Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weak multitarget detection exploiting CPHD filter for ubiquitous radar

In order to detect and track the moving weak multitarget through ubiquitous radar observations, this paper proposes a cardinalized probability hypothesis density (CPHD) filter based on sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) implementation. The traditional tracking method, such as joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) algorithm, suffers from computational problem in closely-spaced targets and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environment. The CPHD filter is a multitarget moment approximation of the multitarget Bayes filter with both the detecting and tracking capability. The proposed method is designed for the general weak multitarget detecting scenarios with unknown parameters. In particular, the filter is derived by exploiting the tools of the finite set statistics (FISST) to solve the multisensory-multitarget computational problem of CPHD. Instead of processing in data level, the processing in signal level schemes alleviates the information loss, since the measurements of ubiquitous radar can be in in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) form. Simulation results show that the proposed filter yields stable cardinality and state estimates.
Genome Analysis of Pseudomonas fluorescens PCL1751: A Rhizobacterium that Controls Root Diseases and Alleviates Salt Stress for Its Plant Host

Pseudomonas fluorescens PCL1751 is a rod-shaped Gram-negative bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of a greenhouse-grown tomato plant in Uzbekistan. It controls several plant root diseases caused by Fusarium fungi through the mechanism of competition for nutrients and niches (CNN). This mechanism does not rely on the production of antibiotics, so it avoids the concerns of resistance development and is environmentally safe. Additionally, this bacterium promotes plant growth by alleviating salt stress for its plant host. To investigate the genetic mechanisms that may explain these observations, we determined the complete genome sequence of this bacterium, examined its gene content, and performed comparative genomics analysis with other Pseudomonas strains. The genome of P. fluorescens PCL1751 consisted of one circular chromosome that is 6,143,950 base-pairs (bp) in size; no plasmid was found. The annotation included 19 rRNA, 70 tRNA, and 5,534 protein-coding genes. The gene content analysis identified a large number of genes involved in chemotaxis and motility, colonization of the rhizosphere, siderophore biosynthesis, and osmoprotectant production. In contrast, the pathways involved in the biosynthesis of phytohormones or antibiotics were not found. Comparison with other Pseudomonas genomes revealed extensive variations in their genome size and gene content. The presence and absence of secretion system genes were highly variable. As expected, the synteny conservation among strains decreased as a function of phylogenetic divergence. The integration of prophages appeared to be an important driver for genome rearrangements. The whole-genome gene content analysis of this plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) provided some genetic explanations to its phenotypic characteristics. The extensive and versatile substrate utilization pathways, together with the presence of many genes involved in competitive root colonization, provided further support for the finding that this strain achieves biological control of pathogens through effective competition for nutrients and niches.
Blackbody radiation shifts and theoretical contributions to atomic clock research

A review of the theoretical calculations of the blackbody radiation (BBR) shifts in various systems of interest to the atomic clock research in presented. The calculations for monovalent systems, such as Ca+, Sr+, and Rb are carried out using the relativistic all-order single-double method where all single and double excitations of the Dirac-Fock wave function are included to all orders of perturbation theory. New method for accurate calculations of BBR shifts for divalent systems such as Sr is discussed. The new approach combines the relativistic all-order method and the configuration interaction method. The evaluation of the uncertainty of the BBR shift values is discussed in detail.
Higher Levels of Caregiver Strain Perceived by Indian Mothers of Children and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy Who have Limited Self-Mobility

ABSTRACT Aim: Describe and compare the caregiver strain experienced among Indian mothers of children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) living in low resource settings. Methods: 62 consecutive children and young adults with spastic CP (mean age 6.0 ± 4.5, range 2–21) and their parents were recruited from an outpatient physiotherapy department for this cross-sectional study. Ability to walk was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and mother's caregiver strain was measured using caregiver strain index (CSI). Results: Mothers of children and young adults who have limited self-mobility perceived higher caregiver strain (mean CSI score 12.0 ± 1.3, p < 0.05) than mothers of children who can walk (mean CSI score 4.5 ± 3.0, p < 0.05). All 46 mothers of children and youth in GMFCS levels IV and V reported high levels of caregiver stress compared with only three of 16 mothers of children and youth who walk (levels I and II). Conclusions: Physiotherapists and occupational therapists serving children and youth with CP are encouraged to partner with families to identify goals for ease of caregiving, activity, and participation at home and in the community.
Outer Membrane Vesicles of Porphyromonas gingivalis Elicit a Mucosal Immune Response

