Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chitin-Induced Carbotype Conversion in Vibrio vulnificus

ABSTRACT As an etiological agent of bacterial sepsis and wound infections, Vibrio vulnificus is unique among the Vibrionaceae. The most intensely studied of its virulence factors is the capsular polysaccharide (CPS). Over 100 CPS types have been identified, yet little is known about the genetic mechanisms that drive such diversity. Chitin, the second-most-abundant polysaccharide in nature, is known to induce competence in Vibrio species. Here, we show that the frequency of chitin-induced transformation in V. vulnificus varies by strain and that (GlcNAc)2 is the shortest chitin-derived polymer capable of inducing competence. Transformation frequencies (TFs) increased 8-fold when mixed-culture biofilms were exposed to a strain-specific lytic phage, suggesting that the lysis of dead cells during lytic infection increased the amount of extracellular DNA within the biofilm that was available for transfer. Furthermore, we show that V. vulnificus can undergo chitin-dependent carbotype conversion following the uptake and recombination of complete cps loci from exogenous genomic DNA (gDNA). The acquisition of a partial locus was also demonstrated when internal regions of homology between the endogenous and exogenous loci existed. This suggested that the same mechanism governing the transfer of complete cps loci also contributed to their evolution by generating novel combinations of CPS biosynthesis genes. Since no evidence that cps loci were preferentially acquired during natural transformation (random transposon-tagged DNA was readily taken up in chitin transformation assays) exists, the phenomenon of chitin-induced transformation likely plays an important but general role in the evolution of this genetically promiscuous genus.
Evaluating cardiac physiology through echocardiography in bottlenose dolphins: using stroke volume and cardiac output to estimate systolic left ventricular function during rest and following exercise

ABSTRACT Heart-rate (fH) changes during diving and exercise are well documented for marine mammals, but changes in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) are much less known. We hypothesized that both SV and CO are also modified following intense exercise. Using transthoracic ultrasound Doppler at the level of the aortic valve, we compared blood flow velocities in the left ventricle and cardiac frequencies during rest and at 1, 3 and 4 min after a bout of exercise in 13 adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, six male and seven female, body mass range 143–212 kg). Aortic cross-sectional area and ventricle blood velocity at the aortic valve were used to calculate SV, which together with fH provided estimates of left CO at rest and following exercise. fH and SV stabilized approximately 4–7 s following the post-respiratory tachycardia, so only data after the fH had stabilized were used for analysis and comparison. There were significant increases in fH, SV and CO associated with each breath. At rest, fH, SV and CO were uncorrelated with body mass, and averaged 41±9 beats min−1, 136±19 ml and 5514±1182 l min−1, respectively. One minute following high intensity exercise, the cardiac variables had increased by 104±43%, 63±11% and 234±84%, respectively. All variables remained significantly elevated in all animals for at least 4 min after the exercise. These baseline values provide the first data on SV and CO in awake and unrestrained cetaceans in water. Summary: Transthoracic ultrasound determines heart rate and stroke volume before and after exercise in bottlenose dolphins, providing the first data on the extreme cardiovascular plasticity in awake and unrestrained cetaceans in water.
Using mixed-methods to investigate student teacher learning outcomes

The Deakin University Faculty of Arts and Education’s Global Experience Program (GEP) aims to “develop the knowledge, cultural sensitivity and skills needed to address diversity within the educational environment” among student teachers (Deakin, 2009). This research aims to investigate the short term student teacher learning outcomes from their participation in the program through their perceptions and real-life international teaching experiences. The data are collected using mixed-methods to get breadth and in-depth insights on learning outcomes. The survey was conducted to investigate student teacher perceptions on their professional and cultural learning using a Likert scale, while an ethnographic case study was intended to reveal the real-life student teachers learning outcomes from their participation in the GEP in Vanuatu.
Postnatal development of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity in area 17 of normal and visually deprived rhesus monkeys

