Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smart storage for active distribution networks estimation and measurement solutions

Active distribution networks emerged when power generation units have been connected into LV or MV grids. Most of these generators are based on renewables (PV, wind) which have an intermittent character and are dispersed over a large area. In order to cope with the unpredictability of the generation, the best solution is, despite its high cost, to deploy electrical energy storage units. Further intelligent control of the distribution network is using the storage not only for energy leverage (minutes-term balance of generation and consume) but also for system services, as during perturbations following faults in the network. This paper presents such an application - intended to cope with the lower level of inertia in the active distribution networks, due to intensive use of static converters for power transfer. The resulting virtual synchronous generator (VSG) is developed around electrical storages, selected as a function of the application case and desired nominal power of the VSG. All algorithms rely on the State of Charge (SOC) signal describing the storage status. An automated system dedicated to continuous estimation of the SoC is presented, as to be integrated into a more complex on-line VSG application.
In Vivo Activity of Solid Phase Interleukin

Interleukin 2 (11-2) coupled to polystyrene beads to form a solid phase of the cytokine was able to increase the cytotoxic activity of rat spleen cells in vitro. A single injection of the IL-2 coupled beads into the peritoneal cavities of normal rats also resulted in the in vivo activation of cytotoxicity of peritoneal exÃodatecells, whereas a single i.p. injection of the same amount of soluble IL-2 was not effective. When IL-2 coupled beads were mixed with methylcholanthrene-induced Mc7 or Mcl07 sarcoma cells and injected into normal syngeneic Wistar rats, the growth of the tumor was suppressed. This effect was localized to the site of the injection. The in vivo activities were achieved with modest amounts of IL-2, less than has been previously reported to be well tolerated in rodents. IL-2 coupled to a solid matrix may be useful for delivering increased concentrations of the lymphokine to tumor dominant regions while maintaining low systemic levels and thereby increasing the thera peutic index.
Development of single‐stage and doherty GaN‐based hybrid RF power amplifiers for quasi‐constant envelope and high peak to average power ratio wireless standards

This article describes the design, realization, and characterization of a set of hybrid medium‐power RF power amplifiers, based on a commercial packaged GaN HEMT and developed through a low‐cost microstrip process. Two different design solutions suitable for wireless applications are presented: the first, intended for a constant envelope modulation (with reference to the GSM standard) is a Class F amplifier exhibiting at 900 MHz an efficiency of 72% with an output power of 37.5 dBm; the second, optimized for nonconstant envelope signals with high dynamics (with reference to the UMTS WCDMA standard) is a Doherty amplifier showing, at 2.14 GHz, an efficiency higher than 40% at 6 dB of output power back‐off with a maximum output power of 40 dBm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:206–210, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26459
Screening history of cervical cancers in Emilia-Romagna, Italy: defining priorities to improve cervical cancer screening

Most invasive cervical cancers in industrialized countries are due to the lack of Pap test coverage, very few are due to screening failures. This study aimed at quantifying the proportion of invasive cancers occurring in nonscreened or underscreened women and that in women with a previous negative screening, that is, screening failure, during the first two screening rounds (1996–2002) and in the following rounds (2003–2008) in the Emilia-Romagna region. All cases of invasive cancers registered in the regional cancer registry between 1996 and 2008 were classified according to screening history through a record linkage with the screening programme registry. The incidence significantly decreased from 11.6/100 000 to 8.7/100 000; this decrease is due to a reduction in squamous cell cancers (annual percentage change −6.2; confidence interval: −7.8, −4.6) and advanced cancers (annual percentage change −6.6; confidence interval: −8.8, −4.3), whereas adenocarcinomas and microinvasive cancers were essentially stable. The proportion of cancers among women not yet invited and among nonresponders decreased over the two periods, from 45.5 to 33.3%. In contrast, the proportion of women with a previous negative Pap test less than 5 years and 5 years or more before cancer incidence increased from 5.7 to 13.3% and from 0.3 to 5.5%, respectively. Although nonattendance of the screening programme remains the main barrier to cervical cancer control, the introduction of a more sensitive test, such as the human papillomavirus DNA test, could significantly reduce the burden of disease.
An integrated framework of tour guide interaction quality, tourist perceived risk and satisfaction

