Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal filtering schemes for linear discrete-time systems: a linear matrix inequality approach

This paper deals with the optimal filtering problem constrained to input noise signal corrupting the measurement output for linear discrete-time systems. The transfer matrix H2 and/ or Hinfin; norms are used as criteria in an estimation error sense. First, the optimal filtering gain is obtained from the H 2 norm state-space definition. Then the attenuation of arbitrary input signals is considered in an H ∞ setting. Using the discrete-time version of the bounded real lemma on the estimation error dynamics, a linear stable filter guaranteeing the optimal H∞ attenuation level is achieved. Finally. the mixed H 2 / H∞ filter problem is solved, yielding a compromise between the preceding filter designs. All these filter design problems are formulated in a new convex optimization framework using linear matrix inequalites. A numerical example is presented
Membrane Potential Generated by Ion Adsorption

It has been widely acknowledged that the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) equation fully explains membrane potential behavior. The fundamental facet of the GHK equation lies in its consideration of permeability of membrane to ions, when the membrane serves as a separator for separating two electrolytic solutions. The GHK equation describes that: variation of membrane permeability to ion in accordance with ion species results in the variation of the membrane potential. However, nonzero potential was observed even across the impermeable membrane (or separator) separating two electrolytic solutions. It gave rise to a question concerning the validity of the GHK equation for explaining the membrane potential generation. In this work, an alternative theory was proposed. It is the adsorption theory. The adsorption theory attributes the membrane potential generation to the ion adsorption onto the membrane (or separator) surface not to the ion passage through the membrane (or separator). The computationally obtained potential behavior based on the adsorption theory was in good agreement with the experimentally observed potential whether the membrane (or separator) was permeable to ions or not. It was strongly speculated that the membrane potential origin could lie primarily in the ion adsorption on the membrane (or separator) rather than the membrane permeability to ions. It might be necessary to reconsider the origin of membrane potential which has been so far believed explicable by the GHK equation.
Sample Based Visibility for Soft Shadows using Alias‐free Shadow Maps

This paper introduces an accurate real‐time soft shadow algorithm that uses sample based visibility. Initially, we present a GPU‐based alias‐free hard shadow map algorithm that typically requires only a single render pass from the light, in contrast to using depth peeling and one pass per layer. For closed objects, we also suppress the need for a bias. The method is extended to soft shadow sampling for an arbitrarily shaped area‐/volumetric light source using 128‐1024 light samples per screen pixel. The alias‐free shadow map guarantees that the visibility is accurately sampled per screen‐space pixel, even for arbitrarily shaped (e.g. non‐planar) surfaces or solid objects. Another contribution is a smooth coherent shading model to avoid common light leakage near shadow borders due to normal interpolation.
Systemically and Topically Active Antinociceptive Neurotensin Compounds

Neurotensin is a neurotransmitter/modulator with a wide range of actions. Using a series of 10 stable analogs, we have examined neurotensin antinociception in mice. By incorporating (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-4-indoyl)propanoic acid (l-neoTrp), a series of neurotensin analogs have been synthesized that are stable in serum and are systemically active in vivo. When administered in mice, they all were antinociceptive in the radiant heat tail-flick assay. Time-action curves revealed a peak effect at 30 min and a duration of action ranging from 2 to 4 h. Dose-response curves revealed that two compounds were partial agonists with maximal responses below 75%, whereas all of the remaining compounds displayed a full response. Overall, the compounds were quite potent, with ED50 values similar to those of opioids. At peak effect, the ED50 values ranged from 0.91 to 9.7 mg/kg s.c. Two of the analogs were active topically. Together, these studies support the potential of neurotensin analogs as analgesics. They are active systemically and by using them topically, it may be possible to avoid problematic side effects, such as hypothermia and hypotension.
Capacity Region of MISO Broadcast Channel for Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer

This paper studies a multiple-input-single-output (MISO) broadcast channel (BC) featuring simultaneous wireless information and power transfer, where a multiantenna access point (AP) delivers both information and energy via radio signals to multiple single-antenna receivers simultaneously, and each receiver implements either information decoding (ID) or energy harvesting (EH). In particular, pseudorandom sequences that are a priori known and therefore can be cancelled at each ID receiver are used as the energy signals, and the information-theoretically optimal dirty paper coding is employed for the information transmission. We characterize the capacity region for ID receivers by solving a sequence of weighted sum-rate (WSR) maximization (WSRMax) problems subject to a maximum sum-power constraint for the AP, and a set of minimum harvested power constraints for individual EH receivers. The problem corresponds to a new form of WSRMax problem in MISO-BC with combined maximum and minimum linear transmit covariance constraints (MaxLTCCs and MinLTCCs), which differs from the celebrated capacity region characterization problem for MISO-BC under a set of MaxLTCCs only and is challenging to solve. By extending the general BC-multiple-access-channel duality, which is only applicable to WSRMax problems with MaxLTCCs, and applying the ellipsoid method, we propose an efficient iterative algorithm to solve this problem globally optimally. Furthermore, we also propose two suboptimal algorithms with lower complexity by assuming that the information and energy signals are designed separately. Finally, numerical results are provided to validate our proposed algorithms.
Computing the Synchronization Regions of Injection-Locked Strongly Nonlinear Oscillators for Frequency Division Applications

