Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lifetime discrimination associated with greater likelihood of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the stressor of perceived discrimination was associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual symptoms among minority women. This study builds on previous research that found perceived discrimination was positively associated with other psychiatric illnesses. METHODS Participants were 2718 Asian, Latina, and black premenopausal women aged 18-40 years who completed the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview for the National Latino and Asian American Survey or the National Survey of American Life. Perceived discrimination was assessed with the Everyday Discrimination Scale. DSM-IV-based diagnostic algorithms generated a provisional lifetime diagnosis of PMDD. RESULTS Eighty-three percent of the participants reported experiencing discrimination (due to race, gender, age, height or weight, or other reasons) in their lifetimes. The frequency of perceived discrimination was positively associated with PMDD (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.10) and premenstrual symptoms (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05), independent of demographic covariates and social desirability. Women reporting gender discrimination (OR 5.18, 95% CI 1.80-14.90), race discrimination (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.54-11.11), and other forms of discrimination (OR 6.43, 95% CI 2.11-19.65) were significantly more likely than women without experiences of discrimination to have PMDD. Subtle discrimination was more strongly associated with PMDD (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23) than was blatant discrimination (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.94-1.15). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to demonstrate that perceived discrimination is associated with PMDD and premenstrual symptoms. These findings suggest that the prevalence of these conditions may be lessened by reducing discrimination in women's lives.
Novel Yeast Cell-Based Assay To Screen for Inhibitors of Human Cytomegalovirus Protease in a High-Throughput Format

ABSTRACT The protease encoded by the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an attractive target for antiviral drug development because of its essential function in viral replication. We describe here a cellular assay in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the identification of small molecule inhibitors of HCMV protease by conditional growth in selective medium. In this system, the protease cleavage sequence is inserted into the N-(5′-phosphoribosyl)anthranilate isomerase (Trp1p), a yeast protein essential for cell proliferation in the absence of tryptophan. Coexpression of HCMV protease with the engineered Trp1p substrate in yeast cells results in site-specific cleavage and functional inactivation of the Trp1p enzyme, thereby leading to an arrest of cell proliferation. This growth arrest can be suppressed by the addition of validated HCMV protease inhibitors. The growth selection system presented here provides the basis for a high-throughput screen to identify HCMV protease inhibitors that are active in eukaryotic cells.
Achieving interoperability between federated identity management systems: A case of study

User authentication schemes have been a key research topic in the field of data security for decades. Such schemes are evaluated according to at least two parameters: security and usability. Since a number of secure and usable authentication schemes are available, each institution can select the scheme that is considered to be most appropriate for its security policy. Such a per-site system selection has the following feature: each site has to authorize each user that tries to access its resources. In a world in which users mobility is growing, the feature we have just described forces a huge overhead; both from the site's viewpoint and the users' viewpoint, since each user needs to store different credentials for each site she accesses to.Federated authentication allows users to use their home authentication credentials for gaining access to other institutions services while moving among different institutions. Different federated authentication systems have been designed and implemented. Despite simplified users mobility, one key problem in this area is that, often, different authentication systems do not cooperate or provide a limited interoperability. In this paper we discuss the problem of achieving full interoperability among Federated Identity Management Systems and present, as proof-of-concept, a solution to allow full communication between two federated authentication systems, Shibboleth a de facto standard in this context, and PAPI (Point of Access to Providers of Information). Such a solution leverages an intermediate bridge which joins both federations and features protocols translation during cross-federation Authentication/Authorization (AA) sessions.
Genes upregulated in a metastasizing human colon carcinoma cell line

Differential gene expression between the metastatic human colon cancer cell line HT29p and its nonmetastatic counterpart HT29‐MTX was revealed by suppression subtractive hybridization. Fifty‐eight individual genes showed increased mRNA levels in HT29p cells. Only 15 of these genes had been related to transformation in previous studies; the majority of genes are new candidates encoding proteins relevant for the metastatic process. Cancer profiling arrays as well as in situ hybridization study revealed that at least some of the genes obtained in the SSH screen are also differentially expressed in human tumors. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Their Influence on Nutritional State and Performance Status in Patients With Different Primary Tumors Receiving Palliative Care

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional balance, and performance status in patients receiving palliative care for advanced cancers originating in different sites. We studied a total of 105 patients. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score (ECOG-PS), dietary intakes, anthropometric measures, and some serum proteins were determined. Unintentional weight loss, alterations in anthropometric measures, and highest number of symptoms were greater in patients with lung and stomach cancer. No differences were found in ECOG-PS according to cancer site. Patients with gastric or lung cancer have most evidence of protein-calorie malnutrition and a higher prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The performance status is not affected by tumor site. Early nutritional support should be planned for all patients with cancer, especially for patients with gastric or lung cancer.
Speed and Load Torque Observer Application in High-Speed Train Electric Drive

