Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Orally exposed uninfected individuals have systemic anti-HIV responses associating with partners' viral load

Objectives:To determine whether oral HIV-1 exposure incites a persistent systemic anti-HIV-1 response in exposed uninfected individuals of discordant couples of men who have sex with men, and whether this response associates with HIV-1 exposure measured by viral load in the HIV-positive partners. Methods:Plasma were collected from exposed uninfected individuals (n = 25), HIV-positive partners (n = 25) and low-risk controls (n = 22). A peripheral blood mononuclear cells-based neutralization assay was used to test these samples against three primary HIV-1 isolates. Self-reported questionnaires described routes of HIV-1-exposure, and clinical records documented viral loads in HIV-positive partners. Results:At enrolment, plasma samples from seven of 25 exposed uninfected individuals neutralized at least two of the three HIV-1 isolates. No samples from the 22 controls neutralized any HIV-1 isolate (P = 0.01). Of these seven exposed uninfected individuals, six retained neutralization capacity during follow-up. Neutralization capacity among exposed uninfected individuals associated with the highest measured viral load of their respective partners (P = 0.01) and also time since highest viral load (P = 0.02). Purified plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) A1-mediated neutralization was observed in six of the seven samples, whereas none of the IgA1-depleted plasma samples neutralized HIV-1. The neutralizing IgA1 was not HIV envelope specific as detected by ELISA and western blot. Conclusion:Orally exposed uninfected men who have sex with men can mount neutralizing anti HIV-1 activity in plasma, mediated primarily by non-HIV envelope-specific IgA1. Neutralization was associated with previous measured highest viral load in the HIV-positive partner, as well as time elapsed since the peak viral load. Neutralization also persisted over time in spite of a continuous low viral exposure.
Kinetics and peptide dependency of the binding of the inhibitory NK receptor CD94/NKG2‐A and the activating receptor CD94/NKG2‐C to HLA‐E

The lytic function of human natural killer (NK) cells is markedly influenced by recognition of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, a process mediated by several types of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on the NK cell. One of the most important of these mechanisms of regulation is the recognition of the non‐classical class I MHC molecule HLA‐E, in complex with nonamer peptides derived from the signal sequences of certain class I MHC molecules, by heterodimers of the C‐type lectin‐like proteins CD94 and NKG2. Using soluble, recombinant HLA‐E molecules assembled with peptides derived from different leader sequences and soluble CD94/NKG2‐A and CD94/NKG2‐C proteins, the binding of these receptor–ligand pairs has been analysed. We show first that these interactions have very fast association and dissociation rate constants, secondly, that the inhibitory CD94/NKG2‐A receptor has a higher binding affinity for HLA‐E than the activating CD94/NKG2‐C receptor and, finally, that recognition of HLA‐E by both CD94/NKG2‐A and CD94/NKG2‐C is peptide dependent. There appears to be a strong, direct correlation between the binding affinity of the peptide–HLA‐E complexes for the CD94/NKG2 receptors and the triggering of a response by the NK cell. These data may help to understand the balance of signals that control cytotoxicity by NK cells.
Fast iterative image reconstruction methods for fully 3D multispectral bioluminescence tomography

We investigate fast iterative image reconstruction methods for fully 3D multispectral bioluminescence tomography for applications in small animal imaging. Our forward model uses a diffusion approximation for optically inhomogeneous tissue, which we solve using a finite element method (FEM). We examine two approaches to incorporating the forward model into the solution of the inverse problem. In a conventional direct calculation approach one computes the full forward model by repeated solution of the FEM problem, once for each potential source location. We describe an alternative on-the-fly approach where one does not explicitly solve for the full forward model. Instead, the solution to the forward problem is included implicitly in the formulation of the inverse problem, and the FEM problem is solved at each iteration for the current image estimate. We evaluate the convergence speeds of several representative iterative algorithms. We compare the computation cost of those two approaches, concluding that the on-the-fly approach can lead to substantial reductions in total cost when combined with a rapidly converging iterative algorithm.
Maxillofacial Fractures due to Falls: does Fall Modality Determine the Pattern of Injury?

