Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximating Bimatrix Nash Equilibrium Via Trilinear Minimax

The Bimatrix Nash Equilibrium (NE) for $m \times n$ real matrices $R$ and $C$, denoted as the {\it Row} and {\it Column} players, is characterized as follows: Let $\Delta =S_m \times S_n$, where $S_k$ denotes the unit simplex in $\mathbb{R}^k$. For a given point $p=(x,y) \in \Delta$, define $R[p]=x^TRy$ and $C[p]=x^TCy$. Consequently, there exists a subset $\Delta_* \subset \Delta$ such that for any $p_*=(x_*,y_*) \in \Delta_*$, $\max_{p \in \Delta, y=y_*}R[p]=R[p_*]$ and $\max_{p \in \Delta, x=x_* } C[p]=C[p_*]$. The computational complexity of bimatrix NE falls within the class of {\it PPAD-complete}. Although the von Neumann Minimax Theorem is a special case of bimatrix NE, we introduce a novel extension termed {\it Trilinear Minimax Relaxation} (TMR) with the following implications: Let $\lambda^*=\min_{\alpha \in S_{2}} \max_{p \in \Delta} (\alpha_1 R[p]+ \alpha_2C[p])$ and $\lambda_*=\max_{p \in \Delta} \min_{\alpha \in S_{2}} (\alpha_1 R[p]+ \alpha_2C[p])$. $\lambda^* \geq \lambda_*$. $\lambda^*$ is computable as a linear programming in $O(mn)$ time, ensuring $\max_{p_* \in \Delta_*}\min \{R[p_*], C[p_*]\} \leq \lambda^*$, meaning that in any Nash Equilibrium it is not possible to have both players' payoffs to exceed $\lambda^*$. $\lambda^*=\lambda_*$ if and only if there exists $p^* \in \Delta$ such that $\lambda^*= \min\{R[p^*], C[p^*]\}$. Such a $p^*$ serves as an approximate Nash Equilibrium. We analyze the cases where such $p^*$ exists and is computable. Even when $\lambda^*>\lambda_*$, we derive approximate Nash Equilibria. In summary, the aforementioned properties of TMR and its efficient computational aspects underscore its significance and relevance for Nash Equilibrium, irrespective of the computational complexity associated with bimatrix Nash Equilibrium. Finally, we extend TMR to scenarios involving three or more players.
Hands-on Experience with Gaussian Processes (GPs): Implementing GPs in Python - I

This document serves to complement our website which was developed with the aim of exposing the students to Gaussian Processes (GPs). GPs are non-parametric Bayesian regression models that are largely used by statisticians and geospatial data scientists for modeling spatial data. Several open source libraries spanning from Matlab [1], Python [2], R [3] etc., are already available for simple plug-and-use. The objective of this handout and in turn the website was to allow the users to develop stand-alone GPs in Python by relying on minimal external dependencies. To this end, we only use the default python modules and assist the users in developing their own GPs from scratch giving them an in-depth knowledge of what goes on under the hood. The module covers GP inference using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and gives examples of 1D (dummy) spatial data.
Mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C.

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The genetic changes that drive cancer development are heterogeneous and how chronic hepatitis C promotes the initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma is incompletely understood. Cancer typically arises in the setting of advanced fibrosis and/or cirrhosis where chronic immune-mediated inflammation over decades promotes hepatocyte turnover providing selective pressure that favors the malignant phenotype. As well as contributions of unresolved inflammation to carcinogenesis, evidence from transgenic mice with liver-specific expression of viral sequences suggests that some HCV-encoded proteins may directly promote cancer. Numerous in vitro studies suggest roles for HCV proteins in subversion of cellular pathways that normally act to suppress tumorigenesis. Here, we review the mechanisms by which persistent HCV infection might promote cancer in addition to the procarcinogenic effects of inflammatory liver disease.
Arsenic induces fibrogenic changes in human kidney epithelial cells potentially through epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation

