Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demand Response Resource Allocation Method Using Mean-Variance Portfolio Theory for Load Aggregators in the Korean Demand Response Market

Since the demand response (DR) market was introduced in Korea, load aggregators have also been allowed to participate in the electricity market. However, a risk-management-based method for the efficient operation of demand response resources (DRRs) has not been studied from the load aggregators’ perspective. In this paper, a systematic DRR allocation method is proposed for load aggregators to operate DRRs using mean-variance portfolio theory. The proposed method is designed to determine the lowest-risk DRR portfolio for a given level of expected return using mean-variance portfolio theory from the perspective of load aggregators. The numerical results show that the proposed method can be used to reduce the risk compared to that obtained by the baseline method, in which all individual DRRs are allocated in a DRR group by maximum curtailment capability.
Tetrahedral M echanism C rawling on a S lope

Crawling mechanisms with energetic and control autonomy may move and steer by sliding on the ground. The paper presents an analytic and MBS simulation study on the possibilities and limits of steering a tetrahedral mechanism on a slope. The mechanism movement is analyzed using an equivalent 3d model. The analysis is structural, kinematical, static and dynamic. The limit conditions for stability on the slope, tilting, and maximal path curvature are defined. Some possible strategies of moving to a point are proposed.
Efficacy of the treatments used for the control of Caligus rogercresseyi infecting Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in a new fish-farming location in Region XI, Chile.

Caligus rogercresseyi is the most important parasite affecting Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout farming in sea water in Chile. After the outbreaks of the infectious salmon anaemia recorded in Region X from 2007, the salmon industry has expanded southwards to Region XI, where 60% of Atlantic salmon in Chile is now produced. In parallel with the relocation of salmon production, sea lice infestation has also spread to Region XI, and today C. rogercresseyi is the most serious threat to the salmon-farming industry in this region. The results obtained through a year of monitoring between September 2007 and August 2008 on a farm located in the 'Las Guaitecas Archipelago' in Region XI (44°S; 74°W) showed that treatments with emamectin benzoate and deltamethrin did not give the expected control of Caligus. Failures of the treatments were associated with the loss of sensitivity recorded for C. rogercresseyi to emamectin benzoate in Region X. In addition, a major influence was the lack of delousing coordination measures with the neighbouring farms sharing the same area in that period.
Inkjet printed GPS antenna on a 3D printed substrate using low-cost machines

A circularly polarized patch antenna fabricated using commercially available, low-cost, printers is described. Two additive processes are combined for the fabrication: stereolithography (SLA) and inkjet printing of silver inks. A widely available SLA 3D printer is employed to fabricate the substrate of the antenna. Inkjet printing is used to deposit the metallic layers of the radiating element on the substrate. The two machines employed are very low-cost in comparison to those used in previously reported work. Good adhesion of the metallic patterns to the substrates is observed. Furthermore, the resistance of the added metallic patch is relatively low. The aim is to demonstrate the use of alternative, inexpensive machines, for the prototyping and manufacturing of antennas on 3D printed substrates. In this work, the antenna operates at the 1.575GHz GPS frequency band. Finite-difference-time-domain simulations compare well with the practical experiments.
cache-Cooperative and Weighted Proportionnal Cache Alllocation for EEPC and C--RAN

hierarchical caching at Evolved Packet Core (EPC), BBU pool, RRH is needed. In this paper, we propose weighted proportional cache allocation that allows cooperation among caches, reduce delay, and improves cache hits, where Mobile Network Operator (MNO) provides shared cache allocation to multiple Content Providers (CPs) in three layers (EPC, BBU pool, RRH) hierarchical caching architecture. We show that our proposal is easy to implement in production network.
Structural Basis of Galactose Recognition by C-type Animal Lectins (*)

