Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sharing of Control versus Monitoring as Corporate Governance Mechanisms

Do large shareholders monitor firms on behalf of minority shareholders, or share control with other insiders to maximize their own gains? We show how firm characteristics and governance laws determine the role of large shareholders. If investment opportunities are hard for insiders to evaluate, letting a large shareholder monitor the firm is efficient because shared control creates disagreement costs that are more likely to destroy profitable opportunities than to prevent bad investments. In contrast, sharing control is efficient if investment opportunities are hard for outsiders to evaluate, when financing requirements are large, and in countries that poorly protect minority shareholders.
Decision-making tree for women considering hysterectomy.

AIMS This paper reports on a study carried out to establish a decision tree model to describe how women in Taiwan make the decision whether or not to have a hysterectomy. In addition, we examined the predictability of the decision-tree model. BACKGROUND Hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure performed worldwide. Medical professionals believe that the operation can relieve pain and prevent cervical cancer, thus improving a woman's quality of life. While most physicians advise hysterectomy even for benign uterine conditions, feminists decry the belief that the uterus has no purpose, believing that it is an important symbol of womanhood. METHODS The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I, the model development phase, was carried out to generalize data from a qualitative study of 14 women and to establish a tree model outlining their decision to proceed with hysterectomy. The second phase was the model prediction phase that applied inductive and deductive methods to data analysis and development of the decision-tree model. The model tree was then tested with 18 women who were deciding whether or not to undergo hysterectomy. Using the decision-making tree, we studied the women's thought processes and analysed their primary concerns. The study was carried out in 1999-2001. RESULTS The study determined 13 criteria that Taiwanese women use when deciding about having a hysterectomy. Developed in accordance with Gladwin's methodology, the model tree successfully predicted 90% of decisions whether or not to have a hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS Nurses working in gynaecological services should understand how women decide to undergo hysterectomy so that the proper counselling and follow-up can be provided. With further testing, our decision tree may help in this process.
Endothelial Cells Use a Formin-Dependent Phagocytosis-Like Process to Internalize the Bacterium Listeria monocytogenes

Vascular endothelial cells act as gatekeepers that protect underlying tissue from blood-borne toxins and pathogens. Nevertheless, endothelial cells are able to internalize large fibrin clots and apoptotic debris from the bloodstream, although the precise mechanism of such phagocytosis-like uptake is unknown. We show that cultured primary human endothelial cells (HUVEC) internalize both pathogenic and non-pathogenic Listeria bacteria comparably, in a phagocytosis-like process. In contrast with previously studied host cell types, including intestinal epithelial cells and hepatocytes, we find that endothelial internalization of Listeria is independent of all known pathogenic bacterial surface proteins. Consequently, we exploited the internalization and intracellular replication of L. monocytogenes to identify distinct host cell factors that regulate phagocytosis-like uptake in HUVEC. Using siRNA screening and subsequent genetic and pharmacologic perturbations, we determined that endothelial infectivity was modulated by cytoskeletal proteins that normally modulate global architectural changes, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase, focal adhesions, and the small GTPase Rho. We found that Rho kinase (ROCK) is acutely necessary for adhesion of Listeria to endothelial cells, whereas the actin-nucleating formins FHOD1 and FMNL3 specifically regulate internalization of bacteria as well as inert beads, demonstrating that formins regulate endothelial phagocytosis-like uptake independent of the specific cargo. Finally, we found that neither ROCK nor formins were required for macrophage phagocytosis of L. monocytogenes, suggesting that endothelial cells have distinct requirements for bacterial internalization from those of classical professional phagocytes. Our results identify a novel pathway for L. monocytogenes uptake by human host cells, indicating that this wily pathogen can invade a variety of tissues by using a surprisingly diverse suite of distinct uptake mechanisms that operate differentially in different host cell types.
Regional cerebral blood flow and FDG uptake in asymptomatic HIV‐1 men

