Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Single Plain Finger Ring on the Bacterial Load on the Hands of Healthcare Workers

Objective. To investigate the impact of a single plain finger ring on the number and types of bacteria on the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs). Design. Nonequivalent control groups, posttest only (preexperimental). Methods. A total of 121 HCWs wearing 1 plain ring and 113 HCWs wearing no rings had both hands sampled by the “glove juice” technique. Quantitative culture of the samples was performed and microorganisms were identified. Setting. Two Norwegian acute care hospitals. Participants. A total of 234 HCWs who had physical contact with patients. Results. Total bacterial counts did not differ when hands with rings and hands without rings were compared, both according to nonpaired analysis (which compared the ring-bearing hands of ring-wearing HCWs to the hands of HCWs who did not wear rings [P = .661]) and according to paired analysis (which compared the ring-bearing and ring-free hands of ring-wearing HCWs [P = .071]). Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from 18.6% of the hands sampled, belonging to 26.9% of the HCWs, but neither paired nor nonpaired analysis showed any association with ring wearing. Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from 20.3% of the hands sampled, belonging to 28.6% of the HCWs. Ring-wearing HCWs were significantly more likely to be carriers of Enterobacteriaceae (P = .006), but paired comparison of the ring-bearing and ring-free hands of these HCWs did not show significant differences (P = .180). Carriage of nonfermentative gram-negative rods did not differ between the 2 groups, by either paired or nonpaired analysis. Conclusions. Wearing a single plain finger ring did not increase the total bacterial load on the hands, nor was it associated with an increased rate of carriage of S. aureus or nonfermentative gram-negative rods. However, plain rings were associated with an increased rate of Enterobacteriaceae carriage.
Gender-Related Differential Item Functioning in Vocational Interest Measurement

Large mean differences are consistently found in the vocational interests of men and women. These differences may be attributable to real differences in the underlying traits. However, they may also depend on the properties of the instrument being used. It is conceivable that, in addition to the intended dimension, items assess a second dimension that differentially influences responses by men and women. This question is addressed in the present study by analyzing a widely used German interest inventory (Allgemeiner Interessen-Struktur-Test, AIST-R) regarding differential item functioning (DIF) using a DIF estimate in the framework of item response theory. Furthermore, the impact of DIF at the scale level is investigated using differential test functioning (DTF) analyses. Several items on the AIST-R’s scales showed significant DIF, especially on the Realistic, Social, and Enterprising scales. Removal of DIF items reduced gender differences on the Realistic scale, though gender differences on the Investiga.
Fuzzy-Wavelet-Based Electric Power Quality Assessment of Distribution Systems Under Stationary and Nonstationary Disturbances

Evaluating the electric power quality (EPQ) becomes very important task due to the widespread use of nonlinear loads, distributed energy resources (DERs) and the economic impact of poor EPQ. In a deregulated environment, having different power quality indices (PQIs) with different values has no significance unless they are combined into single value that could represent them. In this paper, a new fuzzy-wavelet packet transform based PQI is introduced that amalgamates the recommended PQIs after being redefined in the time-frequency domain using wavelet packet transform for compatibility purposes with nonstationary disturbances. In order to handle the uncertainties associated with the electric power system operations, fuzzy systems are used in this paper. In order to study the effect of wavelet filter length and the choice of the best wavelet basis function, the new fuzzy developed modules along with the reformulated PQIs are used in three case studies considering electric arc furnace load supplied from stationary low distorted voltage, stationary high distorted voltage and nonstationary distorted voltage (voltage dip) in addition to a real case study considering variable speed drive.
Self-assembled PEG-b-PDPA-b-PGEM copolymer nanoparticles as protein antigen delivery vehicles to dendritic cells: preparation, characterization and cellular uptake