The asialoglycoprotein receptors and many other C-type (Ca-dependent) animal lectins specifically recognize galactose- or N-acetylgalactosamine-terminated oligosaccharides. Analogous binding specificity can be engineered into the homologous rat mannose-binding protein A by changing three amino acids and inserting a glycine-rich loop (Iobst, S. T., and Drickamer, K.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 15512-15519). Crystal structures of this mutant complexed with β-methyl galactoside and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) reveal that as with wild-type mannose-binding proteins, the 3- and 4-OH groups of the sugar directly coordinate Ca and form hydrogen bonds with amino acids that also serve as Ca ligands. The different stereochemistry of the 3- and 4-OH groups in mannose and galactose, combined with a fixed Ca coordination geometry, leads to different pyranose ring locations in the two cases. The glycine-rich loop provides selectivity against mannose by holding a critical tryptophan in a position optimal for packing with the apolar face of galactose but incompatible with mannose binding. The 2-acetamido substituent of GalNAc is in the vicinity of amino acid positions identified by site-directed mutagenesis (Iobst, S. T., and Drickamer, K.(1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 6686-6693) as being important for the formation of a GalNAc-selective binding site.
Functional characterization of a soluble gp130 isoform and its therapeutic capacity in an experimental model of inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Soluble gp130 is the naturally occurring antagonist of the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) complex and selectively inhibits IL-6 trans-signaling. Several isoforms of soluble gp130 have been identified, including an autoantigenic form termed gp130-RAPS (for gp130 of the rheumatoid arthritis antigenic peptide-bearing soluble form) that is present in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional properties of gp130-RAPS. METHODS To define a role for gp130-RAPS in arthritis, a recombinant version was generated using a baculovirus expression system, and its activities were tested in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Gp130-RAPS was shown to bind with high affinity to the stable IL-6/sIL-6R complex, hyper-IL-6, and to effectively modulate leukocyte migration in murine acute peritonitis. A single intraarticular injection of gp130-RAPS suppressed chronic antigen-induced arthritis in association with a reduction in local activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Although gp130-RAPS contains the previously identified autoantigenic sequence Asn-Ile-Ala-Ser-Phe (NIASF), no increase in the prevalence of anti- gp130-RAPS antibodies was observed in serum or synovial fluid obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION The use of inhibitory antibodies to block IL-6 responses has shown considerable clinical promise. However, the results presented herein suggest that selective targeting of IL-6 trans-signaling may represent a viable alternative to this strategy. In this respect, our present results suggest that the soluble gp130 isoform gp130-RAPS may be useful in the treatment of chronic inflammatory arthritis.
IMU-based mounting parameter estimation on construction vehicles

This study reports on a method for parameter estimation of a randomly placed inertial measurement unit (IMU) on an excavator arm. Cost and time can be saved if the sensing equipment is self-calibrating and the mounting position is not a strict requirement. A sensor kit could be mounted on an autonomous construction vehicle — an excavator or front loader, for instance — and calibrate by itself. Automatic recalibration improves accuracy error over lifetime caused by sensor ageing, for instance. Inertial sensors are small, cheap and can endure harsh environments better compared to other sensors that measure position and configuration of a hydraulic arm. An IMU containing 3D gyroscopes and accelerometers can measure the absolute angle according to the Earth coordinate system with suitable algorithms, and can estimate the relative arm segment angles and the distances from the rotation axes.
Joint Depth and Alpha Matte Optimization via Stereo

This study presents a novel iterative algorithm of joint depth and alpha matte optimization via stereo (JDMOS). This algorithm realizes simultaneous estimation of depth map and matting image to obtain final convergence. The depth map provides depth information to realize automatic image matting, whereas the border details generated from the image matting can refine the depth map in boundary areas. Compared with monocular matting methods, another advantage offered by JDMOS is that the image matting process is completely automatic, and the result is significantly more robust when depth information is introduced. The major contribution of JDMOS is adding image matting information to the cost function, thereby refining the depth map, especially in the scene boundary. Similarly, optimized disparity information is stitched into the matting algorithm as prior knowledge to make the foreground–background segmentation more accurate. Experimental results on Middlebury datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of JDMOS.
Menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: management update.

The increasing incidence of breast cancer combined with improving survival means that women live with the effects of cancer and its treatment for many years. Menopausal symptoms are a significant issue in breast cancer survivors for several reasons. Women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at the time of diagnosis are advised to cease treatment. The majority of breast cancers are oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive, so treatments to block the effects of oestrogen (such as oral endocrine therapy and ovarian suppression/ablation treatments) form an important part of management. In addition, premenopausal women frequently experience an early menopause as a result of chemotherapy. #### Clinical Questions What are the causes of menopausal symptoms after treatment for breast cancer? What are the evidence-based options (hormonal and non-hormonal) for the management of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors? Menopausal symptoms in this setting are similar in nature to those experienced at natural menopause, and can include; hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms, emotional upset, musculoskeletal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. However, they may be more abrupt in onset and more persistent. Aromatase inhibitors have the additional side effects of osteoporosis and arthralgia, and a switch to tamoxifen may produce better tolerance. Genetic predispositions to severe symptoms …
On the Tactical and Strategic Behaviour of MTCS when Biasing Random Simulations