Despite advances in the treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder occurs in 15–50% of HIV‐infected individuals, and may become more apparent as ageing advances. In the present study we investigated regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose uptake (rCMRglc) in medically and psychiatrically stable HIV‐1‐infected participants in two age‐groups. Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based arterial spin labeling (ASL) were used to measure rCMRglc and rCBF, respectively, in 35 HIV‐infected participants and 37 HIV‐negative matched controls. All participants were currently asymptomatic with undetectable HIV‐1 viral loads, without medical or psychiatric comorbidity, alcohol or substance misuse, stable on medication for at least 6 months before enrolment in the study. We found significant age effects on both ASL and PET with reduced rCBF and rCMRglc in related frontal brain regions, and consistent, although small, reductions in rCBF and rCMRglc in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in HIV, a finding of potential clinical significance. There was no significant interaction between HIV status and the ageing process, and no significant HIV‐related changes elsewhere in the brain on PET or ASL. This is the first paper to combine evidence from ASL and PET method in HIV participants. These finding provide evidence of crossvalidity between the two techniques, both in ageing and a clinical condition (HIV). Hum Brain Mapp 34:2484–2493, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein in children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Objective: To determine whether blood levels of the brain-specific biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein rise during cardiopulmonary bypass for repair of congenital heart disease. Methods: This is a prospective observational pilot study to characterise the blood levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein during bypass. Children <21 years of age undergoing bypass for congenital heart disease at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital were enrolled. Blood samples were collected during four phases: pre-bypass, cooling, re-warming, and post-bypass. Results: A total of 85 patients were enrolled between October, 2010 and May, 2011. The median age was 0.73 years (range 0.01–17). The median weight was 7.14 kilograms (range 2.2–86.5). Single ventricle anatomy was present in 18 patients (22%). Median glial fibrillary acidic protein values by phase were: pre-bypass: 0 ng/ml (range 0–0.35); cooling: 0.039 (0–0.68); re-warming: 0.165 (0–2.29); and post-bypass: 0.112 (0–0.97). There were significant elevations from pre-bypass to all subsequent stages, with the greatest increase during re-warming (p = 0.0001). Maximal levels were significantly related to younger age (p = 0.03), bypass time (p = 0.03), cross-clamp time (p = 0.047), and temperature nadir (0.04). Peak levels did not vary significantly in those with single ventricle anatomy versus two ventricle repairs. Conclusion: There are significant increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for repair of congenital heart disease. The highest values were seen during the re-warming phase. Elevations are significantly associated with younger age, bypass and cross-clamp times, and temperature nadir. Owing to the fact that glial fibrillary acidic protein is the most brain-specific biomarker identified to date, it may act as a rapid diagnostic marker of brain injury during cardiac surgery.
Personality, Shame, and the Breakdown of Social Bonds: The Voice of Quantitative Depression Research

Abstract Scheff's argument (2001), whereby shame and the breakdown of social ties are causality implicated in depression, has potential to inform quantitative research on depression, particularly research focused on determinants of personality vulnerability. In the present article, I relate Scheff's argument to more than two and a half decades of theory and research on the interpersonal nature of depression, and on personality vulnerability to depression. The focus of this review is on the personality theories of Blatt (1974) and Beck (1983), in which an introjective/self-critical/autonomous personality dimension and an anaclitic/dependent/sociotropic personality dimension are each conceptualized as a marker of vulnerability. Reviewing empirical research on these two dimensions, I then point out a certain puzzle emerging from previous findings: The introjective personality dimension appears to confer considerably more vulnerability than the anaclitic personality dimension. An attempt is made to reconcile this puzzle by drawing from Scheff's discussion of shame, as well as from psychosocial research on internal representations of self and others (Blatt, Auerbach, and Levy 1997), and from sociological work on the depressogenic conditions of modernity (Giddens 1991; Seligman 1990).
Infliximab with low-dose methotrexate for prevention of postsurgical recurrence of ileocolonic Crohn disease.

P ostsurgical recurrence of Crohn disease is a very frequent event, and none of the drugs used for the purpose has really shown a clear-cut efficacy. Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti–TNF), is very effective in the treatment of active Crohn disease, but its benefit in preventing postoperative recurrence is still unknown. Yet, its impact, both medical and economic, could be major. Local injection of infliximab for early mucosal postoperative recurrence of Crohn disease seems feasible and safe; however, preliminary results have been disappointing. By contrast, a patient treated with intravenous infliximab immediately after surgery to prevent the recurrence of colonic Crohn disease has been disease free for 48 months after surgery.
Amino acid changes in the fourth conserved region of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 strain HIV-2ROD envelope glycoprotein modulate fusion

The fourth conserved region (C4) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) surface glycoprotein has been shown to participate in CD4 binding and to influence viral tropism (A. Cordonnier, L. Montagnier, and M. Emerman, Nature [London] 340:571-574, 1989). To define the role of the corresponding region of HIV-2, we introduce single amino acid changes into the C4 sequence of HIV-2ROD. The effects of these mutations on glycoprotein function and on virus infectivity have been examined. We have shown that the tryptophan residue at position 428 is necessary primarily for CD4 binding. The isoleucine residue at position 421 is necessary for the establishment of productive infection in the promonocytic cell line U937, while it is dispensable to some extent for infection of primary T lymphocytes or the lymphocytic cell line SUP-T1. This replication defect correlated with the failure of the Ile-421-to-Thr (Ile-421-->Thr) mutant glycoprotein to form syncytia in U937 cells. DNA analysis of revertant viruses revealed that a strong selective pressure was exerted on residue 421 of the surface glycoprotein to allow HIV-2 infection of U937 cells. These results demonstrate that this region of HIV-2 plays an important role in determining fusion efficiency in a cell-dependent manner and consequently can influence viral tropism.
Differential Expression of the Enzymatic System Controlling Synthesis, Metabolism, and Transport of PGF2 Alpha in Human Fetal Membranes1

