Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A-List Filipino Political Bloggers and Their Blog Readers

abstract This paper looks at political blogging in a developing, democratic country, like the Philippines. It presents the results of an exploratory-descriptive study of the profile, perception, and activities of 30 A-list Filipino political bloggers and 64 of their readers, who are mostly male, young, collegeeducated, high-income and veteran Internet users. Bloggers and readers see blogging as a form of political participation that has led to exchanges offline. For both bloggers and readers, there was no significant change in their participation before and after blogging. A blog serves more to keep track of bloggers’ thoughts, inform others and over time, formulate new ideas. This is in sync with blog readers’ expectation of gaining information and knowing others’ views. Readers are highly cynical and moderately efficacious, which may be caused by exposure to blogs that are critical of government. Despite its limited impact, blogs support democracy by allowing expression and encouraging participation despite the odds in Philippine politics.
Ribosomal protein S1 and NusA protein complexed to recombination protein beta of phage lambda

The red genes of bacteriophage lambda specify two proteins, exonuclease and beta protein, which are essential for general recombination of lambda in recA cells. Earlier studies suggested that these proteins form an equimolar complex (C. M. Radding, J. Rosenweig, F. Richards, and E. Cassuto, J. Biol. Chem. 246:2510-2512, 1971). A more recent study indicated that beta protein forms a strong complex with an unknown polypeptide of 70 kDa (K. Muniyappa and C. M. Radding, J. Biol. Chem. 261:7472-7478, 1986). In the present study, in addition to the complex of beta and the 70-kDa protein, a new association of beta protein with a 65-kDa protein was observed. N-terminal sequencing identified these proteins as host-encoded ribosomal protein S1 and transcription terminator protein NusA.
Divergent Generation of Heterogeneous Memory CD4 T Cells1

Mechanisms for the generation of memory CD4 T cells and their delineation into diverse subsets remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate in two Ag systems, divergent generation of heterogeneous memory CD4 T cells from activated precursors in distinct differentiation stages. Specifically, we show that influenza hemagglutinin- and OVA-specific CD4 T cells activated for 1, 2, and 3 days, respectively, exhibit gradations of differentiation by cell surface phenotype, IFN-γ production, and proliferation, yet all serve as direct precursors for functional memory CD4 T cells when transferred in vivo into Ag-free mouse hosts. Using a conversion assay to track the immediate fate of activated precursors in vivo, we show that day 1- to 3-activated cells all rapidly convert from an activated phenotype (CD25highIL-7RlowCD44high) to a resting memory phenotype (IL-7RhighCD25lowCD44high) 1 day after antigenic withdrawal. Paradoxically, stable memory subset delineation from undifferentiated (day 1- to 2-activated) precursors was predominantly an effector memory (CD62Llow) profile, with an increased proportion of central memory (CD62Lhigh) T cells arising from more differentiated (day 3-activated) precursors. Our findings support a divergent model for generation of memory CD4 T cells directly from activated precursors in multiple differentiation states, with subset heterogeneity maximized by increased activation and differentiation during priming.
Glycine Dimerization Motif in the N-terminal Transmembrane Domain of the High Density Lipoprotein Receptor SR-BI Required for Normal Receptor Oligomerization and Lipid Transport*

Scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI), a CD36 superfamily member, is an oligomeric high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor that mediates negatively cooperative HDL binding and selective lipid uptake. We identified in the N-terminal transmembrane (N-TM) domain of SR-BI a conserved glycine dimerization motif, G15X2G18X3AX2G25, of which the submotif G18X3AX2G25 significantly contributes to homodimerization and lipid uptake activity. SR-BI variants were generated by mutations (single or multiple Gly → Leu substitutions) or by replacing the N-TM domain with those from other CD36 superfamily members containing (croquemort) or lacking (lysosomal integral membrane protein (LIMP) II) this glycine motif (chimeras). None of the SR-BI variants exhibited altered surface expression (based on antibody binding) or HDL binding. However, the G15L/G18L/G25L triple mutant exhibited reductions in cell surface homo-oligomerization (>10-fold) and the rate of selective lipid uptake (∼2-fold). Gly18 and Gly25 were necessary for normal lipid uptake activity of SR-BI and the SR-BI/croquemort chimera. The lipid uptake activity of the glycine motif-deficient SR-BI/LIMP II chimera was low but could be increased by introducing glycines at positions 18 and 25. The rate of lipid uptake mediated by SR-BI/LIMP II chimeras was proportional to the extent of receptor oligomerization. Thus, the glycine dimerization motif G18X3AX2G25 in the N-TM domain of SR-BI contributes substantially to the homo-oligomerization and lipid transport activity of SR-BI but does not influence the negative cooperativity of HDL binding. Oligomerization-independent binding cooperativity suggests that classic allostery is not involved and that the negative cooperativity is probably the consequence of a “lattice effect” (interligand steric interference accompanying binding to adjacent receptors).
Web-based screening and brief intervention for hazardous drinking: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Strong evidence exists for the efficacy of screening and brief intervention for reducing hazardous drinking. However, problems have been highlighted with respect to its implementation in health-care systems, not least of which is a reluctance of some doctors to discuss alcohol proactively with their patients. AIMS To determine the efficacy of a novel web-based screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) to reduce hazardous drinking. DESIGN A double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING A university student health service. PARTICIPANTS A total of 167 students (17-26 years) were recruited in the reception area and completed a 3-minute web-based screen including the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Of these, 112 tested positive, and 104 (52 females) who consented to follow-up were included in the trial. MEASUREMENTS Drinking frequency, typical occasion quantity, total volume, heavy episode frequency (females > 80 g ethanol, males > 120 g ethanol), number of personal problems, an academic problems score. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to 10-15 minutes of web-based assessment and personalized feedback on their drinking (intervention, n = 51) or to a leaflet-only control group (n = 53). FINDINGS Mean baseline AUDIT scores for control and intervention groups were 16.6 (SD = 6.0) and 16.6 (SD = 5.7). At 6 weeks, participants receiving e-SBI reported significantly lower total consumption (geometric mean ratio = 0.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.56-0.96), lower heavy episode frequency (0.63; 0.42-0.92) and fewer personal problems (0.70; 0.54-0.91). At 6 months personal problems remained lower (0.76; 0.60-0.97), although consumption did not differ significantly. At 6 months, academic problems were lower in the intervention group relative to controls (0.72; 0.51-1.02). CONCLUSIONS e-SBI reduced hazardous drinking among university students, to an extent similar to that found for practitioner-delivered brief interventions in the general population. e-SBI offers promise as a strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm in a way that is non-intrusive, appealing to the target group, and capable of being incorporated into primary care. Research is required to replicate the findings, to determine the duration of intervention effects, and to investigate the mechanisms by which the intervention operates.
Hypercytokinemia in Hemophagocytic Syndrome

Purpose The study was performed to clarify in the hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) how cytokinemia plays a role in its pathogenesis and if cytokinemia is of prognostic value. Patients and Methods : Serum concentrations of ferritin, inteiferon (IFN)-γ, soluble interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor, IL-6, and other cytokines were determined during the acute phase of the HPS in 29 children and three adults. Data comparing malignancy-associated (MAHS; n = 17) and infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS; n = 15) and those comparing surviving and fatal cases were assessed. Results : Hyperferritinemia and hypercytokinemia were present in all patients with HPS. Eleven of the 17 MAHS and three of the 15 IAHS cases were fatal (p < 0.05). No significant difference in cytokine concentrations was observed between MAHS and IAHS. Conclusions : In terms of cytokine effect on patient outcome, serum concentrations of IL-6 >300 ng/L and IFN-γ concentrations >30 U/ml or soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) concentrations >10,000 U/ml were considered to reflect a poor prognosis in HPS patients.
Microbial Diversity Associated with Odor Modification for Production of Fertilizers from Chicken Litter

ABSTRACT Litter from the chicken industry can present several environmental challenges, including offensive odors and runoff into waterways leading to eutrophication. An economically viable solution to the disposal of waste from chicken houses is treatment to produce a natural, granulated fertilizer that can be commercially marketed for garden and commercial use. Odor of the final product is important in consumer acceptance, and an earthy odor is desirable. By understanding and manipulating the microbial processes occurring during this process, it may be possible to modify the odors produced. Geosmin and related volatiles produced by soil actinomycetes are responsible for earthy odors, and actinomycetes are likely to be present in the composting manure. Bacterial communities at each stage of the process were analyzed by culturing studies and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The processing steps changed the culturable bacterial community, but the total community was shown by DGGE to be stable throughout the process. A local agricultural soil was analyzed in parallel as a potential source of geosmin-producing actinomycetes. This agricultural soil had higher microbial diversity than the compost at both the culturable and the molecular levels. Actinomycete bacteria were isolated and analyzed by AromaTrax, a gas chromatography-olfactometry system. This system enables the odor production of individual isolates to be monitored, allowing for rational selection of strains for augmentation experiments to improve the odor of the final fertilizer product.
Optimal random frequency range in transcranial pulsed current stimulation indexed by quantitative electroencephalography

