Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Field trial of efficacy of the Leish-tec® vaccine against canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in an endemic area with high transmission rates

Background Because domestic dogs are reservoir hosts for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil, one of the approaches used to reduce human disease incidence is to cull infected dogs. However, the results of controlled intervention trials based on serological screening of dogs and killing of seropositive animals are equivocal. A prophylactic vaccine to protect dogs from being infectious to the sand fly vector could be an effective strategy to provide sustained control. Here, we investigated whether a currently licensed commercial subunit rA2 protein–saponin vaccine (Leish-tec®) had an additional effect to dog culling on reducing the canine infectious populations. Methodology/Principal findings This prospective study was conducted in an L. infantum highly endemic area of southeast Brazil. At the onset of the intervention, all of the eligible dogs received through subcutaneous route a three-dose vaccine course at 21-day intervals and a booster on month 12. For the purpose of comparison, newly recruited healthy dogs were included as the exposed control group. To ascertain vaccine-induced protection, dogs were screened on clinical and serological criteria every 6 months for a 2-year follow-up period. Antibody-based tests and histopathological examination of post-mortem tissue specimens from euthanized animals were used as a marker of infection. The standardized vaccine regime, apart from being safe, was immunogenic as immunized animals responded with a pronounced production of anti-A2-specific IgG antibodies. It should be noted the mean seroconversion time for infection obtained among immunized exposed dogs (~ 18 months), which was twice as high as that for unvaccinated ones (~ 9 months). After two transmission cycles completed, the cumulative incidence of infection did differ significantly (P = 0.016) between the vaccinated (27%) and unvaccinated (42%) dogs. However, the expected efficacy for the vaccine in inducing clinical protection was not evident since 43% of vaccine recipients developed disease over time. Our estimates also indicated that immunoprophylaxis by Leish-tec® vaccine in addition to dog culling might not have an impact on bringing down the incidence of canine infection with L. infantum in areas of high transmission rates. Conclusions/Significance Leish-tec® as a prophylactic vaccine showed promise but needs to be further optimized to be effective in dogs under field conditions, and thereby positively impacts human incidence.
Computer-based recognition of facial expressions in ASL : From face tracking to linguistic interpretation

Most research in the field of sign language recognition has focused on the manual component of signing, despite the fact that there is critical grammatical information expressed through facial expressions and head gestures. We, therefore, propose a novel framework for robust tracking and analysis of nonmanual behaviors, with an application to sign language recognition. Our method uses computer vision techniques to track facial expressions and head movements from video, in order to recognize such linguistically significant expressions. The methods described here have relied crucially on the use of a linguistically annotated video corpus that is being developed, as the annotated video examples have served for training and testing our models. We apply our framework to continuous recognition of three classes of grammatical expressions, namely wh-questions, negative expressions, and topics. Our method is signer-independent, utilizing spatial pyramids and Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to model the temporal variations of facial shape and appearance.
Personal identity and the massively multiplayer online world

Abstract This paper explores the implications that the construction and use of avatars in games such as Second Life and World of Warcraft have for our understanding of personal identity. It asks whether the avatar can meaningfully be experienced as a separate person, existing in parallel to the flesh and blood player. A rehearsal of Cartesian and Lockean accounts of personal identity constructs an understanding of the self that is challenged by the experience of online play. It will be argued that playful engagement in virtual worlds invites the participant to reflect upon the human being as embodied and social; qualities of which are marginalised by Descartes and Locke. The strangeness of this experience of virtual worlds confronts the player with a challenge to construct a coherent narrative of online life, of which treating the avatar as a separate person is a coherent option. This opens up the virtual world as an important space within which personal identity is explored, but one with complex implications for our understanding of what counts as reasonable and ethical behaviour.
Limitations of the nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on tyrosinase for the detection of malignant melanoma micrometastases in lymph nodes

The specificity and sensitivity of the nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on tyrosinase was studied, for the detection of micrometastases of malignant melanoma. The specificity was assessed in the blood of six healthy donors, four patients with non-melanoma cancers of which one patient was treated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. Lymph nodes of nine patients without malignant melanoma were tested and four cell lines of various other tumours. Six of the nine non-melanoma lymph nodes were positive in this assay. The sensitivity was tested in a spike experiment in vitro, using a melanoma cell line. The detection limit was ten melanoma cells per 107 peripheral blood lymphocytes. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Weather conditions associated with autumn migration by mule deer in Wyoming

