Universal Label Research Articles

Learning Student Network Under Universal Label Noise.

Data-free knowledge distillation aims to learn a small student network from a large pre-trained teacher network without the aid of original training data. Recent works propose to gather alternative data from the Internet for training student network. In a more realistic scenario, the data on the Internet contains two types of label noise, namely: 1) closed-set label noise, where some examples belong to the known categories but are mislabeled; and 2) open-set label noise, where the true labels of some mislabeled examples are outside the known categories. However, the latter is largely ignored by existing works, leading to limited student network performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel data-free knowledge distillation paradigm by utilizing a webly-collected dataset under universal label noise, which means both closed-set and open-set label noise should be tackled. Specifically, we first split the collected noisy dataset into clean set, closed noisy set, and open noisy set based on the prediction uncertainty of various data types. For the closed-set noisy examples, their labels are refined by teacher network. Meanwhile, a noise-robust hybrid contrastive learning is performed on the clean set and refined closed noisy set to encourage student network to learn the categorical and instance knowledge inherited by teacher network. For the open-set noisy examples unexplored by previous work, we regard them as unlabeled and conduct self-supervised learning on them to enrich the supervision signal for student network. Intensive experimental results on image classification tasks demonstrate that our approach can achieve superior performance to state-of-the-art data-free knowledge distillation methods.

Every Museum Label for All? Reflection on Inclusive and Communicative Writing.

Since our PhD, we aim to rethink the transposition of universal design (UD) in museums for narratives, specifically on labels. We have conceptualised a model of universal label, adding inclusive and communicative writing: inclusive, by using universal design merging on the same device several forms of communication (sign language, Braille, easy to read); communicative, because it explains and learns how citizens perceived as disabled communicate. UD writing could initiate and encourage communication. In this paper, we applied our reflections on UD writing to the label of The Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum.

UNIVERSAL CODING SYSTEM FOR PALEONTOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE BASIS FOR CREATING A UNIFIED ELECTRONIC COLLECTIONS CATALOG AT THE INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES OF THE NAS OF UKRAINE

A method of universal coding of paleontological collections is proposed. It is aimed to organize a uniform electronic catalog of various geological collections of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGS NAS of Ukraine). The problems of arranging the data of the natural scientific collections in Ukraine and the peculiarities of the arrangement of paleontological collections of IGS NAS of Ukraine were considered. The absence of a unified template for labeling of paleontological collections of IGS NAS of Ukraine has been stated. This encourages us to elaborate of a convenient universal coding system for the systematization of existing and newly created paleontological collections. The proposed coding of paleontological collections is based on the unified principle of using universal abbreviations in Latin letters. The coding system consists of a full code, a short code, and a universal label. The full code is intended for coding the collection’s general characteristics and subsequent use in compiling the universal electronic catalog. The short code is needed for marking an individual specimen within any collection. The universal collection label is a necessary component in the design and storage of a collection, as it carries basic information. It also has an additional reference about the collection and contains information that is also used when compiling electronic catalogs of collections. The developed coding system is universal and maximally effective in ensuring the uniformity of the code of any collections of a certain scientific institution. It enables the researcher to code collections independently, protects against duplication of the existing code, and is a simple and convenient way of transferring information to the electronic catalog of collections. Our method greatly facilitates the distribution of information during the direct creation (code writing) of the electronic catalog and is the basis of the search system and sorting information into certain categories. This, in turn, makes it possible to have a multidisciplinary electronic catalog, by which one can find information about existing collections of a certain region, stratigraphic age, a certain paleontological group, or certain geological objects (such as samples from boreholes or outcrops). The adoption of the unified Catalogue strategy will ensure the reliable functioning of the paleontological collections of the IGS NAS of Ukraine, as well as become the basis for documenting new collections in accordance with established methodology. Finally, registering all collections is a small but important step in the direction of Open Science, namely, providing open access to information for the scientific community.

Multiplex Assay of Viruses Integrating Recombinase Polymerase Amplification, Barcode-Anti-Barcode Pairs, Blocking Anti-Primers, and Lateral Flow Assay.

