Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parallel distinguishability of quantum operations

We find that the perfect distinguishability of two quantum operations by a parallel scheme depends only on an operator subspace generated from their Choi-Kraus operators. We further show that any operator subspace can be obtained from two quantum operations in such a way. This connection enables us to study the parallel distinguishability of operator subspaces directly without explicitly referring to the underlining quantum operations. We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for the parallel distinguishability of an operator subspace that is either one-dimensional or Hermitian. In both cases the condition is equivalent to the non-existence of positive definite operator in the subspace, and an optimal discrimination protocol is obtained. Finally, we provide more examples to show that the non-existence of positive definite operator is sufficient for many other cases, but in general it is only a necessary condition.
Domains for Computation in Mathematics, Physics and Exact Real Arithmetic

Abstract We present a survey of the recent applications of continuous domains for providing simple computational models for classical spaces in mathematics including the real line, countably based locally compact spaces, complete separable metric spaces, separable Banach spaces and spaces of probability distributions. It is shown how these models have a logical and effective presentation and how they are used to give a computational framework in several areas in mathematics and physics. These include fractal geometry, where new results on existence and uniqueness of attractors and invariant distributions have been obtained, measure and integration theory, where a generalization of the Riemann theory of integration has been developed, and real arithmetic, where a feasible setting for exact computer arithmetic has been formulated. We give a number of algorithms for computation in the theory of iterated function systems with applications in statistical physics and in period doubling route to chaos; we also show how efficient algorithms have been obtained for computing elementary functions in exact real arithmetic.
Reversing the Reverse Cohesion Effect: Good Texts Can Be Better for Strategic, High-Knowledge Readers

Abstract Students with low knowledge have been shown to better understand and learn more from more cohesive texts, whereas high-knowledge students have been shown to learn more from lower cohesion texts; this has been called the reverse cohesion effect. This study examines whether students' comprehension skill affects the interaction between text cohesion and their domain knowledge. College students (n= 143) read either a high- or a low-cohesion text and answered text-based and bridging inference questions. The results indicated that the benefit of low-cohesion text was restricted to less skilled, high-knowledge readers, whereas skilled comprehenders with high knowledge benefited from a high-cohesion text. Consistent with McNamara (2001), the interaction of text cohesion and knowledge was restricted to text-based questions. In addition, for low-knowledge readers, the benefits of high-cohesion texts emerged in their responses to bridging inference questions but not text-based questions. The results suggest a more complex view of when and for whom textual cohesion affects comprehension.
Improving Reliability of Partition Computation in Explicit MPC with MPT Toolbox

Abstract The paper addresses the problem of numerical issues and degeneracies in the parametric quadratic programming (pQP) algorithm, used for computing partitions of explicit model predictive controllers (eMPC) with the Multi-Parametric Toolbox (MPT). We summarise the pQP problem setup and the basic algorithm, analyse its implementation in MPT, expose the numerical issues and suggest a series of improvements for more reliable operation, which are relevant also for other pQP solvers.
Interleukin-6–Deficient Mice Resist Development of Autoimmune Myocarditis Associated With Impaired Upregulation of Complement C3

Background—Interleukin (IL)-6 regulates various aspects of the immune response. In the context of heart diseases, it has been recognized as a prognostic factor for dilated cardiomyopathy, which often results from myocarditis. Methods and Results—Using IL-6–deficient mice, we studied the role of IL-6 in a model of autoimmune myocarditis resulting from immunization with a peptide derived from cardiac &agr;-myosin. Prevalence and severity of myocarditis were markedly reduced in the absence of IL-6. CD4+ T cells from immunized IL-6–deficient mice proliferated poorly on restimulation with specific antigen in vitro and did not mediate disease on adoptive transfer into IL-6–competent RAG-2–deficient mice, which otherwise lack B cells and T cells. Production of complement C3, a crucial factor for the development of myocarditis, was strongly upregulated in IL-6+/+ but not in IL-6–deficient mice after immunization. Conclusions—Our results demonstrate that IL-6 is required for the expansion of autoimmune CD4+ T cells and the pathogenesis of autoimmune myocarditis, possibly by upregulation of complement C3.
THE EFFECTS OF LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES ON LONGITUDINAL TRAJECTORIES OF OFFENDING

