Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Worker Recommendation for Crowdsourced Q&A Services: A Triple-Factor Aware Approach

W orker R ecommendation (WR) is one of the most important functions for crowdsourced Q&A services. Specifically, given a set of tasks to be solved, WR recommends each task with a certain group of workers, whom are expected to give timely answers with high qualities. To address the WR problem, recent studies have introduced a number of recommendation approaches, which take advantage of workers' expertises or preferences towards different types of tasks. However, without a thorough consideration of workers' characters, such approaches will lead to either inadequate task fulfillment or inferior answer quality. In this work, we propose the Triple-factor Aware Worker Recommendation framework, which collectively considers workers' expertises, preferences and activenesses to maximize the overall production of high quality answers. We construct the Latent Hierarchical Factorization Model, which is able to infer the tasks' underlying categories and workers' latent characters from the historical data; and we propose a novel parameter inference method, which only requires the processing of positive instances, giving rise to significantly higher time efficiency and better inference quality. What's more, the sampling-based recommendation algorithm is developed, such that the near optimal worker recommendation can be generated for a presented batch of tasks with considerably reduced time consumption. Comprehensive experiments have been carried out using both real and synthetic datasets, whose results verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed methods.
Calderon inverse Problem with partial data on Riemann Surfaces

On a fixed smooth compact Riemann surface with boundary $(M_0,g)$, we show that for the Schr\"odinger operator $\Delta +V$ with potential $V\in C^{1,\alpha}(M_0)$ for some $\alpha>0$, the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map $N|_{\Gamma}$ measured on an open set $\Gamma\subset \partial M_0$ determines uniquely the potential $V$. We also discuss briefly the corresponding consequences for potential scattering at 0 frequency on Riemann surfaces with asymptotically Euclidean or asymptotically hyperbolic ends.
Loss of the serum response factor in the dopamine system leads to hyperactivity

The serum response factor (SRF) is a key regulator of neural development and cellular plasticity, which enables it to act as a regulator of long‐term adaptations in neurons. Here we performed a comprehensive analysis of SRF function in the murine dopamine system. We found that loss of SRF in dopaminoceptive, but not dopaminergic, neurons is responsible for the development of a hyperactivity syndrome, characterized by reduced body weight into adulthood, enhanced motor activity, and deficits in habituation processes. Most important, the hyperactivity also develops when the ablation of SRF is induced in adult animals. On the molecular level, the loss of SRF in dopaminoceptive cells is associated with altered expression of neuronal plasticity‐related genes, in particular transcripts involved in calcium ion binding, formation of the cytoskeleton, and transcripts encoding neuropeptide precursors. Furthermore, abrogation of SRF causes specific deficits in activity‐dependent transcription, especially a complete lack of psychostimulant‐induced expression of the Egr genes. We inferred that alterations in SRF‐dependent gene expression underlie the observed hyperactive behavior. Thus, SRF depletion in dopaminoceptive neurons might trigger molecular mechanisms responsible for development of psychopathological conditions involving hyperactivity. — Parkitna, J. R. , Bilbao, A. , Rieker, C, Engblom, D. , Piechota, M. , Nordheim, A. , Spanagel, R. , Schütz, G. Loss of the serum response factor in the dopamine system leads to hyperactivity. FASEB J. 24, 2427–2435 (2010). www.fasebj. org
Exploring Alternatives to Tree Injection