Over the last few years, many new algorithms have been proposed to solve combinatorial problems. In this ﬁeld, Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) is a generic method which performs really well on several applications; for instance, it has been used with notable results in the game of Go. To ﬁnd the most promising decision, MCTS builds a search tree where the new nodes are selected by sampling the search space randomly (i.e., by Monte-Carlo simulations). However, efﬁcient Monte-Carlo policies are generally difﬁcult to learn. Even if an improved Monte-Carlo policy performs adequately in some games, it can become useless or harmful in other games depending on how the algorithm takes into account the tactical and the strategic elements of the game. In this article, we address this problem by studying when and why a learned Monte-Carlo policy works. To this end, we use (1) two known Monte-Carlo policy improvements (PoolRave and Last-Good-Reply) and (2) two connection games (Hex and Havannah). We aim to understand how the beneﬁt is related (a) to the number of random simulations and (b) to the various game rules (within them, tactical and strategic elements of the game). Our results indicate that improved Monte-Carlo policies, such as PoolRave or Last-Good-Reply, work better for games with a strong tactical element for small numbers of random simulations, whereas more general policies seem to be more suited for games with a strong strategic element for higher numbers of random simulations.
Interleaved Boost Converter with Ripple Cancellation Network

This paper presents an interleaved boost converter (IBC) with ripple cancellation network (RCN). Based on the conventional IBC, two capacitors, two coupled inductors, and two inductors are added as RCN in the proposed converter. Therefore, the proposed converter shares the same advantages of the conventional IBC and achieves input current ripple cancellation without significantly increasing the current stress and loss of the converter. Finally, a 36-V input voltage, 50-V output voltage, and 1-kW output power prototype circuit operating at 100 kHz is implemented in the laboratory to verify the expected performance. The proposed converter can achieve input current ripple cancellation in all power range with the efficiency higher than 96%. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed IBC with RCN has great potential to be applied in high-power, high-efficiency dc/dc conversion.
Variation in hemoglobin concentration among samples of high‐altitude natives in the Andes and the Himalayas

This paper presents data on hemoglobin concentration in a rural Andean sample at 3,800–3,900 m and incorporates them into a review intended to evaluate possible sources of the range of variation in mean hemoglobin concentration among samples obtained at high altitude. Between 3,400 and 4,000 m, rural Himalayan highlanders average 1.4 gm/dl lower mean hemoglobin concentration than rural Andean highlanders. With respect to potential causes of anemia, it is concluded that the relatively low values of rural Himalyan populations are not explicable by lower hypoxic stress or different techniques of obtaining and analyzing blood samples and are probably not explicable by nutritional deficiency and disease. With respect to potential causes of polycythemia within Andean populations, it is concluded that the somewhat higher values of some mining and urban samples of Andean higlanders may not be due to the mining occupation per se but may be due partly to the inclusion of European and mestizo (with at most 500 years of high‐altitude ancestry) along with Amerindian highlanders (with millenia of high‐altitude ancestry) as well as to the inclusion of highlanders living well above their own habitual altitudes of residence. The Andean polycythemia is probably not due to obesity, high androgen levels, or frequent intermittent hypoxemia during sleep. The effect of heavy smoking cannot be evaluated. Further work on hematological adaptation to high altitude must pay special attention to sample characteristics.
Chemical and nutritional evaluation of yeasts and bacteria as dietary protein sources for rats and pigs.

Eight commercial single-cell protein preparations grown on hydrocarbon substrates, and which comprised six yeast and two bacterial samples, were analysed for amino acid, nucleic acid and hexosamine content. Amino acid analysis indicated that in all eight samples the sulphur-containing amino acids were likely to be limiting for both rats and pigs. In experiments with rats the six yeast SCP samples gave biological values between 55 and 62, with true N-digestibilities between 79 and 93%. The chemical scores, based on the sulphur amino acid requirement of the rat (4.2 g/16 g N), ranged from 50 to 67. The two bacterial SCP samples gave lower biological values (42 and 52), with true N-digestibilities of 90 and 91%, and the chemical score of each bacterial SCP was 57. Supplementation with methionine improved the biological value of all eight samples. In experiments with pigs three yeasts were evaluated and gave apparent biological values between 43 and 47. Two of the yeasts were supplemented with methionine and in both cases this led to improvement in biological value.
Human Relations and Behavioral Science Approach to Motivation in Selected Business Organizations in Kano Metropolis Nigeria

Theories of management are the basic background for the study of management, it is important for students and practitioners of management first to understand these theories. The objective of this paper is to bring to light the application of human relations and behavioral science approaches to motivation in selected business organizations in Kano metropolis in northern Nigeria, and lay a foundation for the understanding of these approaches to management. It also explored the relationship between motivation and employee performance in the organizations understudy. The paper made use of both primary and secondary sources of data, through the use of researcher designed questionnaires and also books, journals and magazines on management. The paper found the use of incentive and bonus schemes in contemporary organizations and therefore recommends that despite many strides made since after the discovery of human relations/behavioral approaches which lead to the emergence of other theories, that the concept is still relevant and fashionable as such managers should embrace the idea of looking at the human/behavioral side of employees rather than concentrating on the mechanical aspects of the job alone. Through the use of psychology and sociology managers could despite the complex nature of human beings understand the behavior of their employees and try to stimulate greater productivity with the use of various motivational tools. Keywords : Human, relations, behavioral, motivation, dissatisfaction, classical, theorists, approaches.
Sources of protons and a role for bicarbonate in inhibitory feedback from horizontal cells to cones in Ambystoma tigrinum retina

