Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined liver–thoracic transplantation: single‐center experience with introduction of the ‘Liver‐first’ principle

Combined liver/thoracic transplantation (cLiThTx) is a complex procedure for end‐stage/advanced liver and heart(H)/lung(Lu) disease. To avoid futile use of multiple organs in single recipients, results should be scrutinously analyzed. Single‐center cLiThTx (04/2000–12/2015) were reviewed for the following: demographics, indications, surgical technique, complications, rejection, and five‐year patient survival. Results are reported as median (range). Fourteen consecutive patients underwent cLiThTx: 3 cLiHTx, 10 cLiLuTx, and 1 cLiHLuTx. Recipient age was 42 years (17–63 years). Most frequent indications were cystic fibrosis (n = 5), hepatopulmonary fibrosis (n = 2), amyloidosis (n = 2), and epithelioid hemangio‐endothelioma (n = 2). Thoracic organs were transplanted first, except in three where LiTx preceded LuTx. In the latter, lungs were preserved by normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion. Stenting was performed for stenosis of bile duct (n = 4), hepatic artery (n = 2), and bronchus (n = 2). Abdominal interventions were required for bleeding (n = 3), evisceration (n = 1), and adhesiolysis (n = 1). One liver (cLiLuTx) was lost to hepatic artery thrombosis 3 months post‐transplant and successfully retransplanted. One patient (cLiHTx) died 4 months post‐transplant (myocardial infarction). Follow‐up was 4 years (2 months–16 years). One liver and 5 pulmonary rejections occurred, all mild and reversible. Two patients developed bronchiolitis obliterans, one is clinically well 16 years post‐transplant, and the other successfully retransplanted. Estimated 5‐year patient survival is 90%. CLiThTx is safe with excellent short‐/long‐term surgical and immunological results.
The role of expats, local residents and tourists in defining a destination: a branding case study for Abu Dhabi tourism

This study seeks to contribute to understanding of destination branding literature by exploring the differences in destination brand perceptions for groups of people who on one hand, have a role in its creation and on the other, use the destination brand as a tool in attracting new visitors. Specifically, it looks at awareness of Abu Dhabi destination brand among three segments: Emirate's local residents, expat residents and international tourists in the process of visiting Abu Dhabi. The study was conducted using a quantitative survey method for data collection. The results for the three groups were compared using Pearson Chi-square tests, and differences among the three segments were compared and statistically tested. Significant differences between locals, expats and tourists were confirmed for both brand and slogan recognition. Previous studies have confirmed that locals represent a destination brand, but in a sustainable society expatriates should also be considered.
Approaching the Sustainable Development Practices in Mountain Tourism in the Romanian Carpathians

The article aims to identify the degree to which tourism managers who work in Romania in the area of the Carpathian Mountains have implemented sustainable development practices. It also assesses the quantification of their availability to be informed and to apply voluntary tools of sustainable development. Qualitative research based on the method of semi-structured in-depth interviews was conducted, with 34 managers who work in the accommodation units in the Romanian Carpathians. Results show that most managers are concerned with issues linked to sustainable evolution of the accommodation unit they manage. The researchers have noticed a low interest in sustainable evolution negatively correlated with the comfort level of the accommodation unit and competitiveness. Based on these results the authors recommend the adoption of measures that may allow sustainable development, and for the Romanian authorities to encourage the increase in the number of tourism units that can use sustainable management systems. This can be done through accessible rules, development of networks that may offer information about good practices and codes of conduct, as well as the possibility to participate in exchange programs.
A High-Performance 650-GHz Sideband-Separating Mixer—Design and Results

