Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A case-control study of risk factors for sporadic hepatitis C virus infection in the southwestern United States

Objective:We performed a case-control study to evaluate risk factors and possible modes of transmission for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with no history of blood transfusion or injection drug use.Methods:Study subjects were selected from among patients seen in gastroenterology outpatient clinics at a university medical center in the southwestern United States. The study group consisted of 58 patients (12%) with chronic HCV infection who reported no history of transfusion or injection drug use, among a total of 477 patients evaluated for a positive HCV antibody test. These 58 patients were matched by age, ethnicity, and gender with 58 control patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux attending the same clinics. Patients and controls were subjected to structured interviews and review of medical records.Results:A variety of variables were significantly associated with increased risk of sporadic HCV infection, including a history of tattoos, needlestick exposure, a history of sexually transmitted disease, intercourse with an injection drug user, five or more lifetime sexual partners, intercourse during menses (for women), lower income, and heavy alcohol intake (>60 g/day). Multivariate analysis identified a history of sexually transmitted disease, heavy alcohol intake, and the presence of a tattoo as independent risk factors for sporadic HCV. In addition, six cases and one control had a history of needlestick exposure. Of the cases, 88% had at least one of these four risk factors, as compared with 26% of controls (odds ratio = 16.5; 95% confidence interval = 4.0–68.8). Conclusions:A history of sexually transmitted disease, heavy alcohol intake, the presence of tattoos, and a history of needlestick exposure were identified as risk factors for sporadic hepatitis C in this case-control study. If we include all patients with a history of blood transfusion or injection drug use, only 2% of the total 477 HCV patients had no identified risk factors.
Debt maturity and stock returns: an inter-sectoral comparison of Malaysian firms

This firm-level study examines whether the effects of financial leverage on stock returns of 12 Bursa Malaysian sectors can be explained by debt maturity. When total leverage is used, only 3 out of 12 sectors exhibit a significant relationship with stock returns. However, when the leverage is divided by using short-term and long-term debt, regressions in 9 out of 12 sectors reveal that either form of disaggregated leverage exhibits a significant relationship with returns at least at a 5% significance level. The results suggest that the return-leverage relationship could be indirect in terms of maturity. The panel regressions also show that sector-specific analysis is more meaningful and practical due to the mixed relationship identified. The empirical conclusions are further supported by using two indicators of financial leverage, i.e. book leverage and market leverage. The results are robust when the firm and the time effects are taken into consideration.
The Image of Science

Original title: Het beeld van de wetenschap. Whether they realise it or not, every Dutch citizen is affected every day by the results of science and technology. Yet research on the public perception of science and technology is scarce. The year 2000 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). To mark the occasion, NWO asked the Netherlands Institute for Social Research/SCP to carry out a study on 'the image of science'. The study measured opinions among the Dutch public and, as far as possible using the same question framing, among categories of people with a special relationship with science: science journalists, central government advisors and members of both Houses of Parliament. This publication contains the global report of the results. The data from the study Image of science 2000 were made available to the Steinmetz Archive in Amsterdam for more in-depth analysis by third parties.
Interaction of the general transcription factor TnrA with the PII‐like protein GlnK and glutamine synthetase in Bacillus subtilis

TnrA is a master transcription factor regulating nitrogen metabolism in Bacillus subtilis under conditions of nitrogen limitation. When the preferred nitrogen source is in excess, feedback‐inhibited glutamine synthetase (GS) has been shown to bind TnrA and disable its activity. In cells grown with an energetically unfavorable nitrogen source such as nitrate, TnrA is fully membrane‐bound via a complex of AmtB and GlnK, which are the transmembrane ammonium transporter and its cognate regulator, respectively, originally termed NrgA and NrgB. The complete removal of nitrate from the medium leads to rapid degradation of TnrA in wild‐type cells. In contrast, in AmtB‐deficient or GlnK‐deficient strains, TnrA is neither membrane‐bound nor degraded in response to nitrate depletion. Here, we show that TnrA forms either a stable soluble complex with GlnK in the absence of AmtB, or constitutively binds to GS in the absence of GlnK. In vitro, the TnrA C‐terminus is responsible for interactions with either GS or GlnK, and this region appears also to mediate proteolysis, suggesting that binding of GlnK or GS protects TnrA from degradation. Surface plasmon resonance detection assays have demonstrated that GS binds to TnrA not only in its feedback‐inhibited form, but also in its non‐feedback‐inhibited form, although less efficiently. TnrA binding to GlnK or GS responds differentially to adenylate nucleotide levels, with ATP weakening interactions with both partners.
Coordinate Regulation of Lymphocyte-Endothelial Interactions by Pregnancy-Associated Hormones 1

