Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Double‐ and monofunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis DosR antigens and peptides in long‐term latently infected individuals

More than 2 billion individuals are latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Knowledge of the key Mtb antigens and responding T‐cell subsets mediating protection against Mtb is critical for developing improved tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. We previously reported that Mtb DosR‐regulon‐encoded antigens are recognized well by human T cells in association with control of Mtb infection. The characteristics of the responding T‐cell subsets, however, remained unidentified. We have therefore studied the cytokine production and memory phenotypes of Mtb DosR‐regulon‐encoded antigen‐specific T cells from individuals who had been infected with Mtb decades ago, yet never developed TB (long‐term latent Mtb‐infected individuals). Using multi‐parameter flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining for IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐2, we found double and single cytokine‐producing CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells to be the most prominent subsets, particularly IFN‐γ+ TNF‐α+ CD8+ T cells. The majority of these T cells comprised effector memory and effector T cells. Furthermore, CFSE labeling revealed strong CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferative responses induced by several “immunodominant” Mtb DosR antigens and their specific peptide epitopes. These findings demonstrate the prominent presence of double‐ and monofunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses in naturally protected individuals and support the possibility of designing Mtb DosR antigen‐based TB vaccines.
Effectiveness and patient satisfaction with nurse-directed treatment of barrett's esophagus

Objective:Using clinical practice guidelines, a registered nurse adjusted antireflux medications, evaluated esophageal biopsy reports, determined the interval between surveillance endoscopies, and provided education for patients with Barrett's esophagus. No previous reports have assessed the effectiveness or patient satisfaction associated with registered nurse-provided primary care. Because estimates of the incidence of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma vary widely, we also prospectively followed a cohort of patients with Barrett's esophagus.Methods:Charts were reviewed to determine the frequency of variation from guidelines, the annual incidence of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma, and frequency of reflux symptoms. Patients were mailed a questionnaire to assess satisfaction with their medical care and with the nurse.Results:Variation by the nurse from the guidelines on surveillance endoscopy (1.9%) and the treatment of reflux (1.3%) was rare. Most patients were very satisfied (score of 6 on 0–6-point Likert scale) with overall medical care (88%), and patient education (76%), and most patients did not think that increased physician involvement would improve their care (93%). Ninety-seven percent of patients had control of reflux symptoms. Two patients with long segment Barrett's esophagus (n = 67) developed high grade dysplasia over 323 patient-yr of follow-up (1 of 162 patient-yr for an annual incidence of 0.6%). No patients with short segment Barrett's esophagus (n = 56) developed high grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma over 172 patient-years of follow-up.Conclusion:The registered nurse in our clinical setting effectively administered clinical practice guidelines for the management of Barrett's esophagus without clinically significant morbidity or patient dissatisfaction. Before these results can be generalized to other settings, further studies will need to be performed.
Embedded Networks and Suboptimal Resource Matching in Alliance Formations

Interest has been growing in alliance networks, and research has demonstrated several advantages of embedded networks, including joint problem solving. How embedded networks function as social capital and promote alliance formation has also been explored. However, less is known about constraints that they impose on firms’ extensive search for partners. In this study, we advance our understanding of the downsides of embedded networks by proposing that embedded networks facilitate alliance formations, but they may also cause suboptimal resource matching in alliance formations. Specifically, we predict that, in alliances where initial resource matching is more important than ex post collaborative activities, suboptimal resource matching is more likely when firms ally with partners with which they have pre‐existing direct or indirect ties and that such alliances decrease firm‐level resource utilization performance in operations. Using codeshare alliance data from the global airline industry, we find support for our predictions.
Prophylactic Early Erythropoietin for Neuroprotection in Preterm Infants: A Meta-analysis

This meta-analysis of RCTs investigates whether prophylactic recombinant erythropoietin in preterm infants improves neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months’ corrected age. CONTEXT: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is a promising pharmacological agent for neuroprotection in neonates. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether prophylactic rhEPO administration in very preterm infants improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched in December 2016 and complemented by other sources. STUDY SELECTION: RCTs investigating the use of rhEPO in preterm infants versus a control group were selected if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal and reported neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months’ corrected age. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction and analysis followed the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. The primary outcome was the number of infants with a Mental Developmental Index (MDI) <70 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Secondary outcomes included a Psychomotor Development Index <70, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and hearing impairment. RESULTS: Four RCTs, comprising 1133 infants, were included in the meta-analysis. Prophylactic rhEPO administration reduced the incidence of children with an MDI <70, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.51 (0.31–0.81), P < . 005. The number needed to treat was 14. There was no statistically significant effect on any secondary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic rhEPO improved the cognitive development of very preterm infants, as assessed by the MDI at a corrected age of 18 to 24 months, without affecting other neurodevelopmental outcomes. Current and future RCTs should investigate optimal dosing and timing of prophylactic rhEPO and plan for long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up.
Implications of climate change for glacier tourism