In the vertebrate retina, photoreceptors influence the signalling of neighbouring photoreceptors through lateral‐inhibitory interactions mediated by horizontal cells (HCs). These interactions create antagonistic centre‐surround receptive fields important for detecting edges and generating chromatically opponent responses in colour vision. The mechanisms responsible for inhibitory feedback from HCs involve changes in synaptic cleft pH that modulate photoreceptor calcium currents. However, the sources of synaptic protons involved in feedback and the mechanisms for their removal from the cleft when HCs hyperpolarize to light remain unknown. Our results indicate that Na+–H+ exchangers are the principal source of synaptic cleft protons involved in HC feedback but that synaptic cleft alkalization during light‐evoked hyperpolarization of HCs also involves changes in bicarbonate transport across the HC membrane. In addition to delineating processes that establish lateral inhibition in the retina, these results contribute to other evidence showing the key role for pH in regulating synaptic signalling throughout the nervous system.
Teratogenic Compounds of Veratrum californicum (Durand) XI. Gestational Chronology and Compound Specificity in Rabbits

Summary Fetal rabbits become malformed in ways grossly similar to lambs upon maternal ingestion of cyclopamine and jervine, naturally-occurring teratogens of Veratrum californicum. Other veratrum alkaloids tested were inactive. The cyclopia and related cephalic malformations occurred when ingestion took place on the 7th day of gestation.
A compact wideband 16-way power combiner implemented via 3-D metal printing

By using the basic Riblet coupler, a compact wideband 16-way power combiner is developed to provide high isolation between adjacent ports without resistive component. To achieve compactness, a total of 15 Riblet couplers are combined and at some instances folded to achieve compactness. Such a design is not amenable to conventional fabrication process so a 3-D metal-direct-printing technique is applied. Results show that the 16-way power combiner can operate with an isolation better than 20 dB and an amplitude balance of better ±1dB throughout the operating bandwidth of approximately 23%.
Unequal We Fight: Between- and Within-Group Inequality and Ethnic Civil War*

When and why ethnic groups rebel remains a central puzzle in the civil war literature. In this paper, we examine how different types of inequalities affect both an ethnic group’s willingness and opportunity to fight. We argue that political and economic inter-group inequalities motivate ethnic groups to initiate a fight against the state, and that intra-group economic inequality lowers their elite’s costs of providing the necessary material and/or purposive incentives to overcome collective action problems inherent to rebel recruitment. We therefore predict that internally unequal ethnic groups excluded from power and/or significantly richer or poorer relative to the country’s average are most likely to engage in a civil war. To assess our claim empirically, we develop a new global measure of economic inequality by combining high-resolution satellite images of light emissions, spatial population data, and geocoded ethnic settlement areas. After validating our measure at the country- and group level, we include it in a standard statistical model of civil war onset and find considerable support for our theoretical prediction: greater economic inequality within an ethnic group significantly increases the risk of conflict, especially if political or economic inequalities between groups provide a motive.
Cystatin C and carotid intima-media thickness in asymptomatic adults: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

BACKGROUND Persons with early kidney disease have an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, but the importance of accelerated atherosclerosis in promoting these outcomes is unclear. We therefore explored whether serum cystatin C level is associated with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in ambulatory adults without clinical heart disease. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS We evaluated 6,557 ethnically diverse persons free of clinical cardiovascular disease aged 45 to 84 years at the baseline visit of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. PREDICTORS Kidney function was estimated by using 2 methods: serum cystatin C level and estimated glomerular filtration rate, based on creatinine and cystatin C levels. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS Study outcomes were internal and common carotid IMT, measured by using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate the independent association of kidney function with carotid IMT. RESULTS In unadjusted linear analysis, each SD (0.23 mg/L) greater cystatin C level was associated with 0.091-mm greater internal carotid IMT (P < 0.001), but this association was diminished by 70% after adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity (0.027 mm; P < 0.001) and was no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (0.005 mm; P = 0.5). Similarly, the strong unadjusted associations of cystatin C level with common carotid IMT disappeared after adjustment. Chronic kidney disease, defined by using either creatinine level or cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), had no independent association with internal and common carotid IMT. LIMITATIONS There were few participants with severe kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS Cystatin C level had no independent association with carotid IMT in a population free of clinical heart disease. This observation suggests that accelerated atherosclerosis is unlikely to be the primary mechanism explaining the independent association of cystatin C level with cardiovascular risk.