Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Women's Self-Esteem: A Community Study of Women who Report and do not Report Childhood Sexual Abuse

Background The determinants of self-esteem have been little studied in non-clinic samples. It has been suggested recently that child sexual abuse (CSA) may be a major determinant of low self-esteem in adulthood. Method The psychosocial circumstances associated with low self-esteem in two random samples of women, one reporting CSA, the other not were compared, with particular emphasis on characteristics of family of origin. A two-phase (postal-then-interview) random community study assessed self-esteem and related variables. Results Psychosocial variables predicting low self-esteem were the same in the two groups. They included being a follower or a loner, having an overcontrolling mother, being poorly qualified, giving a history of depressive disorder and displaying current psychiatric disorder. In addition, the subject's CSA status led to low self-esteem but only when it was of the most intrusive type. The CSA women had a substantially lower mean total self-esteem score. However, not all aspects of self-esteem were diminished equally; 12/30 items differed between the two groups, and two of the five generated self-esteem factors, which we named Pessimism and Fatalism, which differed between the control group and the whole CSA group. There were no differences for Likeability and Determination. Conclusions Predictors of low self-esteem for women include childhood temperament, a poor relationship with the mother, low qualification attainment, psychiatric morbidity, both previous and current, and, only when it is the most intrusive, CSA.
N2O-Producing Microorganisms in the Gut of the Earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa Are Indicative of Ingested Soil Bacteria

ABSTRACT The main objectives of this study were (i) to determine if gut wall-associated microorganisms are responsible for the capacity of earthworms to emit nitrous oxide (N2O) and (ii) to characterize the N2O-producing bacteria of the earthworm gut. The production of N2O in the gut of garden soil earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa) was mostly associated with the gut contents rather than the gut wall. Under anoxic conditions, nitrite and N2O were transient products when supplemental nitrate was reduced to N2 by gut content homogenates. In contrast, nitrite and N2O were essentially not produced by nitrate-supplemented soil homogenates. The most probable numbers of fermentative anaerobes and microbes that used nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor were approximately 2 orders of magnitude higher in the earthworm gut than in the soil from which the earthworms originated. The fermentative anaerobes in the gut and soil displayed similar physiological functionalities. A total of 136 N2O-producing isolates that reduced either nitrate or nitrite were obtained from high serial dilutions of gut homogenates. Of the 25 representative N2O-producing isolates that were chosen for characterization, 22 isolates exhibited >99% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with their closest cultured relatives, which in most cases was a soil bacterium, most isolates were affiliated with the gamma subclass of the class Proteobacteria or with the gram-positive bacteria with low DNA G+C contents, and 5 isolates were denitrifiers and reduced nitrate to N2O or N2. The initial N2O production rates of denitrifiers were 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than those of the nondenitrifying isolates. However, most nondenitrifying nitrate dissimilators produced nitrite and might therefore indirectly stimulate the production of N2O via nitrite-utilizing denitrifiers in the gut. The results of this study suggest that most of the N2O emitted by earthworms is due to the activation of ingested denitrifiers and other nitrate-dissimilating bacteria in the gut lumen.
Progesterone Receptor A Stability Is Mediated by Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β in the Brca1-deficient Mammary Gland*

Background: Stabilization of progesterone receptors contributes to mammary tumorigenesis in Brca1-deficient mice. Results: Deficiency in phosphorylation on serine 390 of progesterone receptor A by GSK-3β enhances the receptor stability. Conclusion: Stabilization of progesterone receptor A is mediated by GSK-3β kinase in the Brca1-deficient mammary gland. Significance: This finding provides a novel insight of how tumor suppression of Brca1 is mediated by PR-A. Germ line mutations of the BRCA1 gene increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, but the basis of this tissue-specific tumor predisposition is not fully understood. Previously, we reported that the progesterone receptors are stabilized in Brca1-deficient mammary epithelial cells, and treating with anti-progesterone delays mammary tumorigenesis in Brca1/p53 conditional knock-out mice, suggesting that the progesterone has a critical role in breast carcinogenesis. To further explore how the stability of progesterone receptor is modulated, here, we have found that glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β phosphorylation of progesterone receptor-A (PR-A) facilitates its ubiquitination. GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation of serine 390 in PR-A regulates its subsequent ubiquitination and protein stability. Expression of PR-AS390A mutant in the human breast epithelial cells, MCF-10A, results in enhanced proliferation and formation of aberrant acini structure in the three-dimensional culture. Consistently, reduction of phosphorylation of serine 390 of PR-A and GSK-3β activity is observed in the Brca1-deficient mammary gland. Taken together, these results provide important aspects of tissue specificity of BRCA1-mediated suppression of breast carcinogenesis.
Formulas with Large Weight: a New Technique for Genuine QBF Lower Bounds

