Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human-Guided Simple Search

Scheduling, routing, and layout tasks are examples of hard operations-research problems that have broad application in industry. Typical algorithms for these problems combine some form of gradient descent to find local minima with some strategy for escaping nonoptimal local minima. Our idea is to divide these two subtasks cleanly between human and computer: in our paradigm of human-guided simple search the computer is responsible only for finding local minima using a simple hill-climbing search; using visualization and interaction techniques, the human user identifies promising regions of the search space for the computer to explore, and intervenes to help it escape nonoptimal local minima. We have applied our approach to the problem of capacitated vehicle routing with time windows, a commercially important problem with a rich research history. Despite its simplicity, our prototype system is competitive with the majority of previously reported systems on benchmark academic problems, and has the advantage of keeping a human tightly in the loop to handle the complexities of real-world applications. AAAI 2000
Is Ciprofloxacin a Substrate of P-glycoprotein?

Introduction Studies using MDCKII and LLC-PK1 cells transfected with MDR1 cDNA indicate that ciprofloxacin is not a substrate of P-glycoprotein. However, our data has shown that transport studies done using different P-gp overexpressing cell lines (MDCKI-MDR1, MDCKII-MDR1 and L-MDR1), could lead to contradictory conclusion on whether a compound is a substrate of P-gp. The aim of our study was to determine if ciprofloxacin is indeed not a P-glycoprotein substrate using MDCKI cells transfected with human MDR1 cDNA. Methods Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA level of MDR1 while Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression level of P-gp, MRP1 and MRP2 in various cells. Ciprofloxacin bidirectional transport studies were performed in MDCKI, MDCKI-MDR1, MDCKII, MDCKII-MDR1, MDCKII-MRP2, LLC-PK1, L-MRP1 and L-MDR1 cells. Results Ciprofloxacin showed net secretion in MDCKI-MDR1 but net absorption in MDCKI cells. Various P-gp inhibitors decreased the B to A and increased the A to B transport of ciprofloxacin in MDCKI-MDR1 cells while having no effect in MDCKI cells. The B to A transport of ciprofloxacin in MDCKI-MDR1 cells was not affected by non-P-gp inhibitors. In the presence of indomethacin, ciprofloxacin showed net secretion instead of net absorption in MDCKI cells while in the presence of probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, there was no net secretion and absorption. There was no difference in ciprofloxacin transport between MDCKII and MDCKII-MDR1, LLC-PK1 and L-MDR1, LLC-PK1 and L-MRP1 and MDCKII and MDCKII-MRP2. Conclusions Transport data in MDCKI and MDCKI-MDR1 cells indicate that ciprofloxacin is a substrate of P-gp but data from MDCKII, MDCKII-MDR1, LLC-PK1 and L-MDR1 cells indicate that ciprofloxacin is not a substrate of P-gp. Vinblastine, a well-known P-gp substrate, also did not show differences between LLC-PK1 and L-MDR1 cells. Further studies need to be performed to characterize these P-gp overexpressing cell lines and the transport of ciprofloxacin.
Reduction in fat uptake of doughnut by microparticulated wheat bran

Wheat flour–microparticulated wheat bran (MWB) mixture and composites were prepared, and their potential as an oil repellent was evaluated in doughnuts. As MWB content increased, the oil-holding capacity decreased, and there were significant changes in water-holding capacity (p < 0.05). As MWB content increased, the fat content of doughnuts decreased. In addition, the wheat flour–MWB composite was more effective for preventing fat uptake than the wheat flour–MWB mixture. The hardness of the composite was higher than the mixture, although volume and weight decreased and surface colour became darker than that of the mixture. As the proportion of wheat bran in the doughnut formulation increased, the inner crust achieved a uniform cell size and cellular integrity was improved. Based on these data, wheat flour–MWB composites are appropriate for use in doughnut formulas with low fat uptake.
Electrodeposition of Titanium-Aluminum Alloys in the Lewis Acidic Aluminum Chloride-1-Ethyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride Molten Salt

