Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privacy-friendly distributed algorithm for energy management in smart grids

In recent years the amount of renewable energy sources has been massively increased. The power grids have to face great challenges, e.g. supply fluctuations caused by weather changes or efficient control of consumers. Therefore, power grids have to adapt their energy demand to the available energy sources in order to ensure operability. Smart grids and smart metering promise to overcome these challenges. However, in order to control the demand of a grid, it has to be monitored as accurately as possible to gain good results. This creates a conflict between Quality of Information (QoI) and privacy because a greater amount and accuracy of data results in a decrease of privacy. In this paper we present a privacy-friendly distributed algorithm for the energy management in smart grids that is able to shift and adapt loads and use smart encryption of user data. The algorithm uses a bucket principle where each participant has an own bucket that is encrypted individually and therefore only accessible by a trusted server and himself. In order to transfer additional information needed by the algorithm counters are used that are concealed by random values thus making it impossible to trace the source of the information. By combining all privacy measures, a high level of privacy can be achieved, from the second round of the algorithm on even complete privacy. Results show that the gain in privacy is borne by a data volume overhead.
Exploiting Irregular Variable Node Degree in a MIMO System

Low density parity check (LDPC) codes have shown excellent performance in error correction capability rivaling and even surpassing turbo codes. Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology has demonstrated the means of delivering increased diversity gain and increased throughput. This paper investigates a sub-class of LDPC codes, irregular LDPC codes, having the property whereby the number of edges incident on a node of a particular set is not uniform in the factor graph representation of the code. This non-uniform property confers differing levels of error protection to the coded bits. A singular value decomposition (SVD) of the channel matrix decouples the MIMO channel into a number of parallel sub-streams ranked by relative channel gain. By analysing the irregular LDPC code structure and coupling the coded bits with the SVD ranked sub-streams a technique is proposed for improving performance when using irregular LDPC codes in an SVD MIMO system. Simulation of the proposed scheme for BPSK and QPSK modulation schemes in a number of different indoor environments has shown a significant reduction in the observed error floor and up to a 2.2 dB gain at a bit-error rate of 1times10-4
Closed-loop control of standing neuroprosthesis using PID controller

Functional electrical stimulation (FES), applied to paralyzed or paretic muscles, can facilitate arm-free standing in patients with neurological disorders. At the same time, it has been shown that the able-bodied central nervous system regulates standing balance using a control strategy similar to proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. The objective of this study was to investigate the capability of a PID controller for regulating an FES system applied to the ankle flexors for maintaining standing balance. We compared the performance of this controller to voluntary balance control of able-bodied individuals with compromised visual, vestibular and proprioceptive senses. According to our experimental results, the proposed PID control strategy outperformed the disrupted voluntary control of the ankle flexors while it did not require larger control efforts, in terms of the ankle torque. Therefore, this control strategy could be considered in for use in neurological patients, including spinal cord injured individuals, after further validations in the future.
Detection of violent crowd behavior based on statistical characteristics of the optical flow

Detection of violent crowd behavior is an important topic in crowd surveillance. Through a study on optical flow, we can find that when crowd violence occurs, the change of variance on optical flow is become large. Hence, we introduce a statistic method based on optical flow field to detect violent crowd behaviors. Our method considers the statistical characteristics of optical flow field and extracts a statistical characteristic of the optical flow (SCOF) descriptor from these characteristics to represent the sequences of video frames. The SCOF descriptors are then categorized as either normal or violence using linear Support Vector Machine. The experiments are conducted on Crowd Database and Hockey dataset. Experimental results show the SCOF descriptor is easy and can efficiently detect the crowd violence.
The human beta fibrinogen promoter contains a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-dependent interleukin-6-responsive element

Acute-phase reactants are liver proteins whose synthesis is positively or negatively regulated during inflammation. The main mediators of this phenomenon are glucocorticoids and interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine that also controls hematopoiesis. Functional analysis of several acute-phase reactant promoter regions has identified two major DNA motifs used by IL-6-regulated genes. The first one corresponds to a CTGG(G/A)AA sequence, and the other is a binding site for members of the C/EBP family of nuclear proteins. We have previously shown that the human beta fibrinogen (beta Fg) promoter contains an IL-6-responsive region, located between bp -150 and -67 (P. Huber, M. Laurent, and J. Dalmon, J. Biol. Chem. 265:5695-5701, 1990). In this study, using DNase I footprinting, mobility shift assays, and mutagenesis, we demonstrate that at least three subdomains of this region are necessary to observe a full response to IL-6. The most distal contains a CTGGGAA motif, and its mutation inhibits IL-6 stimulation. Another, which is able to interact with several distinct nuclear proteins, among them members of the C/EBP family, is dispensable for IL-6 induction but plays an important role in the constitutive expression of beta Fg. Finally, a proximal hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 binding site, already described as the major determinant of beta Fg tissue-specific expression, is also required for IL-6 stimulation. These results indicate a complex interplay between nuclear proteins within the beta Fg IL-6-responsive region and suggest a tight functional coupling between the tissue-specific and inducible elements.
Downlink CoMP resource allocation based on limited backhaul capacity

Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) transmission is put forward in the Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) system to improve both average and cell-edge throughput. In this paper, downlink CoMP (DL-CoMP) resource allocation scheme based on limited backhaul capacity is designed to take a tradeoff between system throughput and fairness. Resource allocation of proportional fairness based on querying table is proposed. It updates RB allocation matrix when center cell has completed resource allocation and delivers the matrix to adjacent cells for their own RB allocation. Furthermore, Water-Filling algorithm based on adaptive water level (AWF) is used for power allocation to boost system fairness. In this paper, performance of downlink CoMP based on limited backhaul capacity and single-point transmission is contrasted, and results indicate that CoMP dramatically enhances system throughput and spectral efficiency. Moreover, AWF power allocation scheme obtains higher system fairness than conventional Water-Filling (WF) algorithm, although it gets slightly lower system throughput. Finally, this paper discussed that the system performance is partially affected by the percentage of CoMP resource.
Intact Flagellar Motor of Borrelia burgdorferi Revealed by Cryo-Electron Tomography: Evidence for Stator Ring Curvature and Rotor/C-Ring Assembly Flexion

ABSTRACT The bacterial flagellar motor is a remarkable nanomachine that provides motility through flagellar rotation. Prior structural studies have revealed the stunning complexity of the purified rotor and C-ring assemblies from flagellar motors. In this study, we used high-throughput cryo-electron tomography and image analysis of intact Borrelia burgdorferi to produce a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the in situ flagellar motor without imposing rotational symmetry. Structural details of B. burgdorferi, including a layer of outer surface proteins, were clearly visible in the resulting 3-D reconstructions. By averaging the 3-D images of ∼1,280 flagellar motors, a ∼3.5-nm-resolution model of the stator and rotor structures was obtained. flgI transposon mutants lacked a torus-shaped structure attached to the flagellar rod, establishing the structural location of the spirochetal P ring. Treatment of intact organisms with the nonionic detergent NP-40 resulted in dissolution of the outermost portion of the motor structure and the C ring, providing insight into the in situ arrangement of the stator and rotor structures. Structural elements associated with the stator followed the curvature of the cytoplasmic membrane. The rotor and the C ring also exhibited angular flexion, resulting in a slight narrowing of both structures in the direction perpendicular to the cell axis. These results indicate an inherent flexibility in the rotor-stator interaction. The FliG switching and energizing component likely provides much of the flexibility needed to maintain the interaction between the curved stator and the relatively symmetrical rotor/C-ring assembly during flagellar rotation.
METABOLIC (GLYCAEMIC, LIPIDIC) AND BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN 101 TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS ON FIRST ADMISSION TO DIABETES CENTRES

Abstract The aim of our study was to analyse the quality of metabolic and blood pressure control in a cohort of 101 patients with type 2 diabetes (54 males; 47 females), previously followed in primary care settings and admitted for the first time to the diabetes centres of Saint-Luc (n=66) or Mont-Godinne (n=35) University Hospitals. Age and (known) duration of diabetes were 64±12 and 6±7 years (mean±SD), respectively. Body mass index was 31±7 kg/m2. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 140±12 and 81±11 mmHg. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) showed insulin sensitivity at 63±32% and β-cell function at 49±44% (n=34). Forty-seven percent of patients received either diet alone or combined with an oral antidiabetic monotherapy. Seven-teen percent of all patients were on insulin monotherapy or associated with oral drugs. HbA1c was 9.0 ± 2.3%, with 22% of patients within HbA1c targets of ≤ 7%. Only a subset of patients reached international targets of care in terms of blood pressure and lipidic profile, despite antihypertensive and lipid-lowering agents in 62% and 36% of patients, respectively. Forty-five percent of individuals had at least one diabetes-related long-term complication. In view of this unsatisfactory control, our results suggest that “anti-diabetic” treatment should be intensified earlier in primary care settings.
Hip geometry variation is associated with bone mineralization pathway gene variants: The framingham study