Antigen uptake by dendritic cells (DCs) is a key step for initiating antigen-specific T cell immunity. In the present study, novel synthetic polymeric nanoparticles were prepared as antigen delivery vehicles to improve the antigen uptake by DCs. Well-defined cationic and acid-responsive copolymers, monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(2-(diisopropyl amino) ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2-(guanidyl) ethyl methacrylate) (mPEG-b-PDPA-b-PGEM, PEDG) were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of 2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl) amino ethyl methacrylate monomers, followed by deprotection of tert-butyl protective groups and guanidinylation of obtained primary amines. 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GPC results indicated the successful synthesis of well-defined PEDG copolymers. PEDG copolymers could self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution, which were of cationic surface charges and showed acid-triggered disassembly contributed by PGEM and PDPA moieties, respectively. Significantly, PEDG nanoparticles could effectively condense with negatively charged model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) to form OVA/PEDG nanoparticle formulations with no influence on its secondary and tertiary structures demonstrating by far-UV circular dichroism and UV–vis spectra. In vitro antigen cellular uptake by bone marrow DCs (BMDCs) indicated using PEDG nanoparticles as antigen delivery vehicles could significantly improve the antigen uptake efficiency of OVA compared with free OVA or the commercialized Alum adjuvant. Moreover, as the surface cationic charges of OVA/PEDG nanoparticle formulations reduced, the uptake efficiency decreased correspondingly. Collectively, our work suggests that guanidinylated, cationic and acid-responsive PEDG nanoparticles represent a new kind of promising antigen delivery vehicle to DCs and hold great potential to serve as immunoadjuvants in the development of vaccines.
Learning to Control a Brain–Machine Interface for Reaching and Grasping by Primates

Reaching and grasping in primates depend on the coordination of neural activity in large frontoparietal ensembles. Here we demonstrate that primates can learn to reach and grasp virtual objects by controlling a robot arm through a closed-loop brain–machine interface (BMIc) that uses multiple mathematical models to extract several motor parameters (i.e., hand position, velocity, gripping force, and the EMGs of multiple arm muscles) from the electrical activity of frontoparietal neuronal ensembles. As single neurons typically contribute to the encoding of several motor parameters, we observed that high BMIc accuracy required recording from large neuronal ensembles. Continuous BMIc operation by monkeys led to significant improvements in both model predictions and behavioral performance. Using visual feedback, monkeys succeeded in producing robot reach-and-grasp movements even when their arms did not move. Learning to operate the BMIc was paralleled by functional reorganization in multiple cortical areas, suggesting that the dynamic properties of the BMIc were incorporated into motor and sensory cortical representations.
Stem cells, redox signaling, and stem cell aging.

SIGNIFICANCE Functional stem cell decline has been postulated to result in loss of maintenance of tissue homeostasis leading to organismal decline and diseases of aging. RECENT ADVANCES Recent findings implicate redox metabolism in the control of stem cell pool and stem cell aging. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are better known for their damaging properties to DNA, proteins and lipids, recent findings suggest that ROS may also be an integral physiological mediator of cellular signaling in primary cells. CRITICAL ISSUES Here we review recent published work on major signaling pathways and transcription factors that are regulated by ROS and mediate ROS regulation of stem cell fate. We will specifically focus on how alterations in this regulation may be implicated in disease and particularly in diseases of stem cell aging. In general, based on the work described here we propose a model in which ROS function as stem cell rheostat. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Future work in elucidating how ROS control stem cell cycling, apoptotic machinery, and lineage determination should shed light on mechanisms whereby ROS may control stem cell aging.
Merging on mayday: subgroup and superordinate identification as joint moderators of threat effects in the context of European Union's expansion

Threat has been proposed as an important cause of prejudice with social identification moderating its effects. In the context of the expansion of the European Union, two studies (N = 216 students and N = 107 non-students) examined how people with different levels of subgroup and superordinate identification respond to threats from an outgroup nested within the same superordinate category as the ingroup. Across experiments, a consistent finding was that participants who strongly identified with the subgroup (Germany) and the superordinate group (Europe) at the same time were most susceptible to a subtle manipulation of threat. Among these participants, threat increased prejudice (Studies 1 and 2) and ingroup projection (Study 2). Findings are discussed with regard to theoretical models of subgroup relations, especially the ingroup projection model, as well as the European integration process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scores and general physical status in community-dwelling older adults.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and general physical status among community-dwelling older adults. BACKGROUND Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index is a patient-centred assessment of oral health for older adults. We hypothesised that GOHAI is a significant indicator of general physical status of older adults. METHODS This study included 354 adults (age, ≥65 years) living independently. Body mass index, handgrip strength and one-leg standing time with eyes open were used to evaluate the general physical status. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships between the GOHAI scores, its three subdivided categories (physical function, psychological function and pain and discomfort) and each physical status measurement. A stepwise linear regression model was applied with each physical status measurement as the dependent variable and the GOHAI scores and its subdivisions as the principal independent variable. RESULTS Positive correlations were found between the GOHAI scores, its three subdivided categories and handgrip strength. The physical function category positively correlated with one-leg standing time. The GOHAI and the pain and discomfort category scores were retained in the final models of stepwise regression for handgrip strength, and significant relationships persisted after adjustments for demographic, psychosocial, medical and dental status. CONCLUSION The GOHAI scores and its pain and discomfort category score may be significant indicators of body muscle strength.
Training Graduate Students to Work With Children and Families