The chemical and electrochemical behavior of titanium was examined in the Lewis acidic aluminum chloride-1 -ethyl-3 -methylimidazolium chlo­ ride (AlCh-EtMehnCl) molten salt at 353.2 K. Dissolved Ti(II), as TiCl2, is stable in the 66.7-33.3 m/o composition of this melt, but shows a slight tendency to disproportionate in the 60.0-40.0 m/o melt. At low current densities, the anodic oxidation of Ti(0) does not lead to dissolved Ti(II), but to an insoluble passivating film of TiCl3. At high current densities or very positive potentials, Ti(0) is oxidized to Ti(fV); however, the electro­ generated Ti(IV) vaporizes from the melt as TiCL(g). The electrodeposi­ tion of Ti-Al alloys was investigated at Cu rotating wire electrodes. Ti-Al alloys containing up to ~ 19 a/o titanium could be electrodeposited from saturated solutions of Ti(II) in the 66.7-33.3 m/o melt at low current densi­ ties, but the titanium content of these alloys decreased as the reduction current density was increased. The pitting potentials of these electrodepos­ ited Ti-Al alloys exhibited a positive shift with increasing titanium content comparable to that observed for alloys prepared by sputter deposition. for
HLA and Susceptibility to Hodgkin's Disease

Strong arguments supporting a genetic linkage between susceptibility to HD and HLA are reported. These observations are based on data from 33 multiplex case families, gathered from international series and from our own studies. They confirm the disturbed segregation of HLA haplotypes among pairs of affected siblings (P less than 0.0005). An excess of a shared haplotype among first cousin pairs of patients is also observed (P less than 0.05). When both sib pairs and cousins are taken together, the segregation distortion is even greater (P less than 0.0002). Although the excess of HLA-identical affected sib pairs would favor a recessive mode of transmission of the disease, the lod score analyses do not allow one to conclude a simple genetic pattern. A two-gene model, based on epistatic cooperation, is discussed and could fit with an intermediate mode of transmission. The review of population data confirms the generally admitted trend of higher susceptibility borne by HLA-A1. There are converging arguments in favor of the prevalence of A1, B5, B18 in HD, and in particular A1 in the mixed cellularity form, while the haplotype, A1, B8, predominant in long survivors seems to possess a protective effect. It is expected that more data from multiplex families and prospective series of unrelated patients, fully HLA typed, may help to bring about a better understanding of the first reported HLA linkage with malignancy.
A preferred link based multicast protocol for wireless mobile ad hoc networks

Existing multicast routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks can be broadly classified into two categories, tree based protocols and mesh based protocols. Mesh based protocols have high packet delivery ratio compared to tree based protocols, but incur more control overhead. The packet delivery ratio of tree based protocols decreases with increasing mobility. This is due to the occurrence of frequent tree breaks and lack of proper tree maintenance mechanisms. These tree breaks result in frequent flooding of JoinQuery packets by the multicast group member nodes which try to get re-connected to the tree. These broadcast packets collide with the data packets and reduce the efficiency of the protocol. We propose an efficient protocol which we call as preferred link based multicast protocol (PLBM). PLBM uses a preferred link approach for forwarding JoinQuery packets. Subsets of neighbors of a node are selected using a preferred link based algorithm. These nodes, termed as preferred nodes, are only eligible for further forwarding of JoinQuery packets. We also propose a quick link break detection mechanism that locally repairs broken links. Simulation results show that our protocol performs better than other existing multicast protocols in terms of packet delivery ratio and control overhead.
Koetjapic acid chloroform hemisolvate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C30H46O4·0.5CHCl3, consists of one koetjapic acid [systematic name: (3R,4aR,4bS,7S,8S,10bS,12aS)-7-(2-carboxyethyl)-3,4b,7,10b,12a-pentamethyl-8-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-1,2,3,4,4a,4b,5,6,7,8,9,10,10b,11,12,12a-hexadecahydrochrysene-3-carboxylic acid] molecule and one half-molecule of chloroform solvent, which is disordered about a twofold rotation axis. The symmetry-independent component is further disordered over two sites, with occupancies of 0.30 and 0.20. The koetjapic acid contains a fused four-ring system, A/B/C/D. The A/B, B/C and C/D junctions adopt E/trans/cis configurations, respectively. The conformation of ring A is intermediate between envelope and half-chair and ring B adopts an envelope conformation whereas rings C and D adopt chair conformations. A weak intramolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond is observed. The koetjapic acid molecules are linked into dimers by two pairs of intermolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The dimers are stacked along the c axis.
Revisiting concepts of visceral nociception in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by abdominal pain related to defecation with a change in bowel habit. Patients with IBS often exhibit increased visceral sensitivity, which can be tested clinically by rectal balloon distension procedures. This paper aims to give an overview of mechanisms involved in visceral hypersensitivity in IBS by reviewing recent literature.
Occupations, perceived stress, and stress-related disorders among women and men in the public sector in Sweden

