Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental and Metabolic Constraints of the Scope for Activity in Young Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri)

1. The relationship between routine or ‘steady’ rate (Vo2s.r.) and maximum rate of metabolism after forced bursts of activity (V·o2max) was studied in the fry and young (weight range 0.08-7 g) of Salmo gairdneri at 4 and 12°C. 2. The relationship between metabolic rate (y) and body weight (x) can be described by the function y = axb. The mass exponent b equals 0.96 and 0.93 for the routine rate, and 1.11 and 1.14 for the maximum rate of metabolism at 4 and 12°C respectively, the two sets of b-values differing significantly from each other. 3. The difference between the routine and the active rate of metabolism is called the relative scope for activity. Expressed as a percentage of the routine rate it increases from 85–166% in the sac fry, to approximately 400% in fish weighing 10g. 4. Within each of four size classes there is a linear relationship between V·o2s.r. and V·o2max, the slope of the relationship always being greater than one and increasing with the weight of the fish from 1.1 in the sac fry to 5.3 in the 3–7g size class. That is, in the larger size class each increase in the steady rate of oxygen consumption by one unit adds 5.3 units to the aerobic scope for activity. 5. It is speculated that routine and active rate of metabolism are related by a constant factor of expansion so that, up to a limiting value, an increase of the former will lead to an increase of the amount of oxygen available to each fish for additional locomotor activity.
Selenite-i duced hormonal and signalling mechan sms during ro t growth of Arabidopsis thaliana

In mammals, cadmium is widely considered as a non-genotoxic carcinogen acting through a methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanism. Here, the effects of Cd treatment on the DNA methylation patten are examined together with its effect on chromatin reconfiguration in Posidonia oceanica. DNA methylation level and pattern were analysed in actively growing organs, under short(6 h) and long(2 d or 4 d) term and low (10 mM) and high (50 mM) doses of Cd, through a Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism technique and an immunocytological approach, respectively. The expression of one member of the CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT) family, a DNA methyltransferase, was also assessed by qRT-PCR. Nuclear chromatin ultrastructure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Cd treatment induced a DNA hypermethylation, as well as an up-regulation of CMT, indicating that de novo methylation did indeed occur. Moreover, a high dose of Cd led to a progressive heterochromatinization of interphase nuclei and apoptotic figures were also observed after long-term treatment. The data demonstrate that Cd perturbs the DNA methylation status through the involvement of a specific methyltransferase. Such changes are linked to nuclear chromatin reconfiguration likely to establish a new balance of expressed/repressed chromatin. Overall, the data show an epigenetic basis to the mechanism underlying Cd toxicity in plants.
Analysis of lidar measurements of ice clouds at multiple incidence angles

The focus of this paper is the retrieval of the oscillation angle of crystals around the horizontal plane, in low‐level ice clouds, using the lidar depolarization ratio. An ice cloud located between 0.5 and 2.25 km of altitude has been studied. Measurements were taken near Montreal, on February 2nd, 2000, with a 1.06‐μm lidar with scanning capability and dual polarization. The scanning observations show high variations of both backscattering coefficient and depolarization ratio, that are usually associated with horizontally‐oriented crystals. A technique has been developed to retrieve the average crystals oscillation angle: the evolution of the measured lidar depolarization ratio with the lidar beam incidence angle on the cloud is compared with simulations of lidar depolarization ratio computed through ray‐tracing. For the fore mentioned case, the average crystal oscillation angle is estimated to be 12° and the relative quantity of oriented ice crystals in the cloud to be 20%.
Randomized study comparing banding and propranolol to prevent initial variceal hemorrhage in cirrhotics with high-risk esophageal varices.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Standard care for prevention of first esophageal variceal hemorrhage is beta-blockade, but this may be ineffective or unsafe. Our purpose was to compare endoscopic banding with propranolol for prevention of first variceal hemorrhage. METHODS In a multicenter, prospective trial, 62 patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices were randomized to propranolol (titrated to reducing resting pulse by > or =25%) or banding (performed monthly until varices were eradicated) and were followed up on the same schedule for a mean duration of 15 months. The primary end point was treatment failure, defined as the development of endoscopically documented variceal hemorrhage or a severe medical complication requiring discontinuation of therapy. Direct costs were estimated from Medicare reimbursements and fixed or variable charges for services up to treatment failure. RESULTS Background variables of the treatment groups were similar. The trial was stopped early after an interim analysis showed that the failure rate of propranolol was significantly higher than that of banding (6/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 19.4%; P = .0098; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 6.4%-37.2%). Significantly more propranolol than banding patients had esophageal variceal hemorrhage (4/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 12.9%; P = .0443; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 0.8%-29%), and the cumulative mortality rate was significantly higher in the propranolol than in the banding group (4/31 vs. 0/31; difference, 12.9%; P = .0443; 95% confidence interval for true difference, 0.8%-29%). Direct costs of care were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS For patients with cirrhosis with high-risk esophageal varices and no history of variceal hemorrhage, propranolol-treated patients had significantly higher failure rates of failure, first esophageal varix hemorrhage, and cumulative mortality than banding patients. Direct costs of medical care were not significantly different.
Signal Analysis and Calibration of Biosensors for Biogenic Amines in the Mixtures of Several Substrates

