Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantification and Analysis of Airborne Bacterial Characteristics in a Nursing Care Institution

ABSTRACT Indoor air quality has become a critical issue because people spend most of their time in the indoor environment. The factors that influence indoor air quality are very important to environmental sanitation and air quality improvement. This study focuses on monitoring air quality, colony counts, and bacteria species of the indoor air of a nursing care institution. The regular colony counts in two different wards range from 55 to 600 cfu m−3. Regression analysis results indicate that the bacterial colony counts have close correlation with relative humidity or carbon dioxide (CO2) but not with carbon monoxide (CO) or ozone (O3). Real-time PCR was used to quantify the bacterial pathogens of nosocomial infection, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The most abundant bacteria species in the air of the nursing care institution is E. coli. IMPLICATIONS Indoor temperature, humidity, ventilation, accumulation of biological pollutants, and potential infection problems will seriously affect the indoor environments. Studying these factors is important to indoor environmental sanitation and air quality improvements. Results of using real-time PCR to evaluate the bacterial pathogens of nosocomial infection for a nursing care institution in Taiwan reveal that the main bacteria species existing in the indoor air is E. coli.
Forecasting of thunderstorms in the pre‐monsoon season at Delhi

Accurate prediction of thunderstorms during the pre‐monsoon season (April–June) in India is essential for human activities such as construction, aviation and agriculture. Two objective forecasting methods are developed using data from May and June for 1985–89. The developed methods are tested with independent data sets of the recent years, namely May and June for the years 1994 and 1995. The first method is based on a graphical technique. Fifteen different types of stability index are used in combinations of different pairs. It is found that Showalter index versus Totals total index and Jefferson's modified index versus George index can cluster cases of occurrence of thunderstorms mixed with a few cases of non‐occurrence along a zone. The zones are demarcated and further sub‐zones are created for clarity. The probability of occurrence/non‐occurrence of thunderstorms in each sub‐zone is then calculated. The second approach uses a multiple regression method to predict the occurrence/nonoccurrence of thunderstorms. A total of 274 potential predictors are subjected to stepwise screening and nine significant predictors are selected to formulate a multiple regression equation that gives the forecast in probabilistic terms. Out of the two methods tested, it is found that the multiple regression method gives consistently better results with developmental as well as independent data sets; it is a potential method for operational use. Copyright © 1999 Royal Meteorological Society
The calculation of electrical circuit parameters of quartz crystal resonators with the consideration of equivalent viscous dissipation

We perform a theoretical analysis on electrically forced, coupled thickness-shear, flexural and face-shear vibrations of a rectangular, AT-cut quartz resonator which is electroded in its central part only. Mindlin's first-order theory with the consideration of equivalent viscous dissipation for piezoelectric plates is used, simplified by the assumption of straight-crested waves depending on one spatial variable only. Electrical circuit parameters such as resistance and capacitance of the resonator under a time-harmonic driving voltage, which are important properties in resonator design, are calculated and examined. It is found that the numerical results are consistent with earlier measurements. The results are useful to the understanding and design optimization of crystal resonators.
Letter of Intent : Low-and Medium-Energy Antiproton Physics at Fermilab

Fermilab has long had the world’s most intense antiproton source. Despite this, the opportunities for lowand medium-energy antiproton physics at Fermilab have been limited in the past and — with the antiproton source now exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the Tevatron Collider — are currently nonexistent. The anticipated shutdown of the Tevatron in 2009 presents the opportunity for a world-leading lowand medium-energy antiproton program. We summarize the current status of the Fermilab antiproton facility and review some physics topics for which a future experiment could make the world’s best measurements.
Locational Determinants of Rural Non-Agricultural Employment: Evidence from Brazil

By paying particular attention to the local economic context, this paper analyzes the determinants of non-agricultural employment and earnings in non-agricultural jobs. The empirical analysis is based on the Brazilian Demographic Census, allowing for disaggregated controls for the local economy. Education stands out as one of the key determinants of employment outcome and earnings potential. Failure to control for locational effects, however, can lead to biased estimation of the importance of individual and household-specific characteristics. The empirical results show that local market size and distance to population centers have a significant impact on non-agricultural employment prospects and earnings.
Biotypic Diversity in Colorado Russian Wheat Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Populations

