Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing Growth at High-Technology Companies: A View from the Top

Technological developments open opportunities for new products, new markets, and sometimes entire new industries. Entrepreneurs frequently discover ways to apply new technologies profitably and found new companies based on them. Some achieve success quickly. Compaq Computer passed $100 million in sales in its first full year of operation. Eight years after its founding, Apple Computer was a multibillion-dollar international corporation. Not all high-technology companies do so well. Many fail to get off the ground and quickly disappear. Some reach a level of financial viability but fail to grow further. Still others achieve significant growth for a time, only to fail later when they cannot seem to take advantage of their initial success. Flashes in the pan such as Osborne Computer, Sinclair, and Coleco's Adam Computer have been all too common. Even high-tech companies that have thrived for years are subject to buffeting from the fast-changing environment characteristic of the high-technology industry. Digital Equipment Corp. experienced serious organizational and marketing problems in the mid1980s before its recent dramatic resurgence. HewlettPackard, another of the most successful high-technology companies, ran afoul of the winds of marketing and technological change,' as did Wang Laboratories in 1985. None of these three leaders of the computer industry was able to match the performance of newcomers such as Apple, Compaq, and SUN. The types of problems encountered may be a result of the failure of management to address successfully the vital connection between strategy and technology.2 Or they may be a result of other causes such as errors in implementing strategy in the marketplace or in not choosing the right managers to carry out plans. What distinguishes successful high-technology companies from those that make little or no progress? One essential factor is surely management competence. In their study of high-technology companies Madique and Hayes noted that leadership reinforced by proper strategy and management practices is a key to success in those firms.3 But what are the specific characteristics of the managements of the growing firms? Are management problems in high-technology companies different from those in other enterprises? How have the more successful ones solved their problems? Are the management shortcomings that have led to stagnation or failure of high-technology firms different from those that have led to similar results in other types of companies? And what distinguishes successful management of high-tech companies with niche strategies from larger companies? To find the answers to these questions, we interviewed the chief executive officers of 10 high-tech companies. The selected companies represent a range of sizes and technologies, but are all relatively small niche competitors in dynamic high-tech industries. The largest company is, in fact, a corporation made up of small niche companies. Exhibit 1 profiles the CEOs and shows their firms' annual sales and growth rates.
AKT pathway in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment and white adipose tissue metabolism

4 Publications made during PhD studentship . 5 Acknowledgements . 6 Part 1 Abstract . 14 CHAPTER 1: Introduction . 15 1.1 Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors . 15 1.1.1 Classification of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors . 15 1.1.2 Epidemiology, risk factors and prognosis of MPNSTs . 18 1.1.2 General treatment options for MPNSTs patients . 20 1.1.3 Molecular insights and clinical implications of MPNST . 21 1.2 Genetic information of human MPNST cancer cell lines . 28 1.3 DAW22 . 31 1.3. 1 Purification procedure of DAW22 . 31 1.3. 2 Studies about DAW22 and rationale of this study . 31 CHAPTER 2: Methodology . 33 2.1 In vitro studies. 33 2.1.1 Chemicals . 33 2.1.2 Cell lines and cell culture . 33 2.1.3 Cell proliferation assay. 34 2.1. 4 Colony formation assay . 34 2.1. 5 Cell cycle assay . 35
Maximal Entropy Random Walk for Region-Based Visual Saliency

Visual saliency is attracting more and more research attention since it is beneficial to many computer vision applications. In this paper, we propose a novel bottom-up saliency model for detecting salient objects in natural images. First, inspired by the recent advance in the realm of statistical thermodynamics, we adopt a novel mathematical model, namely, the maximal entropy random walk (MERW) to measure saliency. We analyze the rationality and superiority of MERW for modeling visual saliency. Then, based on the MERW model, we establish a generic framework for saliency detection. Different from the vast majority of existing saliency models, our method is built on a purely region-based strategy, which is able to yield high-resolution saliency maps with well preserved object shapes and uniformly highlighted salient regions. In the proposed framework, the input image is first over-segmented into superpixels, which are taken as the primary units for subsequent procedures, and regional features are extracted. Then, saliency is measured according to two principles, i.e., uniqueness and visual organization, both implemented in a unified approach, i.e., the MERW model based on graph representation. Intensive experimental results on publicly available datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art saliency models.
Important role of phosphoramido linkage in imidazole‐based dioleyl helper lipids for liposome stability and primary cell transfection

To optimize synthetic gene delivery systems, there is a need to develop more efficient lipid formulations. Most cationic lipid formulations contain ‘helper’ neutral lipids because of their ability to increase DNA delivery, in particular by improving endosomal escape of DNA molecules via the pH‐buffering effect of protonatable groups and/or fusion with the lipid bilayer of endosomes.
Cytologic differential diagnosis among reactive mesothelial cells, malignant mesothelioma, and adenocarcinoma

