Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal configuration and control strategy in a multi-carrier-energy system using reinforcement learning methods

The efficient integration of renewable energy in the present infrastructure requires the use of storage technologies and the inclusion of other energy sectors as electricity and natural gas to use synergistic effects. In this paper we present an approach to find an optimal solution using Reinforcement Learning (RL) methods. We use the concept of “Energy Hub” (EH) and “Smart Grid” to improve the operation of multi-carrier energy systems. The RL agent finds the optimal configuration of the EH (the combination of gas-turbines, furnaces, transformers and storage devices) together with the optimal control strategy of these devices to minimize the total device and unit costs while satisfying the customers' electrical and heat loads. This problem is setup as a continuous control problem, different RL algorithms are benchmarked using the RLLab framework. We were able to find and validate a set of optimal configurations and corresponding control strategies. The presented method can be used with arbitrary energy hub configurations and load profiles. The provided solution is able to adapt the control over time and respond to changes in the load profiles.
Transformation of Online Representation through Time in Relations to Honesty and Accountability Characteristics

In order to understand the evolution of online identities, we measured the correlation between past and the current representations of self on My Space social network. We applied several techniques and proposed a personality classifier to calculate the level of honesty and accountability for over 2 million users. We formulized a transformation algorithm to measure both static and dynamic features of identity traits over time. This experiment provides evidence of the dynamic nature of profiles' information, the social network structure and the group similarities. In this paper, we will discuss how online identities progress during one year time frame and what impact it may have to determine user's characteristics. This analysis can be used to develop a technology to predict the taxonomy of identities and the direction of online social representation.
Can purchasing information be used to predict adherence to cardiovascular medications? An analysis of linked retail pharmacy and insurance claims data

Objective The use of retail purchasing data may improve adherence prediction over approaches using healthcare insurance claims alone. Design Retrospective. Setting and participants A cohort of patients who received prescription medication benefits through CVS Caremark, used a CVS Pharmacy ExtraCare Health Care (ECHC) loyalty card, and initiated a statin medication in 2011. Outcome We evaluated associations between retail purchasing patterns and optimal adherence to statins in the 12 subsequent months. Results Among 11 010 statin initiators, 43% were optimally adherent at 12 months of follow-up. Greater numbers of store visits per month and dollar amount per visit were positively associated with optimal adherence, as was making a purchase on the same day as filling a prescription (p<0.0001 for all). Models to predict adherence using retail purchase variables had low discriminative ability (C-statistic: 0.563), while models with both clinical and retail purchase variables achieved a C-statistic of 0.617. Conclusions While the use of retail purchases may improve the discriminative ability of claims-based approaches, these data alone appear inadequate for adherence prediction, even with the addition of more complex analytical approaches. Nevertheless, associations between retail purchasing behaviours and adherence could inform the development of quality improvement interventions.
Bond Performance Between Ultra-High Performance Concrete and Prestressing Strands

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is an emerging material in the concrete industry. It has a compressive strength 2 to 3 times greater than High Performance Concrete (HPC) and a flexural strength 2 to 6 times greater. These mechanical properties of UHPC make it ideal for prestressing applications. Before UHPC can be used in a prestressing application, bond performance between the UHPC and the prestressing strands is one of the behaviors that need to be studied further. Standard half-inch prestressing strands and half-inch oversized strands were cast into UHPC blocks with varying embedment depths. Strands were also cast into a conventional concrete block to serve as the control. Pull-out tests were performed while instrumentation measured the displacement occurring in the strands and the load being applied to the strands. The results showed that the UHPC displayed superior bond performance as compared with the conventional concrete. Approved: Eric Steinberg Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Down-regulated Genes in Mouse Dental Papillae and Pulp

Important factors involved in odontogenesis in mouse dental papillae disappear between the pre- and post-natal stages of development. Therefore, we hypothesized that certain genes involved in odontogenesis in dental papillae were subject to pre-/post-natal down-regulation. Our goal was to identify, by microarray analysis, which genes were down-regulated. Dental papillae were isolated from embryonic 16-day-, 18-day- (E16, E18), and post-natal 3-day-old (P3) murine first mandibular molar germs and analyzed by microarray. The number of down-regulated genes was 2269 between E16 and E18, and 3130 between E18 and P3. Drastic down-regulation (fold change > 10.0) of Adamts4, Aldha1a2, and Lef1 was observed at both E16 and E18, and quantitative RT-PCR revealed a post-natal reduction in their expression (Adamts4, 1/3; Aldh1a2, 1/13; and Lef1, 1/37). These results suggest that down-regulation of these three genes is an important factor in normal odontogenesis in dental papillae.
Massey and Fukaya products on elliptic curves

