Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reputation-based Worker Filtering in Crowdsourcing

In this paper, we study the problem of aggregating noisy labels from crowd workers to infer the underlying true labels of binary tasks. Unlike most prior work which has examined this problem under the random worker paradigm, we consider a much broader class of adversarial workers with no specific assumptions on their labeling strategy. Our key contribution is the design of a computationally efficient reputation algorithm to identify and filter out these adversarial workers in crowd-sourcing systems. Our algorithm uses the concept of optimal semi-matchings in conjunction with worker penalties based on label disagreements, to assign a reputation score for every worker. We provide strong theoretical guarantees for deterministic adversarial strategies as well as the extreme case of sophisticated adversaries where we analyze the worst-case behavior of our algorithm. Finally, we show that our reputation algorithm can significantly improve the accuracy of existing label aggregation algorithms in real-world crowdsourcing datasets.
Distribution of Endogenous Retroviruses in Crocodilians

ABSTRACT Knowledge of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in crocodilians (Crocodylia) is limited, and their distribution among extant species is unclear. Here we analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of these retroelements in 20 species of crocodilians by studying the pro-pol gene. The results showed that crocodilian ERVs (CERVs) cluster into two major clades (CERV 1 and CERV 2). CERV 1 clustered as a sister group of the genus Gammaretrovirus, while CERV 2 clustered distantly with respect to all known ERVs. Interestingly, CERV 1 was found only in crocodiles (Crocodylidae). The data generated here could assist future studies aimed at identifying orthologous and paralogous ERVs among crocodilians.
Matched Samples in Medical Investigations

In investigating the effects of a treatment or experience on a group of patients, it is usually necessary to observe a control group. The comparison between the two groups may be influenced by the characteristics of the subjects: for example, their sex, age, body weight, and original clinical state. In order to secure comparability for such relevant "extraneous" factors, the controls are frequently matched with the experimental subjects. An alternative is to select the controls at random from an appropriate population, and to rely on statistical analysis to make allowance for the effects of concomitant variables. Medical research workers often prefer to select matched instead of randomly selected controls. The usual reasons seem to be that :
Identification of Fake Reviews Using New Set of Lexical and Syntactic Features

The services and products of E-Commerce portals in this digital age are heavily reviewed by the users. These reviews provide useful insights on the quality/usage of these products. Due to such importance of reviews, they can be faked to give false opinions about products and subsequently mislead the users. In this paper we are proposing new set of lexical and syntactic features set and applying supervised algorithms for performing classification on fake reviews dataset (gold standard). We focus on the writing style, that include type of punctuation mark, Part-of- Speech (POS) etc., that are helpful for detection of reviews spam. The final results give promising accuracy 91.51% for detecting fake reviews.
Changes in Reaction Time after Yoga Bellows-type Breathing in Healthy Female Volunteers

Background: Previously, yoga bellows-type breathing (bhastrika pranayama) reduced reaction time (RT) or reduced anticipatory responses in male participants or a mixed group of male and female participants. Aims: The present study as a control trial aimed to assess the effects of yoga bellows-type breathing on RT in females exclusively. Methods: The sample consisted of 25 healthy females, aged between 19 and 32 years (group mean ± standard deviation, 22.8 ± 3.5 years). All of them had prior minimum experience of yoga including yoga bellows-type breathing of 12 months. The RT was assessed in each participant before and after three randomized sessions differed in the intervention given held on three separate days. The sessions were (i) YOGA bellows-type breathing or bhastrika pranayama(BHK), (ii) Breath awareness (BAW), and (iii) Sitting quietly (CTL) as a control session. The duration of the intervention was 18 min, and the participants were assessed for RT before and after the intervention. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA, post hoc tests with Bonferroni adjusted showed that the time taken to obtain a correct response reduced significantly after 18 min of BAW (P < 0.05) and CTL (P < 0.05). However, no changes were seen in the RT after BHK. Conclusions: The results suggest that different interventions may optimize performance in tasks requiring attention in females compared to males.
Effects of Habitual Alcohol Intake on Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Its Variability Among Japanese Men

