Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic programming approaches for the traveling salesman problem with drone

A promising new delivery model involves the use of a delivery truck that collaborates with a drone to make deliveries. Effectively combining a truck and a drone gives rise to a new planning problem that is known as the traveling salesman problem with drone (TSP‐D). This paper presents exact solution approaches for the TSP‐D based on dynamic programming and provides an experimental comparison of these approaches. Our numerical experiments show that our approach can solve larger problems than the mathematical programming approaches that have been presented in the literature thus far. Moreover, we show that restrictions on the number of locations the truck can visit while the drone is away can help significantly reduce the solution times while having relatively little impact on the overall solution quality.
Probabilistic assessment of interregional available transfer capability for renewable energy transactions

This paper investigates a probabilistic assessment method for calculating interregional available transfer capability (ATC) in renewable energy transactions based on randomness and correlation of renewable energy. Firstly, the discrete joint probability model is established to consider wind power correlation based on wind speed data of multiple wind farms. Then the nonsequential Monte Carlo method is implemented to determine the evaluation state of numerous uncertainty factors such as load fluctuations, equipment availabilities. As the assessment of ATC is susceptible to adjustment strategy of generator output, the paper analyzes practical power adjustment strategies. An accelerated algorithm of mixed evaluation strategy is proposed based on sensitivity and optimization adjustment according to the changes of network configuration, which compromises the calculation speed and accuracy. The IEEE-RTS results verify the effectiveness of the improved model and the proposed method.
From proteomes to complexomes in the era of systems biology

Protein complexes carry out almost the entire signaling and functional processes in the cell. The protein complex complement of a cell, and its network of complex–complex interactions, is referred to here as the complexome. Computational methods to predict protein complexes from proteomics data, resulting in network representations of complexomes, have recently being developed. In addition, key advances have been made toward understanding the network and structural organization of complexomes. We review these bioinformatics advances, and their discovery‐potential, as well as the merits of integrating proteomics data with emerging methods in systems biology to study protein complex signaling. It is envisioned that improved integration of proteomics and systems biology, incorporating the dynamics of protein complexes in space and time, may lead to more predictive models of cell signaling networks for effective modulation.
Nerve Growth Factor Regulates Adrenergic Expression

The mechanism by which nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates adrenergic expression was examined in PC-12 cells transfected with a rat phenylethanolamine N-methyl-transferase (PNMT) promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct pGL3RP893. NGF treatment increased PNMT promoter-driven luciferase activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Induction was attenuated by inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (∼60%) but not by inhibition of the protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C, phosphoinositol kinase, or p38 MAPK pathways. Deletion PNMT promoter-luciferase reporter gene constructs showed that the NGF-responsive sequences lay within the proximal -392 base pairs (bp) of PNMT promoter, wherein binding elements for Egr-1 (-165 bp) and Sp1 (-48 bp) reside. Western analysis further showed that NGF increased nuclear levels of Egr-1, but not Sp1 or the catalytic subunit of PKA. Gel mobility shift assays showed increased potential for Egr-1, but not Sp1, protein-DNA binding complex formation. Mutation of either the Egr-1 or Sp1 binding sites in the PNMT promoter attenuated NGF activation. NGF, combined with pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating protein (PACAP), another PNMT transcriptional activator, cooperatively stimulated PNMT promoter driven-luciferase activity beyond levels observed with either neurotrophin alone. Finally, post-transcriptional control seems to be another important mechanism by which neurotrophins regulate the adrenergic phenotype. NGF, PACAP, and a combination of the two stimulated both intron-retaining and intronless PNMT mRNA and PNMT protein, but to different extents.
Conservation Value of Clustered Housing Developments

Abstract: Traditionally, exurban lands in Colorado have been subdivided into a grid of parcels ranging from 2 to 16 ha. From an ecological perspective, this dispersed pattern of development effectively maximizes the individual influence of each home on the land. Clustered housing developments, designed to maximize open space, are assumed to benefit plant and wildlife communities of conservation interest. They have become a popular alternative for rural development despite the lack of empirical evidence demonstrating their conservation benefits. To better inform rural land‐use planning, we evaluated clustered housing developments by comparing their spatial pattern with that of dispersed housing developments and by comparing their conservation value with that of both dispersed housing developments and undeveloped areas in Boulder County, Colorado. We used four indicators to assess conservation value: (1) densities of songbirds, (2) nest density and survival of ground‐nesting birds, (3) presence of mammals, and (4) percent cover and proportion of native and non‐native plant species. Clustered and dispersed housing developments did not differ on the majority of variables we examined. Both types of housing development had significantly higher densities of non‐native and human‐commensal species and significantly lower densities of native and human‐sensitive species than undeveloped areas. More rigorous ecological guidelines and planning on a regional scale may help create clustered developments with higher conservation value.
Genomic integration of oncogenic HPV and gain of the human telomerase gene TERC at 3q26 are strongly associated events in the progression of uterine cervical dysplasia to invasive cancer