We presented the design and experimental results of a new sideband-separating (2SB) mixer for 600–720 GHz (ALMA Band 9). Although designed following the classical quadrature hybrid architecture, the emphasis of the optimization was this time not placed on ultimate phase and amplitude balance in the hybrid, but on the reduction and active suppression of reflections and standing waves. It turns out that, once the phase and the amplitude are sufficiently balanced, the image rejection ratio (IRR) starts being dominated by unbalanced parasitic reflections in the signal path, and further perfection of the hybrid's balance is not the way toward higher IRR. Four operational waveguide blocks were produced. IRRs above 15 dB over the entire band were obtained, depending critically on mixer matching. The noise temperature was not more than 20–30 K above the value expected from the individual mixer devices. With the RF circuits optimized thus, the performance becomes limited by the IF system, where similar interference and standing wave problems seem to occur. These are exacerbated when, for compactness (i.e., in arrays), cryogenic isolators between the mixers and amplifiers are omitted. We show that, because of the high performance of the mixers, an IRR of 10 dB can still be obtained without isolators. When, on the other hand, highly matched amplifiers are used, we expect that the full image rejection performance can be achieved even in array receivers. These 2SB mixers are intended for the future 2SB receivers on the APEX (Chile) and LLAMA (Argentina) observatories and for deployment in any other observatory that would benefit from sideband separation in the 600–720-GHz band.
Community College Leadership in the Midwest: Pathways, Preparation, and Competencies.

The purpose of this research study is to examine current Midwestern community college leaders’ demographics, educational backgrounds, career pathways, career preparation, diversity and inclusion competencies, and competencies in accord with the 2013 American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC’s) Competencies for Community College Leaders as well as the leaders’ transformational skills embedded in those competencies. This research study expands upon the work of Duree (2007), which included research on community college presidents’ or chief executive officers’ (CEOs’) informal and formal leadership preparation, educational backgrounds, experiences, and self-ranking of the importance as well as their level of preparation in the AACC Competencies for Community College Leaders (2005). This research study utilizes the updated AACC Competencies for Community College Leaders (2013) and includes competencies for diversity and inclusion. Moreover, this research study differs from Duree (2007) as it is limited to Midwest community college CEOs and includes other community college leaders such as Chief Academic Officers, Chief Student Affairs Officers, Executive Vice Presidents and Business and Finance Officers. The final research sample for this study is 208 Midwest community college leaders working in many of the 256 community colleges in the Midwest. Employing a theoretical framework that included two elements (diversity and inclusion and transformational leadership theory), the study data were analyzed based on the data collected from the research survey entitled Community College Leadership Demographics, Preparation, Pathways, and Competencies (CCLDPPC). The findings suggest that most Midwestern community college leaders were white and male; were age 61 years or older; had earned a doctorate; had some level of participation in a national, state or community college, leadership development program; and had challenges to diversity and inclusion practices. The findings of this research study will be useful in analyzing the 2013 competencies for community college leaders including leaders at the level immediately below the president level. This research informs current presidents, aspiring community college leaders, administrators, and educators who have oversight over formal leadership development and educational programs for improvement and alignment with the 2013 AACC competencies and consideration of adding diversity and inclusion competencies to those programs and initiatives. This research will assist in the development of programs and practices directed toward increasing the participation of minorities and women in community college leadership roles.
Cyclosporin A response and dependence in children with acquired aplastic anaemia: a multicentre retrospective study with long‐term observation follow‐up

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A (CyA) is the standard treatment for children with acquired aplastic anaemia (AAA) lacking a matched donor. Survival rates of more than 80% at 5 years are achieved, but the response is drug‐dependent in 15–25% of cases. This study, of 42 consecutive children with AAA treated with IST, assessed the incidence of CyA‐dependence, CyA and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) tapering schedules and the impact of drug accumulation on progression to myelodysplasia/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML). Overall survival was 83% at 10 years. CyA‐dependence without a predictive marker was observed in 18% of responders. Probability of discontinuing CyA was 60·5% at 10 years; a slow CyA tapering schedule was performed in 84% of patients; the cumulative incidence of relapse was 16% at 10 years. Relapse risk was significantly associated with rapid CyA discontinuation: 60% compared to 7·6% in the slow tapering group (P = 0·001). Cumulative incidence of MDS/AML was 8% at 10 years, with a significant correlation with both G‐CSF cumulative dose and second IST. This long‐term follow‐up of children with AAA shows that IST with a slow CyA tapering course is an effective treatment with a low‐relapse rate in these cases.
Phase-contrast digital tomosynthesis.

