Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quadratic separators in the input-output setting

The paper provides a formulation of the quadratic separator result in a fairly general input-output operator framework and it focuses on the specific points that are different compared to the usual finite dimensional formulations. The major contribution of the paper is to emphasize the role of the causality in obtaining the stability result having a quadratic separator and the fact that the plant and the boundedness constant in the formulation of the well-posedness condition determine the robust stability domain associated to the given plant, i.e., the set of those systems {K} that stabilizes the given plant and produce the given “disturbance rejection” level γ Concerning the causality issue the necessity of the homotopy argument in the IQC results is also explained and its relation with a general result concerning nest algebras is pointed out.
Pregnancy Enhances the Effects of Hypercholesterolemia on Posterior Cerebral Arteries

In preeclampsia, hyperlipidemia is enhanced compared to normal pregnancy that could adversely affect vascular function. In the cerebral vasculature, this could lead to dysregulation of cerebral blood flow and neurological complications. Here, we examined the effect of excessive hyperlipidemia, as seen in preeclampsia, on cerebral artery function and expression of inflammatory markers in pregnancy. Pregnant and nonpregnant rats received a 14-day high-cholesterol diet or normal chow and posterior cerebral artery function was compared. High cholesterol significantly increased sensitivity of posterior cerebral arteries to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside that was accompanied by a ~12-fold increased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in late-pregnant rats only. Further, high cholesterol significantly increased peroxynitrite-induced dilation and decreased myogenic tone in cerebral arteries from late pregnant compared to nonpregnant animals. These results suggest that pathologically high levels of cholesterol in pregnancy enhance inflammatory responses and peroxynitrite generation in cerebral arteries.
Iridium Complexes with Proton-Responsive Azole-Type Ligands as Effective Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation.

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium (Cp*Ir) complexes with bidentate ligands consisting of a pyridine ring and an electron-rich diazole ring were prepared. Their catalytic activity toward CO2 hydrogenation in 2.0 m KHCO3 aqueous solutions (pH 8.5) at 50 °C, under 1.0 MPa CO2 /H2 (1:1) have been reported as an alternative to photo- and electrochemical CO2 reduction. Bidentate ligands incorporating an electron-rich diazole ring improved the catalytic performance of the Ir complexes compared to the bipyridine ligand. Complexes 2, 4, and 6, possessing both a hydroxy group and an uncoordinated NH group, which are proton-responsive and capable of generating pendent bases in basic media, recorded high initial turnover frequency values of 1300, 1550, and 2000 h-1 , respectively. Spectroscopic and computational investigations revealed that the reversible deprotonation changes the electronic properties of the complexes and causes interactions between pendent base and substrate and/or solvent water molecules, resulting in high catalytic performance in basic media.
Coping with flood: role of institutions in Bangladesh

The article examines the coping strategies that rural households adopted during the 1998 flood in Bangladesh and assesses its impact on household welfare, including coping and vulnerability. Both vulnerability and poverty have in general declined in Bangladesh. Yet, 60% of rural households adopted a coping of one type or another and about half of rural households were both vulnerable as well as found to adopt any coping mechanism during the 1998 flood. Household-level panel data analysis confirms that the flood reduced both consumption and asset, and forced many households to adopt some coping mechanisms to mitigate the adverse effects of flood. Consequently, natural disaster such as flooding increases households' vulnerability to poverty. However, post-flood bumper crop production and operation of targeted programs such as microfinance helped compensate the losses of flood. Copyright 2007 International Association of Agricultural Economists.
Quality and contractual choice: a transaction cost approach to the polish hog market

This paper analyses the marketing arrangements between Polish hog producers and buyers at a time when high-quality markets are emerging. Interrelationships between four key factors are investigated: governance structures, prices, grading and investment in quality production. A sample of 200 Polish hog producers is analysed. A multinomial logit analysis indicates that producers' choice between large processors as opposed to traders and local slaughterhouses can be predicted by type of contract, grading and quality. A cluster analysis reveals four distinct groups of farmers according to investment in specific assets, ability to safeguard assets, degree of coordination with buyers, use of grading and written contracts, and extent of bargaining power. Copyright 2001, Oxford University Press.
Influence of allergy in patients with nasal polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery

Conclusion. Allergy does not modify the symptoms and steroid consumption (oral and local) of nasal polyposis (NP) patients after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Objectives. To assess the role of allergy in the evolution after FESS of patients presenting with the diagnosis of NP. Patients and methods. This was a prospective study of 63 consecutive patients with NP (57% males, mean age 45.8 years), who were analyzed to detect whether the results of a surgical treatment of NP were influenced by the presence of positive allergic tests (Phadiatop®). Three nasal criteria were scored: nasal obstruction, posterior rhinorrhea, and the loss of smell. The frequency of asthma was evaluated. Medical treatment of NP after FESS consisted of washing of the nasal cavities, steroid spray, and oral steroid administration. The amount of consumption of steroids (prednisolone and beclomethasone) was studied. Results. Decrease of all nasal symptoms was not statistically different in the two groups of patients with and without allergy. Cumulative consumption of prednisolone and beclomethasone after surgery was similar in the two groups.
An enhanced depth estimation system using RGB-D cameras and gyroscopes