Tour guide service quality has always been the focus of controversy in the tourism service area. This paper constructs an integrated framework of tour guide interaction quality, tourist perceived risk and satisfaction, exploring the working mechanism between tour guide interaction quality and tourist perceptions. Using survey data from 517 tourists who have used tour guide service in China's four cities, the authors find that it is useful to lower the tourist perceived personal risk and enhance the tourist perceived value and satisfaction by improving the tour guide's attitude, behavior and expertise. However, the effects of interaction quality on non-personal risk and non-personal risk on perceived value and satisfaction are complex comparatively.
Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy in Cervical Cancer Patients: A Matched-Case Comparative Study

Objective This study aimed to compare initial surgical outcomes and complication rates of patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) and conventional laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH). Methods Patients diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I-IIA) who underwent RRH (n = 23) at Samsung Medical Center from January 2008 to May 2013 were compared with matched patients who underwent LRH (n = 69) during the same period. The 2 surgical groups were matched 3:1 for variables of age, body mass index, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, histological subtype, tumor size, and node positivity. All patient information and surgical and postoperative follow-up data were retrospectively collected. Results Operating time was significantly longer (317 vs 236 minutes; P < 0.001) in the RRH group compared with the LRH group but mean estimated blood loss was significantly reduced in the RRH group (200 vs 350 mL; P = 0.036). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were not significantly different between the 2 groups (4.3% for RRH vs 1.45% for LRH; P = 0.439). Recurrences were 2 (8.7%) in the RRH and 7 (10.1%) in the LRH group. The overall 3-year recurrence-free survival was 91.3% in RRH group and 89.9% in the LRH group (P = 0.778). Conclusions Although operating time was longer in the RRH cases because of lesser experience on robotic platform, we showed that surgical outcomes and complication rate of RRH were comparable to those of LRH. In addition, surgical skills for LRH easily and safely translated to RRH in case of experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
A STRUCTURAL RISK‐NEUTRAL MODEL FOR PRICING AND HEDGING POWER DERIVATIVES

We develop a structural risk‐neutral model for energy market modifying along several directions the approach introduced in Aïd et al. In particular, a scarcity function is introduced to allow important deviations of the spot price from the marginal fuel price, producing price spikes. We focus on pricing and hedging electricity derivatives. The hedging instruments are forward contracts on fuels and electricity. The presence of production capacities and electricity demand makes such a market incomplete. We follow a local risk minimization approach to price and hedge energy derivatives. Despite the richness of information included in the spot model, we obtain closed‐form formulae for futures prices and semiexplicit formulae for spread options and European options on electricity forward contracts. An analysis of the electricity price risk premium is provided showing the contribution of demand and capacity to the futures prices. We show that when far from delivery, electricity futures behave like a basket of futures on fuels.
THU0148 Economic Considerations and Patients' Preferences Affect Treatment Selection for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Discrete Choice Experiment among European Rheumatologists

