Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demand Management for Optimized Energy Usage and Consumer Comfort Using Sequential Optimization

The Energy-efficiency of demand management technologies and customer’s experience have emerged as important issues as consumers began to heavily adopt these technologies. In this context, where the electrical load imposed on the smart grid by residential users needs to be optimized, it can be better managed when customer’s comfort parameters are used, such as thermal comfort and preferred appliance usage time interval. In this paper a multi-layer architecture is proposed that uses a multi-objective optimization model at the energy consumption level to take consumer comfort and experience into consideration. The paper shows how our proposed Clustered Sequential Management (CSM) approach could improve consumer comfort via appliance use scheduling. To quantify thermal comfort, we use thermodynamic solutions for a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioner (HVAC) system and then apply our scheduling model to find the best time slot for such thermal loads, linking consumer experience to power consumption. In addition to thermal loads, we also include non-thermal loads in the cost minimization and the enhanced consumer experience. In this hierarchal algorithm, we classified appliances by their load profile including degrees of freedom for consumer appliance prioritization. Finally, we scheduled consumption within a Time of Use (ToU) pricing model. In this model, we used Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Linear Programming (LP) optimization for different categories with different constraints for various loads. We eliminate the customer’s inconvenience on thermal load considering ASHRAE standard, increase the satisfaction on EV optimal chagrining constrained by minimum cost and achieve the preferred usage time for the non-interruptible deferrable loads. The results show that our model is typically able to achieve cost minimization almost equal to 13% and Peak-to-Average Ratios (PAR) reduction with almost 45%.
Metal–support interaction in Pd/CeO2 catalysts. Part 2.—Ceria textural effects

Two Pd catalysts supported on ceria of high (HS) and low (LS) surface area have been investigated. Palladium morphologies and palladium accessibility were studied by CO adsorption using FTIR spectroscopy. Methanol and carbon monoxide were used as probes to assess the surface reduction state and the surface oxygen vacancies of the ceria. Well dispersed palladium on the Pd/ceria (HS) catalyst was found to encapsulate irreversibly into ceria for reduction temperatures higher than 623 K. For less dispersed palladium on Pd/ceria (LS) catalysts, decoration of palladium crystallites by ceria was observed for temperatures as low as 673 K. Reversibility of the decoration upon reoxidation at 873 K was found to depend on the Pd faces, CO adsorption on (111) faces being more easily recovered than CO adsorption on (100) faces and edges.
Attentional bias of subliminal emotional faces in adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder

ABSTRACT Attentional bias to threatening information may play a vital role in the onset and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aimed to explore whether adolescents with OCD exhibited attentional bias toward faces that express disgust or fear. Participants were 27 adolescents with a first-time primary diagnosis of OCD and 27 healthy controls. To assess OCD, depression, and anxiety symptoms, all participants completed the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, the Hamilton Depression Scale, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, respectively, followed by the modified dot probe task. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a main effect of validity type and a significant group × validity type interaction effect. The results of one sample t-tests showed that participants in the OCD group had an attentional bias toward both disgusted and fearful faces. Further analysis indicated that adolescents in the OCD group showed facilitated attention toward the fearful faces and difficulty disengaging from disgusted faces. Adolescents with OCD exhibited facilitated attention toward threat stimuli, and when they allocated attention to threat, they experienced difficulty disengaging from it. Treatment procedures to modify the attentional bias may be effective.
Avoidance and endurance coping after mild traumatic brain injury are associated with disability outcomes.

Objective: Fear-avoidance and endurance behavior are well-established maladaptive coping styles in several chronic health conditions. There is also emerging evidence that both fear-avoidance and endurance coping are associated with poor outcome from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The current study sought to characterize the early trajectories of avoidance and endurance behavior and confirm their association with disability outcomes. Method: Adults with mTBI (N = 88) completed measures of avoidance, endurance, and postconcussive symptoms at clinic intake (M = 40.2 days since injury). Avoidance and endurance measures were readministered 1 month later (N = 79), and a measure of perceived functional disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0) was completed 3 months after clinic intake (N = 69). Results: Avoidance and endurance coping were weakly positively correlated with each other at intake (r = .28) and at 1 month postintake (r = .28). Change scores on these two measures over time were not significantly correlated (r = .04). Avoidance coping tended to decrease over time (95% CI [0.6, 2.5]; p = .002), whereas changes in endurance coping were variable. In generalized linear modeling, higher avoidance and endurance at clinic intake and increasing (or less rapidly decreasing) levels of these coping styles over 1 month was associated with greater perceived disability ratings at 3 months, even after controlling for postconcussion symptom severity at intake. Conclusion: These findings suggest that avoidance and endurance behavior are distinct coping styles with unique trajectories during the subacute recovery period. The results also support the need for psychologically informed early interventions that target specific profiles of maladaptive coping to mitigate risk for poor outcomes post-mTBI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Preparation of Microneedle Array Mold Based on MEMS Lithography Technology

