Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virtual communication training for the law enforcement domain

Serious games are increasingly being used for training of social skills. The main idea is to create a virtual environment in which a trainee can interact with graphically embodied virtual characters. By designing scenarios in such way that the character’s behaviour provides direct feedback on the correctness of the trainee’s choices, an interactive learning experience is created. This paper explores the potential of this approach in the domain of law enforcement. A prototype has been developed of a serious game that enables police academy students to train their communicative skills. A pilot study with 41 students has been conducted. The results show that this is a promising instrument for education in this domain, but also point out several suggestions for improvement.
Silicon integrated electrical micro-lens for CMOS SPADs based on avalanche propagation phenomenon

Abstract– The design and fabrication of integrated microlenses for CMOS single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) is presented in this paper. The micro-lens exploits the avalanche propagation phenomenon occurring in abrupt single-sided junctions and is achieved by carful design of the SPAD in a standard CMOS process. In contrast to an optical micro-lens, the proposed technique is more robust to manufacturing tolerances and can scale in principle to large arrays, providing a better concentration factor and concentration uniformity. Measurement results show a photon detection probability (PDP) as high as 64.85 % at 600 nm when the SPAD is biased at 2 V of excess bias. The micro-lens configuration is compatible with backside illumination and the use of integrated devices on guard rings, thereby enabling the high density pixels and extremely high fill factors.
Parasex Generates Phenotypic Diversity de Novo and Impacts Drug Resistance and Virulence in Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a diploid fungus that is a frequent cause of mucosal and systemic infections in humans. This species exhibits an unusual parasexual cycle in which mating produces tetraploid cells that undergo a nonmeiotic program of concerted chromosome loss to return to a diploid or aneuploid state. In this work, we used a multipronged approach to examine the capacity of parasex to generate diversity in C. albicans. First, we compared the phenotypic properties of 32 genotyped progeny and observed wide-ranging differences in fitness, filamentation, biofilm formation, and virulence. Strikingly, one parasexual isolate displayed increased virulence relative to parental strains using a Galleria mellonella model of infection, establishing that parasex has the potential to enhance pathogenic traits. Next, we examined parasexual progeny derived from homothallic, same-sex mating events, and reveal that parasex can generate diversity de novo from identical parental strains. Finally, we generated pools of parasexual progeny and examined resistance of these pools to environmental stresses. Parasexual progeny were generally less fit than control strains across most test conditions, but showed an increased ability to grow in the presence of the antifungal drug fluconazole (FL). FL-resistant progeny were aneuploid isolates, often being diploid strains trisomic for both Chr3 and Chr6. Passaging of these aneuploid strains frequently led to loss of the supernumerary chromosomes and a concomitant decrease in drug resistance. These experiments establish that parasex generates extensive phenotypic diversity de novo, and that this process has important consequences for both virulence and drug resistance in C. albicans populations.
An N-Terminal Retention Module Anchors the Giant Adhesin LapA of Pseudomonas fluorescens at the Cell Surface: a Novel Subfamily of Type I Secretion Systems

ABSTRACT LapA of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 belongs to a diverse family of cell surface-associated bacterial adhesins that are secreted via the type I secretion system (T1SS). We previously reported that the periplasmic protease LapG cleaves the N terminus of LapA at a canonical dialanine motif to release the adhesin from the cell surface under conditions unfavorable to biofilm formation, thus decreasing biofilm formation. Here, we characterize LapA as the first type I secreted substrate that does not follow the “one-step” rule of T1SS. Rather, a novel N-terminal element, called the retention module (RM), localizes LapA at the cell surface as a secretion intermediate. Our genetic, biochemical, and molecular modeling analyses support a model wherein LapA is tethered to the cell surface through its T1SS outer membrane TolC-like pore, LapE, until LapG cleaves LapA in the periplasm. We further demonstrate that this unusual retention strategy is likely conserved among LapA-like proteins, and it reveals a new subclass of T1SS ABC transporters involved in transporting this group of surface-associated LapA-like adhesins. These studies demonstrate a novel cell surface retention strategy used throughout the Proteobacteria and highlight a previously unappreciated flexibility of function for T1SS. IMPORTANCE Bacteria have evolved multiple secretion strategies to interact with their environment. For many bacteria, the secretion of cell surface-associated adhesins is key for initiating contact with a preferred substratum to facilitate biofilm formation. Our work demonstrates that P. fluorescens uses a previously unrecognized secretion strategy to retain the giant adhesin LapA at its cell surface. Further, we identify likely LapA-like adhesins in various pathogenic and commensal proteobacteria and provide phylogenetic evidence that these adhesins are secreted by a new subclass of T1SS ABC transporters.
Evolution of a Community-Based Participatory Approach in a Rural and Remote Dementia Care Research Program

