Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of the KiVa Antibullying Program on Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization Frequency Among Finnish Youth

Cyberbullying among school-aged children has received increased attention in recent literature. However, no empirical evidence currently exists on whether existing school-based antibullying programs are effective in targeting the unique aspects of cyberbullying. To address this important gap, the present study investigates the unique effects of the KiVa Antibullying Program on the frequency of cyberbullying and cybervictimization among elementary and middle school youth. Using data from a group randomized controlled trial, multilevel ordinal regression analyses were used to examine differences in the frequencies of cyberbullying and cybervictimization between intervention (N = 9,914) and control students (N = 8,498). The effects of age and gender on frequencies of cyber behaviors were also assessed across conditions. Results revealed a significant intervention effect on the frequency of cybervictimization; KiVa students reported lower frequencies of cybervictimization at posttest than students in a control condition. The effect of condition on the perpetration of cyberbullying was moderated by age. When student age was below the sample mean, KiVa students reported lower frequencies of cyberbullying than students in the control condition. We also found evidence of classroom level variation in cyberbullying and cybervictimization, suggesting cyberbullying is in part a classroom-level phenomenon. KiVa appears to be an efficacious program to address cyber forms of bullying and victimization. We discuss several unique aspects of KiVa that may account for the significant intervention effects. Results suggest that KiVa is an intervention option for schools concerned with reducing cyberbullying behavior and its deleterious effects on children's adjustment.
Combined Use of Bacteriophage K and a Novel Bacteriophage To Reduce Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT Biofilms are major causes of impairment of wound healing and patient morbidity. One of the most common and aggressive wound pathogens is Staphylococcus aureus, displaying a large repertoire of virulence factors and commonly reduced susceptibility to antibiotics, such as the spread of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Bacteriophages are obligate parasites of bacteria. They multiply intracellularly and lyse their bacterial host, releasing their progeny. We isolated a novel phage, DRA88, which has a broad host range among S. aureus bacteria. Morphologically, the phage belongs to the Myoviridae family and comprises a large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome of 141,907 bp. DRA88 was mixed with phage K to produce a high-titer mixture that showed strong lytic activity against a wide range of S. aureus isolates, including representatives of the major international MRSA clones and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Its efficacy was assessed both in planktonic cultures and when treating established biofilms produced by three different biofilm-producing S. aureus isolates. A significant reduction of biofilm biomass over 48 h of treatment was recorded in all cases. The phage mixture may form the basis of an effective treatment for infections caused by S. aureus biofilms.
Stage‐specific effect of N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide on cell growth in squamous cell carcinogenesis

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent form of epithelial cancer. SCC results when normal epithelial cells undergo multiple neoplastic changes that culminate in the evolution of an invasive cancer. Retinoids are commonly used as chemopreventive and treatment agents in skin cancer; however, SCC progression is accompanied by a gradual loss of retinoid responsiveness. The synthetic retinoid N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (HPR) has shown promising anti‐neoplastic activity in a variety of tumor cells, including those that are resistant to all‐trans retinoic acid (t‐RA). We investigated the effect of HPR on growth and apoptosis of squamous cells at different stages of carcinogenesis. We then determined if retinoic acid receptor (RAR) overexpression affected the outcome of HPR treatment. To model SCC malignant progression, we used a panel of murine keratinocytes representing different stages of squamous cell carcinogenesis. This panel consisted of primary keratinocytes, SP1 and 308 papilloma cell lines, the PAM‐212 squamous carcinoma cell line, and the spindle I7 cell line. With the exception of the primary keratinocytes, all cells were unresponsive to t‐RA treatment. Pharmacological concentrations of HPR were non‐cytotoxic to all keratinocytes tested and HPR sensitivity was stage‐dependent, with the papilloma cell lines being the most sensitive, and the spindle cells being the most resistant. Overexpression of RARγ in SP1 papilloma cells enhanced growth suppression and apoptosis induction by HPR. HPR‐induced growth suppression was accompanied by a simultaneous block in the G1 phase of the cell cycle in RAR‐transduced and control SP1 cells and differential regulation of cell cycle and apoptotic mediators. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of IgG subclasses in antimonial unresponsive Indian kala‐azar patients

Sodium antimony gluconate (SAG) is the mainstay of treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala‐azar. In view of the increasing incidence of refractoriness to SAG in India, we compared the levels of parasite‐specific IgG and IgG subclasses in 20 longitudinally followed up kala‐azar patients. In both SAG‐responsive (n = 10) and unresponsive patients (n = 10), the levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 were increased, the rank order being IgG1 > IgG2 > IgG3 = IgG4. Following treatment, a significant decrease in total IgG and the four subclasses occurred in the SAG‐responsive group, whereas in the SAG‐unresponsive group these levels were unchanged or slightly increased. Therefore, monitoring of IgG1 and IgG2 levels in Indian kala‐azar patients is a good serologic alternative to monitoring the disease status.
A multiple‐scale assessment of long‐term aspen persistence and elevational range shifts in the Colorado Front Range

