Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcome of heart–lung and bilateral sequential lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis: a UK national study

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients requiring transplantation for respiratory failure may undergo either heart–lung (HLT) or bilateral sequential lung (BSLT) transplantation. The choice of operation varies between surgeons, centres and countries. The current authors investigated whether operation type influenced outcome in adult CF patients transplanted in the UK between July 1995 and June 2002. Propensity scores for receipt of BSLT versus HLT were derived using logistic regression. Cox regression was used to compare survival. In total, 88 BSLTs and 93 HLTs were identified. Patient characteristics were similar overall, but HLT recipients were more likely to be on long-term oxygen therapy and to have had prior resuscitation. There were 72 deaths (29 BSLT and 43 HLT) within 4 yrs. There was a trend towards higher unadjusted survival following BSLT, but, after adjustment, no difference was found (hazard ratio = 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.29–2.06). Time to the first rejection episode and infection rates were also similar. A total of 82% of hearts from HLT recipients were used as domino heart transplants. In conclusion, after adjusting for comorbidity, donor factors and ischaemia time, it was found that heart–lung and bilateral sequential lung transplantation achieved a similar outcome. The use of domino heart transplantation ameliorated the impact of heart–lung transplantation on total organ availability.
Palladium Nanowires Assembly by Dielectrophoresis Investigated as Hydrogen Sensors

Fabrication of hydrogen sensors based on array of palladium nanowires onto silicon substrate with interdigitated electrodes is reported. Two series of devices, where Pd-sensing elements are assembled by dielectrophoresis, are fabricated and electrically characterized under 4% hydrogen at room temperature. Their electrical responses are analyzed and compared to investigate the effect of nanowire thickness and surface morphology on sensitivity and response time. We have found thinner nanowires are more sensitive and their response time is shorter than thicker ones.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: advances in diagnosis and treatment.

To purchase electronic or print reprints, contact The InnoVision Group, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Phone, (800) 809-2273 or (949) 362-2050 (ext 532); fax, (949) 362-2049; e-mail, reprints@aacn.org. prevention of the complications of HIT. This article provides a discussion of the risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, manifestation, and management of HIT from the perspective of critical care nurses.
Human action classification using adaptive key frame interval for feature extraction

Abstract. Human action classification based on the adaptive key frame interval (AKFI) feature extraction is presented. Since human movement periods are different, the action intervals that contain the intensive and compact motion information are considered in this work. We specify AKFI by analyzing an amount of motion through time. The key frame is defined to be the local minimum interframe motion, which is computed by using frame differencing between consecutive frames. Once key frames are detected, the features within a segmented period are encoded by adaptive motion history image and key pose history image. The action representation consists of the local orientation histogram of the features during AKFI. The experimental results on Weizmann dataset, KTH dataset, and UT Interaction dataset demonstrate that the features can effectively classify action and can classify irregular cases of walking compared to other well-known algorithms.
A low power SRAM using auto-backgate-controlled MT-CMOS

We have proposed a low power SRAM using an effective method called "ABC-MT-CMOS". It controls the backgates to reduce the leakage current when the SRAM is not activated (sleep mode) while retaining the data stored in the memory cells. We also adopted a "CSB Scheme" which clamps both the source lines of the memory cell array and the bit lines. We designed and fabricated test chips containing a 32 K-bit gate array SRAM. The experimental results show that the leakage current is reduced to 1/1000 in sleep mode. The active power is 0.27 mW/MHz at 1 V, which is a reduction of 1/12 of a conventional SRAM with a 3.3 V.
An Innovative Use of Instant Messaging Technology to Support a Library's Single-Service Point

A library service model that provides reference and instructional services by summoning reference librarians from a single service point is described. The system utilizes Libraryh3lp, an open-source, multioperator instant messaging system. The selection and refinement of this solution and technical challenges encountered are explored, as is the design of public services around this technology, usage of the system, and best practices. This service model, while a major cultural and procedural change at first, is now a routine aspect of customer service for this library.
Set-membership parity space hybrid system diagnosis

