Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T-Basis: a Compact Representation for Neural Networks

We introduce T-Basis, a novel concept for a compact representation of a set of tensors, each of an arbitrary shape, which is often seen in Neural Networks. Each of the tensors in the set is modeled using Tensor Rings, though the concept applies to other Tensor Networks. Owing its name to the T-shape of nodes in diagram notation of Tensor Rings, T-Basis is simply a list of equally shaped three-dimensional tensors, used to represent Tensor Ring nodes. Such representation allows us to parameterize the tensor set with a small number of parameters (coefficients of the T-Basis tensors), scaling logarithmically with each tensor's size in the set and linearly with the dimensionality of T-Basis. We evaluate the proposed approach on the task of neural network compression and demonstrate that it reaches high compression rates at acceptable performance drops. Finally, we analyze memory and operation requirements of the compressed networks and conclude that T-Basis networks are equally well suited for training and inference in resource-constrained environments and usage on the edge devices.
Bounding The Number of Linear Regions in Local Area for Neural Networks with ReLU Activations

The number of linear regions is one of the distinct properties of the neural networks using piecewise linear activation functions such as ReLU, comparing with those conventional ones using other activation functions. Previous studies showed this property reflected the expressivity of a neural network family ([14]); as a result, it can be used to characterize how the structural complexity of a neural network model affects the function it aims to compute. Nonetheless, it is challenging to directly compute the number of linear regions; therefore, many researchers focus on estimating the bounds (in particular the upper bound) of the number of linear regions for deep neural networks using ReLU. These methods, however, attempted to estimate the upper bound in the entire input space. The theoretical methods are still lacking to estimate the number of linear regions within a specific area of the input space, e.g., a sphere centered at a training data point such as an adversarial example or a backdoor trigger. In this paper, we present the first method to estimate the upper bound of the number of linear regions in any sphere in the input space of a given ReLU neural network. We implemented the method, and computed the bounds in deep neural networks using the piece-wise linear active function. Our experiments showed that, while training a neural network, the boundaries of the linear regions tend to move away from the training data points. In addition, we observe that the spheres centered at the training data points tend to contain more linear regions than any arbitrary points in the input space. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of bounding linear regions around a specific data point. We consider our work as a first step toward the investigation of the structural complexity of deep neural networks in a specific input area.
Response of Selected Sweet Corn Cultivars to Nitrogen Fertilization

●‐1 ). The 100 lb/acre rate of N applied at planting appeared to be sufficient for producing sweet corn in soils with an annual cropping frequency. Height of plants and ear diameters were larger at the higher fertilization rates, but differences among treatments were not great and were usually not significant. The cultivars of different genetic types did not differ in response to N fertilization rates. Cultivar × year interactions were significant for most factors evaluated, but most other interactions were not significant.
Virtual reality in concussion management: from lab to clinic

The use of virtual reality (VR) technology continues to grow in the areas of clinical assessment and rehabilitation. Both researchers and health-care providers are exploring ways to incorporate VR in clinical practice as an emerging technology. VR postural control and neuropsychological testing represent a promising next step in sport-related concussion (SRC) management. This article reviews the current literature on VR applications for SRC assessment. Relevance for Patients: VR-based postural control assessments suggest that visual motion is destabilizing following SRC, perhaps indicating persistent perceptual-motion disintegration when clinical postural control tests suggest complete recovery. VR can also provide functional neuropsychological assessments using real-life scenarios or virtual environments, which may be more sensitive than traditional pencil-and-paper or computerized neuropsychological assessments.
Hormonal Regulation of Autophagy in Thyroid PCCL3 Cells and the Thyroids of Male Mice

