Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Computational Study of Representations in Genetic Programming to Evolve Dispatching Rules for the Job Shop Scheduling Problem

Designing effective dispatching rules is an important factor for many manufacturing systems. However, this time-consuming process has been performed manually for a very long time. Recently, some machine learning approaches have been proposed to support this task. In this paper, we investigate the use of genetic programming for automatically discovering new dispatching rules for the single objective job shop scheduling problem (JSP). Different representations of the dispatching rules in the literature are newly proposed in this paper and are compared and analysed. Experimental results show that the representation that integrates system and machine attributes can improve the quality of the evolved rules. Analysis of the evolved rules also provides useful knowledge about how these rules can effectively solve JSP.
Is Money Smart? A Study of Mutual Fund Investors' Fund Selection Ability

A previous study finds evidence to support selection ability among active fund investors for equity funds listed in 1982. Using a large sample of equity funds, I find evidence that funds that receive more money subsequently perform significantly better than those that lose money. This effect is short-lived and is largely but not completely explained by a strategy of betting on winners. In the aggregate, there is no significant evidence that funds that receive more money subsequently beat the market. However, it is possible to earn positive abnormal returns by using the cash flow information for small funds. Copyright The American Finance Association 1999.
GnRH regulates trophoblast invasion via RUNX2-mediated MMP2/9 expression.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 are involved in basal and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion. STUDY FINDING Our finding indicates that GnRH-induced RUNX2 expression enhances the invasive capacity of EVT cells by modulating the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY GnRH is expressed in first-trimester placenta and exerts pro-invasive effects on EVT cells in vitro. RUNX2 regulates MMP2 and MMP9 expression and is often associated with invasive phenotypes. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS First-trimester human placenta (n = 9) was obtained from women undergoing elective termination of pregnancy. The localization of RUNX2, MMP2 and MMP9 in first-trimester human placenta was examined by immunohistochemistry. Primary or immortalized (HTR-8/SVneo) EVT cells were treated alone or in combination with GnRH, GnRH antagonist Antide, MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98095, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002, MMP2/9 inhibitor or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting RUNX2, MMP2 and/or MMP9. Protein and mRNA levels were measured by western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Cell invasiveness was evaluated by transwell Matrigel or collagen I invasion assays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE RUNX2, MMP2 and MMP9 were detected in the cell column regions of human first-trimester placental villi. GnRH treatment increased RUNX2 mRNA and protein levels in HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary EVTs, and these effects were attenuated by co-treatment with Antide, PD98095 or LY294002. Down-regulation of RUNX2 by siRNA reduced basal and GnRH-induced MMP2/9 expression and cell invasion. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition or siRNA-mediated knockdown of MMP2/9 reduced basal and GnRH-induced cell invasion. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The lack of an in vivo model is the major limitation of our in vitro study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings provide important insight into the functions of the GnRH - GnRH receptor system in early implantation and placentation. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS This research was supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Grant #143317) to P.C. K.L. The authors have nothing to disclose.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Arterioportal Shunts in the Liver

Localized perfusional variations are being seen more frequently in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the increased reliance of the optimized arterial-phase contrast-enhanced strategies has become more commonplace. Many of these findings are related to the various organic or functional arterioportal shunts in the liver. The associated alterations in physiologic flow, decreased or absent portal venous flow, and increased arterial flow result in a regional display of high signal intensity on arterial-phase dominant contrast-enhanced MRI. For accurate diagnosis and planning of patient management, the etiology of the shunt should be distinguished as tumor related or not, and it may need to be differentiated from a hypervascular tumor. Depending on the chronicity of diminished portal flow, substantial parenchymal changes may ensue, including focal fat sparing or the finding of functional infarct, either of which can be demonstrated on static MRI. This article reviews and illustrates the MRI findings of localized tumor-related and nontumorous arterioportal shunts in the liver.
An Empirical Study on Online Social Networks Sites Usage: Online Dating Sites Perspective

Dating through Internet is providing incredibly useful features. When singles are looking for partners, internet can provide effective and more enjoyable alternatives at a low searching cost. It also provides many new ways and organized approach to mating ritual. This study identifies the attitudes of young adults towards online social networks and online dating sites usage. Besides, this study also examines the different behavior between male and female online daters. The results of this study show that most young adults have a Facebook ID. Only just over ten per cent of them date online. One major finding is that females are searching their long term partners through online dating sites, while the males are mainly interested in building casual relationships.
Misoprostol use for cervical ripening and induction of labour in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