This paper describes an original method to compute the synchronization regions of injection-locked oscillators that exhibit a strong nonlinear response, such as relaxation or ring architectures. The proposed method is based on the theory of controllably periodically forced oscillators and is implemented within the frame of the time-domain periodic steady-state analysis. The novel method is able to predict, in an accurate way, the conditions for which the correct frequency division occurs and can identify the transitions to more complex regimes that limit the exploitable synchronization region.
Voltage‐Dependent Block of Calcium Channel Current in the Calf Cardiac Purkinje Fiber by Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Antagonists

We have investigated the mechanisms of blockade of calcium channel current by the dihydropyridines, e.g. nisoldipine, nitrendipine, and nicardipine. Membrane current was recorded in isolated calf Purkinje fibers using a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique, and voltage protocols were designed to identify voltage- and use-dependent block by these compounds systematically. Our results show that calcium channel blockade by dihydropyridine derivatives is strongly modulated by membrane potential. Block is more pronounced when current is measured from depolarized holding potentials, but in contrast to verapamil, this voltage-dependent block occurs in the absence of repetitive depolarizations. Use-dependent block by dihydropyridines is observed at pulse frequencies greater than 1 Hz. Our results suggest that dihydropyridines bind preferentially to the inactivated state of the calcium channel, and that the development of usedependent block is related to the ionization constants of the compounds. Furthermore, binding is approximately one thousand times stronger to inactivated channels than to resting channels. This state-dependent difference in binding affinities may account for the previously reported contrast between electrophysiological and binding data for these compounds.
Sistemas de Inteligencia Web basados en redes sociales

El Analisis de las Redes Sociales (ARS) es un area que esta emergiendo como imprescindible en los procesos de toma de decisiones. Su capacidad para analizar e intervenir una red social puede ser aprovechada para implantar tareas de vigilancia en los sistemas de inteligencia de un centro de investigacion o una empresa de base tecnologica. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una propuesta para disenar sistemas de inteligencia web basados en redes sociales. El primer obstaculo para implantar un sistema de estas caracteristicas es el proceso de recoleccion de datos. Con objeto de resolver este problema se presenta una metodologia para extraer redes sociales. El proceso de extraccion se realiza analizando los resultados ofrecidos por los motores de busqueda. Las consultas realizadas a los motores son construidas en base a direcciones de correo electronico. A traves de la red de extraida tambien se analiza su distribucion espacial, el impacto global de una tematica y las relaciones institucionales subyacentes. Como ejemplo concreto se analiza la estructura social de la comunidad que forma la lista de distribucion REDES.
A Framework for Comparing Efficiency, Effectiveness and Applicability of Software Testing Techniques

Software testing is expensive for the industry, and always constrained by time and effort. Although there is a multitude of test techniques, there are currently no scientifically based guidelines for the selection of appropriate techniques of different domains and contexts. For large complex systems, some techniques are more efficient in finding failures than others and some are easier to apply than others are. From an industrial perspective, it is important to find the most effective and efficient test design technique that is possible to automate and apply. In this paper, we propose an experimental framework for comparison of test techniques with respect to efficiency, effectiveness and applicability. We also plan to evaluate ease of automation, which has not been addressed by previous studies. We highlight some of the problems of evaluating or comparing test techniques in an objective manner. We describe our planned process for this multi-phase experimental study. This includes presentation of some of the important measurements to be collected with the dual goals of analyzing the properties of the test technique, as well as validating our experimental framework
Quantifier Elimination for Conjunctions of Linear Constraints via a Convex Hull Algorithm

All Rights Reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, microfilm or any other means, without written permission from the publishers A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library We propose a new algorithm for quantifier (variable) elimination for systems of linear constraints using a generalized linear program formulation and an on-line convex hull construction. The algorithm provides an exact solution when the dimension of the output is small and an approximation in the general case when the size of the output is unmanageable. Apart from trivial cases, existing algorithms fail in both respect.
Resolution of the Epiretinal Prosthesis is not Limited by Electrode Size

