Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between antiretrovirals used as part of a cART regimen and CD4 cell count increases in patients with suppressed viremia

Background:It is unknown if the CD4 cell count response differs according to antiretroviral drugs used in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in patients with maximal virological suppression [viral load (VL) < 50 copies/ml]. Objectives:To compare the change in CD4 cell count over consecutive measurements with VL < 50 copies/ml at both time-points according to nucleoside backbones and other antiretrovirals used. Methods:Generalized linear models, accounting for multiple measurements within patients, were used to compare CD4 cell count changes after adjustment for antiretrovirals, time from starting cART, age, CD4 at first VL < 50 copies/ml, prior antiretroviral treatment, and change in CD4 cell count since starting cART. Results:We studied 28418 instances of VL < 50 copies/ml in 4041 patients. The mean annual change in CD4 cell count was +45.5/μl [95% confidence interval (CI) +39.4 to +51.6/μl). Comparing two drug nucleoside backbones, there was a lower annual change in CD4 cell count for zidovudine/lamivudine (n = 13038; −15.4/μl; P = 0.012) and for those on tenofovir (n = 1809; −27.3/μl; P = 0.029) compared to lamivudine/stavudine (n = 7339). Compared to the boosted-protease inhibitor regimen (n = 5915), use of an abacavir-based triple-nucleoside regimen was associated with a lower annual change in CD4 cell count (n = 2504 pairs; −26.1/μl; P = 0.011). Conclusions:A nucleoside backbone of zidovudine/lamivudine or any tenofovir-based backbone was associated with significantly poorer increases in CD4 cell count compared to a nucleoside backbone of stavudine/lamivudine, as was an abacavir-based triple nucleoside regimen compared to a boosted protease inhibitor regimen. Long-term studies are needed to determine whether the differences in immunological response seen here translate into differences in the risk of clinical disease.
The nature and outcomes of PGCE Plus as a model for teacher professional development

The present study examines an innovative attempt to address national priorities with regard to subject (mathematics and science) and the needs of gifted and talented pupils. The initiative, PGCE Plus, was at the transition from initial qualifications and the domain of continuing professional development, occurring in the summer immediately following qualification as a teacher and during the first two years of practice. The paper explores the evidence for the success of PGCE Plus pedagogically, and as a model addressed to both participants’ needs and national priorities in a context of educational change.
Modulation Model of High Frequency Band Radar Backscatter by the Internal Wave Based on the Third-Order Statistics

Modulation model of radar backscatters is an important topic in the remote sensing of oceanic internal wave by synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Previous studies related with the modulation models were analyzed mainly based on the hypothesis that ocean surface waves are Gaussian distributed. However, this is not always true for the complicated ocean environment. Research has showed that the measurements are usually larger than the values predicted by modulation models for the high frequency radars (X-band and above). In this paper, a new modulation model was proposed which takes the third-order statistics of the ocean surface into account. It takes the situation into consideration that the surface waves are Non-Gaussian distributed under some conditions. The model can explain the discrepancy between the measurements and the values calculated by the traditional models in theory. Furthermore, it can accurately predict the modulation for the higher frequency band. The model was verified by the experimental measurements recorded in a wind wave tank. Further discussion was made about applicability of this model that it performs better in the prediction of radar backscatter modulation compared with the traditional modulation model for the high frequency band radar or under lager wind speeds.
Surface Curvature Differentially Regulates Stem Cell Migration and Differentiation via Altered Attachment Morphology and Nuclear Deformation

Signals from the microenvironment around a cell are known to influence cell behavior. Material properties, such as biochemical composition and substrate stiffness, are today accepted as significant regulators of stem cell fate. The knowledge of how cell behavior is influenced by 3D geometric cues is, however, strongly limited despite its potential relevance for the understanding of tissue regenerative processes and the design of biomaterials. Here, the role of surface curvature on the migratory and differentiation behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) has been investigated on 3D surfaces with well‐defined geometric features produced by stereolithography. Time lapse microscopy reveals a significant increase of cell migration speed on concave spherical compared to convex spherical structures and flat surfaces resulting from an upward‐lift of the cell body due to cytoskeletal forces. On convex surfaces, cytoskeletal forces lead to substantial nuclear deformation, increase lamin‐A levels and promote osteogenic differentiation. The findings of this study demonstrate a so far missing link between 3D surface curvature and hMSC behavior. This will not only help to better understand the role of extracellular matrix architecture in health and disease but also give new insights in how 3D geometries can be used as a cell‐instructive material parameter in the field of biomaterial‐guided tissue regeneration.
Evaluation of a new expert system for fully automated detection of the Alzheimer's dementia pattern in FDG PET

ObjectiveFluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly used to support a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new expert system (PALZ) for the fully automated analysis of FDG PET images for diagnosis of the disease. MethodsThe PALZ tool is based on the detection of the typical disease pattern in FDG PET images. Its potential for this task was evaluated in 22 consecutive patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease who had been graded as positive for the pattern by an experienced reader (visual analysis supported by statistical parametric mapping (SPM)), and in 18 controls. Dependence on scanner performance was assessed by variation of the spatial resolution of the PET images. ResultsAll the Alzheimer's disease subjects were classified as pattern-positive by the PALZ tool. Fifteen controls were classified as normal. Sensitivity and specificity for differentiation of the patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease from the controls were 100% and 83%, respectively. The false positive finding in three controls most likely was caused by differences in attenuation correction between the normal data base of the PALZ tool (cold transmission scan) and the local data sets (hot transmission scan). There was only mild dependence on spatial resolution. ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that the PALZ tool provides similar performance for the detection of the typical Alzheimer's disease pattern in FDG PET images as an experienced reader supported by SPM. The PALZ tool is fully automated, easy to use, and insensitive to the spatial resolution of the PET scanner used. Therefore, it has the potential for widespread clinical use.
It ʼ s Neat to feel the Heat: How can we hold hands at a distance?

There is a growing body of work in HCI on the design of communication technologies to help support distance relationships. We build upon this work by presenting three different prototypes based on hand holding. This distinguishes itself by basing distance communication metaphors on elements of co-located hand-holding actions. We then present an evaluation of the prototypes based on a three-phase interview process with 12 participants. We conclude by discussing the combined evocative power of unique physical metaphors and memories in fostering romantic connections at a distance.
Classification of meeting-room acoustic events with support vector machines and variable-feature-set clustering

Acoustic events produced in meeting-room-like environments may carry information useful for perceptually aware interfaces. We focus on the problem of classifying 16 types of acoustic events, using and comparing several types of features and various classifiers based on either GMM or SVM. A variable-feature-set clustering scheme is developed and compared with an already reported binary tree scheme. In our experiments with event-level features, the proposed clustering scheme with SVM achieves a 31.5% relative error reduction with respect to the best result from a binary tree scheme.
Antipattern-based detection of deficiencies in Java multithreaded software

We investigate an antipattern-based approach to analyze Java multithreaded (MT) programs. We present a library of 38 antipatterns, which describe predefined recognized sources of multithreading related errors in the code. The antipatterns are archived in practical, easy to use templates, and are classified according to their potential effects on the program behavior. We also report on our experience in using these antipatterns in the analysis of real multithreaded applications.
Academic public health research and development in England, 2000–01: capacity, capability and concerns

To ensure delivery of public health, research is needed on the impact of social, economic, environmental and service-related influences on population health and well-being. This paper reports on a study of the current level of medical and non-medical academic public health R&D capacity, capability and concerns in England. A web-based quantitative survey ascertained details of staff, postgraduate students and research activity in university departments of public health and a sample of wider public health academic and non-academic institutions. In addition, a qualitative survey of selected institutions used focus groups and semi-structured telephone interviews. Although there had been an increase in staffing over the previous decade, the academic workforce was predominantly female and young. Several major deficits in capabilities were uncovered including: lack of secure funding and critical mass to build programmes of work; lack of depth and expertise in academic departments; lack of career pathways; lack of structured training funding; and a need to improve CPD. Concerns were: teaching and research balance; recruitment and retention; identity; conflict between RAE, NHS and multidisciplinary working; medical versus non-medical differentials; and sustainability. A number of recommendations are made but it is recognized that a paradigm shift is required to change the current situation of Public Health research, and that this is unlikely to be initiated from within the current academic structure.
A new method of Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication on GPU

In this paper we present a new method called Hybrid Processing Method for Sparse Matrix Vector Multiplication (SpMV) on the system accelerated by Graphic Processing Units (GPU). The Hybrid Processing Method can select different computation model automatically by the characters of sparse matrix. Hence the self-adaptability of this method can overcome the deficiencies of the traditional algorithm. Our study is divided into two parts. Firstly, we propose a new sparse matrix storage format which named Compress Sparse Row with Non-zero Size (CSRNS). According to the new format, we designed Hybrid Processing Method for SpMV on GPU. This new method could automatically adopt different type of sparse matrix and effectively improve load balance. Secondly, we implement this new method by OpenCL Through experiment to prove this new method can availably enhance speedup ratio compare with traditional method.
Commutative queries

