Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progress Indication for Deep Learning Model Training: A Feasibility Demonstration

Deep learning is the state-of-the-art learning algorithm for many machine learning tasks. Yet, training a deep learning model on a large data set is often time-consuming, taking several days or even months. During model training, it is desirable to offer a non-trivial progress indicator that can continuously project the remaining model training time and the fraction of model training work completed. This makes the training process more user-friendly. In addition, we can use the information given by the progress indicator to assist in workload management. In this paper, we present the first set of techniques to support non-trivial progress indicators for deep learning model training when early stopping is allowed. We report an implementation of these techniques in TensorFlow and our evaluation results for both convolutional and recurrent neural networks. Our experiments show that our progress indicator can offer useful information even if the run-time system load varies over time. In addition, the progress indicator can self-correct its initial estimation errors, if any, over time.
Dual‐polarized C‐ and Ku‐band ocean backscatter response to hurricane‐force winds

[1] Airborne ocean backscatter measurements at C- and Ku-band wavelengths and H and V polarizations at multiple incidence angles obtained in moderate to very high wind speed conditions (25–65 m s−1) during missions through several tropical cyclones are presented. These measurements clearly show that the normalized radar cross sections (NRCS) response stops increasing at hurricane-force winds for both frequency bands and polarizations except for high incidence angles at C-band and H polarization. The results also show the mean NRCS departing from a power law behavior for all the presented frequency bands, polarizations, and incidence angles, suggesting a reduction in the drag coefficient. The overall flattening of the azimuthal response of the NRCS is also very apparent in all cases. A new set of geophysical model functions (GMFs) at C- and Ku-band are developed from these direct ocean backscatter observations for ocean surface winds ranging from 25 to 65 m s−1. The developed GMFs provide a much more accurate characterization of the NRCS versus wind speed and direction, and their implementation in operational retrieval algorithms from satellite-based scatterometer observations would result in better wind fields. The differences between these measurements and other currently available GMFs, such as QuikSCAT, NSCAT2, CMOD4, and CMOD5, are reported. The implementation of these GMFs in retrieval algorithms will result in better wind fields from satellite-based scatterometers measurements.
Simulated Prediction of Structural Asymmetry for Glass Blown Micro Shell Resonators

This paper reports modeling process and a simulated prediction of structural asymmetry for glass blown micro shell resonators. Alignment deviation between center of blowtorch and forming mold is considered as the main undesirable condition. Geometric error including height variation along the circumference is analyzed based on three-dimensional model of fused silica substrate and forming mold. Simulation results indicate that the geometric error increases linearly as the increase of the alignment deviation and uniform temperature field is necessary. The results provide reference for fabrication of highly symmetric resonators.
La gestion des risques financiers

Considerons par exemple une banque dont le produit annuel brut est egal respectivement a 3, 1 et 2 milliards d'euros sur les trois dernieres annees. La moyenne est egale a 2 milliards d'euros et l'exigence de fonds propres est 300 millions d'euros. Une di culte est vite apparue lorsque le produit annuel brut d'une annee est negatif. Supposons que le produit annuel brut de la banque ne soit pas de 2 milliards d'euros mais de −4 milliards d'euros pour la troisieme annee. Dans ce cas, la moyenne est egale a zero et l'exigence de fonds propres est nulle. C'est pourquoi le Comite de Bâle a revise la methode de calcul en proposant de ne retenir que le partie positive. Dans le cas precedent, meme si la banque fait une perte la troisieme annee, l'exigence de fonds propres est egale a 200 millions d'euros (car la moyenne de la partie positive des produits annuels bruts est egale a 1,33 milliards d'euros). A la suite de la crise des subprimes, on avait envisage de considerer uniquement le maximum des produits annuels bruts des trois dernieres annees, mais cela n'a pas ete mis en place.
Correlation between serum adiponectin and clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters in Indian women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder. PCOS women are at a high risk for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MS). Adiponectin is positively related to insulin sensitivity. It has a preventive role in atherogenesis and MS. The present work was conducted to study the correlation between serum adiponectin levels and clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters in PCOS patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective study in 49 newly diagnosed (as per Rotterdam criteria) Indian PCOS women was conducted. PCOS women were clinically examined and investigated for biochemical parameters. Results: The mean serum adiponectin was 12 ± 9.4 μg/mL (range 0.47-45). Hypoadiponectinemia (serum adiponectin <4 μg/mL) was present in 22% patients. Age and adiponectin correlated significantly and inversely (r = −0.42, P = 0.027). Overweight/obese patients had lower mean adiponectin levels than normal weight (11.62 ± 9.5 vs 13.58 ± 9.5, P = 0.56). It was significantly lower in patients with acanthosis nigricans (AN) as compared with those without AN (8.4 ± 5.9 vs 15 ± 11, P = 0.038). Hirsute patients showed lower mean adiponectin levels than nonhirsute (10 ± 7.3 vs 13 ± 10, P = 0.57). A positive, insignificant correlation was observed between serum adiponectin and cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone, levels. A negative insignificant correlation existed between serum adiponectin and luteinizing hormone (LH), LH: FSH ratio, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and Homeostasis Model Assessment. Conclusion: Hypoadiponectinemia is present in one-fifth of women with PCOS. Adiponectin levels decrease as age advances. Low levels of adiponectin possibly contributes to the development of dermal manifestation (AN) of insulin resistance.
Conditional Expression of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Phosphatase MKP-1 Preferentially Inhibits p38 MAPK and Stress-activated Protein Kinase in U937 Cells*

