Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secukinumab improves the signs and symptoms of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in subjects with involvement of hands and/or feet: subanalysis of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 dose‐ranging study

P. Mendes-Bastos,* V. Coelho-Macias, M.F. Moraes-Fontes, A. Milheiro, A.M. Rodrigues, J. Cardoso Dermatology and Venereology Department, Hospital de Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal, Internal Medicine Department (Autoimmune Diseases Unit), Hospital de Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal, Pathology Department, Hospital de Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal *Correspondence: P. Mendes-Bastos. E-mail: Pmendesbastos@gmail. com
Using Zero Money to Tackle the Challenges of Universal Education in Africa: A Case of Universal Secondary Education in Uganda

Education is without a doubt, the sector that holds the key to transformational national development and our ability to compete in the global marketplace and it is singularly the sector that has experienced the worst type of decline in relation to standards, quality and value in Africa. However, the 1990 World Conference on Education for All launched in Jomtien, Thailand has rightly called attention to improving education through better management and expanded access to primary education systems with little attention to secondary education. Therefore, Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) with support from development partners introduced Universal Education in both primary and secondary schools throughout the country since 1997 and 2006 respectively. The intention was to remove barriers in education, provides flexible and responsive supports, and facilitates lifelong learning for all. Despite the fact that, the government continues to encourage families to send all their school going age children to Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools; the programme has not received the attention it deserves from either the public or the private sector in Uganda. Therefore, this theoretical paper seek to fill the existing long documented unequal academic achievement outcomes among children of different races, ethnic groups and social economic background in all regions of the country. This paper is organized in the following manner; Part I begins with a background and education systems of Uganda, while Part II discusses the major challenges the government is facing in enhancing access, quality and affordable education. Finally, Part III covers practical policy implications and Part IV gives concluding remarks with identified gaps for research.
Implementation of a bidirectional DC-DC in electric powertrains for drive cycles used by medium duty delivery trucks

Different powertrain topologies have various advantages and disadvantages when used in electric vehicles. In this paper, the efficiencies of two different powertrains are compared. Both designs use a 2 level inverter and a surface mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). In the first design the inverter is directly powered by a high voltage battery and is operated using traditional pulse-width modulation (PWM). In the second design a bidirectional DC-DC is used to connect a lower voltage battery to the inverter and is operated using a variable DC link voltage strategy. These two systems are referred to as S1 and S2, respectively. The powertrains are designed to operate a class 4 delivery truck, which is driven by one motor attached to each rear wheel assembly. The efficiency maps of these systems are examined in the context of different drive cycles for a delivery truck. Furthermore, standard and experimentally captured drive cycles are compared and the results demonstrate the conditions under which system S2 is most effective.
Simultaneous imaging of artery-wall strain and blood flow by high frame rate acquisition of RF signals

Mechanical properties of the arterial walls are significantly altered by atherosclerosis, and various studies have been recently conducted to measure the regional elastic properties (radial strain) of the arterial wall. We have developed a phase-sensitive correlation-based method, namely, the phased-tracking method, to measure the regional radial strain. On the other hand, the measurement of blood flow is an important practical routine in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. It would be useful if the regional strain of the arterial wall as well as blood flow could be assessed simultaneously. Such measurement would require a high frame rate of several kilohertz. In this study, acquisition of ultrasonic RF echoes at a high frame rate (about 3500 Hz) was achieved using parallel beamforming in which plane waves were transmitted only 3 times and receive beamforming created 24 beams for each transmit beam. The accuracy in measurement of the minute radial strain was evaluated by a basic experiment using a cylindrical phantom. The error of the measured strain from the theoretical strain profile and its standard deviation were 4.8% and 9.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the radial strain of a carotid arterial wall and blood flow were simultaneously imaged in vivo.
Regulation of Cell Division in a Temperature-Sensitive Division Mutant of Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli fil ts forms multinucleate filaments when suspensions of about 107 organisms per ml are shifted from 37 to 43 C in rich medium. Occasional septation continues, chiefly at the poles, and immediately becomes more frequent when the filaments are returned to 37 C. The addition of chloramphenicol (200 μg/ml) at either temperature initially stimulates the formation of polar septa. When very dilute suspensions of the strain (<106 organisms per ml) are shifted to the restrictive temperature, the inhibition of septation is more complete and only seldom reversible. Conversely, cell division is little affected when suspensions of >108 organisms per ml, or microcolonies of several hundred organisms on agar, are incubated at 43 C; evidence is presented that this is a consequence of a slight reduction in the mutant's growth rate. In certain media, septation is blocked irreversibly by even brief exposure to 43 C, after which cell elongation without division proceeds at 37 C for some hours. Several findings, when considered together, suggest that the cytoplasmic membrane is normal at the restrictive temperature, and that the block in septation is caused by a defect in the cell wall: it is largely overcome by NaCl, but not by sucrose; in some circumstances the filaments become swollen and develop localized bulges in the wall, yet the membrane remains intact and retains its selective permeability; lastly, the strain is insensitive to deoxycholate at both temperatures. The mutation has been mapped between arg B and thr, at a locus which appears to be distinct from others known primarily to influence cell division.
Dissemination of Multiple Drug Resistance Genes by Class 1 Integrons in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Four Countries: a Comparative Study

