Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of the regulatory region of polyoma mutant F9-1 DNA

Functional analysis of the transcriptional control region of the polyoma (Py) mutant F9-1 reveals that the mutation is located in a region of Py DNA required for at least two functions. First, an enhancer element which includes the F9-1 mutation was characterized by deletion analysis. This element, described previously as enhancer B is essential for viral early gene expression in F9 stem cells whereas enhancer A is unnecessary for transcriptional activity in embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. Second, a CCACCC motif, present twice in the 3' part of enhancer B is also required in cis for the response to a heterologous enhancer. This suggests that a promoter element is present in this region of the polyoma genome which overlaps Py enhancer B. We also demonstrate the enhancement of the polyoma early promoter activity in F9 stem cells by MSV sequences. The significance of these observations is discussed.
In memoriam of Francesco Maffioli (1941-2012)

On December 7, 2012, Francesco Maffioli passed away in Milan after a sudden and merciless illness. Although he officially retired in November 2011, Francesco had been active until the last days doing research, teaching, and taking care of European projects on engineering education. He was born in Milan on January 2, 1941. He graduated in Electronic Engineering at Politecnico di Milano in 1965 and earned an M.Sc. in Electrophysics at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (NY) in 1969. After starting his research career in electronics and computer networks, he switched to Combinatorial Optimization and Operations Research in the mid-1970s. Since 1980 he was full professor at Politecnico di Milano, where he was director of the Dipartimento di Elettronica from 1984 until 1987. He was visiting scholar at the University of California at Berkeley in 1973 and 1974, and visiting professor at the Université de Montréal in 1982 and at the Université Libre de Bruxelles during the second semester of the years 1994 to 1997. He wrote a textbook on Mathematical Programming (Maffioli, 2000) and co-edited the Annotated Bibliographies in Combinatorial Optimization (Dell’Amico et al., 1997; Maffioli and Martello, 1997), two volumes of Annals of Operations Research (Archetti and Maffioli, 1984; Simeone et al., 1988), a selection of
Indian thermal power plant challenges and remedies via application of modified data envelopment analysis

This paper evaluates the performance of coal-fired thermal power plants in India for the year 2008–2009 using data envelopment analysis (DEA); subdividing the power plants into three categories depending on their scale—small, medium, and large. The classical DEA model is analyzed to identify the efficient ones from the whole gamut of plants run by various organizations of the central government, state government, and private sector. Slack analysis is carried out to explore the specific areas that need to be focused on, in quantitative terms, for the overall efficiency improvement. Further efficiency evaluation is extended from a single criterion-based conventional approach to a multiple criteria oriented approach, and the resulting DEA models are more efficient and flexible in many aspects, particularly in discriminant and weight analysis. Results of multicriteria DEA (MCDEA) are substantiated with cross-efficiency analysis by deploying the weights obtained by the MCDEA in the cross-efficiency analysis. On the basis of the insights provided by the outcome of the analysis, both qualitative and quantitative measures are proposed for improvement of the plant performances. The result of this analysis may assist the management of the power plants to introspect and review their systems and processes for optimal use of resources. The methodology adopted in the present work can also be employed for deeper understanding of power plants in other parts of India as well as in other countries.
Supply chain coordination based on return contracts with a threshold ordering quantity

Return contracts are commonly used by companies selling products with short life cycles and highly uncertain demand. Current research on return contracts assumes suppliers are responsible for all surplus products. In practice, retailers tend to order more than necessary and leave suppliers with large after-season returns. To mitigate the problem, a new type of return contract with a threshold ordering quantity has been developed by some enterprises. Under these contracts, suppliers specify a threshold for retailers’ ordering quantity. They buy back only the portion in excess of the threshold. In this paper, we show that this new type of contract can achieve two objectives: (a) the supply chain is coordinated, and (b) both the supplier and the retailer can gain more profit than they can gain under a wholesale-price-only contract. The new contract does not require any manipulation of wholesale prices. This makes it more acceptable in practice by supply chain members. We also illustrate our findings in a numerical example.
Tolerance levels of CT number to electron density table for photon beam in radiotherapy treatment planning system

