Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct Policy Search using Paired Statistical Tests

Direct policy search is a practical way to solve reinforcement learning problems involving continuous state and action spaces. The goal becomes finding policy parameters that maximize a noisy objective function. The Pegasus method converts this stochastic optimization problem into a deterministic one, by using fixed start states and fixed random number sequences for comparing policies (Ng & Jordan, 1999). We evaluate Pegasus, and other paired comparison methods, using the mountain car problem, and a difficult pursuer-evader problem. We conclude that: (i) Paired tests can improve performance of deterministic and stochastic optimization procedures. (ii) Our proposed alternatives to Pegasus can generalize better, by using a different test statistic, or changing the scenarios during learning. (iii) Adapting the number of trials used for each policy comparison yields fast and robust learning.
New genetic variant that might improve warfarin dose prediction in African Americans.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Variants in the CYP2C9 (i.e. *2 and *3) and VKORC1 (i.e. 1173C/T or -1639G/A) genes have been shown to influence warfarin dose requirements. However, these factors seem to explain less of the dose variability in African Americans who have a lower prevalence of the CYP2C9*2 and *3 and VKORC1 1173T alleles. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS In African Americans, the VKORC1 rs17886199 variant was statistically significantly associated with log-transformed warfarin maintenance dose, independent of the influence of VKORC1 1173C>T and CYP2C9*2 and *3. However, replication of our finding is needed to confirm the association of rs1786199 SNP in African Americans, since Limdi et al.[3] did not examine the effect of this SNP because the prevalence of the rs1786199 A-allele was too low. AIMS To raise hypotheses with regards to whether genetic variants in the VKORC1, CYP2C9, EPHX1, GGCX and ALB genes might influence warfarin dose in African Americans and Caucasians, independent of the effects of the VKORC1 1173C>T and CYP2C9*2 and *3 variants. METHODS From a prospective cohort study, we obtained additional DNA on 36 Caucasian and 22 African American warfarin users who reached maintenance dose and genotyped them for tagSNPs (r2<0.8) in VKORC1, EPHX1, GGCX and ALB genes, and one exonic CYP2C9 SNP. Linear regression models were fitted to estimate the relationship (P value) between log-transformed maintenance dose and each SNP and the amount of the warfarin dose variability accounted for by each SNP (partial R2). RESULTS In African Americans, the VKORC1 rs17886199 A-allele was associated with a lower dose (GG=46.3 mg and GA=25.6 mg; P=0.002), independent of the VKORC1 1173C>T and CYP2C9*2 and *3 variants. Even after applying Bonferroni correction, the P value would still be considered statistically significant. The VKORC1 rs17886199 variant was not found in Caucasians. In Caucasians, the EPHX1 rs1051741 T-allele was associated with a lower dose (CC=41.3 mg and CT=30.0 mg; P=0.04). The latter was no longer statistically significant after applying Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSIONS Our pilot study suggests that the VKORC1 rs17886199 variant could influence warfarin maintenance dose among African Americans, even after accounting for the influence of the VKORC1 1173C>T variant. Future studies with a larger sample size will be needed to confirm our findings.
Hyperspectral Image Mapping Spectrometry for Retinal Oximetry Measurements in Four Diseased Eyes

Inadequate oxygenation of the eye perturbs retinal function and processes, and can lead to vision loss. The difference in oxygen saturation between the retinal arteries and veins correlates with oxygen metabolism. When light interacts with the retina, spectral reflectance conveys information about the state and composition of retinal tissue, including oxygen saturation. Light has been used to estimate oxygen saturation levels noninvasively based on the unique spectral signatures of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in the retinal blood vessels. Notable publications in the past have acquired oximetry data using only 2or 3-wavelength measurements of the eye. However, the acquisition of oxygen saturation values is complicated by undesired scattering and absorption effects due to heterogeneous tissue properties; extensive calibration procedures are required to account for these effects. Significant work has been done to address the challenges in obtaining accurate oxygen saturation measurements posed by vessel diameter differences, variations in pigment, and scattering and absorption effects of blood. Two commercial retinal oximeters based on 2-wavelength oximetry, the Oxymap T1 and the Imedos oximeter, have been utilized in a significant portion of the clinical research done regarding saturation measurements in retinal diseases. These systems produce automatic oxygen saturation maps, but are limited to retinal vessels. Oximetry of
Improving the multifunctionality of structural supercapacitors by interleaving graphene nanoplatelets between carbon fibers and solid polymer electrolyte