The present study investigated the expression of genes and proteins associated with PGF2alpha biosynthesis, catabolism, and transport in matched amnion and choriodecidua of human term placenta. The concentration of PGF2alpha within fetal membranes depends on the balance between complex enzymatic systems responsible for, respectively, its synthesis—by prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and members of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family, AKR1C3 and AKR1B1—and its catabolic inactivation—through hydroxy-prostaglandin-dehydrogenase (HPGD). We observed that AKR1C3 shows equal basal expression (mRNA and protein) in choriodecidua and amnion but that AKR1B1 exhibits preferential expression in the choriodecidua. Expression of HPGD and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) was found primarily in the choriodecidua. We also evaluated whether an inflammatory environment induced by the gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects expression of each candidate enzymes. The amnion responded to LPS with a small but significant decrease of AKR1B1 mRNA expression. In contrast, we found a significant increase in PTGS2 and AKR1C3 mRNA expression in choriodecidua after LPS challenge, but such regulation was confirmed only at protein levels for PTGS2 and not for AKR1C3. Our results suggest that the choriodecidua appears to be the main tissue, which expresses maximally all the components (synthesis, degradation, and transport) controlling PGF2alpha levels.
Involvement of Dopamine Receptors of the Dorsal Hippocampus on the Acquisition and Expression of Morphine-Induced Place Preference in Rats

In the present study, the effects of bilateral intrahippocampal CA1 injections of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced place preference were examined in male Wistar rats. Subcutaneous administration of different doses of morphine sulphate (0.5–10 mg/kg) produced a conditioned place preference (CPP) dose-dependently. Using a 3-day schedule of conditioning, it was found that dopamine D1receptor agonist, SKF 38393 (0.01–1 µg/rat), dopamine D1receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.25–1 µg/rat), dopamine D2/3 receptor agonist, quinpirole (0.3–3 µg/rat) or dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (0.04–5 µg/rat) did not produce significant place preference. The administration of SKF 38393 (1 µg/rat) significantly potentiated the acquisition of morphine (0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg)-induced place preference. This potentiation was reversed by SCH 23390 (1 µg/rat) pretreatment. Quinpirole injection (0.3 µg/rat) induced CPP in combination with the lower doses of morphine but decreased the response of the higher doses of morphine. These responses of quinpirole were reversed by sulpiride (5 µg/rat) pretreatment. SCH 23390 or sulpiride reduced the acquisition of morphine (7.5 mg/kg)-induced place preference. The administration of sulpiride, but not other drugs, during acquisition showed an increase in the locomotor activity on the testing days. SKF 38393, SCH 23390 or sulpiride, but not quinpirole when used before testing, reduced the expression of morphineinduced place preference. Sulpiride, but not other drugs, increased locomotion when used before testing. It is concluded that dorsal hippocampal dopamine receptors may play an active role in morphine reward.
In vitro evaluation of dissolution behavior for a colon-specific drug delivery system (CODES™) in multi-pH media using United States Pharmacopeia apparatus II and III

United States Pharmacopeia dissolution apparatus II (paddle) and III (reciprocating cylinder) coupled with automatic sampling devices and software were used to develop a testing procedure for acquiring release profiles of colon-specific drug delivery system (CODES™) drug formulations in multi-pH media using acetaminophen (APAP) as a model drug. System suitability was examined. Several important instrument parameters and formulation variables were evaluated. Release profiles in artificial gastric fluid (pH 1.2), intestinal fluid (pH 6.8), and pH 5.0 buffer were determined. As expected, the percent release of APAP from coated core tablets was highly pH dependent. A release profile exhibiting a negligible release in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers followed by a rapid release in pH 5.0 buffer was established. The drug release in pH 5.0 buffer increased significantly with the increase in the dip or paddle speed but was inversely related to the screen mesh observed at lower dip speeds. It was interesting to note that there was a close similarity (f2=80.6) between the release profiles at dip speed 5 dpm and paddle speed 100 rpm. In addition, the release rate was reduced significantly with the increase in acid-soluble Eudragit E coating levels, but lactulose loading showed only a negligible effect. In conclusion, the established reciprocating cylinder method at lower agitation rates can give release profiles equivalent to those for the paddle procedure for CODES™ drug pH-gradient release testing. Apparatus III was demonstrated to be more convenient and efficient than apparatus II by providing various programmable options in sampling times, agitation rates, and medium changes, which suggested that the apparatus II approach has better potential for in vitro evaluation of colon-specific drug delivery systems.
Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Response to an Executive Function Task in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in both prefrontal regions induced by a cognitive task in children with a developmental attention-deficit disorder in comparison to normal controls using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). A total of 11 boys with a mean age of 10.4 (±1.2) years that met the DSM-IV criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in the study and were compared with 9 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Using a trail-making test designed for the task of connecting numbers from 1 - 90 in four sets, changes in oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) hemoglobin, tissue oxygenation index (TOI), and cerebral blood volume (CBV) were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. During the first test set, designed as a short-attention task, the children with ADHD showed significant increases in O2Hb and CBV, whereas the controls showed no significant changes. During the 4 task cycles in which extended attention was demanded, both groups showed increases in O2Hb and CBV, but only the controls showed an additional increase in HHb in the left prefrontal region. In the ADHD group only, TOI showed an increase mainly on the left side. NIRS is a sensitive tool for measuring differences in hemodynamic changes between boys with ADHD and normal controls. Overall, the normal controls showed lateralized oxygen consumption in the left prefrontal cortex during an extended-attention task, whereas the boys with ADHD showed an imbalance between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin during the short- and extended-attention tasks.
Differences in photosynthetic marine biofilms between sheltered and moderately exposed rocky shores

