Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Task recovery in self-organised multi-agent systems for distributed domains

Grid computing and cloud systems are distributed systems which provide substantial widely-accessible services to resources. Quality of service is affected by the issues around resource allocation, sharing, task execution and node failure. The focus of this research is on task execution in distributed environments and the effects of node failure on service provision. Most methods in the literature which provide fault tolerance, use reactive techniques; these provide solutions to failure only after its occurrence. In contrast, this research argues that using multi-agent systems with self-organising capabilities can provide a proactive methodology which can improve task execution in open, dynamic and distributed environments. We have modelled a system of autonomous agents with heterogeneous resources and proposed a new delegation protocol for executing tasks within their time constraints. This helps avoid the loss of tasks and to improve efficiency. However, this method on its own is not sufficient in terms of task execution throughput, especially in the presence of agent failure. Hence, we propose, a self-organisation technique. This is represented in this research by two different mechanisms for creating organisations of agents with a certain structure; we suggest, in addition, the adoption of task delegation within the organisations. Adding an organisation structure with agent roles to the network enables smoother performance, increases task execution throughput and copes with agent failures. In addition, we study the failure problem as it manifests within the organisations and we suggest an improvement to the organisation structure which involves the use of another protocol and adding a new role. An exploratory study of dynamic, heterogeneous organisations of agents has also been conducted to understand the formation of organisations in a dynamic environment where agents may fail and new agents may join organisations. These conditions mean that new organisations may evolve and existing organisations may change.
Comparing Voltage Adaptation Performance between Replica and In-Situ Timing Monitors

Adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) is a promising approach to overcome manufacturing variability, dynamic environmental fluctuation, and aging. This paper focuses on timing sensors necessary for AVS implementation and compares in-situ timing error predictive FF (TEP-FF) and critical path replica in terms of how much voltage margin can be reduced. For estimating the theoretical bound of ideal AVS, this work proposes linear programming based minimum supply voltage analysis and discusses the voltage adaptation performance quantitatively by investigating the gap between the lower bound and actual supply voltages. Experimental results show that TEP-FF based AVS and replica based AVS achieve up to 13.3% and 8.9% supply voltage reduction, respectively while satisfying the target MTTF. AVS with TEP-FF tracks the theoretical bound with 2.5 to 5.6% voltage margin while AVS with replica needs 7.2 to 9.9% margin.
Regroupement de compétences robotiques en compétences plus générales. (Merging robotic skills into more general skills)

La decouverte de contingences sensorimotrices et leur structuration en competences sont des enjeux importants en robotique. En particulier, on souhaite pouvoir apprendre ainsi des competences qui soient a la fois riches semantiquement et aussi generales que possible.Cette these s’est interessee a la question du regroupement de competences robotiques en competences plus generales. Apres avoir pose formellement les notions que l’on peut trouver dans la litterature de competence et de competence parametree, nous avons relie les competences parametrees aux modeles inverses et nous nous sommes inspires du dualisme entre modeles directs et inverses pour proposer un formalisme dual, les competences parametrees directes.Nous avons ensuite entrepris de determiner quand il etait ou non pertinent de reunir des competences au sein d’une meme competence parametree directe.Le probleme est alors ramene a un probleme de regression, et des algorithmes s’inspirant du principe du rasoir d’Ockham sont proposes pour y chercher une solution sous la forme d’un melange d’experts de complexite minimale. Ces algorithmes sont ensuite appliques a des donnees de manipulation d’objets en simulation
Analysis of Single-Phase-to-Ground Faults at the Valve-Side of HB-MMCs in HVDC Systems

