Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High frequency of X4/DM-tropic viruses in PBMC samples from patients with primary HIV-1 subtype-B infection in 1996-2007: the French ANRS CO06 PRIMO Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES To estimate the frequency of viruses with X4 or dual-X4/DM tropism from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 390 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype-B patients diagnosed at the time of primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) between 1996 and 2007 and enrolled in the PRIMO Cohort. METHODS V3 loop sequences were amplified from HIV-1-DNA and analysed with a combination of five genotypic rules to predict tropism: (i) the '11/25 rule'; (ii) the net charge rule; (iii) the PSSM(X4/DM) algorithm; (iv) the PSSM(SI/NSI) algorithm; and (v) the SVM(Geno2pheno) algorithm. RESULTS A high proportion (62/390, 15.9%) of patients harboured X4/DM-tropic viruses. This prevalence was stable over time: 18.1% before 2003 versus 14.8% since 2003. No difference according to HIV tropism was noted in HIV-RNA levels, CD4 cell count, time between infection and enrolment, and HIV infection risk factor. The frequency of X4/DM-tropic virus was similar among patients infected with a resistant virus (12/62, 19.4%) compared with patients harbouring wild-type strains (50/328, 15.2%). CONCLUSIONS This large French epidemiological study evidenced a high proportion of patients (15.9%) harbouring X4/DM-tropic viruses in PBMCs at the time of PHI, suggesting the existence of a cellular X4/DM viral reservoir that could persist for lengthy period of time. Several reports identified that HIV-1 CXCR4 usage was more frequent among patients who developed AIDS and was a powerful predictor of the response to antiretrovirals. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of such strains on the outcome of HIV disease, when they are detected at the time of primary infection.
Prospective dynamic assessment of risk of sexual reoffending in individuals with an intellectual disability and a history of sexual offending behaviour.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to add to the literature on the predictive accuracy of a dynamic intellectual disability specific risk assessment tool. METHOD A dynamic risk assessment for sexual reoffending (ARMIDILO-S), a static risk assessment for sexual offending (STATIC-99), and a static risk assessment for violence (Violence Risk Appraisal Guide [VRAG]) were completed for a sample of 64 adult males with an intellectual disability. RESULTS The dynamic risk assessment for sexual offenders with an intellectual disability resulted in the best prediction of sexual reoffending (ARMIDILO-S area under the curve (AUC) = 0.92) this was better than an established sexual offending static risk assessment (STATIC-99 AUC = 0.75). A static tool for violent reoffending, did not perform as well in this group (VRAG AUC = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that dynamic variables are useful in predicting sexual reoffending with individuals with an intellectual disability, confirming previous findings. The ARMIDILO-S is a promising dynamic risk assessment for individuals with an intellectual disability.
In vivo genetic manipulation of the rat trophoblast cell lineage using lentiviral vector delivery

In this report, we have adapted a lentiviral gene delivery technique for genetic modification of the rat trophoblast cell lineage. Blastocysts were incubated with lentiviral particles and transferred into the uteri of pseudopregnant female rats, harvested at various times during gestation, and then analyzed. Two test systems were evaluated: (1) delivery of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene under the control of constitutive promoters to rat blastocysts; (2) delivery of EGFP short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to rat blastocysts constitutively expressing EGFP. Lentiviral packaged gene constructs were efficiently and specifically delivered to all trophoblast cell lineages. Additionally, lentiviral mediated transfer of shRNAs was an effective strategy for modifying gene expression in trophoblast cell lineages. This technique will permit the in vivo evaluation of “gain‐of‐function” and “loss‐of‐function” manipulations in the rat trophoblast cell lineage. genesis 47:433–439, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consent difficult in paediatric oncology

