Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain-TV connection: Toward establishing emotional connection with smart TVs

Brain-computer interface (BCI) has changed the way to interact with external devices. Considering the role that computers and machines play in our daily life, recently, emotional interaction between human and machine has become an interesting area in BCI. Smart TVs, on the other hand, are becoming ubiquitous. Although recently a growing trend toward developing new features in Smart TVs has emerged, these devices are not yet aware of emotional states of audiences. This study aims at improving the quality of interaction between audiences and Smart TVs by establishing an emotional connection between them. In this work, 19 subjects aged 19–32 years participated in an EEG experiment, while watching a movie clip that evoked 3 emotional states: horror, neutral and relaxation. Firstly, the acquired EEG signals were denoised by stationary wavelet transform (SWT). For the majority of participants, a correlation mean energy of EEG sub-bands and between emotional states was observed for relaxing and scary movies. Thereby, the mean energy of EEG frequency bands 4–50Hz, were extracted so as to classify the emotional states. We managed to classify the EEG signals induced by relaxing and horror movies with average rate of 92% accuracy over all subjects using support vector machine (SVM). The classified data were then given to smart TV in order to establish interaction with audience based on his/her emotional state for each subject (subject-dependent classification).
Ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls alter calcium regulation by a ryanodine receptor-mediated mechanism: structural specificity toward skeletal- and cardiac-type microsomal calcium release channels.

We investigated a novel molecular mechanism by which polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter microsomal Ca2+ transport with sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes isolated from skeletal and cardiac muscles. Aroclors with an intermediate weight percent of chlorine enhance by >6-fold the binding of 1 nM[3H]ryanodine to its conformationally sensitive site on the SR Ca2+ -release channel [i.e., ryanodine receptor (RyR)] with high potency (EC50=1.4 microM), whereas Aroclors with either high or low chlorine composition show little activity. Structure-activity studies with selected pentachlorobiphenyl congeners reveal a stringent structural requirement for chlorine substitution at the ortho-positions, with 2,2',3,5',6-pentachlorobiphenyl having the highest potency toward skeletal and cardiac isoforms of RyR (EC50=330 nM and 2 microM, respectively). In contrast, 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl does not enhance ryanodine binding, suggesting that noncoplanarity of the biphenyl rings is required for channel activation. However, 2,2',4,6,6'-pentachlorobiphenyl is significantly less active toward RyR, suggesting that some degree of rotation about the biphenyl bond is required. 2,2',3,5',6-Pentachlorobiphenyl induces a dose-dependent release of Ca2+ from actively loaded SR vesicles with a maximum rate of 1.2 micromol mg-1 min-1 (EC50=1 microM), whereas 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (< / = microM) does not alter Ca2+ transport. The mechanism of PCB-induced channel activation involves a significant decrease in the inhibitory potency of Ca2+ and Mg2+ (20-fold and 100-fold, respectively). Neither 2,2',3,5',6- nor 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (< / = 10 microM) alters the activity of the skeletal isoform of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase or the cardiac isoform of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase, and PCB-induced Ca2+ release can be fully blocked by either microM ryanodine or ruthenium red. These results are the first to demonstrate a selective ryanodine receptor-mediated mechanism by which ortho-substituted PCBs alter microsomal Ca2+ transport and may have toxicological relevance.
Journal of Business Cycle Measurement and Analysis

The Swiss Institute for Business Cycle Research regularly conducts business tendency surveys (BTS) amongst manufacturing firms. The information thus generated is available with a publication lead to the official Swiss sales, production, order and inventory statistics. It is shown that the survey data can be used to generate reasonably precise estimates of the reference series with leads of at least one quarter. Specifically, cross-correlations of quarterly series are computed to screen the data for pairs of highly correlated business tendency survey series and corresponding official statistics.
Combined Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Incident Colorectal Cancer in a Chinese Population

A body of research links dietary intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and possibly sleep patterns with colorectal cancer risk. However, little research has examined the association of the combination of these lifestyle factors with incidence of colorectal cancer, especially in non-Western populations. A protective lifestyle factor index of these six aforementioned factors was created and examined in relation to risk of developing colorectal cancer. This study is a prospective observational study of 50,466 Chinese men and women in Singapore ages 45 to 74 years during enrollment in the Singapore Chinese Health Study in 1993–1998 and followed up through 2007. The main outcome measures were standardized rates and HRs of incident colorectal cancer. The protective levels of each lifestyle factor were independently associated with reduced age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of colon cancer. When all the factors were combined into a single protective lifestyle factor index, there was a strong, monotonic decrease in incidence rate of colon cancer with an increasing score. Relative to participants with an index score of 0 to 3, the HRs (95% confidence intervals) of colon cancer for an index score of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9/10 were 0.58 (0.35–0.95), 0.56 (0.36–0.86), 0.50 (0.33–0.76), 0.43 (0.28–0.66), 0.39 (0.25–0.63), and 0.25 (0.12–0.54; Ptrend < 0.0001). The results were consistent by sex. Conversely, there was no association with rectal cancer risk. An increasing protective lifestyle factor index score is associated with a marked decreased risk of developing colon cancer in Chinese men and women. Cancer Prev Res; 6(4); 360–7. ©2012 AACR.
TopBP1 and DNA polymerase alpha-mediated recruitment of the 9-1-1 complex to stalled replication forks: Implications for a replication restart-based mechanism for ATR checkpoint activation