ABSTRACT For more than 100 years, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers in Westland Tai Poutini National Park have attracted thousands of tourists annually and have emerged as iconic destinations in New Zealand. However, in recent years, the recession of both glaciers has been increasingly rapid and the impacts on, and implications for, visitor experiences in these settings remain relatively unexplored. A mixed-method approach was adopted to investigate visitor experiences and stakeholder perspectives through an assessment of climate-related changes on tourism at the glaciers in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The bio-physical conditions at both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers were reviewed in order to assess the magnitude and rate of retreat. Perceptions of climate change risk and awareness of impacts in the National Park were assessed through stakeholder interviews (n = 13) and a visitor survey (n = 500) was used to better understand how impacts at these sites have affected and may continue to affect visitor experiences. Research results were reported to local communities via a series of public talks. Results revealed the fundamental importance of viewing the glaciers as a significant travel motive of visitors, suggesting that there is a ‘last chance’ dimension to their experience. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a high adaptive capacity of local tourism operators under rapidly changing environmental conditions. The implications of altered visitor experiences for tourism operators and protected area managers are discussed in light of these findings.
The pulmonary manifestations of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, radiographic, and autopsy features of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's Iymphoma (NHL) with pulmonary involvement. DESIGN Retrospective series of patients with HIV infection and NHL with pathologically documented lung or pleural involvement. SETTING A university and a county hospital in San Francisco. PATIENTS Thirty-eight patients with HIV infection and NHL involving the lungs or pleura. RESULTS Most patients had respiratory symptoms (87%) and signs (84%). The majority of patients had advanced HIV infection, with a mean CD4 count of 67 (+/- 65). The most common laboratory abnormalities were elevated lactate dehydrogenase value (89%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (94%), hematologic abnormalities (95%), and widened alveolar-arterial gradient (89%). Thoracic CT revealed pulmonary nodules (50%), lobar infiltrates (27%), and lung mass (19%) as the most common parenchymal abnormalities. Pleural effusion (68%) and thoracic lymphadenopathy (54%) were unexpectedly common. Autopsy confirmed the high prevalence of pulmonary nodules (30%), airspace disease (35%), and lung mass (25%). Pleural effusions (65%) and thoracic lymphadenopathy (60%) were also common at autopsy. The respiratory system was the most common extranodal site (71%) in patients with AIDS-related NHL undergoing autopsy. Of the bronchoscopic procedures performed, transbronchial biopsy had the highest diagnostic yield (58%) for lymphoma. BAL and bronchial brushing were never diagnostic. Pleural fluid cytologic study and open lung biopsy specimens also had high diagnostic yields (75% each). CONCLUSIONS The lung is a common extranodal site in AIDS-related NHL. NHL with pulmonary involvement occurs primarily in patients with advanced HIV infection. Most patients have nodules, infiltrates, or masses by thoracic imaging and autopsy. Thoracic lymphadenopathy is much more common than previously believed. Transbronchial biopsy, pleural fluid cytologic study, and open lung biopsy are the most useful diagnostic procedures.
Potential Association Between Male Infertility and Occupational Psychological Stress

Learning ObjectivesRecall past findings associating sperm parameters with occupational exposure to chemicals or work-related psychological distressUnderstand in what occupational, health, and demographic respects workers with male factor infertility differ from those seen for female infertility.Note which if any aspects of occupational stress were associated with male infertility in this study.Identify any clinical implications of these findings. The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of working conditions, occupational exposures to potential reproductive toxic agents, and psychological stress on male fertility. The study population consisted of 202 consecutive male patients attending a fertility clinic. Of those, 106 patients had attended the clinic because of a male infertility problem (case group), 66 patients had attended the clinic because of a female infertility problem (control group), and 30 patients had a combined infertility problem (male and female). Male infertility was associated with working in industry and construction as compared with other occupations (78.6% vs 58.3%, P = 0.044). Industry and construction workers were of lower educational level than the other workers (mean: 12.1 vs 13.4 years, P = 0.021). These patients also tended to smoke more than the other workers (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.08 to 5.98), more often worked in shifts (OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.19 to 8.13), reported physical exertion in work (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.44 to 7.80), and were more exposed to noise and welding (OR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.63 to 9.14, OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.76, respectively). Male infertility (case group) was found to be statistically related to higher marks in all four measures of burnout as compared with the controls. The largest difference was obtained in the measure of cognitive weariness (mean:2.9vs 2.1, P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, industry and construction jobs (adjusted OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.7) and cognitive weariness (adjusted OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.03 to 4.6) were found to be independent risk factors for male infertility problems. Male infertility was independently associated with industry and construction jobs as well as job burnout.
Is there a fallacy of composition of external R&D? An empirical assessment of the impact of quasi-internal, external and offshored R&D