Novel structural supercapacitors, containing graphene nanoplatelets incorporated carbon fiber mats as electrodes, crosslinked diglycidylether of bisphenol-A epoxy polymer electrolyte and filter paper separator, have been manufactured for the first time by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process. These supercapacitors can bear structural loads and store electrochemical energy at the same time. Loading of high surface area graphene nanoplatelets on carbon fiber mats is an effective process to improve the charge storage capacity of the electrodes. Electrochemical and structural properties of the structural supercapacitors are explored through in-plane shear testing, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. As graphene nanoplatelet loadings on carbon fiber mat electrodes increase from 0 to 10 wt. %, the structural supercapacitors exhibit significant improvements in specific capacitance (8.9–118.7 mF·cm−3), energy density (19.7–263.8 Wh·m−3) and normalized in-plane shear modulus (1.7–3.1 GPa). Thus, this study has revealed that using the graphene nanoplatelet loaded carbon fiber mats as structural supercapacitor electrodes is a relatively novel and easy approach to enhance the multifunctionality of structural supercapacitors.
Effect of Early Diabetes on the Response to Norepinephrine and Dopamine in Pithed Wistar Kyoto and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Diabetes has been related to changes in vascular responses, mainly an increase in the vasoconstrictor responses and a decrease in the vasodilator responses. The literature has now begun to study the effects of diabetes in the early stages of development; the first studies on these stages indicate that diabetes produces different changes compared to the advanced stages. For that reason, the aim of this work was to evaluate the responses to norepinephrine and dopamine on normotensive and hypertensive rats with 4 weeks of diabetes evolution. The results showed that 4 weeks of diabetes produces a decrease of the vasopressor response to both agents (norepinephrine and dopamine). These results suggest that in the early stages, there are changes that help to decrease the pressor responses and these changes could disappear in the advanced stages.
Exploring Musical Taste in Severely Autistic Subjects

As a consequence of frequent limbic alterations, autistic persons could judge pleasant and unpleasant music in an unusual manner. We explored this possibility by using consonant and dissonant music (test 2) and excluded the eventuality that they could prefer other auditory stimuli by comparing familiar music to environmental sounds (test 1). In both tests, severe autistics and controls were asked to listen under two conditions (familiar music versus environmental sounds; pleasant versus unpleasant music) in a counterbalanced order while the time spent during each condition was measured. Both groups significantly preferred the musical task and the pleasant music condition. No difference between groups was detected. Results demonstrate that severely autistic subjects share with healthy people the same musical preferences.
Statistical analysis of galaxy surveys – II. The three-point galaxy correlation function measured from the 2dFGRS

