Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral analysis of the laser Doppler perfusion signal in human skin before and after exercise.

Spectral analysis based on wavelet transformation of the periodic oscillations of the cutaneous laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signal was used to analyze exercise-induced changes in flow motion in humans. The measurements were performed on the forearm skin in nine healthy, less-trained subjects before and after exercise. Periodic oscillations with frequencies of around 1, 0.3, 0.1, and 0.04 Hz were demonstrated, which are proposed to represent the influence of heart beat, respiration, intrinsic myogenic activity, and the neurogenic factors, respectively, on cutaneous blood flow. We also demonstrated oscillations with a frequency of around 0.01 Hz both before and after exercise. The mean spectral amplitude in the frequency range from 0.0095 to 2.3 Hz increased twofold (P = 0.004) in response to exercise. This increase results from a significant increase in the amplitude of oscillations of around 1, 0.3, and 0.1 Hz. The amplitude of oscillations of around 1 and 0.3 Hz increased onefold in response to exercise (P = 0.02 for both frequencies), whereas the amplitude of oscillations of around 0.1 Hz increased threefold (P = 0.008). Furthermore, to evaluate relative changes of each particular oscillation in response to exercise, the absolute amplitude of each frequency interval was divided by the mean spectral amplitude. In this way, the relative contribution of oscillations of around 0.01 and 0.04 Hz were shown to decrease significantly following exercise (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). The relative contribution of the oscillations of around 0.1 Hz increased, although not statistically significant (P = 0.08), while the relative contribution of the oscillations of around 0.3 and 1 Hz to the total flow motion remained unchanged in response to exercise (P = 0.84 and P = 0.95, respectively). These findings indicate an increased contribution of the oscillations of around 0.1 Hz to the regulation of the cutaneous blood flow following exercise, whereas oscillations of around 0.04 and 0.01 Hz contribute less. We conclude that spectral analysis using a wavelet transformation of the LDF signal is a valuable tool for use in the evaluation of exercise-induced changes in the dynamics of cutaneous microvascular blood flow, but further studies are necessary to clarify the physiological origin of these oscillations.
The first international consensus on mucous membrane pemphigoid: definition, diagnostic criteria, pathogenic factors, medical treatment, and prognostic indicators.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop consensus-based recommendations for streamlining medical communication among various health care professionals, to improve accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, and to facilitate future investigations for mucous membrane pemphigoid. PARTICIPANTS Because of the highly specific nature of this group of diseases, the 26 invited participants included either international scholars in the field of mucous membrane pemphigoid or experts in cutaneous pharmacology representing the 3 medical disciplines ophthalmology, oral medicine, and dermatology. EVIDENCE The first author (L.S.C.) conducted a literature search. Based on the information obtained, international experts who had contributed to the literature in the clinical care, diagnosis, and laboratory investigation for mucous membrane pemphigoid were invited to participate in a consensus meeting aimed at developing a consensus statement. CONSENSUS PROCESS A consensus meeting was convened and conducted on May 10, 1999, in Chicago, Ill, to discuss the relevant issues. The first author drafted the statement based on the consensus developed at the meeting and the participants' written comments. The draft was submitted to all participants for 3 separate rounds of review, and disagreements were reconciled based on literature evidence. The third and final statement incorporated all relevant evidence obtained in the literature search and the consensus developed by the participants. The final statement was approved and endorsed by all 26 participants. CONCLUSIONS Specific consensus-based recommendations were made regarding the definition, diagnostic criteria, pathogenic factors, medical treatment, and prognostic indicators for mucous membrane pemphigoid. A system of standard reporting for these patients was proposed to facilitate a uniform data collection.
Inhibition by lifarizine of intracellular Ca2+ rises and glutamate exocytosis in depolarized rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes and cultured neurones