We consider polynomial-time Turing machines that have access to two oracles and investigate when the order of oracle queries is significant. The oracles used here are complete languages for the Polynomial Hierarchy (PH). We prove that, for solving decision problems, the order of oracle queries does not matter. This improves upon the previous result of Hemaspaandra, Hemaspaandra and Hempel, who showed that the order of the queries does not matter if the base machine asks only one query to each oracle. On the other hand, we prove that, for computing functions, the order of oracle queries does matter unless PH collapses.
The Boundaryless Career: A New Employment Principle for a New Organizational Era

Including contributions from leading scholars at Harvard Business School, Yale, and MIT's Sloan School of Management, this book explores the ways that careers have changed for workers as their firms reorganize to meet global competition. As firms re-engineer, downsize, enter into strategic alliances with other firms, and find other ways to reduce costs, they frequently lay off workers. Job security has been replaced by insecurity and workers have been forced to take charge of their own career development in ways they have never done before. The contributors to the book analyse the implications for these workers, who now have "boundaryless careers". While many find the challenge rewarding as they find new opportunities for growth, others are finding it difficult to adapt to new jobs in new locations. The book looks at policy issues that can provide safety nets for those who are not able to find a place in the new world of boundaryless careers.
Molecular Epidemiology of Campylobacter Isolates from Poultry Production Units in Southern Ireland

This study aimed to identify the sources and routes of transmission of Campylobacter in intensively reared poultry farms in the Republic of Ireland. Breeder flocks and their corresponding broilers housed in three growing facilities were screened for the presence of Campylobacter species from November 2006 through September 2007. All breeder flocks tested positive for Campylobacter species (with C. jejuni and C. coli being identified). Similarly, all broiler flocks also tested positive for Campylobacter by the end of the rearing period. Faecal and environmental samples were analyzed at regular intervals throughout the rearing period of each broiler flock. Campylobacter was not detected in the disinfected house, or in one-day old broiler chicks. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from environmental samples including air, water puddles, adjacent broiler flocks and soil. A representative subset of isolates from each farm was selected for further characterization using flaA-SVR sub-typing and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) to determine if same-species isolates from different sources were indistinguishable or not. Results obtained suggest that no evidence of vertical transmission existed and that adequate cleaning/disinfection of broiler houses contributed to the prevention of carryover and cross-contamination. Nonetheless, the environment appears to be a potential source of Campylobacter. The population structure of Campylobacter isolates from broiler farms in Southern Ireland was diverse and weakly clonal.
Attachment Quality in Very Low-Birthweight Premature Infants in Relation to Maternal Attachment Representations and Neurological Development

Objective. To study the development of attachment in very low-birthweight preterm infants with respect to neurological development and maternal attachment representations. Design. Emotional development in a high-risk sample (N = 79) of very low-birthweight preterm infants (≤ 1,500 g) is reported. The quality of attachment in preterm infants was classified using the Strange Situation Procedure at 14 postnatal months (corrected for prematurity) and was associated with maternal attachment representation assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview at 6 postnatal months. Neurological development at 14 months was taken into account. Results. The distribution of the quality of attachment in preterm infants (60.3% secure, 23.5% insecure - avoidant, 2.9% insecure - ambivalent, 10.3% insecure - disorganized, and 2.9% not classifiable) was comparable with results of studies of term infants. There was no correspondence between maternal representations of attachment and infant quality of attachment. However, neurologically impaired infants were more often insecurely than securely attached. Conclusions. Very low-birthweight preterm infants more often develop an insecure quality of attachment if their neurological outcome is impaired. Therefore, minimizing risk factors for the development of neurological deficits may have a preventive effect both on the somatic and on the emotional development of high-risk infants.
A Conditional Model of Deduplication for Multi-Type Relational Data

Abstract : Record deduplication is the task of merging database records that refer to the same underlying entity. In relational databases, accurate deduplication for records of one type is often dependent on the merge decisions made for records of other types. Whereas nearly all previous approaches have merged records of different types independently, this work models these inter-dependencies explicitly to collectively deduplicate records of multiple types. We construct a conditional random field model of deduplication that captures these relational dependencies, and then employ a novel relational partitioning algorithm to jointly deduplicate records. We evaluate the system on two citation matching datasets, for which we deduplicate both papers and venues. We show that by collectively deduplicating paper and venue deduplication, and up to a 20% error reduction in paper deduplication over competing methods.
Potentials in Undirected Graphs and Planar Multiflows

