Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of Linear Systems by Bit-Memory Controllers under Constraints of Bit-Length

In this paper, we deal with stabilization problem of discrete time linear systems by bit-memory controllers under constraints of bit-length. The bit-memory is a unified notion for the complexity of controllers and the information limitation such as data rate constraints. We formulate a stabilization problem and give its controllers by two approaches. The first one is with an approximation of the ordinary stabilizing controllers for the plants by the dynamical systems which have quantized state variables of limited bit-length. This approximated bit-memory controller strictly follows the output of the original controller within a given error bound. The second one is an observer based bit-memory controller which gives the state estimation following the original state also within an error bound. We give the upper bounds of the bit-length of the controllers which satisfy a practical stability of the closed loop systems. Finally we analyze the relationship between the complexity of the controllers, the characteristics of the plants such as pole, and control performance and discuss their application for the networked control
Locational patterns of new graduate employment and regional economic performance in Australia

The locational patterns of employment of new graduates from universities in Australia are examined in relation to the endogenous regional employment growth of destination regions. The data sources used include the 2006 database provided by the Graduate Careers Council for more than 65,000 university graduates detailing the postcodes locations where they have obtained jobs within six months after graduation in addition to the university where they studied. The analysis investigates the degree to which university graduates obtained jobs within the same region where they studied. In addition, the paper examines the relationship between the attractive force of regions as measured by their share of new graduate jobs generated and the endogenous regional employment growth performance of those regions over the decade 1996–2006 and the national share scale of regional labour markets.
The Chinese Stock Dividend Puzzle

In this paper, we examine the announcement effects of dividends with an emphasis on stock dividends in China's capital market. We find that dividend-paying stocks exhibit significantly positive abnormal returns while non-dividend-paying stocks show a negative announcement effect. Further, we document that the cumulative abnormal returns for pure stock dividends and combined dividends are the main drivers of this announcement effect. In contrast, pure cash dividend stocks experience no significant price run-up before announcement. The significant announcement effect of stock dividends is robust to controlling the earnings surprise effect. We offer some discussion of the possible explanations.
Roaming Romantics: Solitude-seeking and Self-centredness in Scenic Sightseeing

This account describes results from a study of motor tourists characterized by an individualistic-romantic outlook, utilizing data from the Norwegian Foreign Visitor Survey. In segments of modern-day holiday travel, there seems to be dynamic cultures of individualism. Relating to this discourse, discrimination between individualistic-romantic and collective tourist viewpoints is established. Romantic, nature-oriented tourists are typically characterized by an emphasis on solitude and privacy. The main objective of the paper is to identify motor tourists who prefer to experience landscapes and nature without the presence of other holidaymakers, and to examine these visitors in regard to some essential travel standpoints and activities. The study contributes to international tourism research by utilizing an empirical approach to the comprehension of tourists' frames of mind previously discussed in conceptual or theoretical studies. In the summer of 2000, about 60% of the foreign motorists in Northern Norway agreed that they generally prefer to experience nature without the presence of other tourists, while only 10% disagreed. Some 31% neither agreed nor disagreed in this statement. The individualistic-romantic motorists mostly had offbeat places or larger geographical areas as their main destinations. In conclusion, the article puts forward an alternative, empirically based perspective of self-perceptions among individualistic-romantic and solitude-seeking motorists in Northern Scandinavia.
Subcutaneous apomorphine in late stage Parkinson’s disease: a long term follow up

OBJECTIVES Despite the recent introduction of new peroral drugs as well as neurosurgical methods for Parkinson’s disease, treatment of late stage parkinsonian patients remains difficult and many patients become severely handicapped because of fluctuations in their motor status. Injections and infusions of apomorphine has been suggested as an alternative in the treatment of these patients, but the number of studies describing the effects of such a treatment over longer time periods is still limited. The objective was to investigate the therapeutic response and range of side effects during long term treatment with apomorphine in advanced Parkinson’s disease. METHODS Forty nine patients (30 men, 19 women; age range 42–80 years) with Parkinson’s disease were treated for 3 to 66 months with intermittent subcutaneous injections or continuous infusions of apomorphine. RESULTS Most of the patients experienced a long term symptomatic improvement. The time spent in “off” was significantly reduced from 50 to 29.5% with injections and from 50 to 25% with infusions of apomorphine. The quality of the remaining “off” periods was improved with infusion treatment, but was relatively unaffected by apomorphine injections. The overall frequency and intensity of dyskinesias did not change. The therapeutic effects of apomorphine were stable over time. The most common side effect was local inflammation at the subcutaneous infusion site, whereas the most severe were psychiatric side effects occurring in 44% of the infusion and 12% of the injection treated patients. CONCLUSION Subcutaneous apomorphine is a highly effective treatment which can substantially improve the symptomatology in patients with advanced stage Parkinson’s disease over a prolonged period of time.
Aquaporin Z of Escherichia coli: Reassessment of Its Regulation and Physiological Role

