Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Genetic Algorithm Approach for Multi-Objective contingency constrained Reactive Power Planning

Reactive Power Planning (RPP) is one of the important tasks in the operation and control of power system. This paper presents a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based approach for solving the contingency-constrained reactive power optimization problem. Voltage bus magnitude, transformer tap setting and reactive power generation of capacitor bank are the control variables. A binary-coded GA with tournament selection, two point crossover and bit-wise mutation is used to solve this complex optimization problem. In the proposed algorithm, some modifications are applied to the original GA in order to take into account the discrete nature of transformer tap setting and capacitor bank. The proposed approach has been evaluated with four different objective functions namely, loss minimization, voltage profile improvement, voltage stability enhancement and total cost minimization. Voltage stability level of the system is defined based on the L-index of load buses. The optimal locations of the VAR sources are also identified using the GA based algorithm. The proposed algorithm has been tested on IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 57-bus test systems and successful results have been obtained.
Molecular Biomarkers in Cytogenetically Normal Ã¢ÂÂAcute Myeloid Leukemia: harnessing the targets

Cytogenetics based risk adapted therapy has set the stage for personalized medicine for Acute Myeloid Leukemia but 50% of Acute Myeloid Leukemia cases exhibit normal cytogenetics. With the molecular techniques mutations like NPM1, CEBPA and FLT3-ITD have been discovered and are recommended by WHO and ELN. These are molecular prognostic biomarkers which have refined the risk stratification resulting in better but still very variable outcome and there is always a risk of over treating some cases using the conventional 3+7 regimen. Thus there is a need to identify disease specific predictive biomarkers and translate them to targeted therapy. The implementation of high throughput molecular diagnostics has provided various biomarkers in the form of gene mutation and over expression, mi RNA and epigenetics which can be used for diagnosis, screening, monitoring, surveillance, or for providing predictive or prognostic information. Molecular biomarkers also play a role in development of targeted therapies. Some markers like FLT3-ITD have been identified against which specific inhibitors have been developed but many of these molecular lesions represent cooperating rather than initiating genetic events which cannot be targeted. Eventually the cost and time to completion of whole-genome sequencing will decrease and it will be more convenient to sequence the entire genome from an individual patient rather than to screen for various mutations. Hopefully, in the future a ubiquitous target will be discovered that would be used across all the subgroups of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
How to support the needs of mothers with physical disabilities?

Abstract Purpose: The objectives of this study were: (1) to understand and describe the challenges that women with physical disabilities face during their motherhood process; (2) to understand and describe their strengths, and (3) to produce a list of supports that health professionals and policy makers should apply in order to address the needs of these mothers. Methods: The study was conducted within the phenomenological-constructivist paradigm. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 mothers age 32–62 with various physical disabilities. Results: The findings revealed both physical and mental challenges that these women have faced during their motherhood. Although these challenges, the women evaluated that motherhood, in the context of disability, helped them to develop positive disability identity, to frame and accept their interdependence and to become resilient. Their disability also influenced the children, i.e. they have learned how to cope with difficulties. The mothers recommended making the environment more accessible for them, providing physical and emotional support, parental guidance, information about their rights, and financial benefits to meet their children's needs. Conclusions: Mothering with a disability can result in personal growth, but this positive process requires interdependence, creative and collaborative approach applied in rehabilitation practices. Implications for Rehabilitation Supporting mothers with physical disabilities should address not only their physical needs but also their mental and social needs. In particular, mothers with physical disabilities want and need parental guidance as well as accessible recreational activities for them and their children. An interdependence and creative approach should be applied in rehabilitation practices in a way that recognizes the right of women with physical disabilities to become mothers, express their needs and develop solutions in collaboration with health professionals. Health professionals should look for strengths of mothers with physical disabilities and use their strengths to accomplish personal aims within individual rehabilitation programs.
Linking syndromic surveillance with virological self-sampling

SUMMARY Calls to a UK national telephone health helpline (NHS Direct) have been used for syndromic surveillance, aiming to provide early warning of rises in community morbidity. We investigated whether self-sampling by NHS Direct callers could provide viable samples for influenza culture. We recruited 294 NHS Direct callers and sent them self-sampling kits. Callers were asked to take a swab from each nostril and post them to the laboratory. Forty-two per cent of the samples were returned, 16·2% were positive on PCR for influenza (16 influenza A(H3N2), three influenza A (H1N1), four influenza B) and eight for RSV (5·6%). The mean time between the NHS Direct call and laboratory analysis was 7·4 days. These samples provided amongst the earliest influenza reports of the season, detected multiple influenza strains, and augmented a national syndromic surveillance system. Self-sampling is a feasible method of enhancing community-based surveillance programmes for detection of influenza.
Differential scanning calorimetric study of the thermal stability of xylanase from Streptomyces halstedii JM8.