As a transdermal drug delivery technology, microneedle array (MNA) has the characteristics of painless, minimally invasive, and precise dosage. This work discusses and compares the new MNA mold prepared by our group using MEMS technology. First, we introduced the planar pattern-to-cross-section technology (PCT) method using LIGA (Photolithography, Galvanogormung, Abformung) technology to obtain a three-dimensional structure similar to an X-ray mask pattern. On this basis, combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) transfer technology and electroplating process, metal MNA can be prepared. The second method is to use silicon wet etching combined with the SU-8 process to obtain a PDMS quadrangular pyramid MNA using PDMS transfer technology. Third method is to use the tilting rotary lithography process to obtain PDMS conical MNA on SU-8 photoresist through PDMS transfer technology. All three processes utilize parallel subtractive manufacturing methods, and the error range of reproducibility and accuracy is 2–11%. LIGA technology produces hollow MNA with an aspect ratio of up to 30, which is used for blood extraction and drug injection. The height of the MNA prepared by the engraving process is about 600 μm, which can achieve a sustained release effect together with a potential systemic delivery. The height of the MNA prepared by the ultraviolet exposure process is about 150 μm, which is used to stimulate the subcutaneous tissue.
Predictors of Left Ventricular Scar Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Athletes With Apparently Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias

Background In athletes with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and otherwise unremarkable clinical findings, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may reveal concealed pathological substrates. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate which VA characteristics predicted CMR abnormalities. Methods and Results We enrolled 251 consecutive competitive athletes (74% males, median age 25 [17‐39] years) who underwent CMR for evaluation of VA. We included athletes with >100 premature ventricular beats/24 h or ≥1 repetitive VA (couplets, triplets, or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia) on 12‐lead 24‐hour ambulatory ECG monitoring and negative family history, ECG, and echocardiogram. Features of VA that were evaluated included number, morphology, repetitivity, and response to exercise testing. Left‐ventricular late gadolinium‐enhancement was documented by CMR in 28 (11%) athletes, mostly (n=25) with a subepicardial/midmyocardial stria pattern. On 24‐hour ECG monitoring, premature ventricular beats with multiple morphologies or with right‐bundle‐branch‐block and intermediate/superior axis configuration were documented in 25 (89%) athletes with versus 58 (26%) without late gadolinium‐enhancement (P<0.001). More than 3300 premature ventricular beats were recorded in 4 (14%) athletes with versus 117 (53%) without positive CMR (P<0.001). At exercise testing, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia occurred at peak of exercise in 8 (29%) athletes with late gadolinium‐enhancement (polymorphic in 6/8, 75%) versus 17 athletes (8%) without late gadolinium‐enhancement (P=0.002), (P<0.0001). At multivariable analysis, all 3 parameters independently correlated with CMR abnormalities. Conclusions In athletes with apparently idiopathic VA, simple characteristics such as number and morphology of premature ventricular beats on 12‐lead 24‐hour ambulatory ECG monitoring and response to exercise testing predicted the presence of concealed myocardial abnormalities on CMR. These findings may help cost‐effective CMR prescription.
One-step formation of aligned carbon nanotube field emitters at 400 °C

Fabrication of field emitters by the radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNT) on soda-lime glass is reported. CNT was produced at 400 °C by the control of the collision energy of carbonic cations to a substrate through a dc bias voltage. The CNTs produced in this work were of a cup-stacked type and had catalyst particles on the top. The CNT emitters formed by our method were integrated into triode-type microcathodes and showed field-emission properties suitable for display applications.
Metabolic rejuvenation upgrades circulatory functions of red blood cells stored under blood bank conditions

Red blood cells (RBC) change upon hypothermic conservation, and storage for 6 weeks is associated with the short‐term clearance of 15% to 20% of transfused RBCs. Metabolic rejuvenation applied to RBCs before transfusion replenishes energetic sources and reverses most storage‐related alterations, but how it impacts RBC circulatory functions has not been fully elucidated.
Internet-Based Support and Coaching With Complementary Clinic Visits for Young People With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism: Controlled Feasibility Study

