Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Demand Response and Battery Storage Coordination Algorithm for Providing Microgrid Tie-Line Smoothing Services

This paper presents a demand response (DR) and battery storage coordination algorithm for providing microgrid tie-line smoothing services. A modified coordinating control strategy is implemented through two-way communication networks to manage distributed heat pumps in a microgrid for smoothing the tie-line (connect the microgrid to the main grid) power fluctuations. A total of 1000 residential electric heat pumps and a battery storage system are modeled to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm. The impact of outdoor temperature changes and customer room temperature preferences is considered in the simulation. The results show that coordinating with DR programs can significantly reduce the size of conventional energy storage systems for large-scale integration of renewable generation resources in microgrids and improve the power quality.
Intrauterine infusion of prostaglandins and decidualization in rats with uteri differentially sensitized for the decidual cell reaction.

Experiments were performed to determine if the time- and hormone-dependencies of the decidual cell reaction in rats were maintained when prostaglandins (PGs) were infused into the uterine lumen from Alzet osmotic mini-pumps. Ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol and progesterone were used. In the infusion experiments, to reduce uterine PG production during decidualization, the rats received a single s.c. injection of 2 mg indomethacin before pump insertion, and the infusion vehicle contained 0.5 mM indomethacin. Decidualization was assessed by uterine weights 5 days after pump insertion or intrauterine injection of 100 microliter of sesame oil. Temporal changes in sensitization were investigated by treating the rats with estradiol and progesterone to achieve the equivalents of Day 4, 5 or 6 of pseudopregnancy. Sensitization was greatest on Day 5 as indicated by decidualization in response to intrauterine sesame oil. Hormone-dependency was investigated by administering varying amounts of estradiol to rats for the 2 days preceding and on the day of uterine treatment (totals of 0, 0.4 and 3 micrograms estradiol); thereafter, until sacrifice, all rats received the same combination of estradiol and progesterone. Uterine sensitization was greatest in rats receiving the intermediate dose of estradiol. The ability of PGs to produce decidualization when infused into nonsensitized uteri ranged from having no effect (in rats receiving the high dose of estradiol) to producing almost as much decidualization (in low estradiol animals) as in the maximally sensitized animals. In general, PGE2 was more effective than PGF2 alpha. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Separable Dictionary Learning

Many techniques in computer vision, machine learning, and statistics rely on the fact that a signal of interest admits a sparse representation over some dictionary. Dictionaries are either available analytically, or can be learned from a suitable training set. While analytic dictionaries permit to capture the global structure of a signal and allow a fast implementation, learned dictionaries often perform better in applications as they are more adapted to the considered class of signals. In imagery, unfortunately, the numerical burden for (i) learning a dictionary and for (ii) employing the dictionary for reconstruction tasks only allows to deal with relatively small image patches that only capture local image information. The approach presented in this paper aims at overcoming these drawbacks by allowing a separable structure on the dictionary throughout the learning process. On the one hand, this permits larger patch-sizes for the learning phase, on the other hand, the dictionary is applied efficiently in reconstruction tasks. The learning procedure is based on optimizing over a product of spheres which updates the dictionary as a whole, thus enforces basic dictionary properties such as mutual coherence explicitly during the learning procedure. In the special case where no separable structure is enforced, our method competes with state-of-the-art dictionary learning methods like K-SVD.
Context-Aware Writing in Ubiquitous Learning Environments

With the popularization of the wireless network, and the progress of mobile computing technology, the efficiency of the hand-held device is better, and its applications are wider. Combining hand-held device and E-learning will be the main learning method in the future. This research employs wireless network, hand-held device, and RFID to build context-aware writing system (C-Writing for short) in ubiquitous learning environments. After the learner using the C-Writing in the ubiquitous learning environment actually, we evaluate the result of learning by their works with/without C-Writing. We use the questionnaire to evaluate the learning situations; here the questionnaire contains the content of the users' attitudes, system acceptance, system quality, content quality, and interactive with environment. The result of research shows most of the students approve this system's benefit, and he/she is willing to use similar system in the future. Learners can efficient improve learning performance and attract attention of learners through this system.
Survey on the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and bone metabolic markers and evaluation of their correlations with osteoporosis in perimenopausal woman in Xi’an region

