Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised network pretraining via encoding human design

Over the years, computer vision researchers have spent an immense amount of effort on designing image features for the visual object recognition task. We propose to incorporate this valuable experience to guide the task of training deep neural networks. Our idea is to pretrain the network through the task of replicating the process of hand-designed feature extraction. By learning to replicate the process, the neural network integrates previous research knowledge and learns to model visual objects in a way similar to the hand-designed features. In the succeeding finetuning step, it further learns object-specific representations from labeled data and this boosts its classification power. We pretrain two convolutional neural networks where one replicates the process of histogram of oriented gradients feature extraction, and the other replicates the process of region covariance feature extraction. After finetuning, we achieve substantially better performance than the baseline methods.
First detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma ovis in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from sheep, Turkey.

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are important tick-borne rickettsial diseases of medical and veterinary importance that cause economic losses in livestock. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma ovis, Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis was investigated in ticks collected from sheep in various farms in Van province, which is located in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. The ticks used in this study were collected by random sampling in 26 family farm business in 13 districts of Van province. A total of 688 ticks were collected from 88 sheep and 88 tick pools were created. All ticks identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus bursa. Phylogenetic analysis of Chaperonin and 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed A. ovis, E. canis and E. chaffeensis in this study. Of the 88 tick pools tested, 28.41% (25/88) were positive for at least one pathogen. Anaplasma DNA was detected in five of the 88 pools (5.68%), E. canis DNA was detected in 19 of the 88 pools (21.59%), and E. chaffeensis DNA was detected in one of the 88 pools (1.14%) of R. bursa ticks. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of A. ovis, E. canis, and E. chaffeensis in R. bursa ticks collected from sheep in Turkey. Further studies are needed to investigate other co-infections in sheep in Turkey.
High Expression of MicroRNA-196a Indicates Poor Prognosis in Resected Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor

AbstractThere is limited data on miRNA expression in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). In this study, we aimed to identify miRNAs that could be potential prognostic biomarkers of PanNETs in patients who underwent curative surgery.For miRNA target screening, 2 primary PanNETs and corresponding liver metastases were screened for miRNA expression by the NanoString nCounter analysis. Candidate miRNAs were selected by ≥2-fold difference of expression between metastatic versus primary tumor. For miRNA target validation, quantitative real-time PCR was performed for candidate miRNAs on 37 PanNETs and matched nonneoplastic pancreata, and the miRNA levels were correlated with the clinicopathological features and patient survival data.Eight miRNAs (miRNA-27b, -122, -142–5p, -196a, -223, -590–5p, -630, and -944) were selected as candidate miRNAs. Only miR-196a level was significantly associated with stage, and mitotic count. When PanNETs were stratified into high (n = 10) and low (n = 27) miRNA-196a expression groups, miRNA-196a-high PanNETs were significantly associated with advanced pathologic T stage (50.0% vs 7.4%), N stage (50.0% vs 3.7%), higher mitotic counts (60.0% vs 3.7%), and higher Ki-67-labeling indices (60.0% vs 22.2%). In addition, high miRNA-196a expression was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (P = 0.046) and disease-free survival (P < 0.001) during a median follow-up of 37.9 months with the hazard ratio for recurrence of 16.267 (95% confidence interval = 1.732–153.789; P = 0.015). MiRNA-196a level may be a promising prognostic marker of recurrence in resected PanNETs, although further experimental investigation would be required.
Heteroscedasticity and Autocorrelation Robust Structural Change Detection

The assumption of (weak) stationarity is crucial for the validity of most of the conventional tests of structure change in time series. Under complicated nonstationary temporal dynamics, we argue that traditional testing procedures result in mixed structural change signals of the first and second order and hence could lead to biased testing results. The article proposes a simple and unified bootstrap testing procedure that provides consistent testing results under general forms of smooth and abrupt changes in the temporal dynamics of the time series. Monte Carlo experiments are performed to compare our testing procedure with various traditional tests. Our robust bootstrap test is applied to testing changes in an environmental and a financial time series and our procedure is shown to provide more reliable results than the conventional tests.
Mechanisms of Hemagglutinin Targeted Influenza Virus Neutralization

Human monoclonal antibodies have been identified which neutralize broad spectra of influenza A or B viruses. Here, we dissect the mechanisms by which such antibodies interfere with infectivity. We distinguish four mechanisms that link the conserved hemagglutinin (HA) epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies to critical processes in the viral life cycle. HA-stem binding antibodies can act intracellularly by blocking fusion between the viral and endosomal membranes and extracellularly by preventing the proteolytic activation of HA. HA-head binding antibodies prevent viral attachment and release. These insights into newly identified ways by which the human immune system can interfere with influenza virus infection may aid the development of novel universal vaccines and antivirals.
The Dark Side of Choice: When Choice Impairs Social Welfare

The provision of choice in terms of how people use goods and services has been proposed as a vehicle of improvement of social welfare. This article highlights some of the costs and benefits of creating choice, and it discusses how much choice policy makers and other agents (e.g., employers, retailers) should ideally grant and in what form they should grant it.
Anaplastic and meningothelial meningiomas in a single tumor: A “dedifferentiated meningioma”?

