Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mean Field Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

Existing multi-agent reinforcement learning methods are limited typically to a small number of agents. When the agent number increases largely, the learning becomes intractable due to the curse of the dimensionality and the exponential growth of user interactions. In this paper, we present Mean Field Reinforcement Learning where the interactions within the population of agents are approximated by those between a single agent and the average effect from the overall population or neighboring agents; the interplay between the two entities is mutually reinforced: the learning of the individual agent's optimal policy depends on the dynamics of the population, while the dynamics of the population change according to the collective patterns of the individual policies. We develop practical mean field Q-learning and mean field Actor-Critic algorithms and analyze the convergence of the solution. Experiments on resource allocation, Ising model estimation, and battle game tasks verify the learning effectiveness of our mean field approaches in handling many-agent interactions in population.
Macitentan in pulmonary hypertension due to left ventricular dysfunction

The MELODY-1 study evaluated macitentan for pulmonary hypertension because of left heart disease (PH-LHD) in patients with combined post- and pre-capillary PH. 63 patients with PH-LHD and diastolic pressure gradient ≥7 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >3WU were randomised to macitentan 10 mg (n=31) or placebo (n=32) for 12 weeks. The main end-point assessed a composite of significant fluid retention (weight gain ≥5% or ≥5 kg because of fluid overload or parenteral diuretic administration) or worsening in New York Heart Association functional class from baseline to end of treatment. Exploratory end-points included changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and haemodynamics at week 12. Seven macitentan-treated and four placebo-treated patients experienced significant fluid retention/worsening functional class; treatment difference, 10.08% (95% CI −15.07–33.26; p=0.34). The difference, driven by the fluid retention component, was apparent within the first month. At week 12, versus placebo, the macitentan group showed no change in PVR, mean right atrial pressure or pulmonary arterial wedge pressure; a non-significant increase in cardiac index (treatment effect 0.4 (95% CI 0.1–0.7) L·min−1·m−2) and decrease in NT-proBNP (0.77 (0.55–1.08)) was observed. Adverse events and serious adverse events were numerically more frequent with macitentan versus placebo. Macitentan-treated patients were quantitatively more likely to experience significant fluid retention versus placebo. Macitentan resulted in no significant changes in any exploratory end-points. In combined post- and pre-capillary PH patients, macitentan was associated with increased incidence of significant fluid retention versus placebo http://ow.ly/leop30hBkQm
A Functional Genomic Yeast Screen to Identify Pathogenic Bacterial Proteins

Many bacterial pathogens promote infection and cause disease by directly injecting into host cells proteins that manipulate eukaryotic cellular processes. Identification of these translocated proteins is essential to understanding pathogenesis. Yet, their identification remains limited. This, in part, is due to their general sequence uniqueness, which confounds homology-based identification by comparative genomic methods. In addition, their absence often does not result in phenotypes in virulence assays limiting functional genetic screens. Translocated proteins have been observed to confer toxic phenotypes when expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This observation suggests that yeast growth inhibition can be used as an indicator of protein translocation in functional genomic screens. However, limited information is available regarding the behavior of non-translocated proteins in yeast. We developed a semi-automated quantitative assay to monitor the growth of hundreds of yeast strains in parallel. We observed that expression of half of the 19 Shigella translocated proteins tested but almost none of the 20 non-translocated Shigella proteins nor ∼1,000 Francisella tularensis proteins significantly inhibited yeast growth. Not only does this study establish that yeast growth inhibition is a sensitive and specific indicator of translocated proteins, but we also identified a new substrate of the Shigella type III secretion system (TTSS), IpaJ, previously missed by other experimental approaches. In those cases where the mechanisms of action of the translocated proteins are known, significant yeast growth inhibition correlated with the targeting of conserved cellular processes. By providing positive rather than negative indication of activity our assay complements existing approaches for identification of translocated proteins. In addition, because this assay only requires genomic DNA it is particularly valuable for studying pathogens that are difficult to genetically manipulate or dangerous to culture.
ERIM: Secure, Efficient In-process Isolation with Memory Protection Keys

