Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VMI: What are you losing if you let your customer place orders?

Managing the order-delivery processes between organizations is a key issue in supply chain management. Despite the increasing application of just-in-time (JIT), lean and agile practices and new information systems that increase the visibility in supply chains, a lot of problems still remain. Surveys among European companies indicate that no signifi cant improvements have taken place in delivery performance during last decade. Vendor managed inventory (VMI) is a recent alternative for the order-delivery process. The fundamental change is that the ordering phase of the process is abolished, and the supplier is given both authority and responsibility to take care of the entire replenishment process. Despite of its advantages VMI has not yet become a standard mode of operation in companies. In this paper the benefits of VMI are analyzed from the viewpoint of managing the replenishment process of the entire product range, not the viewpoint of a single stock keeping unit. A time-based analysis method is developed for measuring the benefits of VMI in different situations. The hypothesis explored that by taking the whole product range viewpoint the advantages of VMI are more readily identified. The hypothesis is tested by using real-life demand data from three different grocery supply chains.
Increased Mutagen Sensitivity and DNA Damage in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

RATIONALE Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious lung condition characterized by vascular remodeling in the precapillary pulmonary arterioles. We and others have demonstrated chromosomal abnormalities and increased DNA damage in PAH lung vascular cells, but their timing and role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that if DNA damage predates PAH, it might be an intrinsic cell property that is present outside the diseased lung. METHODS We measured DNA damage, mutagen sensitivity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung and blood cells from patients with Group 1 PAH, their relatives, and unrelated control subjects. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Baseline DNA damage was significantly elevated in PAH, both in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (P < 0.05) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (P < 0.001). Remarkably, PBMC from unaffected relatives showed similar increases, indicating this is not related to PAH treatments. ROS levels were also higher (P < 0.01). DNA damage correlated with ROS production and was suppressed by antioxidants (P < 0.001). PBMC from patients and relatives also showed markedly increased sensitivity to two chemotherapeutic drugs, bleomycin and etoposide (P < 0.001). Results were consistent across idiopathic, heritable, and associated PAH groups. CONCLUSIONS Levels of baseline and mutagen-induced DNA damage are intrinsically higher in PAH cells. Similar results in PBMC from unaffected relatives suggest this may be a genetically determined trait that predates disease onset and may act as a risk factor contributing to lung vascular remodeling following endothelial cell injury. Further studies are required to fully characterize mutagen sensitivity, which could have important implications for clinical management.
Excess NF-κB Induces Ectopic Odontogenesis in Embryonic Incisor Epithelium

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling plays critical roles in many physiological and pathological processes, including regulating organogenesis. Down-regulation of NF-κB signaling during development results in hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The roles of NF-κB signaling in tooth development, however, are not fully understood. We examined mice overexpressing IKKβ, an essential component of the NF-κB pathway, under keratin 5 promoter (K5-Ikkβ). K5-Ikkβ mice showed supernumerary incisors whose formation was accompanied by up-regulation of canonical Wnt signaling. Apoptosis that is normally observed in wild-type incisor epithelium was reduced in K5-Ikkβ mice. The supernumerary incisors in K5-Ikkβ mice were found to phenocopy extra incisors in mice with mutations of Wnt inhibitor, Wise. Excess NF-κB activity thus induces an ectopic odontogenesis program that is usually suppressed under physiological conditions.
Substrates affect plant growth, flower yield, and quality of stock (Matthiola incana L.) and zinnia (Zinnia elegans jacq.)

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various substrates to promote vegetative and reproductive growth of stock (Matthiola incana L. 'Midseason Cheerful White') and zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq. 'Benary's Giant Deep Red'). There were seven treatments comprising of peat, coco coir and conventional substrate (soil + silt + leaf mold, 1:1:1, v/v/v) alone or in different proportions. Use of coco coir plus peat or peat alone increased plant height, number of leaves plant, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll contents, stem length, number of florets spike, floret diameter, spike length and fresh and dry weight of stem, while decreased number of days to harvest of stock. However, substrates had no effect on vase life and stem diameter of stock. For zinnia, plant height and stem length were significantly higher (P<0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively) in coco coir-based substrates. Growth and floral indices were significantly increased in peat-based and peat plus coco coir-based substrates. However, substrates had no effect on number of leaves and flowers plant-1 and vase life of zinnia. Leaf NPK contents of stock were higher (P<0.0001) in peat-based substrate, while in zinnia, K was significantly higher in peat. Leaf nitrogen contents of zinnia were higher (P<0.0001) in coco coir + conventional substrate, but leaf phosphorus contents were similar in all substrates. Results revealed the positive effects of coco coir alone or combined with peat for enhancing yield and quality of tested specialty cut flower crops.
Computing Temporal Alignments of Human Motion Sequences in Wide Clothing Using Geodesic Patches