ABSTRACT A comparative genetic analysis of 42 clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, resistant to two or more antibiotics belonging to the broad-spectrum β-lactam group, sourced from Sydney, Australia, and three South American countries is presented. The study focuses on the genetic contexts of class 1 integrons, mobilizable genetic elements best known for their role in the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative pathogens. It was found that the class 1 integrons in this cohort were located in a number of different genetic contexts with clear regional differences. In Sydney, IS26-associated Tn21-like transposons on IncL/M plasmids contribute greatly to the dispersal of integron-associated multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) loci. In contrast, in the South American countries, Tn1696-like transposons on an IncA/C plasmid(s) appeared to be disseminating a characteristic MDR region. A range of mobile genetic elements is clearly being recruited by clinically important mobile class 1 integrons, and these elements appear to be becoming more common with time. This in turn is driving the evolution of complex and laterally mobile MDR units and may further complicate antibiotic therapy.
Blood flow velocity profiles in the aortic annulus: a 3-dimensional freehand color flow Doppler imaging study.

BACKGROUND The use of a single sample volume in Doppler measurements of the velocity time integral (VTI) in the aortic annulus may introduce errors in calculations of stroke volumes, shunts, regurgitant fractions, and aortic valve area. To study the blood flow velocity distribution and assess this potential error, we used a dynamic 3-dimensional color flow Doppler imaging method. METHODS AND RESULTS Seventeen healthy volunteers were studied. The ultrasound data were captured from 10 to 20 heartbeats at a high frame rate (mean 57 frames per second) while freely tilting the transducer in the apical position. A magnetic position-sensor system recorded the spatial position and orientation of the probe. The raw digital ultrasound data were analyzed off-line with no loss of temporal resolution. Blood flow velocities were integrated across a spherical surface that tracked the aortic annulus during systole. The ratios of the systolic maximum to the systolic mean VTI ranged from 1.2 to 1.5 (mean 1.4). At the time of systolic peak flow, the ratios of the maximum to the mean velocity ranged from 1.1 to 2.0 (mean 1.5). The location of the maximum velocities and VTI showed individual variation. CONCLUSION The blood flow velocity profile was nonuniform. By using a single sample volume in Doppler measurements of the VTI in the aortic annulus, errors ranging from 20% to 50% may be introduced in calculations of stroke volumes.
Predicting aggregate food consumption for a specific geographic area: an application to southeast Minnesota

This thesis develops a framework for estimating food expenditures for a variety of U.S. communities, including regions, states counties and metropolitan areas. The framework is then illustrated by providing estimates of household expenditures for 19 food categories at the national level, in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and in the Southeastern Minnesota area. First household characteristics are related to food expenditures using Consumer Expenditure Survey Data (CEX); then expenditures are aggregated at the community level by applying household demographic profiles from American Community Survey data to the estimations from Consumer Expenditure Survey data. This research is distinctive because (1) it suggests a general and universal model for forecasting food expenditure patterns at almost any regional level; and (2) it provides a good estimation of food expenditure to match with current foodshed analysis. The regression results present a comprehensive relationship between demographic factors and consumer expenditures on 19 food categories. Findings also show that household purchasing patterns are significantly different across regions and that it is not accurate to use average CEX results for the nation to estimate aggregate expenditure by households in a particular locale.
Biochemical and Genetic Characterization of Propionicin T1, a New Bacteriocin from Propionibacterium thoenii

