Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FMS design model with multiple objectives using compromise programming

There has been a great change in manufacturing systems toward computer-controlled flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). The design and operation of the FMS involve intricate and interconnected decisions that result in the maximum performance of the system. However, the design and operational decisions have been made separately in consideration of a single-system performance measure. This paper presents a method for simultaneously determining design and control parameters of an FMS with the multiple performance objectives via full-factorial design of experiments, regression analysis and compromise programming. For a numerical example, the SIMAN simulator models a hypothetical FMS with six workstations. Eight design and control parameters are simultaneously determined by compromising four performance measures that are formulated using regression analysis.
Fxna, a novel gene differentially expressed in the rat ovary at the time of folliculogenesis, is required for normal ovarian histogenesis

In rodents, the formation of ovarian follicles occurs after birth. In recent years, several factors required for follicular assembly and the growth of the newly formed follicles have been identified. We now describe a novel gene, Fxna, identified by differential display in the neonatal rat ovary. Fxna encodes an mRNA of 5.4 kb, and a protein of 898 amino acids. Fxna is a transmembrane metallopeptidase from family M28, localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. In the ovary, Fxna mRNA is expressed in granulosa cells; its abundance is maximal 48 hours after birth, i.e. during the initiation of follicular assembly. Reducing Fxna mRNA levels via lentiviral-mediated delivery of short hairpin RNAs to neonatal ovaries resulted in substantial loss of primordial, primary and secondary follicles, and structural disorganization of the ovary, with many abnormal follicles containing more than one oocyte and clusters of somatic cells not associated with any oocytes. These abnormalities were not attributable to either increased apoptosis or decreased proliferation of granulosa cells. The results indicate that Fxna is required for the organization of somatic cells and oocytes into discrete follicular structures. As an endoplasmic reticulum-bound peptidase, Fxna may facilitate follicular organization by processing precursor proteins required for intraovarian cell-to-cell communication.
Individualism-collectivism and Conflict Resolution Styles : A cross-cultural study of managers in Singapore

The trend of global economy and Singapore' efforts to become a regional hub of business have together brought in many MNCs and expatriate managers into Singapore. Due to cultural and managerial style differences, these managers and their local colleagues have encountered various conflicts. Building on the theory of Hofstede's Individualism-Collectivism (I-C) cultural dimension as well as Rahim and Bonoma's conflict management model, the current study examines how national culture, organisational culture, and managerial factors influence may these managers' conflict resolution styles through an empirical study of 600 managers in Singapore. The respondents were equally divided into four groups: Americans, Japanese, Chinese Singaporeans in MNCs and Singaporeans in local companies. The results show that although the I-C dimension did overall differentiate American managers from their Asian counterparts in their use of conflict resolution styles, the patterns of the relationship were often cursory. There was no clear line that separated the two camps. Some culture groups would often deviate from their expected culture values in handling conflicts. There were also considerable differences among various Asian culture groups. The findings suggest the phenomenon of culture regression. They also highlight the importance of introducing multi-culture groups instead of bi-polar, and multi-dimensional culture values instead of single I-C dimension for comparative studies. The trend of global economy and Singapore' efforts to become a regional hub of business have together brought in many MNCs and expatriate managers into Singapore. Due to cultural, social, economic and managerial style differences, these managers and their local colleagues have encountered various conflicts, some common to all organizations and others unique. How these managers may resolve conflicts in such a setting is a practically and theoretically interesting and significant question. The current study aims to explore this question through an empirical examination of conflict resolution styles by managers from various cultural backgrounds in Singapore. It examines how national culture and organisational
Role of community pharmacists in the use of antipsychotics for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD): a qualitative study

