Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE TRACE FUNCTION EXPANSION FOR SPHERICAL POLYGONS

The full asymptotic expansion of the trace of the heat semi–group, tr(e−∆Ωt),where −∆Ω is the Dirichlet Laplace-Beltrami operator acting on L2(Ω) for geodesic spherical polygons Ω ⊂ S2, is derived in half–powers of t, and the coefficients determined explicitly. Let Ω be a non-empty open connected set in S = {x ∈ R : |x| = 1} with a piecewise geodesic boundary ∂Ω and interior angles γ1, · · · , γM . We refer to Ω as a geodesic spherical polygon. In this paper we study the asymptotic behaviour as t ↓ 0 of the trace function, Z(Ω, t) := tr(e−∆Ωt), (1) where −∆Ω is the Dirichlet Laplace–Beltrami operator acting on L(Ω). As well as being of interest to mathematicians, the asymptotic expansion of the heat kernel and the trace function has applications in theoretical physics. The asymptotic expansion gives a good approximation of curved space-time propagators, and in computing the Casimir energy. We refer to [3] for an extensive review of the applications of spectral geometry in theoretical physics. In [5] Chang and Dowker computed the vacuum energy on orbifold factors of spheres, where they utilised the trace expansion on spherical triangles and quadrilaterals of the 2–sphere. The asymptotic expansion that we give in this paper for geodesic spherical polygons has direct relevance to their calculations and applications. Furthermore, the trace expansion identifies the poles of the associated spectral zeta function, which is used in the calculations of functional determinants, which are of interest to both mathematicians [17] and physicists [7]. The results in Theorem 2 and Corollary 3 extends those of Kac [12] and van den Berg and Srisatkunarajah [2] from a polygon in R to a spherical polygon in S. Let {λj , φj} be the spectral resolution of −∆Ω. Then it is well–known that the Dirichlet eigenvalues form an increasing sequence, 0 < λ0 ≤ λ1 ≤ · · · , accumulating at infinity. Moreover, the heat semi–group e−∆Ωt on L(Ω) has a strictly positive C∞ heat kernel on Ω×Ω× (0,∞), see for example Chavel [6], which we denote by KΩ(θ1, θ2, t). Provided |Ω| <∞ it is well–known that, KΩ(θ1, θ2, t) = ∞ ∑ j=0 ejφj(θ1)φj(θ2), (2) which converges absolutely on compact subsets of Ω× Ω× (0,∞). 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification 35K05, 58G11.
BIST-based diagnostics of FPGA logic blocks

Accurate diagnosis is an essential requirement in many testing environments, since it is the basis for any repair or replacement strategy used for chip or system fault-tolerance. In this paper we present the first approach able to diagnose faulty programmable logic blocks (PLBs) in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with maximal diagnostic resolution. Our approach is based on a new Built-In Self-Test (BIST) architecture for FPGAs and can accurately locate any single and most multiple faulty PLBs. An adaptive diagnostic strategy provides identification of faulty PLBs with a 7% increase in testing time over the complete detection test, and can also be used for manufacturing yield enhancement. We present results showing identification of faulty PLBs in defective ORCA chips.
Binding of Substrate in Two Conformations to Human Prothrombinase Drives Consecutive Cleavage at Two Sites in Prothrombin*