1 . The effects of lifarizine (RS‐87476) on intracellular Ca2+ rises and the release of glutamate from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes depolarized with 30 mM KCl were investigated by use of entrapped fura 2 and exogenous glutamate dehydrogenase. 2 . Prior (1 min) addition of lifarizine decreased 30 mM KCl‐induced total glutamate release, with 3 μm and 10μm causing 39% and 72% averaged decreases from controls. The calcium‐dependent component of glutamate release (approx. 40% of total) was similarly decreased by 47% and 74%, whereas the calcium‐independent component was decreased by only 32% and 43% respectively. 3 . In parallel experiments with fura‐2‐loaded synaptosomes, lifarizine reduced the depolarization‐induced increases in intracellular [Ca2+], suggesting that this is the means by which the decreases in glutamate release are brought about. Lifarizine inhibited both the plateau and the spike phases of the Ca2+ increases suggesting that, in addition to its known sodium channel blocking properties, it may also inhibit more than one class of calcium channel in the synaptosomes. 4 . Lifarizine at 1 μm and 3 μm also inhibited the rises in intracellular [Ca2+] in rat cultured cortical neurones depolarized with 60 mM KCl. 5 . These effects of lifarizine on intracellular Ca2+ and glutamate exocytosis may contribute to its neuroprotective action.
Cost-effectiveness of Crohn's disease post-operative care.

AIM To define the cost-effectiveness of strategies, including endoscopy and immunosuppression, to prevent endoscopic recurrence of Crohn's disease following intestinal resection. METHODS In the "POCER" study patients undergoing intestinal resection were treated with post-operative drug therapy. Two thirds were randomized to active care (6 mo colonoscopy and drug intensification for endoscopic recurrence) and one third to drug therapy without early endoscopy. Colonoscopy at 18 mo and faecal calprotectin (FC) measurement were used to assess disease recurrence. Administrative data, chart review and patient questionnaires were collected prospectively over 18 mo. RESULTS Sixty patients (active care n = 43, standard care n = 17) were included from one health service. Median total health care cost was $6440 per patient. Active care cost $4824 more than standard care over 18 mo. Medication accounted for 78% of total cost, of which 90% was for adalimumab. Median health care cost was higher for those with endoscopic recurrence compared to those in remission [$26347 (IQR 25045-27485) vs $2729 (IQR 1182-5215), P < 0.001]. FC to select patients for colonoscopy could reduce cost by $1010 per patient over 18 mo. Active care was associated with 18% decreased endoscopic recurrence, costing $861 for each recurrence prevented. CONCLUSION Post-operative management strategies are associated with high cost, primarily medication related. Calprotectin use reduces costs. The long term cost-benefit of these strategies remains to be evaluated.
Molecular and Biochemical Analysis of the Galactose Phenotype of Dairy Streptococcus thermophilus Strains Reveals Four Different Fermentation Profiles

ABSTRACT Lactose-limited fermentations of 49 dairy Streptococcus thermophilus strains revealed four distinct fermentation profiles with respect to galactose consumption after lactose depletion. All the strains excreted galactose into the medium during growth on lactose, except for strain IMDOST40, which also displayed extremely high galactokinase (GalK) activity. Among this strain collection eight galactose-positive phenotypes sensu stricto were found and their fermentation characteristics and Leloir enzyme activities were measured. As the gal promoter seems to play an important role in the galactose phenotype, the galR-galK intergenic region was sequenced for all strains yielding eight different nucleotide sequences (NS1 to NS8). The gal promoter played an important role in the Gal-positive phenotype but did not determine it exclusively. Although GalT and GalE activities were detected for all Gal-positive strains, GalK activity could only be detected for two out of eight Gal-positive strains. This finding suggests that the other six S. thermophilus strains metabolize galactose via an alternative route. For each type of fermentation profile obtained, a representative strain was chosen and four complete Leloir gene clusters were sequenced. It turned out that Gal-positive strains contained more amino acid differences within their gal genes than Gal-negative strains. Finally, the biodiversity regarding lactose-galactose utilization among the different S. thermophilus strains used in this study was shown by RAPD-PCR. Five Gal-positive strains that contain nucleotide sequence NS2 in their galR-galK intergenic region were closely related.
Serological Surveillance of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis virus, Bovine viral diarrhea virus and Bovine Parainfluenza-3 virus in Saudi Arabia -