Maintaining ecological integrity necessitates a proactive approach of identifying and acquiring lands to conserve unfragmented landscapes, as well as evaluating existing mitigation strategies to increase connectivity in fragmented landscapes. The increased use of highway underpasses and overpasses to restore connectivity for wildlife species offers clear conservation benefits, yet also presents a unique opportunity to understand how weather conditions may impact movement of wildlife species. We used remote camera observations (19,480) from an existing wildlife highway underpass in Wyoming and daily meteorological observations to quantify weather conditions associated with autumn migration of mule deer in 2009 and 2010. We identified minimal daily temperature and snow depth as proximate cues associated with mule deer migration to winter range. These weather cues were consistent across does and bucks, but differed slightly by year. Additionally, extreme early season snow depth or cold temperature events appear to be associated with onset of migration. This information will assist wildlife managers and transportation officials as they plan future projects to maintain and enhance migration routes for mule deer.
Assessment Practices and Issues with School-refusing Children

School refusal is a complex and heterogeneously determined and experienced behaviour problem. Due to its complexity and heterogeneity, a multimethod and multisource approach to assessment is required. The approach is described as a hypothesis-testing approach which uses developmentally sensitive and empirically validated procedures. Clinical-behavioural interviews, structured diagnostic interviews, self-reports, reports of significant others, self-monitoring, and behavioural observations are recommended. Issues associated with these procedures are reviewed.
Which nucleoside and nucleotide backbone combinations select for the K65R mutation in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

The K65R mutation has been reported to be associated with the use of abacavir, didanosine and tenofovir. With the advent of tenofovir we have assessed the change in the prevalence of this mutation. The prevalence of the K65R mutation remains low, but has significantly increased over a 2-year period. Although not associated with a specific drug, it is associated with the dual use of tenofovir, didanosine and the triple combination of tenofovir, didanosine and abacavir.
Best selection for the parameters of fractional-order particle swarm optimizer

This study rewrote a fractional-order particle swarm optimizer algorithmic equation and used an improved uniform design method (IUDM) to find the best combination for parameters of FPSO. Compared to PSO, FPSO makes a high convergence rate. In the improved FPSO, there are 4 parameters to influence effectiveness. Uniform design is an experimental method and suitable for multiple parameters and multiple level experiments. IUDM is improved from uniform design method as per using the best combination strategy and a stepwise ratio. And then, IUDM is used to find the best combination for parameter values of FPSO. In the experiments, some test functions are used to find the best combination for parameter values by using IUDM and also verify the effectiveness of the improved FPSO. From the results, the best combination for parameter values of FPSO can be obtain by IUDM and the proposed FPSO obtain the better performance than PSO and original FPSO according the best combination.
Operation-based conflict detection and resolution

Models are in wide-spread use in the software development lifecycle and model-driven development even promotes them from an abstraction of the system to the description the system is generated from. Therefore it is increasingly important to collaborate on models. These models can range from requirements models over UML models to project management models such as schedules. Tool support for collaboration on models is therefore crucial. Traditionally Software Configuration Management (SCM) systems such as RCS [9] or Subversion [10] have supported this task for textual artifacts such as source code on the granularity of files and textual lines. They do not work well for graph-like models with many links since the granularity needed to support them is on the level of model elements and their attributes. For the design of a novel SCM system addressing these requirements it is essential to define how conflicts on models are detected and how they can be resolved. In this paper we present an approach to conflict detection and resolution on models. We employ operation-based change tracking and therefore detect conflicts based on operations. For conflict resolution we propose an integration of SCM with techniques from Rational Management to effectively resolve conflicts.
On the pseudocodeword redundancy

We define the AWGNC, BSC, and max-fractional pseudocodeword redundancy p(C) of a code C as the smallest number of rows in a parity-check matrix such that the corresponding minimum pseudoweight is equal to the minimum Hamming distance of C. We show that most codes do not have a finite p(C). We also provide bounds on the pseudocodeword redundancy for some families of codes, including codes based on designs.
Enhanced Algorithm for Obstacle Detection and Avoidance Using a Hybrid of Plane To Plane Homography, Image Segmentation, Corner and Edge Detection Techniques

This paper presents the implementation as well as simulated results of the enhanced algorithm for obstacle detection and avoidance using a hybrid of plane to plane homography, image segmentation, corner and edge detection techniques. The key advantages of this algorithm over similar ones are: (i) elimination of false positives obtained by the image segmentation technique as a result of which obstacle detection becomes more efficient, (ii) reduction in the presence of unreliable corners and broken edge lines in high resolution images which may result in poor homography computation and image segmentation respectively, (iii) elimination of lack of depth perception hence the system provides and evaluates depth and obstacle height properly without planar assumptions, (iv) significant reduction in processing power.
A Self-Manageable Group Communication Protocol for Partially Synchronous Distributed Systems

