Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recurrent pulmonary cryptococcosis during chronic HBV infection

Abstract Rationale: Pulmonary cryptococcosis is one of the important opportunistic infections and has a wide range of symptoms depending on the underlying conditions. Here, we reported a case living with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who had a recurrent pulmonary cryptococcosis. Patient concerns: A 51-year-old male patient was admitted to our center because of cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath for 2 weeks. Diagnosis: Pulmonary infection was suggested by chest computed tomography. Most lab examinations for infection were negative and only cryptococcal antigen testing was positive. Therefore, a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis was made. Interventions: Fluconazole (200 mg/day) and bicyclol (50 mg/day) was given orally. Outcomes: During the follow-up of 3 and 6 months, his conditions improved, and he recovered fully. Moreover, cryptococcal antigen level was 12.57 ng/mL. During the 2-year follow-up, no recurrence occurred. Lessons: This case highlights the importance of the awareness of opportunistic infections during chronic hepatitis B virus infection, especially the potential of recurrence.
ESD indirect coupling modeling

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) indirect coupling on electronic equipment is theoretically and experimentally investigated considering the effects for three typical structures: a coaxial cable, a multilayer PCB, and a metallic enclosure. The analytical approach is based on classical electromagnetic theory and is developed in a simple way that is easy to apply and accurate enough to give the designer a reliable estimation of the interference produced by an ESD event.
Mitigating Interference in a Heterogeneous Wireless Network using Channel Selection

With the extensive development of heterogeneous wireless communication technology, combined with the advances of data acquisition, emerges a new trend of networked acquisition systems. Among this range of wireless technology, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has attracted much interest and visibility due to its huge application space. One challenge using the WSN is the short range of the sensor nodes that increases the complexity of transporting the data to a central server. The integration with Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) expands the communication range and allows mobility of the device. Thus, WSN can be used for forming the underlying sensing and WMN supports the network infrastructure in pervasive computing environments. However, interference is a problem as these networks share the same 2.4GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) unlicensed band. The impact of the interference on the IEEE 802.11g (WMN) using OFDM modulation and on IEEE 802.15. 4 (WSN) using DSSS is investigated in this research. Results from a series of experiments on the AIT wireless mesh campus network under realistic load conditions are presented. Packet retransmission and packets drop rate were measured and based on this knowledge, a channel interference classification (CIC) method is presented to identify the interfering operating channel. The method introduced is based on a technique proposed by Chowdhury et. al. for channel selection based on reference power values. This work modifies the technique to account for differences on channel spectrum characteristic found in tests on the Mesh Campus Network. A channel selection algorithm was then developed for WSN to decide on the operating transmission channel that is not under interference, hence reducing packet losses in the network. This paper will be of interest to network operators and organisations where critical information retrieval over wide area networks is required.
Time-frequency analysis of Korotkoff sounds

The aims of this work were to determine if the exponential distribution can be implemented in order to study the time-frequency behaviour of Korotkoff sounds, and also to identify key features in each of the different phases of the Korotkoff sounds. It was found that, in this evaluation study, the running window exponential distribution time-frequency approach shows promise for studying the time-frequency behaviour of Korotkoff sounds, and also for identifying key features in each of the different phases of the Korotkoff sounds. Further work is now needed to evaluate the technique when applied to a larger number of volunteers, to optimise protocols for Korotkoff sound recording, and to assess different approaches in time-frequency distribution visualization.
Feasibility of combining noninvasive brain stimulation and personalized counseling to increase physical activity

Few older adults meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Behavioral interventions may be more effective when combined with other modalities to promote activity. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) designed to increase the excitability of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) — a brain region subserving motivation and executive function — has the potential to augment behavioral interventions. We designed a randomized, double-blinded trial to examine the feasibility of combining personalized behavioral counseling and tDCS targeting the left dlPFC to improve physical activity and related outcomes in sedentary older adults living within the supportive housing. Participants wore a Fit-Bit throughout the study period. Baseline step counts were determined for two weeks, then participants completed four bi-weekly personalized counseling sessions over eight weeks. They were also randomized to receive 10 sessions of tDCS or sham stimulation over the two weeks after the baseline. Physical, cognitive, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, after ten brain stimulation sessions, and after four behavioral sessions. 33 individuals were screened and 16 enrolled (age=80±7, 13 females). 13 participants completed the study, including 100% of study assessments, 99±5% of brain stimulation sessions, and 98±7% of behavioral sessions. Fit-Bit adherence rate was 93±13%. Daily step counts were 3197±1480 at baseline and 4722±2553 over the last two weeks of the intervention. While the study is ongoing and blinded, these preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to conduct a controlled study of tDCS combined with personalized behavioral counseling to increase physical activity in sedentary older adults living within supportive housing.
A Computerized Method for Dynamic Response of Vehicle-Bridge Interaction System under Various Conditions

