Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infective Endocarditis: Diagnosis and Management, up-to-date

J Echocardiogr Vol.3, No.4, 2005 129 Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. More than a century ago Dr. Osler was reported to have said that few diseases present greater difficulties in the way of diagnosis than IE, difficulties which, in many cases, are practically insurmountable [1]. Despite the progress in diagnosis and therapy, the mortality from IE continues to be high with rates in the early phase of the disease ranging from 15-30%. In addition, the in-hospital complications of IE approach 80% and include congestive heart failure, stroke and persistent sepsis [2]. Also very concerning are the relapse rates (3%) and recurrence rates (12%) [3]. There has been great evolution in the diagnostic criteria for IE. The Beth Israel Criteria, published in 1981, based the diagnosis of endocarditis on histologic evidence from surgery or autopsy, or bacteriologic evidence from gram stain or cultures of a vegetation or embolic material [4]. In 1994, the Duke Criteria were published, later to be modified by the Duke investigators in 2000. In addition to microbiologic and clinical criteria of diagnosing endocarditis, echocardiography was introduced as a major diagnostic modality for the detection of IE. Specifically, the findings of an oscillating cardiac mass (vegetation) on a valve or supporting structure (Figure 1), the presence of an abscess (Figure 2, 3), a new partial dehiscence of a prosthetic valve, or new valvular regurgitation were considered major criteria for the diagnosis of IE. These criteria recommend transesophageal echo (TEE) to be performed in patients with prosthetic valves or complicated endocarditis and transthoracic echo (TTE) to be the Infective Endocarditis: Diagnosis and Management, up-to-date
The Effect of Soldier Marching, Rucksack Load, and Heart Rate on Marksmanship

Objective: The purpose was to determine if Soldier rucksack load, marching distance, and average heart rate (HR) during shooting affect the probability of hitting the target. Background: Infantry Soldiers routinely carry heavy rucksack loads and are expected to engage enemy targets should a threat arise. Method: Twelve male Soldiers performed two 11.8 km marches in forested terrain at 4.3 km/hour on separate days (randomized, counterbalanced design). The Rifleman load consisted of protective armor (26.1 kg); the Rucksack load included the Rifleman load plus a weighted rucksack (48.5 kg). Soldiers performed a live-fire shooting task (48 targets) prior to the march, in the middle of the march, and at the end of the march. HR was collected during the shooting task. Data were assessed with multilevel logistic regression controlling for the multiple observations on each subject and shooting target distance. Predicted probabilities for hitting the target were calculated. Results: There was a three-way interaction effect between rucksack load, average HR, and march (p = .02). Graphical assessment of predicted probabilities indicated that regardless of load, marching increases shooting performance. Increases in shooting HR after marching result in lower probability of hitting the target, and rucksack load has inconsistent effects on marksmanship. Conclusion: Early evidence suggests that rucksack load and marching may not uniformly decrease marksmanship but that an inverted-U phenomenon may govern changes in marksmanship. Application: The effects of load and marching on marksmanship are not linear; the abilities of Soldiers should be continuously monitored to understand their capabilities in a given scenario.
Emerging strategies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Despite extraordinary advances in the field of neuroimmunology, ideal treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis remains an unmet need. Existing treatments are only partially effective in preventing multiple sclerosis relapses, have a limited impact on the accrual of disability, have not been effective in progressive forms of the disease, and treatment remains preventive rather than restorative. This review provides an overview of emerging therapies and targets, and incorporates strategies for two different approaches to multiple sclerosis: prevention, through immune modulation; and repair, through neuroprotection and remyelination. Agents at all stages of development, from late-stage clinical trials of BG-12, teriflunomide, alemtuzumab, daclizumab and anti-CD20 agents, to novel approaches in preclinical testing, are discussed.
Lessons learned from Xavier

We have been running an experiment in web-based interaction with an autonomous indoor mobile robot. The robot, called Xavier, can accept commands to travel to different offices in our building, broadcasting camera images as it travels. The experiment, which was originally designed to test a new navigation algorithm, has proven very successful. This article describes the autonomous robot system, the web-based interfaces, and how they communicate with the robot. It highlights lessons learned during this experiment in web-based robotics and includes recommendations for putting future mobile robots on the web.
Jatropha curcas: Use as a traditional Tswana medicine and its role as a cause of acute poisoning