Epiretinal prostheses for the blind bypass diseased photosensitive cells in the retina, directly stimulating retinal neurons electrically and evoking signals that are relayed to the brain. Current clinical implants have few electrodes and provide limited visual acuity. Acuity may be improved by identifying electrode array design features and operational details that enhance or interfere with visual percept formation. We labeled all retinal ganglion cells in whole mount retina with a calcium reporter and then measured the number and pattern of cells responding, over a range of electrode diameters and stimulus durations. Span of the response scaled with electrode diameter for electrodes 60 μm and larger. Short stimulation pulse widths selectively activated cells nearest the electrode. Our measurements in the salamander retina suggest that the spatial resolution is 150 μm, which on a human retina is equivalent to 0.55° of human visual field and corresponding Snellen acuity of 20/660. Reading large print could be possible with such a prosthesis.
Towards a Design Process for Integrating Product Recommendation Services in E-Markets

Online recommendation services (widely known as recommender systems) can support potential buyers by providing product recommendations that match their preferences. When integrated into e-markets, recommendation services may offer important added value. They can help online buyers to save time and make informed purchase decisions, as well as e-market operators to respond to buyer product queries in a more efficient manner, thus attracting more potential buyers. On the other hand, the variety of intelligent recommendation techniques that may be used to support such services can often prove complex and costly to implement. Toward this direction, this chapter proposes a design process for deploying intelligent recommendation services in existing emarkets, in order to reduce the complexity of such kinds of software development. To demonstrate the applicability of this approach, the proposed process is applied for the integration of a wine recommendation service in a Greek e-market with agricultural products.
Clinically significant autoimmune hemolytic anemia with a negative direct antiglobulin test by routine tube test and positive by column agglutination method

Abstract In two to five percent of cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), the patient’s RBCs are negative in the direct antiglobulin test (DAT). We describe a patient with AIHA with a negative DAT when tested by the traditional tube test but with a strongly positive one when tested by column agglutination. When the DAT was repeated by tube test using 4°C saline washes, it became positive. This phenomenon has been observed when low-affinity antibodies are involved in AIHA. The patient’s history and serologic findings are detailed in this report. Immunohematology 2002;18:109–113.
Biometric Identification through Hand Vein Patterns

Vein pattern is the vast network of blood vessels underneath a person's skin. These patterns in the hands are assumed to be unique to each individual and they do not change over time except in size. The properties of uniqueness, stability and strong immunity to forgery of the vein patterns make it a potentially good biometric trait. In this study, we present a novel biometric technique based on the statistical processing of the hand vein patterns. We considered the performance of four alternative feature sets and explored their fusion. The performance of the proposed algorithms was tested on a database of hand veins captured in the near infrared band and collected from 100 people. Our data collection is more realistic in that subjects had to undergo the procedures of holding a bag, pressing an elastic ball and cooling with ice, all exercises that force changes in the vein patterns. Our hand vein biometric tool outperforms the nearest competitor; furthermore tests of simulating real life conditions reveal the fusion scheme to be adequately robust.
Bayesian analysis of hybridization and introgression between the endangered european mink (Mustela lutreola) and the polecat (Mustela putorius)

Human‐mediated global change will probably increase the rates of natural hybridization and genetic introgression between closely related species, and this will have major implications for conservation of the taxa involved. In this study, we analyse both mitochondrial and nuclear data to characterize ongoing hybridization and genetic introgression between two sympatric sister species of mustelids, the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) and the more abundant polecat (M. putorius). A total of 317 European mink, 114 polecats and 15 putative hybrid individuals were collected from different localities in Europe and genotyped with 13 microsatellite nuclear markers. Recently developed Bayesian methods for assigning individuals to populations and identifying admixture proportions were applied to the genetic data. To identify the direction of hybridization, we additionally sequenced mtDNA and Y chromosomes from 78 individuals and 29 males respectively. We found that both hybridization and genetic introgression occurred at low levels (3% and 0.9% respectively) and indicated that hybridization is asymmetric, as only pure polecat males mate with pure European mink females. Furthermore, backcrossing and genetic introgression was detected only from female first‐generation (F1) hybrids of European mink to polecats. This latter result implies that Haldane’s rule may apply. Our results suggest that hybridization and genetic introgression between the two species should be considered a rather uncommon event. However, the current low densities of European mink might be changing this trend.
Expression of Na+/glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) is enhanced by supplementation of the diet of weaning piglets with artificial sweeteners

