Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Young gymnasts' understanding of sport-related pain: a contribution to prevention of injury.

INTRODUCTION Pain may signal impending or actual injury, or the achievement of optimum workload to produce a physical conditioning effect. These different functions of pain present a challenge for athletes wanting to improve their skill and conditioning level in the most efficient manner without injury. As children may be particularly vulnerable to exacerbating pain and injury owing to limited knowledge, it is important to learn more about the development of their understanding of pain concepts (e.g. pain as a signal of impending injury vs. soreness from exertion). METHODS A structured interview and scoring criteria were developed to measure children's understanding of the functions of pain in sport and the consequences of pain and injury. Competitive gymnasts (6-13 years; n = 68; 63% girls) were interviewed and their responses were scored for indices of understanding of different types of pain. RESULTS Age differences were found in: number of different types of pain identified; understanding of pain causality; understanding the value of pain; distinguishing pain from exertion; and use of pain descriptors. Analyses revealed that gymnasts responded differently to different types of pain and were aware of the need to stop their sport in some cases and to continue in others. Most did not describe social pressure to continue gymnastics while in pain. Gymnasts demonstrated an understanding that there was little they could do about chronic pain, yet appreciated that pain or damage could worsen with continued practice. DISCUSSION This study was a first step in elucidating young gymnasts' understanding of sport-related pain. Further research is needed with athletes from other sports, and comparisons should be made with non-athletic children and those with pain from other sources. Within various sports, it will be important to determine the relative effects of age, sex, and number of hours spent training. Appreciation of individual differences in children's understanding of pain may contribute to prevention of injury in sport. For example, children who understand the difference between soreness from exertion and acute pain owing to injury may be able to make better decisions about pain management and continued practice.
Life after prostate cancer diagnosis: protocol for a UK-wide patient-reported outcomes study

Background Prostate cancer and its treatment may impact physically, psychologically and socially; affecting the health-related quality of life of men and their partners/spouses. The Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) study is a UK-wide patient-reported outcomes study which will generate information to improve the health and well-being of men with prostate cancer. Methods and analysis Postal surveys will be sent to prostate cancer survivors (18–42 months postdiagnosis) in all 4 UK countries (n=∼70 000). Eligible men will be identified and/or verified through cancer registration systems. Men will be surveyed twice, 12 months apart, to explore changes in outcomes over time. Second, separate cohorts will be surveyed once and the design will include evaluation of the acceptability of online survey tools. A comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure has been developed using generic and specific instruments with proven psychometric properties and relevance in national and international studies. The outcome data will be linked with administrative health data (eg, treatment information from hospital data). To ensure detailed understanding of issues of importance, qualitative interviews will be undertaken with a sample of men who complete the survey across the UK (n=∼150) along with a small number of partners/spouses (n=∼30). Ethics and dissemination The study has received the following approvals: Newcastle and North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee (15/NE/0036), Health Research Authority Confidentiality Advisory Group (15/CAG/0110), NHS Scotland Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (0516-0364), Office of Research Ethics Northern Ireland (16/NI/0073) and NHS R&D approval from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Using traditional and innovative methods, the results will be made available to men and their partners/spouses, the funders, the NHS, social care, voluntary sector organisations and other researchers.
The Critical Review of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH)

This paper evaluates the theoretical and empirical basis of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) and Porter Hypothesis. The PHH claims that owing to international trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the developing countries have become the pollution haven for the advanced countries. The Porter Hypothesis portraits an opposite picture than the PHH. According to, the Porter Hypothesis, the FDI in home country induce the induction of more advanced and clean technologies that lead to cleaner environment. In the literature, there is mixed support for these opposing hypotheses. This paper therefore, recommends further rigours research that aims at to find out the true link between trade, FDI and environmental degradation.
A Unique Case of Cryptococcus laurentii Keratitis Spread by a Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens in a Patient with Onychomycosis

Purpose We report the first case of fungal keratitis caused by Cryptococcus laurentii, a nonneoformans species. Methods A case of C. laurentii keratitis in a diabetic, gas permeable contact lens wearer was diagnosed after microbiologic evaluation of the corneal button after emergent keratoplasty. The excised cornea was also culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium solani. The medical history was significant for onychomycosis of the right great toe 2 months previously. Cultures of the toenail and of the contact lens case were also positive for C. laurentii and F. solani. Results An initial penetrating keratoplasty with histopathologically clear margins was unsuccessful in preventing intraocular spread of the fungal infection. Despite a repeat limbus-to-limbus therapeutic keratoplasty, pars plana vitrectomy, multiple anterior chamber washouts, intravitreal antifungal injections, and systemic antifungal treatment, the eye was ultimately lost due to ongoing inflammation, ocular hypotony, and a total retinal detachment. Histopathologic examination of the enucleated eye demonstrated filamentous fungi but no yeast forms. Conclusions C. laurentii, a nonneoformans species, should be included in the differential diagnosis of fungal keratitis. This unique case also demonstrates the importance of a thorough clinical history and proper contact lens hygiene, particularly in a diabetic patient.
Distributed Optimization of Sustainable Power Dispatch and Flexible Consumer Loads for Resilient Power Grid Operations