This note is a continuation of our paper with E. Zaslow "Categorical mirror symmetry: the elliptic curve", math.AG/9801119. We compare some triple Massey products on elliptic curve with the corresponding Fukaya products on the symplectic torus and recover the classical identity due to Kronecker. We also compute some triple Fukaya products such that the corresponding Massey products are not correctly defined.
Cryptomyrus: a new genus of Mormyridae (Teleostei, Osteoglossomorpha) with two new species from Gabon, West-Central Africa

Abstract We use mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data to show that three weakly electric mormyrid fish specimens collected at three widely separated localities in Gabon, Africa over a 13-year period represent an unrecognized lineage within the subfamily Mormyrinae and determine its phylogenetic position with respect to other taxa. We describe these three specimens as a new genus containing two new species. Cryptomyrus, new genus, is readily distinguished from all other mormyrid genera by a combination of features of squamation, morphometrics, and dental attributes. Cryptomyrus ogoouensis, new species, is differentiated from its single congener, Cryptomyrus ona, new species, by the possession of an anal-fin origin located well in advance of the dorsal fin, a narrow caudal peduncle and caudal-fin lobes nearly as long as the peduncle. In Cryptomyrus ona, the anal-fin origin is located only slightly in advance of the dorsal fin, the caudal peduncle is deep and the caudal-fin lobes considerably shorter than the peduncle. Continued discovery of new taxa within the “Lower Guinea Clade” of Mormyridae highlights the incompleteness of our knowledge of fish diversity in West-Central Africa. We present a revised key to the mormyrid genera of Lower Guinea.
Colloidal heterostructures of semiconductor quantum wells : synthesis, characterization and applications

COLLOIDAL HETEROSTRUCTURES OF SEMICONDUCTOR QUANTUM WELLS: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS Yusuf Keleştemur Ph.D. in Materials Science and Nanotechnology Advisor: Hilmi Volkan Demir June 2017 Colloidal semiconductor quantum wells, also known as nanoplatelets (NPLs), have recently emerged as a new class of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals enabling fascinating excitonic properties. With their quasi two-dimensional structure resembling epitaxially-grown quantum wells, these atomically-flat nanoplatelets exhibit narrow emission linewidths, giant linear and nonlinear absorption cross-sections, and ultrafast fluorescence lifetimes when compared to other classes of semiconductor nanocrystals. These appealing features have led to achievement of low lasing thresholds and high color purity by using simple heterostructures of these NPLs. To further exploit the benefits of these solutionprocessed NPLs and develop next-generation colloidal optoelectronic devices, novel heterostructures of NPLs with superior excitonic properties are in high demand. In this thesis, to address these needs, we proposed and demonstrated novel heterostructured NPLs. This thesis includes the rational design and systematic synthesis and characterization of these hetero-NPLs. To overcome the lower photoluminescence quantum yield (PL-QY) and stability issues of core/shell NPLs, we successfully synthesized CdSe/CdS/CdS core/crown/shell NPLs resembling platelet-in-a-box. With this advanced architecture, we accomplished substantially enhanced PL-QY and absorption crosssection as well as stability, allowing for the achievement of low-threshold optical gain. However, due to the pure vertical confinement observed in these NPLs, these exciting excitonic features of NPLs suffered from the limited spectral tunability. By developing homogenously alloyed CdSexS1−x NPLs together with their alloyed core/crown and alloyed core/shell heterostructures, we succeeded in obtaining highly tunable excitonic features and further extending tunability of the optical gain from these NPLs. In addition to the NPLs having Type-I electronic structure, we demonstrated the highly uniform growth of CdSe/CdTe core/crown NPLs having Type-II electronic structure exhibiting unique excitonic properties. iv
Characterization of CCL19 and CCL21 in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the expression of CCL19 and CCL21 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue (ST) and to examine their regulation and pathogenetic role in macrophages and RA ST fibroblasts. METHODS Expression of CCL19 and CCL21 in RA and normal ST was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry analysis. CCL19 and CCL21 levels in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and RA were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Regulation of CCL19 and CCL21 expression in in vitro-differentiated RA peripheral blood macrophages as well as RA ST fibroblasts was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Proangiogenic factor production in CCL19- and CCL21-activated in vitro-differentiated peripheral blood macrophages and RA ST fibroblasts was examined by ELISA. RESULTS CCL19 and CCL21 were elevated in RA ST compared to tissue from normal controls. Levels of CCL19 and CCL21 were greatly increased in RA and PsA SF versus OA SF. In RA macrophages and fibroblasts, expression of CCL19 was increased by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). However, CCL21 expression was modulated only by IL-1β in RA fibroblasts, and by TNFα and RA SF in RA macrophages. CCL19 and CCL21 activation induced vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin I (Ang I) production in RA ST fibroblasts and secretion of IL-8 and Ang I from macrophages. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study identify, for the first time, regulators of CCL19 and CCL21 in RA fibroblasts and in vitro-differentiated RA peripheral blood macrophages and demonstrate a novel role of CCL19/CCL21 in angiogenesis in RA.
A case definition for national and international neonatal bloodstream infection surveillance

