Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oligarchs and Politics in Ukraine

Since Ukraine’s formal political regime has changed substantially several times over the last two decades, the country offers an ideal case to study the relationship between political regime dynamics and the political role of the oligarchs. Based on an original dataset covering all Ukrainian oligarchs and on case studies of different forms of political influence, this article shows that a core of oligarchs has remained stable throughout the period under study from 2000 to 2015 and that their strategies to exert political influence have remained largely unchanged. These strategies, based on informal manipulations, have clearly put the political opposition at a pronounced disadvantage. However, oligarchs are not the major power brokers in Ukrainian politics, as they have always sought accommodation with those having or gaining political power, i.e. the oligarchs do not determine who wins political power, but they act as catalysts for an ongoing change by giving additional support to the winning side. In such settings the major impact of regime dynamics on the political role of oligarchs has been in the degree of political rivalry. A higher degree of political rivalry leads to pluralism by default, which gives political parties, parliamentary deputies and mass media more freedom and is reflected in democracy rankings by better marks. However, as the oligarchs’ informal manipulations continue largely unchanged, such pluralism does not indicate a genuine commitment to democratic standards.
Sortilin Fragments Deposit at Senile Plaques in Human Cerebrum

Genetic variations in the vacuolar protein sorting 10 protein (Vps10p) family have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we demonstrate deposition of fragments from the Vps10p member sortilin at senile plaques (SPs) in aged and AD human cerebrum. Sortilin changes were characterized in postmortem brains with antibodies against the extracellular and intracellular C-terminal domains. The two antibodies exhibited identical labeling in normal human cerebrum, occurring in the somata and dendrites of cortical and hippocampal neurons. The C-terminal antibody also marked extracellular lesions in some aged and all AD cases, appearing as isolated fibrils, mini-plaques, dense-packing or circular mature-looking plaques. Sortilin and β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition were correlated overtly in a region/lamina- and case-dependent manner as analyzed in the temporal lobe structures, with co-localized immunofluorescence seen at individual SPs. However, sortilin deposition rarely occurred around the pia, at vascular wall or in areas with typical diffuse Aβ deposition, with the labeling not enhanced by section pretreatment with heating or formic acid. Levels of a major sortilin fragment ~15 kDa, predicted to derive from the C-terminal region, were dramatically elevated in AD relative to control cortical lysates. Thus, sortilin fragments are a prominent constituent of the extracellularly deposited protein products at SPs in human cerebrum.
Motilin-induced mechanical activity in the canine alimentary tract.

Gastrointestinal contractile activity from the lower esophageal sphincter to the terminal ileum in the conscious dogs was continuously recorded on a multi-channel polygraph for several weeks by means of chronically implanted strain gage force transducers. It was found that the 24-hour gastrointestinal motor activity consisted of the two different major patterns; the digestive and interdigestive patterns. The interdigestive motor activity was characterized by a cyclic recurring, caudad-moving band of strong contractions interrupted by long lasting motor quiescence. When one band of strong contractions reached the distal ileum, another developed in the LES, stomach and duodenum again and propagated in a caudad-direction. Such recycling episodes repeatedly occurred until the next meal. After ingestion of food, gastrointestinal motor activity was continous and such characteristic interdigestive patterns were not observed. Synthetic motilin, 0.1-2.7 mug/kg/hr, was assayed for its motor stimulating activity in the both states. In the digestive state, an i.v. infusion of motlin had no influence upon the motor activity even if the dose was increased up to 6.0 mug/kg/hr. On the other hand, when motilin was infused during the interdigestive state, it induced a pattern precisely like the naturally-occurring interdigestive contractions. Not only the naturally-occurring contractions but also motilin-induced contractions were strongly inhibited by the ingestion of food or an i.v. infusion of pentagastrin (0.2-1.8 mug/kg/hr). Duodenal acidification (0.1 N HC1, 3-16 ml/kg/hr) in the interdigestive state disturbed or inhibited the regular cycle of the natural contractions but was counteracted by exogenous i.v. infusion of motilin. These findings strongly suggest the view that the interdigestive gastrointestinal motor activity is at least in part regulated by circulating motilin concentration in the blood, however, its cyclic recurring, caudad propagating mechanism may be controlled in part by the nervous system. Motilin is the only substance known to be active during the interdigestive state and therefore may be called the interdigestive hormone.
Epstein-Barr virus burden in adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective. We sought to determine whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a presumed primary or reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serologic response had evidence of an active EBV infection. Background. Patients with SLE often have what appears to be a primary or reactivated EBV serologic response. If these patients then present with fever, fatigue, adenopathy or leukopenia, it is not clear whether these symptoms are caused by worsening SLE or EBV infection. Establishing the correct diagnosis is crucial for management. Methods. We examined the EBV burden in 13 adolescents with SLE and a presumed primary or reactivated EBV serologic response. All were taking prednisone; 2 each were also on azathioprine or intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide. EBV serologies were performed for all, and EBV burdens were assessed via immortalization assays and EBV DNA amplification of blood and saliva at least once. Results. Seven patients had serologic patterns indicative of a primary EBV infection, while six had serologies indicative of a reactivated (secondary) EBV infection. Two of the latter were the only ones in whom a small amount of biologically active EBV was detected. Conclusion. In our series active EBV infection was not seen in most patients, despite serologic data that could be interpreted as a primary or reactivated infection. Thus the serologic profiles were more likely a consequence of immune dysregulation secondary to SLE or its therapy rather than rampant infection with EBV.
Head and neck cancer patients want us to support them psychologically in the posttreatment period: Survey results