Recently proposed events associated with the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 to cervical carcinoma include integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) into the host genome, genomic instability, and an increase in chromosome 3q copy number. In particular, the gene coding for the RNA component of telomerase (TERC) at 3q26 has been implicated as a possible candidate gene. Since it is not known to date how these events are temporally related during cervical carcinogenesis, the aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between TERC gene copy number and the physical status of HPV during progression in cervical neoplasia. Solitary precursor lesions of the uterine cervix (CIN 2/3, n = 17), lesions associated with a micro‐invasive carcinoma (CIN 3&mCA, n = 13), and advanced invasive carcinomas (invCA, n = 7) were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the physical status of the virus and TERC gene copy number. The TERC gene was increasingly gained with progression of CIN 2/3 (3 of 17) through CIN 3&mCA (7 of 13) to invCA (5 of 7). In the lesions exhibiting gain of TERC, the virus was predominantly integrated. This was seen in eight of ten diploid lesions, indicating that these events can occur prior to aneuploidization and are strongly associated with the progression of CIN 3 to mCA and invCA (p < 0.001). With progression to carcinoma, a number of these lesions show polyploidization, resulting in aneuploidy and high TERC gene copy numbers. In conclusion, genomic integration of oncogenic HPV and gain of the human telomerase gene TERC appear to be important associated genetic events in the progression of uterine cervical dysplasia to invasive cancer. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of Occurrence of Intradural and Subdural Hemorrhage in the Perinatal and Neonatal Period in the Context of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: An Observational Study from Two Referral Institutions in the United Kingdom

The occurrence of subdural hemorrhage (SDH) on the convexities of the cerebral hemispheres is not an unusual finding in the setting of intrauterine, perinatal, or neonatal deaths, the hemorrhage usually presenting either as a thin film over the occipital poles or as a small infratentorial bleed. Working in 2 referral centers with over 30 000 deliveries per year, we routinely examine the dura macroscopically and histologically in nonmacerated fetuses over 24 weeks in gestation and in neonates. This paper describes our experience of intradural hemorrhage (IDH) and SDH associated with hypoxia. Our series comprises 25 fetuses and 30 neonates with obvious macroscopic intradural hemorrhage and hypoxia of varying degrees of severity diagnosed by systematic examination of the brain. Fetal gestational age ranged from 26–41/40 weeks (all no more than 24 hours from intrauterine death), while the 30 neonates lived for between 1 hour and 19 days. Simultaneously with IDH, frank SDH was seen in 2 of 3 of all cases (16 fetuses and 20 neonates). Intradural hemorrhage was more prominent in the posterior falx and tentorium, most likely because of the existence of 2 venous plexus at these sites. Our findings demonstrate that SDH and cerebral hypoxia are common associations of IDH and that SDH (often seen as a thin film of hemorrhage) almost always occurs in association with diffuse falcine IDH. Diffuse IDH with SDH are more frequently associated with severe or moderate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), while mild or early HIE is more common with focal IDH without SDH.
ErbB2+ metastatic breast cancer treatment after progression on trastuzumab: a cost-effectiveness analysis for a developing country.

OBJECTIVE Breast cancer (BC) and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are significant causes of deaths amongst women worldwide, including developing countries. The cost of treatment in the latter is even more of an issue than in higher income countries. ErbB2 overexpression is a marker of poor prognosis and the goal for targeted therapy. This study was aimed at evaluating the cost-effectiveness in Colombia of ErbB2+ MBC treatment after progression on trastuzumab. METHODS A decision analytic model was constructed for evaluating such treatment in a hypothetical cohort of ErbB2+MBC patients who progressed after a first scheme involving trastuzumab. The alternatives compared were lapatinib+capecitabine (L+C), and trastuzumab+a chemotherapy agent (capecitabine, vinorelbine or a taxane). Markov models were used for calculating progression-free time and the associated costs. Effectiveness estimators for such therapy were identified from primary studies; all direct medical costs based on national fees-guidelines were included. Sensitivity was analyzed and acceptability curves estimated. A 3 % discount rate and third-payer perspective were used within a 5-year horizon. RESULTS L+C dominated its comparators. Its cost-effectiveness ratio was COP $49,725,045 per progression-free year. The factors most influencing the results were the alternatives' hazard ratios and the cost of trastuzumab. CONCLUSION Lapatinib was cost-effective compared to its alternatives for treating MBC after progression on trastuzumab using a Colombian decision analytic model.
Analysis of instruments measuring nurses' attitudes towards research utilization: a systematic review.