This study, which is based on individual criminal careers over a 60-year period, focuses on the development of criminal behavior. It first examines the impact that life circumstances such as work and marriage have on offending, then tests whether the effects of these circumstances are different for different groups of offenders, and finally examines the extent to which the age-crime relationship at the aggregate level can be explained by age-graded differences in life circumstances. Official data were retrieved for a 4-percent (N=4,615) sample of all individuals whose criminal case was tried in the Netherlands in 1977. Self-report data were derived from a nationally representative survey administered in the Netherlands in 1996 to 2,244 individuals aged 15 years or older. In analyzing this data, we use semi-parametric group-based models. Results indicate that life circumstances substantially influence the chances of criminal behavior, and that the effects of these circumstances on offending differ across offender groups. Age-graded changes in life circumstances, however, explain the aggregate age-crime relationship only to a modest extent.
An integrated system for brain machine interface

A wireless recording system for monitoring the different depth of brain is proposed. The 16-channel recording system includes low-noise amplifiers, analog multiplexers, analog to digital converters, Bluetooth module and an information hub. Neural signals are time-division multiplexed and sampled by an on-board 8-bit analog to digital converter at up to 12k sample/s per channel and overall voltage gain is 5000 V/V. Each channel is controlled by a GUI to fit different kinds of neural signals, which can be observed independently in a PC. We have demonstrated that the board could provide a useful measurement of a rat's neural signals in vivo. The recorded signals can be further processed by the fast Fourier transform to analyze the recorded neural signal activity.
What is the significance of a microscopically positive resection margin in the curative-intent treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma? A retrospective study.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of patients with rectal cancer operated with a microscopic positive margin (R1) and thus avoid these situations or adapt treatment in these particular cases. METHODS We reviewed all the pathology data of resected specimens from patients with rectal or recto-sigmoid cancer operated with curative intent at the Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta" between 2000-2011 (763 patients in 12 years) and the pathology files of patients from other institutions referred for adjuvant treatment to our hospital (318 patients). We included patients with anterior resection, Hartmann's procedure and abdomino-perineal resection, but we excluded patients with local excision and patients with R2/R1 at first, but R0 after re-resection (56 patients). We have identified 31 patients with R1, but had to exclude one case from analysis because this patient was lost to follow-up. RESULTS With surgery alone the local relapse (LR) was unavoidable. In the neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) group 85.7% of the patients did not develop LR despite of R1. In the adjuvant CRT cohort 50% of the patients were LR-free at 2 years after conventional radiotherapy (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Based on these results it is concluded that a clear resection margin is extremely important for the local control of rectal cancer, because it cannot be always compensated by adjuvant CRT. In R1 cases neoadjuvant CRT seems to offer better prognosis than adjuvant CRT. To avoid R1 and its consequences a good quality control of total mesorectal excision (TME) is needed and CRT should be done before and not after surgery. R1 after primary surgery needs to be compensated by re-resection if possible, otherwise probably high dose radiotherapy with chemotherapy is needed.
Cdk1 is essential for mammalian cyclosome/APC regulation.

The cyclosome/APC (anaphase-promoting complex), the major component of cell-cycle-specific ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of mitotic cyclins and of other cell cycle proteins, is essential for sister chromatid separation and for exit from mitosis. Cyclosome activity and substrate specificity are modulated by phosphorylation and by transient interactions with Fizzy/cdc20 (Fzy) and Fizzy-related/Hct1/Cdh1 (Fzr). This regulation has been studied so far in Drosophila embryos, in yeast, and in cell-free extracts in vitro. Studying cyclosome regulation in mammalian cells in vivo we found that both Fzr overexpression and Cdk1 inhibition can override the prometaphase checkpoint. We further show that Fzr activation of the cyclosome is negatively regulated by Cdk1. Finally, we show that the mammalian cdc14 phosphatase, like its budding yeast homologue, plays a role in cyclosome pathway regulation. These results suggest that Cdk1 is essential for coupling various activities of the cyclosome and in particular for preventing Fzr from short-circuiting the spindle pole checkpoint. Cdk1-cyclin B is thus an inhibitor, activator, and substrate of the cyclosome.
Determination of State Changes for Distributed Parameter Systems Based on Quantitative POD Angle Analysis