It has been accepted that vitamin D (VD) plays an important role in bone metabolism. However, the levels of VD in people of different regions are quite different and there is still no final conclusion on the significant correlation between VD and osteoporosis. 245 cases of peri-menopausal women were collected to study the relationship between VD and osteoporosis in western China. The mean value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D for the participants was 14.39 ng/mL. The average values of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were 47.62 pg/mL, 2.26 mmol/L and 1.18 mmol/L, respectively. The average value of bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar vertebrae was -1.20 SD and that in femoral neck was -0.04 SD. Compared with normal group, PTH of VD deficiency group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), Ca was remarkably decreased (P < 0.01) while the BMD between these two groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). VD was in positive correlation with the age (P < 0.01) and Ca (< 0.01) of the participants, negative correlation with PTH (P < 0.01) while no significant correlation with the BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck (P > 0.05). The risk factors resulting in the occurrence of osteoporosis in the lumbar vertebrae of the participants covered Ca increase (OR = 66.247, P<0.05), age growth (OR = 1.194, P<0.01) and menopause (OR = 2.285, P<0.05). This study has found that the status of VD deficiency showed no significant correlation with the level of BMD, which hinted that independent measurement of the bone metabolic markers, including Ca, P, VD and PTH, was difficult to accurately reflect the status of BMD in peri-menopausal women of this region. It’s necessary to combine multi-site bone scanning to diagnose the patients’ status of osteoporosis so as to provide reasonable guidance for early clinical prevention and treatment.
LIDAR AND PICTOMETRY IMAGES INTEGRATED USE FOR 3 D MODEL GENERATION

The territorial data acquisition technologies vary second of the final product scale use. So it can be passed that the classical topographical survey or terrestrial laser scanners survey for engineering works, up to the satellite images multispectral analysis for regional scale and over.The classical aerial photogrammetry and LiDAR have a territory nadir (straight-down) vision, however, in many cases, the possibility to have a scene oblique vision can reveal very interesting. The Pictometry technology of images taking comes really meeting to this demand of a different vision of the environment. The system is composed of 5 cameras: one takes picture the territory in nadir way, the others four simultaneously take pictures the territory with oblique frames in 90°directions staggered. This allows to collect a series of pictures with a different point of view from the typical nadir sight. Widening the photogrammetric use of this data type, it is possible to think about exploiting the contained information in the oblique images for the three-dimensional object extraction and the 3-D models construction also in the urban zones where, a lot of times, the purely nadir images doesn't succeed in furnishing all the necessary information to such purpose. In this paper we will present the first result of a work which has the aim to find a way to use the oblique aerial images taken from pictometry system in order to improve 3D LiDAR model for a relatively small areas.
The size effect in corrosion greatly influences the predicted life span of concrete infrastructures

Size significantly affects the ability of reinforced concrete specimens to withstand corrosion under chloride exposure. Forecasting the life of concrete infrastructures in corrosive environments presents a long-standing and socially relevant challenge in science and engineering. Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete is the main cause for premature degradation of concrete infrastructures worldwide. Since the middle of the past century, this challenge has been tackled by using a conceptual approach relying on a threshold chloride concentration for corrosion initiation (Ccrit). All state-of-the-art models for forecasting chloride-induced steel corrosion in concrete are based on this concept. We present an experiment that shows that Ccrit depends strongly on the exposed steel surface area. The smaller the tested specimen is, the higher and the more variable Ccrit becomes. This size effect in the ability of reinforced concrete to withstand corrosion can be explained by the local conditions at the steel-concrete interface, which exhibit pronounced spatial variability. The size effect has major implications for the future use of the common concept of Ccrit. It questions the applicability of laboratory results to engineering structures and the reproducibility of typically small-scale laboratory testing. Finally, we show that the weakest link theory is suitable to transform Ccrit from small to large dimensions, which lays the basis for taking the size effect into account in the science and engineering of forecasting the durability of infrastructures.
Dimension Reduction and Dynamics of a Spiking Neural Network Model for Decision Making under Neuromodulation

Previous models of neuromodulation in cortical circuits have used either physiologically based networks of spiking neurons or simplified gain adjustments in low-dimensional connectionist models. Here we reduce a high-dimensional spiking neuronal network model, first to a four-population mean-field model and then to a two-population model. This provides a realistic implementation of neuromodulation in low-dimensional decision-making models, speeds up simulations by three orders of magnitude, and allows bifurcation and phase-plane analyses of the reduced models that illuminate neuromodulatory mechanisms. As modulation of excitation-inhibition varies, the network can move from unaroused states, through optimal performance to impulsive states, and eventually lose inhibition-driven winner-take-all behavior: all are clear outcomes of the bifurcation structure. We illustrate the value of reduced models by a study of the speed-accuracy tradeoff in decision making. The ability of such models to recreate neuromodulatory dynamics of the spiking network will accelerate the pace of future experiments linking behavioral data to cellular neurophysiology.
Dissecting Torsin/cofactor function at the nuclear envelope: a genetic study

