Incremental Unsupervised Domain-Adversarial Training of Neural Networks

In the context of supervised statistical learning, it is typically assumed that the training set comes from the same distribution that draws the test samples. When this is not the case, the behavior of the learned model is unpredictable and becomes dependent upon the degree of similarity between the distribution of the training set and the distribution of the test set. One of the research topics that investigates this scenario is referred to as domain adaptation. Deep neural networks brought dramatic advances in pattern recognition and that is why there have been many attempts to provide good domain adaptation algorithms for these models. Here we take a different avenue and approach the problem from an incremental point of view, where the model is adapted to the new domain iteratively. We make use of an existing unsupervised domain-adaptation algorithm to identify the target samples on which there is greater confidence about their true label. The output of the model is analyzed in different ways to determine the candidate samples. The selected set is then added to the source training set by considering the labels provided by the network as ground truth, and the process is repeated until all target samples are labelled. Our results report a clear improvement with respect to the non-incremental case in several datasets, also outperforming other state-of-the-art domain adaptation algorithms.Comment: 26 pages, 7 figure

Experimental modulation of capsule size in Cryptococcus neoformans

Experimental modulation of capsule size is an important technique for the study of the virulence of the encapsulated pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. In this paper, we summarize the techniques available for experimental modulation of capsule size in this yeast and describe improved methods to induce capsule size changes. The response of the yeast to the various stimuli is highly dependent on the cryptococcal strain. A high CO(2) atmosphere and a low iron concentration have been used classically to increase capsule size. Unfortunately, these stimuli are not reliable for inducing capsular enlargement in all strains. Recently we have identified new and simpler conditions for inducing capsule enlargement that consistently elicited this effect. Specifically, we noted that mammalian serum or diluted Sabouraud broth in MOPS buffer pH 7.3 efficiently induced capsule growth. Media that slowed the growth rate of the yeast correlated with an increase in capsule size. Finally, we summarize the most commonly used media that induce capsule growth in C. neoformans

Story-based Video Retrieval in TV series using Plot Synopses

We present a novel approach to search for plots in the story-line of structured videos such as TV series. To this end, we propose to align natural language descriptions of the videos, such as plot synopses, with the corresponding shots in the video. Guided by subtitles and person identities the align-ment problem is formulated as an optimization task over all possible assignments and solved efficiently using dynamic programming. We evaluate our approach on a novel dataset comprising of the complete season 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and show good alignment performance and the abil-ity to retrieve plots in the storyline

Physical activity levels during unstructured recess in Spanish primary and secondary schools

Introduction. The goals of this study were: a) to describe sedentary time and different physical activity (PA) intensities during school recess; b) to analyze sex and education level differences; c) to describe compliance with recommended guidelines for recess and; d) to determine the contribution of unstructured recess to PA guidelines. Material and Methods. Two subsamples from Spain participated: one of primary school students (114 girls, 8.77 +/- 1.74 years and 59 boys, 8.47 +/- 1.71 years), and one of secondary school students (100 girls, 12.16 +/- 0.49 years and 116 boys, 12.15 +/- 0.52 years). PA was quantified by accelerometers. Results and Discussion. Significant sex and education level effect was found over the combination of different percentages of PA intensities. All PA intensities except sedentary and light, showed higher values in primary education students. Boys reported higher values in MVPA both in primary and secondary. It was found a significant effect of sex and education level on the contribution of recess to PA guidelines. Conclusions. Interventions should be carried out to encourage PA during recess, especially for girls and secondary school students. Introducción. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: a) describir el tiempo sedentario y diferentes niveles de intensidad de actividad física (AF) durante los recreos escolares; b) analizar las diferencias según el sexo y el nivel educativo; c) determinar el cumplimiento con las recomendaciones internacionales de práctica de AF para los periodos de recreo; d) definir la contribución de los recreos a las recomendaciones diarias de actividad física. Materiales y Métodos. Participaron dos muestras de alumnos: una de educación primaria (114 chicas, 8.77±1.74 años y 59 chicos, 8.47±1.71 años), y una de educación secundaria (100 chicas, 12.16±0.49 años y 116 chicos, 12.15±0.52 años). Se utilizaron acelerómetros para analizar los niveles de AF. Resultados y discusión. Los resultados mostraron un efecto significativo del género y el nivel educativo en las diferentes intensidades de actividad física. Todas las intensidades, excepto tiempo sedentario y actividad ligera, mostraron valores mayores en alumnos de educación primaria. Los chicos mostraron valores mayores en la actividad física moderada-vigorosa (AFMV). Se encontró también un efecto significativo del sexo y el nivel educativo en la contribución del recreo al cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de AF. Conclusiones. Deberían desarrollarse intervenciones para fomentar la AF durante los recreos, especialmente para chicas y alumnos de educación secundaria

