Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occupancy grid map-based extended object tracking

Robust tracking of extended objects plays a major role in research on highly automated driving applications and advanced driver assistance systems. This paper proposes a new approach to estimate the extension of dynamic objects based on object-local occupancy grid maps. This enables estimating free-formed object shapes while being robust against errors coming from, e.g., incorrect segmentation or association. Its benefit is shown based on 4-layer laser scanner sensor data and is evaluated against a ground truth based on a D-GPS system fused with a highly accurate IMU.
Submillimeter Accuracy of InSAR Time Series: Experimental Validation

This paper presents the results of a blind experiment that is performed using two pairs of dihedral reflectors. The aim of the experiment was to demonstrate that interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) measurements can indeed allow a displacement time series estimation with submillimeter accuracy (both in horizontal and vertical directions), provided that the data are properly processed and the impact of in situ as well as atmospheric effects is minimized. One pair of dihedral reflectors was moved a few millimeters between SAR acquisitions, in the vertical and east-west (EW) directions, and the ground truth was compared with the InSAR data. The experiment was designed to allow a multiplatform and multigeometry analysis, i.e., each reflector was carefully pointed in order to be visible in both Envisat and Radarsat acquisitions. Moreover, two pairs of reflectors were used to allow the combination of data gathered along ascending and descending orbits. The standard deviation of the error is 0.75 mm in the vertical direction and 0.58 mm in the horizontal (EW) direction. GPS data were also collected during this experiment in order to cross-check the SAR results
A Multi-featured Approach for Wearable Sensor-Based Human Activity Recognition

Human activity recognition (HAR) has many important applications in health care. While machine learning-based techniques have been applied for wearable sensor-based HAR, very few researchers have comprehensively studied the effects of various factors on the accuracy and robustness of activity classification. This paper presents a detailed empirical study of machine learning-based HAR schemes. The objective is to improve human activity recognition based on techniques that do not increase the computational overheads. We describe and evaluate techniques for feature extraction, feature selection and classification. We perform series of experiments on a dataset consisting of readings from hip worn sensors of 77 subjects of varying ages performing several ambulatory and non-ambulatory activities. Through these experiments, we show that frequency domain analysis of accelerometer readings reveals useful information about human activity patterns and combining frequency-domain features with time domain features provides significant accuracy improvement. Our experiments find random forest algorithm to be the most accurate for HAR. We also show that dataset size of the accelerometer readings can be reduced down to 20% without a drastic reduction in classification accuracy. Furthermore, we show that age-based grouping has significant impact on classification, and age-specific training of classifiers can yield significant performance improvement.
Assisting Forensic Writer Verification by Visualizing Diversity of Digit Handwritings: An Approach by Multidimensional Scaling of Earth Mover's Distance

In this paper, we demonstrated a method to assist forensic handwriting experts in the process of writer verification by visualizing the diversity of overall shapes of digit handwritings. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was applied to Earth Mover's Distance (EMD) data calculated between 60 different writers in order to visualize each writer's feature in population. EMD flow was calculated between k-means cluster centroids, which represented kernel density distribution of handwritten stroke of each writer within six trials. Experimental results for all ten kinds of digit handwritings showed that the relation of overall handwritten shapes between writers was successfully visualized as the locus in multidimensional space. The meanings given to each MDS axis, such as "slant", "width" and "the balance between parts", were almost common through all kinds of digit. They were corresponded to the feature which have been paid attention by forensic handwriting experts and pointed out in previous studies or literatures. The state of distribution such as the density in multidimensional space was considered to provide effective information to forensic examiners in evaluating the rarity of handwritten features observed in questioned document.
Increase of Faecal Tryptic Activity Relates to Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome: Analysis of Crohn's Disease with a Multidisciplinary Platform

Objective To investigate—by molecular, classical and functional methods—the microbiota in biopsies and faeces from patients with active Crohn's disease (CD) and controls. Design The microbiota in biopsies was investigated utilizing a novel molecular method and classical cultivation technology. Faecal samples were investigated by classical technology and four functional methods, reflecting alterations in short chain fatty acids pattern, conversion of cholesterol and bilirubin and inactivation of trypsin. Results By molecular methods we found more than 92% similarity in the microbiota on the biopsies from the two groups. However, 4.6% of microbes found in controls were lacking in CD patients. Furthermore, NotI representation libraries demonstrate two different clusters representing CD patients and controls, respectively. Utilizing conventional technology, Bacteroides (alt. Parabacteroides) was less frequently detected in the biopsies from CD patients than from controls. A similar reduction in the number of Bacteroides was found in faecal samples. Bacteroides is the only group of bacteria known to be able to inactivate pancreatic trypsin. Faecal tryptic activity was high in CD patients, and inversely correlated to the levels of Bacteroides. Conclusions CD patients have compositional and functional alterations in their intestinal microbiota, in line with the global description hypothesis rather than the candidate microorganism theory. The most striking functional difference was high amount of faecal tryptic activity in CD patients, inversely correlated to the levels of Bacteroides in faeces.
Sizing of protein A-colloidal gold probes for immunoelectron microscopy