In this paper, we address the problem of temporal alignment of surfaces for subjects dressed in wide clothing, as acquired by calibrated multi-camera systems. Most existing methods solve the alignment by fitting a single surface template to each instant's 3D observations, relying on a dense point-to-point correspondence scheme, e.g. by matching individual surface points based on local geometric features or proximity. The wide clothing situation yields more geometric and topological difficulties in observed sequences, such as apparent merging of surface components, misreconstructions, and partial surface observation, resulting in overly sparse, erroneous point-to-point correspondences, and thus alignment failures. To resolve these issues, we propose an alignment framework where point-to-point correspondences are obtained by growing isometric patches from a set of reliably obtained body landmarks. This correspondence decreases the reliance on local geometric features subject to instability, instead emphasizing the surface neighborhood coherence of matches, while improving density given sufficient landmark coverage. We validate and verify the resulting improved alignment performance in our experiments.
STRUCTURAL Optimal Implantation Depth and Adherence to Guidelines on Permanent Pacing to Improve the Results of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With the Medtronic CoreValve System The CoreValve Prospective

OBJECTIVES The aim of the CoreValve prospective, international, post-market ADVANCE-II study was to define the rates of conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the Medtronic CoreValve System (Minneapolis, Minnesota) using optimized implantation techniques and application of international guidelines on cardiac pacing. BACKGROUND Conduction disturbances are a frequent complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The rates of PPI in the published reports vary according to bioprosthesis type and the indications for PPI. METHODS The primary endpoint was the 30-day incidence of PPI with Class I/II indications when the Medtronic CoreValve System was implanted at an optimal depth (#6 mm below the aortic annulus). The timing and resolution of all new-onset conduction disturbances were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 194 patients were treated. The overall rate of PPI for Class I/II indications was 18.2%. An optimal depth was reached in 43.2% of patients, with a nonsignificantly lower incidence of PPI in patients with depths #6 mm, compared with those with deeper implants (13.3% vs. 21.1%; p 1⁄4 0.14). In a paired analysis, new-onset left bundle branch block and first-degree atrioventricular block occurred in 45.4% and 39.0% of patients, respectively, and resolved spontaneously within 30 days in 43.2% and 73.9%, respectively. In patients with new PPI, the rate of intrinsic sinus rhythm increased from 25.9% at 7 days to 59.3% at 30 days (p 1⁄4 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Optimal Medtronic CoreValve System deployment and adherence to international guidelines on cardiac pacing are associated with a lower rate of new PPI after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, compared with results reported in previous studies. (CoreValve Advance-II Study: Prospective International Post-Market Study [ADVANCE II]; NCT01624870) (J Am Coll Cardiol Intv 2015;8:837–46) © 2015 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation. ABBR EV I A T I ON S
Eigenfilter approach for the design of allpass filters approximating a given phase response

We apply the eigenfilter method to design an allpass filter that approximates a given phase response in the least-squares (LS) sense. As it is not possible to express the exact LS phase error as a quadratic form suitable for eigenfilter formulation, alternative error measures that approximate the ideal LS error are proposed. For each of these new formulations, the allpass coefficients are obtained as the elements of the eigenvector corresponding to the minimum eigenvalue of a real, symmetric, and positive definite matrix. We propose a fast-converging iterative technique to approximate the ideal LS phase error solution. By employing an iterative weighting technique, the phase error can he made approximately equiripple. The design methods are illustrated with various practical examples and the results are compared to allpass filters designs reported in the literature. >
“The bad habit”: Hobson-Jobson, British Indian glossaries, and intimations of mortality

This essay examines the Anglo-Indian glossary, Hobson-Jobson (1886), in relation to other important glossaries compiled by British officials and scholars in nineteenth-century India, namely T.T. Roberts' An Indian Glossary (1800), Charles Wilkins' Glossary to the Fifth Reportfrom the Select Committee appointed to enquire into the present State of the Affairs of the East India Company (1813), and H.H. Wilson's A Glossary of Judicial and Revenue Terms (1855). On the basis of the differences between these glossaries and Hobson-Jobson, I argue that latter needs to be seen as an 'autoethnographic' text that expressed the defining anxieties of the British in India in general, and of a specific group of British officials in particular.
Obstetric hysterectomy: a 14-year experience of Rajavithi Hospital 1989-2002.

