Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Universal Litmus Patterns: Revealing Backdoor Attacks in CNNs

The unprecedented success of deep neural networks in many applications has made these networks a prime target for adversarial exploitation. In this paper, we introduce a benchmark technique for detecting backdoor attacks (aka Trojan attacks) on deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs). We introduce the concept of Universal Litmus Patterns (ULPs), which enable one to reveal backdoor attacks by feeding these universal patterns to the network and analyzing the output (i.e., classifying the network as `clean' or `corrupted'). This detection is fast because it requires only a few forward passes through a CNN. We demonstrate the effectiveness of ULPs for detecting backdoor attacks on thousands of networks with different architectures trained on four benchmark datasets, namely the German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark (GTSRB), MNIST, CIFAR10, and Tiny-ImageNet. The codes and train/test models for this paper can be found here: https://umbcvision.github. io/Universal-Litmus-Patterns/.
Semantics of HTS AC Loss Modeling: Theories, Models, and Experiments

Computer-assisted modeling is an essential approach to design new devices. It speeds up the process from the initial idea to an actual device and saves resources by reducing the number of built prototypes. This is also a significant practical motivator behind scientific research in contemporary high-temperature superconductor (HTS) ac loss modeling. However, in the scientific literature in this field, consistent practices about modeling terminology have not been established. Then, it is up to the reader to decide, what is the true intent and meaning of the authors. Consequently, the interpretation of such literature might be very much reader dependent. An inseparable part of the whole modeling process is the development of modeling approaches and numerical methods and comparing the predictions obtained via modeling to experimentally achieved results. It is commonplace to discuss the accuracy of modeling results or the validation of a model. In this article, we discuss the terminology related to theories, models, and experiments in the context of HTS ac loss modeling. We discuss the recursive nature of theories and models in this context, discuss the compatibility of discrete formulations of physics utilized in our field with the corresponding continuum description, and interpret the perceived meaning of validation of a self-consistent model, shedding light on the relationships between theories, models, and measurements. We present our view on understanding these relations in the familiar context of ac losses in HTS, studying case examples through simulations and literature. As a result, we end this article with four conjectures describing our views.
Application of the Method of Approximation of Iterated Stochastic Ito Integrals Based on Generalized Multiple Fourier Series to the High-Order Strong Numerical Methods for Non-Commutative Semilinear Stochastic Partial Differential Equations

We consider a method for the approximation of iterated stochastic Ito integrals of arbitrary multiplicity $k$ $(k\in \mathbb{N})$ with respect to the infinite-dimensional Wiener process using the mean-square approximation method of iterated stochastic Ito integrals with respect to the finite-dimensional Wiener process based on generalized multiple Fourier series. The case of Fourier-Legendre series is considered in details. The results of the article can be applied to construction of high-order strong numerical methods (with respect to the temporal discretization) for a mild solution of non-commutative semilinear stochastic partial differential equations.
On the classification of group actions on C*-algebras up to equivariant KK-equivalence

We study the classification of group actions on C*-algebras up to equivariant KK-equivalence. We show that any group action is equivariantly KK-equivalent to an action on a simple, purely infinite C*-algebra. We show that a conjecture of Izumi is equivalent to an equivalence between cocycle conjugacy and equivariant KK-equivalence for actions of torsion-free amenable groups on Kirchberg algebras. Let G be a cyclic group of prime order. We describe its actions up to equivariant KK-equivalence, based on previous work by Manuel Kohler. In particular, we classify actions of G on stabilised Cuntz algebras in the equivariant bootstrap class up to equivariant KK-equivalence.
The quantity of dark matter in early-type galaxies and its relation to the environment

We study the behaviour of the dynamical and stellar mass inside the effective radius of early-type galaxies (ETGs) as a function of environment considering Newtonian dynamics, different surface-brightness profiles, different initial mass functions (IMF), and different redshift ranges. We use several samples of ETGs – ranging from 19 000 to 98 000 objects – from the ninth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We assume that any difference between the dynamical and stellar mass is due to dark matter and/or a non-universal IMF. The main results, considering samples in the redshift range 0.0024 ≤ z ≤ 0.35, are as follows: (i) the amount of dark matter inside ETGs depends on the environment; (ii) ETGs in low-density environments span a wider dark matter range than ETGs in dense environments; (iii) the amount of dark matter inside ETGs in the most dense environments will be less than approximately 55–75 per cent of the dynamical mass; (iv) the accurate value of this upper limit depends on the impact of the IMF on the stellar mass estimation; (v) in the case of an ETG sample which is approximately complete for log(MVirial/MSun) > 10.5 and in the redshift range 0.04 ≤ z ≤ 0.08, we find that the amount of dark matter in the most dense environments will be less than approximately 60–65 per cent of the dynamical mass.
Understanding the Challenges of Induction of Lactation and Relactation for Non-Gestating Spanish Mothers

