Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antiepileptic Drugs and Cerebral Glucose Metabolism

Summary: Using PET with [18‐F]‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG), we studied the effects of antiepileptic drugs on cerebral glucose metabolism. Serial scans were performed before and after the test drug was added to or removed from the patient's regimen. At least 3 weeks elapsed after achieving steady‐state plasma levels when drugs were added, or after plasma levels were undetectable when drugs were tapered, before repeat scans were obtained. Only a single drug was changed between scans. In the phenobarbital (PB) study, the “on‐drug” scan was performed first in each case. In this instance, a mean of 14 weeks elapsed between the time blood levels were undetectable and repeat scanning in order to avoid the possibility of withdrawal effects. Scanning in each group was performed 30 min after injection of 5 mCi of FDG, with EEG monitoring to exclude ictal activity. Regional glucose metabolic rates were calculated in 8 to 20 regions of interest. PB reduced LCMRglu in seven of eight regions studied, with a mean reduction over all regions of 37 ± 3%. Phenytoin (PHT) reduced LCMRglu in only two of 10 regions (mean =13%). We studied the effect of PHT on cerebellar metabolism in 42 patients using unpaired scans. Cerebellar LCMRglu was lower when patients were taking PHT at the time of scan, as well as in those who were taking PHT for 5 years or more, but the differences were not significant. There was a weak inverse correlation between PHT serum level and cerebellar LCMRglu in patients taking the drug at the time of scan (r = ‐ 0.36; 0.05 < p < 0.1). Carbamazepine (CBZ) reduced LCMRglu in two of 20 regions studied, with a mean metabolic rate reduction of 10.7%. The mean change in LCMRglu in six controls was only 5.2%. Thus, PB has a dramatic effect on human cerebral glucose metabolism at blood levels within the “therapeutic range. ” PHT and CBZ appear to cause mild reductions; the effect of these drugs is only slightly higher than the scan‐scan variability in patients whose drug is not changed. The reduction in LCMRglu attributable to PB may be related to the adverse cognitive effect of the drug.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of diclofenac/misoprostol in Alzheimer’s disease

Background: Previous studies suggest a potential benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Prescribing NSAIDs, however, carries the risk of significant gastrointestinal adverse events. Objectives: To study whether treatment with an NSAID prevents expected decline in AD patients and evaluate whether co-administration of the gastro-protective agent, misoprostol, with an NSAID is safe in AD. Methods: The efficacy and safety of diclofenac in combination with misoprostol (D/M) was evaluated in 41 patients with mild-moderate AD in a prospective 25-week, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Efficacy measures comprised the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale cognitive and noncognitive subsections, Global Deterioration Scale, Clinical Global Impression of Change, Mini-Mental State Examination, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Self-Maintenance Scale, and a caregiver-rated Global Impression of Change. Results: There were no group differences with any of the outcome measures in an intent-to-treat analysis. There were some nonsignificant trends for the placebo group to have deteriorated more than the D/M-treated patients. Withdrawal rates were 12 of 24 in the D/M group and 2 of 17 in the placebo group. There were no serious drug-related adverse events. Conclusions: This pilot study, with small treatment numbers, did not demonstrate a significant effect of NSAID treatment in AD, but the trends observed justify further investigations with a larger number of participants. D/M is safe in AD patients, but its tolerability is not optimal.
Water intake of weaned piglets from three to seven weeks old

One hundred and two large white cross landrace piglets weaned at 21 (+/- 1) days old were randomly allocated to one of two commercial early weaning diets for a four week growth trial. The piglets were housed in groups of between six and 10. After initial moderate restriction the piglets were fed ad libitum. Food intakes and weight gains were recorded weekly. Water consumption of individual pens of piglets was recorded daily. Dietary treatment had no significant effect on mean daily feed intake, daily liveweight gain or food conversion ratio. The relationship between water and food intake, piglet weight and daily gain was examined using regression and multiple regression analyses. Water intake was related to all these parameters, with daily feed intake being the best single predictor of water intake. The relationship was described by the equation: water intake (litres/day) = 0.149 + 3.053 feed intake (kg/day).
Thermal balloon ablation—a rare case of fibroid necrosis

Introduction This case illustrates the fact that fibroid necrosis is a complication of thermal ablation. This complication has not been described in the medical literature in relation with thermal ablation. The use of thermal ablation for submucous fibroid-induced menorrhagia is considered inappropriate; however, no clear instruction is available for its use with cases of intramural fibroids where the cavity is regular. When such a potential complication results in hysterectomy, then the purpose of the procedure, which was the avoidance of major surgery, is defeated and appropriate counselling and consent should have been undertaken.
Single Function Agents and their Negotiation Behavior in Expert Systems