The history of injection practices in medicine and arboriculture is reviewed and the problems associated with these practices are discussed. Columns of occluded (compartmentalized) xylem and killed bark are typically associated with wounds caused by injection. These columns extend both up and down the trunk and may extend out into the roots. Forty percent or more of the transport system can be blocked. Typical wound responses are illustrated. In most cases, there are other methods for inducing the uptake of fertilizers, biocides, and growth regulators by trees. These alternatives need to be promoted and improved and new technologies need to be developed.
Safety and long-term outcome of a new concept for surgical adhesion-reduction strategies (Prevadh): a prospective, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS No agent has been consistently effective in preventing formation of peritoneal adhesions and postoperative bowel obstruction after abdominal surgery. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to assess clinical safety and efficiency of a new adhesion-reduction barrier METHODOLOGY Between September 2000 and April 2001, Prevadh was used in 78 patients. Operative procedures included 25 hepatic resections, 7 cholecystectomies, 32 colonic resections, 7 protectomies, 3 colostomy or recovery of continuity, 1 gynaecologic surgery and 3 others. Eleven patients were operated on by laparoscopy and 67 by laparotomy. RESULTS The overall incidence of abscesses and wound complications was 2.4% and 9% respectively. After a mean follow-up of 36 months (range: 4-51 months), no patients experienced adverse events related to the adhesion barrier. Surgical reoperative procedures were performed in 10 patients for unrelated causes and no bowel obstruction occurred within the protected area. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the safety of Prevadh adhesion barrier and suggested that this resorbable barrier might provide prevention from adhesion formation on peritoneal injured surfaces. However, a large randomized controlled trial remains necessary to prove the real effectiveness of adhesion barriers on clinical long-term outcome.
The Effect of Mystery Shopper Reports on Age Verification for Tobacco Purchases

Mystery shops involving attempted tobacco purchases by young buyers have been implemented in order to monitor retail stores' performance in refusing underage sales. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mystery shop visits with immediate feedback to store personnel can improve age verification. This study investigated the effect of monthly and twice-monthly mystery shop reports on age verification. Mystery shoppers visited 45 Walgreens stores 20 times. The stores were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions. Control group stores received no feedback, whereas 2 treatment groups received feedback communications on every visit (twice monthly) or on every second visit (monthly) after baseline. Logit regression models tested whether each treatment group improved verification rates relative to the control group. Postbaseline verification rates were higher in both treatment groups than in the control group, but only the stores receiving monthly communications had a significantly greater improvement compared with the control group stores. Verification rates increased significantly during the study period for all 3 groups, with delayed improvement among control group stores. Communication between managers regarding the mystery shop program may account for the delayed age-verification improvements observed in the control group stores. Encouraging interstore communication might extend the benefits of mystery shop programs beyond those stores that receive this intervention.
Investigations on current capabilities of PEDOT:PSS conductors

The organic electronics products becomes every day more and more present, especially known being organic light emitting diodes (OLED), organic photovoltaic cells (OPV) or organic thin film transistors (OFET). It is very important to have a reliable solution for interconnection of these devices in a manner similar to printed circuit boards. This paper will present results on electrical and thermal tests of organic conductors based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrenesulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS) that can be used for data and power tracks. The samples are, and will be prepared by screen printing and ink-jetting, having silver paste and respectively ink based terminations. The results have shown that the current capabilities of PEDOT:PSS organic conductive tracks are limited by the dissipated power, due to relatively large resistance. As expected, the screen printed tracks having a higher thickness will have lower resistance. The temperature coefficient (TCR) has been found negative around -1000 ppm/°C.
INVITED REVIEW SERIES: CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGIES

Asthma is the result of a complex interaction between environmental factors and genetic variants that confer susceptibility. Studies of the genetics of asthma have previously been conducted using linkage designs and candidate gene association studies. Recently, the association study design has been extended from specific candidate genes to an unbiased genome-wide approach: the genome-wide association study (GWAS). To date, there have been 12 GWAS to look for susceptibility loci for asthma and related traits. The first GWAS for asthma discovered a novel associated locus on chromosome 17q21 encompassing the genes ORMDL3, GSDMB and ZPBP2. None of these genes would have been selected in a candidate association study based on current knowledge of the functions of these genes. Nevertheless, this finding has been consistently replicated in independent populations of European ancestry and also in other ethnic groups. Thus, chromosome 17q21 seems to be a true asthma susceptibility locus. Other genes that were identified in more than one GWAS are IL33, RAD50, IL1RL1 and HLA-DQB1. Additional novel susceptibility genes identified in a single study include DENND1BI and IL2RB. Discovering the causal mechanism behind these associations is likely to yield great insights into the development of asthma. It is likely that further meta-analyses of asthma GWAS data from existing international consortia will uncover more novel susceptibility genes and further increase our understanding of this disease.
Presynaptic inhibitory action of opioids on synaptic transmission in the rat periaqueductal grey in vitro.

