Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding How Pretraining Regularizes Deep Learning Algorithms

Deep learning algorithms have led to a series of breakthroughs in computer vision, acoustical signal processing, and others. However, they have only been popularized recently due to the groundbreaking techniques developed for training deep architectures. Understanding the training techniques is important if we want to further improve them. Through extensive experimentation, Erhan et al. (2010) empirically illustrated that unsupervised pretraining has an effect of regularization for deep learning algorithms. However, theoretical justifications for the observation remain elusive. In this article, we provide theoretical supports by analyzing how unsupervised pretraining regularizes deep learning algorithms. Specifically, we interpret deep learning algorithms as the traditional Tikhonov-regularized batch learning algorithms that simultaneously learn predictors in the input feature spaces and the parameters of the neural networks to produce the Tikhonov matrices. We prove that unsupervised pretraining helps in learning meaningful Tikhonov matrices, which will make the deep learning algorithms uniformly stable and the learned predictor will generalize fast w.r. t. the sample size. Unsupervised pretraining, therefore, can be interpreted as to have the function of regularization.
Proteomic analysis of serum in workers exposed to diesel engine exhaust

Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen. Using a targeted proteomics approach, we aimed to identify proteins associated with DEE and characterize these markers to understand the mechanisms of DEE‐induced carcinogenicity. In this cross‐sectional molecular epidemiology study, we measured elemental carbon (EC) using a personal air monitor and quantified 1317 targeted proteins in the serum using the SOMAScan assay (SOMALogic) among 19 diesel exposed factory workers and 19 unexposed controls. We used linear regressions to identify proteins associated with DEE and examined their exposure‐response relationship across levels of EC using linear trend tests. We further examined pathway enrichment of DEE‐related proteins using MetaCore. Occupational exposure to DEE was associated with altered levels of 22 serum proteins (permutation p < .01). Of these, 13 proteins (CXCL11, HAPLN1, FLT4, CD40LG, PES1, IGHE.IGK.IGL, TNFSF9, PGD, NAGK, CCL25, CCL4L1, PDXK, and PLA2G1B) showed an exposure‐response relationship with EC (p trend < .01), with serum levels of all but PLA2G1B declining with increasing air levels of EC. For instance, C‐X‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 11 (CXCL11) showed the most significant association with DEE (β = −0.25; permutation p = .00004), where mean serum levels were 4121.1, 2356.7, and 2298.8 relative fluorescent units among the unexposed, lower exposed (median, range : 56.9, 40.2–62.1 μg/m3 EC), and higher exposed (median, range of EC: 72.9, 66.9–107.7 μg/m3 EC) groups, respectively (p trend = .0005). Pathway analysis suggested that these proteins are enriched in pathways related to inflammation and immune regulation. Our study suggests that DEE exposure is associated with altered serum proteins, which play a role in inflammation and immune regulation.
Eosinophilia in Migrant Children

Background: The diagnostic approach to eosinophilia is complex, given the numerous reported etiologies. Intestinal parasites (especially helminths) are a concern in children from high-burden settings. We describe the diagnostic approach and clinical management of eosinophilia in a cohort of migrant children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study that included children diagnosed with eosinophilia at a reference center for pediatric tropical diseases from 2014 to 2018. All patients were screened according to a unified protocol, including direct microbiologic and serologic tests. Results: A total of 163 children presented with eosinophilia during the study period [median age, 7.7 years (4.1–12.2); 57.1% boys], mostly from Asia (27.6%) and South America (22.1%). Most were internationally adopted children (43.6%) or migrants (26.4%). Only 34.4% of the children were symptomatic, and the main etiology for eosinophilia was helminths (56.4%). After a sequential diagnostic approach, no etiology was found for 40.5% of the patients. The independent risk factors for an unexplained etiology were younger age (≤2 years: odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3–10.2; P = 0.015), absence of symptoms (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.8–12.5; P = 0.001) and mild eosinophilia (<1000/µL: odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 4.5–11.7; P = 0.005). Only 6 children were treated empirically. In those children with an identified cause and in those treated empirically, the eosinophilia resolved in 52% in a median of 7 months (5–9). Conclusions: Helminths are the main cause of eosinophilia in migrant children and need to be hunted, especially in older children with eosinophil counts >1000 eosinophils/µL.
Chinese parents’ intentions to vaccinate their children against SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine preferences