Background: Community–based participatory research (CBPR) approaches are valuable strategies for addressing complex health and social problems and powerful tools to support effective transformation of social and health policy to better meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.Objectives: Since 1997, our team has utilized CBPR approaches to improve health service delivery for persons with dementia and their caregivers in rural and remote settings. We describe the evolution of our approach, including benefits, challenges, and lessons learned over the last 15 years.Methods: A multistage approach initiated an ongoing CBPR research program in rural dementia care and shaped its direction based on stakeholders’ recommendation to prioritize both community and facility–based care. Strategies to develop and foster collaborative partnerships have included travel to rural and remote regions, province–wide community meetings, stakeholder workshops, creation of a Decision–Maker Advisory Council to provide ongoing direction to the overall program, development of diverse project–specific advisory groups, and a highly successful and much anticipated annual knowledge exchange and team–building event.Lessons Learned: Partnering with stakeholders in the full research process has enhanced the research quality, relevance, application, and sustainability. These benefits have supported the team’s evolution from a relatively traditional focus to an integrated approach guiding all aspects of our research.Conclusions: Developing and sustaining the full range of stakeholder and decision–maker partnerships is resource–and time–intensive, but our experience shows that community–based participatory strategies are highly suited to health services research that is designed to support sustainable service delivery improvements.
Effectiveness and Economic Evaluation of Chiropractic Care for the Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Pragmatic Studies

Background Context Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and among the most common reasons for seeking primary sector care. Chiropractors, physical therapists and general practitioners are among those providers that treat LBP patients, but there is only limited evidence regarding the effectiveness and economic evaluation of care offered by these provider groups. Purpose To estimate the clinical effectiveness and to systematically review the literature of full economic evaluation of chiropractic care compared to other commonly used care approaches among adult patients with non-specific LBP. Study Design Systematic reviews of interventions and economic evaluations. Methods A comprehensive search strategy was conducted to identify 1) pragmatic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and/or 2) full economic evaluations of chiropractic care for low back pain compared to standard care delivered by other healthcare providers. Studies published between 1990 and 4th June 2015 were considered. Primary outcomes included pain, functional status and global improvement. Study selection, critical quality appraisal and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Data from RCTs with low risk of bias were included in a meta-analysis to determine effect estimates. Cost estimates of full economic evaluations were converted to 2015 USD and results summarized using Slavin’s qualitative best-evidence synthesis. Results Six RCTs and three full economic evaluations were scientifically admissible. Five RCTs with low risk of bias compared chiropractic care to exercise therapy (n = 1), physical therapy (n = 3) and medical care (n = 1). Overall, we found similar effects for chiropractic care and the other types of care and no reports of serious adverse events. Three low to high quality full economic evaluations studies (one cost-effectiveness, one cost-minimization and one cost-benefit) compared chiropractic to medical care. Given the divergent conclusions (favours chiropractic, favours medical care, equivalent options), mixed-evidence was found for economic evaluations of chiropractic care compared to medical care. Conclusion Moderate evidence suggests that chiropractic care for LBP appears to be equally effective as physical therapy. Limited evidence suggests the same conclusion when chiropractic care is compared to exercise therapy and medical care although no firm conclusion can be reached at this time. No serious adverse events were reported for any type of care. Our review was also unable to clarify whether chiropractic or medical care is more cost-effective. Given the limited available evidence, the decision to seek or to refer patients for chiropractic care should be based on patient preference and values. Future studies are likely to have an important impact on our estimates as these were based on only a few admissible studies.
Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio : State-of-the-Art and Recent Advances

The ever-increasing demand for higher data rates in wireless communications in the face of limited or underutilized spectral resources has motivated the introduction of cognitive radio. Traditionally, licensed spectrum is allocated over relatively long time periods and is intended to be used only by licensees. Various measurements of spectrum utilization have shown substantial unused resources in frequency, time, and space [1], [2]. The concept behind cognitive radio is to exploit these underutilized spectral resources by reusing unused spectrum in an opportunistic manner [3], [4]. The phrase cognitive radio is usually attributed to Mitola [4], but the idea of using learning and sensing machines to probe the radio spectrum was envisioned several decades earlier (cf., [5]).
Facile Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Paper with Excellent Water Repellency and Moisture Resistance by Phase Separation

A simple but effective method of fabricating superhydrophobic paper with excellent moisture resistance was developed by precipitating carnauba wax onto the surface of cellulose fibers using a phase separation method. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the effects of the preparation variables on the water contact angle (WCA) of the paper surface. The four independent variables were carnauba wax concentration, immersion time, coagulation bath ratio (water/ethanol), and coagulation bath time. The optimal treatment conditions were as follows: wax concentration, 3.78% (wax/chloroform, w/v); immersion time, 1.46 h; coagulation bath ratio, 13/87 (water/ethanol, v/v); and coagulation bath time, 2.63 h. Under these conditions, the experimental WCA reached 152.7°, which agreed closely with the predicted value of 154.1°. The surface morphology of the superhydrophobic paper was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the images showed that cluster-like carnauba wax aggregation completely covered the fiber surface, resulting in increased roughness. Moreover, the moisture resistance of the obtained superhydrophobic paper was evaluated. The results demonstrated that under high relative humidity conditions, the moisture resistance of the superhydrophobic paper significantly improved, and its tensile strength remained high.
Changes in Meningococcal Strains in the Era of a Serogroup C Vaccination Campaign: Trends and Evolution in Belgium during the Period 1997–2012