A multiplex assay based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and lateral flow test (LFT) is a desirable tool for many areas. This multiplex assay could be efficiently realized using single-stranded (ss) DNAs located in separate zones on the test strip and bound complementary ssDNA tags of double-stranded (ds) DNA amplicons. Here, we investigate how to enrich multiplex assay capabilities using ssDNAs. Bifunctional oligonucleotide probes integrating (1) a forward primer for RPA, (2) a C9 spacer to stop polymerase, and (3) a ssDNA tag for binding at test strip are developed. The amplicons have a unique individual ssDNA tag at one end and a universal label of fluorescein introducing through a reverse primer at the other end. A conjugate of gold nanoparticles (GNP) with antibodies to fluorescein is used to detect all amplicons. The remainder of primers after RPA interacting with GNP conjugate was found to be a limiting factor for sensitive and specific multiplex assay. The addition of anti-RPA-primers before the use of test strips was proposed to simply and effectively eliminate remaining primers. This approach was successfully applied for the detection of three priority plant RNA viruses: potato virus Y (PVY), -S (PVS) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The total time of the assay is 30 min. The multiplex RPA-LFT detected at least 4 ng of PVY per g of plant leaves, 0.04 ng/g for PVS, and 0.04 ng/g for PLRV. The testing of healthy and infected potato samples showed concordance between the developed assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Thus, the capabilities of the proposed universal modules (ssDNA anchors, bifunctional probes, and blocking anti-primers) for multiplex detection of RNA analytes with high specificity and sensitivity were demonstrated.

The search for hypercompetition: evidence from a Nordic market study

ABSTRACT Some scholars and practitioners argue that markets have become hypercompetitive, decreasing the opportunities for sustainable competitive advantage. We test for increasing competition in a panel of 266 Danish firms from 7 industries over the period 1980–2017. We find no support for the argument that the market across industries has become hypercompetitive over this period. The durability of abnormal business returns has remained stable. Dynamism only changed in the 1980s, and levels of munificence are also stable. We do, however, find a small decrease in the survival probability rate of firms over time. Our results lead us to caution against the use of hypercompetition as a universal label for the state of contemporary competition.

Direct Magnetic Bead-Based Extraction of MicroRNA from Urine with Capillary Electrophoretic Analysis Using Fluorescence Detection and Universal Label.

Short non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), are of a great interest due to their presumed function in genome regulation. Moreover, miRNAs are currently perceived as potential biomarkers for numerous diseases; a variety of detection methods and sensing systems have therefore been studied. We present a magnetic-bead-based assay for specific miRNA isolation coupled with sensitive electrophoretic analysis with fluorescence detection. The magnetic separation step involves creating a duplex with targeted miR-141, which is subsequently cleaved from the magnetic bead surface with a specific endonuclease. The duplex is then determined using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection in the presence of the fluorescent dye PicoGreen for quantitating double-stranded DNA. The benefits of using microcolumn separation technique coupled with sensitive detection over traditionally used determination by fluorescence spectrometry include the fact that there is no need for a specific pre-labeled fluorescent probe. This significantly simplifies the method and reduces the costs. Cross-reactivity with mismatched oligonucleotides (3 and 5 mismatched bases) and different miRNAs (miR-124 and miR-150) was tested, demonstrating the specificity of the developed method for miRNA-141. This magnetic extraction method was demonstrated for the direct isolation and determination of miR-141 at different concentration levels from urine samples and the achieved nanomolar detection limit.

Analysis of museum labels description

The aim of the study was to analyse the content of museum labels from various periods in terms of their usefulness in creating new labels for exhibits included in museum collections. Nearly 5,000 museum labels from the years 1811 to 2017 were reviewed, for exhibits at the Museum of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, Herbarium of the University of Wroclaw, and the Museum of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Wroclaw. On the basis of the collected information, an attempt was made to develop a ‘universal label’template, including a range of necessary information from the point of view of managing and maintaining the accessibility of the relevant collection.

What Is in a Name? A Historical Review of Intelligence Test Score Labels

Labels for scores stemming from intelligence tests have been employed since their inception in the United States. The purpose of this study was to systematically identify and document score labels for IQs used during the past 102 years. Using pairs of reviewers, score labels from 40 tests were reviewed, and 61 unique labels were identified. Comparative analyses by score range and decade were completed. Results indicate a paradigm shift beginning in the 1980s that has slowly resulted in more common, but not universal, use of terminology that focuses on the statistical aspect of scores, rather than employing value-laden and potentially stigmatizing terms. A universal score label system would help to avoid confusion, miscommunication, and biased decision making.