The thermal stability of two xylanases with molecular masses of 45 (Xys1L) and 35 (Xys1S) kDa has been characterized thermodynamically by high-sensitivity scanning microcalorimetry in the pH range 3.0-9.0. Thermal denaturation of Xys1L reveals three thermodynamically independent domains, and that of Xys1S, which is a proteolytic fragment of Xys1L (without a C-terminal part), reveals two thermodynamically independent domains, each of which follows a two-state thermal unfolding process under our experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the thermodynamic parameters of unfolding for each domain do not fit some of the correlations obtained for most compact globular proteins. It is known that if delta Hres(T) and delta Sres(T) are plotted against temperature for a number of water-soluble compact globular proteins, they all have a common value at approximately 110 degrees C (383 K). Calculation of the variations in the enthalpy and entropy of unfolding per residue for each domain of xylanase with temperature gave us delta Hres(383) and delta Sres(383) values of approximately 3 kcal/(mol of residue) and 9 cal/(K.mol of residue), respectively. This is practically 2-fold larger than those apparent for most medium-sized globular protein values. These discrepancies might be related to features of the folded and/or unfolded states of the protein.
The Usefulness of Routine Alcian Blue Staining of Corneal Specimens

To determine the diagnostic usefulness of routine staining of corneal buttons with alcian blue, we evaluated 150 consecutive corneal specimens with hematoxylin and eosin and alcian blue stains. Overall, 67% of specimens demonstrated deposition of acid mucopolysaccharide. More specifically, positive alcian blue staining was observed in 88% of specimens with pannus, 83% of specimens with stromal downgrowth, 71% of specimens with stromal scarring, and 67% of specimens with interstitial keratitis. In 80% of these cases, the positive alcian blue stain correlated to pathology noted on hematoxylin and eosin sections. In 20% of cases, we could not explain the reason for the presence of alcian blue staining. Except for macular dystrophy of the cornea, the presence, strength, and location of staining did not provide useful information in terms of making a specific clinical diagnosis. Consequently, alcian blue should be used only in those settings in which the pathologist needs to document or confirm the abnormal presence or absence of acid mucopolysaccharide deposition.
The mediating effect of strategic orientation, innovation capabilities and managerial capabilities among exploration and exploitation, competitive advantage and firm’s performance

This study employs a dynamic capability (hereafter DCs) perspective to examine the relationships among strategic orientation (SO), innovation capability (IC), managerial capabilities (MC) and exploration and exploitation capabilities on competitive advantage (CA) and firm’s performance. This paper proposes that the role of exploration and exploitation capabilities in these relationships differs between the three dimensions of strategy orientation (leadership cost-based strategies, and differentiation-based strategies and product-market scope) and performance. Modelling structural analysis was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 387 Portuguese SME´s firms. The empirical findings indicate that innovation capability, managerial capabilities and strategic orientation positively mediate the relationship between exploration and exploitation capabilities and performance, whereas strategic orientation affects competitive advantage and performance. Finally, the study provides a discussion on the theoretical and managerial implications and directions for future research.
Structural Ambidexterity, Transition Processes, and Integration Trade‐Offs: A Longitudinal Study of Failed Exploration

In order to overcome the exploration&#8211;exploitation paradox, structural ambidexterity literature suggests establishing differentiated units for exploitation and exploration with a carefully managed exploration&#8211;exploitation interface supporting cross&#8208;fertilization without cross&#8208;contamination. Recent research demonstrates the crucial role of integration mechanisms (i.e. how knowledge exchange between exploratory and exploitative units can be organized) and related transition modes (i.e. how exploratory innovations can ultimately be transferred back into the exploitative structures of core business) to deal with this challenge. However, a systematic account of the diverse tensions, risks, and trade&#8208;offs associated with integration which may ultimately cause exploration failure is missing, so far. This paper presents a longitudinal process study uncovering the anatomy of an unsuccessful exploration of (green) technologies by a medium&#8208;sized entrepreneurial firm. We investigated their transition processes to understand how the managers dynamically configured and reconfigured the exploration&#8211;exploitation interface over time. Our theoretical contribution lies in providing a framework of six integration trade&#8208;offs (Exploratory&#8208;complementary linking vs. contamination; Seeking legitimacy early on vs. frustration at discontinuation of innovation; Boundary spanning through job rotation vs. carrying over of old culture; Early vs. premature transfer; Reorganization vs. capability mutation; and Improved access to core business resources vs. resource starvation) linked to three phases in the transition process (before, at, and after transfer). We also highlight mechanism, pulling&#8208;forward, and streamlining&#8208;related failures linked to integration trade&#8208;offs in resource&#8208;constrained contexts. Our implication for R&amp;D and top management is that the use of integration mechanisms for structural ambidexterity bears the risk of cross&#8208;contamination between the exploitative and exploratory structures and are therefore inevitably linked to trade&#8208;offs. To minimize negative side effects and prevent exploration failure, organizations have to consciously select, schedule, operationalize, and manage (re)integration mechanisms along the transition process. Our framework of integration trade&#8208;offs systematically supports managers in their organizational design choices for integration mechanisms in the transition processes.
Custom-made micro applicators for high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment of chronic psoriasis