1. The actions of opioids on synaptic transmission in rat periaqueductal grey (PAG) neurones were examined using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in brain slices. 2. Methionine enkephalin (ME; 10 microM) inhibited evoked GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) by 57%, non‐NMDA excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) by 60%, and NMDA EPSCs by 43% in PAG neurones. This inhibition was associated with an increase in paired‐pulse facilitation, was mimicked by the mu‐agonist DAMGO (1‐3 microM) and abolished by naloxone (1 microM). Neither the kappa‐agonist U69593 (1‐3 microM), nor the delta‐agonist DPDPE (3‐10 microM) had any specific actions on evoked PSCs. 3. ME decreased the frequency of spontaneous miniature, action potential‐independent postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs by 65%, mEPSCs by 54%) in all PAG neurones, but had no effect on their amplitude distributions. The reduction in mIPSC frequency persisted in nominally Ca(2+)‐free, high‐Mg2+ (10 mM) solutions, which also contained Cd2+ (100 microM), or Ba2+ (10 mM). Opioid inhibition of mIPSC frequency is unlikely to be mediated by presynaptic Ca2+ or K+ conductances which are sensitive to extracellular Cd2+ or Ba2+. 4. In a subpopulation of PAG neurones, ME increased a Ba(2+)‐sensitive K+ conductance at potentials below ‐97 mV. Opioids inhibited both GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic transmission in all PAG neurones, independent of any postsynaptic opioid sensitivity. 5. These observations are consistent with, but only partially support, the opioid disinhibition model of PAG‐induced analgesia. mu‐Opioids also have the potential to modulate the behavioural and autonomic functions of the PAG via modulation of both inhibitory and excitatory presynaptic mechanisms, as well as postsynaptic mechanisms.
Perceptions of methotrexate use in rheumatoid arthritis by rheumatologists and their patients: an Australian survey study

To improve treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), rheumatologists have embraced patient‐reported outcomes; however, limited data are available on patient perceptions of treatment. Our objective was to assess the use and perceptions of methotrexate (MTX) by patients with RA (primary objective) and their rheumatologists, patient‐reported adverse events (AEs) related to MTX, and patient‐reported use of alcohol, folic acid and biologic agents.
κ Receptor Activation Attenuates l‐trans‐Pyrrolidine‐2,4‐Dicarboxylic Acid‐Evoked Glutamate Levels in the Striatum

Abstract: The effects of local κ receptor activation and blockade on extracellular striatal glutamate levels evoked by reverse microdialysis of l‐trans‐pyrrolidine‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid (l‐trans‐PDC) were investigated. l‐trans‐PDC elevates extracellular glutamate levels in vivo by acting as a competitive substrate for plasma membrane excitatory amino acid transporters. The selective κ‐opioid receptor agonist U‐69593 (1‐100 nM) significantly attenuated l‐trans‐PDC‐stimulated glutamate levels in a concentration‐dependent manner. The selective κ receptor antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine (1‐100 nM) reversed the U‐69593‐induced decrease in l‐trans‐PDC‐evoked glutamate levels also in a concentration‐dependent manner, indicating that the U‐69593‐induced reduction was mediated by κ receptor activation. In addition, nor‐binaltorphimine significantly elevated basal extracellular glutamate levels, implying that κ receptors tonically regulate glutamate efflux in the striatum. Previous data from this laboratory have shown that l‐trans‐PDC‐evoked extracellular glutamate levels are partially calcium‐sensitive. The present study demonstrated that the inhibition of l‐trans‐PDC‐evoked glutamate levels by reduced calcium perfusion was not altered by U‐69593. Therefore, κ receptors regulate the calcium‐dependent component of l‐trans‐PDC‐evoked extracellular glutamate levels in the striatum.
Heart rate variability as a predictor of hypotension following spinal for elective caesarean section: a prospective observational study

