Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the state-space analysis in the synthesis of time-optimal control for a class of linear systems

The paper deals with a new approach for synthesis of time-optimal control for a class of linear systems. It is based on the decomposition of the time-optimal control problem into a class of decreasing order problems, and the properties and relations between problems within this class. First, the problems state-spaces properties are analyzed, and then the optimal control is obtained by using a multi-stage procedure avoiding the switching hyper surface description. The emphasis in this paper is on the state-space analysis stage of the approach proposed.
Contraindicated medication use in dialysis patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

CONTEXT The US Food and Drug Administration guides clinicians through drug labeling of medications that are contraindicated or not recommended for use in specific patient groups. Little is known about the use of such medications and their effects on outcomes in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To investigate the use of the contraindicated/not-recommended agents enoxaparin and eptifibatide among dialysis patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and their association with outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Data from 829 US hospitals on 22 778 dialysis patients who underwent PCI between January 1, 2004, and August 31, 2008. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In-hospital bleeding and death. RESULTS Five thousand eighty-four patients (22.3%) received a contraindicated antithrombotic; of these patients, 2375 (46.7%) received enoxaparin, 3261 (64.1%) received eptifibatide, and 552 (10.9%) received both. Compared with patients who did not receive a contraindicated antithrombotic, patients who did had higher rates of in-hospital bleeding (5.6% vs 2.9%; odds ratio [OR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.66-2.23) and death (6.5% vs 3.9%; OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.46-1.95). After multivariable adjustment, patients receiving contraindicated antithrombotics had significantly higher risks of in-hospital bleeding (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.43-1.92) and death (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.48). In 10 158 patients matched by propensity scores, receipt of contraindicated antithrombotics remained significantly associated with in-hospital bleeding (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.35-1.98) but not in-hospital death (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.36). CONCLUSIONS In a sample of dialysis patients undergoing PCI, 22.3% received a contraindicated antithrombotic medication. In propensity-matched analysis, receipt of these medications was significantly associated with an increased risk of in-hospital major bleeding.
On Star Formation and the Nonexistence of Dark Galaxies

We investigate whether a baryonic dark galaxy or "galaxy without stars" could persist indefinitely in the local universe, while remaining stable against star formation. To this end, a simple model has been constructed to determine the equilibrium distribution and composition of a gaseous protogalactic disk. Specifically, we determine the amount of gas that will transit to a Toomre unstable cold phase via the H2 cooling channel in the presence of a UV-X-ray cosmic background radiation field. All but one of the models are predicted to become unstable to star formation: we find that, in the absence of an internal radiation field, the majority of gas will become Toomre unstable in all putative dark galaxies with baryonic masses greater than 109 M☉, and in at least half of those greater than 106 M☉. Moreover, we find that all our model objects would be detectable via H I line emission, even in the case that star formation is potentially avoided. These results are consistent with the nondetection of isolated extragalactic H I clouds with no optical counterpart (galaxies without stars) by the H I Parkes All-Sky Survey. Additionally, where star formation is predicted to occur, we determine the minimum interstellar radiation field required to restore gravothermal stability, which we then relate to a minimum global star formation rate. This leads to the prediction of a previously undocumented relation between H I mass and star formation rate that is observed for a wide variety of dwarf galaxies in the H I mass range 108-1010 M☉. The existence of such a relation strongly supports the notion that the well-observed population of dwarf galaxies represents the minimum rates of self-regulating star formation in the universe.
The innovation of Ontario full-day kindergarten educator teams: have they reproduced the split systems of care and education?

ABSTRACT This study investigated the implementation of a full-day kindergarten programme in Ontario, Canada. Key to the implementation of this programme has been a new kind of educator team consisting of a certified teacher and a registered early childhood educator and a complementary partnership in which each team member contributes equally. Our research examined team members’ perceptions and practices related to their roles and responsibilities. Findings suggest that the care work for which early childhood educators are disproportionally responsible is accorded less value and status than the work of educating children. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the care/education split, the social reproduction of care work and social inequities.
Single-strand-speci ¢ c nucleases

