Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Optimality of Certainty Equivalence for Event-Triggered Control Systems

Digital control design is commonly constrained to time-triggered control systems with periodic sampling. The emergence of more and more complex and distributed systems urges the development of advanced triggering schemes that utilize communication, computation, and energy resources more efficiently. This technical note addresses the question whether certainty equivalence is optimal for an event-triggered control system with resource constraints. The problem setting is an extension of the stochastic linear quadratic system framework, where the joint design of the control law and the event-triggering law minimizing a common objective is considered. Three differing variants are studied that reflect the resource constraints: a penalty term to acquire the resource, a limitation on the number of resource acquisitions, and a constraint on the average number of resource acquisitions. By reformulating the underlying optimization problem, a characterization of the optimal control law is possible. This characterization shows that the certainty equivalence controller is optimal for all three optimization problems.
A Self-Calibrated Cryogenic Current Cell for 4.2 K Current Steering D/A Converters

This brief presents a cryogenic CMOS unit current cell operating from room temperature down to 4.2 K, and it is primarily designed for low temperature current steering (CS) D/A converters (DACs). A novel structure along with an analog calibration technique is proposed in designing the cell that helps it to overcome low temperature induced nonlinear and mismatch effects. Due to the flexible configuration of the cell architecture, it can be used in both LSB and MSB parts of a partially-segmented CS DAC. The current cell retains its 4-bit precision level from 300 K down to 4.2 K, and drives a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$50~\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> load to 6.8 mV in 600 ps rise time. A 6-bit converter utilizing the cell achieves differential and integral nonlinearity of 0.17 LSB and 0.33 LSB, respectively, while its average power consumption is <3.2 mW from a 3 V power supply. It is fabricated using a commercial 0.5 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> single poly three metal silicon-on-sapphire CMOS process.
Human papillomavirus DNA prevalence and type distribution in anal carcinomas worldwide

Knowledge about human papillomaviruses (HPV) types involved in anal cancers in some world regions is scanty. Here, we describe the HPV DNA prevalence and type distribution in a series of invasive anal cancers and anal intraepithelial neoplasias (AIN) grades 2/3 from 24 countries. We analyzed 43 AIN 2/3 cases and 496 anal cancers diagnosed from 1986 to 2011. After histopathological evaluation of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples, HPV DNA detection and genotyping was performed using SPF‐10/DEIA/LiPA25 system (version 1). A subset of 116 cancers was further tested for p16INK4a expression, a cellular surrogate marker for HPV‐associated transformation. Prevalence ratios were estimated using multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance in the anal cancer data set. HPV DNA was detected in 88.3% of anal cancers (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.1–91.0%) and in 95.3% of AIN 2/3 (95% CI: 84.2–99.4%). Among cancers, the highest prevalence was observed in warty–basaloid subtype of squamous cell carcinomas, in younger patients and in North American geographical region. There were no statistically significant differences in prevalence by gender. HPV16 was the most frequent HPV type detected in both cancers (80.7%) and AIN 2/3 lesions (75.4%). HPV18 was the second most common type in invasive cancers (3.6%). p16INK4a overexpression was found in 95% of HPV DNA‐positive anal cancers. In view of the results of HPV DNA and high proportion of p16INK4a overexpression, infection by HPV is most likely to be a necessary cause for anal cancers in both men and women. The large contribution of HPV16 reinforces the potential impact of HPV vaccines in the prevention of these lesions.
Early dating by ultrasound and perinatal outcome. A cohort study.

BACKGROUND This study aims to evaluate the impact of routine ultrasound in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcome and perinatal mortality. METHODS Using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, a two-stage study was designed. First, an ecological study that included data from 45 hospitals, with 1,280,746 children born during the years 1974-1991, was designed by differentiating hospitals on the basis of ultrasound usage. Second, a historical cohort study (n = 60,864) was designed for the years 1982-84, including a treatment group (having had routine ultrasound in early pregnancy) and a reference group (having had no routine ultrasound). RESULTS In hospitals practicing early dating by ultrasound, post-term births were reduced from 13.3% to 7.4%, while pre-term births were increased from 5.7% to 6.8%. For the treatment group, the cohort study showed: 1) fewer post-term births, RR 0.7 (95% CL 0.7-0.8), 2) lower post-term perinatal mortality, RR 0.3 (95% CL 0.1-1.0), 3) fewer twin births post-term, RR 0.1 (95% CL 0.1-0.7), 4) fewer acute growth retarded among term, RR 0.7 (95% CL 0.6-0.9) and post-term, RR 0.3 (95% CL 0.1-1.1), and 5) a tendency towards less asphyxia among post-term births. CONCLUSION The study shows that early dating with ultrasound increases the possibilities of clinical judgment at the end of the pregnancy and also indicates that the procedure could contribute to a positive perinatal outcome.
What Is The Impact Of Monetary Policy On Systemic Risk Of Republic Of Moldova'S Banking Sector?