In this paper, diagnosis for hybrid systems using a parity space approach that considers model uncertainty is proposed. The hybrid diagnoser is composed of modules which carry out the mode recognition and diagnosis tasks interacting each other, since the diagnosis module adapts accordingly to the current hybrid system mode. Moreover, the methodology takes into account the unknown but bounded uncertainty in parameters and additive errors (including noise and discretisation errors) using a passive robust strategy based on the set-membership approach. An adaptive threshold that bounds the effect of model uncertainty in residuals is generated for residual evaluation using zonotopes, and the parity space approach is used to design a set of residuals for each mode. The proposed fault diagnosis approach for hybrid systems is illustrated on a piece of the Barcelona sewer network.
Life without dihydrofolate reductase

Reduced folate derivatives participate in numerousreactions of bacterial intermediary metabolism. Conse-quently, the well-characterized enzyme implicated inthe formation of tetrahydrofolate – dihydrofolatereductase FolA – was considered to be essential forbacterial growth. However, comparative genomics hasrevealed several bacterial genome sequences thatappear to lack the folA gene. Here, we provide in silicoevidence indicating that folA-lacking bacteria use arecently discovered class of ﬂavin-dependent thymidy-late synthases for deoxythymidine-5
Systematic literature reviews and undergraduate research

A recent addition to our capstone project options in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences has been the opportunity for students to undertake reviews of the research literature, as opposed to the more traditional projects involving developing a software artefact of some form. This offers an alternative for those students taking less software intensive majors or who have more of an interest in research. These projects involve conducting a full systematic review on a topic of interest.
A Stratified Algorithm for Skull Base Reconstruction With Endoscopic Endonasal Approach

Abstract The authors presented our institutional experience with skull base reconstruction techniques and developed a stratified algorithm for different causes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This is a retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed as CSF leak treated with skull base reconstruction or who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for sellar and parasellar lesions at our department from August 2012 to April 2017. The authors totally identified 57 (59 operations in total) patients who were divided into 3 groups according to the causes of CSF leak and different reconstruction techniques. All patients underwent skull base reconstruction with specific focus on diagnosis, reconstruction techniques and strategies, and clinical outcome. The reconstruction technique we adopted was the classical multiple-layer technique, as known as “sandwich” technique, with combination of fat tissue, septal bone, autologous fascia lata, artificial dura, and nasoseptal flap (NSF). The NSF was selectively harvested for large defects according to our protocol. The reconstruction failure rate is 4.4% (2 of 45) in patients underwent endoscopic surgery for sellar and parasellar lesions. Reconstruction for postoperative iatrogenic, traumatic, and spontaneous CSF leak achieved 100% success rate; 54.2% (32 of 59) operations were done with “sandwich” plus NSF. The overall failure rate of all reconstructions was 3.4% (2 of 59). A stratified approach with multiple-layer technique and NSF is reliable for skull base reconstruction.
Glycaemic index and glycaemic load of three traditional Mexican dishes

The purpose of the present study was to assess the glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) of different mixed meals traditionally consumed in Mexico. GI was measured for three meals (Pozole, Molletes and Mole), using glucose as a reference in 12 college student subjects. Mole (p = 0.002), Molletes (p = 0.043) and Pozole (p = 0.016) showed a lower IAUC than glucose. However, there was not difference between meals. Higher GI and GL levels were observed than the estimated GI using as reference the International Table of Atkinson et al. (2008. Diabetes Care 31(12):2281–2283). Since food ingredients vary among Mexican regions, it is recommended to assess the GI and GL of mixed meals according to the cooking habits of each region.
LIM Kinase 1 Promotes Endothelial Barrier Disruption and Neutrophil Infiltration in Mouse Lungs