A Single Function Agent (SiFA) is a software agent, with only one function, one point of view, and one target object on which to act. For example, an agent might be a critic (function) of material (target) from the point of view of cost. This research investigates the possibilities and implications of the SiFA concept, and analyzes the definition language, negotiation language and negotiation strategies of the agents. After defining a domain-independent set of agent types we investigated negotiation, analyzing which pairs/groups of agents have reason to communicate, and what the information passed between them should be, as well as what knowledge was needed to support the negotiation. A library for the CLIPS expert system shell was built, which allows development of SiFA based expert systems from domain independent templates. We will present two such systems, one as implemented for the domain of ceramic component material selection and the other (in development) for simple sailboat design. The effect of negotiation on the design process and the results are discussed, as well as directions for future research into SiFAs.
Squeeze film effect for the design of an ultrasonic tactile plate

Most tactile displays currently built rely on pin-based arrays. However, this kind of tactile device is not always appropriate when we need to give the illusion of finely textured surfaces. In this paper, we describe the squeeze film effect between a plate and a finger, and we use this effect to design an ultrasonic tactile plate. The plate is actuated by piezoelectric ceramics. Ultrasonic vibrations are thus produced and are capable of generating the squeeze film effect. This enables us to simulate variable friction on the surface of the plate. In order to identify the squeeze film phenomenon, this study considers the case where a finger, with a planar bottom surface and with epidermal ridges, is placed on a rapidly vibrating plate. The overpressure is calculated and the result enables us to assess the relative coefficient of friction as a function of the vibration amplitude of the plate. Based on this principle, and using both analytic and FE method studies, and given ergonomic and stimulation (squeeze film) requirements, we show that it is possible to design a tactile plate which is capable of giving programmable tactile sensations. We conclude by comparing the results obtained from our simulations with experimental results.
Distributed Load Balancing for the Adaptive Video Streaming Using CDN with Ring System of Server Consolidation by Circulant Topology

This article is devoted to development of an automated service for media content delivery network when adaptive online streaming on the Internet. This allows automatically adjusting of the amount of transmitted data per unit of time (bitrate) with changing in quality of requested media content accordingly. Consequently, the quality will be underestimated to those using low-bandwidth data channels, and vice versa, the content will be provided with highest possible quality for those connected to high-bandwidth communication channels. In this process, a user does not take any part: client video player itself determines which bitrate will optimally display the content to a particular user in order to avoid video buffering with the highest possible quality ensured. Switching between bitrates can occur continuously with a decrease/increase according to changes in quality of currently available bandwidth. In addition to adaptive video broadcast, the developed service allows transcoding of video streams on the fly. After receiving of input RTSP/RTMP stream, the network converts it to RTMP/HLS multi-bitrate, resulting in the generation of video streams of different quality which can be supported by both mobile devices and personal computers.
Psychosocial and Contextual Factors Related to Early Drinking Initiation in a Sample of Italian Adolescents (12-14 years)