Abstract The biotypic diversity of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was assessed in five isolates collected in Colorado. Three isolates, RWA 1, RWA 2, and an isolate from Montezuma County, CO, designated RWA 6, were originally collected from cultivated wheat, Triticum aestivum L. , and obtained from established colonies at Colorado State University. The fourth isolate, designated RWA 7, was collected from Canada wildrye, Elymus canadensis L. , in Baca County, CO. The fifth isolate, designated RWA 8, was collected from crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. , in Montezuma County, CO. The four isolates were characterized in a standard seedling assay, by using 24 plant differentials, 22 wheat lines and two barley, Hordeum vulgare L. , lines. RWA 1 was the least virulent of the isolates, killing only the four susceptible entries. RWA 8 also killed only the four susceptible entries, but it expressed intermediate virulence on seven wheat lines. RWA 6, killing nine entries, and RWA 7, killing 11 entries, both expressed an intermediate level of virulence overall, but differed in their level of virulence to ‘CO03797′ (Dn1), ‘Yumar’ (Dn4), and ‘CO960293-2′. RWA 2 was the most virulent isolate, killing 14 entries, including Dn4- and Dny-containing wheat. Four wheat lines, ‘94M370′ (Dn7), ‘STARS 02RWA2414-11′, CO03797, and ‘CI2401′, were resistant to the five isolates. The results of this screening confirm the presence of five unique Russian wheat aphid biotypes in Colorado.
Rac Regulates Its Effector Phospholipase Cγ2 through Interaction with a Split Pleckstrin Homology Domain*S⃞

Several isoforms of phospholipase C (PLC) are regulated through interactions with Ras superfamily GTPases, including Rac proteins. Interestingly, of two closely related PLCγ isoforms, only PLCγ2 has previously been shown to be activated by Rac. Here, we explore the molecular basis of this interaction as well as the structural properties of PLCγ2 required for activation. Based on reconstitution experiments with isolated PLCγ variants and Rac2, we show that an unusual pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, designated as the split PH domain (spPH), is both necessary and sufficient to effect activation of PLCγ2 by Rac2. We also demonstrate that Rac2 directly binds to PLCγ2 as well as to the isolated spPH of this isoform. Furthermore, through the use of NMR spectroscopy and mutational analysis, we determine the structure of spPH, define the structural features of spPH required for Rac interaction, and identify critical amino acid residues at the interaction interface. We further discuss parallels and differences between PLCγ1 and PLCγ2 and the implications of our findings for their respective signaling roles.
Perioperative Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objectives/Hypothesis. (1) To determine the presence of Veterans Affairs (VA) institutional guidelines for the perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); (2) to examine current use of preoperative screening tools for OSA in the VA; and (3) to understand current VA practice patterns regarding postoperative disposition of patients with OSA. Study Design. Survey study. Setting. Veterans Affairs hospitals with surgical services; sample size 102 facilities. Subjects. Veterans Affairs health care providers. Methods. The authors surveyed health care providers at VA hospitals using a survey tool developed by the authors. Results. The response rate was 80%. A variety of preoperative screening tools for OSA were used by respondents, most commonly American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines (53%). A policy for postoperative disposition of known and presumed OSA was present in 26% and 19% of responses, respectively. Of those respondents reporting a formal postoperative care policy, 48% and 30% admitted patients to a monitored ward bed and surgical intensive care unit, respectively. Of the 74% of respondents unaware of an institutional policy, Anesthesia and Surgery worked together to dictate postoperative disposition of patients with known OSA 73% of the time. The degree of OSA was ranked as the most important factor (58%) influencing postoperative disposition. Ten percent of respondents reported a major perioperative complication attributable to OSA in the past year. Conclusion. This survey study elucidates the heterogeneity of preoperative screening for and postoperative care of veterans with OSA. Future investigators may use these data to formalize institutional policies with regard to patients with OSA, with potentially significant impacts on patient care and usage of financial resources.
Effect of sex and fatigue on muscle stiffness and musculoarticular stiffness of the knee joint in a young active population