Single-strand-specific nucleases are multifunctional enzymes and widespread in distribution. Their ability to act selectively on singlestranded nucleic acids and single-stranded regions in double-stranded nucleic acids has led to their extensive application as probes for the structural determination of nucleic acids. Intracellularly, they have been implicated in recombination, repair and replication, whereas extracellular enzymes have a role in nutrition. Although more than 30 single-strand-specific nucleases from various sources have been isolated till now, only a few enzymes (S1 nuclease from Aspergillus oryzae, P1 nuclease from Penicillium citrinum and nucleases from Alteromonas espejiana, Neurospora crassa, Ustilago maydis and mung bean) have been characterized to a significant extent. Recently, some of these enzymes have been cloned, their crystal structures solved and their interactions with different substrates have been established. The detection, purification, characteristics, structure^function correlations, biological role and applications of single-strand-specific nucleases are reviewed. 4 2002 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
THE [14C]DEOXYGLUCOSE METHOD FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF LOCAL CEREBRAL GLUCOSE UTILIZATION: THEORY, PROCEDURE, AND NORMAL VALUES IN THE CONSCIOUS AND ANESTHETIZED ALBINO RAT 1

Abstract— A method has been developed for the simultaneous measurement of the rates of glucose consumption in the various structural and functional components of the brain in vivo. The method can be applied to most laboratory animals in the conscious state. It is based on the use of 2‐deoxy‐D‐[14C]glucose ([14C]DG) as a tracer for the exchange of glucose between plasma and brain and its phosphorylation by hexokinase in the tissues. [14C]DG is used because the label in its product, [14C]deoxyglucose‐6‐phosphate, is essentially trapped in the tissue over the time course of the measurement. A model has been designed based on the assumptions of a steady state for glucose consumption, a first order equilibration of the free [14C]DG pool in the tissue with the plasma level, and relative rates of phosphorylation of [14C]DG and glucose determined by their relative concentrations in the precursor pools and their respective kinetic constants for the hexokinase reaction. An operational equation based on this model has been derived in terms of determinable variables. A pulse of [14C]DG is administered intravenously and the arterial plasma [14C]DG and glucose concentrations monitored for a preset time between 30 and 45min. At the prescribed time, the head is removed and frozen in liquid N2‐chilled Freon XII, and the brain sectioned for autoradiography. Local tissue concentrations of [14C]DG are determined by quantitative autoradiography. Local cerebral glucose consumption is calculated by the equation on the basis of these measured values.
Intelligence strategy: The integrated 3C‐OK framework of intelligent human organizations

As humanity immerses deeper into the knowledge-intensive era, the mindset for leading, managing and structuring human organizations has to be transformed. Attention has been shifting from tangible to intangible assets. Human thinking systems, the sources where the world’s most intense intrinsic intelligence originates become the key focal center. Intelligence and its dynamic are nonlinear. Arising from human consciousness are the two vital mental functions of awareness and mindfulness. These functions determine the quality of the mental state of the interacting agents. In addition, a high level of intelligence facilitates faster learning. All competitive human beings learn continuously to enhance the quality of their knowledge structures. Consequently, the bio-logic and human decision-making process improve. These activities constitute a critical component of the evolution dynamic. Similar to any intelligent biological organisms, all human organizations as composite complex adaptive systems must also nurture their own orgmind and collective intelligence to ensure their relevance and survival in the new context. Concurrently, activities such as continuous organizational learning, facilitating effective knowledge management processes, and building quality corporate knowledge structures must be cultivated. A mindful culture manifesting collaborative and sharing characteristic is crucial for sustaining the integrated dynamic. Recognizing the interdependency of the attributes involved is a key requirement. The 3C-OK framework to be conceptualized in this analysis is an attempt to enhance the new mindset.
Genomic Signatures of North American Soybean Improvement Inform Diversity Enrichment Strategies and Clarify the Impact of Hybridization

Crop improvement represents a long-running experiment in artificial selection on a complex trait, namely yield. How such selection relates to natural populations is unclear, but the analysis of domesticated populations could offer insights into the relative role of selection, drift, and recombination in all species facing major shifts in selective regimes. Because of the extreme autogamy exhibited by soybean (Glycine max), many “immortalized” genotypes of elite varieties spanning the last century have been preserved and characterized using ∼50,000 single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers. Also due to autogamy, the history of North American soybean breeding can be roughly divided into pre- and posthybridization eras, allowing for direct interrogation of the role of recombination in improvement and selection. Here, we report on genome-wide characterization of the structure and history of North American soybean populations and the signature of selection in these populations. Supporting previous work, we find that maturity defines population structure. Though the diversity of North American ancestors is comparable to available landraces, prehybridization line selections resulted in a clonal structure that dominated early breeding and explains many of the reductions in diversity found in the initial generations of soybean hybridization. The rate of allele frequency change does not deviate sharply from neutral expectation, yet some regions bare hallmarks of strong selection, suggesting a highly variable range of selection strengths biased toward weak effects. We also discuss the importance of haplotypes as units of analysis when complex traits fall under novel selection regimes.
Adsorption of clofibric acid and ketoprofen onto powdered activated carbon: Effect of natural organic matter

