Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic pricing considering constraints of power grids

This paper deals with a model of a real-time electricity market for a smart grid, and discusses how to decide wholesale and retail prices of electricity among market participants: power consumers, power suppliers and an independent system operator. In this paper, we consider a linearized AC model of a power grid with a direct current process and show that the wholesale price for suppliers is determined as the optimal Lagrange multiplier corresponding to the nodal power balance constraints. In addition, we propose a decision procedure for the retail pricing of electricity for consumers. In order to improve the convergence speed of the algorithm, we apply the iterative gradient method with line search to a retail pricing decision procedure, in which the optimal step size is determined in each iteration step. Simulation results, finally, show the effectiveness of the proposed retail pricing decision procedure.
NK cells, displaying early activation, cytotoxicity and adhesion molecules, are associated with mild dengue disease

During the innate immune response against infections, Natural Killer (NK) cells are as important effector cells as are Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) generated after antigenic stimulation in the adaptative response. NK cells increase in numbers, after viral infection or vaccination. We investigated the NK cell and CD8 T lymphocyte status in 55 dengue infected patients. The NK (CD56+CD3‐) and CD56+ T cell (CD56+CD3+) rates rise during the acute phase of disease. The majority of NK cells from dengue patients display early markers for activation (CD69, HLA‐DR, and CD38) and cell adhesion molecules (CD44, CD11a) during the acute phase of disease. The intracellular cytotoxic granule, TIA‐1, is also up‐regulated early in NK cells. Most of these markers appear also on CD8+ T lymphocytes but during the late acute phase. Circulating IL‐15 is elevated in a significant number of patients during early acute infection and its values were statistically correlated with NK frequencies and cytotoxic markers on NKs. We have therefore shown that dengue virus infection is very likely stimulating a cytotoxic response that may be efficient in controlling the virus in synergism with CD8+ T lymphocytes. Interestingly, the heightened CD56+CD3‐, CD56+CD3+, CD56+TIA‐1+ and CD56+CD11a+ cell rates are associated with mild dengue clinical manifestations and might indicate a good prognosis of the disease.
A propensity score-based comparison of flat panel digital detector fluoroscopy versus digital cinefluoroscopy for coronary artery calcium detection.

INTRODUCTION Detection of coronary artery calcification (CAC) allows for a refined prediction of cardiovascular risk beyond global risk assessment algorithms. Newer-generation, high-resolution, flat-panel digital detector (FPDD) fluoroscopic systems may provide higher CAC detection rates compared with older fluoroscopic devices. METHODS We compared the CAC detection rates of two fluoroscopic techniques in two different cohorts of asymptomatic individuals, analyzed within a two-decade time interval. RESULTS FPDD detected CAC more frequently than the older fluoroscopy device, in the more recent and the older patient cohort of individuals, respectively. After propensity score matching to account for differences in age and risk factor prevalence, the adjusted rates of CAC detection remained higher in favor of FPDD (37.7% vs. 23.7%, p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS The ability of newer cine-fluoroscopic systems to identify CAC in a larger number of asymptomatic, intermediate-risk individuals may have implications for further risk stratification, management of risk factors and long-term prognosis.
Integrating Buprenorphine Treatment into a Public Healthcare System: The San Francisco Department of Public Health's Office-Based Buprenorphine Pilot Program

Abstract Despite well-documented efficacy, US physicians have been relatively slow to embrace the use of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence. In order to introduce and support the use of buprenorphine across the San Francisco Department of Public Health system of care, the Buprenorphine Pilot Program was initiated in 2003. Program treatment sites included a centralized buprenorphine induction clinic and program pharmacy, and three community-based treatment sites; two primary care clinics and a private dual diagnosis group practice. The target patient population consisted of opioid-dependent patients typically seen in an urban, public health setting, including individuals experiencing extreme poverty, homelessness/unstable housing, unemployment, polysubstance abuse/dependence, coexisting mental health disorders, and/or little psychosocial support. This program evaluation reviews patient characteristics, treatment retention, substance use over time, patient impressions, and provider practices for the 57 patients admitted between 9/1/03 and 8/31/05. At baseline, over 80% of patients were injecting heroin, over 40% were homeless, and over one-third were using cocaine. Outcomes included an overall one-year retention rate of 61%, a rapid and dramatic decline in opioid use, very positive patient impressions of the program and of buprenorphine, and significant shifts in provider practices over time.
A Stress Test Framework for the German Residential Mortgage Market: Methodology and Application

