Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Approximation Schemes for Two-Stage, Two-Dimensional Bin Packing

We present an asymptotic fully polynomial time approximation scheme for the two-dimensional generalization of Bin Packing, which requires packing (or cutting) a given set of rectangles from the minimum number of square bins, with the further restriction that packing the rectangles in the bins is done in two stages, as is frequently the case in real-world applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approximation scheme for a nontrivial two-dimensional (and real-world) generalization of a classical one-dimensional packing problem in which rectangles have to be packed in (finite) squares. In addition to the approximability result, we obtain as a byproduct of our analysis an interesting structural result, namely the asymptotic optimality of the lower bound provided by the natural linear programming relaxation of the problem, having one variable for each bin pattern, that can be solved effectively by column generation techniques. Besides its practical relevance, a main reason to concentrate on the two-stage version of the problem is that its study continues to shed light on the general version. In particular, we strongly conjecture that the approximation guarantee of our algorithm for two-dimensional Bin Packing without the two-stage restriction is better than the best known ones. A simplification of the method leads to an approximation scheme for the two-stage version of two-dimensional Strip Packing.
Role of wax ester fatty alcohols in chronic blepharitis.

PURPOSE This study was performed to determine the difference in the composition of wax ester fatty alcohols from meibomian gland secretions from normal people and those with blepharitis, and to determine which lipids are associated significantly with specific chronic blepharitis disease groups. METHODS Fatty alcohols, isolated by thin-layer chromatography from the wax and sterol ester fraction of human meibum, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy after oxidative ozonolysis and silylation of the alcohol groups. Relative amounts of individual lipids or lipid groupings in each patient group were analyzed statistically by Dunnett's comparison, with the overall significance level adjusted for multiple testing (Bonferroni adjustment). RESULTS Significant differences (P < 0.05) between the normal group and five disease groups were found in certain alcohol groups. These alcohols included certain normal (straight chain-methyl group on chain end) and anteiso (methyl group on second carbon from chain end) alcohols, as well as the ratio of iso (methyl group on first carbon from chain end) to anteiso alcohols. The results also suggested that alpha-oxidation activity was significantly different for certain groups. The unsaturated alcohols were primarily normal alcohols. Epoxy-fatty acids also were present in the alcohol fraction. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that meibomian gland lipid differences may contribute significantly to some chronic blepharitis disease signs and also suggest that peroxisomal or endoplasmic reticulum abnormalities may contribute in part to some of these lipid differences.
The Timeliness of Earnings and Accruals under Conservatism in Japan

This paper examines the effect of conservatism in Japan. Following Basu (1997), I find the asymmetric timeliness and persistence of earnings, which are arisen from conservatism, under Japanese GAAP, while cash flows don't have these types of asymmetry. To ascertain the mechanism of this difference between earnings and cash flows, this paper analyzes the conservative effect on the disaggregated accrual components. In this study, I found that conservative accruals and non-conservative accruals, which I devise, incorporate the conservative and liberal effect into earnings respectively. These accruals function better than other accrual components to test for the conservative effect.
Validity of selected AHRQ patient safety indicators based on VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.

OBJECTIVES To examine the criterion validity of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) using clinical data from the Veterans Health Administration (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). DATA SOURCES Fifty five thousand seven hundred and fifty two matched hospitalizations from 2001 VA inpatient surgical discharge data and NSQIP chart-abstracted data. STUDY DESIGN We examined the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs), and positive likelihood ratios of five surgical PSIs that corresponded to NSQIP adverse events. We created and tested alternative definitions of each PSI. DATA COLLECTION FY01 inpatient discharge data were merged with 2001 NSQIP data abstracted from medical records for major noncardiac surgeries. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Sensitivities were 19-56 percent for original PSI definitions; and 37-63 percent using alternative PSI definitions. PPVs were 22-74 percent and did not improve with modifications. Positive likelihood ratios were 65-524 using original definitions, and 64-744 using alternative definitions. "Postoperative respiratory failure" and "postoperative wound dehiscence" exhibited significant increases in sensitivity after modifications. CONCLUSIONS PSI sensitivities and PPVs were moderate. For three of the five PSIs, AHRQ has incorporated our alternative, higher sensitivity definitions into current PSI algorithms. Further validation should be considered before most of the PSIs evaluated herein are used to publicly compare or reward hospital performance.
Deeper Understanding of Vague Instructions through Simulated Execution

A commonsense understanding of the physical world will be crucial for the robots of the future as they strive to perform everyday activities and instructions formulated by human users in natural language. One mechanism that is believed to assist human cognition in commonsense reasoning is mental simulation, the envisioning of actions before they are performed. We therefore present a system integrating simulation of robot plans with probabilistic reasoning about natural-language instructions. This integration allows the robotic system to efficiently infer knowledge about the physical world that would be tedious to specify by hand in a collection of logical statements. Our system will be available online for open use by researchers.
Clade Replacements in Dengue Virus Serotypes 1 and 3 Are Associated with Changing Serotype Prevalence

