Generalized Neural Collapse for a Large Number of Classes

Neural collapse provides an elegant mathematical characterization of learned last layer representations (a.k.a. features) and classifier weights in deep classification models. Such results not only provide insights but also motivate new techniques for improving practical deep models. However, most of the existing empirical and theoretical studies in neural collapse focus on the case that the number of classes is small relative to the dimension of the feature space. This paper extends neural collapse to cases where the number of classes are much larger than the dimension of feature space, which broadly occur for language models, retrieval systems, and face recognition applications. We show that the features and classifier exhibit a generalized neural collapse phenomenon, where the minimum one-vs-rest margins is maximized.We provide empirical study to verify the occurrence of generalized neural collapse in practical deep neural networks. Moreover, we provide theoretical study to show that the generalized neural collapse provably occurs under unconstrained feature model with spherical constraint, under certain technical conditions on feature dimension and number of classes.Comment: 32 pages, 12 figure

Discovery of Digenic Mutation, KCNH2 c.1898A >C and JUP c.916dupA, in a Chinese Family with Long QT Syndrome via Whole-Exome Sequencing

Long QT syndrome (LQTS), which is caused by an ion channel–related gene mutation, is a malignant heart disease with a clinical course of a high incidence of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death in the young. Mutations in KCNH2 (which encodes potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2) are responsible for LQTS in many patients. Here we report the novel mutation c.1898A>C in KCNH2 in a Chinese family with LQTS through whole-exome sequencing. The c.916dupA mutation in JUP (which encodes junction plakoglobin) is also discovered. Mutations in JUP were found to be associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. The double mutation in the proband may help explain his severe clinical manifestations, such as sudden cardiac death at an early age. Sequencing for the proband’s family members revealed that the KCNH2 mutation descends from his paternal line, while the mutation in JUP came from his maternal line. The data provided in this study may help expand the spectrum of LQTS-related KCNH2 mutations and add support to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of families affected by malignant arrhythmias

Stress-Induced Epinephrine Enhances Lactate Dehydrogenase A and Promotes Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells

Chronic stress triggers activation of the sympathetic nervous system and drives malignancy. Using an immunodeficient murine system, we showed that chronic stress–induced epinephrine promoted breast cancer stem-like properties via lactate dehydrogenase A–dependent (LDHA-dependent) metabolic rewiring. Chronic stress–induced epinephrine activated LDHA to generate lactate, and the adjusted pH directed USP28-mediated deubiquitination and stabilization of MYC. The SLUG promoter was then activated by MYC, which promoted development of breast cancer stem-like traits. Using a drug screen that targeted LDHA, we found that a chronic stress–induced cancer stem-like phenotype could be reversed by vitamin C. These findings demonstrated the critical importance of psychological factors in promoting stem-like properties in breast cancer cells. Thus, the LDHA-lowering agent vitamin C can be a potential approach for combating stress-associated breast cancer

Study on Coupling Coordination Relationship between Urban Development Intensity and Water Environment Carrying Capacity of Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle

The high-level coupling coordination relationship between urban development and a city’s water environment carrying capacity is conducive to urban sustainable development. Taking the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle as the research object, this study developed an index system to determine the urban development intensity and water environment carrying capacity, respectively. Based on the comprehensive evaluation model and the coupling coordination degree model, the spatial distribution characteristics, agglomeration law of urban development intensity, water environment carrying capacity and their coupling coordination relationship were analyzed. The results showed that the areas with a high urban development intensity were distributed in the main urban districts of Chengdu and Chongqing, and the intensity gradually reduced away from both core cities, which formed a “ripple-like” pattern. The areas with a high water environment carrying capacity were mainly in the southwest, southeast, northeast and central parts of the region and were distributed in a “W” pattern along the Yangtze River. The coupling coordination degree between the urban development intensity and water environment carrying capacity was low, as only 11.4% of the cities were coordinated while most cities were slightly uncoordinated. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for sustainable urban development in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle

Effect of 3:7 ratio of Astragalus total saponins and Curcumin on the diabetic nephropathy rats model