Abstract Empirical studies at the individual firm level often find a positive impact of external R&D on innovation. However, external R&D sourcing might produce an impoverishment of the local knowledge base and thus damage innovation production at the regional level. To address this possible fallacy of composition, we first review the various forms of ‘external’ R&D. We then use the French R&D survey to assess the impact of four different ways of transacting or collaborating on R&D: onshore affiliate external R&D, offshore affiliate external R&D, onshore non-affiliate and offshore non-affiliate external R&D. We then estimate knowledge production functions on the 94 metropolitan French NUTS3 regions observed between 1997 and 2008, differentiating internal R&D and these categories of external R&D. We obtain that the impact of onshore non-affiliate external R&D is significantly negative. The other external R&D categories are non-significant and we do not detect any complementarity between internal and external R&D.
Persistence of impaired health status of Q fever patients 4 years after the first Dutch outbreak

SUMMARY A significant proportion of Q fever patients from the first Dutch Q fever outbreak in 2007 showed impairment in health status up to 1 year after infection. Interested in whether this decrease in health status persisted, we set out to determine the health status in the same cohort of patients, 4 years after primary infection and to compare health status scores at the individual patient level between 1 and 4 years follow-up. Health status was assessed with the Nijmegen Clinical Screening Instrument (NCSI). Patients were serologically tested to exclude patients with possible, probable or proven chronic Q fever. Results on the NCSI sub-domains at group level [2008 (n = 54) and 2011 (n = 46)] showed a persistent significant percentage of patients exhibiting clinically relevant (‘severe’) scores for all NCSI sub-domains. After 4 years, undue fatigue was present in 46% and exactly half of all patients experienced a severely impaired general quality of life. Patients with NCSI scores available in both 2008 and 2011 (n = 37) showed no difference in all sub-domain scores, except for a small decrease in dyspnoea emotions in 2011. In this group, a significant proportion of patients either improved or worsened in one or more sub-domains of health status. We conclude that at the group level, health status of Q fever patients remained impaired 4 years after primary infection. At the individual patient level, health status may change.
Community experience with bortezomib in patients with multiple myeloma

Community practice experience allows a nonselective care of patient using information derived from a more controlled clinical trial environment. We present our community experience with multiple myeloma patients with advanced age, long disease duration since diagnosis, advanced stage, multiple prior therapies including stem cell transplantation, co‐morbidities, and other poor prognostic features, such as low albumin, high B‐2 microglobulin, renal failure, and the presence of poor risk chromosomal abnormalities. Our response rates are comparable to those from clinical trials. Bortezomib is well tolerated in this population of multiple myeloma patients with the exception of infection adverse events that are generally mild grade 1–2. Am. J. Hematol. , 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community College Teaching Excellence: A Distinguished Faculty Perspective

This instrumental case study examined excellence in community college teaching from the perspectives of nine distinguished faculty at a national award-winning community college in the Southwest. This study utilized an appreciative inquiry interviewing framework approach in order to examine excellence in teaching from an affirmative perspective. This study began by introducing a Conceptual Framework: The Value of Community College Excellence in Teaching, which is designed to understand the potential of excellence in teaching from the viewpoint of human capital. The Conceptual Framework asserts that excellence in community college teaching has the capacity to improve student and family lives, resulting in overall better-quality societal impacts that lead to economic prosperity. The central question in this instrumental case study was: How do distinguished faculty at a nationally top-ranked community college perceive excellence in teaching? COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHING EXCELLENCE ix The study presented findings from emergent thematic coding from applications submitted by award-winning distinguished faculty participants and from demographic surveys, semistructured interview transcripts, two focus group transcripts, and observation notes taken during the focus groups. These documents were examined multiple times to determine themes and commonalities that emerged and from their community college teaching excellence perspectives of distinguished faculty. The findings in this study provide a potential model to consider, Community College Teaching Excellence: A Distinguished Faculty Perspective, The AEACSA Model, that community college faculty can apply and include examples of excellence in teaching under each element. The AEACSA Model consists of six elements: authentically connect with students with the intent to create a trustful learning environment, embrace diversity, activate high expectations and encourage excellence, cultivate a passion for lifelong learning, strengthen a student’s confidence in their ability to learn, and apply theory to the real world. COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHING EXCELLENCE x Table of
Formation and removal of poly‐ubiquitin chains in the regulation of tumor necrosis factor‐induced gene activation and cell death