Precursors of uterine NK cells home to the uterus during early pregnancy from multiple lymphohemopoietic sources. In mouse uterine tissue, pregnancy markedly up-regulates both L-selectin- and α4 integrin-dependent adhesion pathways for circulating human CD56bright cells, the phenotype of human uterine NK cells. Based on roles for these adhesion molecules in lymphocyte homing, we examined effects of pregnancy or the steroid hormones 17β-estradiol or progesterone on lymphocyte-endothelial interactions in secondary lymphoid tissues and in uterus. From preimplantation gestation day 3, specialized high endothelial venules in peripheral lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches supported elevated L-selectin and α4β7 integrin-dependent lymphocyte adhesion under shear throughout pregnancy, as compared with high endothelial venules of virgin or postpartum donors. Squamous endothelium from nonlymphoid tissue was not affected. Pregnancy-equivalent endothelial responses were observed in lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches from ovariectomized mice receiving 17β-estradiol and/or progesterone replacement therapy. Adhesion of human CD56bright cells to uteri from pregnant or hormone-treated ovariectomized mice was enhanced through L-selectin- and α4 integrin-dependent mechanisms and involved multiple vascular adhesion molecules including mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, VCAM-1, and peripheral lymph node addressin. Analysis of Tie2-green fluorescence protein transgenic mice demonstrated that CD56bright cells adhered primarily to vascular endothelium within the decidua basalis. Microdomain localization of adhesion involving large clusters of lymphocytes was induced on uteri from natural matings, but not pseudopregnancy. Steroid hormones also had independent effects on L-selectin function in splenic lymphocytes that mimicked physiological stimulation induced by pregnancy or fever-range temperatures. These results provide the first evidence for coordinated, organ-specific, steroid hormone-induced changes in lymphocyte homing mechanisms that could contribute to local and systemic immune responses during pregnancy.
Reforming the criminal justice system – an ethical leadership approach

Purpose The current criminal justice system is pledged to serve and protect society while preserving the rights of those who are accused. The purpose of this paper is to explore the premise of “innocent until proven guilty” and examine whether this assumption truly prevails under the current criminal justice system, or be modified to accommodate a sliding continuum of virtuosity. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a conceptual paper which relies heavily on the current literature about criminal justice and related ethical issues. Findings The paper argues that today’s criminal justice system fails to meet the standards of the virtuous continuum and that those who oversee that system need to rethink how the system operates and is perceived by the public if they wish the criminal justice system to be perceived as just, fair, and ethically responsible. Research limitations/implications Because this paper is a conceptual paper it does not present research hypotheses. Practical implications This paper suggests that “virtue” and “ethics” must be the foundation upon which the criminal justice system is evaluated, and criminal justice must incorporate an ethical standard which is virtuous and fair to all parties and leaders who oversee that system must meet the standards suggested by the virtuous continuum. Originality/value This paper is among the first to identify the viewpoint of the virtuous perspective, moral perspective, amoral perspective, and immoral perspective in the criminal justice system.
Behavioural Studies in Agriculture: Goals, Values and Enterprise Choice

The behavioural approach focuses on the nature of decision making by farmers and on the many influences which affect such decisions. The goals and values of farmers and the factors which influence their choice of farm enterprises were investigated through questionnaire surveys in two Irish study areas, Meath and Leitrim, and results were compared with research in England. Farmers perceived themselves to be influenced by a wide range of variables. Intrinsic and instrumental goals and values were considered more important than those which are social and expressive. Enterprise choice was thought to have been influenced by a variety of physical socio-personal and economic factors. Profitability was not the leading motivator. There were basic similarities but some interesting differences between the areas. Meath farmers tended in general to be intermediate between those of Leitrim and the English areas. Commercial motivation was least in Leitrim and was quite high in Meath,
Surveillance and Digital Privacy in the Transatlantic ‘War on Terror’. The Case for a Global Privacy Regime

By focusing on generalised, mass surveillance, the article examines the impact of the ‘war on terror’ on the right to privacy. The extent and limits of privacy protection in the United States and the European Union are analysed and compared, and it is argued that European Union law provides a higher level of constitutional protection of privacy than U.S. law. The article continues by providing a detailed analysis of the transformation of privacy in the evolution of transatlantic counter-terrorism cooperation, examines the challenges that such cooperation poses on the right to privacy in the European Union and provides a typology and evaluates critically the various transatlantic forms of governance which have been developed in order to address European privacy concerns. The final part of the article argues that in view of the increasingly globalised nature of mass surveillance and the human rights and rule of law challenges extraterritorial surveillance is posing, the way forward is for States to work towards the establishment of a global privacy regime. The article argues that European Union law can provide key benchmarks in this context and goes on to concretely identify four key principles which should underpin the evolution of a global privacy regime.
Maxillary sinusitis in adults: an evaluation of placebo-controlled double-blind trials.