Aspen forests and woodlands are some of the most speciesrich forest communities in the northern hemisphere. Changing climate, altered disturbance regimes, land use, and increased herbivore pressure threaten these forests both in Eurasia and North America. In addition, rapid mortality dubbed “Sudden Aspen Decline” is a concern for aspen’s longterm presence in the western United States, especially Colorado and Utah. Yet it is still unclear whether aspen is persistent or declining at the landscape scale. We assessed aspen persistence at different spatial scales in the Colorado Front Range by resampling 89 plots containing aspen from among 305 vegetation plots sampled by Robert Peet during 1972–1973. We hypothesized that aspen density and basal area had decreased at the landscape scale, with notable variability in change depending on the forest community type, and that this overall decrease has been more pronounced at lower elevations. We also assessed elevational range shifts of the major species in these forests. Aspen were no longer present in 22 of the 89 plots and aspen density for stems less than 2.5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) had declined significantly overall, although density of medium (2.5–10 cm DBH) and large (>10 cm DBH) trees, as well as basal area, had not changed significantly. A comparison between montane (<2700 m elevation) and subalpine (2700–3500 m elevation) plots revealed that the decrease was more pronounced at higher elevations and was mostly the result of substantial decreases of stems in the eleven plots that were part of Peet’s aspendominated “Populus tremuloides series. ” In these plots, aspen basal area decreased significantly whereas basal area of Abies bifolia, Picea engelmannii, Pinus contorta, and Pseudotsuga menziesii increased substantially. Upslope shifts were observed for most species, especially on northeast facing slopes, suggesting climaterelated responses. In summary, aspen have been resilient in mixed forests and may be beneficiaries of recent bark beetle epidemics, but have decreased and been subject to successional transitions in previously aspendominated stands. Our results confirm the importance of regionspecific, multiplescale assessments of species persistence to make best management recommendations.
Communication Barriers and Lessons Learned in Energy Policy

In the past 30 years, energy researchers have concluded their academic publication with sections that deal directly with policy implications and recommendations. Yet too often, these recommendations are written with little understanding of how policymakers balance different needs, prefer to communicate, or use scientific information. In this manuscript, we outline key variables—time, training, and interpretation—that are key to understanding how to better communicate research implications to policymakers. We recommend emphasizing the power of language and the use of boundary objects in an attempt to mitigate the issues presented between researchers and policymakers.
Plasmid-Mediated Imipenem-Hydrolyzing Enzyme KPC-2 among Multiple Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli Clones in Israel

ABSTRACT Carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli is rare. We report four genetically unrelated carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates cultured from four patients hospitalized in Tel Aviv Medical Center. PCR, sequencing, and Southern blot analysis identified KPC-2 as the imipenem-hydrolyzing enzyme in all four strains, carried on different plasmids with a possible common origin. This is the first discovery of KPC-2 in E. coli and the first report of this enzyme originating outside the United States.
Cloning and Sequencing of two Enterococcal glpKGenes and Regulation of the Encoded Glycerol Kinases by Phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent, Phosphotransferase System-catalyzed Phosphorylation of a Single Histidyl Residue*

The glpK genes of Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis, encoding glycerol kinase, the key enzyme of glycerol uptake and metabolism in bacteria, have been cloned and sequenced. The translated amino acid sequences exhibit strong homology to the amino acid sequences of other bacterial glycerol kinases. After expression of the enterococcalglpK genes in Escherichia coli, both glycerol kinases were purified and were found to be phosphorylated by enzyme I and the histidine-containing protein of the phosphoenolpyruvate:glycose phosphotransferase system. Phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation caused a 9-fold increase in enzyme activity. The site of phosphorylation in glycerol kinase of E. casseliflavus was determined as His-232. Site-specific mutagenesis was used to replace His-232 in glycerol kinase of E. casseliflavus with an alanyl, glutamate, or arginyl residue. The mutant proteins could no longer be phosphorylated confirming that His-232 of E. casseliflavusglycerol kinase represents the site of phosphorylation. The His232 → Arg glycerol kinase exhibited an about 3-fold elevated activity compared with wild-type glycerol kinase. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate was found to inhibit E. casseliflavusglycerol kinase activity. However, neither EIIAGlc fromE. coli nor the EIIAGlc domain ofBacillus subtilis had an inhibitory effect on glycerol kinase of E. casseliflavus.
Prevalence of Skin Disease Among School Children and Adolescents in a Student Health Service Center in Hong Kong