Although the probability of occurrence of station internal ac grounding faults in modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based high-voltage direct-current systems is low, they may lead to severe consequences that should be considered when designing protection systems. This paper analyzes the characteristics of valve-side single-phase-to-ground (SPG) faults in three configurations of MMC systems. Fault responses for symmetrical monopole MMCs are first studied. Upper arm overvoltages and ac-side nonzero-crossing currents arising from SPG faults in asymmetrical and bipolar configurations are then investigated. DC grounding using an LR parallel circuit is employed to create current zero-crossings, which will enable the operation of grid-side ac circuit breakers. The theoretical analysis is verified through simulations performed in PSCAD/EMTDC, with simulation results and the theoretical analysis showing a good agreement. The studies in this paper will be valuable for the design of protection systems for station internal ac grounding faults.
Effect of Cellulose Powder on Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Activity and Ciliary Beat Frequency

Background: Cellulose powder (CP) has been reported as a safe and effective complementary treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). Currently, CP has gained increasing application for clinical management worldwide, particularly in China. However, studies focusing on the effect of CP on normal human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) and ciliary function are lacking. Here, we aimed to explore the adverse effects of CP on the activity and ciliary function of hNECs. Methods: We biopsied ethmoid sinus or middle turbinate tissues during surgical resection from control subjects who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for diseases other than AR. Cells were isolated and passaged, followed by differentiation in an air-liquid interface (ALI). Flow cytometry and cell viability test (cell counting kit-8) were performed to detect the cytotoxicity of CP (effects on cell proliferation) on normal hNECs. By using the ALI culture model, we investigated the effects of CP on ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Results: There was a significant reduction in hNEC count at high concentrations of CP (2.5 mg/mL) at days 3 and 7 (both p < 0.05). As the concentration increased, cell death increased progressively from day 3 to day 7. However, these effects were not evident at low concentrations (0.25 mg/mL, p > 0.05). High-dose CP (2.5 mg) significantly reduced the CBF (p < 0.05). At lower concentrations (0.25–2.5 mg/mL), CP initially increased but subsequently reduced the CBF of hNECs compared with control group. Conclusions: Cytotoxicity and the suppression of ciliary beat at high concentrations justify more prudent use of CP for the management of AR.
New Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Modulators Derived from Natural Product Databases and Marine Extracts by Using Molecular Docking Techniques

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a PI3K-related serine/threonine protein kinase that functions as a master regulator of cellular growth and metabolism, in response to nutrient and hormonal stimuli. mTOR functions in two distinct complexes—mTORC1 is sensitive to rapamycin, while, mTORC2 is insensitive to this drug. Deregulation of mTOR’s enzymatic activity has roles in cancer, obesity, and aging. Rapamycin and its chemical derivatives are the only drugs that inhibit the hyperactivity of mTOR, but numerous side effects have been described due to its therapeutic use. The purpose of this study was to identify new compounds of natural origin that can lead to drugs with fewer side effects. We have used computational techniques (molecular docking and calculated ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) parameters) that have enabled the selection of candidate compounds, derived from marine natural products, SuperNatural II, and ZINC natural products, for inhibitors targeting, both, the ATP and the rapamycin binding sites of mTOR. We have shown experimental evidence of the inhibitory activity of eleven selected compounds against mTOR. We have also discovered the inhibitory activity of a new marine extract against this enzyme. The results have been discussed concerning the necessity to identify new molecules for therapeutic use, especially against aging, and with fewer side effects.
Foods, macronutrients and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women: a large UK cohort

