nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
AggNet: Deep Learning From Crowds for Mitosis Detection in Breast Cancer Histology Images
Venue: IEEE Trans. Medical Imaging

The lack of publicly available ground truth data has been identified as the major challenge for transferring recent developments in deep learning to the biomedical imaging domain. Though crowdsourcing has enabled annotation of large scale databases for real world images, its application for biomedical purposes requires a deeper understanding and hence, more precise definition of the actual annotation task. The fact that expert tasks are being outsourced to non expert users may lead to noisy annotations introducing disagreement between users. Despite being a valuable resource for learning annotation models from crowdsourcing, conventional machine learning methods may have difficulties dealing with noisy annotations during training. In this manuscript, we present a new concept for learning from crowds that handle data aggregation directly as part of the learning process of the convolutional neural network (CNN) via additional crowdsourcing layer (AggNet) Besides, we present an experimental study on learning from crowds designed to answer the following questions. 1) Can deep CNN be trained with data collected from crowdsourcing? 2) How to adapt the CNN to train on multiple types of annotation datasets (ground truth and crowd based) 3) How does the choice of annotation and aggregation affect the accuracy? Our experimental setup involved Annot8, a self implemented web platform based on Crowdflower API realizing image annotation tasks for a publicly available biomedical image database. Our results give valuable insights into the functionality of deep CNN learning from crowd annotations and prove the necessity of data aggregation integration.
A hippocampal network for spatial coding during immobility and sleep
Venue: Nature

How does an animal know where it is when it stops moving? Hippocampal place cells fire at discrete locations as subjects traverse space, thereby providing an explicit neural code for current location during locomotion. In contrast, during awake immobility, the hippocampus is thought to be dominated by neural firing representing past and possible future experience. The question of whether and how the hippocampus constructs a representation of current location in the absence of locomotion has been unresolved. Here we report that a distinct population of hippocampal neurons, located in the CA2 subregion, signals current location during immobility, and does so in association with a previously unidentified hippocampus wide network pattern. In addition, signalling of location persists into brief periods of desynchronization prevalent in slow wave sleep. The hippocampus thus generates a distinct representation of current location during immobility, pointing to mnemonic processing specific to experience occurring in the absence of locomotion.
Benefit beliefs about protein supplements: A comparative study of users and non users
Venue: Appetite

The consumption of protein supplements among leisure time exercisers is growing. The present study aims to identify factors that motivate protein supplement consumption by comparing users' and non users' underlying benefit beliefs about protein supplement. The study is based on an online survey of 813 Swiss adults (376 users of protein supplements and 437 non users) Participants answered questions related to their benefit beliefs regarding protein supplement, their protein supplements consumption frequency, their activity level (GPAQ) and their reasons for taking protein supplement. In women, the most commonly cited reasons were to increase muscles (57.3% and to regulate their weight (48.6% and in men to increase muscles (83.7% and to promote regeneration (53.7% Furthermore, a principal component analysis revealed four benefit belief factors: (a) restore nutrients/avoid weakness; (b) fitness promotion; (c) health/well being; (d) muscle modulation/competitive performance. The analysis showed that both users and non users predominantly perceive protein supplements consumption as a strategy to modulate muscle mass, while beliefs in a health and well being promoting effect was more prevalent among users (M 3.2, SD 1.3) than non users (M 2.7, SD 1.3) (p 0.001) Moreover, health and wellbeing related beliefs were associated with an increased likelihood of a higher protein supplements intake frequency (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1 1.9) while physical activity level was not associated with protein supplements intake frequency. In addition, a negative correlation between physical activity level and beliefs in a fitness promoting effect of protein supplements (r 0.14, p 0.001) was observed, indicating that for a subgroup, protein supplements might license lower activity levels. Despite a lack of scientific evidence, consumers of varying activity levels consume protein supplements and believe in its' various positive features. Users should be better informed to prevent misguided health beliefs.
Ammonium accumulation in commercially available embryo culture media and protein supplements during storage at 2 8degC and during incubation at 37degC.
Venue: Human reproduction

