Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Clostridium acetobutylicumATCC 824 Genes in Escherichia coli for Acetone Production and Acetate Detoxification

ABSTRACT A synthetic acetone operon (ace4) composed of fourClostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 genes (adc,ctfAB, and thl, coding for the acetoacetate decarboxylase, coenzyme A transferase, and thiolase, respectively) under the control of the thl promoter was constructed and was introduced into Escherichia coli on vector pACT. Acetone production demonstrated that ace4 is expressed inE. coli and resulted in the reduction of acetic acid levels in the fermentation broth. Since different E. coli strains vary significantly in their growth characteristics and acetate metabolism, ace4 was expressed in three E. colistrains: ER2275, ATCC 11303, and MC1060. Shake flask cultures of MC1060(pACT) produced ca. 2 mM acetone, while both strains ER2275(pACT) and ATCC 11303(pACT) produced ca. 40 mM acetone. Glucose-fed cultures of strain ATCC 11303(pACT) resulted in a 150% increase in acetone titers compared to those of batch shake flask cultures. External addition of sodium acetate to glucose-fed cultures of ATCC 11303(pACT) resulted in further increased acetone titers. In bioreactor studies, acidic conditions (pH 5.5 versus 6.5) improved acetone production. Despite the substantial acetone evaporation due to aeration and agitation in the bioreactor, 125 to 154 mM acetone accumulated in ATCC 11303(pACT) fermentations. These acetone titers are equal to or higher than those produced by wild-type C. acetobutylicum. This is the first study to demonstrate the ability to use clostridial genes in nonclostridial hosts for solvent production. In addition, acetone-producing E. coli strains may be useful hosts for recombinant protein production in that detrimental acetate accumulation can be avoided.
X-Ray Spectra of Young Pulsars and Their Wind Nebulae: Dependence on Spin-Down Energy Loss Rate

An observational model is presented for the spectra of young rotation-powered pulsars and their nebulae based on a study of nine bright Crab-like pulsar systems observed with the Chandra X-ray observatory. A significant correlation is discovered between the X-ray spectra of these pulsars and that of their associated pulsar wind nebulae, both of which are observed to be a function of the spin-down energy loss rate, . The 2-10 keV spectra of these objects are well characterized by an absorbed power-law model with photon indices, Γ, in the range of 0.6 < ΓPSR < 2.1 and 1.3 < ΓPWN < 2.3, for the pulsars and their nebulae, respectively. A linear regression fit relating these two sets of indexes yields ΓPWN = 0.91 ± 0.18 + (0.66 ± 0.11)ΓPSR, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.97. The spectra of these pulsars are found to steepen as Γ = Γmax + α-1/2, with Γmax providing an observational limit on the spectral slopes of young rotation-powered pulsars. These results reveal basic properties of young pulsar systems, allow new observational constraints on models of pulsar wind emission, and provide a means of predicting the energetics of pulsars lacking detected pulsations.
Acoustical Characteristics of Sentential Focus: Narrow vs. Broad and Single vs. Dual Focus Environments

Acoustical analyses of speech production were conducted to determine the effects of two types of sentence focus distinction on intonational attributes of fundamental voice frequency (F o) and duration. In each of two experiments, analyses were performed on seven speakers who orally read sentences containing variations in focus prompted by preceding questions. In Experiment 1, speakers produced higher F o peaks and longer word durations for words assigned narrow focus in comparison with the same words in neutral-focus sentences. Sentences bearing broad focus on the verb phrase, however, were produced with a widespread durational increase but no heightening of F o peaks. In Experiment 2, speakers produced comparable F o peaks and word durations for narrow-focused words regardless of whether the sentence contained one or two foci. The main difference between the single and dual focus sentences was that the word following an initial focused item in a dual-focus sentence did not exhibit the low F o value characteristic of words that follow focused items. The lack of a low post-focus F o in dual-focus sentences represents an anticipatory influence of the additional focus at the end of the sentence.
Characteristics of Midlife Women Recruited Through Internet Communities/Groups

The purpose of this study was to explore demographic characteristics of a specific online population, midlife women recruited through Internet communities or groups, and to provide future direction for Internet research among midlife women. Using a feminist perspective, the study focused on ethnic variations in the characteristics of the midlife women. A total of 192 midlife women were recruited through Internet communities. The Internet survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics and health/illness status. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that midlife women recruited through Internet communities tended to be white, young, married, and affluent. The findings also indicated significant ethnic differences in sociodemographic characteristics. The findings suggest that researchers need to consider that midlife women recruited from Internet communities tend to be a specific group of midlife women.
Molecular analysis of Flavobacterium psychrophilum isolates from salmonid farms in Chile

