Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new stability analysis of time delay control for input/output linearizable plants

Time delay control (TDC) is a robust nonlinear control scheme that uses time delay estimation (TDE). The TDC has a very simple structure, and its application on a real system needs its stability be guaranteed. The existing work has proposed sufficient stability condition of TDC for input/output linearizable plants in that it has been assumed that time delay was infinitesimal. However, it is impossible to implement infinitesimal time delay in a real system. Therefore, in this research we propose a new sufficient stability condition of TDC for input/output linearizable plants with finite a time delay. It can be verified by simulation results that the existing sufficient stability condition fails even under small time delays while the proposed condition performs well.
On optimal solutions to two-block H/sup /spl infin// problems

We obtain a new formula for the minimum achievable disturbance attenuation in two-block H/sup /spl infin// problems. This new formula has the same structure as the optimal H/sup /spl infin// norm formula for noncausal problems, except that doubly-infinite (so-called Laurent) operators must be replaced by semi-infinite (so-called Toeplitz) operators. The benefit of the new formula is that it allows one to find explicit expressions for the optimal H/sup /spl infin// norm in several important cases: the equalization problem, and the problem of filtering signals in additive noise. Furthermore, it leads one to the concepts of "worst-case non-estimability", corresponding to when causal filters cannot reduce the H/sup /spl infin// norms from their a priori values, and "worst-case complete estimability", corresponding to when causal filters offer the same H/sup /spl infin// performance as noncausal ones. We also obtain an explicit characterization of worst-case non-estimability and study the consequences to the problem of equalization with finite delay.
Roles of KLF6 and KLF6-SV1 in Ovarian Cancer Progression and Intraperitoneal Dissemination

Purpose: We investigated the role of the KLF6 tumor suppressor gene and its alternatively spliced isoform KLF6-SV1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Experimental Design: We first analyzed tumors from 68 females with EOC for KLF6 gene inactivation using fluorescent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis and direct DNA sequencing and then defined changes in KLF6 and KLF6-SV1 expression levels by quantitative real-time PCR. We then directly tested the effect of KLF6 and KLF6-SV1 inhibition in SKOV-3 stable cell lines on cellular invasion and proliferation in culture and tumor growth, i.p. dissemination, ascites production, and angiogenesis in vivo using BALB/c nu/nu mice. All statistical tests were two sided. Results: LOH was present in 59% of samples in a cell type–specific manner, highest in serous (72%) and endometrioid (75%) subtypes, but absent in clear cell tumors. LOH was significantly correlated with tumor stage and grade. In addition, KLF6 expression was decreased in tumors when compared with ovarian surface epithelial cells. In contrast, KLF6-SV1 expression was increased ∼5-fold and was associated with increased tumor grade regardless of LOH status. Consistent with these findings, KLF6 silencing increased cellular and tumor growth, angiogenesis, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, i.p. dissemination, and ascites production. Conversely, KLF6-SV1 down-regulation decreased cell proliferation and invasion and completely suppressed in vivo tumor formation. Conclusion: Our results show that KLF6 and KLF6-SV1 are associated with key clinical features of EOC and suggest that their therapeutic targeting may alter ovarian cancer growth, progression, and dissemination.
An uplink interference analysis for massive MIMO systems with MRC and ZF receivers

This paper considers an uplink cellular system, in which each base station (BS) is equipped with a large number of antennas to serve multiple single-antenna user equipments (UEs) simultaneously. Uplink training with pilot reusing is adopted to acquire the channel state information (CSI) and maximum ratio combining (MRC) or zero forcing (ZF) reception is used for handling multiuser interference. Leveraging stochastic geometry to model the spatial distribution of UEs, we analyze the statistical distributions of the interferences experienced by a typical uplink: intra-cell interference, inter-cell interference and interference due to pilot contamination. For a practical but still large number of BS antennas, a key observation for MRC reception is that it is the intra-cell interference that accounts for the dominant portion of the total interference. In addition, the interference due to pilot contamination tends to have a much wider distribution range than the inter-cell interference when shadowing is strong, although their mean powers are roughly equal. For ZF reception, on the other hand, we observe a significant reduction of the intra-cell interference compared to MRC reception, while the inter-cell interference and the interference due to pilot contamination remains almost the same, thus demonstrating a substantial superiority over MRC reception.
A Structure Exploiting Preprocessor for Semidefinite Programs Derived From the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov Lemma