AIM This paper is a report of a systematic review describing instruments used to measure nurses' attitudes towards research utilization. BACKGROUND Researchers need to have the tools to measure nurses' attitudes. However, limited literature critically analyses instruments and the concepts that comprise nurses' attitudes towards research utilization. DATA SOURCES A search of the literature from 1982 to 2007 was performed using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, PubMed and MEDLINE data bases. The search terms were nursing research, research utilization, instruments, and nurses' attitudes. A total of 186 sources were identified, of which 25 were reviewed. METHODS Fourteen instruments met the criteria for in-depth critical analysis of psychometric properties and concepts, and were included in the final review. Each instrument item was judged to be relevant to direct, indirect, persuasive and overall research utilization as defined by Estabrooks. Instruments were arranged from the strongest to the weakest reliability of the subscales to determine the instrument with the strongest psychometric properties. RESULTS Indirect and overall research utilization was measured by all of the instruments. Ten instruments measured direct research utilization and nine instruments measured persuasive research utilization. The Research Utilization in Nursing Survey by Estabrooks, as adapted by Kenny, was an instrument with strong psychometric properties measuring all four concepts of nurses' attitudes towards using and participating in research and was clinically feasible. CONCLUSION Many published instruments are available for use by nurse researchers to measure nurses' attitude towards research utilization, but only one has been subjected to rigorous testing: the Research Utilization in Nursing Survey by Estabrooks.
Fabricating a pearl/PLGA composite scaffold by the low-temperature deposition manufacturing technique for bone tissue engineering

Here we developed a composite scaffold of pearl/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (pearl/PLGA) utilizing the low-temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM). LDM makes it possible to fabricate scaffolds with designed microstructure and macrostructure, while keeping the bioactivity of biomaterials by working at a low temperature. Process optimization was carried out to fabricate a mixture of pearl powder, PLGA and 1,4-dioxane with the designed hierarchical structures, and freeze-dried at a temperature of −40 °C. Scaffolds with square and designated bone shape were fabricated by following the 3D model. Marrow stem cells (MSCs) were seeded on the pearl/PLGA scaffold and then cultured in a rotating cell culture system. The adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts were determined using scanning electronic microscopy, WST-1 assay, alkaline phosphatase activity assay, immunofluorescence staining and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the composite scaffold had high porosity (81.98 ± 3.75%), proper pore size (micropores: <10 µm; macropore: 495 ± 54 µm) and mechanical property (compressive strength: 0.81 ± 0.04 MPa; elastic modulus: 23.14 ± 0.75 MPa). The pearl/PLGA scaffolds exhibited better biocompatibility and osteoconductivity compared with the tricalcium phosphate/PLGA scaffold. All these results indicate that the pearl/PLGA scaffolds fulfill the basic requirements of bone tissue engineering scaffold.
Effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced luteolysis on the populations of cells in the ovine corpus luteum.

Receptors for prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha in the ovine corpus luteum are localized on large steroidogenic luteal cells. Therefore, it was hypothesized that during luteolysis, the first demonstrable effects of PGF2 alpha would occur in the population of large luteal cells. To test this hypothesis, the numbers and sizes of large and small luteal cells, fibroblasts, capillary endothelial cells, and pericytes were determined in corpora lutea collected 12, 24, or 36 h (6 animals/group) following administration of PGF2 alpha on Day 10 postestrus and from untreated ewes on Days 10 and 12 postestrus. The numbers and sizes of luteal cells were determined after enzymatic dissociation of the luteal tissue into single cell suspensions and by morphometric analysis of luteal slices. Serum levels of progesterone decreased (p less than 0.05) within 12 h of treatment, indicating that luteolysis was induced. Recovery of the two types of steroidogenic luteal cells following enzymatic dissociation was different (p less than 0.05). Recovery of both steroidogenic cell types decreased with time after PGF2 alpha treatment, suggesting that they had become more fragile. As determined by morphometry, the number of large luteal cells was not different at any time point examined; however, by 36 h after treatment, the average diameter of large luteal cells had decreased (p less than 0.05). In contrast, by 24 h after treatment, there was a decrease in the number of small luteal cells (p less than 0.05) but no change in their diameter. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Superior piezoelectric composite films: taking advantage of carbon nanomaterials

Piezoelectric composites comprising an active phase of ferroelectric ceramic and a polymer matrix have recently found numerous sensory applications. However, it remains a major challenge to further improve their electromechanical response for advanced applications such as precision control and monitoring systems. We here investigated the incorporation of graphene platelets (GnPs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), each with various weight fractions, into PZT (lead zirconate titanate)/epoxy composites to produce three-phase nanocomposites. The nanocomposite films show markedly improved piezoelectric coefficients and electromechanical responses (50%) besides an enhancement of ∼200% in stiffness. The carbon nanomaterials strengthened the impact of electric field on the PZT particles by appropriately raising the electrical conductivity of the epoxy. GnPs have been proved to be far more promising in improving the poling behavior and dynamic response than MWNTs. The superior dynamic sensitivity of GnP-reinforced composite may be caused by the GnPs’ high load transfer efficiency arising from their two-dimensional geometry and good compatibility with the matrix. The reduced acoustic impedance mismatch resulting from the improved thermal conductance may also contribute to the higher sensitivity of GnP-reinforced composite. This research pointed out the potential of employing GnPs to develop highly sensitive piezoelectric composites for sensing applications.
Effects of intracellular stores and extracellular Ca2+ on Ca2+‐activated K+ currents in mature mouse inner hair cells