Jatropha curcas, although not indigenous to South Africa is found widely and has become incorporated into traditional Tswana medicine as a laxative. During the first 10 months of 1986, 50 cases out of a total of 442 admitted to Ga‐Rankuwa hospital with acute poisoning were due to accidental ingestion of the seeds. All cases were children. They presented with nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps and 10 needed intravenous fluid replacement. Out of 43 cases of acute poisoning with traditional medicines, 31 presented with a similar clinical picture. Interviews with traditional healers have indicated that the toxic effects of Jatropha curcas are known and that misuse appears to be uncommon. In the light of our findings an educational poster campaign is planned for 1987.
Theory of Colours.

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Formulation affecting alachlor efficacy and persistence in sandy soils.

BACKGROUND The development of controlled-release formulations of alachlor to extend the period of weed control was studied. This extended duration reduces the need for high herbicide application rates that could lead to environmental contamination. For this purpose, the influence of formulation, as well as the influence of soil characteristics, on alachlor efficacy and persistence in soil of a commercial formulation (CF) and different ethylcellulose microencapsulated formulations (MEFs) was evaluated. RESULTS Higher alachlor rates yielded an enhanced initial herbicidal activity. The prolonged release of alachlor provided by the MEFs resulted in a higher herbicidal efficacy and a longer period of weed control compared with the effects of CF in the two soils tested (at 40 days after treatment, oat growth inhibition for CF and MEFs was 1.96% and 93.5% respectively). Soil characteristics strongly influenced alachlor efficacy and weed control by MEFs. The highest alachlor efficacy and persistence were observed in the soil with lowest microbial activity and clay and organic matter content. CONCLUSIONS The use of MEFs can be advantageous because they permit the maintenance of the desired concentration of the herbicide in the soil for longer periods of weed control.
Potential dermal pesticide exposure affected by greenhouse spray application technique.

BACKGROUND Operator safety is still one of the main problems concerning greenhouse spray applications in South European horticulture. The main objective of this study was to compare potential dermal exposure (PDE) between traditional handheld spray application techniques (i.e. a standard spray gun walking forwards, a spray lance walking forwards and backwards) and novel spray application techniques with spray booms (i.e. a trolley, the Fumimatic and the Fumicar). RESULTS PDE varied from 19.7 mL h(-1) for the Fumimatic to 460 mL h(-1) for the spray lance walking forwards. Walking backwards reduced PDE by a factor 7. With the trolley, Fumimatic and Fumicar, PDE was respectively 20, 60 and 8 times lower than with the standard spray gun. With the spray lance, PDE was about 2.5 times higher than with the spray gun. Pesticide distribution over the operator's body was non-uniform and correlated strongly with the application technique. With the traditional techniques, exposure to the legs and feet represents 60-80% of the total exposure. CONCLUSIONS Novel spray application techniques using spray booms greatly decrease operator exposure because the operator is not walking directly into the spray cloud and the sprayed crop, and because of their higher capacity. Depending on the type of spray application, different parts of the body need to be protected most.
Can Growth Be Green?

This short article, based on a presentation at the London School of Economics, criticizes the common opinion that “green growth” offers a relatively painless – some even say pain-free – transition path for capitalist economies. After a brief summary of the daunting arithmetic entailed in combining fast decarbonization with continuing growth, the article advances 3 propositions. First, market-based carbon mitigation programs, such as carbon trading, cannot be sufficient and must be coupled with other policy pillars that foster transformative investment and widespread regulation. Second, a political economy of climate policy needs to draw on the lessons of comparative social policy research, which emphasizes the role of international pressures, interests, institutions, and ideas. Taking these into account gives a more realistic perspective on climate policy making in today’s neoliberal world. Third, more radical policies on both consumption and production are called for, to ensure that carbon mitigation is not pursued at the expense of equity and social welfare. These include policies to restrain high-carbon luxury consumption and a transition toward shorter paid working time. The conclusion is that a realistic program of green growth will be immensely difficult and entail radical political change.
Color image semantics for digital libraries