Gold particles in colloidal solutions often vary considerably in size. The finest sols (diameter less than 15 nm), especially, are very heterogeneous, as is indicated by coefficients of variance (CV) of 25- 35%. We have complexed staphylococcal protein A with gold particles (PA/Au) and then fractionated the preparations by glycerol or sucrose gradient centrifugation into very homogeneous subfractions. In this way, PA/Au probes of almost any size between 4.5 and 15 nm could be prepared. The variation of the gold particles in these fractions resulted in CV's between 9 and 16%. The reactivity of the PA/Au complex was not affected by the gradient procedure, as was shown by single- and double-labeling immunocytochemistry of ultrathin cryosections of rat pancreatic tissue.
Embryos of Artemia franciscana survive four years of continuous anoxia: the case for complete metabolic rate depression

Encysted gastrula embryos of the crustacean Artemia franciscana have acquired an array of adaptations that enable them to survive a wide variety of environmental extremes.The present paper shows that at least 60 % survive 4 years of continuous anoxia at physiological temperatures (20­23 °C) when fully hydrated. Although these embryos appear to carry on a metabolism during the first day of anoxia, no evidence for a continuing metabolism throughout the subsequent 4 years was obtained. During this period, there were no measurable changes in the levels of their stored, mobilizable carbohydrates (trehalose, glycogen, glycerol). Calculations indicate that, if these carbohydrates are being utilized at all during anoxia, the rate is at the least 50 000 times lower than the aerobic rate (lower limit of detection). Indications of proteolysis during prolonged anoxia were sought but not found. Under starvation conditions, the life span of larvae produced from embryos that had undergone 4 years of anoxia was not significantly different from that of larvae produced by embryos that had not experienced anoxia. Thus, all substrates and other metabolites required to support embryonic development to the nauplius, as well as endogenous (unfed) larval growth and molting, are retained during 4 years of anoxia. It is not possible to prove experimentally the absence of a metabolic rate in anoxic embryos under physiological conditions of hydration and temperature. Nevertheless, on the basis of the results presented here, I will make the case that the anoxic embryo brings its metabolism to a reversible standstill. Such a conclusion requires that these embryos maintain their structural integrity in the absence of measurable biosynthesis and free energy flow and are thus an exception to a major biological generality. Potential mechanisms involved in their stability are discussed.
Molecular genetic analysis of retinitis pigmentosa in Indonesia using genome-wide homozygosity mapping

Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous retinal disorder. Despite tremendous knowledge about the genes involved in RP, little is known about the genetic causes of RP in Indonesia. Here, we aim to identify the molecular genetic causes underlying RP in a small cohort of Indonesian patients, using genome-wide homozygosity mapping. Methods DNA samples from affected and healthy individuals from 14 Indonesian families segregating autosomal recessive, X-linked, or isolated RP were collected. Homozygosity mapping was conducted using Illumina 6k or Affymetrix 5.0 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Known autosomal recessive RP (arRP) genes residing in homozygous regions and X-linked RP genes were sequenced for mutations. Results In ten out of the 14 families, homozygous regions were identified that contained genes known to be involved in the pathogenesis of RP. Sequence analysis of these genes revealed seven novel homozygous mutations in ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 4 (ABCA4), crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1), eyes shut homolog (Drosophila) (EYS), c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MERTK), nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group E, member 3 (NR2E3) and phosphodiesterase 6A, cGMP-specific, rod, alpha (PDE6A), all segregating in the respective families. No mutations were identified in the X-linked genes retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) and retinitis pigmentosa 2 (X-linked recessive; RP2). Conclusions Homozygosity mapping is a powerful tool to identify the genetic defects underlying RP in the Indonesian population. Compared to studies involving patients from other populations, the same genes appear to be implicated in the etiology of recessive RP in Indonesia, although all mutations that were discovered are novel and as such may be unique for this population.
Bagging with adaptive costs

