Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recombinant ROP2, ROP4, GRA4 and SAG1 antigen-cocktails as possible tools for immunoprophylaxis of toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed foodborne zoonosis caused by a protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Usually asymptomatic in immunocompetent humans, toxoplasmosis is a serious clinical and veterinary problem often leading to lethal damage in an infected host. In order to overcome the exceptionally strong clinical and socio-economic impact of Toxoplasma infection, the construction of an effective vaccine inducing full immunoprotection against the parasite is an urgent issue. In the last two decades many live attenuated, subunit and DNA-based vaccines against toxoplasmosis have been studied, however only partial protection conferred by vaccination against chronic as well as acute infection has been achieved. Among various immunization strategies, no viable subunit vaccines based on recombinant secretory (ROP2, ROP4 and GRA4) and surface (SAG1) T. gondii proteins have been found as attractive tools for further studies. This is due to their high, but still partial, protective efficacy correlated with the induction of cellular and humoral immune responses.
Hoe Vlamingen sociale uitsluiting percipiÃ«ren

Enkele jaren geleden deed het begrip sociale uitsluiting zijn intrede in het politieke vertoog. De Europese Unie heeft daarin onder meer een rol gespeeld met de oprichting in 1986 van The European Observatory on Policies to Combat Social Exclusion, met als doel een programma te ontwikkelen tegen sociale uitsluiting en niet “louter” tegen armoede. (Saraceno) Volgens sommige onderzoekers zou er dan ook sprake zijn van een semantische en conceptuele verschuiving van het begrip armoede naar sociale uitsluiting, waardoor de vrees bestaat voor een verdringing van (beleids)aandacht voor armoede. Ook over de kennistheoretische status van het begrip is niet iedereen het eens. Is sociale uitsluiting een (modieuze? ) beleidscategorie of bevat het potenties voor onderzoek? We kunnen ons moeilijk terugvinden in het standpunt dat het begrip sociale uitsluiting alleen maar een pragmatische, beleidsgerichte bestaansreden zou hebben. In de cultureel antropologische en sociologische denktraditie m.b. t. fenomenen als sociale integratie, sociale sanctionering, marginalisering, enz. , is het begrip sociale uitsluiting, zij het niet altijd expliciet, dan toch impliciet aanwezig. De adoptie van het begrip door de politiek heeft ook een kader geschapen voor publieke interventie op regionaal, nationaal en supra-nationaal niveau. Het is dus zeker niet overbodig na te gaan of er een draagvlak is voor dergelijke sociale interventies. Daarom viel voor de uitwerking van het concept in de APS survey 2002 de keuze op een reeks attitudevragen over sociale uitsluiting, over sociale ongelijkheid, sociale discriminatie en solidariteit. Het thema was dus erg breed, onvermijdelijk moest voor deze bijdrage een keuze gemaakt worden en ligt de focus op percepties van sociale uitsluiting en houdingen tegenover solidariteit. H O E V L A M I N G E N
Evaluating Methods of Symmetry

Skewness indicates a lack of symmetry in a distribution. Knowing the symmetry of the underlying data is important for parametric analysis, fitting distributions or doing transformations to the data. The coefficient of skewness is the commonly used measure to identify a lack of symmetry in the underlying data, although graphical procedures can also be effective. We evaluate five different methods to assess skewness: traditional coefficient of skewness index (S1), skewness index based on the L-moments discussed by Hosking (S2, ), the Quartile (S4) and the Octile ( 2 S′ 4 S′ ) skewness coefficients proposed by Hinkley, the asymptotic test of symmetry (S3) developed by Randles et al., and finally a novel intuitive approach based on the property of symmetric distributions (S5). We have also developed a comprehensive and efficient SAS macro for computing the various skewness measures and the appropriate power transformation, if one exists, to make an asymmetric distribution symmetric.
Multiple‐primer DNA sequencing method