Objective This study aimed to use qualitative methodology to understand the current role of community pharmacists in limiting the use of antipsychotics prescribed inappropriately for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Design A qualitative study employing focus groups was conducted. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting 3 different geographical locations in the England. Participants Community pharmacists (n=22). Results The focus groups identified an array of factors and constraints, which affect the ability of community pharmacists to contribute to initiatives to limit the use of antipsychotics. 3 key themes were revealed: (1) politics and the medical hierarchy, which created communication barriers; (2) how resources and remit impact the effectiveness of community pharmacy; and (3) understanding the nature of the treatment of dementia. Conclusions Our findings suggest that an improvement in communication between community pharmacists and healthcare professionals, especially general practitioners (GPs) must occur in order for community pharmacists to assist in limiting the use of antipsychotics in people with dementia. Additionally, extra training in working with people with dementia is required. Thus, an intervention which involves appropriately trained pharmacists working in collaboration with GPs and other caregivers is required. Overall, within the current environment, community pharmacists question the extent to which they can contribute in helping to reduce the prescription of antipsychotics.
Quantitative spectrophotometric microplate assay for angiotensin-converting enzyme in cerebrospinal fluid.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1) catalyzes the formation of angiotensin II by cleaving the C-terminal histidylleucine dipeptide from angiotensin I (1). Indications are that ACE is affiliated with an autonomous renin-angiotensin system of the brain that participates in physiologic processes inside the brain (2)(3). In addition, studies suggest that changes in ACE concentrations in brain tissue, caused by various neurologic disorders, are reflected by alterations in ACE activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (4). For example, increased ACE concentrations in CSF are associated with neurosarcoidosis (4)(5)(6)(7), with affected patients generally having activities approximately twofold or more higher than those of healthy individuals (4)(6)(7). Increased CSF ACE has also been implicated in neurologic diseases, such as bacterial and viral meningitis and Behcet disease (4)(5)(6)(7). Decreased concentrations have been reported in patients with Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy (8)(9). The spectrophotometric assays customarily used for serum ACE lack the sensitivity for measuring the concentrations typically found in CSF. Consequently, more sensitive and costly methodologies are routinely used, such as fluorometric assays or HPLC (4). To provide a more economic assay to measure CSF ACE for the screening of neurosarcoidosis, several attempts were made at modifying commercially available reagents and protocols used specifically for spectrophotometric measurement of serum ACE. A successful assay was eventually established that utilizes the ability of ACE to hydrolyze the tripeptide N -[3-(2-furyl)acryloyl]-l-phenylalanylglycylglycine to furylacryloylphenylalanine and glycylglycine (10). However, the sample volume (0.6 mL) required to achieve acceptable sensitivity was impractical. The assay was therefore reformatted for a 96-well microplate. This dramatically decreased sample and reagent volumes and increased accuracy by making duplicate measurements viable for practically all specimens received in our laboratory. …
American Journal of Epidemiology Original Contribution Menstrual and Reproductive Factors in Association with Lung Cancer in Female Lifetime Nonsmokers

Cigarette smoking is irrefutably the strongest risk factor for lung cancer; however, approximately 25% of cases worldwide occur among nonsmokers. The age-adjusted annual incidence rate of lung cancer in Shanghai, a region where relatively few women smoke cigarettes, is one of the highest in the world. To help further elucidate the etiology of lung cancer among nonsmokers, the authors examined hormonal factors among women who were lifetime nonsmokers. They analyzed data from the prospective Shanghai Women's Health Study, which recruited Chinese women aged 40–70 years between 1996 and 2000 from selected urban communities. The current analysis included 71,314 women (n ¼ 220 cases) who were lifetime nonsmokers and had no history of cancer at baseline. Later age at menopause (! 51 vs. associated with decreased risks of lung cancer. This large prospective study suggests a potential role for hormonal factors in the etiology of lung cancer among nonsmoking women. Smoking is a strong risk factor for lung cancer, and 85%– 90% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to cigarette smoking (1). The remaining 10%–15% occur among non-smokers, so other factors are likely involved in the etiology of this disease. of solid fuels and high-temperature frying), family history of cancer, prior lung disease, and dietary components , as shown by review (2). Among female nonsmokers, reproductive and hormonal exposures have also been proposed to play a role (3, 4), but these variables have not been well studied, and thus a role for these factors has not been clearly established. Estrogen could influence cancer development through direct promotion of cellular proliferation in the lung. Estrogen metabolites could also induce direct DNA damage (5). Indirectly , hormones could act through their influence on the expression of genes involved in carcinogen metabolism or via regulation of cytokine or growth factor secretion that determine how the lungs respond to irritants (6). The bi-ologic plausibility of hormonal involvement in lung carci-nogenesis is supported by studies that have identified sex hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone) in lung cancer cell lines and tumor tissues (7–10). Few epidemiologic studies, however, have examined hormonal and reproductive risk factors for lung cancer, and the findings have not been consistent (11–22). Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates among men have dropped over the last decade, but not among women. The death rate in females has increased 600% since 1950 in the United States (23). Differences in incidence and mortality between the sexes could …
Comparative Studies on the Antioxidant enzymes in Bone Marrow Precursor cells and mature Rat Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Continuous blood cell production throughout the lifetime of an individual is ensured by the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are bone marrow cells that possess extensive self renewal capacity and ability to differentiate to all the blood cell lineages. The redox status of the bone marrow stroma is an important factor determining whether the HSCs would differentiate or remain quiescent. Lower levels of ROS (reactive oxygen species) are required to maintain HSC quiescence, whereas higher ROS levels drive the HSCs out of quiescence and reduces their self renewal capacity. The ROS levels in the bone marrow should therefore be regulated to maintain the self renewal capacity of HSCs. Endogenous antioxidants play an important role in regulation of the ROS levels. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine the changes in the cellular detoxifying defences against superoxide and H2O2 i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in the precursor cells from the rat bone marrow and in the rat blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes. An increase in the Catalase and GPx activities in the precursor cells over the differentiated cells was seen. However, the SOD levels in the differentiated cells were greater than in the precursor cells. The levels of Nitric Oxide (NO)an antioxidant and a regulator of superoxide generationin the precursor cells were also found to be greater than those in the differentiated cells. The results of the present study thus indicate an up regulation of the endogenous antioxidants in hematopoietic precursor cells, which might be related to the maintenance of their selfrenewal capacity.
Optimization of the expression of phaC2 encoding poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) synthase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC1310 in Fad B deleted Escherichia coli