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of sex and fatigue on knee extensor peak torque (PT), muscle stiffness (MS) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and knee joint musculoarticular stiffness (MAS) in young adults. Twenty-two male and 22 female recreational athletes participated. Males were characterised by higher relaxed [pre-: males 364.43 (52.00) N · m–1, females 270.27 (37.25) N · m–1; post-: males 446.75 (83.27) N · m–1, females 307.39 (38.58) N · m–1] and contracted [pre-: males 495.07 (71.04) N · m–1, females 332.34 (85.42) N · m–1; post-: males 546.37 (90.74) N · m–1, females 349.21 (85.55) N · m–1] MS of the VL, and knee joint MAS [pre-: males 1450.11 (507.98) N · m–1, females 1027.99 (227.33) N · m–1; post-: males 1345.81 (404.90) N · m–1, females 952.78 (192.38) N · m–1] than females pre- and post-fatigue. A similar finding was observed in pre-fatigue normalised knee extensor PT [pre-: males 2.77 (0.42) N · m kg–1, females 2.41 (0.40) N · m kg–1, post-: males 2.53 (0.54) N · m kg–1, females 2.26 (0.44) N · m kg–1]. After the fatigue protocol, normalised knee extensor PT and knee joint MAS decreased, whilst relaxed and contracted MS of the VL increased in both sexes. These observed differences may contribute to the higher risk of knee injury in females and following the onset of fatigue.
Semantics in Location-Based Services [Guest editor's introduction]

A dvances in wireless networks and mobile devices have motivated an intensive research effort in mobile computing and mobile data services. The goal is to provide users with anywhere, anytime connectivity to the Internet and access to services that are valuable depending on users’ context. One of the most interesting context factors is user location. Thus, context-awareness, and particularly location-based services (LBSs),1 have attracted great interest. Moreover, rapid progress in developing Semantic Web standards, tools, and techniques (see www.w3.org/2001/sw/), including applications that are rich in spatial and temporal dimensions,2 and the vision of the geospatial Semantic Web3 enable the development of more intelligent LBSs.
Factors associated with stair climbing ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose: People with knee osteoarthritis (OA) report ongoing limitations in climbing stairs, even after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the available evidence of factors affecting stair climbing ability in patients with knee OA before and after TKA. Method: A systematic search was conducted of common electronic databases. All English language abstracts where stair-climbing was assessed in patients with either knee OA or at least 6 months after TKA, and a relationship to any physical, psychological or demographic factors was reported. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the final review, nine investigated a knee OA population, and four investigated a TKA population. For patients with knee OA there was consistent and convincing evidence that greater stair-climbing ability was related to stronger lower limb muscles and less knee pain. For patients with TKA there was much less research, and no conclusions could be reached. Conclusions: For people with knee OA there is evidence that some physical, demographic and psychosocial factors are related to stair-climbing ability. However, the evidence for similar relationships in the TKA population is scarce and needs more extensive research. Implications for Rehabilitation People with knee osteoarthritis experience difficulty when climbing stairs, and this remains challenging even after knee replacement. For people with knee osteoarthritis, a range of physical, demographic and psychosocial factors contribute to stair-climbing ability, however, evidence for similar relationships in the TKA population is scarce. Rehabilitation that is multi-faceted may be the best approach to improve stair-climbing in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Physicians and AIDS care: does knowledge influence their attitude and comfort in rendering care?

Adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and feeling of comfort are important factors in providing compassionate care to patients. The purpose of this study was to assess physicians' knowledge, attitude and global comfort in caring for patients with AIDS (PWA), to determine the sociodemographic variables that could influence physicians' attitude and global comfort, and to identify any relationship between their knowledge, attitude and comfort. Consultants and residents (N=211) in two Nigerian teaching hospitals were surveyed using a two-part questionnaire. Part I elicited sociodemographic and previous AIDS encounter information, and Part II assessed knowledge, attitude and global comfort with AIDS patients care. Nigerian physicians showed satisfactory knowledge, but they harbored negative attitude and low level of comfort in caring for PWA. Previous AIDS care experience, age and being a consultant or a senior resident influenced attitude, while male gender and knowing someone with AIDS influenced global comfort. Knowledge is weakly but positively associated with attitude, while attitude is modestly associated with comfort. The study reinforced the need for an ongoing education focused on experiential learning, and professional socialization in order to influence physicians' attitude and enhance their feeling of comfort when caring for PWA. African Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 14 (1-2) 2007: pp. 37-43
Increased activity of type I regulatory subunit of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase in estrogen-induced pituitary tumors.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that binding of [3H]cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) is increased in cytosol of diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced pituitary tumors. In tumor cells, the cAMP-binding proteins that stimulate cell proliferation have been shown to predominate over those that inhibit it. PURPOSE This study was designed to determine the type of regulatory subunit (R) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK) responsible for this binding by determining the type of subunit that is increased in DES-induced pituitary tumors. METHODS Experiments were carried out on three groups of Fischer 344 rats: 1) rats with DES-induced pituitary tumors, 2) ovariectomized rats receiving short-term estrogen treatment with estradiol benzoate (E2) for 4 days, and 3) ovariectomized control rats. We performed immunoprecipitation of RI and RII subunits with polyclonal antibodies in pituitary cytosol (direct method) or after separation of subunits by DEAE-cellulose chromatography (indirect method). The concentration of cAMP was also quantified by radioimmunoassay in pituitaries from the three groups. RESULTS Direct immunoprecipitation with RI antibody demonstrated a statistically significant increase in [3H]cAMP bound to RI in rats receiving E2 for 4 days over that for control rats and an even more significant increase in rats with DES-induced pituitary tumors. There was little change in the nucleotide [3H]cAMP bound to RII. Immunoprecipitation of the eluted fractions after chromatography demonstrated an RI subunit in peaks 1 and 2, whereas RII was contained almost exclusively in peak 2. After chromatography (indirect method), immunoprecipitation with RI and RII antibody indicated an overall increase in the level of binding to RI protein in tumors. Levels of cAMP in DES-induced pituitary tumors were also high compared with levels in controls or in glands from estrogen-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS In DES-induced pituitary tumors, cAMP may be preferentially bound to one isozyme of PK, which supports current theories that cell proliferation and tumor growth correlate with high expression of the RI subunit. IMPLICATIONS We plan studies to investigate the effects on tumor growth of the site-selective analogue 8-chloro-cAMP, which binds to RII and causes the elevated levels of the RI subunit of the tumor cells to return to normal levels.
Expression of the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis in Escherichia coli

