Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Strength Mutation Evolutionary Algorithm and Its Application in Multi-object Optimization

Applying EA (evolutionary algorithm) to MOP (multi-objective optimization problem) has become more and more popular. To overcome the shortcomings of those EAs which adopt the real-coded scheme, this paper presents a new EA. It uses the special strategies for the generation, crossover and mutation of population, and does more helpful work to control the diversity of population. Contrasted with other EAs, the experimental results show that this algorithm can effectively avoid getting into local solutions and its evolution performance is more excellent.
AND METHODS Five-hundred and forty three multiparous postpartum beef cows at the

treatments the cows were randomly assigned to two groups. One group of cows (n= 281) was fed 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate (MGA) per head per day for ten days while the other group of cows (n= 257) served as controls. All cows were bled for progesterone concentrations at the beginning of the MGA feeding (d -21), before the SMB treatment, and at the time of artificial insemination (AI). Twenty-eight days after AI, cows in both groups were examined for pregnancy using transrectal ultrasonagraphy. MGA feeding increased (P=.02) synchronization rates in the estrouscycling females; however, MGA feeding did not improve (P>.01) pregnancy rates. In summary, MGA may be used to improve synchronization rates of estrus-cycling females, but the improvement is likely not warranted unless higher pregnancy rates are observed. For example, if the overall pregnancy rate would have been 55%, the improvement in synchronization would have yielded a 4% overall increase in pregnancy rates.
An Analytic Network Process model to support decision making in a pharmaceutical supply chain

This paper intends to design an Analytic Network Process model to assists managers of different pharmaceutical supply chain entities in identifying and prioritize the management practices they use or should use to achieve a competitive position in the market. The model involves interactions between various criteria for management practice selection. To this purpose a set of clusters and elements related to a Portuguese pharmaceutical supply chain are identified to compose the model and pairwise compared with respect to a given factor. The results obtained from the proposed model show that the most suitable management practice for the pharmaceutical supply chain studied is “Just In Time” if the lean supply chain management paradigm was implemented and “Promoting visibility throughout the supply chain” if was the agile paradigm. Concerning the key performance measures, “On-Time-In-Full delivery” and “Inventory value” are selected respectively for lean and agile supply chain management.
Supporting Secure Coordination in SecSpaces

In this paper we investigate security problems which occur when exploiting a Linda-like data driven coordination model in an open environment. In this scenario, there is no guarantee that all the agents accessing the shared tuple space are trusted. Starting from a formalization of some typical security properties in the standard Linda coordination model, we present a novel data-driven coordination model which provides mechanisms to support the considered security properties. The first of these mechanisms supports logical partitions of the shared repository: in this way we can restrict the access to tuples stored inside a partition, simply by limiting the access to the partition itself. The second mechanism consists of adding to the tuples some extra information which permits to authenticate the producer of a tuple or to identify its reader/consumer. Finally, we support the possibility to define access control policies based on the kind of operations an agent performs on a tuple, thus discriminating between (destructive) input and (non-destructive) read permissions on each single tuple.
Profile observations of the Saharan air layer during AEROSE 2004

This paper describes 3‐hourly radiosonde observations of the Saharan air layer (SAL) acquired from the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown during the 2004 Aerosol and Ocean Science Expedition (AEROSE). The sampling frequency allows for unique vertical cross‐sectional analyses of SAL phenomena, including dust events detected by shipboard Sun photometers, observed during March 2004. The observational analyses provide, for the first time, a coherent, 2‐dimensional space‐time depiction of the SAL as an expansive warm, dry, stable column located above the marine boundary layer. Midlevel easterly wind maxima are also observed to occur near the leading edge of the dry layers. The AEROSE sounding data will be useful for studies of the SAL, as well as for validation of environmental satellite sensors, especially the Aqua Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS).
Outbreak of Colistin-Resistant, Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan

ABSTRACT Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has spread worldwide and throughout the United States. Colistin is used extensively to treat infections with this organism. We describe a cluster of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection cases involving three institutions in Detroit, MI. A cluster of five cases of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was identified at Detroit Medical Center (DMC) from 27 July to 22 August 2009. Epidemiologic data were collected, and transmission opportunities were analyzed. Isolates were genotyped by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR. Data regarding the use of colistin were obtained from pharmacy records. The index case of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was followed 20 days later by four additional cases occurring in a 6-day interval. All of the patients, at some point, had stayed at one particular institution. The mean number of opportunities for transmission between patients was 2.3 ± 0.5, and each patient had at least one opportunity for transmission with one of the other patients. Compared to 60 colistin-susceptible, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae controls isolated in the previous year at DMC, case patients were significantly older (P = 0.05) and the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae organisms isolated from them displayed much higher MICs to imipenem (P < 0.001). Colistin use was not enhanced in the months preceding the outbreak. Genotyping revealed two closely related clones. This report of a colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae outbreak is strongly linked to patient-to-patient transmission. Controlling the spread and novel emergence of bacteria with this phenotype is of paramount importance.
Handling drop‐out in longitudinal clinical trials: a comparison of the LOCF and MMRM approaches

