Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid approach for the Multiple Vehicle Routing Problem with Deliveries and Selective Pickups

We propose the Multiple Vehicle Routing Problem with Delivery and Selective Pickups (MVRPDSP) along with a mixed integer linear programming formulation and a hybrid cluster-first heuristic. We show that it is possible to divide the cluster-first heuristic in sub problems which can be solved exactly and their solutions combined in a semi-greedy way to generate good solutions. The results show that while the model is not able to find even a feasible solution for several instances the heuristic finds, for most cases, better or equal solutions in a matter of milliseconds, including 4 optimal solutions, what proves its efficiency. We also tested a combined approach, using the heuristic to generate an initial solution for the model, which improved even more the results of the heuristic.
Child mortaility, poverty and environment in developing countries

This paper studies child mortality and fertility in 61 developing countries including the Central Asian Republics (CARs). To control for simultaneity, an estimated value of fertility was used in the mortality equation and a final specification included only exogenous socio-economic, health and environmental variables. We confirm the importance of female literacy in explaining both fertility and mortality, and also find a measure of consumption for the poorest share of the population to be significant, while controlling for nutrition, health expenditure, and income distribution. Incidence of tuberculosis and female agricultural population proxy for environmental impacts, but in spite of these controls, a CARs dummy was positive and significant, indicating higher mortality rates than in other countries of similar economic development with an estimated 71% additional mortality due to living in the CARs. The results fill gaps in the literature: we use a wider range of socio-economic and environmental health variables than previously in an encompassing analysis of mortality and fertility, and find evidence of excessive mortality in the CARs most likely linked to environmental degradation in the region.
Effect of exclosure on woody species diversity and population structure in comparison with adjacent open grazing land: the case of Jabi Tehnan district north western Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Land rehabilitation by area exclosure was the fastest and moderate approach of recovering degraded sites. However, the effect of exclosure on woody species parameters in Jabitehnan district, north-western Ethiopia has not been investigated. Therefore, the current study was conducted (i) to assess and compare diversity, composition and density of woody species in exclosure and adjacent open lands, and (ii) to analyze population structure as well as regeneration status of woody species. A random sampling method was employed to select a total of 40 sample plots (50m*50m). A total of 8 parallel transect lines were used inside and outside the exclosure land in each site for consecutive (50m interval) plot establishment. Species diversity was 1.7 and 3.03 for WG, 1.1 and 2.94 for GW open and exclosures, respectively. Population structure of woody species in exclosures of both sites exhibited an inverted J shape which indicates good regeneration status, while in adjacent open grazing land it exhibited partial bell shape. Generally, exclosure provides various biophysical benefits better than adjacent open grazing lands. It is recommended to protect degraded lands by exclosure via integrating appropriate species and convert their diversity into use so as to develop their potential benefits on land restoration.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein gC Mediates Immune Evasion In Vivo

ABSTRACT Many microorganisms encode proteins that interact with molecules involved in host immunity; however, few of these molecules have been proven to promote immune evasion in vivo. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein C (gC) binds complement component C3 and inhibits complement-mediated virus neutralization and lysis of infected cells in vitro. To investigate the importance of the interaction between gC and C3 in vivo, we studied the virulence of a gC-null strain in complement-intact and C3-deficient animals. Using a vaginal infection model in complement-intact guinea pigs, we showed that gC-null virus grows to lower titers and produces less severe vaginitis than wild-type or gC rescued virus, indicating a role for gC in virulence. To determine the importance of complement, studies were performed with C3-deficient guinea pigs; the results demonstrated significant increases in vaginal titers of gC-null virus, while wild-type and gC rescued viruses showed nonsignificant changes in titers. Similar findings were observed for mice where gC null virus produced significantly less disease than gC rescued virus at the skin inoculation site. Proof that C3 is important was provided by studies of C3 knockout mice, where disease scores of gC-null virus were significantly higher than in complement-intact mice. The results indicate that gC-null virus is approximately 100-fold (2 log10) less virulent that wild-type virus in animals and that gC-C3 interactions are involved in pathogenesis.
Sticky Information Versus Sticky Prices: A Proposal to Replace the New Keynesian Phillips Curve

This paper examines a model of dynamic price adjustment based on the assumption that information disseminates slowly throughout the population. Compared to the commonly used sticky-price model, this sticky-information model displays three, related properties that are more consistent with accepted views about the effects of monetary policy. First, disinflations are always contractionary (although announced disinflations are less contractionary than surprise ones). Second, monetary policy shocks have their maximum impact on inflation with a substantial delay. Third, the change in inflation is positively correlated with the level of economic activity.
Cellular response to alkylating agent MNNG is impaired in STAT1‐deficients cells

The SN1 alkylating agents activate the mismatch repair system leading to delayed G2/M cell cycle arrest and DNA repair with subsequent survival or cell death. STAT1, an anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic transcription factor is known to potentiate p53 and to affect DNA‐damage cellular response. We studied whether STAT1 may modulate cell fate following activation of the mismatch repair system upon exposure to the alkylating agent N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Using STAT1‐proficient or ‐deficient cell lines, we found that STAT1 is required for: (i) reduction in the extent of DNA lesions, (ii) rapid phosphorylation of T68‐CHK2 and of S15‐p53, (iii) progression through the G2/M checkpoint and (iv) long‐term survival following treatment with MNNG. Presence of STAT1 is critical for the formation of a p53‐DNA complex comprising: STAT1, c‐Abl and MLH1 following exposure to MNNG. Importantly, presence of STAT1 allows recruitment of c‐Abl to p53‐DNA complex and links c‐Abl tyrosine kinase activity to MNNG‐toxicity. Thus, our data highlight the important modulatory role of STAT1 in the signalling pathway activated by the mismatch repair system. This ability of STAT1 to favour resistance to MNNG indicates the targeting of STAT1 pathway as a therapeutic option for enhancing the efficacy of SN1 alkylating agent‐based chemotherapy.
Physical Activity and Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Can MRI Scans Shed More Light on This Issue?

Abstract Physical activity has many health benefits; however, there has been concern that exercise may increase the risk of the development or progression of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. There is little doubt that injury increases the risk of OA, but the role of physical activity independent to injury is uncertain. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging has allowed an in-depth assessment of joints and relevant structural changes—this review covers the recent imaging data relevant to this area. In children and young adults, physical activity appears beneficial for knee cartilage, possibly even in structurally abnormal knees. In addition, there is consistent evidence showing aerobic and strengthening exercise improves OA symptoms later in life. However, there is limited evidence associating exercise with structural changes in later life and this lacks consistency, suggesting little or no effect. In the meantime, it appears safe to prescribe exercise in later life without major concern for structural deterioration, although caution is appropriate in those with bone marrow lesions until more information becomes available.
The efficacy and safety of intramuscular injections of methylcobalamin in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION Chronic, nonspecific low back pain is a difficult ailment to treat and poses an economic burden in terms of medical expenses and productivity loss. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intramuscular metylcobalamin in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain. METHODS This was a double-blinded, randomised, controlled experimental study. 60 patients were assigned to either the methylcobalamin group or the placebo group. The former received intramuscular injections of 500 mcg parenteral methylcobalamin in 1 ml solution three times a week for two weeks, and the placebo group received 1 ml normal saline. Patients were assessed with Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire Version 2.0 and Visual Analogue Scale pain score. They were scored before commencement of the injections and at two months interval. RESULTS Of the 60 patients, 27 received the placebo injections and 33 were given methylcobalamin injections. A total of 58 patients were available for review at two months (placebo: n is 26; methylcobalamin: n is 32). There was a significant improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores in the methylcobalamin group as compared with the placebo group (p-value less than 0.05). Only minor adverse reactions such as pain and haematoma at the injection sites were reported by some patients. CONCLUSION Intramuscular methylcobalamin is both an effective and safe method of treatment for patients with nonspecific low back pain, both singly or in combination with other forms of treatment.
Sub-clock power-gating technique for minimising leakage power during active mode

This paper presents a new technique, called sub-clock power gating, for reducing leakage power in digital circuits. The proposed technique works concurrently with voltage and frequency scaling and power reduction is achieved by power gating within the clock cycle during active mode unlike traditional power gating which is applied during idle mode. The proposed technique can be implemented using standard EDA tools with simple modifications to the standard power gating design flow. Using a 90nm technology library, the technique is validated using two case studies: 16-bit parallel multiplier and ARM Cortex-M0™ microprocessor, provided by our industrial project partner. Compared to designs without sub-clock power gating, in a given power budget, we show that leakage power saved allows 45× and 2.5× improvements in energy efficiency in the case of multiplier and microprocessor, respectively.
The Center for Research in Security Prices