Previous studies revealed that an alarming number of family therapists exclude children from family therapy, largely because they lacked comfort with children and perceived that their training, especially in play therapy, was inadequate. Implementing findings from one earlier study, a child-focused course was designed to address these issues. This current study examined students’ perceptions of the efficacy of this course in developing their knowledge and skills to treat children individually and in family sessions. Following institutional review board approval, 43 out of the 44 students enrolled in the child course over five semesters agreed to participate. A qualitative content analysis was utilized to explore participants’ written responses to open-ended questions on a questionnaire administered in the last class. Four overall themes emerged from the data: (1) training, (2) skills, (3) impact of training, and (4) knowledge. Frequency counts revealed the three subthemes/topics with the most comments: (1) the benefits of hands-on training, (2) students plan to continue child-focused training, and (3) general comments about the training in play interventions. Many reported increased comfort with children, and that they were more likely to work with children. Students’ comments reflect a significant increase in their perceived ability to work effectively with children and families. The findings indicate that many students experienced personal growth and significant development of their child-related knowledge, skills, and use of play therapy techniques. Included are a description of the course, recommendations, and limitations of the study.
Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy

According to the fourth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder characterized by one or more major depressive episodes (i.e., at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities), accompanied by at least four additional symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite or weight, and psychomotor activity; decreased energy; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; diffi culty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts. MDD represents an enormous mental health challenge, with lifetime prevalence estimated at 17% (Kessler, Bergland, et al., 2005). Similarly, individuals who suff er from one depressive episode will, on average, experience four major depressive episodes of 20 weeks’ duration over their lifetime. According to a recently released World Health Organization study of 245,000 in sixty nations, MDD is more damaging to everyday health than chronic diseases such as angina, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes (Moussavi et al., 2007). MDD is estimated to cause the fourth greatest burden of ill health of all diseases worldwide and will move into second place by 2020 (Murray & Lopez, 1998). Despite successful medication and psychotherapies, fewer than half of patients achieve remission (Casacalenda, Perry, & Looper, 2002), and relapse is more likely in individuals who do not fully recover (Jarrett et al., 2001; Th ase, Entsuah, & Rudolph, 2001). For these reasons, both basic and treatment research eff orts are homing in on the identifi cation of vulnerability factors associated with the onset and maintenance of depression as well mechanisms that promote risk of relapse. Meditation and other mental training exercises deriving from the 2,500-year Buddhist and Hindu traditions represent one potentially fruitful area of study that has the potential to expand contemporary models of depression as well as complement existing medication and psychotherapy treatments. Th e past 30 years have witnessed an increasing interest in meditation, yoga, and other mental training exercises that emanate from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Th e use of these practices has dovetailed in recent years with the emergence of aff ective neuroscience, a subdiscipline within the fi elds
Modeling the dynamic of breath methane concentration profiles during exercise on an ergometer

We develop a simple model based on mass balance equations, which describes the dynamic of breath methane concentration profiles during exercise on an ergometer. With the help of this model it is possible to determine the endogenous production of methane in the large intestine. Our model establishes the basis to further investigate the influence of the body’s production of methane on its health.
Early locomotion and the development of spatial language: Evidence from young children with motor impairments