CONTEXT Induction of labor is always a challenge to many an obstetrician more so when the cervix is unfavorable. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and safety ofmisoprostol in cervical ripening and labour induction. MATERIALS AND METHOD Aprospective study spanning 2 years and involving 151 patients admitted for cervical ripening and induction of labor at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. 50 microgram (mcg) ofmisoprostol was inserted vaginally every 4 hours until cervix became favorable or onset of labor. RESULTS Main indications for induction of labour were prolonged pregnancy and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. An average of 2 insertions of 50 mcg tablet was used to achieve cervical ripening in 107 patients (71%) and 80% (120) had spontaneous labor within 10 hours of insertion. The mean insertion-labor interval was 7.86 hours (SD +/- 2.5). The average duration of labour was 9.36 hours (SD +/- 2.9). Vaginal delivery was achieved in 96% of the patients. Uterine hyperstimulation occurred in 9 patients but there was no case of uterine rupture. CONCLUSION Misoprostol was effective and safe in cervical ripening and induction of labor with a vaginal delivery rate of 96%. It should be an essential drug in obstetric practice especially in low resource settings.
Stochastic Panel-Data Models of Urban Shopping Behaviour: 3. The Interaction of Store Choice and Brand Choice

In this paper, the first consideration of the interaction of the processes of store choice and brand choice at the level of individual stores is presented. Empirical results derived from a recently conducted spatially disaggregate consumer-panel survey in Cardiff, the United Kingdom, are reported. These results suggest that store loyalty and brand loyalty are both extremely low. On this basis it is argued that store and brand choice might profitably be regarded as a nested choice process, with store choice preceding brand choice. The application of the Dirichlet model to patterns of multibrand purchasing within individual stores is then discussed.
G2019S-LRRK2 Expression Augments α-Synuclein Sequestration into Inclusions in Neurons

Pathologic inclusions define α-synucleinopathies that include Parkinson's disease (PD). The most common genetic cause of PD is the G2019S LRRK2 mutation that upregulates LRRK2 kinase activity. However, the interaction between α-synuclein, LRRK2, and the formation of α-synuclein inclusions remains unclear. Here, we show that G2019S-LRRK2 expression, in both cultured neurons and dopaminergic neurons in the rat substantia nigra pars compact, increases the recruitment of endogenous α-synuclein into inclusions in response to α-synuclein fibril exposure. This results from the expression of mutant G2019S-LRRK2, as overexpression of WT-LRRK2 not only does not increase formation of inclusions but reduces their abundance. In addition, treatment of primary mouse neurons with LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, PF-06447475 and MLi-2, blocks G2019S-LRRK2 effects, suggesting that the G2019S-LRRK2 potentiation of inclusion formation depends on its kinase activity. Overexpression of G2019S-LRRK2 slightly increases, whereas WT-LRRK2 decreases, total levels of α-synuclein. Knockdown of total α-synuclein with potent antisense oligonucleotides substantially reduces inclusion formation in G2019S-LRRK2-expressing neurons, suggesting that LRRK2 influences α-synuclein inclusion formation by altering α-synuclein levels. These findings support the hypothesis that G2019S-LRRK2 may increase the progression of pathological α-synuclein inclusions after the initial formation of α-synuclein pathology by increasing a pool of α-synuclein that is more susceptible to forming inclusions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT α-Synuclein inclusions are found in the brains of patients with many different neurodegenerative diseases. Point mutation, duplication, or triplication of the α-synuclein gene can all cause Parkinson's disease (PD). The G2019S mutation in LRRK2 is the most common known genetic cause of PD. The interaction between G2019S-LRRK2 and α-synuclein may uncover new mechanisms and targets for neuroprotection. Here, we show that expression of G2019S-LRRK2 increases α-synuclein mobility and enhances aggregation of α-synuclein in primary cultured neurons and in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta, a susceptible brain region in PD. Potent LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, which are being developed for clinical use, block the increased α-synuclein aggregation in G2019S-LRRK2-expressing neurons. These results demonstrate that α-synuclein inclusion formation in neurons can be blocked and that novel therapeutic compounds targeting this process by inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity may slow progression of PD-associated pathology.
The Future of the Stock Market Channel in Egypt

The paper attempted to identify the degree of predictability of stock market returns from monetary variables and whether the stock market could be an alternate channel for transmitting monetary policy rather than the traditional money and credit channels. The empirical investigation was conducted using Bayesian VAR models consisting of four endogenous variables with four lags and a constant. Monthly data used in the estimation are the actively traded stocks HFI returns to represent market performance and inflation rate, as well as growth in both M1 and M2, and growth of credit to the private sector to represent the monetary stance. Empirical investigation showed, currently, the effectiveness of the credit channel in transmitting the monetary policy as well as the balance sheet channel. Nevertheless, the results provided evidence that in the future the stock market could be an effective channel in transmitting the monetary policy rather than the traditional credit channel.
In Search of Synergy: A Structure-Performance Test

