Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk-Constrained Profit Maximization for Microgrid Aggregators With Demand Response

In this paper, we consider the operation optimization for a microgrid (MG) aggregator, which can procure energy from various sources including the pool market and local distributed energy resources to serve MG customers. We assume that the MG aggregator sells electricity to customers at a predefined retail rate and it also offers customers various contracts for adjusting their loads. Our design objective is to determine the optimal hourly bids that the MG aggregator submits to the day-ahead market to maximize its profit. To deal with various uncertainties, a risk-constrained scenario-based stochastic programming framework is proposed where the MG aggregator's risk aversion is modeled using conditional value at risk method. The proposed formulation enables customers' demand response (DR) aggregation to be integrated into the operation of the MG aggregator via contractual agreements. This design is not only beneficial for both MG aggregator and customers, but also facilitates the operation of the system operator (SO), since a single entity (i.e., the MG aggregator) is visible to the SO instead of two separate entities (i.e., a MG aggregator and a DR aggregator). Extensive numerical results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Lessons from Chlorophylls: Modifications of Porphyrinoids Towards Optimized Solar Energy Conversion

Practical applications of photosynthesis-inspired processes depend on a thorough understanding of the structures and physiochemical features of pigment molecules such as chlorophylls and bacteriochlorophylls. Consequently, the major structural features of these pigments have been systematically examined as to how they influence the S1 state energy, lifetimes, quantum yields, and pigment photostability. In particular, the effects of the macrocyclic π-electron system, central metal ion (CMI), peripheral substituents, and pigment aggregation, on these critical parameters are discussed. The results obtained confirm that the π-electron system of the chromophore has the greatest influence on the light energy conversion capacity of porphyrinoids. Its modifications lead to changes in molecular symmetry, which determine the energy levels of frontier orbitals and hence affect the S1 state properties. In the case of bacteriochlorophylls aggregation can also strongly decrease the S1 energy. The CMI may be considered as another influential structural feature which only moderately influences the ground-state properties of bacteriochlorophylls but strongly affects the singlet excited-state. An introduction of CMIs heavier than Mg2+ significantly improves pigments' photostabilities, however, at the expense of S1 state lifetime. Modifications of the peripheral substituents may also influence the S1 energy, and pigments’ redox potentials, which in turn influence their photostability.
Hydrodynamic surrogate models for bio-inspired micro-swimming robots

Research on untethered micro-swimming robots is growing fast owing to their potential impact on minimally invasive medical procedures. Candidate propulsion mechanisms of robots are based on flagellar mechanisms of micro organisms such as rotating rigid helices and traveling plane-waves on flexible rods. For design and control of swimming robots, accurate real-time models are necessary to compute trajectories, velocities and hydrodynamic forces acting on robots. Resistive force theory (RFT) provides an excellent framework for the development of real-time six degrees-of-freedom surrogate models for design optimization and control. However the accuracy of RFT-based models depends strongly on hydrodynamic interactions. Here, we introduce interaction coefficients that only multiply body resistance coefficients with no modification to local resistance coefficients on the tail. Interaction coefficients are obtained for a single specimen of Vibrio Algino reported in literature, and used in the RFT model for comparisons of forward velocities and body rotation rates against other specimens. Furthermore, CFD simulations are used to obtain forward and lateral velocities and body rotation rates of bio-inspired swimmers with helical tails and traveling-plane waves for a range of amplitudes and wavelengths. Interaction coefficients are obtained from the CFD simulation for the helical tail with the specified amplitude and wavelength, and used in the RFT model for comparisons of velocities and body rotation rates for other designs. Comparisons indicate that hydrodynamic models that employ interaction coefficients prove to be viable surrogates for computationally intensive three-dimensional time-dependent CFD models. Lastly, hydrodynamic models of bio-inspired swimmers are used to obtain optimal amplitudes and wavelengths of flagellar mechanisms, as a demonstration of the approach.
A new look into the reaction between ergosterol and singlet oxygen in vitro

