Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When will it change the lane? A probabilistic regression approach for rarely occurring events

Understanding traffic situations in dynamic traffic environments is an essential requirement for autonomous driving. The prediction of the current traffic scene into the future is one of the main problems in this context. In this publication we focus on highway scenarios, where the maneuver space for traffic participants is limited to a small number of possible behavior classes. Even though there are many publications in the field of maneuver prediction, most of them set the focus on the classification problem, whether a certain maneuver is executed or not. We extend approaches which solve the classification problem of lane-change behavior by introducing the novel aspect of estimating a continuous distribution of possible trajectories. Our novel approach uses the probabilities which are assigned by a Random Decision Forest to each of the maneuvers lane following, lane change left and lane change right. Using measured data of a vehicle and the knowledge of the typical lateral movement of vehicles over time taken from realworlddata, we derive a Gaussian Mixture Regression method. For the final result we combine the predicted probability density functions of the regression method and the computed maneuver probabilities using a Mixture of Experts approach. In a large scale experiment on real world data collected on multiple test drives we trained and validated our prediction model and show the gained high prediction accuracy of the proposed method.
Phase Field Computations of Single-Needle Crystals, Crystal Growth, and Motion by Mean Curvature

The phase field model for free boundaries consists of a system of parabolic differential equations in which the variables represent a phase (or “order”) parameter and temperature, respectively. The parameters in the equations are related directly to the physical observables including the interfacial width $\epsilon $, which we can regard as a free parameter in computation. The phase field equations can be used to compute a wide range of sharp interface problems including the classical Stefan model, its modification to incorporate surface-tension and/or surface kinetic terms, the Cahn–Allen motion by mean curvature, the Hele–Shaw model, etc. Also included is anisotropy in the equilibrium and dynamical forms generally considered by materials scientists. By adjusting the parameters, the computations can be varied continuously from single-needle dendritic to faceted crystals.The computational method consists of smoothing a sharp interface problem within the scaling of distinguished limits of the phase field e.
A Co-Citation Model of a Scientific Specialty: A Longitudinal Study of Collagen Research

The phenomenon of specialization in science is receiving increasing attention as it becomes clear that the 'specialty' is the principal mode of social and cognitive organization in modern science. Recently, there have been some attempts to formulate theories of specialty growth and change. ' Before sufficient evidence can accumulate to confirm or refute these theories, it seems likely that systematic and consistent methodological frameworks must be developed. The specialty of collagen research is presented here as the vehicle for exploring the possibilities of one such methodology. Collagen research was selected because its recent history illustrates what is possibly an important type of specialty change -- namely, that of rapid shift in research focus, or what might be loosely termed 'revolutionary' change. In this paper I outline a general method for the study of specialty change, based upon citation data. The point of departure is a system which clusters highly cited documents, using their frequency of cocitation as a measure of association.2 This system uses the magnetic tape version of the Science Citation Index (SCI) as its data base. The clusters obtained from the SCI have been found to correspond to narrow subject matter groupings and it has been suggested that these reflect the social and cognitive structures of research specialties. The collagen specialty was selected from roughly 1,000 clusters identified by applying this algorithm to the SCI.3
Performance Analysis of Matched Filter Detector for MIMO Systems in Rayleigh Fading Channels

We theoretically analyze the performance of the matched filter (MF) detector for multiple-input multiple- output (MIMO) systems with an arbitrary number of transmit and receive antennas over uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channels. As is the case with the MIMO systems with a large number of antennas, the MF detector is known as the simplest practical linear detector and thus is of significant practical interest when the complexity of the receiver is severely limited. Despite its poor uncoded performance in high signal to noise ratio (SNR) region, with the help of powerful channel codes, it has been shown that near optimal performance can be approached in low SNR with substantially low computational complexity. Nevertheless, its exact analysis in terms of bit error rate (BER) even in the case of uncoded scenarios has not been well established. In this work, we analyze the distribution of the output of MF detector, and develop the exact BER expressions for the uncoded MIMO systems with an arbitrary number of transmit and receive antennas. Furthermore, we develop an optimal soft-output of MF detector for the coded scenario. The accuracy of our derived expressions is verified by the corresponding simulation results.
Variable-number tandem repeat markers for Mycobacterium intracellulare genotyping: comparison to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