Purpose In this study, we present the treatment of the psoriatic nail beds of patients refractory to standard therapies using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. The custom-made micro applicators (CMMA) were designed and constructed for radiation dose delivery to small curvy targets with complicated topology. The role of the HDR brachytherapy treatment was to stimulate the T cells for an increased immune response. Material and methods The patient diagnosed with psoriatic nail beds refractory to standard therapies received monthly subunguinal injections that caused significant pain and discomfort in both hands. The clinical target was defined as the length from the fingertip to the distal interphalangeal joint. For the accurate and reproducible setup in the multi-fractional treatment delivery, the CMMAs were designed. Five needles were embedded into the dense plastic mesh and covered with 5 mm bolus material for each micro applicator. Five CMMAs were designed, resulting in the usage of 25 catheters in total. Results The prescription dose was planned to the depth of the anterior surface of the distal phalanx, allowing for the sparing of the surrounding tissue. The total number of the active dwell positions was 145 with step size of 5 mm. The total treatment time was 115 seconds with a 7.36 Ci activity of the 192Ir source. The treatment resulted in good pain control. The patient did not require further injections to the nail bed. After this initial treatment, additional two patients with similar symptoms received HDR brachytherapy. The treatment outcome was favorable in all cases. Conclusions The first HDR brachytherapy treatment of psoriasis of the nail bed is presented. The initial experience revealed that brachytherapy treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in adequate control of the disease. A larger cohort of patients will be required for additional conclusions related to the long-term clinical benefits.
Cortactin expression confers a more malignant phenotype to gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.

AIM To study the effects of cortactin on the tumor biology of SGC-7901 cells and identify the mechanism involved in the process. METHODS Cell lines in which cortactin was stably overexpressed or knocked down as well as the respective control cell lines were established by standard molecular methods. The effects of cortactin on the proliferation, migration and invasion capacity of SGC-7901 cells were assessed by the MTT assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell migration and matrigel invasion. Nude mouse models were also used to assess the role of cortactin in the growth and metastasis of SGC-7901 cells in vivo. Western blotting analysis was performed to detect the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream molecules. RESULTS Cell lines in which cortactin was stably overexpressed or knocked down as well as control cell lines were successfully established and designated as LV5-cortactin-SGC, LV5-SGC, LV3-shRNA-SGC and LV3-SGC. Cortactin overexpression promoted SGC-7901 cell migration (340.7 ±12.6 vs 229.1 ± 23.2, P < 0.01) and invasion (71.6 ± 5.2 vs 48.4 ± 3.6, P < 0.01). Cortactin downregulation impaired SGC-7901 cell migration (136.2 ± 19.8 vs 225 ± 17) and invasion (29.2 ± 5.2 vs 49.6 ± 3.8, P < 0.01). The results from the MTT and colony formation assays results indicated increased LV5-cortactin-SGC cell proliferation and decreased LV3-shRNA-SGC cell proliferation compared to the control cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that cortactin overexpression promoted the proliferation index of SGC-7901 cells, and the results were reversed when cortactin was downregulated. Mouse tumor models confirmed that cortactin expression increased SGC-7901 cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Western blotting analysis revealed that cortactin elevated EGFR expression and activated the downstream molecules. CONCLUSION Cortactin expression promoted the migration, invasion and proliferation of SGC-7901 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The EGFR signaling pathway is mechanistically involved.
Sehgal index: A new index and its comparison with other complete blood count-based indices for screening of beta thalassemia trait in a tertiary care hospital.

