Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting arousal with machine learning of EEG signals

The usage of brain-computer interface (BCI) is becoming more and more popular in real life settings. As BCI equipment increases in ubiquity, the potential for application areas also rises. Present utilization of BCI includes - among others - prosthesis control [1], neurofeedback training [2], and neuromarketing [3]. A now popular field of BCI is the automatic identification of emotions using different physiological devices [4], [5]. The following study represents our effort to identify the arousal component of emotion [6] using EEG. Contrary to previous studies - that have mostly used questionnaire responses to assess arousal [4], [7] - our approach involved the use of objective physiological markers to gauge arousal.
The Jun Kinase 2 Isoform Is Preferentially Required for Epidermal Growth Factor-Induced Transformation of Human A549 Lung Carcinoma Cells

ABSTRACT We have previously found that epidermal growth factor (EGF) mediates growth through the Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated kinase (JNK/SAPK) pathway in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. As observed here, EGF treatment also greatly enhances the tumorigenicity of A549 cells, suggesting an important role for JNK in cancer cell growth (F. Bost, R. McKay, N. Dean, and D. Mercola, J. Biol. Chem. 272:33422–33429, 1997). Several isoforms families of JNK, JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3, have been isolated; they arise from alternative splicing of three different genes and have distinct substrate binding properties. Here we have used specific phosphorothioate oligonucleotides targeted against the two major isoforms, JNK1 and JNK2, to discriminate their roles in EGF-induced transformation. Multiple antisense sequences have been screened, and two high-affinity and specific candidates have been identified. Antisense JNK1 eliminated steady-state mRNA and JNK1 protein expression with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of <0.1 μM but did not alter JNK2 mRNA or protein levels. Conversely, antisense JNK2 specifically eliminated JNK2 steady-state mRNA and protein expression with an EC50 of 0.1 μM. Antisense JNK1 and antisense JNK2 inhibited by 40 and 70%, respectively, EGF-induced total JNK activity, whereas sense and scrambled-sequence control oligonucleotides had no effect. The elimination of mRNA, protein, and JNK activities lasted 48 and 72 h following a single Lipofectin treatment with antisense JNK1 and JNK2, respectively, indicating sufficient duration for examining the impact of specific elimination on the phenotype. Direct proliferation assays demonstrated that antisense JNK2 inhibited EGF-induced doubling of growth as well as the combination of active antisense oligonucleotides did. EGF treatment also induced colony formation in soft agar. This effect was completely inhibited by antisense JNK2 and combined-antisense treatment but not altered by antisense JNK1 alone. These results show that EGF doubles the proliferation (growth in soft agar as well as tumorigenicity in athymic mice) of A549 lung carcinoma cells and that the JNK2 isoform but not JNK1 is utilized for mediating the effects of EGF. This study represents the first demonstration of a cellular phenotype regulated by a JNK isoform family, JNK2.
Integrating social and cognitive factors in design of human-computer interactive communication

The effects of two social variables, job enrichment and individual/group efforts, on the cognitive processing of a text‐editing task, are examined experimentally. By analyzing the keystrokes and the pauses between keystrokes, methods are developed to examine cognitive performance on the task by investigating the hierarchical structure of the cognitive goals, by classifying the cognitive strategies used by the subjects in the task, and by determining a measure of the cognitive efficiency of the goal structure. Differences occurred in cognitive performance based upon job enrichment. Individuals in an unenriched job environment showed no evidence of understanding the cognitive strategies of the other group member in the two‐member group so that cognitive performance did not improve with group experience, dissimilarity of cognitive strategies within a group did not affect the time to perform the task in a group, and the overall group strategy was dependent only on the strategy of the typist in the text‐editin.
Data-Efficient Policy Search using PILCO and Directed-Exploration

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms solve general sequential decision making problems through learning by trial and error. Many reinforcement learning algorithms are proven to find a good or optimal controller, but may take many interactions with the environment to do so. For real world tasks, this is often impractical, as letting a learner interact with the environment takes time and can be costly.
Three-Point Scale of Lipid Concentration and Localization in Muscle Tissue of Birds Using Oil Red O Staining

