Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RSSI-Based Bluetooth Indoor Localization

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been widely used to determine the location for a variety of different applications. However, it doesn't work well in indoor environments because it requires the line of sight to the satellites and therefore stops working when the line of sight is not available. High-precision indoor localization is critical to many personal and business applications. After Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), an energy-efficient version of Bluetooth, is widely deployed, Bluetooth-based indoor localization turns out to be a practical method to locate Bluetooth-enabled devices due to its low battery cost. In this paper, we present two novel BLE-based localization schemes, Low-precision Indoor Localization (LIL) and High-precision Indoor Localization (HIL). Different than most of the existing localization methods that attempt to find the specific location of the object under investigation, LIL and HIL utilize the collected RSSI measurements to generate a small region in which the object is guaranteed to be found. Compared with LIL, HIL leads to smaller localization regions. However, HIL requires an extra data-training phase.
Efficiency in Family Bargaining: Living Arrangements and Caregiving Decisions of Adult Children and Disabled Elderly Parents

In this paper, we use a two-stage bargaining model to analyze the living arrangement of a disabled elderly parent and the assistance provided to the parent by her adult children. The first stage determines the living arrangement: the parent can live in a nursing home, live alone in the community, or live with any child who has invited coresidence. The second stage determines the assistance provided by each child in the family. Working by backward induction, we first calculate the level of assistance that each child would provide to the parent in each possible living arrangement. Using these calculations, we then analyze the living arrangement that would emerge from the first stage game. A key assumption of our model is that family members cannot or will not make binding agreements at the first stage regarding transfers at the second stage. Because coresidence is likely to reduce the bargaining power of the coresident child relative to her siblings, coresidence may fail to emerge as the equilibrium living arrangement even when it is Pareto efficient. That is, the outcome of the two-stage game need not be Pareto efficient.
Effects of Native and Myeloperoxidase-Modified Apolipoprotein A-I on Reverse Cholesterol Transport and Atherosclerosis in Mice

Objective—Preclinical and clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of infusions of apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) on atherosclerosis. ApoA-I is also a target for myeloperoxidase-mediated oxidation, leading in vitro to a loss of its ability to promote ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent macrophage cholesterol efflux. Therefore, we hypothesized that myeloperoxidase-mediated ApoA-I oxidation would impair its promotion of reverse cholesterol transport in vivo and the beneficial effects on atherosclerotic plaques. Approach and Results—ApoA-I−/− or apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were subcutaneously injected with native human ApoA-I, oxidized human ApoA-I (myeloperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide/chloride treated), or carrier. Although early postinjection (8 hours) levels of total ApoA-I in plasma were similar for native versus oxidized human ApoA-I, native ApoA-I primarily resided within the high-density lipoprotein fraction, whereas the majority of oxidized human ApoA-I was highly cross-linked and not high-density lipoprotein particle associated, consistent with impaired ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 interaction. In ApoA-I−/− mice, ApoA-I oxidation significantly impaired reverse cholesterol transport in vivo. In advanced aortic root atherosclerotic plaques of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice, native ApoA-I injections led to significant decreases in lipid content, macrophage number, and an increase in collagen content; in contrast, oxidized human ApoA-I failed to mediate these changes. The decrease in plaque macrophages with native ApoA-I was accompanied by significant induction of their chemokine receptor CCR7. Furthermore, only native ApoA-I injections led to a significant reduction of inflammatory M1 and increase in anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage markers in the plaques. Conclusions—Myeloperoxidase-mediated oxidation renders ApoA-I dysfunctional and unable to (1) promote reverse cholesterol transport, (2) mediate beneficial changes in the composition of atherosclerotic plaques, and (3) pacify the inflammatory status of plaque macrophages.
High Temperature Passive Oxidation Mechanism of CVD SiC

The passive oxidation mechanism of CVD SiC was discussed from experimental results with high-temperature thermogravimetry and thermodynamic analyses. The bubble formation temperature around 1900 K could be too low for an oxygen inward diffusion limited process but conform to a CO outward diffusion limited process. The parabolic rate constant (kp) had weak oxygen partial pressure (PO2) dependence, kp ∝ PO2 n where n = 0.09 to 0.12. These n values may be consistent with the CO outward diffusion limited process. The activation energy of kp obtained in the present study, 210 kJ/mol, could suggest a different mechanism from the well-approved oxygen molecule permeation limited process at lower temperatures below 1600 K. Amorphous phase was significantly contained in SiO2 scales formed in an N2-O2 atmosphere. No effect of the amorphous formation on kp was identified.
Microstructure–Stiffness Relationships of Common Yew and Norway Spruce