ABSTRACT This study aims to determine the intention of Chinese parents to vaccinate their children against SARS-CoV-2. Secondly, preferences for foreign- or domestically made COVID-19 vaccines were also explored. A nationwide, cross-sectional, self-administered online survey based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and new vaccine concerns was used. Participants were eligible if they were residents of China with children aged 12 years old or younger. A total of 2,026 parents responded to the survey. Half reported a probable intent (50.7%) and 26.9% reported a definite intent. The results of the data analysis of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) found that perceived cost barriers (B = −0.210, p < .001) and new vaccine concerns (B = −0.201, p < .001) had major effects in vaccination intent. Important constructs of vaccine concerns that predict vaccination intent were efficacy (B = 0.898, p < .001), followed by safety (B = 0.861, p < .001), side-effect (B = 0.806, p < .001) and faulty/fake vaccine (B = 0.579, p < .001). Perceived benefits (B = 1.81, p < .001), self-efficacy (B = 0.159, p < .001) and severity (B = 0.083, p < .01) were also significant predictors in vaccination intent. Almost two-thirds (62.0%; 95%CI 59.8 to 64.1) reported a preference for domestically made and 19.1% (95%CI 17.2 to 20.7) preferred foreign-made COVID-19 vaccines. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that higher incomes and concern of side-effects of the new COVID-19 vaccine were two of the most important influencing factors of preference for a foreign-made vaccine. This study sheds light on the importance of addressing concerns of new vaccines and the helpfulness of HBM in understanding parental decisions toward their children being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
Interaction design for rural agricultural sensor networks

We describe the ongoing design of a sensor network for small family farms in rural Kenya. The sensor network is just one part of an ‘ecology of resources’ in which handheld devices are used to bridge the sensor network and a computer-based access point. We describe the two villages where the system is deployed and the user requirements collected. We then describe the architecture of the sensor network and detail how it fits in with the larger integrated system. We then detail our approach to interface and interaction design, and conclude by describing the next steps in the project.
Altered neural responses to missed chance contribute to the risk‐taking behaviour in individuals with Internet gaming disorder

Missed chance is a powerful factor in shaping risk‐taking behaviour. The abnormal risk‐taking behaviour is an obvious feature of individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the relationship between the neural responses to missed chance and risk‐taking behaviour in IGD individuals remains unclear. In the current fMRI study, 28 IGD subjects (12 female, 23.04 ± 2.43 years old) and 26 healthy control (HC) subjects (13 female, 23.58 ± 2.67 years old) participated in fMRI scanning during performance of a sequential risk‐taking task. The general linear model and the psycho‐physiological interaction analyses were conducted to explore the difference in neural responses between the two groups. The results showed that IGD subjects reported more regret for the large missed chance and took more risk than HC subjects. Moreover, compared with HC subjects, IGD subjects exhibited greater activations in brain regions like ventral striatum (VS) and superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and stronger VS‐thalamus functional connectivity for the large missed chance. Additionally, among IGD subjects, the SFG activation for the large missed chance was positively correlated with the risk‐taking behaviour. Together, the results revealed the altered neural responses to missed chance contributed to the risk‐taking behaviour in IGD individuals. The findings could help to clearly understand why IGD individuals continue playing online games despite the risks of widely known and could provide a new perspective for the intervention of IGD.
Association between serum low‐density neutrophils and acute‐onset and recurrent Guillain–Barré syndrome