Abstract Research on skeletal muscles includes chemical, sensorial, histopathological, microbiological analysis, and the influence of observed data on meat quality. The aim of this paper was to establish a point scale for analysing the fat concentration in breast and thigh muscles of birds during histological examination. The need for a point scale showing lipid localization arises during the experiment, including the castration of the bird. During necropsy, pectoral and thigh muscles were put into 30% saccharose solution with the addition of sodium azide. Then, frozen samples were cut into 8 µm sections and stained with Oil Red O (Bio-Optica, Milan, Italy) to detect lipids. Four main locations were evaluated: the area around vessels, perimysium between fascicles, endomysium between fascicles, and sarcoplasm of the fibres. Each location was separately evaluated for pectoral and thigh muscles. The percentage of tissue occupied by lipids in different locations was detected using Panoramic Viewer software (3DHISTECH, Budapest, Hungary). The results from the point scale analysis, similar in pectoral and thigh muscles, confirmed data from the chemical analysis. Significant differences were observed in all examined periods in chemical analysis (P<0.05) and were visible in the point scale with a higher number of birds with higher lipid concentration in all examined locations. Our scale analysis of lipid concentration, confirmed by chemical analysis, is an objective tool and can be used separately in muscle tissues in experiments where there is the need for lipid visualization. An established three-point scale can be a tool in poultry muscle tissue evaluation because not only accumulation but also lipid location is crucial in determining the usefulness of meat in culinary processing.
Promoting Access to Public Research Data for Scientific, Economic, and Social Development

Access to and sharing of data are essential for the conduct and advancement of science. This article argues that publicly funded research data should be openly available to the maximum extent possible. To seize upon advancements of cyberinfrastructure and the explosion of data in a range of scientific disciplines, this access to and sharing of publicly funded data must be advanced within an international framework, beyond technological solutions. The authors, members of an OECD Follow-up Group, present their research findings, based closely on their report to OECD, on key issues in data access, as well as operating principles and management aspects necessary to successful data access regimes.
Isolation of diphenyl-substituted tetronic acids from cultures of Paxillus atrotomentosus.

Pigments which accumulated in surface cultures of Paxillus atrotomentosus (Batsch) Fr. were studied. The nutrient broth and mycelium of 2-month-old cultures were blended, and the pigments were partitioned into ether. Two pigments were isolated by dry-column chromatogrphy using a silica gel adsorbent and ether saturated with concentrated HCl as a chromatographic solvent. The major pigment was identified as xerocomic acid, and the minor pigment was shown to be atromentic acid. Identification of these acids was based on UV and IR spectra, mass spectral fragmentation patterns, high-resolution mass spectroscopy, and properties of their acetyl derivatives. Examination of fresh carpophores of P. atrotomentosus failed to demonstrate detectable amounts of either of these tetronic acids. These pigments have been reported to occur in fresh carpophores of some species in the Boletaceae and Gomphidiaceae, but this is the first reported presence of any diphenyl-substituted tetronic acid in the saprophytic culture of a fungus.
Prostanoid Stimulation of Cytokine Production in an Amnion-Derived Cell Line: Evidence of a Feed-Forward Mechanism With Implications for Term and Preterm Labor

Objective: To test the hypothesis that amnion cytokine production might be regulated by prostanoids. Methods: Amnion-derived WISH cells were treated with a range of prostanoids and their effects on production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Northern analysis. The effect of thromboxane inhibitors on cytokine production by term primary amnion explants also were examined. Results: Prostaglandin (PG)A2, PGD2, PGF2α PGE2, PGJ2, and the PGI2 analogue carbaprostacyclin (1-1000 nmol/L) exhibited no significant effects on cytokine production. However, the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) agonists U46619 and carbocyclic (c)TXA2 both stimulated WISH cytokine production with similar potencies under basal or cytokine-stimulated conditions. Significant stimulation of IL-6 production was observed at concentrations ≥8 nmol/L (P < .05 by analysis of variance), whereas IL-8 production was stimulated significantly but to a lesser extent. The effects of U46619 and cTXA2 were rapid; maximal stimulation of cytokine production occurred within 4 to 8 hours of treatment. U46619 augmented IL-1β-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression within 2 hours of treatment. In amnion explants inhibitors of TX synthesis and action abrogated the stimulatory effect of IL-1β on cytokine production. Conclusion: These results are consistent with the presence of a feed-forward loop in amnion involving TXA2 and cytokines, which could play a significant role in the progression of the inflammatory response involved in the mechanism of infection-driven preterm labor.
Inhibition of glutamine transport into mitochondria protects astrocytes from ammonia toxicity

