cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some hypotheses about risk in venture capital investing

Abstract Venture capital investing differs in important respects from investment decisions involving the securities of Fortune 500 companies, or decisions to purchase established companies, which are generally made in accord with widely recognized financial models. Investing in new ventures involves a high level of uncertainty as well as a high risk of failure. Venture capital investing is characterized by high variability in the outcomes of new ventures and in the performance of venture capital portfolios. Venture capital investing decisions are complicated by a general lack of quantifiable financial and market data for early-stage ventures, and investment decisions remain hostage to unanticipated competitors, market shifts, and financial cycles. Some observers have suggested that venture capital investment decisions are primarily subjective assessments. While the question of risk in venture capital investing has been addressed on an ad hoc basis in several empirical studies, there has been little effort to develop a theoretical framework of risk perceptions and risk-reduction strategies. Despite differences in investor experience, investment preferences, and tolerance for risk, venture capital managers share many common perceptions of the risks involved in investing in new ventures and the distribution of those risks over the venture-capital-funded phase of development. Venture capital managers also utilize many common behaviors and strategies in adapting to these risks. These perceptions and reactions to risk in investing, and strategies for controlling risk can, in theory, be used to construct a behavioral framework that can predict how venture capital managers will behave in choosing between various investment opportunities in order to minimize risk and to maximize potential returns. In an attempt to begin to identify various elements of such a behavioral framework of venture capital reactions to risk, the authors have drawn upon psychological risk theory of decision-making under uncertainty, including classic expected utility theory, later modifications to that theory by Kahneman and Tversky (1979). and Coombs and Huang's (1970) “portfolio approach” to risk, that are applicable to venture capital investing. These expected behaviors to risk have been used in conjunction with empirical studies of venture capital investment and portfolio outcomes, distributions of investments within portfolios, and venture capitalist perceptions of risk, to propose nine hypotheses about how venture capital managers behave in making investment decisions. These hypotheses include differences in variation and magnitude of returns for early-stage versus later-stage ventures, explanations of how risk distributions change over the stagewise development of new ventures, differences in the behavior of “aggressive” versus “conservative” investors in screening investment prospects, and strategies utilizing a lower “ideal level of risk” to reduce the chances of achieving negative or sub-normal final portfolio returns.
Menopause and hormone replacement therapy from holistic and medical perspectives.

Myths and other issues surrounding menopause are examined on the basis of historical and current literature from medicine, psychiatry, and psychiatric nursing, and on current research. Changes in the psychiatric view of menopause and mental illness reflect a more holistic view of menopause. Some effects of menopause during this normal transitional phase of a woman's life are explored with respect to the developmental, physiological, and cognitive/psychosocial domains. Concepts of menopause as disease or as normal development are discussed as well as issues related to “care or cure” interventions for menopausal women. Evidence supports the need for systematic longitudinal research studies on the use of hormone therapies to provide information on their long-term effects on the menopausal woman. The use of hormone therapies alone or in conjunction with other holistic interventions is discussed. Nurses have a professional responsibility to come to terms with the continuing conflict related to hormone therapie...
Regulation of thyroid-stimulating hormone beta-subunit and growth hormone messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the rat: effect of vitamin A status

T3 inhibits transcription of the rat TSH beta gene, and two T3 response elements have been identified that bind T3 receptors and that share sequence homology with the consensus sequence that is also recognized by retinoic acid receptors (RARs). We, therefore, asked whether RA was a regulator of TSH beta gene expression in vivo. Using RNase protection analysis, we found that vitamin A deficiency led to a 2-fold increase in rat pituitary TSH beta messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, which returned to normal 18 h after treatment with RA (20 micrograms/rat). Vitamin A deficiency had no effect on TSH beta mRNA levels in hypothyroid rats. Coadministration of RA and T3 (10 micrograms/100g body wt) to either vitamin A-deficient or vitamin A-deficient, hypothyroid animals caused decreases in TSH beta mRNA content that were indistinguishable from those seen with T3 alone. Surprisingly, vitamin A deficiency had no significant effect on GH mRNA levels in euthyroid or hypothyroid rats. Furthermore, treatment of vitamin A-deficient, hypothyroid animals with RA for either 18 or 72 h had no effect on GH mRNA levels, whereas T3 caused 11-fold and 18-fold increases in GH mRNA, respectively, at these times. We also used transient transfection to test for direct, retinoid receptor-mediated regulation of TSH beta gene transcription by RA. A plasmid TSH beta luciferase, containing 0.8 kilobases of rat TSH beta gene 5'-flanking sequences, exon 1, and 150 base pairs of intron 1, was transfected into CV-1 cells. Cotransfection with RAR alpha and retinoid X receptor-beta induced TSH beta expression by 3.5-fold, and treatment with RA suppressed this induction by 46%. These results show that vitamin A levels play a significant role in regulating the expression of the TSH beta gene, but not the GH gene, in vivo and suggest that RA may suppress TSH beta gene transcription directly by an RAR-retinoid X receptor heterodimer-mediated mechanism.
When to Dollarize

