Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delayed multiple intracranial aneurysms caused by left atrial myxoma: a case report and literature review

Intracranial aneurysm may appear even after the removal of the cardiac myxoma. However, the pathogenesis and treatment of such aneurysm lesions are not clear. The study aimed to explore the clinical and imaging manifestation, hypothetical pathogenesis, and therapy in one case of left atrial myxoma causing multiple intracranial aneurysms. A 14-year-old male displayed a 3-hour history of episodic loss of consciousness and right hemiplegia after a leapfrog-like movement. The myxoma was diagnosed by a combination of clinical examination, leading to the diagnosis of mitral dynamic obstruction with a Grade III mitral diastolic murmur and tumor plop; magnetic resonance imaging, revealing multiple ischemic sites in both semi-oval centers; and transthoracic echocardiography, demonstrating a mitral valve obstruction. The myxoma was removed surgically; however, computed tomography angiography showed multiple intracranial aneurysms in both middle cerebral arteries 18 months after resection of the atrial myxoma. After conservative treatment, the patient had no neurological dysfunction symptoms for 5 years after myxoma resection. His condition is relatively stable. In conclusion, resection of the atrial myxoma may eliminate the early neurological symptoms, but it cannot ensure the nonoccurrence of delayed intracranial aneurysms. The neoplastic process theory was favored for explaining the aneurysm development in this case. According to the specific conditions of the patient, a combination of open surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and coil embolization is recommended.
An update on host immunity correlates and prospects of re-infection in COVID-19

Abstract Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is not frequent yet the incidence rate of it is increasing globally owing to the slow emergence of drift variants that pose a perpetual threat to vaccination strategies and have a greater propensity for disease reoccurrence. Long-term protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection relies on the induction of the innate as well as the adaptive immune response endowed with immune memory. However, a multitude of factors including the selection pressure, the waning immunity against SARS-CoV-2 over the first year after infection possibly favors evolution of more infectious immune escape variants, amplifying the risk of reinfection. Additionally, the correlates of immune protection, the novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC), the durability of the adaptive and mucosal immunity remain major challenges for the development of therapeutic and prophylactic interventions. Interestingly, a recent body of evidence indicated that the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is another important target organ for SARS-CoV-2 besides the respiratory system, potentially increasing the likelihood of reinfection by impacting the microbiome and the immune response via the gut-lung axis. In this review, we summarized the latest development in SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, and explored the untapped potential of trained immunity. We also highlighted the immune memory kinetics of the humoral and cell-mediated immune response, genetic drift of the emerging viral variants, and discussed the current challenges in vaccine development. Understanding the dynamics and the quality of immune response by unlocking the power of the innate, humoral and cell-mediated immunity during SARS-CoV-2 reinfection would open newer avenues for drug discovery and vaccine designs. Graphical Abstract
Colorado Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors, 1990–2019: A Sub-Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study

(1) Background: Health disparities across the United States (U.S.) are increasing. Large variations in risk factors and health outcomes have been described among states from the U.S. (2) AIM. This study aims to describe health trends in morbidity, mortality, and risk factors from 1990 to 2019 in the State of Colorado. (3) Methods: We describe the measures of health loss for 286 causes of death, 369 diseases and injuries, and 87 risk factors for the state of Colorado from the Global Burden of Disease project estimates between 1990 to 2019. (4) Results: We found that 21,171 and 40,724 deaths were estimated in 1990 and 2019, respectively, in Colorado. The leading cause of death, in both sexes, in 1990 and 2019 was ischemic heart disease (IHD). The top leading disability-adjusted life years (DALY) diagnoses were IHD, followed by low back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and opioid use disorder. In 2019, the top risk factors by DALYs in Colorado were smoking, drug use, high body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high systolic blood pressure. (5) Conclusion: Non-communicable diseases and their related risk factors are the top leading causes of DALYs in Colorado. Findings support the need for policies to prevent non-communicable diseases, with special attention to musculoskeletal disorders and interventions to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
Combating a Case of COVID Pneumonia with ARDS – a Physiotherapist’s Standpoint

