Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Feature Extraction Framework for Time Series Analysis An Application for EEG Signal Processing for Epileptic Seizures Detection

—With the raise of smart sensors and of the Internet of Things paradigm, there is an increasing demand for performing Data Mining tasks (classification, clustering, outlier detection, etc.) on data stream produced by these inter-connected devices. In particular, Data Mining for time series has gained a relevant importance in the last decade. For these temporal data, feature extraction can be performed using various algorithms and decomposition techniques for time series analysis. In addition, features can also be obtained by sequence comparison techniques, such as dynamic time warping or other measures of similarity. For these reasons, we have designed and implemented a multipurpose and extendable tool for window-based feature extraction from time series data. This paper describes the architecture of the designed tool, named Training Builder, and the current version of its multi-language implementation, which focuses on time series feature extraction, parametric windowing task and data pre-processing. The framework has been applied in the neurological domain where very good results have been achieved for epileptic seizures detection; the case study shows how the Training Builder tool may be very helpful for the next Data Mining tasks.
Differential Gene Expression in the EphA4 Knockout Spinal Cord and Analysis of the Inflammatory Response

Mice lacking the axon guidance molecule EphA4 have been shown to exhibit extensive axonal regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury. To assess mechanisms by which EphA4 may modify the response to neural injury a microarray was performed on spinal cord tissue from mice with spinal cord injury and sham injured controls. RNA was purified from spinal cords of adult EphA4 knockout and wild-type mice four days following lumbar spinal cord hemisection or laminectomy only and was hybridised to Affymetrix All-Exon Array 1.0 GeneChips TM . While subsequent analyses indicated that several pathways were altered in EphA4 knockout mice, of particular interest was the attenuated expression of a number of inflammatory genes, including Arginase 1, expression of which was lower in injured EphA4 knockout compared to wild-type mice. Immunohistological analyses of different cellular components of the immune response were then performed in injured EphA4 knockout and wildtype spinal cords. While numbers of infiltrating CD3 + T cells were low in the hemisection model, a robust CD11b + macrophage/microglial response was observed post-injury. There was no difference in the overall number or spread of macrophages/activated microglia in injured EphA4 knockout compared to wild-type spinal cords at 2, 4 or 14 days post-injury, however a lower proportion of Arginase-1 immunoreactive macrophages/activated microglia was observed in EphA4 knockout spinal cords at 4 days post-injury. Subtle alterations in the neuroinflammatory response in injured EphA4 knockout spinal cords may contribute to the regeneration and recovery observed in these mice following injury.
CALL FOR PAPERS Endocrine and Metabolic Dysfunction during Aging and Senescence MyD88 regulates physical inactivity-induced skeletal muscle inﬂammation, ceramide biosynthesis signaling, and glucose intolerance

MJ. MyD88 regulates physical inactivity-induced skeletal muscle inﬂammation, ceramide biosynthesis signaling, and glucose intolerance. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 309: E11–E21, 2015. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00124. 2015. —Physi-cal inactivity in older adults is a risk factor for developing glucose intolerance and impaired skeletal muscle function. Elevated inﬂammation and ceramide biosynthesis have been implicated in metabolic disruption and are linked to Toll-like receptor (TLR)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) signaling. We hypothesize that a physical inactivity stimulus, capable of inducing glucose intolerance, would increase skeletal muscle inﬂammation and ceramide biosynthesis signaling and that this response would be regulated by the TLR/MyD88 pathway. Therefore, we subjected wild-type (WT) and MyD88 (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice to hindlimb unloading (HU) for 14 days or an ambulatory control period. We observed impaired glucose uptake, muscle insulin signaling (p-Akt), and increased markers of NF- (cid:3) B signaling (p-I (cid:3) B (cid:4) ), inﬂammation (p-JNK, IL-6), TLR4, and the rate-limiting enzyme of ceramide biosynthesis, SPT2, with HU WT ( P (cid:5) 0.05), but not in HU MyD88 (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice. Concurrently, we found that 5 days of bed rest in older adults resulted in whole body glucose dysregulation, impaired skeletal muscle insulin signaling, and upregulation of muscle IL-6 and SPT2 ( P (cid:5) 0.05). Post-bed rest TLR4 abundance was tightly correlated with impaired postprandial insulin and glucose levels. In conclusion, MyD88 signaling is necessary for the increased inﬂammation, ceramide biosynthesis signaling, and compromised metabolic function that accompanies physical inactivity.
Lifestyle Aspects As A Predictor Of Pain Among Oldest-Old Primary Care Patients – A Longitudinal Cohort Study