Ongoing questions on the historical mean and standard deviation of the return on equities and bonds and on the equilibrium demand for these securities are addressed in the context of a stationary, overlapping-generations economy in which consumers are subject to a borrowing constraint. The key feature captured by the OLG economy is that the bulk of the future income of the young agents is derived from their wages forthcoming in their middle age, while the bulk of the future income of the middle-aged agents is derived from their savings in equity and bonds. The young would like to borrow and invest in equity but the borrowing constraint prevents them from doing so. The middle-aged choose to hold a diversified portfolio that includes positive holdings of bonds and this explains the demand for bonds. Without the borrowing constraint the young borrow and invest in equity, thereby decreasing the mean equity premium and increasing the rate of interest. Current draft: July 1999 We thank Andrew Abel, John Cochrane, Roger Craine, Domenico Cuoco, Steven Davis, John Heaton, Ming Huang, Thore Johnsen, Hayne Leland, Robert Lucas, Robert McDonald, Merton Miller, Kevin Murphy, Nancy Stokey, Jonathan Parker, Edward Prescott, Raaj Sah, Angel Serrat, Raman Uppal and seminar participants at conferences and seminars for helpful discussions. We also thank Yu-Hua Chu and Yubo Wang for computational assistance. The usual caveat applies. Constantinides acknowledges financial support from the Center for Research in Security Prices, University of Chicago. Mehra acknowledges financial support from the Academic Senate of the University of California. Donaldson acknowledges financial support from the Faculty Research fund of the Graduate School of Business, Columbia University.
A study of a flowslide with significant entrainment in loess areas in China

Flowslides are a frequent type of natural disaster in loess areas and may result in the significant loss of properties and/or casualties. The Dagou flowslide is a typical event in a loess area and is accompanied by significant sediment entrainment. To analyze the mechanisms responsible for flowslides and to obtain the parameters for a runout analysis, a field investigation was conducted. Specimens were sampled on site to carry out laboratory tests, including a triaxial test, sieve analysis, and chemical component analysis. The parameters were used in the runout study employing an energy‐based runout model. An analytical entrainment model was adopted to calculate the entrainment after considering physical properties and the mechanism of the entrainment process of the loess. Finally, the entrainment model was incorporated into the runout model to simulate the post‐failure process of this case. Energy dissipation due to the deformation of slices was considered as it was thought to be important for a slide with a significant deformation. The simulation results were compared with the measurements, including runout distance, total volume, erosion depth, deposition height at different sections, and velocities at specific locations. The results indicate that the energy‐based runout model, together with the entrainment model, can capture the kinematic characteristics of the Dagou flowslide. Therefore, it is feasible to use this model to predict the runout characteristics of flowslides in similar areas. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Patients with Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection

Management of patients with infected prosthetic vascular grafts is one of the most difficult challenges faced by the vascular surgeon. Patients often present with nonspecific symptoms, but delay in treatment can lead to life-threatening sepsis and/or hemorrhage. Fortunately, prosthetic vascular graft infection is uncommon, with the incidence varying between 1 and 6 per cent, depending on the location of the graft. Initially, the potentially infected vascular graft should be imaged using either CT or magnetic resonance imaging, with radionuclide studies being reserved for those instances in which imaging studies do not confirm or exclude the diagnosis of infection. Current treatments for prosthetic vascular graft infection include attempted graft preservation, graft removal with in situ graft replacement (using autogenous or new prosthetic grafts), and graft removal with extra-anatomic bypass. Morbidity and mortality associated with treatment, likelihood of long-term limb salvage, and likelihood of persistent or recurrent infection vary among these types of treatment. Therefore, in an individual patient with a prosthetic vascular graft infection, many things must be considered to appropriately determine the treatment most likely to achieve eradication of the infection and long-term limb salvage with the lowest risk. Regardless, with appropriate application of the techniques currently available for treatment of prosthetic vascular graft infection, long-term elimination of infection and limb preservation can be achieved in the great majority of patients with this grave problem.
The effect of focal brain cooling on epileptic discharges in rats: Frequency analysis of electroencephalography

To investigate the effect of focal brain cooling on seizure, spectral analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) was performed in anesthetized rats intracortically injected with penicillin G potassium. Penicillin G induced epileptic discharges (EDs) and increased high frequency EEG bands. Use of a cooling device suppressed EDs with an effect that depended on the brain temperature. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis indicated that cooling to 25°C terminated the higher frequency EEG activity in Beta bands, cooling to 20°C suppressed the power spectra for both Alpha and Beta waves, and cooling to 15°C completely suppressed all spectral bands. These results suggest that a focal cooling device can terminate EDs and suppress EEG frequency bands in a manner that is dependent on the brain temperature. These findings contribute to development of clinical treatment for patients with EDs.
Template‐based synoptic reports improve the quality of pathology reports of prostatectomy specimens

Aumann K, Amann D, Gumpp V, Hauschke D, Kayser G, May A M, Wetterauer U & Werner M (2012) Histopathology 60, 634–644 Template‐based synoptic reports improve the quality of pathology reports of prostatectomy specimens
THE DISPLACED DUSTY INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM OF NGC 3077: TIDAL STRIPPING IN THE M 81 TRIPLET