PURPOSE Phase-contrast (PC) edge enhancement occurs at the boundary between different tissues and is an interference effect that results from the differential phase-shifts that the x-rays acquire while traversing the two tissues. While observable in planar phase-contrast radiographs, the impact of digital tomosynthesis on this edge enhancement effect has not been previously reported. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate: (1) that phase-contrast digital tomosynthesis (PC-DTS) is possible with a conventional x-ray source, (2) that the reconstructed tomosynthesis images demonstrate and retain edge enhancement as compared to planar phase-contrast radiographs and (3) tomosynthesis improves object contrast by reducing the effects of superimposed structures. METHODS An unmodified, commercially available cabinet x-ray system (Faxitron LX-60) was used. The system contains a tungsten anode x-ray tube that was operated at 24 kVp and 3 mAs for each PC radiographic image taken, with a nominal focal spot size of 0.010 mm. The digital detector uses CsI/CMOS with a pixel size of 0.054 mm x 0.054 mm. Objects to be imaged were attached to a computer-controlled rotating motor and are rotated +/- 25 degrees about a central position in one degree increments. At each increment, three phase-contrast radiographs are taken and then averaged to reduce the effect of noise. These planar images are then used to reconstruct a series of 56 longitudinal tomographic images with an image offset increment of about 0.7 mm. RESULTS Tomographic z-plane resolution was measured to be approximately 4 mm. When compared to planar PC images, the tomosynthesis images were shown to retain the PC boundary edge enhancement in addition to an improvement in object contrast. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrates that PC digital tomosynthesis retains the edge-enhancement observed in planar PC radiograph and further improves soft-tissue conspicuity by reducing the effects of superimposed tissue structure.
Optimizing functional versus total expression of the human mu-opioid receptor in Pichia pastoris.

The expression of the EGFP-human mu-opioid receptor fusion protein in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was optimized and monitored using both fluorescence and ligand-binding experiments. A set of parameters, including gene copy number, strain type, temperature, pH, and methanol inducer levels, was studied for its effect on the production of the recombinant protein. We show here that the expression level is optimal after 10 h of promoter induction and that the maximum is reached at a lower temperature and a higher pH than normally used. The optimized conditions have allowed a fourfold increase of the ligand-binding active form of the receptor, whereas the total expression level determined by EGFP fluorescence measurements was not modified.
Otoneurological Expert System

An otoneurological expert system was developed to help collect data and diagnose both central and peripheral diseases causing vertigo. Patient history and otoneurological and other examination results are used in the reasoning process. The case history data can be either mandatory or supportive. Mandatory questions are used to confirm a diagnosis, and conflicting answers are used to reject an unlikely disease. Supportive questions support or suppress a diagnosis, but their presence is not obligatory. The reasoning procedure of the otoneurological expert system scores every question independently for different diagnoses, depending on how well they agree with the symptom entity of a disease. Diagnostic criteria are set for each disease. Graphic displays illustrate the linear and nonlinear correlation between the symptoms and diseases. Emphasis is placed on diminishing the possibility of a wrong decision rather than maximizing the likelihood of reaching only one right decision, so that even rare diseases can be taken into consideration.
Human and guinea pig immune responses to Legionella pneumophila protein antigens OmpS and Hsp60