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent cytokine known for its involvement in inflammation, repression of tumorigenesis and activation of immune cells. Consequently, accurate regulation of the TNF signaling pathway is crucial for preventing the potent noxious effects of TNF. These pathological conditions include chronic inflammation, septic shock, cachexia and cancer. The TNF signaling cascade utilizes a complex network of post‐translational modifications to control the cellular response following its activation. Next to phosphorylation, the ubiquitination of signaling complex components is probably the most important modification. This process is mediated by a specialist class of enzymes, the ubiquitin ligases. Equally important is the class of dedicated ubiquitin‐specific proteases, the deubiquitinases. Together with ubiquitin binding proteins, this ubiquitination–deubiquitination system enables the dynamics of signaling complexes. In TNF signaling, these dynamics translate into the precise regulation of the induction of gene activation or cell death. Here, we review and discuss current knowledge of TNF signaling regulation by the ubiquitin system.
Accelerating and Abruptly-Autofocusing Beam Waves in the Fresnel Zone of Antenna Arrays

We introduce the concept of spatially accelerating (curved) beam waves in the Fresnel region of properly designed antenna arrays. These are transversely localized EM waves that propagate in free space in a diffraction-resisting manner, while at the same time laterally shifting their amplitude pattern along a curved trajectory. The proposed beams are the radiowave analogue of Airy and related accelerating optical waves, which, in contrast to their optical counterparts, are produced by the interference of discrete radiating elements rather than by the evolution of a continuous wavefront. Two dyadic array configurations are proposed comprising 2D line antennas: linear phased arrays with a power-law phase variation and curved power-law arrays with in-phase radiating elements. Through analysis and numerical simulations, the formation of broadside accelerating beams with power-law trajectories is studied versus the array parameters. Furthermore, the abrupt autofocusing effect, that occurs when beams of this kind interfere with opposite acceleration, is investigated. The concept and the related antenna setups can be of use in radar and wireless communications applications.
Underreaction or Overreaction: The Post Earnings Announcement Drift

We test whether the well-documented post-earnings-announcement drift is a manifestation of an investor underreaction or overreaction to extremely good or bad earnings news. Using the market reaction to extreme earnings surprises (i.e., SUE) in quarter Qt as a reference point, we show that firms reporting a SUE in subsequent quarter Qt 1 that confirms their initial quarter Qt SUE ranking in the same highest or lowest SUE quintiles generate an incremental price run that moves in the same direction as that of the initial SUE. However, the price impact of the confirming SUE signal is weaker than that of its initial SUE. Our findings are robust to the Fama-French three-factor daily regression extended by the momentum factor and a number of other robustness tests. Our finding is not consistent with the prevalent view that investors underreact to earnings news. To the contrary, the results suggest an initial investor overreaction to extreme SUE signals.
Central Corneal Thickness and Corneal Diameter in Patients With Childhood Glaucoma

PurposeTo determine and compare the central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal diameter among groups of patients with childhood glaucomas and assess the relationship between CCT and corneal diameter in these patients. DesignA multicenter observational case series using prospective and retrospective data. MethodsPatients from the Scheie Eye Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Emory and Vanderbilt Medical Centers with childhood glaucomas were eligible to participate. Retrospective data on CCT and corneal diameter of these patients were collected when available; otherwise, patients were asked to return to the ophthalmology clinics for measurements. Patients with corneal edema or central corneal scarring were excluded. One hundred eighty four glaucomatous eyes from 109 patients (median age=9.0 y; age range=0 to 60 y) were included. ResultsThe mean CCT (±SE) was 651.1±63.5 μm for aphakic, 528.7±38.5 μm for Axenfeld-Rieger, and 563.4±67.9 μm for 1° infantile eyes. The mean corneal diameter in aphakic, Axenfeld-Rieger, and 1° infantile glaucoma eyes were 11.2±1.0, 12.5±0.9, and 13.2±1.2 mm, respectively. There was a significant difference in CCT and in corneal diameter between aphakic and 1° infantile glaucoma eyes, and between aphakic and Axenfeld-Rieger eyes (P<0.0001). There was a negative correlation between CCT and corneal diameter in all eyes (r=−0.41, P<0.0001). ConclusionsPatients with aphakic glaucoma are different from those with congenital glaucoma or Axenfeld-Rieger in CCT and corneal diameter. A patient with pediatric glaucoma and a larger corneal diameter was more likely to have a thinner CCT. Attention should be paid to the CCT of patients with childhood glaucomas for interpretation of intraocular pressure.