Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-Asymptotic Analysis of Monte Carlo Tree Search

In this work, we consider the popular tree-based search strategy within the framework of reinforcement learning, the Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS), in the context of infinite-horizon discounted cost Markov Decision Process (MDP) with deterministic transitions. While MCTS is believed to provide an approximate value function for a given state with enough simulations, cf. [5, 6], the claimed proof of this property is incomplete. This is due to the fact that the variant of MCTS, the Upper Confidence Bound for Trees (UCT), analyzed in prior works utilizes "logarithmic" bonus term for balancing exploration and exploitation within the tree-based search, following the insights from stochastic multi-arm bandit (MAB) literature, cf. [1, 3]. In effect, such an approach assumes that the regret of the underlying recursively dependent non-stationary MABs concentrates around their mean exponentially in the number of steps, which is unlikely to hold as pointed out in [2], even for stationary MABs.
PlotQA: Reasoning over Scientific Plots

Existing synthetic datasets (Figure QA, DVQA) for reasoning over plots do not contain variability in data labels, real-valued data, or complex reasoning questions. Consequently, proposed models for these datasets do not fully address the challenge of reasoning over plots. In particular, they assume that the answer comes either from a small fixed size vocabulary or from a bounding box within the image. However, in practice, this is an unrealistic assumption because many questions require reasoning and thus have real-valued answers which appear neither in a small fixed size vocabulary nor in the image. In this work, we aim to bridge this gap between existing datasets and real-world plots. Specifically, we propose PlotQA with 28.9 million question-answer pairs over 224,377 plots on data from real-world sources and questions based on crowd-sourced question templates. Further, 80.76% of the out-of-vocabulary (OOV) questions in PlotQA have answers that are not in a fixed vocabulary. Analysis of existing models on PlotQA reveals that they cannot deal with OOV questions: their overall accuracy on our dataset is in single digits. This is not surprising given that these models were not designed for such questions. As a step towards a more holistic model which can address fixed vocabulary as well as OOV questions, we propose a hybrid approach: Specific questions are answered by choosing the answer from a fixed vocabulary or by extracting it from a predicted bounding box in the plot, while other questions are answered with a table question-answering engine which is fed with a structured table generated by detecting visual elements from the image. On the existing DVQA dataset, our model has an accuracy of 58%, significantly improving on the highest reported accuracy of 46%. On PlotQA, our model has an accuracy of 22.52%, which is significantly better than state of the art models.
On fast multiplication of a matrix by its transpose

We present a non-commutative algorithm for the multiplication of a 2 × 2-block-matrix by its transpose using 5 block products (3 recursive calls and 2 general products) over C or any field of prime characteristic. We use geometric considerations on the space of bilinear forms describing 2 × 2 matrix products to obtain this algorithm and we show how to reduce the number of involved additions. The resulting algorithm for arbitrary dimensions is a reduction of multiplication of a matrix by its transpose to general matrix product, improving by a constant factor previously known reductions. Finally we propose schedules with low memory footprint that support a fast and memory efficient practical implementation over a prime field. To conclude, we show how to use our result in L · D · LT factorization.
Log-Linear Dynamical Systems

We present log-linear dynamical systems, a dynamical system model for positive quantities. We explain the connection to linear dynamical systems and show how convex optimization can be used to identify and control log-linear dynamical systems. We illustrate system identification and control with an example from predator-prey dynamics. We conclude by discussing potential applications of the proposed model.
A hyper luminous starburst at z = 4.72 magnified by a lensing galaxy pair at z = 1.48

We serendipitously discovered in the Herschel Reference Survey an extremely bright infrared source with S500 ∼ 120 mJy in the line of sight of the Virgo cluster which we name Red Virgo 4 (RV4). Based on IRAM/EMIR and IRAM/NOEMA detections of the CO(5−4), CO(4−3), and [CI] lines, RV4 is located at a redshift of 4.724, yielding a total observed infrared luminosity of 1.1 ± 0.6 × 1014 L⊙. At the position of the Herschel emission, three blobs are detected with the VLA at 10 cm. The CO(5−4) line detection of each blob confirms that they are at the same redshift with the same line width, indicating that they are multiple images of the same source. In Spitzer and deep optical observations, two sources, High-z Lens 1 (HL1) West and HL1 East, are detected at the center of the three VLA/NOEMA blobs. These two sources are placed at z = 1.48 with X-shooter spectra, suggesting that they could be merging and gravitationally lensing the emission of RV4. HL1 is the second most distant lens known to date in strong lensing systems. Constrained by the position of the three VLA/NOEMA blobs, the Einstein radius of the lensing system is 2.2″ ± 0.2 (20 kpc). The high redshift of HL1 and the large Einstein radius are highly unusual for a strong lensing system. In this paper, we present the insterstellar medium properties of the background source RV4. Different estimates of the gas depletion time yield low values suggesting that RV4 is a starburst galaxy. Among all high-z submillimeter galaxies, this source exhibits one of the lowest L[CI] to LIR ratios, 3.2 ± 0.9 × 10−6, suggesting an extremely short gas depletion time of only 14 ± 5 Myr. It also shows a relatively high L[CI] to LCO(4−3) ratio (0.7 ± 0.2) and low LCO(5−4) to LIR ratio (only ∼50% of the value expected for normal galaxies) hinting at low density of gas. Finally, we discuss the short depletion time of RV4. It can be explained by either a very high star formation efficiency, which is difficult to reconcile with major mergers simulations of high-z galaxies, or a rapid decrease of star formation, which would bias the estimate of the depletion time toward an artificially low value.
Neural Control of Emotional Actions in Response to Affective Vocalizations

