Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sieve analysis in HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The genetic characterization of HIV-1 breakthrough infections in vaccine and placebo recipients offers new ways to assess vaccine efficacy trials. Statistical and sequence analysis methods provide opportunities to mine the mechanisms behind the effect of an HIV vaccine. RECENT FINDINGS The release of results from two HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trials, Step/HVTN-502 (HIV Vaccine Trials Network-502) and RV144, led to numerous studies in the last 5 years, including efforts to sequence HIV-1 breakthrough infections and compare viral characteristics between the vaccine and placebo groups. Novel genetic and statistical analysis methods uncovered features that distinguished founder viruses isolated from vaccinees from those isolated from placebo recipients, and identified HIV-1 genetic targets of vaccine-induced immune responses. SUMMARY Studies of HIV-1 breakthrough infections in vaccine efficacy trials can provide an independent confirmation to correlates of risk studies, as they take advantage of vaccine/placebo comparisons, whereas correlates of risk analyses are limited to vaccine recipients. Through the identification of viral determinants impacted by vaccine-mediated host immune responses, sieve analyses can shed light on potential mechanisms of vaccine protection.
Wholesalers and Retailers in U.S. Trade

International trade models typically assume that producers in one country trade directly with nal consumers in another. In the real world, of course, trade can involve long chains of potentially independent actors who move goods through wholesale and retail distribution networks. These networks likely affect the magnitude and nature of trade frictions and hence both the pattern of trade and its welfare gains. To promote further understanding of how goods move across borders, this paper examines the extent to which U.S. exports and imports ow through wholesalers and retailers versus producing and consuming rms. We highlight a number of stylized facts about these intermediaries, and show that their attributes can deviate substantially from the portrait of trading rms that has emerged from microdata in recent years.1
Perceived Organisational Support as a Mediator of the Relationship of Perceived Situational Factors to Affective Organisational Commitment (Восприятие организационной поддержки как промежуточная переменная взаимосвязи восприятия ситуационных факторов и аффективной приверженности организации)

Представляется исследование индийских и американских специалистов, посвященное роли убеждений индийских работников о степени оценки их вкладов и заботы об их благополучии со стороны организации (так называемая воспринимаемая организационная поддержка - ВОП) как промежуточной переменной для характеристики взаимосвязи между воспринимаемыми ситуационными факторами и аффективной приверженностью организации. В качестве ситуационных факторов оценивались процедурная и распределительная справедливость, удовлетворенность коммуникацией с непосредственным руководителем и климат отношений между администрацией и рабочими. Различные авторы, базируясь на теории социального обмена, предположили, что воспринимаемая организационная поддержка (то есть приверженность организации по отношению к своим работникам) вызывает приверженность работников к организации. Известно несколько исследований, направленных на выяснение факторов, влияющих на развитие ВОП. На основе этих исследований автором были выделены корреляты ВОП: организационная справедливость (в двух разновидностях), качество отношений между работником и непосредственным руководителем, климат взаимоотношений между администрацией и профсоюзом. Основными гипотезами исследования были: 1) процедурная справедливость позитивно связана с ВОП; 2) распределительная справедливость позитивно связана с ВОП; 3) удовлетворенность коммуникацией с непосредственным руководителем позитивно связана с ВОП; 4) кооперативный климат отношений между руководством и профсоюзами позитивно связан с ВОП. Приверженность работников организации измерялась по шкале аффективной приверженности Мейера и Аллена. Аффективная приверженность включает эмоциональную привязанность к организации, самоидентификацию с организацией и вовлеченность в ее дела и проблемы. По Мейеру и Аллену аффективная приверженность развивается на основе удовлетворения потребности работника в физически и психологически комфортных условиях в организации, что также приводит к позитивному восприятию поддержки со стороны организации. Согласно теории социального обмена это приводит к росту приверженности работников к организации. На основании анализа литературы автор выдвинул гипотезы о влиянии ВОП на взаимосвязь ситуационных факторов, перечисленных выше, с аффективной приверженностью к организации. Выборка исследования включала 185 респондентов торговых представителей индийского филиала многонациональной фармацевтической компании. Данные опроса обрабатывались с помощью корреляционного и регрессионного анализа. Результаты показали, что ВОП служит связующим звеном между каждой из ситуационных переменных и аффективной приверженностью сотрудников к организации.
[Results of treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation with photodynamic therapy].