A computerized method is presented for computing the dynamic responses of bridges under moving vehicles. The bridge and vehicle are treated as integrated system and modal superposition method is applied to transfer the equation of motion into modal coordinate system. The road roughness/unevenness is also considered. The effects of different vehicle models, vehicle passing speed and road surface roughness on bridge dynamic responses are studied. The impact factor representing the dynamic effect of passing vehicle is calculated for different road surface roughness
Auxiliary Power Supplies for High-Power Converter Submodules: State of the Art and Future Prospects

Recent developments in medium-voltage (MV) silicon and silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor devices are challenging state-of-the-art converter and auxiliary power supply (APS) designs. The APS is an important converter component, which energizes the gate-drive units and, therefore, has an influence on the overall reliability and efficiency of the converter system. There has, however, been comparably little research on how the APS of high-power converter submodules can be realized, in particular, for high-voltage applications. New, or improved, solutions may build on state-of-the-art topologies in the near future, but utilize MV SiC technology in the APS circuit itself to enable improved efficiency, reliability, simplicity, and compactness. Externally-fed APS concepts could provide several further advantages. Their various benefits on converter and system level may enable them to be a competitive solution for future APS concepts. Especially, light-based power supply systems are considered most useful since they offer extreme voltage isolation capability and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This article presents a review of the wide range of solutions for APSs, possible implementation options, and the most important design considerations. The different solutions are evaluated in a qualitative fashion, providing an overview of available APS concepts with regard to the requirements for high-power converter applications.
Photoconductivity enhancement in MoS2 and WSe2 hybrids aided by light-absorbing carbon-based zero-dimensional quantum dots

In this study, we present the study of van der Waal (vdW) hybrid structure of zero-dimensional graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and fullerene (C60) in conjunction with two-dimensional molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2) semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). The vdW hybrid structures were characterized by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy which have revealed n-type doping occurring in MoS2 after decoration of GQDs, and a p-type doping occurring in WSe2 after decoration of C60. After outlining the fabrication of our 0D-2D heterostructure photodetectors, their photo response to incoming radiation was measured using broadband illumination which has revealed a two-fold increase in photo response in MoS2 and a three-fold increase in WSe2 after decoration with GQDs and C60, respectively. Our results presented here provide insights into 2D and 0D-based hybrid structures, thus enabling platform for high-performance photodetectors.
Parental Involvement and High School Dropout: Perspectives from Students, Parents, and Mathematics Teachers

Students drop out of schools for many reasons, and it has negative effects on the individual and society. This paper reports a study using data published in 2015 from the Educational Longitudinal Study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics to analyze the influence of parental involvement on low-achieving U.S. students’ graduation rates from high school. Findings indicate that both students and parents share the same perspective on the need for parental involvement in their academic progress. For low-achieving high school students, parental involvement in academic work is a positive factor influencing students’ graduation from high school.
Overall survival benefit of osimertinib and clinical value of upfront cranial local therapy in untreated EGFR‐mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer with brain metastasis

Osimertinib, as a third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), showed more potent efficacy against brain metastasis (BM) in untreated EGFR‐mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the FLAURA study. However, the overall survival (OS) benefit of osimertinib and clinical value of cranial local therapy (CLT) in these patients remain undetermined. Here we conducted a retrospective study involving untreated EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with BMs receiving first‐line osimertinib or first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs. Upfront CLT was defined as CLT performed before disease progression to the first‐line EGFR‐TKIs. Pattern of treatment failure and survival outcomes were extensively investigated. Among the 367 patients enrolled, first‐generation EGFR‐TKI was administered in 265, osimertinib in 102 and upfront CLT performed in 140. Patients receiving osimertinib had more (P < .001) and larger BMs (P = .003) than those receiving first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs. After propensity score matching, osimertinib was found to prolong OS (37.7 vs 22.2 months, P = .027). Pattern of failure analyses found that 51.8% of the patients without upfront CLT developed their initial progressive disease (PD) in the brain and 59.0% of the cranial PD occurred at the original sites alone, suggesting potential clinical value of upfront CLT. Indeed, upfront stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and/or surgery was associated with improved OS among those receiving first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs (P = .019) and those receiving osimertinib (P = .041). In summary, compared to first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs, osimertinib is associated with improved OS in untreated EGFR‐mutant NSCLC with BMs. Meanwhile, upfront SRS and/or surgery may provide extra survival benefit, which needs to be verified in future studies.
Series resonant converter with third-order commutation network