Mineralization of bone matrix is an important process in bone formation; thus defects in mineralization have been implicated in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone structure alterations. Three central regulators of phosphate balance, ALPL, ANKH, and ENPP1, are central in the matrix mineralization process; therefore, the genes encoding them are considered important candidates genes for BMD and bone geometry. To test for an association between these three candidate genes and BMD and bone geometry traits, 124 informative single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped in 1513 unrelated subjects from the Framingham offspring cohort. Initial results showed that SNP rs1974201 in the gene ENPP1 was a susceptibility variant associated with several hip geometric indices, with the strongest p value of 3.8 × 10−7 being observed for femoral neck width. A few modest associations were observed between SNPs in or near ALPL and several bone traits, but no association was observed with ANKH. The association signals observed for SNPs around rs1974201 were attenuated after conditional analysis on rs1974201. Transcription factor binding‐site prediction revealed that the HOXA7 binding site was present in the reference sequence with the major allele, whereas this potential binding site is lost in the sequence with the minor allele of rs1974201. In conclusion, we found evidence for association of bone geometry variation with an SNP in ENPP1, a gene in the mineralization pathway. The alteration of a binding site of the deregulator of extracellular matrix HOXA7 warrants further investigation. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Anonymization of data sets from service delivery platforms

The paper presents an anonymization of telecommunication data sets collected through Service Delivery Platforms (SDP), and describes an example tool SDPAnonymizer to make such operation. Information from SDP are processed in form of log files, consisting data sets, which show activity of users of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Data sets which should be anonymized contain sensitive data, for example: Names, MSISDN numbers (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers) or IP addresses processed by Service Delivery Platforms.
Comparison of the efficacy of a subunit and a live streptomycin-dependent porcine pleuropneumonia vaccine.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of two new-generation porcine pleuropneumonia vaccines when challenged with Australian isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae of serovars 1 and 15. DESIGN The Porcilis APP vaccine and an experimental streptomycin-dependent strain of A pleuropneumoniae were evaluated in a standardised pen trial. Each vaccine/challenge group consisted of 10 pigs. RESULTS With the serovar 1 challenge, the Porcilis APP vaccine and the live vaccine, compared with the control group, gave significant protection in terms of clinical signs, lung lesions, re-isolation scores and average daily gain (ADG) postchallenge. Only the Porcilis APP vaccine provided significant protection against mortality. In the serovar 15 challenged pigs, the only significant difference detected was that the Porcilis APP vaccinated pigs had a better postchallenge ADG than the controls. None of the Porcilis APP vaccinated pigs showed signs of depression postvaccination and none were euthanased after challenge with either serovar 1 or 15. The pigs vaccinated with the live vaccine showed obvious depression after each vaccination and a total of 3 pigs were euthanased after challenge (one with serovar 1 and two with serovar 15). CONCLUSIONS Both of the vaccines provided significant protection against a severe challenge with serovar 1 A pleuropneumoniae. Neither vaccine was effective against a serovar 15 A pleuropneumoniae challenge. There was evidence that the Porcilis APP vaccine did provide some protection against the serovar 15 challenge because the ADG, after challenge of pigs given this vaccine, was greater than the control pigs.
Analysis of TNF-antagonist switch over time and associated risk factors in the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort

Abstract Background and aims. Limited data from large cohorts are available on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol) switch over time. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of switching from one TNF antagonist to another and to identify associated risk factors. Methods. Data from the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Cohort Study (SIBDCS) were analyzed. Results. Of 1731 patients included into the SIBDCS (956 with Crohn’s disease [CD] and 775 with ulcerative colitis [UC]), 347 CD patients (36.3%) and 129 UC patients (16.6%) were treated with at least one TNF antagonist. A total of 53/347 (15.3%) CD patients (median disease duration 9 years) and 20/129 (15.5%) of UC patients (median disease duration 7 years) needed to switch to a second and/or a third TNF antagonist, respectively. Median treatment duration was longest for the first TNF antagonist used (CD 25 months; UC 14 months), followed by the second (CD 13 months; UC 4 months) and third TNF antagonist (CD 11 months; UC 15 months). Primary nonresponse, loss of response and side effects were the major reasons to stop and/or switch TNF antagonist therapy. A low body mass index, a short diagnostic delay and extraintestinal manifestations at inclusion were identified as risk factors for a switch of the first used TNF antagonist within 24 months of its use in CD patients. Conclusion. Switching of the TNF antagonist over time is a common issue. The median treatment duration with a specific TNF antagonist is diminishing with an increasing number of TNF antagonists being used.
Cross-protection against four species of chicken coccidia with a single recombinant antigen

