Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathologic Disorders of the Foot in Professional Female Flamenco Dancers.

BACKGROUND The foot is the main element of artistic creation in flamenco dancing. At the professional level, the foot undergoes high musculoskeletal demands, predisposing the development of podiatric pathologic disorders in this group. The principal objective of this study was to determine the most common foot lesions in professional female flamenco dancers. METHODS In a cross-sectional observational study of 44 female professional flamenco dancers, the participants completed a short questionnaire about their demographic features, number of hours danced per week, and years of professional activity. Any foot lesions presented by the participant were also recorded. RESULTS Some type of pathologic foot condition was noted in 75% of the women, with a particularly high prevalence of hallux abducto valgus (61.4%), hypermobility of the first ray (43.2%), claw toe (40.9%), and varus fifth toe (37.5%) compared with the general population. No significant differences in the presence of pathologic disorders of the foot were found according to the time dedicated to dance or the years of professional activity. CONCLUSIONS Female flamenco dancers in this study had a high prevalence of podiatric medical problems: some kind of pathologic abnormality of the foot was present in 75% of the participants. Hallux abducto valgus, claw toe, and hypermobility of the first ray were the most common pathologic disorders observed.
Tumor necrosis factor neutralization results in disseminated disease in acute and latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection with normal granuloma structure in a cynomolgus macaque model.

OBJECTIVE An increased risk of tuberculosis has been documented in humans treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-neutralizing agents. In murine models, impaired signaling by TNF causes exacerbation of both acute and chronic infection associated with aberrant granuloma formation and maintenance. This study was undertaken to investigate immune modulation in the setting of TNF neutralization in primary and latent tuberculosis in a non-human primate model. METHODS Cynomolgus macaques 4 years of age or older were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and subjected to clinical, microbiologic, immunologic, and radiographic examinations. Monkeys were classified as having active or latent disease 6-8 months after infection, based on clinical criteria. Monkeys used in acute infection studies were randomized to receive either adalimumab (prior to and during infection) or no treatment. Monkeys with latent infection that were randomized to receive TNF-neutralizing agent were given either an inhibitor of soluble TNF, recombinant methionyl human soluble TNF receptor I (p55-TNFRI), or adalimumab. Control monkeys with latent infection were given no treatment or saline. Data from previously studied monkeys with active or latent disease were also used for comparison. RESULTS Administration of TNF-neutralizing agents prior to M tuberculosis infection resulted in fulminant and disseminated disease by 8 weeks after infection. Neutralization of TNF in latently infected cynomolgus macaques caused reactivation in a majority of animals as determined by gross pathologic examination and bacterial burden. A spectrum of dissemination was noted, including extrapulmonary disease. Surprisingly, monkeys that developed primary and reactivation tuberculosis after TNF neutralization had similar granuloma structure and composition to that of control monkeys with active disease. TNF neutralization was associated with increased levels of interleukin-12, decreased levels of CCL4, increased chemokine receptor expression, and reduced mycobacteria-induced interferon-gamma production in blood but not in the affected mediastinal lymph nodes. Finally, the first signs of reactivation often occurred in thoracic lymph nodes. CONCLUSION These findings have important clinical implications for determining the mechanism of TNF neutralization-related tuberculosis.
BangaSpeak: an example of app design for aphasia clients and SLP users

Background: Mobile Technologies are pervading many areas of speech language therapy. A large number of apps have been developed for use by and for people with aphasia. Despite their availability, it’s unclear which design principles were followed to create these apps and which users were targeted for these apps. Aims: The aim of this paper is to introduce the use of claims analysis as an approach for user-centred design for clients with aphasia and for the speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who treat them. We aim, through the use of a single worked-example, to show how claims can influence the design of a treatment app. Methods & Procedures: The paper is divided into two parts. Part 1 describes the claims analysis method we used to research SLP and client needs. Part 2 shows how claims were considered and integrated into the design of an app for speech-language therapy. This app, BangaSpeak, is offered as one example of how designers can simultaneously consider the needs of two different types of users: clients with aphasia and SLPs. Conclusions: This paper shows how development teams can capture the needs of users separate from requirements. Finally, it outlines the design of one app for use in aphasia treatments. We believe that this approach can serve as a model for other development teams to follow.
Confirmation Bias as a Social Skill