Rationale: Disruption of endothelial barrier function and neutrophil-mediated injury are two major mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Recently we reported that endotoxin induced activation of RhoA in mice lungs that led to the disruption of endothelial barrier and lung edema formation; however, the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon remained unknown. Objective: We reasoned that LIMK1, which participates in the regulation of endothelial cell contractility and is activated by RhoA/Rho kinase pathway, could mediate RhoA-dependent disruption of endothelial barrier function in mouse lungs during ALI. And if that is the case, then attenuation of endothelial cell contractility by downregulating LIMK1 may lead to the enhancement of endothelial barrier function, which could protect mice from endotoxin-induced ALI. Methods and Results: Here we report that LIMK1 deficiency in mice significantly reduced mortality induced by endotoxin. Data showed that lung edema formation, lung microvascular permeability, and neutrophil infiltration into the lungs were suppressed in limk1−/− mice. Conclusions: We identified that improvement of endothelial barrier function along with impaired neutrophil chemotaxis were the underlying mechanisms that reduced severity of ALI in limk1−/− mice, pointing to a new therapeutic target for diseases associated with acute inflammation of the lungs.
Pilot study of a protocol to administer inhaled nitric oxide to treat severe acute submassive pulmonary embolism

Objective Inhaled nitric oxide has been reported to benefit patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). To date, all published literature has derived from case reports or case series conducted without a structured protocol. Here we report the results of a phase I trial with a predefined clinical protocol to treat patients with CT-demonstrated, submassive PE and moderate to severe dyspnoea. Methods Patients were recruited from the emergency department of an academic teaching hospital. Informed consent and the entire treatment protocol was administered by a study physician. Nitric oxide was administered using a commercial device (Inovent) and a custom-made non-rebreathing face mask. The NO concentration was increased at 1 ppm/min (parts per million) until a maximum of 25 ppm and continued for 120 min and then weaned at 1 ppm/min. Dyspnoea was assessed with the Borg score, oxygenation by pulse oximetry, and haemodynamic status by shock index (HR/SBP). Results Eight patients were enrolled. All patients tolerated the entire protocol without adverse events, and all had decreased numerical Borg score by >50%. The changes from baseline to 155 min were as follows: Borg score 7.5±2.5 to 2.3±1.9 (p=0.06, Signed rank test), SaO2% 93±5 to 97±3 and shock index 1.0±0.11 to 0.86±0.09. No patient experienced worsening during weaning. Conclusions Inhaled NO reduced dyspnoea without adverse events in eight patients with severe submassive PE. This protocol can serve as the basis for a phase II trial or for a compassionate use protocol.
NET Will They Stay or Will They Go ? Personality Predictors of Dropout in an Online Study

We examined whether the Big Five personality dimensions and choice of reimbursement (participating in a lottery for a coupon vs. personality feedback) were related to respondents’ motivation to continue filling out an online survey. A total of 3,013 individuals took part in an online study that asked them to rate a number of items separated into different question blocks. Using discrete-time survival analysis (DTSA), we found that Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and choosing to receive personality feedback had negative effects on dropout: They were related to a lower probability of quitting the survey. Furthermore, the effects of all four variables were mediated by satisfaction with the questionnaire in the previous question block. Practical implications for online research and implications regarding the role of personality in research participation in general are discussed.
Surfactant Protein D Enhances Phagocytosis and Killing of Unencapsulated Phase Variants of Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT Pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a collagenous C-type lectin (collectin) that is secreted into the alveoli and distal airways of the lung. We have studied the interactions of SP-D and alveolar macrophages with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common cause of nosocomial pneumonia. SP-D does not agglutinate encapsulated K. pneumoniae but selectively agglutinates spontaneous, unencapsulated phase variants, such as Klebsiella strain K50-3OF, through interactions with their lipopolysaccharides (LPS). These effects are calcium dependent and inhibited with maltose but not lactose, consistent with involvement of the SP-D carbohydrate recognition domain. Precoating of K50-3OF with SP-D enhances the phagocytosis and killing of these organisms by rat alveolar macrophages in cell culture and stimulates the production of nitric oxide by the NR-8383 rat alveolar macrophage cell line. SP-D similarly enhances the NO response to K50-3OF LPS adsorbed to Latex beads under conditions where soluble LPS or SP-D, or soluble complexes of SP-D and LPS, do not stimulate NO production. Our studies demonstrate that interactions of SP-D with exposed arrays of Klebsiella LPS on a particulate surface can enhance the host defense activities of alveolar macrophages and suggest that activation of macrophages by SP-D requires binding to microorganisms or other particulate ligands. Because unencapsulated phase variants are likely to be responsible for the initial stages of tissue invasion and infection, we speculate that SP-D-mediated agglutination and/or opsonization of K. pneumoniae is an important defense mechanism for this respiratory pathogen in otherwise healthy individuals.
Multitarget Tracking using Probability Hypothesis Density Smoothing