individuals aged 75+ from over 138 general practitioners (GP) during structured clinical interviews in 2003. Nine follow-ups (FU) were assessed until 2017. Available data from 736 individuals scoring in FU3 and FU7 were included in this analysis. Data were assembled in an ambulatory setting at participant ’ s homes. Associations were tested using a linear regression model (model 1) and ordered logistic regression model (model 2). Results: Statistical analyses revealed increased likelihood to experience pain for participants with comorbidities such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (coef. 13.51, P>t = 0.00) or chronic back pain (CBP) (coef. 6.64, P>t = 0.003) or higher body mass index (BMI) (coef. 0.57, P>t = 0.015) and, female gender (coef. 6.00, SE 3.0, t = 2.02, P>t = 0.044). Participants with medium education and former smokers showed signi ﬁ cantly lower pain rating (coef. − 5.05, P>t = 0.026; coef. − 5.27, P>t = 0.026). Suffering from chronic back pain (OR = 2.03), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.49) or depressive symptoms (OR = 1.10) raised the odds to experience impairments in daily living due to pain. Physical activity showed no signi ﬁ cant results. Conclusion: Chronic conditions such as PAD, or CBP, female gender and higher BMI may increase the risk of experiencing more pain while successful smoking cessation can lower pain ratings at old age. Early and consistent support through GPs should be given to older patients in order to prevent pain at old age. age. It is therefore important that older people get help from doctors early in life, for example, with losing weight or help to stop smoking to be able to prevent pain at older age.
Implications of TP53 Gene Mutations in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Review

TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that has come to be known as the Guardian of the Genome. Mutations in this tumor suppressor are found in at least half of all cancers. P53 plays a role in arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis; it can be activated through a variety of means such as genotoxic stress, dysfunctional telomeres, oncogenic signaling, abnormal microtubules, ribosome biogenesis, and a variety of other modes. TP53 mutations are less frequently found in myelodysplastic syndromes; however, knowledge of TP53 mutations can more accurately predict a patient’s outcome. In general, mutations in TP53 correlate to a poor outcome and higher incidence of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia in patients with isolated del5q or a complex karyotype.
A single-item assessment for remaining mental resources: development and validation of the Gas Tank Questionnaire (GTQ)

ABSTRACT Measuring workload accurately is critical for human factors research and applications. However, if the instruments we use to measure workload are burdensome for participants to complete, we may find ourselves in the ironic position of increasing workload simply by measuring it. We present a pair of studies that suggest the NASA-TLX, a widely-used workload metric, increases workload for participants who complete it, and consequently may hurt performance and upwardly bias the estimates it produces. We found that repeated administration of the NASA-TLX increased workload by 18%, and more than doubled the performance decrement on a simple vigilance task. Single-item measures may be a simple way to avoid burdening participants unnecessarily while still obtaining valuable insight into participant cognitive state. In line with the attentional resource theory, we validate a measure that asks participants to ‘think about [their] brain as an engine,’ and to indicate inside a rectangle ‘how much gas [they] have left right now. ’ The Gas Tank Questionnaire performs well when compared against other subjective measures and when validated against physiological measures. Just as human factors professionals are careful to design systems to minimise unnecessary cognitive load, researchers should take similar care when selecting measures for studies.
CALL FOR PAPERS Integrative Aspects of Renal Endocrinology Differential effects of extracellular ATP on chloride transport in cortical collecting duct cells