INTRODUCTION Characterizing Mycobacterium intracellulare responsible for nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections may aid in controlling outbreaks. This study aimed to compare 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing and variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) genotyping of M. intracellulare strains isolated from clinical samples, and to characterize VNTR clusters associated with NTM infections or cavity formation. METHODOLOGY Sputum samples were obtained from 77 HIV-negative patients with pulmonary disease between 2009 and 2013. One M. intracellulare strain was isolated from each patient and genotyped using 16S rRNA and eight loci VNTR sequencing. RESULTS Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping identified seven point mutations at nucleotide positions 101, 178, 190, 252, 382, 443, and 490 in 16S rRNA, and four SNP patterns were identified: type 1 (16 strains), 2 (41 strains), 3 (11 strains), and 4 (1 strain); 5 strains had unique SNP patterns. VNTR genotyping identified VNTR12 as the most discriminating marker (allelic diversity 0.692). VNTR3 was the most homogeneous marker (allelic diversity 0.518), but each locus had high discriminating ability. The 77 strains were clustered according to the unpaired group method using arithmetic averages: cluster 1 (17 strains), 2 (43 strains), 3 (9 strains), and 4 (4 strains); 4strains had unique SNP patterns. Overall, over 90% strains were matched to similar SNP and VNTR groupings. VNTR clusters were associated with NTM infection (p =0.007) and presence of a cavity (p =0.042). Both methods distinguished four subtypes of M. intracellulare, which corresponded. CONCLUSIONS VNTRs may represent an effective, user-friendly, low-cost typing technique.
The Impact of IDEA Indicator 13 Compliance on Postsecondary Outcomes

Since the revision of Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, experts and service providers have been operating on the untested assumption that State Performance Plan Indicator 13 (transition Individualized Education Program [IEP] compliance) is a precursor to Indicator 14 (student outcomes of engagement in postsecondary education, training, and employment). This study analyzed the relationship between Indicator 13 and Indicator 14 through bivariate linear regression. The sample included student-level secondary transition data from 352 local education agencies (LEAs) in Missouri. A total of 2,123 IEP files were reviewed using a validated checklist for compliance to the IDEA transition requirements, known as Indicator 13. Indicator 14 was measured via survey responses from 4,994 high school graduates with IEPs. Results revealed statistically significant linear relationships between LEAs’ Indicator 13 compliance data and the percentage of graduates with IEPs who completed a semester of college or a career training program. Findings suggest that alternate approaches and indicators may be needed to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with and without IEPs.
Mesothelin Expression in Triple Negative Breast Carcinomas Correlates Significantly with Basal-Like Phenotype, Distant Metastases and Decreased Survival

Mesothelin is a cell surface associated antigen expressed on mesothelial cells and in some malignant neoplasms. Mesothelin-targeted therapies are in phase I/II clinical trials. The clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of mesothelin expression in triple negative breast carcinomas (TNBC) has not been fully assessed. We evaluated the expression of mesothelin and of basal markers in tissue microarrays of 226 TNBC and 88 non-TNBC and assessed the clinicopathologic features of mesothelin-expressing breast carcinomas. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of mesothelin expression on the disease-free and overall survival of patients with TNBC. We found that mesothelin expression is significantly more frequent in TNBC than in non-TNBC (36% vs 16%, respectively; p = 0.0006), and is significantly correlated with immunoreactivity for basal keratins, but not for EGFR. Mesothelin-positive and mesothelin-negative TNBC were not significantly different by patients’ race, tumor size, histologic grade, tumor subtype, lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastases. Patients with mesothelin-positive TNBC were older than patients with mesothelin-negative TNBC, developed more distant metastases with a shorter interval, and had significantly lower overall and disease-free survival. Based on our results, patients with mesothelin-positive TNBC could benefit from mesothelin-targeted therapies.
Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite/Si Coating by Mechanical Alloying Technique

A novel approach for depositing hydroxyapatite (HA) films on titanium substrates by using mechanical alloying (MA) technique has been developed. However, it was shown that one-hour heat treatment at 800°C of such mechanically coated HA layer leads to partial transformation of desired HA phase to beta-tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP) phase. It appears that the grain boundary and interface defects formed during MA promote this transformation. It was discovered that doping HA by silicon results in hindering this phase transformation process. The Si-doped HA does not show phase transition to β-TCP or decomposition after heat treatment even at 900°C.
Hydatid disease from head to toe.

Hydatid disease (HD) is a unique parasitic disease that is endemic in many parts of the world. HD can occur almost anywhere in the body and demonstrates a variety of imaging features that vary according to growth stage, associated complications, and affected tissue. Radiologic findings range from purely cystic lesions to a completely solid appearance. Calcification is more common in HD of the liver, spleen, and kidney. HD can become quite large in compressible organs. Hydatid cysts (HCs) can be solitary or multiple. Chest radiography, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and even urography can depict HCs. The imaging method used depends on the involved organ and the growth stage of the cyst. US most clearly demonstrates the hydatid sands in purely cystic lesions, as well as floating membranes, daughter cysts, and vesicles. CT is best for detecting calcification and revealing the internal cystic structure posterior to calcification. MR imaging is especially helpful in detecting HCs of the central nervous system. Radiologic and serologic findings can generally help establish the diagnosis of HD, but an HC in an unusual location with atypical imaging findings may complicate the differential diagnosis. Nevertheless, familiarity with imaging findings, especially in patients living in endemic regions, is advantageous in this context.
Worker exposures to airborne dust, endotoxin and beta(1,3)-glucan in two New Zealand sawmills.