In an intensive livestock production, a shorter suckling period allows more piglets to be born. However, this practice leads to a number of disorders including nutrient malabsorption, resulting in diarrhoea, malnutrition and dehydration. A number of strategies have been proposed to overcome weaning problems. Artificial sweeteners, routinely included in piglets' diet, were thought to enhance feed palatability. However, it is shown in rodent models that when included in the diet, they enhance the expression of Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT1) and the capacity of the gut to absorb glucose. Here, we show that supplementation of piglets' feed with a combination of artificial sweeteners saccharin and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone enhances the expression of SGLT1 and intestinal glucose transport function. Artificial sweeteners are known to act on the intestinal sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3 and its partner G-protein, gustducin, to activate pathways leading to SGLT1 up-regulation. Here, we demonstrate that T1R2, T1R3 and gustducin are expressed together in the enteroendocrine cells of piglet intestine. Furthermore, gut hormones secreted by the endocrine cells in response to dietary carbohydrates, glucagon-like peptides (GLP)-1, GLP-2 and glucose-dependent insulinotrophic peptide (GIP), are co-expressed with type 1 G-protein-coupled receptors (T1R) and gustducin, indicating that L- and K-enteroendocrine cells express these taste elements. In a fewer endocrine cells, T1R are also co-expressed with serotonin. Lactisole, an inhibitor of human T1R3, had no inhibitory effect on sweetener-induced SGLT1 up-regulation in piglet intestine. A better understanding of the mechanism(s) involved in sweetener up-regulation of SGLT1 will allow the identification of nutritional targets with implications for the prevention of weaning-related malabsorption.
Assessing the effectiveness of a patient-driven partner notification strategy among pregnant women infected with syphilis in Bolivia

Objective Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a patient-led syphilis partner notification strategy among pregnant women with syphilis, their male partners and treatment completion in Bolivia. Methods In four provinces, women who had tested positive for syphilis while attending antenatal care visits were recruited to receive a partner notification (PN) intervention on how to notify partners of their positive diagnosis and encourage them to get tested/treated. All women who completed PN counselling and notified their male partners completed self-administered questionnaires regarding PN experiences. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with notification and partner treatment completion were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results 144 women and 137 male partners participated; 78% women notified their partners. No women characteristics were significantly associated with PN. Significantly more male partners (85%) who were notified by women completed syphilis treatment (p<0.05) compared to those notified by providers (66%). In multivariate analysis, men notified by female partners had a threefold greater odds of treatment completion compared to men who had not been notified by partners or by someone else (ie, healthcare worker) (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 9.90). 86% of women and 80% of men completed syphilis treatment. Our results suggest that lack of time was considered a barrier to care among men who did not complete treatment. Conclusion A patient-led partner notification strategy for pregnant women and their male partners appears to be feasible and acceptable, providing evidence for larger-scale effectiveness studies to improve male partner treatment compliance.
Characteristics and efficacy of early psychological interventions in children and adolescents after single trauma: a meta-analysis

Background Single traumatising events are associated with an elevated rate of psychological disorders in children and adolescents. To date, it remains unclear whether early psychological interventions can reduce longer term psychological maladjustment. Objective To systematically review the literature to determine the characteristics and efficacy of early psychological interventions in children and adolescents after a single, potentially-traumatising event. Design Systematic searches were conducted of all relevant bibliographic databases. Studies on early psychological interventions were included if the first session was conducted within 1 month of the event. Two independent observers assessed each study for eligibility, using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and rated the study's methodological quality. A meta-analysis was conducted on the group effects between individuals allocated to intervention versus control groups. Hence, effect sizes (ES) and confidence intervals were computed as well as heterogeneity and analogue-to-the ANOVA analyses. Results Seven studies (including four randomised controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. Depending on the specific outcome variable (e.g., dissociation, anxiety and arousal), small to large beneficial ES were noted. Although the meta-analysis revealed unexplained heterogeneity between the ES of the included studies, and although studies varied greatly with regards to their methodological quality and the interventions tested, findings suggest that early interventions should involve psycho-education, provide individual coping-skills and probably involve some kind of trauma exposure. Also, a stepped procedure that includes an initial risk screen and the provision of multiple sessions to those children at risk may be a promising strategy. Conclusions To date, research on the effectiveness of early interventions in children after a potentially traumatising event remains scarce. However, our review suggests that early interventions may be helpful. For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files under Reading Tools online.
Forward Backward Semimartingale Systems for Utility Maximization

We consider the problem of maximizing the expected utility of terminal wealth with a terminal random liability when the underlying asset price process is a continuous semimartingale. The optimal strategy is characterized in terms of a forward backward semimartingale system of equations. The results cover the cases of exponential, logarithmic, and power utilities, which we analyze as illustrative examples.