Abstract The accuracy of computed tomography number to electron density (CT‐ED) calibration is a key component for dose calculations in an inhomogeneous medium. In a previous work, it was shown that the tolerance levels of CT‐ED calibration became stricter with an increase in tissue thickness and decrease in the effective energy of a photon beam. For the last decade, a low effective energy photon beam (e.g., flattening‐filter‐free (FFF)) has been used in clinical sites. However, its tolerance level has not been established yet. We established a relative electron density (ED) tolerance level for each tissue type with an FFF beam. The tolerance levels were calculated using the tissue maximum ratio (TMR) and each corresponding maximum tissue thickness. To determine the relative ED tolerance level, TMR data from a Varian accelerator and the adult reference computational phantom data in the International Commission on Radiological Protection publication 110 (ICRP‐110 phantom) were used in this study. The 52 tissue components of the ICRP‐110 phantom were classified by mass density as five tissues groups including lung, adipose/muscle, cartilage/spongy‐bone, cortical bone, and tooth tissue. In addition, the relative ED tolerance level of each tissue group was calculated when the relative dose error to local dose reached 2%. The relative ED tolerances of a 6 MVFFF beam for lung, adipose/muscle, and cartilage/spongy‐bone were ±0.044, ±0.022, and ±0.044, respectively. The thicknesses of the cortical bone and tooth groups were too small to define the tolerance levels. Because the tolerance levels of CT‐ED calibration are stricter with a decrease in the effective energy of the photon beam, the tolerance levels are determined by the lowest effective energy in useable beams for radiotherapy treatment planning systems.
Make it Easy: Duplex Examination of the Venous System

Objective: A methodological report of duplex ultrasound examination of the venous system, with Particular consideration of the best position for examining the patient. Design: Single patient group, comparison of duplex ultrasound imaging with phlebography. getting: Teaching hospital vascular laboratory. Patients: Patients referred for assessment of their venous system. Main outcome measures: Duplex ultrasound scanning of the lower limb, ascending phlebography. Results: Our results of duplex ultrasound scanning in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis as compared with Phlebography show a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 91%. Conclusions: We found it advantageous to examine the Patient standing during proximal vein imaging and sitting for distal venous examination. Veins dilated as a result of gravitational effects are visualized more easily. The examiner, by resting the elbow on his/her distal Thigh, has a more stable hand, facilitating the test. The Patient, by resting the heel on the edge of the examiner's chair, relaxes the calf muscles, thus simplifying the augmentation manoeuvre. The inflation of a tourniquet applied to the distal thigh dilates the calf veins.
Automates et fabrication de poches de nutrition parentérale pédiatrique : analyse des systèmes actuels

Les automates permettent d’augmenter la productivite et la securite de fabrication des poches de nutrition parenterale par rapport aux techniques traditionnelles. Cet article decrit, a partir de la litterature, les avantages et les inconvenients de differents automates et propose, a partir de notre experience personnelle, des criteres a prendre en compte pour le choix d’un tel systeme. Ces criteres sont le volume minimal d’utilisation, les changements de conditionnement pendant le remplissage, la vitesse de remplissage, le temps d’installation et la facilite d’utilisation, les logiciels de pilotage, le nombre de solution a melanger, l’encombrement et le cout.
New formulation and branch-and-cut algorithm for the pickup and delivery traveling salesman problem with multiple stacks

In this paper, we consider the pickup and delivery traveling salesman problem with multiple stacks in which a single vehicle must serve a set of customer requests defined by a pair of pickup and delivery destinations of an item. The vehicle contains a fixed number of stacks, where each item is loaded at a pickup location and unloaded at the corresponding delivery location. Each stack has finite capacity, and its loading and unloading sequence must follow the last-in-first-out (LIFO) policy, that is, for each stack, just the last item loaded can be unloaded at its corresponding delivery location. We propose a new integer programming formulation for this problem with a polyhedral representation described by exponentially many inequalities and a branch-and-cut algorithm for solving the proposed formulation. Computational results show that our approach is competitive with the best algorithm in the literature. Also, three new certificates of optimality are provided and several optimality gaps are reduced.
The yeast DNA polymerase I transcript is regulated in both the mitotic cell cycle and in meiosis and is also induced after DNA damage

Using mitotic cultures synchronised by a feed-starve protocol or by elutriation, we have shown that the yeast DNA polymerase I gene is periodically expressed with its transcript increasing at least 100-fold in late G1 with a peak around the G1/S phase boundary. This is precisely the same interval of the cell cycle in which three other yeast DNA synthesis genes, CDC8, CDC9 and CDC21, have been found to be periodically expressed (White et al 1987. Expl. Cell. Res., in press). The polymerase I transcript is also regulated in meiosis, showing an overall fluctuation in level of some 20-fold, with a peak at about mid-S phase. In addition, following irradiation with 50J/m2 ultraviolet light, there was a 20-fold increase in the transcript, starting after 30 minutes and reaching a peak two hours later. These results indicate that DNA polymerase I is subject to a complex control and imply that it has a role in both DNA synthesis and DNA repair.
Characterization of the barley chloroplast transcription units containing psaA-psaB and psbD-psbC

