Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Day ahead energy market and Reliability Unit Commitment: An integrated approach

The restructured electricity markets typically involve a Day-Ahead Market (DAM), which clears bid-in demand that may be generally different (lower) than the demand forecast. This difference gives rise to reliability concerns to the Independent System Operators (ISOs), which are addressed with the deployment of a mechanism that is usually called Reliability (or Residual) Unit Commitment (RUC). Currently, the ISOs execute the RUC process after the DAM application, to procure additional resources, beyond the DAM energy schedules, to meet the demand forecast. In this paper, we compare the currently employed sequential approach, with a proposed integrated approach which combines the functionality of the DAM and the RUC into one market application. We present the market model including all market commodities, namely energy, ancillary services and RUC capacity, for both methodologies, and apply them on a realistic test case, using actual market/system data. We derive quantitative and qualitative results for a practical system, which illustrate the value of the integration of the market and the reliability functions in the forward spot market. The key conclusion from our simulation runs, is that the integrated approach offers substantial efficiencies by procuring all DAM products simultaneously.
Application of Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controller for Sensorless Control of Internal Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor

In this paper, a linear active disturbance rejection controller is applied for sensorless control of internal permanent-magnet synchronous motors. A hybrid position estimation strategy combining the high-frequency (HF) current injection for low-speed region with the electromotive force (EMF) estimation for high-speed region is presented. In contrast to conventional hybrid methods, the two schemes were integrated into the same control structure, and the position observer is embedded into the current controller. The high performance of position estimation was achieved using line extended state observers (ESOs). Compared with conventional sliding-model observer, the phase delay and speed chattering was obviously reduced. The robustness of the hybrid sensorless control system was well performed in the full-speed range. Experimental results were presented to verify the application of proposed method.
Magnetic resonance microscopy approaches to molecular imaging: Sensitivity vs. specificity

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a staple of diagnostic radiology. Despite its diagnostic utility the resolving power of typical clinical MRI instruments is only on the order of 1 mm. This has led to the development of magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), which employs the same physical imaging principals used in MRI, but with instrumentation designed to resolve structural details down to the level of 10–100 microns in samples ranging from less than 1mm to several centimeters in size. Until recently, major advancements in MRM have focused on hardware and software developments allowing the detection of radio‐frequency signals originating from very small volume elements within the sample. Such high‐resolution images have facilitated the early detection of diseased tissue by focusing on sub‐millimeter structural changes induced in the tissue. To sensitize the MRM technique to pathologic tissue changes, investigators have developed techniques, such as chemical shift imaging to detect pre‐cancerous changes in tissue metabolism and MR relaxometry to detect changes in tissue composition during the earliest stages of degeneration for diseases such as osteoarthritis or multiple sclerosis. However, such non‐specific measurements can only serve as surrogate measures of disease progression and potential measures of treatment efficacy. As disease diagnosis moves from the anatomic to the molecular stage, scientists will require imaging techniques that can detect molecular events deep inside the human body. To meet this goal, MR scientists are working to improve imaging resolutions in vivo and they are developing molecular probes that can dramatically amplify the MR signal in response to specific and highly localized molecular events. This article will identify current trends in the MRM field aimed at meeting the challenges imposed by molecular imaging and areas for future development in this highly promising imaging field. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 39: 147–153, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology and pathophysiology of alcohol and breast cancer: Update 2012.

AIMS To update epidemiological data on alcohol and breast cancer, with special emphasis on light alcohol consumption, and to review mechanisms of alcohol mediated mammary carcinogenesis. METHODS For epidemiological data, in November 2011 we performed a literature search in various bibliographic databases, and we conducted a meta-analysis of data on light alcohol drinking. Relevant mechanistic studies were also reviewed to November 2011. RESULTS A significant increase of the order of 4% in the risk of breast cancer is already present at intakes of up to one alcoholic drink/day. Heavy alcohol consumption, defined as three or more drinks/day, is associated with an increased risk by 40-50%. This translates into up to 5% of breast cancers attributable to alcohol in northern Europe and North America for a total of approximately 50,000 alcohol-attributable cases of breast cancer worldwide. Up to 1-2% of breast cancers in Europe and North America are attributable to light drinking alone, given its larger prevalence in most female populations when compared with heavy drinking. Alcohol increases estrogen levels, and estrogens may exert its carcinogenic effect on breast tissue either via the ER or directly. Other mechanisms may include acetaldehyde, oxidative stress, epigenetic changes due to a disturbed methyl transfer and decreased retinoic acid concentrations associated with an altered cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS Women should not exceed one drink/day, and women at elevated risk for breast cancer should avoid alcohol or consume alcohol occasionally only.
Grapheme–colour synaesthesia yields an ordinary rather than extraordinary memory advantage: Evidence from a group study