Arsenic contamination is a significant public health issue, and kidney is one of the target organ for arsenic‐induced adverse effects. Renal fibrosis is a well‐known pathological stage frequently observed in progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Epidemiological studies implicate arsenic exposure to CKD, but the role of arsenic in kidney fibrosis and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. It is in this context that the current study evaluated the effects of long‐term arsenic exposure on the cellular response in morphology, and marker genes expression with respect to fibrosis using human kidney 2 (HK‐2) epithelial cells. Results of this study revealed that in addition to increased growth, HK‐2 cells underwent phenotypic, biochemical and molecular changes indicative of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to the exposure to arsenic. Most importantly, the arsenic‐exposed cells acquired the pathogenic features of fibrosis as supported by increased expression of markers for fibrosis, such as Collagen I, Fibronectin, transforming growth factor β, and α‐smooth muscle actin. Upregulation of fibrosis associated signaling molecules such as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐3 and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 as well as activation of AKT was also observed. Additionally, the expression of epigenetic genes (DNA methyltransferases 3a and 3b; methyl‐CpG binding domain 4) was increased in arsenic‐exposed cells. Treatment with DNA methylation inhibitor 5‐Aza‐2′‐dC reversed the EMT properties and restored the level of phospho‐AKT. Together, these data for the first time suggest that long‐term exposure to arsenic can increase the risk of kidney fibrosis. Additionally, our data suggest that the arsenic‐induced fibrotic changes are, at least in part, mediated by DNA methylation and therefore potentially can be reversed by epigenetic therapeutics.
Effects of mergers on non-parametric morphologies

Abstract We study the effects of mergers on non-parametric morphologies of galaxies. We compute the Gini index, M20, asymmetry and concentration statistics for z = 0 galaxies in the Illustris simulation and compare non-parametric morphologies of major mergers, minor merges, close pairs, distant pairs and unperturbed galaxies. We determine the effectiveness of observational methods based on these statistics to select merging galaxies.
Reliability and validity of last menstrual period for gestational age estimation in a low‐to‐middle‐income setting

Gestational age estimation by ultrasonography is the gold standard for dating pregnancies. However, the availability of prenatal ultrasonography in low‐to‐middle‐income countries is limited. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of last menstrual period (LMP) as a gestational age dating method among women in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Occupational physical activity in brewery and office workers

Abstract Active lifestyles are beneficial to health and well-being but our workplaces may not be inherently supportive of physical activity at work. With the increasing use of technology in the workplace, many jobs are becoming more sedentary. The purpose of this study was to characterize levels of occupational physical activity (OPA) among active and sedentary workers. Two types of activity trackers (Fitbit Charge HR and Hexoskin) were used to assess activity measures (steps, heart rate, and energy expenditure) among workers during one full work shift. The first objective of the study was to assess the agreement between two types of accelerometer-based activity trackers as measures of occupational physical activity. The second objective of this study was to assess differences in measures of OPA among workers in generally physically active (brewery) and sedentary (office) work environments. Occupational physical activity data were collected from 50 workers in beer-brewing tasks and 51 workers in office work tasks. The 101 subjects were from the brewing service sector, a call center, and an engineering office within a manufacturing facility. A two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the two activity tracking devices while two-sample t-tests were used to compare the two worker groups. There were statistically significant differences in total steps and mean heart rate between the two devices. When comparing the two groups of workers there were statistically significant differences in measures of steps, mean heart rate, and energy expenditure. The results of the present study provide quantitative evidence that levels of OPA should be identified for different work groups.
Are adversarial examples inevitable?