Distributed Optimization of Sustainable Power Dispatch and Flexible Consumer Loads for Resilient Power Grid Operations Pirathayini Srikantha Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2017 Today’s electric grid is rapidly evolving to provision for heterogeneous system components (e.g. intermittent generation, electric vehicles, storage devices, etc.) while catering to diverse consumer power demand patterns. In order to accommodate this changing landscape, the widespread integration of cyber communication with physical components can be witnessed in all tenets of the modern power grid. This ubiquitous connectivity provides an elevated level of awareness and decision-making ability to system operators. Moreover, devices that were typically passive in the traditional grid are now ‘smarter’ as these can respond to remote signals, learn about local conditions and even make their own actuation decisions if necessary. These advantages can be leveraged to reap unprecedented long-term benefits that include sustainable, efficient and economical power grid operations. Furthermore, challenges introduced by emerging trends in the grid such as high penetration of distributed energy sources, rising power demands, deregulations and cyber-security concerns due to vulnerabilities in standard communication protocols can be overcome by tapping onto the active nature of modern power grid components. In this thesis, distributed constructs in optimization and game theory are utilized to design the seamless real-time integration of a large number of heterogeneous power components such as distributed energy sources with highly fluctuating generation capacities and flexible power consumers with varying demand patterns to achieve optimal operations across multiple levels of hierarchy in the power grid. Specifically, advanced data acquisition, cloud analytics (such as prediction), control and storage systems are leveraged to promote sustainable and economical grid operations while ensuring that physical network, generation and consumer comfort requirements are met. Moreover, privacy and security considerations are incorporated into the core of the proposed designs and these serve to improve the resiliency of the future smart grid. It is demonstrated both theoretically and practically that the techniques proposed in this thesis are highly scalable and robust with superior convergence characteristics. These distributed and decentralized algorithms allow individual actuating nodes to execute self-healing and adaptive actions when exposed to changes in the grid so that the optimal operating state in the grid is maintained consistently.
Log-cumulants-based Edgeworth expansion for skew-distributed aggregate interference

The Edgeworth expansion approximates nearly Gaussian distributions in terms of cumulants. This expansion is developed within the framework of First Kind Statistics, where definitions are derived from the Fourier transform. Alternatively, the framework of Second Kind Statistics offers analogous definitions which are derived from the Mellin transform. Although a formalism with such similarity to the existing definitions cannot lead to intrinsically new results, statistical methods within this new framework has been understudied. This paper introduces an Edgeworth expansion in terms of log-cumulants, which are the analogous to cumulants for the Second Kind statistics. More importantly, this new expansion approximates asymmetric distributions which are commonly-found in aggregate interference modeling.
Scalable Adaptive Multitarget Tracking Using Multiple Sensors

In networked mobile multitarget tracking systems, parameters such as detection probabilities, clutter rates, and motion model parameters are often unknown and time-varying. Such parameter variability can seriously degrade the performance of a multitarget tracking system. Here, we propose a Bayesian tracking framework in which the multisensor-multitarget tracking problem is formulated according to the measurement origin uncertainty paradigm and the unknown parameters-in the present case, the detection probabilities at the individual sensors-are modeled as Markov chains. The resulting Bayesian estimation problem is then solved using the belief propagation scheme. This approach results in a multisensor-multitarget tracking method that is able to adapt to the time variations of the detection probabilities. Moreover, the method has a low complexity that scales very well in all relevant system parameters. The performance of the method is assessed using data collected by a mobile underwater wireless sensor network.
Response to N7 induction chemotherapy in children more than one year of age diagnosed with metastatic neuroblastoma treated in UKCCSG centers

The highest reported metastatic response rate to induction chemotherapy in patients with neuroblastoma has been achieved by Kushner et al. [Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 12:2607–2613,1994; Cheung et al.: Med Pediatr Oncol 36: 227–230, 2001; Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 22:4888‐4892, 2004] using their N6 and subsequently N7 protocols. This N7 induction was adopted by UKCCSG for new patients in 1999.
A brain-computer interface based on mental tasks with a zero false activation rate