We studied the immune responses of guinea pigs and humans to two Legionella pneumophila antigens. Guinea pigs surviving a lethal intraperitoneal challenge dose of virulent L. pneumophila exhibited strong cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions to purified OmpS (28-kDa major outer membrane protein) and Hsp60 (heat shock protein or common antigen), while weak DTH reactions were noted for extracellular protease (major secretory protein [MSP] [ProA]) and no reaction was observed with an ovalbumin (OA) control. Lymphocyte proliferation responses (LPRs) were measured for peripheral blood and spleen lymphocytes from guinea pigs surviving sublethal and lethal challenge doses of L. pneumophila. Lymphocytes from uninfected animals showed no proliferation to Hsp60 or OmpS, while lymphocytes from sublethally and lethally challenged animals exhibited strong proliferative responses to Hsp60 and OmpS. Guinea pigs vaccinated with purified OmpS exhibited low antibody titers and strong DTH and LPRs to OmpS, whereas lymphocytes from animals vaccinated with Hsp60 exhibited weak DTH responses and high antibody titers to Hsp60. All guinea pigs immunized with OmpS survived experimental challenge with L. pneumophila (two of two in a pilot study and seven of seven in trial 2) versus zero of seven OA-immunized controls (P = 0.006 by Fisher's exact test). In three vaccine trials in which animals were vaccinated with Hsp60, only 1 guinea pig of 15 survived lethal challenge. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from humans with legionellosis showed stronger LPRs to OmpS than PBLs from humans with no history of legionellosis (P = 0.0002 by Mann-Whitney test). PBLs of humans surviving legionellosis exhibited a lower but highly significant proliferative response to Hsp60 (P < 0.0001 compared with controls by Mann-Whitney test). These studies indicate that OmpS and Hsp60 are important antigens associated with the development of protective cellular immunity. However, as determined in vaccine trial studies in the guinea pig model for legionellosis, the species-specific antigen OmpS proved much more effective than the genus-common Hsp60 antigen.
Accessibility Changes: Analysis of the Integrated Public Transport System of Bogotá

Bogotá, a paradigmatic case of urban (re)development driven by transport interventions, began transforming its public transport system anew in mid-2010. It was not until 2012 when a gradual implementation of the new integrated public transport system of Bogotá (SITP in Spanish) began. By 2015, about 74% of the new bus routes were implemented. The considerable changes in supply and operational models for public transport during this period redefined travel conditions, having a direct impact on accessibility. Our research analyzes observable changes in accessibility to jobs and houses at both the home and work ends of trips as a result of differences in travel time for respondents to a household travel survey in Bogotá between 2011 and 2015. The paper presents a cross-sectional analysis of accessibility changes, pinpointing low accessibility levels facilitated by the current public transport system to the most deprived groups of Bogotá. Results are presented as access curves by socioeconomic levels and zones that estimate the time required to access workplaces via public transport. Results show that the location of low-income settlements implies a disadvantage as a consequence of spatial segregation that increases distances to job-opportunities. Five years after the implementation of the SITP, public transport in Bogotá still fails to improve accessibility, reinforcing gaps between rich and poor groups instead of closing them.
Post‐hatching development of in vitro bovine embryos from day 7 to 14 in vivo versus in vitro

This study evaluates the post‐hatching development of in vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos until Day 14. On Day 7, IVP embryos were either transferred to recipient uteruses or placed in a post‐hatching development (PHD) system. As a control group, in vivo‐produced (IVV), Day‐7 embryos were also transferred to recipient uteruses. All groups were collected on Day 14 and were morphologically evaluated. Day‐7 and Day‐14 IVV and IVP embryos were used for quantification of eight genes (PLAC8, CD9, SLC2A1, SLC2A3, KRT8, SOD2, HSP1A1, and IFNT2) by reverse transcriptase qPCR. Day‐14 embryos from the PHD system were smaller (2.92 ± 0.45 mm) and had a lower embryonic disk diameter (0.14 ± 0.00 mm) than those produced by IVV (24.18 ± 3.71; 0.29 ± 0.03 mm, respectively) or IVP (19.06 ± 2.43; 0.28 ± 0.01 mm) culture and transferred to the uterus (P > 0.05). Day‐7 IVP embryos had a higher expression of the HSP1A1, SCL2A1, and SCL2A3 genes than IVV embryos. When these embryos were cultured in the uterus, no differences in gene expression were observed on Day 14. Conversely, Day‐14 IVP embryos cultured in the PHD system showed a higher expression of PLAC8, SOD2, and SLC2A3 genes. It is concluded that Day‐7 IVP embryos are different from IVV embryos in regards to gene expression, although exposure to the uterine environment during the elongation period allowed the IVP embryos to overcome this difference. In contrast, IVP embryos cultured in the PHD system were morphologically and molecularly different, being of poorer quality than those cultured in the uterus. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 936–947, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of a three month course of ciprofloxacin on the outcome of reactive arthritis