Background Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can experience obstacles in traditional health care situations due to difficulties associated with their impairment. Objective This controlled study aims to investigate the feasibility of an internet-based support and coaching intervention (IBSC), including 2 weekly chat sessions and 2 complementary clinic visits with coaches over the course of 8 weeks, for adolescents and young adults with ADHD and/or ASD in 2 naturalistic routine care settings. Methods Individuals with ADHD and/or ASD aged 15-32 years were recruited in 2 clinical settings, where they received either IBSC (n=24) or treatment as usual (TAU; n=20). Outcome measures included self-report questionnaires assessing quality of life (Manchester Short Assessment for Quality of Life), sense of coherence (Sense Of Coherence 29), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self-reported, respectively). Results Significant between-group effects were observed in measures of anxiety (HADS) at postintervention (P=.02) as well as at the 6-month follow-up (P=.004). Significant between-group effects were also noted for depressive symptoms (HADS) postintervention (P=.04). The between-group effects were partially explained by a deterioration in the TAU group. A significant increase in self-esteem (P=.04) as well as a decrease in anxiety (P=.003) at the 6-month follow-up was observed in the intervention group following IBSC. Findings from a qualitative study of the intervention are consistent with the results. Conclusions The findings from this study suggest that IBSC holds promise as a feasible complement or alternative to traditional face-to-face health care meetings.
Technique failure in remote patient monitoring program in patients undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) allow clinical teams to be aware of many aspects and events of the therapy that occur in the home. The present study evaluated the association between RPM use and APD technique failure. Methods: A retrospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of 558 prevalent adult APD patients included between 1 October 2016 and 30 June 2017 with follow-up until 30 June 2018 at Renal Therapy Services network in Colombia. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the RPM use: APD-RPM (n = 148) and APD-without RPM (n = 410). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were summarized descriptively. A propensity score was used to create a pseudo-population in which the baseline covariates were well balanced. The association of RPM with technique failure was estimated adjusting for the competing events death and kidney transplant. Results: Five hundred fifty-eight patients were analyzed. 26.5% had APD-RPM. In the matched sample comprising 148 APD-RPM and 148 APD-without RPM patients, we observed a lower technique failure rate of 0.08 [0.05–0.15] episodes per patient-year in APD-RPM versus 0.18 [0.12–0.26] in APD-without RPM cohort; incidence rate ratio = 0.45 95% confidence interval: [0.22–0.91], p-value = 0.03. Conclusions: The use of an RPM program in APD patients may be associated with a lower technique failure rate. More extensive and interventional studies are needed to confirm its potential benefits and to measure other patient-centered outcomes.
Directed differentiation and direct reprogramming: Applying stem cell technologies to hearing research

Hearing loss is the most widely spread sensory disorder in our society. In the majority of cases, it is caused by the loss or malfunctioning of cells in the cochlea: the mechanosensory hair cells, which act as primary sound receptors, and the connecting auditory neurons of the spiral ganglion, which relay the signal to upper brain centers. In contrast to other vertebrates, where damage to the hearing organ can be repaired through the activity of resident cells, acting as tissue progenitors, in mammals, sensory cell damage or loss is irreversible. The understanding of gene and cellular functions, through analysis of different animal models, has helped to identify causes of disease and possible targets for hearing restoration. Translation of these findings to novel therapeutics is, however, hindered by the lack of cellular assays, based on human sensory cells, to evaluate the conservation of molecular pathways across species and the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies. In the last decade, stem cell technologies enabled to generate human sensory cell types in vitro, providing novel tools to study human inner ear biology, model disease, and validate therapeutics. This review focuses specifically on two technologies: directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of somatic cell types to sensory hair cells and neurons. Recent development in the field are discussed as well as how these tools could be implemented to become routinely adopted experimental models for hearing research.
Limited Genetic Overlap Between Overt Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease in Twins: A Population-based Study

Abstract Context Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) are known to coaggregate in families, but the magnitude and nature of a shared etiology is unknown. Objectives To estimate the shared genetic influence on overt HT and GD and to examine if the heritability differs between men and women. Design, setting, and patients We used national health registries to identify cases of HT and GD in a cohort of 110 814 Swedish twins. By comparing intra-class and cross-twin cross-trait correlations in dizygotic and monozygotic twins, we calculated heritability and the proportions thereof shared between the diseases. Univariate estimates of heritability were calculated by sex. Results The heritability for HT and GD was 65% (95% CI, 61-70) and 63% (95% CI, 55-72), respectively. The genetic correlation was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.20-0.50) and shared genetic effects accounted for 8% of the variance for both HT and GD. Univariate heritability was significantly higher in men than in women for HT (90% vs 60%, P < 0.001) but not for GD (79% vs 63%, P = 0.085). Conclusions From a genetic perspective, HT and GD appear to be only modestly related diseases. Hence, the term “autoimmune thyroid disease,” used to cluster these disorders, may have limited validity in a genetic context. Moreover, the mechanisms contributing to HT are partly different for the sexes, with genetic components more important in men.
Exploring chromatin conformation and gene co-expression through graph embedding.