Four plastid genes, psaA, psaB, psbD and psbC, were localized on the barley plastid genome. PsaA was adjacent to psaB in one transcription unit and psbD was adjacent to psbC in a second transcription unit. The transcription units containing psaA-psaB and psbD-psbC are separated by approximately 25 kbp on the barley plastid genome and are transcribed convergently. Transcripts hybridizing to each transcription unit were characterized by northern blot analysis, S1 protection experiments and primer extension analysis. Two 5.3 kb transcripts hybridize to psaA-psaB. The two transcripts have a common 5' end but differ at their 3' ends by about 26 nucleotides. The transcription unit which contains psbD-psbC also includes trnS(UGA), trnG(GCC), and an open reading frame which codes for a 62 amino acid protein. Six large transcripts ranging from 5.7 kb to 1.7 kb hybridize to the psbD-psbC transcription unit as well as several RNAs of tRNA size. The large transcripts arise from three 5' ends and two clusters of 3' ends. The 3' ends map near trnG(GCC) and trnS(UGA) and could be generated by RNA processing or termination of transcription. Two of the six transcripts hybridize to psbC but not psbD suggesting that translation of psbD and psbC could occur on separate RNAs.
Nucleotide sequence of Bacillus phage Nf terminal protein gene

The nucleotide sequence of Bacillus phage Nf gene E has been determined. Gene E codes for phage terminal protein which is the primer necessary for the initiation of DNA replication. The deduced amino acid sequence of Nf terminal protein is approximately 66% homologous with the terminal proteins of Bacillus phages PZA and luminal diameter 29, and shows similar hydropathy and secondary structure predictions. A serine which has been identified as the residue which covalently links the protein to the 5' end of the genome in luminal diameter 29, is conserved in all three phages. The hydropathic and secondary structural environment of this serine is similar in these phage terminal proteins and also similar to the linking serine of adenovirus terminal protein.
Cohort study of atypical pressure ulcers development

Atypical pressure ulcers (APU) are distinguished from common pressure ulcers (PU) with both unusual location and different aetiology. The occurrence and attempts to characterise APU remain unrecognised. The purpose of this cohort study was to analyse the occurrence of atypical location and the circumstances of the causation, and draw attention to the prevention and treatment by a multidisciplinary team. The cohort study spanned three and a half years totalling 174 patients. The unit incorporates two weekly combined staff meetings. One concentrates on wound assessment with treatment decisions made by the physician and nurse, and the other, a multidisciplinary team reviewing all patients and coordinating treatment. The main finding of this study identified APU occurrence rate of 21% within acquired PU over a three and a half year period. Severe spasticity constituted the largest group in this study and the most difficult to cure wounds, located in medial aspects of knees, elbows and palms. Medical devices caused the second largest occurrence of atypical wounds, located in the nape of the neck, penis and nostrils. Bony deformities were the third recognisable atypical wound group located in shoulder blades and upper spine. These three categories are definable and time observable. APU are important to be recognisable, and can be healed as well as being prevented. The prominent role of the multidisciplinary team is primary in identification, prevention and treatment.
Genital ve Uriner Sistem Enfeksiyonlarının Oral Sefuroksim Aksetil ile Tedavisi

ÖZET Çukurova Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Kadın Has­ talıkları ve Doğum Ana Bilim Dalı Polikliniğinde Temmuz 1990 Ekim 1990 tarihleri arasında genital ve üriner sistem enfeksiyonla seçilmiş 100 olguda oral Sefuroksim akselil'in etkisi araştırıldı. Genital sistem enfeksiyonlu 62 olgunun 55'inde (%88.7) ve üriner sistem enfeksionlu 38 olgunun 35'inde (%92.1) klinik iyileşme teshil edildi. Sadece 3 olguda ilaca bağlı gaslrointeslinal sisteme ait hafif yan etkiler görüldü.
Comparison of radiographic joint space width with magnetic resonance imaging cartilage morphometry: Analysis of longitudinal data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography are established imaging modalities for the assessment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of our study was to compare the responsiveness of radiographic joint space width (JSW) with MRI‐derived measures of cartilage morphometry for OA progression in participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI).
The nucleotide sequence of a 16S rRNA gene from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

Figure 1. The nucleotide sequence of the rrnD 16S rDNA from S. coelicolor A3(2). The 5' end of the mature 16S rRNA was Iocati3 in the DNA sequence by SI mapping and the 5' terminus confirmed by RNA sequencing (H.A. Baylis and M.J. Bibb unpublished). The presumptive 3' end was located by comparison with the sequence of the 3' end of the 16S rRNA from S. lividans (2) and other actinomycetes (3,4). Over 981 of the DNA was sequenced on both strands; the nucleotide at position 742 was not unambiguously determined.
Salud mental en adolescentes de las Delicias (Trujillo - Perú)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the mental health of 12 to 18 year-old adolescent population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mental health household survey was carried out in a sample randomly selected from two areas of Las Delicias, District of Moche, Trujillo City, Peru: 32 subjects from Taquila (a rural area) and 43 from the North Zone (an area in process of urbanization). RESULTS: Problems related to substance abuse, mainly alcohol, were more predominant in Taquila while symptoms of distress and depression with lower family and social support were evident in the North Zone; the differences between the two subsamples were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Stressors related to the described problems are probably immerse in the macrovariables associated to the urbanization process of that population.
A closer examination of atraumatic dressings for optimal healing