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the most common causes of acute flaccid paralysis. A timely assessment of this disease condition and its treatments are of vital importance to patients diagnosed with GBS. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variation trend of neutrophils along with disease courses and assess the prognostic value of serum low‐density neutrophils (LDNs) in the acute‐onset and recurrence of GBS.
Novel and extendable genotyping system for human respiratory syncytial virus based on whole‐genome sequence analysis

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections, especially in infants and young children. Previous RSV sequencing studies have primarily focused on partial sequencing of G gene (200–300 nucleotides) for genotype characterization or diagnostics. However, the genotype assignment with G gene has not recapitulated the phylogenetic signal of other genes, and there is no consensus on RSV genotype definition.
Knockdown of KLF7 inhibits the differentiation of both intramuscular and subcutaneous preadipocytes in goat

Abstract KLF7 belongs to the Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) family, which function as transcriptional regulators controlling a number of basic cellular processes, involving proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Here, we reveal insights into the differentiated expression of KLF7 in different goat tissues and different stages of growth, and the inhibition role of KLF7 knockdown to differentiation by using goat intramuscular and subcutaneous preadipocytes. We demonstrate that KLF7 expression is obviously changed during the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. Knockdown of KLF7 inhibited lipid droplet accumulation, reduced the expression of adipogenic markers both in intramuscular and subcutaneous preadipocytes in goats, suggesting that KLF7 is a novel regulator of adipogenesis. KLF7 expression changed also up or down-regulation the other KLF family members, but there were differences between these two types of cells. Investigation into the mechanism that KLF7 regulates preadipocyte differentiation revealed that KLF family members KLF1, KLF5, KLF6, KLF8, KLF11, KLF12, KLF16, KLF17 and adipogenic markers C/EBPα and SREBP1 promoter region present KLF7 transcriptional binding sites. Altogether, the data here identify KLF7 as a novel regulator of adipogenesis.
Sensitivity of Torsional Modes and Torques to Uncertainty in Shaft Mechanical Parameters

This paper explores the sensitivity of torsional modes and maximum torsional torques to turbine-generator shaft mechanical parameters. The analysis is performed on a typical single machine infinite bus system. Small-signal stability analysis, as well as large-disturbance analysis, are performed on six rotational mass mechanical system with and without inclusion of saturation of the generator. It is shown that mechanical parameters of the shaft, namely, inertia, shaft spring constant, internal shaft damping, and external damping, can significantly influence damping and frequency of torsional modes, mode shapes, and maximum torsional torques.
Uncertainty in Machining: Workshop Summary and Contributions