We previously reported that mutation of galE in Porphyromonas gingivalis has pleiotropic effects, including a truncated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen and deglycosylation of the outer membrane protein OMP85 homolog. In the present study, further analysis of the galE mutant revealed that it produced little or no outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Using three mouse antisera raised against whole cells of the P. gingivalis wild type strain, we performed ELISAs to examine the reactivity of these antisera with whole cells of the wild type or the galE mutant. All three antisera had significantly lower reactivity against the galE mutant compared to wild type. OMVs, but not LPS, retained the immunodominant determinant of P. gingivalis, as determined by ELISAs (with wild type LPS or OMVs as antigen) and absorption assays. In addition, we assessed the capacity of OMVs as a vaccine antigen by intranasal immunization to BALB/c mice. Synthetic double-stranded RNA polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [Poly (I∶C)], an agonist of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), was used as the mucosal adjuvant. Vaccination with OMV elicited dramatically high levels of P. gingivalis-specific IgA in nasal washes and saliva, as well as serum IgG and IgA. In conclusion, the OMVs of P. gingivalis have an important role in mucosal immunogenicity as well as in antigenicity. We propose that P. gingivalis OMV is an intriguing immunogen for development of a periodontal disease vaccine.
Calaxin drives sperm chemotaxis by Ca2+-mediated direct modulation of a dynein motor

Sperm chemotaxis occurs widely in animals and plants and plays an important role in the success of fertilization. Several studies have recently demonstrated that Ca2+ influx through specific Ca2+ channels is a prerequisite for sperm chemotactic movement. However, the regulator that modulates flagellar movement in response to Ca2+ is unknown. Here we show that a neuronal calcium sensor, calaxin, directly acts on outer-arm dynein and regulates specific flagellar movement during sperm chemotaxis. Calaxin inhibition resulted in significant loss of sperm chemotactic movement, despite normal increases in intracellular calcium concentration. Using a demembranated sperm model, we demonstrate that calaxin is essential for generation and propagation of Ca2+-induced asymmetric flagellar bending. An in vitro motility assay revealed that calaxin directly suppressed the velocity of microtubule sliding by outer-arm dynein at high Ca2+ concentrations. This study describes the missing link between chemoattractant-mediated Ca2+ signaling and motor-driven microtubule sliding during sperm chemotaxis.
Growth pattern and rate in residual nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: correlations among tumor volume doubling time, patient age, and MIB-1 index.

OBJECT Surgical cure can be achieved in pituitary adenomas when they are completely removed. It is controversial whether postoperative radiation therapy should be given to prevent recurrence, and whether an early reoperation should be performed for residual adenomas, because we have little information about the natural history of postoperative residual adenomas. METHODS The residual tumor volume was serially measured in 40 nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) and the tumor volume doubling time (TVDT) was calculated. Correlations between the patients' age, tumor volume, log TVDT, and MIB-1 index were examined. Other factors including the patient's sex, cavernous sinus (CS) invasion by the tumor, or presence of an intratumoral cyst were analyzed to assess their influence on the TVDT. Values are expressed as the means +/- standard deviations. Thirty-eight adenomas increased in volume and two decreased during a follow-up period ranging from 4 to 141 months (mean 52.5 months). Exponentially linear tumor growth was observed in the 38 growing adenomas regardless of the residual tumor volume, with the TVDT ranging from 506 to 5378 days (mean 1836 days). The patients' age was 57.1 +/- 15.7 years (range 15-79 years), the tumor volume at the beginning of the magnetic resonance imaging observation period was 2.5 +/- 2.2 cm3 (range 0.07-14.5 cm3), and the MIB-1 index was 0.73 +/- 0.68% (range 0.1-2.9%). There was a correlation between the log TVDT and patient age (R = 0.73), an inverse correlation between the log TVDT and MIB-1 index (r = -0.49), and an inverse correlation between the MIB-1 index and patient age (r = -0.61). A significant difference (p = 0.0001) was noted between the TVDT (1,106 days) in the 19 patients younger than 61 years of age and the TVDT (2566 days) in the 19 patients who were 61 years of age or older. There was also a significant difference (p = 0.0002) between the age (50.8 +/- 15.3 years) of the patients with rapidly growing tumors (TVDT < 1,836 days, 24 patients) and the age (69.1 +/- 7.6 years) of the patients with slowly growing tumors (TVDT> 1836 days, 14 patients). Other factors including the patients' sex, CS invasion, and intratumoral cyst formation did not affect the TVDT of residual NFPAs. CONCLUSIONS The tumor growth rate of residual NFPAs is strongly influenced by the patient's age. The TVDT in elderly patients is much longer than that previously reported. Treatment strategies that take into consideration the natural history of residual adenomas should be established especially in the elderly population.
The Effects of Tax Policy and Labour Market Institutions on Income Inequality