In a market economy, monetary policy is a strategic tool of the state in balancing the market and influence on economic processes and therefore, the monetary policy has an impact on all economic sectors, including banking. We investigate the impact of monetary policy on systemic risk of Moldovan banks. We will try to find the correlation between interest rates for an extended period of time and increase bank risk. This result allows us to propose measures to prevent and reduce systemic risk, such as macroeconomic and institutional controls, including the intensity of surveillance activities, securitization and bank competition. The results will allow us to analyze the neutrality of monetary policy to financial stability of the banking sector in the Republic of Moldova.
Psychiatric Morbidity in Spouses of Women Admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit

The spouses of 40 women admitted to a psychiatric Mother and Baby Unit were interviewed to detect psychiatric morbidity, and aspects of their social and marital functioning. This group was compared with 25 men whose wives had not shown obvious psychiatric disorder in the puerperium. Psychiatric morbidity, using DSM-III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980) criteria, was present in 42% of the index group, and 4% of the comparison group. The main diagnoses were major depressive episode and generalised anxiety disorder. This was associated with poorer marital and social function in the index group. Male psychopathology after delivery has been studied little but may be significant in the management of postpartum syndromes.
Recent advances in intracellular signalling in hypertension

Purpose of reviewTransmission of external signals from the cell surface to the internal cellular environment occurs via tightly controlled complex transduction pathways. Alterations in these highly regulated signalling cascades in vascular smooth cells may play a fundamental role in the structural, mechanical and functional abnormalities that underlie vascular pathological processes in hypertension. The present review focuses on recent developments relating to two novel signalling pathways: angiotensin II signalling through tyrosine kinases; and oxidative stress and redox-dependent signal transduction. These pathways are emerging as critical mediators of hypertensive vascular disease because they influence multiple cellular responses that are involved in structural remodelling, vascular inflammation and altered tone. Recent findingsA recent advance in the field of angiotensin II signalling was the demonstration that, in addition to its vasoconstrictor properties, angiotensin II has potent mitogenic-like and proinflammatory-like characteristics. These actions are mediated through phosphorylation of both nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and receptor tyrosine kinases. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that many signalling events that underlie abnormal vascular function in hypertension are influenced by changes in intracellular redox status. In particular, increased bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress) stimulates growth-signalling pathways, induces expression of proinflammatory genes, alters contraction-excitation coupling and impairs endothelial function. SummaryA better understanding of the molecular pathways that regulate vascular smooth muscle cell function will provide further insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to vascular changes and end-organ damage associated with high blood pressure, and could permit identification of potential novel therapeutic targets in the prevention and management of hypertension.
Rapid Analysis of CGG Repeat Length in the FMR1 Gene

Abstract The number of trinucleotide CGG repeats at the 5′ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene is associated with the fragile X syndrome of mental retardation. We screened for the CGG repeat length in the FMR1 gene of the X-chromosomes from unrelated normal Chinese subjects recruited in Hong Kong and Dalian, a southern and a northern Chinese city respectively. These cities are about 3000 km apart and the residents have few historical interactions. Genomic DNA was analysed by PCR and detected by Southern hybridisation with a radiolabelled (CGG)5 probe for the CGG repeat number. A different distribution pattern of CGG allele size from the Caucasians is observed. It is a bimodal pattern with the most common CGG repeats allele at 29 against 30 in the Caucasians. Among the Hong Kong subjects, five alleles of more than 50 CGG repeats were detected, and four of those were in heterozygous females. There was no difference in the repeat patterns in subjects from the two cities, suggesting no genotypic variation in FMR1 between northern and southern Chinese.
Checkpoints in memory B‐cell evolution

Summary: We consider four sequential phases in the evolution and consolidation of high affinity B‐cell memory as it is regulated in a cognate manner by antigen‐specific T‐helper (Th) cells. Sequential developmental checkpoints control cell fate in each phase of the pathway in ways that still remain poorly understood. The cellular composition and molecular attributes of each checkpoint are of great interest, but they may vary substantially depending on the nature of the immune stimulus. How this stimulus cascades through the innate and then the adaptive immune responses defines initial effector mechanisms in both Th and B‐cell compartments. The germinal center reaction controls memory B‐cell development with roles for antigen presentation and cognate Th cell regulation in the establishment of the memory B‐cell compartment. Antigen re‐challenge rapidly promotes effector responses from the memory compartments of both Th and B cells. Importantly, re‐challenge also expands and consolidates immune memory at the serological and cellular levels. We review recent advances in our understanding of memory B‐cell evolution with emphasis on the regulatory checkpoints that control lymphocyte fate at each developmental juncture.
Is bronchoalveolar lavage obsolete in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease?