Background Economic considerations and patient preferences are increasingly important when choosing treatments. It is not known to what extent rheumatologists across Europe account for these factors when changing drug therapies in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objectives To compare the value that rheumatologists across Europe attach to patients' preferences and economic aspects when choosing treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods In a discrete choice experiment European rheumatologists chose between two hypothetical drug treatments for a patient with moderate disease activity. Treatments differed in five attributes: efficacy (improvement and achieved state on disease activity), safety (probability of serious adverse events), patient's preference (level of agreement), medication costs and cost-effectiveness (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER)). A Bayesian efficient design defined the fourteen choice sets and a random parameter logit model was used to estimate relative treatment preferences for rheumatologists across countries. β Coefficients presented in table 1 indicate whether the attribute has a negative or positive effect on the rheumatologists' preference Cluster analyses and latent class models were applied to understand preference patterns across countries and among individual rheumatologists. Results Responses of 559 rheumatologists from 12 European countries were included in the analysis (49% females, mean age 48 years). In all countries, efficacy dominated the treatment decision followed by economic considerations and patient's preferences. Across countries, patient's agreement with the treatment was associated with an increased treatment preference of rheumatologists and a stronger, negative impact on rheumatologists treatment preference was seen when patents dislike treatments. The economic aspect also played an important role. Higher economic burden was consistently associated with decreased treatment preference. Interestingly, medication costs contributed significantly in all countries, whereas cost-effectiveness was only significant in 9 of 12 countries (table). Latent class models revealed four respondent profiles: one of which traded off all attributes, and the remaining three classes that disregarded ICER. Among individual rheumatologists, 57% disregard ICER in treatment choices, and these were more likely to be located in Italy, Romania, Portugal or France (cluster 2, table) Conclusions Overall, European rheumatologists are willing to trade between treatment efficacy, patients' treatment preferences and economic considerations. However, the degree of trade-off differs between countries and among individuals. Disclosure of Interest None declared
SPONTANEOUS REMISSION IN ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

effects on the growth of leukaemic cells. In particular, TNF acts with a dose-dependent suppression of G-CSF-stimulated AML cell proliferation (Salem et al, 1990). whereas the antineoplastic activity of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells is a well-known phenomenon largely mediated by IL-2. In this setting, preliminary clinical studies on the use of recombinant IL2 in patients with AML in partial or complete remission are encouraging (Foa' et a! . 1991). In addition, the generation of LAK cells and specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes is increased by the synergic action of TIW and IL-2 (Chauaib et al, 1988). Finally. in our experience, high serum levels of TNF in remission phase correlate well with a longer duration of remission in leukaemic patients (Musto et ul, 1991). All these findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that the initial spontaneous remission observed in our patient could be due to the large release of TNF and IL-2, a probable consequence of the profound immunological modifications induced by the concomitant Henoch-Schonlein syndrome. Thus, in our opinion, this case is highly representative of the potential antileukaemic activity of the human immune system and further encourages the development of immunological therapeutic strategies in patients with AML. Division of Haematology, PELLEGRINO MUSTO IRCCS 'Cam Sollievo della Sofferenza' GIOVANNI D'ARENA
PCSK9 deficiency reduces atherosclerosis, apolipoprotein B secretion, and endothelial dysfunction

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) interacts directly with cytoplasmic apoB and prevents its degradation via the autophagosome/lysosome pathway. This process affects VLDL and LDL production and influences atherogenesis. Here, we investigated the molecular machinery by which PCSK9 modulates autophagy and affects atherogenesis. We backcrossed Pcsk9−/− mice with atherosclerosis-prone Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/− (LDb) mice to generate Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/−Pcsk9−/− (LTp) mice. Deletion of PCSK9 resulted in decreased hepatic apoB secretion, increased autophagic flux, and decreased plasma levels of IDL and LDL particles. The LDLs from LTp mice (LTp-LDLs) were less atherogenic and contained less cholesteryl ester and phospholipids than LDb-LDLs. Moreover LTp-LDLs induced lower endothelial expression of the genes encoding TLR2, Lox-1, ICAM-1, CCL2, CCL7, IL-6, IL-1β, Beclin-1, p62, and TRAF6. Collectively, these effects were associated with substantially less atherosclerosis development (>4-fold) in LTp mice. The absence of PCSK9 in LDb mice results in decreased lipid and apoB levels, fewer atherogenic LDLs, and marked reduction of atherosclerosis. The effect on atherogenesis may be mediated in part by the effects of modified LDLs on endothelial cell receptors and proinflammatory and autophagy molecules. These findings suggest that there may be clinical benefits of PCSK9 inhibition due to mechanisms unrelated to increased LDL receptor activity.
Frequency-independent active phase shifters for UWB applications