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using different restriction enzymes was used for examining the genetic variability within Chilean Flavobacterium psychrophilum field strains isolated from farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Clustering of the SacI restriction patterns distinguished the Chilean isolates in two genetic groups that were strongly related to the host origin of the isolates (trout or salmon). When the Dice coefficient was applied the similarity between the two clusters was of 87.5%. Restriction digest patterns resolved by endonucleases BlnI and XhoI did not differentiate the Chilean F. psychrophilum isolates as shown with SacI; trout isolates were clustered together with Atlantic salmon strains. An average band similarity of 83.2 ± 1.3% was found between all Chilean F. psychrophilum isolates with both endonucleases. PFGE, regardless of the endonuclease employed, was able to clearly distinguish Chilean F. psychrophilum from the type strain ATCC 49418 T and the Scottish isolate B97026. The results obtained in this work corroborate the existence of a great similarity within this group of Chilean F. psychrophilum strains, indicating that the disease outbreaks in Chilean farms are dominated by a closely related cluster of strains.
Performance analysis of LTE multiuser flat downlink power spectrum and radio resources scheduling

Long Term Evolution LTE technology is becoming the de-facto NGN mobile access network. In order to deliver multimedia contents and services, higher data rates and low latency is required. The new planned LTE base stations can deliver on high data throughput at lower latency than available cellular networks. However, this deployment comes at an increased complexity of radio resources scheduling and power allocations. More than one half of the network operating cost comes from electrical energy. Therefore, one aim of the network operators is to reduce cellular networks power consumption. In this paper, a simulation study of three proposed scheduling algorithms are studied under base station flat power spectrum constraints. LTE cell deployment is evaluated and analyzed to maximize cell throughput, while preventing cell edge customers from starvation. Studying the performance of flat cell power requirements, cell coverage, resource scheduling and maximum throughput is another aim of this paper. Average service mean time is a concept we introduce as a measure of the system efficiency.
The general decision problem for Markov algorithms with axiom

Introduction* Let Mj denote the general decision problem for Markov algorithms with axiom. Of interest to us is whether or not this class of problems is as richly structured, with regard to degrees of unsolvability, as those classes studied in Hughes, Overbeek, and Singletary [2]. In this paper we shall present proofs which show this to be so. In particular we shall show that the general decision problem for the range of total recursive functions is many-one reducible to Mj and consequently that every r.e. many-one degree of unsolvability is represented by Mj. Furthermore we shall show this result to be best possible, with regard to degree representation, in that every r.e. one-one degree is not represented by this family of decision problems. And finally we shall demonstrate a simple application of these results to the study of splinters.
‘I don‘t know what you people are so concerned about’: homicide survivors’ experience with the Canadian criminal justice system

Abstract Victims of crime are often confused and frustrated by the criminal justice process. Those who have lost loved ones to homicide – often called ‘homicide survivors,’ ‘secondary victims,’ or ‘co-victims’ – suffer not only loss and a justice system that seems to have little place for them, but are often also left unaware of the circumstances of their loved one’s death. The current study sought to further our understanding of the experience of homicide survivors in the Canadian justice system. Toward this end, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals who lost loved ones to homicide. Results showed that receiving information and being treated kindly were far more important than having an influence over the proceedings; additionally, there was a great deal of distrust of the justice system as a whole, regardless of the kindness shown by individual actors in the system. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Values and their relationship to pro-environmental engagement: A comprehensive and systematic investigation

Environmental problems are a result of maladaptive human behaviour. One way to tackle these problems is by fostering values that underlie pro-environmental engagement. Research has shown that self-transcendence values (e.g., social justice, equality, and world at peace) are positively correlated to environmental attitudes and behaviours. The present research aims to advance past research by systematically assessing the role of values in motivating individuals’ pro-environmental engagement. Three empirical studies were conducted. Study 1 used a meta-analytical approach to provide a quantitative summary of research on the link between values and environmental outcomes. The final dataset included 47,660 participants from 41 countries and 90 independent samples. Results showed that the self-transcendence versus self-enhancement values dimension is the most often considered in the literature and, as expected, self-transcendence values are the best predictors of environmental outcomes. The analysis also showed that methodological aspects, such as the type of values measured, affected the association between values and environmental outcomes. Study 2 comprised two experiments using the value self-confrontation technique to promote value change and influence individuals’ environmental behavioural intentions. Experiment 1 was conducted with 189 university students (M = 20.00, SD = 3.43). Results from Experiment 1 showed that values were susceptible to change and that value change predicted environmental behavioural intentions. Experiment 2 was conducted with a sample of 115 participants from the general population (M = 35.00, SD = 4.61) and partially replicated the findings of Experiment 1. Importantly, Experiment 2 found that value change was dependent on how strongly individuals felt connected to the reference group. Study 3 tested the moderation effect of moral identity, self-efficacy, self-control and consideration of future consequences in the link between values and environmental behavioural intentions. A total of 221 participants (M = 21.68; SD = 5.92) took part in an online survey. Results indicated that only moral identity moderated the relationship between values and environmental behavioural intentions. It was found that moral identity enhanced the positive influence of self-transcendence values on environmental behavioural intentions. Findings are discussed considering the key role of self-transcendence values in fostering environmental behavioural intentions and the importance of identity in the values-environmental behavioural intentions link. Practical implications of the findings are also discussed. Note: This thesis was a finalist for the Outstanding Postgraduate Research Award.
Transplacental priming of the human immune system with environmental allergens can occur early in gestation.