Abstract Objectives: No study systematically has investigated the supportive care needs of general head and neck cancer patients using validated measures. These needs include physical and daily living needs, health system and information needs, patient care and support needs, psychological needs, and sexuality needs. Identifying the unmet needs of head and neck cancer patients is a necessary first step to improving the care we provide to patients seen in our head and neck oncology clinics. It is recommended as the first step in intervention development in the Pan-Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (see Howell, 2009). This study aimed to identify: (1) met and unmet supportive care needs of head and neck cancer patients, and (2) variability in needs according to demographics, disease variables, level of distress, and quality-of-life domains. Methods: Participants were recruited from the otolaryngology–head and neck surgery clinics of two university teaching hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires included sociodemographic and medical questions, as well as validated measures such as the Supportive Care Needs Survey–Short Form (SCNS-SF34), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) and Head and Neck Module (FACT-H&N) (quality of life measures). Results: One hundred and twenty-seven patients participated in the survey. 68% of them experienced unmet needs, and 25% revealed a clinically significant distress level on the HADS. The highest unmet needs were psychological (7 of top 10 needs). A multiple linear regression indicated a higher level of overall unmet needs when patients were divorced, had a high level of anxiety (HADS subscale), were in poor physical condition, or had a diminished emotional quality of life (FACT-G subscales). Significance of results: The results of this study highlight the overwhelming presence of unmet psychological needs in head and neck cancer patients and underline the importance of implementing interventions to address these areas perceived by patients as important. In line with hospital resource allocation and cost-effectiveness, one may also contemplate screening patients for high levels of anxiety, as well as target patients who are divorced and present low levels of physical well-being, as these patients may have more overall needs to be met.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix extending to the corpus in superficial spreading manner and causing hematometra

Dear Editor, A fifty year old lady presented with pain in abdomen and thick whitish discharge per vaginum of 3 months duration. She had attained menopause ten years back before which she had normal regular cycles of 4‐5/28 days. She had four full term vaginal deliveries which were uneventful. She had no other significant past or family history. On examination she was well oriented and afebrile with a pulse rate of 78/ minute and a blood pressure of 128/80 mm Hg. Other systemic examination was unremarkable. Per‐vaginal examination revealed a bulky uterus with free vaginal fornices. Per‐speculum examination showed a growth on cervix measuring 2.0 × 1.0 × 0.5 cm at 3o’ clock position. Biopsy taken from the growth showed an invasive moderately differentiated large cell non‐keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequent imaging studies were done to know the extent of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5.0 × 4.0 × 3.5 cm enhancing T2 hyper‐intense and T1 iso‐intense mass lesion in the region of cervix which extended to involve 1 cm of posterior vaginal wall. Apart from this the uterus showed a fluid collection of 5.0 × 5.0 × 4.0 cm [Figure 1]. With a pre‐operative diagnosis of carcinoma of the uterine cervix stage IIA, the patient was taken up for radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophrectomy. We received the radical hysterectomy specimen measuring 10.0 × 10.0 × 5.0 cm along with bilateral common iliac and deep obturator lymph nodes. The uterine cavity on cutting open showed hemorrhagic fluid in the cavity and the lining was replaced by an irregular shaggy growth along the whole extent [Figure 2]. An infiltrative, gray white, friable growth measuring 2.5 × 2.0 × 1.0 cm was seen in the cervix extending from 2 o’clock to 4 o’clock position. Microscopic examination of the cervix revealed features typical of an invasive moderately differentiated large cell non‐keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The endometrial lining was completely replaced by superficial spreading squamous cell carcinoma (SSSCC). There was no evidence of invasion of endometrial stroma or myometrium [Figure 3]. The carcinoma was seen to involve posterior part of vaginal wall and extended up to 1 cm. However, the vaginal cut margin and the bilateral parametrial tissue margins were free. All the eleven lymph nodes dissected from bilateral iliac and obturator nodes were also free from tumor. Since all the lymph nodes and margins were negative, no adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy was advised. After 6 month follow‐up the patient was disease free.
Term Structure Persistence