In order to provide upper-layer applications with continuous message delivery and updated information on membership changes - due to process failures, leaves and joins -, group communication protocols must exchange messages and continuously monitor all group members, which in certain load conditions may incur unacceptable message overhead to the underlying communication system. Therefore, the design of such protocols must deal with the trade-off between performance requirements such as speed (e.g., delivery latency) and cost (e.g., message overhead). However, when the behavior of the computing environment is unknown and can change over time, or when the application requirements can dynamically change, self-configuring is a basic issue that is usually ignored in existing implementations. In this paper we present the design, implementation and evaluation of a novel self-manageable group communication protocol based on the feedback control theory, which is capable of self-configuring its operation parameters at run-time from previously specified requirements such as resource consumption.
RANGE AND IMAGE DATA INTEGRATION FOR MAN-MADE OBJECT RECONSTRUCTION

The extraction of information from image and range data is one of the main research topics. In literature, several papers dealing with this topic has been already presented. In particular, several authors have suggested an integrated use of both range and image information in order to increase the reliability and the completeness of the results exploiting their complementary nature. In this paper, an integration between range and image data for the geometric reconstruction of man-made object is presented. In particular, the focus of this paper is on the edge extraction procedure performed in an integrated way exploiting the information provided by both range and image data. Both terrestrial and aerial applications have been analysed for the facade extraction in terrestrial acquisitions and the roof outline extraction from aerial data. The algorithm and the achieved results are described and discussed in detail.
Dysbiosis in Epizootic Shell Disease of the American Lobster (Homarus americanus)

ABSTRACT Epizootic shell disease (ESD) in the American lobster (Homarus americanus) is continuing to affect the southern New England lobster population, and the etiology of the disease has not been well defined. We hypothesized that a dysbiotic shift in the shell microbial biofilm played a key part in the etiology of the disease. We analyzed the community structure of the surface microflora of apparently healthy and diseased lobsters using multitag pyrosequencing to correlate the abundance of key taxa within the lesions. Discriminant analysis (DA) was used to identify taxa in the microbial community that were associated with diseased and healthy states. Among the 170 bacterial taxa that were identified, 58 were helpful in determining the diseased and healthy states. The remaining 112 were not significantly different between the 2 states. The genus Aquimarina was present in high abundance in both healthy and diseased lobsters, but had a significantly higher abundance on animals in the diseased state. However, DA demonstrated that this genus does not strongly discriminate between the diseased and healthy state. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that there was significant strain diversity of this genus in all the samples analyzed. Our results indicate that the lesions seen in ESD may be viewed as being correlated with a polymicrobial component rather than being caused by a discrete pathogen.
Hybridising Genetic Algorithm-Neural Network (GANN) in marker genes detection

The identification of marker genes trigger the growth of mutated cells has received a significant attention from both medical and computing communities. Through the identified genes, the pathology of mutated cells can be revealed and precautions can be taken to prevent further proliferation of abnormal cells. In this paper, we propose an innovative gene identification framework based on genetic algorithms and neural networks to identify marker genes for leukaemia cancer. Our approach able to provide a sharper focus on a group of highly expressed genes in leukaemia dataset and the identified genes have been proven significant to the study of leukaemia cancer development.
Design and Analysis of Sierpinski Carpet Fractal Antenna

The combination of fractal geometry with electromagnetic theory has led to useful and innovative antenna designs. This paper presents the design of Sierpinski carpet fractal antenna up to third iteration. The proposed antenna is designed on FR4 substrate with dielectric constant of 4.4. The antenna have been optimized to operate in multiple bands between 5-20 GHz. Sierpinski Carpet Fractal Antenna (SCFA) have been analyzed in term of various parameters like return loss, Total Field Gain, Directivity, Radiation pattern & VSWR etc.
Locality-driven architectural cache sub-banking for leakage energy reduction

In most processors, caches account for the largest fraction of onchip transistors, thus being a primary candidate for tackling the leakage problem. Existing architectural solutions usually rely on customized cache structures, which are needed to implement some kind of power management policy. Memory arrays, however, are carefully developed and finely tuned by foundries, and their internal structure is typically non accessible to system designers. In this work, we focus on the reduction of leakage energy in caches, without interfering with its internal design. We proposed a truly architectural solution that is based on cache sub-banking and on the detection and mapping of the application localities, detected from a profiling of the cache access patterns. By customizing the mapping between the application address space and the cache, we can expose as much address space idleness as possible, thus resulting in shutdown potential which allows significant leakage saving. Results show leakage energy reduction of up to 48% (about 30% on average), with marginal impact on miss rate or execution time.
NeuroD1 regulates survival and migration of neuroendocrine lung carcinomas via signaling molecules TrkB and NCAM