BACKGROUND Sawmill workers have an increased risk of developing occupational asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Wood dust and microorganisms have both been suggested to play a role, but few studies have measured microbial exposure levels in sawmills. METHODS The preliminary study reported in this paper assessed airborne dust, bacterial endotoxin and beta(1,3)-glucan levels in 37 samples from two New Zealand sawmills. RESULTS Nearly one-third of the measured dust levels exceeded 1 mg/m(3) and only one sample exceeded the legal limit of 5 mg/m(3). Endotoxin levels were clearly elevated with 50% of all measured exposures above 50 EU/m(3) (range: 7-588 EU/m(3)). beta(1,3)-glucan levels were comparable with levels measured in other industries where workers are exposed to organic dust. Workers in the planing department had the highest mean exposures to dust, endotoxin and beta(1,3)-glucan. Dust levels were only weakly correlated with endotoxin and beta(1,3)-glucan levels. CONCLUSIONS Endotoxin exposures in sawmill workers are at levels sufficient to potentially contribute to the development of respiratory symptoms. Moreover, measurement of dust exposure is a poor proxy for beta(1,3)-glucan and endotoxin exposure in sawmill workers.
Experience of 100 solid organ transplants over a five‐yr period from the first successful pediatric multi‐organ transplant program in India

To analyze the clinical profile and outcome of pediatric patients who had undergone a liver and/or RT at our center over a five yr period, case records of all the patients who had undergone a liver or RT were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred solid organ transplants were performed at our center between January 2007 and January 2012. These included 50 liver, 44 renal, one sequential liver and renal, and two CLKT. BA was the most common indication for an LT (38%). At a median follow‐up of two yr three months, the patient survival was 88%. The most common indication for an RT was chronic glomerulonephritis (54.5%). At a median follow‐up of three yr, the survival was 91%. The CLKT were performed for hyperoxaluria. Two yr post LT, a sequential RT was performed for ESRD resulting from transplant associated microangiopathy. All patients received a living related graft. The common post‐operative complications were infections, vascular complications, and graft dysfunction. Survival rates for liver and RT at our center are comparable to those in the established centers in the West.
Effect of Interactive Multimedia Computing on Young Saxophonists' Achievement and Attitude

Effects of development and implementation of an interactive multimedia computer program on the achievement and attitude of 44 sixth-grade saxophonists were investigated. For 3 weeks, the control group (n = 24) participated in band while students in the experimental group (n = 20) individually worked on the computer program during 8-15 minutes of their daily band class. Following treatment, students and band directors (n = 4) completed attitude surveys. Additionally, students completed written cognitive and videotaped performance assessments subsequently analyzed by two independent judges. Findings indicated that (a) band directors believed that they had covered assessed material in class; (b) experimental students demonstrated significantly higher levels (p < . 001) of perceived knowledge and performed significantly better (p < . 001) than did control students on written and videotaped assessments; and (c) students and directors indicated acceptance of the computer program. Data suggest that proper development and application of educational multimedia computer programs may benefit instrumental education.
Oral Lactobacilli and Dental Caries

Lactobacilli have been associated with dental caries for over a century. Here, we review the pertinent literature along with findings from our own study to formulate a working hypothesis about the natural history and role of lactobacilli. Unlike most indigenous microbes that stably colonize a host, lactobacilli appear to be planktonic, opportunistic settlers that can gather and multiply only in certain restrictive niches of the host, at least within the oral cavity. We postulate that the following essential requirements are necessary for sustained colonization of lactobacilli in humans: 1) a stagnant, retentive niche that is mostly anaerobic; 2) a low pH milieu; and 3) ready access to carbohydrates. Three sites on the human body meet these specifications: caries lesions, the stomach, and the vagina. Only a handful of Lactobacillus species is found in caries lesions, but they are largely absent in caries-free children. Lactobacilli present in caries lesions represent both a major contributor to caries progression and a major reservoir to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We extend the assertion from other investigators that lactobacilli found in the GI tract originate in the oral cavity by proposing that lactobacilli in the oral cavity arise from caries lesions. This, in turn, leads us to reflect on the health implications of the lactobacilli in the mouth and downstream GI and to ponder whether these or any of the Lactobacillus species are truly indigenous to the human GI tract or the oral cavity.
Statistic Tracking Control for Non-Gaussian Systems Using T-S Fuzzy Model

