Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Online Learning for Multiagent Systems With Coupled Constraints and Perturbed Utility Observations

Competitive noncooperative online decision-making agents whose actions increase congestion of scarce resources constitute a model for widespread modern large-scale applications. To ensure sustainable resource behavior, we introduce a novel method to steer the agents toward a stable population state, fulfilling the given coupled resource constraints. The proposed method is a decentralized resource pricing method based on the resource loads resulting from the augmentation of the game's Lagrangian. Assuming that the online learning agents have only noisy first-order utility feedback, we show that for a polynomially decaying agents step size/learning rate, the population's dynamic will almost surely converge to generalized Nash equilibrium. A particular consequence of the latter is the fulfillment of resource constraints in the asymptotic limit. Moreover, we investigate the finite-time quality of the proposed algorithm by giving a nonasymptotic time decaying bound for the expected amount of resource constraint violation.
Ecological and economic effects of the landing obligation evaluated using a quantitative ecosystem approach: a Mediterranean case study

The reformed Common Fisheries Policy [Regulation (EU) 1380/2013] introduces the obligation to land unwanted catches gradually from 2015 to 2019 with the aim to reduce discards. The ecological and economic consequences of this controversial regulation are evaluated here using an ecosystem model for the North-Eastern Adriatic Sea to quantify the long-term stocks’ biomass, landings, and fisheries revenues under future scenarios with and without landing obligation. Results indicate that landings will increase by +13%, causing an increase in fishermen workload, reduction of biomasses at sea (∼−0.20%) for species of both commercial and non-commercial interest, thus a small decrease in fisheries revenue (∼−0.50%). Selling landed unwanted catches for fishmeal production will not compensate the economic losses. Additional adaptation scenarios were tested: (i) introduction of quotas for small pelagics, (ii) reduction of effort for bottom trawlers, (iii) improvement of gear selectivity, and (iv) a combination of (i) and (iii). Improving selectivity and introducing quotas resulted the best alternative but none of the adaptation scenarios compensated the adverse effects of the landing obligation, suggesting that this management measure has ecological and economic negative effects in systems where fisheries are not regulated by quota such as the Mediterranean Sea.
Influence of a combination of triptolide and ferulic acid on the activities of CYP450 enzymes and oxidative stress in HaCaT cells

Topical administration of triptolide (TP) is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it can also induce skin irritation. Previous studies have used data mining strategies to analyze the application of Tripterygium wilfordii in the treatment of RA and have shown that TP and ferulic acid (FA) can be used in combination due to their component compatibility. The aims of the present study were to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of TP treatment and to identify its effects on metabolism and oxidative damage in the skin. MTT assay results suggested that the HaCaT cell survival rate was significantly increased when the compatibility ratio of TP to FA was 1:100. Moreover, the combination of TP with FA (TP + FA) did not significantly affect the activities of the cytochrome P40 (CYP) enzymes CYP family 1 subfamily A member 2 (CYP1A2), CYP2E1 and CYP3A4, when used as a ‘cocktail’. It was found that TP + FA significantly decreased the production levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in HaCaT cells, while significantly increasing levels of glutathione and catalase. In addition, TP + FA significantly increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein expression, compared with TP alone. Thus, the present results indicated that the underlying mechanism of TP + FA efficacy may be related to decreased ROS production level in HaCaT cells, increased production levels of key antioxidant factors and increased antioxidant activity of the epidermis, all of which were correlated with a protective effect against oxidative damage.
Comparison of Imaging Findings between Human Papillomavirus-positive and -Negative Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Maxillary Sinus

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of imaging findings when differentiating between human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and -negative squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the maxillary sinus. Material and Methods: This study included 37 patients with histopathologically and immunohistochemically confirmed SCCs of the maxillary sinus (three HPV positive and 34 HPV negative). Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), MR signal intensities, CT findings, and maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) were correlated with the two pathologies. Results: The minimum ADC (ADCmin) was significantly lower in HPV-positive SCCs than in HPV-negative SCCs (0.50 ± 0.02 vs. 0.70 ± 0.13 × 10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.01). The mean ADC (ADCmean) was not significantly different between HPV-positive SCCs and HPV-negative SCCs (0.84 ± 0.07 vs. 0.97 ± 0.18 ×10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.18). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for ADCmin and ADCmean were 0.986 (P < 0.01) and 0.754 (P < 0.05), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity, with a threshold of ADCmin (0.516 × 10−3 mm2/s) for a diagnosis of HPV-positive SCCs, were 100% and 96%, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in MR signal intensities, CT findings, and SUVmax between HPV-positive and HPV-negative SCCs. Conclusion: ADCmin is a useful parameter for the differentiation of HPV-positive and HPV-negative SCCs of the maxillary sinus.
The incidence, comorbidity and mortality of sarcoidosis in Korea, 2008-2015: a nationwide population-based study

