Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mutant prevention concentrations of ciprofloxacin for urinary tract infection isolates of Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES To measure the mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of ciprofloxacin for a set of urinary tract infection (UTI) Escherichia coli isolates with different levels of susceptibility and determine whether MPC can be predicted from MIC. METHODS MPC was defined as the lowest ciprofloxacin concentration that prevented the growth of resistant colonies when 10(10) bacteria were spread on solid medium and incubated for 96 h at 37 degrees C. MIC was measured by Etest. Bacteria surviving (persisting) at MPC were isolated and quantified from agar plugs taken after 96 h. The genes hipA and hipB were amplified by PCR from persisters and sequenced. RESULTS Isolates with MICs above the NCCLS breakpoint for ciprofloxacin resistance (4 mg/L) typically have MPCs greater than 32 mg/L. Isolates with MICs below the breakpoint for ciprofloxacin susceptibility (1 mg/L) have MPCs up to 5 mg/L. MPC/MIC is approximately 16 for most susceptible isolates but there are several notable exceptions (MPC/MIC > 100). Resistant colonies arising one dilution step below MPC often had MIC > MPC. In every case tested, a proportion of cells survived (persisted), but did not grow into colonies, at MPC, without any increase in MIC. CONCLUSIONS MPCs were determined for all ciprofloxacin-susceptible isolates. MPC is not accurately predicted from MIC. Colonies selected below MPC frequently have MIC > MPC, suggesting multiple mutations. A small fraction of cells from all strains tested survived for 96 h at MPC, without any associated increase in MIC. These survivors/persisters are not hipAB mutants.
Physiological–Emotional Reactivity to Nightmare-Related Imagery in Trauma-Exposed Persons With Chronic Nightmares

Script-driven imagery was used to assess nightmare imagery-evoked physiological–emotional reactivity (heart rate, skin conductance, facial electromyogram, subjective ratings) in trauma-exposed persons suffering from chronic nightmares. Goals were to determine the efficacy of nightmare imagery to evoke physiological–emotional reactivity, correlates (mental health, nightmare characteristics) of reactivity, and consequences (sleep and health problems) of reactivity. Nightmare imagery resulted in significant reactivity relative to control imagery. No mental health variable (posttraumatic stress disorder status, depressive symptoms, dissociation) or nightmare characteristic (months experienced, frequency, similarity to trauma) was associated with reactivity level. However, nightmare imagery-evoked autonomic responses were associated with greater sleep disturbance and reported health symptoms, even when nightmare frequency was controlled. These results suggest nightmare-related autonomic reactions may contribute to sleep and health disturbance.
A Formal Approach to Autonomic Systems Programming: The SCEL Language

The autonomic computing paradigm has been proposed to cope with size, complexity, and dynamism of contemporary software-intensive systems. The challenge for language designers is to devise appropriate abstractions and linguistic primitives to deal with the large dimension of systems and with their need to adapt to the changes of the working environment and to the evolving requirements. We propose a set of programming abstractions that permit us to represent behaviors, knowledge, and aggregations according to specific policies and to support programming context-awareness, self-awareness, and adaptation. Based on these abstractions, we define SCEL (Software Component Ensemble Language), a kernel language whose solid semantic foundations lay also the basis for formal reasoning on autonomic systems behavior. To show expressiveness and effectiveness of SCEL;’s design, we present a Java implementation of the proposed abstractions and show how it can be exploited for programming a robotics scenario that is used as a running example for describing the features and potential of our approach.
The implementation of first‐trimester scanning at 10–13 weeks' gestation and the measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in two maternity units

The aim of this prospective screening study was to evaluate the implementation of an additional ultrasound examination, incorporating the measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness, at 10–13 weeks' gestation in two maternity units providing routine antenatal care. During the 1 year prior to the introduction of the first‐trimester scan, the major indication for fetal karyotyping was maternal age ≥ 35 years and only two out of the total of 11 cases of trisomy 21 were identified. In the first 5 months of the study, 70% of the women delivering in these hospitals attended for measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness and the measurement was obtained in all cases. This was achieved without an increase in the number of sonographers or ultrasound machines. The incidence of fetal nuchal translucency thickness ≥ 2.5 mm was 3.6% (63 of 1763), and this group included three of the four fetuses with trisomy 21. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of introducing scanning at 10–13 weeks' gestation and the measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in routine maternity units. The sensitivity and specificity of this method of screening are at present being evaluated in a large multicenter study. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Molecular Characterization of Prothionamide-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates in Southern China