We present new results for the 3-point correlation function, �, measured as a function of scale, luminosity and colour from the final version of the two-degree field galaxy redshift survey (2dFGRS). The reduced three point correlation function, Q3 � �/� 2 , is estimated for different triangle shapes and sizes, employing a full covariance analysis. The form of Q3 is consistent with the expectations for the �-cold dark matter model, confirming that the primary influence shaping the distribution of galaxies is gravitational instability acting on Gaussian primordial fluctuations. However, we find a clear offset in amplitude between Q3 for galaxies and the predictions for the dark matter. We are able to rule out the scenario in which galaxies are unbiased tracers of the mass at the 9-� level. On weakly non-linear scales, we can interpret our results in terms of galaxy bias parameters. We find a linear bias term that is consistent with unity, b1 = 0.93 +0.10 0.08 and a quadratic bias c2 = b2/b1 = 0.34 +0.11 0.08 . This is the first significant detection of a non-zero quadratic bias, indicating a small but important non-gravitational contribution to the three point function. Our estimate of the linear bias from the three point function is independent of the normalisation of underlying density fluctuations, so we can combine this with the measurement of the power spectrum of 2dFGRS galaxies to constrain the amplitude of matter fluctuations. We find that the rms linear theory variance in spheres of radius 8h 1 Mpc is �8 = 0.88 +0.12 0.10, providing an independent confirmation of values derived from other techniques. On non-linear scales, where � > 1, we find that Q3 has a strong dependence on scale, colour and luminosity.
Average achievable rate of broadcast strategy in relay-assisted block fading channels

This study concerns two-hop transmission over relay-assisted block fading channels, assuming there is no direct link between transmission ends and the communication is carried out through using a relay. It is assumed that the channel gains from source-to-relay and relay-to-destination are known at the relay, while the source is unaware of channel gains. In this case, it is demonstrated that the best signalling method is using a multi-layer code at the first hop, while using a single-layer code at the second hop. Accordingly, the decode-and-forward (DF) and amplify-and-forward (AF) strategies at the relay are investigated, where for DF strategy under two special cases of peak power and average power constraints, the optimal power allocation policy across coding blocks are devised. Moreover, for AF strategy the optimal weight function maximising the average signal-to-noise ratio at the destination is derived. The simulation results for Rayleigh fading environment demonstrate the superiority of DF over AF in terms of the average achievable rate. More specifically, it is demonstrated that the broadcast approach in DF strategy under average power constraint closely follows the so-called broadcast cutset upper bound, thereby providing favourable results in such network.
Success Criteria in Implant Dentistry

The purpose of this study was to examine the most frequently used criteria to define treatment success in implant dentistry. An electronic MEDLINE/PubMED search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials and prospective studies reporting on outcomes of implant dentistry. Only studies conducted with roughened surface implants and at least five-year follow-up were included. Data were analyzed for success at the implant level, peri-implant soft tissue, prosthetics, and patient satisfaction. Most frequently reported criteria for success at the implant level were mobility, pain, radiolucency, and peri-implant bone loss (> 1.5 mm), and for success at the peri-implant soft-tissue level, suppuration, and bleeding. The criteria for success at the prosthetic level were the occurrence of technical complications/prosthetic maintenance, adequate function, and esthetics during the five-year period. The criteria at patient satisfaction level were discomfort and paresthesia, satisfaction with appearance, and ability to chew/taste. Success in implant dentistry should ideally evaluate a long-term primary outcome of an implant-prosthetic complex as a whole.
Scaling Laws for Dense Gaussian Sensor Networks and the Order Optimality of Separation

We investigate the optimal performance of dense sensor networks by studying the joint source-channel coding problem. There are N uniformly spaced sensor nodes sampling noiselessly a one-dimensional spatial random process over an interval [0, U0]. The overall goal of the sensor network is for the sensor nodes to code and transmit the measurement samples to a collector node over a cooperative multiple-access channel with noisy feedback, and for the collector node to reconstruct the entire random process with minimum expected distortion. We provide separation-based lower and upper bounds for the minimum achievable expected distortion when the underlying random process is Gaussian. When the Gaussian random process satisfies some general conditions, such as the eigenvalues of its Karhunen-Loeve expansion decrease roughly inverse polynomially in order x, i.e., the kth eigenvalue is roughly k-x, we evaluate the lower and upper bounds explicitly, and show that they are of the same order for a wide range of power constraints. Thus, for these random processes, under these power constraints, we show that the minimum achievable expected distortion decreases as (log NP(N)1-x, where P(N) is the sum power constraint on the sensor nodes. Further, we show that the achievability scheme that achieves the lower bound on the distortion is a separation-based scheme that is composed of multiterminal rate-distortion coding and amplify-and-forward channel coding. Therefore, we conclude that separation is order-optimal for the dense Gaussian sensor network scenario under consideration, when the underlying random process satisfies some general conditions.
Ligand binding by the tandem glycine riboswitch depends on aptamer dimerization but not double ligand occupancy