Monitoring and surveillance of respiratory viral infections in different animals is essential to build up the future bovine animal health and control strategies. The aim of present study was to document the prevalence of some common bovine respiratory viral infections in different regions in Saudi Arabia. Infectious Respiratory viral diseases in cattle are an important cause of mortality especially in young calves. Out of this group of viruses, present study choses to focus on Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and Bovine Parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI-3V). Little is known about the prevalence of these viruses throughout the Gulf and so the primary goal of the study was to test the exposure history of different cattle herds in Saudi Arabia to the indicated viruses. To achieve this goal, 359 serum samples were collected from four different regions in Saudi Arabia (Eastern, Central, Northern, and Western regions). Commercially available ELISA kits were used to evaluate the immune response of animals against these viruses. The results showed the high seroprevalence of the indicated viruses in Saudi Arabia. The seroprevalence of IBRV, BVDV and PI-3 were 50 %, 35%, and 39% respectively. Since the animals used in the current study have not been vaccinated against the indicated viruses, it is highly likely that those herds were exposed to these viruses previously, and thus seroconverted to against these viruses. More molecular studies are urgently needed to do further characterization these viruses in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, application of science- based monitoring systems is highly recommended to mitigate the risk of exposure of different animals for such viruses.
Coordination of Tongue Pressure and Jaw Movement in Mastication

The tongue plays an important role in mastication and swallowing by its contact with the hard palate. Using an experimental palatal plate with 7 pressure sensors, and recording jaw movement using mandibular kinesiography, we assessed, in healthy subjects, the coordination of tongue and jaw movements during the entire masticatory sequence of solids, by measuring tongue pressure against the hard palate. Tongue pressure appeared during the occlusal phase, reached a peak near the start of opening, and disappeared during opening. Specific patterns in order, duration, and magnitude of tongue pressure were seen at the 7 pressure sensors in each chewing stroke. Magnitude and duration were significantly larger in the late stage of chewing (8 strokes before initial swallowing) than in the early stage (until 8 strokes after starting mastication). The normal pattern of tongue contact against the hard palate, control of tongue activity, and coordination with jaw movement during mastication is described.
Anticonvulsant Activities of 4–Bromobenzaldehyde Semicarbazone

Summary: Some of the properties of 4–bromobenzalde‐hyde semicarbazone (compound IV), a prototype molecule of a new class of anticonvulsants, aryl semicarbazones, are described. Compound IV demonstrated activity in the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) tests in mice, with low neurotoxicity. When given orally to rats, it displayed high potency in the MES test and very low neurotoxicity, resulting in a high protective index (PI). Compound IV displayed no proconvulsant properties, and development of rapid tolerance was not noted. When administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 100, 300, or 600 mg/kg to rats, compound IV had no effect on levels of γ‐aminobu‐tyric acid (GABA) or on GABA‐T activity in whole brain. When tested in vitro, compound IV had no effect on rat brain GABA‐T at a drug concentration of 100 μM. Although the activities of certain drug‐metabolizing enzymes were increased after oral administration of compound IV to rats, these effects were less prominent than those of phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ). The principal mode of action of compound IV does not appear to be an interaction with the GABAA receptor complex, and other mechanisms, involving excitatory amino acid neurotransmission, will have to be considered in future investigations of the anticonvulsant activity of this compound.
CSR in an Asymmetric Duopoly with Environmental Externalities