Abstract This paper studies a new type of control framework for dynamical stochastic systems, called statistic tracking control. Non-Gaussian systems are considered and the tracked objective is the statistical information of a given target probability density function (PDF). Following neural network approximation to the performance function, the concerned problem is transferred into the tracking of given weights. Different from the previous related works, the time delay T-S fuzzy models with the exogenous disturbances are applied to represent the nonlinear weighting dynamics. Meanwhile, the generalized PI controller structure and the improved convex LMI algorithms are proposed to fulfil the tracking problem. Furthermore, in order to enhance the robust performance, the peak-to-peak measure is applied to optimize the tracking performance.
An Analytical Method to Consider DG Impacts on Distribution System Reliability

Distributed generation is expected to play an increasing role in emerging power systems. They use different type of resources and technologies to serve energy to power system. DG has positive and negative effects for both the utilities and customers. System and load point reliability indices are normally improved if DG is installed in a distribution network. On the other hand, DG has some specific characteristics which distinguish it from conventional generating units. Therefore, they should not be treated as conventional generating units to perform reliability evaluation. An appropriate model is required to be developed in order to assess impacts of DG on reliability indices. Impacts of DG implementation on distribution system reliability are investigated in this paper using a distribution test system. A reliability model for DG is developed and an analytical probabilistic approach is proposed for this purpose. Impacts of different parameters such as components failure rates, load and DG positions and DG generation parameters are included in the analysis
Postoperative blood loss reduction in computer-assisted surgery total knee replacement by low dose intra-articular tranexamic acid injection together with 2-hour clamp drain: a prospective triple-blinded randomized controlled trial

A high-dose local tranexamic acid has been introduced in total knee arthroplasty for bleeding control. We are not sure about the systemic absorption and side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low dosage of intra-articular tranexamic acid injection combined with 2-hour clamp drain in minimally bleeding computer-assisted surgery total knee replacement (CAS-TKR). A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a total of 48 patients underwent CAS-TKR. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either of a mixed intra-articular solution of tranexamic acid 250 mg with physiologic saline (TXA group), or physiologic saline (control group) and then followed by clamp drain for 2 hours. Postoperative blood loss was measured by three different methods as drainage volume, total hemoglobin loss and calculated total blood loss. Transfusion requirement and postoperative complications were recorded. All patients were screened for deep vein thrombosis and the functional outcomes were evaluated at 6 months after surgery. The mean postoperative drainage volume, total hemoglobin loss and calculated total blood loss in TXA group were 308.8 mL, 2.1 g/dL and 206.3 mL compared to 529.0 mL, 3.0 g/dL and 385.1 mL in the control group (P=0.0003, 0.0005 and <0.0001 respectively). Allogenic blood transfusion was needed for one patient (4.2%) in TXA group and for eight patients (33.3%) in the control group. Postoperative knee scores were not significantly different between groups. No deep vein thrombosis, infection or wound complication was detected in both groups. In this study, low dose intra-articular tranexamic acid injection combined with 2-hour clamping drain was effective for reducing postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement in CAS-TKR without significant difference in postoperative complications or functional outcomes.
A novel pathway of intercellular signalling in Bacillus subtilis involves a protein with similarity to a component of type III secretion channels

During spore formation in Bacillus subtilis, σE‐directed gene expression in the mother‐cell compartment of the sporangium triggers the activation of σG in the forespore by a pathway of intercellular signalling that is composed of multiple proteins of unknown function. Here, we confirm that the vegetative protein SpoIIIJ, the forespore protein SpoIIQ and eight membrane proteins (SpoIIIAA through SpoIIIAH) produced in the mother cell under the control of σE are ordinarily required for intercellular signalling. In contrast, an anti‐σG factor previously implicated in the pathway is shown to be dispensable. We also present evidence suggesting that SpoIIIJ is a membrane protein translocase that facilitates the insertion of SpoIIIAE into the membrane. In addition, we report the isolation of a mutation that partially bypasses the requirement for SpoIIIJ and for SpoIIIAA through SpoIIIAG, but not for SpoIIIAH or SpoIIQ, in the activation of σG. We therefore propose that under certain genetic conditions, SpoIIIAH and SpoIIQ can constitute a minimal pathway for the activation of σG. Finally, based on the similarity of SpoIIIAH to a component of type III secretion systems, we speculate that signalling is mediated by a channel that links the mother cell to the forespore.