ABSTRACT A collection of propionibacteria was screened for bacteriocin production. A new bacteriocin named propionicin T1 was isolated from two strains of Propionibacterium thoenii. This bacteriocin shows no sequence similarity to other bacteriocins. Propionicin T1 was active against all strains of Propionibacterium acidipropionici, Propionibacterium thoenii, andPropionibacterium jensenii tested and also againstLactobacillus sake NCDO 2714 but showed no activity againstPropionibacterium freudenreichii. The bacteriocin was purified, and the N-terminal part of the peptide was determined with amino acid sequencing. The corresponding gene pctA was sequenced, and this revealed that propionicin T1 is produced as a prebacteriocin of 96 amino acids with a typical sec leader, which is processed to give a mature bacteriocin of 65 amino acids. An open reading frame encoding a protein of 424 amino acids was found 68 nucleotides downstream the stop codon of pctA. The N-terminal part of this putative protein shows strong similarity with the ATP-binding cassette of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ABC transporters, and this protein may be involved in self-protection against propionicin T1. Propionicin T1 is the first bacteriocin from propionibacteria that has been isolated and further characterized at the molecular level.
Specific Binding of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate to Calcium-dependent Activator Protein for Secretion (CAPS), a Potential Phosphoinositide Effector Protein for Regulated Exocytosis*

The calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS) is a novel neural/endocrine-specific cytosolic and peripheral membrane protein required for the Ca2+-regulated exocytosis of secretory vesicles. CAPS acts at a stage in exocytosis that follows ATP-dependent priming, which involves the essential synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2). In the present studies, CAPS is shown to bind liposomes that contain acidic phospholipids and binding was markedly enhanced by inclusion of PtdIns(4,5)P2but not other phosphoinositides in the absence of Ca2+. PtdIns(4,5)P2, but not other phosphoinositides including PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, altered the susceptibility of CAPS to proteolysis by trypsin and proteinase K, suggesting that phosphoinositide binding promoted a conformational change. Photoaffinity labeling studies with a photoactivatable benzoylcinnimidyl acyl chain derivative of PtdIns(4,5)P2confirmed the phosphoinositide-binding properties of CAPS and suggested a hydrophobic aspect of the interaction. CAPS, as one of very few characterized proteins with a binding specificity for 4-,5-phosphorylated inositides over 3-phosphorylated inositides, may function in regulated exocytosis as an effector of PtdIns(4,5)P2.
Nomogram for survival after primary surgery for bulky stage IIIC ovarian carcinoma.

5058 Background: Nomograms have been developed for numerous malignancies to predict a specific individual's probability of long-term survival based on known prognostic factors. To date, no prediction model has been developed for patients with ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict the probability of 4-year survival after primary cytoreductive surgery for bulky stage IIIC ovarian carcinoma. METHODS Nomogram predictor variables included age, tumor grade, histologic type, preoperative platelet count, the presence or absence of ascites, and residual disease status after primary cytoreduction. Disease-specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for multivariable analysis. The Cox model was the basis for the nomogram. The concordance index was used as an accuracy measure, with bootstrapping to correct for optimistic bias. Calibration plots were constructed. RESULTS A total of 462patients with bulky stage IIIC ovarian carcinoma underwent primary cytoreductive surgery at our institution during the study period of 1/89 to 12/03, of whom 397 were evaluable for inclusion in the study. The median age of the study population was 60 years (range 22-87). The primary surgeon in all cases was an attending gynecologic oncologist. Postoperatively, all patients received platinum-based systemic chemotherapy. Ovarian cancer-specific survival at 4 years was 51%. A nomogram was constructed on the basis of a Cox regression model and the 6 predictor variables. This nomogram was internally validated using bootstrapping and shown to have excellent calibration with a bootstrap-corrected concordance index of 0.67. CONCLUSIONS A nomogram was developed to predict 4-year disease-specific survival after primary cytoreductive surgery for bulky stage IIIC ovarian carcinoma. The nomogram utilizes 6 predictor variables that are readily accessible, assigns a point value to each variable, and then predicts the probability of 4-year survival based on the total point value for an individual patient. This tool should be useful for patient counseling, clinical trial eligibility determination, postoperative management, and follow-up. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Identification of a (cid:1) 4 Fatty Acid Desaturase from Thraustochytrium sp. Involved in the Biosynthesis of Docosahexanoic Acid by Heterologous Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Brassica

The existence of (cid:1) 4 fatty acid desaturation in the biosynthesis of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) has been ques-tioned over the years. In this report we describe the identification from Thraustochytrium sp. of two cDNAs, Fad4 and Fad5, coding for (cid:1) 4 and (cid:1) 5 fatty acid desaturases, respectively. The (cid:1) 4 desaturase, when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , introduced a double bond at position 4 of 22:5( n -3) and 22:4( n -6) resulting in the production of DHA and docosapentanoic acid. The enzyme, when expressed in Brassica juncea under the control of a constitutive promoter, desaturated the exogenously supplied substrate 22:5( n -3), resulting in the production of DHA in vegetative tissues. These results support the notion that DHA can be synthesized via (cid:1) 4 desaturation and suggest the possibility that DHA can be produced in oilseed crops on a large scale. Long chain fatty acids such as
Anthocyanin‐rich Fractions of Blackberry Extracts Reduce UV‐induced Free Radicals and Oxidative Damage in Keratinocytes

