On Transfer of Adversarial Robustness from Pretraining to Downstream Tasks

As large-scale training regimes have gained popularity, the use of pretrained models for downstream tasks has become common practice in machine learning. While pretraining has been shown to enhance the performance of models in practice, the transfer of robustness properties from pretraining to downstream tasks remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the robustness of a linear predictor on downstream tasks can be constrained by the robustness of its underlying representation, regardless of the protocol used for pretraining. We prove (i) a bound on the loss that holds independent of any downstream task, as well as (ii) a criterion for robust classification in particular. We validate our theoretical results in practical applications, show how our results can be used for calibrating expectations of downstream robustness, and when our results are useful for optimal transfer learning. Taken together, our results offer an initial step towards characterizing the requirements of the representation function for reliable post-adaptation performance

Підвищення ефективності програмного забезпечення дронів з використанням програми АРМ Planner при моніторингу в сільському господарстві

Кудальцев Є. Є. Підвищення ефективності програмного забезпечення дронів з використанням програми АРМ Planner при моніторингу в сільському господарстві : дипломна робота магістра спеціальності 122 Комп'ютерні науки. - Дніпро, 2018An object of researches is geographic information streams of these pilotless aircrafts. The article of researches is a protection of geographic information data in безпольотних areas. Purpose of science report − to create the improved algorithm of round of the restricted flight areas. Initial works given for realization: theoretical and experimental researches and knowledge, and also technological aspects of existent algorithms of management pilotless aircrafts. In introduction the brought description over of connection of tasks with the object of activity, features of problem of process of collection, storage and analysis of геоінформаційних, and also the analysed possibility of the use of information technologies for perfection of his stages. Speech goes in the first division about the features of development of pilotless aircrafts and methods of autoaviating. In the second division the expounded description of algorithms of search of short cut, and theoretical researches are conducted. Description over of the worked out software product is brought in the third division. In a division "Economy" expected labour intensiveness of software, expense development on creation software and duration of his development. The scientific novelty of results which are expected consists in: – conducted to the analysis and exposure of lacks of traditional algorithms of creation and verification of геоданих UAV; – to development of original algorithm of round and defence of the геоданих areas restricted for flights. The practical value of results consists in development: – software which will realize the original algorithm of creation and verification of геоданих UAV.Об’єкт досліджень – геоінформаційні потоки даних безпілотних літальних апаратів. Предмет досліджень – захист геоінформаційних даних в безпольотних зонах. Мета роботи – створити вдосконалене ПО обльоту заборонених польотних зон. Вихідні дані для проведення роботи: теоретичні й експериментальні дослідження та знання, а також технологічні аспекти існуючих алгоритмів керування безпілотними літальними апаратами. У введенні приведений опис зв'язку завдань з об'єктом діяльності, особливостей проблеми, процесу збору, зберігання і аналізу геоінформаційних даних, а також проаналізована можливість використання інформаційних технологій для вдосконалення його етапів. У першому розділі йдеться про особливості розвитку безпілотних літальних апаратів та методів автопілотування. У другому розділі викладений опис алгоритмів пошуку найкоротшого шляху, та проведені теоретичні дослідження. У третьому розділі приведено опис розробленого програмного продукту. У розділі "Економіка" розраховані трудомісткість розробки програмного забезпечення, витрати на створення ПО і тривалість його розробки. Наукова новизна результатів, що очікуються, полягає в обґрунтуванні методики обльоту критичних зон та находження найкоротшого шляху за допомогою програми APM Planner. Практична цінність результатів полягає у розробленні програмного забезпечення, що реалізує алгоритм обльоту заборонених польотних зон.Объект исследований − геоинформационные потоки данных беспилотных летательных аппаратов. Предмет исследований − защита геоинформационных данных в безпольотних зонах. Цель работы − создать усовершенствованное ПО облёта запрещенных зон. Исходные данные для проведения работы: теоретические и экспериментальные исследования и знания, а также технологические аспекты существующих алгоритмов управления беспилотными летательными аппаратами. В введении приведенное описание связи заданий с объектом деятельности, особенностей проблемы процесса сбора, хранения и анализа геоинформационных, а также проанализированная возможность использования информационных технологий для совершенствования его этапов.В первом разделе идет речь об особенностях развития беспилотных летательных аппаратов и методов автопилотирования. Во втором разделе изложенное описание алгоритмов поиска кратчайшего пути, и проведены теоретические исследования. В третьем разделе приведено описание разработанного программного продукта. В разделе "Экономика" рассчитанные трудоемкость разработки программного обеспечения, затраты на создание ПО и длительность его разработки. Научная новизна результатов, которая ожидается заключается в обосновании методики облёта критических зон и нахождение кратчайшего пути с помощью программы APM Planner. Практическая ценность результатов заключается в разработке программного обеспечения, реализующего алгоритм облёта запрещенных полетных зон