PURPOSE To determine the effects of phothodynamic therapy using verteporfin in the treatment of patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) and the incidence of this retinal disease in our area. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of 11 cases of RAP who were treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (PDT). RESULTS The incidence of RAP in the group of eyes with minimally classic or occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization was 8%. The mean follow-up time after treatment was 15 months. The visual acuity improved in 3, remained the same in 4, and decreased in 4. In 4 patients, angiomatous lesions were observed in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS There is no method proven to be effective for the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation. Our results suggest that PDT may be useful therapy in patients with RAP as it appeared to reduce the risk of visual loss.
Near-optimal Bayesian Active Learning with Correlated and Noisy Tests

We consider the Bayesian active learning and experimental design problem, where the goal is to learn the value of some unknown target variable through a sequence of informative, noisy tests. In contrast to prior work, we focus on the challenging, yet practically relevant setting where test outcomes can be conditionally dependent given the hidden target variable. Under such assumptions, common heuristics, such as greedily performing tests that maximize the reduction in uncertainty of the target, often perform poorly. In this paper, we propose ECED, a novel, computationally efficient active learning algorithm, and prove strong theoretical guarantees that hold with correlated, noisy tests. Rather than directly optimizing the prediction error, at each step, ECED picks the test that maximizes the gain in a surrogate objective, which takes into account the dependencies between tests. Our analysis relies on an information-theoretic auxiliary function to track the progress of ECED, and utilizes adaptive submodularity to attain the near-optimal bound. We demonstrate strong empirical performance of ECED on two problem instances, including a Bayesian experimental design task intended to distinguish among economic theories of how people make risky decisions, and an active preference learning task via pairwise comparisons.
What Motivates Effort? Evidence and Expert Forecasts

How much do different monetary and non-monetary motivators induce costly effort? Does the effectiveness line up with the expectations of researchers? We present the results of a large-scale real-effort experiment with 18 treatment arms. We compare the effect of three motivators: (i) standard incentives; (ii) behavioral factors like present-bias, reference dependence, and social preferences; and (iii) non-monetary inducements from psychology. In addition, we elicit forecasts by behavioral experts regarding the effectiveness of the treatments, allowing us to compare results to expectations. We find that (i) monetary incentives work largely as expected, including a very low piece rate treatment which does not crowd out incentives; (ii) the evidence is partly consistent with standard behavioral models, including warm glow, though we do not find evidence of probability weighting; (iii) the psychological motivators are effective, but less so than incentives. We then compare the results to forecasts by 208 experts. On average, the experts anticipate several key features, like the effectiveness of psychological motivators. A sizeable share of experts, however, expects crowd-out, probability weighting, and pure altruism, counterfactually. This heterogeneity does not reflect field of training, as behavioral economists, standard economists, and psychologists make similar forecasts. Using a simple model, we back out key parameters for social preferences, time preferences, and reference dependence, comparing expert beliefs and experimental results.
In Vivo Sensitized and In Vitro Activated B Cells Mediate Tumor Regression in Cancer Adoptive Immunotherapy1

