Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Destination attributes, satisfaction, and the cruise visitor's intent to revisit and recommend

ABSTRACT The cruise industry has seen its revenues more than double since the year 2000. Hence, it has become even more important for planners and managers to pinpoint those destination attributes that make a difference in satisfying cruise ship passengers. This is especially crucial since the extant literature established that visitors' overall satisfaction with the destination strongly influences intent to return or recommend the destination to others. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the satisfaction of cruise visitors regarding various destination attributes may relate to their satisfaction with the destination and how this may influence declared intent of repeat visits or intent to recommend the destination to those within their social and professional networks. This study is based on the data collected for the island of Oahu in 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our analysis makes use of the logistic regression, and our results indicate that distance deters passengers from repeat visits, whereas the influence of satisfaction with the destination is positive not only for revisits, but also for word-of-mouth recommendations. Satisfaction with attributes such as transportation, safety and prices strongly influences satisfaction with the destination, whereas satisfaction with other attributes such as on-shore activities or sightseeing tours were found not to be as influential. The results delineate the factors planners and managers should focus on in their efforts to increase visitor satisfaction with a destination and thereby increase the likelihood of repeat visits and positive word of mouth.
Voice and swallowing after total laryngectomy

Abstract Background: Voice and swallowing problems are often seen in patients with advanced larynx cancer, after total laryngectomy (TL) and chemo/radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of voice and swallowing problems in patients who have been laryngectomised and investigate if these symptoms were related to age, time after TL, radiotherapy and TNM-classification. In addition, we studied how often the patients changed their voice prostheses and the need of therapeutic interventions after TL. Methods: Forty-five patients were included in the study and completed the Swedish version of the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire and the Voice Handicap Index-T. Results: Swallowing problems were reported by 89% of the patients and moderate-to-severe voice handicap was reported by 66%. Most of the subjects who had dysphagia also presented voice problems (rs = 0.67 p ≤ .01). Additional therapeutic interventions to manage problems with voice and/or swallowing after TL were required in 62% of the patients. Conclusions: Swallowing and voice problems after TL are common. Thus, the preoperative information and assessment of these functions, as well as the treatment and the post-operative rehabilitation should be evaluated and optimised to provide better functional results after treatment of advanced larynx cancer.
The motivation to use drugs: a psychobiological analysis of urges.

Traditionally, theories of addiction have stressed that drug urges are characterized by dysphoria, occur in response to decreasing levels of drug or drug effect, and are associated with withdrawal symptoms/signs or drug-antagonistic responses arising from a homeostatic mechanism. However, recent research has shown that urges, drug self-administration, and relapse all occur concomitant with both positive and negative affect, rising and falling levels of drug, and with drug-agonistic responses, as well as antagonistic/withdrawal responses. In keeping with recent theorizing about motivation and emotions, we believe that affective responding provides a readout of the motivational status of an organism (e.g., Buck, 1985). We conceive of urges as affects, whose activation mediates drug pursuit and self-administration. Moreover, we believe that affects are represented in neural networks comprising information on affect-relevant stimuli, responses, and meaning/expectancy. We believe that there are two types of urge networks. One, a "positive-affect" network, is activated, associatively and nonassociatively, by appetitive stimuli, especially appetitive drug actions that activate "GO" motivational incentive systems. Activation of this network is characterized by positive affect, drug isodirectional responding, attentional focus on a dominant response, and enhanced pursuit of appetitive stimuli--especially the drug. The operating characteristics of the positive-affect network, and the associated motivational systems, result in a drug's instating a positive feedback loop. Appetitive drug actions increase the likelihood of the pursuit of appetitive stimuli, and additional drug constitutes a prepotent candidate from among the available appetitive stimuli. This positive feedback loop may account in part for cardinal features of addiction: for example, the great relapse likelihood once any drug is sampled, the attainment of very high blood levels of a drug, and the pursuit of adjunctive appetitive stimuli while using a drug. The second type of urge network we have labeled a "negative-affect" network, and we believe it is activated, associatively and nonassociatively, by inappetitive stimuli or consequences (punishment, signals of punishment, frustrating lack of reward, etc.) and by withdrawal and signals of withdrawal (e.g., drug cues, which during the course of addiction are associated with both direct drug effects and withdrawal). Activation of the network is characterized by withdrawal symptoms and signs, negative affect, and drug seeking. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Research on the Link Traffic Measurement System Based on Edge Measurement