We sought to examine effects of habitual alcohol intake on ambulatory blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and HR variability among Japanese men. Subjects were 539 men aged 35 to 65 years from rural and urban communities. Ambulatory BP and HR were monitored with an automated, portable, noninvasive multibiomedical recorder. Power spectral analysis of the RR intervals on the ECG was performed every 5 minutes. Compared with nondrinkers, moderate drinkers (alcohol intake 23 to 45 g/d) and heavy drinkers (alcohol intake ≥46 g/d) showed higher age- and field-adjusted mean values of systolic and diastolic BPs during the morning and while awake, but there were no differences in BPs over 24-hour periods and while asleep among the alcohol intake categories. Alcohol intake was positively associated with mean values of sleep-morning differences and daytime variability in BPs, HRs while awake and asleep, and low frequency:high frequency ratio while asleep. The results were virtually unchanged after adjustment for body mass index, smoking, and diabetes mellitus. Compared with the nondrinkers, age- and field-adjusted odds ratios of the morning BP surge (excess elevation of BP in the morning: morning systolic BP minus sleep systolic BP ≥37 mm Hg) for light (alcohol intake 0 to 22 g/d), moderate, and heavy drinkers were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.34 to 2.78), 1.68 (95% CI: 0.64 to 4.38), and 2.73 (95% CI: 1.12 to 6.67), respectively. Habitual alcohol intake was associated with increased BP in the morning, HR while awake and asleep, and sympathetic activity while asleep, which may explain some of the mechanisms of the relationship between heavy alcohol intake and risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Rapid Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in Human Serum by Use of an Immunochromatographic Dipstick Test

ABSTRACT We evaluated a commercially available immunochromatographic dipstick test to detect Trypanosoma cruzi infection in 366 human serum samples with known serological results from Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela. One hundred forty-nine of 366 (40.7%) and 171/366 (46.7%) samples tested positive by dipstick and serology, respectively. Dipstick sensitivity was calculated to be 84.8% (range between countries, 77.5 to 95%), and specificity was 97.9% (95.9 to 100%).
Relationships between horizontal interactions and functional architecture in cat striate cortex as revealed by cross-correlation analysis

Anatomical studies in the visual cortex have shown the presence of long- range horizontal connections with clustered axonal collaterals, suggesting interactions over distances of several millimeters. We used cross-correlation analysis in cat striate cortex to detect interactions between cells over comparable distances. Using one cell as a reference, we recorded from other cells with a second electrode at varying distances and looked for correlated firing between the two recording sites. This technique allowed us to combine a physiological measure of the strength and type of connection between cells with a characterization of their receptive field properties. The observed interactions were excitatory, and extended over horizontal distances of several millimeters. Furthermore, the interactions were between orientation columns of like specificity, resulting in a waxing and waning in the strength of interaction as the electrodes passed through different orientation columns. We studied relationships between strength of correlation and other receptive field properties and found a tendency for facilitatory interactions between cells sharing the same eye preference. A large proportion of our correlations was due to common input. This feature, and the similarity of interactions between cells in the same column with the reference cell, suggest a high degree of interconnectivity between and within the columns. As the distance between the two electrodes increased, the overlap of the receptive fields of the cells participating in the interactions gradually diminished. At the furthest distances recorded, the cell pairs had nonoverlapping receptive fields separated by several degrees. The distribution and range of these interactions corresponded to the clustering and extent of the horizontal connections observed anatomically.
American Journal of Epidemiology Original Contribution Sleep-disordered Breathing and Frailty in the Cardiovascular Health Study Cohort

