Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spammer Behavior Analysis and Detection in User Generated Content on Social Networks

Spam content is surging with an explosive increase of user generated content (UGC) on the Internet. Spammers often insert popular keywords or simply copy and paste recent articles from the Web with spam links inserted, attempting to disable content-based detection. In order to effectively detect spam in user generated content, we first conduct a comprehensive analysis of spamming activities on a large commercial UGC site in 325 days covering over 6 million posts and nearly 400 thousand users. Our analysis shows that UGC spammers exhibit unique non-textual patterns, such as posting activities, advertised spam link metrics, and spam hosting behaviors. Based on these non-textual features, we show via several classification methods that a high detection rate could be achieved offline. These results further motivate us to develop a runtime scheme, BARS, to detect spam posts based on these spamming patterns. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of BARS.
Relating Estimated Cyclic Spectral Peak Frequency to Measured Epilarynx Length Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The epilarynx plays an important role in speech production, carrying information about the individual speaker and manner of articulation. However, precise acoustic behavior of this lower vocal tract structure is difficult to establish. Focusing on acoustics observable in natural speech, recent spectral processing techniques isolate a unique resonance with characteristics of the epilarynx previously shown via simulation, specifically cyclicity (i.e. energy differences between the closed and open phases of the glottal cycle) in a 3-5kHz region observed across vowels. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the present work relates this estimated cyclic peak frequency to measured epilarynx length. Assuming a simple quarter wavelength relationship, the cavity length estimated from the cyclic peak frequency is shown to be directly proportional (linear fit slope =1.1) and highly correlated (ρ = 0.85, pval<10) to the measured epilarynx length across speakers. Results are discussed, as are implications in speech science and application domains.
Spreading activation and sparseness in a bidirectional associative memory

The Bidirectional Associative Memory (BAM) is a type of artificial neural network that was shown to bear great performances in learning and recalling various types of associations. However, this model has always been investigated under optimal conditions in which all the patterns have the same desirability and the network is fully connected. In this paper, the influence of spreading-activation and sparseness in a BAM network is studied. Results show that even under such variability the performances of the BAM are unaffected. This study gives us a better understanding of how attractors can be developed and could lead to more robust computational intelligence systems.
Bowel Perfusion Measured with Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Predicts Treatment Outcome in Patients with Crohn's Disease

Background:To improve management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), objective measurements of the degree of local inflammation in the gastrointestinal wall are needed. Increased microvessel density and perfusion are typical features of acute inflammation and can be estimated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The aim of the study was to investigate whether CEUS can provide prognostic information about patients treated medically for an acute exacerbation of CD. Methods:Fourteen patients with CD who received medical treatment for acute exacerbation with systemic steroids or tumor necrosis factor–&agr; inhibitors were prospectively recruited. The patients were examined with clinical scoring, blood tests, and CEUS at time 0, 1, 3, and 12 months after initiation of the treatment. Outcome was treatment efficacy or treatment failure defined as change in medical treatment after 1 month or later. The perfusion analysis was performed with a commercially available software program that analyzes the contrast intensity in a selected area, fits the data to a standardized time-intensity curve, and derives several relative perfusion parameters. Results:Six of the 14 patients had treatment failure during the study period. There was a significant difference between the groups for peak contrast enhancement (P = 0.013), rate of wash-in (P = 0.020) and wash-out (P = 0.008), and the area under the time-intensity curve in the wash-in phase (0.013) at the examination 1 month after the start of treatment. Conclusions:Perfusion analysis of the intestinal wall with CEUS 1 month after starting treatment in patients with CD can provide prognostic information regarding treatment efficacy.
Can a Fully Unconstrained Imaging Model Be Applied Effectively to Central Cameras?

Traditional camera models are often the result of a compromise between the ability to account for non-linearities in the image formation model and the need for a feasible number of degrees of freedom in the estimation process. These considerations led to the definition of several ad hoc models that best adapt to different imaging devices, ranging from pinhole cameras with no radial distortion to the more complex catadioptric or polydioptric optics. In this paper we propose the use of an unconstrained model even in standard central camera settings dominated by the pinhole model, and introduce a novel calibration approach that can deal effectively with the huge number of free parameters associated with it, resulting in a higher precision calibration than what is possible with the standard pinhole model with correction for radial distortion. This effectively extends the use of general models to settings that traditionally have been ruled by parametric approaches out of practical considerations. The benefit of such an unconstrained model to quasi-pinhole central cameras is supported by an extensive experimental validation.
A Brief History of Systems Biology ‘ ‘ Every object that biology studies is a system of systems