Abstract: We document the prevalence and the pattern of dermatologic diseases among primary and secondary school students visiting a Student Health Service Center in Hong Kong. In this study, the differences in prevalence of skin diseases between these two groups are pointed out. A total of 1006 students from both primary (n = 559) and secondary schools (n = 447) were seen in a regional, population‐based screening center during the period from October 1996 to September 1997. Each student was asked to answer a simple questionnaire to identify any skin problems and to explore health‐seeking behavior. Students were then examined for evidence of skin disease. A total of 314 students (31.3%) had one or more skin disorders, the most common of which were acne vulgaris (9.9%), eczema (6.8%), café au lait spots (4.4%), congenital melanocytic nevus (3.6%), superficial fungal infections (2.2%), keratosis pilaris (1.3%), and pityriasis alba (1.0%), which represented 93% of the skin disorders encountered. Acne vulgaris and tinea cruris were distinctly more common in secondary school students, while atopic eczema and congenital melanocytic nevi were more commonly found in primary school students. Among the 314 students with skin disease, 129 (41%) had symptoms while 185 (59%) did not. Ninety of the 129 students (70%) with symptomatic skin problems did not seek medical attention. The two predominant skin diseases, acne vulgaris and endogenous eczema, both chronic skin problems, incur not only morbidity in affected individuals and families, but also use considerable resources in the community. The lack of medical intervention reported by symptomatic students in this study was unexpectedly high. Therefore it is useful to monitor the epidemiology of skin problems in children so that relevant skin health education programs and preventive measures can be planned and implemented effectively.
Reduced Immunosuppressive Properties of Axitinib in Comparison with Other Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors*

Background: Targeted therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Results: T cell activation is less affected in the presence of axitinib compared with other TKIs. Conclusion: Axitinib might be better suited to be combined with immunotherapy than sorafenib. Significance: Learning how TKIs manipulate T cells is crucial for understanding TKI-mediated effects on the immune system. The multikinase inhibitors sunitinib, sorafenib, and axitinib have an impact not only on tumor growth and angiogenesis, but also on the activity and function of immune effector cells. In this study, a comparative analysis of the growth inhibitory properties and apoptosis induction potentials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on T cells was performed. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment resulted in a dramatic decrease in T cell proliferation along with distinct impacts on the cell cycle progression. This was at least partially associated with an enhanced induction of apoptosis although triggered by distinct apoptotic mechanisms. In contrast to sunitinib and sorafenib, axitinib did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) but resulted in an induction or stabilization of the induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (Mcl-1), leading to an irreversible arrest in the G2/M cell cycle phase and delayed apoptosis. Furthermore, the sorafenib-mediated suppression of immune effector cells, in particular the reduction of the CD8+ T cell subset along with the down-regulation of key immune cell markers such as chemokine CC motif receptor 7 (CCR7), CD26, CD69, CD25, and CXCR3, was not observed in axitinib-treated immune effector cells. Therefore, axitinib rather than sorafenib seems to be suitable for implementation in complex treatment regimens of cancer patients including immunotherapy.
A global Fine-Root Ecology Database to address below-ground challenges in plant ecology.

Variation and tradeoffs within and among plant traits are increasingly being harnessed by empiricists and modelers to understand and predict ecosystem processes under changing environmental conditions. While fine roots play an important role in ecosystem functioning, fine-root traits are underrepresented in global trait databases. This has hindered efforts to analyze fine-root trait variation and link it with plant function and environmental conditions at a global scale. This Viewpoint addresses the need for a centralized fine-root trait database, and introduces the Fine-Root Ecology Database (FRED, http://roots.ornl.gov) which so far includes > 70 000 observations encompassing a broad range of root traits and also includes associated environmental data. FRED represents a critical step toward improving our understanding of below-ground plant ecology. For example, FRED facilitates the quantification of variation in fine-root traits across root orders, species, biomes, and environmental gradients while also providing a platform for assessments of covariation among root, leaf, and wood traits, the role of fine roots in ecosystem functioning, and the representation of fine roots in terrestrial biosphere models. Continued input of observations into FRED to fill gaps in trait coverage will improve our understanding of changes in fine-root traits across space and time.
Czech Household Tax Burden Estimation