Abstract Social–emotional cues, such as affective vocalizations and emotional faces, automatically elicit emotional action tendencies. Adaptive social–emotional behavior depends on the ability to control these automatic action tendencies. It remains unknown whether neural control over automatic action tendencies is supramodal or relies on parallel modality-specific neural circuits. Here, we address this largely unexplored issue in humans. We consider neural circuits supporting emotional action control in response to affective vocalizations, using an approach–avoidance task known to reliably index control over emotional action tendencies elicited by emotional faces. We isolate supramodal neural contributions to emotional action control through a conjunction analysis of control-related neural activity evoked by auditory and visual affective stimuli, the latter from a previously published data set obtained in an independent sample. We show that the anterior pFC (aPFC) supports control of automatic action tendencies in a supramodal manner, that is, triggered by either emotional faces or affective vocalizations. When affective vocalizations are heard and emotional control is required, the aPFC supports control through negative functional connectivity with the posterior insula. When emotional faces are seen and emotional control is required, control relies on the same aPFC territory downregulating the amygdala. The findings provide evidence for a novel mechanism of emotional action control with a hybrid hierarchical architecture, relying on a supramodal node (aPFC) implementing an abstract goal by modulating modality-specific nodes (posterior insula, amygdala) involved in signaling motivational significance of either affective vocalizations or faces.
Temporal changes in the spinal cord transcriptome after peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury may trigger changes in mRNA levels in the spinal cord. Finding key mRNAs is important for improving repair after nerve injury. This study aimed to investigate changes in mRNAs in the spinal cord following sciatic nerve injury by transcriptomic analysis. The left sciatic nerve denervation model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The left L4–6 spinal cord segment was obtained at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after severing the sciatic nerve. mRNA expression profiles were generated by RNA sequencing. The sequencing results of spinal cord mRNA at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after severing the sciatic nerve were compared with those at 0 weeks by bioinformatic analysis. We identified 1915 differentially expressed mRNAs in the spinal cord, of which 4, 1909, and 2 were differentially expressed at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after sciatic nerve injury, respectively. Sequencing results indicated that the number of differentially expressed mRNAs in the spinal cord was highest at 4 weeks after sciatic nerve injury. These mRNAs were associated with the cellular response to lipid, ATP metabolism, energy coupled proton transmembrane transport, nuclear transcription factor complex, vacuolar proton-transporting V-type ATPase complex, inner mitochondrial membrane protein complex, tau protein binding, NADH dehydrogenase activity and hydrogen ion transmembrane transporter activity. Of these mRNAs, Sgk1, Neurturin and Gpnmb took part in cell growth and development. Pathway analysis showed that these mRNAs were mainly involved in aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, oxidative phosphorylation and collecting duct acid secretion. Functional assessment indicated that these mRNAs were associated with inflammation and cell morphology development. Our findings show that the number and type of spinal cord mRNAs involved in changes at different time points after peripheral nerve injury were different. The number of differentially expressed mRNAs in the spinal cord was highest at 4 weeks after sciatic nerve injury. These results provide reference data for finding new targets for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, and for further gene therapy studies of peripheral nerve injury and repair. The study procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Peking University People’s Hospital (approval No. 2017PHC004) on March 5, 2017.
Quality of life in living kidney donors: A single-center experience at the king abdulaziz medical city