Upon sensing DNA damage or replication stress, cells trigger checkpoint response pathways that control cell cycle progression and maintain genomic stability. A variety of DNA lesions can activate the ATR (ATM and Rad3-related) protein kinase, which phosphorylates its critical substrate Chk1 to relay the checkpoint signal. ATR activation requires several factors, including the BRCT repeat-containing TopBP1 protein and the 9-1-1 clamp protein. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding the multiple roles played by TopBP1 in ATR activation at stalled replication forks. We review recent studies showing that TopBP1 controls the loading of 9-1-1 onto stalled replication forks via a pathway that also requires DNA polymerase alpha (pol α). Based on these recent studies, we present a revised model for ATR activation, and speculate that TopBP1-mediated recruitment of pol α and 9-1-1 may couple checkpoint activation to replication restart, when DNA synthesis is blocked on the leading strand of a replication fork. Lastly, we present a new experiment that examines how TopBP1 binds to stalled replication forks, and we identify important new questions that our recent studies have raised regarding how stalled replication forks are sensed by the ATR checkpoint pathway.
A brief assessment of eating habits and weight gain in a Mediterranean cohort

Assessment of eating habits (EH) through closed questions could be an alternative tool to assess diet as a predictor of weight change in epidemiological studies. The aim was to assess the association between baseline EH and the risk of weight gain or becoming overweight/obese in a Spanish dynamic prospective cohort (the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Project) of 10 509 participants. The baseline questionnaire included ten short questions with two possible answers: yes or no. We calculated a baseline EH score, categorised in quartiles, positively weighting answers on more fruit, vegetables, fish and fibre and less meat, sweets and pastries, fat, butter, fatty meats and added sugar in drinks. Reducing the consumption of meat or fat and removing fat from meat were significantly associated with lower weight gain. The partial correlation coefficient between EH score and weight change was − 0·033 (P = 0·001). We observed 1063 cases of incident overweight/obesity among 7217 participants without overweight/obesity at baseline. Trying to eat more fruit, fish or fibre and less meat was inversely significantly associated with incident overweight/obesity. Those participants in the upper quartile of the score were at a 38 % (adjusted OR 0·62; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·81) lower risk of developing overweight/obesity during the follow-up compared with those in the lower quartile. However, the receiver-operating characteristic curves for the model with and without the EH score were materially identical. Despite the apparent significant inverse association, this score had a low predictive value for future weight gain and for incident overweight/obesity in a Mediterranean population, although some EH were independently and positively associated with weight gain.
A sequence assembly and editing program for efficient management of large projects.

We describe a sequence assembly and editing program for managing large and small projects. It is being used to sequence complete cosmids and has substantially reduced the time taken to process the data. In addition to handling conventionally derived sequences it can use data obtained from Applied Biosystems,Inc. 373A and Pharmacia A.L. F. fluorescent sequencing machines. Readings are assembled automatically. All editing is performed using a mouse operated contig editor that displays aligned sequences and their traces together on the screen. The editor, which can be used on single contigs or for joining contigs, permits rapid movement along the aligned sequences. Insertions, deletions and replacements can be made in individual aligned readings and global changes can be made by editing the consensus. All changes are recorded. A click on a mouse button will display the traces covering the current cursor position, hence allowing quick resolution of problems. Another function automatically moves the cursor to the next unresolved character. The editor also provides facilities for annotating the sequences. Typical annotations include flagging the positions of primers used for walking, or for marking sites, such as compressions, that have caused problems during sequencing. Graphical displays aid the assessment of progress.
Nation-Building and National Identity in Timor-Leste

