Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an Immunomagnetic Bead-Immunoliposome Fluorescence Assay for Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Aqueous Samples and Comparison of the Assay with a Standard Microbiological Method

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to develop and optimize a protocol for the rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in aqueous samples by a combined immunomagnetic bead-immunoliposome (IMB/IL) fluorescence assay. The protocol consisted of the filtration or centrifugation of 30- to 100-ml samples followed by incubation of the filter membranes or pellet with anti-E. coli O157:H7 immunomagnetic beads in growth medium specific for E. coli O157:H7. The resulting E. coli O157:H7-immunomagnetic bead complexes were isolated by magnetic separation, washed, and incubated with sulforhodamine B-containing immunoliposomes specific for E. coli O157:H7; the final immunomagnetic bead-E. coli O157:H7-immunoliposome complexes were again isolated by magnetic separation, washed, and lysed with a n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside to release sulforhodamine B. The final protocol took less than 8 h to complete and had a detection limit of less than 1 CFU of E. coli O157:H7 per ml in various aqueous matrices, including apple juice and cider. To validate the protocol at an independent facility, 100-ml samples of groundwater with and without E. coli O157:H7 (15 CFU) were analyzed by a public health laboratory using the optimized protocol and a standard microbiological method. While the IMB/IL fluorescence assay was able to identify E. coli O157:H7-containing samples with 100% accuracy, the standard microbiological method was unable to distinguish E. coli O157:H7-spiked samples from negative controls without further extensive workup. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using immunomagnetic beads in combination with sulforhodamine B-encapsulating immunoliposomes for the rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 in aqueous samples.
Cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease

It is now indisputable that cigarette smoking is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including stroke, sudden death, myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease (Bartecchi et al, 1994). The extent of the problem is exemplified by recent figures from the USA, which reported 180,000 deaths in 1990 which were directly attributed to cigarette smoking (Bartecchi et al, 1994). The presence of atherosclerosis is the common denominator in patients who die from CVD (Jeremy, 1994). Since it is a widely held view that smoking accelerates the atherogenic process, most fundamental research on smoking and CVD has focused
A New Method of the Automatically Marked Chinese Part of Speech Based on Gaussian Prior Smoothing Maximum Entropy Model

With its many virtues, maximum entropy (ME) model has been favored in natural language processing. Because of the limitation of the training data, the parameters sparse phenomenon is serious in Chinese part of speech. The model is prone to over fit training data, therefore some smoothing method should be applied on maximum entropy model. While several smoothing methods for maximum entropy models have been proposed to address this problem, Gaussian prior smoothing method has an outstanding performance. Based on this smoothing maximum entropy model and characteristics of Chinese, a new Chinese part-of-speech system is presented. Result of experiment shows that it works well.
Kinematics Modeling and Simulating of a New Surgical Robot

This paper introduced design analysis of a new 5DOF surgical robot used for minimally invasive surgery. The kinematics modeling is studied by solving the forward and inverse kinematics of the robot using the Denavit-Hartenberg convention and geometrical method. Robot kinematics simulation is built by creating the 3D CAD model of the robot and patient, then a kinematic motion simulation of a surgery path tracking is done using CATIA kinematics workbench. The forward and inverse kinematics mathematical models are validated through CATIA simulation models. The comparison results confirm that the kinematics mathematical models of the surgical robot are correct.
Aflatoxin control through transgenic approaches

Control of preharvest aflatoxin contamination of susceptible crops such as corn, cotton, peanut, and tree nuts is possible through time-consuming and expensive agronomic practices. Breeding for disease-resistant crops is also very time consuming and does not lend itself readily to combat the evolution of new virulent fungal races. Moreover, availability of known genotypes with natural resistance to mycotoxin-producing fungi is a prerequisite for the successful breeding program. While it is possible to identify a few genotypes of corn or peanuts that are naturally resistant to Aspergillus, we do not know whether these antifungal factors are specific to Aspergillus flavus. In crops like cotton, there are no known varieties naturally resistant to Aspergillus spp. So far, the best options available to us are through biocontrol and/or genetic engineering. Availability of transgenic varieties with antifungal traits is extremely valuable as a breeding tool. Use of fungicides or chemicals can add to the cost of production. Moreover, the growing concerns regarding environmental safety and groundwater quality demand less dependence on agrochemicals. Disease-resistant transgenic crops would not only control mycotoxin-producing organisms such as A. flavus, A. parasiticus and Fusarium spp. but also other microbial (fungal, bacterial, and viral) diseases that cause significant economic losses in crop production. Above all, transgenic crops resistant to aflatoxin-producing fungi offer the promise of negating the adverse effects caused by the toxin on immunocompromised humans and animals. This review explores recent advances regarding genetic engineering approaches towards the control of aflatoxin contamination using native and heterologous genes.
Influence of Hard vs. Soft Ground Surfaces on Bone Accretion in Prepubertal Footballers