Thrombin formation results from cleavage of prothrombin following Arg271 and Arg320. Both bonds are accessible for cleavage, yet the sequential action of prothrombinase on Arg320 followed by Arg271 is implied by the intermediate observed during prothrombin activation. We have studied the individual cleavage reactions catalyzed by prothrombinase by using a series of recombinant derivatives: wild type prothrombin (IIWT) contained both cleavage sites; IIQ271 contained a single cleavable site at Arg320; IIQ320 and IIA320 contained a single cleavable site at Arg271; and IIQQ was resistant to cleavage. Cleavage at Arg320 in IIQ271 could account for the initial cleavage reaction leading to the consumption of either plasma prothrombin or IIWT, whereas cleavage at Arg271 in either IIQ320 or IIA320 was found to be ∼30-fold slower. Equivalent kinetic constants were obtained for three of the four possible half-reactions. Slow cleavage at Arg271 in intact prothrombin resulted from an ∼30-fold reduction in Vmax. Thus, the observed pathway of bond cleavage by prothrombinase can be explained by the kinetic constants for the four possible individual cleavage reactions. IIQ320 was a competitive inhibitor of IIQ271 cleavage, and IIQQ was a competitive inhibitor for each reaction with Ki ≈ Km. The data are inconsistent with previous proposals and suggest a model in which substrates for each of the four possible half-reactions bind in a mutually exclusive manner and with equal affinity to prothrombinase in a cleavage site-independent way. Despite equivalent exosite binding interactions between all four possible substrates and the enzyme, we propose that ordered bond cleavage results from the constraints associated with the binding of substrates in one of two conformations to a single form of prothrombinase.
Prevalence and Associated Factors with Transmission of Latent Tuberculosis among Household Contacts of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Malaysia

Contact investigations are extremely important components that involved effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) control programs. Close contacts of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases, such as household members, are most likely to become infected because of intense and/or prolonged exposure to index cases. Thus, these contacts are highly recommended to be diagnosed. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated factors with the transmission of latent TB infection among household contacts of index cases in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among household contacts of index cases who attended at three Respiratory Specialist Clinic and those who warded at six Hospitals in Peninsular West Malaysia. Blood samples were collected using QFT-G tubes. An ELISA machine was performed for tests and the result was calculated using QFT-GIn-Tube software. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis. A total of 139 participants were enrolled in this study, comprised 69 index cases and 70 household contacts. The index cases comprised 46 (66.7%) males and 23 (33.3%) females, with mean age and SD of 41.78 (17.1 years. By contrast, the household contacts include 38 (54.3%) females and 32 (45.7%) males, with mean age and SD of 36.12 (16.88) years. The overall prevalence of LTBI was 52.8% (95%CI, 0.405 and 0.649). The significant associated factors with LTBI transmission were sputum smear positive (forAFB) (AOR:6.09,95% CI:(1.40, 26.45), (P<0.016)) and cough presence (AOR: 0.15,95%CI:(0.03, 0.62), (P<0.009)). The prevalence of LTBI among the household contacts of index cases in Malaysia is relatively high. Cough presence and sputum smear positive were significant factors associated with LTBI transmission among household contacts. The strengthening of infection control is very crucial and should be immediately adopted to prevent or reduce TB transmission within the community
Variable Rate Variable Power MIMO System for Integrated Voice and Data Services

We propose an adaptive rate and power allocation algorithm for integrated voice and data services in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system. Given the available power at the MIMO transmitter is limited, the voice service is given the highest priority and appropriate power is allocated to satisfy the bit error rate (BER) requirement for voice transmission. Based on the remaining average power, optimal rate and power adaptations for maximum spectral efficiency under a BER requirement are performed for data transmission. We formulate the optimization problem based on m independent and identical single input single output optimization problems and solve for optimal rate and power adaptations. For voice transmission, a fixed rate transmission scheme and a channel inversion type power control policy are employed. For data transmission, an adaptive rate based on multilevel quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM) scheme and a water-filling type adaptive power control are employed. Finally we study the performance of the proposed algorithms using analytical and simulation results
LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease: A qualitative study of acute and sustained subjective effects