Color is the most frequently used feature in image analysis and retrieval. Over the years color features have been significantly improved, advancing from simple histogram-based descriptors to address more complex features such as dominant colors, important regions and spatial relationships. However, no matter how sophisticated, most of the proposed representations are still unable to cross the well-known semantic gap and when applied to diverse image collections seldom produce satisfactory results. This work analyzes the shortcomings of “traditional” color retrieval approach, and provides a new framework for “capturing” the elementary aspects of image semantics. Our approach is based on the observation that the words we use to describe images and their content represent a true link between the pictorial (low-level) representation and higher-level semantics derived by observers. Following previous experimental findings on the role of color in the perception of basic semantic templates (people, nature, indoor/outdoor, etc.), we propose a new feature representation based on color names. We also address several important steps needed to construct such representation: design of a color-name vocabulary and syntax, design of computational model and color naming metric, and the application to complex images. We also include some results that provide a good match to human judgments, thus validating the use color names to develop semantic descriptors.
Software Development on Internet Time

There is probably little debate that Internet software companies must use more flexible development techniques and introduce new products faster than companies with more stable technology, established customer needs, and longer product cycles. Internet and PC software firms favor a more flexible style. The basic idea is to give programmers the autonomy to evolve designs iteratively but to force team members to synchronize their work frequently and then periodically stabilize their design changes or feature innovations. Studying two companies, the authors found that Netscape was using a version of the Microsoft-style synchronize and stabilize process for PC software, but adapting it to build Internet browser and server products. They also found that Microsoft's Internet groups were modifying their standard process to increase development speed and flexibility. The goal was to balance flexibility and speed with professional engineering discipline.
Relationship left atrial strain and CHA2DS2-VASc score compared to left atrial appendage emptying flow velocity

Background: Both Left Atrial Appendage Flow Velocity (LAAFV) and CHA2DS2-VASc score are associated with thromboembolic risk. Left Atrial strain (LAs) is a novel parameter of LA function. However, little is known about the impact of LAs on stroke risk stratification. In this study, we examined the relationship among CHA2DS2-VASc score, LAAFV and LAs. Methods: We studied 90 consecutive patients (age: 66±12, 44 males) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of LAA thrombus. LAs was assessed by averaging the segments measured in the 4- and 2-chamber views by transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with more than mild valvular heart disease were excluded. Results: Four patients were excluded because poor LA tracking. In 86 patients, 50 patients had sinus rhythm (58%) and 36 atrial arrhythmia (42%). Both LAs (21.2±9.4%) and LAAFV (46±29cm/s) were significantly associated with CHA2DS2-VASc score (2.6±1.6) (r=-0.371, p<0.001; r=-0.286, p=0.008, respectively). After adjusting with age, gender and LAAFV, LAs was significantly and independently associated with CHA2DS2-VASc (β=-0.24, p=0.006). Finally, in multivariate regression analysis of the factors used in CHA2DS2-VASc scoring, age and CHF were independently associated with LAs (β=-0.23, p=0.016, β=-0.45, p<0.001 respectively). [Figure][1] LA strain and CHA2DS2-VASc score Conclusion: LAs was significantly and independently correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score, suggesting that LAs serves as a functional predictor for future cardioembolic stroke irrespective of LAAFV. [1]: pending:yes
Preferences Regarding School Sexuality Education Among Elementary Schoolchildren's Parents

Background A comprehensive review of the literature failed to find any studies to assess elementary school parents' preferred philosophical approach to teaching sexuality education and sexuality education topics discussed by parents. All previous research reported parent data for grades K-12 or grades 9-12 only. Methods A random sample of 2400 parents of children ages 6 to 11 across 3 counties of a Midwestern state were surveyed using a 3-wave mailing, which resulted in a final response rate of 43% from eligible parents. Results When asked to identify which of 3 sexuality education topics should be taught at specific grade levels, a plurality (36%) thought that the reproductive system should be taught in grades 3-5. Most parents (51%) supported teaching abstinence and refusal skills in grades 6-8 and supported teaching birth control and condom use (55%) in the middle school grades or earlier. Discussion Multiple factors come into play when schools decide what sexuality education topics to include in the curriculum, including politics, moral philosophy of adults, resources, and research evidence. The results of this study support comprehensive sexuality education. Translation to Health Education Practice Health education teachers should advocate for quality sexuality education in the middle school grades or earlier.
Perception of Stigmatization in Forensic Patients With Schizophrenia