Background: Poly3-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are potential candidates for the industrial production of biodegradable plastics. Therefore, in the present study, expression and activity of one of the enzymes involved in the PHA synthesis, phaC2 (isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC1310), were investigated in Fad B deleted Escherichia coli. Materials and Methods: The inserts obtained from recombinant pTZ57R plasmids were ligated into the pGEX-5x-1 expression vector and then transformed into Fad B deleted E. coli cells using the heat shock method. This protein was then expressed using isopropyl beta-d-thiogalactoside (IPTG) as an inducer. By changing expression conditions such as IPTG and glucose concentration, time and temperature of incubation with IPTG, the expression conditions were optimized. Results: The optimum condition for the expression of this enzyme was: 1.5 mM IPTG, 1 mM glucose, incubated at 37°C for 2 hours. Conclusion: We obtained functional expression of the phaC2 gene and investigated various conditions that could influence the expression of protein to optimize production of PHA synthase enzymes. This would allow us to study PHA production in large quantities.
The influence of one-carbon metabolism gene polymorphisms and gene-environment interactions on homocysteine, Vitamin B12, folate and lipids in a Brazilian adolescent population

Background: Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the metabolism of Vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine and lipids. However, the interaction between SNPs involved in the one-carbon metabolism pathway and macronutrient intake on cardiovascular risk factors in the Brazilian population has not yet been investigated. Hence, the present study examined whether the association of ten SNPs involved in the one-carbon metabolism pathway with Vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine and lipid levels is modified by dietary factors and physical activity in adolescents with cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: A total of 113 adolescents (10–19 years old), from a public school in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, underwent anthropometric, biochemical and food consumption evaluations and genetic tests. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, SNPs rs4633 (catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT), rs602662 (fucosyltransferase 2, FUT2) and rs1801394 (5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase) showed significant associations with folic acid (P = 0.042), Vitamin B12 (P = 0.009) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) (P = 0.041) concentrations, respectively. The COMT SNP rs4680 showed a significant interaction with carbohydrate intake on ox-LDL concentrations (Pinteraction = 0.005). In addition, the FUT2 SNP rs602662 showed a significant interaction with protein intake on homocysteine concentrations (Pinteraction = 0.007). However, after correction for multiple testing, none of these associations and interactions were statistically significant. Conclusions: For the first time, we provide evidence for the interactions between COMT SNP rs4680 and carbohydrate intake on ox-LDL levels and the FUT2 SNP rs602662 and protein intake on homocysteine concentrations. However, replication of our results in a larger sample size is required to confirm our findings.
A Wireless Spectrum Analyzer in Your Pocket

We propose Snoopy, a system that can translate one's mobile phone or tablet into a low-cost, yet effective RF spectrum analyzer. Since typical spectrum analyzers are specialized hardware that is both expensive to acquire and cumbersome to carry around, they are rarely available for quick-and-easy spectrum sensing while on the go. To address this challenge, Snoopy augments popular mobile devices with a small attachable hardware unit (RF frequency translator) that can provide a reasonable view of the wireless spectrum across different frequency bands. It achieves this by leveraging the spectral scan functionality available in certain 802.11 NICs (e.g., the Atheros 9280 family of chipsets), which provides an unique lens towards the WiFi spectrum (2.4 GHz). Through the use of suitable frequency translators, such a view can be flexibly shifted to other spectrum bands. Although such a construction might not match the precision of the most sophisticated but expensive spectrum analyzers, we show that by leveraging some carefully designed spectral features, Snoopy can achieve decent accuracy in determining TV whitespaces (512 -- 698 MHz) -- it can detect primary signals at up to - 90dBm with an error rate of <15%, while achieving a median error of < 4dB in estimating the power of these signals. These promising results suggest that Snoopy is an intriguing option in bringing the ability of spectrum sensing to the masses, thereby truly enabling crowdsourcing options in this domain.
Phenology and floral synchrony of Rhizophora mangle along a natural salinity gradient