The purpose of this research is to investigate how labor market institutions and regulations and tax policies effect income inequality across the European member countries. The sample contains the fifteen core European Union (EU) members as well as thirteen Central and Eastern European (CEE) economies which have recently joined. Using fixed and random effect panel models over the sample period 2000–2011 we test the influence of three major tax forms (labor, capital and consumption), social security contributions, and labor market institutions. We demonstrate that the overall social contributions and labor taxes lead to statistically significant improvements in income inequality among EU member states. We conclude that tax policy, specifically the choice of taxes implemented, and labor market institutions, union membership in particular, reduce income inequality in the EU-28 in the observed period.
Coating of Polyester with Poly(dimethylsiloxane)- and Poly(tetramethylene oxide)-based Polyurethane

Copolymers siloxane–urethane are prepared to coat polyester fabrics to make them hydrophobic. Initially, our focus was on the bulk synthesis of poly(siloxane–urethane) in two steps: the first relates to the formation of a prepolymer between the isophorone diisocyanate and a poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol. In the second step, 1,4-butanediol is added, as the chain extender. Thus two types of polyurethanes are obtained according to whether poly(dimethylsiloxane) is introduced in the first or in the second step. Then the polyester fabric is impregnated with the prepared formulations. The contribution of coating during the mechanical tests is checked. The measurement of contact angles makes it possible to control the waterproofing effect expected for this kind of formulation.
Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Technique for Autonomous Ground Vehicle Navigation

This article proposes an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for solving navigation problems of an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). The system consists of four ANFIS controllers; two of which are used for regulating both the left and right angular velocities of the AGV in order to reach the target position; and other two ANFIS controllers are used for optimal heading adjustment in order to avoid obstacles. The two velocity controllers receive three sensor inputs: front distance (FD); right distance (RD) and left distance (LD) for the low-level motion control. Two heading controllers deploy the angle difference (AD) between the heading of AGV and the angle to the target to choose the optimal direction. The simulation experiments have been carried out under two different scenarios to investigate the feasibility of the proposed ANFIS technique. The simulation results have been presented using MATLAB software package; showing that ANFIS is capable of performing the navigation and path planning task safely and efficiently in a workspace populated with static obstacles.
THICKNESS DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR ASPHALT AND EMULSIFIED ASPHALT MIXES

A simplified thickness design procedure for pavement structures constructed with asphalt mixes, dense-graded emulsified asphalt mixes, or cement-modified emulsified asphalt mixes is described. Elastic layer principles are used in the development of the procedure. Two critical strains--the horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of the treated layer and the vertical compressive strain at the surface of the subgrade--are examined in determining the proper pavement thickness. Allowable values for tensile strain are based on laboratory fatigue tests, with consideration given to the slower crack propagation time encountered in the field. Vertical subgrade strain criteria developed from field observations of pavement behavior have been selected to minimize surface rutting caused by overstressing the subgrade. Environmental considerations, in particular, the effect of temperature, the curing effect of emulsified asphalt mixes and the effect of frost on subgrade strength, are considered in the design. A relationship is proposed showing the important effect of the volume of air voids and asphalt in a treated mix on its fatigue behavior and, hence, the thickness requirements for the pavement structure. The paper contains a step-by-step outline of the design procedure for the practicing engineer to follow in determining pavement thickness requirements. A design example is included with the necessary work sheets to show the proper use of design charts, graphs, and equations. The procedure does not require the use of computers. However, simple computer programs written in BASIC have been developed to eliminate the tedious hand calculations described in the paper. These programs cover the design of pavements made with asphalt, emulsified asphalt, or cement-modified emulsified asphalt mixes. /Author/
Effect of denture cleansers, surface finish, and temperature on Molloplast B resilient liner color, hardness, and texture.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare color, texture, and Shore A hardness of a resilient silicone denture liner with as-polymerized, roughened, or pumiced surfaces after treatment with perborate-, persulfate-, or hypochlorite-containing denture cleansers at 25 degrees or 55 degrees. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-eight specimens that each exhibited an as-polymerized, a roughened, and a pumiced area were exposed to 5 different commercially available perborate-, persulfate-, or hypochlorite-containing denture cleansers at 25 degrees or 55 degrees continuously for 4 (1/2) months. The solutions were replaced twice a day. Control specimens were soaked in water with no cleanser. Before and after the 4 (1/2) -month cleaning regimen, the color, hardness, and texture of resilient liner surfaces were evaluated using a color densitometer, a Shore A durometer (Shore Instrument & Mfg Co, Freeport, NY), and a surface profilometer, respectively. Differences among groups after the cleanser treatment were determined using a repeated measures analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05) and a Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference post hoc test. RESULTS Roughened specimen surfaces after 25 degrees or 55 degrees cleanser treatment exhibited significant color loss with some perborate-containing cleansers compared with the control. Roughened specimens treated at 55 degrees with perborate-containing cleansers also exhibited significantly greater color loss than those treated with the persulfate-containing cleanser. With roughened surfaces, significantly greater hardness was found with some perborate-containing cleanser compared with a hypochlorite-containing cleanser after treatment at 25 degrees. No differences were observed in surface texture based upon cleanser treatment. CONCLUSION After silicone resilient denture liner treatment with certain perborate-containing denture cleansers, a greater amount of components could leach from the liner leading to a loss of color if the liner surface is rough.
The Emerging Enernet: Convergence of the Smart Grid with the Internet of Things