The adsorption of two acidic pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), clofibric acid and ketoprofen, onto powdered activated carbon (PAC) was investigated with a particular focus on the influence of natural organic matter (NOM) on the adsorption of the PhACs. Suwannee River humic acids (SRHAs) were used as a substitute for NOM. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to obtain adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms with and without SRHAs in the system. The adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics showed that the adsorption of clofibric acid was not significantly affected by the presence of SRHAs at a concentration of 5 mg (as carbon) L−1. An adsorption capacity of 70 to 140 mg g−1 was observed and equilibrium was reached within 48 h. In contrast, the adsorption of ketoprofen was markedly decreased (from about 120 mg g−1 to 70–100 mg g−1) in the presence of SRHAs. Higher initial concentrations of clofibric acid than ketoprofen during testing may explain the different behaviours that were observed. Also, the more hydrophobic ketoprofen molecules may have less affinity for PAC when humic acids (which are hydrophilic) are present. The possible intermolecular forces that could account for the different behaviour of clofibric acid and ketoprofen adsorption onto PAC are discussed. In particular, the relevance of electrostatic forces, electron donor-acceptor interaction, hydrogen bonding and London dispersion forces are discussed
Metacognition and Self-regulated Learning in Predicting University Students' Academic Achievement in Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine whether perceived levels of self-regulated learning and metacognition predicted the ultimate grade point average (GPA) attained by 206 female and 70 male college seniors (aged 21 to 27) finishing their elementary education teaching certification studies at a university in Turkey. Data regarding individual levels of metacognition were collected through the administration of the “Metacognitive Skills Inventory for Adults” (Schraw & Dennison, 1994) and translated to Turkish by Ozcan (2007). A separate scale authored by Turan (2009) was administered to the same set of participants to obtain levels of perceived self-regulated learning. Findings indicated that students’ self-regulated learning and metacognition total scores correlated with each other but neither scale was predictive of the students’ GPAs at a significant level in the hypothesized positive direction. Interestingly, self- regulated learning scores were significantly related to GPA but in a negative direction.
University Students' Perceptions of the Learning Environment and Academic Outcomes: Implications for theory and practice

The relationship between university students' perceptions of their academic environment, their approaches to study, and academic outcomes was investigated at both university and faculty levels. The responses of a large, cross-disciplinary sample of undergraduate students were analysed using higher order path and regression analyses, and the results confirmed students' perceptions as influencing both 'hard' (academic achievement) and 'soft' (satisfaction, development of key skills) learning outcomes, both directly and mediated through their approaches to study. Perceptions of heavy workload and inappropriate assessment influenced students towards surface, and perceptions of good teaching towards deep, approaches to study. Students' perceptions of their current learning environment were a stronger predictor of learning outcomes at university than prior achievement at school. Protocols are proposed to guide more fine-grained analysis of students' perceptions.
‘Let's Talk Autism' –a school‐based project for students to explore and share their experiences of being autistic

Understanding what autism means on a personal level can be an important process for young people on the autistic spectrum, and being able to reflect on this and discuss with autistic peers can be particularly helpful. However, opportunities may be restricted by reluctance to talk about diagnosis and because of difficulties in communication inherent in autism. This article describes a therapeutic media project within an ASD school that attempted to support young people to reflect together about what autism meant for them and create resources to share with others. The process is described and main themes of discussions analysed using thematic analysis. Main themes emerged of making sense of diagnosis, experiences of difference and transition to adulthood. Various strategies to manage diagnosis and negotiate identity also emerged. Issues around informed consent and confidentiality and the therapeutic value of such groups are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Aligning IT for future business value: conceptualizing it project portfolio alignment