A cDNA clone, SO7', from an Eimeria tenella cDNA library was inserted into the high-expression vector pJC264 and was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein, CheY-SO7', with a molecular mass of approximately 36 kDa. By using the purified recombinant antigen to immunize young chicks, it was demonstrated that a single dose, without adjuvant, not only protected against severe coccidiosis induced by infection with E. tenella but also protected chicks challenged with the heterologous species Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, and E. necatrix. By using rabbit antiserum raised against recombinant CheY-SO7', Western blot (immunoblot) analysis of sporulated oocysts of all seven major species of chicken coccidia showed that all species tested contained proteins characteristic of the B class of antigens, of which CheY-SO7' is representative. It seems likely that a single B antigen could protect chickens against severe coccidiosis caused by infection with any of these Eimeria species. Although chicks exposed to prolonged, natural infection develop antibodies to B antigen, active immunization of young chicks with a protective dose of CheY-SO7' does not elicit a humoral antibody response, suggesting that the partial protection results from cell-mediated effector mechanisms. In addition, the cross-protective nature of the immunity indicates that the response to B antigen is different from that induced by natural infection, which elicits a species-specific immunity. To date, the protection induced by B antigen immunization, although remarkable for a single recombinant protein, is not sufficient to compete with prophylactic chemotherapy.
Relación cronológica entre la ley y la realidad social. Mención particular sobre la “elasticidad de la ley”

El presente trabajo se presenta como un ensayo, siendo una investigacion inicial. Parte de la ciencia del derecho se ha referido al problema cuando el derecho va quedando rezagado, en relacion a la realidad social que se va modificando a lo largo del tiempo. Quien ha resumido y expuesto estos problemas de mejor modo, segun nuestro juicio, ha sido Eduardo Novoa Monreal. Tomando como punto de partida esta base, se propone analizar la capacidad de la ley para adaptarse a las variaciones y/o cambios sociales, a la cual nos referimos con el nombre de “elasticidad”, en contraposicion a la ruptura de la elasticidad, que denominaremos como “obsolescencia legal”. Se proponen tres factores normativos y dos factores sociales que intervienen para evaluar esta elasticidad.
Translational Efficiency of Redundant ACG Initiator Codons Is Enhanced by a Favorable Sequence Context and Remedial Initiation*

Earlier studies showed that the redundancy of ACG initiation codons enhanced the efficiency of translation initiation by 3- to 6-fold. Evidence presented here shows that this “redundancy effect” can be attributed to a favorable sequence context and, to a lesser extent, remedial initiation. In the case of redundant ACG initiator codons, the second ACG not only acts as a remedial initiation site for scanning ribosomes that skip the first ACG but also enhances the activity of the preceding initiator by providing a preferable “A” at its relative +4 position. Hence, non-successive ACG codons can be as effective as successive ACG codons in initiation, if positioned within a similar context. In contrast, redundant GUG initiation codons (GUG/GUG) bear an unfavorable “G” nucleotide at both the +4 and –3 positions relative to the first and second GUGs, respectively, such that redundant GUG codons act more poorly as translation initiation sites than does a single GUG with a favorable “A” nucleotide in the +4 position (∼2.5-fold). Thus, the sequence context plays a much more important role than remedial initiation in modulating the efficiency of translational initiation from redundant non-AUG codons.
The effect of aquatic exercise on physical functioning in the older adult: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND ageing and sedentary behaviour cause negative changes in the neuromuscular systems of healthy older adults resulting in a decrease in physical functioning. Exercising in water (aquatic exercise, AE) has been shown to be effective at improving physical functioning in this population; however, no systematic review with meta-analysis has been published. PURPOSE to investigate the effect of AE on physical functioning in healthy older adults compared to control or land-based exercise (LE) through a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, published before 31st December 2015. STUDY SELECTION in total, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review; 24 studies with 1,456 subjects (89% female) and with mean age 66.4 years were included in the meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION data were extracted and checked for accuracy by three independent reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS size of treatment effect was measured using the standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS compared to control interventions, AE had a moderate positive effect on physical functioning 0.70 [95% CI 0.48 to 0.92]. Compared to LE, AE had a small positive effect on physical functioning 0.39 [0.12 to 0.66]. LIMITATIONS there is a high risk of bias and low methodological quality in the studies particularly when comparing AE to LE with possible over estimation of the benefit of AE. CONCLUSIONS AE may improve physical functioning in healthy older people and is at least as effective as LE.
Design of Engineered Reflectors for Radar Cross Section Modification

A technique is proposed for the design of engineered reflectors consisting of doubly periodic arrays printed on thin grounded dielectric substrates that reflect an incoming wave from a given incoming direction to a predetermined outgoing direction. The proposed technique is based on a combination of Floquet theory for propagation in periodic structures and reflect-array principles. A flat surface designed to reflect a TE polarized wave incident at 45° back in the direction of the impinging signal at 14.7 GHz is employed as an example. By means of full-wave simulations, it is demonstrated that the monostatic RCS of a finite reflector is comparable with the specular RCS of a metallic mirror of the same dimensions. It is further shown that comparably high monostatic RCS values are obtained for angles of incidence in the 30°-60° range, which are frequency dependent and thus open opportunities for target localization. A prototype array is fabricated and experimentally tested for validation. The proposed solution can be used to modify the radar cross section of a target. Other potential applications are also discussed.