Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Charging/Discharging Control for Electric Vehicles Considering Power System Constraints and Operation Costs

With the popularization of electric vehicles (EVs), the influence on power systems is receiving increasing attention. According to statistics, EVs are in a parking state for more than 90% of the time, thus, the electric energy of the EVs accumulated by aggregators can be used to support the operation of power systems. This paper takes reducing operation costs as the objective function and considers the constraints of EVs and power systems to establish the optimal charging/discharging control of electric vehicles, which meet the operational safety of power systems and convenient driving. The influence on operation costs, peak load, and loss for the proposed charging/discharging two-way control, charging-only control, and free charging modes of EVs are compared. The influence of battery charging and discharging efficiency on these results is also discussed in this paper.
How (Not) to Integrate Blood Subtyping Technology to Kidney Exchange

Even though kidney exchange became an important source of kidney transplants over the last decade with the introduction of market design techniques to organ transplantation, the shortage of kidneys for transplantation is greater than ever. Due to biological disadvantages, patient populations of blood types B/O are disproportionately hurt by this increasing shortage. The disadvantaged blood types are overrepresented among minorities in the US. In order to mitigate the disproportionate harm to these biologically disadvantaged groups, the UNOS reformed in 2014 the US deceased-donor kidney-allocation system, utilizing a technological advance in blood typing. The improved technology allows a certain fraction of blood type A kidneys, referred to as subtype A2 kidneys, to be transplanted to medically qualified patients of blood types B/O. The recent reform prioritizes subtype A2 deceased-donor kidneys for blood type B patients only. When restricted to the deceased-donor allocation system, this is merely a distributional reform with no adverse impact on the overall welfare of the patient population. In this paper we show that the current implementation of the reform has an unintended consequence, and it de facto extends the preferential allocation to kidney exchange as well. Ironically this “spillover” not only reduces the number of living-donor transplants for the overall patient population, but also for the biologically disadvantaged groups who are the intended beneficiaries of the reform. We show that minor variations of the current policy do not suffer from this unintended consequence, and we make two easy-to-implement, welfare-increasing policy recommendations.
Feedback Regulation of Endothelial Cell Surface Plasmin Generation by PKC-dependent Phosphorylation of Annexin A2*

In response to blood vessel injury, hemostasis is initiated by platelet activation, advanced by thrombin generation, and tempered by fibrinolysis. The primary fibrinolytic protease, plasmin, can be activated either on a fibrin-containing thrombus or on cells. Annexin A2 (A2) heterotetramer (A2·p11)2 is a key profibrinolytic complex that assembles plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator and promotes plasmin generation. We now report that, in endothelial cells, plasmin specifically induces activation of conventional PKC, which phosphorylates serine 11 and serine 25 of A2, triggering dissociation of the (A2·p11)2 tetramer. The resulting free p11 undergoes ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation, thus preventing further translocation of A2 to the cell surface. In vivo, pretreatment of A2+/+ but not A2−/− mice with a conventional PKC inhibitor significantly reduced thrombosis in a carotid artery injury model. These results indicate that augmentation of fibrinolytic vascular surveillance by blockade of serine phosphorylation is A2-dependent. We also demonstrate that plasmin-induced phosphorylation of A2 requires both cleavage of A2 and activation of Toll-like receptor 4 on the cell surface. We propose that plasmin can limit its own generation by triggering a finely tuned “feedback” mechanism whereby A2 becomes serine-phosphorylated, dissociates from p11, and fails to translocate to the cell surface.
Comparative Pharmacology of Josamycin and Erythromycin Stearate

Two macrolide antibiotics, josamycin and erythromycin stearate, were administered orally to healthy, adult male volunteers for a comparative study of their pharmacological properties. In comparable doses, josamycin and erythromycin produced similar plasma concentrations, with similar half-lives and elimination constants. An initial loading dose of 1.5 g of josamycin produced greater peak concentrations of antibiotic throughout a 10-day period with a regimen of every 6 h. In addition, josamycin tended to reach higher peak and trough concentrations after regimens of every 6 or 8 h were maintained for 2 days. Josamycin penetrated into saliva, sweat, and tears, and it was better tolerated in fasting subjects than was erythromycin stearate.
Public Health Insurance and Private Savings