This review considers the literature on bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease published during the last 12 months with the aim of clarifying the role bronchoalveolar lavage can have in diagnostic work-up on the basis of current knowledge and expert opinion. Recent research findings with possible future clinical applications are presented. Various information, useful for research and clinical applications, can be obtained from performing bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with interstitial lung diseases. Indeed, evaluation of cell pattern associated with cell phenotype is used widely in clinical practice to distinguish the various forms and may be of diagnostic value in some interstitial lung diseases, as already known, when the clinical picture is compatible. Bronchoalveolar lavage may also be complementary to high-resolution CT or at least useful for diagnosis by exclusion. A major advance in the last year is recognition of a role for bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnostic workup of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, albeit as an auxiliary procedure. It may be useful to exclude infections and tumors, may help to decide whether to do surgical biopsy, and may aid in distinguishing different forms of interstitial lung disease. Although it is not diagnostic for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, in the presence of cell patterns considered “typical” of the various forms, it can support clinical diagnosis in the absence of biopsy. Because further studies following standardized protocols and guidelines will presumably find new parameters for bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnostics of interstitial lung diseases, it would be a mistake to consider bronchoalveolar lavage an obsolete tool.
Radioimmunoassay for bovine tumor necrosis factor: concentrations and circulating molecular forms in bovine plasma.

Antisera against recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor (rbTNF) were produced in rabbits immunized with rbTNF in Freund's complete adjuvant (F314) and used in a double antibody radioimmunoassay to measure plasma TNF. Assay standards were rbTNF. Iodination of rbTNF and chromatography on G-50 Sephadex with 50 mM EDTA, 0.1% BSA, 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.5 resulted in labelled rbTNF which was greater than 97% TCA precipitable (specific activity of 37.5 microCi/micrograms). F314 (1:80,000 dilution) bound 21% of 125I-rbTNF in a non-equilibrium assay at 4 C. Separation of bound and free 125I-rbTNF was accomplished by precipitation with goat anti-rabbit IgG prepared with 6% polyethyleneglycol (mw = 8000). Minimum detectable TNF was 4 pg/assay tube. Matrix effects of plasma were minimal. Recovery of rbTNF from plasma was linearly (recovered TNF = .932 * added TNF = .12; r = .99). Displacement curves of increasing amounts of plasma from calves challenged with endotoxin to effect an increase in endogenous TNF were parallel to the rbTNF standard curve. F314 failed to crossreact with any other cytokines tested except human TNF (less than 1%). Neither recombinant nor native bovine TNF significantly interacted with antisera for TNF of human or murine origin. Plasma TNF was acutely elevated in calves infused with endotoxin. Changes in plasma TNF were determined in samples from calves with chronic parasitic infection. Endogenous plasma TNF existed as a monomer with a molecular weight of 17,000, and was not bound to any plasma carrier protein. These data indicate that a specific RIA for bTNF capable of detecting changes in in vivo TNF levels has been established.
Intention to implement green hotel practices: evidence from Indian hotel industry

The present investigation adds to the sustainability dimension through examining the managerial intention to implement green hotel practices. Data were collected conveniently from the sample of 285 hotel managers using structured questionnaire. The model was developed and analysed by means of measurement and structural model applying statistical analysis software SPSS V.20 & AMOS V.21. The Results predicted that customers' attitude and environmental concern significantly and positively influence the managerial intention to implement green hotel practices. This study suggested that apart from economic factors, behavioural factors such as customers' attitude and employees' environmental concern are also critical in greening the business process. Additionally, as compared to developed nations, this study provides some useful managerial insights on the implementation of green hotel practices, which is at the emerging state in India.
In vivo regulation of virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with genetic rearrangement.

A chronic pulmonary infection model was used to induce conversion to the mucoid phenotype by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO. At 6 months after initial inoculation, organisms isolated from infected lungs demonstrated the mucoid phenotype. Significant decreases (P less than .01) were seen in the levels of exotoxin A, exoenzyme S, phospholipase C, and pyochelin produced by the mucoid P. aeruginosa PAO rat lung isolates that returned to parental levels after reversion to the nonmucoid phenotype. In addition, lipopolysaccharide of the mucoid PAO lung isolates failed to react with serotype B-specific antibody in contrast to the original PAO and the revertant PAO organisms. Digestion of chromosomal DNA and hybridization with P. aeruginosa virulence factor-specific probes demonstrated that conversion to the mucoid phenotype was associated with rearrangement of chromosomal DNA upstream of the exotoxin A gene. Analysis of DNA from revertant organisms revealed hybridization patterns identical to the original PAO organism.
Epoxidation and Bis-hydroxylation of C-Phenyl-Δ2,3-glyco-pyranosides.

