Butanol :: Biology, Bacteria

Many species belonging to the genus Clostridium are categorized as strict anaerobes because neither they nor key enzymes inside them are able to function normally during aerobic culti-vations, and stringent anaerobic conditions are required for their growth (1). Despite the gen-eral understanding about the sensitivity of clostridial species to O2, some strains possess me-tabolic mechanisms for withstanding, to some degree, the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO), and this phenomenon has been reviewed(2,3). Clostridium acetobutylicum strain ATCC 824, a widely investigated model for studies on the fermentative production of butanol, sus-tained growth after a shift from anaerobic to microoxic conditions (0-0.2 % DO)at the mid-exponential phase of growth, however, it ceased to grow on flushing the broth with a gas mixture of 5 % O2 / 95 % N2 (4).The O2-tolerance of C. acetobutylicum strain ATCC 824 in microoxic conditions has been attributed to the production of O2-induced polypeptides, wh ich are presumed to play a protective role against toxic activated oxygen species such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (4).Studies on the oxygen stress-responses in the obligate anaerobes C. acetobutylicum and C.aminovalericum revealed the upregulation of gene clusters coding for O2-scavenging enzymes, including NADH : rubredoxin oxidoreductase (EC 1.18.1.1), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), thiol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.1), alkylhydroperoxide reductase (EC 1.11.1.15), and superoxide dismutase (5).Based on the findings of Kawasaki et al. (4,5), Hillman et al. (6) reported that C. acetobutylicum strain ATCC 824 perRmutants, survived aerobic incubation on agar plates for up to 50 days (6). The per mutants also survived oxidative stress in aerated liquid cultures for up to 3 hours before a decrease in cell viability was observed (6). However, at this stage (after 3 hours) if no further O2 was added to the broth culture, the perR mutants were able to reestablish anaerobic c onditions by rapidly consuming DO in the broth (6). These reports (4,5,6) however, did not investigate the effects of oxidative stress on the production of solvents. Despite the presence of metabolic mechanisms in some clostridia for surviving short-term oxidative stress, these appear to be insufficient for establishing long-term survival under aerobic conditions. Literature on the effects of oxidative stress on butanol-producing bacteria, all of which are strict anaerobes, remains limited. A fuller understanding of the effects of such stressants on metabolite production will provide insights into stress-specific responses in bu-tanol-producing bacteria and may reveal strategies for improving the yield of solvents.

Thi PPACA: Obisoty end Tiin Prignency Privintoun Prugrems :: Prignency Assostenci Fand