The authors propose that when testing a hypothesis about a personality trait of another person, a preference for questions that match the hypothesis is a manifestation of a social skill. If so, socially skilled people should request matching questions when the context stresses their relevance. On the contrary, less skilled people should be relatively insensitive to this environmental cue. To test this pragmatic stance, participants varying in self-monitoring sought information to validate an introvert or an extrovert hypothesis concerning a high-or equal-status interviewee. As predicted, only high self-monitors in the high-status-interviewee context showed a preference for matching questions. Moreover, the preference was stronger for not rejecting than for accepting these matching questions. Results are discussed in light of a pragmatic perspective that points out the adaptive and socially useful value of what look like errors and biases from a strictly rationalist perspective.
A new group rekeying scheme based on t-packing designs for ad hoc networks

Secure group key distribution and efficient rekeying is one of the most challenging security issues in ad hoc networks at present. In this paper, Latin squares are used to construct orthogonal arrays in order to quickly obtain t-packing designs. Based on cover-free family properties, t-packing designs are adopted in key predistribution phase. Then the pre-deployed keys are used for implementing secure channels between members for group key distribution. The new scheme improves the collusion-resilience of the networks using the cover-free family properties, and enhances the key-sharing connectivity of nodes which makes key management more efficient. This paper also presents in depth theory and data analysis of the new scheme in terms of network security and connectivity.
Body Image and Disordered Eating in Romantic Relationships

This study explored the relations between eating, weight, and shape (EWS) concerns and romantic relationships in college women and their partners. Eighty-eight heterosexual couples (176 individuals) completed two assessments spaced two months apart. Results indicated that neither women's relationship functioning nor perceptions of their partners' desired changes in their bodies predicted changes in women's EWS concerns. However, after controlling for women's values, men's relationship functioning, as well as men's desired change in their partners' bodies, predicted changes in women's EWS concerns. There was partial support for the idea that EWS constructs would predict changes in relationship functioning; specifically, several types of women's EWS concerns predicted changes in women's and men's relationship outcomes two months later. Additionally, after controlling for women's perceptions, men's desired change in their partners' bodies predicted change in women's relationship outcomes. Overall, this study.
NEURITIC (SENILE) PLAQUES AND FILAMENTOUS CHANGES IN AGED RHESUS MONKEYS

Three rhesus monkeys, whose approximate ages were 16 to 18 years old, and one 22 to 23 years old, were studied for age changes in the nervous system. The brains of all four were slightly shrunken and the meninges were fibrotic. The vessels were stiff and fibrosed, but were not atheromatous. The lateral ventricles were mildly dilated. Bodian preparations of the oldest monkey and of one of the 16− to 18-year-old monkeys revealed the presence of neuritic (senile) plaques. Serial one-micron toluidine blue-stained sections showed that some plaques were closely associated with capillaries. Electron microscopic studies revealed that the plaques were identical to those of human Alzheimer's disease except that the typical twisted tubules were absent. Outside the plaques there were scattered neurites showing degeneration of the type found in the neuritic plaques. Furthermore, two forms of rare pathological fibrillar material were found in 3 animals. One was made up of pairs of helically wound 100 Å filaments with a twist every 500 Å. The other fibrillar structures were made up of bundles of parallel filamentous elements, each about 130 Å thick, with a distinctly granular structure on longitudinal section. A list of other abnormalities includes vascular amyloidosis, lipofuscin accumulation, dark neurons undergoing phagocytosis, myelin remodeling, aggregates of large electron-dense droplets, enlarged mitochondria and mitochondria with paracrystalline inclusions, corpora amylacea, Rosenthal fibers and two types of virus-like particles.
Towards multi-modal image-guided tumour identification in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

Tumour identification is a critical step in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) during which the surgeon determines the tumour localization and resection margins. To help the surgeon in achieving this step, our research work aims at leveraging both pre- and intra-operative imaging modalities (CT, MRI, laparoscopic US, stereo endoscopic video) to provide an augmented reality view of kidney-tumour boundaries with uncertainty-encoded information. We present herein the progress of this research work including segmentation of preoperative scans, biomechanical simulation of deformations, stereo surface reconstruction from stereo endoscopic camera, pre-operative to intra-operative data registration, and augmented reality visualization.
Impact of cilostazol on restenosis after percutaneous coronary balloon angioplasty.