Semidefinite programs derived from the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (KYP) lemma are quite common in control and signal processing applications. The programs are often of high dimension which makes them hard or impossible to solve with general-purpose solvers. Here we present a customized preprocessor, KYPD, that utilizes the inherent structure of this particular optimization problem. The key to an efficient implementation is to transform the optimization problem into an equivalent semidefinite program. This equivalent problem has much fewer variables and the matrices in the linear matrix inequality constraints are of low rank. KYPD can use any primal-dual solver for semidefinite programs as an underlying solver.
Two New Approximation Algorithms for the Maximum Planar Subgraph Problem

The maximum planar subgraph problem (MPS) is defined as follows: given a graph G, find a largest planar subgraph of G. The problem is NP-hard and it has applications in graph drawing and resource location optimization. Calinescu et al. [J. Alg. 27, 269-302 (1998)] presented the first approximation algorithms for MPS with nontrivial performance ratios. Two algorithms were given, a simple algorithm which runs in linear time for bounded-degree graphs with a ratio 7/18 and a more complicated algorithm with a ratio 4/9. Both algorithms produce outerplanar subgraphs. In this article we present two new versions of the simpler algorithm. The first new algorithm still runs in the same time, produces outerplanar subgraphs, has at least the same performance ratio as the original algorithm, but in practice it finds larger planar subgraphs than the original algorithm. The second new algorithm has similar properties to the first algorithm, but it produces only planar subgraphs. We conjecture that the performance ratios of our algorithms are at least 4/9 for MPS. We experimentally compare the new algorithms against the original simple algorithm. We also apply the new algorithms for approximating the thickness and outerthickness of a graph. Experiments show that the new algorithms produce clearly better approximations than the original simple algorithm by Calinescu et al.
Sport Fans and Spectators as Sport Tourists

Those who watch, rather than participate in sport have, it is fair to say, received proportionally less attention from academics not only in the field of sport tourism, but also those involved in the wider study of sport. The emphasis upon active participation is surprising, especially given factors such as the pervasiveness of sports fandomwithin contemporary society as both a social (Gibson et al., 2003; Wann et al., 2001), and economic phenomenon (see, for example Preuss, 2005). This is not to say that our understanding of the sports fan is limited, indeed there is now a substantial body of literature on the fan, from a range of disciplines. It could be argued, however, that much of this knowledge has been developed in rather a haphazard manner, with few researchers having undertaken systematic research into spectators. As a consequence, it could be argued that the state of knowledge lacks clear linkages, especially in terms of the fan as sport tourist, with arguably a lack of coherence. Gibson (2004) suggests the idea of a hierarchical process of knowledge, moving from description to that of understanding. In terms of the fan as sport tourist, it seems clear that those questions related to description still need to be answered, as well as those related to understanding behaviour. Our aim should be, as Gibson (2004, p. 260) suggests, ‘to develop a cohesive, conceptually grounded body of knowledge’, and the papers presented within this special issue hopefully contribute to this overall goal. Indeed, although at first glance the papers may represent a diverse collection, there are a number of linkages between them. One of the limitations that could be addressed at much fan research is the conceptualisation of the crowd as a relatively homogeneous group (supported to some extent by the findings of Davies and Williment in this issue, see below). Nearly all sporting events, however, will have a blend of locals, casual attendees whose primary purpose of travel is unrelated to the sporting event, and fans who travel specifically to watch the event. An understanding of the different types of attendee is essential to event organisers, who need to not only maximise economic revenue for the host community by attracting visiting fans, but also to maximise community and local stakeholder support through their attendance at the event itself. Such differences had, until the
Campylobacter infection of broiler chickens in a free-range environment

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, with contaminated chicken meat considered to represent a major source of human infection. Biosecurity measures can reduce C. jejuni shedding rates of housed chickens, but the increasing popularity of free-range and organic meat raises the question of whether the welfare benefits of extensive production are compatible with food safety. The widespread assumption that the free-range environment contaminates extensively reared chickens has not been rigorously tested. A year-long survey of 64 free-range broiler flocks reared on two sites in Oxfordshire, UK, combining high-resolution genotyping with behavioural and environmental observations revealed: (i) no evidence of colonization of succeeding flocks by the C. jejuni genotypes shed by preceding flocks, (ii) a high degree of similarity between C. jejuni genotypes from both farm sites, (iii) no association of ranging behaviour with likelihood of Campylobacter shedding, and (iv) higher genetic differentiation between C. jejuni populations from chickens and wild birds on the same farm than between the chicken samples, human disease isolates from the same region and national samples of C. jejuni from chicken meat.
The Effects of Singlehood and Cohabitation on the Transition to Parenthood in the Netherlands

Previous research has shown that singlehood and cohabitation are associated with postponement of parenthood. This study examines whether this association extends to the long term, potentially leading to a higher likelihood of ultimate childlessness among those with singlehood or cohabitation experience. Results from analyses of retrospective life course data from a sample of people born since 1935 and living in the Netherlands show that experience with nonmarital living arrangements has a long-term impact on the transition to parenthood. This impact is greater for females than for males and is partly caused by the higher likelihood among cohabitors to end their partnerships.
“Things Get Glossed Over”