Background: Few national level, population-based studies are present on the epidemiology of sarcoidosis and it is unclear whether these patients have higher mortality than the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate the nationwide epidemiology, comorbidity and mortality in sarcoidosis in Korea. Material and Methods: For the period between 2008 to 2015, we used the national population-based database operated by Rare Intractable Disease registration program in which patients’ diagnosis are based on uniform criteria. All sarcoidosis patients were identified and followed-up using the National Health Insurance database to determine their incidence, comorbidity, mortality, causes of death and standardised mortality ratio (SMR). Results: During the study period, we identified 3,259 new sarcoidosis patients. The average annual incidence was 0.81 per 100,000. The annual mortality rate was 9.26 per 1,000 person-years. The mortality rate were significantly higher than those of the general population (SMR 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.62-2.25). The major comorbidities of sarcoidosis patients were the diseases of the respiratory system (17.64%), heart (5.43%), eyes (4.27%) and cancer (2.3%). Mortality was higher in patients with lung involvement. Of the 84 deaths identified in this study from 2008-2013, the most common cause of death was cancer (41.7%), followed by respiratory disease (13.1%), sarcoidosis (13.1%) and heart disease (8.3%). Conclusions: We reported a nationwide incidence of sarcoidosis as 0.81 per 100,000 in Korea. The mortality of sarcoidosis patients was higher compared to the general population and the major causes of death were cancer, respiratory disease and sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis patients with comorbid diseases showed increased mortality. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (1): 24-36)
Neuroprotective potential of the fruit (acorn) from Quercus coccifera L.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease are among the deadly disorders affecting the elderly population. Unfortunately, effective treatments and medications are still needed to combat these diseases. The ethanol extracts of the raw peeled acorns and acorn coffees from Quercus coccifera prepared by two different methods (boiled-roasted ground and roasted ground) were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase (TYR), the enzymes associated with neurodegeneration. The acorns used in the present study were harvested from wild Quercus coccifera L. trees in Kilis Province, located in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey in November 2016. Cholinesterase (ChE) and TYR inhibitory activity of the ethanol extracts prepared from raw material and two coffee samples were screened using an ELISA microtiter assay at 2 mg/mL stock concentration. Antioxidant effects of the extracts were also tested for their scavenging activity against DPPH, while total phenol and flavonoid quantities of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Our results indicated that all of the extracts had notable AChE and BChE inhibition, while they were inactive against TYR. The most active extract against ChEs was prepared from the raw material, which led to 65.94 ± 3.59% and 85.04 ± 3.83% inhibition against AChE and BChE, respectively. Our data indicate that the fruit extract from Quercus coccifera is a source of promising ChE inhibitors and deserves future study.
Spectrum of Morphologic Features of Lupus Nephritis According to Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) Classification

Introduction Lupus nephritis is one of the most important secondary glomerulopathy and a significant cause of chronic renal failure. Early diagnosis is key to improved prognosis. The International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification stratifies renal biopsy evaluation in different classes that correlates with clinical renal outcome. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the proportion of patients in each class of lupus nephritis in our population. Methods We evaluated renal biopsies of 128 patients that fulfilled the clinical and serologic criteria of lupus nephritis. The histologic classification was done according to the ISN/RPS classification, and immunofluorescence studies were performed. Active and chronic lesions were assessed on renal biopsy, and association of different histopatholgic parameters with lupus classes was done. Results The mean age was 28.85±12.24 years. Most of the patients were from age group ≤25 years (48.4%). Active lesions were seen in 66 (51.6%) patients, with endocapillary hypercellularity being the most common active lesion type, i.e. 81.8%. Chronic lesions were noted in 42 (32.8%) patients, with glomerular sclerosis being the most common chronic lesion type, i.e. 69%. Majority of the patients belonged to class IV (46.9%). Females were more likely to present at advanced lupus stage compared to males, and older patients (>50 years) had a higher chance to present at a late stage (class IV and higher). Active lesions were significantly found more frequently in classes III and IV, while chronic lesions were more likely to present in classes III to V. Conclusion We found that a significant proportion of patients of lupus nephritis in our population presents at an advanced stage as more than 60% patients were of class IV or higher. This signifies lack of appropriate clinical surveillance of patients and assessment of renal functions early in disease course. This also necessitates revision of our locoregional protocols to manage lupus nephritis patients and a need to perform a renal biopsy early in disease course.
Density of leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) in Horton Plains National Park in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Abstract Quantitative ecological data needs to inform management of the endangered, endemic Sri Lankan leopard. Estimating habitat-specific leopard density and prey availability provides important baselines and improved understanding of the island-wide population. We used remote cameras in a spatially explicit capture-recapture framework to estimate leopard density (11.7 adult individuals/100 km2) and distance sampling to estimate prey density, within Horton Plains National Park. Sambar density was 178/km2 within the central grasslands, which represent a spatially anchored resource for sambar and in turn, a highly clumped, abundant resource for leopards. This study represents the first robust estimate of leopard density in Sri Lanka’s montane zone.
Cyclase-associated protein 2 dimerization regulates cofilin in synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in dendritic spines is crucial for learning and memory formation. Hence, defects in the actin cytoskeleton pathways are a biological trait of several brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Here, we describe a novel synaptic mechanism governed by the cyclase-associated protein 2, which is required for structural plasticity phenomena and completely disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. We report that the formation of cyclase-associated protein 2 dimers through its Cys32 is important for cyclase-associated protein 2 binding to cofilin and for actin turnover. The Cys32-dependent cyclase-associated protein 2 homodimerization and association to cofilin are triggered by long-term potentiation and are required for long-term potentiation-induced cofilin translocation into spines, spine remodelling and the potentiation of synaptic transmission. This mechanism is specifically affected in the hippocampus, but not in the superior frontal gyrus, of both Alzheimer's disease patients and APP/PS1 mice, where cyclase-associated protein 2 is down-regulated and cyclase-associated protein 2 dimer synaptic levels are reduced. Notably, cyclase-associated protein 2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are significantly increased in Alzheimer's disease patients but not in subjects affected by frontotemporal dementia. In Alzheimer's disease hippocampi, cofilin association to cyclase-associated protein 2 dimer/monomer is altered and cofilin is aberrantly localized in spines. Taken together, these results provide novel insights into structural plasticity mechanisms that are defective in Alzheimer's disease.
Real world experience of response to pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a two centre retrospective study