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major neurological complication that occurs in the setting of severe liver failure. Ammonia is a key neurotoxin implicated in this condition, and astrocytes are the principal neural cells histopathologically and functionally affected. Although the mechanism by which ammonia causes astrocyte dysfunction is incompletely understood, glutamine, a by‐product of ammonia metabolism, has been strongly implicated in many of the deleterious effects of ammonia on astrocytes. Inhibiting mitochondrial glutamine hydrolysis in astrocytes mitigates many of the toxic effects of ammonia, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial glutamine metabolism in the mechanism of ammonia neurotoxicity. To determine whether mitochondriaare indeed the organelle where glutamine exerts its toxic effects, we examined the effect of L‐histidine, an inhibitor of mitochondrial glutamine transport, on ammonia‐mediated astrocyte defects. Treatment of cultured astrocytes with L‐histidine completely blocked or significantly attenuated ammonia‐induced reactive oxygen species production, cell swelling, mitochondrial permeability transition, and loss of ATP. These findings implicate mitochondrial glutamine transport in the mechanism of ammonia neurotoxicity. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accelerometry Measuring the Outcome of Robot-Supported Upper Limb Training in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose This study aims to assess the extent to which accelerometers can be used to determine the effect of robot-supported task-oriented arm-hand training, relative to task-oriented arm-hand training alone, on the actual amount of arm-hand use of chronic stroke patients in their home situation. Methods This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 16 chronic stroke patients, randomly allocated using blocked randomization (n = 2) to receive task-oriented robot-supported arm-hand training or task-oriented (unsupported) arm-hand training. Training lasted 8 weeks, 4 times/week, 2×30 min/day using the (T-)TOAT ((Technology-supported)-Task-Oriented-Arm-Training) method. The actual amount of arm-hand use, was assessed at baseline, after 8 weeks training and 6 months after training cessation. Duration of use and intensity of use of the affected arm-hand during unimanual and bimanual activities were calculated. Results Duration and intensity of use of the affected arm-hand did not change significantly during and after training, with or without robot-support (i.e. duration of use of unimanual use of the affected arm-hand: median difference of −0.17% in the robot-group and −0.08% in the control group between baseline and after training cessation; intensity of the affected arm-hand: median difference of 3.95% in the robot-group and 3.32% in the control group between baseline and after training cessation). No significant between-group differences were found. Conclusions Accelerometer data did not show significant changes in actual amount of arm-hand use after task-oriented training, with or without robot-support. Next to the amount of use, discrimination between activities performed and information about quality of use of the affected arm-hand are essential to determine actual arm-hand performance. Trial Registration Controlled-trials.com ISRCTN82787126
IL‐4‐deficient mice develop less acute but more chronic relapsing collagen‐induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis as well as collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) is thought to involve T cell autoimmunity of the Th1 type and the Th2 cytokine IL‐4 has been proposed to play a suppressive role. To exclude a possible skewing role of the mycobacteria used in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) we induced CIA with type II collagen (CII) in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). Ourresults show that IL‐4 deficiency leads to a lesser susceptibility to arthritis and lower B and T cell responses if induced with CII/IFA but not if induced with CII/CFA. In addition, IL‐4‐deficientmice were less susceptible to arthritis induced with monoclonal anti‐CII antibodies. However, mice immunized with CII/IFA later developed a chronic relapsing disease, which was promoted by IL‐4 deficiency. We conclude that IL‐4 plays different roles depending on the type of adjuvant used and the phase (acute or chronic) of the clinical disease.
Emerging Strategies for the Chemical Treatment of Microbial Biofilms

Over the past decade, several strategies have been proposed for the control of surfaceassociated tnicrobial populations. Physical methods, including electrification, ultrasonication, application of ablative laser light and mechanical cleaning or scraping are generally effective at removing sutface growth. Chemical control methods, on the other hand, are often ineffective. This has led to a notorious association of biofilms with resistance towards antibiotics, biocides and disinfectants. In such respects, reaction-diffusion limitation of the passage of oxidizing biocides and antibiotics, across biofilms aided by the presence ofextracellular enzymes often causes the failure of such agents to sanitize contaminated surfaces. Deep-lying cells within biofilms are often also severely nutrientand oxygen.litnited, causing the expression of starvation phenotypes, which include multi-drug efflux pumps and enhanced exopolylner synthesis. During exposure to antimicrobial agents, these slow growing organislns1 being exposed to sub-lethal levels of agent, will generaHy out-survive their less nutrient-depleted congeners. This Inay well enrich the population for drug resistant phenotypes and genotypes during the post.treatment phase. Emerging biofihn treatment methodologies are based 011 our knowledge of biofilm physiology and resistance mechanisms. For example, in an attempt to prevent early colonization of surfaces and in order to overcome reaction.diffusion limitation, treatnlent agents may be coated onto or incorporated into the substrate to be protected. More sophisticated approaches have been developed, with varying success, that deploy erodable~ biocide-containing coatings. Erosion, in this instance being intended to purge the surface of attached bacteria and cellular debris. At the vanguard of emerging control strategies are surface-catalyzed hygiene and anti cell-cell signalling chemicals.
Europe, the bull and the Minotaur: the biological legacy of a Neolithic love story