A system is a network of mutually dependent and thus interconnected components comprising a unified whole. Every system exhibits emergent behavior, a unique property possessed only by the whole system and not shared to any great degree by the individual components on their own. Systems biology is currently undergoing enormous expansion, but there seems little awareness of either the history of systems biology or the behavior of systems that make them exciting to study. The aim of this article is to expand on both themes. Original references that pioneered changes in perception of systems structure and behavior are indicated, and a few modern developments are briefly referenced to indicate progress. The essay focuses on systems biology prior to the age of genomics and large-scale biology, with the intent of giving modern systems biologists a sense of the extensive foundations of the field. The understanding of systems has had enormous impact on what are loosely regarded as human sciences, including economics, sociology, psychology, and medicine. Systems biology has generated revolutions in ecology, population biology, and evolutionary studies and is slowly making inroads into biochemistry, development, genetics, and whole-plant biology. But it is only very recently that molecular biology has adopted a systems approach. The enormous growth in genomics now makes this possible. Currently, this is an age of systems, and systems structure and behavior should form the core of all student biology courses. All biological systems are effectively systems within systems, as indicated by Jacob above. Understanding the complexity of biological systems represents the greatest intellectual and experimental challenge yet faced by any biologist. This article is structured as follows. First, consideration is given to how systems approaches developed and what, in turn, they replaced or refined. The hierarchical structure of systems is then explained and the possibility of a definition examined. Since systems are composed of interlinked components, the connections and communication within the various parts of the hierarchy are outlined, and the article finishes with some of the less-understood, and sometimes counterintuitive, aspects of systems behavior.
Electronic Cigarette: Role in the Primary Prevention of Oral Cavity Cancer

Background Cigarette smoke has been identified as the main cause of oral cavity carcinoma. Recently, the electronic cigarette, a battery-operated device, was developed to help smokers stop their tobacco addiction. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of electronic cigarettes and to establish the possible role of such device in the primary prevention of oral cavity cancer. Subjects and Methods This study included 65 subjects who were divided into three groups (smokers, e-cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers). All subjects were submitted to cytologic examination by scraping of oral mucosa. The slides were microscopically evaluated through a micronucleus assay test. Results The prevalence of micronuclei was significantly decreased in the e-cigarette smoker group. There were no statistically significant differences in micronuclei distribution according to the type of cigarette, gender, and age. Conclusions The use of electronic cigarettes seems to be safe for oral cells and should be suggested as an aid to smoking cessation.
Fragile X Related Protein 1 Clusters with Ribosomes and Messenger RNAs at a Subset of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Hippocampus

The formation and storage of memories in neuronal networks relies on new protein synthesis, which can occur locally at synapses using translational machinery present in dendrites and at spines. These new proteins support long-lasting changes in synapse strength and size in response to high levels of synaptic activity. To ensure that proteins are made at the appropriate time and location to enable these synaptic changes, messenger RNA (mRNA) translation is tightly controlled by dendritic RNA-binding proteins. Fragile X Related Protein 1 (FXR1P) is an RNA-binding protein with high homology to Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) and is known to repress and activate mRNA translation in non-neuronal cells. However, unlike FMRP, very little is known about the role of FXR1P in the central nervous system. To understand if FXR1P is positioned to regulate local mRNA translation in dendrites and at synapses, we investigated the expression and targeting of FXR1P in developing hippocampal neurons in vivo and in vitro. We found that FXR1P was highly expressed during hippocampal development and co-localized with ribosomes and mRNAs in the dendrite and at a subset of spines in mouse hippocampal neurons. Our data indicate that FXR1P is properly positioned to control local protein synthesis in the dendrite and at synapses in the central nervous system.
Rational argument, rational inference

Reasoning researchers within cognitive psychology have spent decades examining the extent to which human inference measures up to normative standards. Work here has been dominated by logic, but logic has little to say about most everyday, informal arguments. Empirical work on argumentation within psychology and education has studied the development and improvement of argumentation skills, but has been theoretically limited to broad structural characteristics. Using the catalogue of informal reasoning fallacies established over the centuries within the realms of philosophy, Hahn and Oaksford (2007a) recently demonstrated how Bayesian probability can provide a normative standard by which to evaluate quantitatively the strength of a wide range of everyday arguments. This broadens greatly the potential scope of reasoning research beyond the rather narrow set of logical and inductive arguments that have been studied; it also provides a framework for the normative assessment of argument content that has been la.
Biochemical and genetic characterization of Hmi1p, a yeast DNA helicase involved in the maintenance of mitochondrial DNA