Post‐spinal hypotension remains a common and clinically‐important problem during caesarean section, and accurate pre‐operative prediction of this complication might enhance clinical management. We conducted a prospective, single‐centre, observational study of heart rate variability in 102 patients undergoing elective caesarean section in a South African regional hospital. We performed Holter recording for ≥ 5 min in the hour preceding spinal anaesthesia. The low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio component of heart rate variability was compared, using a logistic regression model, with baseline heart rate and body mass index (BMI) as a predictor of hypotension (defined as systolic arterial pressure < 90 mmHg) occurring from the time of spinal insertion until 15 min after delivery of the baby. We also assessed clinically relevant cut‐point estimations for low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio. Low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio predicted hypotension (p = 0.046; OR 1.478, 95%CI 1.008‐1.014), with an optimal cut‐point estimation of 2.0; this threshold predicted hypotension better than previously determined thresholds (p = 0.003; c‐statistic 0.645). Baseline heart rate (p = 0.20; OR 1.022, 95%CI 0.988‐1.057) and BMI (p = 0.60; OR 1.017, 95%CI 0.954‐1.085) did not predict hypotension. Heart rate variability analysis is a potentially useful clinical tool for the prediction of hypotension. Future studies should consider a low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio threshold of 2.0 for prospective validation.
Identifying the origin of groundwater and ﬂow processes in complex landslides affecting black marls: insights from a hydrochemical survey

The Super‐Sauze mudslide is a persistently active slow‐moving landslide occurring in the black marl outcrops of the French South Alps. It has been intensively studied since the early 1990s. Geotechnical, geomorphological, geophysical and hydrological investigations have led to a better understanding of the processes governing the landslide motion. Water ﬂows inside the system have been proven to have a major impact. To look closer at the processes involved and especially to gain a better idea of the origin and pathways of the waters, a hydrochemical study was carried out from May 2003 to May 2004. The groundwater was sampled during ﬁve ﬁeld campaigns spread uniformly over the year. Groundwater from a network of boreholes was collected as well as spring waters from the fractured bedrock (in situ black marl) and from the moraine aquifer above the landslide. Results showed that the groundwater chemistry could not be fully explained by rainfall recharge or simple water–matrix equilibrium. A contribution of saline waters coming from the bottom of a thrust sheet overhanging the landslide was required to get the observed high mineralization. On a ﬂow line, the hydrochemical evolution was related to both soil–matrix equilibrium and deep water sources coming up to the surface by means of major faults, the bedding planes and the schistosity. Hydrochemical anomalies made it possible to point out such contributions locally. It was shown that water chemistry and landslide activity were closely related. This hydrochemical investigation also enabled us to better deﬁne the hydrosystem limits.Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drosophila contactin, a homolog of vertebrate contactin, is required for septate junction organization and paracellular barrier function

Septate junctions (SJs) in epithelial and neuronal cells play an important role in the formation and maintenance of charge and size selective barriers. They form the basis for the ensheathment of nerve fibers in Drosophila and for the attachment of myelin loops to axonal surface in vertebrates. The cell-adhesion molecules NRX IV/Caspr/Paranodin (NCP1), contactin and Neurofascin-155 (NF-155) are all present at the vertebrate axo-glial SJs. Mutational analyses have shown that vertebrate NCP1 and its Drosophila homolog, Neurexin IV (NRX IV) are required for the formation of SJs. In this study, we report the genetic, molecular and biochemical characterization of the Drosophila homolog of vertebrate contactin, CONT. Ultrastructural and dye-exclusion analyses of Cont mutant embryos show that CONT is required for organization of SJs and paracellular barrier function. We show that CONT, Neuroglian (NRG) (Drosophila homolog of NF-155) and NRX IV are interdependent for their SJ localization and these proteins form a tripartite complex. Hence, our data provide evidence that the organization of SJs is dependent on the interactions between these highly conserved cell-adhesion molecules.
The Rho-deamidating cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 from Escherichia coli possesses transglutaminase activity. Cysteine 866 and histidine 881 are essential for enzyme activity.