Underage drinking is common in Italy. Children experiment under parental supervision their first sip of alcohol as family is reputed a factor of mitigation of unwanted consequences. However, evidence about later age outcomes is not conclusive. Methods. A national sample of 1.180 lower secondary school students (12-14), was surveyed for first drinking experience, subsequent drinking and opinions on alcohol. Multivariate analysis was conducted using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis. Results. 1) alcohol use (including drunkenness) is mediated by frequency but also by facility of access and peers. Positive alcohol appreciation normalizes the idea that moderate drinking is unproblematic; 2) girls are more exposed to drunkenness if their peers get drunk; 3) initiation under adults external to parents expose to uncontrolled drinking; 4) a positive appreciation at first experience confirms higher consumption levels but not excess. Conclusion. Alcohol initiation seems relatively independent from the presence/absence of family figures. Peers mediates towards higher consumptions.
Positive, Negative, and Disparate—Women’s Differing Long‐Term Psychosocial Experiences of Bilateral or Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Abstract: Because of recent studies showing strong prevention benefit and acceptable psychosocial outcomes, more women may be considering prophylactic mastectomy. A growing literature shows some positive psychosocial outcomes for women with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, but less is known about women with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Several surveys have shown that a large majority of women with prophylactic mastectomy report satisfaction with their decisions to have the procedure when asked in a quantitative, closed‐ended format. We sought to explore the nuances of women’s satisfaction with the procedure using a qualitative, open‐ended format. We included open‐ended questions as part of a mailed survey on psychosocial outcomes of prophylactic mastectomy. The research team coded and analyzed these responses using qualitative methods. We used simple descriptive statistics to compare the demographics of the entire survey sample to those women who answered the open‐ended questions; the responses to the open‐ and closed‐ended satisfaction questions, and the responses of women with bilateral and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Seventy‐one percent of women with prophylactic mastectomy responded to the survey and 48% provided open‐ended responses about psychosocial outcomes. Women’s open‐ended responses regarding psychosocial outcomes could be coded into one of three general categories—positive, negative, and disparate. In the subgroup of women with both open‐and closed‐ended responses, over 70% of women providing negative and disparate comments to the open‐ended question simultaneously indicated satisfaction on a closed‐ended question. Negative and disparate open‐ended responses were twice as common among women with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (52%) than women with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (26%). These findings suggest that even among women who report general satisfaction with their decision to have prophylactic mastectomy via closed‐ended survey questions, lingering negative psychosocial outcomes can remain, particularly among women with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. This dichotomy could be an important factor to discuss in counseling women considering the procedure.
Calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells-coupled vanilliod transient receptor potential channel 4 ca2+ sparklets stimulate airway smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) contributes to the remodeling and irreversible obstruction of airways during severe asthma, but the mechanisms underlying this disease process are poorly understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that Ca(2+) influx through the vanilliod transient receptor potential channel (TRPV) 4 stimulates ASMC proliferation. We found that synthetic and endogenous TRPV4 agonists increase proliferation of primary ASMCs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ca(2+) influx through individual TRPV4 channels produces Ca(2+) microdomains in ASMCs, called "TRPV4 Ca(2+) sparklets. " We also show that TRPV4 channels colocalize with the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin in ASMCs. Activated calcineurin dephosphorylates nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factors cytosolic (c) to allow nuclear translocation and activation of synthetic transcriptional pathways. We show that ASMC proliferation in response to TRPV4 activity is associated with calcineurin-dependent nuclear translocation of the NFATc3 isoform tagged with green florescent protein. Our findings suggest that Ca(2+) microdomains created by TRPV4 Ca(2+) sparklets activate calcineurin to stimulate nuclear translocation of NFAT and ASMC proliferation. These findings further suggest that inhibition of TRPV4 could diminish asthma-induced airway remodeling.
Cross-layer designed adaptive packet length control for wireless networks

In order to guarantee the QoS (Quality of Service) for current or future multimedia application services over wireless networks, we have proposed a cross-layer design framework which is jointly optimized among physical, data link, and network layers. In our proposed scheme, we classify the various application services into two QoS classes, i.e., streaming and downloading types of data transmissions. This paper focuses on a frame fragmentation method in data link layer to improve both latency and throughput performances in network layer. The proposed scheme properly controls the packet length based on the QoS classes as well as CSI (Channel State Information). The computer simulations reveal that our proposed scheme improves latency and throughput performances by 8.52–10.5 dB and 12.4–12.7%, respectively.
Hirschman's Tunnel Effect Goes Abroad: International Dimensions of Social Comparison and Subjective Well-Being

We i¬ nd evidence that individualsâ€™ subjective well-being depends on the macroeconomic performance of other countries as well as that of their home country. Given the home countryâ€™s economic growth, an individualâ€™s life satisfaction is positively associated with the economic growth of important trade partners. It is negatively associated with the economic growth of neighboring countries that engage in relatively little trade with the home country. Our i¬ ndings are consistent with individuals who care about their economic situation relative to that of people in other countries, but who at the same time anticipate positive spillovers from the economic performance of countries that share an important economic tie with their home country.
Differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors in elderly and younger patients with type 2 diabetes in the West Indies.

OBJECTIVE To assess the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in elderly (> or = 60 years) and younger patients with Type 2 diabetes visiting two primary care clinics in Trinidad. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fasting blood samples were taken from one hundred and ninety-one (127 females, 64 males) patients with Type 2 diabetes visiting two primary care clinics between 1 January and 30 April 2000. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, plasma glucose, serum lipids and insulin were measured. Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) was used to assess basal insulin resistance (IR). RESULTS Of the 191 patients studied, 58.6% were <60 years old while 41.4% were > or = 60 years old. The younger patients had higher prevalence rates of cigarette smoking and use of alcoholic drinks (p < 0.05). The female younger patients had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride, total-cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose and IR than the elderly female patients (p < 0.05). Similarly, the younger male patients had significantly higher mean HbA1c, creatinine, fasting plasma glucose, IR and lower HDL-cholesterol levels than the elderly male patients (p < 0.05). Generally, the younger patients had significantly higher prevalence rates of hypertriglyceridaemia, obesity, poorer glycaemia and blood pressure control. CONCLUSION The results indicate that younger patients withType 2 diabetes had poorer metabolic control and higher prevalence rates of CVD risk factors than the elderly patients. The greater risk of CVD in younger patients was not independent of gender and ethnicity.
Tune Recognition with Reduced Pitch and Interval Information