The patient was a 74‐year‐old man, who developed progressive cognitive impairment and gait instability. Neuroradiological examination demonstrated a large and predominantly extra‐axial tumor spreading over the bilateral frontal base, indicative of olfactory groove meningioma. The greater part of the resected tumor consisted of a dense, patternless proliferation of large, round or polygonal cells, and compactly fascicular growth of spindle cells. Tumor cells showed markedly anaplastic cytological features. In small areas of the tumor, a typical meningothelial meningioma showing no cellular atypism was found. Both tumor components were closely juxtaposed and no pathological features of an intermediate grade (atypical meningioma) were noted. Shortly after the operation, the patient developed a local recurrence of the tumor and multiple metastases to the cerebrum, bone and skin. Anaplastic meningioma is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm which arises de novo or as a result of the progressive transformation of a low‐grade meningioma. The coexistence of anaplastic and low‐grade components in a single meningeal tumor has been rarely reported. This dimorphic appearance is reminiscent of “dedifferentiation”, a phenomenon infrequently seen in various mesenchymal and salivary gland neoplasms. We think that the term “dedifferentiated meningioma” can be appropriately applied to tumors such as that reported herein.
Evidence for Nonlinear X-Ray Variability from the Broad-Line Radio Galaxy 3C 390.3

We present an analysis of the light curve from ROSAT HRI monitoring observations of the broad-line radio galaxy 3C 390.3. Observed every 3 days for about 9 months, this is the first well-sampled X-ray light curve on these timescales. The flares and quiescent periods in the light curve suggest that the variability is nonlinear, and a statistical test yields a detection with ≳6 σ confidence. The structure function has a steep slope, ~0.7, while the periodogram is much steeper, with a slope ~2.6, with the difference partially due to a linear trend in the data. The nonstationary character of the light curve could be evidence that the variability power spectrum has not turned over to low frequencies, or it could be an essential part of the nonlinear process. Evidence for X-ray reprocessing suggests that the X-ray emission is not from the compact radio jet, and the reduced variability before and after flares suggests that there cannot be two components contributing to the X-ray short-term variability. Thus these results cannot be explained easily by simple models for variability of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), including shot noise, which may be associated with flares in disk-corona models or active regions on a rotating disk, because in those models the events are independent and the variability is therefore linear. The character of the variability is similar to that seen in Cygnus X-1, which has been explained by a reservoir or self-organized criticality model. Inherently nonlinear, this model can reproduce the reduced variability before and after large flares and the steep power density spectrum seen generally from AGNs. The 3C 390.3 light curve presented here is the first support for such models to explain AGN variability on intermediate timescales from a few days to months.
Water-escape velocities in jumping blacktip sharks

This paper describes the first determination of water-escape velocities in free-ranging sharks. Two approximations are used to estimate the final swimming speed at the moment of penetrating the water surface. Blacktip sharks were videotaped from below the surface and parameters were estimated by analysing the sequences frame by frame. Water-escape velocities averaged 6.3 m s−1. These velocities for blacktip sharks seem accurate and are similar to estimates obtained for other shark species of similar size.
Association of Decreased Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Sex hormones play a major role in determining the risk of cardiovascular disease. While earlier studies have shown that reduced sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) Is associated with increased glucose and Insulin concentrations in premenopausal women, few data exist on the relationship of SHBG to other cardiovascular risk factors in women. We hypothesized that decreased SHBG would be associated with an atherogenlc pattern of cardiovascular risk factors. We measured total testosterone, total estradlol and SHBG, llplds and lipoproteins, glucose and insulin, and systolic and dlastolic blood pressure In 96 premenopausal women. Although total testosterone and total estradiol were not related to cardiovascular risk factors, SHBG was negatively associated with trlglycerlde concentration (r=−0.37) and positively associated with high density llpoproteln cholesterol (HDLC) (r=0.42). After adjustment for overall adiposity (body mass index) and upper body adiposity (as measured by the ratio of waist-to-hlp circumferences), SHBG was still positively related to HDLC, but not to trlglycerlde. Adjustment for Insulin abolished the relationship between SHBG and triglyceride levels, but did not alter the relationship between SHBG and HDLC. Sex hormones were not related to either systolic or dlastolic blood pressure.
Cytokine Responses to Stimulation of Whole Blood from Patients with Buruli Ulcer Disease in Ghana