Abstract Immunocytochemical methods were used to examine neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactive neurons and fibers in area 17 of rhesus monkeys during the first year of life. NPY-immunoreactive (+) neurons are nonpyramidal cells which are either multipolar, bipolar, or bitufted in shape. They occur most frequently in layer 6 and the subjacent white matter, are sparser in the supragranular layers, and absent from layer 4C. Labeled somata in the supragranular layers are smaller compared to those in layer 6 and the white matter. A typical axon originates from the NPY+ soma or from a primary dendrite and frequently is varicose. Distribution and morphologies of NPY+ neurons in area 17 of infants are similar to those of adult monkeys. Thus, it seems that NPY+ neurons in rhesus monkeys are mature from birth. NPY+ fibers occur in area 17 from birth; however, they differ in density and distribution from those of older infant and adult monkeys. At birth, a prominent fiber plexus is found in the deepest part of layer 1, and another in the white matter. Immunoreactive processes are sparse in the remaining cortical gray, except for some vertical fibers extending from pia to white matter. By 4 months of age, labeled fibers form a coarse network in layers 2, 3, 5, and 6. In addition, a distinct plexus extends through layers 4B, 4A, and the lowest aspect of layer 3. Also, a thin immunoreactive fiber band is found at the bottom of layer 4C. In the remainder of layer 4C, NPY+ fibers are scant. The supragranular layers also exhibit a unique immunoreactive “snarl” of fibers. Increases in density of NPY+ processes in the older infants are gradual so that between 7 and 13 months of age, NPY+ fibers appear to have achieved adultlike densities. These observations indicate that NPY+ fibers in area 17 of newborn rhesus monkeys undergo postnatal maturation which reaches a plateau around 4 months of age. After monocular visual deprivation from birth to 4 months of age, either by eyelid suture or by occlusion with an opaque contact lens, density and distribution of NPY+ neurons and fibers, including snarls, appear similar to those of age-matched undeprived infants. Thus, disruption of the normal binocular input does not seem to arrest the maturation of the NPY system in area 17 of rhesus monkeys during a sensitive period of early postnatal development.
PENGARUH STRUKTUR MODAL DAN WORKING CAPITAL TURNOVER TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS (Studi Empiris pada Pembayar Pajak Perusahaan yang di Periksa oleh Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Madya Jakarta Pusat)

This research aims to obtain information on how the influence of the Capital Structure and Working Capital Turnover either individually or jointly (simultaneously) on the profitability of the company Taxpayers inspected by the Tax Office Madya Jakarta Pusat. The population in this study are companies Taxpayers are inspected by the tax office Madya Jakarta Pusat period 2008-2012, the sampling method with purposive sampling technique, with a total sample of 15 companies. The data used is secondary data, motode analysis is the analysis of panel data with Common Effect Model (pooled least squares), Fixed Effect Model (FEM), and Random Effect Model (REM) to determine the accuracy of the model used the model needs to be tested between another test Model Estimation Methods, classical assumption underlying the regression model. The results of processing and analysis of data obtained from the result is the effect of the Capital Structure and Working Capital Turnover On Profitability significantly, either partially or simultaneously.
Influence of age on the apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of feed ingredients for broiler chickens

1. The apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in 8 feed ingredients was determined using 14-, 28- and 42-d-old male broiler chickens. The ingredients included three cereals (wheat, sorghum and maize), one cereal by-product (mill run), three oilseed meals (canola, cottonseed and soybean meals) and one animal protein meal (meat and bone meal). 2. Dietary crude protein in the assay diets was supplied solely by the test ingredient. All diets contained 20 g/kg acid-insoluble ash as an indigestible marker, and each diet was offered ad libitum in mash form to 5 replicate pens from 11 to 14 d, 25 to 28 d and 39 to 42 d post-hatching. There were 12, 6 and 6 birds per pen for the 14, 28 and 42 d samplings, respectively. 3. The results suggest that the age of broilers significantly influenced the apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids. The effects, however, varied among amino acids and ingredients. 4. In wheat, the digestibility of most amino acids was higher in 14- than in 28- and 42-d-old broilers. In maize, the digestibility coefficients of amino acids were higher at 28 and 42 d than at 14 d. The digestibility coefficients in maize and wheat at 28 and 42 d were similar. The digestibility of amino acids in sorghum at 42 d was higher than those at 28 d, but similar to those at 14 d except for histidine, lysine, serine and glycine, which were significantly higher at 42 d. Digestibility of amino acids in sorghum was similar between 14 and 28 d except for isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid and alanine. The digestibility of amino acids in mill run at 42 d was significantly higher than those at 14 and 28 d. There were no differences in digestibility between 14 and 28 d. 5. In general, the digestibility of amino acids in canola meal, soybean meal and, meat and bone meal was higher at 28 and 42 d compared to those at 14 d, and similar between 28 and 42 d of age. In cottonseed meal, age had no effect on the digestibility coefficient of amino acids, except for lysine and arginine, which increased with age. 6. Analysis of the combined results for the 8 feed ingredients showed that, in general, the digestibility coefficients of amino acids increased with advancing age of broiler chickens.
MANAGERIAL SHARE OWNERSHIP AND DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS IN AUSTRALIA: DO INDEPENDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS HAVE DIFFERENT INCENTIVES?

