Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diminished vessel diameter as a possible factor in the decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)

Abstract• The aim of this work was to examine the anatomy and functioning of secondary xylem in stems in relation to the decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). • We tested the hypothesis that declining trees show changes in the structure of wood, which result in impaired water transport. • Anatomical analyses were carried out on wood samples (comprising all annual rings formed during the 30 years life of the analysed trees) collected at breast height from the main stem of healthy, weakened and dead ash trees. The width of annual wood increments, the diameter and density of earlywood vessels were measured and the theoretical hydraulic conductivity index through the secondary xylem calculated by application of Hagen-Poisseuille’s formula. • Anatomical characteristics changed both with the age of trees and in response to unfavorable factors. The largest vessels were observed in healthy trees, which implied that they had the highest hydraulic conductivity index, whereas trees considered to be in decline produce smaller vessels and hence had reduced conductivity. Résumé• Le but de ce travail était d’étudier l’anatomie et le fonctionnement du xylème secondaire dans le tronc en relation avec le dépérissement de Fraxinus excelsior L. • Nous avons testé l’hypothèse selon laquelle les arbres dépérissants présentent des changements dans la structure du bois, qui se traduisent par un dysfonctionnement du transport de l’eau. • Des analyses anatomiques ont été effectuées sur des échantillons de bois (comprenant tous les cernes formés au cours des 30 années de vie des arbres analysés) recueillis à hauteur de poitrine sur la tige principale d’arbres sains, affaiblis ou morts. La largeur des accroissements annuels du bois, le diamètre et la densité des vaisseaux du bois initial ont été mesurés, et un indice théorique de conductivité hydraulique du xylème secondaire a été calculé par l’application de la loi de Hagen-Poisseuille. • Les caractéristiques anatomiques ont changé à la fois avec l’âge des arbres et en réponse à des facteurs défavorables. Les vaisseaux les plus largers ont été observés chez les arbres sains, ce qui implique un indice de conductivité hydraulique élevé, tandis que les arbres considérés comme dépérissants ont produit des vaisseaux plus petits et avaient donc une conductivité réduite.
Induction of cardiac nitric oxide synthase 2 in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia.

Induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS2, also designated as iNOS) in the heart is known to occur in response to various stimuli. It is not known, however, whether in vivo hypoxia leads to cardiac NOS2 induction. We thus investigated the effects of normobaric hypoxia (10% O(2)for 8, 15 and 21 days) on NOS2 protein expression and enzyme activity in rat right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV). Chronic hypoxia induced RV hypertrophy: the RV weight to body weight ratio was increased by 45% upon 15 days of exposure, with no change thereafter and no change in left ventricular (LV) weight. Treatment of hypoxic rats with l -NAME for 1 month decreased pulmonary artery pressure and RV hypertrophy compared to hypoxic non-treated rats. NOS2 activity detected by [(3)H]l -arginine to [(3)H]l -citrulline conversion increased in RV during hypoxia, with a maximum at 15 days (+161% of control rats P<0.05), whereas it increased less (by 60%) in LV. In parallel, after 15 days of hypoxia there was a three-fold increase in NOS2 protein abundance detected by Western blotting using an isoform-specific antibody in the RVs (two-fold increase in the LV). Immunochemistry with the specific antibody demonstrated the expression in cardiomyocytes isolated from both ventricles of normoxic and hypoxic rats. Protein kinase C (PKC) content and activity was unchanged in LV of hypoxic rats, but increased in RV as compared with normoxic rats. These results clearly show that, in the heart, NOS2 is upregulated by hypoxia with an expression in cardiomyocytes of both ventricles. In addition, NOS2 is more inducible in the right hypertrophied ventricle than in the left non-hypertrophied hypoxic ventricle.
Evaluation of the Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory as a Depression Screening Tool After Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo examine the utility of the Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory (NFI) for diagnosing depression in a rehabilitation setting. DesignIn a prospective study, a structured clinical interview (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR) was used to identify DSM-IV–defined major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). NFI Depression scale items were compared with DSM-IV diagnosis obtained by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders. SettingOutpatient neuropsychology clinic at a university hospital, private outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, and a long-term specialized living assistance program. ParticipantsParticipants consisted of 78 patients with TBI who were at least 3 months postinjury and 18 years of age or older. Main Outcome MeasuresStructured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and the NFI. ResultsPsychiatric diagnostic interview with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders indicated that 50% of patients with TBI in our sample had at least one of the following in their lifetime: MDD, MDD due to general medical condition, dysthymia, or adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Thirty percent met diagnostic criteria for current MDD with or without general medical condition. Analyses of the NFI items revealed that individuals with depression endorsed greater levels of problems than did those without depression on 14 of the 32 items related to the DSM-IV symptom domains for depression (P < .00156 with Bonferroni correction). In predicting the diagnosis of depression using individual NFI items, the classification rate based on the Random Forests estimate was 83%. ConclusionFindings indicate that the NFI items differentiated between depressed and nondepressed patients with TBI. Imposing minimal burden on patients and staff, the NFI appears to have good predictive value in diagnosing major depression. In clinical practice and research, the NFI is a potentially valuable screening tool for identifying major depression in persons with TBI.
Myelination in the Absence of Galactolipids and Proteolipid Proteins