In vivo extracellular recordings of thalamic and cortical visual responses reveal V1 connectivity rules

The brain’s connectome provides the scaffold for canonical neural computations. However, a comparison of connectivity studies in the mouse primary visual cortex (V1) reveals that the average number and strength of connections between specific neuron types can vary. Can variability in V1 connectivity measurements coexist with canonical neural computations? We developed a theory-driven approach to deduce V1 network connectivity from visual responses in mouse V1 and visual thalamus (dLGN). Our method revealed that the same recorded visual responses were captured by multiple connectivity configurations. Remarkably, the magnitude and selectivity of connectivity weights followed a specific order across most of the inferred connectivity configurations. We argue that this order stems from the specific shapes of the recorded contrast response functions and contrast invariance of orientation tuning. Remarkably, despite variability across connectivity studies, connectivity weights computed from individual published connectivity reports followed the order we identified with our method, suggesting that the relations between the weights, rather than their magnitudes, represent a connectivity motif supporting canonical V1 computations

Atomic layer deposition of PbCl2, PbBr2 and mixed lead halide (Cl, Br, I) PbXnY2-n thin films

Atomic layer deposition offers outstanding film uniformity and conformality on substrates with high aspect ratio features. These qualities are essential for mixed-halide perovskite films applied in tandem solar cells, transistors and light-emitting diodes. The optical and electronic properties of mixed-halide perovskites can be adjusted by adjusting the ratios of different halides. So far ALD is only capable of depositing iodine-based halide perovskites whereas other halide processes are lacking. We describe six new low temperature (Peer reviewe

Implementation of accelerated research: strategies for implementation as applied in a phase 1 Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo two-dose Ebola vaccine clinical trial in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa is the worst ever caused by Ebolaviruses with over 28,000 human cases and 11,325 deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the epidemic a public health crisis that required accelerated development of novel interventions including vaccines. The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit) was among the African research sites that implemented the VAC52150EBL1004 Ebola vaccine trial. OBJECTIVE: We report on the strategies utilised by the Unit and sponsor in ensuring expedited clinical trial approval and accelerated conduct. METHODS: Janssen Vaccines and Prevention B.V. conducted a phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of heterologous two-dose vaccination regimens using Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy adults in Africa. Accelerated implementation strategies are hereby presented. RESULTS: Strategies included: holding the African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF) joint review meeting; expedited review by institutional ethics and country-specific regulatory bodies; competitive recruitment between sites; electronic data capture (EDC); frequent study monitoring schedule; involvement of a community advisory board (CAB); and utilization of a 'phased' study information-sharing approach in community engagement and participant recruitment. These strategies enabled the site to acquire approvals within 2 months and enrol 47 participants within a spurn of five. The same milestone is usually acquired in at least 1 year without accelerated implementation. CONCLUSION: The use of well-thought strategies by sponsors and research sites can enable the implementation of accelerated research. We recommend the use of similar strategies in other settings

Structural trends in atomic nuclei from laser spectroscopy of tin

Tin is the chemical element with the largest number of stable isotopes. Its complete proton shell, comparable with the closed electron shells in the chemically inert noble gases, is not a mere precursor to extended stability; since the protons carry the nuclear charge, their spatial arrangement also drives the nuclear electromagnetism. We report high-precision measurements of the electromagnetic moments and isomeric differences in charge radii between the lowest 1/2(+), 3/2(+), and 11/2(-) states in Sn117-131, obtained by collinear laser spectroscopy. Supported by state-of-the-art atomic-structure calculations, the data accurately show a considerable attenuation of the quadrupole moments in the closed-shell tin isotopes relative to those of cadmium, with two protons less. Linear and quadratic mass-dependent trends are observed. While microscopic density functional theory explains the global behaviour of the measured quantities, interpretation of the local patterns demands higher-fidelity modelling. Measurements of the hyperfine structure of chemical elements isotopes provide unique insight into the atomic nucleus in a nuclear model-independent way. The authors present collinear laser spectroscopy data obtained at the CERN ISOLDE and measure hyperfine splitting along a long chain of odd-mass tin isotopes.Peer reviewe

Evaluation of the glycemic effect of methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis patients with metabolic syndrome: A pilot study

Methotrexate (MTX) is a systemic immunosuppressant drug used for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Previous studies demonstrated a potential association between psoriasis and diabetes mellitus, obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, eventuating into metabolic syndrome. This study aimed at exploring the glycemic effects of MTX in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. In this prospective cross-sectional study, 27 patients with PsA were evaluated. The status of PsA and presence of accompanying metabolic syndrome was determined by standard criteria and indices. Blood indicators including HbA1c, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein were examined before and 12 weeks after MTX therapy. There were no significant changes between HbA1c levels before and after MTX therapy in both genders (men: P=0.131, women: P=0.803). In addition, HbA1c levels in PsA patients with metabolic syndrome were not different before and after treatment (P=0.250). Finally, HbA1c levels did not change in PsA patients without metabolic syndrome before and after therapy (P=0.506). MTX in PsA patients does not appear to have hyperglycaemic effects in the short-term and can be safely used in patients with metabolic syndrome and diabetes

Safety and immunogenicity of 2-dose heterologous Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola vaccination in healthy and HIV-infected adults: A randomised, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial in Africa.