Carrint stetostocs ondoceti thet on thi Unotid Stetis 4 uat uf 10 gorls woll bicumi prignent et liest unci bifuri thi egi uf 20 (Herros & Allguud, 2009, p.1314). Thos pupaletoun uf muthirs os muri lokily tu drupuat thin uthir eduliscints on thior egi gruap (Herros & Allguud, 2009, p.1314). In fect, muri then 60% uf tiins whu govi borth bifuri thi egi uf 18 woll drup uat uf hogh schuul, pattong thim et e grietir rosk uf biong ompuviroshid letir on lofi (Herros & Allguud, 2009, p.1314). Addotounelly, thi choldrin uf eduliscint muthirs eri muri lokily tu hevi cumplocetid dilovirois thet cen lied tu chrunoc midocel end divilupmintel prublims (Herros & Allguud, 2009, p.1315). Woth hoghir retis uf puvirty es will es oncriesid prignency cumplocetouns, meny tiinegi muthirs mey riqaori essostenci woth ecqaorong hielth onsarenci, choldceri, end verouas uthir sirvocis. Woth thi pessong uf thi ACA, thi Dipertmint uf Hielth end Hamen Sirvocis on e pertnirshop woth thi Sicritery uf Edacetoun istebloshid e Prignency Assostenci Fand thet dostrobatis $25 molloun ennaelly fur thi foscel yiers 2010-2019 (Buunstre, 2010, p.11). In en ettimpt tu meki ot iesy fur ixpictent muthirs tu bi ebli tu cerry thior prignencois tu tirm, thos grent prugrem pruvodis stetis woth fands, tu bi asid et thior doscritoun, fur fuar spicofoid gruaps uf ectovotois (Buunstre, 2010, p.11). Wholi thi prugrem ixtinds sirvocis tu ell prignent ur perintong wumin, meny sirvocis eri teolurid tu thi niids uf tiins end eduliscint muthirs. Forst tois mey bi dorictid tuwerds cumbetong voulinci egeonst prignent wumin thruagh fandong ontirvintoun end sucoel sirvocis tu wumin whu eri voctoms uf ontometi pertnir voulinci, sixael essealt ur stelkong eruand thi tomi uf thior prignency. (Buunstre, 2010, p.12). Sicundly, thi fands mey asid tu omplimint ectovotois fur tiinegirs thruagh hogh schuul en d cummanoty cintir prugrems (Buunstre, 2010, p.11). Thordly, muniy mey bi dostrobatid tu onstotatouns uf hoghir idacetoun tu essost stadints on eccissong hielth ceri, choldceri end e veroity uf uthir sirvocis (Buunstre, 2010, p.11). Fonelly, stetis mey asi thisi fands tu onfurm thi pabloc uf thi sirvocis eveolebli tu prignent tiins andir thi crietoun uf thi PAF (Buunstre, 2010, p.12). Fur ondovodaels wothuat ediqaeti ur eny hielth onsarenci, eccissong tomily ceri os cumplocetid (Saltz & Yuang, 2014, p.298). Addotounelly, thos leck ur cuviregi mey lied meny tu siik ceri on imirgincy cintirs es oncriesid retis then on uthir embaletury sittongs (Saltz & Yuang, 2014, p.

Engagement with China: A Smithian Perspective :: Adam Smith Economics Essays

China seems to have been long stationary, and had probably long ago acquired that full complement of riches which is consistent with the nature of its laws and institutions. But this complement may be much inferior to what, with other laws and institutions, the nature of its soil, climate, and situation might admit of. A country which neglects or despises foreign commerce, and which admits the vessels of foreign nations into one or of its ports only, cannot transact the same quantity of business which it might do with different laws and institutions. Adam Smith, The Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations Book I, Chapter IX Introduction In today's post-Cold War world, U.S. foreign policy faces a plethora of uncertainties in the economic, social and political spheres. With the geopolitical order currently reduced to one major superpower, the new order is still quite amorphous. For such reasons, politicians, economists, military strategists and others in Washington have sought to answer the question, "Is there any particular country that has the potential to rise to the level of a regional, or even global, hegemon in the 21st century?" Evidence suggests so, and the country that has placed itself on the path of fulfilling that prophecy is the People's Republic of China. A 1994 World Bank study showed in 1980, the PRC accounted for only 3.6% of the world's gross domestic product and 0.8 % of its exports of manufactured goods. It estimates that, by 2010, the PRC could account for 15.5% of the world's GDP and 6.4% of its exports of manufactured goods (O’Quinn, 1997). Clearly, China is poised to assert much more influence on world affairs in the coming century. For this reason, foreign policy towards China has been debated under the realm of two distinct policies, engagement and containment. Engagement seeks to encourage China’s involvement in multilateral agreements and its membership in international organizations as a means of promote Beijing’s respect and adherence to international norms. Containment, on the other hand, adopts a more defensive approach. Its advocates point to the security risks inherent in accepting China into the international community. The policy proposes counterbalancing China in a method similar to that used with Russia during the Cold War. The challenge for the United States is to examine these two policies and determine which will be most effective in promoting U.S. interests vis-Ã  -vis an emerging China. In searching for answers, this paper will utilize arguments from a variety of scholars, most notably the famed economist Adam Smith, in an effort to focus on the strategy of engagement with the People's Republic of China.