Introduction: Pirfenidone has been shown to reduce the decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) compared to placebo in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Previous studies have suggested that patients with a more rapid decline in FVC during the period before starting pirfenidone experience the greatest benefit from treatment. The purpose of this retrospective observational study was to investigate the response to pirfenidone in IPF patients, comparing two groups stratified by the annual rate of decline in FVC % predicted prior to treatment. Methods: Using the rate of decline in FVC % predicted in the 12 months prior to pirfenidone, patients were stratified into slow (<5%) or rapid (≥5%) decliner groups. Comparisons in the lung function response to pirfenidone in these two groups were performed. Results: Pirfenidone resulted in no statistically significant reduction in the median annual rate of decline in FVC or FVC % predicted. In the rapid decliners, pirfenidone significantly reduced the median (IQR) annual rate of decline in FVC % predicted (-8.7 (-14.2 – -7.0) %/yr vs 2.0 (-7.1 – 6.0) %/yr; n=17; p<0.01). In the slow decliners, pirfenidone did not reduce the median (IQR) annual rate of decline in FVC % predicted (-1.3 (-3.2 – 1.3) %/yr vs -5.0 (-8.3 – -0.35) %/yr; n=17; p=0.028). Conclusions: We demonstrate the greater net effect of pirfenidone in IPF patients declining rapidly. We suggest that using an annual rate of decline in FVC of <5% and ≥5% may be useful in counselling patients with regard to pirfenidone treatment. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (2): 218-224)
Practice-derived data on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant therapy to complement observations from randomized trials

Abstract Anticoagulation is fundamental in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The study aims to provide a comparative review of the major phase III randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and real-world data (RWD) from reliable, high-grade Phase IV studies that assess the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) vs. vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Observational studies based on nationwide or health insurance database records on the use of NOACs vs. VKAs in patients with AF were included. We performed a comparison of the efficacy and safety characteristics associated with NOACs vs. VKAs in RCTs and RWD. Although RCTs provide strong support for evidence-based practice, RWD may be used to reflect the broader picture of various clinical settings, provide supplementary insight and fulfil knowledge gaps. Both study types confirmed the safety and efficacy of NOACs in preventing stroke and thromboembolism in patients with AF. In comparison to VKAs, NOACs were associated with reduced risk of ischaemic events and lower rates of adverse events such as major bleeding or intracranial haemorrhage. Administration of NOACs might be associated with increased risk of dose-related gastrointestinal bleeding and myocardial ischaemic events, especially in the early treatment period after switching from VKAs. Special care should be taken in challenging clinical situations like severe renal or hepatic impairment when the treatment regimen needs to be considered individually. Randomized clinical trial and RWD studies are complementary and present comparable findings, affirming that NOACs are safe and effective for anticoagulation of patients with AF in daily clinical practice.
Differences in soil organic matter and humus of sandy soil after application of biochar substrates and combination of biochar substrates with mineral fertilizers