This article investigates the ways that White teachers approach issues of race, racism, and White supremacy in White-dominated educational settings. Drawing from data from a yearlong qualitative research study, the article uses discourse analysis, critical studies of Whiteness, and feminist theory to detail 15 rhetorical, behavioral, analytical, and interactional strategies that participants used to insulate themselves from implication in social inequality. The article demonstrates how participation in these strategies stymied attempts at transformative multicultural education and thus functioned to reproduce, rather than challenge, the status quo of educational and social inequality.
Video game–based coordinative training improves ataxia in children with degenerative ataxia

ABSTRACT Objective: Degenerative ataxias in children present a rare condition where effective treatments are lacking. Intensive coordinative training based on physiotherapeutic exercises improves degenerative ataxia in adults, but such exercises have drawbacks for children, often including a lack of motivation for high-frequent physiotherapy. Recently developed whole-body controlled video game technology might present a novel treatment strategy for highly interactive and motivational coordinative training for children with degenerative ataxias. Methods: We examined the effectiveness of an 8-week coordinative training for 10 children with progressive spinocerebellar ataxia. Training was based on 3 Microsoft Xbox Kinect video games particularly suitable to exercise whole-body coordination and dynamic balance. Training was started with a laboratory-based 2-week training phase and followed by 6 weeks training in children’s home environment. Rater-blinded assessments were performed 2 weeks before laboratory-based training, immediately prior to and after the laboratory-based training period, as well as after home training. These assessments allowed for an intraindividual control design, where performance changes with and without training were compared. Results: Ataxia symptoms were significantly reduced (decrease in Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, p = 0.0078) and balance capacities improved (dynamic gait index, p = 0.04) after intervention. Quantitative movement analysis revealed improvements in gait (lateral sway: p = 0.01; step length variability: p = 0.01) and in goal-directed leg placement (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Despite progressive cerebellar degeneration, children are able to improve motor performance by intensive coordination training. Directed training of whole-body controlled video games might present a highly motivational, cost-efficient, and home-based rehabilitation strategy to train dynamic balance and interaction with dynamic environments in a large variety of young-onset neurologic conditions. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that directed training with Xbox Kinect video games can improve several signs of ataxia in adolescents with progressive ataxia as measured by SARA score, Dynamic Gait Index, and Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale at 8 weeks of training.
Non-small cell lung carcinoma: accuracy of PET/CT in determining the size of T1 and T2 primary tumors.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the measurements of primary T1 and T2 non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) at PET/CT to determine which modality has the more accurate correlation with the histologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was performed with the images of 59 patients who underwent surgical resection of T1 and T2 NSCLC and preoperative PET/CT. The maximum measurement of the primary lung tumor was recorded on the PET and unenhanced CT (soft-tissue and lung windows) scans in the largest plane and compared with the maximum dimensions of the histologic specimen. RESULTS PET and CT measurements both had high concordance with the histologic measurements. CT soft-tissue window measurements had the highest concordance with histologic measurements, but PET had a smaller SD. The greatest linear correlation was between CT soft-tissue and CT lung window measurements, indicating they can be used interchangeably. Outliers were found in both the PET (four tumors) and the two CT (five tumors) groups owing to low (18)F-FDG uptake due to tumor type and surrounding consolidation, respectively. CONCLUSION PET is better for delineating primary NSCLC if surrounding collapse or consolidation is present. Otherwise, CT with either soft-tissue or lung windows is accurate. Owing to low FDG accumulation, CT is more accurate for assessment of alveolar cell carcinoma.
Mixing and Diapycnal Advection in the Ocean

Abstract : In the stratified ocean, vertical motions arise from both adiabatic and diabatic mechanisms. Diapycnal advection is the vertical component of flow across an isopycnal surface which occurs when mixing produces a divergent flux of buoyancy. Buoyancy forcing of the lateral flow by vortex stretching occurs when diapycnal advection rates vary with depth. Microstructure observations of enhanced turbulence above rough topography are presented. These data allow us to distinguish the influence of diabatic forcing on the circulation. Estimates of diapycnal advection are used to quantify the diabatic flow, and the role of diapycnal advection as a mechanism of vortex stretching on the circulation is assessed. The divergence of diapycnal mass flux is found to be a significant forcing mechanism for the circulation occurring above fracture zone topography. Moreover, both the direction and magnitude of diapycnal advection are dependent on the efficiency of turbulence at generating a buoyancy flux. Depth variations of diapycnal advection suggest the mixing efficiency is reduced in weakly stratified abyssal canyons.
Divergence from Syntax to Linear Order in Ancient Greek Lexical Networks