The galactolipids galactocerebroside and sulfatide and the proteolipid protein (PLP) and its splice variant DM20 are the most abundant lipid and protein components of central nervous system myelin. Recent studies have found that mice lacking either the galactolipids or PLP are able to form myelin sheaths with apparently normal periodicity and near normal compaction. Here, we have generated galactolipid/proteolipid double mutants to examine the possibility that these molecules have overlapping functions. We show that the absence of the galactolipids and PLP has pleotropic effects on myelin formation. While oligodendrocytes in the postnatal day 20 galactolipid/proteolipid-deficient mouse are able to elaborate myelin with close to normal intraperiod lines, there is an increased frequency of uncompacted myelin sheaths as well as unmyelinated axons. Moreover, the double mutants display extensive white matter vacuolization of the cerebellum that initiates around postnatal day 16, which correlates with the onset of a severe ataxic phenotype and an increased percentage of apoptotic nuclei in the cerebellar internal granule cell layer. These data indicate that the galactolipids and PLP/DM20 are not required for intraperiod line formation, but they suggest a role for these molecules in mediating myelin compaction and in maintaining the integrity of the cerebellum.
Hip Revision Arthroplasty in Periprosthetic Fractures of Vancouver Type B2 and B3

Objectives The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that stem revision in Vancouver Type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures using a transfemoral surgical approach and a modular, noncemented, tapered and fluted revision stem led to reproducibly good results with respect to fracture healing, stability of the prosthesis stem, dislocation, intraoperative fracture, and clinical outcome. Design Prospective study. Setting Orthopaedic specialized clinic and center for joint replacement. Patients Twenty-two patients with periprosthetic fractures of Vancouver Type B2 and 10 of Type B3 were followed of at least 24 months. Main Outcome Measure Fracture healing, stability of the prosthesis stem, complications, and clinical outcome. Results All fractures healed with a mean time of 14.5 ± 5.2 weeks. No cases of subsidence of the stem were observed and, according to the classification of Engh et al concerning the biologic fixation of the stem, there was bony ingrowth fixation in 28 cases and stable fibrous fixation in four cases. One dislocation occurred and there were no cases of intraoperative fracture. The Harris hip score rose continually after the operations; from a score 3-months postoperatively of 59.2 ± 14.6 points, it rose to 81.6 ± 16.5 points after 24 months. According to the classification of Beals and Tower, all results were rated as excellent. Conclusions The methods described here for stem revision lead to reproducibly good results in the treatment of periprosthetic hip fractures of Vancouver Types B2 and B3. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Abacavir (1592U89) from a Dose-Ranging, Double-Blind, Randomized Monotherapy Trial with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Subjects

ABSTRACT Abacavir (formerly 1592U89) is a carbocyclic nucleoside analog with potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) activity when administered alone or in combination with other antiretroviral agents. The population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of abacavir were investigated in 41 HIV type 1 (HIV-1)-infected, antiretroviral naive adults with baseline CD4+ cell counts of ≥100/mm3 and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels of >30,000 copies/ml. Data for analysis were obtained from patients who received randomized, blinded monotherapy with abacavir at 100, 300, or 600 mg twice-daily (BID) for up to 12 weeks. Plasma abacavir concentrations from sparse sampling were analyzed by standard population pharmacokinetic methods, and the effects of dose, combination therapy, gender, weight, and age on parameter estimates were investigated. Bayesian pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were calculated to determine the peak concentration of abacavir in plasma (Cmax) and the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞) for individual subjects. The pharmacokinetics of abacavir were dose proportional over the 100- to 600-mg dose range and were unaffected by any covariates. No significant correlations were observed between the incidence of the five most common adverse events (headache, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and malaise or fatigue) and AUC0–∞. A significant correlation was observed betweenCmax and nausea by categorical analysis (P = 0.019), but this was of borderline significance by logistic regression (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 2.32). The log10 time-averaged AUC0–∞ minus baseline (AAUCMB) values for HIV-1 RNA and CD4+ cell count correlated significantly withCmax and AUC0–∞, but with better model fits for AUC0–∞. The increase in AAUCMB values for CD4+ cell count plateaued early for drug exposures that were associated with little change in AAUCMB values for plasma HIV-1 RNA. There was less than a 0.4 log10 difference over 12 weeks in the HIV-1 RNA levels with the doubling of the abacavir AUC0–∞ from 300 to 600 mg BID dosing. In conclusion, pharmacodynamic modeling supports the selection of abacavir 300 mg twice-daily dosing.
Peripheral antinociceptive effects of inhibitors of monoacylglycerol lipase in a rat model of inflammatory pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) is degraded primarily by monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL). We compared peripheral antinociceptive effects of JZL184, a novel irreversible MGL inhibitor, with the reversible MGL‐preferring inhibitor URB602 and exogenous 2‐AG in rats.
Investigation of hepatic cytochrome P‐450 enzyme induction and DNA adduct formation in male CD/1 mice following oral administration of toxaphene