Twenty subjects were tested on their ability to recognize simple tunes from which rhythm information had been removed. Only the first phrase of each tune was presented. The purpose of the experiment was (a) to determine whether stimuli containing only high harmonics can evoke a sense of musical pitch, and (b) to provide a set of data in normal subjects with which the performance of deaf subjects whose auditory nerve is stimulated electrically can be compared. Each subject was tested on five sets of stimuli presented in a counterbalanced order. These stimuli were (I) pulse trains high-pass filtered at 2 kHz, with repetition rates in the range of 100–200 p.p.s. ; (2) as in (I) but high-pass filtered at 4 kHz; (3) sinusoids with musical intervals compressed, so that the “octave” was a ratio of I:I·3; (4) sinusoids with the musical intervals expanded, so that the “octave” was a ratio of I:4; (5) sinusoids of a constant frequency in which the normal frequency changes were translated into intensity changes, each semitone being represented by a 3 dB change in level. The results indicate that a pattern of intensity changes does not support tune recognition, and that, although the pitch contour alone allows reasonable performance, subjects do use musical interval information in recognizing tunes. Stimuli containing only high harmonics can provide such interval information, and thus can evoke a sense of musical pitch. Preliminary results from a deaf subject stimulated electrically with an electrode on the surface of the cochlea indicate that such stimulation can also evoke a sense of musical pitch. It is concluded that musical pitch information can be carried in the time-pattern of nerve impulses in the auditory nerve.
Endothelial-derived microparticles: Biological conveyors at the crossroad of inflammation, thrombosis and angiogenesis

Summary Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are complex vesicular structures that can be shed by activated or apoptotic endothelial cells. EMP are composed of a phospholipid bilayer that exposes transmembrane proteins and receptors and encloses cytosolic components such as enzymes, transcription factors and mRNA derived from their parent cells. Thus, EMP behave as biological conveyors playing a key role in the tuning of vascular homeostasis. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of EMP, notably in coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis and also on the mechanisms that trigger their formation. In this context, EMP could compromise vascular homeostasis and then represent key players in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. Consequently, elucidating their role and their mechanisms of formation will bring new insights into the understanding of endothelial-associated diseases. Moreover, in the future, it can open novel therapeutic perspectives based on the inhibition of EMP release.
Mesure d'audience sur Internet par populations de fourmis artificielles

Résumé. Nous présentons dans ce travail un outil pour la mesure d’audience sur Internet, reposant sur l’extraction de profils de navigation représentatifs de l’activité des internautes sur les sites. Ces profils sont obtenus par l’application d’un algorithme de classification non supervisée – inspiré du système de reconnaissance chimique des fourmis – sur des sessions de navigations construites à partir des fichiers log du site étudié. Cet algorithme de classification a été associé à une représentation multimodale des sessions utilisateurs permettant d’employer l’ensemble des informations à disposition dans les fichiers log (impacts sur les pages, heure de connexion, durée, séquence des pages, .), ainsi qu’à une mesure de similarité adaptée pour créer les profils de chacun des clusters obtenus. Il reste cependant d’autres modalités (basées sur le contenu des documents accédés) qui pourraient améliorer la capacité de l’outil à donner du sens aux profils découverts.
The physiological demands of America's Cup yacht racing

The aim of this research was to report the physiological demands of America's Cup yacht racing. The nature of racing was quantified, specifically the activity pattern and exercise intensity, and the anthropometric, and fitness characteristics of the athletes documented. This included physiological assessment (aerobic power and anaerobic power) of the athletes during' grinding' (standing arm-cranking) the primary activity of America's Cup sailing. The influence of crank velocity, crank length, crank-axle height and the role of the lower limbs were evaluated in order to determine the conditions for optimal power production during grinding. The acute thermoregulatory responses to racing were assessed, and the chronic responses to training in terms of upper respiratory infection (URI), salivary-immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and subjective fatigue documented. The exercise intensity of racing was high, but intermittent, and influenced by how evenly matched the boats were and the role of the athlete. [Continues. ]
Consumer acculturation in situ: the continuing leg of French colonization in North Africa

The Handbook of Islamic Marketing provides state-of-the-art scholarship on the intersection of Islam, consumption and marketing and lays out an agenda for future research. The topics covered by eminent contributors from around the world range from fashion and food consumption practices of Muslims to retailing, digital marketing, advertising, corporate social responsibility, and nation branding in the context of Muslim marketplaces. The essays offer new insights into the relationship between morality, consumption and marketing practices and discuss the implications of politics and globalization for Islamic markets. This comprehensive Handbook provides an essential introduction to the newly emerging field of Islamic marketing. It is invaluable for researchers and students in international marketing who are interested in the intersection of Islam and marketing as well as those from anthropology and sociology studying Muslim consumers and businesses. The book also supplies vital knowledge for Muslim and non-Muslim business leaders generating commerce in Islamic communities.