Isolating sensitive data and state can increase the security and robustness of many applications. Examples include protecting cryptographic keys against exploits like OpenSSL's Heartbleed bug or protecting a language runtime from native libraries written in unsafe languages. When runtime references across isolation boundaries occur relatively infrequently, then page-based hardware isolation can be used, because the cost of kernel- or hypervisor-mediated domain switching is tolerable. However, some applications, such as isolating cryptographic session keys in a network-facing application or isolating frequently invoked native libraries in managed runtimes, require very frequent domain switching. In such applications, the overhead of kernel- or hypervisormediated domain switching is prohibitive. In this paper, we present ERIM, a novel technique that provides hardware-enforced isolation with low overhead, even at high switching rates (ERIM's average overhead is less than 1% for 100,000 switches per second). The key idea is to combine memory protection keys (MPKs), a feature recently added to Intel CPUs that allows protection domain switches in userspace, with binary inspection to prevent circumvention. We show that ERIM can be applied with little effort to new and existing applications, doesn't require compiler changes, can run on a stock Linux kernel, and has low runtime overhead even at high domain switching rates.
Effects of wearing lower leg compression sleeves on locomotion economy

ABSTRACT The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of compression sleeves on muscle activation cost during locomotion. Twenty-two recreationally active men (age: 25 ± 3 years) ran on a treadmill at four different speeds (ordered sequence of 2.8, 3.3, 2.2, and 3.9 m/s). The tests were performed without (control situation, CON) and while wearing specially designed lower leg compression sleeves (SL). Myoelectric activity of five lower leg muscles (tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, lateral and medial head of gastrocnemius, and soleus) was captured using Surface EMG. To assess muscle activation cost, the cumulative muscle activity per distance travelled (CMAPD) of the CON and SL situations was determined. Repeated measures analyses of variance were performed separately for each muscle. The analyses revealed a reduced lower leg muscle activation cost with respect to test situation for SL for all muscles (p < 0.05, ηp2 > 0.18). The respective significant reductions of CMAPD values during SL ranged between 4% and 16% and were largest at 2.8 m/s. The findings presented point towards an improved muscle activation cost while wearing lower leg compression sleeves during locomotion that have potential to postpone muscle fatigue.
Effect of iterative reconstruction on image quality of low-dose chest computed tomography.

AIM To assess quality and radiologists' preference of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) or Iterative Reconstruction. METHODS Thin-section LDCTs (1-mm thick contiguous images; 120 kVp; 30 mAs) of 38 consecutive unselected patients, evaluated for various clinical indications, were reconstructed by four different reconstruction algorithms: FBP and Sinogram-AFfirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) with three different strengths, from 2 to 4 (i.e. S2, S3, S4). The image noise was recorded. Two thoracic radiologists visually compared both anatomic structures (interlobular septa, lung fissures, centrilobular artery, bronchial wall, and small vessels) and lung abnormalities (intralobular reticular opacities, nodules, emphysema, cystic lung disease, decreased-attenuation areas related to constrictive obliterans bronchiolitis, patchy ground-glass opacity, consolidation, and bronchiectasis) using a qualitative four-point scale grading system of the image quality. RESULTS A lower amount of noise was recorded for LDCTs reformatted with any SAFIRE algorithm, as compared to FBP (P < 0.0001). The noise levels decreased as the SAFIRE strength increased from S2 to S4. The visual score of the subsegmental/segmental bronchial wall was greater for the FBP datasets compared to any SAFIRE dataset (P < 0.0001 for reviewer 1; P < 0.02 for reviewer 2). The decreased lung attenuation pattern score was lower on the S4 images for one reviewer, as compared to the other LDCT datasets (P = 0.003). No other differences in terms of radiologists' preference were recorded among FBP, S2, S3, and S4. Interobserver agreement was moderate only for fissures and bronchial wall, and good to excellent for the remainders. CONCLUSION Iterative reconstructions showed lower image noise but did not provide any real improvement for the radiologists' evaluation of thin-section LDCT of the lung.
Estimated incidence and number of outpatient visits for seasonal influenza in 2015–2016 in Beijing, China