occupation by Indonesia. This book examines the history of nation‐building and national identity in Timor‐Leste, and the evolution of a collective identity through two consecutive colonial occupations, and into the post‐independence era. It charts the evolution of the idea of an East Timorese nation: its origins, its sources, and its competitors in traditional understandings of political community, and the distinct colonial visions imposed by Portugal or Indonesia. The author analyses the evolution of ideas of collective identity under the long era of Portuguese colonial rule, and through the 24‐year struggle for independence from Indonesia from 1975 to 1999. Reflecting the contested history of the territory, these include successive attempts to define its members as colonial subjects in a wider `pluri‐racial Portuguese empire, as citizens in an `integrated province of the Republic of Indonesia ‐ and, of course, as a nation that demanded its right to self‐ determination. Finally, the host of nation‐building tensions and fault lines that emerged after the restoration of independence in 2002 are discussed. Examining the history of debates and conflict over national identity, national history, cultural heritage, language policy, and relationships between distinct regions, generations, and language groups, this book will be of interest to academics in the fields of Asian Studies, Nationalism studies, and International and Community Development. Natural Beauty : Naturkosmetik zum Selbermachen. Mit Kokosol zum Glow National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations 21 V2 Natural Wonders of Vermont : A Guide to Parks, Preserves and Wild Places Natural History of Marine Animals The Naturalist of the Saint Croix : Memoir of George A. Boardman National Test Papers 2008 Edition ﴾KS1 English/Maths﴿ : KS1 English/Maths ﴾QCA﴿ The National Preacher and the Prayer‐Meeting, Vol. 39 : May and June, 1865 ﴾Classic Reprint﴿ Nation‐building and National Identity in Timor‐Leste
Non-contact lens related Acanthamoeba keratitis at a tertiary eye care center in south India: Implications for eye care programs in the region.

BACKGROUND The purpose of our research was to determine diagnosis and outcomes for non-contact lens related Acanthamoeba keratitis in south India. MATERIAL/METHODS A retrospective review of the medical and microbiology records of culture-positive Acanthamoeba cases presenting between 1987 and 2001 to a tertiary eye care center in south India. RESULTS One hundred and three culture-positive cases of Acanthamoeba were identified during chart review. The majority of these cases (70.9%) were already on treatment for keratitis with antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral regimes prior to our examination; 45.2% were on different combinations of regimes. Cysts could be identified using 10% KOH mount in 83.5% of these cases. Clinical resolution with medical therapy was achieved for 83.5% of the cases; the median duration of treatment was 90.5 days. Outcomes - either clinical or visual - did not differ between CONCLUSIONS Acanthamoeba keratitis cases presenting to this tertiary care center were non-contact lens wearers, and already on empirical treatment for either bacterial or fungal keratitis. A basic lab facility including only microscopy and smear examinations may aid etiological diagnosis of corneal ulcers, and reduce the current practice of using combinations of treatment regimes on an empirical basis.
Differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor mRNAs in the mouse uterus around the time of implantation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mitogen for endothelial cells and an inducer of angiogenesis. VEGF is also known as a vascular permeability factor because it can stimulate vascular permeability. In the rodent, increased uterine vascular permeability occurs at the sites of blastocysts with the onset of the attachment reaction. This is followed by stromal decidualization and angiogenesis. We examined the temporal and spatial expression of VEGF and its receptors, Flk-1 and Flt-1, in the mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period (days 1-8) using Northern and in situ hybridization to assess the involvement of VEGF in the process of implantation. Primarily, a major (approximately 4.2 kb) transcript for VEGF mRNA was detected in uterine poly(A)+ samples, except for the presence of two other minor (approximately 3.7 and 2.5 kb) transcripts in decidual samples. The steady-state levels of these transcripts did not vary much during the peri-implantation period, except for an increase in day-8 decidual samples. Results of in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated accumulation of VEGF mRNA in the luminal epithelium on days 1 and 2. In contrast, stromal cells exhibited a modest level of signals on day 3. On day 4, luminal epithelial cells and those in the subepithelial stromal bed accumulated VEGF mRNA. On days 5-7, a clear cell type-specific accumulation of this mRNA was noted. On day 5 after the initial attachment reaction, luminal epithelial and stromal cells immediately surrounding the blastocyst exhibited accumulation of VEGF mRNA. On days 6-8, the accumulation occurred in cells in the decidual bed at both the mesometrial and antimesometrial poles. The embryo, especially the trophoblast giant cells, also accumulated VEGF mRNA on day 8. The expression of the VEGF receptors, Flk-1 and Flt-1, was also examined. A single transcript (approximately 6.5-7.0 kb) for Flk-1 mRNA and two transcripts (approximately 6.5 and 7.5 kb) for that of Flt-1 were detected in poly(A)+ uterine RNA samples. In situ hybridization studies showed accumulation of Flk-1 mRNA in a subset of cells in the stromal bed on day 4, but not in any uterine cell types on day 1. On days 5-8, cells in both the mesometrial and antimesometrial decidual beds exhibited accumulation of Flk-1 and Flt-1 mRNAs. Lectin binding (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin) was used to identify newly sprouting endothelial cells (angiogenesis), while an antibody to the von Willebrand factor (vWF) was employed to identify endothelial cells in general. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Prostaglandins Regulate Conceptus Elongation and Mediate Effects of Interferon Tau on the Ovine Uterine Endometrium1