Summary The European cattle was domesticated 10 000 years ago in eastern Turkey, 1000 years later pottery‐associated milk fats identify cattle‐based dairy activity in western Turkey. Subsequently, the Indo‐European language, domesticated animals and plants travel as a Neolithic package along two major routes across Europe. A striking south‐east to north‐west gradient of a mutation in the current European population (lactase persistence into adulthood) documents the expansion of a Neolithic dairy culture into a Mesolithic hunter society. Using oral tradition (myths), archaeological and written historical evidence and biological data, it is asked whether highly transmissible viral diseases like measles and smallpox entered during the Neolithic from domesticated animals into the human population. The bovine origin of paramyxovirus infections is likely; smallpox comes from camels or from rodents via cattle while mycobacteria and Helicobacter infected humans already before the Neolithic. Microbes adapt constantly and quickly to changing ecological situations. The current global environmental changes will lead to another highly dynamic phase of viral transmissions into the human population.
Cisplatin-Ifosfamide-gemcitabine as salvage chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients pretreated with platinum compounds and Paclitaxel.

BACKGROUND The role of combination chemotherapy regimens in the management of ovarian cancer patients with tumors previously exposed to platinum compounds and paclitaxel has not yet been defined. The present phase II study evaluated the activity and toxicity of a gemcitabine-ifosfamide-cisplatin combination in the aforementioned group of patients. Given the in vitro and in vivo synergism between the three agents, it was believed that using a three-drug combination would overcome tumor resistance to cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 56 years and the median performance status 1. Eight (34%) had potentially platinum-sensitive, 6 (24%) had primary platinum-resistant and 10 (42%) patients had secondary platinum-resistant tumors. Treatment consisted of gemcitabine 1 g/m(2) i.v. on days 1 and 8, cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) i.v. over 2 h fractionated over days 8 and 9, and ifosfamide 5 mg/m(2) i.v. over 1 h fractionated on days 8-9 with mesna uroprotection. Courses were administered every 3 weeks on an outpatient basis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was given at a dose of 5 microg/kg/day on days 10-14. A median of 4 cycles were administered with the delivered dose intensity at 85% of the planned dose for the three agents. RESULTS Among 24 patients evaluable for response and toxicity, there were 8 partial responses with a response rate of 33% (95% confidence interval 16.4-55%). Stable disease was recorded in 6 (25.7) and progressive disease in 10 (42%) patients. Subgroup analysis revealed a response rate of 50% in potentially platinum-sensitive, 16.5% in primary platinum-resistant and 30% in secondary platinum-resistant tumors. The median response duration was 5 months (range 3-12 months), the median time to progression 6 months (range 3-16 months) and the median survival 12 months (range 3-24 months). Myelotoxicity was significant, with neutropenia grade 3 and 4 occurring in 35% and 20% of patients, respectively. Four episodes (3.5% of all cycles) of febrile neutropenia were documented and were well managed with oral antibiotics and G-CSF continuation until complete recovery. Grade 1, 2 and 3 peripheral neuropathy developed in 40%, 30%, and 10% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION The three-drug combination demonstrated a significant effectiveness in potentially platinum-sensitive tumors and a moderate efficacy in platinum-resistant tumors. The regimen, although myelotoxic, is tolerable with G-CSF support. Further investigation via comparative studies is required to define any superiority of the present regimen over doublets of the three agents in this group of patients.
Sex-Based Differences in the Anthropometric Characteristics of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Its Relation to Intercondylar Notch Geometry

Background A significantly higher rate of anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurs in women involved in sports activities compared to the corresponding male population. Reasons for this disparity are not well understood; however, sex-based differences in the geometry of the anterior cruciate ligament, its morphologic characteristics, and the intercondylar notch size have been cited as possible factors. Hypotheses (1) The anterior cruciate ligament in women has a shorter length, and smaller cross-sectional area and volume than that in men. (2) The female anterior cruciate ligament has a lower mass density. (3) Ligament size is proportional to notch width in both male and female populations. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Using a 3-dimensional imaging system, the authors measured the geometric parameters, including length, area, and volume, of the anterior cruciate ligaments of 10 male and 10 female donors (all Caucasian). A digital image of the frontal plane of the knee flexed at 90° was used to measure notch size. After the ligament's removal from its attachment sites, its mass was measured using a digital balance. Geometric parameters, mass density, and notch size were compared based on sex. Correlation analyses between ligament size and body anthropometric characteristics, and between notch size and ligament size were performed. Results The anterior cruciate ligament in women was smaller in length, cross-sectional area, volume, and mass when compared to that in men. No significant difference in ligament mass density was found between the sexes. Also, no differences were found in notch geometry between male and female populations. A correlation between notch size and ligament size was found for men but not for women. Conclusions Because the densities of female and male anterior cruciate ligaments appear to be similar, the smaller ligament size in women may contribute to their having a higher rate of ligament injuries. Anterior cruciate ligament size increases in proportion to notch width in men but not in women.