Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal H2 filtering with random sensor delay, multiple packet dropout and uncertain observations

This paper studies the problem of optimal filtering of discrete-time systems with random sensor delay, multiple packet dropout and uncertain observation. The random sensor delay, multiple packet dropout or uncertainty in observation is transformed to a stochastic parameter in the system representation. A new formulation enables us to design an optimal filter for a system with multiple packet dropout in sensor data. Based on a stochastic definition of the -norm of a system with a stochastic parameter, new relations for stochastic -norm are derived. The stochastic -norm of the estimation error is used as a criterion for the filter design. The relations derived for the new norm definition are used to obtain a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to solve the filter design problems. Simulation examples show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Plasma levels of plasmin-antiplasmin-complexes are predictive for small abdominal aortic aneurysms expanding to operation-recommendable sizes.

OBJECTIVE Three proteolytic systems seem involved in the aneurysmal degradation of the aortic wall. Plasmin is a common activator of the systems and could thus be predictive for the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS AND MATERIALS In 1994, 112 of 141 male patients with AAA diagnosed through population screening (defined as 3 cm or more) were interviewed and examined and had blood samples taken. One hundred twelve cases were scanned annually for 1 to 5 years (mean, 2.5 years) and referred for surgery if the AAA exceeded 5 cm in diameter. A random sample of 70 of the 112 cases had P-plasmin-antiplasmin-complexes (PAPs), P-plasminogen, and S-elastin-peptides (SEPs). RESULTS PAP was positively correlated with annual expansion rate (r = 0.39, 0.16-0.56), persisting after adjustment for initial AAA size, SEP, age, and smoking. However, PAP levels did not correlate with the initial AAA size or SEP. Furthermore, PAP levels were significantly predictive for cases expanding to operation-recommendable AAA sizes. Combined with the initial AAA size, both optimal sensitivity and specificity were 82%, increasing to 95% and 96%, respectively, excluding those lost to follow-up and accepting 2 mm of interobserver variation. CONCLUSION The progression of AAA is correlated with the PAP level, which seems to have a predictive value similar to the best serologic predictor known, serum-elastin-peptides.
Modeling of Low-Latitude Ionosphere Using GPS Data With SHF Model

The Indian ionosphere is characterized by large variations, irregularities, and equatorial anomaly conditions. Therefore, an appropriate ionospheric model is necessary for satellite-based navigation systems. An ionospheric model based on spherical harmonic function (SHF) is used for modeling. Using the basis functions and measured vertical total electron content (TEC) data, spherical harmonic coefficients are computed by a weighted least square method. Seventeen stations of GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation TEC data are considered in the analysis. The results of the SHF model are presented in terms of accuracy of the residual error and compared with other standard grid models. The diurnal TEC variations are well depicted using the SHF model. The summer- and autumn-equinox-season ionospheric delay variations are also presented. The results indicate that the SHF model is capable of estimating ionospheric delays well.
Keratinocyte growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients

Objectives To determine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid concentrations of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), two potent growth factors for alveolar type II epithelial cells, in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Design Prospective study. Setting An adult trauma/surgical intensive care unit in an urban teaching hospital. Patients A total of 32 ventilated patients with pulmonary infiltrates prospectively identified with ARDS (n = 17) or without ARDS (n = 15), including eight patients with hydrostatic edema (HE), and ten nonventilated patients serving as controls. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results BAL was performed 2.88 days ± 2.4, 3.5 days ± 2.4, and 2.3 days ± 2.2 after the lung insult in ARDS, HE, and other non-ARDS patients respectively (p = .32). KGF was detected in BAL fluid in 13 of the 17 ARDS patients (median, 31.6 pg/mL), in one patient with HE, and in none of other non-ARDS patients. In ARDS patients, detection of KGF in BAL was associated in BAL fluid with the detection of type III procollagen peptide (PIIIP), a biological marker of fibroproliferation. In ARDS patients, detection of KGF in BAL was associated with death (p = .02). HGF was detected in 15 ARDS patients (median, 855 pg/mL), in seven patients with HE (median, 294 pg/mL;p = .05 for the comparison with ARDS group), in six of other non-ARDS patients (median, 849 pg/mL;p = .32 with ARDS group). HGF concentrations were higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (p = .01). None of the ten BAL of controls contained either KGF or HGF. Conclusion KGF was detected almost exclusively in BAL fluid from ARDS patients and correlated with a poor prognosis in this group. In contrast, HGF was detected in the BAL fluid from a majority of patients with or without ARDS. Elevated HGF concentrations were associated with a poor prognosis in the overall group.
Novel Systems for Dynamically Assessing Insulin Action in Live Cells Reveals Heterogeneity in the Insulin Response

