Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unknown input observer design for linear fractional-order time-delay systems

This paper considers unknown input functional fractional order observer design for fractional-order linear time-invariant (LTI) systems with a constant time delay. After given the existence conditions of such observer, based on the fractional order Lyapunov stability approach, a sufficient condition for the asymptotic stability of the estimation error is given in a linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation. The obtained results are illustrated by a numerical example.
Distributions of projective invariants and model-based machine vision

In machine vision, objects are observed subject to an unknown projective transformation, and it is usual to use projective invariants for either testing for a false alarm or for classifying an object. For four collinear points, the cross-ratio is the simplest statistic which is invariant under projective transformations. We obtain the distribution of the cross-ratio under the Gaussian error model with different means. The case of identical means, which has appeared previously in the literature, is derived as a particular case. Various alternative forms of the cross-ratio density are obtained, e.g. under the Casey arccos transformation, and under an arctan transformation from the real projective line of cross-ratios to the unit circle. The cross-ratio distributions are novel to the probability literature; surprisingly various types of Cauchy distribution appear. To gain some analytical insight into the distribution, a simple linear-ratio is also introduced. We also give some results for the projective invariants of five coplanar points. We discuss the general moment properties of the cross-ratio, and consider some inference problems, including maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters.
Immersive Point-of-Audition: Alfonso Cuarón’s Three-Dimensional Sound Design Approach

Abstract:Technological advances have always had an impact on the development of new audio-visual aesthetics. Recently, exploiting the spatial capabilities of immersive sound technology in the form of Dolby Atmos, Alfonso Cuarón introduced in Gravity (2013) an innovative sound design approach that enhances the illusion of ‘presence’ in the space of the diegesis by always maintaining a coherent, realistic, and immersive representation of a given point-of-audition. Such sonic strategy – which we have termed immersive point-of-audition – provides a three-dimensional representation of the filmic space, localising sound effects, music, and dialogue in accordance to the position of the sources within the diegesis. In this paper, we introduce the definition and main characteristics of this emergent sound design approach, and using Gravity as an illustrative example, we argue that it has the potential of facilitating the processes of transportation and identification in cinema.
[Emerging infectious diseases: a medical reality].

Las enfermedades infecciosas se definen como aquellas debidas a un microorganismo, o a sus productos tóxicos, que aparecen tras la transmisión del agente infeccioso (o sus productos tóxicos) desde una persona infectada, un animal o un reservorio, hasta un hospedador susceptible, directamente o a través de un agente intermediario (animal –vector– o medio ambiente inanimado). A pesar de las vacunaciones, la mejora en la higiene y seguridad alimentaria y de la disponibilidad de antimicrobianos, las enfermedades infecciosas siguen siendo una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad y nos han devuelto una sensación de vulnerabilidad ante el mundo microbiano. El impacto de estas enfermedades es mayor en los países menos desarrollados, pero en nuestro medio los viajes, el envejecimiento y los avances de los tratamientos médicos (oncológicos e inmunomodulados) y quirúrgicos (transplantes y prótesis) han devuelto patógenos ya olvidados, los habituales con resistencia a los antimicrobianos u otros nuevos insospechados. En comparación con otras enfermedades, las infecciosas son únicas por su carácter transmisible. Pero también por su impredecible potencial pándémico, la adaptabilidad evolutiva de los microorganismos causantes, la capacidad para inducir una respuesta inmunitaria más o menos efectiva, la causalidad directa y única (a diferencia de otras enfermedades multifactoriales), la posibilidad de prevenirlas e incluso erradicarlas en algunos casos, su estrecha relación con el comportamiento humano, el frecuente origen en especies animales (zoonosis) y los efectos adicionales que pueden tener sus tratamientos1. Las enfermedades infecciosas emergentes son aquellas que aparecen por primera vez o que, habiendo existido previamente, aumentan su incidencia, virulencia, resistencia o distribución geográfica2,3. Según la propia definición, se subclasifican en: verdaderamente emergentes (como el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, VIH), re-emergentes
Tidal breathing lung function analysis of wheezing and non-wheezing infants with pneumonia: A retrospective observational study