Abstract Background The role of diet in breast cancer aetiology is unclear; recent studies have suggested associations may differ by estrogen receptor status. Methods Baseline diet was assessed in 2000–04 using a validated questionnaire in 691 571 postmenopausal UK women without previous cancer, who had not changed their diet recently. They were followed by record linkage to national cancer and death databases. Cox regression yielded adjusted relative risks for breast cancer for 10 food items and eight macronutrients, subdivided mostly into five categories of baseline intake. Trends in risk across the baseline categories were calculated, assigning re-measured intakes to allow for measurement error and changes in intake over time; P-values allowed for multiple testing. Results Women aged 59.9 (standard deviation (SD 4.9)) years at baseline were followed for 12 (SD 3) years; 29 005 were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Alcohol intake had the strongest association with breast cancer incidence: relative risk (RR) 1.08 [99% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.11] per 10 g/day higher intake, P = 5.8 × 10−14. There were inverse associations with fruit: RR 0.94 (99% CI 0.92–0.97) per 100 g/day higher intake, P = 1.1 × 10−6, and dietary fibre: RR 0.91 (99% CI 0.87–0.96) per 5 g/day increase, P = 1.1 × 10−4. Fruit and fibre intakes were correlated (ρ = 0.62) and were greater among women who were not overweight, so residual confounding cannot be excluded. There was no heterogeneity for any association by estrogen receptor status. Conclusions By far the strongest association was between alcohol intake and an increased risk of breast cancer. Of the other 17 intakes examined, higher intakes of fruit and fibre were associated with lower risks of breast cancer, but it is unclear whether or not these associations are causal.
Acute kidney injury in HIV‐infected patients: a critical review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid decline of renal function associated with worse outcomes. The purpose of the authors is to perform a critical review of the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis and outcome of AKI in HIV‐infected patients. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients have an increased risk of developing AKI, to which contribute both HIV‐dependent and HIV‐independent factors as well as the nephrotoxicity of drugs used. The increased risk of AKI in HIV‐infected patients and its negative impact on prognosis highlights the need for identification of patients at risk, creation of prevention strategies and management.
Real-time locomotion with character-fluid interactions

This paper proposes a real-time approach to animate a character walking in different environments for a video game setting. The technique combines a physics-based model with procedural animation and motion editing. Highlighting environmental interaction in fluids, the paper leverages simplified drag forces to drive realistic changes from existing locomotion data. To demonstrate generalizability of the effort, we also generate forces from impulse felt from interactions in the environment.
Latent Feature Combination for Multi-Context Music Recommendation

In recent years, music aficionados have increasingly been consuming music via public music streaming platforms. Due to the size of the collections provided, music recommender systems have become a vital component as these aim to provide recommendations that match the user's current context as, throughout the day, users listen to music in numerous different contexts and situations. In this paper, we propose a multi-context-aware track recommender system that jointly exploits information about the current situation and musical preferences of users. To jointly model users by their situational and musical preferences, we cluster users based on their situational features and similarly, cluster music tracks based on their content features. Our experiments show that by relying on Factorization Machines for the computation of recommendations, the proposed approach allows to successfully leverage interaction effects between listening histories, situational and track content information, substantially outperforming a set of baseline recommenders.
Pregnenolone as a potential candidate for hormone therapy for female reproductive disorders targeting ERβ

Many steroid hormones such as estrogen (E2) bind to their receptors for the regulation of biological processes. Pregnenolone (P5) is the precursor form of almost all steroid hormones and is often used to treat skin disorders and neurological complications. However, the mechanism and physiological function of P5 in reproductive organs are not well established. In this study, we investigated the effects of P5 on activation and expression of E2 receptor (ER) in the uteri and ovaries. To study the mechanism of P5 directly, Ishikawa cells were transfected with E2 response element (ERE)‐luciferase plasmid and isoforms of ER. ERE‐luciferase activity induced by P5 was similar to that induced by E2, and P5 showed high activity for ERβ without any relevance to P5‐metabolizing hormones such as progesterone (P4) and E2. In an animal study, immature female rats treated with P5 showed upregulation of ERα and downregulation of ERβ in the uteri, which is the main organ expressing ERα. In ERβ‐expressing organ ovaries, estrogen receptor 1, estrogen receptor 2, and P4 receptor were all downregulated by P5 and E2. Also, a decrease of ovarian cell proliferation and viability was observed in response to P5 relative to the control, suggesting that P5 may be a candidate for antiproliferative hormone of ovarian cancer. These findings suggest that P5 stimulates ERE promoter by ERβ‐mediated signaling in the uteri and ovaries. Activation of ERβ by P5 may help in understanding the mechanism of ER‐related female reproductive diseases such as endometriosis and ovarian cancer.
Diabetic retinopathy: a complex pathophysiology requiring novel therapeutic strategies