Implicit in the debate over dollarization are two very different views of the sequencing of policy measures. One view is that dollarization, to work smoothly and yield more benefits than costs, must wait on the completion of complementary reforms. The other view is that dollarization need not wait on these other reforms because the very act of dollarizing will produce the changes needed to smooth the operation of the new regime. In this paper I consider these arguments as they apply to the cases of labor market reform, fiscal reform, and financial sector reform. I conclude that neither theory nor evidence suggests that removing all scope for an independent monetary policy will necessarily accelerate the pace of reform.
The Werner syndrome exonuclease facilitates DNA degradation and high fidelity DNA polymerization by human DNA polymerase δ

DNA Polymerase δ (Pol δ) and the Werner syndrome protein, WRN, are involved in maintaining cellular genomic stability. Pol δ synthesizes the lagging strand during replication of genomic DNA and also functions in the synthesis steps of DNA repair and recombination. WRN is a member of the RecQ helicase family, loss of which results in the premature aging and cancer-prone disorder, Werner syndrome. Both Pol δ and WRN encode 3′ → 5′ DNA exonuclease activities. Pol δ exonuclease removes 3′-terminal mismatched nucleotides incorporated during replication to ensure high fidelity DNA synthesis. WRN exonuclease degrades DNA containing alternate secondary structures to prevent formation and enable resolution of stalled replication forks. We now observe that similarly to WRN, Pol δ degrades alternate DNA structures including bubbles, four-way junctions, and D-loops. Moreover, WRN and Pol δ form a complex with enhanced ability to hydrolyze these structures. We also present evidence that WRN can proofread for Pol δ; WRN excises 3′-terminal mismatches to enable primer extension by Pol δ. Consistent with our in vitro observations, we show that WRN contributes to the maintenance of DNA synthesis fidelity in vivo. Cells expressing limiting amounts (∼10% of normal) of WRN have elevated mutation frequencies compared with wild-type cells. Together, our data highlight the importance of WRN exonuclease activity and its cooperativity with Pol δ in preserving genome stability, which is compromised by the loss of WRN in Werner syndrome.
Vein grafting your way out of trouble: Examining the utility and efficacy of vein grafts in microsurgery

Summary Introduction There is limited data on the indications, outcomes, and associated complications with use of interpositional vein grafts (IVG) in microsurgery. This study sought to critically examine and update the utility of this microsurgical technique. Methods All microsurgical cases at a single institution from 2005 to 2011 were examined for use of IVGs in the primary procedure or during take back or salvage attempts. We examined the cohort overall and performed a subgroup analysis by timing of initial IVG. Results In the study period, 1718 patients underwent 2368 free flaps. 51 IVGs were utilized in 38 patients (2.2%) and 38 flaps (1.6%). Eight (42.1%) of the primary procedure IVGs (n = 19) were planned preoperatively. Nine total flap losses (24%) occurred when IVGs were utilized, 89% of which occurred in the take back cohort (p = 0.02). However, planned IVG had a 100% success rate, and IVG utilized in the primary procedure overall had a 95% success rate. Importantly, A significantly higher rate of thrombotic events was noted in all primary cases where IVGs were utilized (p = 0.005). Conclusions This study demonstrates that IVGs can be utilized in primary free flap reconstructions with success rates exceeding 95%. However, in salvage procedures, the use of vein grafts does not approach the same rate of success likely due to multiple factors. Yet when utilized appropriately with thrombectomy and resection of the thrombosed vessel to healthy intima, IVGs can provide an important tool for flap salvage. Level of Evidence: prognostic/risk category, level II.
Evaluation of the performance of Hartmann sensors in strong scintillation

A simulation study is presented that evaluates the performance of Hartmann wave-front sensors with measurements obtained with the Fried geometry and the Hutchin geometry. Performance is defined in terms of the Strehl ratio achieved when the estimate of the complex field obtained from reconstruction is used to correct the distorted wave front presented to the wave-front sensor. A series of evaluations is performed to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of Hartmann sensors used in each of the two geometries in the two-dimensional space of the Fried parameter r0 and the Rytov parameter. We found that the performance of Hartmann sensors degrades severely when the Rytov number exceeds 0.2 and the ratio l/ r0 exceeds 1/4 (where l is the subaperture side length) because of the presence of branch points in the phase function and the effect of amplitude scintillation on the measurement values produced by the Hartmann sensor.
Pulmonary and anti-platelet effects of intravenous and inhaled prostacyclin in man