An Analytical Study of National and International Care Label Systems of Textile and Apparel Products

This paper enables stakeholders involved in textile industry to gain an overview of standards used for care labelling and help establish a common standard that could be used as a universal standard. This study provides a comprehensive and detailed analytical study of care labelling standards adopted by common countries in the textile market. It was found that the development of a universal system for care labeling could enhance the trade of textile articles and assist consumers in caring for textile articles. Universal care label systems could be characterized by two main features of inclusiveness and comprehensiveness. The range of instructions and symbols presented were found different among standards. Insignificant differences in symbols’ shapes were found between standards for bleaching, ironing and professional cleaning. The washing process had the widest variety of instructions; in addition, options were provided by stated standards. Different meanings were found for similar shapes in some tumble drying symbols. The study findings show the importance of enhancing text based standards or the development of an understandable format across as many cultures as possible. The unification of symbols and meanings may be needed to provide global consumers consistent guidance. The efficiency of a detailed standard that provides and covers a wide range of instructions is an important aspect. The visibility and practicality of offering variable options/symbols in one standard is an important aspect for developing a universal care label system.

A Universal Label for GMOs

In order to address the variation in state-level GMO labeling, Congress passed a national GMO labeling law in July 2016. Under this legislation, Public Law No. 114-216, all food manufacturers are required to disclose whether their products contain genetically modified ingredients. However, manufacturers have a choice as to how they provide the information, including a text statement or symbol, a digital QR code, a phone number, or a Web site. The US Department of Agriculture was granted 2 years following passage of the legislation to finalize and implement the regulations. The primary critique of Public Law No. 114-216 is that the label forms (ie, an unregulated icon, telephone number, Web site, or digital code) are neither transparent nor convenient for the consumer. One universal GMO “label” is more likely to provide consumers with clear, direct, and usable information. With a universal label, consumers who want to know if GMOs are included in a food product can do so without the undue burden of accessing a secondary source.

Hospitalisation Due to Heart Failure with Gliptins and Universal Label Change (FDA)-Still Justified? A Meta-Analysis of 5 Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials

Introduction: The addition of gliptins in the management of type 2 diabetes was a welcome addition due to its neutral impact on weight and lower risk of hypoglycemia in addition to moderate anti-hyperglycemic effects. They were also the first anti-hyperglycemic group exposed to the scrutiny of cardiovascular safety assessed through cardiovascular outcomes trial. The disparate signals emanating from the different CVOTs along with recent FDA label change (hospitalisation due to heart failure), prompted us in performing this meta-analysis.Materials and methods: After conducting an extensive database search, we selected 5 CVOTs for this metaanalysis based on a pre-specified set of inclusion criteria. Sufficient caution was exercised in analyzing data heterogeneity and detecting publication bias.Results: The meta-analysis of the 5 CVOTs with respect to hospitalization due to heart failure resulted in a risk ratio of 1.013 with a 95% CI of 0.857-1.197. The effect size analysed with the random effect model was statistically non-significant (P=0.879).Conclusion: This meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant increased risk for hHF in patients with high cardiovascular risk while on a gliptin.

Ru(bpy)32+ Incorporated Luminescent Polymer Dots: Double-Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence for Detection of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism.

Encapsulating a large amount of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) active molecules into one nanoparticle for single-target recognition can greatly improve the sensitivity of the ECL assay. This work used luminescent conjugated polymer as a carrier to synthesize Ru(bpy)32+-doped polymer dots (RuPdots). The RuPdots with an average size of 20 nm and encapsulation of about 1354 Ru(bpy)32+ showed greatly enhanced ECL emission. Using tripropylamine as a coreactant, the resonance energy transfer from the excited polymer dots to the encapsulated Ru(bpy)32+ was demonstrated, which led to a 15.7-fold higher ECL emission than that of Ru(bpy)32+ with the same amount at the gold electrode. By coupling the double-enhanced ECL signal of this nanostructure with the specific ligase detection reaction, a sensitive ECL biosensor was constructed for specific detection of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Using mutant KRAS gene as a model target, the ECL SNP detection method showed a linear range from 1 fM to 1 nM and a detection limit of 0.8 fM. The designed RuPdots provided a novel signal amplification strategy and could be used as a universal label for ultrasensitive ECL biodetection.

Characterizing the diversity of active bacteria in soil by comprehensive stable isotope probing of DNA and RNA with H218 O.