ABSTRACT The evolution of dengue virus (DENV) is characterized by phylogenetic trees that have a strong temporal structure punctuated by dramatic changes in clade frequency. To determine the cause of these large-scale phylogenetic patterns, we examined the evolutionary history of DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) and DENV-3 in Thailand, where gene sequence and epidemiological data are relatively abundant over a 30-year period. We found evidence for the turnover of viral clades in both serotypes, most notably in DENV-1, where a major clade replacement event took place in genotype I during the mid-1990s. Further, when this clade replacement event was placed in the context of changes in serotype prevalence in Thailand, a striking pattern emerged; an increase in DENV-1 clade diversity was associated with an increase in the abundance of this serotype and a concomitant decrease in DENV-4 prevalence, while clade replacement was associated with a decline in DENV-1 prevalence and a rise of DENV-4. We postulate that intraserotypic genetic diversification proceeds at times of relative serotype abundance and that replacement events can result from differential susceptibility to cross-reactive immune responses.
The Opportunity Cost of Travel Time as a Noisy Wage Fraction

Few issues are more important to welfare estimation with recreation demand models than the specification of the opportunity cost of travel time. The two most common approaches to specifying this cost treat it as a fixed fraction of the recreationist's wage, and either estimate the fraction (done infrequently) or assume it takes some value (done commonly), with references to results from the commute time literature used to justify the latter. However, these approaches lack firm conceptual rationales, and the consequences of using them are not fully understood. Recognizing that information limitations often preclude more general approaches, we use a joint recreation travel-labor supply model to show that under relatively modest assumptions the opportunity cost of travel time can be expressed as a wage fraction with noise. This formulation is straightforward to implement as part of random parameters-based recreation demand models. We then evaluate the welfare consequences of using the two approaches noted above, which are special cases of the noisy wage fraction specification. Our results suggest that the more critical restriction to relax in opportunity cost of travel time specifications is the absence of noise, rather than the specific level of the wage fraction.
Long-Term Results After the Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor Abciximab in Unstable Angina: One-Year Survival in the GUSTO IV-ACS (Global Use of Strategies To Open Occluded Coronary Arteries IV—Acute Coronary Syndrome) Trial

Background—This study was designed to investigate long-term effects of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation who were not scheduled for coronary intervention. Methods and Results—A total of 7800 patients were included with an acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation, documented by either elevated cardiac troponin or transient or persistent ST-segment depression. They were randomized to abciximab bolus and 24-hour infusion, abciximab bolus and 48-hour infusion, or matching placebo. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 8.3% (649 patients). One-year mortality was 7.8% in the placebo group and 8.2% in the 24-hour and 9.0% in the 48-hour abciximab infusion group. Compared with placebo, the hazard ratio for the 24-hour infusion of abciximab was 1.1 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.29), and for the 48-hour infusion, it was 1.2 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.41). The lack of benefit of abciximab was observed in every subgroup studied. Patients with negative troponin or elevated C-reactive protein had a higher mortality rate after treatment with abciximab for 48 hours than with placebo: 8.5% versus 5.8% in those with negative troponin (P =0.02), 16.3% versus 12.1% in those with elevated C-reactive protein (P =0.04). Conclusions—Compared with placebo, abciximab did not provide any survival benefit at 1 year in patients admitted with an acute coronary syndrome with ST depression and/or elevated troponin who were not scheduled to undergo early coronary revascularization. In subgroups of patients, in particular those with low cardiac troponin or elevated C-reactive protein, abciximab was associated with excess mortality.
Passive protection against Taenia saginata infection in cattle by a mouse monoclonal antibody reactive with the surface of the invasive oncosphere

Summary The surface, excretory/secretory and intracellular compartments of Taenia saginata oncospheres were analysed by a combination of immunochemical techniques and by the use of selected hybridoma antibodies. The surface proteins of the oncospheres were directly iodinated by the lactoperoxidase technique and the intracellular and excretory/secretory components were labelled biosyntheti‐cally by culture in vitro with 35S‐methionine. Analysis of radiolabeled proteins by SDS‐PAGE revealed a restricted number of components in all of these three compartments. Mouse derived monoclonal antibodies directed against the oncospheral stage of this parasite demonstrated both stage specific and common determinants on the surfaces of the oncospheres and the metacestodes. One monoclonal (IgM) antibody, reactive with the oncosphere surface, which had a half life of 4–1 days when injected into calves, conferred protection against oral infection with T. saginata eggs. A monoclonal antibody reactive with a major secreted component did not confer passive protection.
Sexuality and Consumers of Mental Health Services: The Impact of Gender and Boundary Issues