Differential effects of extracellular ATP on chloride transport in cortical collecting duct cells. doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00062. 2012. —Extracellu-lar ATP in the cortical collecting duct can inhibit epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) but also stimulate calcium-activated chloride channels (CACC). The relationship between ATP-mediated regulation of ENaC and CACC activity in cortical collecting duct cells has not been clearly deﬁned. We used the mpkCCD c14 cortical collecting duct cell line to determine effects of ATP on sodium (Na (cid:1) ) and chloride (Cl (cid:2) ) transport with an Ussing chamber system. ATP, at a concentration of 10 (cid:2) 6 M or less, did not inhibit ENaC-mediated short-circuit current ( I sc ) but instead stimulated a transient increase in I sc . The macroscopic current-voltage relationship for ATP-inducible current demonstrated that the direction of this ATP response changes from positive to negative when transepithelial voltage ( V te ) is clamped to less than (cid:2) 10 mV. We hypothesized that this negative V te might be found under conditions of aldosterone stimulation. We next stimulated mpkCCD c14 cells with aldosterone (10 (cid:2) 6 M) and then clamped the V te to (cid:2) 50 mV, the V te of aldosterone-stimulated cells under open-circuit conditions. ATP (10 (cid:2) 6 M) induced a transient increase in negative clamp current, which could be inhibited by ﬂufenamic acid (CACC inhibitor) and BAPTA-AM (calcium chelator), suggesting that ATP stimulates Cl (cid:2) absorption through CACC. Together, our ﬁndings suggest that the status of ENaC activity, by controlling V te , may dictate the direction of ATP-stimulated Cl (cid:2) transport. This interplay between aldosterone and purinergic signaling pathways may be relevant for regulating NaCl transport in cortical collecting duct cells under different states of extracellular ﬂuid volume.
Symposium: Plant Breeding: A New Tool for Fighting Micronutrient Malnutrition Golden Rice: Introducing the (cid:1) -Carotene Biosynthesis Pathway into Rice Endosperm by Genetic Engineering to Defeat Vitamin A Deﬁciency 1

To obtain a functioning provitamin A ( (cid:1) -carotene) biosynthetic pathway in rice endosperm, we introduced in a single, combined transformation effort the cDNA coding for phytoene synthase ( psy ) and lycopene (cid:1) -cyclase ( (cid:1) - lcy ) both from Narcissus pseudonarcissus and both under the control of the endosperm-speciﬁc glutelin promoter together with a bacterial phytoene desaturase ( crt I, from Erwinia uredovora under constitutive 35S promoter control). This combination covers the requirements for (cid:1) -carotene synthesis and, as hoped, yellow (cid:1) -carotene-bearing rice endosperm was obtained in the T 0 -generation. Additional experiments revealed that the presence of (cid:1) - lc y was not necessary, because psy and crt I alone were able to drive (cid:1) -carotene synthesis as well as the formation of further downstream xanthophylls. Plausible explanations for this ﬁnding are that these downstream enzymes are constitutively expressed in rice endosperm or are induced by the transformation, e.g., by enzymatically formed products. Results using N. pseudonarcissus as a model system led to the development of a hypothesis, our present working model, that trans -lycopene or a trans -lycopene derivative acts as an inductor in a kind of feedback mechanism stimulating endogenous carotenogenic genes. Various institutional arrangements for disseminating Golden Rice to research institutes in developing countries also are discussed. J. Nutr. 132: 506S–510S, 2002.
Comparison of Ankle-Brachial Index and Lower Limb Perfusion Reserve in Patients with Behçet’s Disease

