Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pay Me and I'll Follow You: Detection of Crowdturfing Following Activities in Microblog Environment

A number of existing works have focused on the problem of malicious following activity detection in microblog services. However, most of them make the assumption that the spamming following relationships are either from fraudulent accounts or compromised legitimate users. They therefore developed detection methodologies based on the features derived from this assumption. Recently, a new type of malicious crowdturfing following relationship is provided by the follower market, called voluntary following. Followers who provide voluntary following services (or named volowers) are normal users who are willing to trade their following activities for profit. Since most of their behaviors follow normal patterns, it is difficult for existing methods to detect volowers and their corresponding customers. In this work, we try to solve the voluntary following problem through a newly proposed detection method named DetectVC. This method incorporates both structure information in user following behavior graphs and prior knowledge collected from follower markets. Experimental results on large scale practical microblog data set show that DetectVC is able to detect volowers and their customers simultaneously and it also significantly outperforms existing solutions.
Chitosan oligosaccharide improves the therapeutic efficacy of sitagliptin for the therapy of Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sitagliptin improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients but its side effects are undesirable. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is expected to improve the therapeutic result as a natural product. A total of 200 elderly T2DM patients were evenly assigned into four groups: sitagliptin group (SG), receiving sitagliptin 100 mg/day; COS group (CG), receiving COS 100 mg/day; combination therapy of sitagliptin and COS group (SCG), receiving both sitagliptin and COS 100 mg/day; and placebo group (PG), receiving placebo 100 mg/day. After 42-week therapy, biochemical indices and clinical parameters for the alterations from start points were analyzed. The related molecular mechanism was tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot at cell level. Lower risk of hypoglycemia was found in the SCG group when compared with SG and other groups (P<0.05). More patients from the SCG group than other groups attained hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction >2.5% (P<0.05). Weight reduction of 1.2±0.9, 2.6±0.8, 4.7±1.3, and 0.9±0.6 kg was observed in the patients from SG, CG, SCG, and PG groups, respectively (P<0.05). The combined treatment of COS and sitagliptin presented better therapeutic results by improving insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, adiponectin levels, and glucagon-like peptide 1 and reducing side effects, insulin resistance, HbA1c, body mass index, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P<0.05). qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis also showed that COS treatment reduced the levels of resistin, TNF-α, and CRP, and increased the level of adiponectin. The combination of COS and sitagliptin provided better glycemic control with fewer side effects and with more weight reduction in the elderly participants with T2DM.
Pros, cons, and costs of INFUSE in spinal surgery

Background: INFUSE (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 [rh-BMP-2]; Medtronic, Memphis, TN, USA) is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) only for use with the lumbar tapered fusion device (LT Cage; Medtronic) to perform single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusions (ALIF: L2-S1 levels). INFUSE, however, is widely utilized in an “off-label” capacity for anterior and/or posterior cervical, thoracic, and lumbar surgery. Nevertheless, Medicare and other insurance companies, are now increasingly denying reimbursement (average cost of a “large” INFUSE to the hospital without overhead $5000-6000) to hospitals for INFUSE when utilized “off-label”. Methods: This commentary looks at several representative studies citing the cons associated with utilizing INFUSE in spinal surgery, contraindications, complications, and cost factors. Results: There are multiple cons of utilizing INFUSE in an “off-label” capacity for spinal surgery. Direct contraindications include pregnancy, allergy to titanium, allergy to bovine type I collagen or rhBMP-2, infection, tumor, liver or kidney disease, immunosuppression (e.g., lupus, HIV/AIDS); contraindications are also seen in those receiving radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids. Reported complications include exuberant/ectopic bone formation, paralysis (cord, nerve damage), dural tears, bowel–bladder and sexual dysfunction, respiratory failure, inflammation of adjacent tissues, fetal developmental complications, scar, excessive bleeding, and even death. Complications are so prevalent in the anterior cervical spine, that many surgeons no longer use it in this region. Similarly, INFUSE complications and indications for posterior lumbar interbody fusions (PLIFs) and transforaminal interbody lumbar fusions (TLIFs) should also be reexamined. Conclusions: More surgeons need to question the safety, efficacy, and appropriate “off-label” use of INFUSE in all spine surgeries.
Bone bonding ability of some borate bio-glasses and their corresponding glass-ceramic derivatives

Ternary borate glasses from the system Na 2 O·CaO·B 2 O 3 together with soda-lime-borate samples containing 5 wt. % of MgO, Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 or P 2 O 5 were prepared. The obtained glasses were converted to their glass-ceramic derivatives by controlled heat treatment. X-ray diffraction was employed to investigate the separated crystalline phases in glass-ceramics after heat treatment of the glassy samples. The glasses and corresponding glass-ceramics after immersion in water or diluted phosphate solution for extended times were characterized by the grain method (adopted by several authors and recommended by ASTM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectra to justify the formation of hydroxyapatite as an indication of the bone bonding ability. The influence of glass composition on bioactivity potential was discussed too.
Evaluation of Two Compressed Air Foam Systems for Culling Caged Layer Hens