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, affecting multiple organ systems. The disease usually presents as mild to moderate respiratory illness but in many cases has progressed to development of pneumonia and ARDS ultimately requiring ventilatory support and prolonged ICU stay. Prolonged immobilization itself is a harbinger of various complications drastically altering a patient’s functional status. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of COVID-19 symptoms as well as in the prevention of complications. Case Study: This case report describes the progress of a 44-year old female patient diagnosed with COVID-19 presenting with subsequent pneumonia and ARDS. The patient was started with medical management and supplemental oxygen therapy. In combination to the above-mentioned protocols, physiotherapy treatment was also initiated. After 2 weeks of rehabilitation and drug therapy, the patient displayed improved respiratory function at room air and was able to independently ambulate with minimal breathing difficulty. Discussion: This case report aims to highlight the importance of early intervention of physiotherapy in COVID-19 patients. The scope of physiotherapy treatment in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is vast. The treatment protocol adapted for this patient are in tune with the various research articles analysed to ensure evidence-based care. This will enable the healthcare professionals to ensure timely referral and early initiation of Physiotherapy treatment. Conclusion: As per the findings and results of this case report, it is evident that the patient benefited from the timely advent of physiotherapy intervention. The key factor was the correct identification of the problematic areas and accurate prioritization based on the clinical presentation and investigation findings
Design of high-temperature superconducting low-pass filter for broad-band harmonic rejection

A new type of low-pass filter based on a coupled line and transmission line theory is proposed for suppressing harmonics and spurious frequency. The seventh-order coupled-line low-pass filter with strip line configuration was fabricated using a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) thin film on MgO(100) substrate. The seventh-order low-pass filter has five attenuation poles in the stop band. Its cutoff frequency is 1 GHz with a 0.01-dB ripple level. The fabricated filter exhibits a characteristic stop band in the range from 1 to 7 GHz. A measured insertion loss at the pass-band of the HTS low-pass filter is 0.2 dB at 77 K, while the maximum return loss is 17.1 dB. These results match well with those obtained by the EM simulation. The new low-pass filter structure is shown to have attractive properties such as compact size, wide stop band range, and low insertion loss.
Comparison between Histological Features and Strain Elastographic Characteristics in Canine Mammary Carcinomas

Elastography is a sonographic technique that provides a noninvasive evaluation of the stiffness of a lesion. The objective of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of strain elastography, the most accessible modality in clinical practice, to discriminate between different histological types of malignant mammary neoplasms in the canine species, which can provide complementary information in real time to the diagnosis and thus help in the choice of surgical technique. A total of 34 females with 56 mammary carcinomas were selected and classified into three histological groups according to their aggressiveness. The histological and elastographic characteristics of these malignant tumors were analyzed and compared to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of strain elastography. Visual score presented a sensitivity of 88.0%, specificity of 58.1%, and accuracy of 71.43% in distinguishing the most aggressive group of carcinomas. The strain ratio had a sensitivity of 84.0%, specificity of 61.1%, and accuracy of 69.64%. On the other hand, intratumoral strain ratio obtained a sensitivity of 71.40% and specificity of 61.90% when intratumoral fibrosis was taken as reference, with an accuracy of 66.07%. Similarly, peritumoral strain ratio was also positively related to fibrosis in the periphery of lesions (p ≤ 0.001), with a sensitivity of 93.80%, specificity of 77.50% and an accuracy of 92.87%. In conclusion, accuracy of this elastographic modality can be a useful method to differentiate more aggressive histological types. Therefore, it represents an additional diagnostic technique useful in the daily clinic thanks to the short time required for the examination, which allows real-time visualization and immediate interpretation of the results.
A Unified Approach to Two-Terminal Network Synthesis

The problem of two-terminal immittance function realization is considered in terms of the reflection coefficient. A conceptually basic method of synthesis is developed which has important implications in exact and approximate synthesis techniques. Consideration of the practical shortcomings of this method lead directly to the standard methods of exact synthesis which are demonstrated to be all applications of the Schwarz lemma. Among the methods considered are those of: Foster, Cauer, Miyata, Brune, Bott-Duffin, Fialkow-Gerst, and Darlington.
Optimization of electromechanical coupling for a thin-film PZT membrane: II. Experiment

The optimization of the electromechanical coupling coefficient for thin-film piezoelectric membranes is investigated experimentally. The membranes are a two-dimensional laminate structure consisting of a lead zirconate titanate (PbZrxTi1−xO3, PZT) stack on a silicon substrate. PZT thickness, substrate thickness, residual stress, side length and electrode coverage are varied. The results show that the residual stress has a dominant effect on the magnitude of the electromechanical coupling coefficient. The PZT to silicon thickness ratio is important and may be tailored to optimize the electromechanical coupling coefficient. An electrode coverage of 60% produces the optimum coupling. Application of a dc bias also leads to increased coupling. In general, the results are in good agreement with the trends predicted by the model developed in part I. The results can be used to form a set of design guidelines for the performance optimization of micromachined piezoelectric membrane generators.
TEM: therapeutic exercise machine for recovering walking functions of stroke patients