Abstract Information regarding osteogenic effects of physical activity performed on different playing surfaces is scarce. A total of 42 children (9.2±0.2 years, Tanner stages I–II) participated in this study. 14 were playing on artificial turf soft ground (SG), 14 on a natural non-grass hard ground (HG) and 14 were assigned to the sedentary control group (C). Whole body and hip scans (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), anthropometric variables (weight and height) and physical fitness (VO2max) were determined in all participants. Bone mineral content (BMC) values were higher in the SG group compared to the C group at the legs (209.75±5.11 g vs. 187.42±5.14 g, respectively), pelvis (122.72±4.27 g vs. 98.58±4.29 g respectively) and whole-body level (1 126.1±22.81 g vs. 1 035.34±22.92 g, respectively). The hard ground (HG) group also showed higher values in the majority of BMC variables compared to the C group. Additionally, bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly higher at all sites of the hip in both active groups compared to control (P<0.05). No differences between HG and SG were found. In summary, similar bone mass accretion is obtained by prepubescent footballers independently of the surface on which they practice football.
Neuro-ophthalmologic findings in vestibulocerebellar ataxia.

A young adult who presents with periodic vertigo, diplopia, and tinnitus, later followed by progressive ataxia, may not have multiple sclerosis as might initially be suspected, but rather may represent a type of familial spinocerebellar degeneration previously described by Farmer and Mustian as "vestibulocerebellar ataxia. " We recently encountered a patient who presented with these symptoms, and who was found to have downbeat nystagmus, ocular dysmetria, skew deviation, optokinetic dissociation, and a vertical gain bias on horizontal eye movements. Although family involvement was specifically denied by the patient, seven members of her family representing four generations were examined, and found to have similar findings. The importance of a careful neuro-ophthalmologic examination in each available family member of any patient presenting with this constellation of symptoms is emphasized. A discussion of the spinocerebellar degenerations, differential diagnosis, and literature review are included.
Integrative Literature Review of Factors Related to Breastfeeding in African American Women: Evidence for a Potential Paradigm Shift

Background: Human milk has widespread health benefits for infants, mothers, and society. However, not all populations of women, particularly African American women, engage in human milk feeding at high rates. Research aim: The purpose of this integrative literature review is twofold: (a) to examine factors that influence low rates of human milk feeding among African American women and (b) to introduce a need for a methodological paradigm shift to develop culturally relevant and effective interventions. Methods: The authors searched four electronic social science databases for peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to human milk among African American women published from 1990 to 2015. Both coauthors independently assessed these articles using thematic analysis and validation. The database search yielded 47 peer-reviewed articles. Results: Three main themes emerged explaining the human milk feeding disparity: (a) the social characteristics of women likely not to feed human milk (e.g., low socioeconomic status, single); (b) women’s perceptions of human milk feeding; and (c) the quality of human milk feeding information provided by health care providers (i.e., limited human milk information). Conclusion: Current literature does include sociohistorical factors that have shaped current norms. Adding sociohistorical frameworks, paying particular attention to the embodied experience of historical trauma, could lead to the development of new evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions to enhance human milk feeding in the African American community.
3NP July Sep 14

The authors of this study used the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010) to investigate trends in diet quality in the U.S. adult population from 1999 to 2010 using a sample of 29,124 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1). A higher AHEI-2010 score indicated a more healthful diet. The index’s components were scored from 0 to 10. For fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and 2
MODELING FUZZY TIME SERIES WITH MULTIPLE OBSERVATIONS

The application of fuzzy time series models to forecasting has been drawing a great amount of attention. To provide a more sophisticated model to handle real world problems thus becomes important. This study intends to model fuzzy time series with multiple observations at a single time point. The proposed model shows how to fuzzify multiple observations into a fuzzy set. Neural networks are applied for training and then forecasting the consecutive fuzzy sets. The results of the forecasting are defuzzified into forecasts. We use daily observations of the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) as a forecasting target for the period from 2001 to 2006. The TAIEX is separated into in-sample and out-of-sample observations. The in-sample observations are used for training and the out-of-sample observations for forecasting. The empirical results demonstrate that the proposed model performs better.
Attachment, self-worth, and peer-group functioning in middle childhood