Background Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major cause of bacterial meningitides and septicaemia. This study shows the results of the laboratory-based surveillance of IMD in Belgium over the period 1997–2012. Methods The results are based on microbiological and molecular laboratory surveillance of 2997 clinical isolates of N. meningitides received by the Belgian Meningococcal Reference Centre (BMRC) over the period 1997–2012. Results Serogroup B has always been a major cause of meningococcal disease in Belgium, with P3.4 as most frequent serotype till 2008, while an increase in non-serotypable strains has been observed in the last few years. Clonal complexes cc-41/44 and cc-269 are most frequently observed in serogroup B strains. In the late nineties, the incidence of serogroup C disease increased considerably and peaked in 2001, mainly associated with phenotypes C:2a:P1.5,2, C:2a:P1.5 and C:2a:P1.2 (ST-11/ET-37 clonal complex). The introduction of the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine has been followed by an 88% significant decrease in serogroup C disease from 2001 to 2004 nationally, yet sharper in Flanders (92%) compared to Wallonia (77%). Since 2008 a difference in incidence of serogroup C was observed in Flanders (0–0.1/100,000) versus Wallonia (0.1–0.3/100,000). Conclusion This study showed the change in epidemiology and strain population over a 16 years period spanning an exhaustive vaccination campaign and highlights the influence of regional vaccination policies with different cohorts sizes on short and long-term IMD incidences.
Rapid DNA Synthesis During Early Drosophila Embryogenesis Is Sensitive to Maternal Humpty Dumpty Protein Function

Lesly, Bandura, and Calvi show that rapid DNA synthesis during early Drosophila embryogenesis is highly sensitive to mild mutations. Problems with DNA replication cause cancer and developmental malformations. It is not fully understood how DNA replication is coordinated with development and perturbed in disease. We had previously identified the Drosophila gene humpty dumpty (hd), and showed that null alleles cause incomplete DNA replication, tissue undergrowth, and lethality. Animals homozygous for the missense allele, hd272-9, were viable, but adult females had impaired amplification of eggshell protein genes in the ovary, resulting in the maternal effects of thin eggshells and embryonic lethality. Here, we show that expression of an hd transgene in somatic cells of the ovary rescues amplification and eggshell synthesis but not embryo viability. The germline of these mothers remain mutant for the hd272-9 allele, resulting in reduced maternal Hd protein and embryonic arrest during mitosis of the first few S/M nuclear cleavage cycles with chromosome instability and chromosome bridges. Epistasis analysis of hd with the rereplication mutation plutonium indicates that the chromosome bridges of hd embryos are the result of a failed attempt to segregate incompletely replicated sister chromatids. This study reveals that maternally encoded Humpty dumpty protein is essential for DNA replication and genome integrity during the little-understood embryonic S/M cycles. Moreover, the two hd272-9 maternal-effect phenotypes suggest that ovarian gene amplification and embryonic cleavage are two time periods in development that are particularly sensitive to mild deficits in DNA replication function. This last observation has broader relevance for interpreting why mild mutations in the human ortholog of humpty dumpty and other DNA replication genes cause tissue-specific malformations of microcephalic dwarfisms.
Audience Silhouettes: Peripheral Awareness of Synchronous Audience Kinesics for Social Television

We introduce audience silhouettes for TV, which are visual representations of viewers' body movements displayed in real-time on top of television content. With their minimal visual cues and their ability to convey presence and to leverage interactions via non-verbal kinesics, audience silhouettes are strong candidates for implementing Oehlberg et al.'s theater metaphor of an unobtrusive social TV system [37]. In a user study, we found our participants connecting well to the on-screen silhouettes, while their television watching experience was perceived more enjoyable. We also report viewers' body movement behavior in the presence of on-screen silhouettes, which we characterize numerically with new measures (e.g., average body movement) and we report experimental findings; e.g., we found that the number of silhouettes influences viewers' body movements and the body postures they adopt and that women produce more body movement than men.
Two Common Psychophysical Measures of Surround Suppression Reflect Independent Neuronal Mechanisms Task 1: Motion-direction Discrimination Task 2: Contrast Detection Suppression Index (si)