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) by comparing Lower Limb Perfusion Reserve (LLPR) and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurements in patients with Behçet’s Disease (BD). Materials and Methods: In total, 62 patients (41 women and 21men, with a mean age of 47.26±11.4 years) with and without BD (22 and 40, respectively) were included in the present study. ABIs were measured before study. After 30 times dorsal and plantar flexion was performed to the feet in sitting position to increase blood flow in lower extremity. Tc-99m-sestamibi was injected from antecubital vein. Fifteen minutes after injection statically images were obtained from posterior region at supine position under gamma camera. Perfusion reserves were calculated by drawing region of interest in both calf regions. Results: While average of PR in BD group was calculated as -3.34±8.7 % it was determined as 8.6±8.5 % in control group. When LLPR averages were compared between groups, a statistically significant decrease was observed in BD group with respect to control group. When ABI <0.9 and ≥ 1.30 was considered abnormal and 0.9<-<1.30 was considered normal and when PR and reference test ABI was compared in both groups sensitivity, specifity, accuracy and p value was determined as 100%, 71,1%, 82.3% and <0.001, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that LLPR calculated with Tc-99m-sestamibi is not superior to ABI in the invention of PVD in BD but it may be further beneficial for this test.
Application of machine learning in stock trading: a review

The wide adoption of machine learning techniques in predicting stock prices has led to the emergence of many articles on the topic. Howev-er, a systematic review on the topic remains lacking. This paper provides a systematic review of the recent applications of machine learning techniques in the construction of stock prediction models. A framework is designed to classify and evaluate the relevant work in recent arti-cles based on the type of model, type of financial market, type of prediction technique, type of optimization approach, type of indicators, type of performance metrics, type of benchmark models and prediction results. It is observed that financial indicators are the frequently used input variables and different forms of machine learning techniques are integrated to predict the stock prices. There are 4 variables that im-pose significant influence on the prediction model, namely the type of input variables, type of prediction technique, type of optimization approach and number of analysis layer. Thus, the limitations and potential enhancement on the 4 variables are discussed so that optimal combinations will be established in future research efforts.
Brain Computer Interfaces as Stroke Rehabilitation Tools: Optimization of current strategies

— Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) allow human communication without using the brain’s normal output pathways. A BCI is a tool that converts signals recorded from the user’s brain into control signals for different applications. Most BCI systems are based on one of the following methods: P300; steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP); and event-related desynchronization (ERD). Electroencephalogram (EEG) activity is typically recorded non-invasively using active or passive electrodes mounted on the human scalp. In recent years, a variety of different BCI applications for communication and control were developed. A promising new idea is to utilize BCI systems as tools for brain rehabilitation. The BCI can detect the user's movement intention and provide online feedback for rehabilitation sessions. In many cases, stroke patients can re-train their brains to restore effective movement. Previous work has continued to show that higher density electrode systems can reveal subtleties of brain dynamics that are not obvious with only few electrodes. This paper tries to optimize current BCI strategies for stroke rehabilitation by comparing conventional bar feedback (bFD) to immersive 3-D virtual reality feedback (VRFB). Different electrode montages were also compared.
Effects of Long-Term Selenium Supplementation on the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes A Randomized Trial

Background: Findings from animal models suggest that selenium supplementation improves glucose metabolism. Objective: To examine the effect of long-term selenium supplementation on the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Design: Secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, place-bo-controlled trial. Setting: Results: During an average follow-up of 7.7 years (SD, 2.7), type 2 diabetes developed in 58 selenium recipients and 39 placebo recipients (incidence, 12.6 cases per 1000 person-years vs. 8.4 cases per 1000 person-years, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.03 to 2.33]). The lack of benefit of selenium supplementation on the incidence of type 2 diabetes persisted in analyses stratified by age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status. An exposure– response gradient was found across tertiles of baseline plasma selenium level, with a statistically significantly increased risk for type 2 diabetes in the highest tertile of baseline plasma selenium level (hazard ratio, 2.70 [CI, 1.30 to 5.61]).
Fitting Smoothed Centile Curves to Reference Data

