Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyse et algorithmes de résolution de systèmes ATO (Assemble-To-Order) : Applications aux systèmes du type W

We analyze a W-configuration assemble-to-order system with random lead times, random arrival of demand, and lost sales, in continuous time. We formulate the problem as an infinite-horizon Markov decision process. We deviate from the standard approach by first characterizing a region (the recurrent region) of the state space where all properties of the cost function hold. We then characterize the optimal policy within this region. In particular, we show that within the interior of the recurrent region components are always produced. We also characterize the optimal component allocation policy which specifies whether an arriving product demand should be fulfilled. Our analysis reveals that the optimal allocation policy is counter-intuitive. For instance, even when one product dominates the other, in terms of lost sale cost and lost sale cost rate (i.e., demand rate times the lost sale cost), its demand may not have absolute priority over the other product’s demand. Such a feature has not been observed in many integrated production/inventory settings where inventory allocation follows a fixed priority in satisfying demands. We also show that the structure of the optimal policy remains the same for systems with batch production, Erlang distributed production times, and non-unitary product demand. Finally, we propose efficient heuristics that can be either used as a substitute for the optimal policy or can be used as a starting policy for the common algorithms that are used to obtain the optimal policy in an effort to reduce their computational time
Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cinnamon Bark, Honey, and Their Combination Effects against Acne-Causing Bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the major skin bacteria that cause the formation of acne. The present study was conducted to investigate antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark, honey, and their combination against acne bacteria. The antibacterial activity of extract of cinnamon bark and honey were investigated against P. acnes and S. epidermidis using disc diffusion. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were attained using Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) methods. The interaction between cinnamon bark extract and honey was determined using a checkerboards method. The results showed that the MICs of cinnamon bark extract and honey against P. acne were 256 µg/mL and 50% v/v, respectively, while those against S. epidermidis were 1024 µg/mL and 50% v/v, respectively. The MBC of cinnamon bark extract against P. acnes and S. epidermidis were more than 2048 µg/mL, whereas the MBC for honey against P. acnes and S. epidermidis were 100%. The combination of cinnamon bark extract and honey against P. acnes and S. epidermidis showed additive activity with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) value of 0.625. Therefore, the combination of cinnamon bark extract and honey has potential activity against acne-causing bacteria.
Liver Resection for Noncolorectal, Nonneuroendocrine Metastases

Abstract In noncolorectal, nonendocrine liver metastases, the role of surgery is less define than in colorectal or neuroendocrine cancer. This role is marginal as liver is not the primary site of metastases of these cancers. Less than 2 to 5% of the patients with these malignancies might be one day considered as potential candidates for liver resection, as most patients suffer from extra hepatic tumour spread at the time they develop liver involvement. However, in these few cases with liver metastases only, as no other therapeutic option may provide mid-or long-term tumour-free survival, liver resection is indicated in resectable liver metastases. Some prognostic factors have been established in the literature from the few published series: unique versus multiple hepatic metastases, unilobar vs bilobar, metachronous vs synchronous, R0 vs R1 or R2 liver resections. The type of primary tumour is also of great importance, as cutaneous melanoma, pancreatic and gastric adenocarcinoma have a very bad prognosis for liver resection of metastases, even after R0 resection. In these cases, percutaneous or laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation may find its place. In sarcoma, breast carcinoma, uveal melanoma, and genitourinary cancers, liver resection may provide satisfactory long-term results in selected cases, and is the standard of care for isolated, resectable metastasis. However, due to the scarcity of indication of liver resection for noncolorectal, nonneuroendocrine metastases, the decision should be multidisciplinary, and the patients should be informed of the advantages and pitfalls of the surgical procedure.
The impact of market trading mechanism on A-H share price premium

ABSTRACT After the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect policy was launched, markets become integrated, while A-H premium rises. This phenomenon is contrary to the existing market segmentation hypotheses. We provide a supplementary explanation for the A-H share price premium based on stock market trading mechanism. As margin trading and securities lending mechanism in Chinese mainland stock market is still immature and incomplete, limited arbitrage and asymmetric margin buying power amplifies the A-H premium even after markets are integrated. Our findings complement the financial microstructure researches on how trading mechanism may influence the dynamic price discovery process, especially those related to issues of short constraints and levered investing.
The association of specific traumatic experiences with alcohol initiation and transitions to problem use in European American and African American women