The major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia trachomatis was expressed in Escherichia coli. To assess whether it assembled into a conformationally correct structure at the cell surface, we characterized the recombinant MOMP (rMOMP) by Western immunoblot analysis, indirect immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize contiguous and conformational MOMP epitopes. Western blot analysis showed that most of the rMOMP comigrated with authentic monomer MOMP, indicating that its signal peptide was recognized and cleaved by E. coli. The rMOMP could not be detected on the cell surface of viable or formalin-killed E. coli organisms by indirect immunofluorescence staining with a MAb specific for a MOMP contiguous epitope. In contrast, the same MAb readily stained rMOMP-expressing E. coli cells that had been permeabilized by methanol fixation. A MAb that recognizes a conformational MOMP epitope and reacted strongly with formalin- or methanol-fixed elementary bodies failed to stain formalin- or methanol-fixed E. coli expressing rMOMP. Moreover, this MAb did not immunoprecipitate rMOMP from expressing E. coli cells even though it precipitated the authentic protein from lysates of C. trachomatis elementary bodies. Therefore we concluded that rMOMP was not localized to the E. coli cell surface and was not recognizable by a conformation-dependent antibody. These results indicate that rMOMP expressed by E. coli is unlikely to serve as an accurate model of MOMP structure and function. They also question the utility of rMOMP as a source of immunogen for eliciting neutralizing antibodies against conformational antigenic sites of the protein.
Rotator cuff surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: clinical outcome comparable to age, sex and tear size matched non‐rheumatoid patients

AIMS This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repair in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with those of patients who have no known history of the disease. We hypothesised that the functional outcomes are comparable between patients and without rheumatoid arthritis and may be affected by the level of disease activity, as assessed from C‐reactive protein (CRP) level and history of systemic steroid intake. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of the institutional surgical database from May 1995 to April 2012. Twenty‐nine patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had rotator cuff repair were enrolled as the study group. Age, sex, and tear size matched patients with no disease who were selected as the control group. The mean duration of follow‐up was 46 months (range 24‐92 months). Clinical outcomes were assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire, Constant score and visual analogue scale (VAS). All data were recorded preoperatively and at regular postoperative follow‐up visits. CRP was measured preoperatively as the disease activity marker for rheumatoid arthritis. Medication history was thoroughly reviewed in the study group. RESULTS In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, all shoulder functional scores improved after surgery (ASES 56.1‐78.1, Constant 50.8‐70.5 and VAS 5.2‐2.5; P < 0.001). The functional outcome of surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was comparable to that of the control group (difference with control: ASES 78.1 vs. 85.5, P = 0.093; Constant 70.5 vs. 75.9, P = 0.366; VAS 2.5 vs. 1.8, P = 0.108). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had an elevated CRP level (> 1 mg/dl) showed inferior clinical outcomes than those with normal CRP levels. Patients with a history of systemic steroid intake showed inferior functional outcomes than those who had not taken steroids. CONCLUSIONS Surgical intervention for rotator cuff tear in patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved the shoulder functional outcome comparable to that in matched patients without rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated preoperative CRP level and history of systemic steroid intake portend inferior functional outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.