Prothionamide (PTH) has been widely used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), while data regarding prevalence of resistance-causing mutation is limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of PTH-resistant MTB isolates, and also analyzed the risk factors for PTH resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates in southern China. A total of 282 MTB isolates were enrolled in from Guangzhou Chest Hospital. Among these isolates, 46 (16.3%) were resistant to PTH. Statistical analysis revealed that PTH resistance was more likely to be associated with resistance to levofloxacin (LFX; OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.02–4.63; P = 0.04). Of the 46 PTH-resistant MTB isolates, 37 (80.4%) isolates harbored 19 different mutation types, including 10 (21.7%) isolates with double nucleotide substitutions and 27 (58.7%) with single nucleotide substitution. The mutations in ethA (51.4%, 19/37) were most frequently observed among PTH-resistant isolates, followed by 16 (43.2%) in the promoter of inhA and 6 (16.2%) in inhA. In addition, no significant difference was found in the distribution of isolates with different mutation types between Beijing and non-Beijing genotypes (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that high diversity of genetic mutations conferring PTH resistance is identified among MTB isolates from southern China. Mutations in inhA, ethA, mshA, and ndh genes confer increased resistance of MTB to PTH. Ancient Beijing genotype strains have higher proportion of drug resistance compared with modern Beijing strains. In addition, PTH resistance is more likely to be observed in the LFX-resistant MTB isolates.
Let's talk about sex: audience research of Flemish teenage television viewers and their view on sexuality

Teenage sexual identity is shaped within a complex cultural landscape in which the issue of protecting the ‘innocent’ (children/teens) from sexually suggestive images is high on the public agenda. Intimate relationships and sexuality have entered the public domain and are presented on the screen, offering audiences possible roles to play in reality. Trepidation of teenagers being ‘corrupted’ by sexualised media has urged many scholars to investigate this issue. However, sexualised, mediatised representations can also empower and emancipate teens who are often savvy, active and critical media consumers. We aim to study how young audiences (aged 14–19) in Flanders consume fictional sexual scripts, and how these scripts can help in the development and articulation of sexual identity. A qualitative approach was taken using 57 teenagers divided into eight, in-depth focus groups. Sexual norms and values, as well as the sexual double standard and sexual scripts were discussed. Talking about and watching televised sex has become less of a taboo among teens, but this does not imply their permissiveness is unlimited. Traditional norms and values regarding relationships and sexuality are still highly valued, and although most respondents are tolerant towards casual sex by others, they distance themselves from such behaviour.
State Owned Enterprises in China's Housing Boom: A Case Study of Chengdu, Sichuan

China’s property market has been the subject of much media coverage in recent years. Rapid price increases for residential property and the possibility of a price bubble in many cities has led the central government to take a myriad of regulatory measures to cool housing markets. Scholarly attention has focused either on inter-city analyses or case studies of the high-GDP coastal cities like Shanghai and Beijing, and too little is known about the property market dynamics of more typical Chinese cities. Moreover, there is a dearth of research on the role of State Owned Enterprises (SOE), which play an important role in China’s housing boom. This paper uses a comprehensive set of georeferenced housing transactions, joined with remote sensing data and data on neighborhood amenities and transportation infrastructure, to analyze the dynamics of the Chengdu housing market from 2004 to 2011 and assess the differences between housing produced by SOE and other types of developers. The observed reduction in variation in housing prices and sizes, as well as a growing premium for larger units can be plausibly connected to new government regulations. We find that units developed by SOE sell at a discount.
Pipeline to Preparation to Advancement: Graduates’ Experiences In, Through, and Beyond Leadership Preparation

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe the nature of preparation among a nonpurposeful sample of 17 leadership preparation programs and to investigate the relationship of their participants’ characteristics, program experiences, leadership learning, and initial career outcomes. The study was guided by prior research on innovative programs (Darling Hammond, Meyerson, La Pointe, & Orr, 2009; Leithwood, Jantzi, Coffin, & Wilson, 1996). Data Collection and Analysis: Faculty members from 13 institutions (two with multiple programs) surveyed their graduates between 2004 and 2007 using a common survey instrument developed by the University Continuing Education Association Learning and Teaching in Educational Leadership Special Interest Group Taskforce on Evaluating Leadership Preparation Programs. Of these, 471 had completed their program from 0 to three years prior; their responses were aggregated by program and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlational analyses. Findings: The results show that programs had many recommended innovative program features, varied somewhat on content focus, challenge, coherence, use of active student-centered instructional practices, and internship length and quality. These were positively associated with the extent of graduates’ learning in five areas of leadership, their satisfaction with the program, and their beliefs about the principalship. Conclusions: The results confirm prior research that how aspiring school leaders are prepared influences what they learn and their career intentions. The results validate the survey measures in discriminating among programs, and identifying areas for improvement.
Genetic Ablation of PDGF-Dependent Signaling Pathways Abolishes Vascular Remodeling and Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension

Objective— Despite modern therapies, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) harbors a high mortality. Vascular remodeling is a hallmark of the disease. Recent clinical studies revealed that antiremodeling approaches with tyrosine–kinase inhibitors such as imatinib are effective, but its applicability is limited by significant side effects. Although imatinib has multiple targets, expression analyses support a role for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the pathobiology of the disease. However, its precise role and downstream signaling events have not been established. Approach and Results— Patients with PAH exhibit enhanced expression and phosphorylation of &bgr; PDGF receptor (&bgr;PDGFR) in remodeled pulmonary arterioles, particularly at the binding sites for phophatidyl-inositol-3-kinase and PLC&ggr; at tyrosine residues 751 and 1021, respectively. These signaling molecules were identified as critical downstream mediators of &bgr;PDGFR-mediated proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. We, therefore, investigated mice expressing a mutated &bgr;PDGFR that is unable to recruit phophatidyl-inositol-3-kinase and PLC&ggr; (&bgr;PDGFRF3/F3). PDGF-dependent Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation, cyclin D1 induction, and proliferation, migration, and protection against apoptosis were abolished in &bgr;PDGFRF3/F3 pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. On exposure to chronic hypoxia, vascular remodeling of pulmonary arteries was blunted in &bgr;PDGFRF3/F3 mice compared with wild-type littermates. These alterations led to protection from hypoxia-induced PAH and right ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions— By means of a genetic approach, our data provide definite evidence that the activated &bgr;PDGFR is a key contributor to pulmonary vascular remodeling and PAH. Selective disruption of PDGF-dependent phophatidyl-inositol-3-kinase and PLC&ggr; activity is sufficient to abolish these pathogenic responses in vivo, identifying these signaling events as valuable targets for antiremodeling strategies in PAH.
Perfil dos pacientes atendidos no setor de fonoaudiologia de um serviço público de Recife - PE

OBJETIVO: tracar o perfil dos pacientes cadastrados e atendidos pelo setor de Fonoaudiologia de um servico publico de Recife. METODOS: o estudo foi realizado a partir da coleta e analise dos dados referentes a origem do encaminhamento, faixa etaria, genero, queixas fonoaudiologicas de criancas, adolescentes, adultos e idosos, colhidos das fichas das entrevistas iniciais. A amostra foi constituida por todos os individuos cadastrados no setor de Fonoaudiologia de um servico publico da cidade de Recife, no periodo de julho de 2007 a maio de 2008. RESULTADOS: dos 251 pacientes atendidos, 12 foram excluidos da pesquisa, tres destes obtiveram alta fonoaudiologica e nove nao apresentavam os dados completos. Das fichas analisadas, houve um maior numero de encaminhamento realizado por Pediatras (25%), em seguida Otorrinolaringologista (16%) e Clinico Geral (10%), sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (61%), com idade entre 0 a 11 anos de idade. De acordo com as queixas, as mais frequentes foram de desvio fonologico (14%), seguidos de atraso de linguagem (11%), disfluencia (10%) e respirador oral (8%). Em relacao ao numero de queixas apresentadas, 72% apresentaram uma queixa, 25% duas queixas e 2 % tres queixas associadas. CONCLUSOES: o perfil atendido no setor de fonoaudiologia de um servico publico da cidade de Recife, apesar de ser variado, e em sua maioria do sexo masculino, encaminhado por pediatras, com alteracao de voz e idade entre 0 a 11 anos, apresentando frequentemente uma unica queixa fonoaudiologica.
Interminority Attitudes

This study examined interminority attitudes among a large sample (N = 1,987) of two minority groups (of Turkish and Moroccan origin) in the Netherlands. The focus is on their attitudes toward each other, toward a third ethnic minority group, and toward the native majority group. The aim is to simultaneously test theoretical predictions related to group categorization and group identification, intergroup contacts, and endorsement of multiculturalism. More social distance was reported toward the less-similar ethnic outgroup than the more-similar Muslim one. More contact with a particular outgroup was associated with less social distance toward that outgroup. There was evidence for secondary transfer effects of contact in relation to other ethnic minority outgroups, but not in relation to the native majority group. Stronger national identification and stronger endorsement of multiculturalism were both associated with less social distance toward all ethnic outgroups.
Evaluation of hand anthropometric measurements and grip strength in basketball, volleyball and handball players

Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed to compare hand anthropometric measurements and grip strength among different sports groups. Methods: The study group was composed of 145 basketball players, 133 volleyball players and 96 handball players aged between 9-18 years. A digital compass (Shan, 150 mm) with a resolution of 0.01 mm/0.0005 inch was used for hand anthropometric measurements and a digital hand dynamometer (Takei) was used for grip strength measurement. During measurements values for both hands were obtained. Eight parameters were evaluated for each hand. For statistical analyses One Way ANOVA for parametric conditions and Kruskal-Wallis Variance Analyses for subgroups which have nonparametric conditions were performed. The differences within the groups were evaluated with post hoc Bonferroni adjustment. Results: There were statistically significant differences for right and left hand width, right finger index, right hand length/height, left hand length/height values between basketball, handball and volleyball players. The differences between basketball and handball players were the reason for the aforementioned differences. There were statistically significant differences in right and left width, right and left third finger length, right and left hand grip strength values in females. These significances were caused by handball players. Conclusion: These findings suggest that different sports could constitute different effects on hand anthropometric meas
Vibrational and thermal properties of ScN and YN: quasi-harmonic approximation calculations and anharmonic effects

The structural, vibrational and thermal properties of rocksalt ScN and YN are investigated by using a first-principles plane-wave approach. The results are discussed in comparison with the similarly calculated results for rocksalt MgO and zincblende AlN. The thermal expansivity (αV) computed within the quasi-harmonic approximation shows that there are significant anharmonic effects in ScN and YN, which are comparable to those in MgO. Since no experimental results are available for αV of either ScN or YN, the anharmonic effects are accounted for by a variant of the very recently introduced effective semiempirical ansatz (Phys. Rev. B 2009 79 104304) for calculating anharmonic free energy, which does not require any input from experiment. The validity of this very simple approach is demonstrated first by applying it to MgO. For the considered phase of AlN, the quasi-harmonic approximation is valid up to very high temperatures, and the thus obtained αV is in good agreement with experiment. The values of αV for semiconductor transition metal nitrides that crystallize in the rocksalt phase are higher than those for the zincblende phase of group-IIIB nitrides, and a major part of these differences is due to the crystal structure.
Commodified Agents and Empowered Girls: Consuming and Producing Feminism

During the 1990s, popular discourse shifted toward what some might consider “pro-girl” rhetoric. At the same time, in the academy as well as among feminist activists, women began talking about a shift in feminist consciousness. Out of this intellectual and activist form of feminism emerged one of many young feminist movements, Riot Grrrl. While this movement might have pushed for girls to be powerful, this push was very different from the idea of girl power being popularized by media. This article examines the notion of empowerment as it relates to feminist agency. Drawing from theoretical ideas in both political economy and feminism, this article uses commodification as an entry point to examine pro-girl rhetoric as it is articulated in popular and feminist discourses. As this article suggests, commodification demonstrates how not all pro-girl rhetoric offers an opportunity for girls to transcend individual consumption to enact collective change in social relations.
Contextual Variation of Correspondences Among Measures of Play and Developmental Level of Preschool Children

Convergent assessment in a multicontext design was used to extend what is known about the development of preschool children with cognitive delays. Twenty-two children were observed during both an independent-play condition at home and a group free-play condition at school. Both categorical and sequential play activity were coded. Cognitive and communicative performance levels were established through the administration of the Battelle Developmental Inventory. Data were examined for patterns of association within and across contexts. Differential patterns of association among play variables emerged across contexts. Assessed developmental age was more predictive of play behaviors demonstrated in the independent play condition than in the classroom free-play condition. The findings highlight the need to consider contextual variation associated with play-based assessment and program development.
Higher Levels of Agency for Children in Knowledge Building: A Challenge for the Design of New Knowledge Media

Although adults and children both have zones of proximal development in which more knowledgeable others play essential roles, there is a difference in executive control that is most salient in question-answer dialogue. Adult learners typically ask questions based on their perceived knowledge needs, whereas with school children, questions are typically asked by the teacher, based on the teacher's perception of the child's needs. Evidence shows that children can produce and recognize educationally productive questions and can adapt them to their knowledge needs. The challenge is to design environments in which students can use such questions to guide their building of knowledge, thus assuming a higher level of agency in learning. Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE), a computer-supported knowledge medium designed to support intentional learning, is described, with illustrations of children's use of it in cooperative knowledge building.
Economic Analysis of Catfish Production in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined the economic analysis of catfish production in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 42 respondents were randomly sampled in the study area. Descriptive statistics was used to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, constraints faced by fish farmers, and budgetary analysis was used to determined profitability of catfish farm in the area. The results of the analysis showed that majority of the respondents are males, relatively educated, had about 1-5 years of experience in business, majority acquired land through rentage, and lack of capital being the most serious problem being faced in the study area. Moreso, the result further showed that catfish farming is more profitable as the average net profit accruable per fish farmer per year is N35, 078,384.87. The benefit-cost ratio is 2.3 The study therefore recommends that the extension agents should assist the farmers in getting fingerlings at a cheaper rate; farmers are advised to form cooperative union to increase their scales of operations and government should also assist farmers in giving out soft loan in order to boost their scales of operation and their economic potentials.