The differential diagnosis between reactive mesothelial cells (RMs), malignant mesotheliomas (MMs), and adenocarcinomas (ACs) is often difficult in cytologic specimens, and the utility of various immunohistochemical markers have been explored. Because recent immunohistologic studies have suggested that E‐cadherin (E‐cad) and calretinin (Cal) may be useful markers for epithelial and mesothelial differentiations, respectively, the authors investigated their utility in cytologic diagnosis.
On Smart Query Routing: For Distributed Graph Querying with Decoupled Storage

We study online graph queries that retrieve nearby nodes of a query node from a large network. To answer such queries with high throughput and low latency, we partition the graph and process the data in parallel across a cluster of servers. State-of-the-art distributed graph querying systems place each graph partition on a separate server, where query answering over that partition takes place. This design has two major disadvantages. First, the router needs to maintain a fixed routing table. Hence, these systems are less flexible with respect to query routing, fault tolerance, and graph updates. Second, the graph data must be partitioned such that the workload across the servers is balanced, and the inter-machine communication is minimized. In addition, it is required to update the existing partitions based on workload changes over graph nodes. However, graph partitioning, online monitoring of workloads, and dynamically updating the graph partitions are expensive. In this work, we mitigate both these problems by decoupling graph storage from query processors, and by developing smart routing strategies that improve the cache locality in query processors. Since a query processor is no longer assigned any fixed part of the graph, it is equally capable of handling any request, thus facilitating load balancing and fault tolerance. On the other hand, due to our smart routing strategies, query processors can effectively leverage their cache contents, reducing the overall impact of how the graph is partitioned across storage servers. A detailed experimental evaluation with several real-world, large graph datasets demonstrates that our proposed framework, gRouting - even with simple hash partitioning of the data - achieves up to an order of magnitude better query throughput compared to existing graph querying systems that employ expensive graph partitioning and re-partitioning strategies.
Degradation of microRNAs by a Family of Exoribonucleases in Arabidopsis

microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in numerous developmental and metabolic processes in plants and animals. The steady-state levels of miRNAs need to be properly controlled to ensure normal development. Whereas the framework of miRNA biogenesis is established, factors involved in miRNA degradation remain unknown. Here, we show that a family of exoribonucleases encoded by the SMALL RNA DEGRADING NUCLEASE (SDN) genes degrades mature miRNAs in Arabidopsis. SDN1 acts specifically on single-stranded miRNAs in vitro and is sensitive to the 2′-O-methyl modification on the 3′ terminal ribose of miRNAs. Simultaneous knockdown of three SDN genes in vivo results in elevated miRNA levels and pleiotropic developmental defects. Therefore, we have uncovered the enzymes that degrade miRNAs and demonstrated that miRNA turnover is crucial for plant development.
Widespread dispersion of the resistance element tet(B)::ISCR2 in XDR Acinetobacter baumannii isolates

SUMMARY Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant nosocomial pathogen often associated with extreme drug resistance (XDR). In Argentina, isolates of A. baumannii resistant to tetracyclines have accounted for more than 40% of drug-resistant isolates in some hospitals. We have previously reported the dispersion of the tet(B) resistance element associated with the ISCR2 transposase in epidemiologically unrelated A. baumannii isolates recovered from 1983 to 2011. This study extends this surveillance to 77 recent (2009–2013) XDR A. baumannii isolates with different levels of minocycline susceptibility. Isolates were examined by a pan-PCR assay, which showed six different amplification patterns, and specific PCRs were used for the confirmation of the the ΔISCR2-tet(B)-tet(R)-ISCR2 element. The tet(B) gene was present in 66 isolates and the ISCR2 element in 68 isolates; the tet(B) gene was associated with ISCR2 in all tet(B)-positive isolates. We conclude that this element is widespread in XDR A. baumannii isolates from Argentina and could be responsible for the emergence of tetracycline resistance in recent years.
‘Good’ Governance in India: How Good or Bad?

The adoption of ‘good governance’ practices has been seen as a necessary condition for a country to grow economically, provide essential services and reduce poverty. Yet, there is ambiguity about what exactly good governance is. The use of the adjective ‘good’, which has a positive moral connotation, further confounds the issue. This article examines good governance practices adopted in India, and unbundles the concept to define what good governance is. The article asks if good governance practices have lived up to the promises made in terms of the wellsprings of economic growth, scientific research and innovation with an example from sector of water supply in India. If in reduction of poverty and inequality, there is an important role for the government/state, then what kind of state should a country have? Examining Indian experience, the article shows that a state with good governance can quickly degenerate into a predatory one. The state has an important role that good governance practices do not give it, but it is also important that a country has the right kind of state. It is to this question that researchers must now turn their attention.
Measuring Quality Factor From a Nonlinear Frequency Response With Jump Discontinuities