Objective: A recently published study showed the safety and efficacy of LSD-assisted psychotherapy in patients with anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases. Participants of this study were included in a prospective follow-up. Method: 12 months after finishing LSD psychotherapy, 10 participants were tested for anxiety (STAI) and participated in a semi-structured interview. A Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) was carried out on the interviews to elaborate about LSD effects and lasting psychological changes. Results: None of the participants reported lasting adverse reactions. The significant benefits as measured with the STAI were sustained over a 12-month period. In the QCA participants consistently reported insightful, cathartic and interpersonal experiences, accompanied by a reduction in anxiety (77.8%) and a rise in quality of life (66.7%). Evaluations of subjective experiences suggest facilitated access to emotions, confrontation of previously unknown anxieties, worries, resources and intense emotional peak experiences à la Maslow as major psychological working mechanisms. The experiences created led to a restructuring of the person’s emotional trust, situational understanding, habits and world view. Conclusions: LSD administered in a medically supervised psychotherapeutic setting can be safe and generate lasting benefits in patients with a life-threatening disease. Explanatory models for the therapeutic effects of LSD warrant further study.
Serum Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase in Myocardial Infarction

S.H. B.D. was measured according to the method of Rosalki (1962), using an incubation period of 60 minutes, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (S.G.O.T.) was measured according to the procedure of Reitman and Frankel (1957). Sera were separated from red cells within three hours of collection, and were either analysed immediately or stored until required at 40 C. for periods not exceeding 48 hours. Specimens appearing to the unaided eye to have been haemolysed were discarded. Normal ranges for S.H. B.D. and S.G. O.T. were obtained by analysing sera obtained from healthy blood donors. The mean S.H. B.D. (N = 52) was 71 units/l. (1 unit/I. = 1 I.U./k.) with a standard deviation of 16 units/k. and an actual range of 42106 units/I. The upper limit of normal (N = 30) for S.G. O.T. was 30 units/ml. (1 unit = 0.5 I.U./l.); the mean and full range were not defined because all values below 20 units/ml. were recorded only as <20 units/ml. However, only four values lay between 20 and 30 units/ml. ; the rest were under 20 units/ml. E.C. G. recordings were standard 12-lead tracings, and all were assessed by one of us (I. C. C.).
Adjustment of deferred compensation schemes, fairness concerns, and hiring of older workers

Hutchens (1986, Journal of Labor Economics 4(4), pp. 439-457) argues that deferred compensation schemes impose fixed-costs to firms and, therefore, they employ older workers but prefer to hire younger workers. This paper shows that deferred compensation can be a recruitment barrier even without these fixed-costs, because adjustments of wage-tenure profiles for older new entrants can lead to adverse incentive effects from a fairness perspective. A personnel data set and a linked employeremployee data set reveal that wage-tenure profiles of white-collar workers are indeed adjusted according to entry age but that firms still hire few older workers.
Two novel heterozygous mutations in COL7A1 in a Chinese patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa of Hallopeau–Siemens type

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a clinically heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant or recessive bullous disorders caused by mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1, GenBank L23982). The Hallopeau–Siemens type is the most severe form of recessive DEB and is characterized by generalized blistering and scarring on the hands and feet leading to pseudosynactyly and severe mucosal involvement. This type of recessive DEB is vary rare in China. We report a patient with recessive DEB of Hallopeau–Siemens type caused by compound heterozygous mutations of a novel 11-bp deletion (3625del11) in one allele, and a novel missense mutation (S48P) in the other allele of COL7A1.
Variables affecting birthweight and graft survival in 197 pregnancies in cyclosporine-treated female kidney transplant recipients.

Outcomes from 197 pregnancies in 141 female kidney transplant recipients were analyzed from data collected via questionnaires, hospital records, and phone interviews. All recipients were maintained on cyclosporine (CsA) before and during pregnancy. Of the livebirths, 54% were premature (< 37 wk) and 50% were low-birthweight (LBW) (< 2500 g). The incidence of recipient drug-treated hypertension (HTN) was 56%; preeclampsia, 29%; infections and complications 22%; and rejection during pregnancy and up to 3 mo. post delivery (rej.), 11%. Graft loss within 2 years of delivery occurred in 9% of recipients (GrL < 2). No recipients reported a pregnancy after a postpregnancy graft loss. Mean serum creatinine was reported before, during, and after pregnancy. Mean cyclosporine doses were similar in recipients during and after pregnancy. Data were analyzed by logistic regression using SAS. Outcomes included prematurity, LBW, rej. , and GrL < 2. In a case-controlled study comparing a recipient group with graft dysfunction during pregnancy vs. a group with good graft function, there was a trend toward lower mean prepregnancy CsA doses (in mg/kg) in the graft dysfunction group. A decline in recipient graft function during pregnancy is associated with lower newborn birthweights and lower maternal graft survival in cyclosporine treated female kidney recipients. Pregnancy-related infections and complications are associated with rejection and graft loss in this population. Close monitoring of CsA dosing and serum creatinine levels during pregnancy and immediately postpartum is recommended as CsA dosage adjustment may be required.
The impact of self-service technologies on interfirm relationships