For distributed parameter systems, recognition of state change is crucial to process operation with a wide range of motivations, for example, sensitivity analysis of input condition, selection of operating point and abnormal situation diagnosis, etc. A key task therein is developing a criterion from which the extent of state change can quantitatively determinated. In this paper, a novel concept, namely the POD (proper orthogonal decomposition) angle is proposed to form such a criterion, which is developed from the POD technique. Based on this new concept, some of its theoretical properties are also described and proven along with the introduction of POD angle. As an illustrative example for the usage of POD angle, a cyclohexane process is studied where the POD angle is used to analyze the influence of feed temperature on the temperature distribution of whole system. It is demonstrated that when feed temperature is operated in the range of 100 to 120 °С, the POD angle will experience a change of 17.8022°, corresponding to fluctuant amplitude of 82.0309 °С for the system temperature. Therefore, temperature distribution of system is sensitive to feed temperature in this situation. On the other hand, when feed temperature is operated in the range of 120 to 200 °С, the POD angle changes only 1.1595° on average whilst the temperature distribution of whole system average varies only 5.0486 °С, hence we conclude that the feed temperature imposes a minor impact on the temperature of the system as compared with the former case. Copyright © 2014 IFSA Publishing, S. L.
Experience-Dependent, Layer-Specific Development of Divergent Thalamocortical Connectivity

The main input to primary sensory cortex is via thalamocortical (TC) axons that form the greatest number of synapses in layer 4, but also synapse onto neurons in layer 6. The development of the TC input to layer 4 has been widely studied, but less is known about the development of the layer 6 input. Here, we show that, in neonates, the input to layer 6 is as strong as that to layer 4. Throughout the first postnatal week, there is an experience-dependent strengthening specific to layer 4, which correlates with the ability of synapses in layer 4, but not in layer 6, to undergo long-term potentiation (LTP). This strengthening consists of an increase in axon branching and the divergence of connectivity in layer 4 without a change in the strength of individual connections. We propose that experience-driven LTP stabilizes transient TC synapses in layer 4 to increase strength and divergence specifically in layer 4 over layer 6.
Multi-nationality and Performance: A Synthetic Review and Research Agenda

This paper provides a reflective and synthetic review of the literature on the relationship between a firm's multi-nationality and performance. It revisits the main theories and demonstrates a gradual shift from the traditionally equilibrium-oriented theorization to the recent dynamics-oriented perspectives. It also examines the current status of empirical inquiry and identifies some important voids. The following areas are highlighted for further conceptual development and empirical investigation: (1) conceptual refinement and measurement of multi-nationality as a construct; (2) cost-efficiency implications of multi-nationality; (3) impact of internationalization motivations on both multi-nationality and performance; (4) two-way relationships between multi-nationality and performance; and (5) moderating roles of important external and internal contextual factors.
Training as a prerequisite for reliable use of NIH Stroke Scale.

To the Editor: Before new therapies for ischemic stroke are established, their safety and effectiveness must be proved. In particular, the numerous multicenter acute stroke trials currently being performed require a valid, efficient, and reliable measure of patient status and outcome after treatment. Interrater variation in the assessment of neurological deficits could imply that important effects of the treatment remain concealed, which in turn may have a misleading influence on therapeutic decisions. A commonly used yardstick for measuring the outcome of neurological deficits in stroke patients is the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). 1 2 3 Not only experienced neurologists can reliably apply the NIHSS; it can be used as well by nonneurologists or even nonphysicians (eg, study nurses),4 5 6 7 provided the raters are well trained and given detailed instructions. As far as the NINDS study is concerned, the investigators were video trained and required to take an examination.1 The question, however, of whether the NIHSS provides precise and reliable data when applied without an intensive training program has not yet been raised. We therefore investigated the reliability of the NIHSS as used by trained and untrained raters in 22 stroke patients in the Neurological Department at …
Six-Month Incidence and Persistence of Oral HPV Infection in HIV-Negative and HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men

Objectives Our aim was to assess incidence and persistence of oral HPV infection in HIV-negative and HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods MSM aged ≥18 years were included in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) in 2010–2011, and followed up 6 months later. Participants completed risk factor questionnaires. HPV DNA was analyzed in oral-rinse and gargle specimens using the SPF10-PCR DEIA/LiPA25 system (version 1). A subset of oral samples was subjected to SPF10 sequencing to identify additional HPV types. Multivariable logistic regression analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) were performed to assess determinants for oral high-risk HPV incidence and persistence. Results 689/795 participant MSM provided both baseline and 6-month data. Baseline prevalence of high-risk HPV was 9.4% in HIV-negative and 23.9% in HIV-infected MSM (P<0.001). 56/689 MSM acquired ≥1 high-risk HPV infection (6-month incidence 8.1%; 95%CI 6.2–10.4%); incidence was 4.1% in HIV-negative and 14.1% in HIV-infected MSM (P<0.001). HIV infection and recent use of cannabis were both independently associated with high-risk HPV incidence. Persistent high-risk HPV was observed in 48/130 (36.9%) infections. Conclusion Incidence of oral high-risk HPV infection in MSM is substantial, and is associated with HIV infection. Over a third of HPV infections persisted over a 6-month period.
Performing phronesis: On the way to engaged judgment