Objective: Neonatal bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major contributor to mortality, health service costs, and the population burden of lifelong neurodisability. BSI surveillance, an essential component of infection control, requires an unambiguous standardised case definition as variability would invalidate any comparative analyses. In neonates a high proportion of blood cultures yield a mixed growth or skin commensals, principally coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). As this might represent either genuine BSI or contamination, clinical correlates are necessary, but this adds to the difficulty of agreeing an objective, standardised case definition. Design: Utilising data from 26 UK neonatal units, the population prevalence of 12 predefined clinical signs of infection captured daily for 28 days was evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, odds ratio and positive predictive value of each sign and sequential numbers of grouped signs were determined to develop a predictive model for a positive blood culture. Sandwich estimates of the standard errors of the logistic regression coefficients were used to take account of the correlations between these repeated measures. The model was tested in an independent data set. Results: ⩾3 clinical signs had the best predictive accuracy for a positive blood culture (76.2% specificity; 61.5%, 46.9% and 78.2% sensitivity for all positive cultures, cultures yielding CoNS, or a recognised pathogen, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that a simple case definition for national and international neonatal BSI surveillance is provided by a blood culture yielding a recognised pathogen in pure culture, or a mixed growth or skin commensal plus ⩾3 predefined clinical signs.
Addressing optical, recombination and resistive losses in crystalline silicon solar cells

The performance of any photovoltaic device is determined by its ability to mitigate optical, recombination, and resistive energy losses. This thesis investigates new materials and nascent technologies to address these energy loss mechanisms in crystalline silicon solar cells. Optical losses, specifically the suppression of energy losses resulting from front surface reflection, are first analysed. The use of reactive ion etched black silicon texturing, a nano-scale surface texture, is assessed with respect to the two conventional texturing processes: isotexture and random pyramids. While nano-scale surface textures offer a means of almost eliminating front surface reflection, relatively poor internal optical properties (i.e. light trapping) compared to both conventional textures can compromise any optical gains realised on the front surface. It is also shown that enhanced recombination losses remains a barrier to the application of black silicon texturing to further improve high performance devices, though this will likely have less of an impact on multi-crystalline silicon cells where bulk recombination dominates. The suppression of recombination losses at surface defects by gallium oxide (Ga2O3), an alternative to aluminium oxide (Al2O3), is also investigated. It is demonstrated that, as in Al2O3, thin films of amorphous Ga2O3 can passivate surface defects through a direct reduction of recombination active defects and via the establishment of a high negative charge density. Further investigations demonstrate that Ga2O3 is applicable to random pyramid surfaces textures, and is compatible with plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposited silicon nitride (SiNx) capping for anti-reflection purposes. Indeed, the Ga2O3 / SiNx stack is shown to result in enhanced thermal stability and surface passivation properties comparable to state-of-the-art Al2O3 films. In addition, it is also
FIRST MALE SPERM PRIORITY IN THE BOWL AND DOILY SPIDER, FRONTINELLA PYRAMITELA (WALCKENAER)

Males generally produce many times more gametes than females. Consequently in species where males contribute nothing more to their offspring than gametes, there will be strong competition between males for fertilization of females' eggs (Bateman, 1948). This competition does not necessarily end when mating finally occurs. If females store sperm and have an opportunity to mate with more than one male, these males' sperm may still compete within the female reproductive tract (Parker, 1970). Sperm priority, the order in which stored sperm from several males is used in fertilization, can affect the evolution of male reproductive anatomy (Waage, 1979a), physiology (Bishop, 1920; Craig, 1967), and behavior (Parker, 1974; Waage, 197 9b). Spiders have a high potential for sperm competition because females store sperm for long periods (Bristowe, 1958; Valerio, 1970; Forster and Forster, 1973) and often mate with several males (Montgomery, 1903; Levi, 1968; Jackson, 1978, 1980a). Though much research has recently been done on the more obvious aspects of intermale competition in spiders (e.g., Rovner, 1968; Aspey, 1977; Christenson and Goist, 1979; Jackson, 1980b; Vollrath, 1980), little is known about sperm competition in the taxon (but see Jackson, 1980a and Vollrath, 1980). However, knowing the details of sperm competition is vital to understanding the operation of sexual selection and the evolution of associated traits in any animal group in which such competition may occur. Experiments to determine the details of sperm competition in the bowl and doily spider (Frontinella pyramitela: Linyphiidae), and the effect of female reproductive history on male mating behavior will be discussed below.
A generic algorithm for mid-call audio codec switching

We present and evaluate an algorithm that performs in-call selection of the most appropriate audio codec given prevailing conditions on the network path between the end-points of a voice call. We have studied the behaviour of different codecs under varying network conditions, in doing so deriving the impairment factors for non-ITU-T codecs so that the E-model can be used to assess voice call quality for them. Moreover, we have studied the drawbacks of codec switching from the end user perception point of view; our switching algorithm seeks to minimise this impact. We have tested our algorithm on different packages that contain a selection of the most commonly used codecs: G.711, SILK, ILBC, GSM and SPEEX. Our results show that in many typical network scenarios, our switching codecs mid-call algorithm results in better Quality of Experience (QoE) than would have been achieved had the initial codec been used throughout the call.
Are all granzymes cytotoxic in vivo?