EDITOR, - We wish to comment on the article by the Parkinson's Disease Research Group in the United Kingdom on early treatment of the disease.1 Firstly, the study was open; open studies may undermine the reliability of clinical trials. The comparability of the three groups over time is a major concern in this trial: in the bromocriptine group there was a 69% drop out rate, whereas in the two other groups the drop out rate was around 30%. This may have diminished the comparability of …
Should locking compression plate be an implant of choice to fix the fractures of proximal tibia?: A prospective case stud

We prospectively studied a case series of 30 patients with Proximal tibia fracture after surgically fixing the fracture using Locking Compression plate either by as less invasive stabilization system (MIPPO) or by open plating(ORIF). The functional outcome in terms of time to clinical and radiological union, range of movements and complications were studied. Young males were more prone owing to high energy road traffic accidents, the most common cause. The mean time to union was 19.6 weeks (4.6 months). The overall knee range of motion averaged 134 deg. (range 30-150 deg.) at the latest follow up. Deep infection occurred in 3 cases (all with ORIF technique); stiffness and restriction of movements < 90 deg. was seen in 2 and screw breakdown occurred in 1 case. Minor complications like extensor lag and superior tibiofibular subluxation in 1 case each. Majority of the complications occurred in A.O. types B3 and C3 fractures reflecting the severe nature of these types of injuries. Based on Rasmussen’s functional criteria, excellent results were seen in 14 cases (46.66%), good in 15 cases (50%), fair in 1 case (3.33%) with no poor result.
Modeled Dalbavancin Transmembrane Clearance during Intermittent and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapies

Background/Aims: Knowledge of dalbavancin renal replacement therapy (RRT) disposition is vital to ensure appropriate dosing. In vitro models of continuous RRT and intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) were used to determine dalbavancin transmembrane clearance (CLtm). Methods: Dalbavancin saturation and sieving coefficients (SCs) were determined for hemodialysis and hemofiltration therapies, respectively, using various hemodiafilter and effluent rate combinations. Dalbavancin CLtm estimates were calculated from observed saturation and SCs. Results: Saturation and SCs for both modalities of continuous dialysis and hemofiltration and IHD with high permeability hemodiafilters were small. Nonetheless, during continuous RRT with high dialysate and ultrafiltration rates, dalbavancin CLtm (0.20–1.26 ml/min) matched and often exceeded literature-derived dalbavancin renal clearances. Dalbavancin CLtm was undetectable during IHD with low-permeability hemodialyzers, but with high-permeability hemodialyzers, substantial CLtm (1.90–2.43 ml/min) was noted. Conclusion: Dalbavancin CLtm is dependent on RRT modality, hemodiafilter, and effluent flow. Dalbavancin doses may need to be adjusted depending on RRT parameters.
Randomized Dimensionality Reduction for  $k$ -Means Clustering

We study the topic of dimensionality reduction for k-means clustering. Dimensionality reduction encompasses the union of two approaches: 1) feature selection and 2) feature extraction. A feature selection-based algorithm for k-means clustering selects a small subset of the input features and then applies k-means clustering on the selected features. A feature extraction-based algorithm for k-means clustering constructs a small set of new artificial features and then applies k-means clustering on the constructed features. Despite the significance of k-means clustering as well as the wealth of heuristic methods addressing it, provably accurate feature selection methods for k-means clustering are not known. On the other hand, two provably accurate feature extraction methods for k-means clustering are known in the literature; one is based on random projections and the other is based on the singular value decomposition (SVD). This paper makes further progress toward a better understanding of dimensionality reduction for k-means clustering. Namely, we present the first provably accurate feature selection method for k-means clustering and, in addition, we present two feature extraction methods. The first feature extraction method is based on random projections and it improves upon the existing results in terms of time complexity and number of features needed to be extracted. The second feature extraction method is based on fast approximate SVD factorizations and it also improves upon the existing results in terms of time complexity. The proposed algorithms are randomized and provide constant-factor approximation guarantees with respect to the optimal k-means objective value.
Analysis of Motion and Internal Loading of Objects Grasped by Multiple Cooperating Manipulators

