Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Gamble: Choice and Chance in the 2012 Presidential Election

List of Figures and Tables ix Preface to the Paperback Edition xiii Foreword by Charles T. Myers xix Acknowledgments xxi Chapter 1: Ante Up 1 Chapter 2: The Hand You're Dealt 11 Chapter 3: Random, or Romney? 32 Chapter 4: All In 64 Chapter 5: High Rollers 97 Chapter 6: The Action 141 Chapter 7: The Winning Hand 174 Chapter 8: Cashing In 226 Appendixes 243 Notes 273 Index 323
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Encoded Replication and Transcription Activator Impairs Innate Immunity via Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation of Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human gammaherpesvirus with latent and lytic reactivation cycles. The mechanism by which KSHV evades the innate immune system to establish latency has not yet been precisely elucidated. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the first line of defense against viral infections. Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a key adaptor that interacts with all TLRs except TLR3 to produce inflammatory factors and type I interferons (IFNs), which are central components of innate immunity against microbial infection. Here, we found that KSHV replication and transcription activator (RTA), which is an immediate-early master switch protein of viral cycles, downregulates MyD88 expression at the protein level by degrading MyD88 through the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome pathway. We identified the interaction between RTA and MyD88 in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated that RTA functions as an E3 ligase to ubiquitinate MyD88. MyD88 also was repressed at the early stage of de novo infection as well as in lytic reactivation. We also found that RTA inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered activation of the TLR4 pathway by reducing IFN production and NF-κB activity. Finally, we showed that MyD88 promoted the production of IFNs and inhibited KSHV LANA-1 gene transcription. Taken together, our results suggest that KSHV RTA facilitates the virus to evade innate immunity through the degradation of MyD88, which might be critical for viral latency control. IMPORTANCE MyD88 is an adaptor for all TLRs other than TLR3, and it mediates inflammatory factors and IFN production. Our study demonstrated that the KSHV RTA protein functions as an E3 ligase to degrade MyD88 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and block the transmission of TLRs signals. Moreover, we found that KSHV inhibited MyD88 expression during the early stage of de novo infection as well as in lytic reactivation. These results provide a potential mechanism for the virus to evade innate immunity.
Optimizing Meso-Tetra-Hydroxyphenyl-Chlorin–Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Meso-tetra-hydroxyphenyl-chlorin (mTHPC)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown to be effective in the treatment of patients with multiple basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In the present study we further optimized the drug-light interval and examined the correlation between plasma drug levels and treatment efficacy. Thirteen patients with multiple BCC (a total of 366 lesions) were included in the study. Following intravenous administration of 0.1 mg kg−1 mTHPC, lesions were illuminated with 10 J cm−2 light (652 nm, 100 mW cm−2) at 12, 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. Plasma samples were taken prior to each illumination for determination of mTHPC levels, and tumor response was evaluated at 6 months and 1 year. Both univariable and multivariable analyses showed that optimal treatment outcome was obtained for a drug-light interval of 24 h when plasma drug levels were high. Overall, good cosmetic results with little or no scarring were obtained in 87% of the treated lesions and no serious side effects were observed. We optimized mTHPC-mediated PDT for patients suffering from multiple BCC by determining the most effective drug-light interval and showed that this treatment offers significant advantages over surgical resection.
TANGSERV: a multiple item scale for measuring tangible quality in foodservice industry

This paper seeks to explore the domain of tangible quality construct; reviews the existing literature and then proceeds to develop a scale called TANGSERV for measuring tangible quality in food service industry. It captures ambient factors such as music and temperature; design factors such as location and seating arrangement; and product/service factors such as food presentation and food variety. Procedure used in constructing and refining a multiple-item scale is described. Moderately high factor loadings (between 0.725 and 0.799) and an a value of 0.76 suggests that scale is stable and reliable. Similarly, confirmatory factor analysis results show that factor loadings (between 0.660 and 0.830) are significant enough to claim convergent validity while a chi-square difference of 76.830 between fixed and freely estimated models provides an evidence of discriminant validity.
Suitability Of Nitisinone In Alkaptonuria 1 (SONIA 1): an international, multicentre, randomised, open-label, no-treatment controlled, parallel-group, dose-response study to investigate the effect of once daily nitisinone on 24-h urinary homogentisic acid excretion in patients with alkaptonuria afte