ABSTRACT Objectives In several epidemiological studies of maxillofacial trauma, falls were one of the most frequent causes of facial injury. The aim of this study is to analyse the patterns of fall-related maxillofacial injuries based on the height of the fall. Material and Methods Using a systematic computer-assisted database of patients hospitalised with maxillofacial fractures, only those with fall-related injuries were considered. The falls were divided into four groups: falls from slipping, tripping or stumbling (STSF), loss of consciousness (LOCF), stairs (SAF), and height (HF). Data on the age, gender, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS), facial lacerations, associated lesions, type of treatment, and length of hospital stay were also analysed. Results This study included 557 patients (338 males, 219 females; average age 51.5 years [range 4 - 99 years]). In the over 60 age group, females were more prevalent in STSF than males. According to aetiology, STSF was the most frequent cause of maxillofacial fractures (315 patients; 56.5%) followed by LOCF (157; 28.2%), HF (55; 9.9%), and SAF (30; 5.4%). The middle third of the face was affected most frequently. After LOCF, however, the inferior third was prevalently involved. The majority of associated fractures, as well as the most severe injuries and greatest rate of facial lacerations, occurred secondary to HF. Conclusions This study showed that fracture severity and site are influenced not only by patient age, but also by the nature of the fall.
An Overview of the Global Historical Climatology Network Temperature Database

Abstract The Global Historical Climatology Network version 2 temperature database was released in May 1997. This century-scale dataset consists of monthly surface observations from ∼7000 stations from around the world. This archive breaks considerable new ground in the field of global climate databases. The enhancements include 1) data for additional stations to improve regional-scale analyses, particularly in previously data-sparse areas; 2) the addition of maximum–minimum temperature data to provide climate information not available in mean temperature data alone; 3) detailed assessments of data quality to increase the confidence in research results; 4) rigorous and objective homogeneity adjustments to decrease the effect of nonclimatic factors on the time series; 5) detailed metadata (e.g., population, vegetation, topography) that allow more detailed analyses to be conducted; and 6) an infrastructure for updating the archive at regular intervals so that current climatic conditions can constantly be put.
Study of Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Triggering by Electronic Article Surveillance Devices (SPICED TEAS)

The magnetic fields emitted by electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems (shoplifting gates) are a source of interference for implanted medical devices. In the Study of Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Triggering by Electronic Article Surveillance Devices (SPICED TEAS), 25 adult volunteers with ICDs and 50 with pacemakers were exposed to the fields of six different EAS systems. These EAS systems used three modes of operation: magnetic audio frequency, swept radio frequency, and acoustomagnetic technology. No ICD exhibited interference mimicking sensing of tachyarrhythmias with any EAS system. Pacemakers interacted variably, depending on the type of EAS system. Swept radiofrequency systems produced no interaction with any implanted medical device. One magnetic audio frequency system interacted with 2 of 50 pacemakers. The acoustomagnetic system interacted with 48 of 50 pacemakers. Interactions included asynchronous pacing, atrial oversensing (producing “EAS induced tachycardia” in the ventricle), ventricular oversensing (with pacemaker inhibition), and paced beats resulting from the direct induction of current in the pacemaker (“EAS induced pacing”). These interactions produced symptoms in some patients (palpitations, presyncopel only while patients were in the EAS field. No pacemaker was reprogrammed. We conclude that high energy, pulsed low frequency EAS systems such as acoustomagnetic systems interfere with most pacemakers. Pacemaker patients should be advised to minimize exposure to the fields of such systems to prevent the possibility of serious clinical events.
Asian American Experiences: A View from the Other Side

L'A. porte son attention sur l'evolution de la situation des asiatiques americains aux Etats-Unis. Il s'efforce de reconstruire leurs differentes experiences et souligne le caractere tres divers de cette population. Il critique la theorie qui presente les asiatiques americains comme formant une minorite modele. Il examine un certain nombre de donnees collectees aux Etats-Unis entre 1980 et 1990 concernant les differents groupes ethniques qui composent la societe americaine et compare les performances scolaires des differents groupes ethniques entre 1980 et 1993, leurs niveaux de revenu entre 1980 et 1990, l'aide sociale dont chacun d'eux beneficie sur la meme periode et enfin le prestige socio-economique dont chacun jouit respectivement entre 1990 et 1993
Wireless Device-to-Device Caching Networks with Distributed MIMO and Hierarchical Cooperations

In this paper, we propose a new caching scheme for a random wireless device-to-device (D2D) network of n nodes with local caches, where each node intends to download files from a prefixed library via D2D links. Our proposed caching delivery includes two stages, employing distributed MIMO and hierarchical cooperations respectively. The distributed MIMO is applied to the first stage between source nodes and neighbours of the destination node. The induced multiplexing gain and diversity gain increase the number of simultaneous transmissions, improving the throughput of the network. The hierarchical cooperations are applied to the second stage to facilitate the transmissions between the destination node and its neighbours. The two stages together exploit spatial degrees of freedom as well as spatial reuse. We develop an uncoded random caching placement strategy to serve this cooperative caching delivery. Analytical results show that the average aggregate throughput of the network scales almost linearly with n, with a vanishing outage probability.
Microalbuminuria and sRAGE in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients Treated with Nifedipine/Telmisartan Combination Treatment: A Substudy of TALENT