We examine the relation between managerial share ownership (MSO) and discretionary accruals in Australia. We find a positive relation between MSO and discretionary accruals up to a certain level of MSO followed by a negative relation (inverse U-shaped). We suggest that these unique results are a result of certain Australian institutional features that are markedly different to those in the US and the UK and imply that the ownership-discretionary accruals relation is context specific with the wider corporate governance systems influencing the theorised incentive effects. We also posit that executive directors and independent directors have different ownership-discretionary accruals incentives and report results consistent with this proposition.
Real Versus Spurious Long-Memory Volatility In Foreign Exchange Data: Evidence From The Rand Against The G4 Currencies

This paper investigates the extent to which volatility estimates and forecasts may be biased because of the existence of, and failure to account for structural change in the evolution of the exchange rate volatility series. The results of this analysis show that evidence of volatility persistence and long-memory in the Rand against the G4 currencies is overestimated when structural breaks are not considered. A modification of the standard GARCH model to allow for time-variation in the unconditional variance is shown to generate improved volatility forecasting performance over long(er)1 horizons for some currency pairs. Finally, the performance of the standard GARCH, modified GARCH and FIGARCH models are evaluated in the context of value-at- risk (VaR) estimation given the Basle regulatory framework. The results show that both the modified GARCH model and long-memory models generally deliver more accurate VaR measures relative to the standard GARCH model. In terms of VaR estimation our findings may provide guidance on more effective prudential standards for operational risk measurement and, as result, may help ensure adequate capitalisation and reduce the probability of financial distress. Our results highlight the importance of using out-of-sample forecasting techniques and the stipulated probability level for the identification of methods that minimise the occurrence of VaR exceptions. We find that models that account for structural change and long memory attributes generally outperform the basic GARCH model in estimating VaR across the probability levels we considered.
The effects of a critical thinking oriented instructional pattern in a tertiary EFL argumentative writing course

ABSTRACT This study introduced an instructional pattern that integrated the framework of the International Critical Thinking Reading and Writing Test (ICTRWT), designed by Paul and Elder, into a tertiary English as a Foreign Language (EFL) argumentative writing course. To measure the effects of the instructional pattern, a mixed methods approach was adopted. Two groups of students were involved in the experiment, with the treatment group receiving the instructional intervention and the control group receiving regular instruction in a tertiary argumentative writing course. A critical thinking test and a writing test were used to investigate the effects of the treatment, and questionnaires and interviews were also employed to examine students’ attitudes toward the instructional pattern. The quantitative statistic data reveals that students who received the instructional treatment outperformed the students in the control group in terms of overall critical thinking skills and skills of identifying and evaluating the elements of thoughts. Meanwhile, the treatment group also performed better with regard to overall writing ability, organization and coherence. Additionally, the data gained from the questionnaires and interviews suggest students’ general positive attitudes toward the instructional pattern.
Endoscopic Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafts Fixed with Bioabsorbable or Metal Interference Screws

Background During the past decade, bioabsorbable interference screws have become increasingly popular in endoscopic reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament. With these screws, there is no need for a second operation for removal and no complicating factor if later revision surgery is necessary. Several pullout studies have found similar results between metal and bioabsorbable interference screws; however, few studies have investigated the clinical outcome. Hypothesis There is no difference in the clinical outcome of bioabsorbable interference screws compared with metal screws. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Forty-one patients were randomized for the use of either metal interference screws (20 patients) or bioabsorbable poly-L-lactic acid screws (21 patients). The patients were followed with clinical examinations at 6, 12, and 24 weeks and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Results Subjective knee function was better in the patients in the metal screw group; they had less pain at rest, a higher Tegner score, a higher Lysholm score, and better subjective knee function at 2 years compared to the bioabsorbable screw group. However, there was no difference in stability between the groups. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Because of the inferior results in the bioabsorbable screw group in our study, and until larger studies show otherwise, we do not find the advantages of using bioabsorbable screws sufficient to warrant the routine use of poly-L-lactic acid screws in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.
Deriving Logic Systems for Path Delay Test Generation

We present an algorithm to derive logic systems for various classes of path delay test problems. In these logic systems, the value of a signal represents the relevant conditions that occur during a set of consecutively applied vectors. Starting from a set of basic values for valid signals at primary inputs, a state transition graph is constructed to enumerate all possible signal states relevant to path activation that are reachable by Boolean operations. These states include all incompletely specified states, composed as combinations of basic values. A distinguishability analysis then finds all state-pairs that need to be distinguished during test generation. The final step minimizes the number of states. For forward and backward implications of test generation in combinational or sequential circuits, the procedure provides optimal logic systems. We define optimality as the smallest set of logic states that provides the least possible ambiguity in implications. Thus, an optimal set of logic states will minimize the number of backtracks in test generation. A 10-valued logic described in the literature is found to be optimal for generating tests for single path delay faults. Other problems addressed in this paper include compact test generation through activation of many single path delay faults, test generation for rated-clock test application, and test generation for multiple path delay faults. The limitations and capabilities of various logic systems are illustrated by examples.
Low‐dose valaciclovir and cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin to prevent cytomegalovirus disease in high‐risk renal transplant recipients