T HE conglomerate activity of the sixties has generated considerable interest in the effects of corporate diversification. Enquiry has centered on two related questions-how well do diversified firms perform vis-a-vis specialized companies, and if they perform differently, why do they do so? With respect to these questions, this paper presents qualified evidence which suggests that diversified firms outperform their specialized counterparts, other things equal, and that the source of the superior performance is the synergy that arises from diversification. '
Understanding the benefits of social tourism: Linking participation to subjective well‐being and quality of life

This paper aims to explore the relationship between well-being, quality of life and holiday participation among low-income families in the UK. There have been very studies that have examined quality of life (QOL) and subjective well-being in relation to tourism and none that have attempted to apply measures to assess the benefits of holidays for those people who are generally excluded from participation. This is important in relation to social tourism because of the fundamental need to develop mechanisms to evaluate the impact of charitable funding for supporting low-income families' participation in holidaymaking. This study evaluates the types of reasons given for financial assistance in applications to the Family Holiday Association including follow-up research with a sample of successful applicants on the perceived benefits of the holiday, including questions on QOL factors. The findings are limited in scope but do indicate that increases in QOL were reported among low-income families. The paper concludes by arguing that further research on adapted well-being and QOL measures be applied to tourism consumption. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two new xanthones from Artocarpus obtusus

Two new xanthones, pyranocycloartobiloxanthone A (1) and dihydroartoindonesianin C (2), were isolated from the stem bark of Artocarpus obtusus Jarrett by chromatographic separation. Their structures were determined by using spectroscopic methods and comparison with known related compounds. Pyranocycloartobiloxanthone A (1) showed strong free radical scavenging activity by using DPPH assay as well as cytotoxicity towards K562, HL-60, and MCF7 cell lines.
Effects of in-company quality awards on organizational performance

The relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and improved performance has been frequently discussed in the literature. In this paper, the costs and the effects of in-company quality awards on performance are discussed and analysed. The paper covers a survey of Swedish companies that use or have used in-company quality awards to stimulate TQM efforts and thereby to improve performance. The study cannot show any strong evidence of improved performance for units that applied for the in-company quality award. However, in contrast to units that have not applied, some units that have applied for the in-company quality award considered that the results related to performance have improved greatly. One large positive effect perceived by the participating units was increased customer orientation while the largest costs were put on the description of activities and the improvement work itself.
Intellectual capital reporting in a South Asian country: evidence from Bangladesh

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the intellectual capital reporting (ICR) practices of listed non‐financial companies in Bangladesh as an example of a South Asian developing country, and to empirically investigate some company characteristics as determinants of such practices.Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study of ICR by 90 listed companies in Bangladesh in 2008‐2009 using content analysis of annual reports. The study uses a weighted disclosure index and ordinary least squares regression analyses to test the association between company characteristics and the extent of ICR.Findings – The study finds that despite the stock market growing significantly during the recession period, there is a tendency of companies not to disclose IC. The study also confirms that size and industry are important attributes to explain the IC disclosure (ICD) issues in Bangladesh. Unlike prior studies, the study finds that the IT sector does not tend to disclose more extensively, and that co.
Revision Reconstruction of a Pectoralis Major Tendon Rupture Using Hamstring Autograft

Rupture of the pectoralis major tendon is an uncommon injury. This entity was first described in the literature by Patissier in 1822. The injury usually results from eccentric contraction of the myotendinous unit during weight lifting, but it has been reported to occur in various scenarios. It is often misdiagnosed as a muscle strain. Diagnosis is made based on history and physical examination and can be aided by MRI. Primary repair of acute injuries has demonstrated reliable results. Repair of chronic injuries represents a difficult task and may require extensive soft tissue mobilization or graft reconstruction. We present a case of failed primary repair that later underwent revision reconstruction using a semitendinosusgracilis autograft. To our knowledge, this technique has not been presented in the English literature.
The Internet: A new route to good governance

In examining the relationship between Internet use and governance across different regime types, the article emphasizes the Internet’s potential to improve governance. Through a pooled time-series analysis of more than 170 countries with annual or biannual data from 1996 to 2010, we establish that countries with higher Internet penetration rates generally enjoy better, more stable governance, regardless of regime type. Our finding has both practical and theoretical implications. More practically, our results strongly entertain the possibility that the Internet improves access to information, accommodates pluralistic sources of information, and produces platforms for political discourse. Our findings also suggest that the Internet’s concomitant facility for reporting and scrutiny in the public sphere may encourage leaders to improve transparency and accountability. More empirically, the article introduces an additional variable to the good governance function, which should be included in future analyses.
Relationships between HIV disease history and blood HIV-1 DNA load in perinatally infected adolescents and young adults: the ANRS-EP38-IMMIP study.