Bob Metcalfe, inventor of the Ethernet and a well-known technology visionary, once said, Over the past 63 years, we met world needs for cheap and clean information by building the Internet. Over the next 63 years, we will meet world needs for cheap and clean energy by building the Enernet. The Internet has resulted from revolutionary advances in electronics, telecommunications and information technologies, devices, and applications. Although it began as an Internet that connected people, by 2008 it connected more things than people. This exponential growth has primarily been as an Internet of Things (IoT). Cisco has predicted that 50 billion new connections will be made in this IoT by 2020. The U.S. electric utility grid has, until now, been a patchwork of monolithic, weakly interconnected, synchronous ac grids powered by a few thousand very large power plants that are centrally monitored and controlled. For a variety of reasons, this legacy grid approach is proving to be nonviable for the present and the future. It is being supplemented and may ultimately be supplanted by many smaller networks with literally millions of distributed generation, storage, and energy management nodes. The grid is exploding into a network of things. Many consider it to be the largest example of an IoT.
A preprocessing technique for improving speech intelligibility in reverberant environments: the effect of steady-state suppression on elderly people

In a large auditorium, perceiving speech may become difficult. One reason that reverberation degrades speech intelligibility is the effect of overlap-masking (Bolt and MacDonald, 1949; Nabelek and Robinette, 1978). Reverberation is a more critical issue for elderly people to perceive speech than it is for young people (Fitzgibbons and Gordon-Salant, 1999). Arai et al. suppressed steady-state portions of speech which have more energy but are less crucial for speech perception, and confirmed promising results for improving speech intelligibility (Arai et al., 2001, 2002). Hodoshima et al. conducted perceptual tests to confirm the effectiveness of steady-state suppression with several reverberation conditions, and obtained significant improvements with reverberation times of 0.7-1.3 s. In this study, we conducted an experiment for evaluating steady-state suppression with fifty elderly people and found that there were significant improvements. Also, steady-state suppression yielded better improvements in speech intelligibility for elderly people than it did for young people.
BMI1 Sustains Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Stem Cell Renewal

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and aggressive types of brain tumors. In GBM, a subpopulation of CD133-positive cancer initiating cells displays stem cell characteristics. The Polycomb group (PcG) and oncogene BMI1 is part of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) that regulates gene expression by modifying chromatin organization. Here we show that BMI1 is expressed in human GBM tumors and highly enriched in CD133-positive cells. Stable BMI1 knockdown using short hairpin RNA-expressing lentiviruses resulted in inhibition of clonogenic potential in vitro and of brain tumor formation in vivo. Cell biology studies support the notion that BMI1 prevents CD133-positive cell apoptosis and/or differentiation into neurons and astrocytes, depending on the cellular context. Gene expression analyses suggest that BMI1 represses alternate tumor suppressor pathways that attempt to compensate for INK4A/ARF/P53 deletion and PI(3)K/AKT hyperactivity. Inhibition of EZH2, the main component of the PRC2, also impaired GBM tumor growth. Our results reveal that PcG proteins are involved in GBM tumor growth and required to sustain cancer initiating stem cell renewal.
Fundamental foaming mechanisms governing the volume expansion of extruded polypropylene foams

This article describes the fundamental foaming mechanisms that governed the volume expansion behavior of extruded polypropylene (PP) foams. A careful analysis of extended experimental results indicated that the final volume expansion ratio of the extruded PP foams blown with butane was governed by either the loss of the blowing agent or the crystallization of the polymer matrix. A charge coupling device (CCD) camera was installed at the die exit to carefully monitor the shape of the extruded PP foams. The CCD images were analyzed to illustrate both mechanisms, gas loss and crystallization, during foaming at various temperatures, and the maximum expansion ratio was achieved when the governing mechanism was changed from one to the other. In general, the gas loss mode was dominant at high temperatures and the crystallization mode was dominant at low temperatures. When the gas loss mode was dominant, the volume expansion ratio increased with decreasing temperature because of the reduced amount of gas lost. By contrast, when the crystallization mode was dominant, the expansion ratio increased with increasing temperature because of the delayed solidification of the polymer. The processing window variation with the butane concentration, the change in the temperature ranges for the two governing modes, and the sensitivity of melt temperature variations to the volume expansion ratio are discussed in detail on the basis of the obtained experimental results for both branched and linear PP materials. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2661–2668, 2004