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in irreversible decline in renal function, which ultimately progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Transplantation is the treatment of choice for ESRD, and this is possible only if donor kidneys are available. Several doubts can appear in the minds of donors and among general public regarding the quality of life (QOL) after donation which can affect the willingness to donate. Therefore, we aimed to assess the QOL in living kidney donors in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia using the kidney disease QOL instrument short form (KDQOL-SF). This was a cross-sectional survey of living kidney donors between 18 and 65 years of age who donated their kidneys between 2008 and 2014 and was conducted in the hepatobiliary and transplantation department of our hospital. The study measured 17 domains in KDQOL-SF. Each domain score is up to 100; the higher the score in each domain, the better the QOL. Data will be entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. The descriptive statistics will be presented as frequency and percentage for the categorical variables (e.g., gender and income) and the mean ± SD for numerical variables (e.g., QOL score). The study included 60 donors who donated during the study period between 2008 and 2014. Males were 49 (82%) with the age (mean ± standard deviation) as 32 ± 6.5 years. The donors reported an “overall-mean-score” of 86.7 ± 14.6. Four domains had lower scores between 60 and 80: “sleep” (61.8 ± 13.8), “emotional-well-being” (71.6 ± 11.1), “quality-of-social-interaction,” and “energy/fatigue. ” The other 13 domains had scores >80. The two highest domains: “role-physical” (97.9 ± 13.3) and “effect-of-kidney-disease” (97.4 ± 8). Comparing males and females scores, work status was higher in males with P = 0.03. Our findings suggest that donors have a good QOL which may result in more donations. It is important to improve the standard of care for donors to enable them to live their life to the fullest.
Association of metabolic syndrome in obstructive sleep apnea patients: An experience from zonal tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

Introduction: Even in a tertiary health-care setting, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients often remain underdiagnosed. OSA and metabolic syndrome (MS) share many essential cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Despite numerous studies, the relationship between OSA and MS still remains debatable. Aim: The purpose of our study was to see how frequently MS occurred in OSA patients and also if the presence of MS had any correlation with age, sex, or severity of OSA. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 50 OSA patients being evaluated on outpatient department basis. All the patients were screened with detailed history; examination; hematological, biochemical parameters; and polysomnography. Results: In this study, out of 50 OSA patients, 41 were male and 9 were female; with age, body mass index (BMI), Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI), neck circumference, and waist circumference having mean of 42.5 years, 27.028 kg/m2, 33.49/h, 39.7 cm, and 37.23 inch, respectively. Out of 28 obese patients, 22 had AHI >30 and 6 had AHI <30. 31 (62%) OSA patients were found to have MS, of which 27 were male and 4 were female. Pearson's bivariate correlation has also shown statistically significant association between AHI score and BMI value (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Our study has shown a positive association between OSA and MS and OSA may represent an important risk factor for development of MS. Therefore, it is prudent for clinicians to systematically evaluate the presence of metabolic abnormalities in OSA patients and vice versa.
Uremic toxins, oxidative stress, and inflammation in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a state of exaggerated oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The syndrome of CKD culminates in three spheres of dysfunction namely: accumulation of uremic toxins, oxidative stress and progressive systemic inflammation. It is postulated that uremic as well as non-uremic solutes may play an important role in worsening oxidative stress and activating many other inimical pathways which results in endothelial dysfunction and cytokine driven inflammatory process. This article briefly touches upon biomarkers and treatment strategies targeting uremia, oxidative stress and inflammation.
Fracture resistance of teeth undergoing postendodontic bleaching: Comparison of four treatment modalities – An in vitro study

Aims: The aims of the study were: (1) to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with microhybrid composite following combination bleaching and (2) to assess the antioxidizing effect of 10% sodium ascorbate hydrogel. Settings and Design: This was a randomized control trial in a tertiary care setting. Subjects and Methods: Endodontic treatment was performed on 40 freshly extracted human mandibular premolars. Following removal of gutta-percha 2 mm apical to cementoenamel junction and application of resin-modified glass ionomer as cervical barrier, all teeth were embedded in acrylic resin using cylindrical molds. Specimens were divided into five groups: Group 1 (n = 8): Specimens subjected to inside and outside bleaching using 10% hydrogen peroxide followed by composite restoration. Group 2 (n = 8): Specimens subjected to inside-outside bleaching with 10% hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate followed by composite restoration; Group 3 (n = 8): Specimens subjected to conditioning with 10% sodium ascorbate after inside-outside bleaching using 10% hydrogen peroxide followed by composite restoration; Group 4 (n = 8): Specimens subjected to conditioning with 10% sodium ascorbate after inside-outside bleaching with 10% hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate followed by composite restoration; and Group 5 (negative control) (n = 8): After endodontic treatment specimens were restored with composite. Finally, all the specimens were subjected to fracture resistance test using Universal Testing Machine. Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA test followed by post hoc comparison of groups taken together by Tukey's analysis was performed. Results: Statistically significant difference in fracture resistance was present between Group 5 and Group 1 and also between Group 5 and Group 2. Unpaired t-test showed statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 and also between Group 2 and Group 4. Conclusion: The use of 10% sodium ascorbate antioxidant gel was effective in compensating for the decreased fracture resistance following combination bleaching.
A rare case of insulinoma presenting as cardiac arrest

Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours of pancreas arising from the Islets of Langerhans cells with an incidence estimated at 1 to 4 new cases per million persons per year. Patients with insulinomas usually develop neuroglycopenic symptoms presenting as recurrent headache, lethargy, diplopia, and blurred vision, particularly with exercise or fasting. We report a case of young female patient presenting with unwitnessed cardiac arrest later diagnosed as Insulinoma.
Risk factors and short-term outcomes for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus colonization among hemodialysis patients

Patients with end-stage renal disease are susceptible to infection, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although MRSA-related mortality and morbidity have been studied, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) has not been investigated to the same degree. Five hundred and seventy-eight chronic hemodialysis patients were followed up retrospectively for 18 months. Routine screening for MRSA and MSSA was instigated. Two hundred and eighty-eight patients (49%) had at least one positive MSSA or MRSA swab. There was no statistical difference in age, Charlson index, diabetes, sex, ethnicity, deprivation index, or the duration of dialysis between the positive and negative groups. There were however, less fistulas and more lines in the positive patients (P = 0.025). Binary logistic regression revealed patients with a body mass index of greater than 30 had a significantly increased risk of Staphylococcus aureus colonization P = 0.044, odds ratio (OR) 1.856 (95% confidence interval 1.016-3.397). Those who entered the study using a temporary line for vascular access also conferred a greater risk of colonization P = 0.029, OR 2.174 (95% CI 1.084–4.359). Patients with positive swabs had significantly more admissions (P = 0.033) and in particular, more infection-related admissions (P = 0.001). They were less likely to survive the follow-up period (P = 0.012) and had substantially more bacteremia (P <0.001). Following multivariable analysis, swab positivity remained an independent risk factor for mortality. MRSA and MSSA colonization in patients is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in dialysis patients. Patients dialyzing with lines are also more likely to colonize compared to those with more permanent forms of vascular access.
Nutritional challenges in malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis (MIA)syndrome

Headings are not required in this abstract as material and methods results etc are not involved. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of protein–energy malnutrition and inflammation. As these two conditions occur concomitantly with mild-to-severe atherosclerosis in CKD, these three conditions collectively have been referred to as malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome (MIA syndrome). but later studies showed that syndrome also exists in preterminal renal failure patients and PD patients. The three components not only coexist but also interact with each other. This article briefly discusses potential nutritional management of MIA syndrome.
Glial cells in intracerebral transplantation for Parkinson’s disease

In the last few decades, intracerebral transplantation has grown from a dubious neuroscientific topic to a plausible modality for treatment of neurological disorders. The possibility for cell replacement opens a new field of perspectives in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia, and neurotrauma, with the most lessons learned from intracerebral transplantation in Parkinson’s disease. Multiple animal studies and a few small-scale clinical trials have proven the concept of intracerebral grafting, but still have to provide a uniform and highly efficient approach to the procedure, suitable for clinical application. The success of intracerebral transplantation is highly dependent on the integration of the grafted cells with the host brain. In this process, glial cells are clearly more than passive bystanders. They provide transplanted cells with mechanical support, trophics, mediate synapse formation, and participate in graft vascularization. At the same time, glial cells mediate scarring, graft rejection, and neuroinflammation, which can be detrimental. We can use this information to try to understand the mechanisms behind the glial reaction to intracerebral transplantation. Recognizing and utilizing glial reactivity can move translational research forward and provide an insight not only to post-transplantation events but also to mechanisms of neuronal death and degeneration. Knowledge about glial reactivity to transplanted cells could also be a key for optimization of transplantation protocols, which ultimately should contribute to greater patient benefit.
Impact of shift work on sleep and quality of life in industrial workers: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Shift work is associated with impaired sleep patterns, poor quality of life (QOL), and several medical conditions. Shift work disrupts the sleep-wake cycle and biological rhythms. Poor sleep quality and disruption of the normal circadian cycle are likely to cause cardiovascular disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus, anxiety, depression, lethargy, and fatigue. It is also associated with diminished vigilance and work performance. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of shift work on quality of sleep and QOL in industrial workers. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, comparative study conducted on 147 rotating shift work employees and 132 regular nonshift day workers in various industries. Semi-structured pro forma was used for sociodemographic data. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to assess the quality of sleep. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index and WHOQOL-BREF were used to assess the QOL. Appropriate statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Results: Compared with nonshift day workers, those work for variable shifts exhibited higher rates of heavy smoking and increased caffeine consumption. Variable shift workers reported persistent sleep disturbance, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness compared to fixed day shift workers (P < 0.05). The overall QOL score and well-being index were also significantly (P < 0.05) low in shift workers compared to nonshift day workers. Conclusion: Shift work has a significant negative impact on quality of sleep and QOL and results in poor functioning and disturbances in mental and physical health of the individual. Hence, attention must be paid to the strategies that can improve the quality of sleep and QOL.