OBJECTIVES To review and compare the incidence rate of obstetric hysterectomised patients between two seven-year periods. Theperiods were from October 1, 1988 to September 30, 1995 andfrom October P', 1995 to September 30th, 2002. The data included demographic characteristics, indications, possible risk factors, complications, and operative managements. MATERIAL AND METHOD Retrospective analysis of the data that was collected from medical and labor records of the obstetric hysterectomised patientsfrom October 1, 1995 to September 30, 2002, the second seven-year period, compared with those in Pratumthong and Wattanaruangkowit's study from October 1, 1988 to September 30, 1995, the first seven-year period. RESULTS Between 1998 and 2002, there were 201, 696 total deliveries with 111 obstetric hysterectomies. A significant increase in the average incidence rate of hysterectomy from 0.42 to 0.76/1000 deliveries and maternal age, placenta previa and blood transfusion in the second period compared with the first period (p < 0.05). Postoperative complications and the other risk factors of obstetric hysterectomy were not significant difference. CONCLUSION The present study of obstetric hysterectomy demonstrates a significant increase in the incidence of hysterectomised rate, maternal age, blood transfusion, and placenta previa in the second period compared with the first period.
The Role of Ions in the Mechanism of Water Tree Growth

This paper reports the influence of the negative ions present in the experimental system on water trees grown from a water electrode. These results have been correlated with the physical properties of the ions. A theoretical mechanism is described which explains how the ions may penetrate the polymer, which is in agreement with the experimental results. The authors consider that ionic penetration is the first step in the mechanism of tree growth, causing disruption of the structure of the polymer and increasing the supply of water to the mechanisms of void formation.
Strain-related Differences in Urine Composition of Male Rats of Potential Relevance to Urolithiasis

In carcinogenicity studies with PPAR γ and α/γ agonists, urinary bladder tumors have been reported in Harlan Sprague-Dawley (HSD) and Charles River Sprague-Dawley (SD) but not Wistar (WI) rats, with urolithiasis purported to be the inciting event. In two 3-month studies, the authors investigated strain-related differences in urine composition by sampling urine multiple times daily. Urine pH, electrolytes, creatinine, protein, citrate and oxalate levels, and serum citrate were assessed; urine sediment was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. HSD rats had significantly higher urine calcium than SD or WI rats, primarily as calcium phosphate-containing precipitate. When compared to SD rats, HSD rats had lower urine volume, higher urine protein, and a comparable (week 4) to lower (week 13) burden of MgNH4PO4 aggregates. Relative to WI rats, HSD rats had higher urine protein and magnesium and lower serum and urine citrate. Overall, the susceptibility to urolithiasis in male rats was HSD > SD > WI; this was likely due to strain-related differences in the amount of urine protein (a nidus for crystal formation), lithogenic ions, citrate (an inhibitor of lithogenesis), and/or volume. Strain-related differences in urine composition need to be considered when interpreting the outcome of studies with compounds that alter urine composition.
The effect of a high carbohydrate meal on endurance running capacity.

This study examined the effects of a pre-exercise meal and a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on endurance running capacity. Ten men performed 3 treadmill runs at 70% VO2max to exhaustion after consuming (a) a carbohydrate meal 3 h before exercise and a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during exercise (M + C); or (b) the carbohydrate meal 3 h before exercise and water during exercise (M + W); or (c) a liquid placebo 3 h before exercise and water during exercise (P + W). Exercise time was longer in M + C (125.1 +/- 5.3 min; mean +/- SE) and M + W (111.9 +/- 5.6 min) compared with P + W (102.9 +/- 7.9 min; p < .01 and p < .05, respectively), and longer in M + C compared with M + W (p < .05). Serum insulin concentration at the start of exercise and carbohydrate oxidation rates during the first hour of exercise were higher, whereas plasma FFA concentrations throughout exercise were lower in M + W and M + C than in P + W (p < .01). A carbohydrate meal before exercise at 70% VO2max improved endurance running capacity; however, the combination of the meal and a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during exercise further improved endurance running capacity.
Quality of life and sexual functioning in cervical cancer survivors.