In synaesthesia, the input of one sensory modality automatically triggers an additional experience, not normally triggered by the input of that modality. Therefore, compared to non-synaesthetes, additional experiences exist and these may be used as retrieval cues when memory is tested. Previous case studies have suggested that synaesthesia may yield even extraordinary memory abilities. However, group studies found either a task-specific memory advantage or no performance advantage at all. The aim of the present study was to test whether grapheme–colour synaesthesia gives rise to a general memory benefit using a standardised memory test (Wechsler Memory Scale). The synaesthetes showed a performance advantage in episodic memory tests, but not in short-term memory tests. However, performance was still within the ordinary range. The results support the hypothesis that synaesthesia provides for a richer world of experience and as a consequence additional retrieval cues may be available and beneficial but not to the point of extraordinary memory ability.
Biophysical and computational comparison on the binding affinity of three important nutrients to β-lactoglobulin: folic acid, ascorbic acid and vitamin K3

Small globular protein, β-lactoglobulin (βLG), which has significant affinity toward many drugs, is the most abundant whey protein in milk. In this study, the interaction of βLG with three important nutrients, ascorbic acid (ASC), folic acid (FOL), and vitamin K3 (VK3) was investigated by spectroscopic methods (UV–visible and fluorescence) along with molecular docking technique. The results of fluorescence measurements showed that studied nutrients strongly quenched βLG fluorescence in static (FOL and ACS) or static–dynamic combined quenching (VK3) mode. The values of binding constants (KβLG-ASC ~ 4.34 × 104 M−1, KβLG-FOL ~ 1.67 × 104 M−1and KβLG-VK3 ~ 13.49 × 104 M−1 at 310 K) suggested that VK3 and FOL had stronger binding affinity toward βLG than ASC. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that hydrophobic interactions are the major forces in the stability of FOL–βLG complex with enthalpy- and entropy-driving mode while, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions play a major role for βLG–ASC and βLG–VK3 associations. The results of 3D fluorescence FT-IR and UV–Visible measurements indicated that the binding of above nutrients to βLG may induce conformational and micro-environmental changes of protein. Also, there is a reciprocal complement between spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking modeling. The docking results indicate that the ASC, FOL, and VK3 bind to residues located in the subdomain B of βLG. Finally, this report suggests that βLG could be used as an effective carrier of above nutrients in functional foods.
Does remodeling of gap junctions and connexin expression contribute to arrhythmogenesis? Study in an immobilization rat model.

n the heart, gap junctions (GJs) mediate electrical coupling between cardiac myocytes, forming the cell-to-cell pathways for orderly spread of the wave of electrical excitation.1 Connexin-43 (Cx43) is the primary component of cardiomyocyte GJs, which regulate intercellular coupling, conduction velocity, and anisotropy. In patients with myocardial infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure, Cx43 undergoes remodeling (reduction or redistribution), and this mechanism appears to underlie arrhythmogenesis in ischemia and heart failure.2,3
Ben Graham Was a Quant: Raising the IQ of the Intelligent Investor

DESCRIPTION Innovative insights on creating models that will help you become a disciplined intelligent investor The pioneer of value investing, Benjamin Graham, believed in a philosophy that continues to be followed by some of today's most successful investors, such as Warren Buffett. Part of this philosophy includes adhering to your stock selection process come "hell or high water" which, in his view, was one of the most important aspects of investing.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulates Prolactin Release from Lactotrophs in Photoperiodic Species Through a Gonadotropin-Independent Mechanism

Abstract Previous studies have provided evidence for a paracrine interaction between pituitary gonadotrophs and lactotrophs. Here, we show that GnRH is able to stimulate prolactin (PRL) release in ovine primary pituitary cultures. This effect was observed during the breeding season (BS), but not during the nonbreeding season (NBS), and was abolished by the application of bromocriptine, a specific dopamine agonist. Interestingly, GnRH gained the ability to stimulate PRL release in NBS cultures following treatment with bromocriptine. In contrast, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, a potent secretagogue of PRL, stimulated PRL release during both the BS and NBS and significantly enhanced the PRL response to GnRH during the BS. These results provide evidence for a photoperiodically modulated functional interaction between the GnRH/gonadotropic and prolactin axes in the pituitary gland of a short day breeder. Moreover, the stimulation of PRL release by GnRH was shown not to be mediated by the gonadotropins, since immunocytochemical, Western blotting, and PCR studies failed to detect pituitary LH or FSH receptor protein and mRNA expressions. Similarly, no gonadotropin receptor expression was observed in the pituitary gland of the horse, a long day breeder. In contrast, S100 protein, a marker of folliculostellate cells, which are known to participate in paracrine mechanisms within this tissue, was detected throughout the pituitaries of both these seasonal breeders. Therefore, an alternative gonadotroph secretory product, a direct effect of GnRH on the lactotroph, or another cell type, such as the folliculostellate cell, may be involved in the PRL response to GnRH in these species.
RanGAP2 Mediates Nucleocytoplasmic Partitioning of the NB-LRR Immune Receptor Rx in the Solanaceae, Thereby Dictating Rx Function[W][OA]