Regulated GLUT4 trafficking is a key action of insulin. Quantitative stepwise analysis of this process provides a powerful tool for pinpointing regulatory nodes that contribute to insulin regulation and insulin resistance. We describe a novel GLUT4 construct and workflow for the streamlined dissection of GLUT4 trafficking; from simple high throughput screens to high resolution analyses of individual vesicles. We reveal single cell heterogeneity in insulin action highlighting the utility of this approach – each cell displayed a unique and highly reproducible insulin response, implying that each cell is hard‐wired to produce a specific output in response to a given stimulus. These data highlight that the response of a cell population to insulin is underpinned by extensive heterogeneity at the single cell level. This heterogeneity is pre‐programmed within each cell and is not the result of intracellular stochastic events.
Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations in colorectal cancers and polyps

Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations contribute to colorectal tumorigenesis by activating AKT signaling to decrease apoptosis and increase tumor invasion. A synergistic association of PIK3CA mutation with KRAS mutation has been suggested to increase AKT signaling and resistance to antiepidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor therapy for advanced colorectal cancer, although studies have been conflicting. We sought to clarify this by examining PIK3CA mutation frequency in relation to other key molecular features of defined pathways of tumorigenesis. PIK3CA mutation was assessed by high resolution melt analysis in 829 colorectal cancer samples and 426 colorectal polyps. Mutations were independently correlated with clinicopathological features including patient age, sex and tumor location as well as molecular features including microsatellite instability, KRAS and BRAF mutation, MGMT methylation and the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP). Mutation of the helical (Exon 9) and catalytic (Exon 20) domain mutation hotspots were also examined independently. Overall, PIK3CA mutation was positively correlated with KRAS mutation (p < 0.001), MGMT methylation (p = 0.007) and CIMP (p < 0.001). Novel, exon‐specific associations linked Exon 9 mutations to a subgroup of cancers characterized by KRAS mutation, MGMT methylation and CIMP‐Low, whilst Exon 20 mutations were more closely linked to features of serrated pathway tumors including BRAF mutation, microsatellite instability and CIMP‐High or Low. PIK3CA mutations were uncommonly, but exclusively, seen in tubulovillous adenomas (4/124, 3.2%) and 1/4 (25.0%) tubulovillous adenomas with a focus of cancer. These data provide insight into the molecular events driving traditional versus serrated pathway tumorigenesis.
The Complexity of Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Financial Performance

This study argues that, inconsistent results of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) relationship with financial performance is due to the complexity of relationship between two variables. The complexity of relationship stems from the nature of CSR, which is unseparable from its environment. This nature of relationship brings unfavourable impact on empirical research. The conclusion obtained from empirical evidents of such relationship will be highly contextual and lack generalization. This study proposes variables that led to the complexity of CSR relationship and financial performance, which are country characteristics as well as CSR forms and dimensions. Country characteristics determine the tendency of CSR practices, which finally influence the strength of CSR relationship with financial performance. The selection of CSR forms and dimensions to be done is part of a company’s strategy in an effort to achieve legitimacy.
Artificial Regression Testing in the Garch-in-Mean Model

The issue of finite-sample inference in Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH)-like models has seldom been explored in the theoretical literature, although its potential relevance for practitioners is obvious. In some cases, asymptotic theory may provide a very poor approximation to the actual distribution of the estimators in finite samples. The aim of this paper is to propose the application of the so-called double length regressions (DLR) to GARCH-in-mean models for inferential purposes. As an example, we focus on the issue of Lagrange Multiplier tests on the risk premium parameter. Simulation evidence suggests that DLR-based Lagrange Multiplier (LM) test statistics provide a much better testing framework than the more commonly used LM tests based on the outer product of gradients (OPG) in terms of actual test size, especially when the GARCH process exhibits high persistence in volatility. This result is consistent with previous studies on the subject. Copyright 2005 Royal Economic Society
Growth of Aerobic Ripening Bacteria at the Cheese Surface Is Limited by the Availability of Iron

ABSTRACT The microflora on the surface of smear-ripened cheeses is composed of various species of bacteria and yeasts that contribute to the production of the desired organoleptic properties. The objective of the present study was to show that iron availability is a limiting factor in the growth of typical aerobic ripening bacteria in cheese. For that purpose, we investigated the effect of iron or siderophore addition in model cheeses that were coinoculated with a yeast and a ripening bacterium. Both iron and the siderophore desferrioxamine B stimulated the growth of ripening bacteria belonging to the genera Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, and Brevibacterium. The extent of stimulation was strain dependent, and generally, the effect of desferrioxamine B was greater than that of iron. Measurements of the expression of genes related to the metabolism of iron by Arthrobacter arilaitensis Re117 by real-time reverse transcription-PCR showed that these genes were transcribed during growth in cheese. The addition of desferrioxamine B increased the expression of two genes encoding iron-siderophore ABC transport binding proteins. The addition of iron decreased the expression of siderophore biosynthesis genes and of part of the genes encoding iron-siderophore ABC transport components. It was concluded that iron availability is a limiting factor in the growth of typical cheese surface bacteria. The selection of strains with efficient iron acquisition systems may be useful for the development of defined-strain surface cultures. Furthermore, the importance of iron metabolism in the microbial ecology of cheeses should be investigated since it may result in positive or negative microbial interactions.
Disagreement and Security Design