Small-cell lung cancer and other aggressive neuroendocrine cancers are often associated with early dissemination and frequent metastases. We demonstrate that neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1) is a regulatory hub securing cross talk among survival and migratory-inducing signaling pathways in neuroendocrine lung carcinomas. We find that NeuroD1 promotes tumor cell survival and metastasis in aggressive neuroendocrine lung tumors through regulation of the receptor tyrosine kinase tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB). Like TrkB, the prometastatic signaling molecule neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a downstream target of NeuroD1, whose impaired expression mirrors loss of NeuroD1. TrkB and NCAM may be therapeutic targets for aggressive neuroendocrine cancers that express NeuroD1.
An Internet-based program to promote healthy eating behavior among Thai early adolescents

This participatory action research (PAR) aimed to develop an Internet- based program for promoting healthy eating behavior among Thai early adolescents based on a participatory approach. The study participants were 73 adolescent members and 27 adolescent leaders, aged 12-13 years, attending a private school in the urban area, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Key stakeholders were also involved, including: fifteen teachers, one school nurse and seven parents. The study used various methods to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings of this study are presented in respect of unhealthy eating behavior issues among Thai early adolescents, critical elements of the Internet-based program and the outcomes of implementing the Internet-based program.
Orf Virus 002 Protein Targets Ovine Protein S100A4 and Inhibits NF-κB Signaling

Orf virus (ORFV), a member of Parapoxvirus, has evolved various strategies to modulate the immune responses of host cells. The ORFV-encoded protein ORFV002, a regulator factor, has been found to inhibit the acetylation of NF-κB-p65 by blocking phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65 at Ser276 and also to disrupt the binding of NF-κB-p65 and p300. To explore the mechanism by which ORFV002 regulates NF-κB signaling, the understanding of ORFV002 potential binding partners in host cells is critical. In this study, ovine S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), prolyl endopeptidase-like (PREPL) and NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex 8 (NDUFA8) were found to interact with ORFV002 based on the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay using a cDNA library derived from primary ovine fetal turbinate cells (OFTu). GST pull-down and bidirectional co-immunoprecipitation assay results demonstrate that ORFV002 interacts with S100A4 directly. Following the pEGFP-ORFV002 (p002GFP) transfection, we found that cytoplasmic S100A4 translocates into the nucleus and co-localizes with ORFV002. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ORFV002 on NF-κB signaling was significantly restored by S100A4 knock-down phenotype, suggesting that ovine S100A4 participates in the ORFV002-mediated NF-κB signaling. These data demonstrate that ORFV002 inhibits the NF-κB activation through its interaction with S100A4 along with its nucleus translocation.
Expression of Reactive Oxygen Species in Reflux Disease

Reflux of acidic gastric contents, or bile and pancreatic enzymes into the esophagus may cause mucosal inflammation (esophagitis or red streak). This disorder is commonly called gastroesohageal reflux disease (GERD), and in signs of esophageal mucosal injuries the disorder is called ‘erosive reflux disease’ (ERD). If the reflux is frequent and long standing such episodes can elicit severe inflammation or damage of the esophageal squamous epithelium (1-2). Oxygen is a requirement for life but oxygen metabolites can cause serious tissue injuries. It is normal for the immune system to respond to injury to the mucosa or pathogens by producing oxygen and nitrogen radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an often-used term that includes true radicals that have unpaired electrons as well as chemicals that can gain or loose electrons. Oxidative stress is a general term used to describe the steady state of oxidative damage in a cell, tissue or organ, caused by ROS. If there is an unbalance between the production of ROS and the systems ability to detoxify the reactive species or easily repair the resulting damage, oxidative stress is caused and this is a reality in most living organisms. ROS are used in immune system to attack and eliminate pathogens but ROS are also involved in the development of many diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer (3-5). There are many different sources by which ROS are generated. Among a lot of enzymes and molecules that cause oxidative stress there are three major enzymes; myeloperoxidase (MPO), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase) and nitric oxide syntase (NOS) that produce the products superoxide (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) and hypocloric acid (HOCl). We have previously shown that extremely high levels of NO are formed when nitrite in swallowed saliva meets acidic refluxates in the distal esophagus (6). NO has radicalcharacteristics and has been suggested to initiate esophageal carcinogenesis (7). This view may be questioned because luminally formed NO appears to be quite harmless and is rapidly eliminated during normal tissue conditions. However, in inflamed tissue with production of ROS it is reasonable to assume that luminal NO will react with particularly O2and form the extremely labile oxidising compound peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Such oxidative species have potential roles in all steps of carcinogenesis including DNA