Does ammonium accumulate in commercially available culture media and protein supplements used for in vitro development of human pre implantation embryos during storage and incubation?  Ammonium accumulates in ready to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) culture media during storage at 2 8degC and in ready to use IVF culture media and protein supplements during incubation at 37degC. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both animal and human studies have shown that the presence of ammonium in culture medium has detrimental effects on embryonic development and pregnancy rate. It is, therefore, important to assess the amount of ammonium accumulation in ready to use IVF culture media under conditions that are common in daily practice.  Ammonium accumulation was investigated in 15 ready to use media, 11 protein free media and 8 protein supplements.  Ammonium was measured by the use of an enzymatic method with glutamate dehydrogenase. To simulate the storage and incubation conditions during IVF treatments, ammonium concentrations were measured at different time points during storage at 2 8degC for 6 weeks and during incubation at 37degC for 4 days.  All ready to use, i.e. protein supplemented, culture media showed ammonium accumulation during storage for 6 weeks (ranging from 9.2 to 99.8 uM) and during incubation for 4 days (ranging from 8.4 to 138.6 uM) resulting in levels that might affect embryo development. The protein supplements also showed ammonium accumulation, while the culture media without protein supplementation did not. The main sources of ammonium buildup in ready to use culture media were unstable glutamine and the protein supplements. No additional ammonium buildup was found during incubation when using an oil overlay or with the presence of an embryo in the culture droplet.  In addition to the unstable glutamine and the protein supplements, other free amino acids might contribute to the ammonium buildup. We did not investigate the deterioration of other components in the media.  Break down of components into ammonium is more pronounced during incubation at 37degC, however, it is not negligible during storage at 2 8degC. This results in increasing ammonium levels in culture media over time that may affect embryo development. Therefore, it is important that the use of free l glutamine in human embryo culture media is stopped and that the use of protein supplements is thoroughly evaluated.  No funding or no competing interests declared.
Protein type and caloric density of protein supplements modulate postprandial amino acid profile through changes in gastrointestinal behaviour: A randomized trial.
Venue: Clinical nutrition

The requirement of leucine and essential amino acids (EAA) to stimulate muscle protein synthesis increases with age. To target muscle anabolism it is suggested that higher postprandial blood levels of leucine and EAA are needed in older people. The aim was to evaluate the impact of oral nutritional supplements with distinct protein source and energy density, resembling mixed meals, on serum amino acid profiles and on gastrointestinal behaviour.  Four iso nitrogenous protein (21 g) supplements were studied containing leucine enriched whey protein with 150/320 kcal (W150/W320) or casein protein with 150/320 kcal (C150/C320) all products contained carbohydrates (10 or 32 g) and fat (3 or 12 g) Postprandial serum AA profiles were evaluated in twelve healthy, older subjects who participated in a randomized, controlled, single blind, cross over study. Gastrointestinal behaviour was studied in vitro by looking at gastric coagulation and cumulative intestinal protein digestion over time.  The peak serum leucine concentration was twofold higher for W150 vs. C150 (521 15 vs. 260 15 mmol/L, p 0.001) higher for W320 vs. C320 (406 15 vs. 228 15 mmol/L, p 0.001) and higher for low caloric vs. high caloric products (p 0.001 for pooled analyses; p 0.001 for interaction protein source*caloric density) Similar effects were observed for the peak concentrations of EAA and total AA (TAA) In vitro gastric coagulation was observed only for the casein protein supplements. Intestinal digestion for 90 min resulted in higher levels of free TAA, EAA, and leucine for W150 vs. C150, for W150 vs. W320, and for C150 vs. C320 (p 0.0125)  A low caloric leucine enriched whey protein nutritional supplement provides a higher rise in serum levels of TAA, EAA and leucine compared to casein protein or high caloric products in healthy, elderly subjects. These differences appear to be mediated in part by the gastrointestinal behaviour of these products.
Rumen Degradability and Small Intestinal Digestibility of the Amino Acids in Four Protein Supplements
Venue: Asian Australasian journal of animal sciences

The supplementation of livestock feed with animal protein is a present cause for public concern, and plant protein shortages have become increasingly prominent in China. This conflict may be resolved by fully utilizing currently available sources of plant protein. We estimated the rumen degradability and the small intestinal digestibility of the amino acids (AA) in rapeseed meal (RSM) soybean meal (SBM) sunflower seed meal (SFM) and sesame meal (SSM) using the mobile nylon bag method to determine the absorbable AA content of these protein supplements as a guide towards dietary formulations for the dairy industry. Overall, this study aimed to utilize protein supplements effectively to guide dietary formulations to increase milk yield and save plant protein resources. To this end, we studied four cows with a permanent rumen fistula and duodenal T shape fistula in a 4x4 Latin square experimental design. The results showed that the total small intestine absorbable amino acids and small intestine absorbable essential amino acids were higher in the SBM (26.34% and 13.11% dry matter [DM] respectively) than in the SFM (13.97% and 6.89% DM, respectively) The small intestine absorbable Lys contents of the SFM, SSM, RSM and SBM were 0.86% 0.88% 1.43% and 2.12% (DM basis) respectively, and the absorbable Met contents of these meals were 0.28% 1.03% 0.52% and 0.47% (DM basis) respectively. Among the examined food sources, the milk protein score of the SBM (0.181) was highest followed by those of the RSM (0.136) SSM (0.108) and SFM (0.106) The absorbable amino acid contents of the protein supplements accurately reflected protein availability, which is an important indicator of the balance of feed formulation. Therefore, a database detailing the absorbable AA should be established.
Protein and Amino Acid Profiles of Different Whey Protein Supplements
Venue: Journal of dietary supplements