The interaction of the immune receptor Rx with RanGAP2 is required for stability and balanced partitioning of Rx between the cytoplasm and nucleus, which is essential for activation of the immune response against Potato virus X. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) nucleotide binding–leucine-rich repeat immune receptor Rx confers resistance to Potato virus X (PVX) and requires Ran GTPase-activating protein 2 (RanGAP2) for effective immune signaling. Although Rx does not contain a discernible nuclear localization signal, the protein localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleus in Nicotiana benthamiana. Transient coexpression of Rx and cytoplasmically localized RanGAP2 sequesters Rx in the cytoplasm. This relocation of the immune receptor appeared to be mediated by the physical interaction between Rx and RanGAP2 and was independent of the concomitant increased GAP activity. Coexpression with RanGAP2 also potentiates Rx-mediated immune signaling, leading to a hypersensitive response (HR) and enhanced resistance to PVX. Besides sequestration, RanGAP2 also stabilizes Rx, a process that likely contributes to enhanced defense signaling. Strikingly, coexpression of Rx with the Rx-interacting WPP domain of RanGAP2 fused to a nuclear localization signal leads to hyperaccumulation of both the WPP domain and Rx in the nucleus. As a consequence, both Rx-mediated resistance to PVX and the HR induced by auto-active Rx mutants are significantly suppressed. These data show that a balanced nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of Rx is required for proper regulation of defense signaling. Furthermore, our data indicate that RanGAP2 regulates this partitioning by serving as a cytoplasmic retention factor for Rx.
Prevalence of house dust mites in the Rocky Mountain states.

BACKGROUND Due to low rainfall and high elevation the ten Rocky Mountain states would not be expected to have the indoor humidity required to support the growth of significant numbers of house dust mites. Nevertheless, a recent survey reported that house dust mite allergen levels were not significantly different in the various regions of the United States, including the arid and mountainous regions. METHODS Each summer for 5 years (1988-92) patients with bronchial asthma scheduled to be evaluated at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine were invited to submit a dust sample from their mattress or bedroom carpet for mite analysis. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients from the ten Rocky Mountain states submitted dust specimens. Forty-eight contained no mites, five had levels of mites considered clinically insignificant (less than 100 mites/g dust), three contained 100 mites/g of dust, a level at the threshold of significance, and two had high levels of mites (1,000 and 3,000 mites/g). Both of the homes with high mite levels had specific sources of excess moisture. Twenty-eight patients from adjacent states also submitted dust specimens. Significant levels of mites were encountered in specimens from these states reflecting the transition to zones of greater humidity and lower elevation. CONCLUSION Except in homes with unusual sources of humidity, significant levels of house dust mites are rarely encountered in homes in the ten Rocky Mountain states.
The interaction of two complex loci, zeste and bithorax in Drosophila melanogaster.

It has been found that certain alleles of the zeste locus (z(a) 1-1.0) have no phenotype of their own, but interact with certain alleles at the bithorax locus (bx 3-58.8). This interaction takes the form of an enhancement of the homeotic bx phenotype to a more extreme form-i.e., the metathorax is transformed into mesothorax in varying degrees depending on the bx allele used. This enhancement is somewhat reminiscent of the transvection effect described by Lewis (1954). The characterization of the interaction thus far has shown that the enhancement only effects bx alleles which arise spontaneously, whereas the origin of the z(a) allele is unimportant. The gene claret nondisjunctional was used for the production of gynandromorphs which showed that the enhancing ability of z(a), like the eye pigment change caused by z, is autonomous. The enhancement of one specific allele (bx(34e)), which is temperature-sensitive, has allowed a delineation of the temperature-sensitive period of the bithorax locus to a period extending from the middle of the second larval instar to the middle of the third larval instar. These results, as well as those of other enhancer and suppressor systems in Drosophila, have revealed the possibility of the involvement of heterocyclic compounds in the control of cell determination and fate in Drosophila melanogaster.
Potential Roles of miR-106a in Breast Cancer