The convenient half-power bandwidth formula used for measurement of quality factor Q does not apply for nonlinear systems that have jump discontinuities in their frequency responses, since one of the half-power amplitudes is not observable. This paper shows alternatives to the half-power formula that do apply to such nonlinear systems, while preserving all of the convenience of the method. Their practical use is illustrated by experimental Q measurements for a microelectromechanical systems scanning mirror.
The Likelihood of Positive Returns from Value-Added Calf Management Practices

Extension faculty have been educating cow-calf producers about value-added calf management programs and the premiums available at auction from these management practices for years. Despite these efforts, producers express doubt regarding the likelihood of premiums and the profitability of value-added management practices. We use matching pairs to calculate the difference in premiums and net returns between adopters and nonadopters and calculate the likelihood of positive net returns (and premiums) for individual practices and practice bundles. The probability of positive net returns ranges from 57% for dehorning to 79% for a certified vac-45 program (calves certified by a third party to be preconditioned for a minimum of 45 days, vaccinated, and dehorned) and probabilities increase with more practices adopted.
Relationship between the elastic properties of aorta and QT dispersion in newly diagnosed arterial adult hypertensives.

OBJECTIVE Afterload is increased in hypertensive patients and increased afterload associated with both ventricular repolarization inhomogeneity and impaired elastic properties of aorta. Thus, we investigated whether QT dispersion (QTd), which is a reflection of ventricular repolarization inhomogeneity, is related to aortic elastic properties in patients with hypertension. METHODS Overall 113 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension and 25 normal control subjects were included in this cross-sectional case-controlled study. Aortic strain (AS) and aortic distensibility (AD) were calculated echocardiographically from the derived ascending aorta diameters. Electrocardiograms were recorded in all subjects, and QTd and corrected QTd (cQTd) were then calculated. RESULTS Patients as compared with control subjects had lower mean AS and AD (p<0.001, for both). The QT interval maximum and corrected QT interval maximum durations, QTd and cQTd were increased in patients compared with control subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that corrected QTd was independently related to age, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), AS and AD (b=0.204, p=0.030, b=0.219, p=0.026, b=-0.238, p=0.021 and b=-0.208, p=0.032 respectively) in hypertensive patients. The QTd was independently related to AS (p=0.043) and AD (p=0.037), as well as age (p=0.003) and LVMI (p=0.008). CONCLUSION The QTd and cQTd were increased in hypertensives. Aortic elastic properties may play a role in increased dispersion of QT and cQT intervals.
Off-The-Shelf MEMS for rotary MEMS

This work demonstrates the utilization of an Off-The-Shelf (OTS) MEMS accelerometer to accurately and repeatedly determine the onset of instability and perform in situ diagnostics of a high-performance rotary MEMS device. The accelerometer is shown to provide high sensitivity, wide bandwidth vibration measurements when bonded to the stator of a MEMS device. Vibration sensing is augmented with optical displacement sensors to create a multi-modal sensor platform. The sensor suite has been used to characterize the rotor instability for rotor speeds from 10-20 krpm, diagnose imbalance acceleration with sensitivity down to 0.001 g, determine rotor wobble of with an accuracy of <;500 nm, and monitor system resonances through the speed range of 5-20 krpm. The data provided by the on-chip accelerometer can be used in feedback systems to optimize device performance and increase operational lifetimes.
Year : 2003 Age-and Sex-Dependent Distribution of Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants in Urban Foxes Dip

The colonization of urban and suburban habitats by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) provides a novel sentinel species to monitor the spread of anthropogenic pollutants in densely populated human settlements. Here, red foxes were collected in the municipal territory of Zürich, Switzerland, and their perirenal adipose tissue was examined for persistent organochlorine residues. This pilot study revealed an unexpected pattern of contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with significantly higher levels of the predominant congeners PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180 in juvenile foxes relative to adult animals. Further data analysis demonstrated that the observed difference was attributable to an age-dependent reduction of PCB concentrations in females, whereas male foxes retained approximately the same PCB burden throughout their life span. A similar sex-related bias between population members has been observed, primarily in marine mammals. Interestingly, the reduction of organochlorine contents with progressive age is reminiscent of human studies, where an extensive maternal transfer of xenobiotics to the offspring has been shown to result in increased exposure levels of infants relative to adults. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an urban wildlife species that faithfully reflects the dynamic distribution of toxic contaminants in the corresponding human population. Suburban and urban foxes occupy habitats in close proximity to humans, depend on anthropogenic food supplies, are relatively long-lived and readily available for sampling, can be easily aged and sexed, have a limited home range, and, therefore, meet several important requirements to serve as a surrogate species for the assessment of toxic health hazards.
Analysis of Cyber Interactive Behaviors Using Artificial Community and Computational Experiments