Abstract Prostacyclin in aerosol was inhaled by three healthy volunteers (0.3 – 30 μg) and by twelve patients with bronchial asthma (200 or 400 μg). Essentially, no changes in pulmonary function were noticed. Intravenous infusion of prostacyclin (2 – 20 ng/kg/min) into six healthy volunteers also remained without effects on respiratory indices studied. Inhaled prostacyclin impaired platelet aggregability to ADP, dispersed circulating platelet aggregates and produced vasodilation comparable to those observed following intravenous administration of the hormone. We suggest that aerosols of prostacyclin might be used in future in treatment of arterial thrombo-embolism.
Micromachined bubble-jet cell sorter with multiple operation modes

Abstract We present a high-speed microfluidic cell sorter employing embedded heaters and nozzles to generate deflecting jets to change the movement of the cells. We simulated the transient flow fields to validate the concept and optimize the sorter design. The simulation demonstrates spatial switching windows corresponding to 1.1, 1.5, and 2.4 times the switching chamber length for push, pull, and combined operation modes, respectively. A single-jet sorter with one actuator and one nozzle is also demonstrated for binary sorting. Experimental verification was obtained using micromachined devices characterized by stroboscopic measurements. With a 4.9 μs working period for the 20 μm × 20 μm heaters that generate the deflecting jets, the sorter can potentially attain a working frequency of 50 kHz or higher. We built a scattered-light based optical system to detect moving particles and successfully performed sorting of 20 μm microspheres. This type of sorter is promising for micromanipulation of a variety of biological cells and inorganic particles.
Time reversal and spatial inversion in magnetoelectric and nonlinear optical phenomena

Abstract This paper briefly reviews several phenomena in the fields of magnetism and optics, in which the concepts of time reversal symmetry and spatial inversion play an important role. These concepts have been treated with elegance and generality by Wigner1. The particular effects discussed in this note can all be derived from terms in a thermodynamic potential function (free energy or enthalpy), which are polynomials in the electric and/or magnetic field amplitudes.
Continuous rapid carbonization of powdered coal by entrainment, and response surface analysis of data

Abstract A study was made of rapid carbonization of coal in entrainment by composite factorial design of test-runs. From the data obtained through the operation of a 4 in. diameter flash carbonizer, the effects and interactions of the variables were determined and represented by three-dimensional models called response surfaces. These surfaces indicated the essential variables for each product yield or quality and showed the trend towards optimum values of these responses. Internal heating was shown to be superior to external heating from the standpoint of producing a uniformly devolatilized char with higher throughput rates. Illustrating the method and the results obtained, the quality of the char, defined as the amount of volatile matter (VM) remaining in it, and the char yield for the internally and the externally heated carbonizer are shown as a function of the temperature, coal-feed rate and composition of the entraining gas. Optimum char quality of 15% VM with the highest throughput rate, 750 g/h, was achieved by means of internal heating at 1900°F, which resulted in a char yield of 1075 lb/ton of coal carbonized.
Deoxyribonucleoprotein structure and radiation injury: Cellular radiosensitivity is determined by LET∞-dependent DNA damage in hydrated deoxyribonucleoproteins and the extent of its repair

Until recently, OH radicals formed in bulk nuclear water were believed to be the major causes of DNA damage that results in cell death, especially for sparsely ionizing radiations. That hypothesis has now been challenged, if not refuted. Lethal genomic DNA damage is determined mainly by energy deposition in deoxyribonucleoproteins, and their hydration shells, and charge (energy) transfer processes within those structures.
Adaptive Evolutionary Programming

AbstractPrevious work has shown that evolutionary programming is an effective method for constructing skillful forecast ensembles. Here, two prototype adaptive methods are developed and tested, using minimum temperature forecast data for Chicago, Illinois, to determine whether they are capable of incorporating improvements to forecast inputs (as might occur with changes to operational forecast models and data assimilation methods) and to account for short-term changes in predictability (as might occur for particular flow regimes). Of the two methods, the mixed-mode approach, which uses a slow mode to evolve the overall ensemble structure and a fast mode to adjust coefficients, produces the best results. When presented with better operational guidance, the mixed-mode method shows a reduction of 0.57°F in root-mean-square error relative to a fixed evolutionary program ensemble. Several future investigations are needed, including the optimization of training intervals based on flow regime and improvements to...
Modeling sorption isotherms of volatile organic chemical mixtures in model and natural solids.