Current limitations in culture-based methods have lead to a reliance on culture-independent approaches, based principally on the comparative analysis of primary semantides such as ribosomal gene sequences. DNA can be remarkably stable in some environments, so its presence does not indicate live bacteria, but extracted ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has previously been viewed as an indicator of active cells. Stable isotope probing (SIP) involves the incorporation of heavy isotopes into newly synthesized nucleic acids, and can be used to separate newly synthesized from existing DNA or rRNA. H218O is currently the only potential universal bacterial substrate suitable for SIP of entire bacterial communities. The aim of our work was to compare soil bacterial community composition as revealed by total versus SIP-labeled DNA and rRNA. Soil was supplemented with H218O and after 38 days the DNA and RNA were co-extracted. Heavy nucleic acids were separated out by CsCl and CsTFA density centrifugation. The 16S rRNA gene pools were characterized by DGGE and pyrosequencing, and the sequence results analyzed using mothur. The majority of DNA (∽60%) and RNA (∽75%) from the microcosms incubated with H218O were labeled by the isotope. The analysis indicated that total and active members of the same type of nucleic acid represented similar community structures, which suggested that most dominant OTUs in the total nucleic acid extracts contained active members. It also supported that H218O was an effective universal label for SIP for both DNA and RNA. DNA and RNA-derived diversity was dissimilar. RNA from this soil more comprehensively recovered bacterial richness than DNA because the most abundant OTUs were less numerous in RNA than DNA-derived community data, and dominant OTU pools didn't mask rare OTUs as much in RNA.

Rethinking deindustrialisation and male career crisis

The decline in manufacturing and growth of service-based jobs has prompted many social theorists to argue that the ability of working-class men to construct meaningful and rewarding careers is becoming ever more limited. Despite using the universal label ‘working class’, the experience of skilled working-class men has been largely ignored. This article explores 26 work history interviews collected from 14 former Royal Dockyard tradesmen in South-East England and 12 of these men's sons and grandsons. Findings from this research challenge the idea that most men were/and are passive victims of industrial change. By contrast, the majority of men in this study managed to carefully adapt to and navigate the transition from industrial to post-industrial work whilst still retaining a ‘linear life narrative’ to give meaning to their evolving careers and lives.

Multiplexed Detection of mRNA Using Porosity-Tuned Hydrogel Microparticles

Transcriptional profiling, which is directly or indirectly associated with expressed protein levels, has been used in various applications including clinical prognosis and pharmaceutical investigation of drug activities. Although the widely used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) allows for the quantification of absolute amounts of mRNA (mRNA) from inputs as small as a single cell, it is an indirect detection method that requires the amplification of cDNA copies of target mRNAs. Here, we report the quantification of unmodified full-length transcripts, using poly(ethylene) glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel microparticles synthesized via stop flow lithography (SFL). We show that PEG600 serves as an effective porogen to allow for the capture of large (∼1000-3700 nt long) mRNAs. Our relatively simple hydrogel-based mRNA detection scheme uses a multibiotinylated universal label probe and provides assay performance (limit of detection of ∼6 amol of an in-vitro-transcribed model target) comparable to an existing commercial bead-based technology that uses branched DNA (bDNA) signal amplification. We also demonstrate a 3-plex mRNA detection, without cross-reactivity, using shape-encoded "intraplex" hydrogel microparticles. Our ability to tune the porosity of encoded hydrogel microparticles expands the utility of this platform to now quantify biomacromolecules ranging in size from large mRNAs to small miRNAs.

Single-Molecule Kinetics and Thermodynamics Analysis of DNA-Bound Crown Ether/Cation Interactions within the Alpha-Hemolysin Ion Channel

The α-hemolysin (α-HL) protein ion channel has been under intensive investigation as a single-molecule DNA analysis platform.1 Recognizing the fast speed at which single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is driven through the channel electrophoretically, we have explored site-specific attachment of adducts to DNA bases as a promising approach to advance this technology by producing unique current signatures and reducing the speed of DNA translocation to a level appropriate for modern electronics.2 The ability of crown ethers to selectively complex various cations has been extensively utilized to improve the development of molecular switches, sensors, biomedical agents and biological model systems in the past five decades.3 Herein, by selectively functionalizing DNA with crown ethers, we demonstrate a real-time analysis strategy for crown ether/cation interactions within the α-HL ion channel to establish the association/disassociation rates and the equilibrium constants at a single-molecule level. Additionally, it provides a tunable and universal label for individual DNA identification by selecting the composition of the electrolyte. This approach should be beneficial to both DNA damage detection and sequencing efforts.Reference1. Branton D.; et al. The potential and challenges of nanopore sequencing. Nat. Biotechnol. 2008, 26, 1146-1153.2. Schibel, A. E. P.; An, N.; Jin, Q.; Fleming, A. M.; Burrows, C. J.; White, H. S. Nanopore detection of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine in immobilized single-stranded DNA via adduct formation to the DNA damage site. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 17992-17995.3. Gokel, G. W.; Leevy, W. M.; Weber, M. E. Crown ethers: sensors for ions and molecular scaffolds for materials and biological models. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 2723-2750.