Background Induced lactation and relactation are the processes that enable breastfeeding in non-gestating mothers. Research aim The aim of this study was to describe and interpret the challenges faced by mothers who undergo induced breastfeeding and relactation for adopted infants, infants born via surrogacy, and infants born to same-sex female partners. Methods A qualitative study was performed using in-depth interviews conducted with Spanish women (N = 9) who had decided to undergo induced lactation or relactation. The data were collected between October 2014 and May 2017. The length of the study was due to the difficulty in locating and recruiting the sample. Interviews were transcribed and coded with the ATLAS.ti v.7. 5.7 software. We performed a deductive thematic analysis, creating categories based on the interview questions, which we developed on the basis of previous literature about induced lactation and relactation. Results Participants described the following challenges: the physical hardships of the process; breastfeeding problems; difficulty with accessing information about induced lactation or relactation; and lack of support from health professionals. Breastfeeding periods lasted from 1.5 months to 4 years. Participants reported that breastfeeding increased the closeness between the mother and child and that this feeling of closeness tended to decrease after breastfeeding cessation. Conclusion We offer data and analysis that can improve our understanding of the lived experiences of women undergoing the process of relactation or induced lactation and may help guide intervention strategies to support women in this situation.
Clinical presentations and comparative outcomes of primary versus deferred intraocular lens explantation in delayed-onset endophthalmitis

Purpose: To describe clinical presentations and comparative outcomes of primary versus deferred intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in delayed-onset endophthalmitis. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 77 eyes of 77 patients that were diagnosed clinically as delayed-onset endophthalmitis and underwent IOL explantation from January 1990 to January 2018 were included undiluted vitreous biopsy and IOL were subjected to microbiologic evaluation. Duration of symptoms, presenting visual acuity, organisms isolated, time to IOL explantation, time to endophthalmitis, resolution after explantation, number of repeat intravitreal injections, and final visual acuity were compared in the primary and the deferred IOL explantation groups. Results: There were primary and deferred IOL explantations. Interval between inciting event and endophthalmitis, between onset of symptoms to presentation, total follow-up, complication rate, and final visual acuity was comparable between the two groups. Median time to IOL explantation in the deferred group was 70 days. Between the primary and deferred IOL explantation groups the number of repeat intravitreal injections was 0.58 ± 0.86 and 2.62 ± 1.78 respectively, (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval, CI 2.00–2.22); the number of days to resolution after IOL explantation was 35.16 ± 14.26 and 55.5 ± 8.24 respectively, (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 15.22–25.45). Conclusion: Early IOL explantation in delayed-onset endophthalmitis causes faster clinical resolution and reduces the number of repeat intravitreal injections. Final visual improvement, however, may be unaffected.
A low DNA methylation epigenotype in lung squamous cell carcinoma and its association with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and poorer prognosis

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have higher risk of developing lung cancer, for example, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and show poor prognosis, while the molecular basis has not been fully investigated. Here we conducted DNA methylome analysis of lung SCC using 20 SCC samples with/without IPF, and noncancerous lung tissue samples from smokers/nonsmokers, using Infinium HumanMethylation 450K array. SCC was clustered into low‐ and high‐methylation epigenotypes by hierarchical clustering analysis. Genes hypermethylated in SCC significantly included genes targeted by polycomb repressive complex in embryonic stem cells, and genes associated with Gene Ontology terms, for example, “transcription” and “cell adhesion,” while genes hypermethylated specifically in high‐methylation subgroup significantly included genes associated with “negative regulation of growth. ” Low‐methylation subgroup significantly correlated with IPF (78%, vs. 17% in high‐methylation subgroup, p = 0.04), and the correlation was validated by additional Infinium analysis of SCC samples (n = 44 in total), and data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 390). The correlation between low‐methylation subgroup and IPF was further validated by quantitative methylation analysis of marker genes commonly hypermethylated in SCC (HOXA2, HOXA9 and PCDHGB6), and markers specifically hypermethylated in high‐methylation subgroup (DLEC1, CFTR, MT1M, CRIP3 and ALDH7A1) in 77 SCC cases using pyrosequencing (p = 0.003). Furthermore, low‐methylation epigenotype significantly correlated with poorer prognosis among all SCC patients, or among patients without IPF. Multivariate analysis showed that low‐methylation epigenotype is an independent predictor of poor prognosis. These may suggest that lung SCC could be stratified into molecular subtypes with distinct prognosis, and low‐methylation lung SCC that significantly correlates with IPF shows unfavorable outcome.
Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes between two types of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes following implantation of two types of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses: Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens with Centraflow (ICL, V4C Staar Surgical, Nidau, Switzerland) and Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL, V1, Caregroup Sight Solution, India) for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Methods: This retrospective case series included eyes which underwent phakic intraocular lens implantation with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. Visual outcomes including safety, efficacy, refractive predictability, and stability were compared at 1 week and at 1, 6, and 12 months' postoperative visit. Complications and adverse events were analyzed. Results: The study included 119 and 203 eyes in the IPCL and ICL groups, respectively. At 1-year postoperative visit, median corrected distance visual acuity was 0.10 (interquartile range [IQR] 0,0.10) and 0 (IQR 0,0) in the IPCL and ICL cohorts, respectively (P = 0.066). An uncorrected visual acuity of 20/32 or better was achieved in 86.5% and 88.67% of the eyes, respectively (P = 0.574). Ninety and 94% of the eyes achieved a postoperative manifest spherical equivalent within ± 0.5D (P = 0.169, χ2 test). Three eyes (2.52%) in the IPCL group versus one eye (0.49%) in the ICL group developed visually significant cataract requiring surgical intervention (P = 0.113). No vision-threatening complications were noted in either cohort. The mean follow-up period was 94.69 ± 32.45 and 102.67 ± 61.82 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Both groups demonstrated similar efficacy and safety profile. The IPCL is an effective and economically viable option for the correction of myopia.
Incidence and Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Antibodies in Male Professional Football Players