In real life we should often conduct analyses, where several compounds with similar properties are simultaneously present in solutions. In traditional analytical chemistry, this problem is usually solved by the pre-treatment of probes, enabling to eliminate the interference effect of different compounds. This process requires skilled labour, resources and time and eliminates the possibility to carry out on-line analyses. A promising option for the conduction of on-line analyses is the application of biosensors, which are considered to provide reliable results, at least concerning the issues of selectivity. As biosensors are based on a selective bio-recognition of assessable compounds, there are typically only a restricted number of molecules (besides the ones of the analyte) present in a probe, which can induce measurable signals. However, in cases we have several competing compounds which can generate identical measurable effects, the selectivity of a biosensor can be quite poor and the results illusory. This phenomenon occurs clearly in the studies with enzyme inhibition-based biosensors (Luque de Castro & Herrera, 2003), but can be also well observed with biosensors, based on enzymes having activity towards several substrates, e.g. biosensors measuring biogenic amines (Kivirand & Rinken, 2009), different sugars etc. Biogenic amines (BAs) are natural nitrogenous compounds formed mainly in the process of decarboxylation and aging of free amino acids. The detection of these compounds is a valuable tool for assessing the freshness and quality of a wide variety of protein-containing products like fish, meat, cheese, wine etc. (Yano et al, 1996;Vinci & Antonelli, 2002;Onal, 2007). The most common biogenic amines, used for the indication of food quality are histamine, putrescine and cadaverine (Kivirand & Rinken, 2011). Other BAs, commonly determined in foodstuff are trimethylamine (Mitsubayashi et al, 2004), spermidine, spermine and tyramine (Alonso-Lomillo et al, 2010). At present, regulations have been established only for the intake of histamine, but no accordant limits are set for other BA-s, including putrescine and cadaverine, although several studies have indicated that putrescine and cadaverine could increase the toxicity of histamine by inhibiting the enzymes involved in histamine biodegradation (Niculescu et al, 2000). The allowed maximum residue level of histamine in food according to EEC regulations is 100 mg/kg (EEC, 2001); the international food safety organization FDA has established the histamine level to 50 mg/kg (FDA, 2001).
Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Resection of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Objective:Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare neoplasms that require excision for cure. Although the feasibility of minimally invasive resection of gastric GIST has been established, the long-term safety and efficacy of these techniques are unclear. We hypothesized that complete resection of gastric GISTs using a combination of laparoscopic or laparoendoscopic techniques results in low perioperative morbidity and an effective long-term control of the disease. Methods:Between August 1996 and June 2005, 50 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or laparoendoscopic resection of gastric GISTs were identified in a prospectively collected database. Outcome measures included patient demographics and outcomes, operative findings, morbidity, and histopathologic characteristics of the tumor. Patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed to identify risk factors for tumor recurrence. Results:Fifty patients, mean age 60 years (range, 34–84 years), underwent 47 local and 3 segmental laparoscopic gastric resections. GI bleeding and dyspepsia were the most common symptoms. Mean tumor size was 4.4 cm (range, 1.0–8.5 cm) with the majority of the lesions located in the proximal stomach. Mean operative time was 135 minutes (range, 49–295 minutes), the mean blood loss was 85 mL (range, 10–450 mL), and the mean length of hospitalization was 3.8 days (range 1–10 days). There were no major perioperative complications or mortalities. All lesions had negative resection margins (range, 2–45 mm). Nine patients had 10 or more mitotic figures per 50 high power fields, while 11 had ulceration and/or necrosis of the lesion. At a mean follow-up of 36 months, 46 (92%) patients were disease free, 1 patient was alive with disease, 1 patient with metastases died of a cardiac event, and 2 (4%) patients died of metastatic disease. No local or port site recurrences have been identified. Patient age, tumor size, mitotic index, tumor ulceration, and necrosis were statistically associated with tumor recurrence. The presence of 10 or more mitotic figures per 50 high power fields was an independent predictor of disease progression (P = 0.006). Conclusion:A laparoscopic approach to surgical resection of gastric GIST is associated with low morbidity and short hospitalization. As found in historical series of open operative resection, the tumor mitotic index predicts local recurrence. The long-term disease-free survival of 92% in our study establishes laparoscopic resection as safe and effective in treating gastric GISTs. Given these findings as well as the advantages afforded by minimally invasive surgery, a laparoscopic approach may be the preferred resection technique in most patients with small- and medium-sized gastric GISTs.
PATIENT REQUESTS IN A WALK‐IN CLINIC: REPLICATION OF FACTOR ANALYSIS IN AN INDEPENDENT SAMPLE