This paper exploits a recent and granular data set for 1,500 German LSIs to conduct a residential mortgage stress testing exercise. To account for model uncertainty when modeling PD dynamics we use a benchmark-constrained Bayesian model averaging approach that combines standard BMA with a benchmark derived from a quantile mapping between the historical PD distribution and the historical distribution of macro variables. To link LGD to current LTV we derive a reduced-form meta-dependency. In the baseline model, we quantify expected as well as unexpected losses. We show that German LSIs, though being mostly sufficiently capitalized, are susceptible to a corrective movement in house prices with a median CET1 ratio reduction of 1.5pp in the severely adverse scenario. We quantify the impact of RWA modeling on stress test results and show that the Standardized Approach leads to an up to 33% lower stress impact relative to the more risk-sensitive "pseudo-IRB" approach.
Neoadjuvant palbociclib on ER+ breast cancer (N007): clinical response and EndoPredict’s value

The purpose of the study was to test the efficacy of neoadjuvant palbociclib therapy and to evaluate its impact on cell cycle arrest and changes in EndoPredict (EP) scores before and after treatment. Postmenopausal women with histologically proven ER+ve, HER2−ve invasive breast cancer, 2 cm or greater, were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm study. Twenty eligible patients were given letrozole 2.5 mg per day together with palbociclib 125 mg per day for 3 out of 4 weeks in repeated cycles for 16 weeks (4 cycles) before surgery. The primary end points were clinical response rates (cRR) and preoperative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI). The secondary end points were pathologic response and gene expression testing with EP test on collected tumor samples. The following results were obtained. 17 patients showed a clinical response of 50% or more, including 8 complete responses and 9 partial responses. There was significant reduction in area (P < 0.0001) and volume (P = 0.017) of the cancer. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was achieved in one patient; all cancers were downgraded after treatment. Ki67 (P = 0.044) and EP scores (P < 0.0001) were significantly reduced after treatment. Analysis of the relative gene expression levels showed that all proliferative genes, IL6ST and RBBP8 were decreased after palbociclib treatment. 6 patients with intermediate and three patients with high PEPI risk scores were found to have low EPclin scores. All patients with high PEPI relapse risk score had high EPclin score. In conclusion, effective clinical response was demonstrated by neoadjuvant letrozole in combination with palbociclib. Compared with PEPI, EPclin might be a better parameter to estimate prognosis after neoadjuvant therapy.
Mobile Learning and Student Perspectives: An mReality Check!

In this paper the authors report on the results of a survey aimed at ascertaining the opinions of contemporary university students on the use of mobile devices as learning tools. Four hundred and forty two postgraduate and undergraduate students from an Australian University completed the online survey. The authors analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data focusing on the ramifications for m-learning practices in university environments. Mobile technology acceptance factors are used to highlight important findings from the survey.
Redirecting soluble antigen for MHC class I cross‐presentation during phagocytosis

Peptides presented by MHC class I molecules are mostly derived from proteins synthesized by the antigen‐presenting cell itself, while peptides presented by MHC class II molecules are predominantly from materials acquired by endocytosis. External antigens can also be presented by MHC class I molecules in a process referred to as cross‐presentation. Here, we report that mouse dendritic cell (DC) engagement to a phagocytic target alters endocytic processing and inhibits the proteolytic activities. During phagocytosis, endosome maturation is delayed, shows less progression toward the lysosome, and the endocytosed soluble antigen is targeted for MHC class I cross‐presentation. The antigen processing in these arrested endosomes is under the control of NAPDH oxidase associated ROS. We also show that cathepsin S is responsible for the generation of the MHC class I epitope. Taken together, our results suggest that in addition to solid structure uptake, DC phagocytosis simultaneously modifies the kinetics of endosomal trafficking and maturation. As a consequence, external soluble antigens are targeted into the MHC class I cross‐presentation pathway.
Monitoring traffic in computer networks with dynamic distributed remote packet capturing

We present an approach for flexible distributed remote packet capturing with additional self-adaptivity and cooperation capabilities. Such techniques are needed for gaining comprehensive insight into large computer networks. With our system it is possible to operate multiple distributed remote packet capturing sensors from arbitrary locations. Advanced features like self-adaptivity or the cooperative use of sensors help to increase the performance. Empirical results obtained with a prototype indicate that our approach is efficient and allows capturing of traffic with speeds in the order of magnitude of Gigabit Ethernet. Furthermore, our approach integrates with and enables the use of existing packet processing applications.
Metabolic flux modeling of detoxification of acetic acid by Ralstonia eutropha at slightly alkaline pH levels.