We devise a new technique to prove lower bounds for the proof size in resolutiontype calculi for quantified Boolean formulas (QBF). The new technique applies to the strong expansion system IR-calc and thereby also to the most studied QBF system Q-Resolution. Our technique exploits a clear semantic paradigm, showing the hardness of a QBF family by demonstrating that (1) the formulas require large witnessing functions for the universal variables, and (2) in the game semantics of QBF, the universal player is forced to make many responses on a set of variables that we identify as critical. Based on these two conditions, our technique yields a weight for a QBF formula, which provides an absolute lower bound for the size of its IR-calc proofs (and hence also its Q-Resolution proofs). We exemplify our technique on a couple of known and new instances, among them the prominent formulas of Kleine Büning et al. [33], for which our method provides a hardness proof that is considerably simpler than previous approaches. Our technique also provides the first separations for QBF dependency calculi. In particular, we construct a simple class of formulas that are hard for Q-Resolution, but easy in Q-Resolution parameterized by the reflexive resolution path dependency scheme, thus answering a question posed by Slivovsky and Szeider [49].
YouTube: An emerging tool in anatomy education

The use of online social networks in medical education can remodel and enhance anatomy teaching and learning; one such network is the video‐sharing site YouTube. Limited research in the literature exists on the use of YouTube as a platform for anatomy education. The aim of this study is to assess student's perceptions and patterns of usage of this resource, as well as the effectiveness of YouTube videos within a problem‐based learning (PBL) curriculum. The study was conducted on 91 second‐year medical students for whom video links were suggested throughout the academic year. In addition, the Human Anatomy Education (HAE) Channel was launched on YouTube to support classroom teaching with videos that emphasized applied aspects of anatomy. The results demonstrated that 98% of the students used YouTube as an online information resource, albeit in different frequencies. Out of the 86% who have been to the HAE Channel, 92% agreed/strongly agreed that the channel helped them learn anatomy. The study also reports the popularity of and awareness about using YouTube as a social network as well as in learning. Based on these findings, YouTube can be considered as an effective tool to enhance anatomy instruction if the videos are scrutinized, diversified, and aimed toward course objectives. Faculty of average computer literacy should be enabled to produce videos on their own YouTube channels to support independent learning and integration in a PBL curriculum. The methods described for capturing and editing the videos can be used as a prototype. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Activation of the Early B-Cell-Specific mb-1 (Ig-α) Gene by Pax-5 Is Dependent on an Unmethylated Ets Binding Site

ABSTRACT Methylation of cytosine in CpG dinucleotides promotes transcriptional repression in mammals by blocking transcription factor binding and recruiting methyl-binding proteins that initiate chromatin remodeling. Here, we use a novel cell-based system to show that retrovirally expressed Pax-5 protein activates endogenous early B-cell-specific mb-1 genes in plasmacytoma cells, but only when the promoter is hypomethylated. CpG methylation does not directly affect binding of the promoter by Pax-5. Instead, methylation of an adjacent CpG interferes with assembly of ternary complexes comprising Pax-5 and Ets proteins. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, recruitment of Ets-1 is blocked by methylation of the Ets site (5′CCGGAG) on the antisense strand. In transfection assays, selective methylation of a single CpG within the Pax-5-dependent Ets site greatly reduces mb-1 promoter activity. Prior demethylation of the endogenous mb-1 promoter is required for its activation by Pax-5 in transduced cells. Although B-lineage cells have only unmethylated mb-1 genes and do not modulate methylation of the mb-1 promoter during development, other tissues feature high percentages of methylated alleles. Together, these studies demonstrate a novel DNA methylation-dependent mechanism for regulating transcriptional activity through the inhibition of DNA-dependent protein-protein interactions.
Effects of sample size on the noise floor and distortion product otoacoustic emissions

This study investigated the effects of sample size on the noise floor and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in 55 normal-hearing subjects as a function of intensity. More specifically, we investigated the effects of sample size (12-400 sweeps) as a function of intensity (L1 = L2 = 35, 45 and 55 dB SPL), firstly, on the identifiability of DPOAEs (2F1-F2), secondly, on the noise floor adjacent to DPOAEs, and thirdly, on the magnitude of DPOAEs centred around geometric means of 531 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Testing was conducted with a commercially available system for measuring DPOAEs (Grason-Stadler, GSI-60). A constant F2:F1 ratio of 1.21 was used. As sample size increased from 12 to 400 sweeps, the noise floors decreased by about 13 dB; this closely corresponds to the expected 15 dB reduction based on the square root rule of noise reduction. The highest noise floors were measured at 531 Hz and the lowest noise floors at 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Identifiability increased as intensity increased from 35 to 55 dB SPL and as sample size increased from 12 to 400 sweeps for all stimulus conditions. Mean DPOAEs for all frequencies (531-4000 Hz) appeared to decrease as sample size increased, particularly at stimulus levels of 35 dB and 45 dB SPL. These results may be explained by a reduction in the noise levels within the bandwidth of the DPOAE bin. That is, the DPOAE bin is comprised of the DPOAE plus background noise and these two quantities are not separated within the measured bin. Because the magnitude of bin containing DPOAEs is critically dependent on sample size, clinicians should carefully document this variable when collecting normative data. Similarly, clinicians who compare the magnitude of their DPOAEs to published data should note the sample size employed.
Wideband low-THz antennas for high-speed wireless communications