Epoxidation and cis-hydroxylation of C-phenyl-Δ2,3-glycopyranosides have been carried out with a view to developing C-aryl glycoside synthesis. Epoxidation of (2,3- dideoxy-d-erythro-hex-2-enopyranosyl)benzene and (6-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-2,3- dideoxy-d-erythro-hex-2-enopyranosyl)benzene gave predominantly the allo-adducts whatever the configuration at the anomeric center. Epoxidation of (4,6-di-O-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-2,3-dideoxy-d-erythro-hex-2-enopyranosyl)benzene gave the manno- and allo-adducts in a 89:11 and 40:60 ratios for the α- and β-anomers, respectively. Hydroxylation of α-C-phenyl-Δ2,3-glycopyranosides using OsO4 afforded the manno-adduct only, whatever the substituents at positions 4 and 6, whereas hydroxylation of (2,3-dideoxy- β-d-erythro-hex-2-enopyranosyl)benzene and (4,6-di-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-2,3- dideoxy- β-d-erythro-hex-2-enopyranosyl)benzene gave the manno- and allo-adducts in 25:75 and 80:20 ratios, respectively.
Intercultural Sensitivity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviours of Uganda Hotel Staff

Purpose: The purpose of the present paper is to demonstrate that intercultural sensitivity and organizational citizenship behaviours are constructs of the social exchange theory and; intercultural sensitivity can explain the engagement in organizational citizenship behaviours by Uganda hotel staff. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: Contrary to current studies on organizational citizenship behaviours, this study adopted a mixed research design and its attendant characteristics so as to examine the extent to which intercultural sensitivity predicts organizational citizenship behaviours of Uganda Hotel staff. Findings: Intercultural sensitivity is a significant predictor of organizational citizenship behaviours of the hotel staff in Uganda Research Limitations/ Implications: Admittedly, the instruments that measured the key variables of the study i.e. organization citizenship behaviour, intercultural sensitivity and organizational citizenship behaviours, were adapted to suit the Uganda hotel environment. The study was entirely cross sectional yet behaviour unfolds gradually. Above all, we adopted a positivistic approach to research yet it is highly structured. Little attention was paid to qualitative responses because; we only needed explanations for the quantitative results. Originality/ Value: The paper proudly domesticates intercultural sensitivity and organizational citizenship behaviours within the social exchange theoretical framework and directly tested for the predictive relationship between intercultural sensitivity and organizational citizenship behaviors.
Promoting cognitive health: a formative research collaboration of the healthy aging research network.

PURPOSE Evidence suggests that healthy lifestyles may help maintain cognitive health. The Prevention Research Centers Healthy Aging Research Network, 9 universities collaborating with their communities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is conducting a multiyear research project, begun in 2005, to understand how to translate this knowledge into public health interventions. DESIGN AND METHODS This article provides an overview of the study purpose, design, methods, and processes. We examined the literature on promoting cognitive health, convened a meeting of experts in cognitive health and public health interventions, identified research questions, developed a common focus group protocol and survey, established quality control and quality assurance processes, conducted focus groups, and analyzed the resulting data. RESULTS We conducted 55 focus groups with 450 participants in 2005-2007, and an additional 20 focus groups and in-depth interviews in 2007-2008. Focus groups were in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese, with African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites, physicians and other health practitioners, rural and urban residents, individuals caring for family or friends with cognitive impairment, and cognitively impaired individuals. IMPLICATIONS The data provide a wealth of opportunities for designing public health interventions to promote cognitive health in diverse populations.
Sensemaking the ‘social’ in social entrepreneurship

In the collective imagination, the practices and outcomes of social entrepreneurship seem to hold hope for a better future. So far, these practices have been largely assumed as idealised types with the ‘social’ in social entrepreneurship underexplored. Such assumed neutrality, we argue, is hampering the development of a more robust theoretical corpus for understanding the phenomenon and inspiring practices that are more effective. In this article, we analyse the sensemaking of the social in social entrepreneurship by exploring the ways in which social entrepreneurs make sense of social problems and develop solutions for addressing them. Our empirical analyses of the stories of 15 social entrepreneurs indicate two distinct types of sensemaking and sensegiving practices, aligned with Amartya Sen’s notions of social justice. Drawing on these findings, sensemaking and social justice theory, we elaborate a two-type social sensemaking model pertaining to the appreciation and assessment of circumstances and the differing problem/solution combinations emerging from alternative ontological views of what constitutes a social problem.