Parameters from single-component isotherm models were used in multicomponent isotherm models to predict the aqueous phase sorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the presence of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in four zeolites, Tenax, and three natural solids. The Langmuir, the Polanyi-Dubinin, and the Freundlich or the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm models were used to simulate single-component sorption in zeolites. The Langmuir two-site, the Polanyi-Dubinin two-site, and the Freundlich or the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm models were used to simulate single-component sorption in Tenax and natural solids. Two-site models have been used previously to model sorption in soils and sediments, and they combine an adsorption component (e.g., Langmuir) with a linear partitioning component. By using parameters from the different single-component isotherm models, the multicomponent Langmuir, the ideal adsorbed solution theory, and the Polanyi theory were each used to predict multicomponent sorption. In general, the ability to predict TCE sorption in the presence of PCE depended more on the choice of the single-component model than the multicomponent model, and better results were obtained when the Freundlich or the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm was used for single-component sorption. This suggests that the more mechanistically based Langmuir and Polanyi-type models may not adequately describe the distribution of adsorption sites in some model and natural solids. The Freundlich or the Langmuir-Freundlich model, although empirical, has greater flexibility in characterizing sorbent heterogeneity and results in better multicomponent model predictions. However, this last statement is tenuous, because more solids must be tested against various model combinations.
A survey of latent tuberculosis infection among laboratory healthcare workers in New York City.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), incidence of TST conversion, risk factors for positive TSTs, and history of active TB among HCWs in microbiology laboratories in New York City. DESIGN: Two-year survey from May 1999 to June 2001. SETTING: Nineteen microbiology laboratories. RESULTS: During the first year, interviews were conducted with 345 laboratory HCWs (mean, 18 HCWs per site; range, 2 to 51) to assess the prevalence of positive TSTs, but 3 (1%) could not recall their result and were excluded from further analyses. The mean age of the remaining 342 HCWs was 48 years; 68% (n = 233) were female, 54% (n = 183) received bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination, and 71% (n = 244) were foreign born. The prevalence of a positive TST was 57% (n = 196), but only 20% (n = 39) of the HCWs received isoniazid. The incidence of TST conversion in the second year of the study was 1% (1 of 108). Multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR] per year, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI 95 ], 1.02-1.08), foreign birth (OR, 3.80; CI 95 , 1.98-7.28), BCG immunization (OR, 4.89; CI 95 , 2.72-8.80), and employment in a mycobacteriology laboratory (OR, 2.14; CI 95 , 1.25-3.68) as risk factors for a positive TST. Only one HCW had been treated for active TB. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of positive TSTs was high among laboratory HCWs, but the TST conversion rate was low. Higher rates of treatment for latent TB infection are desirable.
Recursive Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Hidden Semi-Markov Models

The term hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) refers to a large class of stochastic models developed to address some of the shortcomings of hidden Markov models (HMMs). As with HMMs, the underlying sequence of states of a process is modelled as a discrete Markov chain. Unlike HMMs, each state in an HSMM can emit a variable length sequence of observations, with many ways to model duration and observation densities. Parameter estimation in HSMMs is typically done using EM or Viterbi (dynamic programming) algorithms. These algorithms require batch processing of large amounts of data, and so are not useful for online learning. To address this issue, we present here a recursive maximum-likelihood estimation (RMLE) algorithm for online estimation of HSMM parameters, based on a similar method developed for HMMs
An iterative perturbation method for saddle point problems

An iterative perturbation method is presented for saddle point problems as an iterative scheme for mixed finite element methods. It can be viewed as an extension of augmented Lagrangian methods to second-order elliptic equations with a reaction term. This iterative method can lead to positive definite systems and decouple the flux variable from the pressure variable. Convergence analyses are established at the differential and finite-dimensional levels. Various computational experiments for problems with continuous and discontinuous coefficients and full diffusion tensors are conducted to confirm the theoretical claims. These experiments are implemented in the object oriented programming paradigm using C++ to take advantage of object oriented software engineering techniques such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Stimulating biological nitrification via electrolytic oxygenation

The feasibility of electric current prompted aerobic biodegradation of NH4+ –N in an attached growth bioreactor system is demonstrated. Nitrification was induced at electric current densities of 1.25 and 2.5 mA∕ cm2 and with pure oxygen supplied at a rate equivalent to 1.25 mA∕ cm2 when the bioreactor was operated in batch mode at 6 days detention time. About 84% (27 mg∕L) NH4+ –N loss was observed at the end of each detention period during all three experimental conditions, indicating that the electric current did not negatively impact the rate of nitrification. Nitrite accumulation was observed during the initial stages of nitrification experiments with 1.25 mA∕ cm2 current intensity, but nitrite did not accumulate during the other two sets of nitrification experiments. A mathematical model formulated to obtain the rates of biological reactions showed that rates of NH4+ –N removal are similar for all aeration conditions. Abiotic experiments showed that NH4+ –N was not removed electrolytically and via st...
Detecting and resolving privacy conflicts for collaborative data sharing in online social networks

We have seen tremendous growth in online social networks (OSNs) in recent years. These OSNs not only offer attractive means for virtual social interactions and information sharing, but also raise a number of security and privacy issues. Although OSNs allow a single user to govern access to her/his data, they currently do not provide any mechanism to enforce privacy concerns over data associated with multiple users, remaining privacy violations largely unresolved and leading to the potential disclosure of information that at least one user intended to keep private. In this paper, we propose an approach to enable collaborative privacy management of shared data in OSNs. In particular, we provide a systematic mechanism to identify and resolve privacy conflicts for collaborative data sharing. Our conflict resolution indicates a tradeoff between privacy protection and data sharing by quantifying privacy risk and sharing loss. We also discuss a proof-of-concept prototype implementation of our approach as part of an application in Facebook and provide system evaluation and usability study of our methodology.
Examining multi-dimensional trust and multi-faceted risk in initial acceptance of emerging technologies: An empirical study of mobile banking services