The motion and internal loads induced on an object manipulated by two or more robotic mechanisms are con sidered. In particular, for a desired motion trajectory of the object, the question of load distribution among the arms is analyzed, with particular attention given to the internal loading of the object. A new representation of the load distribution problem is given by the introduction of a particular "nonsqueezing" pseudoinverse, which is shown to possess properties that expose the underlying structure of the problem. It is expected that by using this pseudoin verse new insight will be gained and necessary analysis simplified in a number of aspects of multiple manipulator research. A number of these aspects are detailed and illustrated using a two-armed example.
N-Cadherin Interacts with Axin and LRP5 To Negatively Regulate Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, Osteoblast Function, and Bone Formation

ABSTRACT Wnt signaling plays an important role in the regulation of bone formation and bone mass. The mechanisms that regulate canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblasts are not fully understood. We show here a novel mechanism by which the adhesion molecule N-cadherin interacts with the Wnt coreceptor LRP5 and regulates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in osteoblasts. We demonstrate that N-cadherin, besides associating with β-catenin at the membrane, forms a molecular complex with axin and LRP5 involving the LRP5 cytoplasmic tail domain. N-cadherin overexpression in osteoblasts increases N-cadherin-LRP5 interaction, causing increased β-catenin degradation and altered TCF/LEF transcription in response to Wnt3a. This mechanism results in decreased osteoblast gene expression and osteogenesis in basal conditions and in response to Wnt3a. Consistent with a functional mechanism, silencing N-cadherin expression in control cells increases TCF/LEF transcription and enhances the response to Wnt3a. Using N-cadherin transgenic mice, we show that increased N-cadherin-LRP5 interaction resulting from targeted overexpression of N-cadherin in osteoblasts causes increased β-catenin ubiquitination and results in cell-autonomous defective osteoblast function, reduced bone formation, and delayed bone mass acquisition. These data indicate that a previously unrecognized N-cadherin-axin-LRP5 interaction negatively regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and is critical in the regulation of osteoblast function, bone formation, and bone mass.
STUDY OF INFLUENCE OF BEAM-END JOINT DETAILS WITH FIELD WELDING ON DEFORMATION CAPACITY OF PRE-BUILD-UP H-SHAPE BEAM-TO-COLUMN JOINT

This paper deals with beam-end details with field welding non-scallop method. The purpose of this study is to devise welding non-scallop method filling the holes of scallop in field welding in order to eliminate stress concentration by changing the shapes of scallop parts. Filling welding method and inserting billet method are used. And it is clarified beam end details that improved deformation capacity of field welding beam-to-column joint by full scale tests using pre-built-up H-shaped beam.
Sigma 32-Dependent Promoter Activity In Vivo: Sequence Determinants of the groE Promoter