Given the recent results provided by previous investigations on transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) demonstrating its modulatory effects on cortical connectivity; we aimed to explore the application of different random pulsed frequencies. The utility of tPCS as a neuromodulatory technique for cognition performance will come as additional frequency ranges are tested with the purpose to find optimal operational parameters for tPCS. This study was designed to analyze the effects of tPCS using the following random frequencies; 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15 Hz compared with sham on quantitative electroencephalographic changes in the spectral power and interhemispheric coherence of each electroencephalographic frequency band. This was a parallel, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial. Forty healthy individuals older than 18 years were eligible to participate. The main outcomes were differences in the spectral power analysis and interhemispheric coherence as measured by quantitative electroencephalography. Participants were randomly allocated to four groups of random frequency stimulation and received a single session of stimulation for 20 min with a current intensity of 2 mA delivered by bilateral periauricular electrode clips. We found that a random pulsed frequency between 6–10 Hz significantly increased the power and coherence in frontal and central areas for the alpha band compared with sham stimulation, while 11–15 Hz tPCS decreased the power for the alpha and theta bandwidth. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that a random frequency ranging into the boundaries of 6–10 Hz induces changes in the naturally occurring alpha oscillatory activity, providing additional data for further studies with tPCS.
The labor market consequences of political imprisonment in the former GDR

Barely any quantitative research has been devoted yet to the labor market consequences of incarceration for political offenses, which seems particularly unfortunate against the background of Europe's history of state persecution in the 20th century. Drawing on the example of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), our paper seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how the experience of political imprisonment affected individuals subsequent career outcomes. In our empirical analysis, we exploit a one-percent sample drawn from a unique large-scale administrative data set (BASiD). To the best of our knowledge, our study provides unprecedented evidence on the labor market effects of political imprisonment, by (1) exploiting information on political imprisonment using administrative records; (2) differentiating between possible short and long-run consequences of political imprisonment; and (3) measuring outcomes before and after the transition from a centrally planned towards a market economy, thereby permitting us to distinguish the consequences of incarceration under different political and economic regimes.
Calculating Higher-Order Moments of Phylogenetic Stochastic Mapping Summaries in Linear Time

Stochastic mapping is a simulation-based method for probabilistically mapping substitution histories onto phylogenies according to continuous-time Markov models of evolution. This technique can be used to infer properties of the evolutionary process on the phylogeny and, unlike parsimony-based mapping, conditions on the observed data to randomly draw substitution mappings that do not necessarily require the minimum number of events on a tree. Most stochastic mapping applications simulate substitution mappings only to estimate the mean and/or variance of two commonly used mapping summaries: the number of particular types of substitutions (labeled substitution counts) and the time spent in a particular group of states (labeled dwelling times) on the tree. Fast, simulation-free algorithms for calculating the mean of stochastic mapping summaries exist. Importantly, these algorithms scale linearly in the number of tips/leaves of the phylogenetic tree. However, to our knowledge, no such algorithm exists for calculating higher-order moments of stochastic mapping summaries. We present one such simulation-free dynamic programming algorithm that calculates prior and posterior mapping variances and scales linearly in the number of phylogeny tips. Our procedure suggests a general framework that can be used to efficiently compute higher-order moments of stochastic mapping summaries without simulations. We demonstrate the usefulness of our algorithm by extending previously developed statistical tests for rate variation across sites and for detecting evolutionarily conserved regions in genomic sequences.
Somatization in patients with dissociative disorders.

OBJECTIVE This study attempted to determine the prevalence of somatic symptoms, somatization disorder, and medical interventions in patients with dissociative disorders. METHOD Fourteen psychiatric inpatients with a DSM-III dissociative disorder were matched for age and gender with a comparison group of inpatients who reported few dissociative symptoms. All subjects were interviewed in a blind manner with the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (this semistructured interview schedule includes a section on somatization disorder), and their hospital charts were reviewed to determine somatic symptoms and medical histories. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of the patients with dissociative disorders met DSM-III criteria for somatization disorder and reported an average of 12.4 somatic symptoms. None of the comparison patients met DSM-III criteria for somatization disorder, and these patients reported an average of 3.1 somatic symptoms. These differences between the two groups were significant. Significant differences were also found in the number of medical hospitalizations and consultations between the two groups. A significant correlation was found between the degree of dissociation and degree of somatization in patients with dissociative disorders. CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that somatization disorder is a frequent and serious comorbid disorder among patients with dissociative disorders.
Lactoperoxidase Inhibits Glucosyltransferases from Streptococcus mutans in vitro