ABSTRACT Transcription of an aqpZ-lac fusion in a single copy on the Escherichia coli chromosome increased as cells entered the stationary growth phase. This was true in a variety of media, and increased transcription in enriched medium required the RpoS sigma factor. Expression of the aqpZ-lac fusion was not affected by up- or downshifts in osmolality. Disruption of aqpZ had no detectable adverse effects.
Earnings Management Through Transaction Structuring: Contingent Convertible Debt and Diluted Earnings Per Share

In this article we examine whether firms structure their convertible bond transactions to manage diluted earnings per share (EPS). We find that the likelihood of firms issuing contingent convertible bonds (COCOs), which are often excluded from diluted EPS calculations under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 128, is significantly associated with the reduction that would occur in diluted EPS if the bonds were traditionally structured. We also document that firms' use of EPS-based compensation contracts significantly affects the likelihood of COCO issuance and find weak evidence that reputation costs, measured using earnings restatement data, play a role in the structuring decision. These results are robust to controlling for alternative motivations for issuing COCOs, including tax and dilution arguments. In addition, an examination of announcement returns reveals that investors view the net benefits and costs of COCOs as offsetting one another. Our results contribute to the literature on earnings management, diluted EPS, financial reporting costs, and financial innovation.
The Role of Local Agglomeration Economies and Regional Characteristics in Attracting FDI: Italian Evidence

Abstract The objective of this paper is to test for the importance of local agglomeration externalities in determining inward foreign direct investment (FDI) intensity, viewed as a measure of regional attractiveness to FDI. The links between the degree of FDI inflow penetration into Italy and its determinants at the regional level are examined using alternative fixed effects panel data model specifications, also extended to include spatial effects. It is found that sectoral and regional specificities are relevant in attracting inward FDI into Italy and the different effects of intra‐sector and inter‐sector spillovers can be distinguished. There is also evidence that the importance of agglomeration spillovers connected to the geographical distance varies across regions, indicating both substitution and complementarity effects from FDI inflows into neighboring regions.
Diagnostic testing for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses.

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is a slowly progressive disorder that afflicts most breeds of horses. Because it shares features with human Cushing disease, it has been referred to as equine Cushing disease. A variety of tests of pituitary-adrenocortical function were performed on horses with evidence of pituitary pars intermediate dysfunction, and results were compared with those in healthy control horses. Diurnal variations in plasma cortisol concentration were not statistically different between control horses and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. An ACTH stimulation (1 U of natural ACTH gel/kg of body weight, IM) test or a combined dexamethasone suppression test (10 mg, IM) and ACTH stimulation (100 mg of synthetic ACTH, IV) test also failed to distinguish horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction from control horses. A significant (P < 0.001) dose-related suppression of cortisol concentration in response to increasing doses (5, 10, 20, and 40 micrograms/kg) of dexamethasone was observed in control horses but not in those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. On the basis of plasma cortisol concentration, the dexamethasone suppression test, using 40 micrograms/kg, whether initiated at 5 PM with sample collection at 15 (8 AM) and 19 (12 PM) hours after dexamethasone administration, or initiated at 12 AM with sample collection at 8 (8 AM), 12 (12 PM), 16 (4 PM), 20 (8 PM), and 24 (12 AM) hours after dexamethasone administration, reliably distinguished between control horses and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Zygoma fixture in the management of advanced atrophy of the maxilla: technique and long‐term results

Despite refinements in surgical technique, including bone grafting and sophisticated prosthetic reconstructions, there are limitations to what can be achieved with bone‐anchored fixed prostheses in patients with advanced atrophy of the maxillae. A new approach was suggested by a long‐term study on onlay bone grafting and simultaneous placement of a fixture based on a new design: the zygoma fixture, and the aim of this study was to assess its potential. Twenty‐eight consecutive patients with severely resorbed edentulous maxillae were included, 13 of whom had previously had multiple fixture surgery in the jawbone that had failed. A total of 52 zygoma fixtures and 106 conventional fixtures were installed. Bone grafting was deemed necessary in 17 patients. All patients have been followed for at least five years, and nine for up to 10 years. All patients were followed up with clinical and radiographic examinations, and in some cases rhinoscopy and sinoscopy as well. Three zygoma fixtures failed; two at the time of connection of the abutment and the third after six years. Of the conventional fixtures placed at the time of the zygoma fixture, 29 (27%) were lost. The overall prosthetic rehabilitation rate was 96% after at least five years of function. There were no signs of inflammatory reaction in the surrounding antral mucosa. Four patients with recurrent sinusitis recovered after inferior meatal antrostomy. To conclude, the zygoma fixture seems to be a valuable addition to our repertoire in the management of the compromised maxilla.
Hearing only one side of normal and mobile phone conversations