We study optimal security design when the issuer and market participants agree to disagree about the characteristics of the asset to be securitized. We show that pooling assets can be optimal because it mitigates the effects of disagreement between issuer and investors, whereas tranching a cash-flow stream allows the issuer to exploit disagreement between investors. Interestingly, pooling and tranching can be complements. The optimality of debt with or without call provisions can be derived as a special case. In a model with multiple financing rounds, convertible securities naturally emerge to finance highly skewed ventures.
The Factors Determining Dividend Policy of Financial Firms Listed on the Borsa Istanbul

This study examines the factors determining the dividend policy of financial firms in Turkey. Analysing a panel dataset of 80 financial firms listed on the Borsa Istanbul over the period 2009‒2016, the results reveal that profitability, debt, growth, firm size, liquidity and asset tangibility are the financial characteristics that have significant effects on dividend decisions. The findings also show that foreign shareholders are the only owners influencing financial firms in setting dividend payments, whereas board size, family members on the board and independent directors have significant impacts on dividend policies of financial corporations. Overall, the study results suggest that the major factors determining dividend policy decisions of financial firms in Turkey are similar to those of the industrial (non-financial) firms documented in the literature
Assessing the Influence of Logistics Outsourcing Practices on Organizational Performance in the Mining Industry

The emergence of globalization has made outsourcing to become one of the widely embraced business strategies for delivering outstanding services to consumers in both private and public organisations. While a number of scholars have analysed the concept of outsourcing and its influence on organizational performance, little research has been conducted in this regard in the Namibian mining industry context. The discovery of this absence of research therefore generated the following question: “what is the influence of logistics outsourcing practices on organizational performance in the Namibian mining sector? ” An experimental quantitative research was carried out at one of the biggest Namibian diamond mining companies – namely Namdeb Diamond Corporation – to answer to the above question. The population for this study comprised logistics department employees (including managers and supervisors) at Namdeb Diamond Corporation. The company had a total of 105 logistics employees countrywide and a 6-point Likert scale questionnaire was administered to all of them via e-mail. The response rate was 95%. To analyse the collected data, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Partial Least Squares regression analysis) were used. The results revealed a positive influence of logistics outsourcing practices on organizational performance in the Namibian mining sector.
Current review on organophosphorus poisoning.

Organophosphorus (OP) compounds constitute a heterogeneous category of chemicals specifically designed for the control of pests, weeds or plant diseases. Our review article mainly focused on OP poisoning, especially with pesticides, its severity and management of toxic exposure. We developed a search strategy to find publications about OP poisoning and its management. So, we searched Science Direct, Medline and PubMed bibliographic databases using the key phrases causes of organophosphorus compounds, diagnosis, management of OP poisoning and drugs under clinical trials. Our review article examines pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, toxicokinetics of OP poison, its prevention and management. In addition to that, our review suggested antioxidants should be administered for OP poisoning patients to reduce severity. We conclude that in future, the ministry of agriculture of developing countries especially India, should concentrate on the optimization and monitoring of usage of OP compounds as pesticides and furthermore, encouraging the farmers to use natural pesticides rather than chemical pesticides.
Managing online communications and feedback relating to the Welsh visitor attraction experience : apathy and inflexibility in tourism marketing practice?

Understanding of what constitutes a tourism experience has been the focus of increasing attention in academic literature in recent years. For tourism businesses operating in an ever more competitive marketplace, identifying and responding to the needs and wants of their customers, and understanding how the product or consumer experience is created is arguably essential. The impact of user generated content (UGC) and online reviews in the tourism sector has captured the attention of academics, yet the focus has been mostly on the accommodation sector. The application of online social media sites such as TripAdvisor and Facebook by visitors to attractions and, particularly, by attraction operators has seemingly received little academic attention to date. This thesis sets out to gain a critical insight into Welsh visitor attraction operators’ understanding of the visitor experience, and their practices in relation to managing online communication and feedback. It uses a three-phase methodological approach to investigate attraction operators’ understanding of visitor experience; to critically analyse their opinions on the use of social media by themselves and their publics; and to identify the online co-creation of visitor experience for selected visitor attractions in Wales. A combination of research methods was used: online questionnaires with eighty-one Welsh attraction operators; sixteen semi structured interviews with Welsh visitor attraction operators; and a netnographic review of the digital ‘footprint’ of eighty-four Welsh visitor attractions. It is found that the online co-creation of experience for Welsh visitor attractions is predominantly visitor-led, and that supply-side interaction is lacking in the feedback and communication process. It is apparent that many Welsh visitor attraction operators are missing a key marketing opportunity to develop their online presence and exploit the interactive communication opportunities offered by Web 2.0 and social media. The findings contribute to theoretical understanding of co-creation of experience, and online interactions between suppliers and consumers in a tourism context. The management implications of apparent apathy or indifference and inflexibility in the marketing practices of many Welsh visitor attractions are considered.
Quantum dots for tumor-targeted drug delivery and cell imaging.