Ca2+‐activated K+ currents were studied in inner hair cells (IHCs) of mature mice. IK,f, the large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current (BK) characteristic of mature IHCs, had a fast activation time constant (0.4 ms at −25 mV at room temperature) and did not inactivate during 170 ms. Its amplitude, measured at −25 mV, and activation time constant were similar between IHCs in the apical and basal regions of the cochlea. IK,f was selectively blocked by 30 nm IbTx but was unaffected by superfusion of Ca2+‐free solution, nifedipine or Bay K 8644, excluding the direct involvement of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels in IK,f activation. Increasing the intracellular concentration of the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA from 0.1 mm to 30 mm reduced the amplitude of IK,f at −25 mV and shifted its activation by 37 mV towards more depolarized potentials. A reduction in the size of IK,f and a depolarizing shift of its activation were also seen when either thapsigargin and caffeine or ryanodine were added intracellularly, suggesting that IK,f is modulated by voltage‐dependent release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. Mature IHCs had a small additional Ca2+‐activated K+ current (IK(Ca)), activated by Ca2+ flowing through L‐type Ca2+ channels. This current was still present during superfusion of either IbTx (60 nm) or apamin (300 nm) but was abolished in Cs+‐based intracellular solution or during superfusion of 5 mm TEA, suggesting the presence of an additional BK‐channel type. Current clamp experiments at body temperature show that IK,f, but not IK(Ca), is essential for fast voltage responses of mature IHCs.
CONCORD: a consensus method for protein secondary structure prediction via mixed integer linear optimization

Most of the protein structure prediction methods use a multi-step process, which often includes secondary structure prediction, contact prediction, fragment generation, clustering, etc. For many years, secondary structure prediction has been the workhorse for numerous methods aimed at predicting protein structure and function. This paper presents a new mixed integer linear optimization (MILP)-based consensus method: a Consensus scheme based On a mixed integer liNear optimization method for seCOndary stRucture preDiction (CONCORD). Based on seven secondary structure prediction methods, SSpro, DSC, PROF, PROFphd, PSIPRED, Predator and GorIV, the MILP-based consensus method combines the strengths of different methods, maximizes the number of correctly predicted amino acids and achieves a better prediction accuracy. The method is shown to perform well compared with the seven individual methods when tested on the PDBselect25 training protein set using sixfold cross validation. It also performs well compared with another set of 10 online secondary structure prediction servers (including several recent ones) when tested on the CASP9 targets (http://predictioncenter.org/casp9/). The average Q3 prediction accuracy is 83.04 per cent for the sixfold cross validation of the PDBselect25 set and 82.3 per cent for the CASP9 targets. We have developed a MILP-based consensus method for protein secondary structure prediction. A web server, CONCORD, is available to the scientific community at http://helios.princeton. edu/CONCORD.
"Coffee Stands": a vocational rehabilitation project in the community for people coping with mental disorders.

OBJECTIVES The "Coffee Stands" project was developed to provide a work place where individuals with long term mental illness can receive job training within the community. It is similar to a supported employment program, except that it does not provide individual job placement services. The objective of the study was to describe the participants who worked at the "coffee stands", with respect to their participation in occupations, functional cognition, executive functions and awareness, perception of their quality of life (QoL), satisfaction and self esteem. Moreover, the study aimed at examining whether changes occurred in these variables during the 6-month period in which participants worked at the coffee stands. METHODS Participants included 44 people with chronic mental illness; 27 men and 17 women, mean age 43.43 (SD = 9.02); mean years of education 11.81 (SD = 1.83); mean age of illness onset 27.72 (SD = 11.12) and mean number of hospitalizations 3.27 (SD = 2.64). All signed an informed consent to participate in the study. A battery of eight instruments measuring the various variables was administered at two points in time; at the beginning of the work at the coffee stands and 6 months later. RESULTS Indicated that the training was successful and that participants were able to maintain an average 3 hours of work daily, demonstrating an improvement in their perception of their ability to work. In the area of planning, they needed structure, suggesting some difficulties in executive functions, but they seemed to be aware of their difficulties. After 6 months, participants showed improvements in health related measures of QoL and satisfaction, but not in self esteem. CONCLUSIONS The findings strengthen the premise that people coping with an emotional disorder place great importance on working, are able to work and derive satisfaction from their work.