The reaction of ergosterol (ERGO) with singlet oxygen in vitro was studied by using different combinations of the photosensitizers ( i.e. rose Bengal and eosine) and solvents ( i.e. pyridine, ethanol and methyl tert -butyl ether) and all the products obtained were isolated and fully characterized (mp, R f , UV, ^1H-NMR, ^13C-NMR, EI-MS, ESI-MS and HR-MS). In pyridine, together with the expected (22 E )-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol, EEP , the keto derivative (22 E )-3β-hydroxyergosta-5,8(9),22-trien-7-one, KE , was obtained. In ethanol the expected EEP was obtained together with (22 E )-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,9,22-trien-3β-ol, EEP9(11) , and (22 E )-ergosta-6,9,22-triene-3β,5α,8α-triol, DHOE , as main products and (22 E )-ergosta-5,7,9,22-tetraen-3β-ol, DHE , in trace amounts. In methyl tert -butyl ether, a complex mixture of EEP , KE , DHOE , EEP9(11) , DHE , together with (22 E )-7α-hydroperoxyergosta-5,8(9),22-trien-3β-ol, EHP , and (22 E )-ergosta-5,8(9),22-triene-3β,7α-diol, EH , was obtained. The minor products were characterized and showed strong dependence on the reaction medium. The regioselective and stereoselective character of the singlet oxygen attack on the ERGO diene moiety is discussed in terms of ERGO HOMO’s properties.
Presence of Circulating CCR10+ T cells and Elevated Serum CTACK/CCL27 in the Early Stage of Mycosis Fungoides

Purpose: Mycosis fungoides (MF), a common type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma with an indolent clinical course, has the characteristic that malignant T cell clones are recruited into the skin from the early disease stages. The mechanisms of recruitment have been suggested from our knowledge of various chemokine-chemokine receptor interactions. Recently, CCR10 and CTACK/CCL27 were proposed to play a role in the recruitment of other types of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. We examined the expression of CCR10 in peripheral blood and serum CTACK/CCL27 levels in patients with MF. Experimental Design: Eighteen patients with MF, six patients with atopic dermatitis, and nine healthy volunteers were enrolled in our investigation. We investigated the differences in CCR10+ CD4+ expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry. Serum CTACK/CCL27 levels were determined using a CTACK/CCL27 ELISA assay kit. Results: The number of circulating CCR10+ CD4+ cells was significantly higher in MF peripheral blood than in controls, even during the early stages. In lesional MF skin, infiltrating tumor cells also showed extensive expression of CCR10. The serum level of CTACK/CCL27 was higher in patients with MF than normal controls, but no statistical difference was found compared with atopic dermatitis patients. Conclusions: CCR10-CTACK/CCL27 interactions between circulating T cells and keratinocytes would seem to play an important role in the pathophysiology of MF from the early disease stages.
Postural Control in a Fall Risk Situation in the Elderly: Stepping Over an Obstacle Under Dual-Task Conditions

Avoiding and negotiating obstacles is a common cause of falling in the elderly. There is also evidence that walking under dual-task conditions, which requires a high level of attention, is associated with an elevated risk of falls in older adults. To better understand the role of dual-tasking in the disturbance of postural control when subjects are faced with obstacles, we used a simple quantification method to assess postural control after obstacle clearance. Sixty healthy elderly volunteers (aged 66-85 years) were tested for their postural stabilization on a force platform under the five follow- ing conditions: i) simple walking, ii) walking and stepping over an obstacle, and iii to v) walking and stepping over the obstacle under dual or triple-task conditions, the secondary task being either motor or cognitive for the dual-task and a combination of both for the triple-task. Postural control was assessed by determining both the distance covered by the cen- ter of pressure (COP) and the root-mean-square of the medio-lateral COP displacement. Only the latter differed signifi- cantly between walking conditions. In the "walking plus stepping" conditions, the motor and cognitive secondary tasks led to opposite effects, the motor task perturbed whereas the cognitive task improved postural control. These findings highlight the adverse effects of performing a secondary motor task while walking under challenging conditions, and con- firm the appropriate prioritization of postural control over a cognitive task in cognitively unimpaired older subjects. These results also indicate that this near ecological approach may be useful for fall risk investigations in the elderly.
Novel device for application of continuous mechanical tensile strain to mammalian cells

ABSTRACT During orthodontic tooth movement, the periodontal ligament (PDL) is exposed to continuous mechanical strain. However, many researchers have applied cyclic tensile strain, not continuous tensile strain, to PDL cells in vitro because there has been no adequate device to apply continuous tensile strain to cultured cells. In this study, we contrived a novel device designed to apply continuous tensile strain to cells in culture. The continuous tensile strain was applied to human immortalized periodontal ligament cell line (HPL cells) and the cytoskeletal structures of HPL cells were examined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of both inflammatory and osteogenic markers was also examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The osteogenic protein, Osteopontin (OPN), was also detected by western blot analysis. The actin filaments of HPL cells showed uniform arrangement under continuous tensile strain. The continuous tensile strain increased the expression of inflammatory genes such as IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and TNF-α, and osteogenic genes such as RUNX2 and OPN in HPL cells. It also elevated the expression of OPN protein in HPL cells. These results suggest that our new simple device is useful for exploring the responses to continuous tensile strain applied to the cells. Summary: Continuous tensile strain from the device changed the cell morphology and increased the expression of inflammatory and osteogenic gene. These effects were similar to those in the PDL during orthodontic tooth movement.
Challenges and Resilience in the Lives of Multiracial Adults: the Development and Validation of a Measure