Abstract We evaluated links between peer-group functioning and indicators of attachment security in relation to both mother and father in middle childhood, among 73 10-year-olds (37 girls). Children's perceptions of security with both parents, coping styles with mother, and self-worth were assessed. Classmates, teachers, and mothers evaluated the participants' peer-related behavioral characteristics. Children's perceptions of security to both parents were related to others' appraisals of their social competence; perceptions of security to father were related to lower aggression. We did not find child gender effects, but children had higher security scores in relation to mother than to father. Self-worth perceptions mediated the relation between attachment and social competence.
Association between the human papillomavirus, bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis and the detection of abnormalities in cervical smears from teenage girls and young women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and cervicitis may play a role in the presence of cytological abnormalities in female adolescents and young women. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV, BV and cervicitis in female adolescents and young women and evaluate whether these conditions are associated with a finding of cytological abnormalities in cervical smears.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1: Biochemistry and Evidence for Modulation of Fibrinolysis In Vivo

The process of plasmin-mediated intravascular fi­ brinolysis is primarily initiated by the incorporation of the enzyme tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) into the fibrin clot, where it can then convert fibrin-bound plasminogen to plasmin. 1 The rate of endogenous fibrin­ olysis is largely determined by the activity of t-PA, which is present in normal plasma in picomolar concentrations. t-PA activity is regulated by plasminogen activator inhib­ itor type 1 (PAI-1), a member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) family which has several unique fea­ tures. 2 It exists in both an active and latent form and has a half-life of minutes. Synthesis of PAI-1 can be stimulated in vivo by 3-to 40-fold with agents such as endotoxin, which results in PAI-1 activity as high as 4 nM. 3 ' 4 For these reasons, PAI-1 has an essential role in the regula­ tion of fibrinolysis. 1,5-8 In contrast, α 2 -antiplasmin, a serpin that is the spe­ cific inhibitor of plasmin, has a half-life of 2.6 days. 9 Plasma levels, which are usually 1 |xM or approximately 70% those of plasminogen, do not undergo acute in­ creases. α 2 -Antiplasmin is cross-linked into the fibrin clot where it can regulate fibrinolysis at a localized area. 10 PAI-1, which has been recognized within the past 8 years, is the major PAI that is detected in normal plasma. 11-15 Other PAIs that are not present in normal plasma include PAI type 2 (PAI-2), which is synthesized by the placenta; PAI type 3 (PAI-3
A quantitative research for dependence upon viscosity of fluid diets by measuring gastric myoelectirical activity

The aim of this research is to evaluate the change in gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) and autonomic nervous function (ANF) on ingesting different viscosity grades of fluid diet for the 10 healthy subjects with simultaneous measurements of EGG and HRV. Results suggested that (1) Gastric emptying related to function of distal stomach may be promoted by ingestion of high viscosity fluid diet, and (2) Receptive relaxation related to function of proximal stomach may not function on ingesting of low viscosity fluid diet.
Isolation by distance and post‐glacial range expansion in the rough‐skinned newt, Taricha granulosa

Allozymes and mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to examine the phylogeographical history of the rough‐skinned newt, Taricha granulosa, in western North America. Nineteen populations were analysed for allozyme variation at 45 loci, and 23 populations were analysed for cytochrome b sequence variation. Both data sets agree that populations in the southern part of the range are characterized by isolation by distance, whereas northern populations fit the expectations of a recent range expansion. However, the northern limit of isolation by distance (and the southern limit of range expansion) is located in Oregon State by the mtDNA data, and in Washington State by the allozyme data. Nevertheless, both data sets are consistent with the known Pleistocene history of western North America, with phylogenetically basal populations in central and northern California, and a recent range expansion in the north following the retreat of the Cordilleran ice sheet 10 000 years ago. Additionally, a population in Idaho, previously considered introduced from central California based on morphometric analyses, possesses a distinct mtDNA haplotype, suggesting it could be native. The relevance of these results for Pacific Northwest biogeography is discussed.
Toward a Multicultural Ecology