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in the working age population of the developed world. DR encompasses a complex pathology, and one that is reflected in the variety of currently available treatments, which include laser photocoagulation, glucocorticoids, vitrectomy and agents which neutralize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Whilst these options demonstrate modest clinical benefits, none is yet to fully attenuate clinical progression or reverse damage to the retina. This has led to an interest in developing novel therapies for the condition, such as mediators of angiopoietin signaling axes, immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oxidative stress inhibitors and vitriol viscosity inhibitors. Further, preclinical research suggests that gene therapy treatment for DR could provide significant benefits over existing treatments options. Areas covered: Here we review the pathophysiology of DR and provide an overview of currently available treatments. We then outline recent advances made towards improved patient outcomes and highlight the potential of the gene therapy paradigm to revolutionize DR management. Expert opinion: Whilst significant progress has been made towards our understanding of DR, further research is required to enable the development of a detailed spatiotemporal model of the disease. In addition, we hope that improvements in our knowledge of the condition facilitate therapeutic innovations that continue to address unmet medical need and improve patient outcomes, with a focus on the development of targeted medicines.
Consideration on crystalizing simulated annealing for boltzmann machine

This paper proposes a method to estimate the posterior distribution of a Boltzmann Machine. Due to high feature extraction ability, a Boltzmann Machine is often used for both of supervised and unsupervised learning. It is expected to be suitable for multimodal data because of its bi-directional connection property. However, it needs a sampling method to estimate the posterior distribution, which becomes a problem during an inference period because of the computation time and instability. Therefore, it is usually converted to feedforward Neural Networks, which means to lose its bi-directional property. To deal with these problems, this paper proposes a method to estimate the posterior distribution of the Boltzmann Machine fast and stably without converting it to feedforward Neural Networks. The key idea of the proposed method is to estimate the posterior distribution using a Simulated Annealing on non-uniform temperature distribution. The advantage of the proposed method against normal sampling method and conventional Simulated Annealing is shown through experiments with artificial dataset and MNIST. Furthermore, this paper also gives the mathematical analysis of Boltzmann Machine's behaviour with regard to temperature distribution.
Megakaryocyte Contribution to Bone Marrow Fibrosis: many Arrows in the Quiver

In Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), megakaryocyte dysplasia/hyperplasia determines the release of inflammatory cytokines that, in turn, stimulate stromal cells and induce bone marrow fibrosis. The pathogenic mechanism and the cells responsible for progression to bone marrow fibrosis in PMF are not completely understood. This review article aims to provide an overview of the crucial role of megakaryocytes in myelofibrosis by discussing the role and the altered secretion of megakaryocyte-derived soluble factors, enzymes and extracellular matrices that are known to induce bone marrow fibrosis.
Towards making NLG a voice for interpretable Machine Learning

This paper presents a study to understand the issues related to using NLG to humanise explanations from a popular interpretable machine learning framework called LIME. Our study shows that self-reported rating of NLG explanation was higher than that for a non-NLG explanation. However, when tested for comprehension, the results were not as clear-cut showing the need for performing more studies to uncover the factors responsible for high-quality NLG explanations.
Whole grain diet reduces systemic inflammation