Stationary I(0) models employed in yield curve analysis typically imply an unrealistically low degree of volatility in long-run, short-rate expectations due to fast mean reversion. In this article, we propose a novel multivariate affine term structure model with a two-fold source of persistence in the yield curve: long memory and short memory. Our model, based on an I(d) specification, nests the I(0) and I(1) models as special cases and the I(0) model is decisively rejected by the data. Our model estimates imply both mean reversion in yields and quite volatile long-distance, short-rate expectations, due to the higher persistence imparted by the long-memory component. Our implied term premium estimates differ from those of the I(0) model during some relevant periods by more than 3 percentage points and exhibit a realistic counter-cyclical pattern. (JEL Classification: C3, E4, G1.)
mTOR, Cancer and Transplantation

One of the most clinically important molecular signalling networks to emerge over the past decade is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. mTOR, the protein kinase at the core of this intricate and continually evolving pathway, controls cellular growth and behavior, impacting vital processes from immune reactivity to cancer progression. As researchers, surgeons and physicians in the field of organ transplantation, we have acquired a keen interest in regulating mTOR activity, because this molecule is not only able to block IL‐2 signalling in T cells, and thus alloimmune reactivity, it is a critical part of the cellular circuitry which is often constitutively activated in neoplastic cells, leading to the all‐too‐often occurrence of cancer. Since allograft rejection and the development of cancer lead most lists for causing excess morbidity and mortality in our organ transplant population, a thorough and current understanding of the mTOR pathway becomes essential. In this review, we endeavor to unravel the latest molecular developments in mTOR signalling and use this basic knowledge to generate perspectives on how pharmacologic mTOR intervention may form a balance to impact long‐term antidonor immune responses and the development of malignancy in transplant recipients.
QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVIY OF TOMATO CULTIVATED UNDER DIFFERENT SOURCES AND DOSES OF NITROGEN

Tomatoes are an important component of the human diet because they are rich in minerals and antioxidants that sequester free radicals in cells, preventing various disorders that affect human health. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen sources and concentrations on antioxidant capacity and physical and chemical quality of tomato fruit. The experiment was conducted in Vitória da Conquista, state of Bahia, Brazil, in the experimental field of Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia. The experimental setup included a randomized block design with four replicates in a factorial layout of 3 × 3 + 1 (control), for a total of 40 plots. The three treatments comprised different nitrogen sources (calcium nitrate, urea, and ammonium sulfate), applied in three doses (140, 280, and 420 kg ha ). We evaluated firmness, pH, titratable acidity TA, soluble solid SS, SS/TA ratio, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and DPPH inhibition, were evaluated after samples were harvested. However, increasing concentrations of N adversely affected the acidity and led to an increase in the SS/TA ratio. Increasing the N concentration also reduced the content of bioactive compounds. excluding carotenoids, which consequently impaired antioxidant activity.
How Audits Moderate the Effects of Incentives and Peer Behavior on Misreporting

Abstract Classical agency theory argues that economic incentives can have a strong impact on opportunistic reporting behavior. On the other hand, behavioral literature suggests that agents also adhere to descriptive norms established by peers. Most studies examine these effects in isolation, ignoring the role of mechanisms that firms use to detect misreporting. This research examines if the effects of incentives and descriptive peer norms depend on whether the firm uses an audit system to detect misreporting. In an experiment, we vary the material payoffs for lying (low vs. high compensation rate), the behavior of peers (low vs. high honesty), and the use of audits to detect misreporting (audited vs. not audited). Results indicate that the effect of peer behavior depends on the use of audits. When reporting decisions are audited, descriptive peer norms have a strong effect on the level of truthful reporting. We do not find evidence indicating that the effect of incentives depends on audits. Our findings have important implications for practice. Firms may need to consider the use of audits if they want to promote honesty through positive peer-established social norms.
Psychometric Properties of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale among People with Arthritis