Abstract Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process by which cells degrade intracellular proteins and organelles in the lysosomes and recycle their metabolites. We have recently demonstrated the crucial role for the basal level of autophagic activity in thyrocyte survival and homeostasis using the thyroid-specific autophagy knockout mice. Here, we first studied hormonal regulation of autophagy in thyrocytes in vitro using a rat thyroid cell line PCCl3 and in vivo with mice. In cultured PCCl3 cells, thyroxine decreased microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) puncta (a component of autophagosome) and increased p62 (an autophagy substrate) levels, showing thyroxine-suppression of autophagy. In contrast, TSH increased both LC3 puncta and p62 levels, but at the same time stabilized p62 protein by inhibiting p62 degradation, indicating TSH induction of autophagy. Our experiments with various inhibitors identified that both the cAMP-protein kinase (PK) A-cAMP response element binding protein/ERK and PKC signaling pathways regulates positively autophagic activity. The in vivo results obtained with wild-type mice treated with methimazole and perchlorate or thyroxine were consistent with in vitro results. Next, in thyroid-specific autophagy knockout mice treated with methimazole and perchlorate (that is, mice were placed under a stressed condition where enhanced autophagy was required) for 2 months, lower follicle sizes and lower thyroglobulin contents in thyrocytes were observed, suggesting impaired thyroglobulin production presumably from insufficient nutrient supply. We therefore conclude that TSH positively regulates autophagic activity through the cAMP-PKA-cAMP response element binding protein/ERK and PKC signaling pathways, whereas thyroid hormones inhibit its activity in thyrocytes. Metabolites produced by autophagy appear to be necessary for protein synthesis stimulated by TSH.
Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Melanoma is one of the most immunologic malignancies based on its higher prevalence in immune-compromised patients, the evidence of brisk lymphocytic infiltrates in both primary tumors and metastases, the documented recognition of melanoma antigens by tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes and, most important, evidence that melanoma responds to immunotherapy. The use of immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma is a relatively late discovery for this malignancy. Recent studies have shown a significantly higher success rate with combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted molecular therapy. Immunotherapy is associated to a panel of dysimmune toxicities called immune-related adverse events that can affect one or more organs and may limit its use. Future directions in the treatment of metastatic melanoma include immunotherapy with anti-PD1 antibodies or targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors.
Acute encephalopathy with elevated CSF inflammatory markers as the initial presentation of COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus SARS-CoV-2. It is widely recognized as a respiratory pathogen, but neurologic complications can be the presenting manifestation in a subset of infected patients. Case presentation: We describe a 78-year old immunocompromised woman who presented with altered mental status after witnessed seizure-like activity at home. She was found to have SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated neuroinflammation. In this case, we undertake the first detailed analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines during COVID-19 infection and find a unique pattern of inflammation in CSF, but no evidence of viral neuroinvasion. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that neurologic symptoms such as encephalopathy and seizures may be the initial presentation of COVID-19. Central nervous system inflammation may associate with neurologic manifestations of disease.
BIODIVERSITY OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES OF CASHEW PLANTATIONS IN TRIPURA, INDIA

Thirteen species of plant parasitic nematodes within nine genera were isolated and identified from roots and soil around cashew nut shrubs. They were: Helicotylenchus astriatus, H. dihystera, H. elegans, Hemicriconemoides mangiferae, Hoplolaimus indicus, Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus coffeae, P. brachyurus, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Scutellonema brachyurus, Tylenchorhynchus leviterminalis, Xiphinema brevicolle and X. neoamericaum. Among them, Helicotylenchus spp. (95%), Rotylenchulus reniformis (83%), Pratylenchus spp. (70%), Hoplolaimus indicus (60%), Tylenchorhynchus leviterminalis (46%) and Xiphinema spp. (28%) were the most predominant species associated with cashew nut in Tripura. All these species of phytonematodes, except Hemicriconemoides mangiferae, are new records of association with cashew nut from Tripura state as well as from India. The plantation at Belonia (10 years old) was more diverse than either the younger or older plantations when diversity was based on the numbers of nematodes. The three-years-old plantation at Nalkata was the least diverse in this regard. The twenty-years-old plantation located at Nagichherra was the most diverse when diversity was based on nematode biomass.
Latitudinal variation in the reproduction of Acropora in the Coral Sea