The duality relation between shortest paths and potentials in directed graphs and the significance of both of these in the theory of network flows is well known. In this paper, we work out the analogous undirected notions, which neither are contained in nor contain their directed counterpart. They are more related to matching theory than to network flows: the corresponding min-path-max-potential theorem can be considered a weighted generalization of the Gallai--Edmonds structure theorem for matchings. In our earlier work [J. Combin. Theory Ser. B, 49 (1990), pp. 10--39], the corresponding theorems are proved in the special case of $\pm 1$ bipartite weightings, and this special case already contains the main points of the general proof. The goal of the present paper is to extrapolate from this $\pm 1$-weighted bipartite special case the arbitrarily weighted general min-path-max-potential theorem and to show some algorithmic consequences related to planar multiflows, the Chinese postman problem, the weighted and unweighted matching structure, etc. In order to make this paper self-contained, we also include a compact, revised variant of earlier proofs, adapted to the present context. In addition to good characterization theorems and polynomial algorithms, efficient (logarithmic polynomial) parallel algorithms follow for some of these problems.
A CD4+ TH2 cell line isolated from mice chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi induces IgG2 polyclonal response in vivo

In our study we describe further characteristics of a CD4+ T cell line (G‐05) isolated from lymph nodes of C3H/HeJ mice chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. This T cell line secreted lymphokines such as interleukin (IL)4 and IL 5 and could be defined as a TH2 type of helper T cells. By passive transferinto naive mice, the G‐05 line was able to induce a polyclonal B cell activation in the spleen. This splenic B cell activation was quite similar to that seen in chronically T. cruzi‐infected animals, where the isotypic pattern presents a large increase of IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes. Moreover, it was possible to reproduce this kind of polyclonal B cell activation in vivo, with the supernatant of G‐05 T cells cultured in the presence of T. cruzi extract, accessory cells andexogenous IL2. Analysis of this supernatant showed the presence of large amounts of IL 4,IL 5, IL 3 and IL 6 but not of interferon‐γ, and residual IL 2 activity was not significant. These results suggest that the G‐05 T cells considered as TH2 cells on the basis of their lymphokine production are involved in the development of the in vivo polyclonal B cell activation in T. cruzi infection.
Evaluation of a methodology for the reverse engineering and parallelization of sequential code

A general methodology based on software engineering principles is proposed for the parallelization of existing sequential code. The utility of the proposed methodology is evaluated through a case study involving a numerically intensive application in the domain of petrochemical exploration. The methodology does not assume the existence of detail design documentation for the sequential code. The methodology involves three basic phases: (1) reverse engineering; (2) parallel design; and (3) parallel implementation. The process iterates between phases two and three until the values of the performance metrics satisfy project requirements. In addition to the methodology itself considerable detail related to the experiences and lessons learned in performing the case study, are included.
Thrust and Thermal Characteristics of Electromagnetic Launcher Based on Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motors

Compared with steam catapult system, electromagnetic launcher (EML) system is highly integrated, and it has high and well matching performance. It will be widely used aircraft carriers ejection, rocket launchers etc in future. Double-side tabular permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) for electromagnetic launcher can meet the requirements of big thrust and high efficiency etc. It can accelerate the launcher at the expected speed in short time. The thrust characteristic of the launcher is essential to the whole electromagnetic launcher system. Large thrust and small thrust ripple are both expected. This paper studies thrust characteristic of different pole arc coefficients, compares the series and parallel magnetic circuit structures, and analyses the method of staggering a certain distance between poles on both sides. In order to achieve the goal of large thrust, the launcher is often designed with high current density. As a result, it is of great loss and has quick temperature rise. This paper establishes numerical model of the two-dimensional (2D) primary transient temperature field. The temperature field of the short-term system is analyzed. The calculated and experimental results of the electromagnetic launchers can provide a basis for optimum design.
The Effect of Musical Mode on Verbal and Spatial Task Performance

Music in the major mode is often associated with happy feelings, which could enhance task performance, compared with that in the minor mode, which is associated more with sadness. Male and female participants (N = 48) completed written verbal and spatial reasoning tests while a piece of music in F major by Handel was being played, and again when the same piece was digitally manipulated to create a version in the minor mode. The confounding variable of using two different compositions was thus avoided. Results showed that the music in the major mode was rated more emotionally positive by both sexes than was the minor mode version (p ≤ .001). Performance by females on verbal tasks was significantly enhanced with major mode music, compared with the minor (p = .018), but there were no such findings for other combinations of sex and task. Also with major mode music only, there were trends for females to score higher than males on verbal tasks, and for males to score the highest on spatial tasks. Reasons for the research findings are suggested.