We present the detection of extended (∼30 kpc2) dust emission in the tidal H i arm near NGC 3077 (member of the M 81 triplet) using SPIRE on board Herschel. Dust emission in the tidal arm is typically detected where the H i column densities are >1021 cm−2. The SPIRE band ratios show that the dust in the tidal arm is significantly colder (∼13 K) than in NGC 3077 itself (∼31 K), consistent with the lower radiation field in the tidal arm. The total dust mass in the tidal arm is ∼1.8 × 106 M☉ (assuming β = 2), i.e., substantially larger than the dust mass associated with NGC 3077 (∼2 × 105 M☉). Where dust is detected, the dust-to-gas ratio is (6 ± 3) × 10−3, consistent within the uncertainties with what is found in NGC 3077 and nearby spiral galaxies with Galactic metallicities. The faint H ii regions in the tidal arm cannot be responsible for the detected enriched material and are not the main source of the dust heating in the tidal arm. We conclude that the interstellar medium (atomic H i, molecules, and dust) in this tidal feature was pre-enriched and stripped off NGC 3077 during its recent interaction (∼3 × 108 yr ago) with M 82 and M 81. This implies that interaction can efficiently remove heavy elements and enriched material (dust and molecular gas) from galaxies. As interactions were more frequent at large look-back times, it is conceivable that they could substantially contribute (along with galactic outflows) to the enrichment of the intergalactic medium.
Critical role of SDF-1α-induced progenitor cell recruitment and macrophage VEGF production in the experimental corneal neovascularization

Purpose To address the roles of the stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) α in the course of experimental corneal neovascularization (CNV). Methods CNV was induced by alkali injury and compared in SDF-1α- or vehicle-treated mice two weeks after injury. Angiogenic factor expression in the early phase after injury was quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Progenitor cell, macrophage, and monocyte intracorneal accumulation in the early phase after injury was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. Results The mRNA expression of SDF-1α was augmented, together with infiltration of c-kit-positive progenitor cells in the corneas after the alkali injury. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, SDF-1α-treated mice exhibited enhanced CNV two weeks after injury, as evidenced by enlarged cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31)-positive areas. Concomitantly, the intracorneal infiltration of c-kit-positive progenitor cells but not F4/80+ macrophages or Ly-6G+ monocytes was significantly enhanced in SDF-1α-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated mice. SDF-1α enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by murine peritoneal macrophages. Enhancement in intraocular VEGF expression was greater in SDF-1α-treated mice than in control mice after injury. Moreover, local administration of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) antagonist after alkali injury reduced alkali-induced CNV. Conclusions SDF-1α-treated mice exhibited enhanced alkali-induced CNV through enhanced intracorneal progenitor cell infiltration and increased VEGF expression by macrophages.
Evolutionary Dynamics Analysis of Human Metapneumovirus Subtype A2: Genetic Evidence for Its Dominant Epidemic

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory viral pathogen in children worldwide. hMPV is divided into four subtypes: hMPV_A1, hMPV_A2, hMPV_B1, and hMPV_B2. hMPV_A2 can be further divided into hMPV_A2a and A2b based on phylogenetic analysis. The typical prevalence pattern of hMPV involves a shift of the predominant subtype within one or two years. However, hMPV_A2, in particular hMPV_A2b, has circulated worldwide with a several years long term high epidemic. To study this distinct epidemic behavior of hMPV_A2, we analyzed 294 sequences of partial G genes of the virus from different countries. Molecular evolutionary data indicates that hMPV_A2 evolved toward heterogeneity faster than the other subtypes. Specifically, a Bayesian skyline plot analysis revealed that hMPV_A2 has undergone a generally upward fluctuation since 1997, whereas the other subtypes experienced only one upward fluctuation. Although hMPV_A2 showed a lower value of mean dN/dS than the other subtypes, it had the largest number of positive selection sites. Meanwhile, various styles of mutation were observed in the mutation hotspots of hMPV_A2b. Bayesian phylogeography analysis also revealed two fusions of diffusion routes of hMPV_A2b in India (June 2006) and Beijing, China (June 2008). Sequences of hMPV_A2b retrieved from GenBank boosted simultaneously with the two fusions respectively, indicating that fusion of genetic transmission routes from different regions improved survival of hMPV_A2. Epidemic and evolutionary dynamics of hMPV_A2b were similar to those of hMPV_A2. Overall, our findings provide important molecular insights into hMPV epidemics and viral variation, and explain the occurrence of an atypical epidemic of hMPV_A2, particularly hMPV_A2b.