Phorbol ester tumor promoters, such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), are potent activators of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in U937 human leukemic cells. These kinases are regulated by the reversible dual phosphorylation of conserved threonine and tyrosine residues. The dual specificity protein phosphatase MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) has been shown to dephosphorylate and inactivate ERK2, SAPK, and p38 MAPK in transient transfection studies. Here we demonstrate that PMA treatment induces MKP-1 protein expression in U937 cells, which is detectable within 30 min with maximal levels attained after 4 h. This time course coincides with the rapid inactivation of PMA-induced SAPK activity, but not ERK2 phosphorylation, which remains elevated for up to 6 h. To examine directly the role of MKP-1 in the regulation of these protein kinases in vivo, we established a U937 cell line that conditionally expresses MKP-1 from the human metallothionein IIa promoter. Conditional expression of MKP-1 inhibited PMA-induced ERK2, SAPK, and p38 MAPK activity. By titrating the levels of MKP-1 expression from the human metallothionein IIa promoter, however, it was found that p38 MAPK and SAPK were much more sensitive to inhibition by MKP-1 than ERK2. This differential substrate specificity of MKP-1 can be functionally extended to nuclear transcriptional events in that PMA-induced c-Jun transcriptional activity was more sensitive to inhibition by MKP-1 than either Elk-1 or c-Myc. Conditional expression of MKP-1 also abolished the induction of endogenous MKP-1 protein expression in response to PMA treatment. This negative feedback regulatory mechanism is likely due to MKP-1-mediated inhibition of ERK2, as studies utilizing the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 suggest that ERK2 activation is required for PMA-induced MKP-1 expression. These findings suggest that ERK2-mediated induction of MKP-1 may play an important role in preferentially attenuating signaling through the p38 MAPK and SAPK signal transduction pathways.
It’s All in the Family

Although left-hemisphere (LH) specialization for language is often viewed as a key example of functional lateralization, there is increasing evidence that the right hemisphere (RH) can also extract meaning from words and sentences. However, the right hemisphere’s ability to appreciate syntactic aspects of language remains poorly understood. In the current study, we used separable, functionally well-characterized electrophysiological indices of lexico-semantic and syntactic processes to demonstrate RH sensitivity to syntactic violations among right-handers with a strong manual preference. Critically, however, the nature of this RH sensitivity to structural information was modulated by a genetically determined factor—familial sinistrality. The right hemisphere in right-handers without left-handed family members processed syntactic violations via the words’ accompanying lexico-semantic unexpectedness. In contrast, the right hemisphere in right-handers with left-handed family members could process syntactic information in a manner qualitatively similar to that of the left hemisphere.
Retinal horizontal cell‐specific promoter activity and protein expression of zebrafish connexin 52.6 and connexin 55.5