Torsins are essential, disease-relevant ATPases, but their function is unknown. Monitoring of nuclear envelope morphology after deletion of multiple Torsins or their cofactors reveals a robust inner nuclear membrane–blebbing phenotype in HeLa cells. Nucleoporins and ubiquitin are defining molecular components of these omega-shaped blebs.
Effects of extrusion conditions on the physicochemical properties of soy protein/gluten composite

Soybean protein-gluten blend was extruded using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Effects of different extrusion conditions on the textural properties of extrudates were analyzed by central composite design through the evaluation of texturization index, water holding capacity, and hardness of extruded protein products. Extrusion process variables including feed moisture content (40%-60%), screw speed (12-20 Hz), extrusion temperature (120°C-180°C), and gluten content (16%-32%) were studied by the nonlinear regression equations analysis. The extrusion process was also optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The influence of moisture content on the hardness of extrudate was the most significant. The optimized results, including feed moisture content, extrusion temperature, screw speed and gluten content were 49.18%-50.15%, 155.24°C-159.86°C, 16.41-16.73 Hz, 20.00%-20.03%, respectively. The microstructures of TISP products were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the changes of protein molecules before and after extrusion were also analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Keywords: soybean protein, gluten, extrusion, response surface methodology (RSM), SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, Microstructural properties DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe. 20181104.4162 Citation: Wu M, Sun Y, Bi C H, Ji F, Li B R, Xing J J. Effects of extrusion conditions on the physicochemical properties of soy protein/gluten composite. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(4): 230-237.
Evaluation of Caffeine Plasma Levels by an Automated Enzyme Immunoassay (EMIT) in Comparison with a High‐Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method

Summary: A new enzyme immunoassay (EMIT) for the measurement of levels of caffeine in plasma was adapted to an automated centrifugal analyzer (Cobas Bio) and compared with a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Precision of the EMIT test was similar to that of the HPLC method with intraassay coefficients of variation in the range of 2.0–4.1% (EMIT) and 1.5–3.3% (HPLC), respectively, depending on the concentration range tested. Day-to-day precision ranged from 2.7 to 5.6% for EMIT and was 3% for HPLC. Comparison of 69 patient samples assayed with both methods yielded the following equation: y = 1.06x + 1.25 μmol/L, r = 0.994 (x = HPLC, y = EMIT). Evaluation of the cross-reactivity of the three main human caffeine metabolites revealed no significant interference from theobromine and theophylline; however, there was significant interference (28%) by paraxan-thine at a concentration range from 2.5 to 80 μmol/L. At low caffeine concentrations, up to 10 μmol/L, the level of this metabolite may be more than twice the corresponding caffeine concentration; therefore, the latter may be falsely elevated in the EMIT test. Despite this cross-reactivity, the new EMIT test proved to be suitable for use in a drug assay laboratory, as well as in the routine screening of outpatients for liver disease.
Robust stability analysis of DC microgrids with constant power loads

This paper studies stability analysis of DC microgrids with uncertain constant power loads (CPLs). It is well known that CPLs have negative impedance effects, which may cause instability in a DC microgrid. Existing works often study the stability around a given equilibrium based on some nominal values of CPLs. However, in real applications, the equilibrium of a DC microgrid depends on the loading condition that often changes over time. Different from many previous results, this paper develops a framework that can analyze the DC microgrid stability for a given range of CPLs. The problem is formulated as a robust stability problem of a polytopic uncertain linear system. By exploiting the structure of the problem, we derive a set of sufficient conditions that can guarantee robust stability. The conditions can be efficiently checked by solving a convex optimization problem in polynomial time. The effectiveness and non-conservativeness of the proposed framework are demonstrated using a simulation example.
Reexamination of the Observed Decadal Variability of the Earth Radiation Budget Using Altitude-Corrected ERBE/ERBS Nonscanner WFOV Data