This study examines the possible effect of the antimicrobial peroxidase system on the activity of streptococcal glucosyltransferases B, C and D (GtfB, GtfC and GtfD), either in solution (GtfB and GtfC) or when adsorbed to hydroxyapatite (GtfC and GtfD) at pH 6.5. The lactoperoxidase (LP) system (LP, H2O2, SCN–) had no effect on the activity of dissolved GtfC, but the activity of dissolved GtfB was enhanced. The LP system, however, strongly inhibited the activities of both GtfC and GtfD in their adsorbed form. LP enzyme, without its substrates, inhibited all three Gtf enzymes: GtfB and GtfC in concentrations between 10 and 100 µg/ml in liquid phase and adsorbed GtfC and GtfD in concentrations between 25 and 50 µg/ml. This inhibition was in part abolished in liquid phase, but not in solid phase, if the substrates of LP were added. This study shows that the lactoperoxidase system can exert inhibitory activity against streptococcal Gtfs without generating oxidizing agents.
Relation of Perceived Emotional Intelligence and Health-Related Quality of Life of Middle-Aged Women

This study examined the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence and health-related quality of life in middle-aged women. 99 middle-aged Spanish women, who studied in two adult schools, volunteered to participate. 49 were premenopausal and 45 were postmenopausal. These women completed the Trait Meta-Mood Scale and Health Survey SF–36. Scores were analyzed according to social, physical, and mental health, menopausal status, and scores on perceived emotional intelligence. Then, the data regarding the mental and physical health of the premenopausal and postmenopausal women were compared after controlling for age. No associations between menopausal status and health-related quality of life were found. Perceived skill at mood repair was significantly associated with scores on health-related quality of life in these middle-aged women. These findings provide empirical evidence that aspects of perceived emotional intelligence may account for the health-related quality of life in midlife including social, physical, and psychological symptoms.
A new multilocus approach for a reliable DNA-based identification of Armillaria species

In this paper we highlight and critically discuss limitations to molecular methods for identification of fungi via the example of the basidiomycete genus Armillaria. We analyzed a total of 144 sequences of three DNA regions commonly used for identifying fungi (ribosomal IGS-1 and ITS regions, translation elongation factor-1 alpha gene) from 48 specimens of six Armillaria species occurring in Europe (A. cepistipes, A. ostoyae, A. gallica, A. borealis, A. mellea, A. tabescens). Species were identified by comparing newly obtained sequences with those from the NCBI database, phylogenetic analyses and PCR-RFLP analyses of the three regions considered. When analyzed separately, no single gene region could unambiguously identify all six Armillaria species because of low interspecific and high intrasequence variability. We therefore developed a multilocus approach, which involves the stepwise use of the three regions. Following this scheme, all six species could be clearly discriminated. Our study suggests that, to improve the reliability of DNA-based techniques for species identification, multiple genes or intergenic regions should be analyzed.
Guided goal setting: Effectiveness in a dietary and physical activity intervention with low-income adolescents

OBJECTIVE Determining the effectiveness of the guided goal setting strategy on changing adolescents' dietary and physical activity self-efficacy and behaviors. DESIGN Adolescents were individually assigned to treatment (intervention with guided goal setting) or control conditions (intervention without guided goal setting) with data collected before and after the education intervention. SETTING Urban middle school in a low-income community in Central California. PARTICIPANTS Ethnically diverse middle school students (n = 94, 55% male) who were participants of a USDA nutrition education program. INTERVENTION Driven by the Social Cognitive Theory, the intervention targeted dietary and physical activity behaviors of adolescents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dietary self-efficacy and behavior; physical activity self-efficacy and behavior; goal effort and spontaneous goal setting. ANALYSIS ANCOVA and path analysis were performed using the full sample and a sub-sample informed by Locke's recommendations (accounting for goal effort and spontaneous goal setting). RESULTS No significant differences were found between groups using the full sample. Using the sub-sample, greater gains in dietary behavior (p < .05), physical activity behavior (p < .05), and physical activity self-efficacy (p < .05) were made by treatment participants compared to control participants. Change in physical activity behaviors was mediated by self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Accounting for goal effort and spontaneous goal setting, this study provides some evidence that the use of guided goal setting with adolescents may be a viable strategy to promote dietary and physical activity behavior change.
Getting the Bugs Out: A Portable Harmonic Radar System for Electronic Countersurveillance Applications

The concept of a radar that detects semiconductor and metallic objects by monitoring second and third harmonic reradiations was conceived over 35 years ago. Called harmonic or nonlinear [1], [2], these radars can transmit at one or multiple frequencies and then receive the reflected signals at, or close to, the harmonic frequencies. Recently, harmonic radars have been used in different applications such as insect and bee tracking, vital-sign monitoring, antitheft systems [3], vehicular detection and identification, and countersurveillance [4]-[7]. Important design metrics for harmonic radars include operating frequencies, waveforms, polarizations, power levels, false-alarm rates, and detection sensitivity and range [5].