Most comparisons available suggest that synchronous spawning of numerous species of scleractinian corals is restricted to regions with large variations in environmental cycles, such as temperature and tides, with a progressive breakdown in seasonality and synchrony of reproduction towards the equator. Here we compared the reproductive condition of Acropora at 4 locations in the Coral Sea with contrasting environmental cycles. In the Solomon Islands (SI) where environmental conditions varied little, mature oocytes were found in 28 of the 38 Acropora species sampled. This was similar to the pattern on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and indicates that synchronous spawning is a feature of coral assemblages in the absence of major environmental fluctuations. In 8 widespread and abundant species the proportion of the population with mature oocytes was 2-4 times lower in the Sl, and a higher proportion of colonies had immature oocytes. These data are consistent with an extended reproductive season in the SI when compared to the GBR. Some asynchrony of gamete release was evident in most species at all locations. In addition, a high number of colonies with no visible gametes suggests that colonies of species which typically participate in mass spawning episodes on the GBR, may miss one or more years ,or spawn at other times of the year.
Scopoletin: Antiamyloidogenic, Anticholinesterase, and Neuroprotective Potential of a Natural Compound Present in Argyreia speciosa Roots by In Vitro and In Silico Study

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by depositions of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides aggregates resulting in plaques formation in the central nervous system (CNS). This study evaluates the disease-modifying potential of scopoletin against multiple factors associated with AD such as cholinesterase enzymes, Aβ peptides, and neuroprotective properties against Aβ- and H2O2-induced cytotoxicity under in vitro conditions. Scopoletin was identified and quantified using UPLC-QTOF (ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The antiamyloidogenic potential was evaluated by thioflavin T and congo red binding assay. Inhibition of key enzymes, that is, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, was investigated by Ellman’s assay. UPLC-QTOF analysis showed that most abundant phytoconstituent present in Argyreia speciosa hydroalcoholic root extract was scopoletin followed by festuclavine and ergometrine. Scopoletin was further quantified using novel reverse phase (RP)-HPLC method developed in this study. The neuroprotective potential of scopoletin was found to be 69% against Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity and 73% against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cell culture at 40 μM final concentration. At the same concentration, scopoletin inhibited Aβ42 fibril formation up to 57%. The IC50 concentration for AChE and BuChE enzyme inhibition by scopoletin was 5.34 and 9.11 μM, respectively. The antiaggregation and enzyme inhibition results were complemented with strong molecular interactions of scopoletin with target proteins validated by in silico molecular docking analysis. Based on this study, it can be concluded that scopoletin can be used as a lead for amelioration of symptoms and disease-modifying effects in AD.
Plasma-Derived Exosomal Circular RNA hsa_circ_0005540 as a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Coronary Artery Disease

Background Exosomes exist in almost all body fluid and contain diverse biological contents which may be reflective of disease state. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable in structure and have a long half-life in exosomes without degradation, thus making them reliable biomarkers. However, the potential of exosomal circRNAs as biomarkers of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains to be established. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression levels and the potential use of exosomal circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for CAD. Methods CircRNA expression levels in exosomes obtained from three plasma samples of CAD patients and three paired controls were analyzed using RNA sequencing. Exosomal circRNAs obtained in the profiling phase were then verified in two-center validation cohorts. Finally, the ability of exosomal circRNAs, adjusting for Framingham Heart Study (FHS) risk factors, was determined to discriminate between CAD patients and non-CAD controls. Results 355 circRNAs were differentially expressed between these two groups: 164 were upregulated, and 191 were downregulated. Here, we selected the potential circRNAs (fold change > 4, P < 0.05) as candidate biomarkers for further validation. Our data showed that only hsa_circ_0005540 was significantly associated with CAD (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for risk factors, hsa_circ_0005540 showed a high discriminatory power for CAD in ROC analyses (AUC = 0.853; 95%confidence interval (CI) = 0.799 − 0.906, P < 0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest that plasma exosomal hsa_circ_0005540 can be used as a promising diagnostic biomarker of CAD.
Herpes Zoster Co-Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient With COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a broad spectrum of manifestations. A variety of dermatological manifestations were described. We present a case of an immunocompetent middle-aged man who presented with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and later developed herpes zoster (HZ). The case highlights the possibility of COVID-19-related HZ. The highest infection control measures must be abided when managing patients with cutaneous complaints until COVID-19 is ruled out.
Procedure-specific prognostic impact of micropapillary subtype may guide resection strategy in small-sized lung adenocarcinomas: a multicenter study