Objective: Study the effect of the 3:7 ratio of Astragalus total saponins and Curcumin on the model of diabetic nephropathy rats, and explore its mechanisms. Methods: Diabetic nephropathy rats model was established by high-fat and high-sugar feed feeding combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection in sublingual vein. Measured fasting blood glucose of rats on the 10, 20 and 30th day, and measured urine protein content in urine of rats on 30th days. Two hours after the last administration, measured glycated serum protein (GSP), insulin antibody (IA), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), insulin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) in the serum and calculated the renal index of rat. Take the viscera of pancreas and kidney, and HE staining, so as to observe pathological changes. Result: Astragalus total saponins and Curcumin 3:7 compatibility each dose group can significantly reduce the diabetic nephropathy rats blood glucose of 30th days, significantly reduce the level of GSP, IA, TG, TC, LDL (P  0.05); Astragalus total saponins and Curcumin 3:7 compatibility each dose group also can decrease renal index, UN, and Cr levels with different degrees and improve the pathological changes of pancreatic tissue and kidney tissue in diabetic nephropathy rats with different degrees (P  0.05). Conclusion: The 3:7 ratio of Astragalus total saponins and Curcumin can achieve the treatment and protection effects on diabetic nephropathy rats by improve the glycometableolism, insulin resistance, lipid metableolism, oxidative stress levels, and pathological changes. Keywords: Astragalus total saponins, Curcumin, Lipid metableolism, Diabetic nephropathy, Glycometableolism, Oxidative stres

Leptonetela latapicalis He & Liu & Xu & Yin & Peng 2019, sp. nov.

<i>Leptonetela latapicalis</i> sp. nov. <p>Figures 5–8, 12</p> <p>http://zoobank.org/NomenclaturalActs/ 9D53BD4D-BCDF-4DA2-9369-6AADA3C89151</p> <p> <b>Type material. Holotype:</b> male (HNU) China, Hunan Province, Shaoyang County, Hebo Town, Chengbei Village, Jigong Cave, 111°17.460'E, 26°45.438'N, 576 m, 23 November, 2011, Xiang Xu, Jinlong Wan, Yi Zhao, Shihong Peng leg. <b>Paratypes</b>: 14 females, 15 males, same data as holotype.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The specific name is an adjective in apposition and derived from the Latin words “lata” (broad) and “apicalis” (apical), in reference to the presence of broad and peak-shaped median apophysis.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> Males resemble those of <i>Leptonetela hexacantha</i> Lin & Li, 2010, <i>L. jinsha</i> Lin & Li, 2010, <i>L. reticulopecta</i> Lin & Li, 2010, <i>L. kanellisi</i> (Deeleman-Reinhold, 1971), and <i>L. tianxingensis</i> Wang & Li, 2011 by having depressed and strongly contracted structure in the middle of the pedipalpal tarsus (Figs 5C, D, 7A, B in the present paper; figs 24A, B, 26A, B, 45A, B in Lin & Li 2010; figs 18A, B, 63A, B in Wang & Li 2011); short distance between apical tarsus and pedipalpal bulb (Figs 5C, D, 7A, B in the present paper; figs 24A, B, 26A, B, 45A, B in Lin & Li 2010; figs 18A, B, 63A, B in Wang & Li 2011), the new species is distinguished from these species by presence of three prolateral, nine retrolateral tibial spines on male pedipalpus; broad and peak-shaped median apophysis; short, wide, translucent conductor on male bulb (Figs 5C, D, 7A, B). The new species resembles <i>L. quinquespinata</i> (Chen & Zhu, 2008) in being eyeless, having membranous embolus, slightly twisted prolaterally (Figs 5A, B, 8B in this present paper; figs 44A, B, 47D in Wang & Li 2011); it can be distinguished by nine strong spines located in retrolateral side of pedipalpal tibia (Figs 5D, 7A in this present paper; figs 44B, 46C in Wang & Li 2011); nine small retromarginal teeth on the chelicerae in the new species (Fig. 8D in this present paper; fig. 47C in Wang & Li 2011), while six strong spines retrolaterally-directed on the pedipalpal tibia; five small retromarginal teeth on the chelicerae in <i>L. quinquespinata</i> (Figs 5D, 7A in this present paper; figs 44D, 46B in Wang & Li 2011). Females resemble those of <i>L. quinquespinata</i> in being eyeless; having highly twisted sperm, but can be distinguished by the distal ends of sperm ducts closer placed to each other in the new species (Figs 6C, 8B), slightly further away from each other in <i>L. quinquespinata</i> (figs 45C, 47B in Wang & Li 2011).</p> <p> <b>Description. Male</b>. Total length 2.69 (Fig. 5A). Carapace 1.26 long, 1.12 wide. Opisthosoma 1.37 long, 1.03 wide. Prosoma reddish brown, with several setae near the anterior margin of carapace. Ocular area with a pair of setae, eyes absolutely absent. Median groove short, cervical grooves and radial furrows light brown. Clypeus 0.24 high. Chelicerae brown, with nine promarginal and eight small retromarginal teeth, promarginal row of teeth gradually becoming smaller and denser from the base to distal end of fang furrow (Fig. 8D). Endites brown. Labium brown and plump, fused with sternum. Sternum and legs yellowish. Leg measurements: I 12.72 (3.53, 0.45, 3.98, 2.97, 1.79); II 10.03 (2.91, 0.41, 3.09, 2.12, 1.50); III 8.66 (2.52, 0.42, 2.41, 2.10, 1.21); IV 10.34 (3.12, 0.36, 2.98, 2.53, 1.35). Leg formula: I–IV–II–III. Opisthosoma pale brown, ovoid, lacking distinctive patterns. Male pedipalpus (Figs5 B–D, 7A, B, 8C): femur covered with long and thin hairs; tibia with three trichobothria dorsally; three slender spines prolaterally and nine strong spines retrolaterally (six spines along the tibia form a longitudinal row and the other three spines along distal margin of the tibia form a transversal row) exist on the pedipalpal tibia (Figs 7A, B). Tarsus rugose and contracted mesially, attaching to an earlobe-shaped process retrolaterally, with long spines distally (Figs 5C, D, 7A, B). Pedipalpal bulb nearly round; embolus membranous, slightly twisted towards the prolateral side; conductor translucent, broad, flat; median apophysis broad, peakshaped (Figs 5B, 8C). Prolateral lobe cuspate (Fig. 7B).</p> <p> <b>Female</b>. Similar to male in coloration of opisthosoma and general features, but larger body size, shorter legs, and prosoma yellowish. Total length 3.06 (Figs 6A, B). Carapace 1.23 long, 1.15 wide. Opisthosoma 1.70 long, 1.24 wide. Clypeus 0.24 high. Leg measurements: I 10.94 (3.06, 0.40, 3.33, 2.42, 1.73); II 9.46 (2.62, 0.41, 2.88, 2.13, 1.42); III 7.93 (2.38, 0.33, 2.21, 1.86, 1.15); IV 10.26 (2.95, 0.36, 2.95, 2.48, 1.52). Leg formula: I–IV–II–III. Genital area densely covered with long hairs (Figs 6B, 8A). Internal genitalia with a pair of spermathecae and sperm ducts: spermathecae dark brown, sclerotized and highly twisted, with the distal ends very close to each other; sperm ducts pale brown, less sclerotized (Figs 6C, 8B). The atrium broad, nearly triangular, slightly procurved at anterior median margin (Fig. 8B).</p> <p> <b>Distribution.</b> Known only from the type locality (Fig. 12).</p>Published as part of <i>He, Ailan, Liu, Jinxin, Xu, Xiang, Yin, Haiqiang & Peng, Xianjin, 2019, Description of three new species of spider genus Leptonetela Kratochvíl, 1978 from caves of Hunan Province, China (Araneae, Leptonetidae), pp. 584-600 in Zootaxa 4554 (2)</i> on pages 590-595, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4554.2.10, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/2623679">http://zenodo.org/record/2623679</a&gt

