender and politics. It also contributes to the burgeoning field of feminist institutionalism research by examining the mechanisms surrounding female candidate recruitment, selection and election to assess the likely impact of gender quotas on women's political representation in Ireland. Taking Ireland's relatively unique PR-STV electoral system as the primary institutional context, we argue that the electoral system interacts with cultural factors to determine female candidacy opportunities and suggest that the biggest challenge to the effective implementation of legislative gender quotas in Ireland are informal mechanisms such as masculinised party cultures, societal gendered legacies and pre-existing informal rules surrounding incumbency and localism. However, we advise if party leaders and selectorates are willing to fully embrace gender quotas and integrate them into their candidate nomination processes, there is evidence to suggest that this will have a positive effect on increasing women's political representation in Ireland.
Arterial stiffness increases during obstructive sleep apneas.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) appears to be an independent risk factor for diurnal systemic hypertension, but the specific biologic markers for this association have not been well established. Increased arterial stiffness is an important measure of increased left ventricular load and a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and may precede the onset of systemic hypertension in humans. However, arterial stiffness has not been measured in association with obstructive apneas in patients with OSA, nor related to systemic blood pressure (BP) activity in this setting. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that arterial stiffness may be utilized as a sensitive measure of arterial vasomotor perturbation during obstructive events in patients with OSA, by demonstrating that (1) arterial stiffness increases acutely in association with obstructive apnea and hypopnea, and that (2) such increased stiffness may occur in the absence of acute BP increase. DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional. SETTING A tertiary-care university-based sleep and ventilatory disorders center. PATIENTS Forty-four normo- and hypertensive adult patients (11 women, 33 men) with polysomnographically diagnosed moderate to severe OSA. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Beat-to-beat BP was recorded from the radial artery by applanation tonometry during nocturnal polysomnography. Arterial augmentation index (AAI), a measure of arterial stiffness, was calculated as the ratio of augmented systolic BP (SBP) to pulse pressure and expressed as a percentage for the following conditions: awake, the first 10 ("early apnea") and last 10 ("late apnea") cardiac cycles of obstructive events, and the first 15 cardiac cycles following apnea termination ("post apnea"). Mean AAI (+/-SD) for the group was significantly increased during NREM sleep from early apnea to late apnea (12.02 +/- 2.70% vs 13.35 +/- 3.54%, p<0.05, ANOVA). During REM (analyzed in 20 patients), MI again significantly increased from early apnea to late apnea (11.75 +/- 2.81% vs 13.43 +/- 4.97%). Conversely, neither mean SBP nor mean arterial BP was significantly changed from early apnea to late apnea in NREM (SBP 130 +/- 14 mmHg vs 129 +/- 14 mmHg) or REM (SBP 128 +/- 22 mmHg vs 127 +/- 21 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS Arterial stiffness increases acutely during obstructive apneas in both NREM and REM sleep, in the absence of measurable BP change. These data suggest that arterial stiffness may be a sensitive measure of acute arterial vasomotor perturbation in this setting and may have implications concerning cardiovascular sequelae in patients with OSA.