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy utilizing tumor-reactive T cells has proven to be a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, we hypothesize that successful treatment strategies will have to appropriately stimulate not only cellular immunity, but also humoral immunity. We previously reported that B cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) may function as APCs. In this study, we identified TDLN B cells as effector cells in an adoptive immunotherapy model. In vivo primed and in vitro activated TDLN B cells alone mediated effective (p < 0.05) tumor regression after adoptive transfer into two histologically distinct murine pulmonary metastatic tumor models. Prior lymphodepletion of the host with either chemotherapy or whole-body irradiation augmented the therapeutic efficacy of the adoptively transferred TDLN B cells in the treatment of s.c. tumors as well as metastatic pulmonary tumors. Furthermore, B cell plus T cell transfers resulted in substantially more efficient antitumor responses than B cells or T cells alone (p < 0.05). Activated TDLN B cells conferred strong humoral responses to tumor. This was evident by the production of IgM, IgG, and IgG2b, which bound specifically to tumor cells and led to specific tumor cell lysis in the presence of complement. Collectively, these data indicate that in vivo primed and in vitro activated B cells can be employed as effector cells for cancer therapy. The synergistic antitumor efficacy of cotransferred activated B effector cells and T effector cells represents a novel approach for cancer adoptive immunotherapy.
Topographic mappings and feed-forward neural networks

This thesis is a study of the generation of topographic mappings - dimension reducing transformations of data that preserve some element of geometric structure - with feed-forward neural networks. As an alternative to established methods, a transformational variant of Sammon's method is proposed, where the projection is effected by a radial basis function neural network. This approach is related to the statistical field of multidimensional scaling, and from that the concept of a 'subjective metric' is defined, which permits the exploitation of additional prior knowledge concerning the data in the mapping process. This then enables the generation of more appropriate feature spaces for the purposes of enhanced visualisation or subsequent classification. A comparison with established methods for feature extraction is given for data taken from the 1992 Research Assessment Exercise for higher educational institutions in the United Kingdom. This is a difficult high-dimensional dataset, and illustrates well the benefit of the new topographic technique. A generalisation of the proposed model is considered for implementation of the classical multidimensional scaling (¸mds}) routine. This is related to Oja's principal subspace neural network, whose learning rule is shown to descend the error surface of the proposed ¸mds model. Some of the technical issues concerning the design and training of topographic neural networks are investigated. It is shown that neural network models can be less sensitive to entrapment in the sub-optimal global minima that badly affect the standard Sammon algorithm, and tend to exhibit good generalisation as a result of implicit weight decay in the training process. It is further argued that for ideal structure retention, the network transformation should be perfectly smooth for all inter-data directions in input space. Finally, there is a critique of optimisation techniques for topographic mappings, and a new training algorithm is proposed. A convergence proof is given, and the method is shown to produce lower-error mappings more rapidly than previous algorithms.
A new prognostic score for patients with acute myeloid leukemia based on cytogenetics and early blast clearance in trials of the German AML Cooperative Group.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To refine cytogenetically based risk-stratification in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). DESIGN AND METHODS Stratification was improved by combining cytogenetics and day 16 bone marrow blasts and by subdividing unfavorable cytogenetics. The new score identifying five prognostically different groups was developed in 321 patients (AMLCG 1992 trial) and subsequently validated in 680 patients (AMLCG 1999 trial). RESULTS Subgroups defined were: 1) favorable cytogenetics (t(8;21), inv(16)); 2) intermediate cytogenetics (normal karyotype, other abnormalities not rated favorable or unfavorable) and day 16 blasts <10%; 3) intermediate cytogenetics and day 16 blasts >or=10%; 4) unfavorable cytogenetics (-5/5q-, -7/7q-, 3q21q26 aberrations, 11q23 aberrations, 12p-, 17p-) excluding complex aberrations; 5) complex aberrant karyotypes (>or=3 aberrations). In AMLCG 1992 patients significant differences were observed with regard to complete remission (CR) rate (82%, 83%, 58%, 76%, 53%), persistent leukemia (PL) rate (7%, 8%, 33%, 14%, 31%), median event-free survival (EFS; 25, 14, 5, 6, 2 months), median overall survival (OS; not reached, 26, 12, 14, 6 months), and median relapse-free survival (RFS; 26, 19, 13, 8, 4 months). The prospective validation of the score proved its significant power (AMLCG 1999 cohort) with regard to CR (63%, 65%, 51%, 45%, 35%), PL (17%, 18%, 40%, 35%, 48%), median EFS (14, 7, 3, 2, 2 months), median OS (25, 15, 12, 6, 4 months), and median RFS (not reached, 15, 10, 8, 5 months). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS This new prognostic score provides a highly valuable tool for future clinical trials in AML focusing on distinct and subgroup-specific treatment effects.
Personality and Person Perception Across Cultures