Simple Summary Control of avian influenza and similar diseases in commercial poultry operations is challenging; the six major steps are surveillance, biosecurity, quarantine, depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and disinfection. Depopulation is used to cull animals that are terminally ill and to reduce the number of animals that can spread an untreatable disease. Water-based foam depopulation was used effectively during the 2014–2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in the United States. Water-based foam, however, cannot be used effectively in caged poultry operations. Compressed air foam systems were initially developed for structural fire-fighting and, with modifications, can provide the conditions required to effectively penetrate a poultry cage and provide sufficient residence time for depopulation. In this experiment, compressed air foam was used to depopulate caged layer hens. Compressed air foam resulted in faster unconsciousness than carbon dioxide gassing. The experiment demonstrated that compressed air foam systems have promise for depopulating birds raised in cages. Abstract Outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) and other highly contagious poultry diseases continue to be a concern for those involved in the poultry industry. In the situation of an outbreak, emergency depopulation of the birds involved is necessary. In this project, two compressed air foam systems (CAFS) were evaluated for mass emergency depopulation of layer hens in a manure belt equipped cage system. In both experiments, a randomized block design was used with multiple commercial layer hens treated with one of three randomly selected depopulation methods: CAFS, CAFS with CO2 gas, and CO2 gas. In Experiment 1, a Rowe manufactured CAFS was used, a selection of birds were instrumented, and the time to unconsciousness, brain death, altered terminal cardiac activity and motion cessation were recorded. CAFS with and without CO2 was faster to unconsciousness, however, the other parameters were not statistically significant. In Experiment 2, a custom Hale based CAFS was used to evaluate the impact of bird age, a selection of birds were instrumented, and the time to motion cessation was recorded. The difference in time to cessation of movement between pullets and spent hens using CAFS was not statistically significant. Both CAFS depopulate caged layers, however, there was no benefit to including CO2.
The Importance of College Roommate Relationships: A Review and Systemic Conceptualization

Abstract This article reviews empirical studies of the role of college roommate relationships in students’ mental health and college adjustment. We propose a systemic conceptualization of roommate relationships that highlights roommates’ interdependence and origins of roommate relationship dynamics. We discuss practice implications for student affairs professionals, provide a case example, and offer recommendations for future research.
Antiangiogenic activity of aeroplysinin‐1, a brominated compound isolated from a marine sponge

(+)‐Aeroplysinin‐1, an antibacterial brominated compound produced by certain sponges, was selected during a blind high‐throughput screening for new potential antiangiogenic compounds obtained from marine organisms. In a variety of experimental systems, representing the sequential events of the angiogenic process, aeroplysinin‐1 treatment of endothelial cells resulted in strong inhibitory effects. Aeroplysinin‐1 inhibited the growth of endothelial cells in culture and induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Capillary tube formation on Matrigel was completely abrogated by addition of aeroplysinin‐1 at the low micromolar range. Aeroplysinin‐1 also exhibited a clear inhibitory effect on the migration capabilities of endothelial cells. Zymographic assays showed that aeroplysinin‐1 treatment produced a decrease in the concentration of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and urokinase in conditioned medium from endothelial cells. Finally, aeroplysinin‐1 exhibited a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on the in vivo chorioallantoic membrane assay, showing potent apoptosis‐inducing activity in the developing endothelium. The in vivo inhibition of angiogenesis by aeroplysinin‐1 was confirmed by the Matrigel plug assay. Together, our data indicate that aeroplysinin‐1 is a compound that interferes with key events in angiogenesis, making it a promising drug for further evaluation in the treatment of angiogenesis‐related pathologies.
Investigating Training and Transfer in Complex Tasks with Dual N-Back

No clear consensus exists in the scientific community of what constitutes efficient dual-tasking abilities. Moreover, the training of executive components has been given increased attention in the literature in recent years. Investigating transferability of cognitive training in a complex task setting, thirty subjects practiced for five days on a Name-Tag task (controls) or a Dual N-Back task (experimental), subsequently being tested on two transfer tasks; the Automated Operation Span and a dual task (Trail Making task + Mathematical Addition task). Dual N-Back training previously transferred to unrelated intelligence tests and in this study is assumed to rely primarily on executive attention. Executive attention, functioning to resolve interference and maintaining task-relevant information in working memory, has previously been linked to fluid intelligence and to dual-tasking. However, no transfer effects were revealed. The length of training may have been too short to reveal any such effects. However, the three complex tasks correlated significantly, suggesting common resources, and therefore having potentials as transfer tasks. Notably, subjects with the highest task-specific improvements performed worse on the transfer tasks than subjects improving less, suggesting that task-specific gains do not directly correlate with any transfer effect. At present, if transfer exists in these settings, data implies that five days of training is insufficient for a transfer to occur. Important questions for future research relates to the necessary conditions for transfer to occur, such as the amount of training, neural correlates, attention, and motivation.
The role of semantic transparency and metaphoricalelaboration through pictures for learning idioms in a second language