Recent theoretical work suggests that means and asset-tested social insurance programs can explain the low savings of lower income households in the U.S. We assess the validity of this hypothesis by investigating the effect of Medicaid, the health insurance program for low income women and children, on savings behavior. We do so using data on asset holdings from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, and on consumption from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, matched to information on the eligibility of each household for Medicaid. Exogenous variation in Medicaid eligibility is provided by the dramatic expansion of this program over the 1984-1993 period. We document that Medicaid eligibility has a sizeable and significant negative effect on wealth holdings; we estimate that in 1993 the Medicaid program lowered wealth holdings by 17.7% among the eligible population. We confirm this finding by showing a strong positive association between Medicaid eligibility and consumption expenditures; in 1993, the program raised consumption expenditures among eligibles by 5.2%. We also exploit the fact that asset testing was phased out by the Medicaid program over this period to document that these Medicaid effects are much stronger in the presence of an asset test, confirming the importance of asset testing for household savings decisions.
One-year weight maintenance after significant weight loss in healthy overweight and obese subjects: does diet composition matter?

BACKGROUND For many people, maintenance of weight loss is elusive. Whereas high-protein (HP) diets have been found to be superior to high-carbohydrate (HC) diets for weight loss in the short term, their benefits long term are unclear, particularly for weight maintenance. Furthermore, the literature lacks consensus on the long-term effects of an HP diet on cardiovascular disease risk factors. OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate whether macronutrient dietary composition plays a role in weight maintenance and in improvement of cardiovascular disease risk factors. DESIGN The study comprised 2 phases. Phase 1 featured a very-low-energy diet for 3 mo. In phase 2, the subjects were randomly assigned to an HP or an HC diet for 12 mo. The diets were isocaloric, tightly controlled, and individually prescribed for weight maintenance. The subjects were overweight or obese but otherwise healthy men and women. RESULTS The subjects lost an average of 16.5 kg during phase 1 and maintained a mean (+/-SEM) weight loss of 14.5 +/- 1.2 kg (P < 0.001) during phase 2; no significant differences between groups were observed. By the end of the study, reductions in systolic blood pressure were 14.3 +/- 2.4 mm Hg for the HP group and 7.7 +/- 2.2 mm Hg for the HC group (P < 0.045). Forty-seven percent of the 180 subjects who began the study completed both phases. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the protein or carbohydrate content of the diet has no effect on successful weight-loss maintenance. A general linear model analysis indicated that dietary treatment (HP or HC) was a significant factor in systolic blood pressure change and in favor of the HP diet. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT 00625236.
Statistical Applications in Genetics and Molecular Biology Incorporating Duplicate Genotype Data into Linear Trend Tests of Genetic Association : Methods and Cost-Effectiveness

The genome-wide association (GWA) study is an increasingly popular way to attempt to identify the causal variants in human disease. Duplicate genotyping (or re-genotyping) a portion of the samples in a GWA study is common, though it is typical for these data to be ignored in subsequent tests of genetic association. We demonstrate a method for including duplicate genotype data in linear trend tests of genetic association which yields increased power. We also consider the cost-effectiveness of collecting duplicate genotype data and find that when the relative cost of genotyping to phenotyping and sample acquisition costs is less than or equal to the genotyping error rate it is more powerful to duplicate genotype the entire sample instead of spending the same money to increase the sample size. Duplicate genotyping is particularly costeffective when SNP minor allele frequencies are low. Practical advice for the implementation of duplicate genotyping is provided. Free software is provided to compute asymptotic and permutation based tests of association using duplicate genotype data as well as to aid in the duplicate genotyping design decision.
ApoB/apoA-I ratio: an independent predictor of insulin resistance in US non-diabetic subjects.

BACKGROUND Recently, the apoB/apoAI ratio has been associated with the metabolic syndrome; however, is unclear if its association with insulin resistance is mediated through traditional risk factors or if it adds an independent risk by itself. The aim of this study was to assess the independent association between apoB/apoAI ratio and insulin resistance in the US non-diabetic population. METHODS We examined the association between high apoB/apoAI ratio and insulin resistance among 2955 adults (mean age 47 years; 1457 women) without diabetes (fasting glucose < or =7 mmol/L and not taking diabetes medication), who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Insulin resistance was estimated using the computer homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2) and defined as the upper quartile. The updated ATP-III definition of the metabolic syndrome was used. First, logistic regression was applied to estimate the cross-sectional association between apoB/apoAI (highest quartile vs. lowest quartile) and insulin resistance adjusting for metabolic syndrome components excluding glucose. Finally, multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationships between apoB/apoAI and insulin sensitivity. RESULTS Overall, median of apoB/apoAI ratio was significantly higher in subject with insulin resistance than without (0.85, IQR 0.69-0.99 vs. 0.69, IQR 0.56-0.85; P < 0.0001). High apoB/apoAI ratio was independently associated with insulin resistance after adjustment for age and race, and remained significant after further adjustment for metabolic syndrome components, traditional and inflammatory risk factors (in men: OR, 4.12-95% CI, 1.97-8.81; in women: OR, 3.69-95% CI, 1.94-7.27). When apoB/apoAI was considered as a quantitative trait rather than dichotomized, use of the ratio improved the prediction of HOMA2 independently of metabolic syndrome components, traditional and inflammatory risk factors (in men: additional R(2) = 0.09, P < 0.001; in women: additional R(2) = 0.05, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In the US population, apoB/apoAI ratio is significantly associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects, independently of the traditional risk factors, metabolic syndrome components, and inflammatory risk factors. Important clinical risk information provided by apoB/apoAI ratio should be recognized and implemented in future clinical guidelines.
China's Economic Growth: A Miracle with Chinese Characteristics