Abstract Background: Stress-related disorders are a public health problem and represent a significant burden to individuals and society. It is, therefore, of importance to regard stress in a wider context and identify risk factors not only at work but in all occupations in everyday life, to prevent ill health. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between everyday occupations, perceived stress, and stress-related disorders as well as potential gender differences. Material and methods: A survey was mailed to a random selection of 3481 employees in the public sector in Western Sweden. Cox regressions with constant time at risk were used, in order to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The results showed a clear association between reporting imbalance between different everyday occupations and both perceived stress and stress-related disorders among men and women. Conclusion: Imbalance between different everyday occupations seems to be an important risk factor for perceived stress and stress-related disorder among both women and men. Significance: To enable people to achieve balance between different everyday occupations may be a useful way to prevent stress, stress-related disorders, and sick leave, and to promote better health and well-being.
Effect of Annealing Rates on Surface Roughness of TiO2 Thin films

In this work, we report a simple and novel method of determining the morphological properties of TiO2 thin films synthesized by sol-gel doctor-blade method. The TiO2 films were deposited on doped fluorine tin oxide (SnO2:F) layer on glass substrates. The as-deposited and subsequent annealed films at different rates (1-step annealing, 1°C/min and 2°C/min) were studied using optical microscopy. Analysis of the optical images through line scans and histogram distributions, revealed the average surface roughness to be 0.1246±0.0114, 0.1442±0.0069, 0.1393±0.0084, and 0.1333±0.0084μm for the as-deposited, 1-step annealed, 2°C/min, and 1°C/min films, respectively. The average sizes of islands forming on the films were found to be 0.1037± 0.0054, 0.1262±0.0053, 0.1684±0.0103, and 0.1947±0. 0078μm for the as-deposited, 1-step annealed, 2°C/min, and 1°C/min films, respectively. A striking statistical correlation between surface roughness and annealing rate was established, with the 1°C/min annealed film having the lowest roughness and the largest size of islands. This is attributed to the dynamics of crystallization where TiO2 have more time to partially melt and coalesce into relatively smooth surface at low annealing rate, in contrast to high rates. Our results clearly demonstrate that the surface roughness on TiO2 films heat-treated at different temperatures can be accurately and rapidly determined based on their optical contrast.
Approaches to Pythagorean Fuzzy Stochastic Multi‐criteria Decision Making Based on Prospect Theory and Regret Theory with New Distance Measure and Score Function

In this paper, we initiate a new axiomatic definition of Pythagorean fuzzy distance measure, which is expressed by Pythagorean fuzzy number that will reduce the information loss and remain more original information. Then, the objective weights of various criteria are determined via grey system theory. Combining objective weights with subjective weights, we present the combined weights, which can reflect both the subjective considerations of the decision maker and the objective information. Meanwhile, a novel score function is proposed. Later, we present two algorithms to solve stochastic multicriteria decision making problem, which takes prospect preference and regret aversion of decision makers into consideration in the decision process. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of approach is demonstrated by a numerical example.
The electrical activity of isolated mammalian intestines

This paper describes experiments on the origin and regulation of the pendulum movements of the intestine. Previous work (Ambache, 1946) has suggested that these movements may depend upon a nervous mechanism, acting eventually upon the musculature of the intestine by the liberation of acetylcholine, and there is already some evidence (cf. Keith, 1915) for the existence of a 'nodal' tissue in the intestine, which may control the rhythmic contractions. The action potentials associated with pendulum movements have been recorded with a device allowing simultaneous presentation of electrical and mechanical changes on the same cathode-ray tube. The time relations of the electrical changes and the effects of suppressing the contraction upon the various phases of the action potential, suggest that the intestinal nerve net acts as a pacemaker for pendulum movements.
Synthesis of quantum logic circuits

The pressure of fundamental limits on classical computation and the promise of exponential speedups from quantum effects have recently brought quantum circuits to the attention of the EDA community (Iwama et al., 2002; Shende et al., 2003; Bullock and Markov, 2003; Shende et al., 2004; Hung et al., 2004). We discuss efficient circuits to initialize quantum registers and implement generic quantum computations. Our techniques yield circuits that are twice as small as the best previously published technique. Moreover, a theoretical lower bound shows that our new circuits can be improved by at most a factor of two. Further, the circuits grow by at most a factor of nine under severe architectural restrictions.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in children with atopic dermatitis

Background: Skin infection and/or nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is a risk factor for exacerbating disease or subsequent recurrent S. aureus infection. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibilities of S. aureus strains from AD children and determine the most appropriate choice of antibiotics.
Effects of phthalic anhydride polyester polyol on mechanical properties of polyurethane resin system based on polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate-polypropylene glycol