The importance of sexuality to humanity is clearly acknowledged. However, for consumers of mental health services, it tends to be a neglected topic. Although nurses are at the forefront of mental health service delivery, evidence suggests they are reluctant to include sexuality as part of their care. This article describes the findings from a qualitative exploratory research project that examined mental health nurses’ attitudes to discussing sexuality with consumers. Fourteen mental health nurses from a service in Queensland participated in this study. Data analysis revealed two main themes: the impact of gender, and professional boundary issues. In terms of gender, participants referred to the impact of sexual dysfunction experienced by young adult male consumers. For female consumers the discussion centred on vulnerability to sexual exploitation and the need to exercise protective measures to ensure safety. Participants indicated concerns about being professionally compromised when discussing sexuality with consumers of the opposite sex. These findings highlight the need for further exploration of mental health nurses’ attitudes towards discussing sexuality with consumers as part of their practice.
Evaluation of the platelet counting by Abbott CELL‐DYN® SAPPHIRE™ haematology analyser compared with flow cytometry

The Abbot Cell‐Dyn Sapphire is a new generation haematology analyser. The system uses optical/fluorescence flow cytometry in combination with electronic impedance to produce a full blood count. Optical and impedance are the default methods for platelet counting while automated CD61‐immunoplatelet analysis can be run as selectable test. The aim of this study was to determine the platelet count performance of the three counting methods available on the instrument and to compare the results with those provided by Becton Dickinson FACSCalibur flow cytometer used as reference method. A lipid interference experiment was also performed. Linearity, carryover and precision were good, and satisfactory agreement with reference method was found for the impedance, optical and CD61‐immunoplatelet analysis, although this latter provided the closest results in comparison with flow cytometry. In the lipid interference experiment, a moderate inaccuracy of optical and immunoplatelet counts was observed starting from a very high lipid value.
Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusion With the Trifunctional Antibody Catumaxomab (Removab) (Anti-EpCAM×Anti-CD3): Results of a Phase 1/2 Study

Catumaxomab is a trifunctional monoclonal antibody consisting of a mouse immunoglobulin G2a part and a rat immunoglobulin G2b part with 2 different antigen binding sites binding the epithelial cell adhesion molecule antigen on tumor cells and CD3 on T lymphocytes. The intact Fc region provides a third functional binding site, binding and activating selectively Fcγ receptor I, IIa, and III-positive accessory cells. These binding properties lead to specific tumor cell killing. As catumaxomab demonstrated efficacy in patients with malignant ascites, we performed this phase 1/2 trial in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). We investigated a series of 3 escalating doses of 5 to 200 μg catumaxomab administered intrapleurally to patients with MPE containing epithelial cell adhesion molecule -positive cells. Primary objectives were determination of dose-limiting toxicity, safety, and tolerability. Secondary objectives were efficacy and pharmacodynamics. Twenty-four patients were treated with catumaxomab. Most frequent adverse events were pyrexia, elevated liver enzymes, nausea, and decreased lymphocytes. Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 2 patients: One had pleural empyema and fatal sepsis and 1 had grade 3 erythema and hepatobiliary disorder. Five patients with breast cancer out of 7 evaluable patients had a response to treatment. Intrapleural administration of catumaxomab is feasible although the substantial number of drop-outs and deaths in short proximity to study treatment raise questions whether MPE is the right indication for catumaxomab or whether the patient population should be defined different. Safety profile was as expected reflecting catumaxomab's mode of action. Preliminary efficacy showed a suggestion of improvement in some patients.
Use of Location-Allocation Models for Improving the Geographical Accessibility of Rural Services in Developing Countries

Improved geographical accessibility to basic services for rural populations is a goal of most governments in developing countries. Yet, only rarely have formal methods for determining optimal locations (location-allocation models) been used as an aid to decisionmaking. The use of location-allocation models in health services development and in regional settlement planning are reviewed and compared to school location planning where these models have not been used. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate objective functions, the roles for modeling in the context of decentralized decisionmaking and the efficiency of past processes of location decisionmaking.
CD40 Induces Interleukin-6 Gene Transcription in Dendritic Cells