A multiple‐primer DNA sequencing approach suitable for genotyping, detection and identification of microorganisms and viruses has been developed. In this new method two or more sequencing primers, combined in a pool, are added to a DNA sample of interest. The oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the DNA sample will function as a primer during the subsequent DNA sequencing procedure. This strategy is suited for selective detection and genotyping of relevant microorganisms and samples harboring different DNA targets such as multiple variant/infected samples as well as unspecific amplification products. This method is used here in a model system for detection and typing of high‐risk oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in samples containing multiple infections/variants or unspecific amplification products. Type‐specific sequencing primers were designed for four of the most oncogenic (high‐risk) HPV types (HPV‐16, HPV‐18, HPV‐33, and HPV‐45). The primers were combined and added to a sample containing a mixture of one high‐risk (16, 18, 33, or 45) and one or two low‐risk types. The DNA samples were sequenced by the Pyrosequencing™ technology and the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method. Correct genotyping was achieved in all tested combinations. This multiple‐sequencing primer approach also improved the sequence data quality for samples containing unspecific amplification products. The new strategy is highly suitable for diagnostic typing of relevant species/genotypes of microorganisms.
The Effect of Sliding Humeral Osteotomy (SHO) on Frontal Plane Thoracic Limb Alignment: An Ex Vivo Canine Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) on frontal plane thoracic limb alignment in standing and recumbent limb positions. STUDY DESIGN Canine cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION Canine thoracic limbs (n=15 limb pairs). METHODS Limbs acquired from healthy Labrador Retrievers euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study were mounted in a limb press and aligned in a standing position followed by axial loading at 30% body weight. Frontal plane radiography was performed in standing and recumbent positions pre- and post-SHO. In the standing position, lateralization of the foot was measured pre- and post-SHO using a textured grid secured to the limb press base plate. Twelve thoracic limb alignment values (mean ± SD and 95% CI) were determined using the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method were compared using linear mixed models to determine if significant differences existed between limb alignment values pre- or post-SHO, controlling for dog, limb, and limb position. RESULTS Six of 12 standing or recumbent alignment values were significantly different pre- and post-SHO. SHO resulted in decreased mechanical lateral distal humeral angle and movement of the mechanical humeral radio-ulnar angle, radio-ulnar metacarpal angle, thoracic humeral angle, and elbow mechanical axis deviation toward coaxial limb alignment. In the standing position, the foot underwent significant lateralization post-SHO. CONCLUSION SHO resulted in significant alteration in frontal plane thoracic limb alignment. Additional studies are necessary to determine if the changes reported using our ex vivo model occur following SHO in vivo.
Physiotherapy in Parkinson's Disease: Building ParkinsonNet in Czechia

Objective We conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the availability and quality of physiotherapy (PT) for Parkinson's disease (PD). Background Despite evidence about the benefits of PT, there is no data regarding its use in Czechia. Methods Questionnaires were sent to 368 PD patients seen in a single movement disorders centre within two years (inclusion criteria: idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stage <5, and residence in Prague) and to 211 physical therapists (PTs) registered in Prague. The patient questionnaire evaluated limitations in 6 core areas and in activities of daily living and inquired about experience with PT. The PTs questionnaire evaluated knowledge about PD, number of PD patients treated yearly, and details of therapy. Results Questionnaires were returned by 248 patients and 157 PTs. PT was prescribed to 70/248 patients. The effects were satisfactory in 79% and lasted >3 months in 60/64. About half of the PTs have no experience with PD patients, 26% reported <3, and 5% see >10 yearly. The most widely used techniques were neurodevelopmental treatments. Conclusion Present PD healthcare model in Czechia is suboptimal (low PT prescription, non-evidence-based PT). Implementation of European PT Guidelines for PD and the introduction of an efficient model of care are needed.
Examining the factors that influence consumers' willingness to use a restaurant recommendation agent

In this thesis we wanted to test what factors influence the acceptance of a restaurant recommender system. A restaurant recommender system is a website that offers personalized restaurant recommendations based on the consumers characteristics. There is a lot of theory about how consumers come to accept technology. These models form the basis of our own model. In this study, we used different scenario’s to test different aspects of the model. In the scenario’s we let the variables location and presentation change each time, to create 4 different scenario’s. We found for instance that attitude is not the only variable that has a direct effect on willingness to use. There are 3 other variables that have a direct effect on willingness to use, namely perceived ease of use and enjoyment (both positive) and understandability (negative).
Ion Acceleration - Target Normal Sheath Acceleration

Energetic ions have been observed since the very first laser-plasma experiments.Their origin was found to be the charge separation of electrons heated by thelaser, which transfers energy to the ions accelerated in the field. The adventof ultra-intense lasers with pulse lengths in the femtosecond regime resulted inthe discovery of very energetic ions with characteristics quite different fromthose driven by long-pulse lasers. Discovered in the late 1990s, these ion beamshave become the focus of intense research worldwide, because of their uniqueproperties and high particle numbers. Based on their non-isotropic, beam-likebehaviour, which is always perpendicular to the emitting surface, theacceleration mechanism is called target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA). Weaddress the physics of the mechanism and its dependence on laser and targetparameters. Techniques to explore and diagnose the beams, to make them usefulfor applications, are also addressed.
Aggression, hostility, and irritability in children at risk for bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES To assess aggression, irritability and hostility in children at risk for bipolar disorder (BP). METHODS Using the parent and the child versions of the Children's Hostility Inventory (CHI), we assessed aggression, hostility, and irritability in 300 offspring aged 6-18 years old of BP parents and 169 children of community controls. RESULTS Children of BP parents have significantly higher scores on the total CHI and its subscales than do children of control parents. After adjusting for demographic variables, both parents' non-BP psychopathology, child psychopathology, and within-family correlations, three factors remain significant: total CHI by parent rating, irritability subscale by parent rating, and irritability by child self-report. The hostility subscale by parent rating became a trend. CONCLUSIONS Children of BP parents score higher on ratings of hostility and irritability than children of community control parents, independent of child psychopathology and non-BP parental psychopathology. Follow-up of these children to evaluate whether these symptoms are markers for the development of BP or mood disorders is warranted.
Automatic quantification of filopodia-based cell migration