Leptonetela : Kratochvil 1978

Genus <i>Leptonetela</i> Kratochvíl, 1978 <p> <i>Leptonetela</i>: Kratochvíl 1978: 11, f. 1G. Type species <i>Sulcia kanellisi</i> (Deeleman-Reinhold, 1971) from Greece.</p> <p> <i>Leptonetela</i> was established by KratochvÍl and <i>Leptonetela kanellisi</i> (Deeleman–Reinhold, 1971) from a cave in Greece was designated as its type species (KratochvÍl, 1978). The genus <i>Leptonetela</i> can be distinguished from other leptonetid genera by the following combination of male pedipalpal characters: femur lacking spines and tibia with a longitudinal row of spines on the retrolateral surface (Wang, Xu & Li, 2017). <i>Leptonetela</i> includes 105 known species distributed in Europe and Asia, and most of them are found in China (93 species) (WSC, 2018).</p>Published as part of <i>He, Ailan, Liu, Jinxin, Xu, Xiang, Yin, Haiqiang & Peng, Xianjin, 2019, Description of three new species of spider genus Leptonetela Kratochvíl, 1978 from caves of Hunan Province, China (Araneae, Leptonetidae), pp. 584-600 in Zootaxa 4554 (2)</i> on page 585, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4554.2.10, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/2623679">http://zenodo.org/record/2623679</a&gt