This study compares two methods for handling missing data in longitudinal trials: one using the last‐observation‐carried‐forward (LOCF) method and one based on a multivariate or mixed model for repeated measurements (MMRM). Using data sets simulated to match six actual trials, I imposed several drop‐out mechanisms, and compared the methods in terms of bias in the treatment difference and power of the treatment comparison. With equal drop‐out in Active and Placebo arms, LOCF generally underestimated the treatment effect; but with unequal drop‐out, bias could be much larger and in either direction. In contrast, bias with the MMRM method was much smaller; and whereas MMRM rarely caused a difference in power of greater than 20%, LOCF caused a difference in power of greater than 20% in nearly half the simulations. Use of the LOCF method is therefore likely to misrepresent the results of a trial seriously, and so is not a good choice for primary analysis. In contrast, the MMRM method is unlikely to result in serious misinterpretation, unless the drop‐out mechanism is missing not at random (MNAR) and there is substantially unequal drop‐out. Moreover, MMRM is clearly more reliable and better grounded statistically. Neither method is capable of dealing on its own with trials involving MNAR drop‐out mechanisms, for which sensitivity analysis is needed using more complex methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved motility-indole medium.

Tests for indole production and motility are very commonly used in the identification of microorganisms in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory. For simplification, and to save time when large numbers of cultures are being examined, attempts have been made to incorporate these two tests (and even more) into one medium. Among the media used in such attempts are the 7-IN medium of J. H. Hemmes (Antonie van Leeuwenhoek J. Microbiol. Serol. 32:442, 1966), the two-tube medium of R. R. Gillies (J. Clin. Pathol. 9:368, 1956), and SIM medium (BBL). With SIM medium, the motility reaction was found to be difficult to read, because very often the organisms grow down the side of the tube and obscure the growth along the line of inoculation. This problem has also been noted by Edmundsen et al. (Medicine 46:323, 1967). With the 7-IN medium, many false-negative reactions for indole were recorded, and the motility reaction was hard to read when much
A flexible instrument control and image acquisition system for a scanning electron microscope

We have developed an instrument control and image acquisition system for use with scanning electron microscopes. By making the system flexible over a wide range of operating voltages, scan generation and image acquisition modes can be easily accommodated to a wide range of instruments. We show the implementation of this system for use with a custom‐built low‐voltage scanning electron microscope. We then explore the simple modifications that are required for control of two instruments intended for use as free electron lasers.
Whistleblowing in Japan

This article, written from research data, focuses on the possible meaning of the data rather than on detailed statistical reporting. It defines whistleblowing as an act of the international nursing ethical ideal of advocacy, and places it in the larger context of professional responsibility. The experiences, actions, and ethical positions of 24 Japanese nurses regarding whistleblowing or reporting a colleague for wrongdoing provide the data. Of these respondents, similar in age, educational level and clinical experience, 10 had previously reported another nurse and 12 had reported a physician for a wrongful act. These data raise questions about overt actions to expose a colleague in a culture that values group loyalty and saving face. Additional research is needed for an in-depth understanding of whistleblowing, patient advocacy and professional responsibility across cultures, especially those that value group loyalty, saving face and similar concepts to the Japanese Ishin Denshin, where the value is on implicit understanding requiring indirect communication. Usually, being direct and openly discussing sensitive topics is not valued in Japan because such behavior disrupts the most fundamental value, harmony (wa).
Catalytic Activity of Cytochrome P-450 using NADP + Reduced by an Anionic Hydride Organosiloxane

Abstract Cytochrome P-450 (P450) catalyzes a wide variety of chemical reactions; however, its use for in vitro assays has several limitations, the most striking one is the use of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) coenzyme. In this work, the P450 activity using NADP+ reduced by an anionic organosiloxane, commonly named silica hydride, was evaluated. The results showed that the reduction of NADP+with silica hydride was concentration- and time-dependent. P-450 activity was maintained when NADP+ and silica hydride were added during the reaction; however, it was lower than when commercial NADPH was employed. This is due to the ability of silica hydride to reduce P450 iron atom as corroborated by the electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Furthermore, this compound possibly chelates FeII because, in its presence, the P450 affinity for aniline diminishes. However, the P450 activity was the best when NADP+ was reduced by silica hydride before the former was added to the reaction. Therefore, this system could be apt for studying biotransformation reactions.
Environmental Response and Autoregulation of Clostridium difficile TxeR, a Sigma Factor for Toxin Gene Expression