All natural languages allegedly tend to minimize the length (and thus, the number of crossings) of syntactic dependencies by arranging words into an adequate linear order. Focusing on Ancient Greek as a case of study, this paper demonstrates that this tendency is far from constant. The method consists in inducing a pair of networks from a text representing a given diachronic variety, using lemmas as nodes and word relations (either syntactic dependency or linear adjacency) as arcs. Although the pair members share some topological properties (such as small-world effect, scale-freeness and disassortative mixing), they also diverge in some respects. By comparing the divergence in the Classic variety with that of the Late variety through Spectrum Analysis, a change is observed. This phenomenon may lead to rethinking how language cognitive complexity is measured and whether it is equivalent for different (varieties of) languages. In particular, this paper proposes the existence of a trade-off between dependency length minimization and pragmatic principles ordering elements according to their givenness and topic/focus status.
Effect of the environment on the dendritic morphology of the rat auditory cortex

The present study aimed to identify morphological correlates of environment‐induced changes at excitatory synapses of the primary auditory cortex (A1). We used the Golgi‐Cox stain technique to compare pyramidal cells dendritic properties of Sprague‐Dawley rats exposed to different environmental manipulations. Sholl analysis, dendritic length measures, and spine density counts were used to monitor the effects of sensory deafness and an auditory version of environmental enrichment (EE). We found that deafness decreased apical dendritic length leaving basal dendritic length unchanged, whereas EE selectively increased basal dendritic length without changing apical dendritic length. On the contrary, deafness decreased while EE increased spine density in both basal and apical dendrites of A1 Layer 2/3 (LII/III) neurons. To determine whether stress contributed to the observed morphological changes in A1, we studied neural morphology in a restraint‐induced model that lacked behaviorally relevant acoustic cues. We found that stress selectively decreased apical dendritic length in the auditory but not in the visual primary cortex. Similar to the acoustic manipulation, stress‐induced changes in dendritic length possessed a layer‐specific pattern displaying LII/III neurons from stressed animals with normal apical dendrites but shorter basal dendrites, while infragranular neurons (Layers V and VI) displayed shorter apical dendrites but normal basal dendrites. The same treatment did not induce similar changes in the visual cortex, demonstrating that the auditory cortex is an exquisitely sensitive target of neocortical plasticity, and that prolonged exposure to different acoustic as well as emotional environmental manipulation may produce specific changes in dendritic shape and spine density. Synapse 64:97–110, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Pay Strategy on Employees' Pay Satisfaction: Testing and Modifying the Equity Theory

Although pay strategy is an important aspect in organizational strategic management, its effect on employees' pay satisfaction is unclear yet. In This paper, the effect of pay strategy on employees' pay satisfaction was examined by a simulative experiment, which was based on the Adams' equity theory. 122 MBA students participated in the study, and a single-factor completely randomized design was employed. The results indicated that pay strategy has significant effect on employees' pay satisfaction: market lead strategy resulted in positive reaction on pay satisfaction, but significantly only when participants' pay was much better than referents; pay lag strategy resulted in dramatic negative reaction on pay satisfaction. The conclusion is that employees were more sensitive for market lag strategy than market lead strategy, and equity theory was unsuitable for the situations of market lead strategy. Based on the results, the theoretical contribution and practical implication of this study were discussed finally.
‘Spectacularly exposed and vulnerable’ – how Irish equality legislation subverted the personal and professional security of lesbian, gay and bisexual teachers*

International studies have consistently highlighted the challenges experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) teachers from around the world as they negotiate their personal and professional identities within the context of an often hostile work environment, In Ireland, the education system remains heavily influenced by denominational mores, particularly those of the Roman Catholic Church. Unsurprisingly, with the declaration by the Roman Catholic Church that homosexuality was ‘intrinsically disordered’ (Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, Libreria Edittrice Vaticana, 2003), LGB teachers’ professional identity is often (in)formed by fear as well as perceived, or actual, harassment, bullying and overt discrimination. This study represents the first in-depth examination of the apparent contradiction between EU law (Employment Equality Directive 2000/78/EC – European Union, 2000) and the derogation afforded organizations with denominational ethos in Irish equality legislation which explicitly permitted discrimination in order to protect that ethos from being ‘undermined’ (Section 37(1), Employment Equality Acts, 1998–2011). Drawing on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 23, LGB Irish primary school teachers, the research reveals the tensions which exist between the competing (and legitimate) rights of faith organizations to protect their values against those of LGB workers ‘to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity’ (Article 31, EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, 2000).