IS research has predominately studied the alignment of existing IT applications with current strategies. This provides an assessment of the current business value of IT. However, given IT investments are long-term and given that contemporary firms evolve in highly dynamic environments, it is also important to consider the alignment of IT applications that are under development. These applications affect the future business value of IT. This paper rethinks the notion of alignment to include IT applications in development. It conceptualizes the notion of IT project portfolio alignment and develops and tests a model that measures portfolio alignment in a bottom-up process based on individual IT projects. Several formulation methods are proposed and compared.
Interleukin-23 Receptor Gene Polymorphism May Enhance Expression of the IL-23 Receptor, IL-17, TNF-α and IL-6 in Behcet’s Disease

Purpose Recent studies identified an association between Behcet’s disease (BD) and the IL-23R gene polymorphism (rs17375018) in different populations. This study examined whether this IL-23R gene polymorphism is associated with enhanced inflammatory responses. Methods We recruited 27 BD patients and 32 controls with three genotypes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were seeded with or without anti-CD3 and CD28. Cells were incubated for 24 hours, and then supernatants were collected and stored at −20◦C until analyzed. Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. IL-23R expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results The expression of IL-23R was significantly higher in both BD patients and healthy controls with the GG genotype compared to the AG and AA genotype with anti-CD3 and CD28 stimulation (all P-value < 0.05). Among the PBMCs cultured with anti-CD3 and CD28 stimulation, there was an elevated secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 in BD patients and healthy controls with the GG genotype. However, there was no significant change in secretion of IFN- γ in BD patients and healthy controls among the genotype of this IL-23R gene polymorphism. Conclusions The results suggest that the GG genotype of the rs17375018 variant in the IL-23R gene enhances pro-inflammatory cytokine responses.
Representing Utility Functions via Weighted Goals

We analyze the expressivity, succinctness, and complexity of a family of languages based on weighted propositional formulas for the representation of utility functions. The central idea underlying this form of preference modeling is to associate numerical weights with goals specified in terms of propositional formulas, and to compute the utility value of an alternative as the sum of the weights of the goals it satisfies. We define a large number of representation languages based on this idea, each characterized by a set of restrictions on the syntax of formulas and the range of weights. Our aims are threefold. First, for each language we try to identify the class of utility functions it can express. Second, when different languages can express the same class of utility functions, one may allow for a more succinct representation than another. Therefore, we analyze the relative succinctness of languages. Third, for each language we study the computational complexity of the problem of finding the most preferred alternative given a utility function expressed in that language (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Cross-Section of Interbank Rates: A Nonparametric Empirical Investigation

This paper analyzes the distribution of lending and borrowing credit spreads in the European interbank market conditional on main features of banks such as their size, operating currency and nationality. This is done by means of nonparametric kernel estimation methods for the cross-sectional density of interbank funding rates over a large sample of European banks trading in the e-MID market. The analysis is repeated over consecutive non-overlapping periods in order to assess and compare the effect of the factors during crisis and non-crisis periods. We find evidence of important differences between the borrowing and lending segment of the interbank market that are augmented during crises periods. Our results strongly support the existence of a size effect in the borrowing market. Largest banks enjoy the highest lending rates and the lowest borrowing rates. The collapse of Lehman Brothers accentuates the differences in funding conditions. In both borrowing and lending segments, crises are corresponded by high volatilities in daily funding costs. Banks using the Euro currency and in countries not affected by sovereign debt crises are benefited by lower funding costs. Our nonparametric analysis of densities conditional on banks' nationality suggests that distress in the interbank market can serve as an early warning indicator of sovereign risk.
Engagement as a source of positive consumer behaviour: a study amongst South African football fans

Football in South Africa (SA) has enjoyed significant commercial growth in recent years. No research has been conducted on the properties of fan engagement of South African football fans. In this study, the reliability and validity of the Fan Engagement Scale (FES) in a context of South African football fans were explored. Further, the potential of fan engagement as a predictor of positive consumer behaviours (match attendance and merchandise expenditure) was evaluated. Participants were 806 football fans who support various teams in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Information was obtained through self-report measures that participants completed. The research was conducted at stadiums during football matches. A cross-sectional, quantitative research design was implemented. Structural equation modelling revealed a reliable and valid three-factor structure for the FES. The structural paths between fan engagement and match attendance, as well as fan engagement and expenditure on team merchandise, were established. The results strengthen the theory of fan engagement, which flows from customer engagement theory by providing contextual literature specific to South African football fans. A case in terms of the need for focused fan engagement strategies to further promote the industry was put forward and a number of strategies were proposed. Key words: Fan engagement; Customer engagement theory; Consumer behaviour; Structural equation modelling; Football; South Africa.