The effort to achieve the sustainable farming system in arable soil led to the intensive search for a new solution but an inspiration can also be found in the application of traditional methods of soil fertility improvement as it is shown in numerous examples in history. Recently many scientific teams have focused their attention on the evaluation of biochar effects on soil properties and crop yields. Since there are a lot of knowledge gaps, especially in explanations how biochar can affect soil organic matter (SOM) and humus substances, we aimed this study at the solution of these questions. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two biochar substrates (B1 – biochar blended with sheep manure, and B2 – biochar blended with sheep manure and the residue from the biogas station) at two rates (10 and 20 t ha-1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (Urea was applied in 2018, at rate 100 kg ha-1, and Urea at rate 100 kg ha-1 + AMOFOS NP 12-52 at 100 kg ha-1 were applied in 2019) on the quantity and quality of SOM and humus of sandy soil (Arenosol, Dolná Streda, Slovakia). The results showed that application of the biochar substrates together with mineral fertilizers (MF) had more pronounced effect on the organic matter mineralization in the sandy soil which resulted in low accumulation of soil organic carbon (Corg) and labile carbon compared to biochar substrates treatments without MF. The share of humic substances in Corg significantly decreased by 16, 50, 16 and 24% in B1 at 10 t ha-1, B1 at 20 t ha-1, B2 at 10 t ha-1 and B2 at 20 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. A similar tendency was observed for biochar substrates treatments + MF, compared to MF control. The carbon content of humic substances (CHS) was equal to 4.40 – 5.80 g kg-1 and the biochar substrates had statistically significant influence on CHS content. On average, there was a smaller decrease of CHS in B1 at rate 10 t ha -1 than at rate 20 t ha-1 and no effect of B2 compared to control. The carbon content of fulvic acid (CFA) was 9% higher in B1 at 10 t ha -1, and 20 t ha-1, 47% higher in B2 at 10 t ha-1 and 17% higher in B2 at 20 t ha-1 compared to control. As a result of biochar substrates + MF application, the reduction in CFA was observed. The results showed a decrease of CHA : CFA ratio with association to biochar substrates alone application compared to control on one hand, and a wider of CHA : CFA ratio in biochar substrates + MF treatments in comparison to MF control on the other hand. Humus stability was increased in biochar substrates alone treatments compared to control, on the other hand, compared to MF control, the application of biochar substrates + MF resulted in a lower humus stability.
Pear IAA1 gene encoding an auxin-responsive Aux/IAA protein is involved in fruit development and response to salicylic acid

Shi, H. , Wang, Y. , Li, Z. , Zhang, D. , Zhang, Y. , Xiang, D. , Li, Y. and Zhang, Y. 2014. Pear IAA1 gene encoding an auxin-responsive Aux/IAA protein is involved in fruit development and response to salicylic acid. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 263-271. Auxin-responsive Aux/IAA proteins are rapidly auxin-induced, short-lived proteins that act as repressors for the auxin response factor (ARF)-activated gene expression. A gene encoding an Aux/IAA protein and designated PpIAA1 was isolated from pear (Pyrus pyrifolia). Using PCR amplification techniques, the genomic clone corresponding to PpIAA1 was isolated and shown to contain three introns with typical GT/AG boundaries defining the splice junctions. The deduced PpIAA1 protein contains the conserved features of indole-3-acetic acids (IAA): four Aux/IAA conserved domains, Aux/IAA family domain, Aux/IAA-ARF dimerization domain profile, and conserved nuclear localization signal (NLS) motifs. Phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated PpIAA1 has the highest homology with grape VvIAA. PpIAA1 was preferentially expressed in fruit, and moderate expression was found in anthers. Relatively low expression signal was detected in other tissues including shoots, leaves, and petals. Moreover, expression of PpIAA1 was developmentally regulated in fruit. Further study demonstrated that PpIAA1 expression in pear fruit was remarkably regulated by salicylic acid and IAA. The data suggest that PpIAA1 might be involved in the interplay between IAA and salicylic acid signaling pathway during the fruit development of pear.
A GROTHENDIECK TOPOLOGY ON A SUBCATEGORY OF OPPOSITE CATEGORY OF NON COMMUTATIVE ALGEBRAS

The purpose of this paper is to show an existence of a Grothendieck topology on a subcategory of the opposite category of non commutative algebras. To define a Grothendieck topology is to define a way to “glue” objects, which will make it possible to define a non-commutative geometric object which might be called non commutative scheme. The term “non commutative scheme” already appears in [5] in a slight different context, in which a non commutative scheme is defined as a ringed space. Our categorical approach provides another look at non commutative algebraic geometry. It in particular requires (and therefore offers some motivation for) a study on free products. In either way, non commutative algebraic geometry seems to play the same role in non commutative geometry (developed for example by