We investigate a linear state dfferential game describing an asymmetric Cournot duopoly with capacity accumulation a la Ramsey and a negative environmental externality (pollution), in which one of the firms has adopted corporate social responsibility (CSR) in its statute, and therefore includes consumer surplus and the environmental effects of production in its objective function. If the market is sufficiently large, the CSR firm sells more, accumulates more capital and earns higher profits than its profit-seeking rival.
Development and Strategy of Knowledge Management for E-services

Knowledge management has become increasingly critical for the success of companies in this emerging era of e-commerce. As business activities increasingly shift to the Web, the challenge facing corporate management is maintaining competitive advantage by building strong relations with employees, customers, and suppliers and partners. A good knowledge management strategy can help achieve this goal. Unfortunately, many companies use knowledge management technologies that do not suit today's new information era. This paper addresses the definitions about knowledge management, area of knowledge management, development of knowledge management, then provide an summary of the driving and impeding forces that help and hinder proper deployment of knowledge management strategies in e-commerce. Finally, the paper advocates the strategy of knowledge management for e-services
Incidence and tendency of cervical-uterine lesions in Pinar del Río 10-to-14-year-old women, 2003-2012

Introduction: malignant and pre-malignant lesions have been localized in women less than 25 years, but the exact enormity of the problem in Pinar del Río is not known. Objective: to evaluate the tendency and incidence of malignant and pre-malign cervical lesions in Pinar women less than 25 years old according to demographic characteristics, in the period 2003-2012. Material and method: a retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out, in order to know the annual incidence of malign and pre-malign cervical lesions in Pinar women younger than 25 years. The sample comprised the results of biopsies made of those women in that period. Results: the annual incidence in 10,000 women from 10-24 years old was 8.8 for CIN1, 3.1 for CIN2, 1.6 for CIN3 + CIS (carcinoma in situ), 0.07 for de microinvasive, 0.03 for the invasive Ib, and 0.02 for the invasive stage II. Stages over neither epidermoidal nor endocervical adenocarcinomas were detected. The annual incidence in each lesion proved increasing particularly for NIC1 cases. Out of 1,198 biopsies made on this age group, only 10 invasive epidermoidal carcinomas were detected in ten years, 0.7 annually, with a proportion of 5.8 per 1,000 women between 10-24 years of age. Conclusions: The tendency of malignant lesions detected in this group would not justify starting the cytological screening before the 25 years of age, since the cost would high and the benefit would be minimal. DeCS: Adolescent; Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; Neoplasms; Uterine cervical neoplasms. _____________________________________________________________________
Myocardial triglycerides and systolic function in humans: In vivo evaluation by localized proton spectroscopy and cardiac imaging

Recent experimental data suggest that adiposity directly damages the heart by promoting ectopic deposition of triglyceride, a process known as myocardial steatosis. The goal of this study was to develop and validate proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) as an in vivo tool to measure myocardial lipid content. Complementary studies in rat tissue ex vivo and in 15 healthy humans in vivo provided evidence that 1H MRS constitutes a reproducible technique for the measurement of myocardial triglyceride. In myocardial tissue from Zucker rats, the 1H MRS measurement of triglyceride matched that obtained by biochemical measurement (P < 0.001). In human subjects triglyceride was evident in the hearts of even the very lean individuals and was elevated in overweight and obese subjects. Increased myocardial triglyceride content was accompanied by elevated LV mass and suppressed septal wall thickening as measured by cardiac imaging. Magn Reson Med 49:417–423, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lifetime Estimation of Discrete IGBT Devices Based on Gaussian Process