The factors affecting rejection or acceptance of an emerging IT artifact such as mobile banking have piqued interest among IS researchers and remain unknown due in part to consumers' trust and risk perceptions in the wireless platform. This study extends this line of research by conjointly examining multi-dimensional trust and multi-faceted risk perceptions in the initial adoption stage of the wireless Internet platform. Results of this study indicate that risk perception, derived from eight different facets, is a salient antecedent to innovative technology acceptance. Beyond prior studies, the results also provide empirical support for employing personal trait factors in analyzing acceptance of emerging IT artifacts.
Texture Development During Wire Drawing

The development of deformation induced anisotropy in wire drawing operations is modeled with a finite element formulation that incorporates a polycrystalline plasticity model to describe the metal anisotropy
Transdermal transport efficiency during skin electroporation and iontophoresis

High-voltage pulsing has previously been shown to dramatically increase molecular transport across skin. The goal of this study was to examine the functional dependence of transdermal transport on pulse parameters and to make comparisons with iontophoresis. Transdermal transport of calcein, a model drug, was measured during low-voltage, constant electric fields (iontophoresis) and high-voltage pulsed electric fields (hypothesized to cause electroporation). In the first part of the study, the dependence of calcein flux caused by high-voltage pulses was determined as a function of pulse length, rate, polarity, waveform, and total pulsing time. In the second part, calcein transport numbers were calculated for both iontophoresis and high-voltage pulsing, and expressed as functions of pulse parameters. For both iontophoresis and high-voltage pulsing, transport numbers (or transport efficiency) ranged from 10−5 to 10−2 and were functions of voltage and current, but did not show dependence on pulse length, rate, energy, waveform, or total charge transferred. The resulting estimates of the area fraction of skin available to transport were larger during high-voltage pulsing ( 10−3 for small ions and 10−6 to 10−3 for calcein) than during iontophoresis (10−5 to 10−4 for small ions and 10−8 to 10−4 for calcein).
Useful Theories in School-Based Consultation

In the press of actually providing consultation services, a theoretical orientation may seem superfluous. In fact, however, a solid theoretical grounding can be of great practical use. Several orientations have been developed and can be combined to fit a consultant's personal beliefs and practice situations. Mental health, behavioral, and process models of consultation are those most often described. A unifying perspective is obtained by using ecological theory as a conceptual umbrella to plan entry, assessment, intervention, and evaluation activities.
Tourette Syndrome A General Pediatrician’s 35-Year Experience at a Single Center With Follow-up in Adulthood

A retrospective analysis of a 35-year single-center experience with pediatric tics and Tourette syndrome was conducted. 482 charts from 1972 to 2007 were reviewed. Follow-up surveys were mailed to last known address and 83 patients responded (17%). Response rate was affected by long interval from last visit; contact information was often incorrect as it was the address of the patient as a child. Males constituted 84%. Mean tic onset was 6.6 years. At first visit, 83% had multiple motor tics and >50% had comorbidities. 44% required only 1 visit and 90% less than 12 visits. Follow-up showed positive clinical and social outcomes in 73/83 survey responses. Of those indicating a poor outcome, mean educational level was lower and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities were significantly higher. Access to knowledgeable caregivers was a problem for adult patients. A shortage of specialists may in part be addressed by interested general pediatricians.
Enhancing Stakeholder Profiles to Improve Recommendations in Online Requirements Elicitation

Requirements elicitation has long been recognized as a crucial activity in any software development project. Unfortunately, the traditional elicitation practices do not scale well when applied to larger projects, where knowledge is distributed across numerous geographically dispersed stakeholders. As a result, new distributed requirements elicitation tools have started to surface, such as online forums and wiki pages. In our previous work, we introduced a framework for supporting distributed elicitation by utilizing data mining and machine learning techniques to automatically group stakeholder ideas into forums, and by using recommender system technologies to help promote these forums to potentially interested stakeholders. The framework is designed to create an open and more inclusive environment where points of view, conflicts, interests and tradeoffs are identified as early as possible. In this paper, we present two substantial enhancements to the Recommender System component of this framework, and demonstrate through experiments how they improve the quality of the recommendations.
Toxicity of anticholinesterases: interactions of pyridostigmine and physostigmine with soman.