BACKGROUND Treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA) with antibiotics has so far remained controversial. Eradication of the causative microbe appears logical, but short term antibiotic treatment has no beneficial effect on the outcome of ReA. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a three month course of ciprofloxacin on ReA. METHODS In a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial, between December 1992 and February 1996, 71 patients with acute ReA triggered by a gastrointestinal or a urogenital infection were randomly assigned to receive ciprofloxacin 500 mg or placebo twice daily for three months. Patients were assessed at study entry, at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Sixty two patients were valid for the efficacy analysis. The primary outcome measures were erythrocyte sedimentation rate, number of swollen joints, patients self assessment, and complete recovery. RESULTS Adverse events were mostly mild and occurred in both treatment groups. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the primary or secondary efficacy variables between the study groups at baseline or during the 12 month follow up. All primary outcome measures indicated that the condition of the patients improved during the study. CONCLUSION Both groups tended to recover. Ciprofloxacin, given as a three month course, had no advantage over placebo treatment.
Effect of film thickness on the radiation efficiency of a 4.5 GHz polypyrrole conducting polymer patch antenna

Microstrip antenna performance is affected by the conductivity and thickness of the patch. Generally the patch thickness is expected to be at least a couple of skin depths thick for reasonable antenna performance. However, planar microwave antennas based on conducting polymers (CP) can exhibit reasonable antenna performance despite a relatively low conductivity and a thickness below a skin depth. In this paper, a detailed study on the effect of CP patch thickness on overall antenna performance is presented. Microstrip antennas for 4.5 GHz operation were fabricated on a 3.2 mm thick FR-4 substrate using polypyrrole patches with a constant electrical conductivity of 2000 S/m. The antennas were identical apart from using four different patch thicknesses ranging from 40 to 140 µm. In all cases, the thickness of the patches used in this study is less than one skin depth (168 µm). The gain and radiation efficiency of the antennas was measured. The lowest gain observed was 2.42 dB for 40 µm thickness with a radiation efficiency of 38%, and the highest gain observed was 4.63 dB for 140 µm thickness with a radiation efficiency of 65%. Results presented in this paper clearly indicate that it is possible to obtain reasonable antenna performance, even if the patch thickness is a fraction of skin depth.
Sequence-Based Human Leukocyte Antigen—B Typing of Patients Infected with Ebola Virus in Uganda in 2000: Identification of Alleles Associated with Fatal and Nonfatal Disease Outcomes

Abstract The Sudan species of Ebola virus (SEBOV) causes severe, often fatal infection in ∼50% of infected humans. We sought to determine whether the human leukocyte antigen—B (HLA-B) locus has a role in the outcome of SEBOV disease by typing 77 cases from an outbreak in northern Uganda in 2000–2001. Sequence-based HLA-B typing was performed using leukocytes isolated from 77 patients. Statistical analysis and a predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) were applied to typing data. Epitope prediction software was also applied to SEBOV sequences. Statistically significant associations were found between certain sets of alleles and either fatal or nonfatal disease outcomes. Alleles B*67 and B*15 were associated with fatal outcomes, whereas B*07 and B*14 were associated with nonfatal outcomes. The PDA-derived functions that were produced were 81.8% accurate in classifying patients into their correct outcome group. Several epitopes predicted to bind strongly to HLA-B*07 molecules were identified in the viral polymerase, nucleoprotein, and VP35 protein. HLA-B alleles associated with either fatal or nonfatal outcomes of SEBOV disease were identified and can be used in a predictive model. Studies of HLA-B—restricted epitopes could contribute to characterization of protective host responses and to vaccine development.