Background Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a serious genetic disease characterised by premature spondyloarthropathy. Homogentisate-lowering therapy is being investigated for AKU. Nitisinone decreases homogentisic acid (HGA) in AKU but the dose-response relationship has not been previously studied. Methods Suitability Of Nitisinone In Alkaptonuria 1 (SONIA 1) was an international, multicentre, randomised, open-label, no-treatment controlled, parallel-group, dose-response study. The primary objective was to investigate the effect of different doses of nitisinone once daily on 24-h urinary HGA excretion (u-HGA24) in patients with AKU after 4 weeks of treatment. Forty patients were randomised into five groups of eight patients each, with groups receiving no treatment or 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg and 8 mg of nitisinone. Findings A clear dose-response relationship was observed between nitisinone and the urinary excretion of HGA. At 4 weeks, the adjusted geometric mean u-HGA24 was 31.53 mmol, 3.26 mmol, 1.44 mmol, 0.57 mmol and 0.15 mmol for the no treatment or 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg and 8 mg doses, respectively. For the most efficacious dose, 8 mg daily, this corresponds to a mean reduction of u-HGA24 of 98.8% compared with baseline. An increase in tyrosine levels was seen at all doses but the dose-response relationship was less clear than the effect on HGA. Despite tyrosinaemia, there were no safety concerns and no serious adverse events were reported over the 4 weeks of nitisinone therapy. Conclusions In this study in patients with AKU, nitisinone therapy decreased urinary HGA excretion to low levels in a dose-dependent manner and was well tolerated within the studied dose range. Trial registration number EudraCT number: 2012-005340-24. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCTO1828463.
Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of ductal plate malformation: correlation with fetal liver

Aims : Ductal plate malformation (DPM) is the persistence of excess of embryonic bile duct structures in the portal tracts. Most of the congenital diseases of intrahepatic bile ducts represent examples of DPM at different levels of the biliary tree. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the histopathological spectrum and immunohistochemical properties of DPM in various paediatric liver diseases and compare them with those of the normal embryonic ductal plates of human fetuses.
Do Investors Learn from the Past? Evidence from Follow-On Equity Issues

Equity offerings are usually characterized by large information asymmetries between issuers and investors. Using a sample of repeat equity issues, I examine whether investors form beliefs of corporate intentions based on the outcomes of past offerings by the same firm. I document a robust negative relationship between post-issue returns and underpricing in a follow-on offering. The evidence is most consistent with the idea that market feedback influences investor beliefs of a firm's investment opportunities in a subsequent offering. Feedback is particularly important when it contains information about investment opportunities that managers do not possess. The results also provide insights into the impact of market feedback on the cost of issuing further equity.
Apolipoprotein E type 4 allele and cerebral glucose metabolism in relatives at risk for familial Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE Cerebral parietal hypometabolism and left-right asymmetry occur early in the course of Alzheimer disease (AD), and the apolipoprotein E type 4 allele (APOE epsilon 4) is a risk factor for familial AD. To determine if APOE epsilon 4 is associated with lowered brain function in nondemented relatives at risk for familial AD, we studied 12 relatives with APOE epsilon 4 and 19 relatives without APOE epsilon 4. We also compared them with seven patients with probable AD. DESIGN After grouping subjects according to diagnosis and genotype, brain function measures were compared among groups. SETTING University medical center. PATIENTS At risk subjects had mild memory complaints, normal cognitive performance, and at least two relatives with AD. Subjects with APOE epsilon 4 did not differ from those without APOE epsilon 4 in mean age at examination (56.4 vs 55.5 years) or in neuropsychological performance (mean Mini-Mental State Examination score, 28.8 vs 29.3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cerebral glucose metabolism was measured using positron emission tomography and fludeoxyglucose F 18. RESULTS Parietal metabolism was significantly lower and left-right parietal asymmetry was significantly higher in at-risk subjects with APOE epsilon 4 compared with those without APOE epsilon 4. Patients with dementia had significantly lower parietal metabolism than did at-risk subjects with APOE epsilon 4. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the inheritance of APOE epsilon 4 is associated with reduced cerebral parietal metabolism and increased asymmetry in non-demented relatives at risk for probable AD. Longitudinal study will determine if glucose metabolic measures provide a means to monitor experimental treatment responses during the early phases of the disorder.
Genetic transformation of mature embryos of bread (T. aestivum) and pasta (T. durum) wheat genotypes