Abstract This paper gives an update on the observed decadal variability of the earth radiation budget (ERB) using the latest altitude-corrected Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE)/Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) Nonscanner Wide Field of View (WFOV) instrument Edition3 dataset. The effects of the altitude correction are to modify the original reported decadal changes in tropical mean (20°N to 20°S) longwave (LW), shortwave (SW), and net radiation between the 1980s and the 1990s from 3.1, −2.4, and −0.7 to 1.6, −3.0, and 1.4 W m−2, respectively. In addition, a small SW instrument drift over the 15-yr period was discovered during the validation of the WFOV Edition3 dataset. A correction was developed and applied to the Edition3 dataset at the data user level to produce the WFOV Edition3_Rev1 dataset. With this final correction, the ERBS Nonscanner-observed decadal changes in tropical mean LW, SW, and net radiation between the 1980s and the 1990s now stand at 0.7, −2.1, and 1.4 W m−2, respectivel.
A Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Therapeutic Outcomes of Infliximab- versus Tacrolimus-Based Strategies for Steroid-Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Background/Aims. Antitumor necrosis factor antibodies and calcineurin inhibitors have shown good therapeutic efficacy for steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Although some studies have compared the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) and cyclosporin A, there are no published studies comparing IFX and tacrolimus (Tac). This study aimed to compare therapeutic efficacies between IFX- and Tac-based strategies for steroid-refractory UC. Methods. Between July 2009 and August 2013, 95 patients with steroid-refractory UC received either IFX (n = 48) or Tac (n = 47) in our hospital. In the IFX group, the patients continued to receive maintenance treatment with IFX. In the Tac group, patients discontinued Tac treatment up to 3 months and subsequently received thiopurine. We retrospectively compared the therapeutic outcomes between the groups. Results. There was no significant difference in the colectomy-free rate, clinical remission rate, and clinical response rate at 2 months between the groups. However, relapse-free survival was significantly higher in the IFX group than in the Tac group (p < 0.001; log-rank test). The proportions of serious adverse events did not differ between the groups. Conclusion. The findings of our study showed that IFX and Tac have similar short-term therapeutic efficacy for steroid-refractory UC. Maintenance treatment with IFX, however, yields better long-term outcomes than Tac-thiopurine bridging treatment.
Childhood Adiposity as a Predictor of Cardiac Mass in Adulthood: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Background—The association between left ventricular hypertrophy, an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and CV risk factors has been well documented in childhood and in adulthood. However, information on the relationship between left ventricular mass (LVM) in adults and longitudinal measurements of CV risk factors from childhood to adulthood is limited. Methods and Results—LVM was obtained with 2D M-mode echocardiography in a community-based sample of 467 young adults (71% white and 29% black) aged 20 to 38 years who were examined an average of 6 times for CV risk factors from childhood to adulthood. The average follow-up period was 21.5 years. The cumulative burden of each risk factor was calculated as the area under the curve for each individual. Compared with whites, blacks had greater LVM (indexed to height2.7; P<0.05). In multiple regression analyses, adiposity (measured as body mass index) in childhood, adiposity and systolic blood pressure in adulthood, and the cumulative burden of adiposity and systolic blood pressure from childhood to adulthood were significant predictors of LVM index in young adults. Conclusions—These observations, by showing that adiposity beginning in childhood is a consistent predictor of LVM in young adults, underscore the importance of obesity in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy and the need for early prevention.
Fostering Self-Compassion and Loving-Kindness in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Randomized Pilot Study.

The aim of this randomized pilot study is to investigate the effects of a short training programme in loving-kindness and compassion meditation (LKM/CM) in patients with borderline personality disorder. Patients were allocated to LKM/CM or mindfulness continuation training (control group). Patients in the LKM/CM group showed greater changes in Acceptance compared with the control group. Remarkable changes in borderline symptomatology, self-criticism and self-kindness were also observed in the LKM/CM group. Mechanistic explanations and therapeutic implications of the findings are discussed. HIGHLIGHTS Three weeks of loving-kindness and compassion meditations increased acceptance of the present-moment experience in patients with borderline personality disorder. Significant improvements in the severity of borderline symptoms, self-criticism, mindfulness, acceptance and self-kindness were observed after the LKM/CM intervention. LKM/CM is a promising complementary strategy for inclusion in mindfulness-based interventions and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for treating core symptoms in borderline personality disorder. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in European Label and Guideline Adherence After Updated Recommendations for Stroke Thrombolysis: Results From the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke Registry

Background—Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke is subject to label and guideline contraindications. Updated European guidelines in 2008/2009 recommended IVT in selected patients aged >80 years and stroke onset-to-treatment time 3 to 4.5 hours, which the label still prohibited. Our aim was to compare contraindication nonadherence before and after the guideline update. Methods and Results—Data on IVT-treated patients with stroke at 232 European hospitals participating in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke registry during both periods 2006 to 2007 (n=6354) and 2010 to 2011 (n=12 046). After the 2008/2009 guideline update, the proportion of patients nonadherent to label increased from 23.6% to 51.1% (P<0.001). Specifically, nonadherence to onset-to-treatment time >3 hours increased from 8.2% to 27.9% and IVT in patients aged >80 years from 8.9% to 17.2% (both P<0.001). Nonadherence also increased to the contraindications severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >25), onset-to-treatment time >4.5 hours, blood pressure >185/110 mm Hg, and ongoing oral anticoagulation (all P⩽0.001). Higher hospital IVT patient volumes were associated with higher nonadherence rates. Conclusions—After the European guideline update, new recommendations were promptly adopted and nonadherence to the unchanged label increased. Label contraindications should be updated.