BACKGROUND: We investigated safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the heterologous 2-dose Ebola vaccination regimen in healthy and HIV-infected adults with different intervals between Ebola vaccinations. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial, 668 healthy 18- to 70-year-olds and 142 HIV-infected 18- to 50-year-olds were enrolled from 1 site in Kenya and 2 sites each in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, and Uganda. Participants received intramuscular Ad26.ZEBOV followed by MVA-BN-Filo at 28-, 56-, or 84-day intervals, or saline. Females represented 31.4% of the healthy adult cohort in contrast to 69.7% of the HIV-infected cohort. A subset of healthy adults received booster vaccination with Ad26.ZEBOV or saline at Day 365. Following vaccinations, adverse events (AEs) were collected until 42 days post last vaccination and serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded from signing of the ICF until the end of the study. The primary endpoint was safety, and the secondary endpoint was immunogenicity. Anti-Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV GP) binding and neutralising antibodies were measured at baseline and at predefined time points throughout the study. The first participant was enrolled on 9 November 2015, and the date of last participant's last visit was 12 February 2019. No vaccine-related SAEs and mainly mild-to-moderate AEs were observed among the participants. The most frequent solicited AEs were injection-site pain (local), and fatigue, headache, and myalgia (systemic), respectively. Twenty-one days post-MVA-BN-Filo vaccination, geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of EBOV GP binding antibodies in healthy adults in 28-, 56-, and 84-day interval groups were 3,085 EU/mL (2,648 to 3,594), 7,518 EU/mL (6,468 to 8,740), and 7,300 EU/mL (5,116 to 10,417), respectively. In HIV-infected adults in 28- and 56-day interval groups, GMCs were 4,207 EU/mL (3,233 to 5,474) and 5,283 EU/mL (4,094 to 6,817), respectively. Antibody responses were observed until Day 365. Ad26.ZEBOV booster vaccination after 1 year induced an anamnestic response. Study limitations include that some healthy adult participants either did not receive dose 2 or received dose 2 outside of their protocol-defined interval and that the follow-up period was limited to 365 days for most participants. CONCLUSIONS: Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo vaccination was well tolerated and immunogenic in healthy and HIV-infected African adults. Increasing the interval between vaccinations from 28 to 56 days improved the magnitude of humoral immune responses. Antibody levels persisted to at least 1 year, and Ad26.ZEBOV booster vaccination demonstrated the presence of vaccination-induced immune memory. These data supported the approval by the European Union for prophylaxis against EBOV disease in adults and children ≥1 year of age. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02564523

Increasing access to integrated ESKD care as part of Universal Health Coverage

The global nephrology community recognizes the need for a cohesive strategy to address the growing problem of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In March 2018, the International Society of Nephrology hosted a summit on integrated ESKD care, including 92 individuals from around the globe with diverse expertise and professional backgrounds. The attendees were from 41 countries, including 16 participants from 11 low- and lower-middle–income countries. The purpose was to develop a strategic plan to improve worldwide access to integrated ESKD care, by identifying and prioritizing key activities across 8 themes: (i) estimates of ESKD burden and treatment coverage, (ii) advocacy, (iii) education and training/workforce, (iv) financing/funding models, (v) ethics, (vi) dialysis, (vii) transplantation, and (viii) conservative care. Action plans with prioritized lists of goals, activities, and key deliverables, and an overarching performance framework were developed for each theme. Examples of these key deliverables include improved data availability, integration of core registry measures and analysis to inform development of health care policy; a framework for advocacy; improved and continued stakeholder engagement; improved workforce training; equitable, efficient, and cost-effective funding models; greater understanding and greater application of ethical principles in practice and policy; definition and application of standards for safe and sustainable dialysis treatment and a set of measurable quality parameters; and integration of dialysis, transplantation, and comprehensive conservative care as ESKD treatment options within the context of overall health priorities. Intended users of the action plans include clinicians, patients and their families, scientists, industry partners, government decision makers, and advocacy organizations. Implementation of this integrated and comprehensive plan is intended to improve quality and access to care and thereby reduce serious health-related suffering of adults and children affected by ESKD worldwide