The discovery of interfering RNAs uncovered a new level of regulation of gene expression. It is now believed that as much as 92% of gene expression may be regulated by interfering RNAs. Interfering RNAs may be micro RNAs (miRNAs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Our focus is on miRNAs. These are mostly coded in intronic or intergenic regions of DNA and are grouped into families on the basis that they likely evolved from a common ancestral gene. Among the miRNA families, the miR17-92 family has attracted attention because of its oncogenic activity. miRNAs in this family include the miR17-92 cluster and two paralogs, the miR-106a and miR-106b clusters. Expression of these miRNAs is markedly upregulated in several types of cancer, and they are considered oncomirs. The two paralogs derive from an ancient gene duplication event involving the miR17-92 cluster. They therefore share highly similar sequences with miR17-92 family members and each other. As a result, they also work on very similar targets, primarily inhibiting the translation of target mRNAs by binding to the 3’ untranslated region. The miR-106 paralogs are located on different chromosomes from the miR17-92 cluster: miR-106a is intriguingly located on the X chromosome, miR-106b on chromosome 7, and miR17-92 on chromosome 13. Regulation of expression of any of the paralogs can therefore occur without concomitant regulation of the other two. This review examines the thesis that miR-106a in particular may play an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. Because relatively little attention has yet to be given to miR-106a, the potential role of miR-106a is often suggested on the basis of a known role of a related family member. Similarly, defined roles of miR106a and family members in other neoplasms are used to suggest a role in breast cancer.
On Heterogeneous Coded Distributed Computing

We consider the recently proposed Coded Distributed Computing (CDC) framework [1]-[3] that leverages carefully designed redundant computations to enable coding opportunities that substantially reduce the communication load of distributed computing. We generalize this framework to heterogeneous systems where different nodes in the computing cluster can have different storage (or processing) capabilities. We provide the information-theoretically optimal data set placement and coded data shuffling scheme that minimizes the communication load in a cluster with 3 nodes. For clusters with K > 3 nodes, we provide an algorithm description to generalize our coding ideas to larger networks.
Valganciclovir prophylaxis in patients at high risk for the development of cytomegalovirus disease

Abstract: Background. Despite advances in antiviral therapies, cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the leading opportunistic infection in the transplant population. Valganciclovir (VGC), the l‐valyl ester prodrug of ganciclovir (GCV), provides an excellent oral alternative to GCV for the prevention of CMV in transplant recipients. We investigated the use of VGC for CMV prevention in high‐risk renal and pancreas transplant recipients.
Déjà vu in proteomics. A hit parade of repeatedly identified differentially expressed proteins

After reading many 2‐DE‐based articles featuring lists of the differentially expressed proteins, one starts experiencing a disturbing déjà vu. The same proteins seem to predominate regardless of the experiment, tissue or species. To quantify the occurrence of individual differentially expressed proteins in 2‐DE experiment reports, we compiled the identities of differentially expressed proteins identified in human, mouse, and rat tissues published in three recent volumes of Proteomics and calculated the appearance of the most predominant proteins in the dataset. The most frequently identified protein is a highly abundant glycolytic enzyme enolase 1, differentially expressed in nearly every third experiment on both human and rodent tissues. Heat‐shock protein 27 (HSP27) and heat‐shock protein 60 (HSP60) were differentially expressed in about 30 percent of human and rodent samples, respectively. Considering protein families as units, keratins and peroxiredoxins are the most frequently identified molecules, with at least one member of the group being differentially expressed in about 40 percent of all experiments. We suggest that the frequent identification of these proteins must be considered in the interpretation of any 2‐DE studies. We consider if these commonly observed changes represent common cellular stress responses or are a reflection of the technical limitations of 2‐DE.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Other Genetic Polyneuropathies

ABSTRACT Purpose of Review: Genetic polyneuropathies are rare and clinically heterogeneous. This article provides an overview of the clinical features, neurologic and electrodiagnostic findings, and management strategies for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other genetic polyneuropathies as well as an algorithm for genetic testing. Recent Findings: In the past 10 years, many of the mutations causing genetic polyneuropathies have been identified. International collaborations have led to the development of consortiums that are undertaking careful genotype-phenotype correlations to facilitate the development of targeted therapies and validation of outcome measures for future clinical trials. Clinical trials are currently under way for some genetic polyneuropathies. Summary: Readers are provided a framework to recognize common presentations of various genetic polyneuropathies and a rationale for current diagnostic testing and management strategies in genetic polyneuropathies.
Atomic-scale nanoindentation: detection and identification of single glide events in three dimensions by force microscopy

Indentation experiments on the nanometre scale have been performed by means of atomic force microscopy in ultra-high vacuum on KBr(100) surfaces. The surfaces yield in the form of discrete surface displacements with a typical length scale of 1 Å. These surface displacements are detected in both normal and lateral directions. Measurement of the lateral tip displacement requires a load-dependent calibration due to the load dependence of the effective lateral compliance. Correlation of the lateral and normal displacements for each glide event allow identification of the activated slip system. The results are discussed in terms of the resolved shear stress in indentation experiments and of typical results in atomistic simulations of nanometre-scale indentation.