To compare lung function in wheezing and non-wheezing infants with pneumonia through tidal breathing analysis and explore the correlation between tidal breathing lung function and clinical characteristics. This retrospective observational study included infants with pneumonia hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University between January 2018 and December 2018. Medical records were used to obtain the demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, tidal breathing lung function results before and after a bronchodilator test, and positive remission rates after the bronchodilator test for each patient. Eighty-six wheezing infants (64 males, aged 6.5 [4.8, 9] months) and 27 non-wheezing infants (18 males, aged 7 [5, 12] months) were included. Non-wheezing infants were more likely to have normal airway function compared to wheezing infants (44.4% vs 23.3%, P = .033). Peak tidal expiration flow/tidal expiratory flow (TEF)25 in wheezing infants was significantly higher than that in non-wheezing infants (162.4 [141.2, 200.7] vs 143.3 [131, 178.8], P = .037). The positive remission rate of tidal inspiratory flow (TIF50)/TEF50 (53.5% vs 29.6%, P = .03) and TEF50 (58.1% vs 33.3%, P = .024) were significantly higher in the wheezing infants compared to non-wheezing infants (P = .03 and P = .024, respectively). Furthermore, respiratory rate, tidal volume, peak expiration flow, TEF25, TEF50, and TEF75 were significantly correlated to the age, height, weight, and platelet counts of infants in both the wheezing and non-wheezing infants (all P < .05). Wheezing infants with pneumonia were more likely to have worse tidal breathing lung function compared to non-wheezing infants with pneumonia. The tidal breathing lung function parameter (respiratory rate, tidal volume, peak expiration flow, TEF25, TEF50, and TEF75) were correlated to the age, height, weight, and platelet counts of both wheezing and non-wheezing infants.
The analgesic efficacy of pregabalin versus placebo for septorhinoplasty: A meta-analysis

Background: The analgesic efficacy of pregabalin supplementation for septorhinoplasty remains elusive. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare pregabalin supplementation with placebo for the postoperative pain control of septorhinoplasty. Methods: We systematically searched several databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effect of pregabalin supplementation versus placebo for pain control after septorhinoplasty. This meta-analysis was conducted by fixed or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity. Results: Seven RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. In comparison with control group for septorhinoplasty, pregabalin supplementation was associated with significantly decreased pain scores at 1 h (standard mean difference [SMD] = −1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.43 to −0.47; P = .004), pain scores at 2 hours (SMD = −1.01; 95% CI = −1.83 to −0.20; P = .02), pain scores at 6 hours (SMD = −1.00; 95% CI = −1.47 to −0.54; P < .0001), number of rescue analgesics (odd ratio [OR] = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.08–0.39; P < .0001) and analgesic consumption (SMD = −2.78; 95% CI = −5.05 to −0.51; P = .02), but unraveled no obvious impact on the incidence of nausea and vomiting (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.24–1.27; P = .16). Conclusions: Pregabalin supplementation was effective to improve pain relief after septorhinoplasty.
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dry grape extract (Nor‐Grape® α) for all avian species (Nor‐Feed S.A.S.)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dry grape extract (Nor‐Grape® α) as a zootechnical feed additive, functional group physiological condition stabilisers ‐ increase antioxidant defences, for all avian species. The additive is already authorised for use as a feed flavouring for all animal species, except dogs. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for all avian species. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. Based on the data submitted, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be a skin or eye irritant or a dermal or respiratory sensitiser. However, the Panel considered that exposure through inhalation is likely. The use of the feed additive is considered safe for the environment. The Panel was unable to conclude on the potential of the additive to be efficacious under the proposed conditions of use.
Endocrine characteristics and risk factors of type 2 diabetes complicated with gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy: A single-center retrospective study

To analyze endocrine characteristics and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy. A total of 202 patients with T2DM with obesity who were hospitalized at our institute between January 2019 and June 2021 were selected. Based on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, 102 patients were placed in the ACTH abnormal group and 100 patients were placed in the non-ACTH abnormal group. Ninety-five healthy adults without diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, or endocrine system abnormalities who were examined at our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), ACTH level, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured to evaluate endocrine characteristics and risk factors. BMI, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, and ACTH levels in the abnormal ACTH group were significantly higher than those in the other 2 groups, while BMD was significantly lower than that in the other 2 groups (all P < .05). BMI, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, and ACTH in the non-ACTH abnormal group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas BMD was significantly lower than that in the control group (all P < .05). The plasma ACTH level in patients with abnormal ACTH levels was significantly positively correlated with BMI, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, and TC and negatively correlated with BMD (all P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BMI, advanced age, FINS, TG, and FPG were risk factors for ACTH abnormalities in patients with diabetes (odds ratio > 1, all P < .05). BMI, advanced age, FINS, TG and FPG are the risk factors of abnormal ACTH in T2DM patients with gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy.
Adaptive-Scale Selection