Background: The literature about perceived stigmatization of forensic patients with schizophrenia is sparse. Aims: To examine relations between the perceived stigmatization of forensic patients with schizophrenia and the intensity of the symptoms, age, regular home visiting, kind of offence, perceived family support and duration of hospitalization. Method: Sixty-two male forensic patients with schizophrenia were included. Perceived stigmatization was measured by the modified questions from the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II. Symptomatology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Perception of family support was assessed with a visual-analogue scale. Due to different characteristics of offences and possibilities for home visiting, patients were divided into groups of those who had committed violent and non-violent offences, and those with and without the possibility of regular home visiting. Results: Symptoms have an impact on the perception of stigma. The kind of offence committed does not have a significant role in the perception of discrimination. Age was negatively correlated with the perception of stigma. Conclusion: Results might have significance for a better understanding of social relations between forensic patients and their environment and provide us with information about institutionalized forms of stigma. Results might have implications for the treatment and the quality of life of these patients.
The Challenges of Automatic Summarization

Summarization, the art of abstracting key content from one or more information sources, has become an integral part of everyday life. Researchers are investigating summarization tools and methods that automatically extract or abstract content from a range of information sources, including multimedia. Researchers are looking at approaches which roughly fall into two categories. Knowledge-poor approaches rely on not having to add new rules for each new application domain or language. Knowledge-rich approaches assume that if you grasp the meaning of the text, you can reduce it more effectively, thus yielding a better summary. Some approaches use a hybrid. In both methods, the main constraint is the compression requirement. High reduction rates pose a challenge because they are hard to attain without a reasonable amount of background knowledge. Another challenge is how to evaluate summarizers. If you are to trust that the summary is indeed a reliable substitute for the source, you must be confident that it does in fact reflect what is relevant in that source. Hence, methods for creating and evaluating summaries must complement each other.
Generalized target description and wavelet decomposition [sonar]

Generalized target description by means of colored bright spots is very attractive for recognition or classification tasks in active sonar applications. In the present work, it is shown how such a description can be achieved directly from the impulse response. It turns out that the resulting procedure is closely connected with the technique of wavelet decomposition. It is shown that these two techniques share important common features concerning both the structure of their privileged analysis tools (transmitted signal or analyzing wavelet) and the way in which they obtain relevant information on a system under investigation. >
Decontouring: prevention and removal of false contour artifacts

Contone imagery usually has eight bits per pixel for each of the three primaries in typical displays. However, there are often points in the imaging pipeline that constrain this number for cost reasons. Conversely, higher quality displays seek to achieve 9-10 bits/pixel/color, though there may be system bottlenecks limited at 8. In both cases, a goal is to achieve a higher perceived bit-depth quality than is afforded by the imaging system. The two main artifacts caused by reduced bitdepth are contouring and loss of low amplitude detail. Prevention of these distortions can be accomplished by applying a dithering process before the bit-depth limitation. A technique for achieving bit-depth extension via spatiotemporal dithering has been previously been presented [1]. In applications where it is only possible to affect the image after the bit-depth losses have already occurred, it is impossible to accurately restore the loss of low-amplitude detail. However, it is possible to remove the false contours. Of the several approaches used to remove false contours, we will discuss predictive cancellation and its dependence on the spatial frequency localization and masking properties of the visual system. We discuss the key visual properties that arose while investigating these two applications, which include the optical transfer function (OTF) of the eye, masking by noise, and contour integration.
Interventions To Reduce the Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings: What We Know So Far a Review of the Literature

Introduction: In recent times, much attention has been focused on the reduction of seclusion and restraint in psychiatric settings. This paper analyzes evidence available from evaluations of single seclusion and/or restraint reduction programmes. A total of 29 papers were included in the review. Results: Seven key strategy types emerged from the analysis: (i) policy change/ leadership; (ii) external review/debriefi ng; (iii) data use; (iv) training; (v) consumer/ family involvement; (vi) increase in staff ratio/crisis response teams; and (vii) programme elements/changes. Outcomes indicate that a range of reduction programmes are successful in reducing the frequency and duration of seclusion and restraint use, while at the same time maintaining a safe environment. Conclusion: The development of new seclusion and restraint reduction programmes should include strong leadership from local management; external seclusion and restraint review committees or post-incident debriefing and analysis; broad-based staff training and programme changes at a local level. Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural programmes appear to be very useful in child and adolescent services. Further systematic research should be conducted to more fully understand which elements of successful programmes are the most powerful in reducing incidents of seclusion and restraint.