This paper designs a high-speed network link traffic measurement system based on software. The software system has mainly edge measurement unit and network converging unit. The system has two parts. Firstly, in order to verify validity of our model, the measurement model is simulated and then the result shows validity of our model. Secondly, the software model is designed, at the same time, owning to time problem, it is key to realize the node traffic measurement module of our model. The test results show that the collecting packet rate of our designing traffic measurement system is up to 0.43 million packets per second. Nowadays the transmitting packet rate of 1000 Mbit/s network is up to 0.36 million packets per second, so our measurement system can absolutely satisfy the real measurement work
A novel broth medium for enhanced growth of Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a fastidious organism that requires a lengthy incubation time in liquid growth media for detection. The objective of this study was to develop a medium formulation using readily available supplements that enhanced early growth of F. tularensis. Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain was used to evaluate the growth responses for each of the media formulations tested. Growth in brain heart infusion broth supplemented with 2% Vitox, 10% Fildes and 1% histidine (BVFH) resulted in a significant increase in growth after 8 h incubation compared to other media formulations tested (P < 0·001). Virulent strains of F. tularensis grown in BVFH medium demonstrated similar enhanced early growth. Cell densities of 3·9–5·2 log10 CFU per ml were obtained after 24 h of growth in BVFH from a 1–2 cell ml−1 starting inoculum of the virulent Type A Schu4 strain, indicating the suitability of this medium in rapidly amplifying low starting titres of F. tularensis. Collectively, these results indicate that the novel formulation of the BVFH medium was capable of producing enhanced growth response for F. tularensis.
Lung cancer screening: utility of molecular applications in conjunction with low-dose computed tomography guidelines

ABSTRACT Finding early-stage lung cancer where there is a higher chance for patient survival remains a major healthcare challenge. Low-dose spiral computed tomography for high-risk patients can increase the detection of cancers with certain tradeoffs, such as increased radiation exposure and surgical risks for false-positive cases. New molecular markers and assays show considerable promise to further reduce healthcare costs and improve lung cancer survival rates but require further validation. This review summarizes and discusses the current state of research in lung cancer screening and highlights developments in biomarker research for lung cancer diagnostics.
Synergy of Mecillinam, a Beta-Amidinopenicillanic Acid Derivative, Combined with Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

Mecillinam, a β-amidinopenicillanic acid derivative, was combined with ampicillin, amoxicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin and tested against most members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas. Synergy was demonstrated with selected isolates of most of the organisms tested. Isolates highly susceptible to mecillinam (minimum inhibitory concentration, <0.8 μg/ml) were not synergistically inhibited by addition of another β-lactam antibiotic. Synergy of mecillinam and a β-lactamase-resistant penicillin, cloxacillin, was demonstrated. In media of osmolality >10 mOsm or of conductivity >6 mS, mecillinam and β-lactam antibiotics showed synergy in most instances, whereas at low osmolality and conductivity the activity of mecillinam is so great that synergy cannot be demonstrated. The proportion of mecillinam to β-lactam antibiotic that will be synergistic ranged from 100:1 to 1:1 to 1:100. Mecillinam did not increase the activity, minimum inhibitory concentration or minimum bactericidal concentration values, of β-lactam compounds against streptococci, staphylococci, clostridia, listeria, or bacteroides. Synergy was not demonstrated with combinations of mecillinam and aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin), chloramphenicol, tetracycline, or polymyxins.
EU AND MEMBER STATE MEDICAL DEVICES REGULATION

This article examines European Union (EU) and member state regulation of medical devices, particularly: a) the similarities and differences between medical devices and prescription drugs, including the respective industries, market authorization pathways, and boundary issues between the two sectors; b) the political background, current nature, and future prospects for EU medical device regulation; and c) regulatory responsibilities of the member states. Included are definitions of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, and a brief history of their treatment by European law. The erosion of boundaries between exclusive and shared responsibilities of the EU and member states will be addressed, especially as it affects market approval of medical devices, clinical investigations, labeling and instructions for use, price setting and reimbursement, and evidence-based medicine and healthcare technology assessment. Finally, the article discusses medical device reporting and surveillance systems, which may be the weakest link in the EU integrative process. If patient safety is as important to the EU regulatory scheme as free movement and competitiveness, then both Brussels and member states will require additional resources, as well as measures to overcome obstacles to implementation, evaluation, and accountability.
The economic burden of personality disorders in mental health care.