Ensemble methods have proved to be highly effective in improving the performance of base learners under most circumstances. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm that combines the merits of some existing techniques, namely bagging, arcing and stacking. The basic structure of the algorithm resembles bagging, using a linear support vector machine (SVM). However, the misclassification cost of each training point is repeatedly adjusted according to its observed out-of-bag vote margin. In this way, the method gains the advantage of arcing - building the classifier the ensemble needs - without fixating on potentially noisy points. Computational experiments show that this algorithm performs consistently better than bagging and arcing.
Design of low cost flexible RGB color sensor

Design of low cost, high speed portable color sensor suitable for use in external light environment susceptible to disturbances is presented. The color identification is based on sensing Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) colors reflected from the object using an ambient light phototransistor. The RGB combinations are divided into eight colors. The color sensor does not need optical devices and color filters. It has capability to track eight different colors with 100% accuracy in a working distance of 5 to 10 cm in the presence of normal background illumination. It allows the sensor to detect various colors at different distance with only one calibration and does not require calibration with eight colors before its use in measurement system.
Satisfiability and integer programming as complementary tools

Satisfiability (SAT) and integer linear programming (ILP) are two related NP-complete problems. They both have a lot of important applications. We study the effectivenessof using them as a complementary tool to each other. We propose three different ILP formulations to solve SAT and compare them with state-ofthe- art SAT solvers Berkmin and zchaff. On the other hand, we give two methods to solve ILP by using SAT solvers. In both cases, we achieve speed-ups of several orders for most of our tested examples.
Bayesian models and simulations in cognitive science

Bayesian models can be related to cognitive processes in a variety of ways that can be usefully understood in terms of Marr's distinction among three levels of explanation: computational, algorithmic and implementation. In this note, we discuss how an integrated probabilistic account of the different levels of explanation in cognitive science is resulting, at least for the current research practice, in a sort of unpredicted epistemological shift with respect to Marr's original proposal.
Glycobiology Aspects of the Periodontal Pathogen Tannerella forsythia

Glycobiology is important for the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia, affecting the bacterium’s cellular integrity, its life-style, and virulence potential. The bacterium possesses a unique Gram-negative cell envelope with a glycosylated surface (S-) layer as outermost decoration that is proposed to be anchored via a rough lipopolysaccharide. The S-layer glycan has the structure 4‑MeO-b-ManpNAcCONH2-(1→3)-[Pse5Am7Gc-(2→4)-]-b-ManpNAcA-(1→4)-[4-MeO-a-Galp-(1→2)-]-a-Fucp-(1→4)-[-a-Xylp-(1→3)-]-b-GlcpA-(1→3)-[-b-Digp-(1→2)-]-a-Galp and is linked to distinct serine and threonine residues within the D(S/T)(A/I/L/M/T/V) amino acid motif. Also several other Tannerella proteins are modified with the S‑layer oligosaccharide, indicating the presence of a general O‑glycosylation system. Protein O‑glycosylation impacts the life-style of T. forsythia since truncated S-layer glycans present in a defined mutant favor biofilm formation. While the S‑layer has also been shown to be a virulence factor and to delay the bacterium's recognition by the innate immune system of the host, the contribution of glycosylation to modulating host immunity is currently unraveling. Recently, it was shown that Tannerella surface glycosylation has a role in restraining the Th17-mediated neutrophil infiltration in the gingival tissues. Related to its asaccharolytic physiology, T. forsythia expresses a robust enzymatic repertoire, including several glycosidases, such as sialidases, which are linked to specific growth requirements and are involved in triggering host tissue destruction. This review compiles the current knowledge on the glycobiology of T. forsythia.
Augment-able reality: situated communication through physical and digital spaces

Most existing augmented reality systems only provide a method for browsing information that is situated in the real world context. This paper describes a system that allows users to dynamically attach newly created digital information such as voice notes photographs to the physical environment, through wearable computers as well as normal computers. Attached data is stored with contextual tags such as location IDs and object IDs that are obtained by wearable sensors, so the same or other wearable users can notice them when they come to the same context. Similar to the role that Post-it notes play in community messaging, we expect our proposed method to be a fundamental communication platform when wearable computers become commonplace.
Wogonin Suppresses Arrhythmias, Inflammatory Responses, and Apoptosis Induced by Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion in Rats