Recently, it has been reported that cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) from Escherichia coli induces formation of stress fibers by deamidation of glutamine 63 of RhoA (Schmidt, G., Sehr, P., Wilm, M., Selzer, J., Mann, M., and Aktories, K. (1997) Nature 387, 725-729); Flatau, G. , Lemichez, E. , Gauthier, M. , Chardin, P., Paris, S. , Fiorentini, C. , and Boquet, P. (1997) Nature 387, 729-733). By using mass spectrometric analysis, we show now that the toxin transfers ethylenediamine, putrescine, and dansylcadaverine specifically onto glutamine 63 of RhoA. RhoA was also a substrate for guinea pig liver transglutaminase, which modified not only glutamine 63, but also glutamine residues at positions 52 and 136. Treatment of the fully active N-terminal fragment of CNF1 (amino acid residues 709-1014) with iodoacetamide inhibited both deamidation and transglutamination activities. Moreover, exchange of cysteine 866 with serine blocked the enzyme activity of the N-terminal CNF1 fragment. In addition, we identified histidine 881 to be essential for the enzyme activity of CNF1. The data indicate that CNF1 shares a catalytic dyad of cysteine and histidine residues with eukaryotic transglutaminases and cysteine proteases.
The Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA)

Abstract Human onchocerciasis (river blindness) occurs in 13 foci distributed among six countries in Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela), where about 500,000 people are considered at risk. An effort to eliminate the disease from the region was launched in response to a specific resolution adopted by the PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO) in 1991: to eliminate onchocerciasis from the region, as a public-health problem, by 2007. The effort took advantage of the donation of the drug Mectizan (ivermectin) by Merck & Co., Inc. In 1992, the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) was launched, with its headquarters in Guatemala, to act as a technical and co-ordinating body of a multinational, multi-agency coalition that includes the endemic countries, PAHO, The Carter Center, Lions Clubs, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Merck & Co., Inc., and other partners. This public–private partnership facilitated the establishment of programmes for the semi-annual mass administration of Mectizan in the six countries with onchocerciasis. The aims were to (1) provide sustained treatments, with coverage reaching at least 85% of those eligible to receive the drug (in the 1845 endemic communities that are distributed within the 13 regional foci); (2) eliminate new morbidity caused by Onchocerca volvulus infection by 2007; and (3) eliminate transmission of the parasite wherever feasible. Significant progress has already been made in all six countries, each of which has active programmes with treatment coverages exceeding the target of 85%. The progress is being documented in accordance with certification guidelines for onchocerciasis elimination established by the World Health Organization. No new cases of onchocercal blindness are being reported in the region, and ocular disease attributable to O. volvulus has been eliminated from nine of the 13 foci. Treatment is no longer needed in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, where transmission has been eliminated, and will be halted in at least three other foci in 2008, as they confirm the interruption of transmission. Treatment efforts should now be concentrated on the five foci where significant transmission remains: Central (Guatemala), Amazonas/Roraima (Brazil), North–central (Venezuela), North–east (Venezuela) and South (Venezuela). Based upon the experience gained, the well-established operations and the success achieved so far, it seems reasonable to estimate that onchocerciasis could be eliminated from most of the remaining foci in the Americas by 2012. The protocol, criteria and deadline for stopping all onchocerciasis treatment in the region should soon be addressed by OEPA's Program Co-ordinating Committee (PCC), in co-ordination with the PAHO.