The debate between realists and constructivists has polarized environmental scholarship in recent years. Situating this debate within the longstanding modernist tradition of categorically distinguishing “nature” from “culture,” and the natural sciences from the social sciences and humanities, this article suggests that we need to find a non-dualistic space for rethinking cultural-ecological relations. Such a space has been articulated by actor-network theory (ANT), but this theory leaves significant gaps in its understanding of agency and of macro forces. To fill in these gaps, the author draws on perspectives that theorize perception and agency as embodied, animate, and ecologically embedded and that theorize macro forces as discursively shaped and causally multidirectional and multiscalar. The author proposes the concept of multicultural ecology as a way of articulating the indivisibility of nature and culture and the multiplicity of cultural-ecological practices, and suggests a normative dimension by which such practices can be compared and evaluated.
Artefactual colour with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy may lead to misdiagnosis

just a couple of millimetres at the insertion of the muscle (Fig. 1) is adequate to perform successful strabismus surgery. We recommend that trainees carefully dissect Tenon’s capsule free from the overlying conjunctiva, and from the underlying sclera, while not stripping it from the muscle itself. This careful dissection will avoid the potential of any limitation of posterior retraction of recessed muscles that may be caused by Tenon’s capsule. Similarly, concerns of bulging of the conjunctiva because of it being pulled anteriorly by Tenon’s capsule during resections or plications are avoided. Wound closure may be slightly more difficult, especially with resections or plications, where Tenon’s capsule may be anteriorly displaced. However, during closure, trimming the strands of excess Tenon’s capsule is sufficient enough to complete wound closure, without disrupting it over the muscle surface. Although no specific data are available, we believe that preservation of Tenon’s capsule aids in prevention of muscle adherence to the overlying conjunctiva. This helps to prevent restrictive strabismus problems at a later date and also makes dissection easier if further strabismus surgery is ever required. In general, it is important to retain as much of the anatomy of the tissues surrounding the extraocular muscle being operated on as possible. How is this message transmitted to the many surgeons who consider that two-muscle horizontal surgery is something easy for new trainees and generalist ophthalmologists to perform, and not trained strabismus surgeons? The anatomy lessons from cadavers in medical school are important, but the treatment of the Tenon’s capsular tissue is entirely different in a living patient. Tenon’s capsule is an important structure within which muscles enjoy residing.
Entecavir for treatment of chronic hepatitis B: A clinical update for the treatment of patients with decompensated cirrhosis

The introduction of nucleos(t)ide analogues for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was transformative in reducing morbidity and mortality. Entecavir, a potent selective nucleoside analogue first approved in 2005 for treatment of chronic HBV, is associated with significant antiviral, biochemical, serologic, and histologic responses. Rapid reductions in HBV DNA levels, low risk of resistance development, and a favorable adverse event profile have contributed to its clinical usefulness. Recent developments in the use of entecavir have increased its utility in the management of difficult-to-treat patients with chronic HBV, including those patients with decompensated liver disease. Recent studies in this population have demonstrated that entecavir 1.0 mg/d given for up to 48 weeks had superior antiviral activity when compared with adefovir and was generally safe and well tolerated. Long-term outcomes of entecavir in difficult-to-treat populations are eagerly anticipated.
The experience of work‐related stress across occupations

Purpose – To compare the experience of occupational stress across a large and diverse set of occupations. Three stress related variables (psychological well‐being, physical health and job satisfaction) are discussed and comparisons are made between 26 different occupations on each of these measures. The relationship between physical and psychological stress and job satisfaction at an occupational level is also explored.Design/methodology/approach – The measurement tool used is a short stress evaluation tool which provides information on a number of work related stressors and stress outcomes. Out of the full ASSET database 26 occupations were selected for inclusion in this paper.Findings – Six occupations are reporting worse than average scores on each of the factors – physical health, psychological well‐being and job satisfaction (ambulance workers, teachers, social services, customer services – call centres, prison officers and police). Differences across and within occupational groups, for example, teac.
The paradox of promoting choice in a collectivist system

The notion of choice and its individualistic underpinnings is fundamentally inconsistent with the collectivist NHS ethos In both the policy1 and academic2 literatures, the issue of extending patient choice in the UK National Health Service (NHS) is currently a much discussed issue. From December 2005—for example, general practitioners (GPs) will be required to offer patients needing elective surgery the choice of five providers at the point of referral.1 Choice is often thought of as an intrinsically good thing; that is, that people value choice in and of itself.3 A probable underlying reason for this belief is that choice is tied in with the notion of individual autonomy, or freedom, a concept that looms large in ethical theories of the good. Beauchamp and Childress—for example, classified respect for …