SUMMARY Information on morbidity burden of seasonal influenza in China is limited. A multiplier model was used to estimate the incidence and number of outpatient visits for seasonal influenza by age group for the 2015–2016 season in Beijing, the capital of China, based on reported numbers of influenza-like illness consultations and proportions of positive cases from influenza surveillance systems in Beijing, general consultation rates and other parameters from previous studies, surveys and surveillance systems. An estimated total of 1 190 200 (95% confidence interval (CI) 830 400–1 549 900) cases of influenza virus infections occurred in Beijing, 2015–2016 season, with an attack rate of 5·5% (95% CI 3·9–7·2%). These infections resulted in an estimated 468 280 (95% CI 70 700–606 800) outpatient visits, with an attack rate of 2·2% (95% CI 0·3–2·8%). The attack rate of influenza virus infections was highest among children aged 0–4 years (31·9% (95% CI 21·9–41·9%)), followed by children aged 5–14 years (18·7% (95% CI 12·9–24·5%)). Our study demonstrated a substantial influenza-related morbidity in Beijing, China, especially among the preschool- and school-aged children. This suggests that development or modification of seasonal influenza targeted vaccination strategies need to recognize that incidence is highest in children.
Runaway Feedback Loops in Predictive Policing

Predictive policing systems are increasingly used to determine how to allocate police across a city in order to best prevent crime. Discovered crime data (e.g., arrest counts) are used to help update the model, and the process is repeated. Such systems have been empirically shown to be susceptible to runaway feedback loops, where police are repeatedly sent back to the same neighborhoods regardless of the true crime rate. In response, we develop a mathematical model of predictive policing that proves why this feedback loop occurs, show empirically that this model exhibits such problems, and demonstrate how to change the inputs to a predictive policing system (in a black-box manner) so the runaway feedback loop does not occur, allowing the true crime rate to be learned. Our results are quantitative: we can establish a link (in our model) between the degree to which runaway feedback causes problems and the disparity in crime rates between areas. Moreover, we can also demonstrate the way in which \emph{reported} incidents of crime (those reported by residents) and \emph{discovered} incidents of crime (i.e. those directly observed by police officers dispatched as a result of the predictive policing algorithm) interact: in brief, while reported incidents can attenuate the degree of runaway feedback, they cannot entirely remove it without the interventions we suggest.
Six-year body composition change in male elite senior rugby league players

ABSTRACT This study investigated the change in body composition and bone mineral content (BMC) of senior rugby league (RL) players between 2008 and 2014. Twelve male professional RL players (age, 24.6 ± 4.0 years; stature, 183.4 ± 8.4 cm) received a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan during preseason in 2008 and 2014. Between 2008 and 2014, very likely increases in leg lean mass (LM), total trunk and leg BMC, and a likely increase in arm BMC and possible increases in body mass (BM), total and trunk fat mass (FM), and total, trunk and arm LM were observed. Unlikely decreases and unclear changes in leg and arm FM were also found. Large negative correlations were observed between age and BM (r = −0.72), LM (r = −0.70), FM (r = −0.61) and BMC (r = −0.84) change. Three participants (19.1 ± 1.6 years) increased LM by 7.0–9.3 kg. Younger players had the largest increases in LM during this period, although an older player (30-year old) still increased LM. Differences in body composition change were also observed for participants of the same age, thus contextual factors should be considered. This study demonstrates the individuality of body composition changes in senior professional rugby players, while considering the potential change in young athletes.
Effects of ghrelin on homocysteine‐induced dysfunction and inflammatory response in rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells

Ghrelin is a well‐characterized hormone that has protective effects on endothelial cells. Elevated HCY (homocysteine) can be a cardiovascular risk factor, but it is not known whether ghrelin can inhibit HCY‐induced dysfunction and inflammatory response in rat CMECs (cardiac microvascular endothelial cells). We found that HCY treatment for 24 h inhibited proliferation and NO (nitric oxide) secretion, but with increased cell apoptosis and secretion of cytokines in CMECs. In contrast, ghrelin pretreatment significantly improved proliferation and NO secretion, and inhibited cell apoptosis and secretion of cytokines in HCY‐induced CMECs. In addition, Western blot assay showed that NF‐κB (nuclear factor κB) and cleaved‐caspase 3 expression were elevated, and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression were decreased after treatment with HCY, which was significantly reversed by pretreatment with ghrelin. The data suggest that ghrelin inhibits HCY‐induced CMEC dysfunction and inflammatory response, probably mediated by inhibition of NF‐κB activation.
Longitudinal growth during fetal life and infancy and cardiovascular outcomes at school-age

Objective: Low birth weight is associated with cardiovascular disease. We examined the effects of fetal and infant growth patterns on cardiovascular outcomes in children. Methods: In a population-based prospective cohort study among 6239 children, we estimated fetal-femur length and weight by 20 and 30 weeks ultrasound, and child length and weight at birth, 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 years. We measured blood pressure (BP), carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, aortic root diameter, left ventricular mass and fractional shortening at 6 years. We used regression analyses to identify longitudinal growth patterns associated with height-standardized vascular outcomes and body-surface-area-standardized cardiac outcomes. Results: Younger gestational age and lower birth weight were associated with higher BP, smaller aortic root diameter and lower left ventricular mass in childhood (all P values <0.05). Children with decelerated or normal fetal growth followed by accelerated infant growth had higher BP, whereas those with decelerated growth during both fetal life and infancy had a relatively larger left ventricular mass. Longitudinal growth analyses showed that children with increased BP tended to be smaller during third trimester of fetal life, but of normal size during infancy, than children with normal BP. Children with increased aortic root diameter or left ventricular mass tended to be larger during fetal life, but of similar size during infancy. Conclusion: Specific fetal and infant growth patterns are associated with different cardiovascular outcomes in children. Further studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms and the long-term cardiovascular consequences.
Effects of Electric Field and Temperature on Spontaneous Polarization in the Vicinity of Isotropic to Antiferroelectric B2 Phase Transition in a Banana-Shaped Mesogen 12OSOR

Using a phenomenological free‐energy density expansion, in this work, we have studied the effects of temperature and electric field on the spontaneous polarization of antiferroelectric B2 phase in the vicinity of I–B2 phase transition in a bent-core mesogen 12OSOR. The free-energy density of the system is written in terms of tensor orientational order parameter , scalar smectic order parameters and , the vector polarization order parameter and the resulting couplings between these order parameters. Using the Landau coefficients, as determined from the experimental values of relevant quantities, we evaluate the temperature and electric field variations of spontaneous polarization and found that the theoretical results agree well with the experimental data of bent core achiral thioester mesogen 12OSOR.
Nuclear androgen receptor regulates testes organization and oocyte maturation in zebrafish

Androgens act through the nuclear androgen receptor (AR) to regulate gonad differentiation and development. In mice, AR is required for spermatogenesis, testis development and formation of external genitalia in males and oocyte maturation in females. However, the extent to which these phenotypes are conserved in nonmammalian vertebrates is not well understood, because mutations in AR have not been generated in any other species. Here, we generate zebrafish with a mutation in the ar gene and examine the role of AR on sexual differentiation and gonad development. We find that zebrafish AR is not required for male sexual differentiation, since a portion of ar mutants develop a testis. However, we show that in zebrafish, as in mice, AR is required for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and for proper organization of the testis in males and for oocyte maturation in females. Additionally, we find that zebrafish ar mutant males have functional, mature sperm present in their testis, but are infertile due to an inability to release sperm. These findings suggest that AR is required for male sexual development and fertility, but not essential for sexual differentiation in zebrafish. The ar mutant we developed will be useful for modeling human endocrine function in zebrafish.
High Linkage to Care in a Community-Based Rapid HIV Testing and Counseling Project Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Copenhagen