Mobile (cell) phone conversations are commonly perceived as annoying when conducted in a public space. An experiment is described that demonstrates one factor contributing to this phenomenon: hearing only one side of a conversation makes it more noticeable and intrusive. Two actors repeatedly staged the same conversation under three conditions: cell phone; normal, co-present both audible, and co-present only one audible. After the staged conversation, which took place on a train, a third person obtained verbal ratings from members of the travelling public. As in a previous experiment published in this journal, the cell phone conversation was rated as more noticeable and intrusive than the normal co-present both audible conversation. Critically, a new experimental condition, co-present one-audible, in which both actors were present but only one side of the conversation was heard, produced ratings equivalent to the cell phone condition. This ‘need-to-listen’ effect is discussed with regard to implications for design and theories of language use.
Co-chaperone Regulation of Conformational Switching in the Hsp90 ATPase Cycle*

ATP hydrolysis by the Hsp90 molecular chaperone requires a connected set of conformational switches triggered by ATP binding to the N-terminal domain in the Hsp90 dimer. Central to this is a segment of the structure, which closes like a “lid” over bound ATP, promoting N-terminal dimerization and assembly of a competent active site. Hsp90 mutants that influence these conformational switches have strong effects on ATPase activity. ATPase activity is specifically regulated by Hsp90 co-chaperones, which directly influence the conformational switches. Here we have analyzed the effect of Hsp90 mutations on binding (using isothermal titration calorimetry and difference circular dichroism) and ATPase regulation by the co-chaperones Aha1, Sti1 (Hop), and Sba1 (p23). The ability of Sti1 to bind Hsp90 and arrest its ATPase activity was not affected by any of the mutants screened. Sba1 bound in the presence of AMPPNP to wild-type and ATPase hyperactive mutants with similar affinity but only very weakly to hypoactive mutants despite their wild-type ATP affinity. Unexpectedly, in all cases Sba1 bound to Hsp90 with a 1:2 molar stoichiometry. Aha1 binding to mutants was similar to wild-type, but the -fold activation of their ATPase varied substantially between mutants. Analysis of complex formation with co-chaperone mixtures showed Aha1 and p50cdc37 able to bind Hsp90 simultaneously but without direct interaction. Sba1 and p50cdc37 bound independently to Hsp90-AMPPNP but not together. These data indicated that Sba1 and Aha1 regulate Hsp90 by influencing the conformational state of the “ATP lid” and consequent N-terminal dimerization, whereas Sti1 does not.
Replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in retinal pigment epithelium.

IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important cause of posterior uveitis in tuberculosis-endemic regions. Clinical and histopathologic evidence suggests that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can harbor M tuberculosis. However, the mechanism of M tuberculosis phagocytosis and its growth in RPE is not clear. OBJECTIVE To investigate M tuberculosis phagocytosis, replication, and cytopathic effects in RPE cells compared with macrophages. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Human fetal RPE and monocytic leukemia macrophage (THP-1) cell lines were cultured, and RPE and THP-1 cells were exposed to avirulent M tuberculosis H37Ra. Mycobacteria were added to RPE and THP-1 cells with a 5:1 multiplicity of infection. Nonphagocytized M tuberculosis was removed after 12 hours of exposure (day 0). Cells were harvested at days 0, 1, and 5 to count live and dead cells and intracellular mycobacteria. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry; intracellular bacillary load, following TLR2 and TLR4 blockade. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Number of intracellular M tuberculosis, cell survival, and TLR2 and TLR4 expression in RPE and THP-1 cells following exposure to M tuberculosis. RESULTS At day 0, an equal number of intracellular M tuberculosis was observed per THP-1 and RPE cells (0.45 and 0.35 M tuberculosis per RPE and THP-1 cells, respectively). Mean (SD) number of intracellular M tuberculosis at day 5 was 1.9 (0.03) and 3.3 (0.01) per RPE and THP-1 cells, respectively (P < .001). Viability of infected RPE was significantly greater than that of THP-1 cells at day 5 (viable cells: 17 [8%] THP-1 vs 73% [4%] RPE; P < .05). Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was detected in both cell types after 12 hours of exposure. Inhibition of TLR2 and TLR4 reduced intracellular M tuberculosis counts in RPE but not in THP-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Mycobacterium tuberculosis is phagocytized by RPE to a similar extent as in macrophages. However, RPE cells are better able to control bacillary growth and RPE cell survival is greater than that of THP-1 cells following mycobacterial infection, suggesting that RPE can serve as a reservoir for intraocular M tuberculosis infection.
Compensation disclosure in China

This study examines compensation disclosure and corporate governance in the Chinese stock market. China’s unfolding governance reform and the adoption of western-style disclosure present a quasi-experimental setting to examine the effect of governance mechanisms on levels of disclosure. We code annual reports of Chinese listed companies and use content analysis to obtain a disclosure index. The results are mixed: only two governance mechanisms, audit committees and the proportion of independent directors, affect compensation disclosure. Our results suggest that cultural and social-political factors play a role in compensation disclosure in China. We also find evidence that compensation disclosure is negatively associated with cost of capital of the firm.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 and 6 regulate Botrytis cinerea-induced ethylene production in Arabidopsis.