Whey protein (WP) supplements have received increasing attention by consumers due to the high nutritional value of the proteins and amino acids they provide. However, some WP supplements may not contain the disclosed amounts of the ingredients listed on the label, compromising the nutritional quality and the effectiveness of these supplements. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the contents of total protein (TP) a lactalbumin (a LA) b lactoglobulin (b LG) free essential amino acids (free EAA) and free branched chain amino acids (free BCAA) amongst different WP supplements produced by U.S. and Brazilian companies. Twenty commercial brands of WP supplements were selected, ten manufactured in U.S. (WP USA) and ten in Brazil (WP BRA) The TP was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method, while a LA, b LG, free EAA, and free BCAA were analyzed using HPLC system. There were higher (p 0.05) concentrations of TP, a LA, b LG, and free BCAA in WP USA supplements, as compared to the WP BRA supplements; however, there was no difference (p 0.05) in the content of free EAA between WP USA and WP BRA. Amongst the 20 brands evaluated, four WP USA and seven WP BRA had lower (p 0.05) values of TP than those specified on the label. In conclusion, the WP USA supplements exhibited better nutritional quality, evaluated by TP, a LA, b LG, and free BCAA when compared to WP BRA.
Manipulating the d Band Electronic Structure of Platinum Functionalized Nanoporous Gold Bowls: Synergistic Intermetallic Interactions Enhance Catalysis

Bicontinuous nanoporous gold (NPG) is a high performance catalyst characterized by its excellent electrochemical stability and immense active surface area with high electrolyte accessibility. However, the intrinsic catalytic activity of NPG is still lower compared to other metals (such as Pt) thus impeding its applicability in a commercial catalytic system. Herein, we incorporate secondary Pt metal with inherently strong catalytic activities into a zero dimensional (0D) nanoporous gold bowl (NPGB) to develop Pt NPGB bimetallic catalyst. Our strategy effectively exploits the highly accessible surface area of NPGB and the manipulative d band electronic structure brought about by the synergistic intermetallic interaction for enhanced catalytic performance and durability. Deposition of Pt on the NPGB catalyst directly modulates its d band electronic structure, with the electronic energy of Pt NPGBs tunable between 3.93 to 4.24, approximating that of chemically resistant gold 4.35 eV) This is vital to we.
A typology of brand counterfeiting and imitation based on a semiotic approach

Counterfeiting and imitation are major issues for luxury products and brands. This research proposes a conceptualization of brand based on a semiotic approach and a typology of counterfeit and imitation comprising two dimensions: logotype and product appearance. A survey testing stimuli developed according to the typology explores consumer reactions to different modalities of counterfeiting and imitation on five brands. A dominant categorization schema based on brand name emerged, although some product categories deviate from this pattern. The discussion draws implications for brand research, suggesting that typicality may explain the dichotomy in the categorization schema and acceptability of stimuli, as well as managerial implications.
The effectiveness of computers on vocabulary learning among preschool children: a semiotic approach

Semiotics has recently achieved some prominence as a theoretical foundation for foreign language learning/teaching. Though there have been a number of research on the semiotics in foreign language learning, the practical use of semiotics in preschool classroom environment still remains unanswered. What is more, the effectiveness of computers on vocabulary learning among preschool children is still an obscure area, which attracts the attentions of researchers, scholars and practitioners. Thus, the study aims to investigate if there is any significant difference in preschool children's vocabulary gain depending upon the computer assisted vocabulary instruction or the traditional vocabulary instruction both adopting a semiotic approach. The sample group of the study included 35 preschool children (5 years) who are enrolled in Balikesir University Necatibey Faculty of Education Kindergarten. In this quasi experimental study, the children were assigned to computer assisted vocabulary instruction group (16) or traditional vocabulary instruction group (19) the experimental and control groups respectively. Before the experiment, the children were given a pre test, which measured the target vocabulary the children had already known. While the experimental group learned the target vocabulary through computer assisted instruction, the control group was given the same words via traditional vocabulary instruction. Following the experiment, the same test was given to the children as the post test. The findings of the present study indictated that both instruction types were effective in teaching vocabulary and that no significant difference was found between the groups regarding their vocabulary knowledge.
The meanings of monuments and memorials: toward a semiotic approach