A National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop was held from Feb. 24–26, 2010 in Arlington, VA. The purpose of this “Uncertainty in machining” workshop was to address uncertainty and risk in machining and related manufacturing operations. The application of decision theory, which defines how rational decision makers should make decisions in the presence of uncertainty, was discussed. A summary of the meeting outcomes is presented. To aid in the application of decision theory to manufacturing process modeling, an example of Bayesian inference for the well-known mechanistic turning force model is provided. The discrete grid method is presented, and updating is performed using force data from the Assessment of Machining Models study completed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4004923]
Cardiac structure and function in elite female athletes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize the best available evidence comparing cardiac biventricular structure and function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in elite female athletes and healthy controls (HC). Chronic exposure to exercise may induce cardiac chamber enlargement as a means to augment stroke volume, a condition known as the “athlete's heart. ” These changes have not been clearly characterized in female athletes. Multiple databases were searched from inception to June 18, 2019. Outcomes of interest included left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dimensional, volumetric, mass, and functional assessments in female athletes. Most values were indexed to body surface area. The final search yielded 22 studies, including 1000 female athletes from endurance, strength, and mixed athletic disciplines. CMR‐derived LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) and RV end‐diastolic volume (RVEDV) were greater in endurance athletes (EA) versus HC (17.0% and 18.5%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Similarly, TTE‐derived LVEDV and RVEDV were greater in EA versus HC (16.8% and 28.0%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Both LVEF and RVEF were lower in EA versus HC, with the most pronounced difference observed in RVEF via TTE (9%) (p < 0.001). LV stroke volume was greater in EA versus HC via both CMR (18.5%) and TTE (13.2%) (both p < 0.05). Few studies reported data for the mixed athlete (MA) population and even fewer studies reported data for strength athletes (SA), therefore a limited analysis was performed on MA and no analysis was performed on SA. This evidence‐synthesis review demonstrates the RV may be more susceptible to ventricular enlargement. General changes in LV and RV structure and function in female EA mirrored changes observed in male counterparts. Further studies are needed to determine if potential adverse outcomes occur secondary to these changes.
Does the application of Robotics improve outcomes of pedicle screw insertion in spine surgery compared to conventional fluoroscopy guidance? A protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Pedicle screw insertion is routinely carried out in spine surgery that has traditionally been performed under fluoroscopy guidance. Robotic guidance has recently gained popularity in order to improve the accuracy of screw placement. However, it is unclear whether the use of robotics alters the accuracy of screw placement or clinical outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review aims to compare the results of pedicle screws inserted under fluoroscopy guidance, with those inserted under robotic guidance, in terms of both short-term radiographic outcomes, as well as long-term clinical outcomes. Methods: This systematic review will be conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search will be conducted on the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid with a pre-determined search strategy. A manual bibliography search of included studies will also be done. Original articles in English that directly compare pedicle screw insertion under robotic guidance to those inserted under fluoroscopy guidance will be included. Data on outcomes will be extracted from included studies and analysis carried out with the help of appropriate software.
Checkpoint activation drives global gene expression changes in Drosophila nuclear lamina mutants

Abstract The nuclear lamina (NL) lines the inner nuclear membrane. This extensive protein network organizes chromatin and contributes to the regulation of transcription, DNA replication, and repair. Lap2-emerin-MAN1 domain (LEM-D) proteins are key members of the NL, representing proteins that connect the NL to the genome through shared interactions with the chromatin-binding protein Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF). Functions of the LEM-D protein emerin and BAF are essential during Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis. Indeed, loss of either emerin or BAF blocks germ cell development and causes loss of germline stem cells, defects linked to the deformation of NL structure, and non-canonical activation of Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2). Here, we investigate the contributions of emerin and BAF to gene expression in the ovary. Profiling RNAs from emerin and baf mutant ovaries revealed that nearly all baf misregulated genes were shared with emerin mutants, defining a set of NL-regulated genes. Strikingly, loss of Chk2 restored the expression of most NL-regulated genes, identifying a large class of Chk2-dependent genes (CDGs). Nonetheless, some genes remained misexpressed upon Chk2 loss, identifying a smaller class of emerin-dependent genes (EDGs). Properties of EDGs suggest a shared role for emerin and BAF in the repression of developmental genes. Properties of CDGs demonstrate that Chk2 activation drives global misexpression of genes in the emerin and baf mutant backgrounds. Notably, CDGs were found upregulated in lamin-B mutant backgrounds. These observations predict that Chk2 activation might have a general role in gene expression changes found in NL-associated diseases, such as laminopathies.
Effectiveness of varicella vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background To evaluate the effectiveness of varicella vaccine (VarV) as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among children during varicella outbreaks. Material and Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, Wanfang and CNKI. Relevant outcomes included the incidence of varicella. Pooled estimates were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model according to the heterogeneity among studies. Results A total of 15 studies with 7,474 children that received one or two dosages of VarV as PEP and 183,827 children who received no VarV were included in the meta-analysis. In total, one-dose and two-dose VarV as PEP had 43% (95% confidence interval (CI):27%, 55%) and 60% (95%CI: 35%, 75%) efficacy, respectively. When PEP was applied within 3 days, the pooled VarV as PEP for prevention of varicella was 80% (95%CI: 68%, 88%); when PEP was administered beyond 3 days, the pooled VarV as PEP for the prevention of varicella was 50% (95%CI: 11%, 72%). If the PEP was implemented with a coverage of more than 80%, the VarV could prevent 82% of varicella cases from occurring (95%CI: 15%, 96%); if the PEP covered a maximum of 80% of the susceptible cases, the VarV could prevent 65% of varicella cases from occurring (95%CI: 50%, 76%). Conclusion The two-dose VarV had better efficacy than one-dose VarV in the control of varicella outbreaks, especially if PEP was applied within 3 days of an outbreak and in conjunction with a high coverage rate ≥80%.
Microplastic consumption induces inflammatory signatures in the colon and prolongs a viral arthritis