The concept that undisturbed wound healing, optimised by dressing choice, improves wound outcomes has become a focal point of consideration when evaluating wound management regimens in recent years. However, little evidence exists related to wound contact layers and the potential detrimental effects of the intimate contact with the wound bed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of atraumatic wound contact dressings on the healing of partial‐thickness wounds in comparison to untreated air‐exposed wounds. Using an in vivo porcine wound model the handling properties of each dressing in terms of adhesion were analysed. Methods of wound characterisation included histological analysis of granulation tissue formation and epithelialisation and this was correlated with various clinical observations. Differences were found between dressings in terms of adherence to the wound bed and surrounding skin, capacity to retain wound exudates and enhancement of healing.
Minimal incision Wolter Plate Fixation on the Displaced Lateral End Fracture of the Clavicle and the Acromioclayicular Dislocation

Purpose Displaced lateral end fracture of clavicle and acromioclavicular dislocation type Ⅲ∼Ⅵ may be required surgical treatment. Material and Methods : From May 1998 to March 2001, we operated with Welter plate with minimal incision by one surgeon. Immediately, pendulum and passive exercise was initiated after surgery. The shoulder function was evaluated using UCLA score. Average follow up was on 28(12∼45) months. Results : All 11 patients were regained satisfactory function. Average UCLA score was 31.9(29~35) at last follow up. Conclusion . The merit of Welter plate fixation with minimal incision is simple technique, reduced surgical time, smaller scar than large plate, strong fixation, early exercise, reduced implant failure. The disadvantage is expensive, skin irritatatation by long hook. But Welter plate fixation with minimal incision is a good method of internal fixation and excellent clinical result in surgical treatment of type H displaced lateral end fracture of the clavicle and type Ⅲ∼Ⅵ acromioclavicular dislocation.
The open abdomen: temporary closure with a modified negative pressure therapy technique

The most common indications for an open abdomen (OA) are abdominal compartment syndrome, damage control surgery, diffuse peritonitis and wound dehiscence, and often require a temporary abdominal closure (TAC). The different TAC methods that are currently available include skin closure techniques, mesh products and negative pressure therapy (NPT) systems. For this study, we retrospectively reviewed records of 115 OA patients treated with the commercially available NPT systems (V.A.C.® Abdominal Dressing System and ABThera™ Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System) using a new method of applying the system – the narrowing technique – over a 5‐year period. Endpoints included fascial closure and 30‐day mortality rates and presence of enteroatmospheric fistulas. Secondary closure of the fascia was obtained in 92% (106/115) of the patients with a mortality rate of 17% (20/115) and a fistula rate of 3·5% (4/115). The use of the narrowing technique to apply NPT may explain the high closure rates observed in the patient population of this study. Further studies are necessary to compare the different methods and to evaluate the long‐term outcomes.
Dimensions and Determinants of Early Childhood Health and Mortality Among American Slaves

This paper relies on birth and death lists from plantation records to investigate the causes of low birth weight and poor health of young slave children. The sources of deprivation can be traced to the fetal period. The slave work routine was arduous overall and particularily intense during planting, hoeing, and harvesting. These demands combined with seasonal fluctuations in disease and in the quality of the diet implied that few newborns had escaped stress on intrauterine growth. Starchy food supplements given soon after birth and poor sanitation surrounding feeding provided a poor environment for growth during the first year of life.
The efficacy and safety of Grafix® for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: results of a multi‐centre, controlled, randomised, blinded, clinical trial

In a randomised, controlled study, we compared the efficacy of Grafix®, a human viable wound matrix (hVWM) (N = 50), to standard wound care (n = 47) to heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with complete wound closure by 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included the time to wound closure, adverse events and wound closure in the crossover phase. The proportion of patients who achieved complete wound closure was significantly higher in patients who received Grafix (62%) compared with controls (21%, P = 0·0001). The median time to healing was 42 days in Grafix patients compared with 69·5 days in controls (P = 0·019). There were fewer Grafix patients with adverse events (44% versus 66%, P = 0·031) and fewer Grafix patients with wound‐related infections (18% versus 36·2%, P = 0·044). Among the study subjects that healed, ulcers remained closed in 82·1% of patients (23 of 28 patients) in the Grafix group versus 70% (7 of 10 patients) in the control group (P = 0·419). Treatment with Grafix significantly improved DFU healing compared with standard wound therapy. Importantly, Grafix also reduced DFU‐related complications. The results of this well‐controlled study showed that Grafix is a safe and more effective therapy for treating DFUs than standard wound therapy.