Exposure of experimental animals to toxaphene induces hepatic cytochrome P‐450 (CYP). Although chronic administration of toxaphene to mice was found to cause an increased incidence of liver tumors, a mechanism for its carcinogenicity has yet to be elucidated. We investigated two potential mechanisms of toxaphene‐induced carcinogenicity: peroxisomal proliferation and DNA binding. Peroxisomal proliferation was evaluated by measuring the level of immunodetectable CYP 4A1, an isozyme of CYP that is specifically induced by peroxisomal proliferators, in hepatic microsomes from CD1 mice that were treated by oral gavage for seven consecutive days with corn oil vehicle or 10, 25, 50 or 100 mg kg−1 toxaphene. In comparison to control mice, toxaphene‐treated mice had increased liver weight, increased liver/body weight ratios and increased levels of total hepatic CYP and cytochrome b5. No increase in the level of immunodetectable levels of CYP 4A1 was found in hepatic microsomes from toxaphene‐treated mice when compared to controls. In contrast, increases in immunodetectable CYP 4A1 were detected in hepatic microsomes from mice treated with the peroxisomal proliferator clofibrate. These findings suggest that toxaphene‐induced induction of CYP may not involve CYP 4A1 and that peroxisomal proliferation may not be involved in toxicity. Significant increases in immunodetectable levels of CYP 2B were, however, detected in toxaphene‐treated mice, and are consistent with earlier reports demonstrating that toxaphene, like many other pesticides, induces the phenobarbital‐inducible subfamily of CYP. Analysis of DNA adduct levels in the livers of toxaphene‐treated mice by DNA 32P‐post‐labeling showed no evidence of DNA adduct formation. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Camptocormia

Originally considered a psychogenic disorder, camptocormia, an abnormal posture with marked flexion of thoracolumbar spine that abates in the recumbent position, is becoming an increasingly recognized feature of parkinsonian and dystonic disorders. Prior reports were limited by sample size, short follow-up, and paucity of data on response to therapy. The authors reviewed 16 patients evaluated in their PD Center and Movement Disorders Clinic diagnosed with camptocormia. In addition to detailed neurologic assessment all patients were videotaped. The mean age was 64.9 ± 17.4 years, mean age at onset of neurologic symptoms was 51.5 ± 19.9 years, duration from onset of neurologic symptoms to development of camptocormia was 6.7 ± 7.6 years, and the mean duration of camptocormia was 4.5 ± 3.9 years. Of the 16 patients, 11 (68.8%) had Parkinson disease (PD); others had dystonia (n = 4) and Tourette syndrome (n = 1). Twelve patients received levodopa, with minimal or no improvement in the camptocormia. Nine patients received botulinum toxin type A injections into the rectus abdominus, with notable improvement in their camptocormia in four. One patient underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for PD, but there was no improvement in camptocormia. Based on this series and a thorough review of the literature of camptocormia, head drop, and bent spine syndrome, the authors propose etiologic classification of camptocormia and conclude that this heterogeneous disorder has multiple etiologies and variable response to systemic and local therapies.
The neglected cost of incentivizing? A meta-analysis of subject performance vs. cost-efficiency

Extensive research in economics exclusively employs performance as the criterion for assessing the benefit of payment schemes. This literature has continuously praised piece rate schemes as being advantageous compared to fixed wage schemes. However, focusing solely on performance and omitting cost-benefit analyses of payment schemes, previous studies mostly neglect a highly important issue for organizations: Which payment scheme does provide higher cost-efficiency from an economic perspective? We conduct a meta-analysis to compare the difference in cost-efficiency between piece rate and fixed wage schemes. Our results show that piece rate schemes yield a significantly lower cost-efficiency than fixed wage schemes, regardless of whether performance is higher under piece rate or fixed wage. This finding questions the prevalent recommendation for organizations to prefer performance-contingent rewards, e.g., piece rate to fixed wage schemes. A moderator analysis suggests beneficial effects of goal setting and feedback on cost-efficiency, while task type shows no moderating effect, neither on performance nor cost-efficiency.
Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Failure of Sorafenib Treatment: Subsequent or Additional Treatment Interventions Contribute to Prolonged Survival Postprogression