Title of Dissertation: CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE IN THE LIVES OF MULTIRACIAL ADULTS: THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A MEASURE Nazish M. Salahuddin, Doctor of Philosophy, 2008 Directed By: Associate Professor Karen M. O’Brien, Department of Psychology The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate the Multiracial Challenges and Resilience Scale (MCRS). The MCRS is a measure of the types of challenges (i.e., Others’ Surprise/Disbelief Reactions, Lack of Family Acceptance/Understanding, Multiracial Discrimination, Feelings of Disconnection from Family and Friends) and resilience (i.e., Appreciation of Human Differences, Multiracial Pride) experienced by Multiracial adults. Participants (N = 317) included a national sample of individuals who identified their biological parents as representing two or more different racial groups. All participants resided in large metropolitan areas within the continental United States at the time of data collection. Data were collected through the use of an internet survey containing the MCRS and measures used to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Internal consistency estimates of subscales ranged from . 76 to . 83. Convergent validity was supported through positive relations of the Challenge subscales with depression and positive relations of the Resilience scales with self-esteem. Discriminant validity was supported through the absence of correlations between the Challenges scales and Orderliness and lack of relationship between the Resilience scales and Social Desirability. Directions for future research and the limitations of this study are discussed. CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE IN THE LIVES OF MULTIRACIAL ADULTS: THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A MEASURE
Brk is coamplified with ErbB2 to promote proliferation in breast cancer

Amplification of the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2 is frequently observed in breast cancer. Amplification of erbB2 is also associated with multiple genomic gains and losses; however, the importance of these associated changes is largely unknown. We demonstrate that Brk, a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is coamplified and coexpressed with ErbB2 in human breast cancers. ErbB2 interacts with Brk and increases its intrinsic kinase activity. Expression of Brk enhances the ErbB2-induced activation of Ras/MAPK signaling and cyclin E/cdk2 activity to induce cell proliferation of mammary 3-dimensional acini in culture. In a murine model of breast cancer, expression of Brk was found to shorten the latency of ErbB2-induced tumors by promoting cell proliferation, with no effect on protection from apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of Brk conferred resistance to the ability of Lapatinib, an ErbB2 kinase inhibitor, to inhibit ErbB2-induced proliferation. Thus, we identified Brk as a drug target for ErbB2-positive cancers.
The Evolution of Moral Codes of Behavior

Within a standard stochastic evolutionary framework, we study the evolution of morality, both at the level of behavior and at the level of codes of behavior. These moral codes involve sanctioning deviant agents. We provide conditions under which the presence of any small degree of inter-group selection allows the emergence of moral codes which improve social efficiency. The result depends on both the efficacy of the available sanctioning technology and on the ratio of the number of members which societies are composed of to the number of societies in conflict. Group-level mutations (influential leaders, religion and collective deliberative process) can work as an inducement to the evolution of morality. We also consider the possibility that a moral code involves rewards rather than sanctions. Although no system of rewards will evolve, we show that its presence can facilitate the emergence of a sanctioning code.
The influence of poorly interconnected fault zone flow paths on spring geochemistry

Thermal springs commonly occur along faults because of the enhanced vertical permeability afforded by fracture zones. Field and laboratory studies of fault zone materials document substantial heterogeneities in fracture permeabilities. Modeling and field studies of springs suggest that spatial variations in permeability strongly influence spring locations, discharge rates and temperatures. The impact of heterogeneous permeability on spring geochemistry, however, is poorly documented. We present stable isotope and water chemistry data from a series of closely spaced thermal springs associated with the Hayward Fault, California. We suggest that substantial spatial variations observed in d 18 O and chloride values reflect subsurface fluid transport through a poorly connected fracture network in which mixing of subsurface waters remains limited. Our measurements provide insight into the effect of fracture zone heterogeneities on spring geochemistry, offer an additional tool to intuit the nature of tectonically induced changes in fault zone plumbing, and highlight the need to consider local variations when characterizing fracture zone fluid geochemistry from spring systems with multiple discharge sites.
Unmasking the roles of N- and C-terminal flanking sequences from exon 1 of huntingtin as modulators of polyglutamine aggregation