ABSTRACTThis investigation was conducted to assess the potential of carbamate pretreatment to exacerbate the ill effects of low doses of soman. Ambulatory Activity in a photocell cage (AA) and performance time on an accelerating rotarod (ARR) were used to test for interactions between pyridostigmine or physostigmine and soman. ED50s (i.e., dosages sufficient to reduce ARR time and AA to 50? of control level) of each carbamate (IM) and soman (SC) were determined. the ED50 values (mg/kg) in the ARR test were 3.2, 0.21, and 0.072 for pyridostigmine, physostigmine and soman, respectively, while in the AA test the corresponding values were 1.8, 0.072 and 0.060. the matrix of 16 combinations of 0, 1, 2/3, and 1/3 ED50 each of carbamate and soman was studied in each test system, as well as the effect of behavioral deficit free (BDF) dosages of each carbamate on the ED50s of soman. In both the AA and ARR tests the matrix of combinations of pyridostigmine and soman indicated an additive effect. In contrast, physos...
Frequentist properties of Bayesian posterior probabilities of phylogenetic trees under simple and complex substitution models.

What does the posterior probability of a phylogenetic tree mean? This simulation study shows that Bayesian posterior probabilities have the meaning that is typically ascribed to them; the posterior probability of a tree is the probability that the tree is correct, assuming that the model is correct. At the same time, the Bayesian method can be sensitive to model misspecification, and the sensitivity of the Bayesian method appears to be greater than the sensitivity of the nonparametric bootstrap method (using maximum likelihood to estimate trees). Although the estimates of phylogeny obtained by use of the method of maximum likelihood or the Bayesian method are likely to be similar, the assessment of the uncertainty of inferred trees via either bootstrapping (for maximum likelihood estimates) or posterior probabilities (for Bayesian estimates) is not likely to be the same. We suggest that the Bayesian method be implemented with the most complex models of those currently available, as this should reduce the chance that the method will concentrate too much probability on too few trees. (Bayesian estimation; Markov chain Monte Carlo; posterior probability; prior probability.)
Heuristic-Based Request Scheduling Subject to a Percentile Response Time SLA in a Distributed Cloud

We consider geographically distributed data centers forming a collectively managed cloud computing system hosting multiple applications, each subject to Service Level Agreements (SLA). The Service Level Agreements for each application require the response time of a certain percentile of the input requests to be less than a specified value, with the non-conforming requests being charged a penalty. We present a novel approach of heuristic-based request scheduling at each server, in each of the geographically distributed data centers, to globally minimize the penalty charged to the cloud computing system. We evaluate two variants of our heuristic-based approach, one based on the simulated annealing method of neighborhood searches and another based on gi-FIFO scheduling, which has been analytically proven to be the best schedule for percentile goals in a single machine, multi-class problem. We also compare our approaches with First In First Out (FIFO) and Weighted Round Robin (WRR) scheduling policies.
Electrical characterization of graphene synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using Ni substrate.

In this work, the electrical characterization of graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a Ni thin film is carried out and a simple relation between the gate-dependent electrical transport and the thickness of the films is presented. Arrays of two-terminal devices with an average graphene film thickness of 6.9 nm were obtained using standard fabrication techniques. A simple two-band model is used to describe the graphene films, with a band overlap parameter E0 = 17 meV determined by the dependence of conductivity on temperature. Statistical electrical measurement data are presented for 126 devices, with an extracted average background conductivity σ = 0.91 mS, average carrier mobility μ = 1300 cm 2 V −1 s −1 and residual resistivity ρ = 1.65 k� . The ratio of mobility to conductivity is calculated to be inversely proportional to the graphene film thickness and this calculation is statistically verified for the ensemble of 126 devices. This result is a new method of graphene film thickness determination and is useful for films which cannot have their thickness measured by AFM or optical interference, but which are electrically contacted and gated. This general approach provides a framework for comparing graphene devices made using different fabrication methods and graphene growth techniques, even without prior knowledge of their uniformity or thickness. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Comparison of customized versus standard exercises in rehabilitation of shoulder disorders

Objective(s): (1) To compare the effectiveness of customized exercises with that of standard exercises for the treatment of patients with shoulder disorders. (2) To determine whether four weeks or eight weeks would be needed to see improvement in outcome measures.Design: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial.Setting: An outpatient physical therapy clinic affiliated with an academic institution.Subjects: Thirty patients with shoulder disorders were tested and treated between February 2003 and December 2004.Interventions: Patients were randomized to a customized or standard exercise group. Each patient first underwent a standardized physical therapy assessment. Based on the results of the assessment, a classification was determined and a classification-specific exercise programme was instructed to the patients in the customized exercise group. The standard exercise group, regardless of classification, received preselected standard exercises. Both groups were followed for eight weeks.Main measures: Shou...
VSAT data networks

The use of satellite channels for very small-aperture terminal (VSAT) data networks such as spread spectrum and ALOHA is reviewed. Certain basic aspects of the architecture of VSAT data networks are discussed. Although spread spectrum and ALOHA have different origins and are sometimes represented as competing technologies, they can in fact be characterized as different ways of viewing the same low-dimensional signals in a high-dimensional signal space. After a brief introduction to the architecture of VSAT networks, it is shown how a simple linear transformation of conventional ALOHA packets called spread ALOHA leads to signals identical in all respects to the most common form of spread-spectrum signals. Two practical consequences of this theoretical result are discussed. First, for the case of small earth stations it is not possible to find an Access technique with a higher throughput than spread ALOHA. Second, the use of different spreading sequences for different users in a packet network using spread spectrum is not necessary for user separation. >
Automatic feature correspondence for scene reconstruction