BACKGROUND In general practice, acute sinusitis is frequently diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the evidence for the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in acute maxillary sinusitis in adults by assessing the methodological quality of placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trials. METHOD An evaluation by four raters through a 35-item scoring-scale for internal and external validity of all placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trials on acute sinusitis found between January 1966 and July 1996. RESULTS Eighty-five trials were excluded because they were not placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, or were carried out in patients with chronic sinusitis or in children. The three remaining trials were performed in different populations (one in general practice) between 1973 and 1978. Only one study claimed superiority of antibiotic treatment. Different inclusion criteria and major outcome measures were used by the authors. The reliability of major outcome events was reported poorly or not at all and in two studies outcome measures were clinically inappropriate. The studies scored 30-62% of the maximum attainable score for internal validity and 10-20% for external validity. CONCLUSION The effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in acute maxillary sinusitis in a general practice population is not based sufficiently on evidence.
The Impact of Exporting and Foreign Direct Investment on Product Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturers

To understand the drivers of product innovation at the firm level, I compare the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) and exporting on product innovation using a rich firm&#8208;level database of manufacturing and industrial enterprises. The article focuses on product innovation, as it is vital to economic development. Estimates from linear regressions and propensity score matching tests show that learning&#8208;by&#8208;exporting is a stronger predictor of product innovation. Firms that receive foreign investment also tend to engage in more product innovation, but not at the same level as the firms that export. Additional tests confirm that as they start and stop exporting, firms change their patterns of investment in the drivers of product innovation&#8212;fixed capital and research.
Pulmonary epithelial neuropilin-1 deletion enhances development of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema.

RATIONALE Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is an important risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; however, not all smokers develop disease, suggesting that other factors influence disease development. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine whether neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), an integral component of receptor complexes mediating alveolar septation and vascular development, was involved in maintenance of normal alveolar structure, and/or altered susceptibility to the effects of CS. METHODS Transgenic mice were generated to achieve inducible lung-specific deletion of epithelial Nrp1. We determined whether conditional Nrp1 deletion altered airspace size, then compared the effects of chronic CS or filtered air exposure on airspace size, inflammation, and the balance between cell death and proliferation in conditionally Nrp1-deficient adult mice and littermate controls. Finally, we evaluated the effects of Nrp1 silencing on cell death after acute exposure of A549 cells to cigarette smoke extract or short chain ceramides. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Genetic deletion of epithelial Nrp1 in either postnatal or adult lungs resulted in a small increase in airspace size. More notably, both airspace enlargement and apoptosis of type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells were significantly enhanced following chronic CS exposure in conditionally Nrp1-deficient adult mice. Silencing of Nrp1 in A549 cells did not alter cell survival after vehicle treatment but significantly augmented apoptosis after exposure to cigarette smoke extract or ceramide. CONCLUSIONS These data support a role for epithelial Nrp1 in the maintenance of normal alveolar structure and suggest that dysregulation of Nrp1 expression may promote epithelial cell death in response to CS exposure, thereby enhancing emphysema development.
Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Reveals the Role of Protein Arginine Phosphorylation in the Bacterial Stress Response*

Arginine phosphorylation is an emerging protein modification implicated in the general stress response of Gram-positive bacteria. The modification is mediated by the arginine kinase McsB, which phosphorylates and inactivates the heat shock repressor CtsR. In this study, we developed a mass spectrometric approach accounting for the peculiar chemical properties of phosphoarginine. The improved methodology was used to analyze the dynamic changes in the Bacillus subtilis arginine phosphoproteome in response to different stress situations. Quantitative analysis showed that a B. subtilis mutant lacking the YwlE arginine phosphatase accumulated a strikingly large number of arginine phosphorylations (217 sites in 134 proteins), however only a minor fraction of these sites was increasingly modified during heat shock or oxidative stress. The main targets of McsB-mediated arginine phosphorylation comprise central factors of the stress response system including the CtsR and HrcA heat shock repressors, as well as major components of the protein quality control system such as the ClpCP protease and the GroEL chaperonine. These findings highlight the impact of arginine phosphorylation in orchestrating the bacterial stress response.
Impact of antiretroviral combination therapies on AIDS surveillance reports in Switzerland