This paper presents an application of induction motor mechanical speed and load torque observers in high-speed train drives. The observers are applied for a 1.2-MW electric drive with an induction motor. The goal of using such observers is to utilize computed variables for diagnostic purposes of speed sensors and torque transmission system. The concept of diagnostic system is presented in this paper, and proper criteria are proposed. The suggested system is designed to work without a speed sensor in the case of existing sensor faults. Monitored motor load torque is used to limit the maximum motor torque in the case of existing problems in the gearbox. The results of simulation and experimental investigations for a 1.2-MW induction motor drive are presented.
Performance of Pairs Trading Strategy in the U.S. REIT Market

We examine the performance of pairs trading in the U.S. REIT market compared with that in the U.S. general stock market over the period 1987 to 2008. The results suggest that the REIT market provided superior profit opportunities for this strategy over common stocks after accounting for the effect of the bid‐ask bounce between 1993 and 2000. This was likely because of the unique characteristics of REITs, which permitted the selection of good pairs of close substitutes and the structural changes that occurred in 1993 in the REIT market. The superior trading profits in REITs disappear after 2000.
Collusion under Payoff Fluctuations

Theoretical literature on collusion has focused on a specific formulation of payoff fluctuations, namely by demand shocks, and showed that payoff fluctuations are bad for collusion. Introducing general payoff fluctuations, we show that (i) payoff fluctuations may strictly reduce the minimum discount factor to sustain collusion and (ii) both mutual cooperation and defection can arise as the outcome of the best symmetric equilibrium. The former result implies that payoff fluctuations can facilitate collusion. The latter provides a rationale for the coexistence of cartels and price wars (as the reversion to noncooperative actions) in a single collusive behavior.
Openness, Trade Liberalization, and Growth in Developing Countries

I am indebted to three referees for extremely helpful comments. This paper was revised during my stay at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, in March 1992. I thank colleagues and the library staff at Kiel for support. I am grateful to the participants of a seminar at USAID for stimulating discussions. I especially thank Jim Fox for his comments. Roberto Schatan, Fernando Losada, and Abraham Vela, provided able assistance. I am particularly indebted to Miguel Savastano for extensive assistance and comments on earlier versions of this paper. Financial support from the Institute for Policy reform, the University of California Pacific Rim Program, and the National Science Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.
Signals in bacterial β-barrel proteins are functional in eukaryotic cells for targeting to and assembly in mitochondria

The outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts harbor β-barrel proteins. The signals that allow precursors of such proteins to be targeted to mitochondria were not characterized so far. To better understand the mechanism by which β-barrel precursor proteins are recognized and sorted within eukaryotic cells, we expressed the bacterial β-barrel proteins PhoE, OmpA, Omp85, and OmpC in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and demonstrated that they were imported into mitochondria. A detailed investigation of the import pathway of PhoE revealed that it is shared with mitochondrial β-barrel proteins. PhoE interacts initially with surface import receptors, and its further sorting depends on components of the TOB/SAM complex. The bacterial Omp85 and PhoE integrated into the mitochondrial outer membrane as native-like oligomers. For the latter protein this assembly depended on the C-terminal Phe residue, which is important also for the correct assembly of PhoE into the bacterial outer membrane. Collectively, it appears that mitochondrial β-barrel proteins have not evolved eukaryotic-specific signals to ensure their import into mitochondria. Furthermore, the signal for assembly of β-barrel proteins into the bacterial outer membrane is functional in mitochondria.
An empirical examination of the determinants of the shadow economy

Using a statistical methodology guided only by data and based on a genetic algorithm, we select the best econometric model for explaining the determinants of the size of the shadow economy, its main determinants being: taxes on capital gains of individuals, corporate taxes on income, profits and capital gains, domestic credit, bank secrecy, ethnic fractionalization, urban population, globalization, corruption and the socialist legal origin of country.
Neo-Marxist approaches to development and underdevelopment

“… But (the Western European Capitalist countries) are not completing this development [towards socialism] as we previously expected they would. They are completing it not through a steady ‘maturing’ of socialism, but through the exploitation of some states by others …” -Lenin, Better Fewer, But Better (his last article), 1923. “… There are two types of capitalism — capitalism of the imperialist countries and colonial capitalism … In the colonies capitalism is not a product of local conditions and development, but is fostered by the penetration of foreign capital. ” -Trotsky, speech at the 3rd anniversary of the Communist University of the Toilers of the East, 1924.
Differential Roles for the E2A Activation Domains in B Lymphocytes and Macrophages1