Abstract: Yew (Taxus baccata L.) exhibits among conifers a unique macroscopic elastic behaviour. For example, it shows a comparatively low longitudinal elastic modulus related to its comparatively high density. We herein explore the microstructural origin of these peculiarities, aiming at the derivation of microstructure–stiffness relationships. We measure stiffness properties of yew at different hierarchical levels and compare them to corresponding stiffnesses of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karsten). Cell wall stiffness is investigated experimentally by means of nanoindentation in combination with microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. On the macroscopic level, we perform uniaxial tension and ultrasonic tests. Having at hand, together with previously reported stiffnesses, a consistent data set of mechanical, chemical and physical properties across hierarchical levels of wood, we discuss influences of microstructural characteristics at different scales of observation. Moreover, a micromechanical model is applied to predict trends of effects of the microstructure on the investigated stiffness properties. On the cell wall level, particularly, the amount of cellulose and its orientation – which was earlier reported to be distinctly different for yew and spruce – result in differences between the two considered species. On the macroscopic scale, model predicted effects of the annual ring structure on transverse stiffness and shear stiffness are found to be smaller than effects of the microfibril angle and mass density.
Synechococcus as a "singing" bacterium: biology inspired by micro-engineered acoustic streaming devices

Certain cyanobacteria, such as open ocean strains of Synechococcus, are able to swim at speeds up to 25 diameters per second, without flagella or visible changes in shape. The mea ns by which Synechococcus generates thrust for self-propulsion is unknown. The only mechanism that has not been ruled out employs tangential waves of surface deformations. In (1) the average swimming velocity for this mechanism was estimated using the methods inaugurated by Taylor and Lighthill in the 1950's a nd revisited in differential geometric language by Shapere and Wilczek in 1989. The procedure consists of solving quasi-statically the Stokes equations with no slip boundary conditions. (These are given by the instantaneous velocity field defined by the current deformation of a localized shape. The physical condition of no net force and torque yields a rigid body counterflow, whose average on a stroke cycle gives the average swimming velocity.) In this article we propose making a break with the no slip boundary condi- tion paradigm. In fact, we are proposing here an entirely different physical principle self propulsion based on acoustic streaming. Micro-pumps in silicon chips, based on AS, have been constructed by engineers since the 1990's, but to the best of our know ledge acoustic streaming as a means of microorganisms locomotion has not been proposed before. Our hypothesis is supported by two recent remarkable discoveries: (1) In (3), deep-freeze ele ctron microscopy of the motile strain WH8113 revealed a crystalline outer layer (CS) covered with a forest of "spicules" (Sp) extending from the inner membrane through the CS, projecting 150 nm into the surrounding fluid. (2) In (2), atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to find that the cell wall of yeast cells periodically oscillates on nano-scale amplitudes at frequencies of 0.8 to 1.6 kHz, and that the oscillations are generated metabolically. We propose that the spicules, in contact with the cell's power systems, coul d perform high frequency motions generating acoustic streaming (AS) in the surrounding fluid. We compare two models for self-prop ulsion employing acoustic streaming: the quartz wind effect (QW) and boundary induced streaming generated by surface acoustic waves (SAW). Based on an estimate of the power required, the former would require an enhancement mechanism similar to a laser to be viable. In striking contrast, we find that the effici ency of the SAW mechanism compares favorably with known strategies for bacterial self-propulsion. The required amplitude is b elow the resolution limit of light microscopy and the required frequency is biologically attainable. Moreover SAW produce an "atmosphere" (the Stokes layer) surrounding the cell, within which the flu id motion is essentially chaotic and thus acoustic streaming may turn out to be biologically advantageous, enhancing nutrient uptake and chemical reactions. Some possible experiments are outlined.
A statistical framework for the registration of 3D knee implant components to single-plane X-ray images

Registration of 3D knee implant components to single-plane X-ray image sequences provides insight into implanted knee kinematics. In this paper a maximum likelihood approach is proposed to align the pose-related occluding contour of an object with edge segments extracted from a single-plane X-ray image. This leads to an expectation maximization algorithm which simultaneously determines the objectpsilas pose, estimates point correspondences and rejects outlier points from the registration process. Considering (nearly) planar-symmetrical objects, the method is extended in order to simultaneously estimate two symmetrical object poses which both align the corresponding occluding contours with 2D edge information. The algorithmpsilas capacity to generate accurate pose estimates and the necessity of determining both symmetrical poses when aligning (nearly) planar-symmetrical objects will be demonstrated in the context of automated registration of knee implant components to simulated and real single-plane X-ray images.
Space charge and polarization profiles determination in thin polymer insulators by FLIMM