INTRODUCTION Beta thalassemia trait (BTT) must be differentiated from iron deficiency anemia to avoid unnecessary iron therapy and for the prevention of thalassemia major by genetic counseling. In a tertiary care hospital, it is vital that the screening tool is not only sensitive but also specific so as to be cost effective and save time. AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the new Sehgal index and compare it to existing complete blood count-based indices for the best combination of sensitivity and specificity to predict BTT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study was done in 2 phases - Phase 1: A retrospective analysis of 1022 consecutive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) cases from July 2008 to June 2011. Phase 2: A prospective analysis of 973 consecutive HPLC cases from July 1, 2011 to June 10, 2013 was done to confirm the results of Phase 1 and the applicability of the new Sehgal index. RESULTS Prevalence of BTT was 28.8% (294/1022) and 25.39% (247/973) in Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve and Youden index was highest for new Sehgal index, followed by Mentzers index <14. The prospective study shows results similar to those in Phase 1 confirming the superiority of the above two indices. CONCLUSION Sehgal index and Mentzers index <14 showed the best combination of sensitivity and specificity in predicting BTT. The best indices or combination can be used as a "validated flag rule" in the analyzer middleware program in a hospital for identifying suspected cases of BTT.
Local Adaptation by Alleles of Small Effect*

Population genetic models predict that alleles with small selection coefficients may be swamped by migration and will not contribute to local adaptation. But if most alleles contributing to standing variation are of small effect, how does local adaptation proceed? Here I review predictions of population and quantitative genetic models and use individual-based simulations to illustrate how the architecture of local adaptation depends on the genetic redundancy of the trait, the maintenance of standing genetic variation (VG), and the susceptibility of alleles to swamping. Even when population genetic models predict swamping for individual alleles, considerable local adaptation can evolve at the phenotypic level if there is sufficient VG. However, in such cases the underlying architecture of divergence is transient: FST is low across all loci, and no locus makes an important contribution for very long. Because this kind of local adaptation is mainly due to transient frequency changes and allelic covariances, these architectures will be difficult—if not impossible—to detect using current approaches to studying the genomic basis of adaptation. Even when alleles are large and resistant to swamping, architectures can be highly transient if genetic redundancy and mutation rates are high. These results suggest that drift can play a critical role in shaping the architecture of local adaptation, both through eroding VG and affecting the rate of turnover of polymorphisms with redundant phenotypic effects.
Improving Assessments of Gender Bargaining Power: A Case Study from Bangladesh

Gender bargaining power has entered into mainstream economic theory and public policy. However, common empirical measures are only loosely related to the theoretical concept, and research has not produced consistent results regarding the causal chains underlying women’s empowerment. This study critically examines accepted measures of bargaining power, arguing that participation in specific household decisions is not directly associated with the theoretical concept of bargaining power. The study analyzes the relationship between measures of participation in household decisions and individual and household characteristics thought to contribute to bargaining power. Using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data on Bangladesh over the period 1999–2011, the study finds that despite the loose relationship of the survey questions to the theoretical construct bargaining power, the decision-making questions provide relatively consistent and theoretically supported measures of this unobservable characteristic. Simple changes in using the measures would contribute to more robust and consistent findings.
Nonlinear Transmission Lines on Silicon using Optimized Varactors

Nonlinear Transmission Lines (NLTL) have been fabricated so far on GaAs sub­ strates only £1 J. We were able to demon­ strate the first working nonlinear transmis­ sion line on high resistivity silicon £2J prov� ing the applicability of the NLTL concept to silicon millimeter wave integrated cir­ cuits (SIMMWICS). We have significantly improved our previous results by using op­ timized Schottky varactors. The falltime of 74 ps of a 4 GHz sine wave was compressed to 15 ps at the output of the NLTL, doubling the equivalent bandwidth of our first result.
Day-to-day dynamics of experience–cortisol associations in a population-based sample of older adults

In 156 older adults, day-to-day variations in cortisol diurnal rhythms were predicted from both prior-day and same-day experiences, to examine the temporal ordering of experience–cortisol associations in naturalistic environments. Diary reports of daily psychosocial, emotional, and physical states were completed at bedtime on each of three consecutive days. Salivary cortisol levels were measured at wakeup, 30 min after awakening, and at bedtime each day. Multilevel growth curve modeling was used to estimate diurnal cortisol profiles for each person each day. The parameters defining those profiles (wakeup level, diurnal slope, and cortisol awakening response) were predicted simultaneously from day-before and same-day experiences. Prior-day feelings of loneliness, sadness, threat, and lack of control were associated with a higher cortisol awakening response the next day, but morning awakening responses did not predict experiences of these states later the same day. Same-day, but not prior-day, feelings of tension and anger were associated with flatter diurnal cortisol rhythms, primarily because of their association with higher same-day evening cortisol levels. Although wakeup cortisol levels were not predicted by prior-day levels of fatigue and physical symptoms, low wakeup cortisol predicted higher levels of fatigue and physical symptoms later that day. Results are consistent with a dynamic and transactional function of cortisol as both a transducer of psychosocial and emotional experience into physiological activation and an influence on feelings of energy and physical well-being.