The E2A gene encodes two E protein/class I basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, E12 and E47, that are essential for B lymphopoiesis. In addition to the DNA-binding and protein dimerization domain, the E proteins share two highly conserved transcription activation domains. In this study, we show that both activation domains are required for optimal E2A-dependent transcription. Surprisingly, however, neither activation domain is required for E2A to rescue B lymphopoiesis from E2A−/− hemopoietic progenitors, although the N terminus of E2A, which harbors some transcription capacity, is required. Therefore, the E protein activation domains function redundantly in promoting B cell development. In contrast, the N-terminal activation domain, AD1, is required for a newly described ability of E2A to suppress macrophage development in vitro. Our findings demonstrate distinct functionalities for the E protein activation domains in B lymphocytes and macrophages.
A Performance Investigation of a Four-Switch Three-Phase Inverter-Fed IM Drives at Low Speeds Using Fuzzy Logic and PI Controllers

This paper presents a speed controller using a fuzzy-logic controller (FLC) for indirect field-oriented control (IFOC) of induction motor (IM) drives fed by a four-switch three-phase (FSTP) inverter. In the proposed approach, the IM drive system is fed by an FSTP inverter instead of the traditional six-switch three-phase (SSTP) inverter for cost-effective low-power applications. The proposed FLC improves dynamic responses, and it is also designed with reduced computation burden. The complete IFOC scheme incorporating the FLC for IM drives fed by the proposed FSTP inverter is built in MATLAB/Simulink, and it is also experimentally implemented in real time using a DSP-DS1103 control board for a prototype 1.1-kW IM. The dynamic performance, robustness, and insensitivity of the proposed FLC with the FSTP inverter-fed IM drive is examined and compared to a traditional proportional-integral (PI) controller under speed tracking, load disturbances, and parameters variation, particularly at low speeds. It is found that the proposed FLC is more robust than the PI controller under load disturbances, and parameters variation. Moreover, the proposed FSTP IM drive is comparable with a traditional SSTP IM drive, considering its good dynamic performance, cost reduction, and low total harmonic distortion (THD).
Parents’ and children’s self-report of parenting factors: How much do they agree and which is more strongly associated with early adolescent alcohol use?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether parents’ and children’s reports of parenting practices were correlated, whether the reports were differentially associated with alcohol use, and which report had the strongest association with alcohol use. Method: We carried out a cross-sectional and longitudinal study in public schools in Chicago, IL. Participants included 1373 ethnically diverse students and parents involved in an alcohol use prevention intervention. Surveys were conducted with sixth-grade and eighth-grade students. Mixed-effects regression analyses were used to model relationships cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results: Parents’ and children’s perceptions of parenting practices, while significantly correlated, were not strongly associated. Analyses within each parenting domain found parents’ report of parental monitoring and children’s reports of alcohol-specific communication, general communication and relationship satisfaction were associated with alcohol use behaviours and intentions. After adjusting for all other parenting practices, parents’ report of parental monitoring and children’s report of alcohol-specific communication were most strongly related to alcohol use behaviours and intentions both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Conclusions: When comparing results across studies, it is important to identify whose report was used, parent or child, as the results may differ based on the reporter. Studies with limited resources may consider using parents’ reports about parental monitoring and using children’s reports for alcohol-specific communication, general communication and relationship satisfaction.
Rapid and sensitive detection of Campylobacter spp. in chicken products by using the polymerase chain reaction

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after a short enrichment culture was used to detect Campylobacter spp. in chicken products. After the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Campylobacter jejuni was determined and compared with known sequences from other enterobacteria, a primer and probe combination was selected from the region before V3 and the variable regions V3 and V5. With this primer set and probe, 426-bp fragments from C. jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari could be amplified. The detection limit of the PCR was 12.5 CFU. Chicken samples inoculated with 25 CFU of Campylobacter spp. per g were PCR positive after an 18-h enrichment, which resulted in 500 CFU/ml of culture broth. This PCR-culture assay was compared with the conventional method on naturally infected chicken products. Both methods detected the same number of positive and negative samples; however, the results of the PCR-culture assay were available within 48 h.
Monetary Conditions index for Kenya