Objective: Infections with Borrelia burgdorferi can cause Lyme disease with multiorganic involvement such as (myo)carditis or joint manifestations. Musculoskeletal complaints possibly mimicking some of these symptoms are common among elite athletes. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence and incidence of B. burgdorferi antibodies in professional football players. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Healthy professional football players. Participants: Five hundred thirty-five men in the first and second German league. Interventions: Two screening assays were used to examine immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) against B. burgdorferi: an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and a chemiluminescence assay (CLIA). In case of a positive or equivocal result, an immunoblot including in vivo antigens was performed. Main Outcome Measures: Course of IgM and IgG against B. burgdorferi in overall 1529 blood samples. Results: A total of 96.4% of all results were concordant between EIA and CLIA. Considering only samples with identical results in both assays, prevalence was 1.6%. A positive IgM was detected in 2.3%. No player showed any symptoms of Lyme disease. A seroconversion to IgG was not found. Three players developed a positive IgM corresponding to an incidence of 1032/100 000 person-years. Depending on the assay, 49% to 75% of positive or equivocal screening results could not be confirmed by immunoblot. Conclusions: Seroprevalence and incidence of B. burgdorferi among healthy male professional football players are low. Therefore, infections with B. burgdorferi have to be regarded a rare differential diagnosis in professional football in Central Europe. The low confirmation rate of positive screening assays points to an unspecific immune activation.
A Critical Analysis of Medicare Claims for Otolaryngology Procedures

Objective This study was performed to outline and analyze the overall Medicare landscape with respect to otolaryngologists and beneficiaries, services, and reimbursements. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of publicly available Medicare utilization and payment data for all otolaryngologists in facility and nonfacility practice settings who provided services to Medicare beneficiaries between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. Results In 2016, a total of $701,195,375 was distributed to 8572 otolaryngology physician providers for 815 unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes for 13,942,536 procedure claims. Of specialty care, otolaryngology ranks 20th among 54 subspecialties for total Medicare payments. The average number of services coded per provider was 1627. The average otolaryngologist was paid $81,800.67. Thirty-two percent of otolaryngologists did not receive reimbursement for services from Medicare in 2016. Discussion In 2016, the most significant contributors to Medicare payments to otolaryngologists were large-scale, low-cost events that are relatively short procedures done in clinic. Utilization of nasal endoscopy was up trending from 2012 to 2016. Some of the Current Procedural Terminology codes with the greatest discrepancies between submitted charge and Medicare payment among nonfacility otolaryngology providers are more involved than simple office procedures. Implications for Practice It is increasingly valuable for physicians to know factors that affect reimbursement for procedures and operations in different settings and to be aware of the trends in variation in their specialty. Otolaryngologists should communicate with policy makers in efforts toward sustainable reimbursement models.
THE BENEFIT OF SHORT-TERM WEIGHT LOSS WITH ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATIONS IN REAL-WORLD CLINICAL PRACTICE.