Background: Limited resection has gradually become an acceptable treatment for lung adenocarcinomas (ADCs) presenting as ground-glass nodules (GGNs). However, its role in lung ADCs presenting as pure solid nodules (PSN) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify potential candidates for limited resection in lung ADCs presenting as PSN. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 772 patients from seven hospitals with lung ADCs ⩽2 cm, presenting as PSN on computed tomography scans, who had undergone surgery between 2009 and 2013. Histological subtypes were listed in 5% increments. To investigate the value of histological subtypes in surgical decision making, five pathologists prospectively evaluated the feasibility of identifying histological subtypes using frozen section (FS) in two cohorts. Results: The percentage of micropapillary (MIP) subtype had a striking impact on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for lung ADCs ⩽2 cm presenting as PSNs. In multivariable Cox analysis, segmentectomy was significantly associated with worse RFS and OS in patients with MIP >5% than lobectomy, but not in those with MIP ⩽5%. With wedge resection, worse RFS and OS were observed in patients with MIP >5% and those with MIP ⩽5% than lobectomy. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting MIP by FS were 74.2% and 85.6%, respectively, with substantial inter-rater agreement. Conclusion: Segmentectomy and lobectomy had similar oncological outcomes in patients with lung ADCs ⩽2 cm presenting as PSN with MIP ⩽5%. Randomized trials are necessary to validate the feasibility of intraoperative FS to choose candidates for segmentectomy.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in a cohort of adults with Down syndrome

Virtually all individuals with Down syndrome (DS) will develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology by age 40. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have characterized AD pathology in cohorts of late‐onset AD (LOAD) and autosomal‐dominant AD (ADAD). Few studies have evaluated such biomarkers in adults with DS.
Platelets can reflect the severity of Crohn's disease without the effect of anemia

OBJECTIVES: Anemia and changes in platelets (PLT) are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In our study, we aimed to verify whether PLT count can independently reflect the severity of IBD. METHODS: In our hospital, 137 Crohn’s Disease (CD), 69 Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and 412 healthy controls were included to compare the differences in PLT count. In addition, the effect of anemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), age, CD activity index (CDAI) or Mayo on PLTs was also analyzed. If PLTs independently affected CD or UC, we used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to verify the diagnostic value and obtain the cut-off value of PLT. RESULTS: CD and UC patients had higher PLT than controls (p<0.001, p<0.001; respectively). In CD patients, the results showed that patients with anemia (P<0.01), Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) (p<0.001), CRP≥8 mg/L (p=0.046), and CDAI≥150 (p<0.001) had higher PLT, while in UC patients, those with anemia (p=0.018), CRP≥8 mg/L (p=0.045), and Mayo≥3 (p=0.029) had higher PLT. Univariate analysis showed that CDAI was positively correlated with PLT count (p<0.001), while hemoglobin (p=0.001) and age (p<0.001) were negatively correlated with PLT in CD. In UC patients, Mayo (p=0.001) and CRP (p<0.001) were positively correlated with PLT, while hemoglobin (p=0.002) was negatively correlated. Finally, by linear stepwise multivariate analysis, we clarified the positive relationship between PLT and CD (p<0.001) by eliminating the interference of hemoglobin, and determined the cut-off value of PLT as 298×109/L. For UC, we did not obtain similar results. CONCLUSIONS: PLT can be an indicator of disease severity in CD, while there is a lack of evidence regarding this finding in UC.
Storage Stability of Ground Pork Containing Meat from an Advanced Meat Recovery System