To construct complete three-dimensional representations from multiple range images or to employ color images as texture maps for surface models, the relative positions of the sensors used to capture the data must be known. Most data-driven methods for pose estimation require either an accurate initial estimation of the relative orientation be specified or a corresponding set of features be extracted from images. The autonomous identification of corresponding feature positions thus represents the major difficulty in creating completely automated registration and reconstruction systems that place no restrictions on relative sensor positions. In this paper, an automated feature correspondence technique, specifically designed for the task of multi-modal view registration is presented which requires no initial pose estimates or geometric matching constraints. Both photo-realistic and 3-D scene models are presented that were constructed autonomously by systems employing the described matching algorithm.
Does versatility as measured by geographic range, bathymetric range and morphological variability contribute to taxon longevity?

Aim This paper aims to examine the relationship between versatility as measured by geographic range, bathymetric range and morphological variability (species and subspecies richness and the occurrence of morphologically highly variable populations), and the geologic longevities of trachyleberidid ostracode species and genera, while accounting for sampling biases and other confounding factors. Location Global. Methods A large database of occurrence records of species of the family Trachyleberididae s.l. was analysed. The relationships between genus and species longevity and the above mentioned variables were examined singly and in concert. Re-analyses of subsets of data and rarefaction techniques were employed to account for sampling biases, while randomization was used to account for autocorrelation of variables. Results The mean number of occurrence records, and latitudinal and longitudinal ranges, were strongly and positively correlated with genus and species longevities. The number of bathymetric zones occupied by genera had no consistent bearing on their longevities, but species data subsets tended to indicate significant positive relationships between bathymetric range and longevities. Species richness was significantly and positively correlated with genus longevities. Species and genera with subspecies and species with high morphological variability all had significantly greater longevities. Genus-level characteristics can be explained largely by species-level characteristics, including longevity, latitudinal ranges and bathymetric ranges to a lesser degree. However, genus longevity was best explained by species richness and genus age, even for extinct genera, while species longevity was best explained by species latitudinal range. Main conclusions In spite of the incompleteness of the fossil record, we can control for biasing factors and still confidently draw the conclusion that both ecological and evolutionary versatility contribute to lineage longevity, beyond the shorter temporal observation windows available to most ecological studies.
Chromosome-specific NOR inactivation explains selective rRNA gene silencing and dosage control in Arabidopsis

In eukaryotes, scores of excess ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes are silenced by repressive chromatin modifications. Given the near sequence identity of rRNA genes within a species, it is unclear how specific rRNA genes are reproducibly chosen for silencing. Using Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype (strain) Col-0, a systematic search identified sequence polymorphisms that differ between active and developmentally silenced rRNA gene subtypes. Recombinant inbred mapping populations derived from three different ecotype crosses were then used to map the chromosomal locations of silenced and active RNA gene subtypes. Importantly, silenced and active rRNA gene subtypes are not intermingled. All silenced rRNA gene subtypes mapped to the nucleolus organizer region (NOR) on chromosome 2 (NOR2). All active rRNA gene subtypes mapped to NOR4. Using an engineered A. thaliana line in which a portion of Col-0 chromosome 4 was replaced by sequences of another ecotype, we show that a major rRNA gene subtype silenced at NOR2 is active when introgressed into the genome at NOR4. Collectively, these results reveal that selective rRNA gene silencing is not regulated gene by gene based on mechanisms dependent on subtle gene sequence variation. Instead, we propose that a subchromosomal silencing mechanism operates on a multimegabase scale to inactivate NOR2.
Encrypted holographic memory using rotationally random phase encoding

We propose a novel random phase-coded multiplexing for encrypting holographic memory in a photorefractive LiNbO3:Fe crystal. A rotating and shifting circular holographic diffuser is placed as a random-phase modulator in the reference beam to provide a simple yet effective method of increasing the holographic memory capabilities of the crystal. Experiments show that the angular selectivity of the rotational multiplexing experienced produces a significant increase when a larger holographic diffuser scattering angle is implemented. The proposed multiplexing scheme can also be combined with angular multiplexing to produce angular-rotational random phase-coded multiplexing, offering not only further memory possibilities but data encryption capabilities as well.
Rising Bubble Behavior in Air-Particle Injection by Means of Image Processing

An experimental study is performed to observe and record the dynamic behavior of rising bubbles in the injection of air-particle mixture into a slender ladle. Real-time image processing on slow-motion video recordings is employed to analyze both the movement of rising bubbles and the change in their morphology. The variation in the transverse distributions of gas fraction (defined as the ratio of bubble lifetime to total measurement time) is determined It is disclosed that (1) air bubbles continue to spread within a plume, and (2) the profile of gas fraction distribution becomes flatter and spreads wider with ascension of bubbles. This trend is intensified when an injected air stream is mixed with fine solid particles. The shape of rising bubbles is substantially distorted in the presence of solid particles. The results provide vital information of the theoretical modeling of recirculating flow resulting from gas-particle injection into a ladle with a througflow of liquid
Marine Fungi. III. Phycomycetes