, Abstract Background— The aims of this study are to a) characterize racial differences in alcohol involvement and b) examine the risk conferred by specific trauma exposures and PTSD for different stages of alcohol involvement in European American (EA) and African American (AA) women. Methods— Data are from the Missouri Adolescent Female Twins Study [(N =3787); 14.6% AA; mean age at most recent interview = 24.5 (SD 2.8)]. Trauma exposures (e.g. sexual abuse (SA), physical abuse (PA), witnessing another person being killed or injured, experiencing an accident, and experiencing a disaster) were modeled as time-varying predictors of alcohol initiation, transition to first alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptom, and transition to AUD diagnosis using Cox proportional hazards regression while taking into account other substance involvement, parental characteristics, and commonly co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Results— In EA women only, SA was associated with alcohol initiation prior to the age of 14, PA predicted transition from initiation to first AUD symptom, and PA, witnessing injury or death, and SA predicted transition to AUD diagnosis. No association was discovered between trauma exposures or PTSD for any stage of alcohol involvement in AA women. Conclusions— Results reveal trauma experiences as important contributors to all stages of alcohol involvement in EA women only, with different trauma types conferring risk for each stage of alcohol involvement. PTSD was not revealed as a significant predictor of AUD in EA or AA women, suggesting trauma, independent of PTSD, directly contributes to alcohol involvement. Findings highlight the importance of considering racial differences when developing etiologic models of the association
Social media and social change in a Bahian working class settlement

This thesis results from fifteen months of fieldwork in a working-class settlement located near an international touristic region within Bahia in the Northeast of Brazil. It addresses two main objectives: to offer an ethnographically-based description of the use of social media by working class Brazilians, and to examine the consequences of this use in relation to social change. The main theoretical framework I use comes from the field of linguistic anthropology. I examine locally traditional forms of communication that the anthropological literature calls ‘indirection’, a form of opaque speech that creates private spaces of interaction in situations of dense sociality. Indirection has been studied in postcolonial contexts as a means to protect socially vulnerable subaltern from everyday situations of conflict. The thesis moves from face-to-face uses of indirection to examine digital media enabling new possibilities for opaque communication. I also draw from this and other literature (analysing visual postings online) to posit that ‘private’ and ‘public’ are problematic notions to describe how my informants understand and use social media, so I propose as alternative the ethnographically-based notions of ‘lights’ on and ‘lights off’. Locals use the term ‘addiction’ to express the fascination they have for Facebook and WhatsApp, but while the Internet seems to symbolise modernity and prosperity, social media is used mainly for hidden acts of communication such as spreading rumours, gossiping, and for spying on each other. This suggests that, while appearing to be transformative, social media also reinforces forms of relations common in dense sociality such as the use of social control mechanisms. As such I posit that social media also serves the purpose of resisting changes associated with the expansion of formal work, the increasing presence of the state and the growing influence of Protestant Evangelical churches in low-income localities.
Genetic heterogeneity in multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) comprises a group of hereditary chondrodysplasias in which there are major anatomic abnormalities of the long tubular bones. The Fairbank and Ribbing types are the most frequently cited types of MED. They are primarily defined radiographically and are autosomal dominant conditions. Recently, MED in one family was shown to map to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 19 and is probably allelic to pseudoachondroplasia. We have tested linkage with six short tandem repeat markers from chromosome 19 to autosomal dominant MED in one four-generation family and to MED in a unique family with three of seven siblings affected and with unaffected parents. Autosomal dominant MED in family 1 was linked with a maximum LOD score, at D19S212, of 3.22 at a recombination fraction (theta) of . 00. Linkage to chromosome 19 was excluded with MED in the other family, under both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant, with either reduced-penetrance or germ line-mosaicism models. Linkage to candidate genes COL9A1, COL9A2, and COL11A2 was tested and excluded for both genetic models in this family. COL11A1 was excluded under a recessive model. We have confirmed linkage of autosomal dominant Fairbank MED to chromosome 19 and have demonstrated that MED is genetically heterogeneous.
Exhaustees of Extended Unemployment Benefits Programs: Coping with the Aftermath of the Great Recession

The Great Recession and the time period following it were characterized by the longest average unemployment durations seen since World War II. To extend support to unemployed workers, policymakers implemented initiatives that, in conjunction with benefits available during nonrecessionary times, offered up to 99 weeks of unemployment compensation (UC) benefits to eligible recipients in some states, representing the longest potential duration of benefits in the history of the UC system. This study examines the extent to which recipients collected all of the benefits to which they were entitled (“exhausting” their benefits) and assesses the outcomes experienced by those who exhausted their entitlements relative to (1) recipients who did not exhaust all of the benefits to which they were entitled and (2) UC nonrecipients. For the analyses, we used survey and administrative data from 10 states on UC recipients who filed claims from January 2008 through September 2009, as well as data from the Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey. We had several important findings. Twenty-six percent of recipients in our main analysis file—recipients who collected benefits from only one claim during a three-year period—exhausted all of the UC benefits to which they were entitled. Overall, these exhaustees collected an average of 87 weeks of benefits compared to 28 weeks of benefits for nonexhaustees. Four to six years after their initial claims, and compared to nonexhaustees, exhaustees were statistically significantly less likely to be employed and more likely to be out of the labor force. They also experienced greater losses in household income and had higher rates of participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Social Security retirement, and disability-related income support programs. Relative to recipients with long jobless spells, nonrecipients with long jobless spells were less likely to become reemployed in the subsequent few years following their layoff and had lower household incomes.
Effect of hypoxia and dexamethasone on inflammation and ion transporter function in pulmonary cells