This paper presents a brief review of low THz antennas and discusses their corresponding manufacturing techniques. In addition, a new antenna is introduced for the 300 GHz frequency band. The design is an all-metal structure with interesting features such as compactness, high gain, and wide operational bandwidth. These characteristics make it a promising solution for future high-speed THz communication systems.
Performance of orthogonal space-time-frequency block codes over highly frequency selective fading channel for 2×1 and 2×2 MIMO-OFDM systems

A different and simple approach is proposed to compute the error rate performances of orthogonal Space-Time-Frequency block codes over frequency-selective with m-coefficient Rayleigh fading channel bearing 2×1 and 2×2 MIMO-OFDM systems. First, PDF of the instantaneous SNR at the receiver is derived and BER expression for BPSK and QPSK modulations is obtained. Then based on the Moment Generating Function (MGF) approach, exact expressions for SER of M-PSK and M-QAM modulations are attained. As theoretical and simulation results show, the orthogonal STFBC can achieve diversity order of LMTMR while quasi-orthogonal STFBC, for high SNRs does not achieve full space and multipath diversity gains available in the MIMO-OFDM channel.
Airborne Monitoring to Distinguish Engineered Nanomaterials from Incidental Particles for Environmental Health and Safety

Two methods were used to distinguish airborne engineered nanomaterials from other airborne particles in a facility that produces nano-structured lithium titanate metal oxide powder. The first method involved off-line analysis of filter samples collected with conventional respirable samplers at each of seven locations (six near production processes and one outdoors). Throughout most of the facility and outdoors, respirable mass concentrations were low (<0.050 mg/m3) and were attributed to particles other than the nanomaterial (<10% by mass titanium determined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). In contrast, in a single area with extensive material handling, mass concentrations were greatest (0.118 mg m−3) and contained up to 39% ± 11% lithium titanium, indicating the presence of airborne nanomaterial. Analysis of the filter samples collected in this area by transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope revealed that the airborne nanomaterial was associated only with spherical aggregates (clusters of fused 10–80 nm nanoparticles) that were larger than 200 nm. This analysis also showed that nanoparticles in this area were the smallest particles of a larger distribution of submicrometer chain agglomerates likely from welding in an adjacent area of the facility. The second method used two, hand-held, direct-reading, battery-operated instruments to obtain a time series of very fine particle number (<300 nm), respirable mass, and total mass concentration, which were then related to activities within the area of extensive material handling. This activity-based monitoring showed that very fine particle number concentrations (<300 nm) had no apparent correlation to worker activities, but that sharp peaks in the respirable and total mass concentration coincided with loading a hopper and replacing nanomaterial collection bags. These findings were consistent with those from the filter-based method in that they demonstrate that airborne nanoparticles in this facility are dominated by “incidental” sources (e.g., welding or grinding), and that the airborne “engineered” product is predominately composed of particles larger than several hundred nanometers. The methods presented here are applicable to any occupational or environmental setting in which one needs to distinguish incidental sources from engineered product.
DC bus balancing control techniques for the cascaded neutral point clamped modular converter

This paper investigates different compensation methods for neutral point potential deviation based on modular multilevel single star neutral point clamped bridge converter. Theoretical analysis indicates injecting an offset for a cell can effectively decrease this deviation, so this research presents different offset-based compensation techniques, and evaluates their output performance. Besides, this research also presents a hierarchical voltage balancing control to efficiently manage the power flow among cells. Laboratory test results are provided to verify their effectiveness.
Predicting interactions of winged‐helix transcription factors with DNA