The objective of the present study is to develop an efficient protocol for regeneration of transgenic wheat plants using Agrobacterium- mediated transformation of mature embryos of hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and tetraploid pasta wheat (Triticum durum). The data indicated that embryogenic calli were formed within 7 days in the presence of 2 mgl-1 2,4-D. Adventitious shoots emerged from the embryonic calli in the presence of 2 mgl-1 BA. Shoot regeneration frequency varied between wheat cultivars according to their genetic background differences. Regeneration frequency was higher in the cultivar Gemmiza 10 (95 %) compared with the other cultivars tested. Mature embryos derived callus of the cultivars Gemmiza 10 and Gemmiza 9 were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring a binary vector pBI-121 containing the neomycin phosphotransferase-II gene (npt-II). The resulted putative transgenic plantlets were able to grow on kanamycin containing medium. A successful integration of the transgene was confirmed by analyzing the T0 plantlets using Southern hybridization and PCR amplification. The gus gene expression can be detected only in the transgenic plants. The reported protocol is reproducible and can be used to regenerate transgenic wheat plants expressing the genes present in A. tumifaciens binary vectors.
Childhood and adulthood socio-economic position and midlife depressive and anxiety disorders

Summary This paper investigates how childhood socio-economic position influences the risk for midlife depressive and anxiety disorders at 45 years of age, assessed by the Clinical Interview Schedule in 9377 participants of the 1958 British Birth Cohort. Socio-economic position was measured by Registrar General Social Class in childhood and adulthood. The association of paternal manual socio-economic position with any diagnosis at 45 years of age was accounted for after adjustment for adult socio-economic position. Manual socio-economic position in women at 42 years of age was associated with midlife depressive disorder and any diagnosis; these associations were diminished by adjustment for childhood psychological disorders. Effects of childhood socio-economic position on adult depressive disorders may be mediated through adult socio-economic position.
Evaluation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Serum Concentration as a Biomarker in Malignant Mesothelioma

Background Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, but fatal disease with few treatment options. The diagnosis and treatment response are challenging in MM. Therefore, the search for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is ongoing. The aim of our study was to investigate matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) as a potential serum biomarker of treatment response and survival in MM. We also investigated the influence of genetic polymorphisms on MMP9 serum levels. Methods We included 110 patients with MM that have been previously genotyped for common MMP9 polymorphisms. Serum samples were collected before treatment, at the end of chemotherapy, and at the time of progression. MMP9 serum levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The role of serum MMP9 and MMP9 polymorphisms in treatment response was determined using the nonparametric tests and logistic or Cox regression. Results Median serum MMP9 was 706.7 (499.6-1224.9) ng/ml before treatment, 440.5 (255.9-685.2) ng/ml after chemotherapy, and 502.8 (307.2-851.4) ng/ml at disease progression. After chemotherapy, 87 (79.8%) patients had lower serum MMP9, with the median change of -286.3 (-607.3 to -70.2) ng/ml (P < 0.001). At disease progression, 47 (65.3%) patients had lower serum MMP9 compared to pretreatment values, with the median change of -163.7 (-466.6 to 108.6) ng/ml (P = 0.001). Patients with higher performance status had higher serum MMP9 before treatment (P = 0.010). Among investigated polymorphisms, only rs17576 was associated with serum MMP9 levels before treatment (P = 0.041). Conclusion Median serum MMP9 levels differed significantly before and after treatment of MM, but failed to reach significance as a standalone biomarker. The contribution of MMP9 serum levels and MMP9 polymorphisms to a composite diagnostic and prognostic biomarker should be further tested.
Two-part and Three-part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus Treated With Suture Fixation