We present a fully automatic approach to quantitatively analyze filopodia-based migration of fluorescent cells in 3D time-lapse series. The proposed method involves three steps. First, each frame of the time-lapse series is preprocessed using a steerable filter and binarized to obtain a coarse segmentation of the cell shape. Second, a sequence of morphological filters is applied on the coarse binary mask to separate the cell body from individual filopodia. Finally, their length is estimated using a geodesic distance transform. The proposed approach is validated on 3D time-lapse series of lung adenocarcinoma cells. We show that the number of filopodia and their average length can be used as a descriptor to discriminate between different phenotypes of migrating cells.
Quality Without Tears

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Improving Person Detection in Videos by Automatic Scene Adaptation

The task of object detection in videos can be improved by taking advantage of the continuity in the data stream, e.g. by object tracking. If tracking is not possible due to missing motion features, low frame rate, severe occlusions or rapid appearance changes, then a detector is typically applied in each frame of the video separately. In this case the run-time performance is impaired by exhaustively searching each frame at numerous locations and multiple scales. However, it is still possible to significantly improve the detector’s performance if a static camera and a single planar ground plane can be assumed, which is the case in many surveillance scenarios. Our work addresses this issue by automatically adapting a detector to the specific yet unknown planar scene. In particular, during the adaptation phase robust statistics about few detections are used for estimating the appropriate scales of the detection windows at each location. Experiments with an existing person detector based on histograms of oriented gradients show that the scene adaptation leads to an improvement of both computational performance and detection accuracy. For scene specific person detection, changes to the implementation of the existing detector were made. The code is available for download. Results on benchmark datasets (9 videos from i-LIDS and PETS) demonstrate the applicability of our approach.
Fine structure of heating in a quasiperiodically driven critical quantum system

We study the heating dynamics of a generic one dimensional critical system when driven quasiperiodically. Specifically, we consider a Fibonacci drive sequence comprising the Hamiltonian of uniform conformal field theory (CFT) describing such critical systems and its sine-square deformed counterpart. The asymptotic dynamics is dictated by the Lyapunov exponent which has a fractal structure embedding Cantor lines where the exponent is exactly zero. Away from these Cantor lines, the system typically heats up fast to infinite energy in a non-ergodic manner where the quasiparticle excitations congregate at a small number of select spatial locations resulting in a build up of energy at these points. Periodic dynamics with no heating for physically relevant timescales is seen in the high frequency regime. As we traverse the fractal region and approach the Cantor lines, the heating slows enormously and the quasiparticles completely delocalise at stroboscopic times. Our setup allows us to tune between fast and ultra-slow heating regimes in integrable systems.
An audit of morphine prescribing in a specialist cancer hospital

The object of this study was to assess the quantity and quality of morphine prescribing in a specialist cancer hospital. An audit of prescription charts of all patients was performed using palliative care unit recommendations as the standard. The major weaknesses identified in morphine prescription were a lack of provision of breakthrough doses, the use of 'as required' (prn) oral morphine in the absence of regular oral morphine, and the lack of reference in the unit guidelines to co-prescription of aperients, antiemetics and night sedation. These deficiencies were targeted in an education programme and the survey was repeated to complete the audit cycle. Although some improvement in prescribing practice was shown, persistent problems have illustrated the need for an ongoing hospital-wide education programme.
Current-Induced In-Plane Magnetization Switching in a Biaxial Ferrimagnetic Insulator

Ferrimagnetic insulators (FiMI) have been intensively used in microwave and magneto-optical devices as well as spin caloritronics, where their magnetization direction plays a fundamental role on the device performance. The magnetization is generally switched by applying external magnetic fields. Here we investigate current-induced spin-orbit-torque switching of the magnetization in ${\mathrm{Y}}_{3}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{5}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$ ($\mathrm{YIG}$)/$\mathrm{Pt}$ bilayers with in-plane magnetic anisotropy, where the switching is detected by spin Hall magnetoresistance. Reversible switching is found at room temperature for a threshold current density of ${10}^{7}\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}\mathrm{A}\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. The $\mathrm{YIG}$ sublattices with antiparallel and unequal magnetic moments are aligned parallel or antiparallel to the direction of current pulses, which is consistent to the N\'eel-order switching in an antiferromagnetic system. It is proposed that such a switching behavior may be triggered by the antidamping torque acting on the two antiparallel sublattices of FiMI. Our finding not only broadens the magnetization switching by electrical means and promotes the understanding of magnetization switching, but also paves the way for all-electrically modulated microwave devices and spin caloritronics with low power consumption.
Cooperative Object Transport Using Evolutionary Swarm Robotics Methods