In this paper, we present an efficient method to accelerate the depth estimation for the RGB-D camera. Our approach can obtain more depth information and extend the measurement range in two steps. First, we estimate the depth of positions that are too far away and irrelevant to any objects or plans using the color camera and a gyroscope. To adapt to any situations and angels, we use a virtual plane that can be changed by the gyroscope. Second, our method extends the depth of unknown points to increase the measurement range that reconstructs the 3D model and makes it better than the original. Our work takes a new view of 3D reconstruction, and it can be used widely by people without any professional tools. The result shows that the proposed approach is more accurate and robust than the previous work in various environments.
A Market Microstructure Explanation for Predictable Variations in Stock Returns following Large Price Changes

Abstract Prior empirical evidence of predictable variations in stock returns following large price changes is found to be, at least in part, driven by the sample selection bias arising from the systematic movement of closing transaction prices within the bid-ask spread. By using the average of the bid-ask prices in the sample selection process, the price reversal on the day following the events (day +1) disappears. For a short-run period after day +1, however, systematic abnormal return patterns are still observed. These short-run price reversals persist even after controlling for the influence of systematic trading patterns around the events. However, investigation of contrarian investment profits from these short-run price reversals shows that the average abnormal returns are not large enough to cover the transaction price movement between the bid and ask prices.
Long Live Day of the Week Patterns and the Financial Trends’ Role. Evidence from the Greek Stock Market during the Euro Era (2002-12).

The main objective of this study is to examine if the long term financial trends influence not only a stock market’s returns, but also the day of the week pattern (DOW). In order to examine the specific issue we try to find a financial market which: (i) presents clear and long-term financial trends, and (ii) during the examined period does not present significant regulatory, institutional and economic reforms (ceteris paribus principle), which influence the DOW. The Greek stock market during the period 2002-12 satisfies our assumptions. We divide the total period into growth (2002-07) and recession (2008-12) sub-period in order to examine the patterns behavior under changing financial trends. Several models that are usually used in the respective literature (OLS, GARCH family) are applied in order to conclude that the TGARCH asymmetry model is the most appropriate due to the leverage effect. The literature review and the empirical results show that for the Greek stock market there is a long-term tendency for the turn of the week effect, but the changing financial trend influences the strength of the specific calendar effect. Therefore, if we examine the calendar anomalies without taking into account the financial trend we may reach conclusions that are not completely correct. Moreover, the fact that scholars do not take into account the ceteris paribus and/or the financial trend’s role may be a new-alternative explanation why the empirical literature provides conflicting findings for the calendar anomalies existence through time.
Enzymatic processing of collagen IV by MMP‐2 (gelatinase A) affects neutrophil migration and it is modulated by extracatalytic domains

Proteolytic degradation of basement membrane influences the cell behavior during important processes, such as inflammations, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and allergic diseases. In this study, we have investigated the action of gelatinase A (MMP‐2) on collagen IV, the major constituent of the basement membrane. We have compared quantitatively its action on the soluble forms of collagen IV extracted with or without pepsin (from human placenta and from Engelbreth–Holm–Swarm [EHS] murine sarcoma, respectively). The catalytic efficiency of MMP‐2 is dramatically reduced in the case of the EHS murine sarcoma with respect to the human placenta, probably due to the much tighter packing of the network which renders very slow the speed of the rate‐limiting step. We have also enquired on the role of MMP‐2 domains in processing collagen IV. Addition of the isolated collagen binding domain, corresponding to the fibronectin‐like domain of whole MMP‐2, greatly in hibits the cleavage process, demonstrating that MMP‐2 interacts with collagen type IV preferentially through its fibronectin‐like domain. Conversely, the removal of the hemopexin‐like domain, using only the catalytic domain of MMP‐2, has only a limited effect on the catalytic efficiency toward collagen IV, indicating that the missing domain does not have great relevance for the overall mechanism. Finally, we have investigated the effect of MMP‐2 proteolytic activity ex vivo. MMP‐2 action negatively affects the neutrophils' migration across type IV coated membranes and this is likely related to the production of lower molecular weight fragments that impair the cellular migration.
Cell-Specific Cholinergic Modulation of Excitability of Layer 5B Principal Neurons in Mouse Auditory Cortex