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate a community-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing program for its capacity to reach men who have sex with men (MSM) and successfully refer HIV-positive patients to treatment. Methods A walk-in clinic placed in the heart of the Copenhagen MSM community provided sexually transmitted infection counseling and rapid HIV testing. In addition, syphilis testing and hepatitis B vaccination were offered. The clinic was staffed with specially trained, predominantly non–health care personnel, and services were anonymous and free of charge. Results A total of 3012 HIV tests with concomitant counseling were performed between 2008 and 2012. The median age of users was 33 years (range, 16–73 years), 18% were non-Danish citizens, and 12% reported that this was their first HIV test. Thirty-eight individuals tested positive; however, 1 was found to be false positive by routine confirmatory testing. The remaining 37 users were true positive. All but 1 user was successfully linked to care at an infectious disease department and achieved full viral suppression after a median of 8 months (interquartile range, 5–19 months). The 37 positive patients accounted for 11% of all newly diagnosed HIV cases among MSM in Copenhagen in the period covered. Patients diagnosed in Checkpoint were younger than other newly diagnosed MSM, but had similar median CD4 counts at the time of diagnosis (420 [interquartile range, 260–590]). Seventy-six MSM (3%) were found syphilis positive in rapid testing and referred for confirmatory testing. Furthermore, 264 MSM completed a 3-shot hepatitis B vaccination program. Conclusions Easily accessible, community walk-in clinics and targeted testing in high-risk settings are convenient for populations of MSM less likely to seek out the established health care system. Checkpoint diagnosed 37 new HIV cases, posed no barrier to successful linkage to care, was noninferior in quickly reducing community viral load, was cost-effective, reached younger MSM, and proved an ideal platform for trying out new interventions and test forms, which conventional health care providers have not yet embraced.
Frequency as a Parameter in Delamination Problems—A Preliminary Investigation

rational methods of analysis and design, but also for a tool to detect imperfections and failures and measures to rectify them. In a laminate, there is every possibility that the bond may weaken and propagate, eventually leading to a catastrophic failure. Such an unbonding may go undetected during testing on an assembly line. One method of locating flaws is ultrasonic testing which may give only qualitative results. However, a more quantitative approach is desired. It is proposed that the natural frequency may be a parameter to reflect the unbonding or weakening of the composite. The principal aim is to construct a model which nearly corresponds to the actual behavior. To this effect, the dynamic properties of a delaminated shell
Implementation of ultra-low-dose lung protocols in CT-guided lung biopsies: feasibility and safety in the clinical setting

Objective To evaluate the use of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) for CT-guided lung biopsy versus standard-dose CT (SDCT). Methods CT-guided lung biopsies from 115 patients (50 ULDCT, 65 SDCT) were analyzed retrospectively. SDCT settings were 120 kVp with automatic mAs modulation. ULDCT settings were 80 kVp with fixed exposure (20 mAs). Two radiologists evaluated image quality (i.e., needle artifacts, lesion contouring, vessel recognition, visibility of interlobar fissures). Complications and histological results were also evaluated. Results ULDCT was considered feasible for all lung interventions, showing the same diagnostic accuracy as SDCT. Its mean total radiation dose (dose–length product) was significantly reduced to 34 mGy-cm (SDCT 426 mGy-cm). Image quality and complication rates (P = 0.469) were consistent. Conclusions ULDCT for CT-guided lung biopsies appears safe and accurate, with a significantly reduced radiation dose. We therefore recommend routine clinical use of ULDCT for the benefit of patients and interventionalists.