An artificial community is constructed for studying cyber interactive behavior of message publishing by considering impacts from individual’s psychological state and social environment. The bottom-up multiagent approach is applied to model the interactions between individuals, and the evolution and organization of collective cyber behaviors. The cyber message publishing behaviors in response to online topics is demonstrated in the artificial community, where each agent perceives the state of the topics and make decisions to operate on specific themes with particular message publishing mechanisms. The mechanisms are designed in line with the analysis of statistical results of 10 years data from Tianya.cn, which are further validated through the artificial community using computational experimental leverages. Experimental results illuminate that the individual’s post publishing behavior is dominated by agent’s psychological states, while the comment publishing behavior is more susceptible to the agent’s social environment expressing the collective efforts of topics and other agents in the community. The artificial community has been used to test the impact of several factors (e.g., individual’s psychological state, number of initial agents, and number of new added agents) to individual’s message publishing mechanism and to cyber collective behavior patterns. It provides a software-defined social laboratory for social and cyber behavior studies with computational experimental measures.
IP Mobility Support for IPv4

This document specifies protocol enhancements that allow transparent routing of IP datagrams to mobile nodes in the Internet. Each mobile node is always identified by its home address, regardless of its current point of attachment to the Internet. While situated away from its home, a mobile node is also associated with a care-of address, which provides information about its current point of attachment to the Internet. The protocol provides for registering the care-of address with a home agent. The home agent sends datagrams destined for the mobile node through a tunnel to the care- of address. After arriving at the end of the tunnel, each datagram is then delivered to the mobile node.
Multivariate Analysis for Factors Predicting Rapid Response of Leukocytapheresis in Patients With Steroid‐resistant Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Prospective Open‐label Study

Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) has been advocated as a treatment for moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. To clarify the predictive factors for a rapid response to LCAP treatment, we conducted a multicenter prospective open‐label study. A total of 105 patients with UC were analyzed. LCAP was performed using a Cellsorba EX column once a week for 5–10 sessions. The response was evaluated by the clinical activity index (CAI). When the CAI score decreased to less than half the pretreatment value or to less than 5 points within 3 weeks, the patient was considered to be a rapid responder. The average CAI significantly decreased from 11.7 to 4.2 (P < 0.01). Seventy‐four percent of the patients responded to the therapy, and 53% of these patients were rapid responders. The following significant factors correlated with the rapid LCAP response: (i) steroid resistance (P < 0.05), (ii) severe disease indicated by a CAI score greater than 11 (P = 0.05), (iii) disease duration of less than 1 year (P < 0.05), and (iv) C‐reactive protein levels before treatment (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the early initiation of LCAP is beneficial in patients with steroid‐resistant UC.
Reduced Temperature Dependence of Lasing Wavelength in Membrane Buried Heterostructure DFB Lasers With Polymer Cladding Layers

An athermal operation of the lasing wavelength in a membrane buried heterostructure distributed feedback (BH-DFB) laser was demonstrated by adopting a polymer (benzocyclobutene) cladding layer which has a negative temperature coefficient of refractive index. Membrane BH-DFB lasers of core thickness 65 nm were operated under room-temperature continuous-wave conditions. The temperature dependence of the lasing wavelength was measured to be 2.45times10-2 nm/degC, which is about 20%-30% of that for conventional semiconductor lasers
Sensor array processing based on subspace fitting

Algorithms for estimating unknown signal parameters from the measured output of a sensor array are considered in connection with the subspace fitting problem. The methods considered are the deterministic maximum likelihood method (ML), ESPRIT, and a recently proposed multidimensional signal subspace method. These methods are formulated in a subspace-fitting-based framework, which provides insight into their algebraic and asymptotic relations. It is shown that by introducing a specific weighting matrix, the multidimensional signal subspace method can achieve the same asymptotic properties as the ML method. The asymptotic distribution of the estimation error is derived for a general subspace weighting, and the weighting that provides minimum variance estimates is identified. The resulting optimal technique is termed the weighted subspace fitting (WSF) method. Numerical examples indicate that the asymptotic variance of the WSF estimates coincides with the Cramer-Rao bound. The performance improvement compared to the other techniques is found to be most prominent for highly correlated signals. >
Securities Trading Under Asymmetric Information and Trading Constraints

This paper develops a non-linear rational expectations equilibrium (REE) solution for a class of economies under both asymmetric information and trading constraints. It then analyzes the properties of this equilibrium in a one-risky-asset economy with borrowing and shortsale constraints. The model suggests that 1) price informativeness varies with the price level; and 2) compared with an economy with borrowing constraints and information asymmetry, the asymmetry in large price movements is more pronounced in the presence of both constraints. A dynamic implication of this result is that crashes (large downward price movements) are formed much faster than bubbles (large upward price movements).