1. Growing with Chinese Characteristics: An Introduction Part One: Growth at the Macro Level 2. Capital Formation and Growth 3. Sources of Growth 4. The role of Productivity Part Two: Growth in Regional Perspectives 5. Regional Growth, Disparity and Convergence 6. Integration and Growth in South China Part Three: Growing Through Deregulation at the Industry Level 7. Deregulation and Growth in Telecommunications Industry 8. Deregulation and Growth in the Energy Sector 9. Conclusion
Autologous and heterologous blood transfusion in head and neck cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the use of autologous blood ameliorates the increased risk for cancer recurrence that has been associated with perioperative blood transfusion. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS One hundred sixty-five consecutive patients with stages II to IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated surgically at a university hospital from January 1, 1989, through December 31, 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We evaluated the impact of perioperative autologous and heterologous blood transfusion and 10 other variables on recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. RESULTS Heterologous blood recipients had a 59% recurrence rate, whereas those who had received autologous blood or no transfusion had recurrence rates of 33% and 35%, respectively. The following 4 variables had a statistically significant association with recurrence by multivariate analysis: previous treatment of current malignancy (P<.001); receipt of heterologous blood (P = .04); positive margin (P = .04); and nodal disease (P = .04). The receipt of heterologous blood was associated with a 40% increased risk for recurrence. CONCLUSION Autologous blood products should be used during head and neck cancer surgery if possible when transfusion is necessary.
Effects of theophylline and S 9795 on hyperoxic and hypoxic pulmonary vascular tone in intact dogs.

In the literature, it remains uncertain whether methylxanthines inhibit hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. We examined the effects of theophylline and of S 9795, a new methylxanthine derivative, on multipoint mean pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa)/cardiac index (Q) relationships in 31 intact dogs, ventilated alternately in hyperoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen, FIO2 0.4) and in hypoxia (FIO2 0.1). A sequence of two 5-point Ppa/Q plots at FIO2 0.4 and at FIO2 0.1, consecutively, was performed before and after i.v. administrations of theophylline 10 mg.kg-1 (n = 8) and 25 mg.kg-1 (n = 7), of S 9795 10 mg.kg-1 (n = 8) and of placebo (n = 8). The Ppa/Q plots were rectilinear in all experimental conditions. Over the entire range of Q studied, 2-5 l.min-1.m-2, hypoxia increased Ppa in all animals. Placebo had no effect on these Ppa/Q plots. Theophylline at the lowest dose (plasma levels from 8.4-13.6 micrograms.ml-1) and S 9795 (plasma levels from 3.0-11.2 micrograms.ml-1) did not affect Ppa/Q in hyperoxia or in hypoxia. Theophylline at the highest dose (plasma levels from 17.8-40.4 micrograms.ml-1) reduced hypoxic Ppa at all levels of Q and hyperoxic Ppa at the highest Q, from 3-5 l.min-1.m-2, and inhibited hypoxia-induced increases in Ppa. We conclude that pulmonary vasoconstriction may be preserved after the lowest doses of methylxanthines recommended for the treatment of increased bronchial tone.
‘Liquid city’ - The evolution of Porto’s cultural and creative entrepreneurial ecosystem