Cooperative work with Keio University has resulted in the development of a machine for exercising the hip and knee joints of stroke patients to recover their walking function. The Therapeutic Exercise Machine (TEM) has two mechanical arms to move the lower extremity of a stroke patient. The arms of the exercise machine are driven by electric motors and are controlled by a computer by means of load sensor information. The sensing and feedback control of force information is a problem for conventional machines and ultimately the therapist using the machine. TEM has the ability to be used as a training machine with embedded therapist techniques as well as the ability to monitor the patient’s condition during an exercise session. The machine has the following new features: wide range of motion, compliant motion, direct teaching, and measurement functions. The effects of TEM have been evaluated on its compliant motion against impulsive load and the short‐term effects of a continuous passive range of motion exercise in spastic patients.
A review of developments towards biologically inspired propulsion systems for autonomous underwater vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are playing an ever-growing role in modern subocean operations, generating a demand for faster, more manoeuvrable designs capable of deployments of increasingly longer durations. In order to meet these demands, vehicle developers have been looking to biological aquatic animals for inspiration. After evolving for millions of years, fish and cetaceans have developed fast efficient locomotion techniques, with levels of manoeuvrability that far outperform conventional engineered marine locomotion systems. This paper aims to give a brief introduction into some of the biologically inspired propulsion mechanisms that have been developed, to explain their strengths, their weaknesses, and the motivation behind them, and then finally to predict future trends in biomimetic AUV propulsion design.
Determinants of maternal mortality in a critical care unit: A prospective analysis

Introduction: An admission of a pregnant woman to an intensive care unit (ICU) is considered as an objective marker of maternal near miss. Only a few studies from the Indian subcontinent have reported on the ability of ICU scoring systems in predicting the mortality in obstetric patients. Methods: A prospective analysis of all critically ill obstetric patients admitted to the critical care department was done. Results: In the period between April 2013 and September 2017, there were 101 obstetric admissions to the critical care ICU. Of these, 82 patients (81.2%) were discharged from the hospital, 18 patients (17.8%) died, and one left against medical advice. The common diagnoses seen in these patients were cardiac failure (n = 39; 38.6%); pregnancy-induced hypertension (n = 26; 25.7%); acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 20; 19.8%); intra-abdominal sepsis (n = 19; 18.8%); tropical diseases (n = 19; 18.8%); and tuberculosis (n = 13; 12.9%). When we compared the survivors with the nonsurvivors, a higher severity of illness score and a low PaO2/FiO2 were found to increase the odds of death. The area of distribution under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.726 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.575–0.877), 0.890 (95% CI = 0.773–1.006), 0.867 (95% CI = 0.755–0.979), and 0.850 (95% CI = 0.720–0.980) for the PaO2/FiO2, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, respectively, for predicting mortality. The standardized mortality ratio was better with SAPSII than with APACHE II. Conclusions: Cardiac dysfunction is a leading cause of ICU admission. Obstetric patients frequently require ventilatory support, intensive hemodynamic monitoring, and blood transfusion. The APACHE II score is a good index for assessing ICU outcomes.
Technology Integration Models and Frameworks in Teaching and Training

The purpose of this study is to review the existing models and frameworks which has been implemented for technology integration during teaching and training. As discussed in the numerous literature Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK), Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition (SMAR), TPACK-based ID models such as TPACK-Comprehension, Observation of instruction, Practice of instruction, and Reflection on TPACK (TPACK-COPR) model, Introduce-TPACK, Demonstrate, Develop, Implement, Revise - a TPACK-based lesson, and Reflect on a TPACK-based lesson (TPACK-IDDIRR1) model, and TPACK-IDDIRR2 model have been applied by today’s instructors and trainers to achieve the specific goal for effective teaching and training. This paper intends to highlight the key features of the above-mentioned models and frameworks with few hurdles as found in the empirical-based studies. It also discusses how those hurdles could be mitigated by addressing the extraneous cognitive load of instructors as well as trainers to carry out technology integration with future recommendations for the research. It was found that specific frameworks and models are limited to the macro-level concept but today’s instructors, as well as trainers, are required to have adequate instructional guidance in chronological steps so that they could implement those models and frameworks in their teaching and training for productive outcomes.
Nutritional Quality of Opuntia ssp. at Different Phenological Stages: Implications for Forage Purposes