The HMI1 gene encodes a DNA helicase that localizes to the mitochondria and is required for maintenance of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Identified based on its homology with E. coli uvrD, the HMI1 gene product, Hmi1p, has been presumed to be involved in the replication of the 80 kb linear S. cerevisiae mtDNA genome. Here we report the purification of Hmi1p to apparent homogeneity and provide a characterization of the helicase reaction and the ATPase reaction with regard to NTP preference, divalent cation preference and the stimulatory effects of different nucleic acids on Hmi1p‐catalysed ATPase activity. Genetic complementation assays indicate that mitochondrial localization of Hmi1p is essential for its role in mtDNA metabolism. The helicase activity, however, is not essential. Point mutants that lack ATPase/helicase activity partially complement a strain lacking Hmi1p. We suggest several possible roles for Hmi1p in mtDNA metabolism. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Class II-Associated Invariant Chain Peptide Expression on Myeloid Leukemic Blasts Predicts Poor Clinical Outcome

Effective antitumor responses need the activation of CD4+ T cells. MHC class II antigen presentation requires the release of class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) from the antigen-binding site. In antigen-presenting cells, human leukocyte antigen DM (HLA-DM; abbreviated DM in this article) catalyzes CLIP dissociation. In B cells, HLA-DO (DO) down-modulates DM function. Cell surface CLIP:HLA-DR (DR) ratio correlates to DO:DM ratio and the efficacy of antigen presentation. We examined 111 blood and bone marrow samples of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for the expression of CLIP, DR, DM, and DO by flow cytometry. Patients with DR+/CLIP− blasts had a significant longer disease-free survival than patients with DR+/CLIP+ blasts. DO, until now believed to be restricted to lymphoid cells, could be demonstrated at protein level as well as by reverse transcription-PCR. DO:DM ratio correlated to CLIP:DR ratio, suggesting that, unlike in other antigen-presenting cells of the nonlymphoid cell type, both DO and DM mediate regulation of CLIP expression in AML blasts. We hypothesize that DR+/CLIP− AML blasts are able to present leukemia-specific antigens to CD4+ T helper cells initiating an effective and long-lasting antitumor response resulting in a prolonged disease-free survival.
Using FTIR measurements of stratospheric composition to identify midlatitude polar vortex intrusions over Toronto

Using 11 years of trace gas measurements made at the University of Toronto Atmospheric Observatory (43.66°N, 79.40°W) and Environment Canada's Centre for Atmospheric Research Experiments (44.23°N, 79.78°W), along with derived meteorological products, we identify a number of polar intrusion events, which are excursions of the polar vortex or filaments from the polar vortex extending down to midlatitudes. These events are characterized by enhanced stratospheric columns (12–50 km) of hydrogen fluoride (HF), by diminished stratospheric columns of nitrous oxide (N2O), and by a scaled potential vorticity above 1.2 × 10−4s−1. The events comprise 16%of winter/spring (November to April inclusive) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements from January 2002 to March 2013, and we find at least two events per year. The events are corroborated by Modèle Isentrope du transport Méso‐échelle de l'Ozone Stratosphérique par Advection, Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications potential vorticity maps, and Global Modeling Initiative N2O maps. During polar intrusion events, the stratospheric ozone (O3) columns over Toronto are usually greater than when there is no event. Our O3 measurements agree with the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System satellite instrument and are further verified with the Earth Probe Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer and Ozone Monitoring Instrument satellite observations. We find six cases out of 53 for which chemical O3depletion within the polar vortex led to a reduction in stratospheric O3 columns over Toronto. We have thus identified a dynamical cause for most of the winter/spring variability of stratospheric trace gas columns observed at our midlatitude site. While there have been a number of prior polar intrusion studies, this is the first study to report in the context of 11 years of ground‐based FTIR column measurements, providing insight into the frequency of midlatitude polar vortex intrusions and observations of upper stratospheric (25–50 km) intrusions. It is also the first to present HF measurements during multiple polar intrusions, which provided an excellent tracer for their identification.
Nowcasting and Forecasting the Monthly Food Stamps Data in the US Using Online Search Data

We propose the use of Google online search data for nowcasting and forecasting the number of food stamps recipients. We perform a large out-of-sample forecasting exercise with almost 3000 competing models with forecast horizons up to 2 years ahead, and we show that models including Google search data statistically outperform the competing models at all considered horizons. These results hold also with several robustness checks, considering alternative keywords, a falsification test, different out-of-samples, directional accuracy and forecasts at the state-level.
The last minute: Efficient Data Evacuation strategy for sensor networks in post-disaster applications