ABSTRACT Buruli ulcer disease (BUD), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, follows an indolent course of initial progression to ulceration accompanied by extensive tissue damage. It has been suggested that healing disease stages are accompanied by a protective immune response. We hypothesized that interleukin-4 (IL-4)- or IL-10-induced downregulation of Th-1 responses plays a key role in the progression of early BUD and that healing is accompanied by an augmented Th-1 response. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-4, and IL-10 responses were measured after in vitro stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) of whole blood from 39 (23 early- and 16 late-stage) BUD patients and 39 healthy control subjects in Ghana. Additionally, 30 patients with active or treated tuberculosis (TB) serving as PPD-responsive positive controls were studied. Early-stage BUD patients produced significantly lower levels of IFN and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios compared to late-stage BUD patients after PHA stimulation. Compared to that of controls, IFN-γ production after tuberculin stimulation was significantly higher in late-stage but not in early-stage BUD patients (P = 0.009). IL-10 and IL-4 levels did not differ between BUD patients and controls, although active TB patients had significantly higher IL-10 production levels than did treated TB patients. Multivariate analysis showed no confounding factors. In conclusion, Th-1 down regulation in early BUD appears to reverse in later stages of BUD, although an association with IL-10 or IL-4 production does not emerge from our data. Here we show differences in Th-1-type cytokine production between early- and late-stage BUD that might reflect an improved immune defense over time.
The glaciated valley landsystem of Morsárjökull, southeast Iceland

ABSTRACT A 1:4470 map of the Morsárjökull foreland, southern Iceland shows the spatial distribution of post Little Ice Age glacial sediment–landform associations pertaining to the operation of a typical active temperate outlet glacier of the south Vatnajökull ice cap. The map depicts an exemplar for the debris-charged glaciated valley landsystem, with characteristics further indicative of ‘uncovered alpine glaciers’, such as the uneven distribution of moraine volume, the localized appearance of a fluted subglacial bed and within-valley lateral moraine asymmetry. Such glaciers are characterized by strong glacier-climate coupling, because temporally and spatially sporadic rock avalanche-type medial moraines can only locally retard ablation. This morainic debris also has a short residence time in the glacier system due to its strong coupling with the proglacial fluvial system and resulting in efficient sediment transfer. Areas of more substantial latero-frontal moraine document phases of rock slope failure onto the snout and the passage of the debris to the ice margin.
A nationwide analysis of socioeconomic outcomes after hip and knee replacement.

INTRODUCTION Total hip and knee replacement (THA and TKA) are successful operations based on patient-reported outcomes and short-term socioeconomic evaluations. However, other data have shown problems regarding persistent pain and function. No detailed large-scale, long-term socioeconomic data exist on income and total health expenses before and after THA and TKA compared with a matched reference population (RP). METHODS From the unique nationwide Danish registers, a total of 128,109 patients undergoing primary THA and TKA were followed from up to 12 years before to up to 12 years after surgery. The economic analysis of the total costs before and after surgery were divided into annual healthcare costs (outpatient services, inpatient admissions, prescription drugs and physician office visits), home care and loss of income and compared with a matched RP. RESULTS Healthcare costs increased by about 10,000 € in the year of surgery followed by an increase of about 6,000 €/yr/patient in both operations due to a loss of employment income, a need for home care and the use of medications, also compared with an RP. Survival was slightly better for patients than for the RP, suggesting that severe co-morbidities have only a limited role in explaining the increased costs. CONCLUSIONS The healthcare costs and income of patients undergoing THA and TKA are comparable to those of their matched RP until three years before the operation, but TKA and THA patients continuously have higher healthcare costs and lower income levels than the RP after surgery. These data should be taken into account in future studies of patient expectations and strategies for enhanced rehabilitation. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION none.
Targeted disruption of SMAD3 results in impaired mucosal immunity and diminished T cell responsiveness to TGF‐β

SMAD3 is one of the intracellular mediators that transduces signals from transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and activin receptors. We show that SMAD3 mutant mice generated by gene targeting die between 1 and 8 months due to a primary defect in immune function. Symptomatic mice exhibit thymic involution, enlarged lymph nodes, and formation of bacterial abscesses adjacent to mucosal surfaces. Mutant T cells exhibit an activated phenotype in vivo, and are not inhibited by TGF‐β1 in vitro. Mutant neutrophils are also impaired in their chemotactic response toward TGF‐β. Chronic intestinal inflammation is infrequently associated with colonic adenocarcinoma in mice older than 6 months of age. These data suggest that SMAD3 has an important role in TGF‐β‐mediated regulation of T cell activation and mucosal immunity, and that the loss of these functions is responsible for chronic infection and the lethality of Smad3‐null mice.
Comparative Analysis of the National and Communal Irrigation Systems’ Water Governance: The Philippines Case