The neuromodulator acetylcholine (ACh) is crucial for several cognitive functions, such as perception, attention, and learning and memory. Whereas, in most cases, the cellular circuits or the specific neurons via which ACh exerts its cognitive effects remain unknown, it is known that auditory cortex (AC) neurons projecting from layer 5B (L5B) to the inferior colliculus, corticocollicular neurons, are required for cholinergic-mediated relearning of sound localization after occlusion of one ear. Therefore, elucidation of the effects of ACh on the excitability of corticocollicular neurons will bridge the cell-specific and cognitive properties of ACh. Because AC L5B contains another class of neurons that project to the contralateral cortex, corticocallosal neurons, to identify the cell-specific mechanisms that enable corticocollicular neurons to participate in sound localization relearning, we investigated the effects of ACh release on both L5B corticocallosal and corticocollicular neurons. Using in vitro electrophysiology and optogenetics in mouse brain slices, we found that ACh generated nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR)-mediated depolarizing potentials and muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChR)-mediated hyperpolarizing potentials in AC L5B corticocallosal neurons. In corticocollicular neurons, ACh release also generated nAChR-mediated depolarizing potentials. However, in contrast to the mAChR-mediated hyperpolarizing potentials in corticocallosal neurons, ACh generated prolonged mAChR-mediated depolarizing potentials in corticocollicular neurons. These prolonged depolarizing potentials generated persistent firing in corticocollicular neurons, whereas corticocallosal neurons lacking mAChR-mediated depolarizing potentials did not show persistent firing. We propose that ACh-mediated persistent firing in corticocollicular neurons may represent a critical mechanism required for learning-induced plasticity in AC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acetylcholine (ACh) is crucial for cognitive functions. Whereas in most cases the cellular circuits or the specific neurons via which ACh exerts its cognitive effects remain unknown, it is known that auditory cortex (AC) corticocollicular neurons projecting from layer 5B to the inferior colliculus are required for cholinergic-mediated relearning of sound localization after occlusion of one ear. Therefore, elucidation of the effects of ACh on the excitability of corticocollicular neurons will bridge the cell-specific and cognitive properties of ACh. Our results suggest that cell-specific ACh-mediated persistent firing in corticocollicular neurons may represent a critical mechanism required for learning-induced plasticity in AC. Moreover, our results provide synaptic mechanisms via which ACh may mediate its effects on AC receptive fields.
Improvement in the Accuracy of Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry for Whole Body and Regional Analysis of Body Composition: Validation Using Piglets and Methodologic Considerations in Infants

Previously, we conducted dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic QDR-1000/W) scans and carcass analysis of piglets to evaluate the Pediatric Whole Body software (PedWB) (V5.35) for use in infants. A software upgrade designed for infant whole body (InfWB) (V5.56) led to a reassessment of DXA by: 1) reanalysis of the original scans using InfWB software and 2) comparison of InfWB-estimates of bone mineral content (BMC) and lean and fat mass with chemical analysis. Other assessments included 1) methods of regional analysis and 2) artifacts and the Infant Table Pad in the scan field. The mean coefficients of variation for InfWB whole body measures in small piglets(n = 10, weight 1575 ± 73 g) and large piglets (n = 10, weight 5894 ± 208 g) were less than 2.6% except for fat mass which was higher (8.0% versus 6.3% and 6.6% versus 3.5%, respectively) compared with PedWB. In large piglets InfWB produced good estimates of BMC, lean and fat masses. In small piglets, fat mass by InfWB was correlated with chemical analysis, but not by PedWB. There was improvement in the estimation of BMC with InfWB, from 27 ± 2.2 g to 32 ± 2.3 g(carcass ash = 38 ± 3.3 g). Femur BMC analysis by InfWB was precise and was accurate when compared with chemical analysis. Artifacts in the DXA scan field (diapers and blankets) resulted in an increase of the DXA-estimated fat and lean masses. The Infant Table Pad increased the estimate of fat mass in a small piglet by 50%, thus further study is required before it is used routinely. Improvements of the DXA technology have resulted in a more accurate tool, if scanning procedures are carefully implemented.
Taking stock of small business and entrepreneurship research

Purpose – To map and evaluate current research and policy evidence from a major conference against the seven strategic themes published in the UK's Small Business Service policy document; draw conclusions concerning the research underpinning; and provide guidance for the future direction of research.Design/methodology/approach – Evidence is presented from an analysis of 180 papers and research presentations combined with expert opinions and perspectives from participants at the 28th Annual Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference in November 2005. The evaluation framework is formulated on the seven themes and includes an analysis of the research methods employed.Findings – Rapid growth evidenced in volume and diversity in small business and entrepreneurship research activity. The international community of researchers is growing with a greater preparedness to share findings and experiences. The engagement of more policy makers, advisors and practitioners together with researchers may im.
Validation of a Transient Pain Monitor in Healthy Volunteers