A wide range of defenses have been proposed to harden neural networks against adversarial attacks. However, a pattern has emerged in which the majority of adversarial defenses are quickly broken by new attacks. Given the lack of success at generating robust defenses, we are led to ask a fundamental question: Are adversarial attacks inevitable? This paper analyzes adversarial examples from a theoretical perspective, and identifies fundamental bounds on the susceptibility of a classifier to adversarial attacks. We show that, for certain classes of problems, adversarial examples are inescapable. Using experiments, we explore the implications of theoretical guarantees for real-world problems and discuss how factors such as dimensionality and image complexity limit a classifier's robustness against adversarial examples.
8‐Br‐cADPR, a TRPM2 ion channel antagonist, inhibits renal ischemia–reperfusion injury

The transient receptor potential melastatin‐2 (TRPM2) channel belongs to the transient receptor potential channel superfamily and is a cation channel permeable to Na+ and Ca 2+. The TRPM2 ion channel is expressed in the kidney and can be activated by various molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, calcium, and cyclic adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribose (cADPR) that are produced during acute kidney injury. In this study, we investigated the role of 8‐bromo‐cyclic ADP‐ribose (8‐Br‐cADPR; a cADPR antagonist) in renal ischemia–reperfusion injury using biochemical and histopathological parameters. CD38, cADPR, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and myeloperoxidase (inflammatory markers), urea and creatinine, hydrogen peroxide (oxidant), and catalase (antioxidant enzyme) levels that increase with ischemia–reperfusion injury decreased in the groups treated with 8‐Br‐cADPR. In addition, renin levels were elevated in the groups treated with 8‐Br‐cADPR. Histopathological examination revealed that 8‐Br‐cADPR reduced renal damage and the expression of caspase‐3 and TRPM2. Our results suggest that the inhibition of TRPM2 ion channel may be a new treatment modality for ischemic acute kidney injury.
Direct Experience While Eating in a Sample With Eating Disorders and Obesity

Background: Individuals with eating disorders might be characterized by lower levels of direct engagement with the eating experience. This study aims to explore similarities and differences in direct experience while eating in four different weight conditions and healthy controls (HCs): anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), and obesity (OB). Methods: A total sample of 143 women were recruited. Participants were asked to eat an orange slice and write down 10 things about the experience of eating, classifying the focus of these thoughts as either experiential (“direct experience”) or analytical (“thinking about”). A direct experience index (DEI) was calculated by dividing the number of times a participant classified an experience as a “direct experience” (the numerator) by the total number of observations. Participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and rated their level of anxiety after the task. Results: Between-groups significant differences were found on the DEI, with individuals in the OB group scoring higher than AN and BN, and similar to HC. After the task, the AN group reported significantly higher anxiety levels than HC, and EDNOS reported more anxiety than HC and OB. Between-group significant differences were also found for all the FFMQ facets. Conclusion: AN and BN presented lower access to direct experience while eating. Individuals with OB did not respond in the same way as the other clinical groups, showing a similar performance to HC.
Shared Biological Pathways Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Ischemic Stroke

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and ischemic stroke (IS) are an immense socioeconomic burden worldwide. There is a possibility that shared genetic factors lead to their links at epidemiological and pathophysiological levels. Although recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have provided profound insights into the genetics of AD and IS, no shared genetic variants have been identified to date. This prompted us to initiate this study, which sought to identify shared pathways linking AD and IS. We took advantage of large-scale GWAS summary data of AD (17,008 AD cases and 37,154 controls) and IS (10,307 cases and 19,326 controls) to conduct pathway analyses using genetic pathways from multiple well-studied databases, including GO, KEGG, PANTHER, Reactome, and Wikipathways. Collectively, we discovered that AD and IS shared 179 GO categories (56 biological processes, 95 cellular components, and 28 molecular functions); and the following pathways: six KEGG pathways; two PANTHER pathways; four Reactome pathways; and one in Wikipathways pathway. The more fine-grained GO terms were mainly summarized into different functional categories: transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, synapse, endocytic membrane traffic through the endosomal system, signaling transduction, immune process, multi-organism process, protein catabolic metabolism, and cell adhesion. The shared pathways were roughly classified into three categories: immune system; cancer (NSCLC and glioma); and signal transduction pathways involving the cadherin signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, G-protein signaling and downstream signaling mediated by phosphoinositides (PIPs). The majority of these common pathways linked to both AD and IS were supported by convincing evidence from the literature. In conclusion, our findings contribute to a better understanding of common biological mechanisms underlying AD and IS and serve as a guide to direct future research.
Geometric Exercises in Paper Folding