American Cancer Society Essay

Am I a patient, no. Am I a survivor, no. I am someone who has seen cancer through the eyes of others. An uncontrolled division of abnormal cells creates the cancer within the body (â€Å"What is Cancer†). More than 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year (â€Å"Learn about Cancer†). An estimated 10,450 new cases and 1,350 cancer deaths are expected to occur among children in 2014 (â€Å"What are the key statistics†). The American Cancer Society is one of the greatest resources to turn to when cancer strikes. The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 to raise the public’s awareness about cancer (â€Å"The Early Years†). With millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society saves lives and works to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. They do this by helping people stay well, get well, by helping support the findings of cures, and fighting back against the disease (â€Å"Who We Are†). It is imperative to fund basic research with the American Cancer Society because it saves lives. The American Cancer Society strives to help our society stay healthy by helping people take the necessary steps to prevent cancer or detect it early. Through the American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching Service, patients are connected with more than 64,000 different treatment options. Also provided is an online support community for cancer survivors and caregivers that have brought together more than 93,000 people since 2000 (â€Å"Online Communities and Support†). The American Cancer Society acquires results by investing in research that helps to understand cancer causes, determine how to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it (â€Å"Explore Research†). The American Cancer Society has several fundraising methods. The main fundraiser The American Cancer Society holds is a walk called the Relay for Life. This event takes place across the globe in different communities to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones, and fight back against this detrimental disease. The Relay for Life has varying meaning to different people, but we all want the same result, a cure for cancer. We walk, we talk, we cry, we laugh, we learn, we love, and we hope. Today there are nearly 14 million cancer survivors, and with the money raised, the number of survivors will continue to rise (â€Å"What is Relay For Life†). Personally, my family has been involved in American Cancer Society fundraisers for the past several years. Not only has our family been able to raise money for the cancer society, but we have also entered races and walks for the cure. Cancer affects every individual and family in a different way physically and emotionally. Whether you are joining the fight to end cancer for a family member, or a friend everyone has personal reasons for taking action. What we all share is the belief that we can end this terrible disease if we work together. The donations, long-term involvement, and healthy choices of our society, have helped contribute to a 20% drop in death rates from cancer since the early 1990s (McDaniel np). The American Cancer Society is continually working hard to lower the death rate, and while the disease still claims 1,500 lives a day in the United States, change can be made by speaking out (â€Å"Cancer Facts and Figures 2013). Donating, signing up for a local fundraising e vent, helping fund the next research breakthrough, or spreading the word to friends and family are all ways society can join the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society also helps families by helping them understand and cope with the fact that diseases such as cancer can occur at anytime, and in any age group. Cancer brings families together in though times, and the importance of life is soon realized. The American Cancer Society has helped save these lives and has brought families together and continues to do so today. Cancer does not define us but how we chose to cope with it does. Every one needs to involve as many people as we can to raise money for research and education. There is a passionate aggression in each of us as we are fighting to save more lives. The American Cancer Society would not exist without fundraisers and donations. Advocates are imperative for the support and fundraising of the American Cancer Society. Without it, individuals around the world would continue to get cancer and not know what to do about it. Without the research and effort The American Cancer Society puts in patients would get no where, have a lack of education, not know what to do when they get it, and most importantly never have a cure to cancer. We need the American Cancer Society and they need our support. So let’s finish the fight and  donate today! Works Cited American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Inc., 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. . Cancer Action Network. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Inc., 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. . McDaniel, Justine. â€Å"Cancer Society, Researchers Look Back on Decades’ Worth of Progress†¦Ã¢â‚¬  McClatchy Washington DC News Bureau. 07 Oct. 2013: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Relay for Life. American Cancer Society Inc., 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. .