The purpose of this paper is to construct and test the feasibility of a monetary conditions index (MCI) for Kenya using 2000 – 2011 time series quarterly data. Empirical results confirm the existence of cointegration between aggregate demand (GDP), the real exchange rate, the short-term interest rate and the claims on private sector. The last three variables are key in the monetary transmission mechanism for Kenya. Their relative strengths proceeds from the exchange rate, credit to private sector and the interest rates respectively. On the use of the monetary conditions index as an indicator, results show that it closely mirrors the movements of the interest rates while also closely tracking changes in the exchange rates. This makes its use in Kenya quite realistic since it would not be a radical departure from the use of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rate.
Agenda Formation and Accounting Standards Setting: Lessons from the Standards Setters

There are many studies on lobbying of accounting standards, but the technical agenda of regulators is taken as ‘given’ and why a particular topic was admitted to the agenda is not investigated. Agenda formation is important as control of the agenda determines which topics get regulated and the form of the regulatory response. A few studies have explored agenda formation across regulatory institutions but are largely silent on the role of individual decision makers and technical staff. However, the standards setters have sought to explain their agenda processes. This paper reviews statements by the members of accounting standards setting agencies about their experiences of agenda formation. It identifies insights gained from standard setters and makes some suggestions for future research.
Robust Spatiotemporal LS-SVM Modeling for Nonlinear Distributed Parameter System With Disturbance

Most distributed parameter systems (DPS) have a strongly nonlinear spatiotemporal nature and are affected by disturbance. However, most of the existing DPS modeling methods only consider the linear relation between the spatial positions, but neglect the nonlinear one. Additionally, they also do not account for the influence of disturbance. Thus, in this paper, a robust spatiotemporal least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) modeling method for DPS with disturbance is proposed. First, a spatial kernel function is constructed in order to describe the nonlinear relation between spatial positions. An optimal fusion method is then developed to derive a robust temporal coefficient, from which the influence of disturbance can be rejected. Through the integration of the spatial kernel function and the robust temporal coefficient, a robust spatiotemporal LS-SVM model is constructed. Since this modeling not only considers the nonlinear nature but also takes the influence of disturbance into account, it has the ability to adapt well to the nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics, even when disturbance is presented. The analysis and proof show that the proposed robust spatiotemporal LS-SVM modeling method has the better robust performance as compared to the existing ones. Case studies not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, but also demonstrate its superior robustness than other conventional modeling methods.
Development of Motivate4Change Using the Intervention Mapping Protocol: An Interactive Technology Physical Activity and Medication Adherence Promotion Program for Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients

Background It is important that heart failure (HF) patients adhere to their medication regimen and engage in physical activity. Evidence shows that adherence to these HF self-management behaviors can be improved with appropriate interventions. Objective To further promote medication adherence and physical activity among HF patients, we developed an intervention for hospitalized HF patients. Methods The intervention mapping protocol was applied in the development of the intervention. This entailed performing a needs assessment, defining change objectives, selecting determinants and strategies, and developing the materials. Results The resulting intervention, Motivate4Change, makes use of interactive technology and provides HF patients with personalized feedback and advice. Specific change objectives were defined. The relevant behavioral determinants for the physical activity program were practical knowledge on physical activity performance and self-efficacy for, and perceived benefits of, physical activity. For medication-taking, the selected determinants were practical knowledge on medication-taking, perceived barriers to medication-taking, beliefs about the necessity and harm regarding the medication prescribed, and beliefs about overprescribing and harm of medication in general. The change objectives and behavior change determinants were translated in feedback and advice strategies in an interactive technology program that included tailored feedback and advice, and role models in videos in which the behaviors and overcoming barriers were demonstrated. Relevant stakeholders were involved in the interventions development process. The intervention was pretested among HF patients and adjustments were made accordingly. Conclusions The interactive technology physical activity and medication adherence promotion program for hospitalized HF patients was systematically developed using the intervention mapping protocol and was based on the available theory and evidence regarding HF self-management behavior change. The intervention’s efficacy is yet to be determined in evaluation research.
Civic Events in a Dynamic Local Field. The Role of Participation for Social Innovation

Despite the spread of a variety of small-scale civic events, little is known about their potential for promoting innovation and field-wide implications. This paper addresses these points drawing on a study of 52 civic events in Milan between 2006 and 2010, which were set up by 10 nonprofit organizations within a shared local field. In order to assess if and how the observed events relate to a number of transformations that the local field underwent during the research period, an analytical typology of events' development is proposed. The results suggest that patterns of events' development are not neutral with respect to the production of field-relevant implications and that the triggering of social innovation processes by events requires pro-active public participation in their development processes.