To compensate for the poor output voltage regulation of the series resonant converter (SCR), a converter is derived by adding an inductor in parallel with the resonant capacitor of the conventional SCR. The resulting converter is called the LLC-SRC. This converter is analyzed via a two-dimensional state-plane diagram through a proper transformation of its state variables. Based on the analysis results, a set of characteristic curves is derived showing that the control characteristics and component stresses of the new converter are improved compared with those of a conventional SRC. Based on these curves, the design procedure for the LLC-SRC is formulated. The experimental results from the breadboard model were used to verify the theoretical work. >
Model-based Estimation of Probabilistic Hybrid Automata

The ability to monitor and diagnose complex physical systems is critical for constructing highly autonomous artifacts that can function robustly in harsh environments over a long period of time. To accomplish this, we need to use high fidelity models that describe both the discrete stochastic behavior and the continuous dynamics of these complex systems. These models are used by a hybrid monitoring and diagnosis capability that tracks a system’s dynamics as it moves between distinctive behavioral modes. In this thesis, we address the challenge of learning these hybrid discrete/continuous models. We introduce a Hybrid Parameter Estimation System that extracts parameter estimates from sensor data. First, we review a method for Hybrid Modeling based on Probabilistic Hybrid Automata (PHA) [Hofbaur and Williams, 2002]. Second, we introduce Hybrid Parameter Estimation as a technique for learning the parameters of a PHA, by unifying standard nonlinear estimation techniques with classical probabilistic estimation techniques. Finally, we introduce the Hybrid Expectation Maximization algorithm for computing hybrid estimates by combining Hybrid Parameter Estimation with prior work on Hybrid State Estimation. This approach tracks the most desirable estimates based on statistical measure of probability. We demonstrate this algorithm on a simulated Mars habitat called BIO-Plex. Thesis Supervisor: Brian C. Williams Title: Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Primary Site of Coxsackievirus B Replication in the Small Intestines: No Proof of Peyer’s Patches Involvement

Background: Enterovirus (EV) infections are associated with a broad range of diseases. Since the first experimental infection of primates with poliovirus (PV), tonsils and the Peyer’s patches (PPs) have been believed to be the primary replication sites of EVs. Our aim was to localize different viral markers in the small intestines (SI) of coxsackievirus B (CVB) orally and intraperitoneally (i.p.) infected mice. Methods: Transverse sections of SIs of both infected and control male outbred mice were collected at different intervals post-infection (p.i) and analyzed for presence of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and viral protein VP1 by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH). Fluorescent marker, eGFP, was identified in cryosections of mice infected with eGFP-CVB3. Results: In the infected SIs, we observed enlarged germinating centers (GCs) in the PPs; IFN-α was detected in the PPs and mucosal layer of the SIs. However, VP1, viral RNA and the eGFP were absent in the GCs of PPs at all stages of infection irrespective of the virus strains used. Conclusions: Virus was present in the epithelial cells but not in GCs of the PPs of the murine SIs. Our results do not support the hypothesis of EV replication in the PP especially in the GCs.
Arbitrarily Sparse Polynomial Chaos Expansion for High-Dimensional Parametric Problems: Parametric and Probabilistic Power Flow as an Example

Parameters, no matter whether they are uncontrollable uncertainty factors or controllable variables, have a great impact on the states and performances of continuous engineering systems. Acquiring an explicit expression of the complicated implicit function between these parameters and system states, called parametric problem in this article, will facilitate immediate analysis of parameters’ impact on the system, optimal parameter design, and uncertainty quantification. Polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is a globally optimal polynomial approximation method for parametric problems, but it suffers from the curse of dimensionality, i.e., the number of basis functions and consequent computational burden increases rapidly with the number of parameters (i.e., dimensions). This article proposes a PCE method characterized by the arbitrarily sparse basis and novel generalized Smolyak sparse grid quadrature and, hence, effectively relieves the curse of dimensionality for high-dimensional problems. This basis is not restricted by any existing fixed-form truncation and can merely incorporate a few important basis functions. The novel generalized sparse grid can remarkably reduce the number of required collocation points compared with the prevailing classic sparse grid while achieving high accuracy. The proposed method is universal for parametric problems in engineering systems and is exemplified by parametric and probabilistic power flow problems of electrical power systems. Its effectiveness is validated by computational results on the IEEE 30-bus, 118-bus, and 500-parameter 9241pegase systems.
The Contradictory Simultaneity of Care and Technocracy: Understanding Vertical and Horizontal Pressures on English Nurse Middle Managers in Intensive Care