BACKGROUND Our aim was to study the impact of lifelong human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease history on the current immune and virological status of perinatally infected patients reaching adulthood. We evaluated blood cell-associated HIV DNA load as an indicator of cell-associated HIV reservoirs and an independent predictor of disease progression. METHODS The ANRS-EP38-IMMIP Study included 93 patients aged 15-24 years who were infected with HIV during the perinatal period. HIV DNA load was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Eighty-five percent of patients were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and HIV RNA was undetectable in the plasma of 75% of these patients. The median HIV DNA load was 2.84 (interquartile range, 2.51-3.16) log(10) copies per 10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In patients with viral suppression, HIV DNA load was independently associated with cumulative HIV RNA viremia over the last 5 years. HIV DNA load was negatively correlated with CD4 cell count in patients with active replication but not in those with undetectable HIV RNA. CONCLUSIONS In perinatally infected youths who are successfully treated, sustained viral suppression is associated with a low HIV DNA load. The absence of association between current HIV DNA load and CD4 cell counts suggests that the unique physiological characteristics of pediatric infection persist after adolescence. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01055873.
Brain metastasis from cervical carcinoma

The aim of this study was to describe the features of patients with brain metastasis from cervical cancer. Twelve patients with brain metastasis from cervical cancer were identified. Information regarding symptoms, treatment, and survival was analyzed. The incidence of brain metastasis in our population was 0.77%. Median patient age at initial diagnosis of cervical cancer was 43.5 years (range 29–57 years) compared with 44.5 years (range 31–58 years) at identification of brain metastasis. Six patients had FIGO stage IB disease; three had stage IIB disease; and one each had stage IIIA, IIIB, and IVB disease. The median interval from diagnosis of cervical cancer to identification of brain metastasis was 17.5 months (range 1.1–96.1 months). All but one patient presented with neurologic symptoms. Eight patients received whole-brain irradiation and steroids, three received steroids alone, and one underwent surgery, followed by irradiation. All the patients who received whole-brain irradiation experienced improvement in their symptoms. Median survival from diagnosis of brain metastasis to death was 2.3 months (range 0.3–7.9 months). Five patients who received chemotherapy after brain irradiation had a median survival of 4.4 months compared to 0.9 months for those who received no additional treatment after brain irradiation (P= .016). Most patients with brain metastasis from cervical cancer presented with neurologic sequelae. Brain irradiation improved these symptoms. Survival after diagnosis of brain metastasis was poor; however, patients who received chemotherapy after brain irradiation appeared to have improved survival.
Characterization of Ribosomal S6 Protein Kinase p90rsk During Meiotic Maturation and Fertilization in Pig Oocytes: Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Associated Activation and Localization1

Abstract Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) becomes activated during the meiotic maturation of pig oocytes, but its physiological substrate is unknown. The 90-kDa ribosome S6 protein kinase (p90rsk) is the best known MAPK substrate in Xenopus and mouse oocytes. The present study was designed to investigate the expression, phosphorylation, subcellular localization, and possible roles of p90rsk in porcine oocytes during meiotic maturation, fertilization, and parthenogenetic activation. This kinase was partially phosphorylated in oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV) stage through a MAPK-independent mechanism, but its full phosphorylation is dependent on MAPK activity. After fertilization or electrical activation, p90rsk was dephosphorylated shortly before pronucleus formation, which coincided with the inactivation of MAPK. A protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, accelerated the phosphorylation of p90rsk during meiotic maturation and induced its rephosphorylation in activated eggs. MAPK kinase (MAPKK or MEK) inhibitor U0126 inhibited the activation of MAPK and p90rsk in both cumulus-enclosed and denuded pig oocytes, but prevented GV breakdown (GVBD) only in cumulus-enclosed oocytes. Active MAPK and p90rsk were detected in pig cumulus cells, and U0126 induced their dephosphorylation. In meiosis II arrested eggs, U0126 led to the inactivation of MAPK and p90rsk, as well as the interphase transition of the eggs. P90rsk was distributed evenly in GV oocytes, but it accumulated in the nucleus before GVBD. It was localized to the meiotic spindle after GVBD and concentrated in the spindle mid zone during emission of the polar bodies. All these results suggest that p90rsk is downstream of MAPK and plays functional roles in the regulation of nuclear status and microtubule organization. Although MAPK and p90rsk activity are not essential for the spontaneous meiotic resumption in denuded oocytes, activation of this cascade in cumulus cells is indispensable for the gonadotropin-induced meiotic resumption of pig oocytes.