Abstract Granzymes are serine proteases mainly found in cytotoxic lymphocytes. The most-studied member of this group is granzyme B, which is a potent cytotoxin that has set the paradigm that all granzymes are cyototoxic. In the last 5 years, this paradigm has become controversial. On one hand, there is a plethora of sometimes contradictory publications showing mainly caspase-independent cytotoxic effects of granzyme A and the so-called orphan granzymes in vitro. On the other hand, there are increasing numbers of reports of granzymes failing to induce cell death in vitro unless very high (potentially supra-physiological) concentrations are used. Furthermore, experiments with granzyme A or granzyme M knock-out mice reveal little or no deficit in their cytotoxic lymphocytes’ killing ability ex vivo, but indicate impairment in the inflammatory response. These findings of non-cytotoxic effects of granzymes challenge dogma, and thus require alternative or additional explanations to be developed of the role of granzymes in defeating pathogens. Here we review evidence for granzyme cytotoxicity, give an overview of their non-cytotoxic functions, and suggest technical improvements for future investigations.
Protective Protein as an Endogenous Endothelin Degradation Enzyme in Human Tissues (*)

An enzyme hydrolyzing the carboxyl terminus of endothelin-1 was detected in control human tissues but was deficient in tissues from a patient with galactosialidosis, a metabolic disease caused by the protective protein gene mutation. It was proportional to the amount of immunologically estimated mature protective protein. An antibody against the lysosomal protective protein/β-galactosidase complex precipitated the enzyme activity almost completely. Transfection of the human cDNA for protective protein resulted in high expression of the enzyme activity in transformed fibroblasts from a galactosialidosis patient. These results indicated that the mature protective protein is a major soluble endogenous endothelin degradation enzyme in human tissues.
The rcbA Gene Product Reduces Spontaneous and Induced Chromosome Breaks in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Elevated levels of DnaA cause excessive initiation, which leads to an increased level of double-strand breaks that are proposed to arise when newly formed replication forks collide from behind with stalled or collapsed forks. These double-strand breaks are toxic in mutants that are unable to repair them. Using a multicopy suppressor assay to identify genes that suppress this toxicity, we isolated a plasmid carrying a gene whose function had been unknown. This gene, carried by the cryptic rac prophage, has been named rcbA for its ability to reduce the frequency of chromosome breaks. Our study shows that the colony formation of strains bearing mutations in rep, recG, and rcbA, like recA and recB mutants, is inhibited by an oversupply of DnaA and that a multicopy plasmid carrying rcbA neutralizes this inhibition. These and other results suggest that rcbA helps to maintain the integrity of the bacterial chromosome by lowering the steady-state level of double-strand breaks.
WiiMedia: motion analysis methods and applications using a consumer video game controller

"WiiMedia" is a study using the WiiRemote, a new consumer video game controller from Nintendo's, for media art, pedagogical applications, scientific research and innovative unprecedented entertainment systems. Normally, consumer hardwares, like standard controllers of new video game platforms, are closed to public developers. The Nintendo's WiiRemote however can be connected easily to an ordinary PC thanks to a BlueTooth adapter. Thus, public developers can access to the WiiRemote's acceleration and IR sensors via this wireless connection. We think it might enlarge the non-professional game development environment with a new innovative game controller. However, when we tried to develop our projects with the WiiRemote, we encountered many difficulties because the only data that can be captured are basic data and not the full player's motion. Through the WiiMedia project, with the development of a few applications, we developed some motion analysis methods using the WiiRemote. This paper describes case studies that include states of the arts and several motion analysis methods.
Personal genome sequencing: current approaches and challenges.

The revolution in DNA sequencing technologies has now made it feasible to determine the genome sequences of many individuals; i.e., "personal genomes. " Genome sequences of cells and tissues from both normal and disease states have been determined. Using current approaches, whole human genome sequences are not typically assembled and determined de novo, but, instead, variations relative to a reference sequence are identified. We discuss the current state of personal genome sequencing, the main steps involved in determining a genome sequence (i.e., identifying single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] and structural variations [SVs], assembling new sequences, and phasing haplotypes), and the challenges and performance metrics for evaluating the accuracy of the reconstruction. Finally, we consider the possible individual and societal benefits of personal genome sequences.