Part of the Coalition Government's health policy has been to enact austerity measures and restructure local health economies causing efficiency drives, even in trusts which are surplus-making. This paper evaluates the impact of this reconfiguration strategy on the intensive care workplace in London. To achieve this aim, a characterisation of the intensive care workplace is developed based on the perceptions of 10 nurse middle managers. It is demonstrated that the Coalition Government's reconfiguration strategy has been translated into the transformation of the intensive care workplace towards workforce restructuring, optimised asset utilisation and the beginnings of deprofessionalisation. However, top-down structural pressures comprise only one form of pressure bearing down on middle management with bottom-up pressures arising from the workforce and horizontal pressures emanating from the contradictory simultaneity of care and technocracy in the ICU. While technocracy tends to depoliticise the workplace, care can lead to instances of resistance, especially where patient need is affected so that the effects of reconfiguration are not linear or uniform.
Monitoring changes at work: cross-cultural difference in employees’ evaluation

Research background: Globalization and digitalization of society are leading to fundamental alterations in the labour sphere. Global trends and turbulent times are changing the work environment, stipulating the emergence of new forms of labour relations and employment models. Thinking on the on-going transformation processes requires a monitoring study of new phenomena, as well as the creation of a knowledge system about the directions and prospects of human resources management and labour relations development. Purpose of the article: The article presents the interim results of the current monitoring changes in labour relations conducted by the international research team members. The empirical data obtained are considered in the context of the social and cultural features of respondents from different countries that contributes to a deeper understanding of the phenomena under study. Methods: In 2020, the authors carried out a sociological survey involving employees of enterprises operating in various sectors of the economy in the Russian Federation, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Turkey and Kazakhstan. The total number of respondents formed by random sampling is amounted to 1138 people. For the purpose of a comprehensive typology of the surveyed workers from different countries, a cluster analysis of the collected data was carried out. Findings & Value added: A comparative analysis of the sociological survey results reflects the trends in work transformation and labour relations that have developed under the Covid-19 pandemic. Cross-cultural analysis reveals the impact of social and cultural factors on respondents’ assessment and companies’ human resource management practices.
Mutual-mode drive level dependence in dual-mode resonators

Dual-mode oscillators are widely used in high-stability frequency references. The presence of the second excited mode allows one to get information about the temperature of crystal resonator or its aging. However, dual-mode excitation results in the appearance of additional components of basic mode frequency instability. One of them is mutual drive level dependence, i.e. the first mode frequency versus the second mode excitation level. This phenomenon has not been practically investigated up to now. The given work deals with the detailed analysis of mutual drive level dependence for dual-mode resonators with wide-spread SC and DT cuts. This work presents the results of experimental investigation on the basis of which the causes and components of mutual drive level dependence are analyzed. The consequences of this dependence (namely worsening of oscillator frequency stability) are analyzed as well. The work is based on the experimental data and has practical orientation.
Point-of-care testing, antibiotic prescribing, and prescribing confidence for respiratory tract infections in primary care: a prospective audit in 18 European countries

Background Between-country differences have been described in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infection (RTI) in primary care, but not yet for diagnostic testing procedures and prescribing confidence. Aim To describe between-country differences in RTI management, particularly diagnostic testing and antibiotic prescribing, and investigate which factors relate to antibiotic prescribing and GPs’ prescribing confidence. Design & setting Prospective audit in 18 European countries. Method An audit of GP-registered patient, clinical, and management characteristics for patients presenting with sore throat and/or lower RTI (n = 4982), and GPs' confidence in their antibiotic prescribing decision. Factors related to antibiotic prescribing and confidence were analysed using multi-level logistic regression. Results Antibiotic prescribing proportions varied considerably: <20% in four countries, and >40% in six countries. There was also considerable variation in point-of-care (POC) testing (0% in Croatia, Moldova, and Romania, and >65% in Denmark and Norway, mainly for C-reactive protein [CRP] and group A streptococcal [strep A] infection), and in laboratory or hospital-based testing (<3% in Hungary, the Netherlands, and Spain, and >30% in Croatia, Georgia, Greece, and Moldova, mainly chest X-ray and white blood cell counting). Antibiotic prescribing was related to illness severity, comorbidity, age, fever, and country, but not to having performed a POC test. In nearly 90% of consultations, GPs were confident in their antibiotic prescribing decision. Conclusion Despite high confidence in decisions about antibiotic prescribing, there is considerable variation in the primary care of RTI in European countries, with GPs prescribing antibiotics overall more often than is considered appropriate. POC testing may enhance the quality of antibiotic prescribing decisions if it can safely reverse decisions confidently made on clinical grounds alone to prescribe antibiotics.