BACKGROUND Restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary (balloon) angioplasty (PTCA) remains a major drawback of the procedure. We previously reported that cilostazol, a platelet aggregation inhibitor, inhibited intimal proliferation after directional coronary atherectomy and reduced the restenosis rate in humans. The present study aimed to determine the effect of cilostazol on restenosis after PTCA. METHODS AND RESULTS Two hundred eleven patients with 273 lesions who underwent successful PTCA were randomly assigned to the cilostazol (200 mg/d) group or the aspirin (250 mg/d) control group. Administration of cilostazol was initiated immediately after PTCA and continued for 3 months of follow-up. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed before PTCA and after PTCA and at follow-up. Reference diameter, minimal lumen diameter, and percent diameter stenosis (DS) were measured by quantitative coronary angiography. Angiographic restenosis was defined as DS at follow-up >50%. Eligible follow-up angiography was performed in 94 patients with 123 lesions in the cilostazol group and in 99 patients with 129 lesions in the control group. The baseline characteristics and results of PTCA showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. However, minimal lumen diameter at follow-up was significantly larger (1.65+/-0.55 vs 1.37+/-0.58 mm; P<0.0001) and DS was significantly lower (34.1+/-17.8% vs 45.6+/-19. 3%; P<0.0001) in the cilostazol group. Restenosis and target lesion revascularization rates were also significantly lower in the cilostazol group (17.9% vs 39.5%; P<0.001 and 11.4% vs 28.7%; P<0. 001). CONCLUSIONS Cilostazol significantly reduces restenosis and target lesion revascularization rates after successful PTCA.
Efficacy of three rotary NiTi instruments in removing gutta-percha from root canals.

AIM To investigate the ability of three rotary nickel-titanium instruments and hand instrumentation to remove gutta-percha and sealer. METHODOLOGY Sixty freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth, each with one root canal, were instrumented with K-files and filled using cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha and AH Plus (Dentsply Detrey, Konstanz, Germany) sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 specimens each. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: ProTaper, R-Endo, Mtwo and Hedström files. The specimens were rendered transparent and the area of remaining filling material on the root canal wall was measured using a computer image analysis program. Statistical analysis was accomplished by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests with Bonferroni correction for the analysis of residual root filling material and working time. RESULTS The ProTaper group had less filling material inside the root canals than the other groups, but a significant difference was found between only the ProTaper and Mtwo groups (P < 0.05). The retreatment time for Mtwo and ProTaper was significantly shorter compared with R-Endo and manual instrumentation with Hedström files (P < 0.001). R-Endo was significantly faster than manual instrumentation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Under the experimental conditions, ProTaper left significantly less gutta-percha and sealer than Mtwo instruments. Complete removal of materials did not occur with any of the instrument systems investigated.
Locks and keys to the boardroom

This paper reports an interview study with 12 directors in a major international telecommunications company, to identify the career paths which they took to reach board level in their organisation. The aim was to ascertain whether there were gender differences in the career facilitators and barriers met en route to the top. The six male and six female directors were asked about the further obstacles which they perceived would have to be faced. Visibility through mentoring and challenge was the facilitator which led to success in their earlier careers. Using Kirchmeyer’s classification, evidence was found to support her four categories of barriers in this UK sample: human capital (lack of qualifications and languages in a globalised world); individual (being aggressive, being female, impostor syndrome); interpersonal (gaining entry to organisational politics); and family determinants. For both men and women, family roles impacted their energy levels at work. It was found that the career hurdles and facilitators were very similar for both men and women directors.
A novel approach for generalizing weighted averages for trapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy sets

Interval type-2 fuzzy sets are used to deal with the uncertain information present when more than one fuzzy observation can be made about the same entity. They found numerous applications in engineering recommendation systems, fuzzy control and modeling, pattern recognition and other. The paper presents a novel approach for generalizing weighted averages on purpose of processing uncertainty expressible by trapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy sets. A family of new aggregation operators is presented, that can process data types specific for perceptual computing, and thus can be used as an engine for computing with words. It has time complexity θ(n). Some software realization details are discussed. The new engine family has been compared to novel weighted averages both analytically and empirically. Their similarities and differences are pointed out and rationalized. It has been discussed how simplified versions of the new engine resemble to some known type-reduction algorithms. Conclusions and open questions are summarized.
Beyond personal responsibility: Effects of causal attributions for overweight and obesity on weight-related beliefs, stigma, and policy support

Objective: The objective of this research was to compare the effects of different causal attributions for overweight and obesity, among individuals with overweight and obesity, on weight-related beliefs, stigmatising attitudes and policy support. Design: In Study 1, an online sample of 95 US adults rated the extent to which they believed various factors caused their own weight status. In Study 2, 125 US adults read one of three randomly assigned online passages attributing obesity to personal responsibility, biology, or the ‘food environment. ’ All participants in both studies were overweight or obese. Main outcome measures: All participants reported beliefs about weight loss, weight-stigmatising attitudes, and support for obesity-related policies. Results: In Study 1, biological attributions were associated with low weight-malleability beliefs and blame, high policy support, but high internalised weight bias. ‘Food environment’ attributions were not associated with any outcomes, while ‘personal responsibility’ attributions were associated with high prejudice and blame. In Study 2, participants who received information about the food environment reported greater support for food-related policies and greater self-efficacy to lose weight. Conclusion: Emphasising the role of the food environment in causing obesity may promote food policy support and health behaviours without imposing the negative consequences associated with other attributions.
Continuous inertial focusing, ordering, and separation of particles in microchannels