This paper solves the question of the Czech households’ tax burden and its trend during the period from 2005 to 2015. Authors identified three groups of model Czech households based on the Czech Statistical Office data. The consumer basket structures, the median income, direct and indirect taxes rates were the parameters covered by the analyses. The weighted VAT tax rates were calculated for the consumer basket items valid for the year 2015. The year 2015 was used as the reference one for the rest of the period. The results show the estimated cumulative tax burden including direct and indirect taxation in 2015 and the previous years. The paper identified the changes and the trend of taxation level relating the Czech households.
Dynamic Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of an Arabidopsis SR Splicing Factor: Role of the RNA-Binding Domains1[C][W][OA]

Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins are essential nuclear-localized splicing factors. We have investigated the dynamic subcellular distribution of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) RSZp22 protein, a homolog of the human 9G8 SR factor. Little is known about the determinants underlying the control of plant SR protein dynamics, and so far most studies relied on ectopic transient overexpression. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of the RSZp22 expression profile and describe its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties in specific cell types. Comparison of transient ectopic- and stable tissue-specific expression highlights the advantages of both approaches for nuclear protein dynamic studies. By site-directed mutagenesis of RSZp22 RNA-binding sequences, we show that functional RNA recognition motif RNP1 and zinc-knuckle are dispensable for the exclusive protein nuclear localization and speckle-like distribution. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging also revealed that these motifs are implicated in RSZp22 molecular interactions. Furthermore, the RNA-binding motif mutants are defective for their export through the CRM1/XPO1/Exportin-1 receptor pathway but retain nucleocytoplasmic mobility. Moreover, our data suggest that CRM1 is a putative export receptor for mRNPs in plants.
Prevalence and Prognostic Implication of Non-Calcified Plaque in Asymptomatic Population with Coronary Artery Calcium Score of Zero

Background and Objectives Non-calcified plaque (NCP) identified by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has been reported in up to 10% of individuals with coronary artery calcium score (CACS) of zero. However, clinical risk factors and the prognostic value of NCP in asymptomatic subjects with CACS of zero are unknown. Subjects and Methods The study population consisted of consecutive asymptomatic subjects (48±8 years, 57% men) who underwent CCTA from December 2005 to January 2008 as part of a general health evaluation. Results Among 4491 of overall asymptomatic individuals with CACS of zero, 313 subjects (7%) had NCP: 279 patients (6%) with non-obstructive and 34 (1%) with obstructive. In multivariable analyses, age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were significantly associated with presence of NCP (all p<0.05). During the median follow-up duration of 22 months (interquartile percentile: 18 to 28 months) of subjects with NCP (n=313) and age, gender, and CCTA date matched individuals without NCP (n=313), there was no clinical event including all-cause death nor composite outcome of cardiac death, myocardial infarct, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, and revascularization after 90 days from index CCTA in both groups. Conclusion In the largest series of asymptomatic individuals with CACS of zero undergoing CCTA, age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were independently associated with NCP. However, a future risk of exclusive NCP in asymptomatic subjects with CACS of zero was negligible.
Checkpoint controls in Schizosaccharomyces pombe: rad1.

‘Checkpoint’ controls ensure that the events of the cell cycle are completed in an orderly fashion. For example, such controls delay mitosis until DNA synthesis and repair of radiation‐induced DNA damage are complete. The rad series of radiosensitive fission yeast mutants was examined to identify strains deficient for the DNA damage‐responsive checkpoint control. Five were identified. A characterization of one (rad1‐1) and the wild‐type is presented. The rad1‐1 mutant does not arrest after irradiation, is sensitive to killing by radiation and is not arrested by hydroxyurea, and thus is also deficient for the DNA synthesis‐responsive checkpoint control. The radiosensitivity of the rad1‐1 mutant was greatly reduced when irradiated and maintained for 6 h in a non‐dividing (density inhibited) state, demonstrating that rad1‐1 is repair proficient and radiosensitive only through failure to delay. The checkpoint controls for which rad1 is required appear to regulate G2‐M progression through the activity of cdc2, here implicated in this role by the coincidence of the radiation transition point and the cdc2 execution point.
Mozambique’s 2014 Elections: A Repeat of Misconduct, Political Tension and Frelimo Dominance

The cease-fire that ended the military hostilities between government and Renamo paved the way for Mozambique’s fifth general elections on 14 October 2014. Frelimo consolidated its dominant position in an election underpinned by fraud and misconduct at the polling stations. There was an imbalance of power with Frelimo enjoying better organisation and patronage networks, control of the police and media, and secrecy in the National Electoral Commission (CNE), including altering results. This imbalance is shaped partly by the system of party dominance but also by the weakness of opposition parties who failed to use existing systems. Renamo’s dispute of the electoral results and its endeavour to engage in dialogue with the government as a remedy for the alleged fraud reflects the inadequacy of Mozambique’s elections as the mechanism for a political settlement. This sets the agenda for the next electoral cycle which, in procedural terms, will mirror previous elections.