Rhizophora mangle is the most common species of mangrove within its range and a major component of coastal ecosystems in the tropics and subtropics. Its phenology is affected by seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, and precipitation, all of which may be altered by impending climate change. In this work, the monthly leaf, flower, and fruit phenology of R. mangle was assessed at three sites, along a natural salinity gradient for 12 months. We assessed phenological states using litter traps installed in mangrove stands, and by direct observation of leaf production at two sites, and flower, and fruit production at a single site. Phenological events were compared with seasonal climatic variations (in wind, rain, and temperature) to explore potential abiotic controls on the phenology of this species. Leaf shedding was lowest at the low salinity site. Leaf and stipule production showed a seasonal trend, decreasing during the cool and dry winter months. Flowering was highly seasonal and synchronous and peaked during the rainy season. Flowering was correlated with average temperature (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) at all three study sites, but was not correlated with precipitation. At the high‐salinity site, flowering was restricted to the rainy season. Fruit abortion was associated with wind speed (r = 0.79; p < 0.05). Flowering of R. mangle is induced by increasing temperatures and the onset of rains. Rising temperatures, drier summers, and more frequent and intense storms, due to climate change, may influence mangrove productivity, population dynamics, and floral synchrony.
Project Management Techniques for Managing Cross-Cultural Differences in IT Offshore Outsourcing

There have been few empirical studies analyzing project management and control techniques to overcome the problems resulting from cross-cultural differences in IT offshore outsourcing projects. Therefore, our research question is “Which project management techniques can be employed to overcome problems due to cross-cultural differences in IT offshore projects? ” which is analyzed through an in-depth interpretive single-case study from the European banking industry. The theoretical basis comprises national culture dimensions, effects of cross-cultural differences on project work, and project management and control theory. Our main conclusions are the identification of three project management techniques that can overcome problems due to cross-cultural differences (“cascading deadline approach”, use of “operational process documents”, and “tight controlling and testing”), as well as the theoretical contribution that outcome control is more effective than behavior control in IT offshore outsourcing contexts.
Quality of Life in Children Managed for Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction

Objectives: There are no studies on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). The present study evaluated the QOL in children with EHPVO, prevariceal and postvariceal esophageal variceal eradication, and postsurgery in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: Children with EHPVO and variceal bleeding were divided into 3 groups: group A, before variceal eradication (n = 50); group B, after variceal eradication (n = 50); and group C, after surgery (n = 12). Group D comprised healthy children (n = 50). Clinical details and investigations were recorded. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory parent-proxy HRQOL questionnaire was used for assessment of QOL. Results: Compared with controls, patients with EHPVO in groups A, B, and C had lower median QOL scores in physical, emotional, social, and school functioning health domains. Esophageal variceal eradication had no significant effect on QOL (median total QOL score pre- and postvariceal eradication of 87.5 vs 86.3). Increasing size of spleen (mild 92.5, moderate 88.2, and severe 76.2; P < 0.001), presence of hypersplenism (90 vs 73.7, P = 0.001), and growth retardation (90 vs 82.5, P = 0.04) caused significant reduction of the total QOL score. On multivariate regression analysis, splenic size and growth retardation were found to be independent predictors that affect the QOL. After surgery, a trend toward improvement in physical, psychosocial, and total QOL scores was present, but it was not significant. Conclusions: Children with EHPVO have a poor QOL that is not affected by variceal eradication. Splenomegaly and growth retardation significantly affect the HRQOL. A trend toward improvement of QOL scores is observed in the postsurgery group.
Detecting Entity Relations as a Supporting Task for Bio-Molecular Event Extraction

Recently, the focus in the BioNLP domain has shifted from binary relations to more expressive event representations, largely owing to the international popularity of the BioNLP Shared Task (ST) of 2009. This year, the ST'11 provides a further generalization on three key aspects: text type, subject domain, and targeted event types. One of the supporting tasks established to provide more fine-grained text predictions is the extraction of entity relations. We have implemented an extraction system for such non-causal relations between named entities and domain terms, applying semantic spaces and machine learning techniques. Our system ranks second of four participating teams, achieving 37.04% precision, 47.48% recall and 41.62% F-score.