Contents: Preface. Part I: Introduction. Y-T. Lee, C.R. McCauley, J.G. Draguns, Why Study Personality in Culture? L.A. Pervin, The Cross-Cultural Challenge to Personality. Part II: Basic Personality Differences Between Social and Cultural Groups. J.P. Rushton, Ethnic Differences in Temperament. D. Peabody, Nationality Characteristics: Dimensions for Comparison. C. McCauley, V. Ottati, Y-T. Lee, National Differences in Economic Growth: The Role of Personality and Culture. Part III: Personality Across Cultures. R. Diaz-Loving, J.G. Draguns, Culture, Meaning, and Personality in Mexico and in the United States. K. Zhang, Y-T. Lee, Y. Liu, C. McCauley, Chinese-American Differences: A Chinese View. B.I. Okeke, J.G. Draguns, B. Sheku, W. Allen, Culture, Self, and Personality in Africa. G. Oettingen, H. Maier, Where Political System Meets Culture: Effect on Efficacy Appraisal. P. Laungani, Cultural Influences on Identity and Behavior: India and Britain. L. Miller, Stereotype Legacy: Culture and Person in Japanese/American Business Interactions. Part IV: Implications of Studying Personality and Person Perception in Culture. V. Ottati, H.C. Triandis, C.H. Hui, Subjective Culture and the Workplace: Comparing Hispanic and Mainstream Naval Recruits. R. Brislin, Communicating Information About Culture and Personality in Formal Cross-Cultural Training Programs. C. McCauley, J.G. Draguns, Y-T. Lee, Person Perception Across Cultures.
DISCLOSURE OF SEXUAL HISTORY IN HOOK UPS, SHORT AND LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS by

OF THESIS Disclosure of sexual history in hook ups, short and long-term relationships by CARLOS F CAVALIE JR. Thesis Director Luis T. Garcia, PhD Abstract Prior research has mainly investigated how dating or married couples discussed sexual topics including disclosing their sexual history. Little attempt has been made to investigate such disclosure among hook ups. Additionally, to my knowledge, differences between different relational types have not been investigated in a single study. The current study investigated disclosure of sexual history among heterosexual long-term relationships, short-term relationships, and hook ups. Participants were university students as well as visitors to websites which hosted links to the online questionnaire. Results suggest that heterosexuals in such relational groups do discuss their sexual history though the honesty of such disclosure is in question. Additionally, a gender difference was found in what men and women believed their partners desired in an ideal partner. How participants presented themselves to their partners was significantly correlated with what they believed their partners’ ideal was. Results are discussed in the context of previous research including impression management literature. Possible sexual health implications are also discussed. iiPrior research has mainly investigated how dating or married couples discussed sexual topics including disclosing their sexual history. Little attempt has been made to investigate such disclosure among hook ups. Additionally, to my knowledge, differences between different relational types have not been investigated in a single study. The current study investigated disclosure of sexual history among heterosexual long-term relationships, short-term relationships, and hook ups. Participants were university students as well as visitors to websites which hosted links to the online questionnaire. Results suggest that heterosexuals in such relational groups do discuss their sexual history though the honesty of such disclosure is in question. Additionally, a gender difference was found in what men and women believed their partners desired in an ideal partner. How participants presented themselves to their partners was significantly correlated with what they believed their partners’ ideal was. Results are discussed in the context of previous research including impression management literature. Possible sexual health implications are also discussed. ii
Proportion of Intestinal Obstruction and Associated Factors Among Patients with non Traumatic Acute Abdomen Admitted to Surgical Ward in Debre Birhan Referral Hospital, North East Ethiopia