Introduced by Vargo and Lusch (2004), Service Dominant Logic has attracted the attent ion of academics, with substantial dialogue and debate since (Vargo and Lusch, 2008; Ballantyne and Varey, 2008). However, over the years, an increased focus on Relationship Market ing, particularly in the business to business sector, has also been evident (Morgan and Hunt, 1994, Berry, 2002, Möller and Halinen, 2000). It is clear that there are many simil arities in the literature focusing on Relationship Marketing and Service Dominant Logic, yet li ttle comparison has been drawn in the literature. This paper discusses and compares both bodies of literature finding commonalities in the importance of value and relationships. It concludes with the identification of four common links between the two literature bodies: coll aboration. customisation, value and relationship requirements.
Implicit emotion regulation under demanding conditions: The moderating role of action versus state orientation

Action orientation is a volitional mode that promotes flexible self-regulation of emotional and motivational states; state orientation represents the conceptually opposite volitional mode that promotes fixation on (particularly negative) emotional and motivational states (Kuhl & Beckmann, 1994a). The present research investigated the link between action versus state orientation and implicit emotion regulation under demanding conditions. After inducing a demanding context, action-oriented participants displayed reduced affective priming effects of negative primes relative to state-oriented individuals (Studies 1–3). Action versus state orientation did not moderate affective priming effects of positive prime words (Studies 1–3). Effects of action versus state orientation emerged only for a limited number of trials (Study 2) and were reversed under low-demanding conditions (Study 3). These findings support the notion that implicit emotion regulation is closely linked to volitional action control.
Problems and Progress regarding Sex Bias and Omission in Neuroscience Research

Visual Abstract Neuroscience research has historically ignored female animals. This neglect comes in two general forms. The first is sex bias, defined as favoring one sex over another; in this case, male over female. The second is sex omission, which is the lack of reporting sex. The recognition of this phenomenon has generated fierce debate across the sciences. Here we test whether sex bias and omission are still present in the neuroscience literature, whether studies employing both males and females neglect sex as an experimental variable, and whether sex bias and omission differs between animal models and journals. To accomplish this, we analyzed the largest-ever number of neuroscience articles for sex bias and omission: 6636 articles using mice or rats in 6 journals published from 2010 to 2014. Sex omission is declining, as increasing numbers of articles report sex. Sex bias remains present, as increasing numbers of articles report the sole use of males. Articles using both males and females are also increasing, but few report assessing sex as an experimental variable. Sex bias and omission varies substantially by animal model and journal. These findings are essential for understanding the complex status of sex bias and omission in neuroscience research and may inform effective decisions regarding policy action.
Sex Differences in Asymmetrically Perceiving the Intensity of Facial Expressions

Emotional facial expressions are often asymmetrical, with the left half of the face typically displaying the stronger affective intensity cues. During facial perception, however, most right-handed individuals are biased toward facial affect cues projecting to their own left visual hemifield. Consequently, mirror-reversed faces are typically rated as more emotionally intense than when presented normally. Mirror-reversal permits the most intense side of the expresser's face to project to the visual hemifield biased for processing facial affect cues. This study replicated the mirror-reversal effect in 21 men and 49 women (aged 18–52 yr.) using a videotaped free viewing presentation but also showed the effect of facial orientation is moderated by the sex of the perceiver. The mirror-reversal effect was significant only for men but not for women, suggesting possible sex differences in cerebral organization of systems for facial perception.
High Performance Work Systems and Firm Performance: The Moderator Role of Industry and Organizational Characteristics