Ralstonia eutropha grows on and produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from fermentation acids. Acetic acid, one major organic acid from acidogenesis of organic wastes, has an inhibitory effect on the bacterium at slightly alkaline pH (6 g HAc/L at pH 8). The tolerance of R. eutropha to acetate, however, was increased significantly up to 15 g/L at the slightly alkaline pH level with high cell mass concentration. A metabolic cell model with five fluxes is proposed to depict the detoxification mechanism including mass transfer and acetyl-CoA formation of acetic acid and the formation of three final metabolic products, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), active biomass, and CO(2). The fluxes were measured under different conditions such as cell mass concentration, acetic acid concentration, and medium composition. The experimental results indicate that the acetate detoxification by high cell mass concentration is attributed to the increased fluxes at high extracellular acetate concentrations. The fluxes could be doubled to reduce and hence detoxify the accumulated intracellular acetate anions.
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Original Studies Prospective Assessment of Hemodialysis Access Patency After Percutaneous Intervention: Cox Proportional Hazards Analysis

Vascular access failure is the greatest limitation of successful hemodialysis, but the factors associated with long-term patency have not been fully elucidated. Outcomes in a consecutive series of 294 thrombosed or failing accesses [128 fistulas (43.5%) and 166 grafts (56.5%) in 179 patients] were analyzed with life table and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. Initial success was achieved in 275 of 294 accesses (95.6%). The median patency after intervention was 206 days (interquartile range, 79–457 days). Fistulas had longer median patency after intervention than grafts (286 vs. 170 days). Nonthrombosed accesses had longer median patency than thrombosed accesses (238 vs. 136 days), but thrombosed fistulas had similar median patency as thrombosed grafts (140 vs. 136 days). The selective use of stents as a bailout for failed balloon dilatation did not significantly reduce long-term patency (196 days for stented accesses vs. 210 days for unstented accesses). Long-term patency was inversely related to final access pressure, but access patency was not related to the presence of central venous occlusions, graft age, patient age, sex, or diabetes. Catheter-based intervention of thrombosed and failing dialysis accesses significantly prolongs patency and usefulness of dialysis accesses. The expanding use of fistulas, improved detection of early access failure, and selective use of bailout stents should enhance long-term access patency. ' 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The risks of warfarin use in the elderly

The use of warfarin in the elderly, particularly for stroke prevention in chronic atrial fibrillation, is steadily increasing. Although the benefits of warfarin are greatest in the elderly, so are the risk of adverse outcomes and the difficulties of anticoagulant management. Clinical systems need to improve to counter this therapeutic dilemma, as warfarin is likely to remain the only widely available oral anticoagulant for the foreseeable future. Aspects that require attention are: the careful selection of patients in whom treatment with warfarin is appropriate; initiating therapy in a low dose (e.g., 2.5 – 5 mg/day); thorough education of patients and carers; close monitoring, especially with any change in the patient’s regular drug therapy; involving patients more in the management of their warfarin therapy (self-monitoring/management in suitable patients); and ongoing review of the appropriateness of therapy as circumstances change.
Estimation of antioxidants dietary intake in wet age-related macular degeneration patients.

AIMS The aim of this study was to estimate the intake of antioxidant nutrients in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients, a degenerative and progressive disorder of the macula, which is the central part of the retina, associated with central vision loss. METHODS A sample (n = 52, 78.9 ± 6.6 years old, 40.4% females and 59.6% males) of patients diagnosed of AMD was interviewed. Anthropometric measurements, two 24- h recalls, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and a general questionnaire incorporating questions related to socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were used. RESULTS Most of wet AMD patients showed inadequate antioxidant nutrient intake (< 2/3 of Recommended Dietary Intake, RDI), and more than 60% of patients showed serious deficient intake (< 1/3 RDI) of lutein and zeaxanthin. Most consumed antioxidant rich foods only represented low contributions to antioxidant intake. Although adiposity is a factor risk for AMD progression; the fat and saturated fatty acids (SFA) intake of study participants were higher than the recommendations; the prevalence of overweight was 61.9% men and 58.1% in women; and 83% of patients (90.5% men and 77.4% women) showed fat mass over the cut-off limits. CONCLUSIONS The food pattern of wet AMD patients should be improved by means of an increase in the consumption of antioxidant rich foods, and a decrease in SFA rich foods.L.
Mechanical ventilation increases microvascular permeability in oleic acid-injured lungs.