CD40-induced activation of cytokine gene expression in dendritic cells (DC) is an important process in the initiation of primary immune responses. We have determined the intracellular signaling events that lead to CD40 ligation-induced activation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene transcription in a murine DC line, FSDC, that is phenotypically representative of bone marrow-derived DC. IL-6 reverse transcriptase-PCR and promoter assays established the responsiveness of FSDC to anti-CD40 ligation. Further promoter assays showed that the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 are downstream transcriptional mediators of CD40-induced IL-6 gene expression. Anti-CD40 treatment of FSDC stimulated increased expression of specific NF-κB (p50:p65) and AP-1 (c-Jun, JunB, JunD, and c-Fos) DNA-protein complexes. Overexpression of an IκB-α super-repressor or a dominant negative JunD resulted in a strong inhibition of CD40-inducible IL-6 promoter activity supporting a role for both transcription factors. Upstream signal transduction events were studied by transfection of wild type and mutant human CD40 expression constructs into FSDC followed by stimulation with an anti-human CD40 antibody. These experiments revealed that anti-CD40 stimulation of NF-κB and IL-6 gene transcription requires specific amino acid residues in the cytoplasmic region of CD40 involved in the recruitment of TRAF2. Induction of IL-6 mRNA by anti-CD40 treatment was found to be a transient event (24 h) and was followed by a diminution of IL-6 transcript to levels below those found in unstimulated cells. This loss of IL-6 expression was associated with reduced p50:p65 NF-κB DNA binding and elevated binding of CBF1 to a site overlapping the NF-κB site. Overexpression of CBF1 resulted in a profound inhibition of basal and anti-CD40-induced IL-6 promoter activities indicating that prolonged induction of CBF1 may contribute to the transient nature of the IL-6 response. The physiological relevance of these molecular events to DC function is discussed.
Collaborative Behavior and the Performance of Government Agencies

ABSTRACT While collaboration among individuals, work groups, and organizations is central for understanding the performance of public agencies, most studies have focused on collaboration between organizations or sectors. We develop a model that focuses on two types of collaborative behavior: between persons (both horizontal and vertical) and between work units. We empirically test our hypotheses using data on work collaboration and perceptions of public agency performance from the United States federal government. We introduce a method for estimating the impact of different types of collaborative behavior that also accounts for nonlinear effects and a dependent variable that takes ordered values. We find that intra-organizational collaborative behavior has a large impact on organizational performance and that horizontal collaborative behavior between workers has the greatest impact among the specific types.
Comparison of seven different suture materials in the feline oral cavity.

Seven different suture materials were implanted into the oral tissues of 12 cats. The sutures and surrounding tissues were retrieved en bloc from each of two cats on days one, three, seven, 14, 21, and 28 postimplantation. Tissue reaction and suture duration were evaluated by gross visual observation and histological examination. Chromic gut disappeared between days three and seven; polyglactin 910 disappeared between days 14 and 21; and polyglycolic acid disappeared as early as seven to 14 days. Polydioxanone still was intact at day 28 and is recommended as an absorbable material for procedures in which longer healing time is anticipated. All the nonabsorbable suture materials (i.e., polypropylene, stainless steel, and nylon) were intact at day 28 postimplantation. Visual inspection showed polypropylene to have the least tissue reaction.
Root and Rhizosphere Bacterial Phosphatase Activity Varies with Tree Species and Soil Phosphorus Availability in Puerto Rico Tropical Forest

Tropical forests generally occur on highly weathered soils that, in combination with the immobility of phosphorus (P), often result in soils lacking orthophosphate, the form of P most easily metabolized by plants and microbes. In these soils, mineralization of organic P can be the major source for orthophosphate. Both plants and microbes encode for phosphatases capable of mineralizing a range of organic P compounds. However, the activity of these enzymes depends on several edaphic factors including P availability, tree species, and microbial communities. Thus, phosphatase activity in both roots and the root microbial community constitute an important role in P mineralization and P nutrient dynamics that are not well studied in tropical forests. To relate phosphatase activity of roots and bacteria in tropical forests, we measured phosphatase activity in roots and bacterial isolates as well as bacterial community composition from the rhizosphere. Three forests in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico were selected to represent a range of soil P availability as measured using the resin P method. Within each site, a minimum of three tree species were chosen to sample. Root and bacterial phosphatase activity were both measured using a colorimetric assay with para-nitrophenyl phosphate as a substrate for the phosphomonoesterase enzyme. Both root and bacterial phosphatase were chiefly influenced by tree species. Though tree species was the only significant factor in root phosphatase activity, there was a negative trend between soil P availability and phosphatase activity in linear regressions of average root phosphatase and resin P. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance of bacterial community composition based on 16S amplicon sequencing indicated that bacterial composition was strongly controlled by soil P availability (p-value < 0.05). These results indicate that although root and bacterial phosphatase activity were influenced by tree species; bacterial community composition was chiefly influenced by P availability. Although the sample size is limited given the tremendous diversity of tropical forests, our study indicates the importance of roots and bacterial function to understanding phosphatase activity. Future work will broaden the diversity of tree species and microbial members sampled to provide insight into P mineralization and model representation of tropical forests.