Recent studies show that young children with type-2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can succeed in spatial search tasks. Such results suggest that locomotor impairment may not be a risk factor responsible for a dramatic slowing down or deviation in the development of spatial cognition. The present experiment pursues this question in relation to spatial language to determine whether self-produced locomotion is a necessary prerequisite for the normal acquisition of spatial terms. It compares how two groups of young French children (mean age 33 months) comprehend and produce spatial markers: one group of 12 type-2 SMA children and a control group of 12 healthy children. The results show no significant difference between the two groups with one exception: SMA children displayed a better performance when producing markers for the relations in front of and behind. The performance of SMA children suggests that, despite their total deprivation of experience in locomotion, they have the capacity to acquire and to use rich spatial representations that are embodied in the semantics of natural languages.
The prevalence of diabetes in the kingdom of Tonga.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, and related risk factors in Tonga. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A randomly selected representative national sample of 1,024 people aged >15 years was surveyed. Each participant had fasting blood glucose and HbA(1c) measured. Subjects with a fasting blood glucose >5.0 mmol/l (90 mg/dl) and <11.1 mmol/l (200 mg/dl) or a fasting blood glucose < or =5.0 mmol/l and an HbA(1c) >6.0% and every fifth subject with a fasting blood glucose < or =5.0 mmol/l and a normal HbA(1c) had a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A total of 472 individuals had an OGTT based on these criteria. Subjects with a fasting blood glucose > or =11.1 mmol/l and an elevated HbA(1c) were diagnosed as having diabetes. RESULTS The mean age was 41.3 years, and the mean BMI was 32.3 kg/m(2). The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 15.1% (CI 12.5-17.6), 12.2% (8.7-15.8) in men and 17.6% (14.0-21.1) in women (NS), of which only 2.1% was previously diagnosed. A total of 75% of people with newly diagnosed diabetes had a fasting plasma glucose > or =7.0 mmol/l (126 mg/dl). The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance was 9.4% (7.3-11.5) and of impaired fasting glycemia 1.6% (0.7-2.6). Undiagnosed diabetes was significantly associated with increasing age, obesity, hypertension, and a family history of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS The current prevalence of diabetes in Tonga is 15.1%, of which 80% is undiagnosed. A similar survey in 1973 reported a 7.5% diabetes prevalence, indicating a doubling of diabetes over the past 25 years. In addition, lesser degrees of glucose intolerance are common, and much of the community is overweight
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Anterior Pituitary Gland: Induction by Interferon-γ in a Subpopulation of Folliculostellate Cells and in an Unidentifiable Population of Non-hormone-secreting Cells

In the context of immune-endocrine relationships, we have previously shown that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) inhibits hormone secretion in anterior pituitary (AP) cell cultures. The non-hormone-secreting folliculostellate (FS) cells were found to mediate this inhibitory action. Because in the immune system IFN-γ is a strong stimulator of nitric oxide (NO) release through the induction of NO synthase (NOS), we investigated whether the inducible form of NOS (iNOS) is present in (rat) AP cell cultures, and whether its expression is stimulated by IFN-γ. Immunocytochemistry revealed that under basal in vitro conditions only a very few AP cells contained iNOS. Treatment with IFN-γ caused a sixfold rise in the number of iNOS-positive cells and augmented the intensity of the staining. The increased number of iNOS-expressing cells was paralleled by elevated production of NO. Some of the iNOS-positive cells extended cytoplasmic processes between hormone-secreting cells, which is a characteristic of FS cells. Immunostaining of FS cell-poor and FS cell-enriched populations (obtained by gradient sedimentation) also suggested the presence of iNOS in a subpopulation of FS cells. By double immunofluorescence techniques we found that about 65% of iNOS-expressing cells were positive for S-100, a marker protein for FS cells. However, around 80% of the S-100-positive cells were not labeled for iNOS. On the other hand, the majority of the S-100-negative iNOS-containing cells could not be further identified by antisera against the classical AP hormones, suggesting the presence of iNOS in a still unidentified non-hormone-secreting cell type of the AP gland. This report is the first to demonstrate the expression of the inducible form of NOS in the AP gland. IFN-γ upregulates this expression, showing that cytokines may use the same signaling mechanisms in both the immune and the endocrine system. In addition, a putative new function of a subpopulation of FS cells in the paracrine regulation of the AP gland is suggested.
Adaptive neural tracking control for nonstrict-feedback stochastic nonlinear time-delay systems with full-state constraints

ABSTRACT An adaptive neural tracking control is investigated for a class of nonstrict-feedback stochastic nonlinear time-delay systems with full-state constraints and saturation input. First, the continuous differentiable saturation model is employed to ensure the input constraint, and a barrier Lyapunov function is designed to achieve the full-state constraint. Second, the appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and the property of hyperbolic tangent functions are used to deal with the unknown time-delay terms, and neural networks are employed to approximate the unknown nonlinearities. Finally, based on Lyapunov stability theory, an adaptive controller is proposed to guarantee that all the signals in the closed-loop system are 4-Moment (or 2-Moment) semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking error converges to a small neighbourhood of the origin. Two examples are shown to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Prediction of success in teamwork of secondary students

This study aimed to identify the factors that predict success in a teamwork task with secondary students. The following factors, which have been established by research as key elements in the resolution of teamwork task in a cooperative way, were treated as the independent variables: gender composition, group objectives, distribution of roles, interaction patterns, goal orientation, social atmosphere, reciprocal support, effective time focused on work and group self assessment. The study consisted of 87 triads (N = 261). The groups were asked to write an expository text on how to measure fever after having read three complementary source texts. The correct integration of the ideas was the dependent variable. The factors best predicted successes were group self assessment; the perception on effective use of time; a positive social atmosphere, especially at the beginning of the interaction; and a predominance of girls in the groups.