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with pathophysiology that may influence the development and progression of frailty. Using data collected in 1995–1996, the authors explored the relation between SDB and components of frailty among 1,042 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study. Diagnosis of SDB was based on the results of overnight polysomnography, and severe SDB was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index of >30 per hour of sleep. Slow walking speed, low grip strength, exhaustion, low physical activity, and unexplained weight loss were referred to as frailty indicator variables. There were 584 (56%) female and 458 (44%) male participants, and the mean age was 77 (standard deviation, 4) years. There was independent association between severe SDB and 1 or more frailty indicator variables (adjusted odds ratio ¼ 4.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.40, 16.78), slow walking speed (adjusted odds ratio ¼ 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 6.84), and low grip strength (adjusted odds ratio ¼ 3.29, 95% confidence interval: 1.36, 7.96) among female study participants. The finding of an independent association between SDB and frailty indicator variables among older women could have important implications in interventions aimed at preventing or delaying the progression of frailty. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common disorder among community-dwelling older adults, with the prevalence of a moderate-to-severe form of the disease estimated to be 20% among those 60 years of age (1). This disorder is characterized by periods of apnea and hypopnea that often result in intermittent arousals from sleep and oxygen desa-turations. These episodes of arousals and oxygen desatura-tions have multiple consequences, such as increased sympathetic activity (2), activation of certain inflammatory pathways (3), and endothelial dysfunction (4), which are reported to mediate the adverse effects of SDB on the different organ systems. Among young and middle-aged adults, SDB has been described to be associated with car-diovascular diseases such as hypertension (5) and coronary artery disease (6), stroke (7), and metabolic abnormalities such as impaired glucose tolerance (8). However, the contribution of SDB to morbidity and mortality in older adults (aged >65 years) is not well characterized, with only a few studies reporting significant associations between SDB and increased disease burden (9–11). Because SDB causes hormonal, inflammatory, and metabolic abnormalities that favor catabolic activities (12, 13), it could contribute to the development and progression of frailty. Frailty, a condition characterized by a decrease in physiologic reserve and increased risk for adverse health-related outcomes, is a common condition …
Differentiation Potential of CD14+ Monocytes into Myofibroblasts in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Background Circulating monocytes are a highly plastic and functionally heterogeneic cell type with an activated phenotype in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). CD14+ monocytes have the potential to differentiate into extra-cellular matrix (ECM) producing cells, possibly participating in fibrogenesis. Aim To study the effect of GM-CSF, IL-4 and endothelin -1 (ET-1) alone or in combination on monocyte differentiation into myofibroblasts. Methods CD14+ cells were isolated from peripheral blood from 14 SSc patients and healthy controls by positive selection and incubated with different combinations of GM-CSF, IL-4 and ET-1 for 14 days. Type-1 collagen and α-SMA were detected by Western blot, qPCR and confocal microscopy. HLA-DR, CD11c and CD14 expression was analysed by flow cytometry. A collagen gel contraction assay was performed for functional myofibroblast assessment. Results GM-CSF both induced collagen and α-SMA expression after 14 days. ET-1 further increased GM-CSF-induced collagen expression in a dose dependent manner up to 30-fold. IL-4/GM-CSF combination leads to a more DC-like phenotype of monocytes associated with reduced collagen and α-SMA expression compared to GM-CSF alone. Collagen and α-SMA expression was higher in monocytes from SSc patients and monocytes were more prone to obtain a spindle form. In contrast to controls, ET-1 and IL-4 alone were sufficient to induce α-SMA expression in monocytes from SSc patients. Despite the induction of α-SMA expression, monocyte-derived myofibroblasts only had a moderate capability of contraction in functional analyses. Conclusion SSc monocytes display increased maturation towards myofibroblasts demonstrated by their phenotype and α-SMA expression when compared to monocytes from healthy controls, however only with minor functional contraction properties.
Structural Correlations in the Italian Overnight Money Market: An Analysis Based on Network Configuration Models

We study the structural correlations in the Italian overnight money market over the period 1999-2010. We show that the structural correlations vary across different versions of the network. Moreover, we employ different configuration models and examine whether higher-level characteristics of the observed network can be statistically reconstructed by maximizing the entropy of a randomized ensemble of networks restricted only by the lower-order features of the observed network. We find that often many of the high order correlations in the observed network can be considered emergent from the information embedded in the degree sequence in the binary version and in both the degree and strength sequences in the weighted version. However, this information is not enough to allow the models to account for all the patterns in the observed higher order structural correlations. In particular, one of the main features of the observed network that remains unexplained is the abnormally high level of weighted clustering in the years preceding the crisis, i.e. the huge increase in various indirect exposures generated via more intensive interbank credit links.
The hepatitis C revolution part 2: difficult-to-treat groups and experimental approaches

Purpose of review Novel direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents are highly effective in the treatment of hepatitis C, achieving unprecedented rates of sustained virological response, a functional cure. However, a significant minority of patients belong to ‘difficult-to-treat’ groups, in which efficacy of DAAs appears less robust. The review article aims to discuss additional treatment strategies which may be employed in these patient cohorts, as well as evidence for the potential role of experimental DAAs. Recent findings Patients with genotype 3 infection have consistently lower rates of virological clearance following DAA therapy when compared with other genotypes. However, in combination with sofosbuvir, the novel nonstructural protein 5A inhibitor daclatasvir has demonstrated high efficacy in the treatment of noncirrhotic genotype 3 infection. Recent data from phase 2 and 3 clinical studies support the use of currently approved DAA regimens in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. Sustained virological response rates in coinfected patients are analogous to those observed in monoinfection, such that HIV infection itself does not pose a barrier to DAA efficacy. In posttransplant populations, DAAs have again shown great potential, with trial data validating use of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Summary Unmet need persists in certain subsets of the hepatitis C patient population. The arrival on scene of novel DAAs is likely to further expand the repertoire of available therapy for these ‘difficult-to-treat’ groups.
Mechanisms of tentacle morphogenesis in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis

Evolution of the capacity to form secondary outgrowths from the principal embryonic axes was a crucial innovation that potentiated the diversification of animal body plans. Precisely how such outgrowths develop in early-branching metazoan species remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that three fundamental processes contribute to embryonic tentacle development in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. First, a pseudostratified ectodermal placode forms at the oral pole of developing larvae and is transcriptionally patterned into four tentacle buds. Subsequently, Notch signaling-dependent changes in apicobasal epithelial thickness drive elongation of these primordia. In parallel, oriented cell rearrangements revealed by clonal analysis correlate with shaping of the elongating tentacles. Taken together, our results define the mechanism of embryonic appendage development in an early-branching metazoan, and thereby provide a novel foundation for understanding the diversification of body plans during animal evolution.
Managing documents at home for serious leisure: a case study of the hobby of gourmet cooking