This thesis examines the impact of High Performance Works Systems (HPWS) on firm labour productivity and innovation. Considerable studies have proved that investment in HPWS is associated with superior organizational performance (Huselid, 1995; Authur, 1994; Delery and Doty, 1996; Guthrie, 2001). However, there is still no agreement on whether High Performance Work Systems are universally applicable or contingent on certain circumstances. This thesis contributes to the universal versus contingency debate by testing the moderating effect of contextual factors on these relationships. Following a theoretical review of HPWS literature, a conceptual framework was developed which introduced moderator variables to explain the HPWS-performance link. This was guided by contingency theory and empirical work related to environmental fit (Burns & Stalker, 1994; Youndt et al., 1996). Industry growth and industry dynamism were chosen as industry level moderators while labour investment represents a firm level moderator. The data used in this study was collected from a national general manager and HR manager survey which was conducted in 2006. A sample of 132 matched responses from both GM and HR managers were used in the analysis. The results show that the implementation of HPWS is associated with an increase in both labour productivity and innovation. Further analysis was conducted to test the moderating effect between HPWS and a number of contextual factors including industry characteristics and organisational characteristics on firms‟ labour productivity and innovation. Regression results show that industry level characteristics have a moderating effect on the HRM-performance link: industry growth moderates the relationship between HPWS and innovation but has no significant moderating effect on HPWS-labour productivity relationship. Industry dynamism was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between HPWS and labour productivity but no significant interaction effect was found on innovation. At the firm level, results show that firms‟ labour investment moderates the relationship between HPWS and labour productivity. Similarly an effect was found on the relationship between HPWS and workforce innovation. This study provides some indications for further research in the fields of HRM and contextual factors and their interaction effect on performance.
Activation of Notch1 synergizes with multiple pathways in promoting castration-resistant prostate cancer

Significance A high nuclear Notch homolog 1, translocation-associated (Notch1) intracellular domain level distinguishes high-risk prostate cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer from benign and low/intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Chronic activation of Notch1 cooperates with multiple oncogenic pathways altered in early prostate cancer, including AKT, Myc, and Ras/Raf/MAPK, to promote progression to androgen ablation-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma. Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the primary cause of prostate cancer-specific mortality. Defining new mechanisms that can predict recurrence and drive lethal CRPC is critical. Here, we demonstrate that localized high-risk prostate cancer and metastatic CRPC, but not benign prostate tissues or low/intermediate-risk prostate cancer, express high levels of nuclear Notch homolog 1, translocation-associated (Notch1) receptor intracellular domain. Chronic activation of Notch1 synergizes with multiple oncogenic pathways altered in early disease to promote the development of prostate adenocarcinoma. These tumors display features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a cellular state associated with increased tumor aggressiveness. Consistent with its activation in clinical CRPC, tumors driven by Notch1 intracellular domain in combination with multiple pathways altered in prostate cancer are metastatic and resistant to androgen deprivation. Our study provides functional evidence that the Notch1 signaling axis synergizes with alternative pathways in promoting metastatic CRPC and may represent a new therapeutic target for advanced prostate cancer.
Catering for Dividends by Stripping Mutual-Fund Portfolios

The catering theory (Baker and Wurgler, 2004a, 2004b) argues that there is a time-varying demand for dividends, to which companies respond by initiating or omitting such payments. This paper supports that theory with evidence from split-capital closed-end funds in the UK, which flourished in the late 1990s. These funds offered high yields by stripping portfolios into separately-listed capital and dividend shares and then levering-up with 50 percent debt. Over 1998-2001 the split-capital funds were worth 9 percent more than conventional funds. Cross-section regressions for 1994-2004 confirm that this was due to a temporary shift in the derived demand for dividends, as small investors sought dividend yields which were not available directly in a rising stockmarket. The paper confirms that dividend yield has an important role in the decisions of some investors.