Practical wisdom and judgment, rather than seen as ‘things’ hidden inside the mind, are best talked of, we suggest, as emerging developmentally within an unceasing flow of activities, in which practitioners are inextricably immersed. Following a performative line of thinking, we argue that when practitioners (namely, individuals immersed in a practice, experiencing their tasks through the emotions, standards of excellence and moral values the practice engenders or enacts) face a bewildering situation in which they do not know, initially at least, how to proceed, the judgment they exercise emerges out of seeking to establish a new orientation to their puzzling surroundings. They do so through actively trying to be in touch with their felt emotions and moral sensibilities, while attempting to articulate linguistically the feelings experienced in order to get a clearer view of relevant aspects of the situation at hand. Coming to a judgment involves moving around within a landscape of possibilities, and in so doing, being spontaneously responsive to the consequences of each move, and assessing which one (or combination of moves) seems best in resolving the initial tension aroused in one’s initial confusion.
Making creativity: the value of multiple filters in the innovation process

Creativity - often defined as developing something novel that fits its context, and has value - has gained increasing attention within countries and organisations, especially as more leaders see it as a renewable resource. Despite having long been studied as a concept in psychology and management theories, and recently, in neuroscience and brain research, it is often regarded as an intangible concept, resulted from a 'mysterious process'. This conceptual paper offers an applicable and practicable framework of information process of creativity that is built on previous works relating to creative disciplines and information process as critical components and inputs. The framework suggests opportunity to design empirical investigation into creativity's causality as well as a discipline of teaching creativity that helps improve creative performance, especially in an entrepreneurial space. We begin with a brief review of the creative process its connection to information processing, propose a tentative framework for integrating the two ideas, and provide examples of how it might work. We close with implications for further practical and theoretical directions for this idea.
The Human Experience of Working: Richer Science, Richer Practice

Weiss and Rupp (2011) have written a stimulating and provocative essay calling for a person-centric work psychology. I would first like to react to the contrast they make between the prevailing paradigm of industrial–organizational (I–O) research and the person-centered alternative they offer. Secondly, I would like to offer some thoughts on the value of their contribution by extending aspects of a person-centric work psychology to just two illustrative areas of interest to I–O researchers and practitioners.
Complex interactions between the laminin α4 subunit and integrins regulate endothelial cell behavior in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo

The α4 laminin subunit is a component of the basement membrane of blood vessels where it codistributes with the integrins αvβ3, α3β1, and α6β1. An antibody against the G domain (residues 919-1207; G919–1207) of the α4 laminin subunit inhibits angiogenesis in a mouse–human chimeric model, indicating the functional importance of this domain. Additional support for the latter derives from the ability of recombinant G919–1207 to support endothelial cell adhesion. In particular, endothelial cell adhesion to G919–1207 is half-maximal at 1.4 nM, whereas residues 919-1018 and 1016–1207 of the G domain are poor cellular ligands. Function blocking antibodies against integrins αvβ3 and β1 and a combination of antibodies against α3 and α6 integrin subunits inhibit endothelial cell attachment to G919–1207. Moreover, both αvβ3 and α3β1 integrin bind with high affinity to G919–1207. Together, our studies demonstrate that the G domain of laminin α4 chain is a specific, high affinity ligand for the αvβ3 and α3β1 integrin heterodimers and that these integrins, together with α6β1, function cooperatively to mediate endothelial cell–α4 laminin interaction and hence blood vessel development. We propose a model based on these data that reconcile apparent discrepancies in the recent literature with regard to the role of the αvβ3 integrin in angiogenesis.
Examining the relationship between sexual offenders and their victims: Interpersonal differences between stranger and non-stranger sexual offences

Abstract The present study examined the behavioural differences in sexual assault offences in relation to the offender–victim relationship (stranger versus non-stranger). These differences were examined specifically in the context of four interpersonal themes of interaction: dominance, submission, hostility and cooperation. The details of 100 sexual offence cases (50 stranger and 50 non-stranger) were content-analysed, generating 58 dichotomous variables, covering offender and victim behaviour during the offence. χ2 tests comparing the two samples found that offenders who were strangers to their victims were more likely than non-stranger offenders to display behaviours that indicate a hostile, violent offence style. In contrast, those offenders who knew their victims were more likely than strangers to display a less violent and more personal, compliance-gaining offence style. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for offender rehabilitation and victim support.