MOTIVATION The relationship between gene co-expression and chromatin conformation is of great biological interest. Thanks to high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technologies (Hi-C), researchers are gaining insights on the tri-dimensional organization of the genome. Given the high complexity of Hi-C data and the difficult definition of gene co-expression networks, the development of proper computational tools to investigate such relationship is rapidly gaining the interest of researchers. One of the most fascinating questions in this context is how chromatin topology correlates with gene co-expression and which physical interaction patterns are most predictive of co-expression relationships. RESULTS To address these questions, we developed a computational framework for the prediction of co-expression networks from chromatin conformation data. We first define a gene chromatin interaction network where each gene is associated to its physical interaction profile; then, we apply two graph embedding techniques to extract a low-dimensional vector representation of each gene from the interaction network; finally, we train a classifier on gene embedding pairs to predict if they are co-expressed. Both graph embedding techniques outperform previous methods based on manually designed topological features, highlighting the need for more advanced strategies to encode chromatin information. We also establish that the most recent technique, based on random walks, is superior. Overall, our results demonstrate that chromatin conformation and gene regulation share a non-linear relationship and that gene topological embeddings encode relevant information, which could be used also for downstream analysis. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The source code for the analysis is available at: https://github.com/marcovarrone/gene-expression-chromatin. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Iron Oxide Particles Alter Bacterial Uptake and the LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages

Exposure to geogenic (earth-derived) particulate matter (PM) is linked to severe bacterial infections in Australian Aboriginal communities. Experimental studies have shown that the concentration of iron in geogenic PM is associated with the magnitude of respiratory health effects, however, the mechanism is unclear. We investigated the effect of silica and iron oxide on the inflammatory response and bacterial phagocytosis in macrophages. THP-1 and peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages were exposed to iron oxide (haematite or magnetite) or silica PM with or without exposure to lipopolysaccharide. Cytotoxicity and inflammation were assessed by LDH assay and ELISA respectively. The uptake of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae by macrophages was quantified by flow cytometry. Iron oxide increased IL-8 production while silica also induced significant production of IL-1β. Both iron oxide and silica enhanced LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in THP-1 cells with most of these responses replicated in PBMCs. While silica had no effect on NTHi phagocytosis, iron oxide significantly impaired this response. These data suggest that geogenic particles, particularly iron oxide PM, cause inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and impair bacterial phagocytosis. These responses do not appear to be linked. This provides a possible mechanism for the link between exposure to these particles and severe bacterial infection.
A methodology and theoretical taxonomy for centrality measures: What are the best centrality indicators for student networks?

In order to understand and represent the importance of nodes within networks better, most of the studies that investigate graphs compute the nodes’ centrality within their network(s) of interest. In the literature, the most frequent measures used are degree, closeness and/or betweenness centrality, even if other measures might be valid candidates for representing the importance of nodes within networks. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a methodology that allows one to understand, compare and validate centrality indices when studying a particular network of interest. The proposed methodology integrates the following steps: choosing the centrality measures for the network of interest; developing a theoretical taxonomy of these measures; identifying, by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), latent dimensions of centrality within the network of interest; verifying the proposed taxonomy of centrality measures; and identifying the centrality measures that best represent the network of interest. Also, we applied the proposed methodology to an existing graph of interest, in our case a real friendship student network. We chose eighteen centrality measures that were developed in SNA and are available and computed in a specific library (CINNA), defined them thoroughly, and proposed a theoretical taxonomy of these eighteen measures. PCA showed the emergence of six latent dimensions of centrality within the student network and saturation of most of the centrality indices on the same categories as those proposed by the theoretical taxonomy. Additionally, the results suggest that indices other than the ones most frequently applied might be more relevant for research on friendship student networks. Finally, the integrated methodology that we propose can be applied to other centrality indices and/or other network types than student graphs.