Backgrounds: Observational studies had suggested an inverse association between whole grain consumption and concentration of inflammatory markers, but evidence from interventional studies was inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials to have a better understanding of this issue. Methods: This study has been registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42018096533). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library for articles focusing on the topic from inception to 1 January, 2018. Summary standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by using either random effect model or fixed effect model according to the heterogeneity of included studies. Subgroup analysis was also performed. Results: Totally 9 randomized trials included 838 participants were identified. In a pooled analysis of all studies, consumption of whole grains had an inverse association with inflammatory markers (SMD 0.16, 95% CI, 0.02–0.30), including C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;), Interleukin-1&bgr; (IL-1&bgr;). Specific analyses for CRP and IL-6 yielded that whole grain diet was related with a significant decrease in the concentration of CRP (SMD 0.29, 95% CI, 0.08–0.50) and IL-6 (SMD 0.19, 95% CI, 0.03–0.36). Conclusions: The evidence suggested that citizens could benefit from increased whole grain intake for reducing systemic inflammation. Further well-designed studies are required to investigate the mechanism under the appearance.
The sympathomimetic agonist mirabegron did not lower JAK2-V617F allele burden, but restored nestin-positive cells and reduced reticulin fibrosis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms: results of phase II study SAKK 33/14

The β-3 sympathomimetic agonist BRL37344 restored nestin-positive cells within the stem cell niche, and thereby normalized blood counts and improved myelofibrosis in a mouse model of JAK2-V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms. We therefore tested the effectiveness of mirabegron, a β-3 sympathomimetic agonist, in a phase II trial including 39 JAK2-V617F-positive patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and a mutant allele burden more than 20%. Treatment consisted of mirabegron 50 mg daily for 24 weeks. The primary end point was reduction of JAK2-V617F allele burden of 50% or over, but this was not reached in any of the patients. One patient achieved a 25% reduction in JAK2-V617F allele burden by 24 weeks. A small subgroup of patients showed hematologic improvement. As a side study, bone marrow biopsies were evaluated in 20 patients. We found an increase in the nestin+ cells from a median of 1.09 (interquartile range 0.38-3.27)/mm2 to 3.95 (interquartile range 1.98-8.79)/mm2 (P<0.0001) and a slight decrease of reticulin fibrosis from a median grade of 1.0 (interquartile range 0–3) to 0.5 (interquartile range 0–2) (P=0.01) between start and end of mirabegron treatment. Despite the fact that the primary end point of reducing JAK2-V617F allele burden was not reached, the observed effects on nestin+ mesenchymal stem cells and reticulin fibrosis is encouraging, and shows that mirabegron can modify the microenvironment where the JAK2-mutant stem cells are maintained. (Registered at clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 02311569.)
Circulating Cytokines Predict Immune-Related Toxicity in Melanoma Patients Receiving Anti-PD-1–Based Immunotherapy

Purpose: Combination PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitor therapy has dramatically improved the survival of patients with advanced melanoma but is also associated with significant immune-related toxicities. This study sought to identify circulating cytokine biomarkers of treatment response and immune-related toxicity. Experimental Design: The expression of 65 cytokines was profiled longitudinally in 98 patients with melanoma treated with PD-1 inhibitors, alone or in combination with anti-CTLA-4, and in an independent validation cohort of 49 patients treated with combination anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4. Cytokine expression was correlated with RECIST response and immune-related toxicity, defined as toxicity that warranted permanent discontinuation of treatment and administration of high-dose steroids. Results: Eleven cytokines were significantly upregulated in patients with severe immune-related toxicities at baseline (PRE) and early during treatment (EDT). The expression of these 11 cytokines was integrated into a single toxicity score, the CYTOX (cytokine toxicity) score, and the predictive utility of this score was confirmed in the discovery and validation cohorts. The AUC for the CYTOX score in the validation cohort was 0.68 at PRE [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.51–0.84; P = 0.037] and 0.70 at EDT (95% CI, 0.55–0.85; P = 0.017) using ROC analysis. Conclusions: The CYTOX score is predictive of severe immune-related toxicity in patients with melanoma treated with combination anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. This score, which includes proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1a, IL2, and IFNα2, may help in the early management of severe, potentially life-threatening immune-related toxicity. See related commentary by Johnson and Balko, p. 1452