The marine Phycomycetes Chytridium polysiphoniae, Petersenia lobata, Sirolpidium bryopsidis, Thraustochytrium proliferum, and Phlyctidium brevipes var. marinum are reported from the North Carolina ...
Outcome and Mortality of Stroke

Death certificate data for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH] and intracerebral’ hemorrhage [ICH] in children under 20 years of age in the United States were analyzed for a 20 year period at the University of California, San Francisco.
Viral hepatitis in the autopsy specimen.

The livers obtained at autopsy from ten patients with viral hepatitis but without massive hepatic necrosis were studied and in two instances compared with biopsy specimens obtained from the same patients. Characteristic features were hypertrophy and hyperplasia of hepatocytes. This hepatocellular macrocytosis also involved cells exhibiting evidence of injury. The intralobular inflammatory reaction in viral hepatitis, characteristic of the biopsy specimen, was distinctly subdued in the autopsy specimen. Therefore, macrohepatocytes, although by themselves not diagnostic, should raise the suspicion of viral hepatitis in the autopsy specimen, if other features of the disease are not conspicuous.
Feature Positive Coding Effects on Object Localization

An investigation of Feature Positive information coding was conducted which included Clutter Level and Display Polarity as independent variables. Three dependent measures were considered: Search Time, Designation Time, and Designation Accuracy. Twelve subjects performed a target location/designation task under 72 combinations of the experimental variables. For Search Time, the main effects of Feature Coding and Clutter Level, together with their interaction were found to be significant (p < 0.01). For Designation Time, only the main effect of Clutter was significant (p < 0.05). No significant findings were identified for Designation Accuracy.
Characterization of Mo/Si Multilayer Structures by High-Resolution Electron Microscopy

A series of Mo/Si multilayer films (MLF) has been fabricated by e-beam evaporation onto (100) silicon substrates at substrate temperatures (Ts) in the range of 300 to 600K, with deposition rates varying from 0.5 to 3A/s. The quality of the samples fabricated at 525K≤Ts≤575K with a deposition rate of 1A/s was found by high-resolutlon electron microscopy to be comparable to that of sputtered films. The major differences between the structures of the e-beam evaporated samples and the sputtered ones were that the thicknesses of the Mo on Si interfaces were larger, and the Si on Mo interfaces were smaller, for the e-beam MLF.
Protoplasts Fusion Between Exserohilum monoceras and Curvularia lunata with Biparental Inactivate Technique

Protoplast fusion between Exserohilum monoceras(EM) and Curvularia lunata(CL) was conducted with biparental inactivation technique.EM is highly toxic to barnyard grass but lower spore productivity,while CL is reversed to EM.The fusants were selected through observing the characteristics of morphology and biology,as well as the activity against weed.The results showed that co-function protoplast of the 2% Lywallzyme plus 2% Snailase was the most effective way to its yield,1.25×10~6 for CL and 1.21×10~6 for EM,respectively.The regeneration ratio of CL and EM treated by R3 medium was 14.7% and 13.2% respectively.The protoplasts of CL and EM were inactivated by UV for 30 s with the radiated distance of 20 cm and by hot water at 55℃ for 5 min,respectively.40% PEG was utilized to enhance the protoplast fusion.Three potent fusants were obtained,which were obviously different from the parental strains in spore morphology,mycelia growth rate,conidia yield and activity of inhibiting the barnyard grass root.
Development and Performance Analysis of 1 000 kV UHV Voltage Transformer

In Chinese UHV projects,such key equipments as 1 000 kV transformer,1 000 kV lightning arrester,1 000 kV instrument transformer are all developed independently.1 000 kV voltage transformers are used for metering electric energy of UHV power line.There are four kinds of voltage transformer for UHV,i.e.1 000 kV column-type capacitor voltage transformer,1 000 kV tank-type capacitor voltage transformer,1 000 kV tank-type inductive voltage transformer,and 1 000 kV electronic voltage transformer.The first one is suitable for air insulated substation;the others are suitable for gas insulated switchgear.In this paper,the applications of the 1 000 kV voltage transformers both at home and abroad are introduced,their types and principles are described,the main parameters of different types of 1 000 kV voltage transformers are analyzed,and the development of the 1 000 kV voltage transformers used for UHV projects in China are discussed.Moreover,the important performances of different kinds of 1 000 kV voltage transformers are analyzed with emphasis on comparisons of the insulation performances and error characteristics of different tank-type voltage transformers.This study may provide a guide for structure selection of 1 000 kV voltage transformers in Chinese UHV projects.