Dexamethasone has been found to reduce the incidence of high‐altitude pulmonary oedema. Mechanisms explaining this effect still remain unclear. We assessed the effect of dexamethasone using established cell lines, including rat alveolar epithelial cells (AEC), pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAEC) and alveolar macrophages (MAC), in an environment of low oxygen, simulating a condition of alveolar hypoxia as found at high altitude. Inflammatory mediators and ion transporter expression were quantified. Based on earlier results, we hypothesized that hypoxic conditions trigger inflammation. AEC, RPAEC and MAC, pre‐incubated for 1 h with or without dexamethasone (10−7 mol/l), were subsequently exposed to mild hypoxia (5% O2, or normoxia as control) for 24 h. mRNA and protein levels of cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin‐6 were analysed. mRNA expression and functional activity of the apical epithelial sodium channel and basolateral Na+/K+‐ATPase were determined using radioactive marker ions. In all three types of pulmonary cells hypoxic conditions led to an attenuated secretion of inflammatory mediators, which was even more pronounced in dexamethasone pretreated samples. Function of Na+/K+‐ATPase was not significantly influenced by hypoxia or dexamethasone, while activity of epithelial sodium channels was decreased under hypoxic conditions. When pre‐incubated with dexamethasone, however, transporter activity was partially maintained. These findings illustrate that long‐term hypoxia does not trigger an inflammatory response. The ion transport across apical epithelial sodium channels under hypoxic conditions is ameliorated in cells treated with dexamethasone.
Quantitative investigation of red blood cell three-dimensional geometric and chemical changes in the storage lesion using digital holographic microscopy

Abstract. Quantitative phase information obtained by digital holographic microscopy (DHM) can provide new insight into the functions and morphology of single red blood cells (RBCs). Since the functionality of a RBC is related to its three-dimensional (3-D) shape, quantitative 3-D geometric changes induced by storage time can help hematologists realize its optimal functionality period. We quantitatively investigate RBC 3-D geometric changes in the storage lesion using DHM. Our experimental results show that the substantial geometric transformation of the biconcave-shaped RBCs to the spherocyte occurs due to RBC storage lesion. This transformation leads to progressive loss of cell surface area, surface-to-volume ratio, and functionality of RBCs. Furthermore, our quantitative analysis shows that there are significant correlations between chemical and morphological properties of RBCs.
Using a drug-word Stroop task to differentiate recreational from dependent drug use

Distinguishing dependent from recreational drug use can be a surprisingly difficult task, and the current means for identifying substance abuse can be inadequate or even misleading. In subjective self-reports, those who are most at risk may downplay their consumption, not admitting to the full extent of their habit, and measures purely of quantity of use rarely capture the true nature of an individual's relationship to the drug, such as a psychological dependence on the substance. This trend is particularly true for heavy stimulant use, which is absent of the physical withdrawal symptoms that can help identify opiate or alcohol dependence. As such, a simple objective measure to help identify substance abuse, particularly in individuals who might not otherwise raise suspicion, would be a valuable tool in both clinical and experimental settings. We propose that the drug-word Stroop task, an objective assessment of attentional bias and distraction to salient drug-related stimuli, would be a valuable tool in helping to make these categorizations. This measure has been shown to correlate with drug craving, as well as to successfully distinguish dependent from recreational stimulant users and to help to predict outcomes in treatment-seeking individuals. Here, we survey prior literature on the drug-word Stroop task and provide a perspective on using the assessment as a potential diagnostic for drug use severity.
Mechanism of leukemogenesis induced by mink cell focus-forming murine leukemia viruses

The Friend or Moloney mink cell focus-forming (MCF) virus encodes a recombinant-type envelope glycoprotein, gp70, that is closely related to the membrane glycoprotein, gp55, of Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV). We have shown previously that gp55 has the ability to activate cell growth by binding to the cellular receptor for erythropoietin. Here we show that gp70 encoded by either the Friend or Moloney MCF virus also binds to the erythropoietin receptor and that coexpression of the receptor and gp70 in an interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent cell line can activate IL-3-independent growth. Furthermore, when the cDNA for the human IL-2 receptor beta chain, which is related by sequence to the erythropoietin receptor, was introduced into this cell line, it became growth factor independent after infection either with SFFV or with one of the two MCF viruses but not with an ecotropic virus. Based on these observations, we propose a mechanism for the early stage of leukemogenesis induced by the MCF-type murine leukemia viruses.
Does accumulation of advanced glycation end products contribute to the aging phenotype?