PURPOSE To compare quality of life and sexual functioning in cervical cancer survivors treated with either radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection or radiotherapy. METHODS Women were interviewed at least 5 years after initial treatment for cervical cancer. Eligible women had squamous cell tumors smaller than 6 cm at diagnosis, were currently disease-free, and had either undergone surgery or radiotherapy, but not both. The two treatment groups were then compared using univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression with a control group of age- and race-matched women with no history of cancer. RESULTS One hundred fourteen patients (37 surgery, 37 radiotherapy, 40 controls) were included for analysis. When compared with surgery patients and controls using univariate analysis, radiation patients had significantly poorer scores on standardized questionnaires measuring health-related quality of life (physical and mental health), psychosocial distress and sexual functioning. The disparity in sexual function remained significant in a multivariate analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not show significant differences between radical hysterectomy patients and controls on any of the outcome measures. CONCLUSION Cervical cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy had worse sexual functioning than did those treated with radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection. In contrast, these data suggest that cervical cancer survivors treated with surgery alone can expect overall quality of life and sexual function not unlike that of peers without a history of cancer.
Analysing firm performance in Chinese IT industry: DEA Malmquist productivity measure

Chinese IT industry has become more important and maturity after development for tens of years and come up quickly in global IT market. They may have huge influence on Chinese IT market or even the world. This paper is concerned with the study on exploring the performance of Chinese IT industry, including the managerial, technical and scale efficiencies and their changes over time. We employ data envelopment analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist method to measure the performance of listed IT firms in China, in the period of 2005 to 2007 and reveal the detailed technology and efficiency changes over time by analysing decomposed components of Malmquist index. Furthermore, the technical diffusion of Chinese IT industry is tested by efficiency convergence analysis. Accordingly, the IT companies can make decisions on the functions and strategies shifts that are beneficial to the performance improvement and achieving competitive advantages.
Chronic heat stress and prenatal development in sheep: II. Placental cellularity and metabolism.

Aspects of placental protein and energy metabolism were examined in pregnant ewes subjected to either thermoneutral (TN, 18 to 20 degrees C, 30% humidity, n = 7) or hot (H, 30 to 40 degrees C, 40% humidity, n = 5) temperatures through mid and late gestation. Fetal and placental weights and total content of protein, RNA, and DNA were reduced (P less than .001) in H ewes. Placental protein and RNA concentrations (mg/g) were not different, and DNA concentrations were slightly greater (P less than .1), in H vs TN ewes. Thus, heat seemed to greatly reduce total cell number and placentome size and only slightly decrease cell size. Ratios of RNA to DNA indicated a reduced capacity for protein synthesis in H placenta. However, in vitro fractional rates of protein synthesis in tissue slices from the fetal and maternal placenta and from the myoendometrium were not different between TN and H ewes. The H ewes had greater placental protein concentrations of hydroxyproline and glycine, perhaps suggesting a greater collagen content. In vitro oxygen consumption of fetal placenta, but not of maternal placenta or myoendometrium, was lower in H than in TN ewes. This lower oxygen consumption was partially due to a lower Na+,K+ ATPase-dependent oxygen consumption.
Occupational lung diseases other than asthma.

To cover this topic completely would need a book too heavy to handle and too expensive to buy. Moreover, others have discussed some aspects so well that I could not better their work. Instead, I shall try to describe the classic occupational lung diseases in a wider context to help those approaching the A.F. O.M. or M.R. C.P. diplomas understand and remember them, and give a background for assessing new ideas. I shall be dogmatic, citing research references and review articles for wider discussions of the issues, and ignoring many fascinating minor or rare disorders. I can supply a fuller list of references for anyone who wants to check the provenance ofthe assertions I shall make. I recommend two and a half textbooks: Morgan and Seaton' for general reading. It is, however, somewhat uneven and may not cover particular topics sufficiently. Parkes' tome2 is like the Bible; comprehensive but impossible to read from cover to cover without fervent enthusiasm. It is encyclopaedic, but tends to summarize every published paper without fully reviewing them; it is ideal for a one-stop overview of the literature, but leaves you to digest some of it for yourself. For the occasional query about long forgotten hazards in long dead industries, try Hunter's classic text (not the edition written since his death). 3 Beginning with some background anatomy and physiology should help explain the diseases, and make the usual lists easier to learn.
Sex differences in face processing are mediated by handedness and sexual orientation

Previous research has demonstrated sex differences in face processing at both neural and behavioural levels. The present study examined the role of handedness and sexual orientation as mediators of this effect. We compared the performance of LH (left-handed) and RH (right-handed) heterosexual and homosexual male and female participants on a face recognition memory task. Our main findings were that homosexual males have better face recognition memory than both heterosexual males and homosexual women. We also demonstrate better face processing in women than in men. Finally, LH heterosexual participants had better face recognition than LH homosexual participants and also tended to be better than RH heterosexual participants. These findings are consistent with differences in the organisation and laterality of face-processing mechanisms as a function of sex, handedness, and sexual orientation.