Objective To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures (two-part and three-part) treated with nonabsorbable rotator cuff–incorporating sutures. Design Retrospective. Setting University hospital. Patients There were 27 patients (28 shoulders) with displaced proximal humerus fractures. There were 13 greater tuberosity (GT) and 9 surgical neck (SN) two-part fractures and 6 GT/SN three-part fractures. The average age was 64 years (range 38 to 84 years). The average follow-up was 4.4 years (range 1.0 to 11.5 years). Intervention All patients were surgically treated solely with heavy polyester nonabsorbable sutures. Main Outcome Measurements Functional assessment was obtained using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Neer's criteria, which grade outcomes as excellent, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. Results Overall, there were 22 (78%) excellent, 3 (11%) satisfactory, and 3 (11%) unsatisfactory results, and the average ASES score was 87.1 (range 35.0 to 100.0). All shoulders healed radiographically without evidence of avascular necrosis of the humeral head. Twenty-four shoulders (86%) had anatomic alignment on postoperative radiographs. Of four shoulders with nonanatomic alignment, three had ASES scores of ≥90, with excellent Neer scores. When comparing patients with isolated two-part GT fractures (n = 13) with patients having two-part SN or three-part SN/GT fractures (n = 15), there were no statistically significant differences with respect to range of motion (P > 0.05) and outcome measures (P > 0.05). All patients who had unsatisfactory outcomes were noncompliant with physical therapy, with ASES scores averaging 39.4 (range 35.0 to 43.3). Conclusion Two-part and three-part GT and SN fractures can be treated satisfactorily with heavy nonabsorbable rotator cuff–incorporating sutures, particularly in elderly patients. Hardware-associated complications are obviated. Patients with SN fractures treated with sutures can have outcomes similar to patients with two-part GT fractures. Although the goal is to reconstruct a “one-part” fracture pattern, some residual deformity does not preclude an excellent outcome. A compliant patient is crucial for a successful result.
Superior Written Over Spoken Picture Naming in a Case of Frontotemporal Dementia

Two main hypotheses have been proposed regarding the role of phonology in written word production. According to the phonological mediation hypothesis, the retrieval of the lexical phonological representation of a word is an obligatory prerequisite to the retrieval of its spelling. Therefore, deficits to the phonological lexicon should affect both spoken and written picture naming. In contrast, the orthographic autonomy hypothesis posits that the lexical orthographic representations of words can be accessed without any necessary phonological mediation. In support of this view, cases of preserved written naming despite impaired lexical phonology have been reported following brain damage. In this report, we replicate this basic pattern of performance in case YP, a 60-year-old woman with a pattern of frontotemporal dementia. As her disease progressed, YP’s ability to write down the names of pictures remained very good despite a severe decline in oral naming. Further testing indicated that this deficit was not primarily due to an articulatory or post-lexical phonological deficit. YP’s case provides strong additional support for the orthographic autonomy hypothesis. The significance of this case with respect to the characterization of dementia syndromes is discussed.
Butyrate production in patients with end-stage renal disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a decreased intestinal barrier function, causing bacterial translocation over the intestinal wall and triggering a systemic inflammatory response. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by certain bacterial strains, is considered instrumental to keep the intestinal barrier intact. There are indications that a decreased amount of these specific bacterial species is part of the cause of the decreased intestinal barrier function in CKD. The aim of this study is (i) to determine if Dutch patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a decreased amount of butyrate-producing species and butyrate-producing capacity and (ii) whether this correlates with systemic inflammation. Methods: We used qPCR to evaluate the most abundant butyrate-producing species F. prauznitzii, E. rectale and Roseburia spp. and the BCoAT gene, which reflects the butyrogenic capacity of the intestinal microbiota. Fecal samples were collected from healthy kidney donors (n=15), preemptive renal transplant recipients (n=4) and dialysis patients (n=31). Markers of inflammation (CRP and IL-6) and intestinal permeability (D-lactate) were measured in plasma. Results: Patients with ESRD did not have a significantly decreased amount F. prauznitzii, E. rectale and Roseburia spp. or the BCoAT gene. Neither was there a significant correlation with CRP, IL-6 or D-lactate. On the individual level, there were some patients with decreased BCoAT levels and increased levels of CRP, IL-6 and D-lactate. Conclusions: Patients with ESRD do not have a decreased amount of the most abundant butyrate-producing species nor a decreased butyrate-producing capacity.
Fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomosis: Comparative study of two free flaps series

