Abstract
We develop a technique for proving lower bounds in the setting of asymmetric communication, a model that was introduced in the famous works of Miltersen (STOC'94) and Miltersen, Nisan, Safra and Wigderson (STOC'95). At the core of our technique is a novel simulation theorem: Alice gets a p x n matrix x over F-2 and Bob gets a vector y is an element of F-2(n). Alice and Bob need to evaluate f (x center dot y) for a Boolean function f : {0, 1}(p) -> {0, 1}. Our simulation theorems show that a deterministic/randomized communication protocol exists for this problem, with cost C center dot n for Alice and C for Bob, if and only if there exists a deterministic/randomized parity decision tree of cost Theta(C) for evaluating f. As applications of this technique, we obtain the following results: (i) The first strong lower-bounds against randomized data-structure schemes for the Vector-Matrix-Vector product problem over F-2. Moreover, our method yields strong lower bounds even when the data-structure scheme has tiny advantage over random guessing. (ii) The first lower bounds against randomized data-structures schemes for two natural Boolean variants of Orthogonal Vector Counting. (iii) We construct an asymmetric communication problem and obtain a deterministic lower-bound for it which is provably better than any lower-bound that may be obtained by the classical Richness Method of Miltersen et al.. This seems to be the first known limitation of the Richness Method in the context of proving deterministic lower bounds.

Abstract
This paper proposes two unidirectional single-phase ac-dc-ac converters with a reduced number of controlled switches composed of two three-leg converters connected in series. The proposed converters allow us to feed the load voltage with sinusoidal voltages with constant amplitude and frequency and to operate with sinusoidal grid current with a high power factor. The converters can then be used as uninterruptible power supplies and unified power quality conditioners for nonregenerative applications. The system model, space-vector pulse width modulation technique, and a complete control system are given. A method to regulate the dc-link voltages using the voltage vector redundancies is presented. The proposed topologies are compared with the conventional one in terms of operation range, capability to operate with a unity grid power factor, voltage harmonic distortions, semiconductor losses, and others characteristics. Simulation and experimental results in many operating conditions are provided to validate the feasibility of the system.

Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation induced by aberrant transcription factors (TF) is a key feature of cancer, but its global influence on drug sensitivity has not been examined. Here, we infer the transcriptional activity of 127 TFs through analysis of RNA-seq gene expression data newly generated for 448 cancer cell lines, combined with publicly available datasets to survey a total of 1,056 cancer cell lines and 9,250 primary tumors. Predicted TF activities are supported by their agreement with independent shRNA essentiality profiles and homozygous gene deletions, and recapitulate mutant-specific mechanisms of transcriptional dysregulation in cancer. By analyzing cell line responses to 265 compounds, we uncovered numerous TFs whose activity interacts with anticancer drugs. Importantly, combining existing pharmacogenomic markers with TF activities often improves the stratification of cell lines in response to drug treatment. Our results, which can be queried freely at dorothea.opentargets.io, offer a broad foundation for discovering opportunities to refine personalized cancer therapies. Significance: Systematic analysis of transcriptional dysregulation in cancer cell lines and patient tumor specimens offers a publicly searchable foundation to discover new opportunities to refine personalized cancer therapies. © 2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Abstract
In this study, an optimization problem is proposed for improving the flexibility of a distribution system including shared energy storage systems (ESSs) and residential consumers with elastic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units. To this end, a direct compressor control mechanism (DCCM) is used for meeting the load reduction target of load serving entities (LSEs) by controlling the HVACs, and an optimal management strategy is presented for exploiting the benefits of shared ESSs during critical peak periods. Furthermore, an additional objective is included in the problem structure, which leads to a bi-level optimization problem, in order to reduce the possible consumers' discomfort caused by frequent HVAC interruptions. The effectiveness of the proposed bi-level optimization problem is demonstrated by comparing various performance metrics with those of two benchmark methods.

Abstract
The increasing use and development of renewable energy sources and distributed generation, brought several changes to the power system operation. Electricity markets worldwide are complex and dynamic environments with very particular characteristics, resulting from their restructuring and evolution into regional and continental scales, along with the constant changes brought by the increasing necessity for an adequate integration of renewable energy sources. With the eminent implementation of micro grids and smart grids, new business models able to cope with the new opportunities are being developed. Virtual Power Players are a new type of player, which allows aggregating a diversity of entities, e.g. generation, storage, electric vehicles, and consumers, to facilitate their participation in the electricity markets and to provide a set of new services promoting generation and consumption efficiency, while improving players' benefits. This paper proposes a clustering methodology regarding the remuneration and tariff of VPP. It proposes a model to implement fair and strategic remuneration and tariff methodologies, using a clustering algorithm, applied to load values, submitted to different types of normalization process, which creates sub-groups of data according to their correlations. The clustering process is evaluated so that the number of data sub-groups that brings the most added value for the decision making process is found, according to the players characteristics. The proposed clustering methodology has been tested in a real distribution network with 30 bus, including residential and commercial consumers, photovoltaic generation and storage units.

Abstract
This paper investigates an ac-dc-ac multilevel power converter. The studied configuration is composed of two single-phase ac-dc-ac three-leg modules and series-connected H-bridges in the shared part of system. Because the proposed converter has shared legs between the input and output, it is employed in applications with same input and output frequency. Uninterrupted power supply and unified power quality conditioner are application examples for this converter. Such multilevel topology has lower dc-link voltage rating, which, consequently, presents low switch blocking voltages when compared to conventional topologies. System model, a space-vector pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategy to symmetrical and asymmetrical dc-link voltages, and an overall control strategy to adjust the system variables are presented. A power flux analysis shows the operation zone in which the individual dc-link voltage balancing is possible. PWM and control strategies are developed to reduce the semiconductor total losses, harmonic distortion, and switching stress. Two ac-dc-ac multilevel conventional structures are used for comparison. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the studied converter.