This paper describes a set of simulations in which autonomous robots are required to coordinate their actions in order to transport a cuboid object that is too heavy to be moved by single robot. Robots’ controllers are synthesised using artificial evolution and dynamic neural networks. We compare two different types of robots: in the NT-condition, the robots are equipped with a camera and proximity sensors. In the T-condition, the robots have additional torque sensors. The result shows that best evolved groups of the T-condition outperform those of the NT-condition. Moreover, we show that the best evolved groups can adapt to variability in size and weight of the object as well as to the small variability in the cardinality of the group. We also show that simple forms of recruitment behaviour emerges without being selected for during evolution. This work unveils interesting relationships between design choices and characteristics of the evolved solutions, and it contributes to develop design guidelines for engineering robust and successful swarm robotic systems.
Image dehaze using alternating Laplacian and Beltrami regularizations

Abstract. We propose an effective physical model based single-image dehazing algorithm under the regularization framework. Using an anisotropic Laplacian term as a constraint, the atmospheric propagation model that encodes the thickness of the haze is estimated by the regularization theory. Employing the physical model, haze-free images are reconstructed via the Beltrami regularization based on the color image manifold theory. Comparative experiments on a variety of test images demonstrate the power and the applicability of the proposed method.
Preoperative Evaluation of Patients for Liver Resection Appropriate CT Imaging

OBJECTIVE The authors determined which combination of computed tomography scans is most helpful for preoperative assessment of patients with liver tumors. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Multi-institutional studies have shown that the most important prognostic factors for selection of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer considered for liver resection are: Dukes' stage of primary tumor, the number of hepatic metastases if greater than 3, the presence of extrahepatic cancer, and the ability to resect tumors with an adequate margin (> 1 cm.) Therefore the ability to predict the presence of extrahepatic disease and the number and location of hepatic tumors are important in these patients. METHODS One hundred and nine consecutive patients with evidence of hepatic tumors were evaluated by computed tomography with arterial portography (CTAP) and abdominal computed tomography after a 4-hour delay (CT-D). Results of these studies and conventional computed tomography (CT-C) were compared with findings at operation. RESULTS CTAP proved to be the most sensitive test for assessing distribution of intrahepatic disease. CT-D was no more sensitive than CT-C for the detection of hepatic or extrahepatic disease. CONCLUSIONS CT-C in concert with CTAP provides the most reasonable CT evaluation of patients considered for operation for the treatment of hepatic tumors.
Estimation of central aortic pressure waveform by mathematical transformation of radial tonometry pressure. Validation of generalized transfer function.

BACKGROUND Central aortic pressures and waveform convey important information about cardiovascular status, but direct measurements are invasive. Peripheral pressures can be measured noninvasively, and although they often differ substantially from central pressures, they may be mathematically transformed to approximate the latter. We tested this approach, examining intersubject and intrasubject variability and the validity of using a single averaged transformation, which would enhance its applicability. METHODS AND RESULTS Invasive central aortic pressure by micromanometer and radial pressure by automated tonometry were measured in 20 patients at steady state and during hemodynamic transients (Valsalva maneuver, abdominal compression, nitroglycerin, or vena caval obstruction). For each patient, transfer functions (TFs) between aortic and radial pressures were calculated by parametric model and results averaged to yield individual TFs. A generalized TF was the average of individual functions. TFs varied among patients, with coefficients of variation for peak amplitude and frequency at peak amplitude of 24.9% and 16.9%, respectively. Intrapatient TF variance with altered loading (> 20% variation in peak amplitude) was observed in 28.5% of patients. Despite this, the generalized TF estimated central arterial pressures to < or = 0.2 +/- 3.8 mm Hg error, arterial compliance to 6 +/- 7% accuracy, and augmentation index to within -7% points (30 +/- 45% accuracy). Individual TFs were only marginally superior to the generalized TF for reconstructing central pressures. CONCLUSIONS Central aortic pressures can be accurately estimated from radial tonometry with the use of a generalized TF. The reconstructed waveform can provide arterial compliance estimates but may underestimate the augmentation index because the latter requires greater fidelity reproduction of the wave contour.