Determining protein–DNA interactions is important for understanding gene regulation, DNA repair and chromatin structure. Unfortunately, the structures of DNA‐bound complexes are often difficult to obtain experimentally, so the development of computational methods that provide good models of these complexes would be valuable. Here, we present a rigid‐body docking approach using the computer program DOT. DOT performs a complete, six‐dimensional search of all orientations for two rigid molecules and calculates the interaction energy as the sum of electrostatic and van der Waals terms. DOT was applied to three winged‐helix transcription factors that share similar DNA‐binding structural motifs but bind DNA in different ways. Docking with linear B‐form DNA models accomplished several objectives; it (1) distinguished the different ways the transcription factors bind DNA, (2) identified each protein's DNA‐binding site and the DNA orientation at the site and (3) gave at least one solution among the three best‐ranked that shows the protein side chain–DNA base interactions responsible for recognition. Furthermore, the ensemble of top‐ranked, docked linear B‐DNA fragments indicated the DNA bending induced upon protein binding. Docking linear B‐DNA to structures of the transcription factor FadR suggests that the allosteric, conformational change induced upon effector binding results in loss of the ability to bend DNA as well as loss of sequence‐specific interactions with DNA. The electrostatic energy term calculated by DOT is comparable to the electrostatic binding energy calculated by Poisson–Boltzmann methods. Our results show rigid‐body docking that includes a rigorous treatment of the electrostatic interaction energy can be effective in predicting protein–DNA interactions. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV/AIDS Prevention : Knowledge, Attitudes and Education Practices of Secondary School Health Personnel in 14 Cities of China

This study assessed the preparedness of school health personnel to develop and deliver HIV/AIDS prevention education programmes for young people in China. A survey of 653 personnel working in secondary schools in 14 cities was conducted. More than 90% had basic knowledge of ways in which HIV can be transmitted, but knowledge of ways in which the virus is not transmitted needs improvement. Substantial numbers of teachers were not sure whether there was an effective preventive vaccine (42%) or did not know whether AIDS was a curable illness or not (32%). The great majority approved of AIDS prevention programmes in universities (98%) and secondary schools (91%), although fewer (58%) agreed that the topic was appropriate for primary schools. Currently, most classroom activities focuses on teaching facts about HIV/AIDS transmission, while less than half are taught about HIV/AIDS related discrimination and life skills to reduce peer pressure. Personnel with some prior training on HIV/ AIDS education (53%) had better factual knowledge, more tolerant attitudes and more confidence in teaching about HIV/AIDS than those without training. The majority of teachers indicated a need for more resource books, audiovisual products, expert guidance, school principal support and dissemination of national AIDS prevention education guidelines to schools. Asia Pac J Public Health 2004; 16(1): 9-14.
Chronology, Magnitude and Duration of Expression of Putative Sex-Determining/Differentiation Genes in a Turtle with Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination

The red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) possesses temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in which the incubation temperature determines gonadal sex. Although a number of mammalian gene homologues have been identified in reptiles with TSD, the exact sex-determining trigger(s) is not known. To date, the current study represents the most comprehensive simultaneous evaluation of the chronology of mRNA expression profiles of putative sex-determining/differentiation genes (Dmrt1, Sox9, Amh, Lhx9, and Foxl2) from gonads incubated at male- and female-producing temperatures in T. scripta. Additionally, sex-reversing treatments with 17β-estradiol and letrozole were examined. At a male-producing temperature, Dmrt1 expression was sexually dimorphic by stage 17, Sox9 by 19 and Amh by 21. In contrast, Foxl2 did not significantly increase until after the thermosensitive period at a female-producing temperature. Treatment with 17β-estradiol resulted in reduced gonad size and/or inhibited gonadal development and differentiation. Gene expression was subsequently low in this group. Sex reversal utilizing letrozole failed to produce testes at a female-producing temperature and as such, gene expression was comparable to ovary. These results indicate that Dmrt1 and Sox9 are potential triggers for testis differentiation and Amh, Lhx9 and Foxl2 represent a conserved core set of genes in the sex-determining/differentiation pathway of TSD species.
Transmembrane signalling pathways initiating cell growth in fibroblasts.

The mechanisms of growth factor action were studied in a fibroblastic cell line capable of reversible growth arrest in G0-G1. This cell line, derived from Chinese hamster lung, can be stimulated to divide by a limited set of purified growth factors, including EGF, FGF, PDGF, alpha-thrombin (THR), serotonin (5-HT) and insulin. THR and 5-HT stimulate, via a G-protein (Gp), a polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PtdIns(4,5)P2-PLC). In contrast, the mitogens EGF, FGF, PDGF, and insulin do not stimulate PtdIns(4,5)P2-PLC unless this pathway has been preactivated by THR or AlF-4. Finally, from the specific inhibitory action of pertussis toxin on THR- and 5-HT-induced DNA synthesis, and from the exploitation of the 5-HT pharmacological tools, we conclude that: (i) there are at least two distinct G-proteins involved in signalling growth: Gp, coupling receptors to PtdIns(4,5)P2-PLC, and Gi, coupling receptors negatively to adenylyl cyclase and probably to other unknown effector(s); (ii) activation of receptor-tyrosine kinases provides an alternate growth factor signalling pathway, independent of Gp- and Gi-mediated actions; and (iii) tyrosine kinases positively 'cross-communicate' with the inositol-lipid pathway (phosphorylation of Gp, PLC, PtdIns kinases.? ).