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the way participants in the hobby of gourmet cooking in the USA manage culinary information in their homes.Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes domain analysis and serious leisure as a conceptual framework and employs an ethnographic approach. In total 20 gourmet cooks in the USA were interviewed at home and then their culinary information collections were documented through a guided tour and photographic inventory. The resulting ethnographic record was analyzed using grounded theory and NVivo software.Findings – The findings introduce the personal culinary library (PCL): a constellation of cooking‐related information resources and information structures in the home of the gourmet cook, and an associated set of upkeep activities that increase with the collection's size. PCLs are shown to vary in content, scale, distribution in space, and their role in the hobby. The personal libraries are characterized as small, medium or large and case studies of each ext.
Does Science Promote Women? Evidence from Academia 1973-2001

Many studies have shown that women are under-represented in tenured ranks in the sciences. We evaluate whether gender differences in the likelihood of obtaining a tenure track job, promotion to tenure, and promotion to full professor explain these facts using the 1973-2001 Survey of Doctorate Recipients. We find that women are less likely to take tenure track positions in science, but the gender gap is entirely explained by fertility decisions. We find that in science overall, there is no gender difference in promotion to tenure or full professor after controlling for demographic, family, employer and productivity covariates and that in many cases, there is no gender difference in promotion to tenure or full professor even without controlling for covariates. However, family characteristics have different impacts on women's and men's promotion probabilities. Single women do better at each stage than single men, although this might be due to selection. Children make it less likely that women in science will advance up the academic job ladder beyond their early post-doctorate years, while both marriage and children increase men's likelihood of advancing.
Where is a Marginally Stable Last Circular Orbit in Super-Critical Accretion Flow?

Impressed by a widespread misunderstanding of the issue, we return to the old question concerning the location of the inner edge of the accretion disk around a black hole. We recall the fundamental results obtained in the 1970’s and 1980’s by Warsaw and Kyoto research groups that proved, in particular, that the inner edge does not coincide with the location of the innermost stable Keplerian circular orbit. We give some novel illustrations of this particular point and of some other fundamental results obtained before. To investigate the flow dynamics of the inner edge of an accretion disk, we carefully solved the structure of the transonic flow and plotted the effective potential profile based on the angular-momentum distribution calculated numerically. We showed that the flow does not have a potential minimum for accretion rates, u M 10LE/c 2 (with LE being the Eddington luminosity and c being the speed of light). This property is realized even for relatively small viscosity parameters (i.e., α ∼ 0.01), because of the effect of the pressure gradient. In conclusion, an argument based on the last circular orbit of a test particle cannot give a correct inner boundary of the super-critical flow, and the inner edge should be determined in connection with radiation efficiency. The same argument can apply to optically thin ADAF. The interpretation of the observed QPO frequencies should be re-considered, since the assumption of a Keplerian rotation velocity can grossly over- or underestimate the disk rotation velocity, depending on the magnitude of the viscosity.
Proteomics of Plant Detergent-resistant Membranes * S

A large body of evidence from the past decade supports the existence, in membrane from animal and yeast cells, of functional microdomains that play important roles in protein sorting, signal transduction, or infection by pathogens. Recent reports demonstrated the presence, in plants, of detergent-resistant fractions isolated from plasma membrane. Analysis of the lipidic composition of this fraction revealed its enrichment in sphingolipids and sterols and depletion in phospho- and glycerolipids as previously observed for animal microdomains. One-dimensional gel electrophoresis experiments indicated that these detergent-resistant fractions are able to recruit a specific set of plasma membrane proteins and exclude others. In the present study, we used mass spectrometry to give an extensive description of a tobacco plasma membrane fraction resistant to solubilization with Triton X-100. This led to the identification of 145 proteins whose functional and physicochemical characteristics were analyzed in silico. Parameters such as isoelectric point, molecular weight, number and length of transmembrane segments, or global hydrophobicity were analyzed and compared with the data available concerning plant plasma membrane proteins. Post-translational modifications, such as myristoylation, palmitoylation, or presence of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, were examined in relation to the presence of the corresponding proteins in these microdomains. From a functional point of view, this analysis indicated that if a primary function of the plasma membrane, such as transport, seems under-represented in the detergent-resistant fraction, others undergo a significant increase of their relative importance. Among these are signaling and response to biotic and abiotic stress, cellular trafficking, and cell wall metabolism. This suggests that these domains are likely to constitute, as in animal cells, signaling platforms involved in these physiological functions.