Hull blackberries were purified using solid phase extraction to obtain anthocyanin‐rich methanol fractions. This method concentrated phenolics and anthocyanins, recovering 97% and 76% of the total yield in puree or powder extracts, respectively, which represented a 24–63 fold increase of the total antioxidant capacity when compared with either the water fraction or the original extract. The ability of these fractions to protect primary keratinocytes against UV‐induced oxidative damage was assessed. Anthocyanin‐rich methanol fractions derived from either blackberry powder or puree exhibited strong antioxidant properties, protecting against UV‐induced ROS nearly as efficiently as N‐acetyl cysteine. Furthermore, the fractions up‐regulated the expression of catalase, MnSOD, Gpx1/2 and Gsta1 antioxidant enzymes. Thus, it is concluded that blackberry extracts may protect keratinocytes against UV‐mediated oxidative damage. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PHYSICAL MODELS AND DOSE FACTORS FOR USE IN INTERNAL DOSE ASSESSMENT

Abstract— Internal dose assessment depends on the use of mathematical formulas for dose calculation and models of the human body and its organs. A simple, unified method for internal dose calculations is described, which brings together and simplifies concepts used in nuclear medicine and occupational internal dose systems previously described. Using the best current decay data and phantoms for internal dose calculations, dose factors for internal dose assessment are provided. Decay data for over 800 radionuclides from the data service at Brookhaven National Laboratory were combined with absorbed fraction data from a number of currently available mathematical whole body and organ models to provide the dose factors. This represents the first published update on nuclear medicine dose factors since MIRD Pamphlet No. 11 in 1975; in this paper, dose factors for many more nuclides are given (816 vs. 117 in MIRD 11), including some alpha emitters. New models are also employed, and dose factors for bone and marrow have been updated with recently suggested corrections. The good agreement of the new dose factors with previously published values for several of the models gives good confidence in their accuracy. This article gives an overview of the technical basis for these dose factors and some example tables of data, but the bulk of the data files will be distributed electronically. The use of an “electronic publishing” approach permits the publication of this kind of voluminous information in mainstream journals while facilitating rapid access and use without the need to purchase often expensive and bulky paper documents.
Visual evoked potentials in infants and children.

Visual evoked potential (VEP) studies are of great value in a wide variety of pediatric patients, including those with disorders of the sensory visual pathway and those at risk for visual pathway damage. VEPs are simple, non-invasive, and are particularly appropriate for infants and young children who cannot communicate visual symptoms or cooperate for standard vision assessment. VEPs in pediatric patients have the following main purposes: (1) detecting lesions causing dysfunction of the sensory visual pathways (the VEP is a sensitive indicator of subclinical lesions and can be used to differentiate visual impairment from visual inattention in young infants); (2) confirming functional loss when disorders of the visual system are present; (3) quantifying visual impairment in patients with known visual disorders, accomplished either empirically by noting the severity of the VEP abnormality to flash and pattern stimuli or by visual acuity estimation studies (early quantification of vision loss allows referral to early intervention programs, which can ameliorate the long-term consequences of the disability); (4) monitoring patients who are at risk for visual complications either from diseases (such as hydrocephalus or neurofibromatosis) or as a complication of therapeutic intervention (e.g., neurosurgery, chemotherapy) to help detect and avoid long-term sequelae of such therapies on the developing nervous system; (5) establishing prognosis for visual and systemic recovery based on flash VEPs for specific pediatric disorders including perinatal asphyxia in full-term neonates, acute-onset cortical blindness, and, to a fair extent, in comatose children; and (6) in some cases, contributing to the differential diagnosis. Abnormalities of flash and/or pattern VEPs are generally nonspecific to the type of exact location of the lesion, except in distinguishing prefrom postchiasmal lesions. However, in certain conditions, such as the hereditary ataxias of childhood, VEP abnormalities may help in the diagnosis. Similarly, deterioration in VEPs may help differentiate progressive from static encephalopathies. VEPs have become an indispensable tool in pediatric ophthalmology and neurology. They will probably play an increasingly important role in the future, primarily due to the difficulty in assessing visual system function in young or ill children and the VEP's sensitivity to subclinical damage in this aspect of the central nervous system.