Under laminar flow conditions, when no external forces are applied, particles are generally thought to follow fluid streamlines. Contrary to this perspective, we observe that flowing particles migrate across streamlines in a continuous, predictable, and accurate manner in microchannels experiencing laminar flows. The migration is attributed to lift forces on particles that are observed when inertial aspects of the flow become significant. We identified symmetric and asymmetric channel geometries that provide additional inertial forces that bias particular equilibrium positions to create continuous streams of ordered particles precisely positioned in three spatial dimensions. We were able to order particles laterally, within the transverse plane of the channel, with >80-nm accuracy, and longitudinally, in regular chains along the direction of flow. A fourth dimension of rotational alignment was observed for discoidal red blood cells. Unexpectedly, ordering appears to be independent of particle buoyant direction, suggesting only minor centrifugal contributions. Theoretical analysis indicates the physical principles are operational over a range of channel and particle length scales. The ability to differentially order particles of different sizes, continuously, at high rates, and without external forces in microchannels is expected to have a broad range of applications in continuous bioparticle separation, high-throughput cytometry, and large-scale filtration systems.
Heparan sulfate biosynthetic gene Ndst1 is required for FGF signaling in early lens development

Multiple signaling molecules, including bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) and fibroblast growth factors (FGF), play important roles in early lens development. However, how these morphogens are regulated is still largely unknown. Heparan sulfate participates in both morphogen transport and morphogen-receptor interaction. In this study, we demonstrate that inactivation of the heparan sulfate biosynthetic gene Ndst1 resulted in invagination defects of the early lens and in the disruption of lens-determination gene expression, leading to severe lens hypoplasia or anophthalmia. Ndst1 mutants exhibited reduced sulfation of heparan sulfate, but both BMP- and Wnt-signaling remained unchanged. Instead, these embryos showed diminished binding of a subset of FGF proteins to FGF receptors. Consistent with disruption of FGF signaling, expression of phospho-Erk and ERM were also downregulated in Ndst1-mutant lenses. Taken together, these results establish an important role of Ndst1 function in FGF signaling during lens development.
A comparative study of Semi-naive Bayes methods in classification learning

Numerous techniques have sought to improve the accuracy of Naive Bayes (NB) by alleviating the attribute interdependence problem. This paper summarizes these semi-naive Bayesian methods into two groups: those that apply conventional NB with a new attribute set, and those that alter NB by allowing inter-dependencies between attributes. We review eight typical semi-naive Bayesian learning algorithms and perform error analysis using the bias-variance decomposition on thirty-six natural domains from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. In analysing the results of these experiments we provide general recommendations for selection between methods.
The Lewis GFP Transgenic Rat Strain is a Useful Cell Donor for Neural Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative diseases. Studying graft survival and development has important implications for the further development of experimental and clinical transplantation protocols. Cellular elements in neural transplants are sometimes difficult to identify. The existing labeling methods cannot reliably provide stably labeled cells that can be detected in long-term experiments. Transgenic (tg) Lewis rats ubiquitously expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) provide an ideal donor source. The aim of this project was to investigate the potential of GFP-tg Lewis rats to serve as donor tissue for neural stem cell transplantation. Ventral mesencephalon (VM) GFP-tg E14.5-derived cells were compared to wild-type (wt) in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, cells from GFP and non-GFP VM tissue were compared with regard to their proliferation and response towards 6-OHDA-toxicity in culture. Secondly, 6-OHDA-lesioned hemiparkinsonian Sprague–Dawley/Crl:CD(SD) rats received intrastriatal grafts derived from VM of E14.5 GFP-tg rats. Due to the fact that donor and recipient belong to two different rat strains, we focused on graft survival in correlation with immunosuppression and graft GFP and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression. In summary, in vitro tg cells exhibited 98% GFP expression and did not differ from wt cells in any of the measured parameters. In vivo, all experimental groups showed a significant compensation in rotation behavior after transplantation. Furthermore, there was no difference on rotation behavior or graft morphology and survival pattern as well as GFP expression between immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppressed animals. The GFP-positive population of the graft was composed of 13.3% GFAP-positive, 56.1% NeuN-positive, and 1.9% TH-positive cells. Analysis of graft subpopulations manifested that 70.6% of GFAP-positive, 86.9% of NeuN-positive, and 80.1% of TH-positive cells coexpressed GFP. In conclusion, our data show that the Lewis GFP-tg rats serve as an excellent cell source for studying primary neural precursor cells in the transplantation paradigm.