Psychophysical surround suppression is believed to reflect inhibitory neuronal mechanisms in visual cortex. In recent years, two psychophysical measures of surround suppression have been much studied: (i) duration thresholds on a motion-discrimination task (which are worse for larger than for smaller stimuli) and (ii) contrast thresholds on a contrast-detection task (which are worse when grating stimuli are surrounded by a stimulus of the same orientation than when they are presented in isolation or surrounded by a stimulus of orthogonal orientation). Changes in both metrics have been linked to several different human conditions, including aging, differences in intelligence, and clinical disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and autism. However, the exact nature of the neuronal correlate underlying these phenomena remains unclear. Here, we use an individual-differences approach to test the hypothesis that both measures reflect the same property of the visual system, e.g., the strength of GABA-ergic inhibition across visual cortex. Under this hypothesis we would expect the two measures to be significantly positively correlated across individuals. In fact, they are not significantly correlated. In addition, we replicate the previously reported correlation between age and motion-discrimination surround suppression, but find no correlation between age and contrast-detection surround suppression. We conclude that the two forms of psychophysical surround suppression arise independently from different cortical mechanisms. Introduction In visual neuroscience, the term surround suppression was originally introduced by physiologists studying the responses of individual neurons, to describe a reduction in firing produced by stimuli placed outside the classical (2015). Two common psychophysical measures of surround suppression reflect independent neuronal mechanisms. leading many to speculate that it is a fundamental feature of visual computation. At a perceptual level, surround suppression may contribute to visual attention (Falkner et al. It is also believed to underlie two counterintuitive properties of human visual perception. First, the apparent contrast of a visual stimulus can be reduced by stimuli in the related effects are attributed to surround suppression processing in V1 (Zenger-Landolt & Heeger, 2003). Second, discriminating the direction of motion of a moving pattern becomes more difficult with increasing stimulus size (Tadin, Lappin, Gilroy, & Blake, 2003), which has been attributed to surround suppression in area MT. These perceptual phenomena are often referred to collectively as psychophysical surround suppression. In recent years, several studies have used these two perceptual phenomena to reveal differences between healthy control participants and several clinical groups, including people with schizophrenia suggest that these simple …
Correlation between RUST assessments of fracture healing to structural and biomechanical properties

Radiographic Union Score for Tibia (RUST) and modified RUST (mRUST) are radiographic tools for quantitatively evaluating fracture healing using a cortical scoring system. This tool has high intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs); however, little evidence has evaluated the scores against the physical properties of bone healing. Closed, stabilized fractures were made in the femora of C3H/HeJ male mice (8–12 week‐old) of two dietary groups: A control and a phosphate restricted diet group. Micro‐computed tomography (µCT) and torsion testing were carried out at post‐operative days (POD) 14, 21, 35, and 42 (n = 10–16) per group time‐point. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographic views were constructed from the µCT scans and scored by five raters. The raters also indicated if the fracture were healed. ICCs were 0.71 (mRUST) and 0.63 (RUST). Both RUST scores were positively correlated with callus bone mineral density (BMD) (r = 0.85 and 0.80, p < 0.001) and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) (r = 0.86 and 0.80, p < 0.001). Both RUST scores positively correlated with callus strength (r = 0.35 and 0.26, p < 0.012) and rigidity (r = 0.50 and 0.39, p < 0.001). Radiographically healed calluses had a mRUST ≥13 and a RUST ≥10 and had excellent relationship to structural and biomechanical metrics. Effect of delayed healing due to phosphate dietary restrictions was found at later time points with all mechanical properties (p < 0.011), however no differences found in the RUST scores (p > 0.318). Clinical relevance of this study is both RUST scores showed high correlation to physical properties of healing and generally distinguished healed vs. non‐healed fractures. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:945–953, 2018.
Importance of the Saharan Heat Low on the control of the North Atlantic free tropospheric humidity deduced from IASI δD observations

The isotopic composition of water vapour in the North Atlantic free troposphere is investigated with IASI measurements of the D/H ratio ( δ D) above the ocean. We show that in the vicinity of West Africa, the seasonality of δ D is particularly strong (160 ‰), which is related with the installation of the Saharan Heat Low (SHL) during summertime. The SHL indeed largely influences the dynamic in that region by producing deep turbulent mixing layers, yielding a specific water vapor isotopic footprint. The influence of the SHL on the isotopic budget is analysed at various time and space scales and is shown to be large, highlighting the importance of the SHL dynamics on the moistening and the HDO-enrichment of the free troposphere over the North Atlantic. We also report important inter-annual variations of δ D above Izana (Canary Islands) that we interpret, using backward trajectory analyses, in terms of the ratio of air-masses coming from the North Atlantic and air-masses coming from the African continent. Finally, we present spatial distributions of δ D and humidity above the North Atlantic and we show that the different sources and dehydration pathways controlling the humidity can be disentangled thanks to the added value of δ D observations.