Disasters (e.g., earthquakes, flooding, tornadoes, oil spilling and mining accidents) often result in tremendous cost to our society. Previously, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been proposed and deployed to provide information for decision making in post-disaster relief operations. The existing WSN solutions for post-disaster operations normally assume that the deployed sensor network can tolerate the damage caused by disasters and maintain its connectivity and coverage, even though a significant portion of nodes have been physically destroyed. In reality, however, this assumption is often invalid for disastrous events like earthquakes in large scale, limiting the relief capability of the existing solutions. Inspired by the “blackbox” technique in flight industry, we propose that preserving “the last snapshot” of the whole network and transferring those data to a safe zone would be the most logical approach to provide necessary information for rescuing lives and control damages. In this paper, we introduce Data Evacuation (DE), an original idea that takes advantage of the survival time of the WSN, i.e., the gap from the time when the disaster hits and the time when the WSN is paralyzed, to transmit critical data to sensor nodes in the safe area. Mathematically, the problem can be formulated as a nonlinear programming problem with multiple minimums in its support. We propose a gradient-based DE algorithm (GRAD-DE) to verify our DE strategy. Numerical investigations reveal the effectiveness of GRAD-DE algorithm.
The Changing Pattern of Humoral Rejection in Cardiac Transplant Recipients

Background. Most humoral rejection (HR) episodes occur early after cardiac transplantation and are associated with hemodynamic compromise and poor prognosis. Late cases of HR (>6 months after transplant) have been reported. We examined the differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients presenting with HR in the early (<6 months) and late transplant periods. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of HR at a single large transplant center from January 1, 1995 to March 1, 2006. Results. A total of 37 adult transplants had biopsy-proven HR; 13 patients had early HR and 24 patients had HR a mean of 5 yr after transplantation (range, 7 months to 17 yrs). Treatment for HR included plasmapheresis, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. The age of the early and late humoral rejecters was similar (58±14 vs. 50±14 yrs; P=0.12). There was a trend toward more women in the early HR group (54% vs. 33%). Use of left ventricular assist devices was similar (38% vs. 33%). Early rejecters were more likely to have positive cross-matches (46% vs. 8%; P<0.01). Patients with late HR had a coexistent diagnosis of malignancy, or significant recent infection in 50% vs. 8% for early HR, suggesting an activation of a nonhuman leukocyte antigen antibody-mediated immune response to an acute illness. One-year survival after the diagnosis of HR was 78% for the both groups (P=NS). Conclusions. Humoral rejection occurs now more frequently in patients with remote transplants and is commonly associated with the presence of malignancy or infection.
A Probabilistic Notion of Correspondence and the Epipolar Constraint

We present a probabilistic framework for correspondence and egomotion. First, we suggest computing probability distributions of correspondence. This has the advantage of being robust to points subject to the aperture effect and repetitive structure, while giving up no information at feature points. Additionally, correspondence probability distributions can be computed for every point in the scene. Next, we generate a probability distribution over the motions, from these correspondence probability distributions, through a probabilistic notion of the epipolar constraint. Finding the maximum in this distribution is shown to be a generalization of least-squared epipolar minimization. We will show that because our technique allows so much correspondence information to be extracted, more accurate ego- motion estimation is possible.
An island model based genetic algorithm for solving the capacitated vehicle routing problem

The present work proposes an island model for solving the capacitated vehicle routing problem. The developed approach consists of using a paradigm called the island model that rules the cooperation held by different islands. Each island performs a genetic algorithm for solving the problem in subject and exchanges solutions with other islands via the migration operator. The genetic algorithm used on each island uses different recombination parameters in order to interplay the intensification and the diversification of the search space. Tests over the different known benchmarks in the literature have resulted very promising results. Demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed approach and offering new perspectives.
Information Immobility and the Home Bias Puzzle

Many argue that home bias arises because home investors can predict home asset payoffs more accurately than foreigners can. But why doesn't global information access eliminate this asymmetry? We model investors, endowed with a small home information advantage, who choose what information to learn before they invest. Surprisingly, even when home investors can learn what foreigners know, they choose not to: Investors profit more from knowing information others do not know. Learning amplifies information asymmetry. The model matches patterns of local and industry bias, foreign investments, portfolio out-performance and asset prices. Finally, we propose new avenues for empirical research.
A Graphical Editor for RESTful Sensor Web networks modeling

Effectiveness of communication is measured by speed, ease, and accuracy in which the information can be understood. From the cognitive aspect graphical presentations are usually more effective than textual ones, especially when communication between end-users and/or domain practitioners is concerned. Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) graphical tools have become extremely popular concerning the development of applications for a large number of domains. In this paper the emphasis is put on the design and implementation of Graphical Editor for RESTful Sensor Web Network in order to equip designers, with no expert knowledge in specific solution-domain, with a tool that would enable them to easily define tasks, specify network architecture and implement RESTful services. Based on the pilot sensor network design model, the verification, validation and proper functionality of proposed Graphical Editor are performed.