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains an important cause of disease in renal transplant recipients. Prophylaxis is effective in reducing disease; however, the optimal regimen remains uncertain. We assessed the efficacy of low‐dose valaciclovir (3 months) and intravenous CMV immunoglobulin in the prevention of CMV disease in CMV‐negative recipients of kidneys from CMV‐positive donors (D+/R−).
Methane Sources in the Waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior as Revealed by Natural Radiocarbon Measurements

The methane dynamics in the waters of Lakes Michigan and Superior, components of the North American Great Lake system, were investigated using measurements of methane concentration and natural radiocarbon (14C‐CH4) dissolved in these lake waters. All 14C‐CH4 measurements were above modern levels regardless of location and depth with a range of 117‐145% modern carbon (pMC). Methane concentrations in the deep basin of both lakes were low, ranging from 3.3 to 4.3 nM, with minimal vertical variation. However, the concentrations of CH4 increased toward coastal areas in both lakes, possibly due to higher groundwater inputs and aerobic methanogenesis associated with primary productivity. Except for one site, 14C‐CH4 dissolved in the waters of Lake Michigan was greater than in Lake Superior by ~12 pMC, a difference that was likely due to inputs of excess 14CH4 from nuclear power plants along the coast of Lake Michigan.
Electronic Health Use in the European Union and the Effect of Multimorbidity: Cross-Sectional Survey

Background Multimorbidity is becoming increasingly common and is a leading challenge currently faced by societies with aging populations. The presence of multimorbidity requires patients to coordinate, understand, and use the information obtained from different health care professionals, while simultaneously striving to distinguish the symptoms of different diseases and self-manage their sometimes conflicting health problems. Electronic health (eHealth) tools provide a means to disseminate health information and education for both patients and health professionals and hold promise for more efficient and cost-effective care processes. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the use of eHealth tools, taking into account the citizens’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and above all, the presence of multimorbidity. Methods Cross-sectional and exploratory research was conducted using online survey data from July 2011 to August 2011. Participants included a total of 14,000 citizens from 14 European countries aged 16 to 74 years, who had used an eHealth tool in the past 3 months. The variables studied were sociodemographic variables of the participants, the questionnaire items assessing the frequency of using eHealth tools, the degree of morbidity, and the eHealth adoption gradient. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the sociodemographic and clinical variables of participants and the group the participants were assigned to according to their frequency of eHealth use (eHealth user group). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) allowed for assessing the differences in the eHealth adoption gradient average between different groups of individuals according to their morbidity level. A two-way between-groups ANOVA was performed to explore the effects of multimorbidity and age group on the eHealth adoption gradient. Results According to the eHealth adoption gradient, most participants (68.15%, 9541/14,000) were labeled as rare users, with the majority of them (55.1%, 508/921) being in the age range of 25 to 54 years, with upper secondary education (50.3%, 464/921), currently employed (49.3%, 454/921), and living in medium-sized cities (40.7%, 375/921). Results of the one-way ANOVA showed that the number of health problems significantly affected the use of eHealth tools (F2,13996=11.584; P<.001). The two-way ANOVA demonstrated that there was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of age and number of health problems on the eHealth adoption gradient (F4,11991=7.936; P<.001). Conclusions The eHealth adoption gradient has proven to be a reliable way to measure different aspects of eHealth use. Multimorbidity is associated with a more intense use of eHealth, with younger Internet users using new technologies for health purposes more frequently than older groups with the same level of morbidity. These findings suggest the need to consider different strategies aimed at making eHealth tools more sensitive to the characteristics of older populations to reduce digital disadvantages.
Local Fourier analysis of block‐structured multigrid relaxation schemes for the Stokes equations

Multigrid methods that use block‐structured relaxation schemes have been successfully applied to several saddle‐point problems, including those that arise from the discretization of the Stokes equations. In this paper, we present a local Fourier analysis of block‐structured relaxation schemes for the staggered finite‐difference discretization of the Stokes equations to analyze their convergence behavior. Three block‐structured relaxation schemes are considered: distributive relaxation, Braess–Sarazin relaxation, and Uzawa relaxation. In each case, we consider variants based on weighted‐Jacobi relaxation, as is most suitable for parallel implementation on modern architectures. From this analysis, optimal parameters are proposed, and we compare the efficiency of the presented algorithms with these parameters. Finally, some numerical experiments are presented to validate the two‐grid and multigrid convergence factors.