This study attempts to test the hypothesis that 14 categories of patient requests are relatively independent mathematically. The request categories were identified in the conduct of initial interviews in a walk-in clinic. To test the independence of the 14 request categories, we administered an 84-item Patient Request Form (PRF) to 296 patients coming to the walk-in clinic of a general hospital. In a previous study using a 75-item version of the PRF on a sample of 201 patients, only nine of the request categories were confirmed according to the criterion that three of the five items in the request category appear on the same factor with a loading of 0.4 or greater. The 84-item PRF is a revised form which contains 40 new items designed to capture more accurately the clinical meaning of the requests. Thirteen of the 14 request categories were confirmed in the present factor study using the same confirmation criterion as the earlier study. Three higher order request dimensions were identified by a factor analysis of each patient's 14 request category scores. The request dimensions were for affective-dependence, cognitive understanding, and active intervention. Preferences among the requests are described. The results of this study are relevant in the following ways; 1) knowledge of the range and definition of patient requests enhances the clinician's ability to hear and respond to the patient's request; 2) facilitating the patient's expression of his request enhances the flow of the interview; 3) describing the distinct requests gives clinicians the opportunity to explore the efficacy of various treatment responses to each request; 4) knowing the request facilitates the negotiation process when clinician and patient are in conflict; 5) the PRF serves both as a clinical and a research tool; and 6) the methods used in this study are applicable to other settings, particularly in medical clinics.
Economic growth and intra-industry trade

O objetivo deste artigo e investigar o impacto do comercio intraindustria marginal sobre o crescimento economico. Os resultados indicam que o crescimento e um processo dinâmico. A mudanca do comercio intra-industria tem um impacto positivo sobre o crescimento economico. Este texto confirma a hipotese teorica relevante como o investimento estrangeiro direto e da globalizacao promover o crescimento economico. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of marginal intra-industry trade on economic growth. The results indicate that economic growth is a dynamic process. The change of intra-industry has a positive impact on economic growth. This paper confirms relevant theoretical hypothesis as foreign direct investment and globalization promote the economic growth. Palavras-chave / Keywords Modelos endogenos, Dados em painel, Estados unidos. Endogenous models, Panel Data, United states.
Mortality differences according to living arrangements.

BACKGROUND Research has revealed mortality differences between marital status groups in different societies and different periods of time. Due to the increase in consensual unions, living alone and other changes in living arrangements, it is necessary to apply a more detailed classification of living arrangements that incorporates partnership situation and household composition. METHODS We analyse mortality by cause-of-death in the total Finnish population aged 30 or over in 1996-2000. The linked register dataset includes 15.7 million person-years and 210,139 deaths. RESULTS In the working aged population, cohabiters had nearly 70% excess mortality when compared with married people. Among working aged men living with someone other than a partner and among men living alone, mortality was three times higher than among married men. Among women, mortality in these groups was close to that of cohabiters. In the older population, mortality in the other groups was 15-40% higher than among married persons. Adjusting for education, social class and employment status attenuated the mortality differences by 7-31%. Having no children was associated with excess mortality in working aged women and men in each living arrangement group. The relative differences were greatest in deaths from alcohol-related causes, followed by deaths from accidents among men and working aged women and lung cancer in women. CONCLUSIONS We observed wide mortality differences according to living arrangements, particularly among the working aged. These differences were partly explained by socioeconomic factors. Excessive alcohol use seems to be one major cause of mortality differences.
Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Marrow Stimulation and Micronized Allograft Cartilage Matrix: An All-Arthroscopic Technique