Porto changed from a hard to a liquid city, where traditions, new fluxes of culture and people try to coexist. Entrepreneurship became a strategic priority of policymakers in the territories where Porto is embedded, arguably motivated by economic recession. In entrepreneurial ecosystems, entrepreneurship is seen as a result from the interaction between entrepreneurs and the surrounding environment. Despite much attention has been given to the study of cultural and creative industry clusters, literature applying the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach to these sectors within a region is scarce. Earlier studies have been criticized for taking a static approach to the study of entrepreneurial ecosystems. The region of Porto has a long reputation as a strong cultural and creative cluster in the national context, an idea which became concrete with a study from 2008 promoted by Serralves. How has Porto’s cultural and creative entrepreneurial ecosystem evolved since 2008? This study analyzes the interactions between the main actors and factors of Porto’s cultural and creative entrepreneurial ecosystem and explains its evolutionary dynamics. This is done by the means of an embedded case study, with qualitative semi-structured interviews to entrepreneurs and experts, supported by quantitative data from multiple sources.
The Relationship Between Strategic Orientation Dimensions and Hotel Outsourcing and Its Impact on Organizational Performance. An Application in a Tourism Destination

The study analyzes whether the strategic orientation of the firm, measured in six dimensions, influences the level of outsourcing. It also analyzes whether outsourcing has an impact on organizational performance from financial and non-financial perspectives. To do so, an important European tourist destination is analyzed. The findings suggest that the majority of the strategic dimensions influence the hotel’s level of outsourcing. The defensiveness and proactive dimensions are positively related to the level of outsourcing, whereas the competitive analysis and competitive aggressiveness dimensions influence it negatively. In addition, the riskiness dimension has a positive influence, whereas the dimension related to futurity does not influence the level of outsourcing. A positive and significant relationship is found between outsourcing and financial performance, whereas for non-financial performance, the relationship is not significant.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase proteins in growth control and cancer

The normal functions of full‐length anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) remain to be completely elucidated. Although considered to be important in neural development, recent studies in Drosophila also highlight a role for ALK in gut muscle differentiation. Indeed, the Drosophila model offers a future arena for the study of ALK, its ligands and signalling cascades. The discovery of activated fusion forms of the ALK tyrosine kinase in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has dramatically improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of these lymphomas and enhanced the pathological diagnosis of this subtype of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Likewise, the realisation that a high percentage of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours express activated‐ALK fusion proteins has clarified the causation of these mesenchymal neoplasms and provided for their easier discrimination from other mesenchymal‐derived inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) mimics. Recent reports of ALK expression in a range of carcinoma‐derived cell lines together with its apparent role as a receptor for PTN and MK, both of which have been implicated in tumourigenesis, raise the possibility that ALK‐mediated signalling could play a role in the development and/or progression of a number of common solid tumours. The therapeutic targeting of ALK may prove to have efficacy in the treatment of many of these neoplasms. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Right ventricular remodeling and updated left ventricular geometry classification: is there any relationship?

Abstract Objective: We sought to evaluate right ventricular (RV) structure and function in hypertensive patients with various left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns using an updated classification for LV geometry. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 232 hypertensive subjects. All the subjects underwent complete two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic examination. Using LV mass index, LV end-diastolic diameter and relative wall thickness, according to the updated classification, all subjects were divided into six different groups: normal LV geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH), concentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH. Results: RV wall thickness was increased in concentric and concentric-dilated LVH compared with normal LV geometry and LV concentric remodeling. RV longitudinal function was reduced in concentric and concentric-dilated patients compared with other hypertensive groups. 3D RV volumes were significantly higher in eccentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH hypertensive subjects. Conversely, 3D RV ejection fraction was lower in these groups. Conclusion: RV longitudinal myocardial function and 3D RV function are significantly influenced by LV geometry in hypertensive patients. RV remodeling is the most pronounced in the patients with concentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH geometric patterns.
Nanocomposite biomaterial mimicking aortic heart valve leaflet mechanical behaviour

The main problem with polymeric heart valves (which are already biocompatible) is that they usually fail in the long term owing to tearing and calcification of the leaflets under high dynamic tensile bending stress and oxidative reactions with blood. To overcome this shortcoming, it is hypothesized that synthetic valve leaflets which mimic native valve leaflet structure fabricated from fibre-reinforced composite material will optimize leaflet stresses and decrease tears and perforations. The objective of this study is to develop a PVA-BC (polyvinyl alcohol-bacterial cellulose)-based hydrogel that mimics not only the non-linear mechanical properties displayed by porcine heart valves, but also their anisotropic behaviour. By applying a controlled strain to the PVA samples, while undergoing low-temperature thermal cycling, it was possible to create oriented mechanical properties in PVA hydrogels. The oriented stress–strain properties of porcine aortic valves were matched simultaneously by a PVA hydrogel (15 per cent PVA, 0.5 BC cycle 4, 75 per cent initial tensile strain). This novel technique allows the control of anisotropy to PVA hydrogel, and gives a broad range of control of its mechanical properties, for specific medical device applications.