In this work, the Focused Laser-Intensity Modulation Method (FLIMM) is used as a technique for space charge and polarization profiles determination in thin (up to 100 /spl mu/m) polymer layers. This well-known technique is here applied to the study of an electrode-charged polyethylene (PE) and a corona-poled Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) (PVDF) sample. The experimental set-up is first described, and theoretical aspects of LIMM fundamentals are reminded. Then, difficulties encountered during LIMM pyroelectric current deconvolution are discussed, and space charge and polarization profiles are shown.
An Actin-Binding Protein of the Sla2/Huntingtin Interacting Protein 1 Family Is a Novel Component of Clathrin-Coated Pits and Vesicles

The actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in endocytosis, yet few molecules that link these systems have been identified. Here, we have cloned and characterized mHip1R, a protein that is closely related to huntingtin interacting protein 1 (Hip1). These two proteins are mammalian homologues of Sla2p, an actin binding protein important for actin organization and endocytosis in yeast. Sequence alignments and secondary structure predictions verified that mHip1R belongs to the Sla2 protein family. Thus, mHip1R contains an NH2-terminal domain homologous to that implicated in Sla2p's endocytic function, three predicted coiled–coils, a leucine zipper, and a talin-like actin-binding domain at the COOH terminus. The talin-like domain of mHip1R binds to F-actin in vitro and colocalizes with F-actin in vivo, indicating that this activity has been conserved from yeast to mammals. mHip1R shows a punctate immunolocalization and is enriched at the cell cortex and in the perinuclear region. We concluded that the cortical localization represents endocytic compartments, because mHip1R colocalizes with clathrin, AP-2, and endocytosed transferrin, and because mHip1R fractionates biochemically with clathrin-coated vesicles. Time-lapse video microscopy of mHip1R–green fluorescence protein (GFP) revealed a blinking behavior similar to that reported for GFP-clathrin, and an actin-dependent inward movement of punctate structures from the cell periphery. These data show that mHip1R is a component of clathrin-coated pits and vesicles and suggest that it might link the endocytic machinery to the actin cytoskeleton.
Large-Scale Supervised Models for Noun Phrase Bracketing

Interpreting the structure of noun phrases (NPs) is important for many Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. This work extends the state-of-the-art in NP bracketing by: creating supervised models trained on a large annotated corpus; applying these to longer, more complex NPs; and using the resulting system to improve the output of the Bikel (2004) parser. Using a large corpus of manually annotated Penn Treebank NPs we have developed a supervised model that brackets simple NPs with 93.01% F-score. We extend the evaluation to include longer, more complex NPs that are rarely dealt with in the literature, attaining 91.44% F-score. Finally, we implement a post-processing module that brackets NPs identified by the Bikel (2004) parser, which outperforms the parser itself by 8.13% F-score.
ScentTrails: Integrating browsing and searching on the Web

The two predominant paradigms for finding information on the Web are browsing and keyword searching. While they exhibit complementary advantages, neither paradigm alone is adequate for complex information goals that lend themselves partially to browsing and partially to searching. To integrate browsing and searching smoothly into a single interface, we introduce a novel approach called ScentTrails. Based on the concept of information scent developed in the context of information foraging theory, ScentTrails highlights hyperlinks to indicate paths to search results. This interface enables users to interpolate smoothly between searching and browsing to locate content matching complex information goals effectively. In a preliminary user study, ScentTrails enabled subjects to find information more quickly than by either searching or browsing alone.
Generating Realistic Large Bayesian Networks by Tiling

In this paper we present an algorithm and software for generating arbitrarily large Bayesian Networks by tiling smaller real-world known networks. The algorithm preserves the structural and probabilistic properties of the tiles so that the distribution of the resulting tiled network resembles the realworld distribution of the original tiles. By generating networks of various sizes one can study the behavior of Bayesian Network learning algorithms as a function of the size of the networks only while the underlying probability distributions remain similar. We demonstrate through empirical evaluation examples how the networks produced by the algorithm enable researchers to conduct comparative evaluations of learning algorithms on large real-world Bayesian networks.
A space for reflection and learning ? An investigation of physical , relational and existential space in client-consultancy projects