The Use of Mixed Narrative in Anthills of the Savannah

Explore the uses and effects of mixed narrative in Anthills of the Savannah By Emmanuel Sunil Anthills of the Savannah is set in the fictitious West African country of Kangan, a country which has been overrun with political instability ever since becoming an independent state from British rule. The novel centers on the lives of three civil servants, Christopher Oriko, Ikem Osodi and Beatrice Naynibuife, and all three serve three separate narrative voices in the novel, each sharing his or her own point of view. This provides the reader with a 360 degree picture of the situation by offering multiple points of view as well as enabling the reader to make judgments for him/ herself rather than relying on a narrator or a single character to supply descriptions of people and events. In this essay I shall consider detail the narrative roles of all three characters of the novel. Christopher Oriko is the Commissioner of Information in the cabinet of His Excellency, Sam. His duties bring him to close proximity to Sam and thus we obtain an insiders account of the political situation in Kangan. Chris informs us in the very first chapter of Sam’s frequent mood swings. In fact he goes as far as to say that â€Å"days are good or bad for us now according to how His Excellency gets out of bed in the morning†. Here, Chris indicates the dictatorial nature of Sam thus setting a stage for the instability in the government. Chris also has a very realistic opinion of the situation and he is careful in pushing for reform than his close friend Ikem, who he thinks is far too sensitive to the danger of angering Sam. A topic which is often considered in Chris’ narrative is the futility of Ikems editorials which makes Sam consider him as treacherous. Chris often defends Ikem; however he is getting â€Å"tired â€Å"of doing so. This difference in opinion and the fact that Ikem has more freedom leaves Chris with growing resentment towards Ikem, and the two seem to be drifting further apart as the novel progresses: â€Å"I can’t talk to Ikem any more. I am tired. And drained of all stamina†, says Chris in chapter eight. Ikem Osodi , who has replaced Chris as the editor of the state controlled National Gazette, feels that â€Å"the situation in Kangan can only be improved hrough reform†. The editor often writes sharp and editorials full of criticism towards the government, giving insights to the problems in Kangan (for example public executions). Ikem states that the best weapon against ineffective government is passion: â€Å"Passion is our hope and strength†, so mething that he feels immensely strong about and also reflects in his work, for example â€Å" Hymn to the Sun†, where Sam is compared to the sun as a metaphor to something that is immensely powerful yet equally destructive. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, His editorials often put him in conflict with Chris, who is now Ikem’s boss, however Ikem refuses any interference towards his work: â€Å"as long as I remain the editor, I shall not seek anybody’s permission to what I write†, however he still acknowledges that â€Å"there is a big danger doing this†. Despite the fact that he is an extremist, Ikem also adds humor through sarcasm ( â€Å"following a leader who follows his leader would be quite a circus†), and thus making the novel quite amusing at times. Beatrice Naynibuife is Chris’ girlfriend and also works in the government (in the ministry of finance). She has been intimate with Ikem, Sam and Chris at some point in her life and even though she is engaged in a relationship with Chris, she still gives us an unbiased outsider’s opinion about the situation between the three of them. For example in chapter five, she claims that â€Å"all three of you, are incredibly conceited. The story of this country, as far as you are concerned, is the story of the three of you. Although much of her narrative concerns her own past, she also tries to bridge the ever developing gap between Chris and Ikem; in chapter eight she tries to persuade Chris to talk to Ikem and work together to solve the mounting crisis of Sam’s power hunger ( trying controlling power similar to Idemili). Apart form these three; an unknown narrator also exists in the novel. While he does not give us any personal opinions like the other narrators, he give s details into African traditions such the story of the goddess Idemili. The different narrators of the novel give us different opinions about the same events that occur, and this as stated in the introduction gives a full and accurate picture of the current situation in the country. It is surprising that despite the novel being about the political instability and the unfortunate condition of the people; it is only the upper class that has a voice in the novel; a kind of metaphor indicating the division in the society and proving that it is only the upper class that has the power to bring about reform. Also, the mixed narratives do not follow a chronological pattern, which could symbolize the general state of confusion in the country. Achebe's use of multiple narrative voices indicates that history is more than a set of events in the past to be told; it is also the feelings and ideas that different people have about the events and at the same time focuses on the community rather than on the individual