Adaptability is a crucial feature of filtering and differentiating methods. It was demonstrated in the previous chapters that the performance of LPA kernel estimates depends strongly on the selection of the scale parameter. In Fig. 2.6 we saw the Nadaraya-Watson estimates for different h. A small h gives the limit estimate A⋅ h (x) as a stepwise curve passing exactly through the observations. For large h the same estimator gives a constant value equal to the sample mean of the observations. For intermediate h between these small and large values, we may obtain a large variety of the estimate curves, which are different by their curvature and closeness to the observations. The idea of the Nadaraya-Watson estimator is natural and fruitful. However, the estimation curve is quite sensitive to h, and the selection of h is a key factor that is able to transform this reasonable idea into an effective working tool. A selection of a proper scale for estimation is a hot topic in both signal processing and nonparametric regression methods. The number of publications in this area is very large and growing quickly.
Bernoulli filter for joint detection and tracking of an extended object in clutter

The problem is joint detection and tracking of a non-point or extended moving object, characterised by multiple feature points, which can result in detections. Owing to imperfect detection, only some of the feature points are detected and in addition, false alarms [or clutter] can also be present. Standard tracking techniques assume point objects, that is at most one detection per object, and hence are not adequate for this problem. This study presents a principled theoretical solution in the form of the Bayes filter, referred to as the Bernoulli filter for an extended object. The derivation follows the random set filtering framework introduced by Mahler. The filter is implemented approximately as a particle filter and subsequently applied both to simulated data and a real video sequence.
From the infant to the geriatric patient—Strategies for inhalation therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Inhalation therapy represents the standard of care in children, adolescents as well as in young, middle‐aged and geriatric adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, there are only few recommendations for the choice of inhalation devices, which consider both, age‐specific limitations in young and geriatric patients. Transition concepts are lacking. In this narrative review, the available device technologies and the evidence for age‐specific problems are discussed.
New insights into the treatment of obesity

Obesity is a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease with a rising global prevalence associated with increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Treatment of obesity requires a comprehensive medical approach that includes behavioural interventions, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. The degree of weight loss with all approaches is highly heterogeneous, and long‐term weight maintenance remains challenging. For years, antiobesity medications have been limited in number, often delivering meagre efficacy and raising numerous safety concerns. Therefore, there is a need for the development of highly efficacious and safe new agents. Recent insights into the complex pathophysiology of obesity have increased our understanding of intervenable targets for pharmacotherapies to treat obesity and improve weight‐related cardiometabolic complications, namely, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. As a result, novel potent therapies have emerged, such as semaglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) recently approved for the treatment of obesity. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly significantly reduces body weight by approximately 15%, with simultaneous improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors and physical functioning in people with obesity. Tirzepatide, the first dual glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP‐1RA, has recently demonstrated that body weight reduction exceeding 20% in people with obesity and coupled with improved cardiometabolic measures is feasible. Thus, these novel agents promise to narrow the gap between the weight‐loss effects of behaviour interventions, previous pharmacotherapies, and bariatric surgery. In this narrative review, we highlight established and emerging therapeutic treatments for long‐term obesity management and position them in a framework according to their weight loss effects.
Probing mutation-induced conformational transformation of the GTP/M-RAS complex through Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Mutations highly affect the structural flexibility of two switch domains in M-RAS considered an important target of anticancer drug design. Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations were applied to probe the effect of mutations P40D, D41E, and P40D/D41E/L51R on the conformational transition of the switch domains from the GTP-bound M-RAS. The analyses of free energy landscapes (FELs) not only reveal that three mutations induce less energetic states than the wild-type (WT) M-RAS but also verify that the switch domains are extremely disordered. Principal component analysis (PCA) and dynamics analysis suggest that three mutations greatly affect collective motions and structural flexibility of the switch domains that mostly overlap with binding regions of M-RAS to its effectors, which in turn disturbs the activity of M-RAS. The analyses of the interaction network between GTP and M-RAS show that the high instability in hydrogen bonding interactions (HBIs) of GTP with residue 41 and Y42 in the switch domain I drives the disordered states of the switch domains. This work is expected to provide a molecular mechanism for deeply understanding the function of M-RAS and future drug design towards the treatment of cancers. Graphical Abstract
Combining interior and exterior characteristics for remote sensing image denoising