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are a common cause of ankle pain. The optimum treatment for these injuries continues to evolve. The article describes an all-arthroscopic technique, which includes debridement, marrow stimulation, and application of a micronized allograft cartilage matrix with fibrin sealant. The procedure avoids potential disadvantages associated with other commonly performed procedures including necessity of arthrotomy or osteotomy, donor-site morbidity, increased cost, and need for multiple procedures. The technique is presented along with promising early clinical results. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Working Memory in Children Predicts Performance on a Gambling Task

ABSTRACT. The authors investigated whether working memory (WM) plays a significant role in the development of decision making in children, operationalized by the Children's Gambling Task (CGT). A total of 105 children aged 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11 years old carried out the CGT. Children aged 6–7 years old were found to have a lower performance than older children, which shows that the CGT is sensitive to participant's age. The hypothesis that WM plays a significant role in decision making was then tested following two approaches: (a) an experimental approach, comparing between groups the performance on the CGT in a control condition (the CGT only was administered) to that in a double task condition (participants had to carry out a recall task in addition to the CGT); (b) an interindividual approach, probing the relationship between CGT performance and performance on tasks measuring WM efficiency. The between-groups approach evidenced a better performance in the control group. Moreover, the interindividual approach showed that the higher the participants’ WM efficiency was, the higher their performance in the CGT was. Taken together, these two approaches yield converging results that support the hypothesis that WM plays a significant role in decision making in children.
Tennis elbow tendinosis (epicondylitis).

Tennis elbow tendinosis (epicondylitis) is most commonly caused by tendon overuse and failed tendon healing. The pathoanatomy of overuse tendinopathy is noninflammatory "angiofibroblastic tendinosis. " The specific areas of elbow abnormality include the extensor carpi radialis brevis-extensor digitorum communis complex laterally, the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis medially, and triceps posteriorly. The primary goal of nonsurgical treatment is to revitalize the unhealthy tissue that produces pain. Successful nonsurgical treatment comprises rehabilitative resistance exercise and progression of the exercise program. If rehabilitation fails, surgical treatment can be quite successful.
Physiological plasticity in lizard embryos exposed to high‐altitude hypoxia

Coping with novel environments may be facilitated by plastic physiological responses that enable survival during environmentally sensitive life stages. We tested the capacity for embryos of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) from low altitude to cope with low-oxygen partial pressure (hypoxia) in an alpine environment. Developing embryos subjected to hypoxic atmospheric conditions (15-16% O2 sea-level equivalent) at 2,877 m above sea level exhibited responses common to vertebrates acclimatized to or evolutionarily adapted to high altitude: suppressed metabolism, cardiac hypertrophy, and hyperventilation. These responses might have contributed to the unaltered incubation duration and hatching success relative to the ancestral, low-altitude, condition. Even so, hypoxia constrained egg energy utilization such that larger eggs produced hatchlings with relatively low mass. These findings highlight the role of physiological plasticity in maintaining fitness-relevant phenotypes in high-altitude environments, providing impetus to further explore altitudinal limits to ecological diversification in ectothermic vertebrates.
Novel role of sphingosine kinase 1 as a mediator of neurotrophin‐3 action in oligodendrocyte progenitors

We had found previously that neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) is a potent stimulator of cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in cultured oligodendrocyte progenitors. Here, we show that CREB phosphorylation in these cells is also highly stimulated by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), a sphingolipid metabolite that is known to be a potent mediator of numerous biological processes. Moreover, CREB phosphorylation in response to NT‐3 involves sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), the enzyme that synthesizes S1P. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy indicated that NT‐3 induces translocation of SphK1 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane of oligodendrocytes, a process accompanied by increased SphK1 activity in the membrane fraction where its substrate sphingosine resides. To examine the involvement of SphK1 in NT‐3 function, SphK1 expression was down‐regulated by treatment with SphK1 sequence‐specific small interfering RNA. Remarkably, the capacity of NT‐3 to protect oligodendrocyte progenitors from apoptotic cell death induced by growth factor deprivation was abolished by down‐regulating the expression of SphK1, as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Altogether, these results suggest that SphK1 plays a crucial role in the stimulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor survival by NT‐3, and demonstrate a functional link between NT‐3 and S1P signaling, adding to the complexity of mechanisms that modulate neurotrophin function and oligodendrocyte development.