Quantitative universal label: How to use it to mark any randomness

It is possible to find a quantitative universal label (QUL) that can express quantitatively any random sequence in terms of a finite set of quantitative parameters. This label is associated with nine parameters of the generalized Gaussian distribution (GGD), describing all possible correlations (expressed in terms of symmetric products) for all amplitudes {yj} belonging to a random sequence considered. This noise label allows one to compare any randomness with another one and to calibrate these fitting parameters with respect to a possible external factor in the signature (character) space. It opens new resource in signal/noise data treatment and makes it possible to discover completely new relationships that might be hidden in random sequences. This label reflects the distribution of correlations between k stable points existing in the initial random sequence having N initial points (k ⩽ N). This distribution is free of any model assumption and can be used as a universal quantitative measure characterizing some random sequence. Different examples considered in this paper confirm the effectiveness of the QUL expressed in terms of GGD fitting parameters.

Giant Magenetoresistive Sensors. 2. Detection of Biorecognition Events at Self-Referencing and Magnetically Tagged Arrays

Microfabricated devices formed from alternating layers of magnetic and nonmagnetic materials at combined thicknesses of a few hundred nanometers exhibit a phenomenon known as the giant magnetoresistance effect. Devices based on this effect are known as giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors. The resistance of a GMR is dependent on the strength of an external magnetic field, which has resulted in the widespread usage of such platforms in high-speed, high-data density storage drives. The same attributes (i.e., sensitivity, small size, and speed) are also important embodiments of many types of bioanalytical sensors, pointing to an intriguing opportunity via an integration of GMR technology, magnetic labeling strategies, and biorecognition elements (e.g., antibodies). This paper describes the utilization of GMRs for the detection of streptavidin-coated magnetic particles that are selectively captured by biotinylated gold addresses on a 2 x 0.3 cm sample stick. A GMR sensor network reads the addresses on a sample stick in a manner that begins to emulate that of a "card-swipe" system. This study also takes advantage of on-sample magnetic addresses that function as references for internal calibration of the GMR response and as a facile means to account for small variations in the gap between the sample stick and sensor. The magnetic particle surface coverage at the limit of detection was determined to be approximately 2%, which corresponds to approximately 800 binding events over the 200 x 200 microm capture address. These findings, along with the potential use of streptavidin-coated magnetic particles as a universal label for antigen detection in, for example, heterogeneous assays, are discussed.

A cancer protein microarray platform using antibody fragments and its clinical applications

Antibody microarrays have shown great potential for measurement of either a spectrum of target proteins in proteomics or disease-associated antigens in molecular diagnostics. Despite its importance, the applications of antibody microarrays are still limited by a variety of fundamental problems. Among them, cross-reactivity significantly limits the multiplexing ability in parallel sandwich immunoassays. As a result, it is very important to design new capture probes in order to incorporate a universal label into the assay configuration. In this report, an antibody fragments (F(ab')2) microarray platform for serum tumor markers was developed. Each antigen was detected at different concentrations to assemble its calibration curve, and combinations of different markers were tested to examine the specificity of simultaneous detection based on the F(ab')2 microarrays. Diagnostics of serum samples with this cancer antibody microarray platform and immunoradiometric assays (IRMA) were also performed. Wide range calibration curves (0-1280 U mL(-1)) were obtained for each tumor marker. Comparative studies demonstrated that such F(ab')2 microarrays exhibited both moderately improved sensitivity and better specificity than full-sized monoclonal antibody microarrays. It is also demonstrated that this microarray platform is quantitative, highly specific and reasonably sensitive. More importantly, clinical applications of our F(ab')2 microarray platform for upwards of 100 patient serum samples clearly show its potential in cancer diagnostics.

Tailed primer base excision sequence scanning (TP-BESS) for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

Base excision sequence scanning (BESS) is used to detect and localise point mutations in mammalian genes. The cost of BESS can be significant in large-scale projects. however, due to the requirement for end-labelling of one of the two PCR primers. This is especially true when a fluorescent label is used for detection. If a universal label could be used for all of the PCR reactions, it would reduce the cost of this technique significantly. Here we describe a TP-BESS procedure where one fluorescence-labelled primer is used as a universal label for all the PCR reactions in BESS analysis. The universal label makes BESS financially more feasible for large-scale detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).