Some antihypertensive drugs have also renoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that go beyond their effect on blood pressure. It has been suggested that microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are associated with circulating levels of the soluble form of the receptor, sRAGE (soluble receptor for advanced glycation ends-products). In the present analysis, we used data from the TALENT study to evaluate soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) plasma levels in patients with hypertension and high-cardiovascular risk-treated nifedipine and telmisartan in combination. Treatment with nifedipine-telmisartan significantly decreased mean systolic and diastolic ambulatory blood pressure and resulted in a significant increase in sRAGE plasma concentrations after 24 weeks of therapy. We concluded that in hypertensive patients with early-stage renal disease, sRAGE concentrations are not influenced by either microalbuminuria or GFR. Long-term treatment with a combination of nifedipine-telmisartan may have a beneficial effect increasing sRAGE plasma levels, thus exerting an atheroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity.
Delayed Capital Reallocation

How do firms adjust their balance sheets and reallocate capital stock in response to recurrent productivity or profitability shocks? Why does capital reallocation fluctuate procyclically, while the potential benefits to reallocate appear to be countercyclical? To answer these questions, this paper develops a tractable dynamic general equilibrium model. In the model, firms face idiosyncratic productivity shocks while at the same time are restricted by the illiquidity of capital stock and financing constraints. The model shows that asset illiquidity and financing constraints interact and generate capital reallocation delays. These delays result in cross-sectional productivity dispersion and losses of total factor productivity (TFP), which become more severe during recessions. ∗I am indebted to Nobu Kiyotaki, Markus Brunnermeier, and Ben Moll. Special thanks go to Tom Sargent for encouragement and support. I am also very grateful for the insightful discussions with Mark Aguiar, Marco Bassetto, Jonas Fisher, Mike Golosov, Francois Gourio, Ji Huang, Jakub Jurek, Richard Rogerson, Esteban RossiHansberg, Hyun Shin, Chris Sims, Gabriel Tenorio, and Mark Wright, as well as seminar participants at the 2012 SED Annual Conference, Princeton University, Humboldt University, Chicago Fed, New York Fed, Duke University (Fuqua), St. Louis Fed, University of Michigan (Ross), UCLA Anderson, University of Iowa, UCL, LSE IHS Vienna, EIEF, University of Maryland (Smith), Kansas City Fed, HKU, HKUST for helpful comments. All remaining errors are my own. Address: Department of Economics, University College London, 30 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AX, UK. Email: w.cui@ucl.ac. uk.
On the Delay Optimality of Proportional Fairness

We consider connection-level models of resource allocation in the Internet, where files arrive into the network according to a Poisson process and the size of each file is exponentially distributed. For a simple symmetric three-link star network, we derive the optimal resource allocation policy which minimizes the expected number of files waiting in the system. The performance of the optimal policy is then compared with the performance of the widely-studied proportionally-fair resource allocation policy. We show that the expected number of files under proportional fairness is at most 1.5 times more than the expected number under the optimal policy in a heavy-traffic regime.
A Divided Man, a Divided Narrative: An Integrative Sign-Oriented Linguistic and Socio- Psychological Discourse Analysis of Amos’s Text

This paper provides an interdisciplinary discourse analysis of Amos’s life story, utilizing a methodology combining sign-oriented linguistics with a socio- psychological narrative approach. Sign-oriented linguistic theory defines both language and text as supra-systems composed of sub-systems that function as a tool of communication, creating oppositions. Amos’s narrative displays six oppositions: 1) first-person vs. third-person subjects; 2) singular vs. plural subjects; 3) active vs. passive discourse; 4) past vs. present tense; 5) forward- moving chronological vs. arrested presentation of experiences; and 6) thematic oppositions: successes vs. limitations, health vs. illness, expectations vs. disappointments. All oppositions are distinguished by clear discourse markers, reflecting Amos’s worldview and his reciprocal relationship with his surrounding world. We interpret both the form and content of the text, on both the micro and macro levels, in a cohesive manner to produce a comprehensive and holistic analysis—one of the hallmarks of narrative analysis and the narrative paradigm (Spector-Mersel, 2010). Our analysis of the non-random distribution of the content and linguistic forms of Amos’s life story reveal the extra-linguistic message that Amos is a divided man—literally, figuratively, and textually.
Treatment for severe functional tricuspid regurgitation: annuloplasty versus valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES Previous studies have compared the outcomes of mitral annuloplasty with those of mitral valve replacement in patients with functional mitral regurgitation. However, data comparing the results of tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) with those of tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) have been scarce. We evaluated whether TAP was an optimal option for severe FTR. METHODS From 1996 to 2012, 175 patients (57 ± 11 years old) underwent surgical correction for severe FTR. A total of 108 patients underwent TAP (the TAP group), and 67 underwent TVR (the TVR group). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis and propensity score matching with 37 patients in each group were performed to adjust for the baseline differences between the two groups. RESULTS Early mortality occurred in 13 patients without any inter-group differences. There were 35 late mortalities, including 24 cardiac deaths. The 5- and 10-year freedom rates from cardiac death were 93.0 and 88.5%, respectively, in the TAP group, and 84.7 and 69.8%, respectively, in the TVR group. The IPTW-adjusted multivariable analysis revealed that the freedom rates from cardiac death were higher in the TAP group than in the TVR group (P = 0.01). In the propensity score-matched patients, the freedom rates from cardiac death and tricuspid valve-related event were higher in the TAP group than in the TVR group, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS TAP should be considered as a treatment of choice for patients with severe FTR because TVR has been associated with long-term cardiac death and valve-related events.
The Effect of a Vitamin A Acetate Diet on Ultraviolet Radiation–induced Immune Suppression as Measured by Contact Hypersensitivity in Mice†¶