Intestinal obstruction (IO) continues to be a major problem for human being since it was first recognized and treated in 350 Before Christ. Different treatment options were developed since then with only minimal reduction in morbidty and mortality. It occurs when the normal flow of intestinal content is interrupted. Intestinal obstruction is the most common causes of emergency surgical admission through out world. It is also one of the major causes of morbidity and mortalities associated with acute abdomen. The proportion and etiologies of intestinal obstruction differ not only from country to country but also with in the different regions of the same country. Knowing proportion of obstruction is very important to manage patients accordingly. Only very few data concerning proportion of intestinal obstruction is found in Ethiopia and none in Debre Birhan. The aim of the study is to assess the proportion of intestinal obstruction and associated factors among patients with non traumatic acute abdomen admitted to surgical ward in Debre Birhan Referral Hospital from December 8,2015 to January 9,2016. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted by using 357 patient’s record with acute abdomen from December 8,2015 to January 9,2016. Collected data was entered in to SPSS version 20. Adjusted Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value were used to measure associations. From 357 study subjects 181 (50.7%) and 141 (39.5%) were Intestinal obistruction and acute appendicitis cases respectively with response rate of 99.4%. large bowel obstruction (LBO) accounts for about 109 (60.2%) of cases while 72 (39.8%) of cases were small bowel obstruction (SBO). Male gender, residence and constipation are significantly associated with intestinal obstruction (P<0.05). From all study subjects those who had previous history of constipation were 61 (33.7%), previous history of abdominopelvic operation 25 (7%), previous history of intestinal obstruction 35 (9.8%), hernia 12 (3.4%) and previous history of rectal bleeding 5 (1.4%). Intestinal obstruction is the most common cause for non traumatic acute abdominal admission accounting 50.7%. In the study area Male gender, constipation and urban residence are significantly associated with intestinal obstruction. Postoperative adhesion and garoin hernias were found to be the commonest causes for intestinal obstruction next to Volvulus, but tumor was the rare cause of small bowel obstruction in the study area. Elective repair of hernia should be strengthened before it causes obstruction. Public awareness should be increased on the risk factors of intestinal obstruction through health education to reduce the observed magnitude. Moreover, health facilities and health professionals capable of handling patients with intestinal obstruction should be available with in the reach of the community.
The Cognitive Effects of Naturally Occurring Domoic Acid Toxicosis in Wild California Sea Lions (Zalophus Californianus)

This dissertation comprises three separate studies making use of a unique model for conducting cognitive neuroscience in a wild population: California sea lions (CSLs) (Zalophus californianus) undergoing rehabilitation for toxic exposure to algal metabolite domoic acid (DA). The approach described here presents some notable advantages over typical research with laboratory animals, featuring as it does large samples of big-brained, socially complex animals with broad genetic diversity and variable life histories. The first study assessed the feasibility of using an auditory habituation measure as a behavioral diagnostic assay for identifying CSLs with DA toxicosis in the rehabilitation setting--it was found that initial responsivity to repeated auditory tones was a strong predictor of post-hoc veterinary diagnoses. The second study replicated the behavioral findings of the first, but also added structural brain imaging, allowing quantitative correlation of test behavior to volumetric measures of hippocampal and parahippocampal regions. Regional brain volumes did not predict responsivity in this study, suggesting that the behavioral results were driven by some other neurological feature of DA toxicosis, likely epilepsy. The third study compared quantitative measurements of regional temporal lobe damage to performance in a delayed alternation task and a once-daily foraging task, the latter allowing both a measure of spatial working memory and long-term allocentric spatial memory. Right hippocampal formation volume predicted performance in all three measures. This suggests that DA toxicosis causes substantial impairments in hippocampal-dependent function, including working and spatial memory, and, further, that these cognitive mechanisms are at least partially lateralized to the right hippocampal formation. Results from these studies are used to argue for the value, both applied and theoretical, of naturalistic models for studying brain and behavior.