Most brain-computer interface applications in real-life suffer from the high rate of false activations. The ultimate goal when designing brain-computer interfaces is to reach the zero false activation rate while the true activation rate is kept at a high level. In this study, a brain-computer interface design is shown to have a zero false activation rate. The interface is based on different mental tasks. It is custom designed to every subject and to every mental task. The most discriminatory mental task for each subject is determined. We use the autoregressive modeling as the feature extraction method. The classification is performed by a radial basis function neural network. The EEG signals of four subjects during five mental tasks are used. The order of autoregressive model is varied from 2 to 20 and custom designed for each mental task and each subject in the cross-validation stage. The performance of the brain-computer interfaces based on the most discriminatory mental tasks is shown to be highly promising since the false positive rate reaches zero while the mean of the true positive rate obtained is above 70%.
Eustachian Tube Goblet Cell Density during and after Acute Otitis Media Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: A Morphometric Analysis

Background Prior investigations have shown that the number of mucus-producing goblet cells in the middle ear mucosa is highly increased during and up to at least 6 months after experimental acute otitis media. This may, in conjunction with deteriorated eustachian tube function, predispose to subsequent development of secretory otitis media. One reason for the deteriorated tubal function after acute otitis media has been suggested to be an excessive accumulation of mucus secretions, blocking the tube and thereby clearance of the middle ear. This investigation determines the density of the mucus-producing goblet cells in the eustachian tube during and up to 6 months after experimental acute otitis media. Methods Middle ear inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in 25 rats. Groups of five animals, killed on Days 4, 8, 16, 90, and 180. Dissection and decalcification of the eustachian tube, followed by paraffin embedding and serial transverse sectioning, periodic acid-Schiff/Alcian blue staining and morphometric determination of the goblet cell density in every 20th section, using a light microscope. Results The goblet cell density was increased on Day 8 and later in the tympanic orificium, in addition to the tympanic and midportion third of the tube. Increased goblet cell density was seen in the pharyngeal third on Days 8 and 16, whereas no changes were registered in the pharyngeal orificium. Pathologic intraepithelial glands formed after the infection and goblet cells were found in mucosal areas normally devoid of these. Conclusions The eustachian tube goblet cell density is increased during and up to 6 months after acute otitis media. Indicated excessive secretion of mucus by more goblet cells may contribute to the deteriorated eustachian tube function found after acute otitis media and thus predispose, sustain, or aggravate middle ear disease.
Effect of Parity and Milk Production on Conception Rate After Two Synchronization Protocols in Dairy Cows

Presynchronization strategies, such as Presynch- Ovsynch and Double- Ovsynch, increase fertility to timed artificial insemination (TAI) compared with Ovsynch alone; however, simpler presynchronization strategies could reduce costs and simplify reproductive management. Our objective in this study the effect of parity and average milk production on the conception rate after resynchronization with G6G protocol or Ovsynch protocol. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 100) divided into two groups (Ovsynch and G6G) cows in this group1 (n = 50) were received the following treatment sequence, 12 µg Buserelin on day zero, 500 µg IM of Cloprostenol on day seven, 12 µg Buserelin IM on day nine and received timed artificial insemination (TAI) 16 hours later. Group II (G6G): were received 500 µg IM Cloprostenol on day zero, 12 µg Buserelin on day two and six days later these cows received the Ovsynch as previously explained in the first group. Conception rate was (40 vs. 30 %) for G6G and Ovsynch protocol respectively primiparous cows, conception rate to G6G program was 46.15%, compared to 28.57% in cows synchronized with Ovsynch program. In Multiparous cows, the similar trend was observed but the difference was smaller (conception rate 37.8 vs. 30.55% in cows synchronized with G6G and with Ovsynch, respectively). In high producers, conception rate was numerically higher in the Ovsynch group (40%) compared to the G6G group (36%). While, in low producers, conception rate to G6G protocol (48%) tended (P = 0.07) to be higher than that to Ovsynch protocol (20%) in conclusion Administration of PGF2α 8 d before initiation of Ovsynch did not improve conception rate compared with the standard Ovsynch protocol
Changing Children - Changing Schools? Concerns for the future of teacher training in special education

I am worried – seriously worried. The provision of teachers equipped to face the rapidly changing profile of diverse disability in our children is not only under threat, but is nonexistent. Since the cessation of initial teacher training in severe/profound and multiple learning difficulties (S/PMLD), there has been a gradual erosion of provision, a string of broken promises, and an inability on the part of Government and its offices to recognise the monumental shift in the composition of the disabled child population.
Sovereign Risk Contagion