OBJECTIVE Some evidence suggests that personality disorders are associated with a high economic burden due to, for example, a high demand on psychiatric, health, and social care services. However, state-of-the-art cost studies for the broad range of personality disorder diagnoses are lacking. The present study examines the direct medical costs, as well as the indirect costs, of patients seeking mental health treatment with DSM-IV personality disorders. METHOD The 1740 subjects included in this study were recruited from March 2003 to March 2006 from 6 different mental health care institutes in the Netherlands specializing in the psychotherapeutic treatment of personality disorders. The direct and indirect costs were assessed using the Trimbos and Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Questionnaire on Costs Associated with Psychiatric Illness. Personality disorders were diagnosed using the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality. RESULTS The mean total costs of the personality disorder group in the 12 months prior to treatment were 11,126 euros per patient. Two thirds (66.5%) of these costs consisted of direct medical costs, while the remaining costs were related to productivity losses. Borderline and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders were uniquely associated with increased mean total costs. CONCLUSIONS Treatment-seeking patients with personality disorders pose a high economic burden on society, a burden substantially higher than that found in, for instance, depression or generalized anxiety disorder. These high societal costs present a strong argument in favor of prioritizing effective personality disorder treatments in reimbursement decisions.
Cytokines and their receptors in cardiovascular diseases — role of gp130 signalling pathway in cardiac myocyte growth and maintenance

Interleukin (IL)‐6‐related cytokines share gp130 as the signal‐transducing protein. Cardiac myocytes produce various kinds of cytokines including IL‐6 and cardiotrophin‐1. Activation of gp130 transduces hypertrophic and cytoprotective signals in cardiac myocytes via JAK/STAT, MAP kinase and PI‐3 kinase pathways. Besides various well‐established mechanisms by which cardiac growth and myocardial remodeling are regulated, gp130 signalling may be a newly discovered mechanism that regulates these events in association with cytoprotective effect in myocardial diseases.
Making the Case for Practice-Based Research and the Imperative Role of Design Practitioners

The purpose of this article is to justify the need for evidence-based design (EBD) in a research-based architecture and design practice. This article examines the current state of practice-based research (PBR), supports the need for EBD, illustrates PBR methods that can be applied to design work, and explores how findings can be used as a decision-making tool during design and as a validation tool during postoccupancy. As a result, design professions’ body of knowledge will advance and practitioners will be better informed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the society. Furthermore, characteristics of Friedman’s progressive research program are used as a framework to examine the current state of PBR in design practice. A modified EBD approach is proposed and showcased with a case study of a renovated inpatient unit. The modified approach demonstrates how a highly integrated project team, especially the role of design practitioners, contributed to the success of utilizing baseline findings and evidence in decision-making throughout the design process. Lastly, recommendations and resources for learning research concepts are provided for practitioners. It is the role of practitioners to pave the way for the next generation of design professionals, as the request and expectation for research become more prevalent in design practice.
Endoscopic Removal of Metallic Airway Stents

BackgroundMetallic airway stents must be removed when stent-related complications cause airway injury or obstruction. This study compared the techniques and complications associated with endoscopic removal of covered metallic stents (CMSs) and uncovered metallic stents (UCMS). MethodsA retrospective analysis of data from 48 patients with airway disorders treated with 40 CMSs and 18 UCMSs, in whom endoscopic stent removal was indicated between January 2005 and January 2010 was carried out. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia with a rigid bronchoscope or local anesthesia with a flexible bronchoscope. The airway wall of 54 stents was pretreated with argon plasma coagulation and/or cryoablation before stent removal. Balloon dilation, argon plasma coagulation, CO2 cryoablation, or chemotherapy was performed to prevent restenoses after the stent removal in selected patients. ResultsOf the stents, 84.5% (49 of 58) were eventually removed, including 36 CMSs and 13 UCMSs; 4 CMSs and 5 UCMSs could not be removed. Strut fracture was more common in UCMSs (77.8%) than in CMSs (5%; P<0.001). Of patients with CMS, 91.7% underwent successful removal of intact stents, whereas 92.3% of patients with UCMS were removed damaged or piecemeal. In CMS or UCMS, major complications of stent removal included mucosal tear with bleeding and unveiling of significant granulation tissue from behind the stent. No deaths occurred during the procedure. ConclusionsCMSs can be effectively and safely removed by a flexible bronchoscope with a retrieval hook without major sequelae, whereas UCMSs are very difficult to remove, and complications are very common. Metallic stents should be used only as a last resort in patients with airway disorders.
Overlapping elements in the guanylate-binding protein gene promoter mediate transcriptional induction by alpha and gamma interferons