Global microplastic (MP) contamination and the effects on the environment are well described. However, the potential for MP consumption to affect human health remains controversial. Mice consuming ≈80 µg/kg/day of 1 µm polystyrene MPs via their drinking water for a month showed no weight loss, nor were MPs detected in organs. The microbiome was also unchanged. MP consumption did lead to small transcriptional changes in the colon suggesting plasma membrane perturbations and mild inflammation. Mice were challenged with the arthritogenic chikungunya virus, with MP consumption leading to a significantly prolonged arthritic foot swelling that was associated with elevated Th1, NK cell and neutrophil signatures. Immunohistochemistry also showed a significant increase in the ratio of neutrophils to monocyte/macrophages. The picture that emerges is reminiscent of enteropathic arthritis, whereby perturbations in the colon are thought to activate innate lymphoid cells that can inter alia migrate to joint tissues to promote inflammation.
Monopulse tracking of Rayleigh targets: a simple approach

A simple derivation of the probability distribution of the monopulse ratio is presented. The derivation is based upon a conditional distribution and considers both Rayleigh targets and simple non-Rayleigh cases. The mean is obtained almost without calculation. The variance expression is given completely general noise and glint interpretation. Analytical expressions for angle error mean and spread, including noise, target width, and unresolved targets, are presented as functions of antenna position, in simple and comprehensive diagrams. >
The effects of cultural differences between the west and Saudi Arabia on emergency evacuation—clothing effects on walking speed

Evacuation analysis is an integral part of safety when dealing with the increasing number of complex building designs around the world. During such analysis, engineers use predetermined input values based on experiments for factors such as alarm reaction time and walking speed. However, much of the data currently in use were collected in Western countries, such as the UK and the USA, and were applied regardless of where the building will be constructed. This research explores the suitability of applying such data cross‐culturally, with a focus on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is of particular interest because of cultural differences in traditional clothing, personal space, fire training, and religious requirements, such as gender segregation. Because these factors could impact evacuation behavior and movement speeds, data were collected and analyzed on the effects of traditional Saudi clothing on movement speeds of different genders in Saudi Arabia. Outcomes of our analysis indicate that the length and type of clothing worn by women in Saudi Arabia have a significant effect on their walking speeds on flat surfaces and when ascending and descending stairways. This paper highlights the effects of cultural differences and presents a set of data that can be used when conducting an evacuation analysis within Saudi Arabia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Young People's Experiences of Cybersecurity

Young people are increasingly becoming responsible for the security of their devices, yet do not appear to have the knowledge to protect themselves online. In this paper, we explore young people's knowledge of cybersecurity through a series of workshops with secondary school children, and co-design cybersecurity lessons aimed at engaging this demographic. We find that technical demonstrations are an effective way of engaging young people's curiosity in the subject, and that group activities aimed at exploring the subject are preferred methods. We also find that while knowledgeable about cybersecurity theory (e.g. passwords), their actual behaviours did not reflect best practice. We discuss the role of schools in cybersecurity education and how to best embed this content in the curriculum to maximise the engagement of students, including a focus on teaching about cybersecurity protective tools.