In general, for multitarget problems where the number of targets and their states are time varying, the optimal Bayesian multitarget tracking is computationally demanding. The Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter, which is the first-order moment approximation of the optimal one, is a computationally tractable alternative. By evaluating the PHD, the number of targets as well as their individual states can be extracted. Recent sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) implementations of the PHD filter have paved the way to its application to realistic nonlinear non-Gaussian problems. It is observed that the particle implementation of the PHD filter is dependent on current measurements, especially in the case of low observable target problems (i.e., estimates are sensitive to missed detections and false alarms). In this paper a PHD smoothing algorithm is proposed to improve the capability of PHD-based tracking system. It involves forward multitarget filtering using the standard PHD filter recursion followed by backward smoothing recursion using a novel recursive formula. Smoothing, which produces delayed estimates, results in better estimates for target states and a better estimate for the number of targets. Multiple model PHD (MMPHD) smoothing, which is an extension of the proposed technique to maneuvering targets, is also provided. Simulations are performed with the proposed method on a multitarget scenario. Simulation results confirm improved performance of the proposed algorithm.
A cDNA Clone Highly Expressed in Ripe Banana Fruit Shows Homology to Pectate Lyases

A cDNA clone (Banl7), encoding a protein homologous to pectate lyase, has been isolated from a cDNA library from climacteric banana fruit by means of differential screening. Northern analysis showed that Banl7 mRNA is first detected in early climacteric fruit, reaches a steady-state maximum at the climacteric peak, and declines thereafter in overripe fruit. Accumulation of the Banl7 transcript can be induced in green banana fruit by exogenous application of ethylene. This demonstrates that expression of this gene is under hormonal control, its induction being regulated by the rapid increase in ethylene production at the onset of ripening. The deduced amino acid sequence derived from the Banl7 cDNA shares significant identity with pectate lyases from pollen and plant pathogenic bacteria of the genus Erwinia. Similarity to bacterial pectate lyases that were proven to break down the pectic substances of the plant cell wall suggest that Banl7 might play a role in the loss of mesocarp firmness during fruit ripening.
Indoor RF signal distribution using a coherence multiplexed/subcarrier multiplexed optical transmission system

A Radio over Fiber (RoF) distribution network based on single-mode fiber (SMF) and a combination of coherence multiplexing (CM) and subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) is proposed. CM is a relatively unknown and potentially inexpensive form of photonic code-division multiplexing, and is used here as a means to distinguish between the radio access points (RAPs). Two alternative CM network topologies are considered: one for downlink and one for uplink. SCM is used on top of CM in order to serve multiple users through the same RAP simultaneously. The performance of the system is analyzed, incorporating the effect of chromatic fiber dispersion, optical beat interference noise between the CM channels, shot noise, thermal noise and intermodulation distortion (IMD) between the SCM channels.
Validation of a COPD diagnosis from the Swedish Inpatient Registry

