Let's be Honest: An Optimal No-Regret Framework for Zero-Sum Games

We revisit the problem of solving two-player zero-sum games in the decentralized setting. We propose a simple algorithmic framework that simultaneously achieves the best rates for honest regret as well as adversarial regret, and in addition resolves the open problem of removing the logarithmic terms in convergence to the value of the game. We achieve this goal in three steps. First, we provide a novel analysis of the optimistic mirror descent (OMD), showing that it can be modified to guarantee fast convergence for both honest regret and value of the game, when the players are playing collaboratively. Second, we propose a new algorithm, dubbed as robust optimistic mirror descent (ROMD), which attains optimal adversarial regret without knowing the time horizon beforehand. Finally, we propose a simple signaling scheme, which enables us to bridge OMD and ROMD to achieve the best of both worlds. Numerical examples are presented to support our theoretical claims and show that our non-adaptive ROMD algorithm can be competitive to OMD with adaptive step-size selection.Comment: Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Machine Learnin

Advanced tunability of optical properties of CdS/ZnSe/ZnTe/CdSe multi-shell quantum dot by the band edge engineering

In this study, the advanced manipulability of wave functions in a type-II multi-shell hetero-nanostructure (MS-HNS) and the tunability of radiative exciton lifetime over a wide range with and/or without changing in transition energies has been demonstrated by the band edge engineering. For this purpose, the electronic and optical properties of exciton (X) and biexciton (XX) in a spherical CdS/ZnSe/ZnTe/CdSe HNS have been explored in detail. In the calculations, effects of all Coulombic interactions between the charges have been taken into account on the wave functions. Moreover, in the case of XX, the exchange-correlation potential between the same charged particles has also been considered. The results have been presented as a function of CdS core radius and ZnSe shell thickness and the probable physical reasons have been discussed in detail

Preoperative detection of insulinomas: two case reports

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Serum levels of TNF-α and osteoprotegerin and bone mineral density in patients with Behçet’s Disease

Objectives: Osteoporosis is commonly developed due tonatural course of Behçet’s disease (BD) and therapeuticagents. It was aimed to investigate levels of osteoprotegerinand TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), and bone mineral density(BMD) and correlation between them in BD.Materials and methods: The study included two groupsas the study and the control group. Serum levels of TNF-α,osteoprotegerin, osteocalcine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and urinary creatinine anddeoxypyridinoline along with BMD level were evaluated andcompared. Correlation between TNF-α and osteoprotegerinlevel was investigated.Results: The study enrolled 41 BD patients and 36 agedmatchedcontrol subjects. Mean age was 42.26±11.64 and41.66±70.99, in the study and control groups, respectively.There was no significant difference in body mass index(BMI) of subjects between groups (p>0.05). Level of TNF-α(p<0.001), deoxypyridinoline (p<0.001) and osteocalcine(p=0.041) was significantly higher in the study group comparedto the control group. Osteoprotegerin was lower inBD patients, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05).Urinary deoxypyridinoline/ urinary creatinine ratio in patientswith BD was significantly higher than those in control group(p=0.030). Patients had significantly lower BMD comparfedto the control group, except L2-L4 vertebral area (p<0.001,p<0.001, p=0.035, p<0.001, p=0.012, p<0.001, p<0.001 andp=0.111, respectively). No correlation was found betweenTNF-α and osteoprotegerin.Conclusions: The present study indicated that TNF-α andBMD was negatively correlated with each other and TNF-αhad an effect on osteoporotic process in patients with BD.Osteoprotegerin level was not decreased, and not correlatedwith TNF-α.Key words: Behçet’s disease, osteoprotegerin, TNF-α, osteocalcin

Let’s be honest: An optimal no-regret framework for zero-sum games

We revisit the problem of solving two-player zero- sum games in the decentralized setting. We pro- pose a simple algorithmic framework that simulta- neously achieves the best rates for honest regret as well as adversarial regret, and in addition resolves the open problem of removing the logarithmic terms in convergence to the value of the game. We achieve this goal in three steps. First, we provide a novel analysis of the optimistic mirror descent (OMD), showing that it can be modified to guarantee fast convergence for both honest re- gret and value of the game, when the players are playing collaboratively. Second, we propose a new algorithm, dubbed as robust optimistic mir- ror descent (ROMD), which attains optimal ad- versarial regret without knowing the time horizon beforehand. Finally, we propose a simple signal- ing scheme, which enables us to bridge OMD and ROMD to achieve the best of both worlds. Numerical examples are presented to support our theoretical claims and show that our non-adaptive ROMD algorithm can be competitive to OMD with adaptive step-size selection

Protective Role of Genistein in Acute Liver Damage Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride

Aim. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of genistein in experimental acute liver damage induced by CCl4. Method. Forty rats were equally allocated to 5 groups. The first group was designated as the control group (group 1). The second group was injected with intraperitoneal CCl4 for 3 days (group 2). The third group was injected with subcutaneous 1 mg/kg genistein for 4 days starting one day before CCl4 injection. The fourth group was injected with intraperitoneal CCl4 for 7 days. The fifth group was injected with subcutaneous 1 mg/kg genistein for 8 days starting one day before CCl4 injection. Plasma and liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver glutathione levels, as well as AST and ALT levels were studied. A histopathological examination was conducted. Results. Liver tissue MDA levels were found significantly lower in group 3, in comparison to group 2 (P < .05). Liver tissue MDA level in group 5 was significantly lower than that in group 4 (P < .001). Liver tissue glutathione levels were higher in group 5 and 3, relative to groups 4 and 2, respectively (P > .05 for each). Inflammation and focal necrosis decreased in group 3, in comparison to group 2 (P < .001 for each). Inflammation and focal necrosis in group 5 was lower than that in group 4 (P < .001). Actin expression decreased significantly in group 5, relative to group 4 (P < .05). Conclusion. Genistein has anti-inflammatory and antinecrotic effects on experimental liver damage caused by CCl4. Genistein reduces liver damage by preventing lipid peroxidation and strengthening antioxidant systems

Human exposure to naturally occurring Bacillus anthracis in the Kars region of Eastern Türkiye

Environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis spores poses uncertain threats to human health. We undertook a study to determine whether inhabitants of the anthrax-endemic region of Kars in eastern Türkiye could develop immune responses to anthrax toxins without recognised clinical infection. We measured anti-PA and anti-LF IgG antibody concentrations by ELISA in serum from 279 volunteers, 105 of whom had previously diagnosed anthrax infection (100 cutaneous, 5 gastrointestinal). Of the 174 without history of infection, 72 had prior contact with anthrax-contaminated material. Individuals were classified according to demographic parameters, daily working environment, and residence type. All villages in this study had recorded previous animal or human anthrax cases. Stepwise regression analyses showed that prior clinical infection correlated strongly with concentrations at the upper end of the ranges observed for both antibodies. For anti-PA, being a butcher and duration of continuous exposure risk correlated with high concentrations, while being a veterinarian or shepherd, time since infection, and town residence correlated with low concentrations. For anti-LF, village residence correlated with high concentrations, while infection limited to fingers or thumbs correlated with low concentrations. Linear discriminant analysis identified antibody concentration profiles associated with known prior infection. Profiles least typical of prior infection were observed in urban dwellers with known previous infection and in veterinarians without history of infection. Four individuals without history of infection (two butchers, two rural dwellers) had profiles suggesting unrecognised prior infection. Healthy humans therefore appear able to tolerate low-level exposure to environmental B. anthracis spores without ill effect, but it remains to be determined whether this exposure is protective. These findings have implications for authorities tasked with reducing the risk posed to human health by spore-contaminated materials and environments