The glycine riboswitch predominantly exists as a tandem structure, with two adjacent, homologous ligand-binding domains (aptamers), followed by a single expression platform. The recent identification of a leader helix, the inclusion of which eliminates cooperativity between the aptamers, has reopened the debate over the purpose of the tandem structure of the glycine riboswitch. An equilibrium dialysis-based assay was combined with binding-site mutations to monitor glycine binding in each ligand-binding site independently to understand the role of each aptamer in glycine binding and riboswitch tertiary interactions. A series of mutations disrupting the dimer interface was used to probe how dimerization impacts ligand binding by the tandem glycine riboswitch. While the wild-type tandem riboswitch binds two glycine equivalents, one for each aptamer, both individual aptamers are capable of binding glycine when the other aptamer is unoccupied. Intriguingly, glycine binding by aptamer-1 is more sensitive to dimerization than glycine binding by aptamer-2 in the context of the tandem riboswitch. However, monomeric aptamer-2 shows dramatically weakened glycine-binding affinity. In addition, dimerization of the two aptamers in trans is dependent on glycine binding in at least one aptamer. We propose a revised model for tandem riboswitch function that is consistent with these results, wherein ligand binding in aptamer-1 is linked to aptamer dimerization and stabilizes the P1 stem of aptamer-2, which controls the expression platform.
Monte Carlo simulations of global Compton cooling in inner regions of hot accretion flows

Hot accretion flows such as advection-dominated accretion flows are generally optically thin in the radial direction. Thus, photons generated at some radii can cool or heat electrons at other radii via Compton scattering. Such global Compton scattering has previously been shown to be important for the dynamics of accretion flows. Here, we extend previous treatments of this problem by using accurate global general relativistic Monte Carlo simulations. We focus on an inner region of the accretion flow (R < 600R(g)), for which we obtain a global self-consistent solution. As compared to the initial, not self-consistent solution, the final solution has both the cooling rate and the electron temperature significantly reduced at radii of greater than or similar to 10R(g). On the other hand, the radiation spectrum of the self-consistent solution has a shape similar to that of the initial iteration, except for the high-energy cut-off being at an energy lower by a factor of similar to 2 and the bolometric luminosity decreased by a factor of similar to 2. We also compare the global Compton scattering model with local models in spherical and slab geometries. We find that the slab model approximates the global model significantly better than the spherical one. Still, neither local model gives a good approximation to the radial profile of the cooling rate, and the differences can be up to two orders of magnitude. The local slab model underestimates the cooling rate at outer regions whereas it overestimates that rate at inner regions. We compare our modelling results to observed hard-state spectra of black hole binaries and find an overall good agreement provided any disc outflow is weak. We find that general relativistic effects in flows whose dynamics is modified by global Comptonization is crucial in approaching this agreement.
Gap junctions in C. elegans

As in other multicellular organisms, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans uses gap junctions to provide direct cell-to-cell contact. The nematode gap junctions are formed by innexins (invertebrate analogs of the connexins); a family of proteins that surprisingly share no primary sequence homology, but do share structural and functional similarity with connexins. The model organism C. elegans contains 25 innexin genes and innexins are found in virtually all cell types and tissues. Additionally, many innexins have dynamic expression patterns during development, and several innexins are essential genes in the nematode. C. elegans is a popular invertebrate model due to several features including a simple anatomy, a complete cell lineage, sequenced genome and an array of genetic resources. Thus, the worm has potential to offer valuable insights into the various functions of gap junction mediated intercellular communication.
Cytotoxicity of a New Nano Zinc-Oxide Eugenol Sealer on Murine Fibroblasts