In this paper, a series of two-component polyurethane resins were prepared by using polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate (PMDI) and polypropylene glycol (PPG400) respectively as hard and soft segment. In order to further increase strength, stiffness and heat resistance of resin system, phthalic anhydride polyester polyol (PAPP) was used as second soft segment. The effects of content, functionality and molecular weight of PAPP on mechanical properties of PMDI-PPG resins were mainly studied. The results indicated comprehensive performance of polyurethane resin was best in the case of employing tri-functionality PAPP with a molecular weight of 400 and 40% content in soft segment. The resulting tensile, flexural and impact strength of polyurethane respectively reached 66.4, 92.0 MPa and 66.1kJ/m2. The tensile and flexural strength of glass fibre-reinforced polyurethane composite respectively reached 465 and 552 MPa. PMDI-PPG/PAPP system thus is expected as a new type of resin matrix used for high-performance polymer composites.
Effects of cellular cholesterol loading on macrophage foam cell lysosome acidifications⃞ Published, JLR Papers in Press, February 16, 2007.

Macrophages incubated with mildly oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL), aggregated low density lipoprotein (AggLDL), or cholesteryl ester-rich lipid dispersions (DISPs) accumulate cholesterol in lysosomes followed by an inhibition of lysosomal cholesteryl ester (CE) hydrolysis. The variety of cholesterol-containing particles producing inhibition of hydrolysis suggests that inhibition may relate to general changes in lysosomes. Lysosome pH is a key mediator of activity and thus is a potential mechanism for lipid-induced inhibition. We investigated the effects of cholesterol accumulation on THP-1 macrophage lysosome pH. Treatment with OxLDL, AggLDL, and DISPs resulted in inhibition of the lysosome's ability to maintain an active pH and concomitant decreases in CE hydrolysis. Consistent with an overall disruption of lysosome function, exposure to OxLDL or AggLDL reduced lysosomal apolipoprotein B degradation. The lysosomal cholesterol sequestration and inactivation are not observed in cholesterol-equivalent cells loaded using acetylated low density lipoprotein (AcLDL). However, AcLDL-derived cholesterol in the presence of progesterone (to block cholesterol egression from lysosomes) inhibited lysosome acidification. Lysosome inhibition was not attributable to a decrease in the overall levels of vacuolar ATPase. However, augmentation of membrane cholesterol in isolated lysosomes inhibited vacuolar ATPase-dependent pumping of H+ ions into lysosomes. These data indicate that lysosomal cholesterol accumulation alters lysosomes in ways that could exacerbate foam cell formation and influence atherosclerotic lesion development.
Dehydration of vegetables by using indirect solar dryer

The temperature controlled indirect solar dryer is designed in Quetta by using simple available stuffs in the market to dry the agricultural products for its longer shelf life. The dryer consists of drying cabinet, solar cell, electrical fan and collector. Inside the cabinet there are four trays at equally distance from each other, each tray receive uniformly heated air from the collector to dry the agricultural product. During the drying process temperature and relative humidity inside the cabinet is measured with help of digital hygrometer. Tomatoes, mint leaves, eggplant and onion were dried in newly low cost designed dryer. The drying time, color and quality of these products are compared with open sun drying. The result shows that the product dried in the newly dryer is good in quality and dry faster than open sun drying method. The drying occurs in falling rate period. Uniformity of the dryer in each tray was also checked by placing vegitable slices of same size and weight in each tray, the drying time for each tray was same. By increasing the size of vegitable slices increase the drying time, result also shows that increasing in drying air temperature also increase the drying time.
Dried blood spot for hepatitis C virus serology and molecular testing

We investigated the performance of dried blood spots (DBS) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis using modified commercial tests. Paired DBS and serum samples were collected from 200 patients: 100 patients with anti‐HCV antibodies (anti‐HCV), including 62 patients with detectable serum HCV RNA, and 100 patients without anti‐HCV. The DBS sample consisted of three drops of approximately 50 μL of whole blood applied to a paper card, which was then stored at −20°C within 48 hours of collection. Using the Ortho HCV 3.0 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit on DBS, we observed both a specificity and sensitivity of 99% in detecting anti‐HCV. HCV RNA was detected on DBS in 60/62 (97%) patients with detectable serum HCV RNA, which was then successfully quantified in 55 samples (89%) using the Cobas TaqMan HCV test. A good correlation was observed between the DBS HCV RNA concentration and the serum level (r2 = 0.95; P < 0.001). HCV genotyping was successfully performed on DBS samples, with a full concordance between the 14 paired DBS and serum samples (genotypes 1‐4). Conclusion: This study presents DBS as a reliable alternative to serum specimens for detecting anti‐HCV, quantifying HCV RNA and genotyping HCV. DBS may increase the opportunities for HCV testing and treatment follow‐up in hard‐to‐reach individuals. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.)