Connexins in retinal horizontal cells (HC) function in the processing of visual information. For example, gap junction‐forming connexins may contribute to the spatial integration of visual stimuli. Additionally, connexin hemichannels have been hypothesized to participate in the feedback pathway from HCs to cones. To verify the identities of the zebrafish HC connexins, we performed promoter expression and immunohistochemical studies of connexin 52.6 (Cx52.6) and Cx55.5. Zebrafish embryos were microinjected with Cx52.6 or Cx55.5 promoter sequences and a green fluorescent protein reporter construct. Light and electron microscopic (EM) analysis showed green fluorescent protein expression exclusively in retinal HCs. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that HCs express Cx52.6 and Cx55.5 proteins. Light microscopy revealed Cx52.6 and Cx55.5 in the retinal inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. Double labeling for Cx55.5 or Cx52.6 and cell‐specific markers (tyrosine hydroxylase, protein kinase C‐α, or GluR2) demonstrated that these connexins do not localize to interplexiform or ON bipolar cells, but most likely are present in HCs. Preembedding immuno‐EM confirmed the HC‐specific expression of Cx52.6 and Cx55.5 and illustrated the presence of these two connexins in gap junctions between HCs. The EM data also revealed robust labeling for Cx55.5 in hemichannels on HC dendrites in photoreceptor synaptic terminals. Voltage‐clamp experiments in cultured cells demonstrated that Cx55.5‐containing hemichannels can open at physiological membrane potentials. These results offer the first in vivo demonstration of the HC‐specific activities of the Cx52.6 and Cx55.5 promoters. Furthermore, these data provide the first proof at the protein level for retinal HC‐specific connexins in the zebrafish. J. Comp. Neurol. 501:765–779, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fact learning in complex arithmetic—the role of the angular gyrus revisited

In recent theoretical considerations as well as in neuroimaging findings the left angular gyrus (AG) has been associated with the retrieval of arithmetic facts. This interpretation was corroborated by higher AG activity when processing trained as compared with untrained multiplication problems. However, so far neural correlates of processing trained versus untrained problems were only compared after training. We employed an established learning paradigm (i.e., extensive training of multiplication problems) but measured brain activation before and afte training to evaluate neural correlates of arithmetic fact acquisition more specifically. When comparing activation patterns for trained and untrained problems of the post‐training session, higher AG activation for trained problems was replicated. However, when activation for trained problems was compared to activation for the same problems in the pre‐training session, no signal change in the AG was observed. Instead, our results point toward a central role of hippocampal, para‐hippocampal, and retrosplenial structures in arithmetic fact retrieval. We suggest that the AG might not be associated with the actual retrieval of arithmetic facts, and outline an attentional account of the role of the AG in arithmetic fact retrieval that is compatible with recent attention to memory hypotheses. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3061–3079, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature pubescent adolescents.

BACKGROUND Management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in skeletally immature patients is controversial. Conventional surgical reconstruction techniques for adults can cause iatrogenic growth disturbance due to physeal damage in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a transphyseal reconstruction technique in pubescent but skeletally immature adolescents. METHODS Between 1996 and 2004, sixty-one knees in fifty-nine skeletally immature pubescent adolescents (Tanner stage 3) with a mean chronological age of 14.7 years (range, 11.6 to 16.9 years) underwent transphyseal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with use of an autogenous quadrupled hamstrings-tendon graft and metaphyseal fixation. Thirty-one knees had additional meniscal surgery. The functional outcome, graft survival, radiographic outcome, and any growth disturbance were evaluated at a mean of 3.6 years (range, 2.0 to 10.2 years) after the surgery. RESULTS Two patients (3%) underwent revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction because of graft failure at fourteen and twenty-one months postoperatively. For the remaining fifty-nine knees, the mean International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee score (and standard deviation) was 89.5 +/- 10.2 points and the mean Lysholm knee score was 91.2 +/- 10.7 points. The result of the Lachman examination was normal in fifty-one knees and nearly normal in eight; it was not abnormal or severely abnormal in any knee. The result of the pivot-shift examination was normal in fifty-six knees and nearly normal in three knees; it also was not abnormal or severely abnormal in any knee. The mean increase in total height was 8.2 cm (range, 1.2 to 25.4 cm) from the time of surgery to the time of final follow-up. No angular deformities of the lower extremity were measured radiographically, and no lower-extremity length discrepancies were measured clinically. Complications included three cases of arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation with the patient under anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS Transphyseal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with use of an autogenous quadrupled hamstrings-tendon graft with metaphyseal fixation in skeletally immature pubescent adolescents provides an excellent functional outcome with a low revision rate and a minimal risk of growth disturbance.
Estimated GFR and Subsequent Higher Left Ventricular Mass in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Normal Kidney Function: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular hypertrophy is common and is associated with cardiovascular events and death among patients with known chronic kidney disease. However, the link between reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) remains poorly explored among young and middle-aged adults with preserved kidney function. In this study, we examined the association of cystatin C-based estimated GFR (eGFRcys) and rapid decline in eGFR with subsequent LVMI. STUDY DESIGN Observational study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS We included 2,410 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort with eGFRcys > 60mL/min/1.73m(2) at year 15 and who had an echocardiogram obtained at year 25. PREDICTOR eGFRcys at year 15 and rapid decline in eGFRcys (defined as >3% per year over 5 years from years 15 to 20). OUTCOME LVMI measured at year 25. MEASUREMENTS We adjusted for age, sex, race, diabetes, body mass index, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, cumulative systolic blood pressure, and albuminuria. RESULTS Mean age was 40±4 (SD) years, 58% were women, and 43% were black. After 10 years of follow-up, mean LVMI was 39.6±13.4g/m(2.7). Compared with eGFRcys > 90mL/min/1.73m(2) (n = 2,228), eGFRcys of 60 to 75mL/min/1.73m(2) (n = 29) was associated with 5.63 (95% CI, 0.90-10.36) g/m(2.7) greater LVMI (P = 0.02), but there was no association of eGFRcys of 76 to 90mL/min/1.73m(2) (n = 153) with LVMI after adjustment for confounders. Rapid decline in eGFRcys was associated with higher LVMI compared with participants without a rapid eGFRcys decline (β coefficient, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.11-2.83; P = 0.03) after adjustment for confounders. LIMITATIONS There were a limited number of participants with eGFRcys of 60 to 90mL/min/1.73m(2). CONCLUSIONS Among young and middle-aged adults with preserved kidney function, eGFRcys of 60 to 75mL/min/1.73m(2) and rapid decline in eGFRcys were significantly associated with subsequently higher LVMI. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that contribute to elevated LVMI in this range of eGFRcys.
Capture-recapture method for assessing publication bias