Wogonin is a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a traditional Chinese medicine, and it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the in vivo effect of wogonin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in an open-chest anesthetized rat model, which was induced by 45-minute left coronary artery occlusion and 2-hour reperfusion. Rats were treated with wogonin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) 40 minutes before ischemia or treatment with 10 mg/kg of wogonin 15 minutes after occlusion. Pretreatment with 10 mg/kg of wogonin significantly delayed the occurrence of ventricular premature contractions and tachycardia, and it suppressed the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and mortality elicited by ischemia when compared with that in the control group, accompanied by reducing the arrhythmia scores. After 2-hour reperfusion, pretreatment and posttreatment with wogonin significantly reduced the infarct size and plasma levels of creatine kinase muscle-brain fraction and lactate dehydrogenase. Wogonin also significantly reduced the elevation of plasma tissue necrosis factor-α and superoxide anion production in the myocardium with ischemia/reperfusion. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p65 and IκBα, and active caspase-3 in ischemic myocardium pronouncedly increased in the control group; these were significantly attenuated by treatment with wogonin. In conclusion, wogonin demonstrated in vivo cardioprotective effects by the attenuation of the severity of ischemia-induced arrhythmias and irreversible ischemia/reperfusion injury, which is associated with its antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects. The suppression of nuclear factor-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and the inhibition of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression contribute to the beneficial effects of wogonin.
On the Asymptotic Theory of Permutation Statistics

In this paper limit theorems for the conditional distributions of linear test statistics are proved. The assertions are conditioned by the sigma-field of permutation symmetric sets. Limit theorems are proved both for the conditional distributions under the hypothesis of randomness and under general contiguous alternatives with independent but not identically distributed observations. The proofs are based on results on limit theorems for exchangeable random variables by Strasser and Weber. The limit theorems under contiguous alternatives are consequences of an LAN-result for likelihood ratios of symmetrized product measures. The results of the paper have implications for statistical applications. By example it is shown that minimum variance partitions which are defined by observed data (e.g. by LVQ) lead to asymptotically optimal adaptive tests for the k-sample problem. As another application it is shown that conditional k-sample tests which are based on data-driven partitions lead to simple confidence sets which can be used for the simultaneous analysis of linear contrasts. (author's abstract)
Using event calculus to formalise policy specification and analysis

As the interest in using policy-based approaches for systems management grows, it is becoming increasingly important to develop methods for performing analysis and refinement of policy specifications. Although this is an area that researchers have devoted some attention to, none of the proposed solutions address the issues of analysing specifications that combine authorisation and management policies; analysing policy specifications that contain constraints on the applicability of the policies; and performing a priori analysis of the specification that will both detect the presence of inconsistencies and explain the situations in which the conflict will occur. We present a method for transforming both policy and system behaviour specifications into a formal notation that is based on event calculus. Additionally it describes how this formalism can be used in conjunction with abductive reasoning techniques to perform a priori analysis of policy specifications for the various conflict types identified in the literature. Finally, it presents some initial thoughts on how this notation and analysis technique could be used to perform policy refinement.
How mental systems believe.

Is there a difference between believing and merely understanding an idea? Descartes thought so. He considered the acceptance and rejection of an idea to be alternative outcomes of an effortful assessment process that occurs subsequent to the automatic comprehension of that idea. This article examined Spinoza's alternative suggestion that (a) the acceptance of an idea is part of the automatic comprehension of that idea and (b) the rejection of an idea occurs subsequent to, and more effortfully than, its acceptance. In this view, the mental representation of abstract ideas is quite similar to the mental representation of physical objects: People believe in the ideas they comprehend, as quickly and automatically as they believe in the objects they see. Research in social and cognitive psychology suggests that Spinoza's model may be a more accurate account of human belief than is that of Descartes.
The ATP-Dependent Protease ClpP Inhibits Biofilm Formation by Regulating Agr and Cell Wall Hydrolase Sle1 in Staphylococcus aureus

Biofilm causes hospital-associated infections on indwelling medical devices. In Staphylococcus aureus, Biofilm formation is controlled by intricately coordinated network of regulating systems, of which the ATP-dependent protease ClpP shows an inhibitory effect. Here, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of ClpP on biofilm formation is through Agr and the cell wall hydrolase Sle1. Biofilm formed by clpP mutant consists of proteins and extracellular DNA (eDNA). The increase of the protein was, at least in part, due to the reduced protease activity of the mutant, which was caused by the decreased activity of agr. On the other hand, the increase of eDNA was due to increased cell lysis caused by the higher level of Sle1. Indeed, as compared with wild type, the clpP mutant excreted an increased level of eDNA, and showed higher sensitivity to Triton-induced autolysis. The deletion of sle1 in the clpP mutant decreased the biofilm formation, the level of eDNA, and the Triton-induced autolysis to wild-type levels. Despite the increased biofilm formation capability, however, the clpP mutant showed significantly reduced virulence in a murine model of subcutaneous foreign body infection, indicating that the increased biofilm formation capability cannot compensate for the intrinsic functions of ClpP during infection.