Idioms, as multi-word units that contain literal and figurative meanings, are inherently complex and thus unsurprisingly difficult to acquire for second language learners. Though experimental studies on idioms have been carried out with pedagogically minded foci, none have examined the differential effects picture type has on correct interpretation of meaning or meaning recall. Because idioms have both literal and figurative senses, they can be pictorially expressed via either or both of their dual meanings. However, no one has yet tested whether figurative elements in pictures will aid or confuse second language learners when presented alongside idioms. Thus, the primary aim of this thesis is to experimentally test how different kinds of pictures affect the way in which second language learners interpret and recall the figurative meaning of metaphorical idioms. Furthermore, the role of semantic transparency and how it impacts the effectiveness of the picture type is examined. The overarching finding suggests that metaphorically imbued pictures overall facilitate the learning of idioms. However, highly contextualized pictures have the potential to mislead learners in specific and often unpredictable ways. In addition to the pedagogical implications uncovered, this thesis also addresses the nature of semantic transparency and teacher attitudes on idioms.
CHANDRA X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF THE FOCUSED WIND IN THE CYGNUS X-1 SYSTEM. I. THE NONDIP SPECTRUM IN THE LOW/HARD STATE

We present analyses of a 50 ks observation of the supergiant X-ray binary system Cygnus X-1 (Cyg X-1)/HDE226868 taken with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS). Cyg X-1 was in its spectrally hard state and the observation was performed during superior conjunction of the black hole, allowing for the spectroscopic analysis of the accreted stellar wind along the line of sight. A significant part of the observation covers X-ray dips as commonly observed for Cyg X-1 at this orbital phase, however, here we analyze only the high count rate nondip spectrum. The full 0.5–10 keV continuum can be described by a single model consisting of a disk, a narrow and a relativistically broadened Fe Kα line, and a power-law component, which is consistent with simultaneous Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer broadband data. We detect absorption edges from overabundant neutral O, Ne, and Fe, and absorption line series from highly ionized ions and infer column densities and Doppler shifts. With emission lines of He-like Mg xi, we detect two plasma components with velocities and densities consistent with the base of the spherical wind and a focused wind. A simple simulation of the photoionization zone suggests that large parts of the spherical wind outside of the focused stream are completely ionized, which is consistent with the low velocities (<200 km s−1) observed in the absorption lines, as the position of absorbers in a spherical wind at low projected velocity is well constrained. Our observations provide input for models that couple the wind activity of HDE 226868 to the properties of the accretion flow onto the black hole.
Laboratory and molecular surveillance of paediatric typhoidal Salmonella in Nepal: Antimicrobial resistance and implications for vaccine policy

Background Children are substantially affected by enteric fever in most settings with a high burden of the disease, which could be due to immune naivety, or enhanced risk of exposure to the pathogen. Although Nepal is a high burden setting for enteric fever, the bacterial population structure and transmission dynamics are poorly delineated in young children, the proposed target group for immunization programs. Methods Blood culture surveillance amongst children aged 2 months to 15 years of age was conducted at Patan Hospital between 2008 and 2016. A total of 198 S. Typhi and 66 S. Paratyphi A isolated from children treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings were subjected to whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Demographic and clinical data were also collected from the inpatients. The resulting data were used to place these paediatric Nepali isolates into a worldwide context, based on their phylogeny and carriage of molecular determinants of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Results Children aged ≤4 years made up >40% of the inpatient population. The majority of isolates (78 %) were S. Typhi, comprising several distinct genotypes but dominated by 4.3. 1 (H58). Several distinct S. Typhi genotypes were identified, but the globally disseminated S. Typhi clade 4.3. 1 (H58) dominated. The majority of isolates (86%) were insusceptible to fluoroquinolones. This was mainly associated with S. Typhi H58 Lineage II and S. Paratyphi A; non-susceptible strains from these two genotypes accounted for 50% and 25% of all enteric fever cases. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was rare (3.5% of S. Typhi, 0 S. Paratyphi A) and restricted to chromosomal insertions of AMR genes in H58 lineage I strains. Comparison to global data sets showed the local S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A strains had close genetic relatives in other South Asian countries, indicating regional strain circulation. Conclusions These data indicate that enteric fever in Nepal continues to be a major public health issue with ongoing inter- and intra-country transmission, and highlights the need for regional coordination of intervention strategies. The absence of a S. Paratyphi A vaccine is cause for concern, given its prevalence as an enteric fever agent in this setting, and the large proportion of isolates displaying fluoroquinolone resistance. This study also highlights an urgent need for routine laboratory and molecular surveillance to monitor the epidemiology of enteric fever and evolution of antimicrobial resistance within the bacterial population as a means to facilitate public health interventions in prevention and control of this febrile illness.
Quantitative assessment of the clinical susceptibility of calcium-sensing receptor polymorphisms in cancer patients