Significance How do N- and C-terminal flanking sequences from exon 1 of the huntingtin protein modulate the mechanisms of polyglutamine aggregation? We answer this question using approaches that combine distinct probes of aggregation mechanisms with measurements of solubility and aggregate morphologies. The N- and C-terminal flanking sequence modules from exon 1 of huntingtin act as gatekeepers, whereby the N-terminal flanking sequence accelerates fibril formation while destabilizing nonfibrillar species, whereas the C-terminal flanking sequence reduces the overall driving force for aggregation. These results provide a mechanistic underpinning for observations regarding naturally occurring sequence contexts as modulators of polyglutamine toxicity. Huntington disease is caused by mutational expansion of the CAG trinucleotide within exon 1 of the huntingtin (Htt) gene. Exon 1 spanning N-terminal fragments (NTFs) of the Htt protein result from aberrant splicing of transcripts of mutant Htt. NTFs typically encompass a polyglutamine tract flanked by an N-terminal 17-residue amphipathic stretch (N17) and a C-terminal 38-residue proline-rich stretch (C38). We present results from in vitro biophysical studies that quantify the driving forces for and mechanisms of polyglutamine aggregation as modulated by N17 and C38. Although N17 is highly soluble by itself, it lowers the saturation concentration of soluble NTFs and increases the driving force, vis-à-vis homopolymeric polyglutamine, for forming insoluble aggregates. Kinetically, N17 accelerates fibril formation and destabilizes nonfibrillar intermediates. C38 is also highly soluble by itself, and it lends its high intrinsic solubility to lower the driving force for forming insoluble aggregates by increasing the saturation concentration of soluble NTFs. In NTFs with both modules, N17 and C38 act synergistically to destabilize nonfibrillar intermediates (N17 effect) and lower the driving force for forming insoluble aggregates (C38 effect). Morphological studies show that N17 and C38 promote the formation of ordered fibrils by NTFs. Homopolymeric polyglutamine forms a mixture of amorphous aggregates and fibrils, and its aggregation mechanisms involve early formation of heterogeneous distributions of nonfibrillar species. We propose that N17 and C38 act as gatekeepers that control the intrinsic heterogeneities of polyglutamine aggregation. This provides a biophysical explanation for the modulation of in vivo NTF toxicities by N17 and C38.
Why Does Nutrition Deteriorate Rapidly among Children under 2 Years of Age? Using Qualitative Methods to Understand Community Perspectives on Complementary Feeding Practices in Bangladesh

Background Child undernutrition remains high in South Asian and sub-Saharan African countries. Rapid declines in nutritional status occur before the age of 2 years, particularly during the period of complementary feeding. Improving complementary feeding practices is a neglected area in nutrition programs. Objective To understand community perspectives on complementary feeding practices in order to inform the design of future interventions for improved complementary feeding. Methods From May through August 2009, data were collected in two rural locations and one urban location in Bangladesh through semistructured interviews, food attributes exercises, 24-hour dietary recalls, opportunistic observations, and trials of improved practices (TIPs). Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also carried out among family members and community opinion leaders. Results Lay perceptions about complementary feeding differ substantially from international complementary feeding recommendations. A large proportion of children do not consume sufficient amounts of complementary foods to meet their energy and micronutrient needs. There was a gap in knowledge about appropriate complementary foods in terms of quality and quantity and strategies to convert family foods to make them suitable for children. Complementary feeding advice from family members, peers, and health workers, the importance given to feeding young children, and time spent by caregivers in feeding influenced the timing, frequency, types of food given, and ways in which complementary feeding occurred. Conclusions Perceptions and practices related to complementary feeding need to be effectively addressed to improve the levels of child undernutrition. Lack of understanding of children's nutritional needs and insufficient time for feeding children are key barriers to complementary feeding.
Non-interactive and reusable non-malleable commitment schemes

We consider non-malleable (NM) and universally composable (UC) commitment schemes in the common reference string (CRS) model. We show how to construct non-interactive NM commitments that remain non-malleable even if the adversary has access to an arbitrary number of commitments from honest players - rather than one, as in several previous schemes. We show this is a strictly stronger security notion. Our construction is the first non-interactive scheme achieving this that can be based on the minimal assumption of existence of one-way functions. But it can also be instantiated in a very efficient version based on the strong RSA assumption. For UC commitments, we show that existence of a UC commitment scheme in the CRS model (interactive or not) implies key exchange and - for a uniform reference string - even implies oblivious transfer. This indicates that UC commitment is a strictly stronger primitive than NM. Finally, we show that our strong RSA based construction can be used to improve the most efficient known UC commitment scheme so it can work with a CRS of size independent of the number of players, without loss of efficiency.
Self and other in the explanation of behavior: 30 years later

It has been hypothesized that actors tend to attribute behavior to the situation whereas observers tend to attribute behavior to the person (Jones & Nisbett 1972). The authors argue that this simple hypothesis fails to capture the complexity of actual actor-observer differences in people's behavioral explanations. A new framework is proposed in which reason explanations are distinguished from explanations that cite causes, especially stable traits. With this framework in place, it becomes possible to show that there are a number of distinct actor-observer asymmetries in explanation, each stemming from a distinct psychological process by which explanations are generated.