After 30 years of use the factor structure of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale remains the subject of debate. Most studies have focused on school-aged or undergraduate students. There are few psychometric data for older people or for those with disabilities. This study compared the factor structures of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale among 117 adults with arthritis and 185 undergraduate students. A two-factor solution provided the best fit for both samples, although the item content of the factors differed slightly Further investigation is required to assess whether the difference is due to age or the presence of physical disability. Nonetheless, the scale discriminated well between students and adults with arthritis.
Carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in home care settings: prevalence, duration, and transmission to household members.

BACKGROUND Several studies have documented prolonged colonization with hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after hospital discharge. However, information is lacking about factors associated with prolonged MRSA colonization and MRSA transmission to household contacts. METHODS From February 2003 to March 2004, adult inpatients (except obstetric patients) were screened for MRSA carriage before discharge to home health care. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate rates and risk factors of MRSA carriage at discharge, MRSA clearance within 1 year, and MRSA transmission to household contacts. RESULTS We identified MRSA in 191 of the 1501 patients screened before discharge to home health care (12.7%). Of the 148 patients with MRSA who were observed, 75 cleared the organism within 1 year, with an estimated median time to clearance of 282 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 233-313 days). Clearance of MRSA was associated with self-sufficiency in daily activities (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40-1.00) (P = .049). Of the 188 included household contacts, 36 acquired MRSA (19.1%). Factors associated with household MRSA acquisition were older age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.71 per life decade; 95% CI, 1.32-2.21) (P = .001) and participation in the health care of the index patient (adjusted odds ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.33-9.62) (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Hospital-acquired MRSA carriage was common at discharge to home health care and was frequently prolonged. Transmission occurred in nearly 20% of household contacts and was associated with older age and participation in health care of the index patient. Household contacts should apply infection control measures similar to those recommended in the hospital setting.
Indigenous Australian Alcohol and Other Drug Issues

Objective To review the effectiveness of, and community attitudes towards, increased restrictions on the availability of alcohol in Tennant Creek. Method Estimates of quarterly per capita consumption of pure alcohol by persons aged ≥15 years, admissions data from the local hospital, women’s refuge and sobering-up shelter, and police data on detentions in custody and common offences were compared for the 12 months prior and 24 months subsequent to the introduction of the restrictions. A random sample survey of residents aged ≥18 years was conducted to ascertain attitudes towards the
Periostin Deficiency Causes Severe and Lethal Lung Injury in Mice With Bleomycin Administration

Pulmonary capillary leakage followed by influx of blood fluid into the air space of lung alveoli is a crucial step in the progression of acute lung injury (ALI). This influx is due to increased permeability of the alveolar–capillary barrier. The extracellular matrix (ECM) between the capillary and the epithelium would be expected to be involved in prevention of the influx; however, the role of the ECM remains to be addressed. Here, we show that the ECM architecture organized by periostin, a matricellular protein, plays a pivotal role in the survival of bleomycin-exposed mice. Periostin was localized in the alveolar walls. Although periostin-null mice displayed no significant difference in lung histology and air–blood permeability, they exhibited early lethality in a model of bleomycin-induced lung injury, compared with their wild-type counterparts. This early lethality may have been due to increased pulmonary leakage of blood fluid into the air space in the bleomycin-exposed periostin-null mice. These results suggest that periostin in the ECM architecture prevents pulmonary leakage of blood fluid, thus increasing the survival rate in mice with ALI. Thus, this study provides an evidence for the protective role of the ECM architecture in the lung alveoli.
Au32: a 24-carat golden fullerene.

isaclosed-shellmoleculewithanappreciableenergygap between the frontier orbitals, factors important forstability. The gap between the highest occupied molecularorbital(HOMO)andthelowestunoccupiedmolecularorbital(LUMO) is 1.7 and 2.5eVas calculated with the BP86 andPBE0 functionals, respectively. The high symmetry of themoleculeincreasesthedensityofstatesinthefrontierorbitalregion;boththeHOMOandLUMOarefourfolddegenerate.The harmonic vibrational frequencies of the optimizedmolecular structure show the icosahedral form to be aminimum; no imaginary frequencies were obtained. A sta-tionarypointonthe potentialenergysurface(PES) doesnot