Background Accumulating evidence has suggested a relationship between calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) polymorphisms and cancer risk in different types of cancer; however, the findings from epidemiologic studies have been conflicting. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical susceptibility of CASR polymorphisms in cancer patients. Materials and methods This study systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for eligible articles through March 2017. The strength of association was expressed as odds ratio and 95% CI. Publication bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analyses were also examined. Results Fourteen related case–control studies were finally identified to be included in the present analysis. The pooled result showed that no significant associations were found among CASR rs1801725, rs1042636, rs12485716, rs4678174, rs1801726, rs17251221, rs10934578, and rs2270916 polymorphisms and cancer risk under all genetic models (P>0.05). The relationship between CASR rs1801725 polymorphism and risk of cancer was consistent in the subgroup analyses, and robust in sensitivity analysis. No publication bias was presented in our pooled-analysis. Conclusion The current evidence for our pooled analysis suggests that the CASR polymorphisms are not associated with an increased risk of cancer. Further larger studies are still necessary to warrant and validate the findings in the current meta-analysis.
ARECIBO PULSAR SURVEY USING ALFA: PROBING RADIO PULSAR INTERMITTENCY AND TRANSIENTS

We present radio transient search algorithms, results, and statistics from the ongoing Arecibo Pulsar ALFA (PALFA) survey of the Galactic plane. We have discovered seven objects through a search for isolated dispersed pulses. All of these objects are Galactic and have measured periods between 0.4 and 4.7 s. One of the new discoveries has a duty cycle of 0.01%, smaller than that of any other radio pulsar. We discuss the impact of selection effects on the detectability and classification of intermittent sources, and compare the efficiencies of periodicity and single-pulse (SP) searches for various pulsar classes. For some cases we find that the apparent intermittency is likely to be caused by off-axis detection or a short time window that selects only a few bright pulses and favors detection with our SP algorithm. In other cases, the intermittency appears to be intrinsic to the source. No transients were found with DMs large enough to require that they originate from sources outside our Galaxy. Accounting for the on-axis gain of the ALFA system, as well as the low gain but large solid-angle coverage of far-out sidelobes, we use the results of the survey so far to place limits on the amplitudes and event rates of transients of arbitrary origin.
Comparative Analysis of Four New Alternative Types of Roundabouts: "Turbo", "Flower", "Target" and "Four-Flyover" Roundabout

Analysis of literature shows that "modern roundabouts" nowadays exist in all European countries, as well as in more than 60 countries elsewhere in the world. Nowadays, a growing number of studies, presented in scientific and professional literature, point out a poor trac safety characteristics of "standard" two-lane roundabouts and lower capacity then was expected. These problems are resolved in more ways in dierent countries; however the solution, whereby the number of conflict spots is diminished has proven to be the most successful. Lower number of conflict spots is one of characteristics of the alternative types of roundabouts. The alternative types of roundabouts are usually more recent and implemented only in certain countries. It is typical for them that they dier from "standard" one- and two-lane roundabouts in one or more design elements, while the purpose of their implementation is also specific. This paper illustrate four relative new alternative types of roundabouts – "turbo", "flower", "target" and "four flyover" roundabouts and their comparison from designing, capacity and trac – safety point of view.
Bioelectromagnetics Research within an Australian Context: The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR)

Mobile phone subscriptions continue to increase across the world, with the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by these devices, as well as by related technologies such as Wi-Fi and smart meters, now ubiquitous. This increase in use and consequent exposure to mobile communication (MC)-related EMF has led to concern about possible health effects that could arise from this exposure. Although much research has been conducted since the introduction of these technologies, uncertainty about the impact on health remains. The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR) is a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence that is undertaking research addressing the most important aspects of the MC-EMF health debate, with a strong focus on mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and exposure dosimetry. This research takes as its starting point the current scientific status quo, but also addresses the adequacy of the evidence for the status quo. Risk communication research complements the above, and aims to ensure that whatever is found, it is communicated effectively and appropriately. This paper provides a summary of this ACEBR research (both completed and ongoing), and discusses the rationale for conducting it in light of the prevailing science.