Barriers to and ways of facilitating the implementation of Aragon’s Health-Promoting School network

Background: The Health-Promoting School (HPS) framework offers a comprehensive approach to promoting health in schools. Aragon’s HPS network is a local organisation which has identified the need for closer cooperation between the education and health sectors as the main challenge facing its programme. Objectives: Previous studies from countries implementing HPS approaches have identified various outcomes and challenges. However, there is insufficient evidence to identify potential barriers to HPS implementation in Spain. This study therefore set out to explore these issues within the context of the HPS network in Aragon. Method: Three focus groups were held in different cities (Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel) between April and May 2020. The total sample comprised 18 adults ( M = 45.21; SD = 12.61), 60% of whom were men. Eleven participants were HPS stakeholders (i.e. teachers, HPS coordinators) and seven were external collaborators (e.g. university professors, researchers). Results: The main barriers identified were the excessive workload for professionals involved in the network, limitations imposed by contextual factors such as lack of teacher and family involvement, and lack of supervision and communication within the HPS network. Strengthening collaboration with work in other settings, the provision of continuing education for teaching staff and more systematic evaluation were identified as potential ways forward. Conclusion: Using the principles identified in this paper, Aragon’s HPS network should be further developed to enhance effective implementation and improve sustainability

Novel polymorphisms in the 5′UTR of FASN, GPAM, MC4R and PLIN1 ovine candidate genes: Relationship with gene expression and diet

We have analyzed the 5′cis-regulatory regions of four genes coding for key proteins involved in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in Rasa Aragonesa, Assaf and Roja Mallorquina sheep breeds. We identified 10 novel polymorphisms in the 5′regulatory regions in fatty acid synthase (FASN), glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase mitochondrial (GPAM), melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and perilipin (PLIN1) genes. Due to the involvement of these genes in fat quantitative traits and the effect of all polymorphic positions on transcription factors binding sites, we tested all of them in two relevant meat reared breeds which were subjected to different feeding systems. Although no relationship was detected between the mRNA expression level of the candidate genes and the genotypes, additional studies must be conducted in older individuals, since these polymorphisms have been detected by in silico studies to be putatively involved in transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms. The expression level of GPAM, MC4R and PLIN1 genes was analyzed and compared between feeding groups detecting over expression of adipogenic genes in the intensive groups. These results suggest that nutritional stimulation affects the expression of candidates genes involved in lipid metabolic processes, and therefore the fat quality in meat ruminant-derived food products.In pres

Defining the Substrate Spectrum of the TIM22 Complex Identifies Pyruvate Carrier Subunits as Unconventional Cargos

Mitochondria carrier proteins, which possess six transmembrane spans (TM), are transported by the TIM22 complex. By using a quantitative proteomic approach, Gomkale and Cruz-Zaragoza et al. reveal subunits of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) that possess two or three TMs as unexpected substrates of the carrier pathway

Effect of habitat structure on the most frequent echinoderm species inhabiting coral reef communities at Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico)

The spatial distribution and abundance of the seven most abundant species of echinoderms (Diadema mexicanum, Centrostephanus coronatus, Eucidaris thouarsii, Isostichopus fuscus, Pharia pyramidatus, Phataria unifascialis and Acanthaster ellisii) were evaluated in coral communities of Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico). Biological (corals and other benthic groups) and physical (rocks and boulders) structural elements of the habitat were evaluated to determine their relationship to these species. Our results show that species composition and abundance varied among sampling sites and between seasons. Also were obtained significant differences in the echinoderm assemblage among sites across seasons. Similar results were detected for the environmental variables related to benthic habitat structure. D. mexicanum, P. unifascialis, E. thouarsii and C. coronatus were the main contributors to the species abundance and distribution in Isla Isabel. Most echinoderm species were positively related to the coverage of different coral species, algae and various types of benthic organisms as well as to physical benthic variables. These outcomes suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of these echinoderms are explained by the habitat structure, which should be used to design conservation and management strategies for coral communities