Background and Objectives: Transient pain in humans is usually quantified using visual analog or numeric rating scales, but no assessment method has yet been validated in real time during such stimulation. Methods: To validate a transient pain monitor, healthy volunteers submitted to stimulations generated by a CO2 laser at graded levels of stimulation were trained to close the dominant hand around a handgrip dynamometer as strongly as they felt the pain, and the signal was computerized. The parameters recorded for each response were the peak intensity, the area under the curve, and pain expressed on a visual analog scale as a control. The volunteers underwent a second session 1 week later to assess reproducibility. Results: The 3 parameters studied had a similar capacity to report the intensity of stimulation. The peak intensity showed many similarities with the visual analog scale, although a downward drift of the values throughout the session was observed. The area under the curve displayed a greater interindividual variability than other parameters, but it was better to assess low-intensity stimulation; a better fit for crossover designs was also suggested with the area under the curve. Conclusions: This study validates in human volunteers under a laser stimulation of skin the metrological properties of an electronic handgrip device to assess the intensity of transient punctuate pain (compared with visual analog scale). The transient pain monitor validated here should now be tested in the clinical context.
Valuation and land governance

Purpose – Land governance plays an important part in influencing the quality of valuations. The purpose of this paper is to review the different meanings of governance. Design/methodology/approach – The World Bank Indicators of Governance, Jones Lang LaSalle's Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI) and other data sources have been consulted. Findings – The paper discusses what is meant by good governance and how this can be measured. Originality/value – The paper presents some evidence to suggest that market transparency requires freedom of information and association, and is associated with factors such as the quality of institutions, the absence of corruption, and the quality of corporate governance.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer families in Southeast Asia

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), predominantly due to germline MLH1/MSH2 mutations, is the commonest form of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), but data in Asians are sparse. We sequenced the MLH1/MSH2 coding and promoter core regions in CRC patients diagnosed below age 40, and/or with multiple primary cancers or familial cancer clustering suggestive of HNPCC, and correlated deleterious mutations with clinical and tumour features. Forty‐six Chinese, Malay and Indian kindreds participated. Of the 153 cancers reported in the 46 kindreds, stomach (14%) and urogenital cancers (13%) were the most common extracolonic cancers, whereas endometrial cancer comprised only 7%. Eleven different MLH1 and 12 MSH2 mutations were identified, including nine novel and four recurring mutations in the Chinese. One Indian was a compound heterozygote for an MLH1 and MSH2 mutation. The MLH1/MSH2 mutation data in the Malays and the Indians represents the first in these ethnic groups. Factors strongly associated with deleterious mutations were the Amsterdam criteria, family history of stomach or multiple primary cancers, and MSI‐high tumours, whereas family history of endometrial cancer and young cancer age alone correlated poorly. Distinct clinical and molecular characteristics were identified among Asian HNPCC kindreds and may have important clinical implications.
Inflation and Economic Growth in Malaysia: A Threshold Regression Approach

This paper examines the issue of the existence of threshold effects in the relationship between inflation rate and growth rate of GDP in the context of Malaysia, using new endogenous threshold autoregressive (TAR) models proposed by Hansen (2000) for estimation and inference. The empirical analysis uses annual data from Malaysia for the period 1970–2005. A specific question addressed in this study was: What is the threshold inflation rate for Malaysia? The findings clearly suggest that one inflation threshold value (i.e., structural break point) exists for Malaysia; and this implies a non-linear relationship between inflation and growth. The estimated threshold regression model suggests 3.89 per cent as the threshold value of inflation rate above which inflation significantly retards growth rate of GDP. In addition, below the threshold level, there is a statistically significant positive relationship between inflation rate and growth. If Bank Negara (Central Bank of Malaysia) pays more attention to the inflation phenomena, then substantial gains can be achieved in low-inflation environment while conducting the new monetary policy.
Sequential extraction procedure for the speciation of particulate trace metals

An analytical procedure involving sequential chemicai extractions has been developed for the partitioning of particulate trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn) into five fractions: exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to Fe-Mn oxides, bound to organic matter, and residual. Experimental results obtained on replicate samples of fluvial bottom sediments demonstrate that the relative standard deviation of the sequential extraction procedure Is generally better than =10%. The accuracy, evaluated by comparing total trace metal concentrations with the sum of the five Individual fractions, proved to be satisfactory. Complementary measurements were performed on the Individual leachates, and on the residual sediments following each extraction, to evaluate the selectivity of the various reagents toward specific geochemical phases. An application of the proposed method to river sediments is described, and the resulting trace metal speciation is discussed.