McGerr

Progressive reformers attempted to reshape American society in the late Nineteenth into the Twentieth Centuries. Three distinct areas, the Temperance movement, the Food and Drug Laws and the Child Labor Laws are contrasting but characteristic examples of the struggles, successes and failures that Progressives faced during this period. As with all complex movements consisting of disparate groups with at times contrasting points of view, it is difficult to generalize regarding this attempt at reconstruction. But the Progressives, for better or worse, did have a profound effect upon American society that is still being felt today. McGerr mainly considers the actions of the middle class as no other group â€Å"advocated the full range of progressive positions as much as the middle class did† (McGerr, 2005). This was none more the case than within the Temperance movement. The temperance movement had quite a simple aim in mind. It sought to greatly reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, or, as was increasingly its aim, to ban alcohol entirely. The Movement started, at least during this period, with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which established the Department of Scientific Temperance Instruction in many schools and colleges throughout the country. There was a purely rational and calculating method behind this attempt to convince young people of the evils of alcohol. Mary Hunt (the National Superintendent)   stated that people â€Å"must first be convinced that alcohol and kindred narcotics are by nature outlaws, before they will outlaw them†. The temperance movement was linked to the overall progressive movement through the fact that many drunken husbands beat their wives and families. Domestic violence was an example of the abuse of women’s rights, and so it was sensible for the progressive movement to support the temperance movement, even if some of the more religious and purely moralistic reasoning behind some temperance advocates were alien to them. The temperance movement was, at least temporarily highly successful. It is linked closely to the eventual passage of the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, which banned alcohol within America. The advocacy of â€Å"temperance† regarding alcohol had led to the â€Å"prohibition† of alcohol just as Hunt had forecast. The temperance movement is an excellent example of how idealism combined with a good degree of shrewd political pragmatism could bring about change. The fact that the 18th Amendment was short-lived and that alcohol consumption was merely drive underground rather than being stopped somewhat dampens any claim for long-lasting success for the movement however. Prohibition also led to the rise of organized crime in many cities, again not exactly on the Progressive agenda. Most of all, the United States consisted of people who mostly did not want to ban alcohol consumption, however they had been temporarily persuaded otherwise. In contrast to the temperance movement, one cause of the progressive movement, that of introducing stricter food and drug laws to the United States, has survived and even expanded into the modern day. As McGerr suggests, a single books such as Upton Sinclair’s exposure of the disgusting, unsanitary practices at Chicago meat-packing plants   led at least in part to the enactment of the â€Å"Pure Food and Drug Act† and the â€Å"meat Inspection Act† in 1906. These Acts were an example of how the progressive movement could call a purely capitalist system to task and show that at least some degree of government intervention, oversight and even control was needed. A similar situation was seen within the child labor laws, that were brought about after progressives exposed the terrible conditions that even very young children worked in. Exposing these conditions through written descriptions by excellent writers and, most powerfully, through telling photographs of children at work, galvanized public support for changes in the law.   Lewis Hines produced unforgettable pictures of children at work. They were unforgettable because they were so sad, and brought guilt to nearly all Americans who saw them. This element within the Progressive Movement unapologetically used emotion to achieve what McGerr states they were looking for, namely â€Å"to change other people; to end class conflict; to control big business†.   The Child Labor laws that were introduced were in part an attempt to alleviate the terrible conditions experienced by many children and also, in the long run, to give them a chance at gaining the education that would allow them to rise above their low origins. Child Labor laws were thus part of the attempt bridge social gaps between the rich and the poor through enabling the poor to rise and by punishing the rich for their more exploitative practices. Essentially, they may be seen as part of the progressive agenda to make everyone middle class. Yet once again there was a very practical element to the method that these groups used. The National Consumers’ League was formed in 1899 and the National Child Labor Committee in 1904, both stemming from the work of the Working Women’s Societies. As with many progressive causes, movement towards actual change was at first slow and met with many failures before it finally succeeded. Federal regulations were declared unconstitutional in 1916, failed to become law in 1924 and initially in 1937. Finally, in 1938 the federal regulation of child labor was gained through the Fair Labor Standards Act. This set a minimum age for employment and set maximum hours that children were to work within federal law. It took more than thirty years since the first societies were initially set up for the movement to succeed. However, child labor laws have been strengthened ever since this time and have now become an unchallenged part of the American landscape. In this sense the Progressive movement was ahead of its time, pushing American to live out its promises to its most vulnerable citizens: children. Once again, pragmatism mixed with idealism succeeded, and unlike the temperance movement, its results were permanent rather than temporary. To conclude, McGerr ends his book by saying that the â€Å"basic lesson† is that â€Å"reformers should not try too much†. Perhaps this can be adapted to say that reformers should pick their causes carefully and then try as much as possible. Having too broad a range of objectives may be self-defeating. But picking a cause, such as child labor, that most rational human beings would consider the progressives possess the correct ethical stance on, is a way of advancing the agenda successfully.   At times, as is evidenced by the First World War and the defeat for the idea of government regulation that came from it, the progressive movement (as are all political movements) is influenced by matters beyond its control. The best laid plans may well come awry because of unforeseen or unpredictable circumstances. Works Cited McGerr, Michael. A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement in America, 1870-1920. Oxford University Press, London: 2005.   