ABSTRACT The Escherichia coli transcription factor sigma 32 binds to core RNA polymerase to form the holoenzyme responsible for transcription initiation at heat shock promoters, utilized upon exposure of the cell to higher temperatures. We have developed two ways to assay sigma 32-dependent RNA synthesis in E. coli. The plasmid-borne reporter gene for both is lacZ (β-galactosidase), driven by the groE promoter. In one application, the cells are exposed to a temperature of 42°C in order to induce accumulation of endogenous sigma 32. The other involves isopropylthiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-induced synthesis of sigma 32 at 30°C from a gene contained on a second plasmid. The latter employs DnaK− cells, which additionally contained a second mutation, inactivating the endogenous sigma 32 gene (Bukau and Walker, EMBO J. 9:4027-4036, 1990). These assays were used to delineate the sequences CTTGA (−37 to −33) and GNCCCCATNT (−18 to −9) as important for sigma 32 promoter activity. At each of the specified base pairs, substitutions were found which reduced promoter activity by greater than 75%. Activity was also dependent upon the number of base pairs separating the two regions.
Comparison of Trapeziectomy and Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition is currently the most popular technique for operative treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Based on the evidence, however, it is uncertain whether the addition of ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition to trapeziectomy confers any advantage. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and determine which procedure, trapeziectomy or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition, offers the best results to patients. Methods: A literature search was undertaken of the following electronic databases: Cochrane, AMED, EMBASE, HaPI, HealthSTAR, MEDLINE, TRIP, and Proceedings First (2002 to 2009). Studies were selected by two independent assessors if (1) the study population included patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and (2) the study was a randomized controlled trial or systematic review comparing the two procedures. Objective (i.e., range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength, health cost, and postoperative complications) and subjective (i.e., pain relief, hand function, overall satisfaction, and quality of life) outcomes were extracted. Statistical pooling and power analyses were performed with available data. Results: Two systematic reviews and four randomized controlled trials were identified and included. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative grip strength (p = 0.77); tip pinch strength (p = 0.72); key pinch strength (p = 0.90); pain visual analogue scale score (p = 0.34); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (p = 0.75); and number of adverse events (p = 0.13). No studies reported health costs or quality of life. Conclusion: Neither procedure produced greater benefit in terms of outcomes investigated. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II. Figure. No caption available.
Frequency of triggering bacteria in patients with reactive arthritis and undifferentiated oligoarthritis and the relative importance of the tests used for diagnosis

OBJECTIVE Reactive arthritis (ReA) triggered by Chlamydia trachomatis or enteric bacteria such as yersinia, salmonella,Campylobacter jejuni, or shigella is an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with the clinical picture of an undifferentiated oligoarthritis (UOA). This study was undertaken to evaluate the best diagnostic approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS 52 patients with ReA, defined by arthritis and a symptomatic preceding infection of the gut or the urogenital tract, and 74 patients with possible ReA, defined by oligoarthritis without a preceding symptomatic infection and after exclusion of other diagnoses (UOA), were studied. The following diagnostic tests were applied for the identification of the triggering bacterium: for yersinia induced ReA—stool culture, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and Widal's agglutination test for detection of antibodies to yersinia; for salmonella or campylobacter induced ReA—stool culture, EIA for the detection of antibodies to salmonella andCampylobacter jejuni; for infections with shigella—stool culture; for infections withChlamydia trachomatis—culture of the urogenital tract, microimmunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase assay for the detection of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis. RESULTS A causative pathogen was identified in 29/52 (56%) of all patients with ReA. In 17 (52%) of the patients with enteric ReA one of the enteric bacteria was identified: salmonella in 11/33 (33%) and yersinia in 6/33 (18%). Chlamydia trachomatis was the causative pathogen in 12/19 (63%) of the patients with urogenic ReA. In patients with the clinical picture of UOA a specific triggering bacterium was also identified in 35/74 (47%) patients: yersinia in 14/74 (19%), salmonella in 9/74 (12%), and Chlamydia trachomatis in 12/74 (16%). CONCLUSIONS Chlamydia trachomatis, yersinia, and salmonella can be identified as the causative pathogen in about 50% of patients with probable or possible ReA if the appropriate tests are used.
Sampling Weights in a Bayesian Grade of Membership Model

The Grade of Membership (GoM) model is a hierarchical mixed-membership model used to characterize underlying latent classes based on categorical data. When using GoM models to analyze survey data, the sampling design needs to be appropriately modeled. Linear mixed-effect models (LME’s) easily model the stratification and clustering in sampling designs. This paper introduces a modification of the GoM model to include a polytomous logistic mixed-effects regression prior, designed to take sampling design induced dependencies into account. In addition, there is a debate regarding the use of sampling weights in model based analyses. I developed a new type of weighting, weighting based on the estimated parameter, to incorporate the sampling weights in the updated GoM model. Finally, simulation studies demonstrate the effect of the sampling weights under different levels of informative sampling.
Amphioxus makes the cut—Again