BACKGROUND Allergen-specific T cells play an important role in the allergic immune response to various environmental allergens. In vitro studies have shown that T-cell responses to these allergens do occur prenatally. Some allergens (milk proteins) appear to lead more often to fetal T-cell priming than others (house dust mite allergen, ovalbumin, and birch and grass pollen allergens). OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the window of opportunity for prenatal T-cell priming with inhalant and nutritive allergens. METHODS The T-cell reactivity of cord blood cells derived through cordocentesis from unborn (n = 62) and term babies (n = 114) in response to inhalant allergens (birch pollen major allergen, recombinant Bet v 1, and timothy grass major allergen, recombinant Phl p 1) was investigated. RESULTS The results demonstrate that allergen-specific T-cell reactivity is as common in preterm as in term infants (Bet v 1, 8% and 5%, respectively; Phl p 1, 20% and 25%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our data support the hypothesis that differential handling of the allergenic proteins by the feto-placental barrier and possibly by antigen-presenting cells may directly modulate the ensuing T-cell immune response.
A comparison between unreamed locked intramedullary nailing and plate-screw fixation in the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures.

Background: Tibial diaphyseal fracture is the most common fracture of long bones. In Iran plating and undreamed tibial nailing (UTN) are the most commonly used methods and because of paucity of equipments such as c-arm and reaming sets, the reamed method is rarely used. This study compares these two methods. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial study including 100 patients (78 males, 22 females; mean age=24 years; range=16-50 years) undergoing UTN and plate-screw in the treatment of uncomminuted closed tibial shaft fractures (50 patients in each group) were compared regarding the union time and complications after a mean follow up of 16 months (12- 20 months). Results: the mean time to union was 16 weeks with UTN and 14.3 weeks with plate-screw fixation. There was 4 (8%) and 3 (6%) non unions after UTN and plating respectively. Plain radiographs in both groups showed angulation in 3 patients; all in distal third and in varus (6%). There was not any infection after UTN but one case of superficial and one case of deep infection were noticed after osteosynthesis with plate and screw (4%). Four patients after UTN and 4 patients after fixation with plate-screw required reoperation (8%). Conclusion: plate-screw osteosynthesis yielded satisfactory results in uncomminuted closed fractures of the tibial shaft comparable with UTN results.
Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) represent neural cues relevant to pitch perception

Components of auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) may represent various aspects of the cortical processing of pitch. However, evidence hints an earlier representation of pitch perception in auditory ERPs of cortical origin. In this study, we examined whether earlier waves in cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) might reflect pitch-relevant features of both listeners and stimuli. CAEPs were elicited by pure tones and sweeping tones, and individual behavioral performance in pitch discrimination reflected by frequency difference limen (FDL) was also measured. Results show that CAEPs evoked by sweeping tones significantly correlate to FDL around ~50 ms, but CAEPs evoked by pure tones do not. Also, CAEPs are significantly affected by pitch-shift direction around ~130 ms. CAEPs evoked by ascending sweeping tones are larger in magnitude than those evoked by descending ones. Therefore, listeners' personal attributes relevant to pitch perception have already been reflected at a very early stage of cortical auditory processing, whilst certain pitch-related features of stimuli are recognized and represented at a later stage.
[The prevalence of bullying behaviors among urban middle school students in 18 provinces, China].

OBJECTIVE To find out the prevalence of bullying behaviors among urban middle school students in China. METHODS An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among middle school students selected by multiply stage cluster random sampling in 18 provinces in China. 187 328 self-administration questionnaires were finished by students from grade 7 to 12 in urban middle school (male, 86,472; female, 91,106), in which 177,578 were valid. RESULTS Bullying was common in urban middle school students in China. Multiple bullying behavior also existed. About 66.1% of boys and 48.8% of girls suffered from one or more kinds of bullying; 8.1% of boys and 2.9% of girls suffered from four or more kinds of bullying. Boys were more likely to be bullied than girls. Malicious teasing was the most common bullying behavior(43.2%), followed by sexual bullying behavior (27.0%). In addition to malicious teasing and sexual bullying, the prevalence of other types of bullying declined when the grade was increasing. Residential students were more likely to be maliciously teased, excluded or isolated and sexual bullied than non-residential students. Students from single-parent or recomposed-families wer more likely to be bullied than other students. Male and ordinary school students,students living with single or step-parents were more likely to suffer multiple bullying behaviors at the same time. CONCLUSION The suggesting among students was associated with personal, familiar and social factors, mobilize more social forces and comprehensive actions to be taken to prevent bullying among students.
Effects of Nurse Navigators on Health Outcomes of Cancer Patients