Abstract The adverse health effects caused by increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) due to deterioration of stratospheric ozone are of major concern. These health effects include sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts and immune suppression. Immune suppression has been associated with the release of cytokines, a defect in antigen presentation, induction of suppressor T cells and suppression of contact hypersensitivity (CH). CH is typically assessed by the mouse ear swelling test (MEST). Previous studies have demonstrated enhanced CH responses with vitamin A acetate (VAA) dietary supplementation assessed by MEST and the local lymph node assay (LLNA). To determine the effect that VAA has on UVR-induced immune suppression, we examined both the induction and elicitation phases of CH using murine models. The MEST was used to evaluate the interaction of UVR and VAA on CH elicitation. However, a positive MEST response requires that the induction phase as well as the elicitation phase of CH be functional. The LLNA was used to evaluate the interaction of UVR and VAA only on CH induction. We tested the hypothesis that mice maintained on a VAA-enriched diet are more resistant to UVR-induced immune suppression (CH) than those maintained on a control diet. Mice were maintained on a VAA-enriched or the control diet for 3 weeks and then exposed to UVR 3 days prior to sensitization with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). VAA enhanced the MEST response in both UVR-exposed and non–UVR-exposed mice. The VAA-enriched diet did not significantly alter the LLNA response in either UVR- or non–UVR-exposed mice. However, there was significant suppression in CH by UVR as measured by the LLNA. These results indicate that (1) the VAA-enriched diet does not restore the number of proliferating cells in the CH induction phase of UVR-induced immunosuppression; (2) the immunosuppressive effects of UVR affect the induction phase of CH; and (3) the LLNA should be examined as an alternative to the MEST for measurement of UVR-induced immunosuppression. The data indicate that the VAA-enriched diet enhanced the elicitation response (MEST) but not the earlier induction phase (LLNA). Further studies are necessary to define mechanisms of action, but modulation of cytokines and effects of specific lymphocyte subsets, as well as systemic effects and local modulation at the site of elicitation are possible. Additionally, future studies to evaluate the effect of the VAA-enriched diet when multiple doses of both UVR and DNFB are used would be of interest for both the LLNA and MEST endpoints.
Tecnologias digitais na gestão escolar: Práticas, proficiência e necessidades de formação dos diretores escolares em Portugal

This paper presents the results of a study organized according to the post positivist research paradigm and is assumed a descriptive study involving 133 participants (16%) of a universe of 831 principals of the Portuguese public schools. This study aims to analyze the practices and proficiency levels indigital technology (DT) use presented by the Portuguese school principals.Data collection process was based on the application of two online self-report scales: ‘Computer self-efficacy scale’ and the ‘DT use in scholar administration practices scale’, in the school year of 2012-2013. The results show favorable scores both in DT proficiency level and in the use of digital technologies in professional practices. Therefore schools principals reported favorable personal attitudes towards the use of DT in their own professional activities.The study also explores the principals’ training needs in the area of digital technologies and even though the levels of DT use in professional practices are positive, principals pointed out significant needs regarding ICT training. Keywords: ICT in education; School principals; Self-efficacy in DT use; DT use in schooladministration
Discovery of, and response to husbands' HIV positive status : the groaning voices of Vhavenda women

Many couples find themselves in situations that are difficult to understand when there is discordance concerning HIV infection. This situation warrants a lot of questions that do not have answers and for many people it leaves them with ambivalent feelings towards the spouse. The present study was conducted to explore the emotions that women experience when the husband tests HIV positive. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six (age range: 36 to 42 years; mean age: 38.0 years; ethnicity: Venda; marital status: married) purposively selected women who consulted for psychological intervention needed to care for their sick husbands. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The results of this study indicated that the women went through different emotions and they had reacted differently to the news depending on other circumstances in their marriage. It is therefore recommended that support groups for these women be established to offer them an opportunity to share their experiences and feelings.