This paper describes an active phase shifter, which exhibits a frequency-independent phase shift over the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency range. The design of this pure phase shifter relies on the use of a negative group delay (NGD) circuit. The topology of the active NGD cell is based on a Field Effect Transistor in cascade with a series resonant network. A 90°±5° phase shifter with a single NGD stage was designed, at first, and implemented in hybrid microstrip technology; its measurements showed a 75% relative bandwidth and validated the proposed approach. Then, a compact pure phase shifter with a multi-stage NGD cell was designed. It was aimed at meeting specifications in the UWB frequency range, i.e. 3.1–10.6 GHz (110% relative band). Over this band, the corresponding simulation results showed a constant transmission phase of −45°±3°, an insertion gain from 2 to 5.5 dB and insertion losses better than 9 dB.
The looming visible light communication Li-Fi: An edge over Wi-Fi

In today's fast moving world, Li-Fi is emerging as one of the best technology of the Era. Its promising features like security and speed has made this technology a boom over Wi-Fi. Both Li-Fi and Wi-Fi works on Electromagnetic spectrum for the transfer of data. But Li-Fi uses visible light region whereas Wi-Fi uses Radio Waves for communication. Many Researchers have been currently working on this technology and has come with the speed of 224Gbps. Such innovations have bought greener as well as more secure and less expensive fate of communication. Many researchers are working to introduce the micron size LED bulbs to use them with Li-Fi. In this paper, an attempt is made to prove how the latest technology Li-Fi is better than Wi-Fi also an attempt is made to show how Li-Fi is very much similar to Wi-Fi and how light emitting diode are used to transmit the data which provides us more speed and flexibility then the Wi-Fi technology.
The Use of Data Envelopment Analysis in Banking Institutions: Evidence from the Commercial Bank of Greece

Since 1988, the Commercial Bank of Greece (CBG) has instituted performance measurement systems for bank branches using data envelopment analysis (DEA). This is the first application of DEA in Greece and among the few around the world that have resulted in continuous use of the method within a large-scale organization. The project was undertaken by a mixed team of banking experts assisted by academics specializing in developing bank branch performance measurement systems. During the project (1988--1994) the performance measurement technology was transferred and acquired by the staff of the bank. Various methodological issues arose during this study regarding the objectives of assessing branch performance, the importance of input/output sets in assessing branch efficiency, and the behavioral implications of management control systems. The CBG (Commercial Bank of Greece) has accepted data envelopment analysis as a useful tool for assessing branch performance and for obtaining insights to support decisions.
The use of anti-mullerian hormone in predicting menstrual response after weight loss in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with reproductive and metabolic abnormalities, specifically menstrual dysfunction and anovulation in conjunction with elevated pre-antral follicle number and arrested follicular maturation. Although anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), an inhibitor of follicle recruitment and maturation, is increased in women with PCOS, the usefulness of circulating AMH levels as a clinical predictor of menstrual response to weight loss in PCOS is not known. METHODS Overweight women with PCOS (n = 26, age 32.9 +/- 5.8 yr, weight 98.9 +/- 20.8 kg, body mass index 36.1 +/- 7.0 kg/m(2), mean +/- sd) followed an 8-wk weight loss and 6-month weight maintenance program. RESULTS Net reductions in weight (4.6 +/- 4.8 kg), waist circumference (6.0 +/- 5.3 cm), testosterone (0.3 +/- 0.6 nmol/liter), fasting insulin (3.7 +/- 7.6 mU/liter), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (0.7 +/- 1.3) occurred for all subjects over the entire study duration. Of 26 subjects, 15 (57.7%) responded to the intervention with improvements in menstrual cyclicity (responders). Compared to nonresponders, responders had lower AMH levels at baseline (23.6 +/- 12.0 vs. 37.9 +/- 17.8 pmol/liter; P = 0.021). Only responders had reductions in fasting insulin (6.1 +/- 5.9 mU/liter; P = 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment (1.3 +/- 5.9; P = 0.002) with acute weight loss (wk 0-8). Baseline AMH was most strongly predicted by baseline ghrelin, free testosterone, and insulin (r(2) = 0.528; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Overweight women with PCOS who respond to weight loss with menstrual improvements have significantly reduced preweight loss AMH and demonstrate improvements in surrogate measures of insulin resistance with weight loss. Pretreatment AMH is a potential clinical predictor of menstrual improvements with weight loss in PCOS.
Preparation of Polymeric Micelles for use as Carriers of Tuberculostatic Drugs