Background: Care coordination has received increased attention in recent years because it critically affects patient safety and care quality across services and settings. Objective: The effectiveness of systematically developed nurse navigator interventions for newly diagnosed cancer patients was evaluated. Methods: Seventy-eight patients participated in a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design study. The study design spanned a 3-month period for all participants. Patient outcome measures included quality of life, satisfaction with care, and length of hospital stay. Results: Participants in the experimental program reported significant increases in several components of quality of life and with satisfaction with care and experienced fewer hospital stay days compared with the control group. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that standardized nurse navigator programs can improve patient outcomes in cancer care. Implications for Practice: Positive outcomes of the reduced length of stay and improved quality of life and patient satisfaction may help transform the cancer care delivery model toward more nurse-initiated cost-effective model.
Profiles of the forms and functions of self-reported aggression in three adolescent samples

Abstract In the current study, we addressed several issues related to the forms (physical and relational) and functions (reactive and proactive) of aggression in community (n = 307), voluntary residential (n = 1,917), and involuntarily detained (n = 659) adolescents (ages 11–19 years). Across samples, boys self-reported more physical aggression and girls reported more relational aggression, with the exception of higher levels of both forms of aggression in detained girls. Further, few boys showed high rates of relational aggression without also showing high rates of physical aggression. In contrast, it was not uncommon for girls to show high rates of relational aggression alone, and these girls tended to also have high levels of problem behavior (e.g., delinquency) and mental health problems (e.g., emotional dysregulation and callous–unemotional traits). Finally, for physical aggression in both boys and girls, and for relational aggression in girls, there was a clear pattern of aggressive behavior that emerged from cluster analyses across samples. Two aggression clusters emerged, with one group showing moderately high reactive aggression and a second group showing both high reactive and high proactive aggression (combined group). On measures of severity (e.g., self-reported delinquency and arrests) and etiologically important variables (e.g., emotional regulation and callous–unemotional traits), the reactive aggression group was more severe than a nonaggressive cluster but less severe than the combined aggressive cluster.
Prospective cohort study of tea consumption and risk of digestive system cancers: results from the Shanghai Women's Health Study.

BACKGROUND Data from in vitro and animal studies support a protective role for tea in the etiology of digestive system cancers; however, results from prospective cohort studies have been inconsistent. In addition, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the association of tea consumption with the incidence of all digestive system cancers in Chinese women. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association of regular tea intake (≥3 times/wk for >6 mo) with risk of digestive system cancers. DESIGN We used the Shanghai Women's Health Study, a population-based prospective cohort study of middle-aged and older Chinese women who were recruited in 1996-2000. Adjusted HRs and associated 95% CIs were derived from Cox regression models. RESULTS After a mean follow-up of 11 y, 1255 digestive system cancers occurred (stomach, esophagus, colorectal, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder/bile duct cancers) in 69,310 nonsmoking and non-alcohol-drinking women. In comparison with women who never drank tea, regular tea intake (mostly green tea) was associated with reduced risk of all digestive system cancers combined (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.98), and the reduction in risk increased as the amount and years of tea consumption increased (P-trend = 0.01 and P-trend < 0.01, respectively). For example, women who consumed ≥150 g tea/mo (∼2-3 cups/d) had a 21% reduced risk of digestive system cancers combined (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.99). The inverse association was found primarily for colorectal and stomach/esophageal cancers. CONCLUSION In this large prospective cohort study, tea consumption was associated with reduced risk of colorectal and stomach/esophageal cancers in Chinese women.
Problem-Behavior Theory and the Explanation of Adolescent Marijuana Use

Problem-Behavior Theory was developed by Richard Jessor and Shirley Jessor almost 30 years ago. The theory is a social-psychological framework focused on the explanation of variation in adolescents' involvement in behaviors that are socially defined as a problem and as undesirable by the norms of conventional society and that elicit some form of social sanctions. Problem behaviors of interest have included underage drinking, problem drinking, marijuana use, other illicit drug use, delinquent behavior, and precocious sexual behavior. Research conducted in the 1970s demonstrated that the theory could account for approximately 50% of the variance in marijuana use in both local and national sample studies. The present analyses sought to determine whether the theory continues to be relevant for the explanation of illicit drug use among contemporary American youth. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of multiple datasets collected over a 20-year period confirm its enduring validity.