Background Sorafenib is a first-line treatment option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients; however, survival predictors upon progression have not been well characterized. In the present study, we aimed to show the efficacy of multidisciplinary therapy for patients who had failed to respond to sorafenib treatment. Methods Among 146 BCLC stage B or C HCC patients treated with sorafenib monotherapy between July 2009 and August 2014, the first radiological progression according to the modified RECIST was identified in 71 patients; factors predicting overall survival (OS) and survival postprogression (SPP) were analyzed in these patients. Results The median OS and SPP for patients who failed to respond to sorafenib treatment were 10.5 and 6.2 months, respectively, and the SPP was strongly correlated with the OS (r = 0.982, P < 0.01, and R2 = 0.965). The independent predictors of OS and SPP were identical. The predictors of SPP were des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, progression of portal vein thrombosis, and subsequent second-line or additional treatment. Conclusions SPP is closely associated with OS and might be notable in patients who have failed to respond to initial sorafenib treatment. Furthermore, interventions consisting of other treatment options upon the appearance of progression might prolong OS.
The behavior heuristics responsible for formation and liquidation of tax holding accounts

This article proposes the tax liquidation hypothesis, a predictable pattern of behavior regarding individuals’ decisions to create and subsequently to liquidate “Cash Holding” accounts when facing tax liabilities. Previous research on tax related trading has focused on minimizing the individual tax burden by holding winners and selling losers. This behavior, described as “optimal tax trading” suggests that individuals should sell stocks that have lost value in the short-term while holding onto stocks that have gained value until the stocks can be sold at the preferential long-term capital gains rate. This article proposes the tax liquidation hypothesis based on investor behavioral biases and the current tax environment. Individual investors will hold “cash” accounts that are consistent with their preferences for risk and return. The cash account holdings may differ across individuals, but the pattern and hypotheses regarding formation and liquidation of these accounts for tax reasons should be consistent with the model proposed by this article.
INFLUÊNCIA DA RESTRIÇÃO FINANCEIRA E DA CRISE FINANCEIRA GLOBAL NA EFFECTIVE TAX RATE DE EMPRESAS LATINO-AMERICANAS

The aim was to analyze whether financially constrained (RF) Latin American companies, and in periods of global financial crisis, reduce the Effective Tax Rate (ETR). The sample was composed of non-financial publicly traded firms in Latin America from 2006 to 2015, of which 5,328 are firms per year. An association between RF and ETR was confirmed, but not observed in all Latin American countries. It is considered that due to institutional differences between these countries the results were not uniform, but the findings have relevant information about the behavior of Latin American firms in the face of financial constraints and periods of crisis in possible tax avoidance practices.
Diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity: effects of 3 interventions on insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND In short-term studies, diet and exercise both improve insulin sensitivity. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a 48-week supervised diet and exercise program on weight and insulin sensitivity after initial weight loss and weight maintenance, and then subsequent weight regain over 96 weeks. METHODS Forty-five obese women were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) diet alone, (2) diet and aerobic training, and (3) diet and strength training. All subjects received the same 48-week group behavior modification program and diet (approximately 3879 kJ/d [approximately 925 kcal/d] for the first 16 weeks; approximately 6276 kJ/d [approximately 1500 kca/d] thereafter). Exercising subjects were provided 3 supervised exercise sessions per week for the first 28 weeks and 2 sessions weekly until week 48. During weeks 48 to 96, subjects were unsupervised. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and weeks 16, 24, 44, and 96. RESULTS Subjects across the 3 conditions achieved a mean weight loss of 13.8 kg by week 16, which was associated with decreased insulin levels (61.8% of baseline) There were no significant differences among groups in changes in body mass index, which is a measure of weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters, weight, glucose tolerance, or insulin levels at weeks 16, 24, and 44. No additional beneficial effect of aerobic or strength exercise on insulin resistance, as reflected by serum insulin levels before and after a glucose load, was demonstrated. The 22 subjects who were studied at week 96 maintained a loss of approximately 10% of initial weight. Insulin levels, however, had returned to pretreatment levels. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the beneficial effect of weight reduction on hyperinsulinemia in obese individuals. Participation in supervised exercise did not result in additional improvement in weight loss or insulin sensitivity. We also observed a marked increase in insulin levels with only partial weight regain. Determining the amount of sustained weight loss necessary for continued improvement in insulin sensitivity will require further study.