Background:AIDS reporting in Switzerland is mandatory by law. For the first time since the beginning of the epidemic, health authorities observed a decline in AIDS surveillance reports, from 545 new cases in 1995 to 459 in 1996, a decrease of 86 cases. Objective:To examine the extent to which this decline in AIDS surveillance reports is attributable to the introduction of antiretroviral combination therapy. Patients and setting:Swiss HIV Cohort Study, a multicentre cohort of adult HIV-infected patients with national coverage. Participants at risk of developing a first AIDS-defining event, defined as persons with a CD4 cell count below 200 × 106/l or in clinical stage B, were studied. Methods:A parametric statistical survival model was used to estimate the number of AIDS cases expected in the absence of combination therapies. Taking reporting delays into account, the effect of the introduction of combination therapies in the cohort on national AIDS reports was estimated from the difference between the number of expected and observed cases. Results:A total of 4915 participants contributed 10 755 person-years and 2366 initial AIDS events. Between 1990 and 1994, about 35% received antiretroviral therapy, predominantly monotherapy. In 1995 and 1996, the prevalence of antiretroviral therapy increased steadily due to the introduction of dual and triple combinations. The mid-year prevalence of use of combination therapies was 6% in 1994, 13% in 1995, and 48% in 1996. The difference between expected and observed cases per half-year increased from 12 in the first 6 months of 1994 to 69 in the second half of 1996. Taking reporting delays into account, we estimated that 43 (95% confidence interval, 17–69) of the deficit of 86 reports could be attributed to combination therapies. Conclusion:The introduction of antiretroviral combination therapies in a single cohort study explained 50% of the decline in national AIDS surveillance reports. Monitoring the use and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy must become an important component of AIDS surveillance systems.
Localization of human intraparietal areas AIP, CIP, and LIP using surface orientation and saccadic eye movement tasks

In monkeys, areas in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) play a crucial role in visuospatial information processing. Despite many human neuroimaging studies, the location of the human functional homologs of some IPS areas is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was to identify the distinct locations of specific human IPS areas based on their functional properties using stimuli adapted from nonhuman primate experiments, in particular, surface orientation discrimination and memory guided saccadic eye movements (SEM). Intersubject anatomical variability likely accounts for much of the debate. By applying subject by subject analysis, we can demonstrate that sufficient intersubject anatomical and functional commonalities exist. Both the lateral bank of the anterior part of IPS, the putative human homolog of the area AIP, and the caudal part of the IPS (putative CIP) showed activation related to spatial discrimination of surface orientation. Eye tracking conducted during fMRI data acquisition allowed us to show that both areas were separated by an area related to SEM. This area was located in the middle region of the IPS (most probably including LIP), i.e., similar to the location observed in nonhuman primates. In 10 of 11 subjects our putative CIP activation was located in a medial side branch of the posterior part of the IPS, on the opposite side as described in nonhuman primates, making this landmark a useful anatomical marker for the location of CIP. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential role of nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of experimental bacterial meningitis in rats

We have investigated the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis (BM) by using the rat model of experimental BM. The nitrite concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used as a measure of NO production in vivo since NO rapidly degrades to nitrite and nitrate. Rats were inoculated intracisternally with live bacteria (5 x 10(6) CFU of Haemophilus influenzae type b strain DL42 or Rd-/b+/O2), with bacterial endotoxin (20 ng of DL42 lipooligosaccharide [LOS] or 200 ng of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide), or with a saline control vehicle. CSF samples were collected preinoculation and at the time of maximal alteration in blood-brain barrier permeability (BBBP). CSF [nitrite] was quantified by measuring A550 after addition of the Greiss reagent and comparison to a standard curve of sodium nitrite. Rats inoculated with either DL42, Rd-/b+/O2, LOS, or lipopolysaccharide demonstrated a significantly elevated mean peak CSF [nitrite] (8.34, 15.62, 10.75, and 10.44 mM, respectively) versus the concentration prior to treatment and/or those in saline-treated animals (5.29 and 5.33 mM, respectively; P < 0.05 for each comparison). We then determined if there was a correlation between CSF [nitrite] and percent BBBP (%BBBP) at various time points postinoculation with Rd-/b+/O2. %BBBP was defined as the concentration of systemically administered 125I-labeled bovine serum albumin in the CSF divided by the level of 125I-labeled bovine serum albumin in serum multiplied by 100. The mean %BBBP increased in tandem with the mean CSF [nitrite] (R = 0.84, P = 0.018), which peaked at 18 h in the absence of a change in the serum [nitrite]. Systemic administration of the NO synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester demonstrated a significant reduction of mean CSF nitrite production (0.95 versus 6.0 mM in controls; P = 0.02) when administered intravenously to animals which had been inoculated intracisternally with 20 ng of LOS. Suppression of mean leukocyte pleocytosis (3,117 versus 11,590 leukocytes per mm3 in control LOS-challenged rats; P = 0.03) and mean alterations of BBBP (2.11 versus 6.49% in control LOS-challenged rats; P = 0.009) was observed concomitantly with decreased CSF [nitrite]. These results support the hypothesis that NO contributes to increased %BBBP in experimental BM.