BACKGROUND: Publication bias is an important factor that may result in selection bias and lead to overestimation of the intervention effect. In this study, the focus was on using capture-recapture method as a statistical procedure which may possibly be a practical means for measuring the amount of publication bias. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to estimate the duration of protection provided by hepatitis B vaccine by measuring the anamnestic immune response to booster doses of vaccine and retrieved studies from three separate sources of electronic databases, reference lists of the studies, and conference databases as well as contact with experts and manufacturers. Capture-recapture and some conventional methods such as funnel plot, Begg test, Egger test, and trim and fill method were employed for assessing publication bias. RESULTS: Based on capture-recapture method, completeness of the overall search results was 87.2% [95% CI: 84.6% to 89.0%] and log-linear model suggested 5 [95% CI: 4.2 to 6.2] missing studies. The funnel plot was asymmetric while Begg and Egger tests results were statistically insignificant and trill and fill approach made no change in pooled effect. CONCLUSIONS: Capture-recapture method may be a useful practical approach for estimating the number of missing studies which are not usually detected by search strategy. As a result, use of capture-recapture method as an alternative approach could be suggested for estimating the extent of publication bias based on overlapping information rather than mirror image of extreme values on funnel plot.
Formal Thought Disorder, Neuropsychology and Insight in Schizophrenia

Background: Information provided by patients with schizophrenia and their respective carers is used to study the descriptive psychopathology and neuropsychology of formal thought disorder (FTD). Sampling and Methods: Relatively intellectually preserved schizophrenia patients (n = 31) exhibiting from no to severe positive FTD completed a self-report scale of FTD, a scale of insight as well as several tests of executive and semantic function. The patients’ carers completed another scale of FTD to assess the patients’ speech. Results: FTD as self-reported by patients was significantly associated with the synonyms test performance and severity of the reality distortion dimension. FTD as assessed by a clinician and by the patients’ carers was significantly associated with executive test performance and performance in a test of associative semantics. Overall insight was significantly associated with severity of the reality distortion dimension and graded naming test performance, but was not associated with self-reported FTD or severity of FTD as assessed by the clinician or carers. Conclusions: The self-reported experience of FTD has different clinical and neuropsychological correlates from those of FTD as assessed by clinicians and carers. The assessment of FTD by patients and carers used along with the clinician’s assessment may further the study of this group of symptoms.
Protection against code exploitation using ROP and check-summing in IoT environment

The operations of devices in automated, possibly in hostile environments, puts the dependability and reliability of the IoT systems at stake. More specifically, adversaries may tamper with the devices, tamper with sensor values triggering false alarms, instrument the data gathering and overall operation to their own interest. Protecting integrity and confidentiality of IoT devices from tampering attempts is a big challenge. Protection against code tampering is the focal point of this research. This paper entails a contemporary methodology to guard the code against exploitation. The approach focuses on a novel distributed solution by which the tamper resistance of the program code is magnified by the inclusion of two modules that work in tandem with each other. These security modules employ Return Oriented Programming (ROP) techniques and code check-summing techniques to protect critical pieces of code. When working together they provide dual lines of defence to the critical piece of code where the malicious entity has to bypass both the modules in order to tamper the critical piece of code thereby hardening the overall security and increasing the cost of exploitation drastically making it infeasible to mount an attack on IoT devices.