Pork trim-finely textured (PTFT), generated by advanced meat recovery which mechanically removes meat from bones under pressure, has properties that may cause shelf-life instability. Lipid oxidation, microbial growth and pH of retail displayed fresh ground pork patties were not affected (P 0.05) by addition of up to 15% PTFT. Ground pork with 15% PTFT and 3.3% sodium lactate (NaL) stored in chubs at 2.2 C for 14 days was ground and modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) or overwrapped (OW) and retail displayed for 4 days. Lipid oxidation increased (P 0.05) due to PTFT incorporation but was reduced by NaL. MAP and/or NaL reduced microbial counts and lipid oxidation. MAP maintained redness (a*) and prevented metmyoglobin formation.
Incidence and PD-L1 Expression of MET 14 Skipping in Chinese Population: A Non-Selective NSCLC Cohort Study Using RNA-Based Sequencing

Background Mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) exon14 skipping mutations represent a clinically unique molecular subtype of NSCLC. The prevalence rates of MET exon 14 skipping in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) range from 0.9% to 4.0% in Asian populations. Since some somatic variants that do not encompass the MET exon 14 splice sites might also induce MET exon 14 skipping, the RNA-based sequencing is speculated as the most accurate method for detecting exon 14 skipping. Patients and Methods A total of 951 NSCLC patients from two hospitals were enrolled in this study. MET exon14 skipping was detected using RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). Also, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in 405 samples simultaneously. Results The overall estimated prevalence of MET exon 14 skipping was approximately 1.8% in ADCs and 1.7% in NSCLCs. The detection rate of MET exon 14 skipping from surgical resection specimen was 2.3% in NSCLCs and 2.0% in ADCs. The MET exon 14 skipping was identified in 6.6% of EGFR/KRAS/ALK/ROS1/RET-negative ADCs. Additionally, PD-L1 was found to be highly expressed in NSCLC patients harboring MET exon 14 skipping (P<0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of MET exon14 skipping in lung ADCs in the East Asian population was similar to that of the Western population as assessed by RNA-based NGS. The NSCLC patients with MET exon 14 skipping were older than those with other oncogenic driver mutations, such as EGFR, ALK, and ROS1. In addition, PD-L1 was highly expressed in NSCLC patients with MET exon 14 skipping.
A Modular Adjustable Transhumeral Prosthetic Socket for Evaluating Myoelectric Control

Novel myoelectric control strategies may yield more robust, capable prostheses which improve quality of life for those affected by upper-limb loss; however, the development and translation of such strategies from an experimental setting towards daily use by persons with limb loss is a slow and costly process. Since prosthesis functionality is highly dependent on the physical interface between the user’s prosthetic socket and residual limb, assessment of such controllers under realistic (noisy) environmental conditions, integrated into prosthetic sockets, and with participants with amputation is essential for obtaining representative results. Unfortunately, this step is particularly difficult as participant- and control strategy-specific prosthetic sockets must be custom-designed and manufactured. There is thus a need for a system to reduce these burdens and facilitate this crucial phase of the development pipeline. This study aims to address this gap through the design and assessment of an inexpensive and easy-to-use 3D-printed Modular-Adjustable transhumeral Prosthetic Socket (MAPS). This 3D-printed, open-source socket was developed in consultation with prosthetists and compared with a participant-specific suction socket in a single-participant case-study. We conducted mechanical and functional assessments to ensure that the developed socket enabled similar performance compared to participant-specific sockets. Both socket systems yielded similar results in mechanical and functional assessments, as well as in self-reported user feedback. The MAPS system shows promise as a research tool which catalyzes the development and deployment of novel myoelectric control strategies by better-enabling comprehensive assessment involving participants with amputations.