The study aimed to evaluat the chemical composition of forage cactus cladodes of the genus Opuntia spp. at different stages of phenological development. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 4×3 factorial scheme, with four species of cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw, Opuntia undulata Griffiths, Opuntia atropes Rose and Opuntia larreri FAC Weber) and three stages of cladode development (young, intermediate, and mature). The chemical composition of Opuntia cladodes varied according to species and phenological stage. Dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations increased, and crude protein (CP) decreased with cladode maturation. The species O. atropes had the lowest levels of organic matter (OM), CP, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates, as well as the highest values of mineral matter, NDF and ADF. Calcium and phosphorus contents increased with cladodium maturation. The concentrations of boron, copper and manganese were higher in the young and intermediate stages. The cladodes of O. stricta, O. undulata and O. larreri showed better nutritional quality for feeding domestic ruminants. Young and intermediate cladodes are more proteinaceous and less fibrous. These results can be useful in selecting the forage cactus species and in optimizing the use of cladodes for feeding different categories of ruminants in semiarid regions.
A microcontroller-based induction motor drive system using variable structure strategy with decoupling

The sliding-mode control concept is applied in the outer loop of a speed drive system utilizing a series-connected wound rotor induction machine (SCWRIM). A design procedure is outlined for the sliding-mode speed controller. The methods of decoupling and torque linearization for the SCWRIM are derived using the field-orientation as well as the torque angle control concepts. Sliding-mode control with cascaded integral operation is used to reduce torque chattering and steady-state error. Accelerator sliding lines are introduced to enable better utilization of the torque capability of the drive system. The parameter-insensitive response provided by this method of control is demonstrated. The effects on the dynamic and static performance with varying drive inertia and load disturbance are studied and compared with the conventional approach using PI control. The influences of sampling effects on sliding-mode control performance are also illustrated and discussed. Microcontroller-based implementation of the speed drive system is employed. Both simulation and experimental results are presented. >
Flexural strength–ductility performance of flanged beam sections cast of high‐strength concrete

Flanged sections are often used for long‐span concrete beams to maximize their structural efficiency. However, although for the same sectional area a flanged section could render a higher flexural strength, it would also lead to a lower flexural ductility, especially when heavily reinforced. Thus, when evaluating the flexural performance of a beam section, both the flexural strength and ductility need to be considered. In this study, the post‐peak flexural behaviour of flanged sections is evaluated by means of an analytical method that uses the actual stress–strain curves of the materials and takes into account strain reversal of the tension reinforcement. From the numerical results, the flexural strength–ductility performance of flanged sections is investigated by plotting the strength and ductility that could be simultaneously achieved in the form of design graphs. It is found that (1) at the same overall dimensions and with the same amount of reinforcement provided, a flanged section has lower flexural ductility than a rectangular section; (2) at the same overall dimensions, a flanged section has inferior strength–ductility performance compared to a rectangular section; and (3) at the same sectional area, a flanged section has better strength–ductility performance compared to a rectangular section. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Finite-Time Speed and Direction Control for Four-Wheel Drive System

With the rapid use of the Four-Wheel Drive System (FWDS) worldwide, the necessity of having an adequate control system to control speed and direction in FWDS is extremely required. For this purpose, several control schemes are available in the literature to control the speed and direction in FWDS which should be fast convergence of the control, continuous control performance, and solving external disturbances. In latest years, finite-time controllers (FTC) have gained more consideration from many researchers in the control area, who have expressed applications in several procedures and systems. This research provides a major review of the FTC approaches via both input and output feedbacks for controlling FWDS.
Effects of Kinesio Taping with Squat Exercise on the Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Tension, and Dynamic Stability of Softball Players in the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background and purpose: Knee injuries are common among female softball players, and the stability of the lower extremities and the strength of the knee are essential factors for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping with squat exercise (KTSE) on lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability of softball players. Methods: In this study, 40 softball players were randomly assigned to the KTSE group and sham taping with squat exercise (SKTSE) group. All subjects were tested three times a week for 6 weeks, i.e., for a total of 18 times. To evaluate the lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, and muscle tone of the lower extremities, as well as dynamic stability, we used Noraxon Mini DTS, a digital muscular meter from JTech Medical, MyotonPRO, and the side hop test (a clinical evaluation method), respectively. These items were measured before the experiment and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability (p < 0.05). After the experiment, significant effects on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability were observed in the KTSE group compared with in the SKTSE group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: KTSE did not have a negative effect on all items of the functional performance test. KTSE improved lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability.
Why The Military Interest In Near-Millimeter Wave Imaging?

Battlefield obscurants including smoke, dust, and inclement weather limit the ability of our Armed Forces to recognize targets. Infrared imaging systems have proven extremely useful for day/night operation, but are of limited use on the "dirty battlefield". To penetrate obscurants, yet meet the spatial resolution required for target recognition, a near-millimeter wave imaging system is needed.