The Story of Euclid. By W. B. FRANKLAND, M.A. Is. (George Newnes.) We heartily recommend this book to the attention of mathematical teachers. The author seems to have accomplished a somewhat difficult task in a very satisfactory manner, and to have succeeded in avoiding the two pitfalls that beset any such attempt—on the one hand the too free use of technical terms which would have repelled all but mathematicians from reading i t ; on the other, the insipid vagueness which would be caused by the entire avoidance of them. A preliminary sketch of what is known of the achievements of Thales, Pythagoras, and other predecessors of Euclid who made his work possible, is followed by an account of the Alexandrian school, and an estimate of the famous " Elements. " But the author does not stop here—he also gives the story of Euclid's successors down to Proclus, ' t he last of the Greeks,' from whom he makes a long quotation. We then have an interesting account of the earliest printed Euclids, and a sketch of the rise of Modern Geometry. Finally we come to Lobachewski and Riemann of whom portraits are given. An excellent shilling's worth.
A plant-responsive bacterial-signaling system senses an ethanolamine derivative

Significance A number of plant-associated bacteria possess transcription factors homologous to LuxR that respond to compounds found in plant tissue. These LuxR homologs are known to regulate virulence or symbiosis. Although the first of these proteins were described more than a decade ago, the factors they respond to remain unknown. Here we identify a compound that functions with PipR, a plant-responsive LuxR homolog from a tree root endopytic Pseudomonas isolate. The inducer is an ethanolamine derivative. Ethanolamine is a building block for plant membrane phospholipids and signaling molecules. This discovery connects at least one of the plant-responsive LuxR homolog systems to a growing understanding of ethanolamine chemistry and responses of bacterial cells to ethanolamine and ethanolamine derivatives. Certain plant-associated Proteobacteria sense their host environment by detecting an unknown plant signal recognized by a member of a LuxR subfamily of transcription factors. This interkingdom communication is important for both mutualistic and pathogenic interactions. The Populus root endophyte Pseudomonas sp. GM79 possesses such a regulator, named PipR. In a previous study we reported that PipR activates an adjacent gene (pipA) coding for a proline iminopeptidase in response to Populus leaf macerates and peptides and that this activation is dependent on a putative ABC-type transporter [Schaefer AL, et al. (2016) mBio 7:e01101-16]. In this study we identify a chemical derived from ethanolamine that induces PipR activity at picomolar concentrations, and we present evidence that this is the active inducer present in plant leaf macerates. First, a screen of more than 750 compounds indicated ethanolamine was a potent inducer for the PipR-sensing system; however, ethanolamine failed to bind to the periplasmic-binding protein (PBP) required for the signal response. This led us to discover that a specific ethanolamine derivative, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethylamino) acetamide (HEHEAA), binds to the PBP and serves as a potent PipR-dependent inducer. We also show that a compound, which coelutes with HEHEAA in HPLC and induces pipA gene expression in a PipR-dependent manner, can be found in Populus leaf macerates. This work sheds light on how plant-associated bacteria can sense their environment and on the nature of inducers for a family of plant-responsive LuxR-like transcription factors found in plant-associated bacteria.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antifungal Property of Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chitosan Halogenated Acetates

Hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan halogenated acetates were successfully synthesized from six different haloacetic acids and hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) with high substitution degree, which are hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan bromacetate (HACBA), hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan chloroacetate (HACCA), hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan dichloroacetate (HACDCA), hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan trichloroacetate (HACTCA), hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan difluoroacetate (HACDFA), and hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan trifluoroacetate (HACTFA). These chitosan derivatives were synthesized by two steps: first, the hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan was synthesized by chitosan and 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride. Then, hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan halogenated acetates were synthesized via ion exchange. The structures of chitosan derivatives were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (1H NMR), 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (13C NMR), and elemental analysis. Their antifungal activities against Colletotrichum lagenarium, Fusarium graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, and Phomopsis asparagi were investigated by hypha measurement in vitro. The results revealed that hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan halogenated acetates had better antifungal activities than chitosan and HACC. In particular, the inhibitory activity decreased in the order: HACTFA > HACDFA > HACTCA > HACDCA > HACCA > HACBA > HACC > chitosan, which was consistent with the electron-withdrawing property of different halogenated acetates. This experiment provides a potential idea for the preparation of new antifungal drugs by chitosan.
Projeto e modelagem de indutores planares para aplicações em circuitos integrados de radiofrequência.

In this thesis were developed designs and models for planar inductors for radiofrequency integrated circuits in the spiral and cross architectures for AMS 0.35 μm and IBM 0.13 μm CMOS technologies, aiming to represent the inductors performance in the frequency range of direct current up to 90% of resonant frequency. The employed modeling used an equivalent circuit for inductors with nine elements, for which a process for extracting the values of its components from simulated or measured data is presented. An extended version of the original cross architecture was presented, more flexible and treatable by algorithms, with an inductance 25% larger than the spiral architecture of the same area. Design of experiments was used to elaborate sets of inductor samples with different geometric dimensions in the studied architectures and technologies. Algorithms were developed to design the layout of each inductor considering its architecture and specific dimensions. The layout electromagnetic simulation of each sample generated the results used in the process developed for extracting the values of the components of the equivalent circuit model, which were related to the geometric dimensions of the inductors through design equations elaborated by multivariate regression analysis and generalized linear models. Both the component extraction process and the design equations were statistically validated by comparing the simulation results of the respective equivalent circuit models with the results of the electromagnetic simulations of the inductor layouts in each architecture and technology, demonstrating matching between them. Observed discrepancies at high frequency between the electromagnetic simulation results for the inductors and their respective equivalent circuits are associated with limitations of the circuit model used, which does not consider eddy currents and skin effect phenomena. The modeling process developed, due to its generality, can be applied to the development of other electric circuit models for inductors, or even to model other passive components for integrated circuits, such as capacitors, resistors and transformers.
Diagnostic framing of IgM monoclonal gammopathy: Focus on Waldenström macroglobulinemia

The finding of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy often represents a diagnostic challenge. In fact, there are many pathological disorders associated with this condition, each of which has distinctive characteristics and requires specific clinical, instrumental, and laboratory assessments to set the appropriate treatment. This review has two aims. Firstly, to provide a framework of the broad spectrum of IgM‐associated disorders: (1) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS); (2) Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM); (3) IgM‐related disorders (among which hyperviscosity syndrome, light chain amyloidosis, cold agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinaemia, IgM neuropathy, Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, Castleman disease); (4) IgM‐secreting multiple myeloma (IgM‐MM); and (5) other lymphoproliferative disorders which may be associated with IgM (such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and B‐cell non Hodgkin lymphoma). Secondly, to give a detailed insight regarding diagnosis and treatment of WM.
The efficacy and effectiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in patients with cirrhosis.

in patients with cirrhosis. These disparate society recommendations have spurred questions regarding the benefits of HCC surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. In this commentary, we will discuss the efficacy and effectiveness of HCC surveil - lance to improve early tumor detection and overall survival in patients with cirrhosis. • AFPearly detection • effectivenesshepatic cancerliver cancer • screeningultrasound "A lack of randomized data supporting hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in patients with cirrhosis does not equate to a lack of efficacy. "