BACKGROUND Aging is a complex multifactorial process characterized by accumulation of deleterious changes in cells and tissues, progressive deterioration of structural integrity and physiological function across multiple organ systems, and increased risk of death. METHODS We conducted a review of the scientific literature on the relationship of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with aging. AGEs are a heterogeneous group of bioactive molecules that are formed by the nonenzymatic glycation of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. RESULTS Humans are exposed to AGEs produced in the body, especially in individuals with abnormal glucose metabolism, and AGEs ingested in foods. AGEs cause widespread damage to tissues through upregulation of inflammation and cross-linking of collagen and other proteins. AGEs have been shown to adversely affect virtually all cells, tissues, and organ systems. Recent epidemiological studies demonstrate that elevated circulating AGEs are associated with increased risk of developing many chronic diseases that disproportionally affect older individuals. CONCLUSIONS Based on these data, we propose that accumulation of AGEs accelerate the multisystem functional decline that occurs with aging, and therefore contribute to the aging phenotype. Exposure to AGEs can be reduced by restriction of dietary intake of AGEs and drug treatment with AGE inhibitors and AGE breakers. Modification of intake and circulating levels of AGEs may be a possible strategy to promote health in old age, especially because most Western foods are processed at high temperature and are rich in AGEs.
Development and psychometric testing of the Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease Scale: preliminary findings.

AIM This paper is a report of an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Health Beliefs Related to Cardiovascular Disease Scale designed to measure beliefs related to cardiovascular disease risk and diet and exercise in adults with diabetes. BACKGROUND Heart attack and stroke are 2-4 times more common among adults with diabetes than those without diabetes. To reduce this risk for patients with diabetes, understanding beliefs about cardiovascular disease risk and risk-reduction strategies is important. METHODS Item development for the 25-item self-report Likert scale was guided by literature review, expert panel review and focus-group feedback. It consists of four subscales, measuring four constructs of the Health Belief Model: perceived susceptibility and severity of cardiovascular disease and benefits and barriers to diet and exercise. A convenience sample of 178 adults with self-reported type 2 diabetes completed the survey between August 2006 and March 2007; 42 participants completed it again 2-3 weeks later to evaluate test-retest reliability. RESULTS The instrument has more than one dimension, with the best fit identified using a two-factor model specifying the Benefits and Susceptibility subscale items, rather than the four-factor solution as predicted. The Susceptibility and Benefits subscales demonstrated stable factor structure and acceptable reliability (α = 0·93 and α = 0·82 respectively). The Barriers and Severity items demonstrated unstable factor structure and poor internal consistency (α = 0·70 and α = 0·61 respectively). CONCLUSION Only the Susceptibility and Benefits subscale items can be used in their current form. The Barriers and Severity items need further refinement including revised wording with clearer focus and evaluation with a larger, more diverse sample.
Interaction of myosin LYS-553 with the C-terminus and DNase I-binding loop of actin examined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments were carried out in the absence of nucleotide (rigor) or in the presence of MgADP between fluorescent donor probes (IAEDANS (5((((2-iodoacetyl)amino)ethyl)amino)-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid) at Cys-374 or DANSYL (5-dimethylamino naphthalene-1-(N-(5-aminopentyl))sulfonamide) at Gln-41 of actin and acceptor molecules (FHS (6-[fluorescein-5(and 6)-carboxamido] hexanoic acid succinimidyl ester) at Lys-553 of skeletal muscle myosin subfragment 1. The critical Förster distance (R(0)) was determined to be 44 and 38 A for the IAEDANS-FHS and DANSYL-FHS donor-acceptor pairs, respectively. The efficiency of energy transfer between the acceptor molecules at Lys-553 of myosin and donor probes at Cys-374 or Gln-41 of actin was calculated to be 0.78 +/- 0.01 or 0.94 +/- 0.01, respectively, corresponding to distances of 35.6 +/- 0.4 A and 24.0 +/- 1.6 A, respectively. MgADP had no significant effect on the distances observed in rigor. Thus, rearrangements in the acto-myosin interface are likely to occur elsewhere than in the lower 50-kDa subdomain of myosin as its affinity for actin is weakened by MgADP binding.