ABSTRACT TxeR, a sigma factor that directs Clostridium difficile RNA polymerase to recognize the promoters of two major toxin genes, was shown to stimulate its own synthesis. Whether expressed in C. difficile, Clostridium perfringens, or Escherichia coli, TxeR stimulated transcription of fusions of the txeR promoter region to reporter genes. As is the case for the tox genes, txeR expression was responsive to the cellular growth phase and the constituents of the medium. That is, the level of expression in broth culture was low during the exponential growth phase, but rapidly increased as cells approached the stationary phase. In the presence of excess glucose, expression from the txeR promoter was repressed. The results support a model for toxin gene expression in which synthesis of TxeR is induced by specific environmental signals. The increased level of TxeR then permits high-level expression of the toxin genes. The study of txeR gene regulation in C. difficile was made possible by introduction of a mobilizable, replicative plasmid via conjugation with E. coli.
Adolescent health, sex, and fertility.

Personal interviews (750) and medical examinations (550) were conducted to determine the health status and needs of young people ages 12-17. Girls were more concerned about reproduction and venereal disease than boys. Boys were more concerned with general bodily functioning. Attitudes about marriage and fertility reveal a desere for 3-4 children and about 1/2 think marriage is desirable at age 25 or later. About 10% of the girls reported a pregnancy experience; pregnant girls and mothers evidenced less sense of personal control over their lives rated somewhat lower on measures of religiosity and reported wanting medical care more often than they obtained it.
An Exploration of Nursing Home Organizational Processes

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between nursing home staffs' perceptions of organizational processes (communication, teamwork, and leadership) with characteristics (turnover, tenure, and educational preparation) of the nursing home administrator (NHA) and director of nursing (DON). NHAs and DONs rate communication, teamwork, and leadership significantly higher than direct care staff do (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse aides [CNAs]). CNAs have the lowest ratings of communication and teamwork. Turnover of the NHA and DON is significantly and negatively associated with communication and teamwork. Two thirds of DONs surveyed hold less than a baccalaureate degree; this does not influence staffs' ratings of communication, teamwork, and leadership. Findings from this study highlight the need to explore differences in perceptions between administrative and direct care staff and how these may or may not influence staff development and quality improvement activities in nursing homes.
Mizoribine, an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, inhibits interleukin-6 production by freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells

Abstract Mizoribine, an immunosuppressive drug, has been used for treatment in organ transplantation, lupus nephritis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). On the basis of in vitro experiments, mizoribine has been postulated to be an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase, a pivotal enzyme in the formation of guanine ribonucleotides from IMP. To further characterize the mechanism of the antirheumatic action of this drug, we examined the effect of mizoribine on the production of interleukin (IL)-6, a major inflammatory cytokine in rheumatoid synovia, by freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells (RSC). Mizoribine (1.25–5 μg/ml) was able to inhibit the spontaneous production of IL-6 by fresh RSC in a dose–response fashion. The addition of guanosine monophosphate (GMP) reversed its inhibitory effects. In addition, mizoribine inhibited the enhanced production of IL-6 by the IL-1α and/or tumor necrosis factor α-stimulated RSC. Inhibition was also observed at the mRNA level, determined by Northern blot analysis. In contrast, mizoribine did not affect IL-8 production by these cells. These data suggest that mizoribine inhibits IL-6 production by fresh RSC, possibly owing to the depletion of intracellular GMP, and that this inhibitory effect of the drug on rheumatoid synovial cells may be related to its efficacy in RA.
Long-lived complexes and chaos in ultracold molecular collisions

Estimates for the lifetime of collision complexes formed during ultracold molecular collisions based on density-of-states arguments are shown to be consistent with similar estimate based on classical trajectory calculations. In the classical version, these collisions are shown to exhibit chaos, and their fractal dimensions are calculated versus collision energy. From these results, a picture emerges that ultracold collisions are classically ergodic, justifying the density-of-states estimates for lifetimes. These results point the way toward using the techniques of classical and quantum chaos to interpret molecular collisions in the ultracold regime.
A comparison of the masticatory function between two different types of implant supported prostheses and complete denture for fully edentulous patients