In ruminants, both the endometrium and the conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) trophectoderm synthesizes and secretes prostaglandins (PG) during early pregnancy. In mice and humans, PGs regulate endometrial function and conceptus implantation. In Study One, bred ewes received intrauterine infusions of vehicle as a control (CX) or meloxicam (MEL), a PG synthase (PTGS) inhibitor from Days 8–14 postmating, and the uterine lumen was flushed on Day 14 to recover conceptuses and assess their morphology. Elongating and filamentous conceptuses (12 cm to >14 cm in length) were recovered from all CX-treated ewes. In contrast, MEL-treated ewes contained mostly ovoid or tubular conceptuses. PTGS activity in the uterine endometrium and amounts of PGs were substantially lower in uterine flushings from MEL-treated ewes. Receptors for PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were present in both the conceptus and the endometrium, particularly the epithelia. In Study Two, cyclic ewes received intrauterine infusions of CX, MEL, recombinant ovine interferon tau (IFNT), or IFNT and MEL from Days 10–14 postestrus. Infusion of MEL decreased PGs in the uterine lumen and expression of a number of progesterone-induced endometrial genes, particularly IGFBP1 and HSD11B1. IFNT increased endometrial PTGS activity and the amount of PGs in the uterine lumen. Interestingly, IFNT stimulation of many genes (FGF2, ISG15, RSAD2, CST3, CTSL, GRP, LGALS15, IGFBP1, SLC2A1, SLC5A1, SLC7A2) was reduced by co-infusion with MEL. Thus, PGs are important regulators of conceptus elongation and mediators of endometrial responses to progesterone and IFNT in the ovine uterus.
A community‐oriented primary care nursing model in an international setting that emphasizes partnerships

Purpose To present an interdisciplinary, community‐oriented primary care nursing model that effectively draws upon the strengths of advanced practice nurses (APNs), both nurse practitioners and community health nurses. Data sources Articles in professional nursing journals, international data sources, and the clinical experiences of the authors, both domestic and international. Conclusions The model, developed domestically, was utilized successfully by APNs internationally in a medical mission endeavor in rural Haiti. Many partners, domestic and Haitian, worked as an interdisciplinary team to deliver quality health care to an impoverished population. Graduate nursing students participated in the program, which offered opportunities and challenges for both novice and expert nurses. Implications for practice Nurse practitioners, community health nurses, and nursing faculty members can use this model to enhance their professional practice. They can learn that clients can be optimally cared for whether the community served is domestic or international. Nursing faculty can teach graduate nursing students about the value of partnerships and collaboration.
The prognostic value of repeated measurement of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Decreased N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) during treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with improved prognosis. However, there is lack of data from community‐based HF programmes. We hypothesized that plasma levels of NT‐proBNP, measured after optimization of pharmacotherapy in patients with CHF, may provide independent prognostic information when compared with baseline values and conventional prognostic markers.
Evaluation of a novel human IgG1 anti-claudin3 antibody that specifically recognizes its aberrantly localized antigen in ovarian cancer cells and that is suitable for selective drug delivery

Membrane protein claudin3 has been recently suggested as a marker for biologically aggressive tumors and a possible target for the therapeutic delivery of active anti-cancer compounds. Claudin3-binding molecules such as the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), CPE-related molecules, and murine and chimeric antibodies have shown promising antitumor efficacy in preclinical oncological settings. We first engineered a fully human anti-claudin3 IgG1 antibody (IgGH6) by fusing the human IgG1 Fc-domain to the anti-claudin3 scFvH6 previously isolated from a pre-immune phage display library. The construct was expressed in mammalian cells and specifically targeted claudin3 endogenously expressed on the surface of different human ovarian cancer cell lines. No detectable cross-reactivity with other homologous claudins was observed. The epitope recognized by IgGH6 is located within the minor extracellular domain of claudin3 and becomes accessible only in tumor cells characterized by incomplete junction formation. Confocal microscopy experiments demonstrated that IgGH6 was actively internalized in tumor cells after binding to native claudin3 and co-localized, likely within intracellular vesicles, with the C-CPE peptide. Preliminary results indicate that IgGH6 accumulated in vivo in free claudin3 ovarian carcinoma xenografts. For its selective uptake in tumor cells and its human nature, IgGH6 represents a valuable candidate for antibody-drug conjugate therapeutic applications in ovarian cancer patients.