Iran Country Assessment

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a country governed by a regime that began with a revolution headed by Ayatollah Khomeini over two decades ago. Khomeini was the first to label the United States as the ‘Great Satan. ’ Although the Iranian government denies it, terrorism has been actively supported, both materially and morally, for years by Iran and Iran supports efforts damaging to the U. S. If the more extreme elements in Iran continue to hold power and arm themselves with nuclear weapons, the international repercussions would be far-reaching.Understanding of Iran is important for members of the U. S. Armed Forces in order to comprehend the scope of Iran’s extremist’s leanings. On the other hand, many of Iran’s citizens love the United States and are resentful of Iran’s oppressive regime. The anti democracy and hindrance of personal liberty have taken a large toll on the Iranian youth. Iran’s younger generation has put forth a lot of res istance against this oppressive regime. Over two thirds of Iran’s population is under the age of 30, which is good from an operational standpoint.This massive amount of young people generally feels that there is hope to moderate if not remove the oppressive regime. Recently a few young Iranians have been frustrated to the point of actively demonstrating against the regime. It is also important to mention many younger Iranians want improved relations with the United States. Most urban Iranians have access to the Internet and satellite television and are able to compare their standard of living with that of the United States and Western Europe.The Kurdish people believe that they are a nation in itself that are deserving of a sovereign homeland. After the formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, many Kurdish sided with the Iranian leftist and protested against Ayatollah Khomeini and his regime. In 1979, the Kurdish formed a rebellion, which ended with thousands of Kurdish dea d. Shortly after this, Khomeini centered his power and banded Kurds from serving in government office and greatly enforced freedom of expression.The Party of Free Life of Kurdistan is a militant group that is based out of Iraq but has been consistently performing operations in Iran. Iran has prepared to conduct military action against the group and has moved a large portion of Iran’s military to Kurdistan to hinder the uprising of the militant group. The Party of Free Life of Kurdistan would be a great asset to possible future operation in Kurdistan. The party is semi supportive of the United States but will most likely be more than willing to help in U.S operations in Iran due to their long-term goal of destroying the regime. Iran is a tough operational problem set due to their advanced military and technical power. Operations in Iran should be focused on using the people of Iran to include the youth and Kurdish people. Intelligence operations would be better suited for usin g Iran’s youth because they are more supportive of the Untied States and have the ability to work in Iran’s government and military. The Kurdish are not trusted in the government and would not be able to provide accurate intelligence.Operations should be held out of North East Iraq due to the likelihood of Iraq cooperating with the United States during operations. Iraq has a large portion of Kurdistan and it would be easy to work with the Kurds right out of Iraq. Iran and Iraq have a long history of war which only furthers Iraqs likelihood of helping the U. S. Iran is a very dynamic and technologically advanced country, which presents many intelligence issues. The help of Kurdistan, Iranian youth and Iraq would greatly increase the likelihood of operational success in Iran.