Abstract. Remote sensing image denoising faces many challenges since a remote sensing image usually covers a wide area and thus contains complex contents. Using the patch-based statistical characteristics is a flexible method to improve the denoising performance. There are usually two kinds of statistical characteristics available: interior and exterior characteristics. Different statistical characteristics have their own strengths to restore specific image contents. Combining different statistical characteristics to use their strengths together may have the potential to improve denoising results. This work proposes a method combining statistical characteristics to adaptively select statistical characteristics for different image contents. The proposed approach is implemented through a new characteristics selection criterion learned over training data. Moreover, with the proposed combination method, this work develops a denoising algorithm for remote sensing images. Experimental results show that our method can make full use of the advantages of interior and exterior characteristics for different image contents and thus improve the denoising performance.
Anorexia Nervosa With Comorbid Severe Depression

Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and is a predictor of greater clinical severity. However, there is a limited amount of evidence supporting the use of psychotropic medications for its management. A systematic scoping review was conducted to assess the current literature on brain stimulation treatments for AN with comorbid MDD, with a specific focus on MDD treatment response and weight restoration. This review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the PubMed, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE databases were searched until July 2022 using specific key words related to AN and brain stimulation treatments. A total of 373 citations were identified, and 49 treatment studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. The initial evidence suggests that electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep-brain stimulation may be effective in managing comorbid MDD in AN. Emerging evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation may have a positive effect on body mass index in individuals with severe to extreme AN. However, there is a need for the development of better measurement techniques for assessing the severity of depression in the context of AN. Controlled trials that are adequately designed to account for these limitations are highly warranted for deep-brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and hold promise for providing clinically meaningful results.
Autonomic Correlates of Letter Cancelation Task: What the Attention Load May Evoke?

Objective: Attention can be assessed through Letter cancelation tasks (LCT) that employ visuospatial selection and appropriate motor responses. We examined the performance in the LCT with increasing attention load, and determined the related autonomic changes. Methods: Autonomic parameters were estimated in healthy males at baseline and during three different cognitive load conditions using the LCT. Results: Results revealed a statistically significant difference (n = 30) in the percent accuracy (χ2(2) = 15.2, p < . 001) and percent omission (χ2(2) = 13.3, p = 0.001) with the increasing challenge in the LCT. The vagally-mediated measures of heart rate variability were significantly decreased with the commencement of the task revealing a parasympathetic withdrawal. The respiratory sinus arrythmia was decreased, and the photoplethysmography amplitude was significantly reduced (χ2(3) = 14.2, p = 0.003) as the attention demand increased. Conclusion: The performance declined with the increasing attention load. LCT evokes autonomic perturbations though overall autonomic variability does not change remarkably.
TONSL Is an Immortalizing Oncogene and a Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer.

Study of genomic aberrations leading to immortalization of epithelial cells has been technically challenging due to the lack of isogenic models. To address this, we used healthy primary breast luminal epithelial cells of different genetic ancestry and their hTERT-immortalized counterparts to identify transcriptomic changes associated with immortalization. Elevated expression of TONSL (Tonsoku-like, DNA repair protein) was identified as one of the earliest events during immortalization. TONSL, which is located on chromosome 8q24.3, was found to be amplified in approximately 20% of breast cancers. TONSL alone immortalized primary breast epithelial cells and increased telomerase activity, but overexpression was insufficient for neoplastic transformation. However, TONSL-immortalized primary cells overexpressing defined oncogenes generated estrogen receptor-positive adenocarcinomas in mice. Analysis of a breast tumor microarray with approximately 600 tumors revealed poor overall and progression-free survival of patients with TONSL-overexpressing tumors. TONSL increased chromatin accessibility to pro-oncogenic transcription factors, including NF-κB and limited access to the tumor-suppressor p53. TONSL overexpression resulted in significant changes in the expression of genes associated with DNA repair hubs, including upregulation of several genes in the homologous recombination (HR) and Fanconi anemia pathways. Consistent with these results, TONSL-overexpressing primary cells exhibited upregulated DNA repair via HR. Moreover, TONSL was essential for growth of TONSL-amplified breast cancer cell lines in vivo, and these cells were sensitive to TONSL-FACT complex inhibitor CBL0137. Together, these findings identify TONSL as a regulator of epithelial cell immortalization to facilitate cancer initiation and as a target for breast cancer therapy. SIGNIFICANCE The chr.8q24.3 amplicon-resident gene TONSL is upregulated during the initial steps of tumorigenesis to support neoplastic transformation by increasing DNA repair and represents a potential therapeutic target for treating breast cancer.