Plants challenged by pathogens, especially necrotrophic fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, produce high levels of ethylene. At present, the signaling pathways underlying the induction of ethylene after pathogen infection are largely unknown. MPK6, an Arabidopsis stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was previously shown to regulate the stability of ACS2 and ACS6, two type I ACS isozymes (1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase). Phosphorylation of ACS2 and ACS6 by MPK6 prevents rapid degradation of ACS2/ACS6 by the 26S proteasome pathway, resulting in an increase in cellular ACS activity and ethylene biosynthesis. Here, we show that MPK3, which shares high homology and common upstream MAPK kinases with MPK6, is also capable of phosphorylating ACS2 and ACS6. In the mpk3 mutant background, ethylene production in gain-of-function GVG-NtMEK2(DD) transgenic plants was compromised, suggesting that MPK6 and MPK3 function together to stabilize ACS2 and ACS6. Using a liquid-cultured seedling system, we found that B. cinerea-induced ethylene biosynthesis was greatly compromised in mpk3/mpk6 double mutant seedlings. In contrast, ethylene production decreased only slightly in the mpk6 single mutant and not at all in the mpk3 single mutant, demonstrating overlapping roles for these two highly homologous MAPKs in pathogen-induced ethylene induction. Consistent with the role of MPK3/MPK6 in the process, mutation of ACS2 and ACS6, two genes encoding downstream substrates of MPK3/MPK6, also reduced B. cinerea-induced ethylene production. The residual levels of ethylene induction in the acs2/acs6 double mutant suggest the involvement of additional ACS isoforms, possibly regulated by MAPK-independent pathway(s).
Association Between Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection and Regional Adipose Tissue Volume in HIV-Infected Men and Women

Objective:Coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is reported to be associated with a higher prevalence of lipodystrophy than HIV infection alone. We examine the association between HCV and adipose tissue volume in HIV-infected men and women. Methods:Cross-sectional analysis of HIV-infected subjects from the study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV Infection. MRI measured regional adipose tissue volume. Detectable HCV RNA defined HCV infection. Results:Twenty percent of 792 men and 26% of 329 women were HIV/HCV-coinfected. HIV/HCV-coinfected and HIV-monoinfected women had similar amounts of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in the leg, lower trunk, upper trunk, and arm and similar amounts of visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Similar findings were seen in men, except in the leg and VAT. After adjustment, HCV infection remained associated with more leg fat in men (12.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3 to 25.3; P = 0.043). Among those on stavudine, HIV-monoinfected men had less leg fat (−7% effect per year of stavudine use, 95% CI: −9 to −5; P < 0.001); a weaker association was seen in HIV/HCV-coinfected men (−2% effect, 95% CI: −7 to 3; P = 0.45). Indinavir was associated with less leg fat (−4% in HIV-monoinfected men, 95% CI: −6 to −1; P = 0.002; −5% in HIV/HCV-coinfected men, 95% CI: −11 to 2; P = 0.14). Conclusions:Our findings suggest that HIV/HCV coinfection is not associated with less SAT in men and women. HCV infection seems to mitigate the loss of leg fat seen in HIV-infected men on stavudine.
Public Opinion and the Legitimacy of International Courts

Abstract Public legitimacy consists of beliefs among the mass public that an international court has the right to exercise authority in a certain domain. If publics strongly support such authority, it may be more difficult for (democratically elected) governments to undermine an international court that takes controversial decisions. However, early studies found that while a majority of the public trusts international courts, this was based on weak attitudes derivative from more general legal values and support for the international institutions. I reexamine these claims with data for European courts, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice. First, using Google search data and media-analysis I find that, at least in Europe, information-seeking about international courts has increased and is at similar levels to national high courts and prominent international institutions. Second, trust in international courts remains strongly correlated with trust in international and domestic institutions. Countries in which more individuals trust their national courts are also countries in which more individuals trust international courts. Individuals who trust their national courts more are also more trusting of international courts. This undermines at least some interpretations of the credible commitment argument: in the minds of the general public, international courts may not be substitutes for poorly performing domestic courts, but extensions of a functioning rule of law system that they already trust.