Early detection of cancer and targeted drug delivery, specifically in and around tumors and at concentrations that would decrease the growth rate and/or viability of the tumors, continues to be the primary challenge in the treatment of cancer. In many cases, the malignancy of tumors is detected only at advanced stages when chemotherapeutic drugs become increasingly toxic to healthy cells. To reduce this problem, targeted drug delivery and early detection of cancer cells continue to be investigated extensively. A tumor-targeting drug delivery system generally consists of a tumor-recognition moiety and a drug-loaded vesicle. Detection systems often involve invasive methods, such as tissue biopsy and sophisticated diagnostics tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging. However, there is no known single system currently that is capable of targeting drug delivery and imaging the delivery process simultaneously. An excellent vehicle to accomplish this objective is to develop a single system that is capable of targeting drug delivery and imaging the delivery process simultaneously to monitor the time course of subcellular location. Integration of biomaterials and semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) fields has good potential for addressing the current problems faced in cancer therapy by using biodegradable chitosan (N-acetyglucosamine) for tumor-targeted drug delivery and QDs for noninvasive imaging. The drug-loaded chitosan-encapsulated ZnO:Mn2+ QDs represent a potential platform to deliver tumor-targeted drugs and document the delivery process simultaneously [Hein S, Pers. Comm.]. Doping enables us to tune into desired fluorescence emission. The doping of ZnO with low concentration of manganese is expected to increase the band-gap energy of ZnO with a
Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility in keratinized tissue width assessment with 3 methods for mucogingival junction determination.

BACKGROUND Although the need for "adequate" amount of keratinized tissue (KT) for periodontal health is questionable, the mucogingival junction (MGJ) often serves as a measurement landmark in periodontal evaluations. Limited information is available on the reproducibility of KT width (KTW) assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility in measuring KTW by using 3 different methods to identify MGJ location. METHODS Fifteen patients provided 17 teeth which had undergone a gingival augmentation procedure (connective tissue graft; surgery group) and an equal number of contralateral, non-treated teeth (control group). At the midbuccal aspect of each tooth, KTW was assessed by 2 independent examiners after MGJ identification by the visual (VM), functional (FM), and visual with histochemical staining (HM) method. Data analysis was based on intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for differences between replicate measurements. RESULTS KTW was significantly different between treated and control teeth. No significant differences in KTW were found in relation to method for MGJ determination and examiner. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility was high, regardless of treatment status or method for MGJ determination (ICC = 0.92 - 0.99). Standard deviations of the difference between replicate measurements ranged from 0.46 mm for VM to 0.21 mm for HM. CONCLUSIONS Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility has been shown to be substantially consistent when different methods for MGJ determination are used to measure the apico-coronal dimension of the gingiva. The level of reproducibility does not seem to be affected whether or not the mucogingival complex has been surgically altered by a gingival augmentation procedure.
TBK1-associated Protein in Endolysosomes (TAPE)/CC2D1A Is a Key Regulator Linking RIG-I-like Receptors to Antiviral Immunity*

Background: RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling to antiviral immunity is important but remains elusive. Results: TAPE/CC2D1A functionally and physically regulates the RLR-IPS-1 pathways. Conclusion: TAPE/CC2D1A is essential for linking RLRs to antiviral immunity. Significance: This current work uncovers TAPE as a novel regulator of RLR signaling and provides novel insights into the early events of RLR-mediated antiviral responses. Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) are key RNA viral sensors for triggering antiviral immunity. The underlying mechanisms for RLRs to trigger antiviral immunity have yet to be explored. Here we report the identification of TAPE (TBK1-associated protein in endolysosomes) as a novel regulator of the RLR pathways. TAPE functionally and physically interacts with RIG-I, MDA5, and IPS-1 to activate the IFN-β promoter. TAPE knockdown impairs IFN-β activation induced by RLRs but not IPS-1. TAPE-deficient cells are defective in cytokine production upon RLR ligand stimulation. During RNA virus infection, TAPE knockdown or deficiency diminishes cytokine production and antiviral responses. Our data demonstrate a critical role for TAPE in linking RLRs to antiviral immunity.