The cephalochordate amphioxus is now established as an important model system for understanding the evolution of vertebrate novelties from an invertebrate chordate ancestor. It is also emerging as a serious candidate for studies of organ regeneration. We extend here our previous observations on the European amphioxus´ extensive adult regenerative capacity. The expression of Wnt5 and the presence of β-catenin protein in the early bud-stage blastema support a role for Wnt signaling during tail regeneration in amphioxus. We also present data showing that Branchiostoma lanceolatum continues to regenerate well after repeated amputation of the post-anal tail. These results are discussed in relation to vertebrate regeneration and other stem cell systems, and in the context of regeneration decline with aging.
A Modeling Approach for Predicting the Effect of Corrosion on Electrical-Circuit Reliability

An analytical capability is being developed that can be used to predict the effect of corrosion on the performance of electrical circuits and systems. The availability of this ''toolset'' will dramatically improve our ability to influence device and circuit design, address and remediate field occurrences, and determine real limits for circuit service life. In pursuit of this objective, we have defined and adopted an iterative, statistical-based, top-down approach that will permit very formidable and real obstacles related to both the development and use of the toolset to be resolved as effectively as possible. An important component of this approach is the direct incorporation of expert opinion. Some of the complicating factors to be addressed involve the code/model complexity, the existence of large number of possible degradation processes, and an incompatibility between the length scales associated with device dimensions and the corrosion processes. Two of the key aspects of the desired predictive toolset are (1) a direct linkage of an electrical-system performance model with mechanistic-based, deterministic corrosion models, and (2) the explicit incorporation of a computational framework to quantify the effects of non-deterministic parameters (uncertainty). The selected approach and key elements of the toolset are first described in this paper. These descriptions are followed by some examples of how this toolset development process is being implemented.
SAFETY, EFFICACY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOLLOWING SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY FOR SYMPTOMATIC VITREOUS FLOATERS

Purpose: To determine the safety, efficacy, and quality of life improvement following sutureless 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic floaters. Methods: Patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters who underwent sutureless vitrectomy between January 2008 and January 2011 were included. Data were collected regarding baseline preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, complications, and a nine-item quality-of-life survey completed by each patient. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight eyes (143 patients) underwent sutureless 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters. Mean Snellen visual acuity was 20/40 preoperatively and improved to 20/25 postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Iatrogenic retinal breaks occurred in 12 of 168 eyes (7.1%). Intraoperative posterior vitreous detachment induction was not found to increase the risk of retinal breaks (P = 1.000). Postoperative complications occurred in three eyes, of which one had transient cystoid macular edema and two had transient vitreous hemorrhage. Approximately 88.8% of patients completed a quality-of-life survey, which revealed that 96% were “satisfied” with the results of the operation, and 94% rated the experience as a “complete success. ” Conclusion: Sutureless 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters improved visual acuity, resulted in a high patient satisfaction quality-of-life survey, and had a low rate of postoperative complications. Sutureless pars plana vitrectomy should be considered as a viable means of managing patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters.
Information Revelation in Auctions

Auction theory has emphasized the importance of private information to the profits of bidders. However, the theory has failed to consider the question of whether or not bidders will be able to keep their information private. We show that in a variety of contexts bidders will reveal all their information, even if this information revelation is (ex ante) detrimental to them. Similarly, a seller may reveal all her information even when this revelation lowers revenues. We also show that bidders may be harmed by private information.
A Pilot Study Assessing the Effects of Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation on Sleep Quality and Polysomnography in Parkinson's Patients

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established adjunctive surgical intervention to treat poorly controlled motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Both surgical targets (the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus) have proven equally efficacious in treating motor symptoms but unique differences may exist in effects on nonmotor symptoms. Sleep dysfunction, a common disabling symptom in PD, has only been examined directly in the subthalamic target, demonstrating some beneficial changes in sleep quality. We aimed to explore sleep changes after pallidal stimulation; hypothesizing similar benefits would be seen.