Introduction Project-based forms of organisation have attracted interest among academics and practitioners because of their potential to support tacit learning among project members, capitalising on the 'strength of weak ties' by bringing together people from different 1973). By working together towards a typically explicit and finite goal, project members are deemed to achieve a degree of shared knowledge which is more difficult in hierarchical, functionally-structured arrangements where relations and knowledge bases are differentiated and separated. Indeed, the classic reason for creating projects within bureaucratic organisations is that they provide an alternative structure based on task rather than function, bringing together individuals with functionally different knowledge to achieve a common goal in a manner conducive to knowledge transfer (Ford & Randolph, 1992; Knight, 1976). Almost regardless of the degree of prior socialisation among members, the project is seen as providing opportunities to those involved for 'learning-by-absorption' and 'learning-by-reflection' (Scarbrough et al., 2004). However, whilst the potential for project-based learning ('PBL') within single-organisation projects is generally accepted, the likelihood of inter-or intra-organisational PBL is example, project members may become tightly involved with each other and the specific needs of the project, and may have only 'attenuated links' with the wider organisation (Bresnen et al., 2004: 1538). One consequence of this is that knowledge shared amongst project members does not easily 'leak' to the organisation (Ibid: 1539; Tempest & Starkey, 2004). Furthermore, even within a project, there may be barriers to learning and knowledge transfer if project members belong to different organisations, occupational it can be argued that project-based learning is critical to joint venture organisations or client-consultant assignments, for example. The processes of PBL have been summarised by Scarbrough et al. (2004) as essentially those of learning-by-absorption (drawing on the concept of absorptive capacity) and learning-by-reflection. However, as we argue in the paper, whilst generic examples of reflective practices are given in the literature (e.g. 'collective discussions', Zollo and Spaces of action-Handley et al. 2006, OLKC Page 3 Winter, 2002: 342), these descriptors in themselves do not reflect the range of interactional outcomes which might be generated. Discussions may have constructive or detrimental outcomes; they may lead to negotiated consensus or stalemate; they may build bridges or erect barriers. In other words, the existence of 'reflective practices' per se does not reveal enough of the content or outcomes of those practices, nor whether they are ultimately conducive to PBL. This equivocality raises …
Identification and evaluation of an outer membrane protein OmpU from a pathogenic Vibrio harveyi isolate as vaccine candidate in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Aims: The main aims of this study were to clone and express a new outer membrane protein U (OmpU) from a pathogenic Vibrio harveyi SF‐1 and investigate its immune efficiency as a vaccine candidate against V. harveyi infection in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).
Quantitative Estimation of the Stability of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain-Typing Systems by Use of Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis

ABSTRACT Knowledge concerning stability is important in the development and assessment of microbial molecular typing systems and is critical for the interpretation of their results. Typing system stability is usually measured as the fraction of isolates that change type after several in vivo passages, but this does not necessarily reflect in vivo stability. The aim of this study was to utilize survival analysis to provide an informative quantitative measure of in vivo stability and to compare the stabilities of various techniques employed in typing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We identified 100 MRSA pairs (isolated from the same patient ≥1 month apart) and typed them using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), phage-derived open reading frame (PDORF) typing, toxin gene profiling (TGP), staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) subtyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and spa sequence typing. Discordant isolate pairs, belonging to different MLST clonal complexes, were excluded, leaving 81 pairs for analysis. The stabilities of these methods were examined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and discriminatory power was measured by Simpson's index of diversity. The probability percentages that the type remained unchanged at 6 months for spa sequence typing, TGP, multilocus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA), SCCmec subtyping, PDORF typing, and PFGE were 95, 95, 88, 82, 71, and 58, respectively, while the Simpson's indices of diversity were 0.48, 0.47, 0.70, 0.72, 0.89, and 0.88, respectively. Survival analysis using sequential clinical isolates adds an important quantitative dimension to the measurement of stability of a microbial typing system. Of the methods compared here, PDORF typing provides high discriminatory power, comparable with that of PFGE, and a level of stability suitable for MRSA surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Hydrolytic enzymes as virulence factors of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a facultative pathogenic micro‐organism that has developed several virulence traits enabling invasion of host tissues and avoidance of host defence mechanisms. Virulence factors that contribute to this process are the hydrolytic enzymes. Most of them are extracellularly secreted by the fungus. The most discussed hydrolytic enzymes produced by C. albicans are secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps). The role of these Saps for C. albicans infections was carefully evaluated in numerous studies, whereas only little is known about the physiological role of the secreted phospholipases (PL) and almost nothing about the involvement of lipases (Lip) in virulence. They may play an important role in the pathogenicity of candidosis and their hydrolytic activity probably has a number of possible functions in addition to the simple role of digesting molecules for nutrition. Saps as the best‐studied member of this group of hydrolytic enzymes contribute to host tissue invasion by digesting or destroying cell membranes and by degrading host surface molecules. There is also some evidence that hydrolytic enzymes are able to attack cells and molecules of the host immune system to avoid or resist antimicrobial activity. High hydrolytic activity with broad substrate specificity has been found in several Candida species, most notably in C. albicans. This activity is attributed to multigene families with at least 10 members for Saps and Lips and several members for PL B. Distinct members of these gene families are differentially regulated in various Candida infections. In future, prevention and control of Candida infections might be achieved by pharmacological or immunological tools specifically modulated to inhibit virulence factors, e.g. the family of Saps.