This paper aims at delineating the basic principles for a semiotic approach to monuments and memorials. Monuments are built forms erected to confer dominant meanings on space. They present an aesthetic value as well as a political function. Often, political elites erect monuments to promote selective historical narratives that focus on convenient events and individuals while obliterating what is discomforting. While representing selective historical narratives, monuments can inculcate specific conceptions of the present and encourage future possibilities. As such, monuments become essential for the articulation of the national politics of memory and identity through which political elites set political agendas and legitimate political power. However, once erected, monuments become social properties and users can reinterpret them in ways that are different or contrary to the intentions of the designers. Previous research has explored monuments as either aesthetic objects presenting historical and artistic values or as political tools in the hand of those in power. Hence, this research has wittingly or unwittingly created a gap between the material symbolic and the political dimensions of monuments. Moreover, it has variously given more emphasis either to the intentions of the designers or to the interpretations of the users. The semiotic approach to monuments can address these issues providing a holistic approach that overcomes the rigid distinctions predominant in previous research on monuments. Although useful analytical categories, the distinction between material symbolic and political dimensions cannot be extended to the ontological state of monuments. Semiotics can be useful in investigating the meanings of monuments as actively created by the interplay of the material, the symbolic and the political dimensions. It provides a methodological basis to consider designers and users as equally contributing to the meaning making of monuments.
The legends of tomorrow: A semiotic approach towards a brand myth of luxury heritage

The art of positioning luxury brands within a frame of heritage myths has become increasingly important for marketing and management recently, for communicating luxury values from the perspective of a unique brand is a major task to distinguish companies and products within the field of luxury and to gain a strong individual identity. However, the complexity of signs within shop designs is a semiotic phenomenon that is still rather focused on by the humanities, while its effective adaption for luxury fashion brands regarding heritage and value communication is still poorly understood and has not been explored so far. The most important value of our study is to present and analyse luxury sign chains in a traditional London gentleman's bespoke shop with a semiotic approach. The analysis, based on Roland Barthes' philosophy, leads to results which indicate remarkable implications for luxury brand management as well as to the suggestion to apply linguistic approaches more often for future research in luxury fashion, brand management, and marketing semiotics.
Rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease: Current outlook and future challenges.
Venue: Parkinsonism related disorders

Rehabilitation is considered as an adjuvant to pharmacological and surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) to maximize functional ability and minimize secondary complications. Originally, approaches were based on empirical experience, but growing evidence suggests that exercise dependent plasticity constitutes the main mechanism underlying the effects of physiotherapy. Exercise increases synaptic strength and influences neurotransmission, thus potentiating functional circuitry in PD. In addition, exercise is a pivotal element of motor learning. PD patients retain a sufficient capacity of motor learning, though learning rates and performance are reduced in comparison to normal controls. Recent meta analyses demonstrated that rehabilitation could induce short lasting, but clinically important benefits, particularly for gait and balance. However, the interventions are largely heterogeneous (stretching, muscle strengthening, balance, postural exercises, occupational therapy, cueing, treadmill training) and there is still no consensus about the optimal approach. Innovative techniques have been recently proposed: virtual reality and exergaming, motor imagery and action observation, robot assisted physiotherapy and non conventional therapies (e.g. dance, martial arts) The rehabilitative program for PD should be "goal based" (targeted to practicing and learning specific activities in the core areas) but a number of practice variables (intensity, specificity, complexity) need to be identified and the program should tailored to the individual patients' characteristics.
Towards Integrating Microservices with Adaptable Enterprise Architecture
Venue: 2016 IEEE 20th International Enterprise Distributed Object Computing Workshop (EDOCW)

IT environments that consist of a very large number of rather small structures like microservices, Internet of Things (IoT) components, or mobility systems are emerging to support flexible and agile products and services in the age of digital transformation. Biological metaphors of living and adaptable ecosystems with service oriented enterprise architectures provide the foundation for self optimizing, resilient run time environments and distributed information systems. We are extending Enterprise Architecture (EA) methodologies and models that cover a high degree of heterogeneity and distribution to support the digital transformation and related information systems with micro granular architectures. Our aim is to support flexibility and agile transformation for both IT and business capabilities within adaptable digital enterprise architectures. The present research paper investigates mechanisms for integrating Microservice Architectures (MSA) by extending original enterprise architecture reference models with elements for more flexible architectural metamodels and EA mini descriptions.