The pulmonary pathology for which a patient receives ventilatory support may increase the risk of developing barotrauma, because an underlying disease process may weaken the vasculature and render the lung more susceptible to damage by mechanical ventilation. We determined the response of isolated young rabbit lungs to mechanical ventilation after oleic acid (OA) injury. New Zealand White rabbits (0.7-1.3 kg) were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (30 mg/kg), tracheotomized, and exsanguinated. The heart and lungs were isolated and perfused with autologous blood at a constant flow. The capillary filtration coefficient (Kf,c, in ml.min-1.cmH2O-1.100 g wet wt-1) and pulmonary arterial (Ppa) and venous pressures were determined before and 30 and 60 min after oleic acid administration (OA group; 0.2 ml into the venous reservoir), ventilation alone (Vent group; peak inspiratory pressure = 25 cmH2O), or oleic acid combined with ventilation (OA + Vent group). Ppa transiently increased by 4.21 +/- 0.822 cmH2O after OA administration but then returned to approximately control values. Baseline Kf,c values for OA (0.288 +/- 0.042), Vent (0.296 +/- 0.035), or OA + Vent (0.276 +/- 0.028) groups were not significantly different from each other. Kf,c after either OA administration (0.45 +/- 0.066) or Vent (0.35 +/- 0.75) were not significantly different from each other or from baseline measurements. In the group ventilated after OA administration (OA + Vent), Kf,c (0.883 +/- 0.148) increased significantly from baseline (P less than 0.001) and was significantly different from all other treatment groups. We conclude that the combination of minimal OA injury and ventilation was more deleterious to the lung than either one alone.
The effects of regulation and competition on the housing market from a structural model

Real estate activity is notably influenced by local land use regulation. By acting as red tape costs or explicitly through compensatory payments, such rules typically increase construction costs by reducing supply and increasing demand in the housing market, which leads to higher prices. This is the first study to model the decision-making process of housing supply using a game theoretic approach. To shed light on the role of regulation and competition in this industry, I employ a static-entry model that incorporates the demand, cost and strategic factors common to the activity. I built a unique data set for the city of São Paulo, Brazil, with information on the universe of new residential buildings launched in the city, along with a history of all licenses requested by the developers to the government for each project. My empirical results show that the regulation play a key role in developer activity. For the areas with the most intense activity of the city, the bureaucracy in the residential approval process cost annually R$ 47 millions (US$ 14 millions) by entrant firm.
Does allograft failure impact infection risk on peritoneal dialysis: a North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Several adult studies report that patients returning to peritoneal dialysis after allograft failure have increased infection-related morbidity. The impact of allograft failure on infection risk in children is uncertain. We compared peritonitis-free survival between pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients with prior allograft failure and those who were transplant naive. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We studied patients, 2-21 years of age, who initiated peritoneal dialysis from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2007, in the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies registry. Demographic characteristics were compared between transplant naive and allograft failure patients using a chi-squared statistic. Peritonitis-free survival was compared between the two groups using Kaplan-Meier estimates. A Cox regression analysis was performed to adjust for covariates, which impact risk of peritonitis. RESULTS Of 2829 patients on peritoneal dialysis, 445 had a prior history of allograft failure and 2384 did not (transplant naive). Demographic characteristics including age at dialysis initiation, race, primary renal disease, and era of dialysis initiation were significantly different between the two groups. Peritonitis-free survival was poorer for the allograft failure group. After covariate adjustment, allograft failure showed borderline significance as a factor predictive of peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS Children initiating peritoneal dialysis after allograft failure may experience a slightly higher infection risk.
Trends in incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, 1990-2009, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is the most frequent cancer among Thais especially people in northeastern Thailand, but there has as yet been no assessment of trend. The data of all cancers in Khon Kaen can be retrieved from data base of the Khon Kaen Cancer Registry (KKCR) which was established in 1984. OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence trend of hepatocellular carcinoma in Khon Kaen, Thailand, between 1990 and 2009. METHODS Population-based cases of liver cancer registered between 1985 and 2009 were retrieved from the KKCR data base and cases with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the coding C22.0 according to ICD-O were selected. Incidence trends were calculated using the Jointpoint analysis. RESULTS There were 7,859 cases of HCC during the study period. Males were affected two times more frequently than females. The most common age group of cases was 50 and 69 years (60.3%). Most patients were diagnosed based on radiology imaging (40.6%) while the morphology verification was 7%. The age-standardized rates (ASR) were 13.1 to 49.8 per 100,000 among males and 4.8 to 38.4 per 100,000 among females depending on year of diagnosis since 1985. Remarkably, the ASRs were clearly low during first few years of starting the registration. The overall ASRs of HCC were 30.3 per 100,000 in males (95% CI: 25.9 to 34.6) and 13.1 per 100,000 (95% CI: 10.4 to 15.8) in females. During 1990-2009, the trends in incidences have been decreasing significantly with the annual percent change (APC) of 6.2% per year (95% CI: -7.6 to -4.8) in males and by 6.5% per year in females (95% CI: -8.4 to -4.9). CONCLUSIONS The incidence trends have been decreasing in both sexes. The recent decline in incidence may represent a falling risk.