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a new nano zinc-oxide eugenol (NZOE) sealer in comparison with AH-26 and Pulpdent root canal sealers. Methods and Materials: The L929 mouse fibroblast cells were cultivated and incubated for 24, 48 or 72 h with different dilutions (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32) of culture media previously exposed to either of the test sealers naming NZOE, AH-26 or Pulpdent. At the end of incubation period, the effect of sealers on cell viability was evaluated using Mosmann’s Tetrazolium Toxicity (MTT) colorimetric assay. The data was compared using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results: After 24, 48 or 72 h, both NZOE and Pulpdent sealers inhibited cell viability at 1/1, 1/2 and 1/8 dilutions. Within the 24 and 48 h, the AH-26 sealer reduced the cell viability at all dilutions except the 1/32 solution; however after 72 h even the 1/32 dilution was cytotoxic. Conclusion: The biocompatibility of the nano zinc-oxide eugenol sealer was comparable to Pulpdent sealer and lower than AH-26.
Hemodynamic Changes Following Endotracheal Intubation With Glidescope® Video-Laryngoscope in Patients With Untreated Hypertension

Background: Tracheal intubation can be associated with considerable hemodynamic changes, particularly in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The GlideScope® video-laryngoscope (GVL) is a novel video laryngoscope that does not need direct exposure of the vocal cords, and it can also produce lower hemodynamic changes due to lower degrees of trauma and stimuli to the oropharynx than a Macintosh direct laryngoscope (MDL). Objectives: The aim of this clinical trial was to compare hemodynamic alterations following tracheal intubation with a GVL and MDL in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients who had uncontrolled hypertension and scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation, were randomly assigned to receive intubated with either a GVL (n = 30) or a MDL (n = 30). Intubation time, heart rate, rate pressure product (RPP), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), were compared between the two groups at; baseline, following induction of anesthesia, after intubation, and at one minute intervals for 5 minutes. Results: A total of 59 patients finished the study. Intubation time was longer in the GVL group (9.80 ± 1.27 s) than in the MDL group (8.20 ± 1.17 s) (P < 0.05). MAP, pulse rate, and RPP were lower in the GVL than the MDL group after endotracheal intubation (P < 0.05). MAP, heart rate, and RPP returned to pre-intubation values at 3 and 4 minutes after intubation in the GVL and MDL groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Hemodynamic fluctuations in patients with uncontrolled hypertension after endotracheal intubation were lower with the GVL than the MDL technique.
A lower bound for primality

Recent work by Bernasconi, Damm and Shparlinski proved lower bounds on the circuit complexity of the square-free numbers, and raised as an open question if similar (or stronger) lower bounds could be proved for the set of prime numbers. In this short note, we answer this question affirmatively, by showing that the set of prime numbers (represented in the usual binary notation) is not contained in AC/sup 0/ [p] for any prime p. Similar lower bounds are presented for the set of square-free numbers, and for the problem of computing the greatest common divisor of two numbers.
Controlled stochastic model of a communication system with multiple sources

A stochastic model of buffering in a data communication system is considered, with source and sink transmission parameters depending on the number of active sources. For models in this control setting the authors analyze an effective numerical method for evaluating the equilibrium distribution of buffer content. The theoretical basis of the method is established first. Then, it is shown that the method has the same complexity, in terms of the total number of sources, as known analytical methods for the model with constant parameters. Asymptotics for tail probabilities at high buffer levels and under heavy load are also derived, and the complexity of their computation is compared with that of evaluating explicit formulas. In comparison to earlier results this approach reduces the complexity of computing the probability of overflow and its asymptotic estimates. The speed-up stems from the application of interpolation schemes. >
Bone grafting in total hip replacement for acetabular protrusion

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.