Ageneral method is described for fitting smooth centile curves to referencedata, based on the power transformation family of Box and Cox. The data are defined by values or ranges of values of the independent variable t, and best fitting powers Ai assuming normality are estimated for each group i. Corresponding estimates for the generalized mean and coefficient of variation j). i and a i are also obtained. The Ai, j). i and a i plotted against t, are fitted by smooth curves L(t), M(t) and S(t) respectively, which together define a smooth curve for the lOOlXth centile given by where z, is the normal equivalent deviate for tail area IX. The method is validated by comparison with published growth standards and illustrated on weight and height data in children. A section describing the practical details of the method is also included.
The Mechanics of the Blockchain Technology

Recently, blockchain technology has been actively discussed all over the world. The world's largest organizations have declared 2017 the year of blockchain. Our country is no exception. Therefore, this technology has attracted the attention of Russian specialists (not only programmers, representatives of technical professions, but also government officials, notaries, and large firms that are ready to keep up with the times). In particular, on June 16, 2017, a Memorandum of cooperation in the implementation of the latest information technologies, in particular the blockchain system, was signed in Seoul, Korea.
Austin Neurosurgery: Open Access Meningioma Removal Using Sodium Fluorescein as a Fluorescent Marker

Meningiomas are a neurosurgical challenge and are related to the historical development of neurosurgery. Efforts to achieve radical removal to promote better disease control remain the goal. The authors present an innovative experience with sodium fluorescein, a fluorescent marker in meningioma surgery and perform critical analysis of this introductory study. A retrospective study that includes twenty-two meningiomas operated on using sodium fluorescein as a fluorescent marker between2009 and 2014 was carried out.After the initial dissection, a dose of 1g of the sodium fluorescent 20% was injected into a peripheral vein and an enhancement of SF by meningiomas was used as a fluorescent guide for tumor resection. The fluorescent effect of the dye was photographed and submitted to digital analysis. The group of twenty-two meningiomas was composed as follows: seventeen skull base lesions and five convexity meningiomas. The enhancement in all tumors was strongly positive. In skull base meningiomas contrast between tumors and cranial nerves was observed. Dural tail was enhanced in an irregular fashion both in convexity and skull base meningiomas. Simpson grade zero was achieved in one convexity meningioma; Simpson grade 1 was obtained in 8 skull base meningiomas and in 3 convexity tumors; Simpson grade 2 was obtained in 8 skull base tumors and one convexity lesion; Simpson grade 3 was achieved in one skull base meningioma. Sodium fluorescein is a useful and universally available fluorescent marker for meningioma surgery.
The Dynamics of Dry Bulk Shipping Market Under the Shipping Cycle Perspective: Market Relationships and Volatility

The shipping industry plays an essential role in world trade. For shipping companies, having an accurate view of the markets and grasp of the interactions between the freight market, second-hand ship market, and the newbuild ship markets is essential. The shipping market cycles are divided into four periods (trough, recovery, peak, and recession) based upon shipping cycle theory. The current shipping markets have been stuck in the trough period since the financial crisis in 2008. This paper investigates the recovery period and causality relationship between the freight rate, second-hand price, and new-build ship price, in the dry bulk shipping market and applies the Granger causality test at each stage of the cycle based on quantitative analysis. The results show that the recovery period and causality relationship can be identified only during the trough and peak periods. When comparing the results for the trough period before and after the financial crisis, we find similarities between the two periods, leading us to conclude that the shipping cycle rules still apply.
URSI/IEEE XXIX Convention on Radio Science

In this paper, transmission of multidimensional video traffic over IEEE 802.15. 3a WPANs is presented. First, a statistical model for the multidimensional video source is presented and validated by comparison with real traces. Then, different resource allocation strategies implemented on top of IEEE 802.15. 3 MAC are presented and their performance compared.