Photosynthetic microbial biofilms are an important functional component of rocky intertidal habitats worldwide. The abundance of organisms within these films varies both seasonally and according to vertical emersion gradients. However, the effects of horizontal gradients of wave exposure, which have a key influence on macrobiotic assemblages, have received little attention. Here, we examine the relative importance of exposure to wave action, tidal elevation and season on intertidal microbial assemblages. The abundance of micro-organisms was quantified using counts of major functional groups and total photosynthetic biomass, assessed using extracted chlorophyll. These data were compared between 2 moderately exposed and 2 sheltered shores on replicated sampling dates during summer and winter at 3 tidal levels. Diatoms were approximately 6 times more abundant on moderately exposed shores than on sheltered shores. This pattern was consistent between sites and seasons. The percentage cover of cyanobacteria and total photosynthetic biomass was also typically greater on exposed shores. Seasonal variations were also apparent with a trend of greater photosynthetic microbial biomass during the winter than during the summer. Photosynthetic biomass and, to a lesser extent, the abundance of cyanobacteria were greater on the lower shore than on the upper shore. The possible causes of the differences in microbial assemblages between sheltered and exposed shores are discussed. We suggest that indirect effects of habitat amelioration from macroalgal canopy and grazer density, which also covary along the wave exposure gradient, may be more important than the direct effects of wave action itself.
Effects of tezosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, on the cardiovascular and renal systems of neonatal piglets.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Endothelin is a potent biological vasoactive mediator in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Little is known of the effects of endothelin antagonism on the developing heart and kidney, and we hope to show that endothelin does have an important role in the cardiovascular and renal systems of the developing neonate. In this study the authors have examined the effects of tezosentan, a nonselective endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptor antagonist designed for parenteral use, on the cardiovascular and renal systems of healthy neonatal piglets. METHODS Eight, 7- to 10-day old domestic piglets weighing 2.5 to 3.0 kg were anesthetized, intubated, and ventilated with catheters placed into the jugular vein, left ventricle, and femoral artery. Urine output was monitored via a suprapubic cystostomy. After baseline data were obtained the piglets received tezosentan (1 mg/kg/h) for 1 hour. A set of data was collected just before discontinuation of the 1-hour infusion of tezosentan and another set was collected 1 hour after the discontinuation of the drug. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and urine output (UV) were monitored continuously and cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), renal blood flow (RBF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were calculated from gamma counts obtained from injections of radio-labeled microspheres at end of the different time periods. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was obtained by the sodium iothalamate method. Data were averaged and plotted versus time and analyzed statistically by a Student's t test. RESULTS (P <.05 versus baseline*). In our experimental animals the infusion of tezosentan diminished MAP and SVR from baseline values of 94 +/- 7 mm Hg and 0.14 +/- 0.03 mm Hg/mL/min, respectively to TEZO values of 62 +/- 4* mm Hg and 0.07 +/- 0.02* mm Hg/mL/min. CI increased from 278 +/- 58 to 367 +/- 75* mL/min/kg with tezosentan. There also was a statistically significant increase in RBF from 1.16 +/- 0.38 to 1.86 +/- 0.37* mL/min/kg, an increase in UV from 0.57 +/- 0.24 to 0.64 +/- 0.12* mL/min, a decrease in RVR from 4.60 +/- 1.47 to 2.03 +/- 0.36* mm Hg/mL/min, and no change in the GFR. CONCLUSIONS The inhibition of endothelin receptors with tezosentan produced a statistically significant effect on the piglet cardiovascular system with a drop in MAP and SVR and an increase in CI and HR. It also produced a statistically significant increase in RBF and UV and a decrease in RVR without affecting GFR. J Pediatr Surg 36:1824-1828.