Purpose: This paper focuses on the characterization of polymeric micelle-forming tuberculostatic prodrugs and the antimycobacterial activity of these prodrugs. Method: By the condensation of hydroxymethylpyrazinamide, isoniazid and rifampin with free carboxyl groups on the copolymer poly(ethyleneglycol)-poly(aspartic acid), micelle-forming carrier-drug conjugates were obtained. These micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, to measure the micelle diameter; by acid-base titration, to determine the percentage of carboxylic groups occupied by the tuberculostatic; by Sudan III solubility tests, to estimate the critical micelle concentration (CMC); and visual control and spectrophotometric measurement, to determine the stability of micelles. These micelles were tested in vitro against several Mycobacterium strains. Results : As expected, the size and distribution of the micelle-forming tuberculostatic prodrugs found to be small (78.2nm, 84.2nm and 98.9 nm) while the level of the drug conjugated was high (65.02-85.7%). Furthermore, the micelles were stable in vitro, exhibiting a low level of CMC and stronger antimycobacterial activity than the original drugs. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that polymeric micelles can be used as efficient carriers for drugs, which alone, exhibit undesired pharmacokinetics, poor solubility, and low stability. The synthesized micelle-forming tuberculostatic prodrugs opens a perspective of alternative prodrugs that prolong action and decrease the toxicity of the tuberculostatic drugs of choice.
DNA probes to identify Shiga-like toxin I- and II-producing enteric bacterial pathogens isolated from patients with diarrhea in Thailand

When Shigella species, Escherichia coli, and five other bacterial enteric pathogens isolated from children with diarrhea in Thailand were tested for hybridization under stringent conditions with probes for Shiga-like toxins I and II, only 30 Shigella dysenteriae 1 hybridized with the Shiga-like toxin I probe.
Analysis of human alternative first exons and copy number variation of the GJA12 gene in patients with Pelizaeus–Merzbacher‐like disease

Pelizaeus–Merzbacher‐like disease (PMLD) is a heterogeneous disease with primary hypomyelination of the central nervous system. Only the minority of patients have mutations in the coding region of the GJA12 gene encoding gap junction protein alpha 12, a subunit of intercellular channels highly expressed by oligodendrocytes, the myelin forming cells of the central nervous system. No other gene has been found so far to be mutated in PMLD besides GJA12. We therefore extended the mutational screening in the GJA12 gene, searched for alternative first exons—as described in mice—determined the human 5′‐end of the gene, screened therein for mutations and analyzed for copy number variations of the GJA12 gene in 14 patients with PMLD. Unlike in mice we did not find alternative first exons but detected a unique 79 bp first exon in human adolescent brain and spinal cord. No mutation in this non‐coding region was found in our cohort. Copy number variation of the GJA12 gene was assessed by real‐time PCR TaqMan® gene expression technology, but neither patient showed an aberrant copy number. These data confirm that GJA12 alterations are a rare cause of PMLD—even after extending the screening for copy number variation and for mutations in the non‐coding region of GJA12. Full genome scans in informative families and further screenings of candidate genes are feasible approaches to elucidate the genetic background of the majority of patients with PMLD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.