Using Saleth and Dinar’s water governance framework, the studycharacterized . irrigators’ associations and examined how they operate and how they are managed. A total of 128 association presidents were surveyed in ten provinces in the Philippines and were asked about their knowledge and perception on the organization, natural resource policies, and water status in the locality. The National Irrigation Systems (NIS) still has a formal structure as influenced by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), but it is assuming the characteristics of the Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) management because of the paradigm shift to participatory irrigation management. The CIS, on the other hand, may remain to be an informal organization that is mimicking the character of the NIS, or it may become more formal in operation. The irrigators’ associations were guided by institutional processes in water pricing. They differed on the basis and the average amount charged, and on modes of collection. Pricing did not reflect the true value of water with amounts set arbitrarily, and collections aimed at pa rtial or full cost recovery. Water administration is concerned with governance of water organization, policy and decision making, functional capacity, and government's level of influence on the water organization. Water managers of NIS and CIS had dissimilar perceptions on irrigation water quality and quantity. Water laws (surface water, forest, and land use) were viewed to have moderate to very strong linkage. Water rights were perceived to be common or shared equally by community members. Arising mainly from water scheduling/distribution, conflicts were resolved within the association or at the (village) barangay. Keywords: irrigation, water governance, communal irrigation system, national irrigation system, Philippines
Tooth Retention and Tooth Loss in the Permanent Dentition of Adults: United States, 1988–1991

While the overall prevalence of tooth loss and edentulism has been declining in the United States over the past several decades, important variations remain among subgroups of the population. Data from Phase 1 of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) provide the most current estimates of the prevalence and distribution of tooth retention and tooth loss in the United States. Weighted analyses were conducted for all adults 18+ years of age (n = 8,366) and for selected age, gender, and race-ethnicity groups. In 1988–91, 89.5% of the population was dentate, and 30.5% had retained all 28 teeth. The mean number of teeth retained was 21.1 for all adults and 23.5 for dentate persons. The most commonly retained teeth in the mouth were the six anterior teeth in the lower arch. Conversely, 10.5% of the population was edentulous. Partial edentulism was much more common in the upper arch than in the lower arch. The most commonly missing teeth were the first and second molars. Age was strongly related to every measure of tooth retention and tooth loss. Gender was not related to any of these measures, after adjustment for age. Race-ethnicity was consistently related to these measures, after adjustment for age and gender. In general, Mexican-Americans had the lowest and black non-Hispanics the highest rates of tooth loss. Future research needs to examine a wide range of potential correlates of tooth retention and tooth loss before we can understand the complex interplay among the personal, dental, and environmental factors influencing tooth retention and tooth loss in the United States.
Bursty content sharing mechanism for energy-limited mobile devices

The strategy to send data in high speed bursts has been observed to be useful for energy-efficient communication of wireless applications. In this paper we investigate how to apply this approach to peer-to-peer (P2P) content sharing. Our main focus is on battery savings that can be achieved by properly shaping the traffic at the application level. Our primary target is BitTorrent based content sharing on mobile phones connected with 3G cellular networks. However, the results also apply to WLAN communication as well as to other energy-limited devices in addition to mobile phones. We propose a novel BitTorrent extension and evaluate it via flow-level simulations. In comparison to standard BitTorrent, the energy-limited peers can achieve 50% energy savings without significantly affecting the download speeds of regular peers.
Seasonal distribution and diversity of ground-active arthropods between shrub microhabitats in the Negev Desert, Israel

ABSTRACT We examined the ground-active arthropods using pitfall trapping beneath Hammada scoparia and Zygophyllum dumosum shrubs and in adjacent open spaces in wet winter, short spring, dry and hot summer, and autumn in the Negev Desert, Israel. The activity abundance of ground-active arthropods was 244, 424, and 506 individuals trap−1 in open spaces and beneath H. scoparia and Z. dumosum shrubs, and was 134, 448, 414, and 178 individuals trap−1 in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. The activity abundance and richness of predators and phytophages were found to exhibit an inconsistent pattern between shrub microhabitats throughout seasonality. In contrast, the activity abundance and richness of omnivores indicated contrasting pattern between summer and other seasons. Likewise, total abundance was found to exhibit a similar pattern to taxa richness and Shannon index between shrub microhabitats only in summer. There was a consistent pattern of diversity indices between shrub microhabitats observed in both winter and autumn. However, no significant (P > 0.05) differences in activity abundance and diversity indices were found between shrub microhabitats in spring. The Sørensen index between open spaces and H. scoparia and Z. dumosum canopy microhabitats, and that between the latter two microhabitats were found to be 0.26, 0.29, and 0.19 in winter, 0.53, 0.48, and 0.48 in spring, 0.47, 0.45, and 0.52 in summer, and 0.57, 0.56, and 0.78 in autumn, respectively. It was suggested that seasonality could mediate the activity abundance and diversity distribution of ground-active arthropods between shrub microhabitats in the Negev Desert.