For over 3 decades and since the preliminary studies on osseointegration, dental implants have been used extensively for the rehabilitation of completely and partially edentulous patients. Dental treatment with implants appears to provide many benefits for the edentulous patient as well as a significant oral function improvement and increased patient satisfaction. Fewer complaints, increased satisfaction, and higher ratings with regard to masticatory comfort and ability compared to conventional denture wearer have been all reported. Improvement attributed to the dental implant in an objective function appears to depend on the type of implant support for the denture. The implant supported denture can be divided by type of prosthesis (fixed or removable) or material for the teeth (porcelain or resin). The early form of implant prosthesis for edentulous patients was fixed dental prostheses referred by Zarb, which consisted of attached denture teeth with heatpolymerized acrylic resin to a cast metal substructure. More recently, metal ceramic fixed partial dentures are more frequently used. The latter type of prosthesis needs 8 implants because it is restored as a separated unit compared to the former splinted type with 5 to 6 implants. It is reported that the number and positioning of implants have an influence on force transfer and subsequent stress distribution around implants. The increase in number improves the biomechanical implants behavior, especially when subjected to bending forces. Distribution and magnitude of occlusal forces on implants carrying fixed prostheses was investigated while supported by 5 6 and 3 4 implants. Higher forces were observed with a decreasing number of implants. It is also reported that the type of prosthesis can affect implant loading mode. Loading of the extension parts of the prostheses, commonly used in the former type of prosthesis, caused a hinging effect. This in turn, induced considerable compressive forces on the implants closest to the location of load application and lower compressive or tensile forces on other implants. Regardless of its design, an implant-prosthesis complex transmits occlusal forces to the peri-implant bone. Therefore, the force absorption quotient of the prosthesis material has been a topic of research interest. Skalak envisaged that the use of acrylic resin teeth would be useful for shock protection on implants and recommended the use of acrylic resin as the material of choice for the occlusal surfaces of implant prostheses. The resiliency of resin was suggested as a safeguard against the negative effects of impact forces of the bone-implant interface. The literature, however, is inconclusive on its effect on shock absorption. In fact acrylic resins are burdened with technical and subjective disadvantages. For example, due to their low wear resistances, premature contacts often occur after several months of prosthesis delivery. Conversely, gold and porcelain surfaces are not considered to provide adequate
Comment on the Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Characterization and Risk Assessment Study.

Dear Editors: WE NOTED that nowhere in the issue of Health Physics, March 2009, devoted to “The Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Characterization and Risk Assessment Study” (Parkhurst and Guilmette 2009) were nanoparticles considered or even mentioned. The smallest particles considered were approximately 0.7 m in diameter (Holmes et al. 2009). Perhaps DU atoms may have entered the brain via olfactory pathways (Tjälve and Henriksson 1999) or carbon nanoparticles, i.e., buckyballs or fullerenes (Kroto et al. 1985), may have been produced when DU burned as the armor piercing shells struck a target (Krupka et al. 2009). Recent research has indicated the possibility of nanotoxicity to the lung and via lungs to other body compartments. (Oberdörster et al. 2005). One may ask, is it possible that the carbon fullerenes could also capture individual DU molecules that can be taken in the nasal mucosa and transported through the olfactory nerve further into the brain (Persson et al. 2003; Dorman et al. 2009)?
Gelatin agar medium for detecting gelatinase production by anaerobic bacteria

A new medium, Lombard-Dowell gelatin agar, was developed for detecting gelatinase activity by anaerobic bacteria. The medium contained: Trypticase (BBL Microbiology Systems), 5.0 g; yeast extract (Difco Laboratories), 5 g; sodium chloride, 2.5 g; sodium sulfite, 0.1 g; L-tryptophan, 0.2 g; L-cystine, 0.4 g; hemin, 10.0 mg; vitamin K1, 10.0 mg; agar, 20.0 g; D-glucose, 1.0 g; gelatin, 4.0 g; and distilled water to 1 liter. The pH was adjusted to 7.5. The medium was dispensed in 100- by 15-mm quadrant plastic dishes (5 ml per quadrant). To test for gelatinase activity, we inoculated the medium with a young enriched thioglycolate or chopped meat glucose broth culture or a turbid cell suspension in Lombard-Dowell broth, using a sterile cotton swab, and incubated it under anaerobic conditions for 48 h at 35 degrees C. The quadrants were then flooded with Frazier solution, and clear zones around the bacterial growth were recorded as positive for gelatinase activity. The new medium was tested with a variety of anaerobic bacteria, and the results were compared with data obtained with the conventional technique for detecting gelatinase activity. Overall, there was satisfactory agreement between the two tests in the detection of gelatinase activity, but the Lombard-Dowell gelatin agar tests was more rapid and somewhat more sensitive than the conventional test.
Dynamics and Formation of Obscuring Tori in AGNs

We considered the evolution of a self-gravitating clumpy torus in the gravitational field of the central mass of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the framework of the N-body problem. The initial conditions take into account winds with different opening angles. Results of our N-body simulations show that the clouds moving on orbits with a spread in inclinations and eccentricities form a toroidal region. The velocity of the clouds at the inner boundary of the torus is lower than in a disk model that can explain the observed rotation curves. We discuss the scenario of torus formation related with the beginning of the AGN stage.