We develop a theory of sovereign risk contagion based on financial links. In our multi-country model, sovereign bond spreads comove because default in one country can trigger default in other countries. Countries are linked because they borrow, default, and renegotiate with common lenders, and the bond price and recovery schedules for each country depend on the choices of other countries. A foreign default increases the lenders’ pricing kernel, which makes home borrowing more expensive and can induce a home default. Countries also default together because by doing so they can renegotiate the debt simultaneously and pay lower recoveries. We apply our model to the 2012 debt crises of Italy and Spain and show that it can replicate the time path of spreads during the crises. In a counterfactual exercise, we find that the debt crisis in Spain (Italy) can account for one-half (one-third) of the increase in the bond spreads of Italy (Spain).
T Cell Activation by Antibody-Like Immunoreceptors: The Position of the Binding Epitope within the Target Molecule Determines the Efficiency of Activation of Redirected T Cells1

Recombinant TCRs confer specificity to T cells and trigger their activation. Receptors with Ab-derived binding domains have the advantages of MHC-independent Ag recognition and of targeting a variety of chemically different molecules. We explored the impact of the position of a defined epitope within the target molecule on the efficacy of receptor-mediated T cell activation. T cells were grafted with recombinant immunoreceptors that recognize either the membrane distal N or the proximal A3 domain of carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA). Upon binding to isolated, solid-phase immobilized CEA, receptor-mediated T cell activation correlates with the binding efficiency, irrespectively, of the epitope position. Upon binding to CEA expressed on the cell membrane, in contrast, the A3 epitope mediates more efficiently T cell activation than the N epitope, although the N epitope is bound with higher affinity. The CEA N epitope when expressed in a more membrane proximal position, however, activated receptor grafted T cells with higher efficiency than in the distal position. The position of the targeted epitope within the molecule obviously has major impact on the efficacy of T cell activation independently of the binding efficiency of the immunoreceptor.
Getting things done: Self-regulatory processes in goal pursuit

Self-regulation is the process by which people direct their thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to achieve their goals. For example, how does a person control their alcohol consumption or remember to feed the cat? A starting point for understanding self-regulation is the concept of intention, which is assumed to capture the motivational factors that influence behaviour. However, recent experimental evidence suggests that a ‘medium-to-large’ change in intention leads only to a ‘small-to-medium’ change in subsequent behaviour. Investigation of the volitional issues that people face when trying to act on their intentions reveals that intentions are more likely to be translated into behaviour if they are supplemented with specific plans about when, where, and how to perform be aviour (known as ‘implementation intentions’, Gollwitzer, 1999). Furthermore, there is evidence that motivation and volition interact such that implementation intentions only benefit self-regulation when respective goal intentions are strong and activated. The final part of this review considers evidence for two mechanisms which may underlie the beneficial effects of implementation intentions; namely, heightened accessibility of specified situational cues and strong cue-response linkages.
Is barium enema an adequate diagnostic test for the evaluation of patients with positive fecal occult blood?

BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of double contrast barium enema (DCBE) compared to colonoscopy among Hispanic patients with positive fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). Secondary objectives were to determine: the diagnostic accuracy according to adenoma location, size, and pathologic characteristics; and patient satisfaction with each procedure METHODS Cross-sectional study comparing the ac curacy of DCBE and colonoscopy in detecting adenomatous polyps and/or colorectal cancer in patients with positive FOBT. DCBE and a colonoscopy were performed in all patients. Polyps identified during colonoscopy were removed and classified by histology. Tolerability and patient's satisfaction with study procedures was assessed. RESULTS Fifty patients were enrolled, mainly men with a mean age of 63 years old. Polyps were fou in 40/50 (80%) patients in colonoscopy, compared to 19/50 (38%) in DCBE. Eighty-four percent of polyps were missed by DCBE. Sensitivity of DCBE was 45% and specificity 90% for all adenomas. Diagnostic accuracy of DCBE was 54% for any size adenomas, and 72% for >10 mm adenomas. Sensitivity increased from right to left colon while specificity decreased. Patients preferred colonoscopy over DCBE. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the use of colo noscopy as the gold standard test for the evaluation of positive FOBT and was preferred over DCBE b the patients. Diagnostic accuracy of DCBE was inferior to colonoscopy, for all size polyps and larg adenomas. Compared to colonoscopy, DCBE is a substandard test for colorectal cancer screening and may result in ineffective outcomes.