Background: Since the first experiments with fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomoses in 1977, several studies have reported its benefits on suture reduction and anastomosis decreased time. In spite of that, clinical experience has been limited to two neurosurgical and two replantation case series, all of them with good results. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and the potential benefits of fibrin glue application in free flaps. Methods: We performed 24 free flaps in 24 patients, from March 2005 to June 2006. Twenty were included in this study. They were divided into two groups according to the anastomosis technique: conventional group (n = 7 patients) and fibrin glue group (n = 13 patients). In the conventional group, the anastomosis was performed with interrupted sutures, whereas in the fibrin glue group, they were performed using less sutures and fibrin glue application. Results: The application of fibrin glue cut by half the number of sutures required to complete the anastomoses. The mean arterial and venous anastomotic times in the conventional group were 27.2 and 24.0 minutes, respectively. In the fibrin glue group, they were 13.6 and 12.6 minutes, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant. There was no significant difference of ischemic time between two groups (P = 0.26). The survival rate of the flaps was similar in both groups: 84.6% (11 of 13) in the fibrin glue group and 85.7% (6 of 7) in the conventional group (P = 1.0). Conclusions: Fibrin glue application in free flaps was feasible and allowed us to complete the anastomoses with fewer sutures and less time. The survival rate of the flaps was not adversely affected by the fibrin glue. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
The Role of Adherent Cells in the Immune Response

The primary immune response to sheep erythrocytes in adherent cell‐depleted cultures was restored by adding a critical number of peritoneal ceils. Complete substitution was achieved also with supernatants from allogencic and syngeneic peritoneal cells. Both living fibroblasts and supernatants from fibroblast cultures were found to be highly efficient substitutes for adherent cells in both syngeneic and allogeneic systems. Supernatants from non‐antigen‐treated peritoneal cells and fibroblasts caused increased DNA synthesis and induction of polyclonal antibody synthesis in normal spleen cells. Thus, adherent cells need not function in the immune response by presenting antigen to the B cells via ‘IgT’ or by releasing signal‐2 activity, which acts on lymphocytes that have already received signal 1.
[Mucosal remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis - an ultrastructural evaluation].

OBJECTIVE Because of recurrent scarring of the ostiomeatal complex after paranasal sinus surgery the therapy of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) seems to be difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrastructural changes of nasal mucosa in patients with CRSsNP. MATERIAL AND METHODS In case of revision sinus surgery we took specimens of altered mucosa from 21 patients. All subjects suffered from recurrent CRSsNP. Twelve patients without signs of chronic rhinosinusitis dealed as control group. To prepare for electron microscopy the samples were immersed in 3% phosphate-buffered glutaraldehyde and refixed in 1% osmium acid. After dehydration and heat polymerization ultrathin cuts were prepared. After double-contrasting ultrastructures were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Typical changes evaluated by electron microscopy were loss of cilia, an increase of microvilli, collagen fibres, fibrocytes, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts as well as perivascular alterations and endothelial changes. CONCLUSION The study revealed the presence of evident ultrastructural changes in the mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. Mucosal remodeling seems to be not reversible by conservative treatment.