OBJECTIVE The effectiveness of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) outside of clinical trials is unclear. The objective of this study is to compare the short-term effectiveness of AOMs in real-world practice. METHODS This retrospective study included adults aged ≥18 years, with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 or BMI ≥27 kg/m2 with at least 1 obesity-related comorbidity, who were prescribed phentermine hydrochloride, phentermine-topiramate, bupropion-naltrexone, or lorcaserin, for 12 consecutive weeks between 2006-2016 at a large tertiary healthcare system. Propensity score-matched cohorts were created for each pair of AOMs. The primary outcomes were percent and absolute weight loss from baseline after 12 weeks. A prediction model was constructed to estimate weight loss with different AOMs based on demographic and clinical data. RESULTS Of the 3,411 patients included in this study, patients lost an average of 3.45% of body weight from baseline. All AOMs were associated with a significant weight loss from baseline (P<0.0001). Patients lost the highest percentage of body weight on phentermine hydrochloride (3.75±5.66%), followed by phentermine-topiramate (3.63±5.7%), bupropion-naltrexone (2.66±5.03%), and lorcaserin (1.84±6.69%). In propensity-matched cohorts, patients taking phentermine hydrochloride lost more weight than those taking lorcaserin or bupropion-naltrexone, and patients taking phentermine topiramate lost more weight than patients taking lorcaserin. CONCLUSIONS In real-world practice, AOMs are associated with clinically meaningful weight loss of 2-4% after 12-weeks. In this study, phentermine hydrochloride and phentermine topiramate produced the most weight loss. AOMs should be seriously considered as part of the armamentarium to treat patients with obesity.
Clot permeability and histopathology: is a clot’s perviousness on CT imaging correlated with its histologic composition?

Background Clot perviousness in large vessel occlusion has been shown to be associated with improved recanalization outcomes with mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis. Objective To evaluate the association between clot perviousness based on thrombus attenuation increase (TAI) on CT, and histologic composition of clots in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods A retrospective review was completed of patients with AIS secondary to large vessel occlusion, non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) images, and histologic analysis of the retrieved clot. TAI was measured by subtracting clot attenuation on NCCT from the attenuation on CTA. Up to 3 regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated on each clot; the average attenuation was used for analysis if multiple ROIs were assessed. Pervious clots were defined as TAI ≥10 Hounsfield units (HUs); impervious clots had TAI <10 HU. Histopathologic analyses of clots were assessed for relative compositions of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), fibrin, and platelets/other. Results 57 patients were included. Pervious clots were more likely to be RBC rich (p=0.04); impervious clots were more likely to be fibrin and WBC rich (p=0.01 for both). Pervious clots also had greater RBC density than impervious clots (49.8% and 33.0%, respectively; p=0.006); fibrin density of pervious clots was lower than that of impervious clots (17.8% and 23.2%, respectively; p=0.02). Conclusion Clot perviousness, assessed on NCCT and CTA imaging, is associated with higher RBC density and lower fibrin density, offering a possible explanation for the higher rates of successful thrombectomy and favorable clinical outcome seen in such patients.
Circular RNA expression profiling in the nucleus accumbens: Effects of electroacupuncture treatment on morphine‐induced conditioned place preference

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been developed on the basis of traditional Chinese acupuncture. EA can suppress craving in opioid addicts and opioid‐seeking responses in rodents. However, the molecular mechanism of EA on the rewarding properties of morphine and craving responses is not known. Here, we have applied a conditioned place preference paradigm in mice to measure morphine‐induced rewarding effects along with EA treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) can function as micro RNA (miRNA) sponges to effectively regulate gene expression levels. CircRNA profiling within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was performed in EA‐treated and sham‐treated mice. Following RNAseq, data were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes (KEGG) tools. We identified 112 significantly differentially expressed circRNAs, including 51 that were up‐regulated and 61 that were down‐regulated. Our bioinformatics analyses show that these differentially expressed circRNAs map into pathways that are mainly involved with renin secretion and the cGMP‐PKG signaling. We further constructed a circRNA‐miRNA network that predicts the potential roles of the differentially expressed circRNAs and the interaction of circRNAs with miRNAs. Our secondary sequencing and bioinformatics analysis in the NAc after EA treatment on morphine‐induced CPP provides putative novel targets on molecular mechanisms involved in morphine reinforcement and possibly craving.
Photobiomodulation using low‐level 808 nm diode laser rescues cochlear synaptopathy after acoustic overexposure in rat

A certain degree of noise can cause hearing problems without a permanent change in the hearing threshold, which is called hidden hearing loss and results from partial loss of auditory synapses. Photobiomodulation (PBM) enhances neural growth and connections in the peripheral nervous systems. In this study, we assessed whether PBM could rescue cochlear synaptopathy after acoustic overexposure in rat. PBM was performed for 7 days after noise exposure. The auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were acquired before and after noise exposure using a tone and a paired‐click stimulus. Auditory response to paired click sound with short time interval was performed to evaluate auditory temporal processing ability. In the result, hearing threshold recovered 2 weeks after noise exposure in both groups. Peak wave 1 amplitude of the ABR and ABR recovery threshold did not recover in the noise only group, whereas it fully recovered in the noise + PBM group. The number of synaptic ribbons was significantly different in the control and noise only groups, while there was no difference between the control and noise + PBM group. These results indicate that PBM rescued peak wave 1 amplitude and maintained the auditory temporal processing ability resulting from a loss of synaptic ribbons after acoustic overexposure.