Aims: The Swedish National Inpatient Registry is an important source of data for numerous epidemiological studies, amongst them studies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). General validation studies indicate that in general 85–95% of diagnoses reported are correct, but this is not true for all groups of diseases, why specific validation studies are of great importance. Methods: Charts from 374 individuals discharged with a COPD diagnosis between 2000–07 from two central hospitals and two university hospitals in the county of Skåne were validated against the original medical files. Criteria for the degree of certainty of the COPD diagnosis were predefined and the association between predictors of diagnostic probability and the level of certainty was assessed using an ordinal logistic regression model. Results: According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, 21.7% of the diagnosis were classified as proven COPD, 35.5% were classified as probable, another 34.0% as possible COPD, 2.1% were classified as having an uncertain diagnosis, and 7.0% as an unlikely COPD diagnosis. Age category (adjusted ORs: 60–79 years, 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.4; ≥80 years, 1.6, 95% CI 0.7–3.3) and discharge from a non-surgical department (adjusted OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.8) were significantly associated with higher level of diagnostic certainty. Conclusions: A COPD diagnoses from the Swedish Inpatient Registry is of acceptable validity for epidemiological research. The degree of certainty of the diagnosis varies but less than 10% were considered as misclassified or having an uncertain COPD diagnosis.
Stochastic modified equations and the dynamics of stochastic gradient algorithms

where u : [0, T ] × [0, L] → R represents a density of some material in [0, L] and c > 0 is the transport velocity. It is well-known that the simple forward-time-centralspace differencing leads to instability for all discretization step-sizes (LeVeque, 2002). Instead, more sophisticated differencing schemes must be used. We set time and space discretization steps to ∆t and ∆x and denote u(n∆t, j∆x) = Un,j for 1 ≤ n ≤ N and 1 ≤ j ≤ J . The simplest scheme that can exhibit stability is the upwind scheme (Courant et al., 1952), where we approximate (1) by the difference equation
Functional studies of a novel Germline p53 splicing mutation identified in a patient with Li–Fraumeni‐Like syndrome

Most p53 mutations identified in Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) are missense mutations; splicing mutations have rarely been reported. A novel splicing p53 mutation was identified in a patient with Li–Fraumeni‐like syndrome (LFL). Usually, p53 missense mutants identified in LFS and cancer cells function as dominant negative mutations interfering with wild‐type p53 function. However, the mechanism by which p53 haploinsufficiency causes carcinogenesis is not well characterized. In this study, we describe a novel splicing mutation that results in the loss‐of‐function of p53. These findings suggest a linkage between the loss‐of‐function type p53 mutation and a LFL phenotype. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cranial ultrasound findings in preterm infants predict the development of cerebral palsy.

INTRODUCTION Our aim was to evaluate any association between gestational age, birth weight and findings on cranial ultrasounds during hospitalisation in very preterm infants and mortality and neurological outcome in childhood. METHOD This study was a retrospective cohort study based on a patient record review. The cohort consisted of very preterm born children (gestational age ≤ 32 + 0) born from 2004 to 2008. For each infant, we obtained results from all cranial ultrasounds performed during hospitalisation. In 2014, patient records were evaluated for cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System, blindness and deafness. RESULTS A total of 249 infants were included. The mortality rate was 9.2%. In all, 217 children were evaluated at 5-9 years of age. Four children were diagnosed with germinal matrix haemorrhage - intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3 (GMH-IVH3) and periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI), of whom two developed cerebral palsy. Nine children were diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), of whom six developed cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy was detected in 14 children (6.4%), and one (0.5%) child was in need of a hearing assistive device. Severe brain injury (GMH-IVH3, PVHI or PVL) (p = 0.000) and being of male gender (p = 0.03) were associated with cerebral palsy in childhood. CONCLUSION Severe brain injuries detected by neonatal cranial ultrasound in very preterm infants is associated with development of cerebral palsy in childhood. FUNDING none. TRAIL REGISTRATION: not relevant.