The gene encoding a 67-kDa cytoplasmic guanylate-binding protein (GBP) is transcriptionally induced in cells exposed to interferon of either type I (alpha interferon [IFN-alpha] or type II (IFN-gamma). The promoter of the GBP gene was cloned and found to contain an IFN-alpha-stimulated response element, which mediated the response of the GBP gene to IFN-alpha. On the basis of transfection experiments with recombinant plasmids, two different elements were delineated. Both were required to obtain the maximal response of the GBP gene to IFN-gamma: the IFN-alpha-stimulated response element and an overlapping element termed the IFN-gamma activation site. Different proteins that act on each element were investigated, and their possible involvement in IFN-gamma-induced transcriptional regulation is discussed.
Mediating the German Ideology: Ordoliberal Framing in European Press Coverage of the Eurozone Crisis

Abstract The German Government has played a leading role in the Eurozone crisis management, largely characterised by a commitment to fiscal austerity and supply-side structural reforms. The legitimation of these measures in the European policy arenas as well as in the public domain has partly rested on an ordoliberal economic policy framing, which has presented the Eurozone crisis as one of public indebtedness and loss of competitiveness. To study the public legitimation of the crisis management, we analyse the press coverage of the crisis in 8 Eurozone member states, with a total of 7986 newspaper articles included in the sample. Focusing on ‘problem definitions’ and ‘treatment recommendations’ as two key elements of issue framing, we find that an ordoliberal framing of the crisis prevails in all the studied countries, while a competing Keynesian policy frame is mostly undermined. Significant variation between the countries emerges, however, on the question of EU federalisation and on the framing of the sovereign bailout loans. We discuss the implications of these findings for the success of the German Government to maintain the austerity orthodoxy across the Eurozone and crowd out economic policy alternatives.
Emotional states and informational brain processing in drug addicts free of drugs: An ERPs study

Objective To analyze brain event-related responses in heroin-dependent patients under different emotional conditions, in order to determine the influence of specific emotional loading on information processing in drug addicts. Methods Fifteen male heroin-dependent patients, matched to 11 male healthy individuals, were exposed to emotion-triggering slides designed to elicit neutral, pleasant or unpleasant emotions, while ERPs were obtained by means of an auditory oddball paradigm. Evoked potential analysis consisted of measuring the amplitude, latency, and topographic distribution (mapped from 19 scalp sites) of the early and late latency component waveforms. Results Both groups showed large-amplitude, long-latency, and positive-polarity responses to odd stimuli under all emotional conditions. A within-group comparison between the three emotional conditions showed that the control group had smaller P300 amplitudes under pleasant stimulation; drug addicts showed no differences between all three emotional conditions. Between-group analysis revealed smaller P300 amplitudes in drug addicts than in controls, both for unpleasant and neutral emotional conditions, but this was only significant for some electrode sites. Brain electrical activity mapping at P300 showed that high activation is less spread in the brain areas of drug addicts than in controls for unpleasant and neutral emotional conditions. Conclusion Drug addicts have deficits in extracting relevant information from sensory stimuli under different emotional conditions, particularly under unpleasant and neutral stimulation. Decreased P300 in controls under pleasant stimulation is interpreted as a result of an attentional bias mechanism that directs attentional resources to environmental stimuli of positive emotional valence, in contrast to drug addicts where there is no such effect.
The impact of pregnancy on the accuracy and delay in diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Abstract Objective: To determine the accuracy and the delay in diagnosis of presumed acute appendicitis in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women undergoing appendectomy for presumed acute appendicitis were compared to non-pregnant age-matched women in a 3:1 ratio undergoing appendectomy in a tertiary medical center from 2001 to 2012. Results: Out of 1618 women who underwent appendectomy during the study period, 81 (4.2%) were pregnant who were compared to 243 age-matched non-pregnant women. There was a significantly shorter interval between admission to the hospital and surgery and shorter surgery length (10.2 versuss 15.7 h, 1.2 ± 0.4 versus 1.4 ± 0.5 h, respectively, p < 0.001) in the pregnant group with similar rates of negative appendectomy (19.8% versus 21.8%, respectively, p = 0.86). The positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 88.2% and 100%, and 92.9% and 57.1%, among the pregnant and the non-pregnant group, respectively. In multivariate analysis, early gestational age was found to be independently associated with higher rate of accurate US results (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.85–0.99, p = 0.39). Conclusion: Pregnant women undergoing appendectomy have shorter admission to surgery interval and surgical length with similar negative appendectomy rates compared to non-pregnant women. Ultrasound is an accurate tool for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis during pregnancy, especially during early gestation.