Discrete package insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices are a popular choice for low-power converters. Although IGBT power modules used in high-power applications have recently been studied in the literature, there are major knowledge gaps regarding reliability and lifetime estimation of discrete devices. In this paper, on-state collector–emitter voltage drop <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(V_{{\rm{ce}},{\rm{on}}})$</tex-math> </inline-formula> variations are characterized for discrete IGBT devices exposed to cyclic thermal stresses. Variations in <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$V_{{\rm{ce}},{\rm{on}}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> are carefully identified and classified depending on different aging mechanisms, stress levels, and device structures. A probabilistic framework for remaining useful lifetime (RUL) estimation based on the knowledge obtained by accelerated aging experiments for real-time RUL estimation has been proposed. Specifically, the proposed model uses Gaussian process regression (GPR) for applying a Bayesian inference (BI) on RUL estimation of the device under test. Using BI reduces the uncertainty associated with RUL estimation and leads to more accurate results. This concept is also tested by comparing the classical maximum-likelihood estimation and GPR estimation results with the ones obtained by accelerated aging tests.
Fixed prosthodontics in the elderly population. Life expectancy of fixed restorations, failures, and retreatment methods.

The restorative needs of older dental patients challenge the ingenuity, anatomic knowledge, artistic skills, occlusal philosophies, and material knowledge of the clinician. Achieving the most secure foundation while simultaneously eliminating imperfections and incorporating a design that promotes good oral hygiene and a natural and attractive appearance are significant contributors to a patient's welfare. The treatment decision regarding fixed prosthodontics for elderly patients requires the balancing of two opposing arguments: 1. In patients who are older, and who are perhaps medically or physically compromised, and, in addition, who may be on a limited budget (or perceived limited budget), it is important to fabricate dental prostheses that are as good as possible to minimize the likelihood that the prosthesis will need to be remade in the future when the patient is likely to be even more compromised financially, medically, or physically, and also to minimize the stress on the patient of accommodating to something that is less than an optimal dental solution. 2. Patients in this age group often anticipate financial strain in the future, perhaps realistically in view of the increasing percent of older adults who are institutionalized (5% of persons 65 years old or older, 20% of persons 80 years old or older). Also, many are reluctant to invest large amounts of money in their teeth when they are already quite elderly and realize they may not live long enough to make the investment "worthwhile. " Educating the patient regarding average life expectancy is sometimes helpful, but the experience of many clinical dentists is that many elderly persons either do not believe the numbers, require greater certainty in their "investments," or do not place as high a value on their dental health as they do other aspects of their lives (in a context in which there are more needs than resources to pay for them). Finally, many older adults, contrary to the popular bumper sticker, are trying to preserve as many resources for their children and grandchildren as possible. The final decision should be made with sensitivity to the overall needs of the patient, and with the assistance of a well-informed patient or other responsible party.
Acute ulcerative colitis due to Klebsiella; report of a case following penicillin therapy.

CONSIDERABLE INTEREST has recently been focused on the occurrence of acute enterocolitis following the use of antibiotics, particularly those of the broad spectrum group. No published reports, however, were found in which penicillin was the sole agent used before development of this syndrome. The subject of this communication is a case in which penicillin therapy apparently led to acute ulcerative colitis and pure Klebsiella type 2 (B) grew on cultures of fecal matter.
The use of coloured dye‐extraction microspheres to measure blood flow in rabbit skeletal muscle: a validation study with special emphasis on repeated measurements

We evaluated the use of coloured dye‐extraction microspheres for measuring blood flow in the skeletal muscle of anaesthetized rabbits. Spheres were injected into the left atrium after sternotomy or lateral thoracotomy, or into the left ventricle via the left carotid artery. Both routes of administration produced adequate mixing of microspheres with the blood. In general, the values of flow obtained from spheres of different colour were well correlated. Resting flows were difficult to measure, owing to the low number of spheres and the correspondingly low absorption of the samples. Occlusion of the capillary bed by trapped spheres was less than 10% in both tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscles after injection of a total of 15 x 10(6) spheres. Injection via the left ventricle, a closed‐chest procedure, gave a more stable preparation than injections via the left atrium. However, in both cases there was a progressive decline in hyperaemic muscle blood flow during a series of injections. These results indicate that it is possible to use this technique to measure skeletal muscle blood flow in the rabbit, but that it is difficult to exploit the advantages of sequential microsphere injection in this species.